Visioneering - a title I stole from Andy Stanley

Well, it's been awhile since I've picked up a book that has really challenged me.  When I say "awhile" - I mean a couple of months.  My daughter got me hooked on the Left Behind series again.  She was reading them for school and wanted me to read along with her so if she had questions we could discuss it.  By the way - I LOVE that!  My oldest is 13 and she loves to discuss things with me.  Not your typical teenager - I am a blessed woman!

Anyhoo - I've recently picked up the book Visioneering, by Andy Stanley and OMGoodness it is getting in my business.  I've been in this mode recently of who am I and why am I here.  This mentality has been with me for awhile and the longer I stay here, the more pitiful I feel.  People like to be needed, useful, and feel like they are making a difference in their world.  The last thing I want to do is simply go through the motions of existing.  Do I think that's what I'm doing? No, not if I take a good look at where I am and what's going on in my world.  

I help my husband run a successful business, I am raising 3 kids, recently I have become master chef in my house due to Caleb's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.  Our daily menu has changed dramatically and we don't just pick a box of mac & cheese off the shelf for dinner anymore.  It is time consuming, waring, and a pain in my butt, never-the-less it has a definite purpose in helping keep my kiddo(s) and my husband and I healthy.

Why it is difficult for me to see vision and purpose in these tasks?  I don't have any clue!  I think God gives each of us things to do while we are here to prepare us.  Prepare us for eternity and even greater things here on the planet.  I'd like to think I'm in a preparation stage for something more.  Sometimes I feel like I'm being ungrateful or selfish in wanting my life to be a bigger impact than doing the aforementioned things for my family.  Then again, I know deep inside there is something more for me.  I can't explain it - I just know it's there.  And, at the appointed time, it (whatever "it" is) will have an opportunity to shine.  

I learned in the book that I have to LOOK for opportunities.  I wonder if I've missed some along the way because I wasn't really looking for new opportunities.  Who knows, but I can't look back.  I move forward with my eyes open and my heart in prayer, believing that God will show me what He has for me and when this time of preparation is through, He'll have me ready to take on whatever it is He has called me to do.  

In the meantime, I move on with purpose, knowing that I am armor bearer to my husband and master chef, nutritionist, and mama to my kids.  .  .  and THAT is important!

Restoration in Progress

Well, if you think I'm talking about a spiritual restoration in progress, you'd be wrong - this time.  Two weeks ago we returned from Nebraska and brought along with us my Dad's old 1971 Corvette.  The story goes that he bought it in 1971- brand new shortly before my parents found out they were expecting me.  It was their sole car for awhile and I actually remember riding in the back of that thing.  (NO - there isn't a back seat!)  I would sit in the compartment behind the seats and just chill.  I'm guessing this is before car seats were mandatory and the world needed the government to tell people how to keep their kids safe.  And look - I survived, but I digress . . . . 

Anyway, when my brother was born I was 3 1/2 years old.  At that point in my life I decided I was now a big sister and deserved to have the keys to the car.  So, I asked my dad for the keys!  Talk about getting a head start!  My brother never stood a chance - the corvette was claimed early!  (Don't worry - he is getting dad's old drag racing car which is TOTALLY cool!)  

Dennis and I have been "piddling" with cleaning parts and repainting minor things (the engine, inside of the hood, etc).  We need to rebuild the carburetor, get a new mufflers, gas tank, and radiator.  Probably about $1000 investment - which isn't bad for an original, numbers matching 1971 Corvette to get her running.  She won't be pristine as she needs a new paint job, but it will be fun to ride in it again, but this time in the driver's seat rather than behind the driver's seat!  

Isn't a car restoration a lot like what we do daily in our walk with Christ?  Sometimes we just need to clean up a few things in our lives, other times we need to totally replace things (resentment, anger, ways of thinking).  The list goes on.  

I know, I started off not being spiritual, but I couldn't help it by the time I got to the end.  When God shows you something, sometimes you just have to write it down so you don't forget.  

God, continue to restore me day by day as I walk with you.  Help me clean up certain areas of my life that are not quite where you want them and help uproot the things that need to totally be redone and replaced.  

Thank you for loving me even though my spirit isn't as pristine as I'm sure You'd like!
 

A Fast to Start 2012

I had a feeling about a month ago that maybe I should start 2012 out with a fast to help me refocus and reconnect with God and what He has for me for this coming year.  That was confirmed through our Pastor the following week when he announced our annual 21 day fast had been moved from Easter time up to January 9th - 31st.  .  .  .  I love confirmation from God!  (Not that I need confirmation to fast, but I am excited because I feel like God really has something for me because of this confirmation.)

I don't really know what my future holds, but I do know Who holds my future.  

God, I am asking that You reveal more of Yourself to me, that I may see a glimpse of Your face and get to know You more.  I am also asking for You to reveal Your plan and purpose in my life.  Show me if what I am doing through my work is all that you have for me or if there is more.  Show me what I am supposed to be doing to help build Your house and minister in Your house.  I don't want to miss Your calling and Your plan.  Open my eyes and my heart to what You have for me.  In Jesus name, Amen! 

Thankfulness . . . .

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day 2011.  What would have been my parent's 44th wedding anniversary was yesterday.  Today I spent the day in the kitchen cooking my Dad's Cajun Dressing - the house still has that smell of onions, celery, and green pepper sauteing, and it will for probably another 24 hours!  

David came up today with Colton and Makenzie and we cooked, went to lunch, and played at the park.  I love my brother and his family!  It amazes me the way some families just don't get along very well because David and I always have.  We are very close and I pray it always remains that way.  I can't imagine going through life with strife between us - it just shouldn't be that way!

I am thankful this Thanksgiving Eve for my brother - his love, his friendship, his silliness, and his support.  I love his family and the joy they bring to my life.  I am thankful for parents who loved me and raised me with integrity, manners, and a good work ethic.  I am thankful for my 3 kids - who although argue often, still love each other and are healthy.  Yes, Caleb has diabetes, but I am thankful he is here, on the planet, in my home, with all of his mental and physical capabilities.  I have friends who can't say that.  I am thankful for my husband, Dennis.  Yes, he drives me insane sometimes, but I know he loves me unconditionally.  I look at my past and realize where we've been as a couple - what we've walked through and how amazing it is we are still together.  I couldn't have found a more committed man - committed to me and to Christ.  What more could a girl ask for?  

Thank you, Jesus for the gift of salvation.  Without You, all the above is meaningless and without purpose.  But because of You my entire family has the hope of eternity together and that is a blessing that words cannot even begin to convey. Help us all see You in our daily lives.  Show us where You are leading us, clearly define our purpose here on the planet, and help us unite with a common vision.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Who we are is not what we do . . . .

It's weird being in a place in my life where I am not involved in ministry.  Since I resigned from Children's Ministry I've been instructed not to jump into anything and just sit and be refreshed for awhile.  Many who serve/volunteer on a regular basis would think that an incredible opportunity, but honestly I am struggling with it.  I feel as if I am wandering around my church, lost, not exactly sure where I fit in anymore.  I've lost my title and in that it's almost as if I've lost my identity.  

Leading in Children's Ministry shouldn't have defined who I am, but I think it did and I guess I need to work myself out of that mindset, because now I am looking for where I fit and the next definition of who I am so I can find my identity again.  Now, I'm not always the sharpest crayon in the box, but I know enough to know that my title/position isn't who I am - it may be a part of what I do, but it's not who I am.  So, that made me ask myself who I really am.  All i came up with was titles - mom, wife, business owner, church member, friend, etc.  How do we get out of the place where who we are is not what we do?  I'm not sure I can even begin to answer that for myself.  

I know Whose I am, but who am I really and how do I define that without titles?  If you know the answer to this, I'm listening! 

Let it go . . . .

"Let it go. . . ." these are the words I feel God spoke to me about a week ago regarding Children's Ministry.  I've been in Children's Ministry at Covenant Family Church for about 12 years - just after Rebekah was born and she'll be 13 in 4 months. 

I began this journey in the infant room with Rebekah.  I felt if I had a child in Children's ministry, I ought to invest in my daughter by investing in the ministry.  I wasn't in a classroom long, as it wasn't really for me, but I quickly switched to the check-in counter.  I could sign the kids in, interact with the parents, love on the kiddos and send them on their way.  I loved these kids, but I was in a pretty bad place emotionally and being in a classroom was a bad thing for the kids and for me.  The check in counter was a perfect fit for where I was.  

I don't even know how long I did that and was promoted to Service Coordinator.  ie the person who was the ultimate voice for Children's Ministry should anything go down during service.  I made sure classrooms had supplies, teachers, and if there were any issues that needed settled regarding a child's behavior, a kid getting hurt, or a parent simply having challenges with the way we did things, I was one of the ones to handle the situation.  

After doing that awhile, I got another promotion to Early Childhood Director.  I think it seemed like a natural fit since I helped my best friend run a daycare.  If I could do that, i ought to be able to run this ministry.  I've lost count on the years I've done this as well.  It never really mattered, I just knew it was where I belonged.  

Well, the time has come for me to step down from this area of ministry.  It seems like it's hard to keep committed people in children's ministry and now I am becoming the one to jump off the boat.  I've hung in there during challening times when I didn't want to be there, but didn't feel released to leave by God or by my church.  I am certain now that God is moving me in a new direction, although I don't know what that is yet.  I am learning thought, that sometimes we have to take the step before God parts the sea.  I think this is one of those times.  

I'm not sure where I'm headed, but I think I'm ready for a change and a  new challenge.  I've emailed my leader to set up a meeting with her to formally resign.  It will be tough, but I know if I stay in the wrong place I am hindering the ministry more than I am helping.  

Letting Go . . .  

Miracle Herb?

About a month ago, a friend of mine and I were working out and we were discussing how Caleb was doing regarding handling and managing his diabetes.  Things had been as good as could be expected - no complications which we are eternally grateful for.  Then she mentioned having watched a guest on the 700 Club by the name of Suzy Cohen and a book she had written titled, Diabetes without Drugs. The title intrigued me, but I figured it had to do specifically with Type 2 Diabetes rather than Type 1 and I know with proper diet and exercise Type 2 Diabetes can be managed and even reversed.  Type 1 is for life. . . . or so I thought.


At first I didn't think much about the mention of the book, but after about 3 days I just couldn't get it off my mind.  So, I got on the internet and watched the 700 Club interview.  It was intriguing, but Suzy didn't mention either Type 1 or Type 2 - she just said "diabetes".  She discussed a wide variety of supplements and dietary changes.  Many of the supplements I'd heard of, but a few I hadn't.  One, however really intrigued me.  It is called Gymnema Sylvestre.  What Suzy mentioned about this herbal supplement is that it has been shown to reverse Beta Cell damage - which is exactly what Dennis and I have been believing for in Caleb's pancreas.  With Type 1 Diabetes, Beta Cells are destroyed and the pancreas ceases to work properly and eventually quits working all together.  


I immediately downloaded the book to Dennis' Kindle and began reading.  What I've learned is astonishing and there is way too much information to even touch the surface of what Suzy uncovers regarding the possible causes of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes along with the incredible potential to reverse even Type 1.  We began Caleb on Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and the Gymnema Sylvestre immediately - thankfully he can swallow a pill!  After two weeks, Caleb's blood sugar numbers began to be low - a sign that less insulin was being needed.  We were believing that the supplements were helping.  The following week, his numbers went back around where they had been, but now again, the past 3 days his blood sugar numbers are lowering and he is needing less insulin.  


Dennis and I are believing for a full healing in Caleb and thank God for the comment made by my dear friend and for the wisdom we are finding in this book.  Our prayer is that Caleb's Type 1 will be completely reversed and that the need for insulin injections will eventually not be needed at all.  We are thankful that Caleb is still in the "honeymoon" phase of his diabetes, which means his pancreas is still functioning a little bit so complete damage has not happened - and we are believing it won't.  


Lord, we thank you for wisdom and friends and the knowledge you share with us.  I pray that through the information you've shown us that Caleb's pancreas will be healed and fully restored to it's full capacity.  All damaged cells will be healed and that they will be replaced with healthy cells.  

We thank you in advance for Caleb's healing!