Treasure for the journey

Well, it's been entirely too long since I have had a blog post. That will be a goal for me, to blog more often. The main reason I started this blog was to share bits and pieces of the treasures in my life. Sadly, I have had huge changes in my life lately, and have not used this source to document such monumental moments. Maybe I can come back and reminisce as I remember things. 

3 months ago I packed up my family and we moved to a completely new state, where we knew very few people. Why did we move you might ask? We moved because my husband followed the leading of God's heart and took a senior pastor position. It's been an amazing journey. I don't have time to tell every detail of how God worked everything out for us to move in His perfect timing, but I will share that in a future blog post.

This is my first time being a senior pastor's wife. I've been the preachers kid my whole life and I've been a youth pastors wife. I enjoyed both of those seasons. Being the pastors daughter wasn't bad for me. I enjoyed it. I always felt it was an opportunity to meet new people and be a part of the ministry my parents had worked at their whole life. The years spent as a youth pastor's wife were fun! We took many trips and made lots of silly memories. I took a group of girls under my wing and tried to be the best role model I could. I wanted to be their shoulder to cry on, their personal cheerleader, their listening ear. That was my favorite part of youth ministry. My girls... Who I still keep in touch with and value every silly inside joke, and sentimental memory. I hope they always remember this gal loves them... No matter what.

Now I'm in a new season. A season I feel bears a heavy load at times. A season of making new friends. This time I get to be many people's shoulder to cry on, personal cheerleader, and listening ear. I watched my mother be a pastors wife all my life. I thought it wouldn't be unfamiliar, but at times it is. I now know first hand how it feels to grieve along with members over a lost loved one or troubled marriage. I know how it feels to visit with little ones in the hospital who are about to have surgery. I feel the hurt that our members have over wayward children. I have felt the hurt of a dear lady battling cancer. Before being a pastor's wife I had dealt with this as a youth pastor's wife but always endured it with my mom and dad as our Senior pastor. Now I'm dealing with it along side my husband. 

Not only do we deal with the trouble and heartache of our members who truly become our family and dearest friends but as a pastor's wife I also am there for my husband. For my pastor. I am there for him when he needs encouragement, when he needs to tell someone about the sermon God has laid upon his heart. When he comes to me because he just needs to laugh. When he comes to me and ask me to pray for him. I get to be his shoulder to cry on for those who are lost. His personal cheerleader for when he preaches his heart out, and his listening ear when he's not sure which direction to go. 

I've said all this to say... There are up's and down's to being in the ministry. I'm glad the up's by far outweigh the down's. Every tear shed at the alter and every heartache we have felt with members is nothing compared to the joy of someone taking Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Or seeing that wayward son or daughter make a commitment to live for God. Or seeing the peace that passes understand on a faithful believers face through the midst of a storm. Or seeing an answered prayerwhen that Young ladies husband comes to church and receives Christ. Or the testimony of men and women of how God delivered them from cancer. That my friends is why a Pastor and their family do what they do. That is why they move 300 miles away from all that is familiar. Because of you and because of all people who are hurting. Because a pastor's family LOVES people.

So to my dear pastor's wife friends, never feel you are facing this journey alone and always keep in mind the good outweighs the hard!

Court

New found treasure

I have started a new Bible study and have purposed in my heart to spend more time with God. I am blessed to live in a country where I am free to do so!

Since my discipline to spend more time in God's word and to spend more time getting to know Him in prayer. I've found new treasure for my day.

I've found strength when I am weak. Patience when I'm frustrated. Hope when I've felt hopeless. Direction when I feel lost. Peace in the midst of a storm.

I've made it a point to pray for my family. My relationship with my children has changed! Since I've been praying for my husband in full detail my relationship with him has changed. Does it mean this aspect of my life is perfect? No. However, there has been a difference in how we have responded to one another. There has been a difference in conflict resolution!

So where does your treasure lie? I am learning that when I spend time with God the riches of the world become less appealing and the treasures through Christ Jesus become my goal. Have I completely surrendered myself? Well, I'm working on it. I haven't made it there yet, but when I spend time with my Father, he is showing me how to have that heart of worship, a heart of surrender! So, I can truly store up treasure in heaven!

I am so glad I have purposed to spend more time alone with my Heavenly Father! I know He has great things in store for us. I leave today with this scripture...

Matthew 6:20-21
But lay up for yourself treasures I'm heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Crochet and Chevron

I've recently taught myself a little about sewing. When I say little, I mean a very, very, small amount! Everything I have learned has come from me tearing something apart and putting it back together or figuring my way, through trial and error (and let me tell you there has been alot of error)! I have followed a pattern and I must say I do prefer a pattern simply for the cutting of fabric.

So in my adventure of crafts, and sewing I am astonished at all the beautiful works of crocheting. It seems to me like it has become in fashion again. So many cute baby things for crochet. From blankets and hats to photography props. So I am going to try to learn how to crochet!

 When I was pregnant with my first treasure a very special lady made me this beautiful baby blanket.

I can't get enough of the chevron pattern. This was my favorite blanket that I got and my oldest treasure still loves it . Since making this, this dear lady has had a lot of health issues and has been put in a nursing home. My husband has taken my oldest treasure to visit her. We have been a couple of times and everytime she looks at this blanket she knows that this sweet lady made it for her and we think of her and pray for her often.

So maybe one day I can make a crocheted blanket! I already have one in mind!  Ha!
~Court

Tis The Season...

Yes this is the season to be jolly but it is also our busiest season! I have been contemplating putting up our Christmas tree. I usually like to do this the day after thanksgiving but with all the hustle and bustle. I think I might just put it up early.

I like to celebrate Thanksgiving as it's own holiday without Christmas. Thanksgiving for us is a time of thankfulness and love. A time of remembering those around us and not taking them for granted.  I love my family they are my greatest treausure.

I hope all my friends and family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. That means you too!

~Court

First of Fall!

Today is the first day of fall!! So now that means I can officially decorate my porch with all things orange, brown, and yellow! I must say I cannot wait! Fall is my favorite season!

For my family, fall is a time for Bon fires, hoodies, pumpkin pie (that I have the best recipe for. I promise I will share it later!)Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, chili, pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, trick or treating, thankfulness, and my favorite thing, just spending time with family! Fall is also one of my husband's favorite times of year because of all the car shows that are going on! He loves to drive his 57 chevy truck and hang out with other antique car collectors! This is something he and his father do together! Can't you tell I am really the car show type!

So, I hope everyone has a wonderful fall! Don't take your family for granted! Remember the things you're thankful for and cherish the blessings that God has placed on your life! Keep warm! Wishing you a happy first of fall!!

~Court

Someone's trash became my treasure!

I am always looking for a great deal. OK what am I saying, a great steal! I love to shop and I love to get a bargain! So I went on somewhat of a shopping spree in hopes of finding some fall/winter clothes. So Below is what I found!

So are you ready for my grand total? $14.50. Where, you might ask?? Goodwill! So, I know some people are not too excited about buying resale clothes but, I must say I am pretty happy with my tops. I got 5 shirts total for a quarter of what one would cost at my favorite store. To top it all off they are all name brand. That's right, brands like Talbots, Croft and Borrow, and Casual Corner. I think they all look pretty classy with my scarfs and necklaces! My little town has lots of resale stores and you never know what you might find. From furniture, to home decor, to clothing. So now with the money I saved on my shirts I can buy me a nice pair of jeans or two! So, don't reject those resale stores, look and see what you might find! You never know what treasures may be out there for you! Happy shopping!

Blog for you Jess!

I am creating this blog because my sister-in-law (Jess) always tells me I need to start my own blog! :-) So Jess I guess you are giving me new inspiration! Sharing some of my favorite things. I have a  new found love for party planning. I hope to have pictures of my daughter Lauren's 3rd birthday up soon!