I’ve entered a wonderful new stage of pregnancy: night-time charley horses. I’ve had two this week. Yippee. 
Yesterday, I was not nearly as productive as I had in mind I could be. I did get the garbage out and the plants watered. And I did get the house a little tidier. I sorted apples to get the rotten and bruised ones out of their bins so the others will keep a couple of days longer. And I worked on boxing/bagging stuff in the upstairs so that Eric can move it all to the basement for storage. I thought about moving it myself (the lighter stuff), but never got around to it. So now Eric gets to!
Geez, apparently I did get more done than I thought. But I didn’t get the dishes washed. That was the first thing on my to-do list, and it didn’t happen. It sort of annoyed me. But maybe I can get to it today. Around a shopping trip with Karen and a grocery shopping trip of my own. Yeah…it might happen. Or maybe tomorrow…
Lastly, I have ideas in my head I need to get out, so here’s a thought from my bible study this morning:
I came to the verse about “to whom much is given, much will be required” today in my reading. I’ve heard it lots of times, but I’m not sure I ever realized that Jesus gives this principle in the context of his return and our readiness/service in light of his return. We’re supposed to be serving and watching, and those in positions of ‘higher’ authority, spiritually speaking, will be more responsible for their actions and perspective than those who are not given such positions or those who don’t even know to be looking for Jesus.
It really got me thinking this morning. I’ve been given a lot. I grew up in C-ville surrounded by biblical thinking and training. I’ve got so many abilities and natural gifts. Yet I wonder, if Jesus came back today, would I be found ready, be found in faithful service. And am I really willing to surrender to this principle? God has already poured more into me than into many, but am I really open to his asking much of me in return? Most days, the answer would have to be “no” if I’m honest. I want that to change.
And also, my church is starting a 6-week series of sermons about finding a place to serve in the church, asking every member to, at the end, be prepared to commit for a year to some place of service in our ministry. I have been ‘on a break’ from the ministry I had for 5 years (long story…finally starting to heal). So now I don’t know what ministry to pursue. I do feel an urge to find some outlet, though the pending arrival of twins seems to be potentially working against me and the options never seem to fit me just right. So I really have no idea where God wants me to serve. None at all. So I’m really hoping, trying to remember to pray and ask him, that He’ll just open a door that fits me fantastically. Just don’t know what that will look like right now…
Okay, thanks for listening (or skimming) while I emptied my brain. Have a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday!
I will pray that God gives you clear direction cc. a place of ministry…I have found that much of my ministry is not a part of a specific program or church activity…You probably minister in many ways without even realizing it!
I thought about the nursery too! But what about a ministry to college students since you used to work at CU? Our church does some really cool things in that area!
I think bensmomshelley has some good points…as did Kimberly. If you have two newborns who take your time during the week, you should not be expected to fill time in a children’s ministryof any sort. Your worship time should be able to be QUIET and free from children…at least for awhile.
I’ll be praying that you find where God wants you.
Prayed for the cramps and for your discernment on the ministry issue. Hugs!
@bensmomshelly – Perhaps…but good thoughts anyway! Certainly, taking care of twins, my husband, and myself will be top priority for a good portion of the next year. And I figure God won’t ask me to sacrifice those things!
1. Are you getting plenty of magnesium and potassium?
2. Motherhood is an adjustment, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to sign up for something that’s regularly scheduled, at least for a while. For me, it’s worked out to do more periodic ministries, like making meals for sick people/new moms/etc., or projects around the church building I could schedule on my own time, or sending notes of encouragement to people, etc., as well as being available as a substitute for nursery and/or praise team if others were not available. Maybe something to think about? Also remember that one of the biggest ministries you have is as a wife and mother, building into those lives around you, and if other more structured ministries are taking away from that, it may be time to reevaluate. I think it’s hard not to feel guilty if we’re not always *busy* at church (at least for me, having grown up in churches), but busyness shouldn’t be the indicator of whether or not/how effectively we’re serving (but I think we tend to *make it* the indicator).
Whew, sorry, that was way longer and more preachy than I intended. Perhaps a sore spot with me.
Praying for you!
@terriwright – LOL to that mental image, Terri! I will just be thankful mine have been in my calves so far!
Ugh to charley horses. I had a few of those, and they’re awful! Hope they go away!!
1. Chuck the durn apples.
2. Nighttime cramps are a GREAT way to check your husband’s waking-up time. Kirby could go from sound asleep to grabbing for car keys in seconds!
They are no fun. With John, I would get them in my groin/upper thigh AS I WALKED TO MY CLASSES in college. Not a good place to grab in public. I used to just stand there as throngs flowed around me, gritting my teeth.
3. You’ve prayed. He’ll answer. Just listen, and don’t stew about it. For right now, I believe you have a big Godly job in front of you.
@ch1pch0p – Mothers don’t have to work in the class their children are in. Any pre-school age is fair game. So it could still be away from your children…
@shannahhogue – I think that’s a ridiculous rule. Church services should be your one hour a week AWAY from your children.
Thanks for challenging me this a.m. Great thoughts!
On the charley horses. Try tonic water. My dr. recently told me about it. There’s something in it that helps. I’m not a fan so I mix it but it does work.
@ch1pch0p – @mtaviano – actually mothers who use the nursery regularly are expected to work at least one service/month anyway, so eventually, I will serve my time. I suppose I could sign up now, but, in another month or two, I probably won’t be able to move well enough to really work with small children on the floor. Not sure it’s the best fit…
I was going to say EXACTLY what Kimberly said. You’re probably not going to make it through a service for awhile without one or the other needing you. Might as well make a ministry out of it!
How about the nursery? You’ll be spending a lot of time there anyway….
wow, very challenging thoughts this morning! i’m going to have to seriously think about this in regards to my own life….
have a great weekend!