Family Night

Thursday night, December 23. After Candlelight service at church we headed home to read love notes. MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR: reading a love note from everyone in the family. Yes, there are 10 of us, yes there were a total of 90 love notes. Yes, it took us an hour and a half. Yes, Cameron was patient, although antsy to get to the gifts as it got later and later. Yes, IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT.

After love notes each of the kids opened up a gift from one of their siblings.  They all love each other and know each other so well, buying one thoughtful gift was a great way to give this year.

For the record: Katelyn bought razor roller skates for Cameron. Cameron bought two silver rings for Jordan. Jordan bought two Razorback tees for Ryan. Ryan bought a blanket scarf for Erin. Erin bought slippers and flannel sleep pants for Ian. Ian bought personalized stationary and a Russellville tee for Sheridan. Sheridan bought fuzzy socks and a necklace for Lauren. Lauren bought Katelyn a gold clutch purse, gold journal and a cookie cutter (for her collection). It was SO SWEET!

I love it when we're all together, smiling, with pretty paper all over the floor, Christmas lights on the tree, and our hearts filled with love from the personalized notes.

Wild Week

Whoa. I'm sitting in a room filled with my family watching a crazy movie but I have so much in my head I need to record it. It's been a WILD WEEK. There are times when so many things come up that it's hard to balance emotionally, physically and mentally while still talking nicely to Richard and my kids! Of course, if I was healthier I could probably do the days better...and if I kept up with all my meds and kept us all on task, I would probably do better too. But this week I crashed because I'm not healthy and had so much to do and keep up with, I did not do well. I feel better right now than I have all week, so I can record how God sustained me even when I do not have strength.

There is NOTHING like a bad day, bad week or a bad situation to show me how He has the whole world and even me in His hand.

Last Sunday I got to sing in our praise team. I got to lead two songs because someone on the team was sick. I was swept up into the Holy Spirit's anointing during the singing and even though I know He always wants me there when I'm leading, he also was preparing me for the week ahead.

Christ Is Enough:

Christ is my reward and all of my devotion

Now there's nothing in this world that could ever satisfy

Through every trial my soul will sing

 No turning back, I've been set free

Christ is enough for me, Christ is enough for me

Everything I need is in You, everything I need

Christ my all in all, the joy of my salvation

And this hope will never fail heaven is our home

Through every storm my soul will sing

Jesus is here to God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back, no turning back

The cross before me, the world behind me

No turning back, no turning back

Monday: Sheridan had volleyball every day this week. Richard was home and we took everyone to the movies (we don't ever do that) to celebrate the last week of summer.

Tuesday: Volleyball, trips up the house to order blinds, Richard out of town. Sheridan's Open House at the Junior High at 6pm. (#1)

Wednesday: Cameron's teacher is listed at noon and Jordan and Cameron's friends come over to play all afternoon. Meanwhile, I have details about my upcoming event that are completely out of my hands.  Not only do I need to be chasing down things, but I'm distracted by packing and keeping kids sane on this last week at home. I make a decision to postpone our BIG marketing day until details are worked out, and need to send mass emails and social media posts to let people know.

Thursday: Richard is home and tying up all loose ends on our house so we can move in. We decide to move in next weekend, but move non-essentials this weekend. Lauren comes over to help and helps me get things orderly so I can feel OK about how we're going to do this. Cameron has open house at his elementary school. (#2) The driveways are laid at our house although we didn't think that would happen. However, we can't drive on it until Monday.

Friday: Erin, Richard, the girls and I start moving as much as we can in two SUVs and a trailer. We'll park as close as we can to the doors and walk it in! I'm not used to the humidity, the heavy lifting or this stress and I'm not handling it very well. I snap at the girls and then ask their forgiveness. (Through every storm my soul will sing, Jesus is here, to God be the glory) Jordan has open house at the middle school! (#3)

Saturday: Erin and a friend are here, Jordan is getting new braids, Richard and I pack cars and take more to the house. I've worn out my muscles in the last two days, so I unpack boxes and do what I can to direct traffic and wipe down floors after dirt comes in. (The house we're moving in to is the most beautiful place I've ever seen! Richard has built us a wonderful place to call home) The details of our move & my event are weighing on me and Richard and the kids continue to love me more than I deserve and gives me time to take a much needed nap so I can recoup. Momming is hard, but not harder than He can handle.

So now the movie is over, and the Olympics are still on and I'll try to decide how much I can watch tonight before I need to turn in. I can't wait to worship tomorrow at church. I need the TRUTH, the FELLOWSHIP, and the FOCUS on all that is really important in life.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Father/Daughter Ball

Our church hosted a Father/Daughter Ball on Friday night. Sheridan and Jordan picked beautiful dresses and we fixed hair and prepped for a special night with their dad. Richard wrote each girl a special note declaring them cherished and loved. When they got to the church they were introduced, walked a red carpet and were cheered on by the Mammarazzi! It was a super special night and I'm so thankful for a man who dresses up and takes his girls dancing! Those smiles!!

Lead Me To The Cross

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemption's hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss

[Chorus:]
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
Human
The word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss

End Times

It is an uneasy time in America and the world. I'm fairly sheltered and even content to live in my house, on my street, with my family and not be interested in what is going on "out there." But even here I see the news, I see the shootings, racial tensions erupting, and politics redefining what we know to be truth.

This weekend our pastor spoke to these things. Of course, being the rule follower and list maker I am, was thrilled he was going to give our church's stance on these topics, but he did not do that. In fact, he addressed them all together in the BIG PICTURE. I was pretty let down at first, wondering why he didn't take a stand, and then I realized, he did.

What I learned:
1. We don't fear God. We neither have reverence or delight in Him in the everyday actions of our lives. Therefore, it's easy for us to get caught up in every uproar society puts out.

2. The Big Picture is that Jesus died for it all. God wins. He has a plan. It has not changed, and He is not surprised by what is going on in the world. In light of this, the issues do not matter as much as the outcome.

3. My mind should be constantly focused on THE HOPE for our future. I should be teaching my children there is but ONE WAY to peace and truth. Therefore, protecting them from emotional waves that come from the horrible things going on in our world. They are there, but we have HOPE.

Our pastor says there has never been a better time to be plugged into the church. Of course, that sounds like something a pastor would say, but he didn't mean just our church. He means THE CHURCH. "Things are not going to get better. The church is the source of Hope." And JESUS is that hope.

My take away, to ask myself, "Lord, is there anything in me that is not like you?"

Well, of course there is! I'm full of self-centeredness, laziness, fear, bad thoughts, pride, and more...
I should be working to get rid of these things and seek Him more.

From Hebrews 10: 26-31
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.  Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."  It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Pray, Pray, Pray

If only I prayed as much as I read, wrote, cleaned, did laundry, or cooked. Nothing makes me more at peace, more grounded, more joyful as prayer time. I have so many things on my heart today of things we are diligently praying for I decided to record them. I don't often journal my prayers, but every time I do it's so amazing to see how God was working before, during and after my simple human prayers.

1. That Jordan and Cameron would continue to be hungry for the Truth and seek a personal relationship with Jesus.

2. The next two weeks Richard will be out of town for about 10 days. We're super thankful for his job, but things at home aren't the same without Dad. Cameron, especially, needs his presence. Praying for a good two weeks.

3. Erin has submitted all the essays, recommendations, and paperwork to get into the Honors College at UCA. If she makes it through the first process, she'll be called to do an interview. Around 50 students will be ultimately chosen and their school will be paid for. We are praying for the opportunity for Erin to be interviewed.

4. Richard and I have taken on a new role at NLC. It's our first since being there. We're super excited about facilitating the Connect Classes. I am especially excited to have a purpose and a plan. Praying for us to be servants of the One True King and to shine His light through our service.

5. Ryan, Lauren and Katelyn: praying always for their diligence in college classes and the environments they find themselves in. Praying that they stay free from illness. Lauren is sick this week, praying it isn't the flu and that her rest this weekend begins the healing process.

 




6. Richard is traveling this week. Today he's in Miami, Oklahoma. He'll be in Boulder, San Antonio and Houston later in the week. Prayers for safe travel and successful meetings at the churches he's working in.

7. My event is coming up very soon. in 4 weeks we'll be moving in. I have lots of things to do in order for things to be as prepared as they can before we get there. We're in a new space, actually 3 buildings, and my prayer is for peace and wisdom as I work each day to get things as organized and prepared as I can. God has always blessed what I do, I often let Satan steal some of my security in that.

8. My first speaking engagement is the weekend after my event, March 13-14. I have almost all of my material prepared, but not actually finalized. I'm encouraged by sermons, scripture, and life experiences...because when you're talking on contentment...well, it's easy to see where you fall short. I'm praying for the supernatural wisdom of the Lord to minister through my words that weekend.

9. Feb 4 will be the first meeting of our LIFE GROUP since last year. We've agreed to lead it, but it will be in Rsvl in someone else's home. Praying for authentic relationships.

TOGETHER

Last Sunday we were all at church TOGETHER. That's cause for a picture...even if our clothes weren't coordinated and we pulled over a friend to snap the picture with my phone. I'm so thankful for the wonderful worship and teaching we get to experience together (the WORD taught this week was STRAIGHT TO MY HEART), and that my 2 littles are being taught THE WORD in KidLife. It's our first Christmas at NLC, and that's just ONE of the big transitions of 2014. SO THANKFUL. 

Women...

A more interesting weekend I've never had. I've been to MANY women's retreats/conferences, but never as the newbie: I decided to go to our (new) church's women conference in Little Rock 2 weeks ago. I paid my late registration fee, and told one of my new church friends that I was going. She was the sweetest friend and said, "Of course, you're coming, and coming with me! You can stay with me and we'll have so much fun!"

I drove myself to LR, I met my friend in the middle of a PACKED room with 2200 other women. I didn't know another person in the row around me, and so it was hard to know who was with our church and who was from another church. No worries, I just started talking to folks, and everything was new but not too awkward. The worship time absolutely blew me away, I was literally teary joining with so many singing to the Lord and preparing for a weekend to focus on Him. It was awesome.

And then the first speaker came up. Honestly...it's hard for me to trust a size 2 woman, who has to be 50 years old and looked 21 tops. But when she started bringing it, I couldn't write fast enough. I completely forgot that I didn't know but about 4 people in the room, and that I wasn't sure where I would spend the night.

The night ended at a table at PF Changs, laughing hard with 3 women I hadn't met before and my friend. OK, so somewhere after the first few minutes I realize I may be older than these ladies...I'm guessing 15 years older. It's OK, I can get along with anyone.. When my precious friend mentioned getting a roll away for their room, I could tell by their faces, she hadn't told them I was staying with them. One of my worst fears is imposing on people...so I immediately make excuses and plans to drive to Conway to stay at Rhea Lana's. (I had already OKd a bed there in case this very thing happened) My friend felt a little bad, but I assured her I would be perfectly fine, and I was.

This is why the weekend was so strange:
I'm 100% sure I've never been to a church event where I felt as insignificant or unknown as this. I have been the person who greets people at the door, invites people to sit by me, and asks everyone their names and makes the room reservations for anyone who needs one.

It was OK to not be known, and it was OK to not be a leader, but it was so incredibly humbling and perhaps freeing for a few moments. However, God did not wire me to sit quietly. The next morning my friend didn't answer her phone, I couldn't find her in the room, I saw another few folks from our church, but they didn't motion me over (I'm such a wimp...but didn't want to ask to sit with them if there wasn't a seat available....) anyway, I helped myself to a seat in the middle of a row of ladies from other places, and just made some new friends.

After the first session, and a break out session, another lady from my new life group texted me and asked me to sit with her later. During lunch, a new friend from the first night asked me to eat lunch with her.
God was providing and I was accepting.
God was speaking, and I was listening.
God was there, and I did everything I could to not let my feeling of inadequacy, un-comfortableness, and doubt distract me from His message to me.

I'm not sure why I'm writing this except for the record of a time of unknown in my life that I've never had, and for the reminder to love others, reach out to others, listen to others, and make others feel loved in similar situations.

For all I know, the ladies thought I was a snob for not talking to them, (that would break my heart if that were true) but I was trying to not infringe on their experience by being an unwanted tag a long.

I pray God will give us a specific place to serve and grow quickly in our new church home.

Remix

I started the Beth Moore Bible study on I and II Thessalonians today. As God often does when I'm present and available for a Word, He provided gifts of blessing and insight.

1) On the way to school this morning I told the kids I was going to make a new friend today. I have someone on my heart, and I thought today would be a day we would come into contact with one another, but as the Bible study group was coming in, a young mom came in that hadn't been to the study before. I recognized her and asked her to sit down at my table. Turns out, we shared a Bible, talked being a busy mom (she has 5 children) and was my new friend for the day.

2) The lesson focused on the writers of Thessalonians. In true Beth Moore style, she took us to the Word and uncovered the way Paul, Silas and Timothy got together. Paul and Barnabas had a parting of ways. Silas came forward and traveled with Paul, then they met Timothy, who they hadn't known before. Later Timothy becomes Paul's son in the faith, and meant more to him than any other friend. Paul and Barnabus were REMIXED and God worked miracles in their lives, with people they didn't know before.

This is what we have done, we have changed churches after 19 years, we are learning from new people, we are making new friends, and who knows what God has for us there that we couldn't do at FBC. It wasn't a break up, we didn't have a blow up like Paul and Barnabus. But God DID call us, and we did change some things, and we still have the same priorities in our lives and for our children.

We're just REMIXED.

AWANA Quiz

Three reasons God gave us the Bible:
1. So we can know who He is.
2. So we can know His word is always true.
3. So we can know He is the One and Only true God.

Just 3 reasons out of 24 that Sheridan and her teammates learned to prepare for the AWANA quiz meet. So thankful for her diligence to study many afternoons when she could've been doing anything else. "I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." GOOD STUFF.

Noelle, the First

Christmas angels and Christmas songs! So thankful to be involved with the children's choir again this year, preparing for and presenting our Christmas musical. Sheridan had a speaking part, I taught some a couple kids handbells, and they offered a great gift to God with their program.

Extended Family

While waiting in the foyer today, I just had to have a pic with our host students. They have become precious to us this semester. Liliam and Fernando are fun sophomores at UofO and are so sweet to my kids. They both serve at church, Liliam is a LCBS teacher with the 2 year olds and Fernando helps on the worship team. I'm thankful for them being a part of our story here in Clarksville.

Onward and UPWARD

LOVED our UPWARD game yesterday and NOT because we won. BUT, because everyone on our team scored, our kids are getting more confident and developing skills...and they were SO ENCOURAGING to one another. I'm so thankful for the venue to develop these kids in their skills and their character. It makes sports even more fun and these families are getting the blessing, right along with us!

Family

A family that prays together, stays together. I'm so thankful for my family that has completely stepped up and helped me with VBS this week. They have done more than any volunteers, Richard even being the funny guy in a skit we did every day. I could not be more grateful for their support and love for me.