Resurrection 2009

Sometimes God places us in situations just so we can see His power at work. Well, this past weekend was one of those times for me. Frank, Jacob and I went along with our church youth group to Gatlinburg, TN for Resurrection 2009 (a Methodist Youth Retreat). It was our first trip to Resurrection and I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard some amazing stories, but I still couldn't quite grasp the whole concept. I admit, that when Frank first volunteered us to go, I was more than a little apprehensive. But, as time to go grew closer, I began to get excited about it. By the time we left I was really looking forward to it. Somewhere down deep in my heart, I knew I was going to meet God there. And oh boy, did He ever show up. I can not remember a more amazing time with the Lord. He showed up in full force. His presence was so clear. I'm still reeling from it. And Jacob loved it. He hung on every word. He danced with the band and just "got it." I mean he really "got it."
We had four sessions over the weekend. We started with one session on Friday night shortly after we arrived, Saturday morning and afternoon and a wonderful session Sunday morning complete with Communion. Our youth participated in the serving of Communion. I am so blessed and so touched to have received communion from these amazing kids.
The kids were great - no problems at all. Of course, I think they are a great group of kids regardless. I just love'em all. Of course, I have to tell this . . . us girls had a hard time going into the boys' rooms for our nightly devotions. Those rooms smelled awful! There was a grotesque combined smell of feet and "other body functions" that would knock us down at the door. But, a little Febreeze helped. Needless to say that after devotions, us girls hightailed it back to our sweet smelling girl rooms.
Anyway, the music was awesome. This band was on stage at every session and the kids went wild. They rushed the stage, they danced, they sang and they truly praised the Lord.
The main speaker was phenomenal. I admit, I had never heard of this guy before, but he really hit home. And, he spoke in such a manner that the kids just got it. Not to mention that he was hilarious in the process.
I just can't seem to find the words to describe exactly what I brought back with me. There were (literally) thousands of kids there - all of them hanging on the Word of God, praising Him, Glorifying Him - it was one of the most awe inspiring events I've ever been a part of.
Now, heres the trick - it's our responsibility to "keep the fires burning" in our kids. I'm not sure how that will happen, but I am sure that with God in charge it will be done.
So, will we go again to Resurrection - you bet. Jacob asked me Sunday morning, even before we had left Gatlinburg, if we could come back next year. Of course we will. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of many Resurrection weekends to come.
I wish I had some pictures to share, but I left my camera at home. Yeah, I know. That won't happen again. Next year, I'll have lots of pictures and lots more blessings to share.
If you are curious about Resurrection you can visit this site and learn all about it. You can also find out how to register your youth to attend Resurrection 2010 which is the 25th anniversary. I highly recommend it.
I pray that you are as blessed as I am.

Happy New Year!!

May 2009 bring many blessings, much prosperity, and peace beyond understanding.
God bless and keep you in everything you do.
Let's make 2009 a year for Jesus!

In Christ,
Lisa

Looking Forward to a Wonderful New Year!!

Wow - I can not believe that three months has gone by since I last posted on this blog. Oh, well, not much I can do to change that now - so, I move forward.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. 2009 is just a few hours away. I must admit, thankfully to our gracious Lord, 2008 was rather uneventful. I like uneventful. Turmoil and dissention upset me terribly. Nothin' I hate more than for my nice peaceful boat to get rocked.
I am looking forward to this new year. I have thoughtfully planned my resolutions for this year. They are as follows:
1st goal - I'm not calling them resolutions. They are goals. I have set myself a few goals for this year. And, I am humbly asking for any and all assistance that anyone would like to give.
2nd goal - I am joining Beth Moore and the LPM team in memorizing scripture this year. BM has asked anyone who wants to join in to memorize two scriptures per month - we check in with each other on the 1st and 15th of each month. How great is that. By the end of the year we will have memorized at least 24 scripture.
3rd goal - Since I have been chosen as Sunday School Superintendent for 2009, I have decided to take this job very seriously and put forth all my effort to help build up our SS program at our church. Our pastor has proclaimed 2009 as a "Year of Evangelism" at our church - so our efforts should go hand in hand. The main here is Glory to God!!!
4th goal - I have got to (GOT TO) stop smoking. That's all I'm going to say about that for now.
5th goal - To be more faithful in my blogging.

So, for now, these are the goals for my new year. I'm looking forward to input from you. But, please be kind or at least be tactful.

God bless you with a terrific 2009. May all of His blessings be yours.

See you soon.

A Month Later and a Few Questions

I'm loving my job. Praise to the Lord for placing me in a great school with great people to work with. I stay very, very busy though. I don't mind.
The last month (since my last post)has been filled with all kinds of things going on. I won't go into a lot of them but those particular incidents have opened up a few questions.
Question #1 - At what point in life does one pass from "Miss" to "Ma'am"? Standing in line at WalMart the other day a fellow behind me says, "Excuse me, Miss." Naturally, I turned around and moved to the side to let him pass. Much to my chagrin, he was not talking to me.
Question #2 - Why is that kids can sit through episode after episode of SpongeBob and Drake and Josh and then watch the reruns of the same episodes but complain when we parents want to watch five minutes of the election coverage?
Question #3 - Why can't that one dirty glass appear in the sink before the dishes are done?
Question #4 - Where do the sock mates really go?
These are just a few things I've been wondering. You can even say that some recent personal events have triggered these questions. I would love to hear some ideas on these important issues.

Very Brief Update

The last month or so has been a roller coaster ride for me. I can't remember all the tiny little details but here's the nutshell version.

August 1 - We went to Dollywood for the day. It was a wonderful day and we were absolutely tuckered out when we got home.

August 2 - Back at home, randomly checking voice mail on the home phone gave me a devastating shock. A message from the school board office informed me that I had been transferred to a different school. There was no explanation just the transfer orders. I called my principal to find out what was going on. She informed me it was a mistake and I should report to my regular job on Monday.

August 4 - First day of school. Went to work at regular school as usual. At about 10:00 a.m. Principal informs me that I have indeed been transferred. Again, devastation and many tears, though not actually in front of anyone.

August 5 - No school today (don't know the logic in that) but I went to see my Mom. Needing comfort in regards to my current job status.

August 6 - Report to new school - 15 miles away from my boy who is still at other school. Right off, I don't like it. Although, the people are very nice and the new Principal tries very hard to make the transition easier.

I stayed at the new school for the first three weeks of school. I did my job to the best of my ability. I was heartbroken that I was not actually placed in a classroom, but I still worked hard. I heard of another position in another school, right across the street from my old school. So, I applied and waited. The new position is a step up from my old position and is in the middle school. While I waited for a decision to be made, I continued to work at new school. I began to get very discouraged but kept trying to praise my way through it. All during this time, I knew that God was (and is) in control. Never once did I doubt that He had a plan. The discouragement that I was feeling was from the fact that I don't wait very well. Learning about that one.
Finally, I got word that the position was mine, but the school board was not filling the position until the yearly budget was submitted and passed. So, again, I waited and watched the papers for confirmation that the budget had passed. Finally, the morning papers flashed a headline that the budget had been submitted but rejected. It had to be submitted again. I thought I would scream - but I kept praising God and relying on Him to put me where He wanted me.

So, finally, He gave me the new position. I am now in the 5th grade at the middle school and I LOVE IT. I can take Jacob to school with me in the mornings and a friend picks him up to take him across the street to his school.
The people I work with are great. I'm enjoying all the work (even though it can be hectic at times). It's great!!

So,what did I learn from all this - not much. What did I take from all this - The wonderful, joyous confirmation that My Lord is with me all the time. That He holds me in His hands. That I am precious in His sight and He has great and wonderful plans for me. That I am loved, unconditionally.

Now, I love to tell the story of my transfer because I can tell how the Lord brought me through it. I love to tell others how faithful God is and that I am living proof of His love.

What more could a girl want?

Random Thoughts

This is some of the thoughts that keep floating through my head. I thought if I wrote them down, maybe I could clear my mind.

This past week or so has been a little melancholy for me. Last week, after we returned from vacation, I had to go to Virginia for my Aunt Katherine's funeral. My nickname for Aunt Katherine is "Flossy." Only I am allowed to use it.
Anyway, after I came home from the funeral, I've felt kind of down and out. Yet, I still rejoice in knowing that Flossy is with Jesus and someday, so will I.

We go back to school next Monday, August 4th. Yes, the 4th!!! I'm looking forward to working again - I really miss my paychecks. But, August 4th is ridiculously early.

My seven year old son is obsessed with Jamie Lynn Spears - oh, woe is me!!! Why couldn't he be obsessed with one of those little starlets that has NOT been in the headlines for having a baby at age 16?? Of course, he is only seven and all he sees is the "Zoey 101" show on Nick.
Dear Lord, please don't let this be a glimpse into the future of my son. Amen.

A sweet little lady in our church died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. I wish I had known her better.

My parents are on vacation in Shipshewana, Indiana. It's an Amish community. I looked it up on the internet and it looks lovely. Wish I was with them.

My dream vacation would be a complete tour of all the Civil War sights in the state of Virginia.

I've always wanted to write and publish a book. I'm still praying for the talent to do so.

I spend too much money.

My cousin's son is getting married this weekend in San Antonio, Texas. I would love to go. It would be great to go to the wedding on Saturday, then visit John Hagee's church on Sunday.
But, since we have to go back to school on Monday, it's not possible for me to go.

I should take better care of myself.

OK - I have wallowed in my own muddy thoughts long enough. I feel better. Thanks for your support!

We're Back

We're back from vacation. Had a wonderful time. Didn't want to come home! We started out in Charleston. It's such a beautiful place. I adore Southern history. I especially love to see places where "The War of Northern Agression" took place.
I would love to see Charleston during a time of the year when it's not 500 DEGREES IN THE SHADE. Maybe late fall.


Of course, as usual, I was in the middle of saying something.

Then we moved on to the beach. Love the beach. Don't care for the ocean. Love the beach. As a rule, I don't go into the water above my knees. Frank and Jacob, on the other hand have a crazy desire to stand NECK DEEP in the water. I do not, and never will, share that desire. Guess I've seen too many shark movies. The pool is another story - love the pool. We had a waterpark at our resort too. That was a lot of fun.





See what I mean?


Jacob really enjoyed digging in the sand. Don't even know what he was doing in this one.



It was a really fun week. Did not want to come home. Oh, said that already.
Well, there's a little glimpse into our vacation. It was a wonderful week. Actually, I don't remember being that relaxed in a long time. Did I mention that I really wasn't ready to come home?
Anyhoo - now that I am home - guess it's back to the same old stuff. I'll treasure the memories of that wonderfully relaxed week.(Sigh)
Blessings!!