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

1) I spent the entire week at home! I did not go out to the church one night (with the exception of Friday). My home has been neglected the last couple of weeks in preparation for our Women's Weekend, but the next couple of weeks I will be concentrating on the home front.

2) Well except Tuesday. Tuesday I will be accompanying our Golden Angels (women over 70) on a tour of the city and then to lunch at Golden Corral. We have a large number of "mature" women at WABC and sometimes they are the one group (besides our young adults) that get lost in the crowd. Our goal at WABC is that "all" people will be valued.

3) Saturday my Mary Kay consultant came to our home to pamper the girls and I. I had a long list of items that I need to stock up on for the summer months (including sunscreen). We had a great time and by the end of the afternoon I felt refreshed.

4) We are slowly starting to get our offices together at WABC. This past weekend Marc and I found some really nice desk (really nice). The value of them both was well over $200 each but by the time we got to the register that day they were marked down to less then $35 a piece! Talk about a blessing.

5) I have already started the planning for next years Women's Weekend Experience. Can you say chocolate?

6) This afternoon we had a guest music group. OMG!!!! Those kids (well they are kids to me) were off the chain!!!!! Marc promised them that the next time they came back to visit we would have a new sound system. I can't imagine what they will sound like then!

7) Tuesday we have our monthly all staff meeting. We will be continuing our discussion of "The Purpose Driven Church".

8) I'm excited about the fact that our good friends David and Cheryl will be here next Sunday from Kansas. David who was our pastor when we lived in Kansas will be our guest speaker.

9) Marc's message today was "When your "but" gets in the way! I think the children will be talking about that one for weeks. Especially when he said our "but" stinks in the nostrils of God.

10) I have almost finished the planning for our summer vacation. I am very excited to be going here , here and here.

11) Last Friday I did venture out of the house for a few hours. Our youth choir went to participate in a Youth Extravaganza at my old church. They did such a good job. They went in there with confidence and held their heads high even though this was probably the first time they had performed in front of that many people. I was a very proud mama.

12) In a few weeks will host our annual "Youth Day". The children came up with a great theme for the day. I have been sworn to secrecy, but as soon as I am allowed to spill the beans I will. Its going to be a good one.

13) This morning I got to slip over to NLP for just a bit. Pastor Dan wasn't the speaker but the message was very good. It was actually a early Father's Day message.

14) Speaking of Father's Day, Marc has been asked to stand in for a really good friend at NLP's Father's Day picnic. He will be accompanying his three "nephews" who's father is a soldier and unfortunately will not be here the weekend of the event. This was actually the one weekend Marc and I would not be busy in June. I'm thinking now there was a reason for that. Don't you love how God works?

Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife).

1) I know its not Sunday but I had to get some "house stuff" done today. After weeks of focusing on our Women's Weekend Experience it was time to get back to my real job (that of a wife and mother). LOL

2) This week was awesome. Every bone in my body aches, but it was worth every painful moment just to see our women in action this weekend. These ladies worked their socks off!

3) Wednesday night I learned a very valuable lesson after attending our women's bible study.

4) Friday we started a small group study with our teen and young adult women. The feedback I got back after the evening was over was that the girls really enjoyed themselves and would like to do something like this on a regular basis.

5) Saturday morning started off with a bang. My cousin Michelle was one of our facilitators. I knew it would be an interesting session when she called me that morning to ask if it was ok if she got "naked". We even video taped it. Hopefully I will have it up on YouTube soon. It was hilarious! But it fit the theme for the day which was about being vulnerable.

6) I have never been so proud as I was at the end of the workshop when our women's ministry team held intercessory prayer on behalf of the women at the workshop. It was a very moving moment. I sat in my chair that evening and just cried.

7) Sunday morning my girl Pam brought it. I knew it was on when she kicked off her shoes in the middle of her message.

8) Marc and I had a complete role reversal this week. I was up Sunday morning at 5 AM (he got to sleep in late for the first time in a long time), and he was the one out in the audience taking pictures during service. It was great for a day, but thank goodness I don't have to get up in that pulpit every week. I'm very happy being in the background.

9) My mom came down this weekend to help out. She kept saying she wasn't ready to facilitate a group discussion but the ladies in her group raved about her afterwards. Way to go Mom!!!

10) I wish I could say things will be slowing down, but in the next couple of weeks we have several graduation celebrations, and weddings to attend (add in VBS .... let's just say I will be very busy). Thank goodness vacation is right around the corner.

I Heart Our Women's Ministry Team

This was my favorite picture of the day. I love how the members of our team came together and prayed at the end of our session. These ladies worked their butts off serving other women, pampering them by washing of feet (they were literally on the floor at times on their knees ministering to their every need), waiting on them hand and foot. Some of the women this weekend had never experienced a spa. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters all being refreshed in Jesus. And imagine, we still have one more day to go! Please pray for them (and me). Today I witnessed the women of WABC being the hands and feet of Jesus. It was awesome!

Extra Baggage

Last night we started our Women's Weekend Experience at WABC. The women had a special Bible Study time together called " Finding Refreshment in Jesus". We talked about carrying around all of our baggage instead of handing it over to God. This week I have found myself bogged down in details, binders, labels and laminates (baggage). I had every intention of fasting and praying on Wednesday in preparation for our weekend activities. But because I loaded myself down with numerous list in an effort to stay organized I forgot the one thing that needed to be at the top of the list. I learned a valuable lesson last night (actually I just had another one of my "Martha" moments). I have been an event planner for many years, and usually my focus is solely on the event. Last night should have been my one night to disengage from the planning and just rest in God's word. Even when the facilitator said to close our eye's and listen to the worship music and leave our cares behind, I was checking off my mental check list of things that needed to be done. I eventually caught myself and really started to enjoy the study. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Don't worry about anything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus". I came away last night "Refreshed in Jesus"!

So before it gets crazy, I want to take time to thank the Lord for all that he has done for us. I have to thank him for the women on our ministry team who have stepped up to the plate and consented to help this weekend. All of our facilitators (including our Worship Leader) have graciously agreed to lead our segments at no cost, except for their time and talent. A large number of gifts have been given, freely to the ministry so that each women who comes to our HeartSpa Workshop will receive a special gift to take away at the end of the day. I'm so excited about this weekend, but I want to give all of the glory to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for offering us this opportunity to minister to the women at WABC. Without him front and center all of this would be for nothing. And in the words of my husband....if your not in business (for Christ), you might as well take down the sign!

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

1) Today Marc spoke at our old church. Our WABC family came in numbers to support us.

2) I realized that as much as I love our old church and the people of GMZ, I'm very thankful to God for placing us at WABC. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I know in my heart that this is where God intended for us to be.

3) Our Men's choir showed off today and our musicians showed out. Its amazing what a good sound system will do. LOL

4) Our women are excited about our upcoming Women's Ministry weekend experience.

5) I'm excited about the the workshop that we are holding on Saturday. The women of WABC are about to be refreshed in Jesus.

6) I'm excited to hear from my girlfriend Pam who will be preaching at WABC on Sunday. Marc told everyone that they will not want to miss it.

7) As excited as I am, I had a bit of an emotional breakdown this weekend. Maybe it was stress or maybe it was the fact that my youngest daughter traveled alone this weekend to visit friends, or maybe its just the fact that I need a vacation. Thank you to all of my friends who lifted me up in prayer after my text message went out.

8) Speaking of vacation I'm excited about our vacation plans. If all goes well I will be visiting Kelli in a few months. Yesterday she brought me out of my funk when she asked me to be a bridesmaid at her and Mike's 25th wedding anniversary which is in about two years. Kelli is my "soul sister" and I feel very honored that she would like me to be a part of their special day.

9) While in GA I'm hoping to meet this sweet lady, her courageous husband and family.

10) After a few days in GA, Marc and I are headed to Bama to see some of my favorite people in the whole world. I also hope too spend some time with my favorite Scrap Girls.

11) Of course who could travel to Birmingham and not visit this church if given the opportunity. I'm hoping that my friend Mo will be available to show me around. I have heard so much about Church of the Highlands from Monique and Lisa. I'm looking forward to experiencing a Wednesday night service, and listening to Pastor Chris in person.

12) In the middle of all of the planning for the workshop some of the women at WABC and I have been making plans for a getaway to Washington DC to attend the Women of Faith Conference. And yes, I'm excited!!!!!!! It's been a while since I went on a girls trip to anywhere. I intend to enjoy every minute of the trip, and maybe if we are lucky we will catch a glimpse of my girl Michelle. :)

I Want A Worship Experience

How about you?

Monday Morning Ramblings

1) Of course its now Monday afternoon, but this weekend was Mother's Day and I decided to take it easy.

2) Its been a emotional week for me. I have some friends and family who are dealing with some heavy health issues. The only thing I can do is pray, and even though I know that is the only thing to do...let's just say I have felt very helpless this week.

3) We are making final plans for a couple of vacation dates. I can't tell you how excited I am. This is something Marc and I really need.

4) This Sunday Marc will speak at our old church. I'm praying I can keep it all together. Let's face facts I'm a big baby when it comes to stuff like this and him having the opportunity to preach at GMZ is a big deal to us for so many reasons.

5) Marc spent just about everyday last week at WABC working on the installation of the projector and screen so that he could present it to the church on Sunday. They were very excited, but were a bit shocked when he told them we had not just one but two new projectors. I can't wait for our first family movie night!

6) We had a really good Mother's Day, but I'm excited at the chance to do something a little different next year. Anyone want to share what they do for Mother's and Father's Day?

7) We have been given the go ahead to move forward with plans for a children's church program on Sunday so right now I am looking at various church models and curriculum's. Have to say this is something I love doing. I know I have issues. LOL This is something that is very important to me though because I know first hand what a difference it makes for a child to be taught God's word early in life, and in many cases its children who sometimes lead our adults to a personal relationship with Christ.

8) After a lot of planning and praying its almost time for our first women's conference at WABC. Our goal was for 50 women (including our team and guest facilitators) and though we came a bit short of our goal I am very pleased with the support we have received.

9) We have been working on church welcome packs and guest cards for Sunday morning. This week I finally finished the guest cards and hopefully have the order placed in time for our next meet and greet. We have had a ton of new visitors at WABC so we really need to get a system in place that keeps us in contact with them after the first initial visit. I would love to know what your church does.

10) After service Sunday Marc, Nicki and I traveled to surprise my mom for Mother's Day. We took her to dinner and then went to my cousin's home to hang out. It was a great way to spend the day. Marc enjoyed the rest so much that he slept most of the time in the chair at my family's home. LOL I hope you all had a blessed Mother's Day.

Amazing

Can you imagine baptising over 1200 people in one weekend? I can't, but it happened at my friend's church in Vegas! Don't believe me? Go here. Isn't God amazing?

Happy Birthday Marlee Anne

I don't think I have ever met a sweeter, more caring, courageous soul. I hope this day is all that you would want it to be and more. God's blessings from Auntie Cyndi.

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife)

1) We had our Family and Friends gathering today. I'm so tired I can't think straight. We had a great time. I was especially happy (and surprised) to see some of the members from our home church.



2) Last week my oldest daughter Quisha developed and inner ear infection. She has been to the emergency room twice since then. Please keep her in your prayers. Nicki spent the weekend babysitting for 6 kids. She came home afterwards looking a little harried (any of you who know her would laugh at the idea), and I swear the girls eye was twitching like the man in the pink panther movie. LOL



3) Friday night a group of us went to see an interactive play called "Judgement House". I went last year and even though the story line changed the play still effected me the same as before. Several members of our group were so impacted by it that they are still talking about it today.



4) Friday evening Marc started installing the screen and projector at WABC (he did this after working his day job). He had planned to install both but because of a call for help from a friend he ended up having to leave (the screen is up though). I love that he cared enough that he was willing to drop everything to come to the aid of a friend.

5) Sunday we went to the installation service for a pastor who fellowships with WABC. A few months ago they lost their building to a fire, a year or so ago their senior pastor died. Despite all of this the members came together to celebrate and thank God for bringing them through.

6) Our service was off a bit this morning, but by the afternoon things started to flow. Even our keyboardist and drummer seemed more alert. Maybe we should just have afternoon service (just kidding). LOL

7) My friend Diane who recently took over directing our hospitality ministry had to leave yesterday on a flight to Louisiana to be with her family for a medical emergency. I was proud of the fact that everyone working on the barbecue today came together as a team and did their job even without their leader there.

8) The rain came pouring down just before our service begin but the sun came out in time for us to eat outside. Good thing too, because there was a line backed up to get the fried fish.

9) While standing outside a few of us started to discuss our future and the future of our building project. We really are starting to outgrow our facility. There are so many things we want to do in the community including building a youth facility and a day center for senior citizens. Please keep us in prayer for these things specifically. Several computers have been donated for our computer lab, unfortunately we need more space to really make this dream a reality.


10) Our staff has started reading the Purpose Driven Church. I can't wait to hear their thoughts on the book at our meeting on Tuesday. I have to say my idea of what church should be changed after reading this book.

11) We are in the process of reorganizing our church office. Guess who gets to pick out the furniture? I have to say I enjoy this part of ministry. What girl doesn't like to shop? LOL

12) I would share more but I can barely stay awake. Thank goodness for Sabbath Mondays!