Had a conversation with someone recently who was frustrated about things preached about in her church and talked about amongst the congregation. I do not understand why some out there feel the need to be critical of the Christmas celebration, traditions or items surrounding it.
While I know that December 25th is not the date of Jesus' birth, that is not really important, is it? No one knows the exact date and many so called scholars even debate over whether it was Spring time (March) or Autumn (October). Sometimes people today celebrate their birthday a few days before or after the actual date, does that make the celebration any less special? The point is that a date has been chosen to set aside the remembrance of His birth. For the USA and many others in the world, it is Dec. 25th. Many say, that we were never told to remember His birth only His death. Well, there would be no cross without that cradle! It also doesn't really matter that it was originally chosen because of pagan traditions. It is only important that your heart be right in the celebration of Christ's birth. (BTW, to all the non-Christian religions and atheists out there, if you don't celebrate the birth of Christ, get over it and leave those of us who do alone! We do not holler and throw fits over your celebrations!)
I know that we do not know how many wise men there were but I DO know that the Bible is plain that they were NOT there on the night of the birth but quite some time later as they came into the house. This is why my nativity scene does not display the 3 kings or wise men. However, I don't get hostile cuz someone else decides to display it. Many say that three is the number of gifts given so that kinda makes sense but still there could have been two or more than three men. I have been told that the Catholic Bible in one of the books of Macabees names three kings by name. ---this is probably more than likely where the three comes from. BTW, many of our holidays are tied to the Catholic religion.
Oh my, apparently some preacher recently griped about there not being an innkeeper! Really? Well, one with a thinking brain may reasonably assume that if there was an inn there would have been an innkeeper! An inn implies a pay for establishment which needs someone to attend it and take the money!
Christmas trees are something else to get people stirred up. There are many many stories around the internet to say the origin of this tradition (don't know which is right) and I don't know if it is something that makes God cringe when we do this. (Pleasing God is more important to me than pleasing preachers and scoffers who gripe about traditions and if I can't find command or principle against, then I choose not to speak where God hasn't and I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me) I only know that today, it is a beautiful display to commemorate the Christmas season. It is a symbol of this time of year. It is kinda like candles on a birthday cake. Again, I think it is a heart issue (as most things in life are) and as long as you do not worship the tree I don't think it is a sin to decorate one.
Gift giving is one that I still do not fully grasp. It is the birth of Jesus yet everyone else gets the gifts. Bob and I try to do something to give a gift to Jesus by buying gifts for a Christmas charity or buying for the church as a way of gifting to Christ. Again, there are many stories out there attributing to the origin of this practice. All are different.
Gifts, brings us to Santa Claus. Now, my mind goes round and round over the years on this topic. I do not know if I was starting over with my kids if I'd do the Santa thing or not. Knowing me, I probably would. As long as you keep Jesus in the forefront (our family has read the Christmas story on Christmas morning from the Bible since kids were little) and as the main thing at Christmas, Santa can be a fun part of the holiday. If you look at him with critical eyes you see a fat man in a red suit but if you look at him with the heart, he is part of the magic of Christmas. I do think that "Santa gifts" should be re-evaluated. Shouldn't the best gifts and biggest gifts be from the parents? Shouldn't we strive to keep their love focused to us and their appreciation of us? Let Santa bring the small stuff and Mom and Dad bring the best and most perfect gifts. After all, every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above and cometh down from the Father of lights...(James 1:17). God, our heavenly Father, gives us good gifts. He is the perfect parent! When you let Santa bring the big gifts it makes him a respecter of persons. After all, some cannot afford big and expensive gifts, so when kids go to school and talk about what they got from Santa, it could cause some heartache for others when they get smaller gifts.
All this has been said to say this...if you choose not to do some or any of the Christmas traditions or choose not to celebrate it at all, keep your mouth shut. Don't go to church or someone else's home and tell kids that there is no Santa Claus or it is wrong to put up a tree or whatever. It is not your place to do this. You are not those kids parents! Take care of your own house. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I'm quite frankly, tired of preachers and Sunday school teachers deciding to take it upon themselves to inform other people's children about the evils of the holidays we celebrate.
This is a blog to hopefully encourage and help others in their journey through life to become a better Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, or person because NONE OF US have arrived. We are all Rubies in the Making! Rubies in the rough have not yet been perfected. My goal is to be a thought provoker! I will share ideas, thoughts, poems, recipes and yes even an occasional rant. My prayer is that I will be a help to someone.
December 18, 2014
December 10, 2014
Having Compassion
Wow! It is already December! Time sure flies when you are trying to get a church building into shape, a missions apartment and a home for sale in another state! Christmas is around the corner and ministry life rarely has much down time. There is always something to do or someone to visit or help.
Bob started a new temporary job this week doing more line work. (the last one laid him off because of lack of work) He is driving further but it is only for 3 to 4 weeks. Anyhoo, when he works, some things fall to me to handle or take care of. I'm glad to do it most of the time but sometimes it means I must make "executive decisions" myself on the spur of the moment. Today, a family needed some help and I tried to gather as much information as I could to relay to Bob so he could make an educated and informed decision about their need. Which he did while on a break. (He made decision but I took care of executing it)
While out taking care of this "need", I pondered about all the Bible has to say about the subject. See, after years of being in the ministry and trying to serve people, you come across many people wanting a handout and who make a habit and practice of this church jumping and asking for help. You will hear every sad story in the book and quite frankly, it is easy to become cynical and hard hearted. There are many out there who are users and abusers of anyone or any church they can scam. And YES it is a scam to waste your own money on habits and things of the world and then ask a church or someone else to help you pay for necessities! They promise to come to church, to pay it back and that they don't make a habit of this type behavior. Most of the time they are lying.
The Bible tells us though, that we are to help those in need when we have the opportunity and ability to do so. It also tells us that we should not shut off our bowels of mercy from them.
1 John 3:17 - But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
While I believe we, as Christians and as a church, should be good stewards of what God has given us; there is a fine line between being foolish and being compassionate. We can become so cynical and untrusting that the next person in line needing help doesn't get it because some before them abused the system and took advantage. I did a whole blog post some time back about empathy and compassion. Empathy makes you feel for the person and sympathize with them but compassion always always moves to action! Jesus was moved with compassion for people and helped them with their problem!
I just studied the first couple verses in 1 Cor. 4...the ones often quoted when talking about being faithful with money. I reckon it is used because of the steward word in it. However, this in context is not even talking about money. A steward is simply a person in charge of another's goods or services. The verses in 1 Corinthians are talking about ministers and their stewardship of God's Word (the mysteries of God).
My point is we need to not become hard hearted in our attempts to protect the finances of the church. We should be wise but we still need compassion for the needy. By the way, Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This reminds me of the doctor's oath. They are not only to do good but to do no harm. A serpent is cunning and smart but the dove is a picture of innocence and harmlessness...therefore we are to be wise and do no harm. If someone has a true need, and we do not help them when we are able, we can cause harm to them. --Possibly to their physical being by lack of need, or harm can be done to their faith and spiritual walk.
Bob started a new temporary job this week doing more line work. (the last one laid him off because of lack of work) He is driving further but it is only for 3 to 4 weeks. Anyhoo, when he works, some things fall to me to handle or take care of. I'm glad to do it most of the time but sometimes it means I must make "executive decisions" myself on the spur of the moment. Today, a family needed some help and I tried to gather as much information as I could to relay to Bob so he could make an educated and informed decision about their need. Which he did while on a break. (He made decision but I took care of executing it)
While out taking care of this "need", I pondered about all the Bible has to say about the subject. See, after years of being in the ministry and trying to serve people, you come across many people wanting a handout and who make a habit and practice of this church jumping and asking for help. You will hear every sad story in the book and quite frankly, it is easy to become cynical and hard hearted. There are many out there who are users and abusers of anyone or any church they can scam. And YES it is a scam to waste your own money on habits and things of the world and then ask a church or someone else to help you pay for necessities! They promise to come to church, to pay it back and that they don't make a habit of this type behavior. Most of the time they are lying.
The Bible tells us though, that we are to help those in need when we have the opportunity and ability to do so. It also tells us that we should not shut off our bowels of mercy from them.
1 John 3:17 - But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
While I believe we, as Christians and as a church, should be good stewards of what God has given us; there is a fine line between being foolish and being compassionate. We can become so cynical and untrusting that the next person in line needing help doesn't get it because some before them abused the system and took advantage. I did a whole blog post some time back about empathy and compassion. Empathy makes you feel for the person and sympathize with them but compassion always always moves to action! Jesus was moved with compassion for people and helped them with their problem!
I just studied the first couple verses in 1 Cor. 4...the ones often quoted when talking about being faithful with money. I reckon it is used because of the steward word in it. However, this in context is not even talking about money. A steward is simply a person in charge of another's goods or services. The verses in 1 Corinthians are talking about ministers and their stewardship of God's Word (the mysteries of God).
My point is we need to not become hard hearted in our attempts to protect the finances of the church. We should be wise but we still need compassion for the needy. By the way, Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This reminds me of the doctor's oath. They are not only to do good but to do no harm. A serpent is cunning and smart but the dove is a picture of innocence and harmlessness...therefore we are to be wise and do no harm. If someone has a true need, and we do not help them when we are able, we can cause harm to them. --Possibly to their physical being by lack of need, or harm can be done to their faith and spiritual walk.
November 23, 2014
Jello-Minded Christain
Just thought I'd post this lesson I did in Jr. Church this a.m. It is a lesson that came to me all at once while Bob was preaching a few years ago on Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
While he was preaching he explained what conformed was and what transformed was and this idea just came to me about Jello. So, I confess that I allowed myself to be distracted from the lesson for about 2 min and jotted down the idea of jello on some scratch paper so that I could later develop a children's church lesson. I then refocused to pay attention but hey, when the Holy Spirit prods and gives ideas you better take a second or two and jot them down before you forget by the time the sermon is over! :)
The lesson:
I make Jello ahead of time and put it in a certain shape bowl. (shape of choice)
I read Rom. 12:2 and explain that conformed means shaped by outside influences and how this verse says we are not to let the world shape who we are.
I tell the kids that Jello takes on whatever shape the container is. = "conformed"
-I talk about Jello Jigglers (they never heard of! - too young) and then about playdough and the molds you use to play with it. How it takes on the shape of the mold.
--I then tell them that God wants us to let the Bible, our church and godly people to shape who we are
Then I explain that transformed means shaped by inside influences. Jello has gelatin in it that turns it from a liquid to a semi-solid. It is made into something different than what it started as by the gelatin INSIDE it. This is a great picture of transformed!
- we spend time talking about other things that start out as liquid and change to solids because of what is in them - ex. pudding, cake batter, etc. (let the kids give examples)
Then I proceed to talk about how the only way we can be changed from the inside out is by having Jesus transform us by getting saved. He lives inside us and guides us when we accept Him as Savior. I then go into a child's version of salvation - simple. Use 2 Cor. 5:17.
Then we all eat Jello!
--you can also add into the lesson how once you are transformed by Jesus that you can then have ability to prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.
While he was preaching he explained what conformed was and what transformed was and this idea just came to me about Jello. So, I confess that I allowed myself to be distracted from the lesson for about 2 min and jotted down the idea of jello on some scratch paper so that I could later develop a children's church lesson. I then refocused to pay attention but hey, when the Holy Spirit prods and gives ideas you better take a second or two and jot them down before you forget by the time the sermon is over! :)
The lesson:
I make Jello ahead of time and put it in a certain shape bowl. (shape of choice)
I read Rom. 12:2 and explain that conformed means shaped by outside influences and how this verse says we are not to let the world shape who we are.
I tell the kids that Jello takes on whatever shape the container is. = "conformed"
-I talk about Jello Jigglers (they never heard of! - too young) and then about playdough and the molds you use to play with it. How it takes on the shape of the mold.
--I then tell them that God wants us to let the Bible, our church and godly people to shape who we are
Then I explain that transformed means shaped by inside influences. Jello has gelatin in it that turns it from a liquid to a semi-solid. It is made into something different than what it started as by the gelatin INSIDE it. This is a great picture of transformed!
- we spend time talking about other things that start out as liquid and change to solids because of what is in them - ex. pudding, cake batter, etc. (let the kids give examples)
Then I proceed to talk about how the only way we can be changed from the inside out is by having Jesus transform us by getting saved. He lives inside us and guides us when we accept Him as Savior. I then go into a child's version of salvation - simple. Use 2 Cor. 5:17.
Then we all eat Jello!
--you can also add into the lesson how once you are transformed by Jesus that you can then have ability to prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.
November 14, 2014
My Bible
I was looking at my Bible yesterday during my devotion time. Bob preached on Wednesday night about the value we place on our Bibles and how we take it for granted. My Bible is so personally mine. I know it. I know it well enough that in my mind I can see where certain passages are...which side of the book it is on, where on the page and if it is highlighted or underlined. I have notes from personal studies and notes of different preachers...some points of sermons but always preacher's name, date, and title of sermon or verses used. It is MY BIBLE. I'm thankful for it and that I have it and don't have to hide it. I got it Feb 18, 1998. I try to often thank God for it when I have just read it.
It is not my first Bible. That one had my name on it in silver letters as a kid and I received it for memorizing scripture at a small VBS I attended. I was so excited about getting it. I was about 10 and didn't know enough to value it back then. I do still have it put away in memory box somewhere.
My Bible has been used to lead others to the Lord, to debate correct doctrine with others, to admonish and teach other ladies and kids and many teens. It has been my source of strength, peace, and knowledge and wisdom. It is timeless and always relevant when I read, search and study with an open heart and mind seeking truth from God. I cannot imagine living daily without it as a part of my life. If for some reason I do go a day without getting into it, I feel so out of sorts. My day just doesn't go as it should.
Is your Bible personally yours? Is it precious to you? How much do you value it? How well do you know it?
November 3, 2014
What is Normal?
What is normal? I think "normal" in society and the world is ever changing at a rapid pace the past few years. I look at things around me and think often "that is NOT normal" but in actuality it is. You see strange and appalling things more and more.
In each person's life "normal" is different for everyone and for every family. Traditions and habits and styles of people and families are different for each one. Sometimes, life takes a dramatic change and there becomes a "new norm". I remember when my mom got cancer. Life become very different in a hurry...for her, for my step-dad and for all of us. We suddenly had a new norm for our lives. Norm was pain med management, feeding tubes and driving to chemo and radiation and watching my sweet mom deteriorate as the cancer, radiation and chemo stole her health, memory, and dignity. It was hard but for 14 months was the normal for our family.
Society, our current government, Hollywood, and the media keep telling us that "Normal" is what they say it is and that we must accept that or be called haters or racial or bigots.
For some children, normal is being hungry, abused, different boyfriends or girlfriends constantly moving in and out, drunkenness or drug use of care givers and seeing what the government can give you. Unfortunately, when this is normal for them as children, it often becomes normal for them as an adult and then is passed on to their own children.
For some children, normal is a loving home where there is respect, church and the Bible taught. I didn't grow up in church but I was taught to pray and fear God and was taught respect for elders and authority and a good work ethic and paying my bills and being on time. Meals were always ate together as a family and talking together was expected. I was surrounded by love and laughter with my cousins as my first and best friends and my grandparents were a huge part of my life. I was a country girl and practically raised on a river bank going camping, fishing, swimming and playing every sport imaginable with my cousins. I would never know how to survive in the city hardly. I am 48 years old and have never taken a public transit bus or subway or even the St. Louis Metro Link. (Nor do I ever want to!) Normal for me was going barefoot, Pepsi, Koolaid, riding in a pickup (back and front) and boat rides and getting good grades in school and becoming a responsible adult.
Some children have normal as being sports driven and that is all that matters. ... To excel and be all you can be in a sport.
For some, good grades and achieving a higher education and becoming important is what is driven into them. Their normal is studying constantly, taking tests, going to college and climbing the corporate ladder.
Even though there are many "normals" out there and some would say that no one can judge another person's normal, I believe it doesn't take a psychology degree to recognize "off" or "odd" or even down right "crazy"...in other words, "Not Normal". It is not normal for a person to desire or to walk around with 30 piercings on their face. It is not normal for people to be going around beheading people because they are angry or for a religious cause. Those who desire to have genocide of certain sects of people as a control issue or to weed out undesirables is not normal!!!
Some days, I am sooo ready for Jesus to come and call us home to Him by the trumpet sound that I can't hardly stand to go another day in this wicked world. Some days, I am ready for a Heavenly Normal with streets of gold and the tree of life and no more aches and pains and seeing my loved ones again. Some days, I just can't wait for that new Norm!
I'm concerned for my future grandchildren (Addelyn Jane who is on the way in March and any others) and the world and country of the USA that she will be living in. What will be her norm? I'm fearful of what she will be allowed to live through. I know that as a child of God I am on the winning side and that someday my "normal" will be wonderful but I learned very young that you'd be surprised what you can live through!
I know that this seemed very random as a post and maybe the thoughts a little scattered but I have been thinking lately about normal and what the world tells me it should be and quite frankly I don't like it.
In each person's life "normal" is different for everyone and for every family. Traditions and habits and styles of people and families are different for each one. Sometimes, life takes a dramatic change and there becomes a "new norm". I remember when my mom got cancer. Life become very different in a hurry...for her, for my step-dad and for all of us. We suddenly had a new norm for our lives. Norm was pain med management, feeding tubes and driving to chemo and radiation and watching my sweet mom deteriorate as the cancer, radiation and chemo stole her health, memory, and dignity. It was hard but for 14 months was the normal for our family.
Society, our current government, Hollywood, and the media keep telling us that "Normal" is what they say it is and that we must accept that or be called haters or racial or bigots.
For some children, normal is being hungry, abused, different boyfriends or girlfriends constantly moving in and out, drunkenness or drug use of care givers and seeing what the government can give you. Unfortunately, when this is normal for them as children, it often becomes normal for them as an adult and then is passed on to their own children.
For some children, normal is a loving home where there is respect, church and the Bible taught. I didn't grow up in church but I was taught to pray and fear God and was taught respect for elders and authority and a good work ethic and paying my bills and being on time. Meals were always ate together as a family and talking together was expected. I was surrounded by love and laughter with my cousins as my first and best friends and my grandparents were a huge part of my life. I was a country girl and practically raised on a river bank going camping, fishing, swimming and playing every sport imaginable with my cousins. I would never know how to survive in the city hardly. I am 48 years old and have never taken a public transit bus or subway or even the St. Louis Metro Link. (Nor do I ever want to!) Normal for me was going barefoot, Pepsi, Koolaid, riding in a pickup (back and front) and boat rides and getting good grades in school and becoming a responsible adult.
Some children have normal as being sports driven and that is all that matters. ... To excel and be all you can be in a sport.
For some, good grades and achieving a higher education and becoming important is what is driven into them. Their normal is studying constantly, taking tests, going to college and climbing the corporate ladder.
Even though there are many "normals" out there and some would say that no one can judge another person's normal, I believe it doesn't take a psychology degree to recognize "off" or "odd" or even down right "crazy"...in other words, "Not Normal". It is not normal for a person to desire or to walk around with 30 piercings on their face. It is not normal for people to be going around beheading people because they are angry or for a religious cause. Those who desire to have genocide of certain sects of people as a control issue or to weed out undesirables is not normal!!!
Some days, I am sooo ready for Jesus to come and call us home to Him by the trumpet sound that I can't hardly stand to go another day in this wicked world. Some days, I am ready for a Heavenly Normal with streets of gold and the tree of life and no more aches and pains and seeing my loved ones again. Some days, I just can't wait for that new Norm!
I'm concerned for my future grandchildren (Addelyn Jane who is on the way in March and any others) and the world and country of the USA that she will be living in. What will be her norm? I'm fearful of what she will be allowed to live through. I know that as a child of God I am on the winning side and that someday my "normal" will be wonderful but I learned very young that you'd be surprised what you can live through!
I know that this seemed very random as a post and maybe the thoughts a little scattered but I have been thinking lately about normal and what the world tells me it should be and quite frankly I don't like it.
October 29, 2014
Happy Birthday to Me!!
Today I turned 48. I have been thinking lately about all the things I have done and been through in my life. (Quite alot for someone my age I think) In one month I will be married for 28 years and I raised a son and daughter to live for the Lord. I have my first grandchild on the way in March 2015...a girl, Addelyn Jane! Can't wait to meet her!
I have been in full time ministry with my husband since February 2003. I was a pastor's wife for 3 years, an associate pastor's wife for 1 1/2 years, and then a church planter's wife for 7 years (All the same husband!!! LOL) and now am a pastor's wife once again at my husband's first pastorate. (as stated in a previous post)
I lost my mom to cancer in 2011 after a long battle and my dad died when I was 12 years old from a massive coronary heart attack. My mom was re-married when I was 17 to my stepdad who has been my father longer than my dad was my father.
I was in a car/train collision when I was a senior in high school (see previous post for more details if interested) and this changed my life forever in many many ways.
I love teaching women and kids at church and planning church events. I like poetry, reading my Bible and listening to good preaching and debating about anything I am passionate about (ex. politics, Bible, creation, global warming, rights and the USA, etc.) I can nearly quote the first five seasons of the Andy Griffith show, and also enjoy The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The Cosby Show and The Facts of Life show. I love aprons and collecting them and enjoycreating things in the kitchen. I like working side by side with my husband on nearly anything!
Followers of this blog (which I know are few) have seen many of my seasons of change. I just wanted to get another post in for October and give a quick low-down on me for those who do not know it already. Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world.
Happy Birthday to me! I just heard my niece Amelia sing to me. She is sooo cute! I miss her bunches!
I have been in full time ministry with my husband since February 2003. I was a pastor's wife for 3 years, an associate pastor's wife for 1 1/2 years, and then a church planter's wife for 7 years (All the same husband!!! LOL) and now am a pastor's wife once again at my husband's first pastorate. (as stated in a previous post)
I lost my mom to cancer in 2011 after a long battle and my dad died when I was 12 years old from a massive coronary heart attack. My mom was re-married when I was 17 to my stepdad who has been my father longer than my dad was my father.
I was in a car/train collision when I was a senior in high school (see previous post for more details if interested) and this changed my life forever in many many ways.
I love teaching women and kids at church and planning church events. I like poetry, reading my Bible and listening to good preaching and debating about anything I am passionate about (ex. politics, Bible, creation, global warming, rights and the USA, etc.) I can nearly quote the first five seasons of the Andy Griffith show, and also enjoy The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, The Cosby Show and The Facts of Life show. I love aprons and collecting them and enjoycreating things in the kitchen. I like working side by side with my husband on nearly anything!
Followers of this blog (which I know are few) have seen many of my seasons of change. I just wanted to get another post in for October and give a quick low-down on me for those who do not know it already. Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world.
Happy Birthday to me! I just heard my niece Amelia sing to me. She is sooo cute! I miss her bunches!
October 20, 2014
Ministry Field Perks
After being in the ministry in 3 different states, I can assure all that every ministry field has its perks and its downsides. I want to share some of those for our current field of Cleveland OK.
1. Perk - speed limits are 65 mph unless right in town & 75 mph on most turnpikes (toll roads)
--Downside - Road Conditions (and I don't mean winter conditions!) They pay a much higher sales tax than in MO or AR and the roads are horrendous! Gravel and black top!
2. Perk - being at a church with people we served once before gives us faster acclamation time and sooner to be accepted as pastor and pastor's wife (most people say that it takes new pastors about 3 years to be accepted fully)
--Downside - We have changed in view and age and so have those who are still here from when we served previously (having them understand how and why our views have changed in 10 years is going to take teaching)
3. Perk - Sunsets & Sunrises - they are very pretty in OK (tho I like them in MO too but don't really remember them in AR --could be cuz I was so very busy there!)
--Downside - ground/soil is not as rich as MO so I'm interested to see how the garden does next summer - there has also been a drought here the past few years
4. Perk - being closer to my son in Texas
--Downside - farther from my daughter & Amelia and both Bob and my families
5. Perk - Living here before helps us know where things are (streets, businesses, etc.) & also the culture of the townspeople
--Downside - explaining to those same people why we would move back here when we are not originally from here! lol
6. Perks - the town has grown in many ways (businesses and new folks) Yay! they have a Wal-mart Market and a McDonald's!!! Two other good restaurants - Mexican and our own church member's place "Josie's Express" where you can get American, Mexican or Asian (owner is Fillipino!) All good food and cheap
--Downside - with the pipeline work all around near here, there are alot of people only here short term
I am sure if I sat here longer I could come up with many more perks and downsides but I will stop for now. I just didn't want to go a whole month and not post on my blog. I know how busy it can get -- we have been slowly moving for 6 weeks now a little at a time and trying to get things in order at church and our apartment and get our MO home on the real estate market, but I do not want to become guilty of neglecting my blog.
1. Perk - speed limits are 65 mph unless right in town & 75 mph on most turnpikes (toll roads)
--Downside - Road Conditions (and I don't mean winter conditions!) They pay a much higher sales tax than in MO or AR and the roads are horrendous! Gravel and black top!
2. Perk - being at a church with people we served once before gives us faster acclamation time and sooner to be accepted as pastor and pastor's wife (most people say that it takes new pastors about 3 years to be accepted fully)
--Downside - We have changed in view and age and so have those who are still here from when we served previously (having them understand how and why our views have changed in 10 years is going to take teaching)
3. Perk - Sunsets & Sunrises - they are very pretty in OK (tho I like them in MO too but don't really remember them in AR --could be cuz I was so very busy there!)
--Downside - ground/soil is not as rich as MO so I'm interested to see how the garden does next summer - there has also been a drought here the past few years
4. Perk - being closer to my son in Texas
--Downside - farther from my daughter & Amelia and both Bob and my families
5. Perk - Living here before helps us know where things are (streets, businesses, etc.) & also the culture of the townspeople
--Downside - explaining to those same people why we would move back here when we are not originally from here! lol
6. Perks - the town has grown in many ways (businesses and new folks) Yay! they have a Wal-mart Market and a McDonald's!!! Two other good restaurants - Mexican and our own church member's place "Josie's Express" where you can get American, Mexican or Asian (owner is Fillipino!) All good food and cheap
--Downside - with the pipeline work all around near here, there are alot of people only here short term
I am sure if I sat here longer I could come up with many more perks and downsides but I will stop for now. I just didn't want to go a whole month and not post on my blog. I know how busy it can get -- we have been slowly moving for 6 weeks now a little at a time and trying to get things in order at church and our apartment and get our MO home on the real estate market, but I do not want to become guilty of neglecting my blog.
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