Reminders

Over the last few months, I've had some struggles. To be honest, it's been a slightly rough patch. I have a feeling it's not quite over, but I was pondering some places where God has spoken to me this weekend. It shouldn't be a surprise, but some how it is. For you see, I have been praying sporadically, specifically, honestly...

God.
I love You.
I want to do more for You.
Not because I think it will make You love me more, but because I want to talk more about You, live more like You, be more fully Yours.

I don't understand the roadblocks to getting regular and supportive mentoring in preaching and teaching... but You do.

I wonder at the catty remarks... and the criticism...
I want to SMACK SOMETHING at the sexist comments.

Then...
I wonder if it's my fault.
I examine what I've done and pick apart my actions...
What can I do better?
Do I set myself up by my attitudes?
Is it my pride?
Are my insecurities getting in the way?

Jesus, where are You not shining through??
Purify me.
Change me.
Confirm Your direction.

Yet... as I pray...
I know my priorities are right.
I know what You have Called me to do, what the tug is on my heart.

God...
Keep that vision, that promise, that joy in front of me.
Throw reminders in my everyday walk so that I hear Your "go! go! go! girl!"
Shove me back on course when I let my feelings or my doubts pull me off track.
God.
I love You.
Amen.

SO... this weekend, God "threw some reminders" into my lap...

...a phone call.
...an email.
...a Twitter comment.
...a blog.
...understanding and love from my husband and kids.
...a friend's encouragement.
...a conversation.

Time after time - words I needed, promises from Scripture... Little sprigs of joy shoving through the pebbles of doubt in my heart.

God... talking to me? Yes! to ME!

thanks.
God.
I love you.

Goings on...

Wow! What a week! We're only at Thursday, and a lot has happened...

MONDAY...
After two years... following the "rules" for foods she could and could not eat... patiently ticking off the the countdown on her whiteboard...


Reedy Girl got her braces off!


Before...

and after...

Loving that bubblegum!

And her special dinner request was corn on the cob! She missed TWO SUMMERS of corn on the cob. It seemed only fair!


TUESDAY...
A new boy came to live with us! He only has a "shelter name" but hasn't told us his "real" name. He's in quarantine in Reedy Girl's room as we wait to be sure he is healthy before "the girlie cats" meet him. He quickly discovered the comforts of Reedy Girl's loft bed...


And then he decided to claim the top of the book case right beside it. He hangs out on the top shelf, right next to the ceiling. (don't you LOVE the crossed front paws!??)


And he should get down why?? ha! HA!

(Oh. OK. MAYBE he'll come down for Greenies...)

The other two cats are disturbed. Strange NEW smell-o-cat coming from Reedy Girl's room. Most unusual. (Tiria has been blogging about her suspicions. If you visit her, don't TELL!!!)

WEDNESDAY...
A snake learned to play the harp!


Actually, it seemed that Calvin just liked the vibrations! He hung out across the top of The Harpist's instrument for quite a while. Isn't that a hoot?



THURSDAY...
ANYTHING can happen! Like maybe I can get some homework done???? nah....

Deb

I'm back...

Yes, I did get home. It was a great class. My brain is still recovering. :)
And now there's stuff like my OTHER class and the fam that need my attention.

We went to see Prince Caspian today (GO SEE IT!!!) and had some friends here for dinner. Good stuff. Really nice way to end the weekend.

But the weekend is over... back to the grind... however, I am sure that when I have homework to do I'll be blogging instead.

See you soon...

Deb

P.S. Presby Gal - I saw your tag... will do it tomorrow when I'm procrastinating... grin...