Another week has flown by. I tried to post a few days ago, but the wireless access I was on dropped me like a hot potato. I'm not taking a good connection for granted anymore. It kind of makes me think of what it might be like for God when we are talking to Him, but not really giving Him our full attention. Then, whoops, there we go off on a tangent in our minds and we drop the connection to Him at the moment. I'm not going to take those special moments with Him for granted anymore either. He deserves my full attention just because He's God. I'm so thankful that He is patient with me.
I had a fun week last week. There were more meetings with people heading up local ministries and projects. It's so cool to hear about what God is doing in and through other people's lives. He is awesome just to keep track of it all. And to think He is right in the middle of it all, too. Praises, praises, praises to Him!!
Friday I got the chance to accompany some senior adults to Terra Studios for a little road trip. This is the place that makes those little 'blue birds of happiness'. Besides the glassware, they also have a number of artists who work with pottery. It's a very cool place. I loved everything they have all around the grounds. Even the trashcans are imaginative. I bought a few souvenirs from the 'seconds' piles. (Things that weren't quite perfect). Besides being cheaper (yay) I have a heart for those things that might be considered misfits. Keeping in mind that I'm trying to remain mobile, I just got one little bluebird and a few clay coins. It was rainy while we were there, so we didn't get to explore the grounds very much, but it was really fun. I'm looking forward to going back on a sunny day sometime soon. Of course, the best part of the excursion was to spend time with some of my favorite people! And to get to know others better, too.
I've been house/kid/pet-sitting for the Peevys this week while mom and dad are on the Paris mission trip. The kids are so grown up that there wasn't much for me to do for them. In fact, their social life is so full, I had to make an appointment to have lunch with them over the weekend! They are really great kids and I love spending time with them. It was sad to drop them off for church camp this morning. I'll miss them this week! It's just me and the dogs (and 1 fish) for a few days. Then the kids and mom and dad all get back on Friday afternoon. The Peevys have always made me feel like part of the family and I love the fact that I feel so at home here in their house. I am truly blessed with wonderful friends.
Starting Friday night, I'll be back at Deanna's. She was gone for a week and returned the night I started staying here at the Peevy's. We spoke on the phone, but haven't seen each other in over a week. I guess we won't get tired of each other for a while at this rate!! I do look forward to spending time with her this weekend. She's such a blessing to me. I'm also looking forward to taking Jet for walks in the evenings, too.
There is much going on this summer at FBCR. I'm so excited and blessed to be a part of some of the planning. It's keeping me busy, but I guess that keeps me from getting into too much trouble! I'm just loving meeting new people and catching up with others that I haven't seen in 2 years. It gives me a chance to network with people and help get them plugged into some ministries that they have a passion for.
Tonight I met with a few ladies for a book review-Bible study that will last through July. It's on a book that I happened to have read my first year in NYC. I'm thrilled to discuss it with others and it's been a blessing to reread it.
I'm looking forward to the fall Ladies Bible Studies. I'm so thirsty for the Word. I just can't get enough. And discussing it with other people is a fine way to get to know them, too.
I still am missing NYC alot. I keep thinking I'll call someone and meet them for a smoothie or dinner or something and then I remember I'm not in the city anymore. I'm thankful for the friends I have there. I've also been blessed to keep up with some friends who I met there, but are now in places throughout the states. What a blessing the internet is! Yay for emails and facebook!
I'm doing pretty well on my healthy lifestyle. As long as I can prepare my own stuff, I get along pretty well. I'm always looking for new info and recipes and ideas for eating healthy. I've had a few rough times (mostly early mornings), but it gets easier to deal with as I go along. I'm not angry about it anymore. I just have to take each day as it comes and know that I'm not in control. I must do what I know is best for my health, but I must accept the circumstances of each day and rejoice even in the hard times. I'm thankful that I can still function and I'm thankful that I have the flexibility to rest and pull back from my schedule when needed. I can't ask for more than that.
I really am enjoying exploring cooking in ways other than what I've been brought up knowing. It's also opening up the chance for other relationships that I might not have gotten to have. Not to mention getting to taste new foods that were foreign to my Midwest and Southern background. Living in NYC really broadened my culinary horizons and for that I'm grateful! I'm looking forward to being a 'mad scientist' in the kitchen!
Well, the dogs are wanting my attention, so I think it's time for a little more spoiling. (it's a risk you take when you ask me to pet sit!)
I'm so thankful for the life that God has given me. And I'm so thankful for friends who support me through prayers, love and finances so that I can serve Him in this way as a missionary, even in my hometown. Join me in praying that He will be honored and glorified through everything I do and say. I love Him so.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8, 2009
It's been a week since my last post, but it seems like a month. So much going on, so many people to see and visit with. I like it when life doesn't seem too routine, but then I wonder if I'm missing something that I should be concentrating on as the days fly by. I pray daily that God would use each day in whatever way He chooses and that I wouldn't waste a minute of His precious time.
I don't have access to a good internet where I'm living right now, so I'll have to try to post updates when I find a few minutes here in my office during the week. I don't get a chance to keep up with everyone on facebook like before, either. I do miss the opportunities to use facebook as a ministry tool. I never would have thought of how beneficial it is in my life. I love to be able to connect with friends serving all over the world, across the states and right here locally.
Last week was filled with lots more meetings with people, finding out how their ministries are going and what I can do to help them along. It's so exciting to see God working in so many different ways.
Cindy Sigmon is doing a great job with the 'Adopt A Missionary' program that God put on her heart to support our missionaries with love, prayers, cards and letters, special items, and encouragement. She has a big heart for missionaries and the sacrifices they make to be able to serve around the country and the world as God calls them. She's been a great encourager to me in the field and I know her efforts will be bring many blessings to other missionaries. Also, she is making it possible for people here at 'home' to be involved in God's call by partnering up with specific missionaries and being on their team. There's always more to be done and it can feel like you're not doing enough, but every little touch shares love. I'm blessed to be able to work with her.
Ted and Lana Givens have sent me a few updates about 'Builders for Christ' and the Baptist 'Disaster Relief' teams. It's not easy for people to find the time to be involved in these great ministries and the faithful workers put in many, many hours each year using their skills to aid others. I'm looking forward to getting some opportunities to work with them now that my schedule is so much more flexible. Some of these workers were on a construction mission trip I was blessed to be on to Honduras in 2000. I look forward to working right along side of them again.
I was really missing NYC this past weekend. I love it here, but I still miss NYC. Saturday, I was walking along Dixieland Road between New Hope and Perry Roads (for those of you in Rogers) and was trying to visualize walking the familiar streets in NYC. Down the road came a stretch hummer limo, followed by a horse drawn carriage! I couldn't believe it. It was for a wedding, so it wasn't totally out of place, but at that moment, it was a sight that took me away to NYC in my mind. I just had to smile and thank God for the little happy moment. He's so sweet!
I've enjoyed living at Deanna's house and spending time with Jet (the dog), Lucy-Alice (the cat) and the fish (no names). Deanna is in Las Vegas visiting her daughter and son-in-law, Jake and Elaine Bridges, who are missionaries there. Jet and I try to take a walk every day and then he gets a good brushing. He's looking pretty spiffy. He's such a lovable, old dog. Lucy-Alice is kind of cool (for a cat). The fish are, well, just... wet. (ha)
Deanna will return on Thursday and I'll start spending the week at the Peevy's while the parents are on a mission trip to Paris. The kids will leave for camp on Monday, so it will just be me and the dogs (Cassie and Maggie) for a few days. I love house-kid-pet sitting. It's just like old times before I moved away...
Many things are familiar living here again. And some are very different. It's all good. I love living as a missionary and hope that God will allow me to always be physically and emotionally 'mobile' and ready to serve Him wherever and whenever He chooses. And I pray that He will continue to let me love deeply the people wherever I'm serving.
Better head home for today. Jet needs to walk, I'm sure.
Blessings!
I don't have access to a good internet where I'm living right now, so I'll have to try to post updates when I find a few minutes here in my office during the week. I don't get a chance to keep up with everyone on facebook like before, either. I do miss the opportunities to use facebook as a ministry tool. I never would have thought of how beneficial it is in my life. I love to be able to connect with friends serving all over the world, across the states and right here locally.
Last week was filled with lots more meetings with people, finding out how their ministries are going and what I can do to help them along. It's so exciting to see God working in so many different ways.
Cindy Sigmon is doing a great job with the 'Adopt A Missionary' program that God put on her heart to support our missionaries with love, prayers, cards and letters, special items, and encouragement. She has a big heart for missionaries and the sacrifices they make to be able to serve around the country and the world as God calls them. She's been a great encourager to me in the field and I know her efforts will be bring many blessings to other missionaries. Also, she is making it possible for people here at 'home' to be involved in God's call by partnering up with specific missionaries and being on their team. There's always more to be done and it can feel like you're not doing enough, but every little touch shares love. I'm blessed to be able to work with her.
Ted and Lana Givens have sent me a few updates about 'Builders for Christ' and the Baptist 'Disaster Relief' teams. It's not easy for people to find the time to be involved in these great ministries and the faithful workers put in many, many hours each year using their skills to aid others. I'm looking forward to getting some opportunities to work with them now that my schedule is so much more flexible. Some of these workers were on a construction mission trip I was blessed to be on to Honduras in 2000. I look forward to working right along side of them again.
I was really missing NYC this past weekend. I love it here, but I still miss NYC. Saturday, I was walking along Dixieland Road between New Hope and Perry Roads (for those of you in Rogers) and was trying to visualize walking the familiar streets in NYC. Down the road came a stretch hummer limo, followed by a horse drawn carriage! I couldn't believe it. It was for a wedding, so it wasn't totally out of place, but at that moment, it was a sight that took me away to NYC in my mind. I just had to smile and thank God for the little happy moment. He's so sweet!
I've enjoyed living at Deanna's house and spending time with Jet (the dog), Lucy-Alice (the cat) and the fish (no names). Deanna is in Las Vegas visiting her daughter and son-in-law, Jake and Elaine Bridges, who are missionaries there. Jet and I try to take a walk every day and then he gets a good brushing. He's looking pretty spiffy. He's such a lovable, old dog. Lucy-Alice is kind of cool (for a cat). The fish are, well, just... wet. (ha)
Deanna will return on Thursday and I'll start spending the week at the Peevy's while the parents are on a mission trip to Paris. The kids will leave for camp on Monday, so it will just be me and the dogs (Cassie and Maggie) for a few days. I love house-kid-pet sitting. It's just like old times before I moved away...
Many things are familiar living here again. And some are very different. It's all good. I love living as a missionary and hope that God will allow me to always be physically and emotionally 'mobile' and ready to serve Him wherever and whenever He chooses. And I pray that He will continue to let me love deeply the people wherever I'm serving.
Better head home for today. Jet needs to walk, I'm sure.
Blessings!
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
It's June!! Wow, May just flew by! But, at the same time, a lot has happened. How does God keep track of it all? If that's not proof of His omnipotence, I don't know what is!
Thursday night's Medical Clinic was a joy to visit. The volunteers are doing such a great work. It is running very well and I had a blast talking with people. I'm thankful that it is available to those who need it.
Friday was a good day of working on files, setting up email files, etc. It was nice to work in my cozy office and listen to praise music and be productive. I got to eat lunch on the patio of my favorite local health food restaurant, run a few errands, including a visit to the Women's Shelter Thrift Store. I found a couple of bargains for my office desk and a cute blouse. I also ran into a friend and had a quick chat.
I was a dinner guest of my friends, the Harrymans. We had yummy baked fish and veggies, and fruit. It was really good. Colton was such a cutie. I just love his little giggle. Kesha and I got to have a nice long talk about serving as missionaries, transitioning back 'home', the perspective on life in general, the hunger to be back on the 'field', and serving wherever we are. Full time service is such a blessing. I really enjoyed our talk.
Saturday was a fun day. I went to the wedding of Justin and Megan Ford. It was a great wedding. I loved their special, personal touches on everything. Their vows were beautiful and so honoring to each other and to God. It was a lot of fun. After the wedding, I put a microwave cart together for Nana Ruth, which took over 2 hours, even with great instructions. That thing is very sturdy and isn't going anywhere, even in a tornado! There was only 1 piece left over (a tiny screw) and it was truly an 'extra'. I was proud of the hard work. Nana Ruth is happy with it and her kitchen looks so cute with the newest addition. (I got to inherit the old piece of furniture and make it into a little bookshelf for my office - yay!). We fixed dinner and watch 'Marley and Me'. (I had to leave the room during the sad part, but I loved the movie!)
Sunday was an AWESOME day! We had worship outside on the 'property' under a huge tent with over 1,000 in attendance. The praise team did an awesome job of leading a mixture of music. The sun was awesome and God provided a nice breeze. After worship, there was a groundbreaking ceremony, which was cool. Then many people stayed to have a picnic on the grounds and have some fun with games. What a beautiful time. I left in just enough time to make it to a piano/violin recital, in which some kids I know were performing (good job Janes kids and Crafton kids!). What a joy to watch them! It made me so proud, and I'm not even related!! Later, Nana Ruth and I went out for an early dinner and then home to watch 'Australia'. It was a very good movie, but very long. Glad I was lying on a sofa instead of at the cinema!
Today was another productive day of meeting with people involved in various ministries sponsored by FBCR. I love hearing all about what they are doing, seeing how I may be of help, praying with them and praising God for His provision. Shirley McGimpsey and I met to discuss the Food Pantry that will be getting underway really soon. It's going to be great! I also had the chance to visit with CH, an awesome young man, about his mission to Togo, Africa for the summer. How exciting! This week looks to be pretty busy with more meetings and information gathering and celebrating God's work.
I got my suitcases packed up and ready to move from Nana Ruth's to Deanna's, where I'll be living for a while. I won't know what to do with 2 rooms and a bathroom - all for little old me! Deanna's pets seem to accept that I'll be hanging out there. It will be nice to not live out of suitcases after the last 3 weeks of being a gypsy! I will miss being so close to the church (I can walk from Nana Ruth's) and I'll stop over here for lunch a lot, and of course, to visit Nana Ruth and go to dinner sometimes. I'll still see Nana Ruth every day, so it's not sad to be moving to Deanna's. I'm so thankful to both wonderful friends for taking me in!
Mrs. Christy, my previous neighbor when I lived here in these apartments, came over for a little visit this evening. I love hearing her voice and enjoying her wit. She is so precious to me and was there for me over the years when I needed a care giver. She has blessed me so much.
Now it's time to hit the bed. I have been really tired lately and am trying to listen to my body and be a good steward of my health. It's hard when my head keeps saying go go go, there's so much to do and I'm so excited to be involved. But alas, it's another chance to show obedience to God's will. He knows the timing of every venture and He knows the limit of my energy. I'm thankful to have Him to watch over me. I am truly blessed (and I'm finding much JOY in serving).
Thursday night's Medical Clinic was a joy to visit. The volunteers are doing such a great work. It is running very well and I had a blast talking with people. I'm thankful that it is available to those who need it.
Friday was a good day of working on files, setting up email files, etc. It was nice to work in my cozy office and listen to praise music and be productive. I got to eat lunch on the patio of my favorite local health food restaurant, run a few errands, including a visit to the Women's Shelter Thrift Store. I found a couple of bargains for my office desk and a cute blouse. I also ran into a friend and had a quick chat.
I was a dinner guest of my friends, the Harrymans. We had yummy baked fish and veggies, and fruit. It was really good. Colton was such a cutie. I just love his little giggle. Kesha and I got to have a nice long talk about serving as missionaries, transitioning back 'home', the perspective on life in general, the hunger to be back on the 'field', and serving wherever we are. Full time service is such a blessing. I really enjoyed our talk.
Saturday was a fun day. I went to the wedding of Justin and Megan Ford. It was a great wedding. I loved their special, personal touches on everything. Their vows were beautiful and so honoring to each other and to God. It was a lot of fun. After the wedding, I put a microwave cart together for Nana Ruth, which took over 2 hours, even with great instructions. That thing is very sturdy and isn't going anywhere, even in a tornado! There was only 1 piece left over (a tiny screw) and it was truly an 'extra'. I was proud of the hard work. Nana Ruth is happy with it and her kitchen looks so cute with the newest addition. (I got to inherit the old piece of furniture and make it into a little bookshelf for my office - yay!). We fixed dinner and watch 'Marley and Me'. (I had to leave the room during the sad part, but I loved the movie!)
Sunday was an AWESOME day! We had worship outside on the 'property' under a huge tent with over 1,000 in attendance. The praise team did an awesome job of leading a mixture of music. The sun was awesome and God provided a nice breeze. After worship, there was a groundbreaking ceremony, which was cool. Then many people stayed to have a picnic on the grounds and have some fun with games. What a beautiful time. I left in just enough time to make it to a piano/violin recital, in which some kids I know were performing (good job Janes kids and Crafton kids!). What a joy to watch them! It made me so proud, and I'm not even related!! Later, Nana Ruth and I went out for an early dinner and then home to watch 'Australia'. It was a very good movie, but very long. Glad I was lying on a sofa instead of at the cinema!
Today was another productive day of meeting with people involved in various ministries sponsored by FBCR. I love hearing all about what they are doing, seeing how I may be of help, praying with them and praising God for His provision. Shirley McGimpsey and I met to discuss the Food Pantry that will be getting underway really soon. It's going to be great! I also had the chance to visit with CH, an awesome young man, about his mission to Togo, Africa for the summer. How exciting! This week looks to be pretty busy with more meetings and information gathering and celebrating God's work.
I got my suitcases packed up and ready to move from Nana Ruth's to Deanna's, where I'll be living for a while. I won't know what to do with 2 rooms and a bathroom - all for little old me! Deanna's pets seem to accept that I'll be hanging out there. It will be nice to not live out of suitcases after the last 3 weeks of being a gypsy! I will miss being so close to the church (I can walk from Nana Ruth's) and I'll stop over here for lunch a lot, and of course, to visit Nana Ruth and go to dinner sometimes. I'll still see Nana Ruth every day, so it's not sad to be moving to Deanna's. I'm so thankful to both wonderful friends for taking me in!
Mrs. Christy, my previous neighbor when I lived here in these apartments, came over for a little visit this evening. I love hearing her voice and enjoying her wit. She is so precious to me and was there for me over the years when I needed a care giver. She has blessed me so much.
Now it's time to hit the bed. I have been really tired lately and am trying to listen to my body and be a good steward of my health. It's hard when my head keeps saying go go go, there's so much to do and I'm so excited to be involved. But alas, it's another chance to show obedience to God's will. He knows the timing of every venture and He knows the limit of my energy. I'm thankful to have Him to watch over me. I am truly blessed (and I'm finding much JOY in serving).
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