It’s 1:28 a.m. on Friday morning and I’m a dork. I have to get up in about 5 hours to get ready for Friday school. Then we’re leaving on our trip. Benny and I will be in Oklahoma all weekend speaking at a youth retreat. So why am I still up? I’m polishing my lesson that I’m giving on Saturday. I’ve written, rearranged, looked up verses, tweaked the order, pulled together pictures for my power point, edited some more, and I think I’m finally happy with my presentation. I hate that whole ability to work well under pressure. Crunch time was named after me. When it gets down to the wire and I’m putting on the finishing touches for whatever I’m doing, I need something crunchy. Food for the weary. yikes. I won’t even go there right now. This completely defies not eating after 8 p.m. 🙂
I’m passionate about my topic, I know what I’m talking about, and God has given me the ability to share it. So why am I nervous? Why am I ALWAYS nervous standing in front of a bunch of people? I do it every Sunday and still there are little butterflies creating a frantic flight pattern in my stomach right now. It took me a year and a half to watch the DVD of myself speaking at the ladies retreat from back in September of 2006. I didn’t want to see my nerves on video. When I finally watched it, I was surprised how calm I looked. Oh my friends, looks can be deceiving. lol
Do you suppose this is God’s way of keeping me humble and reminding me that it’s not about me, but the message that He gave me to share? Yes? Well, I can accept that.
The Nowell kiddos are staying with my wonderful Captivating friends Wendy and Kristi for the weekend. Zoe is so excited about spending time with Wendy’s girls. Being without sisters herself, Zoe adores them and craves the girly time. I’m glad the boys will be together for the weekend. Kristi’s son Levi is one of Max’s good friends, so they’ll all have quite the adventure I’m sure. The neighbors are watching the house for us which is nice. Paula is driving us to and from the airport so we don’t have to pay for parking (which is ridiculously high in Denver). Yeah Paula! Everything is taken care of, so Benny and I can enjoy our time away and the time we’ll have with new friends and old at the retreat.
We would appreciate your prayers for safety and good health for us all this weekend. Thank you!
P.S. All three times I’ve been invited to speak in recent years, it’s been in Oklahoma. What does that mean? Hmmm…I have to think about that one…and try not to get a complex from all the other states. 😉
OH, oh, oh, where are you staying? I am at a Couples Retreat over Saturday night and Sunday morning, but if you are around, and have a spare second, call me. I would love to talk, and hang out if you can.
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I pray you all will be a huge blessing to those kids.
Yes, I think nerves, whatever, can keep us humble–I am glad God has his ways :-)!
Okies must be the smartest people anywhere. Is that what you’ve decided?
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You know I’m praying for you!
And… um… I don’t care if OK is the only place that asks you to speak, don’t be going and getting any bright ideas to move there!
And, girl, you are great every time you’re in front of people.
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I was praying for you! I hope your weekend was amazing. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. 🙂
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Oh Chelf, I would have loved to see you too. We were at Camp Pettijohn and our only spare moments were at the airport – which didn’t last long. If I’m ever there with enough time to see you, know that I would definitely take advantage of it!
JB – I think so. LOL You wouldn’t be biased now would you? 😉
Heather, thanks for the props. Me move to OK? Yeah, um, love the people, but, um, no. I have no plans of moving there. Ever. BUT, I’ve stopped telling God what I won’t do even though I’m sure it gives him a good chuckle. 😛
Jan – it was a great weekend. Thanks for your prayers.
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