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!

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

1) August has been one of those months that I wish I could do over again. Ever have one of those months when you can't seem to get it together no matter how much you try?

2) Fall is right around the corner and its about to get busy at WABC. Our calendar is chock full of events. Should be interesting juggling all of these different balls all at once.

3) This week we have been preparing for the wrap up of our first ever Back To School Campaign. As usual WABC members have stepped up to the plate and we have done very well considering how small we are.

4) The young lady who came up with the idea has not only been very busy setting everything up, but she has been a good stewart with the monetary donations given to her. That in itself tells me this will be a blessing to the young people who will recieve the bags next week. If all goes well Marc and I will be able to go with the other volunteers when they present them to the school.

5) I am especially excited that we have partnered with the Life Enrichment Center (an outreach of my adopted church New Life Providence).

6) Friday night we had our first "family movie night". It was partly a chance for us to collect more back to school items, but also a chance for us to fellowship. We had close to 30 people there!!!!! I'm not sure who enjoyed themselves more the adults or the children. Of course it might have had something to do with the waffles and strawberries that was served.

7) One of the reasons Marc and I both will be able to attend the backpack giveaway is because after much discussion Marc has decided to take one day off a week from his job to chill, or spend some quality time with his wife and family (not to mention it gives me a chance to get some much needed "honey do" list items checked off).

8) Marc officially announced our plans to start a children's church this morning during service. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. It been a dream of mind for a long time.

9) Last week we seriously started looking at curriculum and discussing ways to use our small space efficiently.

10) I think its finally starting to click with everyone the importance of our Member/Guest cards (its been hard getting people to understand the concept of filling out that card each week).

11) The reason that I know its starting to click is because we received a record number of them back today and people even filled out the prayer request on the back! My heart hurt a bit after reading some of them, but it only confirmed the need for this ministry.

12) One of the things we have been praying for has been for more volunteers to step up to the plate and join the choir. In the last few weeks the choir stand as been fuller then I have ever seen it since first coming to WABC. Now we just need some new mikes so that we can really hear their beautiful voices.

13) In a few weeks will celebrate homecoming at WABC (just like my mom's church). Our special guest will be my mom's pastor and her church. Yeah!!!!!! I can't wait to introduce my family to my WABC family.

14) That same week we begin Revival at WABC. For the first time (man, there has been a lot of first at WABC lately) two days will be set aside for the youth. A very special friend(my girls call him Pastor P) will be here to speak directly to the youth. I'm waiting word now from Marc's home church to see if there Youth will be joining us. Its been a while since the kids at GMZBC have seen him. I know he would love it if their choir is able to come.

Note: sorry this is all cluttered I can't figure out how to change it! It drives me crazy when it does this!!!!!

This one is for you!

So my friend Monique has been on this coupon kick. The girl has been saving crazy amounts on her food bill. As hard as I try, it just doesn't work for me. In part because a lot of the coupon products are precooked food and because I have high blood pressure I can't use a lot of the food items (ever notice the sodium intact in processed foods?). Plus there is no Publix or Whole Foods in this area! Now years ago I went crazy buying cleaning supplies on double coupon days at Roses. Now days I tend to stick to some specific cleaning products (Got to have my Pine Sol, and Chlorox Cleansor, plus I buy them in bulk at Sam's Club) so that idea kind of went out the window also. But this weekend Mo posted this on her blog and I jumped right on it. I can't wait to get my $10.00 gift card. And when I do I plan to use it at one of my favorite stores at the mall. I heart Bath and Body Works (especially their room spray and hand soap. Don't even get me started on their bath and body products! ). This weekend I got this for $3.00 each, plus I had a coupon from a previous purchase that allowed me to get one item for free (I got a hand soap, valued at $5.00). Yeah!!! The best part is that the next time I go there I will be able to use my $10.00 gift card and that along with my latest coupon will allow me to pay next to nothing on my next purchase. Yippee!!! So even though its taken a while I think I think I may have finally found the formula that works for me.

Lesson learned: Do what works for you. So what are your favorite must have items? And do you use coupons? If so any tips you care to pass along? Do you like Bath and Body Works? If so what is your favorite fragrance? I hate sugary smells (like vanilla or pumpkin....yuck) because they make my stomach turn, but anything fruit or ocean like (my favorites are fresh linen, sea island cotton) ends up in my basket. LOL

Congratulations Pam and Ricky

Apparently I have taught my daughter a few things. She remembered to take pictures at the 5 year anniversary celebration I missed for my friends Pam and Ricky Lee (who just happen to be her godparents). Congrats Pastor Ricky on five years of service to Bethlehem Baptist Church.

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

1) I had every intention of updating last night but I literally fell asleep with my clothing on and did not wake up until 2 AM!


2) We have been busy in the last couple of weeks and I think all of the business finally caught up with me. My body decided to just shut down.


3) Saturday we were suppose to attend the 5th anniversary celebration of one of our pastor friends. Unfortunately our car has been out of commission for the last few days and when Marc thought to rent a car for the 3 hour drive it was too late. Not to mention it was raining cats and dogs outside. I decided to sacrifice and send him and my oldest daughter to the program in Marc's work truck while I stayed home (plus I couldn't imagine 3 people spending 6 hours back and forth in that small truck).


4) We are gearing up for the fall at WABC and I'm really excited about the upcoming events we will be having. One big new thing for our church has been a back to school campaign that will benefit children from a local elementary school in our area. The young lady who has been heading this up is doing a wonderful job.


5) In a few weeks we will be hosting a mission dinner for former prisoners. From what I understand the speaker will be a former inmate. This will be very interesting and once again I think this is something new for our church.


6) I have been spending a lot of time cleaning up and trying to maintain my home since the weekend of the funeral (you would be surprised by the number of faults you can find in your home when you have so many people coming in and out of your home at one time). Marc and the kids say I have become obsessed because as soon as someone lays down a plate or cup I am picking it up and wiping down the counter.


7) This weekend our Hospitality and Ushers Ministry celebrated their anniversary. The guest church and speaker are old friends so it was more like a reunion. He gave us a new perspective on being a door keeper and the importance of hospitality. I think he gave them new thoughts on the importance of a first impression being a lasting impression.

8) After the service yesterday evening the girls and I attended the 16th birthday party of one of my best friends daughter. It was amazing watching my girls watch teenagers who they grew up babysitting. Not sure who in the room felt older, me or them. LOL

9) The two services, plus the birthday party probably explains why I literally passed out after coming home.

10) One last bit of news which I am still in shock from is that Marc and I have been selected to be one of several people who will be honored at a missions ministry banquet. I hate the spotlight so this should be very interesting. I even have to do a bio which when I think about it is laughable (I just don't think of myself in that context).

11) We had several prayer request yesterday during our altar prayer. Please pray specifically for healing for several of our members.

The Tradition Continues

No weekend away for Homecoming would be complete without some food and fun. From the lunch at church to dinner after the service at my cousins home. My cousin Pat's home has turned into the place that we all gather at before heading back home after the weekend's events have all ended. Her husband is a great cook and the menu is never the same. He has a lot of practice since their family gets together each Sunday afternoon for a family dinner. Like I said, I love hanging out with my family.

97 Years Young

An annual event the weekend of Homecoming is spent celebrating my great Uncles Birthday. This weekend several generations got together to celebrate Uncle Moses 97 year of birthdays. There is a joke around our parts about there being something in the water, because our genes must be young (most of us don't look like our real age). Uncle Moses is my maternal grandmothers brother. The sweet lady standing beside him at the bottom is my Aunt Julia (she watched me when I was young while my grandparents worked). She had a twin sister named Ellen, but we called her Aunt Sweatheart. Aunt Julia had a set of twins, and her big sister my grandmother had a set of twins (we don't even skip generations...LOL). Of course I married a twin, who's mom had two sets of twins. So as you can see I dodged a bullet big time. We keep telling the kids that one of them is going to end up carrying the load (literally) for all of us.

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

Over the years I have shared with you all my annual trek back home for "Homecoming". Usually I share pics of my rather large family. This weekend I actually left most of the photography assignments to my little sister. And sense none of us got home before 11 PM last night I am still waiting on the pictures.

I did take a few of the service, so that all of my "new school" folks could get a glimpse into a good old fashioned country church service. I don't know if you saw my post last year, but people underestimate churches in the country. They have some of the most beautiful buildings and sanctuaries that you will ever see (some on a small budget).

In part because members come back each year and "sow" back into their "home" church. We have lost a few members as time goes by, and many of our members are much older, but none of us get to tired to go back. Over the next couple of days as more pics come in I will share with you a few traditions. Today I thought I would give you a glimpse into our annual (79 years yesterday) "Homecoming Service".


First a little background. I grew up going to Union Zion. My grandparents were members and most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, grew up here. I was baptized here at around 9 or 10 ( I don't remember the age, but I will never forget the experience). By my godfather who was the pastor at the time (my grandfather was also a pastor). This is my mom, who is the church clerk, and the church organist. She is a well rounded woman. LOL



This was the guest choir. Man, they could blow...even though they were a "city" church. LOL One of the members of the guest church talked about getting scared when coming around some of the winding roads. The pastor told them they would be even more scared if they were traveling at night (no lights on the road...lol). The guest speaker bragged on our hospitality staff (they start serving you as soon as you walk through the door, and I'm not just talking food). I have to admit they had some great food yesterday (and yes, it included more chicken. But the also offered us Turkey, gravy, stuffing, macaroni with cheese, string beans and the best homemade deserts you will ever eat).


This is my Uncle John (my mom's brother) and one of the many family members who helped to raise me. As a matter of fact if it wasn't for this man and his wife Maryland I would have never met my hubby.



This is the balcony in our church. All of the young people would hang out in the balcony during homecoming. I think we thought it was the "cool" spot, even though it was usually the hottest spot in the church during August. Now our girls hang out there and sneak out in the middle of the service to hang out at their cousins home. When I was young we snuck out and headed down the road to my Aunt "Sweatheart's" (yes that is what we called her) to hang out.


This is our "First Lady". I like her because even though she is the "First Lady", she is not phony. You are more apt to find her in the choir, or in the kitchen helping out the staff. As a matter of fact most of the first ladies in my life (including my grandmother, god mother and the first lady at my home church in the city were all pretty down home ladies). I had great examples to follow.

This is our Pastor. He came a few years after my godfather retired. It took me a while to get use to him, but he has been a great support to Marc (which gave him an A plus grade in my eyes). I'm excited because he along with the rest of my church family (most of which are related) will be visiting us for "Homecoming" next month.

This is my church. I love the architecture of this church. They take a lot of pride in this old building. The pews have been here as long as I can remember. They have upgraded a few things but the building itself looks the same as it did when I was a child.

Another favorite of mine is the stain glass windows and the stain glass mural in the choir stand. Even though I prefer the more modern churches of today I love going home and seeing the traditional church that I grew up in. Well I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my past. We also celebrated my great uncles 97 birthday this weekend. I will share pics as soon as my mom and sister send the pics (hence the reason I am usually the one behind the camera). From what I understand Marc and WABC had a great service. And even though I missed them, it was great hanging out with my family, chilling, laughing and just enjoying life.

The Grand Hyatt Washington DC

Thought I would lighten up the mood around here and share my photos of the Grand Hyatt hotel in Washington DC. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

The restaurant where you can have breakfast (buffet style). We never got a chance to try them out. Maybe next time.

The view from our room.

The second restaurant in the hotel.

I would love a couple of these in aqua green and lime green!

This was me trying to be a photographer. LOL

One of the three restaurants in the hotel. Maybe next time we will get to check them out.

This was the last day of our trip. All of the WOF ladies were waiting in the lobby for taxi cabs or their cars to come back from the valet.

This reminded me a little bit of the inside of the Grand Floridian at Disney. Except the Grand Floridian has the monorail and Disney parks near by. Can you tell I need a trip to Disney? LOL

Our route each day from the elevators to the main lobby.

We never saw the piano player the whole time we were there. Still trying to figure out how he gets to the piano. LOL

This was the view most of the ladies saw from their room window, and the view we saw each day before going down to the lobby.

Monday Morning Reflections (and thank you's)

1) This has been the longest week of my life. Its taken me a bit of time to get my thoughts together to even begin this post.

2) Thank you so much to all of you who sent us messages, cards, called us on the phone and visited us in person. I can't begin to tell you how much this meant to my family, especially my husband.

3) I am still amazed by your generosity. As Marc stated on Friday....our refrigerator was (and still is) overflowing with food. The joke around the house is that we would be clucking by the end of the week! LOL.

4) We knew that the day would come when Marc's dad would pass away. Alzheimer's is one of those diseases that you just have to prepare for the worst. But knowing all of that and even knowing that he is in a better place, did not prepare us for his death.

5) Marc did a wonderful job delivering the eulogy for his dad's homegoing celebration. I worried that he might fall apart at the last minute because he had spent most of the week making arrangements and receiving family and friends. He didn't miss a beat and by the end of the day I stopped worrying about him. It helped that their were a number of prayer warriors out in the crowd that were praying hard before he got up to speak.

6) The one lesson I learned from this week was that yes prayer changes things, but prayer also can give you strength and power when you don't know what else to do. It also gives you peace. Sweet peace that you can't explain unless you have had that connection with our father God.

7) I also did not know at the time but the WOF Conference was preparing me for the upcoming week. I can't tell you how many times I turned on my Mandisa and the WOF Worship Team music on my ipod. It helped me to sleep at night and to calm me in the morning light. Its amazing to me how God can prepare you in advance for an upcoming storm.

8) There are four special ladies who got me through the week that I will never be able to thank enough. Without their support I think I would have lost it a couple of times. Two of them came to help me clean up the house to receive guest (one literally down on her hands and knees scrubbing my floor), one talked to me on the phone whenever I needed her (even when I interrupted her during her women's church lock in). One friend brought me a ton of food (thankfully not chicken...lol) which in itself was wonderful, but the greatest gift she gave me was a shoulder to lean on after a extremely difficult and frustrating day.

9) Although our vacation had to be canceled we have now come to the conclusion that it just was not our time to go. When I called my friend in Alabama she informed me that they had been at the hospital that week with her uncle who had cancer. The day after Marc's dad passed away, her uncle also passed away. God in his infinite wisdom! Wow!!!!

10) Marc's dad was a veteran of the Korean war and a purple heart recipient. When Marc's bestfriend from high school heard about his passing he made arrangements to be the soldier who would present the family with the American Flag. Its a moment I won't soon forget. And although it was originally given to his oldest sister she placed it in Marc's hands at the end of the day. It will hold a prominent place in my home, forever.

11) There are so many people we still have to thank but I had to mention our home churches and especially our present church family. Woodland Ave Baptist Church is an amazing little church (watch out world they are going to make an big impact in this universe and it won't have anything to do with Marc and I). And even though its been nearly 10 years since we left Mount Bethel Baptist Church, they showed up and showed out this week! Then there is our mother church....Greater Mount Zion. I'm so glad I got to speak too so many of you on Friday. Thank you so much for the love you have shown my family (especially during our difficult times).

12) I have to thank my WIT sisters, Dress Sale Buddies, and last (but not least) my family. Without your support and love I would have not had made it through the week. I love each and every one of you. Marc and I are still amazed by the support system that God has placed in our lives. Thank you DisneyScrap addicts, Scrap Etc Gals in Alabama and to all of my on-line friends who have sent messages. Your love and support has been overwhelming but is greatly appreciated.

13) Next week I hope to get back on track with my Sunday Mind Dump. I have a lot of things on my plate right now as we begin preparing for fall events. I am especially excited about attending Pastor McBath's leadership conference in the fall, planning our Women's winter tea (in which I will speak for the first time), and getting back to being involved with the local Ministers Wives and Widows Association in our area. For the first time in the four years that I have been a member I will actually be able to host one of the meetings at our church.

R.I.P

There will not be a Sunday Mind Dump this week. After returning home from the conference Marc informed me that his dad had passed away over the weekend. Please keep our family in your prayers. R.I.P Daddy Jennings.

Women of Faith Conference

Had a great time at the Women of Faith Conference in Washington DC. Nicki went as our driver for the weekend and did a great job.

I really enjoyed all of the speakers and especially enjoyed the music. Our favorite had to be Mandisa. The girl rocked the stage this weekend.

We were humbled by the presence of Steven Curtis Chapman. At the end of his time with us he sang the Cinderella song.

One of the first songs I ever sung solo after graduating from high school was a song that Sandi Patty did. I am still amazed at the range that gal can reach with her voice. Friday morning I got to see her up close. The last song she sung still gives me goosebumps!

It was fun yet slightly weird to see and hear Lisa Welchel from the Facts of Life. I still think of her as Blair. LOL

We heard an inspiring message from several men (yes, there were men at the conference). Including the President of World Vision Rich Stearns.

My favorite speaker hands down was Patsy Clairmont. That little lady kept me in stitches. But her story about a friend who died from cancer cut close to home because of my friend Gail.

Each lady who went to the event was touched in some way by at least one or more of the speakers. Sheila Walsh story of struggle and triumph captured my attention, so much so that I picked up her latest book "Let Go" to read.

We enjoyed the conference so much we are already booked for 2010! Apparently we were not alone because over 1300 women had already signed up before the end of the conference.