Keep your eye on the prize!

Marc got to do one of his most favorite things to do this weekend. He loves baby dedications (truth be known he loves anything having to do with babies). Nicki captured these pictures of the big event. Little Clara kept her eyes on Marc almost the entire time. I think she was just trying to figure him out.

I spent almost the entire week in the house. I couldn't seem to get my act together and everything bothered me. Had some personal stuff going on that was really messing with my spirit, and then I realized that it was the enemy...and I got myself together.

When this happens (and from everything I hear from others when things are going well, or you start to speak positive about your family, your marriage and your church the enemy looks for a way to come in and steal your joy) you have to keep your eye on the prize.

There will always be obstacles that seem to be in the way. Hurdles you will have to cross, test you will have to pass. But if you remember who you are, and who's you are then you can make it through anything.

First talk to God. Nothing angers the enemy more then when you connect with your heavenly father. Second talk to your mate. Nothing hurts a marriage more then miscommunication, or no communication at all. Third talk to great friends. Not the ones that will back up bad behavior but who will listen with an open mind, keep you grounded, pray for you in your time of need, offer you godly advice and be willing to chastise you when you are wrong.

The enemy is ever watchful, seeking out whom he may destroy. You have to be vigilent, study God's word, meditate, spend lots of time in prayer, and keep your mind focused on what really matters.

1st Peter 5:6-10 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

Legacy of Love!

Mrs. Ellis would have been 100 years old today!

My girls hanging out with their Cousin Jen (in the middle). One of Mrs. Ellis great granddaughter's.


My aunt and uncle. My Aunt Maryland is Mrs. Ellis oldest daughter.

My goddaughter Jess and her mom, my cousin/sister (we grew up together as close as any sisters can). They are Mrs. Ellis granddaughter and great granddaughter.

We have been having a discussion about Valentine's Day on the "Leading and Loving It" blog. Whether you like it or not, do you celebrate it? Do you exchange gifts, etc.

I happen to love Valentine"s Day (but I feel that way about most holidays. It doesn't take much to give me an excuse to celebrate or decorate)!

Today was probably one of the best Valentine's Day I have had in a long time. We started off the day with a great Sunday morning worship service. Who knew you could fill up a church on Sunday just because it was Valentine's Day! Actually I think it might have had something to do with the fact that we had Youth Sunday. Its the one Sunday out of the month when our youth take over the entire service with the exception of the sermon. Although our worship leader is on track to become a preacher so that may even change one day. LOL I got so excited I forgot to take pictures of the "Leaders of the Day"!

We really got a feel for what it will be like when our attendance starts to go up. It was pretty tight up in there! At the rate we are going we will have to add a room to the church just for the babies!

Then this afternoon we celebrated what would have been the 100th Birthday Celebration of the matriarch of WABC. I talked about Mrs. Ellis in this post a while back. Mrs. Ellis left behind a strong legacy. Including a scholarship fund that will benefit young people who are entering college.

The one thing I loved about the program this afternoon was the diversity of ages that were in attendance. Many of the children in our church come in with their grandparents. Add in our teens and young adults you have a pretty good mix of people representing varying generations. They all came together this evening to celebrate the legacy of one woman.

Originally Marc and I had planned to spend the evening at the Outback Steakhouse in celebration of Valentines Day. We were going to use a dinner certificate we received over the Christmas holidays. We didn't know at the time that the church would be serving dinner. The way we figure it the Outback will be there any day (and probably a lot less crowded then today). But spending the day with family and friends is the best way I can think of to spend this very special day.

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope (if you celebrate the day) that you had a blessed day and that you got to spend the day with the ones you love. I would love to know how you spent your day.

Happy Birthday

I think he enjoyed his day!

My Valentine

Marc celebrates his birthday tomorrow. If you asked him he would tell you he is 29 years old and holding. That would be a problem since our oldest is 26. Me thinks he would have some explaining to do! LOL

I don't think people realize how much is on my husbands plate. He is a work-a-holic by nature. He is not very good at laying back and relaxing so at times you have to "make" him sit still and smell the roses.

He basically holds down three important jobs. First and foremost he is a father and husband. He also makes a pretty good brother, nephew and son-in-law. My mom would tell you that in a heart beat (and that's saying a lot coming from her because she doesn't pull any punches. I'm sure she wonders on occasion where she got me from, but that's story for another time). HAHA

Secondly he is a pastor. He doesn't get paid full time to do this but he puts in as if he was. I love the passion he has for WABC. But admire even more the passion he has for Christ and doing what God calls him to do no matter what! You won't find him sitting on the sidelines while others do all of the work either. He has a true gift for servanthood and if you asked him he would tell you he's not interested in being catered to, he would rather you reserve that for those in need. The ones outside of the four walls of the church.

He is also Bi-vocational. After many years of serving under others, watching as others were promoted (in many cases, people he actually trained), being laid off twice from his job, and overlooked time after time by people who never took time to see past the fact that he did not have a degree he started his own business. Its not always easy, actually life has never been very easy for him. But he is one of the few people I know who hardly ever complains about what the world has thrown at him. Through it all (good times, bad times, sickness, financial woes) you name it I have seen this man go through it all and still come out on the other side holding firm and fast to his faith.

I love and admire him so much for what he has accomplished thus far in life and I look forward to seeing where God takes him.

So on this weekend dedicated to all things love...I have one question for my honey. Will you be my Valentine, again?

A Couple of First at WABC Today!

WABC KidZone (AKA Children's Church) begin today!

Nicki decided to do some on the job training with our newest media ministry intern. LOL

Our new interim music director begin today!

There's A Storm Out Over the Ocean......

Monday Morning Ramblings

The Snowstorm of 2010! I haven't enjoyed a weekend as much as I have this weekend! I also did a lot of cooking. Can we say weight watchers! I'm sure I gained 10 pounds! LOL

Three days later this is what our street looks like.

My poor winter lights are finally starting to thaw out. I think the best decision I made was leaving them alone. The next time we get snow like this I will grab them as soon as possible.

I made a winter piece to put up after Christmas. I did a snow theme because I figured I wouldn't get any snow this year. Boy was I wrong! LOL

Despite the snow covered ground and roads Marc got a call for a job today. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for his business to pick up. Every since I sent out the prayer request he has been working non stop.

We had so much snow that most of the churches in our area were closed on Sunday including WABC. KidZone was suppose to start on 5th Sunday. No problem, we are ready to go on 1st Sunday and I have a feeling we will probably be busting at the seams the first day.

The next couple of weeks are going to be busy, but I think the family is ready to get back in to our daily rountine. Crazy as it is!

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes!

Its been years since we have had snow like this. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love snow, and how envious I have been of all of my friends who got snow over the Christmas holidays. Earlier this week the meteorologist in our area started talking about a major snow storm headed my way. I didn't believe them. As a matter of fact I said I would have to be literally holding the snow in my hand before I believed it. The closer we got to the weekend the more I started to believe it was a possibility. I went to bed last night praying for snow (yes, I know I have a sickness). I even dreamed about snow in my sleep! When I woke up I feared that my dream would still just be a dream. When I opened the window at 5:30 am this morning it took everything in me not to dance, shout and scream (sorry to those of you who follow me on twitter, that was my only outlet without waking up the entire house...lol).

So often our dreams remain just that.....a dream that we dream, but never pursue. Let's call that a dream that your heart makes. God created each of us for a special purpose. Those dreams we hold in our heart, many times are placed there by our father. This year I am beginning to see many of my dreams fulfilled. They haven't all come easy. Many of them I have had to fight to see come into fruition. Others came to pass that I never expected to be a dream of mine. Then there are others that seemed forever out of my reach, that have started to manifest themselves in ways I never even thought of.

Sometimes we have to release our dreams so that God can have his way. The surprising part in doing that is that when you release them into his hands he can do soo much more then you could ever imagine.

Pastor's Wives

If you are a Pastor or Minister's wife you will want to head over to Facebook and join the Leading and Loving It group. If you would like more info about "Leading and Loving It" just click here. My friend Lori offers great resources for women in ministry (especially us PW's) including opportunities to connect with other women in ministry who are living in this fishbowl we call life . You will love the virtual gatherings, and live chats. The Facebook group has just been added as another way that women can share praise reports, prayer request or words of encouragement with one another.

Never Underestimate God's Plan

My aunt would kill me if she knew this was up here. But she gave up her place at an event at her church to come and support and hear me speak. I think I even shocked her (I know I shocked myself)!

Wow, not blogging every weekend has been strange. I have loved spending time doing other things (like resting, working on a few projects for church, and resting some more), but I have to admit I miss not updating you every weekend with what's happening during my week.

I still feel its the right direction for me at this moment and time, in part because I'm busy helping set up our Children's Church program and two I want to spend more time focused on our Women's Ministry.

Last Saturday I spoke to a few of the women at WABC during our first Winter Tea. Honestly, I love doing stuff like this but I didn't want it to be the stereotypical "Women's Ministry Tea" (notice there are no hats or fancy teacups? Not that I don't think they have a place). I don't know about you but at this point in my life I crave just a bit more...........words of inspiration, a deeper connection with women, and an even deeper connection with God.

Just getting together for the sake of getting together doesn't always work for me. So this year we are adding a few things to our list. We will still do our "Girlfriend's Night Out" events where we just get together to fellowship, but we are also adding a Beth Moore Bible Study!!!! Can I get an Amen? I'm soo excited about this I can't keep it to myself (we are also headed back to the Women of Faith Conference in August).

We have a great noonday bible study going on right now and from everything I have heard our ladies are enjoying it. Coming out on Wednesday nights are hard for some of our older ladies, so this has been great for them. I'm hoping our Summer bible study will have the same effect with some of our younger women.

We had a great time at the "Tea". Great food, great fellowship, great prizes, and thanks to group publishing we had some great discussion (during the lunch portion the different hostess at each table used devotional kits with questions for the women to discuss). I even I made it through my "speech" without fainting. I know it wasn't me but God, because the old Cyndi would have been shaking like a leaf and would have probably passed out. I love it when he reminds me I'm not the one in control and that he has my back. If you had told me last year that I would be speaking I would have laughed. I won't make that mistake again. Take it from me...never underestimate God's plan for your life!

Few of My Favorite Things Take2

My oldest daughter Quisha had this bright idea to give us a "family" gift for Christmas.



This is Nicki and I cracking up because we had actually "guessed" weeks ago that it was a Wii.

Each of us was given a part of the game set to open. I'm not sure Marc even knew what he had in his hand. LOL

And as you can see by this picture ......."TJ" was thrilled. HAHA!

I put on a big smile, but in fact the thought of me playing with a game system seemed laughable. I've made it no secret that I am not a sports fan, or competitive by nature. So as much as I thought the game was a great idea for the kids to play with. I didn't see the benefits to my family as a whole. Until........I saw this (look below).

Marc loves the Wii bowling game. As a matter of fact he loves it so much that we have seen him downstairs more then I have seen him since he was sick a few years ago and was unable to get to his office because of the stairs (at one point he tried to hop upstairs not long after getting out of the hospital, but it backfired because it took so much effort he was to tired to do anything once he got up there. Plus, he realized he would have to come back down).

And then there is this one. She plays Wii with the intensity that she does everything else in life. The girl had us rolling over the holidays when she played the boxing game. Don't take my word for it. Just watch this. I wasn't sure where she got it from until I saw her dad in action.

I still have not touched the Wii. But next week we are suppose to get Wii fit and everyone has told me I will love it and that its good for me. The one thing I do love about Wii is how its brought my family together. If someone had told me a game system could do that I would have laughed. But now even I get the Wii commercial where they talk about how it creates a family bond. And that folks is why the Wii is one of my new favorite things!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things Part 1

1st of all I thought I was past the stage where children would be waking me up at the crack of dawn to open gifts. But Qui woke us up early to open gifts. Can you tell by my face how excited I am?

Each year for the last couple of years at least one of my kids has surprised me on Christmas morning with a gift I wasn't expecting. This year Nicki got me good.

It took me a minute to figure out what I was holding (add in the fact that I was in shock).

Then it slowly started to dawn on me!

Your looking at the proud owner of a Sony Book reader. If you know anything about me, I am a book freak. I have been a bookworm since as far back as I can remember. If its a good book I will stay up all night (until my eyes have literally rolled to the back of my head) to finish a book. At this moment I have a huge stack of books sitting on the floor on my side of the bed. Can you imagine what I can do with a Sony Reader? Its not a Kindle, but who cares! I actually have a few trips planned for this year, and I can't wait to load some books onto this bad boy (I already have a list of books, just need to recover from the holidays before I make any more purchases). So what did you get for Christmas? This is one of my favorites (actually everything I got this year would classify as a favorite) but I'm pretty laid back when it comes to the gifts I receive from people so it doesn't take much to please me.

Happy New Year

I can't get over the fact that its 2010! Today I'm taking down the last of the Christmas decorations. As I sweep out the old year (I'm in the mood to purge) I have been reflecting on what I would like to accomplish in 2010. My word for the year is "Determined". Not sure yet what that will mean for me, but I am praying for changes in the New Year in my personal life, at WABC and even here on my blog. I took a break from blogging the last few weeks to spend time with my family. It felt great! Marc took two weeks off from his "Day" job, and I got a glimpse of what it would be like to have him only have to do one job (that of a pastor). I loved it! I am amazed that God has provided the opportunities he has for us. I think Marc and I are still in awe of the fact that he is running his own business and that we are still making it daily. As a matter of fact this year he intends to cut one more day from work so that he can put a bit more time into WABC. Never saw that one coming! God is truly amazing.

The one thing the last few weeks has brought to my attention is that I want to do things differently in 2010. And especially here at my blog. I have enjoyed doing the Sunday Mind Dumps, but when I first started my blog it was mostly to document my life's journey and to share our daily/weekly musings with family and friends. So I have decided to go back to sharing our life as it happens, when it happens, and how it happens. I would love for you to stay, you never know what might happen. Granted it might not be anything earth shattering but I'm fine with that. I am determined to live life, to the fullest, with one foot moving forward at all times. I invite you to join me....who knows where the path may lead!

Holiday Break

I'm still enjoying the holidays with my family. So I've decided to follow the lead of some great friends and take a blogging break. See you all on the other side.....January 2010!!!!

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

We have been so busy the last few weeks. Add in the fact that I have been sick with a sinus infection the last three days, I am a bit behind in my Christmas preparation. So I'm taking a break for a few days so I can play catch up. Until then you guys play among yourselves (I will be back Christmas Day with lots of pictures).

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

1) I know I say this often, but this week has been crazy, a bit sad, and in many ways joyful all mixed up together.

2) Early in the week we lost a very special lady.

3) Tuesday was sort of a blur, but because of all of the things on our calendar for this week I knew I needed to get a few decorations up before the weekend.

4) Actually most of the week was a blur. Marc had a heavy schedule and we even missed the luncheon with Senator Miller that we were scheduled to go to on Thursday. What happens to you when you stand up a US Senator?

5) I'm learning not to pout when Marc gets caught up at his job. We are very thankfully that God has provided a way for Marc to own his own business. Sometimes I just wish he had the ability to work full time at just WABC.

6) Mrs. Ellis funeral took place on Friday and the repast was held at the preschool my daughter worked at, which just happens to be our old church. Being there that day allowed me the chance to sit in on the going away party for her that the staff and students put on.

7) After the repast I traveled back with my mom to her home for the weekend. Early Saturday morning we got up to go on a bus trip hosted by her gospel choir to see a play.

8) The play was awesome, but the bus ride was an adventure to say the least. If you follow me on twitter or facebook you may understand why. LOL

9) We got back from the trip early, and somehow or another Mom and I ended up at WALMART of all places. Who in their right mind shops at Wally World on a Saturday? Good thing we were in the country because the place would have been packed if it was a Saturday night here in the city!

10) We were in WalMart to buy Poinsettias for the altar at my mom's church. Several members got off the bus and headed into WalMart to also get flowers. Pastor Dickerson brought the biggest plant in the store. Said people would talk about him if he came in Sunday morning with the puny one. LOL

11) Sunday morning I went with my mom to church but the girls picked me up right after service. Its been pouring down rain all day, and I probably would have stayed with my mom a bit longer if I had not made plans to be with our Marriage and Singles Ministry to see a play "The Gift of the Magi" at New Life Providence.

12) We had a great time and even took a few pictures after the play.

13) This week I plan to finish up my decorating and then start the planning for Christmas dinner. After much deliberation I think I finally have the menu down, at least in my head. One year we had an Italian Christmas dinner and then a Soup and Sandwich Christmas. Guess which one did not go over well?

14) I just looked at the bulletin for this week and after looking at all of the upcoming events, not to mention the fact that our Children's church starts in a few weeks and the Women's Winter Tea that I will be speaking at. Well lets just say I need to go to bed and get some rest. Its been a long week and weekend. Anytime I have to go back and correct my words over and over again its time to give it a rest (seriously I have dozed off a couple of times with the laptop in my lap).

15) Oops, final note. Did you notice the new picture? Just another peek at the Christmas photoshoot from a few weeks ago. Oh, and before any PETA supporters question me. No the coat is not real. Its just a very good fake! LOL

Mrs. Ellis

I almost didn't write this post. I try very hard to respect the privacy of the members of our church. But Mrs. Ellis was not just a member of WABC to my family. Mrs. Ellis passed away last week at the age of 99. I have known her almost my entire life. I called her husband (Deacon Ellis) Pop Pop just like all of his other grandchildren did (she was my aunts mother). He called me Little Mary after my mom. But Mrs. Ellis was always Mrs. Ellis. Not because I feared her or disliked her, but because I respected her so much. She commanded respect not because she asked for it, it was just the way you treated Mrs. Clara Ellis. She weighed less then a 100 pounds, spoke in a soft voice but as Marc said in his eulogy to her on Friday when Mrs. Ellis spoke everyone listened. Mrs. Ellis and her family are a big part of the reason Marc and I are at WABC today. She will be thoroughly missed, but she leaves behind a very strong legacy. By the way this picture was taken just a week ago. When she passed she was ready to go, no fanfare, no big explosions. Monday night Marc said goodnight to her and Tuesday morning she was gone. Ask anyone and they can tell you where Mrs. Ellis is today. Can we say the same thing if we passed away tomorrow?

Miss. Marquisha

Friday before leaving for my trip we buried a very special family friend. The repast was held at our old church. It just happens to be the same place that my daughter teaches. This week marked the end of her time at the churches preschool. Quisha has plans to do substitute teaching and if all goes well she will most likely go back to grad school to earn her masters degree. Friday the staff gave her a goodbye celebration and my mom, Nicki and I were there to see it. The picture of her with the folder in front of her face was taken when she read a card from the children. She did not want me to take a pic of her crying.

Christmas Trip

Had a great time hanging out with my mama and big cousin this weekend. We attended a play in MD called "Christmas Celebration". It was an awesome presentation including camels, horse drawn carriages, children singing, dancers and the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you are ever in the area you have to check out this place. My mom's church loved it so much that they have already started planning a trip for next year so that they can take the youth. Hopefully we will be able to take a bunch of WABC folks along also (I told my cousin to get ready to add another bus to the line up). If you follow me on twitter then you know that we had a crazy ride. There is nothing like a Baptist Bus Trip. LOL The church was pretty cool also. They offered popcorn and water while you watched the show (I called Marc and told him we need to invest in a popcorn machine at WABC for our family movie nights). Even if you didn't want to get up their "customer service reps" would bring the water and popcorn to your seat. My mom's pastor said if their church and WABC combined we might be able to pull off a church building like the cathedral.