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Friday, January 30, 2009
Semi-Snow Day
Although I'm thankful to be out of the path of the ice storm that moved across the northern states, I'm disappointed in our snowfall this winter. One good snow is all I want and then come on spring! We did see some of the white stuff on Wednesday, so we ventured out to play before it melted away. There wasn't really enough to build a snowman, make snow angels, sled, or any of the other traditional "snow day" activities, but we enjoyed watching Cole play and cherished his beautiful smile as he experienced the wonder of snow.
One:Eight
As mentioned in a previous post, our church has been going through a one:eight study centered around Acts 1:8...the Great Commission. I wish I could describe to you how the atmosphere of our church has changed. It's amazing! You can just sense the hearts of Christ-followers being swept up into the wave of missions...this has truly become the vision and defining characteristic of our church for the future. The need for the love of Christ and truth of the Gospel to be shared around the world is so great, and I'm so excited to be a part of sharing the Good News to the lost, broken, empty, and lonely that surround us here and abroad. Our church is becoming a missions hub for the area with language classes, organizing trips, and putting together medical, educational, and "work" teams to go into areas where the Gospel is prohibited...you will even be able to get "sworn in" for your passport in our new One:Eight center.
Our small groups have also been studying missions and how we can effectively begin to reach those around us. For starters, every small group has adopted an unreached people group to pray for daily. Our small group has adopted the Saharawi people (population around 220,000) that live in the country of Morocco. Many consider themselves to be Sunni Muslims and have never even heard the name of Jesus. We are praying for this group daily that the doors will become open to missionaries and that the Lord will begin to reveal himself to the people now in dreams and visions so that hearts will be prepared when they hear the Good News. We are also praying for Bibles to be translated into their Hassaniya language and for their everyday needs.
This whole experience has been life changing for Michael and I. We've always prayed for missionaries in general, given money to support missions, and even gone on mission trips...but it was always quickly forgotten. Not anymore...it's like we finally "get" what missions is all about and we can't wait to see where the Lord will lead us and our church.
Our small groups have also been studying missions and how we can effectively begin to reach those around us. For starters, every small group has adopted an unreached people group to pray for daily. Our small group has adopted the Saharawi people (population around 220,000) that live in the country of Morocco. Many consider themselves to be Sunni Muslims and have never even heard the name of Jesus. We are praying for this group daily that the doors will become open to missionaries and that the Lord will begin to reveal himself to the people now in dreams and visions so that hearts will be prepared when they hear the Good News. We are also praying for Bibles to be translated into their Hassaniya language and for their everyday needs.
This whole experience has been life changing for Michael and I. We've always prayed for missionaries in general, given money to support missions, and even gone on mission trips...but it was always quickly forgotten. Not anymore...it's like we finally "get" what missions is all about and we can't wait to see where the Lord will lead us and our church.
Creative Discovery Museum
This past weekend was sunny and much warmer, so Michael and I decided to take a quick trip to see his dad and stepmom in Dunlap, TN (about 30 minutes outside of Chattanooga). We try to visit as often as we can...with the promise of good weather, we knew we better take advantage of it! We love to visit when we can be outside. Michael's dad lives at the base of the mountain and has lots of land. While there we enjoy trips to the barn, feeding the horses, chasing guineas and chickens, riding four-wheelers, and tons of other fun outdoor activities.
Well, things didn't go quite as planned. Friday was supposed to be sunny and warm, which it was in Nashville...not so much in Dunlap. It was cloudy, windy, and as soon as we headed outside, it began to drizzle. Yuck! So instead we enjoyed a day inside playing with Cole and spent the evening eating at the local "Pig and Catch" and visiting Cole's great-granny in Pikeville.
When we awoke on Saturday morning, the warm sunshine was there to greet us. We were so happy to wake up to a beautiful day! Although the weather was perfect for some outdoor fun, we had already planned to take a day trip to Chattanooga and explore the Children's Creative Discovery Museum. We have been waiting for Cole to become old enough to enjoy this fun place. We couldn't wait to take him!
We left bright and early and arrived at the Museum when it opened. We were amazed at all the fun things to do! We began our adventure by visiting the RiverWalk exhibit. This was a fun water area where the kiddos (and adults!) could explore how rivers, lakes, locks, and dams operate. This was by far Cole's favorite...he LOVES the water. We had to pry him away with the promise that we would return at the end of the day :-) We spent the rest of the day playing music, making art projects, digging for dinosaur bones, building and racing cars, exploring simple machines and bubbles on the rooftop deck, watching a Chinese New Year dragon dance and martial arts show, and reading books in the children's library. After four hours of fun, it was time to head home. Needless to say, Cole was asleep by the time we hit the road :-)
We love the city of Chattanooga and can't wait to take advantage of all the fun things to do as Cole gets older. So nice that we have free lodging when we visit! Love you Granny and Grandpa...can't wait to see you again!
Well, things didn't go quite as planned. Friday was supposed to be sunny and warm, which it was in Nashville...not so much in Dunlap. It was cloudy, windy, and as soon as we headed outside, it began to drizzle. Yuck! So instead we enjoyed a day inside playing with Cole and spent the evening eating at the local "Pig and Catch" and visiting Cole's great-granny in Pikeville.
When we awoke on Saturday morning, the warm sunshine was there to greet us. We were so happy to wake up to a beautiful day! Although the weather was perfect for some outdoor fun, we had already planned to take a day trip to Chattanooga and explore the Children's Creative Discovery Museum. We have been waiting for Cole to become old enough to enjoy this fun place. We couldn't wait to take him!
We left bright and early and arrived at the Museum when it opened. We were amazed at all the fun things to do! We began our adventure by visiting the RiverWalk exhibit. This was a fun water area where the kiddos (and adults!) could explore how rivers, lakes, locks, and dams operate. This was by far Cole's favorite...he LOVES the water. We had to pry him away with the promise that we would return at the end of the day :-) We spent the rest of the day playing music, making art projects, digging for dinosaur bones, building and racing cars, exploring simple machines and bubbles on the rooftop deck, watching a Chinese New Year dragon dance and martial arts show, and reading books in the children's library. After four hours of fun, it was time to head home. Needless to say, Cole was asleep by the time we hit the road :-)
We love the city of Chattanooga and can't wait to take advantage of all the fun things to do as Cole gets older. So nice that we have free lodging when we visit! Love you Granny and Grandpa...can't wait to see you again!
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
Resolutions
I'm not one to make the traditional "New Year's Resolutions". It seems that most are broken by at least the first week anyways. BUT...I do like to make a list of goals that I would like to work towards through the coming year. A few of mine for 2009 were...
1. Establish a routine morning quiet time and begin an organized prayer journal.
2. Work out to gain some muscle strength.
3. Have a date night with Michael at least once a month (not as easy as you'd think with hectic schedules, babysitters, etc.)
4. Plan and save for a family vacation to the beach this summer (last year, our family vacation took a back seat b/c of Michael's slowed business.)
5. See my unchurched neighbors begin to attend church and be receptive to the Gospel.
6. Watch my tounge daily and try to only say things that would uplift, encourage, and affirm those around me.
7. Grow my Uppercase Living business.
8. Learn something new.
9. Do laundry before the basket is overflowing.
etc...
So far, so good I must say. I'm loving my morning quiet time (although the past few days, it's been during Cole's naptime since he's been sick). I'm reading through the Bible in a year (never done that and I'm so excited!), writing in my prayer journal daily, and doing a One-year Friendship Devotional with some friends. It's amazing how the Lord will bless when we sacrifice a little time and sleep.
We're planning our beach vacation and trying to decide the best time, location, etc. We're thinking Gulf Shores because we've been there and loved it. It's also close enough to drive and you can take daytrips to other beaches that surround. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!
Michael and I were supposed to go out last night for our first "date night" of the year, but with Cole being sick, it was cancelled :( Maybe next week...
My UL business has begun this year with a bang! I'm so excited about the new catalog, products, and New Year incentives. I've got quite a few Open Houses booked and have already completed a few individual orders...yay! With our new 'professional' section in the catalog, I'm hoping to hit up a few salons/spas/retail stores and show them our products.
Working out/laundry...still working on those.
Reaching out to our neighbors is a slow and steady process that I'm so excited about! Our church has begun a one:eight themed series this month...it's been amazing. We're focusing on Acts 1:8 and the command that Jesus gave for us to GO and spread the Gospel. Our church is becoming a missions hub for the area with language classes, resources, etc. Our small groups are studying missions this month as well and we've all adopted an unreached people group. Michael and I have felt a need in our hearts to spread the Gospel both here and abroad like never before. The Lord has ignited a spark within us and we can't wait to see what he has in store for our family. I know that for me, it begins with the ladies that surround my home. Many are unchurched and I'm excited to see how the Lord will move in our little cul-de-sac if I remain obedient and allow Him to use me.
Well, these are just a few of the things that I'm hoping 2009 will bring...who knows what's in store!?
1. Establish a routine morning quiet time and begin an organized prayer journal.
2. Work out to gain some muscle strength.
3. Have a date night with Michael at least once a month (not as easy as you'd think with hectic schedules, babysitters, etc.)
4. Plan and save for a family vacation to the beach this summer (last year, our family vacation took a back seat b/c of Michael's slowed business.)
5. See my unchurched neighbors begin to attend church and be receptive to the Gospel.
6. Watch my tounge daily and try to only say things that would uplift, encourage, and affirm those around me.
7. Grow my Uppercase Living business.
8. Learn something new.
9. Do laundry before the basket is overflowing.
etc...
So far, so good I must say. I'm loving my morning quiet time (although the past few days, it's been during Cole's naptime since he's been sick). I'm reading through the Bible in a year (never done that and I'm so excited!), writing in my prayer journal daily, and doing a One-year Friendship Devotional with some friends. It's amazing how the Lord will bless when we sacrifice a little time and sleep.
We're planning our beach vacation and trying to decide the best time, location, etc. We're thinking Gulf Shores because we've been there and loved it. It's also close enough to drive and you can take daytrips to other beaches that surround. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!
Michael and I were supposed to go out last night for our first "date night" of the year, but with Cole being sick, it was cancelled :( Maybe next week...
My UL business has begun this year with a bang! I'm so excited about the new catalog, products, and New Year incentives. I've got quite a few Open Houses booked and have already completed a few individual orders...yay! With our new 'professional' section in the catalog, I'm hoping to hit up a few salons/spas/retail stores and show them our products.
Working out/laundry...still working on those.
Reaching out to our neighbors is a slow and steady process that I'm so excited about! Our church has begun a one:eight themed series this month...it's been amazing. We're focusing on Acts 1:8 and the command that Jesus gave for us to GO and spread the Gospel. Our church is becoming a missions hub for the area with language classes, resources, etc. Our small groups are studying missions this month as well and we've all adopted an unreached people group. Michael and I have felt a need in our hearts to spread the Gospel both here and abroad like never before. The Lord has ignited a spark within us and we can't wait to see what he has in store for our family. I know that for me, it begins with the ladies that surround my home. Many are unchurched and I'm excited to see how the Lord will move in our little cul-de-sac if I remain obedient and allow Him to use me.
Well, these are just a few of the things that I'm hoping 2009 will bring...who knows what's in store!?
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