It doesn't seem like April was the last time I posted here.  Life sure moves faster when you get older.  And I really am not that old. 

I just need to say that I love Wednesday night services.  My week sure seems long and dull without it.  Our secret sister program is in full swing.  I sure hope that my secret sister knows that I am praying for her everyday.  I think about what I can do for her to make her life better.  Prayer is always the answer to that one. 

The girls are out of school and have been for 1-1/2 months.  The will come home from camp today.  I sure hope that they had an awesome week.  I really miss them when they are gone.  We are going to have a family night with Brianna.  She is taking astronomy and wants to do some time discussing the constellations.  This will help her with her grades.  It is really interesting.  Space is so huge, I can't even imagine what Heaven will be like. 

I am starting to feel a little better.  I still cannot do the things I used to, but I am able to get moving a little better.  Maybe that is because it is summer. 

God is working wonders in my life.  Prayers have been answered and there is a lot more joy in this house than there has been for a long time.  There are things that go wrong daily, but I don't worry about them like I used to.  God will always be here for me.  I just have to keep the faith and trust him. 

The sermon today was on commitment to relationships.  It was great.  I love the way Pastor Travis preaches.  He is passionate about his relationship with Jesus and it shows in every sermon her gives. 

I am going to try to keep up on this again.  It is important that I have somewhere to tell the good and bad things I think and feel in life. 

 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sun 11 Jul 2010 2:58:31 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dear Krystine was baptized last Sunday.  She is a dear girl who is going through a lot of changing, as all teens do.  She has been Katey's friend for a long time.  They bicker, but in the end they always end up friends.  The service was wonderful on forgiveness.  It went spectacular with the baptism.  I was thinking how these girls have so much ahead of them.  I love to see the Lord working in their lives and I love to see how well they love Him.  I am so blessed to have these two wonderful daughters. 

There are a few prayers that are needed for my family right now.  My cousin has a 4-year-old little girl who lost a kidney to cancer last year.  They thought that everything was okay, but the cancer has returned and she has had to go through another surgery and is facing radiation again.  Please pray for her and for my cousin and his family. 

Children are precious and it is so painful when there is nothing a parent can do to make things better for them.  I am sure that God has felt that way too.  Not when it comes to health issues or all the things he can do, but when we use our free will and ignore or betray Him.  He loves us all sooo much and sometimes we are so stubborn and selfish like a child.  Lord help me grow to be the mature Christian that you long for me to be.  Bless me to do what pleases you.  Bless me to be the kind of person others long to be.  I want our relationship to be strong and productive.  You have given all for me and I long to please you.  Help me with all my shortcomings.  Bless me with better health and in a way that I know only you can do.  Let me be a living advertisement for you and be able to bring others to you by using my gifts and talents that you have given me.  Oh Lord you are awesome and wonderful and I am so glad that you are the center of my life.   I thank you in advance for all the blessings yet to come.  Jesus you are so precious.  Amen.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Wed 28 Apr 2010 5:14:01 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I love how God works. Thank you for praying for me on Sunday. Now let me tell you what happened. I went into my doctor today and told him that I needed a small supply of medication to get me through until payday. He said that the other doctor in his building had someone bring some of this medication to him because ...they couldn't use it. He went to the other doctor and asked if he still had this medication. The other doctor let him have the 3 months worth to give to me. This is huge because the medication costs almost $200 per month. The medication was the same dosage that I take. Plus, Katey and I both made progress in our new eating habits. All around beautiful day!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Tue 27 Apr 2010 8:02:43 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am sure enjoying the Wednesday night Bible study.  Pastor Travis is so passionate about Jesus.  I know that I have said that before, but I mean it.   Thanks for all you do.

Tomorrow is the big concert.  I can't believe that I am taking 6 teenage girls to this.  I must be crazy.  The music and worship are going to be awesome.  Mercy Me and all the others are going to be great!!!

The Lord is Good. 

 

Thanks mom.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Fri 26 Mar 2010 2:00:15 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Church was so awesome today.  All about worship.  I just love the sermons that Pastor Travis gives.  He is so full of passion for the Lord.  It definitely shows in his sermons. 

The church is really starting to take on a new personality.  From the new paint to the new faces.  It is wonderful to see God at work in so many lives. 

I have been singing with the worship team and I absolutely love it.  Randy is such a talented musician, and Allie has a great voice.  They are a great bunch of people.  The rest of the team is great too.  I am afraid I still don't really know everyone's name.  I know I should be a little more outgoing and just introduce myself.  Some days it is harder to do that than others.  I have moments when I feel like an outsider on this praise team.  They have been doing this together for some time and I just invited myself in.  I hope I didn't step on any toes when I did that, but I want to sing with the band.  I have a burning desire to sing at the top of my lungs and worship.  That does not happen yet though.  Allie sings so soft and feminine.  It is beautiful music, but I am afraid if I let it go it will drown her out.  Plus a lot of the songs are not in my key.  So I am just a backup singer.  But I am not complaining, I am singing to the Lord.  I can't wait for Good Friday.  Singspiration is going to be so fun.  I am really going to let it go there.  I hope they let me do 2 or 3 songs.  I am hoping that Kacie and Kate will sing one with me.  That would be awesome. 

I can't wait for Wednesday night.  I love these Bible study nights.  The subject is dominion.  I am truly learning a lot.  It is funny how God puts things in your life right when you need them. 

Katey went up to the alter call today.  She has had some pain in her neck.  She says it seems to be feeling better already.  She says it still hurts, but the swelling has lessened.  I love when the emotion is uncontrollable and she is touched.  She has such a big heart for God.  She has given so much prayer and seen God's miracles first hand, but she rarely asks for prayer.  I need to teach her it is okay to ask for a little help. 

My thank you's tonight go out to everyone I love.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your lives.  Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.  That goes for all my old friends, family, and my new friends.  Thank you Lord for giving me so many people to love. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Mon 22 Mar 2010 1:19:41 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New personal stressors came into my life again today.  I can't explain the whole thing here, but it shows me that I am God's child first, a wife, then a mother.  Being a mother is hard.  When things happen to your children that could have been avoided a little bit of guilt comes into the equation.  One of my girls has a new medical condition and I am truly worried about it.  So I have been praying a lot today.  I know that God will be here with us all through whatever happens.  He promises to always be here.  So tonight I am going to trust him to bring me through.  I pray that he gives me the wisdom to make the right decisions for this family. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Fri 12 Mar 2010 12:45:14 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is so funny how God puts things together.  I have been struggling for a while with what if and could've, should've, would've.  But over the last week I have had several things happen that are helping me get my act together.  Sunday's sermon, Bible study on Monday, and now  the Wednesday Bible study have all been talking about the same thing, finding out the purpose of my life is.  What do I need to be doing to bring glory to God.  What is the reason that I am here.  What is God's plan for my life?   I struggle with a lot of things.  I have a chronic medical condition that is so unpredictable.  For the past 2 years at least I have put a lot on hold waiting for something to happen.  I have been wasting away just waiting.  But what have I been waiting for?  Well, it is time for me to start preparing myself for my journey for God.  I need to prepare and find my purpose.  God is the only one who knows right now, but I am going to find it.  I hope that with prayer, bible study, and worship, along with other things, I will be able to hear when I am told what to do next. 

I know what I dream of doing but I do not know if that is God's purpose for me yet.  So at this point in my life, I am on a mission to find my purpose in life. 

 I am so excited about the changes that are headed my way.  I am scared, but I know that God is going to be there beside me. 

 Lord, please give me the strength and determination to follow your plan and accomplish the things you have put me here to do.  Thank you for being the center of my life.  Thank you for the time I have here and all the blessings you have given me.  I know I do not deserve these things and from today forward I am searching for the purpose and striving to accomplish what you have planned for me.    Amen.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Thu 11 Mar 2010 12:20:19 am     | 1 comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I heard a man on the Christian radio talk about not procrastinating.  He was talking more about the real important stuff like talking about important things with your spouse and spending quality time with those who are important to us.  He mentioned writing a letter to our parents to let them know what they mean to us.  It was just a couple of minutes that he talked, but it choked me up.  He also talked about following our dreams and that we think we are going to live for  a long time.  Then he said tomorrow is not guaranteed.  It got me thinking about me.  I have never been very good at that, but I used to have dreams and big ideas that I wanted to accomplish.  Over my whole life I have always taken care of everybody else but somewhere I lost me.  I still find myself doing that.  I am so good at taking care of others that sometimes I think that is why God put me here, but who is there to take care of me.  Well, God of course, but that is not what I mean.  If that is why I am here, why did I have the others dreams?  I love my husband and kids and I would never trade them, I love the rest of my family that depends on me so much.  Sometimes I think that I let myself go so that I did not have to face the possibility of failure, yet since I never tried I failed anyway.  I let a lot of things get in the way and hold me back.  I feel like I am getting old.  I have let a lot of life pass me by.  Now what do I do?

 

To anyone reading this, I hope that you know how much you have touched my life.  You are special to me and always will be.  I hope that I have never let you down and if I have I am sorry.  You are in my heart and in my prayers.  May God bless you with abundance and peace.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Wed 10 Mar 2010 2:11:55 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I haven't been singing like I used to, but today I was up there with the Praise Team and we sang our hearts out and the Lord really moved in the room.  It was so awesome.  I love to sing.  I have a lot of people who tell me that I do it very well, and I thank them for that, but I thank the Lord for the talents he has given me.  I am also so sorry that I covered them and ignored them for a time.  But now, I have the heart for it again.  I just need to add the practice.  I know it is a talent, but it also takes maintenance. 

The sermon today was so awesome.  Pastor Travis is on fire.  He has such passion in his messages.  He hit a nerve today.  I have those times when I think I have let God down and missed my season.  Time for me to move forward and use my gifts and talents to bring glory to God.  I think that I have done that with the children that are in my life.  Now that my girls are teens and don't need as much of me, kind of, I think that I can start looking forward to what comes next.  I know that the girls still need me, but they don't need the 24/7 attention.  They are starting to find themselves, and God has a great plan for them.  I know that I need to be here for them but I also need to listen to God and do what he has planned.  

I am praying for so many people who need God's love and comfort.  Please pray for them too.  The most urgent is for Anita and her family.  She is a mother of a 4-year-old and a wife.  She has had cancer for quite some time.  it had gone into remission for a while, but it has now been found in her brain.  Her family is having a tough time and needs all the prayers they can get.  Teresa Allen is related to her, as well as Debbie Grigg.    I don't know God's plan for them, but I know he will do what is best for them.  He will bring them peace and comfort.  The more prayers they have the better.  I know that prayer works. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Mon 8 Mar 2010 12:28:11 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been sick for what seems like forever, even though it has only been 2-1/2 weeks.  But things are starting to get better.  I finally got rid of the fever and chills.  I am gaining more energy every day.  

It was brought to my attention that I have been MIA.  I have not felt like writing.  But I am headed back to life.  Thank you Lord. 

I have done a lot of thinking while I have been sick.  At least when I have been awake.  I am lost and confused.  I cannot see where I am headed in life.  I have felt like I am stuck in the mud for so long.  I pray, go to church, visit with other believers, and try to live the kind of life that God wants for me, but I still feel like I am missing something.  I have not been able to figure out what that is.  I have no money, but I am rich in blessings.  I am so thankful for what I have, but what am I supposed to be giving back?  The things that I am doing don't feel like they are all the things that should be coming from me. There is part of me that is not fulfilled and I think it is in the use of the gifts that God has given me.  So, this is the area that I need prayer.  If you feel the need to pray for me, this is the area that needs it right now. 

So the girls went to the winter retreat and came back with such good things in their lives.  Katey told me about some of the experiences that moved her and I am so excited about the things she said.  I am excited to see where Jesus will be leading her.  She is so full of life and love.  Kacie also touched my heart with her actions and words about the retreat.  I am so grateful for this new sense of life that is coming into our lives.  The new fire that has been lit in this small church family.

Our church family is also growing.  There have been so many new faces in the congregation.  I hope that they see me as an approachable person.  I don't have a lot of friends.  I have a lot of people I am acquainted with, but I don't spend time with anyone but my family.  That could be part of the problem in my life. 

I better get back to that family now and start some dinner. 

Can't wait for church on Sunday. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Thu 25 Feb 2010 4:52:43 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am so sick.  I don't know what I have, it is some kind of infection.  I am miserable.  Please pray for quick healing and recovery. 

 

I am also about to go into a battle with an insurance company.  Please pray for strength, guidance, and wisdom.  Only God can make this one right. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Tue 9 Feb 2010 8:46:26 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am obsessed with it right now.  I just want to sing everywhere I go.  It has been a while since I felt like this, and now I just need to do it.  I am going to worship practice in the morning.  I have truly missed worship with the team.  I miss Josh and the team we had, but I know that God will put together a team that will bring glory to Jesus. 

The quote for the day is "Life is way too short not to be happy" .  I don't know who said it first, but it is sure true.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sat 6 Feb 2010 3:00:39 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tonight's Bible study was really good.  I am looking for who God wants me to be and that was part of what we talked about.   No matter who I want to be, I need to be who God wants me to be.  Sometimes that is really hard to do.  Somedays the world gets in the way and I let it get the better of me.  I really don't want to do that.  I want to be who God created me to be.  So, now what do I do?  How do I be that person?  I am going to have to do more work for Him.  If I become the person He wants me to be, I will be a better me.  So how do we find our purpose?  I think I will have to think about that for a while. 

I missed church yesterday and I sure know it.  I am planning on going to the Wednesday night meeting to get recharged. 

Tomorrow Kacie starts Driver's Ed.  So I ask Lord that you keep her safe.  Give her all the tools she needs to make wise decisions.  Thank you Lord for all the blessings yet to come for her and the rest of this family.  Jesus, you make our lives complete. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Tue 2 Feb 2010 1:46:52 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I spend more time on my laptop, but I haven't been able to get here on it yesterday or today.  I hate when I have gremlins messing with my computer.  Please pray that I figure it out!! 

To all who read this, have a blessed day and don't take one second for granted.  It is a gift from God, enjoy it!!!!!

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Fri 29 Jan 2010 10:39:36 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Fri 29 Jan 2010 8:43:11 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wish I knew that answer to the question.  I have started to write a few times and got distracted and never finished.  I am having a bit of trouble sleeping tonight so I thought that I would write. 

 

I love to write.  I have written poetry and short stories all of my life.  Some people thing that I am crazy for have English as my favorite subject in school, but it was.  Writing gives me an out, a place to vent, and a place to dream. 

 

Sometimes I feel like my talents have been wasted.  I don't know if I have ever finished anything.  I sing, but not enough.  I write and basically keep it to myself.  Why do I have these kinds of talents if I never use them?  I guess that I use them as a release and just for myself, but why haven't I tried to make something more of them.  I love taking care of the people I love.  Sometimes I care too much, if that is possible.  I have dropped a lot of things in my life to take care of others around me.  I am not complaining about that, I have loved doing it, I just sometimes regret not following a dream of mine. 

Anyway, enough of that subject.  I loved church this last week.  Pastor Travis is so passionate about the Lord.  It is contagious.  His energy has me wanting to do more for the church.  It also has me wanting to study my bible more and strengthen my walk.  I want to be a good example for my girls.  I want them to live the kind of life God wants them to.  I hope that I am an example of that.  Oh, I know that I have flaws, some days more than others. I could never be perfect, and thank God that I don't have to be. 

I just want to say thank you Lord for bringing us a pastor who is passionate about his relationship with you.  Thank you that He has the personality and desire to share this with our congregation.  Bless him and his family.  Thank you awesome Lord.

 

 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Mon 25 Jan 2010 2:56:19 am     | 1 comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a heart full of music that is bursting to get out.  I am not trying to sound conceited, but I know that God gave me the gift of song in my voice.  All of my life the secret dream has been to be up in front of an audience sharing songs.  So, why did I not go for it as a young person?  I guess there were enough forks in the road that I missed that one.  Some days I get down and blue when I watch others who live my dream and I only dream it.  I hope that is not coveting.  I don't want there dream, I want to have mine and let them keep theirs.  I don't even want them to share part of it.  I love having their dream in mine.  I so love to listen to great voices sing great lyrics.  You know, I would not trade the life I have.  I would not trade any of the people in it. 

It is time for changes, but I am scared of change.  I always have been and that keeps me down.  I need to take that leap that God is leading me to.  I need to let it go.  I need to do things for his glory.  I need to listen and follow the plan.  God would not have given the gifts and talents if he did not mean for me to use them for his kingdom.  I am going to find the fit somewhere. 

I need some extra prayer from others to help me make the changes that need to be made.  I know that I have to do this, but I also know that I can't do it alone.  I am going to sit down and make a tentative plan and pray for guidance and strength to follow through.

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Mon 18 Jan 2010 1:58:59 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sun 17 Jan 2010 8:55:42 am     | 2 comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been a long day.  I have been cooking since I got up.  Breakfast, cookies, apple crisp for the church, dinner at home, and a late night snack (berry cobbler) is in the oven.  What a day.  Charley's kids are here tonight and I don't know if they are going to church with me in the morning or not.  It would be good for them if they did. 

 

I have been feeling a need to be more involved in the church.  I don't really know where yet.  I have a few issues that need to be taken into consideration when I am looking for my spot. 

The installation was great today, but it really made me think about where I am at in some of my relationships.  I have been going to Grace for about 8 years and I really don't have any close friends there.  There are those of you there who I am close to, and I love with all my heart, but just hang around and shoot the breeze, or whatever, I don't have that.  Maybe it is my fault or our fault all together. Many of the people I was close to and getting closer to are no longer here.  I have gone through some real tough times and not had anyone to talk to, except God, to get me through.  I love to be there for others.  Serving others is what my heart is all about.  It has been a tough decision on what I should do, but I still feel that God wants me to stay.  So that is what I am going to do.  I am going to find my little niche to grow in. 

 

I hope and pray that God will bring our church family together, new and old.

 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sun 17 Jan 2010 7:19:23 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sat 16 Jan 2010 12:01:11 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I can smell the dessert that I am making as I write this blog.  I have never been through a situation like the one of losing a pastor and getting a new one.  I have only been a Christian for about 7 years and this whole situation has been difficult for me.  Our prior pastor did so much for my walk with Jesus.  I love him for all the times he and his wife were there for my family to go to when we needed guidance.  God's plan is definitely not the same as mine.  His way of leading us to him is different for each of us.  There have been times when I was so angry at God that I thought he would never understand,  but I see that I have no idea of how big his shoulders are.  He loves me unconditionally.  He understands when I have emotions that are not pretty.  He is patient and waits for me to come to my senses.  Thank you Lord. 

 

Thank you Lord for bringing Pastor Travis and his family to our church.  Bless him with the wisdom he needs to bring your flock back together.  Please bless the flock to hear your voice and follow you.  Bless us to feel your love and show your light through us. Let us be examples of your love and bring the lost to your kingdom to share your glory with all we come in contact with.

 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Sat 16 Jan 2010 11:51:46 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is only 8:30 and I have already had a wonderful morning.  Kacie and Katey usually get themselves off to school, but for some reason Katey's alarm woke me up at 6:25.  That was okay.  No big deal.  I woke both of them up and we laughed and joked and had a lot of fun while they got ready for school.  I kept teasing them about getting me out of bed and how tortured they were.  But, it was quality time with my wonderful children.  I have heard that raising teenage girls is so hard, but Kacie is almost 16, and I love watching her grow.  She has a heart for Jesus that just tickles me.  She is a good example for those around her.  She keeps here friends in line.  I love that.

Kacie has one friend that I really worry will be a bad example for Kacie.  But her love of Jesus and her faith keep her protected.  Sometimes she will come home and tell me how she needs to end her friendship with this person.  I always tell her that it is up to her.  I am very honest about my feelings toward this other girl.  But I give Kacie the room to make decisions.  I trust her to follow her heart and conscience.  That is where my faith comes in.  So they are still kind of friends, but I see it dwindling.  Kacie doesn't approve of this girl and she has the strength of God keeping her on the right track.  Thank you Lord.

I hear others complaining about their teens, but I am very blessed.  They are not perfect by any means, but they have that something, that little piece of Christ that shines through in their lives.  Someone asked me how I do it.  The only thing that I can truly say is that God had a plan for me.   I was blessed with 2 miracle babies that doctors say I never should have had.  The best thing that I can do for my children is give them time, love, and patience.  I am honest with them.  I have always talked to them in terms they could understand.  I hope that I have been a good example for them.  "Do as I say, not as I do" does nonpp

I could never have done it without my faith. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Fri 15 Jan 2010 10:04:22 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, I think this blog is more like a daily or up-to-date journal more than anything.  Sometimes I just need a place to think "outloud" and yet to myself.  I know some of you will see this and that is great.  I have a hard time expressing things face-to-face, and maybe this will be a starting point for me to share and grow. 

I woke up to a beautiful sunny day today.  There is a breeze, but in Albion anything under 40 mph is a breeze.  I got a call for the prayer chain and had one of my many daily conversations with God.  He is good no matter which way things happen here on Earth and he deserves our praise even when we don't get our way. 

So I was thinking about how blessed I am.  There are many people who wish they had my life.  But it is mine and I can see the flaws.  However, I know that there is always someone out there who has it worse than me.  I am grateful to my Lord for the place he has lead me.  My wonderful husband Kenneth and my beautiful daughters Kacie and Katey are so much more than I ever thought I deserved.  Thank you Lord for this beautiful day.  Please bless me to be the example you want me to be and let your light shine through my life so others will see you and be led to you.

 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Thu 14 Jan 2010 1:14:55 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Today I am grateful that I have a great family that sticks together through hard times.  God's blessings are on us through all the comotion of life.  My heart is so grateful for the place that I am at in life.  Life is not perfect, but because of gift God gave me, I can see the good outweighing the bad. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Thu 14 Jan 2010 1:08:49 am     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have never blogged before.  So this is a first.  Today has been a pretty good day.  Spent time with Jackson and my mom.  Now spending time with Kacie.  I love it. 

Posted by Shirley_Cla on Tue 12 Jan 2010 6:24:14 pm     | no comments

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------