Thoughtful Process

Well, it is Monday and our weekend was jam packed with a little bit of everything. Before I get started on playing catch up with my public diary, I thought that I would say I have a prayer request for our family.

One that is more private to me and once again I fall back on a couple of scriptures,

Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” O, I know that the effectual fervent prayer of just one righteous person availeth much. (James 5:6)

Josh and I desire a church family. As you know, we have done some "church shopping".. In a way I am a little embarrassed to call it that, but I have had a hard time finding one that Josh and I both feel completely comfortable in. Josh grew up traditional Church of Christ, and I Pentecostal/Full Gospel/Non-Denominational. There are some pretty obvious differences in our early upbringing with regards to church..but that is not a factor really in what we are really looking for today. Josh and I have grown spiritually together and seek a friendly-God and Spirit filled place that will allow us to congregate together with friends to worship.. ( I really hope this doesn't sound like a personal ad :) ) We did find a place called Riverpointe, that we loved and attended, but it was very hard to get involved because the church was so big. I know I am probably making excuses, but we did try on a few occasions to become part of the small group sessions and some after hours activities, but we got lost in the crowd.. it didn't seem like a real way to make a connection...and we were discouraged and never returned.. every weekend it was something else, whether we were out of town, in the middle of a project or just tired..

We have gone to others since..in saying that, I am excited about a church here in Sugar Land called Bridge Fellowship, and I plan to visit this Sunday..I know that this doesn't have to be such a process, but like anything else in our lives, I feel like it needs to feel right.. so if you would keep us in your prayers..Of course, if Oak Hills would go ahead and make a branch here in Houston, that would be even better!! :)

xoxox

To Go or Not To Go

This is my question.. and I have questioned myself and my husband for the last several months. I think the end of last year was when it began..more or less because I knew that I had free benefits out there that we can use now..

The big question, "should Shelly go to the University of Phoenix and pursue a college degree since it is almost completely paid for"... I know what most of you are thinking.. especially the parents with kids that attended school, (free education?? Um.. yes.. not just yes.. but definitely without a doubt, no thinking involved yes!!) The thing is that is so real to me is that I have a full plate as it is and still feel like I could manage, papers aren't due until 2:00 a.m. Arizona time and well seeing as they are behind us, I get an advantage.. plus I have become a night owl and the kids go to bed at 7:55 every night (for the most part) In my mind, my chores are completed by then if not shortly after so that I can concentrate on me for a few hours before heading to bed and doing it all over again the next day.

It is almost silly to not go ahead and attain that education at such a great price with little to sacrifice now.. knowing that it will pay off for me in the future. With my military schooling, and some random college courses abroad here and there and a vocational certificate, I have not attained a college diploma and it would be nice if I did.. well because I can.. and did I mention, it's almost more than half paid for?

It's almost as if I have just talked myself into it! Well, there is a plus, my sweet sister in Arizona has a sister who happens to be the military liaison at the University of Phoenix and has so graciously provided me with the necessary paperwork to begin filing for the rest of my VA benefits.. this is the first step. Then, the 2 hour set up process.. the great part about it is that classes begin every week and since it is all done online, it is portable with me. Class time is a major plus I do know that first hand, but the school has an excellent online support system with your professor's direct number and many chat forums that are direct for keeping in touch with study groups and your actual classmates. My brother was able to obtain his degree in accounting with a variation of in-class and online study with the University of Phoenix which is encouraging for me as well.

I haven't decided completely, but will keep it in my prayers for now..all the while continuing to research and make any final decisions. Josh is supportive in whatever I decide to do and I know that he would be excited for me, but worried that I might not have budgeted out enough time in my day to accomplish and that I may get overwhelmed.. I will continue to ask God to give me the direction that I will need to pursue..to go .. or not to go.....

Please continue to keep our family in your prayers!

Just Because I Need It

There is nothing more comforting than knowing my friends and family are in complete agreement with me in any prayer request that I have. I am asking that after this post you pray with me and over me. I found a couple of scriptures that are ministering to me tonight...

For we are God's handiwork,recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined,for us, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

"Be anxious about nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord


xoxooxoox