MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Deeper questions than normal~

2008-11-23T14:52:00.002-05:00

Okay so I know it has been an eternity since I have attempted to blog but I am going to give it a try again...
I have been asked a few questions from friends/coworkers lately that have really made me think. Please feel free to give me your opinion on these thoughts.

If you become a new creation when you become saved through Christ, then how come more often than not you never see a real difference for an extended amount of time in those who profess to be changed?

If we really believe that those who do not hear the word of God or the gift of salvation will spend eternity in Hell then how come we don't scream it from the mountaintops or at least try to tell everyone we meet. If we truly believe this fate is true as the Bible says it is then how can we allow our friends, coworkers, neighbors go without us telling them. If we truly believed shouldn't and wouldn't we be trying to tell everyone we meet and not make excuses like "I don't want to be pushy" or "I don't want to offend anyone?"

Another question that has been posed to me is, What about the people who dont have the Bible or have never had an opportunity to hear about Christ, do we really believe that they will go to Hell even though they were never given an opportunity to choose to believe in Christ or not. If so, is that fair? Another twist on this was posed also... What about the generations of Gentiles, did they all go to hell because they were not "the chosen ones" like the Jews?

ANy thoughts on these questions are welcomed!

Blogging

2008-06-30T14:57:00.003-04:00

It has been brought to my attention recently that I never blog anymore. I didn't realize how long it had been. My main reason for not blogging is that I don't know WHAT to blog about. I really don't want to bore anyone who might stumble upon my blog!

On a more exciting(at least to my family) note, My husband and I and our soon to be 1 year old are going on vacation! This is a way overdue vacation, Justin and I haven't been on vacation in 3 years! We are headed to Tampa and I couldn't be more excited. I am looking forward to seeing James' reaction to the beach, and I am looking forward to having some relaxing down time and simply hanging out with my family away from everyday distractions. Only 3 weeks away! We are trying to decide if we should go to Disney or one of the other parks. Is Baby J too young to enjoy anything? Should we wait until next year when we go with the whole family since Baby J will be a little older? Any advice?

HELP!

2008-05-12T09:38:00.002-04:00

So yesterday was my first mothers day and it was pretty awesome! My husband surprised me with an Ipod and I had the privilege of having Buffalos for lunch! It was incredible~ Mother's Day at Freedom was awesome as well. Everything went really well in Freedomkidz, thanks to all our awesome volunteers!

On another note, Justin and I are trying to sell our truck. So, if anyone knows anyone who might know someone that would be interested in buying a 2005 Toyota Tacoma regular cab 4x4 5 speed(all 4x4's are 5 speed on tacoma) please tell them to give me a call. It has 50,000 miles and is in perfect condition. NADA is 15,500 and we are asking our payoff of 12,995. Please someone help us sell this truck, it is imperative we sell it so that we can make some wonderful changes in our lives!

Gotta love Fridays!

2008-04-18T15:49:00.002-04:00

There is just a sense of accomplishment and relief that comes along with Fridays. Everyone at the office is happier on Friday morning and all day long, It's easier to wake up in the morning on Friday, and even if it's raining it doesn't matter because it's Friday! I am so glad today is Friday!

I am excited about some changes that are going to be coming to Freedomkidz. In the next few weeks there should be some awesome surprises headed to our Elementary kidz area. I am pumped, I just can't wait until those changes occur! More details to follow later.

Tonight is date night with my husband, and I am not sure what to do. I am so old! I/m trying to think of something different or at least a different restaurant than our usual. Any ideas????

2008-04-10T10:08:00.002-04:00

"In order for your business/ministry to thrive, you must educate yourself sufficiently so that as your ministry grows, the ministries foundation and structure can carry the additional weight."

I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else but that really hit home with me today. We as a staff have been challenged to learn from others in our area of ministry so that we can continue learning and being stretched beyond our Comfort Zone. I believe that this is key to being able to continue to grow without reaching a growth lid. Learning from others and being able to see past where your ministry is right now and see what it will look like at the next stage is key to having a successful ministry that will be able to sustain the growth.

I know it sounds pretty simple, but it really hit home to me today.

2008-04-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

I am getting really bad about keeping up with this blog~ This week has been a pretty normal week. I have stayed home at night a lot more this week which has been nice. I wish I could have gone to the Freedom Church ballgame but our little onw was asleep in bed at 7:30 and the game started at 9. I know I haven't been a great team mom lately, but at least I still sent the drinks and snacks! We are definitely planning on being there this Tuesday as long as nobody is sick! I am having a phone conversation with someone I never thought I would today. It is another Children's Director at a small church called Mosaic! I am very excited to learn from her~

Thanks to Freedomkidz volunteers

2008-03-31T09:57:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to quickly say thank you to all the freedomkidz volunteers. Yesterday required more time and hard work but as always everyone did awesome. Freedomkidz has the greatest volunteers in the world and I am so thankful for your desire and dedication! Y'all are all awesome!

Slacking off~

2008-03-19T14:24:00.002-04:00

So, its been several days since I last "blogged". Life has been pretty busy the last several days. I am so excited about the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday! Invite everyone even if they arent from Acworth. Then we have lots going on at Freedom the next morning. First time having two services, cool activities in Freedomkidz, and by the way its Easter! THen next Sunday we are having a party at church after the service!!!! Lots going on and lots to do in next few days but it is awesome and I feel so priviledged to be a part.

I just found out today when I came into work that I have Friday off for Good Friday! What a great surprise! It definitely is cool to work for a christian organization~

Lots of pregnant friends

2008-03-13T08:55:00.002-04:00

IT has been a great week so far. I have found out about 2 more friends that are pregnant this week! I am just waiting for the third, it seems that pregnancy always comes in threes. Who's next?????

I am so excited about the Easter Egg HUnt on Saturday! It is going to be so much fun! Lots going on at Freedom in next couple weeks!

Another Friday of Random Thoughts

2008-03-07T11:15:00.003-05:00

It is Friday again! This week has gone by a lot faster than last week! I am so excited about Sunday! I am not real excited however about the time change... I dont like losing an hour of sleep, especially not on a Saturday night and when the Duke/NC game doesn't come on until 9pm.

We have new volunteers in FreedomKidz and I am super pumped about that!
A lot going on in next few weeks at FrredomKidz and Freedom Church, its going to be a lot of awesome and fun times!

Anyone else ready for warmer spring climate???? I know I am!

As you can see I really don't have much to say today, so I am going to stop rambling!

BTW, Those of you who know what happens on Friday afternoons please pray for a no show again this week~

Have a great weekend!

Time Change

2008-03-04T15:13:00.002-05:00

I was told last night that the time is changing on Saturday night~ I am glad JR mentioned it or else I would have been an hour late on Sunday! I think I am going to call all FreedomKidz volunteers and remind them!

I was reminded today that it is necessary and very beneficial sometimes to stop and rejoice over how far we've come in our journey with Christ and also in ministry. It is easy, at least for me, to sometimes get discouraged or de-motivated when I am so focused on how far I have to go and overlook how far God has already brought me. Some might see this as arrogance or pride, but if done with the right heart and motivations how sweet it must be to Gods heart to hear our gratitude and excitement that He has brought us this far.

2 Samuel 7:18 - "Who am I, O Sovereign Lord... that you have brought me this far?"

Chow Baby

2008-03-03T15:41:00.002-05:00

Justin and I went out with some of his coworkers on Saturday night and we were introduced to an awesome restaurant. I know its not new but it is to us. We went to Chow Baby's on Howell Mill Road and it was incredible. If you have never been then you have to at least try it once. We waited an hour before they sat us and then spent another 30 minutes in line to get the food but it was definitely worth it. I can't wait to go back!

Yesterday was an awesome day for Freedom~ It is amazing what God is doing at Freedom Church. I am so privileged to be a part of it!

Friday thoughts

2008-02-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

It is Friday! I couldn't be more excited about that this week. It seems like it has been a reallllly long week to me.

I am excited about tomorrow! Nothing to do but hang out with my favorite little boy in the world and watch the Duke game!

Tomorrow night we are going out with some of Justin's coworkers. We are going for Japanese!!

Sunday is going to be awesome. I can't wait to see what the new updated toddler room is going to look like. Thanks to Devin and Joni we are updating and sprucing that room up a bit. Also the new curriculum is in for toddlers and elementary! Cant wait for Sunday!

Anyone else ready for the weekend?

2008-02-28T13:12:00.002-05:00

I know its close, but I am sooooo ready for Friday around 6 to be here. I am ready to relax. Does anyone else feel like winter has been extremely long this year?

I cant believe I havent said this yet!

2008-02-27T11:18:00.003-05:00

To all FreedomKidz Volunteers:
All of you are Awesome! I can honestly say that when I realized that I was not going to be able to be there this past Sunday, I had no fears. I was completely confident that all of you are such high capacity volunteers that you would have it all down and covered and you did. I have heard all positive remarks of how you all came together and you wouldnt have even known that anything was any different. Y'all are awesome! Thanks for picking up my slack this week. I will come up with something to show my appreciation. Thanks for all you do!

2008-02-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

It is 9 am and today has been a pretty good day so far. Today is the first day I dont feel like my head is in the clouds. I finally feel like things are getting back to normal. We are starting a new series in curriculum for Elementary and preschool and I think the kids are going to really enjoy these next series. During the brief seconds I was at Freedom on Sunday, little Bonnie was talking to me and she saw the case with the preschool curriculum and she kept telling me that she wanted to watch LIL K! She was upset that she had to wait until church started. That was so cool to see that the prechoolers are really enjoying their program as well. THanks Bonnie for the encouragement!

Its a new week!

2008-02-25T15:01:00.002-05:00

It is Monday morning and I have never been so glad for the past week to be over! It was the longest week ever~ IT started out great with Freedom Church, but quickly went sour. By monday night Justin and I were sick. Tuesday we were both home from work because of the sickness, but i started feeling better so I thought I was over it. Justin sick and home on Wednesday. Wednesday night, the cough started... by Thursday morning my whole entire body HURT. Once I finally managed to get out of bed, 4 minutes later... I blacked out and collapsed on the floor. Justins parents came and got the baby boy so he wouldn't get sick. BY Friday we were at the pediatrician and Baby J had an ear infection. The weekend was so sad we were all 3 sick. Everyone is on road to recovery now and I am so glad that week is over! The Flu is not fun, just in case you were wondering...

Random thoughts Today!

2008-02-20T13:04:00.003-05:00

We had dinner out with some friends last night, and we had a really good time. The only thing missing was Justin! He was at home sick(or playing Guitar Hero III!) We will have to do it again soon! We heard some really encouraging news today regarding our little man! I have to give God the credit for that, because it was above my expectations and requests. I am excited about Sunday! Duke plays Miami tonight! It is weird that during football season I would always pull for Miami against Duke and during Basketball season I will always pull for Duke against Miami! It feels weird when those games occur! But tonight, Lets Go Duke!

Freedom Kidz

2008-02-18T09:57:00.002-05:00

Yesterday at Freedomkidz went awesome! It went really smoothly and I think the children had a blast! One of the highlights of the morning was that the new printers for our checkin system WORKED! What can I say, God was at Freedom yesterday! There are some really cool things that are going to take place at Freedomkidz in upcoming weeks. Still working thru details and logistics but it will be a blast!

On a little side note, FreedomKidz has the most awesome, high-capacity, unselfish group of volunteers! All of them are such a blessing to Freedom, me, and to all the children in Freedomkidz. They serve so faithfully every week without complaining but rather with a joyful spirit. Thanks to all of you from me, Freedom Church, and all of the Freedomkidz children. What would we do without you!

Friday!

2008-02-15T08:53:00.003-05:00

I am so happy that today is Friday~ I am ready for the weekend. I am ready to simply play with my sweet little boy and get some housework done! You know you ar eold when you can't wait to just clean your house.... Its sad! I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day yesterday!

Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T10:42:00.002-05:00

Today is Valentines Day as you all know and I am so excited about dinner tonight! As I mentioned yesterday, we are going to Buffalos tonight and I am so excited about that! I know most every woman thinks I am absolutely crazy, but Buffalo's is honestly me absolute favorite restaurant! I know I am weird.. On top of going to my favorite restaurant, I get to go with my favorite men too, what could be better?!!

2008-02-13T11:54:00.002-05:00

One of the most refreshing things to me is to hang out with awesome friends. Justin, James and I hung out with ZAch and Jessi Brown and their boys last night and it was so much fun. We had great food, and we played games while watching The Biggest Loser and some of American Idol. Thanks Zach and Jessi for having us over, We had a blast!

Valentines Day is tomorrow! While most everyone is probably headed to some fancy expensive restaurant I have requested Buffalos! I know I am weird but I couldn't be any more excited. I love that place they have awesome wings and fries and I have been told their Fried Cheesecake is a must. We will be trying that Fried Cheesecake tomorrow! Am I a complete loser for wanting to go to Buffalos on Valentines?

Extreme Tiredness

2008-02-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

It is never a good sign when at 10:30 you have already fallen asleep at your desk! I am extremely tired today, I would really like to go home and go to sleep! That would be so awesome!

Let the teething begin....

2008-02-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

Our little man has been showing the signs of teethingness? for quite a few weeks now, but I think it is only a matter of days before he is officially no longer toothless. WHich that is very exciting and cute, but also means that the next few nights have a great potential to be VERY long! And also a few days of guzzling caffeine to stay awake at work! I wouldn't trade it for anything though, he is such a huge blessing!

Label Printers are from the Devil!

2008-01-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

I might change my mind in next couple days if I can get them to work but right now that statement is very true in my mind! I am hoping that we have fixed them but have to wait to see, should know by tomorrow night~
I don't really know who I informing of any of this stuff though because I really don't think anyone reads this, and I don't blame them! If anyone is reading these boring blogs please let me know!

Gym Membership

2008-01-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

I am officially joining a gym today. It is definitely long overdue and I am excited about it(for now atleast). I am going to try and go everyday at lunch. I feel bad for my coworkers after lunch time but that is really the only time I have to do it without taking any time away from my family. I hope this gives me more energy and helps me relieve stress.

Freedom Church is here, and I am so pumped about Sunday! I can't wait! Everyone needs to come check us out, it will change the way you think about church! Chek us out at Freedomlive.net.

Launch has happened!

2008-01-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

Freedom Church in Acworth, Ga. has officially launched! We had a great day yesterday. Lots of people showed up and we definitely had lots of children! It was awesome to see all the little ones and to have the opportunity to teach them about God. We had a Blast! I can't wait for next Sunday!

Faith is not decrease in risk...

2008-01-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

I think sometimes, we as Christians, assume that if we have "faith" then the risk of something bad happening decreases. I have come to realize that Faith is very risky, but in turn is worth the risk. No matter what the outcome, there are so many blessings that come with taking risks. Justin and I are walking by faith is certain areas of our life and although sometimes it is very scary, I wouldn't trade these moments for anything. I don't really know if that makes sense to anyone else but I needed to type that out. I am learning that no matter what things appear to be to me, that God sees the whole picture and has a perfect and divine plan for everything in my life. If I could only learn to not try and fix things myself....

Freedom Church launches in less than 2 days! WOW! Everyone needs to come check out Freedom Church in Acworth. THe website is www.freedomlive.net.

We have heat!

2008-01-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't you know that on the coldest weekend of the year in Atlanta area one of our furnaces decided to go on strike! Luckily we have two and the other one continued to work but the main level of our house was unbelievably cold! Walking downstairs about half way down you could definitely feel a huge drop in temp! The great news is that the furnace fixing guy came today and fixed it for us, we now have heat on both levels of the house!!!

2008-01-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to the weekend! I want to just hang out with my family this weekend. This week has been kinda crazy and I am ready to relax for a day. I just found out that I have a meeting to go to tomorrow that I really don't want to go to, but I am hoping and praying that it doesn't take place! We'll see. On a more exciting note... Freedom Kidz launches in 8 days! It's almost here and I am so pumped! Everyone needs to come check out Freedom Church. You can find more info at www.freedomlive.net!

Wonderful Day!

2008-01-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Today has been a GREAT day thus far! I was able to hang out with my child this morning and not have to rush off to work! We had some appointments this morning that couldn't have gone any better. PRAISE BE TO GOD! The only not so happy thing is Justin has to take the baby to the doctor to get his shots:( Poor thing~ I am anxious though to find out how much he actually weighs according to the "official" scale! He has to be like 50 pounds! Well maybe more like 15 but he is definitely getting heavy....

Random thoughts

2008-01-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

This is my first time ever 'blogging" so y'all bear with me! I really don't think I have anything all that interesting to say but I figured I could use it to clear my head if nothing else.

God is teaching me alot these days and I am extremely grateful. I have been told that life gets busier and busier the older you get, but I hope it doesn't get any busier than it already is! There is a lot going on, but it is all awesome stuff. I am so privileged to be a wife, mom, and Children's Director @ Freedom Church in Acworth, Ga. Check us out at www.freedomlive.net. I also have a great new job that allows me to have some flexibility to take care of family and personal obligations, and for that job I am extremely grateful to God for. Okay so back to what God is teaching me these days! I know it sounds simple, but I am learning to pray more specifically. By that I mean that I have realized that I sometimes just go thru the motions of prayer and not go deeper. I recently started praying more specifically and praying God's will but also voicing my desires and concerns. I used to feel like a selfish ungrateful person for doing that so I stopped. My prayers had become unemotional and almost scripted. Has anyone else ever been there? Maybe I am just strange! THere has been a significant difference since I started praying more specifically and also revealing my inner most thoughts and feelings. I know God knows what you want or desire, but I still think He wants us to come to Him and talk to HIm about it.

Something else God is showing me is that in order to grow as a believer and also as a leader, wife, mom, etc... I have to be willing to unlearn fears and know that my God is a God of miracles. I am reading an amazing book right now called "In A Pit With A Lion On A SNowy Day". It is one of the best books I have ever read. It definitely challenges you, or at least it should, to be a lion chaser instead of a scaredy cat. More on this to come...