No Spend August

It's No Spend August.  For several years I have observed "No Spend" August where I live on a tight budget each week and allow minimal expenses in addition to monthly bills, gas, and meds. Usually by August it is a necessity as I get a little too carefree with money in the summer.  It is a great way to rein in my spending and get caught up.  My rules include a minimal fixed cash budget for anything outside of bills, medicine, doctors, and gas. Mainly this cash is for fresh foods.  It means no Amazon, Thrift books, Thirty-One, Natural Life ,and other on line shopping unless it is a refundable school purchase.  Oh I can use gift cards and obtain things for free of course.  And yes quite a few on line and store purchases were made July 29-31 to make sure I was ready for August. It is also a great way to use what's in the freezer and pantry.

Honestly, it is a bit of a game to me to see how resourceful I can be.  Yesterday I "shopped" with a birthday gift card at Hobby Lobby's 75% off sale.  I got all of this for free using my gift card.  Can't tell you the rush I got!!

Then last night mom and I had a "free outing."  First we went to Long Street Cafe, a local cafeteria with home cooked food.  We ate free because a friend recently gave me a generous gift card.  Then we went to my house and as the rain storm was calming down, we stood on the corner waiting for the trolley.  Hall County Transportation has 2 trolley's that run from downtown into two neighborhoods Thursday - Saturday Evening.  This summer it did a mid-day route as well.  My house is on one of the routes and all summer I have watched the trolley go by.  I even got to ride it when it came to my preschool this summer and Mr. Steven took the kids around the church parking lot.  Every time it goes by I think, Mom and I should go for a trolley ride.  So last night we picked up the trolley on the corner by my house.  We road the 30 minute route that includes my house.  Then we took the trolley to the down town stop where we picked up the other trolley and road that route.  While waiting down town for Mr. Steven to come by with the trolley that would take us home, we grabbed a barbeque sandwich from a food truck.  The Inked Pig is owned by the parent of one of my former students.  The smell from the truck was intoxicating and we wanted to be supportive.  It was offered to us for free which appealed to my No Spend August heart but then that wouldn't have been supportive.  So I let mom pay for it!!! 

Crazy enough, I don't have a picture of the trolley itself.  I will have to snap a picture  next time it goes by the house. But here are a few from our adventure!

Peter

Peter is in week three as utility team member in the NGHS Gainesville Hospital Kitchen.  His thoughts, emotions and plans have gone up and down as he has adjusted to the schedule and work. However currently he plans to give it a year.  He works 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, 5 days a week with it rotating such that he works two weekends a month.  As of today he likes the work ok.  

BUT he didn't like walking to work.  He found a company to sell him car insurance, at a pretty high rate and he bought himself a car this weekend.  So he is back on the road. He had not driven in about 18 months.  It was scary and funny to ride home with him from the car dealership. He says he is humbled and will not be driving so fast.  I can hope.  Not being his Uber driver is a relief but the opportunity to worry has increased.  Trying to choose prayer over worry.  You are invited to pray with me as it comes to mind!

This is what they are paying me to do!!!

 First, I turned this room into a Rainforest for our Rainforest week.

And then I turned it into a beach for a Luau during Under the Sea week

Then I turned it into Tiny Town for our Transportation week.

This week is Culinary Week where it is all about eating!!.  We are going to be decorating cookies in here one day.  And hopefully transforming another room into a Ice Cream Shop for Friday's finale.  I

In between this, I have been relocating some of my treasures, organizing supplies, setting up other events like water day and movie day, making cards for our transportation visitors and playing with some super cute kids.  One day I am afraid someone is going to figure out I am having way to much fun.  Still can't believe I am getting paid to do the things I love!!!

A Kiss on Both Cheeks

When I worked at BSF headquarters, coworker, June Taylor would often use the expression "A Kiss on Both Cheeks" when God would do something kind of over the top of what was expected.  Today I feel like I have received "A Kiss on Both Cheeks."

As you may know, Peter accepted the Kitchen Utility job at the Hospital a 10 minute walk from our house.  He had his last day at Papa Johns yesterday.  We are headed to a Braves game shortly to celebrate.  Peter starts with orientation on Tuesday.  It is not his dream job but he is grateful to not have to reply on rides from Lyft, Mom, Mama Millie or Papa John's Pizza delivery guys.  Although I am sure I will help Peter with food and other errands, I am excited to not be scheduling my time around his work schedule. This amazing new opportunity, one that many of us have been saying ever since he stopped driving would be ideal, feels like a kiss. 

The kiss on the other cheek is that I too am starting a new job Tuesday. This school year has been challenging with my students, going through three assistants and juggling the other areas of my life.  It was also my 7th year of teaching at First Baptist Day School.  You see God uses 7's with me.  I was at Camp Willow Run 7 years to the day.  I spent 7 (and a half) years in Uganda - teaching BSF for 7 years.  I worked at Challenged Child (SISU) for 7 years.  So as I have been riding through my 7th year at FBDS I couldn't help but wonder.  I struggled with who I was becoming with the kids. Too often the stress of 13 demanding three and four year olds had me yelling way more than I liked. Often my weeks ended in tears.  My Child Life Coaching gig has developed into a good side job with consistent clients, however at this point, I still have no desire to make it full time, depending on it as my soul income. Like I said, its a good side job.  In February I saw a post for a job as an Assistant Activity Director at a Nursing Home (thirty  minutes from home.)  I read the job description and thought - that's me!  That's what I want to do.  However I did not pursue it because I would not leave my kiddos at school hanging midway through.  As the end of May was drawing near, I didn't feel the need to pursue something but I really sensed a change coming.

Several weeks ago, both the director, Lisa and assistant director, Emily at FBDS,  started talking to me about my options for next year. They knew I was feeling the stress of my job. Ideas included reducing my hours as a lead teacher or becoming an assistant teacher.  In one of those conversations Emily said she wished she could hire me as an Art Teacher.  I told her I had thought it would be great if our school had someone who could help with individual children when they were having a tough day.  Something I would have benefited from greatly this year.  That conversation lead to others with all kinds of ideas.  As the conversations continued, we developed this job that benefits the school and is a perfect fit for me.  So this past Thursday it became official that as of this Tuesday, I would move into my new role as the Resource Director.  Basically the idea is for me to bring enrichment programing into the classrooms of all ages by coming in with art projects, story times, character education, sensory activities, etc. The hope is I will be a resource to teachers if they need help with a project as well as by simply coming into the room with programs that give them a little break.   I will also be available to work on projects for the school and assist with individual children as needed. Let me tell you I am SO excited. This  is my DREAM job.  All the things I love about teaching without the stress of managing the herd of little people ALL day.

It is bittersweet as I started moving personal things out of my classroom Friday.  It has literally been my "home" designed and decorated  by me with great intention over the past 6 years.  Eventually I will be converting a corner of the massive toy/resource room into my "office." It is also a little strange leaving my class who remains for the summer.  I will still see them often but it will be a transition for all of us as another teacher becomes the lead in there this week.  For this summer I will be working on school wide activities that go along with our summer themes.  Summer at FBDS has a summer camp feel to it and we do lots of fun activities.  This week I have a commitment at the end of the week so will only work Tuesday and Wednesday.  In that timeframe, my challenge is to set up the rain stick activity AND turn a room into a Rain Forrest.  A little intimidated but SUPER excited. I am grateful for my school boss, and co-workers at FBDS.  I really didn't want to leave it.  And now I get my dream job right there in the place I love.  It definitely feels like a "Kiss on the other Cheek!!"

Well its time to get ready for the ball game.  Medically Peter and I are also in transitions that are hopeful. Won't go into detail about mine right now but appreciate continued prayers for Peter.  Tonight is the official first night with Peter taking only  his new psychotics meds. He has been weaning off the others for a month.  So far it has been good, but appreciate prayers that it will continue to be and if tweaking needs to happen, it will happen in a timely manner.  

Thank you for the prayers on our behalf and rejoicing with us in this double kiss from God.

Raising a Hallelujah!!

 Peter inquired of three servers from his Texas Roadhouse days and they all said, "take they hospital job."

So Peter has signed an acceptance letter with the hospital as a kitchen utility worker and is moving forward.  He anticipates starting early in June.

(Here is where the Gif should be inserted. But I'm not that smart with the blog.  Just imaging a choir singing hallelujah or dancers leaping for joy!)

Thank you for comforting and encouraging me with your prayers.  I am grateful.

TWO job offers

So Peter received two job offers today!  One from the hospital and one from Outback Steakhouse.  Peter wants to take the Outback Server job because he wants to be a server as the needed step to managing a restaurant, his current career aspiration.  It is not a walkable distance and a little more unpredictable.  You can probably guess this is not the direction I am leaning.  He is working three weeks at Papa Johns, waiting to give his 2 week notice when manager returns from vacation next week.  So there is time for him to work this out in his mind.  He plans to finish May 31 and I told him my taxi service for work ends that day.  The hospital would be a walkable option. Outback is not convenient for me and I am weary from working my schedule around his work schedule for the past 16 months.  It is time for him to take ownership in this area of life.  He sees being a dishwasher/utility person in the kitchen at the hospital as a step back instead of forward in his career goals.  I think he needs someone other than mom to say it for him to understand that it is a good step forward.  He is trying to talk to some restaurant store manager and servers he knows to get their opinion which I am proud of him for doing.   Just thought you would be interested in the update.  Thanks for the prayers regarding this area- many have told me that you have and I appreciate it.  

quick - Peter

I am just moments away from three year old CAMPING DAY - that alone appreciates prayer but I want to sent a quick update on Peter and ask for prayer.  They actually are exciting possibilities.

Peter's doctor is changing his meds in hopes of influencing weight lost - he gained 80 pounds in a year.  We are in the transition phase, so far so good.  Please pray the new meds will be just as effective with minimal side effects allowing some weight loss.

Second Peter has being applying for a new job and has some good possibilities.  The one we are most excited about is in the kitchen facilities at the hospital ( a 10 minute walk from our house.)  He interviewed yesterday and hopes to hear by Monday.  This job appears to have a lot of positives and seems like a good opportunity.  Thank you for praying - God's will be done!!

off to wrangle the little campers

April Update

So I have lots of swirling stuff in my head but time is short - got to address those piles of papers before heading out the door.  But because some of asked or seem interested let me give you a quick update.

1) What's up with my taste buds?  I saw a general practitioner about 2 weeks ago and she suggested a mix of allergy drainage and acid reflux.  Currently trying to use Claritin for the allergies and diet for the reflux.  I am either used to the salty taste or that is getting better.  Still can't taste sweet.  I plan to give it a couple more weeks before heading back to the doctor as she recommended.

2) Second annual Sea View trip.  Last weekend I made my journey to Sea View Inn at Pawley's Island  for my unplug weekend and it did not disappoint.  I can't wait for next year.  My hope is to share more of my story and a few pics at another time.

3) Peter has a Psych appointment today.

4) Peter, who is very conflicted about God and occasionally mocks my Christianity, really likes Christian music.  Go figure.  God and his mysterious ways.  Peter wanted to go to a "For King and Country" concert this weekend in charlotte.  So he and I are headed that way Saturday for the concert that night and to attend Elevation Worship in Matthews  Easter morning.  Peter likes their music.  He hasn't been in a church in years.  Praying the Holy Spirit will use this in Peter's life.

5) Mom is having a yard sale next weekend.  Her sub division is hosting it. She is busy purging and preparing.  Come check out her treasures if you are in the area.

6) Mom has also started a cookie ministry for the counseling office where I meet with my child life coaching clients.  About once a week she makes beautiful, yummy cookies (ex: sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, her unusual creations,) individually wraps them and I put them in the waiting room for clients.  It is such a blessing to those who come.  And Mom gets to do what she loves - baking cookies.  Such a win win.

7) Happy Easter.  He is Alive, He is not dead.  And in that is all the hope we need!

Homiletics - Acts Finale

 Acts 28:1-31

Content:

1. Malta inhabitants showed unusual kindness to Paul and shipwrecked mates. 1-2
2. Paul's encounter with snake caused islanders to judge Paul a murderer, then a god. 3-6
3. Chief official Publius welcomed them in home. 7
4. Paul heals Publius sick father and many others. 8-9
5. They supplied Paul and company with supplies to sail to Rome. 10
6. After 3 months on island they head for Rome with a few stops on the way. 11-14
7. Paul encouraged by Brutus who traveled to meet him in Rome. 15
8. Paul lives alone with soldiers guard in Rome. 16
9. Paul gathers Jewish leaders of Rome to explain why he is there. 17-19
10. Paul appeals to them based on the hope of Israel. 20
11. The reply is that they have heard nothing about him, but are interested. 21-22.
12. Many come to hear Paul explain Jesus based on the law and prophets. 23
13. Listeners were divided in response. 24-25
14. Some leave after Paul quotes Old Testament speaking of Israel's unbelief. 26-27
15. Paul proclaims God's salvation is now being sent to the Gentiles. 28
16. There is no verse 29??????
17. Paul remains in his house for 2 years proclaiming Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God to anyone who would listen. 30-31

Divisions:

1. The islanders of Malta show kindness to Paul following shipwreck. 1-9
2. With generous Island send off and encouragers along the way, Paul is settled in home under guard in Rome. 10-16
3. Paul invites Jew's and gentiles into his home preaching Jesus and the kingdoms of God. 17-31

Subject Sentence:

• God rescues and encourages Paul who proclaims Jesus in Rome.

Aim:

• To cause me to be a part of spreading the gospel of Jesus through hospitality that includes generosity, encouragement and scripture proclamation.

Application:

1. Who has God put in my path to show kindness and generosity towards?
2. Do I see how God has used others to help me in transitions? Whom can I be of support to who are going through transition?  How can I help missionaries who have left home and comforts to share the gospel?
3. Am I imputing knowledge of scripture so that I may proclaim the gospel? Am I sharing it with those whom I encounter?

Taste and See that the Lord is Good Psalm 32:8

For me, this verse brings up visions of flourless chocolate cake, a crisp juicy apple, yummy cold ice cream and other delicacies.  I smile and get a warm gooey feeling in my tummy.

BUT what happens when your taste buds stop working?  What if you can no longer taste sweet things? 

This is my current experience.  Last Monday I developed a strong metallic, salty taste in my mouth and things weren't tasting right.  As the days have gone by I have realized that I can still taste bitter things, spicy things, sour things and umami BUT I can not taste anything sweet.  In fact when I do continue to eat something sweet I get an increasingly salty taste in my mouth.  It has been quite the experience and has my mind spinning.

Of course my primary thoughts have been "what caused it and how can I fix it".  I have googled, and there are a variety of possibilities of which hormones and sinus problems/allergies are likely.  There are also diseases but choosing not to explore those yet.  Along with the lack of a sweet taste I do have a very dry mouth.  Based on the products at the pharmacy in the mouth wash aisle, evidently this is not that uncommon. And no I haven't found one that works that well.  Chewing gum does help some.

At this point you may have several thoughts or questions. Let me see if I can address them.

• No, I have not seen a doctor.  I was giving it some time. Since it has been a week and is very distracting (the constant salty dry taste) my plan is to reach out to a doctor today.
• NO, it is not an active case of Covid.  I am not sick and the home Covid test was negative.  I had Covid 2 months ago and could it be linked? Of course there is that possibility.
• Yes I can still smell with what seems like normalcy.
• Yes I am taking Flonase for allergies.  Actually started after I lost me sweet taste,
• Yes I am drinking a good bit of water.
• It is not just a loss of the ability to taste sweet that is the problem, it is the constant salty sometimes metallic taste in my mouth.

So here are thoughts that I have had.

• I didn't realize how dependent I was on food, especially things that taste sweet for pleasure. I truly had been eating for fun and enjoyment and now am eat for sustainment .
• I keep thinking about how this is kind of like grief.  I have experience grief but not ones that I would consider profound grief.  Perhaps the one I consider the most difficult was my loss of security when I moved to Uganda.  Every sense of security, identity, expectation and comfort seemed to be removed from me and I was grieving.  In that grief it was very hard to find pleasure in even things that were intentionally sweet.  I could engage in it but could not taste it.  Even some of those sweet experiences left a bitter taste because of my "losses."  I think of this in particular for friends who have experienced profound losses through divorce, death of spouse or child, as well as betrayal or other major life transition.  As you grieve, sometimes it is really hard to find pleasure in things that are meant to be pleasurable.  And often others don't understand.  I can explain this experience of not being able to enjoy even an apple for its sweetness to you but until you have experienced it, it is hard to know what that it is really like.  
• Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Honest it is challenging when everything tasted overly salty and at times bitter. But the truth is that he is Good.  In this experience I can see how God is talking to me about my dependence on pleasure, giving me empathy for the grieving and others with chronic ailments as well and helping me to get off of sugar as I have been trying to do.  The Lord's goodness doesn't always taste like sugar.  His goodness is there even in the salty, sour and bitter.  Psalm 34 starts off with "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Whatever life taste like, I can choose to praise his name and trust in his goodness."

Homiletics

 Acts 27,

Content:

1. Centurion Julius, in charge of Paul and other prisoners, board ship going to Italy. 1-2
2. Julius allows Paul's friends to tend to him as they journey. 3
3. Winds against them, they make slow headway along the coast. 4-8
4. Paul warned Julius it was too late to continue but he went along with the captains plans to head to Phoenix. 9-12
5. There was deceptive wind that soon became hurricane catching up the ship. 13-15
6. The storm battered many days as crew made multiple attempts at survival eventually giving up. 16-20
7. Paul encourages them with promise God made him that all would survive. 21-26
8. Two weeks later sailors sensed land was near and began making preparations. 27-29
9. Paul warns Julius, sailors are abandoning ship thus those one ship would not survive. 30- 32
10. Paul encourages them to eat, reinstating God's promises. 33-38
11. Heading for a beach, they encounter sandbar that breaks the ship. 39-41
12. Julius preserves prisoners lives from soldiers attempt at order by killing them. 42-43
13. Swimming and floating on debris, they all reach shore safely just as Paul had said. 44.

Divisions:

1. Sailing - verses 1-12  Paul warns his guard, Julius that their slow starting journey will not progress well if they do not delay.
2. Storm -verses 13-26 Paul encourages shipmates in storm with promise that God will preserve them all. 
3. Shipwreck -verses 27-44 Paul warns of sailors plan to abandon ship and provides practical encouragement of food. 

Subject Sentence:

• Paul's journey to Rome involves slow start, storm and shipwreck. 

Aim

• To cause me to be a voice of warning, encouragement and discernment to fellow sojourners.

Application:

1. Who do I need to warn based on biblical principles and the Holy Spirits prompting.
2. Who is in a storm that I can encourage with God's words of hope?
3. Who do I need to encourage with food or other practical means?

Homiletics Acts 26

 Content:

1. King Agrippa opens the floor to Paul. 1
2. Paul makes pleasantries with king Agrippa asking he patiently listen. 2-3
3. Paul says the Jews know Paul has been a faithful Jew. 4-5
4. Paul says it is his hope in the promise that he was raised on, that he now stands. 6-8
5. Paul had been fighting against the name of Jesus persecuting his followers. 9-11
6. Paul tells of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. 12-18
7. Paul says he was faithful to that vision, preaching repentance and turning to God. 19-20
8. Paul says the Jews are persecuting him for this but he is saying nothing Moses and the prophets did not declare. 21-23
9. Festus calls Paul crazy. 24
10. Paul appeals to King Agrippa's belief in the prophets. 25-27
11. King Agrippa says, "are you trying to convert me so quickly?" 28
12. Paul speaks his desire for Agrippa and all to experience as Paul has, minus the chains of course. 29
13. Festus, Agrippa and Bernice leave declaring Paul is doing nothing wrong but due to his appeal, they can't set him free. 30-32

Divisions:

1. Paul tells his testimony as a faithful Jew who encounters Jesus, becoming his faithful follower. 1-20
2. Paul says that his teaching and mission fulfills the teaching of Moses and the prophets. 21-28
3. Paul declares his desire is for all to experience the encounter with Jesus that he has. 29-32

Subject Sentence:

• Paul testifies to encountering Jesus, desiring for all to experience.

Aim:

• To cause me to desire that others experience an encounter with Jesus such that I fearlessly act upon God's leading to speak of him.

Application:

1. Who do I need to tell me testimony of how I have encountered Jesus, and how this has impacted my life?
2. Do I study God's word so that I can see and tell how the bible is a continual story of God and his redemption of man?
3. Do I let fear of others or what they might do to me, overshadow my desire for all to know and believe in Jesus.

Steve's Next journey

This weekend Pete the Cat loaned Steve his best travel bag and helped him prepare for his next journey.  On Monday via Priority Mail, Steve headed to Michigan to meet up with Marcia Baugh and her boys. Marcia is a dear friend from my time in Uganda.  She and her boys are headed to visit the ministry, The Way Home Africa, she and her husband developed in Uganda. Steve has been invited to go along. Marcia's husband Russ was unexpectedly promoted to Heaven in August. She has faced numerous obstacles as they approach the scheduled departure next week.  Thank you for praying that God's plan will be clear. That there will be miracles of overcoming roadblocks or great peace that this is not the time, to direct her. I am confident that either way, Steve will be in for a great adventure.  He has never been to Michigan nor Uganda before!!

Homiletcis

 Acts 25:1-27

Content:

1. Jews present case to Festus, new governor asking for Paul to be moved to Jerusalem so they could ambush him. 1-3
2. Festus invites them to Caesarea to press charges. 4-5
3. A couple weeks later in Caesarea, Paul is brought before Festus and accusing Jews. 6-7
4. Paul claims defense of innocents'. 8
5. Festus seeking to please the Jews, ask if Paul is willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. 9
6. Paul claims innocents' , says no, and appeals to Caesar. 10-12
7. Festus discusses case with King Agrippa and Bernice. 13-15
8. Festus tells of his accurate process and loss over what to do. 16-20
9. Festus says he is holding Paul until he can be sent to the Emperor as Paul so appealed. 21
10. King Agrippa wants to meet Paul. 22
11. Agrippa and Bernice arriving with great pomp are presented with Paul. 23
12. Festus declares Jewish wish for death of Paul on whom Festus finds no guilt. 24-25
13. Festus is seeking their help to know what to charge Paul. 26-27

Divisions:

1. Paul brought to trial before Governor Festus and appeals to Caesar. 1-12
2. Festus consults with King Agrippa bringing Paul before him. 13-27

Subject Sentence:

• Paul stands trial before Festus then is presented before Agrippa.

Aim:

• To Cause me to know that in the waiting, God is working.

Application:

1. How might God be protecting you as you wait? Can you trust that God is orchestrating things even when you sit in silence?
2. Who is God giving you audience to while you wait? 

Steve attends a Wedding

Steve had been anticipating Jordan and Nicole's wedding ever since we received the invitation.  He donned his black tie and had a grand time.  He said it was the BEST wedding he had ever attended.  Right I know,  it is the only wedding he has attended.  But it was a fantastic wedding.  I would put it in my top 5 and I have been to a lot of weddings!!! Here is just a few pics of the Big Day!

Church steps selfie!

Flower woman and Ring Man - hysterical!!!

the new Mr. and Mrs. Parham

The reception was really nice! Steve was impressed with the Gold plates! I had to explain what a Charger was.

As he waited for the newlyweds, Steve got a little bored and well.....

So Kim and I took him to look at the Cake and get snacks.

Steve likes Cake!

I am afraid Steve now thinks ALL bride and grooms come to the reception via Helicopter.

Steve was SO excited to have a minute with his buddy Jordan.

Signing the Guest Globe

Steve was so excited to attend the wedding that I was afraid there would be let down when all was said and done.  He did seem a little blue on Monday and then he got the BIG news.  He is getting ready to travel again.  And this one is BIG.  Steve is headed for Uganda later this month!!!!!  More news on that to come!

Homiletics

 Acts 24:1-27

Content:

1. Ananias, elders and lawyers present case against Paul before Governor Felix. 1
2. Lawyer Tertullus flatters Felix before getting to the point. 2-4
3. Tertullus presents case of Paul as a trouble maker to the point of desecrating the temple. 5-8
4. The Jews affirm this. 9
5. Paul presents his defense stating he went to Jerusalem 12 days ago but was not stirring up trouble. 10-13
6. Paul confesses to being a follower of the Way agreeing with the law striving to keep his conscience clear before God. 14-16
7. Paul explains his presence and conduct in Jerusalem and temple courts. 17-18
8. Paul says they need to declare his crime, all he knows is it has something to do with the resurrection. 19-21
9. Felix dismisses court, delaying decision, giving Paul freedom under guard. 22-23
10. Felix calls for Paul to speak before him and wife Drusilla. 24
11. Felix saw Paul off and on for 2 years hoping for a bribe. 25-26
12. When succeeded by Porcius Festus, Felix left Paul in prison for Jews favor. 27

Divisions:

1. Paul's accusers present case before Felix. 1-9
2. Paul presents facts in his defense. 10-21
3. Paul's case put on pause for two years. 22-27

Subject Sentence:

• Paul's case brought before Governor Felix encounters delays for outcome.

Aim:

• to cause me to remain faithful to gospel message and it's declaration in times of waiting.

Application:

1. What accusations are being made about me? by others around me or Satan's voice inside my mind?
2. What facts about the gospel do I need to remind myself of when Satan attacks my mind? Do I rely upon the facts of the gospel in defense to other's accusations?
3. How do I need to remain faithful to the gospel message in my time of waiting?

Homiletics

 Acts 23:1-35

Content:

1. Paul addresses Sanhedrin confidently, is struck as order of Ananias and Paul responds with harsh words. 1-3
2. Paul responds with sense of error and repentance. 4-5
3. Paul proclaims position as Pharisee and hope in the resurrection, stirring up assembly of Sadducees and Pharisees. 6-8
4. Outburst so violent, commander has Paul removed to barracks. 9-10
5. Jesus appears to Paul in the night speaking encouragement. 11
6. Jews form conspiracy plan to kill Paul. 12-15
7. Paul's nephew learned of  it warning Paul. 16
8. Paul uses centurion to get message to commander. 17-22
9. 470 men engaged to escort Paul to Caesarea in the night at the commander's request. 23-24
10. Commander sends letter of explanation with the troupes for Governor Felix. 25-30
11. Soldiers carry out orders delivering Paul to governor in Caesarea. 31-33
12. Governor puts Paul in Herod's palace under guard awaiting accusers to come make their case. 34-35

Divisions:

1. Paul is safely removed from the crowd when his appearance before Sanhedrin creates uproar. 1- 11
2. The Jews' Plot to trap and kill Paul is discovered and reported by his nephew. 12-22
3. Paul is moved in the night and sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea for safety. 23-35

Subject Sentence:

• Paul secretly removed to Caesarea when infuriated Sanhedrin plot his death. 

Aim:

• TCMT trust Jesus for deliverance in times of great accusation and turmoil.
• (explanation) Although I surely could have enemies trying to destroy me, especially if I was bolder about my faith, I related this passage to my internal persecution.  I do believe that although Satan can not touch me eternally because I am in Christ, he does like to mess with my head and my effectiveness.  He is the accuser who is out to destroy any impact that I might have for the cause of Jesus Christ.  I see that in my thought life.  So I related this passage to how Satan tries to accuse me and destroy what I might desire to do as a follower of Jesus.  My application questions reflect this.

Application:

1. Do I speak truth in humility when accused?  Do I recognize my sin AS WELL as my position and deliverance in Christ?  Am I giving God the time and ear to speak his encouragement to me?
2. Do I trust that God is using people and circumstances to guide me even when I fell threatened and out of control? When Satan accuses me, do I look for a way of escape in the truth of God's word and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Do I seek the help of trusted believers in such times?
3. Do I trust God's power to deliver me from Satan's accusations and the traps he has set before me?

Family update

I am going to post Homiletics here in just a few but wanted to share a couple of updates - see if you can find the prayer request within.  You know kind of like "Where's Waldo."

Peter started the EMT program at the local community college and I am really proud of his commitment to get up and go to class 4 early mornings a week.  However after 3 weeks he has concluded that this is not the profession for him and has dropped out.  He is on the search again for his dream career.  Okay so his dream career would be either a professional Madden Football Gamer or a Lyft driver (driving, listening to music and making money.) Since the Madden Guru thing is tricky and  he is currently uninsurable and sold his car last weekend, he thinks he wants to be a restaurant server and is in the process of trying to find a server job.  Beyond work Peter is pretty unmotivated and spends much time on the couch and the bed.  As his land lord, mom and primary cheerleader it is often hard to know how to handle all of this.  I prod and encourage but find it a tricky balance.  My constant question most of his life has been what behaviors of his am I enabling and what is really beyond his ability due to mental/emotional issues.  I continually wish for and  pray that Peter would put himself in the place of people who would be an encouragement and influence,  And when Peter does so that people would reach out to him. I am grateful that unlike his early years, Peter is usually pleasant to be around.  The fact I drive him a good bit gives me a chance to talk with him. He can be quiet funny and insightful though also delusional about real life.  Yet at the same time driving him and help him manage finances etc can be consuming.

Mama Millie is having some cosmetic work done at her condo which is exciting. Thus far (except for her ankles she says) she has been feeling really well.  We pray for continued protection of mom's health. 

I am on my second assistant in my classroom this year.  This is another lovely person that I enjoy working with but who finds managing a dozen 3 and 4 year olds way to stressful and is looking for an out.  This has impact on my load.  I am praying for someone who can finish out the school year with us that will love the kiddo's, be willing to share the workload and have some good "tiny human management" skills.

I am a procrastinator.  Have been my whole life.  I often use food and Entertainment (TV, Fiction, shopping, Wordle, Solitaire)  to put things off.  Shoot I will use just about anything, even washing dishes, to put off what I don't want to do. I understand the concept of "Eat the Frog First."  You know do the most unwanted task first and get it done.  But understanding and doing are not the same thing.  I keep thinking I could be more productive (and more peaceful) if I could overcome procrastinations - especially in the area of what I call paperwork.  That is  managing my side business, my finances, and basically anything requiring me to sit down and focus. This morning I face this very dilemma.   It's an area I believe the enemy likes to use accuse and attack.  Honestly I think I may have even used this post to procrastinate what I need to do next.  So on that note, until next time Peace be with You!

Homiletics

 Acts 22:1-30

Content:

1. Paul addresses crowd in Aramaic with his defense. 1-2
2. Paul states he is a Jew thoroughly trained in and committed to Jewish Law. 3
3. He persecuted Jesus' followers 4-5
4. Paul tells of Jesus appearing to him on his way to Damascus. 6-9
5. And how blinded , he was taken by companions to Damascus to await assignment. 10-11
6. Ananias came to him restoring his sight, confirming his experience and commissioning him. 12-16
7. Jesus appeared to him in Jerusalem sending him to the Gentiles. 17-21
8. At this point the crowd stopped listening and started shouting and revolting. 22-23
9. Commander ordered Paul into barracks for flogging and questioning. 24
10. Paul brings up the legality of what they are doing to him as a Roman citizen. 25
11. This stops things. 26
12. Commander and Paul discus his birthright as a Roman. 27-28
13. Commander alarmed at their imprisoning Paul - a Roman citizen. 29
14. Paul released and brought before assembly of high priest and Sanhedrin.  30

Divisions:

1. Paul addresses crowd giving his testimony as a Jew transformed by a Jesus encounter and commissioned to the Gentiles. 1-21
2. Paul plays his Roman citizen "card" as he is to be flogged, bringing it to a halt. 22-30

Subject Sentence:

• Paul identifies first as transformed by Jesus, second as Roman.

Aim:

• To cause me to let me life be defined by my primary identity of "called and transformed by Jesus."

Applications:

1.  Do I look for opportunities to give testimony to Jesus calling and transformation in my life?
2. Do I see God's protection and provisions through seemingly secular situations and circumstance?

Meet the Snayke Family

If I am telling you this story in person, it can take a LONG time.  It is the reason that although I have wanted to share it with you for the past several months, have not.  Inspired by my recent acquisition of Bob Goff's Love Does, the children's version, I am going to try to share this in the "children's version."

Many years ago (okay maybe 5) at the Yellow Daisy Craft Festival, my friend Melissa bought Susy for my preschool classroom.

Susy was so great that I was inspired to try to make her some friends.  With the help of Mama Millie, what resulted was Susy's at the time boyfriend Seymore.

Susy and Seymore have resided in my classroom.  Susy is in charge of accounting and Seymore travel and adventure.  Susy is the stronger worker of the two.  Seymore "hangs out" most the time .But needless to say their romance progressed and they are now Seymore and Susy Snayke (yes that is Snake with a silent y.)

THEN there was a Pandemic!!! Okay what happened next really has nothing to do with a pandemic but it happened for quite a few who experienced quarantine.  This fall Susy and Seymore introduced the family.  They have five offspring's. There is Simone' (don't forget the accent),

 Shayde (yes with a y),

 Starr (with two r's),

 Steve,

 and Sassy (the baby)

The children reside with their parents in a stylish Thirty-One bag in Ms' Linda's preschool classroom.

They take turns helping with counting, singing and other things.  Each one has his or her own personality.  For example Shayde counts in drum beat - a one and a two and a three etc. Simone' is typically too busy to help but we understand she may be learning French.  Starr counts in the sweetest (and slowest) southern drawl you have heard.  Steve being the traveler (more about that in a minute) counts in Spanish (as long as it isn't any higher than 13) and Sassy well bless her heart, she can't count and gets her numbers mixed up.

The biggest excitement involving the Snayke Family is Steve's opportunity to travel.  So when I learned that my friend Joy's son, Jordan was headed out on tour with the News Boys as the assistant Sound and Light guy, I asked if one of the Snaykes could do an internship.  So based on size requirements, the need for sunglasses and a classroom vote, Steve was selected to travel with Jordan for 6 weeks up and down the Eastern part of the US.  What an adventure for all of us!

Thanks to Jordan being so awesome, we received weekly pictures and itinerary updates.  Evidently Steve was a favorite of the traveling Music entourage. For six weeks we tracked Steve's travel and displayed his photo's on a bulletin board.  And frequently Ethan would say "Where is Steve? I am ready for him to come back."  Steve did come back with his own little travel case and lots of great memories. 

Here are a few of mine and the kids favorite pics!  I actually squealed when I received the one of the News Boys with Steve!  And the kids hands down favorite was Steve on the toilet.  When one little girl was looking at it she giggled saying, "Steve can't reach the toilet paper!"

While Steve was on tour, Mom and I took Starr to Kansas.

Shortly after Steve returned,  I took all the children to Pigeon Forge for the weekend.  With it being such a beautiful sunny weekend, they are ALL now sporting sunglasses. 

Therefore the Snayke siblings tell me they are READY to GO!!!  If you are headed out on an adventure and would like to take a traveling companion, the Snayke kids are all about some travel. You can pick who and each will come with travel case and one way ticket home (envelope and postage) if he/she gets to be too much. I promise they don't eat much.  We just ask in return for some pictures and maybe a postcard.

No one has travel plans at the moment but Steve is excited to attend Jordan and Nicole's wedding in March.  He can't stop talking about needing to find a bow tie to wear!!!