No Child is perfect...Not even the Children's Director's Child

A funny thing happened today. All of the children were ready for church and as I was sending them to the car I noticed that my oldest son was wearing a shirt that said

SUPPORT THE LOTTERY

This was a gift from someone and we have allowed him to sleep in the shirt. I immediately made him run up and change and it was worth me being a little late for church.

On the way to church I realized 2 things. If I wouldn't let him wear the shirt to church...why would I let him wear it at all.. .even to bed.

I do feel pressure sometimes to make sure that my children are examples of what our ministry represents...but I also have to realize that I struggle just like every other parent. I realized that I am making parenting mistakes just like everyone else.

I also realized that this was also a teachable moment for both of us.

It was the worst of times...it was the best of times

I don't remember where that quote is from, but if you do...let me know. For right now it perfectly describes my week.

The week started off great with a day off and the debut of Martha Stewart's new show. I now know how to properly fold a t-shirt and make scambled eggs. The week was down hill from there.

It was the first time that I actually considered quitting my job and looking for a new one. I was already practicing the phrase "Would you like to supersize your meal."

This week was one of the most trying weeks I have ever had in ministry. I lost several teachers which made our total number of openings 13 in the children's ministry. I had a confrontation with a teacher and I had to make some very hard phone calls to parents this week.

Here is where the best of times comes in.

1) Many people, especially my husband and fellow staff rallied behind me and encouraged me immensely. They prayed for me and with me and truly helped me carry this burden.

2) The elders at my church, stopped their business meeting and laid hands on me and prayed for me last Wednesday.

3) It's now Friday and the storms are calm and I feel God's presence. After each hard phone call, I felt Peace.

4) I feel like I have grown as a leader.

I have fallen in love with my job again...most importantly, I have felt the love of God again.

The Lord also uses a couple of little girls to minister to me.

Everyday when I drive my children to school, we pass two little girls waiting for the bus. Every morning they try to see how many cars will wave at them as they pass. I always make sure I wave at them really big each and every morning. They begin to jump up and down and become really excited. Today, as I was driving to school, it was pouring the rain. I knew that the girls probably would not be outside waving at me today. To my surprise ...they were...with their umbrellas. The Lord reminded me that in the midst of a storm...there is also joy.

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

I am so excited...tonight I am heading back to school. After taking a year off, I am heading back to seminary. The backpack is packed...the dinner is packed (3 1/2 hr class) and I am so excited.

I was thinking back to the first night of my first class. I remember walking in an feeling intimidated by the size of the group. There were 6 women and about 20 men. The professor walked in and made everyone introduce themself and what type of ministry they were a part of. They began to explain how they were the Pastor of this and the Director of that and then it was my turn. I said "My name is Joy and I am the mother of 4 and I'm not sure why I am here, but I know God has a plan." Little did I know what would lie ahead. He did have a plan and I am so thankful that he knew what was best.

This will be my 5th class. Only 11 more to go. I look forward to seeing some old friends and making some new. The class is called "Discipleship in the Local Church" and according to the syllabus, we will be discussing the postmodern church tonight.

I will let post updates.

Greetings from Chicago!!

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to spend labor day weekend in Chicago with Wally's family. Wally's dad suffers from Parkinson's Disease. I believe that he looks the best that I have ever seem him look. His spirits are good and many of the complications of Parkinson's Disease have subsided. He is currently in a therapy center and hopes to come home next week.

We took the children to visit him when we first arrived and he enjoyed listening to Alex's stand up comedy act. Why is the youngest child always the comedian? Maybe when you are the youngest of four...you have to find creative ways to get attention.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity to visit Willowcreek and observe their children's program. WOW!!! First of all, it took me awhile to find where I was suppose to be. The place is bigger then Ashley's college campus. Once I found the class, I sat in the back and wrote notes in the dark. I can sum up the experience in one word "EXCELLENCE". Everything was done with excellence! It made me realize that no matter what size we are as a church...we can all strive for excellence in the way we minister.
I was impressed with their treatment of visitors. They have a special room with wonderful coffee and delicious cookies. Any church...any size could do this.

Our sunday ended with a chance to visit IKEA. (Also bigger then Ashley's college) I loved this store!!

Our wonderful weekend is about to come to an end. We will be leaving soon to drop Ashley off at college and then we return to Twinsburg. Hopefully we will be able to share an early dinner with Allison Schuck before heading home.

I hope this weekend has meant as much to my family as it has to me. Family is precious and I hope we have many more opportunities to build lasting memories.

The Difference between Sons and Daughters

Today I discovered the difference between raising girls and boys!!!

Setting: The morning of "picture day" at school.

Daughter: wakes up extra early to flat iron the hair, select the right outfit and the right jewelry.

Sons: I caught them combing their hair with their shoes.

Can you spot the difference?

We love them all!!!!