Countdown to Christmas

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner? In the last few years we have really scaled back on Christmas. Three years ago Marc lost his job (twice within one year) and last year he suffered a setback when he became sick (thank goodness for disability insurance and a loving group of family and friends). This year we are a lot better off then we were a while back, but something has changed. The "kids" don't have a long list of "wants" and I have learned to simplify and not stress over the big stuff (like a perfectly decorated home, the perfect Christmas dinner, the perfect Christmas photo, or even the perfect gift). God gave the most perfect gift of all in the form of Jesus, and nothing we do can ever top that. I have so many things to be thankful for this holiday and those things that use to make me stress (especially when I look at the number of days left until Christmas Day) seem insignificant now. I even accept the fact that my wonderful hubby has yet to remove the plywood off of my front porch for a project yet undone, or the box filled with giveaway items for Samaritan House that has been there since early fall (she says with a smile on her face)!

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife)

1) Its been a busy week ( and weekend ) despite the fact that we were suppose to be taking it easy!

2) The girls and I went shopping for Christmas decorations yesterday (my Christmas gift to myself ). We actually got a few stuff up (only to have the wind blow it down this afternoon). I will be back to square one in the morning (ugh)!

3) Marc and I both were up at 5 am this morning. He was looking over his sermon and I got up early to catch on some chores that fell by the wayside because of the Christmas decorating yesterday.

4) We had a guest speaker at NLP today (Pastor Christopher Cunnigham). When I got to WABC later that morning Marc spoke on the same subject as the guest Pastor at NLP. I'm thinking God has a special message in mind for us all (lol).

5) Marc will be speaking on the "Jesus, The Reason for the Season" this month. Yes, its an old message but its still relevant today. Sometimes old is new again, and sometimes it just good to remind people who we should be celebrating without all of the fancy stuff attached.

6) Marc and I attended a dedication service for a friend who has started a new church plant. We are praying for them because we know they have a lot of work ahead of them.

7) WABC is adopting a special family for Christmas (we may not have the means to adopt a large group, but we can make a difference even if just for the one). The young mother passed away last week and now the grandmother has to step up to the plate and raise her three grandchildren on her own. I love the heart that WABC has for those in need.

8) We also plan to provide some local families with Christmas dinner fixings just like we did for Thanksgiving. In addition we are going to continue the food drive that benefits our local Food Bank (they have seen an increase in numbers this year and have been asking for help....so please check with your local facility). Times are tough and even though WABC is small we still want to be the church that we have been called to be ( A Real Church, Serving the Real God, Reaching Out to Real People, to Effect Real Change).

9) This week we are taking the youth to see a special production at NLP called "A Night in Bethlehem" ( I heard about this last year from a friend and her kids loved it. As a matter of fact I think it was one of the things that sealed the deal on them becoming members at NLP), then just before Christmas we will visit a local nursing home and sing Christmas Carols. Our motto has become WABC Youth are on the Move!

10) Marc and I took professional pics today. Should make for an interesting Christmas card this year (yes we were in Pastor and First Lady mode). I'm thinking I will have to have Nicki do some casual fun ones over the holiday for the New Year.

11) Marc is determined that WABC will be an outwardly focused church and every indication we have gotten so far from the members is that they are on board with his plans. I say that is a blessing in disguise. Yes, we want to provide a time of fellowship for those who are within the church....but our main goal is to reach out beyond these four walls.

12) I was blessed today by something that happened in church that has been an unanswered prayer until this morning. It gave me the incentive I needed to keep praying until change comes. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers.

13) We received several offerings today from non members who have felt compelled to help the ministry of WABC. Now how cool is that?

14) Well, my rambling has been longer then usual. Guess I had a lot to say and a lot to be thankful for. I will admit that my bed is calling my name (so if my writing is off a bit, then you know why). That is what happens when you are up at 5 AM!

Crazy Ramblings and a change in the wind!

Today has been a strange, long day (heck, the last couple of days have been crazy. And here I was thinking I could rest). We started off the morning by looking at a car. Marc was tired of paying for a rental car so we decided since Nicki needed a car we might as well look for a second car since we were not having any luck finding our dream car yet (it also gives us a chance to really look instead of just settling for new car we wouldn't really want). Then we left for a friends retirement service, set at a chapel for over an hour only to find out Marc had the wrong date and time! After that we went to DMV got the title on the car and went and got Nicki from home so that she could try it out (she blew her engine in her car last summer). After we returned the rental car (bye bye PT Cruiser) Nicki and I hopped in the car so that she could take me to my aunts home so that I could go with her and one of our friends to the ministers wives meeting (which we were an hour late for because someone gave us the wrong time). Now I am back at home (in my pj's) trying to chill. Unfortunately that is not what has happened. My head is full of thoughts and I feel like I am spinning out of control.

Last night we had a chance to meet some missionaries from India. Please keep this country in your thoughts and prayers. We also have a friend who is leaving in a few weeks for India for two weeks. For some reason India is just sticking out as a place Marc and I need to be praying for and I have also asked him if we can sponsor the family in some way. I recently read the book by Kay Warren called Dangerous Surrender. At the time I was not sure how it would effect me, but in the last few months I have been dealing with a lot of changes, including my families role in ministry. For some reason I believe God is calling for a change in our life (and I not just talking about the new church). What that change is I do not know, I just know the same old, same old....just won't do. Maybe it has to do with the coming new year. Maybe its the fact that this time last year Marc was laying in a hospital bed and we didn't have a clue what the future would hold. Maybe there is no explanation accept for God trying to get my attention. Have you ever felt like there was a change coming and you couldn't put your finger on it...you just new it was big?

Now if none of this made a bit of sense, well charge it to my head (lol). That and the fact that I am bone tired.

Monday Morning Ramblings (through the eyes of the wife)

1) I know everyone wants to see pictures and I promise they are coming (just not today. Well unless I feel like it later ...lol). I am taking the day off (maybe even the week).

2) This weekend was very humbling. We have been tasked with a big responsibility and Marc and I both realize that we will need to rely totally on God for direction.

3) Our pastor from Kansas who licensed Marc to preach nearly 16 years ago traveled from Riley to surprise Marc (we had been planning it for months and it was worth it just to see Marc's face when he realized they were here). It was the highlight of the weekend for us.

4) My family and friends showed up and showed out this weekend. Thank you so much.

5) The luncheon was great and the food was delicious. Special thanks goes out to Ricky and Roy's Catering who provided food for the entire weekend.

6) I think Marc did more crying then me this weekend. It couldn't have happened to a nicer man.

7) I know everyone wanted to know about the outfit (lol). My sister Cori did an awesome job.

8) Speaking of food. We had way to much food left over. Just a suggestion to anyone who is ever asked to attend an event where food is involved...if you are asked to join someone for a meal please go an partake. A lot of work goes into things like this, and in most cases some hard earned money (I'm just saying).

9) On several occasions I was told in no uncertain terms that I am a First Lady (whether I like it or not). Just so you all know I understand that and accept it. I just don't have to do it the same old way its been done before. And I think most of the women of WABC have figured that out.

10) Lastly I have to give a special shout out to Pastor Beamon who was our speaker on Sunday afternoon. He was off the chain (Nicki is going to kill me when she reads this). He kept it real, and maybe even stepped on a few toes (who am I kidding...he stepped on some knees). It fit perfectly with the mission for WABC which is to be a Real Church, Serving the Real God, Reaching Out to Real People, to Effect Real Change.

Update: there are a bunch of pics from the weekend in the church gallery.

The Installation Weekend Has Begun!

Let the festivities begin! I will check in after all of the weekends activities.

So Much for Trying to be Sophisticated (lol)!

Well, so much for a refined and dignified Thanksgiving Day dinner. Of course that's kind of hard to pull off when you have a half cooked turkey, blue paper plates, and you bust out laughing before your pastor husband can even finish grace! And even though she didn't break out the scotch tape for a quick botox, Nicki decided to entertain us this year by trying on Mimi's wigs (of course this was while I was getting a fitting for my dress! You try standing still during one of Nick's episodes while your little sister is pinning you down with straight pins). And even though my nephew Alex was away with his dad, and TJ was back home sleeping after working all night....it was a pretty good day. Who can complain about spending time with family and having a little fun together.

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

1) Its been a rough week. Midweek we lost a very special friend in our life. A man who exhibited what a true servant of God really means. He will be missed.

2) The week of missions had ended at New Life Providence. I have to admit before going to NLP I did not know a lot about Overseas Missions. I now have a new understanding for the importance of bringing the message to our foreign neighbors.

3) I can't believe that in less then a week all of the preparation for the installation will be over. We have had people calling at the last minute still hoping to get a ticket to the luncheon. I think Marc has been overwhelmed by all of the outpouring of love. He keeps asking is he worth all of this trouble.

4) I actually went to bed at a decent hour last night. Of course by the end of the day I am still tired. But it is a good tired.

5) A few weeks ago we presented the calender for 09 at WABC. So far the changes have been met with enthusiasm.

6) The papers for the 1st phase of the building expansion (its only bathrooms, but you can never have enough of those...lol) has been signed and sealed. Groundbreaking should occur within a few weeks. The second phase will be the new sanctuary (hallelujah)!

7) Everyone in my family has come down with some kind of bug (except me) so my house is filled with a lot of coughing, and squeaky voices. Please pray for healing (by Saturday would be nice).

8) Each week I wonder if I will have anything to talk about when Sunday Mind Dump rolls around. So far so good (even if its only for myself).

9) We started car shopping this weekend. I love looking at new car's (well in our case used) but I am not looking forward to having a car payment again.

10) I would like to wish all of my friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving. We are going home to be with my mom and sister and then head back home to hit the bed early before a little Black Friday shopping. Marc is actually off this year so I am hoping to get the little bit of shopping we will be doing done in one or two days.

We didn't have one of those mega church counts for service today but we do have people with a passion for God, sharing that love with family and friends. In the little time that we have been at WABC we are amazed by the love and compassion that this little small church has for those outside of the walls. They are going out in their community and neighborhoods asking people what their needs are and inviting them back to their church to hear God's words.

Thanksgiving

Michelle asked what Thanksgiving Day is like (what does your family gathering look like, is it a formal affair, or an episode from a Jerry Springer Show). I wanted to answer her but without pictures I wasn't sure she would get the full effect....lol.

In reality our holidays are fairly low key ( I tend to stress over the decorations, the food, where everyone will be seated, even what they are wearing ). After a few meltdowns around Christmas time I decided to just let it go! At one point it got so bad I threatened to go on vacation. Of course now that Marc is a pastor that threat is pretty much null and void!

You never know what my sister or Nicki will do (they have been known to tape their eyes open, to represent a "botox" look. Or do some other silly thing that will leave you on the floor laughing and in tears).

I use to dream about the "perfect" Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner like what you see in a Rockwell painting. Unfortunately my family had other ideas. My mom still tries to give off an air of decorum when we arrive for dinner, but by the end of the evening she usually throws in the towel and succumbs to the madness (can't you tell). Now we just live, laugh, love and give thanks.

How does your family celebrate? Any special traditions? I would love to hear them (maybe I will get some great ideas. Of course if I try them on my family there is no telling what they will turn into)!

Sunday Mind Dump (Through the Eyes of the Wife)

1) We have been really busy with the plans for the installation service. I will be the first to tell you that I love shopping (especially for events), but I have got to say this girl is tired!

2) We had Seniors Day today at WABC (all seniors were treated to dinner after the morning service), and us "young ins' got out of the way of the "seasoned" folks real quick. They were on a mission and even though they were told they would and could be waited on hand and foot...they were having none of it!

3) I wish I could say that my life will get a little easier after all of the festivities, but we still have a new building to get off the ground.

4) I am still hanging out with the Women of WABC, and they have been keeping me in stiches. I have not done this much laughing in a very long time.

5) Marc's been preaching a series on " A New Season". Change is coming to more then just the White House! WABC will see some major changes next year. I am excited to be a part of it.

6) I am still going to New Life Providence in the morning with Nicki and TJ. I think in time I will have a system down. I go to 8:30 am service with the kids, and then head off with Marc at 11:30 am for service at WABC. If he has an afternoon service I go there also.

7) I'm enjoying posting the "Sunday Mind Dump", it helps me get the thoughts out of my head and onto paper. This enables me to relax at the end of the day.

8) I'm still working on going to bed early on Saturday night. As much as I try I have a hard time getting off the internet in the evening (especially facebook and twitter...lol).

9) I could not sleep last night (not even Israel New Breed on the old Ipod helped). I kept dreaming about tablecloths, napkins, flowers and tableware!

10) Can you believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner? Well while you are shopping for gifts, do me a favor and drop by my friend Shaun's blog and donate to a very worthy cause.

P.S: The insurance company got back with us this week and its just as we thought. The car has been totaled! Any suggestions for a new car?

African Childrens Choir, NLP and WABC

I told a friend earlier today that I felt as excited as a kid who was given a chance to open up a early Christmas present. This evening I got to serve at a place that I love, with some really great people. I also got to share this wonderful gift with members and youth from WABC. And the icing on the cake was watching the wonderful children from the African Children Choir. If they are ever in your area please be sure to go and support this ministry.

What can I say about our little group from WABC? How do you not love a group of people who would go anywhere with you, keep you laughing and loving you right back. Thanks WABC for joining me tonight at NLP.

The African Children's Choir was amazing (just like my friends said it would be). Nicki took some great pictures that I am hoping to put in a special photobook. I was suppose to be passing out programs to people as they came in the door. But the minute the children started singing I was lost. I wish we could get our kids to move half as much as these kids did. As a matter of fact, I wish I could get a bit of that energy!

Their stories make me appreciate my life here even more. But most of all it reminded me why we are all here....to help someone else!

Abe Needs Your Prayers

I don't know how Mike and Kelli do it sometime, but I know they could use some strong prayer warriors right now. I believe in my heart that prayer changes things and I have faith enough to believe that all things are possible no matter what. Please send up some special prayers for Abe and his family. Thank you.

Veterans Day

Marc is an Operation Storm and Desert Shield Veteran, so today I salute him and all of the men and women who have fought (and especially to those ) who have died for our country.

Note: the picture is from my trip a few years ago to Chicago. I love looking at the large flag in the photo.

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife)

Its been an awesome day, even though I am dead tired after three services.

1) Marc and Pastor Dan both talked about relying on God, no matter what.

2) I am loving the connection I am making with the women of WABC.

3) Its hard to believe that Marc will be installed in just a few weeks. I think being there for almost a year as Interim Pastor has been a plus for the ministry.

4) I stayed up way to late last night. I won't be doing that again. It really does make a difference in my energy on Sunday.

5) We had 54 people in attendance this morning. That may not seem like a lot to most but for WABC that is a great accomplishment.

6) Marc told the congregation that they needed to stay focused. Not on a new Pastor, or a new building. All of this will be for naught if souls are lost in the process.

7) I get to hear the African Children Choir in person this week. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

8) I have so much to be grateful for this week. I am still amazed by God's Grace.

9) I think I have found an outfit for the installation. Its kind of fancy, but this is one occasion that calls for something a little more formal. It won't be a usual thing (lol).

10) So apparently I have been repeating myself over the last few minutes, so I am guessing its time to call it a night. Good thing too because we have a full week.

God's Grace

This morning we went to pick up a few things out of the car. Once again I was reminded of God's grace and mercy. Thank you Lord, for keeping my family safe from hurt, harm and danger (notice the passenger side? I really believe that I was not meant to be in the car that day).

Can You Lend A Hand ?

I don't know how many people actually read my blog, but to the few that do I am asking for a little help. A friend of mine is trying to raise money for a really good cause. If you can help in any way please do.

Bethune Elementary School has an amazing staff and a wonderful student body made up of some of the poorest, brightest children you have never heard of. These kids are amazing. Over 98% of the Bethune students live at or below the national poverty level and the overwhelming majority of these babies live in homes and apartments that are so dilapidated and unstable that you would be surprised that people are still allowed to live that way in 2008. This isn’t play poverty – this is the real deal!

And the blessing is that you have an opportunity TODAY to be a bright spot in the lives of these children. This Christmas, we want every single child (about 500 students) in this school to have a NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM and a FUN TOY to call their own. If YOU don’t help, many of these kids simply won’t receive anything at all this Christmas, but we believe that God is going to use you to be a blessing to these beautiful children.
Each school uniform will be well-designed and custom ordered for each individual child and every toy will be ordered based on the wish lists that we received from the students.

For more info on this worthy cause please go to 500 Uniforms.

God Bless America

Praying for safety for our new first family, healing among our people and our nation and peace in the world.

Finding Common Ground (during this election).

I felt a bit under the weather today so I went to the 8:45 AM service at NLP this morning (I can get away with jeans and no make up since I'm not known as the First Lady there).

I had to share a few notes from Pastor Dan's message: "From Battleground to Common Ground"

He talked to us about the elections. Unfortunetely battle lines are being drawn in the church. You can see it in the news, on blogs and even in the pulpit.

God is calling us to be humble, we need to be careful about defining our own opinions. There is nothing wrong with being passionate. Passionate people thirst for God, hunger for truth.

No political system can ever be perfect. So how do we find common ground? 1) We must move to higher ground, 2) keep our face to the ground, and 3) find the middle ground. Jesus Christ is our common ground. We must have humility and believe in God. Christians will be going to the polls on Tuesday and pulling different levers.

When we wake up on Wednesday morning people will still need to be saved. At the end of the day take off the donkey and the elephant and put on the cross. Put your faith in Christ! On November 5th their is no us or them. Your brother and sister in Christ is never your enemy. Jesus can heal our land. Let the will of God be done.

Update: No Sunday mind dump tonight just a praise report. Marc was on his way home from church this afternoon and swerved to avoid an object that fell off of a truck. Unfortunetely when he tried to straighten the car out he lost control and the car hit the wall on the interstate ( then went back out into the traffic). He said it was like being in a movie in slow motion. Thankfully he is not hurt at all due to wearing his seat belt and the air bags deploying. The car may be a total lost but tonight I am praising God that Marc is alive and well. It could have been so much worse. There were several witnesses and someone was even able to get the liscense plate of the driver in the truck. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy and for favor. I know he has so much more in store for Marc and his ministry. Please keep us in your prayers.

Obama Rally

The girls went to the Obama Rally today. They were so excited. I am proud of the fact that they are taking this election serious and that this will be their second time voting for a presidential candidate. Whomever your choose please make sure you get out and vote next week. I received an email from the granddaughter of one of our members this week. In her words..."if her 98 year old grandmother can stand in line for two hours to vote absentee in person, and people in Clayton GA can stand in line for 12 hours, we can all do our part and do what we need to do in this election".

I've Been Tagged

I have been tagged! I usually don't participate, but because I like Alida (smile) and the answers were short I thought I would give it a try. I won't tag anyone in particular but if you would like to join in please do.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Where is your significant other? office

3. Your hair color? black

4. Your mother? Mary

5. Your father? I never knew him

6.Your favorite thing? Internet

7. Your dream last night? none

8. Your dream/goal? host a ministers wives conference

9. The room you’re in? Familyroom

10. Your hobby? Scrapbooking

11. Your fear? driving

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? beside my husband in ministry

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. What you’re not? old

15. One of your wish list items? Sony Digital Reader

16. Where you grew up? all over

17. The last thing you did? Twitter

18. What are you wearing? PJ's

19. Your tv? a must

20. Your pet? none

21. Your computer? Toshiba

22. Your mood? Tired

23. Missing someone? my mom

24. Your car? none

25. Something you’re not wearing? socks

26. Favorite store? CATOS

27. Your summer? crazy

28. Love someone? Hubby

29. Your favorite color? Blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? this morning

31. Last time you cried? last night