Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A wing and a prayer

As I sit here looking at the time I realize that my son, Jordan is arriving at the Indianapolis airport, preparing to have his suitcase weighed (he is paranoid about it being overweight) then jetting to Atlanta, GA, and then onward to Johannesburg, South Africa. (sniff-sniff)

Being a mom, I have many mixed feelings. I know that he is going over there to Zambia to work and be a blessing to many. The mom in me, especially the panic stricken one that has already said a final farewell to one child (Liz) is a nervous wreck. I walked into his room last night, took a good whiff of his cologne, looked at the stuff laying around and felt like crying my eyes out! I know I must TRUST!

It's not easy. Not for me not for anyone.

I am so proud of my children! All of them! God has certainly kept them and is using them. Jordan got a job at St. Mary's hospital in Evansville, IN. That is a long way away from Ohio about 6-1/2 to 7 hours. He is thrilled to have found a job and will be living with the parents of a very good friend from IWU. Dustin will be getting married in early June and moving out, and Jordan will be in the wedding and then moving into Dustin's parent's house.

Christopher just went back to IWU for May term. He will be taking classes until the 18th. He has not gotten a job for the summer yet, but has dropped off resumes to a few engineering firms locally. He is still praying about what he needs to do school wise after this next semester. Since IWU sort of dropped the ball about the engineering department it has caused some confusion. Even if they would begin the engineering or rather pre-engineering classes it would be to late for Chris to benefit. He will positively have to transfer to another school. That is a disappointment for me, because he is doing pretty well at IWU, and it is such a positive, and spiritually uplifting school. I hate for him to have to leave it. Oh well, it is what it is. God will certainly have to lead Chris to the perfect place for him to go so that he can thrive, and grow.

Micah, he is doing great in Virginia. He loves his job, loves the people he works with and is growing by leaps and bounds. It's hard to believe that he is on his own! Really on his own. He doesn't need his mom to help him make decisions. He used to ask me questions about cooking, or if certain things (clothes/colors) went together, or just things about what he should do in certain situations. I miss that.... a lot! I am so blessed that he turned his life completely over to God, and is serving Him on a full time basis. It was a struggle for a few years there after we lost Liz. You need to hear his testimony sometime if you don't already know it!

Jeff, is still struggling with work. Very little business. With the economy the way it is it doesn't look to promising. God is speaking, sometimes loud and clear, but the answering is where he struggles. Fear plays a big part in this. It's hard to start something new, especially when you don't know if you'll be able to pay your bills. Please pray for us! We need God's guidance and wisdom.

Me, I will be getting ready to go to Colorado. I still have a lot that I need to do with the book before I go. I need to add at least 50 more pages before I go.... that's a lot! I need the anointing to write and wisdom to listen and obedience to put it on paper! Now that is a HUGE prayer request.

Well, I just got 2 text messages from Jordan. He said they could check 2 suitcases and he fussed and repacked so many times because he thought they could only check 1! Ha poor kid...I miss him already.

So as my family prepares to make more changes, keep us all in prayer...
particularly Jordan as he flies to Africa... on wings and prayers!

Thanks to all of you that supported him financially! It's truly a miracle he could get all the money needed with the economy the way it is!

Let's grow!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

God will make a way

I am always so amazed when God meets me right where I need Him to. I just got home from sharing at Jerusalem Church Womens Spring Retreat... but we didn't retreat we advanced! God was so there tonight, and I am so grateful for all of the prayers!

Our story is always difficult to tell, but God always gives the grace, and His presence is always there. I was told that this was the largest group they have ever had! Bless God.

The ladies that invited me were so kind and encouraging, and had so much love in their hearts to see God's presence ushered into that place. Thanks Tami and Bonnie. I hope to keep in touch. I also was pretty happy to see so many of my friends there tonight! Pretty cool having my very own cheering section. Mary, Carol, Amy, Jen, Rosemary, Sherry, Connie, Dondra, Leesa, Lana, I know there were a couple more but my brain is pooped. Sorry if I forgot!


One of the people that I got to see last night was my very first friend in the world. Her name is Sheryll. I have not seen her since our 25 class reunion 6 years ago. She came to hear me and brought with her these beautiful roses. What a lovely thing to do, but then Sheryll has always been that kind of a person. Thanks my friend!



I am looking forward to going to United Dayspring Mennonite this Sunday night! Jeff and I will both share then. Pray, Pray, Pray Please!!

Blessings to you all my friends, good night.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Another God opportunity

I just got back from a meeting with some people about a new ministry in this area called Off the Wall Ministries. This group of people that I met with today seem to really have a heart to serve God and a desire to reach out to the youth in this community. Please be praying for this group as they stretch their faith and their opportunities to reach souls for Christ.

It seems that so much has been happening in my life in the last several months. I feel like I'm going to burst at the seams. My decision to let God take my heart by surprise in 2009 has been right where God wanted me to be. I have tried to let God lead and I'll simply follow, but when God opens a door, or at least puts a door in my path, I feel I must either knock on that door or miss a possible opportunity for God to use me.

My job at SpringHaven is wonderful. I love the people I work with and the opportunity to pray for those I meet. I hope that as I am there longer that God is able to use me, and that I can be a blessing to those I come in contact with.

My boys are all gone. It's nice to have a clean house again. I love my guys and miss them terribly when they are gone, but it's much easier to clean up after 2 people than it is for 4 or 5. I will get to have 2 of them home again for a few days next week as the school year will end on Wednesday. Jordan will be leaving on the 29th for Zambia so please pray for him as I have asked before. Chris is still praying for God's will in his life and searching for just the right place to work this summer. He put in a few applications when he was home, and will look again next week. He will be taking May term classes so will be gone until May 18. If anyone has any jobs for a 20 year old STRONG guy, please let me know! Jordan is searching for a summer job as well. He is trying to get into a hospital in the Marion, IN area, but would be willing to go where ever a job opens up. He'll be gone until May 22, but is available after that.

Please continue to pray for the upcoming Women's Retreat at Jerusalem Church next Thursday evening. See blog entry below this for more information.

Gotta get busy around here, the laundry awaits...

Friday, April 10, 2009

April showers? I 'd rather have May flowers!

I love spring!

I don't love rain...

and I hate snow!

I vote for some lovely spring weather. It is so nice to see buds on the trees and shrubs. I have tulips coming up and daffodils doing the same. My plants are started for the garden (up in the guest room) I have pepper plants (regular bell, hot, and jalapeno), tomato plants (Cherry, Roma and beefeater), Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, hollyhocks, marigolds, and several other things that I'll sew directly into the garden. Jeff tilled it this past week, but now we need to go over it with fertilizer and re-till it.

I'll need to move them out of the way so Micah won't trip on them when and if he comes home this Sunday night.

I do love having my boys home for Easter weekend. I'm liking that a lot!!!!!!!

We may not be sporting new Easter clothes this weekend, but we'll be decked out in smiles and praising God! I am so grateful for what Jesus did for all of us! It overwhelms me with gratitude to know that Jesus died for my sins and that because of that I can have a personal relationship with him, and plan my eternity in heaven! Woo-hoo! I'm looking up, looking forward and expecting amazing things there.

I will be working on my own tomorrow, no Leigh Ann for support... pray for me! I do like working at SpringHaven. I'm just a bit hesitant about being on my own. I'll be OK I'm sure.

Here is a copy of the flier for the ladies retreat at Jerusalem Church. Yes, I am boldly going to advertise! Hope to see lots of you ladies there.


Wow NewPointe Community Church is now going to have three, yes 3 services every Sunday! The times are 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 12:50 pm. We are out of room believe it or not!

We've been in our new building for almost 2-1/2 years and we are out of room. We were seating about 1400 per service, we've already added more chairs and attendance has been over 3000 for the past several weeks. WOW! So, if you're thinking about trying to attend a NewPointe service, I'd go to the 12:50 pm service. All the services will be identical, so you won't miss anything. Plus, you'll get to sleep in later before you go to church! Pretty great huh? AND YES I AM SHAMELESSLY PROMOTING THIS TOO!

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. Spend it with family, friends and most importantly spend it with Jesus as you worship at church!