And yet...ANOTHER special day!

Words can not express the feelings I have for this young man. HE is my nephew! Not only is he VERY special, his mother was an absolute SAINT! My sister, Tammy, passed away when she was 36 years old from brain cancer. Whenever I hear the expression "The good die young" honestly, I think about my sister. She was the kindest, most gentle, forgiving woman I ever had the priviledge to know. Unfortunately, being sisters - and I was the younger pain in the fanny sister - we were not given the opportunity to spend enough quality adult time together. But I did have the pleasure to spend a very special afternoon with her (while we giggled and told "SECRETS" about our growing up years). I will NEVER forget that day - and recently I realized how much I still miss her (she passed away November 20, 1996 - right after I married my husband, Christopher). Actually, the person who insisted I visit my sister that February 1996 was that man-my husband! I will be forever grateful for that visit/memory of her!

Christopher, I pray you have a fabulous Birthday! I noticed on Facebook that you are engaged too! OH MY! Where have the years gone? I remember dancing with you in my mom and dad's living room when you were a baby! On Facebook, I also found the picture below (my father passed away while making this beautiful saddle-he created amazing items out of leather-and Christopher's father finished it for him). I was so excited to see it again!

Thank you for sharing this gift with me on YOUR birthday! I love and miss you-and pray for you often!

ANOTHER Special Day...

Well, can you believe it? Eleven years ago today (5:31 pm to be exact), I gave birth to the most adorable little baby girl in the world! Her name is Kristina Elizabeth and she (and her sister and brother) are the JOYS of my life!

This picture was taken a couple of years ago while she was at Church Camp (which actually falls on her birthday every summer!). This year, she decided not to go so she could be home for her SPECIAL day!

I love you sweetie! You are my forever reading buddy!

Today is a VERY special day....

It's my son's birthday - Oh my, it's a wonder the poor child survived! I was such a fearful mother and to be honest, had never held a baby when I gave birth to him. I remember when the nurse brought him to me for the first time, I just looked at his little body. Trying to imagine how God did it! How did he create such a perfect little person while I was just living day to day. Absolutely amazing!

I continue to thank God for his life - he has been a blessing in every way!

What Matters Now in Children's Ministry

I am trying my best to come up with ONE WORD to describe my overall feelings about this book (I am a woman of MANY words, not few). This is truly difficult for me! You see, the chapter titles in this book are one word responses (answering the question - which is the title of the book - What Matters Now in Children's Ministry) - expanded into a one-page chapter by numerous experts in the field.

My first thought was Encouraging;
My second thought was Supportive;
My third Insight

You know what - I think I like that third one! This little book provides a TON of insight for parents/children's ministers/children's ministry volunteers - anyone who's interested in growing a child's faith in Jesus Christ!

I have been writing / communicating with a few of the authors and really appreciate this book! One of my main goals in life is leading my children to the Cross. Personally, I KNOW nothing else in life will give you greater pleasure than a real friendship with Our Savior! I will be adding to this post over the next couple of days (highlighting a few of the chapters and what they mean to me personally) When a post is too long, I think we tend to drift (and never finish it - possibly missing the most important part of the entire post)....

Stay tuned....