Day 2 Expanded

This morning, I am able to think a little clearer, although it isn't all processed yet, I thought I would let you guys in on the events of yesterday.

Yesterday morning, we signed up to have some kids prophecy over us. It was AMAZING!! It was like they knew me without ever seeing me before when I walked in the room. Here are a few things they said:

* The first kid asked me if liked animals. I said kind of. Then, he asked me if I like to write. I told him it was kind of hard for me. He said he saw me writing and it just flowing easily. (It has been prophecied over me recently that I would write children's books and children's curriculum, but they had no idea about that.)

* The second kid asked me if I play the piano. I said no, but that I've always wanted to. The kid said he saw me playing a piano. Not reading music, necessarily, but playing powerful worship.

* The adult said he saw me playing a harp and switching out with a violin. (I don't remember the rest of it)

* The first kid said he saw me on a ship. It was a huge ship and the water was gold. He said that God was directing me and not to be upset when things change because God is keeping me from hitting the rocks.

* The adult asked me if I knew anyone who had broken their left leg or shin or had a knee problem. I thought about Avery, but I couldn't remember which leg and it was already healed. . then, I remembered that my knee has been bothering me for the last few weeks. Some days it hurts to walk, worship was painful, etc. He prayed for my knee and anyone else that I knew that had a problem in the left knee and my knee went numb and my lower leg felt like a noodle -- really weak. The pain left and I haven't felt it since.

* The adult said that my family -- immediate and extended -- would be serving the Kingdom of God. He asked me if there was a poverty mentality in my family and he broke it off.

* He said that God was going to pour out a healing ministry on me. I would see healings in all areas, but the main thing was cancer. He said he saw me with having a passion to see cancer erradicated since I was young. He said it would be in adults, but it would be in children, too. For those of you who can put those dots together, I always wanted God to use me to set kids free from cancer since my brother had it.

* I think the last part was that he saw me running a race. I was sprinting hard. He said that I've been sprinting and I keep thinking that I'm almost at the end of my race, but that God wanted me to know that my race was an endurance race, but that I would be running it like a sprint. He said my running shoes were golden.

So, how is that for a day? And that was only at 11 am!! We had an awesome time of worship last night. God gave me a word about roots growing from my feet into the undiluted Word of God and feeding the branches and watching the fruit become rooted in the undiluted Word and watching those kids produce fruit. I don't have the entire word right before me, but it was awesome. He said our name "The Everlasting Seed Company" was not a mistake. It was a prophetic statement.

Anyway, we're about to head back for the last day. Kim Clement IS going to be here tonight, but not at the children's conference. They are moving us to a different building for tonight's session and Kim Clement will be at the Bethel campus. We're trying to decide if we want to go to the last night of our conference or go to hear Kim Clement. . . decisions, decisions.

Day 2 . . .

Ever download something so big on your computer that your computer starts running really slow? That's how I feel today. So much . . so many things. . . so many words . . . so many ______ ______ ________ (you can fill in the blank and I bet you're probably right.

Today I received healing in my knee. It has been bothering me for a few weeks now and today it was healed. While we were being prophecied over by some kids (yeah, it was amazing), they called out my knee and prayed for it. My leg went numb and got really hot and there was no more pain. YAY GOD!!

Anyway, so much . . so much. . . so much. It's so late and we're all exhausted. . . our brains are running slow from the supernatural downloads from heaven. Maybe I will have more time tomorrow . . or maybe you'll just have to wait until I can process it all. . . either way, you'll have to wait!!

Day 1

Today, the conference started at 2 pm and it was so awesome!! They showed us pictures of where kids started praying for each other and God "broke out" all through their school. It started in the children's church room and spilled onto the playground, back in the gym and kids lives were changed.

Tonight, we heard a little bit on how to teach kids how to prophecy, etc. Tonight I heard the best "definition" of prophecy that I've ever heard. She said that to prophecy is just to see people/things how God sees them. That is so simple! She said that is how she taught her kids to prophecy -- just have them ask God how he sees someone/situation.

They talked about the kindergarten class at their Christian school. One day, the teacher was going to teach on the 5 senses. She told them to close their eyes and she asked them what they heard. Normally they would say the air conditioner, someone sneezing, etc. But, these kids said they were hearing God sing over them. Some of them heard Jesus Loves Me. The teacher said, "No, that's not what I mean. Close your ears and tell me what you see. They closed their eyes and their ears and said they saw angels. Some of them saw heaven. . . . I'll just say - that's not "normal".

ANyway, it was an encouraging day. Tonight, they did a fire tunnel. We weren't really sure what that meant, etc. but we got in line. As we were standing in line, Krissy noticed gold specks on her hands. We all had them. The lady in front of us told us it was gold dust. We all had it. I even went to the bathroom and washed my hands and it didn't go away. I've always been skeptical of gold dust, but tonight I saw it with my own eyes.

Tomorrow morning, we have an appointment for their kids to pray and prophecy over us. I'm really looking forward to that. Tomorrow night, they have a kids band that is going to lead us in worship. Tomorrow during the sessions, it will be more ways of teaching kids how to hear God's voice. I have extremely high expectations!! I'll keep you updated!!!

Church Today

We got up and went to Bethel this morning. About the second line of the first song that we sang, I could feel the presence of God fill that place. It was like a blanket that fell from the ceiling. It was awesome!!

The message that he preached this morning is one that we all definately need to listen to in iTunes!! Get it as soon as you can!! There are so many areas where this message is good for us!! I'll leave it at that.

The neat thing about Bethel is that it was bigger than our church, but it felt like our church. Krissy and I were talking about how we felt at home this morning at church. It was almost like we were at KLF this morning. They had people at the front for ministry time before the service. That was really neat. Then, it was worship and announcements -- and we got to see them before they're on iTunes!! It was really cute!! Pastor Bill got up and preached his awesome sermon and they gave an alter call for salvations. I think I saw at least 9 people go down for salvation!! People surrounded them and started praying. Then, they had more ministry time and there were probably 50 people stretched across the front ready to minister. We were dismissed as they started ministry time. We went to the bookstore and got our free CD of the morning's service (because we were visitors) and did a little shopping.

So, all of the things that I was "afraid of" are just working themselves out. I know -- DUH! I'm starting to get used to taking risks!! ;) Off to get some coffee!!

We have arrived . . .

WE MADE IT!!! At 3 am Texas time, we pulled into our hotel parking lot. It was about 12 hours after we were expecting to be here, but we made it!! And, we were up for 23 hours straight!!!

Yesterday morning, we arrived at the Abilene airport at 5:30 am. We checked our baggage in and we were ready to go at 6:29 am. At 6:15, they told us that our flight had been delayed until 7 am due to weather in Houston. That was fine, but we were cutting it really close at catching our connecting flight.

At 7:20, we were still on the ground and I asked God to move the storm so we could leave. At 7:30, we were boarding the plane and headed to Houston. YAY GOD!! We landed at 9:30 in Houston and we had missed our connecting flight by just a few minutes. The next flight out was at 6:30 pm. So, we had 9 hours in the Houston airport. Remember how I said I didn't know my way around the Houston airport? Well, I know it now like the back of my hand. We checked in with Continental customer service to make sure we got on the 6:30 flight. We asked about our luggage to make sure it would get to Sacramento with us because if we didn't make our connecting flight, neither did our luggage. Yes, they assured us that our luggage would be transferred and make it there with us.

We did have a great time there, though. It was a really long day, but we learned a few things: You can do the moonwalk down the automatic sidewalk (ask Nicole about that one) and you can rent a movie in the airport and turn it back in at your destination!!! We rented a movie and watched it on Nicole's computer -- well, 2 of us did because it was so loud that we could only hear if we used Nicole's iPod earbuds. I tried to take a little nap.

Our plane to Sacramento was delayed until 7:30 pm and it's a 4 hour flight. It was a really long flight and every chair on the plane was taken. I sat between 2 guys and we didn't say one word the whole 4 hour flight. I was exhausted and cramped uncomfortable. We had some food, but it wasn't all that good.

We landed in Sacramento and went to get our luggage. It wasn't there. Several people didn't have their luggage. They did find our luggage. Somehow it made it to the airport before we did. We still haven't figured that out, but it didn't really matter because it was really late, we still had a 2 1/2 drive ahead of us.

One thing we did learn is how NOT to act when you're frustrated with airport people. There was a couple who was supposed to be on our connecting flight to Sacramento, but their flight was delayed coming in, so they missed it like we did. We were standing in line to get our new tickets and Nicole & I cut to get with Krissy & Kelly. That guy was fuming mad!! Technically, we didn't cut, we were just trying to stay together. There was a man who had just got a ticket, but they wouldn't let him on the plane for some weird reason. He came right back and asked. He did kind of cut, but he had just been there and his plane was leaving very soon. Again, that guy made a rude comment about how people were cutting and why. He was rude to the lady trying to help him get on the plane to Sacramento at 6:30. Yes, we were all going to be stuck in the airport for all of those hours and none of us were happy about it, but there wasn't anything the lady behind the counter or we could to to fix it.

That same guy was one of us that didn't have their luggage when we landed in Sacramento. He was in front of us in line. Yes, we were all terribly frustrated and extremely tired, but Krissy was very nice and we got our luggage before he did. I believe that was the favor of God.

Kelly and I went to get our rental car and we came back to pick up Krissy & Nicole with our luggage. We pulled behind this white pickup and the sheriff girl was standing there telling the driver to stop. She wouldn't. The sheriff girl stepped in front of the truck and was yelling for the lady to stop and the lady tried to keep going!! All of the sudden, there were security people everywhere around the car. We pulled around her and kept going, but that lady was yelling and screaming at the security people. I don't know what happened to her, but I assure you her trip was longer because of her attitude!!

So, yes we had a VERY long day yesterday and we finally got to bed at 3 am (Texas time) after being up for 23 hours we crashed!! We slept really great, too!!

Less than 24 hours . . and counting!!

At this time tomorrow morning, I will be on a plane headed to Sacramento. If you read this after lunch, by this time tomorrow, I'll already be there!! I can't even explain how excited I am and how nervous I am at the same time.

I don't like doing things that I've never done before. I'm not a risk taker. I've never been to California. I've never been in the Houston airport. I've never been through airport security since 9/11. I've never driven north on I-5. I've never been to Redding. I've never been to Bethel. I've never been a a church service at Bethel. I've never been to a conference at Bethel. I've never traveled with the girls that are going with me. I've never slept with 4 girls in 1 room for 5 nights. I've never flown on Frontier Airlines. I've never been to the Denver Airport. I've never tried to get on an earlier flight so we can get home sooner. I've never rented my own rental car. I'm not sure what kind of clothes to take -- hot, cold, both.

I'm sure there are more "nevers" that I'm going to do encounter this next week. . all of which I will be able to say that I did when I get back. Just the "not-knowing-what-to-expect" is making me the most nervous.

I don't necessarily like to fly and I'm a little nervous about that, but this morning I asked myself what the big deal was about going. It's just the not knowing. Now, I also realize that most of these things aren't a big deal. You just do them. I also think there is already a deeper meaning to this -- "I don't know" stuff.

I also believe that God is calling our children's ministry to do some things that have never been done before. Right now, I know a small part of the plan, but I don't know what it will look like. I believe at this conference, God is going to reveal some things to me (and those going) about stuff that has never been done before, but things He's calling us to do. I'm going to have to become a risk taker.

So, I'm off to finish packing my bag with all the neat clothes I bought last night. Francesca went to be my personal shopper and I had a great time!! We didn't the jackpot at any one particular store, but I got some great stuff!! I laid out all of my clothes last night and started putting them together this morning and it's starting to come together.

So, this may be the last time you hear from me in Blogville before we head out, but Nicole is taking her computer, so I will try to post while we're there. Here's to doing new things and becoming a risk taker!!! In the word of Mack (the semi-truck from CARS), "California, here we come."

I Saw Angels at Work

Tonight, I watched Pam's girls while she had BFW worship practice and Elliott had something at City Hall. Everything was going great. Aaron and I were in the living room and I thought April was right behind the recliner when I hear glass shattering in my kitchen and April cry.

Aaron and I hopped up and ran to the kitchen where April was laying in the floor with my photo frame screen laying across half of her. There was glass ALL AROUND HER!! It was everywhere!! I jumped across the glass barefoot and grabbed her. I thought I would pull her out with at least a cut or something on her. She was crying and Aaron and I were kind of freaking out. Aaron kept saying that we needed to make sure she didn't have any cuts. I started trying to undress her, which made her mad or scared. I did check her out and not even a scratch!! She had to have fallen back and hit her head on the tile floor, but I didn't even feel a bump on her head.

When we pulled the photo screen up off of her, there was a big piece of the glass that was sticking out from the screen. It had to have fallen right between her legs or on the other side of her right leg (that was under the screen). About that time, Becky came over to go on a walk and she cleaned up the glass while I tried to calm April and keep everyone else out of the kitchen. Aaron was taking the rest of the glass out of the screen. Thank you, Becky!!

I'm telling you, I saw angels at work tonight!! Praise God that His angels are encamped around our children protecting them from the plans of the enemy!!!

Princess Party Pictures

I know I shared some yesterday morning at church about all that happened at the Princess Party on Friday night, but I wanted to share a few pictures. These girls were BEAUTIFUL!!









All Dressed Up:














The Salad:













Monica, you would be proud!! And, yes, that's lettuce in her other hand!! ;)


















Guzzling some Hershey Kisses:














Is this ice cream? Better have a smell.














The mashed potatoes:



















One Talented Princess:

















After the crowning ceremony:



There are more pictures, but that's all I had with my camera. Cyndi is going to put a CD together for all of the girls so you can have more pictures of our evening. I just had to share pictures of the beautiful princesses!!!

March 21st -- Part 2

As I mentioned, March 21st is a big day around our house. It's Payton's birthday and it's our anniversary -- 9 years this year!!! Again, I have no idea where time has gone!! Some days it feels like it was yesterday and other days, it feels like we've been married forever!!

In those 9 years, we have been through so much together. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are a few facts from our last 9 years of being married:

** Moved 11 times (if you include moving in with the Prossers for 2 weeks)

** Been a part of 5 churches

** Had 4 dogs, 1 guinea pig (ok, that one's Payton's)

** Found out we are BOTH CS personalities

** Most of the time, we "vacation" separately, although we did go on our first family vacation last year

** We've lived in Abilene (guess that was college), moved away, came back, moved away, & came back

** Went to Alaska on a motorcycle trip with my brother-in-law and father-in-law

** All of our pastors (except 1) have been really close friends of ours

** Been in debt (credit cards & car) & worked our way out (now we just have our car, besides our house)

** Bought a $2000 vacuum cleaner that has saved our lives more than once (long story)

** In different churches, we have been youth pastor, children's pastor, pre-school teacher, janitor, head usher, nursery director, right-hand assistants, drivers for the pastor on trips

** These have been our jobs: Wal-Mart, storage buildings, air conditioning place, district attorney's office, WTU, carpet laying, RV lot, finance office, estate attorney's office, real estate agent, accounts manager, business owner, children's pastor

** We've worked through some junk and come out better on the other side

** Been to a few funerals of people who meant the world to us

** God gave us an envelope of $2900 in cash to pay off a debt (that was the exact amount we owed)

** God has protected our boys in more ways than we probably know

** God has protected us in more ways than we probably know

** Started out in a tiny apartment paying $160 rent and it was really nice!

** I burned a batch of cookies one day because I spent too long checking e-mail

** We have made some life long friends

** I learned that I couldn't be his mom

** I've painted so many colors on so many walls that there is NO WAY I could count all of them. I did paint our master bedroom a BRIGHT YELLOW, though. That room is unforgettable!! Almost had to have sunglasses even at night!! It was terrible!

In listing all of this, I'm having a hard time thinking of all the things that has happened over the last 9 years. One thing I do remember is that the man who was doing our pre-marital counseling told me that we shouldn't get married because I had too much "baggage" at the time. He said that we/I needed to work that out before we got married. I'm not saying that he was wrong -- he was probably right -- but we got married and we've made it 9 years!! 9 years!! Yes, I have had to work on letting go of that "baggage" over the last 9 years, but I've done it and things are awesome. I am proud to call Aaron my husband and I'm looking forward to many many more years together!!

P.S. I'm just going to keep adding to this list as I remember things.

My Baby Turns 6

Yesterday was a big day in our household. My baby turned 6 years old!! I remember people telling me all the time how time flies by. I can't say that I believed it much then, but I seem to believe it more and more every day!! So, here's a tribute to my "baby".


This is not a good picture, but Blogger wasn't cooperating and neither was my camera.

Height: 48" tall

Favorite things: Football, baseball, basketball, XBox

Favorite thing to do: Play football

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite Movie: Facing the Giants

Favorite Color(s): Purple, Orange, Yellow, Blue, & Red

I love Payton because he's a lot like me. We both like for things to have their place. We like organization and we don't like it when others aren't.

I love how whenever he believes something, you can't shake him -- even when he's wrong. I think about how when he believes God's Word on something, there won't be any shaking that kid!!

I love how passionate he is about the things he loves. I love how he wants to learn everything there is to know about football. I love that he asks a million and one questions (ok, sometimes I don't).

I love that he is and always has been athletic. Since he was very young, we knew he would be an athelete.

I love how things come easy to him. How he took his training wheels off one day and hopped on and rode off. How he got a motorcycle for Christmas and again, hopped on and rode off. How Aaron tried to teach him how to swing a golf club, but when Payton got frustrated with the "lesson, Aaron stepped away, Payton swung, and the ball went flying.

I love how he is creative. I love how he likes to draw pictures of football players for the wall in my office. I love how sometimes he likes to watch me scrapbook. I love how he comes up with decorating ideas for his room and he wants to help with them.

I love how he is ALL BOY!! He would much rather be outside doing something than in front of the tv. He's not afraid to get a little dirty.

And, he's not afraid of working. I love when he goes to Aaron's office and he takes ownership in the business. He wants to move boxes and help Jesse and do whatever it is that needs to be done.

I love how he takes up for Evan in a heartbeat if someone is picking on him! I love how he likes to play football with Evan, but he runs slower so Evan can catch him and tackle him. I love how he wants to teach Evan everything he knows about the Dallas Cowboys and football.

I love how he wants to teach children's church some day. I love when he wants to help me put a children's church lesson together.

I love how he has friends to play with! I love that he is a good student! His teacher always comments on how well behaved he is. I love that he has learned so many scriptures this year in school! I love how he can quote Psalms 100 with ease!

I love how he is a giver. He likes to give his toys to kids that don't have any.

I love how he's learning to spell and to read. He just came and showed me a paper that he has been working on. At the top, it says "Payton Macaroni". Then it has a picture of a small Gideon's Bible that he copied. He drew "New Testament" and the diamond in the middle. Then, there was Psalms and Proverbs.

So goes the ramblings of one proud mom! What can I say? I just love my "baby".

My Kingdom . . .

On Tuesday, Pastor Bryan shared a little bit of his upcoming sermon (for this Sunday) and in it, he asked us what kingdom were we building -- Were we building OUR Kingdom or God's Kingdom? I've been chewing on this thought this week and I'm going to share my conclusion about "My kingdom".

I spent last weekend in Dallas with my friend and the whole purpose was to scrapbook and make a few cards. I had some spending money and while I was there, we went to several scrapbook stores and craft stores and I was trying to do the best I could to make my money stretch to get the best deals and still end up walking away with some of the "latest greatest scrapbooking things".

Another friend gave me some 40% off coupons for a craft store and I was PUMPED because I could get a cartridge for my die cutting machine for 40% off there!! (At Hobby Lobby & Michael's, you can't use the coupons on the cartridges.)

Anyway, the next stop was the craft store!! I went in and had four 40% off coupons and decided to get 2 cartridges. They are normally $85 each in this store, they had just marked them down to $65, so with my coupon, they came to about $35 - $40 each. So, pretty much 2 for the price of 1. There was one that I had been wanting and I found another one in the bunch that I could use. So, I bought both.

When we got to my friend's house, I felt sick about the 2nd cartridge. I told her that I had to take it back. It didn't make much sense because it was such a good deal!! But, the longer I had the cartridge, the more guilty I felt. Once I decided that I would take the cartridge back tomorrow, the feeling left me.

That night, I laid in bed wondering why I felt so guilty about the cartridge. I felt like God told me that I had WANTED the 1 cartridge and the other was extra that I didn't NEED/WANT before. It still didn't really make much sense because it was such a good deal!!! But, I took it back. I did end up buying some more paper and I didn't feel guilty about that.

SO, when I got back to staff meeting, Bryan's mini-sermon made me start thinking -- Whose kingdom am I building? I got home and walked in my office to put my stuff away and it was as if I was standing at the door to my kingdom -- literally. If you've seen my office/scrapbooking space, you know that I pretty much have my own little store in here!! I think it's almost more fun to BUY things than it is to actually USE them!!

Pastor Bryan said that he had to give away some fishing poles and I was scared that God would ask me to get rid of my supplies! God hasn't asked me to do that, but I feel right now that if He did, I would be obedient.

It's actually 1:20 am on Saturday morning and I just returned from a crop at the scrapbook store -- where you go to work on your pages. I had some AMAZING self-control that I haven't had before. She announced a 25% off any one item sale and before, I would have jumped at ANYTHING!! But, tonight, I couldn't find ONE THING that I couldn't live without. And, it didn't bother me. Before, I would have just bought something to use the 25% off.

So, tonight I'm declaring that I'm finished buying supplies for a while. I have realized what a kingdom I have created and I'm laying it down. I am still going to scrapbook and make cards and make things, but not with it consuming me like it once had. I realized this week how much time I spend online looking at scrapbooking websites. I realized how much money I spend MONTHLY to support my addiction -- to just buying supplies! If I had a wardrobe worth the money I've spent on scrapbooking supplies . . . well, that's just a scary thought!! I am going to have to buy some clothes to go to California, but I've already spent my blow money this month on -- yes, you guessed it -- scrapbook stuff (and Payton's birthday, but you know what I mean.) I'm believing that my husband is going to have grace on me and give me an advance on next month's allowance or that God will provide because I'm repenting and laying down my kingdom.

I've found it hard this week to try to find the balance of it all. My top spiritual gift is GIVING and I LOVE to make things and I'm pretty creative in that area, so I could justify every penny I was spending. But, I know the plan is to balance it all.

So, tonight I've told the paper fairy to leave me alone. I've told the "latest & greatest" fairy to leave me alone. I am speaking silence to the voice that tells me to run to Hobby Lobby. I am doing a secret scrapbook sister thing online and it ends next month. I'm going to finish my commitment to that and be finished buying stuff for a while. No more online swaps.

The cool thing about it is that Casey and I were talking about my new cartridge the other night at life group and a young lady was sitting there hanging on to every word we were saying. When we finished talking, she told me that she loves to do crafts and all the things she's made or would like to make. I will say that she is pretty creative herself! I'm thinking that I'm going to go through my "store" and give her some stuff. Maybe take her to a crop with me or something to build relationship with her. I am really excited about that thought!!!

P.S. 2 weeks until we leave for California!! The official countdown has begun!!

My Rated G for GROSS Post

Yes, I'm in Dallas, but had a minute to check in to Blogville! I'm having a great time! I haven't been to IKEA yet, but I've been to a few scrapbook stores -- probably a few too many!! Spent a little money -- maybe too much! Had to take some stuff back today! Ate some awesome food!! I got to see some friends from college that I haven't seen in quite a while. It was really nice to see those girls!

But, I wanted to share my own version of Pam's blog from last week -- Rated G for Gross. Last week, I was asleep in my bed when Aaron nudged me and told me that the boys were calling for me. I have to say that I was a little annoyed because why didn't he just get up and see what they wanted? ANYWAY, I went to Payton's room and he wasn't there. I went to the bathroom and he wasn't there. I saw the kitchen light on and wondered why it was on. I walked in to see Payton standing there with his pants down. There's pee AND POOP in the floor. I asked him what happened and he wasn't sure. We got him and the kitchen cleaned up and got him back to bed. I asked him the next morning what happened. He said he was scared that he would get in trouble, so he wouldn't tell me in the middle of the night. He said he got up out of bed to go to the bathroom, but went to the kitchen instead. He thought the trash can was the toilet, but it was too tall for him, so you can imagine!! I think he was sleep walking!!

Anyway, it's late and I'm trying to adjust to the time change. Natalee, if you read this, give me a call. I left a message on your machine with my number.

Family Service Blessing

Tonight was our next-to-last Family Service. As we were getting ready for it, things seemed to be going down the drain -- and FAST!! Crazy things had been happening to me all day. We blew up a DVD player this morning in the gym -- almost both of them. My computer kept shutting off whenever you touched it -- all of that is signs of unproper grounding in the electrical outlets, all of which can fry anything that is plugged it. When you think about the hundreds of dollars worth of equipment that is plugged in, you pray every time you have to set up!! My computer is fine and I'm typing away, but I can't help but think twice about taking it back for another Sunday morning. Seems like my whole life is on this thing!!

Tonight, Tim shows up to hook up my microphones and only half of the proper cords are there. I didn't put them away and neither did Joe (who usually does, but had to leave this morning) and neither one of us knew where any of the cords were. So, Tim heads to the school to see what he can find. Makes it back -- not the right cords. I think he made 2 trips over there with no luck. Actually, he gets back and the things were right under our noses. So, it's 6 pm and we're trying to do a mic check and no signals and no reason why.

Did I mention my blown up DVD player? That just meant we had to go with one DVD player tonight. . . no multiple worship DVDs.

Anyway, my awesome cast decides that the show must go on with or without microphones. And for the 20 people who showed up (WOW! Didn't think there were that many), I think you got quite a show!! I want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Ashley, Aaron, & Pam. I'm telling you, those guys ROCKED tonight!!

I know I've already told you some of the "Sunday saga", but I'm trying to stay positive on this post, so I'm not telling all the details, but this one has to be noticed. For this particular skit, we needed a stuffed skunk. I tore up Abilene looking for one and finally had to settle on a squirrel dog toy. I thought it could pass. Today, I was looking for the squirrel and it DISAPPEARED!! Know how those things happen? One minute you have something and the next minute, it's disappeared into thin air?!?!

So, I'm a little bit stressed out because the WHOLE SKIT revolves around this skunk!! We could keep something hidden, but it wouldn't have the same effect. So, I phone my friend Pam. I ask her if she has a stuffed black cat that we could pass off as a skunk, a black shirt we could quickly move from location to location with the appearance of a skunk -- ANYTHING!!! Keep in mind, it's 1 hour 30 minutes until show time and I am missing the most important PIECE!!

Pam asks me if I have any black pantyhose, which I didn't. She said she thought she had some and said she would make something. I sure wasn't expecting what I saw when she showed up!! It was AMAZING!! Now, remember, Pam had to be there at 5 pm, so she really only had about 30 minutes to pull this thing together!! It looked like a real skunk -- She sewed it, even!! I don't have pictures of it because I forgot to pull it out of the trashcan (had to be there), but when I go get it tomorrow, I'm going to HAVE to post a picture of it!! It was complete with a white stripe down it's back, some eyes, and even a red nose!!! I cannot tell you how blessed I was that my crafty friend came to my rescue!!

Then, Aaron and Ashley did a fantastic job!! Pam did, too, but she didn't have any speaking parts. I'm not kidding, but I was a little worried about Aaron remembering his lines, but he did great!! HUGE thank you to Tim & Erica who ran the sound and the computer. They were definately team players tonight and covered for me. THANKS YOU GUYS!

You know, I could go on and on and on and on about the week/weekend I've had, the things that have blown up, the things that have gone wrong, the people who didn't show up, but I'm going to choose to focus on the positive. Tonight, I had an awesome team of people around me who were willing to minister to those who showed up. I was thinking on the way home that even if only 1 person had shown up, the show would have gone on. That I am proud of.

A Weekend Getaway

All I can say about our trip is "OH MY GOSH!!" The hotel was amazing!! The pictures don't even do it justice!! It really is like a little city inside itself. You know how in the movies where the car pulls up the hotel entrance and they get out and hand the keys to the valet person and they just park their car?!? That's exactly how it was!! We pulled up in this huge covered driveway and there were several men there all dressed in white shirts ready to do whatever it was that we needed. We didn't do valet parking ($18), but they offered to take our one suitcase in for us. We didn't do that either.

But, when we walked in the hotel, it was breathtaking!! Just like the movies. We went to check in and they gave us an Executive Suite upgrade because it was our anniversary. We went up to our room and I was shocked when I opened the door!!

We were on the 7th floor, so from our balcony, we could look down in the atrium and the river was right below us. So was the margarita bar -- didn't go there. ;) I, of course, started taking all kinds of pictures. The stay in this room HAD to be documented!!

We went downstairs and walked all around the Gaylord. We had a $8 ice cream cone (but it was delicious)! Went outside and saw the outdoor pool complete with waterfalls! Saw the indoor pool -- big, but just an indoor pool.

We decided to go to the Grapevine Mills Mall and walk around. After a few hours of walking around, we were tired and decided to just go back to the hotel. I mean, we were only staying there one night and we needed to check out the rest of the stuff we missed!!

We watched some tv and decided to order room service. $10 for 1/2 of a quesadilla! Good thing we weren't very hungry! We ordered a quesadilla and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup (it was DELICIOUS!!) for $20. I called the order in. They called me back and told me that our order would be delivered soon. Within a few minutes there was a knock at the door!!

We slept in the most comfortable bed!! It was warm and just plain comfortable!! Poor Aaron said the covers were too hot for him, but I had no problem with them!

Saturday morning, we got up and decided that we needed to find a car. Jennifer called us on our way to Dallas (actually we were in Dallas, but lost) and said that we could sign all the papers on our car on Monday!! WOW!! Didn't know it would go so fast! But, we decided to go to that car place that we found on Ebay. Got lost and drove in a huge circle. Went through a toll booth without paying because it wouldn't take our money. FINALLY found the car place. I got a new (well, new to me) car. I'll blog about that next.

Next, we were headed to IKEA. We pull up to the building. HUGE 2 story BLUE building. There were people EVERYWHERE!! I was a little giddy as we walked in. They even have childcare for your kids!! This place is just 2 stories of AMAZING things!! We were having so much fun looking around at stuff!! We finally figured out how the store works (with the shopping list) and we were off.

We saw the 2nd floor and it was awesome, so as we headed downstairs, I had to go to the bathroom. Not realizing that the easiest way would have been to go back up the stairs, I saw a sign that said bathroom LEFT. I followed the sign. I kept walking and following the signs and finally I HAD TO GET TO THE BATHROOM!! I stopped a worker and asked. They said past the checkouts on the left. OH MY GOSH!! So, I ran through the first floor just glancing at everything around me. Made it to the bathroom and while I'm in there, this lady said, "Man, who designed this thing? 10,000 parking spots and only 4 stalls in the bathroom." I had to agree.

Anyway, the thing is that the bathrooms are on the other side of "the wall", so once you go through the door, you can't go back through like you're going back to the checkouts. I had to walk ALL AROUND THE BOTTOM FLOOR AGAIN!! Aaron called and said he had found the shelf we wanted and I finally made it back to him. We get in line and he says, "I bet you have time to go back and get those canisters you wanted." I already had those picked out when we went in the door. I just couldn't find them. So, back around the first floor I went to find the canisters and make it back to the checkout before he got to the cashier.

I found the canisters and some cereal storage things. I also found some neat ice trays that I had to have. I grab a yellow bag (next time I know that is a must have) and throw my stuff in it and get back into the flow of people. I am dodging people left and right when Aaron calls. He's the next one to the cashier and he wants to know where I'm at. I round the final corner and say excuse me to all the people in line and make it just in time!! Here's our load:

Set of canisters (2)
Folding chairs for life group (3)
Ice Cube Trays (3)
Shelf for above our bed
Stool for Evan
Cereal storage (2)
Drawer Organizers (6)
Maybe something else: $100 for all of it!!

I'm sad that I saw the bottom floor 3 times in such a hurry. I'm going back to Dallas to see a friend over spring break, so I'm heading to IKEA again for sure!! I want to be able to look and touch everything!! So many things!! You just have to know how their system works -- always get the paper so you can make a list of what you want.

Anyway, we had a blast. If you put aside all the times we got lost or turned around, we had a great time. Definately an anniversary to remember.

A Night Away. . .

Aaron and I are off for a night away and I'm so excited!! Our anniversary isn't until March, but it's also the same day as Payton's birthday, so our anniversary always gets put off or just looked over. Last year we went to a Texas Tech basketball game and it was fun, but we had to come back early due to Aaron's "incompetent" employee at the time.

Anyway, we're going to the Gaylord Texan. Seems that it's a really neat place to stay -- and it should be for the money we had to spend to stay there!! I am excited just to get away and do fun stuff just with Aaron and somewhere besides Abilene. And, we've never stayed somewhere REALLY nice like that. It should be an experience!! :)

Aaron's been wanting to go to IKEA forever, so we're going to check it out. I'm sure I'll have fun there, too!! ;) Then, a trip to the Bass Pro Shop -- that one's only for Aaron, but I'll go and be happy to be there. There is a car place that we've been watching sell cars on Ebay and we might go check them out at some point. They had a vehicle on there yesterday that we wanted, but we have to get the details of my car worked out first. Not a big deal, but it would be nice to see the car in person before bidding on Ebay and being shocked when you get it!!

So, we'll see you guys on Sunday morning!! Eric Silva is staying with our kids for the night. I'm writing all your numbers down just in case there's an "emergency"!! ;) Pray for him and my kids! Payton will be just fine and I'm not worried about him. Evan seems to have a breakdown when it's time to go to bed and I'm not home. I think if Eric wears them out before bedtime, Evan should go right to sleep and not wake up in the night. I hope that is the scenario.

Everything Has It's Place

Yesterday was President's Day and Payton didn't have school. I remembered a while back when I was trying to "check-out", Aaron told me that I could do whatever I set my mind to. He was right then and yesterday I heard his voice in my head again. So, I got up and went and got the boys and we tackled their closet!!! I know that's something weird to do, but I was tired of toys everywhere and nothing had a place although we had cubbies and shelves, nothing was ever there. So, here's a little slideshow to show you the "Before" & "After":

An update on me: Yes, I'm doing much better. Things don't quite seem as overwhelming in the last few days. I met with my ESC team on Sunday and shared somethings that I feel like God is wanting us to do and they were on board, which helps!! Then, one of my team members came up to me afterwards and just confirmed what I had shared. I'm sorry that I can't let you in on the details yet because they're still in the works, but it is exciting!!

I'm hoping to take my team to Redding in April for a children's workers conference there. Be praying that all the financial stuff works out. That's what I'm doing today -- looking up flights, hotels, and cars. Thank God for the internet!!! How did we ever survive without it?!?! ;)

My Latest "Feelings"

Lately, I've been a little withdrawn. I want to stay home in the evenings, don't really want to have people over, just want to veg out at home, want to go shopping by myself (later wished I had someone along), spent way too much time online just wasting time -- all symptoms of "checking out". I've noticed that in the last few days, my mind is trying to check-out and it's a fight to keep it "here" -- hope that makes some sense. I haven't done that in quite a while, so today I started asking God why I was "checking out". I was pulling out of the Wal-Mart parking lot and I heard God say, "You're overwhelmed."

Now, I read on someone else's blog where "overwhelmed" seems to be the word lately, but I haven't heard it from anyone's mouth per se and I wasn't sure what God meant by that. And, just on Tuesday, Bryan asked me how I was doing and my reply was "Good" and I felt "good".

I'm not overwhelmed by children's church. I know what it takes to put everything together for a Sunday morning and it's going good. I know I have a meeting on Sunday that I still need to prepare for, but it isn't "overwhelming" to me. I'm not overwhelmed at home. I feel like I have my home under control -- I mean, with cleaning and stuff. It's not perfect by any means, but we're not living in a pig pen. I'm not overwhelmed at being a mom or a wife-- that's good.

So, I left WM and went to Aaron's office to finish up a job that I had been working on for him. I was there with the boys for about an hour. Jesse came back from lunch and we were talking children's ministry, etc. I told him that I was feeling overwhelmed, but I wasn't sure why. I feel like I'm overwhelmed at what is coming very soon, but I don't know what "that" is. It's really kind of hard to explain.

Anyway, Aaron got back from his lunch with Doug H. and he said that Doug had a dream about me. In the dream, he was missing a tool (long story, but I want to get to the point and Doug didn't feel like the tool was important) and Aaron and I were taking him to our house to get it. We started going up this hill that just kept on going forever. Doug kept asking where we lived and I said just up here a little farther. But, the hill kept going. It finally got so high that it kind of became like steps -- it would straighten out and then start to go up again. We started getting tired and it got to a point where Doug had to lift me up and put me on the "step" and then climb up. Then, he had to push me up on to the next step and then he climbed up. Then, Doug woke up.

Aaron said that Doug's interpretation is that I'm going somewhere that I've never been before and he really believes that my ESC team and those around me are really supposed to start interceeding for me and the direction we're going. When Aaron was telling me that, I started to tear up. It just confirmed what I had just figured out that I was feeling. I started to get those "anointing chills" and it was awesome. As I'm typing now, I have those same chills. I believe that "where I lived" in the dream is my promised land -- whatever that looks like, I'm not exactly sure yet, but I can't get there by myself. I had that realization about a month ago. But, it's also scary at the same time -- the unknown.

I have this great anticipation of what is coming, although I don't know exactly what it is. It's scary because I know that it means 'stretching' is coming, too. Stretching isn't comfortable. You know, like when you pull your jeans straight from the dryer and you have to stretch them to get them to fit (although mine are starting to fit just fine straight from the dryer ;) ). They're not comfortable at first. I think that's what I'm overwhelmed by.

I really feel like I'm just rambling now, so I'm going to stop. Feel free to leave comments on this one.

God is good -- even in the middle of strep throat!!

Payton has been running a fever for the past few days. He feels good as long as the fever is gone, but when the fever hits, it knocks him out!! So, he woke up this morning with a sore throat, a fever, and some nasty cough. I decided that we should just go ahead and take him to the dr. because if it was strep throat, hopefully we could catch it soon enough and it wouldn't get that bad.

We went to the doctor and $97 later, he has strep throat. The doctor tells me that he needs to be checked in 10 days to make sure it goes away because if it doesn't, it could lead to heart damage and liver failure and kidney failure. OK . . .

We go to Wal-Mart to get his prescription filled. I gave the girl the slip of paper and she asked if we had any kind of insurance or prescription card -- we don't. So she says, "Would you like me to tell you how much it's going to be?" I said sure -- great idea. She says, "It will be $148. What?" (Yes, she said WHAT?) I said, "For one prescription, it's going to be $148?!?!" She said yes, but they would call the doctor and see if he would give him a generic, which would make it cheaper. Come back in 10 minutes for the verdict.

I took the boys to the McDonald's in Wal-Mart and just sat there praying because I didn't want to throw away $250 in one day on some stupid sore throat! We ate lunch and headed back to the pharmacy. I just kept asking God to give us favor. We got to the counter and I told them who I was. The pharmacist said, "Oh yeah. We got them to change it, so it's going to be $8." EIGHT DOLLARS!!! EIGHT DOLLARS!!! Wal-Mart now has the $4 generic prescriptions, so the new medicine didn't come in a container big enough, so they just gave us 2 bottles -- $4 each.

As the pharmacist was mixing the medicine, he just said that they used to give the medicine Payton is getting all the time for strep, but they've got this other one that is just a little bit stronger, but it's way more expensive, so they prescribe it. He said the one Payton got was just as good, though. YAY!

I thanked him for helping me to save so much money and went about my day. Payton and Evan are both sleeping now, which is nice. I am a little upset, though, because now we can't go to the Valentine's Day banquet at church. We have never been to one since we've been here. The first one, we did child care. The second one, Evan had RSV. Last year we didn't have one and this year Payton has strep. I even went out last night and bought a neat outfit for it. Oh well. I think it will be fun to stay home and just hang out -- not as much fun as being with everyone, but it will be just fine. Maybe Aaron will bring dinner home (or something) and we'll start a fire and just hang out at home.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

This week is officially (not sure who "officially" made it "official") Random Acts of Kindness Week. A "Pay it forward" kind of thing. The challenge this week is to find someone (could be someone you know or don't know) and do an act of kindness for them.

I'm on a scrapbooking bulletin board and we do card swaps, secret scrapbook sisters, recipe swaps, ribbon swaps, etc. So, we save each other's addresses and we send out RAOKs (pronounced "RACKS") and post on the bulletin board when we get them. On that board, we send out scrapbooking stuff and it's really neat to see how big (and small) the packages are! Last week I opened my mailbox and there was a RAOK from the BBC RAOKer. It had some scrapbooking embellishments that were awesome!! It really made my day!!

Anyway, I challenged the kids this morning to find someone -- anyone -- this week that they could do a random act of kindness for. So, I'm challenging you, too!! Get creative!! It could be done in secret or it could be done in person. I've always wanted to pay for someone's groceries at the store or just leave a MASSIVE tip at a restuarant -- those are RAOKs. It's kind of a secret sister thing, but not really. You might never find out who gave you your RAOK, but I'm sure it will be a blessing!! And, that's the fun part!! It doesn't even have to be for someone outside of your own home!!!

So, get RAOKing!!! You can post if you get something on here or if you do something for someone, feel free to post it here, too!!

A Bigger Car . . .

I've been praying and thinking about this for a few weeks now. I am in need of a bigger car -- just plain and simple. For one, on Sunday mornings, my car is LOADED down with things for children's church. Most of the time there isn't even room for my kids in my car on Sundays!! And, it's not stuff that I can just leave at the school. It has to be transported week after week.

Secondly, I want to be a part of the school carpool. Krissy has a carpool going with this lady in Baird. Then, Kilee started going to Cornerstone and I thought it was the perfect time to jump on the "carpool" wagon. But, my car isn't big enough to hold all of the kids, plus Evan. So, right now, the plan is that I will pay Jennifer $15 a week for gas to use her van to go get all of the kids. It is kind of both of our ways in getting in on our share of the carpool. There isn't a day that she could take or pick up the kids, so letting me use her van is her way in. But, she can't afford the extra gas for 2 more times a week, so I said I would pay her for gas.

It has worked out that I haven't had to use her van (or pay her) and it has been really nice, but that's only because one of the kids was sick on my days or this past Friday, I took Evan to Aaron's office while I went to get the kids.

So, I've been praying for a newer/bigger car and I'm just stepping out there and posting this so all of you can believe with me. Just today, I went in to town and had to pick up stuff for children's church tomorrow. Aaron called and asked if I could come and get the boys (they were at Bryan's playing Xbox), but when I got there, there wasn't ANYWHERE for the boys to sit because of the stuff!! Ethan & Payton sat in the front seat and I cleared out a small place for Evan to sit.

I love my car and I would love to give it away, but we owe money on it and we have to figure out what the deal is with the gas tank (see Aaron's blog), so that isn't an option. I don't have specifics on what kind of car I want -- preferrably an SUV and not white. Other than that, I don't know. This whole thing is just going to have to be one of those "God Things".

You Think You Know Me . . .

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Snow Cone Stand
2. Wal-Mart
3. Finance Manager @ an RV lot
4. Legal Secretary

Movies I would watch over and over:
5. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
6. Pursuit of Happyness
7. Cars (and have watched it over and over)
8. Facing The Giants

Four places you have lived:
9. Wheeler, TX
10. Abilene, TX (moved away 3 times)
11. Tulsa, OK
12. Enid, OK

Four places you have been on vacation:
13. Disney World
14. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
15. Alaska (on a motorcycle)
16. Ft. Worth, TX (woo whoo)


Four of my favorite foods are:
17. Fuji's
18. Rosa's
19. Baked Potato Soup
20. Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup

Four places I would rather be right now:
21. on a scrapbooking retreat
22. on the beach
23. on vacation
24. with my sister

Four friends I think will respond:
25. Brandi
26. Natalee
27. Not sure since everyone else has done this
28.

TBL -- Part 2

We've been doing this since last Thursday as a competition and I have to say that I haven't been very competitive. I HAVE been doing much better with what I'm eating and how much. I didn't realize how much I snacked throughout the day and usually not on good things. I didn't realize how much I ate off of my kids' plates after they were finished. Or if I am hungry and eat something, but it didn't quite "hit the spot", I would eat again. BUT, not this week!! I've been doing so good!! Even went to McDonald's today for lunch and DIDN'T have ANY fries!! WOW!! I was sitting there watching everyone else eat their fries, but not me!! I didn't even order any for Evan just so I wouldn't be tempted. YAY for me!

So, tonight I was home alone. My house is a mess and we have life group tomorrow night. I did clean up a little bit, but decided to relax. I was sitting in the living room watching tv when I felt like I was supposed to air up my Core Secrets ball. That was weird!! I took a shower to hopefully "wash away" the thought, but I couldn't. I got out of the shower and pulled my ball out of my closet and aired it up!! What a thigh workout!! My goodness!!!

So, I'm not sure WHY I was supposed to air it up -- maybe to use it?!?! I hope this is funner than the last time I aired it up!! I'm a infomercial junkie and I saw the commercial for Slim in 6 yesterday -- very tempting. . . not as tempting as those french fries, though!!!

ESC Sunday

I thought that yesterday went really well, but today I'm needing some encouragment. Last year, no one put ANY comments on the welcome card and NO ONE said it was good, etc. I was heartbroken!! I wanted someone to tell me that at least I did a good job -- not one.

So, this year was the total opposite. I had people telling me all day how awesome it was and I truly believe that, but it wasn't about me. I believe that God showed up yesterday. The kids that prayed for people were telling me that afternoon, "I prayed for a lot of people today." They were so proud and I was proud of them. I'm telling you that I believe with all of my heart that God showed up and showed off yesterday by using our kids. Yesterday I felt like we went from "oh that's cute" to really seeing how powerful our kids are and it was encouraging for those kids to have adults come to them for prayer. A lot of them thought it was really neat.

But, all evening and this morning, I've been fighting those thoughts of you-should-have-said-that or you shouldn't-have-said-that or I'm just afraid I'm going to get called into Pastor Bryan's office and "get in trouble". I'm not sure why. I don't have a basis to think that Bryan would call me in to talk to me -- he's never done anything but encourage me and I know that he believes in what I do. I'm just telling you I've been fighting the thoughts this morning and it's starting to make me mad -- just that the thoughts won't stop.

I do have 1 thing that I'm a little embarassed about -- OK, REALLY embarassed about -- that 500 miles song. OH MY GOODNESS!! I guess the sound team didn't see the little note that said "start at 35 seconds"!! I wanted to faint as I was walking down the stairs and I hear, "When I get drunk, well I know I'm going to be, I'm gonna be the one who gets drunk next to you". All I can do now is just make sure next time to STRESS starting the song at the right spot or don't chance it by using that kind of song. I have heard the song, but don't guess I ever really paid attention to the words. But since yesterday, that song has been stuck in my head!! To add injury to insult, I looked that song up again on iTunes and Steven Curtis Chapman sings a version of it!!! Hindsight truly is 20/20!!

Then, I feel like I fumbled around during my time of sharing. There was so much I was trying to share, but be aware of the time. That song really threw me off as I was walking down to share. I couldn't get out of my head how embarassed I was that that song played. I had to gather myself to share from my heart, but I felt like I just fumbled through it. I think we all saw that I don't think quick on my feet when Doug dumped out my offering lesson!! ;) That was funny!!!

What's funny is that as I'm typing this, I'm feeling those silly thoughts slowly get quieter and quieter. SO, I guess what I'm shamelessly asking is for comments about yesterday. I want to be able to come back here and read what everyone took away from the service yesterday -- just a reminder of all of the support that I have around me. I guess I just need to "have a little help from my friends". (There's my breakout into song and dance).

TBL -- Day 1 & 2

Yesterday, I thought I was doing so good. I had my oatmeal for breakfast. I had a Lean Cuisine for lunch. Aaron's mom is in town and wanted to meet us at Cracker Barrel, so we went. I had a salad -- not much of one because it wasn't very good. I had a pounding headache while we were eating dinner. I couldn't figure out why. As I was sitting at dinner, I just kind of asked God what in the world was going on. He said it was a lack of sugar. :)

Before yesterday, I didn't drink water -- only sweet tea (and caffenated, by the way). Yesterday, I didn't have ANY tea or sugar all day. Instead, I had 6 glasses of water (oh the trips to the bathroom!!)! I was having MAJOR withdrawals!!!

I went home and took some headache stuff and went to bed. This morning when I got up, I felt like I was going to pass out. I was standing in the shower this morning thinking at any moment that I could just fall over. But, I didn't.

I jumped out of the shower, got dressed, and went and ate my oatmeal and had 2 glasses of water. I guess I over did it yesterday -- or maybe "under did it". Isn't it crazy how easily your flesh can become addicted to just plain sugar?!?!

So, today I had my oatmeal, Chick-Fil-A for lunch (I know, I know. I even had a Dr. Pepper!!), and for dinner I just ate a few grapes and a few appetizers at the baby shower, but not near what I normally would have eaten and I'm not hungry.

But, other than the Dr. Pepper, I didn't have any sugar today. . . well, besides a few Chick-Fil-A mints (love those things!!) But, tonight I'm feeling much better than I did last night!! And, I had 5 glasses of water today -- no tea!!

I did get my Core Secrets down out of the attic, but the ball isn't aired up yet. . . maybe I'll get that done on Monday.

Here's to all of us trying to disipline our flesh -- one step at a time.

P.S. Please pray for me!! I/We've lost my holder with all the ESC worship DVDs/CDs. It's not where it should be and it's not where it shouldn't be. Children's church Sunday is THIS SUNDAY and I need God to show me where they are!! I'm kind of freaking out -- only in a calmer way than I normally would!! ;) Oh the joys of a portable church!

UPDATE: Found the DVDs!!! Right where they shouldn't have been!! But, they were out in the open, so once I had a key to the right room, there they were!! YAY!!

Let the games begin. . .

Today I went to pick up the scale for the Biggest Loser competition. I got home just in time to get ready for life group and I didn't want to "cheat" before it all starts.

We had an awesome life group tonight, but afterwards Francesca and I were talking about TBL and Billy & Aaron started "laughing" at how the scale was going to measure our body fat. So, they decided to jump on and see what the scale had to say. They entered all of their information and once we figured it out. . blah, blah, blah.

So, after Billy & Francesca left, I decided to go ahead and take a peek at what was before me -- or maybe I should say, on me. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I weigh more now than I have ever weighed in my life (besides being pregnant)!!! What the heck?!?! It was after I had eaten and blah, blah, blah, but I didn't eat 15 pounds of food for supper!!!

So, for those of you who thought I didn't have much to lose, I have to say you are definately WRONG!! So, first thing tomorrow morning, I'm going to climb up in my attic and pull down my Core Secrets ball and DVD. Then, I'm going to find that Denise Austin book that Erica was so kind to lend me a while back. But first, I'm going to drink a glass of water and weigh again. All I can say is -- let the game begin!!!

All of this in good competition, of course. And, don't ask me to post my weight or pictures on here -- not going to happen.

UPDATE morning of 2/1: So, I got up this morning, took a shower, took my pictures, drank a glass of water, and weighed again. It wasn't as bad as last night, but I'm definately going to work harder now that I've seen that number -- and the pictures!!!

For all you TV Buffs

I have to have some game show music for ESC Sunday. I searched ALL DAY LONG (not kidding) to find some game show music. A guy sent me a link this evening that has theme songs for every TV show imaginable. Now, I can't decide which one to choose. I can't tell you what we're doing. . . just tell me your all time favorite game show music and I'll go from there. It can be recent or it can be old (well, older than some).

What's Your Ring Tone?!?! =)

Today I got my new phone -- a PINK one!!! I want the coolest ringtone!! My phone has it where you can designate a different ringtone for each person. So, what is your ringtone? What do you think my ringtone should be? This should get some comments!!!

No Distractions. . .

Yesterday in children's church, we had over 60 kids -- actually closer to 70 kids. WOW!! It was wild and crazy!!! Today I felt like I was supposed to blog about what happened:

All last week, when I would try to prepare for Sunday morning, I just felt like I couldn't. I felt like God was going to do something and there was no need for me to prepare because it wasn't going to go as I planned anyway.

So, we got there yesterday morning and as I was meeting with my team and we were praying before we opened our doors, I heard it again, "Don't let things be a distraction today from what I'm (God) going to do." I told my team that no matter if we had kids running all over the place during our worship/prayer time, we were not going to let them distract us. We needed to keep those kids who were running around safe, but don't let them distract us.

So, we started out and we were talking about prayer yesterday -- the "do's and don'ts" of prayer. Although I believe there is no such thing as a perfect prayer, I had 3 examples of things we're not supposed to do while praying. One was praying just so everyone can hear us and using big words to impress those around us. One was doing it out of obligation -- like praying at dinner and rolling our eyes because someone is praying too long. The last one was just babbling -- saying things over and over and over and over and over again.

Anyway, I told the kids that we were going to go into a time of worship and prayer and I didn't want them to let anyone distract them from praying and worshipping. I had some of my team members come to the front and I told the kids that if they wanted prayer for anything, that we would pray with them. The first song started out and kids immediately started running in the back. I just had to close my eyes and CHOOSE to not be distracted by the kids jumping from couch to couch in the back (Yes, we had a worker there trying to contain them. The kids weren't just back there as a major accident waiting to happen.)

We had kids come down for prayer and a few of the kids were really worshipping God. We had 3 girls that had hurt their wrists last week. They all came down for prayer. I noticed during our fast song that they were all being very easy to clap. We prayed for them and ALL 3 of them said their wrists were healed after we prayed. One even started waving her hand saying, "Look!! I can move it!!!"

Another little girl came down for an earache and after we prayed, she said she felt better.

Another little girl came down. It was her first time to the ESC and she was in the 3rd grade, I think. Her dad works on power lines and travels to go help in disasters to restore power. I guess that recently her dad's partner had been seriously injured while working on a power line. He was ok, but it put a great fear in this girl. Krissy began to pray for her and I didn't hear was Krissy was saying, but I knew God was touching that little girl. Tears began to go down her cheeks. Krissy just kept praying and when Krissy was done, that little girl gave her the biggest hug -- not because Krissy did anything other than pray, but because that little girl felt God that morning.

That same little girl was in my small group afterwards and someone else wanted us to pray for her that she wouldn't be afraid. I said that we would, but that girl looked at me and just smiled. The fear that was on her before wasn't there anymore. We just prayed that God would protect her dad while he was at work. Let me tell you, that little girl didn't leave there the same way she came in.

So, I was thinking yesterday about all that stuff and why it all happened and how easy it was. I felt like the whole reason all of that happened is because we weren't distracted. By the end of our worship time (only 2 songs), more than 1/2 of the kids were in the back running around, but those who chose to worship were all about it!! As for my leaders, Krissy usually would have been one of the ones in the back running around chasing those "distractions", but instead she prayed for a little girl and she was set free.

From now on, I'm NOT going to be distracted from what God wants to do. I have no doubt that as our "core" group starts to really worship and move with God, those "distractions" one by one will want what those other ones want and before long, every child will be entering in and when it's time to stop be disappointed.

My Sister Hears From God

Today I got a phone call from my sister. My sister and I are pretty close and we talk fairly often -- but not as often as I would like. But, she called today and this phone conversation was really encouraging to me.

She called to talk because we haven't talked in a few weeks. I asked her what was going on and she said that she gave her 3 week notice yesterday at her job and was starting a new job in 3 weeks. This was quite a shock for me. She has worked at the same place for the last 6 years and has loved her job. Her "title" is pretty long, but she's the Administrative Assistant to the guy who's title is about 10 words long. . so his 10-word-title follows "Administrative Assistant". Anyway, she works in this fancy building with these "big-wig" people who know some even bigger "big-wig (and famous)" people. She talks on the phone to people all over the world. She is involved in helping set up famous people for big events for the company she works for. She's responsible for making and sending out thousands of fliers for events. She started out in Customer Service and had to memorize this manual that was THICK!! It is huge, but she did it. Everyone there loves her and she's free to just be Sally -- which is sometimes a little "dingy", but she's free to be who she is.

The problem with this job is that it's very stressful. There are 3 administrative assistants for the department she works in. 2 of them have quit over the last few months and they haven't replaced them yet. So, Sally's been doing their work, plus her own. She's had all of these projects going on where she works her butt off on one and when she's finished, she starts another one -- all without someone even telling her that they appreciate how she's stepped up and doing 3 people's job while getting paid for 1.

Last year, she was having some major stomach problems. She was losing weight -- with NONE to lose, literally. She was starting to look anorexic, although there was no way that she was. She had dr. appointment after dr. appointment and the final word was that it was stress. When your stress levels rise, it causes your stomach to produce more stomach acid, which processes your food faster. So, no matter how much she ate, she would be hungry in about 2 hours again. Her stomach was just processing her food too fast due to the stress. They put her on some medicine and it helped, but she only gained 2 pounds back. (I know. . opportunity to get jealous over that one!)

Anyway, a job opening came up at the prison there. What's weird is that my brother is a prison guard there (crazy, but true) and her job will be the administrative assistant to the warden. She is getting better pay, more vacation days, more sick days, better benefits, and the warden told her that to him (and I quote what she said he said), "Every day is a Friday to me. I don't have Mondays. If you come in my office and try to have a Monday, I'll tell you to leave and not come back until it's a Friday for you." What he means is -- there is no stress here.

Sally has been trying to get pregnant since last June. Lately she's become really frustrated in the whole process. I remember going through the almost exact same thing when we were trying to get pregnant with Payton. I had a miscarriage and it took us another year before we conceived Payton and I know my situation had to do with my job stress, too.

So, yesterday, she gave her 3 week notice and told them that it was just a better job for her. Her boss (who she LOVES) just kind of looked down his nose at her because she was going to go work at the prison. It really broke her heart. The "boss lady" over him called Sally into her office and asked her what was going on. Sally just told her that she's been working 3 jobs in that office and it was stressing her out. Her stomach's been acting up again and the other job has the better benefits (see above). They tried to make her another offer, but she wouldn't budge. She was crying because she felt like she had "screwed them over" by quitting.

Here's where it gets encouraging:
The "big boss lady" told Sally, "I want you to go home and pray about it over the weekend. Don't make any decision until you do."

Here was Sally's response:
She said, "I've already prayed about it. It was kind of an accident that I found out about it and it looked like I wasn't going to get it. But, I just prayed and told God that if the job was to be mine, then I would get it. I know that God has a plan for me and I know this is it. It's all the things I need in a job -- low stress level, benefits, better pay. It's God's way of saying, 'I have better things for you to do.' "

Now, my sister and I don't talk a lot about God. I know she believes in God and I know that she's saved, but I don't know much more than that. I'm so excited that she HAD prayed about it and she DID hear God on it and she wasn't AFRAID to just say that!!

So, I'm asking you to pray for her these things:

1. Pray that she will have strength over the next 3 weeks at her current job to finish strong. Pray that they will still show her the same love and respect they've showed her over the last 6 years of her being there and that it wouldn't be an awkward 3 weeks between them.

2. Pray that she will conceive a child soon. They don't have any children and she would be the "perfect little mommy".

Last Week . . .

I just wanted to blog about how awesome last week was. I don't know if my perspective has changed towards a bunch of things or what, but it has been good.

Monday: I had to get up and take Payton to school. Evan and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things to start off the week. WOW was awesome. I even had 2 prophetic words for people.

Tuesday: I took Payton to school again. Came home and then went to the church for my day at the office. It was pretty unproductive, but prayer was good. We prayed for Payton's ears and he came home from school to tell me that his ears weren't hurting anymore. Praise God!! That night, I decided that my office needed a MASSIVE overhaul. It had been cluttered and a mess since we moved in here in April and I wanted it to be spotless when Aaron got home. So, I cleared out my office COMPLETELY of everything and if it came back in, it had to have a place. It took me until midnight, but I got it done. It feels so good to have everything put away and my office is so much bigger than I thought it was!!

Wednesday: I took Payton to school again. Then, it was coffee with Brandi & Krissy. I always love coffee days. I had a million and one things to get done that day. I went and bought some make-up today. Big step for me. I picked up Payton & Ethan from school and Ethan came over to play. I cleaned the house like mad because Aaron was coming home and the house was a mess because of my office plans. We weren't going to go meet Aaron at the airport because I had been to Abilene every day last week and if I went back, that would be 2 trips in one day. But, I talked to Aaron before he left Dallas and he sounded like he really wanted us to meet him there. So, we did. We hopped back in the car and headed to the airport to meet him. When he came off of the plane, it was like in a movie. The boys ran over to him and gave him really big hugs. We went to eat at McDonald's (guess who got to pick) and headed home.

Thursday: I ended up going in to town for some reason. Oh yeah. I volunteered to help take Payton's class to the library. It was fun. Picked up Ethan and Payton had a massive meltdown on the way home. By the time we got home, he had racked up 13 pops. We got home and he did apologize, though. Our evening went well.

Friday: I put together all of my children's church stuff for Sunday. This is a change because I usually pull it all together (get things sorted) on Saturdays, but I decided in my heart that was going to change. Plus, I had to get my stuff ready to go scrapbooking!! Brandi, Cherith, Casey, Becky, and I all had a date at the new scrapbook store in town that night. The weather was supposed to be a little yucky, but I didn't care. It has been months since I've been to a crop and I was going!! We had the best time!!! At midnight, Brandi, Casey, and I went to Taco Bueno to grab something to eat. We sat in there until about 1:15 am or so!! We had a blast!!! You'll have to ask Casey how God answered her prayer for a camera!! ;) Then, Casey & I went to Wal-Mart for my last minute things for children's church. I took Casey home and crawled in bed at 2:20 am.

Saturday: We lounged around. It was cold outside and although we were quite bored, we survived. We did work on my set a little bit to get it ready for the "big reveal". Pastor Bryan called and told me that I could cancel children's church if I wanted to because of the weather. I decided that's what we would do.

Sunday: Awesome church service. WOW! is all I can say. I know there were times when I was acting like a crazy person!! I know I was doing things I've never done before, but it was good. It felt awesome to really know what it is like to be out of my own control, but with God in control.

I'm going to go back to one thing. The cool thing about while Aaron was gone is that the boys and I got along just great. Usually, Payton and I are ready to kill each other after being together without Aaron, but not this time. We really had a great time.

I'm expecting this week to be just as awesome. I've decided to start getting up at 6:30 am and get ready for the day. It just adds so much time to my day for me to get things done!! I'm sad to say that this morning I slept in and I'm running way behind. . . doesn't help that I've been reading everyone's blogs this morning!! OK . . off to do some housework!!

My Promised Land -- What is it?

Since everyone else it talking about it on their blogs, I can't be any different!! I've been thinking about it all week and I just don't know what it looks like. Or maybe I do, but I'm trying to make it too hard. So, I started thinking about all the things I want to do (and have wanted to do) and make a list. Maybe I'll see a "common thread". These are in no particular order:

* Have an amazing children's ministry where God moves in and through the kids
* Be the best mom to my 2 boys, loving them the way they need to be loved
* Be the best wife to Aaron -- meeting all his needs -- having dinner cooked, a clean house, etc.
* Go to Africa.
* Go back to school
* Be a lawyer
* Be a surrogate mother for someone
* Be foster parents
* Have more children of my own
* Be able to live on 10% and give 90%
* Work in a district attorney's office (been there, done that, would love to do it again)
* Be creative and have time to be creative
* Be able to give away big things -- cars, houses, etc.
* Be able to go on vacations and send people on vacations
* Be organized
* I want my house to be a place where people love to come and visit -- where the guys can play Xbox (like they already do) or the girls come to just hang out. I want my home to be full of hospitality.
* Write children's ministry curriculum
* Have CM conferences here instead of me having to travel to them. I know people will come to see what is going on in our children's ministry because it will be something that has never been done before.

I'm sure my "list" contains more. I just had a few minutes to write and thought I would give it a shot. My heart is children's ministry. I'm not sure exactly where all the other things fall into place. Maybe they're dreams that God is going to replace. Maybe they are things I'll do in my "spare time". Maybe I'll get to do these things alongside children's ministry. Maybe God will reveal His plan for me very clearly. Then, I just have to be obedient.

Man, I feel like a woman!

I just want to testify to what God has done in me without me knowing what He was doing!!

Since we didn't have children's church in December, I really wanted to take some time to say, "Whatever you want to do, God, I'm on board." Well, December was so busy -- just busy. But, what I didn't realize is that God was taking my hurt -- something that had hurt so bad -- and He was healing it.

If you've read my blog, you read my "November 15th" post about the baby that I had in high school. During the month of November, I felt like I was 17 again. I remember being at home and not feeling like an adult. It is something really hard to explain. I just felt like I was 17 in my normal life. But, if you've read that post, I told God that I was taking my hand off of a wound that I had kept covered up for 12 years and I was going to allow Him to clean it out and heal it the right way.

In November, I did grieve for J. And, it was only a few days and I felt like my grieving time was over. In December, I felt this weird "I want to buy clothes and I want to wear makeup" thing. For all of my life, I've NEVER liked shopping for clothes and I've wore makeup on a few occassions, but never had much interest. And, I have never felt beautiful. No matter what people have said or done, I never felt like I was beautiful and I felt like no matter what I did, I would never be that. But, on the other hand, I didn't WANT to be beautiful because beautiful people were noticed -- they got attention -- something I didn't want.

On New Year's Eve at church, after baptisms, I had 2 people come up to me and tell me how beautiful I was and for the first time, I believed it. I felt it. After the second person came up to me, I just said, "Thank you. It's just something God is doing in me." She said, "Well, it looks good on you."

On Friday, I had a hair appointment -- not with the hair fairy (long story) -- but at the same place. I went in there and told the lady that I wanted whatever she wanted to do with my hair. We found this cut that I really liked and she thought it would look nice, so we went for it.

I didn't realize how long my hair had gotten!! It was a good few inches below my shoulders!! She started cutting and I really liked it. Then, she colored it. That took forever, but I have really thick hair. The lady was great to talk to and I talked to her about children's ministry. (I think it was hard for her to believe that woman was a children's "pastor" and not my husband -- but that's for another post).

Anyway, when she got all done, I wasn't sure if I was all about the color. It cost $85 for her to do all of that to my hair and for $85, I wished the color was a little more drastic.

But, as I was driving home, I heard about a new book "Famine to Fairytale". It's the story of Naomi and Ruth. When I heard that, I knew I had to get it. And, as I was driving, I realized what God had been doing.

He has been restoring my womanhood. I've never felt like a woman. I've always felt like a little girl. Now, I feel like a woman. I was reminded while I was driving about a word that I received a few years ago. I had gone back to Enid and there was a prophet there who always read my mail, but it was always awesome. I was really missing Oklahoma and our church body there. At the end, she had a prayer time and she gave me a word that went something like this:

God has placed you there. He has placed you there for a purpose higher than yourself. One day there is going to be this sudden shift -- an all of a sudden shift -- and you are going to come out glorious. You are going to be like Ruth. God will bring you to that place just like he did Ruth. Until then, glean in the fields. Glean in the fields.

Gosh!! I wish I could find that word. I have it written down somewhere on a yellow notepad, but I'm going to have to find it. So, I went home and studied about Ruth & Naomi. Ruth went to be with her mother-in-law and she worked in the fields. She worked in the fields picking up the leftover pieces of wheat. While she was working in the fields, Boaz noticed how beautiful she was. She eventually became his wife and Naomi and Ruth were no longer poor, but they were royalty.

I looked up the word GLEAN and here is what it means:

glean /glin/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[gleen] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object) 1. to gather slowly and laboriously, bit by bit.
2. to gather (grain or the like) after the reapers or regular gatherers.
3. to learn, discover, or find out, usually little by little or slowly.
–verb (used without object) 4. to collect or gather anything little by little or slowly.
5. to gather what is left by reapers.

I wasn't sure how that fit into "my story", but I thought it had to be about children's ministry, but it wasn't.

God had gone back and helped me pick up the pieces -- bit by bit -- and He's healed it. I feel like God has restored my womanhood. I feel restored. I care about hair and makeup -- like girls are supposed to do. (Girls, let me say that if you don't care about hair and makeup, that doesn't mean you aren't a woman.) I'm just saying, for me, I've always WANTED to care about those things, but couldn't figure out how.

So many people who saw my new haircut this morning told me how beautiful I looked. I felt it. I feel beautiful. I feel confident. There has been that "all of a sudden shift" and it feels good. I feel like a new person. I feel like I am beautiful -- on the outside and inside.

I am so glad that I serve a God that can do things without me even noticing.

Off to a meeting -- maybe I can finish this later or maybe later I'll find the rest of that prophecy and put it on here.

Update on Blogging Out Loud

So today was our first Sunday with all of our kids under the same gym roof. We had 56 kids today!! 50 and above seems to be the "norm" over the last few months, which is awesome!! It happened so fast that I almost didn't realize it!! Awesome!!

We started off good. It was weird and is weird to say this, but I was not in control of Sunday morning's service. I had given that to God. Yes, it was a little nerve wrecking and a little awkward, but I had a peace that God was going to do whatever He needed to do.

I told my Bible story -- I think I messed it up. I'm going to have to go back and see. I think I got my number of days mixed up and I didn't finish the story of how Daniel was 10 times stronger than the other men at the end of his "fast from the King's food". Oh well. . I'm not satisfied with that, but I am not going to dwell on it.

So, we broke into small groups. 2nd through 5th grades small groups were about the same. We weren't sure how the younger kids' groups were going to work out. We put the Kindergarten and 1st grades together (quite a big group) and we put the 4 & 5 year olds (those that aren't in kindergarten yet) together (quite a large group) and we put all the 3 year olds together (only 10 kids -- 9 girls and Evan).

I was going to help Nicole with the 3 year olds because I thought they would be the hardest. Boy, was I wrong!!! Those ten little 3 year olds did whatever I asked them to do (although sometimes they looked at me funny when I told them we were going to run in place)! They sat in a circle and ate their snacks and they colored and shared!! I was amazed!! Then, I look up. . .

Krissy had the 4 & 5 year olds. I felt TERRIBLE for what I saw!! She was trying to teach the kids about how Daniel was 10 times stronger and there was a cute part on getting the kids to experience that. When I looked up, she had 2 kids trying to escape from 2 different doors!! She had about 5 kids that were in their own little worlds -- tackling, hitting, building blocks -- anything but paying attention.

So, I decided to go help her out. Oh my goodness!!! There was one little boy that I had to put in my lap, put my legs over his legs, and my arms around him to get him to sit and listen. Yes, I know I was holding hiim against his will -- get ready for some confessions of a children's pastor!! But, I was convinced that if he would just see what she was trying to teach, he would be interested. WRONG!!

Finally, I gave up trying to restrain him because there were about 8 others that were completely out of control. Krissy did have about 4 that were doing whatever she wanted them to do. It was hard to focus on those 4, when the rest were out of control. At 12 pm, Krissy just said, "How much longer?" I went to see and Pastor Bryan was still preaching. On my way back, I realized we hadn't done any worship, so decided to come back to large group and worship until the parents came.

That worked ok . . when you're worshipping, you don't realize those kids that are just running around everywhere. ;)

So, that ends our day. Dustin, Krissy, and I talked after everyone was gone and we're all still going to do children's ministry. We strategized a little bit more on our check-out system and figured out a way to make that smoother. This week on my agenda is to figure out how to fix this 4 & 5 year old group.

But, we aren't giving up. It felt so nice for all of us to be together today. There was energy (maybe too much for some kids) and we had new toys that everyone loved. Next week, we'll have our new set (it will be awesome)! I know that God is going to do something with us all in the same room. I think I did what He wanted me to do, though -- let go of control. Let me say this, too. I am not frustrated. I am not giving up. I am not giving in. I'm going to push through and we will be successful!! It will take time for all of us to adjust, but God is going to give us a strategy to reach EVERY boy and girl that comes through our doors.