Blogger Blues and News

I haven't blogged recently, but only one exciting thing has happened since I last blogged - Ashley came to visit for the weekend! We had a great time. I really needed a friend to talk to, and I'm so grateful that Ashley could provide a listening ear. After having mexican food where the waiter spilled a soda on her and then brought the wrong replacement food, we went to two pet stores. I'm looking for a kitten - well we learned that it's too early for kittens (apparently cats are just beginning to look for action), so I will have to wait a few months! On Saturday we went to the International Spy Museum in DC, and had more mexican food at a dinner for my Crown Ministry small group. I just finished the last of the leftovers I took home as a "bachelorette" yesterday - over a week later! Yah for leftovers! Sunday we enjoyed sleeping in and we watched a movie before heading to church. Ashley then had to drive home, and I wasn't feeling all that great, so I went straight home and went to bed. :( to both

MY HEALTH
I continued not to feel well all the beginning of last week and ended up becoming more ill on Tuesday night/Wednesday. I stayed home from work Thursday and made it back to work Friday - feeling much better. Thank you to those of you who have been keeping my health in your prayers.

SMALL GROUP
The small group I have been leading since last July is coming to an end :( Unfortunately, the girls just cannont commit to a weekly group right know. I was having serious doubts (being the Thomas that I am) about my capability and calling as a leader over the past month or so, and the news that the girls can't continue to commit didn't help reduce my doubt whatsoever.

S.H.A.P.E.
I took a SHAPE class at church Saturday morning. I learned all about my personality using the DISC assessment tool, and "discovered" my spiritual gifts - many which were re-affirmed. My top 6 spiritual gifts are: Encouragement/Exhortation, Hospitality, Administration, Leadership, Faith, and Mercy. After spending a few hours diving into the meanings of each personality trait and reading more about my spiritual gifts yesterday, I now know with absolute certainty that I do have a calling to be a small group leader. This affirmation from God was just what I needed this weekend. God never ceases to amaze me, that's for sure! I now am looking forward to beginning a new small group and growing to learn with and love the women that God will bring to the group. I also am excited to use my spiritual gifts to serve in additional ways.

WORK
A co-worker turned in her two weeks notice last week and will only be around until the middle of next week. I FEAR that most of her job responsibilities will fall onto my desk until we find a replacement (which could take a while!) I've been under enough stress recently trying to accomplish all my responsibilities, and so this will not be an easy transition for me. PLEASE pray for and with me as I ask God for the knowledge, endurance, desire, and time management I will need to take on the inevitable additional responsibilities, and also that we will find a replacement that will fit right in with our team and will be able to dive right in to these responsibilities.

That's my update for now.....I look forward to catching up on everyone's lives, but after a long work day and a Hockey game tonight (GO CAPS!! - we won 5-2), I think my pillows are calling me.