Hospitals, Pre-K and Chiro’s… Oh My

Well it has been a while and a lot has taken place.  For starters my dad was in the hospital due to renal failure. His kidneys just stopped working. Two weeks later he’s doing a bit better and we now know that the culprit was TUMS. He had been dealing with some very unbearable heartburn and was taking TUMS and consuming milk products in an effort to ease the pain and developed Milk Akali Syndrome. Although this mystery has been solved we still don’t know what is causing the chronic heartburn. Fortunately my dad has a really great doctor who won’t stop administering tests and drawing blood until he’s figured out what is going on. There are a few possibilities that are a bit scary, however, our hope is in the healing power of God.

While all this was happening, I started a job at a preschool. Twice a week I work with a fantastic co-teacher, Melanie Hill, working with 4 year olds. We have nine beautiful and bright children and I am convinced I have the best teaching partner available. Tomorrow will complete our second week. Although I never saw myself working with little ones in a preschool setting, I know this experience will be a great one. I have a feeling that I will get more from the children and my teaching partner  than I will give to them. That’s how it seems to be.

Fond moment: a 4 year old student says to me: Miss Patty, your ear rings are quite lovely.

See what I mean. This job will give more than it receives.

Well I am still going to the chiropractor. I am noticing a difference in my posture and in the way I walk but I think I still have a long healing journey ahead of me. I say this because after half a dozen adjustments I still am experiencing pain. As a result, my half marathon has been put on pause. I will get back to it but as for now I am restricted to only walking.

Life is beautiful!

 

The Life You’ve Always Wanted part 2

I was reminded while reading in John’s book that I need a spiritual strategy. I’ve had lots of these through the years. They have ranged from:

• ‘dates with God’
• mentoring programs with a weekly focus on a spiritual discipline
• random Bible readings/studies
• quick prayers offered up to start my day

Each of these have played a critical role in my relationship with God.

John writes, “In a sense each of us chooses a ’spiritual strategy’ whether or not we are intentional about it. We can choose it by default. How much and when we pray, how we handle money, how and when we worship- these are all elements in the process of transformation.”

Years ago, I established a mission statement.

It simply read: To embrace the journey by encountering God, encouraging others and enjoying life.

In this season, I choose to return to this mission statement. In every day, may I embrace the journey by encountering the presence of the living God, encourage others on their journey and simply enjoy this beautiful life with which God has blessed me.

 

The Life You’ve Always Wanted

I am reading John Ortberg’s The Life You’ve Always Wanted. It  has both reminded me and introduced me to common spiritual disciplines that will allow my spiritual walk with Christ to be enriched. I’m in chapter 11, Life with a  Well Ordered Heart

The following were questions he posed and I would like to answer for myself to better establish my Rule of Life

• How and when will I pray?

I will pray first thing in the morning during my time with God. Whether the Bible has come alive or simply provided necessary nourishment, I will write something in my journal.

• How will I handle money in a way that draws me closer to God?

Tithe and offering are non-negotiable items; it is his to begin with. In my spending, I will look at each purchase with the knowledge that I am being a steward of God’s resources and will make only intentional purchases and avoid impulse buys.

• How can I approach work in a way that will help Christ to be formed in me?

I will look at each day as an opportunity to help my students as well as their parents to trust Jesus. I will seek to encourage my co-workers and seek to be built up and inspired by their walk with Christ as well.

• How am I involved in Christian community?

I am a part of a small group of believers at a similar stage in life. In addition my husband and I both are participating with the student ministry.

• How can I fill my daily tasks with a sense of the presence of God?

I will keep Colossians 3:23-25 as my daily life verse from which I draw strength, encouragement and instruction.

23 Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,24 confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.25 The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.