This week I believe God has shown me my gift to be used for His Kingdom. I thought that gifts were for those "special" people in the family of God. The ones that you see every Sunday who preach, sing, play musical instruments or even lead in Children's Church. I have learned that it takes all of us working together to be a family of God.
I remember a few weeks ago, in a class that Neil teaches called Community and Growth, we actually had a chapter in the book about spiritual gifts. After a month or so of being here, I thought well....God hasn't shown me my gift in the 10 or so years that I have been searching. well....He's probably not going to show it to me now. Then I went to this class and we were talking about how some gifts are just so simple. Such as the gift of serving. If it wasn't for people willing to do the mundane tasks in life, then the important people such as those who lead in church on Sunday couldn't do what they needed to do. We talked about several roles including the "grandparents" of the church who are the people who are willing to give advice because they have lived life and know how to navigate it. We talked about several other types of people that day.
Then we talked about one gift and I forget the exact name of this gift. But there is this really sweet guy here, who is mentally delayed. He always stands out as the most cheerful and bright person in the room here. He's someone who, if you were sick, he would attempt to draw you a Get well soon card. (just like he did for my roommate this week) He is always willing to say hello and what's up when you see him. He's always happy and now that I think about it this gift is the gift of joy maybe? not quite sure. Anyways, if God can use this fellow, then I know that He can use me.
I've been praying and praying and praying and praying....etc about this. This week someone said to me that I'm always willing to help out if I see people sad and I'm always willing to say hello. If I see one of our senior's here in the lobby and they seem to be sad, I try to go and talk to them when I'm not working to make sure that they are okay. I know that there is a time to be sad, but I don't like to see people sad. Anyways, I know now that I have the gift of encouragement.
Well, sorry I haven't been posting very much. I've been busy with work. class, magazine work, and homework, that I don't really have time to blog anymore. Well, if I cut out the time that I spend listening to audio books and reading books, then maybe I would have time to blog. haha. This week one of the ladies I know who's sister comes and visits a lot. The sister's friend gave away a lot of clothes she didn't want anymore. So, the sister gave the bag of shirts to me. Yay, more clothes which I always need ever since the fire. Before the fire, I had a pretty good amount of clothes. Since the fire, I've been building up. I kept a whole trash bag of new clothes. I'm so excited.
I went to a clothing bank that we have at one of the shelters we run called the Free Store. Where people can donate clothes and our clients (people in the shelters) can come by and get clothes. Sometimes people who live in the community can get permission to go up there and get some clothes. So I talked to the lady who runs it and she said that it would be fine for me to go to the free store because I needed to look for pants. Well i didn't find any pants, just one shirt. :(
As of this past Friday my roommate has been sick with food poison. I was kind of wary at first of helping her because I thought it might be the stomach bug and I didn't want to catch it. She was so miserable and I hated seeing her being so sick like that. I remember about a month before I came here, I got the stomach bug and it wasn't fun. She wasn't getting better after the first few days, so I went with her to the doctor, who is 2 blocks away at the nearest hospital (it's not a very good hospital). They said she had food poisoning and put her on antibiotics.
I thought she would get better but then for the next day she got worse. Then after that worse day, she felt a lot better. I would check on her almost every hour. I would also bring her things if she needed it. Water, ginger ale, bubbly water, anything. I'm so happy me and my roommate are close. I remember sometimes having roommates in the past that I wasn't so close to.
Well, to all you mothers out there I hope you have a happy mother's day.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Clock Struck Twelve and Test Day and Fussy Babies
Morning at the desk was uneventful, except I got to hold the cutest baby in the world. The mom of the baby was putting stuff away in the car. She looks at me and says do you mind holding her while I put my luggage in the car. This baby is sooooo cute, but a few minutes after I held her and seeing her mama go in and out. She started crying.
Well after she left, I went to study my notes for the Ephesians test. I remember putting them in my bible and they just disappeared. Ugh, I need a organizer for my bible, haha. The teacher said that we could use a pink piece of paper to put any notes on and that piece could be used for the test, along with the Bible. So I got really frustrated. So I tried to put on a audio version of Ephesians while I was sitting at the front desk. It didn't work. When people read the Bible to be heard they need to liven up their voice and not be so monotone.
At lunch time, I went to a party for Zach and Sasha. They were supposed to leave today but they are staying until tomorrow. So we all got together and had a party It included everyone from the kitchen minus the head cooks. I only had 30 minutes from the time I got off to the time class started. So I had to hurry.
Class was really good. First class was on the History of Jesus People with John and second was the Ephesians test. I did really good considering I was only present for the last few weeks in class. I had to stay after class to finish up some homework from the first two weeks. The teacher said I did really good. I ended up leaving a little late. So I ate a late lunch and went upstairs and skipped dinner I was still full from the snacks and late lunch.
Later on tonight I went downstairs for the play. My family head signed me up to go with her tonight, which was really nice of her. So I went downstairs with a soda in my hand. haha, they said no food or drink allowed, so I had to gulp down a full soda before I could enter the room. The play was really funny. It was a who-done-it mystery. I know those teens and I didn't think they would be able to pull it off, but they did.
Well I'm done for the night.
Nothing else to write for now
Love you all
Goodnight blog land
Well after she left, I went to study my notes for the Ephesians test. I remember putting them in my bible and they just disappeared. Ugh, I need a organizer for my bible, haha. The teacher said that we could use a pink piece of paper to put any notes on and that piece could be used for the test, along with the Bible. So I got really frustrated. So I tried to put on a audio version of Ephesians while I was sitting at the front desk. It didn't work. When people read the Bible to be heard they need to liven up their voice and not be so monotone.
At lunch time, I went to a party for Zach and Sasha. They were supposed to leave today but they are staying until tomorrow. So we all got together and had a party It included everyone from the kitchen minus the head cooks. I only had 30 minutes from the time I got off to the time class started. So I had to hurry.
Class was really good. First class was on the History of Jesus People with John and second was the Ephesians test. I did really good considering I was only present for the last few weeks in class. I had to stay after class to finish up some homework from the first two weeks. The teacher said I did really good. I ended up leaving a little late. So I ate a late lunch and went upstairs and skipped dinner I was still full from the snacks and late lunch.
Later on tonight I went downstairs for the play. My family head signed me up to go with her tonight, which was really nice of her. So I went downstairs with a soda in my hand. haha, they said no food or drink allowed, so I had to gulp down a full soda before I could enter the room. The play was really funny. It was a who-done-it mystery. I know those teens and I didn't think they would be able to pull it off, but they did.
Well I'm done for the night.
Nothing else to write for now
Love you all
Goodnight blog land
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Blogging for today
I promised when I came up here that I would blog every day and that has not happened. But in a way, it is a good thing. Between the wedding this past weekend, the Easter festival that we had, and other activities that are planned throughout the weeks, I've had a lot of things to do.
A good friend I made the first few weeks that I was here left on a trip. Now that friend and her 3 year old daughter have been back for a few weeks and I'm enjoying the time I have left with her until her wedding in July.
In other news, my phone is on the fritz. This reminds me of my first iPhone which was also on the fritz. It was so bad. I remember having to take my charger to work. Every time I wanted to make a call, I plugged it into the wall. It's fine, it won't be on for much longer. Then I am going on a technology fast. No technology for a few days. (except for when I help out at the front desk)
Classes in Project 12 (which is the discipleship training) are going really well. I have my first test tomorrow on Ephesians. On Fridays, we work on a magazine that we are going to hand out in the community. I've submitted two articles a poem, and short story. I'm not sharing them! You will have to get a magazine for yourself. Ha! We also finished up a class on discipleship and started a class on Christianity and the 21st Century. We are learning how to debate topics that cause a fuss in this time. Yesterday we discussed all the different things you have to think about when you discuss something with someone. You have to think about what they think of you and what they think of the issue and their view on Christianity......etc. I never realized all of that stuff.
Neil who is our teacher for community and growth is away for a few weeks. So we won't have his class for a few. I love that book. It's so interesting and so true. I want to at some point while I am here to make a trip to the community that the author started.
I like working at the front desk. I actually feel very accomplished. Monday I put all the mail away before my shift ended. Usually that never happens. I'm learning the mail hehehe. Last thing I have to say is that tomorrow I will be sad. Some friends I met here the first few weeks I was here. They worked in the kitchen with me and I got to know them really well. They will be leaving here tomorrow. Well, I've seen people come here. Now it's time that I see them go. I went out with them Saturday night, our last time together.
I also came to the realization that God is calling me to open myself up more. I get so used to the same people day after day. Surely there are other people I can hang out with. The three people that I met the couple from the kitchen and my friend who is getting married in July, There are 400 people here. Usually I stick myself around the same people. Then I am reminded that Jesus didn't stick Himself around the same people. He hung out with everyone from the woman caught up in adultery to children to hypocritical pharisees.
A good friend I made the first few weeks that I was here left on a trip. Now that friend and her 3 year old daughter have been back for a few weeks and I'm enjoying the time I have left with her until her wedding in July.
In other news, my phone is on the fritz. This reminds me of my first iPhone which was also on the fritz. It was so bad. I remember having to take my charger to work. Every time I wanted to make a call, I plugged it into the wall. It's fine, it won't be on for much longer. Then I am going on a technology fast. No technology for a few days. (except for when I help out at the front desk)
Classes in Project 12 (which is the discipleship training) are going really well. I have my first test tomorrow on Ephesians. On Fridays, we work on a magazine that we are going to hand out in the community. I've submitted two articles a poem, and short story. I'm not sharing them! You will have to get a magazine for yourself. Ha! We also finished up a class on discipleship and started a class on Christianity and the 21st Century. We are learning how to debate topics that cause a fuss in this time. Yesterday we discussed all the different things you have to think about when you discuss something with someone. You have to think about what they think of you and what they think of the issue and their view on Christianity......etc. I never realized all of that stuff.
Neil who is our teacher for community and growth is away for a few weeks. So we won't have his class for a few. I love that book. It's so interesting and so true. I want to at some point while I am here to make a trip to the community that the author started.
I like working at the front desk. I actually feel very accomplished. Monday I put all the mail away before my shift ended. Usually that never happens. I'm learning the mail hehehe. Last thing I have to say is that tomorrow I will be sad. Some friends I met here the first few weeks I was here. They worked in the kitchen with me and I got to know them really well. They will be leaving here tomorrow. Well, I've seen people come here. Now it's time that I see them go. I went out with them Saturday night, our last time together.
I also came to the realization that God is calling me to open myself up more. I get so used to the same people day after day. Surely there are other people I can hang out with. The three people that I met the couple from the kitchen and my friend who is getting married in July, There are 400 people here. Usually I stick myself around the same people. Then I am reminded that Jesus didn't stick Himself around the same people. He hung out with everyone from the woman caught up in adultery to children to hypocritical pharisees.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Five Minute Friday - After
After....after what....I can't really think about an after in my life. I am writing this "after" the Braves game. Yay go Braves they beat the Chicago Cubs. I think about after and nothing comes to mind. After I'm done talking to Colleen, (a lady that lives in the community here) I will go to my room. After I go to my room, I will pray. It does seem like there is always an after in our lives. Now I come to realize that when we say something, we always say after. I will come see you after i will do this after I will say this after. Maybe we do need to stop thinking about the after and think about what we are doing now.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Five Minute Friday - Broken
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt: “Broken” with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.
GO
I remember what it's like to be broken. I remember the point in my life when I thought that God was very far from me. Four years ago, I was in the hospital for emergency surgery. That afternoon, I was studying at school. The study hall for classes was on top of a dirt road type driveway that was very slanted and rocky. I remember tripping over a huge rock and not being able to get up. I called out for help and someone came to help me but still I felt very very broken.
All I remember is pain for the next few days and I knew I was in the Lord's hands all along, but still the fact is that I was still very very afraid. I had never had surgery before and I was four hours from home. I felt very very broken and open and there was no one that I knew there except for a study hall person Mrs. Cheryl. She rode to the hospital with me. All I could think was Please don't leave me in this hospital alone. I was not her child I was not someone she cared more than a friend about. I felt very alone and very broken. I remember the pain as they moved me from place to place to place to place to place. I remember the meds they gave me. After that I remember nothing at all really. I went into surgery the next day. I remember even in my broken state that God does look after His Children I remember the church coming by and how there was always someone from church coming by to see me even when my family arrived to look after me. I would take that day back to have the strength and nerves in my legs again. But I know that God does take care of us and mend us when we think we are broken. I honestly to this day do not know why all that happened to me, but I do know that God holds the future. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU!!!!!
STOP
Thursday, March 28, 2013
First Thursday
Well, I promised to keep up this blog and so far it's so hard to find time to keep up with it.
Today was my second first day working the front desk. It was pretty fun. I opened doors for people, sorted mail, and answered phones. I'm getting to know a lot of the seniors that live in our Friendly Towers.
This week was like I said it would be a crazy week. I got all my cooking done last night thank goodness. Tonight has mostly been a relaxing night. My roommate said last year at Fest for Us she was overwhelmed. I've not signed up for too many priorities.
I'm working the front desk tomorrow and then Sunday I will be participating in karaoke. I'm going to sing Lord You're Holy by Karen Wheaton, I practiced for my roommate tonight and she liked it.
Dinner tonight wasn't that great. Maybe it was because I wasn't in the kitchen....lol.....jk. Anyways, they cancelled women's bible study due to the festival. I'm excited to see what it's like.
My roommate and I have just been discussing schedule changes. It seems that now we both have to get up at about the same time. So we have to figure out the bathroom situation. We are going to test a plan tomorrow.
Well, I have to shower and hit the hay. I hope to get around to Five Minute Friday but if I don't then I'm sure you will understand.
Today was my second first day working the front desk. It was pretty fun. I opened doors for people, sorted mail, and answered phones. I'm getting to know a lot of the seniors that live in our Friendly Towers.
This week was like I said it would be a crazy week. I got all my cooking done last night thank goodness. Tonight has mostly been a relaxing night. My roommate said last year at Fest for Us she was overwhelmed. I've not signed up for too many priorities.
I'm working the front desk tomorrow and then Sunday I will be participating in karaoke. I'm going to sing Lord You're Holy by Karen Wheaton, I practiced for my roommate tonight and she liked it.
Dinner tonight wasn't that great. Maybe it was because I wasn't in the kitchen....lol.....jk. Anyways, they cancelled women's bible study due to the festival. I'm excited to see what it's like.
My roommate and I have just been discussing schedule changes. It seems that now we both have to get up at about the same time. So we have to figure out the bathroom situation. We are going to test a plan tomorrow.
Well, I have to shower and hit the hay. I hope to get around to Five Minute Friday but if I don't then I'm sure you will understand.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I'm Slacking on my Blogging
I just realized that through a mist of this past week. I only blogged once this week and not in my journal blog but the Friday blog. I feel really bad and I will try to make up for it this next week.
A few highlights of the week, I messed up on bread dough one day and Tim saved it somehow even though we ended up having a lot less bread that night. I hung out with more people this week. I also got to know Zach and Sasha better. They are the couple that I have been working in the kitchen with. The health inspector dropped back in to check on us. We passed Woo hoo! I hung out with another girl who will be gone for two weeks to visit her ex fiance (???) But the guy is the father of her child. She's a good friend. She invited me up to a party in her room the night before she left.
I've had book night two nights in a row. We read a book called Coraline, which is actually a children's book that was made into a movie a few years ago which I have not yet seen. Weekends fly by so fast for me now. I didn't even get to do laundry, which I will have to do tomorrow. If I wait until another day I will have no more clothes to wear.
This coming week I'm afraid will be another mist. Fest for Us is coming which is Easter weekend. I have to prepare and bake. I also signed up to work the front desk Friday night. Fest for us is basically a huge party during Easter weekend since they used to have the Cornerstone Fest during the summer. Everyone has to pick a slot they want to work to help pick up the slack in the house, such as dishes or kitchen duty. I signed up for front desk. So during one of the Good Friday services, I will be manning the phones.
There's only one thing to say about this coming week, it will either be too long because of all the things we have to get prepared, or it will fly by so fast.
Everyone please pray for my roommate. Her name is Sara and she will be going into the hospital the week after Easter to have brain scans done for her epilepsy.
I'm so sleepy so I'm going to slip into my jammies and go to sleep now.
A few highlights of the week, I messed up on bread dough one day and Tim saved it somehow even though we ended up having a lot less bread that night. I hung out with more people this week. I also got to know Zach and Sasha better. They are the couple that I have been working in the kitchen with. The health inspector dropped back in to check on us. We passed Woo hoo! I hung out with another girl who will be gone for two weeks to visit her ex fiance (???) But the guy is the father of her child. She's a good friend. She invited me up to a party in her room the night before she left.
I've had book night two nights in a row. We read a book called Coraline, which is actually a children's book that was made into a movie a few years ago which I have not yet seen. Weekends fly by so fast for me now. I didn't even get to do laundry, which I will have to do tomorrow. If I wait until another day I will have no more clothes to wear.
This coming week I'm afraid will be another mist. Fest for Us is coming which is Easter weekend. I have to prepare and bake. I also signed up to work the front desk Friday night. Fest for us is basically a huge party during Easter weekend since they used to have the Cornerstone Fest during the summer. Everyone has to pick a slot they want to work to help pick up the slack in the house, such as dishes or kitchen duty. I signed up for front desk. So during one of the Good Friday services, I will be manning the phones.
There's only one thing to say about this coming week, it will either be too long because of all the things we have to get prepared, or it will fly by so fast.
Everyone please pray for my roommate. Her name is Sara and she will be going into the hospital the week after Easter to have brain scans done for her epilepsy.
I'm so sleepy so I'm going to slip into my jammies and go to sleep now.
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