Judgement House is near about to kill me and Andy. He is working nonstop, and so am I. Judgement House is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday each week. Then church on Sunday and Wednesday. Leaves only Friday for anything "fun." I certainly hope that the work makes a serious difference in lives for the time investment. I think it does though. I signed up for counseling, which hasn't been the most enjoyable experience. Some of the people in counseling are awesome, and I think would be very effective at it: Jim Massey, Jim Hunter, Bill Mitchell, Leah Plummer, Lewis Mallory, Mac Woodham. It's weird - I feel ill-prepared, but I feel strongly that the Holy Spirit will guide me through it. So, even though I am uncomfortable with it, I do feel adequate. I study for the purpose of BEING prepared for these situations and I believe that in moments of need, the Holy Spirit will give me recall of what I have read and studied. That being said, I feel insecure with some of the other counselors - they come on so strong and want us to be more pushy with it. Also, I know that Andy doesn't think I am confident, which is a little discouraging, but it's hard to articulate that you aren't comfortable, but you are capable.....does that make sense? Anyway, it's not been the best experience ever for me, and I'll be glad when it's over, but it does strech me and I do feel like I am deliberately making myself available for God to use in new ways.
Awesome youth service last night. Everything was smooth and well-prepared which made a great difference. You could tell that things had been thought through - everything from the music service, to Katherine's prayer, Andy's message. The fruit showed in the response. I know that every service won't have a response like that one, but I think it shows that are kids are responsive and free. And that's positive. I am proud of the change I see in them - they haven't arrived, but they are working at it.
Had 50 kids last night - up from 39 the week before. Russell still wasn't there, which is sad. He really needs an understudy if he is going to be absent this often. Cody is probably the best pick, but I know that he will have a hard time "fitting" with the rest of the praise band. But hey, he may bring a new and fresh attitude. Plus his presence would help other parts of our youth group connect with the band - the Caleb Cobb, Rachel Massey-types that are totally different from the rest of the band. It might be a good thing. Regardless, I think Andy will probably lean towards making a decision soon just because of the need for a bass player. I don't want Russell to feel replaced though....he is a special young man and I think God is working in him. Something I should pray about.
Nathan Cobb was there last night. I have been making deliberate efforts to talk to him. I should be praying for him too. (Note to self!) He fits like a round peg in a square hole in our group. I know that moving from Webb was very painful, and I know his personality is not exactly a joiner, like Davidson is. But I worry about how he will end up if someone doesn't invest in him and try to draw him out. I think he's a good boy, just has been burned by his last experiences at Webb. Anyway, he seemed pleased that I noticed him last night and Josh Watford came over and talked to him and he received his conversation pleasantly enough, so hopefully it was a good night for him. Ultimately, I can't make him fit or make him want to be there, but I at least want to know that I've made an effort with him.
Andy's ortho treatment is progressing - he's wearing rubber bands now to fix his bite - I hope they work quickly so that he can get back to playing his trumpet sooner versus later!!
Emma Talley didn't take me up on lunch yesterday, so next week I am going to invite Sydney Coates out for lunch and try to get to know her better. I am a little nervous that it might get back to Caitlyn and her feel left out. I have plans to invite Caitlyn soon, but hopefully it won't be a problem. But I really want to keep it one-on-one.....that way I can really connect with each one individually.
Sylvia's surgery went well today - cancer was not in her lymph nodes, so praise God for that!
I am extremely excited about my new couches!! I found them on Craigslist in Columbus (of all places!!). I talked to the guy repeatedly and he told me that they were in good condition with minor nicks from the cat. The pictures showed no nicks at all. Well, I get there and the couches had a LOT of nicks from cat claws. I was SO disappointed. They were VERY noticeable and ugly in the light. If I had been alone (without Andy) I probably wouldn't have bought them. I worked so hard to make sure everything was just right and then when I got there I just couldn't make Andy have driven up there and made all the arrangements to be away from Judgement House and borrow the enclosed trailer for nothing. So, I went ahead and bought them against my better judgement
BUT HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS!! I stopped at Bed, Bath & Beyond on the way home to buy leather repair stuff - they didn't have it, so I just bought a good conditioning/cleaning cream. ($10 - so it better be good!) WELL IT IS!! I CANNOT believe the difference. You can't even tell that there were nicks hardly at all, and these were BAD nicks. The couch was just so dry that it made every little blemish really show out. I finished the couch and the loveseat yesterday and I was THRILLED. They look nearly brand new. SOOOOOOO excited! I went from thinking I'd wasted my $650 to thinking I got the steal of the year! :) haha (A good deal considering when we went to Ashley to price reclining leather sofas that the cheapest that they had a set for was about $1,800! And guess what - they are SO much more comfortable!! :)
Now for the redecorating! I am going today to try to find a new area rug. The couches being solid need a patterned rug to add interest to the room.
I am so grateful for my new furniture though - now I am not embarassed to have guests - no more stinky, stained carpet OR ugly, faded, ripped furniture!! God is so good to us.
I still am hoping that we can figure out a way to build a dining room into the garage. I desperately would like to be able to have dinner parties. Need to pray about that and research it some more.....
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