Recap of my week so far.....

Last night was our first night back helping out with the children's ministry at our church. It was fun seeing the kids again. Nick did awesome leading games for our group, and book time went well. IT was a little hard on the way there because i was grumpy rushing from work to the church. Thankfully there is someone there on Wednesdays who prepares dinner for everyone! Whew... no cooking and cleaning up, yay!
~School is going well! I can honestly say, this semester is a breeze compared to earlier ones. I so hope the courses remain easy and fun throughout the duration of the program. That may just be wishful thinking on my part!
~Work is going well. Things are beginning to slow down, but thankfully the days are not dragging for me!
~Just thought i would let ya view my life this week.. the short version... main points highlighted!

just a blurp.....

Sunday was a rocky day for me emotionally. Totally unplanned I might add. Nick and I arose early Sunday morning, had coffee, and headed out the door for church. I'm teaching Sunday school again, first grade through third, so it's pretty fun for me. After church we had a gathering at out pastors house. The group consisted of several young married couples. "Young" referring to every one's age, not their relational status. Everyone has children. Nick and I are the only ones without children. Most of the time my mind tends to briefly gravitate towards the dream of having a family of our own, but I quickly bounce back, realizing it's just not time yet. But Sunday, my heart grew heavy. The group was brought together this past sunday so the pastors could gain insight and feedback as to how the church can better minister to young families and couples in our church and community. We used to meet as a group two Sundays a month and view a marriage video followed by a discussion. We also had several fun fellowships together as a group. The focus was always on our marriages. The children would obviously come up, and were always present at the different functions, but the purpose of the group was never mainly the children. This time around the conversation was all about the kids. I understand that children are a huge part of our lives, and that once you have kids, your world tends to revolve around them. I just felt discouraged because instead of seeking to grow our individual lives and relationships through this ministry, it seemed like everyone was more interested in a play group type of group, or a growing kids Gods way class. Don't get me wrong, i do think nick and i would benefit from taking a class to learn how to rear our children, but its just hard at times because we haven't been blessed with a child yet. The the focus turned towards us at one point when someone asks,"how can we better serve the couples in our community who do not have children"? Then someone says, "i do hope you two don't feel left out", or something along those lines.... Well of course we feel left out at times, hello! Its no ones fault we feel left out, we just are not the norm for our age bracket. All this griping to say, sometimes its just so hard....

I agree......How sad...

Sometimes It seems as though struggles and difficult situations show who your true friends are. One of my friends recently posted on their blog how she has felt left high and dry by friends at times when she is going through a tough time. I have to admit i have felt the same way. I think a lot of people are willing to be your friend as long as times are good, and you are capable of making them happy and secure. As long as your their listening ear, they are just peachy, but when the tables are turned and you are bogged down my a sudden woe, or undesirable circumstances, they flee. How sad... Don't people realize there is more of a blessing being the listening ear? Don't they realize great encouragement comes to the heart that helps bear someones burden? I have been brought so much joy just by walking along side some of my close friends while they were going through very troublesome waters in their lives. I also think its difficult for many people to listen to a persons trouble without passing judgement. They immediately feel like they can't relate, therefore they are unable to be an encouragement. Hello, what about empathy? Where is the compassion? Again, i feel for my friend, and I do hope she feels like I am always here for her. If you are reading this post, please know that although my world may not be perfect, I am always here for you, to encourage you and build you up. To lift you up in prayer. To be that listening ear or sounding board.