I want to begin by telling you I absolutely love going to church!!! I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it feels to be able to say that. This time last year I had to force myself to go out of setting an example for my children. It had nothing to do with a change about God. To be honest with you I couldn't stand the preaching. I was really torn because I loved the preacher! I thought and still do think he is a great human being, a wonderfully devout Christian and man of God! I think he truly believed in what he preached. That is why it was so difficult. He thought the changes he was making were for the best. But it divided our church and many, many long time members left. My husband sings in the choir and our children loved it and we loved our Sunday School class, so we were determined to stick it out. I am so glad we did!!
In June we were assigned a new Pastor, we our Methodists, and if you aren't familiar with Methodist churches, the Pastors are assigned by the conference, not hired by the individual churches. Pastor Kip Laxson is absolutely fabulous! He is without a doubt the best Preacher I have ever heard! He is funny, entertaining, and enjoyable to listen too. But more importantly, he preaches the word of God. His sermons are scripture based and encouraging. If you are in the North Shelby County area, please come and hear him preach! If not, you can listen to his sermons online. Go to www.asburyonline.org . I download them all the time and listen.
So, why did I just tell you all of that and what does it have to do with my previous post. I truly believe in God stories, times where God intervenes in our lives. We just have to be open to these moments and watch for them. I think my first experience was before my Mother passed away in 1993. I was teaching school and one of my co-workers became my friend. I made and still are friends with many people I worked with, but you know the person. It isn't someone I would ordinarily become close with. She shared some books with me about Angels. I read them and was very moved. We had many discussions about Angels and heaven. Not long afterwards, my Mother became ill and passed away. Looking back I saw where God was preparing me for the death of my Mom.
I am not going to go into details about recent events in my life, but I will say that a family member has said some very mean things to me and made some very mean and untrue accusations. I have provided proof that I have done nothing wrong. I have shed many many tears recently and have basically been at a lost for words. Emotions have run high with everyone involved and I have been guilty myself of reaching my breaking point and lashing out. I have apologized for this behavior.
Last week during my turmoil I received an email prayer request from our former Sunday School teacher regarding her nephew. Brucie was mentioned quite often in our lessons so as soon as I saw his name I prayed for him, but didn't take the time to read the entire email. Now I know why. I pulled it out Friday afternoon when I was at a very low point and read it. It was amazing how it spoke to me and I truly believe I was meant to read it at that moment. When I read this verse I felt a wave of relief!
1 Peter 5:10 (New International Version)
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
I knew God was speaking to me through his word and I had a feeling that things were going to be OK.
Another great verse a dear friend sent me that has brought me great comfort is:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
To be Continued.....
Now on the lighter side. Just a few pictures of what has been going on around here:
The kids helped Johnny put out mulch. Helped until the neighbor girls came over to play that is! I absolutely love the smell of fresh mulch!
James' school had a Back to School Splash! I worked his classroom's inflatable for a while and then the kids had a blast hanging out with their friends getting wet!
Johnny and his Dad and a few others played at the church's ice cream social. That is Pastor Kip in the center. He joined in for a song!
Here's Annamarye and her good friend Audrey playing hair salon! Audrey spent the day hanging out with us. They played and played and then we took a little yogurt break and checked out Yogurt Twists down the street. It was yummy! I can see us going often!
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