Saturday, May 9, 2009

A Little of This, A Lot Of That

First of all, if you haven't read the comments in the previous post, Gym Thoughts, you really need to do so. There were some very entertaining entries about "interesting" gifts you all have received through the years. I guarantee the stories will make you laugh. Or at least chortle. And if you want to add your very own chortle-worthy entry? Well, that would be great!

Now moving along into the future, I want to mention a few noteworthy dates coming up this week.

Sunday, May 10 Mother's Day

I will never forget when Nathan was about six years old and began to more completely understand the idea of honoring Moms and doing nice things for them on their day. He pondered the whole concept for a few minutes (pondering must be hereditary) and then asked me with great earnestness, "Do you think they'll ever have Boy Day?"

Boy Day. I love it.


Wednesday, May 13 Steve's Birthday

Is it possible that I could be married to a man who is in his fifties? Surely not! I met him when I was only seventeen and he was twenty-two; how could he possibly be fifty-two already? I must say though, that he is one of the youngest 52-year olds I've ever met--in his appearance, his sense of adventure, and his outlook on life. I think Steve is one of those guys who will NEVER be old!

Which is just one of the many reasons I love him! He keeps me young! (Well, youngish.)


Saturday, May 16 Six Month "Anniversary" of Being Between Pastorates

I haven't written a lot about this subject but I'm sure you all have read between the lines of the things I DO write about. You no doubt already realize that six months without a paycheck, six months without a place to belong, six months without nearby friends, six months of not knowing where we're headed, six months of not knowing where we're going to live or where Sarah will go to school, etc. all take their toll.

And a toll has been taken. A toll is being taken.

We have important deadlines looming, like getting Nathan re-enrolled for his sophomore year by a certain (soon coming) date. Can't do that without money. We have no house buyers on the horizon, which is just a tad worrisome. We frankly feel like a "family with no country" and six months is a long time to be in such complete and total limbo. We're lonely and displaced and sometimes even feel a bit misplaced.

Some of you might even be wondering by this point, "Well, is there some sort of Big Black Blot on Steve's resume'? Is that why he can't find a new church?"

Well, let me explain it this way. Steve is ordained with the Assemblies of God; in that denomination, the overseers of each state are called District Superintendents. Steve's resume' contains glowing recommendations from not just one District Superintendent (which would be an honor in itself) but THREE! It also contains recommendations from well known pastors in North and South Carolina. (Which is where we're hoping to stay.) So nope, no Big Black Blots anywhere! Just a long, slow, and sometimes very discouraging process.

So would you mind if I asked you a favor? Since this week contains some important Smith dates, can we make this a "pray for the Smiths" week? Maybe each time you pray over a meal, or right before you go to sleep, or when you're sitting at a stoplight, will you just say a quick prayer for us? We can't remain where we are indefinitely and we desperately need to experience God's direction very soon. If you'll pray, would you sign the guest book and let us know? That would be so encouraging for us. Thanks in advance.

And the LAST event of the week?


Sunday, May 17 Sarah Celebrates Seven Years of Being a Cancer Survivor!

There will be lots more about that later.


In closing, since Mother's Day will arrive in just a few hours, I'll sign off with a picture of the only two people on the planet who call me Mom. And I love them both more than words can say.


26 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Meg said...

Did you know that in Japan they actually do have a "Boy's day"? And a "Girl's day" too! On each holiday there are special decorations and foods that are prepared and eaten. My godparents are Japanese and I always got a card on "Girl's day" when I was little. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodomo_no_hi


~Meg

Jennifer said...

YEAH...Sarah! Seven years!! What a great date - and as far as that six months date..promising to pray! God certainly must have something wonderful in store!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

lesley said...

Praying for you and your family!! I remember asking my mother when I was little "When is Children's day?" and her wise answer was "Every day is Children's Day." That took care of that!

Holly said...

I will most definitely be praying for the Smith's this week!

Happy Mother's Day

Kathleen said...

I will definitely be praying for you and your family.

I do have one question though and I hope it doesn't come off as rude or intrusive because I don't mean for it to be, I am genuinely interested in your answer. Do you ever wonder if you missed God's direction on leaving your old church?

I ask because sometimes I struggle with making a decision and I even after I have prayed I will doubt myself in that I heard God and think "maybe I did this in and of myself." It seems that in some things I have gotten clear decision and in others not so clear. And when things don't come together like I think they should then I really doubt. Anyway, I am interested in your answer if you don't mind.

Anonymous said...

I will keep you in my positive/hopeful thoughts...wish I could offer a prayer, but positive thoughts are the best I can do...just have not been able to pray since my prayers for my Rachael went unanswered. But, please know that all sorts of positive hopes are going into the universe for you to receive the blessings you are so deserving.

Anonymous said...

praying for you in Minnesota!

Debbie said...

Praying for the Smith Family!!!

Happy Mother's day!!!

God Bless~
Debbie Jean

Sue G said...

I can't say that I will pray for your family. But, since I have been already doing it for months, I can say that I will continue to pray for your family.

Fatigue and jet lag prevent me from adding more to this comment. Hopefully, I will return to my former verbose self soon.

Happy Mother's Day, Becky!

amysahoot said...

Hi Becky, never realized this till just now, but May 17th is my daughter Emily's seventh b-day. I will be praying for you tomorrow in church which is James River Assembly of God.

Anne said...

On my way to church and will definitely pray for the Smith family, and at stoplights along the way :)
Happy Mother's Day, Becky!

Pam D said...

Praying now... prayed last night.. and the day before, and the week before that and the month before THAT and years before that! And the path continues, and we all keep walking together. I'm praying now that this very long hallway will have an open door leading into a beautiful and welcoming place.....

Marysienka said...

Wow 7 yrs being a cancer survivor! WTG Sarah :)

You know Becky that you were born on the same day as my mom and that Steve's birthday is the same as my brother? Just thought it was funny :)

I'm keeping you in thoughts, as always,

Renee, Canada

lesley said...

Becky,

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have always tried to live by the motto "Let go and Let God"

Sometimes though I really think I let go, and God wasn't looking and the need went SPLAT like an egg dropped on the floor....

Then I must remind myself about seasons and reasons and open my heart and mind to the true direction of the journey, which is not entirely up to me!

So as these anxious days approach I will be sending positive thoughts for peace that passes understanding and forward actions in your lives <3

I have a question too...nosey, I admit! Since you are not in the local church any longer, can you not see any of the members of the congregation? You mentioned not having the old friends...is Sarah still at the school there?

Happy Mothers Day to you....

Lynie

brooke said...

of course i'll pray for you becky. i have been for awhile. it is my honor.

Anonymous said...

Praying fiercely for direction and peace in the Smith Family...
~Monica Rulon

Anonymous said...

I will absolutely be praying for your family this week and every week to come!

Anonymous said...

Dear Becky, I am just signing to say that I pray daily for your family.....you nailed it in that we know w/o you having had to say much this is quite a trying time for you and Steve and Nathan and Sarah, too. I will continue to keep you in both my thoughts and prayers; hoping and praying God guides you in your new direction SOONER rather than later.

Anonymous said...

Ugh I am new to this Blogger comment leaving .... so the Anonymous comment left on May 11, 2009 1:06 AM was from me, Deb Mathy of Green Bay, WI

Lisa L said...

Dear God,
Bless the Smith family. I know you are with them...sometimes its hard to notice. Especially when things get tough...job wise...college dues wise...you know what I mean. I know things will work out. I know you love them. Please make a job become available to Steve...please make Becky's vocal chords heal... thank you for everything...

Anonymous said...

Becky, Steve, Nathan & Sarah . . . I pray for you daily and will continue to do so. I totally understand the feeling of not really belonging anywhere as my situation has significantly changed over the past year and a half. But I continue to plod along taking it one day at a time. I would appreciate your prayers for me as well. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Praying for the Smiths! I just wanted you to know that your entry about God's provisions, delivered by the ravens, touched my heart, and that I truly believe that the ravens will provide while you are in this "hallway time."

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky,
I love coming here. You make me laugh and cry all at the same time, and that is pretty hard to do.
Anyways, I have an idea. Can we exchange praying for each other? My husband is on a six month shutdown at the papermill where he has worked for over 28 years. There is just not enough paper to run to stay open at this time. Please pray that it will reopen because in our 50's there is not much more he can do. I will also pray that your family gets some answers very soon at what direction you are going in..the feeling of misplacement is just so uneasy as you know all too well.
Thanks Becky and prayers are going up as we speak!!

Colleen in MI..where the job market is pretty sad.

Anonymous said...

Sorry I just read the posting but we do pray for the Smiths always. I have been behind in reading as my Mom has been hospitalized since May 7th with pneumonia. She is to be discharged tomorrow. I have been at the hospital all nights except 2 and some during the day. God is good and she is getting better. The doctor told us it could take 6 months for her to get over it completely. Please pray for her and my father.
Ann in RR

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