Hebrew and Preaching Opportunity

Jill has been posting all of our blogs before, but she has reminded me how this is "our" blog and that "I" can also make posts. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to write my first post. Today, I concluded my fifth of six Hebrew tests. [Side note: I thought of turning my cell phone off before taking the test, but no one ever calls that early in the morning or during a HEBREW exam. At least that was before today... and Mitchell called!! Because my phone consistently buzzes after a missed call until I open it up, I had a nice little pocket buzz every few minutes reminding me that I should have turned off my phone. I didn't want to pull out my phone and make my professor think I was cheating. So I just let the buzz continue.]

Only one more test to go (Aug. 8th) and four more quizzes before this intense summer session comes to a close. Because I have been doing so much reading from right to left, as Hebrew is to be read, I have caught myself reading things in English from right to left. So far it hasn't been anything too serious, but all it would take is just one time of reading the pop tart directions, in the wrong order, on how to prepare it in the microwave (heating it before removing it from the aluminum foil) to create a few fireworks. Of course, if I have to read directions on a pop tart I've have a whole other set of problems.

Get your plane tickets ready! I have been given the opportunity to preach on the last three Sundays in August. A pastor friend of mine is leaving his church and has asked me to fill in as the church looks for a new pastor. The name of the church is Valleyview Baptist Church and is located in Nocona, TX. Please be in prayer that I am able to discern what the Lord would have me say and for this church as they seek a pastor. Oh, and I was totally kidding about the plane tickets. Caravans are also acceptable.

New Opportunities

As many of you know, I have worked at Trinity Habitat for Humanity since Tim and I moved to Texas in August '06. I started as a temporary employee while the Volunteer Coordinator was on maternity leave. When she came back, I was very fortunate that they found a full-time position for me. The company is doing some restructuring for several different reasons. Again, I have the opportunity to rise to a new challenge. I am officially Trinity Habitat's Event Coordinator! I am thrilled to try something new and work in a position that highlights my strengths (organization, organization, organization)!! Please keep me in your prayers. The larger of the two events is a fundraising event for approximately 800-1,000 individuals. Here is a link to the Tool Box Bash website- also known as TBB: http://www.toolboxbash.com/

In addition, I was recently given the chance to write several articles for our newsletter. This issue featured many of our hardworking volunteers. Since I have worked with many of the volunteers since I arrived and also have a writing background, they let me take a shot at it. I wrote the lead article on page 1 and the three "County" features on page 3. Here is a link if you want to check it out: http://www.trinityhabitat.org/habichat_news/2008summer.pdf

Tim and I are doing well and obviously staying busy. Hope you all are doing the same!

Fourth of July Weekend

We had a wonderful, relaxing Fourth of July weekend. Our Sunday School teachers, Robert and Tina, went out of town so we house sat for them. I actually thought we did more pool sitting than house sitting which was fine by me. On Friday, we had the Moots and Gaumers over for an afternoon swim and played pool (with the homeowners permission of course).Tim having a little too much fun at the pool

Chenille and her new addition, Ethan

The boys being their goofy selves

Getting some practice...for babysitting

On Friday night we went to a cookout, game night, and fireworks show with a large group from our Sunday school class. The food was delicious, the games were competitive (go figure), and the fireworks lasted for about 30 minutes (we still haven't found a show that compares with Boomsday though).

We finished off a great weekend by spending time with some friends from Knoxville. Lori, Davis, and Mallory were in town to visit family. Her family has been gracious and invited us to participate in their family festivities for the past two years. And we LOVE it! They cook some mean brisket and ribs!!Lori, Mallory, and me sampling the yellow watermelon (they say you learn something new everyday; on Saturday I learned that there was such a thing as yellow watermelon)

Davis working on catching the next night's dinner

Thanks to everyone who spent time with us; we had a blast!

Same Kind of Different as Me

While Tim was teaching Vacation Bible School last Friday night, I served dinner with some of our Sunday school class at the Arlington Life Shelter. It was a great time to fellowship with one another but also serve. Our class had the opportunity to serve at the shelter one previous time during our church wide service day (Super Servant Sunday). Instead of having a church service, they encouraged all Sunday school classes and Life Groups to go out and serve the community during that hour. If you ever have the opportunity to serve at a local shelter, I would encourage you to do so. Here is a photo from my latest trip:
(Left to Right): Jill Scheuermann, Adam Mosser, Helena Mosser, Ben Scheuermann, me, Dan Reeves, Jennifer Reeves

In relation to this topic, I have a book recommendation. If you ever have the opportunity, you should read Same Kind of Different as Me. It is a beautiful, true story about two individuals from different walks of life that meet at the Union Gospel Mission (a local shelter in Fort Worth). I enjoyed it so much that I started and completed the book in one day. I especially enjoyed it because of the many Fort Worth landmarks that are referenced. Happy reading!