Busy, busy me :)

Well last week was a busy week and so was the weekend. This week is shaping up to not be so bad. :)
The weekend was truly amazing though. Friday was the women's monthly meeting and it was incredible. We had lots of new faces, yay! I have a strange feeling that I wont be asked to head a table again anytime soon though. I totally blew it! :(
Saturday we went to work at a local bilingual school. We have a couple of people from church who work there. This school was one of the first on island and was built by a missionary group. A lot of the students come from homes where the parents want them to  go to college in the US. Little do they know that a lot of the students who graduate from there end up in ministry of some sort. Watching the older students from the school was just amazing. Our youth interacted with them well. It is pretty awesome to see that teen angst is universal! The kids took a break from working and even went out to play soccer. They were so fun to watch. So we cleaned, painted, rearranged, and even made signs. I really hope we get to go back over and help them out soon! I think it is the coolest thing that we have a mission field right out our front door. 
Yesterday was a great Sunday except for the fact that I felt bad. 
So this week seems a bit low key, which is good. I have got to get myself motivated to get to work on straightening out this office! UGH
Have a blessed week everyone!!

New Pope

It was quite interesting watching the Pope be, installed, would you call it, this morning. I had never paid much attention to it before. He seems like a great choice for the Catholic church, just from what he said is his speech and what the commentators on the news station said as well. Even though, we see things differently, and worship very differently, I really do hope that this Pope is a Pope of the people like they are saying. I hope he can bring unity into the Catholic church. They are a hurting people and God does love them.
My observation as I watched though, was kind of an ah-ha moment. It is no wonder that so many of the Priests have failed and fallen. They are placed on too high of a pedestal. One can only hold to that high of an expectation for so long. It hadn't really clicked with me how legalistic Catholics are until now either. I am not knocking my Catholic friends by any means, but when you think legalism you mostly think if the United Pentecostal or Apostolic denominations. 
Anywho, that is my bright observation for the day. 
Again, please, this blog entry was not designed to offend anyone. Just the ramblings off of my ADD brain! :)

slipping!

Thank you Lord for giving me strength! Even when I don't do the things I know I should.
I feel the wagon catching up with me today after some of my poor food choices this week. UGH Gotta get back to paying attention again! I got this! :)

What a start to this new journey

Let me preface this by saying that I do realize why the people on The Biggest Loser cry now. 
Wow, God really did more in me over the last 5 weeks than I realized. 
Five weeks ago I started a class, not really given a choice because my case manager signed me up.  None the less I went in with an open and receptive mind. 
It is kind of a Weight Watchers type thing through the Health and Wellness Center here on base. You go in, weigh, measure your waist the first week. After that you weigh in once a week and through out the nutritionist talks about healthy eating habits, focusing on teaching you how to read food labels and determine mostly your sugar and fat intake, how many calories you should be eating and helping you use a pretty cool online tool to track your food, my fitness pal. She also took us through workouts at the end of each session. Yeah, they have all that here for us dependents, wow, who knew? There were a few of us who actually made it though the class completely. In fact, it was kind of cool because there were two of us stay at home Mom's a couple of active duty and a couple of civilian workers. 
The exercising was tough at first because I was so out of shape. In fact, I feel like I still am! Luckily, I had started, what I am calling Hubby boot camp, at the same time. So, I am back in the gym lifting and doing cardio. Yes, I hate the gym, but I love the way I feel afterwards, even when I am in pain like today. 
I am excited about this journey this time because I really want to do it for myself more than anyone else this time. I am so glad that I was finally able to purge some things from my life and schedule to finally focus on myself. God knew I needed this so He made some of the necessary changes for me. Even if part of that process had to be me getting placed on the diabetes medication. My goal is to get my body working properly so that I shouldn't have to take the meds. If I can't then so be it. I have done all that I should have to combat my disease.
I am proud to say that I reached my initial goal with the class. 10 lbs down and one inch gone from the waist!
I just want all of my friends to know that the only limits you have are the ones that you place on yourself. Yes, I still make excuses, and grumble all the way to the stinky hot gym every morning, but in the long run, I know the goals I have set for myself are in reach. I just have to remember to take a step at a time and that I am stronger that I think I am. Which is really hard for someone who is use to jumping into the deep end of the pool.
God is good!

Pursue God ....

"And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed." ~ Genesis 32:28 (Amplified Bible)

This verse was part of a devotional reading today. It can mean so many things to so many different people, but today it says to me, pursue God. If there is something that you want God to do in your life, go after Him until He blesses you!

I know I do!! After spending the last 13 yrs or so running from God, it feels so good to be running back toward him!! The feeling of all of the barriers being knocked down is amazing!!

Words

I hate not having the right words to say to someone sometimes. Especially someone who is hurting and sad.

Another Thing....

Now I remember what the something else was that I wanted to add to my last blog entry.
God has really worked on my level of contentment over the last few years. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with having stuff or wanting more out of life. It is the point at which all of that starts to take over your life that becomes the problem. Having a decent career a modest sized house and two cars in the garage is great. I had that. Deep down there was also that constant craving for more, more money, more cool gadgets, more tv channels, more prestige, you get the point.
This military lifestyle has taught me that even though, I may not have the the number of bedrooms or bathrooms that I want, or the amount of storage that I think I need, I can be content in where I am at this moment in time. Unfortunately it may take me a while to get there but trust me, I have gotten so much better.
The one commodity that I could have never gotten back is this time with my family. More precious than any thing else. I am so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to grow and stretch in Him.

The things that pop into my head during a sermon.....

I know I should be concentrating on what Pastor is preaching but sometimes my ADD takes over and I rabbit trail in my head while he's talking. (Sorry Pastor Wes) Those of you who know me well know my thought process!

So, I was thinking over the last four years and this adventure. Lately, God has brought to my attention a few of the things that he has been teaching me during this time. Today I was reminded of the fact that even though I had attended a big church in a big city, I was a snob. I only hung out with the people that I went to church with. I also had a tendency to be critical. 

God has blessed my life with so many different people over the last few years. That is the cool thing about being a military family. You get to meet people from all walks of life, ethnicities, back grounds and countries. In doing so, I have been stretched beyond my comfort zone. Not that that is bad thing mind you! I know I am a better person for it.
I just hope I have touched those lives as much as they have touched mine! 

Welcome 2013

Happy New Year!!!
I had a pretty uneventful day. Finished it off with church. :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wow, I can not believe that 2012 is almost over! I can not believe that we have officially marked off one full year here on Okinawa either. As we were asked to give testimonies around the room about what God had done for us this year this morning at prayer, I was mesmerized by them. It was really amazing to hear what God has been doing in, through and around everyone at our church.

This year has really had it's ups and downs for us as a family. The awesome thing is that we serve a big God who is ready and willing to do anything we ask of Him. I know I have been personally smashed, shoved and stretched. I started out completely numb when we got here then progressed through the anger, depression and a myriad of other emotions. Trust me, not everyone is cut out for this military life and I am still wondering what the heck were were thinking doing this at our age, lol. My mil spouse friends who have been doing this for years are officially my heroes! I still don't know how they do it. The not knowing every two years or so where you will be, moving the kids around, getting the house ready to be packed, unpacking everything and getting it settled, etc. 
Keith and I were talking the other day and discussing our "purpose" for being here. Nothing has turned out quite like we had planned or envisioned. Oh and did I mention we still have another two years here on the island? Thankfully, everything turned out how God planned it! :) God has really blessed me with an amazing group of friends and acquaintances.  We have great neighbors here in our little "cove"/street/hill/neck-o-the-woods, whatever you want to call it. We have a wonderful church family full of great people who will give you the shirt off their back if you need it and Pastors who jump at the chance to love on us.
I am thankful for growing pains. Even though, God has pushed me out of my comfort zone, I know I will come out better for it in the end. I am thankful that God is our Jehovah-Jireh, our faithful provider. When I think that there will never be an end to this debt that has to be paid off, God shows up and says here is a bigger number in your check book! 
Part of me is terrified about what 2013 is going to bring as this will be another year of big decisions in our lives, but at the same time I am a little excited. I know God has big plans, I just hope I am open and receptive to what the year brings. 
In the mean time, like Pastor Chris said this morning, I am going to get off my rear and be an active duty Christian instead of the reservist!
May you all have a happy and blessed 2013.

Asking

This morning during prayer Ms. Carol, was talking about God knowing the desires of our hearts and wanting to bless us with them.
Why as Christian people are we afraid to ask for specific things? At least I know I am. Is it because we may get the answer we are looking for then actually have to act on that thing? Is it because He may have a different plan for us and we may not like the answer we receive? So many times we think we want something but we are not sure we really want it, or are terrified to move forward with something. Thankfully God knows whether or not it is for our benefit or not and the timing in which it should happen.
I am thankful for a loving God who knows the desires of our heart and wants to give them to us. Even the little things.

Thanksgiving

I have So much to be thankful for. I can not believe we have been here in Okinawa a year already. Time sure does fly. God is good because even as much as I miss home I am finding more and more things that I like about this island.

Our first Typhoon!

We survived typhoon Bolaven over the weekend. All in all it wasn't a bad experience, especially since we had no idea what was going to happen. Just like the hurricanes state side these things change almost constantly.
Well then we have a couple more, and Jelewat was the kick in the pants. Although we are very grateful that is was not worse!

Happy August!!

Well with August comes the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year! Ya know the time of year when you are torn between wanting the kids out of the house for a few hours and not wanting your bumming around buddies to leave you??? :) 

Blessed beyond measure

As I have been reflecting this morning, i can't help but go back to last night's worship rehearsal. We have this local man who comes in to watch the praise team rehearse almost every week. I think it is pretty awesome that he seeks out opportunities. Last night as we were doing our devotional we got to pray with him. He doesn't speak any English but our friend who speaks Japanese invited him to come over and she translated. Y'all know me and as it was my turn to pray, I not only had to clean up my Southern accent to Terumi could understand me, I also had to make an effort to be more deliberate and slow down my speech. At first I thought Lord, I can't do this. God is so faithful I calmed down and was able to get out concisely what I wanted to say. Although the best part was getting to pray for him.
How amazing is that?? Sadly in the states so many churches are robbed or worried about being broken into during services that they have become leery of letting people just wander in.
Yet here we are living in a foreign country surrounded by people who can barely understand a word we are saying, or in this case singing, and someone wanders in off the street just to be in the presence of our great God.
What a blessing to witness that kind of hunger?
Lord, let me hunger for more of you!

wow it's been a while!!!

Since I last posted we have been through spring break and Easter!! My how time flies!! And now the end of the school year for the kids is closing in! I am so proud of Jacob and Christina. They have done very well and Jacob has made the honor roll two out of these three semesters here! He got invited to the NJHS! I don't think he went to the meeting though, grrr! That is ok, once he hits high school!!! He also got an invitation to take a high school level algebra class next year in 7th grade. What an amazing honor, but we really don't want to stress him out. Maybe 8th grade, if he feels he is up to the challenge. May is a busy month. I just have to figure out what to do when school gets out in June to keep us busy. Hopefully we can hang out with some friends at the beach or pool. 

*warning* a bit sad

I actually got to join my friend, Troy for his weekly broadcast on YouServed radio this morning.  A luxury I have not been afforded in a very long time. Wow, what a show. It was a bit heart wrenching but well worth the listen. Today's guest was Daniel Gade who has a long list of credentials that I can not remember off of the top of my head now, one of which included him having something to do with West Point.  Anyway, he as started a book project. He is gathering letters from widows, widowers and even some vets that were written when they deployed. He read a couple on air and they were powerful! And yes I was crying. This is a link to his blog "In the Event of My Death"   http://intheeventofmydeath.wordpress.com/  


I know this isn't a pleasant subject but how amazing to share these thoughts. The crazy thing is what actually stuck with me after the interview was over. The hosts were sharing their stories about writing their own letters and what they usually did with them after the deployment was over and they were safely at home. A friend of theirs called in at the end and brought up a great point. How much of this beautiful poetic stuff do we share with out loved ones while we are actually together? If we don't say it, then why not? I guess I just needed to get that out of my head. 

Manic Monday

As hard as I fought it off, Monday showed up anyway! :(
We had a good quiet weekend. Watched a couple of movies, played around at the BX, did a  little yard work. Oh and went out to eat Friday night at a place in town. Yes, I am not nearly as terrified to venture out in town now. I still get nervous going outside of my comfort zone, but hey I'll get use to it eventually! It was fun and the food was yummy! Keith has really been practicing his Japanese. I can say hello, yes, no and thank you. That is about it. 
Looks like I have a busy week ahead! YAY! Love it!

purpose

So after watching Hugo last night I got to thinking. I know, that can be dangerous some times with me. 
With all the new age junk that Hollywood is spewing these days, at least most of the movies directed toward kids have a good message. I think it is important for we parents to talk to our kids about these concepts as well. 
In the beginning I thought the movie was kind of stupid, but as it began to unfold I could see where the Authors/Directors were going with the story line. The main character in the movie is trying to figure out if his life has a purpose. Aren't we all floundering around with that concept? I know as a parent, I am constantly urging my children toward what seems to be a natural niche for them. I'm 44 and some days I still wonder what God has planned for me. Am I doing the right thing? Is this really where I am suppose to be??? I suppose what I am saying is that is the cool thing about being a Christian and trying your best to listen and be open to the wonderful adventures God throws your way. Are they always easy???? NO! Of course not, look at our lives as a military family, we go from duty station to duty station, starting over making new friends, then leaving them all behind and starting over at the next one. My theme for the new year has seemed to be grow where you're planted. I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me an opportunity to do so recently. 
Have a blessed weekend all!

God is just cool like that!

Ya know, my heart has always been in Women's Ministries, but over the last 10 yrs or so, God has steered me into kids' ministry. It's kind of cool to look back and see the people and  opportunities that God placed in my life to help me grow. Gotta love how God gets us out of our comfort zone, so we can be blessed!