I had such a wonderful "job" last night! I consulted with a local Christian School and led them through a problem solving process. We started with me reading the lyrics of the song "Through It All." Then, I changed all of the pronouns from I to We and read it again. The Lord truly blessed. I'm sure the ole devil wanted to stick his big, fat, ugly self into our gathering, but I prayed that Jesus bind him and not let him have access to our meeting, our minds, and our actions. And he didn't! How wonderful! There was such a sweet spirit of collaboration and teamwork as we worked through the process. Now, the group has to put feet to the fire and move forward with some definite action steps. But, with God's help, I know that they will succeed.
Here are the words to this song. Read them through; sing the song; plant those words deep in your heart. They are so true!
Through It All *
I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong
I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
Cause if I never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word
* Words and music by Andrae Crouch
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
2012 Olympics
Stayed up and watched the opening to the Olympics last night. I thought it was awesome! It was certainly different than last year's opening, but was every bit as good in its own way. I can't even begin to fathom the imagination, work, and volunteerism that went into that event! It was something like four hours long!!! And I loved the opening with the Queen and James Bond! Way cool. She looks so stern, but I'll bet she had a ball doing that! It's not everyday that a woman gets to be one of Bond's girls!!!! I heard she may play Miss MoneyPenny in an upcoming remake... :)
I saw several posts on Facebook complaining that the event was boring. One person indicated she had plenty of time to pay her bills while watching. I didn't even want to leave to go to the bathroom for fear that I'd miss a part of it. Each to their own, I guess.
Worked reception at the MTEC today. It was a slow day. Took some sweet corn down to Brandon and the kids. They'll love that! Cooked some beets out of my garden. Kids love those too! In fact, there isn't much they don't like. And, it seems as though I've got tons of cherry tomatoes. The tray of four plants that I purchased said they were Best Boy (or something like that), certainly not the itty bitty ones, but that's what's appearing on those big, luscious plants out there! Caleigh Lynn just inhales them though. The others can take or leave them. I have no problem popping them into my mouth like candy either!
Okay, think I need to hit the hay soon. Tomorrow is the Lord's Day and I need to be up early for church. Well, I'm not sure early is the right word, seeing as Sunday School doesn't start until 9:45 a.m. But, we have a missions candidate and his family tomorrow ... several children, I believe. I'll need to be extra prepared with things for them to do as I teach Junior Church during the Worship Service tomorrow.
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
I saw several posts on Facebook complaining that the event was boring. One person indicated she had plenty of time to pay her bills while watching. I didn't even want to leave to go to the bathroom for fear that I'd miss a part of it. Each to their own, I guess.
Worked reception at the MTEC today. It was a slow day. Took some sweet corn down to Brandon and the kids. They'll love that! Cooked some beets out of my garden. Kids love those too! In fact, there isn't much they don't like. And, it seems as though I've got tons of cherry tomatoes. The tray of four plants that I purchased said they were Best Boy (or something like that), certainly not the itty bitty ones, but that's what's appearing on those big, luscious plants out there! Caleigh Lynn just inhales them though. The others can take or leave them. I have no problem popping them into my mouth like candy either!
Okay, think I need to hit the hay soon. Tomorrow is the Lord's Day and I need to be up early for church. Well, I'm not sure early is the right word, seeing as Sunday School doesn't start until 9:45 a.m. But, we have a missions candidate and his family tomorrow ... several children, I believe. I'll need to be extra prepared with things for them to do as I teach Junior Church during the Worship Service tomorrow.
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
Thursday, July 26, 2012
God is able!
God is able. GOD is able. God IS able. God is ABLE. Yes, most certainly, GOD IS ABLE1 And if you think that my capital letters are indicating that I'm shouting, well yes, I definitely am.
I heard some upsetting news earlier today and immediately started wondering, now what? What can we do? What can I do? A few minutes later as I was scrolling through some computer pages, there was a post that said "God is able." Does God speak to us? Yes, He does and He spoke very loudly and clearly to me at that moment to let me know that He knows what is happening, He has a plan, and He is able to do more than I can think or imagine. Yes, God is able!
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" ~~ Ephesians 3:20
So, what can we do? What can I do? We are called to be faithful and trust God for all things. So, I will pray, trust, and obey. And leave the rest to God.
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne Wood
I heard some upsetting news earlier today and immediately started wondering, now what? What can we do? What can I do? A few minutes later as I was scrolling through some computer pages, there was a post that said "God is able." Does God speak to us? Yes, He does and He spoke very loudly and clearly to me at that moment to let me know that He knows what is happening, He has a plan, and He is able to do more than I can think or imagine. Yes, God is able!
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" ~~ Ephesians 3:20
So, what can we do? What can I do? We are called to be faithful and trust God for all things. So, I will pray, trust, and obey. And leave the rest to God.
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne Wood
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Singing in the Rain
Boy, do we need rain! Storms are just north of us; don't know if they'll get down this far or not. It's almost midnight and yet feels like a sauna outside! The air is so close, you can hardly breathe. John went to the garden with the kids tonight and dug several hills of russet potatoes and some beets. The potatoes weren't very big; didn't get enough water. But it sure didn't stop us from enjoying them for supper! The kids think that's so great that they get to eat what they helped with!
I am so blessed to have these grandkids, even though they drive me to distraction most of the time! They are good kids. Annabelle Ruthmarie is 7 and entering the third grade this fall. She has been attending Threshold Academy southeast of Belding since kindergarten, but will now be going to Cedar Springs where her Daddy went to school. She'll be 8 on November 10. She's somewhat of a tomboy, always helping Daddy and Papa.
Brandson is 4 and will be 5 on November 11. He'll start kindergarten at Cedar this fall and is really excited about it. He looks just like his Daddy did at that age. And he's a flirt! Caleigh Lynn is 3, turning 4 on January 18. She is just as blonde as can be and has a stubborn streak longer than you could imagine! Boy, is that girl ever strong-willed! Finally, Donna Jo is 1 and will be 2 on January 28. She's the redhead, well more auburn than red. She's pretty laid back most of the time, but is learning to experiment with throwing tantrums. I think she's finding that doesn't get her very far though.
We truly love these little monsters! Papa doesn't have a lot of patience and gets after them pretty good some of the time, but they always climb up on his lap later and smother him with hugs and kisses. Tonight, Anna told him that his beard gets caught in her hair! That was funny. Grammie is the pushover! Oh, how I love those children!!! And to think, I didn't like the idea of having the little rugrats around. I've always gotten uptight with little ones around. In fact, the babies in the nursery at church would sense it in me when I would do nursery duty and they'd just cry. Now, I can take most any baby and put it to sleep in no time. Hmm. Does that mean I'm boring? Or that I'm truly a grandma?
Well, it's finally starting to rain; sounds like it's coming down pretty good. We're getting some good lightening and thunder right now. I absolutely love storms! So, think I'll wind this down for tonight and go outside and sit on the porch and enjoy God's lightshow!
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
I am so blessed to have these grandkids, even though they drive me to distraction most of the time! They are good kids. Annabelle Ruthmarie is 7 and entering the third grade this fall. She has been attending Threshold Academy southeast of Belding since kindergarten, but will now be going to Cedar Springs where her Daddy went to school. She'll be 8 on November 10. She's somewhat of a tomboy, always helping Daddy and Papa.
Brandson is 4 and will be 5 on November 11. He'll start kindergarten at Cedar this fall and is really excited about it. He looks just like his Daddy did at that age. And he's a flirt! Caleigh Lynn is 3, turning 4 on January 18. She is just as blonde as can be and has a stubborn streak longer than you could imagine! Boy, is that girl ever strong-willed! Finally, Donna Jo is 1 and will be 2 on January 28. She's the redhead, well more auburn than red. She's pretty laid back most of the time, but is learning to experiment with throwing tantrums. I think she's finding that doesn't get her very far though.
We truly love these little monsters! Papa doesn't have a lot of patience and gets after them pretty good some of the time, but they always climb up on his lap later and smother him with hugs and kisses. Tonight, Anna told him that his beard gets caught in her hair! That was funny. Grammie is the pushover! Oh, how I love those children!!! And to think, I didn't like the idea of having the little rugrats around. I've always gotten uptight with little ones around. In fact, the babies in the nursery at church would sense it in me when I would do nursery duty and they'd just cry. Now, I can take most any baby and put it to sleep in no time. Hmm. Does that mean I'm boring? Or that I'm truly a grandma?
Well, it's finally starting to rain; sounds like it's coming down pretty good. We're getting some good lightening and thunder right now. I absolutely love storms! So, think I'll wind this down for tonight and go outside and sit on the porch and enjoy God's lightshow!
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile." ~~ copied
Yes, that's how I try to live my life everyday. I want people to see God in me. There is an old saying that "you may be the only Bible someone ever reads." I want to them to be able to read me loud and clear! Help me Lord to shine my light so that others see You in me!
Well, I just got home from teaching one of my evening classes. On the way home, I noticed a crescent moon in the sky. Seeing the moon, no matter what stage it's at, always reminds me of a poem my Mamma taught me when I was three years old. I've never heard anyone else repeat it. I don't know where she learned it from. So, here goes ...
The man in the moon as he sailed the skies
was a very remarkable skipper.
But he made a mistake when he tried to take
a drink of milk from the dipper.
He dipped right in to the Milky Way,
And slowly and carefully, he filled it.
The big bear growled!
The little bear howled!
And scared him so he spilled it!
I used to say that to Brandon when he was little and now to my grandkids. They love it because I get a deep growly voice for the big bear and a high squeaky voice for the little bear. Great fun!
Mamma taught me many, many rhymes when I was little. I think I was a child prodigy or something. I can still remember so many of them! We used to have contests at work to see who knew the most; I always won!
Okay, guess that's enough for tonight. Nighty-night! Don't let the bedbugs bite!
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
Yes, that's how I try to live my life everyday. I want people to see God in me. There is an old saying that "you may be the only Bible someone ever reads." I want to them to be able to read me loud and clear! Help me Lord to shine my light so that others see You in me!
Well, I just got home from teaching one of my evening classes. On the way home, I noticed a crescent moon in the sky. Seeing the moon, no matter what stage it's at, always reminds me of a poem my Mamma taught me when I was three years old. I've never heard anyone else repeat it. I don't know where she learned it from. So, here goes ...
The man in the moon as he sailed the skies
was a very remarkable skipper.
But he made a mistake when he tried to take
a drink of milk from the dipper.
He dipped right in to the Milky Way,
And slowly and carefully, he filled it.
The big bear growled!
The little bear howled!
And scared him so he spilled it!
I used to say that to Brandon when he was little and now to my grandkids. They love it because I get a deep growly voice for the big bear and a high squeaky voice for the little bear. Great fun!
Mamma taught me many, many rhymes when I was little. I think I was a child prodigy or something. I can still remember so many of them! We used to have contests at work to see who knew the most; I always won!
Okay, guess that's enough for tonight. Nighty-night! Don't let the bedbugs bite!
Til we meet again,
Leslie Anne
Monday, July 23, 2012
Too Hot to Spit!
Too hot to spit! That's a saying my Dad used to use once in awhile. I mostly remember him saying that when we were hauling hay. And he was right. It would be so hot and dusty out there that it would just dry the spit right out of ya! Yep, I was spitless! In any case, sure wish it would SNOW! Now, I'm not just saying that, I really mean it. I do not like summer and I love the winter! Of course, fall is my most favorite time of the year.
As I mentioned before, I'm teaching an Efficient Studies class for Montcalm Community College. Oral presentations began today. Most of the students were very nervous, but they did well. I'm not sure just what there is about the fact that you have to stand in front of someone and talk that makes our bones rattle and our teeth shake ... no, I think that's our teeth rattle and our bones shake ... well, no matter, you get the picture!
After class, I returned to my car and it was sweltering in there. I had grabbed a partial bag of large marshmallows to bring along for a snack and had forgotten them in the car. Well, I could have easily stirred in some rice krispies and had treats! Those puppies were almost melted to a goo! I had some errands to do in Greenville. I cranked up the AC in the car to as high as it would go. I got cooled off some, but the marshmallows were a hopeless story. I didn't toss them though. I brought them home and put them back in the cupboard. When they cool down, I'll be able to heat them up again and really make those treats ... maybe this weekend for the kids.
You know, before I retired, I talked with the Lord about whether or not this was His plan for me. I found peace in my decision, so moved forward with the plan. As the day of no return (the last date to say I would or would not retire) approached, I started really fretting about income. After all, I was only 59 and unable to draw social security for a few more years. Also, I did not receive a pension from the college. I do have a small pension available from Gibson's but am trying not to touch that until I'm 62 as it will take a big cut out of it and it's not that big to begin with. Anyhow, as I was saying, I was really getting nervous about how we'd pay our bills.
Let me back up just a bit. A couple of weeks prior to that point, I was asked to teach in the spring semester (January through May) and declined. After all, I was retiring. That meant staying at home, watching grandkids, reading and crocheting. Well, all at once I got to thinking about my conversation with the Lord and the peace He gave me. I realized that I didn't need to fret or be concerned about finances as He would provide. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks (ever been hit by a ton of bricks?) ... He would provide but he wasn't going to dump dollar bills into my lap; I was going to have to put feet to the fire by actually doing something! And what do I do best? Speak and teach! So, I backpedaled and said that, yes, I'd take that teaching job. And God continues to bless and provide! He is so good and so gracious.
I "like" a few different Christian sites on Facebook. One is called Girlfriends in God. The writer typically includes a prayer and it is always just exactly what is on my heart and what I want to say to God, but am never able to say as eloquently or as succinctly. Here is today's prayer:
"Father, thank You for life and the special plan You have for me. Honestly, it is hard for me to understand and really believe that I am special to You. To think that You know me and love me just as I am really rocks my world, but I do want to see myself through Your eyes – no more and no less. Please help me." ~ Mary Southerland
Well, that's it for tonight. C u again tomorrow! (I have fits when my students use that text-language!) Til we meet again,
Leslie
As I mentioned before, I'm teaching an Efficient Studies class for Montcalm Community College. Oral presentations began today. Most of the students were very nervous, but they did well. I'm not sure just what there is about the fact that you have to stand in front of someone and talk that makes our bones rattle and our teeth shake ... no, I think that's our teeth rattle and our bones shake ... well, no matter, you get the picture!
After class, I returned to my car and it was sweltering in there. I had grabbed a partial bag of large marshmallows to bring along for a snack and had forgotten them in the car. Well, I could have easily stirred in some rice krispies and had treats! Those puppies were almost melted to a goo! I had some errands to do in Greenville. I cranked up the AC in the car to as high as it would go. I got cooled off some, but the marshmallows were a hopeless story. I didn't toss them though. I brought them home and put them back in the cupboard. When they cool down, I'll be able to heat them up again and really make those treats ... maybe this weekend for the kids.
You know, before I retired, I talked with the Lord about whether or not this was His plan for me. I found peace in my decision, so moved forward with the plan. As the day of no return (the last date to say I would or would not retire) approached, I started really fretting about income. After all, I was only 59 and unable to draw social security for a few more years. Also, I did not receive a pension from the college. I do have a small pension available from Gibson's but am trying not to touch that until I'm 62 as it will take a big cut out of it and it's not that big to begin with. Anyhow, as I was saying, I was really getting nervous about how we'd pay our bills.
Let me back up just a bit. A couple of weeks prior to that point, I was asked to teach in the spring semester (January through May) and declined. After all, I was retiring. That meant staying at home, watching grandkids, reading and crocheting. Well, all at once I got to thinking about my conversation with the Lord and the peace He gave me. I realized that I didn't need to fret or be concerned about finances as He would provide. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks (ever been hit by a ton of bricks?) ... He would provide but he wasn't going to dump dollar bills into my lap; I was going to have to put feet to the fire by actually doing something! And what do I do best? Speak and teach! So, I backpedaled and said that, yes, I'd take that teaching job. And God continues to bless and provide! He is so good and so gracious.
I "like" a few different Christian sites on Facebook. One is called Girlfriends in God. The writer typically includes a prayer and it is always just exactly what is on my heart and what I want to say to God, but am never able to say as eloquently or as succinctly. Here is today's prayer:
"Father, thank You for life and the special plan You have for me. Honestly, it is hard for me to understand and really believe that I am special to You. To think that You know me and love me just as I am really rocks my world, but I do want to see myself through Your eyes – no more and no less. Please help me." ~ Mary Southerland
Well, that's it for tonight. C u again tomorrow! (I have fits when my students use that text-language!) Til we meet again,
Leslie
Sunday, July 22, 2012
This Lord's Day is finally drawing to a close. It's been HOT again today. I do not like the heat; I do not like it at all! The older I get, the more I do not like it! Thankfully, John put in an air conditioner a couple of weeks ago (after almost 40 years of living here without one). I am so thankful for that.
My sister gave me a book to read recently. It's The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven. It's really good. Reading it has helped me to have a deeper faith that God has created a home for me for eternity. Also, in reading it, God is speaking to me about drawing deeper into communion with Him. God is real. The Holy Spirit living within me is Truth. I need to continually focus on that and grasp this reality for each moment.
Did I tell you that I am facing hip replacement in December? That's a scary thought, but it's to the point where often I can't put my shoe and sock on my right foot. John or one of the grandkids has to help me. I can't walk very far, stand very long, or sleep a whole night in my own bed. I think that John has totally surrendered his recliner to me! I guess it's time to get this done. More on that as the days draw closer. But I wanted to mention it because of the issue of not being able to sleep. I am committing here and now to use those times to be more in prayer and reading and meditating on God's Word. I fall so short of what He wants me to be.
Guess what we had for lunch today? Purple potatoes grown in our garden! Yes, purple potatoes. We had received some seed potatoes earlier this spring, so tried them out. They are delicious. They have somewhat of a sweet flavor, not like sweet potatoes, but more sweet than regular potatoes. They are like a luxury-level red potato! Yummy! Especially smothered in real butter. Hello extra pounds #1 and #2!
This is the last week of classes for this semester at the college where I work. Students will be giving oral presentations this week. For many, this is the hardest part. They are so petrified of speaking. I remember when I had those same fears. Standing up in Mrs. Ferris' 9th grade English class to give a book report was worse than my Mom making me eat chili with onions! But I can do both today! Can't say I love chili with onions, but I do love speaking!
Okay, time to draw this missive to a close. Til we meet again!
Leslie Anne
My sister gave me a book to read recently. It's The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven. It's really good. Reading it has helped me to have a deeper faith that God has created a home for me for eternity. Also, in reading it, God is speaking to me about drawing deeper into communion with Him. God is real. The Holy Spirit living within me is Truth. I need to continually focus on that and grasp this reality for each moment.
Did I tell you that I am facing hip replacement in December? That's a scary thought, but it's to the point where often I can't put my shoe and sock on my right foot. John or one of the grandkids has to help me. I can't walk very far, stand very long, or sleep a whole night in my own bed. I think that John has totally surrendered his recliner to me! I guess it's time to get this done. More on that as the days draw closer. But I wanted to mention it because of the issue of not being able to sleep. I am committing here and now to use those times to be more in prayer and reading and meditating on God's Word. I fall so short of what He wants me to be.
Guess what we had for lunch today? Purple potatoes grown in our garden! Yes, purple potatoes. We had received some seed potatoes earlier this spring, so tried them out. They are delicious. They have somewhat of a sweet flavor, not like sweet potatoes, but more sweet than regular potatoes. They are like a luxury-level red potato! Yummy! Especially smothered in real butter. Hello extra pounds #1 and #2!
This is the last week of classes for this semester at the college where I work. Students will be giving oral presentations this week. For many, this is the hardest part. They are so petrified of speaking. I remember when I had those same fears. Standing up in Mrs. Ferris' 9th grade English class to give a book report was worse than my Mom making me eat chili with onions! But I can do both today! Can't say I love chili with onions, but I do love speaking!
Okay, time to draw this missive to a close. Til we meet again!
Leslie Anne
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Carousel Ministries
Well, here we go with a new venture ... my first blog! A dear friend started one a couple of weeks ago and I have so enjoyed reading what she has to say each day that I thought I'd try my hand at it. I am hoping to be faithful in posting frequently, but as the title of my blog suggests, I am one busy woman.
I retired from Montcalm Community College at the end of December. But that wasn't really retirement, it was just transition into the next adventure (or should I say set of adventures!). I am currently in the midst of seven (yes, SEVEN) jobs! Let's see, here they are:
Well, guess this is enough for the first post. Now I have to hit the "Publish" button and see what happens. Stay tuned for further posts. Good night all! ~ Leslie Anne
I retired from Montcalm Community College at the end of December. But that wasn't really retirement, it was just transition into the next adventure (or should I say set of adventures!). I am currently in the midst of seven (yes, SEVEN) jobs! Let's see, here they are:
- MCC Adjunct Faculty
- Filling in for MCC MTEC staffing needs
- Filling in for MCC Library needs
- Setting up Chemistry and Natural Science lab experiment carts for MCC
- Started my new business, LAWood Consulting
- Just was hired as Executive Director of Leadership Montcalm
- Serve as Treasurer for my church
- Spend 3-4 days and/or nights weekly watching my grandchildren while Daddy is working or sleeping.
Well, guess this is enough for the first post. Now I have to hit the "Publish" button and see what happens. Stay tuned for further posts. Good night all! ~ Leslie Anne
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