I am leaving my home today to head to Mobile, AL, where I will board a Carnival Cruise ship on Thursday for my first trip on a cruise! I can hardly wait!!!!
You can be sure I'll post some pictures once I get back. I'll be taking a BUNCH!!!
Bon voyage!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Be still...
That phrase has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I have always taken care of things, been able to fix what's broken, find a solution for the problem at hand...basically take care of myself and those in my care. Well this week has brought me face to face with the fact that sometimes, I just do not have an answer and can't do a thing about it.
My faithful car, that I've had for almost eight years, has given out on me. The transmission has to be replaced. The really bad news is that I do not have the funds to get it fixed and as a result of my bad financial choices and poor money-management skills, I can't get the money to fix it. I honestly have never been in this situation in my life...you know, where there seems to be no answer and no way out.
But let me tell you how good my God is - all of my needs for today have been met. This could be the lesson He's teaching me. Over the past few months, I have heard that still, small Voice whisper to me, and sometimes yell at me to "live in the moment." At the time, I couldn't really see, or didn't want to see what God was telling me, but I think I am being forced to live it right now.
I was talking to my friend tonight and she asked me how I was doing. I was about to throw a big pity-party about what I don't have when God gently reminded me that every need I had TODAY was met. So that's what I told her - every need I had today was met. I didn't miss a meal, I still have a great job, my house was still standing when I got home, I have this laptop I'm working on, my immediate family is well, and best of all - today I have a car to use to get where I need to go. Beyond that, my eternal life is secure, I am involved in three distinct areas of ministry to other people, and I believe that God is going to use every aspect of this situation to bring glory to Himself (which will make it all worthwhile) and possibly allow me to reach out to others who end up in the same predicament. What a blessing to think that the God of all creation wants to use me in His plan.
I will admit, it has been a struggle not to dwell on the negatives - what I don't have, how my past decisions have contributed to my current situation, how I don't see an answer to my problems....etc., etc. You get the idea. Satan loves to beat us when we're down and heap condemnation on our heads, but another friend of mine reminded me of God's love for me. He told me that if he, as a parent, can still desire to give things to his children, even when they've behaved horribly, how much more is my Father in heaven desiring to do the same for me. It's easy to forget God's grace and mercy when satan is reminding you of past failures. It's also easy to fall into the practice of thinking that our actions alone determine God's involvement in our lives. All day I've felt like there is no way God is going to work this out because I haven't "performed" right - I've "done things wrong", so to speak. I don't really know why I would think He is like that when I, a mere human, have been gracious to people when they didn't deserve it.
Anyway, all I know is that I have a peace that passes understanding. It makes no sense to me, but it does show me that what God's Word says is true -
Ever learning to be still...
My faithful car, that I've had for almost eight years, has given out on me. The transmission has to be replaced. The really bad news is that I do not have the funds to get it fixed and as a result of my bad financial choices and poor money-management skills, I can't get the money to fix it. I honestly have never been in this situation in my life...you know, where there seems to be no answer and no way out.
But let me tell you how good my God is - all of my needs for today have been met. This could be the lesson He's teaching me. Over the past few months, I have heard that still, small Voice whisper to me, and sometimes yell at me to "live in the moment." At the time, I couldn't really see, or didn't want to see what God was telling me, but I think I am being forced to live it right now.
I was talking to my friend tonight and she asked me how I was doing. I was about to throw a big pity-party about what I don't have when God gently reminded me that every need I had TODAY was met. So that's what I told her - every need I had today was met. I didn't miss a meal, I still have a great job, my house was still standing when I got home, I have this laptop I'm working on, my immediate family is well, and best of all - today I have a car to use to get where I need to go. Beyond that, my eternal life is secure, I am involved in three distinct areas of ministry to other people, and I believe that God is going to use every aspect of this situation to bring glory to Himself (which will make it all worthwhile) and possibly allow me to reach out to others who end up in the same predicament. What a blessing to think that the God of all creation wants to use me in His plan.
I will admit, it has been a struggle not to dwell on the negatives - what I don't have, how my past decisions have contributed to my current situation, how I don't see an answer to my problems....etc., etc. You get the idea. Satan loves to beat us when we're down and heap condemnation on our heads, but another friend of mine reminded me of God's love for me. He told me that if he, as a parent, can still desire to give things to his children, even when they've behaved horribly, how much more is my Father in heaven desiring to do the same for me. It's easy to forget God's grace and mercy when satan is reminding you of past failures. It's also easy to fall into the practice of thinking that our actions alone determine God's involvement in our lives. All day I've felt like there is no way God is going to work this out because I haven't "performed" right - I've "done things wrong", so to speak. I don't really know why I would think He is like that when I, a mere human, have been gracious to people when they didn't deserve it.
Anyway, all I know is that I have a peace that passes understanding. It makes no sense to me, but it does show me that what God's Word says is true -
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Ever learning to be still...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Losing touch...
I have been without my laptop for the past week, and won't have it again until Monday or Tuesday of next week. Can't give any real details about how and why that has occurred, but suffice it to say, when I get my laptop, I will be a very happy camper!
Speaking of camp - we are overrun with camps here at FCA. We had our leadership camp two weeks ago; we'll start another camp on Monday, at which I'm the "music director" (more on that in a sec); then we have a coaches cruise that begins two weeks from today. Of course, I'm just totally upset about having to go on that cruise - not!!! I can hardly wait!!!
Anyway, about doing the music at our Power Camp - this will be the first time I've served at an FCA event in any capacity other than my paid job description (administrative assistant, etc.) In addition to that, it has been a few years since I've directed the music for kids age 7-13. It is going to be a ton of fun...we'll do some of the old favorites: Arky, Arky...Shake a Friend's Hand...maybe even Father Abraham (to name a few.) Kids love songs with motions. :) It will be really interesting since I'll have to teach the motions AND play the piano. I'm looking forward to it, though. I'm glad my boss will be out of town - I don't know why I would feel weird about him being there, except that I know he would see me cutting up in a way he doesn't see here at the office! It will be awkward enough since I don't know any of the kids!
Well, hopefully once July gets here, I will be able to post more frequently. Lots of things are happening and I stay more focused when I write about what's going on. I feel sort of scattered these days because I'm not writing on a regular basis. It's rather strange - I don't keep up with things as well when I have to hand-write everything down. I'm a much better typist. :)
Speaking of camp - we are overrun with camps here at FCA. We had our leadership camp two weeks ago; we'll start another camp on Monday, at which I'm the "music director" (more on that in a sec); then we have a coaches cruise that begins two weeks from today. Of course, I'm just totally upset about having to go on that cruise - not!!! I can hardly wait!!!
Anyway, about doing the music at our Power Camp - this will be the first time I've served at an FCA event in any capacity other than my paid job description (administrative assistant, etc.) In addition to that, it has been a few years since I've directed the music for kids age 7-13. It is going to be a ton of fun...we'll do some of the old favorites: Arky, Arky...Shake a Friend's Hand...maybe even Father Abraham (to name a few.) Kids love songs with motions. :) It will be really interesting since I'll have to teach the motions AND play the piano. I'm looking forward to it, though. I'm glad my boss will be out of town - I don't know why I would feel weird about him being there, except that I know he would see me cutting up in a way he doesn't see here at the office! It will be awkward enough since I don't know any of the kids!
Well, hopefully once July gets here, I will be able to post more frequently. Lots of things are happening and I stay more focused when I write about what's going on. I feel sort of scattered these days because I'm not writing on a regular basis. It's rather strange - I don't keep up with things as well when I have to hand-write everything down. I'm a much better typist. :)
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
I laughed so hard, I cried!
Y'all, this is the funniest thing I've seen in quite a while. You may have seen it circulating around the internet, but if not, you HAVE to check it out!
Dancing Trombone Guy
Dancing Trombone Guy
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