Thursday, December 25, 2008
...and to all a good night!
Just a quick post to say MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope each of you has a peaceful and blessed holiday with lots of family and friends.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A Christmas Miracle
I have blogged here about my struggle with getting pregnant. Matt and I have wished for a baby for quite a few years now, but still don't have a baby to add to our little family. It's something we pray about all the time, and we really do have faith that God will bring us children someday.
I always fantasize about how we will tell our family we are pregnant. One of my favorite fantasies is one where we announce it at the big family Christmas gathering. I imagine us giving my grandmother a gift that reveals our news like a framed sonogram picture, and as she opens it and realizes what it means, everyone explodes with excitement for us. I can't even picture it in my head without tearing up a bit, and I know that if it were to actually happen, I would be bawling like a baby.
This is the fourth Christmas that we have wished to make an announcement like this, but have been unable to. Someday I'm sure we'll be able to reveal the expansion of our family, but every Christmas that goes by until then, I can't help but feel sad that it's not time yet.
Our niece slept with us last night, and as I laid there watching her sleep, I couldn't help but wish that we had one just like her. If we had been able to conceive when we first started trying, our child would be around Kamryn's age. I watch her grow, and I fall in love with her over and over again...and I wonder what our life would be like if we had a little cousin for her.
Sorry for such a sad post so close to Christmas. I am actually feeling quite upbeat about Christmas this year, but I did have this moment of sadness last night (and early this morning) that I wanted to share. Maybe no one reads my sad blogs, but it sure feels good to put it out there, ya know?
Regardless of whether I have a child or not, I'm not letting my sadness cloak the importance of this season. While I yearn for a baby to call my own, I know that many years ago a baby came call me His, and THAT is what Christmas is all about.
Merry Christmas to each of you. May you know who you are and WHOSE you are...
I always fantasize about how we will tell our family we are pregnant. One of my favorite fantasies is one where we announce it at the big family Christmas gathering. I imagine us giving my grandmother a gift that reveals our news like a framed sonogram picture, and as she opens it and realizes what it means, everyone explodes with excitement for us. I can't even picture it in my head without tearing up a bit, and I know that if it were to actually happen, I would be bawling like a baby.
This is the fourth Christmas that we have wished to make an announcement like this, but have been unable to. Someday I'm sure we'll be able to reveal the expansion of our family, but every Christmas that goes by until then, I can't help but feel sad that it's not time yet.
Our niece slept with us last night, and as I laid there watching her sleep, I couldn't help but wish that we had one just like her. If we had been able to conceive when we first started trying, our child would be around Kamryn's age. I watch her grow, and I fall in love with her over and over again...and I wonder what our life would be like if we had a little cousin for her.
Sorry for such a sad post so close to Christmas. I am actually feeling quite upbeat about Christmas this year, but I did have this moment of sadness last night (and early this morning) that I wanted to share. Maybe no one reads my sad blogs, but it sure feels good to put it out there, ya know?
Regardless of whether I have a child or not, I'm not letting my sadness cloak the importance of this season. While I yearn for a baby to call my own, I know that many years ago a baby came call me His, and THAT is what Christmas is all about.
Merry Christmas to each of you. May you know who you are and WHOSE you are...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
First day of winter...
See that below? That's our digital thermometer. See the time listed? It's wrong - it's actually 6:06. I just haven't adjusted for Daylight Savings yet. See the temperature? At first glance, you might think it's 36 degrees. You would be WRONG. It is currently 3.6 degrees here. 3.6 DEGREES! Today is the first day of winter. If this is what we're in for, I'm moving.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Silent Night...
I know I haven't blogged in a while. Forgive me - it's been quite messy around here lately. I was sick for almost 10 days. I had tonsilitis, laryngitis and a cold all at the same time. My boss's wife passed away last week. My great-uncle passed away too. We were in Indy for two funerals on two consecutive days, and my heart is feeling a little heavy from it all. We also just found out that our good friend had open-heart surgery last week. I'm thinking it's not such a lucky time to be friends with me right now!
Christmas can get so hectic, can't it? All the shopping, baking, parties, programs, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong - I love shopping and baking and parties and programs. They really create a special buzz in the air - a bustle, if you will. The energy and spirit I see at Christmastime is like none other. Still, sometimes I can do without the bustle. Sometimes I just want the peace. The Silent Night.
I have to say that I am really kind of sick of Silent Night. We sing it at every single Christmas Eve service, and year after year I can't help but think, "Let's sing something different this year! What about 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' or 'O Holy Night'?" We always sing "Silent Night," and always lift our candles in the dark sanctuary for the last verse. It has seemed a little cheesy to me for a while, and I'm over it.
Monday afternoon my office hosted a luncheon for retired United Methodist clergy in our area. We do this every year as a way to keep in touch with them, help them keep in touch with each other, and show our thanks for their many years of faithful ministry. It really was a nice event. We had a great turnout, even though the weather was a little nasty, and people seemed to have a nice time. My friend Julie came to entertain the crowd with her beautiful singing. She has a spectacular voice, and she really is a wonderful entertainer. She has this way of drawing you in, and making you feel like she's singing just for you. It's awesome!
After a few songs, she asked if they would like to sing some Christmas carols together, and they all seemed up for it. She asked if there were any requests to start us off. A voice from across the room suggested "Silent Night." I remember thinking, "Ugh. I am SO over this song!" But I decided to be a good sport, and sing along.
I couldn't sing for very long. That crowd could SING! They sang "Silent Night" in four (maybe five) part harmony, with so much passion and reverence, it brought tears to my eyes! Here were over 100 people who had served countless congregations for decades upon decades, who had probably sung this song at every Christmas Eve service they ever preached or attended - and they were singing that song as if they were singing it to Jesus himself.
I felt so convicted right there. If THEY can feel this much reverence for this ordinary, over-played song, what's wrong with me? Isn't that what Christmas is about? Jesus came to bring the "extra" in front of "ordinary," didn't He? This extraordinary savior was born to an ordinary woman. The man who would shepherd us all the way to the gates of an extraordinary Heaven was born in a very ordinary Bethlehem. His extraordinary, redeeming blood was spilled on an ordinary cross, built for ordinary criminals. An extraordinary Lord for very ordinary people - like you and me.
So this year at Christmas, I'm reclaiming Silent Night for myself. In the midst of the ordinary: the malls, the parties, the gifts, the decorations, the commercials, the cha-ching at the registers, the cards, the BUSTLE, I am going to remember that extraordinary baby sitting in the creche under my tree. I will remember that He came to add the "extra" to my "ordinary." And I will sing an ordinary song like "Silent Night" with a lot more reverence. At the end of the day, we all know that Christmas is about so much more than the bustle that permeates our world at this time of year. Behind it all there is a peace to be found...a Silent Night.
Christmas can get so hectic, can't it? All the shopping, baking, parties, programs, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong - I love shopping and baking and parties and programs. They really create a special buzz in the air - a bustle, if you will. The energy and spirit I see at Christmastime is like none other. Still, sometimes I can do without the bustle. Sometimes I just want the peace. The Silent Night.
I have to say that I am really kind of sick of Silent Night. We sing it at every single Christmas Eve service, and year after year I can't help but think, "Let's sing something different this year! What about 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' or 'O Holy Night'?" We always sing "Silent Night," and always lift our candles in the dark sanctuary for the last verse. It has seemed a little cheesy to me for a while, and I'm over it.
Monday afternoon my office hosted a luncheon for retired United Methodist clergy in our area. We do this every year as a way to keep in touch with them, help them keep in touch with each other, and show our thanks for their many years of faithful ministry. It really was a nice event. We had a great turnout, even though the weather was a little nasty, and people seemed to have a nice time. My friend Julie came to entertain the crowd with her beautiful singing. She has a spectacular voice, and she really is a wonderful entertainer. She has this way of drawing you in, and making you feel like she's singing just for you. It's awesome!
After a few songs, she asked if they would like to sing some Christmas carols together, and they all seemed up for it. She asked if there were any requests to start us off. A voice from across the room suggested "Silent Night." I remember thinking, "Ugh. I am SO over this song!" But I decided to be a good sport, and sing along.
I couldn't sing for very long. That crowd could SING! They sang "Silent Night" in four (maybe five) part harmony, with so much passion and reverence, it brought tears to my eyes! Here were over 100 people who had served countless congregations for decades upon decades, who had probably sung this song at every Christmas Eve service they ever preached or attended - and they were singing that song as if they were singing it to Jesus himself.
I felt so convicted right there. If THEY can feel this much reverence for this ordinary, over-played song, what's wrong with me? Isn't that what Christmas is about? Jesus came to bring the "extra" in front of "ordinary," didn't He? This extraordinary savior was born to an ordinary woman. The man who would shepherd us all the way to the gates of an extraordinary Heaven was born in a very ordinary Bethlehem. His extraordinary, redeeming blood was spilled on an ordinary cross, built for ordinary criminals. An extraordinary Lord for very ordinary people - like you and me.
So this year at Christmas, I'm reclaiming Silent Night for myself. In the midst of the ordinary: the malls, the parties, the gifts, the decorations, the commercials, the cha-ching at the registers, the cards, the BUSTLE, I am going to remember that extraordinary baby sitting in the creche under my tree. I will remember that He came to add the "extra" to my "ordinary." And I will sing an ordinary song like "Silent Night" with a lot more reverence. At the end of the day, we all know that Christmas is about so much more than the bustle that permeates our world at this time of year. Behind it all there is a peace to be found...a Silent Night.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Have you seen this?
Have you seen this commercial? Matt and I saw it last night, and just about died!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
All Time Top 5 Christmas Movies *UPDATED!*
What are your all time top 5 Christmas movies? Here are mine:
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
2. A Christmas Story
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
4. The Holiday
5. Scrooged
I am sheepishly admitting that I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Don't worry - I'm adding them to my Netflix queue right now!
Go on...comment away!
*UPDATE*
Elf was playing this morning at CVS, and I was immediately horrified that I forgot to put it on my list! So, I think Scrooged is being bumped, and Elf will be placed in the #4 spot. :)
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
2. A Christmas Story
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
4. The Holiday
5. Scrooged
I am sheepishly admitting that I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Don't worry - I'm adding them to my Netflix queue right now!
Go on...comment away!
*UPDATE*
Elf was playing this morning at CVS, and I was immediately horrified that I forgot to put it on my list! So, I think Scrooged is being bumped, and Elf will be placed in the #4 spot. :)
The 12 Days of Christmas...INDY STYLE!
If you're near Indianapolis, check out the 12 FREE Days of Christmas in Indy. Sounds fun!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Playing the Part
The coming weekend will be a busy one for us. Veedersburg's Christmas Parade is Saturday, and Veedersburg UMC is going to have a float in the parade. I'm excited about attending this event, if only for the chance to get out of the house and maybe meet some people in our new town. Sunday our other church, Hillsboro UMC, will be having their Live Nativity and Chili Supper. Again, this is going to be an opportunity for us to meet some people in Hillsboro (and to have some yummy chili).
I wouldn't be lying if I told you I wasn't 100% comfortable about Matt and I playing Mary and Joseph in the Live Nativity. When the biggest struggle in our life the past few years has been conceiving a child, I imagine I might have some difficulty playing a new mother. Then again, maybe it will all be just fine, and I won't be bothered by it at all.
I think I've dealt with a lot of this transition by operating in "autopilot." There are days when I push my emotions to the back burner, and just work at checking things off my to-do list. Every now and then my emotions boil over as if to remind me that they're still there. Someday soon I think I'll address this pot of emotions, but right now I'm praying that God will allow me to keep them pushed back for this Live Nativity...
I wouldn't be lying if I told you I wasn't 100% comfortable about Matt and I playing Mary and Joseph in the Live Nativity. When the biggest struggle in our life the past few years has been conceiving a child, I imagine I might have some difficulty playing a new mother. Then again, maybe it will all be just fine, and I won't be bothered by it at all.
I think I've dealt with a lot of this transition by operating in "autopilot." There are days when I push my emotions to the back burner, and just work at checking things off my to-do list. Every now and then my emotions boil over as if to remind me that they're still there. Someday soon I think I'll address this pot of emotions, but right now I'm praying that God will allow me to keep them pushed back for this Live Nativity...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I want to be a winner too...
Okay - just trying to win some computers here. You should too! Check it out here: http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q408-hp-magic-giveaway-enter-our-contest-to-win-over-6000-in-electronics/
Friday, November 28, 2008
Black Friday (and presents for me too!)
I'm exhausted from shopping all this morning. Mom and I were at Kohl's by 6:00, then went to Target and Bath and Body Works. I spent $400 today (YIKES!), and I'm almost totally done with my Christmas shopping!
Also, I ordered this new toy for myself, and can't wait to get it in the mail soon!:
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We did!
Also, I ordered this new toy for myself, and can't wait to get it in the mail soon!:
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We did!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Heavy Heart
Sigh...I want to write something meaningful and heartfelt, but I'm spent. My heart has been heavy the past couple of days, because my boss' wife is dying. It's only a matter of days...
She's had pancreatic cancer for just over a year now, and that is not a good cancer to have (not than any cancer is "good"). There is just nothing more the doctors can do. My boss is usually emotionally stable, so it was pretty hard to watch him cry at my desk this afternoon telling me all that has happened in the past few days. I didn't know what else to do...I just sat there and cried with him. I feel so helpless. It's my job to make things easier for him, but this time there is nothing I can do.
Sometimes I just don't understand this life we live. It's filled with so much pain and despair, and it's hard to see the good things peeking through the black cloud that's created by that sadness we feel. I'm praying hard tonight that God helps me understand just a little more about the chaos that we live in. And I'm praying even harder for a miracle...
She's had pancreatic cancer for just over a year now, and that is not a good cancer to have (not than any cancer is "good"). There is just nothing more the doctors can do. My boss is usually emotionally stable, so it was pretty hard to watch him cry at my desk this afternoon telling me all that has happened in the past few days. I didn't know what else to do...I just sat there and cried with him. I feel so helpless. It's my job to make things easier for him, but this time there is nothing I can do.
Sometimes I just don't understand this life we live. It's filled with so much pain and despair, and it's hard to see the good things peeking through the black cloud that's created by that sadness we feel. I'm praying hard tonight that God helps me understand just a little more about the chaos that we live in. And I'm praying even harder for a miracle...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Reusable Bags anyone?
I know I'm not a mother, but I still love to read Simple Mom. She always has something interesting to read, and today is no exception! Check out today's blog to hear about the best in reusable tote bags.
What? You say you don't use those at your house? WHATAREYOUWAITINGFOR? Sit. Let me convince you.
1. They're so much cuter than those nasty plastic bags you get from the grocery.
2. They hold so much more! I am amazed at how I can consistently get a week's worth of groceries into two bags. TWO BAGS!
3. It's way better for the environment. Seriously people. Do you know how many gazillion plastic bags are used every year? Those things aren't biodegradable!
Now, get over to Simple Mom and learn all you needed to about these awesome bags. AND you can enter to win some too!
What? You say you don't use those at your house? WHATAREYOUWAITINGFOR? Sit. Let me convince you.
1. They're so much cuter than those nasty plastic bags you get from the grocery.
2. They hold so much more! I am amazed at how I can consistently get a week's worth of groceries into two bags. TWO BAGS!
3. It's way better for the environment. Seriously people. Do you know how many gazillion plastic bags are used every year? Those things aren't biodegradable!
Now, get over to Simple Mom and learn all you needed to about these awesome bags. AND you can enter to win some too!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Twitterpated...
I'm giving in to the hype. I'm weak that way. I'm tweeting now at twitter.com. Come on over and we'll be twits together!
https://twitter.com/kdswisher
https://twitter.com/kdswisher
Thursday, November 13, 2008
My husband is funny...
I tried cracking a joke today as Matt and I were putting together our new dining room furniture. He looked at me and said something like, "Why don't you just let me be the funny one, okay?" Psh...turns out, he is pretty funny. This post on his blog cracks me up! Funny is so incredibly sexy, isn't it?
"Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat."
-Joanne Woodward (married to Paul Newman)
"Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat."
-Joanne Woodward (married to Paul Newman)
Friday, November 07, 2008
Update
It has been 16 days since my last post. I'm so sorry to have been gone for so long! It has been a hectic time for us lately. We moved to Veedersburg on October 28th, and have been trying to get settled ever since.
Our last day at Emmanuel was very emotional. It hurts so badly to say goodbye to so many people that we love. I know we will see each other time and again, but I'm still sad to leave. One week later, we enjoyed a wonderful first Sunday at Veedersburg and Hillsboro churches. These congregations are so different from Emmanuel, but we're thankful to be here for the next chapter in our ministry.
Moving day went very well. In 7/12 hours our movers packed our old house, drove 90 miles, had lunch and unpacked into the new house. They were SO quick! Also, these guys were polite, respectful, gentle with our belongings, and they really seemed to have fun doing a job I would hate! On top of that, they ended up charging us $500 less than they had originally estimated!!! If you're ever in the market for a moving company, I would highly recommend Two Men and a Truck (www.twomen.com).
We have been living among cardboard boxes ever since, and I am OVER IT! We are slowly getting everything in order, but some days there just too many other things to do besides unpacking. We'll get it done soon. I'm determined to have it totally done by Thanksgiving.
This is my first week working at home part-time. My office days on Monday and Tuesday went well, and the rest of the week I have been working here at home. I've spent a lot of this week getting my office set up, and I think I'm almost comfortable. I have a nice, big desk right under a window that looks into our back yard. I also have a TV in my office that somehow keeps me from stressing out! It's nice to work at home in my PJ's, with my kitties and hubby around. It's also very nice to be able to eat at home three meals a day!
As good as things have been, I do have to admit that I have had a difficult time transitioning to our new town. There is next to NO shopping anywhere near here, so a simple trip to Target take hours because it's 45 minutes away. Last week I was a total pain in the butt to Matt too - don't worry...I apologized. I think I'm starting to realize that when I'm stressed out I get really bossy and crabby. It's something to work on.
It's been a crazy time here, but soon I think things will settle down. Hopefully I'll be regular on the blog again. Peace!
Our last day at Emmanuel was very emotional. It hurts so badly to say goodbye to so many people that we love. I know we will see each other time and again, but I'm still sad to leave. One week later, we enjoyed a wonderful first Sunday at Veedersburg and Hillsboro churches. These congregations are so different from Emmanuel, but we're thankful to be here for the next chapter in our ministry.
Moving day went very well. In 7/12 hours our movers packed our old house, drove 90 miles, had lunch and unpacked into the new house. They were SO quick! Also, these guys were polite, respectful, gentle with our belongings, and they really seemed to have fun doing a job I would hate! On top of that, they ended up charging us $500 less than they had originally estimated!!! If you're ever in the market for a moving company, I would highly recommend Two Men and a Truck (www.twomen.com).
We have been living among cardboard boxes ever since, and I am OVER IT! We are slowly getting everything in order, but some days there just too many other things to do besides unpacking. We'll get it done soon. I'm determined to have it totally done by Thanksgiving.
This is my first week working at home part-time. My office days on Monday and Tuesday went well, and the rest of the week I have been working here at home. I've spent a lot of this week getting my office set up, and I think I'm almost comfortable. I have a nice, big desk right under a window that looks into our back yard. I also have a TV in my office that somehow keeps me from stressing out! It's nice to work at home in my PJ's, with my kitties and hubby around. It's also very nice to be able to eat at home three meals a day!
As good as things have been, I do have to admit that I have had a difficult time transitioning to our new town. There is next to NO shopping anywhere near here, so a simple trip to Target take hours because it's 45 minutes away. Last week I was a total pain in the butt to Matt too - don't worry...I apologized. I think I'm starting to realize that when I'm stressed out I get really bossy and crabby. It's something to work on.
It's been a crazy time here, but soon I think things will settle down. Hopefully I'll be regular on the blog again. Peace!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Random Stuff...
1. I filled my gas tank last night for less than $30. First time in YEARS!
2. I am expecting four boxes of Pampered Chef items to be delivered to my house today. I have been checking the FedEx tracking site every 15 minutes since 7:30 this morning to see if they have been delivered. Regardless of when they come, I'm still at work until 5:30. Why am I so stinking excited about this stupid delivery? Geez...
3. We went to Veedersburg to see our new house yesterday. There were some people there painting and cleaning for us when we got there, so we got to meet some new faces. I'm excited about our paint colors, but concerned about the "old person's house" smell that seems to have permeated the entire place. Anyone know how to get rid of these odors?
4. 6 days until the moving truck arrives. Am I done packing? No. Am I excited about the move? A little. Am I sad to leave Noblesville? Yes. Am I ready for this whole thing to be done? Absolutely!
5. We're moving to a land where there is no digital cable, so now we are looking into getting a Tivo. If you have one, please share your thoughts with me. We don't know anyone that owns a Tivo, but really can't live without being able to record our shows. What can I say? We're spoiled...
2. I am expecting four boxes of Pampered Chef items to be delivered to my house today. I have been checking the FedEx tracking site every 15 minutes since 7:30 this morning to see if they have been delivered. Regardless of when they come, I'm still at work until 5:30. Why am I so stinking excited about this stupid delivery? Geez...
3. We went to Veedersburg to see our new house yesterday. There were some people there painting and cleaning for us when we got there, so we got to meet some new faces. I'm excited about our paint colors, but concerned about the "old person's house" smell that seems to have permeated the entire place. Anyone know how to get rid of these odors?
4. 6 days until the moving truck arrives. Am I done packing? No. Am I excited about the move? A little. Am I sad to leave Noblesville? Yes. Am I ready for this whole thing to be done? Absolutely!
5. We're moving to a land where there is no digital cable, so now we are looking into getting a Tivo. If you have one, please share your thoughts with me. We don't know anyone that owns a Tivo, but really can't live without being able to record our shows. What can I say? We're spoiled...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's HOME to work I go!!!
As you'll see in this post and this post and this post, Matt and I are moving in 12 days to Veedersburg, Indiana. There is a lot of change wrapped up in this move that I have talked about in these previous posts. One thing that we haven't known a lot about though, is my job. Lots of people have asked what will happen to my job, and I haven't been able to give them an answer...
...until today.
I had a meeting with my boss and my office manager today to discuss my job. In my mind I had imagined a near-perfect situation. I currently work four days every week (I have Tuesdays off). I thought that it would be good to work two days in the office, and the rest of the time I could work from home. The days in the office would (ideally) be consecutive days, so I could make just one round-trip from Veedersburg to Indianapolis (70 miles each way), and stay with my parents over night. There is really so much that I can do remotely. In my mind, I could think of no reason why this wouldn't work.
Apparently, they couldn't think of a reason either, because they APPROVED IT! Starting in November, I will be working Mondays and Tuesdays in the office, and the rest of my work will be done from HOME! I'm so excited! I feel like a HUGE burden has been lifted here. I was SO worried about my job. Now I get to keep the job I have, and I won't have to spend more money on gas than I do right now! I can't help but think that, when we have babies someday, this schedule will come in handy. Just think - we'd probably only need child care for two days every week. That's awesome, isn't it?
I am really thanking God today. He's totally got my back here, and now I can look forward to the move with a LOT less stress. Isn't He so good???
...until today.
I had a meeting with my boss and my office manager today to discuss my job. In my mind I had imagined a near-perfect situation. I currently work four days every week (I have Tuesdays off). I thought that it would be good to work two days in the office, and the rest of the time I could work from home. The days in the office would (ideally) be consecutive days, so I could make just one round-trip from Veedersburg to Indianapolis (70 miles each way), and stay with my parents over night. There is really so much that I can do remotely. In my mind, I could think of no reason why this wouldn't work.
Apparently, they couldn't think of a reason either, because they APPROVED IT! Starting in November, I will be working Mondays and Tuesdays in the office, and the rest of my work will be done from HOME! I'm so excited! I feel like a HUGE burden has been lifted here. I was SO worried about my job. Now I get to keep the job I have, and I won't have to spend more money on gas than I do right now! I can't help but think that, when we have babies someday, this schedule will come in handy. Just think - we'd probably only need child care for two days every week. That's awesome, isn't it?
I am really thanking God today. He's totally got my back here, and now I can look forward to the move with a LOT less stress. Isn't He so good???
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Dreaming of Playa del Carmen
Okay, so I've never been to Playa del Carmen, but I am dreaming of what I think it might be like. Winter is just around the corner here in Indiana, and that means one thing: SOUP'S ON! In the last few years, I have really grown to love cooking soups in the fall and winter. I sometimes follow a recipe, and sometimes do not. The other night, I didn't, and this is the magic that happened:
“Dreaming of Playa del Carmen” Chorizo Soup
1 lb. chorizo (casing removed)
Meat from one whole chicken (I bought a rotisserie chicken, skinned it, and tore the meat off)
1 medium onion, chopped
2-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bag of frozen corn
2 cans of black beans, drained
2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilis (Rotel)
4-6 c. chicken stock or chicken broth (to your liking)
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sautee onions in olive oil over medium to medium-high heat and add the garlic when onions are translucent. Add chorizo, and break up into crumbles as it cooks. After chorizo has cooked through, add Rotel (with liquid), black beans (without liquid), corn and chicken. Add salt and pepper and chicken stock. Simmer for about an hour, and enjoy!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Full Speed Ahead
I worked last night at a charge conference meeting of 6 churches in Indy. Everything went really well, and I enjoyed meeting some people I talk to on the phone regularly. It's always good to put names with faces, isn't it?
During the conference, the district superintendent who was running the meeting talked about a conversation he had with one of the pastors in his district. The pastor and his daughter were talking, and came to this conclusion:
When Jesus says, "Follow Me" it means we're going somewhere!
Can I get an AMEN? :)
How many of us answer to Jesus' call to follow Him, and expect to remain right where we are? You can certainly put me in that crowd. Here's what my prayer life has looked like for the past few weeks:
"I love you Jesus, and I want to serve you with my life and my vocation, but I want to do that RIGHT HERE. I don't want to leave my friends, my family, my favorite grocery store, my convenient mall, my church family, etc. So, if you could just reconsider this whole move-across-the-state-to-a-town-where-I-don't-know-anyone-and-the-nearest-shopping-is-in-Illinois thing, that would be AWESOME. Mkay?"
I really am so nervous about this move. I don't know yet if I'll be able to keep my job or not. I'm nervous about making all new friends, about finding my way around, and I have almost convinced myself that the people in our new churches won't like me at all. Oh - and I'm spending more than just a little time wondering what kind of bugs we'll have to deal with at our new house. (Please God - no centipedes again...please?) Oh the anxiety that I am working up in myself...it's really taking its toll! I have had some bad headaches and back pain in the past couple weeks, and I KNOW that it's because I'm stressing out so much.
God met me at church on Sunday. I know I shouldn't be surprised - He's always there. I just don't always look for Him I guess. The songs we sang, the prayers we said, the message that was given - God spoke to me through it all. It's as if He was calming me - calming my nerves and my spirit. He was reminding me that HE is everything I'll ever need.
We sang one of my favorites - You Are My All in All. This song always reminds me of being at SIFAT. I would tell most people that it's because I learned that song there. I will honestly tell you though that I think of SIFAT when I hear this song because that's where God and I first had some grown-up moments together. SIFAT was the first time I left home, and just depended on God. No parents. Not much money. No mall in the time zone (slight exaggeration). Just me and God having some good time together. It was almost like my honeymoon with Jesus, and I don't care if you think that sounds cheesy!
What does it mean for me to sing that Jesus is my "all in all"??? If I believe what I sing, he is the ONLY thing I need. So what if I don't make friends at our new home? God is really the only friend I need. So what if I can't keep my job? God's going to provide. No shopping? Don't need it - I have God. Jesus is ENOUGH. I don't need more things, more money, more friends, more activities, etc. Jesus is ENOUGH. He is my all in all.
So - Jesus has asked us to follow Him, and we're following Him to Veedersburg. We're going somewhere - us and Jesus - and He is going to be everything we need.
You are my strength when I am weak.
You are the treasure that I seek.
You are my all in all.
Seeking you as a precious jewel.
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool.
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name!
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame,
Rising again, I bless your name.
You are my all in all.
When I fall down, you pick me up.
When I am dry, you fill my cup.
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name!
During the conference, the district superintendent who was running the meeting talked about a conversation he had with one of the pastors in his district. The pastor and his daughter were talking, and came to this conclusion:
When Jesus says, "Follow Me" it means we're going somewhere!
Can I get an AMEN? :)
How many of us answer to Jesus' call to follow Him, and expect to remain right where we are? You can certainly put me in that crowd. Here's what my prayer life has looked like for the past few weeks:
"I love you Jesus, and I want to serve you with my life and my vocation, but I want to do that RIGHT HERE. I don't want to leave my friends, my family, my favorite grocery store, my convenient mall, my church family, etc. So, if you could just reconsider this whole move-across-the-state-to-a-town-where-I-don't-know-anyone-and-the-nearest-shopping-is-in-Illinois thing, that would be AWESOME. Mkay?"
I really am so nervous about this move. I don't know yet if I'll be able to keep my job or not. I'm nervous about making all new friends, about finding my way around, and I have almost convinced myself that the people in our new churches won't like me at all. Oh - and I'm spending more than just a little time wondering what kind of bugs we'll have to deal with at our new house. (Please God - no centipedes again...please?) Oh the anxiety that I am working up in myself...it's really taking its toll! I have had some bad headaches and back pain in the past couple weeks, and I KNOW that it's because I'm stressing out so much.
God met me at church on Sunday. I know I shouldn't be surprised - He's always there. I just don't always look for Him I guess. The songs we sang, the prayers we said, the message that was given - God spoke to me through it all. It's as if He was calming me - calming my nerves and my spirit. He was reminding me that HE is everything I'll ever need.
We sang one of my favorites - You Are My All in All. This song always reminds me of being at SIFAT. I would tell most people that it's because I learned that song there. I will honestly tell you though that I think of SIFAT when I hear this song because that's where God and I first had some grown-up moments together. SIFAT was the first time I left home, and just depended on God. No parents. Not much money. No mall in the time zone (slight exaggeration). Just me and God having some good time together. It was almost like my honeymoon with Jesus, and I don't care if you think that sounds cheesy!
What does it mean for me to sing that Jesus is my "all in all"??? If I believe what I sing, he is the ONLY thing I need. So what if I don't make friends at our new home? God is really the only friend I need. So what if I can't keep my job? God's going to provide. No shopping? Don't need it - I have God. Jesus is ENOUGH. I don't need more things, more money, more friends, more activities, etc. Jesus is ENOUGH. He is my all in all.
So - Jesus has asked us to follow Him, and we're following Him to Veedersburg. We're going somewhere - us and Jesus - and He is going to be everything we need.
You are my strength when I am weak.
You are the treasure that I seek.
You are my all in all.
Seeking you as a precious jewel.
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool.
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name!
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame,
Rising again, I bless your name.
You are my all in all.
When I fall down, you pick me up.
When I am dry, you fill my cup.
You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name!
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