Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife, Teens

Christmas Party Survival

Posted on by jenschuyler
     Well, I survived the Christmas party weekend.  Of course, I had to let my hands recover from all of the dishwater pruning before I could attempt to write about it.  The weekend started with an epiphany of sorts.  For the last thirteen years of our ministry here in Oklahoma, I’ve baked sweetbreads for the teens to give to the widows that we carol to at our annual party.  This was an inherited and expected tradition when we arrived here, so I felt it necessary to keep it up.  I thought I was sooo smart by buying multiple bread pans and baking the boxed kinds of breads.  I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to realize that I should organize a night before the party for the teens to help in all of this.  It was wonderful and saved so much time!  Besides, it gave them extra time to be with each other and a more vested interest in the giving out of the bread.  I’m not always the fastest car on the track.
     The survival part I referred to earlier, lies in that at the same time I scheduled these teens to help me, I was supposed to be helping decorate for the Adult Christmas party our church annually hosts.  It was a night of a lot of running back and forth.  I have loved being part of the decorating committee.  However, I think my days are numbered here.  I get so excited about putting together centerpieces and seeing the looks on people’s faces when they enter the transformed gym at various events.  Yet, I have to admit it wears me out.  Not to mention the days of school that are ruined because Mommy is supposed to be decorating and my poor kids have to entertain themselves quietly in a Sunday school room somewhere.  Anyway, just something I’m praying about.  Seems some of the other women without kids in the house all day may enjoy the chance at it for a while.
     The adult Christmas party did go well.  The teens served dinner to all of the adults, which was a nice switch up from the buffet style.  However, 2nd man recruited my help for a game just before the party started.  I was supposed to hold up an applause sign as he hosted a version of “Family Feud” with couples from the audience.  The problem came when, just before the party, we realized I had a hole in the armpit of my sweater.  Do these things happen to other people?  Let’s just say the applause sign waving turned into a one handed job that wasn’t executed very well. 
      After getting home around 11:00pm I turned around Saturday morning and started preparing for the teen party that night.  2nd man took the kids out caroling to the widows of the church while I stayed back and cooked up all of the party food.  Took me longer to do the dishes than cook the food, so I was in the kitchen most of the evening.  Sounded like the kids had fun though.  This doesn’t really bother me much.  Sometimes I’m not up for the loud boisterous games, so I slip into my Martha mode and clean.  Tickled me when one of the teens earlier in the evening asked, “So who does the dishes for the church?” to which I replied, “You’re looking at her.” 
            I was only sad that I missed the caroling when 2nd man shared with me their visit with one of our ladies who is passing with cancer.  I had called her family to make sure she would be up for the visit.  They insisted that she’d love it.  2nd man said he gave her a hug after they all sang and she and he just held each other and cried a little.  (Makes me tear up thinking about it).  What a treat to be the opening act for what she’ll hear soon. 
      I always love the Christmas parties at church and seeing all the smiling faces.  But, boy it’s so relaxing when it’s over.  Now, I can prepare for the family and focus on the REASON FOR THE SEASON.
Posted in Daily Musings, Healthy Living, Life Lessons, My Interests

Mayhem and Momma

Posted on by jenschuyler
     Well, it’s official (well, as official as my opinion gets), I’ve done gone crazy or have some sort of attention deficit something or other going on.  What was I saying?  Oh, yes, I’m not sure why I do such things to myself, but I have this tendancy to spread myself ultra thin in nearly every area of my life. The thing is…I love it. I’m currently learning, or rather teaching myself, to cook a whole new way.  Do you know how much time and effort that takes?  Then, I say yes to teaching a Sunday School class.  I’m part of the decorating committee at the church so December brings lots of demands in that area.  Trying to get my own house decorated as well.  Finishing up the last week of homeschool with all of the planning and grading that brings.  And to top it all off in the best way…Momma’s coming for Christmas….nuff said.
            The cooking thing is actually starting to sink in a little bit.  We’re trying “eat clean” as I’ve mentioned in previous posts.  So for the last four weeks I’ve been reading the labels of everything I buy.  If I can’t pronounce it I have to find another way to make it.  Yep, all in the name of health.  Of course, as usual, 2nd man has gotten whipped back into shape in no time (it’s questionable if he was ever out of shape).  He’s losing weight that he doesn’t even need to lose.  I read these books on the workouts and the clean eating. I read the testimonials of all these women who lost like 19lbs in 7 week!  Wow!  I start the calculations of where I can be in like one months time.  Get motivated. Don’t cheat.  And, yes, once again, four weeks after starting I’m still the same weight as when I began.  I mean, It’s like me against the body.  Come on!  Oh, well.  I may not be lighter, but I do have crazy amounts of energy (and muscle soreness).  So there’s a plus.  Guess we’ll keep truckin and see if anything else happens.
            Sunday school class is coming along…slowly.  I should be working on it right now, but am once again distracted.  It’s been a week of total guilt over teaching this lesson that I’m still learning.  I mean, isn’t it weird to know something and not do it?  I finally had some breakthrough last night in my own personal Bible study time.  I think I’m all turned around too, because I used to have my personal Bible study in the mornings before everyone else awoke.  Now that 2nd man and I are working out, I have to have it at another time.  It  just feels weird.  Starting new habits can be very stressful.  I find myself so distracted with all these things that I even found the peanut butter up in the cabinet with the drinking glasses.  I’ve thrown away dishes and who knows where the dog is…just kidding.  The point is, I’m having a hard time concentrating.
            The decorating thing at church, well, I think it’s gonna have to go for now.  I absolutely love decorating for banquets and seasons etc.  However, it really does take large chunks of time when things need to get done.  2nd man and I have been talking and I’m praying about it.  I think the time with my kids and family is just going to have to take precedence.  One of these days I’ll have free afternoons to decorate..right?
     Finally, the exciting news.  Momma and Daddy are coming for Christmas.  I think I finally guilted them enough to get them moving.  They’re even packing the dog along as well.  This requires lots of prep work around the house,  but I love all of it.  I bought new towels today.  I’ve been waiting for an excuse for those towels. I love when houseguests come and many of those wants around the house become needs. Woo hoo!  I really miss family around this time of year, so I just cherish it when they can make the trip.  Hope their dog likes cats.
Through all of this craziness 2nd man has really stepped in to help.  Since he’s the one who initially wanted to go the clean eating direction, he’s been helping with the cooking and even the dinner dishes when he can.  He’s been bringing me my favorite tea in the evenings, and helping out a lot with the kids.  Oh I am blessed.  Is this the time to say nanny nanny boo boo to all you other ladies?   Well, ok I’ll keep it nice….nevermind.
           
Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife, Life Lessons, Parenting

Trying to Get Deep

Posted on by jenschuyler
            I wonder sometimes if anyone else ever struggles with their devotions?  Boy, I can go in spurts that can be awful.  Here I’ll already feel guilty with the Lord about my lack of depth or insight and then I’m inclined to share with a teen girl or lady from the church they really need to get into the Word.  I think I just complicate it in my mind.  I’ll read a book by someone else and think “Wow! They got some real insight from the Lord!”  and then I’ll sit down to read and I get a geneology or something similar.  I’ll try to read as deep into as I can… but the…I get nothing.
            Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s not always like that, I was just wondering if anyone else ever struggles.  It’s like a feeling of inferiority.  I think the teacher in me wants to find some new insight or wow moment to share with everyone.  I’ve struggled with it recently because I’m supposed to teach the pastor’s wife’s ladies class this Sunday. I think I tend to overcomplicate things. So, I’ve decided to do something I’ve never done before.  I’m stealing 2nd mans stuff.  Not really, I asked him for it first.  He actually taught his Sunday School lesson to the teens last week on this kind of thing.  How we should be meditating on the Word of God and how to make it more meaningful and gather all we can out of it.  He didn’t even know my struggle when he prepared the lesson, but it was pointed right at me.
            (I might add here one of my beefs about older teens who say they don’t get anything out of the youth classes anymore.  BALONEY!  I’ve been in the youth class for the 13 years we’ve been married and then some.  I get stuff out of it regularly.  That’s an excuse for feeling too big in their britches or just wanting out. Parents beware of this excuse.)  Ok, I’m off the soapbox.
            Anyway, my pastor’s wife says that she likes to give me, and the outreach minister’s wife these opportunities to share what God has done in our lives lately.  Well, this is what he’s been working on…getting deeper.  Deeper with Him and deeper into His Word.  I’ve used other people’s books before as outline guides for a class so why not my own husband’s stuff. (with girlier application and illustration of course). 
           
Sweet Mom Moment:  Driving to church Sunday night, my kids noticed the big, lighted angel in the local park was turned on that night.  They were all oohing and aahing at it.  My daughters decided to quiz our little guy about it.  “Whose birthday is it that we decorate for?”  to which he replied, “Jesus, it’s Jesus’ birthday.”  They were praising him for getting it right when he went on, “I hope it makes him happy.”   My thought to that is “me too”  I hope it makes Him happy too.
           
Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife

Longevity Moment!

Posted on by jenschuyler
            We had a longevity reward last night at church.  In through the doors came a precious family from the past.  Yes, that deacon from the “grassy knoll” on the paintball field, (as mentioned in a previous post) his wife and two sons came for a visit.  These guys are all grown up now, but were such great kids in our youth department long ago.  One is married and the other, I suspect, is about to be. He brought his girlfriend from Pennsylvania to meet the family…and us!  It was such an honor that he’d want us all to meet her. 
            Our pastor’s wife approached 2nd man and I before church started and invited us over for pizza and fellowship with this family.  2nd man took the route of joking around about being busy.  I shamelessly and without letting her even finish her sentence said “yes!”  I think my lack of adult conversation, is making me lose all dignity when an opportunity arises.  Not to mention the fact that dinner was taken care of, woo hoo!  Anyway, we agreed to come over to their house.
            At the table we were able to get updated on David (the younger son’s) ministry traveling around the country and world as an evangelist with another evangelist Dave Young.   He teaches the children as the evangelist preaches to the adults.  It was so exciting to hear of his experiences and the salvations.  He’s always been into illusions and uses these tricks in his program.  Now, he’s started an illusionist show for teens, they call Magic and Morality. You can read more about it at http://www.daveyoungrevivalteam.com/  in their October 2010 newsletter.
            KC, the older son, is married to a wonderful young woman and it blesses us to see them doing well together for Christ.  He was able to go through secular college and grad school, get a very fine job and still continue serving the Lord with his life. 
            These moments are almost parental in feeling for 2nd man and I.  It’s a kind of shot in the arm to see former teens from our youth department doing well and serving the Lord.  It almost cheapens the feeling to try to describe the warmth it brings to our hearts.  I’m even going to go ahead and throw out what they both said about me.  They both have mentioned in the past that they were looking for girls like me (I’m sure mixed in with some other wonderful women).  Now, the reason I mention it is not to brag.  For, I don’t think they necessarily meant my exact personality or looks mind you.  However, I think they were moved by watching the Lord work in 2nd man’s and my marriage.  We’ve always tried to portray to the teens how we love each other and that marriage is fun and good and enjoyable.  It was an honor to hear them say these kind words.
            I relish these longevity rewards that God sends our way sometimes.  It’s energizing and motivating.  I’d like to say they don’t come often enough, but God’s in control of that one. What a wonderful life!
Posted in Parenting

Unplugged

Posted on by jenschuyler
            Well, it’s hard to believe another Thanksgiving has come and gone already.  Ours was pretty quiet around here.  Oh, not for lack of trying.  I all but begged my folks to come out here from Ohio, but circumstances just didn’t work out.  2nd man’s mom lives in a cottage behind our home, but was only able to eat and run since she works at a nursing home.  The rest of the staff left town to be with family.  The real kicker was when our homeless friend (who isn’t homeless anymore) didn’t even want to come.  I invited him over coffee on the front porch, but he said he preferred to eat at a local church that was putting on a dinner for the public.  Well isn’t that a real how-de-do!  I can’t even do a good deed. 
            It all turned out nice anyway.  We enjoyed the non-stress day and even got in a good long afternoon of monopoly with our girls.  (This was to make up for messing with their dinner.)  I decided to give our little “eat clean” experiment a try with some new recipes.  Some were ok.  The kids didn’t even notice that the pumpkin pie was different.  However, the sweet potato casserole…well….it left something to be desired.  There are some things that just seem kind of untouchable when it comes to a feast like Thanksgiving. 
               
            2nd man and I were able to have one of our spontaneous talks while the kids were out visiting Nana in the cottage Thanksgiving morning.  Sometimes, on a non-hurried day we end up in these conversations that I just love…and sometimes hate.  This one was a mixture namely, because we were discussing the kids.  We like to kind of update each other on where we think our kids are spiritually, socially, mentally etc.  We both are concerned about how much technology they are getting lately.  Our little guy (only 4 yrs old) seems obsessed with playing some sort of video game either on daddy’s phone or the girls’ Nintendo DS.  The girls seem just as enthused.  I, for one, am not a big video game enthusiast, so I know my viewpoint is a bit prejudiced.  However, I really want my kids to be able to have conversations about something other than make-believe.  They aren’t totally gone on all of this, but we hashed out some of our concerns and have decided to tighten the reins a little bit.  I knew this was a good idea when, in the car today, my oldest daughter asked if she could unplug herself while daddy was in the store.  What she meant to say was unbuckle…sigh…great moments in motherhood.  Little did she know how prophetic she was actually being.  On the way home we noticed two sets of stop- lights that were out.   When we arrived to our house the whole neighborhood was out of power.  We had to all get unplugged anyway.  
Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife, Parenting, Teens

Some things the Youth Pastor’s Wife Wishes she Could Tell Parents to Teach Their Daughters Intro:

Posted on by jenschuyler
Some things the youth pastors wife wishes she could tell parents to teach their  daughters:
1.      How to act ladylike.  A good burp or bodily function can be funny at certain times, but really….it’s not that enjoyable to the rest of us.  The boys may laugh, but they aren’t sincerely impressed.  Who wants a wife that can out noise them?
2.      You aren’t the center of the universe.  I know this is the lifelong plight of all parents to teach their children.  However, of recent it would seem that some parents promote this thinking.  Perhaps training them to look outside of themselves and see a bigger world would help them and the world.
3.      You don’t need a boyfriend.  Here’s the biggie.  Yes, I want my daughters to like boys, but I don’t want them to need boys.  I witness so many girls sacrifice personality and character all for the sake of flirting.
4.      You do need God.  My mom used to tell me that there was nothing more attractive than a godly man…she was right.  I would surmise that the opposite is true coming from the boys’ side.  I’m sure that a godly girl must seem quite attractive and even challenging.  I would love to ingrain this in all teen girls I meet.  It would so improve and fulfill their entire lives if they could have their full confidence in God.  Any man that he brings into their lives from there would be icing on the cake
5.      Be thankful.  So many young women aren’t thankful…for anything.  This leads into adult women who aren’t thankful.  Thankfulness is a godly character that should never be underestimated (read Psalms).  And remember: Silent gratitude is of no use to anyone.
6.      Teach them to be keepers of their homes and not women’s libbers.  My mother’s generation was so focused on teaching my generation to think only of myself and get a career and make money and be like a man.  Now my generation is stuck trying to teach ourselves how to take care of our homes.  Careers and money are great, but the family still needs fed and the toilets still get dirty.
7.      Dress modestly.  Oh yes, the cry of youth pastors wives nationwide.  The girls seem to think this is only for church or to please their youth leaders.  Why?  Because it seems we’re having trouble getting moms on board with this.  This will always be a challenge in a woman’s life in this modern world, however, it is possible to be fashionable and modest.  Why would you want to show yours or your daughter’s goods to the world?  I’m especially astonished at what people allow their daughters to wear even to church.  The ability to blush has become a lost character trait.  Please moms, don’t sacrifice your daughters to the world this way. Oh, and btw this is one of those battles we should choose to fight.
8.      Communication.  I am always so surprised and impressed when I come across teens who can talk with adults.  Oh, not about boring stuff to them like decorating or grocery bills.  But conversations about matters like God, and the world and challenges in life.  We must, as parents, teach our kids to communicate, so that as they grow they will continue to communicate.  They are facing so many tough challenges in the teen years that if they don’t know how to keep talking to parents and teachers and God,  they are left to navigate these years alone.  Many seem to shut down and adults take this as a natural stage.  There is nothing natural about shut down.
9.      Be respectful.  Life is not fair.  The teachers can be subjective, the pastors and youth pastors can make mistakes, not to mention parents can mess up too.  However, this does not give teens the right to be disrespectful.  I don’t always agree with who is in the office of the president, but if I ever met the president you can bet I’d give him respect for the sake of the position.  It is vital to teach kids to be respectful of authority even if they disagree with that authority.  You can bet we, in the ministry, know who is having disrespectful conversations about the ministers at home.  It shows in their kids behavior and attitudes. 
10.  Finally, please use the youth pastor’s wife.  It is not an official position that’s for sure.  But, I never feel more fulfilled than when God allows me to be of use for him and my husband by talking or praying with a young lady.  Even godly parents could use the reinforcement of another person giving their daughter godly advice.  It’s not that I want to know all their junk.  It’s that they are allowing me to be a part in their circle of influence.  This is wise on their behalf. 
Hmmm, this is quite the list.  I’m thinking I might have to expand on some of these points in days to come…
Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife, Daily Musings, Parenting

All by Myself

Posted on by jenschuyler
     I had the most wonderful day today.  One of those that people like me dream about, but rarely get to see.
            2nd man took the teenagers paint balling.  No, this is not where I went.  I learned long ago that this was not the activity for me.  I went two times in our first couple of years here in Oklahoma.  The first time was exhilarating as I won one of the games by capturing the flag.  However, the second time I went, I was shot to pieces.  I was sure it was 2nd man doing the shooting.  The referee was squatting down behind where I was trapped.  As the paintballs kept hitting me they wouldn’t break.  The referee was getting a kick out of this as he kept chuckling and informing me “you’re still alive ha ha.”  2nd man could hear me writhing and kept yelling over through the trees, “check yourself!  See if they’re breaking!”  to which I replied, “Stop shooting and I will.”  By now I was in tears, not for the pain, but for the anger welling up in me.  I just couldn’t understand why he kept shooting me without pause. He was so asking to sleep on the sofa.  Finally, one of the paintballs broke and I was declared officially “dead” for that game.  It was later that I found out it wasn’t 2nd man shooting me at all.  It was one of the deacons of the church.  One of the sweetest, meekest, and mildest men in our church tried to kill me from the rush of the game…arghhhh….men.
            Anyway, instead of putting myself through torture, I farmed out the kids to a friend and went to Tulsa for the day.  Yes, all by myself, with money to spend and an agenda to be had.  I planned the whole day beforehand.  Had coupons in hand and a car to myself.  I left early in the morning, and the most exciting part, I had no reason to rush there and back as usually happens.  This was good since I did end up taking a wrong turn and wandering around for about 30 minutes before getting my bearings again.  I kind of enjoyed the wandering jaunt through unknown parts of Tulsa without the pressure of getting to where I was going.  I had a classical station on the radio and found some most beautiful mansions in neighborhoods I’d never known.
            I had discovered, online, that Tulsa had a Whole Foods Store.  Boy, was that fun!  I could have spent half the day there discovering all the fun health foods and feeling so trendy and healthy.  However, the money ran out before the time.   I think I’ll have to return on a less busy day when I can wander around some more.
            I’ve now returned to real life and must now go get ready for Sunday morning.  Thankfully, 2nd man returned unscathed from his battles and even bathed the children for me.  Boy, what a day!
Posted in Daily Musings, Parenting

Little Boys and Kitty Cat Toys

Posted on by jenschuyler
            2nd man is at a deacon’s meeting tonight so I’ve got a little time to write.  The girls are playing in their room and one little fella got sent to bed early.  We decided a few weeks ago to put an end to nap time.  Seems he was staying up until 10:30 –11:00pm! Oh, he’d stay in bed, but if you even passed by the hall his little torso shot straight up, just to let you know he was awake.  Now, we’re working on weaning him off of technology.  He’s learned how to play the girls’ Nintendo DS. I find this amazing seeming as how I can hardly turn the thing on.  Anyway, it consumes his every thought right now (which drives me crazy).  Suddenly the room full of toys, books, and coloring books just doesn’t make the cut anymore.  We’ve already trained him not to ask to play the DS anymore than one time.  So, now he’s moved on to other tactics like a check in every 5 –10 minutes, “Mom, what can I do now?”  Oh, I’ve taken advantage of this, believe you me (whatever that means).  He’s picked up all the stray socks, shoes, and toys all over the house a dozen times.  But, tonight, he just wouldn’t stop…so, I sent him to bed early.  The thing is, he didn’t seem to mind a bit.  Went right to sleep.  “Is this good?” I ask myself.  I mean, I’m glad he obeyed, but it was supposed to be more of a punishment-learn –a-lesson- kind of thing.  Instead I think he just missed his naptime…sigh.
            On another weird note, Curly kitty earned his keep today!  I heard a strange dog food dropping sound coming from the kitchen this afternoon.   However, the dogs were outside. Curly heard it too. He immediately shot for the kitchen and in seconds had a mouse in his mouth.  I ushered the two of them out the door with cheers for the good kitty.  However, later in the day I realized he was using the poor little thing as a play toy.  He was batting it all over the front yard.  It just wouldn’t die.  I know I sound insensitive here, but we live in the city…no place for mice.  By the time 2nd man got home the mouse was confirmed dead in the front drive…RIP. 
            This is now the second time Curly has earned his keep in the last 5 or six years that he’s had us.  Yes, I said that correctly.  He adopted us.  Just showed up on our doorstep one morning looking all cute and everything.  I figured he belonged to a neighbor lady.  However, after asking around it seemed he had no owner.  He was so cute and interesting since his tail curls up like a squirrel.  After determining that he wasn’t leaving I took him to the vet, I was sure the he was pregnant (obviously convinced the cat was a girl).  That’s when we actually found out he was a he and already fixed to boot! The Dr. said that the tail had been broken at some point and never got fixed. 
            I never liked cats until Curly.  He worked his way into our house and our hearts, and now is my devotion time buddy.  I wake in the morning and go to the kitchen to get my coffee.  That’s when Curly climbs up to the kitchen window and knocks to get in.  I let him in and we have devotions together.  It’s a pretty good set up.  The only drawback is that we can’t allow him to spend the night in the house, because, inevitably, he wakes at 5 am!  Doesn’t matter the time of year. 
He’s totally attached to us; loves to be wherever the kids are.  Actually, when we go on walks he follows us moaning for us not to go too far out of his territory.  We once walked to a nearby church for a high school chorale concert.  He followed us to the main busy street and waited there until we walked home.  Can’t beat that kind of loyalty huh?  I don’t know if I’ll ever want another cat, but Curly is always welcome.
Posted in Associate/Youth Pastor's Wife, Daily Musings, Healthy Living

Body Fights and Teaching Plights

Posted on by jenschuyler
            Well, my body’s done it again.  Every time I start a diet or exercise program I get sick.  Happened just yesterday.  Thankfully, I think the worst is over, as I’m feeling much better today.  I get so irritated with the ol’ girl when it does this.  Can’t it see that I’m making changes for the good here?  Instead, it’s like my body is fighting back going, “hey, feed the fat lady!” or maybe, “ahhhhh what are you doing?   We need a Snickers like NOW!”  When I don’t answer the way it likes…well…there’s a revolt and the little sinus infection platoon is the first wave.  If I can hold out another week or two, I think I’ll be able to conquer. 
            I, regrettably, did cave a little under the pressure of the pizza at the teen night last Sunday evening.  I don’t know, something about the warm steaming smell of the garlic and crust, mm, mm.  Anyway, as 2nd man so eloquently put it “they spoke fancy to me, I couldn’t resist.”  I didn’t have very much though, and only drank water.  At least that’s a step in the right direction.
            It’s been actually kind of fun trying to find ways to eat clean.  I found a really neat blog called http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/  that has some great recipes.  The author seems very real, which I like.  Wish I could say I eat like a bird and can exist on seeds and nuts.  But, I need some meat, and taters too. I mean this is Oklahoma where I live.  We eat the animals out here on the plains.  That’s the only way we can get all this grain, which surrounds us, down.  Sandwich it with meat.
           
        On a ministry note, I received an email from our pastor’s wife today asking me to teach her ladies Sunday school class in a few weeks.  I love these opportunities, but boy do they challenge me.  First off is the intimidating crowd.  The front row is full of older ladies, mostly widows that are always gracious, but I know they could teach me soooooo much.  It feels, well, arrogant or something to stand in front of them.  The rest of the crowd comes across as a sea of faces.  It’s a funny thing to stand in front of a crowd.  I would suggest to anyone who does, not to try to read the faces.  So much can go wrong doing this.  You have the sleeping ones for one.  That’s never an encouraging factor.  Then, there are those that are smiling the whole time.  I like those people, but still sometimes wonder if they’re agreeing or amused.    Some, were just born with a sourpuss face. They are the ones that really get me all wound up. 
            2nd man is always willing to let me take her up on these opportunities to speak.  He often appreciates some feedback from his lessons.  I’ve been under his teaching along with the teens for so long, that sometimes I just figure he has it down.  But, when I teach a class I usually come home reeling, wondering if I did all right.  It’s funny how people that do like something don’t really voice it, but those that don’t like it are always ready with something to say.  Anyway, he likes me to be reminded of how it is to teach in front of a crowd and how important feedback can be.  It’s not the need for flattery, but just an outside opinion for guidance. 
            The second challenge, is preparing a lesson.  It’s hard to know what direction to go when you don’t get to do it very often.  God has always been gracious, but occasionally, I’ve wondered if I chose wisely.  I once did a lesson on the Holy Spirit.  I spent a week and a half reading, praying, and gathering information.  It was like a little revival in my soul.  I was so excited about it, and figured everyone else would be too.  I chose special songs pertaining to the Holy Spirit to start the class.  Problem is, I’m not a singer.  Seriously, I’m not just being modest here.  I asked the ladies to sing out and help me out, but instead it felt like I was up there doing a solo.  Instead of putting us in the mindset of listening and learning about the Holy Spirit, I felt like it was totally quenched.  I learned then, that no matter how the Pastor’s wife begins class, when I’m there, we’re not singing. 
            Then on another occasion, I had, what felt like, the simplest lesson.  I was sure everyone would be underwhelmed.  Instead, I got more compliments and responses than ever…go figure.  Guess this means I’d better wrap this blogging thing up for today and start praying for direction.
Posted in Life Lessons

Moved by the Martyrs

Posted on by jenschuyler
I love Tuesdays, it’s 2nd man’s day off.  We love having him home.  It’s our “Saturday” around here.  It actually took me a few years to get used to this idea.  Growing up, Saturday was when we all spent the morning doing chores and Dad did housework or yard work.  Everyone was off on Saturdays.  Then, when we got married, and moved to Oklahoma, all of a sudden it was Tuesday.  I didn’t like this at first, because I was teaching school and had to work on his day off.  Now that I’m home with the kids, it’s great.  We can go to the bigger cities and go to fun places and practically have it to ourselves on a Tuesday!  Not sure what the plan will be today, but so far everyone’s sleeping in…ahhh….I love Tuesdays.
I finished reading a book I mentioned before Tortured For His Faith by Haralan Popov.  It has really stirred my heart.  There is a similar book out I’d like to read now called Tortured For Christ by Richard Wurmbrand, which is probably even more popular.  We’ve received newsletters from his organization called Voice of the Martyrs.  I was looking around on their website www.persecution.com  last night realizing that their headquarters is only about 45 minutes from where we live.  I’m determined to take my kids over there if not get 2nd man to take the teens. 
I suppose I was moved on two accounts.  First, the description (by both authors) of the secret underground church in closed countries.  Closed countries are those that don’t allow the gospel to be preached or churches started.  I was recently at a pastors’ wives retreat in which at dinner we were broken up into pairs and given a time and place to go.  Essentially, we all ended up in the same room at different times and through different doorways.  The idea was to show how others have to sneak around to even meet as a body of believers so as not to tip off any suspicion.  We then had to sing, “Jesus Loves Me” without making any sound, just movement of our lips.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.  The thought of not being able to proclaim him, even in a song was heartbreaking.  The account of not having access to a Bible was also heartbreaking and honestly, hard to imagine.  I mean, we can buy them at a dollar store.  Most of us have several sitting around our houses because of replacing worn our more worn ones.
The second thing that moved me was the highlighting of Hebrews 13:3 “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity as being yourselves also in the body.”  I shamefully, must admit, that I’ve never really given much thought to those around the world in bonds for Christ.  I mean, I’ve kind of heard about it and felt bad at the time.  However, I’ve never pursued what’s going on or really realized what they are suffering.  It’s an out sight out of mind situation.  I’ve hardly even prayed for them. 
God was gracious enough to allow me to be born and live here in the States.  I don’t know that he’s calling me to missionary work outside the States. However, I do feel more aware of fellow Christians and their suffering around the world.  I want, desperately, to do something about this.  I will definitely start with prayer and am moved to do more as well.  Wherever He leads I will go.
N7CWXT95BGEM