Drama Drama

I am dreading work tomorrow. So much so I am wishing I wake up with a migraine just so I can call in. Why does my name have to be dragged into other peoples drama? I don't feel like I have done anything to get on my co- workers bad side. And if I have I wish they would just tell me so I can fix it. And now Haiti is starting to be mentioned. Something's got to give. About ready to quit and say the heck with them!

I have a plan!

I have been thinking about my schooling for quite awhile. And when I think about it, I discuss the few options that I have with Rick. Then it usually stops there. I am a full time working wife and mother and I just don't have much time on my hands to be pursing other things.
I have finally decided to get my butt in gear and knock this stupid degree out.
Rick is helping me contact JU (Johnson University) and figure out what my next step is. We got some good answers today and now I just have to fill out more forms of appeal and so forth. I REALLY want to have things going to start a class by next Monday but we will just have to see.
My ultimate plan is to be finished with my 4 (maybe 5?) classes by April 1 of 2013 so that I can receive my diploma in May.
Will is be easy? No way hosea! But it won't get any easier either. I have lots of family and babysitters available to help me with Haiti (on nights when Rick works so late) and I have already discussed with my boss aka my mom :0) about cutting back on my work hours so that I can have some study time.
Please be praying for me that things will fall into place and the I can have the will and determination to finish this!

What is Church?

I am confused about the church. I don't know why I go to church anymore (only that my husband excepts it of me). I know that I am not happy with KWCC. I know that they are not a biblical run church (even if they say they are). I am trying to research for myself what a 'biblical run church' is, why go to church and how to find a church to attended. My whole life I have just attended churches that my parents choose for our family, in college I attended church that my aunt and uncle attended and now I go to a church that my husband has attended for his whole life. I have never had to look into church doctrine or asked myself 'do I think this is a place that I can learn, grow and serve God?' Now that I am a mother, I have not just myself to think of but my daughter as well. I want her to grow up in a body of believers that follow the biblical example of 'church' that we have been given. I want her to love God and love people. Period. What is church? The founder of the "home church" movement in England, Canon Ernest Southcott, said it best: "The holiest moment of the church service is the moment when God’s people—strengthened by preaching and sacrament—go out of the church door into the world to be the church. We don’t go to church; we are the church." The church, therefore, is not a place. It's not the building, it's not the location, and it's not the denomination. We—God's people who are in Christ Jesus—are the church. The purpose of the church is two-fold. The church comes together (or assembles) for the purpose of bringing each member to spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13). The church reaches out (scatters) to spread the love of Christ and the gospel message to unbelievers in the world (Matthew 28:18-20). This is the Great Commission. So, the purpose of the church is to minister to believers and unbelievers. Do I attend a place of worship that believes this? No, not that I have seen. When looking at churches ask this question: Is this church a place where I can connect with God and worship him freely? Will I learn about the Bible here? Is fellowship and community encouraged? Are people's lives being changed? Is there a place for me to serve in the church, and opportunities to pray with other believers? Does the church "reach out" by sending missionaries, and through financial giving and local outreach? Is this where God wants me to be? If you can say yes to these questions, then you've found a good church home. Advice when searching for a church family: Remember, there is no perfect church. Visit a church at least three times before making a decision either way. Don’t try to change a church. Most of them are set in their mission. There are so many different ones out there to choose from, it’s best to just find one that's a good “fit” for you. Don't give up. Keeping searching until you find the right church. Being in a good church is too important to neglect. This is what I am looking for - A Christ-like church: filled with the Holy Spirit, prayerful, Bible based doctrine, with passion for evangelism and display of high moral standard. —Guest Luk- 3T, Akure This really hit home with me and will give me lots to think and pray about: So, if you are disillusioned with church, perhaps the problem is not "church in general," but rather the type of churches you have experienced thus far. Have you done an exhaustive search to find a good church? Perhaps you have never attended a healthy, balanced Christian church? They really do exist. I would encourage you not to give up, but continue to search for a Christ-centered, biblical-balanced church. But as you search, remember also, churches are imperfect. They are full of flawed people. However, we can't let other people's mistakes keep us from a genuine relationship with God and all of the blessings he has planned for us as we relate within his body.

Days gone by

For some reason, I have been remembering and thinking about my days at Johnson. All the good times with Mary, one on one time with Carrie, working in the kitchen, going to class and the homework. I was happy there and I was discovering who I was- outside of my family. Yes, sometimes it was tough being away from Rick but I think that was good for us and helped us build a stronger relationship.
I love my husband, I love my daughter, and I like the house we live in. But I do miss having friends and having a purpose in life.

Three years ago...

Three years ago tonight I was super stressed out with last minute wedding details, rehearsals and dealing with people.
Tonight, I played with my baby girl, talked with my husband and am going to sleep in our own house.
When I married my best friend three years ago, I had no idea what God had in store for us but so far I am liking every bit it!