(Please note that Denise Kother asked me to enter this post for her.)
In the past few days, my little world has been turned upside down. I will get very personal with you as I share what has happened. On Memorial Day, in the middle of making my potato salad for a picnic we were going to, I had a miscarriage. The days that followed have not been easy at all. Emotionally and physically, they have been some of the hardest days to deal with. It has even made me question having another child. And yet in the middle of all of this I found out that yet another couple that my husband and I are friends with is getting a divorce. I am not sure why, but it looks like it is going to get ugly because there are children involved. So in the middle of my emotional misery I found myself wondering how did this happen? They are both believers and have been married for 15 years and seemed happy. But somehow somewhere along the road of life they lost their way to each other. Now I understand why my friend stopped calling me; it wasn’t anything I did even thought I thought it was.
When my husband and I got married, there were a few couples that were our friends and we hung out with a lot. We started having children about the same time, went on vacation together, had dinner parties and spent a lot of time together. In the past 4 years, some of those marriages have dissolved in different ways. I can’t say for certain what has happened to them; however two of them had infidelity as a part of the problem in the marriages. We have looked up to these couples and felt that their marriages were strong. But it seems that all of these couples got lost along the road of life and thought that things were better or different if they just had something more or someone else in there lives.
A year ago I wanted to buy a new and bigger house because I wanted to have more children we would need more space. Well the Lord thought that the house we were in was much better, and we couldn’t sell our current house. Looking back I am so glad we didn’t. I had that want for things to be bigger and better to give me more of what I wanted. I stopped really listening to the Lord and followed my own path. Thankfully, I didn’t stop listening to my husband who kept pointing out that if the Lord wanted us to move we would have sold our house no problem. So this year I have begun to try and reconnect with the Lord. I completed the Bible study on the book of Daniel by Beth Moore. She made me see what my Babylon was and how I was so caught up in what I didn’t have that I forgot what I did have! One of the things that I came to realize during those past months is that all I need is right in front of my face and that I have to open my eyes and see it. I have a wonderful, hard-working husband who does all he can for me. I have three beautiful children who are filled with God’s love. Most of all I have a home, and as little as it is, it is mine. I have realized that I don’t need a big house to have more children, just lots of love (and patience). I also know that God is the one who has blessed me and protects me from the materialistic views of the world, and as long as I keep Him as my center, He will guide me.
As for the couples we know, two of them are getting a divorce. The others are working on keeping their marriage together. Where they are I don’t know, but what I do know is that I need to appreciate my husband and our marriage. I can’t be lazy about spending time with him no matter how tired I am or how much laundry I have; I need to give him and my marriage the time it deserves. I pray for those couples who use to be close to us and for their children that God will continue to protect them. Life is hard and it is filled with ups and downs. We all go through different seasons, some are hard and some are a breeze. I know that the season I am in right now wanting another child and having to wait isn’t easy and I wonder if I can do it. I am sad for my loss but hearing of yet another marrage in ruins made me thankful that I have Dave to go throught this very hard time with me. He may not get how I am feeling, but he is here by my side and tries to understand the pain that I am feeling. I also realize that I can weather this stormy season with Christ as the center of my life. I wonder if those couples lost that focus in their marriage or as individuals. Was it like a derailing train, they saw it coming but couldn’t stop it?
Is something like this happening in your life, do you see the train slowly coming off the track? Slow down, pray and reach out for help. We are not alone! As a mother, wife, daughter, sister or friends always remember No Mom alone! Most of all remember that we are children of God and He will help us when we lean on Him, Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Draw on Christ for your strength and allow Him to steer you through the rough seas. Most of all I hope that you know and feel that as mothers we are never alone we have each other to lean on. Most important we have Christ. I hope that you can lean on him.
Blessings,
Denise Kother
Area Coordinator's (AC's) Corner
Nichole Bethel, Zone 22 AC
MOPS Convention ~ August 5-7, 2010
Registration for Convention is open on Monday, May 17th! Click on the picture.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Convention Update
CONVENTION UPDATE
Ta da! A Convention announcement!
We just signed the papers and we thank you for your prayers as we worked on moving, well, a whole lotta details in just a few days.
Drum roll #1: The Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area) was able to welcome us (in the midst of many conventions needing to move).
Drum roll #2: We're able to keep the registration fees the same, so some of you might decide to come early or stay late, and enjoy the Orlando amenities with your friends (or family).
And thanks for all the great ideas of cities! You helped our future dreaming. 'Twould be fun!
And again, it will be great because of Who we'll be with: "Where(ver) two or three (thousand) are gathered in my name, there am I with them." (Mt. 18:20, our year's theme verse with my additions).
Naomi Cramer Overton
Convention Details:
The MOPS International Convention will be at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area). Dates will be the same, August 5-7, 2010. Speakers and artists will be the same great lineup — Julie Barnhill, Margaret Feinberg, Donald Miller, Naomi Cramer Overton, Shelly Radic, Go Fish, Mandisa, The Katinas and Richie McDonald.
Convention registration will re-open on Monday, May 17.
The early bird registration deadline will be extended to June 7.
We are working with the Gaylord Opryland for an official letter we can provide to anyone who has already purchased airline tickets to use with airlines to avoid rebooking fees. This letter should assist you in rebooking airline tickets — it will be posted online at www.MOPS.org/convention.
We continue to pray for families and businesses affected by the flooding and we have sent MOPS materials to local MOPS leaders who are distributing supplies in the Nashville area.
Ta da! A Convention announcement!
We just signed the papers and we thank you for your prayers as we worked on moving, well, a whole lotta details in just a few days.
Drum roll #1: The Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area) was able to welcome us (in the midst of many conventions needing to move).
Drum roll #2: We're able to keep the registration fees the same, so some of you might decide to come early or stay late, and enjoy the Orlando amenities with your friends (or family).
And thanks for all the great ideas of cities! You helped our future dreaming. 'Twould be fun!
And again, it will be great because of Who we'll be with: "Where(ver) two or three (thousand) are gathered in my name, there am I with them." (Mt. 18:20, our year's theme verse with my additions).
Naomi Cramer Overton
Convention Details:
The MOPS International Convention will be at the Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area). Dates will be the same, August 5-7, 2010. Speakers and artists will be the same great lineup — Julie Barnhill, Margaret Feinberg, Donald Miller, Naomi Cramer Overton, Shelly Radic, Go Fish, Mandisa, The Katinas and Richie McDonald.
Convention registration will re-open on Monday, May 17.
The early bird registration deadline will be extended to June 7.
We are working with the Gaylord Opryland for an official letter we can provide to anyone who has already purchased airline tickets to use with airlines to avoid rebooking fees. This letter should assist you in rebooking airline tickets — it will be posted online at www.MOPS.org/convention.
We continue to pray for families and businesses affected by the flooding and we have sent MOPS materials to local MOPS leaders who are distributing supplies in the Nashville area.
Monday, April 26, 2010
MOPS Summit Thoughts
Whew! It was such an amazing day and the moms that I met and spoke to all added in special ways to my Summit experience. I have been mulling over in my mind what to write about and hoping my jumbled thoughts would become more cohesive. I do know there is one thing that I keep going back to in my head, ok, there really is more than one thing, but, this one thing is more persistent. Margaret Feinberg's talk was titled "Courageous Generosity" and referenced the Bible verse "God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7b I really started to think about her story about lending her stuff to people and feeling the Spirit urging her to give her possession to them, but her being unable to do that. I have been thinking about my own "giving" and how often I do so reluctantly or out of obligation. It is a real challenge for me.
Her notes in our Summit booklet say:
That little verse says a whole lot, because God isn't as concerned with the gift as much as he is with the attitude behind the gift. That means it doesn't matter whether the gift comes from Walmart or Williams-Sononma. What's important isn't even how it's wrapped (which is a good thing for those of us who stick to the ever ready, ever safe gift bag.) God looks at the heart, and he's looking for a happy one - a person who gives out of joy and overflow rather than out of guilt or fear or even mere obigation."
I could spend a lot of time mentally beating myself up for all those times I am not a cheerful giver, but after that negative thinking started dragging me way down, I changed my thoughts to focus on those times that I did give with a happy heart. I just need to expand that to more places. The "No Mom Alone Courage Challenge" consisted of three points.
1. "A generouse expression may require us to try something new, submerse ourselves in an activity that we're not naturally good at or surround with people who are different than us. Expanding our bandwidth of generosity requires courage."
2. "Look for an opportunity to express God's kindness and generosity in a specific way that doesn't make you feel comfortable. Prayerfully consider a generous act that requires you to be courageous and go for it!"
3. Living with courageous generosity isn't just about giving but also receiving. For many of us, giving can become a place of strength a role we assume, a part of the job description of being a good mom, a good leader or a good wife. Yet generosity includes receiving help, assistance and gifts graciously. Consider how giving and receiving are linked. Which are you naturally better at? Which do you need to become better at? How does receiving increase your humility, sense of community and the presence of God in your life?"
That is some challenge...and that was only part of the challenge we received at the MOPS Summit.
For the moms that attended, what part of the talks (Dr. Liz Selzer, the mom group, Margaret Feinberg, Naomi Cramer Overton) stood out to you and have you been able to find simple courage in the everyday?
For the moms that were unable to attend, was there any part of my little summary of Margaret Feinberg's talk that resonates for you? What is your fear and what is your passion?
Please, post comments and let's get a conversation started. Summit was so inspiring and it would be good for us to share our thoughts and ideas with one another.
Thanks,
Christy
Her notes in our Summit booklet say:
That little verse says a whole lot, because God isn't as concerned with the gift as much as he is with the attitude behind the gift. That means it doesn't matter whether the gift comes from Walmart or Williams-Sononma. What's important isn't even how it's wrapped (which is a good thing for those of us who stick to the ever ready, ever safe gift bag.) God looks at the heart, and he's looking for a happy one - a person who gives out of joy and overflow rather than out of guilt or fear or even mere obigation."
I could spend a lot of time mentally beating myself up for all those times I am not a cheerful giver, but after that negative thinking started dragging me way down, I changed my thoughts to focus on those times that I did give with a happy heart. I just need to expand that to more places. The "No Mom Alone Courage Challenge" consisted of three points.
1. "A generouse expression may require us to try something new, submerse ourselves in an activity that we're not naturally good at or surround with people who are different than us. Expanding our bandwidth of generosity requires courage."
2. "Look for an opportunity to express God's kindness and generosity in a specific way that doesn't make you feel comfortable. Prayerfully consider a generous act that requires you to be courageous and go for it!"
3. Living with courageous generosity isn't just about giving but also receiving. For many of us, giving can become a place of strength a role we assume, a part of the job description of being a good mom, a good leader or a good wife. Yet generosity includes receiving help, assistance and gifts graciously. Consider how giving and receiving are linked. Which are you naturally better at? Which do you need to become better at? How does receiving increase your humility, sense of community and the presence of God in your life?"
That is some challenge...and that was only part of the challenge we received at the MOPS Summit.
For the moms that attended, what part of the talks (Dr. Liz Selzer, the mom group, Margaret Feinberg, Naomi Cramer Overton) stood out to you and have you been able to find simple courage in the everyday?
For the moms that were unable to attend, was there any part of my little summary of Margaret Feinberg's talk that resonates for you? What is your fear and what is your passion?
Please, post comments and let's get a conversation started. Summit was so inspiring and it would be good for us to share our thoughts and ideas with one another.
Thanks,
Christy
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
HOT TOPICS Conference Calls
4 FREE "Hot Topic" Conference Calls just for you!
Have you wished for another leader to talk to about issues you are facing within your MOPS group, such as finding MOPPETS workers, leadership succession, connecting with your Chartering Ministry and figuring out how to get more moms to come to your group?
Here's your chance to connect with leaders from around the country. Pick their brains, find out what works for them and help each other to succeed.
Tuesday, April 20 2 PM EST
MOPPETS - developing a strong program, recruiting child care, dilemmas and issues centering around MOPPETS
Thursday, April 22 2 PM EST
Leadership - finding, retaining, recruiting and succession
Tuesday, April 27 2 PM EST
Group Success - how to get MORE moms to your group
Thursday, April 29 2 PM EST
Relationship with the Chartering Ministry
Register TODAY
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Competition
Lately, my 3-year-old daughter, Danielle, has been focusing her attention on "racing" me wherever we go together and she is quick to be the first to arrive and declare "I win!". When she first started to do it, I thought it was cute and pretended to be racing her while letting her win. Then I thought about it and after a week of constantly competing every time we went upstairs or downstairs or exited the car or headed back to the car or, well, hopefully you get the idea, I got tired of it. I considered the idea that somehow I encourage an atmosphere of competition in my home and within my family and it left me with an uneasy feeling. Reflecting on the theme Bible verse from last year's MOPS Summit, I knew that I wanted to change that competition attitude into a cooperation attitude.
Make every effort to keep unity of the Spirit though the bond of peace. Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itelf up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:3, 15-16
How many times do I feel that I have to make things more exciting by creating a competition? Isn't the bigger challenge for us all to learn to help one another by doing our best within our family. Isn't this true with other groups I am involved in too? My MOPS group, my Church group, my committees...my extended families. How often do I struggle with an envious response when someone I know gets a new "toy", new clothes, or a new (fill-in the blank yourself). My daughter didn't just pick up her new "I win" racing skills on the streets...she learned them through watching me and my responses. (Deep breath)
Now when she wants to race me, I suggest that we hold hands and help each other. It has been slow going at changing that "gotta win" attitude, but just this morning as we went up the stairs and reached the top, she declared "Mommy wins, I win, and Susie wins (our dog)." And I have to tell you I agree wholeheartedly with that idea. Wouldn't that be the greatest world to live in, where when one of us wins, we all win? Wouldn't it be nice if we could hang up our competition hats and let cooperation be our guide within our families, our friends, our communities, and with strangers?
What do you think?
Make every effort to keep unity of the Spirit though the bond of peace. Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itelf up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:3, 15-16
How many times do I feel that I have to make things more exciting by creating a competition? Isn't the bigger challenge for us all to learn to help one another by doing our best within our family. Isn't this true with other groups I am involved in too? My MOPS group, my Church group, my committees...my extended families. How often do I struggle with an envious response when someone I know gets a new "toy", new clothes, or a new (fill-in the blank yourself). My daughter didn't just pick up her new "I win" racing skills on the streets...she learned them through watching me and my responses. (Deep breath)
Now when she wants to race me, I suggest that we hold hands and help each other. It has been slow going at changing that "gotta win" attitude, but just this morning as we went up the stairs and reached the top, she declared "Mommy wins, I win, and Susie wins (our dog)." And I have to tell you I agree wholeheartedly with that idea. Wouldn't that be the greatest world to live in, where when one of us wins, we all win? Wouldn't it be nice if we could hang up our competition hats and let cooperation be our guide within our families, our friends, our communities, and with strangers?
What do you think?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Summit Lunch Info for the PA sites
Reminder that the MOPS International Summit is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2010. Be sure to register at the MOPS website. Here are some more details about the lunch options for both sites.
First Baptist Church of Danville of Danville, PA- Doors open at 9:45am. Registration begins at 10am. Program 10:30am-4:30pm EST. Lunch option available at site: FREE/per person includes: 1/2 a wrap, soup (probably Beef Stew), salad, drink, and cookie. If you would like to puchase lunch on the day of event, please send an email to Chelsi Shultz at hillsideshultzs@verizon.net with the number of lunch orders you will purchase. Place SUMMIT LUNCH in the subject line. If you prefer, feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch.
Worship Center of Lancaster, PA- Doors open at 9:45am. Registration begins at 10am. Program 10:30am-4:30pm EST.
Lunch options available at site: $5/per person include: soup (probably Beef Stew), salad, bread, drinks, and dessert. If you would like to purchase lunch on the day of event, please send an email to Alisha Wambolts at wambolts@hotmail.com with the number of lunch orders you will purchase. Please place SUMMIT LUNCH in the subject line of the email. If you prefer, feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch.
First Baptist Church of Danville of Danville, PA- Doors open at 9:45am. Registration begins at 10am. Program 10:30am-4:30pm EST. Lunch option available at site: FREE/per person includes: 1/2 a wrap, soup (probably Beef Stew), salad, drink, and cookie. If you would like to puchase lunch on the day of event, please send an email to Chelsi Shultz at hillsideshultzs@verizon.net with the number of lunch orders you will purchase. Place SUMMIT LUNCH in the subject line. If you prefer, feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch.
Worship Center of Lancaster, PA- Doors open at 9:45am. Registration begins at 10am. Program 10:30am-4:30pm EST.
Lunch options available at site: $5/per person include: soup (probably Beef Stew), salad, bread, drinks, and dessert. If you would like to purchase lunch on the day of event, please send an email to Alisha Wambolts at wambolts@hotmail.com with the number of lunch orders you will purchase. Please place SUMMIT LUNCH in the subject line of the email. If you prefer, feel free to bring your own brown bag lunch.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
REMINDER ~ MOPS Training Call TONIGHT
REMINDER
Tonight (Thursday, February 4) is our next Dual Zone Conference Training call TOPIC: Leadership Relationships
***For ALL Steering Team Leaders***
SPEAKER: Nichole Bethel, AC Zone 22
DATE: Thursday, Feb 4, 2010
TIME: 8:30 - 9:15 pm
CALL-IN NUMBER: 218-339-2500
ACCESS CODE: 122231#
Please call in and have any questions, comments or concerns ready to share in the last 15 minutes of the call.
Tonight (Thursday, February 4) is our next Dual Zone Conference Training call TOPIC: Leadership Relationships
***For ALL Steering Team Leaders***
SPEAKER: Nichole Bethel, AC Zone 22
DATE: Thursday, Feb 4, 2010
TIME: 8:30 - 9:15 pm
CALL-IN NUMBER: 218-339-2500
ACCESS CODE: 122231#
Please call in and have any questions, comments or concerns ready to share in the last 15 minutes of the call.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Give Thanks in All Circumstances
On December 23, 2009, our oldest son got up and took a shower. Our younger son got in the shower shortly after our oldest. As I started to wake up, I thought that our youngest just took the fastest shower EVER! I even commented to my husband that it had to be a record. Then the hustle and bustle of the morning didn't allow me the luxury of further thought.
Our oldest missed his bus and I was the lucky one to drive him to school. He usually misses the bus about 3-4 times a year and this was number 2. Actually, I do feel lucky to take him because we are alone in the car and can talk. We talked about Christmas, about school, but not a word was spoken about his shower this morning.
By the time I arrived back home, our younger son had left and my husband told me that he discovered why there was such a record time on the shower this morning. He said he took the coldest shower himself. As he left for work, he told me that he was planning to work a half a day and finish up some last minute Christmas preparations. I still was not at full thinking capacity and moaned that I would have to wait a good hour for the water to warm up. Off to work he went.
A friend called and I was telling her that I didn't want to get into the shower this morning and she commented that she hoped my pipes hadn't frozen especially since it was such a cold morning. My brain jump started at that point. When we got off the phone I began to put together all the pieces to the puzzle.
You see, 2 months after we had moved into our first home (we are in our 2nd home)over 10 years ago, our hot water heater cracked and had to be replaced. I ran down into the basement hoping and yes, praying, that I would not find a puddle...all...over...the...floor. UGH! The hot water heater had cracked and leaked all over.
Deep breath.
I picked up the phone and called my hubby, who turned around and came back home to see what needed to be done. Now it started to make sense the record shower and my husband's cold one. Although I was disappointed that neither of our sons had bothered to mention their showers and lack of hot water to either of us.
He called the company that had fixed our heater a year ago and had given us a very fair price. I was relatively calm as we moved some storage items and cleaned the puddle off the floor. After all, when this happened to us before the guys came and had replaced the hot water heater in the same day. Of course, it wasn't two days before Christmas. So I couldn't get my morning shower...I was planning to bake cookies all day anyway.
The repairmen didn't actually come until the afternoon and then they just confirmed what we already knew...we needed a new hot water heater. They wrote up a price estimate and my husband found it to be fair. I was so happy as I baked my cookies and they left. I told them I was so thankful that I would be able to get a hot shower tonight.
The guys never returned. They called my husband and said that they would have to get back to us in the morning. I did not have a good feeling about it.
Around 10 am we got a call from the company and they DOUBLED their estimate to install a new hot water heater and then told my husband that they would not be able to do the work that day...Christmas Eve.
Ohhhhhh, the emotions I went through when I heard all the news. Why didn't they tell us yesterday so we could have called someone else??? How do you find someone on Christmas Eve to come install a hot water heater???? How can this be happening at Christmas???? IT IS CHRISTMAS! I wanted to feel the spirit of Christmas, not feel like I was just visited by the Grinch. Then my brain started to really process. Wait! It is Christmas...I need to shower. I have laundry...dirty dishes. Do I really rely on hot water that much? You betcha!
I posted a plea on Facebook. Anyone want to help install a hot water heater? My hubby found out he could buy one at Home Depot, but he wasn't sure how to install it. We actually had VERY GOOD friends that lived 3 hours away respond and volunteer to come and help. I was overwhelmed. YES...there's the Christmas spirit. But realistically, we couldn't ask our friends to give up their Christmas Eve.
After several hours I was able to accept the fact that I was not going to be able to take a hot shower in my house before the Christmas Eve service. My husband started heating water on the stove and we washed dishes that way. I did a load of cold laundry to get some "needed" clothes cleaned.
I admit I did ask why it happened on December 23rd. I went through all the dates in my mind and couldn't think of a worse time to have it happen. I was standing at the edge of total self pity. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Then we had a neighbor volunteer to let us shower at their home...friends from church offered their bathrooms with hot water to us. As I started to teeter, they pulled me back. I started to realize all the things I had to be thankful for in my life. How lucky am I that I have my family, my friends, my home, heat, my God! We were going to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our church family and then spend several days with our families...exchanging gifts & eating good food. You know, I think I could even be thankful that our hot water heater broke at the most inconvenient time because it allowed me the opportunity to reflect on what is most important in my life.
So, I had no hot water...I had water. Good clean water. Thank you God!
We got some pots and heated up some water and one by one we took warm water sponge baths. Boy, if this was the worse thing that was going to happen to me....how lucky...how blessed am I?
Christmas morning we woke up...celebrated the day and headed to my parents' house. I got the best gift from them that day...a nice hot shower. I did truly appreciate that.
Seriously, I learned not to take my relationships for granted and to appreciate all I have. What a GREAT Christmas message.
Two days before New Year's Day, we went back home and a different company came to the house and installed our hot water heater for the first price that was quoted to us. I can now report that we have been taking nice warm showers every day of this new year.
Then the earthquake hits in Haiti. Families lost EVERYTHING. All that they owned. Families lost members of their families. There are orphans. People have no where to go, no where to live, no water, no food. Yet I read each day how even Haitians are finding things to be thankful for...a girl that is here in the US going to college lost her home and needs to get a job to pay for college, but her family is alive and they were able to leave the city and find somewhere to go. She is thankful that her family is alive.
I know it can be so hard to remember in our daily lives to give God thanks in all circumstances, but that is what he asks us to do.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 16-18
Our oldest missed his bus and I was the lucky one to drive him to school. He usually misses the bus about 3-4 times a year and this was number 2. Actually, I do feel lucky to take him because we are alone in the car and can talk. We talked about Christmas, about school, but not a word was spoken about his shower this morning.
By the time I arrived back home, our younger son had left and my husband told me that he discovered why there was such a record time on the shower this morning. He said he took the coldest shower himself. As he left for work, he told me that he was planning to work a half a day and finish up some last minute Christmas preparations. I still was not at full thinking capacity and moaned that I would have to wait a good hour for the water to warm up. Off to work he went.
A friend called and I was telling her that I didn't want to get into the shower this morning and she commented that she hoped my pipes hadn't frozen especially since it was such a cold morning. My brain jump started at that point. When we got off the phone I began to put together all the pieces to the puzzle.
You see, 2 months after we had moved into our first home (we are in our 2nd home)over 10 years ago, our hot water heater cracked and had to be replaced. I ran down into the basement hoping and yes, praying, that I would not find a puddle...all...over...the...floor. UGH! The hot water heater had cracked and leaked all over.
Deep breath.
I picked up the phone and called my hubby, who turned around and came back home to see what needed to be done. Now it started to make sense the record shower and my husband's cold one. Although I was disappointed that neither of our sons had bothered to mention their showers and lack of hot water to either of us.
He called the company that had fixed our heater a year ago and had given us a very fair price. I was relatively calm as we moved some storage items and cleaned the puddle off the floor. After all, when this happened to us before the guys came and had replaced the hot water heater in the same day. Of course, it wasn't two days before Christmas. So I couldn't get my morning shower...I was planning to bake cookies all day anyway.
The repairmen didn't actually come until the afternoon and then they just confirmed what we already knew...we needed a new hot water heater. They wrote up a price estimate and my husband found it to be fair. I was so happy as I baked my cookies and they left. I told them I was so thankful that I would be able to get a hot shower tonight.
The guys never returned. They called my husband and said that they would have to get back to us in the morning. I did not have a good feeling about it.
Around 10 am we got a call from the company and they DOUBLED their estimate to install a new hot water heater and then told my husband that they would not be able to do the work that day...Christmas Eve.
Ohhhhhh, the emotions I went through when I heard all the news. Why didn't they tell us yesterday so we could have called someone else??? How do you find someone on Christmas Eve to come install a hot water heater???? How can this be happening at Christmas???? IT IS CHRISTMAS! I wanted to feel the spirit of Christmas, not feel like I was just visited by the Grinch. Then my brain started to really process. Wait! It is Christmas...I need to shower. I have laundry...dirty dishes. Do I really rely on hot water that much? You betcha!
I posted a plea on Facebook. Anyone want to help install a hot water heater? My hubby found out he could buy one at Home Depot, but he wasn't sure how to install it. We actually had VERY GOOD friends that lived 3 hours away respond and volunteer to come and help. I was overwhelmed. YES...there's the Christmas spirit. But realistically, we couldn't ask our friends to give up their Christmas Eve.
After several hours I was able to accept the fact that I was not going to be able to take a hot shower in my house before the Christmas Eve service. My husband started heating water on the stove and we washed dishes that way. I did a load of cold laundry to get some "needed" clothes cleaned.
I admit I did ask why it happened on December 23rd. I went through all the dates in my mind and couldn't think of a worse time to have it happen. I was standing at the edge of total self pity. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Then we had a neighbor volunteer to let us shower at their home...friends from church offered their bathrooms with hot water to us. As I started to teeter, they pulled me back. I started to realize all the things I had to be thankful for in my life. How lucky am I that I have my family, my friends, my home, heat, my God! We were going to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our church family and then spend several days with our families...exchanging gifts & eating good food. You know, I think I could even be thankful that our hot water heater broke at the most inconvenient time because it allowed me the opportunity to reflect on what is most important in my life.
So, I had no hot water...I had water. Good clean water. Thank you God!
We got some pots and heated up some water and one by one we took warm water sponge baths. Boy, if this was the worse thing that was going to happen to me....how lucky...how blessed am I?
Christmas morning we woke up...celebrated the day and headed to my parents' house. I got the best gift from them that day...a nice hot shower. I did truly appreciate that.
Seriously, I learned not to take my relationships for granted and to appreciate all I have. What a GREAT Christmas message.
Two days before New Year's Day, we went back home and a different company came to the house and installed our hot water heater for the first price that was quoted to us. I can now report that we have been taking nice warm showers every day of this new year.
Then the earthquake hits in Haiti. Families lost EVERYTHING. All that they owned. Families lost members of their families. There are orphans. People have no where to go, no where to live, no water, no food. Yet I read each day how even Haitians are finding things to be thankful for...a girl that is here in the US going to college lost her home and needs to get a job to pay for college, but her family is alive and they were able to leave the city and find somewhere to go. She is thankful that her family is alive.
I know it can be so hard to remember in our daily lives to give God thanks in all circumstances, but that is what he asks us to do.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 16-18
Dual Zone Training Conference Call ~ February 4th
Our next Dual Zone Training Conference Call is scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2010
TOPIC: Leadership Relationships
***For ALL Steering Team Leaders***
SPEAKER: Nichole Bethel, AC Zone 22
DATE: Thursday, Feb 4, 2010
TIME: 8:30 - 9:15 pm
CALL-IN NUMBER: 218-339-2500
ACCESS CODE: 122231#
Please share this information with your whole Steering Team. Call in and support our Zone Area Coordinator, Nichole. There will be time after Nichole speaks for questions, comments, and concerns.
TOPIC: Leadership Relationships
***For ALL Steering Team Leaders***
SPEAKER: Nichole Bethel, AC Zone 22
DATE: Thursday, Feb 4, 2010
TIME: 8:30 - 9:15 pm
CALL-IN NUMBER: 218-339-2500
ACCESS CODE: 122231#
Please share this information with your whole Steering Team. Call in and support our Zone Area Coordinator, Nichole. There will be time after Nichole speaks for questions, comments, and concerns.
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