I LOVE THE GEEK SQUAD

I have always wanted a laptop computer and the Geek Squad at Best Buy made that happen. Ashley had a laptop her freshman year of college and suddenly it stopped working. We weren't sure what happened but we believe her younger brothers made have played a part in the situation. While it was still under warranty, we returned the computer to Best Buy. They refused to fix the problem. We later hooked the computer up to a monitor and used it that way. Fast forward 2 years....I am mailed some paperwork that tells me the computer is still under warranty for 2 more weeks. I thought...why not try one more time. I took the computer to Best Buy and turned it over to "Agent Layne" of the Geek Squad. They really do dress in black pants, white shirts and black ties. I think I even saw a pocket protector. I explained to them what happened...they sent the computer to "Geek Headquarters". I received a call on Friday that the computer was fixed for free. I LOVE THE GEEK SQUAD. I now have a laptop that I can take to meetings and even take to school while I am teaching.

Hats off to the geeks of the world.

CHANGE IS GOOD!!!

I have never been afraid of change and love a new adventure. I am soooo excited about our newest adventuure. I have taken a position with a new and exciting church plant in Kent, Ohio.
Catalyst is a 10 month old church plant that is full of people who are sold out for Christ and are passionate about reaching out to the lost. This wasn't a hard decision to make because so many things that we are looking for in a church are at Catalyst. First, Catalyst is lead my a strong leader who has a love for the Lord, his family and others. Jonathan has had the chance to work and learn from some wonderful leaders. I love that he has a clear vision of what Catalyst hopes to be. I love that as soon as I took the position, he immediately began investing in me.

Second, people that I truly admire are part of the Catalyst Core Group. I have known several of the families for many years and truly love what they stand for and represent.

Third, Catalyst meets in an old movie theatre and the children meet in a former bank building. I love the non-traditional environment and I love bringing my coffee into church. I love that someone could literally walk of the street and feel comfortable.

My children love the worship band and especially when the "jump off the stage." I know there are some wonderful young men who will be great role models for them.

I am so excited about leading the children's ministry. Ideas are constantly running through my head and I have all of these scraps of paper in my purse with ideas.

I truly feel "alive" again. I love being on a ministry team...especially one that is winning. Catalyst is winning.

Come visit.

My Pentecostal Experience

This past weekend we went to Chicago for Wally's High School reunion. Which reunion? If I tell you then you will know how old we are. Okay...it was his 10th...okay...his 20th...Okay...it was his 25th. Now just know what I married a much older man...so my 25th is...okay...mine was this year too. (Wally is 8 months older).

I knew that there was the potential for me to feel a little bored. I knew absolutely nobody. The social hour was fun and the meal was incredible. At about 10:00 pm I was wanting to go home so bad but I knew Wally was having a good time...so it wasn't about me. I decided to walk around the hotel just to occupy myself. I suddenly heard music, a lot of amens and I had to go check it out. I had stumbled on to an African American Pentecostal "Anointing " conference. I was intrigued so I sat outside and listened for a few minutes. He was enthusiastically preaching from Isaiah. I felt bad leaving the reunion so I returned. A few minutes later I excused myself again and returned to the outside door of the service. It was so interesting. I returned again, reluctantly to the reunion. I later told Wally where I had been. I said "Why don't you go and mingle with everyone and if you don't mind I would like to go and listen to this man preach. Enjoy yourself and I'll be back when the service is over..." I walked back to the service and I was invited in. As I sat down, a woman immediately shared her Bible with me. I was so impressed with her generosity. I thought to myself...do I do this in church when a visitor sits with me? The answer was no. I can't say that I totally felt comfortable in this setting...but I definately felt the love from this lady. I eventually returned to the reunion. I hope this church is there when we return for Wally's 30th.

Exciting Times

I am so excited about changes that are coming my way.

Ashley is about to enter her senior year of college and is laying the groundwork for a possible medical career. It is exciting to walk this journey with her and see how God is going to use her.

Allison will be entering CVCA in the fall. This is a wonderful Christian school and we are excited to see the Lord work in her life at CVCA.

I have been offered an exciting opportunity to join the staff of a wonderful church in the area. (details to come later). Wally and I are praying through this and will make a decision soon. It is just fun to think about the possibilites. I find myself feeling energized and alive. I am a creative person and I need an outlet. The list is beginning to form of all the ideas that the Lord has given to me. I am not afraid to "reinvent" myself. I look forward to this possible new season in life. I will still need to substitute teach so I have decided to possibly sub in the inner city of cleveland.

One more new things...not nearly as exciting...a new home air conditioner. I can't believe how much these cost.

Lastly, I am reading again. My friend asked me to read "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala. What a great book. The one thing that has stuck with me...there are many...is when he speaks of our relationship with Christ. We desire to spend eternity with Him in heaven...but we don't show that same passion on earth. He mentions that now is the time to nurture that relationship. If you have any doubts of questions about prayer...read this book.

Gotta go....