Have you ever had something in your life that you know God brought to you, but after a while you knew its season in your life was over? That it was no longer affective or functioning as it was meant to and that God wanted you out before it was too late?
I have had two such experiences in my life. The first being Grace Christian Academy. God knew it was time for the madness to stop there and before He allowed them to close be made a way for my family and blessed me with a job where I was making twice as much an hour....I got the final word that I was hired on the exact day Grace closed its doors. On that day I was so thankful that God had made a way for me.....even though I didn't want to leave. I loved working there....but things were not right....and I knew I had to get out.
Recently, I had to make the decision to leave a forum that was a blessing to me. We saw each other through surgeries, biopsies, death, deployment, parenting, and a host of other situations and emotions submarine wives find themselves in.
But unfortunately, it turned into a place of power for some, a place to pick fights and arguments for others. Some used it to gather information and use that information in other forums or for their own personal use. There were divisions and strife that some members were content to feed and allow to continue. Others wanted to listen to what others had to say, offer their advice....but never share anything REAL about themselves. Some didn't have anything to say for the almost the whole year I was there...until there were arguments...then they wanted to be in the thick of it.
Now....let me say there were also some stellar ladies there....ladies of true faith, who love the Lord, and have the ability to be real. This is the reason I did not want to leave...these ladies added something invaluable to my life...and I did not want to release that. But in the fashion that is all Him...God made a way for these wonderful ladies to be in my life.
I struggled for a long time.....I didn't want to leave. I struggled before the big blow out that was there....because I didn't agree with how things were done. I believe in order and doing things decently and in order...I don't do well with chaos...that's just me. But I had hoped things would get better...they never did. EVEN after everyone was "supposedly" honest about what was going on....so I deleted my membership.
It was sad and when I log onto the site I automatically scroll to where the link from that forum is supposed to be....but its gone...*sigh* I am sad but I know it was for my own good because it was no longer a healthy thing in my life.
Friday, June 27, 2008
It's Friday
Well it's Friday of VBS week and I am so tired that as I sit here my eyes are leaking. I am not crying my eyes are watering from exhaustion. But my friends it is worth it....because 35 children gave their lives to Christ last night......35 out of the 74 in attendance, and a good number of the reamining 74 have already made a commitment to Christ. It is an amazing thing that God has done this week.
The children were soooo excited and enjoyed each and every activity. The teens and adult volunteers are having a ball.....several of them asked if we could do it for two weeks next year......I am going to have to pray about that! The fellowship has been amazing for all ages!
I am so thankful and now maybe there are tears running down my face!
The children were soooo excited and enjoyed each and every activity. The teens and adult volunteers are having a ball.....several of them asked if we could do it for two weeks next year......I am going to have to pray about that! The fellowship has been amazing for all ages!
I am so thankful and now maybe there are tears running down my face!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
God Blessed Me Today!!!
God blessed me today with an hour and a half of extra sleep.....translation....I overslept! I rolled over wondering why I was waking up before the alarm clock, opened one eye and saw that it was light outside, jumped up and looked at the clock....it read 5:30am. I was suppose to have been at work for a half an hour already!
So I jumped out of bed threw on some clothes (at first I thought I had put Britt's pants on....but when I weighed myself later I found that they were indeed mine and that I had grew!), bushed my teeth, and pulled my hair up. I made it to work by 5:55am, to find a parent had just pulled up about five minutes before that!
So I waited for Shalei to come in then I ran home for a shower and some pants that fit!!!!!
Now, I am at my desk typing furiously to keep all of you updated....and too look busy!
VBS makes me want to cry...actually I did cry a little last night. Because you see VBS is not only for the kids...its for the adults and teens also. I saw adults that I would have never gotten to volunteer in Children's Ministry working with the kids and loving every moment of it(I see some future children's ministry teachers.....look out I am on the prowl!) I saw the adults who work the stations, dinner, and registration talking and chatting...complete with ministering going on.
Our station leaders really are the bombdiggity this year. They are on the ball and have brought more to the table than ever before. There were kids walking around with things and sayings that we had never heard....after more research we found that he station leaders had gone all out with their props and preparation. I am confident that next year they will be completely ready in May....shhh don't tell them but I already know what the theme will be next year! They put so much of themselves into what they are doing I know they will be abundantly blessed.
Our parents have come out and seen a completely different side of what children's ministry has to offer...I know we rocked their socks off!
The teens are really having a great time! This is where I cried last night....imagine 67 kids and 54 adults/teens shouting out to the Lord. Imagine the teens praising and worshipping along side the younger kids....it is an amazing thing. Anyone who thinks ..."It's just Vacation Bible School" has never experienced VBS. I had my first VBS experience three years ago as an adult.....and it was amazing!
So....tonight is day three and we get ice cream floats.......God gives us the power to be helpful.....AHA!
So I jumped out of bed threw on some clothes (at first I thought I had put Britt's pants on....but when I weighed myself later I found that they were indeed mine and that I had grew!), bushed my teeth, and pulled my hair up. I made it to work by 5:55am, to find a parent had just pulled up about five minutes before that!
So I waited for Shalei to come in then I ran home for a shower and some pants that fit!!!!!
Now, I am at my desk typing furiously to keep all of you updated....and too look busy!
VBS makes me want to cry...actually I did cry a little last night. Because you see VBS is not only for the kids...its for the adults and teens also. I saw adults that I would have never gotten to volunteer in Children's Ministry working with the kids and loving every moment of it(I see some future children's ministry teachers.....look out I am on the prowl!) I saw the adults who work the stations, dinner, and registration talking and chatting...complete with ministering going on.
Our station leaders really are the bombdiggity this year. They are on the ball and have brought more to the table than ever before. There were kids walking around with things and sayings that we had never heard....after more research we found that he station leaders had gone all out with their props and preparation. I am confident that next year they will be completely ready in May....shhh don't tell them but I already know what the theme will be next year! They put so much of themselves into what they are doing I know they will be abundantly blessed.
Our parents have come out and seen a completely different side of what children's ministry has to offer...I know we rocked their socks off!
The teens are really having a great time! This is where I cried last night....imagine 67 kids and 54 adults/teens shouting out to the Lord. Imagine the teens praising and worshipping along side the younger kids....it is an amazing thing. Anyone who thinks ..."It's just Vacation Bible School" has never experienced VBS. I had my first VBS experience three years ago as an adult.....and it was amazing!
So....tonight is day three and we get ice cream floats.......God gives us the power to be helpful.....AHA!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My Eyes Are Crossing......
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!
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!
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!
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