tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74915581203445637132011-12-29T21:34:47.560-06:00Basking in the love of a very, sweet God!SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.comBlogger701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-45075576735456278292011-12-27T15:18:00.006-06:002011-12-27T22:08:00.837-06:00

MYSTERY.                The gaze of the Father on His infant child.                                 Seeing all that she would one day be.                                                 Fall that needs redemption.  Knowing that in her mind she would be a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.  Yet, He gazes on her with  LOVE and declares that she 

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-83379880419700477462011-11-16T04:00:00.002-06:002011-11-16T07:57:33.853-06:00

Two little boys talked endlessly in the backseat tonight as Mom and I sat quietly eavesdropping in the front.  They talked about teachers -- the ones they really like, and the one that wastes half the classtime giving instructions so that you hardly get to do the fun stuff.  They talked about the book Mom just bought for them at the store.  You'll probably get it first because you read faster.

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-44452344501788209082011-11-15T14:57:00.002-06:002011-11-15T14:59:07.649-06:00

I saw a vision of my problems.  They were so small that all of them could fit in the palm of my left hand.  How can this be?  I thought they were huge. Then I saw that the problems only seem large when I shrink.  When I focus in so closely on miniscule issues,  I become a wee speck of a person standing next to slightly, bigger wee specks.  When I zoom out and stand tall as the woman God

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-72902503234990135382011-11-04T12:11:00.006-05:002011-12-27T22:20:22.765-06:00

I'm preaching on Daniel next week.  The miracles, visions, and triumphs in his life were beyond any that I've ever heard about in this lifetime.   His commitment to God and his personal character were equally amazing.  He lived through hell, but he held tight to God and he refused to let go of honor and integrity.  I imagine that Psalm 23 was one of his personal favorites.  And, man, did God

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-24266517644893829932011-10-17T22:23:00.000-05:002011-10-17T22:23:22.988-05:00

Zoey Elaine Everything she does is wonderful... Sleeping Coo-ing Yawning *sigh*

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-74229189530275801862011-09-28T22:42:00.002-05:002011-09-28T22:47:55.435-05:00

Tonight was week 2 of Awana / Soul City.  When 5:45 hit, I experienced the brief calm before the storm.  In fifteen minutes it would be "go" time.  Because most of our leaders arrive just seconds before the kids, they never experience that luxurious fifteen minutes of silence when every public space in NewDay has been transformed from the quaint Sunday morning worship center into a child's bouncy

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-10674086403608312762011-09-10T23:55:00.007-05:002011-09-11T00:37:55.673-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was reading through Romans 16.  Usually it sounds like this as I read Romans 16, "Yadda, yadda, yadda.  Blah.  Blah.  Blah."  Don't judge me.  I know I can't be the only one who skips over all the greetings.  After all, I have no idea who these people are, and for many of them, this little blip is the only time they are mentioned in the Bible.  This time as I

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-72847597266148496962011-09-01T23:08:00.014-05:002011-09-01T23:44:23.291-05:00

An inch deep and a mile wide. I grew up near the Platte River in Nebraska.  It's a wide, shallow river.  My family and I would head to the Platte to cool off on hot, muggy summer days. Even at six years old, I could wander from one side of the Platte to the other.  It seemed like it was a mile wide.  There were pockets of depth, but I didn't worry about it.  If I slipped off the edge of

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-17503121170324549452011-03-15T23:01:00.004-05:002011-03-15T23:03:33.640-05:00

What difference does it make? In a week… In a year. Will it matter, and if it does, What does it mean for us? Is this a dream for the future? Is it a matter of forgiveness? Is it public? Is it private? Or is it just a little whisper? Before I take another step forward, Let me ask it once again, What difference does it make?

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-74016826811356703072011-02-24T23:08:00.006-06:002011-02-24T23:51:25.671-06:00

I woke up early on Tuesday morning & started thanking God for all He did at the women’s retreat. I decided that I needed to write things down so I could remember… You know, like Deuteronomy 4:9 says “…Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” In no

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-18187716435445880662010-12-07T23:45:00.002-06:002010-12-07T23:45:00.476-06:00

Thanksgiving morning, I sat down with my journal to thank God for all the cool things He's given me. My thoughts were a bit random at first, but I soon began to write little notes to each of my kids. I've got some pretty awesome kids! Thanks, God! Part 3 of 3                                                                             ROB I listen to the songs you compose, but not just songs,

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-70579974328728048402010-12-06T23:27:00.002-06:002010-12-06T23:31:05.878-06:00

Thanksgiving morning, I sat down with my journal to thank God for all the cool things He's given me. My thoughts were a bit random at first, but I soon began to write little notes to each of my kids. I've got some pretty awesome kids! Thanks, God! Part 2 of 3 RACHELLEWisdom and leadership enveloped in femininity are yours.  I've known you your entire life, yet I am just glimpsing the surface

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-33634133398738630802010-12-05T23:08:00.006-06:002010-12-05T23:20:17.549-06:00

Thanksgiving morning, I sat down with my journal to thank God for all the cool things He's given me.  My thoughts were a bit random at first, but I soon began to write little notes to each of my kids.  I've got some pretty awesome kids!  Thanks, God! Part 1 of 3                      BEN I love the writer you have become.  The words you pen give insight to a heart that runs deep.  The pictures

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-68492636429745139442010-10-23T00:19:00.004-05:002010-10-23T00:23:58.474-05:00

Children's ministry has been especially fun, lately!  The kids have loved it!  The leaders have loved it!  The lessons have been a hit! Since most of what we do is inspired by what we read or see from other children's ministers, I thought I'd share some of the "Wow!"-factor lessons so that others can get inspired, too.  This one took place the first night of Awana and was inspired by a game

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-46792906614074599432010-10-07T01:29:00.002-05:002010-10-07T01:33:25.176-05:00

Some random numbers of the highlights of Wednesday evening... Six!  Count 'em six new leaders!  That's a miracle!  Fifteen new kids in New Prague and many more in New Market!  Yowsa!  Apparently that's why God sent six new leaders. One new leader absolutely amazed because eight little ones in her small group heard from God and couldn't wait to tell her what He said! Two Bibles given out

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-79245353987383158682010-09-30T00:24:00.011-05:002010-10-05T00:51:01.019-05:00

TONIGHT WAS INCREDIBLE! Can I say it any more emphatically than that?! I gave a little talk based on 1 John 1:9.The kids learned that all we have to do to get rid of our sin is confess it to God.  When we confess it and ask for forgiveness, it'll be gone forever.  No trace left anywhere.  Zip.  Nada.  Zilch.   At the end of the lesson, the kids cheered wildly!  Really!    Well, ok.  There

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-69815496320845602202010-09-19T00:30:00.003-05:002010-09-19T00:30:00.293-05:00

I'm the last person on earth who should ever write a message about eating healthy.  I like my chocolate. Not the rich, dark chocolate that's supposedly full of antioxidants that rid your body of all those poisonous toxins, but the smooth and creamy milk chocolate that melts in your mouth & all over your hands.  I love brownies with chocolate chunks with a scoop of Breyer's vanilla ice cream

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-9060307483438159162010-09-12T01:00:00.036-05:002010-09-13T17:32:01.735-05:00

I  love it when my phone rings! This sparkly face lights the screen...as her magical giggle rings out. I can't wait 'til Eden's sparkly face and magical giggle  join the fun! 

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-45158394294368484802010-09-10T22:05:00.022-05:002010-09-10T23:35:26.912-05:00

I just went to sign up to be a part of a network for Pastor's Wives/Women in Ministry.  It's divided into small groups of women who meet virtually once a month.  In order to determine which small group I should join, I was supposed to check a box that describes my role in the church.  My choices were:        Sr Pastor's Wife       Associate Pastor's Wife       Student/Children Pastor's Wife

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-90413098805272370022010-09-03T11:56:00.021-05:002010-09-03T13:05:21.759-05:00

I have a love-hate relationship with technology.  When it works, I love it.  When it doesn't, I hate it.  I have a hubby who is a technoholic, therefore we have the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos to make our lives simpler, more connected, and louder.  Louder?  Yeah.  Have you ever watched the opening to Monday Night Football in high-def on a big screen tv with surround-sound mounted

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-8722361327033604222010-06-30T22:49:00.004-05:002010-07-01T00:13:11.481-05:00

SILENCE. Sometimes it's so heavy on my chest that I can hardly breathe.  I'm expected to be a prim and proper shepherd.  I bite my tongue and hold in the pain and refuse to let on that this thing called ministry; heck, this thing called life; can be pretty rough.  A while back, someone looked me in the eye and said he didn't need to hear what I had to say because my ministry is insignificant

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-35521610858976747242010-05-30T20:15:00.142-05:002010-09-03T13:30:16.998-05:00

Today, my father-in-law, Pastor Bob Luebbert, preached his last sermon at Northwood Baptist Church.  He talked about the victories God has given and the memories of the people he cherishes.  He pronounced God's continued blessing over everyone.  He's really given his heart and soul to the little town of Northwood, Iowa.  He and Mary Jo have called it home for the past twenty-three years.  My

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-50536449252364819002010-05-27T16:04:00.043-05:002010-05-27T16:31:04.564-05:00

John Mark is singing what's in my heart... Skeleton Bonesby John Mark Peel back our ribs againand stand inside of our chest.We just wanna' love youWe just wanna' love you Peel back the veil of timeAnd let us see You with our naked eyesWe just wanna' love youWe just wanna' love you We want your blood to flow inside our bodyWe want your wind inside our lungsWe just wanna' love youWe just

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-36418454325438613632010-05-26T00:22:00.009-05:002010-05-26T01:02:20.854-05:00

Our Kids are Powerful!  According to Psalm 8:2, When Kids Praise God, the enemy is silenced!  So grown-ups, when you're in Big People Church this weekend, and you hear the kids getting wild back in Soul City and The Meadow, smile because you know The Kids Have Got Your Back!  Warfare doesn't get any better than that!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-7540263747770292702010-05-14T22:25:00.022-05:002010-05-26T01:06:15.945-05:00

I drove through McDonald's Thursday to get my ritual Diet Coke. There was a new guy working. Yeah. I'm there often enough that I know new faces. Anywho. The new guy was friendly and a bit silly. In an effort to see me smile on a gloomy, Thursday morning, he let me know that Friday was going to be sunny. He said "I'm praying to the sun gods, so tomorrow will be sunny." Without skipping a

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-41546932640185274602010-05-06T13:21:00.006-05:002010-05-26T00:59:17.658-05:00

NewDay Kids... CELEBRATING A GREAT YEAR! We love our leaders who make this all possible!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-65468258891455645992010-04-24T23:21:00.124-05:002010-04-25T00:26:35.745-05:00

I have a few bloggers that I follow.  Some folks that I know and truly adore:  My hubby; a pastor friend, Cheri; and my buddy Angie.   Some folks that I feel like I know and also adore:   Anne Jackson, Steven Furtick, Mark Batterson, Pete Wilson, Sarah Markley, Amber Haines, Kem Meyer, Seth Godin, Perry Noble... Ok.  I guess that's more than a few.  I spend about 15 minutes a day peering

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-28829025986493943832010-04-04T20:43:00.001-05:002010-04-04T20:45:49.875-05:00

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-54696338145657727682010-04-02T03:52:00.001-05:002010-04-02T03:53:45.874-05:00

I've got a song stuck in my head... The greatest day in history, Death is beaten You have rescued me Sing it out Jesus is alive  Woo-Hoo!!!  (my cheering added!)  The empty cross, The empty grave Life eternal You have won the day Shout it out Jesus is alive He's alive  Oh happy day, happy day You washed my sin away Oh happy day, happy day I'll never be the same Forever I am changed!!! I can't

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-71848445428134303472010-03-31T00:10:00.002-05:002010-03-31T00:13:10.101-05:00

There was an old woman at the gym the other day.  She sat in a chair and dozed next to an old man peddling to nowhere on an exercise bike.  Her chin rested against her chest awkwardly, but it didn't keep her from sleeping as he just kept on traveling beside her. A while later, the same woman walked up.  She stood about a foot in front of me and searched my eyes.  She looked like she had a

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-53592488456188492302010-03-18T23:45:00.000-05:002010-03-18T23:45:18.975-05:00

No.  The above title is not the new name of my blog, although I think it would make a pretty, cool blog name.  It's a straight-forward, completely accurate description of the candy that I purchased last week.  Hey.  Why not?  My daughter-in-law purchased Swedish Fish.  Those are yummy.  I like Swedish Fish.  I like licorice.  I like salt.  It might be a good combo.  I like jalapeno peppers in a

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-14311375765539650772010-03-18T01:14:00.003-05:002010-03-18T01:21:20.629-05:00

When I look into the faces of the kids that we minister to, I see fun just waiting to happen! I also see grown-ups.                 The grown-ups they're meant to be...                              The grown-ups who know that                              there's nothing better than                              coming to church and partying                              with God and His

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-2260880774269575032010-02-13T01:44:00.011-06:002010-02-13T02:44:04.905-06:00

WE ALL NEED TIME WITH GOD.  EVERY DAY.  NO EXCEPTIONS. It's not about checking a box on a To Do list.  It's about connecting with the One we love the most.  It's about listening to Him who has wisdom and strength for each day.  And, it looks different for each of us. I've got a fairly layed back routine.  My hubby wakes up somewhere between 4 - 5 am.  He gets up quietly and moves around the

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-11003395783358770962010-02-08T23:35:00.025-06:002010-02-09T01:43:25.751-06:00

What an Incredible Women's Retreat!  All in favor of JOY say "aye!" (click on the picture for a close-up) Throughout the weekend,We worshiped God! Friday night, Pastor Kristi gave us four keys that open the door to living a life of joy.   1. God is good and He's always in a good mood!  2. Nothing is impossible through Christ!  3. Jesus has won absolute victory!  4. You are important to God! 

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-6136922868272097912010-02-02T13:43:00.009-06:002010-02-02T14:34:03.521-06:00

I meet with some pastor friends from time to time.  They keep me balanced.  I can spill my heart and pick their brains.  Sounds ghoulish.  Kind of is.  They see things in my ministry that I don't see.  They have experience and perspective that I don't yet have, and they allow me to come alongside them and reap where I have not sown.  I am so grateful. Last time we met, as they prayed over

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-74475868448651479862010-01-19T22:38:00.005-06:002010-01-19T23:17:30.356-06:00

I had the best time with a bunch of friends last night!  We were in church, getting silly, waiting for our friend, Jesus.  When He showed up, the word "Mooooo!" took on a whole new meaning!  It was hilarious!       I can't imagine not knowing Jesus!                            And that can be a problem. Sometimes I forget what it's like to be in this world without God.  When I forget that,

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-91964344985515266692010-01-17T00:49:00.003-06:002010-01-17T00:57:59.123-06:00

Joined the 500 Club the other day.  Not sure what I was thinking other than "Hey, I'm sitting here on the couch, lounging in my over-sized pajamas, and shoveling popcorn into my mouth.  Wouldn't it be more fun to join a group that commits to burning 500 calories a day, everyday, for 2 months straight?!"  Now I have this weird group-think thing going. After a day of ignoring the gym, the

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-65423147902170894382010-01-16T00:29:00.006-06:002010-01-19T23:22:38.626-06:00

Last night, I lay awake in a hotel bed that wasn't my own, wrapped in a comfortless comforter, my head resting on pillows that refused to hug my neck.  The light in the hallway shown under the door just enough to imprint images on my brain, and every five minutes a train passed by, shouting out it's presence in the barren streets.  I grabbed my i-phone and checked e-mail and facebook every ten or

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-6088461933102134972010-01-14T11:15:00.004-06:002010-01-16T00:43:38.737-06:00

What do you do after you fall face-first in the mud in front of a crowd? I've never actually done that, but sometimes that's how life feels. My options are:              a.  Get embarrassed and run away.              b.  Get angry.  Why didn't someone clean up this                   mess in the first place?!              c.  Get pity from the crowd as they help me get                   

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-58668003733963155912010-01-04T18:12:00.007-06:002010-01-04T18:27:25.671-06:00

What an intense start to the New Year!  2010 is gonna be good. Saturday night at church was a little unorthodox.  The worship center was packed.  The guys kept bringing in chairs, and people kept coming!  It was standing room only with folks spilling into the lobby.  Pastor Doyal and I were mashed against the back wall.  He looked over at me & I said "Let's pull the kids!"  So, with the kids

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-12529273230489514852009-12-31T13:01:00.000-06:002009-12-31T13:01:32.506-06:00

2010 Tomorrow.  The New Year.  Time to Get Real. I've got several New Year's Resolutions.  I've put them off until tomorrow.  Those things that are important to my physical health and emotional well-being.  They're going to be work, and whether I am or am not in the mood, they need to be done. Without oxen a stable stays clean,but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.  Proverbs 14:4

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-10885129852717360542009-12-23T02:12:00.007-06:002009-12-23T03:30:58.900-06:00

Last night, (or do you call it this morning?) I was one of those insane folks out shopping 'til after midnight. I wanted to find the perfect Christmas gifts for my family. I was trying to answer the age-old question: what do you get for the kids who have everything? Sitting here in the wee hours of the morning, I proudly admit that my kids don't have all the "stuff" they could want. What they do

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-48639960213244702072009-12-16T23:38:00.008-06:002009-12-17T01:20:18.358-06:00

What a great night at NewDay! Aside from being pajama night, one of my favorites, here's the highlights:1. Party in Heaven!!! New Prague had two girls ask Jesus to be their Savior! It doesn't get any better than that! One of the girls' mama is a small group leader (talk about perks!). Mom's joy leaked out all over as she got to participate with her daughter as she said the most important prayer

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-34166732989335698792009-12-08T23:00:00.003-06:002009-12-08T23:06:38.730-06:00

I'm going to pass along some of the best financial advice I've heard in years. It's simple. It's sound. It's sensational. And, it's from SNL.You gotta love it!http://consumerist.com/2007/04/snl-skit-dont-buy-stuff-you-cant-afford.html

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-69283213007175390962009-12-01T23:17:00.006-06:002009-12-01T23:59:14.680-06:00

What a whirlwind! We closed on the New Prague campus of NewDay Church a week ago today. It seems like forever ago. We packed up the entire office and moved it to New Prague. I set up my new office and included space for Rachelle and Andi. I reconfigured the nursery and preschool. As I worked on the kid areas, entire walls were removed in the gathering room and the worship area. Everywhere I

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-2619932463470837232009-09-30T23:04:00.003-05:002009-09-30T23:14:51.037-05:00

I was saved at 16 as the Holy Spirit fire swept through my high school. It was so wonderful! The hearts of teens were set ablaze. We'd get together & pray for hours. When we prayed, the room was never silent. There was a continuous melody of praise springing up from within us. I'd start shaking. It was so embarrassing & marvelous all at the same time. God's Spirit would come upon me & my body was

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-53598255266067740592009-09-29T22:58:00.004-05:002009-09-29T23:09:31.685-05:00

I'm getting pretty excited for Saturday. We've got a women's breakfast. My friend Peggy will be giving her testimony of how she fought to keep her joy in the midst of hell and high water. I'm so proud of her! Then I'll be teaching A Battle Worth Fighting: Refusing to Allow a Spirit of Offense Steal Your Joy. I'm so excited to have women catch the principles in this teaching. The really cool thing

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-35650429022525569032009-07-30T11:13:00.008-05:002009-07-30T14:45:49.838-05:00

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-79620396550280977272009-07-30T09:33:00.010-05:002009-07-30T14:39:44.681-05:00

GUEST BLOGGER RICK LUEBBERT: HELPING MY WIFE WITH THE TECHNICAL STUFF UPLOADING PICTURES AND VIDEOS DUE TO HIGH DEMAND! A ton of fun was had by all! Here are a few of the special moments...

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-64826469074172917552009-07-27T13:49:00.019-05:002009-07-27T23:11:37.026-05:00

Here are just a few of my observations:1. Our incredible voluteers are head-over-heels in love with Jesus! All bases were covered with wild and crazy push-up-your-shirt-sleeves crews at Family WaterPlay Day, the Outdoor Service, the NewDay Picnic, and the Baptism.You may now collapse in Jesus' name!2. Our people sure do know how to eat!600+ hot dogs, 200+ brats, and a boatload of desserts between

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-41059741814154460352009-07-18T10:35:00.008-05:002009-07-18T10:48:20.349-05:00

What a fun night! Last night, July 17, was opening night for Fiddler on the Roofat the Eagan Community Theater. Rob plays a Russian! He felt the need to stay in character for the pictures.He looks so much like my brother, John! Anyway, Rob had a great time crashing through the wedding and beating up the villagers. I'm so proud of him!Mama adores her Russian soldier!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-65051243661534913542009-07-11T21:16:00.009-05:002009-07-11T21:31:55.067-05:00

Who's that behind the dark glasses? It's Grandma!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-69571377440199373552009-05-30T00:29:00.000-05:002009-05-30T00:46:30.383-05:00

We will either be defined by the voice of the critic or the voice of Jesus...who we listen to the most will determine our direction! Childlike faith is essential for a leader if we desire to accomplish all that God has in store for us!I just stumbled across those quotes on Perry Noble's Twitter page. Do you call it a Twitter page? Anywho, it was what I needed to hear at this moment. I'm so

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-52653363765813814052009-05-25T15:30:00.000-05:002009-05-30T00:43:57.326-05:00

If we learn who our Heavenly Father is from our earthly father, I think my granddaughter Makayla is off to a good start! My husband Rick is listening to a teaching called "Kisses from a Good God" by Paul Manwaring. Just the title makes my heart smile. I frequently talk to women who are desperately trying to realize the love of our Papa. Memories of a daddy who was distant, depressed, angry, or

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-22656173129276166392009-05-23T11:43:00.000-05:002009-05-23T11:48:01.873-05:00

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-49015853535165727592009-05-23T11:25:00.000-05:002009-05-30T00:44:27.600-05:00

Today's my birthday. I'm 45. I'm at an age where folks assume that I no longer want to count birthdays. There's such a gratefulness, though, that God still lets me live another day. I love telling people that I get to be 45!A few weeks back, my heart's cry was Lord, would you mind letting me live long enough to enjoy the changes you're doing in my life. I love who I become as He teaches me &

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-67189911827833284632008-12-26T20:23:00.000-06:002008-12-26T23:46:13.544-06:00

My friend Kathi & I met when we were pregnant with our first sons. We would daydream about being mommies and we wondered what surprises God had planned for all our kids. I stumbled across these videos today of her youngest son, Noah. Check it out. Isn't he incredible?! He's got a style all his own!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBx2P-XnUrU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-_S9frztA&feature=

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-54878227467151648632008-12-21T23:52:00.000-06:002008-12-22T01:10:34.842-06:00

Forget the pomp and circumstance and the hoop-la of a boring graduation ceremony, my family and I went to Osaka last Tuesday to celebrate the completion of an eighteen-year journey! We sat around a hibachi grill while the Japanese chef juggled knives, played with fire, and tossed food at us! Aside from getting smacked in the face with a piece of flying shrimp, it was a great celebration!When we

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-83388319142002717352008-05-27T22:22:00.000-05:002009-05-23T14:50:53.630-05:00

Rick got me a puppy for my birthday! Her name is Ivy & she is incredibly sweet-natured! I'll let you in on a secret... my hubby's incredibly sweet-natured, too! ... 1 year later... I bought myself another puppy for my birthday. I named her Daisy. She looks a lot like Ivy, but she's more outgoing & rambunctious. They're a good match!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-34804568264372000082008-02-29T10:21:00.000-06:002008-02-29T10:31:35.653-06:00

I just finished reading the book "The Ultimate Treasure Hunt" by Kevin Dedmon. It has me so excited to go out and bless people with prayer and a word from God. I'm heading to a children's ministry conference at the author's home church in Redding, CA at the end of March. I hope they model this at the conference.The basic idea is that you get together with a group of friends and listen to the Holy

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-69790927630573352372008-01-10T18:57:00.000-06:002008-01-10T19:15:15.788-06:00

I'm in Grand Junction, Colorado visiting my aunt. When I'm with her, I feel so loved! I was supposed to leave this morning but my flight was cancelled because of yucky weather in the Rockies. God's so good to me! That's Aunt Nee-nee and my cousin's daughter, Sophia. Aren't they beautiful!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-23567321041871385712007-10-28T18:36:00.000-05:002008-12-22T00:44:09.092-06:00

The other day, I ran into someone wonderful that I hadn't seen in a while. Her smile and bright eyes made me feel so loved! Don't you just love it when God gives you a surprise like that! He's so good! (Yes, I'm talking about you, PT!)Anyway, she and others have asked how things are going at the new church. I felt blessed at the Vineyard and I feel blessed at NewDay. God has confirmed in many

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-72773460877446223672007-07-21T01:35:00.000-05:002007-07-21T01:42:08.836-05:00

We got two new everygreen trees planted in the yard today... well, it would be yesterday, now. I can tell I'm getting older. I'm really happy about trees!They had to move John Jr. in order to get Yo' Mama in. John Jr.? That's my crab apple tree. I just so happened to plant him on my brother John's birthday. Yo' Mama? That's the white pine outside the living room window. She was planted

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-49420213031512576132007-06-22T16:39:00.001-05:002008-12-22T00:45:13.939-06:00

"End of construction.Thank you for your patience."Ruth Bell Graham once saw the words above on a sign along a highway. She said that she wanted those words printed on her tombstone.She died last week and I feel a loss. There will be no more books of poetry. No more words of wisdom. I know that others are poetic and wise, but I always knew, without a doubt, that God would use her words to speak

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-80684861471911604912007-06-07T23:34:00.000-05:002007-06-07T23:38:08.512-05:00

I saw my first firefly of the season last night! She was in my front yard checking out the peonies. I looked around to see if there were more, but it was just me and her. She was shining her heart out just for me!

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-16992719334589694282007-05-31T10:29:00.000-05:002007-06-07T23:57:47.851-05:00

In describing an event that occurred as the priests were trying to perform their priestly duties before God, Psalm 98:10 & 11 says "Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, & other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord & sang: 'He is good; His love endures forever.' Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-14861050244419406802007-05-09T20:57:00.000-05:002007-05-31T10:28:00.248-05:00

Remember that scene from Indiana Jones where Indy steps off a cliff onto an invisible bridge? You knew he wasn't going to tumble to his death in the abyss, but you kinda held your breath in anticipation of how things were going to work out. He had sweat pouring from his brow and you could see the tension on his face as he stepped out. He closed his eyes, took a step, then thud. His foot hit solid

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-6171700773464143352007-04-12T23:11:00.000-05:002007-04-13T07:55:04.237-05:00

My mind, will, and emotions. My soul.There's great advantage in living many years. When I was younger, I would get in deep despair not knowing if God really could lift me out of the heaviness of a broken soul. Now I look back on my life and see a pattern of God's restoration. Now I know that He is always faithful. He is always bigger than the turmoil in my mind, will, and emotions. At 42, I

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-34955377170177981272007-04-09T23:00:00.000-05:002007-04-09T23:30:53.397-05:00

Tonight, as the dishes were piled high on the counter and the floors needed to be vacuumed, and my school room was calling to be packed, I sat on the bed and played "Yatzee" with Rob. As our game ended, Rachelle came home from dance and curled up under the blankets and told me all about her evening and unloaded the stress involved with finishing up her last two months of high school. Rick called

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7491558120344563713.post-78080799105598927952007-04-01T21:37:00.000-05:002007-04-01T22:34:12.819-05:00

We’re getting ready to put our house on the market. Our friend Darren is here painting my kitchen while I pack away the bookshelves. Even though I know I will see these books again soon, I’m having a ridiculously awful time of it. I feel like I’m at the park and I’ve just run into a friend that I haven’t seen for awhile. I want to just sit and visit. The first book that catches my

SHARIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02376023911867705305noreply@blogger.com2