MUST READ - Matt Chandler

Please take a moment to read this post. Absolutely amazing!

http://jrvassar.posterous.com/thinking-of-my-friend-matt-chandler-and-the-d

Thank you so much Pastor Vassar!

Christmas Contemplation....

Over the weekend, I entered a few give aways on-line. I just LOVE to win Christian materials! I can never get enough! (I checked yesterday and I didn't win one thing - but that's okay, I'm extremely blessed!)

Anyway, a few of the questions asked about Christmas memories, which took me back to my childhood. My mother was amazing year round, but Christmas was ALWAYS very special to her. She would bake and bake for weeks! We had EVERY kind of cookie and candy known to man! She would also help us make crafts for every aunt we had (which totalled 8 - plus we may have added pretend aunts), which we were told was the hit every Christmas! She would decorate our home inside and out, top to bottom - she was so talented! And the Christmas gifts were out of sight! Don't take this to mean we were spoiled with monetary wealth and "stuff", we were NOT. We only received gifts on birthdays and Christmas! Oh my, was I so blessed.

As I consider the things that make me mad/sad/cry (I think it was Mark Batterson that said you find your passion by your feelings/responses to issues), I realize more and more that I adore children and want to make a difference in their lives. AND I am totally, 100%, against abortion! You see, I was adopted. If abortion was as popular (and easily accessible) back when I was born, I may have NEVER existed. It wasn't MY fault I was created (I did nothing wrong), but it would be a shame for my life to have eliminated and for me to have never existed! (if I do say so myself!). I think these items will be my focus for 2010 (I was told you must say 20, then 10, not two thousand and ten).

I pray that the new year brings more opportunities to make a difference in the world! Big things always start small...(I think I read that some place too!).

Merry Christmas to all....

Heart Preparing

Well, I discovered something extremely important today. I wish I was rich during the Christmas season! There are so many people/organizations I want to support/buy for. Normally, I don't mind not having extras - but these days I do. I know God will get me through this too...He is truly all I need! I FINALLY understand WHY Jesus' sacrifice is the GREATEST GIFT we can be given! Without His sacrifice, I couldn't have my quiet time in the morning! That is my most valuable asset!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Season

As Christmas continues to draw near, I am realizing some amazing things! I have been praying that God would help me be MORE generous. I am not extremely selfish, but feel like I would like to be more generous. His Spirit has moved SO MUCH that I find myself wanting to give to everyone! Every single item is Kingdom driven - to help others - so I know it's Him! I think I need to complete a list, along with amounts, and figure out exactly what I can and can't do!

I continue to pray for the Chandler family from the Village Church in Texas. The latest update is that Matt's stay in the hospital will be a little longer than initially hoped, but he continues to improve every day. The pathology report is still not back, but he and his family remain faithful! They are such an inspiration to me! If you have a chance, go to his Church site and listen to a sermon or two! You'll join me in encouraging his return - I want to learn more and more!

Primal

I recently started reading a book entitled "Primal". Mark Batterson is the author and oh my goodness, does he have some amazing insight. He has written two other books: "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a pit with a Lion on a snowy day". I am working the study for Wild Goose Chase and he has changed my life. I tell you what, there is nothing like growing/changing!

Close to Christmas

My heart continues to ache for many who have lost loved one recently. The tragic accident in Poquoson where a 14 year old young man was killed. Now the preacher from The Village Church in Texas (35 years old) with a mass in his brain. Still waiting to find out if the tumor was cancerous and how he will be treated. I must say that watching he and his wife walk through this trail is life changing. They are truly honoring HIM in ALL! Both he and his wife have blogs/twitters and indicate their hope that the outcome (whatever that may be) will honor God. What peace. I continue to pray without ceasing.

Football Saturday!

What a day for football....my nephew's team (Poquoson) lost in the final seconds of the game... However, Tech on BIG against UVA! That helps a ton!

I just signed up to review books for NavPress. As soon as I start reading, I'll start posting! Be on the look out for what I have to say.....

I'm currently reading several books...I like it that way! I'm reading Chasing the Goose - which is confirming my passion for helping children that lose their parent(s) when they're young.

God is amazing each and every day!

Saturday with Brooke

Today is a big day in our house. Daddy and Kristina (after some morning confusion) are attending the Tech game! That leaves Brooke and I alone for the day! We are preparing to go to the library (MY GIRLS and I LOVE the library!). We're coming home afterward to bake some brownies and pumpkin bread! Tomorrow's a big day - Church, then to a middle school meeting in Colonial Heights, VA. I can't wait! I'm going to be a small group leader for WOW (women's ministry). Nothing makes me feel better then spurring young ladies on in their walk with Jesus!

Discipline

I can't remember where I read this (or the exact time, but know it was recently), but it was addressing discipline in life. I can't even remember WHAT exactly it was referring TO, but I remember thinking, WOW...I don't have every many disciplines in place! I need to work on that! Soooooo today I am creating that commitment - let's call it a New Year's Resolution (a tad early). I am going to do the following (and I'm putting it in writing to make me more accountable):

1. Blog a minimum of three times a week.
2. Study the Word (at least 15 minutes) EVERY day - no excuses!
3. Begin exercising again (on the treadmill in the garage). Not for beauty and vanity (for once), but for my health. No worries - YET - but don't want to start when there ARE!

I think that's it for now. Stay tuned....

Delivery today

Well, I got the leader kit today for Sacred Roads. Thank you so much Heather! I can't wait to get started!

If you're interested in hearing about it, watch my blog. I will be posting many of the amazing things I learn!

God bless you on this most amazing, beautiful day!

Sacred Roads Bible Study

OH MY GOSH!!!! I WON!!!!! I just found out I won the leadership kit from Heather's blog! I am so excited I don't even know what to say!!!!

Thank you so much Heather! I'm sure I'll be posting some amazing information about the study soon!!!!

Praise God!!!! I WON!!!!!

You don't want to miss this!!!!!

I had the honor of hearing this woman share at Northside Christian Church. I can't imagine how fabulous this study is! I hope to win this drawing, but want to provide you the opportunity too!

http://discipleshipgroups.blogspot.com/2009/10/win-free-sacred-roads-dvd-kit.html

Secret Keeper Girl Giveaway

You have to take a minute and look at this site! It is a fabulous site for young girls - and they are constantly offering FREE stuff!!!! Take a look.....

http://blog.secretkeepergirl.com/

Is it June already?????

Wow. Can it really be June already? Where has 2009 gone?

I am in a labor/employee relations training this week and am loving it! I am extremely blessed to have a fabulous job and wonderful family (and amazing God!).

The girls and I attended the mother daughter tea at Northside last Saturday (picture attached). The girls looked so beautiful! Bev and Kim were there and we had a wonderful time.

On Sunday Brooke and I went to a middle school meeting at Church - she will be moving up in the fall. I am so excited about the curriculum they use! I will be teaching too! I am extremely excited....

I have decided that it's my passion to share my faith. I just don't know what I would do without Him! He is truly my best friend! Thank you God for sending Your son. Thank you for blessing me with faith and Your friendship!

Memorial Day 2009

What a blessing to be born in the United States of America. It reminds me of our faith in some ways. We didn't deserve it and didn't do anything to earn it. But someone else did! Christ died for us an so have numerous soldiers. The debt we owe can not be paid. We can only thank God for Christ and the soldiers. We can also pray for their safety and for their families. Please join me in doing that today! God Bless America!

Mother's Day 2009

What blessings I have been given!

God has entrusted me wtih three lives to encourage, teach, love and bring up in the faith. Some times I am comletely overwhelmed with this tremendous responsibility. He continues to lead me in various ways to grow and teach them. May I not ever take this blessing lightly.

I WON!!!!! And there's MORE!!!!

Oh my gosh! I am so excited! I won "8 Great Dates Friendship Kit" from Secret Keeper Girl's drawing last month! I couldn't be more excited!!!!

I'm back again to let you know about the current posting! I thought it would be easiest to copy THEIR post and put it here! Please SIGN THE PETITION!!!! Our young daughters are being so pressured by today's media! We MUST act NOW!

Hey, girls! We’re feeling a little spring fever craze come upon us here at Secret Keeper Girl so we want to give away something obnoxiously expensive, but we needed some really crazy reason to do it. So, we’re really crazy about one thing right now: getting moms to take notice of our Bod Squad Petition which will be featured in USA Today on March 9th! Our Bod Squad Petition is a collection of signatures from moms who say “no” to sexy clothes for our girls and say “yes” to retailers who provide age-appropriate adorable fashion. If that sounds like you, keep reading. The American Psychological Association has linked inappropriate fashion to things like eating disorders, depression and early sexual activity. We want the fashion industry to read that report! So, we need to join together and that is where YOU come into play. (And we do mean “play” in the funnest sense of the word. As in “play to win!”) Just go to the petition page and sign it. Then, come back here and leave a comment with your thoughts about our petition and you’ll be entered into our March Madness Giveaway. We’re giving away two SUPER BUNDLES and you may ask for either one.

Secret Keeper Girl

I discovered the most amazing group this week! As a matter of fact, one of the children's ministry assistants gave me a flyer (and I just HAD to check it out!). As you all know (or maybe you don't), I am a mother of three and LOVE spending time with my children! My son, age 25, is pretty much complete (although never forgotten!). My two little girls are the most urgent issues at hand (ages 11 and 9). I couldn't love them more and I wish I had more time to spend with them (I work full time). But since I don't, I have to make the time we do have count!

In an effort to spend more time with them (and help them make friends in their small group gatherings at Church), I volunteered to lead a 4th and 5th grade small group. I just love it! This Secret Keeper Girl site is fabulous and I should be able to incorporate some of their materials soon! The web address is www.secretkeepergirl.com - check it out! They even have give-aways! YEA! I am entering one today!!!!

Well better get back to work. Lunch is about over! Have a GREAT weekend!

KTU

My goodness, it's February already! What an exciting year it's been so far!

The most exciting news is that our family has been given an opportunity to participate in KTU (Kid Tech University) at Virginia Tech! Our family has taken one road trip, three more to go! We have had the opportunity to learn about math from a GIANT!!! Next we learn about Technology from Randy Pausch's student! I just can't even believe it! I e-mailed the VT president to thank the school and reward the coordinator. She has done a fabulous job!

As for everything else, life is good. I have a couple of friends struggling, but God continues to provide.

Guess I'll write more soon! I just had to add a note about KTU!

Happy New Year

Oh my gosh, it's 2009!!!! How can it be?????



I continue to live a blessed life. Is it perfect? Not quite! But it's blessed all the same.



As I begin the new year, my resolution is to STUDY the Word and actually memorize it! I KNOW what a comfort it is to be IN HIS WORD, so I am committing to be there this year! I'm also going to try to life a healthier life style - less junk food - more exercise. I am going to TRY to live in a moderate way - not sure I can do it!



I am also committing to write a few children's books this year. I have been TALKING about it long enough, it's time to ACT!!!



Thank you for taking this journey through life with me! God bless your New Year!

Happy New Year

Oh my gosh, it's 2009!!!! How can it be?????

I continue to live a blessed life. Is it perfect, not quite! But it's blessed all the same.

As I begin the new year, my resolution is to STUDY the Word and actually memorize it! I KNOW what a comfort it is to be IN HIS WORD, so I am committing to be there this year! I'm also going to try to life a healthier life style - less junk food - more exercise. I am going to TRY to live in a moderate way - not sure I can do it!

I am also committing to write a few children's books this year. I have been TALKING about it long enough, it's time to ACT!!!

Thank you for taking this journey through life with me! God bless your New Year!