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)
I had a week like that too! I give us both permission to take our Bible to bed! (and an extra comfy blanky)
Amanda,
I’ve had one of the those weeks too! Between a son with strep, a friend of the familys death, finding out my uncle has lung and throat cancer and major snow storm, I just wanted to crawl back in bed and sleep the world away, but I didn’t. With a lot of prayer and studying (I’m doing Breaking Free on my own) I got through it!
I’m praying that you and all the other Siestas have a better week!
Blessings,
Missy
Thank You Amanda. Is that horrible to say? And thank you to the siesta that shared Gods word with her–Do you serve Me or do you serve the cirumstance. What a punch in the heart and soul for me. I lead a womans bible study, something I am very new at. Without going into a three page explination, lets just say I am very greatful that you are willing to share that you have off days, and for the encouragement that is somethimes hard to come by.
This week has been a good one but I have had more than my share of ones like you had! I’m praying for you…ok wait….I just prayed for you…I so want to be faithful in that and not just say that!
I am expecting about 15 high school baseball players at my house for the Super Bowl. We so want to sow seeds into them and them gathering here enables us to have time with them. Thankful for the opportunities to serve Him! (Hoping they all show up!)
Keep going Amanda and expect Him to show Himself BIG this next week!
He loves to show off!
Blessings and more prayers,
Theresa
Oh, man! You know. Suddenly I think I had a pretty good week. We had a huge snow storm this week and my kids only had one day of school this week. I was stuck at home the whole week, cause all of my normal activities were cancelled, so I was stuck in our tiny trailer house with all 3 of my children. I thought for sure I was going to lose it. And now I’m not feeling well, so I’m sitting around at home while my family is at church. Although it’s a lot quieter than it has been all week. That’s kind of nice. I’m a very social person, so it’s driving me crazy. After one day it drove me crazy! That’s how bad I am about needing to be around people. Especially other women. Not just children and my husband, but the toilet thing really would’ve gotten to me. Like they would’ve had to lock me up!!! So I feel for you. I love you, girl.
I just wanted to say, “You ladies are so wonderful!”
Even though I don’t know any of you personally I still love you! Your care, encouragement, loving-kindness and faithfulness is so inspiring.
I also will be praying for connorsmom, (what a hard thing to go through) as well as Taralynn819–I wish I could give you a great big hug.
Miss Anonymous in Europe… I’ll be praying for you as you prepare to move. I have a friend who had 5 miscarriages before she carried two healthy babies to term. They are beautiful and ornery. :o) Hang in there.
May all of you, whatever your circumstances, experience the hand of the LIVING GOD upon your lives this upcoming week. I pray you see his fingerprints all over the place. And thank you for posting.
Blessings in Christ.
Anna in MO
Dearest Taralynn, How my heart aches for you and your family. I walked through a very similar experience just over 2 years ago. I pray Jesus makes His presence obvious and overwhelming to you in the weeks and months ahead. That your entire family may know His comfort and peace, regardless of the day’s news and decisions. And that you are strengthened each day and reassured that you are never alone in walking through this trial and grief. He is mighty and in control – when nothing else makes sense, I found peace there. Love, Elizabeth
The journey continues~
Amanda, Beth, Melissa, LPM ~
Just wanted the Siesta’s to know that I pray for all their prayer requests when they are listed on this blog.
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina ~ Central coast California
Thank you so much for this post. I am a regular reader, but haven’t commented before–but this post was so timely for me. I struggle with discouragement when ladies quit or never show up for Bible studies. Thanks for sharing and the encouragement.
Amanda,
I’ve never responded to one of your blogs, but this one I just had too.
I’ve been in college ministry for a while now too and have experienced a night like yours sooo many times. I try “hang out” nights often and it always seems to be less effective than the teaching nights! Who’d have thought?!?!
Hope this semester goes well for you!
Oh precious girl, I had to laugh. I’m sorry. I mean, just about the toilet water part.
Lisa
Amanda-
My computer was off all weekend so I just read your blog…it is now the beginning of a new week…do things look brighter yet?
I pray they do! Thank you for your willingness to serve…even when things don’t go your way! You blessed the Lord by preparing for an army…even if you have the left overs to prove it!
AJ- I know just what you mean.Sometimes I think I have off months not jsut weeks. I hope this week has started off much better for you. Showers of blessing on your day.
Amanda and Beth
Couldn’t find an e-mail address to send this to for either of y’all, so I am posting it in hopes you will find it here. I’m not sure if you have seen it yet, possibly so, but if not, please go to the following website, http://www.rickandbubba.com and listen to “A Father’s Heart”.
Rick Burgess, popular southeastern radio personality, gave the most phenomenal testimony at his 2 year old son’s memorial service a couple of weeks ago. Such a blessing to hear the Lord speaking through him. And bring a box of kleenex with you!
Thanks for the blog—I thoroughly enjoy it and some days it is the biggest blessing to hear from you both.
Bless Your Heart!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Isn’t it funny how when one thing goes wrong, it seems like everything else goes wrong too?! You have such a good attitude. I remember when my kids were little, one of my toddlers had diarrhea at Chuck E. Cheese all over her clothes so I took my sons shirt off of him to put on her. We had to go to K-Mart next because there was only one Big Bird costume left. While in K-Mart with a shirtless son and a pantless daughter, my other daughter was sitting in the cart and said, I feel sick and proceeded to throw up all over the floor. On impulse, I tried to catch it, so I had red Koolaide throw up all over me, my hands and the floor of K-Mart. We were quite a sight, but did get the Big Bird costume. I look back now and laugh.
Amanda!! A TOILET exploded on you?!?! LOL!!! I know that it wasn’t funny when it happened, but surely you’re laughing now :O
You are simply a hoot! Thanks so much for giving us all a giggle out here in siestaland!
This blog is so wonderful. It gives the rest of us a chance to feel like we’re a part of your family.
God bless you all. . .
Tracie, Fairfield Ohio
I’m so relieved that I wasn’t the only one who had a rough one last week (and weekend!). Thanks for your encouragement…really needed it this morning.
All the best!
Lynn
Oh..those kind of weeks….I love the comment you put at the end of your entry about what your Mom said. I wish I had had that wisdom a long time ago in my ministry!!!!
You are such a blessing even in a bad week!
In Christ
Ginny
I don’t know if anyone will come back and read this, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who said they would pray for me and my family. I was so encouraged and blessed by that!!
I don’t get to read too many of the comments, but I did see those. Thank you so much!
Melanie in Germany (newly pregnant; moving to Florida with hubby, daughter and 4 cats!)
Okay, maybe because I’m pushing 40 and have been in a reflective mood lately, but I think God’s given me insight into my own paralyzing thought-life…
I have weeks like yours, and then some. And my initial thought is almost always to say, “As soon as things settle down, then…” And the “then” is to do the things I should be doing (reaching out to someone else, serving in a new way, etc.).
I think God is showing me that I need to act now, in the moment, because things will never settle down!
I read a quote from Rick Warren who said he used to think of life as a series of hills and valleys (high and low points). Now, he thinks of life as two parallel tracks of blessings and trials…the blessings and trials run side-by-side all the time. This visual really resonated with me…I’m not waiting for the next “hill” anymore…instead, I’m focusing on the blessing amidst the trial.
You seem to have figured this out long ago (and good for you! especially since you are nowhere near 40 – I love when younger women hit on a truth that people like me take years to understand)! I admire your attitude and am cheering you on!
Just reading this post. Funny how I needed to read it today! God is so in control.
Blessings,
Tanya
Amanda,
I just wanted to thank both your mother and you for all that you have done through Living Proof Ministries. I have read Get Out of That Pit and been a part of women’s bible study: A Heart Like His, When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, Believing God, Living Beyond Yourself, The Patriarchs, and Daniel. I have completed Breaking Free on my own. I am currently in a women’s bible study group completing Stepping Up. Everyday, I am humbled to my knees and face down knowing where my life would be without the Lord and God’s Word.
Phillippians 4:7-And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus.