EASTER!! What a special day. Celebrating the risen King! Jesus paid our debt of sin for us. He suffered horribly and willingly. We don't deserve it at all. He defeated satan and keeps us from going to hell. We get to spend the rest of our lives (here and after fleshly death) with Him. A very special day to celebrate that love from Him.
Even though it is raining, just like the last few days, it's still a sunny day in my heart. I loved being in worship service at Cuerpo Vivo (our Hispanic church) this morning. The music was lively and celebratory and heartfelt. God is so worthy of praise and we lifted Him up this morning!! We had quite a few first time visitors today. That was wonderful to see. During the service, the kids, dressed in homemade Armor of God sang and danced to a song and then 4 of the kids recited parts of Ephesians describing the Armor of God. It was quite cute.
After the service, there were tables set up in the hallway. One was for welcome gifts for the new visitors and the other tables represented the different ministries (Men, Women, Couples, Singles, Youth). I got to help Isidro put together a few things for the Singles table. I love it that there are good ministries for the church family.
We had a great lunch of nachos, hotdogs and bbq wings and hotwings. It was a fun meal and great fellowship.
When I got home about 2:30, Deanna had the house all put back together after her family had come for Easter brunch after church. I snuggled under my favorite blanket on the sofa in the den and listened to the rain. I was up part of the night and got up early so I think I'll go to bed early tonight. I hope it quits raining in the morning so that I can go for a walk. But I don't have much hope for dry skies.
Friday morning I got to babysit for a very busy little boy named John Riley. He is a cutie and fun to sit with. Although, 'sit' is a misnomer when spending time with him! We had lots of fun playing with his toys. After babysitting, Nana Ruth picked me up and we went to lunch at Olive Garden. We tried out a special, limited time item and we loved it! She swung by my drugstore for me to pick up a script and then we stopped quickly at Walgreens to get some bargains. I love their coupon specials! Later in the afternoon, I borrowed Deanna's van and ran to GNC and Walmart to stock up on some things. I was gone about 2 hours total. I was so worn out from Walmart. But I stocked up on groceries (since I never know when I'll get a ride or a chance to borrow a car to go again) and I also picked up some special things for Deanna's Easter 'basket' (which was a teal - her favorite color - plastic bin). I found a teal plastic, double-walled glass for her ice water, a cute stuffed frog holding an Easter egg (for her to play with great-grandbaby Allie) and some of her favorite candy. I snuck this treasure into her room early Sunday morning and she was so surprised. She said the Easter bunny really knew her well. I'm so glad to surprise her with little blessings like this. She is so good to me!
Friday night, we had a tornado warning and Deanna and I and the dog were heading to our prepared safeplace in the little hall bathroom. A funnel cloud touched down near the airport and a huge wall cloud that it came out of passed over our house. There were no big winds or damage, but it sure looked ominous. Jet stayed velcro'd to either me or Deanna. We couldn't go 6 inches without him being right beside us. The cat, on the other hand, got terrified when we tried to put her in her pet carrier and took off for parts unknown. We didn't see her again until very late that night.
There is much on TV lately about the upcoming royal wedding next week. There are shows about Di's wedding and the historical royal weddings and the upcoming wedding. Lots of royal stuff. I find it interesting on one level. It also makes me think about how we are Christ's bride and that we should make our relationship with Him extra special. We don't show Him the respect that we should. We should be preparing our spiritual selves in appropriate ways for His coming for us. We should look forward to it with much anticipation and excitement. It will be more than we can even imagine. It will be wonderful and indescribable. It will be Holy and perfect!! I can't wait!!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday pm. Staying home tonight instead of going to the ICVI Core Group Meeting. I will miss being there and meeting with the leadership of Cuerpo Vivo church, but I'm taking a time out for myself this evening.
I finished up with dog-sitting last night about midnight when I picked up the mommies at the airport. The dogs were very happy to see their 'humans', but they still were sweet to me. They are so lovable. (the dogs AND the humans) :)
I did get to check off all the things on my to-list for my working retreat time with the pooches. A lot of reading and studying. I'm so thankful for that time. It was such a blessing to me to be there this past week. And I was blessed to get to use Deena's car while at their house. I fit in a couple of doctor visits, blood tests, MRI, extra church services, meetings and errands. What a blessing!!!
I'm so excited for Easter this Sunday. I know the worship time will be awesome at Cuerpo Vivo. Due to times of services, I'm not able to get to both FBCR and Cuerpo Vivo on the same Sunday. I do at least get to watch FBCR on the computer when I want. So that's nice. I hope that many people who don't go to church all year will at least go on Easter. AND I pray that those people will HEAR the Gospel in exciting ways on Sunday and come to know Christ as Savior. I'm already celebrating in my heart.
This Saturday is the big celebration for kids at FBCR. Thousands of plastic eggs filled with candy and small toys will be dropped from a helicopter for a giant egg hunt. I"m not sure if I'll be able to be there to help, but they are expecting thousands of people. The weather this week calls for thunderstorms everyday, but I hope that the weather will be clear for Saturday.
The Chronological Bible Study has been so good lately. I know I say that every week, but I'm loving how God is showing me so many different things through His Word. Lisa is so great in her lecture time. She allows God to speak through her in understandable and meaningful ways. She brings tears to my eyes often. Our small group discussions are very revealing and quite funny sometimes. It's been great to meet with everyone weekly. I will miss that, but I will definitely keep up with my study! I can't wait to start again and see how much God will show me next year!
My mom is starting to have some issues with her sugar lately. That makes my dad and sister Pam and mom with type II diabetes issues and a nephew with type I. I had my annual (but late) blood tests done this week for my cholesterol and sugar. I had great numbers! I was very pleased. Dr Bob said to 'keep doing what I'm doing'. I wondered if that meant I could 'keep sneaking chocolate'. :) I AM trying to be better about eating healthy because I want to be as fit as possible for traveling and serving in other countries. It will be a long and hard journey for me, but I can do it through Christ! I'm not motivated to do it for myself, but I will gladly do it to serve Him better!
I registered to do the WALK for the Race for the Cure on April 30. I'm looking forward to it. I signed up under Team Traci for my friend Traci Davis. I'm walking in honor of my sister Pam, who was diagnosed last fall. I'm so thankful that Pam is doing so great. And Traci is just plain amazing!
It's good to be home with Deanna and Jet (and the cat, I guess). It's been 2 weeks tonight since I started sleeping in other houses. I rested pretty well everywhere, but it's good to be back home, too. It's just interesting to think about how fast time flies by. It's so important to make the most of each day. We owe God much more than that, but He accepts what we can give. He is awesome!!
I finished up with dog-sitting last night about midnight when I picked up the mommies at the airport. The dogs were very happy to see their 'humans', but they still were sweet to me. They are so lovable. (the dogs AND the humans) :)
I did get to check off all the things on my to-list for my working retreat time with the pooches. A lot of reading and studying. I'm so thankful for that time. It was such a blessing to me to be there this past week. And I was blessed to get to use Deena's car while at their house. I fit in a couple of doctor visits, blood tests, MRI, extra church services, meetings and errands. What a blessing!!!
I'm so excited for Easter this Sunday. I know the worship time will be awesome at Cuerpo Vivo. Due to times of services, I'm not able to get to both FBCR and Cuerpo Vivo on the same Sunday. I do at least get to watch FBCR on the computer when I want. So that's nice. I hope that many people who don't go to church all year will at least go on Easter. AND I pray that those people will HEAR the Gospel in exciting ways on Sunday and come to know Christ as Savior. I'm already celebrating in my heart.
This Saturday is the big celebration for kids at FBCR. Thousands of plastic eggs filled with candy and small toys will be dropped from a helicopter for a giant egg hunt. I"m not sure if I'll be able to be there to help, but they are expecting thousands of people. The weather this week calls for thunderstorms everyday, but I hope that the weather will be clear for Saturday.
The Chronological Bible Study has been so good lately. I know I say that every week, but I'm loving how God is showing me so many different things through His Word. Lisa is so great in her lecture time. She allows God to speak through her in understandable and meaningful ways. She brings tears to my eyes often. Our small group discussions are very revealing and quite funny sometimes. It's been great to meet with everyone weekly. I will miss that, but I will definitely keep up with my study! I can't wait to start again and see how much God will show me next year!
My mom is starting to have some issues with her sugar lately. That makes my dad and sister Pam and mom with type II diabetes issues and a nephew with type I. I had my annual (but late) blood tests done this week for my cholesterol and sugar. I had great numbers! I was very pleased. Dr Bob said to 'keep doing what I'm doing'. I wondered if that meant I could 'keep sneaking chocolate'. :) I AM trying to be better about eating healthy because I want to be as fit as possible for traveling and serving in other countries. It will be a long and hard journey for me, but I can do it through Christ! I'm not motivated to do it for myself, but I will gladly do it to serve Him better!
I registered to do the WALK for the Race for the Cure on April 30. I'm looking forward to it. I signed up under Team Traci for my friend Traci Davis. I'm walking in honor of my sister Pam, who was diagnosed last fall. I'm so thankful that Pam is doing so great. And Traci is just plain amazing!
It's good to be home with Deanna and Jet (and the cat, I guess). It's been 2 weeks tonight since I started sleeping in other houses. I rested pretty well everywhere, but it's good to be back home, too. It's just interesting to think about how fast time flies by. It's so important to make the most of each day. We owe God much more than that, but He accepts what we can give. He is awesome!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Almost time for bed and I've had a grand day. Rest, study, cooking healthy food, walking the dogs, ICVI Core Meeting, visiting with people at FBCR, back home to hang out with the dogs...
I got everything taken care of yesterday. The morning was pretty busy. I got the kids off to school, took the van to the airport to switch for the car, stopped by the Olive St campus to switch some food around, bought groceries and then headed to the dogs house. I was there in time for a quick lunch and then a nap. ahhh.
I've enjoyed being here with the dogs. It's quiet and like a retreat. I'm getting a lot of reading and studying done. I'm enjoying cooking some healthy food, too. I'm detoxing my body after eating junk food last week. I had an amazing salad for dinner. I think my body is going into shock from all the fresh produce. :) It reminds me of living in NYC when I could get great produce and fixed strange, but healthy meals and snacks all the time. I don't know why I don't do that more at home with Deanna. I think I need to stay in my 'mobile' frame of mind. I definitely need God to lead my healthy lifestyle.
I need to concentrate and get a lot of small items checked off of my to-do list tomorrow. I get to stay here at the house, so I can do a marathon work time. I'm looking forward getting a lot done. It will be nice to have breaks to eat healthy food and to walk the dogs. Sounds like a good plan, anyway...
I got calls from 2 families today to schedule some babysitting jobs for next week. God is blessing me tremendously these last few weeks with sitting jobs to get me through this month paying taxes. I should be able to set a little back into savings to go toward the plane tickets for India and Dubai in the fall. The trip will cost about 1/4 of what I make for the whole year, so it will take a lot of blessings from God to make it work! But if He is planning it for me, He will show me how He is providing for it.
I got to speak to Bro Wes a little tonight after church. We were discussing the possible 2 trips to Israel next year. I would love to be able to go on one of them, but the cost is very high for me. And the timing might not be good for me to be gone from Nica. We'll see. Maybe the next year...
I'm so blessed to be able to serve in many interesting ways and in some fun places. I love that God has allowed my life to be conducive to travel whenever and wherever He directs. I love not owning many things and being mobile. It's opposite of what the world defines as success, but it's exactly what I want for my life - to give my all to serving in God's plan. How blessed am I??
I got everything taken care of yesterday. The morning was pretty busy. I got the kids off to school, took the van to the airport to switch for the car, stopped by the Olive St campus to switch some food around, bought groceries and then headed to the dogs house. I was there in time for a quick lunch and then a nap. ahhh.
I've enjoyed being here with the dogs. It's quiet and like a retreat. I'm getting a lot of reading and studying done. I'm enjoying cooking some healthy food, too. I'm detoxing my body after eating junk food last week. I had an amazing salad for dinner. I think my body is going into shock from all the fresh produce. :) It reminds me of living in NYC when I could get great produce and fixed strange, but healthy meals and snacks all the time. I don't know why I don't do that more at home with Deanna. I think I need to stay in my 'mobile' frame of mind. I definitely need God to lead my healthy lifestyle.
I need to concentrate and get a lot of small items checked off of my to-do list tomorrow. I get to stay here at the house, so I can do a marathon work time. I'm looking forward getting a lot done. It will be nice to have breaks to eat healthy food and to walk the dogs. Sounds like a good plan, anyway...
I got calls from 2 families today to schedule some babysitting jobs for next week. God is blessing me tremendously these last few weeks with sitting jobs to get me through this month paying taxes. I should be able to set a little back into savings to go toward the plane tickets for India and Dubai in the fall. The trip will cost about 1/4 of what I make for the whole year, so it will take a lot of blessings from God to make it work! But if He is planning it for me, He will show me how He is providing for it.
I got to speak to Bro Wes a little tonight after church. We were discussing the possible 2 trips to Israel next year. I would love to be able to go on one of them, but the cost is very high for me. And the timing might not be good for me to be gone from Nica. We'll see. Maybe the next year...
I'm so blessed to be able to serve in many interesting ways and in some fun places. I love that God has allowed my life to be conducive to travel whenever and wherever He directs. I love not owning many things and being mobile. It's opposite of what the world defines as success, but it's exactly what I want for my life - to give my all to serving in God's plan. How blessed am I??
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
My last night with the Thompkins kids. I've really enjoyed them. We've been busy and had fun getting to know each other better. Andrew is usually quiet, but very funny sometimes. Naomi is a character most of the time. They are fun to hang out with. I hope I get to do that more in the future.
This week is benchmark testing at their schools. On the way to school this morning, Andrew and I stopped at Walmart to buy some lemon drops. It seems his teachers said that those will stimulate your brain and they would be good to have for the Benchmark testing. Well, evidently many people heard that same rumor and there were NO lemon drops at Walmart. The lady in charge of the candy said that she has some coming in on tonight's truck. She couldn't figure out why they sold 3 cases of lemon drops on Sunday alone. I hope that there are lots of good scores on those tests! Andrew opted for some gum to stimulate his brain. :)
After school, we had dinner at Wendy's and then Naomi had soccer practice. Andrew and I ran over to Lifeway Christian store for a few minutes. They didn't have the book I wanted, but I got some awesome deals on some clearance stuff. (CDs for 1.69) We were home by 8pm tonight, which was nice to get some things done and relax before bedtime.
I'm all packed and ready to start my doggie sitting job tomorrow after I drop Andrew off at school. I'll just transfer my stuff from one car to another at the airport. Both families will be at the airport at some point tomorrow. The security people will probably think I'm weird, but that's okay. Many people think I'm weird.
Yesterday was special for me to be at FBCR for worship. I love the music and I wish that the congregation would let loose of some of that reservation they exude and allow themselves to truly WORSHIP honestly and freely. That was one part of Cuerpo Vivo that did truly miss yesterday. Bro Wes' message was good and I enjoyed his talk about Paul and his travels in the evening. I would love to someday walk those same lands. Maybe I'll be able to go on that trip next year. We'll see what God has planned. One thing for sure, I get lots of love and hugs when I get to attend FBCR. For that I am sooo thankful. I've very blessed.
There is so much reading and studying that I want to do this coming week. I've got some appointments to keep on a few days, but I'm hoping that I can manage my time to get the most accomplished that I can.
I'm still loving the Chronological Bible Study. I"m thankful that God shows me so many things through these books of the Bible that I have not spent much time on before. Iva May's commentary is wonderful. I hate that I will miss the class tomorrow (due to logistics) because I love the lecture by Lisa and the discussion in our small group. But I'm thankful that I'm here in Rogers for these months to participate in the class as much as I do. Another wonderful blessing.
As much as I'm thankful for everything that God brings my way while here in the states, I can't wait to get back to Nicaragua and serve there. It's not an easy life there, and I think that living so easy here makes me notice the difference. I hope that in the future, I can be there more and have the chance for Bible studies and on-going ministry, in addition to the work we do with the teams that come down for a week at a time.
I'm up for what ever God allows me to do. I want to be ready spiritually and physically to serve. I'm praying about getting more disciplined in the health department. I can't do it on my own. This is one area that I definitely need God's intervention and guidance. I just keep getting in His way. I'll take it day by day and offer myself to Him. That's all I can do and thankfully, that all that He asks.
This week is benchmark testing at their schools. On the way to school this morning, Andrew and I stopped at Walmart to buy some lemon drops. It seems his teachers said that those will stimulate your brain and they would be good to have for the Benchmark testing. Well, evidently many people heard that same rumor and there were NO lemon drops at Walmart. The lady in charge of the candy said that she has some coming in on tonight's truck. She couldn't figure out why they sold 3 cases of lemon drops on Sunday alone. I hope that there are lots of good scores on those tests! Andrew opted for some gum to stimulate his brain. :)
After school, we had dinner at Wendy's and then Naomi had soccer practice. Andrew and I ran over to Lifeway Christian store for a few minutes. They didn't have the book I wanted, but I got some awesome deals on some clearance stuff. (CDs for 1.69) We were home by 8pm tonight, which was nice to get some things done and relax before bedtime.
I'm all packed and ready to start my doggie sitting job tomorrow after I drop Andrew off at school. I'll just transfer my stuff from one car to another at the airport. Both families will be at the airport at some point tomorrow. The security people will probably think I'm weird, but that's okay. Many people think I'm weird.
Yesterday was special for me to be at FBCR for worship. I love the music and I wish that the congregation would let loose of some of that reservation they exude and allow themselves to truly WORSHIP honestly and freely. That was one part of Cuerpo Vivo that did truly miss yesterday. Bro Wes' message was good and I enjoyed his talk about Paul and his travels in the evening. I would love to someday walk those same lands. Maybe I'll be able to go on that trip next year. We'll see what God has planned. One thing for sure, I get lots of love and hugs when I get to attend FBCR. For that I am sooo thankful. I've very blessed.
There is so much reading and studying that I want to do this coming week. I've got some appointments to keep on a few days, but I'm hoping that I can manage my time to get the most accomplished that I can.
I'm still loving the Chronological Bible Study. I"m thankful that God shows me so many things through these books of the Bible that I have not spent much time on before. Iva May's commentary is wonderful. I hate that I will miss the class tomorrow (due to logistics) because I love the lecture by Lisa and the discussion in our small group. But I'm thankful that I'm here in Rogers for these months to participate in the class as much as I do. Another wonderful blessing.
As much as I'm thankful for everything that God brings my way while here in the states, I can't wait to get back to Nicaragua and serve there. It's not an easy life there, and I think that living so easy here makes me notice the difference. I hope that in the future, I can be there more and have the chance for Bible studies and on-going ministry, in addition to the work we do with the teams that come down for a week at a time.
I'm up for what ever God allows me to do. I want to be ready spiritually and physically to serve. I'm praying about getting more disciplined in the health department. I can't do it on my own. This is one area that I definitely need God's intervention and guidance. I just keep getting in His way. I'll take it day by day and offer myself to Him. That's all I can do and thankfully, that all that He asks.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
I've been kid-sitting this week with the Thompkins kids. I've enjoyed my time with them. They are spending the weekend with friends, so I've had Friday night, all Saturday and Sunday morning 'off'. After dropping Andrew off at school each morning, I've come home to shower and do a little work. It's been lovely to have wheels to get some errands done during the day and to drive myself to the church for work. I'm being very careful with the gas and it's working out great logistically. Stennett and Celia are in Hawaii enjoying a reward trip from his work. I'm having fun with the kids. They are very sweet and polite and have very different personalities. We've had a few funny moments.
Wednesday night I spoke to the Cubbies (preschoolers) at AWANAs about my time as a missionary in NYC and Nicaragua. They were fun to talk with.
We are having new guests at our Free Community Meals on Fridays at the church. Once we get the advertising flyers from Brian at church, we'll get them to some appropriate places to get the word out. I hope Brian gets them to me soon. We're ready to distribute them! We've been getting some great food donated for the meals, which will keep the costs down. It's fun to network between resources and needs.
Shirley was very pleased with all the food that was donated by the Ladies' Bible Study group for the church's Food Pantry. Elizabeth has been faithful to help with the Hispanic visitors. She has such a heart to share Jesus with our Spanish speaking guests.
I will be missing worship at Cuerpo Vivo tomorrow because I need to be at FBCR to meet up with the kids I'm sitting for. It will be nice to worship with the FBCR family. After church, I'll take Andrew and his friend Aaron to the Naturals game to see Naomi sing with her choir, and of course, to watch the baseball game. It's supposed to rain, but we're hoping it will hold off until after the game. In the late afternoon, the kids will go to choir at the church. Then we'll head home for a spaghetti dinner.
I'm reading a book titled "When Helping Hurts". It's about the right and wrong ways of offering help to those in need. I've just started it, but I think it will be very good. It has been recommended by some people that I respect. I'll probably recommend it to some of the volunteers that I work with in various ministries.
I've been studying the material that John Caubble has sent for prepping for serving with them in Dubai. I need to start communicating with the College team about the material. It's very interesting to me since I'm researching Chronological Bible Storying for use in Nicaragua and anywhere else that God sends me.
I also have some commentary to catch up on related to my Bible Study. And a FEMA test online for Disaster Relief Training. Hopefully, I'll get a lot of that done while doggy sitting next week. Not to mention Spanish studies. I need to work on my time management to get it all done!
I'm pleasantly tired and ready for a good night's sleep, even though I had a nice nap today.
I'm ready to worship my precious Lord tomorrow.
I'm very blessed.
Wednesday night I spoke to the Cubbies (preschoolers) at AWANAs about my time as a missionary in NYC and Nicaragua. They were fun to talk with.
We are having new guests at our Free Community Meals on Fridays at the church. Once we get the advertising flyers from Brian at church, we'll get them to some appropriate places to get the word out. I hope Brian gets them to me soon. We're ready to distribute them! We've been getting some great food donated for the meals, which will keep the costs down. It's fun to network between resources and needs.
Shirley was very pleased with all the food that was donated by the Ladies' Bible Study group for the church's Food Pantry. Elizabeth has been faithful to help with the Hispanic visitors. She has such a heart to share Jesus with our Spanish speaking guests.
I will be missing worship at Cuerpo Vivo tomorrow because I need to be at FBCR to meet up with the kids I'm sitting for. It will be nice to worship with the FBCR family. After church, I'll take Andrew and his friend Aaron to the Naturals game to see Naomi sing with her choir, and of course, to watch the baseball game. It's supposed to rain, but we're hoping it will hold off until after the game. In the late afternoon, the kids will go to choir at the church. Then we'll head home for a spaghetti dinner.
I'm reading a book titled "When Helping Hurts". It's about the right and wrong ways of offering help to those in need. I've just started it, but I think it will be very good. It has been recommended by some people that I respect. I'll probably recommend it to some of the volunteers that I work with in various ministries.
I've been studying the material that John Caubble has sent for prepping for serving with them in Dubai. I need to start communicating with the College team about the material. It's very interesting to me since I'm researching Chronological Bible Storying for use in Nicaragua and anywhere else that God sends me.
I also have some commentary to catch up on related to my Bible Study. And a FEMA test online for Disaster Relief Training. Hopefully, I'll get a lot of that done while doggy sitting next week. Not to mention Spanish studies. I need to work on my time management to get it all done!
I'm pleasantly tired and ready for a good night's sleep, even though I had a nice nap today.
I'm ready to worship my precious Lord tomorrow.
I'm very blessed.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I'm sitting here resting and waiting for my ride to church tonight. I looked at my last post and it was last Friday. It's hard to believe that I've been back in Rogers less than a week. It seems longer. It took me a couple of days to get back into the swing of things. The weather was cool (although much warmer here than it had been) and I had to get my mind back into the idea of wearing pants, long sleeves and socks!
Sunday morning I enjoyed worshipping with Cuerpo Vivo. It feels just like home to hear Spanish praise music and hear the sermon in Spanish. I love getting hugs each and every Sunday. And I love the open, pure worship. Mark and Isidro and I went to lunch at Red Robin, mostly due to the endless freckled lemonade (made with real strawberries). I had a sandwich with blackened grilled salmon. YUM!! I came home and had a little (2 hour) nap. Then Deanna and I went to church at FBCR. The Nica team got to share about the trip over spring break. Brian Dunaway had made a great little recap video from some of our pictures. The kids did a great job of sharing different aspects of the trip. It was a very good night.
Monday morning I spent time catching up on emails and other computer work on various projects. Kellie picked me up for lunch and a ride to the Olive st campus for Staff Meeting. Cliff led the meeting since Pastor Wes was still teaching on the cruise. I love the way Cliff starts each meeting with us going around the room answering a particular question. This week it was 'I'm excited about my ministry because...'. We covered business and prayed for each other. Good meeting. Teresa was kind enough to drop me off at home on her way home. It helps that I live on the way. I don't like to put people out by giving me rides. They have been so gracious.
Tuesday, was a good day. It started with the service day for the Ladies' Bible Study group. I was blessed to lead the small team of ladies serving Northside Elementary. We sorted supplies that the teachers had requested for their classrooms. There were a few items that had not been donated, so we took up a collection among ourselves and jumped in a church van and ran to Walmart for a quick shopping trip. We got to the school and carried everything in. The school was in a quiet lock down situation to ensure that the kids had a good environment for doing their benchmark testing. We had some goodies to leave in the teacher's lounge. Everyone was very thankful. And I was so excited to Kelly, the counselor, who is looking so fit and healthy! I'm proud and inspired by her!
Tuesday lunch was at the church fellowship hall with all the salads and desserts that the ladies had brought. It was sure yummy! The wonderful ladies of the Women On Mission (WMU) were honored with cake and roses. It was sweet. Some of the ladies have been serving in WMU for over 45 years. Quite an inspiration for us all. Hopefully, some of the younger women will step up to help take the reigns to keep this vital ministry going at FBCR.
I had a doctor's appointment with my ENT specialist, Dr Black. He is a good Christian man who goes to my church. We spent some time looking over the results of my hearing test from 3 weeks ago. I have profound hearing loss in my left ear. It doesn't hurt at all, but it is very frustrating to me. Especially, since I'm trying to learn a new language and all. We'll schedule an MRI for the next couple of weeks. It may be something that I just have to live with, but I sure do hope and pray that it can be reversed. But I'll accept whatever God decides for me.
I did my taxes online last night and was pleasantly surprised that I don't owe more than I do. I actually make very little money and the program used the 'low income table'. The extra money I had saved for taxes will go to the doctor and test bills for my ears. God has provided as usual. I also need to start saving for the airfare for my trip in the fall to India and Duabai. There's always something, and I'm so blessed that God has allowed me to live in circumstances that I can afford to serve Him as He calls. I love living very minimally. He provides what I NEED and that's all I ask.
I will be speaking to the Cubbies (preschoolers) at AWANA tonight at FBCR. I'll share a little with them about NYC and Nicaragua. I have a few pictures printed off to share with them.
After church, I will go home with the Thompkins family, where I will be kid-sitting for the next week. I'm looking forward to spending time getting to know Andrew and Noami better. I think we will have fun.
God is good and I am thankful for all He allows in my life. I can't wait to get to Heaven, and until that day comes, I get to enjoy some amazing ways to serve Him. How blessed am I???
Sunday morning I enjoyed worshipping with Cuerpo Vivo. It feels just like home to hear Spanish praise music and hear the sermon in Spanish. I love getting hugs each and every Sunday. And I love the open, pure worship. Mark and Isidro and I went to lunch at Red Robin, mostly due to the endless freckled lemonade (made with real strawberries). I had a sandwich with blackened grilled salmon. YUM!! I came home and had a little (2 hour) nap. Then Deanna and I went to church at FBCR. The Nica team got to share about the trip over spring break. Brian Dunaway had made a great little recap video from some of our pictures. The kids did a great job of sharing different aspects of the trip. It was a very good night.
Monday morning I spent time catching up on emails and other computer work on various projects. Kellie picked me up for lunch and a ride to the Olive st campus for Staff Meeting. Cliff led the meeting since Pastor Wes was still teaching on the cruise. I love the way Cliff starts each meeting with us going around the room answering a particular question. This week it was 'I'm excited about my ministry because...'. We covered business and prayed for each other. Good meeting. Teresa was kind enough to drop me off at home on her way home. It helps that I live on the way. I don't like to put people out by giving me rides. They have been so gracious.
Tuesday, was a good day. It started with the service day for the Ladies' Bible Study group. I was blessed to lead the small team of ladies serving Northside Elementary. We sorted supplies that the teachers had requested for their classrooms. There were a few items that had not been donated, so we took up a collection among ourselves and jumped in a church van and ran to Walmart for a quick shopping trip. We got to the school and carried everything in. The school was in a quiet lock down situation to ensure that the kids had a good environment for doing their benchmark testing. We had some goodies to leave in the teacher's lounge. Everyone was very thankful. And I was so excited to Kelly, the counselor, who is looking so fit and healthy! I'm proud and inspired by her!
Tuesday lunch was at the church fellowship hall with all the salads and desserts that the ladies had brought. It was sure yummy! The wonderful ladies of the Women On Mission (WMU) were honored with cake and roses. It was sweet. Some of the ladies have been serving in WMU for over 45 years. Quite an inspiration for us all. Hopefully, some of the younger women will step up to help take the reigns to keep this vital ministry going at FBCR.
I had a doctor's appointment with my ENT specialist, Dr Black. He is a good Christian man who goes to my church. We spent some time looking over the results of my hearing test from 3 weeks ago. I have profound hearing loss in my left ear. It doesn't hurt at all, but it is very frustrating to me. Especially, since I'm trying to learn a new language and all. We'll schedule an MRI for the next couple of weeks. It may be something that I just have to live with, but I sure do hope and pray that it can be reversed. But I'll accept whatever God decides for me.
I did my taxes online last night and was pleasantly surprised that I don't owe more than I do. I actually make very little money and the program used the 'low income table'. The extra money I had saved for taxes will go to the doctor and test bills for my ears. God has provided as usual. I also need to start saving for the airfare for my trip in the fall to India and Duabai. There's always something, and I'm so blessed that God has allowed me to live in circumstances that I can afford to serve Him as He calls. I love living very minimally. He provides what I NEED and that's all I ask.
I will be speaking to the Cubbies (preschoolers) at AWANA tonight at FBCR. I'll share a little with them about NYC and Nicaragua. I have a few pictures printed off to share with them.
After church, I will go home with the Thompkins family, where I will be kid-sitting for the next week. I'm looking forward to spending time getting to know Andrew and Noami better. I think we will have fun.
God is good and I am thankful for all He allows in my life. I can't wait to get to Heaven, and until that day comes, I get to enjoy some amazing ways to serve Him. How blessed am I???
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
It's April Fool's Day, but I didn't play tricks on anyone. I guess I'm turning nice in my old age. ha
Our travel yesterday from Nicaragua to home was pretty uneventful. We left the house about a half hour early so that we could meet up with Manuel and Cecilia in Managua to pick up something a team member left on Manuel's van last week and also, for Beth to join them for a few hours of sightseeing in their town. Manuel got behind the wheel and got us to the airport in record time. Mary and I said goodbye to everyone and then got checked in for our flight.
I sat next to a really nice girl from Oregon named Andrea, who is an organic farmer. She and her boyfriend had been in Nica for 2 months researching farming methods. We talked about so many things. I got to share my faith with her. She asked lots of questions about how my faith affects my opinions and beliefs about many things like natural healing, travel the world, etc. I really felt a lot of seeds being planted (no pun intended) even though she wasn't ready to discuss her personal beliefs in God. I think she will be thinking about what we discussed and that God will be bringing someone along to harvest those seeds.
After going through customs and security at Houston, Mary and I had about an hour to kill for a nice sit-down dinner at Chili's Too. I had a yummy steakhouse sandwich and steamed veggies. It was great. We parted ways for the flights to our home towns. My flight to XNA was good. I always try to sit on the left side of the plane where there is only one seat. I read my Kindle for a while. I love that thing!
When we were landing, the fog was really bad. We touched down and then bounced right back up into the air and took off again. we circled around and ended up landing on another landing strip (I didn't know we HAD another landing strip). It was funny, because the flight attendant felt the wheels touch and automatically announced "welcome to Fayetteville". Then a pause, and then "never mind" when she realized that we were back in the air. When we landed for real, she announced "and we're back". Nothing was announced about why we landed twice. In the terminal, I overhead some of the passengers talking about it. One of them had asked the pilot what happened. He said that when we touched down, we were in a fog bank. I guess it wasn't a big deal, but it would have been nice to have had some kind of announcement about it, even if it was to make light of the situation. Oh well. We were home safe!
Becca met me at the airport and we got my puny checked bag. (It only weight 24 pounds and had another suitcase inside!) Much different than the 2 stuffed bags that weighed in at 50 pounds each on the way down. I seemed to buy lightweight souvenirs these days, too!
Becca and I ran by Walmart to pick up food for the Friday Community Meals and I grabbed a few groceries for home. I got home about 11pm and was welcomed by Deanna and Jet. Even the cat came out of hiding. I got settled in and went to bed about 12:30. I slept really well, all snuggled under my blanket and quilt with my winter jammies on. That's a big switch from a tank top and shorts, sleeping on top of the sheets with 3 fans blowing on me in Nica. But cozy is nice, too.
I worked a little on computer stuff today and made a list of things to accomplish for tomorrow. I had originally planned on going to the Food Pantry and Friday Meals and then get a haircut. But I was feeling a little tired and a bit yucky, so I stayed home. I did grab a shower and got ready for my haircut, but couldn't find a ride there. So I rescheduled for next week. Therefore, I stayed in comfy clothes and took it easy. I made a big pot of chili that Deanna and I will eat on for the next few days.
My friend Carol, from NYC, called today and played a song for me over the phone. She had written it and it is beautiful. What a treat for me!
I guess there isn't much more to report today, so I'll sign off. It's good to be back where I can rest a little and eat healthy stuff and prepare for the many things that God has planned for my future. I am so blessed. I love my God.
Our travel yesterday from Nicaragua to home was pretty uneventful. We left the house about a half hour early so that we could meet up with Manuel and Cecilia in Managua to pick up something a team member left on Manuel's van last week and also, for Beth to join them for a few hours of sightseeing in their town. Manuel got behind the wheel and got us to the airport in record time. Mary and I said goodbye to everyone and then got checked in for our flight.
I sat next to a really nice girl from Oregon named Andrea, who is an organic farmer. She and her boyfriend had been in Nica for 2 months researching farming methods. We talked about so many things. I got to share my faith with her. She asked lots of questions about how my faith affects my opinions and beliefs about many things like natural healing, travel the world, etc. I really felt a lot of seeds being planted (no pun intended) even though she wasn't ready to discuss her personal beliefs in God. I think she will be thinking about what we discussed and that God will be bringing someone along to harvest those seeds.
After going through customs and security at Houston, Mary and I had about an hour to kill for a nice sit-down dinner at Chili's Too. I had a yummy steakhouse sandwich and steamed veggies. It was great. We parted ways for the flights to our home towns. My flight to XNA was good. I always try to sit on the left side of the plane where there is only one seat. I read my Kindle for a while. I love that thing!
When we were landing, the fog was really bad. We touched down and then bounced right back up into the air and took off again. we circled around and ended up landing on another landing strip (I didn't know we HAD another landing strip). It was funny, because the flight attendant felt the wheels touch and automatically announced "welcome to Fayetteville". Then a pause, and then "never mind" when she realized that we were back in the air. When we landed for real, she announced "and we're back". Nothing was announced about why we landed twice. In the terminal, I overhead some of the passengers talking about it. One of them had asked the pilot what happened. He said that when we touched down, we were in a fog bank. I guess it wasn't a big deal, but it would have been nice to have had some kind of announcement about it, even if it was to make light of the situation. Oh well. We were home safe!
Becca met me at the airport and we got my puny checked bag. (It only weight 24 pounds and had another suitcase inside!) Much different than the 2 stuffed bags that weighed in at 50 pounds each on the way down. I seemed to buy lightweight souvenirs these days, too!
Becca and I ran by Walmart to pick up food for the Friday Community Meals and I grabbed a few groceries for home. I got home about 11pm and was welcomed by Deanna and Jet. Even the cat came out of hiding. I got settled in and went to bed about 12:30. I slept really well, all snuggled under my blanket and quilt with my winter jammies on. That's a big switch from a tank top and shorts, sleeping on top of the sheets with 3 fans blowing on me in Nica. But cozy is nice, too.
I worked a little on computer stuff today and made a list of things to accomplish for tomorrow. I had originally planned on going to the Food Pantry and Friday Meals and then get a haircut. But I was feeling a little tired and a bit yucky, so I stayed home. I did grab a shower and got ready for my haircut, but couldn't find a ride there. So I rescheduled for next week. Therefore, I stayed in comfy clothes and took it easy. I made a big pot of chili that Deanna and I will eat on for the next few days.
My friend Carol, from NYC, called today and played a song for me over the phone. She had written it and it is beautiful. What a treat for me!
I guess there isn't much more to report today, so I'll sign off. It's good to be back where I can rest a little and eat healthy stuff and prepare for the many things that God has planned for my future. I am so blessed. I love my God.
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