Psalm 23 a slightly different perspective

Verse 1, The Lord is My Shepard. David and his father Jesse were Shepards. David was writing this Psalm as a sheep from a sheep's perspective not from a Shepards view. The sheeps livelihood depended on the Shepard taking care of them. Have we allowed God to take that place in our lives, that the Lord God is our Shepard? Being saved is one thing but have we given God total control over our lives?

Sheep are not self sufficient and we like sheep need care and management. Sheep are very dumb, very high maintenance. We cannot manage our lives well, we need to allow God to manage us.

Sheep get branded with the Shepards brand, if they get lost and are found then the finders know what Shepard they belong to by the brand on the inside of their ear. What brand do you carry? Mark 8:34 tells us what brand we carry. Our brand is the cross of Christ, can others(outsiders)see our mark? What are we saying to the unsaved? Do they see us as part of the flock of God?

Second part of 1st verse: I shall not be in want. Since the Lord is my Shepard, I shall not be in want. If you are content and at peace with yourself and your life, the the Lord is your Shepard. If we have allowed God to be our Shepard then we will not lack, we will not crave or desire anything more.

"What you have in your Shepard(Jesus)is greater than what you don't have in life", Max Lucado. Psalm 16:5 My choice is you God, first and only. And now I find I'm Your choice, Message Bible. Lord, You are enough! Your what I need, I shall not be in want. When do we get to that place when we say "we have enough"?

The world says "it's never enough", God says" It is enough" Trust God and you will never be in want.

Week 2 Psalm 23:2
He makes(verb) me lie down in green pastures. Sheep cannot sleep unless the conditions are perfect. Without the Shepard the sheep will not rest. Spiritually we can't rest unless God is in our life. "He makes me", it's the Shepards job to make a place for the sheep to sleep. It's the sheeps job to keep their eyes on the Shepard. Isaiah 26: 3 People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Message Bible.

Green pastures were not common in the Middle East where David was a Shepard. The Shepard takes great care in creating a green pasture for his sheep. He knows exactly where the green pastures are. God knows where He is leading us, He knows where we are going. Our job, like the sheeps, is to trust our Shepard. We have to come to a place of rest physically, mentally and spiritually.

In order fro sheep to rest there are 4 requirements that must be met and if these are not met the sheep will be discontented:
1-They must be free from all fear. Sheep are timid and skitish animals, one small rabbit or mouse would set them off, the sheep go AWOL. Sheep have no means of self defense, they are helpless and get out of control.
Nothing quiets and reassures sheep like seeing their Shepard. Much like our lives as Christians, there is nothing more reassuring than to have our Shepard always there, God doesn't sleep or slumber. 2Tim.1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. NIV. Sound Mind= a mind at ease, at peace, not being harassed or obsessed with fear of the future. God won't bless fear, but He will bless faith!
2- They have to be free from tension within the flock. If there is not peace within the flock the sheep will not rest. Discontented sheep will butt against the flock. Spiritually for us we may have conflict within our families, we can't change them but we can change ourselves. The greatest discontent with us is conflict with one another, but if our eyes are on our Shepard we will have peace.
3-Free from torment of insects. Sheep can be tormented by gnats in the summer and they won't sleep. The Shepard will go to great lengths and great expense to get rid of these pests. Always keep in mind that the Shepards goal is to keep the sheep quiet and at peace. Likewise, our Shepard is keenly aware of what bothers us. We bring the big things to God but what about the gnats in our lives, the little nuisances? He is concerned about what concerns us. There is nothing small of insignificant to God regarding us.
4-Free from hunger, leading these sheep to green pastures so they can rest, the Shepard has prepared that for them. They need green pastures for the greatest nourishment. Our Shepard knows where to bring us for nourishment that will help us rest. A little bite here and a little bite there, we are never fully satisfied, John 6:33-35 For the bread of God is He(Jesus)who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Matt. 5:6 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake for they will be filled.

There are green pastures prepared for us by God, let Him lead us and nourish us to those pastures, mid-week services can be one of those green pastures. Nourish others with the truth about Gods Word.

I will stop here as it took Heidi Reiszner 6 weeks to complete this series and I must take some time getting this all on paper. But do you see the resemblance between sheep and us as God's sheep we can be very similar. I promise you by the time we are finished you will see Psalm 23 in a whole new light just as I did. Stayed tuned for part two of this amazing analysis!

Time to start blogging again!!

Tonight I realized the Bedouin Women hasn't had much to say lately. Well, she has had a lot to say just hasn't had time to blog about it. So, I turned off the TV and began to reread some of my journal notes from the past few months. I think my last blog was that of my trip to Broussard, Louisiana, my new home. I believe I told about my new temporary home in one of the church's cabins. Usually reserved for visiting ministry, but was graciously offered to me for a temporary home until a more permanent one could be found. Which found it was, but I will save that story for the next blog

I have found living in Louisiana to be quite pleasant, except for one thing BUGS, big bugs. Apparently here in this part of the "deep south" they have large and I do mean large water bugs, which we from the not so deep south call cockroachesSo, one night as I sat watching some TV program, out of the corner of my eye I saw something scurry across the floor. Why the nerve of that creature to invade my privacy and not even being invited in. I quickly looked under the sink to come up with some sort of pesticide and found only Windex so I drowned the thing in Windex, then I promptly called my daughter to come up and pick it up for me as I wanted no part of it! Thank God she lives just down the hill from me and came right up to rescue her mom, what a great woman of God she is and brave too!

Thinking that this was a one time deal, I settled back in to normal living and low and behold I was invaded just a few days later not once not twice but three times in one night AND one had the nerve to come dropping down on my head in the middle of the night! I seriously thought this was "of the devil", so I got some bug bombs and pleaded the blood of Jesus the next day and since then, no more invasions of the BUGS.

Since I blogged, I have acquired a job and am still working on getting my LA nursing license, which is by any means an easy feat.
The job I have is cooking for Experience 3 D, formally known as Masters Commission 3D. The last time they had a cook for the young people was about 3 years ago. The last few years they issued cards and the kids bought their own food and was able to use the kitchen facilities. Ramon Noodles seemed to be a staple, mostly for the guys, the girls used their cards a little more wisely.
It is a very rewarding position as the kids love to eat and I'm trying very hard to provide about 60% healthy food. It is a part-time position and the director has made sure I get to go to the bible study that is offered right here on campus on Thursdays. I like that! I had to take a test in order to drive the van as I do the shopping as well. That was an experience as I have never purchased so much food in my life!! We feed on average 20-25 kids and staff. The first week was a little scary but as usual I projected more into it than what actually happened. Now going on my 5th week, I love it, it gives me purpose and I've made a lot of great relationships, kids love the hand that feeds themand I love them too!

Our church and the pastors are phenomenal, every week the services and worship are uplifting and the messages are always right on to what is happening in our world. The people are loving and truly this is a family unit.

Enough for now, I must get to bed as Josh McDowell and his son Sean are here for all services this weekend. Josh was at our campus tonight, Broussard, and tomorrow Sean will conduct the service, I can't wait, tonight Josh talked about the diety of Jesus and how you can talk about God and no one gets upset but as soon as you mention Jesus a decision needs to be made. He talked about the trial of Jesus and how most often people are on trial for what they have done but Jesus was on trial for who He was. It was more in depth but that is all I am saying for now.

Until next time, remember "Build your life on the "Rock".

Andrew, the average apostle

The apostle Andrew was the son of Joanna and Jonah, he was the first apostle to follow Jesus, first being the disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was also the brother to Simon Peter, imagine having to follow in those footsteps, after all didn't Peter walk on water? Andrew was the first missionary to the Jews and the Gentiles(gentiles were anyone who wasn't a Jew).Andrew would die a martyr's death. Having converted Maximilea, a kings wife, the king was so mad at Andrew that he told him he would crucify him. Andrew would not go on the cross as our Lord Jesus did but would lie on the cross in the form of an X. It actually took Andrew 2 days to die on that cross and all the while preaching the message to all who would listen, thus saving many, many souls on his death cross.

What Can We Learn From Andrew?
1-The Blessing of Quiet Obedience. How do you feel when you first hear that alarm ringing? You want to go right back to sleep right? But instead, what do we do, we switch on the coffee pot, go to the bathroom and then open our bibles. Do we feel like doing that? Would we like to get a few extra winks in? Seeking the Lord first thing in the morning, is Quiet Obedience.
Showing up to work on time is quiet obedience. Ever find money in a wallet, the wallet has a name in it, so we could very well find out who owns it and return it, do we always do that? If so, then we are doing the right thing, and that too, is Quiet obedience. Ever get "over paid"? Letting payroll know about that is also Quiet obedience.
Quiet forgiving, ever extend grace to someone who has hurt you? Standing out brightly in a dark, dark world.
2-The Blessing of serving silently. Everyone goes to the pastor to tell him what a great sermon he has just completed and he has but have you ever thought of thanking the cleaning crew that cleaned the sanctuary or the nursery workers who care for the children so we can have a "cry" free room? How about the ushers who collect the tithes and offerings, or the sound people that make sure we can hear every word that pastor is preaching? These are our "silent servers". The intercessors, we hardly know they are around, yet they are petitioning God on our behalf a few times a week, at least if not more!
When we get the praise of people we are getting our reward here on earth, when you serve silently, we get our reward in heaven. Which would you rather have?
3-The Blessing of being number two. As stated above, Andrews name was only mentioned about nine times in the New Testament and always referred to as the brother of Simon Peter or Simon Peter's brother, he was always number two. Remember the sermon on the mount and the 5,000 people were hungry and Peter said how can we feed all these people? Andrew was the one who brought the "lad" with the 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread to Jesus, my pastor called it their "Happy Meal". I imagine Andrew thought that if Jesus change Simon to a Peter He can surely do something just as spectacular with this lads fish and bread!

St. Thomas Aquinas said this "Go to preach the Gospel and IF necessary say something".
What can we learn from Andrew, I think what is said above says it all.
Are we Andrews? Or do we have to be recognized for everything we do for God's kingdom? Andrew didn't have a problem being number two, do we?

What is Happening to America?

Bible References used: Jeremiah 5:30,31, 6:16, 8:11,12

The book of Jeremiah is the prophecy of a man divinely called in his youth. A heartbroken prophet with a heartbreaking message, Jeremiah labors for more than 40 years proclaiming a message of doom to the stiff necked people of Judah. Jeremiah bathes his harsh prophecies in tears of compassion. Through his sermons and signs he faithfully declares that surrender to God’s will is the only way to escape calamity.

In his sermon today Gene Mills uses Jeremiah and his time compared to today and our times. The people in Jeremiahs time couldn’t or wouldn’t believe his message because they were so prosperous and everything seemed to be going right without God, so why would they want to surrender what they knew for something unknown?

United States of America is 13 billion dollars in debt.

We are told that Islam is a peaceful religion, yet their people will strap bombs on themselves and use themselves as human bombs to blow America up, is that peaceful?

Lady GaGa is one of our teen idols that young girls emulate. We have a country that is hypersexed. Everywhere you look, commercials, TV, movies is all about how to use sex to sell things, to get a man/women. We are unwilling to shield our younger generation to this hype.

Our heavenly Father feels scorned when we turn to other things, other gods to take His place. He desires our love and attention. He needs to be first in our lives.

Things that are happening today have happened in the past and WE CAN TURN OUR WORLD AROUND to make it the country our founding fathers would be proud of. Yes, things that are happening here and now have happened in the past but not to the extent, the frequency or the intensity with which they are happening in this day and age!

Jeremiahs warning lasted 40 years, is our warning going to have to last 40 years as well. Do you think we are getting warnings now from God? Hurricanes, Tidal Waves, Sunamis, Earthquakes, Viruses just to name a few. Each year the flu season gets worse, the viruses get stronger, and more people die.

There are two governments in this world, God’s government which is love, joy peace, caring for others, thinking about others before yourself and helping others to name a few of the attributes. Then there is Satan’s government which consists of hate, fear, destruction, selfishness, killing and mayhem to name a few. Which government do you support? Satan is out to kill, steal and destroy you and your family. He does this is all manner of ways. Media, have you listened to the music your kids listen too? No, I mean really listen to it. Have you looked at the photos on their computers and Ipods and Iphones? Do you monitor their time on computers? Do you allow them to watch R-rated movies? These are all ways the devil gets to your kids. Kidsinmind.com will give you a great idea of exactly how much sexual action, F- words and other curse words are in the movie your child wants to see. I highly encourage you to monitor your child, don’t just go on blind trust. Remember you were a teenager at one time; remember the stuff you put over on your parents? Oh, well, my child would never do that, don’t fool yourself they will and they most likely already have. You just haven’t caught them yet. Children cry out for discipline, they cry out for their parents to listen to them and tell them what they can and can’t do.

Is there a difference between you and the world? Because, if you are a Christian, there had better be a big difference. Are you the church of Laodicea? Rev. 3:14-22 verse 15, I know your works, you are neither hot nor cold. I could wish you were cold or hot; so then since you are lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I WILL VOMIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH. Because you say,” I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked”-

Do we have amnesia? Have we forgotten our first love? Did you know God a long time ago and forget Him. Did you get caught up with the cares of this world and say “I have no need of God”? Have we forgotten our purpose? What is that purpose you ask? God created us to have fellowship with Him. We are here for Him not for our selfish ambitions. We buy more and have less, we have bigger houses and smaller families. We are suppose to take care of each other, families taking care of families not the government taking care of our families.

We have left our first love.

We as Christians need to infiltrate the culture. We need to be the church of Philadelphia. Rev. 3:8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name”. Verse 10 “Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth”. Verse 11 “Behold, I come QUICKLY. Hold fast to what you have, that no one can take your crown”. Verse 13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.

There are three chairs we can sit in:

The chair of Astonishment, this chair is filled with fear, unsettled, things are unclear, bewilderment, there is no peace in this place A lot of us sit in this chair. Do you listen to the news? It may tell you facts but not truth. The good news is the bad news is not factual.

The next chair is the chair of Amnesia, we have forgotten our purpose and our first love, and there are a lot of us who are also sitting in this chair.

The third chair is the chair I want to be sitting in and that is the chair of Assignment! Every one of us has an assignment. Move into the assignment God has given us and do the work assigned to us. We are all accountable to God for the work we do. Have we told anyone about the grace of God lately? If not, why not? Let’s get busy, there is little time left. Jesus could return at any time. Are we ready? Is our family ready? Are we praying for our country?

Did you know that is 1963 one person, Madelyn Murray OHare, had prayer removed from our public school systems. Madelyn has come up missing, some think she is dead and did you know her son has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and has been preaching the gospel for many, many years! Halleluia If the voice of one can do that, imagine what the voices of many could do.

10 years later in 1973 Roe vs Wade was passed which allowed women to have freedom of choice whether to abort a baby or not. And this year a law was passed for women to have an ultrasound before the decision is made whether or not to abort, I think we will have a lot more women not going through with abortion, don’t you? Praise the Lord and more childless couples will be adopting those little babies! God has ways of turning things around to work for His good.

Time is short, we, as Christians must move fast and get souls saved for God’s kingdom, YES, it is our job. If a person is adamant that he or she wants nothing to do with “religion” and after you have explained relationship vs religion then the bible says “ And whoever will not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from you feet”. (walk away)Matt. 10:14

More bible references:

John 5

Revelations 3

Jeremiah 5

Jeremiah 6

Jeremiah 7

Jeremiah 8

Most of this material was from what I interpreted from Gene Mills sermon, I added my own two cents as well.

The Journey Continues,,,,the arrival

Louisiana, we made it after 3 days of car riding and hotels and restaurant food, we arrived!!! Not complaining about any of this just stating a fact, one can take so much of restaurant food, don’t ya think?

Starting out on Saturday, June 26^th at about 2:30 PM, our first overnight stop was in Virginia, a Hampton Inn which turned out to be sweet! The rooms were spacious and the beds were comfortable. I had the pleasure of sharing a room with my daughter and granddaughter, there is a picture posted on Face Book of the princess Julia all snuggled up “queen like” in her bed.

Our next overnight stop was Alabama and another Hampton Inn, oh and both of these stops included a trip to the hotels pools, the first one had a hot tub, the second did not. But we all took a dip to get the travel tensions out and to cool off. I highly suggest Hampton Inns on your next travels, you won’t be sorry, oh and the towels smelled soooo good! They also include free breakfast in the price. The breakfast includes, scrambled eggs, waffles that you can make yourself, fresh hot coffee, several flavors for your taste, bagels, cream cheese and assorted muffins. All delicious and plentiful. The hostesses were pleasant and friendly, just like I remember, southern hospitality.

Our final overnight stop was in Baton Rouge, LA at a Holiday Inn. Granted it did have an indoor/outdoor pool and then another separate outdoor pool, which was nice and warm, that was enjoyable. The room was big and spacious but the bed was uncomfortable and so were the pillows but a decent night sleep was manageable. My choice would always be the Hampton Inns.

For the most part following PT was not hard, I think I managed to keep up well and didn’t beg for bathroom breaks, thankfully the children did that for me. There was one time that was a little hairy when we left the Louisiana Welcome Center, I tried to stay behind him but as we left a big oil rig got in front of me and before I knew it Tim had taken a right onto the ramp and I continued straight when I realized this I took the next right off the highway . I was communicating with Christina after this happened and when I saw an opening in the road(an illegal one I might add, the ones the cops use to pursue offenders)I passed the first one but fortunately and with God’s grace there was another opening and I took it. Josiah was crying at this point because he thought we were lost and would never be found and we would be wandering the highways of Louisiana forever . But that was not to be the case and I tried to ease his mind but as I was trying to watch the road and hook up with my crew he was texting his mom.

After 6 texts to his dad and about 12 to his mom, he was assured that Gramma had been on many road trips before and had gotten lost and always, always eventually hooked up with her traveling crew. That being said and the reassurance of his parents he once again gained trust in his gramma and all was well, especially when we hooked up, once again with his family.

Right from the beginning of the trip I always had one of the kids with me(I did this so Tim had to watch me, after all how could he ditch one of his own?) Haha Just kidding Tim, had to say it though to make the story a little funny. Seriously taking one of the kids with me made the ride go faster for me and the kids are always so entertaining.

Well, that is pretty much the story of the trip in and of itself. The rest is just trying to get settled and get things in the right places at the apartment that the Dz’s live in. I am living in the cabin still and I did post a picture of it. I’m right up the hill from the apartment and I do see the family daily. I get online at the apartment or I go to the MC office.

The church we attend has 3 campuses. We live on the Broussard campus and there are 3 services every weekend, Saturday at 6 PM, Sunday 8 and 11 AM. The Lafayette campus has 2 services each weekend 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday. Opelousas has one service at 10 AM on Sunday (this is the newest campus). The family and I attended the Saturday night service in Lafayette and the Dz’s are attending Lafayette service this morning while I am attending the 11 AM service at Broussard campus. Confusing I know, but if you were here it would all make sense.

The weather, well the day we arrived it was overcast and cloudy, and it began to rain. It continued to rain through Saturday. Today is beautiful and sunny, I believe the temperature will be in the 90’s. It’s 4^th of July and we have been invited to a picnic at a home of the family that Jessica babysits for(she went on a trip to Orlando FL with this family). I believe this will be the beginning of a great relationship with the folks in Lafayette and Broussard, LA.

So, this week Chrissy and Tim begin their new appointment and I begin looking for a job. I will keep everyone informed of what is taking place and will continue to update you all on facebook! If anyone out there has Skype, we can video talk and it’s free!!

Father's Day 2010

Normally this would not be a topic I would find myself writing about. I had enough issues with being a proper mother and sometimes, well most of the time I was the father figure as well.
Coming from a family whose father was mostly never-present, instead of ever-present. I simply can’t relate to people who have had a normal father-daughter relationship. Then of course I met my “real” Father, the one constant in my life and that is my Father God. He never leaves me or forsakes me, He is there for me when no other can be. He is true to His word and someone I can always depend on. Psalm 9:12, 4:1,6:9, 91:1-2, 103:12.
I didn’t want to write about my relationship with my father, but I did want to talk about Father’s in general. Since today is Father’s Day, I was thinking about men and their children and then I thought I know I can write about my sons all 5 of them are Dads.
My oldest son, I know he always wanted to be a dad, he wanted to have a wife and a family, he wanted normalcy. Something which he didn’t have a lot of growing up. Being the oldest of 6 he had a lot of responsibility. I gave him a lot and little did I know during a period of time while I was in nursing school, his father gave him more than his share.
You know (and I know there are many mothers who will be reading this note), that we try to say we don’t have favorites and that is mostly true but there are some who tug at our heartstrings in very different ways. The oldest in the family whether a boy or a girl has a special place in our hearts no matter how old they get. He didn’t have a dad he could depend on, he was never the “manly” boy, he didn’t care about working on cars, hunting or fixing things. Instead he liked movies and reading, he loved people and being with friends. A lot of times he got blamed for things that wasn’t his fault, his father and him never really “bonded”.
My son wanted “normal” he wanted a family he could lather with love, he had a lot of love in his heart, but his dad just wouldn’t let him give it to him and so, he never received the kind of love and attention a boy should from his dad. He was going to change all that when he had a family and change it he did. He now has 2 boys and a girl, the last child just graduating from high school. He was a very proud dad and he adored(s)his kids so much so maybe sometimes he overgave. He was always there for his kids, he showed love in many ways. He took them places, he went to their games, he was willing to have his kids try many different sports until they found one they enjoyed and were good at. Sometimes at the expense of his sanity he gave and gave and gave. He is a single dad, having custody of his kids when the oldest was about 5, (and having a son with special needs). An unusual thing yes, but he did the job like no woman I know. He gave up things so these kids could have a life. He also educated himself while his kids were getting an education. He started out as a CNA at 15, an LPN at 18, a Nursing Home Administrator at 24, Regional Director at 30. RN at 35, BSN at 40 and finally Masters Degree at 45 and now working on Doctorate. Am I proud of this child? You better believe I am! He has done above and beyond any expectations I ever had of him~
So, today I want to take the time to say “I’m proud of my sons and their children”. I’m proud of how they parented, I’m proud of the way they love their children. And sons don’t think I’m excluding you in this note, who knows, I might write about you next year. There is just not enough space or time to write every detail about you. How dear you are to me and how much I love your children. I just felt I needed to recognize my firstborn for his accomplishments the bible says there are special blessings for the first born and I know there are many blessings in store for this one!

The Bedouin Woman, a new adventure

I named my blog The Bedouin Woman for a reason. If you have ever read it you would know the Bedouins were travelers, nomads, wanderers, and not in a bad way. That is just how they traveled. And this is my story. My newest adventure, not my life story, let’s not get the two confused.

Several years ago my son-in-law Tim, some of you know him fondly as PT, on one of my frequent visits to NJ, shocked me with a question. “When are you moving to NJ?” Huh? Where did that come from? Like I was pondering moving to NJ when I lived in Paradise(Florida). Like I wanted to come to the snow and ice and rain and my 5 grandchildren and my daughter whom I only got to see about 2-3 times a year. Hum, he did plant a seed of thought……

February 11, 2009, bags packed, car packed, truck packed and my son Douglas who so graciously said he would drive with me, took off for Vineland, NJ. Now mind you it was about 2 and a half years after that question was asked before I decided after much prayer and talking with family and my daughter and my son-in-law Tim, that the move actually took place.

I had visited Vineland, NJ many times in the 4 years that the Dzindzio’s lived here. I had visited Chestnut Assembly of God many times as well. Had met many people that attended that church, but never really kept the names of those I had met in my mind, until the next time I visited. As time went on I put faces with names and became familiar with people, for instance Lillian and Paul Baker, I had no idea they were a couple until I was here living for about 2 months. Thinking about it now, Paul is one of our greeters and Lillian is not so of course I met Paul before I met Lillian. My daughter always tried to clue me in on couples but Lillian and Paul as a couple just didn’t register until I met them together!

So, things like this were some of the interesting aspects of when I actually moved here. Keeping faces with names was a bit hard for me because there were so many. Chestnut is a BIG friendly, loving assembly of great people(I can’t tell you how much I will miss each and every one of you)!

Becoming involved in ministry didn’t take me long. I knew when I moved here it was a move from God. I felt peace and happiness here, at home and in church. Sunday School was something I wanted to attend and did attend in Florida but if I missed a class I didn’t feel bad about it, unlike here I think the only classes I missed was when I visited Florida. I love my Sunday School classes. I met a great group of people that know how to delve into the depths of the bible and grasp the things God has for us all. My Sunday School class, and I will name them all here because they all mean so much to me! Caroline and Sam, Thomi, Dale, Dianne, Alyce, Chris, Betty, Refes and Betty, Joanne and new comers Jim and Tony. The grand poopa’s of the group, the leaders and therefore deserve special recognition are Steve and Charles. You guys are the bomb of Sunday School, between the side bars(Charles) and the gatherings, party’s and social activities(Steve)you ROCK!!! Thank you all for making my Sunday School experience memorable, Spiritual and amazing. I can’t make my focus on Sunday School strictly social I need to say that the learning experience and the insights brought by each and every member of the class was something I will never forget. Our leaders were knowledgeable and insightful into the Scriptures we had a lot of very interesting debates.

Right from the beginning I felt like a part of Chestnut Assembly and I felt I fit in. In no time I was involved in a woman’s bible study, Kingdom Woman at Tiffany Corson’s home the facilitator was Dr. Mary Ann DiOrio. Then I facilitated a bible study at my home Women of the Bible. It was a very busy and spiritually fulfilling time. Six women who attended the Kingdom Women bible study continued on when Mary Ann moved to another area, we continued with Captivating series with Lillian Baker facilitating and me assisting her. Iris, Tiffany, Alyce, Elaine, Shannon, Lillian and myself, made up the group. Shannon became pregnant with her first child and we called her our Kingdom baby, Ivianna was born a few months before our class came to an end, that was a bitter sweet moment(the class ending, not the birth of our Ivianna!) as well, but we managed to gather ourselves together for a Tea, with sandwiches and chocolate!! Chocolate was always a staple at our women’s studies.

The above captioning is just a small look into my life here in Vineland, NJ and at Chestnut Assembly of God. I could say so much more about all the relationships developed during my time here but you all who have been a part of my life know exactly who you are. The groups who went to the Tabernacle, the trips to Amish country, Sight and Sound, the lunches, the dinners, Tim Hawkins show, so on and so forth. I think I have lived 2 lifetimes in the 16 months that I’ve lived here.

I knew right from the beginning that living with a family that has a heart for ministry, a move is inevitable. When God moves, you move. I just didn’t think it would happen so quickly. Yes, I did think about staying on here in Vineland, in fact I looked at senior housing but it just wasn’t in God’s plan, I realized that after I started praying for God’s will in my life. Things didn’t work out for the senior housing either. I came here to be with my family, why would I want them to move on without me? As much as I love you all, I need to be with my family.

That being said, I’m on to my next new adventure. Yes, that is exactly what I consider it an adventure. God never ceases to amaze me with what He gives us to do and He provides the desire to do it. I have always loved road trips, he has put that adventurous spirit within me and I am glad He did! When living in Florida we took many road trips, mostly to North Carolina where I have a son and his family living. It was always a great time visiting him and I traveled with another son and his family and my grandson would video tape the trip to and from and then put it together with music, what a funny video that turned out to be. Another time we all took a trip to Tennessee for a family reunion with 5 dogs,11 adults and 15 children, yes that was the greatest adventure of all!

Just to throw this in, most of you know I am an LPN, so getting my license in different states takes patience and money. I’m licensed in NY, MA, FL, NC and NJ, now I’m thinking, do I really want to go through all that hassle getting another license? Yes, I guess I do, if I want to eat, the bible says if one doesn’t work one doesn’t eat!!

My friends and I call you that because that is exactly what you all are, my dear, dear friends, my heart aches as I write this blog. I write it because I wanted each and every one of you to know how much you have impacted my life. I will never, ever forget you and what you have brought into my life.

I will not say “good-bye”, because it’s too permanent and I know that I will be seeing you again as you visit us in LA and we visit you here in NJ, so to you I say, so-long until we meet again.

Your “forever” friend,

Marion