It has come and gone! So much work for 24 hours of fun! Santa brought our house 2 digital cameras! So hopefully soon I will be able to post pictures!
Christmas eve day was spend at my parent's house with my brothers and their families! Lots of fun and lots of presents! Oh--the night before they all came to my house for dinner and we played Name that Tune 80's version!!! So much fun! Lots of memories listening to that music from my formative years!
Christmas eve was our church's service! I think it is so awesome that we come together as a family and be together praising and honoring our Lord and the precious gift that He gave us when Christ was born. The children did a FABULOUS job with their portion of the evening! You can go to www.fxcc.org and hopefully soon their will be pictures up on the website of the evening.
Christmas morning was spent worshiping together at church....we never get to do that with my job! That was refreshing! We came back and celebrated Christmas with Jay's mom, brother and grandmother. Long story on the grandmother....another blog entirely but we had a good time.
It was sad though with Jim missing. He was truly missed and acknowledged.
One VERY frustrating fact...I ordered alex a digital camcorder for christmas from a website that specializes in too much stock and it was plastered alllllll over the website that if you ordered by the 21st, they would deliver by 24th. So I order on the 19th....Well guess what didn't come!!!!! I am so angry! I contacted the company and they just said. Sorry how about 20% off your next order. I told them absolutely not and that I would let all people I know, to not order from them! Poor Alex! They promised me that it would arrive today and guess what did NOT show up today!!!! Oh that's right....his christmas present!!!!! So this company is on NOT on my favorite list!
Over all we had a lovely christmas and when Grandmother leaves, I will post about her. What a sad life she lives!
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Oh by the way, from my previous post....I did get the Willow Tree Angel Nativity set!!! YEAH!!!!!
Now only 364 days left until next Christmas!
Monday, December 26, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Little traveler
Here are the states I have visited! I have also been to Mexico and England and Scotland! This spring break...we are going to Key West, Caymans, Cozumel and Castaway Cay!!!I figured out how to put a picture on my blog! How if I could just figure out how to add links to the side of my page....anyone wanna help me?
> your own visited states map
Ho-ho-ho
Got this off Malia's blog....the answers are mine! Go ahead do it! You know you want to!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate with whip cream!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? under the tree, artfully arranged for a dramatic presentation for Christmas morning!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I want white only but we have colored on both the tree and the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, we just kiss all the time anyway! JK!
5. When do you put your decorations up? We cut down the tree the Sat. after T-giving and then the decorations start going up!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I can't pick just one!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought and the artful way that is is arranged under the tree for the dramatic presentation! I learned from the master!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My friend down the street told me when I was 6. I didn't fess up however until I was much older. I think I was afraid that I wouldn't get any presents at that point. However, I tend to view Santa as being the Spirit of Christmas and of giving and that is something I believe in and holds more truth than the jolly elf from storybooks. (sorry copied this one from Malia...i completely agree)
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always opened gifts in my family on Christmas eve. Christmas day was all about Santa and what "he" brought. Jay grew up with only opening gifts on Christmas day. So we open gifts with my family on Christmas eve and on Christmas day we do Santa and gifts to the 4 of us and with Jay's family.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Chocolate chip and milk but now Santa does coke or cherry coke. smile!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it! If it's gonna be cold then there better be snow!
12. Can you ice skate? Yes
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Not one gift really but I do remember finding the ATARI 6400 or was it a 5200? under my parents bed (dumb place to hide THE gift of the season) and being totally excited about it! I also remember getting my Cabbage Patch kid from England becuase they were sold out here in the US and my Dad went to England on a business trip and got it there!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being a family. Sharing our blessings more than normal with those not as fortunate. We do this on a regular basis but we step it up a notch at the holidays.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? No bake cookies and pumpkin pie with ice cream.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? The new one that has started for us is going ot our church's Christmas Eve service. Also being at my mom's all of Christmas Eve day and playing games and opening presents!
17. What tops your tree? An Angel--a really cheap one from Walmart that we bought 16 years ago and the kids won't let us get rid of her!
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18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? O Holy Night and Silent Night. But my absolute favorite song about Christmas is the one by Point of Grace I can't remember the title but it's about a family befriending an old woman with no family! Makes me weep! Also by POint of Grace--We're not that far from Bethlehem.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Only yummy when you have an upset tummy!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate with whip cream!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? under the tree, artfully arranged for a dramatic presentation for Christmas morning!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I want white only but we have colored on both the tree and the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope, we just kiss all the time anyway! JK!
5. When do you put your decorations up? We cut down the tree the Sat. after T-giving and then the decorations start going up!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I can't pick just one!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought and the artful way that is is arranged under the tree for the dramatic presentation! I learned from the master!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My friend down the street told me when I was 6. I didn't fess up however until I was much older. I think I was afraid that I wouldn't get any presents at that point. However, I tend to view Santa as being the Spirit of Christmas and of giving and that is something I believe in and holds more truth than the jolly elf from storybooks. (sorry copied this one from Malia...i completely agree)
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always opened gifts in my family on Christmas eve. Christmas day was all about Santa and what "he" brought. Jay grew up with only opening gifts on Christmas day. So we open gifts with my family on Christmas eve and on Christmas day we do Santa and gifts to the 4 of us and with Jay's family.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Chocolate chip and milk but now Santa does coke or cherry coke. smile!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it! If it's gonna be cold then there better be snow!
12. Can you ice skate? Yes
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Not one gift really but I do remember finding the ATARI 6400 or was it a 5200? under my parents bed (dumb place to hide THE gift of the season) and being totally excited about it! I also remember getting my Cabbage Patch kid from England becuase they were sold out here in the US and my Dad went to England on a business trip and got it there!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being a family. Sharing our blessings more than normal with those not as fortunate. We do this on a regular basis but we step it up a notch at the holidays.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? No bake cookies and pumpkin pie with ice cream.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? The new one that has started for us is going ot our church's Christmas Eve service. Also being at my mom's all of Christmas Eve day and playing games and opening presents!
17. What tops your tree? An Angel--a really cheap one from Walmart that we bought 16 years ago and the kids won't let us get rid of her!
.
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? O Holy Night and Silent Night. But my absolute favorite song about Christmas is the one by Point of Grace I can't remember the title but it's about a family befriending an old woman with no family! Makes me weep! Also by POint of Grace--We're not that far from Bethlehem.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Only yummy when you have an upset tummy!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
New Favorite things
Ok here is a list of my favorite things...Oprah eat your heart out!
1. The song by Chris Tomlin--How great is our God---makes me cry every time! I truly worship with that song.
2. Rachael Ray's 365-NO Repeats, 30 minute meals!!! A shout-out to my dear friend Lisa for thinking of me and buying it for me for Christmas! Now I would LOVE the cool knife she has! Rachael Ray that is!
3. The Willow tree angels---I really really want the Nativity set (hint, hint, dear mother in law) but the one that touches me the most is the one with the dad sitting and holding the baby and the mom looking over the dad's shoulder....sniff sniff...loved it, bought it for James and Ramona when they had Gillian!
4. Warm, fuzzy socks! Target has good ones! So does Eddie Bauer! I am wearing some right now that have angora in them wiht little snowflakes! Quiet apro po for the fact that the weater outside is frightful....
5. Wireless internet! Sitting here on my laptop in the living room wrapped up in my next favorite thing talkin to you fine people!
6. My corduroy blankets! My mom bought them last year-maybe from JC Penney? Love them love them love them!
7. My quilt! Saw it at Mountain Lake and bought it on Domestications! Love it!!! It has good corners....long story!
8. My Britton watch! The one with the interchangeable wrist bands!!! Love it!
9. I know it's not moral but I really really like Friends! Trying to collect all 10 seasons! It just makes me laugh!
10. Last but not least--my family!
What are your favorite things?
1. The song by Chris Tomlin--How great is our God---makes me cry every time! I truly worship with that song.
2. Rachael Ray's 365-NO Repeats, 30 minute meals!!! A shout-out to my dear friend Lisa for thinking of me and buying it for me for Christmas! Now I would LOVE the cool knife she has! Rachael Ray that is!
3. The Willow tree angels---I really really want the Nativity set (hint, hint, dear mother in law) but the one that touches me the most is the one with the dad sitting and holding the baby and the mom looking over the dad's shoulder....sniff sniff...loved it, bought it for James and Ramona when they had Gillian!
4. Warm, fuzzy socks! Target has good ones! So does Eddie Bauer! I am wearing some right now that have angora in them wiht little snowflakes! Quiet apro po for the fact that the weater outside is frightful....
5. Wireless internet! Sitting here on my laptop in the living room wrapped up in my next favorite thing talkin to you fine people!
6. My corduroy blankets! My mom bought them last year-maybe from JC Penney? Love them love them love them!
7. My quilt! Saw it at Mountain Lake and bought it on Domestications! Love it!!! It has good corners....long story!
8. My Britton watch! The one with the interchangeable wrist bands!!! Love it!
9. I know it's not moral but I really really like Friends! Trying to collect all 10 seasons! It just makes me laugh!
10. Last but not least--my family!
What are your favorite things?
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Christmas time!
Ok, If you are family and friends and you read this....my palm pilot broke a while back but I wasn't worried because I had it synced with my computer...well that crashed too so...we have a new computer but I have no address!!!
I need your address! I am actually going to get my Christmas letter out this year! I should just blog it but that would be impersonal! :)
Ok well leave me love...and your address.....actually that is not too safe...so email it to me....
jecasergio@cox.net
I need your address! I am actually going to get my Christmas letter out this year! I should just blog it but that would be impersonal! :)
Ok well leave me love...and your address.....actually that is not too safe...so email it to me....
jecasergio@cox.net
Saturday, December 03, 2005
A response to Sammie's blog...
So I typed the word verification thing like 100 times and it said it was wrong...alex looked and checked for me...I was right....jay checked and looked for me....i again was right....and no i don't have the caps lock on....so here is my comment!
A real tree all the way. It is our family tradition to go as far as possible to get the best deal and spend an hour in the cold finding the perfect tree and only pay a few bucks for it! We did it again this year! We have a 9 foot douglas fir and only paid $20!!! LOVE IT!
Ok but if I must be 100% truthful...I tried to talk my kids into a fake one this year and they wouldn't have anything of it! They said it was the SERGIO family tradition to go and do this every year. Just like I don't want to put up on top of the tree my cheesy 7$ Walmart angel that Jay and I bought the first year we were married cause we were poor but my kids love it! They won't let me do the stylish bow that I pay someone at Total Crap..i mean Crafts to make for like $100!!!
Muppets Christmas album with John Denver! The best ever! Listen and enjoy! Veggie Tales Christmas is a close 2nd...too funny that the end of each song they clap their hands? Where are their hands? Vegatables don't have hands! It is like donald duck and his pants! He always comes out of the shower with a towel around his waist...he never wears pants!
Ellyn
A real tree all the way. It is our family tradition to go as far as possible to get the best deal and spend an hour in the cold finding the perfect tree and only pay a few bucks for it! We did it again this year! We have a 9 foot douglas fir and only paid $20!!! LOVE IT!
Ok but if I must be 100% truthful...I tried to talk my kids into a fake one this year and they wouldn't have anything of it! They said it was the SERGIO family tradition to go and do this every year. Just like I don't want to put up on top of the tree my cheesy 7$ Walmart angel that Jay and I bought the first year we were married cause we were poor but my kids love it! They won't let me do the stylish bow that I pay someone at Total Crap..i mean Crafts to make for like $100!!!
Muppets Christmas album with John Denver! The best ever! Listen and enjoy! Veggie Tales Christmas is a close 2nd...too funny that the end of each song they clap their hands? Where are their hands? Vegatables don't have hands! It is like donald duck and his pants! He always comes out of the shower with a towel around his waist...he never wears pants!
Ellyn
The magic of WAMAVA
I don't know if it is the cleaner air, or the landscape, or the no phones and t.v. or that you are away from the ratrace or all of the above but I just got back from the teen retreat at WAMAVA and ahhhh......I am like a new woman!
I only got l ike 5 hours of sleep but still I have come back with a renewed sense of peace. I don't know what it is about WAMAVA that does that to me!
I was totally stressed out about Christmas and decorating and putting up the tree but now I am not! I was trying to think of every excuse yesterday to NOT go to WAMAVA with the teens but I couldn't think of a real valid one so I went. I am glad I did!
I only stayed for one day because I have to get up at the crack of dawn at go to work (church) if I don't come home. I am getting too old for that.
I think one thing that rejuvenates me is that Chris has the teens make mailboxes and all weekend the teens spend a lot of time writing words of encouragement to each other! I love doing that! I sat down and wrote to every jr. higher and almost all the sr. high kids! They wrote me back too! I love hearing what they have to say! Anway, I was giving out love and they were sending it back and as the song goes...what the world needs now, is love, sweet love.....
It makes the world go round! So I came home and cleaned the 1st floor of my house and have started putting up Christmas decorations!!! I am feeling it! It also doesn't hurt that it is all cold and cloudy out and looks like SNOW!!!!!
It's the most wonderful time of year!!! Sing with me!!!! Man, am I relaxed!
What relaxes you? Come on put up your tree and deck the halls! Send someone some love! You will feel better!!!
I only got l ike 5 hours of sleep but still I have come back with a renewed sense of peace. I don't know what it is about WAMAVA that does that to me!
I was totally stressed out about Christmas and decorating and putting up the tree but now I am not! I was trying to think of every excuse yesterday to NOT go to WAMAVA with the teens but I couldn't think of a real valid one so I went. I am glad I did!
I only stayed for one day because I have to get up at the crack of dawn at go to work (church) if I don't come home. I am getting too old for that.
I think one thing that rejuvenates me is that Chris has the teens make mailboxes and all weekend the teens spend a lot of time writing words of encouragement to each other! I love doing that! I sat down and wrote to every jr. higher and almost all the sr. high kids! They wrote me back too! I love hearing what they have to say! Anway, I was giving out love and they were sending it back and as the song goes...what the world needs now, is love, sweet love.....
It makes the world go round! So I came home and cleaned the 1st floor of my house and have started putting up Christmas decorations!!! I am feeling it! It also doesn't hurt that it is all cold and cloudy out and looks like SNOW!!!!!
It's the most wonderful time of year!!! Sing with me!!!! Man, am I relaxed!
What relaxes you? Come on put up your tree and deck the halls! Send someone some love! You will feel better!!!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Teen Retreat + Crew+ Basketball=No tree up yet
Well last Sat. we did our usual family tradition of going to Jacobson's tree farm is lovely Lucketts. We got out and picked up our saw and walked and walked to find that one tree that would be THE one to bring us cheer and beauty for the next 30 days.
We were successful. We got an 8 foot douglas fir! We tied on top of the van. We got home and took it off the van and put in a bucket at the front door and well, there it sits...one week later...at our front door.
Not real sure when we will put it up and deck the halls and fa la la la la and all that jazz. This weekend is the teen retreat. Monday starts Crew's winter conditioning for Chelsea (5 days a week) and basketball practice for Alex.
Maybe we should just decorate it outside this year! Sounds good to me! Then I don't have to rearrange the living room and clean up!
But alas, my kids' wont' let me. I have tried for the past 2 years to get a fake tree BUT no! It is our family tradition to go the Sat. after Thanksgiving and go to Jacobson's tree farm in Lucketts and cut down our tree.
I always loved our Christmas traditions growing up. Coming in on christmas morning and seeing all that Santa has brought artfully set up and displayed for the most perfect photo opportunities and inspiring awe in the eyes of those of us who still believe in Santa.
So yes, sometime next week we will clean the house and rearrange the living room, set up and decorate the tree all the while listening to 6 of our 40 Chrismtas cd's and Christmas will offically start in the Sergio household! TRADITION! TRADITION!
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
We were successful. We got an 8 foot douglas fir! We tied on top of the van. We got home and took it off the van and put in a bucket at the front door and well, there it sits...one week later...at our front door.
Not real sure when we will put it up and deck the halls and fa la la la la and all that jazz. This weekend is the teen retreat. Monday starts Crew's winter conditioning for Chelsea (5 days a week) and basketball practice for Alex.
Maybe we should just decorate it outside this year! Sounds good to me! Then I don't have to rearrange the living room and clean up!
But alas, my kids' wont' let me. I have tried for the past 2 years to get a fake tree BUT no! It is our family tradition to go the Sat. after Thanksgiving and go to Jacobson's tree farm in Lucketts and cut down our tree.
I always loved our Christmas traditions growing up. Coming in on christmas morning and seeing all that Santa has brought artfully set up and displayed for the most perfect photo opportunities and inspiring awe in the eyes of those of us who still believe in Santa.
So yes, sometime next week we will clean the house and rearrange the living room, set up and decorate the tree all the while listening to 6 of our 40 Chrismtas cd's and Christmas will offically start in the Sergio household! TRADITION! TRADITION!
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Saturday, November 19, 2005
What a difference a day makes
Today is my hubby's birthday! YEAH!!! He is the rip old age of 37! Yikes 40 is just around the corner for us!
We had a GREAT family day!! Shopping--almost bought a $2000 bed...the select comfort...then we ate a mediocre meal at Benningan's and regained our facilities and decision making skills! We are still in the market for a new mattress and new bed but can't seem to fork over the money right now so I guess we will wait a while...maybe until tax returns come in! The lovely lady at the select comfort store did however manage to convince us thru the every so sly trick of video and heat waves and such to tell us that regular old innerspring mattresses would just worsen Jay's back condition. AND She knows that not everyone can afford $2200 upfront so how about 14 months no interest same as cash?! HA! Whatever fool!!! I still have to come up with $2200!!! it doesn't matter if it is today or 14 months from now!
I have to admit those beds were pretty darn comfortable! All day I have been thinking how can we EVER go back to a "normal" mattress, one where our bodies don't relax like they should and the pressure points are all wrong! Then we went to see Harry Potter 4 and I forgot about it for 2 1/2 hours! The movie was fine. It was not for young kids. It is not your happy go lucky Harry Potter...this one is much heavier in content and darker. He is a teenager in the movie and does typical teen things.
Now I am trying to wake Alex up so he can go to a birthday party where they will play manhunt all night? Whatever that is. Take Chelsea to a teen function and go out to birthday dinner with the Hubby and maybe go and look at some more inferior albeit cheaper mattresses than the ever popluar select comfort.
Have a good one!
We had a GREAT family day!! Shopping--almost bought a $2000 bed...the select comfort...then we ate a mediocre meal at Benningan's and regained our facilities and decision making skills! We are still in the market for a new mattress and new bed but can't seem to fork over the money right now so I guess we will wait a while...maybe until tax returns come in! The lovely lady at the select comfort store did however manage to convince us thru the every so sly trick of video and heat waves and such to tell us that regular old innerspring mattresses would just worsen Jay's back condition. AND She knows that not everyone can afford $2200 upfront so how about 14 months no interest same as cash?! HA! Whatever fool!!! I still have to come up with $2200!!! it doesn't matter if it is today or 14 months from now!
I have to admit those beds were pretty darn comfortable! All day I have been thinking how can we EVER go back to a "normal" mattress, one where our bodies don't relax like they should and the pressure points are all wrong! Then we went to see Harry Potter 4 and I forgot about it for 2 1/2 hours! The movie was fine. It was not for young kids. It is not your happy go lucky Harry Potter...this one is much heavier in content and darker. He is a teenager in the movie and does typical teen things.
Now I am trying to wake Alex up so he can go to a birthday party where they will play manhunt all night? Whatever that is. Take Chelsea to a teen function and go out to birthday dinner with the Hubby and maybe go and look at some more inferior albeit cheaper mattresses than the ever popluar select comfort.
Have a good one!
Friday, November 18, 2005
I am a sucka
Ok, so apparently I have nothing better to do on a Friday night than read blogs and answer silly lists....so here it goes...I'm divin in!!! By the way...Jay's 37th birthday is tomorrow...he doesn't know it but I bought him a flat panel t.v. today!!! Am I the wife of the year of what!!??? Well don't be quick to answer that cause I also bought a new nikon coolpix 6 mp, 10x digital zoom camera...eeek!!!! He doesn't know about that one either!!! Maybe that one will be Christmas!
Two Names You Go By: Mommy and Dear (sometimes not a term of endearment!)
Two Parts of Your Heritage: English and Scotish
Two Things That Scare You: heights & having my family far away from me
Two of Your Everyday Essentials: sunglasses in my hair and my wedding ring
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: my favorite pair of levi's and warm, fuzzy socks
Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists: Newsboys & Rascal Flatts
Two Things You Want in a Relationship: honesty and affection
Two Truths: My God reigns & my home will never be completely clean
Two Things You Hate (or rather dislike with a passion): lying (as in telling a fib) and rude people
Two Physical Things that Appeal to You: a nice 6 pack and kissable cheeks
Two of Your Favorite Hobbies: I don't really have any hobbies..sad, very sad I know! Ok maybe reading and watching t.v. but that is not really a hobby...
Two Things You Want Really Badly: to lose weight & to see my children be baptized
Two Places You Want to go on Vacation: England and the Caribbean (oh wait going there spring '06--Disney Cruise BABY!)
Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die: conquer a fear and sing at the grand ole opry
Two Ways that you are stereotypically a Chick/Guy: emotional and love to buy clothes
Two Things You Normally Wouldn't Admit: I like to sing loudly when I am alone ( I win the grammy for best new artist everytime!) and I can rock a video game wth the best of them!
Two People I'd like to see do this List: anyone & everyone
Two Names You Go By: Mommy and Dear (sometimes not a term of endearment!)
Two Parts of Your Heritage: English and Scotish
Two Things That Scare You: heights & having my family far away from me
Two of Your Everyday Essentials: sunglasses in my hair and my wedding ring
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: my favorite pair of levi's and warm, fuzzy socks
Two of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists: Newsboys & Rascal Flatts
Two Things You Want in a Relationship: honesty and affection
Two Truths: My God reigns & my home will never be completely clean
Two Things You Hate (or rather dislike with a passion): lying (as in telling a fib) and rude people
Two Physical Things that Appeal to You: a nice 6 pack and kissable cheeks
Two of Your Favorite Hobbies: I don't really have any hobbies..sad, very sad I know! Ok maybe reading and watching t.v. but that is not really a hobby...
Two Things You Want Really Badly: to lose weight & to see my children be baptized
Two Places You Want to go on Vacation: England and the Caribbean (oh wait going there spring '06--Disney Cruise BABY!)
Two Things You Want to Do Before You Die: conquer a fear and sing at the grand ole opry
Two Ways that you are stereotypically a Chick/Guy: emotional and love to buy clothes
Two Things You Normally Wouldn't Admit: I like to sing loudly when I am alone ( I win the grammy for best new artist everytime!) and I can rock a video game wth the best of them!
Two People I'd like to see do this List: anyone & everyone
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Back in the saddle again
Ok I have gone for a while. No one ever reads my blogs anyway but I hope to have something very profound to say soon!
I was sick this weekend with the flu, I am better now! Thanks for asking!
Yesterday was my daughter's 15th birthday. I can't believe she is 15!! She will be driving in 6 months! I look at her and think...what did we do to deserve such an amazing blessing?!!!
She is such a great kid! She is honest and kind. She is a hard worker and she loves God! She came away from Powerhouse this weekend just amazed. She knows she actually felt God in the worship center Saturday night! She said it was amazing! She cried telling me about it. She was overflowing with joy at the souls who turned their lives over to God this weekend. She was reminded of her decision 3 years ago. She knows she is cleaned by God and she is ever grateful for it! She wants everyone she knows to be clean too!
My son turned 12 ten days before my daughter turned 15. Again, I can't believe my "baby" is 12! He was a hard baby! He challenged everything we knew to be right. The good news is that we stuck to our guns and leaned up what we knew was right and he is just a fantastic kid!
He has such a great sense of humor! He keeps us laughing! He is laid back and fun loving. He doesn't get rattled at much. He loves to please other people. He also will work hard for those he likes! I worry about him because he doesn't seem to be as outwardly driven as my daughter but yet when I think about it, he is driven just in a different way and I sometiems struggle to understand his way.
That reminds me of the Bible verse that says "Train a child in the way HE should go and HE will not depart from it." Hmm...that would be a good blog entry next on what that means.
Do you have any ideas? If so let me know! Also, use this time to give a shout out to your kids or your husband or a friend! We all could use a shout-out once in a while!
I was sick this weekend with the flu, I am better now! Thanks for asking!
Yesterday was my daughter's 15th birthday. I can't believe she is 15!! She will be driving in 6 months! I look at her and think...what did we do to deserve such an amazing blessing?!!!
She is such a great kid! She is honest and kind. She is a hard worker and she loves God! She came away from Powerhouse this weekend just amazed. She knows she actually felt God in the worship center Saturday night! She said it was amazing! She cried telling me about it. She was overflowing with joy at the souls who turned their lives over to God this weekend. She was reminded of her decision 3 years ago. She knows she is cleaned by God and she is ever grateful for it! She wants everyone she knows to be clean too!
My son turned 12 ten days before my daughter turned 15. Again, I can't believe my "baby" is 12! He was a hard baby! He challenged everything we knew to be right. The good news is that we stuck to our guns and leaned up what we knew was right and he is just a fantastic kid!
He has such a great sense of humor! He keeps us laughing! He is laid back and fun loving. He doesn't get rattled at much. He loves to please other people. He also will work hard for those he likes! I worry about him because he doesn't seem to be as outwardly driven as my daughter but yet when I think about it, he is driven just in a different way and I sometiems struggle to understand his way.
That reminds me of the Bible verse that says "Train a child in the way HE should go and HE will not depart from it." Hmm...that would be a good blog entry next on what that means.
Do you have any ideas? If so let me know! Also, use this time to give a shout out to your kids or your husband or a friend! We all could use a shout-out once in a while!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Who am I?
"Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth, would care to know my name? Would care to feel my hurt? Who am I? That the bright and morning star would choose to light my way in my ever wandering heart. It's not because of who I am but because of what you've done. Not becuase of what I've done but becuase of who YOU are...."
I LOVE this song! It makes me cry everytime I hear it becuase this song strikes at the heart of why I gave my life to Christ.
On my own, I am nothing. God knew me before I was born while I was still in my mother's womb and loved me anyway. You might say, that it is easy to love a baby even an unborn baby. But God being God, KNEW me. Me in all my flaws, all my shortcomings AND all my strengths even before I did those things. He knows all that and loves me anyway! He yearns to have a relationship with me. The one who created EVERYTHING wants me to know Him and have a relationship with Him! How awesome is that?!!! I am made in His image. I was created for worship. I was created to follow Him and do His will. I was created to serve Him. I was created to learn about Him and then in turn tell others about Him. I was created to do all things to glorify Him.
Why? Because he made everything and still wanted to know my name. He wants to be my light and my way. It is not because I can "do" things and earn His love. It is available to me, I have to choose it. I choose it because MAN! Is it awesome to live like that instead of trying to make it on my own. I can rely on Him and His love for me to get me through each day. I don't know if you have noticed but this world can be horrible! Terrible things happen. How do these people get through it without God? I know I can't. I need Him. It actually very freeing (sp?) to be able to say that and live that. That is very contradictory to our culture.
The end of that song....."I am a flower quickly fading. Here today and gone tomorrow. A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I calling. Lord you catch me, when I falling. And you told me who I am. I am yours"
Thank you Lord for telling me who I am. Lord, my prayer is that I listen and obey.
I LOVE this song! It makes me cry everytime I hear it becuase this song strikes at the heart of why I gave my life to Christ.
On my own, I am nothing. God knew me before I was born while I was still in my mother's womb and loved me anyway. You might say, that it is easy to love a baby even an unborn baby. But God being God, KNEW me. Me in all my flaws, all my shortcomings AND all my strengths even before I did those things. He knows all that and loves me anyway! He yearns to have a relationship with me. The one who created EVERYTHING wants me to know Him and have a relationship with Him! How awesome is that?!!! I am made in His image. I was created for worship. I was created to follow Him and do His will. I was created to serve Him. I was created to learn about Him and then in turn tell others about Him. I was created to do all things to glorify Him.
Why? Because he made everything and still wanted to know my name. He wants to be my light and my way. It is not because I can "do" things and earn His love. It is available to me, I have to choose it. I choose it because MAN! Is it awesome to live like that instead of trying to make it on my own. I can rely on Him and His love for me to get me through each day. I don't know if you have noticed but this world can be horrible! Terrible things happen. How do these people get through it without God? I know I can't. I need Him. It actually very freeing (sp?) to be able to say that and live that. That is very contradictory to our culture.
The end of that song....."I am a flower quickly fading. Here today and gone tomorrow. A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I calling. Lord you catch me, when I falling. And you told me who I am. I am yours"
Thank you Lord for telling me who I am. Lord, my prayer is that I listen and obey.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Quick before the door closes!
Man, am I getting old. I have secretly known it for a while but hello, Josh Kellar left a comment on myblog and then I followed his blog and read all what was happening in his life....
I have been in denial. By the way, denial itself is actually good, it is when you come out of denial and into reality that it sucks!
So, the getting old thing...i have been keeping it a secret that I am getting old. I dye my hair, I blame my weight gain on my children. I am fooling everyone! HA! I mean my brother's have kids. 5 between the 2 of them! Their friends that they hung out in high school with and hung out at my house with are having kids! I mean Chad Patterson is a DAD!!! COME ON! Josh is married, Heather has 2 kids! You all are suppose to stay the same so that I don't feel old! A few years ago I ran into a college kid who was in like 2nd grade whenI had him in SACC (school age childcare) when I worked SACC in college!!!
I have a daughter in high school for crying out loud! She plays volleyball for the high school. My son is in his last year of elementary school! The other day we walked into the school for a game and I realized "oh my, i need to make sure he is in the school so that he learns his way around before next year!" In 9 very short months...I think that time gets literally faster as you get older...he will go to JR. HIGH!!! He is my baby!
I remember record players. I had a record player! I have vinyl!!! Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Eagles, The Go-Go's, the Firm! It is a concept that is filed under anciet history for my kids. They of course have some of the afore mentioned artists but now they are on their ipods not on vinyl or even a cassette tape!
I used to talk on the phone for as long as I was allowed and I would walk as far as the extra long cord would allow me...just as long as I unwound it and hung it back up right as to not exhasterbate my father....now they IM. There is not calling on the phone. They text msg. Apparently that is easier than picking up the actual now cordless phone and using their mouth to communicate!
I try to stay up adn current. But nothing can hide the fact that I am truly aging. Well reality has been real! I am headed back into denial quickly before the door closes!
Have a great weekend!
I have been in denial. By the way, denial itself is actually good, it is when you come out of denial and into reality that it sucks!
So, the getting old thing...i have been keeping it a secret that I am getting old. I dye my hair, I blame my weight gain on my children. I am fooling everyone! HA! I mean my brother's have kids. 5 between the 2 of them! Their friends that they hung out in high school with and hung out at my house with are having kids! I mean Chad Patterson is a DAD!!! COME ON! Josh is married, Heather has 2 kids! You all are suppose to stay the same so that I don't feel old! A few years ago I ran into a college kid who was in like 2nd grade whenI had him in SACC (school age childcare) when I worked SACC in college!!!
I have a daughter in high school for crying out loud! She plays volleyball for the high school. My son is in his last year of elementary school! The other day we walked into the school for a game and I realized "oh my, i need to make sure he is in the school so that he learns his way around before next year!" In 9 very short months...I think that time gets literally faster as you get older...he will go to JR. HIGH!!! He is my baby!
I remember record players. I had a record player! I have vinyl!!! Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Eagles, The Go-Go's, the Firm! It is a concept that is filed under anciet history for my kids. They of course have some of the afore mentioned artists but now they are on their ipods not on vinyl or even a cassette tape!
I used to talk on the phone for as long as I was allowed and I would walk as far as the extra long cord would allow me...just as long as I unwound it and hung it back up right as to not exhasterbate my father....now they IM. There is not calling on the phone. They text msg. Apparently that is easier than picking up the actual now cordless phone and using their mouth to communicate!
I try to stay up adn current. But nothing can hide the fact that I am truly aging. Well reality has been real! I am headed back into denial quickly before the door closes!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Loss for words
This is going to be short. As Christians we need to do something, anything to help all those poor souls in Mississippi and Louisiana. Just watching the news is just heart-breaking! I believe that God can be glorified in all situations! Let's do it...let's glorify God and do something to help!
Our lives are like the destruction in Mississippi (is it MI or MS?) and LA. God is the only one who can bulldoz and the debris away and make it clean. It is our responsibility to pay it forward!
If I think of anything, I will let you know. Send money to the RedCross...give at your local church. I am sure that churches are going to be taking up collections.
Pray, these people need God and His comfort now more than ever.
Our lives are like the destruction in Mississippi (is it MI or MS?) and LA. God is the only one who can bulldoz and the debris away and make it clean. It is our responsibility to pay it forward!
If I think of anything, I will let you know. Send money to the RedCross...give at your local church. I am sure that churches are going to be taking up collections.
Pray, these people need God and His comfort now more than ever.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Ramblings.....
I got done with work early today!!! Yea me! So now I am at home and what I should be doing is picking up and cleaning house...you know like a good wife should! jk But instead I got online and started reading blogs! My word, I don't think I knew that I knew so many people with so much to say! Then I started thinking....ok get this...how weird is that we now live in an age of technology that allows us to post our daily thoughts to THE WORLD!!!! I mean if you really think about it....it's just wierd! I know I am on the beginning end of the gen-xers, so I have the tendency to think like a baby boomer too but all you late gen-xers and millenials, this is just everyday life for you...this is just wierd if you really think about it! Kind of cool, kinda creepy. Right now some dude from Uzbekistan could be reading my blog! If they knew english I guess....see what I mean. Why does someone in Uzbekistan want to see what some almost middle-age wife and mom of 2 has to say about her life....why does anyone? But still I keep putting up posts! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE reading what most you all put up. You know who you are....Shayna, Jessica B., Sammie, Bruce, etc.
I try to stay up and current becuase I have an almost 15 year old daughter....there is another blog in itself! I mean she is going to be a FRESHMAN in high school! I have a FRESHMAN! yikes! I still think I am like 23 or somthing...then I look in the mirror and realize I am not (grey hair abounds or not thanks to the bottle of peroxide!) or one of my daughter's friends looks at me wierd when I try to use their lingo and I realize...oh yeah, they think I am an OLD person. But anyhoo.....
So I try to stay current....on my AIM I have all my daughter's friends screennames and I keep track of their profiles and what they say. Well now, they all have either blogs, xangas (i guess that is a blog too) or a "space". These kids will say anything and everything! I learn alot about them!!! Then I wonder....where are those parents and do they know what their kid has on their AIM profile or blog or xanga or space? What would they do if they did read those? It is a whole different ballgame! This is like extreme parenting. The x-games of life.
Then thinking of all that leads me to...I wonder when I will be too old to care or understand about what is current and new and hip? You know like your grandparents? or parents? My parents don't have a blog, my mom barely operates a computer. She does however have a Treo, that's a big step. I had to explain to her about getting Chelsea an ipod mini. Which leads me to...remember the original sonywalk man? The cassette player! See what I mean...I am only 36 and in like 20 short years sooooooooooooooooooooo much has changed!
Makes me curious about the next 20 years.
I try to stay up and current becuase I have an almost 15 year old daughter....there is another blog in itself! I mean she is going to be a FRESHMAN in high school! I have a FRESHMAN! yikes! I still think I am like 23 or somthing...then I look in the mirror and realize I am not (grey hair abounds or not thanks to the bottle of peroxide!) or one of my daughter's friends looks at me wierd when I try to use their lingo and I realize...oh yeah, they think I am an OLD person. But anyhoo.....
So I try to stay current....on my AIM I have all my daughter's friends screennames and I keep track of their profiles and what they say. Well now, they all have either blogs, xangas (i guess that is a blog too) or a "space". These kids will say anything and everything! I learn alot about them!!! Then I wonder....where are those parents and do they know what their kid has on their AIM profile or blog or xanga or space? What would they do if they did read those? It is a whole different ballgame! This is like extreme parenting. The x-games of life.
Then thinking of all that leads me to...I wonder when I will be too old to care or understand about what is current and new and hip? You know like your grandparents? or parents? My parents don't have a blog, my mom barely operates a computer. She does however have a Treo, that's a big step. I had to explain to her about getting Chelsea an ipod mini. Which leads me to...remember the original sonywalk man? The cassette player! See what I mean...I am only 36 and in like 20 short years sooooooooooooooooooooo much has changed!
Makes me curious about the next 20 years.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
What to do
I have been working from home today. Well I should say trying to work from home today. I am not sure how any of this computer stuff works but I have this new fangled software or something or other on my laptop(my personal laptop, not one from work...everyone else seems to be allowed to have one but me!!!..yes self inflicted pity party happening at 3) that allows me to access our server and supposedly our database (which i learned today I also don't have permission to see) from home.
I asked for this life-easing(is that a word?) alternative since the last 3 weeks of summer vacation I tend to spend all day away from my kids. I get tired of it and they get tired of it. One of the things I asked for when I started to work for the church was that I needed them to understand that I was a Mommy first. My family comes first. So if I needed to be with them then I wasn't going to get grief about it. All powers that be were in agreement! (Amazing what desperate people will agree to!!! Just Kidding!)
So now I can work from home in the mornings while my kids are sleeping away until noon! EXCEPT for today. The system failed me! I couldn't get connected and if I did then it said I did not have permission to access it! WHatever! God himself gave me permission! What computer server thinks it can out perform God almighty!!!
So while I was trying to get that problem solved, I was making phone calls and sending emails via my personal email account. All this to say, haven't really spent any time with my kids except to tell them that " Mom, is almost done!" Grrrr.....
So much for technology making my life easier. OH well these things happen....I guess I am going into the office tomorrow!
I asked for this life-easing(is that a word?) alternative since the last 3 weeks of summer vacation I tend to spend all day away from my kids. I get tired of it and they get tired of it. One of the things I asked for when I started to work for the church was that I needed them to understand that I was a Mommy first. My family comes first. So if I needed to be with them then I wasn't going to get grief about it. All powers that be were in agreement! (Amazing what desperate people will agree to!!! Just Kidding!)
So now I can work from home in the mornings while my kids are sleeping away until noon! EXCEPT for today. The system failed me! I couldn't get connected and if I did then it said I did not have permission to access it! WHatever! God himself gave me permission! What computer server thinks it can out perform God almighty!!!
So while I was trying to get that problem solved, I was making phone calls and sending emails via my personal email account. All this to say, haven't really spent any time with my kids except to tell them that " Mom, is almost done!" Grrrr.....
So much for technology making my life easier. OH well these things happen....I guess I am going into the office tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Revolt
Today did not go like I had planned. I got a migraine. Can I just tell you that most of the time I know why I get migraines. Lack of sleep, a weather front moving thru, a woman thing, stuff like that. Today...for no reason at all....so apparently my body is falling apart.
Why is it that now that I am older than 35, my body has brought on a kind of revolt? I am too young to feel bad so many times! I know that I am not the kindest to my body. I eat too much. I drink too much caffeine. I stay up too late and not get enough sleep. I don't excercise. I don't take vitamins.
If my mother was reading this, she would be all "I told you so!" So I am saying it for you mom! Yes, you told me so! I broke down and called my parents and asked for some vitamins. I know when my mom heard that message she was grinning from ear to ear! According to my mother, who is almost never sick, if you just take all the appropriate vitamins then you would never be sick. You should see how many she takes every morning. IT is enough to choke a horse! But she's almost never sick. She is as healthy as a horse. She is in her late 50's and is very healthy. So apparently my adolescent rebellion is still a part of my personality becuase I really don't want to admit that my mother is right. So shh....don't tell her please! Let's just keep this our little secret! When I take vitamins, I feel better and I don't have migraines. OH and just an FYI..it can't be just any vitamins, it has to be Shaklee vitamins. Why you ask, well I have heard the answer about 8 bazillion times since I was 10, so I can recite it in my sleep! No I am not bitter! smile! :)
The answer is because Shaklee vitamins are all natural and they are digested and processed in your body in less than 20 minutes. Proven fact, some news show like 20/20 or something did a study on vitamins and Shaklee vitamins were the ONLY ones to be digested with in 20 minutes so they were the most effective.
There you have it folks. If you want to be the poster child of health then take Shaklee vitamins and you will live a long and uber healthy life! If you have an ailment then there is apprently some vitamin you are lacking in your body and Shaklee has the vitamin you need!
The funny part is that I actually do believe all of this. I also believe in going to the chiropractor. Vitamins and being adjusted really do work. I have been there and done that. I just well am a little too rebellious for my own good. Strong willed you say? Yes that too!
So no matter what you have sniffles, headache, itchy eyes, ingrown toenail, or your nosehairs aren't standing on end, call my mom she can tell you what vitamin you need to fix anything!
Why is it that now that I am older than 35, my body has brought on a kind of revolt? I am too young to feel bad so many times! I know that I am not the kindest to my body. I eat too much. I drink too much caffeine. I stay up too late and not get enough sleep. I don't excercise. I don't take vitamins.
If my mother was reading this, she would be all "I told you so!" So I am saying it for you mom! Yes, you told me so! I broke down and called my parents and asked for some vitamins. I know when my mom heard that message she was grinning from ear to ear! According to my mother, who is almost never sick, if you just take all the appropriate vitamins then you would never be sick. You should see how many she takes every morning. IT is enough to choke a horse! But she's almost never sick. She is as healthy as a horse. She is in her late 50's and is very healthy. So apparently my adolescent rebellion is still a part of my personality becuase I really don't want to admit that my mother is right. So shh....don't tell her please! Let's just keep this our little secret! When I take vitamins, I feel better and I don't have migraines. OH and just an FYI..it can't be just any vitamins, it has to be Shaklee vitamins. Why you ask, well I have heard the answer about 8 bazillion times since I was 10, so I can recite it in my sleep! No I am not bitter! smile! :)
The answer is because Shaklee vitamins are all natural and they are digested and processed in your body in less than 20 minutes. Proven fact, some news show like 20/20 or something did a study on vitamins and Shaklee vitamins were the ONLY ones to be digested with in 20 minutes so they were the most effective.
There you have it folks. If you want to be the poster child of health then take Shaklee vitamins and you will live a long and uber healthy life! If you have an ailment then there is apprently some vitamin you are lacking in your body and Shaklee has the vitamin you need!
The funny part is that I actually do believe all of this. I also believe in going to the chiropractor. Vitamins and being adjusted really do work. I have been there and done that. I just well am a little too rebellious for my own good. Strong willed you say? Yes that too!
So no matter what you have sniffles, headache, itchy eyes, ingrown toenail, or your nosehairs aren't standing on end, call my mom she can tell you what vitamin you need to fix anything!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Vacations
I love vacations! I especially loved this past vacation! Went on our annual trip to the beach with 2 dear families! We rented an AWESOME house 100 yds. from the ocean and had an all around relaxing and enjoyable time!
Every year when we get together with these friends there tends to be a favorite game we play. Last year was Rummikube (sp?), this year at camp it was Phase10, at the beach we opened up the gates and posted the challenge.....we played Nertz! Ever played? It is the best game ever! Fast paced, every man/woman for themselves, losers go down and go down big! All you faint hearted and weak kneed people need not play! It is hard to describe the feeling of trying to nertz first and then have someone else nertz before you and you were sooooooooo close! You have to experience it.
We shopped and sat on the beach and read books. One day, I think we actually did nothing but sit on the couch and watch t.v. and sleep! This is not like our normal vacations. We tend to get up and get moving and go, go, go. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking...how is that different from everyday life? It isn't except that I am not looking at bills to pay and answering the phone and going to work. But this vacation was different. WE all slept in until like 9:30-10. We didn't eat breakfast until like 10:30, one day it was 11! IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!! It was pure relaxation!
I love the ocean and the beach. I love the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand under my feet. Hey, it is a cheap pedicure that way...I mean we spent a ton of $$ to have a house 100 yds. from the ocean! I know this is all very Hallmarky but it is true.
We had great food! Yes I even cooked one night! It was Taco salad, so you may not consider that "cooking" but Jay did brown the ground beef! We had great company! We laughed and talked and there was a fair amount of trash talk going on...all in good Christian fun! 2 words.... Buddha, Salad!
This was just one of the best vacations! I love being busy but I really really enjoyed doing nothing and having no agenda and time constraints! ahhhh..........
Now it is back to the grind!
Every year when we get together with these friends there tends to be a favorite game we play. Last year was Rummikube (sp?), this year at camp it was Phase10, at the beach we opened up the gates and posted the challenge.....we played Nertz! Ever played? It is the best game ever! Fast paced, every man/woman for themselves, losers go down and go down big! All you faint hearted and weak kneed people need not play! It is hard to describe the feeling of trying to nertz first and then have someone else nertz before you and you were sooooooooo close! You have to experience it.
We shopped and sat on the beach and read books. One day, I think we actually did nothing but sit on the couch and watch t.v. and sleep! This is not like our normal vacations. We tend to get up and get moving and go, go, go. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking...how is that different from everyday life? It isn't except that I am not looking at bills to pay and answering the phone and going to work. But this vacation was different. WE all slept in until like 9:30-10. We didn't eat breakfast until like 10:30, one day it was 11! IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!! It was pure relaxation!
I love the ocean and the beach. I love the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand under my feet. Hey, it is a cheap pedicure that way...I mean we spent a ton of $$ to have a house 100 yds. from the ocean! I know this is all very Hallmarky but it is true.
We had great food! Yes I even cooked one night! It was Taco salad, so you may not consider that "cooking" but Jay did brown the ground beef! We had great company! We laughed and talked and there was a fair amount of trash talk going on...all in good Christian fun! 2 words.... Buddha, Salad!
This was just one of the best vacations! I love being busy but I really really enjoyed doing nothing and having no agenda and time constraints! ahhhh..........
Now it is back to the grind!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Snap shots
OK so last week was our infamous VBS. We had over 500 kids come to sing and learn about God and His amazing love! Our whole church bands together to get this event pulled off! We have soooo many people give of their time so that kids can come in and learn they way they learn best. By experiencing God.
We had a room that was made into a Lion's Den, with lifesize lions and glow in the dark eyes and skulls and authentic lion roars. So authentic that when the man playing Daniel came out and told the kids he was scared and asked what he should do, a little girl screamed out "PRAY TO GOD, HE WILL SEND HIS ANGELS TO SAVE YOU!" Then he asked the kids to help him pray and there was this boy with tightly folded hands and eye shut tight, praying and shaking! Although, I do hope we don't have to be liable for any future psychology bills. There was the jail. The kids came into a hot room that was void of anything fun...fully equipped with shackles and jailers who were tough and rough. We had a firey furnance too!
A great time was had by all. Even the 4th graders who apparently had a grand time with a full-contact game involving golf clubs...not sure about that one but I heard stories.
So, I am pretty much like the walking dead the week of and the week after. But that week God granted me a sneak peak of heaven I think. One morning while all 500 kids were in the worship center singing, I was up front and I looked out onto the sea of faces of those kids, and just was in awe, marveled, and touched by the love and the joy those kids were showing. They were pumped up and singing with all their hearts to God! I just stood there and teared up. Then "Betty Boop" came up to me to tell me of a potential VBS ending problem and WHAM! I was back to a place of work again.
I still have that snapshot of the kids singing and praising. I am currently all alone at home getting ready to leave on vacation and the picture still rolls thru my mind. I am trying to decompress (not sure that is the right word) so that I can enjoy my vacation with my family.
Thank you. God for photographic memories!
We had a room that was made into a Lion's Den, with lifesize lions and glow in the dark eyes and skulls and authentic lion roars. So authentic that when the man playing Daniel came out and told the kids he was scared and asked what he should do, a little girl screamed out "PRAY TO GOD, HE WILL SEND HIS ANGELS TO SAVE YOU!" Then he asked the kids to help him pray and there was this boy with tightly folded hands and eye shut tight, praying and shaking! Although, I do hope we don't have to be liable for any future psychology bills. There was the jail. The kids came into a hot room that was void of anything fun...fully equipped with shackles and jailers who were tough and rough. We had a firey furnance too!
A great time was had by all. Even the 4th graders who apparently had a grand time with a full-contact game involving golf clubs...not sure about that one but I heard stories.
So, I am pretty much like the walking dead the week of and the week after. But that week God granted me a sneak peak of heaven I think. One morning while all 500 kids were in the worship center singing, I was up front and I looked out onto the sea of faces of those kids, and just was in awe, marveled, and touched by the love and the joy those kids were showing. They were pumped up and singing with all their hearts to God! I just stood there and teared up. Then "Betty Boop" came up to me to tell me of a potential VBS ending problem and WHAM! I was back to a place of work again.
I still have that snapshot of the kids singing and praising. I am currently all alone at home getting ready to leave on vacation and the picture still rolls thru my mind. I am trying to decompress (not sure that is the right word) so that I can enjoy my vacation with my family.
Thank you. God for photographic memories!
Monday, July 04, 2005
Independence Day
Today we celebrate our nation's independence. Before September 11, 2001, I think people kind of took this day for granted. I think that there is a renewed pride in being a free country after that fateful day. Now we are 4 years from 9/11/01. My prayer is that we don't forget what it means to be a nation that is free.
My son and I spent 7 hours downtown today. We took in a Nationals game, they lost, but we had fun. We went to my husband's restaurant with friends and ate dinner. We were going to stay for the fireworks but my husband had been at the restaurant since 6 a.m. and was very tired. We have already done the downtown DC fireworks experience, so it was no big deal. As we were driving back home, people were pulling off and lining the highway with their cars to get a prime location to watch the fireworks. I do hope that we, as a nation, remember what it means to be free. To also remember that freedom has it's price and it is a high one. Men and women put their lives on the line for you....and they didn't even know you and they did it anyway because of what it means to be free.
We have men and women right now in hostile territory defending and protecting our freedom. Whether you agree of not, you can't argue the point that those men and women are doing it becuase they LOVE freedom and understand how important it is. They look at "americans" and say, "I dont know you but you are worth it". They go and fight for you. Some of them die for you and your right to burn a flag or curse what they do.
There is someone else who has done the same for you. He does know you and said that despite all your faults, you are worth it. He put himself through the most horrific agony that any person could experience. He died for you. He was innocent of any wrong. He was tried and found guilty. He was innocent, he only loved you.
That is our true independence day. He died and 3 days later beat death to rise again. To show us that we also can die and rise again a new person. Jesus Christ took our sins and had them nailed to the cross thru his hands and feet. I believe (there is nothing in the Bible that proves this, it is just a nice thought) that because he is God that he could see you and me and say that we are worth it.
He paid a debt that we owed and we are forgiven of that debt. That is our Independence! We can choose to accept it or not. We are set free through Christ's death so that we can live forever with God in Heaven! How awesome is that?!!! I am free! Only I remember my faults. Not God. He has already paid for them! They are gone to him. I am free!
I bet there will be mad, awesome fireworks in heaven! WHat do you think?
My son and I spent 7 hours downtown today. We took in a Nationals game, they lost, but we had fun. We went to my husband's restaurant with friends and ate dinner. We were going to stay for the fireworks but my husband had been at the restaurant since 6 a.m. and was very tired. We have already done the downtown DC fireworks experience, so it was no big deal. As we were driving back home, people were pulling off and lining the highway with their cars to get a prime location to watch the fireworks. I do hope that we, as a nation, remember what it means to be free. To also remember that freedom has it's price and it is a high one. Men and women put their lives on the line for you....and they didn't even know you and they did it anyway because of what it means to be free.
We have men and women right now in hostile territory defending and protecting our freedom. Whether you agree of not, you can't argue the point that those men and women are doing it becuase they LOVE freedom and understand how important it is. They look at "americans" and say, "I dont know you but you are worth it". They go and fight for you. Some of them die for you and your right to burn a flag or curse what they do.
There is someone else who has done the same for you. He does know you and said that despite all your faults, you are worth it. He put himself through the most horrific agony that any person could experience. He died for you. He was innocent of any wrong. He was tried and found guilty. He was innocent, he only loved you.
That is our true independence day. He died and 3 days later beat death to rise again. To show us that we also can die and rise again a new person. Jesus Christ took our sins and had them nailed to the cross thru his hands and feet. I believe (there is nothing in the Bible that proves this, it is just a nice thought) that because he is God that he could see you and me and say that we are worth it.
He paid a debt that we owed and we are forgiven of that debt. That is our Independence! We can choose to accept it or not. We are set free through Christ's death so that we can live forever with God in Heaven! How awesome is that?!!! I am free! Only I remember my faults. Not God. He has already paid for them! They are gone to him. I am free!
I bet there will be mad, awesome fireworks in heaven! WHat do you think?
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