Happy Sweet 16 Mary Elizabeth

My girlfriend Kelli's daughter just celebrated her Sweet 16th Birthday. If you have been reading my blog for a while you know about Kelli and her family, and my friendship with Kelli. The doctor's told Kelli and Mike that Mary Elizabeth probably wouldn't see her 16th Birthday! But God had other plans for her! Happy Birthday Mary Elizabeth. You are a very special gift from God, and I am very thankful that you and your family came into my life.

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife).

1) Its been a good week. I love the fact that I have been able to say that the last few months. Yes there are some days when things don't go the way you plan, but over all I have nothing to complain about.

2) I have been trying to spend more time with God. It shouldn't be a task to pick up my bible on a daily basis, but I'm human and sometimes it is. Recently I read an article that talked about how important is for a leader to spend time in the word so that the messages you share is rooted and grounded in God's truths. It's been convicting me to do better in this area.

3) I made it to Easter Choir practice at NLP this week. Once again I am amazed that they even open the doors and allow me in. Its one of the few places that I can go and just be "Cyndi". I hold no other title there accept regular attendee and I'm able to slip in (most of the time in the back) and just be ministered to. Its also allowed me to see things from the other perspective....and that is how important it is that we minister to people right where they are. You never know what someone is going through and it doesn't matter what walk of life they come from everyone needs to hear a good word.

4) Friday night we had our first "Girl's Night Out" event at WABC. We had 31 women (young and old) join us for dinner. We had such a good time and many of the women have already asked what will be next.

5) Many of the women have expressed and interest in joining us for a little road trip to DC. It should make for an interesting weekend. I had one husband say he is ready to write the check now. I plan to hold him to it.

6) The Men's Ministry went to DC on Saturday to a Wizard's and Piston's game. I hear they did not get back in town until 3 AM. A few of them were looking a little tired today (LOL). But just like the women they want to know what's next.

7) We were given two computers for our "computer lab" and as soon as we get some monitors we will be in business. This will give people in our community who do not have access to computers the opportunity to go online for information, job search, etc. This has been a dream of Marc's for a while.

8) Next weekend our Marriage and Singles ministry will attend a play together. "The Play, A Man Called Jesus" is an awesome production that is not to be missed if you are ever given the opportunity. I got to see it many years ago and it was unbelievable.
9) Registration for our "Healing Hearts" workshop begins next week. Please pray for us. I have the feeling that if we can get 31 women and girls to come out in the rain for dinner then if we offer them the chance to be pampered, feed and refreshed in Jesus for a day that we will come (hopefully in big numbers).

10) We give out bread on 1st and 4th Sundays at WABC. Every time I see it I am reminded of the story of Jesus feeding the many with the fish and 5 loaves of bread. With the economy the way it is right now every little bit counts. WABC may be small in number but the people there have big hearts. I can't imagine what will happen over the coming years as they start to grow. Our hope is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I hope that this is something we will never forget no matter how large or small we are.

11) Today instead of going out to dinner after service we came home and I (drum roll) fixed dinner! I posted a picture because I am sure many of my friends and family members are close to passing out after hearing this announcement. After eating out on Friday and because we are buying tickets for the play next week I am trying to be a good steward of our money.
12) Today we had a guest join church (even while his wife lay in a hospital). He was so excited about joining that he did not want to miss it today (he wanted to join the first week he was at WABC but decided to wait a week, only to remember he would be out of town. He promised that he would join the next Sunday no matter what). He left afterwards to be with his wife, but it was fun seeing the smile on his face. I'm almost positive Marc reminded him that we don't allow pew sitters at WABC. There is so much work to be done and if we are to be relevant in our community we have to get busy....NOW.

13) Yesterday we brought a water cooler for the fellowship hall. One of our members has offered to get water for us for free. God has really been blessing our small church. Many of the things that are being put in place are not things you usually see at a small baptist church. God gave Marc the vision for this ministry a long time ago. He keeps saying he can't believe he is actually getting to see it play out. I love seeing that look in his eyes when he gets excited about all of the possibilities for WABC.

14) Well its back to the trenches for me. Lot's of spring cleaning around the house to take care of. Key word...simplify! Let's just say I'm tired of clutter.

Israel Houghton

My favorite artist just released his latest album and from what I understand its off the chain. You can see a video of his song "Power of One" here.

Living in the Fishbowl

OK, by now you know me. My love for ministry (whether its children, women , technology, etc). I have been living in this fishbowl all of my life. As the granddaughter of a pastor, the goddaughter of a pastor, and now the wife of a pastor.

And by now you have heard my rants about being a wife of a minister and how surprised I have been at the conversations I have had with women over the hurt that sometimes comes along with this calling (don't fool yourself, in many ways it is a calling. I figured out a while ago that God has been preparing me for such a time as this).

Anyway, for all of the women that belong to this special club I wanted to pass on a few links that might help you in some way. It's my dream to one day host a Pastor's Wives Retreat or Conference. At this point its just a dream, but I know of at least two places that you can go in the meantime (LOL).

A few weeks ago Beth Moore hosted a PW's Conference and from everything that I have heard, it was something else. I don't think people (especially congregations recognize the pain that is sometimes associated with this ministry). If you think this is a myth just read this. I really wish I could have attended this event. Maybe one day!

One event that I have dreamed about attending for a while is the First Lady Conference hosted by Lois Evans. My husband has a deep respect for Pastor Tony Evans and I would love for them to be able to meet one day. He has really high expectations for men of God, and so if he says he respects you then I promise you he "really" respects you.

At this moment and time none of these dreams are obtainable, but I know one day it will happen. Hey, I never thought I would make it to Disney (but I did). And on more then one occasion.

Oh and another cool place to visit is this new site just for Pastor's Wives called Clutch (they even posted a review of the Beth Moore Conference...and you all know how much I "heart" Beth Moore).

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife).

1) Where did the week go? I feel like I have been walking in circles this week. I have a few things I need to figure out on a personal basis so please keep me in prayer.

2) I decided this past week to sit out the last few sessions of the Esther series. I'm pretty confident now that this is something I want to do with the Women of WABC. So I'm still on the look out for the series (just in case anyone is listening). Hey, if you don't ask you may miss a blessing (lol).

3) I also missed choir rehearsal for the Easter service at NLP on Thursday. Honestly I just felt "off" this week. More then likely it was my system re-adjusting to my meds ( I was out of my bp pills for a few days, which is never a good thing).

4) The one good bit of news I received in relation to my health came on Monday when I visited my doctor. Seems like all of my test from my last check up came back pretty good. I did have to add Fish Oil tablets to my list of meds. Seems that I have low cholesterol. Go figure! I never have normal symptoms (lol).

5) The women of WABC are gearing up for their first "Girl's Night Out" which is this coming Friday. I'm telling you we need to get these ladies out more often (lol).

6) Apparently the men had such a good time at their Men's Ministry breakfast last month that they are asking for a repeat performance.

7) We had our first "Meet and Greet" for guest today immediately following our morning service. We got names of a few people, and they will receive a follow up letter this week.

8) Saturday the youth went to an expo that was held to highlight opportunities for summer programs. The report I got back was that they had a really good time. I love seeing the faces of our youth when they are out and about. Now a few of them are starting to feel comfortable enough to invite friends along.

9) Apparently the free coffee and donuts got rave reviews from one of our members today. Sometimes the little things really do make a big difference.

10) This afternoon we had a "Christian Jubilee" (think open mike night). The thing that I loved about this program was the varying ages that participated. I saw young people worshiping beside those who are young at heart. It was a beautiful thing to see.

11) Marc's message today was "To Legit to Quit". We have been experimenting with recording Marc's messages and today we videotaped. Unfortunately we didn't record the whole thing. Its a learning process at this point but WABC is changing slowly in the direction that God has planned for us.

12) So for anyone who may want to know.............Marc and I are loving being at WABC.

Jonas Needs Our Help

Please help if you can http://www.jonasparas.com/ . One of his donation jars was stolen today from a local IHOP.

I don't know why but this little boys story has really touched my heart ( I don't know the family personally, but after seeing the story on our local news station I couldn't get him out of my mind). I can't imagine what I would have done if this had happened to one of our children. And now the fact that someone was bold enough to steal the donation jar, well it just makes me mad.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife).

1) Its been a week of ups and downs. Mostly ups, so I can't complain.

2) We are having issues with the city over our plans to expand (so please keep us in prayer), but I know better then anyone that God always has a better plan anyway so I am believing that the final outcome will be for his glory. Marc even said that if the issue becomes to big we will start looking for alternative places for our new sanctuary (even if that means buying a shopping center! I think that one may have thrown a few of his deacons and trustees...LOL).

3) I am doing my "Sunday Mind Dump" really early today because tonight I am watching a movie with my girls. This weekend I spent some time away from Twitter and Facebook and just hung out with my family. It was good stuff. Sometime its good to unplug and hang out with your family. Its something I plan to do more often.

4) Nicki has been asked to join the Praise Team at NLP. I am so proud of the direction that God is taking my girls. They have come a long way in their relationship with Christ. I can't wait to see what God has in store for them.

5) TJ tries really hard not to pay attention in church and for a long time I worried about him. But on the Sundays that I have attended service with him and Nicki I have noticed a change in him. He actually listens to what Pastor Dan has to say. Many have asked why our children are not with us at WABC, but I believe God has placed them where they need to be (plus they are grown) and the most important thing to me is that they are allowed to freely worship God in their own way. That is not always easy when you are a PK (pastor's kid).

6) WABC has received a very special donation. I can't talk about it until its officially announced but lets just say it will become a very important part of our worship service and our Wednesday Nights. Not to mention that impact on many of our upcoming events.

7) This afternoon we fellowshipped with a local church which lost their church building to a fire less then four weeks ago. The amazing part is that the congregation is looking forward, not back and have not let this tragedy stop them from praising God.

8) Speaking of praise......If you look at my husbands face you can see just how much he enjoyed the service and especially the singing (lol). Actually if he could have I think he would have stole the choir! He kept calling them the newly formed choir of WABC (I swear I never know what will come out of that man's mouth). Our music ministry is one of the things we are working on. I can't wait to hear them blow it out one day. I know its coming.

9) His message today was "What if God Got Tired". Early that week we talked about how easy it is to get tired when you are in ministry. I commented that what if God got tired of us? Apparently I was his inspiration this week. I loved that! May have to keep the old man (lol).

10) Last week we started serving coffee and donuts before service (nothing like the free breakfast my friend Shaun in Atlanta is offering. Just in case someone reads this from Atlanta go check out the Courageous Church). Its free of charge and will become part of many changes that we are making to our Hospitality Ministry. At the end of the month we will begin hosting a Meet and Greet for our guest every 4th Sunday. Its a chance for them to get to know us and get additional information on WABC, our beliefs and the various ministries offered at WABC.

11) I have missed several of the Beth Moore sessions this month and even though I hate that this happened I am beginning to think that it happened for a reason. I hope to purchase the materials so that our Women's Ministry can experience this great lesson together. If anyone knows someone who would be willing to donate the sessions to our ministry please drop me a line. I have been looking for it on eBay but so far none fit my pocketbook (at least not at this time).

12) I heard a bit of buzz about our Women's Ministry first "Girls Night Out". It should make for an interesting evening. I love that our church is excited to invite friends, family and strangers to WABC. It says a lot about the people there and the church itself. Its starting to show because today we had several guest attend service.

13) Speaking of sharing, apparently Marc needs to order additional cards for WABC because several of our members have passed so many out that they came back today asking for more.

14) I have heard it on good authority that several people have been checking out our church blog (you never know who is watching you). I try to keep the info current (the worse thing to do is have a website that doesn't carry updated info). Its nothing fancy but when you go there you get to see WABC like we really are....a Real Church, Serving the Real God, Reaching out to Real People to Effect Real Change!

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife).

1) This week went by way to fast. Tuesday we had a very productive staff meeting. Some of the conversation was difficult to say the least. New ways of doing things sometimes causes people to become uncomfortable, but sometimes being uncomfortable causes us to think, thereby bringing about change.

2)Marc spent just about every evening at church this week. He is bi-vocational, and has a strong work ethic. He is the same when it comes to ministry.

3) Friday we attended a fundraiser in support of a friend who's ministry supports missions in India and Haiti. I am amazed at the work they have accomplished in just five years.

4) Saturday the Men's Ministry held its first Men's Fellowship breakfast since Marc became pastor. The young men were asked to attend. Apparently some of them had to be dragged out of bed (lol). Afterwards they said they had a great time. Now a slumber party for the young men is in the works (that and a trip to the batting cages). We are hoping that mentoring will become a very important part of the Men's Ministry at WABC. Saturday seemed to start the ball rolling.

5) Don't worry the Women's Ministry has some things up our sleeve. At the end of the month we will be holding our First Girls Night Out. We also have a women's bible study in the works, a Women's Weekend Experience and several more events in the coming months.

6) Please pray for our Music Ministry. It's one of those tough discussions we had in our staff meeting on Tuesday.

7) We recorded Marc's message this morning. We are hoping to start videotaping it in the near future. My husband is a gadget man so he has lots of cool stuff that now will be used to benefit WABC's ministry.

8) Speaking of his message. It was really good this morning (not that the other's haven't been...lol). But when I write 3 pages of notes, its really good! His title was: "I Know Who I Am". He reminded us of the importance of your witness. Testimony with our lips is not as good as our actions. We must demonstrate by our actions who we belong to. It's not about your title, the only way we will reach people is by going outside of the walls of the church. Don't wait for them to come to you. It's not about us, Its not even about the building.

9) Marc's twin sister surprised him at church this morning. It was the first time she had ever heard him preach. He put her on the spot when he asked her to sing. She did it, but I have the feeling he will pay for that one in the future (lol).

10) I don't have a picture, but today I wore a sleeveless sheath dress with a jacket. When I took the jacket off Nicki said I was sporting my Michelle Obama look (lol).

11) How did you all do with the time change? I went to bed early last night. I even laid out our clothing in case we got behind in the morning (we still ended up behind). After ironing 4 dress shirts last night I have made an executive decision. Despite the economy this girl will be dropping off her husbands shirts at the nearest local cleaners ASAP. Just today he went through 2 t-shirts and 3 dress shirts. My grandmother did this for my grandfather for years. Not this girl! I have concluded that as much as I love my Rowenta iron...I don't love it that much (lol).

12) I made a major sacrifice this weekend. Last year we started buying lawn furniture for our backyard. I had this dream of entertaining over the summer. I cleared off our front porch, painted the shutters, garage and the front door. We brought tables and chairs and tiki lanterns. Marc even brought a gazebo (which has yet to go up). The one mistake I made was not buying enough chairs for the tables. By the time I realized it the chairs were gone. A few months ago I noticed the same chairs were back at Sam's club. Marc gave me money on Saturday...I had a choice between two new chairs or a trip to the salon to get my nails done. Guess which one I chose?

Sunday Mind Dump, through the eyes of the wife ( in picture form).

1) I think my husband had the best time ever today. You could see it all over his face. Several things happened that put that smile there. For one thing he was surprised by a visit from some very special people from our home church.

2) His message focused on parenting and what is the best source for help. He talked about how important it is to have God as the center of your family. The only tool we need for parenting is to seek the Lord.

3) This morning he got to dedicate his first baby at WABC. Cecelia's father was on leave for only two weeks so we took the opportunity to dedicate her while her daddy was in town. Please keep him in your prayers as he pulls out next week.

4) Today was a great day for us because we got to welcome a longtime friend to the ministry. Rob and his wife Diane will become an important part of the outreach plan for WABC. Rob has a strong background in Men's Ministry, Prison Ministry and Community Service in the city of Norfolk.

5) Pastor Addie Peterson came to speak to our leadership team. She was point on with her message. Marc and I have had a strong relationship with her and her church for a number of years.

6) One of the things she said was that stuck with me is that a Leader is only as good as the team. We cannot win this by our self. Our job is to make the boss look good. Who's the boss? God is the boss.

7) Nicki and I had a great time Friday night at the talk on Multi-ethnic churches. We really enjoyed the music, but we especially enjoyed the dinner. We were served a mix of ethnic food from Caribbean, Lebanese, Filipino, Mexican to Soul Food. I turned down some ox tail but I did eat the curry chicken and plantain.

8) I am still studying the Beth Moore series on "Esther". Actually I think every Women's ministry in the world is studying this series (LOL).

9) Nicki and I attended our last voice lesson this past week (most of the class did not want it to end) so this week we will begin practice for the Easter Choir Service at NLP. We will be singing during the Saturday service (I'm not crazy, I know where I had better be on Easter morning). For me its still a matter of training. You can never get enough of that.

10) Tuesday night we will hold our monthly staff meeting. The difference this week is that we will have two new participants. Welcome Rob and Diane to the WABC family. I'm sure Marc will be grinning again (Did I happen to mention how happy he was today.... LOL)?

11) On Friday Marc and I will be attending a banquet who's proceeds go to benefit a local missions organization which recently went to India. My girlfriend Pam who will be speaking at our Women's Day Celebration went with the group. I am looking forward to hearing more about her experience.

12) There is so much on our calender for this week that I am sure if I spend too much time thinking about it I would probably start falling apart. Unfortunately there is no time to think. Thank goodness Monday is a day of rest!