Craziness

Hello everyone! I am back - did ya miss me?

I have soooooooooooooooooooo many things to update you about but first let me catch you up from VBS (yes the update I promised in July). I really am sorry that it has been so long but life has been busier than the word busy can describe =0)

VBS was great this year but it had some very interesting twists and turns. On the Wed. night we had a wicked storm front come through our area. The power went off about 30 mins into the evening but then came back on.
(But as you may be able to imagine that was enough to scare some of the kids) About 10 or 15 mins later the power went off again and stayed off. Then the tornado sirens went off. (Remember I hate and get very scared in storms =0))We had to get all the kids in the hallway and get them calm. So we sang songs until we could go back to our rooms. Many of the parents dropped the kids off so we continued with the program, using flashlights and candles. I have a feeling the kids will remember that evening for a long time to come. That storm left many people in our city without power for over a week and one of my friend's house was really messed up from the wind and tree damage.

On the Sunday morning the kids took over the service. We had a kids praise team lead worship. A kids stick drama team lead in a special song. A VBS choir sang (and yes I taught the Spanish song). Then our children's pastor preached. It was an awesome morning and God really moved.

Speeding up

Just when you think things are slowing down they actually start to pick up speed again. What's up with that?!?!?!?

I guess that's ok because I really do like to be busy however I also like time to breathe :) We start VBS this week and we are having a Fiesta! It is going to be a blast. I am in charge of worship and this set actually has a lot of really good songs! I am very excited but I can't decide if I am going to teach the kids the Spanish song. We had KFC this morning and had a lot of first time visitors and then tonight one of my "kids" got the Holy Ghost. Man that was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I am off, I will let ya'll know how VBS goes.

Confession

Before I can post what I would like I must make a confession. I listen to music other than Christian sometimes. I know it's a shock. I want to share the lyrics to a song that has been on my mind lately. As I have said in past posts the people in my life that I call "family" are moving. In three weeks one goes to Mexico and in six weeks another is moving to Ohio. So as I think of these moves this song can best describe how I feel about it. I will miss my friends dearly after all they are more than just friends, they have seen me at my worst and best, and still love me which is what makes them family.

My Wish by Rascal Flatts
I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
and each road leads you where you want to go,
and if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
if it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

More than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
all the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
and you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
and you always give more than you take.

Oh More than anything, Yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
and while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Mush

That is the state of my brain at this time. I have done literally nothing this weekend. As I stated in a previous post I am dog sitting this weekend. So as a result there has been little to do but watch movies or read. I have done both, it has been a nice break from the real world. If I had been home this weekend I would have done laundry, purged my closet, and had on Fox News to keep up with the events over in the Middle East. I must admit that every time I pull up the internet and see cnn.com and I am thankful that I am away from reality for a bit. Is it just me or does the world just seem to be getting crazier and crazier?

What to do? What to do?

Ok so this is my first free weekend in like FOREVER!! And I am soooooooooo bored. I just don't know what to do with myself when I have nothing to do. Isn't that crazy?

We had a low turn out for prayer but it was actually a good number considering that it is a holiday weekend. We talked about freedom and then made paper chains and broke them after we prayed for freedom in a country. The kids loved it. Well I guess I will go back to being bored hope that everyone is having a great weekend!

Are you lonesome tonight?

Sorry I couldn't help myself. The biggest news story today was all about the Japanese emperors visit to Graceland. I am going to be blogging more often now - my life has FINALLY slowed down (kinda).

I am dogsitting for a friend and I am looking forward to the down time and alone time. Everyone is out of town. Two of my "family" come home on Sunday night. Then two more on the Fourth and then the last one next Sat. While I have been excited for this time I really do feel lonely. I wonder if this is what it is going to feel like next year? This time next year the "family" is literally going to be scattered around the world. The thing is while I know that the upcoming moves are in God's will - it still hurts a little bit. I guess I have finally let my walls down and allowed myself to get close to people again.

Lists

I saw this on a fellow bloggers blog =0)So I decided to join in the festivities. The following things are listed in random order. Enjoy.

7 things that scare me

1. Letting people know the real me
2. Change
3. Spiders or any form of creepy crawly thing
4. Uncontained Fire
5. Falling down the platform stairs yet again
6. That I will never live up to my full potential
7. Thunderstorms

7 things I like

1. Music
2. Laughter
3. Church
4. Swinging in the park (well any swing will do)
5. Traveling (though I don't get to do that often)
6. Working with kids at church
7. The color orange

7 things I plan/hope to do before I die

1. Be a full time missionary
2. Record a CD
3. Invent a new and ridiculously popular flavor of ice cream
4. Read all the books I have purchased
5. Finish my friend's cross stich
6. Own a truck
7. Learn to speak Russian

7 things I can do

1. I can play four different instruments proficiently
2. Make people laugh
3. Tie my shoes (that one took me a while to master)
4. Chew gum and walk at the same time (as long as I am not going down the platform steps)
5. Roll my r's
6. Say hello goodbye, please, thank you, yes and no in six different lanuages
7. Drive stick

7 things I can't do

1. Eat fish that isn't battered and fried
2. Say no to people
3. See a new Hillsong cd and not buy it
4. Spell
5. Any math harder than College Algebra (if I can still do that)
6. Check my email less than twice a day
7. Read a non fiction book and not mark it up

7 things I say the most

1. Sorry
2. Whatever
3. Not so much
4. Does that make sense?
5. Sorry to bother you
6. Bless his/her heart
7. Hey


7 books I love

1. Anything Star Wars
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. Love Beyond Reason
4. The Chronicles of Narnia
5. Little House in the Big Woods
6. Redefining Children's Ministry in the 21st Century
7. Alanna the First Adventure

7 people I want to tag

I can't answer this because I don't believe I know 7 other bloggers.

Prayer meeting

Tonight I was involve in the best prayer meeting EVER. And I do mean ever. We were having our planning meeting with the kids who are going to be leaders at Summons to Sacrifice this year. They range in ages 9-15. It was just amazing the way God moved. We broke and just prayed for wisdom, and the Summons, the kids that were coming ect. That was about 15 minutes or so. Then we all came together and did a worship song. After we lifted our hands and just worshipped. One of the girls began to lead a closing prayer and when she finished another kid took over. This went on for quite awhile. It was so awesome to hear them declaring things and prophesying and tearing down strongholds. Please keep this meeting in your prayers. I can't even begin to imagine what God is going to do in the lives of the kids that are coming. The conference is June 8-10. I will keep you posted no worries =0)

Jer 29:11

Do you ever look back over your life and wonder where you went wrong? Do you ever wonder what if I had done this instead of that? I have my moments like that - although they are becoming fewer and farther between. I think that is because there has been enough space now that I can look back and see how God used those times to lead me into new directions. And no matter how I felt at the time He was always right there holding my hand. I am so thankful for His protection and love. I am not sure if I have shared this yet or not but here is a scripture that has basically become my mantra. Jer 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

I am still alive

I know it has been a while since I have posted. I'm sorry - please forgive me. These last couple weeks have been VERY busy. If you would like to know what has occupied my time go the following site.

www.newlifecenter.com

When you get there follow the link to the weekly service. You will be treated to our Easter drama. It is about 40 minutes long but well worth your time - I promise =0) I will do better at posting I promise - but I must warn you that I will have to start that next week. I am heading off to music conference and I am not sure if I am taking my laptop or not. And if I do, I am unsure about being able to get an internet connection. I hope that you all had a great Easter and that you have a wonderful week.

Random thoughts

We have already covered the fact that I DO NOT like thunderstorms. Well it has finally turned into spring here. I don't think I will be getting any more surprise snow. The thing that stinks about that is the weather folks are saying this is going to be a very stormy spring. Now I know that they are wrong half the time - but considering the way the spring has started out here I think they may be right this time.

Another thing that I don't like but I am learning to embrace is change. And let me tell you things are changing fast around here. People are moving, others are looking for houses, others are almost done with their degrees - just too much change at once. And the thing is it's all good change. I am so happy for the people who are experiencing these changes because that means they are one step closer to realizing their dreams. It's all the unknown things that come with change. I don't know what to think and at this point I am about to start rambling. So on that note I believe I will stop for the time being. Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend and that you have beautiful weather to enjoy! (no storms!!!!!) =0)

The Concert

I received this in an email today. I had not seen this one before but it really spoke to me. Perhaps due to the musician in me.

The Concert

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.

In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit.""Keep playing."

Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child, and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played. Only the classic," Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

Perhaps that's the way it is with God.

What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful. The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit." "Keep playing." May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.' Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. So touch someone by passing this little message along.
May God bless you and be with you always! and remember, "Don't quit." "Keep playing."

Good day!

Yes today was a good day. We continued to have snow most of the day but more than likely it will be gone by tomorrow night. A spirit of sleepiness came upon me at 12:30 and let me tell ya - that was the longest 5.5 hours of work ever! (well maybe not be it sure seemed that way) Tonight I went to a play at church about GT Haywood. It was really good but the coolest thing was the way that God moved in at the end. It just reiterates to me the importance of a drama ministry. There were people there that may have not come for any other type of service, and there was no denying that we serve the true living God after that service. God is so awesome!

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

We had snow today!!!!!!!!!! It's the perfect snow person, snow angel, snow ball fight kinda snow. It is so awesome! Today has just been a great day thus far all around! I am talking with Nate and Ingunn online and life is just good. I will check back in later to let you know how the rest of the day transpires. If you get a chance check out this report from Mississippi. This ministry is the perfect example of being God's hands.

http://www.ninetyandnine.com/mblog06/mblogger.html

Thunder Storms

They freak me out!!!!!!!! We had horrible storms last night and the promise of more tonight. I get scared at the first sighting of lighting and the first roll of thunder. If the tornado sirens go off - forget it. I am frozen in place. I do not do well with storms at all. I have never actually been in a tornado and I have never been hurt nor had family hurt in a storm but I just can't handle 'em. And that is not a good thing since I live in the Midwest.

So this is how I cope. Fall asleep before the storms come and if they are not too bad then that usually does the trick. If I am awake I either curl up in a ball and pray or if I have an unlucky friend around I grab and hug their arm. But the essential thing that I must have no matter what is my Eeyor. (pictured above) Poor little guy - anytime I am upset or lonely I rub his ears. My friend who gave him to me was checking him out the other night to see if he had holes yet. Several of my friends are surprised he is still intact. =0) And as one of those friends learned last night - Lord help ya if you try to take him away from me =0)

Army Brat

As some of you may know I am an army brat. I must admit that at times when I hear of protests against various military actions I get frustrated. It could because of the army brat status I have - not sure. I do know that I am very thankful for the men and women that put their lives on the line everyday to ensure my freedom. I want to share a story that was sent to me in an email. Hope you enjoy.

I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow
their carry-on's and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a
long, uneventful flight home.

With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff
luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to
holding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing
that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home
to see my loved ones so I was focused on my issues and just felt like
standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act
together.

I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed thru the "Sky Mall"
magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really
getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap
to break the monotony. With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself.

Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we
were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes. The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that I was finally going to be on my way home.

Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold up .. Just get their butts in a seat and let's hit the gas I thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home
from Iraq !!! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause.

The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them
as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her.
The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time.

When we were finally airborne, I was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life. I took for granted that others had paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" while those Heroes were going home to their loved ones.

I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed, I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our heroes were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane.

The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go about our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms. I felt proud of them.
I felt it an honor and a privilege to be among the first to welcome them home and say "Thank You for a job well done."I vowed that I will never forget that flight nor the lesson learned. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU to those Veterans and active servicemen and women who may read this and a prayer for those who cannot because they are no longer with us.

Funny moment

I am listening to the Bible this year. I am currently in Deuteronomy and last night something just caught my ear. Do not boil a kid in his mother's milk - and immediately I was like well duh you should never boil children and that is just gross. Then the blonde wore off and I realized they were talking about a baby goat. Oops =0)

GLOW

GLOW stands for God Loves Our Worship. This is a group of kids ages 5-13 that minister in song using sticks and sign language. All of these kids have either been a part of Kids Prayer Force or Shekinah Kids. The coolest thing is that these kids really just want to do this to minister to people. They don't care about being in the spotlight they just want God to use them.

If you want to see GLOW in action go to www.newlifecenter.com and on the right side under the calendar you will see a link for video on demand. You will then be treated to our awesome service from last Sunday morning (which I will be checking out tonight - I didn't hear the preaching because I was in Sunday school) The kids are right at the 39 minute mark. Enjoy!

Connecting

I am not even going to begin and start apologizing, please just visualize me with my head hanging down in shame. It has been awhile. Between taxes at work and life in general things have been down right psychotic. But the taxes will be finished this afternoon and I will no longer need to feel guilty about blogging when I actually have work to do.

I have to admit that I am a faithful EC (everyone's connected)person. I signed up on EC when one of my friends from Cali told me about it - I figured if nothing else it was a good way to keep in touch with her. Slowly I started getting links but I have got to say in the last week it seems as if everyone I knew growing up or in Bible School has suddenly come out of the woodwork. And I LOVE IT. There are folks that live in the same city as I that I never get to see or talk to - now I can just send them an email whenever I want to. I think my title will have to change from faithful to addict =0)

I have also have been in contact with an old friend from high school (thru classmates.com) and I am totally excited about that. It is crazy how much we have changed in the last ten years - and yet how some things have not changed at all. I love the internet - how in the world did we survive without it?

Sorry ya'll

Sorry ya'll. I know I haven't posted in a while. Between the flu and life in general I just have not had the time. I just wanted to let you know that I am still here kicking and breathing (at times screaming) =0) Have a great day I promise to have more tonight!