"I will hear and know of no other God, but I will look and listen solely to this Christ. And if I hear Him, I already know on what terms I am with God; and I need no longer torment myself, as I did before, with any anxiety about atonement and reconciliation with God. For in this picture all wrath and terror vanish, and only grace and comfort shine forth." Martin Luther
I don't know under what circumstances Luther wrote these words, but they really have quite an impact. The first sentence makes me think about all the people who talk about believing in their "version" of God. There is no other God than the One in the Bible; Creator, Almighty, Just, Jealous, Triune, Savior, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. When people say they believe in a Jesus who is "accepting" or "nonjudgmental," these people are fooling themselves. There is only one God. By knowing this God as He is, the way He has revealed Himself, then as Luther says here, I know on what terms I am with God. Purely by His grace, by His Son's willing sacrifice, I am reconciled to God. He has adopted me as His child through absolutely no act of my own. Without the fear, the horrible knowledge that we are helpless to fulfill the burden of the law, we are set free. God has taken care of that burden, and now we are able to truly enjoy the peace of knowing God's grace.
With that knowledge, I am humbled; my Jesus has again brought me to my knees. It is so very easy to get bogged down in daily life with everyday issues. The job is too hard; it's not fulfilling; unemployment is rising, prices are going up, but salary isn't, life isn't turning out quite right; unfulfilled dreams, missed opportunities, relationships aren't what they should be, things keep changing but never quite turning out right...
Regardless of what my personal daily "issues" are, my temptation has always been to over-analyze. To think about things until I beat them to death, and then think about them some more. I find it shamefully easy to get into my own head so much that I forget about the things that truly matter. Or rather the One who truly matters. CS Lewis wrote a fictional story, a set of letters from a senior tempter to a junior tempter, called The Screwtape Letters. In those letters, he pointed out the many ways that the Devil gets in our heads, by making life here on earth seem more important than Life with our Savior. By accentuating the little things in life, he confuses our sinfully simple minds and ever so subtly tries to lead us away from the God who planned our lives from eternity past, who chose each one of us individually before the world even began, before time existed. This evil tempter tries to trick us into thinking that our created minds are better than the One who created them, and that by using earthly logic we can figure things out apart from the Almighty One. Perhaps this is not a struggle with which everybody is familiar, but I find myself in this pit far too often. It is then things like this, a simple quote from a long dead monk-turned-reformer that brings me to my knees. My sinful mind cannot fathom the mysteries the Lord has created, I cannot ever possibly grasp the lengths my Savior-God went to to ensure that I would be His forever. I can't truly understand it, and can only pray that my feeble attempts to thank Him with the very life and talents He gave me can be seen as the offering He deserves.
I pray that nothing comes between me and the knowledge of my Savior-God and what He's done for me and the peace that comes from this indescribable gift. Our God truly is an Awesome God.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Longing for fellowship?
I have been amazingly blessed with the opportunity to lead a ladies' Bible study at my church for the past 13 months, and cannot even describe what a wonderful experience it has been. This past Saturday, I was thrilled to have two attendees who have not been to a study yet. We had a total of seven, besides myself, which is actually a pretty decent turnout. It's so incredible to hear all the different perspectives from these beautiful women about the topic we're studying. One thing that did strike me was a comment from one of the newcomers. We had been discussing a selection of verses from Hebrews 10:19-25, which, to me, is just one of the very many, very poignant and eloquently stated verses in all of God's Word.
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:19-25
The Bible study attendee noted how clearly stated these words are. The author of the letter to the Hebrews had such a way of stating things with such imagery that it's difficult to miss his point. As I thought more about it, I started to think about the same thing in the context of other Biblical selections. One of my nightly devotionals includes the Meditations, which has Biblical selections at the bottom of each page. If you read the selection every day, you get through the Bible in a year. The book it started yesterday was Paul's second letter to Timothy, the first three chapters. As I applied this same understanding to Paul's letter, I was struck by how emotional and heartfelt-ly Paul wrote this letter.
"I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:3-5
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:19-25
The Bible study attendee noted how clearly stated these words are. The author of the letter to the Hebrews had such a way of stating things with such imagery that it's difficult to miss his point. As I thought more about it, I started to think about the same thing in the context of other Biblical selections. One of my nightly devotionals includes the Meditations, which has Biblical selections at the bottom of each page. If you read the selection every day, you get through the Bible in a year. The book it started yesterday was Paul's second letter to Timothy, the first three chapters. As I applied this same understanding to Paul's letter, I was struck by how emotional and heartfelt-ly Paul wrote this letter.
Just sitting and picturing Paul writing this from his prison cell, awaiting his execution really helps bring to the surface the emotion with which he wrote each word. He calls this young pastor his "dear son," and recalls the painful and rich emotion they felt the last time they'd been together. "Recalling your tears," paints the vivid picture of two believers who truly loved one another from the depths of their souls really longed for the fellowship which they had once enjoyed together.
Applying this to believers now, I find it difficult to see the same genuine loving connection, the heart-felt sense of longing, thirsting, that Paul and Timothy felt. We take for granted every single day how easy it is to get in touch with one another, how easy it is to talk with one another about the wonderful gifts God has given us, how wonderful it is to enjoy fellowship and communion every week. I long to be able to see my friends again, the ones who live far away, but because of modern technology, I can't truly appreciate the deep sense of loneliness, the heart-breaking knowledge that I may never see them again. What a blessing it is that we are able to enjoy fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, every day! I pray that the Lord renews in me, in my fellow believers, the longing, the urgency, and the joy in being able to join together in fellowship and worship! By remembering this urgency, by enjoying the fellowship, I trust that He will enable us to better share that joy with others, as is our call!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Trust
I came across a Bible verse yesterday that has really gotten me thinking. I've always had a thing about trust, like if someone betrays it once, it's 10x harder to earn it back, and it wasn't easy to earn in the first place. Well this verse got me thinking about it in a different light. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2) I always think of "trust" as something that others have to earn from me, but here God shows that He has entrusted us weak, sinful human beings with some very important work. My struggle has always been with feeling like I need someone to prove themselves trustworthy before I can give my trust to them, but this is actually kind of the opposite. God knows that we, as sinful human beings, will inevitably fail, yet He still entrusts these important things to us. I believe in this verse, the apostle Paul was specifically speaking about called workers (please correct me if I'm wrong), but it seems like something that can apply in many other areas. God entrusts husbands to wives and wives to husbands, He entrusts children to parents, jobs to employees, money to sinful, spoiled, selfish, wasteful people, and so much more. He gives us all the guidelines we need to be faithful with these responsibilities, yet He knows that we cannot be perfect.
What an awesome thing to think about, that God has entrusted me with the opportunity to let my light shine in many areas, in work, in church, in family, etc. At the same time, it makes me fearful. Especially as I see some of the examples set before me. Some of them are downright intimidating. I honestly think I've seen the closest thing to a perfect marriage, and I know I've seen several examples of marriage that make me wonder why in the world anybody would ever want to do that. I think that this just reinforces how vitally important it is to constantly stay in God's Word, to remind myself daily that God has entrusted certain roles to me, and that because He's given me those guidelines, that He expects me to do my best with His help to live up to them.
By the same token, it seems to me that God has also given us certain priorities, and when the burden becomes too great, when there are too many things that begin to push those priorities in the wrong direction, we need to spend time with Him and reevaluate them. I firmly believe that our Godly priorities start with our relationship with God, followed by our relationship with spouses (if applicable) and children, and then spread from there. I understand how easy it is to let other things cloud those relationships, but I also see the benefit of having outside sources to remind people when that is starting to happen. Number one on that list of outside sources, God's Word. After that, Godly friends and family. God never promised that His system of priorities or the things He entrusts to us would be easy; quite the opposite, really. Marriage isn't easy. Friendship isn't always easy. Work isn't easy. Even recreation isn't always easy. Nevertheless, God has entrusted these things to us, to me, and expects me to be faithful with them. He promises to be with me, and He promises to help. I know He won't go back on those promises, either, because He is perfectly trustworthy.
I firmly believe that the truly great things in life are really hard work. They won't be great if hard work isn't involved. So if you're not going to work hard for something, really put genuine effort, blood, sweat, tears, into something, honestly is it worth having? What's the point of having a relationship with someone if neither party is willing to put in the effort to make it work? What's the point of having a job if you're not going to do it well? What's the point of having a child if you're not going to put in the effort to raise them? God gives us all these things for a reason. If I'm not going to make the effort, I know that I don't really deserve it. It really does seem like a big responsibility, and it really is a big responsibility. It helps me with my original view of trust. Since God is willing to give me all this responsibility in various areas of my life, knowing full well exactly where, when, how and how miserably I'll fail, how much more so should I be willing to give others much more opportunity and trust them?
What an awesome thing to think about, that God has entrusted me with the opportunity to let my light shine in many areas, in work, in church, in family, etc. At the same time, it makes me fearful. Especially as I see some of the examples set before me. Some of them are downright intimidating. I honestly think I've seen the closest thing to a perfect marriage, and I know I've seen several examples of marriage that make me wonder why in the world anybody would ever want to do that. I think that this just reinforces how vitally important it is to constantly stay in God's Word, to remind myself daily that God has entrusted certain roles to me, and that because He's given me those guidelines, that He expects me to do my best with His help to live up to them.
By the same token, it seems to me that God has also given us certain priorities, and when the burden becomes too great, when there are too many things that begin to push those priorities in the wrong direction, we need to spend time with Him and reevaluate them. I firmly believe that our Godly priorities start with our relationship with God, followed by our relationship with spouses (if applicable) and children, and then spread from there. I understand how easy it is to let other things cloud those relationships, but I also see the benefit of having outside sources to remind people when that is starting to happen. Number one on that list of outside sources, God's Word. After that, Godly friends and family. God never promised that His system of priorities or the things He entrusts to us would be easy; quite the opposite, really. Marriage isn't easy. Friendship isn't always easy. Work isn't easy. Even recreation isn't always easy. Nevertheless, God has entrusted these things to us, to me, and expects me to be faithful with them. He promises to be with me, and He promises to help. I know He won't go back on those promises, either, because He is perfectly trustworthy.
I firmly believe that the truly great things in life are really hard work. They won't be great if hard work isn't involved. So if you're not going to work hard for something, really put genuine effort, blood, sweat, tears, into something, honestly is it worth having? What's the point of having a relationship with someone if neither party is willing to put in the effort to make it work? What's the point of having a job if you're not going to do it well? What's the point of having a child if you're not going to put in the effort to raise them? God gives us all these things for a reason. If I'm not going to make the effort, I know that I don't really deserve it. It really does seem like a big responsibility, and it really is a big responsibility. It helps me with my original view of trust. Since God is willing to give me all this responsibility in various areas of my life, knowing full well exactly where, when, how and how miserably I'll fail, how much more so should I be willing to give others much more opportunity and trust them?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Random rant
It has long been a mild annoyance of mine to meet people who try to sound smarter than they actually are. The psychologist in me wants to assume that it's because of insecurity of some sort. I don't care. I don't care why people do it, I honestly think people would be happier if they just didn't worry as much about what other people think about them. I am guilty of that myself, the self-conscious, worried attitude, wondering if so-and-so approves of me. However, I sincerely try my best to just be ME, and be happy with who I am. If they don't like it, it's really their loss.
Today, I saw yet another example of this at work. There has been one "coworker" who has never liked me and has constantly tried to make me look less than useful, and has in fact tried to get me fired. This person constantly uses big words, but reveals too much in their vocabulary choice, because those big words are the same three over and over. I admit, I'm a snob when it comes to language, and I admit, I think I have a pretty good vocabulary. (Feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong, I'm sure I deserve a humbling experience.) Nevertheless, it always strikes me when this particular individual tries out a new word and frequently misuses it. Today, it was "self-depreciating" humor. Now, yes, in a sense that may sound right, and depreciating isn't too far off, but it reveals the inadequacies of this individual to discern the minor nuances in the English language that actually make a difference in what this person thinks they're saying and what they're actually saying. (For those of you who may be wondering, the more accurate colloquialism is "self-deprecating" humor. The difference is that depreciating is something that decreases in value, generally meant to imply that someone undervalues him or herself. It could in rare circumstances be used to mean "to belittle" but deprecate is the word that originated in that phrase and is meant to apply to someone who is using humor to belittle himself to appear more modest or humble. It's a subtle difference, but it is a common misconception.) So yes, this is a very minor thing, and people may disagree with me, but it's a recurring theme with this individual and has long since bothered me.
Today, I saw yet another example of this at work. There has been one "coworker" who has never liked me and has constantly tried to make me look less than useful, and has in fact tried to get me fired. This person constantly uses big words, but reveals too much in their vocabulary choice, because those big words are the same three over and over. I admit, I'm a snob when it comes to language, and I admit, I think I have a pretty good vocabulary. (Feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong, I'm sure I deserve a humbling experience.) Nevertheless, it always strikes me when this particular individual tries out a new word and frequently misuses it. Today, it was "self-depreciating" humor. Now, yes, in a sense that may sound right, and depreciating isn't too far off, but it reveals the inadequacies of this individual to discern the minor nuances in the English language that actually make a difference in what this person thinks they're saying and what they're actually saying. (For those of you who may be wondering, the more accurate colloquialism is "self-deprecating" humor. The difference is that depreciating is something that decreases in value, generally meant to imply that someone undervalues him or herself. It could in rare circumstances be used to mean "to belittle" but deprecate is the word that originated in that phrase and is meant to apply to someone who is using humor to belittle himself to appear more modest or humble. It's a subtle difference, but it is a common misconception.) So yes, this is a very minor thing, and people may disagree with me, but it's a recurring theme with this individual and has long since bothered me.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Pleasantries
I've heard people tell stories about the funny things children say, and since I've been working the past two years with preschoolers, I've come to agree. This past Friday was a very long day, I have two little ones who are related who just can't get along with each other, and we had bigger issues with them on Friday. The highlight, however was in the little ray of sunshine I'll call "Charlie." Charlie is three years old with the brightest, lightest blond hair I've ever seen on a non-albino and with the bluest blue eyes to match. His personality really shines, too, he's a very enthusiastic little one, who just loves to love life. He is one of those children that makes this job a true joy, and makes me think being a mom could actually be really fun.
Well Friday, the kiddos were sitting down to eat lunch, and I was trying to keep an eye on all seven of them at a time, make sure they eat the healthy part of their lunches first, make sure they stay in their seats and don't steal each other's lunches, make sure the siblings are faaaaaar away from each other, etc. So when Charlie tugged my sleeve with a quiet little, "Ms. Jackie?" I was only half paying attention to what would follow. "Ms. Jackie?" The little voice said again with another gentle tug. I knelt down so I could hear what the little one had to say. "Yes, Charlie?" With my eye on the others. "Ms. Jackie," with a very contemplative look on his face, so I could tell he was really thinking about what he wanted to say, "Are you thinkin' about me?" Charlie spoke with such earnest-ness and wide eyes that it was all I could do not to burst into giggles! I didn't want to hurt his feelings by laughing. I don't even remember how I replied, because soon after that, the younger of the siblings threw a fit, but that precious little voice stuck with me.
So much so that when his mother came to pick him up at the end of the day, I decided to tell her about it. She smiled and warned me that he comes up with some very interesting things to say, the most amusing of which is her personal favorite. Charlie will give a person a look up and down, get that same contemplative expression on his face and with utmost seriousness will ask, "Did you just call me fat?" When Charlie's mom warned me about this, I couldn't help but burst out into fits of laughter! This one is going to make history, folks, this little three year old smarty will knock your socks off, so world, beware. Charlie's coming.
Well Friday, the kiddos were sitting down to eat lunch, and I was trying to keep an eye on all seven of them at a time, make sure they eat the healthy part of their lunches first, make sure they stay in their seats and don't steal each other's lunches, make sure the siblings are faaaaaar away from each other, etc. So when Charlie tugged my sleeve with a quiet little, "Ms. Jackie?" I was only half paying attention to what would follow. "Ms. Jackie?" The little voice said again with another gentle tug. I knelt down so I could hear what the little one had to say. "Yes, Charlie?" With my eye on the others. "Ms. Jackie," with a very contemplative look on his face, so I could tell he was really thinking about what he wanted to say, "Are you thinkin' about me?" Charlie spoke with such earnest-ness and wide eyes that it was all I could do not to burst into giggles! I didn't want to hurt his feelings by laughing. I don't even remember how I replied, because soon after that, the younger of the siblings threw a fit, but that precious little voice stuck with me.
So much so that when his mother came to pick him up at the end of the day, I decided to tell her about it. She smiled and warned me that he comes up with some very interesting things to say, the most amusing of which is her personal favorite. Charlie will give a person a look up and down, get that same contemplative expression on his face and with utmost seriousness will ask, "Did you just call me fat?" When Charlie's mom warned me about this, I couldn't help but burst out into fits of laughter! This one is going to make history, folks, this little three year old smarty will knock your socks off, so world, beware. Charlie's coming.
Starting the day right
I love the early mornings, the fresh dew on the ground, the last look at the moon as the sun stretches its rays and takes it's place. The peace and quiet of my home, the quiet hum of my car as I make it to work. The nice, quiet, peaceful, empty office. I love coming in before everybody else, it's a lot easier to concentrate and organize the tasks for the upcoming day. The first few sips of delicious, steaming coffee, and on some mornings, a few chapters of God's Word. It's the greatest way to start the day.
Unfortunately, today did not begin that way. It was all great until I got to work. Who knew things could start to go downhill at 6am on a Monday morning? The peace and quiet is just a memory today, a pipe dream. They're tearing up the floor just outside my office today and tomorrow. And by "they" I mean sweaty, overweight, unpleasantly smelling, uncouth middle-aged men who don't seem to think people notice when they're staring. Yes, you are obvious. Find a different hobby, please. And by "today and tomorrow" I mean they'll probably take at least two weeks to complete this task, because not only can I hear them outside the door talking (and not about work) and NOT working but I'm pretty sure it's the same group who was commissioned to put in a counter in an office the size of a volkswagen bug. The counter is only about three feet long, and it's taken them two weeks and they're still not done. So for them to estimate two days to tear up and replace the floor in a hallway half the length of a football field, I'm a little skeptical. And annoyed. However long they will be at this, I will have to endure the machinery sounds, the scraping, the loud music (country mostly... what construction worker blares country? Really?) and the roundabout way of getting to my office. On the bright side, I can't see them, so they can't see me.
Today also began with a long list of superfluous emails. Side note - A minor pet peeve of mine is when people send emails that say "Thanks!" Ugh. It's such a waste. Why even bother? I know you got the email because you came the 10 feet to my desk last Friday to tell me, yet you still feel it necessary to reply with a one word response? - One of those emails, the only one that had actual bearing on my schedule was one from the world's most irresponsible tech telling me that because he didn't get the email in time with his schedule for today, and that he will not be able to make the first three hour appointment. Well, apparently verbally telling him about it wasn't enough advanced notice last Wednesday. Instead, he chose to make an appointment that he can't get out of, which leaves me to try to figure out how in the world I am supposed to simultaneously test two subjects while at the same time being prepared for the other four who are coming in today. This is the second time in two weeks that I've had to cover for an irresponsible tech. Same one, of course. Well, at least one person has confidence in me. Thanks, Dr. BG. We'll see how it goes. In the mean time, I think that tech owes me.
Unfortunately, today did not begin that way. It was all great until I got to work. Who knew things could start to go downhill at 6am on a Monday morning? The peace and quiet is just a memory today, a pipe dream. They're tearing up the floor just outside my office today and tomorrow. And by "they" I mean sweaty, overweight, unpleasantly smelling, uncouth middle-aged men who don't seem to think people notice when they're staring. Yes, you are obvious. Find a different hobby, please. And by "today and tomorrow" I mean they'll probably take at least two weeks to complete this task, because not only can I hear them outside the door talking (and not about work) and NOT working but I'm pretty sure it's the same group who was commissioned to put in a counter in an office the size of a volkswagen bug. The counter is only about three feet long, and it's taken them two weeks and they're still not done. So for them to estimate two days to tear up and replace the floor in a hallway half the length of a football field, I'm a little skeptical. And annoyed. However long they will be at this, I will have to endure the machinery sounds, the scraping, the loud music (country mostly... what construction worker blares country? Really?) and the roundabout way of getting to my office. On the bright side, I can't see them, so they can't see me.
Today also began with a long list of superfluous emails. Side note - A minor pet peeve of mine is when people send emails that say "Thanks!" Ugh. It's such a waste. Why even bother? I know you got the email because you came the 10 feet to my desk last Friday to tell me, yet you still feel it necessary to reply with a one word response? - One of those emails, the only one that had actual bearing on my schedule was one from the world's most irresponsible tech telling me that because he didn't get the email in time with his schedule for today, and that he will not be able to make the first three hour appointment. Well, apparently verbally telling him about it wasn't enough advanced notice last Wednesday. Instead, he chose to make an appointment that he can't get out of, which leaves me to try to figure out how in the world I am supposed to simultaneously test two subjects while at the same time being prepared for the other four who are coming in today. This is the second time in two weeks that I've had to cover for an irresponsible tech. Same one, of course. Well, at least one person has confidence in me. Thanks, Dr. BG. We'll see how it goes. In the mean time, I think that tech owes me.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Blessings
This past Friday I was blessed to celebrate another year God has allowed me to remain here on earth. I normally prefer to spend birthdays with small groups of close friends, but that wasn't entirely possible since my closest friends are not very near. So instead, I worked. I think anybody would have complaints about their jobs at times, and I'm no different, but I am truly thankful for both of my jobs, and that I have insurance and am able to pay my bills. God is very generous.
Anyway, I started Friday leaving the house at about ten minutes to six am, worked at the hospital until 1130 after which I headed to my second job until 430ish. From there, I went to work at a benefit for a local youth center for which I volunteer. We had nearly 200 guests, many of which I knew, and many from my own congregation and family. I believe the event raised something like 17k for the youth center! The evening was just beautiful, delicious food, happy attendees, gorgeous raffle baskets, and very special young adults from the youth center. I was very blessed to be able to attend, and think that most attendees felt the same way. After that, I went home, arriving about 11pm (the first time being home since leaving that morning for the hospital!) where my parents and one of my brothers were waiting for me to do a mini-birthday party. Thankfully it was pretty brief since my parents had about a 90 minute drive ahead of them, and I was exhausted. But it was a good kind of exhaustion.
The next day I spent cleaning my disaster zone house in preparation for a visit from my dear friend Christi and her beautiful little baby girl. The original plan had them coming for about 10 minutes and then going to a friend's pastoral installation an hour north, but her plans changed and she wound up staying with me after the installation, so my favorite birthday present was this overnight visit from my dear friend. Monday morning I woke up and was able to spend some quality cuddle time with the baby, and start the day in the presence of loved ones as opposed to the sometimes frustrating and hostile environment of work.
All of that was truly wonderful, it was most definitely a wonderful weekend, but I think perhaps the best surprise gift was Sunday morning. I'm working on planning a lovely event for the ladies of the church, the 4th annual Advent by Candlelight. It's my first time going solo, and since I've never been a very outgoing type of person, it's always been hard for me to encourage people to attend things, (particularly my Ladies' Bible Study, but that's another story) so when I checked the final count for table hostesses (each table seats 8-10 ladies) I was absolutely floored to see that 19 hostesses/hostess pairs had signed up! This number is up from last year (which I think was bigger than either of the previous two years) which had 11 tables of women (not including two spillover tables, the CW group and a men's table). If all 19 tables (possibly 20, since I heard from another woman yesterday who may still hostess!) are filled, our gymnasium will be packed with nearly 200 women!
Don't get me wrong, this has absolutely nothing to do with me or anything I've done, but it's just so exciting to me that we have that many women who are putting time with God in fellowship with other ladies as a priority this upcoming Advent/Christmas season! "Where two or three come together in My name, there I am with them," God says in His Word. I am happy with 2-3 women, but beyond thrilled, flabbergasted, floored, ecstatic with the prospect of nearly 200 women! I can barely contain my excitement as the plans for this event proceed! God is truly awesome for touching the hearts of so many!
Anyway, I started Friday leaving the house at about ten minutes to six am, worked at the hospital until 1130 after which I headed to my second job until 430ish. From there, I went to work at a benefit for a local youth center for which I volunteer. We had nearly 200 guests, many of which I knew, and many from my own congregation and family. I believe the event raised something like 17k for the youth center! The evening was just beautiful, delicious food, happy attendees, gorgeous raffle baskets, and very special young adults from the youth center. I was very blessed to be able to attend, and think that most attendees felt the same way. After that, I went home, arriving about 11pm (the first time being home since leaving that morning for the hospital!) where my parents and one of my brothers were waiting for me to do a mini-birthday party. Thankfully it was pretty brief since my parents had about a 90 minute drive ahead of them, and I was exhausted. But it was a good kind of exhaustion.
The next day I spent cleaning my disaster zone house in preparation for a visit from my dear friend Christi and her beautiful little baby girl. The original plan had them coming for about 10 minutes and then going to a friend's pastoral installation an hour north, but her plans changed and she wound up staying with me after the installation, so my favorite birthday present was this overnight visit from my dear friend. Monday morning I woke up and was able to spend some quality cuddle time with the baby, and start the day in the presence of loved ones as opposed to the sometimes frustrating and hostile environment of work.
All of that was truly wonderful, it was most definitely a wonderful weekend, but I think perhaps the best surprise gift was Sunday morning. I'm working on planning a lovely event for the ladies of the church, the 4th annual Advent by Candlelight. It's my first time going solo, and since I've never been a very outgoing type of person, it's always been hard for me to encourage people to attend things, (particularly my Ladies' Bible Study, but that's another story) so when I checked the final count for table hostesses (each table seats 8-10 ladies) I was absolutely floored to see that 19 hostesses/hostess pairs had signed up! This number is up from last year (which I think was bigger than either of the previous two years) which had 11 tables of women (not including two spillover tables, the CW group and a men's table). If all 19 tables (possibly 20, since I heard from another woman yesterday who may still hostess!) are filled, our gymnasium will be packed with nearly 200 women!
Don't get me wrong, this has absolutely nothing to do with me or anything I've done, but it's just so exciting to me that we have that many women who are putting time with God in fellowship with other ladies as a priority this upcoming Advent/Christmas season! "Where two or three come together in My name, there I am with them," God says in His Word. I am happy with 2-3 women, but beyond thrilled, flabbergasted, floored, ecstatic with the prospect of nearly 200 women! I can barely contain my excitement as the plans for this event proceed! God is truly awesome for touching the hearts of so many!
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