Twists and Turns

I'm not sure I looked much past life at 50 before... so now it is staring me in the face.  From seeing what my dad is going through, to empty nest, very quiet house most days, surprise blessings of family, church family, wonderful friends and having some of the kids around (wishing it was all of them though :)).
and then.. what do you want from me at this stage Lord???  how can I best serve You? do you still have purpose for me?

Having been born to my parents when they were 36 and 38 changes how life at 50 has been.  It seems like I've dealt with some things that people at my age wouldn't deal with until they are older most of the time.  I've come to discover though that no journey is the same in raising kids, aging parents, marriage, walking with God, ministry, etc. etc.  What is true for me and works for me, doesn't always another.  What happens to us isn't exactly the same as what happens to a friend.  But experience is quite a teacher and I have tried to glean from others in it all. A good friend  has a class on elder care and has good source of information and support through some transitions in our world lately.  So thankful for who God has put in my life in different steps along the way. I truly don't know what I'd do without these people.  I also don't know what I would do without my supportive husband...goodness he has put up with a lot, and loves me anyway.  so lucky in love.... and of course, who can handle life with God himself being our rock?!
"when my world is shaking, heaven stands"  "when my world is breaking, I never leave Your hand"

I've been thinking how overwhelming the challenges can be sometimes and Satan wants me to think about them to the point of paralyzing me.  God help me know You can help me in anything.  God help me see the big picture, help me honor You always, help me value people more than any possession, help me be wise in all I do and say.  Help me forgive, move past hurts.  Help me love well.  Help me to have fun in You.   Lord help me lighten up.  The responsibilities sometimes can seem so crushing.  Goodness, doses of laughter and friendship and family are so refreshing... help me jump in those pools of refreshment often Lord, and in the pool of Your word and Your arms.  

"Problems do not go away.  They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit."  M. Scott Peck

Fear is so paralyzing.  Staying safe on this side of an issue seems like the thing to do sometimes... but in reality we so hurt ourselves and also don't give something God might have in mind a chance, and often hurt relationships that might be healed...we miss out. And eventually hope can die.  Satan is so good at twisting us up inside with fear.
God lead me to Your plan always.  Help me not be fearful of  the unknown and be wise in choices everyday. Help me work though whatever challenges come knowing You, my Rock are right beside me.
Help me live life to the fullest each and every day.  Thanks God for the adventure and journey that we can walk with you...fearless...secure...

My hubby and ministry

Today was another great Sunday with God's family worshipping Him together.  So thankful to be serving with the people at Third City Christian Church.  It's not a perfect place full of perfect people, but hopefully we are growing together towards all God intends.  I'm sure we have a long way to go.  :)

I'm thankful for God putting us here and for Scott's leadership. Today after we had lunch with someone who's spouse was out of town, Scott said he had to to back to the church which is nothing new, so I said okay and went home.  When he got home I found out he had been pulling the tape off the gym floor for about 2 hours because the gym floor is being redone this week.  Yep, that's the kind of guy he is.  He notices things not everyone does and then just does them.  Besides preaching sermons that are Bible based, interesting, challenging and applicable to our lives!  :)  God's got him right where he should be I think.  :)

Ministry, it's kind of another world as are some other jobs.  :)  To be successful, I don't think a 40 hour work week will cut it.  :)    God may we all please You in all we do.   Thankful, thankful to be serving
You our amazing God and excited to see where You lead!

  

Act 2-ready or not...

I'm not an expert at technology.. so just figuring out how to "blog" has been a bit of a challenge, but I think for today...  I have it... so here I am!   I do love to write as some friends and family will tell you... and sometimes way too much!  I figure if I can learn how to blog, they won't feel forced to endure my writings and I'll still get a chance to put things in black and white.. and if no one reads it, oh well!  I've always liked to journal, so I guess this is a form of that.

Anyway,  August 7, 2011.....many, many incredible things have happened of late in the Jones home!  In the last 16 months or so all three of our kids married wonderful, wonderful people.. wow...  what a journey that has been!  We are so thankful for our own "kids" and for who God brought into their lives for their life partners!  I wish each one of your could meet Alyssa, Jamie, and Brenden!   God is so good....!

I want to start planning family vacations ... like yesterday!  ha... but I have to pace myself and as always its hard for me to hold back being too involved.   (thus this blog and less family emails they are hoping I'm sure)    Oh, and then there is the marriage advice.... :)  Little do they know how much I have actually held back in sharing!  (jones and are such experts!)

Anyway,  I hope they get a chance to meet some of you wonderful friends also.. God has also given us amazing friends in our lifetime.  Sweet, sweet friendships in Him.  

Well, that's all for now... I'm holding back here too for now in sharing.  But if you are reading this..thanks..!  and thanks for the blessing of YOU in our lives.  Thanks mostly to God His love and care for each of us...and then giving us each other.  :)       I don't even know if I'll know how to get back here.. or how to tell friends how to get here. so we'll see...this may just end up some random post in the vast spaces of technology!  no matter.