What a way to wake up!

My phone rang.

And it wasn't even 7:00 a.m. yet!

It was my ex-husband calling to ask if I could come over...now.

So I did.

I figured it must be important.

I barely exited my car before he jogged over and handed me an envelope with $1,000 in it...and then promised to give me another $1,000 next month.

And this isn't even child support!

Admittedly, he didn't understand the paperwork, and we discovered that I'll be getting a LOT less than he initially told me. But that's ok - - - the good news is that I'll be getting child support at all! ;o) I am so thankful for every bit of help he offers!

And then he hugged me and said he was going to help, both with my finances and with raising my boys, as much as he could from now on.

Wow.

Thank you, God! I will definitely be giving some of this to You this morning at church. Thank you for your provision and your peace! Anxiety is no longer a part of me, and that's a miracle. Thank you for blessing me and the boys like this! You are amazing! And I pray that you move mightily in the service at church. Lord, I pray that You allow every single person to leave a bit more transformed into looking even more like You. Please continue healing hearts and bringing peace and comfort to those in need. In Jesus' name, amen.

Women's Ministry Update

I'm actually getting downright excited about starting this! I've already been praying and reading scripture. I just finished doing a bit of research on how to start an effective women's ministry, and I'm thrilled that I'm having a hard time finding anything better than what God has already given me.

That brings me comfort!

My boys were treated to Chinese food today; Grandma stopped by when I was waiting for worship team members to show up for rehearsal at church. Alas, after fifteen minutes, no one showed AND I missed out on a peaceful meal with my Mom.

Oh well.

Let's pray, shall we?

God, I pray for the worship team. This is the third time in a month that no one showed up for rehearsal; how would You like me to handle this? Please give me wisdom...I don't know what to do. I do know, though, that I'm irritated at their lack of commitment. I'd rather just plan on playing all of the music by myself. God, I'm open to whatever you want me to do.

Lord, THANK YOU for talking to me today! Remember that intense fire that was ignited when I was offered the job to be a music director? That's how I feel about this women's ministry. I'm not going to lie though, Lord. At first, I was scared to death. It took about a week before I can honestly say the fear dissipated.

But now, Jesus, I can feel you clearly guiding me down a path that is in your will. According to some experts on line, the ideas I believe you gave me are sound. Now I pray, Jesus, that you will allow me to start this without hurting any feelings. In fact, Lord, I pray that you allow the other women in my church to feel just as excited about worshiping You, reading scripture together, and praying for one another.

God, thank you for this huge amount of joy! In Jesus' name, amen.

feeling like a "girl"

It hasn't happened in a long time, but I got butterflies last night.

Yep...when a guy friend leaned close and whispered in my ear, I discovered that I'm not dead.

Good to know, eh?

I know it sounds silly, but I have to take a minute to thank God for blessing me with a friend like Kurt. No, we are not engaged. No, we are not officially "dating" or in an exclusive relationship. No, we do not talk on the phone every single day or for long amounts of time.

But he cares for me and is never, ever embarrassed to show it, even in front of other people. [I love that part!] You might remember me mentioning several times that I'm fond of hugs. Well, he's probably the best hugger I know.

Something happened last night that interrupted our plans after church, and he was worried that I might be offended. (I wasn't; stuff happens. No big deal.) But he called as soon as he got home so that he could explain that our friend, Mike, needed him and that he appreciates me as his friend.

He owes me no explanations...we are not a couple, but his reason (and willingness to share it with me) blessed my heart. I suppose something positive has resulted from my past relationship: now I appreciate the smallest acts of kindness and consideration. I take nothing for granted, and I love how he honors me, both in public and in private. No pressure...just lots of fun! I'll keep you posted...

Here's the first picture of me.

Well, this is a school picture. Teachers are always expected to get their pictures taken for the yearbook, so here is one of them.

It's ok, I suppose...but I still hate getting my picture taken, even though it must be done every September! ;o)

I'm off to get a bit of work done before I head to a worship service. Have a great weekend!

instant attitude adjustment

My day today was not easy.

I had planned to get on here and gripe, but I won't. I read someone's blog entry, and that changed my attitude instantly. (Thanks, Joyce!)

Instead, I will simply say that God is at work, both in my heart and in my head. I know what needs to be done, and I really have no choice but to get busy.

Happy note #1: I took my son to a local baseball game tonight; I think he had fun. I saw a couple of folks I hadn't seen in a long time. I love and need occasional hugs, and I got some tonight.

Happy note #2: I purposefully blessed someone at work today, and she was thrilled. I like doing stuff in secret, so I won't tell you what I did or who I did it for. Let's just say I made her smile! YAY!!!! But the truth is all of it was God's idea in the first place, so of course it went over well.

Lord, thank you for Joyce who unknowingly adjusted my attitude this evening! Keep blessing her socks off, God! I pray that you continue to use her to bless others, even through her blog.

Thanks again, Lord, for allowing me to have more fun with my kids. Although they still argue with each other, it's not nearly as life-threatening as it was last year!

Jesus, help me to reach a couple of hurting kids in my classroom. They're trying to be tough, but they just want attention and affection. Help me to show them that they are loved, right where they are. Let them see themselves as You see them! In Jesus' name, amen!

Is your "praise and worship" godly?

This question sparked an intense discussion, and I enjoyed listening to some opposing thoughts.

Apparently, some people believe that you're not really in "worship" unless you're playing/singing a slow song. If the music is fast-faced, then we're obviously allowing too much of the "world" into our religious time. And you definitely need correction if you allow yourself to listen to Christian rock because, as we all know, there is no such thing.

Huh?

According to that, then I should only play slow, soft melodies that tickle the ears during church on Sunday morning. Although I believe that this kind of music has its place, I also feel that quicker, more upbeat songs are totally appropriate at times too.

And when I find a set of drums and someone to play them, I want that to become a part of the Worship Team at church.

Am I a "sinful" Mom because I allow (and yes, encourage) my kids to listen to Family Force Five, which happens to be a heavy metal Christian rock band? I bought the CD simply because of "Love Addict," but "Earthquake" and "Drama Queen" are wonderful too. These guys definitely have a sense of humor, and they are gifted at merging that humor with a message about the Lord. Not all of their songs contain a sermon, but most do. As a mother, I am thrilled that I don't have to worry about profanity or sexual overtones in their music. Instead, my kids are singing:

"I'm blessed, I must confess
My heart is pounding in my chest
Cause this love's the best..."

They could be singing some crazy mess that I hear kids listening to nowadays, and I'm glad they prefer godly music.

I prefer godly music...even if it's not always for a traditional church service.

I think it's awfully presumptuous to assume that, simply because I enjoy Christian rock, that my "worship" isn't as holy as others. Isn't worship a private matter between an individual and God? I know for a fact (because I do it all the time) that worship doesn't have to occur only in a church. Sometimes my private worship experiences are much more intense at my own piano than at church and vice versa.

What do you think?

very pleasant surprise

I met my summer school 9th/10th grade English class, and it is lovely!

I had absolutely no discipline problems. In fact, we actually had quite a bit of laughter today! What a blessing!

I had taken a huge bag of pretzels because there's inevitably some child whose Mom forgot to send lunch money. Sure enough, there were a few, but some of the other kids asked for some munchies as well. I think they seemed quite relaxed munching on pretzels and reading. :o)

I have one young man who can't keep his eyes open because things are so crazy at home. He shared a little with me when I took him in the hallway, but I can't name him without violating his privacy. So please just pray for all of my students, ok?

I've made a couple of phone calls regarding the women's ministry I'm supposed to work on, and it's going slowly at the moment. I suppose I need prayer for that as well.

I'm exhausted, but I'd still like to go to church this evening. I want to hear a message, and I feel like praying with people. I will write more in the morning. Have a good evening!