Spring is in the air--except for this rainy cold snap that came in, but it has given us the opportunity to use our fireplace again!
Spring break starts today!!! We are in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of our schedules and just enjoy one another for a whole week.
Today we are going to visit a friend in Kenedy who had back surgery yesterday. We are going to take her and her husband chicken soup/bread and brownies.
On Tuesday we are heading to Port A for a couple of days of beach fun. Evie (Lisa's best friend) is going to go with us. This is her first time to go on a vacation without her family and our first time to take somebody who is not related with us. The last time we brought somebody with us it was my mom and she fell and broke her hip. Needless to say, I have been having all kinds of "worse case scenarios" in my mind and have had to pray hard to keep the enemy from attacking and stealing my joy. This decision to take Evie has been prayed over by us and her family. The girls are SO EXCITED.
I had a job offer just kind of pop up. I had my first interview with the CEO of a company called Health By Design. I am going back for my second interview with 2 of the physicians sometime soon. I don't know exactly what I will be doing, but this is the most unique place I have had the opportunity to work. They are a faith-based organization, God first, family second, job third. We ended the interview in prayer seeking Gods will. I looked at my schedule for the ER in April and I am only scheduled for 2 shifts. Hmm. The ER has offered me a FT position when the next facility opens in late summer/early fall. In the meantime......we will see how God's hand is working :-)
Mike is working hard in school and his job. He will finish in less than 2 months, but the road from here to there is kind of a steep. Algebra is almost over, then he has US History and American Literature and a capstone class. I am so proud of him and am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for him and for us in the future. Nurse Practitioner? God knows! Either way, he will have his BSN. I cannot remember what our life was like before he started school--and that was not even a year ago. He will have earned his BSN in less than a year. At this point if he gets into NP school, that is fine, but if he doesn't that if fine also.
Lisa started track. We had our first track meet this past Thursday. It was a looonnnggg day. We got to the SACS field at 1130 and didn't leave on 7pm. Lisa ran the 2400m and the 1600m. The 2400 is 6 laps around the track. It was kind of a re-play of what happened her first cross country meet. She ran fast and didn't pace herself and ran out of juice. She cried and was embarrassed and said she didn't want to run track and hated running and blah, blah, blah. I felt so bad for her, my heart was just breaking. But we are not in this to just win. I listened to her and let her feel it. Then we had to get over it and march on. A windy cold front blew in before her 2nd event (the 1600m which is 4 laps around the track). Poor little thing, having to run in a thin little track outfit. She paced herself and ran all 4 laps and came in 4th out of 6. We are so proud of her. I am reminded that she has her races to run in life and as parents we are standing by encouraging, coaching, teaching, but feeling it too. I want so much to make it smooth and always go her way, but it will not always and that is not the best for her anyway.
Katie's basketball team came in 2nd place for their division this year. The championship game was hard. They lost by only 2 points. Katie is starting to understand basketball. Her position was point guard and she knew what she was supposed to do. It was so fun to watch--especially because I really had no clue what the "plays" were, but to see the players yell out something and everybody run to their spot--is just so cute.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Another Decade Gone/ My Dash
Birthdays have never been a big deal to me. Turning 40 is really no big deal either. I don't know if my life is half over or not. I want to live as though today is my last day. And I am ready in case it is. I am also ready in case it isn't.
The 20's decade was one of major life changes--career established, marriage and children. The 30's decade has been one marked by my walk with Christ becoming REAL. There were some tough years in there--I would never want to repeat these lessons. They are learned--by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
But as a decade closes, it does cause me to pause and reflect.
As I reflect on the last decade I am filled with humble gratitude.
-God took a marriage on the brink of disaster and created something beautiful. He continues to mold us and shape us and form us into His likeness. And it is not an easy job :) I pray for God to protect our marriage from the pull of the world, for our marriage to honor the One who pieced it back together and for us to grow old together, laugh with each other, cry with each other, raise our daughters and teach them to love and honor God above all else. I also pray for their future spouses to have a love for God and are running hard after Him.
-God took my mom to her heavenly home. I am thankful that my mom is out of the misery that gripped her for her entire life. She now is with Jesus and I cannot wait to see her again in His perfection. I pray for comfort as grief still tugs at my heart every now and then.
-He has given me some beautiful, godly friendships. These ladies have encouraged, counseled, laughed, cried and come along and walk this walk with me. I pray to learn to be a good friend. To listen. To encourage and build up and to not tear down.
-God has allowed me to work in the emergency room again. I pray that I am His hands and feet as I care for those who come through our doors.
-He has given me an opportunity to serve at church in a role that is still being defined. It is fun to see it roll out before us. However, it is pulling me out of my comfort zone. I pray that whatever the plan is, it is His plan and not "the church's". I pray that He equips me to do whatever it is He has in store and that I do it with a willing heart.
In ABC a couple of weeks ago, Pastor Zach taught on Unresolved: Time. Specifically "your dash"-the dash on your tombstone.
What am I doing with my dash?
My dash is not my dash. My dash belongs to the Lord. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
My dash is short. 1 Corinthians 7:29...the time is short...
My dash is like a dash, a race. It will take some effort and energy. It may even be exhausting!
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fough the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all those who have longed for His appearing.
My dash intersects with eternity. Ecc 3:11...He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;...
My dash is not about a "bucket list", about jobs, money, more things, accomplishments. It is about the people I love. It is about the things that last for eternity--people, not things. This is where I make a differance. Am I being present with others, am I being tender, being patient? Am I being hypocritical in how I am spending my dash? Am I being selfish or being a servant?
Jesus used His dash as a servant.
I want to use my dash to be a servant.
The 20's decade was one of major life changes--career established, marriage and children. The 30's decade has been one marked by my walk with Christ becoming REAL. There were some tough years in there--I would never want to repeat these lessons. They are learned--by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
But as a decade closes, it does cause me to pause and reflect.
As I reflect on the last decade I am filled with humble gratitude.
-God took a marriage on the brink of disaster and created something beautiful. He continues to mold us and shape us and form us into His likeness. And it is not an easy job :) I pray for God to protect our marriage from the pull of the world, for our marriage to honor the One who pieced it back together and for us to grow old together, laugh with each other, cry with each other, raise our daughters and teach them to love and honor God above all else. I also pray for their future spouses to have a love for God and are running hard after Him.
-God took my mom to her heavenly home. I am thankful that my mom is out of the misery that gripped her for her entire life. She now is with Jesus and I cannot wait to see her again in His perfection. I pray for comfort as grief still tugs at my heart every now and then.
-He has given me some beautiful, godly friendships. These ladies have encouraged, counseled, laughed, cried and come along and walk this walk with me. I pray to learn to be a good friend. To listen. To encourage and build up and to not tear down.
-God has allowed me to work in the emergency room again. I pray that I am His hands and feet as I care for those who come through our doors.
-He has given me an opportunity to serve at church in a role that is still being defined. It is fun to see it roll out before us. However, it is pulling me out of my comfort zone. I pray that whatever the plan is, it is His plan and not "the church's". I pray that He equips me to do whatever it is He has in store and that I do it with a willing heart.
In ABC a couple of weeks ago, Pastor Zach taught on Unresolved: Time. Specifically "your dash"-the dash on your tombstone.
What am I doing with my dash?
My dash is not my dash. My dash belongs to the Lord. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
My dash is short. 1 Corinthians 7:29...the time is short...
My dash is like a dash, a race. It will take some effort and energy. It may even be exhausting!
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fough the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all those who have longed for His appearing.
My dash intersects with eternity. Ecc 3:11...He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;...
My dash is not about a "bucket list", about jobs, money, more things, accomplishments. It is about the people I love. It is about the things that last for eternity--people, not things. This is where I make a differance. Am I being present with others, am I being tender, being patient? Am I being hypocritical in how I am spending my dash? Am I being selfish or being a servant?
Jesus used His dash as a servant.
I want to use my dash to be a servant.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Amazed at God's Word
I have been learning SO MUCH and it is SO EXCITING. I don't want to forget this stuff.
I have been learning so much about Paul in BSF and in another Bible Study I am doing. Plus Adult Bible Class at church has hit on a few points also.
So Paul was this fellow, a very smart guy from Tarsus, who was raised Jewish, studied under a prominent pharisee, teacher of the Law named Gamaliel. But he did not believe in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. He persecuted the followers of "The Way", had them arrested and would even go and get them from Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.
So he has his "Road to Damascus" life changing event and he becomes this powerful witness for Jesus Christ.
One of the things that has struck me a few times is this: With Paul's conversion, the disciples did not trust it at first (Acts 9: 26). Acts 9:15 says "This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
A couple of thoughts here. He was Jewish and God says he is going to carry His name before the Gentiles. Gentiles and Jewish people didn't really associate much together. They couldn't hardly even eat together. Hmmm.
Another thought is how was he going to get an audience for the kings? Make an appointment perhaps? :-)
And then the "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Wow. I believe that is a scary statement coming from Jesus--one who suffered for Paul, for me.
There is the whole Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, which to me is huge. Gentiles no longer had to convert to Judaism in order to be included among God's people. (Acts 15:9) Jeremiah 12:16 even prophecies about it. So the apostles come up with only 4 rules instead of the 600+ the Jews had to follow called the Apostolic Decree.
1. abstain from food polluted by idols
2. abstain from sexual immorality
3. from eating the meat of strangled animals
4. and from blood.
This meant that Jews and Gentiles could eat together...they could fellowship around a meal!! I think that is amazing. It was pivotal.
I was studying Acts 19 and came across verse 11. "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, "
As I reflect on that I also reflect on the verse that says he must suffer for Jesus' name. So many times in Paul's testimony he is in prison--that is how he got his audience in front of kings. But yet he pens verses like Acts 14: 22 " We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." after he was stoned and
Philippians 4: 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" while he is in prison in Rome when Nero was in charge and he was awaiting trial.
Paul suffered for the name of Jesus Christ. He suffered in a manner that glorified Jesus Christ.
I reflect on the materialism all around, about the bubble I can put myself in, about living a life that is whole-hearted Christ-Centered. My hope is to live my life completely for Christ. To be bold in my faith, to be content in my circumstances. To honor God in all He has called me to do and trust that He will equip me...no matter what.
Philippians 4:11b-13: for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. For I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I have been learning so much about Paul in BSF and in another Bible Study I am doing. Plus Adult Bible Class at church has hit on a few points also.
So Paul was this fellow, a very smart guy from Tarsus, who was raised Jewish, studied under a prominent pharisee, teacher of the Law named Gamaliel. But he did not believe in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. He persecuted the followers of "The Way", had them arrested and would even go and get them from Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished.
So he has his "Road to Damascus" life changing event and he becomes this powerful witness for Jesus Christ.
One of the things that has struck me a few times is this: With Paul's conversion, the disciples did not trust it at first (Acts 9: 26). Acts 9:15 says "This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
A couple of thoughts here. He was Jewish and God says he is going to carry His name before the Gentiles. Gentiles and Jewish people didn't really associate much together. They couldn't hardly even eat together. Hmmm.
Another thought is how was he going to get an audience for the kings? Make an appointment perhaps? :-)
And then the "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Wow. I believe that is a scary statement coming from Jesus--one who suffered for Paul, for me.
There is the whole Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, which to me is huge. Gentiles no longer had to convert to Judaism in order to be included among God's people. (Acts 15:9) Jeremiah 12:16 even prophecies about it. So the apostles come up with only 4 rules instead of the 600+ the Jews had to follow called the Apostolic Decree.
1. abstain from food polluted by idols
2. abstain from sexual immorality
3. from eating the meat of strangled animals
4. and from blood.
This meant that Jews and Gentiles could eat together...they could fellowship around a meal!! I think that is amazing. It was pivotal.
I was studying Acts 19 and came across verse 11. "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, "
As I reflect on that I also reflect on the verse that says he must suffer for Jesus' name. So many times in Paul's testimony he is in prison--that is how he got his audience in front of kings. But yet he pens verses like Acts 14: 22 " We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." after he was stoned and
Philippians 4: 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice" while he is in prison in Rome when Nero was in charge and he was awaiting trial.
Paul suffered for the name of Jesus Christ. He suffered in a manner that glorified Jesus Christ.
I reflect on the materialism all around, about the bubble I can put myself in, about living a life that is whole-hearted Christ-Centered. My hope is to live my life completely for Christ. To be bold in my faith, to be content in my circumstances. To honor God in all He has called me to do and trust that He will equip me...no matter what.
Philippians 4:11b-13: for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. For I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
What I Know.
Yesterday I was talking to one of my friends and we started discussing how fast time goes. As I look back on this blog I notice I can only manage a post about once a month--and I tell you, that comes around really fast.
So here we are at the end of 2011. The year flllleeeewww by. I am anticipating this next year will also.
I would have never guessed that I would be back in emergency nursing, especially since I was just about to start a case management job back in January after doing hospice prior. I had never been a "job hopper", so changing jobs like this in 1 year was a tad stressful.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that Mike would be fully on the road to getting his BSN and applying for nurse practioner school.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that Lisa would really turn out to be a cross-country runner or Katie really love the game of basketball this year.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that we would have two INDOOR kitties and another dog.
Who Knew?
God Knew.
What will 2012 bring? God Knows.
I don't know what the next moment may bring, but I do know that:
-There will be troubles. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
-Jesus will be with us. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20.
-He will never leave me or forsake me. Hebrews 13:5
-In Him we have peace. John 16:33
-He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
-He is always with me, He holds me by my right hand, He guides me with His counsel and afterward He will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24. This verse has brought me so much comfort. I think back to my moms death and as she opened her eyes and smiled at the One who was taking her into glory. Wow. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
I praise God for the mighty wonders He has done in our life. I praise Him for the people and friendships He has given us, even when they come for just a season. I know that we will have all of eternity to "catch up". I praise Him for our church family and the opportunities to serve and to grow and be encouraged and to encourage. I praise Him for the gift of eternal life. I do not know when my last breath on earth will be, but I do know where I will be spending all of eternity and because of that I can continue on in my calling here on earth and give God ALL of the glory.
Blessed be the Lord.
So here we are at the end of 2011. The year flllleeeewww by. I am anticipating this next year will also.
I would have never guessed that I would be back in emergency nursing, especially since I was just about to start a case management job back in January after doing hospice prior. I had never been a "job hopper", so changing jobs like this in 1 year was a tad stressful.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that Mike would be fully on the road to getting his BSN and applying for nurse practioner school.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that Lisa would really turn out to be a cross-country runner or Katie really love the game of basketball this year.
Who Knew?
I would have never guessed that we would have two INDOOR kitties and another dog.
Who Knew?
God Knew.
What will 2012 bring? God Knows.
I don't know what the next moment may bring, but I do know that:
-There will be troubles. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
-Jesus will be with us. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20.
-He will never leave me or forsake me. Hebrews 13:5
-In Him we have peace. John 16:33
-He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
-He is always with me, He holds me by my right hand, He guides me with His counsel and afterward He will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24. This verse has brought me so much comfort. I think back to my moms death and as she opened her eyes and smiled at the One who was taking her into glory. Wow. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
I praise God for the mighty wonders He has done in our life. I praise Him for the people and friendships He has given us, even when they come for just a season. I know that we will have all of eternity to "catch up". I praise Him for our church family and the opportunities to serve and to grow and be encouraged and to encourage. I praise Him for the gift of eternal life. I do not know when my last breath on earth will be, but I do know where I will be spending all of eternity and because of that I can continue on in my calling here on earth and give God ALL of the glory.
Blessed be the Lord.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
More Pictures
Halloween 2011. Katie is a cat, Evie is an M&M and Lisa is the vet for the cat. Lawton was a mouse with a broken tail that Lisa the vet was doctoring (he didn't want his picture taken).
Beth.
They are moving to St Louis this summer.
Her husband Bill is going to seminary.
We are so thankful that God has blessed us with their
friendship. We are going to miss them
terribly, but know that God has big plans
for them.
 |
| Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree. The cats loved to play under it and take the ornaments from the lower branches, but they didn't climb it or knock it over. Lilly Pie liked to grab dirty socks and carry them and place them under the tree. |
 |
| Lisa and her art piece that was chosen to be displayed on a digital board throughout San Antonio for a couple of weeks in December. |
 |
| Katie and Lisa December 24, 2011 |
Driving and Weaponry Safety
 |
| We went out to the ranch to visit dad. This is the ranch were I first got to drive on the dirt road. We gave Lisa this opportunity to drive her first time on this same road. It was so fun! |
 |
Katie and Mike. Mike taught the girls gun safety and they got to shoot at some milk carton targets. |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
November Post
This is my second attempt at this post. I cannot believe that everything I typed before disappeared. Poof. Gone. Instantly. Have no clue where it is. Maybe it was raptured!! :-) kidding
OK. Moving on.
I seem to be only posting once a month and I am remembering why--I seem to be computer illiterate.
Life continues to move at lightning speed, as evidence by my lack of writing. So much has been going on around here, but one main thing happening is that I am working in the ER again. Four years ago I thought that emergency nursing was over for me forever. Due to pride and a poor decisions at that time, I just knew that God was never going to open the door for that again. But He is so good and His timing is perfect. I was humbled and would rather walk in humility than to be humbled by Him.
Mike found this job for me. I put my resume in thinking I would never hear from them and that was alright with me. Six weeks later I got a phone call and we scheduled a job interview. The interview went great and my issue with not working in the ER for 4 years was their issue also. But they offered me a prn position anyway. They had 800 applications for these jobs (RN, ER tech, Radiology tech and front office person). Yay!! God was really working behind the scenes. Apparently they went by referral mostly from people whom I have worked with and they spoke highly of me--thanks be to God. I am working for a company called Emerus who is partnering with Baptist. The name of the place is Baptist Emergency Hospital and this is the first of 6 here in San Antonio. We are very excited.
Mike and I went to dinner the other night and had a great talk about everything. I told him I would rather die then ever go through what we went through again. He said the same thing and that made me so happy.
Last week I had to get my PALS certification and ACLS certification. It was a busy, stressful Thanksgiving. Thankfully Mike had the week off to be with the girls and smoke a turkey.
I am serving at church on a new committee called Concordia 360. There are 12 of us and we are led by Pastor Krueger. We are coming up with a purpose statement and it is so cool to read what each of us have put down. I am studying James right now and have been convicted by what God wants our religion to look like. To help the poor (Galations 2:10, Isaiah 58:6-10), to look after orphans and widows (James 1:27) and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). So that was my purpose statement.
As I review what everybody has written I have been struck that everyone has Christ at the center. To know Him and to make Him known. To be the hands and feet of Christ, to disciple and to reach out. I am very excited to see what we become and how God is going to use us in this ministry.
On another note, one of Lisa's art pieces has been chosen to be displayed on a Clear Channel digital board around San Antonio. 79 people submitted pieces and 40 were chosen to go on the board.
Katie does so good with children. She really has a knack for little kids and will one day make a great babysitter.
Mike continues to trek along getting his BSN. We are praying and moving forward with nurse practitioner school plans. Mike is contemplating finishing up his BSN by the end of May and being able to apply to the Texas A&M program in Corpus. We will see what doors God opens.
I hope to post some pictures in the near future--maybe for my December post:-)
OK. Moving on.
I seem to be only posting once a month and I am remembering why--I seem to be computer illiterate.
Life continues to move at lightning speed, as evidence by my lack of writing. So much has been going on around here, but one main thing happening is that I am working in the ER again. Four years ago I thought that emergency nursing was over for me forever. Due to pride and a poor decisions at that time, I just knew that God was never going to open the door for that again. But He is so good and His timing is perfect. I was humbled and would rather walk in humility than to be humbled by Him.
Mike found this job for me. I put my resume in thinking I would never hear from them and that was alright with me. Six weeks later I got a phone call and we scheduled a job interview. The interview went great and my issue with not working in the ER for 4 years was their issue also. But they offered me a prn position anyway. They had 800 applications for these jobs (RN, ER tech, Radiology tech and front office person). Yay!! God was really working behind the scenes. Apparently they went by referral mostly from people whom I have worked with and they spoke highly of me--thanks be to God. I am working for a company called Emerus who is partnering with Baptist. The name of the place is Baptist Emergency Hospital and this is the first of 6 here in San Antonio. We are very excited.
Mike and I went to dinner the other night and had a great talk about everything. I told him I would rather die then ever go through what we went through again. He said the same thing and that made me so happy.
Last week I had to get my PALS certification and ACLS certification. It was a busy, stressful Thanksgiving. Thankfully Mike had the week off to be with the girls and smoke a turkey.
I am serving at church on a new committee called Concordia 360. There are 12 of us and we are led by Pastor Krueger. We are coming up with a purpose statement and it is so cool to read what each of us have put down. I am studying James right now and have been convicted by what God wants our religion to look like. To help the poor (Galations 2:10, Isaiah 58:6-10), to look after orphans and widows (James 1:27) and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). So that was my purpose statement.
As I review what everybody has written I have been struck that everyone has Christ at the center. To know Him and to make Him known. To be the hands and feet of Christ, to disciple and to reach out. I am very excited to see what we become and how God is going to use us in this ministry.
On another note, one of Lisa's art pieces has been chosen to be displayed on a Clear Channel digital board around San Antonio. 79 people submitted pieces and 40 were chosen to go on the board.
Katie does so good with children. She really has a knack for little kids and will one day make a great babysitter.
Mike continues to trek along getting his BSN. We are praying and moving forward with nurse practitioner school plans. Mike is contemplating finishing up his BSN by the end of May and being able to apply to the Texas A&M program in Corpus. We will see what doors God opens.
I hope to post some pictures in the near future--maybe for my December post:-)
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