Lesson Learned

This has been a great week.  Steve and I took this week off of work to get some things done around the house.  

On Friday, we ran some errands and then had friends over in the evening. When our friends left at approximately 9:00 pm, we headed to bed. We usually go to bed early because we get up so early.

At 11:00 pm I heard sirens and was awakened. I just laid there and even thought that I had dreamed that I heard sirens because when I awoke, I didn't hear the sirens anymore. Then, I heard a helicopter circling our neighborhood. It circled the area about 20 times and at this point Steve was awake. We were both wondering what was happening. So, Steve got out of bed and looked out the window and saw that there were cops everywhere . 

We became quite curious so we both decided to go down stairs and outside to see what was going on.  Steve lead the way.  As I reached the last three stairs, my foot slipped and I fell. My back bounced off the three steps and I landed on tile floor right on my tail bone. 

Needless to say, I was in serious pain. Now, I was headed to the ER.  I found that the ER is quite busy at 11:30. It was a good hour before I was taken to a room. I had to sit in a wheelchair for over an hour. (reminder:  I just fell down the stairs and landed on my back and tail bone).

At 4:30 am and after many tests, I was discharged to go home. (yeah)  Nothing too serious, just some bad bruising and a possible crack in my tail bone.

  

The lesson I learned.... don't be so nosey. Just let the Po Po take care of business... or let Steve check it out.  

Not Running with the Offense

Throughout each day we make many choices. Some of these choices are quite easy and often thoughtless. Some of our choices require risk and can be difficult ones to make. One of the choices we make on a daily basis that isn't easy and requires much thought and prayer... is the choice to not be offended.


If you have ever had anyone do something to you that was hurtful- then you know exactly what I am talking about. Have you ever been in a situation where someone has done something to you that hurts you- and at that moment, although you are mad, you decide not to retaliate? It is a great feeling to know that you were the "bigger person" in the situation.

There are times when you must stand up for yourself, this is not what I am talking about. That will be another blog!

However, Satan has a way of reminding you of the offense- and he makes it seem much worse than what it really was. At that moment, you start to feel as though you were a wimp in that situation or that you allowed someone to walk all over you. Then, perhaps you share the hurt with someone and the person feeds the offense by saying things like, "I can't believe that person did that to you!" The more you talk about it, the bigger the offense becomes.

One of the most important choices we can make each day is to to not pick up an offense and make it our own. It is so easy to be offended and run with it - but it is so damaging to the heart. I would like to challenge you to avoid running with the offense when something hurtful happens.
Don't feed the offense by telling other people how awful you were treated. Give the offense to God on a daily basis so that Satan doesn't use it against you. Remaining offended will rot the heart and create bitterness- this is a choice.

Protect your heart..... Don't run with the offense!

A little trip to South of the Border

This is Bailey. Bailey used to be our dog until we moved to Florida and had to give him away because we were never home to spend time with him. Don't worry... we gave him to a family we know and they  love him dearly. 

When we moved to Florida, my husband drove our car along with my son and Bailey. 

They set out early one morning and they were excited to spend some "guy time." Steve, Conner and Bailey were doing quite

 well. They were making excellent time until.... Steve ran out of gas. He was certain that he could make it to the next exit, which was South of the Border. If you have ever passed South of the Border, you know that you cannot miss it. There are signs everywhere and the place is huge. 

We didn't have AAA...yet. So, my husband called them and they came and gave us a gallon of gas. Need I mention how expensive gas is when you have it delivered?  While they were waiting, Conner started fooling around and Steve was getting irritated. It was extremely hot, they are stuck on the highway and they have a dog with them. 

The situation went from bad to worse, when Conner was trying to help Steve get Bailey situated and Bailey snipped at Conner. Steve was trying to yell at the dog and comfort Conner while trying not to become over-heated. 

AAA finally came and the guys were hungry. So, they stopped at South of the Border and got a hot dog. (all three of them). As Steve told me this story- I could imagine the three of them in the car eating their hot dogs at South of the Border. I felt the need to put a sombrero on Bailey and take his picture. You know just a little reminder of the "excitement."

God's Dreams

I just returned from a "GodChicks" conference in California. This was my first time in California- I was absolutely excited to go- nothing is more fun than exploring new territory. We could not get to one destination without getting lost.

Most people would find that quite frustrating, but we laughed hysterically over our lack of direction. This weekend was filled with much laughter as my mom, sister-in-law and I set out on an adventure of a lifetime.

I went to the conference expecting some things from God. I have had many dreams in my life, that I have allowed to sit in my heart and be weighed down by a feeling of inferiority and lack of self esteem. I wanted God to take the weight off of my heart so my dreams could be released. In order for that weight to be lifted off of my heart, I had to let go.

As the weekend progressed, I heard well-known speakers describe the same feelings I have had. The feeling of not being good enough, or the feeling that they had nothing to offer. It was as if God had whispered in their ear- and told them how I was feeling. And He probably did. That's how much he loves.

The outcome- the dreams are alive in me and I am taking the steps I need to take in order to make sure that God's plan is fulfilled. I believe these dreams are not truly mine, but they are God's dreams that he has placed in my heart because he knows me, he created me, and I will be everything he intended me to become.

What are my dreams???.............You just wait and see!

A Touch from God

I have been in Chicago for the past several days. The Watoto choir has arrived from Uganda and they are preparing for their tour. It is a wonderful opportunity to be around when they experience things for the first time. I was able to see them roast marshmallows, taste hotdogs, and try chocolate mousse (not a favorite of theirs).

I wanted to share about one of the most touching moments in my life. We were finishing our Sunday service with a time of prayer. The choir prayed for each of us. I was so touched as each of the children layed hands on me and prayed that God would guide me as I helped to find sponsors for the children at Watoto. I was moved as I listened to the voices of children who have traveled a hard journey, pray for me. It felt as though, God himself put his hands on me and in a sense, He did.

My heart is full. The time with the children has been more than I expeceted. The prayer will be something I will never forget!

A Day in History

Labor day 2007 was a day for the history books. My parents and my family went to the lake for the day. A friend of ours has a boat and he took us out in the boat all day. (Thanks Steve H.) What a great time we had! Two very amazing things occurred throughout the day.

First, my dad who is 61 years old- skied like a young dude! We were all impressed! Although this was pretty amazing stuff and I am sure this feat could make it in the Guinness Book of World Records- This is was not as shocking as what I am about to show you.
MY MOM WENT TUBING!! This will be unbelievable to our family members (that's why I got pics). My mom, who does not love the water, got into the lake, on the tube, and held on for dear life. She really doesn't like lake water because she can't see what is in it. It was a somewhat crazy ride. I remember at one point, she and I were thrown totally in the air. In her words, "I would have held on until the handles ripped off of the tube."


Then, Steve, showed off a little on the skis. I was impressed that he got up the first time and stayed up for a while. Along with skiing, he did some knee-boarding, (no so good at that) and tubing. Needless to say he was exhausted by the end of the day.

What a day we had. It was absolutely perfect- missing only one element.... my brother and his family.

Fourth-Grade Rock Band

So, the new school year has started and I have had several people ask me if I miss teaching. There are certain parts of teaching that I miss deeply and there are other parts of teaching that I do not miss one iota! I miss the students and the crazy antics. Each day I had a story to come home and tell my family. Many evenings, we would sit and laugh around the dinner table over the funny things that occurred in my classroom.


One year, while teaching fourth grade our school attended an assembly that was about a man that could play the spoons, (that's a whole blog in itself!) My students were inspired- so inspired, that they wanted to start their own band. The idea was that each one who wanted to play would have to choose a ruler, pencil, or any other school supply as their instrument and try out in front of the classroom bully.

After several recesses of trying out- some were accepted and some were cut!

When my students came in from recess- I knew something bad went down on the playground. Everyone was yelling and two students were crying. When I finally got the story, I found out that the "band" had instructed their bodyguards (they thought of everything) to "pound" anyone who came near them.

Well, by the time I got to the bottom of everything, I had enough! In my very stern teacher voice I told the band that they were disbanded and that they could no longer play.

With that, we lined up and took a bathroom break.

While I was waiting for my students to finish getting a drink, one of the boys approached me and said in a very gangster-type whisper "Mrs. Wulf, I've got to tell you something, but I can't tell you here."

When we returned to the room, and while other students were preparing for Math, I asked the boy what he wanted to tell me.

In his gangster whisper,he said "There is talk that the band will be getting together to practice secretly- I just thought you should know."

As the "Godfather" of the room, I put them in their place and threatened to send them to the principal if they could not abide by my rules. I know that seems like a rather lame threat- but to a 9 year-old, going to the principal's office can cause a serious meltdown. (that's another story)

It is moments like these that I miss and when I reflect on them....I catch myself smiling!

I AM SPIDERMAN

This week my brother and his family are visiting from Detroit. There are so many reasons why I enjoy being around them- one reason, my brother makes me laugh! So... I laugh at my brother, while his wife is begging me not to encourage him.

Well, I took my kids and my brother's son to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Andrew, my nephew, really wanted to play on the indoor playground, so I told my son to go over and watch him while he played.

Apparently everyone had the same idea I did- because the place was packed. There were kids everywhere on the indoor playground.

We finally got our food, sat down, and ate. While eating, Andrew asked if he could go on the playground one more time before we left. So, being the incredibly cool aunt that I am, I said he could, after he ate. So, he quickly finished and he and my son went back to the playground.

At one point, I saw my son laughing hysterically. He came running over from the room where the indoor play area was located and tried to get a deep breath. After he got his composure, he said, "Andrew was in the playroom, and all of a sudden he yelled 'I AM SPIDERMAN' and the whole room of kids got completely silent.

For the rest of the day, we laughed at Andrew's ability to silence an entire room of kids with just three words.

The only point to this story is... life is good and having family around is such a joy. I also learned that Andrew is a lot like his dad!

Look for cherished moments throughout each day-so often they are right before our eyes, we are just too busy to focus on them! Blessings!

Transparency

I know it has been a while since I have written. I have been busy with preparing for vacation, vacation, and recuperating from vacation. So, now I am back!

Have you ever met someone who kept to themselves and would never share a struggle or problem- and when they did share something, it is about how great things are going in their life? It is as if by admitting that they are struggling, they are giving in to defeat.

I have been thinking a lot lately about transparency-Allowing people to see the real me- In my 15 years of ministry this has been the greatest lesson I have learned.

Have you ever looked through a glass table, glass door, or window? (if you answered no to this, you really need to get out more often) The thing about the glass is- you can see scratches, cracks and any other imperfections in the glass, however, you can still see through it.

Our lives are a lot like the glass- we all have scratches that people can see, but when you are a child of God, it is not the scratches that people will focus on- it is what is on the other side of the scratches- Jesus' shining light!

When we are determined not to hide the scratches in our lives, we become real to the people around us. A real person, with real struggles. Many times, it is through these struggles that God uses us to be a blessing or "light" to others. If we are constantly trying to cover these struggles - then we run the risk of not allowing God's glory to shine.

Words

I had a "friend" that I nicknamed "Brutally Honest." It seemed as though every time we were together she would start one of her sentences with, "Can I be brutally honest..?" When she would begin this sentence, I would brace myself because I knew the words that followed would be hurtful.

I always felt as though she thought she had full permission to say whatever she wanted about me as long as she started the sentence with.. Can I be brutally honest. Needless to say, I did not spend a lot of time with her. Who would want to?

Our words can attract or detract people. If you are a person who offers uplifting words and encouragement, then chances are you are surrounded by many friends who reciprocate the encouragement. People want to be around others who make them feel valued. The opposite, of course, is also true, thus the old saying, "misery loves company,"

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:28-30

Take time to think about the words that you are speaking. Are your words beneficial and are they creating an environment where people feel encouraged, uplifted, and valued-- if not rethink what you are about to say.

You light up my Life

I remember a time in my life when I prayed to God and asked him to help me find humor in things. I didn't want to be a person who never laughed. I also didn't want to go to the other extreme and be a person that laughed at everything. So my prayer was to find humor without being obnoxious.

As I was driving home from work today.. which is a 72 mile commute....one way, I was discussing the week's activities with a friend I work with. We were laughing at several different things that occurred. When we had a moment of silence, I found myself looking into the sky. It was cloudy and threatening to rain, but I could see the sun trying to shine through the clouds. At one point, the clouds totally covered the sun, but around the edge of the cloud there was, what appeared to be, a silver lining.

Laughter is the silver lining in our lives. When things appear to be ominous and heavy, laughter can easily bring a new light to your life. It helps you to enjoy the "little" things in life, or maybe it helps you to realize that the big things in life, aren't as big as you thought.

Take time to appreciate the humor that surrounds you-- don't let it slip by, it may be the silver lining that "lights up your life."

Opportunities

Saturday is usually grocery shopping day for us. I don't mind it, but Steve hates it. It isn't the grocery shopping that he hates, it is the store and the massive amount of people at the store on Saturday. I could probably go shopping on a different day-- but patience is a virtue and I wouldn't want to hinder what God wants to teach him.

Anyway.. the plan was to go to the grocery store, then go to the beach to watch the sunset. We finished the grocery shopping, went home and unpacked the groceries, made some dinner and packed it to take to the beach.

While at the beach, I took some time to reflect on the day's activities. I thought about the different people that came across my path during the day. Some of their faces, I could picture in my mind. One of the things I enjoy is observing people and all day long I was able to observe a lot of people. Some of the questions I wonder about people are: what was their past like, are they happy, do they feel loved? I really never get the answers to these questions, however, I continue to wonder.

I realized the many opportunites I have during a day to show God's love to others and how important it is to take the time to be a blessing to the people in my path. Not in an obnoxious way, but giving them a smile, allowing them to go before you, or taking the time to chat. We so often get too busy with the daily grind, that we forget to do what God put us here to do, love his people.

My heart's desire is that people will see in me a compassion that only Christ can give- it will make them wonder and at the end of their day.... maybe they will think of HIM.

A Few Opening Thoughts

So, if you know me.. this blog could be quite surprising to you. I am a woman of few words and I have made many statements about how I would never want to write a blog or a book. Okay, so I have given in to writing a blog.

I have spent the last 5 years teaching in the public school. With all the work that teachers do outside the classroom, the last thing I wanted to do was to create more work for myself. Now that I have ventured into a new career, I have more time to write.

Check back often, subscribe to get it in your email... whatever you want.