Okay, so I am getting a great taste of what it feels like for NO ONE TO KNOW YOUR NAME! It is the weirdest feeling to walk out of this warm, amazingly loving cocoon into a world where not one person knows who you are. I am struggling with this reality, but remembering constantly that I am the co-heir with the matchless name of JESUS! I have to say that moving to this new place is MUCH harder than ever expected (and I KNEW that it wasn't going to be a cakewalk!), but that I am learning that His mercies truly ARE new every morning and that HE is the sustainer of all. I am so relying on HIS faithfulness and that He will carry me right now. I love you all so. You can never know how the FABULOUS FIVE has helped me make it through this time. I love you!
Marcelle
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
33 Days....
Okay, so no one writes on this anymore, but I am at KJ's house and all is very quiet right now and I decided to force myself to look at a calendar and actually count how many days I have left here. It's 33. 33. 33. I know I will blink and those days will have elapsed. It makes me feel like I can't breathe. Kind of panicked inside, really. So many of the days and nights ahead are already filled. I just want to stop time and gather my friends and be in one place and just...stay. I love you girls so very much. So very, very much. I try not to completely despair. I know God is carrying me and has me under the shadow of his wings. I am certain He has a great plan for my family and that He is 100% in control of everything in my life. It just really, really hurts so badly....33 Days. I am going to cherish each one.
I love you all!!!! You are treasures and jewels...and rocks...in my life!
Marcelle
I love you all!!!! You are treasures and jewels...and rocks...in my life!
Marcelle
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's Okay to Be Overwhelmed
So our friend Whitney got some wise words from Wayne Cagle the other day. "Whitney, it's okay to be overwhelmed." Just to have permission for that somehow comforts my soul. I told my family tonight at dinner that if you take away the moving piece (which, of course, is the BIGGIE), I am overwhelmed even without that. Add that one back in and I am just almost under...but NOT. I have you all and dear friends who are standing in the gap for me right now and I am so grateful. I just packed up my dining room...all my china and crystal. It was so sad. I am trusting in our BIG God to carry me through these days, though. Three hundred campers await the fun tomorrow morning. I pray that I can teach them many of the wonders of our ULTIMATE ARTIST! How I love you all...and am overwhelmed by your friendship...and -- that's okay.
Marcelle
Marcelle
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
SO VERY FINE
Hey you all,
Wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and will continue to pray throughout next week as Fine Arts Camp is about to begin. I recognize that it takes so much planning, time, patience, endurance, passion and giving to do this year after year. None of it would mean squat if it weren't for the love and care that you lavish on these kids...and that you all so obviously do. I am believing God for an incredible week where many kids come away with a deeper understanding of our God who wants to free them to soar! I pray many kids will come to know Him and that you all will be rewarded in a sweet and special way, even if just the peace in knowing that you are continuing to make an eternal difference in lives.
I, for one, am blown away by God through you and can't wait to see what He has in store! Thanks, you all, for everything you're doing. I LOVE YOU!! c
Wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and will continue to pray throughout next week as Fine Arts Camp is about to begin. I recognize that it takes so much planning, time, patience, endurance, passion and giving to do this year after year. None of it would mean squat if it weren't for the love and care that you lavish on these kids...and that you all so obviously do. I am believing God for an incredible week where many kids come away with a deeper understanding of our God who wants to free them to soar! I pray many kids will come to know Him and that you all will be rewarded in a sweet and special way, even if just the peace in knowing that you are continuing to make an eternal difference in lives.
I, for one, am blown away by God through you and can't wait to see what He has in store! Thanks, you all, for everything you're doing. I LOVE YOU!! c
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KJ !!!
It was cool to finally get to officially celebrate your beautiful life and friendship, KJ! Those present at the loft are just the tip of the iceberg for lives you have touched and blessed. May God pour Himself out on you in the coming year, dear friend!!
Love you so much, c
Love you so much, c
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mothers and Friends
Mothers have such an influence on our lives. I was reflecting today, though, that in my adult life, it is my beloved friends who have taken that torch of influence upon me. I think about these last twelve years at Bent Tree and how much God has grown me up -- and how he sent each one of you to teach me and challenge me further. How I cherish you and thank God for you. May your Mother's Day be a day that celebrates you to the core. I am celebrating you -- that is for sure!
I love you so very much!
Marcelle
I love you so very much!
Marcelle
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Water, water everywhere!!
About 9:30 tonight I started a load of laundry. I went back upstairs and gathered up some hangars, folded a few other clothes and then went back downstairs, maybe 10-15 minutes later. When I rounded the corner in my kitchen I saw that my laundry room was flooded and water was pouring out of my washer. Of course, Brian is out of town, so I call my trusty neighbors who own tools and the two of them come over, one with shop vac in hand. Oh, and did I mention that I had 5 loads of laundry in the laundry room floor at the time of the great flood? So, we begin to wring water out of the clothes and towels that I had quickly thrown on the floor to keep the water from running into my kitchen, and then vacuum up the water from the floor. 1½ hours and 40 gallons of water later, the floor is dry, my sopping wet clothes are in laundry baskets and I’m exhausted. I’m going to have to call the handy Maytag repair man tomorrow and go to my mother in law’s to wash clothes, if I can lift them into my truck, that is, as of course each basket weighs 794 pounds. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, come quickly!
KJ
KJ
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
How much can one woman take?!?!?!
As you know, my sweet mom has undergone pain for so long. Not once has she complained. She has now come down with shingles! OH, MY GOSH! I have never heard her discouraged like she is. I can't even imagine. Please pray that the Shingles goes away quickly, and the pain is non existent. I have heard you can experience pain for up to 6 months to a year afterward. She doesn't need that on top of the pain she already has. I hurt so badly for her. She loves to give and she can't for all the pain and physical issues she has experienced. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Angela
Angela
Sunday, April 29, 2007
WORSHIP
Worship today was a beautiful extension of what the Lord has been speaking to me about lately...both in music and sermon. I loved what each of you had to say, Vonda and Ang...so real, from your heart, down to earth. I have been praying for so long that there would be more opportunities for Scott and those who are leading to really be able to share from their hearts so that people can just get peeks into the hearts of those who are in front of them. It connects us all together...it creates intimacy...it makes Jesus real. And I think it allows those in our BT family see that we go through the stuff of life just like them and celebrate and grieve and struggle...just like them. I'm just so thankful that you both got to share, even if in brief. It added so much.
Back to my first sentence...God is speaking to me...about boldness, about MAKING opportunities to have conversations with others about Jesus since I'm basically in a relatively tight bubble, etc. I long to see Bent Tree FULL of all kinds of "scary" people...who aren't the pretty North Dallas cookie cutter mold. I have such a heart for those people...and I do the driveby praying as well for people I see...but I sense God moving me to something more. Not sure what it looks like...but I am so aware of the need for others to come to know Him.
ANYwho...this service, along with stuff I heard last night, along with how God has been speaking to me since my repentance has put such a sense of urgency in me. And I am praying that I will act on this moving...it's scary to even write this.
Ok, gotta go...just wanted to say thanks for prompting my heart to go deeper with Him today! Love all of you, c
Back to my first sentence...God is speaking to me...about boldness, about MAKING opportunities to have conversations with others about Jesus since I'm basically in a relatively tight bubble, etc. I long to see Bent Tree FULL of all kinds of "scary" people...who aren't the pretty North Dallas cookie cutter mold. I have such a heart for those people...and I do the driveby praying as well for people I see...but I sense God moving me to something more. Not sure what it looks like...but I am so aware of the need for others to come to know Him.
ANYwho...this service, along with stuff I heard last night, along with how God has been speaking to me since my repentance has put such a sense of urgency in me. And I am praying that I will act on this moving...it's scary to even write this.
Ok, gotta go...just wanted to say thanks for prompting my heart to go deeper with Him today! Love all of you, c
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
One more rose
I am so excited and thankful to the Lord that there will be a rose on the stage this week for my sweet son, Ethan!!!!!! My analytical, black and white son (I wonder who he gets that from : ) didn’t want to become a Christian for a while because he was going to be a scientist J. When we told him he didn’t have to choose one or the other but that he could be both, he wanted to pray and ask Jesus to, “take the black stuff off his heart”. Yay God!!!!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Ft Worth Arts Festival
Brian and I celebrated our 18th anniversary this weekend and we were able to enjoy an overnight fantasy date (anyone who watches The Bachelor will follow me on this) in Ft Worth. When we booked the trip we didn't know the arts festival was going on - we just found out this week. What an extra special treat! There were over 200 artists from all over the country there presenting their wares. Painters, photographers, sculptors, work workers, jewelry makers, leather crafters and more! Plus there was tons of good food and three stages of musical entertainment! And with such beautiful weather this weekend, we just had a blast walking around taking in all the fabulous art. So - I would highly recommend a road trip next year to Cow Town for the arts fest!
PS - 24 hours away with my husband was fabulous too.... if you know what I mean - and I'm sure you do!!!
KJ
PS - 24 hours away with my husband was fabulous too.... if you know what I mean - and I'm sure you do!!!
KJ
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Let Them Eat Cake...
Ok, so I made this cake for a shower today...the big one...$100...cool. But I knew I had to take Bailey to a long overdue haircut right afterward...we'd been holding off because of $$. When I delivered the cake, she tipped me $20. Guess how much my hair guy charged me for Bailey's cut right afterward? Yep...20 smackers. The Great Provider strikes again. Bless His name.
Love you all, c
Love you all, c
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Trying to Trust
Hey, there, my dear sisters! I just wanted to ask for prayer for Kent today. He has a very important interview that could be a big change to our life. He has been so depressed lately and really needs a new job. Of course, I am pleading for that job to be in Dallas. Would you please pray, though, that God would bless my husband and our family and that we will trust him as he leads us on this journey? I know He is in control and has been so faithful to me all my life. Please ask Him to still my fears and to open my hands and to yearn to be in the center of His will -- no matter where that might be.
Thank you, girls. This is, of course, confidential -- as my husband is very private. I feel a peace already just knowing you will pray.
Love you all so much!
Marcelle
Thank you, girls. This is, of course, confidential -- as my husband is very private. I feel a peace already just knowing you will pray.
Love you all so much!
Marcelle
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Hope your week ROCKS!
Hey sistah friends,
Praying that you all have a beautiful week ahead...love you all so much!
hugs, c
Praying that you all have a beautiful week ahead...love you all so much!
hugs, c
Thursday, April 5, 2007
I've Seen Holy
I just have been overwhelmed all week dwelling in this holy place with rehearsals every night. I feel like weeping at every turn -- with joy for the way we are pointing people to the cross -- and with gratitude at what Christ has done for me. I know we are all involved with this weekend's services. I just want you to know that I am praying for my FABULOUS FIVE and cannot wait to serve with you! It is too much for my heart to take in that I get to be with all of you this year -- on my favorite weekend of the year.
I love you all and KNOW God has amazing things in store for us! Let's keep our eyes on Him and not miss a single moment of this!
Marcelle
I love you all and KNOW God has amazing things in store for us! Let's keep our eyes on Him and not miss a single moment of this!
Marcelle
Monday, April 2, 2007
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
The day has finally come...Bailey is going to take the plunge and sing in her drama class...another first. She's freaking out, to put it mildly...afraid to look at anyone...afraid she'll crack or screw up...doesn't know what to do with her hands. She has a sweet, vulnerable, untrained voice...but I know this is one more thing God is using to grow her confidence and trust. It's so cool to have you be a part of the whole thing, Marcelle! Yeah God! c
Update on Me
Just want to say Thanks for your prayers and concern. I can feel your prayers, big time. Don't stop praying, though. The last few days have been much better. I should have thrown up the white flag sooner. It's such a great thing to be able to share how I am feeling and know that I have sisters that will intercede on my behalf. I so appreciate you! I still haven't started my period yet...don't know what that means!?!?! I guess only time will tell. : 0
Ang
Ang
The Prayers of the children...
The other night we sat down for dinner( a well planned out and put together meal, I might add) and asked Josh to say the prayer. He, in is still baby sounding voice, said, "God...thank you...thank you for changing this yucky food into yummy food...amen". :)
Ang
Ang
Saturday, March 31, 2007
HUGER...BIGGER...WOW...MANY TEARS
Ok, at this moment, my Bailey...after ONE YEAR of being isolated with her brace at home...is over at her friend's house...TO SLEEP OVER!!! She had been asked to babysit with her...and then to stay all night, which she immediately said no to. I told her she didn't have to say no...that she didn't have to miss out...that if her friend knew why she said no, she would say to bring it over and stay. I couldn't convince her...same song, 100th verse. So I took her over to the house. She she called 45 minutes later to say she had changed her mind about staying all night. I reminded her that she'd have to wear the brace and she said, "I know. Bring it over." I about fell over. Much weeping. My heart couldn't believe it. I took the brace over with her clothes and she is there now.
DO YOU ALL HAVE ANY IDEA HOW INCREDIBLY HUGE THIS IS? HOW INCREDIBLY GOD THIS IS? I am blown away. This is the girl who takes who hides her brace deep in my closet or in the garage when friends come over, so there's no chance they will see it. This is the girl who won't even take it in a bag anywhere because she is SURE someone will figure out what's in it. Oh, thank You, Lord! One step at a time...God is moving in her heart. I'm so very grateful.
Thanks to all of you for any and all prayers offered on Bailey's behalf in this last year. Please, I ask you to keep praying as we all know the enemy will try to make things worse for her now. I pray for freedom, in Jesus' name for her life! Love you all so much.
Believing for Bailey, c
DO YOU ALL HAVE ANY IDEA HOW INCREDIBLY HUGE THIS IS? HOW INCREDIBLY GOD THIS IS? I am blown away. This is the girl who takes who hides her brace deep in my closet or in the garage when friends come over, so there's no chance they will see it. This is the girl who won't even take it in a bag anywhere because she is SURE someone will figure out what's in it. Oh, thank You, Lord! One step at a time...God is moving in her heart. I'm so very grateful.
Thanks to all of you for any and all prayers offered on Bailey's behalf in this last year. Please, I ask you to keep praying as we all know the enemy will try to make things worse for her now. I pray for freedom, in Jesus' name for her life! Love you all so much.
Believing for Bailey, c
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A HUGE answer to prayer...
I know some of you were praying for Bailey yesterday as you knew she was to wear her brace to school...the first time since the beginning of school. I was SHOCKED that she came downstairs with it on...without me even having to say anything to her...that, in itself was a miracle. She went into school teary-eyed and scared out of her mind...but, praise God, she wore it the whole morning!! That day, too, was to mark the first day she was to sing in front of people in Marcelle's drama class. She got there late because of an ortho appt, so she ended up consenting to tomorrow...which now we learn she won't be able to do because of a track meet. BUT! I asked her if she was going to go through with her song for drama as she headed back into school from her appt, and her comment was even MORE unbelievable..."Well, I conquered one fear for today already, so maybe I'll conquer two." I pray it will happen and that each week will get easier with the brace and with her courage level in all areas.
THANKS FOR PRAYING!!! Bailey doesn't know it, but God is working deep in her heart.
Hugs to you all, c
THANKS FOR PRAYING!!! Bailey doesn't know it, but God is working deep in her heart.
Hugs to you all, c
Tribute to Autumn Ross
Well.... we know Autumn is the coolest, most fab "Miss America" mom in the world, but I just wanted to remind you all that she was the one who began our "birthday blessing" tradition. That tradition has blessed me, even today. I was looking for something in a drawer, and I came across all my cards and letters from last year's birthday. After reading them all again and being blessed over and over, I'm reminded to be thankful for Autumn, who encouraged us all to a higher place at our birthday celebrations. What a legacy...
Thanks, Lord for our dear Autumn!!
KJ
Thanks, Lord for our dear Autumn!!
KJ
Monday, March 26, 2007
Yeehaw and Boohoo
I SO hate that I missed celebratin' Marcelle on Friday. I thought so many times on Friday night what fun conversations, laughter, and celebrations that I was missing. All that to say, Thanks for missing me...but I missed you more. Marcelle, I love you and you truely are a beautiful soul. You give and love like no other. I treasure our friendship and am thankful for the dark days that you challenged me when I needed a kick in the rear. You taught me what it meant to speak the truth in love.
All that to say, I really enjoyed sitting by the lake on the pier, hangin' with Wayner, Jack and Kathy and worshiping for hours on end. It was truely a refreshing weekend. Even though I was there to "give" I "recieved" so much more. God is so good!
On a personal note, I love to look back and see and praise God for milestones of growth. Last year at the singles retreat I was struggling with some issues that I finally and completely gave to God. He continues to deal with me on these issues, but this year I can praise God that those issues don't rear their ugly head nearly as often as they used to. PRAISE GOD!!!! Bottom Line...it's about dieing to self and being raise to walk in the newness of LIFE! I am so thankful that the Lord brings life out of death. I am not "gnawing on the bones" they are dead and burried.
O.K I am rattling on and on, but one more thing I would like to mention. I really need your prayers right now. As my birthday has come and gone, it too is a milestone. It remindes me that I deal with a lot of health issues for someone that is as young and kickin' as I :) I, to be honest, am struggling with discouragement about my health. I am trying yet another medication to ballance out my hormones. I am so tired all the time and my periods are still not right. My hair continues to fall out and not just on my head; my eylashes, eybrows...you name it. It is so discouraging. I know I am not dying, but I think about the future and my mind takes me places that make me really sad. It would be a dying of who I am as a mom, worship leader, wife...in so many ways. It isn't about how I "look". I am past that. It is about who I am. I know that God has allowed this for a reason...and continues to allow it for a reason, but I am tired. Please pray that this medication will work. That God will work a miricle in me and in my body. I fight the "what am I NOT doing right" and "what haven't I done, God" A LOT! I sit ehre typing this with tears in my eyes. I hate to be a downer and bring up me and my health issues YET AGAIN, but I felt challenged to get my "fabulous friends" and sisters to interceed on my behalf. I know that God is in charge...I trust him completly...I just need a little prayer in the "strength to the weary" department right now.
I love you all so dearly!!!!
Ang
All that to say, I really enjoyed sitting by the lake on the pier, hangin' with Wayner, Jack and Kathy and worshiping for hours on end. It was truely a refreshing weekend. Even though I was there to "give" I "recieved" so much more. God is so good!
On a personal note, I love to look back and see and praise God for milestones of growth. Last year at the singles retreat I was struggling with some issues that I finally and completely gave to God. He continues to deal with me on these issues, but this year I can praise God that those issues don't rear their ugly head nearly as often as they used to. PRAISE GOD!!!! Bottom Line...it's about dieing to self and being raise to walk in the newness of LIFE! I am so thankful that the Lord brings life out of death. I am not "gnawing on the bones" they are dead and burried.
O.K I am rattling on and on, but one more thing I would like to mention. I really need your prayers right now. As my birthday has come and gone, it too is a milestone. It remindes me that I deal with a lot of health issues for someone that is as young and kickin' as I :) I, to be honest, am struggling with discouragement about my health. I am trying yet another medication to ballance out my hormones. I am so tired all the time and my periods are still not right. My hair continues to fall out and not just on my head; my eylashes, eybrows...you name it. It is so discouraging. I know I am not dying, but I think about the future and my mind takes me places that make me really sad. It would be a dying of who I am as a mom, worship leader, wife...in so many ways. It isn't about how I "look". I am past that. It is about who I am. I know that God has allowed this for a reason...and continues to allow it for a reason, but I am tired. Please pray that this medication will work. That God will work a miricle in me and in my body. I fight the "what am I NOT doing right" and "what haven't I done, God" A LOT! I sit ehre typing this with tears in my eyes. I hate to be a downer and bring up me and my health issues YET AGAIN, but I felt challenged to get my "fabulous friends" and sisters to interceed on my behalf. I know that God is in charge...I trust him completly...I just need a little prayer in the "strength to the weary" department right now.
I love you all so dearly!!!!
Ang
Friday, March 23, 2007
The Richest Girl in the World
That just keeps washing over me...that I am the richest girl in the world. Who could have had a better night than Marcelle Hamilton tonight (except for the very lacking presence of our beautiful Angeler!)? It was beyond my greatest expectation -- full of laughter and tears and thankfully, no tinkling in my panties (though there were some close calls!). As I looked into your faces, I just felt overwhelmed at the love and goodness of God that I could be surrounded by such captivating, gorgeous, amazing women -- who are SUCH tremendous friends to me! My heart feels as if it could burst it is so full of joy and gratitude. Thank you for making my birthday so unbelievably special. I will treasure it for all of my days. And, I am trying to do what you said, Vonda...imprinting them on my heart forever, savoring each and every word of your blessings. How I love and cherish you all! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!
Marcelle
Marcelle
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Arrrrrrggghhhhhh from Vonda
I wrote you all a song about blogging, but my stupid computer froze and it's all gone and I'm too tired to re-create it....Bwwaaaaa!I love you all--fo-evah! vondelicious
It's Blake, Melinda and Jordin, Dawg!
Okay, who watched "Idol" last night? Was Blake just AMAZING and FANTASTIC, or what? I would buy his CD in a heartbeat. He rocks my socks. SO original and fresh and...just...cool! And, I thought Melinda and Jordin were the best girls last night. Really awesome!
But, of course, YOU all are my real idols! I love you ALL so much -- and am really looking forward to Friday night! Can't wait!
But, of course, YOU all are my real idols! I love you ALL so much -- and am really looking forward to Friday night! Can't wait!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Reunion weekend
Hey girls! It's good to be back at home and in touch! Spending last weekend at my parents' house with dial up internet (oh my gosh!), I realized how spoiled I am to be able to stay in touch with you guys through this blog, email and the likes! It was an interesting weekend - thought I'd tell you a bit about it. For those of you who don't know, I returned to the "mother-ship" this weekend for the 125th annivesary celebration of my home church. Several old high school buds and my high school youth pastor were there. We had a lot of fun catching up on each other's lives.
It was also neat to see that my little hometown church of around 200 members is doing something outside the four walls of the church. They have begun ministering to the Laotian population of the county and are sponsoring a mission church for the Laotion people. The Laotians come and use the church building on Sunday afternoons to have a Laotion speaking church service. Their congregation joined in on the big noontime "potluck" and they brought along some fabulous egg rolls and fried rice! Yum!
One of the old friends that was there was my first "real" boyfriend. It was interesting to visit with him, but doing so definitely reinforced the fact that God led me to the perfect mate! (Not that I needed that affirmation, of course, but you know what I mean!) So now, here I am, back at home, so happy to be here, in Plano, with my awesome family and my fabulous friends, enjoying watching new leaves appear on the trees each day.
Forever grateful for Him, them and you,
KJ
It was also neat to see that my little hometown church of around 200 members is doing something outside the four walls of the church. They have begun ministering to the Laotian population of the county and are sponsoring a mission church for the Laotion people. The Laotians come and use the church building on Sunday afternoons to have a Laotion speaking church service. Their congregation joined in on the big noontime "potluck" and they brought along some fabulous egg rolls and fried rice! Yum!
One of the old friends that was there was my first "real" boyfriend. It was interesting to visit with him, but doing so definitely reinforced the fact that God led me to the perfect mate! (Not that I needed that affirmation, of course, but you know what I mean!) So now, here I am, back at home, so happy to be here, in Plano, with my awesome family and my fabulous friends, enjoying watching new leaves appear on the trees each day.
Forever grateful for Him, them and you,
KJ
The Dream Is Gone...at least for another year
Ok, I know the guy was up there in his years, but how sad is it that when the red-haired chick went to the restaurant to deliver the news to the grandpa that he had won the HGTV dream home, he had virtually no reaction? He had a look on his face that you might expect when the place you're eating at gives you an extra portion of mashed potatoes or something. His face was like, "that was nice of you"...smile. Good gravy, the man was just given a bazillion dollar home, $250,000 and a car! I would have had a heart-a-croak, or fainted, or lost my voice forever from screaming.
Oh well, good for him...he can retire in style...and KJ and I have a year to dream our dreams for next year. :)
Hey, btw...where IS everyone? I feel like I'm talking to myself lately. And where is the MASTERMIND of the blog? Consider your butt cyber-kicked, Vonda Lou, and let's hear from you already.
Have a beautiful week, sistahs...love, c
Oh well, good for him...he can retire in style...and KJ and I have a year to dream our dreams for next year. :)
Hey, btw...where IS everyone? I feel like I'm talking to myself lately. And where is the MASTERMIND of the blog? Consider your butt cyber-kicked, Vonda Lou, and let's hear from you already.
Have a beautiful week, sistahs...love, c
Saturday, March 17, 2007
HAPPY, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!
Ok, I know I'm posting this 2 days late, but had to give an official shout-out to sweet Angeler for her birthday! Hope it was a wonderful day of celebrating YOU. I'm believing God for a beautiful year to come and know He will be pouring out blessing upon blessing in your life. I LOVE YOU, sister friend! birthday hugs, c
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
INVITATION
As I write this, there is 4 days, 10 hours, and 32 minutes left until I win the HGTV Dream Home in Winter Park, Colorado. I just wanted to make sure you all knew up front that you are welcome any time, any season. I think you and your family will find it a most enjoyable vacation spot. :) c
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Does parenting always have to "wear me out" like this, Lord?
I don't know about you all, but sometimes I have to admit, parenting wears me out! Constant coaching, correction, teaching, encouraging and prodding is what I feel like I am in all the time. This week is Anna's birthday. So of course, there is a bit of extra "hoop-lah" surrounding her. And her birthday party was a week and a half ago, so to her sister, it seems like for an eternity all eyes have been on Anna, and she just finds that hard to deal with! So, just hours before we were to have a family dinner celebration for Anna, I spent a lengthy bit of time reviewing with Sarah the value of a selfless heart, and the importance of celebrating each other in love. Of course, as always, I brought the conversation around to "what Jesus would do and what He wants you to do". Even as I wrote those words above, describing what I feel like I'm constanting doing, He reminding me that that is exactly what He is constantly doing with me. Ah... how the Lord uses those kids to see ourselves in the true light... I'm sure I "wear Him out" quite a bit as well. Thanks, Lord for your patience with me! Grant me the grace to show my kids the same level of patience as you do!
Monday, March 12, 2007
More than Survive
Hello, there, my five fabulous friends! I turned 42 yesterday! Wow! It's hard to fathom I am at the age I used to think was so old! Anyway, it's true. I am officially middle age, I suppose.
I was thinking about how I want to enjoy EACH day instead of always looking forward to A day (weekends, school being out, Good Friday, etc.). Each and every day has its unique and wonderful blessings -- and I really don't want to miss a single one! I pray that God will fill me with fresh wind and fresh fire this season -- so that I am overflowing with HIS love and HIS power! I am so weak and frail in my own strength.
Anyway, I am so thankful for each of you and I cherish you so dearly! Much love your way!
Marcelle
I was thinking about how I want to enjoy EACH day instead of always looking forward to A day (weekends, school being out, Good Friday, etc.). Each and every day has its unique and wonderful blessings -- and I really don't want to miss a single one! I pray that God will fill me with fresh wind and fresh fire this season -- so that I am overflowing with HIS love and HIS power! I am so weak and frail in my own strength.
Anyway, I am so thankful for each of you and I cherish you so dearly! Much love your way!
Marcelle
Get your autograph while you can...
One of my students came up to me today (in total seriousness, mind you) and asked for my autograph. He said that his mom told him that I wasn't coming back to teach next year because I had signed with a record company and was going to be traveling doing concerts next year! He said sense I was going to be famous he wanted my autograph. :) Wow! Hmmmmm! I wonder if she is wanting me gone or if it is prophetic or just a case of rumor gone awry? Kinda makes you wonder?!!?!?!
Angeler
Angeler
My Ear Rings
LOVE THEM!!!!! I wore them the whole time I was in LA. Thanks so much for the sweet gift! I will think of your sweet loving hearts everytime I wear them :)
Angeler
Angeler
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Dear sweet sista-friends, I want to thank you so much for the "shower" of love that you gave me on Friday. It was so wonderful to just hang and be with you. You all challenge me to be a better person everytime I am with you. Your love for me is both overwhelming and humbling. I am so thankful for friends like you!!!!! Vonda, it wasn't the same without you! You were greatly missed! I am praying that the Lord will cover you and your family. We are standing in the gap for you!
My trip to LA was wonderful!! Steve and I really enjoyed the time together going to the beach, to the Getty museum, hanging with the locals at the park in Beverly Hills, and blowing my diet completely! It was very refreshing. Brighton was SO precious! She is a great baby. Just between us...Elizabeth was a big challenge. I am SOOOOOOO glad Steve was there. Pray that the Lord heals my heart on a few matters before I see her next. I am really struggling.
Angeler
My trip to LA was wonderful!! Steve and I really enjoyed the time together going to the beach, to the Getty museum, hanging with the locals at the park in Beverly Hills, and blowing my diet completely! It was very refreshing. Brighton was SO precious! She is a great baby. Just between us...Elizabeth was a big challenge. I am SOOOOOOO glad Steve was there. Pray that the Lord heals my heart on a few matters before I see her next. I am really struggling.
Angeler
Sunday, March 11, 2007
LOVE and HUGS to the BIRTHDAY QUEEN!
ta da da da da da duh duh TODAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
ta da da da da da duh duh WE'RE GONNA HAVE A GOOD TIME! (later on when we celebrate)
Dear sister friend Marcelle, I celebrate beautiful YOU today and can't wait when we get together and have your special wing ding! Hope your day was glorious and the time away was refreshing and restful and tons of FUN !!
I LOVE YOU, MY FRIEND!! birthday hugs, cynthia
ta da da da da da duh duh WE'RE GONNA HAVE A GOOD TIME! (later on when we celebrate)
Dear sister friend Marcelle, I celebrate beautiful YOU today and can't wait when we get together and have your special wing ding! Hope your day was glorious and the time away was refreshing and restful and tons of FUN !!
I LOVE YOU, MY FRIEND!! birthday hugs, cynthia
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Manna for the Weekend....
Hello, my fabulous forever friends! How comforting to know I can ask you to pray for specific things and that you will cover me.
First of all, I want to say how very much I loved yesterday. Only wish you could have come, Vonda! My heart feels sort of back alive, if that makes sense. I am really learning this year just how much I need to be connected to my girlfriends. Too long out of touch makes me just downright grumpy and that is the truth! Our lunch was a beautiful gift and I am so thankful for it.
I would ask you all to please pray for me as I take my children to San Antonio. It is going to be a bit rough for me to go without Kent, quite honestly. I am not the best driver (as you know) and Kent always does all the driving. We wish he were going for way more reasons than that, though. Also, please just pray financially that God will stretch our dollars to cover everything. It is going to be very close. Sea World is EXPENSIVE! WOW! And, Ansley counts as an adult now (how can that be?) Anyway, God is so good and I trust him to care for us. Also, my VERY Catholic cousin and I have a really deep connection. Please pray that I can continue to show her what having a relationship with Christ looks like. She believes and is quite devout, but sort of misses the whole point, if you know what I mean.
That's it for now. Have to go finish laundry and start packing. I love you fabulous girls!
First of all, I want to say how very much I loved yesterday. Only wish you could have come, Vonda! My heart feels sort of back alive, if that makes sense. I am really learning this year just how much I need to be connected to my girlfriends. Too long out of touch makes me just downright grumpy and that is the truth! Our lunch was a beautiful gift and I am so thankful for it.
I would ask you all to please pray for me as I take my children to San Antonio. It is going to be a bit rough for me to go without Kent, quite honestly. I am not the best driver (as you know) and Kent always does all the driving. We wish he were going for way more reasons than that, though. Also, please just pray financially that God will stretch our dollars to cover everything. It is going to be very close. Sea World is EXPENSIVE! WOW! And, Ansley counts as an adult now (how can that be?) Anyway, God is so good and I trust him to care for us. Also, my VERY Catholic cousin and I have a really deep connection. Please pray that I can continue to show her what having a relationship with Christ looks like. She believes and is quite devout, but sort of misses the whole point, if you know what I mean.
That's it for now. Have to go finish laundry and start packing. I love you fabulous girls!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
A Tribute to Angeler
Hey Ang,
Knowing how much you love rain and all, I thought this would be a fun little poem for you and a minute of sweet reading for the others. I know you like the real thing (rain, that is), but this is a fun thought, or maybe even just a whimsical poem to read to Josh and Ethan. :)
It's Raining Pigs and Noodles
By Jack Prelutsky
It's raining pigs and noodles,
it's pouring frogs and hats,
chrysanthemums and poodles,
bananas, brooms, and cats.
Assorted prunes and parrots
are dropping from the sky,
here comes a bunch of carrots,
some hippopotami.
It's raining pens and pickles,
and eggs and silverware.
A flood of figs and nickels
is falling through the air.
I see a swan, a sweater,
a clock, a model train--
like this so much better
than when it's raining rain.
Amen.
Personally, I think it would be nice one day for it to rain DOVE chocolate :\
LoVe, c
Knowing how much you love rain and all, I thought this would be a fun little poem for you and a minute of sweet reading for the others. I know you like the real thing (rain, that is), but this is a fun thought, or maybe even just a whimsical poem to read to Josh and Ethan. :)
It's Raining Pigs and Noodles
By Jack Prelutsky
It's raining pigs and noodles,
it's pouring frogs and hats,
chrysanthemums and poodles,
bananas, brooms, and cats.
Assorted prunes and parrots
are dropping from the sky,
here comes a bunch of carrots,
some hippopotami.
It's raining pens and pickles,
and eggs and silverware.
A flood of figs and nickels
is falling through the air.
I see a swan, a sweater,
a clock, a model train--
like this so much better
than when it's raining rain.
Amen.
Personally, I think it would be nice one day for it to rain DOVE chocolate :\
LoVe, c
A bit discouraged....
Hey friends,
I'm feeling discouraged about FADC today. Right now we are lacking people in key positions, which is concerning. Kristy Day (who headed up costumes and organized all the details for the art team the last two years) has already said she can't help out this year and today Suzanne Cobb said she cannot be involved this year, so we have no snack coordinator. I just found out that the Rosemeade pool is not available for our "After Party" like we had hoped it would be. I have faith that God is totally capable of pulling this together, but it's just tough waiting to see how He's going to do it! I want to be open to what God is teaching me through these struggles, so pray for me, please? Pray that my passion for the camp and the lives of the campers will not be dampened by the challenges we are facing.
Speaking of facing challenges, A, M and C - I was talking with V this afternoon about the challenge of sickness in their family. She said they are feeling like what is going with them is spiritual oppression. I think (and I'm sure you'll agree) that their household needs and extra measure of prayer. After everyone returns from spring break (the week of the 19th), why don't we rally the troops and go pray through their entire house? Let me know what you think.
Well, it's time to get back to matters at hand - making sure showers are taken, french horn is practiced and prayers are said. I love you all,
KJ
I'm feeling discouraged about FADC today. Right now we are lacking people in key positions, which is concerning. Kristy Day (who headed up costumes and organized all the details for the art team the last two years) has already said she can't help out this year and today Suzanne Cobb said she cannot be involved this year, so we have no snack coordinator. I just found out that the Rosemeade pool is not available for our "After Party" like we had hoped it would be. I have faith that God is totally capable of pulling this together, but it's just tough waiting to see how He's going to do it! I want to be open to what God is teaching me through these struggles, so pray for me, please? Pray that my passion for the camp and the lives of the campers will not be dampened by the challenges we are facing.
Speaking of facing challenges, A, M and C - I was talking with V this afternoon about the challenge of sickness in their family. She said they are feeling like what is going with them is spiritual oppression. I think (and I'm sure you'll agree) that their household needs and extra measure of prayer. After everyone returns from spring break (the week of the 19th), why don't we rally the troops and go pray through their entire house? Let me know what you think.
Well, it's time to get back to matters at hand - making sure showers are taken, french horn is practiced and prayers are said. I love you all,
KJ
Our blog is here!
Hey beloveds! We now have our blog up and ready! So let's here what you have to say!
KJ
KJ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)