We received a little unsettling news Sunday. Our Pastor's wife is not doing well at all. Ms. Jackie is such a wonderful person. She was released from the Rehab Center last week. It breaks our hearts that she's struggling so much physically. Anyway, Bro. Bob is having to chose between caregiving for his dear wife or continuing on with our small congregation (there were only 17 or so of us this Sunday). There are going to have to be some hard decisions made concerning his time with us, like, should we find another Pastor or perhaps try to hire a part-time one or perhaps shutter the Church or ... well, who knows. 😟 Seems the Wednesday Rehab ministry may come to a close as well. I know this saddens him greatly. Such a fine man and he loves the Lord Jesus. We're all praying for guidance. I know I don't want to be Church shopping again. I love everyone in this congregation. I don't want us all split up and cast to the winds. 🥺 So, there's that.
Also, because of our ages and other factors we've decided to sell our motorbikes. I know, right?!! Sparky without wheels!!?? 🏍️ One 'sad news' on top of another. Well, there comes a time to move on. We were talking about riding risks last week and even I can see that I don't want any more injuries. Funny thing, I've been riding since knee high to a grasshopper, SCUBA diving, racing on 4 wheels, doing other risky hobbies, and never been badly hurt. The only injuries I've ever received were when walking around. But if I, or he, were to go down in a highspeed ride at our ages, it could be devastating. It might be time to move on to another less risky hobby. It was a tough decision but this weekend Steve put both motorbikes For Sale in the local shopper. When they're gone it's gonna feel like I've lost an arm or something. (I know, Drama Queen. 😏) I love motorbiking! It's my life. I'm really having to give this to God and pray for His peace and guidance. Thanks for joining me in this prayer. 💓
Ok, good news, awhile back I mention that one of our Jack Russell Terriers, Jack, was ailing. His digestive tract has always been dodgy. The other two are healthy no matter what they eat, it seems. Well, Steve decided to start feeding all three dogs more home cooked plain meals (chicken gizzards, cheap hamburger, eggs, etc.). We've been doing just that for a few weeks now and Jack's health has improved! Praise the Lord. The little guy no longer has tummy pains, he's lost weight (he was continuously bloated), his breath smells better, and he's more energetic. Also, home cooked is much cheaper than any store bought dog food. Win-win!
That's it. Time to get out of the recliner and actually get some work done. I hope everyone has a lovely day. Thanks for praying for me. I know you do because I pray for you too. Y'all are the best.
💙🙏💙🙏💙
Too bad you have to move on from the motorcycles. Meanwhile, my husband and I think once all the kids move out, we'll finally buy some! I live in North Florida, 20 mins from the Georgia line and we've been warm in the afternoons but had nice cool mornings. Maybe we get the same weather.
ReplyDeleteMotorcycles are such a part of me. I'd swear there was motor oil coursin' through my veins I enjoy it so much. lol I guess you know there are several different styles of bikes which are too lengthy to list here to chose from. Ours are classed as Adventure Bikes.
DeleteWe live about 1 hr 15 min from the Fla. Ga. line. North of Folkston in Pierce County. I could never go back to living in Florida again. Too expensive.
Oh, and we do enjoy craft beer. If y'all have a place where it's sold please share. I'd like to try it. Thanks.
Thanks for stopping by! 💙
Wow, so much mixed news here...Happy your sweet doggy is feeling better. I know our Kids always cook the food for their pups, Sugar and Spice. I don't think they've ever had "dog food". Sometimes our son says the dogs eat better than they do! LOL. Now, on to the other news...I am very sorry to hear about the unpleasant news regarding your Pastor's Wife and also that your Pastor may need to give up the church...we will be praying with you about this. May God direct your steps regarding what is the best course of action. I wish we lived closer...my hubby is an excellent preacher and would love to be back "to work" so to speak. He already teaches our adult Sunday School class and the Men's Bible Study, but he misses preaching. I may send you a private message about this. Also, sorry you have to give up the bikes, but I certainly understand. Praying for you and your church and Pastor and Wife.
ReplyDeleteI know, that would be great! Please pray for us as it's going to be so difficult to find someone that will take on such a small congregation for little compensation. We're spoiled by Bro. Bob. He's a retired LEO. Very conservative. I like that. 💙
DeleteAww, I’m sorry to hear of your Pastor’s wife not doing so well. That’s so hard. Abrupt news like that takes me time to process the disappointment. Then add in selling your motercycles; oy vey, there’s even more to digest! I hope you both adjust to not riding.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that Jack is much better now that he’s on homemade dog food. We mix in vegetables and egg in Laydees food and she lost weight and her coat shines! We could and should just go all the way to homemade, but I don’t enjoy cooking like I used to.
Enjoy your day!
It takes me time to digest disappointments and sudden things like this too. Speaking of sudden, during my prayer walk this morning I talk to my Holy Father about all these things. My heart is breaking because I don't want to Church shop again. All of a sudden (to me) the Holy Spirit is making things happen. Can't go into detail here but WOW ... let's just say God answers prayer and when He does better hold on! Super cool. May His will be done. If/when things happen I'll be sure to share and give Him the glory. 💙
Deleteso sorry about the bikes, but I do agree it is a good idea... our bodies don't come back like they did when young.. Our pastor was killed riding a dirt bike, my friends husband was killed riding and ATV, he hit a wild pig. Pastor was 59 and friend was 75.. but then one of the missionaries to Africa, came to church years ago and spoke for the service in the evening. on the way home, a truck hit his car in the rear and shoved it off in the river and he and his wife drowned. they had just come home from the mission field.
ReplyDeleteI guess what I am saying is when its time its time, but just getting broken bones would be really bad..
Prayers for you pastor and his wife and for someone to come for you. after daddy retired, he would preach anywhere any time for free or a 10 dollar bill. ha ha or in an elevator to a captive audience.
Maybe have the service in a home since there are so few
Dang! That's a lot of tragedies! So sorry to hear about all of them. I agree, when it's time it's time. Only God knows when He will call me Home no matter what I'm doing. I just don't want the injuries.
DeleteThank you for the prayers. Hadn't thought about worshiping in a home like the early Church did. For now, I'm praying that we can remain open so anyone can stop in to join us but may God's will be done. 💙
Your church is small - but I like the way you love it and it continues on - so how many people go there?
ReplyDeleteI hope the minister's wife gets better.
I love your Jack Russell's - I would love one - he is so cute and I am so glad he is getting better.
I think, there can be between 10-20 on any given Sunday. It keeps getting smaller every month. Some are aged, in poor health, others have quit us for whatever reason.
DeleteJRT's are great dogs. They do have their own peculiarities, just like any breed. When they're puppies they can be a handful.
Thank you for the kind words and prayers. 💙
There are so many things we love that we have to, sadly, give up as we age. We certainly have a sadness when that happens, but we can find joy in other hobbies and friends around us. I do hope your little church can stay together, and I'm so pleased that your precious Jack is on the mend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Sparky!
Quite right on all you said. Thanks. 💙
DeleteOh darn, I'm sorry to hear about the bikes! Would you believe, I've never ridden one ... but appreciate your passion for riding. Change is always uncomfortable. Unsettling.
ReplyDeleteJoining you in prayer for Bro Bob and Ms Jackie. Tom has a dear friend in north Alabama facing a similar situation. Nick practically built his church (membership) from only half a dozen souls, and now his wife's struggling with AD. Trust and obey.
PS - Thanks for the good news about sweet Jack!
Concerning the Church it is a tough decision for our Pastor to have to make. I know it'll all work out. 💙
DeleteAww Sparky, this one hurts my heart. I know how you love your church family and will be praying about the decisions that will be made. We know God has a plan, and His plan is best, but it can still be hard.
ReplyDeleteI think you are wise about the bikes, but I know how hard that is too, so praying for you and Steve on that.
Glad your Jack is doing better!
Thanks Mari. You're always so kind. 💙
DeleteThat's a tough decision about the bikes. Also tough is your church situation and the hard decision your Pastor has to make. Prayers for all of you and please keep us posted. xo
ReplyDeleteSorry about the pastors wife. I will say a prayer for her. I am also sorry to hear about your bikes but I totally understand. So glad to hear that your dog is doing better. That's great news.
ReplyDeleteIts hard when things change but, somehow they seem to work out if we trust God. I am glad to hear your fingers getting better but sorry about your motorbikes. But it seems like a good decision. I suspect something else in waiting in the wings for you. We are cool and breezy too for the most part. Even with some days in the 80s it isn't bad at all. I hope you have a lovely Monday and that all these issues are resolved as a blessing all around.
ReplyDeleteOh my word..so many hard spots to be in...I am so very sorry to hear about your church and the pastor and his wife. Really difficult decisions are put in front of him, the congregation, and you personally.
ReplyDeleteTiny churches really struggle to survive, especially as everyone is aging...I guess all any of us can do is give it to the Lord, trust and wait.
so sad about your bikes too, but I do think you are making a wise decision. Its so much a part of your DNA that I can only imagine how it makes you feel.
Glad your finger is almost well..happy to hear that.
The unknown is always hard..at least for me, but I just have to trust that God knows the end from the beginning.
Happy Yard Work..Its almost noon here as I write this and the temp.86F and on its way up to 100F by 4pm. The wind is blowing a gale besides. Not good for Fire Prone California.
Sue
I have to pop in agin to share my devotion this morning.
Delete"Welcome Challenging Times as opportunities to trust Me." You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. without Me, you wouldn't make it past the first hurdle.
The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me."
This was for me this morning but perhaps it's encouragement for you too.
Devotion from Jesus Calling
Sue
Love the Devotional Sue! Thanks.
DeleteI didn't know y'all live in California. Hope the wildfires skip you this year. I once was a volunteer firefighter here in Pierce County. Wildfire is scary! 💙