Top 3 laughing baby´s

MORE LAUGHING BABIES...THEY JUST MAKE ME SMILE

Who Am I Casting Crowns

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS...IT'S INCREDIBLE. THIS IS ALL DOWN WITH WHITE GLOVES.

laughing baby

A SHOCKING DAY OF TEACHING

On monday, I was teaching 8th grade science. It was a pretty typical day until half way through. There is a young boy that I have had in class many many times in the last 2 years. I always noticed that the other kids never socialized with him and were always saying mean and negative things to him. Monday was no different. The kids were teasing him and he looked at them and said "Maybe I should do what that kid in Cleveland did." The class went silent. The response from the other students quickly turned to their desire to run and report this to the principal. Not for their safety...but for another chance to taunt this kid. I took the boy into the hallway and I didn't see angerand fear in his eyes...I saw sadness and frustration. He apologized and explained to me that he didn't not mean what he said and actually felt remorse for his statement. The mom in me wanted to take this young man and give him a big hug...but I would never do that. I wanted him to know that he was special and loved. We returned to the class and the students began mocking the incident...I had enough...and decided it was time to put down the science work and talk about respect. I asked them when did it become okay to disrespect each other. One student responded by saying..."respect never existed here." How sad. One of the students told the boy who made the cleveland comment "it's like you don't even matter." I made this 8th grade girl apologize to this young man. I felt like I was working with 1st graders. I know she didn't mean it...but I wanted to show him that I cared about him and that he could count on me. So what do we do? We pray. I am committed to praying for this young man. I can't wait to see what God can do in this situation. I did report the incident to the administration.

MY VISION FOR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO SEE AT CATALYST:

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

That scripture keeps going through my mind today. Today I have learned the importance of words. Words can tear you down and words can build you up. I experienced the "tearing down" today. I have the next 2 1/2 hours to myself. I am home alone. No one is asking for a drink, a ride or a snack. I would usually turn on the t.v.'s to keep me company as I clean. For the next 2 1/2 hours...I want to experience stillness and quiet. I want to hear from God. I'll let you know how it goes.

THIS PICTURE THING IS SO MUCH FUN

PICTURES

Today, I officially learned how to transfer pictures from our digital camera to the computer. I am so behind with technology. It cost me $5 (I paid my daughter to teach me) but it was worth it. Here is my first try :

CHALLENGE DAY

I had the opportunity to be part of an event called Challenge Day. Challenge Day is a one day program for High School students. Through various activities and exercises, social barriers are knocked down and teens are able to open up to adults and one another about problems and fears in their lives. I had seen the organization on television and I wanted to see for myself how this was done. I was blown away. I spent 8 hours with them and left the day emotionally drained. I can't believe what some teens are experiencing today. I had a very diverse group of teens in my group. One had downs syndrome, 2 lived in low income housing projects, one was your all american girl next door and the other was raised on a farm. The common thread amongst them all was an attitude of lost and disappointment. All of them had been let down by adults in their lives. One student told me he experiences violence on a daily basis. He hates how he has let this mold him into someone who is always angry, fights with everyone and really has no plans for a future. He has seen families members turn to homosexuality, he has held the dead body of a family member in his arms after a shooting. One student was abandoned by a father and step father. She is now the primary care giver for a sibling while her mom works two jobs. I came out of there more angry then sad. I came out thinking that we have truly let down some of the children of this world. As we closed the session, I gave everyone in my group a hug and told them that "I Loved Them". I wanted to make sure that they heard at least one time that day that they were loved. Pray for these teens. I hope they keep in touch with me. I am considering the possibility of joining the challenge day presenation team. If you would like to learn more about them, go to http://www.challengeday.org/.

Let me introduce to you...Little Rock 3

Yes...that is the name of Austin's garage band. They had their first rehearsal last night and ended the jam session with milkshakes. He was so excited. He was watching the clock until 6:30 when rehearsal began. I am told they can play a mean version of "smoke on the water". I will be their temporary manager so if you would like to book them for reunions, birthday parties, bar mitzfas (spelling ?) they work really cheap....milkshakes. Keep in mind, they only know one song. Rumor has it they could be opening for the VMA awards next year.

On another note, Austin did begin guitar lessons this week. He loves his teacher and let me tell you why. When he first walked in the room, Austin could immediately relate to him. He had on a t-shirt and jeans, long hair, cool hat, he was young and he treated Austin like he was his friend...not his teacher. He was really interested in Austin and even offered Austin 2 ways to learn the guitar. One was the traditional way and one was a non-traditional approach to teaching music. We went for the latter.

It made me think about our church Catalyst. Catalyst is designed to meet people where they are in life...not where the church wants them to be. Catalyst is taking a non-traditional approach to ministry and is being effective. Just like Austin did with his lessons, a person can walk in off the street and immediately feel loved and comfortable at Catalyst. I hope Austin will someday use his guitar to minister to people. The reward would be even better then a milkshake.

GOD IS SO GOOD

Have you ever prayed for something and God went above and beyond what you asked? I hope the answer is yes. I have been praying for my son Austin that he would get involved in a local youth group. We wanted him to be involved with other kids his age. There is a youth group nearby that averages about 150 junior high kids each week. He actually asked me on Monday if he could go. I took him and a friend last night and I was blown away. When they got in the car they were so excited. They want to go on the fall retreat, they want to go to Cedar Point this weekend and get this...they want to try out for the worship band. Austin doesn't even play an instrument!!!!He took guitar lessons (4 lessons) 2 years ago. I said sure...do it! So...we have 2 weeks to prepare him for his audition. I wasn't about to stop his dream!! He said he was going to even tell a friend at school about the youth group and see if he wants to audition. I loved their enthusiasm and their fearless attitude. On another music note...he is getting together with 2 friends Friday to start a garage band. (not my garage)
God is so good and faithful.

Moving ahead on my book

I haven't been called to teach in 2 days so I am trying to use this down time to work on some other projects. One of them is my book. I have finished the writing and the editing so the next step is putting it into the proper format to submit to a publisher. I have to actually put it into a book form and sketch suggestions for illustrations. Every time I go to work on this I actually begin to feel discouraged. I am constantly told how hard it is to get a children's book published. I have to keep reminding myself that I serve a big God and if this is His idea...it will happen. I have also been asked to contribute small devotionals for another book that my friend has written on purity. We have met twice and are moving full swing ahead. I am excited about the creative approach that we are taking for the devotions. It is actually like I am having a conversation with the writer. We are calling them "pop-ups" because they appear in unexpected places within the book. I am also trying to increase my speaking engagements. Lots of exciting things are happening.

IT WAS LIKE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today was my first official Sunday at Catalyst. Today was my first official day to unlock the door and prepare the125 for Sunday morning. Last night reminded me of preparing for the first day of school. I was a little nervous, I laid out my supplies and even decided what to wear. I was so excited about meeting new people and the volunteers at Catalyst.

I have to say that I was blown away!!!I met with the children's staff and I have never experienced such a commitment from volunteers. The fact that they sacrifice 2 weeks of worship and even arrive at church one hour early to serve. They were all on time and ready to go. I love the fact that the standard has been set early for this church plant. The bar has been set high and a great example is in place for future volunteers. You don't know how important this is to a leader to see people who really want to serve!!!!!

I am so excited about what God as in store for Catalyst. I know that He is pleased with the faithfulness of the Catalyst volunteers and He will bless their efforts.

I left today energized and exhausted. My family allowed me to take a 2 hour nap.

Next week will be even better.

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....

IT'S VACATION TIME

We're off! Bound for the beach. Looking forward to family, fun, sun, golf cart rides, shopping, seafood and some much needed time to read.

Have you ever felt like you were in a pit? For the last couple of months I have felt like that. It began with a few disapointments and then the death of Wally's dad. I had made a promise to myself that I was going to spend the next months investing in myself and not volunteering for anything. I was looking forward to this little hiatus and then...I went to a party. I spent 3 hours at this party laughing until I thought I was going to wet my pants. At the party someone asked if I would be interested in attending a meeting and joining a drama team. I was hesitant...but I thought "why not." You know what happened next. I spent 2 more hours at the meeting laughing and having a ball.

I realized that time away from people isn't what I needed. It was time with the right people. I am one of those people who is energized by people. I truly feel that I am out of my pit and ready to face whatever God has for me. I am not sure what it is but I know what I would like for it to be. I truly crave, desire, yearn to go back into ministry. I saw the following ad on the internet. This job is in Georgia so it is out of the question, but this is the kind of job I want.

EXPERIENCE: We need someone with experience in creating compelling children's environments while understanding the demands of being mobile. We will pay well for experience and leadership. We take care of our people. We are not overly concerned with degrees or pedigrees. Your work history and heart are more important to us.

LEADERSHIP: You must be a team player. You must know how to recruit and build a team of volunteers.

VISION:You must have a vision for changing lives and reaching the unchurched. If that's you, then what are you waiting for? Come help us reach this region for Jesus Christ!Interested? Please email me and tell me why you're interested in working at Mill Creek. Be sure to attach your resume and current photo.

MY FAVORITE PART:

WARNING: We are getting ready for some huge moves at our church and if we like you then you might be moving within a few weeks. Consider this a lightning opportunity.

That's the kind of job I want.

Where to begin

I had all these things that I wanted to write about and then my blog crashed. Let's see if I can remember:

HATS OFF TO SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHERS

During my last month of teaching, I was placed many times in the special needs class. I have such high respect for those who are called to this profession. I was amazed at the amount of children who require extra help and the extent of their disabilities. I also saw how attached they become to their teachers. Most students become very excited when they have a sub. Not a special needs child. They love their teacher so much that they are truly sad when he or she isn't there. If you know of someone who works with special needs children...give them a high five or a big hug today...they are heroes.

PARENTING IS TOUGH

It seems that lately each one of our children has gone through some type of trial or circumstance. As a parent I have felt so inadequate. So what got me through it? First...prayer. I truly know that He can sustain us through all things and loves our children even more then we do. Second...advice. I have called so many moms lately just to seek their advice and counsel. I am truly blessed to have women in my life who have raised wonderful children and are willing to share with me their mistakes and successes. Third...send them to "Camp Grandma". This special camp is a place where they can get away from it all. They can do whatever they want, whenever they want. They can buy whatever they like and as much as they like. Yes...this even includes eating 5 ice cream cones in one day. Make your reservation now for "Camp Grandma". Space is limisted.

WHO REACHES OUT TO PARIS

This may seem like a crazy topic. Yesterday I was talking to Ashley about this. Who has access to celebrities? Who could share the Gospel with people like Paris Hilton? As her story unfolds it is obvious that this is someone with a void in her life. A void that is God shaped. How do we reach a Paris Hilton?