Mid Week Catch Up!

Any doubts we had about dropping everything to go to Alabama last weekend went out the door when we arrived and saw these two lovely faces!

I had planned to meet with some ministry friends along the way...none of that panned out! Why? I believe because God knew we were needed in Birmingham more so then anywhere else. These pictures were taken Sunday morning before we traveled back home to Virginia. The girls were heading to a dance rehearsal so Nicki offered to do their make-up for dress rehearsal. Funny how a bit of mascara, and some colorful eye shadow can brighten up a girls day!

We got back Monday morning close to 3 AM! Marc and Quisha (Quisha actually flew into Birmingham Friday night hours after we arrived ourselves by plane. She couldnt get off work to travel with us but felt like she needed to be their with the family) had to go to work after getting a few hours of sleep. Nicki and I just vegetated the entire day. Who am I fooling.....I have been vegetating for days! My bp has been off the chain so I'm on a very restricted diet right now.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night Marc spoke at his home church for their Fall revival. I wish I could say we get to rest for the next few days but we wrap up the month at WABC with a special service for the church which is celebrating over 70 plus years in the community. That same evening my "local" goddaughter will be in a play at her church. Then next Sunday we will host a Fall Harvest for the kids.

Please pray for me because November's schedule is just as crazy. We have a prayer breakfast the first Saturday in November and then the very next Sunday Marc and I will celebrate 3 years at WABC.

And did I mention we are in the middle of re-decorating several spaces in our house?

Sunday Night Mind Dump Through The Eyes of The Pastors Wife!

Wow! Its been a long time since I did a Sunday Night Mind Dump! There is a lot going on in my life. Some really good (some not) so I figure I might as well share it here.

We just came from having dinner with ministry friends that we had not seen in over 20 yrs! Bishop Rodgers and his wife Linda were stationed in Germany at the same time as we were. They were visiting from MD today so we hopped in the car as soon as services were over at WABC so that we could connect with them.

We surprised our associate minister and his wife today in honor or Clergy Appreciation month. You can tell by their faces that they were surprised! We wanted them to know how much we appreciated the things that they do for WABC.

Speaking of WABC.......We took a big step in moving forward with plans to expand the vision of WABC this week. The building next door to the church came down and will make way for the future site of our new sanctuary, improved restrooms, and eventually (a third phrase) which will include additional class and office spaces! The original sanctuary will become our fellowship hall! Its a process that will take a few years to put into place but the move this week was the first hurdle out of the way sort of speak...lol!

We are in the process of redoing some of the spaces in our home. For years my favorite color was blue so every room in my house was blue (minus the girls room). In the last few yrs I have started mixing it up with more natural colors including my second favorite color...green! Friday while checking out a local thrift store I noticed a glass table and chair set that I thought would fit perfectly in with the direction I wanted to go with the spaces we were updating. Saturday morning my uncle and Marc headed back over there to pick them up. The entire set cost what it would have cost me to get one parsons chair! I'm soo going to enjoy decorating for the holidays, but I'm especially enjoying sprucing up the old place for the fall!!!

Now the sad news....we are traveling this weekend to Alabama to the funeral of my godchild's grandfather. It was an unexpected death and Marc the girls and I just couldn't stay home while our second family were suffering. Please pray for safe travels during our 14 hr ride. We will be turning around and coming right back because next week Marc will be speaking at our home church for their revival week services.

Fall Decor

I love decorating, especially for the fall. And I love looking at decorating blogs. One of my favorite blogs is Liz's Savvy Seasons! She is having a fall giveaway on her blog right now! Better hurry up to enter though. If I'm not mistaken it ends in a hour! But even if you don't win I guarantee Liz will have some great decorating ideas that you will want to grab for your own home!

I'm Still Here!!!!

I can't believe its been this long since I posted! Life is a bit crazy around here right now. We just finished up revival, celebrated my oldest daughters 26th birthday (and next month will celebrate my other two lovely children) add in the fact that Marc has been speaking outside of WABC a lot this month (and will be speaking again in a few weeks)....Whew!!! Just looking at my schedule causes me to shake my head! I'm in the process of connecting and forming a network with some local pastor wives in our area so that and my regular ministry responsibilities have been taking up a lot of my time. Our youth ministry is gearing up for our 2nd Annual Fall Fest and in November Marc and I will celebrate three years at WABC!

I've also been spending a lot more time taking care of hearth and home which is the most important thing that I do (and is my first ministry). I'm trying to do more walking in the things that are near and dear to my heart and a lot less talking (or in my case spending too much time online). I'm excited about where God is taking me right now, and my focus is better then it has been in a while.

I know I have some prayer partners out there who I can count on so I have a few request.

1) Please pray for Marc as he continues this journey of pastoring.
2) Please pray for me as I step out on faith and walk through some doors that have opened for me.
3) Please pray for WABC as we move forward with the next phase of our building process.
4) Please pray for our women's ministry which will be hosting several "prayer" events in the next few months. If anyone has some great prayer devotions, or prayer event ideas please let me know.

If there is any way I can pray for you please don't hesitate to ask.

Thought I would give you a glimpse of me in a hat. My daughter Quisha had a Hat and Pump Tea Party for her birthday. That's as "First Lady" like as I am bound to get. I can guarantee it won't happen that often....so enjoy!!!  HAHA

Peace In the Midst of the Storm!

This year has been one of the toughest years of my families life....at least at times it has seemed that way to me. Sprinkled in with the many disappointments, losses, and heartache has been moments (almost glimpses) of heaven and God's unconditional love for us.

It started this year with my mom's accident, included a fight to keep our home of nearly 15 years, ministry highs and lows, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and most especially the lost of dear family and friends. But I have to say that my good days have outlasted my bad days.

Sometimes (most of the time) we tend to look at our life through a filter. Sort of like when you step outside an airconditioned room and your glasses (or camera lens...lol) appears foggy. But that condition last only for a moment. Given a little bit of time you can see the grace of God in your life. If you stop long enough to acknowledge it!

That's what I did this past weekend. I was sitting at dinner with Marc and Nicki and this overwhelming sense of peace overcame me. It probably helped that Marc had just spoke on peace in the midst of the storm in his Sunday message, or it may have been the fact that my family had just recently survived the earthquake and hurricane that hit us the week before. All I know is that in my heart something in my brain had shifted.

 All around us people are struggling with day to day issues. Some are without a job (some 1 or 2 years), many have already loss their homes, some have buried their children! Yet here I sat on a Sunday afternoon eating at a fancy (fancy for us) restaurant with my family who are all doing well....I hadn't lost my home, my husband who has experienced health issues not to mention the lost of several jobs over the last few years is healthy and has been successfully managing his own business while pastoring a church. Has life got any easier (NO)? Am I still struggling with day to day highs and lows (Yes)? But I realized that God has been good to me.

Sometimes he lets us go through some stuff so we can wake up from the fog we have been walking around in. But through it all one thing stays consistent ..,,he loves us unconditionally and offers us his grace and mercy. When the disciples woke Jesus up in the middle of the storm he spoke to the storm...and said Peace! Somehow the disciples forgot who was with them on that boat. We should never get soo distracted by the storms of life that we forget that he promised to be with us always!

My Ikea Experience!

Who knew there would be soo much fun stuff to do and see at Ikea! I (Marc) would be in soo much trouble if we lived near this place!

Of course any trip with my friend Maggie (who was so sweet to come and pick us up) is fun! If you could hear Maggie's laugh you would understand. She really did save us from being stranded in DC another day but more so then that she proved that friendships started over the internet really can turn into something more. Maggie and I "met" nearly ten years ago on the Disneyboards (we actually have had several "meet" ups since that time). Over the years we have watched each others children grow up, shared good days and bad days and been a support system for one another (a group of us have been buddies forever). I told Maggie it was a good thing that Nicki was with me all week or she would have had to come to DC to pick me up vs me picking me up on the metro line. Her answer to me was....you know I would have come to get you. Now that.......is a true friend!

Women of Faith, Trains, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes!

Nicki and I left Thursday on what was suppose to be a two day event for Women Of Faith! I should have known when we got hit by an earthquake the day before that this was a bad sign (just in case you missed my tweet about feeling the earth move under my feet). But I've been told lately that I need to be more positive in my thinking so off I went! We had an awesome time at the conference and got to see a lot of the behind the scenes stuff (we were guest of WOF). The highlight for Nicki was getting to ride on the same shuttle as MaryMary and getting to go through the "secret" entrance of the hotel with all of the WOF speakers and staff (who by the way are awesome). I got to take my first train ride, go hiking in a natural park for the first time (the hiking and the park) and experience the inside of an Ikea store for the very first time. Those were the high moments.

 The low moments were being stuck in DC while my family road out hurricane Irene. That and the long journey that it took to get back home. Our train was canceled three days in a row which meant......what was suppose to be a two night trip turned into a 4 night five day ordeal. Sunday night was the last straw....when around midnight that night I noticed on the TV screen that Amtrak was going to be still shut down on Monday. I called a friend who lives in Northern VA (after calling Marc and my mom) and we devised a plan. Come heck or high water Nicki and I were determined to go home on Monday come what may!

So Monday morning we caught a ride on the metro (another first for me) to connect with my friend Maggie, who picked us up and drove us to Potomac Mills (hence the first trip to Ikea....honestly I think Maggie just wanted to go shopping) where my mom and sister met us (two hours for them). Two hours back to Richmond where we dropped my sister off and picked up my nephew Alex with  Nicki driving the two hours to my moms home (who by the way still does not have electricity). From there we waited until Marc could pick us up....he would have come to DC to get us at that point but he had a funeral on Monday. I finally returned home around 10:30 that evening and was never so happy to see my home and bed...oh and my kids! LOL

So what should have taken us 4 hours by train, ended up taking an additional 11 1/2 hours! Thank goodness for friends who like to shop at Ikea and family who will come get you wherever you are....even if its in the middle of a hurricane!

Between Nashville, Orlando and DC this year I think I am all traveled out. But crazy person that I am (according to my mom) I'm already planning my trips for next year. Including a possible trip to California to visit friends.....and I'm starting off right now by praying that there will be no earthquakes, landslides or forrest fires while I'm there! In the name of Jesus! Amenz! #Justsayin

VACATION!!!!

Just returned from spending a week in Orlando. Wish I had time to chat but I'm unpacking just to re-pack for a train trip (my first ever train ride) to Washington DC this weekend for the Women of Faith Conference! I will be posting a trip report on my return...but until then please keep us in prayer. Hurricane Irene is suppose to make landfall the day we return!

Weekends Best!!!

It was "HOT" hot yesterday. I tried my best to stay cool but I'm not sure I succeeded! The hair has been holding up pretty well so I'm considering keeping the style through the rest of summer. We shall see. I'm at least good for one more week! LOL

The girls trying to stay cool ! Nicki calls her sandals "jesus" shoes!

 This weekend our family had a family reunion in my hometown. I met some cousins for the very first time! I have a huge family which makes it a bit hard to get together all of the time. This year the siblings of my grandfathers parents decided to get together so that the next generation could learn of one another. My mom has been trying to do research on our ancestors which can be very had to tract if you are of African American descent, and also of American Indian descent which is the case for us.

The "Family Tree" that my aunt created for the reunion. We had a great time hanging out together despite the 100 degree weather! 

Think I have enough green? LOL Marc even tried to match me! 

Quisha's platforms! Its only fair that I show them since Nick's shoes made the post! 

Marc did not have to preach today so Nicki got a break from doing media and went to the 11:30 service at her  church (she usually does the early service and then comes to WABC to help out). She almost missed out on Sunday Best because after church today the bottom fell out of the sky! We figured why not just do a rainy day photo umbrella and all! LOL

As I have said before our weekends for the coming month will be crazy busy, but I will check in when I can! I've already pulled the suitcases out for some upcoming trips. I wish I could be one of those people that packed the night before (and packed light) but the excitement of traveling gets the best of me and I can't help myself!!!

Sunday Best, Family Style!

I let Nicki experiment with my hair this week. Not sure how long I will keep it but this coming week low maintenance works for me. I'm trying to knock out some clean up projects at home before my schedule gets any crazier. 

Here is the picture of Quisha as promised. I would love to do braids but since my migraines have returned (stress and a high bp will do that to you) I'm pretty sure having someone work on my head for 6 hours and twisting hair in real tight would not be a good idea!

Of course the fashion diva in the house went all out! In 90 degree weather mind you!. I love her shoes but I don't know how she does it!

Its been rough around my home the last few months and Marc may have sensed that some beautiful yellow roses might be a great way to cheer me up! Of course it might also have something to do with the fact that he made some house calls to some sick and shut in members yesterday and he took them roses! If he gives roses  to someone else he brings them to me also! And that people is just one of the reasons why I love him. LOL

Speaking of the love of my life. I caught this blurry picture of Marc handing out candy after church today (he has those babies wrapped around his finger or vise versa). The sheer look of joy on his face is priceless. Not to mention his stylish suit!

August is our busiest month of the summer so my blog post will probably be few and far between. The men at WABC will start back this week working on more projects at church after taking a small break. I'll post some pictures when I can. Next weekend we have a church trip and the following week our big vacation begins!!! We have a family reunion this weekend and I'm praying the heat will have slacked off by then since the entire event is outside (and we all know how much I love the great big outdoors). I stayed in all week and when I went outside this morning I came close to going right back inside! Me and heat do not mix well! I hope everyone is having a great summer.....and staying cool!

Monday Morning Ramblings (picture form)

I decorated my Blackerry case with Disney stickers this weekend. Cost me $5.00 for the case and the stickers had just been sitting in my scraproom collecting dust!

One daughter took out her braids this week and the other had braids put in. I don't have a picture of Quisha because she has been sick the last few days with a sinus infection. Will post as soon as she lets me! LOL

Our men celebrated Men's Day this weekend. Marc has been praying for a few good men and they are starting to come. We never seem to lack for women in the church but he has been stressing the need for men to step up to the plate and I have to say we are being blessed by their presence in the ministry!

I grabbed these cute pjs from Sam's Club for $6.00! That's two pair of pajamas and a nightgown for $2.00 a piece! They will be great for some upcoming trips!

Speaking of our men they have been busy redoing our women's bathroom, the kitchen and tiling the fellowship hall. You can see some of the pics on our facebook page.

Last week the girls and I went to see Israel Houghton in concert! Oh my goodness it was hot as all get up, but it was worth standing in line for an hour in 100 degree heat (well maybe not) to see them in concert. We had the best time and I could barely talk when we got out! Now that's a good concert!

Our family has been going through a major crisis the last few months but thankfully we seem to be coming to the end of the tunnel. So grateful for prayers and encouragement we have received from family and friends.

Several getaways are in the schedule over the next couple of weeks so I may be absent from my blog from time to time. Its all good though because after the start of our year my family could really use the break! Excited about spending some time away connecting with our families (including a day trip with our WABC family, a family reunion in my hometown, several birthday/anniversary celebrations and Nicki and I may be off to DC at the end of August for the WOF conference). I promise to take lots of pictures!

Worth The Wait

This weekend the girls and I along with two of our teens from WABC attended a Youth Conference called "Worth The Wait". I got a chance to sit in on the youth workers sessions, and the girls set in on a few of the teen girls sessions. At the end of the conference which took place over a 3 day period the youth got a chance to chat with Raven Symone and recieve an autographed photo. Nicki was beyond excited because she has been a fan since the Cosby Show (they are actually the same age-25). The subjects they tacked with the youth workers there included Youth Ministry in a Religiousley Diverse World (Rev.Vernard Hinton), The Emotionally Healthy Youth Worker (Rev. Alvin Georges, Youth Pastor at Mt. Lebanon Baptist) , Effective Planning for Effective Ministry Rev. Dwight S. Riddick, Pastor of First Baptist Church Franklin, and How to Move from Then to Now (Rev. Vernard Hinton). I even got a chance to connect with a few pastor's wives and women in ministry! At one point they had me manning a baseball machine (I assume that is what it was called) booth (did I mention that we also volunteered to help out). After several times bending up and down to pick up the baseballs my thighs started talking to me. After a few hours they started screaming! Three days later I'm still in pain. But I wouldn't have traded the weekend hanging out with my girls and nearly 600 teens for anything in the world. By the way over 100 youth gave their life to Christ this weekend! A big shout out goes to my friend Rev. Cardell Patillo and the ministry of Grove Baptist Church!

Monday Morning Ramblings!

We had a great celebration with family over the weekend. Yours truly was the party planner and this morning I'm suffering the effects of that (I'm pooped)! Its been a long week and weekend and it doesn't seem like the schedule is going to get any lighter! Our summer is jam packed and secretly I'm enjoying every minuet of it!

We wrapped up VBS Camp this past week and as usual my family put their best foot forward and did their thing! Nicki worked on media, did skits, and played baby carrier! Quisha left her preschool summer camp each afternoon to come help with food, role playing and teacher assistant whenever she was needed. Marc spent most of the week corrupting the babies and feeding the children candy before sending them back to their parents and grandparents! I had one job and that was to take pictures...so please explain why I was soo tired at the end of each day! LOL

We had a great service on Sunday and even gained a few new members when a  family joined at the end of service. Marc spoke about "The Faith That Says I Just Believe"! His scripture came from Psalms 27 and he talked about how we must trust God in the here and now. The faith that says just believe is the same faith that causes us to trust because of the yesterdays thereby giving us the faith to trust tomorrow!

 We don't have any big events in the month of July at WABC, but the men and a few women have been working their butts off to redo our kitchen, women's bathroom and fellowship hall. I will post pictures when the work is complete.

I have a few trips coming up in the next few months that I can't wait to share. We have a family reunion at the end of the month, a family vacation and possibly a day trip with our church next month. In a few weeks I get to go to an Israel Houghton concert and we have even penciled in a few ministry meet ups while on our family vacation.

Our family has been going through a rather large personal crisis the last couple of weeks that I can't talk about here, but a few of you that know about it have been praying on our behalf and I just wanted to say thank you soo much for all of the prayers. Still trying to get some stuff sorted and praying most of it will get resolved this week. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I'm trying really hard to keep moving forward no matter what!

I forgot to add one last thank you to all of the ladies who contributed to my blog party last month! I was soo honored that you took the time out of your busy schedules to write such powerful words on my little old blog!  It especially helped me get through a truly trying month!