moving to the rhythms of His grace

javamamma is on the move!

2009-03-21T21:11:00.001-05:00

I'm moving!
Literally (in May) and in blogland (right now!).

Follow me over HERE to javamamma.vox.com!

a story in the making

2009-03-17T21:59:00.002-05:00

So, a week ago my husband gave his resignation to our congregation here in Farm Town. It's quite a story and I won't share it all now, but hopefully I will take the time to blog it sometime - it's a good God-story!

We will be here until June 1 but then are taking this part-time traveling ministry to the next level. We will be re-locating - actually back to my hometown, wince we came from 4 years ago. We have been given a small apartment to live in rent-free so we can focus on the mission at hand. Taking the revolutionary power of Jesus to the U.S. and the world. {first stop: Ireland in June!}

We're extremely excited and have been anticipating this season for a while now. But there is a down side, it's leaving a beautiful group of people we have been doing life with for 4 years now. Our season here has been wonderful and a definite season of the Lord, for this congregation and for us. I'm thankful we're just moving down the road 3 hours and grateful that the planet has become so small in recent times ~ Facebook will be a huge blessing!

There's so much more to share as this is the very short bottom line of it all - hopefully soon. And while I'm at it, here's a couple more changes soon to come....

I will probably also be transitioning out of Blogger and over to Vox ~ with just one blog.

And we will take up our 'homeschool family' status once again. Traveling seems to be easier that way!

downsizing

2009-03-11T15:10:00.002-05:00

So, downsizing seems to be a theme in the world today. It is in our lives but not for the reasons most would think ~ much more on this thought a little later in the month.

For now, downsizing means consolidating blogs. I have 4 here at blogger. An idle blog at Homeschool Blogger that I'm still trying to cut 'n' paste into Word for posterity's sake. And most recently one over at Vox. I think the Vox one is going to become THE one for me. But baby steps, my friends.

For now, I've posted my last post over at 'Stones of Remembrance', the blog I've used to document my kids' milestones and such. This last post over there includes a buncha photos ~ go take a peek!

my daybook

2009-03-10T08:24:00.003-05:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook: March 10, 2009

Outside My Window... icy snow.

I am thinking... about the next 24 hours.

I am thankful for... God's wonderful thoughts towards me and His plans that excite, yet terrify me.

From the kitchen... I left a mess last night but woke up to it being tidied up....by My Beloved, late last night.

I am wearing... sweats ~ still need to shower but there's some cleaning that could be done first.

I am creating... memories for my kiddos {and me} on the faithfulness of God.

I am going... nowhere for a while. *sniff*

I am reading... Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies". It's quite raw and organic.

I am hoping... for silence after tomorrow. Or atleast limited phone calls.

I am hearing... many friends and mentors cheering us on in the faith.

Around the house... are many piles.

One of my favorite things... a fresh, full pot of coffee when I drag myself outta bed in the morning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Single's Group tonight ~ I'm hosting on my own so we can multi-task and My Beloved has a board meeting. Wednesday is prayer & worship ~ my fav night of the week. The kids have Thursday and Friday off~ I really wish we had traveling plans for those days but nada.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Mitch and I got to see the Blue Man Group at Universal Studios a couple weeks ago in Florida. We had such a fun night together!

that kinda woman

2009-03-04T08:46:00.003-06:00

I received this in an email today. I love it! It's my two-fold passion: loving on Jesus and giving the devil hell.

(yes I did just say that)

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!

Things that make me smile ding

2009-03-02T17:07:00.002-06:00

Found this over on Jenni's blog. Thought it looked fun!

Grinning on the inside smile
yes, I DID work-out today

Eyes rolled back in your head smile
holding hands with My Beloved on City Walk in Universal Studios

Yes, I'll have another thankyouverymuch smile
warm funnel cake on a cool summer evening

Taking a stroll down memory lane smile
watching my kids acting like pros while flying for the first time

Put your feet up and relax smile
a fairy that comes when I'm gone for days at a time and tidies up the house, making it not feel so empty when we come home

I knew He would all along smile
My Beloved giving me permission.....I'll share in about a month or so

How funny is that? smile
my nephew pounding his new drumsticks all over the apartment so much so that the neighbor wondered if he got a drumset. No, auntie just bought sticks, that's all.

I could do this all day smile
laying on the beach, listening to the ocean

Grinning with anticipation smile
a new routine come fall

This is what I was made to do smile
Worshiping at the keyboard (with a drummer who follows) in a dimly lit room with people who are just basking in Jesus' glory

Make your eyes twinkle smile
listening to my husband converse passionately about life and ministry

happy days these are

2009-02-28T16:09:00.004-06:00

I've become the blogger I despise - so inconsistent with posts few and far between. Blah.

This past week was way fun. A week ago, we were traveling back home after leaving the kids with family 3 hours away. Then on Sunday afternoon, we hauled an Explorer full to a service we were doing 1 1/2 hours away. We got home around 1am-ish and slept about an hour before rising, showering and finishing packing for our trip to Florida. We headed for the airport about 4:30. I actually slept about an hour on the plane - first time ever I think.

We enjoyed a unique Pastor's Idea Exchange for a day and half, then spent the next 24 hours on a belated Valentine's Day date. We got to see the Blue Man Group perform at Universal Studios on Wednesday night - so cool.

Jesus blessed us with some seriously discounted items at Dillard's - I mean seriously good deals. Seriously. We overpacked the bags and flew home Thursday evening. Being ravenously hungry when we arrived about 9pm, we had dinner at Famous Dave's before heading home.

Friday morning we headed down the road to pick up the children and bring our family back together in our own home. Today is laundry and finishing up schoolwork. And the kids are catching up on play time in their own habitat.

We'll settle in for a few days, then I will go to a women's retreat next weekend. Happy days these are!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-16T22:37:00.004-06:00

~february 16, 2009

Outside My Window... darkness ~ and remnants of the past week's big snow.

I am thinking... of what needs done this week before hauling the kids to my family's so Mitch and I can head to Florida.

I am thankful for... a home spacious enough to host dinners for 10 or 15 times 2. and for excellent reports, yet again, from each daughter's parent/teacher conference meeting.

From the kitchen... too many Valentine's Day desserts that will ultimately end up in the trash with me watching money be tossed to the wind but figuring that is better than pounds to my thighs.

I am wearing... some dark roots that will be blonde on Wednesday morning.

I am creating... energy and motivation to do some down-sizing.

I am going... off to Florida for a few days with My Beloved.

I am reading... Genesis 1 and 2...over and over again.

I am hoping... only in Jesus.

I am hearing... Corey Asbury's team worshiping Jesus.

Around the house... things are shaping up.

One of my favorite things... a husband who blesses me always.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: hosting our young adults for dinner and bible study tomorrow night. getting my hair done by our former stylist who is back in town for the week - yay! laundry and packing to leave on Saturday (back home), then Sunday (back home), then fly out on Monday morning.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... here's a few, recap of the month so far

Chandler's bowling Birthday party

Jaci's first band concert

the 'worst snow storm of the year' - that's what they were predicting,
I think it qualified.

our Valentine's Day table, set for our 5 plus 2 guests

updating

2009-02-13T19:43:00.003-06:00

So it's been a good week.

It started off with our weekend guests hanging out through Monday so we went in to town for lunch before getting the kids and moving on with our afternoon. I actually napped a bit before supper. Nice.

Tuesday was prep day. Getting life in order so I could leave town for 24 hours, starting first thing Wednesday morning. There were desserts to make, Valentines to sign, laundry to run and clothes to pack.

Wednesday morning I headed down the interstate with a couple gals from church. It was time for a soak in the prayer room at IHOP. We took the longer, scenic route as I got a little too chatty and just drove...and drove...and drove and missed two of my exits. Ooops.

Nevermind that, we spent from about 2:30 pm to midnight in the prayer room. Heavenly. I was made for this. In that 7 1/2 hour stretch, there wasn't a ho-hum set. They were all glorious. Which makes for a great day with Jesus.

One gal just couldn't pull herself away, so we left her there through the night. She was still kickin' at 9am when she finally was pulled away so we could get ready to make the trek home. Gotta love passion! The trip home was much shorter. And filled with nice conversation.

That evening was Jaci's first band concert ~ which she performed fabulously in. It was a fun evening with grades 5-12 performing. The band teacher is a genious, I'm pretty sure. My mom and sis came down to attend, and arrived in time to have supper with us.

At 9pm, when that was over, we continued an hour down the interstate to the airport to pick up a friend from Texas so he can hang out this week. Arriving home late and not getting to bed til near 2 was just fine since school had already been called off for the report of 'the worst snow storm of the year' heading our way.

I shut off all alarms and email chimes but was still awakened by a text at 7am from my daughter just across the house. She saw that the snow hadn't started yet and was sure they would be having school. I tried to assure her via text that no, school was already cancelled, they would not be going. I ended up having to get up and walk in to her room to convince her that they would not be having Valentine Parties today. (the snow hit on the day of Christmas parties too. life is so unfair.) So much for no alarms and sleeping in undisturbedly. Ah well. I did go back to sleep and didn't wake up til about 9. So nice.

The snow did hit just shortly after 7 and I think we have atleast 6 inches or so. I haven't left the house though everyone else has at one time or another. My afternoon has been spent cooking meals and baking bread and dessert for tomorrow's big dinner. As well as helping a friend set up a google account complete with her own gmail. The fireplace has kept us quite toasty and we have drank our fill of coffee.

Tomorrow is our Annual Family Valentine's Day dinner which will include 2 single guests - no matchmaking here though. Mitch and I will celebrate our couple-ness in another week with a ministry trip to Florida without the kiddos.

That's been my week. Posted here for journaling's sake!

like no other

2009-02-07T21:44:00.004-06:00

Two and half hours away from home, after a few phone calls, we discovered we were going to be responsible for hosting company tonight. Where this is usually no biggie, this time was going to be quite a stretch.

I like coming home to a clean house when we travel but this week didn't lend itself to cleaning the house before we left on Thursday. We had such a busy week that I hadn't done any cleaning, the kids hadn't had any time to pick up the toy clutter and the guest bedrooms hadn't been touched since the last round of company. On top of that, I needed to prepare 3 desserts for our Couple's Night Out tomorrow night. The afternoon was going to be packed without the addition of company. Not really time to get a house 'company ready' and have more than Hamburger Helper ready for supper.

After my initial freak out, my spirit began to beat my flesh into submission and remind it that, this is what we do. We serve. We are flexible. We have grace to do what needs done in the moment. And life was really going to be OK.

I began to develop a plan and a check list and briefed the kids on their roll as soon as we arrived home. We pulled into the garage 2 hours later and grabbed the first load of luggage and groceries to take in and find a discreet spot for. As I walked in the back door, I noticed the kids' boots were all lined up. I had the thought, "wow, I don't remember the kids picking up the back room before we left but great." As I rounded the corner into the kitchen, then walked into the living room I was welcomed by freshly vacuumed carpet and my chairs a little off-centered. What the heck?

After further investigation we realized someone(s) had cleaned the house {and swept out the garage}. Honest to God. All I had to do was re-sheet the beds and wipe down the toilets. Everything was tidied, dishes put away, furniture dusted, floors mopped or vacuumed. Stinkin' clean.

Here it is 10pm. I made the desserts, fed my company a decent supper and am now sitting at the computer, ready for tomorrow. The blessings of the Lord are amazing. Servant-hearted people who hear and obey the voice of the Lord are priceless. This life of walking with Jesus is like no other.

moving my heart today....

2009-02-04T07:53:00.002-06:00

This post and the article linked with it stirred my heart with His compassion this morning. Jesus, let Your Kingdom come. We need it so desperately to overcome this kingdom of darkness.

Happy Birthday, Chandler Hope!

2009-02-03T10:18:00.004-06:00

It's birthday day today! My middle princess, Chandler is now 8 years old! We fudged on the 'rules' and pierced her ears a couple weeks ago. But today, after school, we are headed to the bowling alley with a couple of her friends and then her favorite place to eat pancakes.

Chandler has a passion for authoring books and has written 4 so far. She loves to illustrate them herself as well. Her gentle, yet fun-loving, personality is a blessing to our family and everyone around her. She is generous and a peacemaker with her sisters. She loves to read, especially mysteries and about animals. In school, she is in both of the accelerated learning classes - quite a smarty! Chandler has a prophetic gifting on her life and we are loving watching it grow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 8 year old BABY!

a cake for an artist!

unprocessed, random thoughts

2009-01-30T10:34:00.005-06:00

Just was spurred with a random thought and figured I better get it on 'paper' before I lost it, or it consumed me.

"God isn't in the public schools" Right? I mean, that's the argument for many homeschoolers. (not all of them, I know) And then, the reason God isn't in the public schools? It's "because they have taken Him out". They meaning like the bad guys who 'took God out of school'.

So follow this thought.... They never knew God right? So they never put God in the schools. So how could they take Him out?

My unprocessed train of thought says, the only ones that could have taken Him out would be the ones that know Him. God left the public school when the Christians {who had Him} left with Him. And guess what? We're the only ones that can put Him back.

And any Christian who chooses to put their kids in public school and carry His presence with them every time they step foot in the school - they are the reason God could still have any influence in a secular institution.

This isn't an argument to challenge anyone's convictions on whether they homeschool or send their kids to school. It's just an argument to re-evaluate our judgements. To re-evaluate the thought that God would never tell a Christian to put their kids in public school. To re-evaluate our concept of the vastness of God.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-01-25T21:31:00.003-06:00

I've seen this around and thought I'd participate today. I'm not following the rules at all, especially since it's supposed to be posted on Mondays. Ah, well.

Outside My Window... a dark, snowy night

I am thinking... of potential life changes. ones I'd like to make now, but need to hold off a few months. more on this in the future, I'm sure.

I am thankful for... My Beloved serving Jesus in a nation across the globe and then coming back home to me.

From the kitchen... a cherry-pineapple dump cake that was a treat over the weekend but now needs to disappear before it ends up in my tummy everyday this week.

I am wearing... jeans, a size too big, my sparkly black shirt and slippers.

I am creating... many dreams in my head and trying to get them on paper... or atleast cyber-paper.

I am going... to write a book someday.

I am reading... Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright.... still.

I am hoping... that life takes a crazy turn, real soon.

I am hearing... my {still} jet-lagged husband snoring, the fan on the fireplace and Luke Wood singing.

Around the house... is much clutter. amazing how it piles up again so quickly.

One of my favorite things... enjoying the quiet.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Looks to be a pretty uneventful one. We had planned a Monday trip an hour away to a pastor's lunch but I'm not sure the weather is going to cooperate. Kids' activities are going to keep me from making a trip to the KC Prayer Room, I think. Another week gone down in mundane history.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Indian princesses

the mundane

2009-01-24T22:03:00.004-06:00

Well, Mitch got back, as scheduled, around 8pm on Wednesday night. Happy times! His body is slowing adjusting back to our time {and our life}. We had a nice family dinner on Thursday and played LIFE. Then him and I went out last night. Nice to have my date back!

Today was to be a relatively slow day. Him working on his message for tomorrow. We broke the boredom and decided to have a couple from church over for dinner. That meant heading for groceries, tidying the house a bit and making a decent meal....with dessert. :)

I have no excitement to blog about. This week will be pretty mundane. Then we head into a little more excitement for February, including my middle baby's birthday! We have some ministry travel scheduled, Jaci's first band concert, a conference we'd like to attend, and a possible trip to Florida at the end of the month.

I'll post a few pics of Indian affair next time. Including some rad gifts, My Beloved brought back for me!

words of blessing & life

2009-01-20T07:16:00.002-06:00

I love that IHOP is proclaiming blessing over President-Elect Barak Obama this morning. This president, more than any other, I feel the need to rise up in prayer for.

Sure, it's in obedience to scripture. And no, I don't think it's out of fear. But honestly, it's because I believe the impossible. If we pray life and blessing over this man ~that's exactly what he'll be for this country. And on the flip side, if we {as 'Christians} speak cursing and death over a man we did not elect, THAT is exactly what we'll get.

So, Lord, breathe on America again. Breathe on our leaders. Cause Your face to shine upon us. If your light shines on us, it displaces ALL the darkness.

21st century artwork

2009-01-19T21:52:00.002-06:00

My kids did these a couple weeks ago. And since then, have created many masterpieces. I think I'll market them and make a boat-load of money on this art! Do you know what they used?

this is Mitch & I. I love that our big lips are on the side of our heads. ;)

To see what us gals have been up to today, while Daddy is still away, go HERE. And hopefully Mitch doesn't have time or internet to see this before he comes home or I'll be in serious trouble with my kiddos. (Mitch, really, if you see this post - do not click on the link. For your children's sake)

his return

2009-01-15T20:32:00.004-06:00

So, Christin asked how I was doing without My Beloved....

By all appearances, things are really pretty good. Life is flowing pretty easily. It hasn't been too bad of a burden being a single mommy or pastor/worship leader or fire starter and maintainer. God's grace really is amazing.

I haven't minded the nights being home alone. The kids have done well about going to bed and relatively well about waking up and getting ready for school on time. I've made it to all the activities and meetings and managed them just fine on my own.

I just hate the emptiness. Emptiness in the house when we come home. Emptiness in my gut when I go throughout the day with no one to chat with. Emptiness when I crawl into bed...by myself. It isn't an overwhelming feeling, just a subtle ache.

All that to say that things really are fine. But I am most definitely looking forward to his return on Wednesday. And feeling like a married woman again. ;)

sad and mad

2009-01-14T11:51:00.004-06:00

I really wish I didn't have a soapbox. Really. I wish I was passionate about only Jesus. That I didn't have things in life that offended me to the point I get vehemently upset. Stuff, that in eternity, probably won't matter a heckuva lot.

But I do. I have soapboxes. One comes up more than the others. One that puts me at odds with family. Close family. Not My Beloved or my kids but close still the same.

My mind-button doesn't need a big push to set me off. Apparently, all I have to do is come across, by accident, a website ~ a tiny little tap of my button. No one forced it on me. I just saw it while searching Google. I just wanted to find out what Jesus called Himself. Names of Jesus. And instead I'm hit with firey words bashing my solid, passionate relationship with Jesus.

As if He's not a real person to interact with. That the only way to be a 'mature' Christian is to think and act this way. THEN, you're really something. That there won't be ebbs and flows, mountains and valleys, because it's all about 'book smarts'. All about knowing it in your head. And, I don't agree.

I've known 'it all' in my head since I was about 9, after giving my life to Jesus at age 7. And I loved Jesus and clung to Him through my teen years. But it wasn't until about 8 years ago that a passion, a beautiful passion, began to fill my life for Him. And now I'm desperately lost in love with Him. I've experienced His touch and I'm ruined for life. Nothing satisfies like His touch.

And I guess anything that belittles my love affair with Jesus makes zeal rise up in me. It's not just about me and Him. It's a zealful sorrow that these people ~the many Christians that only know Jesus by words on a paper~ will never experience the true, passionate love of the Creator of the universe. They don't believe in experiencing Him, so they never will. They're lost in a religion of history and words on paper. It makes me sad. Sad and mad.

hey, it's my 401st post!

2009-01-12T10:06:00.002-06:00

Sarah had this over at her blog. It's fun but short ~ makes it an easy one for me this morning.

Four Places I Go Over and Over and Over

my kids' school
the 'Bux
my computer
My Beloved's arms {everybody together...."awwwww"}

Four People Who Email/IM Regularly

uh, no one? I know, I'm lame that way.

Four Places I Like to Eat

my own table
Macaroni Grill
a good mexican restaurant
someone else's table ;)

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now

the 'Bux with My Beloved
somewhere in Europe....with My Beloved
DisneyWorld, with my kids
the IHOP prayer room~ I could use some focus about now

Four TV Shows I Could Watch Over and Over and Over

this is tough, we don't watch TV much {or try ever}
I like some movies like....
Fools Rush In
Serendipity
Master of Disguise (that threw ya, didn't it?)

And I guess when we do flip on the TV, Seinfield is a fav

travel-schmavel

2009-01-10T08:57:00.002-06:00

It's day 5 and we are on a little road trip. Just up the interstate 3 hours where my fam lives. I knew we'd want a trip anyway, and this weekend happened to be my nephew's birthday so it worked out well.

The only thing that didn't work out well is the roads. I checked the weather and road conditions before we left - windy, maybe a little snow, nothing terrible. Wow, I thought the internet never lied. Wrong I was. For a good 2 hour stretch (the drive is only 3), things were not well. I drove about 45 for a good chunk and still slipped and circled in the middle of the road for a few terrifying moments. All is well though and we made it.....alive. :)

It's amazing how an experience like that though makes a person, who LOVES to drive, a little skittish about heading home this evening. Thank You, Jesus for peace.

With my fun money, we got a hotel room instead of staying with family. The kids are swimming and I'm enjoying the hot tub. We'll have a little Starbuck's party here shortly and then have to check out. The never give you long enough do they? Whatever.

My mom invited us to lunch before the big party, and after the bash, we'll head home. A short 24 hours but a nice escape from a manless home. When we get home, these fine people will be there as the man of that home will be preaching in the morning. Then the routine week begins again.

I think I've decided to forgo the painting this time and stick to organizing. There is plenty to do. I doubt I'll get past the church to my own house. Too many piled up closets and storage areas. I run a thin line of offending some good church-goer by getting rid of something sacred when I tread here but tends to be my nature. :) The painting can wait til My Beloved gets home....and can help me.

Happy Weekend, all!

arriving safely

2009-01-07T20:27:00.001-06:00

My new favorite quote:

"Stop living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death."

Not sure where it originated but I read it HERE. Great post.

a manless journey of 16 days and nights

2009-01-05T19:02:00.004-06:00

So tomorrow's the big day. The beginning of a 16 day challenge for my girls and I. Mitch is leaving on a ministry trip~ the longest he's done since we've been a family. God's always poured out grace when Mitch goes away. And I expect this trip to be no different, it's just longer so it makes me feel a little nauseous when I really think about it.

The kids will be kept busy with school for the better part of the days, so that's good for them. And in planning for this time, I have developed quite a list of things to do that, hopefully will spread throughout the weeks without me losing motivation. That's my key: keep busy.

These are the times I wish a had old college buddies to hang out with. That I didn't really take Colossians literally when it says {amplified style} "...wives, adapt to your husbands...." I've adapted to him and my life is entangled with his. I don't have a separate life ~ like the kind where you have a job to throw yourself into or friends you chat for hours with or whatever. Nope. My Beloved and I do life together so it makes 'doing life' challenging when he's not here.

But it's all okay. Because I have another Lover. One that I can throw myself into loving even more so without the 'distraction' of my earthly lover. I anticipate many hours basking in the intimacy of this Lover for the next weeks. With the blessing of IHOP's webstream and a quiet house, I can take advantage of My Beloved being gone and having all kids in school and spend much time loving on My Jesus.

So that's the plan, Stan. A long list of organizing and cleaning {and maybe even painting} at the church and home. The glories of spending some extra time with My Jesus. For the evenings, the kids and I plan on working on some scrapbooking. Projects long neglected. A quick trip away this weekend~possibly with hotel room since a couple from church just dropped off money for 'those left behind'. A couple guys offered their services should any 'man-sized jobs' come up. (I asked one if he would come take out the trash everyday - he said yes.) But seriously, I have awesome church guys who would come if I had car trouble or house issues. And most importantly, the abundant grace of Jesus. I think we might have everything we need to survive our manless journey this month.

to those it may concern

2009-01-03T15:06:00.002-06:00

To those it may concern:

I took my "Journey" blog offline for a time. I needed a place to write the secrets of my heart, without worrying about who would see them. Just thought I'd let ya'll know!

passing into 2009

2009-01-01T10:20:00.006-06:00

Our New Year's Eve was fairly uneventful. Some people from church planned a game night, which we're not really into but since it was the kids' last night to see some friends who were visiting, we went over for about an hour and a half. I turned on IHOP - the prayer room- and read.

We came home about 10pm, when I was expecting the worship to start at 'onething' - to no avail. Not having been a part of the conference this year, I couldn't really get into the chatter and commitments and all. I just wanted to worship. Then the webcast started buffering, think CD skipping, not fun. Then just when they really started to worship at 'onething', the webcast switched back to the prayer room. Talk about stop and start, stop and start.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the kids had all pooped out about 11-ish. Mitch and I sat together talking into the New Year, mainly about our vague goals for this next year. It's obvious that we are in a time of transition and we just want what the Father has planned for us to do to glorify Him.

For me, my resolution at this point, is to write down all our dreams, thoughts and prophetic promises and pray over them like crazy. And I have a goal to fit back comfortably in my jeans. Those donuts I made this morning? That's all I'm eating for the next 2 weeks. :)

Here's a few snapshots of our last 2 hours of 2008...

me and my Bird

this little Bug is usually the first to crash - as was the case last night

This Girlfriend is fading fast

And this is from Christmas. Didn't I marry a hottie?

Happy New Year, all! I pray that you journey with our Jesus in 2009!

here a blog, there a blog.....

2008-12-29T16:21:00.001-06:00

Feeling contemplative, I've blogged over HERE today.

a little more adventure

2008-12-27T19:57:00.005-06:00

So, after a week of Christmas-y celebrating - we're home. In all the piles of Christmas gifts array - we're home. With all the laundry from traveling and pre-Christmas guests - we're home. With all the leftover sugary snacks - we're home. Can't say I'm thrilled with the fact, but - we're home.

It was a fun week, spent with a bunch of our most favorite people. We came home with a trunk-load of loot so it's out with the old, in with the new. I love getting rid of excess. So hopefully I can get rid of more than we brought in.

This week continues the holidays but we're still not sure what that's gonna look like for us. In years past, My Beloved and I have taken a group of young people to the 'onething conference' and left the kiddos with friends or family. Since Mitch leaves the country in 10 days, we're not going to disperse the children. So if we head out to KC, the kids would be going with and that is one option we've considered.

Another is to stay home, just us and our girls, enjoying family time before Daddy hits the road....I mean, the skies. But, since we tend to want a little more adventure than that, we've talked about inviting a couple families (with several young children) to come hang out. Decisions, decisions.

Honestly, I'm just trying to not live the next few weeks in dread. I look at the calender, and with My Beloved being gone on ministry for 16 days, the calender looks pretty bare. That does not sit well with me. I got a taste of life in the fast line for the last 6 months and, to be sure, I rather like it. Being stuck at home, in ho-hum daily life, does not thrill my soul.

Well, poo. This is a nice chit-chatty post. I'll post some nice photos of whatever we decide to do to ring in 2009, along with Christmas pics, later on in the week. Maybe we'll get to have a little more adventure than I foresee. And maybe I'll even try to get a grip on my blah attitude.

Christmas meme

2008-12-24T20:06:00.003-06:00

Gayle had this over on her blog. Looked fun and I'm just sitting here in a Christmas coma.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

For birthdays, I like gift bags but at Christmas it's wrapping all the way. I like them nice and matchey-matchey but my kids usually mess that up. ;)

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Real. But I want a fake one to put in the basement, as a second.

3. When do you put up the tree?

We usually go get it the first weekend in December - so about then!

4. When do you take the tree down?

It stays up til New Year's, maybe longer.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Oh yeah. Especially in coffee or to make chai tea with. And the icecream is way good!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Honestly, I can't remember one that stands out.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

The guys of the extended family. Nephews, grandpas, dads, bro-in-laws.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

myself. ;)

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Atleast one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Usually I send a christmas letter. This year - nothin' except a Merry Christmas in our e-newsletter.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Drawin' a blank on this one too.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Most of them. The oldies, the animated ones, the new ones.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

All depends when the money's there.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Uh, maybe.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Specifically at Christmas? Dipped pretzels.

16. Lights on the tree?

For sure.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

I'm growing weary of the hymns. The fun songs are catching my ear - Santa Baby, I'll Be Home for Christmas, The Twelve Days of Christmas (Reliant K -style). Happy Christmas (vol 4) is my fave CD this year. Very untraditional.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Both. Home today - gone tomorrow.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Maybe. Later.

20. Angel on the tree-top or a star?

Star. A very sparkly one.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Both. We definitely do stockings in the morning though.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Stress and crabbiness. I revolted on those this year!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

This year I like teals, turquoises, silvers....

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner?

Probably green bean casserole. We don't eat it any other time of the year but holidays.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

I had no list since I had a pretty blessed year - KitchenAide, lots of new clothes, trip to DisneyWorld, second trip to Florida..... I got three new mugs though and that's always a good gift!

merry christmas!

2008-12-21T15:47:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

aren't they the cutest?

2008-12-18T21:50:00.003-06:00

My holiday baking is winding down. Good thing since our Christmas celebrations begin on Monday.
Here's a rundown of what my week included....

People Puppy Chow
Dipped Pretzels (almond bark)
Gingerbread Cookies - cut out & frosted
Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
Sugar Cookies - rolled and cut-out ones (to be done tomorrow)
Peanut Butter Balls - 2 kinds since the first ones were kinda a flop
Cherry Mash
Holly Clusters
Peanut Blossoms
Cake Balls
Fudge Crinkles
Tarts (will be filled with Chocolate Mousse)
Peppermint Marshmallows
Holiday Chip Cookies
and the cutest cookies ever...
Christmas Mouse Cookies

For another 'cutest' GO HERE!

brown eyes in Wal-Mart

2008-12-15T07:53:00.005-06:00

We're home again. Great trip. Powerful ministry in the evenings and we had fun hanging out during the days. We even had a little adventure through the weekend. I'll try to share a condensed version.

I bought THIS BOOK a couple weeks ago after hearing the basic concept from the meetings with Joaqin Evans last month. After reading it, we've committed that we're going to begin to develop a lifestyle of looking for 'treasure', those people that God has divinely set up for us to minister to- outside the church.

The night before the true 'adventure', we were at Applebee's late after the service and had good conversation with our waiter, who was a Christian and planning on {with his wife} going to China next year for ministry. He was wearing a hip silver bracelet that said "Pray for China" that he ended up giving to me.

Soooo, on Friday we decide we're going to do a 'treasure hunt'. We have no time restraints. I want to do some shopping. I'm sure there will be plenty of other people shopping too and God loves all of them so maybe He would like to touch someone today through Mitch and I. {oh, and I'm wearing the bracelet}

Sitting at a local coffeehouse, we make a short, random list of things that we feel like God is showing us. A few things on the list are:
Wal-Mart {which we know exists but haven't seen yet},
camel,
neck brace,
Aisle 9,
brown eyes,
sinuses,
spatulas

We found Wal-Mart and started off browsing around aisle 9 for anything clues to who God was wanting to touch today. After verging on being creepy people-watchers, we decided to walk around a bit and look elsewhere. We walked around the store, half shopping, half watching and really ended up with nothing. We walked through checkout 9, to know avail. We weren't really discouraged because this way of life really doesn't pressurize ya, you either find something or you don't. We talked about leaving but Mitch really felt we weren't done.

We discussed the 'camel' he saw, and he said it was like Camel cigarettes. So, we located the cigarettes - checkout 19 (see the 9 in there? :}) I thumbed through a magazine while we scanned the little crowd around the checkout. A family walked up, ready to checkout - the dad (young) was walking with a walker. Not on our list, but a definite opportunity to pray for someone.

I get in line behind the family with my magazine and ponder how to start up conversation. I notice he is wearing 2 of the same bracelet given to me last night by our Applebee's waiter. Excellent way to break the silence!

We found out that 'dad' had a basic surgery that the doctors botched and he was paralyzed for who knows how long - possibly a year. We were able to pray for healing for this man and blessing over his entire family. While I chatted with 'mom', Mitch got a word of knowledge about a ministry future for 'dad', words 'dad' had heard before but he said he guessed he was running from it. A cool, God moment right there at Wal-Mart!

We continued on our day, looking for clues at Target and at the mall but didn't come up with any more 'treasure' for us that day. But we know that morning, at Wal-Mart, a little family was totally blessed, knowing that God knows where they are and wants to fully be in their lives while they go through it. And maybe there was even healing for this man - we just didn't see it right there in Wal-Mart.

Oh, the whole family except 'mom' had brown eyes, right there in checkout 19, in front of the camel cigarettes at Wal-Mart. :)

a first

2008-12-11T16:31:00.002-06:00

We figured out how to use my Blackberry as a modem, so I can now surf the net on my laptop while on the road. How fun is that?

Last night's 3 hour drive starting at 9:30 was much more endurable tuning into my favorite IHOP worship leader's set. And hubby got to surf while I drove. Kids slept. Everybody's happy.

We're headed for another couple nights of ministry with a group that meets on Friday nights. They added the Thursday for this week. The kiddos are staying with my family instead of making the whole trip with us.

Right now they are probably frosting cupcakes with my sister - the fun, crafty one! I'm telling ya, she's way cool. Got her 2 year old son and 3 1/2 month old daughter and my 3 princesses. She's a brave one! We'll see if her hubby actually got his sleep in today {he works the night shift}. Ha.

The reward of ministry on the road is a free hotel room for Mitch and I for the weekend. Revival in the evenings, long day dates. What else could a girl ask for? I'm hoping to get a little Christmas shopping done too. Perfect. I found out this town, out in the middle of nowhere {which means, it doesn't sit on THE interstate through Nebraska} has a Target. Yay. Just no Bux. But they do have a coffeehouse. I checked. Online. On my laptop. In the car. :)

in this moment

2008-12-09T09:34:00.004-06:00

The wind is blowing a million miles an hour today. I hate wind. Especially when it's only 17* to start with. Bluck.

We had a great service last night. What a great group that meets on Monday nights for worship and prayer and sometimes ministry from various men and women of God around the area. So many young people came. Very cool. We took one of our co-laborers with us, a mighty interceeding Gramma. She was sent here, by God, for us. Just ask her.

Also showing up was a good friend, who just spent a year at Hillsong Church in their leadership school. Yeah, I hated him for a while. But you get over it. :) He is preaching at our church this Sunday. I'm way excited to see how God has 'grown him up' over the past year. I'm a little like a mamma hen. I get totally stoked {and usually weepy} when I see people {especially younger ones} getting their world's rocked by the power of God. Like I said, I'm excited to see what kind of things God has developed in this guy's life.

I've had an emotionally rough last few days. No particular reason really. Besides the same ol' same ol'. We so need a breakthrough and some days there just seems to be no hope. I'm the first to cheer another on in their quest for God's destiny. I know all the right things to say. Heard all the inspiring messages. But some days, you just can't get through your fleshly head what you know is right. Blah.

My Beloved preached a message last night that I've heard 3 or 4 times. But I so needed to hear it again. In the moment. God's Word is powerful truth that comes alive in my time of need. He overwhelms me with His goodness. Both God and My Beloved. :)

Mitch just took the kids to school. We had told the teachers that we would have a late night so they would be in school a tad late. God has granted much favor between us and our school. Awesome.

We leave to head waaaay west tomorrow night. I have much to do between now and then. But this morning my stomach is not in a good way, and I'm having a hard time convincing myself to stand up. Jesus help me.

So that's my life. In this moment.

lazy coma

2008-12-06T19:42:00.005-06:00

Don't really have anything exciting to say but I'm sitting around in a lazy coma so I figured I mightaswell blog.

I started today off with sleeping in til 9:30. Not really something I endorse but, hey, whatever. Mitch had left shortly after 7 for a men's breakfast. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not a man. Us ladies tend to gravitate towards evening activities or at least brunches. 7:30am is not my style. So, yeah, after he left, I went back to sleep....for 2 more hours.

After a rousing cuppa coffee and a shower, I went to a Creative Memories Open House and snagged a few things for me and a couple of gifts. Didn't get home until after 12:30, where I found the kids and Mitch digging into leftovers and ramen.

This afternoon I needed to run to town to pick up Chandler, who had spent the night at a friend's house last night. I planned on making a deposit and picking up a couple things at Wal-Mart, but alas, I left my wallet {holding all debit cards and checks} at home. Doh. Thank You Jesus, I had paid online for the 1 hour photo development I had emailed over. So at least I got to take home my pics.

That lended itself to THE most productive part of my day. I put together 5 calenders for Christmas gifts. All I had to do was attach a photo on each month but, bless the Lord, I did something!

The kids and I threw together a batch of People Puppy Chow and I made Yakisoda for supper. Laundry is in process. The kids are now busy creating gifts for ALL the extended family- in between sisterly arguments. Joy. I have decided, with hubby's prompting, that anything else that was on the 'to do list' will still be here Monday. So that's the end of production for me, folks. I'm off to find a book or somethin'. I'll leave ya pictures from the past week. Of days more exciting....

first snow of the year. well, it mighta snowed while we were in Texas but we weren't here so it wouldn't count anyway.

some kind soul found this laser-totin' guy and mailed it to My Beloved. Mitch and his brothers had one just like it when they were kids. fond memories....now being re-created with our own kids!

the tree, in process

the finished product. the kids have been busy creating gifts so it's twice as loaded now.

the new doo. though it ended up looking a lot like the old one. ah well.

suspicion confirmed

2008-12-04T09:45:00.005-06:00

I fb'ed last week about our little Post Office being broken into on Thanksgiving. Knowing I got our mail on Wednesday and then Mitch was picking up Friday's mail, I wasn't really worried about us missing anything.

It wasn't until I received only one half of my Amazon ordered that was shipped on the same day as 'the other half' that I wondered about the other half being victim of the burglary. A letter in my mailbox today confirmed that suspicion...

"Enclosed with this letter are copies of mail that was taken from your post office box. The original mail pieces are being held by the United States Postal Inspection Service as evidence which may help solve the case. Your mail was taken out of your post office box and opened by an unknown person during the burglary of the BC NE post office......."

Though I'm disappointed to not have the books I ordered, I'm giggly about the fact that some 'bad guy' has THIS BOOK in his possession. "Here Comes Heaven! A Kid's Guide to God's Supernatural Power" was written by leaders in THE most supernatural church in America. This guy doesn't know what he's messing with. :) I pray the convicting love of the Holy Spirit will saturate this guy and totally mess with him!

I'm a geeeen-iussss

2008-12-03T18:28:00.003-06:00

The tree's up. Nativity and village scene are in place. And there are boxes strewn through my family room. So I've started the decor, just haven't finished. Maybe tomorrow.

This morning started off a good friend picking me up to go in to the 'Bux. Great way to start the day! We made a jaunt through Wal-Mart, I grabbed a few CD storage books/cases. Back home around 11.

I threw out about half our CD collection and zipped up the rest of the CD's. (I tossed the cases for those. Am I going to regret that?) Then I put our few DVD's in another case and tossed some more plastic. It feels so good to take up less space!

Hubby and I had a small lunch and I set out a couple more Christmas things. By then it was time to get the girls from school. I took a book along for the 20 minute wait I'd have. (You see, I have to get there that early to actually get a parking place to pick up my Kindergartener) But instead I had some genius ideas about a Christmas Tea Party for my girls and their friends and a small Christmas gathering for a few hip friends.....this in consolation to not having the {poorly} attending Annual Open House. Genius, I tell ya!

I put together a Cheddar Chowder for supper that was pretty yummy. I got the recipe years ago from my Pastor's wife but I'm not sure I've ever made it. Anyways, it was good. Now I'm sippin' afterdinner french press and we're about to head to Worship & Prayer. Good day. A good, productive, yet relaxing, day.

extravagant gift of love

2008-12-02T07:27:00.003-06:00

Now that December is here, I am ready to go "Christmas". I have resolved to enjoy the month and not let it slip by. Last year, I remember looking back over the season and telling Mitch, "I want a do-over". Then, I was trying to remember why it came and went so fast - so I looked back over old blog posts.....

OHHHHH, re-doing the kids' bedrooms right before Christmas contributed to the stress. Then all the 'normal' holiday school and church activities. Then preparing for our annual Holiday Open House (which will not be annual this year, but I get ahead of myself). The Open House invites/Christmas cards. Oh, and I was working. We were busy. Which never changes but my resolve can, right?

So this year I am intentionally s-l-o-w-i-n-g the month down. I'm not working. We are not in the middle of major home re-decoration. I am NOT hosting an open house- which means no deadline for the baking and no mandatory cleaning. (which is sad but happy at the same time) And get this. I am NOT sending out Christmas cards or writing a holiday letter. We are not in charge of holiday youth events. We have a pretty full week next week - traveling from one end of our state to the other, literally. But after that, it's just the normal church and school activities until it's time to head out to family's.

But more than cutting down on activities, I'm going to live in the moment. The glorious, Christmas holiday moment. It's easy to do when I look past all the temporary extravagance (that I LOVE) and look at the extravagant Act of Love that was poured out so many years ago. I am going to relish the one time, the world actually makes it easy to remember that Gift. All the lights, the pomp , the hoopla. For me, it all points to Him. To Jesus. The extravagant gift of love.

it's half time so here's some photos

2008-11-28T16:12:00.004-06:00

So, there's no shopping in this girl's day today. Town is too far away for an early morning trek and I hear things can be quite dangerous in the city anyways so I'm content watching football with My Beloved. Here's a reflection of the previous days events though...

I did most of the baking on Wednesday. Here's some yummy rolls and yes, I did eat one right out of the oven. Yum.

Here's some of the mess as I worked that day. KitchenAide, how I love thee.

Grandma's watching the pre-meal spectacular. See my simple, pretty table.

The dining entertainment was presented by these lovely gals.

Not sure why the TRUE drama queen wouldn't participate. Maybe because it wasn't ALL about HER. ;)

Here's me, trying to get through the day. {just kidding} It's just juice. Honest.

I made it though. Here's me at midnight....

...weary, but happy and very thankful for how Jesus has blessed me and worked in my life in 2008.

on the table

2008-11-26T07:59:00.002-06:00

Happy Day-Before Thanksgiving! The preparations have begun around here.

Brownies are baked - from a box.

Pumpkin Pie is in the oven - from frozen state.

My normal mode is from scratch, kill myself, a dozen side dishes that no one eats, and lots of stress. This year I decided to nix that mode and try something new. :)

It's just 7 of us, my fam and Mitch's parents. Tiny compared to my side of the family when over 30 of us gather at the table. Except for me, no one in this bunch is really exotic when it comes to food so I'm making the essentials (hopefully in small amounts!) and one semi-exotic thing ..... for me! Here's the menu.....

Turkey - I've only done a few turkeys in my lifetime but I'm going to try this style.

Mashed Potatoes (these are real) & Gravy

Stuffing - from a box, turkey and chicken seasoned

Green Beans - not casserole cuz no one really likes that but me

Corn Casserole - not sure if any but me likes this a whole lot but I think most will eat it

Relish Tray - VERY slimmed down to what we all like - baby carrots, olives (black & green), bread & butter pickles

Cranberry Sauce - from a can

Rolls - these are home-made and VERY yummy. Hopefully mom-in-law will bring her delicious strawberry jam. Maybe I should call....

Pumpkin Pie -from frozen but w/ real whipped cream

and for my kiddos who aren't pie eaters just a

box mix of Brownies - they may add the real whipped cream though!

The semi-exotic touch for me is Crab Cocktail (cuz my Gramma always does that because she's frugal and won't buy shrimp!) I am going to try this cocktail sauce.

To drink is Meier's Sparkling Juice or just pink lemonade or milk for anyone who isn't a fan. (but my kids are!) I guess I did pick up some mini cans of generic pop too.

So that's the plan, Stan. I am going to whip out these cinammon rolls for breakfast too. So I am doing my share of home-made or atleast that's what I tell myself!

Happy Thanksgiving! Let the holidays begin!

remembering texas

2008-11-23T15:20:00.006-06:00

The weekend is growing long without My Beloved here. So I took the opportunity to finally upload our pictures from our trip a couple weeks ago. Here's a few favs.

Bowling in Tyler. Everyone has their own style.

Chandler

Jaci

Robin

Hottest couple in the place!

OK, now on to our actual living conditions.....

This was our 'suitcase' for all 5 of us. Worked swell riding on the back of our Explorer on one of these handy-dandies......

And this was our room for 5 days. Our friends have a lovely home and this room connected to guest bathroom was better than any ol' hotel room - especially the bed. The kids were just around the corner, happy as can be. There, on the bed, is my freshly laundered clothes ready to be re-packed to head home. Yay for less laundry when we got home!

this is not it

2008-11-20T09:26:00.003-06:00

Posting from home today. I really need a shower but here I sit, sipping hot tea and typing away. I thought I'd post the theme scripture of this past weekend.....

It came out first at the Pastor's Lunch on Friday. A guy from the Bethel team had received a text from his brother the night before. Leviticus 26:3-13. Long story made short. This text was sent by the brother ONCE - it came to his phone over 200 times in the course of the 3 day conference. A half hour after the last meeting ended, his phone was flooded with all the texts he did not receive all weekend because THE ONLY ONE he got was the Leviticus one. Again, the brother only sent it once but it came over 200 times. Supernatural? Uh, yeah.

So, obviously God was speaking. Here is Leviticus 26 (I'll start about 1/2 way through the above scriptures listed), which is awesome from any version but there's some things I especially like from The Message so here is that...

"...I'll give you My full attention: I'll make sure you prosper, make sure you grow in numbers, and keep my covenant with you in good working order. You'll still be eating from last year's harvest when you have to clean out the barns to make room for the new crops. I'll set up My residence in your neighborhood; I won't avoid you or shun you; I'll stroll through your streets. I'll be your God; you'll be My people. I am God, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely...."

Pretty good stuff, huh? Another quote from the weekend, which is a core value at Bethel Church, is that God is good AND He's in a good mood. Imagine that. God is in a good mood.

Which really helps me in this thought I've had. Luke chapter 2 tells us that the angels cried out "Peace and Goodwill" when Jesus was born. That is, God declared (that through Jesus), peace and goodwill between humanity and Himself. I'm thankful to still be living in that season. And I want to grab hold of everything that He wants to pour out before this season is over. There is a day of judgement coming but this is not it.

12 days and counting

2008-11-18T11:29:00.003-06:00

We have been on the move for 12 days now, spending only 3 of those nights at home. And those nights we were at home? Two of them were after coming home around midnight. Glory.

Today I am yet away from home, typing this in the local Starbuck's. This trip is for me to share my passion and gifting, as I am leading worship for 2 nights of special meetings at our former (home) church. Last night was a powerful time with Jesus. A team from Bethel Church ministered and facilitated a flowing, Spirit-intoxicated service last night. Tonight our good ministry friend from Texas will be ministering. He always brings a fresh touch from Jesus as well.

The kids had/got to stay home for this 48 hour trip. Friends are keeping them so they could return to school after being out for 6 days. I talked to them last night and they seem quite content making the transition back into school. I'm sure most of that is because they are staying with some of the coolest people we know.

Mitch and I will return home tomorrow. He'll get 2 nights in his own bed, then fly back to Austin. While down there last week, he was asked to return to speak at a conference this weekend. He'll be away for 4 days and then return for our Thanksgiving at home. Yeah, we decided to go ahead and stay home this year! More than likely, Mitch's parents will come have dinner with us. Otherwise, it should be pretty quiet - and boring. ;)

That's our last 2 weeks in a nutshell. We have fuel receipts coming out our ears but amazingly only about 4 meal receipts. People have taken good care of us! Yeah, in fact, this trip we are staying at a nice hotel (paid for by the church), just me and My Beloved. Heavenly.

God is doing amazing things this season. We're jumpin' in with both feet. And He is faithful!

look up, look around

2008-11-05T08:34:00.005-06:00

Yesterday morning, as I was tidying up my kids bed mess - they slept on the floor, on couch pillows, in the family room...just because they can - I felt the Lord say, "I will not save America through a man, I will save America through My Church."

Now I prayed and voted for the man standing for morality and life, but all along I had a sense that Obama would probably win this election. And this is why - if McCain, our good ol' Republican "christian" would have won office, us Christians would more than likely sit back down on our butts and revel in our "Republican nation". Obama? If you're like me, he sends us to our knees like never before. In a sense, it is a wake up call.

But as I think about last night's poll results, I am not worried. I am totally and fully pumped and excited. Actually, Habakkuk says it well.

"Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen,
though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,
though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,
I'm singing joyful praise to God.
I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!"
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (The Message)

And I'm totally not lying to ya. I have such an excitement in my spirit, it's irrational. And I could use all kinds of scriptures to show you what I'm standing on. In fact, reallyniceday's preacher-hubby ministered at our church Sunday and proclaimed a message of hope that rocked. But here's just one passage and then a quote from "Celebration of Discipline" which I picked up and read first thing this morning.

"Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God's bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness,
BUT God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you. Nations will come to your light, kings to your sunburst brightness. Look up! Look around!
Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you:"

Isaiah 60:1-4a (The Message)

It's time! It's time for the Church to shine in all her God-given beauty. As darkness continues to cover the earth, we will point to the Solution. And believe me, as the years progress, people are going to be looking for a solution. Actually, I preached from this verse once. Do you know that the beginning is refering to being a reflection of His glory. The light that pours through us is not us, but us being a mirror to reflect His light to the world. So cool. (I wanna be a mirror, eh?)

And "Celebration of Discipline"...

"In our day heaven and earth are on tiptoe waiting for the emergence of a Spirit-led, Spirit-intoxicated, Spirit-empowered, people. All of creation watches expectantly for the springing up of a disciplined, freely gathered, martyr people who know in this life the life and power of the kingdom of God. It has happened before. It can happen again."

a completeness

2008-11-03T07:49:00.003-06:00

This morning I was flipping through a notebook I've wrote in off and on all year. It begins with a verse God gave me at "oneThing 2007" for 2008. Following is some verses and little whispers I got through our church's week of prayer in January. And then some nuggets God gave me at a one day retreat I took with my 'spiritual mamma'. Just page after page of sweet revelation and key words, verses and phrases to shape my life in 2008. And then....

I turn the page and find an inventory list of my kitchen cupboards and a grocery list. Thus is the life of a full-on for Jesus, maker of the home, eh?!

.....I was going to end there but ......

You know I actually love that this is what our Father intended when He created us. It's not categories of life, that you keep separate - spiritual, physical, emotional. It's 3 parts of us that we are to learn to mesh so that our whole life becomes embodied in Him.

When my babies were actually babies, I would get frustrated at my lack of time to just sit at His feet. And not that this time was not needed but I believe there's amazing lessons you can learn about God and His ways, just by living. Just by being mum.

This year (and maybe over the last several), I'm learning to find my life in Him. All of it. Not separating the 'spiritual' part from the 'mommy' or the 'cook' part. He made Adam and Eve to walk with Him - not to sit at a piano 24/7 with journal, bible and concordance open. (not that I'm opposed to doing that for a time, believe me!) It's about a completeness. Not but this OR that but ALL of it.

A week or so ago, in the course of chatting with some new friends, I used the phrase 'hands on Jesus'. I had never heard it before or thought it or said it. But now I ponder it probably daily. That's exactly Who we serve. A Man who wants to be totally hands-on in our lives. Totally involved with every detail. Not just the 'spiritual' stuff. He wants to be reality. He wants us to live like we believe He is right there. And that He can do anything.

But that leads to a whole 'nother thought. He can do anything. And He wants to do so much more than we really hope that He will. We just need to believe it and then "say to this mountain"....

fun fest

2008-11-01T19:25:00.003-05:00

October 31st means Fall Fun Fest around here and after much preparation, last night finally arrived. A few photos anyone? I thought so. :)

Jaci was Miss Kim for the 2nd year running. This year, in Kim's conference gear.

Chandler is another amazing woman - ME! ;)

The princess went as herself!

The adults got to enjoy the "Parent's Chat Lab".

One of the Slime Time games - donuts dipped in chocolate. This kid was awesome!

I was blessed to hear a non-churchgoer comment that our Fun Fest is such a tradition for them that they'll probably never go trick-or-treating. I don't care if they trick-or-treat or not but I thought it was cool that they look forward the bash so much!

And sadly, I regret that we got no pics of me. To go along with the Power Lab/Slime Time theme, I was an eccentric scientist-type. Sorta like Dr. Krunklehorn.

costumes comin' out my ears

2008-10-30T08:29:00.004-05:00

We're getting ready for our annual Fall Fun Fest around here. For the last 2 years, we've used Group Publishing's Fun Fest Curriculum. It's cool because it goes along with the VBS curriculum - kind of a second 'splash'. We didn't do VBS this year but I used the '08 Starter Kit and adapted it for our Sunday morning Children's Church for the month of October - so it's all fresh in their minds as we head into the 31st. Fun stuff.

Also this week, is Red Ribbon Week - drug awareness - at school. This year they're really getting in the groove by having a dress-up theme each day. Quite stressful the week of costumes anyway. (my kids don't trick-or-treat but they do dress up for the Fun Fest) Not one to back down in the face of stress, my kids participated each day. ;) Yesterday, each class had a separate theme. See?

Robin is 'coloring her world drug free'.

Chandler is playing it 'groovy to be drug free'.

Jaci is 'lei-ing off drugs'.

More photos over HERE.

it's gotta change

2008-10-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

Right or wrong, THIS is how we, as Christians, are perceived. We've got to do something about this. Aren't we supposed to be known by our love? Right now, we're known for anything but.

from the zoo, to a night of chocolate, to bed

2008-10-23T22:15:00.005-05:00

Getting home from the DFL Conference, sent me into a whirlwind of activity. My sis and her fam stayed with us a few days, ChoctoberFest was thrown in there and then on to my normal life stuff that happens in a week, plus getting ready for an overnight trip tomorrow. The highlight for us though, was our trip to the zoo on Monday.

This guy was making quite a ruckus. Which led to this.....

Silly boy. You LIKE noise!

All the cousins together! See how big the baby is already?

The day after the zoo, was ChocotoberFest: Nebraska-style. Nothing too fancy just some yumm-o chocolate!

The feast

The happy people

The silly people

And, just for fun, a photo I found on the camera the next morning. My feelings exactly. :)

just a quick snippet

2008-10-21T08:07:00.002-05:00

I had a great weekend away at a women's conference. Well, not just A women's conference. THIS women's conference. Close to 1500 women in attendance. 48 salvations. Over 500 baby outfits brought to bless a few mommies. Two women so mind-blowing blessed that we all were overwhelmed. And much more. This church body knows how to do things with excellence and incredible class. I LOVE when The Church goes all extravagant. It totally blesses me. More on all that later but here's a quick snippet from my notes from one of the sessions....

1) Popularity is momentary.
Significance is eternal.

2) Popularity needs glory and titles.
Significance can stay in the shadows.

3) Popularity tries to promote itself.
Significance is lifted by others.

4) Popularity is lonely.
Significance is not possible without discipleship.

5) Popularity finishes quickly.
Significance we'll see only in heaven.

It's totally OK to be common or popular or influential but let's DEFINITELY be significant!

I'll blog more another time but today is our Annual ChoctoberFest so I gotta get on the ball! G'day all!

takin' advantage of the situation

2008-10-12T16:11:00.003-05:00

"Jesus said, 'You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effects here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world's Light." John 9:3-5 (Message)

Last night, I was preparing for Children's Church and this verse glued itself to my heart. (well, God probably did it!)

In a season of our planet, that I believe will be one of the most supernatural, signs & wonders times in the history of our world - I know that many will not (and have not) embrace this move of God. They are asking the wrong questions, filling their minds with doctrine and theology (not that those are bad for sure, just not the ONLY thing). Pointing fingers and calling names has already begun.

Instead, I will look for what God can do. I pray I will be energetically at work for the One who sent me here. Not just at work, but energetically looking for ways to glorify Jesus' name. For as long as we, as believers, are in this world, there is light, there is hope for the lost. This season is short. I wanna take advantage of it.

the power to do what I cannot

2008-10-08T21:54:00.003-05:00

As I shared with my twitter buddies, I have just one more work day before my job {few hours as it is} is a thing of the past. It's amazing to me how something I really enjoy so much could so not be right. But there is NO grace on it right now. I guess God's ways are not mine, huh.

I don't stay with things that there's no grace for. Not saying I never have to do anything I don't like to do. I do. But even in the kicking my feet, God brings grace. I love His grace. The power to do what I can not.

I experienced it this morning. I woke up to a rough start. Not sure why. Just really thin emotions. Thankfully, I have a pastor who is also my hubby who undergirds me with prayer and helps me break through. And he did. And God can through with His grace, and the day has been fine ever since. Grace. Him, not me.

On a totally unrelated note: Is it ridiculous that I am still working on the same cup of coffee I started at 6:30 tonight? I've reheated it twice and added EggNog too. Craziness......

Soooo, tomorrow is my day home. And I'll actually be here. Yay. I've got to get my home put back together, pack for our weekend, and get the church bulletin ready since we won't be home until late on Saturday. Oh, and I'm with the kids on Sunday so I've a lesson to look through.

The next few weeks will be a whirlwind. Three or four trips out-of-town. Several nights of Focused Prayer times. Hopefully some company - my sister with her lovely fam...read: the baby's coming! A trip to the zoo. ChocotoberFest. A field trip. Fall Fun Fest.

Huh. That grace I was talking about. I think it's going to be much called on this month!

my eyes are bugging out of my head

2008-10-05T18:36:00.003-05:00

Well, I stumbled on a new template for this blog by a complete goof up. (I was trying to change another blog's template - oops) I do like this one. I just wish I knew html better so I could change a few things. Like how 'bout a little space between each post? I've been working on this for 2 hours....

do you know the way you move Me?

2008-10-04T22:16:00.003-05:00

Most of us have a view point {probably atleast semi-wrong} on how God looks at us and what He says about us. What about this one?

"Do you know the way you move Me?"

Yeah, that's God talking to you. Read Song of Solomon and think about how intensely the Beloved looks on you with intense, ravishing love. You have captured His attention. Not with your wrong-doings but with just being humanity. He is overwhelmingly in love with you! Looking at you with eyes of love, not of sternness or disappointment.

Do you know that way you move His heart?

FI-NAL-LY!

2008-10-04T09:47:00.002-05:00

Mitch and I watched Vantage Point last night. It was a good movie but that's not why it warrants a post. We use the convenience of Netflix and love it. Here's one reason - we received Vantage Point on July 23. It has been sitting on the shelf until last night when we finally found some time to watch it together. (that should give a clue on how insane our life is) After over 2 months of keeping a DVD - no fees! I'm just thankful we finally watched it. Now I'm in a dilemma, do I order another movie for us? Or just get 2 for the girls who seem to get through them faster than us? Hmmm....

today's the day...

2008-10-02T18:03:00.004-05:00

...photos of the {extended} fam....

Last weekend started off with Mitch's side of the family. His parents celebrated 50 years together. What a feat! We are blessed by their faithfulness in such an unfaithful world. Both of his brothers were here - one, sans wife :( - but it was a good time anyway. We have the girls, other bro has the boys!

Mitch with his 2 brothers. When we were pregnant with Jaci, I was told, "You don't have a chance for a girl, S_______'s have boys." Well, I'm the exception aren't I? :)

Little Bird will help herself thank you very much.

Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.

Before we parted ways, we all laid hands on Dad & Mom and blessed them. What a sacred time.

Then on Sunday, I traveled down the road to my side of the family. My niece was dedicated and then showered with gifts!

Cute little family

Pastor Ron praying blessing over little Merci. I wouldn't have a guess on how many HUNDREDS of babies Pastor Ron has dedicated. And holding the baby? That's his favorite part. :) (they have 8 kids of their own)

Then on to the shower.... Our home church has a tradition of hosting a shower AFTER the baby is born. One I rather like.

Mama and bebe. My fourth-born beautiful sis.

Merci with another Auntie, my third-born sis. She was just married this summer to a fantastic guy. I got me some awesome bro-in-laws!

My favorite 2 year old! Isn't he a doll?

And just for fun, here's my Lil' Bird 'doing an experiment' or maybe that's TASTING an experiment.

photos coming soon

2008-09-30T22:39:00.003-05:00

I have a few photos to post about our fun over the past weekend. But it's too late for this early riser (not by choice, mind you) so maybe tomorrow. I had a great weekend but a rough day and I really ought to be in bed.

I must give a LOUD shout out to my fan-tab-u-lous hubby though. He took my turn on picking up the kids so I could take a much needed nap - and I actually slept! Can you say, miraculous?

Be back soon {soon is used loosely here} with photos of the generations of our family.

honor my man

2008-09-24T22:48:00.004-05:00

In just over an hour, it will be My Beloved's birthday. So a post, to honor my man.

Mitch is an amazing man of God. Lover of Jesus. Overflowing with the Spirit of God. The wonderfully, blessed life that we live is a result of his passionate pursuance of Jesus through much prayer and fasting.

I am the woman that I am because of the grace my husband walks in towards me. He is consistently an example of Jesus. He has taught me much about leadership, preaching and pastoring.

He is a great daddy to our princesses. He is an awesome friend and confidant. His love towards me is overwhelming at times. He respects and trusts me. Though he may not understand all my erratic needs, he tries to meet them the best he can.

He helps out around the house. He takes the kids to school daily. He doesn't complain the days he is 'on his own' for lunch, because I'm at work. He is becoming a 'grill master'.

Mitch is a hip, passionate, preachin', revivalist, destined to impact his planet in his time. I'm lucky to be serving Jesus alongside him.

Happy Birthday to you, My Beloved!

weeding the garden of my life

2008-09-24T07:44:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post.... I knew I'd been away from my computer for several days which meant no blogging or blog reading for, um yeah, a week. My only internet checking has been done on my new Blackberry Pearl in between the movement of life. Which basically means, I've read the emails and Facebook updates that come in. Oh, and a twitter here and there.

And right now, I need to attack the mountain of laundry, take a shower, get the basement ready for tonight's company, make cinnamon rolls.....all before heading to work at 11. Speaking of work, the job is going. I enjoy it an' all and I'm glad to help out a couple from church but it's becoming more apparent that something's gotta go. This is the first.

I feel such a longing to sit at the feet of Jesus and pull on His wisdom for this season of life. But alas, there is NO time. Which is tragic because, for the first time in my life, children are not the excuse. So, it's time to start weeding. All those good things but things that it's time to let go of. It's a new season. I don't wanna stay stuck in the old. Grace is wearing thin for several things, and if I go by past experience, that's a call from my Jesus that change is in the air. Kinda scary but way exciting.

OK folks, IHOP worship team just switched, that's a cue - get off your duff, javamamma, and get busy. I'm signing off.....

happy photos + 1

2008-09-18T09:43:00.006-05:00

The shoes I bought for my new niece. I'm a sucker for baby girl shoes.

The mixer I ordered after waiting since April. I love amazon.com.

One of the good deals I found after a friend directed me to DisneyOutlet.com

The food processor My Beloved let me replace my old one with. A quick story....Last week or the week before, I dropped the bowl of my food processor and cracked it. I figured I was screwed for doing any liquid things (like salsa) but could still grate cheese and stuff. Which I did. Then the second time I did cheese, the lid came loose because of the crack and tore up the center and shredded tiny shards of plastic into my mozzarella. Oh yay. My mom gave me fresh tomatoes last week which I was intending on making salsa with but alas, no processor. Sooooo, hubby forked out the dough to replace my new, but destroyed food processor.

What I look like right now, so I MUST go shower. (and I must remember to post a nice photo soon to erase that from your memories!)

contemplating on my soul

2008-09-17T21:38:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling contemplative so I posted over HERE tonight.

preacher-girl

2008-09-15T18:47:00.004-05:00

So, yesterday I got to be preacher-girl while My Beloved was ministering at a church a couple hours away. It's not my first time preaching but it HAS been a while so I had to pull myself together. God gave me some revelation into generosity that I shared.

Basically I used Mark 12:30 as my base text. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. That word 'with'? It actually refers to an ACTION, not just a warm fuzzy feeling deep in our hearts.

So our generosity stems out of our LOVE for God. Just as God so much loved the world that he GAVE - we do the same. And we can show love {by giving} out of our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.

1. When we love out of our heart it shows up in our attitude. We have a big-life-Kingdom-of-God world-view. Open handed, not closed-minded.

2. Loving out of our soul is our soul-connections. Those relationships that God has intertwined us in that are deep. But we are generous with those people God has surrounded us with. Generous with our kids, our husbands, our pastor, our friends. Not squeezing them tightly in our hands, but offering them willingly to God's service.

3. When we love with our whole mind, that's our creativity, our giftings, our passions. Using our abilities to bless those around us.

4. Loving with all our strength reflects in the wealth that we earn by the strength of our hands. Not just money {though definitely money} but the material things we possess. Holding them open-handed before God and others. "You may use this because it belongs to God anyway"

Two other references I used were: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 and 1 Chronicles 29:10-14.

This message challenged me so I'm guessing it challenged those I preached it too. :)

My next preacher-girl appearance is in a week at this gal's church. This preaching stuff is a newer area of ministry for me {as opposed to worship that I've been doing for 14+ years} but I think I enjoy it a little bit. ;)

And now, I better head to bed because at 6:30am I put on my waitressing hat. God, give grace to this multi-faceted life you've blessed me with.

Look mom....

2008-09-14T14:23:00.003-05:00

I'm on TV.

Well actually it's the internet. And, as far as I know, my mom doesn't read my blog. But I saw my photo over HERE. Heehee. I'm not really sure why it strikes me as funny. But it does.

if all else fails....

2008-09-11T00:05:00.004-05:00

...post photos.

My hubby's out of town for several days. I should be in bed since I will be rising in 5 1/2 hours. But I've been wanting to post a few pictures for over a week now and my mom just emailed me pics of me and my new neicey so the pillow can wait.

An art piece I've been wanting for quite a while now. Someone blessed me with some moo-lah designated 'for house stuff' so I went on the search for this piece I first spotted at Target. It had been sold out of 3 of 4 Target's I've tried lately and not listed at target.com so I was worried. Especially when I found it at several internet stores for $100 to $200. Yikes. The fourth Target had ONE left! Thank You, Jesus!

I loaded up on TOO MANY of these homemade scones over a 48 hour period last week.

My Beloved got tickets for two of our college home games this year. Just him and me.

Sunday I woke up feeling pretty rough. In the evening Mitch made the drive into town for mint icecream at my request. He brought these too!

And lastly......

Me and the new baby!

sarcastic, cold & ugly

2008-09-05T08:02:00.004-05:00

Can there be a No Purpose Post Part 2? If so, this is probably it. I'm hanging out at the computer one more minute before diving into my day. {probably a mistake, eh?} Mitch just left to take the girls to school. I must say I like this routine. He takes, I pick up. It works nice.

Today I gotta get my house in order, as we have guests coming for the night. And then there's the church pile. Bulletin printed, announcements emailed over, children's area redecorated for the month's theme..... Somebody tell me when I get to enjoy having my days to myself. {snicker,snort}

Yeah, I had a momentary melt down yesterday morning. First of all, despite the title of my blog, I'm having a hard time moving into this season. Secondly, if I have to stay within 20 miles of my home, I'd actually like to BE home and catch up on some organizing stuff. I seem to have an urge to purge. A passion to organize. BUT, no time to do it. Frustrating.

So if I seem a little sarcastic or cold or ugly. I probably am. But I'm working on it. Honestly. His grace is greater.....I just have to find it. Well, I will take my vomity thoughts and get moving. Maybe a shower would help my outlook. Maybe.

cyber newsletters....because I'm hip like that

2008-09-03T17:13:00.003-05:00

My oh-so-cool friend started keeping friends and family updated with "LetterPop" cyber newsletters. And because I'm such an admirer of hers, I have chosen to also be a copycat and create my own newsletter. It's a cool way to keep friends and family up to date on our fast-paced life here away from them all.

Because I'm so tech and web literate, I discovered that I can actually publish these newsletters to the web.....on only my second newsletter. ;) Anyways, you all don't live very close to me and probably don't give a rip but you can view our newsletter over at my LetterPop profile. Or you can just know that "LetterPop" exists and create your own newsletter!

sans tears

2008-09-02T21:52:00.003-05:00

Just a year ago, I was crying my eyes out - but no more. For my birthday (in April) this year, my family blessed me with a food processor. So, yesterday I was whipping up some freezer salsa, sans tears. WooHoo!

{side note: I do know My Beloved had ulterior motives when he bought the processor but hey, a gift is a gift!)

merci raine

2008-09-01T14:19:00.005-05:00

In keeping with a promise, here's the photos of our time with my new neice, Merci Raine. None of me with bebe but maybe my bro-in-law will email those sometime. Maybe. :)

My 'baby' with the baby. How time flies. Though my baby was never that small. And 'small' in this instance means 8lb. 5oz. :)

A 7 year old is a pro at holding a baby!

If we were ever to have another one, I think I'd have myself a built in nanny!

Baby girls melt My Beloved!

Here's the big brother. And yeah, I do think he's a pickin'. But the beautiful new mamma makes up for the nose picker, don't you think?

_______________________________________________

And totally off subject.....here's our lunch today. I call it sandwich on a stick or, today, lunch on 2 sticks! The main dish is triangular bites of pita bread, slices of cheese and turkey breast.

entirely, unbelievably amazing

2008-08-31T15:20:00.005-05:00

"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him."
Isaiah 59:19

We got home from our trip to visit the new lady in our family late last night so it wasn't until this morning at church that we got the news that tragedy had struck our little community with not one but two fatal car accidents on Friday night. Yes, two separate accidents in two separate areas at two separate times that killed 2 teenage boys.

One will impact our school community. A 15 year old boy died with another teenager at the wheel. This one happened just 2 hours before a football scrimmage and the reason they knew something had happened is because the boys never showed up for the pre-game pictures. They canceled the game.

The other will impact our school district (the school my kids should be in). As that accident happened just 4 miles from the school and involved a high school boy from there. This one happened following an FFA meeting.

Though these accidents will not affect me personally as I do not know either of the boys or their families, I can feel the darkness and grief that permeates our community. But anger rises up in me. Anger toward the enemy of our souls. Honestly I believe that he knows his time of access to our lives is short and he is trying his hardest to get his shots in.

That enemy whose 'job' is to kill, steal and destroy. He has been doing it since creation and will continue until he is bound by the Savior of our world.

During this time of tragedy, hope rises within me. Because of Isaiah 59:19. It PROMISES that when the enemy comes in like a flood that the Spirit of the Lord WILL rise up against him. I call on all heaven to execute justice on that enemy. Because our God, our Savior's 'job' is to bring life, and that more abundantly.

So I will exude life. Not flippant, non-compassion for those affected. But a hope-filled love that comforts humanity while in prayer, it wars against the Destroyer of Life.

This is not a good time to get into a theology debate with me because I am a passionate believer that God is good and in no way had any part in either of these accidents. I don't believe that God needed these boys in heaven. I don't believe that God has His reasons to allow these deaths. But I do believe that God gets His glory. Through this even, God's name can be glorified and He can turn everything for good to those that love Him. He can bring life, even abundant life to our community if we will love Him and call on Him and bring Him into the situation.

Our enemy is a liar. He is a stealer. He is a murderer. His hatred toward humanity is unbelievable. But our God is good. He is faithful. He is Hope. He is Life. He is the Defender of the Weak. And His love for humanity is entirely, unbelievably amazing.

mercy follows justice

2008-08-28T22:18:00.004-05:00

I have so much flying through my mind these days. And my body is flying around at least as rapidly so not much time to sit and organize my thoughts.

At the forefront of life right now is that my sister has had her second child so I'm an auntie again! Princess Merci Raine joins Justus Emmanuel in their beautiful little family. Merci follows Justus. Hmmmm, sounds like a Kingdom thing.

We have had only nephews on both sides of the family but now my princesses are joined by another. We are heading out to see the new lovely tomorrow. I can't wait! Photos will follow. I promise. And I've warned My Beloved he will probably have to offer some boundaries when it comes to this aunties new baby budget. I'm totally enjoying shopping the baby girl department again. ;)

In other thoughts, I'm contemplating much about grace. About the Kingdom of God. About slander and offense. About the journey of life. About 50th wedding anniversaries. About the beginning of football season. About parenting seasons. About the blessings of material prosperity. About new clothes. About reading....or lack thereof. About kids sleeping on couch cushions on the living room floor when there are perfectly good beds just 15 feet away. About weight gain following fasting. And about trombones - specifically about 10 year old, 5th graders playing them. Yes, much is running through this thought-box of mine.

no purpose post

2008-08-22T18:12:00.002-05:00

Truly, I have nothing to say. I also have not much to do so.....here am I.

As Mitch and I had about an hour in that same mode this afternoon, we went crazy and upgraded our 2 cell phones as well as added a 3rd line. Like I said, crazy. We've talked about adding a 3rd cell phone sometime since we do not have a land line and sometimes that presents a problem. So today we took the plunge. The kids are elated, thinking they now have their own phone. {And they didn't even crab too bad when we were late picking them up from school.}

It all began as a simple trip to Sam's Club since we had about an hour to burn before heading back to get the kids. {after purchasing a couple tickets to college football games for this fall and having a nice Mexican lunch} But that simple trip to buy a case of water turned into 2 of THESE phones and my kids taking over my Razr.

In other news, the week has gone well. I was worried about getting back into a schedule and routine after our amazingly fun and chaotic summer but it's good. It seems, so far, that God will keep us busy enough that I don't feel completely stifled but home enough that the kids can get a good education. :) He really does hold everything in His hands.

I suppose this is quite long enough for a 'no purpose post' so have a lovely weekend, all!

pretty relaxing

2008-08-19T19:44:00.003-05:00

Today was the first full school day that I have not worked. Nice.

I rode along to drop the kiddos off, then Mitch and I drove into Wal-Mart and the grocery store. I tagged along to the church and spent about an hour worshipping at the keyboard. Lovely. After a late lunch, I read awhile until I dozed for just a few minutes, then it was time to get the kids.

I don't want every day I don't work to look like this but it was pretty relaxing. ;)

Lest, I waste my days away, I need to come up with a list of projects and things to do and come up with some sort of a schedule when my days aren't scheduled for me. Then I need discipline to actually follow through instead of sitting at the laptop, eh?

School is going well for the girls. Robin has her issues {I don't like my teacher's because they won't let us ride the tire swing. I don't like Gym - it's not fun.} but always goes cheerfully and comes home happy -as well as tired-too. She also has a new 'best friend' everyday. She's such a social bug.

So, I guess I'm off to make a schedule - hopefully one I will stick too!

reasons to be thankful

2008-08-16T21:40:00.003-05:00

.....I went ahead and spent $10 more for the George Foreman Grill with the removable AND dishwasher safe grill plates.

.....I live in an age with amazing technology and I was able to participate in The Call from my living room. {even though I'm sure being there 'live' would have been a powerful experience}

.....As Lou Engle asked for men to rise up early and pray - I'm reminded that I have a husband given to prayer and fasting. I'm way blessed!

......I was walking here with My Beloved just one week ago - ending a fantastic week alone together!

hillbilly bling

2008-08-15T20:08:00.004-05:00

After the birthday dinner at Applebee's, we had to stop by Wal-Mart {of course} and then HAD to stop by Starbuck's. Here's a few photos of that glorious hour.

Not on our list but thrown in the cart.....Hillbilly bling!

Them's some serious jewels you're totin', girlfriend.

Addin' a little sass to the teeth.

It only looks like she's drinking my latte.

But she's clearly guilty of stealin' a sip.

My 10 year old genius.

Aaaaaand, what a true 30 year old mother of 3 looks like at the end of the first day of school...

judging by that smile....

2008-08-14T11:09:00.003-05:00

....the first day of Kindergarten is starting out ah 'ight. Don't have time to journal but I'm posting several pics over HERE. Today's also Jaci's 10th birthday so that post will come later as well. Happy day all!

a new season begins

2008-08-12T22:42:00.003-05:00

This is sorta a semi-blog post. Meaning, it's just a short pop in to make sure I don't lose my couple readers. :)

Our 8 days away from home was awesome and insane. We left home Sunday afternoon afternoon after cleaning up 'Church in the Park'. We stayed at my mom's then Mitch & I continued driving west so we could fly out of Denver on Monday afternoon. The kids stayed with my parents.

We got to Florida Monday night, checked into our hotel and found a nice Italian place to eat a late supper. We spent the next 3 days on the beach and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the revival meetings. Jesus really met me on Tuesday night. I went away feeling like the woman who said, "Come see a Man who told me everything I ever did." It was amazing how Jesus revealed the secrets of my heart....to me.

Wednesday night was Mitch's night. It was a transitional night in the life of the Lakeland Outpouring, as Todd Bentley turned things over to Pastor Strader and Ignited Church. Mitch was melting in God's presence most of the night.

Thursday we decided to just hang out on the beach and enjoy not rushing to a meeting that night. That was awesome. We even enjoyed a walk on the beach at sunset before heading back to our hotel. I have an amazing man.

Friday we did some shopping...probably too much. We ended up buying not one but 2 more suitcases to put all our stash in. Not too big of deal for flying. But a huge deal for fitting 8 suitcases in a Grand Am after we picked up the kids on Saturday!

So, yeah Friday evening we flew into Denver and stayed at the Sheraton in downtown Denver. This was MY deal. We cut our time in Florida 1 day short and I got to chose a nice hotel in Denver. I did good, if I say so myself. We were on the keyed-access 'club floor' and had an amazing continental breakfast. Not your traditional Holiday Inn waffles. We walked around 16th street both that night and the next morning before we headed out to retrieve the kiddos.

Saturday night we went to a service at our 'home church' with one of Todd Bentley's associates. Then out to Perkins. That was our downfall. After getting back to my parent's house at 1:30am I still had to figure out how to get clean, dirty and new clothes shoved into 8 suitcases and those shoved into our trunk. I finally crawled into bed at 3am - and then up at 5:15 to get ready and drive 2 hours for Mitch to preach at a friend's church. Great service that morning - that went long of course. We had a yummy lunch followed by a quick nap before heading 25 minutes to a little church for another service. We finally crawled into bed about midnight-ish or something.

We did a little shopping yesterday before heading home, only because MY KIDS got blessed with $45 for THEM from a couple different people at the two different churches. Our home is now inhabited by 6 Webkins. When we got home yesterday afternoon, I got through most of the laundry. Thank God for a decent {fast} washer and dryer.

Today I did $350 worth of grocery shopping to replenish the cupboards, have school lunch makings and to feed our youth group tonight. Tomorrow is our last day of summer vacation, as the kids go back to school on Thursday....all of them this year. So, a new season will begin in just 36 hours. I'm so not ready.

{And this ended up being MUCH longer than I had planned. :)}

someday i'll blog again

2008-08-01T22:53:00.004-05:00

I truly am alive and well....and too busy to blog. We've celebrated a birthday this week in true party style - like a week long festivity. I really want to post photos soon but I'm not sure that will happen since I just got home this evening and we leave on Sunday for 8 days. Think: laundry and re-packing. :)

On Sunday, we're doing our annual "Church in the Park" service. We take our service outside the four walls and invite the community. And then feed them all - for free! Fun stuff.

extra pillows are nice too

2008-07-22T20:31:00.003-05:00

So, this might be of interest to like 1% of you but as I was prepping the house for our next batch of {spur of the moment} guests, I thought about the little things that I try to do to make our guests lives more comfortable. I'm sure there are other things that I don't do so niceday will have to fill me in.

extra rolls of toilet paper
being clear where the towels are, which ones they should use, etc. we have a separate bathroom for guests but when you're a guest sharing the main bathroom, it's really nice to know "are the towels hanging there for me to use? or are those theirs? and if those aren't mine, where do i find one?"
lamps next to the beds, as well as alarm clocks
a night light in the hall to find the bathroom in a strange home
an extra blanket thrown on the bed. just in case they get cold or a child comes in and wants to sleep on the floor. ;)
extra pillows are nice too
trial sized body wash, shampoo, lotion. I just bring these from hotels.
snacks out on the kitchen counter for anytime access

Those are just a few of the things I can think of now. These come from being a guest and having guests. Someday we will have closets that can be utilized. And dressers. And a sitting chair in each room. And someday I'd really like to have a tiny fridge in our basement, stocked with yummy beverages for our guests. And maybe a microwave and popcorn. Or maybe I would like to own a hotel......NAH.

rise on wings like an eagle

2008-07-20T15:15:00.003-05:00

So, I've been sick outta my mind for the last couple days. Today I'm starting to see some sunshine, yay.

We had a full week of fun, with niceday's eldest staying here a couple nights, then her family joining us on Wednesday night. Also joining us that night was a long time friend, whom we hadn't seen...in a long time. ;)

Thursday took us on our weekly trek west for service. Another great night. A woman who had multiple issues, including arthritis, had no pain in her body and began doing 'the happy dance'. The next day we found out they hadn't ever seen her smile {like in years} and like I said, she was doin' the happy dance with a smiling face on Thursday night. Another man, who had limped for 30 years {I can't remember what kind of accident brought that on} began to walk normally, with no limp. Praise Jesus!

After coming home Friday evening and yesterday, I didn't do much but lay around. Definitely ironic that I would come home sick from a healing service. Last night, I'd had a enough laying around and ended up taking the kids to town to buy their school supplies for the year, along with a few groceries.

I had Children's church this morning. God was merciful to me in my condition and I didn't have the 33-ish kids they had last week. Less than 20 for this morning so I didn't have to raise my voice toooooo far to get their attention.

So now I'm recuperating so I can make the trek into Sam's Club tomorrow. We have "Church in the Park" in a couple Sundays and then we have a major Pool/Birthday Party coming up on Friday. So we need supplies, a massive quantity of them. Lord, let me rise on wings like an eagle.

This week will keep us busy as well. Basketball camp, another church's VBS that my kids will go to and then our weekly jaunt out west. Then the Pool/Birthday Party before we head home for a day and begin another week on the road. I love summer. Really.

a-b-c, all about me!

2008-07-17T00:03:00.003-05:00

This little diddy has been going around. And as it's after midnight and I'm not in the mood to write anything too coherent -here's mine.

A - Attached or Single: very attached

B - Best Friend(s): My Beloved

C - Cake or Pie: gotta go with the cake

D - Day of Choice: Monday....my hubby's day off

E - Essential Item: a mug....full of a lil' something yummy

F - Favorite Color(s): green is nice

G - Gummy Bears or Worms: I'm goin' with the worms

H - Hometown: North Platte

I - Indulgence(s): splurging on bottled water in way cool bottles

J - January or July: July...even though with the humidity these last few days, I'm thinking January sounds great right now. :)

K - Kids: 3 bambinos

L - Life is incomplete without: passion

M - Marriage Date: June 14

N - Number of Siblings: 9, nine, yep I said NINE..with me, that makes 10.

O - Oranges or Apples: Apples...unless it's juice

P- Phobias or Fears: I really fear not being able to breathe

Q - Quote: "Is that your min-key?" Inspector Clouseau

R- Ring size: 5

S - Season: Autumn

T- Tag 3 Friends: You're it!

U - Unknown fact about me: I married a man, 16 years my elder - and he's amazing!

V - Very favorite stores: Super Target, Costco, Starbuck's (is that a store?)

W - Worst Habit: yelling at my kids

X - X-ray or Ultrasound: neither

Y - Your Favorite Food(s): pasta, pasta, pasta

Z - Zoo or Museum: depends on the weather

Tomorrow we make our weekly trip out west for a "see what God will do" service (not the technical term). This time we're taking our drummer. And a couple gals from church will make the trek too. I'm really excited about this week.

And now, I think my nails are about dry so I suppose I'll head to the bedroom to begin my nightly reading.....

Just wanted to say....

2008-07-16T00:30:00.002-05:00

....I'm home this week and not bored. Entirely busy in fact. Yay me. At this minute, I have 5 girls under 10 years old sleeping on my floor.

let him hear

2008-07-11T22:00:00.002-05:00

We're home from our short little trip out west. The service was totally full of God and not so much full of people. Hey, I'd rather have that than vice versa.

In our little venture, we took time to take the kids to Wall-E. I've heard some say it was pretty lame. Me? I thought it was fabulous! Maybe it's because I had a head's up ... 'if anyone has an ear, let him hear'. I kept my ear open and thought it was very funny and amazingly full of principles of the Kingdom of God.

Now the kiddos are sleeping but are sure to wake up early since they slept most of the way home too. Sleep doesn't seem too close for me so I outta put down the computer and pick up a book....like my Bible. And after that, The Hobbit. ;)

maybe it's better

2008-07-09T19:41:00.003-05:00

There's nothing like sick kids, eh? (On the plus side, I laid down with my baby this afternoon and slept about an hour and a half. Yay.) I say the vomiting and diarrhea is from drinking the pool water yesterday. But who knows. Anyways, I hope it passes before we get on the road tomorrow. Vomit and cars? No good.

Usually we just drag our sick kids to church with us. Trying to keep them quarantined to the front row away from people. Tonight, Little Bird threw up the exact minute we were heading out the door. So I stayed - My Beloved went. Then we'll swap since I set up a worship practice for 9 tonight. That's almost NightWatch, right niceday? :)

So after washing my hands about 10 times, I'm sitting down {finally} with my cuppa french press and a microwaved s'more. It's a little rainy so I couldn't do it on the grill but man, I got used to that after dinner snack. So I improvised. Turn on IHOP and it's almost as good as being at prayer tonight. Mmmm, maybe it's better.

afternoon project

2008-07-08T22:56:00.004-05:00

Last week, we got a hankerin' for a decent grill. Actually I think my envy started about a month ago while watching my good pal cook up 2 BIG pans of chicken on her grill. But I got My Beloved on board last week.

After doing ALOT of internet research and researching our wallet after the weekend (we got blessed with a few green bills !), we decided we were ready to make a purchase. This purchase required some labor before we (well, I) could partake of the goods, so yesterday, in the height of the humidity, we went to work....

Lots of boxes to slice open. More on the boxes later.
cute hiney I get to stare at, huh? :)

Soon, this thing will be 550 degrees!

It's coming along

Second to last step happening. Sense the anticipation.

Out with the old....

....in with the new!

This sucker is a blessing. I've cooked on it 3 times, plus s'mores twice - all in 2 days. My Beloved can't wait until August....when he will finally get to experience the product of his labors. (fasting requires some sacrifice, ya'll)

And yeah, while My Beloved and I were hard at work, so were the kids.....

just one word

2008-07-07T20:43:00.004-05:00

Found this fun meme over at westie's blog. It's the One Word Meme....

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Your significant other? manly

3. Your hair? scruffy

4. Your mother? distant

5. Your father? ?ballfield

6. Your favorite thing? carbs

7. Your dream last night? odd

8. Your favorite drink? macchiatto

9. Your dream/goal? travel

10. The room you’re in? dark

11. Your church? vibrant

12. Your fear? monotony

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? debtless

14. Where were you last night? bed

15. What you’re not? content

16. Muffins? bagels!

17. One of your wish list items? passion

18. Where you grew up? small town

19. The last thing you did? eat

20. What are you wearing? sweats

21. Your TV? off

22. Your pets? non-existent

23. Your computer? laptop

24. Your life? carnival

25. Your mood? stable

26. Missing someone? nah

27. Your car? dented

28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes

29. Favorite store? tar-get

30. Your summer? crazy

31. Like(love) someone? desperately

32. Your favorite color? green

33. Last time you laughed? earlier

34. Last time you cried? gently

35. Who will repost this? nobody?

That was harder than I thought. But fun. Let me know if you decided to give it a try!

Tomorrow I'll post about today's project.

celebration of Independence: part 2

2008-07-06T16:43:00.004-05:00

Continuing on in our 4th of July celebration (part 1 is posted over HERE)...

On the morning of the 4th, we headed downtown for breakfast at our local cafe. Kids had cinnamon rolls but I had the 'farmer's wife' - pancake, egg, sausage and coffee. Yum. Poor hubby - he's sacrificing food for the power of God. Well, maybe poor, stupid us that are eating. :) Anyways....

Then we loaded up a picnic cooler, jeans, bug spray and jackets for the evening and all the extra supplies needed for our church 'float' in the parade and headed to 'the town next door'. This is where we started...

This airshow is an annual event that we have never gotten to see because of the kiddie parade in our own town. Since they moved the parade this year, I wasn't going to miss it again. It didn't disappoint!

After the air show, we went downtown to browse through craft booths and find some {expensive} lunch at the local street vendors. Then it was time to prepare for our annual church outreach - giving 8,000 cans of Pepsi away in the parade. It is a blast to do and we have ended up with new families almost yearly. Wouldn't you know, I have no photos of this.

Then our church family had a potluck picnic at the park. Good food and wonderful weather to fellowship over while waiting for evening to fall so we could head up for the city fireworks. (Robin did take a few photos of fireworks but y0u know how those turn out....)

What a great 24 hours filled with family fun and lots of {blasted} food!

warning....

2008-07-02T09:51:00.002-05:00

...if you can't get a giggle out of a little crude language - DO NOT READ ON! But if you think you can handle it, here's a little Bible study lesson -

2 Kings 18:27 But the Rabshakeh said to them, "Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words, and not to the men who sit on the wall, who will eat and drink their own waste with you?" NKJV

And now, honestly, probably a little more realistic...

2 Kings 18:27 But the Rabshakeh said, "We aren't sent with a private message to your master and you; this is public - a message to everyone within earshot. After all, they're involved in this as well as you; if you don't come to terms, they'll be eating their own turds and drinking their own pee right along with you." The Message

If you aren't laughing right now, don't be mad - I did warn you!

hangin' close to Jesus

2008-06-29T18:46:00.003-05:00

I'm going to try to post this without being slanderous or defensive but to do it with much grace...because somebody asked. :)

There's a lot of cyber-talk and 'real' talk about the legitimacy of the Lakeland Outpouring or other ministries and the validity of current miracles. Could these men be false prophets being used by Satan to deceive the masses?

No doubt, the Bible does tell us that in the last days false prophets will come and do miracles without the power of God. And we do need to be cautious. But I thought My Beloved got an incredible revelation a few weeks ago concerning this. The last couple moves of God were about the presence of God. God was letting us feel Him more, get to know what it's like to sit in His tangible presence.

If you know Jesus and you know His presence, it's easy to discern whether these men are working through the power of God or something else. I can only speak by my own experience. Not asking you to agree with me or anything....

Before we went to Lakeland, I was hesitant, not skeptical but hesitant. I have no doubt that God CAN work supernaturally but is this deal in Florida the real thing? I couldn't really get a grid through the internet. Honestly, I thought the worship was a little hokey - not evil, just a little lame. Anyway, the first night my family visited the revival, as soon as the worship started, the Spirit of God swept my heart. I felt God so strongly and fell in love with Jesus all over again. Those few days were a powerful and beautiful time in our lives. Yeah, I'm sure things can be a little messy, not perfect. You know why? God uses humans and we are not perfect!

Recently, my soul was challenged again. We went to meetings with David Herzog this past weekend. I had heard about wild things that can happen in his meetings and was interested to see how the meetings would be. And yes, some crazy things happened. Things like instant weight loss, gold teeth and finding diamonds on the floor. Things that, a year ago, I would have told you - yeah, I'm sure God COULD do those things but I'm not sure WHY He would do those things.

But again, God's presence was so strong. David Herzog worshiped God and pointed to Jesus through out each meeting. I wanted to love Jesus more. And there were multiple salvations each night. Not mamby-pamby, close-your-eyes-and-raise-your-hand salvations. The kind where if you were going to respond, you had to walk up in front of 500-ish people with their eyes open, and stand on stage, declaring that 'yes, I need Jesus'. Amazing.

I've been pondering, that if there is going to be false prophets who move through the power of the devil, there HAVE got to be true believers that are moving in the power of God. Our God is a God of POWER. We just seem to have forgotten or something. But we are entering a season where God is moving again. Hearts will be turned towards Him, and sadly some will be turned against Him.

God is beginning to reveal Himself in a greater dimension than we've seen in many generations. Like maybe, since the church of Acts generation. I wanna hang close to my Jesus, so I don't miss anything He is doing and stay clear of anything He's not doing.

The End....oh, this is written by a Pastor's wife who goes to a church that experienced their first gold tooth in a service this morning. For whatever that's worth.

hokey pokey-ing through life

2008-06-27T10:34:00.003-05:00

Why is it that nearly every time I go to post, the lyrics, "you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around...." go through my head? Honestly.

We're away from home...again. I was ready to move again though. Adjustment seems hard for me - so being back home for more than 2 days was sending me into a frenzy. Once I've done everything I needed to do - what now? Whatever.

Last night's service was unlike anything I've ever been in. Maybe similar to Lakeland but different. Wild, but really good. Here's a quote that stuck out to me, "I'd rather be an amateur in the new move than a professional in the old move." I'd take almost anything over professionalism. I will never be a professional on God. He cannot be contained to that.

I've decided that God used the previous season to ask for our hearts - now He is wanting our souls. I've been taught that my soul includes my mind, will and emotions. God wants those too. This season is one that will challenge your mind, your will and your emotions. Will we be offended? It's easy. Or will we give our souls to Jesus and let Him reign there too? I wanna pass the test. I wanna be with Him where He is.

I don't wanna be offended
I don't wanna be offended
I don't wanna be offended when it's all comin' down

lyrics by Misty Edwards

not much on the agenda

2008-06-25T09:44:00.003-05:00

Having a few days home has been nice. Other than planning for our Super Sunday (basically doing Children's Ministry upstairs with the WHOLE church!), there's not been much on the agenda....other than, laundry, mopping, banking, groceries, cleaning grungy toilets (dang 'Beaver' water), etc. You know? The norm.

The girls and I have had time to read, almost daily, from "Little Women". I started and finished "The Shack". My Beloved and I watched a movie, "Bella". I even started up my own facebook....somebody shoot me. Oh, and I even took a few minutes to giggle over the controversy over "The Shack" and Todd Bentley. Honestly, it didn't make me mad, it made me laugh. Silly, silly Pharisaical Christians.

We'll leave tomorrow to go see David Herzog at our home church. Never been in any of his meetings nor read any of his books. Like before, I'm hesitant not resistant. Our good ministry friend, compared the Herzog family with ours so I'll either love them or hate them, eh? :)

third time's a charm....for photos

2008-06-24T10:08:00.006-05:00

This is my third attempt, in the last 24 hours, at posting these photos. Hope it works. And now, as promised....

Chandler, my little gift-giver, used money I gave her for herself, on gifts for the bride. Presented at the rehearsal dinner. The gaudy ring ended up being my sister's 'something blue', attached to her bouquet. How sweet!

My little bird

Chandler-bean

My Jaci-mace. Next thing I know, it will be this one wearing white. Sigh.

Not the best shot. But what do ya get when you ask the photographer to take one with your camera. ;)

One of my favorite guys in the world. My nephew! Isn't he rad?

I love, love, love this one! The landscaping behind my new new bro-in-law's aunt's house was so beautiful and fun too!

This photo cracks me up. My sis with all our siblings still at home (6) and my 3 girls and my other sister's son. That's a lot of children, ya'll!

The sisters....minus one. (a sad, prodigal story) My sister on the back-left is married and pregnant with her 2nd child. Sister in the white and black is close to graduating high-school (homeschooling) and my littlest sis is right in between my older girls in age. Yes, she's their auntie!

My new brother-in-law and the gals. The two closest to the groom are my sister's good friends. Both gals on the left are preggo!

The couple of the day!

Yes, he is wearing jeans. Yes, my hubby (the minister) wore jeans. Yes, they bride and groom did ride off on a Harley. Yes, it was beautiful and rugged.....all at once. Kind of like humanity.

love, me

2008-06-20T22:55:00.002-05:00

Dear Friend,
Life is fun. We're really busy. Had a meltdown or two this week. I'm going to make it though. ;) Tomorrow is the wedding of the year in our family. Hope to post photos in the days to follow. It's barely 11pm and I think I'm ready to crash in the hotel bed next to my hubby with my girls 2 feet away from me.

Love,
javamamma

turning into our 12th year

2008-06-14T07:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary to me! I'm laying here in a hotel bed while my husband is running 'some errands' (read: we are 1 hour from home and he is out buying a card). Today we mark 11 years of doing life together.

I've been laying here, asking God what He would have me write about My Beloved....

If you want to know how we got together, read it HERE.

I've blogged about Mitch being my best friend.

Then there was the post about how much I love his quirkiness.

But he is much more than quirky, he is totally fabulous too.

God is truly brilliant in His match-making and fit me together perfectly with what I needed in a husband.

God knew that I can be really anal about stupid things and I needed Mitch to be a free-spirit who thrives on flexibility.

God knew that he was going to bless my womb with 3 daughters and the father of these ladies would be smothered in little princess love - so he had to enjoy being loved on.

God knew I needed Mitch to draw me out, to become the woman of God I am becoming.

As Song of Songs *says,

My dear lover is one in a million, there's no one quite like him!...Everything about him delights me, thrills me through and through! That's my lover, that's my man...

*Yeah, that's The Message, taken from chapter 5 verses 10-16

30 hours at home

2008-06-12T18:30:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting here enjoying my 30 hours at home for the week. And it's amazingly quiet because, bless God, we have INCREDIBLE friends who volunteered to keep our kids until Sunday. I hope you have some friends like that. They are a blessing.

So yeah, Mitch and I will celebrate 11 years of marriage on Saturday, soooo on Tuesday we spent the day living on the wild side at World's of Fun. As we drove there Tuesday morning, both of us felt like our day would be prophetic or symbolic. That God was wanting to speak to us through our adventurous day.

Here's a few random thoughts, along with the very few photos we (I) took.

Our life is sorta like an amusement park. Lots of rides. Crazy ones.

I don't want to ever take the Chicken Exit. I want to enjoy all that God has planned for me, even if it seems a little scary.

Sometimes life will spin so fast, you won't even see me! And yes, this is the ride that the floor drops out. No, My Beloved did not ride with me. Crazily, I was the ONLY one on the ride at this time.

This guy God planted me with, to spend my entire life with? He's so fabulous and I'm thankful that no matter what wild adventures God sends us (or him) on - that he always ends up right back in my bed!

Tomorrow morning we head out for a 2 day conference. It will be nice to press into ministry without the responsibility of children. (Thank you, Kari!) On Sunday, my children will return along with our friends, maybe lots of them. We get Mr. Prophet-0f-France at our church on Monday night and he will stay with us overnight so Mitch can drive him to the airport on Tuesday. The next adventure? My sister's wedding!

dude, i gotta go to bed

2008-06-09T02:31:00.002-05:00

For real. I had about 18 hours to get all my laundry done so we could re-pack for the next week. Take out 3 hours for church this morning and then 7 1/2 for another service about 40 minutes away (that included a 3 hour dinner and coffee with an oh-so-fun couple), that doesn't leave much daylight. So I work in the dark. And now that I'm pretty much done (at 2:30am), I need to wind down and sleep a couple hours so I can be up and ready to hit the road again. Good thing I didn't drink that Red Bull I thought I'd need to stay up. Then I'd really be in trouble. So now that I've posted on all three of my blogs - I'm gonna try to sleep. 'night. I hope.

aunty on the move

2008-06-06T08:39:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here at my parent's waiting for my nephew. My sister is filling in at the church office for the week and I get to babysit before we head out this afternoon. I love being an aunt. Who woulda thought it would be such a riot when you already have your own kids?

Our spur-of-the-moment-scheduled service on Wednesday was great. It was at a smaller church and I think some really powerful things were released into their ministry that night. The not so great thing about the evening was the hail that hit late that night and tore up our Explorer. Mitch is hoping for a really good insurance settlement. He's taking care of that right now.

Thursday, after lunch with some friends and their 4 boys, we headed in for the service last night. Whoa. A-maz-ing. No kidding. Mitch is sure that he had an angel helping him. There was such a grace to minister and orchestrate the service. Mind blowing miracles were taking place. I thought I was in Lakeland. :)

This afternoon we head back down the road toward home, taking a 24 hour pit stop for 2 services with Jim Maloney. I got a fun hotel room with a indoor waterpark. My kids deserve it. It's been a wild 30 days and the next 20 will continue on the wild side.

Oh, my little guy is here. Better jet.

church notes

2008-06-03T21:30:00.003-05:00

Sunday, I had the privilege of being in our home church. I'd heard that Pastor Ron was doing a series from Robert Morris', "The Blessed Life". He shows a 10-ish minute video clip and then preaches another 10-ish minutes.

Now, our church Sunday School class has been through "The Blessed Life" video series but I haven't seen a second of them because *gasp* I don't go to Sunday School. So I was totally blown away by this 10 minute clip on "The Spirit of Mammon". Here are a few of my notes...

Mammon is a spirit that rests on all money. There is no such things as 'spirit-less' money. It either has the spirit of mammon or the Spirit of God. The way to redeem all of your money is to give to God FIRST - the tithe. Mammon rules through the threat of not being able to buy or sell. (think of the economy) Instead of 'buying & selling', God's Kingdom principle is sowing and reaping.

Those are just a few of my thoughts and they're not very well put together. There's a reason Pastor Ron shows the video and doesn't just try to teach it all himself. Pastor Morris does a phenomenal job of bringing God's revelation on this subject. Someday, when our life's not spinning out of control and I'm not in need of this.....

...I'm gonna find that video series and watch it!

rundown of our weekend

2008-06-02T20:55:00.005-05:00

Our weekend was fabulous! Crazy, of course, but great. The service on Thursday night was awesome. Our friends who did worship did an awesome job. Really set the tone for the whole night.

Friday included meeting with my sis and her fiancee to go over the wedding plans for June 21. My Beloved will be doing the ceremony and I am a bridesmaid. (first time EVER - really!) Then off to watch an hour of my little brother's ball game and out to eat with my grandparents (who hosted us this weekend).

Next my sister's and I took my mom out for dessert to celebrate her birthday (which is actually today). I was so caught up in our beautiful desserts that I didn't take any photos of us 5 gorgeous gals. ;) We ended the day, late, with setting up for Saturday's garage sale.

The sale went pretty well, meaning we all made some cash but we had SOOOO much that we still had a gob to haul off to GoodWill when we were done. Atleast it's all gone! Yay.

Sunday was fun, getting to go back to our home church. It's grown so much in the 3 years since we left. God's grace and anointing on these amazing people is so evident. We're so blessed to have sat under them for 8 years.

Then the lovely shower. I'm a dummy and didn't snap any photos. But it was a fun time anyways. On the menu was a Strawberry Cream Trifle and some Watermelon & Peach Salsa with Cayenne Chips. If you haven't guessed, it was Pampered Chef. Those are always a riot.

This week is another week on the go. We'll be home until Thursday when we head back out to do another service. Then on Friday and Saturday we will come halfway back to go to services with another powerful preacher. We'll come home for Sunday, then head out to KC for most of the next week. I'm pretty sure we'll be sleeping in strange beds more than we'll be sleeping in our own for the month of June!

another weekend

2008-05-29T10:51:00.003-05:00

We're off for another 'Healing & Impartation Service'. We don't know what to call these times really. It's like a 'see what God will do' service and lately healings take place and My Beloved prays/prophesies over everyone. There's a lot of anticipation in the air!

Tonight will be especially fun because the 'all grown up children' of this fabulous lady are going with us to do worship! We've known this cool couple for quite a while but got to hang out with them a few times before My Beloved did their wedding ceremony. We love them!

Me and the girls will be staying the weekend (Mitch will come home early to do Sunday here at home) and doing a ladies night out dessert for my mom who will be celebrating a birthday soon, a garage sale, a bridal shower for my sis and even time to just chill.....well maybe. ;)

stay outta the river

2008-05-28T16:02:00.003-05:00

At the onething conference at the end of '07, God really emphasized the word 'slander' to me. Granted I'm totally capable of slander, but at the time I didn't feel utterly convicted, I was just pondering the word. I think I'm finding out why God put it on my heart.

A move of God has begun. It may be THE move to usher in the coming of Jesus and it may not be. But regardless, it is a genuine move of God, making the name of Jesus famous in our time. Many are being saved, many are being restored, many are being healed. And many are offended and slandering fellow believers. The problem with slander is once it starts within the body of Christ, it free-flows like an ugly, muddy river.

Some choose to slander the man carrying the anointing and are offended at the way God has chosen to reveal Himself. And then others slander the slander-ers, being proud how they themselves recognize the move of God while others are blind to it. When slander starts flowing, it's so easy to jump in the dark, repulsive waters and flow with it as well.

I believe God was cautioning me back at the beginning of the year, 'when the slander starts, don't be a part of it'. So I've been cautioned and made aware. I pray my heart can stay right and my lips pure.

grocery store cookies

2008-05-27T15:07:00.003-05:00

A week after school let out, this is our first 'normal' day at home. It's been a tad rough with mommy suffering from 'monthly issues' but we'll all live, I'm sure. Right now, I've got one sleeping, one listening to "The Singing Bible" and one reading out of John. This lovely picture follows children fighting, mommy yelling and a messy house. :)

A ball game and a board meeting are postponed for the night so we're going to plant our behinds in front of the tube with a movie tonight. Now I just need to find one. I planned a simple supper because of the previously busy evening so now I'm searching for something a little more substantial to make from the ingredients in the cupboard. Did I mention it's cold and rainy? So something more than sandwiches sounds good, ya know? I did grab a refrigerated package of sugar cookie dough for the girls to bake us for dessert. So what goes with grocery store cookies? Hmmm.....

moving to the rhythms of His grace

javamamma is on the move!

a story in the making

downsizing

my daybook

that kinda woman

Things that make me smile *ding*

happy days these are

The Simple Woman's Daybook

updating

like no other

moving my heart today....

Happy Birthday, Chandler Hope!

unprocessed, random thoughts

The Simple Woman's Daybook

the mundane

words of blessing & life

21st century artwork

his return

sad and mad

hey, it's my 401st post!

travel-schmavel

arriving safely

a manless journey of 16 days and nights

to those it may concern

passing into 2009

here a blog, there a blog.....

a little more adventure

Christmas meme

merry christmas!

aren't they the cutest?

brown eyes in Wal-Mart

a first

in this moment

lazy coma

suspicion confirmed

I'm a geeeen-iussss

extravagant gift of love

it's half time so here's some photos

on the table

remembering texas

this is not it

12 days and counting

look up, look around

a completeness

fun fest

costumes comin' out my ears

it's gotta change

from the zoo, to a night of chocolate, to bed

just a quick snippet

takin' advantage of the situation

the power to do what I cannot

my eyes are bugging out of my head

do you know the way you move Me?

FI-NAL-LY!

today's the day...

photos coming soon

honor my man

weeding the garden of my life

happy photos + 1

contemplating on my soul

preacher-girl

Look mom....

if all else fails....

sarcastic, cold & ugly

cyber newsletters....because I'm hip like that

sans tears

merci raine

entirely, unbelievably amazing

mercy follows justice

no purpose post

pretty relaxing

reasons to be thankful

hillbilly bling

judging by that smile....

a new season begins

someday i'll blog again

extra pillows are nice too

rise on wings like an eagle

a-b-c, all about me!

Things that make me smile ding