We started Vacation Bible School tonight at church. We had a supper and then VBS and just got home a little bit ago. It was a small group, but I told Pete that I could just feel something wonderful tonight - a chance to speak to at least one child who was ready to listen. Even though I did not teach tonight, I was thankful for the opportunity to answer a question that was asked and share (along with another teacher) about Jesus. Pete had to go to Winston for work, so he missed the first night. I am anxious for him to be there tomorrow.
Pete is doing a series on the church for his first month of sermons at Middle Fork. He said doing a series is popular right now, so pastors can stick to a point for a few Sundays at least. Today was on giving. We had some visitors from Kentucky, but the message was so good for anyone and everyone to hear. We need to be obedient to God. We are accountable to God. The boys and I talked on the way home, and I told them that once you see how God provides, you can trust more and more easily. It was not prosperity preaching. In fact, it makes me glad I am not prosperous by earthly standards- too much to keep up with. And I need to remember all of the times that things seemed so out of reach - one of them being different medicines my children needed - and how God worked it all out. It doesn't mean I will never worry about money or bills, but I do appreciate the reminder of giving it over and doing what I can not to make it a huge focus or stumbling block in my life.
There are so many ways of giving - other than money. We did not have time for those this morning, but I was thinking of time and gifts and donations and volunteering. I think of Christmas time and those who need a card, maybe not even money but just some contact. I think of hardworking families that don't have any outside help and how we need to look around us and help where we can. I think of lonely people who need to have lunch or get a card in the mail. Years ago, I tried to cut down my Christmas card list - or at least the number of people I sent a Christmas picture of my boys to. It was just not worth it. I know some of those pictures end up in the trash, but I would rather take that chance than to take away a blessing someone may get. I know how much I love getting cards and pictures and how much I appreciate it! We talked tonight about shoeboxes. And it makes me think about helping people far and wide - in the name of Jesus and trying to reflect His love. And to give happily and out of the abundance He gives.
I sang in church this morning. I have not sung in church in years, but Pete asked me to. I was just trying to be willing. So I sang "What Love is This?" because the words are beautiful and talk about the love Jesus has for me - that He gave His life for me and made a way for me to know Him. Andrew is learning to do the sound and did an excellent job. He knew I was a little wobbly at first, and Pete got up out of his seat and came to stand beside me while I sang. It almost did me in. I was already feeling so emotional singing of how much God loves me - me individually. Like He loves you. You, individually. But I tried to get all of the words out because they were important. I did not look at anyone. I looked at my words that I have totally memorized. And I looked up at the beautiful wooden beams like I was looking up at Him. It was not about me singing - it was about the song sung to Him about His love. I think the boys had a bet that I would probably cry, but they were mainly joking with me on the way home. They know why I get emotional, and that is what is important.
I had a chance to talk more to the wonderful people at our new church, and God has blessed me at a time when I felt so resistant. Change is hard for me. I trust God, and it's still so hard. I have felt such turmoil in the past several weeks. People I depend on seem so far away. Pete prayed with me yesterday (again on the way to the dump with yet another load - my basement is looking better and better!). His prayer was right on and so much more than I had shared and told him I needed. He must be more observant than I have realized the past few weeks - and God laid it all on his heart. So as we got rid of more "stuff", I also felt some of the weight I have been carrying lift. It's not all gone, but I know it's going. I appreciate those who call and check on me. I feel apologetic for seeming so out of sorts, but they gently remind me to keep trying to get back on track.
I may not be off as much as I think. Casting Crowns has a song that says your world is not falling apart but falling into place - which I see as a huge puzzle that we cannot totally see. We trust that what we go through is part of the big picture. And it talks about God being on the throne and being in control, so we just need to give up hanging onto our burdens. I think I listened to it five times yesterday.
I promised a little person chicken nuggets. He is at 150, and I hope he holds that up until bedtime and through the night! He catches a bus at 6:30 right now for a summer reading program and will not let me take him at a later time. He loves riding the bus. He goes Friday to the oral surgeon to have two baby teeth out and a slit in his gums to help his front top teeth come in and space out better. He seems fine with that. It will be tricky to keep him at a good number without eating - his surgery is at 11. But we have planned to sleep in and then go to Walmart for a treat before his appointment so maybe eating won't be too much on his mind! It can be scary if they are out of it and start dropping, so we appreciate prayers for a smooth time then.
Have a great week. Thanks for reading this and for praying for our family.
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