weekend with the family (a video)

 (best in full screen.)

How was your Labor Day weekend?

Mine was full of family, puppies, food, and laughter.

Just like I like it.

Happy Labor Day!

Today...

...I accomplished a great thing.

I overcame my fear of guns.

 My Sunday School class (yes, you read that correctly, church group) 

went to a shooting range.

It was loud and made me super nervous,

but I did it.

And maybe I liked it.

"Sunday morning rain is falling..."

Few things are better than some Sunday rain.

And having Maroon5's voice stuck in your head all day isn't so bad either.

Happy Sunday to all!

dug down deep

This past weekend was Disciple Now Weekend at our church. A weekend retreat for students grade 7th-12th. God did big things through His word, His servants, and Joshua Harris' book, Dug Down Deep. All pictures were taken by our lovely pastor's wife, Jan.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent stuck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.

Luke 6:46-49

There are two houses in this analogy. 

The first one came to Jesus and lived his life glorifying Him. 

His house was built a solid foundation, Christ. 

The other man came to Jesus, knew the right way, yet refused to live as he should. 

He built his house alone, on no foundation. 

In both stories, we read of a storm coming down on these houses. 

Divorce. Bankruptcy. Job-loss. Miscarriages. Death. Sickness. 

Even as Christians, Christ-followers, we will face storms. 

The outcome, how we deal with our storms, how we survive, all depends on our foundation.

Only one house remained standing. 

The one whose foundation was built on Christ. 

If you build your life, your foundation, on money, what happens when it disappears? 

If your foundation is built on your boyfriend/girlfriend, what happens when they leave? 

If your foundation is built on your job, what happens when you lose it? 

If your foundation is built solely on family, what happens when they are taken away?

All of these; success, relationships, friendships, family, careers, are fine building blocks for your life,

but cannot support you as your foundation.

Christian or not, there will be storms in your life.

What will support you when everything fades?

When you fall, who is catching you?

What is your foundation built on?

the time has come...

You guys remember (this post), right?

Where I was eagerly awaiting December 7, 2012?

That time has come and gone 

and it did not disappoint.

The day after Husband's graduation, 

we road-tripped up to the beautiful state of Tennessee.

After staying the weekend, 

falling in love with the environment, 

and praying super hard...

God finally revealed his plan.

A full-time youth pastor position.

At an amazing church.

In beautiful Murfreesboro, TN.

I'm finally getting my mountains. 

my happy little life...

1-2 Husband and boy-in-loves went to a Nascar race. I spent about 10 minutes trying to see them live. Longest I've ever watched a race in my life.

1-What started as a creepy tracing of a LifeWay bag, ended up being an even creepier self portrait.

2-Naptime, aka the best 2 hours of the day! 

1-I forgot to bring a change of clothes to work one day, so I asked Husband to grab a dress. Not fully trusting his fashion sense, I told him to send me a picture. This is what I got. He's a keeper.

2-I love lazy days with my girls.

1-I always wanted big eyes. Yeah? Yeah?!

2-Love, love, love spending time at our sweet, sweet church!

1-The beautiful Alabama sky!

2-Youth Week 2012. Special guests: Rush of Fools. They were so amazing on and off the stage. They joined in the crazy games and weren't stand offish like some big time bands can be (even Christian ones, sadly.)

1- Stormy night in Graceville. My little red bug got a nice washin'.

2- Big news in this small town, a cow got loose! Call the fire department! Call the police! Stop all traffic! By the way, I'm pretty sure they got him and nobody (or cow) was harmed!

1-I just had to laugh when I saw these new cards in WalMart. I apologize if you like him, but I personally believe these should be in the humor section.

2- Little girl will do anything for love and attention. Even let me pile clothes on top of her when she's in my way. "Am I doing good, Mommy?"

1-Evidence of being a youth pastor #35353- Pizza places know you by name.

2-New favorite tshirt. Hands down.

1-I switched pre-schools and now I teach for this cute place!

2-After a day of teaching at said pre-school, this is my daily pick-me-up.

Children's Church and Mini Messages

Being sick all week caused me to wake up Sunday morning with no voice. It wouldn't have been such a big deal, except that I teach Children's Church and we happened to be FULL with 9 kids and myself. So it's easy to understand why I wanted to cry when I saw this handsome man walking down the hall to help me. So what do you do with a class full of kids and no voice? Play-Doh of course!

Love these precious kids! Thanks for your help, Husband!

------------------------------- Mini Messages----------------------------------




Dear Summer,
You came and left way too fast. Teacher work week in 2 weeks? Yuck.

Dear Running,
Take it easy on me! I've been fat and lazy for way too long!

Dear Shins,
Quit hating me while I run.

Dear "New" Car,
Please make everything work out so I can get you.

Dear Hair,
Grow faster.