R&R

We are heading to the mountains for a little R&R since my vacation was painful (kidney stone) for most of the week. Audrey is out of school on Friday and she has volunteered to work for me. I will sit and listen to this creek, read on a book and look for Mars in the very dark sky. Joey and I are in the process of making some very important decisions for our life. I want to know without a shadow of a doubt that we are heading right where God wants us. We are throwing down some fleece and waiting to see God's answer.

sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come. Why should my heart be lonely and long for heav'n and home. When Jesus is my portion, My constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
for his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear, And resting on his goodness, I lose my doubts and fears, Though by the path he leadeth, but one step I may see. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watched me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, as for his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise.when songs give place to sighing when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to him, from care he sets me free, His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
for his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.

I was reminded of this song last night, while reading this new book, I haven't sung this song in a long time. The book had written out all three verse and I remembered that I am free, so I can be happy. I know he watches me closer than he does the birds, I am his child. Like any good parent we keep a watch on our children. I might not always know the next step in life, I might sigh, I might have discouragement but I can still sing.....

school days

I remember a few years ago, thinking " when will school start back" since I was a stay at home mom, by the middle of August the kids were ready for a routine and I needed a little break. I was with my kids everyday. We played, went to the pool, VBS, lunch with grandparents, built forts in the den, and just laid around. I think back now and try to figure how I got everything done. In saying all this I miss those days sometimes... I like my grown-up kids, but I also miss the days when we just played, they had no responsiblities other than to help pick up their rooms, and take out the trash. That was why life went so slow for them, They didn't have to figure out how to make the next house payment or electricty bill. Life for them was not monthly like it is with us who own money to people. I heard my cousin fussing last night about her kids, they are 7 and 4 and cute as can be and how she couldn't wait to get them out of the house and back to school and I remembered.......

"It Is Well With My Soul" By Wintley Phipps

I love to hear this man's voice... I think if I close my eyes this is a little bit of how God's powerful voice will be..

Today's church

Last night I cooked dinner for a couple that goes to our church and a lady who is in her eighties and has moved here and wants to join our church. Joey is her elder so he and Al another elder had to do a brief interview. I laugh at the end and asked her if they decided that she really was saved and could join our church. We had a really nice evening, with it being so hot out I decided to cook light, Cheese Quiche, homemade Banana Bread, brown sugar bacon, and a fruit salad with this concoction I came up with. It was sour cream, powdered sugar and lime juice and zest. It turned out great. I use to get worked up when I fixed dinner for people, worried did I have enough, was I fixing the right stuff, and never did it change the outcome. We always have enjoyed everyone's company, no matter the food. Our college kids have been discussing the purpose of the church and how they think we do it wrong today. In Acts 2 the believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals and prayer. They helped those in need and worshipped together regularly. I don't see our church failing in these areas. Sure maybe we having to many orderly services, may be don't always go with the spirit(because it scares us)
maybe there isn't enough singing and to many announcements, but in saying all of this on the day to day I think alot of churches are doing their part, the reason many don't know it is working is because it is done at home, in quiet, away from the self glory, but done for the right reason, as the new testament church started. I think you will see a working, growing, healthy church when you look at the day to day contacts that are made, not just the Sunday morning routine.