The Pitchford Crew

1st Day of Camp

2009-06-22T19:04:00.002-05:00

First day of camp under our belt.

I love summer and camp, but the first day is always a little hard as we try to get everything settled. We have a great teaching team this year and have added some really fun components so I hope that the kids are really blessed by it.

I can see that the things I've been learning about myself and ministry in the past months are going to make this year even better! I'll be sure to post some pics!

Ministry and me...

2009-06-03T22:36:00.002-05:00

For a class I was recently a part of...I had to explain what I've learned about ministry and myself. This is an exerpt of what I came up with...

In trying to define ministry I figured I would at least first look up the literal definition of ministry. The word ministy is derived from the Greek word diakoneo—meaning to serve, or douleuo—meaning to serve as a slave. Serving God and His people, His world. Nothing about place of employment. Nothing about job title. Nothing about status. Ministry is daily dying to self, seeking God’s will, allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to use me to serve others, feeling the love of God fill me and then loving the world as an outpouring of that love. I realized that I am ministry. Ministry is me.

I try not to get really caught up in labels. It’s probably partly why I am not intimidated by someone’s “title” or “position”. I don’t think we are supposed to label ministry. I understand why in the church…in the world we do. Our human need is to give structure and define roles. We like to have a full picture and understanding of who everyone is and what everyone does and why they behave the way they do. He is the Senior Pastor, she is the Pastor, they are the assistants, they are the volunteers. I understand that for the structure of a place of employment you need to assign job duties and give job titles. But in ministry, in serving….serving as a slave…what if we have it wrong? What if we aren’t supposed to label and pigeon-hole each other? What if there aren’t supposed to be silo ministries? I “specialize” in this or this; he is an “expert” in this and this…what if we are all supposed to be working together intermingled for the kingdom? My title right now is Ministry Assistant for Children’s Ministry, but quite honestly…that’s not my ministry. That is just my job title. It might define what I get paid to do for my vocation. But it is not a full picture of who I am. I don’t think that I want it to be.

I want it all. It has always been my problem and has gotten me into more trouble than I can say, but it is the truth. I want to see people’s lives transformed. I want to walk through life with a young person who is struggling. I want to instill the value of true worship in children. I want to bring broader perspective to those around me about differences, diversity of culture, ethnicity. I want to encourage others to realize the amazing value that they have and the powerful way that God can use them if they just let Him. I want to challenge individuals who have become lazy or self-righteous in their faith. I want to use the gifts that God has given me to impact the world around me. Yet, I am just one person. I think it’s too easy in ministry….the vocation of ministry….to feel overwhelmed and to commit yourself to too many things. Too many tasks and too many programs. The program is not the ministry. The program is just a ministry tool. I am the ministry. Because I am the servant. I am the slave, dying to self and reaching out to a broken world in the love of God, with the power of the Holy Spirit. He will use me as He sees fit. I need to stop looking for ways to fill the “wants” that I have in ministry and just look to Him to guide my steps and take me where He wants. Whenever I try to have it all, be involved in all…I get in the way and He can’t do what He wants to through me. I have learned that simply because I can do something well, does not mean that I should. It’s a lesson God has been teaching me for a few years and I do believe that this year I was finally able to put that into practice and adhere to it.

Although I have always felt that I might be a leader, I must admit that since becoming a Christian I have balked at that label. Throughout my life others have told me that I was a strong leader. Teachers in school would say, “Mindy is a leader, many of the children look to her and take their cues from her.” Yuck. What 6th grader wants THAT responsibility? In friendships I often became the leader and didn’t like feeling as if the other person wasn’t capable of their own opinions, thoughts or ideas separate from me. I would find us dialoguing, discussing something as simple as what to do for the weekend and suddenly whatever I said became where we were going. Looking back, I don’t know if there was something in me that tried to influence others? I know that in my wild 20s I sometimes did purposely influence, manipulate and sway people (not something I am proud of)...however, I have found that I don’t want to be and definitely didn’t like being that kind of leader.

Here are some things that I do want to continue to develop and allow to grow in myself as a ministry leader:

~Accountability to God. I desire to live for an audience of one. If I really want to serve Him well then I need to be in constant communication with my Lord. Each day I will seek Him and rest in His word, His truth, His love. What I say, think and do reflects Him and I want to do that well.

~Wisdom. As I have more opportunity to minister in conflict, wait on the Lord’s leading, develop patience, and identify the weaknesses in myself…I am thankful for the wisdom that is coming along with it. I don’t want to be the same 5 years from now, even 5 months from now as I am today.

~Total reliance on God. I deeply fear ministry as a vocation will become rote for me. I never want to lead out of my own earthly desires, my own earthly focus or my own agenda. I pray that I never get ahead of God and that I never rest on my laurels. In humble devotion to Him, I want to remember and instill in others that apart from Him we are nothing. Apart from Him there is no point in leading because only He is worthy.

~Rest. I know myself and I know that I need to build a rhythm of rest into my ministry. I am of no use to Him or others if I wear myself down. I need to continue to be obedient to that and allow myself time for respite within the frenzy. This means even if others don’t understand it. This means even if others don’t need to take that break. This means even if I don’t feel like it at the time. It is my hope that as I grow in the other areas, I will become even more self aware of when and how I need this rest.

I am feeling stirring in my spirit. I have found for myself this usually occurs when God is up to something really big. I trust that as I continue to turn to Him for guidance (by praying daily, listening to His response, delving into His word) He will open and close doors as necessary. I pray that I am obedient to where He leads...even when it's difficult, even when I don't want to, even when I'm not sure why. It is a privilege and honor to be His servant and I am grateful that He would even care to use someone like me to bring others closer to Him.

To God be the Glory.

When did I get old...

2009-05-27T00:18:00.001-05:00

Lookin at ol FB pics
Rememberin 'bout those college cliques
Wonderin who dressed that chick
When did I get old?

Orchesis memories...choregraphin Rhythm Nation
Rememberin Q oil with pure elation
Laughin that we taped the radio station...
When did I get old?

Messin with w/the boys like they were my toy
Singin top of my lungs w/Anita, 'you bring me joy'
Denyin wrong doin'....'that wasn't me boy!!'
When did I get old?

Writin checks at Hardee's...in debt deep
Checkin down the hall so nobody'd see me creep
Prayin he'd be quiet so Kasie'd stay sleep :D
When did I get old?

Perculatin at the club....doin it up right
Didn't ya'll kno it was Ho Phi Ho nite?
Knowin we looked good...daisy dukes were a sight ;)
When did I get old?

Goin to get a burrito at 11 o'clock
Doin it up right til I put 'em in shock
Ready to fight if his roommate didn't learn how to knock
When did I get old?

Swallowin that minnow for a t-shirt & tha props
Runnin from that party...dang, who called the cops?
Chargin up that credit girl, cuz we just had to shop...
When did I get old?

BUT

Now lookin at my babies asleep in the bed
Blessed by a husband that doesn't mess with my head
Knowin more than once I should've easily been dead
I thank God that I got old!

Realizin my worth ain't dependent on the outside
Knowin there is nuthin that i need to hide
Humbling myself....lettin go of all pride
I thank God that I got old!

Taking moments in prayer to thank Him for blessing
Realizin intimacy ain't got nuthin to do w/undressin
In His grace...toward the light...I'm always pressin...
I thank God that I got old!

Regrets I have none...each day is a new
A chance to make right and know I can do
All things with Him cause He renews me...it's true
I thank God that I got old!

To God be the Glory!

My girl Alisa....a call for prayer....

2009-05-11T22:36:00.001-05:00

I'm gonna be real and raw in tellin' this story...so please don't be offended cause there isn't any other way to tell the truth.

In early 1992 I met a girl named Alisa. Missy and I were at Fudd's shakin our thangs and causin' ruckus I'm sure...when we ran into these 2 girls. Alisa and Taraina. It was apparent that they weren't from 'round the way. There were not a lot of young, single black females in Waukesha back in 1992. We hung out all night....makin' small talk, they had just moved to the area, blase' blah...and at the end of the night Alisa asked for my number.

It went exactly like this.

'Um, so don't think I'm gay or nuthin'...not that u aren't fine girl...but we have not met a lot of cool girls out here and you are cool so let's hang out or something.'
I laughed so hard and knew we were gonna be fast friends.
'Alright...im cool with that.'

And so we did. All the time. Alisa's friend Taraina had moved out here for her job and Alisa had just left a nanny job out east and so when Taraina invited her to move with her, she agreed. What's funny is a few years later Taraina got married and moved to IL and Alisa felt stuck here.

For the next 7 years...Alisa was my road dog. My ace boon coon. My sister from another mister. We were together all the time. Most of my rough partying days were done with her at my side. The first time I did a lot of things....both good and bad...were with her at my side. We got into major trouble together, but always had each other's back. Every moment that Jordyn was with her dad...I was out with Alisa causing trouble. Many of my wildest moments occurred with this girl. Most club bouncers knew us by name. We often got into places free if we promised to keep the dancin going (why I never care about being the only one on the dance floor) and very rarely did we pay for a drink. Many a night I couldn't remember the next day.

Our friendship was much more than wild days though.

She was there when I moved out for the first time and was a little afraid to be on my own. She was there for me when I went through an abusive relationship. I was there for her when she got pregnant and gave birth. God mother to her daughter Ayesha. When I had to leave my apartment she opened up her apartment to me and we lived together for 8 months. When I got pregnant with Isaiah, she is the one who comforted me when it felt like others had abandoned me for making another mistake. When I met Marlon she pushed me to follow my heart. When I started going to church and accepted Christ...even though it wasn't her thing, she was happy for me.

Not too long after I got married in 1998...Alisa and her man and Ayesha moved to Pennsylvania. For many years...we kept in close touch by letters and pictures and phone calls. Every few months at least we'd talk...catch up...comfort each other. I had some marriage problems. She felt stuck. I went through severe depression. She had another daughter. I could tell she was using more than recreationally. After a few years...we started talking less often. She moved from Pennsylvania out to Washington by her mom. She didn't have a computer so email wasn't a way for us to communicate...and her phone was often getting shut off so I'd try to call and her number was disconnected. Soon it was once a year or so that I'd hear from her. She'd always ask a lot of questions about my life...but be very vague about hers. I knew something was up. I could feel it in my heart. I even asked her to move back a few times. She would laugh it off saying there was nothing for her here. The last time I heard from her was probably in like 2005 or 2006. Numbers that I had for her where long since not in service. My last letter was returned.

Since joining MySpace and Facebook...I looked for her on here endlessly. Hoping by some chance she now had a computer. No luck. Last fall I finally thought....duh, Ayesha would be old enough to have her own account and started searching for her. I'll never forget the day that I found her on MySpace. I was so excited. She knew who I was right away. Said how could she forget her Godmother. Asked how her Goddaddy and cousins were. Asked how life in WI was. Small talk. No pictures of her mom. I asked her to have her mom call me. Never happened. I asked her about her mom...very little info.

Today I found out the truth.She doesn't know where her mom is. She has been living on the streets and escaped from jail a few months ago. She has a myriad of problems. There is nothing they can do. The girls are living with their grandma.I can't explain the heartache I felt when I read that. I can't explain how my heart sank or why I started to cry so hard. While I think about Alisa often...it's been years since I've had contact with her. But the love of a sister...which we are...doesn't fade with time I guess. The longing to see her, know she is okay, reach out to her.... I asked Ayesha how I can help...she said there's nothing they can do so she guesses there's nothing I can do either.

But I can pray. And I can ask you to pray on their behalf.

Some of you know Alisa...some of you don't. Some of you might think, wow...that's deep, well--you make your bed, now you lie in it.

But I can't do that.

She's my girl. And my heart is breaking. In all of you...I trust you to pray.

So please pray with me....

Pray that Alisa is safe.
Pray that she returns to her family.
Pray that she would desire to get clean and sober and be there for her kids.
Pray that Ayesha and Tatiana are able to have influence of God's love in their life.
Pray that Alisa knows that people love her and that God loves her.

There is power in prayer.

To God be the glory.

Simple Livin...

2009-05-09T00:56:00.000-05:00

Emotional turmoil
Adversity
Disguising and masking
To fit in

Truth hidden
God given
Evil ridden
Life fulfillin
Simple livin

Mental anguish
Bigotry
Pushing and pulling
To make right

Truth hidden
God given
Evil ridden
Life fulfillin
Simple livin

Misguided intention
Naiveity
Moving forth but not knowing
At what cost

Truth hidden
God given
Evil ridden
Life fulfillin
Simple livin

God protects me
Jesus sustains me
Holy Spirit power compels me
To move and breathe and live
To run and dance and sing
To question and ask and see

To be...Me.

Comfort Zone

2009-02-25T22:45:00.002-06:00

The other day a friend mentioned something to me that I had not thought of before.

I am in my mission field.

Let me explain.

I get that we are all missionaries and that we each daily have a sphere of influence around us who we can proclaim Christ to. That we all interact with dozens of people who we can reach for God and that we don't have to go overseas to be a missionary. I mean, I get that. Marlon is a local missionary. His mission field is male youth between the ages of 13-20. This is done through mentoring, bible studies, being a chaplain at Norris Adolescent center, and a new ministry venture The Malango Project that God helped him create that will start this fall. His passion for racial reconciliation has even led him to put together an AAU basketball team that is just about a 50/50 split of urban and suburban kids. It's exciting to watch. So I get that you don't have to be in a 3rd world country to have impact.

I am out of my comfort zone.

Many times I feel like a fish out of water because there are few who see what I see or at least from my point of view. Yet other times I feel strong confirmation from God that I am right where He wants me. It's like, sista quit ur cryin and get to work!! I've even prayed if it's time for me to move back to the city...back to a place where I'd be more comfortable. Someone even told me recently that I probably don't belong at Elmbrook because of the way I think and if that's how I feel.That statement has really had me thinking.

This is how I've been feeling...and what I've been marinating on....

I love teaching. I love speaking out God's truth and how He has influenced my life. I'm blessed with opportunities to do that.

I love pushing the envelope. This is not to be confused with pushing buttons. That is not Godly AT ALL to me. But questioning the status quo..well, even Jesus himself did that. I'm blessed (ok, sometimes stressed) but still blessed nonetheless with opportunities to do that.

I love worshipping through music. It's how I best connect with God and I love helping people experience God in a different way. I'm blessed with opportunities to do that.

I love building relationships with young people. From children to 20 somethings. Seeing the shiny face of a 5 year old delighted in learning about God to comforting a hurting young woman who is trying to figure out how to get her life on track. I'm blessed with opportunities to do that.

Africa...comfort zone. Philippines...comfort zone. Mexico....comfort zone. James Place...comfort zone. Inner city...comfort zone. Suburbia...not comfort zone.

BUT...

Would I have learned to rely so fully on Him if I was submerged in a culture where I was totally comfortable? Would I have discovered that the only way I can be a Godly leader is by dying to Him daily in order to lead? Would I fully believe that I can do nothing in my own strength and that no idea is a good idea until His blessing is upon it, like I do now? Would I have learned that part of what makes a great team is people who are like-minded in their devotion to Christ and respect for one another...not necessarily always thinking alike?

I am out of my comfort zone.

And in that...I am fully relying on God in a way I never have before. I see His goodness and grace and feel the Holy Spirit in me in a way I never have before. Abundant blessing. He continues to amaze and humble me by the way that He loves me.

To God be the Glory!

Thoughts on marriage....

2009-01-14T22:00:00.001-06:00

This Friday Marlon and I will be married for 11 years. 11 YEARS! For those of you who have been around since the days when nobody knew if we'd make it.....11 years!! Can I get a what what? So with that huge milestone coming up...and my marriage on my mind...I thought I'd share some thoughts about it.

1. Marriage is much, much harder than anyone ever told me. Spending everyday with someone, allowing them to see you at your worst, letting them into the most intimate parts of your heart. Not easy.

2. If you don't trust the person you are married to, then you'd better do something about that because you will never have peace if you don't.

3. If the person you are married to doesn't trust you, then you'd better do something about that because they will never have peace if you don't.

4. There is nothing better than waking up in his arms.

5. Your spouse will always fail you. They are human. You can't look to them to be your everything because you will be disappointed. Only God can fill that void, heal that hurt and comfort you in that way.

6. There is absolutely no point in arguing about things like clothes that don't make it to the hamper, a toilet seat left up or whose turn it is to let the dog out.

7. Your spouse is always more important than your kids. Period.

8. There may be times that you want to suffocate him with the pillow. You just don't.

9. Your spouse is not a mind reader. If you don't clearly explain what you need, how you are feeling, what your expectations are....don't expect them to know.

10. Your marriage can do a full 180 if you both would just focus on what the other person needs rather than what you aren't getting.

11. Love is not an emotion. There will be days that you don't feel like you are in love. That doesn't mean anything. Don't worry about whether or not you "feel" like you are in love. Do you love him? Does he love you? Then focus on that. Rest in that. Feelings are fleeting anyway.

12. The grass is never greener on the other side. If it is...it's cause it's full of manure.

13. Satan would love to see your marriage fail. Don't let him trick you. Be very aware of spiritual warfare. Temptation. Pride. Anger. Judgement. Jealousy. Don't get tripped up on that stuff. When you feel it start to rise...look to Jesus.

14. Proverbs 31:10-12 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.".... I want to be that wife. I want him to know, trust and believe that I am dedicated to our marriage, I am determined to stay in the will of God and I am devoted to him.

15. The more that I respect him as the leader of this home...the more I find him loving me just as I need to be loved. Nothing new. It's God's design. Read Ephesians 5:22-33.

16. Make sure that you pray for your spouse. In the same accord...make sure you have people praying for you as a couple.

Our marriage has been rocky. We are passionate people who do not always see eye to eye. We were so selfish and immature when we met. We didn't realize we were...lol...but we were. When I see how we've grown...how we've learned about and from each other...when I see what God has done...

I am married to an amazing man. He is not perfect. But he loves God. He follows fast after Jesus. And he loves me. What more could a girl ask for?

To God be the Glory!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T06:58:00.002-06:00

Papa and Jordyn

The girls. Caitlyn, Amelia, McKenzie and Keyonna. They were born within 3 months of each other. I can't believe they are 4 now!

Izzy and Marcelio.

Elijah and me.

I am the family masher. It takes great arm strength to mash 20lbs of potatoes :D

The Christmas Parade

2008-12-13T06:53:00.001-06:00

Sassy Jack and I

The die hard parade fans. Izzy, Nia and Alicia are out every year. :)

Jordyn and Hannah. She loves this kid!

Miss Jordyn waiting for the parade.

Jordyn and Nia. Such cuties!

Just some pics

2008-12-13T06:41:00.002-06:00

My handsome Isaiah (#10) running for a play

Elijah is soooo tough on the football field

I love chaperoning field trips. It's so much fun and I'm blessed to have a job that allows me this freedom!

My sister, mom and I at Elmbrook's Women's Christmas event. There's nothing like worship with Stephanie Seefeldt and listening to Jill Briscoe.

My friend April and I

Friendships...

2008-12-12T22:42:00.001-06:00

Tonight I am sitting here thanking God for the gift of friendship of wonderful Christian women that I have in my life. This has not always been the case.

I have always made friends easily. So in my life...there have always been friends, kick it partners, my road dogs, my hoe phi hoe gals. Yes I said..hoe phi hoe. If you didn't know...now u know.

When I got married and became a Christian...I had to separate myself from the life I had been living. My life was engulfed in sinful behaviors. My girls were still my girls. But a LOT had to change. I couldn't hang out like I had...didn't want to. But I had no women who were heading the way I was heading. I had no women who could hold me accountable. No women to challenge me, encourage me or walk with me in my new found faith.

Marlon joined Top Gun shortly after our wedding and instantly connected with this great group of men. They were and still are some of his closest friends. He began pressuring me to find friends. He began pushing me almost into finding women. It drove me crazy.The more he suggested people or tried to make the spouses of his friends-my friends. The more I bucked. I was determined not to have any Christian female friends. After all, weren't they all just a bunch of doormats anyway? Didn't they all have cheery, Martha Stewart homes and Martha Stewart bread baking in the oven? I was sure that none of them had ever perculated in the club or drank a whole bottle of Cisco. I was sure that none of them had engaged in premarital sex or occasionally felt like suffocating their husband with the pillow in an inappropriate fit of immature anger. I thought this meant I would never be able to sneak into the Christian Sister's Club.

So I became comfortable with the fact that I had no Christian friends. And my friendships with some of my old friends were different and odd because my life was different and I felt odd around them. It really wasn't anything they did at all..but it just was. So in essence I felt like I had no friends.Thankfully I've always had a good relationship with my mom and sister...they've been friends as well as family...but they were new believers too.

Eventually Marlon gave up forcing the issue. I am not sure if he got tired or just decided to pray for me or just accepted that I would be friendless...lol...but the pressure was off.I am not sure how and when and what changed in me...or why these friendships were suddenly able to grow and flourish and exist, but I am so grateful and blessed by them.

Tonight I am thanking God for the blessing of my friendships. I have the joy of mentoring friendships---younger women who have similar struggles..need an older, wiser voice, (um. yes-there are some who consider me older and wiser--go figure...lol) as well as just plain old goofy friends who have known me forever and walked through storms of life with me, as well as strong believing women who ask the hard questions, pray for me, challenge my thinking when it needs to be, bring me back to the Truth when I need it, as well as older women who have been there and can offer advice to me. Some of my friends are believers, some aren't, some I don't think are sure. It doesn't matter. They are all valuable in my life.

God is so good. I thank Him for my friends. I thank Him for knowing what we need and then bringing it into our lives. I pray that my friends know how important they are, how I value and appreciate them and how they help sharpen me. I pray that I am the kind of friend to them that they need.

To God be the Glory.

Family...

2008-11-29T00:21:00.002-06:00

Yesterday as I sat at my Grandma's dining room table...I looked around and couldn't help but smile. I truly enjoy my family. I truly mean that. Not in a I have to because they are my family kind of way...but really, really enjoy being with them.

While I know many families have their "skeletons"...our family has many things that others might find "unsavory" or "scandalious" or "embarassing". My family has children before we are married. My family uses illegal substances. My family breaks the law. My family gets into fights. My family gambles. My family drinks. My family divorces. My family...is rarely on the same page. We argue and debate--politics, employment, faith, child-rearing, finances, social concerns. We too often hold grudges. We too often gossip. We too often have anger issues.

And yet...

We LOVE.

We LOVE.

We LOVE.

There is devotion to each other. There is unbridled affection. Cousins who I sometimes want to smack because I think they are sooooo narrow minded....the same cousins who probably sometimes want to smack me because they think I am soooooo overbearing....we would go to bat for each other over and over if we had to. They need not ever worry that I would not be there if they needed me. If there was a way for me to humanly help them...there would not be hesitation. It doesn't matter to me that we aren't always heading the same way. That we disagree. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love heals. Love brings people closer together. Love conquers. Love is not a feeling. Love is a commandment. In Matthew, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. It's not a choice. Jesus models true love...agape love. God loves us unconditionally.

My family also has a great earthly teacher of love. My Grandma. The glue that holds us all together. I am blessed with a Grandmother who loves her 10 children. She loves her 25 grandchildren. She loves her 29 great-grandkids. (and the two on the way!) She loved her husband and chooses to remember and cherish the wonderful qualities he had...when there are many difficult things that she could dwell on and feel pain about. She loved her father and cared for him at the end of his life..bringing him into her home and in doing so allowing us the gift of a grandpa. She loved her grandson enough to take him in and raise him as her own when his parents weren't able to care for him. She prays for each of us and trusts that God can do what she can't.What a legacy of love she has given us. It is not something any of us should take lightly.

Family matters. Family is more than just people you are genetically connected to. I love my family. I pray for my family. I am thankful for the sordid crew that we are and I know that God is doing a great work in our lives. In our generation and in the generations to come. We've come from heartache and pain...blood, sweat and tears...devotion, hard work and loyalty...patience, forgiveness and acceptance.

Thank you Lord for the gift of my family. Thank you for our differences. Thank you for the love that we share and the love that we are given. I am grateful to have them in my life. Help me to continue to live out loud for you, never ashamed of who I am, where I came from or what I've been through..always reflecting your light...always accepting ur will...always growing.

Brand New Day

2008-11-05T11:15:00.002-06:00

Everybody look around
'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let's commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the hope that we've been waiting for
Everybody's glad
Because our silent fear and dread is gone
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world! It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world! We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony...And show the world that we've got liberty
It's such a change...For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about, You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happiness
Hello world! It's like a different way of living now
And thank you world! We always knew that we'd be free somehow
In harmony...And show the world that we've got liberty
It's such a change...For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about...You owe it to yourself to check it out
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?
Can't you feel a brand new day?

So my friend Amy Teal...got me so thinkin' about this song and it's so stuck in my head that I had to go and look up the lyrics and couldn't stop smillin' :)

If we get our heads and hearts right----racial reconciliation might just be more than a pipe dream!! This doesn't have to mean division unless people choose to let it be. I pray with great fervor that those that think race shouldn't be an issue might understand why it is. Why those that think it is the only issue might see that it's more than that.

I was told on two occasions by two teachers in school that there would never be a black president in my lifetime so I shouldn't even think it was a possiblity.
I am the great granddaughter of a man who ran away from his country at 12 years old because he believed it to be true that in the United States there was opportunity and he could have a good life.
I am married to a man who in his own church had someone let the info booth know that a strange man was wandering in the lobby and should they call the police.
I am the mother of children who were daily being called the "n" word at school right here in Waukesha.

There is a great rejoicing in my heart because the hope that I have kept stirring deep down in my soul...regardless of these circumstances...might now be realized by countless others.

There is rejoicing in my heart because I know that I don't just live in a world that is bound by the laws and bills of the land...but in a world where the Spirit of God is alive and well and He lives in ME and I can make a difference...and that might be now realized by countless others.

There is rejoicing in my heart because change is revolutionary and God is always up to something good. There is more to this world than what the politicians have to say about it.

There is rejoicing in my heart because my son said to me this morning...you know--I could be president and I could honestly respond--if that's what God has for you then YES YOU CAN.

God can do ANYTHING!

Modern Day Parenting of Pre-Teen Boys..#2

2008-10-25T23:53:00.001-05:00

Oh yes. It went there!

Now I will warn you. If you are not quite ready to hear what pubescent boys have to say and what they are thinking...you might not want to read this....

The other day as we were leaving the gas station I notice the boys giggling at the attendant who was sporting very attractive hickies on her neck.

Me: So I see you boys noticed the clerk's neck huh?
Boys: (in random order) Huh? What? Oh, um, those marks?
Me: You don't have to pretend...they were hard to miss. Do you know what those were?
Isaiah: Yeah, hickies.
Izzy: Hickies...hahahahahaMe: But what is a hickie?
Elijah: When someone kisses on your neck?
Isaiah: Well, not just kiss...
Me: What?
Isaiah: They gotta suck on it.
Izzy: On your neck? That's weird.

(Oh yes. Please continue to feel this way for at least another 6 years...please)

Elijah: Ohhhh....the girl I think is cute....her sister had a hickie!
Isaiah: ****?? (says name of the girl) She's hot.
Elijah: Yeah, she's in 8th grade.
Me: Do you think hickies are hot?

(now heed this warning...do not ask these kind of questions unless you are ready for the answers)

Isaiah: NO...I think it's kind of sick.
Me: But you still think *** is hot.
Isaiah: Yeah...
Elijah: Oh yeah
Me: Would you date her?
Izzy: We aren't allowed to date...
Me: (sigh) If you were allowed to date, would you date her?
Isaiah: Maybe.Me: That is hormones talking.
Izzy: What's hormones?
At this point Elijah turns beat red and starts laughing uncontrollably
Me: Remember when we talked about how during puberty your body is going to change? And how as you become a teenager you will sometimes have feelings that might make your heart race...your face feel warm...that's hormones.
Isaiah: Yeah...it's also what makes your pants...(he looks at me, smiles)..nevermind
Me: ANYWAY...your hormones can really mess things up if you don't remember to be focused on what's important.
Izzy: How?
Me: Well, look at what you just said. You guys thought hickies were gross. But when a girl that you think is hot had hickies you didn't say gross....it didn't change the way you thought about her because of your hormones and thinking she is hot.
Isaiah: Yeah...
Me: What do you think about a girl that has a hickie?
Isaiah: That's she's nasty...maybe a ho
Me: Would you want to date a girl like that? Any of you?
Boys: Naw...eww, that's nasty....no way...
Isaiah: Well, like she might be nice, like a friend, but I wouldn't want to date her.
Me: So why would you still think of *** as hot? Why would you still think about her? Because of hormones...it's why I want you boys not to think with your hormones...with your desires because it clouds your judgement. Remember that song we sang, "Man looks on the outside, but God looks...on the heart?" Well, it's true. But we should be trying to live and look on the inside because God's got it right. Let's say you were blind or I blindfolded you. You got to spend time knowing some girls. Someone also told you a little bit about them, but you couldn't see them. Say one you had a great conversation with...you had a lot in common...you laughed, had a great time. And another you didn't have anything in common with...she was a little rude and fast, flirting and talking inappropriately. Based on that alone---who would you pick as a girlfriend?Elijah: The one that I got along wth...
Isaiah: Yeah
Me: And what if when you took your blindfold off...you found out the other one was "hotter"? Isaiah: I get it. Looks aren't the most important thing.
Me: I just want you to try and put your hormones in check. You guys are too young to have a lot of the drama and stress that comes with dating, having girls as more than friends. You have raging hormones but don't really know what to do with them yet.
Elijah: How do you know?
Me: Because it's what made you say that hickies are gross and yet in the same breath say that you'd date a girl with a hickie because she's hot. Thinking with your mind and heart...you choose more wisely. Thinking with your hormones is 9 times out of 10 gonna lead to trouble.
Isaiah: So mom...
Me: Yeah?
Isaiah: Um, I know I can't have a girlfriend NOW (this is a boy who would love to call a particular girl his girlfriend)
Me: No...you aren't allowed to go anywhere with a girl alone..you aren't allowed to go on dates...so there really isn't a point to have a girlfriend. I know your gonna like girls...they are gonna like you...but there's no reason to have a girlfriend.
Isaiah: Ok. But how about 8th grade? Can we talk about it then?
Elijah: Sabes que....he really wants to date Victoria!!
Izzy: ooooo...Victoria!!
Me: Let's get through 7th grade before we go there ok?

One day at a time.

Learning and growing

2008-10-24T16:42:00.003-05:00

I have been learning so much about myself, leadership, conflict, change in the last month...I am coming out of it growing and understanding, it's a good thing.

While there certainly isn't total peace in my heart yet about everything that is going on, there is commitment to stand firm in what Christ would have me do...respond as Christ would have me respond...

Tonight my boss and I are going to dinner with the volunteer who I have been having conflict with. More and more I see that I have to make the choice what to enter into. There are some key ministry decisions that might be best for the kids, the department, our mission to kids. These do not and should not reflect the fact that we don't get along the best. I want to always lead humbly, out of reverence for God's timing and with His hand on all situations. Dinner tonight was extended before the issue I talked about previously in my other post...but there was no reason not to keep it. In fact, how precious is God's timing that we would have this opportunity outside of the walls of the church, away from ministry to just break bread together. I have no grandiose expectations for the evening other than a chance to reach out and build bridges. Whether or not we see eye to eye or are each other's cup of tea...I want to do what I can to extend grace and love.

Scripture says to make every effort...and so I will. Not out of obligation, but out of a desire to be obedient and knowing that God will bless the situation and He goes before me.

I'll let you know how it goes. :)

It's all about You, Jesus!

2008-10-15T22:25:00.000-05:00

Ok...she might just die of embarrassment...but I really just have to post this not simply because of bragging mom rights. :)I post this also...as full fledged proof of God's redeeming grace and forgiveness...His merciful way of taking our trash and making wonderful amazing things from it...His never-ending, no boundaries, unconditional love.Many of you know that I was 19 when I got pregnant.

Shortly after I turned 20 Jordyn was born and I was thrust into motherhood. For the most part, I was a good mom. But every moment that she was with her dad...I threw myself into a crazy, wild, "Girls Gone Wild" existence. I ran from God every chance I had. I kept Him in a box and brought Him out when I had messed up and needed a savior. It wasn't until many, many years later that I realized that what I really needed was a SAVIOR! It's been a whirlwind journey and I am continually in awe of my Jesus.

So when Jordyn brought this letter of recommendation home, well it brought me to tears. There are so many that would have looked at me....20 years old, a party girl, inexperienced young mom who basically grew up with my daughter, working full time and in college, relying so much on my parents....and never, never have imagined that my daughter would have turned out like this. Please read it as a reminder that NOBODY is ever a lost cause. Please know that I am not looking for kudos as her mom. As a parent I can take only a very small sliver of credit...He has created and gifted her to be an outstanding human being with an amazing future ahead of her. He has done that.

To whom it may concern,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Jordyn Calderon to your university. I have had the opportunity to work with Jordyn throughout her high school experience as her yearbook advisor. Jordyn joined the staff during her sophomore year and quickly became one of the leaders of the yearbook class. She served as the junior editor and now is the senior editor. Such a title does not come without hard work and persistence. I am constantly impressed by Jordyn's ability to lead by example and the passion she puts into making a nationally recognized yearbook. It is obvious that the other staff members look up to her and that Jordyn has the necessary skills to become a successful teacher. In fact, I can not imagine a better teacher candidtate and can only hope that Jordyn will teach my children someday.
Jordyn is a very balanced young woman. I believe she has developed this characteristic by being involved in a variety of school and community activities. During her time at Waukesha South she has participated in National Honor Society, Prom Committee, stage crew and Yearbook. She has also spent time volunteering at her church and preparing various community events. During all of these time consuming activities Jordyn has maintained a part time job and outstanding academics. Academics are extremely important to Jordyn. She is a student who is constantly challenging herself and truly loves learning. She has taken and been successful in all eight of her advanced placement classes.Jordyn possesses many wonderful qualities.
However, one quality that I feel is in special need of recognition is her genuine sincerity towards others. Jordyn is a very caring person who can relate to all different types of people. I have seen Jordyn demonstrate this quality firsthand in the classroom and with her friends.
In closing, I hope you will consider Jordyn Calderon as an applicant to your university. By helping Jordyn pursue her dreams at your university..you will in turn be helping our society, for I know Jordyn will be a strong leader in her community in the years to come.

To God be the Glory.

Still here...

2008-10-12T00:55:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone...

Did ya think I fell off the face of the earth? I was starting to feel that way too! There was a good couple weeks where there was nothing on my mind except praying for and dealing with the uncomfortable ministry situation that was occurring at my job. It made it very hard to focus on anything else and I found that every time I started to blog all I could talk about was that...and so I would stop myself. I don't like to be a squeaky wheel and I really don't like to run my mouth...so I found it best just to stay away...lol!!

Life has been good and gettng back to normal. I have a few speaking engagements scheduled for this fall and have already been booked for somthing next year. That's really exciting to me. :) I am always thankful for ways to share God's truth!!

Jordyn had her last high school homecoming dance tonight. Her friend did her hair and she looked soooo beautiful! I'll get some pictures posted tomorrow.

Well it's very late/early...lol...and I have a few friends coming to church tomorrow so I'd better get my lil hiney to bed! Plus...I need a good snuggle session with my hubby! My neck has been bothering me a lot lately and so I havent been able to snuggle. When it aches I have to switch positions so much....sometimes sleep some of the night in the recliner....not conducive to snuggling!! Just wanted to get a post up and let you know I am alive and well and as always...so thankful to God for His amazing grace, truth and love!!

2008-09-27T01:05:00.001-05:00

today was a good day.

the sun was out and i can't remember a day when i was so content

thank u God for ur forever love

When it rains it pours...

2008-09-22T05:35:00.003-05:00

Well people...as you know from my previous post...there has been some ministry turmoil in my life. There are actually two situations occurring in my home at this present time. My husband is dealing with some MAJOR issues with his ministry agency and this, as a result, has trickled out to our church--who is one of his financial supporters. The lack of accountability, leadership and protection by his ministry agency is simply appalling to me...and that having been said I'm going to shut my mouth about it because I don't want to make things any worse then they are. We are seeking counsel about how to proceed and what the next step is.

The other situation is one that I am dealing with at work. Things have escalated to an all time high and it is much more than just a different "flava" in ministry. In an e-mail to me...this person gave extensive and detailed changes that he wants made in the curriculum lessons because he believes in doing the best lessons and his really are the best choices (his words not mine) and then proceeded to end his e-mail with this, Mindy, if I could somehow sell my company and do your job for my pay, I would be after your job tomorrow!
We have made this man a leader and Deacon in our ministry...we have given him power and authority over the 8 years he has been in Children's Ministry...there have been hundreds of inappropriate comments...and it has culminated with this statement.

I must admit that as I was first reading the e-mail I was not surprised. There was an issue earlier in the week (which resulted in the post on Thursday) that was taken care of in a way he did not like and I was told that his behavior at church today was simply appalling. I was a little concerned that something was up because both his wife and son barely spoke to me and would not make eye contact when I said hello. From past experience I had a feeling that if he let the other situation lie...there would be another issue that would suddenly become a battle. Just as he has been around for 8 years...I have as well and the entire time we have served in the same department. I know of his antics in Children's Ministry well. I was totally unprepared, however, for the personal attack at the end of his lengthy e-mail. I felt as if I had been spit on or punched in the stomach.

My gut reaction was shock...then anger...then I cried...then weary. There was nothing of Jesus in that e-mail. I agonize for hours when sending this man e-mails, pray with our Pastor when I know there may be difficult conversations so that I can exemplify Jesus. So that I stay armored up. I am not saying this for kuddos, because I know that is what I am called to do. But that's just it. Those are attributes, expectations that we should have for a leader in the church. I am not saying that I always succeed in being Christ-like in my interactions...of course not. But the desire to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and reflect the light of Jesus always needs to supercede my desire to tongue lash. How did we get to the situation where we have a leader, an appointed leader at that (being a Deacon) who is allowed to get away with this for YEARS?

Today I am meeting with my Pastor to discuss this further (he cc'd her on the e-mail) She is going to meet with him individually and correct him and let him know that he needs to apologize. I don't want his apology if it isn't sincere. I know that I am called to forgive and I will do the internal work I need to in order to do so. Quite honestly, I am still a little shocked that someone would be so bold as to put those words in an e-mal...not that they would think them...but that they'd put them in an e-mail...lol. But I know and believe that words can't hurt me and this morning I am really more annoyed than anything by his statement. Part of me wants to say...oh boy---come and take my job because I can't deal with volunteers like you anymore...lol! What does concern me though is the fact that I know this is not the first time something like this has occurred. It's not even the second time...or tenth time...or sixtieth time. Jesus loved, he forgave, he was gentle and kind. He also corrected and told the truth.

Please pray for me and my Pastor today as we meet to talk about this, pray, figure out how to proceed, what to do. Pray for our ministry and that we are able to keep this out of Sunday mornings. The feeling around the department yesterday was one of turmoil and frustration. Pray for him and his family. That he is able to fully experience the joy of Christ and the privilege it is to serve Him. Pray for me...that I am able to stay humble, kind, loving...while speaking the truth and seeking God's direction at all times in my leading.

Have a great day and may you fully experience God's grace today!!

When Your "Flavor" Doesn't Jive in Ministry...

2008-09-18T23:40:00.002-05:00

What can you do when individuals in ministry suck you of your joy, patience and their negativity, cynicism and selfishness leave you with a bad taste in your mouth??

PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY...definitely.

But sometimes, sometimes you just need to tell them about themselves as well.

It's funny how when I have a "Praise the Lord" moment like I did on Tuesday (read my Unity note if you haven't) it is often followed by a "What in the world am I doing this for?" moment.
Here's what I've found works for me to put things in perspective...

1) What is truth and what is just worldview? For me, this is especially important to keep in mind working where I do. My life experience and my world view is VERY, VERY different than many other people that I work with. This is a result of my family, my ethnicity, my past, my flava...if you will. Some of that does not make me right and the other person's opinion wrong. It does not make them right and me wrong. Being unified does not mean agreeing with everything or with becoming a cookie cutter Christian.

2) Take a breath and process. When I gut respond to things that I find offensive or questionable..I've found that I am almost ALWAYS responding in the flesh. Flesh Mindy---she's pretty jazzy, sarcastic, crass and socially inappropriate. Spirit Mindy---well, quite honestly is still pretty jazzy and what others consider socially inappropriate...lol...but she is definately not as sarcastic or crass. Taking myself away from the situation/phone call/conversation/e-mail for a bit definitely helps with perspective.

3) Remember that Christ loves this person. This person is His child. I only know what I see...not what is in the innermost part of their heart. It isn't my job to judge them or change them or make them see things my way.

4) I am only responsible for my actions and my reactions. If they behave inappropriately that is there's to deal with. If I do...that's all me.

5) Sometimes...after working through all of this...uncomfortable conversations still need to be had. Conflict needs to be resolved and yes, sometimes they need to be told about themselves...lol. When I am in the wrong, I want someone to tell me about myself too. This doesn't have to be done rudely, angrily with a scolding tone. It can be done in the Spirit and with love. It can be done simply because in holding others accountable=there is sometimes correction.

6) Often times...what I'm finding is that the person is just who they are. They have no desire to grow, change, find middle ground. They want you to change to their viewpoint and might just through a tantrum if you don't. This one is always hard for me because I dont respond well to bullying, tantrum throwing or threats. But what I can do is continuously extend grace...keep my eyes focused on Jesus...and set about His business.

What in the world am I doing this for?

Him. His call on my life is greater than any uncomfortable conversation...it's greater than any ignorance...and it's greater than being aggitated by bullies who think if they rant and rave they will get their way.

My focus must remain, at all times, bringing glory to His kingdom...by loving the Lord, my God with all my heart, mind, soul and spirit and loving others as myself. All others. Not just the ones I agree with or like.

Contentment

2008-09-17T07:19:00.002-05:00

My little friend from Kids Kamp, **Jill**, came and found me on Sunday. It was the first Sunday school and a little chaotic to say the least.

Out of the blue, I saw my little friend running up to me. We hugged that same tight squeeze we did at camp. She let me know that she needed my address again because she had lost it. She thanked me for the card and bracelet I had sent her. I asked how school was going. Was she getting along with her sister....

But our eyes and smiles connected in a different way than our small talk let on. There was that forever bond...that knowing that we shared something special...remembering that moment in time.

I love those moments when you can do nothing but smile in contentment.

A blessing...

2008-09-16T23:19:00.001-05:00

I love how God can use all different ways to bless. How simple things, unexpected people and random acts of kindness just show up at unforeseen times. Tonight in Clubhouse Kids I was awed at seeing His hand at work.

Due to some unexpected things we were going to be a few people short tonight. I sent an e-mail asking a few people if they might be able to step in and help...just to make sure we'd have everything covered.Once we got in the swing of things...the amazing things I saw just made me so full of peace that I had to share and write this....

Unity–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being one; oneness. 2. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. 3. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification. 4. absence of diversity; unvaried or uniform character. 5. oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement.
That is the Websters definiton of Unity.

Scripture says...1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph 4:1-6)

THAT. THAT is what I saw tonight. That kind of unity.

People coming to serve that have absolutely NO connection to Clubhouse Kids. No kids enrolled, no sense of obligation, no reason to be there. It was not about the program or what they were going to get from it. It was about knowing that there was a need, feeling the call to come and then agreeing to be there. One not even hearing or knowing about it until 10 minutes prior.

People serving alongside each other who might never otherwise connect. Doing it as an organic entity...like the human body. The body is made up of many different parts...but not different parts assembled together like a car or a building. It starts as a cell...and grows and changes and develops into the whole. Like the body. Like what I saw tonight...the Spirit is like that. It connects and changes and becomes one. Tonight I saw the Spirit throughout Clubhouse Kids.

To be fully unified...all of the parts must function together, yet independently. There can be no pride, no division, no seperation. While there is unity...there is not conformity or uniformity. There is diversity. There is freedom of individuality. There is acceptance of others. Each role is important. There is no star. There is no pride. As I look back over the evening, I have such joy as I think about what I saw.

I am so excited to see what God is going to do this year in Clubhouse Kids. I am thankful that I get to be a part of it. I am grateful to the many people that have been praying for me...my sanity, my leadership, my work load. I am filled with JOY when I see the faces of the kids as they share with their parents what they learned about...how nice their teacher is...that they really wish it wasn't time to go home.
Tonight the church body came together and served in UNITY and I just had to share it!!
To God be the Glory!!

Blessing...

2008-09-16T22:40:00.000-05:00

I love how God can use all different ways to bless. How simple things, unexpected people and random acts of kindness just show up at unforeseen times. Tonight in Clubhouse Kids I was awed at seeing His hand at work.Due to some unexpected things we were going to be a few people short tonight. I sent an e-mail asking a few people if they might be able to step in and help...just to make sure we'd have everything covered.Once we got in the swing of things...the amazing things I saw just made me so full of peace that I had to share and write this....Unity–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being one; oneness. 2. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. 3. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification. 4. absence of diversity; unvaried or uniform character. 5. oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement. That is the Websters definiton of Unity.Scripture says...1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph 4:1-6)THAT. THAT is what I saw tonight. That kind of unity.People coming to serve that have absolutely NO connection to Clubhouse Kids. No kids enrolled, no sense of obligation, no reason to be there. It was not about the program or what they were going to get from it. It was about knowing that there was a need, feeling the call to come and then agreeing to be there. One not even hearing or knowing about it until 10 minutes prior. People serving alongside each other who might never otherwise connect. Doing it as an organic entity...like the human body. The body is made up of many different parts...but not different parts assembled together like a car or a building. It starts as a cell...and grows and changes and develops into the whole. Like the body. Like what I saw tonight...the Spirit is like that. It connects and changes and becomes one. Tonight I saw the Spirit throughout Clubhouse Kids.To be fully unified...all of the parts must function together, yet independently. There can be no pride, no division, no seperation. While there is unity...there is not conformity or uniformity. There is diversity. There is freedom of individuality. There is acceptance of others. Each role is important. There is no star. There is no pride. As I look back over the evening, I have such joy as I think about what I saw. I am so excited to see what God is going to do this year in Clubhouse Kids. I am thankful that I get to be a part of it. I am grateful to the many people that have been praying for me...my sanity, my leadership, my work load. I am filled with JOY when I see the faces of the kids as they share with their parents what they learned about...how nice their teacher is...that they really wish it wasn't time to go home. Tonight the church body came together and served in UNITY and I just had to share it!!To God be the Glory!!

180

2008-09-14T00:04:00.002-05:00

So this is a picture of my Elijah (yes the dancing boy from the joy post a few days ago!) taking down the competition on the football field last weekend. Because I do not know a lot about sports I do not often catch good action shots...lol. I never know what's happening next on the field...where the next play is gonna go...in fact, I just shared with a friend today that up until a few months ago I thought the yellow/blue/green lines that you see on the field when you watch a football game---were really there!! lol Sad, but true.

So what's the significance of sharing this picture.

Me taking this picture...and loving it...and yelling at the top of my lungs as it happened...is a total 180 from where I thought I would be with football. When Elijah first started in flag football...I was covering my eyes all of the time during the game...lol. Even last year when he first played tackle...I winced a lot and had to hold my breath quite often when he was on the bottom of the pile. This year he and Isaiah are beyond rough. They play with a fire and play hard. They strive to annihilate the competition and I love it...lol. How and when did that happen...I'm not quite sure.

So that got me thinking about other areas of parenting where there's been a 180 and I'm not sure how and when it happened.

....trying to be my kids friend...I thought that mattered. Not more than being a parent, but still...I wanted them to like me. Now I know that if I focus on what I need to be with parenting...I don't have to try to have them like me. Somehow they just do. It's not about friendship...it's about love and respect and enjoying spending time together. family is more than friend. family trumps pals.

....trying to be supermom...is a waste of time. Having the most ultra clean home, amazing home cooked meals every single day, perfectly ironed clothing hanging in the closet, coordinated bath towels hanging on the rack...doesn't impress them. Not more than loving them, accepting them, comforting them, disciplining them, challenging them. They love me regardless of whether or not there are dishes in the sink or crumbs on the floor.

....I thought I'd never want them to leave...and if they did....couldn't they live right next door? Now I want them to fully embrace whatever God has for them. I want them to experience His world...to see life as more than just southeastern WI. I pray that they will be obedient to His leading and if that means not living close to me...not seeing me everyday then I'm okay with that. Doesn't mean I won't miss them...but what joy it will be to see them seeking His will and following His plan! This is especially true as Jordyn is in her senior year. While it is still a little shocking to me to have a child that old. I am all about her travelling, studying a year abroad, going out of state for college...finding out her path and going where He would have her.

....finally...I've done a 180 from thinking that my life has to revolve around them. While I love being a mom...and since making it a commitment to strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman/mom I have become a far better mom...I know that none of that means that my life has to revolve around them. When I lose me...when I don't give myself significance separate from them...I don't have me to offer to them. When I don't take time to just be alone...enjoy doing some things that I like to do...I am more stressed and irritated. When I give in or allow them to run over me...I don't model to them the fact that sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes you are disapponted. When they see me fully embrace life, seeking out God's will, being obedient and fully engaged in life as a woman, leader, parent, wife, child...they see a whole woman.

So anyway...that's what I got today. All stemmed from a lil picture of a big tackle.

Modern Day Parenting of Boys...

2008-09-07T22:54:00.002-05:00

You may or may not know the song "Damaged" by Dannity Kane. It's got a thumpin' beat and the girls are "wayyyy fine" (to quote my son Isaiah). The other day it was on in the car and we were all jammin' to it. If you've never heard it...to give you an idea...this is a part of the chorus...

Damaged...so damaged
I thought that I would let you know
That my heart is damaged...so damaged
And you can blame the one before
So how you gonna fix it, fix it, fix it

I turned it down a bit to talk to the boys for a sec...and this is the conversation that ensued...

Me: "Hey guys...do you know what this song means?"
Isaiah: "um...she's damaged?"
Izzy: "she wants me to fix it"
Me: "Fix what?"
Elijah: "her heart?"
Isaiah: "yeah..like the new guy has to take care of her now."
Me: "Hm. What do you think about that?"
This is followed by blank stares and shrugged shoulders from all three boys.
Me: "Well, think about it...it sounds like another boyfriend hurt her and now she might have problems and issues that she hasn't dealt with and as a new potential boyfriend she's telling him that it's his problem and she's wondering how he's going to fix her."
Isaiah: "yeah."
Me: "but can you fix someone else?"
Izzy: "naw...they gotta fix themselves."
Me: "well if they turn to God, He will help them. He can heal, fix, solve any problem. But there are girls out there...who have been hurt....and they will look to boys/men to "fix" them."
Elijah: "why?"
Me: "well, there are a lot of reasons. sometimes they do it on purpose, sometimes they just don't handle their problems well and sometimes they don't even realize how damaged they are. but it is very difficult to be in a relationship with someone who is damaged."
Isaiah: "yeah...cuz she's probably all messed up and crazy...lol"
Me: "well, the thing is...you might not always know that she's damaged. there isn't like a "look" to it. but as you get to know someone...there will be some things that you'll notice/see and that will be a red flag to keep your distance."
Elijah: "back off sister!"
Me: "well, you don't have to be mean...but yes, in a way...because when you are young and when someday you get to the age where you can date...or in college when you have a serious girlfriend..."
Isaiah (interrupting): "um mom...I'm gonna have a girlfriend before college, thank you very much."
Elijah: "you wish"
Izzy: "you already do! He already does! I know because I heard him..."
Me (interrupting): "hey, hey...can we get back to the damaged girls for a minute..."
Three heads nod.
Me: "If and when you meet a girl who is damaged...and if and when she lets you know that she's expecting you to fix her...let her know that you can be her friend, you'd like to pray for her, but that you aren't a fix it man and she should give you a call when she gets herself together. You want a whole, healthy woman who has dealt with her damaged issues. It doesn't matter if she's been damaged...but she has to have that taken care of before you can go there with her."
Isaiah: "dang mom...that's cold."
Elijah: "watchya...ta loco!"
Me: "Not cold. Just real. Damaged girls can come out great. I know...I was a damaged girl. God can redeem anything. But it's best to just be their friend and let them heal. You can't fix anyone and it's just a big mess for everyone if you try. Ok?"
Isaiah: "ok mom."
Me: "for real. for real, for real. do you get it?"
All three chime in: "yeah. we get it."
(long pause as I turn the music back up...then...)
Izzy: "hey mom..."
Me: "yes?"
Izzy: "Isaiah does have a girlfriend you know."
Isaiah reaches back to begin to pummel his brother and the moment is lost.

Lord, just take me now. :)

Joy...

2008-09-07T14:54:00.002-05:00

We get caught up in ruts. We stress out over things that 1) aren't important or 2) we have no control over. We miss sweet blessings and peace because we don't allow JOY in our hearts.

For the most part I am a joyful person and I know that I do these things. So I believe that the folks out there who aren't joyful...the negative people who see the cup as half empty have to also these things.

But how can we just switch our minds....our actions....our hearts....to experience and enjoy...well, JOY?

I know for me, for me...

I sometimes have to make the conscientious decision to accept and experience it. Know that I am aware, as someone who has suffered from clinical depression...that there are times it is beyond our scope of comprehension and control to "choose" joy. I am not talking about people who are in a deep, dark place that they aren't able to bring themselves out of. I would never begin to suggest that someone should just "get over it" and smile. I have walked those lonely tunnels of the mind where nothing you do seems to help.

But a majority of the time...I think we do have the choice, the ability to decide to accept Joy. We make the mistake of equating joy with happiness. Joy is more than that. It's a deep contentment, a strong satisfaction, estatic pleasure...

"...though sorrow may last for the night, JOY comes in the morning...."
"...I bring you tidings of great JOY which will be to all people...."
"...these things I have spoken unto you so that my JOY may remain in you, and that your JOY is complete..."
"....ask and you will recieve, that your joy may be full..."

It's promised to us. Joy. Jesus makes our JOY complete.

If you are a Christian...live out your JOY. Experience your JOY, spread your JOY, embrace your JOY. This doesn't mean put on rose colored glasses and turn a blind eye to hurting people, to pain and suffering, to heartache. But as you enter into conversations with hurting people...don't hide your JOY either. As you walk through storms of pain and suffering...don't allow others to steal your JOY. When you counsel and witness to those with aching hearts...don't pretend that you don't have the JOY of the Lord as your strength. You do. He's told us. If we believe that He is who He is and that the Word is the living, breathing Word of God...then we must find our JOY and let it explode from in us.

Don't be afraid. You won't believe how good you're going to feel. It's not my promise. It's HIS!!

Now we might not all have the freedom to show our joy as my son Elijah....but oh, to be so free to just jump up and dance because we have that much joy in our hearts....

Whether you shimmy and shake like Elijah here....or just allow the sweet Joy of Jesus temper your thoughts, actions and heart....I challenge you to allow JOY to dictate your day. You might be suprised at the joy it will bring you!!

Kids Kamp Story #2

2008-09-04T22:02:00.003-05:00

Friendship in unexpected places......and with unexpected people.

I have always made casual friends somewhat easily. I enjoy people, getting to know their stories, am a little nosy about what makes us tick and am fairly outgoing...so I usually have no problem making casual friends.

That being said...I was not prepared to make friends with so many people at Kids Kamp. I knew I'd have fun, meet some great people, have a lot of laughs...but not meet true brothers and sisters. Now there are different kinds of friends...this is very true. Not every friend is that close, daily accountability person, not every friend is that first phone call when something good or tragic happens...but that doesn't mean they aren't friends just the same.

Scripture tells us, "Where two or more come together in my name..there am I with them." (Matt. 18:20, NIV)

At Kids Kamp...we were ALWAYS coming together in His name. We played together, laughed together, ate together, praised together, learned together, prayed together, taught together, danced together...all in the name of Jesus. And I felt His presence in a way that paralleled my experience at the She Speaks conference.

Now the majority of the people that I spent significant time with for an ENTIRE week...are no longer a part of my daily life. Nor were they before camp. And yet...I consider them friends just the same. I pray for them. I smile when I think about them. When I randomly run into them I hug them and catch up. I genuinely love and respect them.

It has given me pause because it has made me realize the power of prayer and praise in another way. I've always loved the fact when I pray...when I communicate with my Father...I feel close to Him in a way that nothing else compares with. One of the reasons I love praise/worshipping through song so much is that I experience His presence in an incomparable way and can feel the Spirit move in me.

But what I now also see is that when I pray and praise Him with others...the connection and closeness I feel with them is something that not much else compares to either. Leaders that I hardly knew before that week...I now can't imagine not having met. This includes an intern who is only 18, a counselor who is 23 and a village leader who is 52! We have hardly anything in common...but that we love our Lord! Yet there is a bonding I don't quite know how to explain when you join together in His name. It's family. His family because He is there with You. And He is love...a Divine love that we will never fully comprehend and yet He allows us to experience it.

To God be the Glory!

Awwww

2008-08-30T22:08:00.003-05:00

Goin' thru old pictures and just had to share this one from when I was little. It's the oldest 9 grandkids (there ended up being 25...lol) but I loveeee this picture. There's nothing like coming from a close family that still to this day gets together at holidays...look to each other for advice...give it even when we're not asked :)....help each other out and defends each other to no end!
Mahleah, Cristy, me holding Rafe, Jr. holding Connie, Tiffany, Becky and Shawn. What a bunch!

What do you think?

2008-08-29T03:24:00.001-05:00

Interesting question I have not quite come to have an answer for yet...

Would Jesus have been a Democrat, Republican, or Independent?

Jordyn and I

2008-08-28T23:33:00.003-05:00

God really can use ANYTHING...

2008-08-26T08:13:00.002-05:00

even bathroom accidents!!

This is a story from the Kids Kamp experience...it is long...but there are some background details that are pertinent to the story, so please bear with me.

One of the young girls in our group was the odd man out. Most of it of her own doing. She is a home-schooled child (now please know I am not bashing home schooling here---I know there are many families that do a great job with home schooling, however, there are also families who do not) that seems to never have been taught social appropriateness, how to share, how to work together on a team to learn, how to raise her hand, how to let others finish speaking, how to not be perfect...no concept of group dynamics. The other 5 girls simply were not endeared to her. And I must admit, neither was I. During our counselor morning devotions I asked for prayer specifically that I could love her. I knew she was just a child (just 9 years old)...had high family expectations to be perfect (I know of this family from working in Children's Ministry)...and I wanted to leave at the end of the week knowing that I loved on her.

Throughout the beginning of the week there were repeated incidents where the drama ensued. Oh ladies...having a particurly mild mannered daughter and three wild boys...I was not fully aware of the drama that a group of girls ages 9-11 can have. Was I aware---of course. Fully aware? After being exposed to it for 24/7 for a full week...I can say I was not fully aware...lol. She was constantly losing something and blaming others, walking away from the group and then upset we left her, attempting to bully the others into doing what she wanted for free time, interrupting excessively during group bible study. And I prayed. And prayed. And prayed.

Then came Wednesday night. The evening activities were always really fun full camp games. Everyone would often be off on their own, or in small groups because there was staff/volunteers everywhere. This was the evening of the Mission Game. As the game was ending and the children were being ushered into Cross Timbers for worship and teaching...my little friend was nowhere to be found. Initially this was not suprising because on Monday and Tuesday she was always the very last child to come dashing in...lol. So I kept an eye out but got the others in the group situated. As we were waiting for things to get started two of the other girls asked to use the restroom. After it seemed they had been gone quite a while, I left Jordyn in charge and set out to find the missing Divas. I crossed paths with the two and they let me know that *Jill* (name changed for obvious reasons) was in the bathroom and had an accident. They also let me know that they had gone to the cabin to get her some clean clothes and a bag and that's what took them so long. One even said, "Aren't you glad that we were nice to her because she is never nice to us." Wow.

So I venture to the bathrooms to see what's up. As I enter the bathroom I am overtook by the intense smell of something so retched it simply couldn't have come from a little girl. Obviously, some boys in the camp have been collecting their bowel movements for the entire week and chose this moment to empty them into the girl's bathroom. Unfortunately no...lol. I tenatively call out for my friend..

"Jill? Jill?"
"Um..hello, yes? Mindy? Um...hi...be right out." The hurried, frightened voice stammered out.

I see her shuffling feet, dirty clothes and yes...the mess (which I will call it from now on) all over the stall floor. Poor thing.

"No hurry, hon. I'm here to help you."
"Oh..I don't need any help. Just fine thanks."

Mercy.

"Well, let's check it out anyway."

I enter the stall next to her and sit on the toilet. I lean against the wall between us and can hear her soft crying and hiccups.

"Jill, will you let me help you? I saw the girls on the way back to Cross Timbers and they let me know what happened."
"Oh. They did. Oh. Um, well I'm okay."
"You have clean things to put on?"
"Well, that's the thing...(big sigh)...they picked something I already wore, it's a little dirty."

I'm thinking, sister, it's 4 million times cleaner than what you HAD on...lol...

At this moment, the bathroom door swings open and some girls come in.
"Oh--my gosh--what in the world!"
"It stinks!"
"Ewww...that's nasty!"

Oh. My poor Jill. My heart is aching at this moment. I hear her deep breathing start up again. I stand up and go to the outside of her door. I motion to the girls to be quiet. The bathroom is now continuing to fill with girls as they have apparently been let on a bathroom break. Each one comes in with a louder yelp of disdain for what they are smelling. I hear Jill start to cry again.

Very quietly I lean away from the door and to the girls, "Shhh...be kind. You need to stop. Someone is sick, you need to show compassion." One girls says, "Oh...I was in here earlier, is that the little girl who was crying?" I nod. Now God bless this little girl because from that moment on as new people entered she quieted them. I had to turn away to laugh at one point because someone came in saying, "Why does it smell so awful in here!" and she responded, "It's a bathroom, duh!" lol

Back to my friend. I asked her to open the stall door just slightly. She did.

I have never been so consumed by compassion for someone before in my life. Her tear stained little face looking up at me, the pitiful state of the stall, clutching her nasty little bag of messy clothes...she said in a hushed voice,

"Please don't make me leave Mindy. I can't go out there."
"I'm sorry Jill. You're going to have to leave. We can't stay in here all night."
"Oh no. I can't walk out there. I just can't."
"Yes you can. Here's what you do. Take a deep breath. Look straight ahead and just walk quickly right out of the bathroom. You can walk right outside and wait for me by the rocks."
"What are you going to do?"
"Well, I'm gonna see about cleaning this up and then I'll meet you and we'll go back to the cabin."
"Oh, no...we don't need to, I'll just carry my bag."
Oh no you won't sister....lol.
"No, I think we need to go back to the cabin and take care of everything. But I'll handle this first. Go on, you can do it. Take a deep breath & walk right out." And she did.

So I turn to the stall and tackle my own private torture...cleaning up the mess. There is mess EVERYWHERE. On the floor, on the walls, on the toilet seat...Lord Jesus, what in the world was she doing in here? I start with the plunger and alas, it is torn and so not functioning properly. This leads me out to the kitchen to request another from the staff. I have the sense to ask for a pair of gloves as well. I return and for the next 10-15 minutes do my best to clean up, disenfect and scrub that little stall.

As I walk outside, I see her there. All curled up waiting for me. We walk back to the cabin hand in hand and I make small talk to distract her. The tears dry up. When we walk I tell her to have a seat on her bed and I'll be right there. When I go in, she looks so distraught and sad, my heart can't help but break a little for her. I sit down next to her and put my arm around her.

"Now what happened? Can you tell me?"
"Well, I've been constipated for a few days. The food here is not conducive with my normal diet. I could tell that I needed to go. While we were playing the game I felt it. But I thought I had enough time. Then I couldn't find a bathroom, why don't they have more bathrooms around here. I couldn't find one so I knew I had to run to the main one. So I was running and then so many people were in my way. Then some girls stopped to ask me something. I totally didn't have time to stop and talk to them, but I did. So then I knew I wasn't going to make it. And then it was too late and I...."
"Jill? Jill. It's okay. You had an accident. Accidents happen sometimes. You don't need to feel bad, or embarrassed...do you know that you aren't even the only one who has had an accident this week?"
"Really? Who else has?"
Mercy.
"Well, that's not important, what's important is that you know that you aren't alone. There's nothing wrong with you...you don't have to worry about it. It's ok."
"No it's not. It's gross. It's been years since I've had an accident. I can't believe it...it's so gross and then you had to help me...I'm so sorry you had to help."
"Oh no, don't be sorry. That's why I'm here. That's what I'm here for...to help. To take care of you. To make sure you're ok. It's all a part of it."
"Ok."
"So..now let's get you and the clothes cleaned up so we can join the rest of the group. I'll clean your clothes while you wash up and change."

She gasped and looked at me with horror in her eyes.
"Oh no way. I can't let you clean my clothes out!! I'll do it later"
"No, no. I'm going to do it. No questions asked. You're going to let me help you. I want to. (I want to? Did I just say that? lol) I have cleaned up mess before and Jill, it's not a problem. Now we're not going to argue about it. I'm helping take care of you. You can wash up and I'll wash out your clothes"
"Well, um....could you leave for a minute and then I'll meet you out by the bathrooms? Um, please?"

I'm thinking that the bag of mess is hidden somewhere in the room so I leave. We meet by the bathrooms and she says,

"I really wish you wouldn't do this."
"I know. But I'm glad you're letting me help you. It's really okay Jill. I'm a mom, I work with children, I used to be a CNA...I've cleaned out many sets of clothing in my day. No worries. You wash up."

As I open the bag I see the severity of the mess. Oh Lord, just take me now! This is definately a toilet washing job. So head over to a stall and gingerly start to take each article out. Now some of you might not know the toilet washing method. You put the clothing in the toilet water, shake it all around, flush the toilet and as you do let the clothing fall slightly down the drain (hold on tight) and pull up on the clothing. Repeat again and again until the mess is gone.

Jill approaches as I'm on the last article of clothing.
"Wow. That works good."
"Yep. It's a mom trick. The best way to clean up messes and see it's not even really gross for me to do it. Nothing to worry about. It's getting nice and clean."
"Um...so did someone teach you that? How do you learn how to do that?"
"You know what...I'm not sure how I know it. I just know that just about every mom I know...knows how. It's one of those mom things."
"I don't think my mom knows how."
"Oh, she might. If not, maybe you can teach her."
"Naw...I don't think so."
We go to the sink to get a final good hot water rinse and squeeze out the clothes. I let her know that we'll let them air dry and then find a plastic bag to put them in.
"Oh no we can't. Then my mom will know. I can't let them know."
"Why? It was just an accident. Accidents happen."
"Please no. Just don't tell them. It's horrible that it happened. It is so embarrassing and gross. I shouldn't have done it. Please don't, Mindy, please don't tell them. They can't know, they just can't."
She is pulling on my arm and looks like she is going to cry again.
"Will they be mad? Will you be punished?"
Social worker always kicks in.
"No...not mad...just...probably disappointed. It'll be so horrible for me. Please...please."
Shame. Oh why do we parent our kids with shame.
"Alright Jill. I won't tell them. But I do hope that you someday will. You have nothing to feel bad about or ashamed about. Accidents happen."

As we are walking back to the room to hang the clothes to dry she now has her arm around me. I have never seen her this close to anyone. We tidy up her area, make sure she look acceptable and hang the clothes to dry.

As we are heading out she stops me.
"Oh!! I have something very serious to ask you Mindy."
Mercy.
"Um...do I smell?"
"Do you what?"
"Do I smell? I feel like I smell? Do I?"
I lean in a little and take a big whiff.
"Nope. You don't smell."
"Well, I wouldn't smell up there."
Mercy.
So I lean down slightly and take another whiff.
"Nope. You're good to go Jill. You don't smell at all."
"Are you sure? I mean, I think I would smell a little. It was so gross. And I just really don't feel clean..."
"Jill, would you like a little of my raspberry body spray? That might do the trick. Sometimes at camp it's hard to feel clean...but I promise you, that you don't smell. But if you'd like some body spray, we can make extra sure."
"Oh that's a good idea."
So we walk back to my room and I spray her.

As we are heading out again...holding hands...she stops me again. She grabs me with both of her skinny little arms and pulls me very close. She buries her head in my belly and squeezes as tight as humanly possible.
"Thank you Mindy. Thank you for helping me. You're the best leader ever. I love you."
Mercy.
As my eyes well up with tears, "You're so welcome Jill. I'm so glad that I was here for you. I love you too. You're a very special girl and I'm so glad that you're in my group."

I will forever remember that little girl. That moment. I don't know what she is returning home to. I don't know if the small moments of peace and comfort and love she felt at camp will drastically alternate her life right now. I don't know if she learned that being perfect and right doesn't matter. But I do know for that moment...she knew.

Here is the just of that moment...
I deserve no kuddos or praise for anything I did. Because that was nothing short of God in me. I don't have patience like that, I didn't even realize how much I actually cared for the girl, I normally would have tried to rush back to worship because I was missing singing...

But for the Holy Spirit.

A friend who was at camp and knew the story told me, "Don't you see? At that moment you were Jesus to her and she will never forget that."
It made me cry. And humbled me.
I am so not worthy to be His vessel. I am so not holy enough, compassionate enough, righteous enough...and yet...He sees fit to use me.
When I allow myself to be open to the Spirit...to draw close to Him for strength...to follow His prompting...He will do amazing things.
He will love a little girl who is hard to love and He will show me how to love her too.

There are many, many times in my life that I don't get it right. I lose my patience, say the wrong thing, judge another, hide in my pain, look the other way. But that day, that moment in time...I am thankful that I was obedient and followed His leading instead of my own.

I am grateful for a God who can see past my inadequacy and use me just the same.
To God be ALL the glory!

Just a lil meme before bed....

2008-08-24T23:49:00.002-05:00

Is your bra pink? in my jammies. sans bra. (sorry for anyone who offends easily...lol)

Are your toe nails painted pink?
nope. red. i'm a diva remember ;)

Has a boy put their arm around you in the past 5 days?
yeppers. boys and a man!!

Has someone ever called you beautiful? yep

Are you wearing short shorts? nope

Do you enjoy wearing dresses? yes...i love dressing up

Ever turned a boy down you shouldn't have? honestly? yes.

Are your fingernails painted black? no

Do you straighten your hair often? naw...don't have enough to really straighten

Is it cute when guys kiss you on your forehead? no...i think it's geeky

What would you do if you received a long love letter? get all comfy and read it over and over

Who was the last person to text you? and what does she/he said? not close to my phone so who the heck knows....lol

Would you ever leave the house without make-up on? certainly but there was a time when i wouldn't have

On a scale of 1-10 how much do guys confuse you? depends on the guys. some 1...some 10!!

In the last 48 hours have you hung out with a guy? Jordyn and I are in a house of guys so that's pretty much a given

Do you like to hold hands? yeah..but my hubby doesn't!!

Who do you tell everything to? God and most things to my sister

What color is your hair? black right now

What makes you happy? singing praise songs

Do you miss someone? yep

What are you excited about? starting this intern class at work on monday

Do you have any tattoos or piercing?only my ears...i let my nose close up years ago and tattoos are so expensive. but i do want one

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? in life yes. in relationships...it depends. for example...when i was in an abusive relationship, i forgave him...but i couldn't give him a second chance because i knew i would never be able to trust him again.

Where is the person you want most? at the moment i most want marlon's granny here to bounce some ideas off of...so i guess heaven

Where will you be 2 hours from now? in my bed

What are you doing tomorrow? WORKING

Where were you at 9am this morning? service was just letting out

Do you fall for people easily? used to. haven't fallen for anyone in YEARSSSSSSSSSS

Is there something you wish you could tell someone but can't? no..i'm usually pretty straight forward

Do you have anything in your pockets right now?No pockets.

In the past week have you gotten sick? nope

On a scale of 1-10, how good is life? 8

Who's your best friend? sister and mom are givens.... Jackie, Amy

Where would you go right now if you could go anywhere? anywhere i could get a good massage

Do you want someone you can't have? nope

Whats your favorite smell? oh...i have a LOT of smells. i like the smell of freshly washed babies, lilacs, a scrubbed clean house, bleach, warm cookies, a clean cut just showered man, coffee, mexican food... Smells are good. I love that one of my senses. :)

Jordyn's Senior Pictures

2008-08-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

Had to be a proud mom and show off Jordyn's senior pics :) Her uncle is a photographer and took her pics this afternoon. He took probably close to 100 pics...but these are my favorite 5.

Such a lovely young woman!!

Oh my goodness!!

2008-08-24T00:33:00.002-05:00

Now here's the story behind how this picture became available for the world wide web.

You may have heard of Facebook. Well I belong and of course little by little, my friends old and new find me there. One such person is Curtis Olson. Curt's older sister (see her pictured below...lol) was one of my best friends growing up so of course Curt and I added each other as friends. Curt also knew my sister well and added her. He has such fun childhood pictures up on his page. One that he has is a class picture from the year my sister was in his class. She left a message for him saying, "Thanks for posting that picture and reminding my sister of how she used to tease me for my Mary Lou Retton hair cut and smile!" Or something like that. This was all unbeknownst to me.
So imagine my suprise when the next day as I log in to Facebook, I see that he has added this picture with the caption, "For making fun of Mary Lou Retton" Hilarious! This kid had a great sense of humor then and I see he still does! I was like, how in the world did he know I used to tease Connie about that? lol

Anyway...the picture made me laugh so hard that I had to share it. This was during A Chorus Line, the summer of 1987!! Crazy huh? Ah how I wish eyebrows like that would come back in style. It'd make my life a little easier!!

Since Kids Kamp...

2008-08-21T20:19:00.004-05:00

The day after we got back from Kids Kamp, Marlon and the boys left for Urban Camp. It was quite a relaxing week for me and made such a great atmosphere to process and rest after my long week. Here's a little of what I've been up to since....

Sarah and Rob (camp staff) got married!! It was such a fun wedding and so sweet to see young, positive people so in love!!

My mom, Jordyn and I headed to Minneapolis for a college tour and of course a little shopping at the Mall of America. It was a great time and the school is amazing! Jordyn said that she could totally see herself walking around the campus and living there. The thought that I have a senior kind of blows my mind. Man does life fly by.

2008-08-21T20:19:00.001-05:00

Kids Kamp

2008-08-21T20:17:00.002-05:00

What an amazing week! And tiring!! Don't let me forget to add tiring!! lol

Part of what has kept me from blogging is that I haven't really been able to formulate the entirety of what I experienced into words that would justify the experience. Dana---thanks for your encouragement to just get back on here and get started! In the days, weeks to come I will share different moments and how they touched me...affected me....but for now...here are some pictures to show a little of how the week went!

The Fiesta Divas

2008-08-21T20:07:00.002-05:00

Here's some pictures of our group of ladies. I love them each and can't wait to follow up on them and see where God takes them. Wednesday night is always the evening we share the gospel message and then ask if any of them would like to accept Christ in their life. Four girls. Four girls accepted Christ. Praise to God!!

My Sweet Daughter....

2008-08-21T19:48:00.002-05:00

One of the best parts of the week was getting to serve with Jordyn. As counselor and intern, we really worked hard to bring Christ's love to our group. I was amazed daily at Jordyn's heart for these girls and boy did they love her. She has a gift with kids and just a natural ability to connect with them.

Right after lunch the counselors would leave for a meeting and the interns were left to hang out with the cabin until free time. After the first day I realized that Jordyn would take funny pictures with the girls. It became such fun for me each day to check the goofy pictures when I'd get back.

Jordyn and I. Okay-so maybe we do look a little alike...lol!

Jordyn and two of her friends (amazing young ladies that I LOVE!!) Brooke and Mali. It was fun to see teen girls who have a heart for Jesus and aren't afraid to be themselves.

I knew that Jordyn had accepted Christ years ago when she attended Kids Kamp. As we walked into our village, Ponderosa, she went running to this spot and jumped up and down. "This is the exact spot where I accepted Christ Mommy!!" Yes. Tears.

Other Memorable things...

2008-08-21T19:03:00.004-05:00

Jessie Sunshine (as I like to call her) My roomie for the week. I've known Jessie since she was just a middle schooler...well, really more knew her parents...but through camps these last two summers I've really gotten to know her more. She is an amazing person through and through. We stayed up wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too late, talking wayyyyyyyyyyyy too long and laughing wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much! I will forever love her and hold dear the time we were able to share together at the last Kids Kamp!

Snakes anyone? Yes I conquered my fear of snakes during Kids Kamp. Here's how it came about. Mattie had held a snake in the morning and was so proud of herself. I was on my way to the animal building to check on another one of the campers and ran into Mattie. She asked if I was going to hold a snake while I was there. I told her that I didn't really think so because to be honest I was afraid of snakes. She looked at me and said, "Well, you know what I did? I was afraid too, but I prayed and asked God to give me strength and He did! And it wasn't scary! You should try that...why don't you pray and then God will give you the strength?" How in the heck do you say no to THAT! So I took a deep breath and gave it a shot and you know what? I LOVED it. They are so soft and really quite personable.

There is nothing quite like seeing almost 300 kids listen attentively (okay sometimes not so attentively...lol) to creative, fun, biblical teaching. I couldn't resist taking a lot of pictures of them in their bibles, listening, praying...

Mission Night. This game was a riot! The kids are missionaries and have to take bibles (toothpicks) to the churches (identified areas around camp) while being chased and tormented by the military, government, spies, etc. of different countries that don't want the gospel spread. The adult/teen staff get to be the military, government and spies. When we "catch" one of the missionaries we ask them questions about their bibles and God and Jesus. It's so awesome to get a kid who can clearly and confidently share the gospel message with you and it's a privilige to talk with the kids who perhaps don't know Jesus and guide them into conversation about who He is.

Spa Night. Ponderosa chose a spa night as our village special. We all brought our pampering creams, gels, polishes, etc. and had a night of beautifying our girls. I loved every minute of it and they all felt so special and pretty.

Camp Fun

2008-08-21T18:53:00.002-05:00

If you've ever been a part of an overnight camp then you know that FUN is definately a major part of the week! Here are just a few snippets of the week...
The water slide was a riot! Of course I had to try it as well...lol. There was a really cool bridge to stand on so that we could get great pictures.

Who doesn't like the chance to get a lil crafty? (ok, ok...I know there are some of you out there!!) We had an Olympic Event night and each group got to decorate their Cabin Flag. There's nothing as much fun as puffy paint and glitter!

You can't have good fun without being a little goofy can you?

One of our favorite morning specials was waterfront day. One of the games was a contest for sand sculptures. We made a turtle family. Mom Myrtle and her children, Zyrtle, Chyrtle, Kyrtle, Pyrtle and Ted. :)

With a group of girls who had the most different personalities you've ever seen...there was undoubtedly conflict (as I'll mention)...so having bonding times of closeness and seeing them connect was definately so much fun as their leader.

The Fiesta Divas

2008-08-21T18:49:00.002-05:00

The 8 of us on the last night at the final campfire. The song is right

I will never be
The same again
I can never return
I've closed the door
I will walk the path
I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.

Kids Kamp

2008-08-02T22:56:00.002-05:00

So tomorrow bright and early, Jordyn and I will head out to Camp Timberlee for a week of Kids Kamp, Elmbrook's overnight camp for kids entering 4-6 grade. While I've helped at Kids Kamp for evening activities for years, this will be my first year as a counselor. Jordyn is going to be my intern and we have 6 girls assigned to our cabin.

We've been busily planning the last few days (yes, can you say PROCRASTINATION!) and are about 99.9% ready....isn't there always a thing or two that didn't make it into the laundry and quickly needs to be thrown in mere hours before you are leaving? :)

The men will be here alone for the week (we are gone until the 9th) and so it will be interesting to see what the house looks like when I get back. The longest I've ever been away from all of them is just a weekend! Normally, Marlon takes great care to make sure that they get the house looking fairly decent before I return, but I am not sure how they will stay up on a week of dishes, laundry, garbage, cleaning, etc. They all leave the 10th for a week of camp themselves, so at least I'll have ample time to get it back into shape...lol!

I do have some specific prayer requests that if you would be so kind to lift up for me/us...I would be greatly appreciative. Thank you for doing so.

1) Please pray for safety for the 6 of us until we are together again. Pray that God would show us favor with health while we are apart.

2) Pray that I do not become overwhelmed by 6 little girls when I am normally accustomed to dealing with boys!! That I find joy and beauty in each of them.

3) Pray that Jordyn and I work well together and have peace that transcends all understanding. That we form a united front and this experience brings us even closer.

4) Finally please pray that I lead in His strength and not my own. That I rely fully on Him to get me through the week and reflect Him well.

Talk to you in a week!! Can't wait to post pictures and tell you all about it!!

Six Flags

2008-07-31T00:19:00.003-05:00

So yesterday was our big day out to Six Flags. It was a little sad because Keisha ended up not being able to come...but the three of us still headed out for a day of FUN and FUN we found!! Nina picked Patti and I up and after filling the cooler with our snacks (of which there was PLENTY) and saying a prayer over our day together we were on the road by 9:15!!

The first picture of the day! We decided to start out with a smaller ride, as Nina put it...to get our tummies and bodies ready for the bigger ones that would come later!

Don't Patti and Nina make a wonderful royal couple? They are sooooo regal!!

What day of fun is complete without a self-taken group shot? We all laughed and commented on how short Nina looks in this picture!

At about three we headed to the car for our lunches. It felt soooo good to get our socks and shoes off! I laughed at how ill prepared I came. I said that if I had packed for the day for my family....I would have had extra clothes for everyone, hand sanitizer, bug spray, a water mister, band aids....but packing for myself? NONE OF THAT!

After lunch we headed back in to the park to finish off our day. We saw the singing and dancing show. It always amazes me that had I been able to start in April I could have been in that. I auditioned wayyyy back the winter of my senior year. It was a really good show and had some great dancing. We also went on Superman, the Viper, Ragin Cajun (again), Raging Rapids (again). The Demon was closed for maintenance so that was too bad, but otherwise we really got to go on all of the rides that we wanted to.

I think the best part of the day was just the commaderie that we had. We laughed so hard, acted silly, talked about serious things, shared parts of our stories...it was an amazing day with amazing friends that I will cherish for years to come!!

A little more Six Flags...

2008-07-31T00:07:00.003-05:00

So we had some fun photo ops...lol

George Jetson and I strike a pose!

The Superman ride was almost a lil much for me...lol....almost!

Nina and I

Patti and I

Our soaked "after" picture from the Roaring Rapids (I think that's the name) Let's just say I wasn't thinking very much when I wore a white t-shirt to Six Flags and then went on water rides...lol!!

More Six Flags...

2008-07-31T00:03:00.001-05:00

The many faces of my girl Nina...lol

Gotta love her!!!

I've Been Tagged!!! 6 Random Things

2008-07-30T23:20:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone---so my lovely She Speaks friend, Dana tagged me. So after reading my 6 random things....hop on over to her blog, Filled with Laughter to see her answers! For those of you I am tagging, please follow the rules listed below. Incidentally, here's who I'm tagging:
Amy
Jess
Ali
Sarah

These are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up

And here are my six random things in no particular order....

1. I LOVE reality TV. lol...So You Think You Can Dance, Big Brother, Run's House, Little People Big World, Survivor, Project Runway. I do think it's my nosy nature and love of people that just makes me so interested in watching other people's lives...lol!

2. I love to play in the rain with my kids. We have major water fights at the end of our driveway on really rainy days...splashing and running through it...it's a blast!

3. I have a wall in my dining room full of pictures...but my goal is to have pictures covering the whole ENTIRE wall. I love pictures!!!

4. I am the world's biggest procrastinator. I am always running late, finishing projects late, putting things off...it's a horrible thing sometimes. It is better than it used to be but part of me just knows that it's how I am now and I try to compensate for it. Like if I have to get up at 7...I set the alarm for 6:30 so that I know I will be out of bed by 7...lol

5. I crave physical attention and touch and it's super hard because I am married to a man who really does not like physical attention and touch at all. Just being honest.

6. I love each of my kids more than I can even fully put into words. I would lay down my life for any of them and am so excited and can't wait to see them grow and change into adults!! I love how each one of them is so extremely different and a total individual. They are each so beautiful with so much to offer the world and it is a pure blessing to be their mom!

So there you go. Six random, unrelated, off the top of my head things about me :)

Girl's Day Out!

2008-07-29T06:16:00.002-05:00

I am soooo excited!! Today I am going with my friends--Nina, Patti and Keisha--to Six Flags for the day. I don't know if my old body can handle it though!! I pulled a muscle in my back on Saturday and it's really not any better. I'm glad that I took tomorrow off too because I think I'm going to need a day to recuperate...lol.

I plan to take a bunch of pictures as I think this day will be one for the history books!!!

Talk to you later :)

Jubilee Sunday

2008-07-27T21:33:00.003-05:00

Today I was a part of a panel for Iced Expresso

The topic...Friends with Benefits: Caution! You may get burned! It went really well. There were 4 of us & the audience were women in ages from 20s to 50s. The concept of this ministry is "older" women befriending & mentoring younger women. The topics deal with real life issues & ways to rely on God to get us through them. I think because of everything that I did...the choices I made...there are certain things I can speak about in a way thats different. I used to be afraid that my testimony would be too wild. Then I saw how God used that to reach people who thought they had messed up so much that God wouldn't want them. Now as Christian woman & with me being so open about struggles, temptations, mistakes...I see how God is able to use that too, especially with younger Christian women who might be having the same kind of stresses. I can't be anyone but me & there is no point to pretend.

Now I'm just relaxing, watching Marlon do his origami & feeling rested & happy. Hope you all had nice weekends too!!

Just a good day....

2008-07-26T23:01:00.002-05:00

Lisa, Jessie & Autumn enjoying our staff dinner for camp.

Sweet Christie, excited to have her first strawberry daquiri (yes, it was non-alcoholic...lol)

Our group :)

Sarah & I

Just thought I'd share a few pictures from our staff dinner last week.

Today was such a nice day. You may remember me blogging about a community cook out we were having at Frame Park this afternoon. Our family (minus Jordyn who was working and hangin' out with her friend) all worked really hard together. We headed to church and loaded up the cargo van with all of the food, games, tent, etc at about 9:45. Then it was off to the park to set up. I got so excited when at 11:30 a couple of people already started showing up! (it didn't start until 1pm) By 12:45 the grills were fired up and a group of about 50 people had showed up. In all, I figure about 300 people came. We served food, had music, sno cones, face painting, kickball, games and crafts for the little ones....many had heard about the picnic from the flyers, Salvation Army, the Women's Center, James Place....but many just stopped by because they heard the music, smelled the food....just as we wanted. So many great conversations...so many smiles...so many people eating their only meal for the day. In fact, some of my 3rd cousins came and I was able to talk to them...meet their kids. At 4 we started packing up and with all that was left---we sent a ton home with many of the attenders. One of the sweetest moments for me was seeing this man I always see around town....a homeless man who is often garbage diving...sitting under a tree with a full plate of food, two sodas, and a huge smile!! I mostly face painted, did games with the little ones and walked around praying and mingling.

I think my favorite part of the day though was later when my friend, Patti and I went for a walk around the river. Jaden came to play with the boys and we got to have a really great talk & get to know each other better. Jaden & Izzy are on the same team and we've become fast friends, but haven't really had a lot of just girl talk time. So that was a fun time. On Tuesday, she, my friend Nina and Keisha (a woman from church who I also know from Heyer school with the kids) are all going to Six Flags. I can't wait!

Content. In every and any situation. Today was a gift and so easy to be content.

Still here.

2008-07-24T09:45:00.002-05:00

You may be wonderin' where have I been and what is up?? It's been a longggg time since I've gone a week without posting. It was quite a weekend and I found out some really sad news on Monday that just had me really contemplative the last few days.

Last Friday Edie, Steph and I took the staff from Camp Zoom out for dinner. It was a really fun time just getting to know them in a non work way. We went to Jose's. It's kind of our spot...lol.

The weekend was spent with a tournament for Izzy with baseball. I actually stayed home on Saturday and did some cleaning, walked and then went in for the later game. Sunday Marlon spoke at his grandfather's church for Men's Day so I was at the game all morning. We swam in the afternoon and then walked. We're starting up a little mini weight loss challenge with just my immediate family (parents, sister, brother in law and our good, good friend Katie) and I'm so excited because Marlon is going to join us this time! He's already doing so well!!

Monday I found out that my friend from work miscarried. Upon finding out about the miscarriage and going to the dr to make sure--she found out they were twins. My heart just aches for her because she and her husband were so excited to be pregnant again (they have a 5 yr. old) and she is just a great mom. Also on Monday, we found out that our dear friend and co-worker JJ's wife lost her battle with cancer in the wee morning hours on Sunday.

I want to share something JJ wrote on her carepages blog from the cancer center to give you a little glimpse of the amazing witness that he and Lori were to all of us....

29 July 20, 2008 at 01:25 PM CDT
I had just finished reading the latest updates on the Care Pages to Lori from my laptop while she closed her eyes and listened. After reading the touching message on the message board from our son Johnny, I told her, “See you are a Proverbs 31 woman.” She just smiled and quietly said no.
At 7:45 the doctor who earlier had requested 2 ultrasounds politely knocked and entered our room, set down and gave us the results. Lori’s liver was beginning to shut down, what was happening was irreversible. We asked what will happen next, he answered as kindly as he could. The toxins in the liver were depriving the blood of its platelets, the unprocessed bile would get into the brain and cause confusion in speech and thinking processes, and it would only be a matter of time before she would lapse into a coma or her heart would simply stop beating from the toxin build up. Neither one of us shed any tears at the news and Lori thanked him politely for as much as she understood. Before leaving he suggested that we should plan to return to family and loved ones no later than Tuesday. Lori and I had always talked about this eventuality. We never lost faith in God’s ability to heal, but we knew that God is sovereign and we don’t know his plans. We saw this time in our lives as a path that God had put us on.

All along the way there would be flowers on either side of the path. We saw these “flowers” in the many cards and words of encouragement and prayers that were said on our behalf as we proceeded obediently trusting the Lord every step of the way. We had always left open the fact that God might eventually bring us to a fork in the road, and that he would take her home first.
Our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ was sure and our faith unshakable. The news from the doctor while unwelcome was not devastating. There were areas where we could be thankful. Thankful that the care rotation (that was planned weeks ago) worked out that I was here instead of my 16-year-old daughter when the doctor came in. Thankful that I got to share her birthday with her. Thankful that Lori’s family, who had planned a family reunion a year ago on this weekend, were all together in Indiana and could support each other when they got the news. Thankful for our children who had to pull together and mature literally overnight as their mom and dad had to leave town. Thankful that we were led to the Cancer Treatment Center with its excellent staff and these Care Pages so not only Lori and I, but all her family and friends, could be blessed by reading the scriptures, comments and prayers that were posted. Thankful for all the meals that had been prepared and delivered to our home during those early days of the diagnosis when our family was in a state of shock.
Saturday evening around 6:00 P.M, I packed a rented vehicle with all our belongings we had brought to the center and then Lori and I headed off to her family reunion in Kokomo. About 8 hours into the trip, we decided to listen to a praise and worship CD that a staff worker had given us before we departed. The words of the songs were perfect and were just what we needed to hear. It was now about 2:30 a.m. I noticed that Lori’s hand had become cool, and I pulled over on the side of the highway. She wasn’t breathing, and I felt no pulse. I called 911, and did CPR until the ambulance arrived. They were unable to restore her breathing or a pulse. In the meantime, my sister in-law Sheri, who is a chief nurse executive(who I had been in contact with over my cell phone)drove down with my two brother-in-laws Mike and Robert over 200 miles in the early morning hours to southern Illinois to be with me. The last minutes of Lori’s life were peaceful as she fell asleep in the Lord's hands, serenaded by praise music. We started off heading for one type of family reunion, but God chose to bring Lori home to his family reunion. Blessings to all.

This evening is the funeral and we are expecting quite a crowd. Lori served here in different ministries for a long time, JJ has worked here over 20 years, they have 5 children...

I've struggled this week. I've been much closer to other people in my life dying...but for some reason this one is hitting me hard. I'm sure it's partly that she was a great mom, she and her children served in Chldren's Ministry, JJ and Marlon are friends...but it's also hard to make sense of God's ways. Like as a Christian woman I know this. Yes. His ways are not our ways. It's not ours to know. He is soveriegn. I trust in that and it is what keeps me from being angry at Lori's death. But...to have a family so rooted in Him, such servants, so devoted to each other have to experience this anguish and loss....

It's just a hard week.

What do you think?

2008-07-18T00:07:00.002-05:00

At what age do you stop waiting up for your child to come home? Is almost 17 too old? What if you know she is at the midnight showing of Dark Knight with her aunt...lol. I just can't bring myself to lock the door and go upstairs... I settled down hours ago to go to bed and yet here I sit, scanning the stations, checking out the web, twiddling my thumbs waiting to make sure she gets in ok.

At what age again? lol

Oh the boys...

2008-07-16T22:24:00.002-05:00

There is something so precious about a Grandpa and his grandsons. Caught these great pics last time we all hung out at the pool together.

My daddy taking a break from playing with the boys...lol. I forget he's 59 sometimes!! He's like the energizer bunny....he's keeps going and going and going and going and going....

One special acrobatic feat each time we swim is the tube jump. The boys take turns jumping into the tube and great screams of joy emerge when they nail it!

Tyree (still clinging to that green tube you see...but getting brave and jumpin in!), my dad, Isaiah and Israel jump in together to see how much water they can send out the sides of the pool!!

Isaiah

Izzy nails his somersault!

I so love watching the boys with my dad. I know because he had two girls...sometimes their shenanigans are a little much for him. I think he can handle the smart mouth girls better than the wild, rambunctious boys sometimes...lol...but there's nothing like seeing him beam over his grandsons!!

Nia and I

2008-07-16T22:11:00.002-05:00

This week my niece Nia is staying with us. She is helping out at camp in the morning and then doing some odd and end jobs for me in the afternoon at work. It's fun to have her around now because when the kids were younger...I wasn't able to give her a lot of attention. With the boys back to back to back (born 96, 97, 98) I was a little busy those preschool years...lol. Even with Jordyn being 5 years older...it was never very easy to have her stay overnight or hang out because my hands were so full with our little ones. Now she's this full fledged pre-teen who will be 11 later this month! My how time flies!!

2008-07-14T23:15:00.002-05:00

I look in their eyes...
Each one so different
My four special gifts
On loan from my Lord

Jordyn--so silly, yet brilliant
Laid back, relaxed
Yet vibrant and loud

Isaiah--so stoic, yet fun-loving
Kind, Conscientious
Full of dignity and grace

Elijah--so madcap, yet loving
Humorous, headstrong
Yet affectionate and tender

Israel--the pleaser, yet free
Driven, rule follower
A true servant heart...

The blessing these four
are in my life
Gets lost often times in
the busyness of life

But as I recognize each moment
as an irreplacable gift
It helps remind me to pause
and savor each day

I only desire to serve them well
train them and guide them
to face life head on

Praying each moment
for each of their lives
that they seek out His will
and try to stay in the light

Yes each of their faces...
So sweet and lovely
Bring a smile to my face
As I think of them now.

I pray I get it right
As best as I can
And they know that I love them
More than they can understand....

Oh yes...one more!

2008-07-13T00:02:00.002-05:00

Now you know how excited I was to find out that even my new Proverbs 31 ladies love a good meme now and then!! Maybe I'm not so corny after all...lol.

Here's a fun one my friend Dana had posted today, which she got from Micca Campbell. Take a minute to check out theirs as well!!

Me From A to Z

A is for Age 37 (same as you Ms. Dana!)

B is for Burger of choice I really am not partial to burgers...so I don't have a favorite.

C is for Kind of car you drive Chevy Malibu, Kia Rio and a Dodge conversion van (when we finally get it repaired of course...lol)

D is for dog's name We had to get rid of our doggy, but her name was Chloe

E is for Essential everyday item you can't live without Hm. I'll answer both spiritual and material. Spiritual-I must daily have worship music or I think I would die. Material-I must have a coffee!!!

F is for Favorite TV show at the moment Oh, I LOVE reality TV, so what's on right now is So You Think You Can Dance. With my dance background that is definately a do not miss. Dana--how funny, my hubby and one of my son's always watch Verminators too!

G is for Your Favorite Game Hm. I like Apples to Apples

H is for your hometown Oconomowoc

I is for Instrument you play I did play the violin. Don't know if I'd still know any or not. I also play my voice...lol

J is for your favorite Juice mmmmmmmmm.......juice. All.

K is for who you'd like to Kiss Marlon is the obvious answer. But I'd also like to kiss my son Isaiah without it seeming like torture :) (he's 12)

L is for last restaurant you ate Jose' Blue Sombrero. If you are ever in Brookfield, you really gotta get there. YUM!

M is for your favorite Muppet Oh--it's hard to pick just one. I like Beaker. And Fozzy. And Miss Piggy.

N is for the Number of piercings you have Just one in each ear.

O is for Overnight hospital stays Hm. Well, July 91 for kidney infection, Aug. 91 for delivery, May 96 for delivery, June 97 for kidney infection, July 97 for delivery, Oct 98 for delivery, Aug 05 for hysterectomy. True confessions here. I LOVE the ice at the hospital.

P is for People you were with today Marlon, the boys, Jordyn, my mom, random strangers at Wal-Mart

Q is for what you do with your Quiet time Well, it's few and far between but I do a variety of things. I read, nap, watch what I want to on the TV, pray, clean, go for a walk, blog

R is for your biggest regret I don't allow myself to have regrets

S is for Status Married :)

T is for the Time you awoke today 8:00am

U is for what you consider unique The fact that God made 26 different butterflies that have the letters of the alphabet etched in their wings. If you've never heard of this before, check it out HERE. He's so darn creative sometimes, it wigs me out!!

V is for your favorite Vegetable Oh corn, definately. But since I'm changing my lifestyle and not eating it so much since it's not very healthy for you----then broccoli

W is for your Worst habit worrying

X is for number of X-rays oh Lord, wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too many to ever count!

Y is for Yummy food you ate today Hmmmmm...the yummiest food I had today was some chorizo and eggs for breakfast

Z is for Zodiac Sign Gemini. While I dont follow horoscopes at all or believe in them....I am really like a lot of what they say a Gemini is.

Okay ladies, consider yourself tagged....and any men that might come across this blog....now get to posting and don't forget to include your link in my comments so we can check out your answers!!

Oh yes....my memes!!!!

2008-07-12T21:57:00.002-05:00

Why people it's been at least an eon or two since I did meme!!! Ok. Maybe more like a month or two...lol. But you know that my corny self loves these things, so when I saw this one, I just had to do it. They are after all, the funnest way ever to find out strange things about new and old friends :)

1. Where were you when the ball dropped for 2007?
I actually believe I may have started to doze on the couch with Marlon...lol. We-are party animals!

2. Where will you be when the ball drops for 2008?
Um. Probably in the same spot...lol!

3. What are you listening to right now? The Color Purple in the other room.

4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Naw

5. What color underwear are you wearing? I'm ready for bed so I plead the 5th!

6. Do you live in a zoo?
Somedays.

7. What did you do this morning? Some laundry, made breakfast for everyone and finally finished my 5 lessons for this coming week at Camp Zoom. I am doing worship and the large group teaching for the camp.

8. What does your mom do for a living?
She is an Assistant Branch Manager for a credit union

9. Where do you work?
At Elmbrook in Children's Ministry

10. What are your favorite smells? Oh--I love smells. Really good hair product, coffee, doublemint gum because it reminds me of my Grandma Nickel

11. What are the last two digits of your phone number?
why? what can you do with two numbers?

12. What was the last concert you attended?
Oh my goodness---hm. Fred Hammond at Summerfest a couple of summers ago with Jackie and Justin

13. Who was with you? oh. already told. I'm an overachiever...lol

14. What was the last movie you watched?
The Color Purple because it's still on now...lol. In the theaters? First Sunday

15. What do you dislike at the moment?
mosquitoes. I know all creatures have a purpose....but c'mon!

16. What do you crave right now?
A relaxing, luxurious body massage

17. Did you dream last night?
yep. It was a totally weird one.

18. What was the last TV show you watched?
I watched Law and Order earlier today

19. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
I only have fun, costume jewelry...none of it is really "favorite"

20. Who is your best friend?
Hm. I have some really, really great friends. Not sure I can pick one as a best friend.

21. Who is your best friend of the opposite sex? Mr. Marlon

22. Who last IM’d you? Don't IM

23. Are you on any medication? nope

24. What side of the bed do you sleep on? left

25. What color shirt are you wearing? blue

26. What color is your razor? blue and white

27. What is your favorite frozen treat?
Oh--Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey. Did you know they made heaven in the form of ice, milk and sugar?

28. How many tattoos/piercings do you have? only my ears, Marlon doesn't want me to get my nose and I'm afraid to get a tattoo.

29. What are your favorite stores? Wal-Mart, Lane Bryant (but hopefully not for long)

30. Are you thirsty right now? naw...just finished a water bottle

31. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? why yes. it's so far-fetched, but I can see it...lol

32. Who’s someone you haven’t seen in awhile and miss?
Jackie. Our paths only cross so briefly at church...we haven't had time to sit and talk and hang out in months.

33. What did you do last night?
Went for a walk with my mom and did some laundry

34. Do you care what people think about you?
To an extent, but not in an unhealthy way like I used to. I certainly don't want anyone to hate me...but I know that I am not everyone's flava...

35. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? um. yes I have.

36. Do you like your nose? sure.

37. What color is your room? off white

38. When was the last time you worked out?
Today in the pool and then my mom, Jordyn and I walked twice around the river tonight

39. Do you like pedicures? I love the leg massage and foot massage part, but I really don't like the fixin the nails part

40. Where do you live? in my house

41. Are you an aggressive driver?
not usually

42. Who is your cell phone carrier? AT & T

43. Do you like the person who posted this last? sure

44. What do you want for your birthday? a night away with Marlon

45. What is the thing you’d most want to change about yourself?
I always pray for patience

46. What color is your car? white

47. What do you smell like right now? honestly? sweat from my walk earlier...lol

48. What is your favorite color? I love colors...orange, pink, bright blue, black

49. Do you like mustard? ew. negative.

50. What do you tell yourself when times get hard?
Psalm 23

51. Would you ever sky dive? maybe

52. What do you sleep on? my comfy bed

53. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? no

54. What do you think of Angelina Jolie being pregnant? I don't!

55. Do you enjoy giving hugs? I love hugs. I am all about invading personal space!!

56. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable?
I love fashion and being stylish. Not sure how fashionable I am.

57. Do you own a digital camera? yep

58. What celebrities have you been compared to? When I was younger and a lil thinner people used to say I looked a little like Allie Sheedy

59. What does your 19th test message say? don't have 19 of them right now

60. How ’bout your 30th? um. if I don't have 19...I don't have 30...lol

61. Who did you hang out with last night? my mom and then after 10 when Marlon and the boys got back-them.

62. What are you doing this Saturday? Well, since Saturday is done, I'll say what I'm doing this Sunday---church, baby shower, swimming (I hope) and getting ready for camp on Monday

Alright all. Have a good night and hasta manana!!

Mindy <><

Will We Ever Get it Right?

2008-07-10T07:10:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers yesterday. Court went as expected. In Wisconsin there is now 6 months before it is final. I do believe that there is something happening...moving within her as she cried the entire time and would not really look at Rafe. Afterwards he tried to speak to her and she really wouldn't even talk to him. We can't control or force someone's else's thoughts, feelings, actions, heart...I've let him know that he can only focus on and take responsibility for himself and how he responds to this. I'll just keep praying...

It did get me thinking though....about marriage....the work it is....how everything in our society works against it succeeding. We see around us and are taught that we should expect only the best in life. We see around us and are taught that there is always something better out there to strive for. We see around us and are taught that we deserve a happy ending. This is not the truth. This destroys the very foundation of marriage. We can't buy into those myths.

Myths

#1 We should only expect the best in life.

God's word says different. God's word is living and breathing and true. You can believe in that just as sure as you can believe you will see your reflection in a mirror.

Romans 5:3 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverence, and perseverance, character; and character, hope."

James 1:2 "My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

We will experience trials...rough times in life. We will endure hardship and pain. We will suffer. Why should we not? Didn't Christ himself suffer the most extreme hardship and pain of all? To mercifully give up His life to save the world...for sins He was not even capable of committing? And yet we, in our arrogance, dare to think that we should only experience happiness, success, fulfillment. This erodes marriage. When times are hard, when things are rough and we aren't "happy"...we use this as a reason to walk away. We use this as a reason to turn our spouse in for a better model. We will be hurt by our spouse. They will fail us. They will make mistakes. They will sin. And aside of abuse that compromises safety or a hardened heart that will not turn from evil...my personal belief now is that there is no other justifiable reason to divorce.

#2 There is always something better out there to strive for.

Oh this one is rich. It's the American dream. The pie in the sky mentality that we should always be searching for the ultimate "whatever". Car, home, job, looks, and yes mate. There is no freedom in that and you never allow yourself to experience the peace and joy of the Lord if you are always searching. My life verse is this:

Philippians 4:11,12 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every and any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Be content. Enjoy what you have. Look to your surroundings and rejoice in them. There is no freedom in "keeping up with the Jones's". This "reach for the stars" mentality is not fully a bad thing. Don't get me wrong here. I am not saying that we should never set goals and try to achieve them. What I am saying is that this becomes a mantra and ideology that gives us permission to end a marriage. Gained some weight? Have an irritating habit? Lost your job? Had an accident that leaves you disfigured? Not aging well? Better beware because in our society these are all things that have become justifiable reasons to leave someone. No. In any and all situations. Not only the ones your friends approve of. Not only the ones you think are acceptable. Any and all.

#3 We deserve a happy ending.

Well, first the problem with this is that we've lost sight of what a happy ending is. Eternity with our God in Heaven is the only happy ending that we need to be concerned with. Do we deserve that? No. But thank God that He gave us a way to have it anyway, through His son, Jesus Christ.

A spouse can't give us that. A spouse can't give us a happy ending. And so when we try to give our spouse that power...when we rely on them to make us happy...when we expect them to fill our hearts...we will be disappointed. There is only one way to a happy ending and there is only one ending that matters.

John 14:6 "Jesus said to Him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father exept through Me."

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Only through Christ. Only by belief that He is the Son of God. That is our happy ending. A happy ending is not a white picket fence, 2.5 outstanding children, fancy cars, expensive vacations, a dashing Prince Charming (or Cinderella) on our arm and romantic, candlelit dinners by the fireplace. Our happy ending comes only at a price that we could never pay.

Just some thoughts to think.

Mindy <><

Prayer Request....

2008-07-08T21:40:00.004-05:00

Tonight I am asking all of my friends, family, bloggin buddies and anyone else who happens upon my blog to pray for my cousin Rafe. What I am going to share, he is very open with sharing so I know I can ask for this.

Last fall Rafe admitted himself to treatment for his alcohol addiction. He knew it had gotten out of hand and he knew he had to change for his wife (of only one year). Upon returning home from his treatment program--his wife decided to leave him. He has spent the last nine months trying to figure out how to get her back, working on getting well, finding a relationship with Christ, trying to understand why she won't give him another chance... She eventually filed for divorce and tomorrow is the final court date.

I try not to pass judgement on her. While I know that everyone deserves forgiveness, she is refusing to forgive him--barely speaking to him in the last 9 months. He offered counseling, slowly reconnecting, any terms she was comfortable with to no avail. I don't know what she is going through---what she is dealing with---what hurt she is carrying. I am sure she is confused and angry and in pain.

Please pray for God's will to be carried out tomorrow. I know that He grieves when marriages end...but I also know that He always sees the big picture. Please pray that Rafe keeps close the knowledge that he has come a long way---that he is continuing his path to complete health and that whether or not she wants him back he can hold his head high that he has done everything in his power to save his marriage. Help him to be strong tomorrow no matter what the outcome. Pray also for her...that God might soften her heart and she might give her marriage a second chance before just ending it and walking away.

If you'd like, please leave any encouragement, prayers, or comments and I will make sure to forward them on to Rafe.

Nite!

Prayer

2008-07-06T23:28:00.002-05:00

If you've been reading my blog lately you know that God is doing a great work in me. Almost every aspect of my life is being realigned and reevaluated. One thing that I have begun again is my prayer book.

About 3 years ago, at a ministry wives conference, I purchased this great book. It's a binder to help you organize your prayer life. Now this is not to take the place of the many prayers that are said throughout the day, as different situations come to mind and you need to pray about them, as you face decisions and need an answer...this is to help organize your daily prayer time. (by the way---if you don't already have this rich, essential time set aside each day I encourage you to do so) Each day of the month has a page to put pictures, business cards, momentos to help you envision what you are praying about, an area to list what/who you are praying for, scripture to meditate on as you begin your prayer time and an area to list any specific requests and answers to those prayers. I had used it very regularly and in the last 5 or 6 months have really slacked on incorporating it into my daily time with God.

This month I have begun using it again. I am reminded of how special prayer is. How it not only brings us closer to God, but warms our heart toward whoever we are praying for. My hope for each of you is that you might find a way to incorporate this organized kind of prayer into your day. One thing that is most satisfying is that when someone asks me to pray for them, I immediately add them to my book. It's a great reminder to ensure that I am truly praying for someone who I told I would. It also helps me follow up with that person and see how things are going and what God is doing in their life now.

Blessings on your night my friends!!

The 4th....Sun...Swimming...Satisfying

2008-07-06T23:14:00.002-05:00

While I am most certainly a SON worshipper...I must admit that I am a little bit of a "sun" worshipper as well!! I love the sweet feeling of the sun on my face, the bright glow outside that makes me squint and the glorious refreshment of my parent's pool. We had such a beautiful week weather wise---that who even cares that it's supposed to rain tomorrow?? Here's just a few pictures of the past few days...

My cousin's daughter Mackenzie and my niece, Keyona enjoy the new boat. These little ladies swam like fish all afternoon!

Isaiah (yes, he is actually becoming a lil buff!!!), Elijah (my sweet boy full of love) and my slim jim brother-in-law Rod. Yes, this he gave us a run for our money in our Biggest Loser challenge.

Hanging out around the hot tub.

I am blessed. This weekend I looked around at my friends and family and thanked God for the wonderful relationships that we have. I'm thankful beyond belief to have close, loving ties with people who love me for me. Not what I can do for them, not how I help them, not what I teach them....just because I am me. I pray that I never take that for granted!!

Being obedient...

2008-07-03T10:47:00.002-05:00

Being obedient just feels good.

As I am having the conversations I need to...to pull out of some of the many different things I am involved in....making time each day to spend with God, and loving my husband and kids---I am feeling very peaceful and focused. It's funny how even though the past few days have been very full with activities, sports, housework...I have not felt overwhelmed or frazzled once. This should not be a surprise. I know it is the wonderful gift my sweet Jesus will give me when I put Him first and allow my attitude and outlook to be sprinkled with His spirit instead of my own.

Leaving Teen MOPS is probably going to be the most difficult thing I am putting down. I know that there are struggles in all ministries, but in the last year or so, there has been crazy warfare on this ministry. While I connect well with the girls and most of the leaders, I know that I do not serve there to serve God. I serve there for my own selfish ambition. I know that it is a time filler because I want to get out of the chaos of my house. I like feeling needed. Those are not bad reasons to be involved. However, for me, on this path God is taking me, as I discover the way to my calling...I know I need to let it go. I am away from Marlon and my kids enough with my job in Children's Ministry...I believe it is selfish and self-serving of me to find other things to occupy my time.

It's a vicious cycle. I want to find things to get me out of the house and the craziness, but yet the more I am gone and filling my time with "ministry" the further away from God I am and from being a Proverbs 31 woman. My hubby doesn't do a lot of praising me at the gate when I am calling him names under my breath and slamming cupboards. My kids don't call me blessed very often when I am screaming at them for forgetting to take the garbage out. I have to do my work with God first. Anything that I am doing to pull my focus from Him so that I am caught up in this world...is sinful. Anything I am doing to keep myself busy and away from His call so that I can barely hear His voice...is sinful. Anything I am doing for purely selfish reasons, letting pride in my performance being a reason to keep me there...is sinful.

He is all that I need. He will sustain in a way that I can't even imagine. He loves me and delights in me. I want nothing more or less than to serve Him fully, feel His love and answer His call on my life well.

Oh yes!!

2008-07-01T08:20:00.003-05:00

We did it!

Jordyn and I won the weight loss challenge!! It was really down to the wire. This past weekend was the last weigh in. I lost a total of 41 lbs and Jordyn lost 28. My brother in law and friend almost pulled it off. She lost 1.5 lbs the last week and he lost 7.5!! He really gave it all he had...even working out twice a day for a week! He also had a free 1 pound pass from the challenge we had in May that he won. The morning I weighed in I did a last chance work out, complete with swimming a few laps in the pool...lol. We weren't giving up without a fight. Now we plan to keep up with so many of the changes we've made in our eating, with exercise....

So what has the last 12 weeks taught me? That I am not contolled by food anymore. That I will not fall back into my eating disorder by limiting myself, or pushing myself to exercise more. Honestly, after so many years of struggling with bulimia...that's always been a fear in the back of my mind. I am free from that. Will I continue to struggle with my weight? Perhaps. Like any addiction, I don't think you wake up one day "cured". But I know I can continue with this path without any problems. The walking has really been great for me because I do some of my best thinking and praying on those walks. In fact, as hot as it's going to be today...I think I'm going to go get my walk in right now!

Blessings...

Mindy <><

New Hair

2008-06-27T19:34:00.003-05:00

So the boys got their new do's and Jordyn has a new way that she has been wearing this summer.

Yay--we finally got her in a ponytail!!

Rico Suave with his handsome sideburns.

Mr. Happy Elijah--sportin' his bald fade...

Izzy aint' givin up his mohawk anytime soon!

And even Tyree is lookin' sharp with his new cut.

Isn't it funny how nice a new haircut can make you feel? With just a little snip of the scissors you look in the mirror and see a whole new person.

The Holy Spirit does the same thing for our inner beauty that scissors can do for our outer beauty. As easily as we sit in a barber/hairdresser chair to get "renew" our look...we can turn to the Holy Spirit and allow ourselves, our mind to be "renewed".

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Just a thought to think.

A Family Weekend

2008-06-27T17:10:00.002-05:00

Ah...everyone is going to be home this weekend. No sports, Jordyn's here, aside of a funeral in Madison I'm going to tomorrow--it should be a pretty relaxing weekend.

Marlon and the boys are at the barber shop right now, I just finished a Tae-bo video, and Jordyn ran to use my parent's treadmill, but in a bit we're going to sit down and watch a movie together.

This weekend is the last weigh-in and I would love for us to win because I'd love Jordyn to get a bunch of new clothes for her new body (I actually have a bunch of stuff that I haven't been able to wear in awhile--but she needs clothes bad) I've let her know though that even if we don't it's okay because we've both done something we didn't think was possible. We've lost a LOT of weight!

Well, I hear my boys are here. Be back later!!

The First Steps to my "New" Obedience...

2008-06-26T07:29:00.002-05:00

I am a disobedient, wandering spirit.

Ok, for the most part that is really who I used to be. But what I've found in the past few years, is that when I do not have my focus right with Christ...I fall much to easily back into that person. Why is it such a struggle for me to release control?

God spoke clearly to me at the retreat this past weekend. I was taking notes during one of the seminars and then I wrote---almost as if someone else had the pen,

Let go and release anything you are doing that is not of me.
Stop and focus on me and wait.
I will tell you what to do next.

I love that God knows that I need details!! What scares me about this is that I don't know who I am without all of the things I do. (Um, kind of the point of releasing it all huh?) But I am going to be obedient. This week I've already I've started that ball rolling. It's hard and scary to think that other than God, my hubby and kids and work I am not going to "do" anything.

All I want to do is fall in love with God again. Not because of what He's done for me but just because of who He is. I am tired of being tired. I am tired of feeling like I am running on yesterday's energy. I am tired of being crabby and short with the people I love most. I know and trust that God is going to use the time I am giving Him in amazing ways. There is nothing more important than drawing close to Him and spending time with Him. I've made other things more important.

I don't feel that Teen MOPS, Couples Ministry, and other odd and end volunteer things I do are bad to be involved in. I don't even think that it's the time I've given them that is bad necessarily. They are amazing ministries that are well needed. I know that I have something to contribute to the ministry. Those are all things that have kept me there. But for me, for me, it is also my own desire to keep busy that keeps me there. It is my desire to try and find something fun for me that keeps me there. It is my desire to get out of the house because I am so stressed that keeps me there.

And I feel that's wrong. For me.

Where is Christ in that? He wasn't mentioned or thought about once.

I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if my life is so full of things that my husband and kids never get the best of me. I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if I don't look to Christ first and then set about my day. I can't live as a Proverbs 31 woman if I am so busy with what Mindy wants to do that I can't fulfill what God wants me to do.

It's exciting and scary all at the same time!

Mindy <><

Bullet points and a few laughs..

2008-06-23T21:40:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I shared the special things that God taught me this past weekend. Today I thought I'd share a few other highlights that happened this past weekend, as well as the funny trip home I had.

Upon arrival I had plenty of time to stop at my hotel, check in, freshen up and get to the Embassy for the opening session. Big thumbs up for being able to brush my teeth and put on some deodorant. I believe the ladies at my table would agree.
Lyndsay Kane's worship was truly spirit led. It was so beautiful to hear all of the women lifting their voices. Unwritten? What song out there is more appropriate for She Speaks?
I actually got a decent amount of exercise in!! Yay for 24 hour fitness rooms!!
I found out that there are a decent amount of odd bloggy ladies out there. So I am not the only cornball in the world.
My evaluation group was wonderful. Such a warm, fun group of women. Can't wait to see how God is going to use each of them. It was a sheer privilege to meet them and hear a little bit of their story.
My evaluation went very well. Beyond what I could imagine. God is so faithful. Like, duh, I knew that...but I love it He is kind enough to remind me. I truly feel that I am called to help women discover who they are in Christ and how to follow His leading even in the muck of life. Now I just need to be obedient to His plan and timing and listen.
My driver Tony and I had such amazing conversations back and forth between the two hotels and to and from the airport. It was so relaxing to know that I did not have to worry about safety, cabs, etc. I thank God for providing a Christian man who was nothing less than a true Southern gentleman.
I learned so much from each session. Not one seemed redundant or boring. While some of the topics I might have heard before, each was presented in such a fresh way that I couldn't take notes quickly enough.
I still lost 4 lb. for the weigh-in!!

Now the trip home. People, let me tell u.

My flight home was at 3:17, however, with the conference ending at noon I just had Tony take me straight to the airport. So as I am sitting to relax with my book at the Continental gate, I realize that there are a lot of scurrying employees hovering around the computer screen, glancing nervously at all of us. This I know is not good. Then comes the announcement that due to storming, Newark flights are all delayed. Ok. Don't panic. Weather changes. At 12:50 they decide to load the 12 flight in case they can get clearance. At 1:55 they decide to load the 1:30 flight for the same reason. At 2:25 they make the announcement that they are brining those flights back in because Newark is now delayed indefinately and if we are going to Newark--we are now going there the next day.

Only, and I repeat only, because of the spirit in me and the prayers I had numerous family and friends praying for me, I was able to calmly approach the desk and ask if there was any other way that I could get to Milwaukee. The woman helping me, "J" looked so tired and burnt out. Me-relate. So I made some small talk, told her that she was doing a great job, asked her when her next break was and apologized in advance on behalf of all of the rude, crabby, creeps that were going to grace her desk in the next few hours. "J" said thanks, but still seemed a little skeptical about why I was being so kind. The printers jammed, the computer froze, she was interrupted about 15 times by people asking questions who apparently didn't realize that my invisible potion had wore off and I was actually standing there...and I just kept smiling, joking and trying to make her laugh. I asked her if she ever felt like we (the rude, crabby creeps) believed the airline staff met for secret rain dances to foil our flight plans? This finally, got her to laugh. From that point on, as she helped me we made small talk and joked. She was able to get me on a flight on Delta to Milwaukee via Cincinnati. "J" thanked me for being patient and kind and I told her it was no problem and that I would pray for her. She looked a little startled by that comment, but said thanks.

I now had another three hours to waste because my new flight wasn't leaving until 6:40. So I headed over to the gate to see who else I could chat with. That's where I met "M". "M" suffers from a panic disorder, depression and is afraid of the city. We talked for about an hour as she waited for her flight. We talked about family, moving, boyfriends (hers is possessive and verbally abusive) and why she doesn't leave Vegas and move back home with her family in North Carolina. "M" cried at least twice during our conversation and I think my arm went numb at least twice while rubbing her back as we talked. When they called for her flight to board, she thanked me for talking with her and said in a joking way, "Guess somebody likes me up there" I told her, "Yep, God does!" I gave her a big hug and told her that I would pray for her to find her way in deciding what to do.

Finally, I spread out on the floor at the gate and did some reading, wrote Marlon a love letter, took a little nap and snapped some pictures (hence the shoes and glasses on the previous post) At 6:35 the plane we would board finally landed. At 6:45 the passengers were finally off. At 6:55 we were finally able to board. Many of us were a little nervous because of our connecting flights, but what could we do at this point. After about an hour in the air we were told that our flight would land at C14 at about 8:35pm. My flight to Milwaukee was leaving from C67 at 8:50. This would be interesting. As we were getting ready to land I sat praying and praying and suddenly the woman next to me said, "Hey look, a rainbow." I just knew I was going to make it home Sunday night.

A man with internet connection was looking up flights for people. Many were relieved that their connecting flights were also delayed and they wouldn't need to run. Milwaukee was not delayed. Several people around me said, "Oh, sorry. I hope you get home tonight." I told them I would. I had faith that God was going to make it happen. As we got off, we had to wait for our carry ons to be brought around from under the plane (just an indication of how small the plane we were on was) I rocked and prayed as I stood there. As they brought the cart around the wing, I grabbed my bag and took off running.

Now I know why I've needed to lose 35 lbs. It is not to win the money. It was so I could run like O.J. through the Cinncinnati airport on June 22nd, 2008. :) I have not ran that fast since I was in high school track. In fact, I believe they are sending a medal to my home soon. I do apologize to the elderly couple I scared, the small child I almost took out and the man's foot I might have grazed with my bag. As I rounded the corner by gate 39, the airport opened into another waiting area. I could see another check point for gates 40-70. As I approached the desk with my flight number, I saw that the Milwaukee flight said closed next to it. I did not hesitate. I had my ticket out and with what little breath I had, managed to gasp, "Please tell me that Milwaukee is still on the ground. Please." The woman, "D" behind the counter looked ackwardly around. "I don't think so. We made the last call." It is now 8:56. I know I am making this plane. I do not cry. I do not rant. Or rave. "Please. If there's any way at all. Please check. I really, really need to get home tonight. It's been such a long day. I know it has for everyone, but please." As I am saying this "D" is on the phone whispering and not making eye contact with me. This is normally not a good sign, but I remained hopeful. As she hung up, she smiled at me and said, "Okay. They're holding it, but you have to hurry." C'mon "D", didn't you see me running like greased lightening to your counter? I got this. So as she lets me through I finish my race from gates 40 to 70. But Mindy, you were leaving out of 67!! Yes. I know this. But in my dynamic speed, I ran past 67 and had to backtrack three gates!!!!

As I ran up the stairs to the plane, handed off my bag and gave my ticket to the flight attendant I have never beamed such a big smile. Although it took me half of the flight to catch my breathe...lol...I made it. God orchestrated my day of travel perfectly. So many things about Sunday would not have happened if the day had not played out exactly that way. And I actually ended up getting home 15 minutes before I would have if I had remained on Continental with no flight interruptions.

Why do we fret and worry so

Why do we forget, refuse to let go

Our anxiety and panic build inside

As we hold on tight and try to hide

To the things He promises

That He will take

If we only let go and

allow Him to work

There is nothing that is coincidence

There is nothing that is unplanned

There is nothing about our day

Where He isn't in command.

The sooner we stop running

and just learn to rely on Him

Is the sooner we experience the

Freedom that comes

From letting His spirit in.

Blessings on your day today!!

Mindy <><

The Next Step

2008-06-22T22:36:00.003-05:00

What an amazing weekend. Transforming. Convicting. Encouraging. Uplifting. I am emotionally, physically and mentally drained...but I am spiritually filled to the brim. Tonight I am tired...but had this on my mind that I had to share before I could put my head to my pillow.

I am recommitting my days and every inch of my life to daily time with God. I can't know what He plans for me if I am not in CLOSE connection with Him. I can't continue to rely on my strength and my plans. It leaves me tired, frustrated, at my wits end and feeling out of control. Only He can provide the peace that transcends all understanding. So I will sit and wait to hear from Him and I will say YES in full obedience!!

I am recommitting my nights to be a time of rest and reflection and refreshment. I will not allow myself to be pulled by earthly distractions like TV, computer games, one last load of laundry. I will only stay awake if I feel God is telling me to because He has something to share with me that must be attended to that night. My bed will be a safe haven of comfort. So I will rest so that I can be ready and fully alive each day to carry out His will.

I am recommitting my feet to go where He says to go. I will not rush into ANYTHING because I find that whenever I do...it does not work. Even serving...even ministry...if it is not where He wants me to be at the time that He wants me there...then I am serving in vain, in my own strength and with my own agenda. This means releasing things I currently hold close and do in a prideful way. I must let go and wait on Him. I must let my feet follow 0NLY where He desires them to go. So I will get my feet set to follow only Him and only when He says.

Finally, I recommit my vision to align with His. I know that He has a great calling on my life and I will not be afraid of it. I will not allow doubt to cloud my obedience. I will not allow others to talk me out of what I know He desires. I will not allow Satan to twist my fears and inhibitions. I will see my life, my walk, my marriage, my children, my ministry, my calling as He sees them. I will allow the Holy Spirit to change my focus and align my vision with His. So I will not be misguided by what I see as my future, but allow Him to reveal my future to me.

Lord,

Thank you, thank you for allowing me the gift of this past weekend. You and only You know the full impact it had on my life. I can't even begin to share fully how I've been changed. Thank you for seeing me as You do..warts and all..and loving me just the same. No. More. Thank you for being the All knowing, All powerful, All giving God of the Universe who meets every one of my needs. I confess that I have not put You first. I confess that I have held on tight to things that I have been afraid to release. I confess that I have not trusted You with all aspects of my life. I desire to serve You. I desire to let women know the truth, the joy, the freedom that comes from having You first and foremost in our lives and heart. I heard You loud and clear this weekend. Stop, release all that is not of me, wait and I will tell You what to do. I am saying YES and not looking back.

Amen.

What I've been up to and what I'll be up to.....

2008-06-18T23:16:00.002-05:00

Well, Camp officially began this past Monday. For those of you who are my friends and family...or those who have just been reading my blog since last summer...you know that while last summer was a ton of fun...it was also incredibly taxing on me and ended up with a little meltdown in late August-early September. Everyone has taken great measure to ensure that this does not occur again. One great thing is that because I am now over the K-1 program, I am working with Camp Zoom (4yr-kids entering 1st gr) This camp is only from 9-12 so I have time in the afternoons to do other work, catch up, leave early to rest....it's been great and I can feel a difference already.
But I am still busy. And evening things like exercising...the boys sports...keeping my sanity have kept me away from blogging the last week. Thought I'd get on quick tonight and share some pictures....

This week I taught the language center. I shared about Mexico and taught the kids some words and a bible verse in Spanish.

Some of the kids learning a new worship song.

One of the small groups review the memory verse for the week.

Water Day is always a big "splash" (ok, ok....too corny?)

I love this picture. She was praying so hard. You could feel her heart just being near her. I love kids this age.

Now as for what I will be doing....Friday early A.M. I leave for North Carolina. I'm attending the Proverbs 31...She Speaks Conference. I am sooooooo excited I can hardly contain myself. Not only is the conference itself going to be amazing and a real stretch for me (I've signed up for the speaker track and will be evaluated by a group of peers and speakers) it's going to be so relaxing and wonderful to be alone in a hotel room....able to sleep in if I want....use the fitness room/hot tub as I want....

Anyway...not sure if I'll get on before Friday am....so if not have a blessed weekend and catch you next week!

6th grade graduation

2008-06-11T06:25:00.003-05:00

So our handsome oldest boy had his 6th grade graduation last night. It was a really nice little ceremony and party they had. It's so hard for me to think that he is going to be in middle school. Yikes!
Such a young man!

Ah boys...let's tell mom to count to three and then when she snaps the picture let's look down...lol!!

When did he get so tall??

Hangin' w/dad

Ok. Isaiah never smiles with teeth. So after much cajoling, he did this as a joke, totally not expecting me to snap the picture quick. I LOVE this goofy picture!!

So that's all I got right now. This is a crazy week. It's training for camp and we're getting everything ready. I'm working 12 hours days, but this should mean that Friday I can be done at 1 and I won't have to worry about work until Monday morning. Please keep me prayed up because I can feel Satan on me.

Thanks!

Flood of 2008

2008-06-11T06:12:00.002-05:00

So I thought I'd share a few pictures of how things looked the past couple of days around here. (the water is now gone. God's power is awesome!!)

This was the view from our front porch.

My next door neighbors backyard. Suddenly we lived on an island.

The corner of my street. The ducks are happy with the extended Fox River I think....lol.

And this is how deep the water on my street was.

And this is the only water that got in our basement. It's really unbelieveable because I have heard stories of other people who live down here and have 2 to 3 feet of standing water in their basements. It is truly a blessing.

I Love the Rain!

2008-06-08T20:34:00.003-05:00

Now I might not like driving in it...but I LOVE playing in the rain! Normally all of the boys and I get out there..but this evening only Izzy braved the elements with me :) Jordyn was willing to come on the porch and laugh at us (and take pictures) but she wasn't trying to get wet...lol! Here's a couple

Izzy and I get our groove thang on...

Yes. We were a little proud of our wetness!

Kinda blurry---but a good picture nonetheless of our full fledged water fight. Flip flops carry a LOT of water when you kick---who knew?

Well, laundry is calling...as well as my bed. I am really drained tonight. Oh--by the way--for those that care...Jordyn and I took back 1st place in our Pseudo Big Loser Challenge. Now we just need to keep it for 3 more weeks! I lost 5lbs this week! Yahoo :)

Sweet dreams....

One.

Not just a job....

2008-06-06T06:02:00.003-05:00

Hola.

Well somehow it's Friday aleady. Not quite sure how that happens...lol. The picture below is from our staff retreat day. Now if you've read my blog for any amount of time you know that over the last few years there have been wonderful times as well as struggles at my job. Working for a church can, believe it or not, be a strain on my faith at times. However, I must let everyone know that I work at one of the most amazing places ever. Not just because Wednesday for our Staff Retreat day we had a goofy, fun time...but because of the things I was reminded about my job and co-workers that day.

Our day began with a silly photo scavenger hunt. We were broken into groups and given a list of random things that people on our team needed to do around town and then take pictures or video of us doing them as proof. Here's just a few: swing on a swing, sing to a waitress, play leapfrog with a stranger, scream in aisle 4 of a grocery store, do a Chinese fire drill, oh---and as you can see from this picture...stand knee deep in water. We had to race back to church with our proof and yes I must admit that my team won! I think it was a combo of all of us being totally free with approaching strangers...and knowing our way around Waukesha. When we got back to the church we heard a talk from one of our old pastors. He spoke about TTEEAAMM and exactly what is involved in true team work. How to be together, trust, have energy, encourage, attitude, accountability, mission and memory. Then some of us had a crazy game of soccer with this gigantic ball (I can't remember the name of it) and a yummy tailgate lunch. We ended with awards and some words of encouragement from one of our senior pastors.

The TTEEAAMM talk is what got me thinking most about Elmbrook and the amazing thing about working there. I have had run ins with people at work. Church or not---we disagree, have different personalities, different viewpoints on issues and definately different life experiences. BUT there is a unifying factor that comes from staying focused on our mission and common purpose. To bring glory to God. To respect each other for our giftedness and individuality. It's an amazing privilege and an honor to work here.

Women 2Day Appreciation Night

2008-06-04T06:49:00.002-05:00

The evening on Monday was so lovely. I believe that Roberta plans most of it (or at least handles truly pulling it off) so I give my hat off to her for always paying attention to each detail. Now truth be told...it would not be my normal plans for a gathering, but it was such a sweet evening of pampering and girly fun that you just couldn't resist having a good time. Plus how often do many of us get time to sit down and talk, hang out with ministry not happening around us.
We met in the lobby and were shuttled by drivers to a church parking lot. Then we had to walk about a block to a beautiful home where we were split into groups, given 4 different stations to move through and then hang out for dessert at the end of the night. The stations were potting herbs and decorating the pot. A cheese pairing station where we sampled different fancy schmancy cheeses and learned about how to serve them. A delicious dinner of beef medallions and potatoes, spring green salad and green beens. The final station was card stamping where we each got to create three cards to take home. Here's some photos from the night

My friend Sharon living the high life. Ahhhh so bougie we were that night...lol. (Not sure what bougie means? Check it out here.

Fun and sassy Debra came to give us the cheese pairing demo. While I am not a big cheese person, I must admit some of them were very tasty.

Dana, Amy and I. Two of the best coordinators you could ever want for your ministry. Detail oriented, loving, true servants. I am blessed to know them!!

Just another manic.....

2008-06-02T22:55:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I wasn't sure who might be reading this blog and if I would get in trouble for saying "manic Monday" in my title....so to avoid any unnecessary lawsuits for a Bangle or two that might frequent my blog, I just left the title drift out...

Um. Not sure why I felt the need to share that with you. I have been a little blah all day--and am thinking that my "dessert" coffee is kicking in and I am on a caffeine high :) (although it was probably de-caf and it is just my imagination making me giddy) But I digress....

It was a pretty good weekend. Friday night it was so nice to visit with Brother Bob. He looks great and not much different from last August when we were there. I can't believe that it was already almost a year ago that we were visiting him. It seems so long ago. Saturday was a full day with baseball, a quick swim in between games, our Biggest Loser Challenge and then a picnic at Roberta Park. Sunday was church, some exercise and the afternoon at my parent's pool. Today was non-stop at work. Our day camps start in two weeks, with training starting next week so this week is going to be totally bala bala (spanish slang for crazy, loony, nuts, harey carey) Tonight was a really wonderful appreciation evening that Laurie and Roberta planned for the Women 2day staff and coordinators. I have some pics to download later and can share more then...

What I really want to talk about though is Saturday. Some of you know that I've been occasionally attending and Marlon and I are helping our friend Pastor Jerome with his new church, New Beginnings. Here is the tagline for the church:

where the unloved are loved, the unwanted are needed,
and the lonely have friends.

Now if you know me at all, you know that is my heart...so I love being able to spend time with Pastor Jerome, his wife and their growing congregation. The Lord has placed it on his heart to help turn around some parks in Waukesha. His idea is to bring the church to the parks that the city has determined to be "problematic". So Saturday was the first of these days.
The body of Christ that just happen to attend New Beginnings Church (and some like me who just occasionally attend) showed up at Roberta park with grills, food to feed an army, games, music and love. No organized agenda, no committee to pull it off, no set up and clean up crew...didn't need any of that. The spirit was so alive at that park that every detail was taken care of and then some without even having to give it a second thought. The best part of the afternoon for me was looking around and not being able to tell from sight who were the "church" folk and who had already been hanging out in the park when we arrived. That park is always full of people on the weekend and the cops are called there often. There's even been talk of shutting it down and removing the basketball courts because of the problems there. Not this past Saturday.
Now I know some of my friends and maybe some of you reading this would have have these questions to ask... What was the purpose and anticipated outcome of the event? What is the planned follow up? How many souls were saved for Christ that day? What measurable impact occurred that day?
Please do not get my wrong by my next comments. I work at a church...I have been on committees for events...I know that these are valid questions that can be brought up at planning meetings and part of prep discussions. But....
On May 31....for a few hours....we threw all of that out the window. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, laughs, just living. To be honest, I think the "church" spends too much time worrying about those things. My "agenda" each day is to live and breathe Jesus. Souls are not mine to save...so there is no reason for me to keep track of that. Impact often isn't seen or felt for days...weeks...even years after it's made so how do you measure that? If I am respresenting Christ in all I do and say...to the best of my ability...and being real and authentic about my struggles and the work He continues to do in me...then He is going to take care of the rest. His light will shine through me. His love will flow from me. His grace and mercy will cover those around me.
How and when did that come about? The shift that made church and ministry more about the outcomes and the polished look of the event than the people and the realness of who Jesus is. As I read Acts I don't see a lot of scripture dedicated to who had the best potluck dish....the competition of who led the most people to Christ....the gold medal for whose life was most transformed after attending a church service.

May I never be so complacent in my faith that I take the gift of my salvation for granted. May I never grow so proud that I think that He needs me to carry out His will. May I never feel so jaded that I forget who He wants me to reach. May I always see people the way He sees them.

So anyway. Saturday was great. And I have no clue what God is going to do with it next.

The Melting Pot and the Brewer Game

2008-05-30T22:25:00.004-05:00

So Wednesday nite we took the Teen MOPS leaders out to the Melting Pot. I had never been there and oh my goodness, it was so much fun! Since we hadn't had our big overnight retreat we opted to spend a little more and get the full treatment for these amazing ladies. I am so proud to be a part of this awesome team of leaders. Each week they give so selflessly of themselves to ensure that our girls feel loved, taken care of and have strong models of who Jesus is. It was so much fun to just sit and relax together, enjoy the food, and have a little freak out when Kristen got a nut in her salad (which led to $15 off of her meal by the way...lol) It was great too because all 10 of us were able to go. If you haven't been, I would definately recommend it.

So Thursday Children's Ministry staff and the interns went to a Brewers game together. We went early to tailgate and had a really good time. I am not a big baseball person (Izzy's games aside) so I actually left early with a couple other ladies who wanted to go too. Here's a few pictures from the day.
Cheryl and I cheer on our team!

Me and my friend the Chorizo...

My friend Ali and her guy the hot dog. Although we found out later this is the polish? Not sure.

To quote my friend Steph...."wow--these ladies are a catch!" Me, Sue, Julie, Steph and Shelbi

Brother Bob just got here so I am going to go and visit. Have a really good nite!!

Thursday Thirteen and a whole lotta lotta...

2008-05-29T20:08:00.002-05:00

First, my Thursday Thirteen.

The Top 13 Things I am Looking Forward to this Summer
1. My trip to North Carolina for a conference
2. Swimming at my parent's house
3. Camp Zoom
4. Not being as busy as last summer
5. Going to Kids Kamp as a counselor with Jordyn as my intern
6. Losing more weight
7. Continued SUNSHINE
8. not working on Sundays
9. the Waukesha Community Picnic on July 26th
10. It staying light out later
11. going to the zoo (I really like the zoo)
12. Brother Bob's visit from the Philippines
13. cook-outs!!

Next...

I have two situations with work where I see how God is working on me and honing my leadership skills. I am not someone who shys away from conflict. I do not have a problem speaking my mind and prefer it when people speak theirs. I like to express what I am feeling. Probably the most difficult people in the world for me to deal with are people who are reserved and not honest about what they are thinking for feeling. On two different teams that I am a part of...there is a person that is the TOTAL opposite of me. Each of these people shy away from conflict, don't like to say anything uncomfortable or negative, don't express their emotions easily and are very reserved. We've butted heads many times and in one of the situations I recently asked to have a 3rd person sit in with us because I could tell that our communication just wasn't jiving and that I might be overpowering the person. What has happened is that I am learning how to reach and communicate with that last person who drives me nuts...lol...and also learning how to not drive them so nuts! My friend and Pastor and confidant, Dave, is doing the mediation for me and the one person. He hit the nail on the head yesterday by saying that our personalities as well as our cultural background put us on totally different hemispheres and make it near impossible for us to see where the other one is coming from. So we need to always walk in the spirit and allow God to guide our conversations so that we extend grace to each other at all times. It makes total sense and I am so happy and relieved to have tools to help me communicate better with these people and in the process have less stress. :)

I have to go and give my Grandma her shot so I will have to finish later. Want to share about our special Teen MOP leader dinner last night and the Brewer game today.

ttfn (tata for now)

The Biggest Loser

2008-05-26T23:07:00.002-05:00

Oooo...almost forgot to update on this. I lost 3 lbs. this week and Jordyn lost another pound. I'm up to 24 now!! Unfortunately my brother in law and friend had a great week and etched us out of 1st place by .2 percent!!! Jordyn and I are determined to move back into first this week. Now it's a battle for real :)
Wish me luck because I have my work cut out for me after all I ate today at my Grandma's!!

Memorial Day....family, fun and an extreme water fight!

2008-05-26T22:17:00.001-05:00

Every year my family gets together on Memorial Day. (actually we get together all the time...lol) This year was nice because my Uncle Lino and Cameron are here from Cali and my Uncle Frankie had a weekend pass so he was there too. My parents kept the kids overnight on Sunday so Marlon and I slept in a little and then they came over to watch the parade. Waukesha's Memorial Day parade is not very large so it only lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. At noon we went to my parents to swim a little bit and then headed over to my Grandma's about 2ish. What a wonderful day to sit outside. I got sooo dark just from one day...lol!
My Aunt Josie bought the kids some water balloons and what ensued was a hilarious water balloon fight with the kids. First the littler kids and then some of the older kids got involved. After the balloons were gone they had to move to glasses, bowls and plastic jars. By then some of my cousins had gotten in on the excitement. This led to the hose and buckets...lol! The chaos escalated when my cousin Tony got up on the roof (with the help of my Uncle Davy steadying the ladder and then quickly putting it away) so that he could get my cousin Jackie's boyfriend Myron. Myron had gotten EVERYONE and Tony had to get him back. The culmination of the fun came though when my cousin's Shawn and Cristy tag teamed him and got him with the hose. We like to make boyfriends feel welcome. :) Here's some pictures.... Cameron has grown so much since they were here last year.

My cousin Junior and his nephew Tomas.

Jackie and Myron. The last time you will see him dry. :)

The kids LOVED the bubble grill that my Aunt Josie bought. It was kind of cool actually.

The start of the chaos!

A prayer request would be about Uncle Lino. When he got here from Cali it was easy to see that he is not healthy. He did confess that he has been sick and just hung on because he was determined to get out here with Cameron. My aunt's took him to the VA hospital late yesterday afternoon and they are running tests and bloodwork. He has some kind of infection and his liver appears to be affected. I'm worried (I know I shouldn't be--God has everything) because he really did not look good at all. Cameron is staying with my Grandma and Aunt Linda so pray for them as well. They both love kids but Cameron is little and takes a lot of time and energy. Help me know how to help.

Thanks.

Our day of baseball...

2008-05-26T11:23:00.003-05:00

With 2 boys being involved and Marlon being the coach, it seems that basketball often consumes us. This weekend there was no tournament (yay) and Izzy had a double header in Sheboygan so we set out at 9:30 to spend the day focused on him. It was a lot of fun and he really enjoyed himself. He's grown so much this season already...learning not to be so hard on himself, how to take criticism, understanding the game more. He is the starting catcher and really getting pretty good at it. Here's some pictures from our day on Saturday.
Izzy getting some sunflower seeds in while his team was up at bat.

Celebrating after two teammates scored!

Up to bat. (elbow up---makes Daddy and Papa so proud...lol)

Izzy and his buddy relaxing in between games.

The other team provided lunch for EVERYONE while we waited for the next game to start. It was very nice.

One of the best things about this season of baseball is the new friendship that is starting between me and the coaches wife. She actually was a very close friend of my cousin's growing up. Nina has an amazing testimony and lives out loud for Christ. I love it because we've found out that our stories are similar. The details of how we lived might not be...but our hearts and our brokenness definately are. She and her husband (who actually has been a casual friend of Marlon's for years--they played prison softball together) and Marlon and I are going to get together soon. Just the four of us and then maybe a BBQ or something with the kids as well.

Oh---and just as an update. You may remember on May 13th I posted about how crazy my time was going to be for the next two weeks. Well, that time has ended and I survived suprisingly well. I was able to enjoy it and I know that it was by laying it all on Jesus that I did.

Because I don't always daily blog anymore....or because I might not give glory to Him as often as I should...it might seem that the focus of my heart is not fully committed to living our His will for me. I must admit in all honesty that the last month or two I have not been as obedient to Him as I should. Other than preparing for things for work---I have not been in the word. Other than praying for other people and when I've needed help out of stressful situations---I have not been in conversation with Him. I've too many times relied on my own strength to get through the day and put on a happy face for others when I've really be hurting, struggling or sad on the inside.

This past weekend I got up early Saturday and Sunday to do my powerwalk around the river. By early I mean 6ish am. What it did was rejuvenate my spirit and restore my soul. In the newness of the day--fresh with the early morning sunshine--I was able to connect with God again. When we confess our disobedience to Him, set our hearts straight again and align our spirit----it is amazing and awesome to me how He can immediately lift the burden we've been living under. Like a cloud that separates and allows the sun to show through---that is how my heart is feeling today. I leave you with Psalm 23. Please don't dismiss this part of my blog because you know this verse and have heard it a zillion times. Please don't stop reading here because you really aren't in the "religious" stuff. Please don't leave without taking a minute to read and think about the words of this Psalm.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,he restores my soul He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

B-day dinner

2008-05-23T22:43:00.003-05:00

Tonight we celebrated mine and Isaiah's birthdays. My parents, Connie and her family and even the Anderson family came over! Marlon grilled out, I ate wayyyyyyyyyy too much, then we opened gifts, had cake and went for a walk around the river. Yes...me, Izzy, Amy, Gabby, Baba, Papa, Aunt Connie, Keyona, Nia and her friend Shania...lol. I definately did not make it 3 times around tonight :)

Isaiah and I

Owen was HYSTERICAL tonight! He is such a cutie!! He was cracking me up because he found the 12 pack boxes of soda that each had some cans left in them. He brought them in the living room and proceeded to take each can out and put it on the coffee table....separating them by the kind they were...lol. So smart. Marlon said he's gonna be an engineer or something because he definately has mechanical mind. I had to get the camera out he was so sweet....and I tell you that kid loves to have his picture taken! I kept telling him to pose for the Tab commercial and he just held the can so perfect and still...lol. It was a great evening and I'm so glad that they were able to come and hang out with us.

Tomorrow is a double header baseball game in Sheboygan. I really didn't exercise today and so I am thinking about getting up and walking before we go. Last week I only lost 1 lb. so I really want to lose 2 or 3 this week. We'll see.

Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!!!

Field Trip

2008-05-23T22:37:00.003-05:00

Me and my group. We had a really fun day.

Checking out the 3D action.

Elijah checks out the bed of nails---ouch!

Elijah and his guys while we waited for the busses

Me and the ladies!

Me and my boys

2008-05-23T22:34:00.002-05:00

The poetry in my mind tonight....

2008-05-21T23:09:00.000-05:00

Life...

Back and forth

Around again

Over and under

Where did I begin?

Why are there days when I just can't seem

To find my way

Then I get my head straight

Focus and know

That He always has me and never lets go

I let my foolish decisions dictate my day

cloud my way

lead me astray

Ignoring the freedom He offers me

And forgetting what He created me to be

So I start fresh as He grants me a new day

Crosstrainers Academy

2008-05-18T22:31:00.002-05:00

Just some pics from Friday and my excursion to Crosstrainers. I love this place. I could just eat those kids all up! My friend Jan Whittow is the principal and a "new" friend, Will Branch is a teacher, worship leader, gym teacher, bus driver...lol. We've chosen the school as the mission for Kids Kamp this summer. We are going to use the offering money to revamp their gym and supply them with gym equipment. I have also decided to make Crosstrainers our new mission for K-1. Each department has a mission/social service agency that we support with our weekly offering. I am hoping to help the kids take this to a different level and praying that God will grow this into relationships versus just a "mission" to support. When a mission or missionary is overseas, it's understandable that the only contact can be through financial support and possibly an occasional letter or newsletter. But these are kids just like the kids at Elmbrook...separated only by a highway. I think God can do amazing things to transform lives, perceptions and world views. Not think...I know He can. And I'm prayerful that he'll use a new relationship between this school and the K1 kids at Elmbrook and these kids will be a new generation of people striving to bring racial reconciliation to our communities.

Have a good nite...

Well...

2008-05-17T22:39:00.003-05:00

it's Saturday nite at 10:30 and I'm finally getting a chance to blog. So much has happened. It's been a quick week. Now the weekend is flying by as well. I can't believe tomorrow is Sunday already!

My next posts are some pictures from this last week. I have some more on the work camera--but the cord to download is at work, so that'll have to wait until tomorrow or Monday.

One important thing. Please pray for my friends Troy and Amy. They had a house fire on Thursday and are currently in a hotel. Insurance is going to work to find them more suitable housing as they'll be out of their home for a bit, but it could be a week or so. They just had a horrible fire not much more than 5 years ago so this is extremely upsetting to Amy, as well as everyone in the family. Thanks for thinking of them.....

The AAU boys....

2008-05-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

Well, a Waukesha tournament always means the team hanging out at our house. This time we only had three with us...however, this weekend Marlon also coached the 8th gr. team so in between games this afternooon we had an additional 7 boys with us. I got up early to make them a big breakfast and then they spent the morning on the trampoline, playing WII, listening to music and on the playstation. Then we spent the afternoon swimming at my parent's house and having lunch. I must admit---it was a ton of fun---and only a little trying. They are good kids and just loved hangin' out. After the games (and me working) we got them some pizza and are now slowly trying to get them to settle down and start thinking about bed. Let's see if we can get them down by 11:00!

Teacher Appreciation Dinner

2008-05-17T22:13:00.003-05:00

Just a few pics of our amazing volunteers in Praise Pond, Celebration Station, Kid Zone and Clubhouse Kids. It is an honor to serve with such a faithful leadership team. Our dinner was yummy cook-out food prepared by Feed My Sheep. A couple of parents shared how the ministry has impacted their families and we gave out a devotion book to the volunteer who'd been serving the longest and least time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Now tomorrow is the last Sunday school until fall, then it'll be time for a break. :)

Clubhouse Kids Luau

2008-05-17T21:53:00.004-05:00

It was such a fun nite! So many parents came and that really helped make it a great evening. I am beyond thankful for such great kids who are so eager to learn and love the Lord. I pray that they each remember with affection their time in Clubhouse Kids and what they learned there.

Long day....

2008-05-13T08:38:00.003-05:00

Today is going to be a fun day, but a long one. I am asking if you either visit my page on the regular or just happen upon it today---that you say a prayer for me. It's our last Clubhouse Kids for the year and we are having a "luau" style party. Parents are invited and the format is going to be much different so all in all it'll take a lot of prep work, set up and I still have to get out and do some shopping for it. I am very excited though...just praying that going to bed early last night will pay off in my energy and endurance...lol! :)

My schedule for the next week or so has been swimming in my mind. I hate when I do that because my mind can start to race and spin and then it's like I can't get focused or slow down even if I wanted to. So I am going to write down all of the "stuff" that I have coming up and then release it.

Tonight: Clubhouse Kids Celebration
Wed: Three meetings, Teen MOPS
Thurs: Two meetings, Israel's baseball game
Fri: Teaching at Crossroads Academy school at the Rescue Mission
Sat: Teacher appreciation dinner
Sun: Last Sunday school, Keyona's birthday
Mon: Izzy's baseball practise
Tues: Isaiah's birthday (prep for last Teen MOPS)
Wed: Teen MOPS celebration
Thurs: Two meetings, Izzy's baseball game
Fri: field trip for Elijah
Sat: baseball tournament in Sheboygan
Sun: John Burke prison

Then....yes then....I will be taking off a few days!!! Aside of a few meetings and a staff day at a Brewer's game...I am not working the last week of May. Writing it down actually felt good. Just putting it out there and then letting it go so that I can focus. While most of the things need to be worked on daily (like prepping for the end of year parties), many of the things on the list (like meetings) don't need to twirl around in my brain until the actual day of the event. So. That being said---I will share about these things as they occur....but in the next two weeks if I blog about stress, worry, concern in relationship to any of these things you can beat me with a wet noodle!!!

Here's a verse I'm sharing with you today, because I need it to!!

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Njoy ur day!

Oh yes...and the fun ensued...

2008-05-11T17:28:00.002-05:00

Me ready for a nite on the town.

My friend Sarah and I. I love this girl.

Of course sweet Amy and I had to get a picture together.

Me, Connie and Mahleah. Yay for cousins!! (we finally got a picture where Connie's eyes were open..lol)

DeeDee and I. My forever freaky dance partner....lol.

Friday was such a fun nite. Actually this has been a really good weekend all around. Marlon and the boys ended up having to leave for the tournament on Friday. It was a crazy relay of occurrences that led to that decision, but he was able to get a hold of all of the parents, the hotel and put it all into action. One thing is for sure---when that man sets his mind to get something done---not a THING is going to stand in his way. Jordyn had to work and then since nobody else was going to be home, I offered for her to stay at my parent's house. I didn't want her to be alone until 1am ish when I got home.

So Sarah, Amy and I met at a park and ride and then I drove us to Chile's. We met up with Connie, Katie, Angie, and Camellie. It was a riot. We laughed so hard and talked about EVERYTHING under the sun. And we learned about all the different kinds of swings.

After dinner it was only 9, and not recalling if clubs were even OPEN that early, we decided to hang out at Katie's house for a lil bit. After some silly pictures on rocky horses, a lil salsa dancin, several laugh attacks that led to emergency bathroom breaks and disturbing reminiscing convo we headed to the club. My cousin Mahleah and sister in law DeeDee came and met us. We hung out in the lounge area until 11:30 when the club opened. By now I KNEW we were gonna make it out past 12:00 (which had been a goal of this group) because I have to get at least a good hour of dancing in...lol. They'd played a good mix of music. A little too much rock for me, but it was so immersed in the hip hop and old stuff that it wasn't so bad. The crowd was obviously younger than the majority of us (to be fair Sarah and DeeDee aren't even 30 yet) but what club isn't gonna be younger than us...lol?? We danced non stop from 11:30 to 1:30am. If I wouldn't have had to drive home---I was starting to get tired---then I definately could have stayed longer.

It was so much fun. I love dancing so much. In my younger, wilder days dancing always seemed connected to gettin' a guy, turning someone on, playing games...so when those things became obsolete in my life...I thought that going dancing had to be too. I never really had a group of girl friends who wanted to just go out and have fun and not have it revolve around rubbin up on someone-getting wasted-goin' home with someone. Friday was nothing like that. A friend saw my picture and asked if the guys were all after me. That made me laugh because I don't even think of myself like that anymore. Did I feel attractive on Friday--definately. Did I enjoy the fact that I looked just like sassy Mindy and not Mom Mindy, Wife Mindy, Give Give Give Mindy--definately. But I had to tell her it's not about that. I couldn't tell you if a single person even gave me a second look because it was all about my girls, the music and dancin' like a diva...lol. Plus I've always had a system for nights when I wanted to be left alone.

1. Do not make eye contact.

2. If you happen to make eye contact inadvertantly, scowl, roll your eyes and look away. 99% of the time, he's going to think ur a ---- and leave you alone. Or he'll be so intimidated that he won't have the guts to approach you. If he is part of the 1% that will still approach you...you just ask him what made him think you wanted him to come and dance with you?

At 1:30 we finally headed home. It was such a great night---total bonding for all of us I think. We'll definately have to make this a regular occurrence I think. We may need to even make a road trip of it. Sarah had mentioned Vegas. Not sure if I can swing that one---but maybe Madison or Chicago....Love all you ladies!!

Oh--for the challenge this week. I lost 5.6 lbs!!! That's 20 lbs. total :) My goal is another 15 by the end of the challenge on 6/28. I know that the dancing HAD to have helped.

Well, the Survivor finale is on---so I'll get more out to you later about my good weekend.

Peace.

Random Pics

2008-05-09T11:39:00.004-05:00

Jordyn and I at Spamalot. Why am I leaning so far forward...lol??

My friend Erica's son, Marcus. He is suchhhh a cutie!

This morning at Muffins & Moms with my niece, sister and mommy. I even drew my mommy a picture :)

Me and my lil Nia. This is one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet!

Steppin' Out.....

2008-05-09T00:18:00.002-05:00

with my baby....

Ok. Well, not with my baby...but still steppin' out!

Tomorrow night (I guess tonight since it's after midnight already) is the night. The girls and I are hitting the town and heading out dancing. I seriously can't remember the last time I went out dancing. It's ending up being quite a group of us...me, Amy, Connie, Katie, Sarah, DeeDee and maybe my cousin Mahleah.

So we decided on Decibel, but I suppose if it's not what we're expecting we can always head over to Cush. We went there for Connie's bachelorette party. Um. Okay, that was 5 years ago. I seriously think that other than watching my cousin's band here in Waukesha, or heading out for my brother-in-law's b-day parties, I have not been out since 2003...lol. Of course, I was a little wild still then and it's probably been good that I haven't been out!!

I chopped all my hair off today and dyed it black again. Marlon loves it that way and quite honestly I do too. One, I seriously HATE styling my hair. It's such a process and chore to me...lol. Anytime my hair is past my ear it takes so long to do. Two, it's really just more my personality to have a sassy hairdo...lol. I was starting to look a little too suburban soccer mom. Don't get me wrong--after all I WAS a surburban soccer mom--but I am not one to like looking mainstream. Three, I'm much too much of a sweaty girl to have long hair anyway...lol.

So I'm gonna be a total dork and take pictures of us tomorrow night so I'll get some posted for you all to laugh at and enjoy! I am sure it will be a night to remember and hopefully the start of a new tradition. I know that there were a couple of ladies who aren't able to come this go 'round and want to make sure we plan another one of these sometime soon.

My toes are finally dry so I guess I'll get my sleepin' hubby off the couch and go to bed. Early morning tomorrow as my niece invited me to her Mom n Muffin morning at school. Have to be in Milwaukee at 8am!! Blech :P But Nia is sooooooo worth it!!

Peace out friends!!

TMI Tuesday

2008-05-06T06:58:00.003-05:00

Ok...anyone who reads my blog on the regular (that means u too Minnesota, Kenosha and Chicago...lol---start leavin' some comments!!!) knows that I love these little memes. So here's one I found for Tuesdays. Yay or based on some of these questions....should I say Yikes!!

1. Early bird or night owl? definately a night owl

2. Where was the first place you ever had sex? someone's bedroom

3. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? (1 is lowest, 10 is highest) Right now? I would say an 8

4. Are you more submissive or dominant? dominant

5. Do you believe in love at first sight? no, but lust at first sight--yes

6.Pancakes or waffles? With or without toppings? neither

7. They say, "Way to a man's heart is through his stomach." What is the way to your heart? affection

8. Have you ever gone to a topless/clothing optional beach? If yes, did you participate? ew-no

9. What song reminds you of a previous relationship (for good or bad)? Anything from the Silk CD--good and Here and Now--bad!!

10. When, where and with who was your best kiss ever? wow. I love kissing so it's hard to say. Probably the first kiss Marlon and I had after we had decided to work our marriage out.

11. Does anyone not currently in a relationship with you have pictures or you or your body part(s) that you would prefer that other people not see? um. unfortunately yes. I am hoping they are destroyed by now...lol!!!

Okay. So I am tagging Amy, Jess, Josie and just on a whim in case she stops in Michelle!

Have a wonderful day. The sun is out and it's time to bring out the fun warm weather clothes!!

Ok....finally gonna catch up....

2008-05-04T16:12:00.002-05:00

Alright.

It's Sunday afternoon, I am finally sitting down to get updated on this blog. (Lost another pound and a half....up to 14 lbs. now...yay!!)

So here's what's been up in our house.

1st---continued stressful issue at work with this same person. I am left feeling like the only way to cope is to stay prayered up and protect myself by dealing with this person as little as possible. I have requested that we have a sit down conversation with our Pastor because I think there are a few areas where we need to clear the air and it's probably safe to have a third party present. Our pastors are on a retreat Monday and Tuesday so it's going to have to wait until Wednesday, but honestly, I don't know how much good it's going to do, so I really don't know if it matters all that much. I'm fine with agreeing to disagree (since we do on most fronts) but the disrespectful tone and attitude has to stop or I think I might go mad.

2nd---Marlon was in an accident on Wednesday. No injuries, but our van is undriveable. The problem is that as of midnight the evening before---our insurance lapsed. :( This is a total reflection of poor communication/administration between Marlon and I. We both played a part in not catching that this was occurring and Tuesday was the last day to get it straightened out. What this means of course is that we are going to be responsible for covering all of the expenses. At this point it seems the other driver is going to go through his insurance and we'll just have to pay the deductible. While I admit this situation seems dismal....we see God's hand all over it and praise His name for His blessings!!

Marlon ALWAYS takes the car to work on Wednesdays. That morning he planned to take the car. As he was walking out he asked if I needed the van because if not, he was just going to take the van. (he uses the van later in the day for basketball)
I actually needed the van on this particular Wednesday for Teen MOPS, but FORGOT! So when he asked, my mind totally blanked and I told him no.
He was not wearing his seatbelt and was on the highway driving 65-70 mph. He rear ended a pick up truck. Because he was in the van, which was higher than the truck, the impact was low on the van and he wasn't hurt. Had he been in the car....I don't even like to think about it. God is good. All of the time.

It's amazing to me how God works. I will never understand. I know that His ways are not my ways. Thanks heavens for THAT!

3rd---Teen MOPS is at a crossroads of what to do with our "graduate" program. Wednesday night we had a meeting with some of the young women that attend the bible study and I have to say, when asked what they'd like to see in a bible study....what they really described was real Women's bible study. They'd like it to be held in a home, they'd like to really dig into the bible and study how it applies to their life, they'd like to be challenged to grow spiritually, they'd like snacks, they'd like opportunities throughout the year to do things with or famlies or as friends, they don't want to take the summers off. Now the praying and prepping comes. The woman who leads the bible study, our 2 coordinators and I need to sit down and really talk about what this all means. Can we exert the time and energy to give them this (when it already exists at different churches?) when there is so much that needs to be done for the teen girls themselves? This will not be an easy answer.

4th---Marlon had opportunity to speak at a church this morning, New Beginnings. I was also able to be a part of the worship team. It was a great morning. He did a nice job and his sermon seemed to be well-recieved. Sometimes it's a fresh change of pace to visit at a church that is small and just starting. No expectations, no rushing...

5th---While I am feeling very content in my spiritual life right now....I am reading the bible, praying and being obedient in a rejuvenated way....I am still feeling like something is missing and it's driving me crazy. Sometimes I am so restless and fidgety. Sometimes I feel like I just want to come out of my skin. I know that with my past issues these are indicators that I need to slow down. Have patience with myself. Let myself work through the anxiety-even if I just wander about for a bit. Exercise more. Get in my bible whenever I feel like I am not sure what to do. Surround myself with safe friends who have my best interest in mind.

6th---that being said...a few of us have decided to have a girl's night out. A few of my friends from church and Amy, are going to do dinner and go dancing!! We are like a bunch of giggly, little girls trying to figure out where we're going to eat, what we're going to wear and where we can go that isn't raunchy nor a cesspool for underage kiddies (we'd rather not feel like the chaperones at the club...lol) It's so funny to me because for a lot of years of our marriage, Marlon always wanted me to have friends. I never seemed to really meet women that I had a lot in common with, who loved to be goofy and have fun like I did, but who also loved the Lord. In the past couple of years I have met those women and it's so fun to have girlfriends to share stuff with. My sister and mom are amazing---so I'm not trying to diss them here...lol---but to have a girlfriend to talk to, to share stories with, to pray for each other, and now to have "girls night out" with...Marlon was right. It's a necessary part of my Christian walk.

Alright, time to get off for the day. I have to run to the grocery story, call Amy and watch George Lopez, "Why You Crying" Hope you enjoyed the warm sunshine today!!

Love.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-05-01T23:20:00.002-05:00

Could it be? A Thursday Thirteen? I can't even remember the last time I've done one of these. There's big major things to blog about, but I just got home 30 minutes ago from Spamalot (Jordyn and I went) so my brain is not quite in a place to blog about anything too major. :)

So instead I offer you this Thursday Thirteen and should hopefully be back tomorrow with some words...especially since it's my day off.

Thirteen Favorite Memories of My 20's
1. Well, so I won't take up 4 spots with them...the birth's of all four of my kids. Each was special in a different way because my life was so different each time.

2. Marrying Marlon. It was one of the most mature, responsible decisions I had made in my life up to that point.

3. Becoming a Christian. October 2007. My life will never be the same again.

4. Graduating college. Even as a single mom of one and then two kids==it was a goal that I was NOT giving up.

5. There were several relationships in my 20s that I learned so much from. I'm not talking about my "hoochie" phase, but real relationships...lol. Some were positive and I will hold dear to my heart always and some were HORRIBLE but they are still good memories because I learned a lot about what I didn't want and what was not healthy.

6. Working at Bethesda Lutheran Homes. I had such a fun group of residents. Okay-I did have my nose broken a couple of times and the crap scratched out of me weekly...lol...but I LOVED working there!

7. Dancing with my girls. Oh, I loved to go clubbin'!! The best was when Alisa and I were in our heyday. I bet I easily lost a goood 5 lbs. every weekend just from all of the sweatin' and shakin' :) Nitro's, Rooters, Lucci's, Legends, Fudds, Victor's, Roxbury, Van Dome's (my definate favorite), Amen's, Sneakers

8. When Kyle and I rode tripped it up to Minnesota to see Missy. This was my first real grown up road trip. We had a blast and it was soooo much fun to dance all night at Prince's club, Glam Slam.

9. When I went to Boston for Jenni's graduation. It was a great weekend and the first time after Jordyn was born that I was able to go and do something fun and silly and party for a weekend.

10. My parents marriage working out and staying strong.

11. Moving into my apartment in Whitewater. It was a feeling of accomplishment and transition. I wasn't with my parents anymore and I enjoyed the grown up feeling of freedom.

12. Moving into management at MAXIMUS. It was such a privelege and honor for me.

13. Overcoming my bulimia. In my mid 20s I was finally released from this horrible stronghold.

Whew! Memory lane is fun, but it's also a great reminder of where I've come from and where I don't want to go back to.

2008-04-28T21:56:00.002-05:00

I'm so frustrated with myself. I either left or had taken Marlon's I-pod at the prison last night. I could have sworn when I was picking everything up when I was done speaking that I put it in the case...but checking today it's not there. I called the prison and I have to call back in the morning when the main office is open so they can check in the safe. Aside of the fact that it is Marlon's I-pod...if it's not turned in at the office---they will probably have to put the prison on lock down and do unannounced searches to look for it. :( I tried to be so careful with it too. I really dislike messing up. Aargh.
Just frustrated. I'll get over it.

This is definately a night for prayer requests....

Please pray for my Aunt's boyfriend Leonard. His mom died on Saturday and the family is taking it really, really hard. There's a lot of anger and pain that is now coming out.

Praise that last night at prison went amazingly well. It's such an amazing feeling for it to feel like you're in the right place at the right time to deliver a message to the right person.

Pray that I learn how to deal with someone at my work in a more Godly way. This person continues to zap me and treats me so disrespectfully. I am beginning to feel that this something done on purpose to hurt me and it's so frustrating. Please help me to stay focused on the big picture. Pray that I remember what is true and hold tight to that.

Well that's all for tonight. I am really really tired. Jordyn and I walked 5 tines around Brookfield Square Mall and are getting up early to exercise. Oh---which reminds me...Jordyn and I are still in 1st place!! I lost 2 1/2 lbs. and Jordyn lost 4!! Yay!! We just keep trucking...

Night!!

2008-04-26T07:15:00.002-05:00

Um...so what in the world am I doing up and blogging at 7am on a Saturday? Well, let's just say I've had a full morning already.

Up at 5:30, baked cinnamon rolls, cut oranges, filled water bottles, finished dishes, returned confiscated cell phones...and I am now listening to Izzy downstairs singing and dancing to videos..lol.

Now here's a little background. We ended up with 6 boys from the team. Tyree, Lamont, Lamar, Develle, Kewaun, and Devante. It's funny because I had thought that there were only 4 boys---that's how many Marlon left Center Court with. I made tacos for dinner for everyone (when cooking for a boatload of boys, never bother with sides-all they want are tacos...lol) and I thought it seemed like a lot of boys in the kitchen getting food. When I got back from giving my Grandma her shot...I counted heads and asked, "How the heck did we add two?" I guess Marlon ran into the boys in the parking lot with their parents, they were just getting their bags--we had thought they left. We finally got everyone into a sleeping arrangement by about 10:45. By then we had confiscated the cell phones. It was funny because I think the boys were suprised that I was really taking them. Once I saw how they sat on the phone when we first got home-I knew we were gonna take them. I told them--"No phone calls after 10, no girls especially." Marlon and I laid down about 11. Devante had forgotten to turn his phone off and at 11:15 all of sudden Marlon and I hear a song start playing....awwww, good ole' Jasmine was hittin' up her boo Devante...lol. I swear I wanted to answer it so bad, but I behaved and just let it go to voicemail and then shut it off. I did tease him this morning tho' as I was handing the phones back out and said, "Hey Jasmine is a really nice girl. We got a chance to talk last night when she called." His eyes got as large as saucers...lol.

Now I have a little time before taking Izzy to the Waukesha Airport. There is a youth pilot program that is set up by Pastor Jerome. Marlon took Izzy and Isaiah last weekend. I actually think after their game today he is going to take all of the boys out there. Then I'll have just enough time to come home, take a shower and head into Milwaukee for our Biggest Loser Challenge. We're meeting at Connie's and having some kind of challenge today. She's keeping it a secret so who knows what we'll be doing!

Tomorrow I go to John Burke and I have to tell you I am totally drawing a blank on what to speak about. I just can't seem to settle on one idea. Pray that it comes to me please.

Is it the weekend?

2008-04-24T22:52:00.002-05:00

So tonight our friends Dave and Sue took us to dinner for our Christmas present. That is the extent of our busy...(and theirs) We went to Thunder Bay Grille-I'd never been there b4. It was really good, although I know I ate wayyyy too much for my diet and had a strawberry banana margarita. I did exercise and had very few calories the rest of the day...so I'm hoping that tomorrow and Sat. I can get really strict and make sure I at least stay the same.

Today at work I had three meetings===ay yi yi!! First at James Place to further discuss our Coummunity Fest. The date we are looking at is July 26th, held at Frame Park. This of course has to be approved, but we want to start a lot of the brainstorming planning now. This is a collaborative event between James Place, Elmbrook's Children's Ministry, the Teen Center, the Salvation Army and New Beginnings Christian Church. Our goal is to create a family friendly day event with free food, activities and fun. It was a pretty productive meeting.

Then at 10:45 I met with Edie and Steph about ordering for Camp Zoom. We identified a lit of supplies/snacks/crafts. It was a really great meeting and we got a lot accomplished in a short time. I then met with Ali at 1pm to talk about Clubhouse Kids. We got through lesson 3. We're over halfway done now.

Tomorrow is my day off, however, I do have a ton of stuff to do so I am prolly gonna work a lil bit just to keep me up to snuff.

OH---I almost forgot...2morrow I will be doing major cleaning because just about 1/2 of the guys basketball team will be staying with us for the weekend. So gotta go and stock up on pizzas, soda, fruit and stuff for pancakes on Sat. Right now I think it's at about 5 boys. It should be fun for them....I'll just lose my house for a couple of days...lol!!

Have a nice day!

Moving moving moving

2008-04-23T20:32:00.003-05:00

I have been sitting on my couch for about 10 minutes now. I do not have to move until 9pm. This just might be the longest that I have sat still today.

I do have to say that since I started working on Sundays...the weeks seem to really fly by. It's both a good and bad thing.

Oh my goodness. I am so shocked. Brooke and Jason aren't in the bottom two on American Idol. What the heck is up America? Guess it's time to start voting. Every season we always wait until it starts to get crazy and then we start voting. Brooke and Jason have gotta go.

There is much more to say. But I gotta go give my Grandma her shot so I guess it will have to be either later or tomorrow.

One.