Keep your eye on the prize!

Marc got to do one of his most favorite things to do this weekend. He loves baby dedications (truth be known he loves anything having to do with babies). Nicki captured these pictures of the big event. Little Clara kept her eyes on Marc almost the entire time. I think she was just trying to figure him out.

I spent almost the entire week in the house. I couldn't seem to get my act together and everything bothered me. Had some personal stuff going on that was really messing with my spirit, and then I realized that it was the enemy...and I got myself together.

When this happens (and from everything I hear from others when things are going well, or you start to speak positive about your family, your marriage and your church the enemy looks for a way to come in and steal your joy) you have to keep your eye on the prize.

There will always be obstacles that seem to be in the way. Hurdles you will have to cross, test you will have to pass. But if you remember who you are, and who's you are then you can make it through anything.

First talk to God. Nothing angers the enemy more then when you connect with your heavenly father. Second talk to your mate. Nothing hurts a marriage more then miscommunication, or no communication at all. Third talk to great friends. Not the ones that will back up bad behavior but who will listen with an open mind, keep you grounded, pray for you in your time of need, offer you godly advice and be willing to chastise you when you are wrong.

The enemy is ever watchful, seeking out whom he may destroy. You have to be vigilent, study God's word, meditate, spend lots of time in prayer, and keep your mind focused on what really matters.

1st Peter 5:6-10 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

Legacy of Love!

Mrs. Ellis would have been 100 years old today!

My girls hanging out with their Cousin Jen (in the middle). One of Mrs. Ellis great granddaughter's.


My aunt and uncle. My Aunt Maryland is Mrs. Ellis oldest daughter.

My goddaughter Jess and her mom, my cousin/sister (we grew up together as close as any sisters can). They are Mrs. Ellis granddaughter and great granddaughter.

We have been having a discussion about Valentine's Day on the "Leading and Loving It" blog. Whether you like it or not, do you celebrate it? Do you exchange gifts, etc.

I happen to love Valentine"s Day (but I feel that way about most holidays. It doesn't take much to give me an excuse to celebrate or decorate)!

Today was probably one of the best Valentine's Day I have had in a long time. We started off the day with a great Sunday morning worship service. Who knew you could fill up a church on Sunday just because it was Valentine's Day! Actually I think it might have had something to do with the fact that we had Youth Sunday. Its the one Sunday out of the month when our youth take over the entire service with the exception of the sermon. Although our worship leader is on track to become a preacher so that may even change one day. LOL I got so excited I forgot to take pictures of the "Leaders of the Day"!

We really got a feel for what it will be like when our attendance starts to go up. It was pretty tight up in there! At the rate we are going we will have to add a room to the church just for the babies!

Then this afternoon we celebrated what would have been the 100th Birthday Celebration of the matriarch of WABC. I talked about Mrs. Ellis in this post a while back. Mrs. Ellis left behind a strong legacy. Including a scholarship fund that will benefit young people who are entering college.

The one thing I loved about the program this afternoon was the diversity of ages that were in attendance. Many of the children in our church come in with their grandparents. Add in our teens and young adults you have a pretty good mix of people representing varying generations. They all came together this evening to celebrate the legacy of one woman.

Originally Marc and I had planned to spend the evening at the Outback Steakhouse in celebration of Valentines Day. We were going to use a dinner certificate we received over the Christmas holidays. We didn't know at the time that the church would be serving dinner. The way we figure it the Outback will be there any day (and probably a lot less crowded then today). But spending the day with family and friends is the best way I can think of to spend this very special day.

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope (if you celebrate the day) that you had a blessed day and that you got to spend the day with the ones you love. I would love to know how you spent your day.

Happy Birthday

I think he enjoyed his day!

My Valentine

Marc celebrates his birthday tomorrow. If you asked him he would tell you he is 29 years old and holding. That would be a problem since our oldest is 26. Me thinks he would have some explaining to do! LOL

I don't think people realize how much is on my husbands plate. He is a work-a-holic by nature. He is not very good at laying back and relaxing so at times you have to "make" him sit still and smell the roses.

He basically holds down three important jobs. First and foremost he is a father and husband. He also makes a pretty good brother, nephew and son-in-law. My mom would tell you that in a heart beat (and that's saying a lot coming from her because she doesn't pull any punches. I'm sure she wonders on occasion where she got me from, but that's story for another time). HAHA

Secondly he is a pastor. He doesn't get paid full time to do this but he puts in as if he was. I love the passion he has for WABC. But admire even more the passion he has for Christ and doing what God calls him to do no matter what! You won't find him sitting on the sidelines while others do all of the work either. He has a true gift for servanthood and if you asked him he would tell you he's not interested in being catered to, he would rather you reserve that for those in need. The ones outside of the four walls of the church.

He is also Bi-vocational. After many years of serving under others, watching as others were promoted (in many cases, people he actually trained), being laid off twice from his job, and overlooked time after time by people who never took time to see past the fact that he did not have a degree he started his own business. Its not always easy, actually life has never been very easy for him. But he is one of the few people I know who hardly ever complains about what the world has thrown at him. Through it all (good times, bad times, sickness, financial woes) you name it I have seen this man go through it all and still come out on the other side holding firm and fast to his faith.

I love and admire him so much for what he has accomplished thus far in life and I look forward to seeing where God takes him.

So on this weekend dedicated to all things love...I have one question for my honey. Will you be my Valentine, again?

A Couple of First at WABC Today!

WABC KidZone (AKA Children's Church) begin today!

Nicki decided to do some on the job training with our newest media ministry intern. LOL

Our new interim music director begin today!

There's A Storm Out Over the Ocean......

Monday Morning Ramblings

The Snowstorm of 2010! I haven't enjoyed a weekend as much as I have this weekend! I also did a lot of cooking. Can we say weight watchers! I'm sure I gained 10 pounds! LOL

Three days later this is what our street looks like.

My poor winter lights are finally starting to thaw out. I think the best decision I made was leaving them alone. The next time we get snow like this I will grab them as soon as possible.

I made a winter piece to put up after Christmas. I did a snow theme because I figured I wouldn't get any snow this year. Boy was I wrong! LOL

Despite the snow covered ground and roads Marc got a call for a job today. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for his business to pick up. Every since I sent out the prayer request he has been working non stop.

We had so much snow that most of the churches in our area were closed on Sunday including WABC. KidZone was suppose to start on 5th Sunday. No problem, we are ready to go on 1st Sunday and I have a feeling we will probably be busting at the seams the first day.

The next couple of weeks are going to be busy, but I think the family is ready to get back in to our daily rountine. Crazy as it is!