Wiener Roast

After the luncheon Saturday Nicki and I dashed home to change for the Holy Ghost Wiener Roast. We were planning to meet several friends and the kids from WABC. The event is hosted by our adopted church New Life Providence. We had a great time. Nicki and my girlfriends daughter Beth headed to the square dance section. I will have to post pictures of them. It was hilarious to watch. They had planned to get on the mechanical bull and the climbing wall but the lines were crazy. We did get to go on the hayride which brought back memories of our first church when we first moved back to VA. We use to go on hayrides in the neighborhood during Halloween and throw out candy to the tricker treaters. One year we even went Christmas caroling. Its been a long time since I have been able to enjoy Halloween in this way. For the last four years while at GMZ I was one of the ones behind the scenes leading the planning for this type of event. Marc ended up being a volunteer this year when one of my friends from NLP asked him to take photos in the old fashioned photo booth. I'm looking forward to next year and hope that we can take a few more of the families from WABC.

Hat Luncheon

Enjoy, you won't get to see me in a hat that often. Some of the ladies from WABC attended a hat and hair luncheon yesterday. We were supporting one of our members and her organization who were hosting a fundraiser for an adopt a family project. They had a mini hair show, a hat contest and gave away several prizes. Every lady who attended left with a goody bag filled with various freebies.

Happy Birthday Nicki

My baby girl turned 24 today. This girl stays on the run. She has a full time job at a law office. She is finishing up her senior year at college (she is a Mass Communications major) and she works at WABC as our media ministry person. When she is not doing all of that she can be found singing, dancing, acting, or traveling. I don't know how the girl sleeps at night (but she does). I'm very proud of her and over the last couple of years I have noticed how she is allowing God to work in her life. I'm not sure where she is headed or what God has in store for her life but I know it will be big, and one day she will use her God given talents to bring glory to the Kingdom. Happy birthday baby girl!

Compassion International

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

I know many of you have already seen this video. Its been floating around a few weeks. I tried my best to avoid it (don't ask why). Something told me that once I saw it I wouldn't be able to ignore the need anymore. Guess what? I was right! Not only do you need a box of tissues to watch it, but I promise you it will change your way of thinking (if you have a heart). Guess I will be having a conversation with Marc. Its not like thirty eight dollars is that much money. We spend more then that at a meal on Sunday afternoon. Who am I kidding I have purse that are worth more! So I dare you (actually I double dare) you to look and not want to sponsor a child after you are done.

Oh, and don't forget to scroll down and pause my music before you listen to the video. And while your at it...grab a few tissues!

Sunday Mind Dump (via twitter and twitpic).

Thought it would be fun to post my twitter updates from my trip last week with my mom (along with a few pictures. Not to mention a few mispellings).

1) In the country hanging out with my mom for the week.

2) GM twitter family. Pouring rain here & ice cold. Busy Sunday w/ my mom. Church & then gospel concert @ my granddads old church.

3) No Sunday Mind Dump 2nite. Relaxing with my mom. Will twitter during the week about my trip and post pics later.

4) It feels wierd sleeping in my old bed in the bedroom I spent my teen years. They were not always the best of times.

5) Some memories r good. Like t/sound fall leaves underfoot, the smell of fireplaces burning and the crisp, cold fresh country air.

6) Forgot how loud my moms furnace was. The thing scares me everytime it comes on. lol

7) Missed hearing Marc speak yesterday. Heard he tore up the pulpit. Hope he left some since it wasnt his! lol

8) Internet access is limited. So prepare 4 lots of twitter updates. May have 2 give my mom a router for Christmas.

9) Going deep in the woods.

10) Only my mom would be playing the color purple soundtrack on the way 2 gospel choir practice.

11) Why r there still no street lights on these country roads?

12) Ok this community choir is baaad! And I mean that in a good way! They r that good.

13) Just had a deer run in front of us. Told u it wouldnt be a Ram in the bush!

14) Had lunch with the uncles and then did a little window shop. Now back 2 the house to chill.

15) The way my mom worked me today...I should be sleep by now!

16) The mom has me on t/ run again 2day. Going to meet with her trainer, then off to t/church so she can do some clerical work.

17) After that we are going 2 see my 80 something yr old aunt and then home 4 lunch b4 heading back 2 church 2nite 4 bible study!

18) And were off!

19) Sitting in the lounge chilling while my mom works out with her young trainer!

20) Some of the people here need a athletic fashions what not 2 wear intervention! God bless their sweet souls.

21) Mom started upper body strength workout 2day. Wonder how much work we will get done 2morrow (its my last day here)?

22) There is one older gent on a treadmill. He is going 2 town. Makes me think I have no excuse not to get up and move my 45 year butt!

23) Mom is about to get on a cycle. This out 2 be good. Oh man she got off. I must have missed it!

24) Now she is on the treadmill. She is really getting a workout Im impressed!

25) Headed 2 see my Auntie.

26) On my way into BS.

27) Had a good time at bible study. Main topic was women in ministry.

28) Such a busy week. I'm bone tired.

29) My mom just woke me up at the crack of dawn to watch a movie! It had better be good! lol

30) Ok. I guess I will 4give her. The movie was pretty good.

31) Did some work at the church. Visited a church member and now we off to the mall!

32) Ok. Tired, hungry and my feet hurt. Time 2 go home.

33) Ok quiet everyone Greys is on!

34) Fist fights and gushing blood. Great start 2 the night.

35) This is my last night here with my mom. Its been fun but I do miss my family.

36) Ok, keep hearing this strange animal call! Def. time to go back to the burbs!

37) So guess who showed up last night (at two am).

38) Hubby and I just had lunch with my mom. Now we r headed home. Have a banq. this evening 2 attend.

39) Back home.

40) Had a great time at the banquet. Ended up sitting next to the daughter of one of the ladies from my moms church. Talk about small world!

Date Night

OK, you all will probably see a lot of pictures of us dressed up in the coming months. We have several banquets to attend over the next few weeks, including the one for Marc's anniversary. Last night we went to a banquet in support of the Life Enrichment Center in Norfolk. Its the same center Nicki worked as an extra on in The Bill Collector. Its also the center we partnered with to giveaway backpacks with this year. I'm excited about this partnership and would never have thought about partnering with others if I hadn't read "Servolution" by Pastor Dino Rizzo. I love the things that he and his wife DeLynn along with Healing Place have done in their community. This is a big part of the vision I know that Marc has for WABC.

We had a great time last night. I got to see some of my New Life Providence family which is always great. But mostly I enjoyed spending time with Marc after being separated for the week. Crazy......after 26 years of marriage we still enjoy each others company. If you follow me on twitter you would have noticed that he surprised me and turned up at my mom's home at 2 AM, just so he could drive me back home on Friday. Originally my mom was suppose to take me, but he decided to save her the trip (secretly, I think he missed me...lol). I still plan to post a recap of my vacation later in the week, and tomorrow night I will be back to my Sunday Mind Dumps. Until then hope you are having a great weekend.

Just Checking In

Just checking in briefly. Marc and I were honored this past weekend at a luncheon. I wish you could have seen the look on his face when he found out he would have to walk down what was basically a catwalk. It was a priceless moment. My husband probably hates the spotlight even more then I do, so this was uncomfortable for both of us. It reminded me of my modeling school days at Barbizon (bet you didn't know that little bit of juicy info).

After the banquet I went home to pack my bags. I'm spending the week with my mom in the country. She said she had a list of daughter do's for me, but mostly we have been on the run, and will probably continue throughout the week.

Yesterday we attended morning service at my home church and that evening my mom sang with her community choir at my grandfathers church (he was the pastor for over 40 years). Its been a while since I was there. I had the best time. Many of the songs that they sung took me back to my gospel choir days with my friend Gail. It felt so good to just sit in the audience and just worship! It was awesome.

Reflections of a PW

Next month Marc and I will celebrate our 1st year at WABC. Its been a wild rollercoaster of a ride. Most of the time its been fairly enjoyable. I can honestly say I have learned a lot about being in leadership (the good, the bad and the ugly...although truth be told I probably learned that little lesson long before coming to WABC). The one thing I wasn't prepared for was the time that it would take away from my marriage and family. For years I have been trying to turn my front porch into this little sanctuary. This week we finally finished it (well, minus a few details here and there). But this morning my dreams of serving Marc breakfast on the front porch went out the window when I woke up to cold chilly rain.

That is the same way ministry is sometimes (cold and chilly). When I imagined becoming a PW years ago I had the wrong interpretation of leadership and of my role as as PW. Back then a PW just showed up on Sunday in her best outfit, wearing her best hat, and basically just smiled, and nodded her head when spoken to. Over the years I started to look at this position in a different way. I saw the potential to actually connect with women in a meaningful way. Not to just be served, but serve. What I didn't expect was the loneliness I would feel. Having grown up in church I was always surrounded by family, and in most cases around really good friends. That was until a few years ago when Marc and I begin working at GMZ. We had "friends", but know one close that we hung out with. Most of our close friends are at different churches, and are busy with their own church/family responsibilities. Having talked to several other ministers wives I know I am not alone. Thankfully there are several resources out there now that offer encouragement to this very special club. I though I would share a few (just in case you don't know about them).

There are several conferences available for Pastors Wives. The one at the top of my wish list is The First Lady Conference hosted by Pastor Tony Evans wife Lois Evans. Beth Moore recently did an event exclusively for pastors wives. Just found out that its now available for viewing on-line. As soon as I can work it into my budget I plan to pick it up along with the video upload available for the First Lady conference).


If you can't get away for a conference you might be interested in a virtual round table for Pastor's Wives that my friend Lori will be hosting. You can find more info here.

Another great support system for pastors wives can be found here. I hope some of these resources help you, I know they have helped me. Most of all remember that you are not alone. God didn't put you where you are to just leave you behind. He is with you always. Sit at the table and converse with him.

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

1) I came close today to postponing Sunday Mind Dump for Monday Morning Ramblings (but I decided I would rather sleep in late tomorrow).


2) I have a good reason....this has been a busy week and its about to get even busier. But that's not the only reason.


3) It took me a while to get moving this morning. I woke up with sore arms, and legs. I guess the 3 1/2 mile walk did some good.


4) Our Senior adults are still talking about the dinner from last night. I would call that a successful event. I'm still looking for another name to describe our Senior Ministry. The way they were moving last night I'm not sure any of them qualify as "senior" anything.


5) Did the 3 day holiday slip up on anyone else besides me? The sad thing is that I should have remembered it was Columbus Day weekend. See, 26 years ago I gave birth to my firstborn on October 12th!


6) Not sure how we are going to celebrate, especially since most of the time he wants to avoid birthday celebrations. That is until you agree to his terms and don't make a big deal out of it. Isn't that just like a man? LOL


7) Saturday is the big day. Marc and I will be honored at a banquet along with several others for their contribution to the community. I still don't see how we made the list, but it is a honor. I am most excited about the location. I can't wait to see the inside of this place.


8) Right after the lunchoeon I will be leaving to spend a week with my mom. She already has a long to-do list, so stay tuned for some interesting twitter updates.


9) The weekend that I come back Marc and I will be attending a fundraiser banquet for the Life Enrichment Center. This is the same center that we partnered with for the Back to School Drive, and the center that was featured in The Bill Collector (the movie that Nicki was an extra in).


10)We started making plans for our upcoming Thanksgving and Christmas giveaways. I'm excited that this year our youth will not just be helping out with our giveaways but the may also have the opportunity to make cards for our sick and shut-in members, in addition to visiting a local senior citizen center.


11) At the end of the month our youth will once again be attending the Holy Ghost Wiener Roast which is sponsored by my adopted church. The kids had a blast last year (although I think the adults had an even better time). I didn't get to go so I plan to be first in line this time (j/k, I guess I will let the kids go first).


12)At the begining of November I get to attend a leadership conference with Marc. If he didn't have his own business that would never have been possible. Being your own boss has a few advantages including working your own schedule. This has also allowed him to take Fridays off to spend time with me (aka complete the honey do list). :)


13) Also in November we will be celebrating Marc's 1st year anniversary as pastor at WABC.


14) Well that is what is happening is this crazy life of mine. I told someone a few weeks ago that this pastor wife stuff should come with a Class 101 book (especially a session on how to balance church life with a personal life). By the way, how is life treating you?

Behind the Scenes

I captured this picture of Marc and Nicki tonight at WABC during our Senior Ministry event. The senior members of WABC were treated to a night of dinner and music. I'm telling you there is nothing like seeing a 65 year old jamming and dancing. In the words of Marc..."Mr. Arthur" (arthritis) wasn't stopping them tonight. I love working behind the scenes at WABC. Tonight we worked the behind the scenes stuff like nobody's business. While everyone else was rocking to the music Marc, Nicki and I got to capture the moment's on film. Marc worked the video camera while Nicki and I took photos of everyone. I have some editing to do, but hopefully I'll have them up in the church gallery by Monday or Tuesday.

Beach Walking

So today Nicki and I started our weekly Saturday morning walk. We went down to the boardwalk and walked 3 1/2 miles. We are only about 20 minutes from the oceanfront, but somehow we never seem to take the time to visit (especially during the summer). Marc is still amazed that we went "all the way down to the beach just to walk". But I told him if I'm going to do this the view at least has to be pretty. LOL!

Last week after the cancer walk we decided we would walk every Saturday morning (weather permitting). Of course my motivation for doing this has a lot to do with the fact that my blood pressure readings were through the roof (150/95) after my last physical. Most of the time I have been able to keep it fairly level, but when I stress I eat unhealthy food and last month during the funeral I ate a lot (well, I ate a lot of stuff that is not good for me....like pork, fried chicken, and chips which are my number one weakness in the food dept.).


I'm determined to get back on track, so the exercise routine has begun (and I'm eating yogurt and unsalted popcorn). For now that means walking, eating healthier, drinking plenty of water, and sticking to my prescribed meds. Hopefully after a while I can add a bit of weightlifting in the mix (walking and weightlifting were the only type of exercise I liked in high school). Nicki keeps trying to convince me to run/jog, but I know that's not going to happen so she will just have to get over it! :) Well, that's my "new" routine.........what do you do to keep in shape?

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

1)WABC is celebrating 71 years of ministry this month. We have several speakers coming each Sunday for the next couple of weeks. Needless to say its going to be a long month. Marc has already discussed doing things a little different next year. Right now the majority of our members have reached age 60 and above and the pace of the church as it exist at this moment is getting too much for many of them. Over time we hope to become more intentional and focused in our ministry and the opportunities we offer to our members.


2)We are only in our second year (technically its only our first) so as much as you would like to make changes, thankfully we got advice a long time ago (even before leading WABC was a thought in our mind) that transition takes time and is in know way the same as planting your own church. It is never a good idea to go in and completely wipe out the years of tradition that older churches are use to. I have seen this done and usually what is left behind is a mass of confusion and hurt.


3)Speaking of purpose. I am very excited about our upcoming Wednesday night services. Marc decided that The Purpose Driven Church needed to be discussed not just in our staff meetings but with our congregation as well. I am usually in the back on Wednesday nights taking care of paperwork, but for the next couple of weeks I will be sitting in on the classes. I loved reading the book and after reading it ...... it actually changed my direction/focus in ministry.


4) We had a great time Saturday morning at the Cancer Walk. I love connecting with the women at the church, add in a good cause and I am a happy lady.



5) Marc and I will be attending several banquets this month. One of the events will benefit the Life Enrichment Center in Norfolk that we partnered with for the backpack giveaway. The other is actually a banquet in which we are along with several others will be honored for our contribution to ministry. Can you guess which one I am most looking forward to (keep in mind I prefer being in the shadows)? LOL


6) Preparations have begun for the celebration of our first year anniversary at WABC. The planning committee has been trying very hard to keep me out of the loop. For the most part they are succeeding, which for a person who is usually the one planning......well lets just say, its driving me crazy. I hate being out of the loop when it comes to the behind the scenes stuff!


7) I'm very excited for our Senior Ministry. Next weekend they will be treated to a special night of dinner and music. The music will be provided by some friends of ours who have a gospel quartet. Now they are not the kind of quartet that most of you all may be thinking of. These guys can blow. Even my daughters love their music. So even though none of us have reached the age of a senior citizen, we will be sneaking in to hear them Saturday night. HA


8) One event that I am very excited about attending is the Leadership Conference that will be held at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk. When Marc and I first returned from overseas we attended Calvary for a while, but eventually ended up at another church to help with their ministry. At the time they were just starting to grow. I remember having to stand in line to get in. They eventually moved to another facility and have expanded even more since then. I love listening to Pastor McBath speak.


9) I did actually take some time out from ministry to spend a little time doing something I really love. Which is creating with my hands. Life got a bit stressful this month and I now realize I have spent very little time doing fun stuff. Add in our canceled vacation and lets just say my body decided to teach me a little lesson (try a bp that was 150/95...not good). After the walk on Saturday Nicki and I made a pack to get out and walk at least once a week. One of our church members heard about my high blood pressure and gave me a disc with exercises on it.


10) I forgot to mention that during the cancer walk we were approached by someone who was doing a podcast about the walk. He asked us to have a representative speak for us and tell them who we were and who we were representing at the walk. You can hear it here. It was really cool and gave us an opportunity to get some free publicity for WABC.

Breast Cancer Walk

We had a great time at the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk today. I'm amazed I made it the 3 miles without passing out. After the walk we hit IHOP and then not long after we got home I hit the bed and took a 2 hour nap. I don't think my body liked the idea of getting up at 6 AM! (HA HA) Nicki and I have decided we are going to start walking on the weekends. Let's see how that goes. You can see more pictures of the walk here.

Signs of Fall!

My favorite season(s) are Spring and Fall (summer not soo much). And as much as I love snow, I don't like the long days of winter when the leaves have all disappeared and the sky is that dull gray. But spring and fall make me happy.

A sure sign of fall in my home is when the windows are open and you have that crisp cold morning air coming in. I light the candles, pull out the fall clothing ( I love shopping in the fall, for boots, shawls, warm pants and purse...got to have my purse) and start perusing the home decorating sites.

Fall also brings out my creative side. I start looking around for craft projects to complete around the house. Yesterday I finally made a centerpiece for my dining table. My sister in law had given me this urn a few years ago and at the time the only thing I did with it was add some potpourri. A few weeks ago I broke down and went to Michael's picked out some silk florals and now I have a beautiful (if I do say so myself) centerpiece that I can use year round.

I have a few more projects up my sleeve, including making over two glass globes I picked up from Walmart. I should be good until Christmas then the process starts all over again. Because next to Fall decorating I love Christmas, and Valentines Day, and Easter. You get the picture. LOL

So what's your favorite season and do you decorate any other time of the year other then Christmas?

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor!

The pictures are actually backwards, but you will get the picture. This is the first baby Marc ever dedicated at WABC. Soon she will be leaving us to be with her Mom and Dad (her dad is in the military). She will be missed for sure. Anytime Marc gets a chanceto hold her he does (my poor children, one day they will give us a grandchild and they will be lucky if they get to spend time with their own child because I guarantee my husband will be spoiling them rotten). Cece has a very special relationship with her Pastor. She even says amen during his sermons. The day of my father in laws funeral her mom brought her by to see us. It was after everyone had left for the day and the house was really quiet. Cece kept checking on him as if to say are you ok? She would look at him, then rub his face as if to say its going to be alright. Then she would turn her head to the side and look at him again and then go back to rubbing his face. Yesterday Marc and I were asked to step out of the sanctuary after service while the congregation discussed some surprises for his first anniversary at WABC. As you will see in the picture below my husband decided to take the opportunity to contribute to the delinquency of a minor. LOL


This picture was taken when the doors opened ....oops I think we have been caught!

Thank goodness he didn't let her near the box!

Well, maybe just a small taste!

It's mighty tempting!

This was the first picture that I snapped. She looked at me as if to say.....are you sure I'm suppose to have this?

Sunday Mind Dump (through the eyes of the wife)

1) Its been a great week of fellowship at WABC.

2) It started with Youth Revival on Monday and Tuesday (lead by our friend Pastor Patillo, a youth pastor at one of the local churches in our area). Followed by two nights of Church Revival on Wednesday and Thursday. Our friend Pastor Ricky Lee had folks standing on their feet. We had a couple of technical glitches here and there, but I'm already looking forward to the planning for next year (with a few changes here and there).

3) Pastor Patillo has already offered to help me next year. I love when you make a connection with someone who is willing to help even when it may not benefit them. Pastor P and I met a number of years ago and he immediately clicked with my girls. Whenever Marc and I have called on him he has been there. He has a heart and mind for the youth of our cities that is totally genuine.

4) Friday night the girls and I "snuck" out of the house so that they could meet two other young ladies from WABC to practice for a special worship service on Sunday. We "snuck" out because the group were surprising Marc on Sunday.

5) He says he had no idea, but it was worth it to see the grin on his face on Sunday morning when he realized they were leading worship. He wasn't the only one. I looked up at one point and noticed that one of our deacons (who daughter just happened to be singing with them) was grinning all over himself. Then I looked at the grandmother of one of the young ladies and she had a big grin on her face.

6) Of course, there is no telling how much grinning I was doing at the time. LOL I'm so proud of these girls.

7) This weekend several members of our women's ministry team will be walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Originally we planned to ask for a donation for the walk from the church to add to our donations. But after the floods this past week in GA and after several pleas for help from some special friends in the trenches in Atlanta we decided instead to take up an offering for one of the families devastated by the flood.

8) We are in the midst of several ministry events at WABC in the upcoming month. Our suit drive is coming along nicely and it has even allowed my husband to free up some space in his (our) closet! Hallelujah!!!!

9) Soon our youth will be starting a coat drive for the same school that we recently adopted during our backpack drive. Add in the Thanksgiving baskets, and our now Annual Adopt a Family for Christmas Campaign. Lets just say their is not much time for sitting in the pews at WABC (We don't allow no pew sitters at WABC). So if you come and join us be prepared to work!

10) Next month WABC will celebrate its 71st Church Anniversary, and in November Marc and I will have been at Woodland for a year (not counting his time as interim pastor). I can't believe its been that long!

11) October begins the crazy birthday month in my family. My youngest and oldest celebrate their birthdays along with several cousins, my nephew Alex and my mom. October kills our pocketbook! LOL

12) Next month Marc and I will be honored along with several others at a banquet celebrating our work in ministry (mainly local missions). Even though we have been in ministry almost our entire life it still seems strange to me to be recognized for my work. I think for both us its more about doing God's work. Having said all of that I am excited that several of family members will be with us that day along with our church family. Pray I don't fall on my face or do something else to embarrass my husband or family (in case you have not figured it out by now...I hate being in the spotlight)!

13) A perfect example of my reluctance to be front and center occurred today when I had to go before the church to ask for the special offering. Marc and Nicki said my voice was quivering (they should have seen my knees) and Marc said at one point I was rambling. HA! They keep forgetting that I don't take to the spotlight the way they do (Nicki and her dad are a lot a like. I have always said that pastors and ministers are just frustrated actors...LOL).

14) Last thought of the day. . . During our 11:30 service one of our youngest members at WABC came up and said he wanted to baptized (actually he said he wanted to baptizing). Marc told him that they would be working with him to fully understand what this meant but as soon as possible he would be baptized. I know some of you offer a class to your young ones who want to be baptised. Would love to hear more on this. Drop me a line or DM me on twitter.

Our Now Generation

As much as I love directing our Women's Ministry, my heart will always belong to Youth Ministry. Its been in my blood for over to 17 years. I dream of leading our youth towards a more personal relationship with Christ. I know we can't use the same old stuff to reach the youth of today. They face things in life that we never had to face. As the mom of 3 young adults I realize that if we are not careful we will lose this generation to the street. Its time for churches to stand up and be counted. Be counted for more then just a gathering place on Sunday. If we don't show our youth (I call them Generation Now) that we care about them, and the things that are important to them in the here and now........If we don't learn to speak their language we may lose them to the enemy for good.

Sunday Mind Dump (Through the eyes of the wife)

1) I love being busy, but this week went by way to fast. I had so much to do before the weekend, and this week is even busier!

2) My middle child turned 25 on Friday, and celebrated the whole weekend (blame it on me I am a party planner not just by profession but also because I loved celebrating. If I can find something to celebrate I will and I passed this little gift down to my girls).

3) We ate at the Cheesecake Factory for her birthday along with 25 of her favorite people (there were more on the list but this just happened to be the group that showed up).

4) Good thing there were only 25 people because our server (yes, 1 waitress for 25 people) seemed to have a hard time serving a large group (and its not like we were the nightmare party). They also messed up the reservations which were made weeks ago, and at the end of the night they took forever getting the checks ready. As much as I love that restaurant I was very disappointed in the service we received that night. It will probably be a little while before I have a my favorite dessert (key lime cheesecake) again.

5) Before the party Friday night I went to the hairdresser and in case you missed it I gave her permission to cut it off! As she started snipping I started to panic, but when she finished I was one happy girl! I love it, There is nothing worse then paying to get your hair "did" and coming home that night and the hair do is gone. Thankfully I have never had that problem with my stylist (who just happens to do the girls hair also). Several people that we have referred to her are now clients. I'm thinking we are due for a finders fee. LOL

6) Today my mom's church came to celebrate with us for our Homecoming Celebration (half of the church is family). I say it all of the time, but I'm saying it again......I love my family. They are the most supportive bunch of people you will ever find. I felt very proud to be able to introduce them to my WABC family. After the service we served dinner. You can't beat good food and great fellowship.

7) This week we begin our Revival 09 service. Its time to be refreshed and on fire for God. This will be the first year that we include our youth and even though everything has not come together as smoothly as I would like, I know that over time this will evolve into something major for our youth and the youth of our city.

8) Speaking of vision, this morning I twittered about having this strange dream. WABC had moved from the church to a auditorium venue. The strange part was that I was doing laundry under the bleachers while Marc was doing the service. Several of my friends were sitting up front at tables set up for dining as if you were at a dinner theatre. There were also lots of different groups singing in between the service and some lady who managed the place was mad because she found out Marc was married (thinking I have spent too much time hanging out with you crazy church planters)! Either WABC has some seriously crazy stuff happening in the future or I have spent to much time in the closet purging. LOL

9) I will try really hard to post some photos from the week, but if you don't hear from me in a couple of days its not because I don't love you all.

10) Speaking of crazy. The title of Marc's message today was "Let's Get Ready To Rumble". Let's just say that the enemy has been put on notice!

Q's Birthday

Sorry this took so long. Its been a long weekend! But here is the Birthday Girl.


WABC folks in the house!


Quisha's high school and college friend.


Quisha's big sister from college.


Friends from our home church.

The birthday girl opening her gifts.

Quisha and her godparents.

Tired

Its been a long full day. I am tired (can't you tell...lol). I have been waiting almost a month for my Key Lime Cheesecake, but right now its in the fridge waiting for tomorrow. The party was great but we had a couple of glitches with our reservation, add in some really bad service (which has never happened before) and lets just say....the party is over. I took lots of pictures and will post them in the am. Tell then, have a great night everyone.

New Look

Well I guess I can put the ponytail holders away for awhile!

Happy Birthday Q

She is going to have a fit when she see's this. But 25 years ago today I gave birth to this precious child. Quisha has always been daddy's girl. From the moment she saw him she has had eyes only for him. At the time I had her Marc had already left for Germany to pave the way for TJ, Quisha and I to come and join him. My mom was actually in the delivery room with me and I remember how scared she was that she wouldn't be able to hold it together. By then I knew that any children I gave birth to would be by C-section. I had a few complications with Q's birth. For one she was my largest child and at the time TJ had not begin to walk (they are only 11 months apart in age. And as a matter of fact for a short while they are both 25 years old. Most of the time people even thought they were twins). I was carrying her around in my belly and TJ on my hip. I started to get severe pain in my back, and the further along I got the more Quisha started to move. Eventually she settled in on a nerve in my leg and whenever she moved my leg would give out. At one point my doctor threatened to put me in traction which he warned would be extremely painful, especially for a pregnant women. The only solution was to put TJ down and let him crawl or let someone else carry him. Not a problem since at the time I lived with Marc's parents and between them and Marc's two sisters I was pretty much covered. The week before I was scheduled for surgery the doctor noticed that Quisha had dropped down a lot, so much so that she could see her head and her full head of hair! She decided I couldn't wait and the next day we were on our way to Norfolk GH (the same hospital that Marc was born in). After a few hours Quisha entered the world. The first person to hold her was my mom, who by this time had gone completely around the other side of the curtain to see them pull her out (so much for being afraid). It would be nearly 6 months before Marc set eyes on his oldest daughter, but from the moment he held her it was a done deal. To this day he jokes about how chubby she was (his exact words were that she was 2ft by 2ft, by 2ft), and the very first question he asked me was what had I been feeding her. Quisha loved food then and she still loves it today. The girl can cook better then me, and I know its a gift because I know I didn't teach her. LOL I wanted her story to be told today because 25 is a very special age to reach. And even though I may not say it all the time, I wanted her to know that she is loved, that we are proud of the accomplishments she has made in her life and I look forward to seeing what the next 5 years will hold for her. Happy Birthday Q!

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

1) We had a great day at WABC. Marc's message was "We Came To Have Churrch". And yes that's with two rr's. LOL

2) Last week I was really moody. Apparently soo much so that someone told me about myself in church today (and they were probably right). Last week I was in a funk and even though I put on a brave face, I just wasn't feeling church.

3) Don't get me wrong, I love WABC. But sometimes the behind the scenes stuff can get heavy and I'm one of those people that would rather concentrate on the fun stuff. I realize that this is something God is working on in me.

4) By weeks end something even more pressing caught my attention and all of the stuff that I had spent the week stressing over seemed irrelevant. If you missed it, you can read about it here.

5) In comparison this week has been wonderful. My daughter and I spent a wonderful day together. We went shopping on Saturday (great way to wash away the blues) and ended the evening by watching Tyler Perry's newest movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself". You have to go and see this movie. I actually think its one of his best.

6) I'm very proud of some of the projects WABC has going on in the coming weeks and months, and I very excited about some of the upcoming Women's Ministry projects. One of which is the Cancer walk. And I'm trying hard not to be nervous about my first speaking engagement at our Winter Tea in January.

7) The Men's Ministry is taking on a major project. They are collecting suits to donate to men who may be going out on their first job interview. Some who have been incarcerated and having now been returned to society are looking to begin their life anew. A week in they have already received quite a few suits (many from my sweet husband's closet). In case you missed it we have been doing some serious purging around the house.

8) This past Friday our church hosted a dinner for an organization that ministers to men who have been incarcerated and are now trying to get back on their feet. They has asked that those attending the dinner bring a few bags of clothing for their thrift store which benefits the ministry. So many people brought in donations that the minister had to call one of his members to come to the church with their van. Marc said he was overwhelmed by the generosity.

9) Now I know some people don't like Revival's, but at this moment and time that is where WABC and many other churches in this area are (some just change the name). And I'm excited about our upcoming youth revival. A very special young man who is a really good friend will be speaking to our youth. This afternoon Marc and I went out to get T-shirts for the youth to wear. Actually it felt like we were running a marathon (we were trying to get to two different stores before they closed at 6). This was one time I was glad that we didn't have a large youth group. But I am praying hard for that to change.

10) Speaking of speakers. I heard some amazing speakers this past week at the Nines Conference. If you missed it you should be able to view most of them here within the next few days. My friend Scott Williams was one of my favorites. Loved his presentation on diversity.

11) Lastly I wanted to say congrats to a special friend who's daughter was baptised today. I love the way they do baptism at Granger. I would have loved it if Marc and I could have been in the pool with our kids when they were baptised. I especially loved the way her husband got down eye level with his child just before she went down in the water. Congratulations Rob, Michelle and Whit.

Fearless (Imagine Your Life Without Fear) by Max Lucado

Recently I got a chance to preview a new release by Max Lucado entitled "Fearless". The book talks about all of the fears that we have when we don't put all of our hope and trust in God. Well what if we allowed our Lord and Savior to handle all of our fears? What would our life be like then? Mr. Lucado invites his readers to consider and invitation from Jesus to have courage.

I have to admit I was intrigued by this book for many reasons. For one I was offered the chance to read for free. What bookworm would turn down that offer? Secondly (and the most important part) was that I live with fear everyday. I am a worry wart by nature. Just ask my children, my husband, my friends ( I could go on, but I won't). In the beginning I had a hard time concentrating on the book. Most of the time I can read a book within a couple of days, or at least by the end of the week. Fearless took a bit longer (in the back of my head I kept thinking if I read this I will no longer have an excuse for living my life in fear. And frankly fear is a comfortable place to be. Its been my companion for years. Sort of like an old family friend that you know is not good for you, but you keep around anyway). But I kept reading because I knew this was something I needed to hear. I have to give it to my man Max, he is a great storyteller. As you read the book and start to listen to the stories of others who have had to confront fear you realize that you are not by yourself. As you continue to read you realize that God did not design you to be in fear. He designed you to be fearless.

By the end of the book I was holding my head in shame because I knew I was not living the life that God had designed me for. And yesterday evening I finally got why it took me so long to read the book. This past weekend my youngest daughter went to NY to celebrate the holidays. Sunday night while out with friends someone started shooting not far from where my child was standing. Her words to me the next day were that she had never been so afraid in her life (if you knew Nicki you know this is out of character for her. She is like her dad and most of the time they walk around fierce and fearless). A few weeks ago I would have freaked out, and would probably have been begging my husband to go and get her. Instead I remained calm and reminded her that she had angels watching over her, people who pray for her everyday of her life and that she has a God who loves her and cares for her. I cried tears of relief after getting off of the phone with her, but I also thanked God for being in my life and in hers and for giving her courage in the mist of the storm. I honestly believe that if I had not been reading this book that day that I would have added to my child's fears. I recommend this book to anyone who is living a life of fear ( I highly recommend this as a group reading. There is even a discussion guide in the back). After all God's got your back! Its time to become fierce and fearless!

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

1) This post is going to be short and sweet. If you follow me on Facebook and Twitter you know most of the week I have been purging my house of clutter like crazy. Its been a good feeling to just toss out years of stuff that I have been holding on to. If I had known that it would feel this good, I would have tossed years ago.

2) The big news this week at WABC was the Back To School Backpack giveaway at a local elementary school. It was a big success. Don't take my word for it. Go here and see the pictures.

3) Partnering with the Life Enrichment Center proved to be a good idea. Marc was told by one of the organizations leaders that in the five years that they have been in the area we are the first church to offer assistance. Marc was given a long list of needs in the community! Really hoping this will not be our last partnership with them.

4) This coming week our church will be hosting and event for an organization that ministers to inmates who have been incarcerated and are now adjusting to the world outside of prison. As usual I am amazed at the things this small church does. Way to go WABC!

5) We are looking at several different curriculum for our children's church. One is Hands On Bible from Group. Last night my friend Shaun posted info about 252Basics. It actually looks pretty interesting. So what curriculum does your church use? Care to share?

6) Today Marc prayed for our youth, teachers and bus drivers who will all begin school on Tuesday. After all of their hard work this week on the backpack campaign we didn't want to leave out our kids so they each received a bag full of school supplies to start them on the right track.

7) Like I said this post is short, sweet and to the point. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the evening hanging out with my husband. I hope everyone has a great Labor Day Monday.

8) One last thing. One of the families from our church recently moved to Texas. Marc received a letter from the young man he baptised last month. He ended his letter to the church by saying WABC was a Real Church, Serving the Real God, Reaching Out To Real People, To Effect Real Change. At the very end of his letter he wrote....and you effected me!

Tonight Was A Good Night!

Tonight was one of those nights when you "get" why you are in ministry (especially when the week didn't start off so good). Just watching the kids pack up the backpacks tonight made my heart sing (and they did it with a smile on their face). Our little church collected enough supplies and bags to bless 50 kids at Richard Bowling Elementary School. An inner city school almost in our backyard. During the week of VBS this summer the teen kids developed a plan for giving back to their community. They started with the Back To School Campaign (they have already started planning their next outreach opportunity). A first for WABC, but you could tell by the participation that this was a cause everyone wanted to get behind. Friday afternoon a group of us along with volunteers from the Life Enrichment Center of Norfolk (this just happens to be the center highlighted in the movie Nicki was in) who we partnered with will dispatch the bags to the kids at the school. Yes, tonight was a good night!