Yes, I am so tired my eyes are crossing. It's not a bad tired, just a simple tired. It is Tuesday of Vacation Bible School week....if you have ever experienced something like this you understand...if you haven't let me see if I can help.
Imagine planning for an activity for a year to six months, with such dedication that you eat, sleep, and dream ideas and thoughts. Then you begin creating the atmosphere and paper work, organize the workers, children, food, and about a thousand other things. Then you put together an amazing set and wonders that will catch the eyes of those children that God is calling. You walk away from the creation with immense satisfaction and peace.
Then it begins....five nights......anywhere from 60-100 children a night......62 adult/teen volunteers......While you are exhausted and you can't even fathom where you will get the energy to make it to the closing prayer on Friday....you have this goofy smile on your face and you are singing and humming catchy little tunes from Praise and Worship all day.
It's like magic.....but it's not...its a gift from God....it's called anointing. It is His power and strength that get you through the long days and short nights. It's about reaching His children....young and old....planting seeds that will remain with these children their whole lives. Ask anyone who ever attended VBS as a child.....they have vivid, detailed memories of those times. It is a gift that only God can give and we are only the vessels He uses to create those memories and lay the foundation of His love in the lives of these children.
None of this is done by one person, but by a group of people put together for such a time as this. I am blessed to have a sister in Christ that I have appointed the VBS director...she is most gifted in creating the excitement in the adults to reach the children for the Lord and exciting the children to want more of the Lord. The rest of the team is made up of dedicated and committed volunteers who act just like kids for a week.
The fellowship from beginning to end is amazing. It begins with the prep work...painting, meeting, shopping, organizing, and paperwork. It continues as the teams come together each night and work with one thing in mind...reaching the children for God. However, in that an amazing thing happens.....God works in the adults as well. Last night I saw two ladies who really don't get along....sit....laugh....and talk for hours.
The amazing power of God that is displayed gets me through the petty complaints and minor mishaps...because adults....this week it isn't about us.....it's about the kids. So remember to check yourselves....and your attitudes at the door....does your issue or complaint really that important that you would allow it to get in the way of what God is doing here? Ask yourself that before you allow it to leave your mouth....and better yet....ask yourself before you allow it to set up camp in your heart and mind.
I LOVE VBS!!!!!
PS.....They have a contest going on......for the next four days it is girls against the boys to see who can take the most up in an offering for the missions project. If the girls win they choose an adult male to slime on Friday....If the boys win they chose an adult woman to slime. (Why is it when Tonia said that Mona stood behind me and pushed me forward slightly...lol) Please pray that the girls represent and keep the sisters clean!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Productive Weekend
Was it just a week I ago I wrote that it was time to go home already? Wow time flies...unless of course you are waiting for your hubby to return from sea *sigh*
Well, this weekend was busy and mighty productive and amazingly relaxing. Friday night began with me ending my fast with some Panda Express orange chicken (note to self...orange chicken is not the best way to end a fast) and painting for VBS at the church. It was a great time with friends painting and fellowship. Rick even called and we passed the phone around so that he could talk to all the people he misses.
Saturday morning started at an early 6:30am Breakthrough prayer. Now let me say that going to prayer that early in the morning is not something that comes easy and is usually proceeded by some arguing with my flesh. But this week was the bobbdigity (yes I did say that and no Mel it is not real word) It was a right on time word for right where I am. I prayed with Children's Ministry and was off for coffee and supplies for VBS work.
After a meeting I was on my way to VBS preps. We started at 10 am and finished at 9pm. Don't freak on me here...we made stops to eat, run to the store for more supplies, and of course ferry my kids all around the island. It was a very relaxing and productive time. This was due much to the fact that my friend Ms Ella had Zach and he spent the day and night with her and her family...they so rock in my eyes! Me and Mellie accomplished all we set out to do with a lot of talking and laughing going on.
Early Sunday morning I hit the floor running after a nice long chat with Rick on the phone. Once I got to church it was full steam ahead. Today our ministry honored the graduates who graduated from high school and college. So I ran down the street and got my certificate and ran down the street back to the Children's Ministry.
Once church was over the transformation began...we changed our ordinary children's ministry into a Power Lab complete with beakers and flashing lights. The turn out for help was overwhelming and we were done by 5pm. Not bad considering church went long and didn't end until 1pm.
I even had time to come home, clean, work out, and cook (ok reheat something...but I used the stove)
I may be MIA this week....plenty to do at the lab...but I will send pictures and updates when I can. Or if I get a bee in my bonnet I will of course have to share it with you all....ranting and raving to myself just isn't as much fun as sharing with you!
Well, this weekend was busy and mighty productive and amazingly relaxing. Friday night began with me ending my fast with some Panda Express orange chicken (note to self...orange chicken is not the best way to end a fast) and painting for VBS at the church. It was a great time with friends painting and fellowship. Rick even called and we passed the phone around so that he could talk to all the people he misses.
Saturday morning started at an early 6:30am Breakthrough prayer. Now let me say that going to prayer that early in the morning is not something that comes easy and is usually proceeded by some arguing with my flesh. But this week was the bobbdigity (yes I did say that and no Mel it is not real word) It was a right on time word for right where I am. I prayed with Children's Ministry and was off for coffee and supplies for VBS work.
After a meeting I was on my way to VBS preps. We started at 10 am and finished at 9pm. Don't freak on me here...we made stops to eat, run to the store for more supplies, and of course ferry my kids all around the island. It was a very relaxing and productive time. This was due much to the fact that my friend Ms Ella had Zach and he spent the day and night with her and her family...they so rock in my eyes! Me and Mellie accomplished all we set out to do with a lot of talking and laughing going on.
Early Sunday morning I hit the floor running after a nice long chat with Rick on the phone. Once I got to church it was full steam ahead. Today our ministry honored the graduates who graduated from high school and college. So I ran down the street and got my certificate and ran down the street back to the Children's Ministry.
Once church was over the transformation began...we changed our ordinary children's ministry into a Power Lab complete with beakers and flashing lights. The turn out for help was overwhelming and we were done by 5pm. Not bad considering church went long and didn't end until 1pm.
I even had time to come home, clean, work out, and cook (ok reheat something...but I used the stove)
I may be MIA this week....plenty to do at the lab...but I will send pictures and updates when I can. Or if I get a bee in my bonnet I will of course have to share it with you all....ranting and raving to myself just isn't as much fun as sharing with you!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
True Friends
Have you ever wondered what a true friend was or looked like?
To me a true friend is not one you have to ask for their help everytime you need it.....most of the time true friends know when you need help and will make you take their help whether you want it or not for your own good.
A true friend does not keep score of how many times they have been there for you or how many times you have been their for them...they just embrace the fact that they know that when you need each other you will both be available.
A true friend does not hold you back from what is good for you...even when it takes time away from your relationship with them.
A true friend does not ask why you will or will not do something...they know without asking your stance and respect that stance.
A true friend will take some crazy pictures to send you hubby while he is on deployment.
A true friend knows when you need a hug, a card, a text, a piece of candy, a cup of coffee, and a swift kick in the pants.....and is able to deliver all of them with love and a smile. AND when that friend is operating under true friendship, you receive it....whether you want it or not.
A true friend has seen you at your worst and loves you more because of it.
I thank God for all the true friends He has blessed me with and I pray that I can be just as good friend.
To me a true friend is not one you have to ask for their help everytime you need it.....most of the time true friends know when you need help and will make you take their help whether you want it or not for your own good.
A true friend does not keep score of how many times they have been there for you or how many times you have been their for them...they just embrace the fact that they know that when you need each other you will both be available.
A true friend does not hold you back from what is good for you...even when it takes time away from your relationship with them.
A true friend does not ask why you will or will not do something...they know without asking your stance and respect that stance.
A true friend will take some crazy pictures to send you hubby while he is on deployment.
A true friend knows when you need a hug, a card, a text, a piece of candy, a cup of coffee, and a swift kick in the pants.....and is able to deliver all of them with love and a smile. AND when that friend is operating under true friendship, you receive it....whether you want it or not.
A true friend has seen you at your worst and loves you more because of it.
I thank God for all the true friends He has blessed me with and I pray that I can be just as good friend.
Am I A Bad Mother?
Ok, so I went upstairs and opened Diva 1's door to find both Diva's sitting on the bed with empty candy wrappers all around them, phones in their hands and a guilty look on their faces. As soon as I asked them what they were doing, they busted out laughing.
Apparently, they were crank calling the 800 numbers on the back of all the candy companies and asking them crazy questions or making equally crazy suggestions. For example they called the makers of Sour Patch Kids demanding to know why the actual pieces of candy did not have faces like those shown on the bag. They called Twizler and asked them why all their candy had to be red. Dove refused to talk to them...can ya blame them?
Next they moved on to calling their Aunt Cole, blocking their number, asking her to buy Girl Scout cookies....unreal.
But here is the reason why I ask if I'm a bad mom....I didn't stop them....this is why: These two haven't gotten along for at least two years ( I may be exaggerating...but not by much) and because they found something that caused them to get along, I did not want to interrupt the flow of sisterly love...so does that make me a bad mom?
I mean if they were committing a crime or they appeared to be thinking about going all Thelma and Louise on me then I would have stopped them...but were they really doing any harm?
Pray for me!
Apparently, they were crank calling the 800 numbers on the back of all the candy companies and asking them crazy questions or making equally crazy suggestions. For example they called the makers of Sour Patch Kids demanding to know why the actual pieces of candy did not have faces like those shown on the bag. They called Twizler and asked them why all their candy had to be red. Dove refused to talk to them...can ya blame them?
Next they moved on to calling their Aunt Cole, blocking their number, asking her to buy Girl Scout cookies....unreal.
But here is the reason why I ask if I'm a bad mom....I didn't stop them....this is why: These two haven't gotten along for at least two years ( I may be exaggerating...but not by much) and because they found something that caused them to get along, I did not want to interrupt the flow of sisterly love...so does that make me a bad mom?
I mean if they were committing a crime or they appeared to be thinking about going all Thelma and Louise on me then I would have stopped them...but were they really doing any harm?
Pray for me!
The Mullet
I am still recovering from the flight home...across the country with my three children so I am not digging very deep here today. But I would like to comment on my sisters Cole's comment in the previous post....the hair style that Buffalo will not let die.
This would be the mullet...I cannot tell you how many mullet's I saw while I was at home. What is wrong with these people do they not understand that the mullet has been dead and buried for years? Everywhere I looked there was a mullet....it was like Old McDonald had a Farm...here a mullet, there a mullet, everywhere a mullet.....
My sister and I went to Tops for milk (LONNNGGG story...but you will here about it for many years I am sure). Anyway as we were pulling out of the parking lot there was just the biggest truck with numerous hillbillies (yes there are hillbillies in NY..and is hillbillies one word or two?) inside. We just looked at each other and said, "Is everyone around here a hillbillie?
I don't understand the refusal to allow the mullet to die. It was not great while it was here and now that it has overstayed it's welcome it is even less attractive than it was back then.
This would be the mullet...I cannot tell you how many mullet's I saw while I was at home. What is wrong with these people do they not understand that the mullet has been dead and buried for years? Everywhere I looked there was a mullet....it was like Old McDonald had a Farm...here a mullet, there a mullet, everywhere a mullet.....
My sister and I went to Tops for milk (LONNNGGG story...but you will here about it for many years I am sure). Anyway as we were pulling out of the parking lot there was just the biggest truck with numerous hillbillies (yes there are hillbillies in NY..and is hillbillies one word or two?) inside. We just looked at each other and said, "Is everyone around here a hillbillie?
I don't understand the refusal to allow the mullet to die. It was not great while it was here and now that it has overstayed it's welcome it is even less attractive than it was back then.
Monday, June 16, 2008
I'm Going Home Tomorrow
I am going home tomorrow and I am not ready...but ready at the same time.
I don't want to return to parts of my crazy life in Hawaii..there is too much on my plate right now and I have no one to blame but myself. Well, that's not entirely true. I plan all the events in my life far enough in advance that they should not conflict or run into each other. However, what seems to happen is that other people do not plan as far in advance as I do and when they go to make their plans I get sucked into their madness...which in turn makes my life full.
Now I have to say that I have learned to tell people no and that I have learned to delegate, so that really isn't really the problem. What happens is that I have certain roles and positions in my life that require me to fufill certain obligations, whether I want to or not. So even in all my orgaization and struggle to plan so that I am not overloaded, other people and responsibilites crowd into my life.
I don't want to return to people not fulfilling their obligations or telling me to my face that I need to rest and delegate to others, but then those same people fail to complete or do what they are to do. If you were really that concerned for my health and wellness then you would offer more than lip service...you would put your money where your mouth is and do what you are suppose to do.
I hate that my siblings and I live in three different states....three on the east coast and me in Hawaii. I love them and wish that we could be more apart of each others lives and that our childen could know their aunts and uncles.
However, I do want to go home to my house...the one God has given me. Buffalo, NY is not somewhere where I would want to live.....I can't even explain the mindset of the people here.
I want to go home where I can send my kids out to play and have peace because they are on their turf and know what to do to amuse themselves. They had a great time here, but there is nothing like your own friends and room.
I really just want to crawl under the blankets and pull them over my head....
In the past week I have helped sift through my late grandfathers life, sell it, throw it away. I have come to realize that my parents are not going to live forever. I have received news that my husbands orders have been changed and we will be doing at least another year on the clownbus.
I could say I want my mommy...but I am here with her...so I know and I knew it before.....I want my Savior. There is a place inside of us where we hurt than no one outside of God can touch and heal. Even if our spouses, parents, friends, and children have the best intentions and attempt to assist us...there is a place that only God can touch.
So, my friends...I am going to switch my laundry, finish packing, and prepare to cry all the way accross the country and the ocean. I will probably cry for at least the next couple of weeks..that's what I do when I can't do anything else..I cry tears and I cry out to the only one who can heal me.
I will however, blog about the hail, thunder lightening, power outage, garage sale in the hurricane, and the trip to Six Flags...which really isn't a Six Flags anymore. Complete with pictures and hopefully some of my spunk!
I don't want to return to parts of my crazy life in Hawaii..there is too much on my plate right now and I have no one to blame but myself. Well, that's not entirely true. I plan all the events in my life far enough in advance that they should not conflict or run into each other. However, what seems to happen is that other people do not plan as far in advance as I do and when they go to make their plans I get sucked into their madness...which in turn makes my life full.
Now I have to say that I have learned to tell people no and that I have learned to delegate, so that really isn't really the problem. What happens is that I have certain roles and positions in my life that require me to fufill certain obligations, whether I want to or not. So even in all my orgaization and struggle to plan so that I am not overloaded, other people and responsibilites crowd into my life.
I don't want to return to people not fulfilling their obligations or telling me to my face that I need to rest and delegate to others, but then those same people fail to complete or do what they are to do. If you were really that concerned for my health and wellness then you would offer more than lip service...you would put your money where your mouth is and do what you are suppose to do.
I hate that my siblings and I live in three different states....three on the east coast and me in Hawaii. I love them and wish that we could be more apart of each others lives and that our childen could know their aunts and uncles.
However, I do want to go home to my house...the one God has given me. Buffalo, NY is not somewhere where I would want to live.....I can't even explain the mindset of the people here.
I want to go home where I can send my kids out to play and have peace because they are on their turf and know what to do to amuse themselves. They had a great time here, but there is nothing like your own friends and room.
I really just want to crawl under the blankets and pull them over my head....
In the past week I have helped sift through my late grandfathers life, sell it, throw it away. I have come to realize that my parents are not going to live forever. I have received news that my husbands orders have been changed and we will be doing at least another year on the clownbus.
I could say I want my mommy...but I am here with her...so I know and I knew it before.....I want my Savior. There is a place inside of us where we hurt than no one outside of God can touch and heal. Even if our spouses, parents, friends, and children have the best intentions and attempt to assist us...there is a place that only God can touch.
So, my friends...I am going to switch my laundry, finish packing, and prepare to cry all the way accross the country and the ocean. I will probably cry for at least the next couple of weeks..that's what I do when I can't do anything else..I cry tears and I cry out to the only one who can heal me.
I will however, blog about the hail, thunder lightening, power outage, garage sale in the hurricane, and the trip to Six Flags...which really isn't a Six Flags anymore. Complete with pictures and hopefully some of my spunk!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Quick Post
Ok...in Hawaii I have a theory....if I want all greenlights I have to plan to put my make-up on, on the way to work....then I will have all green.... However, if I don't plan to put my make-up on then it will be red lights all the way!
But today I saw something that put me over the top.....A portable signal. It was in the middle of timbuktoo and of course my sister and I both proud members of the NY Griswold family had to stop at it twice!!!! I have never in my life seen a portable signal before....never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined such a thing...but there it was right in the middle of no where....for me to stop at.
You know what else I discovered they have in NY....they have children's playrooms in the grocery stores. You sign your child in and someone watches them for free while you shop....color me crazy! Why can't they have something like this in Hawaii. Of course if they did my children would manage to get themselves banned...but still the option would be great!
I have many deep insights to share from this trip....but I will wait until my sisters fly out...or maybe even until I think about them all the way across the ocean...to post them.
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