Sunday Part 2

The day actually got MUCH better....dare I ask if it could have gotten worse?? Levi actually got up as I was blogging before and helped me clean up the mess. He actually stayed up and got ready for church. I went back to sleep for an hour or so.

Catalyst was really good today. It was very different. We had an acoustic service. Jonathan played and Meagan and I sang. We had a prayer service where we talked about different aspects of prayers and read scriptures that talked about prayer. We got to reflect, meditate, be still, and share. It was really nice. It was a good change and felt a lot more laid back. It was good to be back up to around 50 this week. We saw some new faces and some old ones that we've missed. It was encouraging to have a new family. I'll be glad when we get in our own building and have that consistency.

We came home and took a monster nap.....we all needed that. I think we're going to bike up to McDonald's for supper. I know that's kind of crazy but at least we're getting some exercise. Have a great Labor Day. We also found out some friends are expecting...that's great news to get on a Sunday.

Sunday-Early Sunday

Good morning and happy Sunday. Well, not so happy for me so far this morning. Our kids are both really good sleepers....usually. Well, Addy has been in a phase for the last couple of nights where she crawls in bed with us. Usually, I am not coherent enough to realize what's happening. This morning, at 3am, I took her back to her bed. She was very upset with her pj's. They weren't right. So, we changed pj's and went back to bed.....while I was in there with her, I hear Keegan crying. I think her crying might have awoken him. I guess he went back to sleep, Levi came in to tell us he was crying....not sure why. Levi went back to bed. I hear Becker whining....which means he needs to go out. Levi is all over Becker....usually.....not this morning obviously because at 4:45 when I go back in to my room, I smell something. Mind you, Becker has had diarrhea for the last day or two. We've been watching him and he seems fine other than that. I had the baby gate up so he couldn't get to where the new carpet was, thankfully. I usually put the gate up at night just so he doesn't go in Addy's room and wake her. Becker hardly EVER (I am tempted to say NEVER) has an accident inside....he's so good about that. When he has to go out he whines and if he's whining, he's held it as long as he can. So, you know what happens, I've been cleaning up. So, now it's 5:30am. Everyone in my house has been awake at some point between 3am and now. Everyone in my house is asleep, even Becker, except me. What a way to start a Sunday!!!

Luau

Tonight we went to a Luau that my mommy group hosted. I love it when we all get together. There was a house full and we met everybody's spouses. I am so blessed with this group. I have connected with a handful of them (I like ALL of them). I feel really comfortable with them. Last year, we did a couple's game night-kidless, and we had so much fun. I'm going to try to schedule another one of those. It was nice to be able to talk uninterrupted. We ordered in Chinese food and just laughed and played games for a few hours.

Today we relaxed. Levi had to get up early for a referree meeting, he met me at the library to pass off the kids. We went to Sams. Put the kids down for naps and headed to the Luau. It was kind of a whirlwind of a day but fun. Levi put a bunch of stuff on craigslist and we sold one of those items today. I'm back to clipping coupons. I'm trying to be frugal but also get things I need, not extras.

I had a rough evening last night. Levi had to ref so I was with the kids all day and all night. I had to tutor last night online too so it was kind of crazy. We stayed home all day too so I think I just felt cooped up. I had no patience....I hate that. I never want my kids to remember me as being impatient or rude to them. I'm glad I recognize that about myself but I need to be able to change it in the moment and sometimes that's hard.

I've done okay this week with reading my Bible but not as good as I should. The crazy thing is that I feel so much better and more peaceful when I'm in the Word. It's really kind of stupid that I don't make it more of a priority, I'm really trying to do better with that. I talked to a great friend last night for over an hour. She's one of those ladies that has the best heart and I wish we were closer. I can just tell her whatever I'm thinking and she can laugh at me or correct me and it's okay either way...I don't take offense. I know that everything that comes from her is from love and I love that.

Okay this has been one random post....

Meet the Teacher

We have enrolled Addy in a one day a week preschool. Tonight was "Meet the Teacher." Addy has been super excited all day about meeting her teachers. We took her out to dinner before and she was so excited. When we got out of the van, she wanted to know what bus she was riding. I informed her that she would not be riding a bus and that I would be taking her and picking her up. She also told me not to be sad. We got there and met in the sanctuary for all the directions. She asked why the school had a church room in it. She also thought we might start the meeting by singing:) She's so observant. She went right to her room and was a little shy with her teachers but jumped right in and started playing. Keegan followed her lead and played with all the "big" kids too. She had a great night and wanted to sleep at school. I'm so glad she's independent and ready but I'm still kind of sad. Sad to let go and trust someone else to love my baby....even if it's only one day a week for a few hours. As I was rocking Keegan tonight I prayed that God would watch over my babies, keep them from harm, and let them always love Him first and foremost. I remember when I had Addy the realization of how much love I have for her and thinking about how much God must love us and how it must break His heart when we hurt. Back to the Addy story.....Levi made a deal with her before we left home, he told her she could either go to Popcorn Papa or 7-11 for a slurpee after she went to her school. She wanted a slurpee but I wanted Popcorn Papa so we swung through both and got a mini bag of popcorn and a small slurplee (as Addy calls them). YUMMY!! All in all a good night with the family:)

Shake it Off

Today was a good day. I went to my step class...woohoo...I've gone 2 days this week to work out and I'm sore. I've got to get another day in. We just kind of rested at home and got some things done. I did pick up my neighbor from school...yuck....all these parents wait in this SUPER long line to pick up their middle schooler. You've got to know which line to get into and where to meet your kid. I was a little sketchy with the details of that. I guess that's something to look forward too.

We met a couple for dinner tonight, it was great to get to know them a little better. I'm amazed that God continues to bring new and neat people into our lives. It really is cool. Levi and I had a few different "grown up" conversations today. Sometimes that's hard to do with 2 kiddos who want your attention ALL the time. It was good to talk some things out. I'm so proud of him with this church. It has been the hardest thing we've ever done. It's constantly changing because what you thought it would be like and look like and feel like isn't necessarily how it looks or feels and so it's a learning process. We are anxiously awaiting what God is going to do next. I pray that God would use me in spite of me and my shortcomings.

I read Acts 12 today. The end of that chapter is where Paul and Barnabas were kicking butt and the "religous" people were jealous and mad. They got everybody all worked up by telling lies and the version I read said, they "stirred" up the influential religious ladies. Man, how sad. Because of those people, I wonder who missed the Message and the Good News. God help those that are "stirrers." They will have to one day stand accountable for what they do. I don't ever want to be a stirrer, I want to be an encourager and a peacekeeper and peacemaker. Life is too short:) Paul and Barnabas left that town and they shook the sand from their feet because they were rejected there. I guess when we say "shake it off" it means the same thing. Shake it off and keep going :)

Acts 12

I have been reading Acts the past couple of weeks. Today I read chapter 12. Acts is a very interesting book if you've never read it. The thing that stuck out today was Rhoda, the servant girl. The chapter was about Peter being imprisoned by Herod and an angel of the Lord rescuing him. So Peter escapes and goes to this house where many believers are. He knocks, Rhoda, I guess looks out the peephole and freaks out basically. She doesn't let him in because she's so excited she runs to tell everybody while poor Peter is outside continuing to knock. When she ran to tell everybody, they didn't believe her, then they told her it must be his angel. The funny part is Peter is still knocking out in the street while they're in there arguing. I think that's funny that they mention Rhoda. I wonder why? She is a servant, she's a nobody but again, God uses the nobody. I'd be interested in knowing more about that. I read a few commentaries on Rhoda. One of them said that again there's a woman who is delivering good news and she is dismissed as being "mad." I don't know, I think God likes to surprise us with who He uses and how.

WoF

We got back from Women of Faith (WoF) this afternoon. I had a great weekend. I hope the rest of the ladies did too. It was so nice to be at a swanky hotel and to only have to worry about and pack for myself. I hope that doesn't sound selfish. On top of that to get to go to the conference was just an added bonus. I love women conferences. It's like estrogen overload but awesome. The speakers and singers were incredible. I think my favorite speaker was Patsy Clairmont. She is just such a firecracker. I loved Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen....very different but both FULL of intensity. Everybody was great. I would love to travel around with them on their worship team, how cool would that be. I love hearing women sing, it was beautiful. I was challenged to love myself because of how much God loves me just like I am. We heard the speakers speak about how God's grace and love for us accepts us like we are with all the baggage, failures, and crap we tend to bring with us. It was great. I was also challenged to be patient and loving with my husband and kids. That's so hard sometimes. I really want Addy and Keegan to feel love from Levi and I and not judgement or conditionality (is that a word) or criticism. I want them to know they are good enough and worthy of love and adoration because they are them. I had a great weekend.

Levi survived as well :) I'll let him blog about it and see what he has to say:) We came back and hit the ground running with our last community in the park tonight. Hopefully, this week will slow down a bit. I'll write more later. Love you all.

Weekend

Tomorrow I am going to the Women of Faith Conference. I am really excited. We are staying at the Sheraton Downtown. I got a GREAT rate off of priceline.com for our rooms. I am pumped about that. I am actually going to ride the DART down there early tomorrow afternoon and hang out by the pool. I love my kids so much and I wouldn't trade being with them each day for anything. In the same breath, I am looking forward to a time with other women worshipping and refreshing. Addy cried real tears today when she realized she wasn't going with me. She wanted to know why only big girls and women could go. She wanted to go to the ho-tell (which is how she pronounces it). I felt really bad. I told her Daddy would do some fun stuff with her and Keegan. I hope Levi plans something for them to do that is FUN!!

On a different note, I watched "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." It was really good. It's been a long time since I watched a chic flick. It was good.

I read Acts 9 today. It was about Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. How freaky would it be for somebody that was cruel to Christians to become one and then believe that he had turned his life completely around? I can totally understand why the people were doubtful.

Wednesday

I have really enjoyed the rain this week. It's been so nice not to have sweltering heat...sweltering is a word right?? I went to the gym this morning and my ritual on Wednesdays is to head to Target. The kids and I love Target and now the Dollar Tree is in the same shopping center. I am so pumped about that. That's been my morning.

Today I read Acts 8. I'm really enjoying reading Acts. I've also been somewhat consistent for the last week and a half which is an accomplishment for me. It amazes me to read how people were persecuted and thrown into jail for talking about God...it's so hard for me to fathom. The part that stuck out to me today was about Simon the Sorcerer and even he believed. When he saw Peter and John lay hands on people and the people receive the Holy Spirit, Simon wanted it and offered to pay for it. I thought Peter's reaction was pretty harsh. I mean, how cool for a sorcerer (who was paid to do magic) to 1 repent and believe and then 2 want what he saw Peter and John had. Peter basically told him he and his money could both die and he better pray that God would forgive him. I guess I see where Peter's coming from (and sometimes I think I'm harsh in my judgment so I guess I can relate) to an extent, receiving the Holy Spirit and being a Christ follower isn't something you can buy and it's definitely not about the "cool factor." But Simon's response was also humbling, he told Peter, pray for me so what you said doesn't happen to me. I think it was Simon's immaturity and the fact that this was so new. I think it's a good thing that he wanted it and maybe he just didn't understand enough about it to grasp the whole concept.

Pretty good reading today:) I've been thinking here lately about discipleship and how I can do a better job or a job period at discipling. I'm going to do some more reading up on that and praying that God would speak to my heart and lay it on their hearts (whoever they may be).

Review

I've been cranky for the past couple of days...not sure what is going on...well maybe I do but we won't go there. On a totally different note, Levi and I are really trying to connect with people and trying to be intentionally relational. I love people and I love being around people. I tend to share hurts though. I guess that's good in some ways. We've connected with some various ministry couples in the last month and seriously, I've sat and listened to four different wives sit on our couch and share their hurts and pains. My heart aches in a way that is overwhelming. I just heard from a great friend of mine that she is going through some of this same pain. It's so hard to deal with that. It's hard not to want to be guarded or become resentful and bitter. Then I think back to what I'm reading in Acts and how those men gave their lives and endured pain for the Kingdom. They gave until it hurt. I think back to Levi's teaching on Sunday about Joseph who was thrown in a pit, sold, sold again, got a job was promoted, lied about, thrown into jail, promoted and then eventually promoted out of jail. God was looking out for Joseph and protected him and Joseph remained faithful even with all the crap he was going through. I'm going to try to be an encourager and a forgiver.

We had a busy weekend. We've had a lot of rain the last couple of days which is awesome. It's also been cooler which is GREAT.

Interesting Points

I just read Acts chapter 7. It was really interesting to me for a few different reasons. I don't understand it all first off. That doesn't make it interesting just putting a disclaimer out there. The chapter is basically Stephen speech to the Sanhedrin. Stephen was one of the 7 chosen to handle responsibilities so the Disciples could spread the Word, the scripture describes him as full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The Sanhedrin tried to argue with Stephen and couldn't because he was so wise and full of the Holy Spirit. So, they lied about him. INTERESTING POINT NUMBER 1- why do christians lie, especially about one another??? Well, this chapter is Stephen speaking to them and addressing their lies. He basically nails them, they get REALLY angry and end up stoning him to death. He goes back and talks about the history of Abraham, Moses, and Joseph. I know all those stories from the Bible but it was cool to see them intertwined and how God was with each of those men. They were normal men and they screwed up, they had little faith at times. It made me think about our journey and how we've doubted. I think about us like the Israelites who saw miracles and yet had doubt. I so don't want to be that person. I want to have faith in the midst of the storm and trials and tribulations. Stephen could care less what lies they were telling. He could care less that he was going to be killed. He looked up to heaven and saw Jesus. The cool thing is that he says as they're beginning to stone him, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." INTERESTING POINT NUMBER 2...that would be speaking to me. I have a hard time forgetting and letting go. I want to be like Stephen in the midst of enduring pain, asking God to forgive. That is God's spirit and heart right there. I want that. It says that as he was saying that, he fell asleep. INTERESTING POINT NUMBER 3 God always takes care of us. It might not be the way we want or think it should be, but He always does. He is faithful and loving and good even when life sucks.

UGH

Today has been crazy and when I say crazy, I mean bad. I've been cranky. Keegan is cranky. I think he's teething. Addy's been wanting to go go go and Levi's been cranky too. It has not been a good mix. I'm going to bed early. I was going to go to our movie in the park but I have got to get Keegan to bed early so he's not cranky tomorrow...hopefully. Addy and Levi are going to enjoy CARS with the rest of the clan tonight. Hopefully tomorrow will be a great day!!

Levi's Birthday

Well, Levi is a year older as of yesterday. We had a great day. He worked a lot for his birthday but I think he felt like a lot was accomplished. He cleaned out the garage and it looks so good. We enjoyed the day as a family (at Chic-fil-a & Walmart). I know funny right!! My friend Xuan offered to keep our kids so we could go out to dinner. Well, then she called and her husband offered us a meal at The Crescent Club. It was awesome. We felt like hoddy toddy's up there. The meal was delicous. I had grilled sea scallopo on sweet potato risotto, blue crab and sweet corn bisque, ribeye steak, and a coconut panna cotta with rum raisins. Everything was great. It was a great way to celebrate Levi's birthday. The club is on the 17th floor and they sat us right on the window. It was beautiful. Juan was such a gracious chef. He came out to check on us and gave us the grand tour. Poor Xuan was left with all the hoodlems...sorry girl. Paybacks are Monday so we'll see what I blog then:) Just kidding. I was going to surprise Levi with a tandem skydive but I couldn't get him an appointment. We'll see if he uses his money for that or holds off.

I didn't read any in Acts yesterday and today I tried to read but it was kind of rushed. I will read tomorrow and blog.

Tonight, our worship band, Fusion, played at Revivalution which is a Dallas District youth thing. It was very cool. It was a lot of fun to feel like a real band. Teens are always so expressive and fun too. We had a great time.

New Friends

Today we had some new friends over for dinner. It was nice to get to know them better. My heart hurts to hear people's hurts. I wish this life was a little easier and a little less painful sometimes. We are on the search for a pink backpack for Addy. We went to Target and Walmart and couldn't find the "right" one...let me translate..I couldn't find the one on sale for $5 that my friend Xuan told me about. We're going to her Walmart tomorrow to check it out. Addy is going to do a one day a week reading preschool program. She is so excited!!

Today, I read Acts 6. It talked about how the apostles were dealing with responsibilities that others could handle. The verse that stuck out was verse 4. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

They were dividing the responsibilty so they could focus on the teaching, the area that they were gifted in. How often in church planting and life in general do we get bogged down in all the other responsibilities in life and don't focus on what our "thing" is. That "thing" is different for everybody. Somedays, I'm not sure what my thing is. Right now, it's to be a mommy. Even since we've been here, I've felt myself doing church stuff instead of mom stuff. I don't want to do that. This church is wonderful and is God given but my calling is to be a mom. This church isn't going to rise and fall on if I get the snacks for Sunday or don't do some fantastic craft idea. I need to realize that. I'm really thankful that some other people have stepped up and been willing to share some of the kid responsibility. It has been AWESOME. We're still praying for the right person to step into kid's ministry..somebody who has a true passion for that. If you think about that, say a prayer that we'll find that person.

Dear God, thank you for new friends. Help us to be who You want us to be to them. Help us to love them most of all. Help us not to get so preoccupied with all the responsibility in life that we neglect where you want us and what you want us doing.

We started our day this morning at Chic-fil-a...I love that place. It was so nice because there was only one other mom there. The kids could play and it was really nice.....nice until Keegan started squatting and grunting and I heard some "noise" coming from him. I thought, no big deal, he'll poop, I'll change him, keep playing, we're all good. So, down he climbs from the steps and I notice there was something wet and discolored on his shorts. He had diarrhea. I scooped him up and grabbed Addy and headed for the bathroom. Changed him, headed back for the playground knowing I'd have a mess to clean up. On my way back, the other mom stops me to tell me there was poop on the steps. I had to admit it was my kid. We ended up staying and talking to that mom for a while. It turned out okay but embarassing none the less.

I read Acts 5 today. I'm really enjoying Acts. The verse that stuck out was verse 41. 41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

The apostles were whipped and let go after they were warned to quit teaching in Jesus' name. They were happy after they were whipped that they suffered for Jesus. WHAT??!! I'm sure that hurt, majorly. I think about how I whine when bad things happen, I do not rejoice. That definitely shows the level of spiritual maturity that they had to rejoice and be excited. I can kind of picture them giggling as they're going home and being like, "Dude, did you see how hard they hit me with that whip?? It was awesome!!" I need to take a lesson from that and be thankful for hardships or disgrace as related to being a Christ follower.

God, help me be okay when it comes to suffering for You...even joyous about it. Thanks for a good day and good friends.

So today I've been catching up on laundry and straightening up the house. I enjoy when we have lazy days like this, the kids play and I can get stuff done around here. We're getting ready to do a craigslist binge. We have a lot of stuff around here that needs to get gone....seriously. As I was straightening today, I noticed that we need to do that sooner rather than later. Levi and I have been working on cleaning out the van. He's going to take it and get it vacuumed out. It'll be nice to have a clean car that works. I am going to have to take it back because for some reason, the cruise control isn't working.

Anyway, so today I read Acts 4. The verse that stuck out to me was verse 29. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

This chapter is dealing with Peter and John being brought before the Sanhedrin after healing the crippled man. They were told to stop what they were doing. The latter part was their response and the response and unity of all the believers.

I think that verse hit me because sometimes I feel like I don't speak with boldness out of fear or insecurity. I have to remember that my credibility doesn't lie in how others think about me or what they believe from others. My credibility lies in who I belong to, that is where my identity lies.

God, help me to speak with boldness. Help me help others and not worry about my image or what others think of me.

Acts 3

I read Acts Chapter 3 today. A couple of verses stuck out, first verse 3. "When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money." This chapter is about the beggar that asked for money as people entered the temple. Peter looked at him and told him basically he didn't have money but he has something greater, and he healed the man in Jesus' name. A thought hit me as I was reading that, the guy wasn't asking for the right thing. Maybe he thought he needed money but what he really needed was a miracle in his life and that only Jesus can give. I thought in my own life how many times I've asked for something superficial thinking it would fill a void or complete me when what I really needed was a close encounter with God and a refocusing.

The other verse that hit me was verse 17. "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance as did your leaders." Peter said this to the people in the temple after they healed this guy. He was talking about how the people had treated Jesus and how they were acting out of ignorance not realizing who Jesus really was. Sometimes I think that about Christian people or I guess people in general (and myself too for that matter). We act in a way that isn't becoming of a believer because we're living in ignorance or we haven't let God's light shine into all part of our life and illuminate it and change it.

Sometimes it's hard for me to think of myself as a pastor's wife. I don't like that title because of the connotation it holds for me because of past history. I don't want to have to fit into a box. I want to be me, fiesty, spunky, goofy me. I don't want to have to tiptoe around people or feel like I can't say what I feel. I don't want to lose myself. Levi has NEVER made me feel any of those things and if you know him, he's not your typical pastor. We have some friends and they actually got out of the ministry because of this same kind of stuff, it was the wife's history and expectation of what she put on herself and who she thought she had to be. I just heard of another couple who were planting a church who left the plant because the wife went into a major depression because she was such a people pleaser she couldn't handle it. I can see how that could happen and it hurts my heart.

God, thank you for today, a good Sunday. Help me to ask for the help I need and at the same time recognize my need and dependence on You. Forgive me for my ignorance in dealing with others and myself. Help me never be ashamed of who You have made me to be.

Weekend Recap

We had a nice weekend. Thursday night we went to the circus so Friday we just tried to recuperate. Friday night we watched the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics at the Sprangs. Saturday we showed our first of 3 movies in the park. Our church is sponsoring free movies. Last night was National Treasure 2. This morning at church, Levi took a part of the movie and his sermon was based on that. Today it was that the Bible is not a book of secret but a book of treasure that is available and accessible to everyone. He talked about the importance of being in the Word. It definitely spoke to me because I struggle with that. Today we took the kids to a sprinkler park after their naps. The next 3 or 4 weekends are kind of crazy and busy. Hopefully we'll get to take some time off after this is all over.

Do you ever need a good cry and when it's all over you feel better? I'm not a big crier, I mean, I will cry at the drop of a hat if someone else cries...I'm definitely a sympathy crier. When it comes to my own stuff though, I don't cry alot. Today I had a little breakdown. I think a lot of stuff just came to a head and part of it was some sad things that are happening to a friend, part of it was my own stuff. It felt good and I'm glad I let myself do it. I probably need to do it more often. I know kind of weird.

This week should be pretty laid back. My friend Xuan goes back to work this week and I'm sad about that so we're definitely going to get some time in with them.

Acts 2

Read Acts Chapter 2

Key Verse: 2: 25-28
I saw God before me for all time.
Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side.
I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic;
I've pitched my tent in the land of hope.
I know you'll never dump me in Hades;
I'll never even smell the stench of death.
You've got my feet on the life-path,
with your face shining sun-joy all around. (Message Translation)

My Reflection: This chapter was full of great stuff. The above verses jumped out because we have a friend who is dealing with major cancer and the prognosis isn't good. I'm reminded that these bodies are temporary and we have such hope because of Christ and His death and resurrection. I love the way the Message translates these verses, I'm ecstatic, I've pitched my tent in the land of hope. How often do I not do that? How often am I gloomy or moody (as my husband would say)? Too often. I want my face shining sun-joy all around. Another cool part of this chapter was the end, where it talked about the fellowship of the believers. They stayed together, encouraged each other, sold their possessions and gave to those in need, they ate together. It sounds like the original church plant to me. It's what the body of Christ is supposed to be for each other and our communities. The last line says, "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." What they were doing was working, they were loving people. I want that and I want to do that. You get out of your box and love. It definitely takes thought and intentional behavior changes. I've really been challenged to love those who aren't like me, to love those who don't like me, to love those who hurt others. It's hard. I can truly say that God has worked in my heart in the past year to offer forgiveness and to grant me forgiveness. It's hard to forgive but you don't only have to forgive, you have to forgive and love. It is a process and for me, it has taken a long time but if your heart is open to His heart and if you're truly a Christ follower and want to love and live like God, it is possible. I'm still not completey there and I catch myself reliving moments and having to reforgive. I'm glad God is patient.

My Prayer: Dear God, thanks for your love, ultimate healing, and grace. Help us to freely receive and freely give it. Help me to live like those early day believers lived, loving those around me. Help me to stay out of my box and right where want me to be. Help me to have sun-joy all the time no matter my circumstances.

Challenge

A couple of weeks ago, I put on here that I wanted to start reading my Bible more. I have failed with that. I have been inspired by a blogger friend, Rachel to read through the book of Acts and blog my journey. I am going to do that. So, today, I am reading Acts 1.

Read Acts 1

Key Verses : Acts 1:6-7 6While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, "Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?" ^[a] 7Jesus said to them, "You don't need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls.

My Reflection: In reading this, verses 6 and 7 stuck out because I want to ask questions and get answers. I want to know what I'm getting into, for how long, what it will entail, etc etc etc. For me that is a want for control. I want to be in control and that's not how life works, especially life with Christ. He is in control and I have to submit to His leading and guiding. That is so hard for me. I also didn't realize that the disciples cast lots to see who would replace Judas as Disciple #12. I wonder why they didn't let Joseph & Matthias be disciples.

My Prayer: My prayer today is to let God be in complete control and for me to trust without having to be "in the know." I was humbled today by a friend and I'm thankful she has a tender heart. I want to be that way. I want to think of others and put them first. I'm not always that way. God, change my heart daily to have a heart like Your's. God, touch my friend Mary and her family right now. It doesn't look good for them. I pray that you would come close to them and let them feel you like they've never felt you before. Thank you for Your Word, Your love, and Your forgiveness and grace. Amen!

By the way, if any of you want to join me going through Acts, come on:)

Circus

Since Addy was itty bitty, we've always gone to the circus. We get the cheap seats and use our 1/2 off Entertainment Book Coupon but we go. It's kind of our family's tradition. So, last night, we went to the circus. The circus runs in Dallas for 2 weeks, give or take a couple of days. I knew it'd be easy to get tickets so I wasn't in any hurry to get them. I call Wed. to ask about tickets for Sunday evening. Well, you can only use the Entertainment Book coupon at the box office and for weekdays. So, we changed our plans and decided to go Thursday but the lady told me that the shows were all selling out so I better get my tickets today (on Wed.). So, I load the kids up and trek downtown to the American Airlines Center, coupon in hand. There are no cheap seats (which are usually $15 but with our coupon are $7.50). I hesistated and the box office lady says, "You know what, I have this voucher for the $30 seats which makes them $7 a ticket." NO JOKE!!! So, we had $7 tickets. We rode the DART so we didn't have to pay to park or mess with traffic. We got there early so we could see the precircus show. We also stopped by Chic-fil-a so we could get our free chicken strips...I know we're sad but cheap:) Anyway, we get there and get to see the performers and take pictures. We had AWESOME seats. Mind you, we're usually in the upper section. We were on the floor, about mid way up. It was great. We all had a great time.

FUN WEEK

We took our friend, Emily, to Peter Piper Pizza with us. We all had fun. It was neat to have a friend for Addy to play with. Poor girl, Keegan terrorizes her more than anything else so it's nice to have a break. Emily and Addy played great together. We'll have to definitely do it again:)

Monday night we had the Horting Family. We ate together and had the best time with them. They have a large family and are so much fun. It really felt like family. We shared stories and there was just a strange feeling of unity and like we'd been friends forever. It was really cool. I don't mean strange bad...it was good:)

Tuesday I had a job interview at Eastfield Community College. I was nervous...I hate interviews. I got the job....the funny part, there is not job to be gotten. Weird, I know. They have to wait until the classes fill up before they have a position. I've got my staff photo ID and I went to the HR department and filled out all my paperwork. Hopefully, I'll get one or two classes in the fall. They are coop classes with homeschoolers and with state test prep. There's a variety of different things I could teach, it just depends on if the classes fill up. I hope they do, I think I'd like it. It was a different environment than I've ever taught in. They do have a pre-ed department, I would love to teach beginning teachers. I don't think I can unless I get a doctorare, they're evaluating my transcripts to see.

We finally got our van back yesterday after 10 weeks....crazy I know. At least for the last 5 weeks we had a loaner car. It was a mess. I'm glad to be done with all that and have our vehicle back.

Today, I started back at the gym...it had been like 3 weeks...I know that's awful. It felt really good to get back into it.

Thanks for reading!!

Weekend Low Down

We actually had a nice relaxing weekend. We didn't do much at all. In fact, I think we all napped both Saturday and Sunday which was nice. We had a lot of family time just enjoying each other. We had our first Sunday at the theater. Everything went great. It is so encouraging to see people join us and really join in. You have to be pretty committed to get up EARLY and be at the theater at 7am so that everything is ready to go by 9:45am. I have to admit I didn't get there until 8:30 so kudos to all of you guys that were up at the crack of dawn and helping. I really don't have words to describe how that makes us feel to know that those people are on board.....it's awesome!! We have a busy week planned. It's my friend's Xuan's last week of being a stay at home mom, she starts back to work next week. I want to get some QT with her. I've got a job interview tomorrow at the community college. That other job didn't pan out. When I calculated the number of hours I'd be working and the childcare cost, I would be making less per hour than I make tutoring on line. So, we're going to give this comm. college a shot. However, the last time I talked to her when I started asking some detailed questions, I am interviewing so if a spot comes open, she has someone to fill it. I was under the impression that there was a spot open. If it works out, it'd be great. If not, that's okay too and I have my foot in the door for the next quarter. So, we'll see. I got a great email from a wonderful friend, Andrea, last night. I love hearing from her. I'm so happy for you girl. Thanks for the email:) Alright, well we're taking a friend to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch today. I better close. Thanks for reading:)