Amy J. Bennett

Extraordinary Faith for Everyday Life

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Fear

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I wrote this back in June.  Nearly two months I’ve held on to this and I think it’s finally the right time to publish it.  I’ve been running into the topic of fear so much lately.  In blog posts, books, sermons and just life.  I want to share this in hopes that we all continue to conquer our fears…

Today was a victory.  I did something today that I have feared for nearly one year.  One year of fear-drenched, nervous thoughts that kept me at bay from God’s request.

This is a long one…click through for more.

[Read more…] about Fear

Weekend Recap

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Last week the rest of school went swimmingly.  I actually went to school 2 of the 3 days to eat lunch with the girls.  What can I say?  It really couldn’t have been a better start to the school year.  I just hope Independence day when the girls have to walk themselves in will go just as well.  That’s when Emma REALLY had the issues in K.  Emma says she’s going to walk Lexi to her class and then go to hers so yay for awesome big sisters.

Friday night and Saturday morning I had to work so it was just laundry and general putzing around the house.  Saturday my niece came over for a few hours and we ended up in the pool.  Saturday evening we ate with Mom and Dad and then all ventured over to Trader Joe’s for the first time.  After putting a call out on Twitter and Facebook we were directed to lots of yummys that we’ve been taste-testing over the weekend.  My favorite so far areresized_5_20_10_006_edited_small_web

But seriously?  They are only like 3” long.  They are like baby ice cream bars. Come on, TJ!

Last night my niece stayed with us and we all went to church today after Scott got the day off.  We randomly picked a restaurant to eat at since kids eat free and ran into some family friends.  We ended up eating with them and having a nice lunch.  This afternoon I spent some time with the girls with their pottery wheel which Emma has been begging me to do all week.  We were able to turn some very small, uneven bowls.  I think the girls are happy with them which is all that matters.

This evening we made a huge step and joined our church at their Partner class.  I really think Satan was using fear once again to keep me from going.  I got so nervous about sharing my testimony they had us write out.  I have no idea.  It’s a very simple, non-glamorous story.  Well, very glamorous in what He did, but not drama-filled.  Anyway, I was nervous the whole afternoon, almost backing out even though there was no indication we’d even have to share our story with others.  After some serious prayers, I felt the YES I needed and off we went.  I’m super-excited to finally make it official.  Not as if we haven’t already been committed but now we literally have signed on the dotted line (AND didn’t have to share our stories to the large group).  I’m ecstatic to see how God will use us there (as long as it’s not sharing my testimony to a large group.  I KID!).

So tomorrow morning I’m off to the gym after school drop-off for the first time in months.  I’ve really slacked since the pool has been opened.  Who wants to give that up for a sweaty gym?  I seriously have to buckle down again but I say that every August, don’t I?

Sunday Highlights: FAQ

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Today’s Frequently Asked Question was: What is the will of God?

Romans 12:1-2

Before you can know God’s will you have to say yes to Jesus.  Your choices don’t matter until you give Him Lordship.  Once He is Lord, we are to be a living sacrifice.

God puts guard rails in our life to keep us “on the road”:

  1. Providential Will of God – God gives us freedom in many things but sometimes God says, nope, you’re doing it!  (Jonah)
  2. Moral Will – Us doing what God outlines in Scripture.  These things are not natural and culture usually promotes against His word.  God says do not conform.
  3. Personal, specific will – If you are following #1 and 2, 3 usually comes easier.  You must be surrendered before you ask…should I marry him?  should I take this job?

Ways to know his personal specific will:

  1. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with God’s word.
  2. Pray
  3. Look for open and closed doors
  4. Consult other people that have God’s best interest
  5. Must have peace

You can check out http://northrockhill.com/messages/ for the full message online.

In light of upcoming job changes, I REALLY needed that list.  I was on the right track but just a great reminder.

At 60

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I couldn’t quit staring at these ladies at lunch today.

At first I was taken by their looks and outfits. They have cute hair cuts, trendy yet age-appropriate clothes on and stylish hand bags. I thought, man I hope I’m in their shoes at their age. My fashion-conscious friends and I retired, spending lunch at a bistro…

Then I thought how shallow that was.

Is that what I’m aiming for? Just to look pretty and eat good food? Not to say that’s all to them because I don’t really know those ladies or what they’ve been through or done.

But it made me think about what I DO want? What do I want 30 years from now? What do I want my story to say?

Scott said yesterday lying in bed considering it all we sure do have it made. And I guess we do in some ways. No complaints from me. I don’t begrudge my blessings but I wonder if I’ll be satisfied with a good lunch and a pretty handbag at a Bistro with my friends.

I feel a rumbling in my soul to see something bigger and better. Not to be satisfied with the simple and easy and pretty. I’m not asking for pain or destitution but I don’t know, its rumbling in there. It really is.

 

First Day of School 2010

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In case you don’t follow me on Facebook or Twitter where I have been obsessively updating their progress through the day, the first day of school was…drumroll, please…a HUGE success! Every single prayer I prayed was answered without fail.  We got there early and took Emma to her class.  She chose a book and sat with the other 2 kids that were there calmly.  Her teacher had hall duty and I think she liked seeing her first thing. I can tell Emma really likes her.  Emma was extremely content (yes, I think I’m still traumatized from Kindergarten) so we left her for Lexi’s big drop-off. 

Lexi was the second to her room and instead of making them sit outside, they let them go in the class.  That was a HUGE help.  Those busy hallways are so overwhelming on the first few days! The teachers warmly welcomed them and directed her through her morning routine.  They sign in by using the smart board to move their name into either the packed lunch or tray line for lunch.  She sat in her square and barely looked back as we watched for a few more minutes from the back as kids started streaming in.

She had no hesitation whatsoever and that made me a happy momma!  Scott and I zoomed to the cafeteria for pastries and coffees after which I practically skipped out of the school singing dcTalk’s Free At Last.  So much different than the last two years.  I’m not gonna lie.  I enjoyed not having to run to the next town twice for preschool.  I enjoyed quietly working.  I enjoyed the house staying neat for 7 hours straight.  I was so ready to go get them this afternoon but yes, the break is wonderful.

We did go eat lunch with them today.  Scott with Emma and me with Lexi.  Both had great reports then and after school.  I have no clue what they did all day except they had a good time and enjoyed lunch as you can see in this video…

 

The only downside is 6:30 comes early tomorrow and the next day and the next.  I’m sure I’ll be begging for a holiday soon!

Check out more pictures on Facebook.

School Eve

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(Lexi is excited when she sees her friend arrive)

Yesterday was meet the teacher for the girls and tomorrow is the first day of school. Most notable is Lexi’s first day of Kindergarten. She’s ready and excited. Which means I’m ready and excited. She has the benefit of most second children and already watched her big sister tackle such a huge new challenge of big school. She knows the hallway, the lunchroom, the library, the principal, how to get her tray and type in her lunch code. Fair or not, she’s way more prepared than Emma. I want to feel the same level of angst that I did with Emma. Because I certainly did. But I also benefit from already going through this. And really, I’m just happy for Lexi. Especially since she has her best friend in her class. I’m going to miss her eating cereal and watching TV and playing Barbies and running all my errands with me but I know this is going to be great for her.

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I feel for the first-time parents though. I remember asking the teacher what would happen if Emma just wouldn’t quit crying.  At one point would they call me?  I can remember a mother giving me a look of compassion while trying not to smile.  Yesterday I could have given a set of parents a hug when they asked at what point they would start looking for their son if he never showed up in class or if the teacher would be sure he bought his milk for his lunch because he wouldn’t remember.  I guess as first-time parents of students you don’t realize that they’ve done this lots of times and know to look for lost or crying students in the hall or know to be sure to put a name tag on them or know to look for kids that don’t have drinks at lunch.  Thank goodness they do but you can’t help it, it’s your job just to make sure.

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Emma is ready.  She knows her school.  She loved her teacher.  She knows several kids in her class.  She’s happy the her bully is NOT in her class.  And she’s already begging me not to take her picture.  All is good in the world.