Missions

This month we've been talking about missions at Grace. This time every year, I get this knot in my stomach that Dr. Murray talked about last Sunday. I would sell all my possessions and move to someplace I've never been, to tell people about Jesus who have never even heard He exists! However, it's not just my decision. I have a husband who loves helping people but when it comes down to leaving good ole' Holmes County, he can't/won't do it. I asked him today on the way home from church if he gets the same knot deep within the pit of his stomach and he said he doesn't. So as you can see, I'm torn. Torn between wanting to do what I feel the Holy Spirit is placing within me and being obedient to my better half. Having been to Costa Rica two times, and other various parts of the US, knowing how Christ uses a willing vessel and the blessings received by being available, is unbelievable! I just want to stick a for sale sign in the yard and head off into the wild blue yonder, taking comfort in the fact that He has it all planned out. Will you pray with me that something gives?

Getting my way

Anyone who knows me, knows that I carry a Type A personality. I am the oldest, I like to get my own way, I'm outspoken, I'm always right and I can be stubborn as a mule. Ask any one of my sister's they will vouch that all the above is true. However, in all reality, I never get my own way, my hubby knows when & where to draw the line. Do I dare admit, I happen to only be right about 50% of the time. While speaking with Coleson's surgeon yesterday, he didn't seem to think that I had the authority to tell him when I want Cole's surgery to be done. (He must have a Type A personality as well!) I was thinking I had this all planned out. If we have the expanders put in now, 3 months of inflation would put us to Christmas break for his plastic surgery and wah-lah all done, ready for the new year! NOT!!!! Doc happens to be booked out until December! Amy is so not getting her way! I had to take a deep breath and deal with it. I remember praying in the office "God you know all things and if this is what needs to happen then so be it!" I still tried to convince him that Christmas break would be great, but he wasn't buying. So we will leave everything up to the One who sees the big picture and whose timing is always perfect!

Oh the places you'll go....

Last night as I was reading to the twinnies, they brought me a book that I didn't even know we had. It's called 'Oh, the Places you'll go' by Dr. Seuss. I can't ever remember reading it before, even when I was younger. As I was reading it, some things stuck out to me like a throbbing thumb in cartoons. (go figure that a childs book would make me think deep, don't laugh!!!) The little boy was off on his journey, things were going well, until he hit a snag in his balloon and got in a slump. "And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done." Anyone whose been in a 'slump' knows that its not easy getting out, but perserverence & prayer are my way out. The little boy then keeps going on to 'The Waiting Place'. I don't like when I have to wait, I'm not a patient person. I know in those waiting times the Lord is teaching patience. I try to take a deep breath and smile. "On and on you will hike. And I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are. Step with great care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dextrous and deft. And never mix your right foot with your left. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent gauranteed.) So....be your name Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." I picture myself as this little boy going from place to place in my life. It's so awesome to see how the Lord has provided or not provided, answered prayer and not answered prayer.

What mountain are you waiting at the bottom of? Go ahead, grab God's hand. With him you can never fail!

Making the most

Every May since the boys have started school, I try to compile a list of activities and events in my head to do with them throughout the summer. I like to make the most of summer and provide 'memory makers'. As they get older its gets more fun. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. A day with amish cousins (who don't have electric, wii, 4 wheelers) is always a nice break from mom & dad. The other Sunday evening we fed the fish at the small pond by the Smokehouse. We try to go to the pool alot as well. Camping is also a hi-lite for them and we are making up for lost time last summer when Coleson couldn't bear the heat. As school is fast approaching, we have a very full August. This mom is extremely busy but soon I will be able to breathe again! Here's hoping you have had some good 'memory makers' this summer!!! 

When it rains...Part 2

So as my post last week unraveled into true life, it didnt turn out quite so bad. Well in all honesty the cost of fixing my car was a little more than the quote but with all my 'problems' bathed in prayer we made it through. After talking with a friend and discovering the week she had, I was more than happy to take the one I had on my plate. (So sorry! you know who you are) I recently read or heard somewhere when you place all your worries and everyday hang-ups in a bowl with all of your friends', you'll be more than willing to take back the ones you threw in there to begin with. (whew! that was the lengthy way of saying that) The virtue of the month for the kids is PERSERVERENCE = refusing to give up when life gets hard! I won't give up or give in because I'm just plain stubborn like that! :)

When it rains.....

...it pours! We've all heard this expression and it has nothing to do with actual rain. Just within the past week we have been 'hit hard'. I don't deal well with stress and prefer to keep life simple. One of the boys had a chipped molar and the tooth was very sensitive. A trip to the dentist reveals not 1, but 2 infections. A prescription and 10 days later two teeth come out with a hefty price tag. On Sunday, not more than a mile down the road we hear a grinding sound and now we need to change the wheel bearing. (I don't even want to know the cost). Marv and I are caught in the middle of a family issue and we need to make a decision that we feel isn't really ours to make, but paperwork says different. We have a friend who is having some emotional issues/stresses and we're not sure how to help. I will keep persisting and persevering and seeking guidance from the one who knows how it all turns out anyway.

New Level

This past weekend my hubby and I reached a new level in our relationship/friendship/marriage. (I'm not talking physically! well maybe a little, am I allowed to say that :)) I see it mostly in our friendship, being able to laugh at ourselves and together. It was as if my eyes were opened a hair more to the depth of love & appreciation that we possess for each other. I don't know how I'll be able to stand it if it gets better than this! :)