Crunch Time

Got my game face on.
Is it ever going to get any easier to move?!?  I have to be quite frank... I'm sick of boxes, cleaning, messes, disorder, and my home being a general state of upside down.  Then, I will move and it will be another couple months or so of settling in, only to move again in who knows how long.   I feel homeless.  Rebellious. Fleshly. Grrrrrr....

Paul handles it better than me.  Task oriented, hard working, hopeful and optimistic.

BTW... He is a Major today! 

The boys pack up their room, but need lots of my reminding them to stay on task.  Get the job done!

I swear I'm getting a whip for next time we move. 

The girls try to "pack" but when they're not looking I dump it all out and do it right.  I tried to teach Ann this time, but she just wants to pack everyone else's stuff and not hers.

I had two nights in a row of sleepovers for the kids' friends.  At one point I had 12 children.  Is that legal?Made home-made chocolate covered pretzels. I sprinkle sea salt on top while they're cooling.  So good.  The kids all loved them.

Always time to eat some baby belly.

Always time for FUN!... and to give my 80 pound son a ride.  I've been playing "Laugh Your Way to A Better Marriage" while we pack.  Mostly so Paul can over hear it too. Tee!Hee!

Cuddling in the wee mornings.

The girls and I went to a fantabulous wedding for a friend that, 

of course, we have to say good-bye too.

Today the kids and I will go to the Center for a couple of hours.  Elijah needs to practice  his drumming before Music Camp and can you believe I still have things to do.  Then I will take David and Elijah to their friends' house for the last time.  Good-byes, again, and again, and again.

Paul and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary on Monday.  We couldn't get a babysitter, but are going to try and do something Friday night.  We'll see.  I did cook up a great big steak dinner and stuffed mushrooms. 

Yesterday, I got my Food Handler's Card.  And now I am frantically studying for my Class B License.  I feel disappointed that I only got 75% of my Trainee Checklist done for this year.  It is so discouraging to be asked and expected to do SO many things that would really only be possible if I didn't have a husband and children to care for.   It's like being told to split the atom, I could try real hard, but I just couldn't do it, without blowing up myself and those around me.   Frustrating!! to say the least.     I am trusting that my life, spiritual witness, and character are better because of my commitment to my family and I hope that influences my ministry far more than a set of tasks.   I just want to be competent too! 

I am so excited for our new appointment.  I honestly didn't think I was going to make it.  But during tough times that we have experienced over the years, I just tell God, "I'll give it my all today, but tomorrow, I'm quiting".  And do you know what?  Tomorrow never happens.  Each day holds new mercy for me.  New compassion stirred in my heart.    God is beyond faithful and so very loving to me.  I am so undeserving.

A wise man once said

"you can have anything in life
if you will sacrifice everything else for it."



Friends

I'm so glad the table doesn't stay empty for long...

Tea with friends.

A giant bumble bee flee into the kitchen and Papa Bear caught it under a glass for all to see.


Even with a move, and being perfect strangers to everyone, God is still blessing my family with friends.
Elijah has been to a couple of birthday parties and visited over at a couple of friends homes, fine Christian families. 
David has spent time over at friends homes, also good Christian families. 
I've visited over with some moms of the boys' friends while all our children played.
We've had a few friends come and visit too, such as the above darling girls, and a brother-sister set from the boys' school, and we even have our very own set of twin boys to play with across the street. 
I've been so blessed to have 2 friends from The Dalles come and visit. Did my heart so much good!  And because I've needed more overnight childcare than usual, I get to see my mom and sister-n-law often. 
We're also quite excited and looking forward to vacationing with our good family friends early summer (between the two of us we have 11 children!) And yesterday, a package in the mail from another dear friend from The Dalles.

I remember there was a time in my early Officership that I thought I would just live a friendless life.  Sure we had our people and staff, but it's an unfair burden to them by making them your "friends". We're not there to get our own needs met.  Slowly, but surely, God has brought people into our lives that become friends, good friends, add that to my childhood-always-friends, and I feel like one very blessed lady. 

Several years ago, one of my Home League ladies wrote this up on our chalkboard:
"If you want a friend, be a friend."  So it takes some effort.  I'm not always on top of it due to the needs of my family and ministry.  But I try, I pray for them, and I thank God for the special people we call friends.

Ann's Recital

Ann's recital was 3 weeks ago... guess it's been awhile since I emptied my camera, but the day was memorable thats for sure!

She was so excited.  They have been rehearsing for months for their dance.

It was another crazy day for us.  Paul was at Men's Camp so I did the whole sha-bang on my own- get my children ready and out the door,  pick-ups, opening building, Assembly, Sunday School, Chase kids (not just my own),  Call the Police to report my computer stolen from my office!!!, meet with cop to file a police report with babe on my hip,  tell him "I have to go start church NOW", get weird look from cop,  Lead the Church Service and Preach, visit with people, lock-up the building, drop-offs, hurry home, shove lunch down everyone's throat, get Ann ready, leave Mary with a babysitter (smart move there if I do say so myself), make Ann "beautiful" (didn't take much work ;) and show up at the recital like I have it all together, only to find out my skirt was on backwards and that I had oatmeal in my hair.  I'm not kidding!  Paul arrived home from Men's camp just as we were pulling out of the driveway.  I swear men know how to show up as soon as all the work is over! hee!hee!

Pretty is as pretty does.

There were tons of people there. We sat up in the balcony with a great view. 

Ann was excited and nervous at the same time.

Ann third from left, next to our dear friend on the right who we miss so much already.

Third from left.  I was actually way down there kneeling in front of the stage.  I let Elijah take the pictures.  He didn't do as good as I hoped, but he tried and he's got to learn anyway.

We had some running around time afterwards while Paul got the car that was parked 3 blocks away.

Afterwards, Paul and I took advantage of having a babysitter and we went out for a long dinner and to see a movie, Iron Man 2.  It was so nice to see a movie without having to pause it 100 times.

We are in crunch time here.  Less than two weeks left and so much to do.  We are soooooo excited, but sad too.  Kind of a strange thing to feel.

Thank you Lord, for my first daughter!

  " ...and our daughters
will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace."   
Psalm 144:12b

Women Officers- Home League Women's Ministries

We had Home League today. 

We  meet every Wednesday morning, rain or shine.  I really love our group of ladies.  We have about 8 faithful attendees, and some others that come when they can.  We sit around tables, chat it up a bit, open with a Bible Study (I've been leading one on women Jesus ministered too, in the Gospels).  Then we take a short break for snacks and things, then on to a "program" which will usually be one of our four-fold purposes: service, worship, education, and fellowship.

Typically, our ladies take turns in the preparing and leading of the program, but last week we had a cancellation so I went to plan B-   I shared a video about a family who travels around in an RV ministering to others with music. (Paul and I have a dream to travel around in the RV with the children! So naturally, I was very interested in this video!)  I got it a while ago from Franklin Springs Media.   We discussed our homes and families and I encouraged the ladies to seek out good movies that portray family and home life in a  positive way.  There are far too many television shows that portray a wimpy dad, bossy mom, and unruly children.  I also shared about Abigail who had a "surly husband" but she was a  faithful woman who sought the Lord and His way despite her terrible husband.  (And in the end she ended up with King David!!) 

This morning we prayed, took care of some business, reviewed our Projects to which we contribute too and our HL Secretary and helper did an eye-opening skit for us followed by a walk through "Our Heart, Christ's Home". 

We are really excited about a new dimension to our Women's Ministries called  Sally's Ya-Ya Sisterhood.  I am grateful that I have 2 competent and enthusiastic women who will be running this program.  I will just sit back (I hope!) and participate. Smile. 

For a long time, especially when I first became an Officer, I was to easily swayed into thinking that I should fight for my right to not be "just tied down to Women's Ministries".  I would hear of others complaining that the wives of Officer husbands in leadership were just "plugged into" a Women's Ministries position and that their skills and talents weren't being put to good use.  I was young (I still am!) and impressionable and wanted to please the loudest voices around me. 
But I've learned,
just because someone is screaming the loudest,
it doesn't mean that they know what they're talking about. 
So now, I try to tune those out and listen to the still, small, powerful whisper of God.

Home League originated in order to provide fellowship, spiritual guidance and practical skills to use in the  home.  It's intention was to build up the woman so that she could build up her home and church.  If ever women needed the Home League- it's NOW!  There are so many women who find themselves with children, husbands, boyfriends, homes, working, and various other situations, who just don't know what to do or how to do it. I mean really, we've all been there, and we're all still learning, but there are a lot of women out there that don't even know that you can cook without a microwave or a drive-thru the McDonalds.  There are women who just don't know how very impressionable children are.  There are also women who don't know how to get along with other women.   So many things....

Titus 2 tells us what we should be teaching and learning:

to love our children and husbands  (it does not always come "naturally"!),

to be reverant (deeply respectful, in awe)

not to be slanderers (that's right ladies- watch that tongue and those lyin' lips!)

or addicted to too much wine (they didn't have Meth or Crack back then, but I'm sure those type of things are included here!),

teaching what is good,

to be self-controlled

and pure,

to be busy at home (as opposed to being overly busy outside the home or being at home but being a lazy bump on the log)

to be kind,

to be subject to our husbands (GASP!)  

These are the timeless truths that every woman should know.  These things don't come naturally; they have to be learrned and practiced and developed in us by  God. 

(Naturally, the only thing I do VERY well is be a selfish-onry-twit.  Ask my mother.)

The Home League gives us the opportunity and responsibility to teach women, and learn for ourselves, how to be effective Godly women-  builders of God's kingdom, beginning with the home.

PS- Our Corps (church) also ministers to women through our Social Services, Traveling Tea, Nutrition and Craft Classes, Women's Retreat, Mother and Daughter Banqeut, Women's Ministries Annual Tea

Women Officers- Effective Habits

This is an excerpt from our General Eva Burrows (Retired) address to Cadets some time ago-----  It was emailed to me a few years ago.  I've kept it posted above my desk to review when I feel like I'm getting off-track.  This is a useful way to be effective in all avenues of ministry- family, home, workplace, church, etc.

"Habit 1- Keep Studying
Always remain a student of the world around us and a student of the Bible.  That way we will understand the context of mission and be able to offer the Word in a relevant way.

Habit 2- Nurture Yourself
With devotions, with good coaches or mentors or spiritual directors.  Defects in spiritual life affects our leadership more than anything else.  So have a plan for your personal spiritual development and follow it.

Habit 3- Use Your Uniqueness In Your Ministry
God wants us to be who He made us to be.  Be who you are and do what you do best.  This way you will do wonders for God's kingdom.

Habit 4- Exercise Competence Beyond Your Gifting
Don't use gifting as an excuse for not doing what is your responsibility.  Learn about what you don't know and talk with others and utilise others who can help.  Don't monopilise your ministry, but mulitply it.

Habit 5- Be A Spiritual Leader
Cast vision.  Have a clear and passionate focus for mission.  Be ready to adjust strategies.  Above all, like Jesus, be a Servant Leader."

General Eva Burrows (R) was our General when God called me to Officership when I was about 10.  I was a willing soul after my Corps Officer, Mrs. Miller, taught us in Jr. Soldiers about our new General.  I remember feeling so hopeful, that there was a place for me, a woman, in Ministry.  I so wanted to share about Jesus. Still do.     I met General Eva when I was a teenager with my mom at a Labor Day Camp.  She was so kind and relatable.

General Eva is the daughter of Salvation Army Officers.  She is the 8th of 9 children. 
She never married, committing herself entirely to the advancement of God's kingdom. 
She served around the world, ultimately being elected as the General, the world leader of The Salvation Army,  in 1986 until 1993.
She is known as "The People's General".

on effective (or destructive!)  habits.........
"We first form habits, and then they form us."

Dinner last night: Ravioli, Salad, Fruit Bar

Dinner tonight: Chicken Corden Bleu Casserole, Peaches, Choco Chip Cookies

Dinner tomorrow night: Crockpot Chicken, Potatos, Apple Slices

Women Officers--- Tough Times

     I wrote this in the back of my  Bible when I was in training college.  The words aren't so comforting, in fact they are quite harsh.  I did not even fully understand the reality of Officership when I read them the first time, but as the years go by, and we have faced some difficulty, I begin to really get it. 
     When we consider the cost of following Jesus, of answering His call,  we must also remember that Jesus was rejected, despised, spit upon, mocked, tortured, and ultimately crucified, for the sake of OTHERS.
     And the most glorious part of all was that He rose from the grave, victorious over it all.
    
     "Then one day, for unknown reasons, God just isn't there anymore.  The Presence that has guided us and strengthened us is gone.  Our covenant with God feels broken and void.  The Scriptures stops comforting. Every page condemns!  We continue to read out of obedience, but the Word becomes the letter that kills.

     Pastoral skills become worthless.  The church is no longer a warm, nurturing environment where friends gather.  The church expels us from the secure womb.  Evil rages against us.  The boundaries of the church are not walls keeping evil out but a boxing ring keeping evil in, so that it can come back and strike us again and again and again.  We can't run.

     I'm up a tree.  High, far out on a fragile limb I cling.  I climbed out there because God said that He wanted me there and  that He would be with me.  Now the limb is cracking off the trunk.  God isn't there anymore.  The picture changes like a dream.  I am not out on a limb, but strapped to a tree.  I am hanging from a tree.  I am dying on a tree.  Pinched in God's vise, dangling helpless, I am made into the bait of God, but for whom?
  
      Nobody  pretty wants me now.  The world wants winners.  Nothing succeeds like success.  Look good to attract the good-looking.  Die to attract the dying.  Suffer to know the being of suffering.  Cry out to know the crying out.  Hear the blood of the innocents screaming; searing pain rises from the blood soaked dirt.
     Only now am I a parable of Jesus Christ."

-David Hansen, "The Art of Pastoring"


This can really apply to any area of life, couldn't it?     Not all of our days will be perfectly perfect.  In fact, not many.  We trust in Him, no matter where it takes us or who it leads us too.  At times, we may face unbearable pain and frustration, just like Jesus.   But we trust that His purpose and plan is being accomplished in us- bringing us closer into perfect fellowship (holiness) with Him.

You Know You're a SA Woman Officer

You Know You're  A Salvation Army (Woman) Officer when...

you have pantyhose strategically placed in your office, car, and purse

your children come home from school with canned food in their backpacks to donate to the food drive

you silently pray that the visitors don't walk out when you approach the pulpit

your pillow talk with hubby too often turns to the Corps (church)

you buy your house decorations in neutral colors so that they will match wherever you live

your Spring cleaning is subconciously your "in case we get moved" cleaning

your kids start calling you "Captain Mommy" so they can fit in with the Corps (church) kids better

you have your uniforms classified into 3 groups- office, church, and special events-  based on the wear, tear, and fit (or is that just me?!)

you have learned to just bite your tongue and quit explaining when people call you the "Pastor's Wife", afterall that is one of our roles

you consider your Corps people surrogate family because yours live so far away

you can be at the store growling at your children one minute and letting someone cry on your shoulder the next, and then go back to growling (all in a days work! ha!ha!)

you are your children's Pastor, Sunday School teacher,Youth Activities leader, and more  (they get a LOT of us!)

your office has a desk, computer, books, program supplies, files AND a playpen, toys strewn all over, children hiding under the desk,a musky dirty diaper smell to it and your staff and people know to KNOCK before they come in or they may just see a bare breast (that could be just me too?! LOL!)

your toddler points to the portrait of William Booth and calls him "Grandpa"

you generally go through 3 changes of clothes a day- uniform, civies, lounge/jammies

you've walked lopsided through a Sunday because you put two different sized high-heels on

you're consumed with the pursuit of Jehovah and His Way

you are daily guided, (but still sometimes need reminded!), by this:    God has given you a passion to reach men, women, children and in-between-   with the miraculous message of salvation from sin and hell

*I thank you Lord for the privelege of serving you. 

I know you don't really need me at all,

 but I'm so glad you want me.*

Dinner Tonight:  Chicken (crockpot), Salad, Pears, Hawaiin Rolls, trying to think of a yummy dessert still

A Day In The Life

Up at 5:30am (this time I stayed up)  I was  also up at 12:30am and 2:00am.  Ooooh Mary.

Morning getting ready and fed routine.

Dropped of boys at school.

Went to Fred Meyers to p/u the rest of Advisory Board Lunch. (girls in tow here on out)

Finished setting up for Advisory Board at the Corps.

Quickly finished up some paperwork and some christmas stuff.

Went to Community Bible Study. 

Rushed home to change into my uniform.

Took Ann and Hannah to Brown's to play, play, play!

Mary and I back to the Corps for AB and other tasks.

Set-up, Meeting, Clean-up, quick chats with some folks.

P/U girls from Browns.  Chat (not long enough ;) with Stacie)

Drove to a single moms house to drop off leftover cake and chips from AB mtg. Quick visit.

Got pizza. Rushed home to be home before the boys.

Home- chores, computer work, stories read, baths, homework, guitar lessons, phone calls, shopping list, etc....

No hubby tonight--- waaay to much work to get done.  'Tis the season!

I'm looking forward to watching "The Office" at 9pm.  This show makes me LOL!!!  And I'm not ashamed to admit it!!! It's the only network show I watch and I love every minute!  There's just something so crazy, yet realistic about it!  

And, now that I tried to steal a moment away downstairs... all 5 of my children have made their way down here.  Elijah, who is playing the flute, brought Mary who is crawling around jabbering.  Ann is behind me on our old computer playing Dr. Suess phonics.  David is standing behind me.  He can't stand to be away from Momma for to long.  I just know it, but he'll never admit it.  Go take your bath David.  I know you're reading this over my shoulder.  Okay kids, back upstairs.