Monday, December 01, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
my most favoritest time of day...
My most favorite time of day is usually right after dinner, when I've finished the dishes, cleaned up the kitchen and lit a candle. Usually the little kids are brushing their teeth and laying out their clothes for the next day. It just has this cool feeling to it...but today is different. My favorite time is right now! It's after school, after the rush of kids running toward my car so they don't have to sit in the "way back" (poor little Kelly always loses and has to sit in the back 'cause her back pack is as big as she is!) It's after the homework is done, hot chocolate is finished and dinner is in the oven. It's now, because I hear the laughter of the kids outside my front window building the first snowman of the season. It snowed today...the kind of snow that I remember as a kid. "It's great packing snow", I said casually to the carpool on the way home from our Monday run. That's all it took! I love Michigan first snowfalls. I detest Michigan last snow falls! The sound of kids laughing in the background and rosy cold cheeks makes a crazy day with scattered gloves and hats in the hallway seem all the more exceptional. God looked at this and saw that it was good! The whole Earth is filled with His glory. My whole house is filled with His fingerprints! (and the kids) Although having a perfectly manicured lawn, clean sliding glass windows and empty laundry baskets seems like an impossible thing... one day, I know I will look back and miss this!
When I was a child, I knew joy, pure joy. It was as easy as playing in the snow, building the coolest and most amazing forts with my big brother. We were unbeatable in snowball fights cause we stuck together. He always wanted me on his team. As I look back, I can see why... I WAS the coolest, I WAS the fastest, I COULD take a hard ball in the face and not go running into the house and tattle! ha! That was it! I see this relationship in my younger two kids. It's called loyalty. It's called unconditional love.
God calls us His beloved. I love that. He says to delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Me; trust in Me and I will do this: I will make your righteousness shine like the dawn (sunshine glimmering and sparkling off the freshly fallen snow), the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. All who will see you will acknowledge that you are My very own child in whom I have richly blessed. He is my Heavenly Father, my compassion and the God of all comfort when I feel very alone. He turns mourning into gladness and replaces my sorrow for joy. All of this, He will do because He delights in being gracious to me. He is my comfort. He is my Father. He is my God. I am HIS child.
So...this is my favoritest time of day... when my thoughts turn to childhood memories and youthful longings.
My most favorite time of day is usually right after dinner, when I've finished the dishes, cleaned up the kitchen and lit a candle. Usually the little kids are brushing their teeth and laying out their clothes for the next day. It just has this cool feeling to it...but today is different. My favorite time is right now! It's after school, after the rush of kids running toward my car so they don't have to sit in the "way back" (poor little Kelly always loses and has to sit in the back 'cause her back pack is as big as she is!) It's after the homework is done, hot chocolate is finished and dinner is in the oven. It's now, because I hear the laughter of the kids outside my front window building the first snowman of the season. It snowed today...the kind of snow that I remember as a kid. "It's great packing snow", I said casually to the carpool on the way home from our Monday run. That's all it took! I love Michigan first snowfalls. I detest Michigan last snow falls! The sound of kids laughing in the background and rosy cold cheeks makes a crazy day with scattered gloves and hats in the hallway seem all the more exceptional. God looked at this and saw that it was good! The whole Earth is filled with His glory. My whole house is filled with His fingerprints! (and the kids) Although having a perfectly manicured lawn, clean sliding glass windows and empty laundry baskets seems like an impossible thing... one day, I know I will look back and miss this!
When I was a child, I knew joy, pure joy. It was as easy as playing in the snow, building the coolest and most amazing forts with my big brother. We were unbeatable in snowball fights cause we stuck together. He always wanted me on his team. As I look back, I can see why... I WAS the coolest, I WAS the fastest, I COULD take a hard ball in the face and not go running into the house and tattle! ha! That was it! I see this relationship in my younger two kids. It's called loyalty. It's called unconditional love.
God calls us His beloved. I love that. He says to delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Me; trust in Me and I will do this: I will make your righteousness shine like the dawn (sunshine glimmering and sparkling off the freshly fallen snow), the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. All who will see you will acknowledge that you are My very own child in whom I have richly blessed. He is my Heavenly Father, my compassion and the God of all comfort when I feel very alone. He turns mourning into gladness and replaces my sorrow for joy. All of this, He will do because He delights in being gracious to me. He is my comfort. He is my Father. He is my God. I am HIS child.
So...this is my favoritest time of day... when my thoughts turn to childhood memories and youthful longings.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Where do I begin? Change happens! It really does! There are seasons in Michigan. Right now, things are just beginning to change. In the evenings, we experience the cool night air and enjoy less mosquitoes. We can sit by the bonfire and reminisce of days gone by...when life was simpler and and days were longer.
I have decided that, I can either sit still and wish things were the way they used to be...or I can look forward to what God has in store to teach me through these long tough days. I wake up each morning with my feet hitting the ground running and don't stop until I fall in bed at night. I don't need to waste the few moments I have of free time dwelling on the past, spending time being angry or frustrated with the circumstances I am place in. No, I SHOULD spend time praising Jesus.
So here is my Praising Jesus moment!
I praise YOU for the people in my life who bring more pain than joy. I believe our paths have crossed for important reasons. Thanks God for the good things You want to do in my through the things that bother me. I'm very grateful that You are with me, to meet my needs when others- even those close to me- fail to do so. I'm also glad that You are within me to make me more like Jesus...more gentle, more loving,more kind...through the very things that I dislike...like change! Thanks that I don't need to fret about the future. Thanks! that I can embrace people and whatever the future holds...with no apologies! With Your grace, I can wipe the slate clean of any grievances, frustrations, loneliness andview Your people with a loving heart! I want to delight in You, Jesus. I want to rest in You as You unfold Your purposes...in Your time! May this season of my life be one of maturity and growth, and may I look back on it as one I will never forget that I truly felt the presence of the living God with me!
Seasons... they come and go... like the ebb and flow of the rivers here in Michigan and the leaves that turn red... then orange... then yellow...then brown...falling blissfully to the ground. Not a sad moment, but a joyful one, as I see my kids raking them up into huge jumping piles! woohoo! it's all in how you look at it, don't ya think?
Seasons...they come and they go... they ebb and flow...
I have decided that, I can either sit still and wish things were the way they used to be...or I can look forward to what God has in store to teach me through these long tough days. I wake up each morning with my feet hitting the ground running and don't stop until I fall in bed at night. I don't need to waste the few moments I have of free time dwelling on the past, spending time being angry or frustrated with the circumstances I am place in. No, I SHOULD spend time praising Jesus.
So here is my Praising Jesus moment!
I praise YOU for the people in my life who bring more pain than joy. I believe our paths have crossed for important reasons. Thanks God for the good things You want to do in my through the things that bother me. I'm very grateful that You are with me, to meet my needs when others- even those close to me- fail to do so. I'm also glad that You are within me to make me more like Jesus...more gentle, more loving,more kind...through the very things that I dislike...like change! Thanks that I don't need to fret about the future. Thanks! that I can embrace people and whatever the future holds...with no apologies! With Your grace, I can wipe the slate clean of any grievances, frustrations, loneliness andview Your people with a loving heart! I want to delight in You, Jesus. I want to rest in You as You unfold Your purposes...in Your time! May this season of my life be one of maturity and growth, and may I look back on it as one I will never forget that I truly felt the presence of the living God with me!
Seasons... they come and go... like the ebb and flow of the rivers here in Michigan and the leaves that turn red... then orange... then yellow...then brown...falling blissfully to the ground. Not a sad moment, but a joyful one, as I see my kids raking them up into huge jumping piles! woohoo! it's all in how you look at it, don't ya think?
Seasons...they come and they go... they ebb and flow...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
thoughts for today?
things are 'a changin' and I can't do anything about it! Althought I am extrememly happy for my friend Chris to leave and begin his pastoral leadership elswhere...it is still sad for me to see he and his family leave. They have been part of our staff and encouraged great positive change here at WCC. tahsnk for all the swath of paperwork and creativeness that you have given us and most of all your organizational skills and fun! you will be missed!
With the thought of missing...
I miss my little girl! We dropped Kaili off at Grace college in Indiana last weekend and with a bitter sweet goodbye...we made our way home back to Michigan. We are so happy for her. She is in a great place...a great fit for a girl with a great huge heart, big smile and free spirit! Pleas pray as I deal with the transition of my oldest growing up and leaving our little nest. It's just not the same "feel" at home without her and I miss my friend! Pray for God's richest blessing on the direction of her life! her major is undeclared for thos of you who have asked.
This week!
another combined service at 11am
things are 'a changin' and I can't do anything about it! Althought I am extrememly happy for my friend Chris to leave and begin his pastoral leadership elswhere...it is still sad for me to see he and his family leave. They have been part of our staff and encouraged great positive change here at WCC. tahsnk for all the swath of paperwork and creativeness that you have given us and most of all your organizational skills and fun! you will be missed!
With the thought of missing...
I miss my little girl! We dropped Kaili off at Grace college in Indiana last weekend and with a bitter sweet goodbye...we made our way home back to Michigan. We are so happy for her. She is in a great place...a great fit for a girl with a great huge heart, big smile and free spirit! Pleas pray as I deal with the transition of my oldest growing up and leaving our little nest. It's just not the same "feel" at home without her and I miss my friend! Pray for God's richest blessing on the direction of her life! her major is undeclared for thos of you who have asked.
This week!
another combined service at 11am
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I will survive!
Next Saturday my littled girl leaves for college! In one sense...I know she is ready...in another...I think: "Oh my goodness, is she ready for this?" My answer always comes back to: ABSOLUTELY! We have been parents and prepared her to do the basics like study well, laundry, cleaning up after yourself and getting along with others, and most of all, love Jesus with all your heart. The rest is up to her...and most of all God, her heavenly Father. So, I guess it really is true, everything you learn in kindergarden is totally applicable to you as an adult! hmmmm...If you think about it...pray for this pathetic mommy! as we take her next weekend, which is chalked full of activities for both parents and kids. Should be interesting.
Posted by MJ Johns at 11:48 AM 0 comments
Next Saturday my littled girl leaves for college! In one sense...I know she is ready...in another...I think: "Oh my goodness, is she ready for this?" My answer always comes back to: ABSOLUTELY! We have been parents and prepared her to do the basics like study well, laundry, cleaning up after yourself and getting along with others, and most of all, love Jesus with all your heart. The rest is up to her...and most of all God, her heavenly Father. So, I guess it really is true, everything you learn in kindergarden is totally applicable to you as an adult! hmmmm...If you think about it...pray for this pathetic mommy! as we take her next weekend, which is chalked full of activities for both parents and kids. Should be interesting.
Posted by MJ Johns at 11:48 AM 0 comments
21 August 2008
The full process to term...
I have a full appreciation for why Jesus chose the metaphore of birth to illustrate salvation. I like to think that He understood how hard and long that difficult process can be. Any woman who has carried a child understands that giving birth is far more than the actual finish line, when the doctor hands over to you a precious little bundle (in Kaili's case, not so little...ouch 9lbs 3oz!!!) That moment, as staggering as it may be, is the ultimate culmination of 9 months of important events. It's the thrill of hearing the first heart beat, the ultra sound, the nausea, the feeling of that first kick in the ribs, crazy hormones, and the list goes on... It is also the thrill and joy of anticipation. But most of all, the complete surrender of SELF! It is the most agaonizing and unspeakably amazing sense of JOY!
I feel, that the way we really come to Jesus is much the same...it is to experience the full process to term...morning sickness, swollen ankles and all. Complete loss of SELF in order to gain unspeakable JOY! This Christian walk is a bit of a messy thrill isn't it?
Posted by MJ Johns at 1:54 PM 0 comments
Labels: my randomness
The full process to term...
I have a full appreciation for why Jesus chose the metaphore of birth to illustrate salvation. I like to think that He understood how hard and long that difficult process can be. Any woman who has carried a child understands that giving birth is far more than the actual finish line, when the doctor hands over to you a precious little bundle (in Kaili's case, not so little...ouch 9lbs 3oz!!!) That moment, as staggering as it may be, is the ultimate culmination of 9 months of important events. It's the thrill of hearing the first heart beat, the ultra sound, the nausea, the feeling of that first kick in the ribs, crazy hormones, and the list goes on... It is also the thrill and joy of anticipation. But most of all, the complete surrender of SELF! It is the most agaonizing and unspeakably amazing sense of JOY!
I feel, that the way we really come to Jesus is much the same...it is to experience the full process to term...morning sickness, swollen ankles and all. Complete loss of SELF in order to gain unspeakable JOY! This Christian walk is a bit of a messy thrill isn't it?
Posted by MJ Johns at 1:54 PM 0 comments
Labels: my randomness
A grace note: It is my desire, as a leader in the creative arts to accomplish two things. I know that sounds really mindless and simple. What can I say? I'm a simple person. I feel it is my very calling to lead our artists in creating meaningful moments in church and to spark the desire for our band, musicians and vocalists to become more like Jesus. Providing leadership for these guys isn't just about what takes place up on the stage in front of everyone in our services. It's about what goes on in the hearts and lives of the artists themselves. This is a huge challenge for me to slow down, take the time to listen to their stories and spend the time with them in prayer. It is so big! It is essential to the breath and life of us!
Posted by MJ Johns at 10:55 AM 0 comments
Posted by MJ Johns at 10:55 AM 0 comments
Practical Skills for Vocalists
Practical Skills for Vocalists
From one vocalist to another...
I'll never forget the time I was supposed to lead worship and do some solos for a conference. That particular day I woke up and had no voice. I had been fighting it all week and my worst nightmare happened...NOTHING. It was a very scary experience that I don't want to repeat. Let's face it! We live in MI where cold weather and flu run rampant. Here are a few tips from one vocalist to another:
1. Stay generally healthy. That's right! (enough sleep, good diet and adequate exercise will help you sing better)
2. Warm up before you sing. Give yourself about 10 mins.
3. practice. Sing every day in order to build endurance.
4. If it hurts...stop! Don't continue to sing if you feel muscular pain. Don't use cough drops, they numb your throat to pain. Get help.
5. Get a microphone. Don't ever attempt to sing over instruments. Turn the amp up loud enough so that you can hear yourself and don't over sing.
6. Don't sing harmony at the expense of melody. Sometimes we have really cool tight harmonies...but the melody gets lost and the congregation can't pick it up.
7. Lead with your whole self. First of all, the vocalist is the worshiper and you need to do what is comfortable worship for you. Closing your eyes for an extended period of time will make the congregation feel disconnected to you. Ever try having a conversation with someone who's eyes are closed? The key is to reflect in yourself- your voice, body, face- what you are singing. Think about what you are singing and gently reflect what the words mean to you without performing.
8. Do your best.
Your voice box sits right in the middle of many important human functions like breathing, eating communicating. It is intricate and complex. The voice is the primary equipment that God gave to us to externalize what is going on inside. We need to invite God to work inside! This goes for me too! Just some things I have been processing this week, as I fight a head cold.
Practical Skills for Vocalists
From one vocalist to another...
I'll never forget the time I was supposed to lead worship and do some solos for a conference. That particular day I woke up and had no voice. I had been fighting it all week and my worst nightmare happened...NOTHING. It was a very scary experience that I don't want to repeat. Let's face it! We live in MI where cold weather and flu run rampant. Here are a few tips from one vocalist to another:
1. Stay generally healthy. That's right! (enough sleep, good diet and adequate exercise will help you sing better)
2. Warm up before you sing. Give yourself about 10 mins.
3. practice. Sing every day in order to build endurance.
4. If it hurts...stop! Don't continue to sing if you feel muscular pain. Don't use cough drops, they numb your throat to pain. Get help.
5. Get a microphone. Don't ever attempt to sing over instruments. Turn the amp up loud enough so that you can hear yourself and don't over sing.
6. Don't sing harmony at the expense of melody. Sometimes we have really cool tight harmonies...but the melody gets lost and the congregation can't pick it up.
7. Lead with your whole self. First of all, the vocalist is the worshiper and you need to do what is comfortable worship for you. Closing your eyes for an extended period of time will make the congregation feel disconnected to you. Ever try having a conversation with someone who's eyes are closed? The key is to reflect in yourself- your voice, body, face- what you are singing. Think about what you are singing and gently reflect what the words mean to you without performing.
8. Do your best.
Your voice box sits right in the middle of many important human functions like breathing, eating communicating. It is intricate and complex. The voice is the primary equipment that God gave to us to externalize what is going on inside. We need to invite God to work inside! This goes for me too! Just some things I have been processing this week, as I fight a head cold.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
My committment is to pray every day for the next month:
"Lord give me Your thoughts and Your wisdom.
Norm McClellan prayed this last Sunday when he spoke. It really struck me as a simple, but earnest prayer. I'm feeling a bit out of control both spiritually and physically. Vacation seems to allow for this...
Anyone else feeling this way?
"Lord give me Your thoughts and Your wisdom.
Norm McClellan prayed this last Sunday when he spoke. It really struck me as a simple, but earnest prayer. I'm feeling a bit out of control both spiritually and physically. Vacation seems to allow for this...
Anyone else feeling this way?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
"Exhaustified"
Sleep deprived...
Please pray for Little Logan. His asthma has been acting up big time this week and frankly...he is "exhaustified" as he put it. He is such a trooper and I'm beginning to think that he is as strong as on ox. I think it's in the genes. ya know? Sometimes, I learn so much from my kids on what it means to be patient and kind. He has been struggling with this stupid thing since he was 8 months old. he just deals with it as it comes. many times when I face a challenge...that is noteworthy of my lack of sleep...I don't handle it nearly as well as my little 9 year old. I complain and whine as if the world is coming to an end. I wrestle with God's wisdom in creating me the way that I am and I am less than grateful for each new day. During Kaili's graduation season...because that is exactly what it is: a season. I miss my parents so much! I long for the day when i will see them again and wish that they could see what a cool grand daughter they have! My dad was in Heaven long before most of his grand kids came along. I think he might have been proud?! I hope so. anyway...speaking of struggling...my dad wrestled with a debilitating illness for most of his adult life! HE was a trooper and a giant man of FAITH. Who am I to whine about a few "issues" when there are others who stand up in the face of adversity and call God Blessed! Being a little "exhaustified" is nuttin'!!!
Phil 1:20-21 says:
"For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, abd that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or die. For me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better." (a couple of daddy's life verses)
Sleep deprived...
Please pray for Little Logan. His asthma has been acting up big time this week and frankly...he is "exhaustified" as he put it. He is such a trooper and I'm beginning to think that he is as strong as on ox. I think it's in the genes. ya know? Sometimes, I learn so much from my kids on what it means to be patient and kind. He has been struggling with this stupid thing since he was 8 months old. he just deals with it as it comes. many times when I face a challenge...that is noteworthy of my lack of sleep...I don't handle it nearly as well as my little 9 year old. I complain and whine as if the world is coming to an end. I wrestle with God's wisdom in creating me the way that I am and I am less than grateful for each new day. During Kaili's graduation season...because that is exactly what it is: a season. I miss my parents so much! I long for the day when i will see them again and wish that they could see what a cool grand daughter they have! My dad was in Heaven long before most of his grand kids came along. I think he might have been proud?! I hope so. anyway...speaking of struggling...my dad wrestled with a debilitating illness for most of his adult life! HE was a trooper and a giant man of FAITH. Who am I to whine about a few "issues" when there are others who stand up in the face of adversity and call God Blessed! Being a little "exhaustified" is nuttin'!!!
Phil 1:20-21 says:
"For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, abd that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or die. For me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better." (a couple of daddy's life verses)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Mother's Day...
A wonderful day to be remembered for the every day tasks that we do...without any accolades. My kids are pretty good about saying thanks when I bake brownies, cookies, apple cherry pies, chicken pasta dishes or, their fave: tacos and chocolate chip pancakes. But do they remember to say thanks for the prayers that go up every day on their behalf? The times in the late night hours, when I have to give them back to Jesus, because they are causing me to lose sleep. I worry...yep, I do. Not that often, do they even KNOW that they are so close to my heart, I can feel what they are feeling and have been there? often times, I want to rescue them from the pain they are going through. But can we as parents do that? Nope...we can only sit back and watch...praying that God will use these moments to be mile markers of growth maturity and most of all Godly character!
On another note: Would it hurt for you to hang up your wet towels and put you're dirty clothes in the hamper? Aww...the art of mothering! My mind gently rushes back to a day, 12 years ago, when my mom was still alive and I was greatly pregnant with my precious little Victoria. Oh how I wanted a little girl! iwas soooo excited. I remember sitting at the piano at church, playing for the hymn...back then, that's what we sang every Sunday. My stomach went completely hard and I felt like I was going to faint from the horrific pain shooting through me. Oh my goodness, I barely made it home. Contractions...all day, and then they stopped long enough for me to get a good night's sleep. (She's still thoughtful like that.) It was mother's day. I spent the whole day gladly cleaning and ironing andything that wasn't nailed down as to prepare for her arrival. The contractions were intense! Sure enough, Monday afternoon..my little one arrived in all her glory. I will never forget her sweet cry of discomfort when she came. They layed her on my chest and I spoke gently to her. She stopped crying and lifted her wet little blonde, curly head up to my face. It was the most wonderful experience in my entire life. All the pain, past and present cannot even hold a candle to that moment of motherhood.
When I feel overwhelmed, I sometimes think back to that precious moment, trying desperately to remember that "feeling" again. But, life is NOT about feeling...it's about living and dancing the dance. Praise God for the children He has given to us. They keep us humble, young and ancient all at the same time. So, I guess all these life expereinces help us ALL to grow up. Mother's Day...
Every day is Mother's day! That's what my mom used to say. she raised seven kids that were, I'm sure, hardly ever thankful for her sacrifices. I'm sure heaven is awsome, but I really do miss my mom!
PS: Happy Birthday Beanies!
A wonderful day to be remembered for the every day tasks that we do...without any accolades. My kids are pretty good about saying thanks when I bake brownies, cookies, apple cherry pies, chicken pasta dishes or, their fave: tacos and chocolate chip pancakes. But do they remember to say thanks for the prayers that go up every day on their behalf? The times in the late night hours, when I have to give them back to Jesus, because they are causing me to lose sleep. I worry...yep, I do. Not that often, do they even KNOW that they are so close to my heart, I can feel what they are feeling and have been there? often times, I want to rescue them from the pain they are going through. But can we as parents do that? Nope...we can only sit back and watch...praying that God will use these moments to be mile markers of growth maturity and most of all Godly character!
On another note: Would it hurt for you to hang up your wet towels and put you're dirty clothes in the hamper? Aww...the art of mothering! My mind gently rushes back to a day, 12 years ago, when my mom was still alive and I was greatly pregnant with my precious little Victoria. Oh how I wanted a little girl! iwas soooo excited. I remember sitting at the piano at church, playing for the hymn...back then, that's what we sang every Sunday. My stomach went completely hard and I felt like I was going to faint from the horrific pain shooting through me. Oh my goodness, I barely made it home. Contractions...all day, and then they stopped long enough for me to get a good night's sleep. (She's still thoughtful like that.) It was mother's day. I spent the whole day gladly cleaning and ironing andything that wasn't nailed down as to prepare for her arrival. The contractions were intense! Sure enough, Monday afternoon..my little one arrived in all her glory. I will never forget her sweet cry of discomfort when she came. They layed her on my chest and I spoke gently to her. She stopped crying and lifted her wet little blonde, curly head up to my face. It was the most wonderful experience in my entire life. All the pain, past and present cannot even hold a candle to that moment of motherhood.
When I feel overwhelmed, I sometimes think back to that precious moment, trying desperately to remember that "feeling" again. But, life is NOT about feeling...it's about living and dancing the dance. Praise God for the children He has given to us. They keep us humble, young and ancient all at the same time. So, I guess all these life expereinces help us ALL to grow up. Mother's Day...
Every day is Mother's day! That's what my mom used to say. she raised seven kids that were, I'm sure, hardly ever thankful for her sacrifices. I'm sure heaven is awsome, but I really do miss my mom!
PS: Happy Birthday Beanies!
"Once Upon A Mattress"
Kaili is having a blast playing the princess in the production at OCS. She has several scenes where she sings, dives off the back of the stage into the "mote" and lifts heavy objects in a single bound! What a fun time of playing a character...not that far removed from her goofy self! The kids are all doing a fabulous job. In fact, all the performances have been sold out and they added an additional performance on Thursday May 08 at 7pm. Congratulations!
Happy 18th Birthday Mazie Moo! on Friday! More to come next week, on what her present was... woohoo! She's gonna love it!!!
Kaili is having a blast playing the princess in the production at OCS. She has several scenes where she sings, dives off the back of the stage into the "mote" and lifts heavy objects in a single bound! What a fun time of playing a character...not that far removed from her goofy self! The kids are all doing a fabulous job. In fact, all the performances have been sold out and they added an additional performance on Thursday May 08 at 7pm. Congratulations!
Happy 18th Birthday Mazie Moo! on Friday! More to come next week, on what her present was... woohoo! She's gonna love it!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
BLESSINGS...???
The following verses were passed on to me by a friend of mine (Pastor Chris) after a particularily rough day in the ministry. When I say rough...I mean...taxing emotionally! God never said He would give us easy days...like the ones we had on Marco Island last week. Those days are just little blasts of pleasure and I call them: BLESSINGS! The rest is just plain LIFE! Just keep dancing MJ! Just keep dancing!!
Lam 3
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
The following verses were passed on to me by a friend of mine (Pastor Chris) after a particularily rough day in the ministry. When I say rough...I mean...taxing emotionally! God never said He would give us easy days...like the ones we had on Marco Island last week. Those days are just little blasts of pleasure and I call them: BLESSINGS! The rest is just plain LIFE! Just keep dancing MJ! Just keep dancing!!
Lam 3
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Kudos to Kaili and Cam for getting a Superior Rating at State Solo and Ensemble competition in the following areas:
Kaili: both solo and flute duet
Cameron: both solo and trumpet quartet
Thanks guys! You gave up a long day to compete and did an awesome job! I am so proud of the fine musicians you both are. Not to mention...very entertaining during the times in between your solos. haha
Kaili: both solo and flute duet
Cameron: both solo and trumpet quartet
Thanks guys! You gave up a long day to compete and did an awesome job! I am so proud of the fine musicians you both are. Not to mention...very entertaining during the times in between your solos. haha
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Busy week this week...
Getting ready for Easter Specials & stuff as well as planning OCS chapel stuff. We are excitied to play at a local Christian High School for their Middle school and High School chapel times. Lindsay will be telling her life story and struggle with anorexia followed by some cool tunes and scripture with moving backgrounds. We are pumped to share Jesus with these kids. Hopefully someone will be moved to take a stepfurther in their walk with Him...or maybe listen and really experience Him for the first time! Please pray that God will use us as He wants and that we would be empty vessels to serve and let Him be heard... Not us.
The theme for the day seems to be: "...Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you...let Him take your struggles and burdens because His yoke is light. he wants to be a part of our emotional struggle andphysical struggle as well as our identity. It's all so huge right now for these students. please pray!!!
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