I have many praises and one really big prayer today...
It's the Monday after a busy weekend...I'm not normally a "down-on-Mondays" kind of a person...but right now, my heart is heavy...the daughter of one of my co-workers was just diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer. I can't divulge her identity, but she's in her mid-20's and had surgery on Friday. Please pray for this young woman. I don't have any details on her treatment or prognosis but ask that you keep her in your prayers. This is reminder to me that life is so very precious and we shouldn't take anything for granted.
I just finished up my first "term" as a life group leader for our church. Back in the late summer when they announced that they were looking for new life group leaders, I told Russell I wanted to be part of a women's life group but DID NOT want to lead one. I have been praying for more than a year for a few women friends who would become "friends of the heart" and be more than just acquaintances. I didn't want to lead a life group but felt God wanted me to so I signed up and left it up to the Lord...if He wanted it to happen, He would bring just the right women to me...I believe that prayer was answered. I've had five women who have been faithfully coming to my home every week. I'm so thankful for these five women...that they let me be a part of their life, that we were able to share our praises and prayers....I'm thankful that we've been able to share from the heart...to go beyond the surface stuff and allow each other to see inside our insecurities, hurts, hopes and wishes.
Part of the life group commitment was having fun together and serving together, so last Thursday, the six of us went to dinner at Applebees and then onto the Singing Christmas Tree...a fabulous tradition for over 40 years here in Portland. We had such a fun evening together and then on Saturday (at 7:30 am) we met at the church and volunteered at the Coat and Toy Drive sponsored by ALC. It was a blessing to serve those in our church and community who are struggling to afford life, let alone Christmas. I have committed to continuing our life group after the first of the year. If you're not involved in a church...look for one that encourages small groups...what a wonderful way to be a part of another's life...to share, support, praise and pray for each other.
Shanna has been taking private saxophone lessons for the last 12 weeks...my only regret is not starting them sooner. Mr. Bondy is absolutely fabulous as an instructor and mentor and she's learned so much from him. Yesterday was the winter recital and it was a movie theme. I'm in awe of anyone who can take an instrument and make beautiful music. She did an awesome job with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", from her favorite movie, Wizard of Oz.
I'm also thankful that after ten weeks of getting up early every Saturday, Shanna is finished with Drivers Ed...
so glad ur back to blogging.. hugs, I blogged about u today.. check it out.. hugs
Posted by: bonnierose | December 09, 2008 at 07:28 AM