Curve Balls

So, as I looked at my week yesterday, it was looking pretty nice! There were not a lot of EXTRA things going on other than the normal CPCC classes for Chelsey. That meant that I would be able to just be home a bit more and do some things that I need to get done. THEN, God throws me a curve ball! I know that things often pop up unexpectedly....that's my curve ball! The question then becomes.....here comes the curve ball, how are you going to handle it? So this morning as I was thinking about the curve ball I had been thrown, I realized that even though I didn't verbalize my response, the response was still in my head and in my heart. Basically it was a quiet little tantrum because I was going to have to do something that I didn't really want to do at all. Was there ever any question that I had a choice in how to respond? Well, yes there was, but it was rather lop-sided. I really had to respond only one way. Last night, in my heart it was more just a resignation that, yes, I have to do this even though I'd rather not. This morning, by God's grace, I am able to see that it is an opportunity. I want to remember that throughout the day....because I know my mind will go back to what I'd rather be doing. But God has something for Him that I need to be doing. So I want to be looking throughout the day as I make this road trip to Spartanburg for the opportunities that may be there from the Lord. It may be nothing more than what has already occurred in my heart, and I can rejoice in that. But if there is more, I sure don't want to miss it!

It's Raining!!!!!

The rain started coming down yesterday....we need it so much! We have the window open in the bedroom, and to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the gentle rain is so pleasant. Thank you Lord for the rain! Yesterday morning Chelsey had class at Central and afterwards, we stopped by the Junior League Warehouse, a thrift store a block from her class. We didn't take a lot of time to look, but it is more upscale clothes. Some look really nice.....others remind me of my grandmother's closet! Funny how I classify things....Chelsey too. Last night Gene and Chelsey went to the deaf Bible study at First Baptist Church downtown (I know everyone calls it "uptown".....but for me a life-long Charlottean, it has never been uptown). Gene as even been enjoying this time. Chelsey is getting pretty good at communicating with people and she is really enjoying the interaction. They came home laughing and telling all kinds of stories last night. I haven't been with them yet, I usually just enjoy a couple of hours of quiet here at the house. Anyway, there were a couple of 3rd year ASL students at the meeting and they invited Chelsey to the Interpreter Club meeting today at Cato. So I took her over this morning, did some shopping for my parents and came home to do some chores here until she is done. She has already called to tell me of others from CWCC that she has seen this morning. I have a feeling that Gene and I might lose our extra date nights next semester!

The Gift of Gifts

O Source of All Good,
What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts,
thine own dear Son, begotten, not created,
my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute,
his self-emptying incomprehensible,
his infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp.
Herein is wonder of wonders:
he came bbelow to raise me above,
was born like me that I might become like him.
Herein is love;
when I cannot rise to him he draws near on
wings of grace
to raise me to himself.
Herein is power;
when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart
he united them in indissoluble unity,
the uncreated and the created.
Herein is wisdom;
when I was undone, witih no will to return to him,
and no intellect to devise recovery,
he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,
as man to die my death,
to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,
to work out a perfect righteousness for me.
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer's face,
and in him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child
to my heart
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou has given me so much
that heaven can give no more.

The Valley of Vision

God's grace is sufficient. Today was busy as usual....but enjoyable. First was the dog's visit to the vet....thankfully the vet is close and this trip was very brief. Next was taking my parents to the grocery store. I was able to accomplish a couple of things while they were shopping. A brief stop at home allowed me to do a couple of "home" tasks and then it was off to take my dad (well my folks) to an eye appointment. Home again, time to fix a quick dinner and then take Chelsey to her class at CPCC - Cato Campus. One of the best parts about her class is usually that Gene and I get 2 date nights each week. Tonight, Gene was meeting with a guy in the care group so two of the ladies in our care group met me for coffee. What a fun time! We talked and laughed and had a great time of fellowship, including some biblical fellowship which makes our time even better! Chelsey's teacher was sick or something, so her class was actually canceled. She called to tell me and several of her fellow students went to interact with the deaf community as they had their league bowling. I picked her up there later. She had a great time and is beginning to be able to interact comfortably with people. She even had the opportunity to tell someone about the church and invite them for a visit. So we all had a great evening even though we were in three different places --- that seems to be happening more as Chelsey's activities are taking her in new directions. God's grace is sufficient for each of us in each place we are throughout the day. God's grace is amazing, God's grace is sustaining and God's grace is far greater than I can comprehend and far greater than I deserve.

New Day...

Mondays seem to come too fast, but I like remembering that God's mercies are new every day! This weekend was a great time of serving our dear friend Pat, throw in a little relaxing time, church and care group was a great time to pull together and realize just how much we need to step up in owning our group and not just owning it on Sunday evenings, but every day of the week! I was certainly challenged once again to look at ways that I can do more at building these relationships! I really appreciate the folks in our group and am glad to serve along side of them!

Serving

Another busy week is quickly coming to a close. God is good and gracious in every aspect of our lives! I am grateful! My thoughts are just about serving. It is such a privilege to be able to serve others whether at home or outside of the home. I am also aware of how many times I choose selfishness over serving. So throughout the day today in preparation for serving the ladies tomorrow I've been lifting them up as well as the team of people serving. I hope that all of you who are serving will pray in preparation, and for those who can't serve this particular weekend in this way, please pray for those serving and the wonderful ladies that God has given us the opportunity to serve. May the gospel shine brightly tomorrow and open many doors of conversation no matter where you are!

This morning, Chelsey began her 2nd class at CPCC. This one is at the Central Campus. I dropped her off and went down the street to plant myself at the Starbucks. I love watching people. My original intention had been to read, but I decided to do a crossword .... easier to watch people. Everyone is just in such a hurry. I enjoy just sitting still and watching. There are lots of people from all walks of life. It seemed to be mostly business people this morning and a couple of medical professionals from the hospital nearby. One thing that all of these people had in common......all are in need of a Savior. Hummmmmm......I wonder if, over the course of the next couple of months, I just might have the opportunity to share Jesus with someone. That would be really cool! Now, I'm off to make a pot of chili.....yum!!!

There is never a day that is not busy.

There is never a day that God did not create.

There is never a day that I do not sin.

There is never a day that I am not forgiven!

There are plenty of days that I complain.

There is plenty of time that I waste.

There are lots of times when I am ungrateful.

There are too many times that I lose my focus.

BUT....

There is always time to rejoice.

There is always something new.

There are always people to be met.

There is always Jesus to be shared.

I don't always have the strength,

But it is always available!

I don't always have the time,

But it is there.

Lord make me more aware of You

At work in me and

At work in those around me.

Make me more aware of You than me.

Wondering What to call this post!

I guess it's just a random post! It has been another busy Tuesday. Chelsey and I had a trip by the hospital to drop off some information to a friend there, then over to the library so Chelsey could pick up some books on hold, and then over to Plato's Closet where she put in an application for employment. It will be interesting to see what happens. Then we came home, and I've been pricing "stuff" for a yard sale on Saturday. My niece is having one at her house in Belmont, and so I'm crashing and joining her and her sister....at least that is the plan today. Now it is time to start getting something ready for dinner tonight....something quick so we can take Chelsey to her class at CPCC. She is taking American Sign Language, and really enjoying it. She is doing well so far. This class meets at the Cato Campus. While she is there, Gene and I go to a coffee shop either near the university or in Harrisburg and drink coffee and play cards or something else. It has been a great time just to go out and be together with nothing calling our name around the house. Next week Chelsey starts her second class on Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Central Campus. I'm looking forward to hanging out at the Starbucks that is just down the street and getting some extra reading time! That will be nice! Well....I guess I've spent enough time here today...better move on!

So....what's your response?

So, what IS your response to a church plant out of our church with Brent leading. It kinda took me by surprise initially, and I have had very mixed feelings. But the more I think about it, the more excited I am, whether we are called to go or to stay! God has a lot for all of us to learn! I'm just really looking forward to that!

Nothing in this World Compares.....

Today I had the pleasure, honor and blessing of sitting and fellowshiping with a friend for several hours. In today's world, there is nothing much that compares to having good friends and being able to fellowship with them. My fam is most important, but I so enjoy the days that I can afford to pull away. I am also grateful that it is not a one-way relationship. I appreciate the fact that friends are asking me what's happening in my life and how the Lord is at work. What a joy to be able to share those things together. Happy days!

One More Thing......

It's allergy season, and I know that Chelsey is having a terrible time with hers today, so if you think about it, pray for her and all the other allergy sufferers out there.

A Busy Week & As Always....Lots to Think About

Day 2 of the blog! It is a busy week around here, but then again, there aren't many weeks that are not! This week just holds lots of preparation for a shower on Saturday, so that's my extra that makes the week a little more busy than normal. But there is grace for all of that as well! It is very kind of the Lord to have other things slow down a bit with there is something new and temporary to deal with at the present.

I've had 2 situations in the last week come up, some of it being asked for counsel. So I've had lots of thinking running around in my brain on the circumstances in others lives and how I can best serve them and seeking the Lord as to how He would have me speak into their lives. Both are very difficult situations that are easy for me to make judgement on, difficult to relate to and that puts me in a place where I absolutely have to wait on the Lord and seek good input from my husband along with the mountain of printed resources that might bring light and truth. It makes me realize just how dependent I am on the Lord for answers that don't come easy. While I'm eager to hear from the Lord, waiting patiently at His feet challenges me.

This was pretty interesting. My mom asked me if I would do a little bible study at their women of the church meeting in November. I didn't know what to think at first. And Gene reminded me what a great opportunity this would be to share with these women....all of whom are older women and many have been my teachers in the past. I don't know what I will do, but I'm confident that the Lord will show me something.....and I'll take suggestions too!

Now....back to the kitchen.....lots of goodies to make!

Monday Again!

Monday's always seem to come too fast! Someone said to me this weekend, you need to start your own blog. Maybe because I've been posting comments and I'm always "Anonymous". OK, so here I am....I don't know how consistent I'll be at this or maybe whether it is worth it or not. But I'm giving it a shot! I hope anyone who visits will be blessed....I know I am to have friends who will even come to visit! Have a great week everyone!