Mini Vacation in Richmond

 

Gifts during the Alumni meet and greet.

 

The first night of the convocation!

 

My view from the clubhouse at the John Marshall.

 

My favorite spot to take a nap each afternoon (a sure sign of my age...lol).

 

The sanctuary at Rising Mt. Zion BC in Richmond VA.

My view from the suite Masterbedroom.

 

One morning I went down to the lobby and people watched! Basically I watched all of them hustle and bustle off to work or school while I sat and listened to some jazz. 

 

My sister and I even went to an Art Gallery one afternoon (of course it was business for her).

 

We had a beautiful lunch one afternoon right there at the complex. A girl could get use to this life! lol

 

One surprise was a handwritten letter from the management welcoming us to the suite!

 

Me and my baby sis!

 

I actually lived in Richmond as a child and hated it. This trip allowed me to view it with different eyes. 

This past week Marc attended a week long conference at his school. Since my sister lives in the city and has access to a great suite in her apartment complex (and it just happened to be open for the days we were there) I tagged along. Most of the time I chilled in the suite but at night I attended the conference with him.

Anniversary Weekend

 

Last weekend Marc and I celebrated 6 years at WABC. To say that it hasn't been a struggle would be lying. But if you asked either one of us if we would give up ministry I believe the answer would be no. Its not the first time we have struggled in ministry (we have been at this for most of our adult life, and we both grew up in church literally from birth. Its actually how we met while teens at a church convention). We know what its like to be on the receiving end of love and on the receiving end of hate. It comes with the territory whether we like it or not! But if you go in ministry expecting it to be easy then perhaps you are in the wrong calling!

If you are looking to be in the spotlight or the star of the show then again you are in the wrong business. The majority of us in ministry will tell you this is not for the faint of heart. Its definitely does not guarantee a large salary, or a mega church or even a congregation over the size of 100! It doesn't even guarantee that the people will love you! What it does guarantee if you keep God at the forefront is a home in heaven.

What I have found out after nearly 20 years in ministry is that there are rewards that money can't buy and that the haters can't take away! Its the hugs from a child in Children's church, a quart of strawberries from a senior citizen just because she thought you would like them. Its the confidence in you from a young couple who are trying to find their way, or words of encouragement from the chairman who doesn't have an agenda to fulfill. Its hearing a church member pray for your husband and for you (and your children) when they don't know you are listening. Its having a teen feel comfortable enough with you that they are able to come and ask you a favor because they know they can count on you. Its the surprised but delighted look on one of your sick and shut in members when you go to visit. There are so many more stories like this that I could share. Small tokens of appreciation that get you through the rough days and moments at special occasions such as a wedding or baby dedication that bring joy to this work we call ministry. And work it is....our problem sometimes seems to be that we forget who the one we are working for is. I can pretty much guarantee anything you go through down here on earth doesn't come close to the sacrifices that God made on our behalf. 

The following scripture has been in my head for the last few weeks and as much as I would like to I just can't seem to forget it. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap our just rewards.

Our small church is very good at showing us love. We are blessed that we have the support of family and friends. We continue to be humbled by the responsibility placed on our shoulders as leaders but we are reminded daily that its not about us and that it really is all about God and our only responsibility is to represent him well!

Bath and Bodyworks Haul

If you follow me on Instagram you know I'm a Bath and Bodyworks junkie! I added to my stash last week during the 2 for $22 sale. With the exception of the Pumpkin Apple all of the others are favorites from the last few years. Now I'm just waiting for the bulbs and the Christmas stuff to go on sale. They gave me a ton of coupons on my last visit so I know I will be making several trips. lol What is your favorite fall scent?