August 11 - August 17

11 comments:

Kerrie said...

It has been a great and tiring week. I've had some amazing experiences. One, I got to spend some real quality time with Alaina...which I thrive on. Next, my class has brought me back in to the real world. I have already been able to talk with people that don't know or don't follow our amazing God. In my little class alone, I've have had conversations with a girl whose best friend died tragically this week at 31, a mom that opened up to me about her 18 year old daughter and her problems and others that just need to be listened to. These are people who look at making $10-12/hour as a huge blessing. One lady told me how she had to choose between a bill and food last week. I have just hung around my bubble of friends for so long...it's great to just listen to people. I also have a greater compassion for the elderly in general. I've only read my bible probably three times this week, God has opened my eyes to some new and exciting adventures for Him. I am just along for His ride.

Beth said...

It's Sunday night and we just got home from our big "summer vacation" - ok, 2 days in Omaha may not qualify. But it was really good to get away. We had a great time (lots of laughs and I know those times with Brad are short, so I'm especially thankful) at the zoo and art museum there. When we drove down Ridgeview a few minutes ago, it was hard to believe we just drove up it yesterday morning! God is so good that way! Driving home we timed it that we would arrive in KCK in time for the Mission Adelante graduation party tonight. It was my last one - we completed 5 trimesters! It's amazing how God has bound my heart with those ladies! One said she came tonight only for me...wow, humbling. Jarret talked tonight about how we are all different around the world (playing off the Olympics), but in God, we are all one. The whole room - gringos and all - sang "Shout to the Lord" in Spanish. It was beautiful. Then it was time to say goodbye to those beautiful women, with whom God faithfully erased all the lines of differences between us over the last year and a half and made us one. It's time to move on, but I'm so thankful what He's done in my heart through M.A. All glory goes to Him.

Unknown said...

Wow! It sounds like many amazing things are happening. I have spent very little time in my Bible this past week but have spent a lot of time in prayer and worshiping through music. My grandmother is coming to the end of her life and that is a sad time for me; yet I cherish the times we have and the many, many gifts that she has not only blessed me with, but has carried on through me. (Many say, I am just like her!) I am always amazed at how God reminds us of the end of life and how truly beautiful it can be when we allow our sadness to go away and celebrate the life that is about to enter into His Kingdom. (Wow, did I just say that?) I have always been so afraid of death but watching my grandmother and remembering her sweet life, it seems to make it a bit easier. Of course, it is going to be very hard to say goodbye...

On another note, I have taken a lot of my life to God in prayer...I have decided that it is probably my time to part from the LIGHT House. I am looking for new jobs which is always an overwhelming experience. I feel that God has used me in all the ways he can right here right now. Please pray that the right job will come so that this burden may be lifted.

I will pray for each of you this week as it appears many of us are facing some major transitions!

Mandy said...

Hi Guys, thank you for letting me hang on to this blog! I appreciate the accountability! I miss you all so much, I appreciate feeling connected to you guys in this way.

I have been reading a little, not much, but a little in the psalms, which is always my default when I am not really engaged in a study of some sort. Psalm 85 has been floating around my thoughts since reading it a couple days ago. God knows my tendency for despair, so a periodic reminder of what I (we) have to look forward to in His kingdom is a good thing: "Righteousness and peace kiss. Love and faithfulness meet."

I have also been doing these “Summer Sundays” by Phyllis Tickle (I am forever grateful to you Tim Suttle for introducing her to me through the Divine Hours, I absolutely love everything that she writes!) Back in June she started doing these blog entries that have been so thought provoking and edifying they have really sustained me the last couple of months. Some sample titles are “Beer and the Bible”, “Indescribable Drama of Transfiguration”, “Crash Course in Jesus studies”. …pure gold.

Kerrie said...

I just finished reading Samson's story in Judges. He frustrates me so much! Women seem to be his downfall and yet to the end he followed through with the task that the Lord had given to him. I must look like Samson on paper, if people could read my life....would they see me repeating my mistakes. Hopefully, the end will include that I finished the task that the Lord has set before me.

Unknown said...

I need a good bible study. I am looking for one with a booklet--any suggestions? I am really struggling with keeping a pure heart, free of anger. I am very angry with someone and it keeps surfacing. I am praying God will give me grace and kindness. Going to turn to my Bible now...

Kristen said...

hey all, yes it me I know..I know I actually made it to back to the blog. I hate to admit that the only reason I haven't been here is time. I have been off my game with the divine hours and I can tell the difference in my attitude posture for the day. I am hoping to re-engage with that soon.

Life for me has been a complete whirlwind for the last couple months from the gall bladder issue to finding out I was preggo to Ken wanting to quit his job then last week, I thought my brother and I were going to have to admit my mom into a detox/rehab clinic b/c she was completely over medicated on prescription drugs and my dad was out of town. It wasn't really her fault, she had too many doctors giving her too many things and there wasn't anyone person watching it all. It's a really long story but in short I learn that my family (dad. brother, jen) turns to me for the stability in a crisis which I felt completely ill equipped for. I think we are at the beginning of some major changes for her which I am not sure want to anticipate. Thought it all my brother and I have mended our relationship to where we aren't just at each other all the time but having god healthy conversations, so I that has been nice.

Anywho, the women's group I am in just finished The Red Tent so I am getting ready to read in Genesis and get another view of the that story.

I am looking forward to staring school with Skylee and to get back on a routine with that. Has much as I resist structure I think I need it more than I realize.

I am looking forward to becoming a regular again on this blog. Mandy is always good to hear from you...do you drink your tea while you blog? hee-hee

kristen

Tim Suttle said...

Hey friends!

I'm up at the abbey this week. I've been really convicted lately about my lack of personal connection to God - I've been going through the motions. So this week is a good jump start in getting back to praying the hours & really engaging with God. I did the morning office, midday prayers and then joined the monks for the early afternoon prayers. I just finished vespers before I sat down at one of their computers to chime in with you all. I also had a good time of worship privately this morning with some music and some great art paintings and the Jesus Prayer.

I read Judges yesterday and spent pretty much all day studying it. Same thing so far today. It's an incredibly interesting book and I feel like God is really teaching me something about this time in Israel's history. I'd really like to get my sermon knocked out so that I can just retreat for Wednesday and Thursday. Pray that it happens for me today!

The coolest thing is that I've been feeling like God was fairly silent to me lately. I just haven't felt God's presence or felt like I was hearing from God. But up here I've felt God's presence and even felt God's direction of my thoughts a couple of times as I'm writing this sermon - not to get all wierd on you - but that hasn't happened for me in a really long time so it feels really good.

Peace,

-t

Kerrie said...

Last night Kadi had about 25-30 of her Youthfront Teen Staff friends over to our backyard for a bonfire where the only purpose was to sing worship music. It was awesome. I sat in my bedroom with the window open and just listened for awhile. It was so cool....I was so touched by these kids. They are the future hope for Jesus' message. They so want to follow his plan. I know that they will come upon struggles that come with growing up....but I just sat and prayed for them as they worshipped. I would never grow tired of watching them....I bet God doesn't either.

Tim Suttle said...

prayed with the monks today. I got some time with father Adam as well.
Peace,

-t

Kerrie said...

Worked through the story of Ruth. Love the story. Praying/seeking for God's direction.