Strong-Willed Wife

No Ifs

2009-08-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today in my quiet time, I read the following:

"We get fearful and anxious because our default thought pattern is that God will do his part if we do ours. The reality is, however, that there is no if. God has already done his part by sending his Son, and in so doing he completed forever our eternal security and adoption into his family. God hates our attempts to earn his favor, not only because they deny the finished work of Jesus, but also because those attempts keep us from enjoying his fellowship." - Lydia Brownback

The author goes on to say how trying to measure up leads to wariness and fear in the Christian life. Always trying to accomplish a task and never being able to reach the goal can be exhausting. When I feel that I can't measure up it's because it's true - I don't, my Savior does.

When Sinners Say "I Do"

2009-08-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I started reading When Sinners Say "I Do" on our vacation and are really enjoying it. I just finished Chapter 4 last night and the following really spoke to me:

"This may be a shocker, but we should be suspicious...selectively, permanently, and internally. As the worst of sinners, in the day-to-day conflicts of marriage, I should be primarily suspicious and regularly suspicious of myself! To be suspicious of my own heart is to acknowledge two things: that my heart has a central role in my behavior, and that my heart has a permanent tendency to oppose God and his ways."

Our Dogs on Facebook

2009-08-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of amazing pictures of our dogs taken by Grant Blomdahl (Lewis is the top photo and Reuben is the lower photo).

You should check out their Facebook account and become friends with them - they lead quite amazing lives!

New Blog Format

2009-08-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided to keep my current blog name but change the format! Hooray!!

Thanks for hanging in there with me. My goal is to update at least twice per week, so come back frequently for updates on what's going on in my life.

Changes

2009-07-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

In the next couple of weeks my plan is to delete this blog and start a new one consisting of my daily devotions and thoughts, and things going on in the Orendorff house.

I'll let you know when the official transition is made!

April 2009

2009-05-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

April came and went so quickly. With Aaron's graduation from Western Seminary came out-of-town visitors. We had a great time visiting with both sides of the family.

The actual graduation was such a blessing in so many ways. To see my husband of almost 8 years who I have known since before he was a Christian walk across the stage to receive his M.Div. along with the Senior Achievement in Preaching Award was absolutely surreal.

I am amazed how God works in our lives individually and corporately. How He takes us from evil to good, dark to light, dead to alive in Christ. What an awesome God I get to serve. How unworthy I feel.

March 2009

2009-03-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's been entirely too long since my last post - whoa does time fly! Aaron's been settling into his new post as Pastor of New Life Oregon City; a merger of two churches that our church in West Linn in conjunction with the denomination/association are helping oversee so that it is a successful transition into one church body.

I've been going strong at work and loving it. We passed our state certification requirements with flying colors and just last night had a Post-Certification Party at my house to celebrate the accomplishment.

Life has been very hectic and we ask that you continue to lift us in prayer as we head into some endeavors that are new to us. Pray that God will bind us together and use us as He sees fit.

November

2008-11-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

November has come with some amazing surprises and change.

Aaron was asked to step in as interim pastor for two churches that our senior pastor helped merge this summer in Oregon City. Aaron's first Sunday preaching there was November 9. He definitely was well-received.

We were also blessed with the opportunity to drive to Woodinville, WA (near Seattle) to visit Aaron's extended family, more specifically his Grandma - she's decided to stop treatment for an aggressive cancer she has been fighting for some time. It was truly a blessing to be able to spend time just enjoying each others company.

I've been feeling great lately, having lost almost 60 pounds since January. However, I am finding it more difficult to get in all the calories I need during the day and my doctor suggested I may have an electrolyte imbalance - which I'll find out more about in the next week or so.

Thank you for your continued prayer through our life transitions!

October

2008-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

October is one of my favorite months. I love when the weather cools with the first cooler rains.

Life has been good at the Orendorff house. Aaron and I have been keeping busy with work and various ministries. I started teaching a women's bible study at our church on Wednesday nights. We're using Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study Series on John - so far so good.

Aaron is job hunting, so please keep him in your prayers during this transition. He just needs something for November and December.

The First Week

2008-08-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Monday morning came with a huge surprise at work - starting my new position! Just to refresh your memory I wasn't supposed to step into my new position as Director of Children's Ministries at Shepherd's Door until September 1. However, the Director communicated to me that the time was now and I embraced the challenge. Oh and what a challenge it has been! Please continue to pray for strength, perseverance, guidance and wisdom. I think I have some awesome ideas, but I don't want to run out ahead of where God really wants me and this ministry.

Thanks for your continued prayer and encouragement.

Provided for Abundantly

2008-07-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Three months ago I couldn't find a job, but last week I had to decide between two really great positions. The first was offered by Sylvan Learning Centers. After working for them two months they offered me the position of Director of Education. With a significant pay increase and benefits I was excited about the possibility.

The second offer came the same day I was going into Sylvan to meet with the franchise owner and "solidify" future plans: Shepherd's Door asked me to interview for the Director of Children's Ministries.

After meeting with Sylvan and Shepherd's Door I had two offers. The hard part was deciding. I talked with friends and family, made mental lists as well as figure out what would suit my gifts. Finally I came to the conclusion that Shepherd's Door was the clear choice.

As exciting as this position is, I am nervous. I want to be a great success, which means I have a lot to learn about the program and the people who I will be leading. The possibilities for change are exciting both for me and the program. Please pray that I will keep focused on the ultimate goals of the program and not get too distracted by little details. Also pray that I will be the leader I know I can be; which means strength, humility and keeping an open mind.

Summer Job!

2008-05-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Shepherd's Door offered me the job with the salary I needed for the Summer! What an answer to prayer. It feels like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I appreciate so much your prayers for Aaron and I during this time. It finally feels like we're getting back into the groove of things.

I'll be running the elementary Summer program for Shepherd's Door (the women and children's division of Portland Rescue Mission) June 2 - August 29. Then, God-willing, I can transition easily into a teaching position for the Fall or ease back into subbing.

I'll keep you all posted!!

Way too long...

2008-05-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

I know it has been way too long since my last post. Okay, so here's a brief update. I'm subbing still and now working in the evenings as a tutor for Sylvan Learning Centers. I'm in the semi-long process of an interview with a place called Shepherd's Door. It is the women and children's division of the Portland Rescue Mission. I would be their teacher/program coordinator for their summer school program.

For the fall I am still currently looking for a permanent teaching job. I've applied to some places, interviewed for one and didn't get it. Others have yet to call, or the application window hasn't closed yet. Either way I do know that God is in control. I'm just doing what I can do and the rest will go as He has planned. I appreciate all your prayers, specifically as it concerns the stress levels in our lives knowing that there are just some major adjustments we have had and still need to make.

Job Update

2008-04-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's only been a little over a month since I got laid off and life is good. I got the word Monday that Sylvan picked me for the position, which is Monday-Thursday 4:30-7:30 p.m. This schedule works perfectly since I substitute teach during the day. Subbing has been keeping me quite busy. I've worked everyday this month (except for one when I had my Sylvan interview)! I love going into other teachers' classrooms and see the different classroom management styles...it's been educational to say the least.

I'm still hunting for a job for this Summer and Fall. Finding a job for the next school year has proven to be a bit easier than finding one for the Summer. Please keep in your prayers that I will be able to find adequate work for the Summer months (Sylvan is a good "extra" job, but not enough to make it through the Summer).

Thanks for all your support! I'll continue to keep you updated.

Upcoming Interviews

2008-03-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have an interview tomorrow for a tutoring position at a local agency and then I just got a phone call to set up an interview with Sylvan Learning Centers for next week. Also, I've been putting my resume in for quite a few teaching positions for the Fall 2008. I'm eager to work, but I also know that God is in complete control and I am not - which is scary and comforting at the same time.

I'll continue to keep you all posted.

The Precious Blood

2008-03-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Blessed Lord Jesus,
Before thy cross I kneel and see
the heinousness of my sin,
my iniquity that caused thee to be 'made a curse,'
the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.
Show me the enormity of my guilt by
the crown of thorns,
the pierced hands and feet,
the bruised body,
the dying cries.
Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God,
its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought.
Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price.
Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
born in my birth,
alive in my life,
strong in my character,
dominating my faculties,
following me as a shadow,
intermingling with my every thought,
my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul.
Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light,
the air supply my breath,
the earth bear my tread,
its fruits nourish me,
its creatures subserve my ends?
Yet thy compassions yearn over me,
thy heart hastens to my rescue,
thy love endured my curse,
thy mercy bore my deserved stripes.
Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation,
bathed in thy blood,
tender of conscience,
triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.

~The Valley of Vision (pg. 41)

Thanks for your prayers

2008-03-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I did NOT get the Gardiner Middle School teaching position. The principal called this afternoon to let me know they went with someone that had more teaching experience. I am disappointed, because I thought teaching at Gardiner would be really fun. However, I'm excited to see what God has in store for me.

I really appreciate your prayers and hope that you continue to pray that I will find a job soon.

Thanks again.

2nd Interview

2008-03-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

I got called in for my second interview at Gardiner Middle School!! The interview will be Monday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. - I really appreciate your prayers.

Teaching Interview

2008-03-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I got called in to interview for the Gardiner Middle School 8th grade History position (Oregon City School District). Hooray!! My interview is Wednesday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m., so please pray specifically that I'm not too nervous and that I'm able to communicate clearly. Also, please pray that no matter the outcome I am content.

I appreciate everyone's support.

Prayer for the Unemployed

2008-03-05T17:46:00.001-08:00

As most of you know, I've been working from home as an independent drafter for a land surveying firm in Southern Oregon since we moved to Portland. The job has been beneficial not only financially but also with scheduling as well. Working from home let me set my own hours, get involved with whatever volunteer opportunities I wanted to and spend time with my wonderful husband whenever he was available between work, classes and ministry.

Unfortunately, I got the word yesterday that I had to be "let go." The poor economy is wreaking havoc on the survey firm and I'm one of 7 lay-offs they have had to make in the last few months.

So, here I am unemployed for the first time since I started working at the age of 15. This comes at a scary time for many reasons, but particularly since I just underwent surgery Aaron and I paid for out-of-pocket and Aaron is still finishing school. Needless to say, I request your prayers. Please pray that I will be able to find employment in a timely manner, and that I will see this opportunity as just that: an opportunity and not a set-back. I am excited about the possibility to get a teaching job (for next fall), and perhaps an Executive Assistant job until then to "pay the bills." More importantly please pray as Habakkuk 3:17-19 records,

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.

And as my husband has so eloquently put:

"Pray that we would live as though the word of God is true, that we would believe and be convinced that our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases and that we would take seriously the command of Jesus, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”"

Thoughts on Parenthood

2008-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful excerpt from Carolyn Mahaney's book:

"I have been sobered by the words of Charles Bridge, first written in 1846: 'Far better that [children] should cry under healthful correction, than that parents should afterwards cry under the bitter fruit to themselves and children, of neglected discipline.'"

Carolyn goes onto write about giving into fear as parents, or more specifically as mothers. Proverbs 29:25 calls this "the fear of man," but Carolyn is specifically writing about the fear of children in this section. She writes about the need to be liked and accepted, which is sinful in this case:

"'...[this fear is defined as] an excessive sinful concern about what our children think of us, an inordinate desire for our children's approval, or an intense fear of being rejected by our children.' Succumbing to the fear of children can lead to indulgence. If we cave in to our children's sinful demands in order to secure their approval and affection, or if we withhold discipline so as not to risk their displeasure - this is sinful indulgence, not biblical love" (page 55).

A Newly Finished Reading

2008-02-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

I recently started and finished a book called Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother, by Carolyn Mahaney (C.J. Mahaney's wife). I found so many gems in my readings that I decided to share a bit here as they come to mind:

"Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn't judge us by our theology; the world judges us by our behavior. People don't necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible. They want to see if what we believe makes a difference in our lives. Our actions either bring honor to God or misrepresent His truth...How sobering it is to realize that our behavior has the potential to discredit the gospel. But how exciting it is to think that we can actually commend the gospel!" (page 27).

Still Kicking!

2008-01-24T09:04:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. On January 18 I had a surgical procedure done that took me out of commission for a while, but I'm recovering - slower than I would like, but steadily. Aaron's been taking great care of me and I should be back to my normal self in no time. I'll post again soon. Take care.

New Year's Eve Party

2008-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I got to ring in the New Year at our friends' (Nick & Meredith) house. We played games, ate fondue, drank and were merry!

(From Left to Right) Sheree, Elaine, Meredith, Alicia & me

My Husband's Blog

2008-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

My husband has had a blog site address for ages, but now he's actually posting stuff. Check it out HERE.

Christmas at Home

2007-12-29T11:05:00.000-08:00

This year my family came to Portland for Christmas. Although there were 9 of us in our tiny house with one bathroom it was extremely fun. Here are some pictures of the festivities:

(From left to right) Dad, my nephew Doug, Mom, my niece Maggie, Aaron, my nephew Mikey, my sister Amy and my brother-in-law Marcus

Substitute Teaching

2007-12-12T07:45:00.001-08:00

As many of you already know, I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching this September after a grueling 18 months of study. So, recently I started substitute teaching at a local private Christian school. My first day was Monday and I'm going back again today for half the day. It feels fun to be teaching again, even though these student are quite different than those at the alternative school where I did my student teaching. It's a nice change. You can find out more about the school I'm subbing at here.

Another Post....Finally!

2007-12-10T09:29:00.001-08:00

Sorry about not posting for a while. Life has been pretty hectic. The day after Thanksgiving our dear friend, Meredith, was diagnosed with lung cancer. The news came as a shock, not only because she's 29, but also because she's never smoked, or grew up around smokers. I'll try to be more diligent about posting. In the mean time, you can find out more about Meredith's situation
HERE.

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-23T09:08:00.002-08:00

Aaron and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Matt & Alicia and Aaron's mom, Carole. It was our first official Thanksgiving on our own, meaning we hosted and did the major cooking (with lots of help from my mom and sister via phone).

Aaron carving the bird!

Visit the Parents

2007-11-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving tomorrow to go visit my parents in Southern Oregon for the weekend. It's nice not to be driving the four hours, but taking a quick 45-minute flight. I always look forward to spending time with them, although I miss Aaron while I'm away. I'm sure he'll keep himself busy getting ready for his mom to visit us for Thanksgiving.

A Woman's Place - Part One

2007-11-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Personally, I have been wondering about a Christian woman's role as wife, mother, homemaker, etc. Should my primary "professional" role be in or outside of the home? Here is an excerpt from Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother, written by Carolyn Mahaney:

"...the Bible does not say that wives and mothers are never allowed to work outside the four walls of their houses; nor does it preclude them from receiving wages for work. Scripture provides examples of godly women who worked in other settings and earned extra income, but never to the neglect of their families and homes.

The Proverbs 31 woman is one such model. During her lifetime she pursued many endeavors beyond the confines of her house. She worked among the poor and needy, she traveled, she bought real estate and planted vineyards, she made linen garments and sashes and sold them, she participated in trading - but her primary motive and goal with all these enterprises was to serve her family and home. This woman's attentiveness to her home is God's standard for our conduct."

Assessment

2007-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Aaron and I just got home this afternoon from a 4-day church-planting assessment. I didn't realize how tiring it is to be assessed. Therefore, it's definitely good to be in our own home, in our own bed, and with our own fun dogs.

Although the time was a bit daunting, I must say that the process only affirmed our cohesiveness as a couple. That point alone was worth all the work this week.

Excerpt

2007-10-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is from The Strong-Willed Wife written by Debbie Cherry. It's an awesome book I'm currently reading and highly recommend:

"Stop criticizing: We strong-willed wives tend to focus on our way of doing things and saying things as the right way (and sometimes the only way). When people do it differently we feel it necessary to correct them. But learning to control our tongue will make a huge difference in our relationship with our husbands. The key to this step is to learn to accept your husband’s differences and to understand that different does NOT mean wrong. If you continue to criticize your husband or redo what he’s done, you undermine your attempts to let him lead."

3 of My Favorite People

2007-10-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

My awesome sister, Amy, me and my amazing parents. This picture was taken at Howard Prairie Lake on Father's Day 2007. I loved fishing with my dad and just hanging out with the rest of my incredible family.

4th Annual Spooky Bash!

2007-10-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I went as a cat and a donkey

Matt, Tyler, Josh (aka Ricky Martin), Nick and Aaron

Blog Numero Uno

2007-10-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to try my hand at blogging and see how it goes. I've been debating about how to go get information about my life out to the masses (mostly my family afar), and thought setting up my own blog would be the best avenue.

I'm hoping to learn more about formatting my page so, hopefully you'll see changes soon!

Thanks for checking in.