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.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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!?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ornament Tradition
I'm really big on family traditions. I grew up with many and want Cole to have that same experience as well. When he was born, Michael and I made a 'list' of some specific Christmas traditions that we wanted to incorporate as we celebrated the holiday each year. Baking a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake, letting Cole buy for a child in need, counting down the days with a homemade Advent Calendar, and making Christmas treats to deliver to the neighbors were just a few of the things we wanted to do (I must say this year was so much fun being able to finally do some of these treasured things with Cole now that he's older). I had also been wanting to do something with a special gift each year, but was stumped on what to do. After looking through the book "Treasuring God in our Traditions" by Noel Piper (GREAT book) and visiting a friend's blog, I had my idea.
A tradition that I found and loved was one of getting a special ornament each year for your child. Then when he/she gets married, you box up all of 'their' ornaments and give them as a gift for their first Christmas tree with their spouse (we all know how bare those first trees can be!). Many people do a theme (snowmen, Santas, angels, etc.) which I love, but I wanted to add something personal for Cole. His first name, Nathanael, means 'Gift of God' so I wanted to incorporate that somehow. Michael and I decided that since Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, we would get Cole an ornament each year that depicted a name of Christ. We began this year with a beautiful Nativity ornament we found with the inscription - King of Kings. It also has a verse on the back from Isaiah about the birth of Christ. While shopping during the after Christmas sales, we found a beautiful crystal ornament at Pottery Barn that is a cluster of grapes. We both loved it and will use it one year to depict "I am the vine, ye are the branches".
I am also starting a notebook to give with the ornaments when he gets married. It will list the year, the ornament given, the name of Christ it represents, and a supporting Scripture verse.
Just a little insight on a tradition we're starting...what are some of your favorites?
A tradition that I found and loved was one of getting a special ornament each year for your child. Then when he/she gets married, you box up all of 'their' ornaments and give them as a gift for their first Christmas tree with their spouse (we all know how bare those first trees can be!). Many people do a theme (snowmen, Santas, angels, etc.) which I love, but I wanted to add something personal for Cole. His first name, Nathanael, means 'Gift of God' so I wanted to incorporate that somehow. Michael and I decided that since Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, we would get Cole an ornament each year that depicted a name of Christ. We began this year with a beautiful Nativity ornament we found with the inscription - King of Kings. It also has a verse on the back from Isaiah about the birth of Christ. While shopping during the after Christmas sales, we found a beautiful crystal ornament at Pottery Barn that is a cluster of grapes. We both loved it and will use it one year to depict "I am the vine, ye are the branches".
I am also starting a notebook to give with the ornaments when he gets married. It will list the year, the ornament given, the name of Christ it represents, and a supporting Scripture verse.
Just a little insight on a tradition we're starting...what are some of your favorites?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Before Christmas Fun
Whew...what a busy week! We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did as well. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I'm just now getting all of my pictures uploaded and organized. Give me a few days, and they'll all be ready to view (I'm sure you're on pins and needles with anticipation, lol).
I will begin our picture journey a few days before Christmas. Cole had so much fun helping me complete the gingerbread house I created at MOPS (see previous post), visiting Santa, and riding the Christmas train. I must say that visiting Santa was a hoot. We went to The Streets because the Santa there was free, AMEN...and you could bring your own camera for pictures. Well, Santa had to move indoors to Barnes and Noble because of the weather. Not good for us. We visit Barnes and Noble often for storytime and Cole knows as soon as we enter the doors that he can go play with the train set. Of course, that was where he headed when we walked in. He wanted nothing to do with Santa. We had to convince him to 'show Santa' one of his trains to get him away from the set. He showed it to Santa, but would NOT let Santa have it...we're working on sharing :-) We didn't get a great picture, but walked away with a funny memory and story to tell as he gets older.
The real fun began when we left Barnes and Noble and headed to Rivergate with Papa and Gigi to let Cole ride the train. What fun he had! We weren't sure if he would ride by himself...he surprised us all and rode like a pro. No crying for Mommy or Daddy to ride...one more sign that he's growing up. I had tears in my eyes watching him go around the track. People were probably looking at me thinking "What is wrong with that woman!?". He looked so big and smiled the whole time. He had so much fun that we just HAD to let him ride a second time. This go around, another little girl rode in same car with him. She was probably around 4-5 years old and just took Cole's hand as they rode...so sweet!
More pics and posts to come soon!
I will begin our picture journey a few days before Christmas. Cole had so much fun helping me complete the gingerbread house I created at MOPS (see previous post), visiting Santa, and riding the Christmas train. I must say that visiting Santa was a hoot. We went to The Streets because the Santa there was free, AMEN...and you could bring your own camera for pictures. Well, Santa had to move indoors to Barnes and Noble because of the weather. Not good for us. We visit Barnes and Noble often for storytime and Cole knows as soon as we enter the doors that he can go play with the train set. Of course, that was where he headed when we walked in. He wanted nothing to do with Santa. We had to convince him to 'show Santa' one of his trains to get him away from the set. He showed it to Santa, but would NOT let Santa have it...we're working on sharing :-) We didn't get a great picture, but walked away with a funny memory and story to tell as he gets older.
The real fun began when we left Barnes and Noble and headed to Rivergate with Papa and Gigi to let Cole ride the train. What fun he had! We weren't sure if he would ride by himself...he surprised us all and rode like a pro. No crying for Mommy or Daddy to ride...one more sign that he's growing up. I had tears in my eyes watching him go around the track. People were probably looking at me thinking "What is wrong with that woman!?". He looked so big and smiled the whole time. He had so much fun that we just HAD to let him ride a second time. This go around, another little girl rode in same car with him. She was probably around 4-5 years old and just took Cole's hand as they rode...so sweet!
More pics and posts to come soon!
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
Jesus is the Gift...MOPS Christmas meeting
Yesterday, we held our MOPS Christmas meeting. We usually keep our regular decor./theme for this meeting, but this year, we decided to do something different. We deviated from the MOPS 'theme' and went with a Christmas theme of our own...Jesus is the Gift.
Our Coordinator, Brandee, found this JITG website last year, and ordered some beautiful ribbon, paper, mugs, etc. with the phrase on them. We thought it would be perfect to center our meeting around this saying. Being moms of preschoolers, it can sometimes be hard with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays to keep our focus that JESUS is the ultimate gift and reason for our celebration. Lots of prayer went into our preparations for the meeting and the Lord blessed in a BIG way!
The meeting began with our yummy breakfast (as usual!) and announcements. The decor. was festive with each Steering Team member decorating their own table with 'holiday' items. Christmas music was in the air and the mood was light with everyone bringing in Christmas gifts for friends and sweet treats making the rounds. After announcements, we headed upstairs to the chapel to listen to a Christmas message given by our guest speaker, Betsy Collins. Betsy is a beautiful lady both inside and out that has raised three amazing girls...one of which just signed up for the IMB with her husband. She is a wonderful mentor to all of us young moms and there was no better person to share the gospel message of the greatest gift ever given. When she gave an invitation, we had several moms raise their hands to accept Christ and three confirmed that they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior...I cannot describe to you the joy that filled our hearts and the room! Such rejoicing!!
After the message, we headed back downstairs to play some games and decorate our gingerbread houses. So much fun watching grown women pry apart Christmas gifts with oven mitts and so intense about decorating a candy house :-)
Our MOPPETS (children) also enjoyed a fun day of celebrating with a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party. What a fun morning!
**Thanks to Brandee for letting me copy her pics...can you believe I forgot my camera!?
My table...I decorated with a gingerbread man theme. 
Dana's table...she chose to decorate with our meeting theme 'Jesus is the Gift'
All of our precious kiddos...ornaments made by MOPPETS
Playing our game...go Holly!
Dana Won!
Decorating our gingerbread houses 
The "W" in Christmas
My mom forwarded this email to me. Being a school teacher, it touched my heart about the true meaning of Christmas.
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his class mates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his class mates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.
HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!
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