It's quiet in the house. Deanna and Jet have both retired for the evening. The cat is skulking around doing her thing. I just enjoyed a cup of hot green tea and am taking advantage of some time to relax and reflect.
This past week was very busy. I love it, but I don't like getting run down. Thursday I finally got to work from home and get tons done on the computer. Although, I started feeling kind of sick. I stayed in for the evening and skipped the Medical Clinic. I felt a little better on Friday and went into the church to work. I printed off all the stuff I had worked on Thursday. By the time I hit Walmart for some groceries and some ministry supplies and got home it was 5pm. (so much for trying to work a half day) I finally got to have 'lunch' at dinner time. I then sat down and put my feet up and hoped to feel better by going to bed early. I was glad to get many needed tasks accomplished.
This morning I got up at 7am to catch up on some Bible reading. I nodded off and woke up again at 9:45!! Oh well, that nap did me a world of good. Deanna said that she could tell that I felt better. I made a huge pot of my special oatmeal for the entire next week. I fixed some roast chicken and potatoes on my trusty Pampered Chef baking stone - Yum! I did a couple loads of laundry and worked on the computer some more. I printed off almost 50 certificates for Baptism and Membership Class completion to be given out in service tomorrow at Cuerpo Vivo. I worked on translating into English the five songs we will sing in service tomorrow. The Nicaragua mission team will join Cuerpo Vivo for worship before our team meeting. I wanted to have the translated songs for them to read during the singing. Oliver and Erika corrected my translation and the songs are ready to go. I love that $25 printed I got on Black Friday!!!
This afternoon/evening I was blessed to babysit for the Martinez kids. We made homemade pizza, stuffed a couple dozen bean bags, did a sticker project, watched a Veggie Tales movie and played a lot. It was a fun evening. The kids are fun and well behaved. They love Jet and he loves them. Ana was looking at some of the paintings that Deanna has made. She wondered how Deanna did them so well without messing up. I think she was impressed.
I'm going to try to catch up a little on my Bible reading before bed. I won't make the goal of reading the New Testament in 30 days, but I think I can do it in 45. That will have to be my goal. But I'm okay with that. I'm enjoying it, I'm just not having much time available to do big chunks at a time.
Project Love is next Saturday and this week will be very busy. This time next week, I'll be relaxing and looking forward to some time to devote to Bible reading and Spanish study and working out at the Wellness Center. I'm looking forward to that!!!
God has been so good to me lately. He is so faithful to continue to lead my path and forgive me when I lose focus on His plans. My strength comes from Him. I'm so thankful for His wisdom and power. I pray that He will be glorified through every word and deed this week. I love Him so.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The last week and a half has flown by. I find myself getting behind on too many things.
I had numerous meetings with people concerning various projects. (Adrienne & I discussed the ministry day for the Ladies Bible Study over a Chai latte, I picked up items for the Medical Clinic from Michael, made a delivery and had lunch with Zandra, Cindy and I discussed the games/activities for Project Love while enjoying a Mexican lunch, I kid-sat with the Janes kids one morning (after getting mixed up on the day! oops), I picked up Deanna from the airport, had lunch with Will Janes as he cashed in his Christmas coupon from me. I was blessed to spend some time conversing with Elizabeth in Spanish at the Food Pantry. It was a really nice week. But I did keep the roads hot!
Spanish classes have been challenging and great!!! There are 4-5 of us who are really working hard to learn. I pray everyday that God will open my mind to learn this beautiful language. It's beating my brains out, but I love it!!
Monday night (last week) we had 15 kids during the Cuerpo Vivo leadership class. We had to use a small room, so we watched a movie and then had snacks. This Monday night I had 12 kids who didn't want a movie, so we played games instead. I'm remembering more of the kids' names. They think it's funny when I get them mixed up. I love getting to know the families better each week. The parents are so appreciative for the child care. I'm blessed to be there with them.
The Cuerpo Vivo Leadership classes on Tuesdays are really challenging me because they are all in Spanish. I'm not only encouraged and inspired (through the subject matter) to delve deeper into the Bible and my walk with God, but it's also another avenue for me to discover the language. Even though I have been in classes like this in English, it's like discovering it all in a new way because I'm looking at every word so closely (to translate it).
I've been listening to a lot of Spanish praise music. I'm working on translating the Spanish lyrics to English. (Maybe I'll get extra credit in Spanish class. heehee ) Oliver and Erika look these over and correct me and are very encouraging. Concentrating on each word gives the songs a new perspective. I just love this time of meditation and worship. I listen to the music on my iPod while walking at the Wellness Center. I really get into the songs and sometimes feel like closing my eyes. But I'm afraid I may run into someone, or a wall, so I keep them open.
One challenge for the participants of the Leadership classes is to read through the New Testament in 30 days. I have to admit that I have fallen behind on the schedule. I find myself hungry to read it. Even though I have read and even studied some of the books, it feels fresh and new and exciting as we are all doing this as a group. We talked about synergy today in the class. You can really feel it in the congregation of Cuerpo Vivo and in the classes. I love being a part of it.
Saturday was a day of catch-up for me. I stayed in lounging clothes and no make-up so that I wouldn't be tempted to leave the house. I needed to spend the day reading and working on the computer. To catch up a little on the Bible reading, I read the book of Luke in the morning and then the book of John in the evening. A few hours were spent on translating Spanish praise songs, a few more hours on missions work and an hour baking some healthy cookies. No naps for me, but I felt refreshed. I just soaked in the Lord all day.
Sunday was very busy. I was at the church 10 hours (except for 1 hour for a meal) because Cuerpo Vivo had our regular service and then a conference/worship time in the evening in which other Hispanic churches were invited. We flowed some of the kids through the FBCR nursery, preschool classes and children's choirs. For the last hour I had 35 kids from the ages of 1st grade to 12th. We played in the gym for a while and then I had them run some relay races to wear them out. I hope they were ready for bed when they got home. (I know I was!) The conference went well and God was faithful to give me strength, patience and energy with the kids. It was a good day. I had to miss the commissioning service for my friends, the Hansens, who are moving to Indianapolis to be missionaries with NAMB. I did get to stop in the tail end of the reception and get a hug from Tanisha.
I am so blessed to be able to work with the Hispanic community and Cuerpo Vivo especially. I know that God has created me for this work. And I know that He has plans for where, when and how I am to serve.
I'm looking so forward to the mission trip to Nicaragua over Spring Break. Our team will have a meeting this Sunday, so we are meeting for the Worship time with Cuerpo Vivo before our meeting. This will be a good time of worshiping in different languages. I think the team will enjoy it.
Workouts have been going well. I've had to alter some of the aspects of each day due to time limitations. At the very least, I walk 2 miles on the track and 1 mile on the treadmill. On a perfect day, I do 30-45 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio. There is enough variety in machines and options to keep the workouts interesting and fun. It's always fun to see friends from FBCR there, too. It's the place to be!!!
I better sign off for now and head to the den for some Bible reading before bed. Oh, how I love my LORD. And I love the different ways that He allows me to experience Him.
I had numerous meetings with people concerning various projects. (Adrienne & I discussed the ministry day for the Ladies Bible Study over a Chai latte, I picked up items for the Medical Clinic from Michael, made a delivery and had lunch with Zandra, Cindy and I discussed the games/activities for Project Love while enjoying a Mexican lunch, I kid-sat with the Janes kids one morning (after getting mixed up on the day! oops), I picked up Deanna from the airport, had lunch with Will Janes as he cashed in his Christmas coupon from me. I was blessed to spend some time conversing with Elizabeth in Spanish at the Food Pantry. It was a really nice week. But I did keep the roads hot!
Spanish classes have been challenging and great!!! There are 4-5 of us who are really working hard to learn. I pray everyday that God will open my mind to learn this beautiful language. It's beating my brains out, but I love it!!
Monday night (last week) we had 15 kids during the Cuerpo Vivo leadership class. We had to use a small room, so we watched a movie and then had snacks. This Monday night I had 12 kids who didn't want a movie, so we played games instead. I'm remembering more of the kids' names. They think it's funny when I get them mixed up. I love getting to know the families better each week. The parents are so appreciative for the child care. I'm blessed to be there with them.
The Cuerpo Vivo Leadership classes on Tuesdays are really challenging me because they are all in Spanish. I'm not only encouraged and inspired (through the subject matter) to delve deeper into the Bible and my walk with God, but it's also another avenue for me to discover the language. Even though I have been in classes like this in English, it's like discovering it all in a new way because I'm looking at every word so closely (to translate it).
I've been listening to a lot of Spanish praise music. I'm working on translating the Spanish lyrics to English. (Maybe I'll get extra credit in Spanish class. heehee ) Oliver and Erika look these over and correct me and are very encouraging. Concentrating on each word gives the songs a new perspective. I just love this time of meditation and worship. I listen to the music on my iPod while walking at the Wellness Center. I really get into the songs and sometimes feel like closing my eyes. But I'm afraid I may run into someone, or a wall, so I keep them open.
One challenge for the participants of the Leadership classes is to read through the New Testament in 30 days. I have to admit that I have fallen behind on the schedule. I find myself hungry to read it. Even though I have read and even studied some of the books, it feels fresh and new and exciting as we are all doing this as a group. We talked about synergy today in the class. You can really feel it in the congregation of Cuerpo Vivo and in the classes. I love being a part of it.
Saturday was a day of catch-up for me. I stayed in lounging clothes and no make-up so that I wouldn't be tempted to leave the house. I needed to spend the day reading and working on the computer. To catch up a little on the Bible reading, I read the book of Luke in the morning and then the book of John in the evening. A few hours were spent on translating Spanish praise songs, a few more hours on missions work and an hour baking some healthy cookies. No naps for me, but I felt refreshed. I just soaked in the Lord all day.
Sunday was very busy. I was at the church 10 hours (except for 1 hour for a meal) because Cuerpo Vivo had our regular service and then a conference/worship time in the evening in which other Hispanic churches were invited. We flowed some of the kids through the FBCR nursery, preschool classes and children's choirs. For the last hour I had 35 kids from the ages of 1st grade to 12th. We played in the gym for a while and then I had them run some relay races to wear them out. I hope they were ready for bed when they got home. (I know I was!) The conference went well and God was faithful to give me strength, patience and energy with the kids. It was a good day. I had to miss the commissioning service for my friends, the Hansens, who are moving to Indianapolis to be missionaries with NAMB. I did get to stop in the tail end of the reception and get a hug from Tanisha.
I am so blessed to be able to work with the Hispanic community and Cuerpo Vivo especially. I know that God has created me for this work. And I know that He has plans for where, when and how I am to serve.
I'm looking so forward to the mission trip to Nicaragua over Spring Break. Our team will have a meeting this Sunday, so we are meeting for the Worship time with Cuerpo Vivo before our meeting. This will be a good time of worshiping in different languages. I think the team will enjoy it.
Workouts have been going well. I've had to alter some of the aspects of each day due to time limitations. At the very least, I walk 2 miles on the track and 1 mile on the treadmill. On a perfect day, I do 30-45 minutes of strength training and 30 minutes of cardio. There is enough variety in machines and options to keep the workouts interesting and fun. It's always fun to see friends from FBCR there, too. It's the place to be!!!
I better sign off for now and head to the den for some Bible reading before bed. Oh, how I love my LORD. And I love the different ways that He allows me to experience Him.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
A special day to celebrate love. The best love relationship in the world is the one between a person and Jesus Christ. I love being 'single' by worldly standards so that I can concentrate on my relationship with Him. But I still don't give Him all the attention, respect, love and adoration that He deserves. It's a relationship worth devoting myself to.
Monday was a great day. Busy, but good. It started out with Spanish class, which was challenging. We're down to about 5-6 people who have kept up with the lessons and are trying hard to keep progressing in the language. We're moving the classes to FBCR. This will be better logistically and we may get some practical experience by being near the Food Pantry, if they need some rookie interpreters. :)
Errands, lunch, Staff meeting and working out took up the rest of the day. The evening was a nice time with the kids while their parents were in the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership Class. We had 15 this time, but it went much smoother with another adult helping. Yadira is great and has a history of teaching kids, and we had a Valentine's project, games, snack and ended with quizzing Ms Vickie on Spanish words. The kids had great fun trying to stump me. And they were very encouraging, too. Needless to say, I was very tired by day's end.
Tuesday I spent the day on the computer at home. The roads were a little icy and school was out, so I declared a 'weather day' for myself. I missed the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership class that I attend on Tuesday morning and also didn't get to work out, but I accomplished a ton of work.
Since I missed a day of workout, I made it up over the next 2 days. (note to self - don't miss a day again!)
Wednesday, I met with John Caubble for our 'weekly' status update. We haven't met in a month due to his traveling and such. It was also our monthly Staff update/prayer meeting. Afterwards, I took my 4 year old friend, Matthew out for lunch. He was cashing in his Christmas gift certificate from me. His choice was Schlotsky's. It was pretty tasty. Matthew is a fun date.
I'm having to make sure that I stop in at home off and on through the day so that I can let the dog out. I know he's missing Deanna. He stays pretty close to me and follows me from room to room. He's a sweetie. It makes me wish that I followed God with that much yearning for closeness each day...
Thursday was filled with a haircut, running errands for a home-bound friend, working out, working from home, then dropping off some items at the Christian Women's Job Corp and hanging out at the Medical Clinic that evening. I get to see lots of people in my work and enjoy that very much.
Friday I worked at the church in the morning getting stuff ready for Sunday for Cuerpo Vivo and hanging out at the Food Pantry in case I was needed. I then got to help Mrs. Pauline stuff the bulletins for FBCR for Sunday. I always enjoy subbing for the regulars on that job. It's fun to catch up with what's going on in their circles. Another workout, more errands and then home to fire up the computer in the evening.
Saturday was an exceptional day. I started out by babysitting for the Janes family so that Mom and Dad could go out for a Valentine's breakfast. I got to spend some quality time with sweet little Phillip. Matthew and Miriam woke up early and we started in on coloring a huge project I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It's a cardboard replica of The Great Wall of China. It's even bigger than I thought. It will be a nice, on-going project for the whole family and any friends who come over. We had to wake up the other 2 kids to get ready for watching Aunt Debbie take the "Polar Bear Plunge". I came home for a nap, laundry and more work on the computer. Then I finished the day with more babysitting, this time at my house with the Martinez kids. We had a great time. Ana even spent time listening to me read Spanish children's books. She said I was doing pretty well. That's big praise coming from her. :) Jet was a perfect host to the little ones.
Service this morning at Cuerpo Vivo was really good. We usually set up the chairs in rows of 10, but felt moved to set up rows of 12 today. We had many new visitors and were glad to have the extra chairs. Part of my duties on Sunday morning is to visit each classroom to see if they need anything and to count the people. I love looking in on the kids. They are paying such good attention to the lessons. The adults who take turns teaching them are very devoted and are good teachers. I'm getting more used to finishing up between 2 and 2:30 each Sunday. Today I got to stop in for the 90th birthday party for Ms Belva Easley. That was a nice treat for me.
I treated myself to a Valentine's lunch at Smokin' Joe's today. It was yummy! Jet and LucyAlice and I took a late afternoon nap. I've spent the evening on the computer taking care of some emails and then posting this, so I haven't spent any time this evening on Spanish review. Class tomorrow could be intense! I hope I dream in Spanish tonight!!
God is keeping me very busy and I love not being tied down to regular office hours. I love being more physically active. I'm still enjoying the ease of getting around town compared to the logistical challenges of living in nyc. But I don't want to get too soft. My heart is still to be 'in the field' serving where things aren't too comfortable. I thank God for this time of healing and rest and training of all kinds. I love living everyday in His service. And I truly appreciate all those who make it possible for me to live this 'calling' rather than having to have a 'regular' job.
Time for bed and some Spanish dreams!
A special day to celebrate love. The best love relationship in the world is the one between a person and Jesus Christ. I love being 'single' by worldly standards so that I can concentrate on my relationship with Him. But I still don't give Him all the attention, respect, love and adoration that He deserves. It's a relationship worth devoting myself to.
Monday was a great day. Busy, but good. It started out with Spanish class, which was challenging. We're down to about 5-6 people who have kept up with the lessons and are trying hard to keep progressing in the language. We're moving the classes to FBCR. This will be better logistically and we may get some practical experience by being near the Food Pantry, if they need some rookie interpreters. :)
Errands, lunch, Staff meeting and working out took up the rest of the day. The evening was a nice time with the kids while their parents were in the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership Class. We had 15 this time, but it went much smoother with another adult helping. Yadira is great and has a history of teaching kids, and we had a Valentine's project, games, snack and ended with quizzing Ms Vickie on Spanish words. The kids had great fun trying to stump me. And they were very encouraging, too. Needless to say, I was very tired by day's end.
Tuesday I spent the day on the computer at home. The roads were a little icy and school was out, so I declared a 'weather day' for myself. I missed the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership class that I attend on Tuesday morning and also didn't get to work out, but I accomplished a ton of work.
Since I missed a day of workout, I made it up over the next 2 days. (note to self - don't miss a day again!)
Wednesday, I met with John Caubble for our 'weekly' status update. We haven't met in a month due to his traveling and such. It was also our monthly Staff update/prayer meeting. Afterwards, I took my 4 year old friend, Matthew out for lunch. He was cashing in his Christmas gift certificate from me. His choice was Schlotsky's. It was pretty tasty. Matthew is a fun date.
I'm having to make sure that I stop in at home off and on through the day so that I can let the dog out. I know he's missing Deanna. He stays pretty close to me and follows me from room to room. He's a sweetie. It makes me wish that I followed God with that much yearning for closeness each day...
Thursday was filled with a haircut, running errands for a home-bound friend, working out, working from home, then dropping off some items at the Christian Women's Job Corp and hanging out at the Medical Clinic that evening. I get to see lots of people in my work and enjoy that very much.
Friday I worked at the church in the morning getting stuff ready for Sunday for Cuerpo Vivo and hanging out at the Food Pantry in case I was needed. I then got to help Mrs. Pauline stuff the bulletins for FBCR for Sunday. I always enjoy subbing for the regulars on that job. It's fun to catch up with what's going on in their circles. Another workout, more errands and then home to fire up the computer in the evening.
Saturday was an exceptional day. I started out by babysitting for the Janes family so that Mom and Dad could go out for a Valentine's breakfast. I got to spend some quality time with sweet little Phillip. Matthew and Miriam woke up early and we started in on coloring a huge project I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby. It's a cardboard replica of The Great Wall of China. It's even bigger than I thought. It will be a nice, on-going project for the whole family and any friends who come over. We had to wake up the other 2 kids to get ready for watching Aunt Debbie take the "Polar Bear Plunge". I came home for a nap, laundry and more work on the computer. Then I finished the day with more babysitting, this time at my house with the Martinez kids. We had a great time. Ana even spent time listening to me read Spanish children's books. She said I was doing pretty well. That's big praise coming from her. :) Jet was a perfect host to the little ones.
Service this morning at Cuerpo Vivo was really good. We usually set up the chairs in rows of 10, but felt moved to set up rows of 12 today. We had many new visitors and were glad to have the extra chairs. Part of my duties on Sunday morning is to visit each classroom to see if they need anything and to count the people. I love looking in on the kids. They are paying such good attention to the lessons. The adults who take turns teaching them are very devoted and are good teachers. I'm getting more used to finishing up between 2 and 2:30 each Sunday. Today I got to stop in for the 90th birthday party for Ms Belva Easley. That was a nice treat for me.
I treated myself to a Valentine's lunch at Smokin' Joe's today. It was yummy! Jet and LucyAlice and I took a late afternoon nap. I've spent the evening on the computer taking care of some emails and then posting this, so I haven't spent any time this evening on Spanish review. Class tomorrow could be intense! I hope I dream in Spanish tonight!!
God is keeping me very busy and I love not being tied down to regular office hours. I love being more physically active. I'm still enjoying the ease of getting around town compared to the logistical challenges of living in nyc. But I don't want to get too soft. My heart is still to be 'in the field' serving where things aren't too comfortable. I thank God for this time of healing and rest and training of all kinds. I love living everyday in His service. And I truly appreciate all those who make it possible for me to live this 'calling' rather than having to have a 'regular' job.
Time for bed and some Spanish dreams!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday evening. Super Bowl Sunday evening. I'm watching the game in between commercials. The most fun is watching what people write on facebook about the game. Funny.
Last Sunday was awesome. The snowy roads kept a lot of people home, and many churches cancelled services. FBCR condensed from 3 services to 1. We decided to go ahead and have service at Cuerpo Vivo but didn't expect many people to get out in the weather. But God was glorified through a great crowd of the Cuerpo Vivo family. I remember seeing the big smile on Pastor Jaime's face when they just kept coming in the door.
School was out for a few more days. More snow make-up days to be added to the end of the school year. The kids love it now, but they won't like it in June!
I completed my first full week of workouts at the Adult Wellness Center. 3 days of cardio and 2 days of strength training on the machines. I was really tired by Friday evening. but it felt good. I'm enjoying the workouts. The clickers to count laps on the track are usually all being used when I'm there, so I found some cheap ones online. I got me one and a few for friends, too. Mine is a racey red one. :)
Last Monday night I did childcare for the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership class. We didn't know how many kids would be there and it ended up being 14 kids from 3 year old twins to middle schoolers. It was wild and the vacuum cleaner had to be engaged by evening's end, but it was worth it. The class for the parents was really great. I have volunteers to help on Monday nights going forward, so it will be fun.
I'm attending the ICVI Leadership class on Tuesday mornings. It's all in Spanish, so my brain is getting quite the workout. After class this week I enjoyed a great lunch with Jaime, Oliver & Erika and their kids at Chick-Fil-A. I love spending time with them.
Thursday evening I was the 'designated driver' for two friends who don't see really well at night (especially when it rains). They had a Bible Fellowship Class get-together for the women. Everyone brought their costume jewelry that they wanted to get rid of. And, of course, snack food!! I only went to drive and to eat (ha), but they insisted that I join in on picking jewelry. I got some cute earring sets and a bracelet for me and some pendants for my friend Nana Ruth. It was really fun. Now, every time the ladies that were at the party see each other at church, we check to see if we are wearing our 'new' gems. It was great fellowship and a good way to get new stuff without spending any money!
Saturday afternoon I went to a baby shower for some dear friends, Julio and Delmy. They received lots of cute stuff. I think they felt very loved. It was nice to get to visit with ladies who came to the shower. Later, Nana Ruth and I went out to eat. We hadn't had the chance to do that in quite a while. I also fit in a mid-morning nap and some work into the day. It was good.
Today was another special day at church. I went to 9:30 FBCR service and 11:30 Cuerpo Vivo service. FBCR voted to bring on a new Associate Pastor of Students. It will be great to start a new season of serving with him and his family. We had many new visitors to Cupero Vivo this morning. The church is growing and it's exciting to be involved with that. God is so good!!!
I've been staying busy working on our next outreach event, Project Love on March 6. And there's plenty to do for Cuerpo Vivo each week. On Friday, I hung out near the Food Pantry working on my laptop. A sweet friend from Cuerpo Vivo, who only speaks Spanish, is starting to come to help out. I will be there on Fridays and she is going to help quiz me on my weekly Spanish lessons and I'll help her learn some English. It will be great! She is a treasure to spend time with, too.
More coats were distributed to some kids in the school system this week. I was surprised by a visit from one of the school social workers this week. She brought me a little gift to thank me yet again for the way that FBCR blessed kids at Christmas who wouldn't have had much under the tree. It's humbling to work with these dedicated teachers, counselors and social workers. Our Tuesday morning Bible Study ladies will be blessing the teachers and staff of Northside school in March. This will be fun to help coordinate. I love helping to bless other people.
I'm immersing myself in as much Spanish as I can during the week. 2 hours of Spanish class on Monday mornings, 2 hours working with the kids on Monday nights, 2 hour Leadership class (taught in Spanish) on Tuesday mornings, I hope to start going to the 2 hour Bible Study in Spanish on Wednesday nights, I'll start spending 2 hours on Friday mornings with my friend at the Food Pantry and then there's more than 3 hours working with Cuerpo Vivo on Sunday mornings. Oliver is assigning me extra homework, so I'm really working hard. I also listen to Spanish radio and have some Spanish praise music on my iPod for when I'm walking and working out. As Oliver and I say, it's 'beating my brains out', but I can tell that it is making a big difference. I'm trying to soak it all in.
I get to go to Nicaragua over spring break in March and I want to see how much progress I can make in my language study and in my physical condition by then. I'm in training for missions!!!! :)
Well, the Saints won the Super Bowl. I found myself cheering for both teams and I'm okay with whoever won. It was an interesting game. Some of the commercials were pretty funny and others were just plain stupid. It makes me shake my head to think of how much money was spent on those commercials and how many people could have been fed with that money. Oh well...
Deanna is visiting her daughter and son-in-law, who are missionaries in Las Vegas. I'll be taking care of the house and Jet the dog and LucyAlice the cat. Lucy usually doesn't pay much attention to me, but she must know that I'm the only thing between her and starvation for a few days, because she is being very attentive to me. Of course, Jet is always loving. I'll miss Deanna while she is gone. Wheel of Fortune will not be the same without her. I always miss her when she's gone, but I'm glad that she can go visit Jake and Elaine. And I'm glad that God has made me feel comfortable whether I'm by myself or not. I know I'm always with Him, so whether it's Rogers AR or NYC or anywhere else, I'm okay with whatever conditions He puts me in.
It's almost time to put the critters and myself to bed. Spanish class first thing tomorrow. Then we have some bad weather coming through again for the next few days. It will an interesting week.
I'm thankful that God has given me this life. Pray for me to always be thankful and to always strive to glorify Him.
Last Sunday was awesome. The snowy roads kept a lot of people home, and many churches cancelled services. FBCR condensed from 3 services to 1. We decided to go ahead and have service at Cuerpo Vivo but didn't expect many people to get out in the weather. But God was glorified through a great crowd of the Cuerpo Vivo family. I remember seeing the big smile on Pastor Jaime's face when they just kept coming in the door.
School was out for a few more days. More snow make-up days to be added to the end of the school year. The kids love it now, but they won't like it in June!
I completed my first full week of workouts at the Adult Wellness Center. 3 days of cardio and 2 days of strength training on the machines. I was really tired by Friday evening. but it felt good. I'm enjoying the workouts. The clickers to count laps on the track are usually all being used when I'm there, so I found some cheap ones online. I got me one and a few for friends, too. Mine is a racey red one. :)
Last Monday night I did childcare for the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership class. We didn't know how many kids would be there and it ended up being 14 kids from 3 year old twins to middle schoolers. It was wild and the vacuum cleaner had to be engaged by evening's end, but it was worth it. The class for the parents was really great. I have volunteers to help on Monday nights going forward, so it will be fun.
I'm attending the ICVI Leadership class on Tuesday mornings. It's all in Spanish, so my brain is getting quite the workout. After class this week I enjoyed a great lunch with Jaime, Oliver & Erika and their kids at Chick-Fil-A. I love spending time with them.
Thursday evening I was the 'designated driver' for two friends who don't see really well at night (especially when it rains). They had a Bible Fellowship Class get-together for the women. Everyone brought their costume jewelry that they wanted to get rid of. And, of course, snack food!! I only went to drive and to eat (ha), but they insisted that I join in on picking jewelry. I got some cute earring sets and a bracelet for me and some pendants for my friend Nana Ruth. It was really fun. Now, every time the ladies that were at the party see each other at church, we check to see if we are wearing our 'new' gems. It was great fellowship and a good way to get new stuff without spending any money!
Saturday afternoon I went to a baby shower for some dear friends, Julio and Delmy. They received lots of cute stuff. I think they felt very loved. It was nice to get to visit with ladies who came to the shower. Later, Nana Ruth and I went out to eat. We hadn't had the chance to do that in quite a while. I also fit in a mid-morning nap and some work into the day. It was good.
Today was another special day at church. I went to 9:30 FBCR service and 11:30 Cuerpo Vivo service. FBCR voted to bring on a new Associate Pastor of Students. It will be great to start a new season of serving with him and his family. We had many new visitors to Cupero Vivo this morning. The church is growing and it's exciting to be involved with that. God is so good!!!
I've been staying busy working on our next outreach event, Project Love on March 6. And there's plenty to do for Cuerpo Vivo each week. On Friday, I hung out near the Food Pantry working on my laptop. A sweet friend from Cuerpo Vivo, who only speaks Spanish, is starting to come to help out. I will be there on Fridays and she is going to help quiz me on my weekly Spanish lessons and I'll help her learn some English. It will be great! She is a treasure to spend time with, too.
More coats were distributed to some kids in the school system this week. I was surprised by a visit from one of the school social workers this week. She brought me a little gift to thank me yet again for the way that FBCR blessed kids at Christmas who wouldn't have had much under the tree. It's humbling to work with these dedicated teachers, counselors and social workers. Our Tuesday morning Bible Study ladies will be blessing the teachers and staff of Northside school in March. This will be fun to help coordinate. I love helping to bless other people.
I'm immersing myself in as much Spanish as I can during the week. 2 hours of Spanish class on Monday mornings, 2 hours working with the kids on Monday nights, 2 hour Leadership class (taught in Spanish) on Tuesday mornings, I hope to start going to the 2 hour Bible Study in Spanish on Wednesday nights, I'll start spending 2 hours on Friday mornings with my friend at the Food Pantry and then there's more than 3 hours working with Cuerpo Vivo on Sunday mornings. Oliver is assigning me extra homework, so I'm really working hard. I also listen to Spanish radio and have some Spanish praise music on my iPod for when I'm walking and working out. As Oliver and I say, it's 'beating my brains out', but I can tell that it is making a big difference. I'm trying to soak it all in.
I get to go to Nicaragua over spring break in March and I want to see how much progress I can make in my language study and in my physical condition by then. I'm in training for missions!!!! :)
Well, the Saints won the Super Bowl. I found myself cheering for both teams and I'm okay with whoever won. It was an interesting game. Some of the commercials were pretty funny and others were just plain stupid. It makes me shake my head to think of how much money was spent on those commercials and how many people could have been fed with that money. Oh well...
Deanna is visiting her daughter and son-in-law, who are missionaries in Las Vegas. I'll be taking care of the house and Jet the dog and LucyAlice the cat. Lucy usually doesn't pay much attention to me, but she must know that I'm the only thing between her and starvation for a few days, because she is being very attentive to me. Of course, Jet is always loving. I'll miss Deanna while she is gone. Wheel of Fortune will not be the same without her. I always miss her when she's gone, but I'm glad that she can go visit Jake and Elaine. And I'm glad that God has made me feel comfortable whether I'm by myself or not. I know I'm always with Him, so whether it's Rogers AR or NYC or anywhere else, I'm okay with whatever conditions He puts me in.
It's almost time to put the critters and myself to bed. Spanish class first thing tomorrow. Then we have some bad weather coming through again for the next few days. It will an interesting week.
I'm thankful that God has given me this life. Pray for me to always be thankful and to always strive to glorify Him.
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