Wednesday Night Bible Study

A few weeks back I joined a Wednesday night Bible Study at CBC.  Our study tonight was very encouraging!  We are doing a study by Kay Arthur called Covenant: God's Enduring Promises.  I finally understand more of what Jesus was referring to when He said, "The Truth will set you free"... that is how I felt tonight as I am beginning to come to grips with the covenant relationship that is possible thru Christ's sacrifice.

I highly recommend this study to anyone who is interested in the history/background of covenant and sacrifice.  It has really opened my eyes to what a solemn, binding agreement we are entering into if we choose to follow Christ.  Our discussion time goes by so quickly because of all we are sharing and learning!  I am truly excited to continue on with next week's lessons.

Procrastination...

It's hard to believe how quickly time flies! The holidays are just around the corner.  But just yesterday I sent off birthday cards to my sister-in-law, Heidi, and a few of my nephews and niece... and you know what!  The bulk of their birthdays were in JUNE!  What a shame!  I had a thought... why not send all birthday cards out in January, so they won't be late the rest of the year! ;oP

Another example of my procrastination... I have 4 cards that have been collecting since December 2008.  They are all for my best friend, Brenda McComb, and they range from last year's Christmas card, her birthday card, her anniversary card and a thank you card for the adorable outfits and baby carrier she sent for Keziah. 

Not sure if anyone else out there does this, but it feels like every card I write winds up getting sent late and is full of apologies!  Gone are the days when I was ahead of schedule...

Crafty Ladies

This morning my sister-in-law, Ana, and I went to a crafting social at Calvary Baptist Church (CBC). The ladies fell in love with Keziah and Caiden (Ana's youngest).  And for the most part they (the babies) behaved.  :o)  Everyone was SO friendly and welcoming. Ana and I were among  the youngest in the group, but we didn't feel excluded or left out!  We'll definitely be back next Monday!!

Many of the ladies were working on quilting, a skill I'd like to learn eventually.  I was working on cross-stitching roses to an afgan for Keziah.  It's a purchase I made at Wal-Mart years ago... long before I was married.  It's funny, I've had this project sitting in my Hope Chest since 2001 and just now am finally serious about completing it.  It's a good feeling.  Hopefully one day she'll appreciate the work I put into it for her, or maybe one day she'll pass it on to her daughter as an heirloom... that would be neat.

Sunday morning before the chaos begins

I am sitting here in my mom's blue upholstered chair awaiting the chaos.  I attended the early church service in order to have time to prep for my dad's Birthday meal.  I put the ribs in the oven to simmer, shucked the corn and washed the dishes - all while listening to one of my favorite CD's. 

Fernando Ortega's "Hymns of Worship" CD,  my dad received it from my oldest brother, Matt, for this 50th birthday.   Five years have passed since then... but I still find it is one of the most peaceful and enjoyable CD's I've come across.  Hymns have always had a way of touching my soul. 

This morning's church service was a great reminder of why we need community, a connection with family, friends, believers... We need a place to turn to for help, for unconditional love, a place to grow up and to find our identity in.  Pastor Chris used the passage in Luke 15:11-24 "The Prodigal Son". 

Many times I tend toward standing alone... a solitary island.  However, over the years I'm seeing how desperately I need others.  Not only to stave off the loneliness, but to help me grow beyond myself.   To share disappointment, joy, hurt... the stories of my life with.  My husband is a great companion, but I find we both need a community to connect with.

Yesterday we decided we would speak with Pastor Chris about joining Calvary Baptist Church.  I am so happy we've agreed to do this!  One of the reasons I'm excited about taking this step is because I want Keziah dedicated... our little sweetheart!

Hello World!

This is my first attempt at blogging, so please bear with me as I'll be personalizing my blog as I go. I look forward to this exercise in writing.

I am surrounded by family as I write.  One crying, the other playing, another whistling and yet another busy in the kitchen working on a birthday feast!  Tomorrow we will be celebrating my dad's 55th birthday.  On the menu are bbq'ed ribs, mom's famous potato salad, Bush's baked beans, veggies and a carrot/raisin salad. Dessert consists of Spice Cake with white frosting