What we have been doing...

One of those days

To be fair, it has been one of those weeks for our family.  The time change has been hard for all of us and exacerbated by the trip to the ER on Saturday night / Sunday morning.  Oh how I wish it was spring break for us!

As we were trying to get out the door this morning, I looked at my middle child (DS) and noticed he was wearing white socks.  I also knew that he would be dancing this morning in the dance concert for the student body.  I then asked him if he needed black socks and where were his dance shoes.  He looked at me like I was crazy!  His reply was "Why?"  The child had forgotten totally!  So we had another delay while he found his dance shoes, pants and socks.  When he is out the door he looks back at me to realize that he had forgotten his bookbag and lunchbox too.

Love that child but I really hope he finds his brain again soon.

Praying

Dear Lord,

Your help is so desperately needed!  The precious people of Japan are in danger from the nuclear power plants.  Please guide the brave engineers and workers who will put their lives on the line to protect others.  Give them wisdom and comfort their families with your Holy Spirit. 

Give wisdom to the leaders of Japan and bring about a storm of relief for these people who have lost so much.  To You is the glory!  I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen

Lenten Focus

I have been reflecting on what I learned today and thinking about it in the context of Lent.  First, I know that I need to work harder on practicing the art of patience.  Patience with my children, my spouse, and myself as well as with others.  I am currently waiting patiently (sorta) for a business dealing to be done.  It is very difficult for me!

Next I think I will practice using a lens, if you will, that allows me to view others through the cross / grace of Jesus.  I think I do this pretty well until days like today when I am humbled and realize that I really do have a long ways to go with this. 

Care to join me on the Lenten journey?  I would love to hear what you focusing on for Lent.

Today, I am thankful for many things.  Primarily that my oldest is home and recovering from an asthma / panic attack last night.  She and I spent 5 hours at the ER where she had a breathing treatment which helped tremendously but the 5 hours 10:30 PM CT to 4:30 AM CDT were certainly not great for either of us.

She was insistent that she be allowed to go to church this morning to play bells and hear the guest preacher and so I woke her around 9 AM.  She was exhausted by the time it was over.  I brought her home and put her back to bed and she will be spending the rest of the day at home resting.  I also put myself to bed for some much needed rest.

While at church, I saw a woman who has made my soul grieve for lack of a better word.  I called her several years ago to ask for help with a job situation and was turned down flatly.  It hurt then and it hurts still.  I did not realize until today that I will really have to continue to mend this relationship. 
Then all of my problems are laid low when I see pictures of the devastation in Japan.  The troubles of those people put mine to shame and I am again humbled.  My blessings far outweigh my problems.  I am praying for those people who have lost so much.

What to do for John 16?

That was the question I faced this week.  When I arrived this afternoon, I still had no idea on how to present the material in a way that would make the chapter relevant and interesting for my 6th graders.

I spoke briefly with my pastor (and co-teacher) to find out the schedule.  Since this is Ash Wednesday, he would be busy in other parts of LOGOS with imparting ashes.  (Did I say that correctly?)  He offered to talk briefly about Ash Wednesday and its history with the class.

Then I found my way to the library and started looking for a book that would be helpful.  Initially I thought I might find a book on the Holy Spirit but nothing leaped out from the shelves.  However, I did spot a trusted reference!  Christian Doctrine by Shirley Guthrie.  I love this book!  His explanations for the Holy Spirit where such that I knew I could use them with my class and they would be able to grasp this challenging concept.  If this book is not in your personal library (I do own this one!), it should be!

I Will Love The Lord

Katie sang at both services Sunday.  This is from the second service.  She did great at both but was very nervous for the second service!  I couldn't tell from the congregation so I think she did an outstanding job of conquering her stage fright.

I will love the Lord

It is all Katie singing until the final chorus where she is joined by our music director, Patricia Ramirez Hacker.

Another LOGOS lesson

Tonight's lesson was John 15:18 - 27 and we took our talking point from verse 19.  What does it mean to be in the world and yet not of the world?  I had the class draw their interpretation of what that means.  They took a bit of time to come up with their drawings and then we talked about each person's interpretation.  It was interesting to see what they came up with for their drawing. 

I am so thankful for these past two weeks of class and being able to find a way to make the scripture meaningful for these children ( young adults, nearly).  They seem to enjoy these activities as well.  It is a blessing!

Prayers

I am full of prayers today.  Prayers of concern for my friends from church in Philadelphia for medical treatment.  Prayers of thanksgiving because our phone is ringing and that means work for us.  I cannot put how thankful I am into words but I know that my heart is open to the Lord and he understands.  There are more concerns here too but they have been lifted up to God and placed in his hands.  What relief to know that I am not in control but rather serving God.

And so I pray that today finds you relying on God's protection and care.  It is the best place to be.