Two years ago today, Grandma met Jesus. (Lucky gal!) I miss her so much, especially now living so close to where she used to live. But I am so thankful for the lessons she taught me and how her legacy can affect others still today.
Lately I have been working to keep eternity as my focus. As I work on curriculum and vision casting and all of the other things I do, I often need to be reminded that none of that really matters if eternity is not affected. I wanted to share this important reality with some of my volunteers this past week and it was Grandma that gave me the avenue to share.
Grandma taught Sunday School for years. I used to love to sit in her class, even after I had outgrown it. But I was not just impressed by her teaching, but also by her preparation. She prepared as if it was the most important job she was going to do and she prayed about it too. It WAS the most important job she did, she shared Jesus with children and affected their eternity. How do I know?
After her memorial service we had a meal, and during that meal a young man came up to my brother. This gentleman was someone who had been invited to Sunday School by Grandma and his eternity was changed because of that. Grandma's words weren't what drew that gentleman to Jesus, it was the reflection of Christ in her and through her.
As I sat with my volunteers this past week, I shared with them some of Grandma's legacy. I challenged them (and myself) with the reality that eternity is at stake. Heaven or hell hang in the balance. The method, the curriculum, the format, it may all change but eternity never does.
I can't wait to see Grandma again in Heaven. I also can't wait to see the people who are there because of the impact she had in their lives.
May it be the same for all of us. Is your eternity secure? What about those around you? If you're not sure, choose to love them enough to tell them about Jesus.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The View from my Office
Yes, it is an empty parking lot, and if you could see to the right a bit you would see a soccer field (just one more reason I love the view), but the truth is the sky is amazing today and the colors breathtaking. This picture was taken with my cell phone so it lacks greatly from the actual view I have.
As I am sitting here this morning, I am reflecting on the past few weeks. Not the schedule that has been crazy or the lists of things that must be done, but on how God has been working in me.
I recently joined a Beth Moore Bible Study and that is definitely challenging me and stretching me. I love to sit under her teaching.
I have also had the opportunity to teach a Parent/Child Dedication Class. It is amazing how inadequate one can feel as they prepare for this type of thing. And equally amazing is that the enemy will try to discredit (even in your own mind) and discourage you when you plan to lead others.
And finally I have the opportunity to sit with my fellow ministry team leaders and give a testimony (teach) regarding a piece of our church's new vision: Living in Obedience to God's Commands. And oh yea, God is really stretching me when it comes to obedience to Him. Will I continue to obey when the cost (sacrifice) is more than I thought it would be? Will I really trust Him?
As I think through the things He is teaching me I often feel overwhelmed. But then I glance out my window and I see an amazing landscape of color and beauty. I am reminded that just as we can count on the seasons changing, we can count on Him, for He is faithful! I am reminded that because He delights in His creation there is astounding beauty to be found. (And that includes me!)
So for some it is an empty parking lot or the back of a subdivision, but to me it is a reminder:
The Heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
(Psalm 19:1)
...for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.
(Lamentations 3:22b-23a)
Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Five (plus one day)
My baby is now 5 (plus one day). Emma is such a joy to us and we know that our lives were blessed beyond measure with her birth.
Below are pictures from her birthday weekend:
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| Birthday kisses from her brothers. |
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| Being silly with Great Grandpa. |
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| Blowing out the candles. |
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| Riding the Barbie scooter she purchased with her Target gift cards. |
Wearing the shirt that has been worn by all of her brothers on their 5th birthday.
Some of my favorite things about this little girl:
1. She loves to laugh.
2. She loves to cuddle and give hugs.
3. She says "I love you" just because.
4. She still asks Mommy or Daddy to pray for her each night.
5. She loves Jesus. Her knowledge of the Bible is so exciting to watch.
6. She loves to learn.
7. She loves being silly and making her brothers laugh.
8. She is a "daddy's girl".
9. She loves to shop.
10. She taught me to love the color pink.
It is a blessing to be Emma's mommy and I pray that as she grows she will continue to love the Bible and Jesus. That she will seek to be a true daughter of the King and that she will find her beauty and security in the knowledge that Jesus loves her. I look forward to the adventures that await us because of this precious princess.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Hiatus
It has been a long time since I have posted (a much needed break) and needless to say a lot has happened since my last post.
Our lives are a bit hectic right now with work, school, soccer, trying to find a new rental house, family visits, and life. None of those things are bad, in fact we are really enjoying life right now (maybe with the exception of the impending move to a new rental) but sometimes it is nice just to take a deep breath and relax for a few moments. I'll post some pictures when that happens.
A few weeks ago my sister and her boys came to visit for a week. It was great to spend time with her and to love on my nephews.
Alex has been averaging three soccer games a week, due to original scheduling and rescheduling of rained out games. And this now includes Aaron as he is the new Assistant Coach. It is fun to see how improved Alex is at this point in the season. He started the season wanting to play midfield but was placed at defense. He played well there, but wanted to prove himself at midfield and he has, that is now where he plays most of the game. He may not be the fastest kid on the field but he is learning to play smart soccer. (So fun as a coach and mom to watch the development of these kids.)
Jack and Stephen are loving school. They have great teachers and have made some good friends. They are looking forward to Fall Fest this Friday. It is a day with pumpkin painting, games, hayrides, etc... Jack is also getting ready for Native American day where he will dress like an Indian and give a report. Both the boys though are really excited about a mission project the entire elementary school does with a local organization called GAIN. I hope that they will someday understand the blessings of attending a Christian school.
Emma is loving school as well. She especially loves Tuesday and Thursday each week as she gets to stay through lunch and nap time in after school care. A Kindergarten readiness assessment was sent home this week and as we were looking at the criteria we realized that she was probably close to Kindergarten ready a year ago. One of the perks of being the youngest and learning from her brothers. Her favorite store (Target) opens in town on Sunday so she is super excited about that. And on Monday, she will be 5. WOW!!
This past week we were so thrilled to welcome new babies to our family. My god-sister had a little boy early on Saturday morning. I had the privilege of being with her on Friday during her labor before it was decided a c-section would be best. And then on Monday we were excited to hear that our newest niece/cousin had safely made her arrival into this world as well.
The rest of this week is filled with excitement as we will have more family visiting and we will celebrate Em's birthday. Plus I am sure that we will have to make a trip to Target this weekend. :)
In the midst of all the busyness of life right now God is teaching us some amazing things. I will try to find some time in the next week to post about some of those lessons as well as to post some pictures. But for now it is back to the HUGE "to-do list" that I have on my desk.
Our lives are a bit hectic right now with work, school, soccer, trying to find a new rental house, family visits, and life. None of those things are bad, in fact we are really enjoying life right now (maybe with the exception of the impending move to a new rental) but sometimes it is nice just to take a deep breath and relax for a few moments. I'll post some pictures when that happens.
A few weeks ago my sister and her boys came to visit for a week. It was great to spend time with her and to love on my nephews.
Alex has been averaging three soccer games a week, due to original scheduling and rescheduling of rained out games. And this now includes Aaron as he is the new Assistant Coach. It is fun to see how improved Alex is at this point in the season. He started the season wanting to play midfield but was placed at defense. He played well there, but wanted to prove himself at midfield and he has, that is now where he plays most of the game. He may not be the fastest kid on the field but he is learning to play smart soccer. (So fun as a coach and mom to watch the development of these kids.)
Jack and Stephen are loving school. They have great teachers and have made some good friends. They are looking forward to Fall Fest this Friday. It is a day with pumpkin painting, games, hayrides, etc... Jack is also getting ready for Native American day where he will dress like an Indian and give a report. Both the boys though are really excited about a mission project the entire elementary school does with a local organization called GAIN. I hope that they will someday understand the blessings of attending a Christian school.
Emma is loving school as well. She especially loves Tuesday and Thursday each week as she gets to stay through lunch and nap time in after school care. A Kindergarten readiness assessment was sent home this week and as we were looking at the criteria we realized that she was probably close to Kindergarten ready a year ago. One of the perks of being the youngest and learning from her brothers. Her favorite store (Target) opens in town on Sunday so she is super excited about that. And on Monday, she will be 5. WOW!!
This past week we were so thrilled to welcome new babies to our family. My god-sister had a little boy early on Saturday morning. I had the privilege of being with her on Friday during her labor before it was decided a c-section would be best. And then on Monday we were excited to hear that our newest niece/cousin had safely made her arrival into this world as well.
The rest of this week is filled with excitement as we will have more family visiting and we will celebrate Em's birthday. Plus I am sure that we will have to make a trip to Target this weekend. :)
In the midst of all the busyness of life right now God is teaching us some amazing things. I will try to find some time in the next week to post about some of those lessons as well as to post some pictures. But for now it is back to the HUGE "to-do list" that I have on my desk.
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