Yesterday my sister-in-law asked how her brother walking into the building was an answer to prayer. Really it isn't' a dramatic story, I don't have those. But it was pretty interesting.
As I talked about yesterday there was a Corps Council/Planning meeting that I was invited to sit in on. The only other thing I remember about that meeting, besides my call, was the fact that we instituted a special prayer meeting prior to the regular mid-week prayer meeting that was always held. This one was specifically for Corps growth. It was voluntary and set for 15 minutes prior to the regular meeting. Those who chose to participate would go into the chapel area for silent prayer specifically for Corps Growth. Not being a big part of the Corps at that time I chose not to participate for a few weeks. However, one Tuesday the Corps Officer's wife said "Come on, Maria, Let's go pray Steven to the Corps" I couldn't refuse, so I went in, and unsure of exactly what to pray for, I prayed and asked God to bring Steven in along side me.
I don't remember exactly how much later it was (during prayer meeting or HL/MFC meetings), but later that same evening Steven walked in the building, supposedly looking for me, but whatever we were doing, he stuck around that night. He also kept coming back and later started the conversation that began our soldiership classes and enrolled us as soldiers.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
My Call
I realize I have shared bits and pieces of this in the past. Bu don’t think that I have shared it at one place with any one person. I believe however that I have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so now.
I title my call to Officership with the words that I said for a long time growing up about ministry in general “I’m glad I don’t have to do that”. But, as He often does, God has other plans.
I grew up in the church. My family was very active in the church and the ministry of the church, working behind the scenes to make sure ministries and activities were carried out. This type of work interested me very much and was what I felt at home doing. I watched those in leadership, especially the pastors with whom my family often became friends, with great admiration and with the thought “I’m glad I don’t have to do that”.
In my college years I was asked to be a delegate at-large to the then North Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. I served for two years, and had a blast. I loved every minute of both of those conferences. I loved learning the more about the inner workings of the church, I loved the speakers and the worship. It was all wonderful to me.
It was at one of those conferences that the theme was “Equipping the Saints” with the theme verse coming from one of Paul’s letters, (But I don’t remember which one). The idea, at least the one I got, was to prepare the both the leaders in the church and the members with the tools and resources needed to serve. It was with that idea that a new program was introduced, one which would provide the participants with a certificate in Youth Work, Religious Education, or Music once the course was completed. It was new, but I knew God was telling me that was where He wanted me. So I secured the funding and started the program in the fall. I saw it as a way to get a validation to working with youth or children in the church. I even began to open my eyes to do something other than teach, which I had wanted to do since I was six.
Through the program I was placed to work with a brand new fledgling Corps in Conway, Arkansas. I was working with Sunbeams before the Corps even had Corps status. From the little Sunbeam troop my involvement grew, mostly through the friendship with the Corps Officers, who befriended me. Through my work in the Corps, my then fiancé, Steven was brought into the Corps. {In fact his entrance into the building was one of the most visible and literal answers to prayer I have ever seen, but that is a story for another time.}
I loved the work and again I was in the background working to help the ministry happen, much as I had done growing up. And again, I watched the Officers with admiration and with the thought “I’m glad I don’t have to do that.”
I was asked to be a part of a special planning meeting and Corps Council led by a Divisional Staff Officer Captian (now at least Major) Sandra Definbaugh. She shared her story with us and began leading us in planning for the ministry of the Corps. It was during her prayer for the ministry of the Corps and those of us sitting in that meeting that God plainly spoke into my heart saying “You WILL be doing this, as an Officer.” I wasn’t too sure of myself, so I didn’t say much. I wasn’t even a soldier yet. Steven hadn’t even entered the building yet at that point. However, I just sat and watched as God worked, bringing Steven into not only the building, but also into the work of the ministry. He even led Steven to ask the questions about Soldiership that brought us to classes and enrolling as soldiers on the day after our wedding. We have literally been soldiers about 20 hours less than we have been married.
That call was 15 years ago. Many would say it has been wasted time. Through that time I have let my enthusiasm wane at times, questioned God and His reasoning, and even stubbornly said maybe I need to look elsewhere. But God has been faithful and kept that nudge that call alive through all that. He also has renewed that love and enthusiasm in both Steven and me. As I looked back through the years I have seen His faithfulness and His teaching that I can and will apply in my future ministry.
I am ready to continue the journey, ready to step through that door.
I title my call to Officership with the words that I said for a long time growing up about ministry in general “I’m glad I don’t have to do that”. But, as He often does, God has other plans.
I grew up in the church. My family was very active in the church and the ministry of the church, working behind the scenes to make sure ministries and activities were carried out. This type of work interested me very much and was what I felt at home doing. I watched those in leadership, especially the pastors with whom my family often became friends, with great admiration and with the thought “I’m glad I don’t have to do that”.
In my college years I was asked to be a delegate at-large to the then North Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. I served for two years, and had a blast. I loved every minute of both of those conferences. I loved learning the more about the inner workings of the church, I loved the speakers and the worship. It was all wonderful to me.
It was at one of those conferences that the theme was “Equipping the Saints” with the theme verse coming from one of Paul’s letters, (But I don’t remember which one). The idea, at least the one I got, was to prepare the both the leaders in the church and the members with the tools and resources needed to serve. It was with that idea that a new program was introduced, one which would provide the participants with a certificate in Youth Work, Religious Education, or Music once the course was completed. It was new, but I knew God was telling me that was where He wanted me. So I secured the funding and started the program in the fall. I saw it as a way to get a validation to working with youth or children in the church. I even began to open my eyes to do something other than teach, which I had wanted to do since I was six.
Through the program I was placed to work with a brand new fledgling Corps in Conway, Arkansas. I was working with Sunbeams before the Corps even had Corps status. From the little Sunbeam troop my involvement grew, mostly through the friendship with the Corps Officers, who befriended me. Through my work in the Corps, my then fiancé, Steven was brought into the Corps. {In fact his entrance into the building was one of the most visible and literal answers to prayer I have ever seen, but that is a story for another time.}
I loved the work and again I was in the background working to help the ministry happen, much as I had done growing up. And again, I watched the Officers with admiration and with the thought “I’m glad I don’t have to do that.”
I was asked to be a part of a special planning meeting and Corps Council led by a Divisional Staff Officer Captian (now at least Major) Sandra Definbaugh. She shared her story with us and began leading us in planning for the ministry of the Corps. It was during her prayer for the ministry of the Corps and those of us sitting in that meeting that God plainly spoke into my heart saying “You WILL be doing this, as an Officer.” I wasn’t too sure of myself, so I didn’t say much. I wasn’t even a soldier yet. Steven hadn’t even entered the building yet at that point. However, I just sat and watched as God worked, bringing Steven into not only the building, but also into the work of the ministry. He even led Steven to ask the questions about Soldiership that brought us to classes and enrolling as soldiers on the day after our wedding. We have literally been soldiers about 20 hours less than we have been married.
That call was 15 years ago. Many would say it has been wasted time. Through that time I have let my enthusiasm wane at times, questioned God and His reasoning, and even stubbornly said maybe I need to look elsewhere. But God has been faithful and kept that nudge that call alive through all that. He also has renewed that love and enthusiasm in both Steven and me. As I looked back through the years I have seen His faithfulness and His teaching that I can and will apply in my future ministry.
I am ready to continue the journey, ready to step through that door.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Friend Requests.
I was reminded this morning that God has our future in HIS hands. Mere men may think that they hold the key to our future but in reality they only hold what God allows. God is in ultimate control over everything and HE will act according to HIS will. I must simply watch, wait and trust HIM.
And what is more HE is my Friend. HE cares what happens to me, HE is involved in my life, HE is close to me, HE wants me to talk to HIM, HE wants to be a part of my life. I have been using Facebook as a comparison here. I have friends on my list that I don't really KNOW, I know their name and they mine, I have been acquainted with them in the past or even now, but I could probably clear them off of my friends list and no one would even know or care, we dont' make a difference in each other's lives. But I also have friends that I communicate with very often. Ones that I would miss if I didn't, that I do miss when I haven't talked with them much, ones whose friendship I count on and hold very special close to my heart. THAT is the kind of friendship God has and wants with me. HE misses me when I don't talk to Him. HE counts me a friend. I need to count HIM as one of my friends in this manner. I need to make time to talk WITH HIM and not AT HIM. He not only holds my future but He also wants to be my friend.
Do you have a friend request from God that you haven't accepted? What I have ins't special, He wants it with you too.
And what is more HE is my Friend. HE cares what happens to me, HE is involved in my life, HE is close to me, HE wants me to talk to HIM, HE wants to be a part of my life. I have been using Facebook as a comparison here. I have friends on my list that I don't really KNOW, I know their name and they mine, I have been acquainted with them in the past or even now, but I could probably clear them off of my friends list and no one would even know or care, we dont' make a difference in each other's lives. But I also have friends that I communicate with very often. Ones that I would miss if I didn't, that I do miss when I haven't talked with them much, ones whose friendship I count on and hold very special close to my heart. THAT is the kind of friendship God has and wants with me. HE misses me when I don't talk to Him. HE counts me a friend. I need to count HIM as one of my friends in this manner. I need to make time to talk WITH HIM and not AT HIM. He not only holds my future but He also wants to be my friend.
Do you have a friend request from God that you haven't accepted? What I have ins't special, He wants it with you too.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Readers
When I talked about organizing the books in our house, I speak of no small task. There are six people in this household, five of which are capable of reading, of which each of those five are voracious readers. It is what happens when two readers are raising a family, the kids all love books and reading. But that means that there are also tons, literally TONS of books in this house. There are two book cases in my room, FILLED with books, and when I say filled I mean one is double stacked. The two kids rooms both have book shelves filled to overflowing. And the at least six of the shelves on the entertainment center are filled with books. That does not count the books on night stands, in the library box, stacked around my desk, or on the bar, or the TV cabinet under the bar. Yes there are a lot of books in this house.
However, this isn't about the books, this is about the readers. It is truly amazing to me to watch my children read. Help them pick out books, and watch their interest soar. Today while at the library, I helped both the older boys pick out books they wanted to read. Bug (6) is really into space and jokes right now so finding the joke book devoted entirely to jokes on space was a huge delight to him. Buddy (8) is really getting into rhyme and rhythm so the Dr. Suess books like Green Eggs and Ham, though quite a bit below his reading level are really fun for him right now. Bug is even picking up on the cadence and liking to read them aloud too. Pumpkin (11), whose current obsession is horses, choices all included horse related books, both informational and fiction. They all also signed up for the Summer Reading Program and have already a good start on their reading lists since we have returned home. It just makes my heart happy.
However, this isn't about the books, this is about the readers. It is truly amazing to me to watch my children read. Help them pick out books, and watch their interest soar. Today while at the library, I helped both the older boys pick out books they wanted to read. Bug (6) is really into space and jokes right now so finding the joke book devoted entirely to jokes on space was a huge delight to him. Buddy (8) is really getting into rhyme and rhythm so the Dr. Suess books like Green Eggs and Ham, though quite a bit below his reading level are really fun for him right now. Bug is even picking up on the cadence and liking to read them aloud too. Pumpkin (11), whose current obsession is horses, choices all included horse related books, both informational and fiction. They all also signed up for the Summer Reading Program and have already a good start on their reading lists since we have returned home. It just makes my heart happy.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Blogging habits
Today I am reexamining why I write in my blog. Early on in my blogging career it was simply a snapshot into my days. I wrote and I processed the things going on around me and in my life. At the time I had a 3 year old, and one less than a year old. I also had a husband that worked during the second shift while I worked days. I had a lot of evening time to myself and I wrote. It was interesting. I wrote out the story of meeting my husband, though when I went back and read it last year I realized some of the extraneous details of that story were somewhat shaded by my experiences at the time. I wrote about challenges I faced in my classroom and with my children. I blogged the pregnancy of my third child and was bursting with the news of my younger sister's pregnancy. I wrote about the passing of my beloved grandmother and her impact on me. I wrote about many things, those are some of the things I member most about those early years. I made quite a few friends blogging and blogging brought me into contact with an amazing group of women I would not have ever met if I had not started blogging. (I challenge you to use the word blogging three times in one sentence)
Over the years however, my blogging has changed and I am not sure I like that change. I started reading and following other blogs and thinking they were 'better' than mine I decided to imitate them and be more 'profound'. Well what I found is that I don't blog nearly as much as I used to and my writing has suffered because of that fact. For one who aspires to write more, that is not a good thing. So I am resolving to go back to my roots so to speak and blog from my heart once again.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Now
This is the month of NOW - at least according to NaBloPoMo. And I don't mean the radical feminist organization.
Now can mean a lot of things. It can mean not putting off hard or unwanted tasks until tomorrow or some other convenient time ~which never seems to come. It can mean just concentrating on the here and now and the next job in front of you rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the tasks or the day. I can also mean concentrating on now, and not worrying about what may or may not come tomorrow, or what has happened in the past. It can also mean that NOW is the time for what you have been Anticipating.
For me and my part of this theme I will be concentrating on the first three of those possibilities and letting God work on the fourth one, with a little hope.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday Thoughts
Today is our Monday, and I don't mean that because yesterday was a holiday. You see when he works a 'normal' five day week, Dad has Sunday and Monday off, so often real Monday's get treated like Saturday's around here and thus Tuesday's become our Monday's, so this week we are just like the rest of the world.
But today also begins a change in me. I am going to work this summer on several goals. Those were actually written a few weeks ago and I have yet to start on them. But today, the unofficial start to summer, I am going to be working on them, and reworking them. It is a start, a jumping off point, but to tell you the truth, several of them weren't very well thought out at the time, and several of them have changed because of circumstances and situations, that have arisen between then and now. So today I start.
Also how approraite that the theme of the month for NaBloPoMo is NOW, for it is NOW I am starting now. so among my goals will be finishing NaBloPoMo this month. (and if I can't think of anything to say they now have writing prompts on the main site every weekday.)
I will start with a notebook, several lists and a lot of prayer. I also have quite a bit to do today so I will share more later. So off of here and to my notebook.
But today also begins a change in me. I am going to work this summer on several goals. Those were actually written a few weeks ago and I have yet to start on them. But today, the unofficial start to summer, I am going to be working on them, and reworking them. It is a start, a jumping off point, but to tell you the truth, several of them weren't very well thought out at the time, and several of them have changed because of circumstances and situations, that have arisen between then and now. So today I start.
Also how approraite that the theme of the month for NaBloPoMo is NOW, for it is NOW I am starting now. so among my goals will be finishing NaBloPoMo this month. (and if I can't think of anything to say they now have writing prompts on the main site every weekday.)
I will start with a notebook, several lists and a lot of prayer. I also have quite a bit to do today so I will share more later. So off of here and to my notebook.
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