New Hair

So the boys got their new do's and Jordyn has a new way that she has been wearing this summer.


Yay--we finally got her in a ponytail!!

Rico Suave with his handsome sideburns.

Mr. Happy Elijah--sportin' his bald fade...

Izzy aint' givin up his mohawk anytime soon!

And even Tyree is lookin' sharp with his new cut.

Isn't it funny how nice a new haircut can make you feel? With just a little snip of the scissors you look in the mirror and see a whole new person.

The Holy Spirit does the same thing for our inner beauty that scissors can do for our outer beauty. As easily as we sit in a barber/hairdresser chair to get "renew" our look...we can turn to the Holy Spirit and allow ourselves, our mind to be "renewed".

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Just a thought to think.

A Family Weekend

Ah...everyone is going to be home this weekend. No sports, Jordyn's here, aside of a funeral in Madison I'm going to tomorrow--it should be a pretty relaxing weekend.

Marlon and the boys are at the barber shop right now, I just finished a Tae-bo video, and Jordyn ran to use my parent's treadmill, but in a bit we're going to sit down and watch a movie together.

This weekend is the last weigh-in and I would love for us to win because I'd love Jordyn to get a bunch of new clothes for her new body (I actually have a bunch of stuff that I haven't been able to wear in awhile--but she needs clothes bad) I've let her know though that even if we don't it's okay because we've both done something we didn't think was possible. We've lost a LOT of weight!

Well, I hear my boys are here. Be back later!!

The First Steps to my "New" Obedience...

I am a disobedient, wandering spirit.

Ok, for the most part that is really who I used to be. But what I've found in the past few years, is that when I do not have my focus right with Christ...I fall much to easily back into that person. Why is it such a struggle for me to release control?

God spoke clearly to me at the retreat this past weekend. I was taking notes during one of the seminars and then I wrote---almost as if someone else had the pen,

Let go and release anything you are doing that is not of me.
Stop and focus on me and wait.
I will tell you what to do next.

I love that God knows that I need details!! What scares me about this is that I don't know who I am without all of the things I do. (Um, kind of the point of releasing it all huh?) But I am going to be obedient. This week I've already I've started that ball rolling. It's hard and scary to think that other than God, my hubby and kids and work I am not going to "do" anything.

All I want to do is fall in love with God again. Not because of what He's done for me but just because of who He is. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of feeling like I am running on yesterday's energy. I am tired of being crabby and short with the people I love most. I know and trust that God is going to use the time I am giving Him in amazing ways. There is nothing more important than drawing close to Him and spending time with Him. I've made other things more important.

I don't feel that Teen MOPS, Couples Ministry, and other odd and end volunteer things I do are bad to be involved in. I don't even think that it's the time I've given them that is bad necessarily. They are amazing ministries that are well needed. I know that I have something to contribute to the ministry. Those are all things that have kept me there. But for me, for me, it is also my own desire to keep busy that keeps me there. It is my desire to try and find something fun for me that keeps me there. It is my desire to get out of the house because I am so stressed that keeps me there.

And I feel that's wrong. For me.

Where is Christ in that? He wasn't mentioned or thought about once.

I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if my life is so full of things that my husband and kids never get the best of me. I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if I don't look to Christ first and then set about my day. I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if I am so busy with what Mindy wants to do that I can't fulfill what God wants me to do.

It's exciting and scary all at the same time!

Mindy <><

Bullet points and a few laughs..

So yesterday I shared the special things that God taught me this past weekend. Today I thought I'd share a few other highlights that happened this past weekend, as well as the funny trip home I had.

• Upon arrival I had plenty of time to stop at my hotel, check in, freshen up and get to the Embassy for the opening session. Big thumbs up for being able to brush my teeth and put on some deodorant. I believe the ladies at my table would agree.
  Lyndsay Kane's worship was truly spirit led. It was so beautiful to hear all of the women lifting their voices. Unwritten? What song out there is more appropriate for She Speaks?
• I actually got a decent amount of exercise in!! Yay for 24 hour fitness rooms!!
• I found out that there are a decent amount of odd bloggy ladies out there. So I am not the only cornball in the world.
• My evaluation group was wonderful. Such a warm, fun group of women. Can't wait to see how God is going to use each of them. It was a sheer privilege to meet them and hear a little bit of their story.
• My evaluation went very well. Beyond what I could imagine. God is so faithful. Like, duh, I knew that...but I love it He is kind enough to remind me. I truly feel that I am called to help women discover who they are in Christ and how to follow His leading even in the muck of life. Now I just need to be obedient to His plan and timing and listen.
• My driver Tony and I had such amazing conversations back and forth between the two hotels and to and from the airport. It was so relaxing to know that I did not have to worry about safety, cabs, etc. I thank God for providing a Christian man who was nothing less than a true Southern gentleman.
• I learned so much from each session. Not one seemed redundant or boring. While some of the topics I might have heard before, each was presented in such a fresh way that I couldn't take notes quickly enough.
• I still lost 4 lb. for the weigh-in!!

Now the trip home. People, let me tell u.

My flight home was at 3:17, however, with the conference ending at noon I just had Tony take me straight to the airport. So as I am sitting to relax with my book at the Continental gate, I realize that there are a lot of scurrying employees hovering around the computer screen, glancing nervously at all of us. This I know is not good. Then comes the announcement that due to storming, Newark flights are all delayed. Ok. Don't panic. Weather changes. At 12:50 they decide to load the 12 flight in case they can get clearance. At 1:55 they decide to load the 1:30 flight for the same reason. At 2:25 they make the announcement that they are brining those flights back in because Newark is now delayed indefinately and if we are going to Newark--we are now going there the next day.

Only, and I repeat only, because of the spirit in me and the prayers I had numerous family and friends praying for me, I was able to calmly approach the desk and ask if there was any other way that I could get to Milwaukee. The woman helping me, "J" looked so tired and burnt out. Me-relate. So I made some small talk, told her that she was doing a great job, asked her when her next break was and apologized in advance on behalf of all of the rude, crabby, creeps that were going to grace her desk in the next few hours. "J" said thanks, but still seemed a little skeptical about why I was being so kind. The printers jammed, the computer froze, she was interrupted about 15 times by people asking questions who apparently didn't realize that my invisible potion had wore off and I was actually standing there...and I just kept smiling, joking and trying to make her laugh. I asked her if she ever felt like we (the rude, crabby creeps) believed the airline staff met for secret rain dances to foil our flight plans? This finally, got her to laugh. From that point on, as she helped me we made small talk and joked. She was able to get me on a flight on Delta to Milwaukee via Cincinnati. "J" thanked me for being patient and kind and I told her it was no problem and that I would pray for her. She looked a little startled by that comment, but said thanks.

I now had another three hours to waste because my new flight wasn't leaving until 6:40. So I headed over to the gate to see who else I could chat with. That's where I met "M". "M" suffers from a panic disorder, depression and is afraid of the city. We talked for about an hour as she waited for her flight. We talked about family, moving, boyfriends (hers is possessive and verbally abusive) and why she doesn't leave Vegas and move back home with her family in North Carolina. "M" cried at least twice during our conversation and I think my arm went numb at least twice while rubbing her back as we talked. When they called for her flight to board, she thanked me for talking with her and said in a joking way, "Guess somebody likes me up there" I told her, "Yep, God does!" I gave her a big hug and told her that I would pray for her to find her way in deciding what to do.

Finally, I spread out on the floor at the gate and did some reading, wrote Marlon a love letter, took a little nap and snapped some pictures (hence the shoes and glasses on the previous post) At 6:35 the plane we would board finally landed. At 6:45 the passengers were finally off. At 6:55 we were finally able to board. Many of us were a little nervous because of our connecting flights, but what could we do at this point. After about an hour in the air we were told that our flight would land at C14 at about 8:35pm. My flight to Milwaukee was leaving from C67 at 8:50. This would be interesting. As we were getting ready to land I sat praying and praying and suddenly the woman next to me said, "Hey look, a rainbow." I just knew I was going to make it home Sunday night.

A man with internet connection was looking up flights for people. Many were relieved that their connecting flights were also delayed and they wouldn't need to run. Milwaukee was not delayed. Several people around me said, "Oh, sorry. I hope you get home tonight." I told them I would. I had faith that God was going to make it happen. As we got off, we had to wait for our carry ons to be brought around from under the plane (just an indication of how small the plane we were on was) I rocked and prayed as I stood there. As they brought the cart around the wing, I grabbed my bag and took off running.

Now I know why I've needed to lose 35 lbs. It is not to win the money. It was so I could run like O.J. through the Cinncinnati airport on June 22nd, 2008. :) I have not ran that fast since I was in high school track. In fact, I believe they are sending a medal to my home soon. I do apologize to the elderly couple I scared, the small child I almost took out and the man's foot I might have grazed with my bag. As I rounded the corner by gate 39, the airport opened into another waiting area. I could see another check point for gates 40-70. As I approached the desk with my flight number, I saw that the Milwaukee flight said closed next to it. I did not hesitate. I had my ticket out and with what little breath I had, managed to gasp, "Please tell me that Milwaukee is still on the ground. Please." The woman, "D" behind the counter looked ackwardly around. "I don't think so. We made the last call." It is now 8:56. I know I am making this plane. I do not cry. I do not rant. Or rave. "Please. If there's any way at all. Please check. I really, really need to get home tonight. It's been such a long day. I know it has for everyone, but please." As I am saying this "D" is on the phone whispering and not making eye contact with me. This is normally not a good sign, but I remained hopeful. As she hung up, she smiled at me and said, "Okay. They're holding it, but you have to hurry." C'mon "D", didn't you see me running like greased lightening to your counter? I got this. So as she lets me through I finish my race from gates 40 to 70. But Mindy, you were leaving out of 67!! Yes. I know this. But in my dynamic speed, I ran past 67 and had to backtrack three gates!!!!

As I ran up the stairs to the plane, handed off my bag and gave my ticket to the flight attendant I have never beamed such a big smile. Although it took me half of the flight to catch my breathe...lol...I made it. God orchestrated my day of travel perfectly. So many things about Sunday would not have happened if the day had not played out exactly that way. And I actually ended up getting home 15 minutes before I would have if I had remained on Continental with no flight interruptions.

Why do we fret and worry so

Why do we forget, refuse to let go

Our anxiety and panic build inside

As we hold on tight and try to hide

To the things He promises

That He will take

If we only let go and

allow Him to work

There is nothing that is coincidence

There is nothing that is unplanned

There is nothing about our day

Where He isn't in command.

The sooner we stop running

and just learn to rely on Him

Is the sooner we experience the

Freedom that comes

From letting His spirit in.

Blessings on your day today!!

Mindy <><

The Next Step

What an amazing weekend. Transforming. Convicting. Encouraging. Uplifting. I am emotionally, physically and mentally drained...but I am spiritually filled to the brim. Tonight I am tired...but had this on my mind that I had to share before I could put my head to my pillow.

I am recommitting my days and every inch of my life to daily time with God. I can't know what He plans for me if I am not in CLOSE connection with Him. I can't continue to rely on my strength and my plans. It leaves me tired, frustrated, at my wits end and feeling out of control. Only He can provide the peace that transcends all understanding. So I will sit and wait to hear from Him and I will say YES in full obedience!!


I am recommitting my nights to be a time of rest and reflection and refreshment. I will not allow myself to be pulled by earthly distractions like TV, computer games, one last load of laundry. I will only stay awake if I feel God is telling me to because He has something to share with me that must be attended to that night. My bed will be a safe haven of comfort. So I will rest so that I can be ready and fully alive each day to carry out His will.

I am recommitting my feet to go where He says to go. I will not rush into ANYTHING because I find that whenever I do...it does not work. Even serving...even ministry...if it is not where He wants me to be at the time that He wants me there...then I am serving in vain, in my own strength and with my own agenda. This means releasing things I currently hold close and do in a prideful way. I must let go and wait on Him. I must let my feet follow 0NLY where He desires them to go. So I will get my feet set to follow only Him and only when He says.

Finally, I recommit my vision to align with His. I know that He has a great calling on my life and I will not be afraid of it. I will not allow doubt to cloud my obedience. I will not allow others to talk me out of what I know He desires. I will not allow Satan to twist my fears and inhibitions. I will see my life, my walk, my marriage, my children, my ministry, my calling as He sees them. I will allow the Holy Spirit to change my focus and align my vision with His. So I will not be misguided by what I see as my future, but allow Him to reveal my future to me.

Lord,

Thank you, thank you for allowing me the gift of this past weekend. You and only You know the full impact it had on my life. I can't even begin to share fully how I've been changed. Thank you for seeing me as You do..warts and all..and loving me just the same. No. More. Thank you for being the All knowing, All powerful, All giving God of the Universe who meets every one of my needs. I confess that I have not put You first. I confess that I have held on tight to things that I have been afraid to release. I confess that I have not trusted You with all aspects of my life. I desire to serve You. I desire to let women know the truth, the joy, the freedom that comes from having You first and foremost in our lives and heart. I heard You loud and clear this weekend. Stop, release all that is not of me, wait and I will tell You what to do. I am saying YES and not looking back.

Amen.

What I've been up to and what I'll be up to.....

Well, Camp officially began this past Monday. For those of you who are my friends and family...or those who have just been reading my blog since last summer...you know that while last summer was a ton of fun...it was also incredibly taxing on me and ended up with a little meltdown in late August-early September. Everyone has taken great measure to ensure that this does not occur again. One great thing is that because I am now over the K-1 program, I am working with Camp Zoom (4yr-kids entering 1st gr) This camp is only from 9-12 so I have time in the afternoons to do other work, catch up, leave early to rest....it's been great and I can feel a difference already.
But I am still busy. And evening things like exercising...the boys sports...keeping my sanity have kept me away from blogging the last week. Thought I'd get on quick tonight and share some pictures....


This week I taught the language center. I shared about Mexico and taught the kids some words and a bible verse in Spanish.

Some of the kids learning a new worship song.

One of the small groups review the memory verse for the week.

Water Day is always a big "splash" (ok, ok....too corny?)

I love this picture. She was praying so hard. You could feel her heart just being near her. I love kids this age.

Now as for what I will be doing....Friday early A.M. I leave for North Carolina. I'm attending the Proverbs 31...She Speaks Conference. I am sooooooo excited I can hardly contain myself. Not only is the conference itself going to be amazing and a real stretch for me (I've signed up for the speaker track and will be evaluated by a group of peers and speakers) it's going to be so relaxing and wonderful to be alone in a hotel room....able to sleep in if I want....use the fitness room/hot tub as I want....

Anyway...not sure if I'll get on before Friday am....so if not have a blessed weekend and catch you next week!

6th grade graduation

So our handsome oldest boy had his 6th grade graduation last night. It was a really nice little ceremony and party they had. It's so hard for me to think that he is going to be in middle school. Yikes!
Such a young man!

Ah boys...let's tell mom to count to three and then when she snaps the picture let's look down...lol!!

When did he get so tall??

Hangin' w/dad

Ok. Isaiah never smiles with teeth. So after much cajoling, he did this as a joke, totally not expecting me to snap the picture quick. I LOVE this goofy picture!!

So that's all I got right now. This is a crazy week. It's training for camp and we're getting everything ready. I'm working 12 hours days, but this should mean that Friday I can be done at 1 and I won't have to worry about work until Monday morning. Please keep me prayed up because I can feel Satan on me.

Thanks!

Flood of 2008

So I thought I'd share a few pictures of how things looked the past couple of days around here. (the water is now gone. God's power is awesome!!)

This was the view from our front porch.

My next door neighbors backyard. Suddenly we lived on an island.

The corner of my street. The ducks are happy with the extended Fox River I think....lol.

And this is how deep the water on my street was.

And this is the only water that got in our basement. It's really unbelieveable because I have heard stories of other people who live down here and have 2 to 3 feet of standing water in their basements. It is truly a blessing.

I Love the Rain!

Now I might not like driving in it...but I LOVE playing in the rain! Normally all of the boys and I get out there..but this evening only Izzy braved the elements with me :) Jordyn was willing to come on the porch and laugh at us (and take pictures) but she wasn't trying to get wet...lol! Here's a couple

Izzy and I get our groove thang on...

Yes. We were a little proud of our wetness!

Kinda blurry---but a good picture nonetheless of our full fledged water fight. Flip flops carry a LOT of water when you kick---who knew?

Well, laundry is calling...as well as my bed. I am really drained tonight. Oh--by the way--for those that care...Jordyn and I took back 1st place in our Pseudo Big Loser Challenge. Now we just need to keep it for 3 more weeks! I lost 5lbs this week! Yahoo :)

Sweet dreams....

One.

Not just a job....

Hola.

Well somehow it's Friday aleady. Not quite sure how that happens...lol. The picture below is from our staff retreat day. Now if you've read my blog for any amount of time you know that over the last few years there have been wonderful times as well as struggles at my job. Working for a church can, believe it or not, be a strain on my faith at times. However, I must let everyone know that I work at one of the most amazing places ever. Not just because Wednesday for our Staff Retreat day we had a goofy, fun time...but because of the things I was reminded about my job and co-workers that day.

Our day began with a silly photo scavenger hunt. We were broken into groups and given a list of random things that people on our team needed to do around town and then take pictures or video of us doing them as proof. Here's just a few: swing on a swing, sing to a waitress, play leapfrog with a stranger, scream in aisle 4 of a grocery store, do a Chinese fire drill, oh---and as you can see from this picture...stand knee deep in water. We had to race back to church with our proof and yes I must admit that my team won! I think it was a combo of all of us being totally free with approaching strangers...and knowing our way around Waukesha. When we got back to the church we heard a talk from one of our old pastors. He spoke about TTEEAAMM and exactly what is involved in true team work. How to be together, trust, have energy, encourage, attitude, accountability, mission and memory. Then some of us had a crazy game of soccer with this gigantic ball (I can't remember the name of it) and a yummy tailgate lunch. We ended with awards and some words of encouragement from one of our senior pastors.

The TTEEAAMM talk is what got me thinking most about Elmbrook and the amazing thing about working there. I have had run ins with people at work. Church or not---we disagree, have different personalities, different viewpoints on issues and definately different life experiences. BUT there is a unifying factor that comes from staying focused on our mission and common purpose. To bring glory to God. To respect each other for our giftedness and individuality. It's an amazing privilege and an honor to work here.

Women 2Day Appreciation Night

The evening on Monday was so lovely. I believe that Roberta plans most of it (or at least handles truly pulling it off) so I give my hat off to her for always paying attention to each detail. Now truth be told...it would not be my normal plans for a gathering, but it was such a sweet evening of pampering and girly fun that you just couldn't resist having a good time. Plus how often do many of us get time to sit down and talk, hang out with ministry not happening around us.
We met in the lobby and were shuttled by drivers to a church parking lot. Then we had to walk about a block to a beautiful home where we were split into groups, given 4 different stations to move through and then hang out for dessert at the end of the night. The stations were potting herbs and decorating the pot. A cheese pairing station where we sampled different fancy schmancy cheeses and learned about how to serve them. A delicious dinner of beef medallions and potatoes, spring green salad and green beens. The final station was card stamping where we each got to create three cards to take home. Here's some photos from the night

My friend Sharon living the high life. Ahhhh so bougie we were that night...lol. (Not sure what bougie means? Check it out here.

Fun and sassy Debra came to give us the cheese pairing demo. While I am not a big cheese person, I must admit some of them were very tasty.

Dana, Amy and I. Two of the best coordinators you could ever want for your ministry. Detail oriented, loving, true servants. I am blessed to know them!!

Just another manic.....

Okay, so I wasn't sure who might be reading this blog and if I would get in trouble for saying "manic Monday" in my title....so to avoid any unnecessary lawsuits for a Bangle or two that might frequent my blog, I just left the title drift out...

Um. Not sure why I felt the need to share that with you. I have been a little blah all day--and am thinking that my "dessert" coffee is kicking in and I am on a caffeine high :) (although it was probably de-caf and it is just my imagination making me giddy) But I digress....

It was a pretty good weekend. Friday night it was so nice to visit with Brother Bob. He looks great and not much different from last August when we were there. I can't believe that it was already almost a year ago that we were visiting him. It seems so long ago. Saturday was a full day with baseball, a quick swim in between games, our Biggest Loser Challenge and then a picnic at Roberta Park. Sunday was church, some exercise and the afternoon at my parent's pool. Today was non-stop at work. Our day camps start in two weeks, with training starting next week so this week is going to be totally bala bala (spanish slang for crazy, loony, nuts, harey carey) Tonight was a really wonderful appreciation evening that Laurie and Roberta planned for the Women 2day staff and coordinators. I have some pics to download later and can share more then...

What I really want to talk about though is Saturday. Some of you know that I've been occasionally attending and Marlon and I are helping our friend Pastor Jerome with his new church, New Beginnings. Here is the tagline for the church:

where the unloved are loved, the unwanted are needed,
and the lonely have friends.

Now if you know me at all, you know that is my heart...so I love being able to spend time with Pastor Jerome, his wife and their growing congregation. The Lord has placed it on his heart to help turn around some parks in Waukesha. His idea is to bring the church to the parks that the city has determined to be "problematic". So Saturday was the first of these days.
The body of Christ that just happen to attend New Beginnings Church (and some like me who just occasionally attend) showed up at Roberta park with grills, food to feed an army, games, music and love. No organized agenda, no committee to pull it off, no set up and clean up crew...didn't need any of that. The spirit was so alive at that park that every detail was taken care of and then some without even having to give it a second thought. The best part of the afternoon for me was looking around and not being able to tell from sight who were the "church" folk and who had already been hanging out in the park when we arrived. That park is always full of people on the weekend and the cops are called there often. There's even been talk of shutting it down and removing the basketball courts because of the problems there. Not this past Saturday.
Now I know some of my friends and maybe some of you reading this would have have these questions to ask... What was the purpose and anticipated outcome of the event? What is the planned follow up? How many souls were saved for Christ that day? What measurable impact occurred that day?
Please do not get my wrong by my next comments. I work at a church...I have been on committees for events...I know that these are valid questions that can be brought up at planning meetings and part of prep discussions. But....
On May 31....for a few hours....we threw all of that out the window. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, laughs, just living. To be honest, I think the "church" spends too much time worrying about those things. My "agenda" each day is to live and breathe Jesus. Souls are not mine to save...so there is no reason for me to keep track of that. Impact often isn't seen or felt for days...weeks...even years after it's made so how do you measure that? If I am respresenting Christ in all I do and say...to the best of my ability...and being real and authentic about my struggles and the work He continues to do in me...then He is going to take care of the rest. His light will shine through me. His love will flow from me. His grace and mercy will cover those around me.
How and when did that come about? The shift that made church and ministry more about the outcomes and the polished look of the event than the people and the realness of who Jesus is. As I read Acts I don't see a lot of scripture dedicated to who had the best potluck dish....the competition of who led the most people to Christ....the gold medal for whose life was most transformed after attending a church service.

May I never be so complacent in my faith that I take the gift of my salvation for granted. May I never grow so proud that I think that He needs me to carry out His will. May I never feel so jaded that I forget who He wants me to reach. May I always see people the way He sees them.

So anyway. Saturday was great. And I have no clue what God is going to do with it next.