Taking Action

I just finished my study on Numbers last night. Yes, definitely an achievement worth blogging about. It wasn't the easiest book of the Bible for me to read. Though I did learn throughout. But I sit here this morning and wonder, was I really open to studying this book?

I feel like I was looking for something particular, some specific lesson to learn, some "ah ha" moment, that it is quite and most likely possible that I missed out on what God was truly trying to teach me. I had my blinders on only listening to what I wanted to hear and honestly just getting lost in all the lineage and lists of clans and tribes.

How often I use that excuse...waiting for something to speak to me. How lazy that is. I'm waiting to be acted upon rather than doing the action. I believe I read this book with that mentality. And that saddens me. I realize that this happens quite frequently in regards to faith. We complain about a service, we only want to hear the "good" stuff, the "good" stories, that keep our interest. We only want what we want the way we want it and when we want it...to put it bluntly.

We wait to be acted upon instead of doing the actions...

and we miss out....

We miss out on the truth. We miss out on His word. We miss out on the true intimacy God wants us to have with Him, because we aren't really open.

I think its time to turn it around and finally focus on the One it is all about...God. It is time to take action...to read, to listen, to follow with an open mind and heart.

Maybe I should try reading Numbers again.

Life As I Know It...At the Moment That Is!

I've reached another time where my eyes are open to the moments in life that are present and ever changing. My boss and I were talking one day about how there are moments he wishes would just stand still or atleast slow down. I have to agree that there have been some pretty wonderful times in my life that I probably wished could have lasted just a little longer. But where God has brought me now, is far better than those past moments. They were blessings, and I know there is more to come. But I actually like the idea of change...of growing and being molded by Christ. To see what he can do with and in my life never ceases to amaze me. So I welcome the change though these times can be a bit scarey...but what opportunities await!

I spent the weekend embracing this change...

I was grateful to be able to attend Kalyn's open house. She is such a caring young lady, who is honest and genuine. She just reaches out to many, and I am very excited about how God will continue to use her and the relationship she is building with Him. She is graduating and taking the next step forward. But in all honesty, she has been taking these steps way before graduation, always growing, learning, and sharing and I know she will be blessed with many new experiences and opportunities in the change she is facing in life.

I was so very thankful for the assistance my mom provided this weekend as she spent Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday pretty much organizing and running a garage sale for me. I know I can always count on my parents for support. But as I talked to mom this weekend, I knew that the relationship we have continues to change. It is still the very supportive mother/daughter relationship we have, but has grown into friendship. She is my friend. She is someone I can be honest with, share things with, and I just know that she is there for me and vice versa. I am just so thankful for my parents and the relationship and friendship that exists as it continues to change.

I had such a great time getting together with Jess, Alicia, and Jessica to scrap for several hours on Sunday. I love how encouraging we are to each other, complimenting on pictures, cards, and just the way the pages turn out. My friendship with these women always lifts me up. Everytime we get together, our relationship changes and grows stronger. We are at the stage where we can be ourselves and just appreciate what each one brings to the relationship. I won't even mention the great food at the cookout that followed. Just a great time with friends and meeting new ones!

I went out on the lake with family and friends several times this weekend. The water was a bit cold, but the time spent playing with Grace in the water was priceless to me. She just continues to change as she learns more each day. I sat around a bonfire, talking and laughing with everyone, knowing that this is not where I will be next year.

Things will change. Relationships will change, and though friendships will definitely continue, things will be different when I return. So I appreciate this time with them. And I am excited about what the future holds, though I am uncertain of what that really is.

Embracing change...

When The Boss Is Away...

Yeah, we would have had fun with the balloons even if he was here!

May your weekend be filled with such fun moments!

On The Bright Side...

There are some amazing things going on in my life and in the lives of friends and family, and I just wanted to Praise God for all of it and give a little blogger congrats and recap on things going on....

Jess: Fabulous new work schedule, giving her an extra day with the kiddos every week!

Dina: Summer vacation is around the corner, which includes a mission trip and her birthday!

Ang: Healthy growing family and preparing to use her talents as a teacher as she returns to the classroom in the fall!

Alicia: Moving to a wonderful new home, and I know I am looking forward to their house warming party :)!

Sarah: Loving her marriage!

Jessica: Catching up with friends, joining blogger, and of course spending time with some great friends this weekend!

Jackie: Beautiful new home that is coming along, and children that always make her laugh!

Joy: Proud mother and wife, and something interesting is always happening to her!

Melanie: Beautiful daughter, and warm weather to work in the garden...which she is wonderful at!

Sarah P: Alway spending time with friends and family!

Me: Just enjoying the beautiful weather, mom is here, and moving forward step by step!

God is Good! How have you been blessed today?

Tested

So yesterday, I could have just crawled in bed and stayed there for the day. In fact, that is probably what I should have done. But life would continue and I would still face the same challenges today. No worries friends, I will persevere with the strength and love of Christ, but I am pretty positive I couldn't have handled any more challenges yesterday.

I know we all have days like those once in a while. It is so easy to give in and just say "no, I can't take it anymore". It is so easy to limit our "own" strength and what we can handle alone. But we aren't alone. So I turn to God who is here with me, asking me to trust Him.

I don't have any scripture to share at the moment, just the peace that God is with me through it all. I feel like I am being tested, but I will not waiver in my walk with Christ.

P.S. My mom is coming tomorrow for the weekend, and she will be such a great help. I know she will help hold me up.

Outside!

The perfect word to capture how my weekend was spent..."outside".

I was able to travel the world in about 2 hours thanks to the Taste of Noble County festival on Saturday. After working for about 4 hours at the festival, I came back with my sister and neice so that we all could enjoy the festival together. We enjoyed some delicious cultural food. We watched some different ethnic dancers perform. And we traveled around the world through the passport program available to teach kids about different countries. Despite the bit of a breeze that was blowing, we all had a great time outside, enjoying the beautiful weather, and each others company.

Then Sunday, friends from all around the area joined me to help me do some landscaping. Okay, so they pretty much taught me how to work in a garden, as I really didn't know where to begin. Thanks to Melanie, we got a new flower bed planted. Thanks to Jamie, we cleared out layers of weeds and trimmed up some shrubs. Thanks to Alicia we layed quite a few bags of mulch. Thanks to Jess we planted flowers and hostas. I can't thank these ladies enough for taking the time to help me Sunday. Their assistance, support, and friendship is such a blessing to me!

It is amazing how refreshing this weekend truly was. God is good as He created an enjoyable and productive weekend. He continues to provide that extra help when things start to get overwhelming. I am now re-energized to continue pushing forward!

GREATER

Numbers 22:18
But Balaam answered them, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

Greater....May God be greater in my life.

What things in my life do I put before God? What desires of mine come before Him?

Greater....May God be greater in my life.

What distracts me from developing a deeper intimate relationship with God, my Savior?

Greater....May God be greater in my life.

What holds me back from complete faith in God at all times?

Greater....May God be greater in my life.

To able to say, NOTHING comes before God for He is Greater in my life and all is His...all of me...

That's where I want to be!

In His Care...

You might think this is another person writing about mother's day, considering it is the day after mother's day. And it does kind of tie in. I unfortunately was not able to spend the day with my mother, but I had a great conversation with her and just thought of her all day!

I did however read several blogs this morning of mothers who enjoyed their mother's day celebrations and children who enjoyed spending time and caring for their mothers as mothers have long cared for them.

I actually spent yesterday working on my basement. And everyone knows how much fun cleaning basements can be. But it has to be done. So I continue to work on it. I was exhausted after working for hours and just was tired of cleaning and painting and cleaning and organizing and all that great stuff houses need. I was done. I couldn't go anymore! So I called it quits for the night. I grabbed my planner to see how much time I actually have this week that can be put towards working on the house some more and once again wondered...how will all this get done?

I wonder if that is what mothers think when their days begin. They do so much and though it never seems like there is enough time, God provides. I laid there thinking about my mom and all she does. I thought about all I still need to do, and I remembered that God has brought me this far. I closed my eyes and received rest. I found rest in Him.

How many times do we doubt? What are you worried about? Do you trust God?

I pray that you find the rest and peace in Him. For you are in His care!

The Gift That Isn't Always Easy

Part of selling a house means cleaning it up. So last night I was working in the garden...trying to cut down the insanely over grown mulberry bushes. I believe that is what they are. If not, then they probably are named something like the most annoying plant that grows as big as trees and takes over wherever it wants to. That seems to fit the description well :)! The weather was a little iffy and I found myself working through a few rain showers, but they were light so I kept on pushing through. Slowly, but surely, the garden was cleared out...as best as I could get it. It wasn't easy work by any means...but it needed to be done. It led to some great conversation with neighbors and just a wonderful quiet time to think and listen.

Afterwards, I collapsed on my couch completely exhausted but with a sense of accomplishment. I realized that by taking it one step at a time, I cleared out the brush. And underneath the weeds were three tulips, almost smothered by the overgrown bushes, but they now have the space to grow. Later that night I was studying Numbers, and came across the following scripture.

Numbers 18:5-7
"You are to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelites again. I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to do the work at the Tent of Meeting. But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death."

A gift. It is a gift to be called by God. It is a gift to serve Him. It isn't always easy though. How many times have we hesitated? How many times have we been too fearful? How many times have we said, "I just can't do it." I read of how my sis (check out her blog - link to the right) is spending time with each of her children individually. God has blessed her with the gift of being a mother. He has called her to raise her kids in His love. And sometimes it isn't easy to find special time. Sometimes it would be easier just to say, "I will do it later." But she doesn't. After a busy day of work, and late nights cleaning the house or working outside, she still makes time to love her children...to show them how special they are to her and to teach them the Word of God.

Just like the garden which needed to be weeded to help sell the house in order to enter the mission field, or just like making time to show God's love by spending special time with the children in our lives, we are each called to serve. Are you afraid of a little hard work? Are you ready to accept your gift of service? What is God calling you to do?

It isn't alway easy, but what a gift it is!

Moments

In the moments that surround me, I see God.

This weekend was busy for me. I spent Saturday cooking, and Sunday cleaning/painting, etc. It is easy to get so focused on things that you miss those little moments. It is those moments that are worth writing about, and so I share these moments with you to allow you to see how God blesses me in each and every moment.

*Purple flowers growing in the yard. Yeah, they are weeds, but they sure are nice to look at!

*Tyler's hardy giggle as Grace is playing with him on the floor

*Sharing a meal with friends

*Alicia can't stop laughing over Jess' response to a pictionary drawing

*Watching Greyson sleep

*Strawberries! Strawberries! Strawberries!

*Listening to boys bond over sports discussions

*Watching Grace swing while singing a made up song that really only makes sense to her

*Jess turns around at church and smiles at me, sharing with me her excitement

*Love is all around

*And the list continues...

Stop. Listen. And take a look around. What moments surround you?

God is there...all praise be given to Him!
(Psalms 103)

Send Me...

Many of you know of my desire to enter the mission field. I continue to pray about it and just feel God's guidance to share His love and hope with those in other countries. There are moments when I feel the heavy burden of selling everything and leaving those special people in my life. But I know that God is greater than all of that. So I pray that God sends me. And so it begins...

I am on my way...

In June I will be traveling around Malawi and Zambia presenting a Business 101 seminar to individuals who are wanting to start their own businesses. I will spend two weeks teaching and learning...working with sewing projects to preschools to farmers. And will be learning more about a cattle project that is reaching many in Zambia. I will be open to any way God would like to use me.

I am on my way...

I was just accepted into the Adventures in Missions program known as the World Race starting January 2009. With a group of others, I will be traveling the world for 11 months participating in different ministries in different countries. I will be exposed to many different environments and opportunities to get a better feel of what part of the world God is calling me...to the ways He can use me. We are stepping out of our comfortable lives and setting out on a journey to serve and grow in Christ. It is about having true faith in God and where He leads and His power. It is finding our identity in Christ! My life is His to use!

More will be shared as God continues to work in my life and heart. I give thanks and praise for these opportunities and I continue to pray, with a servant's heart...

send me!

United Again

I had the pleasure of spending time with some amazing people last night as FYI (Fresh Youth Initiatives) from New York City once again visited Indiana and were hosted by PULSE of Noble County. We had a great time and are always glad to catch up with one another and show FYI why Indiana is so special to us! Check out the link to the right to learn more about FYI and the impact they are making in NYC!

Like A Grasshopper

I am small.

We all face those moments or challenges that seem insurmountable. We feel so small and easily overwhelmed by what we may be facing. We feel weak as we try to face it on our own. And sometimes we believe we are strong enough and wise enough...we have it all...to do things on our own. So we fight that feeling of being small. But how blessed we are to feel small.

I am small.

And because I am small, I need the strength of God. I am open to His power in my life, His use of me. I can't do it alone. I need God. And this weekend was just another wonderful reminder of that. I had a wonderful evening with Dina who, because of our busy schedules, I barely see though we live in the same house. So we scheduled a roomie night...complete with chinese food and makeovers with Robin...followed by watching Atonement. It was a wonderful restful night and a much needed break from working on my seminar for my trip in June, missions research, and just balancing out the rest of my life. She is such a great friend!

And this morning, I received a hand-written letter from her. Her encouraging words reminded me that I am small and God has blessed me with her friendship that encourages me during this time in my life. He provided strength. He provided love.


I read Numbers 13:31-33 last night. It states, But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

They felt small.

And instead of turning to and trusting in God, they trembled and moaned in fear. They saw their size as a weakness. They focused on that instead of seeing the greatness and power of God through them, among them, and with them.

God is with us always, ready to work through us and within us. He is my provider.

I am small, but I am significant to Christ!!!

Numbers

It is my 200th post!
Do I have anything profound to share on this momentous occassion?
Not really.

So I thought since this is my 200th post, I would share some interesting numbers with you that I have experienced over the past few days at the spring conference I attended!

2 days in Indianapolis

1,000 pinwheels used for child abuse awareness

180 community foundation staff/board members learning and sharing ideas

30,000+ firemen all over Indianapolis (I enjoyed this fact very much)

3+ new ideas to implement at work

100 grand I received for sharing information with Indiana Youth Institute (yeah, it was the candy bar ;)

3 hour drive, 2 restaurants, 1 night on the town = getting to know the people you work with that much better!

It was another great conference in Indianapolis. It is always fun to visit Indy every once in a while, but it is the excitement we returned with to implement new ideas and to better the community in which we live and work that made this conference a very worthwhile experience!

Operation Mealtime

No, it isn't just about food...but so much more!

My boss and I have developed a project known as Operation Mealtime. He has been collecting articles describing the connection between eating together as a family and how that lessens the likelihood of criminal behavior or bad decision making in children. We decided to bring around eight families together who have young children, and who normally don't eat together. They will come to the foundation, where they will receive a catered meal and demonstration. The caterer will explain how young children can help prepare healthy meals, while a "before 5" director will explain how children can learn during this process as well. The families are then asked to spend 10 meals together as a family during the next two weeks. They will spend an hour together at the table, whether it be eating, playing games, or just talking. At the end of the two weeks, they will once again come to the foundation bringing their favorite dish they made together. We will eat together and just hear about what they have learned. They will then be reimbursed for the 10 meals (maximum of $10/person).

I have a passion for this project not only because it deals with food, but really is about relationships and relating with each other on a deeper level. How important that time with others is, especially family. I can't help but think of the "casualness" associated with some of the people in my life. Relationships are an investment...an investment of time and love.

When was the last time you asked someone how they are doing...and then really stopped to listen? When was the last time you gathered around the table?...gathered together?

Together with Christ

Yesterday was a busy day for me at work. I have been trying to catch up on some projects that have been put off due to an influx of proposals this grant cycle. And I had a few meetings with some potential grantees to learn more about their programs. I decided I needed a break and took some time to visit a local free medical clinic to learn more about this organization and what it's needs might be.

It was a pretty dreary day outside, and the wind was tossing my jeep around quite a bit. I was trying to relax a little and change my attitude around as I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed. I pulled up to the clinic and stepped inside and was instantly greeted with a warm smile and a invitiation to come on back to speak with someone.

How warm and comforting that was. How welcomed I felt. As I explained who I was and why I was there, I noticed that each person who came through the door was welcomed in such a friendly manner. Patients who had come in to see a doctor filled the waiting room and were treated with kindness and compassion.

I continued to learn more about the clinic and how it has been blessed by the number of volunteers that give of their time, that donate supplies. I learned of a doctor who is retired, but spends most of his time volunteering at free clinics around northern Indiana. I met a pastor who showed me their one examination room, their small space for an old computer to keep records, etc...but did it with such gratitude and praise to God that they had what they had and that they could help others.

I didn't see a clinic, but the family of Christ working together to serve others. I saw hope in the eyes of the patients.

I have been studying Numbers lately. As I read Numbers 11, I began to see the idea of community. Numbers 11:10-17 states, Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the LORD, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin." The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.


We are not alone. But more importantly, God is the provider of our needs. He didn't call us and then leave us. He calls us, prepares us, and provides for us. Each one of us, in some way are called to serve. And together, filled with the Holy Spirit and love, we can fulfill God's will.

They Know All...Right?

Okay, so maybe I am not one to talk about the topic of parenting. I definitely don't have any children of my own. Although I have taken care of two cats before, but it probably doesn't really compare to being a parent.

The title of "parent" to me seems to give some kind of connotation that they should know all. Maybe because of 18 years of life we count on them for pretty much everything...basic necessities, guidance, love. For most of us, they are the ones we turned to or still turn to.

I hear those around me wonder if they will be good parents, what to do in certain parenting situations, or just how they are going to handle all that they may face raising a family. It is a big responsibility and many don't feel qualified. Maybe that is why my expectations for my own parents has been pretty high. And then when something I don't expect happens or a disagreement takes place, I am shocked. But why?

Aren't parents just as human as I? Don't they face challenges in their own life? Don't they sometimes struggle to know what to do in certain situations? Don't they seek love as well as give it? I believe parents do the best they can, and with the guidance of God, are able to raise children with good values, to love them abundantly, and to teach them all that they know.

Does the task of parenting ever stop? Probably not. It does change though. The love and support continues to be shared, but needs change...past the give and take scenarios, but to the building of a true relationship...one of respect, appreciation, and above all else...love.

So to my parents I want to say that I love you...not because you are the "all-knowing parents", but because you are simply, you.

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Picture of Spring

Okay, just a random post for all of you who were disappointed in my welcome spring post depicting the snow from winter :).

Welcome Spring

May you enjoy all the beautiful colors, warm weather, rain showers, and great memories that spring brings!

More Than A Day...

Even more than a weekend...

After tomorrow, Easter baskets will be put a way for the year. Easter dresses and suits will be saved for another special occassion. Some will have checked the one or two times they attend church for the year off of their calendars. And Easter will officially be over...

But is it?

It is more than a day, a weekend...It is life...everyday and every moment!

Most people will sing He Arose!, but did He arise in our hearts?

Do we only remember His love for us just on Easter? Shouldn't we be filled by hope, love, thankfulness and praise that we gladly choose to share that with others everyday, and express it daily to God through each moment of our lives?

Is it just a history lesson, or is it a way of life?

The story continues, for Christ lives in us and with us and all praise and glory be given to him!

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Welcome Spring

I am excited to be enjoying this first day of spring with such great weather and dinner with family and friends tonight. But I can't help but wonder...

is this what I will be enjoying tomorrow?
Gotta love spring in Indiana!