I bless the Lord for this wonderful last week in Illinois. We are having our triennial missions conference at our church, and there are an abundance of blessings through this for me. Last week, with a touch of flu and a load of emotions, I began to realize how much and who all I am going to achingly miss at our church. I want to bless the Lord here on my blog for being "my Glory and the Lifter of my head."
1. The precious blessing of having our friends James and Christen stay with us! Our fun friends are staying at our house for a whole week which is like "One last hurrah" (according to Mandy), and a huge encouragement to me. Not only is Christen helping me pack, she and James have always been and continue to be a living example of the words "let goods and kindred go. . . this mortal life also". Through passing comments, and in depth conversations, Christen and James have refreshed me with new vision for this new step in our lives. The Lord knew how much I would need that, e
specially at this time! One specific thing Christen said to me the other night that I will remember the rest of my life is "The Lord is my Home." Even now, that sweetly profound thought brings tears to my eyes. I think I will have a painting made with that phrase on it.2. Lots of extra nights with my darling kids at church! It's like 3 extra Wednesday nights downstairs! We have each missionary set up to speak to the kids at least once, and they collect stamps from each missionary in their "passports" as if they visited those countries. What a blessing to see them responding to the missionaries in such a positive way. I really have the best kids in the world to teach! If you didn't know I felt that
way, you can read my post "Wise Little Children". :) This has refreshed my vision as well, because I am renewing my hopes to work in children's ministry in the future.Praise You, Father of my heart, for meeting needs through old friends and new vision!
Gret,
ReplyDeleteI got L the valise for Samantha, the hair care book, the hair care dvd, and the hair care cape set. She'll get them at her party on the 19th.
Brittany
Ah, thank you for that simple yet wonderful post. "A Mighty Fortress" is one of my absolute favorite hymns because of such lines as the one you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteIf you guys are moving in this coming Monday, I'd like to invite you over one day that week for dinner. I can do chili (tried my hand at it for the first time last night and it was a success!)--Texas style chili of course! Or I have a couple of other things up my sleeve :)
Grace, bless you my friend!! We would LOVE to come! We are free from Tuesday night on. :) Does your church have a midweek worship service? Or perhaps prayer/Bible Study night? We might be up for visiting with you. When I move, I DIVE in to where we are.
ReplyDeleteThere's a Wednesday prayer/praise, but I don't normally go to it. I have friends I could definitely hook you up with to go along with, or you're welcome to visit for the actual worship service that following Sunday. Just let me know!
ReplyDeletedear gretchen, you are right. cute pic of the children. thanks for all you have done for p&p. love grammy reese
ReplyDeleteOh, Gret. We're soooo gonna miss you.
ReplyDeleteFinally, there are a couple of new posts over at The Tiffinian (my blog), both are reflections on leaving, going, and home.
ReplyDeleteHey Gret
ReplyDeleteAgain, sorry for the abruptness with picking up Elijah tonight - I didn't mean to rush you! Thanks so much for all you've done. I HATE that Elijah doesn't get to "keep" you (and me too - I know our paths don't cross as often but you know I love you - my "engagement/college" friend.) I am comforted to know that you will HAVE to visit often since your mother will kill you if you don't! :) I am so glad Elijah's first six months downstairs were with you. Thanks for all your hard work - I hope someday when your kids go to Sunday School that you are blessed with a "Miss Gretchen" for them. I know you couldn't give me a better gift then investing in my boys! My son and his desire to take his "sword" to church is something that will always date back to you. We love you!
Steph, I am amazed how much your little guy has grown up in just a matter of weeks! Tonight he was writing in his passport, and he came over to me and said "Miss Gretchen, what a round Indian house look like?" He was totally going to draw that on the page with the Corleys! I was like, okay big kid! He has behaved and sat for some pretty LONG nights this week, but just done a GREAT job! I hope he likes his little animal. It's really from Africa. I went to World Market today to get the prizes. Talk to you Sunday, I hope!
ReplyDeleteGretchen,
ReplyDeleteI am at a time that I must know that God's will is at work, especially for my girls. Losing you, as you have been important is SO many ways, is a devestating blow for us. The girls are doing well with it, time and distance still doesn't mean that much to them. However, I know that what God has for your futures and for our futures is pretty amazing, and I can rest in that. I am SO grateful for your precious influence Paige and Peyton, especially since they came into your SS class. You have not just taught them , but you have taught me also. Your enthusiastic love for our Lord is infections. Those around you can't help but be intrigued by what you have. I am also grateful for email and blogging, which makes staying up on the lives of friends so much easier. Please know that as you go, you do not go alone, the prayers and love of many children and their parents go with you and Josh.
Sandy
Also, isn't is SO neat that as we are grown, the missionaries from our church are friends who we desire to see work and we can pray for them in such a personal way?? I remember missionaries as a child being just these older people who lived far away. For the first time in my life, I have a real love for missions, and I think it has to do with having a real love for the missionaries themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen, I have a blog now!! Everybody come read it. . . whenever I write something!
ReplyDelete