I got to visit my family in SC this weekend for a friend's wedding. It's good to see family every now and then :) My nephews grow 2 feet and gain 50 new words into their vocabulary every time I see them! I will be glad to be only 2 hours away from them soon.
While in SC I was able to visit dad's church for Sunday School and Worship. I love when God speaks. Ted, the associate pastor, was teaching Sunday school on 2nd Corinthians and how God comforts and delivers his children. I can't remember exactly how he got onto the topic of Evangelism, but one thing he said really hit me. "Evangelism is not a Spiritual Gift, it's a command for the children of God." He then proceeded to tell us how much he hated spiritual gifts tests :) I was told frequently while growing up that Evangelism would be something I'm good at, but whether or not you're good at it, God has commanded each of us to do it. Also, while building relationships is a great way to share the Gospel and truth, intentional evangelism is also something that is required of us.
What a slap in the face. I like building relationships as a way of ministering. It's comfortable and I'm fairly decent at it. Intentionally sharing the Gospel is a lot harder. There is more room for rejection and disappointment in not seeing direct responses. Also, it leaves you more open for persecution. How bold you have to be for such things, and yet, those of us who don't feel so bold already possess what is required. We have the Holy Spirit, and because of that, we are completely equipped for all that lies ahead of us. Granted, I know that though I am equipped I have to trust that I am in a sense that gives me the boldness to act as though I do. Wow, awkward sentence, but I think you get the gist.
All in all God really spoke to me about the intentionality in my outreach. Sure I assist my awesome husband in leading Young Couples Bible Study, and I build relationships with the people around me, but how many people have I intentionally brought up the topic of Christ with? I work in a factory full of people who do not personally know the Lord. I have opportunities every day to share the word and yet I choose to share by example as opposed to verbally and intentionally sharing. This is something I am going to work on and pray hard for strength. I know that I am equipped, I just need to put it into action.

On another note, I got to catch up with one of my best friends ever today. I love the deep relationships that God has blessed me with. The hearts of the people God has placed in my life just blow me away. They are encouraging and passionate and love God with all that they are. Not to mention they make me laugh so hard I cry. What joy they bring :)

It is finished...

I finally finished the table. It only took one week. Not one week of work, mind you. I also had my job and VBS going on so the table sat on the back burner a few days. I did, however, end up putting 4 coats of paint on it. I feel that I am finally satisfied.
Before:


after:


new knob:

Brandon also worked on a table this weekend. His is for his new ammunition reloader though...it's not as pretty :) I'll have to get a picture of his handiwork though. He did really well!

Sanity at Stake

I am grateful to be employed, but goodness gracious sometimes that Lab is so boring. All the work we had to complete was done at 8:20am. I work from 6am to noon. So for the remainder of my time I read a book I thankfully brought. However, I finished it at 9. I had my ipod, but no headphones. I thought I might pull my hair out staring at excel spreadsheets that needed no input for hours. I made it though! Boss man let me go home a few minutes early too. The goal for today is to apply yet another coat to the table and power nap before night number 4 of VBS.

I have been having such a great time with my 3rd grade group! They are like little knowledge sponges that soak up everything I say...when they are paying attention :)They really wear me out though. This week has been intense! (My husband would then say,'No Crissy, Camping is in tents.' He's so clever.) Working with these tykes really does make me miss working at the YMCA. I know working there caused some stress in my life :), but when I honestly reflect on my 6 years there, I learned so much and really enjoyed my time there. God really used that time to shape me more into the person He desires me to be. I have so many skills and advantages that I can attribute to my time in the childcare department of the Pickens County YMCA and for that I am grateful! Not to mention I met some of my best friends in this world while I was there. I need to go back and visit!

Working VBS and missing the Y has really had be wondering where God was going to lead me vocationally when we leave AL. I do know the area we'll be living next (midlands, SC). There are just so many things that I could see myself doing and that I know I would enjoy. I actually had a conversation about this recently with the wonderful Erica McGinley. I finally got to the point in Bama where I was content with whatever job God provided me here. Now I'm about to re locate and go through the process all over again. Since I've already done this, I would like to think that I'll do better this time, emotionally. I think I reached the point her fairly quickly due to the fact that I knew whatever I did here wouldn't last long since I knew our time here was limited. Sigh. Praying for direction and peace about it all. I know I have time, but there will be a lot going on at once with buying a house, moving, Brandon graduating Flight School and then deploying. Getting a little overwhelmed thinking about it all, but I trust my God.

Sickness=No Productivity

I woke up early this morning feeling terrible. I'll spare you all the details, but needless to say, I did not go to work today. In fact, I didn't even leave my bed until around 11am and continued to rest on the couch until about 2pm. I'm feeling better now and am glad that whatever it was is now passing. Therefore, today has had no productivity thus far. My table still only has two coats of pain and needs about two more. Here is the before photo of my first project:

I probably won't get completely finished with it until this weekend. VBS is already taking a lot out of me and it's only been on night! Opening night was a bit chaotic, but very fun. I have 10 3rd graders who's attention is hard to maintain. Also, the person who signed up to be my helper for the week backed out last minute. Thankfully my awesome friend Erica asked if there was anything she could do. Just the presence of another adult figure helps so so much. Last night we taught the kids about Joseph's journey up until he was placed in jail when Pharaoh's wife told a lie about him. It cracked me up when our "Joseph" was telling the story he explained this part as "Pharaoh's wife wanted Joseph to be her boyfriend...and that is not ok." I had to hold back laughter so the kids wouldn't get distracted. I guess that is the best way to describe that situation to children. They had fun making 2 of there teammates mummies and decorating Cairo Collars and headpieces to wear. Hopefully tonight will run a little more smoothly. Carrie, our childrens director, was stressing out a bit last night, but it went really well considering. I look forward to the rest of the week! And the exhaustion that comes along with it. I makes me miss the YMCA and working directly with children. I guess we'll see what God has in store when we get out of Alabama. Here are some VBS photos thus far!

And so it begins..

So I decided to blog. At least I don't have a twitter page. Not a lot is happening in my life these days, but things are going to pick up soon as Brandon and I move back to SC in the beginning of 2011. For now, you'll get to read about the small things in life that I'm currently enjoying. VBS starts tonight! I'm the 3rd grade family leader and am really pumped about it. The theme is Egypt and we're going through the story of Joseph. I have a sweet get up I'm going to wear...I'll put pictures up later. I'm praying that God will bless this week and use me in every way He sees fit. It's been so long since I've been able to be a part of VBS. I can't wait! I'm also working on my first project of, hopefully, many. I'm painting a table. Not only am I painting it, I'm painting it Blue Burst. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I love color, but have tended to shy away from it when it comes to large pieces of furniture and such. One bold step for me. I'm going to put coat number two on right now before I get ready for VBS. Pictures to come!