March 2, 2009...Already?!?! Notes

I am still having small residual effects from that nasty bout of the flu. I feel better but have a bit of a cough left.

Several co-workers have been sick, so I have been working more than my slated hours to help fill in. I enjoy my new job, it’s a blessing and a ministry to the children. Some days are a challenge with troubled children. Two of my three after school students (siblings) lost their father last December. My other student’s Mom does not speak English fluently, so the primary responsibility for helping with homework is upon me.

We are having several visitors this month, and are looking forward to our time with them all. Big Daddy loathes going to go to Key West, but I think it will be fun to see and do some of the touristy things. Frankly I’m glad we’ll have the opportunity (excuse!) to do so while showing our visitors the sights.

Last night we had an unusual but good service. I feel the Lord gave me some words regarding the church and the ministry. The first was regarding where our church was at now, and the words He gave me were: sweet, rebellious and scattered. Regarding where the Lord would like us to go, I felt He said: faithful, “till the ground” and strident. Interesting, so I am thinking and praying on those things. I’m thinking that the second definition of strident is more apropos to the church ministry, although Big Daddy is a loud and demonstrative preacher.

I continue to read my yearly Bible plan, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon. I am enjoying all of them. I went into Velvet Elvis being skeptical, and not liking it much at first, but currently I think it’s not too bad. There are good things and things that make me uncomfortable. I’m going to think on it for awhile.

Our church had a fabulous rummage sale on Saturday. I know we felt busy and stressed getting it all together, but it turned out swell! It was a fun day of fellowship for the workers, and a success that will put nice dent in the church's bills.

Notes From The Beginning Of February

In January Big Daddy, my esteemed pastor and faithful husband encouraged and exhorted his flock to get on a yearly Bible reading plan, and I must say I am not only blessed by it, but enjoying it thoroughly. I have even been keeping up with it, for the most part. You can find it here if you're interested. In times past I just kept reading through the NT, over and over. Periodically taking time to do a specific reading of say the Major Prophets, or some other theme like that; and just continually working my way through he OT. This particular plan is working well for me now in that it has a couple of chapters from the NT, a couple from the OT and a Psalm. It skips around a little too. I find that whatever I'm reading has a timely purpose for what I'm facing on a given day or week. That's not surprising, given the wonderful ways our Lord works, but it is amazing!

I begin a new job tomorrow. I am grateful for that.

Baseball season is coming soon.

Oh yeah, and I forgot to add that I finally began reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I don't know how it will work into my already full reading plate, but someone loaned it to Big Daddy and I may as well try it. I will say that I am skeptical though, and unimpressed so far.