!!!GET THIS DONE!!! Seriously

That's what is written at the top of my "to do" list for this week. Sad but true...

See, I have this problem w/making lists and only really completing a few of the items. But the things on this week's list are tres important. Most have to do w/VBS or church and since I have to be gone next week for a couple days for work, I really do need to get them done. Last night, I was a bit overwhelmed but today, I feel that I (w/God's help) have a better handle on things.

For those of you who don't know, my responsibilities at church have expanded and now include the following (in no particular order):

*praise team member
*nursery worker
*Sunday School teacher (10-14 year olds)
*drama ministry coordinator (for youth)
*ladies' ministry gopher
*CE director
*church event planner
*VBS director
*prayer meeting participant
*pastoral assistant (8-10) hours/week
*childcare provider for pastor's children

(I threw that last one in there as a bonus. I just take the kids (ages 12, 10, & 4) when he and his wife have pastoral duties to tend to or just need a break. I enjoy it just as much as any other part of ministry though.)

So, as you can tell, I am a pretty busy woman since those duties are in addition to my 40 hour work weeks. That list is not intended to be a "bragging rights" list but for me, it is a list of the things I would have missed out on had I tucked tail and ran back in December when my life fell apart. Who knew that so much would develop over the past 5 months? And while I am constantly on the run, I love it and wouldn't change it a bit (most days). I only wish I were closer to my family but Texas is home for now until I'm released to go elsewhere. Lately, I have had to remind myself that although I am extremely busy, I am blessed to be able to work my full-time job and still maintain ministerial duties. I am thankful that God is taking my talents and abilities and stretching me to be used for His kingdom. I must keep my focus on Him and remember that all I do is to share His love with the world.

Ok, that was a random post for the day but oh well, that's me. Pictures are on their way as soon as I take the time to load them. My prayers for my readers, I mean my mom today are that you will walk victoriously in the power we have in Christ Jesus! May we be crucified in Him allowing His love to pour out of us!

Love to all & blessings always,
~B
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26

You might wanna sit down for this...

I (unintentionally) went jogging for the 1st time in over a decade yesterday.

(Take a moment to regain your composure...)

Apparently, the nature trail near the college here really inspires me. I shocked myself.

Side note: There was a little old man (who was at least 6'3") was walking behind me who, when he caught up w/me said, "You're a fast walker. I'm just getting stretched out and you're keeping up with me." And as he passed me on his way back, he said, "You're doing a good job!"

So, do I take this as his "I-should-really-encourage-the-fat-girl" good deed of the day or am I wearing a sign that says "Compliments From Old Men Motivate Me"?

~B
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26

P.S. Last night, I received the most encouraging MySpace message from the pastor that preached our revival last week. I don't think he knows how much his time here sincerely changed my life. But his kind words made my day. Thanks Pastor Wright!

A quote

I read this yesterday and it impacted me strongly so I thought I'd share:

You'll never possess what you're not willing to pursue.

I don't know why this affected me so much. Ok, I do know why but I'm not going to post it all now. I just hope you are encouraged to continue to pursue your destiny as you allow God to direct your path.

Blessings,
~B
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26

Today...

I'm wearing a skirt I haven't been able to wear in over 3 years.

YAY for clothes shopping in the "Save it until I can fit in it again" section of my closet!

~B
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26

Healing & Restoration

I cannot begin to articulate the healing God is doing in my life as of late. After my post from yesterday (even if it was a previously authored piece) and the events of yesterday, I feel I need to post a follow up to let you know that God's timing is perfect, not ours. Yesterday's post expressed some bitterness and anger which in all honesty, did control me for several months following my break up. However, I can truthfully say that God is healing those broken, dead places of my heart and life. Not only that but He is confirming my call to ministry in ways I never imagined were possible. Let me take you to my favorite post form to show you exactly what I mean...THE LIST:

1. In the 24 hour period of Monday night to Tuesday night, I was able to witness/encourage 3 people in my life-a co-worker, a close friend, and a family member.
2. Last night, I ministered to a 17 year old girl who had just come back to church after a long stretch of being out.
3. Sunday evening I delievered a word (via e-mail) to someone I am carrying a heavy burden for and was scared to death I had missed God. But he had received the exact same word earlier in the day and didn't realize it was for him.
4. Last night, I had a 2 hour long conversation w/the ex I have been so hurt over and truly felt God restoring so much through that exchange.
5. I have received text messages for the past several days from various members of said ex's family letting me know they love me which is an encouragement that God can bring good out of bad situations.
6. God spoke through our evangelist who said a prayer over all minister's children calling us to a greater annointing than our parents and calling for greater works, greater finances, and greater signs through us. The night before that prayer, I broke the bondage the devil had me in over the insecurity and fear of failure within my ministry.

So now, I walk in confidence, not in myself, but in Christ Jesus within me who gives me strength, wisdom and power to not simply do ministry, but to do it successfully. I am a powerful woman of God-even the ex spoke that over me last night in our church parking lot (SHOCKER, I know)-and am called to a ministry of which no one has seen the likes before. God has gifted me in many areas and given me such a passion for His people and His church and I know that He will fulfill all the dreams He has given me in due season. As Israel Houghton declares, I am "armed and dangerous, strong and serious, clothed in righteousness"-I'm a new breed of Christian!

Blessings,
~B
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ~Psalm 73:26