This mornings Mom's Group went very well. I was tired, and not really looking forward to it, as it seemed like just, "one more thing," lately. However, being there was a blessing to me, as others shared what was on their hearts, and I could see the Lord working.
I think I really needed to see that, and it was an answer to prayer. Sometimes I really don't know what God is doing in people's lives. I am very thankful that I was able to be there today and see little transformations in hearts and minds that reflect the Lord's working.
It's my prayer that a group like this will stay tethered to the Lord, and that He will lead us, and that it would be each mother's hearts desire to be led by Him. It seems like when women get together, so much of what we are is pure, unchecked emotion. I see some of these Mom's beginning to bring Christ into their well of emotions, and I see Him manifesting the fruit of the spirit, and Godly principles that just weren't there before.
I am learning as well that my place is to simple create Godly opportunities for people to act, like facilitating this Mom's Group. If people don't come, if they come and say the wrong things...well, then thats the battle of the Holy Spirit, not mine. (whew, what a relief!)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Acts of Service
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Things have been going very well so-far with the Christmas Pageant. All of the planning, coordinating and communicating isn't perfect, but thankfully, I wasn't called to be perfect, just to serve the One who is.
In all the joy of working with the kids, and serving along side other fellow laborers in Christ, I feel a pang, a burden for what I see as the, "elephant in the room." During our rehearsals, there is a group of mom's who sit in the corner of the room and talk, instead of going to the service. For some of them, I understand, they are new and have never been to our church, but are bringing their kids to be a part of the Pageant. For those who are church members, however, I watch them desiring milk, and liking it that way. We are in the midst of such a, "ragamuffin," bunch of people out here. I love them, and their sense of community, but it is that sense of community that comes between them and their relationship with the Lord. Fellowship with believers over fellowship with Christ. Gaining teaching from the lips of trusted man, instead of from the Word of God.
It's not that their making bad choices. But their just not making the best choice. I have whispered several prayers already to the Lord to share with him my burden. I know that is what He would want, rather than me taking my observation and turning it into something fleshly that would produce pride, judgment and callousness.
I remember reading something Oswald Chambers said, it was, "...the job of an evangelist is to create Godly opportunities for others to act." The rest of it is up to the Holy Spirit...not me.
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Things have been going very well so-far with the Christmas Pageant. All of the planning, coordinating and communicating isn't perfect, but thankfully, I wasn't called to be perfect, just to serve the One who is.
In all the joy of working with the kids, and serving along side other fellow laborers in Christ, I feel a pang, a burden for what I see as the, "elephant in the room." During our rehearsals, there is a group of mom's who sit in the corner of the room and talk, instead of going to the service. For some of them, I understand, they are new and have never been to our church, but are bringing their kids to be a part of the Pageant. For those who are church members, however, I watch them desiring milk, and liking it that way. We are in the midst of such a, "ragamuffin," bunch of people out here. I love them, and their sense of community, but it is that sense of community that comes between them and their relationship with the Lord. Fellowship with believers over fellowship with Christ. Gaining teaching from the lips of trusted man, instead of from the Word of God.
It's not that their making bad choices. But their just not making the best choice. I have whispered several prayers already to the Lord to share with him my burden. I know that is what He would want, rather than me taking my observation and turning it into something fleshly that would produce pride, judgment and callousness.
I remember reading something Oswald Chambers said, it was, "...the job of an evangelist is to create Godly opportunities for others to act." The rest of it is up to the Holy Spirit...not me.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hardly Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is coming, and we will be beginning what we are unaffectionately calling our, "Thanksgiving Marathon."
The order of events go like this, on day one, we take the family on a long drive to another state.
On that same day we have dinner with my dad and his wife, then, we leave to take another long drive to where we will be staying for the night.
On day two, we leave where we are staying for another dinner at my mother-in-laws, then, on that same day, we leave for another drive to where we will be sleeping for the night.
On day three, we wake up and go to my moms for our third Thanksgiving dinner in a row.
Then on day four, we take our little family on a long drive back home again!
Isn't divorce wonderful!!
Divorce creates things like, "Thanksgiving Marathons."
One of the hardest things about participating in these marathons is that everyone is so unhappy about the fact that we are only able to spend one day in their home. Mother's are unhappy that we are visiting, "you're Father," as she calls him, disapprovingly, and vice versa. Mother-in-laws are also extremely sore about you spending too much time with your Father-in-law!
Yes, what a messed up bunch we come from. My husband and I both come from multiple divorced families.
All of today's divorces are creating more conflict, distress and violence than divorcees will take to see. In all I have seen, and I've seen ENOUGH, are selfish adults acting like children. Not moving beyond the 30, 20 or 10 year ago divorce, but rather staying emotionally in the past, with wounds so fresh, it's like they happened yesterday.
Parents who gasp in horror if you lovingly refer to your other parent (their ex) with admiration or love.
Grandparents made to act so ugly when their tiny grandchild mentions his affections (or merely the name) of the, "other," Grandparent.
Trust me (and many already know) divorce begets a big, giant, horrible mess! Divorce is weakening children, parents, grandparents and our Nation.
As we are now made to deal with the, "sins of our Fathers," I am tired, weak and feeling unable to deal with the upcoming holiday.
The order of events go like this, on day one, we take the family on a long drive to another state.
On that same day we have dinner with my dad and his wife, then, we leave to take another long drive to where we will be staying for the night.
On day two, we leave where we are staying for another dinner at my mother-in-laws, then, on that same day, we leave for another drive to where we will be sleeping for the night.
On day three, we wake up and go to my moms for our third Thanksgiving dinner in a row.
Then on day four, we take our little family on a long drive back home again!
Isn't divorce wonderful!!
Divorce creates things like, "Thanksgiving Marathons."
One of the hardest things about participating in these marathons is that everyone is so unhappy about the fact that we are only able to spend one day in their home. Mother's are unhappy that we are visiting, "you're Father," as she calls him, disapprovingly, and vice versa. Mother-in-laws are also extremely sore about you spending too much time with your Father-in-law!
Yes, what a messed up bunch we come from. My husband and I both come from multiple divorced families.
All of today's divorces are creating more conflict, distress and violence than divorcees will take to see. In all I have seen, and I've seen ENOUGH, are selfish adults acting like children. Not moving beyond the 30, 20 or 10 year ago divorce, but rather staying emotionally in the past, with wounds so fresh, it's like they happened yesterday.
Parents who gasp in horror if you lovingly refer to your other parent (their ex) with admiration or love.
Grandparents made to act so ugly when their tiny grandchild mentions his affections (or merely the name) of the, "other," Grandparent.
Trust me (and many already know) divorce begets a big, giant, horrible mess! Divorce is weakening children, parents, grandparents and our Nation.
As we are now made to deal with the, "sins of our Fathers," I am tired, weak and feeling unable to deal with the upcoming holiday.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Funny
While helping my husband clean out his office two nights ago, I found something really funny.
It was a list of maybe a half dozen professions and "their" hymns. Of course I can only remember a couple (and I can't even blame that on my old age - yikes!)
Anyways, here's a couple for a good laugh...
Shoppers (a profession to some :-)) - "Sweet Bye and Bye"
Dentists - "Crown Him With Many Crowns"
Cute and very funny!
It was a list of maybe a half dozen professions and "their" hymns. Of course I can only remember a couple (and I can't even blame that on my old age - yikes!)
Anyways, here's a couple for a good laugh...
Shoppers (a profession to some :-)) - "Sweet Bye and Bye"
Dentists - "Crown Him With Many Crowns"
Cute and very funny!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Quick and Easy Dinner
Here's a great tasting recipe, that's easy (I promise!)
FIVE INGREDIENT CHICKEN POT PIE
2 pie shells (I buy the pre-made crusts in the refrigerator section)
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can mixed veggies, drained
1 (10.5 oz) can potatoes, drained (you'll have to slice these)
1 (5 0z) can chunk or shredded chicken, drained
*size of cans goes according to taste. I just use, "average," sized cans. Just make sure it all fits into the pie!
Put one pie shell on pie plate, put the other shell aside. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl, then put into pie. Top with second pie shell. Poke holes in top with fork and cook in 350" oven for about 30 min., until warmed through and golden.
I usually serve mine with a green salad and rolls. When there's company, I'll make two. It's a nice looking dish to present and everyone loves it (kids and adults!)
FIVE INGREDIENT CHICKEN POT PIE
2 pie shells (I buy the pre-made crusts in the refrigerator section)
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can mixed veggies, drained
1 (10.5 oz) can potatoes, drained (you'll have to slice these)
1 (5 0z) can chunk or shredded chicken, drained
*size of cans goes according to taste. I just use, "average," sized cans. Just make sure it all fits into the pie!
Put one pie shell on pie plate, put the other shell aside. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl, then put into pie. Top with second pie shell. Poke holes in top with fork and cook in 350" oven for about 30 min., until warmed through and golden.
I usually serve mine with a green salad and rolls. When there's company, I'll make two. It's a nice looking dish to present and everyone loves it (kids and adults!)
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