I don’t want to sound like Queen Compalainy from the Hawhiney Islands, but this week is not one I’d like to do over! I know lots of us are leading Bible studies or ministering in tons of other ways, so I’m thinking there’s a good chance that a few of my siestas have also had an “off week” where serving the Lord is concerned.
On Wednesday night I hosted a shindig at my house to welcome our college girls back from their long winter break. I went to Central Market and bought all kinds of goodies to snack on – California rolls, chips and salsa and guacamole, and chocolate chip cookie dough. I know, it was a very weird assortment of food. I put The Tod to bed, rearranged our furniture to make room for a crowd, and waited for knocks on the door. Well, I got two knocks on the door. Thankfully, that was a total of four girls. But still. I normally have about fourteen on a Bible study night and I was expecting a comparable amount. (I guess it’s a good problem to have that your college girls would rather study the Word than hang out!) Do y’all have any idea how much sushi is in my fridge? And that’s not the kind of thing I really want to eat the next day. *Grin*
Today I drove out to Fort Worth to meet a new friend from church for lunch. This friend is in the area temporarily while a loved one is receiving treatment at a local hospital. Well, of all things, I drove out to the wrong medical center. I was supposed to have been in Dallas! Thirty minutes away! How in the world had I turned that around in my mind? We ended up having to reschedule.
Then, if that wasn’t enough, I went to meet my husband for a spontaneous lunch at The Black Eyed Pea – comfort food at its best. And I needed some comfort. I’ll spare you the details, but a toilet exploded water all over me. The bottom of my jeans are still wet. Please, someone put me to bed and let’s call it a day!
My mom shared this little tidbit with me and it looks like I might not need to go straight to bed afterall.
One thing is for certain: if we’re looking for a position with automatic and instant affirmation, we might not want to go into ministry. God always blesses but He often applies the Law of Sowing and Reaping and sometimes it takes a mighty long time for that plant to show.
Well, amen, Mama!
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
Dear Little Amanda,
I know just what you mean! I just finished blogging on my website and the picture I used was of Peter Rabbit’s Mum putting him to bed with chamomile tea. I love Beatrix Potter and that was the most comforting thing I could think of.
No, I didn’t suffer hardship this week…but for me it was just one of those tough ones.
Praying for you, Little One. You are a trooper! Thank you for all you do.
Blessings!!
Teri
Don’t you just love (ha ha) those kinds of weeks? I’ve had a similar one and I feel your pain.
I’m learning (slowly) to appreciate delayed gratification… at least it lasts longer. Eternally in fact, when it comes to ministry.
Amanda,
Have you had a camera at my house? This sure sounds familiar. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Blessings,
Sherri
PS. I’m with you on the leftover sushi!:)
I can relate a bit. I love leading our Sunday School class and going to church. But this last Sunday I was coming down with the stomach flu. We had to leave church early. :o(
I was sick for 3 1/2 days. By the time I began feeling better (Thursday Morning) and looking forward to getting some cleaning done I had an accident.
I was on my way home after taking the kids to school when I noticed an animal had gotten into our trash. I stop to get out and pick up the trash. When I go to push the trash into the can something in the bag cut a half inch gash in the top of my thumb. I spent two and a half hours in the ER–just to have them super glue it together. Sigh.
Somedays it’s best to just go back to bed. :o)
Love, Anna
I’m sorry you had such a challenging week, Amanda. That’s just plain hard when things are so disappointing. You’ll be in my prayers for a more encouraging weekend.
With love from your siesta,
Gretchen
Ok can I just say thank you amanda! Your advice from your mom was needed by me also. My Yuck week was last week and God asked me,”do you serve Me or do you serve the cicumstances”.I hate when He says stuff like that 🙂
Sometimes I feel like if it where not for how much I love Him or how much my Heart soars when I am serving Him I would hide in my closet and only talk to my husband. Teaching hurts sometimes…I dont know if that makes sense. Thank you for how honest you are …I was going to say real but how else are you going to be? Our LORD has a amazing way of making us real
One more thing…
Thank you for the message from your mom. I also lead a class for forth grade girls on Wed. nights. Sometimes it’s a bit discouraging because they don’t seem to be listening or even care to hear what you have to say.
Many of them are from the neighborhood and come because their mom’s drop them off on the way to the bar… or because they can get a free dinner… or their grandparents bring them…
I know that Jesus wants me to tell them how much he loves them and to sow those seeds your were talking about. I used to be a girl a lot like them and I’m so thankful God put people in my path to sow the seeds of his love in my heart.
It’s good to be reminded that the reaping may be a long time coming. I just pray I have an opportunity to see some of it. :o)
May you have a blessed weekend.
Much love,
Anna
Amanda,
I desperately needed to hear these words of encouragement tonight – our Lord’s timing is so perfect! Thanks for sharing.
I have had a bad “off week” myself, although I don’t think it could touch the exploding toilet incident you had! haha, i love it:) seriously, I would be mortified, so I’ll try not to laugh too hard! love you girl!
Amen indeed! Praise the Lord His mercies are new every morning!!
Blessings, mariel
growingingodliness.blogspot.com
man..I keep missing these posts that you guys are asking questions!!!
sorry about the toilet…i’ve had days like that.
Hi Sorry your week was challenging week.Amanda , Mon my car had to go to the shope, will guess what it was a recall did I know nope,so at lest they paid for it, I thought I broke something but it needed batteres then I got sick own my tummie all day because I forgot to take my meds the day before,that was all Mon things got better in fact I got to clean out 2 closet’s & 14 drawer’s I have much more to do but will, I thought my daughter & 2 grandchildren was comeing in will wrong, shes sick & I cant be there to help her.shes 4 hrs away,my husband is comeing down with soemthing , but I got to help a friend & my mom, so I had a great week,could have done without mon. ha ha, if I was close I would have made you soemthing & given you a hug & coffe from Starbucks God bless Love siesta In Christ Victoria from NC Hope next week is outstanding
Pray for my dad. I just found out he has severe cancer in his colon and all over his liver. The doctors basically opened him up, and closed him back up today. He is a believer but not responding well to this. I am broken.
Your exploding toilet wins! I had posted on the prior two and then wanted to add my issues with overeating – but didn’t go back to post again. Then, through this bad-to-the-bone week, God showed me a HUGE example. The night after I stubbornly didn’t share about my food on the post, a 1st grader at my school came to the office. He was having a horrible morning and burst into tears and blurted, “But I’m just so hungry, I can’t even think and it hurts so bad.” Did I mention I had just shoved a donut in my mouth as he came through the door? I’ve been studying out my abuse of God’s grace ever since then!
Here’s to praying that you weren’t still at the restaurant when the toilet exploded!
Peace,
Kim Feth in Apex, NC
May we see the answers to the questions from the precious post?
Jenny in Bama
Oh my Word! What a marvelous word from “Anonymous”…when God said “do you serve me, or do you serve the circumstances?”.
How true. Most of the time I get so wrapped up in the circumstances, I forget Who I am serving.
Blessings,
Charlene
Amanda,
Yes it has been one of those week. I lead a study and this week I baked and got there early to prepare. Well 4 out of our 14 showed up. Great know baked goods have to stay on my counter. Then I found out a scripture I had prayed for over 20 years was used in the wrong context (devastation) Who changed that scripture on me. Well tommorrow another day another adventure with Jesus,( I know He must laugh at our adventures)
Love in Christ
Judy
I’m sorry about the bad week Amanda. I hope it gets better for ya. God Bless.
I am so sorry you have had such a yucky week. I am glad you had a nice lunch with your husband and were able to reschedule with your friend. Put on praise music and dance before the Lord, it’s the best solution for a bad week. Here are uplifting words for you:
‘I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart” Ps. 9:1
“I love you, O Lord, my strength.” Ps. 18:1
“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths” Ps. 25:4
“How priceless is Your unfailing love!” Ps. 36:7
“May Your love and truth always protect me.” Ps. 40:11
“Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me” Ps. 43:3
“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Ps. 51:2
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Ps. 51:10
“Be exalted, O God…let Your glory be over all the earth.” Ps. 57:5
“Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.” Ps. 63:3
“My mouth is filled with Your praise, declaring Your splendor all day long.” Ps. 71:8
“Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.” Ps. 86:6
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your Word.” Ps. 119:18
“Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil” Ps. 141:4
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Ps. 143:8-10
I came home totally exhausted today and while waiting on our friends to get here to go out for dinner I decided to catch up on some blog friends. I am sorry you have had a rough week but the bathroom incidence made me laugh (I’m sorry) and dare I say thank you?!?!? You liifted my spirits believe it or not! Have a totally blessed weekend!
In His Graces~Pamela
Amanda,
“Queen Complainy from the Hawhiney Islands” That cracked me up! We all need to vent once in a while.
God has used this blog to really minister to me the past couple of weeks. With the “roll call” and then the BF posts I was praising and crying and praising some more. I spent a couple mornings of my quiet time meditating on the scriptures and/or spiritual truths from the “roll call.” It was so moving I had to call a couple friends to make sure they weren’t missing out on anything on the blog. Know that God is using this blog to minister to me and I know I am not alone!
Hey Amanda, tough day. Those girls are totally missing out. They’ll never know how much we pray for them and buy California rolls we really can’t afford till they get to heaven.
Dearest Amanda,
I can relate to your pain, and if you don’t mind me passing on a word to Beth I would greatly appreciate it.
I sent most of this through the form this morning, but feel a strong need to send this again.
It’s Friday, February 1st and my heart is so brokenhearted over words I spoke to you recently in the comments section of your blog. I do not want to repeat what I wrote, but rather confess my error and sin to you, as I have our gracious Heavenly Father. I have judged you wrongly, and I am so very sorry for using such harsh and critical language. I’m sure my words didn’t edify you, and for that I repent and am so very very sorry. I am so ashamed, and I have sinned against you. Will you please forgive me for having a critical spirit and for using language that wasn’t edifying to you. When my comment wasn’t published on the blog, I realized my sin there, and I felt so ashamed of what I had done. Beth, I am so very very sorry if I hurt you. I realize now that in my youth, and in my flesh I was so wrong. You truly are a woman of God, and I am so sorry for what I did. And even more so Beth, I am heartsick that I may have hurt you. I am so sorry Beth….and I have learned a valuable lesson. I hope you can forgive me.
Thank you for your time today.
thora
Amanda,
I certainly do understand about rough weeks. I am very sorry about the toilet experience…you’ll look back and laugh at that one of these days. My week has been tiring. I have 4 children ages 7 to 12 and my husband has been out of town since last Sunday. My kids are great, but I teach school full time and I just get so exhausted! I am doing the Psalms of Ascent study right now and last nights homework really hit me hard (in a good way!) It was the lesson about Psalms 125. It said “God is with us and for us even when His face and His favor seem hidden. Mountain-like security only comes from trusting God, not what He’s done for us or given us.” That was really powerful for me.
I hope that you have a truly peaceful weekend!
Blessings,
Angie
Girl,
You are soooo not alone. I had a whopper myself, but the good Lord has lifted me up and placed me on solid ground! Amen!
Blessings to you!
Monica
You need to read my post from today about yesterday, A. Wow! It would seem that this was “a week” for many. But there shall be showers of blessing! So get your perky-fun polka-dot umbrella….cause a soaking will come. Yes indeed!
Love y’all!!!
holly
Siestas,
One of our Siestas has posted above about her Dad being dx with cancer.
Everyone that sees it, lift her and her Dad up to the Father tonight.
GOD will give her the strength.
Love and blessings,
Teri
Toilet exploding on you?! Wow,I thought that only happened in comedies. Yes, I’ve had many days like you’ve described minus the exploding toiet. These are the kinds of things you can look back on and laugh about.
Last Dec. 23 I was helping at church passing out gifts for the Angel Tree project. Feeling good about being in God’s will (pride?)and serving him, anyway, I happened to trip and fall and dislocated my shoulder. How’s that for an off week!
Hope my little story encourages you 😉 your week could have been like mine.
Can’t wait to read the answers to the questions this weekend.
Amanda girl,
Just imagine that I’m smiling a really big, cheesy smile at you and hugging you tight. I feel for you girlie, and I know your pain. As I would say…you’ve had a grrrr! week. 🙂 And that’s just that. Now grit your teeth and say grrrr as loud as you can and then smile a big, cheesy grin back at me! 🙂
Thanks and now it’s all better! Heehee…
Love ya,
Missy in SC
Amanda, My 93 year old grandmother sent me a note last year that said, “Sometimes when you prepare the most, it seems that the least come. Don’t discount that ‘one’.”
It was an encouragement to me, and I pray that it will be one to you, too.
Sweet Lord ~ Thank you for this post on my first time visiting LPM Blog! How amazing is our Lord! Thank you for sharing that another(me for one!) may be comforted! The only way to persevere is with our eyes on Him alone, Amen?!
So glad to know I am not the only one… Went to the gym for a group exercise class – I’m the one who likes to ‘hide’ in the corner and be invisible to all of the young girls. During the first exercise I noticed that my shoes looked funny – on a second look, I realized I had on two different shoes – even different colors! So much for hiding…
Oh do I know what you’re talking about. Here’s hoping next week is brighter all the way around.
Bless your dear heart – foot soakin’ time – maybe your man will join you! Can understand too – has been an “intersting” week, to say the least.
Peaceful weekend Siestas!
I so know what you mean. This week has been a ‘challenge’ from start to finish. I am leading a women’s Bible study on Wednesday nights and by the time I got there I was a complete wreck. I had one of those coughs where you are constantly clearing your throat – I hate it when people do that! I even had a picture in my mind of all 30 women laughing at me for my uncontrollable TB cough. Everything had gone wrong, while I was arranging chairs in the classroom my kids were not being ‘their best’ and when I finally took them to AWANAS and got back to begin class, I realized I had a hole right in the front of my cute little shirt (I think my bracelet must have gotten caught in the material). So on top of everything else, I thought everyone was staring at my shirt and feeling sorry for me because it was torn. Thankfully, even though I was self conscious the class went very well. And wouldnt you know it, after class was over one of the ladies in the class prayed to receive Christ…….goes to show that God can use us even when we are not at our best (I think I will call that shirt my ‘holy’ shirt). Sometimes I get so flustered over little things that God has to show me what is really important….like seeing people come to Him.
So, you are not alone! God sees the sushi in your fridge and He will bless you for your efforts to minister to those girls. I am sure you are making a huge impact on those girls and I know they really appreciate you. Your mom’s advice is right on target for all of us.
Sorry about the toilet water (I have to say that one of my nightmares has always been that a public toilet would flush out at me instead of in – I know, I need counseling). And also, too bad about the wrong hospital…..I do that sort of thing on a monthly basis, so I can totally sympathize (unfortunately). I think there is something that happens after childbirth that causes some of the neurons to ummmm, ‘stop firing’. I have had two children so I am only thinking at half capacity at this point.
Hope next week is better!
Hi, Amanda, I keep missing those questions days too and when I do fine them its close.
Oh,well I do now what you mean about those nasty toilet!! that has happen to me and its just awful.
Hope you have a better week.Blessing marina
I cannot believe how timely this post is (well, yes I can). You described my week exactly (different scenarios, same feelings). I needed to hear your mom’s good word of encouragement. I had a little ministry-pity-party with myself today, thinking selfish thoughts like “I am SO under-appreciated”. I got discouraged by some things that happened at the Stepping Up study I am leading, and in a few sessions (I counsel women at my church). But that is NOT what my ministry to women is all about, and I know that. It is so easy to let the mind go down that nasty path, though. I fought this all week long – looks like I have not been the only one!
Thanks so much for transparency and encouraging us who also minister in the trenches each week. I’m back on track now!
Blessings!
Amanda- I didn’t have that week but I had that day… you see, despite my checking of this blog multiple times a day… usually TOO many according to my husband… you seemed to post in the 90 minutes I was homeschooling my children causing me to miss out on a golden opportunity.
So you see… I too found myself boo-hissing!!
Had I made it to the site in enough time I would have asked this question (which I wouldn’t mention except noone else did and it’s been on my heart for a while now)
How do we as parents share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with our children in a way that will cause them to BELIEVE in Him and not simply accept “Christianity” as routine and or history… How do we help them make this FAITH theirs????
SOrry about your week.
Hey Amanda,
I feel your pain! Sometimes all I can do is thank God that in His wisdom He made us need to sleep!!!
Hang in there my sister and thanks for venting to us. I have been having a rough ministry MONTH! I feel better knowing someone else is suffering with me. (Very mature, I know 🙂
My husband just asked me last night…at the end of it all do you want to look back and say it all went perfectly and I had lots of material things…or….I followed Gods call and am blessed. I wasn’t feelin’ blessed at the time but know my reward is eternal. Thanks for sharing that ministry isn’t cookie cutter easy like we hope it will be. I’m just gonna go love my babies (17,11 and 6)and eat chocolate!!!
Bless you sweetie and have a well deserved relaxed weekend-I just know the college girls who did show up received just what they needed by your generosity and guidance. I do pray for two young ladies with all your qualities to be in my sons’ lives one of these days.
AMEN SIESTA!
I am SO ready to head straight to bed myself and cuddle with my hubby! I need a good cuddle today! Sigh! Some days we just need to Thank Him for the little things…whatever they may be!
With love,
Donna
I once had a ketchup bottle explosion and now I feel pretty good about it! Toilet water – you poor dear!
I live in Alabama, but we were in Dallas for Thankgiving. We were thankful for the Black Eyed Pea because it was the only restaurant open. But we didn’t have peas – I thought that was odd…
Wow, that post and scripture could not have been more appropriate. I have been in women’s ministry for a short time (I had to overcome my fear of public speaking b/f I would answer the call although it still gets to me)
Last January I met a wonderful woman who decided to take the Breaking Free study I was leading. It was my first time leading a study and she was such an encouragement. In getting to know this woman I realized how troubled and tormented she was. Over the year I took her to a healing house of prayer, called her, e-mailed her and just tried to be a friend.
To make a long story short she ended her life on Wednesday night. It was a complete shock since I had already talked her out of an attempt a few months before. I had a team of people including her parents working with her but she just gave up. That was just the icing on an already really bad 7 months.
However, as scripture says we are not to grow weary and we are to look to Him for He is our redeemer and our strength.
Thank you for always encouraging us and loving us through.
Blessings,
Kim
Crazy..I’m in the middle of Steppin Up and your mom just reviewed this verse from Galations in my study today. Hmmm… is The Lord trying to tell us something?
oh dear sweet Amanda,
I can relate…it was one of those weeks for me as well…at times I said Lord just let me shut the lights off to this day…but thankfully we have siestas who pray for us and comfort food and the most important…God’s comforting love around us.
Praying you have a better weekend.
Oh girl, I am so glad I am not the only one who plans big for college students and gets a few. Or inevitably the next time plan small and get a crowd! I can never win with our group either! But God always provides either way! 🙂 It is good to know that if is “normal.” What is that anyway?
Believe me I am understanding by experience the LONG sowing required in ministry. Oh I needed to hear that comment. I am learning first hand how long it can seem to be.
Thanks for sharing this-you encouraged me today!
In the trenches with you!
Angela
Hey, Beth! Are there any more Wednesday’s with Beth on Life Today? I’m not getting any new studies!Oh, and Amanda, I’ve had one of “those days” also! As I was driving during a rain storm my driver’s side windshield wiper broke! As it was flapping in the wind and rain, I had to turn it on so I could lean to the right while I was driving to see out of the right windshield window!!! As I pulled into a Sonic which was right next door to a Auto Zone, to get my wiper fixed, I ordered some drinks for my girls and there were holes in both of the cups, so my cup holders were full of the “wet stuff” as was my windshields.!!! Love ya’ll ! Bye and God Bless!!!
And I don’t want to sound to sound like a winey hiney either- but can I say…… I understand.
We restarted our women’s group last night and… I was the only one who showed up.
It ended up being a good thing because there were a couple of bold words from God while I was waiting.
A GOD thing.
So since I was not going to be teaching I decided to go and visit a local book store and browse-while there I ran into one of the women that was supposed to be at womens group. Hmmm. Could have been very awkward. I was very sweet and told her I was glad she was having a good evening with her daughter hanging out. And I meant it!
So I got a little me time…. away from home. And then instead of eating 🙂 I went shopping. HA! But, to my credit it was necessary shopping.
Glad the week is over and now I am heading out on vacation. Yahoojah!
I am carrying my lap top with me and I will spend some time studying for next weeks study–just like Beth does. But I don’t need a laundry basket of resource books like Beth.:)
Have a good weekend–refreshing will come.
Your Sis
I’m really sorry a toilet exploded on you, how gross! I do a ladies night out for the women at my church and last week only 3 ladies were there. We have over 500 members at our church. I get really discourged at that sometimes. But I know that God brought only the 4 of us together for a reason. He even reveled that reason right there that night. It was so Awesome! So maybe that is what he was doing with you and your college girls!!