My Mantra

I didn't create it, I didn't cause it and I can't control it!

I can pray about it; I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit will take our moanings and groanings and translates them to Jesus.


On a different note: Michael will be leaving for Okinawa by himself in July. I can not even began to express that mixture of emotions inside me; nor would I want to in a public blog. :)
Even though this situation fits well in the above mantra and will indeed help me deal, it is just an addition to what causes me to chant the mantra.

Time to tune into others and lift them up in prayer least I become bogged down in the Eeyore syndrome. "Woe is me"

Yikes, what a depressing post.

The way I learned the mantra is I didn't cause it, I didn't create it and I can't control it but I can consequence it. There is nothing to consequences so I added the prayer part. It belongs either way.

Have a great day!

Okinawa

Here's the latest. The kids and I didn't clear the medical board. So we for sure won't be going. Now there is some question as to whether or not Michael will go. Things that have to do with work not family. We aren't in the clear just yet. We may still get orders to move some where eles or they may still send Michael to Okinawa with out us. The most frustrating thing to me is that there is an opening for Michael's rank RIGHT HERE!!! VERY few people actually WANT to come to 29 Palms and we'd like to stay because of our family needs. Why can't they just leave well enough alone for the next year or two?! OK, now I feel better, I vented. This is not something I can control. I have to look past The Marine Corps, to Jesus and trust Him.

Rib Roast?!

Ladies, what in tar nation is a rib roast and how the heck do you cook it? Why do I ask?
This Sunday we are having friends over for dinner. In my excitement I began the stress game.
What to cook. Something in the crock pot so when we come home from church it will smell yummy and be ready to serve? Some thing I can prepare the night before and just heat and serve after church? So I asked my dear husband. After some thought he suggested a rib roast. "Oh yea right!" I continue with my suggestions and then looked at him and realized he was serious. "Honey, I've never cooked one of those before and my track record isn't so great." What if I help you? "Then our guest will be entertaining themself while we cook. I just don't think so, not this time." So, he switched gears and suggested smoked pork chops, fried okra and mashed potatoes. These people are California folk; not Alabamians. OooooKaaay, I say. That will be kind of time consuming. So then he's says cook turnip grees instead of the okra. That's what I'll be cooking this Sunday. Next time maybe I'll ask you guys first. ;) I love the meal plan, I'm just not sure how quickly or well it'll come together after church. AND, I'm thinking I better make sure they like turnip greens.

So, back to the rib roast. I was thinking maybe I'd surprise my hubby with a culinary wonder, and attempt his request, for just us. Hopefully, it will be a delight and not a: "I wonder what that is...was?! Any suggestions?

Bible Study

My church does not have a Ladies Bible Study. We have WMF and Ladies Ministry. They each have set functions that they plan and prepare for. Good ministries; but not a Bible study.

Would any of you bloggers (the study would be for anyone, I'm just blogging so I addressed the bloggers) from my church be interested in meeting twice a month for Bible Study? We could take turns meeting in a different home. That way not one person is carrying the load. I think it should be the same day of the week each time but maybe the time can be flexible depending on who's home it is in. Refreshments could be brought by some one different or just let the host offer refreshments as well. Some thing simple. My husband wants me home in the evening, however he wouldn't mind me going to a Bible Study if it was an occassional thing. By being flexible with the time more people can join us. (those that work and those that don't)

Miss Julie could we use your Bible Studies? If so, should we have one person give the lesson each time or since the studies are obtainable via computer the host could also be responsible for giving the lesson. That puts a heavy load on the host but it wouldn't be all the time. Once every two months depending on how many we have.

What do you think?

Once Saved Always Saved

I do believe in once saved always saved! It is not by anything we can or can't do but by what Christ did for us on the cross.
Where I find my thoughts going is in the questioning of whether or not the conversion was real or merely a following the crowd kind of thing. Heather you made a statement though that helped that a little.
When someone says that they received Christ at age 12, but when you meet them at age 16 they tell you they believe in Evolution and the Bible isn't real; wouldn't you question their Salvation experience? Course, I don't live in that person's mind or conscious, maybe the Holy Spirit is in there working on their heart. I guess our responsibility as a Christian is to pray and be available for conversation as opportunity presents.

Travis

Gabrielle and I teach the 3 & 4 year old Sunday School class. Shortly after we took the class we met Travis. He came to church on the bus and his brother would walk him to class. Travis would cling to his brother for dear life. So, I let brother stay that first Sunday or two. Then the day came when we asked brother to go on to his class. OH. My. Goodness. That child screamed like we were killing him. Drew the attention of every teacher down the row. One from each class came to check on us. Of course at first we tried to distract him, reason with him and console him. Finally, we invited him to join us and then ignored him. I was most amazed at Gab's ability to handle this situation. It is actually her class, I just help, so I followed her lead. Then one Sunday I noticed Casey, the bus caption walked Travis to class. No screaming. So peaceful. He wouldn't interact with us, he sat by himself and pouted. Again, we invited and then ignored. I always greeted him with much excitement and enthusiasm. He would come in dirty and oddly dressed. I actually considered reporting the situation to social services, because I believed there was neglect. I mean isn't that what any well meaning Christian Sunday School teacher would do? :( No, I couldn't do that, at least he was coming to church. So, I started to pray for little Travis. Just when he came to mind I'd pray. Eventually, he would hesitantly join us, or be with us from a distance. I no longer ignored him, but I made sure I gave him lots of space. One Sunday I reached to hug him or pat him, I can't remember which and he pulled away from me. I said it's ok I just wanted a hug, is it not ok for me to touch? He told me that no one could touch him but his mom. I said ok, no problem I understand! I didn't try again. Oh, sometimes I would forget and pat him on the head but he was ok with that. Then one Sunday he came in wearing shorts and a matching shirt with spiderman on it. I think his shoes were even spiderman. I commented about spiderman and he backed away and said it was the only thing clean, all he could wear. I reassured him that I was just super glad he made it to church and thought to bring spiderman to join us. The next time I saw Travis he was clean and his hair was combed. I'm sure I over did the wow! you look great. :) Ok let me wind this up to the really good part.
Today my Michael helped me in class. Travis took to Michael. They were talking and interacting and as I watched Travis leaned into Michael's shoulder to watch what Michael was doing. I was amazed. THEN, Mr George came into the classroom and Travis ran to him and wrapped him in a hug.
I am so thankful that I got to be a part of this transformation. To see this frightened dirty little kid, come to life with the love and attention of the people he came in contact with at church is just amazing to me. It shouldn't be. This is what we as Christians are called to do and called to be. But seeing it first hand and knowing that I was a teeny tiny small part of it makes me see God.

Thank You Ms. Julie!

I am so excited! Julie called me today and spent some time up grading my blog for me. I just love it. Now I know how to do it myself. Thank you very much!