Life's Adventures

Well this occur picture sums up part of my life.

Well the part about trying to practice every night, so I'll actually learn guitar, not just say it's something I tried once in life. And while the first few days seemed such a struggle, it's not nearly as hard now. Don't misunderstand me. It's not easy, but I know it's totally possible!

Along with the fall soccer season, work, and church.

Youth night's have been quite fun lately. Our teenage boys are out numbering the girls! That's not a common occurrence. Plus we've started a minute to win it competition boys vs girls that takes place at the end of every youth night. So much fun, learning and bonding! I'm proud at how far some of my teenagers have come! God is doing great things!

Yes, Lord

There have been a few little things lately I've felt I've been struggling with. As I pondered these things with God, I know they are areas I can improve. I know I've mentioned before, I'm part of a small church, and when I say small, I mean really small. And among the things I help with, worship is on the list. We do not have any musicians, and therefore our worship is done along with music from a CD player.

Before I felt so limited to what songs I could do each morning, by what songs were grouped together on CDs. Granted I could make more CDs, but I finally realized there was a better way. I know often times laptops are hooked up to the sound systems in churches to give access to a multitude of songs. So, short of me having a laptop, I use my phone for everything. I finished loading all my music onto my phone, bought the right cord, and tada. I now have access to most all my songs at any given moment. And I have more control without having to worry about CDs getting scratched.

So that was more of a side note, but leading up to my point.

I know I'm not a worship leader. I've helped at times, even as a teenager in the other church I was part of, but I don't feel called. I know that I am willing, and filling a gap until God works things otherwise. As I was criticizing myself I started chatting with a good friend about it. My intentions were only to slightly vent my inadequacies. But rather the conversation turned directions.

My friend then mentioned why not learn piano. I can read music, and have played other instruments; the flute and clarinet. Or even the guitar. She mentioned how she wasn't great, but taught herself both. And guitar took a bit with training fingers, but was definitely an option.

So I stopped and thought about it. Why not. She is not the first person to say this to me. Another two come to mind rather quickly. I'm so quick to make excuses, my biggest being my time. And I know this same friend has even said I don't know how you do so much.

I often want to excuse myself from not doing things because I've allowed myself to be too busy, or yes, lazy when I'm not extremely busy. So as I tried to excuse myself in my mind, I asked God,

"Am I giving enough?"

And He asks me "Do you have anything left to give?"

I've been chewing on this. I feel I'm struggling to wrap my mind around this.

Yes Lord, I have more to give! But Lord, where do I give and take from.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My oldest nephew really enjoys music and wants learn guitar. He got a small student guitar for Christmas, but doesn't do much besides strum it and make up his own songs.

I sat down with him, and pulled up some videos and information online to show him a bit of how to really play guitar. He enjoyed it, and I learned my fingers are too big for his guitar. So I would have to buy a guitar if I wanted to try and learn it. But it really wasn't quite as complex as I thought it would be.

I sat down for a bit at the piano at church early Sunday morning, after spending several nights watching YouTube videos on learning piano. I was then able to in about five minutes play the B-I-B-L-E song in the song book. Nothing fancy, but it didn't seem too difficult. Yes it would take practice.

While looking on Craigslist I found a really inexpensive guitar and amp in the area. It wasn't anything fancy, but said it would be good for a beginner. They wanted $40, which to me is either God opening a big door, or it's too good to be true. I'm not sure which yet.

And while I know it won't be easy, I know that I do have more to give.

Lord, there are several things before me right now. Opportunities that I'm starting to think are directly from you. I know the devil is not going to have me do something to benefit the Kingdom of God, so I know you are leading me. Help me see the foot path you have laid before me. I thank you for creating me so uniquely, and not making me just like everyone else. Help me not to compare myself or choose my path based on what others are saying or doing, but by your words alone.

Moment of Awkward

This morning at work, during our daily meeting, we shift topics to missionary work. I work in the healthcare field, and I am blessed to work with mostly Christians.

My boss was sharing about the missionaries that visited her church last night. They were fourth generation missionaries in the Congo. I'm not sure the specifics, but it did spark an interest. She didn't get to share much before our nurse mentioned something about always praising the work missionaries do, as it is not something she thinks she could do. Among the lack of things, she struggles with anxiety, especially with heights and bridges and such. She said she just couldn't do it. Mind you most of those I work with are in the 50s or greater.

Another mentioned they didn't think they could handle it either. My boss chimes in to the same tune. As the mention the things they'd struggle with, like lack of toilets, insects, deadly snakes, all the way to talking about dirt, showering and bathing. As their list of things stopping them grew, I had no reason to chime in.

I sat there, and at every mention, it was if my heart almost jumped. Those things that hold them here, felt like challenges to me. Those are the things that stand in the way of those unreached for Christ. Those things, don't bother me. In fact, I often do think how life would be so much simpler.

Don't get me wrong, I like my internet, my nice phone with internet at my fingertips, my nice house, and hot showers. But that is only a part of me. The of part says lets go, right now. I don't feel as if one part of me is holding me back, I've been on the mission field, I do know what it's like, but I do not yet feel released to go back.

Part of me truly believes its because I'm to tell others, like you. To help others stop and think about it, and in turn allow God to possible move them in that direction. The other part of me knows, I have so much here, and I need to have that mind set of a mission field here at home. I have so much to learn about living that missionary life here, everyday.

So that awkward moment wasn't a bad thing. It really started driving me to delve deeper, yet again. And gives me more hope and passion, that one day I will get the opportunity to work outside these comforts, within the unfamiliar. I know God does not give us develop passion, without reason.

I'm back

Well sorry to say it's been quite some time. That was never my intention, but some how it happened that way. First I was preparing work as a group leader at church camp. I had to make sure I was prepared for my cabin devotions, and had our "country's" flag done. Atlantis won the gold medal in the Olympics by the way. We were total underdogs, and came back to take gold. I'm so proud of my kids.

Then I was gone for an amazing week at camp. And it never fails, but camp equals sleep loss, and so coming back to normal life, lack of sleep and catching up with everything else....well blogging wasn't on the top of my list.

After I got back from a week of camp with teenagers, I went camping with my nephews and sister. Had a close encounter with a snake...too close! So glad it wasn't a rattlesnake, as my foot was under the edge of the van and I didn't see him, before he saw me. I felt some going over my foot, and as I backed away saw it was a snake. After being warned about the rattlesnakes, I started to scream.

Then I had a busy week back at work. I'm thankful someone was willing to fill in while I was gone, but she doesn't do my job like me, and there were things I found that got forgotten about. And that Friday after work, we headed out for another night of camp, this time for the little guys 5-7 years old. They did allow Nate to participate at 3, he was the youngest camper, but there were several 4 year olds. We had four kids go with us.

The boys and their group leader Jon

Worship time was fun. That was Nate with the n instead of the u

Also, earlier in the week, we were invited to go to the circus with some friends. She had extra tickets, and it was a lot of fun. I absolutely love elephants!

  

And while it has been a whirlwind these past few weeks, I feel like I'm catching up a bit. Though summer is busy, so please excuse any absences I may experience.

Tomorrow will be Wordless Wednesday, but I want to tell you today that I will be sharing many photos from Senior camp the first week I was gone. The theme was Champions, and each group was represented by a country, either real or made up. We competed throughout the week, and played many strange and unusual games, like ultimate octopus! Stay tune.

And thanks for sticking around through my silence.

Faith and Struggles

During worship Sunday morning I felt a stirring in my soul. Also like the winds as they start to pick up along the beach as a big storm is rolling in. It was almost that same anticipation. Not knowing exactly what was coming, but knowing it was a storm rolling in.

I felt as though a storm was starting to roll around and brew within. Nothing "big" has really happened, or maybe wrong is the word. Things have seemed relatively smooth. Maybe a bad day at work, or getting a little over upset about something, but really no big drama. And as I've looked around at so many friends, I've seen their struggles, and in the back of my mind I know things can't always go good, and if they appear that way something is probably not right. Complacency isn't always bad, but it is not always great either.

As I sat to listen to the message, things seem to click a little more. I'm not really sure if God was speaking extra loud Sunday morning or if my ears were tuned in a bit better. The scripture for the message was found in Proverbs 3:1-6 (Amplified)

MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;  For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you.  Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.   So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man.  Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

I feel my struggle is I'm needing to lean more on God. I'm a super independent person, and have had to be to some extent. I'm not sure what specifically what God is wanting  me to trust Him more with. Or where I need to lean more on Him. But I do know that things are going to get shook up a bit in my life.

Please pray for me. Pray I recognize and acknowledge Him in everything so I can see the straight and plain path God is laying before me. I am a firm believer that what does not kill us, makes us stronger. I know God allows storms and trials to strengthen our faith.

And I think this may be another instance of faith in 2012.

My Green

Today I'm linking up with Studio JRU, with Color Your World Challenge. May's color is green, and when I think of green, I'm reminded of my childhood, and the beauty I grew up around.

I grew up in the top left corner of California, among the towering Redwood giants.

 

 And as a child I remember thinking the Redwoods must touch the sky.

 

Even the Smith River shines jade-green. My favorite summer activity was swimming for hours in the crystal clear waters.

My old neighborhood, was a tree haven. Most day we played among the trees so well, we would never have been noticed by those who might drive down our dusty dirt road.

I have many memories climbing, and falling from these trees. Either during a game of tag, hide and seek, or even our "explorations." We never stopped coming up with new ideas. The possibilities were as endless as the lush green trees.

I loved growing up, where the green meets blue!

And basking in the remote lush green forestland that occupied my time for so many years.

Folly, Faulter, Faith

As I was doing a bible reading/devotional  through YouVersion, I realized the questions were really good questions I needed to ask myself.

The scripture was Timothy 3:1-9.

It was then quoted David P. Gushee said:
"Many of the goals that people pursue as the destination of their lives are completely inadequate for the task. What a tragedy, really - to think of so many people scurrying around from day to day pursuing something that just doesn't matter!"

Then it asked:
What goals are you pursuing; by looking at your lifestyle, what would someone deduce is your greatest love; and how might you protect yourself from folly?

At first I thought I had no goals. I thought wow, I'm not really heading anywhere if I'm not pursing much. But then realized I should count things like growing closer to Christ, being a Christ like example to th youth I work with, and meeting one or more of my Compassion kids face to face!

I guess my mind just didn't originally process that way. I was thinking goals, like those one purses with school, and work. I would say I'm content where I work and with what I'm doing. not like I could care less, or I'm just here for a paycheck. But I like what I do, and who I work with...most days.

I guess I've always had a fear of that question. Like someone is always judging me for not being enough or not doing enough. I always approach the question with trepidation.

So now I feel I need to approach God with the question, show me where my goals need to be. I don't want my wish list and plans to cloud what great things you have in store. I know your promise in Jeremiah 29:11.

David was considered a man after God's own heart. No, he wasn't perfect, but we all have our own shortcomings. That shouldn't stop us from pursuing God.

Lord, help my focus and attention be on you, because I know only then I will be able to protect myself from folly. I know on my own Lord, I will faulter. Lord, increase my faith.

Lord Break My Heart

I feel I'm not really sure what to write. My life lately seems to be consumed by so much. Some is just stuff, and other times it's me trying to reprioritize.

The other day as I stopped to think about the different prayer requests some of my dear friends had been sharing with me lately, I felt as if something was wrong. Not like the bad dreadful wrong you instantly know about. But the wrong that slowly creeps in un be knowest to us, to sabotage our lives and rake havoc before we even know it arrived.

You know the times when everything it life seems so great, but nothing totally great is even happening (though sometimes it does and it's the greatness before the fall).

I couldn't place my finger on anything. Or even try to rifle through to find something. So I prayed, God show me what I need. And it wasn't until today, until I thought I would sit down to blog, that I started to discover what I wasn't really seeing.

Though I'm not sure seeing is the accurate verb, as I'm still a little uncertain precisely what it is.

I know God gave me some pretty specific instructions about one of my youth in particular. My prayer and fasting has been focused on her. And while last week she didn't show up, and i believed this to be the beginning of the battle, I believed I was so consumed with that, I missed that my attitude needs a bit of a recheck. And I need a greater refocus, because Satan is prowling about seeking to destroy a few others.

Two of my most faithful, have been missing from youth group the last three weeks. Not all the Sundays, but yes the Wednesdays sequentially since retreat. I know from experience, that going from a retreat to the real world is sometimes hard enough, but without church/others it becomes an almost monumental task.

Last night I realized I needed and attitude recheck when I was mad within about them not being there, with their younger brother making the point of coming still. I knew then I wasn't in the right, but wasn't sure what the extent of my attitude change needed to be.

I need God to break my heart for what breaks His. And I know THIS breaks His. So Lord, break my heat, let me continue to zealously pray for them, not just they girls, but for all my church. Lord, give me a heart like tour's. Let me see them through your eyes!

Beyond Expectations

To add to God and Expectations, I'd like to say my weekend didn't stop there. Saturday I got to hang out with my friends who I usually only see at retreats and conventions. I just have to say I've been blessed to be able to call some of these amazing young woman of God friends!!

We had classes on Saturday, the first session was "Godly Characteristics of a Christian Leader" taken from Philippians. There was quite an impressive list and as I've been making my way through Philippians, there is so many details I never realized.

The second class for me, was a youth leaders workshop. Again, mind you the age was 12-30, so there were quite a few in the older age group who work with youth in their local church. The class was great time to ask questions, bounce ideas off one another, and to pray and seek God together as a group. God definitely gave me some more direction to work with one of the girls we've been struggling a bit with.

All weekend I felt as if I was relearning the need of prayer and fasting. Not that I didn't already know, or seek God in this manner, but I honestly had become extremely lax in both areas. And as hard as that almost is to admit, I know it's the truth.

Saturday night service was really amazing. God showed up in a powerful way touching many of the young people, meeting individual needs. I had the opportunity to pray with several, one of which is really special to me. She was one of the girls in my cabin the first year I was a group leader at camp. And I've really enjoyed watching her grow up, and seeing her developing her relationship with God.

God showed up so powerful during worship, that most of the night was not spent with hearing a preacher, but rather listening more to God. I think there's a need for balance between the two and God speaks through both.

Then as what seemed to be near the end of the service a young lady approached youth leader who's church was hosting the event, and spoke with him. He then proceeds to say that God spoke to her that there was someone who had been suffering with knee pain this week. And that God wants to heal you.

At that point I knew God was speaking to me. I've struggle many years since I was a child with knee pain. I've been to the doctor and they never have said much conclusive. So I went up for prayer, and there were others too who needed healing of some sort.

I know I've heard many stories of healing, from the bible, to present day. I've heard many describe a warming sensation, or even tingling. And I do have to admit that no, I didn't feel anything "special" as she was praying, but I just knew. And then I remember her telling me that if I start to feel pain, start thanking God for His healing.

Last week as the pain tried to creep in I remembered those words, and begain the process throughout the day of truely thanking God believing what He has done for me. And by the end of this week, I feel even more confident and thank for what God has done.

God and Expectations

Normally I would be wordless today, revealing something via photos. Or I would post a song that has really caught my attention, or I just plain love. But today I have so much more to share.

Now honestly, I'm not exactly sure words can do justice, but it's the best attempt I have. Often times God astounds me and I know my own words can't portray the full extent of who God is, and all He's doing.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a very unique retreat. One unique aspect is the age group 12-30. You have Jr high, high school and young adults. While this may not seem to make sense or work out well, I do have to say this is probably one of my favorite retreats. This was my 3rd year going, and I love that I can attend along with the my youth.

I know part of me was not really sure what to expect. I knew I wanted to grow closer to God and have some amazing God moments, but what that would translate to I wasn't sure.

Prior to the retreat, I had been asked if I would help as an alter worker. I was excited, but part of my was also nervous. It's not I haven't helped in this capacity before. I've worked camps many times, bust still part of me, the fleshly part of me, tells me I'm not good enough. I'm not spiritual enough, I can't pray as well as those who are also helping. And I know that Satan gets so excited as I start to believe those things, yet my mind starts running.

So going into Friday night I was excited, but nervous. We had arrived late, and had actually got there right as service was starting, so I had no time to even check basis with anyone. But I have to say I love how God does things. How He orchestrates His plans, despite our weakness.

After worship, and the message there were a few that began to make their way to the alter. This of us helping made our way up to, though I was in the back, and slightly hesitant. When i made it up there, most of the young ladies had someone praying with them. There were a few young men, but I decided best to let the men pray with them. All of the sudden there were two girls standing in front of me, with their backs to me. I had been standing near the front, on the side, waiting for whoever I needed to pray with. At first I though I was suppose to pray with one of them, but then God told me the other. I knew neither girl, or so I though.

As I asked her if I could pray with her, she didn't look up a whole lot. We had a minimal conversation, and then I prayed with her. As I finished praying I took a double look at her and realized I recognized her. Then I saw her name tag and it clicked. I had her in my group last year. It was I felt God reassure me a little more, as I was able to connect with this girl a little better.

I have more to share, but it will have to be later.

It Was Worth It

Yesterday I worked a long day. I worked my normal shift of 6am-2pm, but then cover most of the next shift since the other gal was sick, or possibly her husband who's suffering with cancer. No big deal, yes a long day, but the evenings are so much more layed back than the mornings tend to be. And I only had to work till 8pm or 8:30.

I have to so I'm so much more greatful and have greater respect for some of the residents I work with after last night. One lady in particular taught me a lot.

I previously hadn't had much opportunity to get to know her. She isn't one who comes out often, and doesn't really participate in activities. So unlike most of my residents, I don't get as many opportunities for small conversations.

Generally I don't assist with showers, as most who need assistance shower in the evening, but since I was filling in for the other aid, it was my turn to help. I wasn't sure how either of the two were going to feeling, having someone different helping them. But neither seemed to mind.

The second shower though, did take a bit longer, and gave me opportunity to learn more about a neat lady. She shared with me some of her health struggles over the past few years, most of which we a bit of unusual health issues, so it gave me a great opportunity to gain more knowledge.

She also shared about her husband, and the kind of man he was. How he was a man everyone loved, and when he was working in schools, all anyone had to do was follow the laughter as he was a man who never ran out of jokes.

And when she was almost through she glanced at the clock to apologize for keeping me longer. I told her it was no problem, I had plenty of time. As this was such a uniquic opportunity to really didn't want her to feel rushed.

She was truly grateful, but last night and today again. And I love the fact I was given an opportunity to connect with another of my residents and to really help make a difference in their lives. That's what my job is all about.

And that's the heart of Christ.

I don't know who said this quote, but it is one of my favorites. "Be the change YOU want to see in the world."

What an amazing long night!

Job Update

So my posting has gotten a little back to normal, but still a little more sporadic and there have been a few days I've just gotten busy and wasn't able to post.

But I did want to share a bit more of an update, and share a little more about what God is teaching me with this year's word faith.

So as of my last job update, God had provided me the full time position as the housekeeper at an assisted living facility. And while I was very excited to be back, part of my was almost disappointed that I was going to be just the housekeeper again.

But as I began my new job, I found little places to take joy in. And realized again, that I'm not just an old housekeeper, but I really am making a difference in these people's lives. Some of whom don't participate much in activities or social events.

And the my boss approached me with the day shift caregiver/CNA position. Kick was, I've had the training, but never got licensed. So now I have to retake the class and go through the certification testing.

The upside is, the company I work for offers the class for free for those who are or will be working for one of the company's 3 facilities in town. It's offered over at the nursing home, during the week. This would mean as I would either not be working, or doing all the housekeeping rooms after the class and work on them until I finished, which would make for some really long days!

I was super excited for this open door, but honestly not thrilled about the potentially long few weeks. But then when my boss called to enroll another girl and I there was a twist. The person teaching the class has to work on the floor during the week, so the class this month will be on the weekends!!

I'm astonished by how God has worked this out. I will miss the last two Fridays of the month from work, but my schedule will otherwise be the same. This is far beyond anything I could have imagined, in respects to working out details for my new job.

As of Wednesday I've started my new position, and new hours. So now I'm at work by 6am, and I i thought this would be a struggle for me, so it is all working out well. And I'm liking getting off earlier, as I get to spend more time with my nephews and sister.

Through faith I knew God would work out the details, and also give me strength to do what I needed to for the time being. And while I know that God does not always use faith to change situations, but sometimes uses faith for strength and endurance, I'm excited for what God is doing now!

Word for 2012

Jill posted earlier in the week One Word ~ A Different Kind of Resolution, Sarah too also posted about One Word for 2012 on her blog, and quite a few others, and it really got me thinking. Last year I picked a word, but never really stuck with it. It was the first time I'd heard of choosing a word, so I jumped on the band wagon, but then left it behind.

My 2011 word was boldness. And while I may not have prayerfully pursed my word, looking back, that really was my word for the year. I did have some stepping out and up moments, where I had to learn to have boldness in Christ and who He has created me to be, and do.

This year I would like to prayerfully purse my word for 2012. And as I have been praying about my work, faith keeps coming up. While at first thought it seemed almost too simple of a word to choose, God has already started to show me how important a role faith is! That is beyond my current knowledge and experience of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 says "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."

As 2011 is nearing the end, I'm beginning to taste a bit of what God is doing when I walk in faith, and I'm excited to see what more God has in store for 2012.

So my 2012 word is...

Do you have a word for 2012? Have you ever choose to have one word for the new year instead of a list of resolutions? Want to read more about One Word, you can read more here.

Job Transition

Well I told you more was coming about my job transition. I'll give you a little background first, as it will help some things make a bit more sense. I've been working my current job for about two and half years now, but with about a 3 week break about six months ago.

Previously in 2005 I started working at an assisted living facility for the elderly (my sister works there and has for a long time). I was working as the housekeeper, the only house keeper as it is a fairly small facility. But I filled in all sorts of positions during my time there, from cooking and maintenance, to assisting with care giving. I gain a quite a bit of experience while there. But because of the way the pay scale worked, and the minimum wage increase in Washington state (as of January first it will go from $8.67 to $9.04) I was still making minimum wage after two and half years. I had the opportunity to go through the fundamentals class, so I could work in the in-home setting as a caregiver. I also had a family friend who was needing care, and would be 40 hours a week. So I left Monroe House (the assisted living facility) really to further my career.

My in-home job last 6 months, and the family decided they needed to move grandma to a facility. So I was out of work. I did find another temporary client, but to make a long story short, she was crazy, and it didn't work out. I was told she had been through every available caregiver and social worker in the office, so I can kind of understand why it didn't work out.

Then after I was jobless, I found out my nephew's daycare center was hiring. I was so excited, even though it was only part time. I had always wanted a job like this, and it was in a Christian center, so I was very excited. I applied, and was hired. I had very few hours a week, but absolutely loved my job! And still do.

To help supplement my hours, I was referred to a family who had a parent in a facitlity, but she needed a little bit of extra care to remain in the assisted living facility, and not have to move to a nursing home. She was actually living at Monroe House. She had very limited vision, which made her a bit of a danger to herself, along with a weak body, but was fully with it, mentally. I was highered on by son, and was then placed in charge of scheduling so Rose would have a personal caregiver 24 hrs a day to assist at night or any time. I worked with Rose during the days, and at the daycare in the evening. I did the scheduling and worked everything out to do both.

My days were very long, 12 hours some days, but I loved my work, and Rose didn't require constant lifting or anything, which helped me out immensely. Then the family decided if she was going to constantly need 24hr care (it had been almost 1 year since I started and about 8 months for 24 hr care) it would be more cost effective to move her to an adult family home. The move was pretty hard on her, and I regrettably say she passed away less than a month after the move.  :(

So I was back to working the daycare with a few more hours since they knew I was available more. Then one of my friends I was previously working with, found us another private in-home job, that last about 3 months, but because of my overload with my previous two jobs, I decided to quit the daycare. It was a hard choice, but I had more hours, and better pay then my previous clients. Well if I would have know it would have been so short lived, I probably would have thought it through better.

So when my previous boss at the daycare heard I wasn't working, she offered me a job back, as the other two new girls were not working out so well. I was thrilled, but stuck with very few hours, which has brought me to where I am now.

This last month I have had my hours increased at the daycare, which has helped. Then my previous boss at Monroe House called me up and offered me the Housekeeping position back, as their housekeeper is having major health issues. Full time, benefits, and she was able to get me better than minimum wage. The kicker...I'm the housekeeper.

I'm exactly back where I left 3 years prior, almost exactly to date. I prayed about it, because I wasn't feeling so sure. But as I prayed I realized the biggest issue is my pride. I guess it's the pride of saying , "Oh yeah, I'm a housekeeper...AGAIN." Something in my mind was battling me. But I realized this was really where I should probably be. So I started Tuesday, and as I'm there cleaning bathrooms, it's almost a flashback. Of how I thought I was happy. But then I thought of all my Compassion kids. The ones I would not be able to continue to support with my dwindling paychecks. I realized that I was proud (not boastful) that I had this opportunity to be able to support my kids. And even though in the eyes of the world, it's not glamorous, or probably doesn't make a ton of sense, this is where I need to be.

So I've made full circle, and I know I will have to pray and keep my attitude in check, but I know God is teaching me some important things. I thought I would never go back, atleast not to housekeeping.

Here I am God....sometimes I think I'm a hopeless case when it comes to learning, but Lord, teach me!

Some Absence

I just want to leave a brief note, for anybody who regularly follows me, and let you know that the next few weeks will bring less posts, because as of Monday, I'm transitioning into a new job, but will be working out my 2 weeks plus at my previous job. So my time will be pretty limited. I'm excited to share a little more, later on with my fellow blogger friends. As I really do consider quite a few of you friends.

Monday I do plan to post my mail call, as I can work on that post over the weekend. And I was excited to share a 'Meet My Child' today, but after youth tonight, I don't have time to work on it, and I will be off to work early and gone all day. Stick with me, and I promise to make up for my absence. And if you think about it, I would appreciate any prayers as I work through this transition.

"Lord, my heart is not proud;"  Palms 131:1a

Teach me Lord to live in this and follow your plans, not mine.

Fun Filled Friday

For those who don't know, I work in a Christian daycare and preschool center. We are one of the smallest in town, having only one toddler room (ages 1-3) with up to 12 kids (child provider ratio in our state for that age is 7 to 1. And we typically only have 10 with 2 teachers downstairs.) and one preschool room with up to 10 kids (sometimes we have 11, but the require ration for ages 3 plus is 10 to 1, so it doesn't make much sense to have 1 extra teacher for the 1 kid). Sorry if that looks like an awful run on sentence.

So my hours have changed slightly and I get some more mornings back. Along with working mostly in the toddler room, Monday I was able to spend some more time in the preschool room. Some of which was at nap time. We have a couple half day kindergarteners along with the 3-4 year olds, and one didn't nap, so we sat quietly coming up with funny sentences. Quit a few of the names were class mates, which did add to the humor. Though I'd share today, hope you get a few good laughs :)

Izzy iguana ignores ice cream in itsy bowls.

David dog digs ditches during dark days.

Alondra ant accidentally acts like she's an apple.

Heather horse hops high hiding from Hilda hippo.

Khamryn kangaroo kicks kites.

Owen octopus offers orange onions during October.

Mason monkey makes mean muffins with milk.

PJ pig picks pink pears for Patrick's party.

Tyson tiger takes turns tapping toys.

Jonathan jaguar jets past jumping jack Joey.

Shalomi snake sneaks slowly sideways on Saturday.

Emma elephant elegantly erases everything Even wrote.

A Glimpse of Me

Ok, so up until now, all of my post have pretty much been about my Compassion International kids or relating to Compassion in so way. They have been pretty void of details about me, so I thought I would share something to allow you to know me, beyond my kids.

The end of last month, our Washington State, Church of God of Prophecy, on a state level held what they called E.L.I.T.E. Weekend, which stood for emerging leaders in training (not sure the e though). And it was for young people 16 to 20's who feel called into the ministry on some level. Either it be pastor, children's ministries, music ministries, ect. We had lots of classes, from basics such as, salvation, sanctification, and the Holy Spirit, to help us better understand, and equip us to be able to share these with others, to a class about the difference between gifts and callings, and how our gifts enable us to fulfill God's calling in our life.

Friday night after our classes we were given our 'final' so to speak, in that we were to prepare either a mini sermon, or share our testimony, in about 3-5 minutes. We were required to have scripture, and it had to be something God had laid on our heart this weekend, not something previously prepared. This would be shared with the local congregation of the church who was hosting us for the weekend (one of our larger churches in Washington state). We were then given time for worship, prayer, and seeking God. The main objective was to give us an opportunity to better connect with God, and learn or refine our listening skills in relation to our walk with God. We were expected to leave the weekend knowing, we know (yeah, that sounds a bit redundant) what God's voice sounds like, and to be obedient to God's voice.

I would go on to explain what more went through my head, but I'm going to post what I spoke, because I started to explain it some in the beginning. I was the first person to present. It was suppose to be random ordered, but as she was picking the order (and I didn't realize she was) I had mentioned to my friend, who asked to be towards the front, that she probably was, because I saw my name right there and she was grouped with me. So Shelly grabbed my name, which was one of the last, and put it on top. Which turned out fine, but I wouldn't have picked to go first. Here goes:

When we were asked to share something this morning, we were challenged to step out of our comfort zone. At the chance of sounding odd, for me that would be to share my testimony. While I am so thankful for all God has done and is doing in my life, sharing my testimony has never seemed to come easy.

But then God reminded me of Revelation 12:11 The Amplified version says "And they have overcome or conquered him by the blood of the lamb, and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life, even when faced with death. The King James version says "by the word of their testimony." I love the word utterance though, it truly depicts the power of our spoken word.

Most of you may not know I grew up in California. The summer after my 8th grade year I was invited back to church, a new church. And while I was in and out of church as a kid I immediately felt at home. The following year I was so excited for the opportunity for church camp, especially since my new church was affiliated with camps in Washington, so a big road trip was included also. Little did I know God was ready to grab hold of me.

I remember sitting in church that evening, and the evangelist was talking about our need to be born again spiritually. The light bulb was turned on, everything made sense and I gave my life to God that night, excited for what more was to come.

I walked away that year changed and desiring so much more. As I went home to me alcoholic parents, held by the grips of depression, I had hope. I had HOPE. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11. While high school was not easy, I had God on my side guiding me and keeping me.

After I graduated I was so excited God was calling me to Washington, and I was even more excited for what He had in store for me in Moses Lake. And marking almost 7 years, I know my journey has only begun. Last year in pursing me calling I got my lay minister's license. This was a huge step for me and yet I have share with very few people about this. So please, count yourselves privileged. :)

And while I know this is just eh beginning of the great things God is doing in me. I know I am not the only one called. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

If you are unsure you have a purpose, a plan or a calling, I challenge you to pray...and God promises He WILL listen.

Are you ready?