Garrett had his first night of work at the movie complex in town. He worked really hard to get this job through several phone calls and interviews. I am so proud of him. He went to orientation last week. We spent time purchasing his “uniform”: black pants, watch, thick socks, and black shoes. Last night was his first night of actual work. He was expecting to go in to be trained as usher. He was hopeful to work up to concessions and to the much anticipated projection booth. When he arrived, they said that after reviewing his application, seeing prior work experience and knowing he was an Eagle scout; they changed his assignment. He went straught to concessions. No training. Make popcorn, sell food and run the cash register. It was a busy Friday night and my “baby” was just thrown to the movie patrons. He loved it! He came home smelling like popcorn. He had a customer spill sprite all over him. He only burned one batch of popcorn, because he didn’t know it needed oil. He came home wired, excited, happy, self-confident, and ready for his next shift.
Our wonderful Father has answered many of my prayers. #1 – He provided a job for my son. #2 – He provided a job close to home so there isn’t any highway travel. #3 – He showed Garrett the value of being diligent in application processes. #4 - He provided a great job in a field where Garrett is passionate. #5 - He is teaching Garrett the value of good customer service. #6 - He is teaching Garrett multi-tasking and flexibility. I know God will answer my other prayers in providing a good basis for his school and work career, teach him more responsibility and above all the ability to shine God’s love.
I think God taught me a few lessons too. My son had no problem jumping into a new task with gusto. He went in expecting to be an usher and then worked concessions. He adapted great. Sometimes when God asks something new of me, I tend to want to know all the details: How long? Why? Where? Is it necessary? Are you sure I can do this? Are you sure this is where I am supposed to be?
May I remember my son’s tenacity and jump as God calls me to change and do different things. May I embrace each change as it builds in me God’s purpose. May I shine bright fully trusting my wonderful Father!
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Amazingly Awesomeness
Recently I took Colton up to the high school to register for next year. It is hard to believe that my baby will be in high school next year. At the beginning of the evening, he seemed a little apprehensive about entering high school. Because his brother, Garrett, is a senior, he know many of the students and teachers, but changing schools is always traumatic for Colton. At the end of the meeting, he saw that the new indoor athletic complex was open. He went to check out the facility while I pulled the car around to that building. When he came out about 20 minutes later, he was wide eyed and bubbly. He said, “That was amazingly awesomeness!!!! You should see all the workout equipment and practice fields. I even talked to one of the coaches and he remembered me from football camp.” He gushed on for several minutes about what he had glimpsed and how much he looked forward to being able to use those facilities, all the equipment, and is eager to be part of the high school football team. Just a glimpse into the future changed his whole attitude about registering for high school.
It made me think about the glimpses that God’s word provides to us. I get a glimpse of God’s patience as I read about the Israelite wandering in the dessert. I glimpse God’s justice as I study the prophets and see the judgments against Israel’s enemies. I glimpse God’s glory through the praise of the psalms. I glimpse God’s creativeness as I see him use ordinary people to become wonderful apostles who proclaim truth. I glimpse God’s love as I read the story of our precious savior, his son. I pray that as God guides me to see new things, that I respond enthusiastically with “You are just amazing and awesome!”
It made me think about the glimpses that God’s word provides to us. I get a glimpse of God’s patience as I read about the Israelite wandering in the dessert. I glimpse God’s justice as I study the prophets and see the judgments against Israel’s enemies. I glimpse God’s glory through the praise of the psalms. I glimpse God’s creativeness as I see him use ordinary people to become wonderful apostles who proclaim truth. I glimpse God’s love as I read the story of our precious savior, his son. I pray that as God guides me to see new things, that I respond enthusiastically with “You are just amazing and awesome!”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
God Supplied
Life demanded
Phone call, ambulance, sirens, rush out, hour drive, emergency room, x-rays, doctor, nurses, tests, waiting, closed cafeteria, admission, hospital stay, meals, driving, work, phone calls, doctors, questions, uncertainty, tests, medication, reactions to medications, walker, oxygen, iv, waiting, night at hospital, family, home, gas, driving, fast food, errands, phone calls, kids, groceries, laundry, driving, waiting
God supplied
Peace, travel safety, family, wonderful husband, understanding kids, emails, understanding co-workers, relevant Bible verses, timely devotionals, praise music, time with family, hugs, laughter, caring professionals, medical equipment, multiplied time, peace, rest, love, small victories
I praise God for loving me through life’s challenges. I rely on his promise that He will never challenge us beyond what we can bare. He is my strength and my salvation. Only through His power did everything get done, handled or delegated. I praise him for holding up my family during Dad’s illness. May He continue to give us strength during this lengthy recovery period.
Phone call, ambulance, sirens, rush out, hour drive, emergency room, x-rays, doctor, nurses, tests, waiting, closed cafeteria, admission, hospital stay, meals, driving, work, phone calls, doctors, questions, uncertainty, tests, medication, reactions to medications, walker, oxygen, iv, waiting, night at hospital, family, home, gas, driving, fast food, errands, phone calls, kids, groceries, laundry, driving, waiting
God supplied
Peace, travel safety, family, wonderful husband, understanding kids, emails, understanding co-workers, relevant Bible verses, timely devotionals, praise music, time with family, hugs, laughter, caring professionals, medical equipment, multiplied time, peace, rest, love, small victories
I praise God for loving me through life’s challenges. I rely on his promise that He will never challenge us beyond what we can bare. He is my strength and my salvation. Only through His power did everything get done, handled or delegated. I praise him for holding up my family during Dad’s illness. May He continue to give us strength during this lengthy recovery period.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Lost and Found
We recently returned from a playoff game very late (actually early morning). The band and chaperones had to return to the school by 6 AM to leave for a morning parade followed by afternoon all region auditions. I knew it was going to be a hectic weekend. As Garrett and I were leaving the house at 5:45 AM, this was our conversation.
G: Do you have my pants?
(This is not the phrase you want to hear from your teenager, but I was calm. This is also the same student who has lost his school backpack at school 2 times.)
M: No. Do you not have your pants?
G: No.
M: Did you wear your pants home?
G: No.
M: Did you leave your pants in the bandhall?
G: No.
M: Where was the last time you saw your pants?
G: I don’t know.
M: Lets go look in the halls and gym and see if you dropped them.
G: I didn’t go in the gym or hall.
M: We have only been gone from the school for less than 5 hours. How did you lose your pants?
G: I didn’t. I had them.
M: You wore them at the game. Did you wear them on the bus?
G: No.
M: You took them off on the bus. Ok. Did you get them off the bus?
G: Yes.
M: Now we are narrowing this down. What did you do when you got off the bus?
G: I walked around the back of the school to the parking lot and put them in my car with my shoes, hat, books, gloves, jacket, hat box, school clothes and other stuff.
M: You walked around the school in the dark? At night? By yourself? Let’s go look in the parking lot.
At 5:55 AM I drive to the student lot and shine my headlights around the back of the school. Can you believe he found his pants in the grass not far from where the bus dropped off the band kids? I couldn’t fuss at him. He was doing his best. He has lost many things but has kept up with all his band equipment and uniforms for 4 years.
I lose stuff constantly. I can’t count how many times all of us have had to search for my keys. But I have lost other things as well.
Confidence. I will not lose my confidence anymore because I realize that I am not relying on myself but on God. I can have confidence because God works in me and through me. He is faithful.
Courage. I will not be the cowardly lion. God gives us a spirit of power and prompts our hearts like the prophets of old to speak His words.
Self-esteem. I will not listen when others criticize and reject. I will think rightly of myself. Not with pride but in the assurance that I am created by God in his image. He doesn’t make mistakes. He made me exactly as I am and gave me the experiences I need to be ready for such a time as he calls for whatever purpose fits his master plan. Because of Him, I have worth and value.
Trust. I know that men are not perfect and never were created to be such. My trust is not in myself or in mere mortals but in God who is unfailing.
Humility. May I never brag about myself or my family. Only in God may we boast.
May I never lose those gifts which God has graciously given me. May I inspire others to find and use their own gifts.
G: Do you have my pants?
(This is not the phrase you want to hear from your teenager, but I was calm. This is also the same student who has lost his school backpack at school 2 times.)
M: No. Do you not have your pants?
G: No.
M: Did you wear your pants home?
G: No.
M: Did you leave your pants in the bandhall?
G: No.
M: Where was the last time you saw your pants?
G: I don’t know.
M: Lets go look in the halls and gym and see if you dropped them.
G: I didn’t go in the gym or hall.
M: We have only been gone from the school for less than 5 hours. How did you lose your pants?
G: I didn’t. I had them.
M: You wore them at the game. Did you wear them on the bus?
G: No.
M: You took them off on the bus. Ok. Did you get them off the bus?
G: Yes.
M: Now we are narrowing this down. What did you do when you got off the bus?
G: I walked around the back of the school to the parking lot and put them in my car with my shoes, hat, books, gloves, jacket, hat box, school clothes and other stuff.
M: You walked around the school in the dark? At night? By yourself? Let’s go look in the parking lot.
At 5:55 AM I drive to the student lot and shine my headlights around the back of the school. Can you believe he found his pants in the grass not far from where the bus dropped off the band kids? I couldn’t fuss at him. He was doing his best. He has lost many things but has kept up with all his band equipment and uniforms for 4 years.
I lose stuff constantly. I can’t count how many times all of us have had to search for my keys. But I have lost other things as well.
Confidence. I will not lose my confidence anymore because I realize that I am not relying on myself but on God. I can have confidence because God works in me and through me. He is faithful.
Courage. I will not be the cowardly lion. God gives us a spirit of power and prompts our hearts like the prophets of old to speak His words.
Self-esteem. I will not listen when others criticize and reject. I will think rightly of myself. Not with pride but in the assurance that I am created by God in his image. He doesn’t make mistakes. He made me exactly as I am and gave me the experiences I need to be ready for such a time as he calls for whatever purpose fits his master plan. Because of Him, I have worth and value.
Trust. I know that men are not perfect and never were created to be such. My trust is not in myself or in mere mortals but in God who is unfailing.
Humility. May I never brag about myself or my family. Only in God may we boast.
May I never lose those gifts which God has graciously given me. May I inspire others to find and use their own gifts.
New Year's Resolutions
I will, like Paul, forget those things which are behind and press forward.
I will, like David, lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence comes help.
I will, like Abraham, trust implicitly in my God.
I will, like Enoch, walk in daily fellowship with my Heavenly Father.
I will like Jehoshophat, prepare my heart to seek God.
I will, like Moses, choose rather to suffer than enjoy the pleasures of sin.
I will, like Daniel, commune with my God at all times.
I will, like Job, be patient under all circumstances.
I will, like Gideon, stand firm even though my friends be few.
I will, like Aaron, uphold the hands of my spiritual leader.
I will, like Isaiah, consecrate myself to God’s work.
I will, like Andrew, strive to lead my brother to a closer walk with Christ.
I will, like John, lean upon the bosom of the Master.
I will, like Stephen, manifest a forgiving spirit toward all who hurt me.
I will, like the Heavenly Host, proclaim the message of peace and good will.
By Barbara Johnson
Fresh Elastic for Stretched Out Moms
It is a new year and time to reflect on the past year. This was a year of change for me. God called me away from Children’s Ministry and back to being an accountant (for a non-profit that helps churches-go figure). I always told my kids at home and at church that no matter what God asked me to do, I would do it with all my heart. I didn’t know God would test me this year. There was a lot more I wanted to accomplish as a minister. Even now, I still have plans and goals for ministry. I wasn’t ready to leave ministry. I still have work I want to do. Yet, I will follow God’s call. His call to leave ministry was accompanied with hurt, with fear, with defeat. Grief almost crushed and swallowed me. Yet God is patient and kind. He let me grieve. He gave me rest. He provided a place to heal. He provided new friends and deepened old friendships. He gave me time with my own family. He gave me a new song of praise to sing in my heart. He brought new Bible studies into my life for renewal. He gave me time. This year was a wild ride. So my determination for the new year is: to be ready. I don’t know what God is going to do next. I just know I want to be ready to jump when He says jump. I want to be ready to hear his directions. I want to stay in his will even though I don’t understand. I lean upon my life verses: Seek first the kingdom of God all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:33 and The eyes of the lord roam the earth seeking to strengthen those whose hearts are committed to him. 1 Chronicles 16:33 May you seek him and be strengthened.
I will, like David, lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence comes help.
I will, like Abraham, trust implicitly in my God.
I will, like Enoch, walk in daily fellowship with my Heavenly Father.
I will like Jehoshophat, prepare my heart to seek God.
I will, like Moses, choose rather to suffer than enjoy the pleasures of sin.
I will, like Daniel, commune with my God at all times.
I will, like Job, be patient under all circumstances.
I will, like Gideon, stand firm even though my friends be few.
I will, like Aaron, uphold the hands of my spiritual leader.
I will, like Isaiah, consecrate myself to God’s work.
I will, like Andrew, strive to lead my brother to a closer walk with Christ.
I will, like John, lean upon the bosom of the Master.
I will, like Stephen, manifest a forgiving spirit toward all who hurt me.
I will, like the Heavenly Host, proclaim the message of peace and good will.
By Barbara Johnson
Fresh Elastic for Stretched Out Moms
It is a new year and time to reflect on the past year. This was a year of change for me. God called me away from Children’s Ministry and back to being an accountant (for a non-profit that helps churches-go figure). I always told my kids at home and at church that no matter what God asked me to do, I would do it with all my heart. I didn’t know God would test me this year. There was a lot more I wanted to accomplish as a minister. Even now, I still have plans and goals for ministry. I wasn’t ready to leave ministry. I still have work I want to do. Yet, I will follow God’s call. His call to leave ministry was accompanied with hurt, with fear, with defeat. Grief almost crushed and swallowed me. Yet God is patient and kind. He let me grieve. He gave me rest. He provided a place to heal. He provided new friends and deepened old friendships. He gave me time with my own family. He gave me a new song of praise to sing in my heart. He brought new Bible studies into my life for renewal. He gave me time. This year was a wild ride. So my determination for the new year is: to be ready. I don’t know what God is going to do next. I just know I want to be ready to jump when He says jump. I want to be ready to hear his directions. I want to stay in his will even though I don’t understand. I lean upon my life verses: Seek first the kingdom of God all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:33 and The eyes of the lord roam the earth seeking to strengthen those whose hearts are committed to him. 1 Chronicles 16:33 May you seek him and be strengthened.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Prayer Calendars
