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!

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

1) Its been a long week. As much as I love being busy at some point your body says enough is enough. I read somewhere this week that you need to make a point of having a day of rest. That it is commanded by God. Monday will be my day of rest (and if anyone ask I will just say I am being obedient).

2) Wednesday Marc spoke at one of the local churches in our area. He spoke about getting out of the graveyard. It's past time for us to get up and be about God's business. All of that old stuff that we left at the altar (or thought we did) we keep going back to. Leave it there for good! There is way too much work to do.

3) Apparently his message caused a stir, because people are still talking about it.

4) Friday I spent a little time cleaning off my front porch. I now have candles out there, along with my water fountain. I even have some worship music playing on my cd. Hopefully within the next few weeks I'll get to put out my patio tables and umbrella. I'm itching to barbecue on the old grill.

5) Our weather has been crazy hot (90 degrees) the last two days! I don't do well in heat, so no more porch sitting for a while.

6) I have not been able to be at my adopted church since Easter. Today I missed having my quiet worship time. Hopefully soon I will be able to get back on track. I don't want to be so busy doing ministry that I lose focus on what's most important. And that is spending quiet time with my Abba father.

7) Speaking of NLP. Hopefully in a few days I will be able to make an appointment with the Youth Pastor at NLP who has kindly offered to help us with any questions we may have about children's church. It's time to stop talking and make this dream a reality.

8) We have a lot of activity in the next few weeks. In two weeks Marc will speak at our home church for the first time since leaving to pastor at WABC. Please keep him lifted up in your prayers.

9) In a few weeks the Women's Ministry will host our first workshop. Please keep us in your prayers. I'm specifically asking for prayer for healing, rejuvenation, that the women will be refreshed in Jesus, and that WABC will be a safe place for which our women can be ministered to.

10) Today the wife of one of newest members joined WABC. I know this was a hard decision for her, but after much prayer she decided she wanted to be with her husband. It's time that churches stop being a place of hurt for people and start being a place of healing. There are so many lost souls out there. Those of us who have been in church all of lives should be about our father's business (not tearing down those of us who have already come to Christ. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few). Its time to stop playing church!

11) Yesterday my friend Kelli sent me pictures from Relay for Life. If you want to see a real survivor you need to read this.

12) Speaking of cancer survival, our women's ministry will be participating in the Making Strides Against Cancer Walk. This is a cause that is very important to me because of my friend Gail.

13) I didn't make my usual bedtime last night. My oldest daughter went to the emergency room for an ear ache. She is still struggling with it today. Not much pain but her stomach has been very upset so right now she has not been able to keep much down. Please keep her in your prayers.

14) While you are praying tonight please keep this group in your prayers. I'm not sure that I would be brave enough to do mission work in a foreign land.

A Real Survivor

Michala and her parents are part of a true survivor story. In Kelli's own words: "Truly nothing is worth more than this day! The doctors said she wouldn't make it. They said her body wouldn't be able to fight the stage 4 cancer that she had. Her life or her leg. We chose. Then 7 months later they told us it was time and her body had fought all it could fight. Almost 10 years to the day she is here. God willing she will take the survivor lap at Relay for her 11th time. No nothing is worth more than today" ! Congratulations my sweet girl. I'm so very proud of you, your mommy and daddy and all of the volunteers who walked in your honor and that of so many more (Newton County raised 254,000)!

Monday Morning Ramblings (through the eyes of the wife).

1) I have had soo much fun this week, I'm not even sure where to begin. Everyone should take a week to celebrate their birthday. I even decided to take it easy last night, hence the reason for Monday Morning Ramblings rather then a Sunday Mind Dump.

2) Monday we had our Easter Eggstravaganza. It was so much fun watching the kids run around and play. The Youth Leaders did a great job planning the event. I found out Sunday that some of the eggs even had money in them. I have been hosting Easter Egg Hunt's for years. Did I miss it? No, I loved seeing someone else working the gifts that God gave them. Every leader should learn this important lesson.

3) Tuesday some of the ladies at church surprised me for my birthday. If you missed the post, you can see it here. They got me really good!

4) Wednesday I spent the day resting. Yes, the whole day! I can't tell you what I did on Thursday because I really don't remember. By the end of the week my allergies were kicking my butt big time and I spent a few days in a medicated state. LOL

5) Friday a very special friend took me to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. I ordered my favorite key lime cheesecake for desert. I can still taste it!

6) Saturday Nicki and I went to see my mom and cousins. I had not seen them since Christmas. We spent the afternoon shopping and hanging out together. I love going home, it probably has to do with the fact that life just seems to slow down a bit when you go to the country.

7) One of my favorite things to do is sit by the water. You have to cross a really big bridge of water to get to my mom's home. I kept thinking it would be so nice to just sit somewhere and watch the water. I'm thinking its time for a vacation. LOL

8) You may have noticed that there are not a lot of pictures from the week. That is because I put my camera down almost the entire week and lived the moments rather then glimpsing them through the camera's eye's.

9) We had a really good time at church yesterday. Our friend Rob who joined the church a few months ago spoke at the morning service. Marc spoke in the afternoon. You could tell he had been waiting all day to speak because he really brought the message. He has learned to let go also, but watching him yesterday was amazing. I love that he is experiencing the gifts that God gave him. I know in my heart that this is God's destiny for his life.

10) Life will not slow down this week either. We have an event to attend tonight and Wednesday night Marc will be speaking at an event. This will be the third time in the last two weeks.

11) This week one of the members of our church donated a van to the church. It needs a fresh coat of paint and info about the church, but in the words of one of the members on Sunday....it may not be a new van, but its new to us. Thank you Lord, for the blessings you are bestowing on WABC.

12) This past Saturday my friend Diane became the leader of our First Impressions Ministry (its the new name of our Ushers and Hospitality Ministry which will now be combined). Her husband Rob is the Director of our Missions and Outreach along with the First Impressions Ministry. I know that this ministry is in good hands.

13) Several members are stepping up to the plate to assist with our Youth Ministry. Hopefully by the end of the year we will have a Children's Church Ministry in place. Marc told the congregation this week that we really need to expand. There are so many things that we would like to do at WABC, but its getting a bit claustrophobic in the existing building!

14) Registration for our VBS Summer Camp has begun. I was tickled pink to see that the VBS Director picked the VBS curriculum that we used at GMZBC last year when I was Director. Once again they emphasis is on "Serving". Hopefully this will be the kick off for us doing a service project in our community.

15) Several people who visited us for Easter have returned again. I love seeing the pews starting to fill up on Sunday morning. This coming Sunday we will have our second Meet and Greet with guest. Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for our small church. I can feel your prayers, and I am humbled by the support you have shown us.

Moving Video

I cried after watching this video. Hope it touches you in some way. Never give up on your teens. God is watching over them....always.

Happy Birthday To Me

Several of the ladies from church along with a few family members surprised me today with a birthday party. I was truly surprised (see my face...lol). I got lots of cards and gifts. Flowers, a cake, a case of green tea and a pan of lasagna so that I don't have to fix dinner tonight. I even have shopping money which I am not sure what I'm going to do with. I feel so blessed. Thanks to all of you who left messages on facebook. Wow, a girl could get use to all of this attention!

Our Official Easter Photos

Minus TJ of course. And would someone please remind Nicki that this is not America's Top Model!

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

1) Happy Resurrection Sunday.

2) This week has been filled with a wave of activity. Tuesday and Saturday morning Nicki and I were at choir rehearsal at NLP for their weekend Easter Services. We sang with their choir at the Saturday night service. There were praise dancers, a flag team and a awesome worship team. I pray that they are at home resting, because they also had two services on Sunday. I only got to do Saturday night service and I could barely move in the morning!

3) Friday night Marc and I attended service at NLP. It was very different from many of the Good Friday services I have attended over the years, but I loved the way they blended scriptures and music.

4) Saturday night we were surprised to see several friends and family members at NLP for the service. I also was blessed by the presence of a very special friend who showed up to support Nicki and I. You know who you are. Thank you for being there.

5) This morning Nicki and I both slept in. It actually felt great to not to have to hurry to get ready for church. It helped that I had set out everything we needed for the morning. Lesson learned...add this to the list which includes going to bed at a decent hour.

6) I had hoped that my mom would be able to attend service with us, but they were very busy at her church this morning (they have sunrise service and then serve breakfast before giving everyone the rest of the day to spend with family). She decided to go home and rest. I am hoping that she will get to come and visit within the coming weeks. I have not seen her or my sister since Christmas. Thank goodness we talk on the phone just about every day.

7) Speaking of visitors. Marc's oldest sister, great nephew, niece and nephew in law surprised us at WABC for service today. It helped to make Marc's second Easter Service at WABC very special.

8) Marc has wanted to include the youth at WABC in training while they are young. He knows that one day many of them will grow up to be in a leadership role in some form or the other. Today he called one of the young men up to act as Worship Leader for the day. He took to it right away. I think Marc may be looking for a new position soon. LOL

9) We had lots of new faces at WABC, in part because of it being Easter. Of course it may have helped that Marc offered a special gift to the person who brought the most guest.

10) Tomorrow we will hold a Easter Eggstravaganza for the youth. Nothing on the scale of many of my on-line friends but I am excited to see what the youth leaders have planned. I plan to take lots of pictures.

11) Tuesday I celebrate my 45th birthday. Marc has a speaking engagement that morning but he told his leadership team that he will be catering to his wife's needs afterwards. I'm wondering what that means.Will let you know when I find out. Should make for an interesting day.

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

1) Its been a good week!!! Didn't I say that last week? LOL

2) I'm excited about all of the upcoming events at WABC (and at NLP). There will be a lot of back and forth between the two churches for me and my family. Starting with Good Friday Service at New Life. Then Thursday and Saturday Nicki and I attend the last few choir rehearsal before singing with the choir at the Saturday night service at NLP.

3) Easter Sunday I will be at WABC with my family. My mom may even come down. We are praying there are no repeats from last year. So just in case my sister is reading this. Stay out of trouble!

4) I'm excited about Saturday night service at NLP because I get to sit beside my husband during service. Yeah!!!! You don't know how much this means to me.

5) We have our staff meeting this week and today I decided to set up before coming home so that I don't have to rush to do things on Tuesday. Its all part of my no stress plan (well maybe low stress).

6) This week at our staff meeting our leadership will receive their business cards and a church email address. We are slowly starting to get some things in order.

7) I think this week will be the week that Marc announces the newest addition to WABC. We have been blessed to have someone anonymously donate projectors and screens for our fellowship hall and sanctuary.

8) Speaking of donations we have also received several donations of computers and screens for our computer lab. Now we just need a few desk on rollers. Space is a precious commodity at our church. Hence the need for a bigger facility.

9) Speaking of facilities we got back word from the city how many parking spaces will be needed in order to move forward with our building. Only time will tell where God will have us to be.

10) Today we started registration for our women's weekend. It was so good seeing the ladies line up for registration. They were also taking additional forms for friends and family members to invite.

11) Next week on Easter Monday we will hold a Easter Eggstravaganza. Most of the kids will be out of school so this will be a great opportunity to reach out to a bunch of kids.

12) Marc has several speaking engagements in the next few weeks. Please keep him in prayer.

13) I'm still on the path to erasing the clutter in my home, although I have a feeling some of it will get put on the back burner this week because of other obligations.

14) My plans for our backyard oasis is coming along. This week we ordered umbrella's for our patio tables (of course we don't have a real patio). And hopefully if we can get some assistance I might actually get my gazebo up in the backyard.

15) This weekend our Marriage and Singles Ministry attended "The Play: The Man Called Jesus". It was just as good as I remembered. I considered this a date night for Marc and I so I didn't even take my camera to dinner afterwards. We had a great time just fellowshiping with the members.

Burn Out

My friend Lori has been talking about Burn Out on her blog. It happens to everyone, especially those in ministry. Last year I posted a picture of my new hair-do. Now this hair-do didn't come about because I wanted a cute new look. I had been doing my own hair for years, with very little problem. Then last year my hair started falling out. Actually it looked like someone had been waiting until I fell asleep at night and was just chopping off a few spots at the top. I assumed it was because I had been doing my hair for so long that obviously I was doing something wrong and so the surprise was on me when my hairdresser informed me it appeared to be stress!

I had heard that word a few years before when I went into the doctors office for the first time in a long time and found out my blood pressure was so high that it had started to cause nosebleeds. Something I had never experienced in my life before. My bottom number was 120 and the doctors refused to let me go home until I had a battery of test. The final announcement was that I had high blood pressure and would have to go on medication. Now keep in mind at this point Marc and I had been in ministry for nearly 14 years. Marc had submitted his name for submission to be Pastor of our home church. The two, almost three year process begin to take its toll in ways that I never imagined. Long story short he did not get the position but by that point he was interim pastor at WABC and God (in his infinite wisdom) was preparing us for a move beyond anything we ever imagined at our home church.

Since that time I have found new ways to deal with stress. Not everyone agrees with the path I have taken, but that is ok with me. At the ripe old age of 44 (soon to be 45 on April 14th) I have learned a few things. One of those things is to take care of Cyndi and her family and not worry about the rest. I also started to put my priorities in place. Here are a few things I make a point of doing now that before I never put much stock in.

1) I spend time with friends and family. Something that was often put on the back burner when we were really knee deep in "ministry". My day planner is no longer filled with more ministry meetings, activities, etc appointments then time with family and friends. Its been good to unplug every once in a while.

2) I don't attend everything that WABC has going on! My need to be at church all the time for everything because I thought that was the best way to support my husband has ended. Sometimes my husband just needs me to be his wife.

3) I don't feel the need to be in charge of everything associated with ministry at WABC. The one big thing I have learned about ministry is that the minute you are gone there is someone else available to take your place. Now, they may not do it the way you would. But guess what? That might be a good thing. LOL Allow others to use the gifts that God has given them and God will get the glory not man.

4) I attend NLP a church down the street from our home as often as I can, when I can. This is a place where I don't have to wear my "First Lady" hat. Heck, I don't even have to wear my wife of Marc's hat. This isn't an option for everyone but it works for me. Its also a place where once in a blue moon Marc can slip in and just be Marc (and we can't sit together and worship together). Believe it or not minister's need to be ministered to also.

5) Most of the time I don't cook dinner on Sundays. Marc and I have dinner together after church at one of our fav. places and just sit and talk. Sometimes its with friends, sometimes the girls are with us and sometimes its just us two. Its my favorite part of the week (and to my family members who may be reading this...be quiet. I know I don't cook sometime during the week either. But I have never said I was a perfect SAHM. And frankly after 25 years of marriage, well let's just say neither Marc or I are going anywhere else). The important part for us is that we are spending time together.

6) Marc and I have a date night at least once a month. Again, its about spending time together. How can we be a good model for others (especially our own children) if we don't make our marriage a top priority. God may have called us to ministry but he also expects us to love each other. One of the great take aways for me at the Marriage Ministry Conference we attended a few months ago was that God designed marriage as the priority relationship in the family.

7) Lastly, but the most important part is taking time to hear from God. When I distance myself from God...especially when I am "busy" in ministry I am blocking out the one thing that can get me through anything. During the "process" for pastor I thought I was doing everything right. I told myself that this was what God wanted. I prayed, fasted, sent out prayer request. We even said that we didn't want to be anywhere that God didn't want us to be. But now looking back I realize that I didn't believe everything that I was saying. And the closer that we got to the end the more I relied on what I thought people wanted and less on what God wanted.

Now keep in mind I don't have it all together. Each day is a learning process. I realize I will make mistakes, I'm only human. But now I know the signs for stress and frankly where I am in life right now....you couldn't pay me to go back again.

Happy Sweet 16 Mary Elizabeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israel Houghton

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

Living in the Fishbowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jonas Needs Our Help

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

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

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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