I am in this season of change. I am moving closer to being the girl God wants me to be and it's the hardest thing ever, laying down the baggage of the past and picking up the habits of the King. I don't know if you know this or not but God is high maintenance! Loving Him is hard work...but it's also the best 'work' I have ever done. I don't know how I went so long without that personal relationship with him. I can't imagine not talking with Him daily anymore.
The other day, I was reading in Psalms and I came a cross a verse which just matched how I was feeling. I was surprise and pleased...He knew how I was going to feel on this day way in advance. He prepared my eyes to see this verse in this one moment. I felt like He was waiting for me. I often feel like He is waiting for me. In the past, I have felt guilty for this, Especially when He has to tell me something many times (many many many times). Now I just feel loved.
While God may be high maintenance and require an effort to know him on our part, He also love us with a High maintenance love. He loves us beyond our screw ups and mess ups. He loves us even without us loving him. He will bring together all of humanity and time to win the heart of one of his children. He constantly waits for us because he has prepared the steps ahead for us. He nudges or provokes us until we are in the one spot where he can reach us. While he is ahead preparing our way to him, he is also walking beside us in our journey.
It's the Highest Maintenance Love that can be found. It was there before our world was created and will be there always. I am so grateful for it. I never want to stop being surprised and pleased by His Love.
"We’re ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. As sure as dawn breaks, so sure is his daily arrival. He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground.” Hosea 6:3
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Waiting with random thoughts
I Am trying to start working. Restarting my computer for the third time. Just thinking about the hope of the day.
I enjoyed last night, sitting around talking with friends and watching a bad movie. Making fun of each other in a joyful way, in the way only people who love you can.
I was laughing yesterday at a patient. She's 90 and went to open her bedroom window and told me "I will open my window now, I have the correct technology for that." Then she noticed I had to take her vitals and she needed to stand still, she said it again "I have the right technology for that." I said yes her two feet. She thought that was funny. This is the same lady who tells me " Don't pick up any naked hitchhikers or take any wooden nickels." Both of which seem self evident.
Oh the funny stories I hear when I am working. Speaking of which I better get back to work now that my computer has finished restarting for the third time.
Thanks for listening to the random thoughts of Aimee Lu.
I enjoyed last night, sitting around talking with friends and watching a bad movie. Making fun of each other in a joyful way, in the way only people who love you can.
I was laughing yesterday at a patient. She's 90 and went to open her bedroom window and told me "I will open my window now, I have the correct technology for that." Then she noticed I had to take her vitals and she needed to stand still, she said it again "I have the right technology for that." I said yes her two feet. She thought that was funny. This is the same lady who tells me " Don't pick up any naked hitchhikers or take any wooden nickels." Both of which seem self evident.
Oh the funny stories I hear when I am working. Speaking of which I better get back to work now that my computer has finished restarting for the third time.
Thanks for listening to the random thoughts of Aimee Lu.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Loving by Faith-Teaching by Braille
I love what I do. I really truly mean that. I love being a nurse and taking care of people. I love the physical labor of caring for someone who can't care for themselves. There is beauty in it. Wither its taking care of a wound or teaching a five year old about his diabetes or wiping a bottom on the old and the frail, it's the everyday thing that says "You are caring for one of God's children. You are His hands." It's a privilege and joy even on the hard days.
While I love this job, my true joy comes in a classroom of special needs children every Sunday morning. They are the broken (truth be told, we are all broken just like them but their brokenness doesn't fit in the realm of what is culturally normal or accepted). Some are physically disabled, some are developmentally disabled, some are socially disabled (meaning they don't know how to act around other people) and some are all three. I was asked why I have patience with these kids. I don't know. God has called me to love them for Him. I don't understand it but I will accept it and follow where he has led me. My heart leaps with the Joy He has provided me with these kids.
I often say in my class that it's our job to remember the blessings will always out weigh the challenges. I believe these kids aren't just here so their parents can get fed. They are here in our church because they are an important integral part of our church body. God has called them to be in our family and as such we will love them as He has asked.
Every child should have the word of God in their lives, even if you don't think they understand it, or even hear it. I believe God is bigger than what I can see and His words of love have power and strength in them. I don't want to stand in the way. Jesus is for everyone. I am not a filter for Jesus. I can’t just simply say we love you without also sharing the same words God has given you and me. We are here to share His love- all of it. I call this Teaching by Braille as I usually feel pretty blind in how I am going to reach them, but I ask the Lord to lead and I step out in faith. Most days I feel like I have failed but I continue to believe the Holy Spirit will work in their lives. I may never see how that happens but I will trust the Lord knows how. This has strengthened my faith in so many ways.
This summer we had been talking about creation. I don't have big lesson plans or stories. I am happy some Sundays when they make eye contact. Sometimes there are those who can participate in the story, but most of the time, these kids can’t. Some can’t speak or hear or see or understand or remember what I said five minutes before; I remember though their bodies and souls are broken, their spirit isn’t and just like you and me their spirit needs to be feed too. Nothing is too big for the Holy Spirit; no diagnosis, no disability, no challenge.
As I shared the story of creation, I simply focused on: God created everything, God created them, God loves them, and we love them. I believe in a God who doesn't make mistakes and these kids are not mistakes. Maybe their disabilities are consequences of living in a fallen world but they are not mistakes. They are children who are made in God's image. Our verse this summer echoes the love He feels for these kids:
God saw what He had made; and it was good, so very good.
Genesis 1:31-
God created them and he loves them and while I don't understand why they are made the way they are, I know His plan and purpose is beyond perfect:
It’s good, so very good!
As I am called to love like His Son, I get the privilege of celebrating these magnificent children of the creator of the universe.
Let me encourage you tonight to love big.
Love Big and the Lord will provide.
Love by faith and the Lord will lead.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Monkey Toots and other compliments
Yep, folks, I said it "Monkey Toots" and it's a compliment, trust me:
In February, my church honored me with an award for following one of our core values: loving. I have spent the last five years serving in a special needs Sunday school classroom. When I first started, we had eight kids and now we currently have 25 kids and 23 families. I was told I deserved it and I am doing a wonderful job "pastoring" these kids. It was a sweet award and I am grateful for it and the support from my church family. I felt encouraged to continue to Love like Jesus. And while this is more than enough, God continues to encourage me. Here are three compliments which stand out:
The first was when two woman who I respect tell me "Aimee, you are such a light in this world." In a time where I am struggling, it is good to know the light of Jesus always shines through. My God conquers all!
The second came when one of our kids came in the class and says "Aimee, you're my best friend and I brought you a surprise." Then hands me a kit-kat bar. I am so in love with her. She calls me a friend and gives me chocolate. Who wouldn't be in love? Her mother also said "my family is so sweet." and when I agreed, she said "No, I am talking about you." I wanted to weep with joy. My God is magnificent!
The 3rd came in the form of two little boys who thought they were up to no good. Last weekend I took Isaac, a 14 year old boy with down syndrome and Dalton, a 10 year old boy with multiple physical and developmental issues, bowling. I have known Dalton for 7 years now, I started out as a nurse and ended up as a part of the family. In the past year, I have gotten to take him for a weekend once a month or so and just spend some time with him. He thinks it's just for him but truth be told, I think I have as much fun as he does.
He had asked all weekend if we could go bowling with Isaac and I kept saying "we'll see." Then Sunday, he asked Isaac's mom, she was swamped at home and thought she would pass. I said I would take the boys and her and her husband could get some stuff done at home. We went to a small place near my house. Ordered pizza and bowled a few frames. They had a blast. It didn't matter if they would hit the pins or throw the ball in the wrong lane (seriously, this happened twice). You could hear them from any part of the bowling alley. They cheered themselves on, they cheered for the kid on one side or the group of twenty somethings on the other side and they cheered for me. They cheered for me the loudest; All I had to do was stand up there and drop the ball and they were yelling "Yahoo! Good Job Aimee! Way to Go!" They did a little dance when I bowled a strike. One woman came up to me asked how I knew them because these kids adored me. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.
On the way home, they were making animal noises in the back seat. I would guess what kind of animals I had...I think I hear elephants...I think I hear cows...I think I hear monkeys. Then I made the mistake of saying "I think I smell monkeys in the back seat." They thought that was hilarious. Isaac told me "Aimee, you smell like a dog." I was trying not to laugh as I pretended to be flabbergasted by this. They were giving each other high fives in the backseat and snorting with laughter. I asked if I couldn't smell like cupcakes instead or cotton candy or chocolate (or other food words that start with a c) but they said no and tried to out do each other in telling me what I smell like. Dalton says "You smell like a camel." High-five. Isaac says "You smell like a lion." Another high-five. Dalton again, "You smell like a monkey." Now they have moved on to fist bumps.
Then Isaac says the grand daddy of them all, "Aimee, you smell like monkey toots."
I almost snorted in laughter. It was hard to keep a straight face. After we dropped Isaac home, I told Dalton I couldn't believe they had said I smell like monkey toots. And Dalton in all seriousness, tells me "Aimee, it's a compliment, it's a compliment in our heads."
In February, my church honored me with an award for following one of our core values: loving. I have spent the last five years serving in a special needs Sunday school classroom. When I first started, we had eight kids and now we currently have 25 kids and 23 families. I was told I deserved it and I am doing a wonderful job "pastoring" these kids. It was a sweet award and I am grateful for it and the support from my church family. I felt encouraged to continue to Love like Jesus. And while this is more than enough, God continues to encourage me. Here are three compliments which stand out:
The first was when two woman who I respect tell me "Aimee, you are such a light in this world." In a time where I am struggling, it is good to know the light of Jesus always shines through. My God conquers all!
The second came when one of our kids came in the class and says "Aimee, you're my best friend and I brought you a surprise." Then hands me a kit-kat bar. I am so in love with her. She calls me a friend and gives me chocolate. Who wouldn't be in love? Her mother also said "my family is so sweet." and when I agreed, she said "No, I am talking about you." I wanted to weep with joy. My God is magnificent!
The 3rd came in the form of two little boys who thought they were up to no good. Last weekend I took Isaac, a 14 year old boy with down syndrome and Dalton, a 10 year old boy with multiple physical and developmental issues, bowling. I have known Dalton for 7 years now, I started out as a nurse and ended up as a part of the family. In the past year, I have gotten to take him for a weekend once a month or so and just spend some time with him. He thinks it's just for him but truth be told, I think I have as much fun as he does.
He had asked all weekend if we could go bowling with Isaac and I kept saying "we'll see." Then Sunday, he asked Isaac's mom, she was swamped at home and thought she would pass. I said I would take the boys and her and her husband could get some stuff done at home. We went to a small place near my house. Ordered pizza and bowled a few frames. They had a blast. It didn't matter if they would hit the pins or throw the ball in the wrong lane (seriously, this happened twice). You could hear them from any part of the bowling alley. They cheered themselves on, they cheered for the kid on one side or the group of twenty somethings on the other side and they cheered for me. They cheered for me the loudest; All I had to do was stand up there and drop the ball and they were yelling "Yahoo! Good Job Aimee! Way to Go!" They did a little dance when I bowled a strike. One woman came up to me asked how I knew them because these kids adored me. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.
On the way home, they were making animal noises in the back seat. I would guess what kind of animals I had...I think I hear elephants...I think I hear cows...I think I hear monkeys. Then I made the mistake of saying "I think I smell monkeys in the back seat." They thought that was hilarious. Isaac told me "Aimee, you smell like a dog." I was trying not to laugh as I pretended to be flabbergasted by this. They were giving each other high fives in the backseat and snorting with laughter. I asked if I couldn't smell like cupcakes instead or cotton candy or chocolate (or other food words that start with a c) but they said no and tried to out do each other in telling me what I smell like. Dalton says "You smell like a camel." High-five. Isaac says "You smell like a lion." Another high-five. Dalton again, "You smell like a monkey." Now they have moved on to fist bumps.
Then Isaac says the grand daddy of them all, "Aimee, you smell like monkey toots."
I almost snorted in laughter. It was hard to keep a straight face. After we dropped Isaac home, I told Dalton I couldn't believe they had said I smell like monkey toots. And Dalton in all seriousness, tells me "Aimee, it's a compliment, it's a compliment in our heads."
Apparently, God has a sense of humor because this is my love language: 2 little boys telling me I smell like horrible animal bi-products and it's a compliment.
My God loves me! I am reminded of Psalm 23: My cup over flows. Tonight my heart over flows.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Falling in Love with the Fashionably Southern
Today, I had a random memory of the first time I saw Gone with The Wind come to me. It made me smile and think of my grandmother. I was a preteen and the summer before I had spent it between my grandparents and aunts and uncles. I remember my Grandmother Buzzard loves Gone with the Wind and had purchased my first copy for me, then insisted on reading it first to make sure it was "correct."
I fell in love with the fashionably southern times of Margaret Mitchell's world. I laughed and cried along with Scarlet and both loved and hated her as many of her admirers did. The next winter when my grandparents came to visit, I watched the movie for the first time with my grandmother. We were in between baking, as I remember, so we had to use the up-stairs television (We were always in between baking as that is what we do when we are together. Us, Midwesterners, bake in the winter as we can not leave the house, too much snow, so a four hour movie is right up our alley).
Now don't think the up-stairs television makes us fancy people...it was 13in black and white garage sale find with rabbit-ears and tin foil. We use to play Atari on it (yep, space invaders and froggers...maybe we were fancy folks). Anyway, I am grateful for that black and white TV as it is truly the only reason I remember watching the movie for the first time.
There is the famous scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlet broke and desperate to save Tara after the war, must go to town and wrangler her up some money or a husband or two. She has to humble herself again in front of Rhett Butler and she will be darn if she will go in rags so she cuts up her momma's good curtains. Watching on black and white, you don't see the lushness of the green and gold that was meant to be the fabric, the evidence of a once wealth family and the only reason I remember the curtains are green and gold was my grandmother described the color to me as the green of a field and the gold of corn husk. As we filled the house with the smells of cinnamon rolls and Christmas, she told me the story of her and grandpa going to see it in the movie theaters. I never loved Scarlet O'Hara more than at that time.
A sweet memory...one I will keep for a long time. I love you Grandma Buzzard.
I fell in love with the fashionably southern times of Margaret Mitchell's world. I laughed and cried along with Scarlet and both loved and hated her as many of her admirers did. The next winter when my grandparents came to visit, I watched the movie for the first time with my grandmother. We were in between baking, as I remember, so we had to use the up-stairs television (We were always in between baking as that is what we do when we are together. Us, Midwesterners, bake in the winter as we can not leave the house, too much snow, so a four hour movie is right up our alley).
Now don't think the up-stairs television makes us fancy people...it was 13in black and white garage sale find with rabbit-ears and tin foil. We use to play Atari on it (yep, space invaders and froggers...maybe we were fancy folks). Anyway, I am grateful for that black and white TV as it is truly the only reason I remember watching the movie for the first time.
There is the famous scene in Gone with the Wind where Scarlet broke and desperate to save Tara after the war, must go to town and wrangler her up some money or a husband or two. She has to humble herself again in front of Rhett Butler and she will be darn if she will go in rags so she cuts up her momma's good curtains. Watching on black and white, you don't see the lushness of the green and gold that was meant to be the fabric, the evidence of a once wealth family and the only reason I remember the curtains are green and gold was my grandmother described the color to me as the green of a field and the gold of corn husk. As we filled the house with the smells of cinnamon rolls and Christmas, she told me the story of her and grandpa going to see it in the movie theaters. I never loved Scarlet O'Hara more than at that time.
A sweet memory...one I will keep for a long time. I love you Grandma Buzzard.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Word Art or Translation part 2
I began by rewriting a famous Psalm and ended up with an art piece. All along it felt like worship. God speaks in so many ways. How amazing!
I once said when first reading the Message that I couldn't imagine being bold enough to attempt to 'rewrite' God's words...I need to be more careful what I say. Here I am spending the evening with a personal translation from the Lord. What freedom there is in His unending Love!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Translation
Psalm 23
A David Psalm
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Psalm 23
An Aimee Song
My prayer for tonight:
God, my constant provider! I don't need a thing.
You have put me to rest in the bed of your arms,
you find me quiet times to fill my thirst.
True to your promises, you let me catch my breath
and correct the direction of my heart.
Even when the path to bring me closer to you
leads me through darkness,
I'm not afraid when you walk me through it.
Your love draws me in and makes me feel secure.
You care for my needs beyond my imagination
even in front of those who do me harm.
You revive my broken heart;
my life brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day, every hour, every moment of my life.
I'm where I belong,
home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
A David Psalm
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Psalm 23
An Aimee Song
My prayer for tonight:
God, my constant provider! I don't need a thing.
You have put me to rest in the bed of your arms,
you find me quiet times to fill my thirst.
True to your promises, you let me catch my breath
and correct the direction of my heart.
Even when the path to bring me closer to you
leads me through darkness,
I'm not afraid when you walk me through it.
Your love draws me in and makes me feel secure.
You care for my needs beyond my imagination
even in front of those who do me harm.
You revive my broken heart;
my life brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day, every hour, every moment of my life.
I'm where I belong,
home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Getting lost in the In-Between
The serpent told the Woman, "You won't die.
God knows that the moment you eat from that tree,
you'll see what's really going on. You'll be
just like God, knowing everything, ranging
all the way from good to evil."
Genesis 3:4-5
The other day, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulder. Seeing sick people, weeping for those who are hurting, caring for those around me. Sometimes I am too capable for my own good (sigh). I know God didn't create me to bare that burden. It is his and his alone but many times I forget and get lost in the heartache that surrounds us.
The deception Satan sometimes traps me in is that gray area where I am able to take care for so many things that I forget that total reliance on God which he calls us to be in ALL THE TIME. I tend to call out to God in despiration at the bottom of the bottom or praise on top of the mountain. But when I am in the hurry of my day or week or moment, I will many times think to myself "I have to do this and this and this." And lately I am finding God say where am in I in that list? I am not talking about spending time in the word or pray, I am talking about the constant list of things we have to-do.
Does He really care what kind of toothpaste I brush my teeth with or what I am cooking for dinner or the never-ending little decisions I chose that make up my day?
My God wants every detail of my life. He has provided for it. While I want to be what he wants me to be, I am struggling with this.
Seek the Kingdom of God
above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
He pays even greater attention to you,
down to the last detail—even numbering
the hairs on your head!
Matthew 10:30
I know eventually he will provide me with way to move my head knowledge to my heart knowledge but this is where I am now. Struggling, getting lost in the in-between of the day to day. Learning how to be less capable.
Lord,
I'll wait for you.
I am counting on you.
Aimee
God knows that the moment you eat from that tree,
you'll see what's really going on. You'll be
just like God, knowing everything, ranging
all the way from good to evil."
Genesis 3:4-5
The other day, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulder. Seeing sick people, weeping for those who are hurting, caring for those around me. Sometimes I am too capable for my own good (sigh). I know God didn't create me to bare that burden. It is his and his alone but many times I forget and get lost in the heartache that surrounds us.
The deception Satan sometimes traps me in is that gray area where I am able to take care for so many things that I forget that total reliance on God which he calls us to be in ALL THE TIME. I tend to call out to God in despiration at the bottom of the bottom or praise on top of the mountain. But when I am in the hurry of my day or week or moment, I will many times think to myself "I have to do this and this and this." And lately I am finding God say where am in I in that list? I am not talking about spending time in the word or pray, I am talking about the constant list of things we have to-do.
Does He really care what kind of toothpaste I brush my teeth with or what I am cooking for dinner or the never-ending little decisions I chose that make up my day?
My God wants every detail of my life. He has provided for it. While I want to be what he wants me to be, I am struggling with this.
Seek the Kingdom of God
above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
He pays even greater attention to you,
down to the last detail—even numbering
the hairs on your head!
Matthew 10:30
I know eventually he will provide me with way to move my head knowledge to my heart knowledge but this is where I am now. Struggling, getting lost in the in-between of the day to day. Learning how to be less capable.
Lord,
I'll wait for you.
I am counting on you.
Aimee
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bragging on Jesus
I just wanted to share how fabulous my Sunday was and it really was all because of Jesus. I am so broken right now, emotionally, spiritually, physically; I am just spent from the last several months and add Kids Camp last week, you can add exhaustion and an twisted knee. I wouldn't have gotten through today without Jesus on my side or rather one step ahead of me.
Here is a list of how I saw him move:
1. Slept in until 9:25 but managed to make it to church by 9:45, before parents and kids.
2. My 2 volunteers at the 10 o'clock service were early.
3. I had an extra volunteer show up which was greatly needed with 5 kids and one of our girls was off her meds.
4. The girl off her meds had a good morning, without major meltdowns.
5. The parent volunteer who starting helping in the class was amazing and is willing to help again.
6. We had the best giggles and when it was time to leave, one of our kids goes "I want to stay here forever."
7. The new volunteer starting at the 11:30 service, showed up 30mins early, walked in and without needing much directions, starting playing with kids, no hesitation or fear.
8. The new volunteer managed to get one of our most challenging kids to play with him. This kid usually plays only by himself, we have not been able to get him to engage easily and many times when he does, the play turns destructive. Not today.
9. This kid finally made it all the way through worship. Kids worship is only 3 songs but he has not been able to stay in the room for the whole time. This has been a 5 month long process which today we had success.
10. This kid also made it through story time without losing it.
11. We were finally able to transition one of our kids into the 3s classroom without a problem for the first time. I was even able to leave after 30mins and then got a 25min break to be able to chat and talk with friends.
12. I was watching one of our kids who never smiles, crack a smile and when I pointed it out to his mom that he was smiling, instead of stopping and denying he was smiling like he would normally do, he cracks up giggling. As he left, we heard the whole family laughing down the hall. It was a great moment.
OK as I am writing this I am shaking my head because even I don't believe this list...but it goes on.
13. I had one of my favorite volunteers and my dear friend show up to say hi. She is taking a 6 month break which may turn out to be a permanent break and the Lord is preparing my heart for what my head already knows. I was so excited to see her. I hugged her and started crying, then she starting crying. Her husband had to walk down the hallway because we were making a fool of ourselves. But it was fabulous.
14. I heard a major praise report from a parent and I am so thankful to hear a prayer answered in a big way from the Lord.
15. The new volunteer asked if he could come back every Sunday.
16. The new (most amazing) volunteer offered to take over vacuuming my classroom every week.
17. The new (super most amazing) volunteer insisted on helping me unload my car from all the camp stuff.
18. The new (gift from God super most amazing) volunteer on the second trip from unloading my car from all the camp stuff, told me "Thanks for letting me serve. I have a servant's heart and it's great to have the opportunity."
Seriously, I am not making this up. It will probably go on "the top 10 moments of my ministry time" list and it goes on.
19. Susan Boucard had a word for me that was tremendous. Thank you.
20. Caroline Foster lead evening worship. Caroline never leads evening worship. It was amazing and I am pretty sure she was there just for me.
21. MaryAnn Cates...need I say more.
22. I received two unexpected Thank yous. They are always nice to hear.
This was truly the most incredible day from my most incredible Savior. To add to all of this, I had a good hair day and managed a nap. I just wanted to share and brag on Jesus a little.
Love Aimee
Here is a list of how I saw him move:
1. Slept in until 9:25 but managed to make it to church by 9:45, before parents and kids.
2. My 2 volunteers at the 10 o'clock service were early.
3. I had an extra volunteer show up which was greatly needed with 5 kids and one of our girls was off her meds.
4. The girl off her meds had a good morning, without major meltdowns.
5. The parent volunteer who starting helping in the class was amazing and is willing to help again.
6. We had the best giggles and when it was time to leave, one of our kids goes "I want to stay here forever."
7. The new volunteer starting at the 11:30 service, showed up 30mins early, walked in and without needing much directions, starting playing with kids, no hesitation or fear.
8. The new volunteer managed to get one of our most challenging kids to play with him. This kid usually plays only by himself, we have not been able to get him to engage easily and many times when he does, the play turns destructive. Not today.
9. This kid finally made it all the way through worship. Kids worship is only 3 songs but he has not been able to stay in the room for the whole time. This has been a 5 month long process which today we had success.
10. This kid also made it through story time without losing it.
11. We were finally able to transition one of our kids into the 3s classroom without a problem for the first time. I was even able to leave after 30mins and then got a 25min break to be able to chat and talk with friends.
12. I was watching one of our kids who never smiles, crack a smile and when I pointed it out to his mom that he was smiling, instead of stopping and denying he was smiling like he would normally do, he cracks up giggling. As he left, we heard the whole family laughing down the hall. It was a great moment.
OK as I am writing this I am shaking my head because even I don't believe this list...but it goes on.
13. I had one of my favorite volunteers and my dear friend show up to say hi. She is taking a 6 month break which may turn out to be a permanent break and the Lord is preparing my heart for what my head already knows. I was so excited to see her. I hugged her and started crying, then she starting crying. Her husband had to walk down the hallway because we were making a fool of ourselves. But it was fabulous.
14. I heard a major praise report from a parent and I am so thankful to hear a prayer answered in a big way from the Lord.
15. The new volunteer asked if he could come back every Sunday.
16. The new (most amazing) volunteer offered to take over vacuuming my classroom every week.
17. The new (super most amazing) volunteer insisted on helping me unload my car from all the camp stuff.
18. The new (gift from God super most amazing) volunteer on the second trip from unloading my car from all the camp stuff, told me "Thanks for letting me serve. I have a servant's heart and it's great to have the opportunity."
Seriously, I am not making this up. It will probably go on "the top 10 moments of my ministry time" list and it goes on.
19. Susan Boucard had a word for me that was tremendous. Thank you.
20. Caroline Foster lead evening worship. Caroline never leads evening worship. It was amazing and I am pretty sure she was there just for me.
21. MaryAnn Cates...need I say more.
22. I received two unexpected Thank yous. They are always nice to hear.
This was truly the most incredible day from my most incredible Savior. To add to all of this, I had a good hair day and managed a nap. I just wanted to share and brag on Jesus a little.
Love Aimee
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