Dear God, I'm tired!

Hello All,

I hope everyone had a great resurrection weekend!

Its been a while since I took a moment to ramble on my thoughts of the day in the blog-o-sphere but I feel like I need to do it today. As I find myself trying to get back into the swing of things after a month of activity after activity I realize I'm pooped.

Though I'd love to say all the visitors we had in our alters making a commitment to God over the weekend was enough to recharge my batteries at the moment I can't say that, all I can say is I need a nap.

I think as Pentecostals we are afraid to admit when we're tired, which in my humble opinion can be dangerous. I live in the Bay Area, work a 40+ hour a week job which requires that I travel quite a bit, my husband is the Youth Pastor at our church so we have an activity every Friday night, I teach Sunday School to junior highers, attempt to maintain my flowers as a side business, I still need to make sure my husband and I share quality time and I am leaving out all the day to day stuff that cannot be ignored. (I would rather have my wisdom teeth pulled again then deal with my husband on a Sunday morning when he realizes he doesn't have a clean white shirt, all the wives can say amen to that).

I don't mention all of the above in any way looking for pity, I know many of you out there keep this type of schedule and more. However, I do totally feel that every now and again we take inventory of our lives so we don't suffer from burnout.

Nobody wants to be the whiny saint and I certainly do not promote pity parties but I do think its important to recognize when you're running on "autopilot" because when you do God is not getting the best out of you.  I remember kneeling to pray one evening, being so tired that I just didn't feel like I could really connect with God and ended up crying my way through prayer telling God "I'm exhausted".

You may ask "was God pleased with that?", I don't know but at the time it was all I could manage. Since then I have done my best to better manage my time. Have I succeeded? Not fully but at least I am more aware of what I devote my energy to. I try to incorporate into my prayers that God helps me not to become overwhelmed with life and the things that I can't change. Until someone buys me that winning mega millions lotto ticket I have to work. :-)

What are the things I CAN change?  A huge part of the "Pentecostal lifestyle" is fellowship but can fellowship actually hinder our walks with God? Some of my groggiest, grumpiest Sunday mornings are after a late evening in San Francisco with other precious saints of God. Did I really  need to hang out with friends until the wee hours of the morning getting ice cream? Probably not (and my waistline seconds the motion!)

Where I devote my time and energy has really been on my mind a lot lately. I want to do more for God and I don't want to be so tired that it feels like its a chore when I'm doing it.God help me not to spend time and energy on the things that do not matter.

Siena

April Updates

Hi All,

I hope April has been kind to you thus far!

Revival Tab had a busy first quarter and the second is only going to busier! There is nothing like being active in the kingdom of God!

On the flower front:

I haven't had as much time as I would like to sew but I did manage to get a little done this week. (See pics below) Enjoy!

Siena

I only have a limited number of this little beauty. The buttons were hand made by a local designer that is no longer producing this style. Get it while it lasts!

Sneak Peek - Spring 2011

Howdy,

Here is a sneak peek into  Spring 2011 pieces!

Love,

Siena
The Polished Plume

Youth Revival Update

Hello All,


What an amazing revival we had with Bro Copeland. Words can’t express how much I appreciate the heartfelt messages he preached. One particular message that sticks out is titled “God hears the things you don’t say”. Bro Copeland talked about how there will be times in life that you feel so overwhelmed by circumstances that all you can do is sigh, the meaning and frustration in your sigh will resonate with God. Such a powerful thought.

We had a packed house on Friday night. I had the opportunity to watch all of God’s young people from around the Bay Area (or to quote one preacher “In the belly of the beast”) fellowship with one another. I know many friendships were formed, and maybe, just maybe one or two love connections.
On a side note, snow has been predicted to fall in the bay area this week. Pray saints pray! The roads are crazy enough out here in ideal conditions. Who knows what it will be like when you throw snow in the mix. Help is dear Jesus!

I hope all is well for everyone in the blogosphere. Take care!

Love,

Siena

P.S. If my blog visitors from Colorado are who I think you are I just want you to know I hope all is well. We’ve never stopped praying for you all. Feel free to contact me vanheusenconsulting@gmail.com

2011 Update

Hello All,


I hope 2011 has been kind to you thus far. I must say I am shocked at how quickly time goes by and how long it’s been since I’ve updated my blog!

Our youth group has “hit the ground running”; we’ve got a lot of great activities planned this year. One that I am particularly excited about is a Youth Revival with Bro. Tim Copeland from Buford, GA. I know we will have an amazing service.

The Polished Plume is now officially in a local store. I am so excited! I’ve been working on some flatter flowers, all dupiani silk attached to elastic headbands. I must say they’ve done fairly well since I rolled them out. I’ve included a pic below, these retail for $12. Available in all colors and color combinations. I will be posting more photo’s next week.

If you’d like to place an order feel free to email me at vanheusenconsulting@gmail.com

Love,

Siena

2010 I'm glad to see you go....

Hello All,

In preparation for our watch night service tonight I've spent the last couple days reflecting on 2010. While I'd like to say this was a year of "mountain top" experiences, overall it was a rough year for not only my family but a lot of families at Revival Tabernacle. I can say without a shadow of a doubt I have the awesome privilege of going to church with some of the strongest saints in Pentecost.

I can't even begin to get into detail of what has transpired, especially in the last few weeks without falling apart. Even in the face of the most extreme tragedies I've seen my brothers and sisters give God the glory.  At the end of the day, no matter life's circumstances God is still good. We may never understand why things happen, why children die, why families suffer but we have a God that is touched by our hurts and infirmities. We'll understand it better by and by...

As Christians its important to remember that we were never promised a perfect care free life. Our promise is that we have a God that will never leave us or forsake us. 

All that being said I am looking for 2011 to be the year of restoration. In Jesus name this will be the year miracles happen,  lost loved ones are saved, more Bible studies are given and we see a revival of backsliders.

Wishing you and yours an amazing 2011!

Siena

All Partied Out

Hello All,

I can't believe the Christmas is about a week away. This year flew by!

I never thought I'd say this but I think I strongly dislike (I HATE to use the word hate :-) hehe) holiday parties. We've had two or three at work, my husbands work party, the youth party, ladies party, church wide party and partridge in a pear tree (no not really).

I'm sure I'll be back to party goer mode once Christmas has passed. I just hope I don't completely turn into Ebenezer Scrooge before I have a house full on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! I know, I'm a bit dramatic tonight. (Its 8:00pm and I haven't eaten all day. The "grumps" always follow hunger pains). All grumbling aside, I am really looking forward to some much needed time with my family (also a week and a half off!).

I'm still sewing, just haven't had a chance to upload any photos. I am getting ready to ramp up again, as of 1/1/11 The Polished Plume will be featured in a local boutique.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Looking forward to a great 2011!

Love,

Siena
The Polished Plume