Who are we in service of?

My head is still in such a fog from this sinus infection that won't let go! Even as I suffer through this God keeps tugging on my heart with what I believe are His thoughts.

In the past couple of days the idea of service has really been heavy in my mind. Specifically service in our local church. I just filled out an application for our praise team and one of the questions was what are my involvements at Grace (my church). I began listing them. Another question asked about previous music experience. I began naming those. As I think back to those 2 questions I think about all the service opportunities I've had in local churches I have attended. What I am learning is that I have always considered service in my church to be an opportunity and I've always looked for something to enjoy serving in. I shamefully admit there have been times I've turned my back on areas of need simply because I didn't want to do it, or it isn't "my" spritual gift, or for the reason of having too much to do outside of church. I feel I've gotten to a good balance in my life. I've learned my limitations with serving. I cannot serve everywhere there is a need, but I know my spritual gifts and my talents and choose to use those where I can. Spiritual gifts...mine top ones are in administration and teaching. I can use those in women's ministry, designing and administrating VBS, and in some ways with the faith at home initiative we're doing at church. Talents...music, babysitting. :) I love playing piano on praise team and don't mind filling in for nursery. Though I have my hands in several pockets, I stepped back from some things in the last year that were taking too much family time away.

So what does this all really try to say? There can be no doubt that God has gifted each believer with spritual gifts (Acts 2:38, Rom. 1:11). I also believe God has given us talents which could be in music, carpentry, fixing cars, cooking, etc. The real question is how are we using these? Are we using them in our local church as God EXPECTS us to or do we only use them when it suits our needs, our timing, and our purpose? Do we choose not to be on the nursery rotation because we don't like missing a meeting or not volunteer to be a greeter because I don't want to have a commitment? How sad it is!! We are such a self focused society it's no wonder our churches and families are struggling! We have a purpose that God has created us for, but it goes beyond just ourselves. To truly be committed to Christ means it's going to cost something. How much are you willing to pay? How cheap the costs are in America compared to so many others who long just for a printed copy of a Bible and risk their lives to read it. Leaders in today's churches feel they pull teeth sometimes to get all the believers in their church to serve.

What if I am serving in other ways, outside my church and I don't have time to do anything in my church right now? That's great that you serve outside the church, but what would happen if everyone in your local church said that? There would be no service in the church. How long would the church hold together. We all have heard 1 Cor. 12 where Paul discusses the use and variety of gifts. "For the body is not one member, buy many." We serve more completely when we use our gifts and when all believers are exercising their gifts I believe we will truly experience what unity in the body is. I also feel it will help us serve the world around us better.

A couple of questions...
Do you go to church wondering who is going to notice you? Are you waiting to be served? Do you struggle with your place in your church? If you say yes to any of these ask yourself, "In what capacity am I serving others in my church?" Remember, church isn't about you and your "needs" can't be met if you're not fulfilling the responsibility God has given you (gifts).

Where can I serve? Do you step aside because you haven't been asked to serve or don't know what your gifts are? ASK!! You could be waiting forever and again God has given YOU the gift. Even if you don't know what it is, there is always someone that will help you. Ask you pastor, elders, leaders, mentors, someone you feel is spritually mature. Don't be shy. Some day I will answer to God for my life and I want to be able to say I tried to be a good wife, mother, and worker in Your name. Will He say to me, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I hope so. I will fail many times, but I must take my heart to Him daily in repentance and desire to do His will.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but my head is getting ~~swimmy~~. Please feel free to add your thoughts or refute mine. :) All is said with an honest heart and desire that all my brothers and sisters in Christ will desire to serve Him more.

Needing a good night!

This will be short as I sit here typing with a swimming head as though I'm going upstream. If something comes out wierd, don't worry, just sick.

HeEM got a headache during dance class and got worse the rest of the day. She skipped AWANA, and if you know HEM, she's not a faker and doesn't want to miss out on anything! She put herself to bed early even though she, Grace, and I took a nap together in my bed.

GEM is cutting molars I believe. Sunday night and last night were long nights with her thrashing and screaming throughout the night and 4 of her fingers shoved into her mouth. Nothing would console her unless I let her pretend to bop me with her cup. Somehow the thought of causing me pain entertained her.

Tonight I have been shaky with an achy body. I haven't had a fever like Heather has, but am hoping it's a lack of sleep. I'm off to a hot shower and crawling into my bed with the electric blanket. My hat's off to those single moms that do this day in and day out. I miss having my mate here for support and hugs! Only 3 1/2 more days!! So thankful God has protected him so far.

Lift a prayer up for us to have good health and renewed strength. With all the ups and downs the last few weeks it has given great teaching moments to my children about the love and power of God!

Good night!!

What a Weekend!

I really enjoyed Hearts at Home in Normal, IL. My favorite things were the Go Fish Guys and listening to Dr. Kevin Leman. It was very reaffirming in my role as a wife and mother and also cool to be with so many stay home moms that make sacrifices to be at home. One of the seminars realy talked about viewing motherhood as a profession. There are so many of us that have college degrees or have held professional jobs and feel that people view us as uneducated when we answer that infamous question, "What do you do?" We know the popular answer, "I'm just a mom." I realize I need to leave the word "just" out of it. It doesn't mean that I am any less than what I ever was before kids or when I was using the degree I worked so hard for. I can honestly say I would be okay with the idea of never teaching again, never having the bigger house and yard, the gym membership, going to the theaters, getting the new car, frequenting the spas, and well...the list goes on. I am truly satisfied and fulfilled in what I do as a woman for my husband and my kids. It is what God has called me to be. I think of how often I hear moms say, "I wish I could afford to be home." I know there are those that live on the bare minimum and truly can't afford that sacrifice. I do question those that say that and have the wallet full of credit cards, the huge house in the best neighborhood, the brand new vehicles, vacations, extra-curricular activities. Where's the willingness to sacrifice? Do you really mean it when you say you want to be home? No offence please, but when God calls you for this job, it's going to require sacrifice. I do have great friends that truly don't have the desire to be at home. Are they any less of a mom than I am? No. It's not their calling and they don't pretend it is. My kids love having me home and their love and hugs are the best paycheck I get every day!

Relaxing weekend ahead!

My day began with a ringing phone! I stayed up late last night trying to get my house cleaned and organized after it sat neglected since the accident last week. I won't complain though because the phone call was none other than my wonderful husband! He's doing okay. He's working long days and has a bit of a cough that won't go away. It was good hearing his voice again!

Today also went well with the insurance agent coming to my house. He didn't want to make a settlement yet until we know more about our medical treatment. He's also going to get me a check soon for my car seats and stroller so I can get those replaced.

Tomorrow my friend Lori and I head out for Bloomington, IL for Hearts at Home. This is my first year going so I'm looking forward to it. It will be a great time for a break for me. The last couple of days I've been really grouchy and short tempered with the kids. I've not felt well with the sore body and all the stress. Today my body felt better than it has since the accident. :)

Keep praying for Sean and his health and safety. Also add to your prayers an insurance issue we've had for a few years now. We've been going back and forth over a medical bill that was to be paid by insurance, but for overly complicated reasons they refused to pay it despite all our paperwork. Pray that my current insurance will help with some of it (they were the secondary provider at the time), otherwise I've gotten stuck with this big bill! I was really upset about it this afternoon, but it's okay because I know it will work out with God in control.

Normal

Today was a pretty "normal" day if there is such a thing. I enjoyed getting a massage this morning. I actually scheduled it last month, so it was good timing. There were parts of my body that felt like they had frozen peas in them when she rubbed, ouch! It was definitely needed and was a Christmas gift so it didn't cost me anything either. YAY! We're all still on the mend. It was upsetting last night though to watch EMM try not to cry during her tumbling class last night. She had been working so hard and even practicing at home on some of her tricks and now I don't know if she'll get to learn any of the new things she was suppose to because we're down to the wire on getting ready for recital. Just pray for her. I don't want to see her disappointed in that.

Sean only sends me a periodic e-mail with just a couple of lines. he's putting in long days. What little he says cheers me up though, just hearing from him. I keep praying for his safety and that he'll feel God's presence around him. Only 12 more days until he's home!