I hear people say the generation of teens today are called the generation of Entitlement. They say that with such contempt and pride. I've always kind of rolled my eyes at it.
I DO think that most kids don't realize how good they've got it. But not in the way that most of those quoted above think. Have we ever thought about our lives compared to most of the world? I just got a magazine from World Vision. It shows all the different ways we can help those in 3rd World Countries this Christmas. They had so many things! Animals to buy for families, a Clean Water fund to dig wells, money to help women escape the sexual slave trade and so many more. How many of our kids are aware of how many kids live like this. For that matter, how many adults are aware? Is it really only our children and teens that feel "Entitled" to the life we are priviledged to live?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Back to Reality
Well, vacation is over and life is stressful again. This kinda sucks. Let me back up.
CJ, Dani and I all went on vacation to Minneapolis, MN. We visited Ashley and Joshua Vance who just took their first pastorate position. It was nice to go on vacation, not have to pay for lodging and yet not have to fit in a million people (like when we go to KC). We still were pretty busy seeing everything but we had time to just lounge around and enjoy each other's company too. Minneapolis is a really beautiful city. Just wish we'd have been there a month ago when all the leaves were still on the trees. Oh well, we had record breaking high temps while we were there. Can't get much better than that.
We are back to our regular life here. I worked Tuesday (we got back Monday) and CJ went back to work today. He worked a 13 hour day just trying to get his department back to rights. I hope his bosses noticed how big of a difference it makes when he is gone. His dept was pretty crappy and looks MUCH better now.
Dani is really testing her boundaries since we got back. I don't know why but she's battling like crazy. Her favorite fits are now about getting dressed and bedtime. Plus a lot of little things throughout the day and boy does it add up. I had to stop today and apologize cuz I was being too harsh. I was in a bad mood cuz I was sick of fighting her but at this time I was the one being too demanding and mean. It was heartbreaking to me. I really stopped and looked in her eyes as I was yelling and she was so sad that I was talking to her that way. She looked so confused and upset. I'm tearing up now as I talk about it. I guess I didn't ruin everything cuz once I stopped and took a breath she went straight into my arms and let me apologize. I think this is the first time I've had to do this. At least to this degree. Poor thing.
Life is back to (pretty much) normal. Yipee!
CJ, Dani and I all went on vacation to Minneapolis, MN. We visited Ashley and Joshua Vance who just took their first pastorate position. It was nice to go on vacation, not have to pay for lodging and yet not have to fit in a million people (like when we go to KC). We still were pretty busy seeing everything but we had time to just lounge around and enjoy each other's company too. Minneapolis is a really beautiful city. Just wish we'd have been there a month ago when all the leaves were still on the trees. Oh well, we had record breaking high temps while we were there. Can't get much better than that.
We are back to our regular life here. I worked Tuesday (we got back Monday) and CJ went back to work today. He worked a 13 hour day just trying to get his department back to rights. I hope his bosses noticed how big of a difference it makes when he is gone. His dept was pretty crappy and looks MUCH better now.
Dani is really testing her boundaries since we got back. I don't know why but she's battling like crazy. Her favorite fits are now about getting dressed and bedtime. Plus a lot of little things throughout the day and boy does it add up. I had to stop today and apologize cuz I was being too harsh. I was in a bad mood cuz I was sick of fighting her but at this time I was the one being too demanding and mean. It was heartbreaking to me. I really stopped and looked in her eyes as I was yelling and she was so sad that I was talking to her that way. She looked so confused and upset. I'm tearing up now as I talk about it. I guess I didn't ruin everything cuz once I stopped and took a breath she went straight into my arms and let me apologize. I think this is the first time I've had to do this. At least to this degree. Poor thing.
Life is back to (pretty much) normal. Yipee!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Angel Food is Launched!
Wow, what a morning! Angel food had it's first distribution day (at our church) today. It's exciting to see it off the ground. We had a good turn out of volunteers. Not everyone who signed up showed up but that's ok. People probably had conflicts. It was fun to see people getting excited about the ministry. A lot of our volunteers couldn't wait to take menus out to their friends, neighbors, and coworkers. And several "customers" (people who bought boxes) were excited to share with those around them too. It is so neat to see God spread this around. One woman who had bought a box, works with a lot of shut ins and people like that and she sees some of them buy precooked meals for $7.50 a pop. Well Angel Food has a "Senior Meals" box that is 10 meals for $28 and she can't wait to tell all those people about it. She said ours even looks better-tasting. Also, we have a volunteer that just can't wait to deliver to the elderly and handicapped so that will work out wonderfully.
We (CJ and I) have been praying since we got here that God would show people a new way of doing things. A new way to be the church, the body of Christ. And people are starting to catch the vision! It is exciting to see. I see so many new ideas flowing out of people and we are just trying to keep up. I told a friend of mine, Kathy, (who has tons of great ideas) that she just needs to write them all down because every time we talk she has 10 more! At least it seems that way.
I know God has been working behind the scenes, so I'm not going to say he's "finally" showing himself or coming through for us now, but it is exciting to see how our prayers really have made a difference over the last 2 or so years. People seem so "ripe", so hungry for this kind of ministry direction. It's exciting to dream about what God has in store.
However, I can tell that we are meeting resistance. Not so much from people in the church but from Satan. He is attacking some new christians that I was starting to talk to and minister to. We were going to start a new small group that would allow them to learn the basics of the Christian faith and help them get to know the person of Jesus and his vision for life. However, Satan is attacking their marriages pretty hard. It is hard to see this happen. I still think God could turn things around but one has to be open to it first and they seem pretty closed. So I'm dealing with this right now. I don't quite know how to proceed. One of the drawbacks to immersing our lives in others without putting on a happy mask, being real and vulnerable is that life gets messy. We don't always know what to do. We don't know how to help those that are making "messy" choices.
It's easy to greet someone in the hall at church with a smile and ask how they are doing. They will answer "Fine" or "Good" or something along those lines. We have this exchange enough times each Sunday and we feel we've connected with people. That we've invested in someone. That we've made someone feel welcome. That is CRAP. C.R.A.P. We need to be willing to go to the needy, the hurting, the outcasts and downtrodden of society. Those that are divorcing, homeless, poor, hungry, oppressed and hurting. But that makes for a messy life.
What happens then too, if we actually reach these people? What if they decide to check out our church. Will someone be welcome if they walk in hand in hand with someone of the same sex? Will someone dressed in a Marilyn Manson t-shirt, and black lipstick be welcomed in (without being stared at). What about a man who smells bad that won't stop talking to you. What will we do then? Will we be Jesus to those people? Jesus hung out with the outcasts. He built relationships with them. They liked him so much, they invited him to their parties! Does it sound like he felt the need to point out their sin right away? To tell them what they were doing wrong and needed to change before they were welcome in his presence? Who would invite someone like that to a big ol' party of all their sinner friends? I wouldn't! The fact that the very people that were shown nothing but contempt and disdain by the religious leaders of that day would want to party with Jesus shows us that he LOVED first. He talked to them like they were more than just the sum of their sin. That they were people that God loved and longed to have a relationship with. Jesus saw them as worthy of respect and compassion. He built a relationship built on love and respect first and then showed them that there was a better way of living. He called it the Kingdom of God. God's way of living. Living by the ways of his kingdom instead of the ways of the world around them. And the greatest attribute in God's kingdom is Love. Period.
So as we launch Angel Food and hopefully more ministries in this direction. I hope we think about how we can be a part of the Kingdom of God. How we can be the hands and feet and mouthpiece of Jesus. Love first. Period.
We (CJ and I) have been praying since we got here that God would show people a new way of doing things. A new way to be the church, the body of Christ. And people are starting to catch the vision! It is exciting to see. I see so many new ideas flowing out of people and we are just trying to keep up. I told a friend of mine, Kathy, (who has tons of great ideas) that she just needs to write them all down because every time we talk she has 10 more! At least it seems that way.
I know God has been working behind the scenes, so I'm not going to say he's "finally" showing himself or coming through for us now, but it is exciting to see how our prayers really have made a difference over the last 2 or so years. People seem so "ripe", so hungry for this kind of ministry direction. It's exciting to dream about what God has in store.
However, I can tell that we are meeting resistance. Not so much from people in the church but from Satan. He is attacking some new christians that I was starting to talk to and minister to. We were going to start a new small group that would allow them to learn the basics of the Christian faith and help them get to know the person of Jesus and his vision for life. However, Satan is attacking their marriages pretty hard. It is hard to see this happen. I still think God could turn things around but one has to be open to it first and they seem pretty closed. So I'm dealing with this right now. I don't quite know how to proceed. One of the drawbacks to immersing our lives in others without putting on a happy mask, being real and vulnerable is that life gets messy. We don't always know what to do. We don't know how to help those that are making "messy" choices.
It's easy to greet someone in the hall at church with a smile and ask how they are doing. They will answer "Fine" or "Good" or something along those lines. We have this exchange enough times each Sunday and we feel we've connected with people. That we've invested in someone. That we've made someone feel welcome. That is CRAP. C.R.A.P. We need to be willing to go to the needy, the hurting, the outcasts and downtrodden of society. Those that are divorcing, homeless, poor, hungry, oppressed and hurting. But that makes for a messy life.
What happens then too, if we actually reach these people? What if they decide to check out our church. Will someone be welcome if they walk in hand in hand with someone of the same sex? Will someone dressed in a Marilyn Manson t-shirt, and black lipstick be welcomed in (without being stared at). What about a man who smells bad that won't stop talking to you. What will we do then? Will we be Jesus to those people? Jesus hung out with the outcasts. He built relationships with them. They liked him so much, they invited him to their parties! Does it sound like he felt the need to point out their sin right away? To tell them what they were doing wrong and needed to change before they were welcome in his presence? Who would invite someone like that to a big ol' party of all their sinner friends? I wouldn't! The fact that the very people that were shown nothing but contempt and disdain by the religious leaders of that day would want to party with Jesus shows us that he LOVED first. He talked to them like they were more than just the sum of their sin. That they were people that God loved and longed to have a relationship with. Jesus saw them as worthy of respect and compassion. He built a relationship built on love and respect first and then showed them that there was a better way of living. He called it the Kingdom of God. God's way of living. Living by the ways of his kingdom instead of the ways of the world around them. And the greatest attribute in God's kingdom is Love. Period.
So as we launch Angel Food and hopefully more ministries in this direction. I hope we think about how we can be a part of the Kingdom of God. How we can be the hands and feet and mouthpiece of Jesus. Love first. Period.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
It's October!
And it's come in like a lion! It's been cold and rainy for days now. Ugh, not liking it. Plus I've been outside more lately since the weather's been bad than I was when the weather was beautiful. Why? you ask? I've been helping some friends move the past two days and it's been a tad chilly and a bit wet. Not fun to move in but I guess it beats blisteringly hot. Ive done that too.
Wow, life has been crazy lately. The main thing has been potty training Dani. I never knew how much energy it took! She's been doing really good although I think she's regressed a little bit by being around all the chaos of the moving. She's tried to go now and then but she's mostly gone in her pull up. However, at home she's fine.
Overall, I am sooooo proud of her. She's doing really great! She rarely, if ever, has pee accidents anymore. I have yet to get her to poop in the potty but that'll come. (I hope) Maybe, once things calm down around here, we can work on that.
We are starting a new small group and I'm really excited about it. We've become acquainted with a new couple at church who already know some friends of ours. They are fairly new to the faith and are looking to do some basic studies. I'm going to do the study that Donnie (my pastor brother) does with new believers. I trust his judgement. I'm excited that they are excited to learn more about Jesus! That's great. And I didn't even bring it up, they told me about wanting to learn more and happened to turn to me. I feel a little overwhelmed but excited. I hope God can use me in this.
Well I gotta run, Dani will be up soon. More later.
Wow, life has been crazy lately. The main thing has been potty training Dani. I never knew how much energy it took! She's been doing really good although I think she's regressed a little bit by being around all the chaos of the moving. She's tried to go now and then but she's mostly gone in her pull up. However, at home she's fine.
Overall, I am sooooo proud of her. She's doing really great! She rarely, if ever, has pee accidents anymore. I have yet to get her to poop in the potty but that'll come. (I hope) Maybe, once things calm down around here, we can work on that.
We are starting a new small group and I'm really excited about it. We've become acquainted with a new couple at church who already know some friends of ours. They are fairly new to the faith and are looking to do some basic studies. I'm going to do the study that Donnie (my pastor brother) does with new believers. I trust his judgement. I'm excited that they are excited to learn more about Jesus! That's great. And I didn't even bring it up, they told me about wanting to learn more and happened to turn to me. I feel a little overwhelmed but excited. I hope God can use me in this.
Well I gotta run, Dani will be up soon. More later.
Monday, September 21, 2009
brushfire??
Yesterday was an interesting day at church. Some of the very issues CJ and I have been praying about for almost 2 years now were testified about after worship. I didn't catch everything that people said but I heard enough and things like "loving people to Jesus, not the church" were central themes to several people's testimonies. I was so excited! With starting this new Angel Food Ministry I hope to talk about these ideas with our volunteers and share a vision that I've had for a long time.
People are starting to get excited about AFM and so am I. I had a lot more volunteers sign up yesterday and we start taking orders this week. I think this is going to be bigger than we had originally thought. I originally had planned on not advertising this until the month of November but I didn't think to tell the congregation that. I've had so many people come up and tell me that they are telling friends and family and their coworkers etc etc. It's going to be interesting. :)
CJ and I were up talking last night after reading together (we are reading a book called "They Love Jesus But Not The Church"-fascinating) and really hope that the attitudes expressed yesterday catch on and spread through our church, much like a brushfire. Hopefully, AFM can play a role in that.
People are starting to get excited about AFM and so am I. I had a lot more volunteers sign up yesterday and we start taking orders this week. I think this is going to be bigger than we had originally thought. I originally had planned on not advertising this until the month of November but I didn't think to tell the congregation that. I've had so many people come up and tell me that they are telling friends and family and their coworkers etc etc. It's going to be interesting. :)
CJ and I were up talking last night after reading together (we are reading a book called "They Love Jesus But Not The Church"-fascinating) and really hope that the attitudes expressed yesterday catch on and spread through our church, much like a brushfire. Hopefully, AFM can play a role in that.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
"Mommy, Wow! I'm a big kid now"
Do you remember those commercials for pull ups? With the song "I'm a big kid. Look what I can do. I can wear big kid pants too." Well tonight if Dani could form a sentence she'd be singing it. :) Actually, tonight was the first time she peed in the elmo potty chair we bought 6 months ago. She acted very proud of herself but I couldn't quite tell if it was all her or just her reaction to my reaction. I clapped and cheered and we called Daddy and Mimi. I didn't have any candy but CJ's bringing that home from work tonight. M&Ms for Dani, comin' up. Wow, I guess I need to do some research on a method to start potty training. I haven't the slightest clue how to do this. For the next couple days, I'll probably wing it. I've always kinda been that mom that just takes her cues from the kid. I never put her on a schedule (she put herself on one) and I've usually just gone with my gut for most things. It has worked well for Dani. She has never been one that you can push. She does things at her own pace and if you rush her she just digs those heels in and she's staying put. Her slow pace is still faster than staying put!
Other than our excitement tonight. Life has definitely slowed down this week. I've still been busy but it's not that RUSHED kind of busy. Just enough to fill the day. We've been really working on Angel Food stuff this week. We start taking orders really soon and we are still trying to figure this out. I made some big strides this week by actually getting a hold of our contact person and getting some questions answered but we need to go though all the training stuff and figure out how to take orders and place them on the website. That's the next biggie we need to learn.
Tomorrow CJ is OFF!!!! Yeah! Even though he sleeps in in the morning and after that I have to go clean the church but still the whole afternoon and evening will be ours. I'm supposed to go to this ladies thing at church but I really need some CJ time. We tried to find a babysitter so we could have a date but no-can-do. Couldn't find anybody! So it's family night for us. That's still great though. I love watching CJ with Dani and she'll go to bed by 8:30 or so...
Well, I'm off to bed. G' Night all.
Other than our excitement tonight. Life has definitely slowed down this week. I've still been busy but it's not that RUSHED kind of busy. Just enough to fill the day. We've been really working on Angel Food stuff this week. We start taking orders really soon and we are still trying to figure this out. I made some big strides this week by actually getting a hold of our contact person and getting some questions answered but we need to go though all the training stuff and figure out how to take orders and place them on the website. That's the next biggie we need to learn.
Tomorrow CJ is OFF!!!! Yeah! Even though he sleeps in in the morning and after that I have to go clean the church but still the whole afternoon and evening will be ours. I'm supposed to go to this ladies thing at church but I really need some CJ time. We tried to find a babysitter so we could have a date but no-can-do. Couldn't find anybody! So it's family night for us. That's still great though. I love watching CJ with Dani and she'll go to bed by 8:30 or so...
Well, I'm off to bed. G' Night all.
Friday, September 4, 2009
"mouthpiece of God"???? Really?
I really really really wish people would think about what they say before they say it. And even if they still feel the comment they want to make is the truth, I wish they would think about HOW they should say it before it comes out of their mouth or is typed on to the web.
I was looking at some comments made my my friends on Facebook today (and many days in fact) that are soooo insensitive to others. One wished that people without health insurance would "get off their butts and get a job that offers health insurance" I know this person and he has skills that allows him to get that kind of job. Does he even think about how this might sound to those that don't have that ability?
Also, what bugs me WAY more about this scenario is that he is in a ministry position at a church! Hello!!! We are supposed to be the "mouthpiece of God" Did Jesus talk to those that were struggling like that? Heck NO!!! He treated them with compassion and understanding. He got to know them before he would have ever have had offered any kind of advice and even then it was done in LOVE!! No wonder many theologians refer to this time period the Great Embarrassment for God. He chose to entrust us with his image to convey himself to the world and look how we embarrass him. It's awful.
(By the way, I'm not saying I'm perfect but I AM learning to think before I say these days)
I was looking at some comments made my my friends on Facebook today (and many days in fact) that are soooo insensitive to others. One wished that people without health insurance would "get off their butts and get a job that offers health insurance" I know this person and he has skills that allows him to get that kind of job. Does he even think about how this might sound to those that don't have that ability?
Also, what bugs me WAY more about this scenario is that he is in a ministry position at a church! Hello!!! We are supposed to be the "mouthpiece of God" Did Jesus talk to those that were struggling like that? Heck NO!!! He treated them with compassion and understanding. He got to know them before he would have ever have had offered any kind of advice and even then it was done in LOVE!! No wonder many theologians refer to this time period the Great Embarrassment for God. He chose to entrust us with his image to convey himself to the world and look how we embarrass him. It's awful.
(By the way, I'm not saying I'm perfect but I AM learning to think before I say these days)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
insane
I knew next week was going to be busy but now it's going to be absolutely insane! I should probably tell you that since I blogged last December, I got another job besides Hy-vee. I am now cleaning our church twice a week. It works great with our schedules (I can pick my hours) and the pay is good. Part of this job is I clean up after weddings. So occasionally I have to fit those hours into my week. It's usually a pain cuz of trying to find a babysitter or trying to work it around CJ's schedule but we do ok plus the extra money is nice.
The weekend of Sept 12 and 13, I have TWO weddings to clean up after! One is usually a hassle, but TWO? But "Hey," I told myself, "It's great extra money and I can do this" I decided to ask off from Hy-vee to ease the stress a little (I still work Monday nights there) plus, CJ is off Monday cuz it's Labor Day. So we'd have a fun day together before a really busy week.
One more things, it's Rodeo weekend. So CJ will probably be working more hours and the parade is Saturday. I really want to take Dani to it even though last time some stuff scared her. I really hope she does better this time.
So "Why is it going from busy to insane" you ask? Well, yesterday my boss calls me and asks me to work anyway next week cuz she doesn't have enough help. What? Long story short, if she'd have hired enough help and trained enough people to close, she wouldn't be so short on help. It's a long story... Anyway... also, you must know my boss is not someone you can put in a bind or she will punish you forever for it. So what choice do I have? I grudgingly tell her I can work one night to help her out even though I sooooooo didn't want to. (I was looking forward to being free from that place just one week)
Then today, my boss' boss calls and asks me to work yet ANOTHER night. Basically she says if I don't we have no other options and I need to do it.
Soooo... my week is as follows---
Monday-regularly scheduled church cleaning then closing shift at HV
Tuesday-getting up with Dani in the morning cuz CJ has to work early, then closing shift at HV.
Wednesday-CJ works in the afternoon so I'll see him a little in the morning and then I have worship team practice and a Sunday School board meeting that evening.
Thursday-regular cleaning at the church plus some extra to get things ready for the weddings.
Friday-my one day off, but CJ is working the 8-6 shift so we won't see him all day. That makes Dani anxious and irritable and therefore more challenging. Plus he'll work late with it being Rodeo weekend
Saturday-Rodeo Parade with Dani, then attending a wedding, then cleaning up after the wedding AND reception. (they are having both at the church)
Sunday-worship team and then another wedding to clean up after (they are also having both the ceremony and reception at the church)
I am just so tired thinking about it. When my boss's boss called asking for another day I literally cried. I usually work 10-12 hours a week. Both Hy'vee and church cleaning together. This week I will be working 15 hours at HV alone, plus everything else. I know this doesn't sound like tons to all of you that work full time but remember I'm also a stay at home Mom, I still have Dani to care for.
Side Note- I don't like that term "stay at home mom" like we sit on the couch munching cheetos all day. I prefer "work at home mom" so from now on that's how I'll refer to myself.
I'm tired just thinking about it. Pray for me if you think of me next week.
The weekend of Sept 12 and 13, I have TWO weddings to clean up after! One is usually a hassle, but TWO? But "Hey," I told myself, "It's great extra money and I can do this" I decided to ask off from Hy-vee to ease the stress a little (I still work Monday nights there) plus, CJ is off Monday cuz it's Labor Day. So we'd have a fun day together before a really busy week.
One more things, it's Rodeo weekend. So CJ will probably be working more hours and the parade is Saturday. I really want to take Dani to it even though last time some stuff scared her. I really hope she does better this time.
So "Why is it going from busy to insane" you ask? Well, yesterday my boss calls me and asks me to work anyway next week cuz she doesn't have enough help. What? Long story short, if she'd have hired enough help and trained enough people to close, she wouldn't be so short on help. It's a long story... Anyway... also, you must know my boss is not someone you can put in a bind or she will punish you forever for it. So what choice do I have? I grudgingly tell her I can work one night to help her out even though I sooooooo didn't want to. (I was looking forward to being free from that place just one week)
Then today, my boss' boss calls and asks me to work yet ANOTHER night. Basically she says if I don't we have no other options and I need to do it.
Soooo... my week is as follows---
Monday-regularly scheduled church cleaning then closing shift at HV
Tuesday-getting up with Dani in the morning cuz CJ has to work early, then closing shift at HV.
Wednesday-CJ works in the afternoon so I'll see him a little in the morning and then I have worship team practice and a Sunday School board meeting that evening.
Thursday-regular cleaning at the church plus some extra to get things ready for the weddings.
Friday-my one day off, but CJ is working the 8-6 shift so we won't see him all day. That makes Dani anxious and irritable and therefore more challenging. Plus he'll work late with it being Rodeo weekend
Saturday-Rodeo Parade with Dani, then attending a wedding, then cleaning up after the wedding AND reception. (they are having both at the church)
Sunday-worship team and then another wedding to clean up after (they are also having both the ceremony and reception at the church)
I am just so tired thinking about it. When my boss's boss called asking for another day I literally cried. I usually work 10-12 hours a week. Both Hy'vee and church cleaning together. This week I will be working 15 hours at HV alone, plus everything else. I know this doesn't sound like tons to all of you that work full time but remember I'm also a stay at home Mom, I still have Dani to care for.
Side Note- I don't like that term "stay at home mom" like we sit on the couch munching cheetos all day. I prefer "work at home mom" so from now on that's how I'll refer to myself.
I'm tired just thinking about it. Pray for me if you think of me next week.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
like a new years resolution in years past
Ha Ha Ha. This reminds me of all the times I resolved on Jan 1st to write in my diary everyday when I was a kid!!! I'm not so good at keeping up at this but I'm going to give it a shot again.
There were some things that really kept me emotionally drained over the last 6 months or so. When I feel like that, the last thing I want to do it sit down and write. Writing drains me even though I enjoy it. Sooooo, I'm feeling better and want to start up again.
Life is good overall. We are struggling with feeling like we belong sometimes. I didn't expect to feel like starting over when we moved here. I've never actually moved somewhere without a group of friends. Having to start from scratch with friendships is difficult. Thank goodness we've got each other! (cue, "I've got you babe...) CJ has been struggling with this the most I think. I've got some friendships they just aren't as close as those I left behind.
On the upside, we are going to be starting a new ministry at church. It's called Angel Food. Basically, it allows people to buy $70 worth of food for about $30. CJ and I bought from them in KC and it was really good quality stuff. With this area's low income ratio it'll hopefully be really helpful for some. We are just getting started this month with meetings and getting volunteers.
I'm going to be coordinating a Live Nativity this year if I can pull it off. I NEED to meet with people soon! I've got to make sure we can build the sets before I can really get going. I have no idea what kind of budget I'm going to get and how many guys would be willing to build sets. I'm going to start small this year and hopefully build on it from year to year. Anyone willing to help? You don't even need to be involved in our church or any church for that matter to help. We want anyone to feel welcome to help out. I'm going to try my best to make it fun.
I've read a lot of books this past 6 months. I feel like I'm growing more and more at peace with my new view of Christian living but getting more and more frustrated with how to incorporate that in my life. I just don't know what to do sometimes. I feel like I'm learning what God want me to learn but I am stumbling with what he wants me to do. I am continuing on the same path that I started when we got here; trying to bring change in the environment we are already in, cuz I don't feel any clear instruction to do otherwise but I struggle with impatience.
Dani is growing like a weed. She is making up for her growth "stall" from 9 months to 18 months. I had to go buy all new clothes for her this fall. (well not ALL new but quite a bit of stuff) She's as strong willed as we thought she'd be and is now reaching things she could never reach before. So I'm having to baby proof all over again. Not as easy as the first time. All we had to do last time was move stuff up. Now I have no where to put things. Working on some creative solutions on this one.
Well that's all for now. I'll write more soon, I promise. Peace out :) Always wanted to say that.
There were some things that really kept me emotionally drained over the last 6 months or so. When I feel like that, the last thing I want to do it sit down and write. Writing drains me even though I enjoy it. Sooooo, I'm feeling better and want to start up again.
Life is good overall. We are struggling with feeling like we belong sometimes. I didn't expect to feel like starting over when we moved here. I've never actually moved somewhere without a group of friends. Having to start from scratch with friendships is difficult. Thank goodness we've got each other! (cue, "I've got you babe...) CJ has been struggling with this the most I think. I've got some friendships they just aren't as close as those I left behind.
On the upside, we are going to be starting a new ministry at church. It's called Angel Food. Basically, it allows people to buy $70 worth of food for about $30. CJ and I bought from them in KC and it was really good quality stuff. With this area's low income ratio it'll hopefully be really helpful for some. We are just getting started this month with meetings and getting volunteers.
I'm going to be coordinating a Live Nativity this year if I can pull it off. I NEED to meet with people soon! I've got to make sure we can build the sets before I can really get going. I have no idea what kind of budget I'm going to get and how many guys would be willing to build sets. I'm going to start small this year and hopefully build on it from year to year. Anyone willing to help? You don't even need to be involved in our church or any church for that matter to help. We want anyone to feel welcome to help out. I'm going to try my best to make it fun.
I've read a lot of books this past 6 months. I feel like I'm growing more and more at peace with my new view of Christian living but getting more and more frustrated with how to incorporate that in my life. I just don't know what to do sometimes. I feel like I'm learning what God want me to learn but I am stumbling with what he wants me to do. I am continuing on the same path that I started when we got here; trying to bring change in the environment we are already in, cuz I don't feel any clear instruction to do otherwise but I struggle with impatience.
Dani is growing like a weed. She is making up for her growth "stall" from 9 months to 18 months. I had to go buy all new clothes for her this fall. (well not ALL new but quite a bit of stuff) She's as strong willed as we thought she'd be and is now reaching things she could never reach before. So I'm having to baby proof all over again. Not as easy as the first time. All we had to do last time was move stuff up. Now I have no where to put things. Working on some creative solutions on this one.
Well that's all for now. I'll write more soon, I promise. Peace out :) Always wanted to say that.
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