Life as a Children's Minister

Yes I'm Obsessed!

2012-01-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

Well, if you know me personally, chances are you also realize I am obsessed with a mouse. Not just any mouse, but a mouse who lives in Florida. Yes- I am talking about Mickey Mouse!

This love started many years ago when my grandparents, parents, aunt (10 years older than me), uncle (7 years older than me) and my younger sister headed out for Fort Wilderness at Disney World. It is a memory that is very vivid from my childhood. I remember the camper, the boat ride/boat parade and my family. It would be several years before I would return but the love of that place and the memories were stamped on my heart forever.

Many have asked, "Don't you get tired of going?" To be honest, no I don't. I can't get enough. I am also asked if I ride the rides. Yes, I do. But my favorite are the shows and the parades. I love it when I can go with my husband. However, as strange as many find it- I am okay to go by myself too. Often I have a conference in Orlando and he can't always attend. Last year I needed a vacation and he couldn't go- so guess what- he told me to go and I did. I had a blast.

Here is one of my favorite things to see......

(picture taken by my husband from the Contemporary Resort )

This past week while visiting Disney World, we drove past the entrance to Fort Wilderness. I got all misty eyed and emotional. I looked at my husband and asked how in the world did my grandparents and parents ever afford to take us to Disney? I now realize what a gift my inaugural trip was financially. It not only began a love for the place but for the one who created it too.

If you can dream it, you can do it!

Walt Disney

Stay tuned..... I am working on a post of my observations / suggestions for visiting Disney with your children!

A Weekend to Remember

2011-12-17T02:28:00.000-05:00

Mike and I recently attended Family Life's conference for Married Couples (and engaged couples). It is called A Weekend To Remember . Thanks to our church - First Baptist Cleveland who gives this special time to the minister's at our church every other year. Mike and I continue to go to this particular conference (although we could pick others), because it is always a great conference. We have never been disappointed in the speakers, location, etc. Family Life is a first class ministry who is committed to helping families keep Christ as the top priority in their lives.
The conferences are located all over the United States. We've been to a couple locations. This year we decided to go to Charleston, South Carolina. We just love this city. On Friday we explored the city and here are some things we got to see:

Two Meeting Street Inn

This is where I really wanted to stay but they didn't have availability for the entire time we were in town! One day I am going to stay at this Bed and Breakfast!

Friday night before we went to the conference, we saw a couple get married in the gazebo at Battery Park. This was their carriage!

We took a carriage ride but it was with quite a few couples!

I would most likely visit Battery Park a lot if I lived in Charleston!

Love it!

We saw families playing, photo sessions of a bride, children and about 16 members of a family- it was cute - they were all dressed alike. The grandfather was just ready to get it over with.

I love the homes in Charleston.

Homes we got to see on our carraige ride. I highly recommend the Palmetto Carriage Company if you are in Charleston.

I loved the Christmas decorations.

The thing I look at the most is the gates, fences, lamps, etc. I think this looks very enchanting!

Loved this gate........

but most of all loved what was inside the gate. I could see myself sitting here to read.

Picture on South Battery. While waiting on the Boat Parade we got to see lit up and with it's Christmas tree on. It is a beautiful home.

Yet another view of Battery Park!

Water view of Battery Park!

Favorite boat from the parade!

We also loved those on canoes and kayaks who came by first. They came by yelling two things-

"Merry Christmas" and then would say "When we say row, you say Ho!"

So it was fun to hear Row, Ho, Row, Ho with all the others who had gathered to see the Boat Parade!

We also visited James Island County Park Festival of Lights at Folly Beach. It was AMAZING - so amazing that it will be a blog post all of it's own.

So thankful for my hubby! I love him more and more each day. I never knew 18 years ago (this month) when he asked me to marry him that it was possible to love him more than I did that day, but I do. So thankful to God for the gift of this godly man. I love you HB!

A Beautiful Place

2011-09-06T22:41:00.000-04:00

I loved exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with my love this weekend! God is amazing in how created so many different types of places. Have a great week!

One of my favorite gifts ever..............

2011-08-01T00:58:00.000-04:00

Well this past week I celebrated my birthday. I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes and blessings by cards, facebook well wishes, kiddos hugs and singing and all kinds of goodies. My husband gave me one of my most favorite gifts ever (if you know me well- you know he gave me one of the best gifts I've been given in my life this past November- leave a comment if you think you know what that gift was- hint.....I am still using it)

Anyway................. I woke up to find a Kindle beside me! Woo Hoo!

I will always love a "real, live" book (so don't worry Mrs. Lynda!) However, I absolutely love it. The first book I read on my kindle was Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers.

I actually discovered tonight I could go to Christian Book Distributor's site and find all the Christian books that are free in their section and go to Amazon and look up the same books under Kindle and download those free too! I actually think I downloaded about 30 books tonight - very easily added since my awesome husband included 3G on my Kindle! So now I am all set for vacation in a few weeks.

Thank you to everyone who helped my day (and week) so special!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

Happy July 4th! I pray you have a great time celebrating Independence Day! We have a great privilege of living in a FREE country. We are a blessed people. I also remind you that we have the opportunity to be free spiritually as well- In John it tells us "if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!"

The freedom this speaks of is the freedom from the bondage of sin. John 3:16 tells us of this FREE gift - For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

I pray you can celebrate the Fourth of July as an American who has freedom but also as a Christian - who is free indeed!

Family Game Night

2011-06-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

Well tonight is one of my favorite nights of our Summer Fun- Family Game Night. Sadly it is always the least attended night. I LOVE this night. A night where we bring out the board games and card games. A night where families can come together with other families and play simple but fun games. We ask families to bring a snack and we provide the drinks. An all around fun night. We will see what tonight brings.
Here is one game I can't wait to play.

Hungry Hippo? Ever play that as a kid? I did. It was my sister's game - I think she got it for Christmas one year. I loved playing that game. I had not played it in years until this past Spring. At the lunch for homeschool students a family brought this game and I was able to play. Brought back a lot of memories and I will be honest I had to remember I wasn't a kid anymore and I didn't have to get ALL the marbles.

A newer game I love is.......................

I love to see the kids play this game. It is a lot of fun for adults too!

One game that I love so much I collect...............is UNO! I have all kinds of UNO games............. here are a few.........

UNO TO GO

(Fits in a cup holder and designed to play on the go)

Uno Cars Version

UNO Disney Version

(two of my great loves combined)

UNO SPIN IT

UNO STACKO

UNO MOO

(One of my new favs- this is fun if you are a preschooler or 40- lol)

UNO H2O

(plastic so they can get wet)

UNO Classic

(Still my all time fav)

What is your favorite game?

Mom's Nurturing Moms adds an Evening Edition

2011-06-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

Mom's Nurturing Moms is a group for moms at all stages on the journey of motherhood. I started a group while serving at my last church- 11 1/2 years ago. My heart was for the group to be a fellowship time for moms to be together while their children were being well taken care of by our childcare staff. I wanted it to be a time of encouragement for them but not a Bible Study. Let me explain that statement- the moms I felt led to reach out to all were doing an awesome job in that department- they were doing Bible Study through a small group with their husbands at church and / or a small group study throughout the week with other ladies. What I realized from listening to them is they needed time with other ladies. That group flourished as did the group at my current church. The Lord has given me a passion for this group.

Earlier this year I had a mom approach me asking me if I would expand this group to have a meeting in the evenings for moms who worked outside the home. After thinking and praying about this venture- in August we will begin Moms Nurturing Moms- Evening Edition. I am excited but also a little nervous. This is where you come in................

Some of the topics we discuss or invite speakers in will be able to be duplicated - some will not. So my question is ......... if you are a mom working outside the home- what are some topics you would love to learn more about?

Some of our speakers in the past have discussed.....
finances
marriage relationship
creative correction
meal time
homeschool, private or public school
organization

Well you get the drift................. Looking for new ideas for the morning edition and evening edition!

Thanks in advance.!! Please leave me a comment or email me at twaldrop(at)clevelandfbc.com

I was speechless..............believe it or not!

2011-04-22T00:07:00.001-04:00

For those of you who know me personally - know I seldom at a loss for words. Most often quite the opposite, I am full of words. I want to tell you about a time this past week when for a moment I didn't know what to say but was actually overwhelmed by God's goodness.

You see, it has been a really busy month. There have been many activities and events at church. Several of these were providing childcare. Every single time it was to support incredible opportunities for parents. As the excitement of the first night of our Music and Media Ministry sharing a worship experience with our church family and community, so did my desire to attend. I had heard great things about it and one of my good friends even told me you have got to attend. She encouraged me to find someone to work the desk so I could attend. Well I tried and after asking several people just resigned myself to the idea I would not get to attend.

Well the Friday night it opened the weather was horrendous. I mean it was a down pour. It was a huge storm and I thought oh no, people will stay home. They will not come out in this weather. I was beginning to get disappointed for our new Music Ministers - they both had worked so very hard. Then an amazing thing happened - people began to POUR in just like the rain was pouring outside. There was an excitement all around. Then it happened.

I began to have a big pity party for myself. I wallowed in a lot of thoughts in my flesh. It was not a pretty - all the thoughts going through my head. I actually prayed Lord is there anyone that cares that I don't get to go to church most of the time and that I would really, really like to be a part of this special worship opportunity. To be completely honest with you I was even mad and told God I was mad. I ended up telling myself to "suck it up" and "get over it" (forgive me if that word offends you). I just accepted it is what I do and that often there are sacrifices that go with being called to Children's Ministry. So I went about my night and didn't think of it again.

The sanctuary begin to empty and parents returned to pick up their little ones. One of the parents came up to the desk and said are you getting to attend one of the nights. I told her that I wanted to and tried to find someone but could not secure someone. She said I am going to cover the desk so you can attend. She said the Lord told me during the worship service to come and offer to stay so I could go. I just looked at her for a minute and then said are you sure? She said yes, I know the Lord told me to offer to do this. I didn't really know what to say but made the necessary arrangements and thanked her.

As I had time later that night, to really think about what had happened, I realized God was answering my plea. He was saying Tara - I heard you and I care. I care so much that I have secured someone for you. Not only had He secured someone but it was a former staff member who had worked the desk before. I then realized not only did God find someone to cover the desk but someone I was more than 100% comfortable covering the desk. Someone I knew I didn't have to wonder if they were okay. Because of those two facts I was able to have an incredible worship experience that next night.

When my friend came to cover the desk - I left her a note telling her about my pity party and thanking her for being an answered prayer. She told me later that she wondered if when God spoke directly to her and told her to ask me, if it was at the same time I was asking Him if anyone cared I wanted to attend too. I believe it was. I believe it could have even been before. I believe when I made those pleas and lamented to God - even if not necessarily with the right attitude- He heard me and answered my plea. I remember saying God please send someone who can work tomorrow night. The reason I think He might have even prompted her to ask me before I prayed those prayers- is because He already knew my heart. He knew how I felt but He wanted me to tell Him how I felt (and boy did I). Oh His grace and goodness!

What an incredible thing- I know He answers prayers all day long, every day but I am reminded of His goodness to me when He makes Himself known that powerfully and quickly in my life.

The neat thing is she came back the next night so one of the "nursery ladies" could attend. And when someone else heard what she did for me, they came back the next night and worked so another "nursery lady" could attend. There is no better life than to live for Jesus. Even when I fail, He unconditionally loves me!

Tomorrow is a day to remember what He did for each and every one of us on the Cross at Calvary........ but remember Sunday is coming!

School Lunch

2011-04-06T16:34:00.000-04:00

I always have fun eating lunch with kids at their schools. Each January I begin the trek to the different elementary schools we have children attending. There are 22 schools I will have visited this year. Most of the time I am in the schools on Wednesday. I think when I write my book (yes, on my "bucket list" is to write at least one book), it may take more than one chapter to expand on the things I learn at lunch. I am going to list just some of the things I learn......

how kids interact in the school environment (as opposed to church and church activities)
how they relate to the peers
who their peers are at school
what their teachers think of them (or the cafeteria lady)
what they like to eat and what they don't like to eat
what happened at their house that morning or the night before (sometimes good but sometimes sad)
how they view me- often in how they introduce me- which often makes me feel really good- "this is my friend from church Mrs. Tara"
many interesting things about their teachers, friends but most of all parents.......in my book you all shall remain nameless but man oh man the innocence and honesty of kids- tee hee- it's awesome

If I were to be the "cafeteria lady" .......

I might be broke all the time- how it pains me to see the kids who have to put things back up because they don't have the money for that item
I would outlaw television (cartoons) EVER being played during lunch
I would pray the noise and behavior issues in the cafeteria would not get to me and I could remain "nice" - which most places I visit the environment is really neat! (yes, I do realize I am in the cafeteria once a week and they are in there every day, all school year)
I would figure out a way for little ones not to have to begin lunch at 10:30 in the morning..... I know it is a tight schedule but come on (it makes for a really long lunch time when you begin then and the last lunch is at 12:40)..... if I wouldn't look silly I would take a seat cushion

Kids in their environment are awesome. I love it when I get to sit with them at their regular lunch table. Most schools that is not possible because we have way too many kids who attend there- and I can't bounce back and forth from tables. However, it is amazing when we get a table for our group and they say "I didn't know you go to First Baptist". I like to see them connect.

Oh yes- and I always take my lunch. No offense cafeteria ladies of the world- I always did and always will. It is just better that way ......

Tomorrow the homeschool are coming to me- whoo hoo! Lunch with all of them here at the church and guess what??? They are bringing lunch- woot woot!

Have a great afternoon!

On The Go Dinners

2011-03-18T13:53:00.001-04:00

About a month ago I discovered a new business here in town (Cleveland, TN) that has been a huge blessing. You guessed it - it's called On The Go Dinners. It is a business that provides ready to cook meals for an incredible price. PLUS she delivers. Please be sure to read the order and delivery info - it is really important and can answer your questions!

Here is how it works- the cook posts the menu on Monday each week. You email , call or text (464-2322) your order and when you would like the item you order. If you live in the Cleveland city limits delivery is included (FREE). Each item you order is $12. No that is not a typo- TWELVE dollars. I have taken a few pictures of things I have ordered and how it comes................ (I think I only have one picture of how it looks after it is cooked- lol - we usually gobble it up so fast I forget to take a picture).

Also if you are doing weight watcher's the points are listed for each dish. The cook lists these on the menu each week. You can also find On The Go Dinners on Facebook - but I have no idea how to link that here! (remember I am technology challenged- just ask the crew at church). And just in case you wondered - I have not been asked to post about this wonderful new business, I wanted to share it with you since I love it so much. I also am not getting anything in return for sharing this business with you. Although I am hoping I can influence the menu selections over the next few weeks- lol. In reading past menus on the blog (from before I heard about this business) I would love to see the Chicken Alfredo Bake and / or the French Toast Casserole return to the menu selection sometime. (Melissa - if you are reading this hint, hint )

Here is how it comes...........

Here are the instructions for the Roast Chicken Bake!

Here is the Roast Chicken Bake ready to go in the oven!

Here is the Taco Noodle Bake ready to go in the oven!

Here it is ready to eat - yummy!

I can't not say enough good things about EVERYTHING we have ordered- Here are some of the things I have ordered:

Roast Chicken Bake

Taco Noodle Bake

Chicken Enchiladas

White Chicken Chili with Cornbread Crust

Bruschetta Skinny Chicken

Beef Enchiladas

Skinny Ginger Soy Chicken

It has worked so well for Mike and I. On nights I have ordered he gives me a buzz when he leaves work and I put it in the oven and we are ready to eat. It is also enough food for us to have leftovers for lunch and dinner. So I've let you in on one of my secrets. Oh by the way - clean up is a done quickly now- no dishes to load in the dishwasher from preparation - which makes Mike and I both happy! Hope it helps you too!

A sleepless night ......

2011-02-28T20:30:00.018-05:00

It was one of those nights- I don't know why. I never do. I guess something triggered the movie that played over and over in my mind - well at least every time I shut my eyes. It was a movie of one of the happiest times in my life and one of the saddest as well. All day I've battled on if I should post this on here or not. I decided it is part of who I am and always will be. I don't write it for pity or sympathy... really I write it because it helps my heart. It is part of who I am and one of the chapter's in life that has shaped me. Enough of all that and back to the movie that played over and over last night....

It took me to a far away place, although not really that far away. A lusciously green land whose country side is filled with beautiful scenery. Although parts of this country are something you would see in a travel magazine if you look closely you see evidence of a war that ravaged this land. Poverty is all around. Partly due to political battles that engulfed the people for way too long. Natural disasters have also left much devastation to this place- a place I fell quickly in love with on my first mission trip. It was the first time I looked into a person's eyes and saw true desperation. I am not speaking of a spiritual desperation- although it was there as you looked deeper. I am talking about true desperation on having your basic physical needs meet. I am talking about literally having nothing to eat- not just something you "like" to eat. After that first trip my heart was broken and Mike and I returned many times.

It didn't matter if we were in the barrio's (villages), the schools or at the orphanages- most all we encountered had (has) that look. Each time my heart was broken as I returned to my comfy American lifestyle. If you've ever seen or been to a place with extreme poverty you can relate.

At the same time in life Mike and I continued to walk the path of infertility. We desperately wanted a child and had been open to the idea of adoption for a while. Many people wanting to help in our desire to become parents would share with us a child (or children) that needed a home. Each time we would walk through the door as long as it was open. This time was not any different. I sat down with Mike after Wednesday night church at a local restaurant, and said well you are already sitting down and began. A friend in ministry had a lady in his church who was not going to keep the twins she was soon to deliver and he wanted to know if we were interested. As long as I live I will never forget my precious husband's response. He said sure we will always have a open door for any children the Lord may bring to us. Tell "RJ" yes to give her our name. And then the words that would really set us on a life changing course..... But we have two girls waiting on us and they are ours. I believe we are suppose to go get them (meaning begin adoption procedures).

You see when we first began serving on short term trips to this country it was closed to Americans adopting but had recently become more open. We had met two sisters on one of our trips and had seen them again just the month before. I will actually never forget standing over "JG"'s crib and crying out for God to rescue her. I vividly remember Mike coming to tell me the team was already walking out of the village. I couldn't move. My heart was riveted to this precious child who although was several years old could not sit up. We were told she had special needs - although they were not really sure what. She had to be propped up in her crib. The little girl whose orphanage caregivers told me they had never seen her smile until that day. It was when I was holding her close and singing "Jesus Loves "JG" into her ears. Her eyes darted towards me and smiled. A little girl that was left alone with her 1 1/2 old sister for they believe at least a week. Their mom had left them and the uncle brought them to the orphanage. There was no way their family could feed anymore children. It didn't immediately enter my mind -at first- they we should adopt them. It wasn't possible when we first meet them.

So last night the next several trips (over two years) played in my mind. The times we spent with them at the orphanage, mission house, zoo, McDonald's, playing, trying on clothes we had brought them, hearing their laugh when they receive the Build-a-bear and puppy with our voices tell them we loved them, feeding them, watching them grow and learn and hearing them call us ma ma and pa pa.

Then the movie is taking a turn.....it's a turn toward a ending I don't like or even want. We are at the necessary offices thinking our paperwork is going to be reviewed and given the "nod" to get the official seals on it. However, as the sweet kind lady who has helped us from the beginning leaves the room and is gone for a period of time, a longer period of time than necessary, my heart begins to panic. As she enters the room- I know- I don't need the translator to translate. When her eyes won't meet mine, I realize it is not to be. They called it political red tape, they are sorry.....policies changing. The words are just a jumble in my mind and on the screen. I am not sure how I will every move from that chair. You see "our girls" was what had kept me going for the past 11 weeks. The 11 weeks I physically and emotionally healed from an unplanned hysterectomy. You see even though I had been told I would most likely not have a baby- I secretly held out hope all those years for a miracle. How could I look at Mike in the eyes. The movie is playing but it brings back to many intense memories, I can't watch. Somehow we cling to each other and make it to the car waiting to take us to the mission house. Our precious friend who is driving us is visibly upset for us. I go through a range of emotions but mostly just intense pain with lots of crying. We are told we can see the girls one more time. I can't even begin to imagine saying goodbye.

As we went back to the mission house - I am thankful that our dear friends Laura, Elizabeth and Jami were there to love on us. They talked if we wanted to talk and just sit quietly if that is what we needed too. It was a hard day. Mike made arrangements for us to see the girls the next day. He and our driver went to pick them up and I began to work on setting things up. We had brought quite a few gifts to give them each day and since this would be our one last time to see them- I wanted to set it up like it was Christmas. I had always been so excited to do as my parents had done for me and set up our gifts for that special morning. Here they came in all excited- I hold as a portrait in this movie playing - their faces when they rounded the corner. It was priceless. I had prayed and had lots of people praying I could enjoy this special, last visit with them and not cry. He answers prayers-we had an incredible time together but when it came time to let go that last time was hard. It was if part of my heart was being ripped out. My incredible husband rode alone to take them back - to spare me the pain. I knew his heart was breaking too and we had cried many tears together but he was forever trying to protect my heart from any pain he could at this point.

The movie is in it's final scenes. As I know I need to watch to the end last night- I'm hysterical. I am crying so hard I am trying not to shake the bed so I will not wake up my husband. I begin to pray the Lord will give me the peace only He can give me- peace He brings me whenever this movie is showing in the darkness of the night. Here it comes...............
The Lord's gentle reminder that He asked us on this journey for reasons - some we know why and some we will only know in heaven. However, a big smile comes to my face as I see "JG" and "JL" playing and laughing. I am reminded of the miracle of it all. Lots of things that I can not share here happened (due to our process to adopt the girls)., One of them I can- "JG" was given medical treatment. She did not have a rare disease that we were told would end her life just a few short years after she was to be officially "ours" but rather a simple problem that could be solved with medicine. She was already becoming a different little girl the last time we saw her- the disabilities were being solved with therapy. She was so much happier and smiled a lot. Her quality of life would be different.
Before the credits were to play- the final scene. One of my precious husband, me and the girls. Mike is praying over them - praying someone would water the seeds of His word in their life, asking Him to allow them to accept Him as Savior - so that even if not here on earth we were every joined together we would be in heaven. The credits roll - although it is just one large groupings of words. I strain to see what it says because I am falling in a deep sleep as I wrapped tightly in in the peace of God. I can't read it - I am too sleepy and just then the Holy Spirit whispers in my ear- PRODUCED BY GOD THE FATHER PURCHASED WITH JESUS CHRIST AND ARRANGED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT................ the last picture rolls and it is Mike and I in heaven...........we are not alone.........it's our girls!

Missing a Sunday

2011-02-27T19:26:00.000-05:00

Sometime on Friday I realized the sickness I had somehow seemed to avoid, well it had caught up with me. Two days later, I wake up and realize I am still not fully well. So that means I will miss the main thing of my job. You work all week to prepare for Sunday. You look forward to seeing all your friends- young ones and young at heart. When you don't see them it throws everything off. It just doesn't seem right- all day, it just hasn't seemed right.

Missing a Sunday also means you must make phone calls and extra work on the Childhood Ministries staff. I work with some incredible ladies and one awesome man who leads our kids each week in Worship. Well to make a long story short- some of them had sicks kids and that creative and crazy man who leads worship was fighting sickness himself. I appreciate each of you who made sense of a crazy morning and evening. I am so thankful for you!

I missed seeing my church family today. I missed my friend and colleague's 5th anniversary celebration (congrats Asble family!). I missed seeing little faces excited to be in the incredible space God has blessed us with at First Baptist of Cleveland. I missed being in God's house on God's day. However, I am pretty sure it was best for my germs and myself to stay at home. It will make me look forward to this coming Sunday even more.

Things we allow to estrange us from God

2011-02-26T17:51:00.000-05:00

You may remember that in January I attended a couple of conferences. In clearing out a "stack of stuff" today, I found the notebook. As I thumbed through the conference notebook, I came across one of the main session notes I took. The speaker / preacher was Britt Merrick . I am obviously paraphrasing but read some of his points from that day---- I pray you are encouraged and challenged.

We are valuable because we are loved by the Supreme One!
In Ezekiel - we see idols estrange people from God....... we are estranged by much lesser things.
Ask yourself- is He enough?
Anywhere we find more joy than God it will estrange us.
Christ is not a means to heaven but a treasure!

I looked up the word estrange. According to Webster's this verb means ....

1. to remove from customary environment or associations

2. to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness

The Synonym for estrange is alienate.

Wow, am I saddened to think of the ways I let crazy, silly, stupid things estrange me from experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace. May I allow the things to never alienate from all God wants me to experience until I receive my "treasure". I remind you the treasure for one who has trusted Christ is HEAVEN!

Just a pair of shoes..........

2011-02-17T00:19:00.000-05:00

This week I have been reminded two things about a pair of shoes.........

First, is to remember you never know what a person is going through unless you've walked in their shoes. I mean you just don't know. You don't know what hurts and struggles they may be walking through and sometimes they don't know how to tell others they are having a hard time. There are many reasons we don't share our struggles or even that we are at a point in our live that we need help. When those who pass by us in the hall at church, work or at a ballgame could be experiencing a time in their life they may need a smile, an encouraging word, a friend to say "how can I help?", etc. I've been reminded this week to ask the Holy Spirit to make me sensitive to His prompting me of when I think someone around me needs that smile, hug, kind word, offer to meet a need, extra prayers, etc. I have asked God to forgive me for times I am too quick to judge those around me. I've begged forgiveness for the times I have been too busy to realize when someone is hurting around me or even "hear" his whisper / prompt to reach out to others.

The second thing I was reminded this week about shoes is rather somber. Did you know there are places in this world that a pair of shoes could not just change a child's life but a whole village? A member of the team I am privileged to serve with shared this week of a pastor in Ethiopia. When asked by a mission team from our church- what can we do to help you- what needs do you have? His response was our kids need shoes. The disease and illness that are spreading throughout our village is in part due to the children not having shoes (they are passing things along this way). The children Pastor Sammy (I believe this was his name) ministers to everyday are not only being feed and educated but are hearing how their spiritual needs can be met as well. I look forward to a project our Missions Pastor - Jake will be introducing in the near future to attempt to put shoes on every child in that village's feet. I mean really- should this even be a need that we can't accomplish? Although I have seen this first hand in Nicaragua as well, this week I was reminded of the poverty in Third World countries. I don't know if I can even walk near my closet - first of all when I walk in my closet I am reminded this area could be doubled and be the size of an entire house in some areas of the world- I promise I've seen it. Not even to begin to think I have so many shoes I can't even begin to count them all.

It is my prayer that the things the Lord has broken my heart over this week about shoes will not soon be forgotten. I pray that when I go to my closet in the morning to decide which pair to wear- I will be lift up those around me hurting and ask the Lord to show me those I have no idea the path their shoes are walking right now- especially for those needing a kind word. May I be faithful in giving to help Pastor Sammy cover Ethiopian children's feet with quality shoes as he continues to plant their feet in the truth of God's word.

Turning back time

2011-02-11T14:36:00.005-05:00

Sometimes in life you wish you could turn back the clock. You want to begin a day or week again. This week has been one of those weeks. It started out a great week and I was sitting in staff meeting laughing and cutting up with the FBC team. Then Bro. Jim received a call and shared with us our friend and brother in Christ, C.C. Conway, had collapsed at work and was being taken to the hospital. The mood immediately moved to a very somber one. We prayed as a team. Bro. Tom, having just moved into the Pastoral Care role (having just retired after 25 years as music minister at FBC) headed to the hospital. We continued to go through the motions of staff meeting but our hearts were heavy as we awaited Bro. Tom's call to give us an update. I literally could not focus and really can't tell you much we discussed that day. Bro. Tom called and gave us the sad news that C.C. has passed away. As we all sat there, I believe we all experienced a range of emotions- most definitely beginning with shock. Many of us had seen and spoken to C.C. the night before at church. A man who is 44 years old and doesn't have health issues is not suppose to collapse and die. We ended staff meeting and many of us headed to the hospital. As I walked away the tears began to flow. Still five days later they are flowing freely.

My heart was heavy as I began to think of his precious family- his wife Keri, his sons Brandon and Sean and then I wept even harder as I thought of his little girl- Emily. I can't even imagine the heartache, pain and extreme grief they are experiencing now.

The Conway Family

This is one of my favorite pictures- although Brandon was not there and Emily's face is blurry. I love it because it took me back to the day it was taken. Oh how excited their family is (and was) about our new church. C.C.'s smile as he looked at all the Lord had blessed us with is one I will never forget. What a special day. What a special memory. As his family gathered for a meal after the funeral service in the very room they had written that scripture on the floor (before the carpet was layed), my heart smiled. What a memory for his precious family.

I also was sent messages from parents of children who had Mr. C.C. and Mrs. Keri as their mission teachers or Cubbie teachers. They shared how sad their kids were. They also shared of the great impact this couple has had on their child's spiritual development due to their faithfulness in serving.

My heart has also been heavy for C.C.'s mom and her husband- Mary and Maylon. His siblings- Joe, Julie and George. Each member of their family are walking through hard and sad days. Please continue to lift each of them up in prayer. As time moves forward, we often forget. Please don't.

I named this post "Turning back time" because at first I wanted to do just that - go back to early Monday morning. I wanted God to change the events of that morning. My pastors- Bro. Jim and Bro. Allan- shared that even though C.C. would never want to leave his family, friends or his church...... that he is with Jesus. I was gently reminded that the moment C.C. left this world, he saw Jesus face to face. Wow! What a day of celebration it was for him. I am so thankful for pastors who shared it is okay to be sad and grieve and we should do that as long as we need to do so. I know that grief is a process and am thankful for a family of faith who I know will continue to join together to love on and minister to this family for the "long haul."

Will you join me as a part of the family of faith who loves on the Conway's? Will you pray and as the Lord prompts you with specific ways to minister to the Conway family- will you do so? If you would like their address you can email me twaldrop@clevelandfbc.com !

I am thankful for a family of faith but most importantly the hope we have in Jesus of eternal life.

My heart continues to be sad but I am thankful I will see my friend C.C. again one day!

Staff Leadership Development

2011-02-06T23:22:00.005-05:00

Yes the setting for the Children's Pastor's Conference was gorgeous. Coronado Springs was beautiful. As I sat outside during a break the above picture was the view.
As I headed back inside- here are the three I passed. I will never cease to be amazed at the handiwork of Disney cast members. One of the sessions I attended was by Alan Nelson. It was on leadership development. You can go to his website and actually download the power point he shared with our class here!
Here are some of the things I took away and just reviewed tonight. It was a good review in light of the fact I am in the midst of praying through putting together some leadership teams for summer ministries.

Just because someone has a passion for ministry doesn't mean they can lead. Team them someone who can lead.

Wow- isn't this true. I think this is true of myself sometime. Some of the things I am passionate about I need help with someone who can help me get it accomplished. This makes me think of a conference session I listened to years ago from a Fellowship Church conference - Elevate. It talked of dreamers, developers and doers. Each team needs some of each.

He also spoke of Other People's Influence. He encouraged us to think about the following and reminded us we all need people with influence in our corner.

Power is a resource, tap it!
ID (identify) influencers.
Develop them! - Create a booster team! Empower them to cast a vision! Unleash them to run interference.
Get to know the gatekeepers.

Just think of those who influence others in your church. The people who motivate others and those who others follow. Find who they are and let them champion Children's Ministry. I love the thought of making them cheerleaders- I am thankful for these individuals in my own church who champion the area of ministries I am responsible for- what a blessing!

Here are his TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TEAM BUILDERS

Thou Shalt empower leadership.
Thou Shalt ID others with influence gifts.
Thou Shalt clearly define tasks and talents.
Thou Shalt not micro-manage.
Thou Shalt lead up (that thy ministry might be blessed).
Thou Shalt do everything in teams.
Thou Shalt not pursue trivia.
Thou Shalt facilitate leadership training.
Thou Shalt manage by wandering around.
Thou Shalt not neglect thy soul.

Wow what great stuff!

I encourage you to check out conference websites, seminar speakers, etc. Often just because you can not attend the conference doesn't mean you can find session downloads, MP3s etc. Sometimes you can find these free or for a small fee. Personally I could be a conference junkie- I love conferences- the networking, the learning and the dreaming.
I also encourage you to network in your area with other Children's Ministers - you can share resources from conferences this way too! I am thankful for the Cleveland Children's Ministry Network - glad I can attend this month's lunch. If you don't have a network in your area- find an area that does or pray about beginning one in your area! I'm so thankful that Jonnie Shumate felt led to begin one in Cleveland. I'm also looking forward to attending the group in nearby Chattanooga when I can.
Have a blessed week as you look for those influencers, leaders and those with a passion at your place of ministry!

A Fun Spot!

2011-01-31T20:20:00.003-05:00

Well this is the sign that I had to turn by to get to my condo while in Florida. So every day for a week in November and the two weeks I was gone this month, I drove by this sign. Sometimes several times. I started thinking............. A Fun Spot.
We all like to be in or at a fun spot. It also challenged me to think do the children who attend ministry activities and events - from Discovery Zone and Kid's Church and AWANA to big special events- think WOW! that was a lot of fun. I want them to leave thinking the spot / place they learn about Jesus amazing love for them is a really FUN spot to be.

Now, some of you are thinking I mean the amazing theme design at our new church. Although we are incredibly blessed at FBC of Cleveland and Joe's team did an amazing job, that is not what I am speaking about. Nope, not all. I am actually asking - are we making God's word and the truths found within His word FUN? It is my prayer that we as Children's Ministry leaders and teachers make God's word come alive, be exciting and they never walk away bored.

I was also challenged to think of my home- is it a Fun Spot?

The more I thought on "FUN SPOTS", I began to realize it is more than the spot. It is a feeling. Also being a fun spot is not just about fun- it is about love and feeling safe. It is a feeling of security and belonging. It is never having to wonder if you fit in and you never feel out of place. It doesn't mean it is always a bed of roses and can be interesting and even challenging. However, the people with you in this "spot" make it worth it and you love them. Most of all you can laugh and cry together. It is the place you can come running to in good times and bad. Some people call it their happy place.

Whatever the case- happy, fun, etc. Where is that place for you? Are you making the environment around you- be it home, work, school, etc. a FUN SPOT?

Inspiring Creativity

2011-01-29T22:30:00.004-05:00

One of the sessions I was blessed to be able to attend while at the Children's Pastor's Conference while in Orlando was the Disney Institute called INSPIRING CREATIVITY.

This is me and our instructor, Austin Brock. She did an amazing job of applying the class topic for Children's ministers. This is one thought she shared on creativity.....

When they are researching a new idea they gather lots of cast members together. They include people from many different departments. They all get in the same room and begin to dream. They think about how to touch all the senses. At Disney they want to submerge guests into the Disney magic and make it real. Guess what? In the church we want to submerge children into God's word. We want to make it real. What a challenge for the church!
I'll share more in the days ahead of things I learned from this one session. But I'll leave you with a quote from Walt Disney-
"Every child is born blessed with a vivid imagination. But just as muscle grows flabby with disuse, so the bright imagination of a child pales in later years if he ceases to exercise it."

I encourage parents to provide many opportunities for your children to imagine!

Being on the same page..........

2011-01-29T00:46:00.005-05:00

Well one thing I was reminded of at the conferences I attended was making sure you are communicating effectively. Sometimes you think you are, but you realize you are not on the same page. This can be frustrating for everyone involved. I thought this picture clearly illustrated this tip............... Minnie Mouse misunderstood when planting BUTTERCUPS in her flower pot. If you will notice from the picture above she literally has CUPS OF BUTTER! Not quite the same!

At first I thought - Minnie Mouse sure is silly. Then I stopped and thought of all the times I thought I had communicated clearly .... only to find out later I was not so clear. Well this is definitely one of the areas of my life I need to work at harder. How about you?

Note: This picture was taken in Minnie's house in Toon Town at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida). If you are a Disney fan............you may have heard Toon Town will soon be gone........forever. They are making way for the expansion at Fantasy Land and as of right now there are no plans to put Toon Town somewhere else. Sad, I know. So you may see lots of pictures in the future because I took lots since it is disappearing from my favorite place on earth.

I am alive.................

2011-01-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

I realized, while sitting here at the airport, that I posted about the excitement I felt as I prepared to attend the Children's Pastor's Conference in Orlando. And then I kinda left you hanging.......... Well I went non stop on the full days at the conference and on the one day that wasn't full I had to go make sure Mickey wasn't missing me too much!

Well and when that conference ended another one began- Rec Lab. Many of you know I have have attended this conference since seminary (this was my 16th Rec Lab). It was filled with incredible fellowship, sessions and worship and sermons that seemed to be tailor made just for me. Isn't it awesome when God does that?

I stayed over a day - when you fly the cheap airline you have to fly on days they do (Monday and Friday). I will tell you more about Allegiant Airline in another post- if possible I will not fly out of Chattanooga on another airline but Allegiant.

I have missed Mike something terrible. I have done a lot of people watching and talking to myself- yes out loud. It is just what you do when you are by yourself this many days. Funny thing I was to the point of starting to talk back -oops- so great thing I am departing today, huh!

I will begin to post next week on what all I learned, saw, experience and some of the things God whispered to me while I was away. I will also share some of the people God used so I could learn, see, experience and hear from him.

In the mean time............. I hope to see you at the Family Swim Party tomorrow night at the YMCA if you leave in Cleveland or close to Cleveland.

Guess what I just heard??? It is possible there is more snow coming to my little town next week and the next. Oh WOW! I may never flush ice again (you know that is suppose to help it snow! )

Children's Pastor's Conference

2011-01-12T12:20:00.003-05:00

Well it is finally here. I have wanted to attend CPC for a while - several years- but it has just never worked out. I am excited but also a little nervous. Not sure what to expect but anxious to find out. I have heard so many great things about this conference. What am I looking forward to? Here are few things....................

1. Worship
2. Conferences that give me new ideas
3. Conferences that help me strengthen areas of weakness for me personally and professionally
4. Resource / Vendor area
5. Seeing people I know
6. Making new friends
7. my first conference held at DISNEY

Well that is a lot and I could keep going but I won't. Needless to say I can't wait. I am about to eat lunch and head out. I want to get checked in and look over the schedule and classes. Well I have done that a zillion times based on the stuff online but I know it can change. I am also going to attend the first time attendee orientation. We start with a general session, eat dinner together and well since I am at Disney............. I will probably stop by a park as I leave. Oh yes, the Resource Area opens this afternoon too. So I will definitely stop by there. I hope I am not disappointed but I will be honest I have high expectations.

Well folks...............I had better get my bag ready (packed with my video camera and my camera)- yes I am a nerd! :0 But hey, there is nothing like seeing things and experiencing them through the eyes / lens as a first time attendee. I can't wait to tell you if it was all I thought it was going to be! I would appreciate your prayers in that these few days will be life changing, they will bring me closer to God, I will hear clearly what He desires for me to hear and I will go back home with a clear vision for FBC Childhood Ministries!

Christmas Present to myself!

2011-01-07T13:16:00.003-05:00

My New Tervis Tumbler
(mine has my name on it)

This Christmas I purchased Tervis Tumblers personalized with their name for the ladies I work with at church in Childhood Ministries. I decided I needed one too! Well, I am not sure how I have never been exposed to these nifty tumblers before but oh my! I am in love. A deep love relationship has begun. I mean how in the world have I not know about these before? Especially because my mom thinks I am a gadget person (like my father). It's true if he is the gadget King well I am the queen. I think that is why I love Pampered Chef stuff so much (thanks Jackie for the awesome party last night!)

Well a friend told me - knowing I like deals and coupons- to go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and take a 20% off coupon and purchase one from there too! She says they have all different kinds. Oh my this could become an addiction.

My most favorite feature is it does not sweat- thus does not leave rings. Woo Hoo! Mike laughs at how long I can make a drink last. However, the problem is sometimes it does not stay cold. Well this solves that problem. I purchased the 16 oz. tumbler but want to get one a little bigger. I also love that they are dishwasher safe!
Where have you found good deals on the Tervis Tumblers?

I'll Hold You In Heaven Remembrance Book

2011-01-05T16:09:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share with you a book that I pray you never have a need for in your life or circle of friends and family. However, I know that many of you, especially if you are a Minister to Children, will have times when you will need to pass along this resource to a family who has lost a baby. The book is I'll Hold You in Heaven Remembrance Book by Debbie Heydrick.

It states this books if for "Those who have experienced the loss of hopes and dreams through the untimely death of their baby, those who have had to say "Good-bye" before really having the chance to say "Hello", Those who knew of their baby's existence for but a few hours, days, weeks or months, yet grew in love with their child in great hope and anticipation of this treasured life., Those ho held their child for only a brief moment and for those who never had the chance., Those who have experienced closure in the loss and for all those who have had little or no real closure at all., May you now hear the words your heart longs to hear and truly experience the hope, comfort and peace that Christ has for you."

A while back I began to search for a resource to help those couples who had experienced the loss of a baby before it was born or shortly after it was born. Although there is not a whole lot of resources I have found this is one of the best I have found. It provides words of encouragement from someone who has walked the same path. It offers the truths of God's word so you can hang onto His love and truth during this difficult time. It provides space to journal if you decide to do so. It also helps you find ways to remember your child.

I have began to pass these along to couples when they experience loss. Sadly today was one of those days. I encourage couples to set the book aside until you are ready to look through it. For some it will be the day they receive it and for others it may take a while. Grief is a journey and for two people it never looks the same. I encourage you to continue to lift up the Ryan and Keenon as they are in the beginning days of grieving. As the days and weeks move ahead for the rest of us, please don't stop praying for them. I encourage you to visit their blog HERE ! You can read about the celebration of Sam's life on their blog this coming Saturday at our church- First Baptist Cleveland . It is my prayer that even if you do not know this family our church will be HIS hands and feet this Saturday morning as we come out to love on them. Isn't it great to be a part of the family of God?

Baby Sam Passed Away .........Please Pray

2011-01-02T14:12:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I asked you to pray for the Hulton family. First time parents Ryan and Keenon welcomed baby Sam on Christmas Eve. Baby Sam was born 4 months premature. This morning Sam passed away. Please pray for this couple as they grieve the loss of their son.

They have shared their journey here and I encourage you to leave them a comment. If you would like to drop them a card please email me (twaldrop@clevelandfbc.com) and I will send you their mailing address. I would ask you to shower this family with prayers today and in the days ahead. I also ask you to either leave them a comment on their blog or to send them a card to let them know they are being lifted up.

It is my prayer the peace of God surrounds Ryan and Keenon and Christ holds them close. It is my prayer that the body of Christ holds them up through prayer. I also pray that the body of Christ called First Baptist Cleveland expresses in many ways the love of God not just today but in the many hard days ahead.

Praying for Sam

2011-01-01T13:44:00.005-05:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to ask you to pray for a new addition to FBC's Childhood Ministry family. He was born on Christmas Eve ....... 4 months premature. He is a fighter and his parents are troopers. Please join me in praying for Sam. You can follow his journey here !

I would encourage you as you pray and read their updates to also leave them a comment. Many of us have experienced times when we know that God's people are lifting us up. It is also encouraging to hear / read notes from those doing so. So please even if you don't know them or are not a part of FBC........take a moment to lift them up and leave them a note letting them know you have done so.

FBC Childhood Ministries Email 1.1.11

2011-01-01T01:26:00.001-05:00

First Baptist Church Childhood Ministries Happy New Year - 1st email of 2011

A Day in the Country

2010-12-31T20:34:00.005-05:00

This is one of my favorite spots when visiting North Carolina. It is A Day in the Country (which houses the Veranda Cafe). It has lots of neat gifts in the house and a basement full of bargains. My husband is so sweet to drive over to Hendersonville to visit this quaint little place. We were going to eat lunch at Cafe on the Veranda. He is a real trooper. He even put up with me taking his picture

He thought I was really crazy when I wanted to take a picture of his food- lol. I said I want to blog about this place and he said "oh". Mike had Charleston Tuna with Veranda Potato Salad. He laughed and told me it was really good too. He didn't think he was going to be able to eat dessert (sure honey). He told me he expected it to be "fru fru" food but it wasn't!

I had Sugar Loaf Chicken Salad, chips and soup. I love the chicken salad because it has walnuts and dried cranberries in it! My favorite chicken salad in Cleveland is Jenkins and Rebecca J's. What is yours? By the way we both had dessert- just forgot pictures- Mike had the 7 layer bar and I had peanut kiss cookies.
He asked me how I found this place. I chuckled and told him Paula and I shopped our way there one day. Paula is a friend of mine that works at Lifeway. When we were both at Ridgecrest she shared with me lots of places to shop and eat. I told him I think this was the first time I had chicken salad- well that I remember liking it a whole lot. Thanks Paula! I think of you every time I visit A Day In the Country and the Veranda Cafe. They have lots of goodies.

Another day I will show you what I purchased this time and my favorite basement bargain from A Day In the Country. You can shop their store online too! In my shopping bag was a coupon - you guys know I am all about coupons- for 10% off from January 3 - May 15. I mean I think I can drive 3 1/2 hours sometime in the next 5 months- anyone for a road trip? Paula if you are reading...............when will you be at Ridgecrest again?

A Little Getaway

2010-12-31T19:54:00.007-05:00

Mike and I had planned for some time to getaway a few days after Christmas. The snow delayed our plans a little but we wanted to be safe. After visiting with family on Monday, we ventured to Ridgecrest Conference Center right outside of Asheville, North Carolina. If you are on church staff you should check out their incredible rate. We love this area and it was beautiful with the snow! Now it was a little tricky getting there- one lane through 16 miles of the mountains- so it took a little longer to arrive than we thought. However we were determined to have a good couple of days...... despite the fact I was coming down with a cold.
On Tuesday, we just hung out. We went to a restaurant we like a bunch but don't have near Cleveland- Cheddar's. We shopped a little and went to a movie. The movie was okay but I won't mention the title because we don't recommend it. We headed back to the conference center........ we like staying in Mountain Laurel. It was full of life because of all the youth there for a retreat. They enjoyed all the snow on the ground. It was really, really windy.
Well on Wednesday we had reservations to go over to Biltmore , we just didn't realize so did everyone else. We bought an annual pass when we were at Rec Lab back in the spring. If you plan on going more than one day, you should buy a pass. We did so saying we wanted to come back at Christmas to see the decorations. Well, we had no idea that the week after Christmas is their biggest week of the entire year. Note to anyone even thinking about going that week- just don't do it. I did find the decorations are put up in November - so maybe we should have gone then. Not to mention I am feeling pretty lousy by this time. One positive of the day is that because I had made reservations -that meant we got to go to the shortest line! Yipee! We then wind through the snowy winter wonderland and park. We hop out and head to the shuttle stop. We are told the have not cleared the ice from the over 1 mile trail so they are asking everyone to ride the shuttle. Okay no problem, I prefer to do that anyway. Well, 45 minutes later we finally get to board a shuttle. By this time we have missed our reservation time (as has everyone else). We are all told this is not a problem just to head on into the house. Oh my goodness it was wall to wall people. Not a great experience. Yes the trees and decorations were gorgeous. I think they oversold on this day. You basically were being herded through the house- not enjoyable. We loved our time at Biltmore before and will go again BUT never that week again. Here are some pictures we took (outside the house- since they do not allow pictures, video, etc. of anything inside the house):
Here is this picture from our trip in April .................. big difference huh!

We loved our time away........... although wish I had felt better (got lots of good medicine today from the doctor) and I wish Biltmore had not been so crowded. All in all I enjoyed some time away with Mike........... he gets so little time away!

Happy New Year !

2010-12-31T00:52:00.002-05:00

Well I hope everyone has had a wonderful 2010 but it is time to say goodbye and welcome in 2011! Mike and I just returned from a few days of vacation. I will post about our trip when I can also post pictures. Although I am under the weather but hopefully the doctor can give me some meds tomorrow to knock it out of me.

Get ready to celebrate the last day of 2010................ and

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Is Lottie Moon on your gift list?

2010-12-16T12:02:00.002-05:00

It is my prayer that everyone includes Lottie Moon on their gift list for Christmas this year. Some may ask who is Lottie Moon? Well I am referring to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for missions.
You can go here http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524 to read more about the lady the offerring is named after.

This offering (100% of it) is sent to Southern Baptist missionaries for the projects, efforts, churches, etc. they are heading to help people all over the world know that Jesus came as a baby, died on a cross and rose again just for them. Did you know if missionaries didn't go and tell some would never know of Jesus amazing love for them?

Mike and I each year have a tradition........................... the person we spend the most money on for Christmas is Lottie Moon. Yes, we add up whatever the most spent on one person and that (at least) is our gift for Lottie Moon.

Would you consider giving an offering to Lottie Moon today? Did you know that we have missionaries who are called and trained to go but haven't been sent? The reason is there is not enoough money to send them all. Help be a part of the love of Jesus being spread all over the world! Here is where you can go to give http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/product/detail/prodID/256

Merry Christmas!

My heart is breaking..............

2010-11-06T21:56:00.004-04:00

My heart is breaking ............................For several families I know who are walking down the hard road of separation and some even the road of divorce.

Marriage struggles are something every married couple face from time to time. Some continue to struggle because they never resolve the issue. So it keeps occurring. Struggles and issues do not just go away. Yes, you can ignore them and for a season things may seem better. However, more often that not that season ends and the struggle or issue resurfaces. It will continue to rear it's ugly head until the couple deals with it. Yes, it is often painful and not pleasant. BUT if we work through it and find a resolution it helps over the "long haul".

Marriage is something you have to work on- it is not easy. Yes we all think it is all wedded bliss as we walk down the aisle..... and it is lots of fun and happy times. But things change over time...... children come along, money gets tighter, your routine becomes a rut, your schedules get hectic, romance can become a thing of the past and the list goes on. But if you work to see the positive ............children are a blessing, the Lord provides, routines well they are routine, your schedule helps make memories, romance just takes a spark and the other stuff all has an upside too. The two most important things are to keep God at the center and keep your SELF last.

I have cried many tears over, for and sometimes with the families struggling right now. Oh Satan will you LEAVE families alone.............. Lord will you help us all put aside the things that so easily entangle us? Will you keep us so in love with you that our love for our spouse says strong and pure and true? Will you help the pitfalls that want to destroy our marriages away from our path? Will you help us daily say no to self and yes to you and your truth? Will you help us have eyes only for our beloved spouse? Will you help us focus on the strengths in them and not see the weaknesses?

We need you Lord. Our marriages need you. Our families need you. Bring about reconciliation in those who think there is no hope, who have given up and even moved on. Do what only you can do and restore their love for you, each other and their marriage.

Thank you Lord for the incredible gift you gave me in my spouse. Other than my salvation it is the best gift you ever gave me- thank you. His wisdom, patience and constant putting me first overwhelm me. His sense of humor keeps me laughing. His desire for missions, travel, pictures and being together make life interesting. He is my partner in ministry. His love for you makes me love him even more. Thank you he really meant in sickness and health, for richer for poorer, till death do us part! I love you Mike!

When a child moves.............

2010-11-05T13:48:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday I said "See you later" to a friend I've had the privilege of knowing for the past six years. It has been a so neat to watch your grow up. I have seen her grow and learn both physically and spiritually. I've had fun times and sad times with her. As she came to give me a bye hug ...... I couldn't help but cry. I love that kid. I am going to miss that kid.

I realized I don't need to take one opportunity for granted. I want to hug and take in every moment I have the privilege to spend with my "little" friends. We just never know when God is going to change things in their lives when they may move. I am thankful I have been able to see this little friend trust Jesus as her Lord and Savior - I get to spend eternity with her too.

Kenli I love you and I pray you get adjusted to a new home, school and church really soon!
I can't wait to see you when you visit! We'll go to lunch at your favorite place - THE SPOT!

A Grandmother's Love

2010-10-29T15:43:00.008-04:00

I loved to watch this grandmother with her three grandgirls. She was a special lady. My fondest memories are of her smile as she talked about her granddaughters or something she had created just for them. She was so very creative and could sew and knit. Well I think she could make just about anything she set her mind to do. They love sporting whatever she has made them too! They just beam when they tell you she made it!

More than anything I loved that they knew she loved Jesus. She just had the awesome opportunity a few days ago to watch her oldest granddaughter follow Jesus in baptism. Only God would know that five days later she would enter into eternity.

Lydia also had a deep love for her children. I was able to observe the mother / daughter relationship the closest. They often attended cooking classes at our church together. They were together a lot. I know her son and daughter are going to miss her more than words could every express.

I loved Lydia's sense of humor and again her contagious smile. She was also a lady who kept going. At times I know she didn't feel well or it wasn't always easy to be out and about- it didn't stop her. I will miss her being on the back row of Cooking Classes. I will miss hearing what she did and didn't like or rather what her daughter didn't like or try! :) Oh how, I'll miss seeing her with her little granddaughters around her. I am also praying for their little hearts- what an incredible sadness this brings.

My heart is so very sad ....especially for her family. How very thankful I am of an everlasting home in eternity Christ promises for all who will:

Admit they are a sinner

Believe that Jesus is God's son

Commit our life to Him.

I love you Lydia and I am glad I get to celebrate in Heaven with you!

Please pray for my sweet friends as they walk through some very difficult days ahead. First Baptist friends............. let's be the hands and feet of Christ to this precious family.

Workshops at the Conference

2010-10-23T18:56:00.006-04:00

Well today concluded the Southeastern Christian Writers Conference . It was another good day. The workshops I attended today were Beginning Basics, Part I by Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress, Writing for Children by Alexandria LaFaye and How to Submit a Manuscript by Rick Steele. It was also encouraging to her another keynote address by Cecil "Cec" Murphey.

The first session was very informative by Lettie. She talked about needing persistence in your journey to have an article or book published. She gave extremely practical advice on how to get started. I have had the privilege to meet Lettie through our work on the Cleveland Christian Discovery Museum . She always inspires me. Her life story always touches me. As I sat and listened to her share how she began writing for publication, tears came to my eyes. Her 19 year old handicapped daughter, on her way to what would become her last drive to the hospital, asked her if she would remember her when she was gone. Lettie wrote her a letter to her daughter, which later was published, about all the ways she had changed her life. Lettie is an amazing writer.

As the tears welled up in my eyes, I began to really think about how some life experiences have forever changed me. I so wish I had keep a journal during those times. Several published authors talked about keeping journals this weekend.

I just told my husband that the Lord has placed Lettie in my life and although I don't see her often, I wish I did. She has really impacted my heart in ways I can't even put into words.

The next session I attended was on Writing for Children. This class was taught by an award winning author and Lee professor. She has also been attending First Baptist Church. It was neat to see her "at work". It is not often I have the privilege to see parents from my ministry in action. She did a wonderful job. It wasn't actually what I was looking for because I want to write to a much younger age group and she writes for older elementary children. However, I learned so much. As a part of her teaching us about dialect, writing narratives, setting, etc. she read portions of her books.............. one in particular I can't wait to read myself. It is Stella Stands Alone by A. LaFaye.

The last session I attended was by Rick Steele with AMG Publishers. Not only was his session extremely helpful but also very practical. Even as a newbie I followed his workshop. I will say I have always realized writing is a big job BUT never realized all there is on the business side of writing. I walked away a little overwhelmed.

I also met some new friends - I already told you about Hannah. I had the opportunity to talk with her over lunch today. Her outlook on life is inspiring and her smile is contagious. I also had the opportunity to meet Shelly who is a PhD student at UGA. I so enjoyed connecting with her over lunch and hearing about her dissertation and her mission work. I also loved hearing about her sister who serves overseas in missions.

I also met a couple who I hope to be able to get to know more in the future - The Vanderpools. I have read about them in the Cleveland Daily Banner. Pete and Joyce Vanderpool are active in several organizations here in Cleveland- not to mention Pete is Santa Claus. I was able to talk to Joyce about getting involved in the Cleveland Storytelling Guild. Currently I have a conflict with their monthly meetings but hopefully can attend soon.

Well, for a first experience I had a great time. I learned a whole lot. I have decided I need to spend some time praying about how to proceed with what God has laid on my heart to write. You see what He has impressed upon me to write for children is not your traditional book. It will take God paving the way for me to even have the opportunity to do the research for writing this book. It's out of my comfort zone and unconventional but I know one day several years ago He told me to write it. I really put it away because it is "out there" and to me really funny (God has a wonderful sense of humor you know!). However, yesterday in the shower of all places- God whispered to my heart again that He really meant for me to do this and He would provide a way in His time.

I learned last night that when you write a blog- you are a published writer. You see your written words are out there. I also realize that for the 3 or 4 of you who read this I have put myself out there and it is no longer something I can ignore. Please pray for God's timing and direction.

Writer's Conference

2010-10-22T22:27:00.008-04:00

As you read the title of this blog you maybe asking why would I decide to write about a Writer's Conference. Glad you asked! Tonight I attended the 1st Annual Southeastern Christian Writers Conference. It is being held tonight and tomorrow at a church in Cleveland. The focus of the conference is called - "Beyond Barriers: Writing for Maximum Kingdom Impact".

Now, back to why I am attending this conference. Over a year ago I shared with a new found friend- Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress that I wanted to write a book for children. She recommended I attend a writer's workshop. Several of those were in the summer and I was unable to attend. Actually, summers are pretty busy in my line of work and so I thought I'd never get to venture down this path. Until Lettie sent me info on this conference. Despite still being really busy from our church's move AND Fall Festival 9 days away- I took the plunge and decided to attend.

I am glad I attended. Not to mention it was very informative tonight but I ran into several people I know AND I met some new people. I had dinner with a lady from my church who is writing a book and I was encouraged and impressed with hearing her journey. I also was very encouraged and challenged by talking with a new friend Hannah. Much to my surprise I also ran into Jennifer Mathewson Speer. It was great to see her smiling face and hug her neck. I have attended several Women's Ministry events including a retreat where she was the speaker.

Tonight we heard incredible songs glorifying God from the Voices of Lee. The keynote speaker was Cecil Murphey. Mr. Murphey or "Cec" is best known for bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). He spoke about "writing well means you must live well." He shared about being real and authentic in your writing. He says that although you must go in depth and share from your heart that also means we will learn things about ourselves that we don't necessarily like about ourselves. Murphey shares that "a good writer touches your emotion on some level" and you should "open your self up so your writing truly comes from within." He also quoted Danish theologian and philosopher Soren Aabye Kierkegaaard- "Life can only be understood backward, but must be lived forward." As I pondered that statement, I realized how true that really is. Often it is only after a trial, tribulation, challenge and the blessings of life that I truly see the "BIG" picture of what God is teaching me. The ability of looking backward is an incredible gift but oh the living it forward is where the "rubber meets the road". That is where it is hard stuff. Hard but good.

My favorite thing Mr. Murphey said all night is how "the more he tells someone about who he is, the more that person responds." Think about it. Isn't that so true. I think of those in my path who openly share with me. They share their life, their kids, their joys, their hurts, etc. I am naturally closer to these families. This is what doing life together is all about. It is one of the beautiful things about being a part of God's family.

Breakout sessions followed the main session. I attended Internet Writing and Publishing a book. The evening was emceed by State Representative Kevin Brooks. The Bradley High School - Bears Bistro provided an incredible dinner. It is an amazing program at a local high school that teaches students all about running a restaurant. They learn every aspect - cooking, cleaning, business, etc.

I look forward to what tomorrow brings and eventually I will share that the children's book I want to write is actually what I feel God told me to write several years ago. Pray I will be obedient to Him. Obedience often requires us to step out of comfort zone and this is most definitely the case with this venture for me. We had to identify barriers for us in writing. My top three are - fear, lack of time and poor grammar (which you have most likely already noticed)! Will you pray for me as I follow this path?

My Week

2010-07-10T16:04:00.003-04:00

Well I had a week full of a variety of things...............

Monday - I enjoyed spending time with my family. Fun times cooking out and enjoying the pool!

Tuesday- It seemed like Monday all day but fun times planning the Fall with the Childhood Ministries staff. Tuesday night the baby I have asked you to pray for, Joshua, was born.

Wednesday- Baby Joshua died after 12 hours. Thanking Jesus for the gift of children and his grace to allow his momma to hold him. Wednesday night we have the Team Family Scavenger Hunt = Team Scannapiego wins!

Thursday- A busy day with new church stuff........I head to my parent's house to celebrate my youngest cousins 1st Birthday! (Yes, I will be 40 this month and he turned 1- LOL).

Friday- Lunch with a friend for more Fall Planning. Head to my mamaw's house to help her with her computer. Then I think I am headed to swim BUT the much needed rain comes and cancels those plans. I head to eat at my favorite lakeside restaurant - Dockside (in Harrison Bay State Park). Head to new church and WOW!

Saturday - doing nothing but watching all the MATLOCK shows I have on DVR. Yes, I love Matlock.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Please continue to pray for a miracle for Baby Hadley. I also ask you to pray for my friend Sheron's sister/hubby as their whole family grieves the loss of Joshua.

Children are a blessing!

2010-07-02T14:02:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a fun day- although busy. I got to visit a family in our church who just had twins- Ariel and Aiden. The family has 6 boys already so with the new babies they have 8 children. What a fun time I had getting to hold these precious wonders. I also enjoyed getting to see how much the boys had grown - especially Micah and Ethan. Ethan made me laugh because he giggled a WHOLE lot.

Then I went to an Adoption Celebration for another family in our church- Jake and Merica. I have the privilege of serving on staff with Jake. The celebration was for their new son who will hopefully get an approved visa soon so they can go get him in India. At the celebration I got to play/see with lots of little friends -Cade, Mary Evelyn, Lia, Harper, Dosen, Matthew, Andrew, Morgan and I got to see some older siblings (see because they were playing older kids games) Luke, Dosen, Fletcher, Winston, Emmy, Anna Grace,.............. hope I didn't leave anyone out. It was a sweet time of fellowship, fun and prayers over a family who hope to bring their son home soon. Please pray all comes together soon.
There was also a family there who was to leave today to go and get their child from Ethiopia.

I was very excited I got to hear my friend Cade talk for the very first time. He is normally very quiet around me. It was so sweet. Also I was so proud of my friend Mary Evelyn for sharing her toys. She was such a big girl. I had let some of the little kids put my keys in her lunchbox. Matter of fact I gave them to and said put them in the lunchbox. Well as Mary Evelyn said goodbye I luckily remembered my keys! I could have been stuck- OH NO!

I also got to see a family in our church who is expecting very soon!

Today I have been praying for two families- Jared & Jane and Ryan & Crystal- who need a miracle for their unborn babies. Jared and Jane's baby girl Hadley has been diagnosed with thanatophoric dysplasia. Jane is due in early November. Ryan and Crysal's baby boy Joshua Matthew has been diagnosed with a bone dysplasia. Crystal is due in early August.
Both have been told this is fatal to their babies. Both couples were encouraged to abort their babies. These couples decided to carry their babies and trust God with their precious children! Will you join me in praying for them? Jared and Jane have a group on Facebook you can join (and leave them encouraging words) - Search for the group Praying for Hadley. Jane is my Co-Pastor- Jim's daugther. Crystal is the sister of one of my volunteers at church Sheron.
I am praying for a miracle for Hadley and Joshua.

I am thankful for children. I have been deeply impacted to pray for all the unborn children. I have been reminded to pray for those awaiting forever families both here and around the world. I have been praying for all children as they continue to learn and grow. I love children. I am also thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves them MORE!

I'm Alive

2010-06-29T20:23:00.003-04:00

Hello friends! Just wanted to drop a note to say I am alive and hopefully will doa better job of blogging. I have been busy with lots of things at work................ our new church campus, Vacation Bible School, Family Round Up Nites, etc.

Just wanted you to know I will begin to play catch up over the next few weeks !

Thanks! I pray you are doing well.

The real deal!

2010-02-15T10:31:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day 2010 I had the privilege to share with these five precious friends about following Jesus! Oh sometimes I feel so unworthy of sharing such things. As I have shared I am not a "physical" parent but it is times like these I realize the privilege I have been given to have come alongside their parents to help "spiritually" parent my young friends. It is an amazing privilege and one I will always treasure.
First of all I realize and acknowledge their parents are the main players in this role. However, on days like this it is so neat to be able to have the conversations with children. I am so thankful for those opportunities. I feel it helps keep me in touch with children and their faith, fears and dreams. It is also overwhelming. It can be deep. I can be challenging. It can be inspiring! Here are some snippets of conversations I had or heard today..............

What if people don't believe in Jesus? I am afraid they will think He is a fairy tale.
I remember praying and accepting Jesus and I felt WOW!
When I asked Jesus to come in my life, He did. I know it. I even knew He was there.
What if I am too short when I get baptized?
No, the water doesn't really wash away your sins.
Do we get to keep our robe when we get baptized?
Will you pray for me about doing what Jesus wants me to do, I am having trouble making good choices.
When I start to do something wrong I know it, it is like a little person is whispering in my ear- STOP!
I want everyone to go to heaven.

Wish you each could have been there! It is always precious. The questions, concerns and thoughts are amazing- I think we know someone who had a lot to say about the faith of a child! Do you remember when you accepted Christ? Do you remember how that felt? It is my prayer you are more in love with Him today than you were that day. If not, talk to Him right now!

Paisley is having a giveaway!

2010-02-12T11:33:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Allison's blog I was able to hear about a giveaway from a local store (Cleveland, TN) is having. Paisley is giving away a stamp but hurry you have to enter before Feb. 22nd! I haven't had the chance to go to Paisley yet but can't wait. I keep telling my hubby I want to go there. We have even driven by it but realized it was closed.

I am definitely going to go after checking out there blog today! You can visit too

http://paisleymonogram.com/blog/

Thanks so much Allison for sharing about this giveaway and store!

Cool contest I found to win free groceries for a year

2010-01-17T22:26:00.001-05:00

"This is an awesome website and they are having an amazing contest!"

Hey, I just entered this contest on Cozi.com to win free groceries for a year. All you have to do is put in your email address.

Even if you don’t enter, please click the link to help me win. (I get an extra entry for telling you.) Thanks!

View >>

My Shoebox went to India

2009-12-24T10:23:00.003-05:00

I just received an email from Samaritan's Purse. It shared with me the box I paid online for in their "Follow My Box" program was shipped to India. How cool is that? I happen to know a friend living and working in India.

I will use "Follow My Box" program on all boxes next year. It was really simple- you go and pay your $7 per box online and it allows you to print a label to put on the box (it allows you to choose age and boy or girl). Then they send you an email to let you know where your box went! I can't wait to hear from people in our church to hear where all their boxes went.

Merry Christmas! I pray you have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of Jesus and spending time with family and friends!

Lottie Moon

2009-12-22T12:56:00.004-05:00

Some of you are wondering what or who is Lottie Moon. Lottie was a missionary to China for 39 years. The Southern Baptist offering for foreign missions is named after her. She would write back to her friends, church and family for financial support to help further the cause of Christ where she served. You can read more about her at www.imb.org .

Each December as Southern Baptists we give to this special offering. 100% of this offering goes to help missionaries on the field and to projects current missionaries have going on.
Do you know that the International Mission Board has stopped sending missionaries this year? Yes, you heard me correctly. We have over 200 missionaries ready to go but there are not enough funds. I even know a couple who applied but were told they could apply in two more years - due to funding shortage. That is so sad to me.

I read an article two weeks ago that said other organizations are watching what we as Southern Baptists do to reach our goal for this year's offering. It even said that if members of SBC churches would give $7 more than they normally give (meaning over and above what you normally would give) that we would be able to put those 200+ people on the field. So what are we going to do? Many of us may have $7 laying around in change. I would like to challenge everyone who is a member of a Southern Baptist Church to give, give cheerfully and joyfully to this offering. You can give through your local church by marking your gift Lottie Moon (which the IMB and I encourage) or if that is not possible at this point in the year..... you can go online www.imbresources.org/index.cfm/fa/store.prod/ProdID/256.cfm (sorry I can't remember how to do coding)

Here is a picture of Lottie Moon.
Mike and I have many friends who serve our Lord on foreign soil. Some who are sent through the IMB and many who must raise their own support. I know many of them have had a difficult year financially. When the US goes through financial hardship that impacts giving to them as well. Mike and I have a rule........... whatever is the most we spend on one person for Christmas we spend that much (and more if possible) giving to Lottie Moon. I encourage you to give to Lottie Moon and other missionaries this Season. Giving to help advance God's kingdom is eternally rewarding!

For those missionary friends who read this- THANK you for what you do and the sacrifices you make each and every day to follow God's calling on your life. We love you and pray for you!

Nativity Sets

2009-12-19T12:05:00.003-05:00

I am now the proud owner of a Nativity set I have wanted for a while. I have pieces of it but did not have this complete set. A co-worker found them at Wal-mart for $40. If you ever visit the Fisher Price website you would know this would cost over $80 on their website. So thanks to LA!

For those who have heard me speak about Christmas traditions you know I encourage you to have a Nativity set that is okay for children to touch. Often times we have special Nativity sets and children are told "Don't touch!". I believe this communicates the wrong message. I love hearing stories from parents about how their children play with their Nativity and tell the Christmas story. It is actually precious- you are laying a foundation at an early age.

I have several Nativity sets that children can touch and play with in my collection. Yes, I said collection. One of the things I collect is Nativities. I will attempt to take pictures of them and share them with you throughout December.

I also love Fisher Price's Little People toys. Many of my close friends know that among all the sad things about me not being able to have children and our adoption failing was Fisher Price Little People toys. Yes, my list is long of the things that are sad about not having children but I am striving to move on with life. One way I have done this is by proclaiming- Who says you have to have children to purchase Little People toys! So last year I began to add to my collection. I enjoy playing with those with children who visit my home. I loved these toys as a child too. Seen any good deals on them lately?

Marriage Enrichment

2009-11-24T21:33:00.004-05:00

Mike and I spent the past week on vacation and attending a Marriage Conference. We attended a Weekend to Remember conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. We had a great time visiting this wonderful city and spending some time focusing specifically on our marriage. My favorite is always the date night Saturday night. Mike and I went out to eat in Merchant's Square and then did a Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Walk. It was a lot of fun.

We had great speakers at the conference. I always love it ends with renewing your vows. I got really tickled this year- remembering the minister who married us messed up a little. I got tickled remembering Mike whispering over and over to me it was okay.
We also picked up a new devotional book for couples. We celebrated 15 years of marriage this past May. For at least half of our married life we have been to conferences and seminars to enrich our marriage. Some have been one day seminars, some weekend conferences and even a marriage classes. I encourage you to actively do something to enrich your marriage. Most people think that these type of classes, conferences, or seminars are just for marriages in trouble or struggling. Although these things are great to help in those situations, we should ALL be taking steps to focus on our marriage.

I encourage you to check out www.familylife.com and click on conferences to check out dates and locations. You can also find a lot of resources for marriage and family on this site.

We also loved our visit to Williamsburg. I learned so much about the history of our country and colonial life. We ate at some great places! I did some fun shopping. And YES! we visited Yankee Candles Flagship store (one of two). We watched some fun movies. We even road a ferry over to Smithfield, Virginia. We got back late last night- it is about a 8 1/2 hour drive. I took today off and enjoyed watching Christmas movies. I also made my lists and pulled my coupons to shop tomorrow. Tomorrow the office closes at noon.

All in all - a great time! I will post some pictures and info on the vacation part of our trip later. I will tell you this is definitely a place everyone should visit. If you homeschool, you should put this in your school year at some point. If you visit two days- you should purchase the season pass $58 (versus $36 for one day). It is an awesome place. We were actually there during the opening of the first reconstructed building in 50 years- Charlton Coffeehouse.

Am I crazy?

2009-11-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

I ask you if I am crazy because tonight I will be at our church's Survivor Lock In for 3rd - 5th graders. A fellow Childhood Ministries Staff Member has planned this night for us and here is what I have to look forward to.........................

9 a.m. pizza at the YMCA
10 - 12 (midnight) swimming at the YMCA
12 - 12:30 head to the church
12:30 - 4:00 Wii games, nerf gun wars, make overs, etc.
4:00 - grab your sleeping bag and we will put in Swiss Family Robinson
8:00 parents will pick up their kiddos

Pray I can stay awake. I tried to sleep in this morning but a neighbor is adding on to their house and I woke at 7:14 a.m. to hammering. Nope couldn't go back to sleep........... so I will try and take a nap later.

Please pray for Mattie today- she doesn't get to go home. Her fever is back and white count low.

I will update you on the evening later- and hopefully will have some pictures.

Please pray for Mattie

2009-10-29T21:50:00.003-04:00

This is my friend Mattie. She is 6 years old. She was diagnosed with leukemia on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. She begins chemo tomorrow. Please pray for her as she begins this journey.

You can keep up with her journey at www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattieballentine .

Please pray for her specifically tomorrow- Monday, November 2nd. She will have surgery and her first chemo treatment. Pray for her parents- Jeff & Luanne and her big sister Emily.

What an exciting night!

2009-10-10T19:50:00.002-04:00

We had a great evening last night at the Coupon Town Hall! Thanks so much to Jenny Martin from www.southernsavers.com - our special guest for the evening. She taught us many things and was very flexible as we had an interesting night

all to learn more about using ...............
COUPONS!!! She taught us new things, reminded us of good coupon ethics and how to honor the Lord through it all.

Our evening was exciting ................ a visit from emergency personnel. Thankfully our person needing assistance was okay.
AND thanks for the patience as we evacuated to the basement at the advisement of our fire department due to the tornado warning our area. Although brief it made for one interesting evening. Hope you enjoyed the night and learned a lot!!!!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-09-26T18:43:00.003-04:00

Yes, I would be happy if the rain would go away and come back another day. I think this picture puts into perspective how much rain we have had............ even a duck needs an umbrella at this point!

Speaking of ducks............. I have decided to finally share my duck story. This is just for you Elizabeth!

You see even though I am not much of an animal person now, I used to be. I am not sure what happened to make me a little anxious about animals- especially dogs. However, when I was little I had lots of animals. Lots of different types of animals and I loved them.
On my dad's side of the family I was the first grandchild. My grandparents gave me many different animals. My great grandmother - Nana (pronounce Nannie) also helped instill in me an early love of animals and a great respect for them (and their habitat). When I was about four or five I received a duck as a present from my pa paw and ma maw. I grew up a block from Harrison Bay State Park and loved visiting and feeding the ducks there. So this was a great present. I remember the little duck and I loved the duck.
Soon after I received the duck my family was joining other families from church on a camping trip. When we returned home I couldn't find my duck. I looked for my duck everywhere. My family told me that they thought my duck was lonely and joined the other ducks at the park. So for years I would try and figure out which duck was mine. I would talk about my duck living at the park and feed the ducks. I have taken pictures of the ducks, talked to the ducks, etc. Well I grew up and moved away for college, seminary and serving my first church. I moved back to Chattanooga and one Christmas I was saying something about my duck at the park- my uncle said something about it dying. I was like what? He began to laugh realizing that for almost 30 years I had believed my duck ran away to the park. It was then I realized they found my duck dead when we returned from the camping trip. An animal had killed it.
We were soon leaving to go to my grandmothers and when I got in the car with Mike I begin to cry. I cried all the way to my grandmother's house. When I got there everyone was like what is wrong? That is when they realized I really believed all those years my duck ran away. Now, five years latter we laugh about my duck story.................
I wish they would have just let me believed he had gone to the park and joined the other ducks and lived a happy duck life! Thanks Uncle Scott! :)
Note: I really didn't think he was still alive (I mean the duck would have almost been thirty at that point) BUT I did think all those years he was there somewhere!

Enough about my duck.................. I do believe we are all going to need a row boat if it doesn't stop raining soon!

Sneaking Away

2009-09-18T11:37:00.002-04:00

Well hubby is off at a conference- sure miss him. I am headed to a class tomorrow in Georgia so I decided to go today. I am going to get to stop by and visit my sister's class (she teaches special education in North Georgia), stop by the outlets, and finally meet someone who makes my life easier- I will expound later! I will just leave in you suspense for now!!!

I get to finish my Saturday by watching to see how UT does against Florida. I will also be celebrating my fathers birthday! We ate last night but will officially celebrate Saturday night. I am so excited my mom is making coca cola cake.

Sunday will be another great day! I can't wait to see all my little friends. We will also have our second night of AWANA !
I pray you have a great weekend. What are you up to this weekend?

Fellow Couponers.......... have you heard?

2009-09-12T22:39:00.003-04:00

Just in case you have not heard................... First Baptist is having a Coupon Town Hall on October 9th! Jenny from Southern Savers is our guest speaker............www.southernsavers.com is her website.

You can go to our church website to find out more info and to register.

www.clevelandfbc.com

On the home page scroll down until you see the button for Coupon Town Hall. There is a short form for you to fill out and this is the only way we are taking registrations right now........... We have only had registration up since Wednesday afternoon and we have already had about 183 people register. This should be an awesome time of learning more about saving money!

It's Football Time in Tennessee!!

2009-09-12T20:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know that the University of Tennessee Football began last week. However, since we were at Family Camp I did not watch the game. My husband did. They had a tent set up for people to stop by and watch the games.......... or CAMP out at the tent - which is what my precious hubby did. Matter of fact we laughed because he did not even eat lunch- he just kept watching the games. He was excited our team - UT- won. He said that this week would be a truer test to see how they really looked.............. well we lost today.

Mike is a die hard UT football fan. He grew up in a county right beside Knox County- where UT is located. He is a very patient and quiet man. Most people ask me if he ever talks. I usually laugh and say yes but most of the time he can't get a word in when I'm around. Everyone just laughs because they know I am never at a loss for words. He is really, really quiet. He however has come a long way in his shyness since we met. What most people don't realize is this quiet man becomes a different person when UT football is involved- well really UT anything. He really likes UT basketball. We especially like to watch UT women play- they are incredible. He has a collection of UT things and in our last house we had a UT room. I have recently decided I am going to turn one of our spare bedrooms into a UT room again.

My mom would never believe me that her quiet, shy and very polite son-in-law actually would yell and shout during games. So one day (without him realizing it, I called her and she heard him) and she just laughs. Normally he fires everyone or thinks they need to be fired. He tells the players what they did wrong, or what they should be doing, etc. Well today was no different. We ordered pizza and I looked over and he had not touched his plate. He said he was waiting until it cooled down. He just grinned and I laughed and thought yeah right. Tennessee was at the end of the fourth quarter and had a small window of a chance to win. He was just too anxious. I laughed and laughed. They lost- he finally ate................ it cooled down (AND so did he!). He even wore his orange shirt to watch the game. I love watching UT football with him.

I love him very much! Other than my salvation, my husband is the best gift God has ever given me! He just realized he does not think he can watch next week's big game against the Florida Gators because he will be driving home from a counseling conference. Oh I hope he gets here- it is great entertainment for me just to watch him........ um I mean the game. :)

Family Camp

2009-09-07T12:48:00.003-04:00

This year we celebrated 5 years of Family Camp! It was a great weekend of fun with families from First Baptist. We headed up to Camp Cherokee (our church owns and operates) which is in the Cherokee National Forrest. It is a beautiful place.

Families enjoyed many activities which included (but I may have forgotten some).......
biking, tubing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, leather crafts, geocaching, Tye dying, games, scooters, walking, bead crafts, food craft, archery, riflery, volleyball, rocking in the porch chairs, football, fishing, playing on the playground, a talk on furs and tracking with a park ranger, roasting marshmallows, eating smores, enjoying ice pops, etc.

It is a great time............. we had excellent food thanks to Mr. Charlie. He does a great job of organizing, planning and cooking some wonderful food. My two favorites from the weekend were the French Toast and Parmesan Chicken. I hopefully can get the recipe for the wonderful chicken from Mrs. Melinda who is the creator of this delicious dish. It is also a camp tradition. She also shared with me that when her son or his friends come in for a visit, it is always their request.

We also got to hear from Mrs. Jackie, Pastor Jimmy, Bro. Jim and Andrew. We heard of the work happening in another place in the world from Andrew.
It was great to spend time with my little friends. Unfortunately a few were sick and had to go home.

It is always a privilege of mine to line up some children to be baptized in the lake at camp----- it was an honor to see Alexa, Laura Lee, Emily, Carly and Kathryn take this "next" step in their obedience to Jesus.

As I sat on the porch, it was neat to hear one mom talk about the years they have now come to Family Camp- most of their children's elementary years (one just entered middle school, one has their last year in elementary school and one just at the beginning of elementary). She stated she wants her kids to one day be able to talk about the traditions of their family. One of those traditions is now Family Camp on Labor Day Weekend! YEAH!

What is a tradition for your family for Labor Day or any other day?

Beach Bum

2009-08-20T18:34:00.003-04:00

As my days at the beach draw to an end, I seriously wish God had called me to be a beach bum. I told him yesterday there were lots of things I could do for Him here at the beach- many I could share His love with and lots of fun activities for children. :)

Seriously today is Day 13 and tomorrow is my last day at the beach / pool. Mike flies in tomorrow night and we drive home Saturday. I sure have missed my man and can't wait to see him. (He left on Day 9)

Someone asked me today had I been able to relax - YES!

Although I have missed my friends, especially my little friends. I have enjoyed watching and making new friends at the pool and beach. This week I have met some amazing Christians and it has been neat to watch their families. I have enjoyed splish splashing with them.

I am also ready to come back and see all God has in store for the Fall.

Vacation Time - here I come

2009-08-06T23:26:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow Mike and I head on vacation. We are both so excited. As you know it has been two years since we headed to the beach. We were thinking we were adopting and so we opted to save our time. Well then I had surgery and needed to be off 9 weeks and THEN the adoption fell through. We did go away for a marriage conference but to be honest we were still raw with emotion from the adoption failing and the reality of my hysterectomy from the summer. We also went on a mission trip and that was an awesome time of being able to serve others, enjoy our surroundings and relax some. So we have "been" places but this trip is about siting on the beach or by the pool. It is about not doing a whole lot but what we really want to do. I can't wait to hear the beach.
We are going to Ormond Beach, Florida. We have been here many times but are always looking for new places to eat or visit- any suggestions? Mike is packing his clothes as I type this. I have lots to do to be ready but let me tell you a few of the things I can't wait for........
-- the sound of the waves crashing in
-- the smell of the beach
-- the 15 Lori Wick books my sister has loaned me
-- visiting the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
-- looking at the ocean from inside the pool
-- eating lots and lots of shrimp
-- eating Cinnamon rolls from Aunt Catfish's
-- talking and listening to God as I take in one of His great creations
-- people watching on the beach
-- taking in a movie when it rains
-- visiting the Sea Turtle Rehab Center
-- AND YES FELLOW COUPONERS seeing what COUPONS the local papers have available (and yes, when I shop at Publix there picking up what coupons they may have available!)

Well the awesome part of my trip is I am staying two weeks! I have never been to the beach for two weeks straight. Unfortunately Mike can only stay for part of the time - my two sisters and parents are coming for part as well. I look forward to spending time with them- we haven't been on a trip or even to the beach together in very, very long time!

Florida here we come! I am sure I will be ready to see all my little friends and their parents when I return---- I am going to miss you guys!

Looking forward to Exciting Times September 13th

2009-08-06T23:16:00.002-04:00

First Families ------ exciting times!
Childhood ministries is Preparing for the Future at 1275 Stuart Rd NE . . .

We are excited to offer two new ministry opportunities for your child, beginning Sunday morning, September 13th. We are going to add a Kids Church hour for K-5th grades at 9:45am, and a Discovery Zone (Sunday school) hour for K-5th grades at 11am. These new opportunities will be in addition to the current 9:45am DZ hour and 11am Kids Church. We are making these additions for two reasons: one, to provide your family more opportunity to worship in the Sanctuary Worship services together, particularly in the months of December, June and July as Kids' Church will take a hiatus. Two, to prepare us for the growth we anticipate after the move to our new church home at, you guessed it, 1275 Stuart Rd NE!

The schedule will be as follows:
Elementary (K-5th Grades)
8:30am Discovery Zone (K-5th one combined class)
9:45am Discovery Zone (K-5th) and Kids Church (K-5th)
11:00am Discovery Zone (K-5th) and Kids Church (K-5th)

Preschool:
8:30am Discovery Zone (Some classes combined)
9:45am Discovery Zone
11:00am WorshipCare

On Sunday, August 23 and Sunday, August 30 you will be given the opportunity to fill out a "Family Schedule Intention" card for your elementary aged child(ren). This will help us plan out the classes for each hour of Discovery Zone. We appreciate your help in this matter.

This expansion will also provide you with more opportunities to serve in leadership positions. Please contact the Childhood Ministries offices if you feel led to help impacty boys and girls with the Good News of Jesus!
I realize that this will be an adjustment for families -- thank you for bearing with us as we make the necessary changes to prepare for the future! If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact me . . . I welcome your questions and thoughts.

I am excited and can't wait!
Love you!
Mrs. Tara

Fun Night with the Part of the Family

2009-08-02T22:38:00.002-04:00

Tonight I had a great night with part of my family (minus Mike and my sister Brooke). We were sad everyone was not there BUT from my picture above you can tell what we did part of the time.

We ate pizza and played Phase 10. A fun game. We only played to Phase 10 (it takes a long time to go to Phase 10). Anyway, my mom won. We also were able to meet a new friend of my sister (Heather).

Before I went I meet for a few minutes with some Homeschool Moms- let me tell you this group is a regular riot. They were making plans for field trips, meetings, etc. Needless to say while I was there we had a great time and I promptly left when the fire alarm went off and scared us! Hope you gals had a great rest of the meeting.

Breakaway Camp

2009-07-25T13:50:00.003-04:00

Just realized I never told you we had a great weekend at Breakaway Camp. This is our group picture- the banner above is from another camp not ours. I will post more about this great weekend later! Just thought I would share the great group with us at camp!

A Relaxing Time for Me

2009-07-25T13:33:00.004-04:00

Every chance I get here is where I go........................... my parent's pool. I love to get in the water and it is so relaxing to me. Even if I am the only person in the pool. I also like to spend time in the pool with my mom- it is our chat time.

I also like to go to a restaurant near my parent's house. It is inside Harrison Bay State Park (I worked here during a couple of summers during college- as did my two sisters). It is only a block from my parent's house. The restaurant is Dockside Cafe. Matter of fact the man who runs the restaurant and is an excellent cook is someone we grew up with - church, school and lived near us. He likes to be called "Sam" now but he will always be "Sammy" to me- can't help it.

You can check them out online at- http://www.docksidecafeonline.com/
Last night, Mike came to my parents and he and I went to eat at Dockside. Mike was happy they had there all you can eat Catfish dinner for $9.99. I loved it because I always have their Crunchy Chicken. It is made with cornflakes. I can't get the recipe out of him but thought someone here might have a recipe for chicken breasts made with cornflakes?

The cafe' is very casual- as many have come in to grab a bite from their boat. They have outdoor seating as well. Don't forget to save some bread or bring some to feed the many ducks and turtles once you leave. It is one of my favorite places. I also love their desserts. I had strawberry cream pie last night. Yummy!

Maybe sometime I will share why the ducks at the park have always been so special to me..... and continue to be very special!

Breakaway Camp

2009-07-17T09:53:00.002-04:00

Please pray for us as our Childhood Ministries heads to Ft. Bluff in Dayton, Tennessee with a group of children and counselors for Breakaway Camp. We are excited about all fun we are going to have but also all the way God is going to impact each of us. We really appreciate your prayers!

We will be back Sunday!

Pray for FBC Shreveport

2009-07-14T00:49:00.004-04:00

I would like to ask you to pray for a friend of mine in ministry- Ronney Joe Webb. He is on of my friends from Rec Lab (a conference I attend annually and have for about 14 or 15 years). I learn so much from him when it comes to family ministry. He was accompanying a team from his church to a youth conference and the bus had a blow out and rolled three times. One student died, everyone had some sort of injury. The associate pastor's daughter is in critical condition. Several are still hospitalized. My friend Ronney Joe has a broken bone in his neck. His daughter has a broken collar bone.

You can go to their church website - http://www.fbcshreveport.org/ for more info.
They have been keeping their website updated with as much info as possible.

Thank you in advance for praying!

The "Real" Farmer's Market and More

2009-07-09T23:17:00.003-04:00

Today our Mom's Nurturing Mom's Group - MnM's met for a stop at Preservation Station. Our theme for our Childhood Ministries this summer is "All Aboard the FBC Express"! We normally try to theme our summer off our Vacation Bible School theme- (Boomerang Express).
Here was our description of today's meeting-
"Don't you wish you had paid better attention in your grandmother's kitchen? Ever wonder why she always had fresh veggies and fruit? Or were your favorites her homemade jellies and jams? Come learn all the secrets of how to properly store home grown (or fresh brought) foods. We'll see and hear about how the things of yesteryear are becoming the "new" thing!"

Our first stop was checking in at the church, dropping off children in childcare, sharing tips and ideas (especially frugal finds) with each other and THEN I shared we were going on a field trip. Mrs. Robin R. from the Bradley County Extension and Mrs. Kathy from there as well- took us to the Bradley County Farmer's Market off Peerless Road. We visited several vendors and were given tips and pointers on knowing the difference in types of produce- like the types of corns, beans and squash. We also were given some help on knowing when something is ripe or to know if you are getting "good" produce. It was a lot of fun. We then went shopping to the different produce stands.

THEN we went to the Cannery that is located behind the Farmer's Market. You can schedule to use this facility free of charge. When you call Mrs. Odoms will give you an appointment and ask what you would like to can (or as my grandmother called "put up" ). She will in turn tell you based on the amount of produce you have what supplies you will need. She will also tell you what you need to have prepped before hand- i.e. breaking your beans before arriving. Two reasons for this are so they can schedule more people to use the facility and because there is no air conditioning- just fans (it is hot).
The staff and volunteers at the cannery will help you know what to do if you have never done this before.

We then returned to the church and ate the yummy snacks the moms brought and heard a presentation on canning. We were also given some great gifts from the Bradley County Extension-
1. Handout on A Quick Consumer Guide to Safe Food Handling ( an incredible piece)
2. July's Newsletter on Safe Food for Tennessee (Wit, Wisdom and Practical Advice on Food Safety)
3. Canning Foods Booklet (79 page booklet w/ guides, recipes, etc.)
4. Preserving Food: Freezing and Drying (47 pages of tips, guidelines and advice)
5. Fridge / Freezer Thermometer

What a fun time!

Potatoes going into the cans - getting ready to head to the steamers!

MNM participants listening and taking notes!
Learning how to tell if a watermelon and cantaloupe is ripe.
Seeing how to "pick" a good ear of corn. I also learned a really good way to "Freeze" corn- cut the ends off the ear of corn, put corn (shuck and all) in a paper bag. Double bag the paper bag and roll up and put in the freezer. Mrs. Robin says the shuck / silk will come right off when you go to use the corn. I thought I would try it so I bought a dozen for $3 of "peaches and cream corn" . I also wanted this farmer to know we appreciated him letting us camp out at his truck bed.
Here we are learning about beans.
We had a smaller group this month but a fun group. I know this isn't for everyone but what a great time. We also had door prizes due to Resourceful Amy's ability to pick out great prizes and get a great bang for our buck. As it ended up everyone who returned for the presentation ended up with a door prize. YIPEE!

Fourth Celebration

2009-07-04T11:25:00.002-04:00

Today Mike and I are heading to my parents for swimming and food! It will be a family celebration today with my dad, mom, and two sisters. I love to swim!

Mike and I have been talking about purchasing an ice cream maker so we are picking one up before heading to the pool.

We will be making one of my favorite homemade ice cream recipes from my Brainerd Baptist Church cookbook - church cookbooks are the best you know! Thanks to Mrs. Debbie we will be enjoying her Milky Way Ice Cream

Milky Way Ice Cream
1 pt. half and half
1 pt. whipping cream
2 cups of sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
7 Milky Way bars
6 eggs
Beat eggs and sugar; add cream, half and half and Eagle Brand. Heat 1 cup milk with 6 to 7 Milky Ways. Add to egg mixture. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into container. Fill container with milk.

Do you have a favorite homemade ice cream recipe? Will you please share it with me?

Happy Fourth of July! I am so thankful to live in a country where we can freely and openly worship the One True God!

An Emotional Day

2009-06-30T23:27:00.002-04:00

Today I, along with many, many others celebrated the life of a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, friend but most of all a true follower of Christ.

As I watched a family say an earthly "see you later" I wept with sadness for I know their hearts are breaking. Yes, as Christians we do have a peace that we will see this brother in Christ again but humanly death is never easy. I believe this is especially true when someone is taken tragically and at a young age.

My heart hurts for this family and I ask you to lift them up to our Heavenly Father. I pray He holds them close, He drys their tears, and that His love will be their covering.

I pray as a church family we pour out our love on them- that we are found faithful in ministering to them both now and in the many days ahead.

Today our community was reminded that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore we need to be busy about the things that matter- living for Christ and sharing Him with others.

It All Comes Back to Jesus

2009-06-05T12:38:00.003-04:00

It is that time of year again when churches all over are experiencing a fun week called Vacation Bible School. Our church is busy preparing for a great week- June 15 - 19 from 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. We will begin to turn our church campus in to the Australian Outback next week! The Boomerang Express will be ready to take children to new adventures as we learn more about following Jesus!
If you live in the Cleveland area and your child (or children) are 4 years old (4 by June 15th) and older (through those entering 6th Grade) join us for this exciting week! You can register your children online - Register for VBS at FBC !!

I can't wait! If you are able to help us decorate next week - leave me a comment or email me! We need lots of help!

Do you have Syrup?

2009-05-07T10:10:00.003-04:00

As I began to make plans for my latest adventure in missions, I decided one activity suggested in the VBS Boomerang Express teacher's book I just had to do. I wasn't sure why. I even told my husband I didn't know why I was so determined to accomplish this task. I knew I couldn't do it exactly like the book suggested- after all I would be on a mission trip. So he began to help me think how can I accomplish this. Someone told me about Bisquick's new Shake and Pour- where you just add water. Okay I could take spray butter. My husband said well what about syrup - well I will just pack that too. He was concerned it would spill in the luggage- but I reminded him it would be sealed and I would put it in several sealed bags. My next obstacle was how in the world was I going to cook the pancakes. Well I had learned from my good friend Amanda and Cooking Live demonstrator that you can purchase electric single cooking eyes. So I set off in search of one. For under $10 I discovered one at Walgreen's. My next concern was how in the world would I find something to cook these in without it weighing a ton. We were already so close on luggage, I knew this could be the one thing that prevented us from completing this activity. Until............ I passed by the camping isle at Wally world. I stopped and said, " Mike look!" It was a fold up skillet (the handle folded up) and it was relatively light weight. It was also under $10. I was on my way to Croatia ready to make pancakes with ten 3 and 4 year olds whose families live all over Europe with the sole purpose of advancing God's kingdom.

The day came to look at the story where Jesus fed his disciples breakfast. This was the whole point of the activity was to eat a breakfast item and further reiterate the point. Little did I know the point of the lesson this morning was just for me.

As I shared Mr. Jake (a member of our mission team) was going to make us pancakes. He began his preparations but the questions began. The first little girl in her small little voice said, "Mrs. Tara do we have syrup?" I answered yes, we had syrup. She asked, "Where did you get it?" I said I brought it with me. She asked, "From the United States?" Thinking her curiosity over the pancake syrup was a little strange, I simply said yes. As the children finished cleaning up and realized we were really going to have pancakes, their excitement continued. However, the conversation I had just finished about syrup repeated itself with several other children. I thought that is really odd. What is up with syrup.

As the parents came several hours later to pick their children up, the children began to share we had eaten pancakes. That first little girl who asked me about the syrup, exclaimed to her mother and we had syrup. I looked at her mother and told her about our conversation and simply said what is the deal about syrup? By this time several of the parents had gathered and began to laugh. They said, Mrs. Tara we can't get syrup. And if we can it is at the very least $15 a bottle- so we make our own. They shared that syrup in a bottle was a real treat. Wow! I was really overwhelmed. I didn't realize the determination I had to make this activity possible was because for ten boys and girls whose families sacrifice much for God's kingdom, God wanted to bless that morning. Yes, with something as simple as syrup. This was another example to me that God not only cares about big things in our lives but the smallest of things like syrup in a bottle.

This little girls mom told me that every snack we had brought to give the children for snacks were real treats- either they could not be purchased at all or they were way to expensive. Wondering what those treats were- gold fish crackers, fruit roll ups, animal crackers, oreos, lorne doones, fruit snacks, graham crackers and mnm's. Feeling like you take so much for granted yet? It was right then I knew the whole purpose of that lesson was to show me how incredibly blessed I really am, how much I take for granted, how I do not pray for those who serve on foreign fields enough, ............... yes, the list of lessons from a gracious heavenly Father continue to come. I pray you look around today and realize the small ways God blesses you and your family!

We're Back!

2009-05-04T16:46:00.003-04:00

Just wanted you to know our team has returned home from Croatia. We returned about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning. We had traveled for about 25-26 hours when we arrived.

Once I have caught up on some much needed sleep and returned to the land of the living- I have much to post about!

Until then- thanks for praying!

You can read and see pictures from our trip at
http://fbcincroatia.wordpress.com

Banana Split Night

2009-04-20T08:30:00.003-04:00

Yummy doesn't that look great? Well it does but I forgot it was banana split night at AWANA. So that means I forgot to have the stuff purchased for banana split night and that means I had to disappoint a big group of kids last night all because I forgot. I hate when that happens. I do think it is possible that two of my Kindergarten Sparks teachers might have been the most disappointed about not having banana splits last night. Our great commander, Mr. Terry, has agreed to have them next week. I will be gone on the mission trip so I will miss out- guess that works out since I forgot. All I could do was say I was sorry. Man alive I hate when that happens.

I am also sorry to the AWANA Food Crew who will be grilling hamburgers for our supper and having to serve banana splits. Originally I had put the banana split night on pizza night- which is a relatively easier thing for the Food Crew to serve. So if you are able to come and help serve next Sunday Night in AWANA from 5:15 - 7:10 - I know they would appreciate it. Please let me know if you can do - I mean think about it you would get a banana split too.........

Prayers Needed

2009-04-17T09:26:00.002-04:00

I would like for you guys to pray for a man named Mark. A friend from church has shared with me about his situation. They have created a blog to keep people posted and so you will know how to pray for him.

http://markmarathon.blogspot.com/

The above blog is where you can read about Mark.

Mission Trip Final Days

2009-04-17T08:54:00.002-04:00

Well the time is drawing closer where hubby and I (along with 8 others) will leave for a mission trip to the Island of Brac off the coast of Croatia. We will be staying at Supetar. You can read more about our trip at http://fbcincroatia.wordpress.com . If you are willing to pray for our team would you please leave me a comment. I would like to ask people to pray for the specific things:

1. Travel - especially our transfer from Split airport, to shuttle, to the ferry to the hotel!

2. Team - that God would continue to bind us together, use us and impact us.

3. Classes- pray as we teach Bible Stories, make crafts, play games, eat snacks, worship the one true God, bond with children, make memories, etc.

4. I ask for you to specifically pray for the children to bond with our team- especially in the nursery and preschool area.

5. Pray for divine appointments for our team and pray we would recognize them as opportunities given to us by God.

We still need note written to certain missionaries- if you can help with this please leave me a comment or email me. We need the notes by Monday night at 7:30.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-11T17:57:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter! It was so much fun today to be able to celebrate Easter at our church Easter Egg Hunt. Today one of our four year old little boys asked me why we celebrate Easter! Well I had a great time telling little "G" that it wasn't about the Easter Eggs even though that was fun. It was all about Jesus and what He did for us.

I pray that as adults we don't forget to explain that even though Easter Eggs are fun

how they represent New Life in Christ. It is my prayer if you have never stopped to make the decision to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior- you will right now. It is exciting to serve a RISEN SAVIOR!

As fun as today was- I can't wait to worship our Risen Savior tomorrow at church. I encourage you to attend a church and do so as well! What a great day to celebrate Jesus!

On a personal note- I would like to ask you to pray for my dad. He has back surgery yesterday. He is in a lot of pain. He will be in the hospital until Wednesday and facing 12 weeks of recovery.

Encouraging those who serve around the world!

2009-03-31T16:17:00.005-04:00

I know many people serve in many capacities around the world. For this post I am talking about those who serve specifically to advance the cause of Christ- better known as missionaries. In about 20 days I will be leaving with a team of 10 from my church to serve at their conference. This conference happens every two years. I was able to serve the last conference when they were in Istanbul, Turkey. This time it is Croatia. As I have stated here before- our team will be providing care for those birth -11 years old. We will be doing nursery care, Vacation Bible School, Kid's Church, and other "special" events with these awesome children. I have a request for you-

Would you consider writing a note to a missionary family so you can encourage them and let them know how much you appreciate their willingness to advance the cause of Christ in a culture that was once foreign to them. If so, please leave me a comment and I will let you know how you can do that! Last time this was such an awesome thing to give to each missionary family!

You can also help by donating (new) items for the missionary children's goodie bags. We are asking you remember this has to be transported- so take that in consideration...........
Nursery (two and under)- 10 children approx. (5 girls / 5 boys)
Preschool (threes- fives) - 10 children approx. (5 girls/ 5 boys)
Elementary (Kindergarten - 5th grade) - 25 children approx. (12 girls / 13 boys )

Things to consider are candy, small toys, small books or activity/coloring type books, etc. Please remember if giving to a certain age make sure they are age appropriate. One example is currently The Dollar Tree has small Cars Frisbees- they come in a package of 3. It would take 15 packs to have enough for every bag- that is $15 in all! Maybe you could purchase a couple of those and WOW we are on our way! By the way- I purchased one - so we only need 14!

Other things I noticed on a recent dollar store trip-
1. Super Fly Rings - these had Winnie the Pooh on them - great for the nursery or preschool!
2. Go Diego Go Paddle Ball toys great for the elementary group
3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Fingerboards (little skate boards) great for elementary
4. Playing cards - 2 decks in a pack and I have one (so 11 more packs needed) for elementary

I also know the kids love candy like fireballs, jolly ranchers, Starburst, MNM'S, skittles that are harder to get in some of the places they live.
Also if anyone has any contact with how we could get some small type toys they put in fast food meals but that are new- please let me know- I would love to put one of those in there as well.

I have also put the gender break down in case you would like to do something gender specific- hair bows, little lotions, etc. (yes, I realize I could only think of girly things).

Please, please think about how you can play a part in blessing and encouraging those that answers God's call to move to a foreign land, away from family and familiar things of life (and often time conveniences of America) so that many more may be told of the incredible love and plan Jesus has for each one of us- regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, financial standing, etc.

I know many may not be able to contribute in a financial way due to our present economy BUT we all can write a card or note- can't we? It was precious to have all the children from AWANA to bring notes or pictures they had drawn to take with us! Yes, this is one small opportunity to have your children be on mission for Jesus!

Okay I will step down off my soap box! Thank you in advance for all who respond by praying, writing, bringing, going and sharing!

Meal Plan Monday

2009-03-29T20:49:00.003-04:00

Trying to get back to doing a meal plan. Hopefully our schedules have settled down. Doing a meal plan not only helps me in saving money but also normally it is better than eating late (and usually not as healthy). Also posting my meal plan makes me more accountable!

Here is my plan..........

Monday - roast, potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese

Tuesday - Dinner at meeting

Wednesday - Dinner at church

Thursday - Lasagna

Friday - Steak, baked potatoes, salad and rolls

Saturday - Hamburgers and sides

Sunday - BBQ chicken, fruit, corn casserole, side ?

Okay here is my plan- hopefully it will go well!

You can go over to www.orgjunkie.com for more Meal Plans!

Respect

2009-03-29T14:11:00.003-04:00

I guess you have figured out I am the Minister of Childhood Education at my church. I love my church and serving alongside of some awesome parents, volunteers and children. Something that has been on my heart and mind lately is ........... Respect.

Let me start by saying I am so thankful for parents that feel the biggest job they have is to raise children who love Jesus more than anything. I so appreciate they train them not only to love Him but accept Him as their Savior. I feel this is the most important job they have when it comes to the children God has blessed them with.

With that being said, let me move on to what I think may be the next task a parent must train their children in............ RESPECT. Some may call me crazy but I believe this is more important than any academic lesson, ballgame, recital, play, etc. they will EVER have.

I am so thankful when I see children who display good manners. I see so many display GREAT manners but they are kids so I am pleased with good manners. It makes my heart so happy when children respond to adults even if being disciplined in a way that is showing respect. It is also encouraging to see them respond to their peers in ways that display their respect for them as well. In my home if an adult said I was out of line, disrespectful or disobedience- there was no discussion. The only talking done was me being scolded and deciding how I was going to make the situation right.

I believe it is also important to remember that showing respect also applies to how we treat the property of others- it may be a place or a thing. Our society is placing less and less value on "things". If we lose or break something (by not taking care of it, etc.) it is often just replaced.

I know for the most part teaching respect and responsibility is taking place. However, sadly not in all homes.

I urge everyone to think about what part you play in helping this generation learn all these great things.............. if you are a parent and teaching these things, keep on keeping on
if you are a parent and not teaching these things, it is never too late to begin
if you have children in your sphere of influence- do all you can to help parents with these life lessons! Just remember it is up to all of us to help make an impact on the generations to come!

I also encourage you to affirm children in your life when they do display respect, responsibility and great manners! When you do - notice the smile (or shy grin for others) appear on their sweet faces. Positive affirmation only helps reinforce these great characteristics and behaviors in their growing lives.

Questions

2009-03-23T20:09:00.005-04:00

Our mom's group for April is going to be on the topic of Mom - The Family Manager. The lady I really wanted teach this is not available so we are going to do this round table. This is one of the mom's favorite sessions- sharing and learning from each other. I am trying to decide what topics under Mom- The Family Manager we should use as our topics. What do you think should be some of our talking points????

My other question is - What is one tip, practice or product that has helped you be a better Family Manager?

For example, the latest thing I have put into practice that has helped me be a better Family Manager is ...........

putting an accordion file folder in my car with all my restaurant coupons. I learned this from my friend Gloria over at Fun and Frugal !
.

I am trying to compile these tips to share at our mom's group in April. I would really appreciate your input! (Especially for all of you who are organized) Remember- as in my case- you are a Family Manager even if you do not have children........ because you, you and your hubby, etc. are a family! So come one, come all and Share, Share, Share!!!

Have a great day!

Mission Trip Coming Up

2009-03-21T23:02:00.005-04:00

In the middle of April I will be traveling to the Island of Brac with my husband and 8 others. We will have the privilege to provide VBS, Kid's Church, Nursery and other fun things for a group of mk's. As we prepare for the trip - please pray as we prepare for the different activities- Bible Stories, crafts, music, games, snacks, etc.

We are also preparing goody bags for the kids. We are so thankful for the bags being donated to us. We have also been given some items for the bags - activity books, cars, snack bars, pens, pencils, etc We are looking for things that children 5 - 11 might enjoy. For this age group we need 25 items. We are also filling 12 bags for ones and twos and 12 bags for threes and fours. If you have items you would like to donate- please let me know. Please remember we have to think about weight and size for packing. We are so thankful for our church allowing us the opportunity to bless others.

We are also collecting items on a needs and wish list from one family close to our church.

We are also asking for people to write notes of encouragement and appreciation to these families.

We also need people to help cut out diecuts used for crafts, decorations and activities.

For more info on how to participate in any of these opportunities- please contact me.

You can also read about our trip- especially while we are in country- at the following blog:

http://fbcincroatia.wordpress.com/

Please, please begin to pray for every aspect of our planning of this awesome opportunity.

A Quiet Place

2009-02-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

Can you see the bench hidden in this picture? During my November trip to Williamsburg, Va I looked through the shrubs and branches and this is what I saw..................

a bench hidden in this beautiful place

I imagined what it must look like in the Springwhen all is in bloom.............
I wondered if anyone ever sat on that bench and
...........dreamed
...........prayed
...........wondered
...........rested
............enjoyed the peace

I longed to sit in this place. However, short of me knocking on the door and asking some complete stranger if I could set on the bench in the backyard, it was not going to happen. So I simply snapped this picture of this quiet place as I walked back to the bus pick up (for those of you wondering there are some people who live in houses around Colonial Williamsburg, I believe this was one such house).

Looking back over this picture reminded me of a book I recently reread parts - A Place of Quiet Rest. It is by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It has personal reflections of Elisabeth Elliott, Kay Arthur, Vonette Bright and others. The foreword is written by Joni Eareckson Tada - my favorite author. The subtitle reads - Finding Intimacy with God through a daily devotional life. When I originally purchased the book I thought the book cover was beautiful and serene and I liked the title. I didn't notice the subtitle. I was pulled in by wanting rest.

"The Fragrance of Devotion"
"The product of a daily devotional life will bear fruit in our own lives, as we experience an ever-deepening intimacy with the Father. Sadly, many believers never enter into the joys and fullness of this life of oneness with the Father. ..........
Time spent alone with Jesus each day will order our hearts and grant a sense of direction, enabling us to live purposeful, useful lives, directed by the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than being driven by the expectations and demands of others. ............ The fruit of a devotional life will also be manifested in an ordered, peaceful life..................."

As I reflected on these comments (Chapter 12 Cultivating the Garden of the Heart) I will tell you it is evident when I do not have that peace or that order it is often because my priorities are out of sorts. It is because I have been so busy doing ministry I missed that time spent with the Father. Something He continues to teach me is I am to be "directed" not "driven". As I ask myself about what fruit is showing up in my own life because of my daily devotional time with my heavenly Father, I ask you to think about this also!

Do you have a "spot" of quiet rest? Mine is my big green chair, what about you?

New Coupon Classes Scheduled

2009-02-19T00:59:00.003-05:00

Thank you to everyone who attended First Baptist's First Coupon Classes last month. Due to the requests that have come in about having a second class and repeating the first one we have scheduled the following:

March 5 (Thursday) 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church (Cleveland, TN) in "The Backyard" (Our Kid's Church area). This class will be on "Taking it To the Next Level". Updates will be given on store coupon policies and we will discuss CVS and Walgreen's shopping. Childcare will be provided by advance request. Deadline for childcare reservations are March 2ND (Monday) at noon.

March 10 (Tuesday) 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church (Cleveland, TN) in "The Backyard" (our Kid's Church area). This class will be two part- at 6 p.m. we will repeat the "Beginner's Class". Some people may want to attend this class again if they still need help and guidance getting started. At 7:30 p.m. we will begin the second part - "Taking it To the Next Level". Childcare is not provided for the evening classes.

Please leave a comment to sign up or call First Baptist Church of Cleveland. The class is free. We do ask you RSVP so we can adequately plan and prepare. We ask that if you have copies of the weekly grocery store ads and drug store ads to please bring those with you- FBC will also try to provide for you if possible. Bring you coupons........... we will also have the opportunity for you to share coupons.

Anyone who attended the first classes and has specific questions you would like to make sure I cover- please let me know! We would also like to provide as many coupons for participants as possible- if you have contacts for this- please let me know!

It has been very exciting for me for all of you who have shared with me the money you have saved since our class. It has also been shared with me that several of you have taken the info back to your work or church and are doing classes. I was so excited to hear about how I feel God has used the simple use of coupons to impact others! I would love to hear where and how the other classes have gone! Happy couponing.........!

Meal Plan Monday

2009-02-16T00:18:00.004-05:00

Well- here goes at my plan for the week!

Monday- Lasagna, Fruit and Garlic Bread

Tuesday- Tara at VBS; Mike take dinner since working

Wednesday- BBQ chicken wings in crock pot, Mac & Cheese, green beans, rolls

Thursday - Pork Loin and leftovers

Friday - Family Game Night- Chicken / Beef Quesidias, Enchiladas, Nachos and Cheese, etc.

Saturday - Breakfast Casserole, Biscuits, Sausage or Bacon, Juice and Milk

Sunday- Leftovers and dinner at AWANA

Busy, Busy Week

2009-02-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

I realized I haven't written here in quite some time - it has been busy. Here are some things that have consumed my time this past week-

1 Grandparent's Valentine Party
4 basketball games
3 funeral homes
2 theming meetings
1 meeting for new building
1 lunch with a homeschool family (very yummy)
1 lunch with another children's minister
1 mom's group meeting
1 benefit dinner (Jaxson Kidd Memorial benefit dinner- a child who died from our church)
2 meetings - coupon class
1 computer meeting
2 VBS meetings
1 staff meeting and staff lunch
phonecalls and emails
I am sure there was more but that is all I can remember without my calendar

Hmmmmmm it has been a busy week!
I'll post on some of the above at a later day!
Just wanted you to know I am still alive!
Just a little tuckered out!
Hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day!

Coupon Class is almost here!

2009-02-03T23:02:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder, if you want to attend either the 10 am or 7 pm coupon class at First Baptist Church Cleveland on Thurs. Feb. 5, you need to RSVP by 5:00 PM Wed. Feb. 4 to reserve your spot. Click here for more info. Childcare is full for the morning class and is not available for the night class. Due to high attendance and limited space, children are not allowed in the class, except for nursing babies.

If you are registered for the coupon class please come with the following things:
1. an idea of how much you spend weekly on groceries and household items (you will not be asked to share this, just for your reference)
2. if you already coupon- bring your coupons / coupon organizer
3. expired coupons - we will mail them for you to the military
4. any coupons you want to share

See you soon! We are excited!
If you have questions please leave a comment here!

One of the most creative friends I have

2009-01-31T00:54:00.005-05:00

Here is a Ronney Joe Webb busy at work during Upward season. Ronney Joe is the Minister of Family Life and Missions at First Baptist Shreveport. He is very creative. He is also not afraid to try a thing and can do just about anything. I think the man has learned 1001 different trades in life. Most of my best ideas in ministry came from him- thanks for letting me "borrow" your ideas. We have a lot of fun talking shop together. Just talking to him jump starts my brain into being more creative!

Here is Ronney Joe as Elvis. I know he has also been Superman. He has quite a few costumes. Have I mentioned he is a lot of fun.
I am going to tell you one of my favorite Ronney Joe stories............
Ronney Joe was doing hospital visits one day. He was called to go to the hospital that one of the senior adult ladies was not doing well. Ronney Joe rushed to the hospital and made his way to her room. As he got in the room, his pager went off (this was before cell phones). He noticed it was the church and decided just to silence the pager and call them after he went and tended to the situation at hand. He went over to the lady and noticed she was unresponsive and the nurse was doing some things. He went over and placed his hand on her and began to pray. He asked God to intervene and help her during this time. After praying he stepped out to call the church. The church asked if he had been to the hospital to see Mrs. "X". He said yes I just prayed with her. They begin proceeded to tell him they were paging him because they had been notified she had died. So as Ronney Joe begins to realize he just prayed over a dead lady- it then dawns on him why the nurse is looking at him so strangely when he was with Mrs. "X".
Too, too funny. I promise this is a true story. If you knew my friend Ronney Joe you would realize this is just Ronney Joe! I had a great week at Rec Lab- thanks for all your hard work Ronney Joe!

Friends

2009-01-30T22:13:00.003-05:00

This is my friend Myrna. Here she is riding a motorized cooler. She had fun riding it all over the hotel. Matter of fact she had so much fun the hotel staff wanted to take it for a spin too! Notice she took Yertle for a ride too. Myrna works in Upward's Global Development. She is passionate about sharing Christ. She does this on mission trips all over this globe. She also is instrumental in others being able to do so by the work in writing, training and doing the groundwork for teams to go all over the world using Upward sports to share Christ. She is a woman who truly loves God and follows after Him. It was an awesome week to learn from her and have a lot of fun with her!
This is my friend Jenny Hemmer. She is an amazing lady. She is the Recreation Minister at Judson Baptist in Nashville. She seeks to help others come to Christ through recreation ministries. She as taught me a lot as well. She has a passion to help others realize that we the church need to do things with excellence as we serve the cause of Christ. She wants others to realize that status quo is not enough. As Christians we should strive to give a little more, work a little harder and do things to the upmost. This clip she shared with me explains her passion really well. I encourage you to watch it! 212 degrees

Both these ladies are incredible women of God. They love God and He is their life's passion. I am so thankful to have them in my life. They are two of the reasons I look forward to Rec Lab each year!

My Car is officially dead

2009-01-30T22:03:00.005-05:00

My car is officially dead. I drive a Ford Contour and it is old. The Lord provided us this vehicle many years ago while we were in seminary- yes I have driven it a long time. I mean it is literally falling a part and after putting $600 in it this week- it still needs $700 more we find out today. Well we have decided it is just not worth it. So we are asking God to lead and guide us as we once again find a vehicle.

It also made me a little sad. We were waiting until we adopted the girls to buy a new vehicle. Well since that fell through we have just put off getting a vehicle. However, here we are at that juncture and I have no idea what kind of vehicle I want or need. I mean before I knew no question- I was getting a mini van. Now that this is not a necessity I have no idea what to purchase. Matter of fact I absolutely detest looking for a new car. I dislike the whole car salesman stuff- so all those praying friends out there pray, pray, pray. I know God once again while lead and guide us. I truly believe He cares about all the details in our lives- even what car I need. I just wish He would send me an email and tell me. Now that is a thought - an email with the sender listed as "GOD"! That is for sure an email I would read!!!!

What kind of vehicle do you think I need?

Yertle Meets Jay Schroeder

2009-01-29T00:58:00.003-05:00

Tonight Yertle and I got to hear Jay Schroeder speak and got to get our picture made with him. For those of you who are not up on football trivia- Jay is a retired NFL quarterback. He retired after 11 years in the NFL. He won the Super Bowl while playing for the Washington Redskins. He was our banquet speaker tonight- for you see more importantly than being a former pro football player he is a Christian. It was neat to hear his stories from his pro days but also hear how God allows him to use that as a platform to share Christ.
Everyone was wearing his Super Bowl ring in their pictures and what did Jay do- take his ring off and put it on Yertle. Isn't that sweet - he didn't want her to feel left out. Look real close and you can see- yes Yertle is wearing the ring that cost $12,000 to make at that time. Also on a side note- I did win a door prize. It was a silly animal and here at Rec Lab they throw the prizes. So I was toward the back - so they asked Jay to throw me my prize.......... yes I was nervous I was going to drop it- but here comes my spiral across the banquet room and YES I caught it! So thanks dad for teaching me to watch the ball into my hands (glove) so I didn't drop this catch!

We had a lot of fun tonight................! One really funny thing during question and answer time. Someone asked Jay who had hit him the hardest during his playing time. Without hesitation he said, I don't know. He went on to share he had numerous concussions so he truly doesn't know or remember (if you don't get it- he was knocked out so who knows!).

People who have impacted my life

2009-01-28T18:27:00.003-05:00

This is my friend Bobby Shows. He was honored at Rec Lab with the Pogo Lifetime Achievement Award. I am so thankful to him for ALL he has done to pour into my life. I have attended classes he has taught at Rec Lab for more than a decade. He is a true man of God and is amazing. I am so glad he was honored tonight.
Ronney Joe Webb is presenting John Garner with a leadership award at Rec Lab. John is another man who has really impacted the type of minister I am today. He was my professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught me so much and continues to do so. He has given his life to teaching others. It was great to honor him tonight. He is no longer at Lifeway Christian Resources full time so we had a night of "roasting" John. It was absolutely hilarious. The Rec Labations shared, as did a puppet friend from John's past years in recreation ministry and Caz McCazlin the founder of Upward. It was a great night.

I am so thankful to God for those who give to help others learn. Father, may I always be teachable.

Meet Yertle the Turtle

2009-01-28T01:26:00.003-05:00

I realized after posting pictures of Yertle in San Antonio, that I have never properly introduced my turtle friend to you! Our Childhood Ministries has two turtle friends who are traveling turtles. Their names are Yertle and Mertle. We had a naming contest to come up with their names when they first became our friends. We also have two monkey friends- Milo and Millie the Mission Monkeys. The concept is to have children take a traveling turtle when they are going on a trip that requires travel. Milo and Millie go with individuals, families or teams who are going on mission both locally and globally. You are to take pictures of them while they are on their trip............ We have done some neat things with our friends on these trips. This fall the turtles went to England, Germany, Nicaragua, Hilton Head, Bike trips to Virginia, Disney World, and many other fun places. The monkeys have been to Nicaragua, Turkey, Greece, Kosovo, etc.

Other than to have fun and help us stay connected our families we are teaching children the following truth- "Your life can be a testimony everywhere you go!" I mean when you are taking a picture of or with one of these cute little creatures it most always draws attention or curious questions. Guess what? This is an awesome opportunity to lead into sharing about our faith in Jesus Christ. For you see when you tell someone this is something your church does you then often will have an open door to talk about spiritual things. So meet my friend Yertle- we are in San Antonio (as you may have guessed from earlier pictures).

Yertle is in San Antonio

2009-01-28T00:57:00.003-05:00

Students who attend Rec Lab pose with Yertle along with the one and only Dr. Bill Buchanan (OBU). This group has been fun to have at Rec Lab. Students are a vital part of the lab experience- many, many ministers who come to Rec Lab- first came as a student- including me. During my studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary I took Rec Lab as a J-term. We attended lab, read books and did a week of class time.

Yertle at the River Walk in San Antonio- sorry I forgot to turn the picture around- goofy me. Today / tonight it is the coldest it has been in San Antonio in 12 years according to our own Rec Lab weatherman Bob F.
Yertle at the Alamo.............
Along with Jim F. (Birmingham), Kenneth S. (New Orleans), me, Yertle, Myrna G. (Brandon, MS), David M. (Fort Walton Beach), Debbie M. (Baton Rouge), Rhonda (Amarillo) and Jenny (Nashville). We had a lot of fun today even though it was cold and a little rainy. We went to the Alamo and yes Jim, now we can ALL say we have been- YEAH! We also walked along the River Walk, did a little bit of shopping, laughed a WHOLE lot, and then ate at the restaurant Mi Tierra! Have you ever heard of a Mexican restaurant open 24 hours? Well now you have! I had been here before and all wanted to return. Mainly for the atmosphere and the bakery. The food is just okay but the atmosphere is festive and a lot of fun! You can check them out at www.mitierracafe.com ! The pralines there are unlike any I have ever eaten. My friend from Rec Lab Jay F. (Albany, Ga) introduced these to many of us here 3 years ago- thanks Jay! We have missed Jay this year at Rec Lab. He and his wife just returned home from China with a new little girl - Congrats!

We had a blast!

Rec Lab

2009-01-27T08:50:00.002-05:00

I have been in San Antonio, Texas since Sunday afternoon. I have come down here to attend a conference that I come to every year. I believe this is my 15th or 16th year. It is amazing time each year in my life. Amazing because I am able to attend so many practical classes and seminars that apply to my life, family and ministry. Not only that but the worship is geared specifically toward those who minister. This week our worship leader is Dave Hunt and our pastor is David Uth (who is the Senior Pastor at FBC Orlando). More than anything it is a feeling of a family reunion. Each year you get to catch up with friends in ministry and meet new people. There is a sense of family among this group. Sometimes some of us get to see each other during the year and others it is just once a year at Rec Lab. Despite this we are a close group. We have prayed through so many things- marriage, children's birth and adoption, illness, death, divorce, wayward children, broken relationships, hurts in ministry, etc. It has been a good week to be together.

I have already been to some great classes, the sermons have been incredible and recharging and the hanging out with friends has been just what I needed. After having such a rough end of 2008 (surgery, failed adoption, and the grief that accompanied these things) the Lord knew this is where I needed to come at the beginning of 2009. I am so thankful to the Lord for providing this opportunity!

I am off to classes, worship, lunch and then to the River Walk!

Parent's Night Out

2009-01-23T23:39:00.004-05:00

Tonight was our monthly Parent's Night Out (PNO)! It is a night where parents in our church and community can sign up to have a "night out". Sometimes our Sunday School classes (or small groups) have fellowships during this time too. Tonight we had more signed up than ever before- we had a few that did not come for various reasons- here is what we ended up with 101 children in the Babies - Fours and 57 in Kindergarten - 5th grade. We were way up in preschool and a little down in elementary ages. I am so thankful for the 40 workers who helped us pull off tonight!

This year in PNO we are taking a "road trip" throughout our country. Last year we went around the world. Tonight our focus planned long ago was on Chicago. For our missions in elementary aged classes they watched part of the inauguration of President Obama. They also wrote letters to him or a member of his family. Of course many wanted to write the Obama girls. I wish you could all read the letters- they are precious.
They also made a prayer sheet we will send them- here are few of those prayer list requests-

They all listed 10 but I will list some of my favorites. Okay I couldn't leave any out - so I posted them all- sorry it is long but very sweet!
I encourage you to make a list as a family of prayers you have for President Obama and Vice President Biden and their families. This is a great teachable moment- right here at the beginning of a new Presidential term.
One of our PNO kids in first grade actually got to meet former President Jimmy Carter this past week- that is so cool. I am so excited for you F.H.

From the Kindergarten class........... (for the Obama Family)
1. We pray you have good food.
2. We pray you will be safe.
3. We pray you are healthy.
4. We pray you have good ideas.
5. We pray you have friends.
6. We pray for the White House.
7. We pray for your family.
8. We pray for church... the one you go to.
9. We pray your new dog is good.

From the 1st Grade class (for Vice President Biden)
1. We pray you have enough money to buy food
2. We pray that you are healthy.
3. We pray that you stay safe.
4. We pray you will be a good Vice-President.
5. We pray you have a happy life.
6. We pray that you love God.
7. We pray you have a great birthday.
8. We pray for you to have a good year.
9. We pray you take good care of your wife and kids.
10. We pray you will read the Bible.

From the 2nd and 3rd grade boys (for President Obama)
1. We hope God blesses you and your Presidency.
2. We pray God blesses you in every way.
3. We pray that you make good laws.
4. We pray God keeps you safe everywhere you go.
5. We pray that you are doing okay.
6. We pray that you do not have any problems.
7. We pray you do not have much paperwork.
8. We pray you keep America clean.
9. We pray that you have a good time being President.
10. We pray for your family's safety.

From the 2nd - 5th grade girls and 4th and 5th grade boys (for President Obama)
1. We pray that you remain safe.
2. We pray that you do a good job.
3. We pray that your family has good health.
4. We pray that you make good decisions.
5. We pray that you enjoy being President.
6. We pray you help keep our country safe.
7. We pray the girls do well in their new schools.
8. We pray for your leadership of the military.
9. We pray you make good decisions for our schools.
10. We pray your daughters would make friends.

Here are the verses our mission's teacher - Ms. Kelly- shared with them! We wanted them to know tonight that we are to respect, follow and pray for our authority (regardless who they wanted to win the election).

I Timothy 2:1-2 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority. "

Hebrews 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority."

Romans 13:1-2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted."

Titus 3:1 "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good."

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

P.S. If you have NOT signed up for the coupon class for February 5th (First Baptist Church Cleveland, TN) please do so. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. classes for whichever fits your need (childcare at 10 a.m. only). We have over 80 signed up now- so it is filling up fast! Read the past post to see how to sign up!

Coupon Class for Cleveland

2009-01-20T18:25:00.005-05:00

After talking about saving money and being frugal at one of our mom's group, several people commented they wanted to learn more about being Frugal. The economic crisis of our country is definitely having an impact on most family's budgets. I was also amazed after mentioning this in one of our Cooking Live (cooking class) events- the number that responded they were interested. Saving money is something everyone wants to do!
I came to the realization after reading blogs while off from surgery for almost 9 weeks that even though I thought I didn't need to clip coupons - that YES I did! For me it was simple, as a follower of Christ I know I need to be a good steward of what God has given me. I also realized being more frugal in the how I spend money on my grocery budget allows me to give more freely to others. I also am able to work on paying off my debt.
For some it is a way to show their spouse how thankful they are able to stay at home or work part time. For most it becomes a challenge. One example of that is in this story I share with you:
As I stood before the mom's group and shared how little I had paid for an item - a mom looked at me and politely said - I got 12 of those for free last week. At that moment it was "ON". I mean how did I miss that. Some of you are thinking I don't need 12 of those- but with this particular item (cake icing tubs), donating them to a food pantry is a great option. This type item is a "luxury" in a food pantry- or at least it is in my church's Manna Ministry. I mean for those of us who are competitive that meant we "LOST THAT GAME!"

So know that I have been on my soap box, here are the details.

Thursday, February 5th First Baptist Church Cleveland, TN
- 10 a.m. class (childcare provided with a reservation)
- 7 p.m. class (no childcare provided)
- the class is for men, women, ages- high school and up, all size and types of family units - single, married with or without children (wanted to clarify since some have asked)
We are asking you RSVP for this event- to sign up leave me a comment or for those who know me- you can email me! The class is the same both times we are just trying to offer so everyone who wants to can attend.
You will learn how to get the most savings without spending a whole lot of time! Look at it this way- if someone could show you how to save just $10 a week all year- that is $520. I can find some other things to spend $520 +++++ on can't you?
Ladies who have been doing this and can teach you how to become more frugal will be sharing.
Okay, as usual I got wordy......... but sign up and share with others! All are welcome to come- as always- our events are open not only to First Baptist members but our community as well!

Praying for our new President

2009-01-19T21:42:00.006-05:00

I want to encourage everyone to join me in praying for our new President. President Obama, his family and the others who lead our nation need our prayers. I encourage you to go to The Presidential Prayer Team and join in! This is an organization that will give your prayer guides and other prayer resources to help you pray specifically for our leaders. You can find specific prayer requests for individual leaders.
On Friday night the elementary aged children will be challenged to pray for President Obama. They will write a letter to him letting them know we prayed for him and his family during our Parent's Night Out. I want our children to know that it is important as Christians to pray for our leaders.
More than anytime in our nation's history (in my opinion) we need a President who seeks God's help in leading this great nation! As our country faces economic hardship, moral crisis, wars raging all over this world, environmental concerns as well as other things that plague our nation ; we are a nation who needs to turn back to the one true God our nation was founded upon. We need to put our differences aside- regardless of who we cast our vote for this past November- this is the time to stand together. We need to work together but more than anything PRAY together. Will you join me in praying for our new historic first family?

Meal Plan Monday

2009-01-11T22:24:00.003-05:00

Okay- hopefully I will be back on schedule for a meal plan beginning this week!

So here is my plan...........

Monday - lasagna, salad, fruit and garlic toast
Tuesday - Pork Loin, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli, Fruit
Wednesday - Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and Fruit
Thursday - Crunchy Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese & Peas
Friday - FAMILY GAME NIGHT- mom bringing chili, me hotdogs, chips & condiments (including slaw)
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday- BBQ Chicken Wings, green beans, corn, bread

Okay- I am admitting I have never made Slaw............ I know, I know how awful is that! :) So I need a suggestion for a slaw recipe that is good to put on hot dogs. I will be honest I am tempted to purchase slaw from a local restaurant, so someone please tell me I can do this and it is not as hard as I think it is!

So, anyone else working hard on a meal plan this week?
You can check out other meal plans over at Meal Plan Monday

Lunch Tote Give Away on $5 dinners

2009-01-11T14:00:00.007-05:00

You can go to $5 Dinners blog and enter her give away for a FREE lunch tote. You can also check our her dinners for yes, you guessed it $5! She posts her recipes, too ........... check it out!

Check it out at $5 Dinners Giveaway !

Swim Party Saturday Night

2009-01-06T18:58:00.006-05:00

If you live in Cleveland come join us Saturday Night at our church's Swim Party! The Swim Party is for families (siblings, grandparents, etc.) are welcome to join us! Not a member of FBC- you are welcome to join us too! The Party is at the Cleveland, TN YMCA from 6:30 - 8:30. It is FREE! We ask you bring a snack and we will provide the drinks.

We put all the snacks in the party room and share them! Come join the fun! Don't forget your towel.
Adults this is for you to swim also.............. I know, I know some of you don't like to get in a swim suit in January for LOTS of reasons BUT it is so much Fun. No, you don't have to swim- there are lots who sit on the side and watch BUT know you can join me in the pool! Maybe I should challenge you to join me in the pool........... !
Seriously if you have questions or are able to join us leave me a comment !

Wii Fit

2009-01-06T18:46:00.003-05:00

So many of you have asked me did you find a Wii Fit for my husband's birthday. YES! I did! It is a long story but I actually ended up with two. So I am selling one- I think I have someone who is going to purchase it but if not I will let you know in case you are interested. We have only set it up. Boy, am I glad you can LOCK your information. Otherwise everyone could see my weight, BMI, etc. I mean I know you can look at me and pretty much figure out I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT.............. but you know the actual numbers I am glad you can hide. Don't laugh- I think most of women no matter the size want to hide those numbers. I have laughed at someone who said they were fat and told them okay let me come stand beside you and you can rethink that statement (they were not fat at all). Tee Hee!

We have not done many things on the Wii Fit since hubby just got it. What is really funny though is the above game under the Aerobics heading. I mean how funny is it for a person to be making all these funny moves with their hips / body - I mean think about it - if you can't see the screen and don't realize you are keeping your virtual or on screen hoola hoop from falling it could look strange. Okay it looks strange anyway. But man is it fun. Okay I thought I would pass out after doing the running one.

I will also make a confession. Hubby and I could not figure out why we could not do the balance stuff correctly- I mean we were leaning like the picture said but we just knew something wasn't right OR we were a lot worse off than we ever thought. Well................. we realized we had the board backwards. Too bad our little four year old neighbor wasn't around to "teach" us how to use this like he did the Wii.

Oh funny stuff.

Nativity Sets

2009-01-02T22:44:00.004-05:00

This is a cute Nativity Set for children to play with.................
Veggie Tale Nativity Precious Moments Nativity

I am sitting here trying to count how many Nativity Sets I have and I can't. I have a LOT. I love collecting these and have a variety of kinds. I have several from different places and many hold special meaning to my husband and I. The one I have pictured above is a Precious Moments Nativity that was given to me several years ago by my parents. I believe they purchased it through AVON.

I encourage everyone who has children in their sphere of influence (I think that just about covers EVERYONE!) to have at least one Nativity that is child friendly. I love to watch children play with the Nativity. If you are careful you can even see them "tell" the story of Jesus birth. If you have an infant- don't worry they can hold it, put it in their mouth (well the bigger pieces), etc.

I have a new one this year called, "What God Wants For Christmas" , it is a book and nativity. It is from Family Life. I will post more on this later- I read this at our Children's Christmas Party this year. My family also read it on Christmas morning before we opened presents. It is REALLY neat - I will tell you more when I post on the Christmas Party.

Here is one I am adding to a little at a time- Fisher Price's Little People Nativity

Now is a good time to check Christian Bookstores and websites to purchase these at discounted rates- keep checking Fisher Price's website too. A friend told me a toy store had these a LOT cheaper than the website but I can't remember where it is- if you are reading this K.T. please let us know..............or if you know of somewhere you can purchase this one .......... leave us a comment!

So disappointed

2009-01-02T16:09:00.003-05:00

I am so sorry if you listened to me about sending Christmas Cards to Recovering Soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. I sent two boxes and they were ALL sent back as not able to deliver. No real reason was given- I will have to try and find out. Sorry if you did waste postage on this- it was a nice thought anyway.

Anyone know why they would not accept these?

I Confess Another Addiction

2009-01-02T15:42:00.005-05:00

I must confess. I have an addictive personality! :0 I am addicted to movies. Don't believe me? Here are the movies I received for Christmas! Horton Hears A Who! is a movie I saw in the theater (which is unusual for me- I normally wait and just buy it and see it then). However, since I have a book addiction too- I had read this book and wanted to see the movie. Someone knew I loved it and now I have it forever. By the way my collection of movies absolutely drives my mother crazy. I am not really sure why, I need to ask her.

I love these movies too but didn't have them- THANKS Heather!

Another thing no one really knows about me is I LOVE Reba. I am not much of a sitcom watcher but I began watching reruns of this. It is so funny. Not to mention I love to hear REBA sing. So my secret is out. Thanks to Santa's Helper (Heather) I was given the first four seasons for Christmas! I was so excited since there are only 5 seasons (and the 5th season is not even out on DVD). I only wish it was still running............. wonder why it was ever canceled?

As if my DVD addiction only pertained to DVDs I owned, we might be okay. However, two weeks ago I decided I had read enough about Redbox and I should try it myself. I will admit I had been really leery of it up until then. I wasn't exactly sold on it when I tried but thought hey I have a free code that one of the "elevenmoms" from Wal-mart posted- I will try it. On my fourth night of renting them, hubby looks at me and says, "you are addicted." I smiled and said yes but they have ALL been FREE! I did however pick some real losers in my opinion but hey it did not cost me a dime. I have only paid for one so far and have rented quite a few. Try it- if you are little skeptical as I was- use one of these two codes ....... you can only use it the first time you rent- REDBOX or try DVDONME. You have to put your credit card / bank card in the machine so they can know who to charge if you skip town with their DVD. If you have been renting these and didn't know you can get free codes- just google redbox codes and you will find several sites listing these and can even put in your cell phone number so you can get a code every Monday for free. A code that is working right now is BREAKROOM . Try it- I mean who can't afford a FREE movie.

So there you have it- a movie addict............. Are you a movie addict? Don't be afraid to confess here in my comment box- the more of us there are we will not feel alone! Okay, Okay I am teasing but you can let me know what your favorite movie of all time is................ Mine is "The Sound of Music"!

For those of you wondering what is a REDBOX.............. here it is. You have most likely seen them at a Walgreen's or Wal-mart. Here in Cleveland you can find them at the 25th Street Walgreens, Wal-mart on Keith Street, Wal-mart on Treasury Drive and the Walgreens near the Wal-mart on Treasury Drive. In some places McDonald's are starting to get them. I wish the Walgreen's across from the Wal-mart on Keith Street would get one..... Anyone out there listening? Who do we tell we want a REDBOX at that Walgreens?

I'm Addicted

2009-01-02T15:19:00.003-05:00

Well, it is official. I am addicted to GAMES- I have pictured a dart board because this is the game I have played the most on my hubby's new Wii. I got him a Wii for Christmas because we have talked about getting it for a while now. We had said we were going to wait until we got our taxes back but I wanted to surprise him. He is hard to surprise AND there are very few things in life he ever says he "wants" so................ YEAH for me! I surprised him. We have had so much fun playing!

For my birthday this summer I got a Nintendo DS. I love to play games. Matter of fact I drive everyone a little crazy wanting to play. The Nintendo DS helped me survive my 9 weeks in bed after surgery (my surgery was 2 days after my birthday)! This is a fun game - hubby knows I love penguins and sea turtles so he got this game. Speaking of sea turtles if you are ever in or around Ponce Inlet, Florida (right beside Daytona Beach) you should go see the sea turtles at the little hospital and rescue center there.

This is another game I received for Christmas- wonder if hubby was trying to tell me something? :)

This is the game my sister got for Christmas and I have played it a WHOLE lot. Matter of fact I got stumped on it and my 15 year old cousin had to help me out, tee hee! Thanks Garrett!

This little system is amazing! We have had so much fun. My little four year old neighbor taught my hubby and I how to play on Christmas night. I was amazed at how well he did in ALL the games (and how poorly we did)! He was very patient in teaching us how to use the Wii. We had a Wii party the night after Christmas and my family came to play. Last night my aunt, uncle and cousins stopped by and we all played. It was absolutely hysterical. I haven't mentioned that after playing Christmas night my husband and I both could not believe how sore we were- don't laugh- have you tried it?

I am now looking for Wii Fit for my husband's birthday Monday but can't find it. I knew I should have listened to my friend Michelle and bought it when I bought the Wii. Anyway, speaking of being sore- I hear that is quite a work out (and that is why we want it).

My hubby fussed for me spending so much money on him for Christmas - since we don't normally spend that much- but hey I knew we would BOTH really use this present! The other reason is we had also talked about getting it when we adopted the girls. It has been a sad time for us since that adoption feel through and I wanted him to have it anyway!

Anyone know where I can get a Wii Fit in the Cleveland or Chattanooga, Tennessee area? I have called ALL stores and can't find one. HELP!