I Want to Be a Vessel

My family and I were fortunate to go to Youthquake last night. Youthquake is an outdoor concert that is hosted in a nearby town each year. It is primarily geared toward the youth, but trust me, this is an event for all ages!

We were able to see live and in person Jon Reuben, Revive, Brit Nichole, Hawk Nelson and Casting Crowns. Our speaker was Matt Pitt from The Basement in Birmingham, Alabama. It was awesome and moving and Spirit filled to say the least.

I was totally blessed by the whole event but I confess found myself distracted on many occasions. During prayer, folks of all ages are walking around, screaming, laughing, running, hanging out. Again during the reading and preaching of the Word the same thing. Folks playing on their phones, texting and so very unconcerned that the very Word of God was being spoken.

My heart was broken. People in other countries are putting their very lives in danger just to hear the Word and here we are, so oblivious to the preciousness of what we have.

Thankfully, there were just as many who were soaking up every ounce of what God was pouring out. While I choose to put my focus there, I can't help but carry a heavy burden that so many need Jesus. So many need to fall into His arms and give everything over to Him. I don't want to be an ostrich and bury my head in the sand and pretend that this isn't the reality of our world today. I want God to use me. Starting in my own household and reaching out to those many, many people I come in contact with each day.

I want to be a vessel that God can readily use. How about you?

Wedding Joys!!

Just a quick bit to share the celebrating!!

After an eleven hour day at work, DD and I were able to get most of her wedding invitations stuffed!! We'd have gotten finished, but we ran out of stamps to put on the RSVP cards!! Every time we get another little thing marked off the list, I can see DD's stress level go down. She has so much on her plate right now!!

The best news of all though...they were approved for their loan for their dwelling! Now...bear in mind that we are still all about saving money and staying out of debt...DH and I, that is. DD and Son-in-law-to-be, are still in the learning process. They have been able to save a few thousand dollars though along with paying for some the "extras" they want for the wedding.

They found a cute single wide trailor, small (14x50) but SO cute, for $4250. They were able to secure a loan for $5000 (the extra will move the trailer) and their loan is only for two years! How exciting! Their plan is to start small, save and build a house as they go along with minimal to no debt. Help us pray for them that they would allow God to direct their steps and they would be found walking along the path He is choosing for them in this...well, in ALL areas.

I'm off to a hot bath and a comfy bed! 'Night all!!!

Update! Update!! Yes..I'm Still Around!!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time can get by me!! It's been over a month since I've posted and that really wasn't my intentions at all. I can be honest in saying though, that I'm trying terribly hard to let God manage my time and time spent on the computer verses time spent with my family???.....family every time!!!

One thing that has always been precious to me but that has become more precious to me since I went back to work has been time with my family. Sit down dinners that used to happen at least three or four times a week has now came down to every Wednesday and every other Sunday but they are non-negotiable. No other plans. No friends. Just family. EOD!!

It's hard to believe I've been working for almost six months!! Again...how time has flown!! All is good on the job front and as I've posted before, my patients are wonderful!! They truly do make my job a blessing!

Wedding plans are in full swing! With the big day only seven weeks away, those tiny details are becoming hugely important!! We are now at the stage of mailing invitations and planning bridal showers, the first of which is next Friday night!! Such fun and excitement!

I shared that in going back to work, I was struggling within myself about being a Titus 2 wife. I truly struggled with not having the time to make food from scratch or making our own laundry detergent. I confess I've crossed over into the land of convenience. Quick and easy has become my friend and you know what?? It's truly okay.

With most of our meals being DH and myself, it doesn't take that much to feed us supper anyway and boil-in-bag rice and Chunky soup has become my friend!!

Three evenings a week, I get home rather late and it's so simple to boil some rice, heat up a can of soup and pour over it and bake some Pilsbury frozen biscuits in the oven. Within thirty minutes we are eating a hot meal that is filling and cheaper than take out.

I've come to the realization that being a true Titus 2 wife has nothing to do with staying at home and being the best at that. It has everything to do with living the life and being the model that Christ has set before us.

Do I miss my days at home? Yes! I've realized though that this is the course I'm on and it's okay. God CAN and WILL use me and THAT is what I truly want more than anything.