Today was the military wives potluck getting ready for, and recipes for, our upcoming cookbook. And, it was the 3 year anniversary of the North Coast military ministry. Amazing 3 years! Mick and I have been so incredibly blessed by this ministry. Three years ago, it was a thought, maybe a calling. I felt the push to start a military wives ministry. When I think back now, I’m not sure what it was…an impulse….a calling….God’s directive? When I first brought it up, I was told no, not now – we don’t need another ministry for women. But I kept feeling the tug. The push. So I went back….and we launched a ministry.
In last weekend’s sermon, Pastor Chris reminded us how we are called to service. In John 21, Jesus asked Peter “do you love me.” Two additional times Peter is asked the same question. The message is clear “if you love me, do what I ask.” Pretty simple stuff actually.
I find the longer I am in this ministry, the more it becomes about my love for Jesus. It becomes about my passion for Jesus. When I forget that and become passionate about the ministry, it still runs well, but doesn’t have quite the sparkle…the daily surprise. When I keep my eyes on Jesus and remember my heart for Him, then I am amazed daily by the blessings this ministry brings to my life. And the ways God allows us to bless others.
As Jesus confronts Peter the second time “do you love me?”, he goes on to say feed my lambs, tend my flock, feed my sheep. God puts us in position where we can be used to serve Him and care for His children. So as I look at the ministry we have today, I am in awe how God has worked this ministry and blessed me through it. I love doing life with you guys! Can’t wait to see where we go from here…
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The New Me?
I've been pondering changes that happen in our lives. I here it from all of you and I've experienced in my own life. I think about the transformations I have gone thru…..four careers, two marriages, multiple homes, multiple pets…and that’s not including emotional, spiritual and physical changes. Sometimes we strive for change, actually chase it down. Sometimes change comes unexpectedly. I have never feared change. I have always loved it, actually thrived on it. When I see change coming I find it exhilarating. Anyone who knows me knows that three years ago (next week July 18th) I began a journey to lose weight, get healthy and extend my life. I lost over 150lbs, have gained back about 20 and every day remains a huge challenge to maintain my weight and embrace a new lifestyle. Some days are good, some days bad - evil food calls my name…very loudly. But it has been an incredible challenge and incredible change.
Last year I walked half a dozen 5K/10K’s…..and in November walked the 60-mile 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. I guess the 3-day was sort of the culmination for the journey I had been on. It was something I never could have done any other time in my life because of weight – it was a huge personal challenge. So why am I babbling on?
I've been building/planting a cactus garden on the hill behind my house…big hill, pretty big garden. Somehow I tweaked my knee…which after a few weeks sent me to the Orthopedic. We of course have one practically on call with Mick’s on-again off-again back issues. Anyway after an MRI, he says I have severe arthritis in my knee and basically no cartilage left…so get used to the pain. Hmmmm, doesn't sound like me. Then I have this hip that since the walk has had on and off pain…diagnosis – arthritis. And, my lower leg from knee to toes now has constant, do you call it chronic, pain – always present varying levels of pain. Cause? Most likely arthritis in my low back.
So how do you go from walking 60-miles and building a cactus garden in a body that is 150lbs lighter to living in constant pain and popping Tylenol in the course of a few weeks? What’s that all about? Not a change I’m liking. My doctor keeps reminding me that I will be 50 in just over 6 months. Fifty – are you kidding me? Okay first of all, can I really be turning 50 – what happened to the last 30 years. Guess they were there, full of lots of change. Second, HELLO fifty is not old…so I don’t plan to be hobbling around for the next 30 years. Guess the next change is a different doctor. I’ll keep you posted.
Last year I walked half a dozen 5K/10K’s…..and in November walked the 60-mile 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. I guess the 3-day was sort of the culmination for the journey I had been on. It was something I never could have done any other time in my life because of weight – it was a huge personal challenge. So why am I babbling on?
I've been building/planting a cactus garden on the hill behind my house…big hill, pretty big garden. Somehow I tweaked my knee…which after a few weeks sent me to the Orthopedic. We of course have one practically on call with Mick’s on-again off-again back issues. Anyway after an MRI, he says I have severe arthritis in my knee and basically no cartilage left…so get used to the pain. Hmmmm, doesn't sound like me. Then I have this hip that since the walk has had on and off pain…diagnosis – arthritis. And, my lower leg from knee to toes now has constant, do you call it chronic, pain – always present varying levels of pain. Cause? Most likely arthritis in my low back.
So how do you go from walking 60-miles and building a cactus garden in a body that is 150lbs lighter to living in constant pain and popping Tylenol in the course of a few weeks? What’s that all about? Not a change I’m liking. My doctor keeps reminding me that I will be 50 in just over 6 months. Fifty – are you kidding me? Okay first of all, can I really be turning 50 – what happened to the last 30 years. Guess they were there, full of lots of change. Second, HELLO fifty is not old…so I don’t plan to be hobbling around for the next 30 years. Guess the next change is a different doctor. I’ll keep you posted.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Random Updates
Summer Small Group - we will be launching a summer small group for Military Wives the week of July 6th. Interested? It will be for prayer, support, digging deeper into the weekend sermons and fellowship. So two questions for you. One: Are you interested in joining? Two: When should we have it? During the weekday? Thursday evenings? Or Saturday before Frontline? If you are interested, send me your thoughts, so we can get this organized.
Summer Picnic - Our annual picnic is quickly approaching. I can't tell you how cool it is going to be…okay I'll try! It is going to be really cool! At Green Oak Ranch in Vista (off Sycamore). The food will be plentiful and beyond amazing. We have tons of activities for kids and adults, or you can just hang out in the beautiful park-like setting. Bring your beach chairs, blankets etc. And by the way - if you are attending any military function between now and July 11th where you could hand out flyers, let me know and I'll get some to you or I can send it by email. This is a great event to invite friends, neighbors, etc. It is for all military and their families - married or single, old or young, enthusiastic or boring - we'll be ready for you!
Breakfasts - There is no breakfast in July due to the picnic, and we were thinking no breakfast in August. But WAIT...skipping two months!! NO! So on August 1st, we'll be having a..........lunch! A Potluck - you are cooking for me :-) We'll have prizes for best dish, most patriotic and whatever else I can think of. So I'll be getting more detail to you, but this will be eating, socializing and getting to know one another. A day of fun and food - what could be better? Mark you calendars.
Women - I am getting more and more women asking about the ministry who are girlfriends, or women who are active duty. When we started the ministry, we called it Military Wives, but it is open to all women. I just can't figure out how to rename it. If I say Military Women, then it sounds like only women serving. So the name remains the same, but do know we have active duty women, single women and girlfriends - if you are female and connected to the military - it is for you.
Summer Picnic - Our annual picnic is quickly approaching. I can't tell you how cool it is going to be…okay I'll try! It is going to be really cool! At Green Oak Ranch in Vista (off Sycamore). The food will be plentiful and beyond amazing. We have tons of activities for kids and adults, or you can just hang out in the beautiful park-like setting. Bring your beach chairs, blankets etc. And by the way - if you are attending any military function between now and July 11th where you could hand out flyers, let me know and I'll get some to you or I can send it by email. This is a great event to invite friends, neighbors, etc. It is for all military and their families - married or single, old or young, enthusiastic or boring - we'll be ready for you!
Breakfasts - There is no breakfast in July due to the picnic, and we were thinking no breakfast in August. But WAIT...skipping two months!! NO! So on August 1st, we'll be having a..........lunch! A Potluck - you are cooking for me :-) We'll have prizes for best dish, most patriotic and whatever else I can think of. So I'll be getting more detail to you, but this will be eating, socializing and getting to know one another. A day of fun and food - what could be better? Mark you calendars.
Women - I am getting more and more women asking about the ministry who are girlfriends, or women who are active duty. When we started the ministry, we called it Military Wives, but it is open to all women. I just can't figure out how to rename it. If I say Military Women, then it sounds like only women serving. So the name remains the same, but do know we have active duty women, single women and girlfriends - if you are female and connected to the military - it is for you.
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