Saturday, November 28, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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!!