Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A relaxing evening at home. I was able to come home today in time to fix dinner. It was yummy. Deanna said I haven't been home before dark in 3 years. Even though she was exaggerating, I got the point that I've been gone a lot lately. It was really nice to be home and have dinner and get into my jammies with my laptop and kick back a little.

Yesterday, I got to babysit for the Janes kids while Bill took Becca out for her birthday dinner. The kids are always fun and little Phillip was extra cuddly because he was sick. I'm sorry that he didn't feel well, but I sure do like snuggling with him on my shoulder. What a sweet little angel.

Today's Disciple/Leadership class for Cuerpo Vivo was very good. I get such a workout in Spanish during these classes. Everyone is so patient and supportive when it's my turn to read the scriptures. I love being immersed in the language more and more every week.

I have to say that Oliver is such a good teacher. God has gifted him richly with the talent of communication and teaching. Of course, I give him a hard time, but I am truly blessed to have him tutoring me in Spanish, and teaching the leadership class. God is using him mightily at Cuerpo Vivo. Speaking of which, Jaime and Oliver make a great team of Pastors. Jaime is so compassionate and loving in his preaching and caring for the congregation. That church family is growing in every sense. It is so great to be a part of it.

The Cuerpo Vivo goal of reading the New Testament in 30 days has stretched to 45 days for me, but I'm happy to say I've made it to Revelation. On Friday, I was half way through Romans. Needless to say, I did a lot of reading over the weekend. I was thankful to have quiet times during the 4 days of granny & dog sitting. I purposely stayed off the computer to have time to read. It's been great to spend so much time in the Word. I've really enjoyed this journey. I'll have to tackle the Old Testament soon. I know many, many people have read the Bible through many, many times. I've tried before, but never enjoyed it like this time. I feel the Holy Spirit drawing me near. And I'm glad.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Sipping hot, green tea in a beautiful and comfy condo while house-sitting, dog-sitting and granny-sitting for 4 days. It's such a treat for me. Miss Juanita is so sweet and I enjoy our chats. Ella (the dog) is a really great pooch (no offense to Jet) and I am relaxing.

I'm able to run errands during the day, so I have been keeping the roads hot trying to get things done in between checking on Miss Juanita and walking Ella. I'm just down the street from 'home' so I have been able to run down there and get laundry caught up over the last 2 days. I also got the chance to run to my doc's office for shots needed for the Nicaragua trip and make a trip to Walmart and Lifeway Christian Bookstore.

Deanna is always amazed that I find so many things on clearance right at the time that I need them. Yesterday, I was at Walmart getting more items for the Nicaragua trip and actually found bug spray (with 100% deet, as recommended) on clearance. Now, this can either be good news (cheap) or bad news (old and ineffective). I'm claiming the former.

I have some jeans that were getting too short so Deanna pinned them for me to cut off to wear in Nicaragua. Now I'll have some capris with pockets! I've started getting my clothes ready to pack. I've also started packing an extra suitcase to take some ministry supplies. Sherry loaned me one of hers so that I can leave it down there and only have to pay the extra $30 for one way.

I can't believe we leave next Saturday. I'm so excited. It's going to be a special trip for me. I'm praying about how God wants me to be involved with the Voice of Hope Ministries in Nic. That's who we are working with on this trip. Mike and Sherry Hulsey from FBCR are the directors. I would love to be involved with this ministry and feel called to work along side Cuerpo Vivo (the Hispanic Ministry at FBCR), who I have been very involved with. God has been revealing to me that it doesn't have to be an 'either/or' situation, but can be 'both/and'. Perhaps I can spend an extended visit in Nic a few times a year. And then I can still work with Cuerpo Vivo here in Rogers. What I ask from you is to PLEASE PRAY FOR ME TO RECEIVE DISCERNMENT TO DISCOVER GOD'S WILL IN MY FUTURE. I'll keep you posted on what I feel Him telling me as we go along. But especially pray for me on this trip (March 20-27).

The time changes to Daylight Savings tonight. Ugh, spring forward! The one good thing is that the clock in the car will be right now. (I don't know how to change it, so it's right for half of the year. ha) Now, I'll have to start going to bed earlier. That shouldn't be too much of a challenge!

The last few days were really busy. Thursday I worked with my friends Cindy and Elizabeth for about 5 straight hours cleaning, sorting, organizing and recycling stuff in 2 rooms at the church. We got a lot done, but have another day or two of work to go. Unfortunately, I don't have any time this week and then I'm gone for a week to Nic. The week I'm back, Cindy is busy directing Homeschool testing. So, it'll be almost a month before we tackle the project again. But, it's gonna be worth all the hard work! I'm changing my former Missions Office into a Missions resource room for doing local ministry projects, Backyard Bible Clubs, Project Love Events, and it will also serve as a new home for the Puppet Ministry (which is dormant at the moment). I'm glad to be getting it done.

Time for bed. Tomorrow is another busy day. I may not be able to fit it all in. But that's just My schedule. What matters is that I am sensitive to God's schedule and fit that all in. He's the best planner anyway!!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

What a fun day! It started like a normal Wednesday... weekly meeting with John, then our monthly staff meeting with assistants, then the monthly lunch for all the ladies on staff.

Lunch was yummy at the Bread and Butter Bakery in downtown Rogers. It's a small cafe in the back of an old building that houses antiques in the front. It reminds me a lot of small restaurants in nyc, except that there is a lot more room between the tables here. I had the veggie delight sandwich (fresh baked bread with homemade light veggie cream cheese, sprouts, cucumber, tomato, and avocado), chopped salad and cup of soup. Since it was my birthday lunch from Glenda, I got a free dessert. I chose a big chocolate brownie thing with dark chocolate. I cut it into pieces and shared with the girls at my table. Poor Nana Ruth almost lost a finger when she grabbed a piece before I finished cutting it. Glad I was paying attention! It was really yummy and rich. And since it was dark chocolate, it was medicinal. right?

I took the afternoon off for myself. (a first one in a long time) I walked for 3 miles at the Wellness Center, ran to the bank, stopped at Payless Shoes for a couple of sale flip flops, stopped at Kohls and found the PERFECT item to use as a cover up for my bathing suit. (speaking of that, this is the first swimsuit I have bought in 20 years and the first one worn in about 10 years! It's been traumatic!) I knew what I had in mind for the cover up, but couldn't find it anywhere. Deanna gave me birthday money to buy one whenever I found it. What I ended up with is a great black knit wrap dress that is perfect for a swimsuit cover up and a dress and a kind of robe all in one for when I go to Nicaragua in just over a week. It fit my imagination to a t! I know God put it in my mind and in my reach. I was tickled pink!

I then went to pick up some prescriptions for myself and Deanna, then stopped and got a pedicure. I don't usually splurge on those, but I wanted to get an overhaul on my feet after winter, since I'll be wearing flip flops in Nicaragua. The leg and foot massage was heavenly. After that I stopped at Walmart for some groceries and some items for the Nic trip. I found a sporty waterproof watch really cheap, a baseball cap with a large bill, a small (cheap) backpack to use everyday, and clearance sunglasses. Since the shades were only $3, I bought 2 identical pairs in case I crush one. What fun!!! Then I grimaced as I filled the car with gas.

A quick stop at the library and then I was home sweet home before dark! That hasn't happened too often lately. Yummy leftovers, a salad and garlic bread and I was happy! I tried on my new duds to show Deanna. It was a fun fashion show! ha! I've started gathering the items I'll be taking to Nic. I'm getting so excited! I just need to get my sunblock and bug spray and I'm pretty much ready!

Well, I spent all my birthday money today and got exactly what I was looking for. It was just perfect!

I'm always amazed to see God working in His perfect way. Even in things like allowing me to find my heart's desires today. I'm thankful that He always surprises me and cares enough to put the little things in my path to bless me. I can never be thankful enough.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 9, 2010

It's my birthay! Ever since I turned 50, birthdays have seemed funny to me. (mine, that is)
I've had a good day. I woke up extra early. (I hear that the elderly do that) I started the day with working at the Ministry Day for the FBCR Ladies Bible Study. I led the team that went to Northside Elementary School. We took thank you notes to the teachers and other staff, home baked goodies to all the workers at the school, special supplies for teachers who requested them, and lots of supplies for the Teachers workroom. We also sorted and cataloged some books for one teacher and helped in a few classrooms by listening to kids read. It was a nice day of serving. The teachers kept thanking us. They need a lot of encouragement and deserve a lot of thanks for all they do for the kids. It was a blessing to us to serve them. When we were ready to leave, the counselor asked me to step into the principle's office. Oh, did that bring back memories. ha! But I wasn't in trouble. She just wanted to thank me for what we had done and to chat a little. It was sweet.

Other Bible study ladies worked on some other projects like washing baby bottles for Loving Choices Pregnancy Center, helping at Samaritan Community Center and doing some cleanup and organizing at the church. Afterwards there was a luncheon and time of sharing. I had to skip the luncheon, but the ladies sang happy birthday to me. That was nice.

I went to lunch with some of my friends from Cuerpo Vivo. We usually have our Cuerpo Vivo staff meetings at noon on Tuesdays, but today we ended up just having some food and fellowship and holding off the business talk until tomorrow. Lupita sang happy birthday to me in English. That was so special.

Actually, I had quite a few seranades of Happy Birthday today. My sister left the song as a voice mail, as did my friend Nana Ruth, little 4 year old Genisis sang to me on the phone, the Janes family sang to me when I walked in the door, and my friend Cindy also sang. What fun! Speaking of birthday wishes, I've received over 100 from my friends on facebook. That is so neat. I truly feel loved. God has blessed me with many wonderful people to call friends.

My previous 2 birthdays were celebrated in nyc. Those are special memories. I really appreciate everyone's love. Tonight I was treated to dinner with the Janes family. I just love that family!

I fell down today on a slick floor. I ended up doing the splits with one leg and landing on one knee. Thankfully, I didn't hurt anything too much, except my pride. At least the only witness was my friend Cindy. I blame the incident on the slick floor, but perhaps it's due to my age and now I should invest in a 'Life Alert' necklace for my elderly physical state. ha

Now it's time for this old gal to hit the hay. I'll need my strength for tomorrow. Because growing older is not for sissies! hahaha

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday evening. Home with my feet up and feeling just like I knew I would at this time... relaxed and tired and thankful and blessed... and very happy that this week is behind me.

Project Love was today at the church. It was an event in which families who have visited the FBC Rogers Food Pantry were invited to enjoy a sit-down meal, games and music. From the beginning of planning the event (back before Thanksgiving) I wavered between worrying that no one would come or that too many would come and we would run out of food. After some specific prayer, I allowed God to convince me that it didn't matter how many people came as long as the ones HE chose were there, and how we interacted with them.

There was a lot of preparation by a lot of people for this event. I really enjoyed working with Becca on the meal, Cindy on the games and activities, Mary Lou on the decor, volunteers and donors. And then there were challenges like the Youth D-Now event getting scheduled for the same weekend. Project Love ended up being the 'service' portion of the D-Now event. Unfortunately, there wasn't as much work as needed for the amount of kids involved. Logistics for any dual events can be challenging. It's interesting to see the real personalities of people when you have to work closely with them.

We just had a handful of families attend the event, but the connections made with them were very fruitful and I have no doubt that God ordained these encounters. I feel that God was glorified and seeds that had been planted through the Food Pantry were cultivated, getting closer to harvest. That thrills my heart more than large numbers of attendees. I got to speak with some really special people today, who were very thankful for the touch that went beyond their coming to the Food Pantry when they need groceries. They really felt that we care about them. I enjoyed getting to meet them and look foward to following up with them and helping to get them plugged in to groups at the church. The time spent with them today was worth all the hours of preparation over the last 3 months. I'm thankful to be able to be involved in these ministries.

I'm really looking forward to the trip to Nicaragua. I feel that God will use this time and place to reveal a lot about His plans for my future. I'm looking forward to being in a location where I can practice Spanish, live in a basic way without the luxuries of civilazation, walk in someone else's shoes for a while, relate to people on a special level. I'm ready for the challenge. The trip is already proving to be a challenge to some team members. Due to traveling over Spring Break, seats on planes are hard to get. Our team is split between 2 flights, but more than that, one of the 'legs' of the journey for 4 team members leaves 7 hours before the rest of the team, and travels by a different airline through and extra city and has a 6 hour layover before meeting up with the rest of the team in Houston. It's not a good choice, but it was the only one available to get all the team down to Nicaragua together from Houston. Unfortunately, the way the team is split up is difficult for the family traveling down. I wish that I would have been placed on that 'more challenging' flight so that the family could travel together, but it's not possible to change. Even though it's not the first choice of situations, it's not the end of the world either. Being flexible on a trip is a must, since the enemy will do everything he can to mess up morale, comfort, plans, and focus for a team setting out to do God's will in such a special way. Please pray for all the team members going on the trip. Especially for those who are being dragged out of their comfort zones. God is going to challenge us in many ways. Satan is going to try to hinder us in many ways. We have to keep our focus on God and His plans and rest in His strength and protection. We can go through anything with and for Him.

Time for me to go to bed and have a wonderful sleep. I'm so thankful to belong to my Lord. I'm blessed to have Him leading my days, even the tough ones. I wouldn't change that for anything in this world. I want to be part of His world.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Finally catching up on some rest this evening and loving it!

Sunday was really nice. The Nicaragua team joined Cuerpo Vivo for some worship time before our team meeting. Mike and Sherry did a great job of sharing details about the upcoming mission trip. It's a good team and I think everyone is getting excited. I know I am.

Sunday afternoon/evening we had a New Member's Class for Cuepo Vivo. Erika M and I took care of the kids. It was a long 4 1/2 hours, but worth it to have the class for the parents. I was so exhausted from the week before and the long day. The thought of facing a regular 12 hour Monday was daunting. Oliver must have felt the same way. He decided to cancel this week's Spanish class on Monday morning. (some of the other students weren't going to be able to be there either) I went to bed thankful to be able to sleep til 8, but was so tired that it was hard to sleep.

Monday I got to spend 6 precious hours on the computer (since the Staff meeting was cancelled also) and then I headed to the church for 5 more hours of on-site work, including childcare for the Cuerpo Vivo Leadership class. I hauled items to the Missions office for Project Love and took inventory of what we have had donated so far. We only had 10 kids for childcare so it was fairly quiet and easy.

This morning we had a good Leadership class for Cuerpo Vivo. Besides enjoying learning and reviewing discipleship information, I'm learning much more Spanish vocabulary in the process. My poor brain is really getting a workout!!

After the class, we went to Chick-Fil-A for our weekly Cuerpo Vivo staff meeting. I love the salads there. We had a great time of sharing and discussing the future of Cuerpo Vivo. I really love working with this ministry. Jaime and Oliver are concerned that I'm getting spread too thin with everything that is going on with Cuerpo Vivo and also my work with FBCR missions. It's nice to be cared about.

I spent the afternoon at the Janes' house meeting with Becca about Project Love. She is coordinating the food for the meal portion of the event. We'll be shopping and then cooking on Thursday and Friday. It will be fun to work together. I just love her and the family. It's always wonderful to see the kids and to hold sweet Phillip. I see them about once a week, but I can still see such growth and increase in his strength. And I think that Matthew grew a couple of inches since last week!

I got to be home this evening, so I had some soup and a sandwich and then took care of some emails and other computer work. So many things are happening at the same time these last couple of weeks. I keep thinking that once Saturday is over, life will be much slower. But as Deanna says, I always say that and then something else comes along. But it will still be quieter for awhile.

I'm thankful to feel more rested tonight. The remainder of the week will be full, but manageable. There are some good people who are talking leadership roles with Project Love and I like working with each of them. I'm blessed to get to do work that I love. Time for bed and some sweet dreams. And to count my blessings.