Oh yes....they did work!

Today was such a longgggg day. Since we lost on Fri. we didn't play until 2===so thank goodness or we would have had to be there in the morning. Our game at 2 went very well and led to our next game at 7pm, which we also won, so we had to stay for the 3rd place championship game. Which we won as well! The boys were so happy...this is the summer league and so it really was their first game together. Some of the boys played in the short winter league that just ended, but this was the first game for this group. It's fun to watch a team just make sure that everyone is in on the action and play as a team. It reminds me a lot of how SFIU and Troy's philosophy was...each individual works as a unit and that is what drives the success of the team. Marlon really coaches so that there are no stars. From our tallest boy at 5'10 (oh yes, Tyree is a giant...lol) to our shortest boy at 4'6 (Lamar makes Izzy look like a giant!)....each boy is involved in the action. It's so much fun to watch! Here are some pics from today.

Elijah makes a great block on a throw in.

The team hanging out with their coach in between games.

Our speedy lil Lamar and Isaiah battle it out.

Oh my silly Elijah---forever the goofball!!

Parker, Elijah, Tyree and a friend gettin' ready to run to the store for some snacks. Way to represent Elijah!

So the boys are finally tucked in...Marlon's on his way home...and I am in my jammies. One thing I will say for basketball====I love that we can CHEER and YELL for our team...lol. So uncivilized!! I love it! It gets rough and rugged in there....I love it. There's nothing like a crazy game of basketball!

Nite!!

Still a good day....

Well, tonight I had hoped we might get to hang out with our friends, but that was not to be :( Waaaaa!! I tell ya, it is harder and harder with so many sports and other activities to find time to hang out with friends. But Amy I mean it....if we can't get a time soon with the four of us---then we are definately planning a girl's night out. We could go bowling, karoake, dancing....we'd have a blast!!

So today was a busy day for everyone. Jordyn worked and is at her dad's, Marlon had Ethan Allen (he is mentoring there weekly as part of his new role with BASICS), I had a birthday party for a friend at work and the boys hung out with my parents. Then I decided it was time to make a good home cooked meal...so after I picked the boys up we went to the store. I made one of Marlon's favorites-Chicken Alfredo-with a yummy salad and garlic bread. When he got home at 6, he was so excited. He wasn't sure who was getting home first and hadn't really given a thought to dinner so it was a good suprise! Now Izzy and I had our photo session (see photos below) and the boys and Marlon are watching Hell's Kitchen. Bed will be early as tomorrow is the rest of the tournament in Burlington.

A great thing happened for Elijah today. The other day I washed his I-Pod. :( This really was a tag team faux pa because when I washed his winter coat--neither of us bothered to check the pockets. So Marlon made an appointment to go in, thinking they'd have to mail it in to possibly try and replace the battery. Well, when they got there---they just replaced it for him---for FREE! Elijah was estatic and Marlon is now busily adding new songs for him.

I'm gonna go get in my jammies. I also got stuff to make Strawberry Shortcake for everyone (except me who I got jello and low-fat cool whip for) so I'd better get on that if we're doing bed early!!

Have a great nite.

Amy---I'm praying girl. Love you!!!

Izzy & I just wasting some time!!

Izzy's first attempt to take my picture...lol!!

Got a lil better....I only had to help steady it a little bit :)

Aw...in a few years I bet he'll die that I once posted a picture of me kissin' him!!!

Nothin' like a lil kissy from your baby!!!

And a photo session just isn't a photo session without a good goofy face picture!!

The Biggest Loser

I am really excited because my sister and brother in law are starting a Biggest Loser Couples Challenge!! All teams are going to put in $50 to the pot and whichever team loses the highest percentage of weight will win the money :) Jordyn and I are going to be a team. We've already started walking around the river every other day and really want to win. It should be fun!! We start April 5th and end June 28th. I think because of my past eating disorder...I've always made a conscious effort NOT to stress about my weight. I've been healthy despite my size and always had endurance to still participate in life. A main force moving me to do this is knowing how it will help Jordyn and kick start her weight loss. Also, I know as I get older (and I will be 37!! in May) the health issues can easily come---like high blood pressure, cholesterol... So it will be fun because I am a competitive person and love to win!! I'll keep ya'll posted on our progress :)

What Matters Most...

As I am trying to find out who I am again....by that I mean---what my interests are, what floats my boat, what I'd like to spend my free time doing (not based on my kids dreams, Marlon's dreams, ministry goals...) I still need to keep in the forefront that I am nothing without Christ. Period. I can try and get by each day on my own...make my own way...get through each struggle...but without Him I will not be successful.
When I look back on my life...I do not have regrets. I know that what I experienced helped create me into the woman I am. I know that I am able to reach the ladies at Teen MOPS in a special way because of that. I know that I can challenge very closed minded Christians about their views because of that. I know that I can minister to the lost because of that.
That being said...I certainly hope that I might help someone NOT make the same mistakes that I did. Do not be fooled. It is only by the grace of God, His ordained plan for my life that I am alive. There are many times I got behind the wheel of the car...or in a car with someone that had no business driving. I was in an abusive relationship and choked to the point of passing out. I hung out at places where u stayed until the shootin’ started. Any of those times could have resulted in horrible, even deathly circumstances. As a Christian woman who now sees God’s sovereignty--I know that everything that happens is part of our story and our road to Him. I am thankful DAILY that He allowed me to survive the storms I have so that I might tell others how amazing life with Him is.
I don’t believe in luck. I do believe that we all have an ordained purpose. God can redeem ANYTHING AND ANYONE. There is nothing you can do...nothing you have already done that He can’t forgive. He is waiting for us. But why do we stay in the same old patterns, living the same old life and then expect that things are going to change. Why do we make poor choices and live without regard for our well-being and then "pray" that God will get us out of the jams that we got ourselves into? We have no right to expect that. And yet...
He will. All He is waiting for is for you to turn to Him. Admit that you don’t have it all figured out. Admit that you need Him. Believe in your heart that He was sent here to die so that our sins would be forgiven and we could have eternal life in Heaven with God. That is the ultimate gift.
My worst day with Christ is better than my best day without Him. He is and always will be all I need.

ok-i hate complainin’...but i’m gonna just a little bit. y has customer service just gone out the door? y is it that when i’m a paying customer, bringing my business to an establishment--ppl wanna act like they’re doin’ me a favor by waiting on me?? Now--i know there are still some friendly, thoughtful individuals in customer service who enjoy ppl & their jobs...but honestly more and more i see that is few and far between. this morning i stopped at Wal-Mart & i really think i woke the cashier up...then she spent the majority of time during our transaction 2 talk 2 her friend, then she gave me the wrong change & huffed like her world was ending 2 have 2 re-open her drawer... The crazy part is that this was not a teenager (which i almost half expect foolish behavior from) but a grown woman!!
Now im not sayin’ that i never get crabby or have bad days (insert hysterical laughter from my friends here!!) but u gotta put ur game face on for work! Whatever happened to being courteous, respectful, welcoming?? I just don’t get it.
Anyway---that’s all. Just wanted to vent & verbally throw up on all of u !!

Girl Scout Cookies

Ah thin mints
Why do you come
Only once a year?

Though I guess
That is good
Cuz otherwise I fear

That I'd eat 20 boxes
All in a row
Savoring the goodness
But feeling myself explode!!

Just a lil ode' to the Girl Scout Cookie.
I am also partial to shortbread and peanut butter.
I know. They're laughing at me and my lack of self-control!!
I got them this year tho'. We only got 2 boxes!!
As I'm starting to lose a little---gotta protect myself...lol :)

Good Friday

The Soldiers Mock Jesus
27Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and he gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion
32As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus
45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."
48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Can you imagine that day? The despair... Even his followers--who had been with Him and told what would happen, didn't fully get it. Even if you were there and DID get it...how do you watch? I could barely handle the movie, The Passion of Christ, much less the real thing. I think of how little we are willing to sacrifice for others and yet He laid down His life----WILLINGLY----simply so that our sins could be forgiven. And then God FORGIVES us.

I think of hurt, anger, frustration that I harbor. I think of people in my life who have done things---my first fiance' who beat me up, a ex co-worker who spread some lies about me, my mother in law who hurt my husband with her behavior, people I thought were my friends who most obviously were not...and those things hurt so bad...took a while to forgive...and they were such little things. In the scheme of life---compared to what He has had to forgive us all of.....forgive ME of.....it's crazy to me. We are such selfish beings. We hoard material things. We worry about what we have. We desire and covet and worry about ourselves soooo much. We do one small act of kindness and thinks that it makes us great people. We look around at our life with smug satifaction. We look at people who "REALLY" sin--those addicts, thieves, murderers, abusers...and think we are so fine because we certainly don't behave that way. But we are so lost. We have nothing aside of Him. Without accepting His love, His sacrifice.....without turning to Him and fully believing that He is our Savior....we are destined to an eternal death in Hell. We will miss the opportunity and it will be too late. Satan is banking on it.

If you've never experienced an Easter where you can truly rejoice in the Risen King---I encourage you this year to attend a service somewhere---where the bible is taught in its truth---and truly listen with an open heart. What does that mean? Try not to bring in your "religious" baggage. Just enter in the sanctuary and allow yourself to truly hear the words, sing the songs, realize the ultimate sacrifice He made.

Enjoy your Good Friday. Rest in the knowledge that today is not the end of the story!

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!

His Plan is ALWAYS Perfect!

So in the last few days God has been reminding me of something. I have to laugh at the way He humbles me and makes me rely on Him. Sometimes it's like----"ok, ok, I get it, I get it!" But apparently not because He keeps having to remind me...haha!! Here are just a few examples:

Yesterday was my first "solo" night in Clubhouse Kids. I had the teaching all set and ready to go, good worship songs chosen, I'd studied and gotten the curriculum all set...and then at 6:10 when we normally have our meeting...only 4 out of 9 teachers showed up (well, I did know that two wouldn't be there)...set up was taking much long than I thought it would...and I was stressing just a little, although in my head I just kept praying, just kept praying....Lord, let Your light shine tonight. And you know what? It was a great night. An old teacher came back to help for the night, two moms that are going to come from time to time to help out both showed up, I covered in the 1st grade room, the kids really seemed to grasp the teaching and worship continues to become a special part of the night. Was it tiring--heck yes! Was it a little chaotic--heck yes! Are the kids adjusting and pushing the envelope a little with a new teacher in charge--heck yes! :) But it is so rewarding and I can't tell you the impact those kids have on me. I love seeing them learn and grow and find out who Christ is.

Tonight was our Teen MOPS Easter Celebration. We had a great speaker lined up, we planned ahead and sent out invites, we secured extra help in the childcare room because of the large number we knew would come and then...it all started to unravel--or so it seemed. It started with the information that the extra childcare helpers were not going to be able to come! Then set up was taking forever because I didn't have the right code for James Place to get extra tables! Then our speaker had to cancel due to a family emergency! (Please pray for John's hand and that it heals well and quickly) Ay yi yi! I tell you it was a little nervewracking...lol. But as always, God has such a better plan. I think we ended up with 25 ladies there!!! So many graduates too that haven't been around-it's always good to see them. We took our time with dinner and just let them enjoy their meal and not rush through it. We sang three songs for worship and then Diane (one of the leaders) shared her testimony of how God healed her from cancer. It was very powerful for the girls to hear---especially since two of the graduates were there the night that we laid hands on her. Again---a situation where you could just feel His hand on everything. Afterwards I had a great conversation with Amy and Kristin--it was nice to just take a little time to catch up and talk.

So I sit here tonight reflecting on the past few days. I see how I trust God to help me make decisions. I pray and wait on Him (okay--of course not all the time, but I try to be conscious about this) when it's time to plan. But once a plan is in place...and it starts to go awry or it seems as if Satan is just breathing down my neck...I wish I could say that I automatically rested in peace. But I so ofen don't. So often I stress...let my mind start to race with all of the problems...freak out a little about how thing are going to work out.

Why? It's all in His hands. He knows every little detail of every day. He is sovereign. My first reaction should be to take a minute, breath...lol, pray and focus. God will tell me what to do next. There are times I do that...but not as often as I'd like. That is something that I'd like to do more often than not.

It's been awhile since I've posted any prayer requests...but I'd like to do that tonight. If you feel led, please pray as you stop in and visit my page today!!

• Pray for my friends Jackie and Justin who went in the hospital tonight so her labor could be induced!! This is a first child and we are all so excited to meet little Annabelle :)
• Please pray for my new job. That the transition continues to go well, that I remember that I am not defined by what I do but by who I am.
• Finally, please pray that I live my life out loud for Christ. That I represent Him well in my daily life, that I spend each day as salt and light!

Many blessings <><

Ahhh the Sun!!!

So this might not be EXACTLY what it looked like today....but it sure felt like it!! I can't even begin to explain how lovely the sun was today---this whole weekend actually! I am sure all of you Wisconsinites can concur :) We sure needed it. It does put me in a spring mood---which means SPRING cleaning! It's funny because while daily cleaning gets overwhelming with my schedule and the chaos of our lives...lol...I LOVE spring cleaning. I like getting the winter's worth of gunk cleaned up. I like getting all of the wood work shining. I like clearing out the closets and passing on clothes. I like packing up winter coats and boots!!! (I especially like that!) So in the next few weeks I know that I'll get to do that fun job and can't wait!!

Teaching today went well. I used this neat "science experiment" to teach the Easter lesson. We've used it a lot with this age group over the years, but it was the first time I actually taught it. I love how kids at that age (K-1) are so enthralled with everything----they can't contain their excitement and don't try to hide that they think something is cool. Of course...friends, school, peer pressure haven't really gotten to them yet...lol!!

The boys lost their basketball game today. It was the last one for the Waukesha BB League so they were very excited. It was fun because two of the Isaiah's old teammates from soccer were on the opposing team-so it was fun to play against them. What made it more fun tho' is that one of the boys is on their AAU team, Wisconsin Warriors in Milwaukee. Marlon needed a few more spots filled and so he asked a few players that'd he'd seen around all season if they wanted to come and try out. It's going to be a good team. They have one kid on this team who is 5'8 and one who is 5'10! These are just 6th graders mind you...lol. They're so excited to play at this intense level and the travelling has them excited too. I say I like them both on the same team with Marlon as the coach because then I don't have to help with carpooling!! Since one night of practice is on Thursdays they get their buddy Colin to come and "co" coach those nights too. I get Izzy and baseball patrol. This is our first year with the select baseball team at this level and boy---they have games up the wazoo! I keep teasing Marlon and the boys that one of these days I'm just going to ban sports all together and we're going to all take a DANCE class!!! Yeah right mom----dream on!

Jordyn just informed me that she is going to bed??? That girl LOVES her sleep! It is 7:45 mind you!! I asked if she was going to have sweet dreams about the boy she likes...lol...she was like, "maybe...haha" Glad it's only in the dreams at this point...lol. That girl kills me. Sweet 16 and never been kissed!! Let's keep it that way for just a little longer if we can. :) Too many raging hormones!

Have a great night!!

Oh How Quickly We Turn...

Oh how fickle and what followers we are.

As I've posted, this weekend I am teaching the Easter lesson for K-1. Well, tonight the Saturday teachers didn't show up....so I went in to pitch hit for them and teach. Before settling in to talk about Good Friday and Easter morning...I wanted the kids to know a little more about Palm Sunday.

Some of you reading this are going to know this story well. As I was sharing it with the kids, I realized that there are probably many though who don't. And how not knowing this "pre" story...makes the Easter story not quite whole.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds excitedly met and led Him. This was a joyous time of celebration, as they waved palm branches and cheered for Him. The bible reveals that they covered His path with their cloaks and branches and welcomed Him to their city. They shouted, "Hosanna! Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" As He entered Jerusalem, it was asked who He was and the crowds answered, "Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth". You can read about this in Matthew 21.

Within a few days, Judas had sold Him out to the Chief Priests. He offered up His friend for some gold coins. This started the process that would ultimately lead to His arrest in the garden, the high priests finding Him guilty and sending Him to Pontius Pilate. Okay---here's the fickle and follower part. Pontius Pilate asks the crowd---likely many of the SAME people who waved their palms for Him---who they would like set free, Barabbas or Jesus. And the crowd yelled----BARABBAS!

They allowed the jealous and pious High priests to sway them. They allowed their fear and judgement to cloud their opinions. They allowed their fear of the unknown to mess with their head. This is mob mentality at it's best. Jumping on the bandwagon even when you aren't quite sure why you are. Allowing yourself to second guess what you knew to be true simply because it's easier to go along with the pack. It's amazing to me how we are destined to repeat the past and make the same mistakes that were made thousands of years ago.

How alone He must have felt. Read Matthew 26:36-46, in the garden Jesus called out to God, the Bible says that He was sorrowful and troubled. He knew His fate. He knew that His friends betrayed Him. He knew the full story before anyone else did...and yet He did not fight them off. He did not argue and condemn them. He prayed for them, He allowed them to do what they needed to so that the scriptures would be fulfilled and you and I could have eternal life in Heaven with God.

Palm Sunday. Did He enjoy riding into Jerusalem? Could He smile at the crowds cheering for Him knowing how they would turn on Him? He did and He could. Sometimes I can't wait for Heaven so that I might know the answers to all of my questions...

Anyway. How quickly we turned. And still turn.

What's been up....

Well---I've been nursing my cold again this week. I swear this is the same dumb cold I've had since late last fall and it just lies dormant for a few weeks and then returns. Tues. and Wed. were the worse! Today I woke up and my headache was finally gone-but my head is still full of cotton and my cough is still pretty bad. Yuckies!

So Tuesday morning I went for my massage. Stuffy nose and all---I wasn't passing that opportunity up! For Christmas I got a gift certificate to Norelli. I had not been there and let me tell you--what a luxurious experience! They really pamper you. It's definately not something I'm comfortable spending the money on often---but I think once or twice a year as a treat/gift I'd be okay with it. Plus it did wonders for my neck and shoulders. The massage therapist even said that when I first laid on my back my shoulders really weren't even touching the bed! It was a special treat and I'm so thankful to my hubby for helping me snag that gift in the "white elephant" gift exchange!

Tuesday night was my first "solo" Clubhouse Kids. It was hard because of how I felt, but I know that my excitement helped make up for it. My co-worker Ali did the teaching and it was awesome. We talked about how we try to make ourselves "cool" and worry about fitting in with other people and how that is not what God wants us to be. The kids really seemed to get it. It's so fun to see them come in with their smiles and giggles and hugs. Next Tuesday I get to teach the gospel message to them. I found a great teaching about how God paid the ultimate price for us.

Yesterday was a really long day-even tho' I didn't go to Teen MOPS. The work day itself just seemed to drag on and on. Our staff meeting was really frustrating to me and I had to do a lot of praying last night about it. Sometimes I think people would just rather I shut up and kept my opinions to myself because it makes them uncomfortable or makes them have to deal with things they don't want to. Well, anyone who knows me knows that is definately not me...lol! If there are problems and issues---why would we pretend there isn't? While feelings are not always in line with the truth---feelings can't be ignored either. I think it's okay to have uncomfortable conversations and to not always agree. Anyway--ministry is life and life is hard and sometimes there is conflict. Sometimes you do shady stuff (even if your intent wasn't shady) and the truth will always be brought to light. Sometimes you try to tell half truths and then kid yourself into thinking it's the full truth. Again---the truth will always be brought to light. Better to just be on the up and up from the get go and deal with the consequences as they come.

Tomorrow is my first Friday off!! Yay :) I am sooo looking forward to having a nice day around the house with no obligations. I'll get the boys off to school in the morning and then have all day to do some cleaning, probably take a nap, laundry, studying. It'll be nice. If the sun is out I think I might even head into the park for a walk.

This weekend leads to some full days, so I better relish in the time off tomorrow. Saturday is our Easter Treasure Hunt at Elmbrook. We filled to capacity this year---almost 250 kids and 225 adults! Since my age group will be well represented--I will be working, although it will be so much fun it'll really won't be like work. Then on Sunday I work of course. I am teaching this weekend in Kid Zone.

Alright--the Nyquil is kicking in--so I'm gonna go. Have a good night everyone!!

What????????

Here is a conversation I overheard in the store today between a mom and her son...probably about age 13ish I would guess. I was at the end of an aisle in Walgreens looking at box sets of cards. This young man was at the end of the aisle perusing through the magazines.

Mom: (coming down the aisle to where the son was standing) ___, you're not getting anything remember? Let's go.

Son: I'll meet you at the check out. (does not look up from the magazine)

Mom: (big sigh) No. We need to get going. C'mon. (at which point she starts to reach for the magazine---yeah yeah go mom!!!---ah...thwarted by a son who yanks it up and away from her)

***Please note that at this point I am very much withholding my desire to snag the magazine from the child***

Mom: Seriously. I am not joking. Put the magazine down.

Son: Just let me get it. I don't have this one yet. (big cheesy smile)

Mom: No. Now c'mon, ____. I mean it now. Maybe next time. (pleading mind u. pleading)

***Next time? Next time? Lady, he doesn't even have it together for THIS time yet...what in the world are you bargaining with NEXT time for???***

Son: You never let me get anything. I'm so sure. It doesn't even cost that much. C'mon (raised voice mind you....RAISED voice!!)

Mom: (glancing nervously down the aisle) ____--I mean it. I already said no. (reaches for the magazine again...grabs son's arm)

Son: (yanks arm away) Don't grab me! Man, you suck! I'm so sure. (turns away and is STILL looking at this magazine)

***Oh, please smack his mouth, please smack his mouth. Or better yet, roll up the magazine and bop him on the head with it!!!***

Mom: Don't talk to me that way. Now c'mon we are late. (starting to walk away....yes, I am nosy and lean in a little so that I can still see them)

Son: C'mon mom. Please. Just let me get it...dang. C'mon (whining...oh the whining...please let the cute girl he likes in math come right now and see him whining like a 2 year old in the middle of Walgreens)

Mom: Fine. Whatever...you are a total brat. I don't care--let's just go. Get the dumb magazine.

***Let's go? Let's go? And he's getting the magazine!! The little spoiled brat is actually getting the magazine!!! Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!***

My kid. No. My stress. No. Her problem. Yes AND no. Here's why....

Parents...please parent your children. When they are young....BEFORE they get to this teenager, mouthy, disrespectful, 'can't tell me nuthin' age....PLEASE parent your children. Otherwise what happens is they may just grow up to be selfish, self-serving, egotistical, jaded, irritating adults who do not know how to show respect, behave appropriately and share the limelight. They grow up to be men and women who think the rules don't apply to them and that if you sweet talk the right person and manipulate situations you will get what you want. They enter our workforce not knowing how to problem solve maturely or how to have productive communication. They enter marriages thinking it's all about them and their desires, their needs being met. I'd like there to be some great material out there for my children to marry someday. The world does not need any more problem people in it.

Teach manners, respect, discipline, self-worth, diligence. Follow through on consequences. Don't give in no matter how much you want to. Be mean. If your pre-teens and teenagers think you are mean some of the time==then you are doing something right as a parent. I so wanted to snatch that magazine out of his hands and just dare him to say something. Triple dog dare him...lol.

All kids are going to have bad days. No kid is perfect. All parents are going to have bad days. No parents are perfect. But just because that is true doesn't mean that we shouldn't instill appropriate behavior in our kids. We shouldn't give in simply because they whine and moan. We shouldn't allow them to make the rules and decisions. We set the expectations and then guide them into following them.

There is no better example of this than my sister. She has a very independant, resilient little 4 year old and I see her taking steps and taking charge to make sure that my neice knows when she's crossed the line. Just the other weekend during a basketball game she told her that if she didn't behave and quiet down they were going to the car. When my neice didn't change her behavior....yep...that's right...they sat in the car. I was so proud of her for following through and even though I am sure it sucked to be stuck in the car with an angry 4 year old...lol...she knew she had to do it. Any you know what? My niece will remember that when mom says we're going to the car....um...she really means we're gonna go sit in the car!!!

So what happened with the mom and son? Well, as I was walking to my car I noticed them sitting in theirs. Mom on the cell phone....son leaning way back in his seat...thumbing through his magazine. *sigh*

Breakaway...

I met Jesus again this weekend.

Normally Breakaway is a fun, girlie time weekend where I get to hang out with my family, learn a little...but it's not always a spiritually profound experience for me. That was different this year.

First, the keynote speaker was wonderful. Lysa Terkeurst. Check out her ministry HERE. She not only invited women who didn't know Jesus to make a first step in meeting Him, she challenged those of us who already have a relationship with Him to strengthen that walk, live a radically obedient life, seek out God's will for our life and then live it! I am inspired and motivated...I feel on fire for Him in a way I haven't for a long time. For the first time in a longgggg time I desire to draw close to His word...to live a life pure and rely fully on Him.

As a woman of God who serves in full time ministry...my time and day is normally full. I have to remember to pause. To stop and allow Him to lead me. To listen. I've known for awhile that I am called to teach and to write. Teaching and speaking have started to take form recently as I've been able to speak at Elmbrook and some other churches...but writing is something I haven't taken past my blog. I know that the fear of rejection keeps me from taking the next step...submitting an article or beginning intentional studying that will lead to something bigger. Lysa reminded me this weekend that we were not created in fear. There is nothing other than God to fear. I can't be afraid of rejection. I can't allow that to keep me from doing what I feel I am supposed to. It's funny to me how in other avenues of life I have no problem setting fear aside to do what is right or do what I know God would want me to. But with myself...I so easily far into fear. I desire to live as a Proverbs 31 woman. I encourage each of you to do the same.

Proverbs 31: 10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Sleep tight.

Finally some New York pictures...

Marlon doesn't look shook up by the Hulk-does he?

Just me gettin' friendly with Usher...lol. It was totally insane how life like the wax statues were at Madame Toussad's.

Just one section of the photo tribute to the victims of 9-11. Overwhelming and emotional. We must NEVER forget.

Oh yes--this is the crazy food I was talking about from Roxie's. We couldn't believe the amount--it was RIDICULOUS....lol!!!

These busses looked like a cool way to see the city if you had a few days to just roam around. You pay a certain amount for like a 3 day pass and then you can get on and off as many times as you need throughout those days.

In Battery Park while waiting for the ferry to take us to the Statue of Liberty there were these guys in these weird silver mask/make-up costumes. You could stand on the crates in front of them and take your picture. I must admit=they were a little freaky looking and kind of creeped me out.

This was P. Diddy's larger than life billboard. It was mongo huge and so bright!! Times Square overall was mega bright!!

Just an update...

Hey all

Just a lil update on life in the Pitchford home...our talk on Sunday and Tuesday evening went really well. Sharing about parenting and marriage is a somewhat easy topic for us to talk about because there's so much material...lol. We really wanted to impress upon the couples that's it's so easy to get caught up in how everyone else is raising their kids...what your friends allow their kids to do...not wanting your kids to be mad at you so giving in...giving in out of frustration. While we certainly don't have all of the answers...there are some basic things we feel strongly about. There are things we don't want our kids to have to deal with until they are mature enough to make wise choices. Example---boy/girl parties. There is no reason in grade school or middle school to have boy/girl parties late at night or at homes where we don't know the parents. Why? So temptation can rear it's ugly head and put them in positions they aren't capable of handling yet? We also shared, however, that as Christians a lot of parents don't allow their kids to interact with the world either. Out of fear, or out of personal experience they sometimes go to the other extreme and live in a little bubble. This can have disastrous results. It's such a hard balance. How people parent in todays world without Christ on their side is beyond me. I'd be lost without His strength to get me through!

Please keep your eyes and ears peeled for someone who might be interested in a 24 hr. week Administrative position. They'd need to be a Christian, have a love of kids, decent computer skills and capable of multitasking. The person that we had thought would be a great fit didn't have strong enough computer skills so we're all chipping in to cover the hours. :( It's overwhelming and I really can't wait to let those other tasks go and focus on all of the fun, creative programming parts of my new job. I get to teach the Easter message for both the evening programming and Sunday school :) That will be awesome! It's been so exciting to get to know the kids again. There's nothing like hearing someone yell, "Hi Teacher Mindy!!" from across the hall and then come running up and give you a hug.

Today I was with my friend who had surgery. It was a long day (sitting up at the hospital for 7 hours is just tiring)...but I was sooooo glad to be able to be with her. Now we wait for the biopsy to come back and we'll know where things stand. It's amazing to me in the last 6 mo. ALLLL of the people I know who have been affected by cancer. It's so crazy that almost everyone I know has either had a friend....family member...co-worker who had suffered through, died from or is a survivor of cancer. So we wait. And pray. And know that whatever the decision God has it all under control in a way that we never could.

Breakaway is this weekend. I am soooo looking forward to this time. Every year it's such fun for me, my mom, my aunt and my sister. We always bring along a friend as well. With 5 people we get an awesome large room which is good for my aunt with her scooter as well. While I don't normally get a lot of sleep that weekend...I always come back feeling energized and recharged. The workshops are always great reminders of how to stay close to Christ ranging in topics from forgiveness to focusing on Christ to comforting the hurt to loving your husband...I can't wait.

Well....off to a lil housework. Nite!!

Who in the bible???

Looking for some input/feedback. I am looking for people in the bible who exemplified these character traits: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Here's the verse:

Colossians 3:12
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Gathering information for a meeting next week and have hit that creative wall. If you have any ideas----please comment!

Thanks!

Mindy <><

Well the morning was simply amazing and I could just see God's hand on the time. Kids remembering me from last year, parent knowing me from summer camp, teachers that were excited to put my name together with my face and realizing they already knew me. While I know there will be dozens of little details that I will have to stay on top of...ask questions about...the meat and potatoes of the ministry I really have faith that I will be able to do well. I just love K-1. It was really fun too because the 2nd hour worship leader had to miss today so I got to fill in for her which I always love to do. Jackie had a coordinator meeting scheduled today so we just kept that---so I got to have my first meeting. And in one hour a teacher is having a stressful classroom situation so I got to sit down and problem solve with her. I passed out a "Get to Know You" survey for the teachers to do and most of them already turned them back in to me. My two main desires for the rest of this school year is to (1)help the teachers stay focused and driven to end the year well and refreshed and (2)get to know the kids and help them know who I am.

Oh yeah---Amy I met your sister and niece today! Your niece is going to be a teen helper==isn't that cool? She is a BIG cutie! Your sister knew who I was by my last name. Small world.

Finally for tonight I ask you to pray for my blogger friend Michelle. Her mother went home to Jesus today!! So they are rejoicing and her loved ones are in mourning. She did an amazing job of journaling her mother's road the past month or so. You can read it HERE. It reminds me a little of my mom and my Grandma. It's a true testiment to the kind of woman she was based on how great her daughter is. Please pray for their entire family during this time.

Night all. I'm pooped!

Excited!!!

I am so excited!! Tomorrow is my first Sunday working :) I've shadowed Jackie a couple of Tuesdays, but because of our New York trip-this is the first time I am "officially" working/training for Sunday. I think the realization of the impact my job has hit me this weekend. As the Ministry Assistant for K-1, I am in essence responsible for providing effective, meaningful opportunities for almost 600 kids to encounter Christ. Wow. Today I was googling for different curriculum...worship music...teaching videos...there's so much to take in and so much to weed through because there is a lot of garbage out there mixed in with the good stuff. I'm also excited because this is going to challenge me in ways that my current position just really couldn't. I'm looking forward to thinking out of the box for new teaching (I get to teach the Easter lesson this year!!) and also ways to encourage my volunteers and families.

Alright. Not sure how I'm gonna sleep tonight, my mind's racing with ideas...but I figure I'd better at least lay down so that can help!

I'll let you know how it goes :)