Gladden my heart, Lord.......

Missionary Amy Carmichael wrote in her book If, "A cup brimful of sweetness cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how suddenly jarred."

I guess my cup isn't to the brim in sweetness because I spilled a drop of bitter water this past week and it has been a source of grief for me ever since. Last Wednesday evening after church was out I went and got Emmie from Awana's and then headed to get Reid. They are both on completely opposite ends (and floors) of a very large church and I get finished in the youth department at the same time they get finished, so I have to chuck it fast to get them before it gets too late. Well, I got Em and by the time I got Reid it was 8:40ish. His leader was standing there by the door and I could tell she was very angry when I saw her. Apparently Austin was standing by the gym door waiting on his brother and she asked him to leave. She was a bit upset the first night of Awana's when Austin went to get Reid and she told me that ONLY a parent may pick up their child. O.k...I understand that and have no problem with it. Well, this past week, she proceeded to YELL at me because she said Austin was rude and would not get away from the door when she asked him to FOUR times. She said he even yelled to Reid that "mom is coming" when he saw me coming and this angered her even more. She went on and on in a not very nice tone about how Austin just does not know how to respect adults. I have to be honest, in my heart, I kept thinking, "you have a serious problem lady, because what does it hurt even if he were standing by the door"....and to get so upset over that?? However, I apologized several times and then told her I would have a talk with Austin and I was very sorry he didn't listen and obey her. I proceeded to GLARE at Austin as we left and headed to the car. As soon as we got in the car (he knows better than to say a word when I am upset with him) he and Reid both began chiming in about how she did not ask Austin four times, she only asked him once and Austin left. He said the only time he went back was when he saw me coming, and yes, he yelled to his brother that I was coming. Well, I was still upset with Austin and made him write her an apology letter and grounded him from his cell phone, computer, tv, and playstation. He went on and on about how he didn't do anything wrong, but I took her side and told her to respect adults from now on. He wrote a letter of apology and it was good, and I dropped it after that.

Until Friday evening....fast forward two days. I got a phone call around 6 from a lady who was the director of Awana's at church. She tried to act so diplomatic and politically correct and she said she was just checking to make sure I knew what time Awana's got out and making sure I knew I had to be the one who picked up my son. Of course, my blood pressure started rising, because I knew what she was really calling for and I couldn't really believe it had come to that....in CHURCH? I pretty much held my tongue, but I basically called her bluff and told her I knew why she was really calling and I really wished she would be honest with me. So she did. She came clean and told me this lady had complained. I couldn't believe. I really was dumbfounded. I would love to be able to write that this "God's Girl" was so sweet and kind and understanding and acted in love just like Jesus would do....but that would be a lie. I am human and instead of praying instantly, I got angry. I said I felt it was so trivial a thing to get upset over and of course my son would want to wait for his brother. I also said I felt like Austin had done nothing wrong and I thought that lady in question had a terrible anger problem. I regret my words now. I am still going to have Austin apologize because he did upset her, but I have been praying about the situation all week. I am praying that something good will come out of this and I am praying for the lady who was so angry. I don't know her or what she has been through and I pray that God will use my life in whatever way His name can be glorified. But yes, sometimes I need to bask in God's love so that love flows out of my cup and no bitterness will spill over. I pray for God to gladden my heart and send me a smile from heaven!

So, I went to Brookfield last weekend and played with my mom's cats and made her some cookies. My boys went to Mendenhall's and had a blast. They never want to come home from there! I miss living in the country and having lots of space for them to run and be "wild at heart!" They just adore Logan and Micah and I am so thankful for their Christian friendships they have with them. Lavonne made us homemade cinnamon rolls that were the best I have ever had! They weren't good for my hips, but oh, so good on my lips! What wonderful people!

Well, class is going good and so is church (most of the time!). I am learning a lot. God sent a lady into my life this past week when I subbed next door to her and she actually lives down the road. We are very similar and she loves the Lord, too! She came down last night and borrowed some of my books. We are going to walk tomorrow night. She has two kids and we have a lot in common. I am even going to start selling Silpada jewelry to earn some extra money and she said she would host a party for me. I didn't even have to ask! Yeah! I get a 225 dollar bonus if I have 6 parties in the first 60 days....so I am trying very hard! I have prayed and prayed about this, but I believe it is an opportunity that God has placed in my lap. It is even a long story about how I met this lady at church and how I ended up thinking about selling it, but God has so far worked it all out! The God of all the heavens and earth is so amazing!!! Oh, sometimes I am down....o.k..many times, but God is faithful and He always lifts me up. Well, tomorrow I am subbing for kindergarten....my least favorite. I better get some good sleep tonight....they will keep me on my toes!!