New Van...

Most of you know that our van has been dying a slow and painful death...lol. Last fall we started praying for God's guidance on when to move forward with a new vehicle. In Dec. I had said that our prayer was for the van to last until March. We actually had been praying for that since fall. So last week our van really started to sound as if it might explode. There was no denying that this could not be put off anymore. So Monday Marlon started to browse and today we picked up our new....well, new to us!! vehicle. The minivan just was not cutting it for us anymore. The boy's legs were barely fitting in that and they're only 8,9, and 10. A suburban or Yukon would work size-wise, but there simply isn't justification in my mind for us to have that kind of vehicle. Not as missionaries. Unrealistic and much too costly. So we knew we wanted a conversion van. We found the best van for us. A very nice, one owner 2002 with only 43000 miles. The boys and Jordyn too are so excited because it has a TV/VCR set up in the back. The road trip to Biloxi, MS in June will certainly be more comfortable! The funny thing is how perfectly God times things when we listen to him. On Tuesday as we looked at this van and began talking numbers...I truly felt like this was God's timing and it was all falling into place very similarly to how we obtained our Malibu. Then today, doubts creeped in a little...were we jumping the gun, should we hold out, maybe the van could make it a little longer. Marlon had an appointment to meet with the salesperson this afternoon after teaching in Milw. He was supposed to call me around 2ish to tell me how things were going. By 2:15 I called him because I was wondering what was going on. He proceeded to tell me that the van, OUR minivan mind you, had DIED on him as he was leaving Milw. Um....hello, big sign that the van could NOT make it a little longer. Thankfully Triple A was able to get it started for him so he could at least drive it into the dealer. Thank you Lord for your continued blessings.

Friday is our Teen MOPS leader overnight. I am so happy to be a part of it and so excited for some time away--even if only a night. Actually next weekend is Breakaway and I am REALLY looking forward to that! It's going to be such fun!

Well, have to go and plan out music. Friday morning Marlon and I are leading worship/speaking at the Seniors ministry. Then Sat. morning I am leading worship for the overnight retreat. If I plan out the songs I am doing tonight then tomorrow night I can burn the CDs and make copies of the song sheets.

Have a great night!

Tuesday Nite Live-Parenting Nite

Yesterday was a pretty uneventful day...work was busy of course but not much to do around here. Homework with the kids, made dinner, did some laundry...watched the White Rapper Show...lol. Tonight will be different because it's Tuesday Nite Live at church. Instead of having our normal bible study nights for adults we are having a Parent Nite and speaker. Tonight Pam DeRosa is coming to talk about eating disorders, self-image and good eating habits. We are hoping for a good turn-out. Having suffered from bulimia for over 12 years...I can tell you that waiting until you find out is too late. There are things you need to instill in your kids years before they get to the age where it starts. When my mom found out I know she did the best she could...it was hard because in the late 80s bulimia wasn't a hot topic button like it is now. It wasn't out in the open and wasn't seen as a true disorder. I was forbid to continue doing it, cried a lot and agreed...but then didn't have the first clue about how to actually stop. I kind of slowed down with it for awhile, but never truly stopped. I remember my senior year we went on a trip to New York for choir and my friends all watching me. Not letting me alone really ever. My bulimia started when I was about 16 and switched to a new dance school. Her name was Mrs. Van der Hoff and she was so mean. Amazing ballet teacher, but she used to use her stick to poke and prod out bodies while we were in position (which many dance teachers do--that wasn't so bad) but she would often hit my waist---where I have always carried the majority of my weight whether thin or heavy---and tell me that I was fat. Fatter than the other girls. It became my goal to have no flab in my middle. Of course because of the way I was shaped that was virtually impossible. That was when it started.
Do not be fooled. It might start as a response to your enviromment but it becomes such a mentally controlling thing...it is almost impossible to stop. As I said it subsided some my senior year after my mom found out...but the second I went off to college it was in full fledge mode again. Even worse because many of the girls there were bulimic too. It was easier to hide because of all of my dance classes each week and all of the walking I did. It wasn't odd that I was so thin. That is really when the mental game kicked in because at that time I did not need to purge to maintain my weight. We were poor college kids so there was never a ton of food around...lol...I was in dance class 4 days a week, walked everywhere I needed to go in Chicago...and used to walk the 14 flights to my dorm room instead of taking the rickety ol' elevator. I did not need to purge to maintain my weight. But I couldn't handle the feeling of food in my stomach. It used to physically make me feel sick and mentally it made me feel out of control. The only way to have peace was to not "feel" any food in my system. When I came back home after my freshman year because I switched schools...I decided that I wasn't going to be bulimic anymore. This lasted for a few months but soon became exercise induced bulimia--because I was back at home, more "mature" and older I felt that being bulimic simply wasn't okay anymore---so while I binged and purged much, much less---I took Jazzercise sometimes 3 times a day! I was young, single mom by then so it was easy not to eat a lot...I was in college, worked, ran around after my daughter. As I grew older and gained weight because of lifestyle change, having more kids, wanting to feel I was "over" my bulimia...I truly thought that I was over my demons but the mental control game lives on long after the actual act of bulimia has ceased. For many, many years there was an internal battle of making myself stop. I often times fought against the desire to purge and once in a while that desire would get the best of me. Intense counseling and about 6 years ago when I had to go on anti-depressants and gained 60 pounds---those both helped tremendously believe it or not. It's strange because while I am definately over the desire to purge...sometimes I do wonder if that is part of why I have such trouble losing weight...or following an exercise program. There have been times over the past 6 years where I have started to follow a diet and lose weight and it's like I always sabotage myself because I know how easy it is for me to go overboard and let myself be taken over. If there's one area (um...yeah, like there's only one...lol) where I have yet to submit to the Lord it is with food. While it certainly is not an everyday control thing anymore or even something that I think about often...I wonder if maybe it will always a head game and continual struggle.
Anyway....

Hm....

Wow, who knew THAT discussion was so close to the surface...lol.

The point....get your information as parents EARLY. Be prepared for what your kids might face and suffer from.

Off to the shower and then to get these kids to school. Have a peachy day!!

Been so long...

Wow---it's been since Tuesday since I blogged. That just says how busy we've been...lol.

The ACM at church was so great on Wednesday--and I did stay away until 10am. (Thanks again Beth for keeping an eye on Isaiah Wed. night) It was such a long day, but still a ton of fun. The "Elmbrook Idol" was a big hit! It was nice to hear about what has been accomplished in the past year and what future endeavors we are moving toward. We ended up being there until about 9:45 and then a few of us went to Chile's for appetizers and margaritas. Strawberry Mango--yum.

Thursday I had so much on my plate at work I stayed until 6 and then came home to watch my nieces. Friday was a full day at work again, but I had a nice break going to lunch with Marlon and the boys. Jordyn went to her dad's for the weekend, Marlon and the boys went to Dom's birthday party and I went with my mom to my sister's "Body Shoppe" party. We got to use all of the spa treatments and lotions--so of course I'll be having one of those parties as well...lol. When there's a good deal for free stuff, how can I NOT have one. Saturday was shopping all morning (Wal-Mart, Pick N Save and Aldis---I love shopping alone...lol) Then we had Upward, dinner with my family and watching my nieces until 9:00.
The snow. Yay!!! It caused our meetings to be cancelled at church today AND we weren't able to go to the prison tonight---so we decided to play hookey from church and stay in. What a wonderfully uneventful day!! It was so nice to have nowhere to go. Marlon hasn't been home on a Sunday since December! I slept until 8:30 (which is actually late for me) did very minimal cleaning/laundry and just basically vegged alllll day. Whew--wonderful, wonderful.
I love how the yards look all full of the snow. It's so pretty--of course I haven't had to drive in it yet--so ask me tomorrow. The boys of course went to bed hoping that it would snow another 11 inches so that they can stay home one more day. Jordyn of course wants school.
My cough is still hanging on, although I'm not stuffy/congested anymore. I swear sometimes my chest and back aches so much it hurts to even sit up. I really just have to try and rest when I can because work is going to continue to be BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! Most of the busyness is coming from Camp Vertical---our new ministry endeavor. Anyone with young kids should really check this out. I think it's going to be an awesome outreach opportunity and a chance for our "church" kids to really reach out and be involved in activities with "non-church" kids. Whatever that means really. Those who know Jesus and those who don't? Because other than that they deal with and experience so much of the same things. But I digress.

You can find out more about Camp Vertical here. Call the hotline with any questions and send any registrations to Elmbrook--attention Mindy. It's going to be a great summer.

Anyway---off to finish watching the Oscar's. Actually, I am watching it between Law & Order---I just like to see the awards that I care about. Jennifer Hudson won!! Yay! I am happy for her. I liked her when she was on AI and think that she should have lasted much longer than she did. I know, I know....I'm a reality TV junkie...lol...what can I say? I'm a sucker to see others cry, compete in excruciating challenges, reach their goals, and make fools of themselves. (All reality shows seem to have those elements!)

Good night---I am going to try and fall asleep before midnight---it's been awhile since that has happened.

There isn't a title to tie this all together!!

So MTV has this new show called Juvies. I must tell you...I love it. Of course, with my social work and ministry background how could I not...lol, but what I really love about it is the rawness and honesty that they show. They do a great job of not sensationalizing it OR ripping the youth apart. It follows a youth from the point of arrest through their initial hearing. They normally catch those Friday night arrests where the kids are going to end up sitting until Monday or Tuesday when they can have their hearing. You are allowed to see the the intake process, the phone call home they get to make, their interactions on the units and a little bit of family background. These are kids as young as 12 and old as 17. These are kids in for everything from running away (because yes you can be detained and held for running away) to drugs to assault. It's on right now which has me thinking about it. It also shows a good mix of kids from messed up families and those from "good" families (which is relative mind you) Anyway--if you have no clue about the juvie system and what these kids face I'd suggest catching an episode.
My bible study tonight was so good. We had a great talk about walking in the spirit and the difference it makes to have your sights set on earthly things vs. heavenly things. I can totally feel a difference in every aspect of my day when I have not set things right with the Lord. I am more irritated, I have less patience, little things seem big...worries seep in. When I keep my focus upward...those same circumstances may enter my day...but they are manageable and they don't affect me in the same way. Those ladies and I had so many laughs tonight---it really was much needed.
Tomorrow is our ACM (Annual Congregational Meeting) It is going to be soooo much fun, BUT a ton of work because as staff we put this event on for the congregation. It is complete with a great meal beforehand for families, worship together in the sanctuary and even kid friendly activities during the meeting portion. Last year set the bar with the Pastors doing a fun dance...this year we are having "An Elmbrook Idol" complete with judges (Marlon is one) and the Pastors auditioning! I am going to try and stay away until about 10am because I will be there until about 10pm. It is going to be a long day.
Okay funny story to share. And I know my friend is going to LOVE reading about herself in my blog. In fact, she even asked if I was going to blog about this...lol! There's actually two short stories to share. Normally my giggle out loud stories contain antics from my kids....but these certainly will make you chuckle. So my friend is pregnant with her first. And she is just so cute and it's so awesome to watch "Jr." (as she likes to refer to him/her) growing and changing in her tummy. So she's been keeping an eye out for stretch marks and been very happy that as her tummy is stretching she has yet to see any unsightly red slashes against her skin. The other day she came to my desk distraught, but laughing to share this story. She was getting out (or in--can't remember) of the shower and her husband makes this shocked yelp sound. She is like, "What, what?" and he asks, "What is that?" She is worried now and then he lets her know she has this "rash" as he puts it...across her rump. She gets freaked out and is twisting and contorting her body (not an easy task at 5 months mind u) only to find out that the "rash" he has freaked out about is actually STRETCH MARKS...lol. Now she is totally distraught and sad, bummed he even pointed it out to her, because--in her words--like I would have ever have known! But she ends the horror by telling him in her best voice feigning crying, "Now I'll never have that thong modeling career!!" Classic.
2nd cute little story. (See Sara---I told you I'd blog about you!!) She came to me after coming back from lunch to a great new Mexican restaurant, Jose Blue Sombrero
She asks me what con queso is. With cheese I tell her. So she asks about the dish Chile Con Queso...I start to tell her what it is and she tells me that Darlene (another co-worker--woohooo I can use her name!!) ordered this and what was brought out was a plate with cheese and some bean stuff in the middle. I was like, yeah...chile with cheese. They were expecting chili....like what your mind might normally go to if you aren't thinking a mexican dish. I was like....oh...no that's not chile, that's chili...you were thinking white people chili. That's not what we mean by chile! By then another co-worker (big shout out to Celia!!) had walked up and they were laughing so hard. I said, ok sorry if I offended you but that was the first thing that came to mind to describe it to you. They totally weren't offended and thought it was so funny that they had no clue and had even called the waitress over to say that they didn't think the right thing had been brought out...lol. Sara was like, ok that's it....you have to come with us from now on when we go out for Mexican. It reminded me of the "hot wings" for pot luck incident :)
Have a wonderful day tomorrow. I am sure I won't be around blogging until Thursday or Friday. Enjoy your day!!

PS: Beth, thank you in advance for keeping an eye on Isaiah for us tomorrow!!

****had to update now that my friends are okay with their names being released, appropriate forms have been signed...lol****

Blah!!

I am sick of being sick! It's been about a month or even a little more now that I've had this stuff...whatver it is. Sinus infection they've said. But the cough is really what is the worst.
And yet there still must be thankfulness because there are so many more things in the world than an irritating and tiring cold that won't go away. Still stinks though.

Purse Party

Get ready everyone because I will be having a Beijo party! The bags are gorgeous and the accessories are fun too. I'm planning for the end of March so be ready for your invites!!

Tonight was such a good time. I did get a little lost on my way but still got there in plenty of time to see everything and make a good choice for me. I hadn't planned on buying anything but then someone very special to me gave me some money so that I could get something that I liked. I got this really pretty little "going out" bag...actually just like the one above on the right. There were so many nice things, my goodness. So I took a card and plan to have a party at the end of March. It was nice to chat and snack with some of the other moms from Isaiah's soccer team and Deb, another leader from Teen MOPS who is just a riot. Marlon was so funny as I was leaving this evening...he said, "Now go and have fun...do not come home early and worry about us. Stay as long as you want and don't use us as an excuse to leave early." He knows me so well...lol. We talked about how a few of us love to Karaoke and also dance....so we may have to plan a girl's night out.
Tomorrow is a busy day---Upward and worship at church---I also have a haircut in the morning. I think I might dye my hair tomorrow as well. It's been awhile since I've done that. Then Sunday is church (worship again so there early at 7) and prison in the afternoon.
Well I'm off to snuggle with Marlon on the couch a little and then go to sleep.
Sweet Dreams all!!

Total Praise

There's this song....Total Praise...by Richard Smallwood. The Brooklyn Tabernacle choir sings it as well as many other gospel choirs. You can check it out here. When the site comes up just change the song to Total Praise. It was sung at Granny's funeral and it is probably one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. It's actually still hard to hear without crying. And it's one of the songs that we're singing this weekend at church. Now mind you, it won't have quite the same "soul" as when sung by a gospel choir...but they're certainly trying. :) Either way...it's amazing to sing it and I can feel Granny's spirit and smile just around me when we sing it. I love how worship can just bring us into the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am in awe of how perfect God is. That He can reign in Heaven as the ultimate creator, come to Earth as man to suffer for us and free us from our sins and then leave us the Holy Spirit so that we might know righteousness and His power.

Part of the song goes like this....

I will lift my eyes....
to the hills...
knowing that my...
help is coming from You
Your peace You give me
in times...of the storm................................

Now it's taken straight out of Psalms so of course it has such impact because how could God's words not...but put them into your life today. In those rough spots....during those difficult "stormy" times...He will give you His peace. You can KNOW this and find comfort and solace in it. It doesn't say wondering if my help....it's KNOWING...

It goes on to say...

You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise....to....you

Granny lived by that cry. I strive to. That each day, each decision, each trial I face...He will be the strength that I rely on...He will be my rock. I can only look up, reach for Him and give Him all that I have.

I praise You Lord for the seasons...for being all-knowing...for keeping me safe...for sending Your son to die for me...for another day...for loving us when we don't deserve it...for health...for our amazing children...for support from our family with our ministry...I praise You Lord!!!

Nite all

ps. Amy, Beth and whoever else will be at the purse party...I am so excited for some girly time and can't wait to hang out with you all!!

Good day

Yesterday was such a good day. Marlon totally suprised me by sending me a bouquet of lilacs, daffodils and hyacinths to work. So sweet and totally unexpected. It's those out of the blue moments of romance that just make you grin from ear to ear. I had little valentine boxes of kisses for some of my co-workers and we celebrated another co-workers birthday. The kids loved their "valentine" gum and chocolates. Marlon also suprised me by bringing home Popeye's chicken for dinner so I didn't have to cook! That was even a more unexpected treat! I love Popeye's.
The evening itself was busy busy. I stopped by Teen MOPS to drop off some donations for the girls, took Jordyn to youth group and then Isaiah had a soccer game. They played very well and it's so exciting to see them starting to gel as a team. So much more passing, hi-fives for good plays, smiles of enjoyment...I am anxious to see what this team can become as they grow, mature and develop even more.
After the game, I got to give Marlon his present. His favorite miniature Reese's Peanut Butter cups of course and then a very romantic evening in upstairs complete with rose petals, candles and one of our favorite CD's. My "I have a headache, much too tired, please leave me alone" side can be a little daunting at times I am sure---so it was a very special evening.
Isn't it funny how life sometimes gets in the way of showing the love and affection you know your spouse needs? The busy, hectic days of motherhood, working full time, illness, lack of sleep, carpooling, one more load of laundry. Now our days of dating...candles, soft music, back rubs, dinner, snuggling during movies...ahhh...there are times I really miss those days and that season of life. However, I love this stage. Kids older and more fun to hang out with and go places, our marriage is so solid and giving--a true partnership, right with God and wonderful friendships. Those earlier days were often hard. We were still getting to know each other and had a lot of hard times, I mentally went through very difficult things becoming a Christian---with needing to forgive myself, little kids and diapers everywhere. I like now better. I love myself and Marlon better. So even though the romance may not come as often...I wouldn't go back if I could. I wouldn't trade the solid, intimate love we have for the whimsical, show your best face love of back then. And that is wonderful.
Definately a good day.

Happy Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's day! It's just a special day to remember to tell people that you love them. We always get the kids a special valentine and some candy (like my parents always did with us) and we normally exchange cards---so you see it's not really about doing anything fancy. Romance is definately wonderful and knowing someone took time to think about you in a special way means a lot...but spending a lot of money and buying over the top gifts are not what it's all about. I know that there are people who are all into the extravegance---and that's okay if they still have the sentiment behind it. Would they be as happy if they had just gotten a homemade card and a passionate embrace? I'm gonna go somewhere with this today that might make some very uncomfortable. That's okay--it's what's on my mind.
Greed and envy are two sins that I think are VERY overlooked in our society because we are such a "keepin' up with the Jones's" kind of people. We ooh and ahh over women's diamonds...we are impressed with grandeous gifts of love...we see something special in a store and just "have to have it!" I am guilty of this as well. In the past I've wondered---what would life be like if we hadn't gone into full time ministry and had kept our high paying jobs? But those times are few and fleeting because the rewards and blessings we've recieved since entering ministry and being obedient have been far greater than any that money could buy.

Greed....n. An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs, especially with respect to material wealth I think we can even take excessive out if we are talking biblical. More than what we need. If you put it in those terms we are all greedy. And in this country we are. The cars we drive, the homes we furnish, the clothes we wear, the restaurants we eat at. Not need. Need? Is it wrong to make enough money to afford nice things? I don't necessarily think that is true. But if you aren't tithing and are feeling the DESIRE to have something just because you feel you deserve it or simply must have it...that's sinful. Indulgence. Gluttony. Greed. The love of money is evil.

Envy...A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another. As you can see by this definition....possessions or qualities. So that means someone's gifts and talents as well as what they own or have. Know that a synonym for envy is COVET. As in You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.' Remember that one?

Be content. In all and every situation. Keep your head in the heavenly realms and you won't be swayed by earthly desires. Your body and mind will follow.

Today bask in the beauty that is your life. And thank God for what you have as well as what you don't.

Not much of anything...

What a whirlwind few days it has been. I have been going, going, going since Wed. I got pretty much everything done today that I wanted to by 6 so I've just been vegging the whole evening. I should tackle some more of the laundry, but I just can't get up the gumption to do it. I have two big projects to get done by Wednesday at work and then I will get a little break for about a week. We are starting a new camp called Camp Vertical. This will be an all day camp at church for a total of about 7 weeks in the summer. It's really exciting and the boys are totally geeked to spend the summer at camp. Jordyn is going to apply to be camp staff. What a fun first job. She had wanted to work at Country Springs (her grandma runs the banquets so she's always on that being her first job) but with she knows that this job is in line with her college and career goals (teaching) and she loves kids so she has decided to apply for Camp Vertical instead. I told her that if she really wanted....she could probably work a few weekend shifts at the hotel as well or wait and start when camp ends.

My parents came home from their cruise late last night so today we went over there for lunch and to visit. Marlon would like to take me on a cruise next year. He went on one when he was young with his family and of course spent 6 months at sea in the Marine Corp, but I have never been on a cruise. We never had a honeymoon so it would definately be one for us. It would be like a 10 year anniversary gift to ourselves as well. I thought all cruises were really expensive, but after talking with my mom---I find out that there are more affordable options that still give you a nice cruise. And since I am totally not into expensive things or fancy stuff I wouldn't need a "top of the line" cruise to relax and enjoy myself. We'll see. Marlon will be back in Africa next year so how and if a cruise fits in we will have to wait and see.

So I was updating our family calendar and realized that we will be in Biloxi in just 4 months! With Breakaway, Easter and a month of birthdays (May) that time will go so quickly. We have so much prep to do before we go and yet we can't go with too much of a detailed itinerary because we will need to be very flexible. I am so excited to have all 6 of us working together in ministry. The kids are such a vital part of what we do even if it's in a background way...so this will be an opportunity for them to have an active role and truly have direct impact in a positive way. This past Friday when we led worship for the conference I was so proud of them. They weren't intimidated by the numbers (there were about 400 people there) or sidetracked by nerves...we just sang our hearts out. It was a lot of fun...worshipping for me is fun and always takes me to another level spiritually...it fills me, it helps me clear my head, it helps bring me closer to God...but leading worship with my family was really great. I am thankful that we had that opportunity and I am blessed.

Well, it's just about 11 and I think I'm gonna go and get ready for bed. Sleep tight everyone.

Fun Photos from Camp

So I found these fun pics of Elijah's first year at camp last August. They made me think of the warm sun, hanging outside, enjoying the fresh air. With as crazy as the last week has been and as exhausted as I am...I needed these. At church right now waiting to lead worship with the kids so I thought I would waste a few minutes. Will post more tonight.

Elijah and his turtle buddy

Elijah and our friend, Gary from Ireland. He is coming again this summer and the kids are excited.

Elijah with his interns kooky glasses.

Marlon and the kids hanging out. (We always help each year with evening activities)

Mohawks...Magne...Music

Here are the boys mohawks. They have of course grown out now, but they both want them shaved back in this weekend. Isaiah opted out on the mohawk do. Everyone at school thought they were so cool and of course the boys ate that up...lol. I say--it's hair--it grows back. We've already had the questions starting about when can they get their one ear pierced, which we've said isn't even open for discussion until middle school--so at least we've held that one off for awhile!!





In my post on Monday I spoke of my friend Jenni's new blog. Well, here is a picture of her daughter Magne. (pronounced mah-nya) Isn't she the most beautiful thing? I mean cute kids definately run in my family (look at my nieces and cousins kids after all) but this girl is just this exotic combination of her mom and dad. I just couldn't resist sharing.


Well, we finally have our songs for Friday night. The 6 of us will be leading worship for the Children's Ministry Conference at Elmbrook. There should be over 350 people there on Friday (close to 700 now total for the whole thing) so it will be interesting to see how the kids handle it. We led worship for a large group as a family one other time...but that was in I think 2003?? So the kids were only 4, 5, 6 and 11...not quite as aware of what they were being signed up for...lol. I've picked songs that I know they know well and the conference attendees should know also. It's very exciting and only a little nerve-wracking. I'm more stressed by all of my job duties that go with conference than the volunteer roles I am playing. I won't stay on Friday night--we'll worship together and then head home. We're going to watch Open Season and have Marlon's yummy popcorn. Then on Sat. I will have to be to the church bright and early for registration (like 7ish) and stay until the boys Upward games in the afternoon. Then Sat. night I'll watch my nieces again and then Marlon will have to get my parents from the airport. Sunday is Sunday school and then in the afternoon Elijah's Jr. Choir is going to sing at a nursing home and Marlon will be gone all afternoon and evening at a prison. Another busy, busy weekend. What can I say? This season of life is sure teaching me to rely on His strength and not my own.

Night all.

New site to check out...

I am so excited....my good lifelong friend, Jenni, has created a blog for her family. Check them out at http://nkongafamily.moonfruit.com:80/. She and I have been friends for 28 years!! 2nd grade. Amazing. We've survived living totally different lives in high school, colleges in different states, her joining the peace corp and living in Africa...for what was it....like 7 or so years and now busy, community involved lives that keep us from spending time together. True friends...lifelong friends...are not common anymore I am finding. It seems it is so much more popular to have friends of convenience or friends for a season. Those relationships can be meaningful as well...but there's something to be said of a person that you have known forever. There is no explaining the baggage because they have lived through it with you. There is no explaining family issues because they've been there from the beginning. You seem them in their children, you relish in their solid marriage because you know the relationships that they've survived. Reading her page and seeing the pictures just reminded me of what a good, solid woman she is.

Tonight was a totally LAZY night. I stayed at work until almost 5:30 and then, aside of making dinner, did absolutely NOTHING! It felt lovely....to just get on sweats, rest and snuggle with the boys, watch some TV and veg out. With the chaos at work I am going to have this week (our children's ministry conference is on Fri/Sat., and there are over 600 people coming)....I'm going to need to pull back when and where I can. I may even keep us home from church activities tomorrow night (especially since we already know the kids won't have school) Then I will at least have one other night where I can be still and quiet. I am looking to Sat. night as the light at the end of the tunnel. If I can shoot for that goal and keep my head above water until then....I'll be alright.

Nite!

I am looking to Sat. night as the light at the end of my tunnel.

Boat Races and My Space

Izzy gives it his all...

Elijah waits for the whistle...

Isaiah is neck and neck...

Just some fun photos from Boys Club boat races night last week. Some days Blogger just acts so odd with downloading pictures...so when it's working well I guess I'd better get as many as I can posted.

Now totally unrelated...My Space. I have a My Space account...it's funny because I initially got a page to check on Jordyn. She, of course, has to have hers set to private...but then I couldn't see it either because I wasn't her "friend". After creating my page, I began to realize how many people---of all ages---have a My Space. What I've found is that as transparent as some of us are on Blogger....people are twice as much so on My Space. My young cousins...former clients...teen MOPS young ladies...so many people in my life and this is another way to connect with them. It's hard as a mom, social worker and Christian not to get up in arms about the pictures some of them choose to post....the language they use and song choices...but ultimately it's another way into their lives that I might not know about otherwise. It's so easy to judge. I think the older we get the more judgemental we get. For many of us...the closer we "get to God" the more judgemental we get. It should be the exact opposite. As we get older we see how so many struggle in the same areas....so many can overcome the same demons....and as we draw closer to God we should grown in our desire to follow Jesus' teachings.

On My Space I see all of these lost kids---adults too---but I feel most drawn to the kids. Without hope, acting hard core, not caring about life they "pimp" up their pages and toss up gang signs with out really knowing the ramifications of their actions. Their parents either don't know or don't care...but whatever the reason---they are out there bad for the world to see. Every few days I search for more people I know and have now started posting some of my blogs there as well as some others. I am not sure what to do with this. I am one person and certainly can't change the world. But I know that God can and if I continue to proclaim His name and the power that the Holy Spirit can give when you lay down your life for Him...then I have faith that it can make a difference to one person.

I encourage each of you to live out your faith. It's one thing to spout off a verse every once in a while and to use scripture when it fits your needs. It's another thing to truly apply what it says and live as Jesus told us to. Loving our brothers and sisters as He first loved us. NO greater love has a man than to lay down his life. Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and all your mind. Do not be sidetracked. Do not stray. When those moments come---because as humans we will fall---then get right back on track with God. I've realized that the biggest impact I've made is when I've loved. Inmates, former clients...whoever... Someday when I am gone I want people to remember me as someone who loved them dearly and stood up for Jesus always. That is all I can give.

Anyway...see what happens with a few days of illness and slipping in and out of sleep? I just think and think and think.

Stay in and stay warm!!