Robbie Curlee

I saved one of the best for last! Robbie and I met via her hubby Jason.  Jason and I met via twitter, and struck up a conversation about church. At the time I was asking a lot of questions about Children's Church and he suggested I talk to his wife and some of the staff at BAF. He said from the beginning that he thought Robbie and I would get along. Boy was he ever right! You may even have seen some of our crazy conversations on Facebook and Twitter! As I have stated before there are very few women I call a "Soul Sista", but I can honestly say that Robbie is one of those friends. I can't wait for the day that we get to "meet" in person. We have already stated that Jason and Marc had better watch out because we guarantee there will be a lot of chatting, shopping and eating! LOL

Stay in the lines......

What an honor to share a little piece of myself with all you wonderful ladies.   Thank you my dear friend for allowing me to share a piece of my heart with you all.  My heart if full.

When first asked to guest blog I have to admit my Jonah complex leaped up only to be silence shortly by my fearless side.  Yes before you ask I do have many facets of who I am in Christ....LOL  On a daily basis I never know which side will show up. 

I have the awesome privilege of being a part of something that is way bigger than myself.  My husband Jason & I pastor a Multi-site campus for Bay Area Fellowship.  I have to say it is one of the most creative out of the box ministries I have ever been a part of.  It's also safe to say we like to push the envelope so to speak.   I have three amazing daughters Shelby my 18yr who just graduated high school and is the peace maker in the family. Micaiah my 15 year who is the joy in our family never a dull moment with her and my sweet Kenzie who is 10, she is the lover of the bunch and always makes you feel like you can do anything.

Life is good these days and I have been on this amazing journey with God. I still remember being a small child in school and teacher after teacher saying the same thing to me; " stay inside the lines miss Trigo."  I'm guessing the formality was their way of letting me know they meant business.  I have to admit it had a counter affect.  It seemed the more they told me to stay in the lines the more I stayed out of the lines.  It's safe to say as the years progressed by undying need for self expression poured out in my hair styles (don't ask), my choice of clothing, and my excessive need to be myself. 

Many times ministry is a bit like that. We worry about what others will think or we worry about offending others so we play it safe...stay in the lines never take risk.  Or we try to be someone else or compare ourselves to the fresh face of ministry.  So we go around one week to week trying to be someone we're not.  We jump from mentor to mentor but never developing who we really are.  The person God called us to be.   I encourage you regardless of where you minister whether it's to a church of thousands or a church of twenty...BE YOU!  You are fearfully & wonderfully made and God made you just the way He wanted.  Your life is meant for greatness.  My balance & your balance will never look the same.  It's not supposed too.  We have to learn that we are not the same. Each one of us possesses a unique Gift, a direct DNA to who God created you to be.

I can honestly say I'm glad that I'm still that little girl in many ways today.  I still have trouble staying in the lines and I've never lost my zeal for coloring out of the lines.  Many days I am tempted to compare myself or change who I am.  I am human made of flesh working out my relationship with God daily.  I get tired, frustrated, hurt, offended, overwhelmed or a variety of emotions on a daily basis.  I am reminded daily that I need "Jesus" and that without Him I fall short. 

I pray you find your zeal, your passion, your gift and you use it for God's glory.  I pray you live out everyday full out for God and that when you lay your head you do it knowing you gave it your all.  You made a difference.  So don't be limited by the lines they are there just to guide you not to bind you. 

much love & prayer

Robbie Curlee

baf5points

Jeremiah 29:11

Shelley Hendrix-Church4Chicks!

Its because of Shelley that I even attempted doing a blog party (great ideas have to start somewhere..lol)! Last year Shelley surprised me by asking me to join a group of dynamic women for a blog party ! I was so honored that she included little old me, that I couldn't imagine hosting a blogging party without her being a part of it. I hope you enjoy her post. I know that she has inspired me to follow my dreams! 

In the spring of 2004 I was facing the most difficult challenge of my life—up to that point anyways. I was faced with a painful choice: allow God to unveil my carefully concealed and tightly locked shame, or continue to keep it under the paper thin wrappings and bide my time until another day. Thankfully, and with the loving support of my best friend and husband (the same person!), I began my journey to healing and freedom. And in that season of deep, humbling, raw pain, I received a gift.

                As I turned 30, I also received the call to ministry—the call upon my life. This was the beautiful and wonderful gift my Heavenly Father had been waiting until the right time to give me. The thing I had wondered about and prayed for for as long as I could remember. I had tried so many different things searching for my purpose and had finally settled—happily for the most part— into the roles I filled: ministry wife, mother, Sunday School teacher. If someone had told me in the Winter of 2003-2004 that I’d be doing what I’m doing now, I would have thought they were picking up on someone else’s signals— someone more capable, more intelligent, more of all the things I lack, but wish to possess.

 But then, God made it so clear. In a way that only God can, He revealed the call: to be a voice of truth in my generation.

                Without going into detail, let me just say that not only did God make this call clear to me, He confirmed it through others, beginning with my husband who said, “God has been telling me that as you’ve supported me (in ministry) all these years, it’s now my turn to do the same for you.” It hasn’t always been easy. It isn’t always easy. But Stephen has definitely supported his wife all these years! And as doors to speak and write began to open—with no promoting of myself to anyone—God began to clarify the call even more.

           In the summer of 2007, after I had been traveling to speak at different events and had done a little writing as well, I met with my very dear friend and ministry assistant, Debra. I wish everyone had a “Debra” in their life—especially those in ministry! She is a gem. Debra and I have been through SO much together over the years and we continue to be closer than most women who share our age and background differences. (Sidebar: isn’t is amazing how God does this?)

   Debra and I met for lunch. I remember the spot. I remember the table where we sat. We were talking about what we sensed God was doing with this ministry. At the time, I was still teaching a weekly Bible study at our home church. I don’t remember thinking along these lines before that day, but as we spoke, I said, “What if we could take the best of what we see happening in our weekly study with the best we see in special events and combine them for women all over our community?” And as I spoke those words—everything changed. In that moment, God created the embryo if you will that has grown into Church 4 Chicks. And, just as a woman has no idea she is pregnant when the child is first conceived, I had NO idea what God was creating inside of my heart.

We had planned to begin the weekly meeting the Spring of 08, but in the fall of 07, I was hit harder than I had ever been hit. It was one of the most brutal, painful and even humiliating attacks I had ever experienced. I questioned God’s call on my life. I questioned whether or not it was even worth obeying Him if He was going to allow me and my family to be attacked so cruelly. As my family and I walked the path to restoration from that experience, and as the spring flowers began to bloom again—both in my yard and in my own spirit—I knew it was time to draw my line in the sand. Would I follow and obey or would I walk away from it all?

                I was sitting on my couch, about to open my Bible and journal, and the thought began to go through my mind, “I could put all of this behind me and never feel the embarrassment or ridicule if it fails. I could save myself and my family the accusations that I’m all about building my own kingdom….” And, as God as my witness, as soon as I began to process those thoughts, the Spirit of God within interrupted very clearly and said, “Shelley, I am doing something in the city of Atlanta and I’m inviting you to be a part of it. But if you tell me ‘no,’ I’ll find someone else who will do it.” And that was that. I surrendered to the call. And, I had NO idea what I was actually surrendering to. I just knew to whom I was surrendering—and that really is all that ever matters, isn’t it?

 God has taught me over the years that when I dream His dreams for me, I am:

Daring to Risk Everything for ALL that really Matters!

I had to come face-to-face with my fears and choose to trust God more than I trusted those fears. I had to get honest about what I was hanging onto as my “everything” and allow God to reveal to me what really mattered. And, as He has so faithfully led me along this journey—bringing amazing and wonderful people to walk this path alongside of—I’m overwhelmed by His tender, yet powerful grace that makes it possible for someone like me to do anything of value for Him in my generation.

I pray that Church 4 Chicks will outlast me. I pray that as doors open for us to take this ministry outside of Atlanta that God will be honored in such a way through what we’re doing, that many, many women—of all ages and all backgrounds and all walks of life—will find a place of grace to thrive and follow the dreams their Heavenly Father has placed in their hearts!

Michelle Wegner

I "met" Michelle nearly three years ago when I stumbled across her blog while searching for other PW's to connect with. Michelle and I are as different as night and day (and I'm not talking color...lol). But despite our many differences (she hates shopping or dressing up, and loves the outdoors...all of the things I am not....lol)we connected. She has been a great partner in prayer to Marc and I since we came to WABC. She loves to torture me with gross photos of animals (and feet) and I love to hear the stories of her very fashion forward daughters dragging her to the mall! I would have to say I have never come into contact with a more dedicated mom then Michelle Wegner. I especially love the heart that she and her husband Rob have for the mission field! I'm very proud to call Michelle Wegner friend!

Michelle and Rob have been married for eighteen years and have three girls, Madeline, Whitney, and Isabelle. They have served together at Granger Community Church for nineteen years. Every day is a new adventure, whether it's in India, or Indiana.

In January of 2011, Rob and I released our first book called Share the Well. It was a great experience writing it together.  Here’s a bit more info about it:

How did this project come about?

We have been dreaming about gathering the stories of the amazing men and women who are leading the charge in India. Their stories are remarkable, amazing,m and read like mini-novels. The men and women who work so hard to bring hope to the villages they live in and help are in the most remote places, with no outside voice to the world. We knew their stories needed to be told. We were excited to know the timing was right last summer.

Why India?

With 2.75 billion unreached people on the planet more than 50% of them live in one nation – India. In 2001, Granger Community Church found a new home in India.  From the first meeting of 15 people in an old run down YWCA, deep friendships were formed.  Those friendships turned into a partnership that has birthed an unstoppable movement transforming entire villages.

God has released a tidal wave of His Spirit in India.  In the last 10 years, over 950 churches have been planted, some of them in the most remote corners of unreached India.  120,000 people are now a part of this Jesus movement, gathering in over 950 churches, with over 84,000 who have received amazing grace and declared Jesus as Lord.   Like the early church, these numbers are growing every single day.

We trace the source of this tidal wave to a well.

Where Did the Photography Come From?

There were a few photographers that donated their time and skill to making our book not only full of amazing stories, but National Geographic quality photos as well.  Photographers Dustin Maust, and Ron Zimmerman travelled with us to India to capture the stunning photos that are in our book.

How Long Did it Take to Complete Your Book?

Truthfully, the stories from our book have been accumulating since 2001, but we started actively gathering them, writing them down, and taking photographs in the beginning of 2010. Our book was released in January of 2011, so about a year from start to finish.

How did you balance your life as you worked on your book?

When we actually gathered the stories to write them down this past summer, we packed up our whole family along with family friend Jeanna Tripp, who lovingly cared for our girls while Rob and I interviewed the men and women church planters for our book.  Once we got home, we began the work of translating our notes into stories that made sense. This fall, all 3 of our girls were in school all day for the first time ever, so I worked from the minute they left for school until the minute they got in the door.  Rob did his part at his office, and we exchanged many emails and phone calls back and forth editing details and re-writing each other’s sentences, and then writing them back to the way we wanted before the other edited them (slightly funny)  

Who Should Read it?

Anyone who wants to gain a further perspective about what life in a third world culture. Village life in India is of course, completely different than anything we as Americans have ever known.  The stories of survival and resilience that the men and women told us were truly remarkable. We wrote down their stories so others would be changed, but found ourselves forever changed as well.

Pastors and relief and/or development workers would also find our book interesting, since we have developed a tool called Bore Well church planting.

 Bore wells are common in India.  They are drilled and excavated by rotary-drilling machines that drill hundreds of feet under the earth--deeper than a hand-dug well could ever go.  A bore well reaches the clean water, keeping a village hydrated for many years.

If there’s water in a community, there’s life.  That’s the purpose of a bore well.

The concept of Bore Well Church Plating is simple - plant a church in an otherwise unreached village and then equip that church to become the hub for community development, bringing living water to every area of life. If the Kingdom of God comes to a community, it will elevate health, education, housing, employment, justice, arts, family life and more.  

What made us want to donate our proceeds to India?

We have everything we could ever need. We have running water. We have electricity. Our children get an amazing free education. We have all the food we need and even food we don’t need. When we visit with our friends in India who are living on less than a dollar a day, it is a no-brainer for us. We want to live our lives to give all we can to help those who don’t have what they need. We could have lined our pockets with cash made off of the stories of men and women who are impoverished, but that did not feel right. We want to show our girls and the rest of the world that giving back is what life is all about.  Every penny past the amount it cost to print the book goes to Bore Well church planters who are transforming the lives and communities of the villages they work in.

Can you speak a bit about the micro-enterprises? Can you give some examples?

Why is the micro-enterprise model so important?

We have experimented with various micro-enterprise models in southern India. Two examples that have been very successful have been goat herding and tailoring.  In one of the villages we are helping, the young teenage girls are much too old to begin school, since they would literally have to start in first grade with 6 year olds. They are now being trained in the trade of tailoring so they will be self-sufficient and break the cycle of extreme poverty in their own lives. We are also looking into purchasing a brick kiln. Brick making is one of the main industries of Southern India. Unfortunately, most of the workers are literally slaves to their bosses because of corrupt systems that use them and manipulate them into years of indentured servitude. If we owned a brick kiln and employed these men and women, they would be able to work their way out of extreme poverty very quickly.

You have three daughters who have been to India with you. How has that trip and your passion for India affected their lives?

Our oldest daughter Maddie has been to India with us three times, and Whitney and Isabelle have been with us twice.  Their world view is forever altered because of walking into the homes of children their age that are the same size as the play houses of their peers in America.  Watching my girls play with children who are in the “Untouchable” caste has been one of the biggest honors of my life--All children play in the same language.  

Our India experiences are something we have shared as a family, and they could never expect their friends here to understand, so they really don’t talk about it very much outside of home.  When they do bring it up, it is usually something very thought provoking and profound. The day we got home from India this last summer, Whitney stopped before she went into our house and said, “I never realized how huge our house is. It’s like a mansion compared to our friends in India”. 

The girls fight, argue, and make unreasonable Christmas lists like any kid, but deep down, they know to be so grateful for what we have. They like to remind one another of this, when they hear one of their sisters’s complaining. And of course, they are forever going to be reminded by us when they complain about what’s for dinner. Instead of a general, “Eat that, because there are starving people in Africa.” We tell them, “Eat that. Remember Sangeetha’s house? Remember how she had no toys and only one meal a day?” They roll their eyes like any kid would, but deep down they know that it’s the truth, and what it looks, smells, and feels like to live in extreme poverty.

The other night we tucked Isabelle in to bed and she asked for our book.  The next morning, she proudly told her daddy, “I read the whole book last night…well, not really read it, but I looked at every single page.” Rob said, “What do you think it’s about?” Belle replied, “I don’t know, but I know it is very, very important, and I am glad our family wrote it.”  

It will be interesting to see as the girls get older how these experiences will shape the rest of their lives. 

If you’re interested in supporting the church planting movement in Southern India, you can order a copy of Share The Well at: http://www.wiredchurches.com/granger-authors/share-well

Eleana Garza

I'm not quite sure when Eleana and I became "friends", but we connected on twitter and facebook (see a pattern here with me and social media?...LOL). I gained a new respect for her at the Leading and Loving It Retreat. Eleana shared her story with me on the second night of the retreat. While others stood around us laughing and talking Eleana and I set on the floor of the lobby as I listened to her share her heartache and joys since coming to Christ and the struggles that her and her husband Joseph has faced since planting a church. She reminded me of all of the reasons I first wanted to make a connection with the wives of pastors (sometimes you just need someone to talk to)! I'm not sure Eleana was ready to share her story with the rest of the world but I'm so thankful she took up the challenge and agreed to guest blog! I know lives will be changed because of the things that she and Joseph have been able to conquer and the work that they are doing at New Generation Fellowship! Thank you Eleana for sharing your testimony with me. It was truly a blessing!

Eleana was radically saved and transformed at the age of 17 years old when she was admitted into a faith-based rehab for drug addicts. Well, since that radical conversion she has never been the same. Eleana & Joseph Garza started and pastor New Generation Fellowship in San Antonio Texas.  She likes blogging in her pajamas, lots of cheesecake, and black nail polish! She resides in San Antonio Texas with her husband Joseph Garza and her 4 beautiful children. Eleana is loving life, family, and ministry.

Joy Comes In The Morning!

In our last 10 years of ministry - I feel I have aged twice that. The hits life has given us, have challenged our faith, molded our character, rooted integrity within us, and made us most desperate for His presence in our life.

In every situation, we had to choose our reaction, a response. At times, I was so frozen by the pain, I was numb, and I felt I could go no more. I felt inadequate, spiritually, physically, mentally and the truth is....I was inadequate in every way. In the midst of each trial, each tragedy, each transition I could not go on in my own strength - it had to be in His strength.

As pastors we will deal with betrayal, people leaving you, leaving your church, gossip, and malice (those are just some of the few). My husband and I poured our lives, our finances, our resources, into a very dear family. We thought they knew us. We thought they knew our hearts. Our love for them, our love for our church, our love for the lost. And they left us. They left angry, they left offended, they left expecting more from us. They left and broke a piece of us in the process. As they spoke - I knew that nothing we said would matter. Nothing we said would make them stay. We stayed quiet. And they left.

You can only be betrayed by those you trust - those you are vulnerable too. And it hurt, it hurt deeply....why? Because we love them deeply.  The next few days - the puzzle pieces started coming together and all of a sudden I realized the knife that had been stabbed in my back was slowly turning and digging deeper.

Why would they say that about us, about my husband, about me, about my kids, why would they take others with them, why..........why didn’t they just talk to us.......why? I felt so alone. So Isolated.

I remember googling everything related to our pain but not much was out there....then I came across Leading & Loving It. I joined a virtual community group - not sure what it was - or if I should even participate...but I did....because deep down I desired to connect with other women that were in my same role and dealt with similar challenges. I am so glad I did. This virtual connection has been key in my ministry and personal life.

I remember calling Lori (founder of L&LI) and sharing my pain with her. I don’t know if she even knew but most of the phone call tears were quietly streaming down my face......not even because of the amazing advice, and words of encouragement she gave me (which were absolutely amazing - but would take up a whole other blog)....but just because she was there.

God did something incredible in my life, my heart and ministry during this time. Our team became closer and stronger than I could have ever imagined. Our people stepped up and started serving, and I felt stronger: spiritually, physically & mentally. In my brokeness I found a local pastor’s wife, mentor and friend, Denise Rion, who I am so blessed to have in my life. I found Lori Wilhite & Leading & Loving It and pw’s to do this ministry journey with! Joy came in the morning...

Pain is inevitable, but I refuse to allow pain, pettiness, malice or whatever to keep me from what God has called me to be. Ministry is the most exciting thing I have ever experienced, to see the life changes, marriages restored, the addicted set free - I want to be a part of that for the rest of my life. I had to make a choice to embrace the pain, cling to God, and continue to love people. Is it an easy choice?....well no it isn’t but us pastors wive’s were never looking to do easy :)!

If I can leave you with anything it’s this:

•  Don’t stop embracing people - because of the fear of pain.

•  Reach out to other PW’s or Women in Ministry that are going through pain.

•  Get connected to Leading & Loving It

•  & hold on to the vision God has called you and your family too because when you have a long-term vision the short-term problems won’t affect you as much.

...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

Monday Morning Ramblings (the picture version)

Friday we traveled to Mount Vernon to meet up with my friend Kelli who's family were in DC for the week.

Kelli and I met back in 2004 after forming a friendship online at a Disney planning website. Over the years our family has gotten together and have formed a really special bond. Kelli has not only become a great friend and prayer partner but she is my soul sista! It had been a few years since we were able to get together (our last visit was back in March of 2007) in person so we spent most of the trip giggling according to my daughter Quisha. LOL

We had a great time touring Mount Vernon. George Washington had a pretty decent spread of land! Surprisingly we got a lot of stares (even before Kelli and her family arrived). I'm guessing from the looks that not many blacks visit the area, which is a shame because there is a lot of history to be learned from visiting different historical sites even if that history is tainted by slavery! Just as I believe its important that my children see this side of history I would hope that others would be just as willing to expose their children to the historic sites of Blacks and Indians! 

I love this picture that Kelli took of us on the Potomac. I thought it was neat that this same river flows down to my hometown. I can't swim a lick by I have loved the water since I was young; there is just something about it that helps to soothe my soul. We had a great trip, and it was just what we needed to kick the Fathers Day weekend off!

Saturday we attended a graduation party for my girlfriend Teresa's daughter. We have watched her grow up over the years and I still can't get over the fact that she is now heading off to college! Neither can our daughters who were both babysitters for her and her siblings when they were teens! I think Quisha and Nicki aged just a bit this weekend! LOL

Marc did a great job with his sermon on Sunday. It was titled "I Can Count On Dad"! Having never known my own biological father, I am so grateful for the men that God placed in my life to act as mentors, and for the loving father that he has provided for my children.....but I am especially grateful for the personal relationship I have with my heavenly father! He is the one that I know I can count on daily!

Laryssa Toomer

Laryssa and I became "friends" during the JustOne Conference. Since that time we have stayed in contact via twitter and facebook, so I was beyond excited when I found out we would get to meet in person during the Armed and Dangerous Retreat! Laryssa's had a crazy journey getting there and I spent a lot of time on pins and needles waiting for her to check in. Of course I knew her who she was instantly. LOL Have to say she is cute as a button, and has such a sweet spirit. We did not get to spend a lot of time together but at the end of the week I felt as if I had connected with a friend for life.

Laryssa has been married to Jeff for 16 years. He is a Campus Pastor at Manna Church in Fayetteville, NC, and is a retired Army Officer. This home-schooling mom of three enjoys cooking, sports, disco, and mentoring. You can connect with her on twitter, facebook, or on her blog.

Religious Predators

We recently had to treat some of our trees for whiteflies. Whiteflies are dandruff-looking predators that hang out on the underside of leaves and feed from sucking sap from plants. Long story short -- as innocent as they may look, these critters cause serious damage.

I’ve had a lot of spiritual whiteflies in my life, specifically, religious ones. Being a PK, I strived hard to live for God, and have led in various ministry roles since college. Though I couldn’t discern it back then, I began to take over the Spirit’s work with my human effort (see Gal. 3:3). My walk with Jesus became based on what *I* did more than what Jesus has already done. The only problem was...I was clueless to it.

Religious sins are harder to detect because they “look godly.” I thought I understood the grace of God. I thought I would never act like a Pharisee, and yet, there I was. The irony? I lived a secret, vicious cycle of ups and downs of pride & despair, success & failure, and religious check-boxes & condemnation.

The Gospel isn’t the good news of our goodness; that’s bad news. The real Good News centers around the Person and work of Jesus. But here’s the thing -- this isn’t a work to be isolated at the moment of first believing, but rather one that we must appropriate faith in daily (see Gal. 2:20).

The liberty in Christ frees us from the treadmill of religious performance for God, our husbands, our families, and members in the church. Especially as a family now serving in pastoral ministry, we make much of preaching the Gospel first to ourselves. On good days and bad ones, it’s always Jesus. Our righteousness is in Him alone, not in how long we prayed or studied, ministry successes, how many loads of laundry we accomplished (or didn’t!), or what others say about you.

If you find yourself zapped at times or feel sucked-dry, then perhaps it’s not always people or your schedule. Sometimes, it’s those self-effort predators lurking in your soul. Our pastor once said, “Anything that focuses on what you can do, then it’s works. Anything that focuses on what God has done is grace.” Choose to focus on what Christ has done and live each day in light of His grace.

Tricia Lovejoy

I have to admit that one of the people I was most looking forward to meeting at the Armed And Dangerous Retreat (besides the Leading and Loving It Team) was Tricia Lovejoy! It might have been in part because she laughs at my tweets, but honestly I think its because she comes off as a really sweet, down to earth lady (how can you not like a person who's last name has love and joy in it....LOL!). Tricia knew enough about me through my twitter and Facebook page to either embrace me or reject me (yes, I have issues). LOL Not only did Tricia not reject me, but she embraced me as if we had been friends for years! Any doubts I had about our "virtual" friendship went out the door when we actually met in real life. I know you will enjoy her post (and its about Disney...see why I like this girl?) and I hope that her words will bless you just as her friendship has blessed me!

Tricia’s Bio: Tricia is married to Shawn Lovejoy, Lead and Founding Pastor of http://mountainlake.tv in Cumming Ga.  She is a stay at home mom of 3 cuties.  She also leads the women of her church in a monthly ministry called Girlfriends and mentors Pastor’s wives across the nation.  Tricia and her husband lead out together in life and ministry.  You can connect with her at http://SharpenHer.com

Finding Rest for Your Soul

Last summer my husband and I took our kids on the ultimate family vacation.  It involved black mouse’s ears and a castle.  That’s right, we loaded up the family van and traveled 8 hours to experience everything Disney World has to offer, and I do mean everything.  You see, I am a task oriented person which means I felt compelled – dare I say driven – to conquer every ride, see all the shows, and take pictures of our kids in front of every Disney landmark.  Using maps of the parks, I detailed the route we would take each day to maximize our fun by catching rides and shows at their off-peak times, allowing us to avoid long lines in the oppressive June Orlando heat. After six days in four parks, we could say we did it all.  Epcot, Hollywood Studios, The Magic Kingdom, The Animal Kingdom.  Every. Single. Ride. 

At the end of the week, my family was worn out – which made for a peaceful ride home.  But, my husband admitted that he actually felt rested.  Not physically, but emotionally and mentally.  You see, he had disengaged from the demands of life, the burdens of leadership, and the deadlines of work and simply had fun.  Quite refreshing. 

God tells us to rest, but, let’s be honest.  We ignore that one, don’t we? I mean, we’re a little old to be told to take a nap, right? But, as it turns out, God knows what He’s talking about.  Go figure.  He knows that when we are refreshed physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we will be better people.  Better parents.  Better coworkers and friends.  Better spouses. 


For my family, August through May is our busiest time in ministry, so we take full advantage of June and July.  In those months, we vacation, visit family, and pull back to center.  We also spend time setting goals for the coming year so we don’t overextend ourselves – or our children.  Our goal is to run our schedule, not for our schedule to run us! 


The season of rest is here for us.  And, although we certainly don’t quit work altogether, we are running at a different pace.  I want it.  I crave it.  I need God to re-energize me.  My family certainly does.  I bet yours does, too.  Take advantage of these gorgeous summer days to reconnect with your family….and maybe with God.  Cancel a few things on your calendar, and enjoy your home life a little more.  Take a much needed break, and find rest for your soul.  God knows you need it.

Monday Morning Ramblings

Marc and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary this weekend. Its been 3 days of fun filled activities, added in with some ups and downs. We started the celebration on Friday with a trip to Williamsburg to the outlet malls. Can you believe I was not in a shopping mood? I did pick up a cute jean jacket in white that I has been on my wish list for a while. While in Williamsburg I got a text from my mom that she was at the hospital with my aunt. So after leaving the outlets we headed to my hometown to check on her. Thankfully when we got there they were getting the paperwork together to release her. My mom and cousin had been at the hospital all day so I knew mom was tired and had not eaten dinner so we got Aunt Julia settled back at her daughters home and took my mom to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. She kept saying how much she was enjoying  dinner and was glad that we surprised her. 

Saturday we went to a late lunch at Ihop followed by a trip to the video store to pick up some movies (and popcorn of course) to watch at home. We ended up watching "One Night With The King" together. That evening we went to our friends home, spent the evening hanging out by their pool, talking and chilling. They even made us a special meal (steak, salad, baked sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob) in honor of our anniversary! It just confirmed to me that we need to spend more time hanging out with family and friends. And that I need to spend just a little less time in cyber world!

The girls had a busy weekend (and week). Earlier in the week I went with Quisha to her schools end of year graduation. OMG! I don't know how she runs around after 3 and 4 year olds all day. They were cute as buttons and it seemed to me that Quisha's parents were the most supportive parents at the school program. They did more cheering and were louder then anyone else (of course I could be a bit biased). 

Then Friday the girls got an unexpected opportunity to go on a trip to Atlantic City. They had a great time, but it was very eye opening for them (they came back with lots of stories to share). As much fun as they had I'm not sure its a trip they would take again. Quisha who has been to Las Vegas several times said she would much rather go there instead. Thankfully both girls came back with more then they loss! LOL

Its been a busy week at WABC also. The men started tearing out the old linoleum in the annex so that they could lay down tile! They were trying to get it finished before the Youth Sunday service, but unfortunately that did not happen. Thankfully it should be done before VBS Camp begins. 

We had a bit of a bump in the road on Sunday. The deacon from our church suffered a heatstroke over the weekend and was unable to set up his tent that he usually does each year. Thank goodness Marc had recently purchased a pop up tent for our own personal use so one of the ladies from church and I headed home to pick up ours (good thing too, because it was hot outside yesterday). We got it back to the church and the men had it up just before service ended. The Youth Sunday is like our end of school year celebration and always ends with a cookout outside! Several people commented on how much they liked the ease of the pop up, so I'm pretty sure the next time we have an event that we will have plenty of tents available! LOL

I'm soo excited that this weekend I get to see my good friend Kelli and her family (the pic was taken the first time Kelli and i got to meet in real life). They are up in DC while Mike is at a conference. So this weekend Marc, the girls and I will travel up there to spend the day with them sightseeing! Kelli and I started out as Disney buddies, but since that time we have just become really good friends. And thankfully our husbands enjoy each others company. LOL

Speaking of Disney, this weekend we booked our Disney trip. We haven't told Kelli yet (who will be there the same time as us). We decided to hold off on the Bahama cruise tell next year but still wanted to take a vacation with the girls..so we moved some stuff around, agreed to all stay in the same room to save some money and now that we have the new car transportation will not be a problem. I have to admit I'm excited. Its been 5 years since our last trip to Florida, and the last time we have gone to Disney!

The entire weekend has been such a blessing, and being able to book the Disney trip was an added bonus. Unfortunately our excitement over the Florida trip was bittersweet when we got word this weekend that my Aunt Jo had passed away. No trip to Florida was ever complete without visiting her ( I fell in love with Florida after my first visit there to see her. And this was long before my first visit to WDW). A few years ago due to health issues she sold her home in Florida and moved to California to live with her daughter. Marc and I had just been talking about planning a trip to Cali to visit her. Aunt Jo has always held a special place in my heart and I will miss her, but I know now that she is in a better place and that she is no longer in pain.

All things considered its been an amazing weekend. I have so much to be thankful for, and so many great memories to look forward to over the next couple of weeks. Thank you so much to everyone who wished Marc and I happy anniversary! It touched my heart beyond words.