The Five Seasons

Yes, you read that title correctly. Here at IRBC we have five seasons and I have pictures to prove it.


We are of course most known for Summer. Then comes my favorite, Fall. Next is Winter and let's not forget Spring. But somewhere in between Winter and Spring we have another season called, Mud. That's right...mud, mud and more mud.


I took some pictures today of the snow melting creating rivers running over our dirt roads and the melting snow. The result is mud and lots of big puddles...including the lake in front of my door.

So I'm writing to say...Happy Mud!

Retreat

I have worked at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp for 4 1/2 years now. This past weekend I was able to actually attend my first retreat here!!! Our church rented the Retreat Center for a Ladies' Retreat.

It was so much fun and just the refreshment I needed. We played games, sang and several of our ladies were chosen to give testimonies. We also had a wonderful prayer time in small groups.

The most important part for me was the testimonies. Four ladies were asked to share what God has been teaching them. Each of them touched on the fact that we must relinquish control over to God. What a great reminder!

I Need Your Help!

As most of you know, my favorite holiday is only a month away. To see how I celebrated last year, click here.

So, here is where you come in. I have no idea what to do next. It doesn't even have to be as big as last year, but I really need to do something. The guys wouldn't know what to do if they came in the office and there was no April Fool's celebration.

So please leave your ideas.

Paula's Profundities

I'm at my parents' this weekend. Since I don't have cable TV, I always catch up on the Food Network while I'm here. One of my favorites is Paul Deen. We have been watching episodes of Paula's Party all evening.

Side Note: When Bekah and I were in Savannah this past October, we were able to go to her restaurant, The Lady & Sons. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Anyway, Paula uses the funniest sayings. I had to share a couple with you. My favorite from tonight was, "I'm sweating like a fat girl writing her first love letter." My dad's favorite is, "Butter my butt and call me a biscuit!" Another good one is, "This is so good, you'll smack your mama." Mom didn't like that one so much.

Oh boy, did we laugh.

Impatience

The other day I was reading in Exodus chapter 32. This is when Moses was up on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God. The people grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. They made a golden calf and decided to make it a god. They digressed from there.

This made me think. How often do I grow impatient with what I think God is supposed to be doing in my life? Where does my impatience lead me? Discontentment. Disobedience. Worry.

I must trust in God's plan for my life. When impatience brings doubts, I must remember Philippians 4:8 and think on "whatever is true." And the truth is Psalm 84:11, 12 - "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Oh LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You." If I am living uprightly, God will not withhold blessing from me. God does not dangle carrots in front of me and laugh. He loves me. He knows what I need and when I need it.

Impatience should not have a place in my life. I believe in God's sovereignty; therefore, He is never late. He is always on time. I should never take matters into my own hands.

New Things

I thought I would post about my new things.


Here is my new cell phone that I just got today. I have no idea how to use it, but I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually. One of the staff guys has the same phone, so I have already asked him lots of questions.


Here is my new haircut. It had grown a lot since the last one and it was time to get it all shaped up again. I got it cut so I can either straighten like here or I can still flip it out. You will also notice my new glasses in the picture. I've had those since early December, but forgot to post a picture. Oh, and I'm wearing a new sweater in the picture too!


Okay, just so you know, I did not go on a spending binge. I had to get my hair cut, the glasses were from last year, the sweater was on sale for $11 (and I really needed a new sweater). The phone was a bit of a splurge, but it only cost $20.


So what was your latest indulgent splurge? Come on...spill it.

Never Give Up

This is for all of my fellow single friends out there. I got this Valentine in the mail today and it just tickled me. So I'm sharing it with all of you. There is hope! Thanks for the card, Phyllis!

Happy Valentine's Day

I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks for your friendship - it means so much!

Cute Story

At church tonight a friend was telling me that she is trying to train her three year old to sit through church. She is a reading a book that she said has been helpful. Before they came to church tonight, she sat Joyanna down and explained that we go to church to worship God and how important that is. She said, "Yes, Mommy" and off they went. Just as Pastor was beginning the message she declared to her mother that she was tired of worshipping. Aren't kids just precious?!?!

Congratulations, Giants!!!!

I want to preface this post by assuring all of you that I don't like football. Really, I don't. I used to say that about baseball too, but that's another story.

I stayed home from church tonight, not to watch the Superbowl because as I've already stated, I don't like football. I'm still recovering a bit from surgery and was very tired and had some pain, so decided to take it easy. Well, I decided to give the Superbowl a try. (PBS is showing Jane Austen movies, so you know that this was not a flippant choice. I did tape the Jane Austen movie, so I guess I didn't sacrifice too much.)

I immediately, starting cheering for the Giants. I guess because they were the underdogs. Wow! What a game. I even found myself screaming when they made the last touchdown!!!!

So just like I didn't like baseball and now do, I probably like football now too. Of course I'm not the kind of girl to follow the entire season. I'm more of a let's just watch the playoffs kind of girl.

So anyway, way to go, Giants!!!!