Always Searching

I enjoy shopping at Sam's Club. I don't go very often and am not one to buy hundreds of dollars of items at a time, just a few things now and then. One of the things I enjoy most about shopping at Sam's is visiting the book aisle. They always have a pretty good collection of Christian books, journals and Bible Studies.

95% of the time I leave with a book. Not because I am looking for a curriculum to teach at my regular Tuesday night group, but because I am always looking for words and truths that will enhance my spiritual life.

"Maybe this is the study I need to work on during my devotional time? It may just be "the one" that helps me get closer to God. This could be the book that highlights that "certain scripture" that changes everything for me!" I just don't want to miss anything.

I think everyone is on a quest. Some people want to be famous and have stellar careers in their industry. Others want to have the comforts of the world and want to make tons of money. And there are even people on a quest to have good, solid relationships with those in their lives.

I am on a quest to know the Creator of the Universe. In my world, it is Jesus Christ. I am not concerned that I am "still searching", it's when I stop searching and wanting to be closer to Christ that I need to worry.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. rakes

2. potting soil

3. a rainy day (not very common in New Mexico)

4. spot remover

5. Christ meeting me when I step out in faith

 

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On Fire!

Sometimes you need a reminder. A reminder that what you are passionate about is truly something to dive into with your whole heart.

I have a passion for ministry and over the past several years I have let my passion for speaking to women take a backseat to life. With all of my "Christian's" health issues, being a pastor's wife and making a big move to further my husband's ministry, I've not given a lot of attention to my speaking ministry.

I am at the She Speaks Intensive Conference and let me tell you....I am on FIRE! I needed this. I am learning some new ways to approach my messages and I am realizing that it is time to move forward and not make anymore excuses.

I'll be in the thick of learning through Tuesday and am beyond excited :)

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. SONIC being close to my hotel

2. Getting past the fear of meeting new people

3. A good night's sleep

4. Contributing to discussions

5. Travel plans gone really, really wrong :)

 

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What is Waiting?

I remember when I was a young girl how I would dream of the man I would marry, the house I would live in, the names of my children and what my life would be like.
It's funny how none of what I dreamed of so long ago ever came to be...it's only better :)
I thought I had completely learned how to let go of what I "expected" to happen in my life and am coming to realize that there is a big part of me that still holds on to some things. Sometimes I feel as if I should just stop and accept my position in life... mother, wife, pastor's wife...why should I want more? Is it selfish?
I know the answer to that is no. I just start to doubt myself as I step out in faith to further my ministry and my calling.

This week I have my first meeting with the District Committee of Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church. This group will help me in the process of determining whether or not I am called to ordained ministry, or if my ministry as the wife of a pastor and speaker is enough for me.
I also leave for the She Speaks Intensive on Saturday. I will spend three days in intensive workshops developing my skills in message preparation. I am completely stepping out of my comfort zone with this, but know I am called to attend.

Things happen and plans change. Sometimes at the drop of a hat and other times change happens over time. Change is inevitable. It's how we respond to it that determines what our future will look like.

And we just never know what is waiting for us.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. homemade soup
2. quick trips to Wal-Mart
3. kleenex with lotion in each sheet
4. horses
5. a hug of thanks from my sick teenager

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Moving Forward

I am called to ministry. I have definitely felt God's call since my family moved to New Mexico six years ago. My biggest question is how to live out that calling. Most people would think that being the wife of a pastor would be enough...it's just not. My passion is to speak and teach and I have had some amazing opportunities in speaking to women's groups and speaking across the country to families affected by bleeding disorders. The beautiful thing is that my ministry has not been solely in the "religious" realm, but also in the corporate world of motivational speaking.

Now that we have settled in to our new lives in Rio Rancho, it is time for me to step it up. I will be attending an intensive speaker's workshop in a couple of weeks in North Carolina. The women at Proverbs 31 Ministries have developed a program for women who are Christian speakers. I attended their She Speaks conference several years ago and it was amazing. I am looking forward to the next step in this journey (and am fighting doubt about this daily).

I don't want life to pass me by by making excuses for not pursuing my passions. One big step I have taken recently is that I have started taking horseback riding lessons! I have loved horses all my life and decided it was time to make time for myself and feed my passion.

What are you doing differently this year to feed your passion?

 

Today I Am Thankful For

1. Baking cookies on a Sunday afternoon

2. Peanuts

3. The Food Network

4. Paper towels

5. The kids going back to school!

 

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Joy in 2013

I was not feeling too well and my hubby and I had a date to go see the touring production of "Rock of Ages". Honestly my heart was not in to it but off we went.

Now I love a good production, and when they come to town you never know the quality....this was FANTASTIC! The show was so much fun and all that great 80's music....it just doesn't get much better.

At the end of the show, the big final number had everyone on their feet like we were at a rock concert! It was a moment of pure Joy. Just pure (not exactly clean) fun.

You never know when those moments of absolute joy sneak into your life...grab those moments and cherish them.

Today I Am Thankful For:

1. Hot dates with my hubby
2. Benadryl
3. A built in babysitter (my "Lance")
4. Conference calls
5. A friend finding the love of his life

 

 

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