It's Been a Long 8 months

I've had a lot of questions for God lately, questions that have gone unanswered. The same questions that I have asked at other times in my life. I have journeyed with God long enough to know that sometimes He lets you in on what is going on and other times He doesn't. He chooses to let some things remain a mystery, why I do not know, He just does.

Maybe God is asking me some questions. Like Linda, do you trust Me? Are you going to continue to believe in My goodness and sovereignty in the midst of your troubles? Do you believe that I have a specific plan for your life? Do you believe that I am the Source of all things and I will provide what you need? Do you know that I love you, really love you? My honest answer would be "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."

Clark lost his job 8 months ago this week and this week was his final unemployment check (although he has filed for an extension). Clark is the most honest, loyal, dependable, hardworking man I have ever met. He is the kind of employee that always goes above and beyond what is expected, remains loyal even at great personal cost, and shows up ready to work. It is very hard for me to see him week after week looking and longing for a job and coming up empty handed. He hides his discouragement and tries to put on a good face but I know that inside there is a great struggle going on. How is it that someone of his caliber and work ethic remains jobless? How many more Clarks are out there waiting, longing for someone to see their potential and give them an opportunity? I can only imagine!

Going to the Kentucky Derby this Weekend

I am going to the Kentucky Derby this weekend. Not as a spectator, but as a volunteer. GO Ministries (Dominican Republic and Haiti missionary effort) gets paid a large amount of $ if they provide volunteers to work the concessions. Dana went on a mission trip a few summers ago with the Fishbaugh family to the Dominican and that is how we got connected with GO. It should be an interesting weekend.

A New Chapter in my Life

A few months ago I stepped out in faith and agreed to serve as the Kids Ministry Pastor at Riverside Church. I had a lot of hesitation, anxiety, and insecurity about taking on that responsibility but God made it very clear every time I questioned Him, that it was what He wanted me to do and where He wanted me to be. How can you say no to God? So I put all of that aside and said yes. Little did I know that I would find myself feeling alive again like I haven't felt in a very long time. God knows what He is doing, even if I don't! I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in this ministry.

Busy...busy...

I have been so unbelievably busy since I agreed to take on leading the Children's Ministry at church. Sometimes I have moments of panic thinking, what have I gotten myself into? I also have moments of pure joy because I am doing what I love. I am hoping those moments out number the panic ones! We are publicly launching in two weeks. I have no idea what to expect. I am praying that I get everything ready before that date comes. So until then I won't be on Facebook or blogging. Say a little prayer for me!

A Memory

Yesterday I was rummaging through Clark's closet trying to find my overnight bag because I was going to be staying with Jane's kids while they went out of town for the weekend. I came across this and it brought a smile to my face. The first time I ever laid eyes on Clark Glover he was carrying this backgammon set. He would carry this thing around wherever he went, always ready to play the game with someone. I remember thinking it was weird, who carries a backgammon set around? Apparently Clark. A few months after that initial meeting (I didn't even remember his name) we went out on our first date. Later he taught me how to play backgammon. That was back in the early 1980's. I have forgotten how to play the game. I will have to reacquaint myself with it and see if he can still beat me.

Mrs. Clark Glover again!

We went to a Marriage Conference at the Vineyard church over the weekend. It was a telecast conference, so even though the speaker, Jim Evans, was not on the stage in front of us he was coming to us live from the Gateway church in Dallas. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the Valentine's weekend! We went with Mike & Amanda Love and our dearest friends, Brian & Carrie Biggers. We had so much fun. I have to say that the content of this seminar was the best I've heard over the years, Clark is in total agreement. I couldn't take notes fast enough and wish I had taken more. At the end of the conference they guided us through a covenant ceremony in which we all renewed our covenant vows with our spouse. I am proud to say that after 26 years, I am still Mrs. Clark Glover, and yes, he kissed the bride!

A Meaningful Quote I Heard Today

I haven't listened to David Platt from Brook Hills in close to a month so today I listened to his message from January 17th about Believing God. One of the people he mentioned in his sermon was a man named William Kerry who in 1793 moved from England to India to be used by God. Twenty years after he got there a fire broke out at his home while he was in Calcutta. Upon hearing of the fire and the loss of much of his life's work he said, "The Lord has laid me low that I may look more simply to Him. That I might believe God, that God is our reward."

When things get stripped away from you, life gets very real. You begin to view things through much different lenses...lenses of vulnerability, uncertainty, and humility. You begin to see more clearly.....that income you counted on....that job that felt so secure....was merely an illusion.

I am reminding myself that faith, if it is not tested, is no faith at all. It's easy to say you are walking by faith when that path is smooth with only a few minor irritations. But walking by faith is when you continue to move forward when that path becomes uneven, bumpy and treacherous knowing that you do not walk alone and that He has prepared the way. So I will continue to trust and not doubt for God is sovereign over all.

So I have my pen and journal ready to record all of the awesome, mighty acts of God that I will be a witness to!

Salt and Light

I am participating in a study written by Henry & Richard Blackaby called Fresh Encounter. It is all about revival and spiritual awakening. This morning I had an aha! moment. My eyes were opened as I meditated on the verse we are memorizing. A very familiar one. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Our nation is in the condition it is in because of God's people and their sin, not because of the wickedness of unbelievers. Here is a quote from the book: "Did you notice what God said must happen before the land would be healed? He did not say, "When the media experience positive changes" or "When government is reformed." God did not even say, "When Christians pray for their nation to be revived." The Lord made it clear that the nation would be healed when God's people repented of their sin. The reason nations need revival is that God's people have not been the salt and light God intended for them to be. When Christians see how wicked their nation is becoming, it is not the time to point a condemning finger at unbelievers. Rather, it ought to break Christians' hearts that their presence is not making a more significant difference in their land. It should not be surprising when unbelievers behave according to their nature. It is tragic when Christians do not act according to theirs."

A bite to chew on today!

Moved to Tears Today

Several years ago my hairstylist talked me into trying a facial with Deidre who rented the upstairs loft at Sandy's Hair Design. It was my first ever spa experience and I was hooked. Turns out I knew Deidre. Dana and Deidre's daughter were buddies in the 2nd grade at Christian Center school. When Deidre opened her own spa (Selah Day Spa) I became a loyal customer. I don't often splurge on things for myself but this is one area that I will sacrifice other things in order to occasionally indulge in. Deidre is just one of those rare people that others are drawn to. God's Spirit is so evident in her. I always come away refreshed and renewed.

When Dana turned 13 I decided to treat her to a facial at Selah. It has become our birthday tradition. When Clark lost his job in September I reluctantly canceled the appointment I had scheduled. After Christmas I called and scheduled our traditional birthday facials. I set aside money for Dana's facial from Christmas money I received from family and figured that Clark would have a job by the end of February. Well, still no job. So I decided I had better call and cancel my birthday facial. When asked if they could reschedule I explained that Clark was still unemployed and I would have to wait until he found a job. Deidre was sitting at the desk when she heard the phone conversation and told her receptionist, Mary, that she wanted to comp my facial and for me to come on in on my birthday. I tried to hold back the tears but I failed miserably. Mary said that her and Deidre would lift me in prayer after she hung up. They have no idea how much they encouraged me today. God does.

My Tuesday Morning Support

I have been meeting with a group of friends (Barb, Jane, Chris, and Laurie) for the past couple of months at the new Martins for the study Experiencing God. I did that study with another group of women a long time ago and so I dug out the workbook and reused it. I am so glad I did. It was interesting to see the things God was speaking to me way back then and to see the growth. God spoke some very specific things to me in this season of my life and at this place where I now find myself and I am reminded of the truth that God's Word is living and breathing!

Wonderland

This afternoon we met Jane and the kids at Wonderland in Niles to see Sherlock Holmes. So much cheaper than the local theatres! For $17 and some change we got 3 tickets, 1 large popcorn, 1 large Diet Coke and a nacho. Clark was amazed. It's worth the drive. On our way home we noticed all of the ice sculptures displayed throughout the downtown and around the park. Took pictures of a few but it was starting to get dark outside and I only had my little camera that I carry in my purse. Awesome pieces of art!

Date Night

Clark and I haven't gone out alone on a date in forever. Dana and our neighbor, Martael, were going to the MidWinter Dance and so we dropped them off at 9 and then we went and saw The Young Victoria (interesting film). We haven't gone to a late movie since we were young and childless. We had an hour to kill after the movie let out. We had no clue where to go at that time of night so we drove around and saw IHOP, and it was hopping. Amazed at how many people were there at that hour and still coming in as we were leaving. The cashier's comment, "The drunks got to eat too." It was a fun night for all.

A Long Weekend Ahead!

The end of a year and the beginning of a new one is always a hectic time for me at work and at home. Since I do all of the accounting work for the Does God Exist? Ministry at home, my hallway office is always overflowing at this time of the year. I've learned years ago that for people like me (obsessive compulsive), stress comes from unfinished work. Once I get everything organized and done I am able to relax. So.....I am going to work all weekend to get everything done and organized so that Monday all will be well in my world!

A Baptism at the JJC

Tonight I experienced God's presence in a most unusual setting and in such a profound way. My friends and I have been sharing Christ once a month for the past 10 years with young women locked up at the Juvenile Justice Center.

When we were there in December, Carrie had the four girls we met with write on pieces of paper their prayer requests and then each of us drew a paper out and prayed for that girl for the following 30 days. Carrie prayed for one particular girl, Dominique, for her salvation among other things.

This past Saturday when we arrived, Dominique was still there. After I shared a message on deception and truth, Carrie got into an open conversation with her. Probing and asking questions as only Carrie can do in a very winsome way. Dominique shared her desire for baptism and Carrie promised her that she would do all she could to make sure that happened for her.

Carrie enlisted some praying warriors and then relentlessly pursued every avenue. At one point her calls were not being returned and she went down there in person to talk to whoever she had to talk to so that Dominique's wishes for baptism would be honored.

So tonight, at 6:00 Carrie, Jane, and I showed up at the JJC with an armful of towels and some huge buckets. They would not allow us to immerse Dominique so we improvised. I've never felt God's presence more keenly than while kneeling before Him next to Jane, Carrie and Dominique on a bathroom floor at the JJC praying. As Carrie and Jane flooded her with water from head to toe, I kept the water from flowing into the adjacent room with towels. The most meaningful and intimate baptism I have witnessed in a long time. Wish I could have a picture to post but they are not allowed at the JJC.

Dinner with Friends

Last night we met with the Fishbaughs, Biggers, Bertsch's, Moody's, and Davis' at Granite City for our annual dinner get together. We began our spiritual journey with these couples years ago and even though we are now scattered to different churches there remains a strong bond that will never be broken.

I love when you can pick up where you left off and you've had enough history together that there are no awkward, silent moments, quite the contrary. I look forward to these times together in spite of the long pauses between them.

What a Dad

Today was Clark's first time taking a kiddo to the doctor's office. Seriously, 22 years of being a father and never having the opportunity until today. Diagnosis: bad sinus infection. Treatment: Antibiotics that won't be available until tomorrow. In the meantime Dana and Clark discovered that they could watch the episode of NCIS that they missed this week. Which is great for them since we just have basic cable and no means to record shows.

Hawkeyes Win the Orange Bowl 24-14

If you are born and raised in Iowa you will always be a Hawkeye no matter where you move to or for how long. The Hawkeyes beat Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl 24-14! Proud to be a Hawkeye tonight!

I Love Being a Mom!

Today God affirmed that being home for my kid when she comes home from school is worth the personal sacrifice. What a joy it is to give a hug when they've had a rough day and to make them a cinnamon and sugar bagel and send them off for an hour long nap. I love being a mom and have never regretted working my life around those two precious ones that God entrusted me with. Is He not good?

Masterpiece on Sunday night

Clark popped the popcorn and I got the blankets and for 2 hours tonight we were in Cranford. I am a huge fan of period movies. Clark started watching them with me years ago when I saw Pride and Prejudice for the first time. One rainy night we watched the whole series into the wee hours of the morning. We've been hooked ever since.

Masterpiece Theatre 2010 is underway on PBS Sunday evenings ....so don't try to call the Glover house after 9:00 unless it is an absolute emergency!

A New Year!

New Year's is my favorite holiday. There is something about starting anew that appeals to me. I've always loved beginning a new year by reflecting on where I am at spiritually, mentally, relationally, and physically and then writing down my hopes and goals for the year ahead. The older I get the more I realize that the list I write down at the beginning of the year will go through some adjustments ...things being dropped, and other things added. I only really have 2 things on my list this year and they involve concentrating on the two most important relationships in my life......God and my husband. So here's to the New Year and what it will bring!