Little did I know 5 months ago when I walked into Vineyard Community Church in Syracuse, that I was walking into my new church home. It was very welcoming, alive, and REAL! I knew a few faces, including Shannon. She had been asking when I was going to check out Vineyard, so I did.
There have been several moments over that past 5 months to confirm that I am where I belong. Yesterday was the icing on the cake. It was Family Worship Day...a day when the whole family stays for the entire worship service (usually kids 4th grade and under go to children's ministry). I was blown away! The church does this to emphasize the importance of family!!!!! Seriously, this is something that is disappearing from churches if you ask me.
Worship was let by kids - I'm guessing they were 5th-7th graders, if that. The sermon was about "Cultivating a Hear of Obedience." Pastor Sheldon explained that we have to be role models in life, words, and love. This is not possible without God!
As a teacher, this really hit home as today is the first day of school (students come tomorrow). And if the sermon wasn't enough, ministry time just added to it. It was an interactive prayer time: praying over students, teachers, children's ministry team members, youth pastors, youth volunteers..... It was the first time in 10 years that a church has done this. My spirit was moved, tears were streaming down my face. During each part, we were encouraged to move around the room and lay hands on those we were praying for. My feet were stuck! I was so overwhelmed with the recognition of this mission field called school. I was humbled to have hands laid on me, prayers over me for my school year.
The heart of Vineyard is a weekly reminder that I am where I belong. God planted me where HE needs me to be too.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
a little of this and a little of that
Did you think I was done blogging forever? I won't lie, the thought crossed my mind. Sometimes I just don't think my blog is doing anything for His kingdom and wonder why I keep blogging. I feel somewhat narcissistic....
Anywho I've had about a dozen people ask me in the past week if I was going to blog again, so I guess that is a sign. Then comes the do I try to catch up or just pick up right now with life......? I'm opting for choice #2.
This summer has been a fun, busy, crazy summer as always. I started grad school, worked at Sock's Marina, spent time with friends, and took an amazing road trip.
Grad school was kind of last-minute due to some decisions at the state level about salary ...blah, blah, blah. I enjoy being a student and was intending on starting Masters work this fall, so I got a little jump start. If all goes as planned I will have my Masters of ElEd and a license for High Ability Ed by Christmas 2012! I'm pretty much kissing my life goodbye, but want to get things done.
My road trip was AWESOME!!!! I was gone for 2 1/2 weeks. Mom and I met up with my Aunt Pam (from FL) at my grandparent's in Arkansas. From there Mom, Aunt Pam, Gma, and I drove to California for my cousin, Katie's, wedding. We drove about 8000 miles and spent 100 hours driving. States that I traveled include: Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Kansas. I saw some pretty beautiful places, spent time with family that I don't see too often, and had an all-around wonderful time. It was much needed :) I added some pics from the summer too:
Mom and I in San Francisco
Lighthouse in Lake Havasu, AZ
Driving through Utah
Lake Tahoe
Anywho I've had about a dozen people ask me in the past week if I was going to blog again, so I guess that is a sign. Then comes the do I try to catch up or just pick up right now with life......? I'm opting for choice #2.
This summer has been a fun, busy, crazy summer as always. I started grad school, worked at Sock's Marina, spent time with friends, and took an amazing road trip.
Grad school was kind of last-minute due to some decisions at the state level about salary ...blah, blah, blah. I enjoy being a student and was intending on starting Masters work this fall, so I got a little jump start. If all goes as planned I will have my Masters of ElEd and a license for High Ability Ed by Christmas 2012! I'm pretty much kissing my life goodbye, but want to get things done.
My road trip was AWESOME!!!! I was gone for 2 1/2 weeks. Mom and I met up with my Aunt Pam (from FL) at my grandparent's in Arkansas. From there Mom, Aunt Pam, Gma, and I drove to California for my cousin, Katie's, wedding. We drove about 8000 miles and spent 100 hours driving. States that I traveled include: Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Kansas. I saw some pretty beautiful places, spent time with family that I don't see too often, and had an all-around wonderful time. It was much needed :) I added some pics from the summer too:
Katie and I at her wedding
Mom and I in San Francisco
Lighthouse in Lake Havasu, AZ
Driving through Utah
Lake Tahoe
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