Worth It All

This has been the best week! And that is all I can say at this time. I'm tired (but in a good way), but I promise to share more pictures later. The picture at the top is the reason why we do what we do. Thank you Lord for blessing our children. When they stood up at closing to share what they have learned it brought tears to my eyes. I think they really got what serving others means.

Its a Family Affair

My aunt and uncle are my number one supporters and cheerleaders. I think they believe I can do anything (lol) if I set my mind to it. Whenever I get discouraged I can call them and they will talk me through my issues (of course sometimes we disagree on how to accomplish a solution). The best part about our relationship is that I can usually call on them for help, so this week its been an honor working with them at our VBS Camp. My aunt spent over thirty years as an Art Teacher so I knew she would come up with great projects for the kids to participate in. My uncle stepped in to do VBS for the adults on Wednesday, and from everything I have heard the "masses" (we had nearly 25 adults each day which has been great for us) have been enjoying themselves.

Two Days Down

I am tired but its been a good tired. Today I got to do dabble in my favorite thing (besides seeing the look of happiness on our young children's faces or that slight smile from our jaded teens). Setting up the table for the adult class just reminds me of all I have left to do before the anniversary party (why did I set the date for the week after VBS!!!!!!)

Family in Ministry

Marc leading the adults.



Me (directing is hard work).



Quisha with the little ones.




Nicki helping with crafts.

Round Two

We recognized the graduates at our church today. Because Quisha graduated in December she walked along with the other graduates of 08. Each of the students were asked to write something about themself and Quisha offered advice to each of the new high school graduates. She reminded them that things will sometime become tough but to never give up on their dreams, never allow someone to tell you what you can and cannot do. She closed by writing ...all things are possible through Christ Jesus (needless to say I cried like a baby....again). It brought back all of the pride I felt when she walked down the aisle at her college nearly 5 months ago.

And So It Begins

VBS begins tomorrow. We spent most of Saturday setting up for the classes that will begin on Monday. This afternoon we started registration for our adult class, looking forward to seeing how many little ones come. Let's see if I still have this smile on my face at the end of the week (lol).

Soul Partners

A while back I really felt a pull to find a group of women who could become my prayer partners (especially as we went through the process for a pastor). Fasting and praying has become the one constant in my life that keeps me grounded and seems to have helped with my stress levels. Having a prayer partner seemed to fill that final gap. It took me a while to figure out who would be the best "women" for the job (it was important to me that I could talk to them about anything, so I knew it would have to be a very special group of women who could be close to me, but who would not have a problem with keeping me straight.....this is a long term thing). The six women I asked all hold a special place in my life. My cousin Michelle has been my "sister" forever. This is the one person I can fight with, but if someone was to hurt me in any type of way...she would be the first to take off her shoes and her earrings to fight for me (lol). Kelli is my soul sister, it amazes me still today that we have become so close (especially considering how we met, and how far we live from one another). Peggy is one of those ladies you meet and you know instantly that she knows who God is (she just radiates....godly women). Sheila is a whirlwind of energy, but she is one of the most loyal women I have ever met. I can talk to Sheila about anything, and she listens and then tells you like it "really" is. Cassandra is one of those ladies that seems to have it all (and she does), but she is also one of the most humble, unselfish, non-judgemental women I have ever come in to contact with. She has a healing soul. Then there is Teresa. I have blogged about Teresa so many times. This girl has been with me through the thick and the thin (she makes me laugh). Teresa is the one person who understood my passion for being a SAHM. She convinced me I had worth and because of her encouragement I honestly believe my confidence improved and I now face things in life I never thought I could. Well many months later it has become clear that these women were brought into my life for a purpose and a plan. They have been such a blessing to me, and after hearing from many other minister wives in ministry who feel lonely, abandoned, overlooked, overworked, and underpaid ....I am even more convinced that it is important that you have women in your life who can speak to you, pray for you, hold you accountable and encourage you on your journey. So I just wanted to send a special shout out to the women in my life who have become my "soul partners". Thank you ladies.

Women In Youth Ministry

So I just happen to be doing my usual blog hopping and came across this picture. The caption at the bottom was what caught my attention ( it said "Women In Youth Ministry" ), and it hit me....I am a women in youth ministry! As much as I try to bring it back to Marc and his position as Youth Director (to some Pastor)....the last few months I have had to deal with (and accept) the fact that I am in ministry myself. I am not just assisting my husband, for some reason (that I am still dealing with) I have been "called" (if you want to call it that) to Youth Ministry. In all honesty I knew this years ago, but I kept fighting it. Maybe its the whole title thing, I'm just not into them. Neither is Marc, as a matter of fact if he had his way everyone would just call him Marc (and don't get me started on the "First Lady" title )! Anyway.....I'm slowly coming around to the fact that I am in this for the long hall. In the last few months I have had to "lead" (and I say this loosely) two staff meetings for Marc. Last night was the second time and for a change I didn't go into the meeting with knees knocking, or sweaty palms. As a matter of fact the meeting was fine. Of course it has helped that as VBS Director (there goes that title thing again) I have had to conduct a few meetings on my own (one in which I had to literally leave in the middle of a presentation because I was a crying, overwhelmed basket case. In the end that meeting went well also and from all of the feedback I received only one person actually noticed my meltdown and thankfully never commented on it). Someone sent me a email today and at the end they thanked me for my efforts with VBS. She said "God is pleased when we use our gifts to his glory". I think if I can just remember that, especially the part about using my gifts for his glory.....then I might just make it as a women in ministry.

The Importance of Rest and Relaxation

So I have been known to "stalk" a few pastors blogs. Mostly because I am always looking for things to share with Marc, and partly just because I am curious. Also I have been known for hanging out with more men then women. Mostly when I was younger, something my mom passed along to me, and that I apparently have passed on to my youngest daughter. Not that I don't love my girlfriends , I just happen to love listening in on the conversations men have. But I digress (lol). While surfing the net the one thing I have picked up on from listening to pastors and preachers is the importance of some downtime. Many pastors today spend a lot of time in service on the weekend (sometime preaching 7-8 times) pouring into their congregation then on Monday they crash and burn ( only to have to start the process all over again). Contrary to popular opinion many men of God are not making an outrageous amount of money (and they still have to take care of their family). Many still work at other jobs, and many work for free! Several pastors have talked about men of God who have just quit. I can't imagine what this does to someone when he/she gives up on their calling from God ( another reason you have to have a personal relationship with God, and not just talk about him). Those of us who are the wives of these men see how much they love their congregations and how much they are willing to sacrifice because they love them. Some even sacrifice their family time in order to serve. I don't think this is what God is calling us to do, so its very important that we "balance" our church life along with our personal life ( and yes, Pastors do have a personal life people). So on that note, I try to "create" opportunities for Marc to just rest and relax ( he would not necessarily do it on his own ). Thankfully yesterday he was receptive to what ever we planned for him (and after two days of some serious preaching and teaching, it was a must) so after service, dinner at IHOP and small break at home we headed to our friends home to just sit by the pool, and chill. I don't know that he would have done this on his own, but by the end of the evening I knew it was worth it. He looked relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to start all over again.

Happy Father's Day Honey

If you looked at these pictures he really looks like a mad man, in reality he is just very passionate when he speaks (lol). Happy Fathers Day honey.

John's Girls

So my uncle and I just happen to attend the same church (lol), so the plan this morning was to attend our home church for part of the morning and then sneak over to the other church to surprise Marc. My uncle has been my father figure my entire life (as was his father, my grandfather). My cousin (his daughter Michelle) and I have been "sisters" since birth. It was nice being able to be in worship service together (even if it was for a short time). So technically Uncle John had all of his girls together (minus my mom). My aunt has always said that we come first, even before her. I disagree because we all know he loves his number one girl Maryland and would be lost without her. Happy Fathers Day Uncle John.

Speaking Engagement

Marc had a speaking engagement on Saturday. He was a guest of his aunt's organization. She was also the person who raised the most money for her groups fundraiser so she was crowned the queen for 2008-2009.

Mission Shift

Those of us who say its time for change.....I think this is what we are getting at in a nutshell!

Worship and Meditate With Your Whole Heart

I woke up this morning with a want and need (almost a thirst) to be in quiet worship, meditation with my Father God. So I have been "rockin" it on the old ipod this morning listening to one of my favorite gospel artist (Israel Houghton and New Breed). If you have never listened to their music before you have to check them out. I have listened to and sang along with the ipod many times, but for some reason this morning I really listened to the words. "I Know Who I Am" just really stuck with me.

I am yours and you are mine, Jesus you are mine...Jesus you are mine. I was running and he did find me, I was blinded and he did give me sight I was broken and he did heal me, I was dying and he gave me life, He is my identity! And because of him I know who I am!

I belong to him and he belongs to me, how cool is that?

Then I emerged myself in "I Will Search". And he talks about " how precious how lovely, are your thoughts towards me. How truly amazing is the grace that you have shown. Oh majesty I live to see your face. How gracious, relentless is the fathers love towards us, breathtaking the beauty and the radiance of you. Oh, majesty I live to see your face and be transformed...into your image. I will search for him, and I will find him with all my heart, I will lift my hands to him and worship, I will worship with all my heart". That is what he is looking for from us. For us to worship him with our "whole" heart and soul.

Life gets so busy sometime, take some time out and search for God and just worship him!

Note: I took this picture in Hawaii. That is one place where you really see God's amazing work, alive and in full color!

Tim Russert

My heart goes out to the family of Tim Russert. I don't think a journalist death has effected me as much since the death of Peter Jennings. I guess because Nicki has always had a love for news and journalism (hence the study of Mass Communications) I have watched the news with a different perspective (as if I was a part of it). Tim was actually one of the few journalist on tv that I respected and didn't mind tuning in to watch. As others have said his passion and dedication to news shown through in his work. He will be missed.

Update on Abe

In all of the chaos of life I forgot to update you all on my cyber nephew Abe. Abe and his family were able to come home a few weeks ago. Kelli and the family have been re-adjusting to a "normal" life and this week Abe's cast came off. Hallelujah! He now has new shoes and new feet thanks to Dr. Ponsetti and his staff. Abe still has a long road ahead, but we know he is in God's hands. You can see the before here. Please say a special prayer for Kelli who is dealing with some health issues of her own.

25 and Counting

Twenty five years ago today I married my bestfriend. This morning we wished each other a blessed Happy Anniversary and 25 (plus) more years together. I am starting to get excited about our anniversary celebration which will be in July ( it made more sense to celebrate when we didn't have VBS and the pulpit committee stuff hanging over our head, plus we wanted to accommodate the schedule of a few friends who are coming). We are doing a special photo shoot with 22 of our closest friends, and then that evening we will celebrate with about 70-80 family and friends. There will be great food (chicken, ribs, red potato salad, and green salad), great live music and praise dance, and lots of fun and laughter. The theme is "classy beachy" (nothing cheesy) and we will have soothing music playing while everyone is eating. Yes there is a theme ( I am a party planner by nature ). I am using "cool" colors (aqua, sand, and white) even though it is 4th of July weekend....just because I can (lol). Plan to sprinkle fresh flowers, and glass containers with sand and candles on the tables. I am hoping my aunt will make a "wedding cake", but if not I will be at the local Sam's to pick up Coconut cake, Carrot cake, and Strawberry Cheesecake (our favorite desserts). Still working on favor ideas so if anyone has a great idea please let me know (I have one in mind, just trying to figure out how to do it). Originally I planned to get sparking cider for us to do a toast at the end of the evening, then last week we went to a friends house and he served virgin pina colada's. I am hoping Marc can twist his arm to make them at the reception (here's hoping). Also having pink lemonade and ice tea (in some really cute beverage dispensers...lol).

Like I said I am just a little excited (lol). I have told my friends this will be a fun, casual celebration. For years I talked about doing the big wedding we never had, and eventually we considered a weekend away event. After the last few months (and because of financial constraints) we decided on a different plan. Your 25th only comes around once and because we were married young many did not expect it to last. But thanks to God's grace and mercy we are still here. Its not been easy, and there have been times when we could have strangled each other, but I can honestly say (and most of our friends and family would agree)...that we love each other and I couldn't imagine my life without him ( and I believe if he was here he would say the same). So Happy Anniversary honey, and here is to 26 more!

In God's Hands

Marc has done all that he can do (actually he came home with a smile on his face and a song on his heart. Partly from relief, but mostly confidence in knowing that he really has done all that he can do), the rest is in God's hands. Please continue to keep us in prayer. It has been a long two years and we have gone through lots of changes. Some good, some not so good. In my heart I know that in the end all that will matter is that we kept our faith in God. My prayer today has been that God would grant him the desires of his heart (which is to pastor). Where that will be is up to God. If someone had told me a year ago, or even a few months ago that I would be OK with whatever avenue he sent us I would have told them they were wrong. Funny how taking the time to be in quiet reflection with my father makes all the difference in the world. Marc preached yesterday afternoon about change. He said that God is saying.....its time for change. To often people see the church from the outside in. Its now time for them to see the church from the inside out. He went on to say that we as Christians can make a difference....Yes we can, yes we can ( where have you heard that before?)!

Further and Furtherin

So my new friend Michelle has started a new journey and has asked us to come along for the ride. If you are looking to get to a deeper level in your commitment to Christ come and join in the discussion. I knew after I finished the Daniel Series last month that I would need something to sustain me. I don't do well when I am idol, especially when trying to draw closer to my father. Michelle brought this up at just the right time in my life. I am finding myself looking for, thirsting for more knowledge about God and the path he has assigned me. So if you are interested come check it out here.

Prayer Please

Over the last few months we have lost several of our older members, and today we lost a very special lady from our congregation. It was so unexpected. Her husband has been sick for sometime, so we were not prepared for her death. Please pray especially for him, I just can't imagine what he will do without his helpmate. The call came this evening after Marc and I came from a funeral for a family friend. I love my husband.........even though he was tired from the sermon he did earlier that day he went back out to see our church member. Not long after he left I got another call that another one of our members has been sent to the hospital. I am sure that the hospital will be the next stop tomorrow. While you are praying please add Marc to your prayer list. He has two sermons on Sunday and his interview for senior pastor for our home church on Monday. Right now his spirit is down and I know that he will need strength in the coming days.

New Hair

So we have all been getting new hair for the summer. Just showing off Nicki's new look. I will post Quisha's when she comes home. Actually you can see her new look here.

History Making Change

No matter what your political view, tonight history has been made. Something my children will remember for a lifetime. 146 years ago the emancipation proclamation went into effect. Change will happen when we come together as a nation and as a country. I believe in order for that to occur change has to start in our churches. I agree with what Pastor Mark says in this article. Then and only then will we see "real" change.

Slide Show from Conference

What I learned from the NewLife Children's Ministry Conference

P.A.T.H - Passion, Attitude, Teamwork, and Honor

What we do today will echo through eternity. We are ministering to a Legacy ( this one really hit me hard). There is no time for play when you are responsible for not just the next generation, but a legacy (I'm sorry people but that is deep)!

We are laying a foundation for .... Destiny.

Our children need:

1) Acceptance, 2) Appreciation, 3) Affection, and 4) Availability. Our children have a "Divine" appointment with us when they come to church.

How do you lay the foundation :

Personal Spiritual Journey

Inward-spend personal time with the father.

Upward- fall in love with your heavenly father, worship him.

Outward- giving it away to others.

Teach your children that their voice matters to God. Teach them to know him and understand him (then they can spot counterfeit when it comes upon them).

Teach them who Jesus is. The only way we can introduce our kids to the presence of God. We need to spend time in his presence.

Be aware that your actions may effect generations to come (another deep one).

You have to have PASSION!

Classroom Tools:

When you prepare your lessons remember the following:

Invitation (invite the kids into what God is doing). What does God want them to know?

Impartation (bringing the kids into the knowledge of God). What he is saying, what his word is.

Application ( how the kids relate their hearts and minds to the message).

Impact ( letting God have all of us ).

We are not doing Hollywood here people, we are doing Heaven!

A few tips on reaching your children:

Make eye contact with them.

Greet them with affection.

When they leave you, they should walk out with one idea...(what is the main idea?)

Create ways they can share with their parents (help start a dialogue).

PASSION can produce change!

Teamwork: What does a team look like?

A group with a common purpose and goal, united. Everyone is different, but we each have a role to play. Each job supports each other.

A winning team does its job, coming together as one.

Lastly know what your "GIFT" is.

Childrens Ministry

Pastor Cheryl

Our friends Glen and Shelley looking a little confused!

Quisha and I met some great ladies ( and men ) over the weekend. The Children's Ministry Conference renewed and refreshed me in so many ways. I went looking for ideas on Children's Ministry and instead I found new friendships and a much needed word from my heavenly father. I also experienced the warmth of a church that didn't mind the fact that I was an outsider looking in. When I originally talked to Pastor Cheryl she told me I was welcome to come to the workshop even though it was for the staff and volunteers of NLP. She assured me that I would get something out of it ( boy was she ever right ). Trying to explain the last three days would be in possible ( unless you were there ). God confirmed so many things to me, it even effected my worship on Sunday morning. My families life will change in the next few months ( in what direction is still up for debate ), but thanks to the people of NLP I now have found a place in which I can relax, refresh and renew. I will post a little bit of what I learned over the weekend tomorrow.