My 13 favorite things that begin with "G"
1. God.
2. Good N Plenty candy
3. Grover
4. Guesstures
5. goals
6. giving
7. gifts
8. grass (not the kind you smoke....um, ok...I really dated myself...lol)
9. goldfish
10. golden graham cereal
11. granola
12. game shows
13. Ghost (the movie, not real live spirits...lol)
The women I minister to twice a month are in prison. Because of choices they've made they are being punished and have been sentenced to prison. What strikes me as odd, is how many of us live our lives as if we are in prison as well. We enjoy freedoms that these women can only dream about...and yet we often drift from day to day as if we have no choices.
We are held prisoners by our past. We hold onto things and let them consume us. Because of old bad relationships---we don't let positive new ones in. Because of old habits we can't believe we've been freed from---we fall prey to repeating them.
We are held prisoners by our fears. If we think that we are the odd man out and as such we interact with others that way---it's not a suprise that we will often feel that we are on the outside looking in. If we think that we are doomed to fail---it's not a surprise that we then do.
We are held prisoners by our anger. We allow ourselves to be filled with hate and in doing so kill the love that might have grown. We allow ourselves to be filled with disgust and in doing so kill the joy that might have grown.
Another thing that strikes me when I think about the inmates is how so many people do not even ever think about them. Because they have broken the law....because they are criminals...they aren't worth their time. Or even worse to me...they are so off of their radar that they've never even entered their mind. 24,000+ inmates in the state of WI...mothers, fathers, daughters, sons. Does their crime make them devoid of a soul? Does their crime make them less human than the rest of us? If the answer to those questions is no...then why do we not care what happens to them while they are in prison? Most inmates are getting out. They will be returning to families, friends, lives...now, if you don't know me-please don't think that I live with rose colored glasses on. Are there precautions that we need to take to ensure safety---of course. Are there support systems that need to be in place to make sure that they don't end up back in---of course. But who do we think is going to do that? Who is going to love the "unlovable"? Maybe you.
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3
What a great weekend it's been. Sat. morning I had my haircut and then Isaiah's party. Too bad it rained, but I tell you with 13 boys they sure didn't care. The pool was heated to 85 degrees so they were able to get in about an hour of swimming, then came in for some fun in the basement and snacks. After gifts and cake, Marlon and Rod (my brother in law) had them outside racing and then an intense game of basketball...lol. I think almost every competitive kid Isaiah knows was there! (except for the few soccer buds with other committments) Thanks again mom and dad for the use of your house and pool. What a blessing because we'd never have had room for that at our house! Once all of the kids were picked up Isaiah left with his friend Patrick to go camping with his family. Since Jordyn normally spends Memorial weekend with her dad--we were just a small family of 4....so THAT'S what it's like! We went for dinner with my parents and then I collapsed on the couch at 8pm. After getting up for just a brief moment to give my grandma her shot I was back asleep by 9pm and slept until MORNING. That never happens for me and I felt so rested.
Church yesterday was really good. I appreciated the memorial prayer and video they showed. My dad is a Vietnam Vet and these times are often hard...emotional for him. Opportunities to remember and pay respect to his fallen Marines are important. Our Pastor talked about good vs. evil and making those important decisions...that there isn't good people and evil people. In summer our church doesn't have Sunday School for school age kids. Families are encouraged to worship together. (in June and July there is an option during just one service for families that really need it) So-that means kids in the service during summer. So yesterday Pastor Mel called all of the kids who wanted to up to the platform. He asked for movie buffs and said he wanted to talk about a movie that was 30 years old. Then he brought out a light sabor and asked them if they knew what it was. Of course they did and they could name of dozens of the characters from the different movies. He asked specifically about the hero and the villian. Then he asked one boy to be Luke Skywalker (and made the connection of the gospel Luke which he was preaching from...lol) and he handed him a sabor. Then he went to the pulpit and put on a cape and pulled out a Darth Vader mask...lol. It was classic, the kids were all laughing. He put it on and did the whole heavy breathing thing...lol...then he pulled out his own sabor and a very, deep, large recorded voice spoke...hysterical. Then he took it all off and gave the kid a squeeze and sent them all back. He made the very important analogy for the kids to remember that Darth Vader wasn't always bad. He wasn't just a villian. He had been a good, righteous person at one time...he had been a hero. It was choices. Very cool.
Then yesterday we swam all afternoon and got some sun. I am gonna get sooo dark this summer, I can tell. Marlon and I went to prison last night and wow---it was a powerful night. I always enjoy going and connecting with the ladies...but some nights...you can just feel the presence of Jesus...feel the spirit moving. Had some amazing talks and prayed for Erica who is leaving on Tues. She is a Christian and is worried about her ability to stay strong when she gets out. We prayed and she said she might write the ministry for a prayer warrior. I pray she does.
Today Marlon is golfing with some friends of ours. The parade is at 10:30 I think. I love that it passes right by our house! Very nice. Then we have a cook out with some of our buddies from church and then also at my Grandma's house. If that sun stay out I am gonna have to swim again---so we'll see how the day plays out.
Remember our brother and sisters in the military today...specifically those that have died for our continued freedom. Whatever your personal opinions about war---know that we have our liberties and freedom because someone else believes in your choice and right to have the opinion. You should be thankful for that. And for those of you who are against our continued presence in Iraq. As long as we have troops there---Al'Qaeda isn't here. May we never experience another 9-11. I am proud to be the wife and daughter of Marine vets and proud to be part of this country. It's a privelege we should not waste.
Here's my Friday Five...although 30 minutes into Sat. now....
1. What is your favorite board game?
My new favorite is Apples to Apples---although there really isn't a board I guess. I also love clue.
2. What is your favorite card game?
I am REALLY bad at card games. Uno I like and war. I know, pitiful.
3. Do you like to play games on the computer or on a gaming system?
Definately NOT gaming system. Sometimes I'll play stuff on the computer.
4. If so, what is your favorite game to play?
Spider Solitaire and Shape Shifter
5. Do you like to play games with people or to play them alone?
Depends on the game I guess.
My friend Beth had a good Friday Five as well....my 5 favorite ice cream flavors...
1. Chunky Monkey
2. Mint Chocolate Chip
3. Chocolate Marshmallow
4. Cookies and Cream
5. Rocky Road
As an extra bonus....here are my 5 favorite animated movies....
1. The Fox and the Hound
2. Shrek (love em all)
3. Happy Feet---that movie rocked
4. Monsters Inc.
5. Little Mermaid
Alright....I have a hair appointment in the morning and Isaiah's birthday party in the afternoon, so I guess I'd better get to bed. Nite all!!
Well another year has ended with Teen MOPS. While we will make efforts to get together with the group over the summer, we are done with our weekly meetings until Sept. I am looking forward to our meetings of planning and looking to the future. With my new role, I am hoping to bring Elmbrook women closer to what is happening at Teen MOPS and fill a need there. Jackie--who I am extremely close to-graduated. What accomplishments she has made and yet she has a long way to go too. Don't we all? Many of the girls shared what Teen MOPS has meant to them and once they were done there wasn't a dry eye in the house...lol! What a bunch of crybabys, I love it. Natalie, who is also my good friend, shared how knowing Christ has changed her life and made her think about her choices differently. She graduated a while ago, but still comes for the bible study.
The pictures show several of the girls during a bible trivia game we played, some of their incredibly cute kids and some of the wonderful donations we've been blessed with. If you ever want to help--let me know. We are always in need of diapers, formula, paper products, hygiene products...there is no donation or gesture too small. It is nothing less than pure privelege to be a part of this ministry.
I"m finally able to get some pictures posted, so here's a couple of cute ones from the Rockford Tournament. Down time at the hotel with the boys in the pool was a big highlight of the weekend and certainly helped to foster some good team bonding.
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Here's my "F" list
Thursday Thirteen
1. flowers
2. friendship
3. french fries
4. Forrest Gump
5. fans--how would I survive the heat without them...lol
6. fiestas
7. fred...now this is a silly name I told my kids to call me about 6 years ago when I was at my wits end at the store (with a 3,4,and 5 year old mind u)and couldn't stand the thought of hearing--mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy one more time...lol
8. freshly cut grass
9. fruit
10. fondue
11. Flashdance
12. Fame (what can I say.. dance was my minor!)
13. Fresh Prince of Bel Air
I have some fun pictures from Teen MOPS that I'll try to post as well. I tell you...I am looking forward to this long weekend.
Alright--this weeks Friday Five is a little freaky...lol. They made me laugh though--so I had to answer.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping?
Yep--I used to be an exhibitionist I think...lol
When you're home alone, do you strip down to get comfortable? Do you ever go out without underwear (bra and/or panties) because it's more comfortable?
Only to bed for the first part. Yep to the second. lol...who comes up with these!
Have you ever/Do you use the bathroom with the door open? Are you comfortable using public facilities?
Yes to both
When getting intimate with your significant other, lights on or off?
Whatever way the mood strikes.
How comfortable are you with body exposure/nudity of others? Group shower rooms?, topless/nude beaches?, breastfeeding in public?
I'm pretty tolerable actually. Used to be much more so, but breastfeeding is definately okay, would NEVER do a nude beach, group showers are okay as long as nobody tries to scrub my back...lol!
That one was funny!
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The Color Purple is on right now...I LOVE this movie. It's the scene where Shug comes back to church and her dad. What an image it presents...she leaves the juke joint, crosses the river, walks down the long path to the church all of the while singing out to God at the top of her lungs...just like we have to walk away from our sin and come to God. The play is in Chicago...hopefully Marlon and I can get there to see it before it leaves. Maybe if it's still there in the fall we can treat ourselves to a weekend away.
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Just about an hour and a half and my baby will be home. Pray for re-entry because whether it's a week or a month there is always an adjustment period when he returns from a mission trip. He has to settle back into our life and routine, process everything he saw and was a part of....we have to get used to him being back and involved in every day life.
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Lunch today was great! Owen is such a cutie. Oh my goodness-crazy! We actually were only there an hour and a half this time...lol. I'm sure my boss was happy about that! Thanks again Beth for the card and flowers. What a sweet early birthday present! Toodles for now :)
Where in the world does time go! Well, it's a total rhetorical question because such is my life right now and I already know the answer.
Here's my Thursday Thirteen of...
My Favorite Things "E"
1. Easter
2. the Eagle (that roller coaster ride at Six Flags--love it)
3. eggs
4. encouraging people
5. eclairs
6. Eminem (hard core I know...but I do like him)
7. Earrings
8. Elf--the movie....HILARIOUS!
9. E-mail
10. English accents
11. etch a sketch
12. emotions
13 Extreme Home Make-Over
Things have been odd with Marlon gone. We've been okay schedule wise, I was thankful for the rain on Tuesday--that made my evening a little easier as it meant sports were cancelled.
Sat. was my niece's birthday party and Sunday for Mother's Day the kids made me breakfast in bed, got me flowers (thanks mom and dad for making that happen) and had some cards and things from school. Breakfast was so cute because on Sat evening we were supposed to go grocery shopping because we were out of milk, waffles, lunchmeat, etc. but I was sooo tired, so I asked the boys if they cared if we waited until the next day. So on Sunday as they snuck downstairs to make me something they realized that they didn't really have anything to make...lol! So I got two pieces of toast, a mandarin orange fruit cup, three mini chocolate eclairs and a huge glass of orange juice! It was so sweet and they brought it up to me while I was still in bed with a TV tray and napkin...then climbed in bed with me and we watched some TV until it was time to get up.
We've been able to talk to Marlon everyday, which has been nice. Much different then out of the country where we don't know what's going on with him one day to the next. So much devastation. It was put like this by one of the volunteers, think of yourself when you go to empty out or "purge" a room. You get to decide what stays and goes, you get to determine what is old, outdated, not needed. But imagine instead that you came home from work and that whole area was gutted, with no means of getting it back. That's the loss they are feelng. That's the sense of lack of control over their lives right now. Amazing. I'm proud that he chose to be obedient and go.
Fun news is that I am going to also work for Women 2Day for 3 hours a week as the ministry assistant assigned to Teen MOPS. Since this is somewhere that I already volunteer and have much experience, my name was brought up. I graciously accepted. Not only is it something that I have such a love for...it is an opening into an area of ministry that I have a strong desire to move toward. I am excited to see how God is going to use me and happy to be a part of the Women 2Day team.
Tonight is a crazy night. Izzy has baseball practise from 5-6:30. Isaiah has soccer from 5:30-7(thank goodness for carpooling) I have worship practise from 7-8:30. Jordyn will have to hold down the fort with Elijah during that interim. I should collapse in bed by 9:30. Gotta get everyone else tucked in first! Marlon should be home tomorrow night by 10pm. That will be nice.
I am excited that tomorrow I get to have lunch with Beth and Amy. It will be a nice break in the day and I am sure we will talk non-stop...lol. Isn't that what girls do best??
Back to work. Meeting at 2:30 and outta here at 3 to get the kids.
So I'll start with my favorite 13 things that begin with D:
1. dandelions...I know, I know, they are a weed but I still think they're a cute, free flower!!
2. dancing
3. drive in movies
4. doughnuts
5. daydreams
6. dreamcatchers...I don't believe in them, but they are really beautiful
7. dance dance revolution
8. dates...the ones I occasionally get to go on with my husband...lol...not the ones you eat!
9. dawn
10. debate
11. devotion
12. Drumline...I love that movie
13. Dee Dee (my sister in law)
There you have it.
Tonight was Isaiah's spring concert-he's in choir. It was a combined choir, orchestra and band concert. I must tell you-listening to those 4, 5 and 6 grade kids play the strings made me laugh so hard on the inside. It made me laugh because I remembered back to when I played the violin in school and we'd have the concerts. I always thought we did very professional, high quality work. Listening tonight---to kids who I am sure practised long and hard and are certainly no different than I was in school...I see that we were probably neither professional or high quality...lol. What was so sweet is that while many of the parents withheld giggles with cheesy grins and shoulder shakes....a young girl about the age of 4 just danced and danced in the aisles and clapped like she was watching and hearing an amazing show. Really put things in perspective. Beauty is totally in the eye of the beholder.
You may or may not have followed the tornado that has devastated Kansas. Well our church was asked by Samaritan's Purse to bring a relief team down to help counsel the families as they are able to see their homes and retrieve personal affects and also help with the clean up. When I got the e-mail yesterday I automatically knew that Marlon needed to go. It was just instinctive. The three things they asked for in the email were: ability to drive fork lift, experience as machine operator and able to do counseling. Marlon is able to do all of those things. So we prayed for doors to open quickly if he was to go and they did. Financially-he only needs to provide gas money and eating on the way there and back. A church and Samaritan's Purse are providing a church to sleep at and food. His committments here were more than accommodating knowing what he would be doing while gone. I released him to go. He worries about leaving me and the kids. I always remind him-he shouldn't. While I am grateful that he does--that he takes leaving us seriously...we are not a higher calling than responding to God's will.
First of all, he is going for me too. If I could go, I'd be gone in a minute. Work would never let me go right now. Second of all, the privelege of being a missionary family is that we can be a part of short term missions on a moment's notice. When God tells you to go--you don't worry about who's picking the kids up....who's carpooling with who...I truly believe those details will get worked out. We have amazing support in family and friends and I never doubt for a moment that God will allow those things to be worked out. Lastly, if he wasn't meant to go--doors would close and it would be clear to us.
So please pray for us all as Marlon is going to be gone from this Sat. until the 19th. Pray for the safety of the team that's going, for the people in Kansas that have lost all, that the team is able to effectively and in God's name help them start to piece back together their lives and finally, that we here are safe and problem free while he is gone.
Thanks!
Oh! I almost forgot!
Dousman Club SFIU U-11 Soccer team
#1 in the state
#10 in the region
#36 in the nation.
Our boys are on their way. Amazing.
So I'll start with my Sunday Seven. Beth started this one off today---my seven favorite things about spring.
1. The colors. I love flowers starting to bloom, how green the grass is..the sky...beautiful.
2. Breeze. I love to feel a nice cool breeze--especially at night when I'm falling asleep.
3. Walking around the river. I love to walk around the river by my house and once spring comes I can enjoy that.
4. Easter. I love this holiday and it is always a highlight of spring.
5. Fresh starts. I don't know what it is, but spring always brings hope and beginnings...makes me feel like I'm on top of the world and whatever problems and worries there are can be handled.
6. Sitting on my front porch. I do this occasionally in the winter (since I'm not too bothered by cold), but doing it on a spring evening...feeling that #2 breeze and watching those #1 colors...
7. Getting out of winter clothes. I really don't care for winter clothes, HATE having to wear a coat and LOVE summer shoes, bags, clothes...
So I planned to do the purse thingy that Amy did on her blog that other day...but of course I can't find the digital camera! I know Marlon used it at his teaching job on Wed. and I haven't seen it since...who knows where it could be!
He's on his way home from New Lisbon so I'll just have to wait.
Friday nite we had a very fun dinner with our friends Dave and Sue. They treated us to steaks at Mr. B's. We'd never been, but my oh my....was it wonderful. Such a treat for us. We always have a blast when we hang out together and so often they just take really good care of us.
Sat. morning Marlon and Troy went to Elmbrook's men's breakfast and I did a little around the house. Jordyn was in the breast cancer walk with her aunt and went for lunch afterwards, I ran a few errands and Marlon and the boys went to watch the U-13 game. Then I sang at church and came home. Collin was over and we all headed out to Troy and Amy's for an ENORMOUS bonfire...lol. Total pyromaniacs...what fun. We made s'mores, roasted hot dogs, burnt some eyebrows. It was a fun, relaxing evening. Jordyn got to have some girl time with Gabby and really enjoyed herself.
Today I was up bright and early for service. Worship was amazing. I felt so spirit filled and I just love to sing! It's so meaningful when people come and tell me that my smile and energy helps them worship. I love hearing that because it is all for God and all for worship. Leading worship not so that they sit and listen to us...but so they feel free to worship and allow themselves to be brought into the presence of God. Marlon brought Jordyn to church at 9:30 so she could teach Sunday school. He and the boys went to a small church held in the Schueltze building by a friend of ours...then headed out to Isaiah's soccer game. I dropped Jordyn off at home and went over to Sue's for a baby shower. Then I came home to watch Jackie's two sons---Kavon and Kamron. She is one of the teen MOPS girls that I have grown extremely close to. The boys are 2 and 10 months. Boy was I having flashbacks...lol. We went for a walk around the river, played at the park, visited at my Grandma's, watched a movie...I am POOPED! I give credit to all of my friends/family who are my age and have little ones. I could not do it. I don't know how I did it when I did...lol. Then again, those years are a blur and I only had half of my sanity!
My heart is a little heavy today...I have some family that have major health concerns and I am just praying, praying and hoping that their experiences might lead them to a deep love for Christ. If you would---please remember Darlene, Lynette and Davy in your prayers tonight. They each have chronic health issues that continue to grow worse...I pray for peace and the ability to sleep soundly tonight. Also, our friend Collin is having some hard adjustments happening at home...not necessarily good or bad stuff---just a total overhaul and I know there is stress and conflict there. I pray that he continues to make the positive strides he has, that he continues to seek God, that he continues to be able to come to our house and spend time with us and that there is a peace in his home that surpasses all understanding.
Life is so short. We take so much for granted. Our next breath is not promised us and we waste so much time wanting what we can't have, worrying about what we do have and arguing about things that don't matter. In her blog, my friend Beth said it so well---we are very fortunate people. We are.
Nite all!
Swamped. That's the only way to describe my life right now. Work-swamped. Ministry-swamped. Family Life-swamped. I had to take a break from working just to come and blog a bit because I miss it when I don't. I have been tagged to empty out the contents of my purse and share them--which I want to do because it looks like fun (it certainly is fun to see all of the blogs that have participated in this) but it is going to have to wait until this weekend. For now, here are my Thursday Thirteen and a recap of the last few days.
My Favorite Things That Begin With C
1. Christmas
2. Connie (my sister)
3. Candles
4. Chicken
5. Carpooling (oh my goodness-how would a family with 4 kids survive?)
6. Caramel Frappuccino
7. Cuddling (poor Marlon-how does he breathe sometimes...lol)
8. Cards (greeting/birthday/etc...not playing cards)
9. Chorizo
10. crafts
11. Church
12. carnivals
13. Chloe (I know she drives me crazy, but I do love my dog)
This week has been full. Work is really picking up as camp gets closer. When we have our evaluation after camp has concluded I am really going to have to make sure they know that I can't be the registrar next year. There is just no possible way to handle the normal daily tasks that I have plus this 25-30 hour week job of getting camp going. The response has been wonderful! For any of you with kids between 2-6 grade you need to check it out. www.campvertical.org
My boys are going 4 of the 5 weeks. It should be a blast. Tuesday evening was church-but my bible study wasn't meeting so that meant I could get a little bit of shopping and cleaning done. Wednesday was Teen MOPS and our steering meeting so that took all night. This morning, one of the Teen MOPS girls called me and due to a crisis situation asked me to take her to drop her daughter off at the daughter's paternal Grandma's house. Just because I wasn't sure what I was walking into, I dragged my friend Amy along. Thanks again Amy for coming too. We were able to have some great conversations with Shyanne on the long car ride to and from Kenosha and Racine so that was a BIG plus. Then I had to get the kids from school, make dinner, help with homework and be back up to church by 6pm for worship service. Now I am working because I didn't work today. I plan to be done by midnight. I've been at it since 8-so I should get a lot done in that time. Hopefully this headache that I can feel coming on will stay away a little longer. I am excited because tomorrow evening our friends Dave and Sue are taking us to dinner---some really good steak place in Milw. I don't remember the name. That will be a fun break for me.
Anyway. Hope all is well with everyone. Much love.
