Wrapping Up the Old and Ringing in the New

Today, I spent time putting the house, computer...my life in order.

There are things I am tossing out,
     deleting,
          rearranging to get ready for the new year:

New things,
     new activities,
          new opportunities to live for Him!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

"Out" with my old nightshirt I've worn just about every night since May 1994 - I finally splurged on a new one! :)

It is so comfy, but you can see through it and holes have appeared. I hate togive it up, but there's really no sense in wearing it in this condition.  ;-)

"In" with the new nightshirt!

"Out" with keeping up shallow Facebook cyber relationships, and "In" with developing deep, life impacting face-to face, relationships. I don't plan to be on very much, so call, text (on my new phone), or stop by for coffee to catch me up on your life.

"Out" with trying to get what I don't have and "In" with being content with all that God has blessed me with: the people He has brought into my life for such a time as this, the opportunities He's given me, the provision he's made for me.

"Out" with the out of shape I'm in and "In" with health and fitness.

I'm excited about all the possibilities and HOPE 2012 holds.

While You Were Sleeping-LFC January 2008

Who's Help?

This is an old joke that keeps coming to mind as I think about my life, and as I pray for so many people in hard situations. 

A storm descends on a small town, and the downpour soon turns into a flood. As the waters rise, the local preacher kneels in prayer on the church porch, surrounded by water. By and by, one of the townsfolk comes up the street in a canoe.
"Better get in, Preacher. The waters are rising fast."
"No," says the preacher. "I have faith the Lord. He will save me."
Still the waters rise. Now the preacher is up on the balcony, wringing his hands in supplication, when another guy zips up in a motorboat.
"Come on, Preacher. We need to get you out of here. The levee's gonna break any minute."
Once again, the preacher is unmoved. "I shall remain. The Lord will see me through."

After a while the levee breaks, and the flood rushes over the church until only the steeple remains above water. The preacher is up there, clinging to the cross, when a helicopter descends out of the clouds, and a state trooper calls down to him through a megaphone.

"Grab the ladder, Preacher. This is your last chance."
Once again, the preacher insists the Lord will deliver him.
And, predictably, he drowns.
A pious man, the preacher goes to heaven. After a while he gets an interview with God, and he asks the Almighty, "Lord, I had unwavering faith in you. Why didn't you deliver me from that flood?"
God shakes his head. "What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter."

This is a lesson I am continually being reminded of as I pray for people - as I seek my own "help"; God often answers in ways I never imagined. I often miss His answers because I'm so focused on MY ways, I don't recognize His ways.

     "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
 neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD."
                  (Isaiah 55:8 ESV)

Lord,
Open my eyes to see how you are at work - help me to recognize you rescuing, redeeming, restoring, relieving, renewing, redirecting, and removing through circumstances and through people you place in lives.

Simple, Not Easy

I long to return to a simpler life. Don't think for a minute that translates to "easier" life. Simple living is time consuming, physically hard and exhausting, but it is also very fulfilling. I do get a "taste" of that life now and then...

Today, I am thankful or the past several weeks during which I've enjoyed the simple life by:

     Spending hours outdoors with my man,
          tracking deer,
               using my senses fully,
                    appreciating the beautiful handiwork of God
                         in the sparkling starry skies,
                              feeling the crisp autumn air against my warm
                              cheeks,
                                   listening to the sound of dry leaves still
                                   rustling on the trees
                                        and the crunch of them under my
                                        boots.

I'm thankful that my husband's hobbies bring him enjoyment and relaxation
     and also provide food for our family;
          for his skill with his weapons whether a fishing rod and reel,
          bow and arrows or a muzzleloader;
               for his knowledge of the hunt - scouting, preparing,
               patiently waiting, harvesting,
                    for all the hours and care he puts into cleaning and
                    packaging the meat.

I am thankful for friends who share God's bountiful provision through the toil of their hands in their land.
     My hands gratefully receive their overflow, and after many hours
     of post harvest work
            their offerings are now providing vegetables
            for our winter meals:
               green beans, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes.

This longing for the simpler life reminded me of this song by 4Him:

     “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God ... And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." (Deuteronomy 28:1a..2-6 ESV)

I have been overtaken by blessings.
     A grateful, thankful heart.
          Blessed beyond measure this Thanksgiving.

Packing Up Suitcases and Moving On

I've been in a "funk" for quite some time. I can't even remember when it started. It has something to do with life changes and resisting where God has me at this point in my life. I know - you've heard this before, but it seems it's a process. One moment, I think I've overcome the "slump", but then something creeps up and pulls me down.

Over the last couple days, God has been gracious to reveal some things to me regarding my clinging ways. There really isn't anything left to grasp. It's time for me to stop looking back, longing for what was. It's time to pack up those suitcases and move on. Like a wonderful vacation, it was great and I have lots of precious memories, but I can't stay. Life goes on. It's tough moving forward when I'm carrying suitcases full of burdens. I'm packing up those cares, concerns, worries and dropping them off at the foot of the cross. I'm ready to run, to dance again, to laugh, and to sing with my Lord!


   "...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content..." (Philippians 4:11 ESV)

It's a new day, and I have a new attitude. Lord, help me to make it last. 

Many Paths Lead to the Same Destination

No, I've not gone liberal on you. There is only one way to God, by grace through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This post is about the path we take as we follow His call in our lives, accomplishing His purpose and plan.

How did I get where I am today? I have been asking that question a lot during the past year. This is definitely not the plan I had for my life, but it is God's plan for me and my life...much better than my own, and what an adventure it has been! I would have never dreamed that I would be back at GM, as an engineer after 20 years "retirement" fulfilling my dream of being a "stay at home" mom.

*FLASHBACK*

When I was a little girl, I loved school (yeah, weird, huh?) When I got home from school, I would "play" school. I was always the teacher, and when I couldn't pull my sister away from her Barbie dolls, or fort building, I lined up my dolls and stuffed animals. They were the perfect students. You see, my mom was a teacher, and I admired my mom. I wanted to be like my mom. That was my dream...I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

But God had other plans for me. My favorite high school teachers (Ms. Rem - Calculus and Mr. Wellever - Chemistry and Physics) along with both of my parents talked me out of teaching. My teachers and my engineer dad encouraged me along the engineering path since I did so well in math and science, and as a woman, I could pretty much go anywhere with such a degree. Dad wanted me to be independent, able to support myself. Even my mom explained that teaching wasn't what it used to be. There are so many other social issues to deal with, these days.

Since I was a compliant child, I followed the advice of these influential adults in my life and pursued an engineering degree at UofM, graduated, and landed a job at General Motors...

So much happened in the 26 years since...I married an amazing man, raised to wonderful children who make me a proud mama, and through it all, God actually gave me the desires of my heart - to be a teacher, after all:

• *subbing at the kids' private school...which led me to homeschool from 3rd grade through high school.
• *as a Sunday school and children's church teacher
• *training teachers and volunteers
• *leading Bible Studies for children, youth and women.

And now, I'm able to be my husband's helpmate in new ways - yes, different than my ideas, once again.

I had my ideas of what I wanted to do with my life, but God had other plans.

    "The heart of man plans his way,  but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)

God knows the deepest desires of our hearts and sometimes he fulfills those desires in ways completely different than we could ever imagine.

Always an adventure, so hold on, keep your eyes and ears wide open and attentive so you don't miss what He is doing.

Be Happy!

Working on "The Happiness Project"

I liked this quote: 

"As put forth by the Second Splendid Truth:

One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy;

One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself."

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

It's true.
     Being around happy people makes me happy.
          Making other people happy makes me happy.
               I need to be happy to be happy - LOL!

Sounds a lot like circular reasoning, but I'm working on it! :)

I tend to be a worrier, but have improved over the years. For whatever reason, this song came to mind yesterday. It made me happy! ;-)



Happiness is:

Hearing your son's happy voice over the phone.
Seeing your daughter's happy smile every Monday.
Spending time with your happy sister while taking a break on the job.
Getting an e-mail from your happy parents' ipod while on their River Cruise Vacation
IMing sweet nothings to your silly happy husband at work...how many people get to do that?

Thank you for taking care of all my needs. Lord, because of who you are and what you've done, I don't worry and can be happy.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:25-34 ESV)

Work is a Gift

"Behold what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil - this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

How fitting that I was in Ecclesiastes through the Labor Day weekend. Though I've studied the book before, I read it this weekend with a different attitude and gained much insight by reading it straight through. There is so much wisdom from Solomon about so many things relevant in my life: about striving, about priorities, about trusting His timing, about wealth, about things I cannot control...

I pouted a bit because I was not able to "fellowship" and camp-out with my church family. This was truly a family LABOR Day weekend filled with Labor and I wish I could say that I rejoiced in it. God is still working on me. :) I did enjoy having Cristin around for the first time in four years. *sigh* :

Cristin worked with Dad to clear brush and set tree stands for hunting season.

Craig was irritated because he couldn't find the keys to the right vehicle. The engineer in me: Encounter a problem, find a solution and fix the problem!

I labeled the key holders AND each set of keys! (My OBC Friends - remember this VBS craft?)

We moved Great Grandma O'Briens piano from Grandpa O'Briens garage where it has rested for the past 10 years -  summers, winters, falls, and springs. It's amazingly in great shape and still quite tuned. INCREDIBLE!

Grandpa's antler collection laid out for pics to post on Craig's list/amazon/ebay. (I have Craig's set to take care of as well!)

I washed the old van inside and out. 

She looks pretty darn good for 13 years and 197K miles!

The shrubbery got a "haircut".

We did take time out to play in the evenings...

I organized my knitting projects and started on my goal of finishing projects... 

Lord, 

Thank you for ALL the work you've given me - at home, at GM, in my marriage. Help me work as if working for you!

No Pain - No Gain

Growing up, I was my dad's buddy. He taught me how to ride a bike, windmill a softball pitch, shoot a basketball, and swing a hammer like the guys. He was my trainer in the off-season, and during every training season I would often grumble and complain. Of course, I was just echoing what my muscles were screaming at me. There were times, I just thought the pain and discomfort was too much to bear. I wanted to quit; I didn't think the pain was worth going through. Dad's cheer would always be..."No pain, no gain!" and I would grit my teeth, set my jaw and push on. "You're building character!' He would say.

Dad never made me do more than I could handle; amazingly, I never broke; I survived. Through the pain of training, I grew stronger. I never realized that Dad was really giving me an object lesson from Scripture...

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5 (See also 1Peter 1:6 and James 1:2-4)

"...Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

Dad also would encourage me with  "Train don't strain." I know the Lord, who is allowing these trials to train me, will only allow enough training to make me into the woman He desires for the work He has prepared.


So I press on to the goal...

"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14

When Right Keep Going Wrong - MOVE!

Craig and I have been feeling like we're living under a dark cloud, and haven't been able to shake the gloominess, for whatever reason. This week, I've been reading through Job, which has really put our life into perspective.

This song has helped me to get a right attitude on every morning and look to the Hope He promises.

This is for all of my friends who are going through hard times; I am praying for you:

you who have lost loved ones -
     a spouse
        a child,
           a niece,
              a nephew,
                 a father,
                    a mother,
                       a grandparent;

you who have lost your health,
     been given a devastating diagnosis;

you who have suffered shattered marriages,
     broken relationships,
          severed friendships;

you who have lost a job,
     a home,
          dreams...



Whatever trial you are facing, don't lose hope...look forward to brighter days!

'"My tears have been my food

day and night,

while they say to me all the day long,

“Where is your God?”...

...Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation  and my God.' Psalm 42:3, 5

Empty Nest - Bitter Sweet

Having an empty nest is bitter sweet...

It is so sweet to see the eaglets soaring on their own, climbing to new heights with new opportunities and challenges. It's tough being the mama eagle who nudged them out of her nest. All I can do is watch, pray and be there to swoop in, if needed. Sometimes I want to swoop in before I'm really needed - just a little turbulence, they make a slight adjustment and are flying steady in no time.

The bitter part is that their soaring often takes them far from the nest, with return flights waning in frequency. They need me less and less. I need retraining for a new job description. Can I negotiate this?

Both of my "kids" were home for a brief time this summer. God has done an amazing work - without me - imagine that! They have matured in so many ways and were a huge help to me. Some things cannot be captured by a camera, but here is a glimpse of the blessings they poured out...

Chad decided that our deck railing needed replacing and a paint job was in order. (I have to admit - it was rotted.) He purchased the materials, tore down the old and replaced it with brand new - with a little help from Dad. :)

Cristin decided it was time to clean and organize the basement. I wish I had "before" and "after" pictures; Extreme Home Makeover, for sure! It's amazing how quickly you can find things when everything is in its place! 

I'm so proud you have found your wings ...


and am continuing to pray for you, as you dare to do great things, following God as He leads. <3 U!

Love God, Love People - Which People?

"Love God, Love People" is a slogan that is popular in evangelical circles these days, and we usually immediately think of Jesus's Parable about the Good Samaritan in Luke Chapter 10. From this parable, we are taught that if we truly love God we will also love people who are very different than us, even our enemies. Samaritans were outcast of the Jews, and the Jews would avoid a Samaritan at all cost. Jesus commanded us to cross cultural barriers, socio-economic barriers, ethnic barriers to take the Gospel - the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ to everyone - the whole world.

But is that all?

We  in the "church" get fired up and excited during special outreach events, local charities, and short term mission trips about "loving" people that we have never met. We feel good about all the "good" we are doing to help the hurting people in our world in a tangible way so that we can have an opportunity to tell them about Jesus. It is one way God opens opportunities for His people to share the Good News of Jesus.

But what about...

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Jesus commands us to love "the brothers and sisters" of the faith. As we love one another, the world is drawn to us and wants what we have. It gives us another opportunity to share the gospel while living it before men on a daily basis.

This is the hard kind of love - loving people even after you REALLY get to know them, "warts" and all! As we study together, share our lives, pray for one another, make poor choices, hurt and fail one another it becomes more difficult to "love" and "be loved". In our culture, when people don't live up to our expectations it is easier to just walk away...from marriages, friendships, family, church, jobs...and plug into a new one.

I recently had a conversation with someone who no longer attends church. She has a lot of brokenness in her life that was out of her control, and her comment was something like this: "Every time I go to a church, people get mad at something, they leave and the church splits. I have enough brokenness in my life. It hurts too much to invest in people, when there's a high probability they will walk away." (my paraphrase) I appreciate her honesty; it made me sad.

As people who have been washed in His love by forgiveness, mercy, and grace, we too should be freely extending forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10

I know there are times that God definitely moves people in their relationships. He has in my own life. It still hurts. Yet, we need to keep our arms extended with a willingness and readiness to forgive, extend mercy and grace.

I was humbled by the outpouring of love, care and concern from some of my brothers and sisters of former churches who recently reached out in my time of need when Craig was hospitalized. I was reminded that "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them..."

Read Friends Are Friends Forever lyrics here.

Blessings to my friends who have stuck with me through the good and bad, who love me when I am unlovable, who challenge me, who have left the door open...

Do Everything

Questions I've been wrestling with...
Complaining I've been doing...
Self evaluations I've been making...
Guilt I've been fighting...
Searching and researching...
And all the pleading I've done over the past year and a half...

in the daily conversations

with My Lord 

He repeatedly confirms, 

and I am confident...

I'm right where He wants me,

doing the work He has prepared  

- in advance - for ME

with the gifts and talents He created ME to have 

along with the knowledge and experience He's given ME

as I have walked in obedience 

and the lessons I've learned when I strayed, stumbled, and fell;

The work He's prepared for me is NOT the work He has  for you.

Whether 

a stay-at-home wife & mother or automotive engineer

setting a table or setting up meetings

pushing a grocery cart or pulling a briefcase

running ministries or running tests

in t-shirt and shorts or business casual

serving on a church committee or serving on a corporate board

living on a limited budget or earning overflow to bless others 

wherever, whatever, whenever, to whomever

I want to

"do EVERYTHING in the name of the Lord Jesus.

giving thanks to God the Father through him."

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Golf

"What I Did On My Summer Vacation" - Week 1, Day 1


It all started Friday afternoon at Mystic Creek Golf Club at Camp Dearborn in Milford, MI. The Powertrain Material Labs from Milford, Pontiac, and Warren meet for an afternoon of "team building" and fun with lunch and a golf scramble. Craig and I were the anchor to our team (like a dead weight)!

My clubs were hand-me-down when I started golfing 26 years ago. The guys laugh so hard when they see them - and if I was easily embarrassed, taking these clubs to a fancy Golf Club might be a problem. My irons, a 5 and 9, are so rusted it's hard to read the number on them. I have a 1 wood and 3 wood along with an assortment of 5 putters to choose from. LOL!

Eric was our coach and cheerleader, always ready with some positive comments and encouragement. ... and when needed, he gave firm direction like harrassing Craig into using his 1 wood instead of the 3 iron when we needed his drive on the last hole. PERFECT!!!! - best shot Craig had all day! :)

Fred was our easy going, positive, fun, always smiling, have a good time teammate. So good to have his laid back attitude set the tone for our day!

Eric asked this question at every putt: "Who wants to put it in?" and since everyone else is being so "gentlemanly", I step up...and actually make a few good putts!

We ended in first place at 2 under. GO TEAM BERYLLIUM!!!  :)

It was a perfect day and a perfect start to Week 1 of Summer Vacation!

The House of the GREAT Divide

For the past week, I have been living in a home of “The GREAT Divide”. Craig and I are on polar opposites of an issue and have engaged in numerous “passionate discussions” about this issue. Honestly, there has been many times that I have not “felt the love”…

BUT

I am thankful, yes THANKFUL for this trial we are going through within our relationship and within our church body. Craig and I both AGREE that God is testing us. We believe He wants us to learn some things about ourselves, our family, our church, and ultimately about Him. I love to learn, I just don’t want to be stretched so much that I am uncomfortable. I especially dislike pain, which is what we are feeling in this trial – the pain of stretched relationships.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to understand what’s going on in our Elder Board, Pastoral Search Committee, and Church body through a microcosm of the controversy in our home.

In working through this at home, Craig and I have some advantages:

1. Craig is an elder responsible for leading the congregation and affecting the body by his decisions. I, as part of the search team, have sought God’s will for our body through countless hours of prayer, time and energy in this process. I am acutely aware of everything that has been done to get us to the point of where we are today.

2. I know Craig’s heart better than anyone (besides God, of course). He earnestly desires to please God and do what is right in His eyes for the body of LFC. Craig knows me better than anyone on this earth and that my heart and passion is to obey the Lord and His Word above anything else.

3. We know we can be real and completely honest with one another, and even if we never come to an agreement, we know we still love and respect each other, and will continue to live our lives for God. We leave it up to Him to correct our understanding in His time. Neither of us will be walking away from the other at the end of this discussion.

In working through this, I’ve come to the conclusion (again) that there are two sides to every issue and we rarely have all the information; there’s usually more than meets the eye (or ears).

Those who hold to the constitution have been called “Pharisees”, holding to the letter of the law (minimum 90%). From their perspective it’s a matter of faith and trusting God’s sovereign power. He could have moved people in a way to achieve the minimum. Nothing is impossible for God. He is in control of all things, including this vote. He (as well as everyone involved) knew we needed 90%, and was not surprised by the shortfall. He has a plan in it, and he works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. We need to just trust and wait on Him.

Those who hold to the position that we should have rounded up, contend that the spirit of the law (constitution) was fulfilled by 89.665%. Jesus was always challenging the law and breaking it when it was in the best interest of people. They contend, to round up would have been what Jesus would have done, choosing to love people over abiding by the law. These people have been judged as trying to manipulate the outcome their way. They have been accused of playing “god” because they didn’t agree with the decision. Their faith has been questioned and they have been judged as “less spiritual” than those who say that God sovereignly allowed the vote to fall short as his will to not call the candidate.

These are godly men and women on both sides of this issue whom I have discussed this with – at length. Many of them feel passionately about their position. I respect and love them all. I can see their perspective. There is Biblical support for both sides; I can accept both.

My heart aches. Something that was instituted to ensure unity of the body behind a new leader has become something to divide the body. This should not be! I pray the devil doesn’t win, because surely, he would love to see us fight among ourselves and tear this body apart.

I am thankful for the trials because through them, we are being built up into the people God needs us to be. (James 1 and 1 Peter 1 – read them!) He is doing a work – will we let Him complete it?

I am thankful we have leadership who passionately desire to do God’s will above their own.

I am thankful for leadership willing to admit their weakness and failures, publicly.

I am thankful for leadership willing to evaluate their action and seek to correct a wrong, if so determined.

I am thankful for leadership willing to humble themselves before God and the body they serve to seek forgiveness and restoration.

I am thankful that leadership is responsible and will answer to God for the decisions they make. Their decisions both good and bad will have consequences that affect me and the rest of the body, but God’s Word tells me to submit to the leaders He has placed over me. (Hebrews 13:17) I will accept their decision and serve together with them with JOY to advance His kingdom!

Praying for our Elders, praying for the Search Team, praying for our body…Loving God and Loving People!

1Thessalonians 5:12-28

Obedience Would Be Easy...

...if only God would speak to me like He did in Bible times."

I had plans for Saturday. I was very excited about our Mission Conference. It was going to be all about using the internet to share Christ with people.

...God had other plans...

When I got up Saturday morning, I asked how I could help Craig. He said he could use my help at Dad's, fixing the plumbing and getting the place ready to sell.

But, but, but...I thought we were going to the Mission Conference...:-(

My first response was, 

"I'll go, but I'll drive separately so I can make it to the conference if you don't get done by 12:30."

 "See you up there," he said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

My heart was pricked immediately and my thoughts flipped back to that little pink book (A Woman After God's Own Heart) and all that I learned:

God is my first priority, 

then my husband, 

then my children, 

THEN ministry. 

I am my husband's helper (Genesis 2:18) and God has commanded me to submit to my own husband (Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 and 1 Peter 3) in everything (as long as it's not immoral or illegal) and clearly, helping with plumbing and cleaning is neither.

I ran after him, and jumped in the truck beside him. *sigh* We worked until 4:30, missed the conference, and were physically and emotionally exhausted, but...on the drive home I got a rare and precious gift: "Thank you for all your help today. I really appreciated it  - it meant a lot to me."

God DOES speak to us today.We can only hear as we read, study and apply His Word...

I am basking in blessings of obedience in the midst of life that honestly, is not a lot of fun right now. Sometimes, you just have to "CHOOSE JOY!"  :)

The Floodgates Open

Not only have the floodgates of heaven opened pouring forth rain on the earth, but the floodgates of heaven have also been pouring God's blessings into my life. I can barely breathe - I feel like I am drowning at times...

My friends know that this transition back into full time engineering at General Motors after 20 years of "retirement" have been difficult. I have felt like I've lost my identity and purpose. I have been focusing on all that has been taken away from me - the ministry I thought was  to do, the people I wanted to reach, the sacrifices I chose to make - instead of focusing on what God was doing in my life. I lost track of the fact that this life I live isn't about ME, it's all about Jesus!

I wish I could share all that God is doing...I can't, but here are a few glimpses:

1) The opportunity to allow Craig to serve me in an area that I have served him pretty exclusively for the last 20 years. We've come full circle, back to sharing in household cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping etc., as I do my part in bringing home the "bacon". I never dreamed it would be so hard to give up! :)

2) Working together throughout the week, enjoying talking "shop" around the dinner table and understanding each other's successes and struggles...

3) Receiving encouraging IMs throughout the day. ;-) He lifts me up when I am down and prods me on when I feel like giving up. It feels like when we were first dating. (We met at GM 27 years ago!) I keep looking for "perennial" flowers in a beaker on my desk. ;-) Or a helium balloon with a smiley tied to my chair. Unfortunately, my desk is in Pontiac and his is in Warren. :-(

4) Grateful to see his reduced stress over financial matters.

5) The AMAZING work God did in placing a ministry burden on Craig and me independently, then drawing us together in the offering ...Don't know if, when, or how the offering will be used, but I have been blessed beyond words with the fact that we are in unity and stepped out in faith together in obedience with open hands - my faith has grown to have experienced God in this way!

There is so much more...

I want to live with open hands and a grateful heart!  :)

Dance Your Shoes Off - He's ALIVE!

Made me want to join in. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this energy and excitement for Jesus?! Loved all the sizes, shapes, ages, coordination levels involved. Angie - watch to the end...thought you would appreciate this! :)

Young Models of Godliness

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

I am thankful for the "young adults" in my life who, by their actions and "words" are living, walking models of faithful sojourners in this life. I've been convicted, challenged, and encouraged by their desire to be faithful to God above all and everyone else.

1.) Making a hard decision without complete understanding to obey God's small still voice, when it hurt, went against hopes, dreams and desires, and brought criticism from family and friends.
2.) Responding with grace, understanding and kind words...
3.) Stopping a conversation in mid thought, realizing that to continue would be to gossip.

I'm tired, I'm weary, and falling so short of who I desire to be and need to be. I can't do this on my own. Thank you that you are strong enough for both of us...



I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me, knowing that He who began a good work in me will complete it. Thank you, Lord!

WAIT!

There seems to be a recurring theme I have been hearing, and I'm certain it is the Lord trying to get my attention!

Recently I watched (numerous times in the last three weeks) the movie, "The Lake House". It's about two people separated by time who are required to WAIT to avoid tragedy and to ultimately be together. I watched, feeling their frustration as they tried desperately to be a part of each other's life, living in the same place but separated by 2 years in time. They were able to communicate and build a friendship through letters. They were so close, yet so impossibly far apart. In the end, because they WAITED...

Two of my favorite gals have shared that the Lord has clearly told them to WAIT in their circumstances. They don't understand it, nevertheless it is very clear. Delayed gratification isn't popular in our culture and I ache with them and for them to realize the desires of their hearts in God's time.

During my study in the Psalms last week, the application I chose for my life was to WAIT on the Lord demonstrating my TRUST in Him, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness. As we looked ahead to next week's study in Psalm 40, I had to laugh as I glanced at the 1st verse:

"I waited patiently for the Lord"

Isn't God AWESOME?! The Creator of the universe loves me and cares enough for me to speak to me personally! 
.....
As I filled my bird feeders tonight, I saw tender purple petals peeking through the icy ground. "WAIT!" I cried.

Waiting on you, Lord...patiently! :)

Sleeplessness, Scriptures and My Savior

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4, 6


I spent another sleepless night, last night. Instead of trying to force sleep, I slipped out of my bed, grabbed my Bible and journal and started sharing with Jesus all the thoughts racing through my mind. Scriptures that I had hidden deep in my heart flooded my mind and brought me comfort as I scrawled all that He was saying to me through His Word. I read, wrote, and prayed until I couldn't keep my eyes open and was finally able to slip back into bed for a few hours of sleep.
 
This morning, I picked up my current read - "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel and continued where I left off - Chapter 8 "When You Believe in God but Still Worry". OUCH! Nothing like having everything God spoke to me in the middle of the night confirmed  by the light of day! He even used ALL of the same scriptures I had read through!
 

 
Lord,
Help me to let go of  the need to control so much in my life. I ask for the peace that passes all understanding to guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.  I'm all yours, Cheryl

What Faith Can Do

If you know me at all, you know that music ministers to my soul. Lately, life has been really hard for me, my family, and my friends. Strained marriages, insecurities in parenting the very young and the young adults in our lives, financial struggles, health issues, job stress - whether it's a current job or looking for one; there's tragedies happening all around us - some hitting very close to our hearts and homes, and everywhere I look, I see feelings of failure, discouragement, despair and hopelessness.

In our sufferings, in our failures, in our discouragement there is hope - hope that is sure.

Thank you, Jesus for being the hope that does not disappoint. Give me the faith that moves mountains, hope that never ends.

What Faith Can Do Lyrics at elw

Adjustments

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen ... practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

I've been struggling with adjusting to all the changes in my life, especially in the last year. I've loved my job of being a "stay at home" wife and mom and all that's allowed me to do these past 20 years: homeschool, volunteer, and serve.

With both "kids' out of the house, declining economic climate and rising tuition/college expenses, I've been "thrust" back into the corporate workforce. To put it mildly, I'm still adjusting and have found myself grumbling...a lot...too much! I've been selfish and self-centered.

Philippians 4:8 has been a verse that I've memorized and prayed for the past several years, through some very tough trials, but I have overlooked verse 9 - PRACTICE these things. This is the hard part.

So here goes...I'm dwelling on the positive.This is where it has to start:

Lord,

Who am I, that you are mindful of me; that You hear me when I call?

Is it true that You are thinking of me? How you love ME!

Thank you for what is:

True - I have a vehicle that gets me where I need to go. It may be falling apart, unsightly, noisy, and need regular maintenance, but I have a husband who has the knowledge and inclination to keep our vehicles running.

Honorable - I have husband who is rigid about finances, keeping us out of debt.

Just & Pure - I have a husband who holds me accountable to glorify God with my words, attitude and action on a daily basis, reminding me (rebuking, if necessary) to have an attitude of gratitude.

Lovely & Commendable - My kids are working hard and doing well in their studies, displaying increasing personal responsibility.

Praiseworthy - Because of God's abundant provision through my job, we are able to help our children finance their college education, relieving them of the additional stress of starting out their independence with the burden of debt.

 Thank you, Lord!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!

Gifts at Genesys

I realized I hadn't posted this. It was before Christmas...

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There have been so many people - family members, friends, and church family - who I have been in prayer for this past week. The needs include physical healing, financial provision, relationships restored, and guidance.

How appropriate that my study this week focused on the Peace that we have through Jesus Christ.

455. A life-size nativity outside the entrance to Genesys Medical Center.

456. A poem by Peter Marshall, Chaplain to the US Senate posted inside the Genesys Medical Center elevator pointing to Jesus who is "the way, the truth, and the life."

457. Being with friends through the bad times as well as the good.

458. Advent reading for today focused on Jesus, our peace.

459. and finally, on the way to worship this morning, the first song we heard was, "Hold Me Jesus"

It's a Battle - It's a Choice

It's a new year and I'm battling with the same struggles - all related to my mouth.  

This morning's Scripture reading came from Genesis 4:6-7 

"...'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.'"

Then again from this morning's message taken from Romans 6:12, 

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions."

Who am I obeying?  The deceiver whispers in my ear, "You'll never win this battle. You're a failure. You should have this mastered, by now. You are weak. You are useless." 

Thankfully, I KNOW my God and my God is the God of second, and third, and fourth...chances. By His grace I will overcome, for it is:

"...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6

If I believe my God is mighty to save, how can I NOT believe that He is mighty to overcome my weaknesses?

My Jesus, My Savior,

You have accepted me as I am - all my fears and failures. I ask that you move the mountain in my life. You conquered the grave, help me conquer the enemy (often myself) in this daily battle I fight. You never fail! May your mercy fall on me.  I surrender; I give my life to follow that your light might shine through me for the glory of the risen King!

BonVoyage 2010 - The 4-C's

Reflecting on the events of the past year, the 4-C’s will remember 2010 as a year of changes and challenges, but also overflowing with God’s blessings!

Cristin is in her senior year at Charleston Southern University.  She thoroughly enjoys her studies and her extra-curricular activities such as Lyric Theater for which she was the stage manager. This spring, she won the first undergraduate research award for the Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association for her research about the effect of music on children with Autism. In June, she had the unexpected opportunity to go to Italy with her choir.  She enjoyed her second summer at Spring Hill Camp as a Wrangler-Counselor-Coach and is planning to return for a third summer. Cristin is also busy investigating internship possibilities starting next fall – a six month internship is a requirement for graduation.

Chad did not come home this summer as he was able to obtain a summer job at the University of Alabama Huntsville; we only saw him twice between January and December. The summer job led to a position as an RA in the freshman residence hall, which he has enjoyed. Chad planned a road trip and weekend away to visit Cristin in Charleston for Thanksgiving. He excels in his academics and is excited about an engineering internship with American Axle & Manufacturing this coming summer.

In March, Craig’s dad lost his battle with kidney cancer. We were thankful that he made it home from Florida in time to spend his last few days with the family. Dad’s passing has left quite a void in our lives. Craig still works as a chemist for GM. This year, his job has taken him to Florida, Mexico, and Delaware. Between taking care of Dad’s Estate, serving our church as an elder, and keeping our vehicles operational, there was no spare time to attend on his favorite hobby, and the boat was left dry docked for the second summer in a row.  He did get to do some salmon fishing, thanks to the generosity of good friends.

The most amazing news is that Cheryl was hired by GM as a Fluids & Lubricants Materials Engineer after working 8 months contract in the Chemistry lab under the same manager. While she loved her work in the lab, the engineering job provides many new opportunities, challenges, and benefits. She never dreamed she’d be back to work as an engineer after 20 years of retirement. It has been a challenge to balance home and career – definitely a work in progress.

Craig and Cheryl also celebrated their 25^th wedding anniversary in September, fishing out of Ludington with our good friends, the Allens and Ludwigs.

Finally, with all of our lives changing and realizing it will not get simpler with careers and independence, Cheryl had to do something drastic to get the family together for our first family vacation since early 2006. She “imprisoned” the 4-C’s on a ship for a 4 night cruise from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together. The main highlight was that Craig “forced” the kids to parasail over Coco Cay. Chad entered the paper airplane and table tennis competition onboard, while Cristin surprised us by her rock wall climbing prowess. Other activities included a Pirates and Fort Tour in Nassau, reading, playing cards, and just hanging out, relaxing together.

We concluded the year hanging out with our family – we had a70th birthday celebration for Gramps; Craig and Chad fished on Barnes Lake; Cristin and Cheryl enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling at Knable’s Kottage with Nonna & Gramps and Julie & her boys.

As we say Bon Voyage to 2010, we anticipate the exciting adventure God has for us in 2011!  Happy New Year!