Joy writes:
It has been far too long since I have blogged, and since I am the only one posting here - it means that I need to get going on something! So I thought I would fill you in on the happenings around here!
God continues to grow us, and stretch us in ways that I really don't think I ever thought about NOR was I prepared for. Someone the other day said something about my "team" to which I laughed and said "right now, it is a team of 1" as I am the chief cook and bottle washer, and laundry gal, and bed maker (just stripped 5 beds and have a wash going as I type) ... I love it when I get a hand doing the beds because it just takes that much less time when I don't have to go from one side to the other.
I am definitely stretching with God! I thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him in this way!
I think we are seeing just merely the tip of something that is going to be really BIG for Him. Yeah Jesus (usually when I say this with my grandkids, we also clap and cheer and raise our hands in the air! So imagine me doing that!!)
Alvin (husband aka Noah) has been working on (let's see if I can remember) ... more landscaping, putting gravel into the garage (until we pour next year) - so now we can park inside! He has also been working on the 3 season sun room (which will double as a cold room for Christmas baking). He also made a better walk/stairway in the front. Never NEVER a dull moment! Oh and yes, we laid some sod in the garden. He said I only complained a little!!
I have had the great joy of hosting groups (for the Listening to God training and also the afternoon session) and a big Leadership Group from Eastview Community Church (our home church). Also, a few single retreaters, as well as just this past weekend, a group of 8 women (4 of which were here in June). This marked the first "return visit" for four of the women. It was wonderful to hear some music wafting down from the Sanctuary during their worship time. I will admit that originally I thought about hosting 5 women at a time, but had never really thought I would be hosting small women's retreats, and leadership retreats (men and women). Right now, as I type I have a hot pad across my lower back, and my legs are aching right to the toes! It makes for a long day but really, it is all worth it. God continues to stretch me!
We have also hosted a Wednesday morning group, and a Wednesday evening group - and we did SACRED SECRETS by Beth Moore. The morning group was just two others besides myself - so our conversation and time together looked much different than the evening group. HOWEVER it was a great joy to meet with and study the Word of God together morning AND evening! It is hard to find the "best" day to do a study.
It is starting to look a lot like winter is very very close! The trees are pretty bare and the wind howls at times. (Actually there were a few coyotes outside our house the other night, and they were howling too!) The other day I asked Audrey (friend) if she would consider decorating again for me - and she said yes! I love Christmas, and love it even more when someone else decorates the house for me!! And Audrey is very talented!! She is going to do this while I am away at school ... which is just 5 sleeps away.
Yes, 5 SLEEPS until I get on a plane and head to Next Step School of Spiritual Direction under the leadership of Dr. Larry Crabb and NewWay Ministries. I can hardly wait - although there is much to do in a short time. There is NO time for any extras!! (should have told my tooth that! yesterday I realized that the crowned tooth is very very wiggly, so I head to the dentist tomorrow morning!)
I had the great joy to speak at Winnipeg Evangelical Free church, at the Coffee Connection. It was wonderful to meet the women there, and to have a chance to share my story and the call to this ministry, with those in attendance. As I watched my slide show, I was again in awe of what God has done and is doing, and give Him the glory for it all!
The thing that is in the near future is "Celebrate Advent at the Well" - which will be a meditative/reflection stations in the house, and then refreshments at the end. It will be December 15 to the 17th, in the evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plan to attend - there is no charge! (There will be an opportunity to "gift" the ministry if you want to. (We do issue tax receipts for donations).
So things are happening. At this point, we have limited space for retreats in December. Perhaps you are looking for a good gift for someone - we would love to sell you a gift certificate!! Give me a call or an email.
That is it for now!!
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