It's amazing what music does to the heart. I've been up and down in my emotions the last 5-6 months, with all the things we've been experiencing, and the songs that I've picked up along the way, have been more therapeutic than I think anything else. Here are some of the songs that have really touched my life this past year.
The other day, I was taking Moses on a walk. The cool thing about walking with your headphones on, is that you're kind of in your own little world. (At least I am!) I have my iTunes music on my phone, and usually have that with me on my walks. It was kind of funny because I started crying while I was walking down the street. Somehow, this song just blind-sided me. If you have a chance to get a hold of Bethany Dillon's song, "You are on Our Side," the lyrics are great, but the music puts light on them in a way that makes it just hit you to the core. I had the opportunity to play the cello part when we performed this in church a few months ago.
The orphan clings to Your hand, singing the song of how he was found.
The widow rejoices, for her oppressors are silenced now.
And You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor,
And You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore.
And when You could just be silent and leave us here to die,
Still You sent Your Son for us,
You are on our side.
The runaway falls at Your feet. You are what he has searched for.
The rich man is broken when he stands beneath a sky full of stars.
And You sit at the table with the wounded and the poor,
And You laugh and share stories with the thief and the whore.
And when you could just be silent and leave us here to die,
Still You sent Your Son for us,
You are on our side.
Still You sent Your Son for us,
You are on our side.
Another of her songs "For my Love." Very very very cool song, too (again, lyrics are only half of the true experience. You need to hear the song to capture the fullness of it).
Walk towards me, I want to hear the heavens singing over you
When you breathe and look at me, I want to be captured by you
Gaze into my eyes and let me know you'd fight thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine, ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love
I want to hide what's deep in my eyes, I'm scared to be known by you
But when I turn my head and see you there, I want to be pursued
Gaze into my eyes and let me know you'd fight thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine, ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love
A dream I won't wake from
A story that will never end
The ground your feet walk on
Let me be there, let me be there
Gaze into my eyes, let me know you'd fight thousands, for my love
Slip your hand in mine, ask me to dance with you tonight
Just ask me for my love
Caedmon's Call's "Mystery of Mercy:"
I am the woman at the well, I am the harlot
I am the scattered seed that fell along the path
I am the son that ran away,
I am the bitter son that stayed.
My God, My God
Why hast thou accepted me?
When all my love was vinegar to a thirsty King?
My God, My God, Why has thou accepted me?
It's a mystery of mercy and a song, a song I sing
I am the angry man that came to stone the lover
I am the woman there ashamed before the crowd
I am the leper that gave thanks
And I am the nine that never came
My God, My God
Why has thou accepted me?
When all my love was vinegar to a thirsty King?
My God, My God, Why has thou accepted me?
It's a mystery of mercy and a song, a song I sing
You made the sea, that made the tree
That made the cross that saved me
You gave me hope when there was none
You gave me only Your Son
Fernando Ortega's version of "Give me Jesus." This is the song that I want sung at my funeral. It is all my heart desires and what I want my life's motto to be.
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Give me Jesus
When I am alone
Give me Jesus
When I come to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Just give me Jesus
Gary and I have begun a very good thing in the morning. He suggested it a week and a half ago, and since we started doing it, it has made all the difference in the world. It has truly brought us closer to our Father and to each other. All we've been doing has been getting up and sharing our thoughts for the day, with a cup of tea, and reading through a chapter of the bible, discussing it, and praying together to begin our day before either of us goes to work. It is so nice to start our mornings in the right mind and to give our day to the Lord.
We usually try to pray right before we go to bed, but there is just something to be said about starting our day and gearing up our minds to be set on those things that are noble.
That's what's been going on in our lives. Along with some other details. This is the important stuff, though. Thanks for reading! God bless.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Iketober
It has been a month, so I figured I should give an update. Maybe I will add pictures later. So right after our last post we got ready for an incoming hurricane. Ike kept us up most of the night when it got here. The wind was pretty powerful. It knocked over a section of our fence, tore a couple of pieces of our patio roof off, and knocked our satellite dish over. We don't even use the thing, so I got up on the roof once the wind died down a little bit, and cut the wires and got it off our roof. Before I did that, it was rolling around on the roof, and that did not seem like a good thing. Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula sustained the worst damage, but there were several homes that had trees go through the roof in our area. Krissy and I were watching our neighbor's palm tree, swaying in the wind and hoping...
After Ike, we heard on the radio that it could be up to four weeks before we got power back. We were not about to stick around for that, so we headed to San Antonio for a few days. It was nice to slow down a little bit. We were also able to be there less than an hour after Annie delivered Luke Jackson. He was a big boy! 10 pounds 2 ounces! So we have another nephew!
On September 21st, we had a worship service in the parking lot of our church offices (since we don't have a building and the school we meet in was closed). It was good. Several guys in the church went around helping people cut up trees that were down and making burn piles. It was hard work, which is why we had so many people helping others. Ahh, when the body works like it should!
So, since Ike, we have rescheduled my ordination service to October 19th. I also met and interviewed with the elders a week and a half ago. I got a call the next day from David, our senior pastor, asking me if I would like to work for the church...as if I hadn't been for the last 14 months. It was good. I suppose that as I have been reading and studying about discipleship and how Paul built churches, it has been laid on my heart that we must always look for people to pour ourselves into, no matter who we are or where we are in our walk. That was something I emphasized in the interview. So, I am sort of officially the Pastor of Small Groups at Northside Christian Church now. Sort of because I am not ordained yet.
I have been reading several books on church leadership, small groups, and discipleship lately. A few of the books include Growing True Disciples by George Barna, Choose the Life by Bill Hull, The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee, The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson, They Smell Like Sheep by Lynn Anderson, and The Disciple-Making Church by Bill Hull. At the same time, I am going through a leadership equipping study with a former professor, Derek Voorhees. It is basically a study of Ephesians, but focuses on six character traits of a disciple outlined in the letter. It has been a very good thing to walk through. I am contemplating utilizing it as a tool to guide some of our lay leaders in hermeneutics principles and discipleship training.
Overall, this month is flying by, and I am sure it will be a while before your hear from us again. We are so bad at keeping up with our blog. However, we try to let you know where we are at. Maybe some time we will utilize this a bit more efficiently. Until next time, may God be glorified in your life as well as ours. To the praise of his glorious grace! Amen.
After Ike, we heard on the radio that it could be up to four weeks before we got power back. We were not about to stick around for that, so we headed to San Antonio for a few days. It was nice to slow down a little bit. We were also able to be there less than an hour after Annie delivered Luke Jackson. He was a big boy! 10 pounds 2 ounces! So we have another nephew!
On September 21st, we had a worship service in the parking lot of our church offices (since we don't have a building and the school we meet in was closed). It was good. Several guys in the church went around helping people cut up trees that were down and making burn piles. It was hard work, which is why we had so many people helping others. Ahh, when the body works like it should!
So, since Ike, we have rescheduled my ordination service to October 19th. I also met and interviewed with the elders a week and a half ago. I got a call the next day from David, our senior pastor, asking me if I would like to work for the church...as if I hadn't been for the last 14 months. It was good. I suppose that as I have been reading and studying about discipleship and how Paul built churches, it has been laid on my heart that we must always look for people to pour ourselves into, no matter who we are or where we are in our walk. That was something I emphasized in the interview. So, I am sort of officially the Pastor of Small Groups at Northside Christian Church now. Sort of because I am not ordained yet.
I have been reading several books on church leadership, small groups, and discipleship lately. A few of the books include Growing True Disciples by George Barna, Choose the Life by Bill Hull, The Connecting Church by Randy Frazee, The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson, They Smell Like Sheep by Lynn Anderson, and The Disciple-Making Church by Bill Hull. At the same time, I am going through a leadership equipping study with a former professor, Derek Voorhees. It is basically a study of Ephesians, but focuses on six character traits of a disciple outlined in the letter. It has been a very good thing to walk through. I am contemplating utilizing it as a tool to guide some of our lay leaders in hermeneutics principles and discipleship training.
Overall, this month is flying by, and I am sure it will be a while before your hear from us again. We are so bad at keeping up with our blog. However, we try to let you know where we are at. Maybe some time we will utilize this a bit more efficiently. Until next time, may God be glorified in your life as well as ours. To the praise of his glorious grace! Amen.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Our August...and Other News
It's finally here! We never thought the day would come when, first of all, Gary would every finish his schooling. Well, that happened at the beginning of August, and after a formal interview with a dean from DCC, he'll be finished completely with his degree. He'll be a December '08 graduate and the commencement ceremony will be in May 2009. We are always so thankful to the Lord for bringing us through the last two and a half years of his schooling. It was not easy on his or my part, but through much diligence and lots of self-discipline, he finished.
The next big piece of information is that the ministers and elders of Northside Christian Church will be ordaining Gary on Sunday evening, September 21, at 6:30pm. We're excited about that and very honored that they would choose to do this. It's going to be a very simple service where he will vow certain things going into the ministry, and then we will have a reception afterward.
We're very excited about both of these events. Also, through recent conversations with the senior and associate ministers, it is most definitely certain that Gary will be a full-time staff member there at Northside. It's always amazing how the Lord really works things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose. Thank you, Father.
I've started my voice lessons, and am loving every minute of it so far. I'm only teaching at the schools Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and I have chosen to open up our home to teach piano lessons on Monday afternoons. I've been teaching during the day and Tuesday afternoons at a private Christian school down the road, and that's been really fun. Then I teach Wednesday afternoons at Klein Oak, and then Thursday afternoons at Klein Collins. It's been really great meeting new people, getting things going with my own self-run business (I set up a business account at WaMu, which makes me feel even more official!). Gotta figure out the whole tax thing, though, too. That'll be interesting.
Another thing that's happened is that our worship minister, Jeremi, has asked me to be the "Vocal Director" of the worship ministry at the church. It's a pretty big role, and will take up a lot more time than what I've been volunteering for the last three years, but I'm excited about that.
So many changes, yet a sovereign and steadfast God that we worship. Praise You, Father, for being just who You are. Constant, never-changing, omnipotent, and sovereign. You are almighty, and we bow at Your feet. Thank you, Jesus.
Here are some pictures of some things we did in August. My family went to Canyon Lake and stayed in a 3-bedroom condo. Here are Annie, Mollie, and Travis at the pool.
Here I am fishing. I caught the first fish of the evening, and was so proud of myself (although I didn't really do anything different than the rest of the group...).
Just in case you wanted a closer look, here's the fish I caught.
And here's Dad doing his fatherly duty of baiting each pole for all us girls. We were using leftover bread and tortillas for the fish bait.
Here are Dad, Bri, and Mom trying, oh-so-diligently, to catch a fish. I decided to head back to the condo, since my work was done...
The next day, we went tubing down the Guadalupe River. It was SO COLD. Here's Gary, after just having plopped into the water, trying to keep his rear-end out of the puddle in the middle of the tube.
The ducks loved Gary. They were getting pretty friendly with him (I think he had pretzels or something...).
Bri, Me, Gary, and Mom. Dad's taking the picture. If you hadn't guessed, Annie, Travis and Mollie had left the day before we did this. Travis had to get back to work, and they didn't really know if Mollie would enjoy this adventure. We ended up going around the horseshoe bend 3 times that day. It was about an hour each time. Piled on the sunscreen and had a blast!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Mollie comes to town
Annie and Mollie came to visit last week, and here's a little clip of some cuteness that I was able to capture on the video camera. Make sure you have your volume turned up.
It's about 2.5 minutes, so watch it until the end, because it will surely bring a smile to your face!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Road Trip 2008
I've finally mustered up the energy to post about our trip. We arrived home last Saturday, June 21 at 4:30 in the morning. But of course, that's the end of it. I'll start at the very beginning. I have realized that this is more of a journal entry, so please don't feel obligated to read everything, since it will most likely be a very long posting...good luck making it to the end!
Almost as soon as Gary arrived home from the office, and we packed up the car, we left for Dallas on Wednesday evening, June 11 and headed for Stephen and Paige's home in Howe. Arrived there at 10:30pm (in really good time, I'm told!), chatted a bit, and then went to bed. I can't believe how big Hope is getting!! She is SUCH a beautiful little girl!! It was good to visit with them, and we left along with Stephen as he headed to the office the next morning, and we made our way to Omaha for that evening, driving freeway the entire way.
We got to my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bill's at about 6:30 that evening, which was great because they had dinner for us, and my cousin Katie and her husband Chris came over to have dinner. Then we went to see their new house that they had just bought, are cleaning up and moving in gradually. Great big house, and Gary and I were really excited for the two of them. We had a fantastic evening with the family, and then left the next morning, just as my Aunt Cathy was heading out. After looking at the atlas for a little bit, we made plans to drive across Iowa into Illinois, alternately taking the freeway and some of a scenic route.
Along our way, we passed by the birthplace of John Wayne and stopped in at the Movie Site for Field of Dreams. That was somewhat anticlimactic, seeing as it was just a house and a baseball field (neither of which you can go inside or onto). Oh and we can't forget the money-making shop of the movie parafernelia...I was pretty cynical of the place, but Gary seemed to enjoy it and that's all that matters... :)
What should have been about an 7.5-hour drive, turned into about an 11-hr trip. It is mind-boggling thinking about the damage that the state has gone through and continues to go through - and then hearing about the damage in Omaha just a couple of days ago. Praise God that He kept us safe through it all, but we continue to lift those people up that are traipsing through their broken lives now after all the recent damage. We definitely need to remember these people in our prayers.
After we finished the tour there, my "plans" for the day were to start out at Millennium Park again (to see it in the daytime), then walk the Magnificent Mile, and end up at Navy Pier to enjoy an evening of fun and perhaps a game or two. Well, we ended up parking so far at the south end of downtown, and the train station we were hoping to catch (just another part of Chicago we were hoping to experience, the "L") was closed, and the next one to get us to where we wanted to go was where we were wanting to be...so we walked about 3/4 mile to get to the Magnificent Mile. This ended up being pretty much what anyone would expect - just a long stretch of really expensive stores and people peddling for money by doing some weird things - one contortionist man was climbing in and out of a box and twisting his body in all sorts of ungodly positions, and another man was painted completely in a copper-colored paint and posing next to a sign (see pictures below). A little crazy, but it was part of the whole experience. I got a cool picture of the Chicago River from the bridge we crossed right before making it to the actual Magnificent Mile stretch.
We enjoyed a deep-dish pizza from Pizano's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, which was really, REALLY good. The guy messed up our order, so he brought us a free appetizer of garlic bread and then a free dessert (hot chocolate chip cookie and ice cream dessert, so Gary wasn't too interested in that...left more for me, though!!). Wasn't bad, since it was hot outside, and we were just thankful for the place to sit and rest in the middle of the day. So we walked around a little more and got a really expensive shoe-shine (got suckered into it by a smooth-talking street peddler...I didn't speak to Gary for a good hour or so, I was so peeved by how we got shmuckered out of a LOT of money - and I mean a LOT!!! And both of our tennis shoes were dirtier afterward!!) But I won't get into that...
We were so tired and I was so upset about the "shoe shine" by the time we made it back to our car, that we decided to just go back to the hotel and chill out. So, no Navy Pier, and no Lincoln Park or zoo the next day (I didn't have any desire to go back downtown after that stupid man "stole" our money). We drove by the Sears Tower, for those of you wondering about that, but didn't make it up there. Perhaps, if I can get over the whole shoe shine thing, we'll make it back there and visit those places...perhaps...
So on Sunday, we slept late and packed our things and then enjoyed an expensive Sunday morning brunch at the Doubletree, and lazily made our way down to Bloomington where our hotel was for the next stop. On our way to Bloomington, we stopped in Peoria, to check it out, since it's a pretty big town close to the seminary we're looking at in Lincoln, IL. We were wanting to get a feel for the surrounding communities, so we looked and searched for the Chamber of Commerce, which we never found in downtown Peoria, and were kicked out by a torrential downpour after about 45 minutes of searching. So we moved on.
When we arrived at Bloomington, our hotel was right next door to a Cracker Barrel, so we ate dinner there, and went and saw the stupidest Adam Sandler movie he's made yet, "You Don't Mess with the Zohan." Really, don't waste your time or money. It was so dumb - but what do you expect with his movies...we should have known.
The next morning, we made our way to Lincoln to meet up with David, the admissions guy at Lincoln Christian Seminary. He showed us around the school, which was pretty small and not too terribly impressive, and introduced us to a few of the really neat professors who happened to be there during the summer break. He then arranged for the two deans, Dr. Paul Boatman and Dr. Bob Lowery, to join us for lunch at the one Mexican restaurant in the town, Don Panchitos. It was pretty far from what we know down here in Texas, but a good try, and we just had to think that it was some other cultural food. It really didn't taste at all like what we're used to. The food was made worth it by the company and the discussion at the table. It was so wonderful for me and Gary to be sitting across the table from two of the most humbly intelligent men we've been introduced to. Gary really thinks a lot of Dr. Lowery already, and Dr. Boatman was just as kind and intelligent. We discussed the seminary, the degree programs, the communities, philosophies of ministry, our current lives, and future hopes. It was an all-around wonderfully amazing meeting, and Gary and I left there riding on Cloud 9. David then took us around the community, and he even drove us to the public school administrative offices, so I could get some information on teaching/substituting in the area. He drove us by his home, and just pretty much answered any and all questions we could think of.
It was quite the fulfilling trip to visit our hopefully future place of residence...
After we left there, we drove over to Arthur, an Amish community, and I was able to drool over several quilt shops and Gary experienced his first Amish visit. Quite interesting. We just drove around the community and made our way back through Champaign and back to Bloomington. Bloomington is the home of the University of Illinois as well as Illinois Wesleyan University. It was definitely a college community, and had some really nice homes. We drove around in the neighborhoods picking up fliers from homes for sale and seeing what we liked about the community. Reminded me of a northern version of College Station, actually.
When we left Bloomington the next day, we made our way down through Indianapolis, through Louisville, through Knoxville and down to the base of the Smoky Mountains just halfway between Gatlinburg and Cosby.
Our campground, the Great Smoky Mountain Jellystone Campground, backed up to a well-traveled hiking trail (which we didn't actually make it to during our stay). It was a precious family-oriented facility. Our campsite (yes, we tent-camped for three solid nights) was right next to a beautiful flowing stream. We did have an air mattress to sleep on, which made it possible to sleep out there, and our amazingly warm sleeping bags were absolutely perfect for the sawing of many logs. The first evening, we barely made it there with enough daylight to set up camp, and then had to run back to Cosby to make a Wal-Mart run for our camping groceries. We finally hit the sack by about midnight.
The next morning, we slept late and got up and made bacon, eggs, and had some applesauce for breakfast. We then left to explore the mountains and drive the winding roads that took us through them. We got out at one point and hiked a 2.6 mile trail to the beautiful Laurel Falls. Then made our way back with a few stops.
There was a traffic jam at one point, which brought us to the realization that everyone was stopped and out of their cars because there was a bear within sight of the road. Quite a commotion, if I do say so, but it was cool to see the brown bear who was probably about 50 yards away from us by the time Gary and I got out to see it. He was just out getting some lunch, I guess. He was way too far for me to get any sort of a picture, but you'll just have to believe me.
We got back to the campsite and after we doused ourselves with Deep Woods Off, made our first gourmet camp dinner consisting of blackened frankfurters topped with Mustard and Ketchup and Sweet Whole-Kernel Corn, straight from the can! Gary and I decided to go ahead and splurge on a Coleman Propane camping stove, which was absolutely perfect for the meals we cooked on it. Then I enjoyed a couple of roasted marshmallows over our campfire, again, next to our babbling brook. Just the definition of relaxation, in my humble opinion. Gary and I then proceeded to take out our books and read by the light of the other splurchase of ours, the propane lantern. It was just perfect as well.
We slept in the next morning - really late - like 10:30 - which tells you just how comfortable we actually were there in the tent on our air mattress. That day was a day of complete nothingness and rest and relaxation. Just wonderful doing almost absolutely nothing, except, of course cooking our fine meals. Our dinner that evening was actually a little closer to what a lot of people would consider higher-end campground cooking. We seasoned a few chicken breasts and made garlic bread out of the leftover hotdog buns. We had picked out a side of already-prepared sweet potatoes, and had a can of green beans. We were so stuffed we really didn't know what to do with ourselves. Then after dinner, I stuffed some more roasted marshmallows in my already stuffed belly (what is camping without roasted marshmallows???? Tell me, please! I was merely taking advantage of the very rare occasion!) We then proceeded to again, read by the light of the lantern until we were too pooped to poop (not really - I actually think Gary and I both made it to the bathroom before we went to bed that night...) I guess at this point, I'm wondering if anyone is actually reading all this - and if you've made it this far, congratulations!
So we woke up the next morning and packed up our stuff and headed out. We took the scenic drive (you'd think that we would have learned our lesson in Iowa, but we decided to take our chances again). And it was such a pretty drive. We made it to Memphis by about 8:00 that evening, and decided to make it to Little Rock to stay for the night. When we got to Little Rock by about 9:30, we couldn't stop, since we were both pretty ready to get home. So we pulled into our driveway at 4:30 that next morning. Gary says that I talked in my sleep on the last leg of the drive, which he took over in Nacadoches at 2:30am. I'm not sure if I believe him, since I normally snore, not talk... :) We had left our bed un-made, so we needed to put sheets on it when we arrived in the bedroom, and then when our heads hit the pillows, we were out!! Slept until about 10:00 the next morning, and then called Gary's parents to see if they'd be willing to give us our baby back if we met them halfway. They obliged, and we got to see Moses again after two whole weeks of missing him terribly.
So that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. I hope you enjoyed the read and the pictures. If you didn't make it all the way through reading everything, don't feel bad. I realize it was a long posting, and hopefully the pictures will suffice. Have a wonderful day, and until next time...
Almost as soon as Gary arrived home from the office, and we packed up the car, we left for Dallas on Wednesday evening, June 11 and headed for Stephen and Paige's home in Howe. Arrived there at 10:30pm (in really good time, I'm told!), chatted a bit, and then went to bed. I can't believe how big Hope is getting!! She is SUCH a beautiful little girl!! It was good to visit with them, and we left along with Stephen as he headed to the office the next morning, and we made our way to Omaha for that evening, driving freeway the entire way.
We got to my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bill's at about 6:30 that evening, which was great because they had dinner for us, and my cousin Katie and her husband Chris came over to have dinner. Then we went to see their new house that they had just bought, are cleaning up and moving in gradually. Great big house, and Gary and I were really excited for the two of them. We had a fantastic evening with the family, and then left the next morning, just as my Aunt Cathy was heading out. After looking at the atlas for a little bit, we made plans to drive across Iowa into Illinois, alternately taking the freeway and some of a scenic route.
Along our way, we passed by the birthplace of John Wayne and stopped in at the Movie Site for Field of Dreams. That was somewhat anticlimactic, seeing as it was just a house and a baseball field (neither of which you can go inside or onto). Oh and we can't forget the money-making shop of the movie parafernelia...I was pretty cynical of the place, but Gary seemed to enjoy it and that's all that matters... :)
Field of Dreams Movie Site
There's no corn - how do we know where the back fence is??!?!
DUN Dun dun...
Here is what we ran into in Cedar Rapids, IA. It was pretty devastating, and before we drove through, we were clueless as to the extent of the damage of the flooding and what exactly we had gotten ourselves into. We were calling family members trying to get online and see if there was even the slightest possibility that we would even be able to cross over the Mississippi River in order to reach our next destination of Chicago. We were able to make it to the very northeast corner of Iowa and drive through Dubuque, into Illinois, and took the scenic route through Galena (a place that we would definitely love to go back and visit someday) down to Chicago.
Cedar Rapids
What should have been about an 7.5-hour drive, turned into about an 11-hr trip. It is mind-boggling thinking about the damage that the state has gone through and continues to go through - and then hearing about the damage in Omaha just a couple of days ago. Praise God that He kept us safe through it all, but we continue to lift those people up that are traipsing through their broken lives now after all the recent damage. We definitely need to remember these people in our prayers.
The beautiful clouds while driving into Chicago
So we made it to downtown Chicago by about 8:30 that evening and went and parked in an underground parking garage under Millenium Park (seems kind of weird to me to park under a park - sort of takes away the "natural-ness" of it). Anyway, Millenium Park is sort of more or less like a Central Park of New York or a Hermann Park of Houston. Just a nice park in the middle of downtown Chicago, and it happens to have a few gardens, modern-age sculptures, and an amazing outdoor theater. It was absolutely beautiful, and better than anything I've ever seen before in an outdoor theater venue. Gary and I walked around Millenium Park for a little while, took some pictures, and headed back to the parking garage, where we paid $13 for about an hour of parking...nearly lost our dinner over that...but it was just a taste of what was to come for the remainder of our stay in Chicago.
Birmingham Fountain Light Show - about 10:00pm
The "Snake Bridge" at Millennium Park
The coolest sculpture there...don't know what it's called, but it reflects the Chicago skyline.
We made it to our hotel in Schaumburg (a suburb of Chicago, where our Doubletree hotel was extremely cheap for Chicago ($75!) - and a great stay!) by about midnight and let our bodies relax into the very comfortable king-size bed.
The next morning, we left again for downtown Chicago, only our first stop was Wrigley Field. I had reserved us two spots in a ballpark tour for 10:00 that morning, and Gary was all smiles. It was a very interesting tour, and was just cool seeing real American history before our eyes. Just a really neat way to start out the day. I posted pictures in the next blog.
The next morning, we left again for downtown Chicago, only our first stop was Wrigley Field. I had reserved us two spots in a ballpark tour for 10:00 that morning, and Gary was all smiles. It was a very interesting tour, and was just cool seeing real American history before our eyes. Just a really neat way to start out the day. I posted pictures in the next blog.
After we finished the tour there, my "plans" for the day were to start out at Millennium Park again (to see it in the daytime), then walk the Magnificent Mile, and end up at Navy Pier to enjoy an evening of fun and perhaps a game or two. Well, we ended up parking so far at the south end of downtown, and the train station we were hoping to catch (just another part of Chicago we were hoping to experience, the "L") was closed, and the next one to get us to where we wanted to go was where we were wanting to be...so we walked about 3/4 mile to get to the Magnificent Mile. This ended up being pretty much what anyone would expect - just a long stretch of really expensive stores and people peddling for money by doing some weird things - one contortionist man was climbing in and out of a box and twisting his body in all sorts of ungodly positions, and another man was painted completely in a copper-colored paint and posing next to a sign (see pictures below). A little crazy, but it was part of the whole experience. I got a cool picture of the Chicago River from the bridge we crossed right before making it to the actual Magnificent Mile stretch.
We enjoyed a deep-dish pizza from Pizano's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, which was really, REALLY good. The guy messed up our order, so he brought us a free appetizer of garlic bread and then a free dessert (hot chocolate chip cookie and ice cream dessert, so Gary wasn't too interested in that...left more for me, though!!). Wasn't bad, since it was hot outside, and we were just thankful for the place to sit and rest in the middle of the day. So we walked around a little more and got a really expensive shoe-shine (got suckered into it by a smooth-talking street peddler...I didn't speak to Gary for a good hour or so, I was so peeved by how we got shmuckered out of a LOT of money - and I mean a LOT!!! And both of our tennis shoes were dirtier afterward!!) But I won't get into that...
We were so tired and I was so upset about the "shoe shine" by the time we made it back to our car, that we decided to just go back to the hotel and chill out. So, no Navy Pier, and no Lincoln Park or zoo the next day (I didn't have any desire to go back downtown after that stupid man "stole" our money). We drove by the Sears Tower, for those of you wondering about that, but didn't make it up there. Perhaps, if I can get over the whole shoe shine thing, we'll make it back there and visit those places...perhaps...
So on Sunday, we slept late and packed our things and then enjoyed an expensive Sunday morning brunch at the Doubletree, and lazily made our way down to Bloomington where our hotel was for the next stop. On our way to Bloomington, we stopped in Peoria, to check it out, since it's a pretty big town close to the seminary we're looking at in Lincoln, IL. We were wanting to get a feel for the surrounding communities, so we looked and searched for the Chamber of Commerce, which we never found in downtown Peoria, and were kicked out by a torrential downpour after about 45 minutes of searching. So we moved on.
When we arrived at Bloomington, our hotel was right next door to a Cracker Barrel, so we ate dinner there, and went and saw the stupidest Adam Sandler movie he's made yet, "You Don't Mess with the Zohan." Really, don't waste your time or money. It was so dumb - but what do you expect with his movies...we should have known.
The next morning, we made our way to Lincoln to meet up with David, the admissions guy at Lincoln Christian Seminary. He showed us around the school, which was pretty small and not too terribly impressive, and introduced us to a few of the really neat professors who happened to be there during the summer break. He then arranged for the two deans, Dr. Paul Boatman and Dr. Bob Lowery, to join us for lunch at the one Mexican restaurant in the town, Don Panchitos. It was pretty far from what we know down here in Texas, but a good try, and we just had to think that it was some other cultural food. It really didn't taste at all like what we're used to. The food was made worth it by the company and the discussion at the table. It was so wonderful for me and Gary to be sitting across the table from two of the most humbly intelligent men we've been introduced to. Gary really thinks a lot of Dr. Lowery already, and Dr. Boatman was just as kind and intelligent. We discussed the seminary, the degree programs, the communities, philosophies of ministry, our current lives, and future hopes. It was an all-around wonderfully amazing meeting, and Gary and I left there riding on Cloud 9. David then took us around the community, and he even drove us to the public school administrative offices, so I could get some information on teaching/substituting in the area. He drove us by his home, and just pretty much answered any and all questions we could think of.
It was quite the fulfilling trip to visit our hopefully future place of residence...
After we left there, we drove over to Arthur, an Amish community, and I was able to drool over several quilt shops and Gary experienced his first Amish visit. Quite interesting. We just drove around the community and made our way back through Champaign and back to Bloomington. Bloomington is the home of the University of Illinois as well as Illinois Wesleyan University. It was definitely a college community, and had some really nice homes. We drove around in the neighborhoods picking up fliers from homes for sale and seeing what we liked about the community. Reminded me of a northern version of College Station, actually.
When we left Bloomington the next day, we made our way down through Indianapolis, through Louisville, through Knoxville and down to the base of the Smoky Mountains just halfway between Gatlinburg and Cosby.
Our campground, the Great Smoky Mountain Jellystone Campground, backed up to a well-traveled hiking trail (which we didn't actually make it to during our stay). It was a precious family-oriented facility. Our campsite (yes, we tent-camped for three solid nights) was right next to a beautiful flowing stream. We did have an air mattress to sleep on, which made it possible to sleep out there, and our amazingly warm sleeping bags were absolutely perfect for the sawing of many logs. The first evening, we barely made it there with enough daylight to set up camp, and then had to run back to Cosby to make a Wal-Mart run for our camping groceries. We finally hit the sack by about midnight.
The next morning, we slept late and got up and made bacon, eggs, and had some applesauce for breakfast. We then left to explore the mountains and drive the winding roads that took us through them. We got out at one point and hiked a 2.6 mile trail to the beautiful Laurel Falls. Then made our way back with a few stops.
There was a traffic jam at one point, which brought us to the realization that everyone was stopped and out of their cars because there was a bear within sight of the road. Quite a commotion, if I do say so, but it was cool to see the brown bear who was probably about 50 yards away from us by the time Gary and I got out to see it. He was just out getting some lunch, I guess. He was way too far for me to get any sort of a picture, but you'll just have to believe me.
We got back to the campsite and after we doused ourselves with Deep Woods Off, made our first gourmet camp dinner consisting of blackened frankfurters topped with Mustard and Ketchup and Sweet Whole-Kernel Corn, straight from the can! Gary and I decided to go ahead and splurge on a Coleman Propane camping stove, which was absolutely perfect for the meals we cooked on it. Then I enjoyed a couple of roasted marshmallows over our campfire, again, next to our babbling brook. Just the definition of relaxation, in my humble opinion. Gary and I then proceeded to take out our books and read by the light of the other splurchase of ours, the propane lantern. It was just perfect as well.
We slept in the next morning - really late - like 10:30 - which tells you just how comfortable we actually were there in the tent on our air mattress. That day was a day of complete nothingness and rest and relaxation. Just wonderful doing almost absolutely nothing, except, of course cooking our fine meals. Our dinner that evening was actually a little closer to what a lot of people would consider higher-end campground cooking. We seasoned a few chicken breasts and made garlic bread out of the leftover hotdog buns. We had picked out a side of already-prepared sweet potatoes, and had a can of green beans. We were so stuffed we really didn't know what to do with ourselves. Then after dinner, I stuffed some more roasted marshmallows in my already stuffed belly (what is camping without roasted marshmallows???? Tell me, please! I was merely taking advantage of the very rare occasion!) We then proceeded to again, read by the light of the lantern until we were too pooped to poop (not really - I actually think Gary and I both made it to the bathroom before we went to bed that night...) I guess at this point, I'm wondering if anyone is actually reading all this - and if you've made it this far, congratulations!
So we woke up the next morning and packed up our stuff and headed out. We took the scenic drive (you'd think that we would have learned our lesson in Iowa, but we decided to take our chances again). And it was such a pretty drive. We made it to Memphis by about 8:00 that evening, and decided to make it to Little Rock to stay for the night. When we got to Little Rock by about 9:30, we couldn't stop, since we were both pretty ready to get home. So we pulled into our driveway at 4:30 that next morning. Gary says that I talked in my sleep on the last leg of the drive, which he took over in Nacadoches at 2:30am. I'm not sure if I believe him, since I normally snore, not talk... :) We had left our bed un-made, so we needed to put sheets on it when we arrived in the bedroom, and then when our heads hit the pillows, we were out!! Slept until about 10:00 the next morning, and then called Gary's parents to see if they'd be willing to give us our baby back if we met them halfway. They obliged, and we got to see Moses again after two whole weeks of missing him terribly.
So that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. I hope you enjoyed the read and the pictures. If you didn't make it all the way through reading everything, don't feel bad. I realize it was a long posting, and hopefully the pictures will suffice. Have a wonderful day, and until next time...
Monday, June 2, 2008
A month later...
Wow, what a busy May we had. We were in the Dallas area on the 9th and 10th to visit the Wilhites and Carnes, and also to attend the graduation for Dallas Theological Seminary at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where one of my professors, Derek Voorhees, graduated with his Doctor of Ministry. It was so awesome to visit with him and his wife. Since I am doing an online degree program, my professors are all over the world. Derek and his family live in Oregon, so this was a perfect time to get together and have lunch. I have appreciated the many things he has coached me along with. I appreciate the way he guides through questions. It is almost as if he allows me to come to conclusions on my own as he stimulates my thinking.
Stephen, Paige, and Hope Wilhite are doing well. We were able to visit about ministry and about parenthood, though we are not parents. Moses counts as a child, doesn't he? Anyway, Seth and Becca Carnes came to the Wilhites' while we were there, and we were able to have more discussions of the same type. It was a fun and enjoyable time for us. They are all such fun people to be around.
It was good to hang out, and Krissy gave everyone pedicures. She is such a servant! This past Saturday, the 31st, we helped at Northwest Assistance Ministries by delivering groceries to shut-ins around Northwest Houston. It is always so good for our hearts to help those who are unable to help themselves.
Stephen, Paige, and Hope Wilhite are doing well. We were able to visit about ministry and about parenthood, though we are not parents. Moses counts as a child, doesn't he? Anyway, Seth and Becca Carnes came to the Wilhites' while we were there, and we were able to have more discussions of the same type. It was a fun and enjoyable time for us. They are all such fun people to be around. The 16th was Krissy's final choir banquet at Klein High. She held it together quite well emotionally. She said a little something to let the kids know how much she loved them. The kids showed their appreciation as they came up to her throughout the evening and let her know how much they would miss her. It was a good time. Krissy even went domestic for the banquet, making her own skirt! She looked beautiful, and her skill was evident.
Memorial Day weekend we left after church on Sunday and went to San Antonio to visit Krissy's parents. We had fun, and we learned that Moses can swim!
It was good to hang out, and Krissy gave everyone pedicures. She is such a servant! This past Saturday, the 31st, we helped at Northwest Assistance Ministries by delivering groceries to shut-ins around Northwest Houston. It is always so good for our hearts to help those who are unable to help themselves.
This week is going to busy for both of us. Krissy will be finishing her last week at Klein, and I will be frantically trying to get some of my research done for my last couple of classes. School is over in August! We are leaving for vacation on June 11th, so I want to have as much done before we leave as I can. Hopefully we will have plenty of pictures to share when we get back!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Swirling thoughts
The first conversation about future possibilities took place yesterday. I was able to speak with our head pastor about things. It seems that they would love for me to stay, but there are some things that they will not be able to extend to me. Though some things are important, I do not want to make a decision based upon "rewards." I have sent out a batch of resumes to churches in IL. I don't know that anything will come of them. All of the positions were preaching positions, which I lack experience and probably maturity to be in those positions. However, I think the main thing I will look at in all scenarios is that I have an opportunity to grow, and also that God is leading me.
I have thought a lot about the option to stay here. It may be the smart thing to do considering I could gain a lot of experience. It would probably serve me well to experience how God shapes this congregation. However, I have also thought a lot about the options elsewhere. Knowing I will most likely leave in less than five years is a difficult idea to throw into the mix. However, God will lead me to the next step, and then He will lead me from there. My plans are not that solid compared to His plans. It is very good to know that we are wanted, and that the desires God has put on my heart fit in here.
Speaking of the desires God has put on my heart, I could not sleep Tuesday night. I got up after Krissy was asleep and went into our closet. I started writing things out. I sketched some things trying to piece together the model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated in his short but effective ministry. As I thought through things I had learned from T-Net, and from the Great Commission, I started trying to put Scriptures together. I have come up with something Picasso might think makes sense, but not the rest of the world. Jesus had people come and see what He taught and what He did. He turned water into wine in Cana, and He healed all those who came from miles around to see what was going on. Then Jesus took a bit of a step, and began to have people follow Him. He had them watch and learn what He was doing. So He told them what He was doing and why He was doing it, and then He showed them how to do it. Granted, living by the power of the Holy Spirit is not something you just show someone how to do. So then, Jesus transferred the authority in Matthew 10. He let them do it, and He supervised. They were like heralds, going before Him telling people that the kingdom of heaven was here. The He came behind them teaching and preaching. Then after He was dead, buried, and raised from the dead, He gave them this commission: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. Then the remark that He is with us always creates the bookend to the book of Matthew. He told them to repeat the process.
If you really break down the Great Commission, the overarching idea is to make disciples. The way you make disciples is to go, baptize, and teach. This means we have two main pieces of how to make disciples. We must evangelize and equip. So often people think making disciples means evangelizing, and they forget about equipping. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, some think making disciples means Bible study and intrinsic teaching, but they forget that the end (goal) of discipleship is to reproduce and make more disciples.
So my dilemma comes with trying to combine the Great Commission with the way Jesus modeled discipleship. Jesus had people come and see what He was doing and why He was doing it, then He showed those who followed how to do what He was doing, then He allowed them to do what He was doing (with supervision), and then He told them to do it without His physical presence. As T-Net would say, these four steps are "Come and See", "Follow Me", "Be With Me", and "Remain in Me". So how does the Great Commission mix with that?
It seems to me that if we tell people what we are, and why we are what we are, then they will be drawn to see if we really are what we say we are: disciples of Christ. That's called evangelism (Go), spreading the good news. The end of evangelism is not just to tell the good news and walk away. We should ask them to follow us, so we can show them how this is lived out. By watching us respond to Christ through our relationship with Him and other believers, they will be drawn, and will repent and be baptized (which is the end (goal) of evangelism). But then we must begin to allow them to live their faith out, but with supervision. We must hold them accountable and give them pointers along the way to becoming mature (if any of us ever really get there). That's equipping (teaching). So now as we look at what we have, we have a disciple. What does a disciple do? They repeat the process that brought them to the point of "disciple" with others. They go and baptize and teach.
Like I said, it seems rather abstract in my mind, so I can only imagine what it looks like to others. How can I make this plain? How can I teach this so that people can grasp this? Lord, give me wisdom. You said if any of us lacks wisdom we should ask you who gives all good gifts.
It may seem silly to develop this whole process, but I feel that there are believers in the church who do not truly understand because they are being led by pastors who do not truly understand what it means to be a disciple. May we truly grasp this and teach others so that they can truly grasp it. This is not a game, and God does not desire for the blind to lead the blind. If only I truly grasped this. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. May I always remember what Jesus repeated, that he desires mercy (covenant loyalty), not sacrifice.
I have thought a lot about the option to stay here. It may be the smart thing to do considering I could gain a lot of experience. It would probably serve me well to experience how God shapes this congregation. However, I have also thought a lot about the options elsewhere. Knowing I will most likely leave in less than five years is a difficult idea to throw into the mix. However, God will lead me to the next step, and then He will lead me from there. My plans are not that solid compared to His plans. It is very good to know that we are wanted, and that the desires God has put on my heart fit in here.
Speaking of the desires God has put on my heart, I could not sleep Tuesday night. I got up after Krissy was asleep and went into our closet. I started writing things out. I sketched some things trying to piece together the model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated in his short but effective ministry. As I thought through things I had learned from T-Net, and from the Great Commission, I started trying to put Scriptures together. I have come up with something Picasso might think makes sense, but not the rest of the world. Jesus had people come and see what He taught and what He did. He turned water into wine in Cana, and He healed all those who came from miles around to see what was going on. Then Jesus took a bit of a step, and began to have people follow Him. He had them watch and learn what He was doing. So He told them what He was doing and why He was doing it, and then He showed them how to do it. Granted, living by the power of the Holy Spirit is not something you just show someone how to do. So then, Jesus transferred the authority in Matthew 10. He let them do it, and He supervised. They were like heralds, going before Him telling people that the kingdom of heaven was here. The He came behind them teaching and preaching. Then after He was dead, buried, and raised from the dead, He gave them this commission: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. Then the remark that He is with us always creates the bookend to the book of Matthew. He told them to repeat the process.
If you really break down the Great Commission, the overarching idea is to make disciples. The way you make disciples is to go, baptize, and teach. This means we have two main pieces of how to make disciples. We must evangelize and equip. So often people think making disciples means evangelizing, and they forget about equipping. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, some think making disciples means Bible study and intrinsic teaching, but they forget that the end (goal) of discipleship is to reproduce and make more disciples.
So my dilemma comes with trying to combine the Great Commission with the way Jesus modeled discipleship. Jesus had people come and see what He was doing and why He was doing it, then He showed those who followed how to do what He was doing, then He allowed them to do what He was doing (with supervision), and then He told them to do it without His physical presence. As T-Net would say, these four steps are "Come and See", "Follow Me", "Be With Me", and "Remain in Me". So how does the Great Commission mix with that?
It seems to me that if we tell people what we are, and why we are what we are, then they will be drawn to see if we really are what we say we are: disciples of Christ. That's called evangelism (Go), spreading the good news. The end of evangelism is not just to tell the good news and walk away. We should ask them to follow us, so we can show them how this is lived out. By watching us respond to Christ through our relationship with Him and other believers, they will be drawn, and will repent and be baptized (which is the end (goal) of evangelism). But then we must begin to allow them to live their faith out, but with supervision. We must hold them accountable and give them pointers along the way to becoming mature (if any of us ever really get there). That's equipping (teaching). So now as we look at what we have, we have a disciple. What does a disciple do? They repeat the process that brought them to the point of "disciple" with others. They go and baptize and teach.
Like I said, it seems rather abstract in my mind, so I can only imagine what it looks like to others. How can I make this plain? How can I teach this so that people can grasp this? Lord, give me wisdom. You said if any of us lacks wisdom we should ask you who gives all good gifts.
It may seem silly to develop this whole process, but I feel that there are believers in the church who do not truly understand because they are being led by pastors who do not truly understand what it means to be a disciple. May we truly grasp this and teach others so that they can truly grasp it. This is not a game, and God does not desire for the blind to lead the blind. If only I truly grasped this. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. May I always remember what Jesus repeated, that he desires mercy (covenant loyalty), not sacrifice.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Results
Thursday was the first day in a very long time that I was actually really nervous in front of my students! It was the day I had decided to break the news to them that I would be leaving. As I held the microphone, I could see it shaking and feel my heart about to pound out of my chest as I made my way through my speech. Here's basically what I said to the kids:
"Traditions are what keep Klein High School going, and this is no different for Klein Choir. Tradition helps to maintain consistency and give us something to look forward to, year after year. Traditions also help make "change" easier to swallow and accept. Seniors, you are about to experience a huge change, by going off to college, or moving out of your parents' home, or just going out into the real world of working. Juniors, you're about to become seniors and all that encompasses. Sophomores and Freshmen, of course you'll have plenty of changes coming up.
Well, let me tell you about a change that is occurring in my own life. I will not be coming back to Klein after this year. Gary will be finishing school and finishing his internship at our church that he's been at since last August. He's putting in applications at numerous different churches and we're looking at where the Lord will take us after this. Please understand that if I had complete control of my life, I would not be leaving. But I don't. There are two relationships that I honor above everything else. First and foremost my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and second, my relationship with my amazing and godly husband. I must honor them in this decision."
Then I spoke about how much they meant to me, and how the change that would be coming would be just fine because Klein Choir will always be Klein Choir, no matter what.
There were lots of tears and shocked expressions from the kids. Only three students that I know of knew that I would be leaving. It's going to be a big blow for the kids, as I had really developed some close relationships with these kids, and we're not really sure what's going to happen next year.
Gary is going to send out his first round of resumes to 8 different churches on Monday. He'll also be speaking with David and Brent at Northside to see what their outlook looks like for opening up a new position for Gary when his internship ends in August.
Please pray that his resume would land in the right hands and that the Lord would guide our upcoming decisions.
"Traditions are what keep Klein High School going, and this is no different for Klein Choir. Tradition helps to maintain consistency and give us something to look forward to, year after year. Traditions also help make "change" easier to swallow and accept. Seniors, you are about to experience a huge change, by going off to college, or moving out of your parents' home, or just going out into the real world of working. Juniors, you're about to become seniors and all that encompasses. Sophomores and Freshmen, of course you'll have plenty of changes coming up.
Well, let me tell you about a change that is occurring in my own life. I will not be coming back to Klein after this year. Gary will be finishing school and finishing his internship at our church that he's been at since last August. He's putting in applications at numerous different churches and we're looking at where the Lord will take us after this. Please understand that if I had complete control of my life, I would not be leaving. But I don't. There are two relationships that I honor above everything else. First and foremost my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and second, my relationship with my amazing and godly husband. I must honor them in this decision."
Then I spoke about how much they meant to me, and how the change that would be coming would be just fine because Klein Choir will always be Klein Choir, no matter what.
There were lots of tears and shocked expressions from the kids. Only three students that I know of knew that I would be leaving. It's going to be a big blow for the kids, as I had really developed some close relationships with these kids, and we're not really sure what's going to happen next year.
Gary is going to send out his first round of resumes to 8 different churches on Monday. He'll also be speaking with David and Brent at Northside to see what their outlook looks like for opening up a new position for Gary when his internship ends in August.
Please pray that his resume would land in the right hands and that the Lord would guide our upcoming decisions.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Just another posting...
Hey guys, just wanted to give an update. No pictures, but plenty of stuff to say.
I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. There is no other person that I can imagine sharing my life with that would even come close to what Gary means to me. It's so amazing how the Lord gives us so exactly what we need in our life partner. Gary is currently tweaking his resume to start sending out to churches around the country. I helped him write his cover letter this evening, and I thought it sounded pretty good. We'll see what churches respond to him and which ones are really missin' out... :) Just kidding. I know that God will put on the hearts of those seeking ministers exactly who should fill their spot.
I am planning on breaking the news to the students this Thursday (day after tomorrow) that I will not be coming back next year. It's extremely bittersweet, as I am so excited about what's coming up (the vast amount of opportunity waiting for us), but scared to death in the same that we will be out in the cold, come August. I know that God will provide what we need when we need it, but this territory of the unknown is always a frightening path to walk. Please keep this in your prayers, as it will be an emotional day for the students. Well, we all know what high school is like - emotions run high - and the choir kids, for some reason, have the tendency to be overly dramatic...I guess it's the artsy right-brainededness that makes them that way... But I love it. I have always been a choir nerd, and I'm proud of it, dang it. Maybe that's why I relate to the kids so well.
We've been doing the pop show auditions today, and this morning I took the opportunity to browse the annual art show that was put on by the art department at KHS. I never cease to be amazed at the overwhelming amount of talent at Klein. It's not just the fine arts, but it's also the athletics, academics, and faculty and staff that are so far above the norm. I will definitely miss the privilege of teaching among such fine teachers, but also having so much talent to work with from the students!
I have recently also had the opportunity to lead a group of girl scouts through their "Religious Award" program. We will finish this coming Sunday, and have a pizza party. The title of the program is "God and Family." The girls have learned about what it means to be a part of a family and how God desires to be a part of our lives through our family interactions. They go off of a pizza theme, and we've been building a paper pizza, as each part of the pizza (crust, sauce, toppings, cheese, etc.) resembles an aspect of family. The girls have done really well with it, and I'm anxious to chat with them to see what they've learned overall. I've never done anything like this before, and it's been a neat experience.
Gary and I recently attended the orientation for our local community outreach organization, Northwest Assistance Ministries. We have delivered Meals on Wheels once a month since last November, and have been so blessed in doing this. It is truly becoming a sacrifice, though, when we consider the rising cost of gas. Unbelievable. However, it is so small when considering the fact that the people receiving these meals have next to nothing, and can DO next to nothing, seeing as they are all "shut-ins." On Saturday morning, Gary and I had been asked to, instead of drive the meals around to the different people, come early and help pack up the individual packages. Right before we left a woman came to the door of the pantry in tears and weeping about how she was at the end of her rope and could NAM help her out in her situation. My heart was breaking, as I was trying not to eavesdrop on the conversation our supervisor was having with her. However I could only hear the despair in her voice and it made me so sad to hear her pleadings. I confess my initial reaction was to think, "Well, how could you have let yourself get to this position? There are so many ways to protect yourself and you should have been planning ahead..." but I had to stop myself from making such horrible judgments and listen to her heart.
How often do I come to the throne of God, broken and despised, yearning for a "helping hand?" How many times has God had the opportunity to say to me, "You shouldn't have done this or that. Why didn't you think of this, or why didn't you go this route like I wanted you to?" But, rather, God in all his lovingkindness opens his comforting arms and rocks us like the babes we are. He forgives us and walks with us through life.
I'm always dumbfounded by those people who possess the arrogance to think that there is no God and that we're all just out here on our own, foolishly thinking that we're it. How miserable their lives must be if they have nothing but themselves to put their hope and faith in.
I am also extremely disgruntled by the new religion being pushed by Oprah and her followers. Up until recently, I used to watch her show on average once a week, setting aside any differences of spiritual beliefs, even though I knew that she had some strange ones, but still claimed to be a "Christian." She is still claiming to be a Christian, but I now see her as a false teacher and someone to be avoided at all costs. People are being led astray and are not being prudent about what they glean from her teachings and promotions. I have since boycotted her show, and I'm very open about my disgust for her.
A book that I recently read has had my mind whirling and my thoughts completely absorbed in what's happening in the world. The book - you may have heard about it - Dead Heat is the 5th in a series of political fiction written by Christian author Joel C. Rosenberg. This novel that I devoured in all of two sittings was breathtakingly terrifying. You see, the clencher of this series and this author is that the things about which he has written have generally come true shortly after the books have been published (click here to read an article on the world events that happened - or are occurring now - according to his "fictitious" novels, 9/11 included!). Rosenberg does not claim to be a prophet or a seer, but he is so keen on the ins and outs and goings on of the world's political leaders, that he basically put together his predictions of things that could very well occur if the leaders continue to go in the direction that they are heading. I won't spoil the book for any of you, but let me just say that the story is extremely devastating, and I'm glad I have my hope in Jesus Christ. Joel C. Rosenberg's website is www.joelrosenberg.com. I highly recommend this novel. I'm anxious to get my hands on the rest of the series. This book has really put into perspective just how with the click of a button, the United States could be humbled to the point of complete annihilation, and the fact that our country has no significance in the prophecies of the end times in Scripture. You'll have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. Hate to put it like that, but I really couldn't say it nearly as eloquently or as thoroughly as was depicted in this novel.
Anyway, those are my thoughts and I'm interested in what you have to say. Please, rather than posting a comment, I'd prefer that you email me instead at my snowpuppy address, if you'd like to discuss any of these things.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through this entirely too-long posting. I'm by myself tonight, while Gary is at his Men's bible study.
Off to do laundry...
I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. There is no other person that I can imagine sharing my life with that would even come close to what Gary means to me. It's so amazing how the Lord gives us so exactly what we need in our life partner. Gary is currently tweaking his resume to start sending out to churches around the country. I helped him write his cover letter this evening, and I thought it sounded pretty good. We'll see what churches respond to him and which ones are really missin' out... :) Just kidding. I know that God will put on the hearts of those seeking ministers exactly who should fill their spot.
I am planning on breaking the news to the students this Thursday (day after tomorrow) that I will not be coming back next year. It's extremely bittersweet, as I am so excited about what's coming up (the vast amount of opportunity waiting for us), but scared to death in the same that we will be out in the cold, come August. I know that God will provide what we need when we need it, but this territory of the unknown is always a frightening path to walk. Please keep this in your prayers, as it will be an emotional day for the students. Well, we all know what high school is like - emotions run high - and the choir kids, for some reason, have the tendency to be overly dramatic...I guess it's the artsy right-brainededness that makes them that way... But I love it. I have always been a choir nerd, and I'm proud of it, dang it. Maybe that's why I relate to the kids so well.
We've been doing the pop show auditions today, and this morning I took the opportunity to browse the annual art show that was put on by the art department at KHS. I never cease to be amazed at the overwhelming amount of talent at Klein. It's not just the fine arts, but it's also the athletics, academics, and faculty and staff that are so far above the norm. I will definitely miss the privilege of teaching among such fine teachers, but also having so much talent to work with from the students!
I have recently also had the opportunity to lead a group of girl scouts through their "Religious Award" program. We will finish this coming Sunday, and have a pizza party. The title of the program is "God and Family." The girls have learned about what it means to be a part of a family and how God desires to be a part of our lives through our family interactions. They go off of a pizza theme, and we've been building a paper pizza, as each part of the pizza (crust, sauce, toppings, cheese, etc.) resembles an aspect of family. The girls have done really well with it, and I'm anxious to chat with them to see what they've learned overall. I've never done anything like this before, and it's been a neat experience.
Gary and I recently attended the orientation for our local community outreach organization, Northwest Assistance Ministries. We have delivered Meals on Wheels once a month since last November, and have been so blessed in doing this. It is truly becoming a sacrifice, though, when we consider the rising cost of gas. Unbelievable. However, it is so small when considering the fact that the people receiving these meals have next to nothing, and can DO next to nothing, seeing as they are all "shut-ins." On Saturday morning, Gary and I had been asked to, instead of drive the meals around to the different people, come early and help pack up the individual packages. Right before we left a woman came to the door of the pantry in tears and weeping about how she was at the end of her rope and could NAM help her out in her situation. My heart was breaking, as I was trying not to eavesdrop on the conversation our supervisor was having with her. However I could only hear the despair in her voice and it made me so sad to hear her pleadings. I confess my initial reaction was to think, "Well, how could you have let yourself get to this position? There are so many ways to protect yourself and you should have been planning ahead..." but I had to stop myself from making such horrible judgments and listen to her heart.
How often do I come to the throne of God, broken and despised, yearning for a "helping hand?" How many times has God had the opportunity to say to me, "You shouldn't have done this or that. Why didn't you think of this, or why didn't you go this route like I wanted you to?" But, rather, God in all his lovingkindness opens his comforting arms and rocks us like the babes we are. He forgives us and walks with us through life.
I'm always dumbfounded by those people who possess the arrogance to think that there is no God and that we're all just out here on our own, foolishly thinking that we're it. How miserable their lives must be if they have nothing but themselves to put their hope and faith in.
I am also extremely disgruntled by the new religion being pushed by Oprah and her followers. Up until recently, I used to watch her show on average once a week, setting aside any differences of spiritual beliefs, even though I knew that she had some strange ones, but still claimed to be a "Christian." She is still claiming to be a Christian, but I now see her as a false teacher and someone to be avoided at all costs. People are being led astray and are not being prudent about what they glean from her teachings and promotions. I have since boycotted her show, and I'm very open about my disgust for her.
A book that I recently read has had my mind whirling and my thoughts completely absorbed in what's happening in the world. The book - you may have heard about it - Dead Heat is the 5th in a series of political fiction written by Christian author Joel C. Rosenberg. This novel that I devoured in all of two sittings was breathtakingly terrifying. You see, the clencher of this series and this author is that the things about which he has written have generally come true shortly after the books have been published (click here to read an article on the world events that happened - or are occurring now - according to his "fictitious" novels, 9/11 included!). Rosenberg does not claim to be a prophet or a seer, but he is so keen on the ins and outs and goings on of the world's political leaders, that he basically put together his predictions of things that could very well occur if the leaders continue to go in the direction that they are heading. I won't spoil the book for any of you, but let me just say that the story is extremely devastating, and I'm glad I have my hope in Jesus Christ. Joel C. Rosenberg's website is www.joelrosenberg.com. I highly recommend this novel. I'm anxious to get my hands on the rest of the series. This book has really put into perspective just how with the click of a button, the United States could be humbled to the point of complete annihilation, and the fact that our country has no significance in the prophecies of the end times in Scripture. You'll have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. Hate to put it like that, but I really couldn't say it nearly as eloquently or as thoroughly as was depicted in this novel.
Anyway, those are my thoughts and I'm interested in what you have to say. Please, rather than posting a comment, I'd prefer that you email me instead at my snowpuppy address, if you'd like to discuss any of these things.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through this entirely too-long posting. I'm by myself tonight, while Gary is at his Men's bible study.
Off to do laundry...
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Downhill Stretch
Hey guys, now that the busy season is over for me (and for Gary, for the most part) I can post again. I know you're jumping up and down in excitement waiting to hear about all the fantastic adventures we've been on since our last post...well, here we go.
At the beginning of March, Gary had the opportunity to present the sermon at our church. You may be able to hear his sermon online. On our blog, click on the Northside Christian Church website, and once you get there, click on "Resources" then "Archives." His sermon is listed on March 9, 2008. He did a really great job, and both of our sets of parents were able to come into town and listen, along with Annie, Travis, Mollie, and Briana. Oh, and Gary's grandmother came over from Tomball for the morning service, as well. It was a really good weekend with everyone in town - no matter how long or short we were able to visit.
Then on March 13, the very next Thursday, my mom came back into town for a concert that Briana was in. She had auditioned for and gotten the soprano solo to the Mozart Mass in C Minor, and she really did a bang-up job on that solo. Mom and I went out to eat when she got there, and headed down to see Bri in all her glory. Here's a pic of Bri and me in the concert hall after the concert. Briana had no idea that Mom was coming in to hear her, so right before the concert, when Mom stepped into view for Briana to see her, Bri almost burst into tears right there. That would have been a mess. She held it together for the remainder of the evening, and both Mom and I were beaming with pride for her amazing abilities. God is good!
That next weekend was the beginning of Spring Break, and I was able to relax a little bit for the first couple of days of the week - while also catching up on some spring cleaning that needed to be done around the house, as well as some other errands that I had been putting off until I had more time. That Wednesday evening, we headed to Cuero to visit Gary's folks and have a relaxing time there before we headed out to San Antonio to see my family for the Good Friday weekend. Here is a picture of Gary playing "Nerf" football with Moses. The football was almost as big as lil' Mo' himself. By the end of the weekend, Moses had shown that styrofoam ball who was boss, though, and we had to throw the ball away because he had chewed so many holes in the ball.
Here's Ma-B and Poppy with Moses right before we left. They sure do love there Grand-doggy.
When we got to San Antonio, Mom was en route to/from the airport to pick up Grandma. This is the first time Grandma has been able to make the trek out to San Antonio since our family has lived there, so it was a big event that Gary and I didn't want to miss. We took pictures on Friday morning and had a leisurely Friday afternoon/evening. The next day, Annie and Travis had a big breakfast at their brand new house for everyone.
Below is a picture of everyone (except Briana) on Annie and Travis' staircase. It was a good picture, and a good time for everyone to be together.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way (we're pretty sure it was while he was making friends with the cows on Ma-B and Poppy's land), Moses picked up fleas. By the time we arrived back home on Saturday evening, he was going absolutely bonkers scratching and bouncing off the walls going crazy from the fleas (we actually only found 2 on him). But early on Sunday morning, first thing when we got up, Gary and I dipped Moses and Lucy in the kitchen sink. Lucy turned into Demon-Feline for about 15 minutes there and scratched and bit the heck out of my hand, but it has since healed. Moses has gotten used to taking baths, so he just stood there like a good little boy while we scrubbed him down. That was a big fiasco - and not something everyone can say they've done first thing on Easter morning!
Once Easter was over, I got back to school and had just a week and a half to get my girls polished and ready for our choir contest on April 3 & 4. We ended up - by the skin of our teeth, mind you - pulling off straight ones (the highest ratings) in both Concert and Sightreading. I was so proud of those girls, and they were none the less ecstatic about the Sweepstakes ratings. Now we're gearing up for our Spring Trip to San Antonio next weekend (Apr 11-12), and Gary and I will be able to see my parents for a little bit of time hopefully on Friday evening.
Right now, we're looking at what the future holds (yes, still). Kind of honing in on a couple of key spots - mainly in Illinois. Gary's really had lots of communication with Lincoln Christian College, and that seems to be the one that he's the most interested in. We're planning on taking a tour of the college when we go on our annual road trip. This year, we'll be heading straight north - mainly to check out Illinois, then head southeast to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. We're going to try to hit a few places where we know some people (Howe, TX to see Stephen and Paige, Omaha, NE to see my aunt Cathy and uncle Bill, and maybe stop in to see my cousin Paul in Chicago). We always love our road trips - however long or short they may be, as it gives us time to just get away and venture into unknown lands and territory and break away from the normal routine of every day life.
So, how can you be praying for us? Well, here's a list:
1. First, that God would maintain his position as the center of our focus in our marriage and family. Please pray for His guidance with the upcoming decisions we will be facing and all the extra details that go along with those decisions.
2. Please pray for a baby for us. God knows His exact timing, and I'm convinced that He knows exactly the perfect time to bring a little one into our lives, to where we will be able to handle it. He gives us no more than we can handle.
3. Please pray for me (Krissy) as I close up shop at the school. Having put my resignation in just before Spring Break, it's wind-down time, and I'm excited, scared, and sad all at the same time. Pray that the Lord would quiet my soul and that He would flood me with his everlasting peace.
4. Please pray for our families as they get used to the idea of the possibility of us being 1,000 miles away. Especially with the possibility of us having a baby, I know that will be hard on them not being able to be there with us to raise the family. I realize that people go through this every day, but it's difficult when you're used to being 3 hours away your whole life, and then moving very far away. It will be an extremely difficult adjustment all the way around.
I hope this post was everything that you could have hoped for. It's always amazing how the stories of our lives are unfolded just one step at a time - but that we have our hope in the eternal King. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Well, time for another post. I've been trying to save up my pictures for a good post. I've got some really cute ones of Moses, so hopefully you'll enjoy.
Things have just stayed pretty busy these days for both of Gary and me. I had a TMEA convention in San Antonio on the 13 - 16 of Feb, and Gary came up and stayed with me, although he had loads of homework to do, so he just stayed in the room most of the time. It was really good to have him there. It's always so hard to be apart for those longer periods of time (and I'm talking more than one night - yes, if you must gag, go ahead, but Gary and I are still madly in love and we're falling more and more in love every day - after 2 1/2 years). Long convention. Little sis Briana was there, and it was fun to see her and her awesome friends. I had volunteered to be a guide for the choirs from Haltom High School and Texas Tech University choirs. Then Briana's choir from the University of Houston Moore's School of Music performed on Friday night, and I think it really blew everyone away. I was so taken by their performance, that it moved me to tears several times. Briana had a solo, and it mesmorized the audience the entire time. She's gonna be famous one day.
The next week, on Tuesday, he had to leave to go to California with two of the other ministers from the church. They went to a "Small Groups" Conference at Saddleback Church in San Diego and got back on Saturday afternoon.
I had our Solo & Ensemble contest to accompany on Saturday, Feb 23, and was thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. However, seeing Gary for the first time in four days was just the refresher I needed. It was a sweet reunion. I missed him terribly.
Gary's at his men's bible study now, and I'm updating this blog. He's scheduled to preach on March 9 at our church, and he states that he is scared to death. I'm trying to get him to practice on different people and groups a few times before he actually goes before the church. Both his parents and my parents will be coming in, and we'll have a couple of other friends/family come to listen to him preach that morning.
I have let my head director know that I will not be returning to school next year. He was very supportive, and that helped. It's scary, but also freeing knowing that we have nothing holding us here any more, other than the fact that we "own" our house and will need to figure something out with that if the Lord has us going elsewhere when Gary graduates and finishes his internship in August. Please pray for us in this, as we are about to encounter a very unsure part of our lives. Please pray that the Lord would guide our decisions, and that He would open wide the doors that He wants us to walk through. Please pray that both of us would be willing to be used to His glory.
We have been so blessed by this new addition to our family. He has been such a breath of fresh air, and has been the "baby" to hold us out until God brings us one of our own. Take a look at the pictures.
Here he is, sitting pretty and posing for his picture on our kitchen tile. Sorry it's a little fuzzy. For some reason, the "Pet mode" was having a time of it focusing on him.
This is one of the funniest things he does. This blanket covers his crate while we're gone and at night while everyone's asleep. During play time, he'll pull the blanket down, making it into a "couch," and play with his toys. The other night, he had pulled a few of his toys over by his couch, and it looked like he was entertaining them, or something. SO FUNNY!! Gary and I laughed for a while when we noticed this.
I can't not include a picture of "Big Sis" in this compilation. It's really kind of funny how really fat she looks now, compared to little Mo'. We're trying to put her on a diet, but I think she's just ends up eating the leftovers from Moses' bowl when he's finished...
Lucy is getting more used to having him around, however every once in a while, she'll just outright smack him for no apparent reason, which sends him on his way with his tail between his legs. We all know who's the boss.
Here's one final picture for this post. Just thought it would bring a smile to your face. He's got this rawhide chew that's just about the size of a cigar, and I caught him with it hanging out of his mouth. HILARIOUS.
We're enamoured by this puppy, and thank God every day for him. He has brought joy to our lives, and given us much laughter.
Thanks for reading.
G'night!
Krissy :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)