Random thoughts...

So you Wisconsinites know that it snowed VERY much on Sun. Marlon & I got up & went to Taycheedah & did the morning services, however, because of the snow & how bad it got in Fond du Lac while we were there-we came home in between the morning & afternoon sessions. So much was accomplished in the morning. There had been a mix up in the schedule so the choir had been prepared to worship. I certainly didn't want to take away their thunder so I offered to sit out but they wanted me to lead so we all led together. God was certainly at work--it sounded amazing! It was such fun to all be up there together. We don't normally do the morning service so we got to see ladies we haven't in awhile. Also, the officers were super laid back (plus it was the medium security unit) so they let us mingle and talk a little. One of the ladies we've seen & chatted with the entire time we've gone to Taycheedah (almost 5 years) came up to us & let us know that she'd been praying for us to come & needed to see us. Then she made me cry because she put her hands on our shoulders & said that she needed to tell us that we made such an impact on the ladies there-we would never know-she knew that God was of ultimate importance & she loved Him...but she wanted us to know that her life was better for knowing us. Humbling. I wish those ladies could know what they bring to us. WE are the ones who are better for knowing THEM.
Work is going well. There is a ton on my plate, but it certainly isn't boring...lol. I am excited though because of a new venture there is that I can be part of. I can't remember if I've blogged about the store front that Elmbrook now has. There are so many ministry possibilities--but the key is that it can't become an "Elmbrook" hang out--we want it to be an outreach, offer & provide services to the community. that is definately something I will be a major part of. Perhaps someday even as "job"---prayerfully so.
I spent a few hours with one of my mentees from Teen MOPS-Jackie yesterday. We had such a wonderful talk. Today I spoke with another mentee Felice for about an hour. What those conversations had in common was that they reminded me how significant we can be to others around us. It's so easy to get bogged down with our own stuff, consumed by our schedules, our kids, our "personal" time, our celebrations & not see the hurt, pain, anguish, & loneliness that is around us. I don't say this to make anyone feel guilty...because there are certainly times that we need to recharge & refuel ourselves. But for the most part, as a society, I think we are totally self consumed. Often what we are consumed with is stuff. What our homes look like, what kind of clothes we have, car we drive, neighborhood we live in, places we vacation, gadgets our kids have. Most of us are privileged in a way others can only dream about. There are numerous people in our sphere of life who need us to befriend them, offer hope, share their lives. Don't write them off as just another addict, another teen mom, another drop-out, another "underprivileged" They are a child of God. Jesus said that he would come as we least expect him...the impoverished, the homeless, the undesirable. Are we turning our noses up at him? Are we rolling our eyes at him? Are we judging the way he looks or the poor choices he makes? Just thoughts...not sure why.
Well...time to wake my honey up (he fell asleep on me...lol) & head off to bed. Nite!

Cheesecake, Basketball and Prison

Only in my life would those three things happen in the same weekend...lol. So last night we used the gift certificate we got from Kwame for Christmas to the Cheesecake Factory. Neither of us had ever been there--wow was it good! When we are alone-the wait is actually nice because it's just more time spent alone. The menu had a million and one choices and made it hard to decide but I settled on the orange chicken. Very good.
Today is Upward and a afternoon of games. Marlon coaches both of the boys teams. Isaiah opted out of Upward because he wanted to play second session of indoor. It's hard not to let them do everything they'd like--but to me it just isn't logical to play 2 sports at one time and it isn't healthy to put in a kids mind that they can do everything and be everywhere. I know there are some families that choose to do that and they have every right to and it might work fine for some people. I have had a couple of people say things to me like--oh they're kids, it'll be fine, just let them...but honestly Marlon and think that there is no reason to play two sports at one time. There are plenty of sports that have different seasons and there is no reason to never have down time, never rest. It's one of the things I struggle with as an adult and I know some of that is from always feeling that I can be part of everything and that I will have energy and strength to "do it all". It never happens that way. Our bodies were designed for rest as well.
Prison comes in tomorrow. Marlon and I will be at Taycheedah ALL day. A few times a year we do both morning and afternoon sessions so we'll be there from about 7:30am to 4pm and have 4 services during that time. I love going to Taycheedah. The women there are so full of love and it is quite something to see God working in them. It's a blessing to be able to lead them in worship. Even with my horrible cold and sore throat---I know that God will take the worship time and make it His.
So that's the weekend in a nutshell. Cheesecake, basketball and prison. Yep---sounds good to me!!

Where did a week go?

Wow--this week just zoomed by! It's funny because I totally didn't even post that Monday was our 9 yr. anniversary...lol. Marlon and I are going to dinner tonight--so I guess I really didn't even think about it on Monday much. It's amazing the way God has worked in our marriage. Our first few years were VERY hard. We had kids to begin with, I went through some depression, Marlon's faith skyrocketed while mine floundered, we had different goals (at first I was NOT happy about his desire to be in ministry full-time)...every issue, every conflict just became all out wars. Twice I was ready to give up and the 2nd time I think Marlon was too. Sometimes I think Satan uses your doubts and hurt and pain to make you never want to forgive, never want to see the big picture. We were letting that happen. After meeting with a pastor friend of ours (back then he was just Marlon's friend), we started to see things differently. We still had a long way to go but we stopped looking at each other as the enemy. Also, there were a lot of people praying for us. I didn't realize how many until this past fall when we were at Harvest Fest and a couple came up to us that had attended Elmbrook way back in 00' when a lot of our problems were at their height & had served in Children's Ministry with us. They let us know how wonderful it was to see us working together in ministry, how great it was to hear Marlon's testimony and see the love between us because they'd been praying intensely for us during that time. Isn't that amazing? So it's so true that you never know who's praying for you!
Wicked was so wonderful! I have some cute pictures of Jordyn, but for some reason blogspot isn't letting me download them right now. I'll try again later. I found everything just so easily I know it had to be a blessing. I am very directionally challenged. We walked around downtown (as best I could with my hurt heel--still hurt from the Amazing Race-Breakaway...lol) ate at a cute little diner down there, showed her some of the places I used to go when I went to school in downtown Chicago, had Starbucks and then of course saw the show. I love musicals when the set is minimal--just enough to create the scene. The acting was great and the singing as well. Really a good production. It was just fun to hang out with Jordyn for some girl time.
Work is picking up momentum which I like. There are new possibilities in ministry with a storefront center that we are having. I met with the Pastor over it and saw the place this week and my mind started to skyrocket with all of the things that can happen there. He even approached my bosses (with my okay) to see about allocating some hours for development of it, but there aren't any to give away. I'll have to talk to him now after that's happened to see what evening/weekend things might be in store. It led to a great discussion with my boss though--she let me know that they (I have two bosses in Children's ministry actually) have been aware for awhile that my heart is shifting to needing the people contact of ministry---that God is working in me---and they see that I will only be with them for a season. What an open and honest discussion. I have worked in such dysfunctional work environments that it was almost odd to have such an open conversation with a boss! She released me to from feeling like I need to keep it a secret that I'm excited about what this opportunity will lead to. I told her it's all in God's timing, but it's fair to say that when a ministry versus administrative position opens up I will be fine with transitioning to it. I respect them very much and do love my job still--I just know that God has more in store for our family than it. My other boss said it well....especially as we've been learning so much about Jubilee and Sabbath at Elmbrook this year. He said he sees this job as my Sabbath. That I was burnt out and tired from social work and needed spiritual uplifting and development and time to focus on our family and leave my job at work. This position is definately that. When the time is right God will move me back into ministry-social concerns because that is where my heart is and where so many of my gifts lie. It was so nice to hear that he thought that. I'm so grateful for them. So I'll just keep praying for God to make clear my path so that I don't move before he'd have me move.
Well, time to get off to work. Everyone else gets to stay home and I have to go to work :( That's okay--they'll have a good Daddy bonding day!!

Wicked!!!

Well Jordyn and I are heading out for our fun day in Chicago! I am so excited to see Wicked--especially with someone who loves musicals as much as me :) Pray we don't get lost and if we do, I keep a calm level head. Love to you all!

Philippines or Bust!

Well, our good friend came over today and got us our tickets for the Philippines! It's official now that Marlon and I will be going this summer for our prison ministry. We leave July 22nd and will return Aug. 2nd. 12 days. I know it will fly by as 3 days are really traveling there and back-so we'll have 9 days in the Philippines. During that time we'll be in prisons just about everyday and visiting with the inmate families. Marlon e-mailed Brother Bob today to confirm the dates with him so he can start preparing. This timing worked perfect because we won't miss
Elijah's birthday and we'll be home in time for Kids Kamp. Also-we don't get back from Biloxi leading the vacation bible school until June 30th. At least now we'll have a couple of weeks before we are on the road again! (or in the air as it may be...lol)
We have a wonderful group of family and friends that are going to pitch in and help with the kids. I know the hardest will be that if Isaiah makes select soccer again he'll be in conditioning and Jordyn may get a job this summer. I know that God will work everything out and I have complete faith that He will take care of us all while we are apart. In the scope of life what is 12 days? I am thankful that I have family that is understanding (because I know there will be many who aren't), true friends who see our ministry as important (because there will be many others who don't understand) and children who know how important it is to do God's work and are willing to sacrifice time with their parents so that they can accomplish the call He has on their life.
I know July is going to come VERY quickly!!

The Amazing Race

Well-I can't tell you if we won, or even what the day was totally like because the crew of The Amazing Race-Breakaway Edition want to keep all of the details a secret until March...but let me tell you that Connie and I accomplished things today that I would never have imagined that we could!! I can't believe it! If I had seen the activities and challenges of the day that we were going to have to participate in---I would have never signed up! You can do so much more than what you think when you put you mind to it. We also prayed a lot along the way for strength. Each leg of the race was so cool and the day was so fun! The ladies that put this on should get a BIG round of applause for coming up with such a very cool day!!
The conference as well was so wonderful. I will blog more tomorrow probably....right now I am still in wet, cold clothes and need to get warmed up and probably go right to bed I am so exhausted!! Chubby girls can race too!!
Nite!!

Yes Troy I Must Blog About It...lol

So tonight Isaiah scored!! :) He was very happy. Indoor has been really good for him...understanding the game more, gaining confidence, having better control of the ball...but he still hadn't scored. Marlon's been telling him...sometimes you gotta just take it and tonight he got his chance. When Marlon asked him what Troy said when he scored Isaiah laughed and said something about reading it in the blog. Does he know Isaiah's mommy or what? lol Sometimes I forget that he is still in his first year of select and in learning mode--it seems like he's been in it forever. They played good tonight--really meshing as a team, passing and a lot of guys scoring.
Tonight I am doing a little cleaning and organizing the house. If all goes well I will go straight from work to the Ministry Wives conference tomorrow. I am so excited. The rest of the family will be busy while I am gone--so I am a little worried about what the house will look like when I am gone. I think Marlon felt bad when I said there were things I wanted to do before I left. He asked why they couldn't do them. I told him that I knew they'd be busy and probably wouldn't get done--then I'd come home Sat. early evening and there'd be a mess. He said, "Thanks for having confidence in us." While I can empathize with his feelings...I still know what it's like around here when the schedule is busy--plus I won't be here. Marlon is gone all day Thursday, Thursday night is basketball practise and Jordyn is watching my niece, Friday is school all day, I think Marlon has a meeting, Jordyn is going to her dad's and Marlon is going with the boys to Troy's house, then Sat. is basketball games all afternoon and we'll all get home around the same time (5ish) It's not so much that I don't believe he'd like to do some things around here (he actually does a good job cleaning when he does) it's just that they really won't even be here to do anything. My main concern is the living room, bathroom and laundry. My bosses are letting me come in tomorrow at 10--so I will stop back home after taking the boys to school at 8:20 and pack/get things ready.
My sister and I were picked for a "Breakaway Amazing Race"!! We are so excited!! That is also Sat. morning (I will have to miss a little of the conference) The competition will be taped and then shown at Breakaway in March. If you ever are looking for a fun, relaxing, spirit filled weekend--then Breakway is it. It is a little pricey, but not when you think of all that you get. It's $220 for the whole weekend, 4 to a room, several meals included, training materials, little gifts and the seminars--at the Grand Geneva no less.
Finally---FYI---if you are looking for a fun, cheap, family event-Elmbrook is sponsoring a SUPERBOWLING event on Feb. 3rd. Click HERE for details. The boys and I will be there--it'll be a TON of fun!
Off to switch the laundry and start folding!! Nite and love to all!

"Naughty" magazines...oh my goodness!

As you know I love telling crazy stories about my kids. As I read more and more mom blogs it seems we all like to do that actually...lol...probably a very bonding thing for mommies!! Anyway--here is the latest.

So the boys are across the street playing football. There is a little lot in front of an apartment building where they often play. I hear kind of this yelling/crying/giggling and all three boys come flying in the house. They all jump on the couch. Izzy is covering his eyes and is moaning, Elijah is beat red and saying, "oh man, oh man..." and Isaiah is holding his stomach like he's going to puke. Marlon and I ask them what's up and Isaiah says, " Across the street we were playing and there was something in the middle of the field...so we went over to move it and...and...it was a NAUGHTY magazine!!!" Oh my goodness...their faces...Marlon and I looked at each other and at the same time you want to laugh and are flabbergasted at what you've just heard (now I know why they were making such strange noises...lol) Marlon asked what happened. Elijah says that they picked it up (not sure which one) and then saw what is was and tossed it off to the side. Izzy continues to sit on the couch eyes covered saying, "it was so nasty...ohhhhh..." and then Isaiah says, "Well, Elijah was gonna turn the page...I think he liked it...but then he didn't, he just threw it" Elijah says, "Man-there were naked ladies in there! Sick!" Of course by now I am near tears from holding in my laughter. Marlon tells them they did the right thing to throw it aside and come and tell us. I let them know that if that ever happens again they can always come to us. We ask if they looked at it and tell them if they did we understand they might be curious and we want to talk about it. They all continue to say that they did not look through it all, just the main page. I let them know that some people look at those and it isn't right and they definately shouldn't have left them where little kids can see them. They've started to calm down by now and then Isaiah stands up and totally serious says, "Well, okay guys...we'd better pray for forgiveness." I had to leave the room for a second to laugh...lol. I let them know they could pray if they wanted to but to know they did the right thing by leaving it there and coming right back home to tell us and that I hoped they would know they can always continue to tell us things like that.
So anyway. Who says parents put kids in therapy...I think it's the other way around sometimes! lol

Amazing story

So today Jill Briscoe spoke at church. She is an amazing story teller and I love it when she comes to speak. If you ever get the opportunity to hear her--try and get there. Anyway-she was talking about people's "silent years". In Jesus' life, the ages from 12-30 are often spoken of as the "silent years" because there is nothing in scripture to talk about really what he was doing during this time. Jill made interesting point that he was probably being prepared for what he was to do...and by the statement he made in the temple at age 12 (why were you looking for me? didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?) it would appear that he knew he was the Messiah. So she shared about a time in her life when she felt like she was in her "silent years". Her husband Stuart, had just started this worldwide ministry and would travel for months at a time. She was home with three little ones and had been pulled from a ministry when they moved. As she was feeling sorry for herself, she prayed and felt God telling her that she was to be out and LOVING people. Everyone she came in contact with and she was also supposed to be drawn to God's heart to know him more. She started getting a sitter at night and would go to the streets and love on the street youth. One summer a boy named Charles who was about 16 was sent to be her helper--doing yard work and such. He was complaining about being bored and hating where they lived. Because God had changed her heart, instead of agreeing him...she told him about this street ministry and invited him to come. So he did. And he was very afraid-but she didn't know that because he kept coming. After a time he was comfortable and one night she looked for him and he was with a 14 year old leading them to Christ. Of course that was decades ago and after that summer she really didn't give it much thought. Awhile back she was in Canada for a Just Give Me Jesus conference with Billy Grahams daughter and the Pastor of the church asked Jill to stay and teach afterwards. She did. When the Pastor went to introduce her...she was amazed to hear him say, "Many, many years ago...when I was 16 I met Jill and she taught me how to love people." Can you believe it? Charles had gone on to be a great man of God and Pastor of this church in Canada!! Of course she had tears in her eyes as she said...so you never know how God is going to use your "silent years", I almost missed that opportunity...
Oh, I wept. I wept because I so often relate to Jill. I wept because how kind is God that he would give her the gift of meeting this man again. I wept because it's so easy to be an ambassador for God and so often we do miss it. How glorious it is when He allows us the privilege of knowing someone whose life we affected, because of HIM...not because of us.
It makes me even more excited for next weekend. I will be at the JBU Ministry Wives Conference where Jill is one of the keynote speakers. This will be my 3rd year attending and I always have such a wonderfully relaxing and challenging time. There is something about being together with all of those women whose husbands are Pastors and ministers and missionaries...although we are all soooo different-there is a bond that it difficult to explain to others. I learn so much from the speakers and more seasoned women who've been in ministry often times longer than I've been alive!
Today was a fun day even if we did miss Marlon (his long prison day-from 9:30am-11:00pm) It was my sister's birthday so after church we went to Applebee's and then back to my parent's house for cupcakes and sugar free cookies for my sister, mom and I (we're really gonna lose that weight this time--besides if I might climb Aconcagua I have no choice...lol) Jordyn went to friends then and the boys and I rented some movies off of In Demand. Now the house is quiet and I have an hour and a half before my honey comes home.
Have a good night!!

Addiction...

Spider Solitaire....can't....stop....playing....it....!!