claudeswife

Can Hardly Wait...!

2009-12-18T18:21:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't blogged any ornaments in a few. It's been kinda busy trying to finish up all the things that need to be done before...I GET TO GO TO FLORIDA FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I am so excited! I can hardly wait!! It's gonna be so great!!!
We have to make it through set up, a DOUBLE 18th birthday party(with about 50+ kids expected), a lock-in after the party of OUR youth group kids, a childrens church Christmas party in the morning, and a youth Christmas party. Once this is done, we will go home, sleep for a little bit, then take a trip to Florida!!!!
I am really looking forward to the parties...it will be fun. I just want to get on the road and head south!

I can hardly wait to get there and see my parents and my brother & his family!
I can hardly wait to see all our Florida friends! I can hardly wait to hang out with them all and enjoy some good fellowship and make some wonderful memories!!!!

Until then...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE! Remember how much God loved us to send us the precious gift of His Son for us~

R U still interested in my ornaments?!?

2009-12-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

I know to some people collecting momentos from places you've been seems silly. For me, it's the memories that it brings back!

This ornament comes from Colonial Williamsburg, VA!

Our very first winter that we stayed here in NC, my parents came up to spend Christmas with us! Now, that was a HUGE DEAL to me! You see, I have a brother and sister-in-law who have given my parents 5 grandchildren (4 at the time!). For my parents to come and spend it with me and Claude was a priceless memory! Anyway, a couple days after Christmas, we went to Williamsburg together. None of us had ever been! It was alot of fun shopping, sightseeing, etc!

So, this little porcelain ornament reminds me of how much my parents love me! They gave up spending a Christmas with their grandkids to spend it with their daughter and son-in-law!

I love you, Mom & Dad!

Gotta love them ornaments!

2009-12-10T09:30:00.002-05:00

Anyone who knows me fairly well KNOWS that I love CocaCola! I love the CocaCola polar bear even more! I have a hope chest FULL of CocaCola stuff and my spare bedroom & bathroom are CocaCola!

I have several Coke ornaments, but this one's my favorite!

I believe we got him on our trip to Atlanta at the CocaCola store! That place was AWESOME!!!

Ornament memories #7

2009-12-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

This is not a very good picture of this ornament. It's "falling stars". I told you, I love unique ornaments! There were only 2 of these (again!) so i got both of them!

No real sentiment behind them either, just love the way they look on the tree! Like stars falling down the branches!

More Christmas fun!

2009-12-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

This time, I'm gonn post 2 ornaments! they kinda go together!

I've been collecting ornaments every year since we've been married. Here are 2 of my favorite!

I'm not a teddy bear kinda girl, but I just thought this was sweet! This was from 2003!

The look in the eyes of these reindeer had me from the start!

This is me, looking all flittering eyed at Claude, who looks like a "deer in the headlight"!!!

This one from 2004!

Christmas, take 6

2009-12-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

There's no real sentimental story behind this ornament!

I just thought it was unique! Instead of hanging from the tree, it looks as if it's floating and holding the tree limb up! I could only find 2 of this ornament...so I bought both!

I've had these for about 8 years! (I'm still amazed at how I haven't broken any of these!)

It's soooo pretty!

Christmas, take 5

2009-12-06T09:00:00.003-05:00

For those who don't know, this is an Irish symbol, called Claddagh. The hands stand for friendship, the crown stands for loyalty, and the heart stands for love!

(The very first piece of jewelry Claude every bought me was an Irish wedding band, aka Claddagh!). I love the absolute beauty in what it stands for!

Everytime I pull this ornament out and hang it, I'm reminded of that first Christmas gift I received from my wonderful husband!

I am so blessed!

Christmas #4

2009-12-05T09:00:00.003-05:00

While we were in Florida, Claude & I were heavily involved in the AWANA clubs. Claude was the AWANA Commander at our church & I was director of the 5th-6th grade girls.

We loved this ministry because we saw what a huge impact it made on kids!

After a few years of helping out with the ministry in Central Florida, the AWANA missionaries, Jim & Tara Lambeth, asked us if we would like to join the missionary team! We, of course, said YES!!!

Jim & Tara had an opportunity to go on a missions trip to India one year. They brought back this ornament. I just find it so pretty and, to know that it came all the way from India, is just neat!

Christmas #3

2009-12-04T18:04:00.005-05:00

When we were in Florida, we became friends with a couple that, I must say, I NEVER SAW MYSELF being friends with! He was always so full of Biblical knowledge and so "deep" and she SEEMED like the submissive sweet wife!

Well, I was wrong! About a great many things when it came to this couple!

Todd & Diona Boyle are a unique couple. He actually IS very spiritual and deep. But, not in a pious or fake way. He truly loves the Lord and loves sharing what he's learned about Jesus with anyone who will listen! He's a kind and thoughtful man and I know Claude loved hanging out with him!

Diona...what can I say about her?!? We are ALOT more alike than I ever dreamed possible! Sweet...yes! Submissive...yes! But, definitely the feisty, stubborn one of the two! She was my "partner in crime"! Our motto was always "better to ask forgiveness, than permission"!!! You laugh, but we got ALOT more accomplished when we went with our guts than when we waited on the committees and red tape that sometimes go with Southern Baptist churches!!! I love her! She was the brains and I was the brawn! She'd have these brilliant ideas and it was my job to make sure that they happened!

For the entire time we've ever worked in childrens church, they have been the ONLY couple that was in there all the time with us. We've never had any other 2 people dedicate their time and their chance at sitting in a service to the childrens ministry!

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that they gave this ornament to us the year before we moved. It means so much to me bcause everytime I pull it out and hang it on the tree, I remember them and how much they love us and pray for us!

Thank U Todd & Diona! We will always love U and ur family more than we can say!

No ornament today...

2009-12-03T19:25:00.006-05:00

I am having some difficulty getting my picture uploaded, so I decided to put something else on!

I was looking at animal videos on youtube and thought this was soooooo adorable! Hope u enjoy it!

I love Christmas #2

2009-12-02T11:27:00.009-05:00

Claude didn't really see much need to put up a Christmas tree and decorate the house up since we won't be here for Christmas. But, somehow he understood just how much it meant to me so he pulled all the stuff out of the attic space and hauled it downstairs for me! I just adore that Man!

I love having a fake tree...I loved having a real tree. But, all in all, I love my fake tree better. It's just so convenient! When I'm ready to put it up, I don't have to go pick one out from Home Depot (NEVER LOWES!!! Got one with worms in it one year...NEVER AGAIN!). It's me, whatever works the most efficient. Besides, I got the tree 6 years ago from Walmart for $25!!! How can u beat that?!? A 7 1/2ft tree for $25 that I can use again and again!!!!!!

Anyway, I think it looks pretty real! And, I have a Yankee Candle that is evergreen/spruce scented so the house still smells like a tree is inside!

What do you think?!?

We love it!

Friends from Discovery Church gave this to us last year! Isn't it beautiful!?!

Thank U, Gar & Stacy!

"My" nativity scene! I know, I know...it looks like a child's toy. I just thought it looked so simple and yet it tells the story so beautifully!

OK, now for the ornament of the day:

This ornament is a door...the door to our new home in North Carolina, the door to a new life, the door to a new church, and the door to the new path that God gave us 4 years ago.

It symbolized so much for me that first year. I was excited, anxious, sad, happy, lonely...there were so many things happening and I just missed my family (especially during the holidays!).

God was faithful! He is still faithful! He will always be faithful!

So, the ornament means alot to me because of the MANY new doors that were opened that first year here!

I love Christmas time!

2009-12-01T19:09:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is decorate for Christmas! It was always something we did as a family when I was growing up! Mom and Dad would get the tree up, then we'd each put ornaments all over the tree. We had lights, tinsel, ornaments, and sometimes garland!

I loved it!

Well, even though we don't have any children to pass this holiday tradition to, I want to keep doing that with my family (Claude!). So, I put the tree up and he helped with the lights. Then, I put all the ornaments that I've collected in our 15 years of marriage all over the tree!

I decided to blog ones that are special to me over the next couple of weeks.

I hope you enjoy it!

This was our very first ornament! "Our First Christmas Together - 1994".

A dear sweet lady at the job I had when I met Claude gave this to me right after we were married! A tradition I've started for myself is that THIS ormanent ALWAYS goes on the tree first!

I can't believe that throughout fifteen years of packing and unpacking, this porcelain ornament hasn't broken! It's sentimental to me because the lady who gave it to me was like a grandmother to me at work! She gave good advice, Godly counsel, and was always willing to lend an ear when I needed it! When I lost that job, she called me at home to make sure I was alright! Thank you, Clarice Harvey, for making an difference in my life!

Just another manic (poopy) Monday!

2009-11-30T22:41:00.002-05:00

Ya ever have one of those days when you think it would've been smarter to just stay in bed?!?

So, I woke up this morning with church stuff going around in my head. We have ALOT of things we are hoping to accomplish by the end of the year (mostly techno/financial stuff).

I got my Bible and started reading Philippians. I love Philippians! It's such an enouraging book! So, I read Philippians 4 and it talks about rejoicing in the Lord always. Little did I know that God was gonna echo that back in my head the whole day!

So, I woke Claude up to go to the gym. While waiting on him to get ready, I decided to put away the clean dishes out of the dishwasher. I dropped a bowl from a top shelf and broke it all over the kitchen counter. I didn't realize til later, but pieces of the bowl fell into the garbage disposal. Yea, that was fun! Apparently a piece was lodged in the disposal. It was not pretty.

Went to the gym and wasn't feeling well. I think I'm trying to get sick.

Came home and realized we didn't have any milk or cereal to eat. Made a sandwich with the last of the bread. (Waiting for payday stinks!)

Went to work on several projects for church. Just had a hard time focusing. Another reason I think I'm getting sick.

Got alot done (at least I think I did!). Stopped around 3pm and vegged out for an hour then Claude went outside to put up my Christmas lights so I went out to help him.

All day long, little things kept challenging me. Things that would normally be nothing were enough to bring me to tears. What's up with that?!?

With each thing that happened today, I kept seeing Philippians 4's words...Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS.

Thank you Lord for the good and the not so good things that come my way. Each one of them are opportunities to rejoice in You. So "...again, I say REJOICE"!

Blessed!

2009-11-26T17:16:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all the family and friends that we have across the country!

To our friends in Florida, we miss you. We love ya'll and feel so blessed by God for each one of you!

To our families in Florida, we can't wait to see ya'll over the Christmas holiday! We love you!

To our friends in Kansas, we are rich to call you our friends! We miss you all so much! We love you!

To our friends in North Carolina, thank you for making 2009 a truly fantastic year! We love you!

To our Discovery Church family... words aren't enough to tell you just how much we love and appreciate you! We praise and thank God daily for each of you and for the blessings you bring to our lives regularly! DC ROCKS!!!!!!

We hope that you have and your families have a safe and happy day today! Take some time out from eating turkey to reflect on all of the wonderful things in your life to be thankful for!

It's Weird

2009-11-23T19:50:00.003-05:00

It's weird how the older I get, the more nostalgic I become! It's also weird how the older I get, the more I realize just how precious family is. We are never guaranteed the next day with our loved ones. We are not given a promise that everyone will be together the next holiday. I am realizing how precious those moments with family are.

I talked with my Mom this evening. For those who didn't know, my grandmother (the same one who was in the hospital while Claude's brother was in a coma) broke her hip last week. She's 93 years old. She went to the hospital, they told her nothing was wrong. She went to a different hospital a couple days later and the x-rays showed she broke her hip. So, they did surgery and she's out doing well in her recovery. However, she's getting worse with her dementia; so being in a place that is NOT her home is very disturbing for her. My parents and my aunt & uncle are taking turns going up to the hospital and sitting with her so that she is not alone for too long.

It's times like this that I feel how quickly time flies by. My grandmother...

She's always been feisty and stubborn (probably where I get it from!). She's always been a very determined woman who alway knew her own mind. She raised 5 kids and has countless grandkids, great-grandkids, and great great-grandkids! (WOW! What a legacy!!!) I have distinct memories of sitting with her every Sunday morning in the back row of our church! My mom was always in the nursery on Sunday mornings so we always sat with grandma! I have such wonderful memories of her and our families getting together for holidays and bbques! It's an awesome blessing to have that!

Pray for her and her recovery. Pray that she heals enough to get moved to the rehab facility. Pray for my parents and my aunt & uncle as they share this honored burden of caring for her.

I told my Mom that I would be able to help if I didnt live so far away.

OK, I hear u Mom..."Be still and know that I am God".

Prayer changes things!

2009-11-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

I've never been a "Prayer Warrior". I know several folks who are, but I can honestly say that it's not my strength.

However, I'm constantly learning how much I rely on God's grace and His mercy when I pray! He's always constant in His love for me. He has never let me go thru anything unnecessarily! Now, don't misunderstand me, I've gone thru things. But, in everything I've gone thru, I've come across someone who's going/gone thru it too and they needed someone who could understand and sympathize! Most of the time, I learn a great deal more from those folks than they learn from my experience! Isn't it amazing how God works?!?

So, I totally believe in prayer and the power behind it! I know that people pray for me and it's obvious by how God moves and works in my life! So, I'll say...let me pray for others the way that I know others pray for me!

God's blessings!

2009-11-18T15:28:00.005-05:00

I've been reminded, yet again, by my wonderful friends how gracious and wonderful my Lord is!

He's blessed Claude & I with so much. The friends He's given us here in NC are AWESOME! I never thought I'd have such warm wonderful ladies here like I had in FL! Thank u Lord for your beautiful way of showing ur love through my Godly Christian ladies!

Lora, Laci, Kim, Chris, Hazel, Terry, Lisa, Diane, Amy C, Amy W, Laura, Suzanne...

So many wonderful ladies of Discovery Church! Too many to mention!

My fantastic FL friends who encourage me on a regular basis!

Mary, Cindy, Diona

My sweet KS friend who is the epitome of a Godly wife & mother!

Kathy!

The wonderful family that I have here in NC and back in FL! I'm blessed to get along and actually love my mother-in-law! I have a FABULOUS mother who LIVES OUT Proverbs 31's virtuous woman! I have a wonderfully sweet sister-in-law that I couldn't have chosen better if I'd been given the chance! BTW...congrats to Phil & Sarah on the news of baby #6!!!!! I am so excited for you! I love you both! I have a Wonderful father who has ALWAYS done his very best to love and provide for his family! He gave me the solid Godly foundation that I grew up on! There is no price and no words for how much that means to me! I have a terrific older brother that I adore. I wish he and his wife would move back to the US!!!

Thank you so much Lord, for the beautiful life you've given me. Help me to remember how much I love it when things go crazy!!!

His strength is perfect

2009-11-13T14:34:00.002-05:00

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone.

He'll carry us when we can't carry on,

Raised in His power, the weak become strong...His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

I hear you Lord. Help me to trust in Your strength and to let You carry me.

The lesson to be learned

2009-11-11T21:31:00.006-05:00

I am feeling a bit blah right now. Yes, the rainy North Carolina weather is probably a factor, but my real blah is coming from our house.

Several things actually...first off, we've had a mouse problem off & on over the last 9 months and it's "on" again. 2nite, our dog, Jack-Jack chased one under the fish tank. Now, we put bait out a couple weeks ago and I thought we finally got rid of them (yes, THEM...we had a whole bunch of them in the garage eating our bird feed!). So, imagine my frustration when I go to our pantry and find a rice bag with a hole in it yesterday. Then, Jack chasing one...I've had enough!!!!!

Second, this morning we woke up and found a leak in our ceiling. One of the windows from the 2nd story is leaking. It's pretty bad too. The water is running inside the rafters, down the wood, underneath the popcorn ceiling, and under the paint on the wall so that it's bubbling up and peeling. Now, I know that Claude could fix this with caulking the window. However, the rain and wind are pretty bad and it's suppose to be this way for the next 2-3 days. So, he can't get outside and fix the problem. We've tried laying towels inside the rafter, under the window, on the loveseat to catch the water dripping down the wall (so that it doesn't get on the wood floor and ruin it too). It's so frustrating.

Now, I know that we can't control everything that happens. And, I'm learning to let go of the little things. God has been faithful in taking care of us and I know He will continue to do so. I just feel a bit helpless right now. Claude is stressed about it and a bit nervous over how much damage it's gonna cause/how much it will cost to repair. I try not to worry about that, but it's something to deal with. This morning, after Claude left to work and I was sitting in the living room, I started getting teary eyed about the situation. Then, a small voice inside me told me to look around and be grateful for the roof OVER my head and for the warm cozy house that I was sitting in! Be grateful for the truck in our front yard that, although needs a bit of work done, runs and is completely paid for. Be grateful for a healthy loving husband who adores me. Be grateful for a happy marriage that some people only dream of ever having. Be grateful for my family and friends and for their prayers and love that happen even when I don't ask for it or realize I need it! So, my lesson learned is that I have an abundance of things to be grateful for.

We may not be able to go out and buy new things. We may not be able to take vacations and little getaways. We may not have expensive furniture or a even complete dining room set! But, we are still blessed and I will thank God for the things He has done for us that we've asked for (and even some things we didn't!).

Please be praying for these things if you are reading this! "The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man avails much"!

On a happy note, my puppy is so funny! As I type, she is playing "follow the light" with Claude! It always makes me smile! Other than the surprise visit from my family 2 summers ago, she is the best birthday present I've ever received! She is the gift that keeps on giving!!!

WOW it's been a LONG time!

2009-11-07T22:44:00.003-05:00

So, does anyone even read my blogs anyway!?!

I checked my last few blogs and no comments, so I'm not so sure there's much need for me to blog. I think most folks are using facebook as their way to keep updated on the goings on, so I don't really know if I need to spend much time doing this.

If you like reading my blog and would like for me to continue, just let me know. If I don't here much on the responses, I'll just figure there's not much need for this and kinda drop it.

thank you to those that have followed my ramblings of the past. I do like to talk and blog!

Youth!

2009-10-11T16:50:00.003-04:00

Had a great time at youth lunch today! I didn't get back til 2:30! It was so much fun just sitting and hanging out with the youth! We had 2 ex-youth (2 graduates from last year!) come to lunch with us! I miss them not being a part of youth. I know that's what's suppose to happen. They grow up and find their own path. It's hard to be left behind. I miss them! I'm still praying for them. I totally get what my mom means by you never stop being a mom. I worry over them even when they're gone.

Well, I'm looking forward to tonight's youth! We have a really "Cool" game we will be playing!!!

I will try to take pics and post them!

Later!

How quickly they grow up!

2009-10-09T12:09:00.015-04:00

Do you remember this little bundle of energy?!?

All 2lbs of her?!?!?

The only time she was still was when she was sleeping!

WELL...She's gotten bigger!

She's still a bundle of energy! She loves to chase Jack-Jack!

Actually, the only reason she chases Jack-Jack is to take the toy away from him!

He tolerates her trying to get it away from him!

She's almost always successful!

When Dipstick wants the toy, she gives in!

Dipstick is still "safe" against Jack-Jack's attempts to take the toy back!

"Fine, I didn't want to play with that toy anyway!"

Their ALL TIME FAVORITE game to play is "Where's Daddy?!?"

Who will find Claude first?

She's so much fun! Jack-Jack is starting to show some signs of jealousy (or male domination, not sure which!)

We're hoping it will pass!

another reason I love my husband!

2009-10-07T22:33:00.004-04:00

Last Christmas, we rented a car, drove to Florida and surprised my parents! It was awesome! I had such a great time! The only bad thing that came out of it was I lost my green iPod nano that Claude had bought me earlier that year. He had since bought me another one, a purple 4th generation nano. I like this one too, but my green one was sentimental! It was the color I chose and Claude went and got it for me as a surprise gift! Needless to say, I was bummed. I figured I left it in the rental car and some lucky person got a bonus when they rented it!

Well, Claude was cleaning out the backpack to take it to Catalyst & guess what he found!?!?

You guessed it...my GREEN iPod Nano!!!

I LOVE THAT MAN!

Welcome home my sweet!

Some cool things going on!

2009-10-05T22:23:00.012-04:00

It's been a little while so I have several things to share!

First, we went to our local high school where most of our youth attend. It was Spirit Week!!

Do you remember how much fun Spirit Week was?!? I do! We went on Twin Day! All of our youth wore Discovery shirts! It WAS AWESOME! I loved seeing all the blue shirts! check it out!

This is 3/4 of our Sr High! Aren't they AWESOME!?!

I just love them to pieces!

We had to jump in and get a picture with them! These are "our kids"! Memories made!

They just love hanging out together! Beautiful memories and friendships to last a lifetime!

So after we hung out with them at lunch, we came back and took some more pictures! It was alot of fun! People were walking by joking about how many "twins" there were!!! (This all took place on Tuesday.)

Friday night, the ladies of our church had our monthly LNO (Ladies Nite Out)!

The theme for October was Murder Mystery! We got to dress up and play roles in a murder mystery game! It was so much fun!!!

Our "Miss America", Lindsay, was commenting on "Miss California's" boob job!

"Miss California", Sasha, used bags of pudding to make her more "voluptuous"!

We couldn't stop laughing over it! What an ingenious way to add to your...!

There was only one problem though! She leaked!

"Miss New Mexico", Laci, and "Miss Kentucky", Cessie, looked so pretty! They could really pass off as Miss America contestants!!!

"Miss Mississippi", "Miss Florida", and "Miss New Mexico"!

The bad thing about taking pictures is that I am almost always BEHIND the camera. I'm waiting on some pictures from some of the other ladies so maybe I can get some more of myself!

We had a blast!

Oh, and by the way, "Miss Arizona" killed "Miss Texas"!

this time of year

2009-09-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

I love Florida! I'm a Floridian and will always be a Floridian! However, during certain times of the year, I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA!!!!!! Actually, the only time I'm not real thrilled with North Carolina is the summer! Let me tell you why...Florida's beaches are THE BOMB and North Carolina's "ocean" beaches just don't compare! I love the Gulf of Mexico! The water has beautiful shades of blue and the sand is so soft and warm! North Carolina's beaches are nice, but the water is nowhere near as pretty and the sand is HOT!!! I mean, scorch the bottoms of your feet HOT!

So, the fall, winter, and spring are the BEST in North Carolina.

In the fall, we get beautiful colors and cool days with windows down and breezes blowing thru them! I love sitting outside in my swing and reading or playing in the backyard with the dogs! I love to watch the leaves float down out of the trees in the backyard.

In the spring, we get more beautiful colors and fragrances! I sit on the front porch and watch the Bradford pear tree come alive with beautiful white flowers! The Crepe Myrtle tree blooms with pinks, purples, reds, and whites all along the street! There are so many different types of flowers along the different yards, I couldn't begin to describe the colorful canvas! It's marvelous!

My favorite season has always been the winter. I guess being a Florida girl, I didn't really get a real winter season until I moved up here! I remember the first time I saw it snow here! It was February of 2006 and it was 7am! I know this because I was so excited that I called my mom & dad to tell them!!!! I just stood outside and let it fall on me. It amazed me. I'm not sure why, it was just amazing to watch. This last winter's snow was the most beautiful thing I've seen! It was a blanket of beautiful white! I made my first snowwoman! I had a snowball fight with my husband! I LOVED IT!

So, this time of year makes me excited! Some look at it and get a bit sad that the year is almost over. NOT ME~

A new one is right around the corner, so I'm gonna enjoy the days left!

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

Time to work!

2009-09-23T10:19:00.001-04:00

Today, I have a full day trying to get things in order so that we can start working full force on our 3rd annual PARTnership Appreciation Dinner in November!

I'm excited about it, but there's ALOT of work to do! I've got some terrific friends who will be helping with party favors and stuff like that so it's gonna be GREAT!!!!!

OK, off to work I go...to my upstairs "office"!!!!! I LOVE BEING A PORTABLE CHURCH at times like this!

Date Nite!

2009-09-22T21:11:00.003-04:00

I got to go on a date last night!

My husband came home, brought me flowers (ROSES!!!), and took me out to dinner and a movie! Claude had planned a date night for us! It was so awesome! We spent the evening with no phone, no computer, no animals, no distractions! He chose the movie! I loved it! AND, the neatest part was that we only spent $14 dollars!

We had a gift card for The Outback from a boy that Claude helped with his truck. We had 2 movie passes that were given to us for something else as a thank you! So, after the giftcard, we spent $7 at Outback! And after the movie passes, we spent $5 on a large drink (I know, that was hard for me to do, but we "splurged").

I was so excited! I love spending time with my wonderful husband, but date nights are a rare thing for us! Even though we don't have kids, we have ALOT of stuff that happens during the week nights. And to be able to take a night with NO PHONE and NO COMPUTER! It was so nice. Then, topping it off with so little money out of pocket...what a blessing! Anyway, I was just happy to have the nite!

Thank you Dylan for the Outback gift card!

BTW, here are the roses he brought me! Aren't they beautiful!?!

Then & now pictures

2009-09-16T17:29:00.008-04:00

OK, since March 16th, Claude & I have been working hard to get healthy. I've been focused on losing weight, but lately I've not been worried about the number as much as the "muscles" I'm seeing!!! It's cool to look at my legs and my arms and see muscles! I feel so good about myself and I am loving the fact that NO CLOTHES fit me!!! It does create a problem since we don't really have any money for me to get new clothes, but I don't even care about that! I like to "window shop" and try clothes on because it makes my day to see myself in sizes I NEVER thought I'd ever wear again!

So, here are some then and now pictures to show my friends & family that don't get to see me on a regular basis.

THE "BEFORE" PICTURES

June 2008

(Davey & Janelle Kolk's wedding)

July 2008

(at IHOP before my parents & niece left to go back to FL)

February 2009

(Valentine's 2009)

NOW FOR THE "AFTER" PICTURES!

May 2009

Childrens' Church

September 2009

Marcus & Theresa Barefield's wedding

Aren't we so adorable!?! Thanks to Chris Thomas for an amazing picture!

Thanks again, Chris, for taking the pictures! I'm always behind the camera & forget to get pictures of ME!

So, I FINALLY broke 170lbs! Yesterday morning, I was 169! I've gone from a size 18-20

to a size 12!!!!! I am so excited! I want to be at 155lbs by the end of the year and in a size 10. I know I won't be able to "get rid" of the "TOP" of me (some of us are just born "lucky" I guess!), but I'm still shrinking in the waist and hips! So what if I'm a little top heavy! There are worse things, like having nothing on top at all, right?!?

Anyway, thank you to all the friends and family who've been sending prayers and encouragement my way! I'm so grateful!

Little decisions, big consequences

2009-09-01T15:39:00.002-04:00

It's funny how the little choices you make in life can affect you in big ways.

Yesterday, I made a wrong turn coming out of Target. You see, I had a meeting with a lady from the Baptist Association @ 2:30 and so I figured I'd spend some time in Target looking then go to meet her. When I came out of the parking lot, I went the wrong way. "Oh well", I thought! "I will just go around the block instead of doing a U-turn.". Well, that choice cost me our minivan.

Yes, you read right, we no longer have our car! I was travelling down the "wrong road" and the lady in front of me decided to stop in the middle of the intersection. She slammed on brakes and I hit her. Luckily, we weren't going more than 30MPH, so there were no serious injuries. However, it did enough damage to our car that it's gonna cost more than we can afford to get it running again. I was pretty shaken up. I've never really had THAT kind of accident before. The airbags deployed, my arms got bruised up and I cried my eyes out over my "paid for and still running" car. I seriously understand how folks can be in shock after something like that. I couldn't focus on anything that day.

So, I started thinking today about the whole irony of this situation. I considered it in spiritual terms to see what I could come up with and here's what I got:

Small choices make for changes/consequences in your life so consider your choices carefully.
Going the wrong direction with the intent of turning around will cause problems so make the U-turn as soon as you realize you're heading the wrong way!
Don't sweat the small stuff...after all, it's just stuff. (although, I will admit that I cried today when we signed the title over. There are alot of good memories from that van.)
You gotta have Faith! I'm not sure what we're gonna do now that the trusty minivan is gone, but I'm sure that God will take care of us. He's never let us down before so I know He won't start now!

Pray for us that something will come our way and that we will use wisdom to make the right decisions regarding our transportation! Also, pray that my stiffness will work itself out. My arms, shoulders, and neck are a bit sore.

Thank you, Kim, for calling me and checking to make sure I was ok! You are so sweet and I love you, my friend!

Thank you, Jason & Lora, for the sweet flowers/candy/drinks to make me feel better! The flowers made me smile, the candy...DUH! and the drinks...another DUH! We love you guys!

shootin' the breeze!

2009-08-19T13:01:00.002-04:00

I'm reading a book that we may be doing a girls' Bible study on and I gotta tell you, I can't seem to put it down! The title is "Lies Young Women Believe, and the Truth That Will Set Them Free".

I've been reading it for just a couple days, but it's amazing how on the mark the author is about what girls think. I LOVE the fact that she backs up each Truth with scripture and then challenges you to commit it to heart so that you can bring it to mind when the "lie" resurfaces.

Lately there have been quite a few "lies" that have reared it's ugly head in our girls. I want them to be Godly, strong, confident ladies who know the Truth! I don't want them to go thru years of questions & lies that so many women I know (including myself) have.

You know, the girls of today may be struggling with the same GENERAL issues that we as adults struggled with, but with one major difference. Satan is running out of time and he has to destroy and ruin as many lives as he can before the Lord comes back. He's making a last stand to bring as many young girls down as possible. My prayer is bold...I'm pleading with God to protect our young ladies until they truly understand that satan is a LIAR! He will stop at nothing to ruin them. Once they get that, then the Truth of Christ's love will be all they need to fight.

OK, now I will get off my soapbox and go back to some reading/studying!

2009-08-17T20:20:00.002-04:00

There are times, believe it or not, when I am not sure what to say to people.

When someone tells you that they almost always feel like they are on the outside looking in, what do you say?

When someone tells you that it hurts them when others pick on someone that they care about and they can't understand WHY people just can't be kind and loving, what do you say?

When someone tells you that there is an issue going on that HASN'T been taken care of (and I thought it had), what do you say?

I'm at a loss. I can only pray and cry out to God to show me how I can be a better example to those around me so that I CAN ANSWER these people, if not in words, in actions.

It breaks my heart to know that these folks are struggling with these specific things.

I can relate to the first scenario because there have been times when I have felt like the outsider looking in. So, I cry with them and silently ask God to help them see just how special and unique they are.

I am not as tenderhearted as I want to be so the second one is harder for me. If it were me, I would want to fight! I do occasionally get angry enough to cry, but not with such unselfish love as this person had for their friend. So, I lovingly tell this person how much I envy her sweet, tender heart. It truly is a gift from God.

I am truly frustrated with the issue that has risen it's ugly head YET AGAIN. I can't stop thinking about it. The fighter in me wants to tackle it head-on. Yet, I keep hearing my mom quote the scripture "Be still, and know that I AM GOD". So, for now, I am praying and listening in hopes of hearing the Lord's voice telling me what I need to do (or NOT do!).

I am praying for guidance on how to better do what He has called me to do. Please pray with me.

feeling behind

2009-08-15T12:54:00.002-04:00

Ever since we got back from FL, I've felt like I will not be able to catch up on all the things that didn't get done while we were gone. The church things don't bother me because I know I can pace myself and it will just happen. It's the house stuff that frustrates me.

The inside needs a thorough cleaning (3 weeks of no cleaning is NOT good for my sanity!). There is junk EVERYWHERE!!!! Mail that need to be gone thru, dog toys all over the floor, clothes that need to be washed, bathrooms that need to cleaned, floors to be mopped, and don't get me started on our lack of groceries! I haven't been to the store yet. All our regular groceries were no good after 2 weeks (eggs, bread, milk, etc). Poor Claude has been sweet about allowing me to work around our limited food supply!

I need to get outside and pull weeds from the front yard. Trim bushes and mow it. (BTW, a HUGE THANK U to John Calhoun! He mowed our front yard while we were gone!) The backyard was so high that I had to set our mower on the highest setting (the grass reached the seat of our rider!). Our raspberry bush has taken over the back of the house! I need to trim it. I need to trim the tree that hangs over our swing. The branches are sitting on the top of the swing!

There are quite a few events that are coming up in the next couple months. I seriously need to get myself focused so that I can get everything done! I hate feeling behind!!!!

Shoulda stopped while I was ahead!

2009-08-12T23:48:00.003-04:00

OK, I don't know why I go to this man's blog. Apparently, it's the fighter in me! I get riled up reading his "rightly divided" truth. So, I'm reading his blog and find that he has a tendancy to contradict himself and use scripture quotes to suit him when needed. For instance, this is a quote from his post on August 1st:

This, like every responder so far has defended the Pastor and not, the doctrine. I know, it's not popular to actually be a Bible believer, or use the scriptures as they are intended to be used as 2ND Timothy tells us in....

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Doctrine, reproof, correction, for instruction in righteousness. Doctrine schmoctrine. Reproof, can't have that. Correction, no way, we can't offend the tithers. Instruction in righteousness, that one's okay as long as we follow Jesus. Burger King was not the first to offer a "have it your way" menu, churches have been operating that way for way too long. Perfect, furnished unto all good works cannot be accomplished until you get the doctrine right, and that requires reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. But who cares about the doctrine? Do you?

Then, his response (on August 5th) to comments made on this quote:

If you misunderstand 2 Tim 3:16 in thinking all scripture is OUR doctrine, you have made an egregious error. All scripture is inspired by God, but not all scripture is our doctrine. It is so obvious if you compare and contrast doctrine for Israel and dcotrine for us in this present dispensation of the grace of God.

I must say, reading his stuff confuses me and in no way is profitable! Not for doctrine, reproof, correction, or instruction in righteousness! I just need the simple truth of Christ, his love, his mercy, and the salvation He's provided to EVERYONE...including this man who is seriously lost in his interpretation of scripture.

BTW, reading his "teaching" makes me think about Catholicism and the priority they put on Mary over Jesus...Paul over Jesus...get my point!?! They may have great intentions, but can still be completely WRONG!

Back in the rythm...sorta

2009-08-12T23:09:00.006-04:00

We got back home to NC Monday night around 7:30pm. It was a LONG trip home. Once we landed in NC (around 3pm), we had to grab lunch, then drive 2 hours to New Bern to drop Claude's mom off, then another hour to get back to Greenville. WHEW! I am sooooooo happy to be home!

Yesterday, I spent the morning catching up on the financial stuff for church. It was a long day there too!!!! Then, last night, Claude and I went to ECW's (local wing joint) for his birthday dinner. It's fairly cheap and he had a surprise waiting there for him! The teenagers wanted to surprise him by coming to dinner too! I think he really enjoyed it! We had to say goodbye to 2 of our graduates who leave this weekend for college in Raleigh. I was sad. I love these girls. Well, at least it gives me a GREAT reason to go "shopping" in Raleigh now!!!!!

This morning was HEAVEN! Claude and I got up and went to the gym!!!!! I know, I know! That sounds ludicrous! But, it's been almost 3 weeks since we'd been able to work out and I really missed it! We had a special bonus when we weighed in too! Claude is down to 214lbs! He lost 1lb while we were gone! (I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but considering how and what we ate while we were in FL, it's an absolute miracle!!!!) I was nervous about getting on the scale, but I lost weight too!!!! I am down to 172lbs! I only have 7 more to go to reach my original goal! NOW, my new goal is 155lbs. It seems a bit out of reach, but hey...so did 165 when I started this!

Claude left today around 12:30pm. He and Jason are now in Anderson, SC for a 1 day seminar at New Spring Church. The pastor, Perry Noble, is one of my FAVORITE speakers!!! He's a good ol' boy with a heart for Christ and he doesn't mind "telling it like it is"! I hope they enjoy themselves and get alot from the seminar!

Getting ready for bed now. I want to get up early and head to the gym!

A long 2 weeks...

2009-08-07T07:57:00.002-04:00

It's been a long 2 weeks here in FL. Claude's brother, Tony, is showing small steps of improvement. We were told last nite from the neurosurgeon that he is pleased with the signs of progress he's seen. We are still waiting for the drs. to put a trach in so that they can take Tony off of the meds that are keeping him in the coma. He's opened his eyes a couple times, he's smiled and cried a couple times. We are so grateful for the prayers that everyone has been sending up on his behalf. Keep praying. The waiting game is hard to do. It's normally hard for me because I am NOT one to sit and do nothing! It's really hard for Claude because he IS one to sit and wait, but he wants to fix this and he can't. We are needing to wait on God's timing and when a loved one is involved, that's very hard!

We miss being home. We miss our family here, but our hearts miss our home and friends in NC. It's nice to see old friends here and they have been coming out of the woodwork to see us. We just know that God MUST HAVE called us to NC because that is where our hearts are now.

My parents have been so great! They haven't put any pressure on us as we come and go. My mom has been my "Calgon"...you know, "Calgon! TAKE ME AWAY"!!!!! She's pulled me away just enough so that I don't go stir crazy sitting in the hospital! She's taken me shopping (which anyone who took my quiz about me knows is my FAVORITE way to relax!). She's made sure that there's been food here for us so that we spend as little as possible financially.

Speaking of that, just be praying for our finances too. We had money set aside for our "anniversary trip" at the end of August. Well, obviously that's not going to happen! We've used it for this trip. Thank God that we had it! Money is pretty tight. We know that the Lord provides so we aren't too worried. It's just one less thought to deal with!

One last prayer...my eyes. They have been giving me some trouble over the last week. They are puffed up and hard to open (especially in the morning). I know it is due to stress and lack of sleep. However, there's not much I can do about it down here. I have some salve that I am putting on the lids to keep me from scratching/rubbing them. It helps to some extent, but it's just VERY annoying!

Thank you all for the prayers and the love! We are so blessed to have the family and friends that we have! We love you guys. There really are no words to say how much we appreciate everything that's been done while we're gone!

interesting thought process...

2009-08-04T12:14:00.011-04:00

Folks follow my blog, folks follow Claude's blog, folks follow Jason's blog, etc. Well, I was reading Jason's blog and the follower that "pushed my buttons" was Dean. I clicked on his blog to read the stuff he'd written recently. He said something that made me think...

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

This is interesting to me because he's claimed that Paul's "gospel" is the gospel truth that we should be following and that basically the 4 gospels are "old testament" preaching.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that contradict itself?!? You can't quote 2 Timothy 3:16 that states ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God and then turn around and say that Paul's teachings are what we should be following. Paul's teachings are inspired by God, however, so are the other parts of the Bible! You don't get to pick and choose what you want to believe. If we claim to be followers of Christ (NOT PAUL!), we must accept the Bible in it's entirety.

I know it sounds simple-minded to some, but that's what I am...simple-minded. The gospel truth is easy and simple. Christ came and was born sinless, died, rose again, and is the only way to God the Father. It's THAT SIMPLE!

And BTW, in Paul's words:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

God's grace and faithful friends...

2009-07-31T13:24:00.002-04:00

Well, we've been in Tampa (acutally, Brandon) since Wednesday. Claude's brother, Tony, is still on the ventilator. They say if they take him off right now, he would not breathe on his own for more than a minute and would not make it, so they are leaving him there right now. They have to do an EEG of his brain to check for brain damage, but they have to take him off of the meds in order to get a "real" brain scan (which makes sense, since the meds are dulling his brain right now). They can't take him off the meds quickly. They need him to slowly come out of the medically induced coma so that everything he's hook up to won't freak him out. It's a long process and still a critical battle, but at least he is stable and everything so far has been for the good (as far as change).

My grandmother is still in the hospital at UCH. She is loopy right now from the meds they had her on. The general practice MD said they found a hiatal hernia, ulcers in her stomach, and some mild lesions. They believe this is what caused her to throw up blood, but the gastroenterologist was not making rounds while we were there so we didn't get anything definite from him. They will keep her a couple more days to monitor her.

Our friends in Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Greenville, Winterville...THEY ARE THE BEST! We have had so much going on that we haven't thought too much about anything else, but thank God, our friends have thought about everything else for us!

Bethany - taking care of our home and "kids"! U have no idea how much that means to me to know I don't need to worry about the animals! Thank you and I love ya!

Jason & Lora - holding down EVERYTHING while we are gone. You are the greatest friends we could ask for. We love ya'll and miss ya'll so much!

Aron & Cessie - taking care of childrens church for us! WHEW! That's a HUGE blessing! We were just going to have the kids go to big church! Thank you both for doing that for us! We love ya'll!

Emily Whitaker - allowing us to borrow her car while we are here so that my parents don't have to "taxi" us back and forth to the hospital! We love you girl! You are MY girl!!!!

Tamara Fish - for calling and offering to do anything we need. This is a true friend! We haven't seen each other in years, yet she is willing to do anything for us! FOOD is always a great way to maintain friendships!!!!!

The Nassars - for the visit to the hospital to let us know that you love us and are praying for us!

We miss ya'll and we certainly miss hanging out and going out to eat with you~

Jim Bird - for passing the word around and asking our old church for prayers! That was awesome man! We love you!

Pastor Chuck - for coming to the hospital twice to check on us and see how Tony was doing! Thank you for caring about your flock even when we aren't part of your flock anymore! You truly love people and you certainly showed it in spades!!!! We love you!

My parents - for allowing us to come and go as needed. for allowing us to crash at the house and eat the food! for taking care of our needs financially! We love you so much and there are no words to say how thankful we are!

The CROSSLINK youth group - for stepping up and taking over the "Kearley move"! We miss you all so much and love you guys! We are so proud of you and the way you serve others!

1 Timothy 4:12

There are others that I know I haven't mentioned. Too many to remember them all, but we are so thankful! God bless each of you for the blessing you've been to Claude and me.

We love you, Discovery Church! We'll be praying for you this weekend.

A little steam

2009-07-16T18:43:00.005-04:00

OK, my blog is MY BLOG...so I am going to blow off a little steam! Bear with me and hopefully, you'll be sympathetic to what I am saying!

One of the hardest things to deal with being a pastor's wife is the "talk". You know what I mean! Let's all admit it! We've ALL talked about what our pastors are doing "wrong" and what needs to happen to "fix" the problems and issues going on in our churches. I admit that I've done it. I look back now and after walking just a short while in the "pastor's wife's shoes", I am SO SORRY that I ever did it.

It's so difficult for me, the fighter, to sit back and keep quiet when people talk about Claude or people have issues with choices/decisions Claude makes. I can't even imagine what my sweet friend, Lora, must go thru. She's much more sensitive to others feelings than I am. Most of the time, when it's an issue with something in the church in general, my thoughts are, if you don't have any positive input on how to correct the situation, keep your thoughts to yourself and pray about it!!!!

However, when the words are specifically directed towards Claude and what he "should've done", then I really get riled up! I love him and I know his heart. He tries with his whole heart to follow Christ. Yes, he fails sometimes. He IS human. However, I know that when he does make a mistake, he takes ownership of it. He's not afraid to say that he screwed up or it could've been done differently.

So, people remember that God has called those in authority to be in authority. You may not always like what is done. You may not always agree. You may even have a better way (if so, share it!). But, if you're not praying for the leaders in your church and there are "issues" in your church, you might be contributing to the problems!

Feeling blessed

2009-07-13T20:09:00.003-04:00

I have to say thank you to some people in my life that, I hate to admit this, but I haven't told them enough how much I love and appreciate them.

So, I am going to do some of that now. There are dozens of folks that need a thank you, so if I don't mention you, please know that I am thankful for my friends!

My Mom, I don't think that there are enough words or even the proper words to explain what my mother is. I know that she would deny it, but in my eyes, she is the epitome of a Godly woman. If I could idolize someone, it would be her. She loves her God, her husband, and her family with a fierceness and passion I admire! I love her so much!

Lora, she's my encourager! I know she gets tired of being the strong one sometimes, but she keeps on going! She's my prayer warrior! I love her!

Laci, the word for her is sweet! OK, sometimes annoyingly sweet!!!! I wished I could have such a sweet nature. She always has a smile and a kind word. AND, if she doesn't have a kind word, she bites her tongue! Wish I could do that!!!

Lindsay, strong, resilient, kind! I have been blessed to see her grow over the last couple of years and she is a beautiful Christian lady! Hallelujah for the trials that come to purify us! YOU GO GIRL!

Kim, thoughtful Kim! She's kind and she's always thinking of others. I admire and respect her so much for the way she cares about others. She has a true heart for people!

Lisa, FEISTY! She just is! I love that Lisa tells it like it is and she's not afraid to be bold. She's learned how to be tactful and still be truthful! What a beautiful woman she is!

Jennie, this woman is so gentle. Her words are kind and wise. She's truly a beautiful woman, inside and out. I admire and respect her!

My dearest friend, Cindy. Man, do I miss her! I love her so much. She's my "Barnabas"! I can be completely myself with her, not hold anything back, and she's ok with it. She lets me cry, laugh, joke, be annoyed, be a jerk, (calls me on being a jerk!) be a girl! I don't think I'd be where I am today if it weren't for my friend, Cindy. I love her so much.

Hurdles to jump

2009-07-02T23:54:00.002-04:00

I am lying here in bed amazed that God could possibly love someone with so many flaws and so much "baggage". I was listening to a dear friend last night as she talked about how she always feels like she's never good enough at the things she does. I kept thinking to myself, "WOW! I'm not the only one who thinks that way about myself".

As every year goes by, I am thankful for the time on this earth, but I question what I've done and what I've brought to those around me. I, like my sweet friend, sometimes think that I am so inadequate. I have always felt so "average". No aspect of my life truly stands out as extraordinary. I remember comparing myself to my younger brother and thinking that his life was so perfect and easy. He's brilliant (seriously, he IS brilliant! Top 10% of MENSA!) He is a natural leader. He's well liked by most who know him. He has a beautiful, sweet, kind wife and 5 gorgeous kids! Overall, to look at him you'd think he has everything any man would ever want. Well, I learned something last year about my little brother. He has always felt jealous of me and felt like I was the favorite of my dad. He opened my eyes to something I had never even seen. His "perfect" exterior covered up his inadequacies. He has obstacles in his life that challenge him. He struggles daily with things that I don't.

So, I guess what I'm writing about is that we each have our own flaws and obstacles. Some are physical, some are mental, some might even be emotional. Whatever those obstacles are, as God's children, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made"! He has loved us with a Love we will never truly understand while we're on this side of eternity. You know why? Because God IS love. So, I will remind myself (and you should too) that if I am worthy enough for the King of kings to love me and care for me...how can I not love myself...flaws and all! I will continue to work at becoming more like Christ. But, when I fall down, I will cry a little while, then I will ask my Father to help me get back up and try again. I will keep on going! And hallelujah! When I get to Heaven, I will be PREFECT - Just like Christ!!!!

Isaiah 40:31

They who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not be weary and they will walk and not faint.

NOW! Where was I?!?

2009-06-30T20:41:00.003-04:00

OK, so I left off at the youth pool party last Friday. Well, that day was also my birthday. Since we don't really have any money right now, we didn't plan on doing anything special. Or so I was led to believe! We got home from the pool party and took a nap. Then, Claude suggests going to Chickfila and then Barnes & Nobles (since the food would be cheap and fairly healthy and the bookstore would be "free" entertainment!). I was a little bummed, but went along with it. He asked me if I was having a good birthday. I can't lie to him. I told him that it really wasn't anything special and was kinda like every other day. I KNOW, I KNOW...it sounds childish and selfish. BUT, I love celebrating birthdays! I want balloons, streamers, cake, people, etc! Anyway, he said that maybe it would get better by the end of the night. SURE.

We ate, went to the bookstore for a couple hours, then headed home to watch a movie and eat popcorn.

When I walked into the kitchen thru (by way of the garage) the kids from Crosslink jumped out and yelled "SURPRISE!" They are so sweet! Claude said that 2 of the girls decided to give me a surprise birthday! Isn't that the nicest thing?!?

So, I am now 38 years old. I had a great birthday!

Sunday night, at youth the Crosslink gang went to work on a project! I can't tell you WHAT the project is YET. Nor can I show you pictures YET!!!! But, stay tuned to find out what they've been up to! Trust me, you don't want to miss it!!!!

ALOT has gone on...

2009-06-29T21:57:00.006-04:00

OK, it's been a little while, but I can honestly say it's been very busy! With the ebelings gone on vacation, it seems like everything HAD to happen NOW!

The bad stuff first... The teenager I asked prayer for a little while back. Her dad went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 20th (yea, the day BEFORE Father's Day). The family had him buried in a town called Jefferson, which is about 7 hours northwest of Greenville. While they were gone, we took care of their dog and the day they were to come back, our youth went to their house and cleaned it up. The guys mowed the yard, trimmed the bushes, weedwacked, and basically took care of the outside! The girls washed tubs, sinks, toilets, dusted, swept, mopped, and pretty much anything else that needed to be done! I was so proud of them! they gave up a day just to help out a friend who needed some extra TLC! Here are a few pics!

Claude made sure that the medical stuff was out of the house before they got home and then he and Kyle put the youngest son's bed together and put his things up around the room for him!

I had a "better" picture of them. It was their "backsides" while they were cleaning, but I decided to be nice and use THIS picture instead! They owe me for that!!!!!

I was impressed with how much work the guys got done outside! They were out in the heat for a couple hours making sure it all got done!

What a terrific group of young people!

This is EXACTLY what we felt like doing by the time we were all done!

All this took place on Thursday, June 25th. NOW, on June 26th, we had our summer pool party at the Dixon's house! It was a blast! Here are some pics of that!

3 "man" chicken fights!

LOVE this picture of Megan (far right!). on the left is her cousin, Michelle, and the guy is her little brother, Devon.

I'm so glad these guys are secure enough in their masculinity to help each other out!

Neat "moving picture" I got of the 3 doing flips into the water!

Cool group!

We had 1 first timer come join us that day! It was really neat to have him there! We also had 2 kids who came as "2nd timers"! I just love how these kids keep inviting their friends!!!!

OK<<<

There is more to tell you about Friday night! But, it is late and I am having difficulty typing now! So, I'm going to bed and I will try to remember to finish tomorrow morning!

GOOD NITE!

More than cute!

2009-06-23T18:23:00.004-04:00

Ginger's favorite place when she stays in Claude's computer room:

Claude swears that he DID NOT put her there. she climbed into his computer bag and feel asleep! I know, she's too precious!!!!!

I did learn something today. Ginger is still too small to be outside in the "fenced in" backyard without adult supervision! My neighbor came up to the fence to see her and she put her little head and front legs right thru the hole of the fence! I thought I was going to die!!! No harm though. I just pulled her little body back out! So she'll have to wait awhile before she can play outside with her big sister and brother!

I'll be taking her to the vet tomorrow. I HATE DOING THAT! She needs to get her shots and pill for worms. Also, she has something wrong with her back right foot. Before we got her, she was run over by a desk chair. Her little toe is swelled up and she holds that foot up when she walks/runs. I want to make sure it's ok and not infected. Claude said I'm worrying too much, but it's pitiful to see her hobbling around. Besides, I would rather be safe than sorry and hopefully I won't be charged "extra" just for them looking at it (since I will have her in there anyway!).

Another small note!

2009-06-22T20:23:00.003-04:00

I forgot to mention that when we went to the gym today, I weighed myself. AND>>>

177 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been under 180lbs in almost 10 years! I am so excited!!!! I told Claude that I changed my thoughts on my goal. I'm shooting for 175 now. WHEN I reach 175, I will adjust my goal to 170! Once, I get there, I adjust to 165, then 160!!!

YEAH ME! YEAH ME! YEAH ME!

Happy EARLY birthday to me!

2009-06-22T19:51:00.005-04:00

My wonderful husband gave me exactly what I asked for as a birthday present!!! I got a puppy! Her name is Ginger Snap (Ginger for short!) and she is nine weeks old! She is a rat terrier just like Jack-Jack. Here are some pictures of her:

She likes Claude!

She prefers to sleep on his chest! (Hey! that's MY spot!)

She also loves Claude's slippers! They are bigger than she is, but she carries them all over the house!

SEE! I TOLD YOU THE SLIPPER WAS BIGGER THAN HER!!!!!

"That's my DAD'S slipper you're chewing on! Leave it alone OR ELSE!"

Being cute is tiring work! Time for a nap!

Can't get comfortable!

AAWWWW! This works!

"I have one question Mom...WHY?!?"

Ginger did very well her first night with us! She only cried in the cage for a few minutes. Dipstick laid down beside the cage and I think it soothed her. Jack-Jack was not as accomodating! He decided if HIS BOX was going to be invaded by a little yapping dog, he would HAVE to sleep on the bed instead! We let him sleep there for the night. He'll go back to his box once we have some money to get Ginger one of her own! Claude got up to take her out to potty only once (around 3:30AM). She cried a minute or two when she was put back in the box, but went right back to sleep and didn't cry again til 7:30AM! We were very happy with our first night!

I'll post more pics as I get them. She doesn't stay still very long (except when she's sleeping!)!

A blessed wife!

2009-06-19T21:00:00.004-04:00

To most people these are an ordinary pair of sunglasses. Well, they are! This pair, along with a red flame pair, were bought by my wonderful husband quite a few years ago. We went on a trip for our anniversary and I fell in love with these sunglasses. Claude bought us each a pair (a "his & hers" set!). We've since bought other sunglasses, but these are ones I wear for yardwork, the beach, swimming, etc.

So, today, we went to Green Springs with our teenagers and I packed my sunglasses in my beach bag. I ALWAYS wear these when I'm in the water. Anyway, somehow today while I was in the water, I was knocked and went under water and they came off...IN A DARK, DIRTY, BROWN RIVER!!!!!! I was upset, bummed that I lost something, that, quite honestly was more sentimental than monetarily valuable. I told Claude about it and he asked if I told any of the local kids so that they could "look" for them (as if you could find anything in that river water!!!). Well, my wonderful, amazing husband went "fishing" for my sunglasses. HE FOUND THEM! I was amazed! Impressed! Proud! WOW! My incredibly persistent husband fished around in 10 ft. of murky water and found my sunglasses at the bottom of the river! Did I neglect to mention that they DO NOT FLOAT!?! Anyway, I was so impressed by me husband. I've always told folks that Claude can do anything he puts his mind to! I can't think of anything that he's set out to do that he's not done...with amazing results!

I thank my Lord for such an incredible husband. I know this story sounds silly to some, but to me, my husband is the most wonderful, thoughtful man I've ever been blessed to know! I am truly a blessed wife!

I love you Claude! You are my hero and I am so proud to be your wife!

our youth party!

2009-06-18T19:11:00.007-04:00

Here are some pics of our youth group and the graduation party we had for them!

Need prayer

2009-06-16T22:09:00.003-04:00

Please keep one of our youth in your prayers. Her father has been dealing with ALOT of health issues over that past couple of years and the mother was just told by the hospital that it would be wise to make "arrangements". This girl is too young to be going through this. She is a Christian, but we are not sure about either parent. She comes to youth regularly, but her parents haven't been to Discovery. Please pray that Claude & I will have wisdom to know what to do and what to say to help out the best we can.

Also, I need some prayer. I've been feeling kinda icky today. Sore throat started when I woke up. As the day progressed, I started feeling kinda like I was sideswiped by a truck. Claude blames it on Jason having the truck air so cold yesterday on our trip to/from Raleigh. (Jason bought a Apple desktop, but don't remind Lora because she's still getting over the shock of how much it cost!).

Anyway, just send a prayer up for me that I feel better SOON! There's alot coming up and I need to be in tip top shape.

Graduation Nite!

2009-06-14T16:13:00.008-04:00

OH! I couldn't have been any more excited or prouder if these kids would've been my own!

We got to go to the graduation of 4 of our 5 seniors last nite! It was wild to see so many kids graduate! (Of course, this is coming from a girl whose graduating class had 42 students!) To see 350+ kids in cap & gowns was AWESOME! Anyway, here are some pictures of "our kids"!

This is Megan and her Mom & little brother! Isn't she adorable!?! She's our HAPPY youth! She NEVER frowns (and I mean NEVER!). Her face will not do a frown! She always makes everyone smile!

Megan and another of our kids, John! They are so cute together! When John first started coming to Discovery Church, he was a sophomore and BOY was he a handful! It's been the most amazing thing to watch this crazy boy grow into a funny, caring, respected young man. I am humbled that God allows us to work with such wonderful young people, like John.

Here's John with his little sister, Izzy (I call her Dizzy!). They are the neatest pair! I've never seen a brother and sister have a closer relationship than these two.

John is heading off to the Marines in a couple of months. Of course, we don't talk about that right now, because it makes Izzy sad.

I'm just grateful that I still have Izzy for another 2 years before I have to say goodbye to her!

This is Alex! He's only been with our crew for about a year! The first time he came to youth, we thought he was a college student who wanted to work WITH the youth!!!! We call him "Fuzzy Alex" for obvious reasons! He has a very dry and ironic sense of humor! We just love him to death!!!!

I love this picture! It's a great one of Claude and Alex.

This is a picture of Kaitlyn and JC (and their respective parents). JC and his sister, Courtney, have been coming to Crosslink for a while, but Kaitlyn just started hanging out with the crew recently. She and JC are adorable together. She is funny and he is a smart-alec, but we love him anyway! Seriously though, we adore JC. He adds so much to the group and has great leadership qualities! I'm really gonna miss him. He's gonna stay local though. He'll be going to ECU. Kaitlyn will be leaving us to go to Campbell University which is about 1 1/2 hours away. We told her we will come visit and go shopping with her since she's close to Raleigh!!!!

JC and his sister, Courtney, do NOT have the same relationship that John and Izzy have! JC and Courtney are a typical sibling relationship. He loves to pick on her, but when it comes down to it, he'd defend her to the very end. I love them. They are just so much fun!!! They kinda remind me of my older brother and myself!

Here's all the guys from South Central HS! from left to right:

John Cobb, JC Lommatzsch, Ryan (not sure of his last name, just met him!), and Alex Lorentz.

I'm so proud of these kids! They are really gonna be missed in our group.

How does a parent do this?!? How do you let go? Maybe God knew what He was doing by not giving me kids of my own! I would never want to let them grow up and leave!

We had a fabulous time! Graduation parties practically every night last week and then the final day came and went off without a hitch (except for JC tripping while walking in during the opening ceremonies! That was HILARIOUS! Only because it was JC!)

We love you all graduates of '09!

To our graduates from Florida, we thought about you and are sorry we couldn't be there for yours. Congratulations!!!! Well Done!

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Precious treasures

2009-06-10T19:41:00.006-04:00

I can honestly say the only thing I don't like about living in North Carolina is the fact that my beautiful nieces are in Florida. I miss so much of their growing. My wonderful mother takes lots of pictures and so I'm not totally left out of the loop! Here are some precious treasures!

She's gonna be a supermodel someday!!!!

(Rose - 3 1/2 years old)

She can be rocker or sweet and sassy! See, I told you she's gonna be a supermodel someday!

Then, there's Dahlia! She is the "sweet pickle" of the group! At least that's what my brother calls her! He says she's as sweet as she can be, but she can also be a pickle! Mom says she's so funny because even at 1 1/2 years old, she bosses the others around!!!

She's such a precious little thing! She's got the most expressive eyes! Man, do I love her!

Well, even if I don't have children of my own, I can at least know that some of my looks and my "distinct" personality traits are being passed down! You gotta love the blood relations!

A wake up call

2009-06-09T21:25:00.003-04:00

You know, lately God has been really opening my eyes to how "human" I am and how "human" those around me are. I was reading a blog about a church plant pastor in Georgia who, after 5 years of growing his church to over 1000 believers, had an affair with his assistant. I am at a loss over this. I have so many thoughts that go thru my mind over this type of thing. My "human" side wants to know WHY did he do it? WHY did he let his guard down? WHY did he allow himself to be in a position that would open those doors? Then, my "human" side gets very angry because it makes me think about the possibilities that could happen in my relationship with my husband. It makes me doubt our commitment. It makes me feel vulnerable. It brings up memories of last September and what our church had to go thru.

Then, my "Godly" side tries to remember the grace that God has shown me MILLIONS of times.

My gracious wonderful God loves me and forgives me OVER AND OVER again. He gently reminds me that NO ONE is perfect and NO ONE can be put on a pedestal. Everyone will fall (all have sinned and fall short!). My shortcomings and my sins may be "small" from a human perspective. But, God doesn't have ruler for sin. SIN IS SIN.

So, I still have a difficult time getting past these kinds of things. I'm just so grateful that God doesn't have a difficult time getting past my sins.

Please pray for your leaders in your churches. They have struggles and Satan attacks them relentlessly. Please ask the Lord to guard them and put a hedge of protection around them daily.

Wonderful reminder

2009-06-02T15:32:00.004-04:00

God reminded me today thru a wonderful friend, Jenn, just how blessed I am. You see, it's been tight financially and of course, I worry. I KNOW, I shouldnt worry about it. God takes care of our needs. Well, it's easy to know in my heart, but my head is logical. And you know God...sometimes things don't work logically! Anyway, I got up, fed the animals, had my time, paid our mortgage, went to Wal-mart and got groceries (BTW, healthy food is RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICED!!!!), came home, went back to the gym to work out, went with Claude to get him a pair of jeans that ACTUALLY FIT HIM, then came home. All this before noon. I went online to check our account and got a little anxious. The beginning of the month is always tight, but more so lately. I started feeling a bit discouraged.

Then, I read Jenn's blog. She reminded me that I am blessed. Sure, there may not be "extra" money around, but our bills are paid and we have a lovely house with air conditioning (Thank U Claude for being such a handy man! I love you so much!). We have food for me to fix fairly healthy meals! We have vehicles that are paid for and STILL RUNNING (thank you Lord!) We have a wonderful church and great friends who love us and pray for us. We are blessed to have our overall health. We have family who love us and pray for us. We have neighbors who are actually opening up to us (again, God thank you for my husband and the wonderful Godly man that he is!). We have opportunities to work with some of the best kids in the world! I love them so much. We have great leadership in our church. We have so much more than I can list. How great is my God that He gently reminds me of all the blessings He's given to us.

Thank you Lord!

Cool Story!

2009-06-01T16:24:00.005-04:00

OK, we work with the youth at our church (or they work with us, still not sure!!!). Last night, we had a special "ceremony" that all began because of the guys doing a Bible study on sexual purity. Anyway, Claude had a firepit and gave each of the youth a deck of cards. He told them to set aside the aces. Then, he asked each of them to think about some things that they struggle with that they want the Lord to take away/help them with. Once they'd done that, he asked them to throw the cards on the fire...one card for small struggles, more cards for the bigger things they struggle with. Finally, he asked them to take each of the aces and use them as a reminder of their commitment. Each ace has a specific place:

clubs - in the car - to remind them while they are with friends driving around
hearts- in the wallet - to remind them while they are out in general
diamonds - by the computer - to remind them that they are a diamond in the rough and not to settle for generic/counterfeit
spades - in the Bible - to remind them everytime they read God's word that they are the best "in the deck" and no one is as good at being THEM as they are.

So, here are some pics of them last night. I couldn't help but cry. I love these kids! They are so awesome!!!!!

Sabbath Day!

2009-05-29T08:31:00.003-04:00

Claude & I are TRYING to get back into taking a day of rest. Life was pretty hectic for awhile, but we are seriously needing to put into action our Sabbath day. Now, some folks think that the Sabbath is on Sunday. Well, actually the Sabbath day given to us from the Bible and is to remind us that God commands us to rest and take a day to reflect on Him. (Old testament was a specific day, New Testament provided new law!)

Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work... Exodus 23:12

For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Exodus 35:2

There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Leviticus 23:3

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11

So, remember to take a day of rest. God commands it and we need it!

Friendly reminder!

2009-05-28T10:46:00.002-04:00

Last night, we had dinner wit some wonderful friends, the Taylors. I gotta say, I love these folks! I miss them. They used to be PARTners of Discovery church. We try to get together with them on a regular basis and keep up with what's happening with them. I'm especially close with Janice because she's going thru the same infertility issues that I've been thru. So, I can truly sympathize with her. Anyway, they hadn't seen us in about 2 months, so they were a bit shocked by our weight loss! She reminded me that I don't see the change as dramatically as those around me. So this morning, Claude & I went to the gym again. 2 more pounds lost! I am so excited!

What's even more exciting is knowing that some people from church are feeling motivated to start losing weight and eating healthy! I didn't think that Me motivating myself to get healthy would encourage others to do the same. That's such a cool thing! To those who are encouraged and motivated, let me know and I will pray for you daily!

To my friend, Jenn, I will definitely keep you accountable and be praying for you! I actually have something for you that may help you on your road to getting the family and yourself healthy! I will bring it to church Sunday!

Need Prayers

2009-05-27T07:55:00.002-04:00

Just asking everyone to be praying for Discovery Church for the next few months. There are some changes coming (no! neither Jason nor Claude is leaving!!!!!!). Just some changes. Pray that the congregation will be open and flexible to the changes. Alot of churches across the country are so set in their "traditions" and "that's the way we do it" philosophy that they miss the blessings God has for them when they go thru the growing pains of life! I heard a preacher ask some leaders (who were grandparents) how many of them would be willing to give up their lives as a guarantee that their grandchildren would come to know the Lord. Of course, all of them raised their hands. Then, he asked them how many of them would be willing to give up their traditional music for the same guarantee. It made me stop and think about how much "tradition" is in our churches. Don't misunderstand...I LOVE TRADITIONS! I just feel like the body of Christ gets so wrapped up in them that we miss God's desire for us to reach the world. Yes, God doesn't change. The truth of the Bible doesn't change, but our world and society does change. The world needs a church that will offer the solid unchanging truth of Jesus Christ without being so wrapped in traditions that we turn people off and close our doors to them.

Pray that the leadership sets a great example for how to grow with change! Jason and Claude (and the other volunteer leaders) do a fantastic job of encouraging the church family to stay focused on the vision God's given to Discovery. But no matter what these great men say or do, there will be no growth thru change without the Holy Spirit moving in the hearts of Discovery. I know my God can do anything! I just pray that all of us are open to what God wants to do.

strange thoughts from last nite!

2009-05-25T10:39:00.004-04:00

Last night, the girls met for the last week of Bible study on the book we've been doing. I sat down with them and they wanted to know if Claude & I were leaving! WHAT?!?!?!?!?

OK, so here's how it started:

I've been secretive about my "senior project".
I've texted the youth that they REALLY needed to be at youth for the next 2 weeks.
I started off the study with a story about a phone call we got from Lakeland, FL!
OH, and to top it off, they've been pestering Claude about WHY they needed to be at youth So, Claude tells them that I have something to tell them and it's going to make them cry like little babies!!

"What's going on?" "What's happening?" "Why is it so important for ALL the youth to show up tonight?" It was a very strange night! I told the girls that unless God moves us, we are staying PUT! It made me happy that they would miss us if we did move. It also made me stop and think about what else God has planned for us, for Discovery Church, and for Greenville, NC.

Listen to this song. It's Discovery's theme for 2009 and everytime I hear it, I get chills. Listen and ask yourself "What does God have planned for my city?"

Sheila's update

2009-05-25T10:06:00.003-04:00

OK...I've been working on a "senior project" and I am having some trouble getting the resources I need. I am needing pictures of my seniors. One of my problems is that I don't have alot of NEW pictures of them so I am cramming to get as many as possible in the next 3 weeks!!!! When I am done with my "project" I will put them up in my blog so you can see what I've been working on!

On a different note, my gym trip this morning was a little bit of a success. I've lost another 4lbs. So, I am at 185. My goal is 160, so I still have a bit to go. It's starting to slow down, and I told Claude that I don't think I will reach my goal by my birthday at the end of June. However, I will be done by the end of the summer! Thanks to everyone who's encouraged me and for all of the compliments!

Here's One of the projects completed!

2009-05-08T22:03:00.006-04:00

So...here is one of several projects that Claude has been working on that we FINALLY finished (after almost 2 weeks!):

The pictures don't really do it justice! The new children's area is now called "Kid Quarry". It's suppose to be the entrance to a mining tunnel! All of the children will start checking in here! We also have 3 large "mining carts" that will transport the younger children to their classes!!! Claude even wired up some "tunnel" lights that hang down from the center of the mine! The 0-2 yrs old will be the "Pebbles", the preschoolers will be the "Rolling Stones", and the K5-5th graders will still be "The R.O.C.K". Get it?!?!?!? The idea is "upon this rock, the church will be built! THE FUTURE CHURCH PEOPLE!!!!! We will be launching all of this the Sunday after Mother's Day!

OK, I also have to share a picture of a great girl in our youth group. When we first moved up here, Megan was in childrens church. As a matter of fact, she was our first child in childrens church! NOW, she is in 8th grade. We ran into her and some friends at Taco Bell tonight. She was dressed up for the 8th grade dance, but she didn't want to be normal and go somewhere fancy for dinner. So, she and her friends opted to go to Taco Bell before the dance!!! She's a nut, but man...did she look beautiful! It's such a blessing to see them grow up, isn't it!?!

Anyway, before I start getting mushy, here's the picture!

One more thing I forgot...

2009-05-05T20:25:00.003-04:00

Last Wednesday, when we weighed in at the gym, I weighed 191 lbs. I know you can't believe that I am telling my weight. But, something I am learning is that the first step of conquering a battle is to admit that there IS a battle. SO... I have lost 20lbs (you do the math!), but I still have 30lbs more to go. Well, Friday I wasn't feeling that great and I knew we had a LONG night ahead (more of the project we are working on!), so I skipped the gym. I know, I know, it sounds like a cop out, but I read in a health magazine that a day off is NOT the end of the world. And we HAVE been going 5 days a week faithfully! So, I didn't feel too guilty about it!

Anyway, Friday night was a BAD night for me. I had some popcorn at the movies, and I ate some fried sweet potato chips with my grilled chicken strips at dinner. Now, THAT made me feel guilty! Sunday at church, I was talking with my friend, Kim, and I told her I can see how an alcoholic could "fall off the wagon" because food is my addiction. It would be so easy for me to fall back into my old eating habits.

So, Monday morning I went and weighed in...I was nervous about what I had eaten. SO>>> I lost 2 more pounds! I am not sure why or how, but I was excited! I am downed to 189lbs!

So I have 28 more pounds to go! Keep on keeping on!!!!!!

What is that?!?

2009-05-05T19:50:00.002-04:00

Claude & I have been working alot lately! We have a project that needs to be done by Mother's Day. SO, WE ARE COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE! Anway, here are some pics of what we've been up to! You'll have to stay tuned for more pics and for the final product!!!

Time's almost up

2009-04-29T20:26:00.003-04:00

Have you ever been going about your routine in life, totally oblivious to LIFE when something from out of nowhere stops you dead in your tracks? Well, that happened to me last night. Claude & I were on our way home from New Bern. We were listening to his iPod and a song came on that brought me to tears. The song is called "Hosanna". The 2nd verse of the song says "I see a generation rising up to take their place, with selfless faith, with selfless faith..." It hit me so hard that the next generation IS RISING UP. In less than 2 months, we will be seeing 5 of our youth graduate from high school and go off to college/the air force/the army/etc. I can't even imagine what it will be like without those seniors there every Sunday night. Oh, how much I will miss them. Is this what a parent feels when their child "grows up" and leaves? Even now, as I'm typing this, I am tearing up! I love those kids and I don't want to let them go yet. I have so many thoughts running through my head. Did we teach them enough? Do they REALLY GET IT? Are they prepared to face the world? Are the prepared to face the spiritual war that they will be entering in college? Can they feel Christ's presence? Do they truly know what it is to have a REAL relationship with Him?

With all of these thoughts going on in my head, I hear a voice (maybe the Holy Spirit?) reminding me..."Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

So, parents, some of you may be struggling with "where did I go wrong?" Why is my child doing this? Even though I am not a parent, I understand a little of what you feel like. The Bible gives us a command with a promise! Pray! Pray! Pray! God will keep them! We just have to let go and let Him! (that doesn't mean that I am not going to ball my eyes out at the graduation ceremonies though!) Thank you Lord for giving me "my" kids! I love them and am so humbled that you allow me to share in a small part of their lives!

BTW, we have NO juniors, so I don't have anymore to cry over for 2 years! Unless, of course, our sophomores start inviting juniors!

Here's another one Mom!

2009-04-28T16:45:00.004-04:00

So, I talked with my Mom yesterday and she mentioned how Claude, Jason, and myself don't blog as much as we used to. Well, Claude and I have just been busy. I try to, but get busy doing other things and forget. Like last week...I thought I had posted a blog about Claude & I going to Raleigh for a 2 day getaway. I guess I didn't!!! I had every intention of doing it, I just got busy and apparently forgot!

Claude has been busy doing church stuff! New series, new graphics t-shirts, new stage project, new childrens church wing prep, etc. It's been hectic, but hopefully it will slow down a bit after Mother's Day.

Jason's excuse is that he "twitters" now. Personally, I think it's a lousy excuse! But, hey, who am I to stand between a man and his techno addiction!?! No, it's been busy for all of us! So, I'll let Jason have that excuse too!!!!!

We are at Claude's mom's house tonight. His brother and fiance' are in town from Florida, so we are doing the BBQ thing at her house tonight. I felt a little weird, but they are having hot dogs, brats, mac N chesse, and baked beans. So I brought healthy food for Claude & me to eat. Which leads me to my next item of what's been going on...

Claude & I have been working out at a gym for about 6 weeks now. At the very beginning, we measured ourselves. Last Friday, we measured ourselves again to see what progress we've made. SO...Claude has lost 20 pounds and 5 1/2 inches in his waist!!!!!!! Now, here's the shocking part...I've lost 20 pounds an 4 1/2 inches in my waist!!!! My chest size didn't change too much (much to my disappointment and Claude's pleasure!). I was just shocked that I had lost as much weight and almost as much in inches! Anyway, I am going to go with the trainer for another 5 weeks in hopes of losing more weight. My goal is to lose 30 more pounds by summer! I actually feel like this is within reach. I haven't felt that way in a LONG TIME!!!

So, that's what's been going on for me. I will TRY to do better blogging. I promise!

So long Bruno...

2009-04-20T08:20:00.004-04:00

Well, as some of you know, we were fostering a small horse - Bruno. The 9month old Great Dane went back to his original owner last night. I can't say that I'm really sad, just bummed that we couldn't make it work. However, if it comes down to Bruno or my Jack-Jack, Bruno loses everytime. You see, Saturday afternoon Claude was outside with the dogs talking at the fence with our neighbor, Sandy. For no real reason (other than territorial dog reasons), Jack-Jack and Bruno got into it. I mean, they REALLY got into it. It was so bad, that Claude finally got Jack-Jack away from Bruno, but not before he ended up with a hole in his shoulder (Jack, NOT Claude). Claude said that Jack-Jack just wouldn't back down and Bruno got ahold of his collar. He said that Jack-Jack got slung around like a toy and Bruno's tooth just happened to be in Jack's shoulder during this sling-fest. Anyway, it's probably a great thing that I was not outside when this was happening, because I'm pretty sure I would've gotten hurt trying to kill Bruno...

So, last night, the family that couldn't keep Bruno came back and got him. I told the youth that we weren't going to be able to keep him and they were upset. They wanted to make sure that we would be able to "visit" him. In all honesty, Bruno was a very good dog. He NEVER showed any aggression to anyone. Jack-Jack was the aggressor everytime we had an issue. I just couldn't take the chance that my Jack could get hurt again, or worse, be killed. I know it may sound silly, but I felt like a mom who couldn't protect her baby. My Jack got hurt and I couldn't do anything to make it better.

So, we are now back to 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a few tropical fish. Our housesitter, Bethany, is happy about that!!! She was nervous about the thought of having to deal with Bruno when we were gone!

WHEW!

2009-04-13T08:34:00.003-04:00

So, we had an AWESOME turnout at the Easter egg hunt Saturday! We are estimating around 1000 people came! We had a great mix of ethnicity! Everything went so smoothly! As one of my small group buddies said, no children were hurt, crying, or lost during any of the even so it was a TOTAL SUCCESS!!!!!!

Claude & I were discussing it and we guess that we were on our feet for close to 24 hours of the Friday/Saturday experience!!! It was worth it!

Sunday's church was great too. We had several families that came to the event show up at church the following morning. We had 27 in childrens church!!!!! It was alot of fun and HOPEFULLY, I can get some of the video from claude and put it on my blog (yea, right!!!).

BEFRORE I FORGET(like that's even possible!)... we were given a very special blessing Saturday afternoon! We got home from the egg hunt and took a little rest. Then, we decided to head out and grab a bite to eat. As we were leaving, Claude checked the mailbox for mail. We had a thankyou card FILLED with gift cards from all over town (check out his link for details)! I can't tell you what a nice "pick me up" that was! So, to whoever sent us these wonderful blessings, thank you so much! It is truly OUR BLESSING to serve and work with Discovery Church! We love you all!

a challenging day!

2009-04-08T20:25:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning after a wonderful nite's sleep (which is rare for me!). I got ready to go to the gym and work out with our trainer, Eric (7:30 was WAY TOO EARLY FOR THAT!). I fixed myself a couple pieces of toast (with peanut butter on them! YUM!!! and good protein for work out time too!). Once I was done, Claude was done eating his breakfast too and he decided to "measure" himself to see how much progress he's made in the last 3 1/2 weeks. I was so proud of him! He's lost 5 inches around his waist! THEN, I did something extremely stupid...I chose to "measure" myself too. BAD IDEA. It appears that I haven't lost any inches around my waist. OK, I thought to myself, maybe I measured wrong. (is that even possible?!?) So, I measured my hips and my chest. REALLY BAD IDEA. They appeared to be the same too.

So, this was how I went to the gym this morning...with the thought that I've been working so hard, 5 days a week, watching everything I eat, counting calories, eating extra protein, taking extra vitamins, and nothing. So, I worked out (had to go to the bathroom a couple times and "compose" myself! I know, it sounds silly. I just felt awful and I couldn't seem to get it out of my head. Usually, I can literally talk myself up and tell myself to not think about it and keep pushing thru. Not this time. I had a mental moment. The funny thing is, the whole time I felt like crying, screaming, complaining, etc. I kept hearing a verse in my head. Galatians 6:9 tells us "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." OK, it's only been 3 1/2 weeks. I still have April, May, and June to be what I want to be! I will keep on.

So, I went home afterwards and headed out to the Pitt County Special Olympics. Some of our small group had volunteered to help and I was looking forward to this!! It was fun! The only thing that wasn't fun was how cold it was. The day was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. However, the wind was ridiculously cold. I had a long sleeve shirt on and the Olympics shirt on over it, but I was freezing. I left there this afternoon feeling like I would never be able to warm up. I came home, Claude built a fire for me and I bundled up in my rope, blankets, and 2 pairs of socks! I fell asleep and woke up feeling kinda light-headed. I hope I didn't do something dumb and catch a cold because of it.

Tomorrow, I will continue to do what I need to do. I know in my head that it's gonna take time, but I will keep having to remind my heart! Thank you Lord, for reminding me that in You, I can do ALL things!

It's been awhile!

2009-04-01T21:45:00.002-04:00

OK, so I admit that I am NOT a great blogger! I was talking with my wonderful husband at dinner tonight about the fact that I'm not very sure of what exactly my gifts are, but I KNOW they are not techy stuff and blogging!

Now, about my wonderful husband...I am so proud of him! It's been quite busy around here with the big Easter Egg Hunt, Crosslink, The ROCK, graphics for church, etc. He just keeps going and going (like the energizer bunny!!!). He's been sick this last week and it's just now going away. Claude calls it the "phlemy stage"! I'm just happy that he's feeling better. I hate having to watch him be miserable and not be able to do anythng to help him.

Anyway, he's a blessing to me as well as so many others! I'm so honored to be his wife. I don't think I tell him enough just how much I love him and respect him. I see so many ladies come and go that love their husbands, but it's hard for them to respect them because they are not men of integrity. It makes me realize how blessed I am to have a husband who puts God first, then me, then his job. Now, that might sound strange since his job is the ministry. But, I've learned from very wise women (and men!) that God calls men to be husbands and spiritual leaders in their OWN HOME before they can be leaders in their church. Claude does that! He is my hero and I am so proud to belong to him!

So, to my friends and family members, take a look at your spouse. Do they reflect what God calls them to be in your relationship and in your home! I hope so!

NOT MY FORTE'

2009-03-09T17:40:00.002-04:00

I was so excited about this blog because I've been videoing the last couple of days worth of events (which is why I haven't blogged!). I got the little video camera I bought Claude for Christmas and "downloaded" the video clips from the camera onto iPhoto...

NOTHING! I mean, the sound is there, but no video! I am SO NOT A TECHY PERSON!

And, to top it off, I can't just run into the next room and ask my EVER SO TECHY HUSBAND to help, because he's at staff meeting. If you only knew the annoyance I feel right now!!!!! I'm bummed!

Anyway, as soon as I get my wonderful husband home, he can show me what I did wrong and then I will blog AGAIN with the videos! (hopefully!)

(you can't see me right now, but I am sticking my tongue out at the little camera!!!!!!!)

Time is a precious gift

2009-03-04T21:20:00.002-05:00

"What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it."

This quote is from "A New Day" by Heartsill Wilson

I am going thru a Bible study with the youth girls called Smart Girls Think Twice. This week's study was about time management. Now, I've never been bad about the way I spend my time. I'm pretty good at setting lists in place to help me get as much accomplished in a day that I can. However, this week with the fasting from outside influences (see prior blog), I have found several things out about myself.

#1 I have a hard time sitting still for any extended period of time (unless I have a really good book! BTW, Thanks to Bama for lending me the 3rd book of the Twilight series, which I finished in 2 days.) Now, my mom has told me this on several occasions, but I just figured that she's being mom and well, you know, sometimes you don't really LISTEN to what moms say! (YES, I admit that freely!) I don't know that this is good for me, to be all GO! GO! GO! so much. It's just my nature to need to be doing something. So, this fast is making me take a look at sitting and "being still". I hear my mom's voice in my head quoting scripture: "Be still, and know that I am God". OK, I DID LISTEN TO MY MOM FOR THAT ONE!

#2 I get bored easily! I caught myself being bored at the Lord's Supper last Sunday. Now, before you go off thinking that I'm a terrible person, I was bored during the "game" that Jason makes us play in order to determine which tables go first for the food. I ended up reading a bit while waiting for our turn to get in line!!!! I'm not sure why I bore easily. I'm actually self entertaining for the most part. (Wait a minute! Does that mean that I'm a boring person because I bore myself?!?) I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but it is what it is!

#3 I miss it when I don't get to spend time in the day with Claude. Now, I know we're an "old married couple" (as our youth are always reminding us!). But, I really enjoy hanging out with him more than anyone else. He's fun and he finds me interesting! For example, tonight, we lit a fire in the fireplace and then we played Texas Hold'Em poker on the floor. I LOST. but, we still had alot of fun! I think God smiles on us when we enjoy each other the way He intended us to!

Well, that's all for now.

A VERY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR FRIENDS, RANDY & LACI STRICKLAND!

We love you guys!

I know, I know, it's been awhile!

2009-03-03T21:41:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the long time between blogs! I've had some fun things going on so it's been busy!

My parents came to visit for 2 whole weeks! It was so much fun! I got to cook for them and just hang out with them. I told my Mom that it was so nice to "have them all to myself"! I love my family in FL, but it's nice to just hang out with my Mom and Dad! My mom and I went to a scrapbooking night and a cardmaking class together. We went to Raleigh twice! We went to New Bern with them so they could visit with Claude's mom. We moved my stuff from my upstairs loft to the table downstairs and made cards all day! (THAT WAS A BLAST!) My Dad loves watching game shows, so I hung out and watched them with him! (Claude doesn't care for game shows so he won't sit and watch them with me!)

Claude planned a special Valentines Day for us. It was so wonderful just to BE together! I loved the park and the beach especially. We get so busy with stuff in our lives, that we forget how precious our time together is. We are never guaranteed another day, so I'm gonna try to make the most of the moments we can "steal"!

We got a new puppy. Everyone knows about Bruno! He's either going to be the death of me or the character building technique God uses in my life! Right now, it's leaning towards the 2nd. Claude has been doing great at cleaning up after him...except for the occasional drinking out of the water dish that is INSIDE the house. Bruno is a DROOLER! His drool makes for a pond! He's definitely an interesting addition to the family!

Claude and I are on a fast of sorts. We have cut out any TV, radio, and internet for the week. WAIT A MINUTE!!! I'm on the internet now, you say!!! Well, blogging and emails or any communication that would affect church work is allowed! After all, the ministry pays Claude and that wouldn't be very good stewardship if we cut ourselves off of ANY communication! (Not to mention, Jason would go crazy if he couldn't text, call, or email at least ONE OF US for a whole week!!!)

I'm enjoying the way it allows me to concentrate and meditate more on God. I've been able to get into His Word more. I've been reading a book with the teen girls called Smart Girls Think Twice, and it's been nice to pace myself with it! I'd love to just sit outside in the swing and enjoy quiet time with God, but it's a little too cold right now! Maybe later on in the week!!!

So, all in all, it's been great this past month. I've been hearing God's voice prompting me to step out more on faith and I'm praying for courage and faith to do that.

Thank you to all that read my blog! I'm not that interesting of a person, but it's nice to have my thoughts heard by people. Hopefully, it makes an impact on someone!

Just another thought

2009-01-23T11:50:00.002-05:00

Claude made the comment yesterday how you could tell which houses had children living in them because the snow in the yards were all trampled and played in.

Funny thing is...our yard was the worst one on our block!

"Stolen pictures"!

2009-01-23T11:41:00.004-05:00

I've taken some more pictures of my snow girl, but my husband STOLE them from me and blogged about her first!

Anyway, here's my beautiful girl! I'm gonna take more pics of her today as she "melts away" into nothing. I'm hoping she lasts long enough for my parents to see her! They should be here in a couple hours!!!

On a funny note, my cat, Munchkin, who is ALWAYS trying to get outside, didn't really like being outside yesterday!!! It was hilarious to watch him walk thru the snow! He was definitely glad to be back in his warm cozy house after that excursion!!!

"Oh, What A Beautiful Morning...!"

2009-01-21T08:39:00.004-05:00

Sun is shining, snow is glistening on everything! It's so beautiful! I really wish my parents could've seen it!

I'm not sure what Jack-Jack was doing! My guess is that he found one of the piles of poop under the snow!

It's a beautiful thing

2009-01-21T08:32:00.004-05:00

Now, for all my friends who are used to the snow or even hate it (MA friends!!!), please understand that to a Florida girl, this is one of the most beautiful things I'll ever see in my life!

This picture was taken yesterday around 2PM from my driveway!

It was so much fun watching Claude throw snowballs and then watching Jack-Jack try to "bring it back"! He's great at playing fetch, but not when the ball disappears!!!!

SNOW!

2009-01-20T10:56:00.006-05:00

Pictures at 8AM when I let my dogs out:

Just a light dusting!

Pictures at 10AM when I went back out:

Even the dog poop couldn't be seen because of the snow!!!

The plants almost disappear!!

I got a kick out of the back of the truck!!!

The forecast says snow until around 4pm then it should lighten up or stop. I don't want it to stop! I like it!!!!! You know why!?! Because I am a true Floridian and this is what our winters are like:

I love Florida. It will always be my heart's home! But, I love NC! It's my adopted home!

I'm so glad that I'm here! I wish my parents and my nephews & nieces could see the snow and enjoy it. Oh well, the best I can do is take alot of pictures!!!!

Tomorrow is going to be AWESOME!!!

2009-01-19T18:39:00.003-05:00

The weather forecast for Greenville, NC tomorrow is as follows:

TONIGHT - Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the evening - then snow likely after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the upper 20s. Light and variable winds - becoming north around 10 mph after midnight. Chance of snow 70 percent.

TUESDAY - Snow. Snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. Brisk and cooler. Near steady temperature in the lower 30s. North winds around 10 mph - increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow 90 percent.

TUESDAY NIGHT - Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the evening - then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Little or no additional snow accumulation. Cold with lows around 19. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40 percent.

For my parents' benefit (since they are TRUE Floridians and will be heading up here at the end of the week!!!):
FRIDAY - Mostly sunny. Highs around 60.

FRIDAY NIGHT - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

SATURDAY - Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.

SATURDAY NIGHT - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

SUNDAY - Partly sunny. Highs around 50.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SNOW!!!!!!!!

(says the Floridian who loves the cold weather!!!!)

We've got to be crazy!!!

2009-01-17T08:56:00.008-05:00

This was the temperature at 12:30am in Winterville, NC! (18 degrees!!!)

So, why, you ask, does it matter what the temperature was so early in the morning?!? You were probably snuggled all cozy in your bed with blankets all over you! Right?!?

WRONG!

Claude and the guys decided to make a run to IHOP!

So, we loaded up as many as we could carry in our minivan, and we had a wonderful father of one of the guys, Tom Hansen, come over (at 12:45am) to carry the remaining crew to breakfast!

Most of the guys ordered chocolate milk and "all you can eat" pancakes.

These guys can eat ALOT of pancakes!

I believe Kevin holds the record at 11 pancakes!

All in all, I think they had a great time! We got back to the house at 2AM and they started playing their video games again. Claude & I went to bed.

We woke up @ 8AM and Claude went to check on them. Apparently, the majority of them didn't go to bed until around 6AM.

OH! TO BE YOUNG AGAIN!!!!!

Guys "sleepover"?????

2009-01-16T22:49:00.003-05:00

I have a feeling that these guys are NOT going to sleep!!!

BOYS EVERYWHERE!!!

2009-01-16T22:34:00.001-05:00

OK... so I get home from the party and find oodles of boys all over the house!

They are upstairs, they are downstairs, they are outside, they are everywhere! The only "safe" place is my bedroom!!!

Pictures to come!

Whaz Up!

2009-01-16T17:30:00.003-05:00

I'm getting ready to go to a Home & Garden Party hosted by a great lady in our church! Check out her blog!

Claude's out to Food Lion getting "supplies" for the guys' sleepover tonight! I am glad that I will be gone for awhile - give them a chance to settle in before I'm here!!!

Pray for Claude. He's getting sick. He's taking medicine to try and nip it in the bud. Just pray that it goes away quickly (& that I don't catch it!!!).

I got a chance to talk with someone who's going thru some of the same stuff I deal with on the infertility issue. It's amazing how God moves. I needed to know that I was not the only one going thru those feelings and thoughts, and this lady needed someone to listen and REALLY UNDERSTAND how she felt. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to be a small help to her!

That's all for now!

Keeping in step!

2009-01-14T08:06:00.005-05:00

Galatians 5:25

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

It sounds like Paul is describing a dancer and the perfect partner. The dancer must learn to follow the beat of the music and keep in step with it.

Sometimes, it's difficult to be led by the Spirit and "hold our tongue"! It can be difficult to avoid popularity and, instead, repeat that juicy piece of gossip we heard. It's difficult when the Spirit leads us to be humble and move to say "I'm sorry". It's difficult to step with the Spirit and release the resentment we feel when we think we've been wronged or unappreciated.

I can say all of these things with certainty because every one of them I've done (or many times, failed to do).

Everyday, I should be asking myself "Who am I being led by?" Am I being led by myself, with my emotions, pride, and fear? Or, am I being led by the Holy Spirit?

Just something to think about.

The future generation?!?

2009-01-13T21:02:00.002-05:00

Sunday after church, the youthgroup went to the mall for our monthly lunch together. Afterwards, some of the girls decided to walk the mall. This is the result of 4 girls and their innocent, silly nature!!!

on a side note...

2009-01-12T08:25:00.003-05:00

What a relaxing place to be... on the couch, curled up reading, with my little Jack-Jack laying here beside me!

Paul's commitment

2009-01-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

So, after the last blog, I am feeling better because I've been able to "get things off my chest". I also had great people encourage me and let me know that they are there for me to pray and talk if I need to!

This morning, I got up and got some coffee, fed the animals, and sat down for my quiet time. I picked up my Bible and opened it to the place I left off Saturday... 2 Corinthians 12. So, I am reading Paul's letter and I am amused that the verses I read this morning are the exact verses that I thought about last nite! Paul "boasting" about his flaws. Now, I am in NO WAY boasting about my flaws. I just thought to myself, how divinely timed this was!

It is against my nature to truly pour my heart out (like the last blog!). It makes me feel so vulnerable and weak. I then read Paul referring to his challenge and how he will "boast all the more gladly" about his weakness so that God's power can rest on him. THIS is my desire. I want to reach the point of giving in to my own nature and allow my weaknesses to be evident so that Christ can be made powerful in them. OH MY WORD this is hard for me. I HATE being weak. Perhaps this will be my resolution (although I don't make resolutions!!!) for '09. To become weak (and not be scared of being weak) so that Jesus can become stronger in my life.

A heartfelt blog

2009-01-11T21:36:00.004-05:00

Please forgive me for the length of time between the last blog and this one. I can honestly say that my heart hasn't been in it. The following blog is going to be straight from my heart so please bear with me while I bare my heart to you.

I had a talk with my Mom Friday night and really cried my heart out to her. I miss her. I miss my friend, Cindy. (I've come to realize that being a pastor's wife puts me in a fishbowl for others to watch me. So, when I need to cry, I'm overly concerned about WHO I can cry to.) My Mom reminded me that I can always cry to the Lord. Well, honestly, I know that in my head, but truthfully, my heart didn't see the point. He knows my heart and I didn't feel like it would do any good to cry to Him over the SAME THINGS that I've been crying out to Him for for years. I know ALL the "sunday school" answers to these problems. I feel like Paul when he asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh.

So, here goes with crying my heart out...

We have ALOT of ladies in our church who are pregnant. Now, being a "young" church, this is to be expected (no pun intended). It's still a hard thing for me to be around so many ladies who are having babies when I know that it's not God's plan for me. I know that there is a purpose for everything that happens. I know that I'm blessed with a wonderful husband and we have a very special relationship. I know that I have alot of "kids" at church. All that being said, I still feel like I've missed something in my life. I can't explain it and it probably doesn't make sense to folks if they haven't been in that place too. Even now, typing this, the weight in my chest is heavy. I want to be happy for those ladies who have been blessed, but I can't seem to. I want to be excited for those women, but all I feel is hurt and left out.

Claude says that I should find true joy in the blessing that God has given to these women. I want to. But, just when I think that I've found it, (or at least found a way to deal with it), the happiness is overshadowed by my hurt and longing.

OK, so there. I finally put into words how I feel about the pregnancy thing. I ask that anyone who reads this, please pray for me. I truly want to be happy for these ladies. Several of the ladies are what I would consider good friends. So, what kind of friend does it make me that I can't be happy for them? GREAT! NOW I HAVE GUILT TOO! Seriously, please lift this up in prayer. I would love to know and understand how Paul dealt with his flaw.

I hope that folks reading this don't think any less of me for the things said. I just needed to really get out what I've been feeling inside. I've deleted this blog twice and put it back! Claude said that I should post it. He's wise, so I'll take his word for it!

Taveling Light, take 2...The Lord is my Shepherd

2008-12-12T10:10:00.004-05:00

"Sheep are dumb! Have you ever met a sheep trainer? Ever seen a sheep do tricks? Know anyone who has taught his sheep to roll over?...No. Sheep are just too dumb."

"...And defenseless. They have no fangs or claws. They can't bite you or outrun you..."(although I have seen them out jump Claude!!!)

"...What's more, sheep are dirty. A cat can clean itself. So can a dog. We even see birds in birdbaths or a bear in a river. But sheep? They get dirty and stay that way."

These are some excerpts from Traveling Light by Max Lucado.

At first, you read these and think, I'm kinda offended by the fact that I'm being compared to a dumb, defenseless, dirty sheep! But, in reality, we ARE like sheep! When it comes to truly knowing what is best for myself, I don't. When it comes to really fighting the spiritual war (and winning) I can't. When it comes to washing away my own sin and being made perfect, IMPOSSIBLE!

I think David, being a shepherd, understood all too well just how much we are like sheep. We need our shepherd. We would not survive without Him.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

2008-12-09T20:18:00.004-05:00

Since a picture is worth 1000 words...

WOW! I love that man!

New haircut...

2008-12-09T19:04:00.005-05:00

I went and got my hair cut and highlighted! OK that was the "highlight" of my day today!

Take a look:

Thanks to Dizzy for the "choppy layers" idea!!! I think I've finally found a style I like!!!

On a different note, here's my cute dog, Jack-Jack (and my cute hubbie!!!!).

He doesn't hold still very much! I guess that's a characteristic of a Rat Terrier!

I really thought he was going to hold still for this picture and at the last second, he moved AGAIN!

FINALLY! Claude had to pick him up and "tease" him with a toy to get him to look at the camera!!!!

Ain't he cute!?!

Traveling Light

2008-12-08T16:36:00.004-05:00

I've been reading this book by Max Lucado titled "traveling light". I must say that this man can write! He's great at explaining things in layman's terms!

Anyway, he takes Psalm 23 and breaks it up into individual verses, then he elaborates on them.

For example, David started off with "The Lord...". OK, why? To remind us of who God is.

Bear with me because THIS GETS GOOD!!!

Taking from Max Lucado's book "...the name I AM sounds strikingly close to the Hebrew verb to be - havah. It's quite possibly a combination of the present tense form (I AM) and the causative tense (I cause to be). Yahweh, then seems to mean 'I AM and I CAUSE'. God is the One Who is and the One Who causes."

So, think about that for a minute. I don't go around saying "I am." I always add another word like "I am bored" or I am Sheila". God doesn't do that. He plainly states "I AM" and adds nothing else. He doesn't have to!

The more I read this book, the more I realized that memorizing Psalm 23 when I was a little girl was good, but I don't think I ever paid attention to what this passage of scripture really says. So it makes me wonder how many other scriptures I've memorized that I haven't really "learned".

What about you?

I will be bloggin more about this book as I come across things that jump out at me. I've already highlighted ALOT of things, but my blog would become a book if I wrote about all of my thoughts on each thing!!!

Til next time...

3 years ago...

2008-12-02T13:13:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, December 1st, marks 3 years that we have officially been "North Carolinians"! I remember it so vividly the day (night actually) that we left. We packed our Uhaul, went to one last dinner with my parents and my older brother, Murray. It was my Murray's birthday My younger brother, Philip, and his wife, Sarah, were too busy that night! My wonderful sister-in-law chose THAT night to have my niece, Rose! She was born just before we headed out. I will never forget those feelings that night. I was so tired...mentally, physically, emotionally. I was sure we were suppose to go, but I didn't want to leave my family and friends. My niece would never know me (not true, but so I thought at the time!). My nephews would forget me (also, not true!) I would miss not being able to hang out with my Mom and Dad. Who would I be able to go shopping with if my Mom and my friend, Cindy, were in Florida and I was 800 miles away?!? What about the kids at our church that we would be leaving behind? Who would be there for them when they needed to talk, or cry, or anything else that came with being a kid?

I have never felt so scared in my life! I just knew that we HAD to go. God told us to move, He laid the groundwork for everything to fall into place for us. We had no idea what we were getting into, but we knew we had to go.

I can honestly say that I have not regretted moving. I miss my family on a regular basis. The pictures I get from my Mom and my brother make me yearn to be near the kids. I know, though, that God has given me so much back for what I felt like I was leaving behind. I have made wonderful friends here! Claude was able to be here for his Mom when her husband died. I never thought I'd ever have kids that I loved as much as the ones we left back in Florida. I was so wrong (and very glad of it!) We have a bunch of kids that God's allowed us to be with! I've been blessed to be able to go back and see everyone on a fairly regular basis! He's been so good to us!

So, on this anniversary, I am so glad that God moved us here!

Jeremiah 29:11

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

AMEN!

Blessed Lady!

2008-11-29T20:35:00.002-05:00

I am sitting in my living room blogging! Why...you ask? Because my wonderful husband brought down ALL of my Christmas decorations yesterday and I finally finished decorating the house! Claude put up the lights outside this morning (just before it started raining! He's so wondeful!)

I am feeling very blessed this season. We are both healthy, we are in ministry and love it, we have great friends (both here and around the country!), we work with a fantastic group of kids, the youth group is pretty terrific too, we have wonderful families, our bills are paid every month, and we have each other! OK, I'll stop with the mushy stuff...for now!

More of the kids!

2008-11-28T19:22:00.002-05:00

Here is a video of a song the children performed at the concert on Tuesday night! I can't even tell you how much these kids touched us. The video doesn't even scratch the surface of what they did!

One sad note...

2008-11-28T08:55:00.004-05:00

This past week has been fabulous..with the exception of one thing. Now, anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am a perfectionist! I want to do things well and be the best at whatever I attempt to do. Well...... I failed this week. :(

I attempted, for the very first time by myself, to make a HOMEMADE banana pudding. My mother-in-law taught me how and walked me through the first one. This was my first attempt to do it on my own. I was suppose to take it to the people's house that we were going to for Thanksgiving dinner. However, I burned the meringue (obviously, by the picture!). It was in our oven for less than a minute and this was the result. I called my mother-in-law to see if there was any way to "save' it, she said to start over...the whole pudding?!? NO WAY!!! She told me that it was a good thing that I caught it before it CAUGHT ON FIRE!!! Claude said he would eat it and just pick off the meringue! That's why I love him!!!!!

What a thanksgiving week!!!

2008-11-27T22:05:00.010-05:00

I know it's been a few days, but WOW...we have had one of the best thanksgivings EVER!!! We've been busy with a group of kids from Kenya. They have been so much fun and more blessings than I could begin to tell you! I am to the point where I'm envious of them and the PURE joy that they have in Christ. We are sad thinking that they have to leave us tomorrow, but I know I will never be the same after this! I have a completely different understanding of what my younger brother must've felt when they came back from their missions trip to Tanzania. He said he wanted to adopt the children from the orphanage and now I get why! They are so loving and precious. I am so thankful that God allowed us to have this opportunity. They keep telling us that we have been such a blessing to them, but it really it the other way around. The blessing has been on us.
I'm gonna miss you guys! "Nakupenda", Denzel, John, Anthony, and Moses." ("I love you" in Swahili!!!!)

From left to right

Anthony, Moses (chaperone), John, and Denzel

(Claude on the counter!)

Anthony was being crazy! This was our "Kenyan"dinner night!

The children fixed a true Kenyan meal. It was called chipati (don't know it that's spelled right!) and included beef stew, cabbage, rice, and a type of tortilla! I liked it!!!

John had so much fun with Ella & Natalie ("Talie")!

No matter what was going on, when the kids started giggling, you couldn't help yourself...you started giggling too!!! Their laughter was so contagious!

The chaperone that stayed with us, Moses, was just as big a kid as the kids!!!!

On Thanksgiving, the kids got to have an American Thanksgiving dinner! Some weren't too sure they wanted to try it, but most of them loved it!

Somehow, the local news heard about the kids. They came out and interviewed some of them and then the kids sang a few songs for them!

The group!

This is what's it's all about!

2008-11-21T08:48:00.007-05:00

This Thanksgiving holiday, we at Discovery Church get a rare opportunity to minister to a group of orphan children from Kenya. Well, actually, after seeing them perform at Catalyst this year, I'd be more accurate to say they will minister to us!

Check this out...this is a taste of what we got to see at Catalyst! They were so precious and I cried through the whole performance. I kept thinking, " I wish my little brother could see these kids!" (He has such a heart and passion for Africa and the children there.) They was so awesome!

They will be doing a concert Tuesday night at a local church. If people don't walk away thinking what an AWESOME God we serve, they might want to check themselves spiritually.
In the meantime, check out this group! They are truly an amazing story!
http://410bridge.org/daraja/

BTW, their style of worship is different than what I grew up with, but I am so humbled when I watch them. They give everything when they worship! They are not afraid to raise their hands, stomp their feet, be joyful and praise God as the Holy Spirit moves them! Watch the video! My favorite part is when they sing "Jesus conquered the grave" and they stomp on the ground like Jesus was stomping on death and satan! It's truly awesome!

Never too old...

2008-11-19T08:15:00.003-05:00

You know, when I was a kid I thought that when I became an adult I'd know enough to live a happy productive life! Well, now that I'm "old" (as the teens would say!) I realize that you're never too old to learn something new!

Laci and I have been teaching a class to 9 teenager girls about sexual & emotional integrity. We've been using a book called Every Young Woman's Battle. Let me tell you, these girls have been open and eager to learn and to understand why we are made the way we are! They have been willing to ask questions (even embarrassing ones!) and have been just as willing to share struggles and issues they've had in their lives. I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned about myself from listening to them! They've taught me as much as I've taught them! They've told Laci & me several times that they think the boys should go thru the same type of class!

The one thing I have learned (or been reminded of) is how satan still uses the same lies and deceit on girls today that he used when I was a teenager. Satan uses a young girl's desire to be accepted and loved. He takes her insecurities about how she looks and fills her with lies about what she must do in order to be loved. These are the very same lies I heard in my head when I was a teenager. One thing is definitely different now...satan is running out of time and so he is working even harder nowadays than he did when I was young. Teenage girls today have SO MUCH MORE peer pressure and so many more "acceptable" lies to deal with than I did. What was considered immoral and wrong when I was a young girl is now totally the norm for girls today. It's hard enough just existing as a teenage girl without having all these thoughts running thru your head about what you have to do to be accepted!

All this to say, we are never to old to learn new things. The things our kids are dealing with today may be the "same" things we dealt with, but SO MUCH BIGGER than when we were there. So allow God to show you how to love your teenagers better by praying for them and truly listening to them when they need you to. Don't cast judgement and don't threaten to lock them up when they start telling you things that would make your ears want to burn off. Let them know that you can't believe what they have to deal with, but you know that our God is powerful enough to give strength to help them deal with it! PRAY FOR YOUR KIDS! If ever was a time for it, NOW is the time!

Been too long!

2008-11-17T14:36:00.006-05:00

OK, first I must apologize that I haven't blogged in over a month!

I have no other reason than it's just been a LONG month and alot going on! It's not all been great things, but most of it has been great!

I was reading my devotions yesterday and a really great verse just jumped out and grabbed me.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.

In my life, I've found that I struggle with the same things on a regular basis...anger, jealousy, resentment, lack of compassion for others. These things are so hard for me to control. I get angry and resentful so quickly. I am definitely not known for my compassion! I am so quick to look at others and be jealous instead of content where God's placed me.

This passage really gave me a small peak at how God's heart works. He gets glory from me when His "unlimited patience" is put to work!!! I don't know how He does it, or even why, but I'm in awe that He loves me that much! I think about parents and their children and the love those parents have for them. I've told Lora on numerous occasions that I don't know how my mother survived me! The standing joke was that if I had been the first child, I would've been the ONLY child! (Lora has a child like me and so she tells me things about this child!) I sit back and think "Only a mom can love that way!" But, in reality, God loved us so much more than even our moms.

I am so thankful that in spite of my shortcomings He still loves me!

Thanks, Mom, for never giving up on me and for showing me Christ's love everyday in the way you loved us! Thank you for the heritage of that!

In case anyone is wondering, my personality comes more from my Dad than my Mom! I've seen this look from her MANY times!!!!!

SunSuites

2008-10-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

We are here...sorta!

We arrived at the SunSuites hotel (where the group will be staying) @ 9:40PM. What a LONG trip! We went into our room (Lora, Kim, and me) and I went to take a shower. When I tried to turn on the shower faucet, the whole thing came out of the wall!!! I DID NOT BREAK IT! It was already broken!

Anyway, I will send a picture of it once Kim sends it to me!

Gotta go to bed now! Getting up at 6AM!

Catalyst Here We Come!!!

2008-10-07T15:19:00.003-04:00

For 3 years, Claude & the staff have gone to a conference in GA called Catalyst. They come back with so much to talk about and so many ideas and just overall encouragement! I've been jealous! Well, this year, I get to go!!!!! I am so excited! I've been looking forward to this for months! I've listened to the speakers via Claude's iPOD several times! Now, I get to go and be a part of this! I am praying that God really uses this weekend to bring the people going from our church closer together. I pray that He allows us to take things from the conference that we can use to do more for Discovery Church. I pray that He allows us to learn more about ourselves and what we need to do/change in order to be more useful for Christ.

Pray for the people going! Pray for the speakers! Pray for all those traveling to the conference!

The Dead Church

2008-09-30T18:23:00.001-04:00

A new Pastor in a small Georgia town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.

The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.

Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.

Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.

In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror !

(thanks Mom, for the email! It really hits home!)