A long time ago I talked to Shalee via email and had a great time. I mentioned that we should swap phone numbers and actually talk on the phone. She thought that was a great idea and emailed me her number. I was pregnant with Jacob at the time and was getting preparing for life with three little boys. My intentions were good but I never made the call. Eventually I just got comfortable knowing I had the phone number but not actually taking the first step. It was ridiculous, I know!
So the other day I left a comment, like I always do and she replied to it. She is such a crack up and I love hearing her take on life. Anyway, I mentioned that I had wanted to call but always chickened out. I got an email back saying "Check your cell phone you big dummy!" I laughed so hard when I read that and then quickly checked my messages. She left one saying "Stace it's me Shalee, quit chickening out and call me you big dummy!" Then I couldn't stop laughing.
I picked up the phone and called her. She was so easy to talk to and asked about my family. We had a great time talking for about 20 minutes. It was wonderful to actually hear her voice! I'm so glad we finally made it a priority to chat. I know it won't be the last time! Thanks Shalee for making me step out and say hello :o)
Speaking of blogging friends, my friend Beth has been trying to blog for a while now. She always posts stuff and then gets frustrated and takes a break. Yesterday I went to her house to help her get it all set up and ready. So stop by and say hi to Beth when you get a chance!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
You. Will. Get. Wet.
This is a message I got on my Myspace page earlier this week. I knew exactly what they were talking about. Last night was Water Wars with out Jr. High and High School students at church. I originally thought that I might go but try not to get too wet. You know, I'm uncomfortable with the way I look and my hair gets really curly and the excuses kept coming. Eventually I realized that when you work with youth... you're going to get wet!
So I went with a great attitude and didn't even care when they broke water balloons on top of my head or down my pants. They thought I was awesome for joining in and I had a blast! It was a win, win situation.
So I went with a great attitude and didn't even care when they broke water balloons on top of my head or down my pants. They thought I was awesome for joining in and I had a blast! It was a win, win situation.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Unexpected blessings
On Thursday I was a little frustrated because Jacob had been running a fever for the last several days. I knew it wasn't getting better and he needed to be seen by the doctor. I wasn't upset that he had a fever, I was upset that he was sick again. He just had his tubes put in on the 5th and I dreaded hearing that he had an ear infection so soon after. They squeezed me in at 4 that day. Thank the Lord it wasn't his ears but his tonsils were huge and he needed antibiotics. Our doctor, who is a former neighbor, stood and talked with me for quite a while after the appointment. I kept thinking, "I need to get going, I still need to fill the prescription."
Little did I know that God had a plan. As I walked into the lobby I ran into an old friend, Tabby. I was in Kindergarten through 6th grade with this girl. We've seen each other a handful of times since. As we stood and talked about our lives we realized we had quite a bit in common. In fact, she has two little girls that are close in age to Josh and Jacob. I was able to invite her to church and she seemed very excited. I'm glad God put me there at that exact moment to reunite with an old friend and to possibly see Him work through her life.
Thank you Lord that your timing is perfect! If Jacob would have been well I might not have had the chance to show your love to an old friend.
Little did I know that God had a plan. As I walked into the lobby I ran into an old friend, Tabby. I was in Kindergarten through 6th grade with this girl. We've seen each other a handful of times since. As we stood and talked about our lives we realized we had quite a bit in common. In fact, she has two little girls that are close in age to Josh and Jacob. I was able to invite her to church and she seemed very excited. I'm glad God put me there at that exact moment to reunite with an old friend and to possibly see Him work through her life.
Thank you Lord that your timing is perfect! If Jacob would have been well I might not have had the chance to show your love to an old friend.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The backseat of life
A couple of weeks ago I was taking Seth somewhere as a surprise. As we drove he kept asking things like...
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"How long will it take?"
"Are we there yet?"
"Where are we going? Just tell me!"
It got me thinking about how many times I'm riding along in life with God and I'm bugging him about the plans He has for me. I know I question His plans and authority in my life. I say I completely trust Him for the things He is doing but I nag Him about what's next or when we'll get there.
Today I want to start fresh and not question Him. I want to hang on and enjoy the ride, knowing that eventually He will reveal the surprise for my life. I want to trust that there is a reason He's not telling me exactly what's around the corner!
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to give you hope and a bright future. Jeremiah 29:11.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"How long will it take?"
"Are we there yet?"
"Where are we going? Just tell me!"
It got me thinking about how many times I'm riding along in life with God and I'm bugging him about the plans He has for me. I know I question His plans and authority in my life. I say I completely trust Him for the things He is doing but I nag Him about what's next or when we'll get there.
Today I want to start fresh and not question Him. I want to hang on and enjoy the ride, knowing that eventually He will reveal the surprise for my life. I want to trust that there is a reason He's not telling me exactly what's around the corner!
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to give you hope and a bright future. Jeremiah 29:11.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GO Missions Trip 2008
Take a look at the pictures and see what a blast we had...
We just got back from the GO missions trip with our church. What an amazing 8 days we had. God was definitely there and we felt it each day. I'm blown away by the amount of talent these students have. The Lord has given them some wonderful gifts to use for Him. There were several times Jeff and I just sat back and watched them lead. We saw so many of them grow during the 10 weeks of training leading up to the trip but it's incredible the growth they actually have while on the trip.
We are so proud of each of them. Darius had to switch us to another team at the last minute and that was hard. However, we knew God had a plan in doing this and trusted Him to lead. It was weird not being with the team we had all through the 10 weeks of training but it worked out great. They were so excepting of us and were glad to have us as leaders. We kept teasing our old team that they were in our hearts and we missed them. I think it all worked out fine because we still got to hang out each day when we got back to the school.
I guess I should tell you a little bit about the trip itself... We took off around 7:30 on Saturday the 7th. The trip was going fine until the students decided we needed to stop every 1 or so to pee. By about the 4th stop Darius had had enough. We stopped and he had a talk with everyone and then we were back on the road with scheduled stops only. The first night we showed up and only had one room for all of us. Not the ideal set up when you have guys and girls but we made due. The following night another room opened up. The girls moved to the new room and left the gym to the guys.
Up in the girl's room we had lots of fun at night. We giggled, laughed, talked and even wrestled a couple of times. In the morning we all got back together and did a devotion. I had such a great time leading the devotions each morning. The first morning was tough because everyone wasn't sure about opening up but after that we had some really great conversations. I'm so glad Darius asked me to lead that. I'm already coming up with some great ideas to use next year!
Each evening we would eat breakfast, have quiet time, pray, go over what God did in our VBS for the day and then Darius would teach on something God had laid on his heart. During the time between "Holy Huddle" and "lights out" we had so much fun. We played basketball, boxed, blogged, made cards, play card games or just hung out. These students know how to have fun! One night the guys even put on a "glow stick show" for us girls.
It wasn't your typical camp food and I have to give a big thanks to Mark and Lynne! We had pot roast, baked ranch chicken, spaghetti, tacos and so much more. It was so yummy!
We just got back from the GO missions trip with our church. What an amazing 8 days we had. God was definitely there and we felt it each day. I'm blown away by the amount of talent these students have. The Lord has given them some wonderful gifts to use for Him. There were several times Jeff and I just sat back and watched them lead. We saw so many of them grow during the 10 weeks of training leading up to the trip but it's incredible the growth they actually have while on the trip.
We are so proud of each of them. Darius had to switch us to another team at the last minute and that was hard. However, we knew God had a plan in doing this and trusted Him to lead. It was weird not being with the team we had all through the 10 weeks of training but it worked out great. They were so excepting of us and were glad to have us as leaders. We kept teasing our old team that they were in our hearts and we missed them. I think it all worked out fine because we still got to hang out each day when we got back to the school.
I guess I should tell you a little bit about the trip itself... We took off around 7:30 on Saturday the 7th. The trip was going fine until the students decided we needed to stop every 1 or so to pee. By about the 4th stop Darius had had enough. We stopped and he had a talk with everyone and then we were back on the road with scheduled stops only. The first night we showed up and only had one room for all of us. Not the ideal set up when you have guys and girls but we made due. The following night another room opened up. The girls moved to the new room and left the gym to the guys.
Up in the girl's room we had lots of fun at night. We giggled, laughed, talked and even wrestled a couple of times. In the morning we all got back together and did a devotion. I had such a great time leading the devotions each morning. The first morning was tough because everyone wasn't sure about opening up but after that we had some really great conversations. I'm so glad Darius asked me to lead that. I'm already coming up with some great ideas to use next year!
Each evening we would eat breakfast, have quiet time, pray, go over what God did in our VBS for the day and then Darius would teach on something God had laid on his heart. During the time between "Holy Huddle" and "lights out" we had so much fun. We played basketball, boxed, blogged, made cards, play card games or just hung out. These students know how to have fun! One night the guys even put on a "glow stick show" for us girls.
It wasn't your typical camp food and I have to give a big thanks to Mark and Lynne! We had pot roast, baked ranch chicken, spaghetti, tacos and so much more. It was so yummy!
Friday, June 06, 2008
He's a winner in my book...
But it was confirmed again this school year. He was the first student to get a character award in his class. Then I got a call from the teacher letting us know that Josh would be getting the citizenship award at the end of the year school assembly. We were so proud of him! Especially because he's now won this award two years in a row!! Here are a couple pictures of him on the big day..
I had more pictures I wanted to post but they had the school name on them and I know that's not a smart idea. So you'll just have to use your imaginations :o)
A picture with Mrs. Lewis (what a wonderful teacher!)
At the front with other proud students
I had more pictures I wanted to post but they had the school name on them and I know that's not a smart idea. So you'll just have to use your imaginations :o)
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
He's done it again...
My wonderful husband has done it again. Check out this email I got from him this morning...
Here's a list of some things I love about you:
1. There's no one else like you.
2. You have a great sense of humor.
3. You have an incredible memory.
4. Your mad bargain hunting skills
5. You are very generous.
6. You take care of our home and kids
7. You are level-headed
8. You're usually right.
9. You're a great mother for our boys.
10. You are a great cook.
11. You try to look for the positive in most situations
12. You were there for me when my mom got sick
13. Serving with you at church / high school ministry
14. Your smile
15. How you slyly get me to rub your back
16. You chose me and no one else
Love you. Have a great day.
Isn't that just the sweetest thing a husband could do??
Here's a list of some things I love about you:
1. There's no one else like you.
2. You have a great sense of humor.
3. You have an incredible memory.
4. Your mad bargain hunting skills
5. You are very generous.
6. You take care of our home and kids
7. You are level-headed
8. You're usually right.
9. You're a great mother for our boys.
10. You are a great cook.
11. You try to look for the positive in most situations
12. You were there for me when my mom got sick
13. Serving with you at church / high school ministry
14. Your smile
15. How you slyly get me to rub your back
16. You chose me and no one else
Love you. Have a great day.
Isn't that just the sweetest thing a husband could do??
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