Hey folks. I'm just popping in for a short update on my Bible study. Our second meeting was just as amazing as the first. The energy in the room was, well. . .I'm simply unable to describe it. Yes, my Siestas God was there not just in the study but in the fellowship,laughter, and breaking of bread.
Oh and to answer your questions, we're doing, "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place." (the old version). I bought it off e-bay and I'm so thankful to have it. Right now we're at a baby, new start church and the budget is very, very tight--no make that nonexistent. So, basically I've funded the study out-of-pocket. God has been so good with His provision. Who'd have thought I'd find a Beth Moore study on e-bay?
What studies are you the rest of you doing now?? Has anyone done the original "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place?"
On an ending note, keep me in prayer. As you might imagine when things are going so well with the Bible study, I'm facing some big spiritual attacks on other fronts. I've got on my full armor, but I'd also appreciate your prayers.
My daughter Sammie has a HUGE heart for animals. In fact as her "big" present for Christmas (we usually get each of our children one big gift), she wanted us to donate to some type of stray rescue in her name. We did exactly that. And of course, she was tickled pink!!
It should be of no surprise then when I share the following story of life in our house during the past week.
It's been really, really cold here. I know that some of you have snow. We don't, but we do have the frigid temperatures.
As my daughter came in from work on Tuesday last week, she had a little surprise slip in with her. Seems a young cat (only a couple of months old I would guess) was sitting by our front door and just came in with Sammie.
Of course, it was too cold outside for this little cutie to be put back out, so we did the only reasonable thing we kept her in over night. I told Sammie we'd attempt to find the owner in the morning.
That was a week ago. We still have the cat. And yes, we've done everything we can to try and find the owner--called both vets in town, had the cat scanned to check for a microchip (no luck), called the police department to check on missing cats, contacted the humane society, checked with neighbors, flyer. . you name it. Unfortunately, the only option we were provided (according to the humane society) was to turn our little squatter over to animal control--NOT an OPTION for Sammie.
So for now, we have another member of our family, who is sequestered in Sammie's room, since my hubby is really allergic to cats. Our pup Payton doesn't quite know what to think of the cat, but seems resigned to the fact that this fuzzy thing is now part of our pack.
Sammie has now named the cat, Emma Grace--a sure sign that the cat may be a permanent member of our family. And my hubby has actually been okay with the limited contact with Emma Grace.
Little did we know when we made that Christmas donation in Sammie's name to Stray Rescue that we the stray rescue. Oh my!! Yes, God does have a funny sense of humor.
So welcome to Noah's ark. I just hope a skunk doesn't show up on our doorstep this week!!
Okay, I've made it through my first week back to work and well. . . . my mind did fine, my body on the other hand had a bit more trouble adapting. I've spent most of the day Saturday just resting. Man does that sound lame or what? But seriously, it was a good thing for me to do and not something I would typically do, considering the amount of work I have in front of me.
You see, most of the time I don't pay attention to my body. And if anything, I push it until it just won't go any further. The older I get the less I can push before, well, it just gives out.
I'm beginning to realize, with a little help from my Spiritual Life Coach, Laura that this is not a kind, reasonable or even loving thing to do. After all my body is a temple right? It houses the Holy Spirit within.
So, say a prayer or two for me next week--that I'll take the time and set my intention to nurture mind, body and spirit.
Oh my Siestas! I should be in bed by now, after all I have an early morning call tomorrow as I commute into St. Louis. Still, I wanted to steal just a minute of your time and share one of my joys with you.
You see this week I started leading a Beth Moore Bible Study. Now, I'm not new to leading Bible studies. I'm not even new to leading Beth Moore Bible studies. What is new is this precious group of women--most, but not all from my little, new start church.
And glory to God, you would not believe how He moved even that first night! We had 10 women show up. Now that may not seem like much for you, but for me--for this group, it was HUGE! And the age span early twenties to late sixties--can you believe it?
Yes the LORD is moving in a might way right now. And His timing could not be better. You see our church is in transition. Our pastor just left Jan. 1 for a new appointment. We are using temporary pastors until the conference appoints a permanent pastor. So you see we NEEDED this Bible study to bind us together.
Thank you LORD for your perfect timing, for your provision and most of all for your never changing love for us. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with you and can't wait to see how you're going to move in this women's Bible study!!
Well folks, the day has finally come. It's time for me to go back to work. Our classes start Wednesday. I've been feverishly at work on designing on on-line class called, Cultural Communication. It's finished and ready to go.
My other face-to-face classes include classes in Interpersonal Communication and Senior Seminar in Communication Studies (our seniors write a thesis in this one).
So say a prayer or two for me over the next week as I adjust to the working (and commuting) world again.
Have I shared with you how much I love the spoken WORD? Well if not, now is the time. Earlier I blogged about a Christmas present I wanted--The Bible Experience. Well, I must have been a good girl last year because that's exactly what I received. And I have to tell you, I've been wearing out those CD's! Oh my!! It is so good. Seriously, Siestas. It is EXTRA FANTASTIC SUPER DUPER GOOD!! (too much? I think not).
I started thinking about the spoken WORD early this evening when I was discussing memorized scripture with one of our temporary pastors, Pastor Dave. Much of my scripture is memorized from childhood in the King James version of course. I bet some of you older Siestas know what I mean. It's often a challenge for me to memorize a familiar verse, like John 3:16 in another version like NIV. Regardless of the version I still love to hear scripture.
I'm not sure when or where I first fell in love with the spoken WORD. Maybe it was that early exercise in memorizing and reciting scripture that made fall in love with it. But truly, I love to hear the spoken WORD--the cadence of the words as they flow together, the pacing of the phrases, the pauses, the words themselves!! Oh my what a treat for the body and soul! Yes, it's melt in your mouth good. An absolutely delicious word feast--served by the King of Kings.
So, if you haven't read your Bible aloud in a while, do me just one little favor this week, okay? Get your Bible. Pick your favorite scripture and read it out loud. You might even make this a family activity. I guarantee you'll be blessed!! Oh and don't forget to come back and leave me a comment.
As for me, I'm going to stop blogging now, put on my headphones and start listening to my Christmas present. Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about it!! Time to feed my soul. Catch you later, my friends. I can't wait to read about your own adventures with the spoken WORD.
The theme of "change" continues to follow me. I just received this in my e-mail from Joel Olsteen Ministries: (Okay, LORD. I GET it!!)
The New Has Come “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
As a follower of Christ, you are a new creation! You have a new spirit, a new walk, a new life! Are there “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of? Maybe you have old behaviors or addictions that you want to change. Remember, the new has come. It’s a new year and it’s time to be the new you. Let this year be the year you break old habits and addictions. Let this be the year that you move forward into a new life of victory. And your new life includes all the spiritual blessings the Lord has promised in His Word. You have a promise of peace. Health. Protection. Provision. Be encouraged today and know that no matter what is happening in your life right now, you can embrace the new life God has prepared for you. Make the choice today to leave the old behind—leave behind old behavior, old thinking, old words. Embrace the new by faith and you’ll move forward into the life of blessing the Lord has in store for you. A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new. Help me to understand Your plan for me so that I can fully embrace Your promises. I choose today to leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
My friend Anita sent me this beautiful prayer. I think it's so appropriate for 2008. Standing at the Gates of the New Year
Sacred Mystery, waiting on the threshold of this new year, you open the gates and becon to me:
"Come! Come! Be not wary of what awaits you as you enter the unknown terrain, be not doubtful of your ability to grow from its joys and sorrows.
For I am with you. I will be your Guide. I will be your Protector. You will never be alone."
Guardian of this new year, I set aside my fears, worries, concerns, I open my life to mystery, to beauty, to hospitality, to questions, to the endless opportunity of discovering you in my relationships, and to all the silent wisps of wonder that will draw me to your heart.
I welcome your unfailing Presence and walk with hope into this new year.
I don't like change. Nope. Don't like it one bit at all. I am by nature a creature of habit. Once that habit is established for the most part, I don't want it to change. Now I know the New Year is all about change--new resolutions, new beginnings, blah, blah, blah. Frankly, it's never worked for me. I find it far too overrated. And yes you got that right. There are no new year's resolutions here for the "Prof" as Teri is fond of calling me.
So you can imagine how I must feel right now when I'm engulfed in change. First, as I've mentioned before I'm heading back to work on January 16th after having been "off" for a semester. Lots to do in preparation for that day, so I guess things are changing little by little as I work on class preparations at home. Although change is pretty standard every semester--new classes, new students, new schedule--this time is especially difficult because of my sabbatical. Oh my! I've seen another world of staying home and working in my PJ's and unfortunately I LIKE it a lot!!! (tee hee)
If all this were not enough I have also been hit with another major change. Our pastor announced in December that he was leaving for another pastoral appointment beginning January 1. Yikes!! I loved our Pastor. His departure is a huge loss for me. While we await the conference to appoint another pastor, I'm again in the situation of change. Can you begin to see a recurring pattern here?
Now while I don't like change, I do know that it's inevitable. Life isn't static. It's dynamic, on-going, and constantly in the process of moving forward. And I do know that change can be good and is often necessary for growth. Paul advises us in Romans 12: 1-2 not to conform to the world but to renew our minds. As I chew on that bit of scripture, I'm reminded that change is absolutely necessary to live the Christian life. We are, in essence, being transformed (changed) daily if we truly are dying to ourselves and letting the Holy Spirit grow (change) within us.
Then just where does that leave me on the subject of change? Well to be really candid, I still don't like it. Yet I'm choosing to approach it in a new way. As you know if you've been reading my blog God has been working overtime in my life "changing" me from the inside out--transforming me, so to speak. And while that hasn't been easy, no take that back, it's been downright difficult, it has been worthwhile.
On of my favorite new gospel songs is by Shekinah Glory Ministry's "Yes." It's an Indy label and unless you're a huge gospel fan, you've most likely missed it. It's kind of long so I'm including part 2 of a tube version below. This song speaks to my soul right now in such a raw and passionate way during this my season of change. Listen when you get a chance and you'll hear the cry of my own heart right now.
So, my dear Jesus do your work in me. Let me cooperate with the process and most of all let my answer to your call always be a resounding "Yes."
How I wish this picture could be us--sitting leisurely and "catching up." My Siestas, I really do long for the time I get to meet you face to face. Until then, this blog will have to suffice.
First let me say thanks to all you for the kind messages. Yes, I'm still alive, a little worse for wear but hanging in there and glad to be back among the world of bloggers.
During my hiatus, we traveled up to Chicago to visit my parents and back home. It was a wonderful time minus our oldest, Matthew who stayed home to work and take care of our beloved mutt, Payton.
My dad had his second round of surgery on his bottom eye lid. The surgery went well, although the pain was worse this time. The sample has been sent off and we're awaiting results. He has another appointment this coming week for a consult for the spot on his nose. So, please keep praying.
In addition to all this, I'm in the process of getting ready to back to work full-time. My sabbatical has run it's course and I have to return to the working world. Although I love my job, I'm not looking forward to the daily commute in and out of St. Louis. I've become very accustomed to staying home and working from my living room with Payton asleep by my side.
Oh well, that's it for now. I've missed y'all and can't wait to catch up.
WELCOME to my blog. I don't know how you stumbled upon it, but I'm sure glad you're here. I hope you find something that blesses you. I'd be tickled pink if you'd leave me a comment.
