Hello (Hello)(Hello).
That is the echo of my voice calling out. Are you still there? Am I still here? I know, at least, I am not where I once was.
Have you ever been through something really, really cool with God and then been sent down the hill into the valley?
You know - like you witness your child doing something wonderful and kind and full of His Spirit and share that news with someone, only to turn around and find them swinging from the chandeliers in their underwear screaming about how you are loser and how much they hate you??
Or - you go through a totally God-breathed event like the aforementioned VBS only to find that while you were focused on doing God's Thing God's Way, the enemy was marking the lines of the battlefield? (And then you realize that the battlefield was EVERYwhere?)
Fun stuff. NOT!!
Coming out of VBS my home was attacked (as if the prior issues with l-o-w-e-s were not enough - they only got worse and "still" aren't finished).
Coming out of VBS my financial world was attacked (and is slowly making it's way out of the deep and darkness).
Coming out of VBS my personal relationships were attacked (bruised and battered in emotions and spirit).
Coming out of VBS (praise the Lord) I didn't give up.
But oh this weekend, "I Quit!!"
I quit accepting what was set before me as it had been. I quit accepting the damage being done and at one time I literally stood eye-to-eye with evil and demanded that "it" leave. Leave my children alone, leave my husband alone, leave me alone.
But - I have to say - it wasn't until I realized that the only "safe place" I had was at my place of employment - my church. Funny? Nah - he knows there is no place for him there. It was only when I saw this that I knew what I was really up against. I even dickered with God over it - roaming the streets of my neighborhood from 11-12 in the pm/am on a Saturday night. Never doubting who God Is and never doubting His Power, I "argued" with Him over His Sovereign Right to strip away everything that I held valuable. I claimed defeat in my own ability to accomplish anything without Him, defeat in my attempts to try, defeat in my ability to go on without His intervention. My own admittance of weakness that I did not have the strength or power or will(?) to continue His Work without His Safety.
As of today, I received a financial blessing (that will have to be repaid - I'm for that) and a plan to make the finances work. My husband was offered a new job that will allow him more room for growth than the stagnant waters he had been in. My children are aware that their mother is a warrior (and are now, rightfully, afraid of what "I" can "make happen"). The familial elements causing strife and frustration now have a new found respect for the extent to which "I" am "in charge" of the goings on in Montgomery. My home issues are on the mend and the installers are even sending me a $50 gift-card to l-o-w-e-s for "all my trouble". (LOL!!!!!!!!)
It's Another Day in Montgomery (and boy has it been a long one) and I say:
Who are we without Him, but flightless birds in the valley surrounded by hungry wolves - our nests resting only on top of the highest mountain.
(Aside to B - someone told me last week, "You have a really interesting life. You should write a book." Where-oh-where are the words??)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
God is so GOOD!
How can I put into words what a tremendous success VBS was this year? God didn't just show up...He was right there waiting for us each and every day.
I can start by testifying that ALL my personal requests were answered. (Thank youf or praying it out with us.) We had no rain, children were happy, teachers fulfilled and our days flowed smoothly. Then I can share with you some of what I got to hear today and throughout the week.
One girl said, "I'm having a GREAT time! My grandma and I decided we're coming back every year."
An un-churched mom said, "I wanna come hang out with you guys!"
The mother of teenage volunteers said, "They had such a good time. They're already talking about next year."
Another mother said, "They came home so excited. They went on and on and then it all started over again when their dad got home."
A child who had a jubilee at her church today, skipped her service because she didn't want to miss our last time together.
A few children came back inside (from the waterslide) to spend a few more minutes in the worship theater and helped clean up.
And most precious and wonderful to me, we sent MULTIPLE letters home to the parents of children who decided to accept Christ as their Savior.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I say:
To God be the GLORY because all I am is a crazy lady with a clipboard.
I can start by testifying that ALL my personal requests were answered. (Thank youf or praying it out with us.) We had no rain, children were happy, teachers fulfilled and our days flowed smoothly. Then I can share with you some of what I got to hear today and throughout the week.
One girl said, "I'm having a GREAT time! My grandma and I decided we're coming back every year."
An un-churched mom said, "I wanna come hang out with you guys!"
The mother of teenage volunteers said, "They had such a good time. They're already talking about next year."
Another mother said, "They came home so excited. They went on and on and then it all started over again when their dad got home."
A child who had a jubilee at her church today, skipped her service because she didn't want to miss our last time together.
A few children came back inside (from the waterslide) to spend a few more minutes in the worship theater and helped clean up.
And most precious and wonderful to me, we sent MULTIPLE letters home to the parents of children who decided to accept Christ as their Savior.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I say:
To God be the GLORY because all I am is a crazy lady with a clipboard.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Day One
Done
No one ran away. I got a smile and a high five from one of the crankiest women I've encountered in a long time. The kids seemed happy(84 of them), the adults fulfilled (26), youth abounded (23) and the day really seemed to flow well. All in all it was a very good day.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I say:
Thanks for praying. 1-down. 4-more to go.
No one ran away. I got a smile and a high five from one of the crankiest women I've encountered in a long time. The kids seemed happy(84 of them), the adults fulfilled (26), youth abounded (23) and the day really seemed to flow well. All in all it was a very good day.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I say:
Thanks for praying. 1-down. 4-more to go.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
If you thought yesterday's post was grand...
Wait until you read this!!
In response to prayers (and some things He just chose to do on His own) God has done the following:
*Supernaturally brought me not one, but TWO volunteers to help with set-up and decoration. There is no reason they should have known when we were decorating. They came to church Sunday for the first time this year and I had not announced plans to decorate at service nor sent notice to them. They just showed up, ready to work. (You might recall that when all this started, I asked God to please just let volunteers come to me.)
*Devoloped not one, but TWO new friendships. (These seasonal visitors to the church have been discovered to be kindered spirits for not only myself, but my oldest child.) Jesus loves to have friends in His Name. And as an added bonus...they are from China! Now, we might get to see cool postage from God's Eastern Province.
*After addressing our teacher shortage via email - provided not one, but TWO volunteers for the vacant teaching position.
*Moved the heart of an individual/changed their circumstances - so that they, who had previously stated they would not (under any circumstances) be at VBS - will now be available - all day every day.
*Provided not one, but TWO options for the missing Missions individual.
*Blessed me with not one, but TWO blog-readers who continually lift me and my circumstances up to Him in prayer.
He is Mighty and Wonderful. He is Great and Glorious. I am nothing save for what He completes in me. You are storing up your treasures in Heaven - for you see - I am weak. Unable to complete this on my own. Unable, alone, to cover all things in prayer. You are my voice to God when I am unable to speak. You see the need for prayer when my eyes fail me. Your spirits are to be blessed beyond measure for being so selfless in your petitions to Our Lord.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I am humbled beyond measure.
In response to prayers (and some things He just chose to do on His own) God has done the following:
*Supernaturally brought me not one, but TWO volunteers to help with set-up and decoration. There is no reason they should have known when we were decorating. They came to church Sunday for the first time this year and I had not announced plans to decorate at service nor sent notice to them. They just showed up, ready to work. (You might recall that when all this started, I asked God to please just let volunteers come to me.)
*Devoloped not one, but TWO new friendships. (These seasonal visitors to the church have been discovered to be kindered spirits for not only myself, but my oldest child.) Jesus loves to have friends in His Name. And as an added bonus...they are from China! Now, we might get to see cool postage from God's Eastern Province.
*After addressing our teacher shortage via email - provided not one, but TWO volunteers for the vacant teaching position.
*Moved the heart of an individual/changed their circumstances - so that they, who had previously stated they would not (under any circumstances) be at VBS - will now be available - all day every day.
*Provided not one, but TWO options for the missing Missions individual.
*Blessed me with not one, but TWO blog-readers who continually lift me and my circumstances up to Him in prayer.
He is Mighty and Wonderful. He is Great and Glorious. I am nothing save for what He completes in me. You are storing up your treasures in Heaven - for you see - I am weak. Unable to complete this on my own. Unable, alone, to cover all things in prayer. You are my voice to God when I am unable to speak. You see the need for prayer when my eyes fail me. Your spirits are to be blessed beyond measure for being so selfless in your petitions to Our Lord.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I am humbled beyond measure.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
God is SO Good!
In my last post, I discussed God speaking to me directly concerning my situation, shared what He said and touched on how I love to be "freaked-out" when He speaks to me so clearly.
Well - guess what?!? It gets even better.
My new friend April (for whom I wrote a stunning rhyme) took it upon herself to try her hand at seeking God's Word herself...but not 'for' herself...for ME! Isn't that such a remarkable and wonderful thing to do??
She prayed for me and then sought the Lord's Word to speak to me. This is what He said,
"Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah." (Isaiah 7:4)
You see, this was the most poignant of passages to set before me.
As you may or may not recall, our VBS was staffed with a skeleton crew. I had the exact number of adults to reach the bare minimum of needs. Well, being that it is/was "Another Day in Montgomery", Monday, one of the staff backed out. A second staff member tried to recuse herself, but I would not allow it (at least for M,T,W anyway). Tuesday, A speaker recused from the Missions rotation. The other individual who was to discuss Missions may very well have to remove herself in order to tend to the vacant teaching position. A third individual who thought would be there advised they would not be available throughout the week. Others, who previously indicated that decorations were not to be the main focus, kept offering me suggestions as to what else I could do in the way of decorating.
I consider these to be the two smoldering stubs of firewood. I was stressed out and frustrated and concerned and all the other adjectives that can go along with these types of events. I even felt like I might shed a tear or two (which -if you know me- you will understand to be very rare).
At my wits end and wanting to escape, I sat down to read a blog or two and found this most selfless of acts waiting for me. I need to check myself and remain focused (be careful) I have no need to be stressed (be calm). I have no need to worry (don't be afraid). The problems I face ( the two smoldering stubs of firewood and the angry kings) are nothing compared to my God.
God is so Mighty and Wonderful to answer a prayer for April to my benefit. This all should be seen as proof (as we sometimes may doubt when we don't see it evidenced) that God does hear your prayers for others. He does respond. He does want you to seek Him out for the benefit of others.
Thank you to all of you who pray for me. My spirit is sensitive to it. I do know.
Well - guess what?!? It gets even better.
My new friend April (for whom I wrote a stunning rhyme) took it upon herself to try her hand at seeking God's Word herself...but not 'for' herself...for ME! Isn't that such a remarkable and wonderful thing to do??
She prayed for me and then sought the Lord's Word to speak to me. This is what He said,
"Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah." (Isaiah 7:4)
You see, this was the most poignant of passages to set before me.
As you may or may not recall, our VBS was staffed with a skeleton crew. I had the exact number of adults to reach the bare minimum of needs. Well, being that it is/was "Another Day in Montgomery", Monday, one of the staff backed out. A second staff member tried to recuse herself, but I would not allow it (at least for M,T,W anyway). Tuesday, A speaker recused from the Missions rotation. The other individual who was to discuss Missions may very well have to remove herself in order to tend to the vacant teaching position. A third individual who thought would be there advised they would not be available throughout the week. Others, who previously indicated that decorations were not to be the main focus, kept offering me suggestions as to what else I could do in the way of decorating.
I consider these to be the two smoldering stubs of firewood. I was stressed out and frustrated and concerned and all the other adjectives that can go along with these types of events. I even felt like I might shed a tear or two (which -if you know me- you will understand to be very rare).
At my wits end and wanting to escape, I sat down to read a blog or two and found this most selfless of acts waiting for me. I need to check myself and remain focused (be careful) I have no need to be stressed (be calm). I have no need to worry (don't be afraid). The problems I face ( the two smoldering stubs of firewood and the angry kings) are nothing compared to my God.
God is so Mighty and Wonderful to answer a prayer for April to my benefit. This all should be seen as proof (as we sometimes may doubt when we don't see it evidenced) that God does hear your prayers for others. He does respond. He does want you to seek Him out for the benefit of others.
Thank you to all of you who pray for me. My spirit is sensitive to it. I do know.
Friday, June 27, 2008
When God speaks...
I tend to freak out a little. (But we know that I love to be freaked out like that, so it's ok.)
You may remember that I am "in charge" of VBS this year at our church. Or maybe you don't know or are just finding out now, but regardless...I am.
I've been busy with this and busy with that and tending to the house issues and blah-bitty-blah-blah. Anywho...( Don't you love references to the past? heehee)... I realized between Wednesday and Thursday of this week that VBS is less than 2-weeks away.
I wanted to freak-out in the bad way. Then I checked myself (yes, before I wrecked myself) and went to the Lord. And I said this, "Lord...My Father God, I have not been in Your Word as I should be. Please honor your gift of forgiveness to me and let me hear from You now, about VBS. What I need to do and how to handle this. I'm concerned and You know it. Please and thank You."
SO - I then advised Him that I was just going to open the book and for Him to direct the fall of the pages to where I should read. (Yeah - you know what's comin') I did as I suggested and He did what I asked.
Right there -on the page- were these wonderful words from Our Lord (paraphrased for emphasis):
"Why are you crying out to me? Put your staff over the water and tell the people to walk through the Red Sea. I'll take care of the rest."
Well -I was stunned to say the least. We ask for Him to speak simply and "whoop there it is". (Man - that was just lame.)
SO - again, I address Him and say something to the effect of, "Can we do this one more time? I wanna make sure I got You right." I open up The Book and whamO! He says to me, "Move! Marshall your troops. Prepare for battle." (again paraphrased - save for the "move. marshall your troops" thing.)
Wowie-zowie! Isn't He the coolest!??! Gotta love His Mercy on the weak and small-minded!!
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I ask:
Anybody got a ram's horn I can borrow?? I gotta marshall my troops and I think they're all napping.
You may remember that I am "in charge" of VBS this year at our church. Or maybe you don't know or are just finding out now, but regardless...I am.
I've been busy with this and busy with that and tending to the house issues and blah-bitty-blah-blah. Anywho...( Don't you love references to the past? heehee)... I realized between Wednesday and Thursday of this week that VBS is less than 2-weeks away.
I wanted to freak-out in the bad way. Then I checked myself (yes, before I wrecked myself) and went to the Lord. And I said this, "Lord...My Father God, I have not been in Your Word as I should be. Please honor your gift of forgiveness to me and let me hear from You now, about VBS. What I need to do and how to handle this. I'm concerned and You know it. Please and thank You."
SO - I then advised Him that I was just going to open the book and for Him to direct the fall of the pages to where I should read. (Yeah - you know what's comin') I did as I suggested and He did what I asked.
Right there -on the page- were these wonderful words from Our Lord (paraphrased for emphasis):
"Why are you crying out to me? Put your staff over the water and tell the people to walk through the Red Sea. I'll take care of the rest."
Well -I was stunned to say the least. We ask for Him to speak simply and "whoop there it is". (Man - that was just lame.)
SO - again, I address Him and say something to the effect of, "Can we do this one more time? I wanna make sure I got You right." I open up The Book and whamO! He says to me, "Move! Marshall your troops. Prepare for battle." (again paraphrased - save for the "move. marshall your troops" thing.)
Wowie-zowie! Isn't He the coolest!??! Gotta love His Mercy on the weak and small-minded!!
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I ask:
Anybody got a ram's horn I can borrow?? I gotta marshall my troops and I think they're all napping.
Friday, June 20, 2008
2 Weeks and 30 Days
2 Weeks:
My MIL had her visit with the Dr. yesterday and now has a snazzy blue cast on her arm and hand. The "something going on in there" was a hairline fracture and all parties involved were glad she decided to go in because 1 big jolt and her bone could have shattered. She will wear the cast for 2 weeks - until her 2nd grandson's wedding 4th of July weekend. It will most likely feel like 30 days to the rest of us because at 7:20 this morning (less than 24 hours of having it on) she's already calling to complain about not being able to get the back of her hair done, her make-up on right and her stockings all the way up. (If you were to know her, you would understand how important this is for her.)
And speaking of 30 days:
Many of you - make that - the two of you, do not know that we are having some work done in our house. You see, I have two water nymphs who live with me. After 10 years in the same house with one or both of them utilizing the master bath at any given time, the amount of water flung across my bathroom floor had managed to seep into the baseboards and around the vanity cabinet, causing both (the baseboards and cabinet) to swell and crack and generally become quite unsightly. Don't even get me started on the floor!! Let's just leave it with the builders thought carpet in the bathroom would be smell. I mean swell.
My sweet husband decided that we needed a general overhaul. (Hey - if you're gonna fix one -you might as well fix 'em all, right?)
So - we went looking, had the detail and measuring done and made the purchases. (New flooring in the bathroom, new cabinet and a couple of other things around the house) Now, I am quite handy, but not in a way that I could remove the vanity top, replace the cabinet and return all to it's proper place. SO - we scheduled all our activity through LOWE'S. (In case you missed it, we scheduled all our work through L-O-W-E-S.)
Well, when the builders/installers/contractors (whatever they are calling themselves these days) came out yesterday, the very first thing they did was to rip out the vanity cabinet. Good for them! I say good for them because it was a lesson in futility. Minutes after ripping out the cabinet they discover the new cabinet we purchased was not going to work due to the plumbing of the sinks.
Uhhh.
Who's responsibility was it, I inquired, to ensure that the product I purchased would work in my home - considering I am neither a builder, contractor, plumbing expert NOR a professional home product installation professional?!? I had to duck and cover for all the finger point that ensued from one simple question.
7 hours later - Yes. 7 hours later, we were plainly told that we could either keep the original cabinet we purchased, seal up 4 of the 6 drawers and have it installed in a matter of days OR we could have a cabinet special ordered for us -which will take approximately...wait for it...30 days!!
Whoopie!
Now - the "special order" cabinet is valued over 60% more than the original cabinet and we won't have to be out additional funds, but 30 days!?! C'mon. Now, everything else were going to do has to be pushed back because one can't be done before the other.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I'm:
a) Still trying to rid myself of the vile words that are trying to errupt and spew forth like hot lava.
b) Hoping I'm able to adequately articulate to the staff at L-O-W-E-S that I am doing them a favor by watiting 30 days for a better cabinet - and that I'm still not "happy".
c) Focusing on being grateful that I wanted volkswagen and God wanted me to have a cadillac.
d) Focusing on His perfect timing.
e) All of the above.
My MIL had her visit with the Dr. yesterday and now has a snazzy blue cast on her arm and hand. The "something going on in there" was a hairline fracture and all parties involved were glad she decided to go in because 1 big jolt and her bone could have shattered. She will wear the cast for 2 weeks - until her 2nd grandson's wedding 4th of July weekend. It will most likely feel like 30 days to the rest of us because at 7:20 this morning (less than 24 hours of having it on) she's already calling to complain about not being able to get the back of her hair done, her make-up on right and her stockings all the way up. (If you were to know her, you would understand how important this is for her.)
And speaking of 30 days:
Many of you - make that - the two of you, do not know that we are having some work done in our house. You see, I have two water nymphs who live with me. After 10 years in the same house with one or both of them utilizing the master bath at any given time, the amount of water flung across my bathroom floor had managed to seep into the baseboards and around the vanity cabinet, causing both (the baseboards and cabinet) to swell and crack and generally become quite unsightly. Don't even get me started on the floor!! Let's just leave it with the builders thought carpet in the bathroom would be smell. I mean swell.
My sweet husband decided that we needed a general overhaul. (Hey - if you're gonna fix one -you might as well fix 'em all, right?)
So - we went looking, had the detail and measuring done and made the purchases. (New flooring in the bathroom, new cabinet and a couple of other things around the house) Now, I am quite handy, but not in a way that I could remove the vanity top, replace the cabinet and return all to it's proper place. SO - we scheduled all our activity through LOWE'S. (In case you missed it, we scheduled all our work through L-O-W-E-S.)
Well, when the builders/installers/contractors (whatever they are calling themselves these days) came out yesterday, the very first thing they did was to rip out the vanity cabinet. Good for them! I say good for them because it was a lesson in futility. Minutes after ripping out the cabinet they discover the new cabinet we purchased was not going to work due to the plumbing of the sinks.
Uhhh.
Who's responsibility was it, I inquired, to ensure that the product I purchased would work in my home - considering I am neither a builder, contractor, plumbing expert NOR a professional home product installation professional?!? I had to duck and cover for all the finger point that ensued from one simple question.
7 hours later - Yes. 7 hours later, we were plainly told that we could either keep the original cabinet we purchased, seal up 4 of the 6 drawers and have it installed in a matter of days OR we could have a cabinet special ordered for us -which will take approximately...wait for it...30 days!!
Whoopie!
Now - the "special order" cabinet is valued over 60% more than the original cabinet and we won't have to be out additional funds, but 30 days!?! C'mon. Now, everything else were going to do has to be pushed back because one can't be done before the other.
It's Another Day in Montgomery and I'm:
a) Still trying to rid myself of the vile words that are trying to errupt and spew forth like hot lava.
b) Hoping I'm able to adequately articulate to the staff at L-O-W-E-S that I am doing them a favor by watiting 30 days for a better cabinet - and that I'm still not "happy".
c) Focusing on being grateful that I wanted volkswagen and God wanted me to have a cadillac.
d) Focusing on His perfect timing.
e) All of the above.
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