It's Done!!!

My final paper for my pre-requisite class has been written. Hey it only took me a year, well technically it took me about 4-5 hours to write it once I actually sat down to do it. And I actually turned it in 23 hours before it was due. So I didn't procrastinate that badly!!! But WOW do I feel relieved! Now I just have to wait and see if I got a passing grade on the two papers. If I didn't I will lose my provisional acceptance to NNU. So I am praying for at least a C on both. My next class starts tomorrow morning! It is Pastoral Leadership. Here's a list of the books I'll be reading:

Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase

God's Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations by Jackson W. Carroll

The Pastor: A Spirituality by Gordon Lathrop

Leadership in Congregations by Richard Bass

Take the Next Step: leading Lasting Change in the Church by L ovett H. Weems, Jr.

A Guide to Preaching and Worship by William Willimon

They all look really good! So if you are interested in a good book to read pick them up and read along with me!! You can challenge me on what I'm learning! This class is only 6 weeks, which means there is tons of work packed into it! Including weekly essays, a book review, a case proposal, and a research paper, oh and we can't forget lectures and reading all those books!!! I'm excited! But ask me in a couple of weeks, how I feel!

One Touch

At Women of Faith this year we saw Nicole C. Mullen perform this song. It was amazing! God has truly gifted Nicole with the ability to project Scripture through music, drama and dance. She really makes Scripture come alive and touch your soul. This was today's verse of the day. It made me think of her song.

Just then

a woman who

had been subject

to bleeding for

12 years came up

behind HIM

and touched

the edge of his cloak.

She said to herself,

"If I only touch HIS cloak,

I will be healed."

Jesus turned

and saw her.

"Take heart, daughter,"

he said,

"your faith has healed you."

And the woman

was healed

from that moment.

~ Matthew 9:20-22 NIV

God is good all the time...

all the time God is good!

Our church is building a new ministry center. Well, actually we have built one and this week we are all moving in. I need to buy a locking storage cabinet for Women's Ministries and after looking at Staples and Office Max and other places like that, I discovered it was going to cost us a small fortune. So I decided to look for a used one on Craigslist. I didn't find one but I did find something else.

I was just talking with Ronda, our office manager the other day about office furniture and because of the cost of our new building, office furniture was put on hold. Everyone was just going to use what they currently had, which is pretty bad but it would work until it broke down completely. While on Craigslist, I saw an ad for a company moving sale. They had cherry office furniture that had to be out by Aug. 27. Well, yesterday was the 27th, but I figured it doesn't hurt to ask if they still had anything.

This morning I received an email from their owner saying that they still had 6 office sets left and to call if we were interested. So I did. I spoke with the wife about everything, told her who I was and why I was looking for the furniture and explained that we have no budget but wondered what their bottom line was. She started explaining to me that the other sets they sold went for $600 each. Well, that was definitely out of the question. She told me that they work with Christian Ministries and they can probably make us a sweet deal if we could take it all. I told her still that was alot but I could pass the info on and see what happens.

She told me to hold on and talk to her husband. I, again, explained who I am and what I was looking for and also why. And wondered how low he would go because we could really use all 6 sets but could in no way afford but maybe one at a lower price for our office manager.

Are you ready for this? This is God's part of the story! He said "In no way would I ever accept money from a non-profit. What ever you need is yours. You come and see and take whatever you need. It's all yours if you need it." My jaw dropped! As I about peed my pants. How exciting!!!

The storys not over. I started making arrangements for meeting him and looking at it. I asked where it was and it was at 5650 _______. Another God thing. I think it was God's icing on the cake....our new church address is 5650 Starr Ave. How cool is that?

So today I spent the day with Pastor Thom, Bo, Kyle, Bill T., Ronda, Brenda and Pat picking up furniture and moving it to our new building. This furniture has some scratches and discoloration but it is solid cherry wood. All matching... made by lazy-boy. We figure that if we were to have purchased this all new it would have cost us about $10-15000. PRAISE GOD!!! He is so good!!! He was at work in the whole thing.

It's funny because when the reality set it that new office furniture wasn't a part of the plan. Brenda said she wasn't counting God out yet. She was right!!! He had a plan and he provided!!! His hand was in the whole thing because had I not looked for that cabinet for WM than I would have never found this!!! And by the way, we will be able to use some of the storage pieces that we got today for WM so we won't have to spend the money either!!!

Here are some pics of some of the furniture but there's even more than this. Plus we were given some chairs and some cafe tables. God just really came through!!! Thank you!!! And thank you to this awesome company who was willing to love Hope Community Church and bless us for years to come!!!

Open House

Last night, Rob and I attended Jourdyn's school open house. When we were getting out of the car Rob said, "WOW, I'm getting old." I said, "Why cause your daughter is in junior high?" Of course, he said, yeah. But it hit me then too! We are getting old. I remember some of my junior high, not every detail but a lot of it. And it was a great time for me. I hope Jourdyn's years in junior high are even better.

So we found out some cool stuff Jourdyn will get to do: Art Club every other week (she doesn't have art class this year, so she's going to join this), Youth 2 Youth (they had this when I was in Junior High), school dances once a month, and there is a chess club, but go figure she don't want to do that. (Who does?) later in the year she can do fitness club.

She also gets to go to Camp Storer this year. Something I also did in sixth grade. I'm warning you in advance that she will be doing a couple fundraisers for this trip. One coming up in the next week or so and the other in October. And we will be hitting you up!

I don't think most of the kids in sixth grade have been on a field trip like this one. You know for overnighters and week long trips. Jourdyn has though. We did Marmon Valley back in 4th grade. And Jourdyn has done church camp since 3rd grade which is a week long. So she'll love Camp Storer. I volunteered to go with as a chaperone.

I've had a rough morning! I woke up irritable and grumpy and I let that project onto my family. I got in the car to take Nadine to school and this song came on. I wanted to share it with you. When I got home, I had a Women's Ministries meeting and I needed a devotional. I have been looking for one and been unsuccessful in finding one that really spoke to me. I have google gadgets on my desktop and in that I have a Bible verse of the day application. This is today's verse.

Let us then with confidence draw near

to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and

find grace to help in the time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

This morning of all mornings, I needed a reminder of God's mercy and grace that's always here for us, especially when we mess up. So thank you Jesus for giving me that verse this morning.

Sanctus Real is coming to CedarCreek on September 4th, next week! I am going to take Jourdyn to go see them. If you are able to go you should! It will be a great concert!

I also moved my music player to the top so it's easier for you to pause to play videos.

Why is it that Potty training...

...is one thing that boys take longer in? Anything else later down the road that has to do with that region of their body they can hop right into! Why, please tell me, why boys take longer to figure out how to go to the bathroom in the toilet? On top of that, why is it neater for them to go outside than in the toilet? We haven't had that experience yet...but I know it's coming!

Well, today Rowan wanted to go on the potty quite often. He never did but he tried. At one point we had Nadine's underwear on him with his boy vinyl pants. (Remind of this later when my child has issues! Today could have very well caused them!) So we put a diaper back on and went to Walmart! Rowan was very specific he wanted Lightning McQueen underwear. So we got some, and some Spiderman and some adorable boxer briefs.

We also picked him up a Spiderman toilet seat. It fits inside of the regular toilet seat. We bought him a potty a while back but it's kinda not big enough for him. So we'll use that one as a step stool and try to get him to use the big potty.

I also tried to get Rob to show him how to do it. My reasoning was solid: we learn best by example. And I can't show him that his pee comes out of his penis. I tell Rowan that, and he looks at me like I'm crazy. Rob wasn't going for it. I believe I'm going to be potty-training for years.

So here's a really cute picture of Rowan in his Spiderman Underwear (with a pull-up underneath because it's bedtime) and a fireman's hat!!!! All he needs is a cape!! That would've been awesome!

Sober Jamz

So in case you thought that my weekend was done...it wasn't!

We left the picnic, drove home and I dropped off Rob, Jourdyn and Nadine. Rowan and I headed out for Sober Jamz at Centennial Terrace. Shortly after I dropped them off. Jourdyn was picked up by Dawn and Katie for the Quizzing kick-off party this evening. Rob and Nadine hung out at home together (sleeping, I think!)

Rowan and I arrived after the first two bands had already played and we only caught the last song of Pawn. Pawn is a local Christian rock band. In fact, they went to Rossford (my alma mateur)...years after me though. After Pawn, was Keys2Eden, Johnny Cappelletty's new band. I've heard their music but had never seen them play before. They were good. I had some video of all the bands...however I stood to close to the sound so you can hear anything but the bass shaking my camera. Sorry!!! But I do have pics!!!! (Did you doubt that?)

After Keys2Eden was Seventh Day Slumber. These guys were really awesome! Life-changing! Joseph the lead singer has such a powerful testimony. God really had touched his life and his ministry!!! I am going to look into bringing them to our church. Probably 30 people went to the altar at the end. Praise God!!!

This whole concert was to benefit Rusty's House, whose mission is to educate and assist young people with recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. This is a ministry based right here in Toledo. Be looking forward to my finding out how my ladies can assist and aid this ministry!

At the end of the night, Rowan walked right over to Johnny. I don't know if it's the hair or what, but Rowan was kinda interested in him. Then Johnny bought him ice cream. So what kid wouldn't be interested in ice cream. Johnny told him to give him five and he wouldn't. But he willing put up his hand for "rock", which isn't normal for Rowan. Maybe he just sensed that Johnny would be the guy who would "rock on."

So I hadn't seen Johnny in concert since he was in Wolfgang, which was when I was probably 14 or 15. He was another reminder this evening of how great my God is! It is so inspiring to see the changes that God has made in Johnny's life!

Well, I'm home now and it is officially Monday morning! But that was my weekend: busy and fun! I still have to write one more paper this week. I will be very busy reading and reading some more. My classes start next Monday!!!

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Brush Company Picnic

Well, we didn't make it to church this morning! The Brush company picnic was today at 11 am. And it was in Bascom Ohio. It took us over an hour to get there because my Verizon Wireless Navigation took us to Tiffin instead of Bascom. (Remind me to call and complain about that).

Every year Brush has an employee & family appreciation picnic at Meadowbrook Park in Bascom. They have great ribs and chicken, lots of door prizes, raffles, swimming, games for the kids and adults!

So we spent the day there. The kids had a blast! In fact, they were out cold within a few minutes once we got in the car to head home.

Don't worry though, Rob and I planned ahead for this weekend. Knowing that we would miss church today, we went to Cedar Creek to get our Jesus on yesterday evening before the Fest.

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German American Festival

Saturday was the German-American Festival at the Oak Shade Grove. Yearly, Amy & Jason have a GAF party. They invite friends to go to the Fest and then back to their house for a party. Last year, we didn't make it to the Fest, but we ventured down to hang out with our new neighbors. In fact, this Saturday marked the one year anniversary of our meeting Jason & Amy. They have grown to be great friends! Like our family! And just think, if Tate hadn't gone down to investigate the new neighbors we may have never met them.

Ironically, this Saturday was not free from chasing a dog either. Except this time it was their dog Zeus. Someone had let him out of the house. So Jason and I spent a little time trying to catch him. He eventually came back on his own. Tate would have done the same last year, excepting the fact that Amy tried to steal him. She liked having a lap dog, even if for just a couple of hours.

So Chuck and Char came over and joined us at the Fest. They brought Mer & Jennie to babysit our kiddos and we had a date night!!! Yeah, those are always fun! And it's always great to get to hang out with friends or even just other adults!

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Put-in-Bay

Dad and I decided to take Rowan and Nadine out to Put-in-Bay today. Dad has wanted for a long time to take Rowan on a boat ride, so we decided to catch the Jet Express out of Port Clinton to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay. After Jourdyn got on the bus, the kids and I headed out. We met dad in Port Clinton and got on the boat!

Rowan was a little cautious at first. But he ended up loving it. He takes everything in. So he watched the water and the other boats. Nadine was okay but really wanted to move around.

We ate lunch at Frosty's pizza and had Ice Cream afterwards. The kids played at the park for a short while and we walked around for a little bit. Then we boarded the boat and headed back. Nadine was scared this time. The wind was a lot stronger. And Rowan passed out cold!

I had never been there before. Rob and I are going to have to make it a date sometime. Since it's the end of the season, I don't think it will be this year! So next.

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My Cute Kids

these are some pics I took....just showing off my cuties!!!!!

First Day of School

Today is August 20th and around here that means the first day of school. Thankfully, Jourdyn got up and out of bed with her alarm. She took her shower! And I blow dried her hair. She had breakfast and was out the front door to wait for the bus.

This morning was supposed to be her first ever bus ride to school. We were excited! I had all day yesterday contemplated how exactly I would get pictures of her getting on the bus without embarassing her. I tried taking pictures from the bathroom window but the screen got in the way and the lighting just wasn't right. So this morning I decided to just wait at the front door and use my zoom lens to get good pics. It was a great plan! Now, the bus just needed to cooperate! Which it didn't happen.

At about 7:40 her bus went buzzing by without stopping. Oh the driver looked long enough to realize that Jourdyn was standing there and slowed up a little but just continued on! So we quickly dressed the little ones and threw them in the car so I could drive her to school.

I thinking the whole way...if this is a precursor to the remainder of the year than I had best just put her back in a private school...this was a mistake. But I calmed myself and got over it. It's the first day, I have to give them a chance.

Well, that chance came this afternoon...and they blew it again! At about 2:40 her bus goes flying past my house AGAIN!! without dropping off Jourdyn. I called the bus garage and told them what had happened. And apparently, this morning was just a mistake and this afternoon a bigger one. The bus driver didn't pick up any of the kids at her school. So they had to pack multiple busses on to one. So anyways, she made it home about 20 minutes late.

Nadine's orientation was today as well. Rowan, Nadine and I headed off for that. Nadine was very excited! and Rowan too! Both of them rushed off into the room as soon as we arrived. Rowan blended right in! It's amazing that he was about the same size as most of the 4 year boys in Nadine's class. In fact, the teachers thought he was a student. Nadine's new teacher seems very nice and I think Nadine is going to have a ball.

They asked us to describe our children in one word. I said, "My daughter is Bernadine or Nadine, and in the most loving way, the one word that best describes her is LOUD!"

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Randomness

Chuck & Char were over this evening to work on tearing down the pool next door. They brought two of their girls, Carla & Jennie! I took the opportunity to snap some pics of them hanging on my fence. You know, for proof that it was them when it falls over! :) Here's what I came up with.

Job Interview

This evening I had a job interview. I believe it went very well. They told me that I would be called for another interview with the company I would be working at. It is a position as a chaplain. I don't want to say too much. So the two people I interviewed with liked me and they can hire me but they want to make sure the company that I would be working at on a weekly basis likes me. So I'll have another interview.

It is part-time and very flexible. There is a huge growth potential as well. So please pray that this all goes well.

It was quite weird interviewing after four years of not working. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be. It was quite natural and all of the questions I was asked, I was able to quickly provide not only answers but also real-life examples. I met the lady who would be my supervisor and she seems great.

I also heard back from one of the churches I applied at and they have my resume and will keep it on file. However, they are so far in the process of hiring that they went to play it out with the applicants they have before they throw more in. So basically, "no" or at least a "not right now."

I am still working on my last paper. I have ten more days to complete it. And on Sept 1st my new classes start: Biblical Studies and Pastoral Leadership. I'm excited!!!! Our pastor is on Sabbatical right now. The leadership has arranged for all the preaching during that Sabbatical but I have let the leadership know that I am ready to try "teaching" (I like that better - it sounds less condenscending) one Sunday! That's really scary! But I know that God's walking me through this all for a reason. I spend a lot of time telling myself that I'm not good enough or that I could never do this. Well, God has really just been telling me to "shut up and do it, let Him worrying about what I can and can't do!" It will definitely be one of those moments that He is carrying me!

Forgot to tell you: the woman before me at the interview was wearing jeans, flip-flops and a t-shirt. Needless to say, I wasn't and boy did they look happy to see me! I wore a bottom up blouse and gray trousers with my pointed toe boots. My hair was done as well. And I had jewelry on. I basically looked like I wanted the job. Or at least I hope I looked that way!

New building and BOB!!!

Our church has been in the process of building a new ministry center. It is almost completed!!!

I took Jourdyn and her friend Katie and the two little ones out to see it today. It's quite big! The designer used a great color palette. If you've seen our old church, this one is completely amazing!! Well, it's amazing no matter what. Click here for more pics!

In the parking lot when we pulled in Rowan immediately saw BOB!!! I took him up to Bob, who wasn't running or moving. He was a little intimidated by Bob!!!

A Relaxing Night

Rob and I took Jourdyn shopping today for some of her school clothes. We headed over to Fallen timbers and had Julie and Bro meet us there. We purchased a couple of pairs of pants and four shirts. You don't even want to know how much that cost. Oh, and a sweater and a cami, as well. So we have to find her some good jeans. I am thinking Levi's but that means a trip to Dillards or Elder Beermans. I am going to check out Gap Kids too. And she still needs new shoes. I'm going to hit up Kohl's for those.

We also picked up Jourdyn's saxophone today. She's very excited about that. Even I broke out a little Mary had a little lamb. Rob was shocked that I actually new what I was doing. (or at least could fake it!) I haven't played Clarinet since Jr. High band. I played from 4th to 8th grade. But Sax is very close and anyone can play mary once they find the C.

Well, Jourdyn had Katie come over for the night. We ordered pizza and the girls played together inside, while the two young ones went out back. Rob and I decided to fire up the tiki's and sit out on the porch. It was nice. These pics were from tonight. Dad was over and he snapped the shots for us. I took the tiki shot.

...interview tomorrow....I'm excited!!!! ;) It's at five pm. so set your clocks and say a prayer at 5.

Guitar 101

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Saxophone Fund

We found Jourdyn a new saxophone. Last year, she had really cheap rental, like $75 for the year. This year she has to rent from Dr. Dave's or Rettig, which would be $40 per month. So we decided to put out feelers for purchasing a used one for her. We found one!!! It is a Selmer and three years old but pretty much never used. It's in perfect condition and we are getting a great deal on it. Please feel free to donate to the Saxophone fund via cash, check or Visa!!! :) Not sure how I'd take a Visa but I'd gladly figure it out if you're willing!! LOL!!!

Jourdyn will continue her private lessons in piano with Miss Youngblood. And will be playing saxophone in the band at school. As soon as the new saxophone is paid for and we can get our hands on another bargain instrument, she will start on her third instrument. Not sure what yet, we are kinda going to play it by ear.

And the other BIG NEWS: I'm......No, I'm not pregnant (are you crazy!!)....I have a job interview on Monday!!!!! So pray for me!!!

Job Leads

I have been over the past couple of weeks looking for a job. I've made my resume and worked on registering with job boards and such. I've applied for several non-ministry jobs, including Verizon Wireless, Customer Service Manager, Plasma Donation Coordinator, Community and social service specialist, etc. But I have also applied for ministry jobs: a chaplain position, youth pastor at several different churches and family pastor at another. I've also applied back at Catawba Island Club for part-time work. The money there was so good that it would be worth the drive once or twice a week.

But I have to tell you that I really need to find a ministry position. I know that that is what I am supposed to be doing. So pray that God opens the doors for this to happen.

Funny story though: I applied for a Customer service Manager position through a job board. I received an email from the recruiter that said very shortly that I did not meet the requirements. I was quite confident that he did not read my resume in its in entirity, so I emailed him back, a little on the flippant side and basically told him how I did meet his described qualifications.

He called me within five minutes of my sending the response. Of course, I let the answering machine pick it up. He explains how he wants to speak with me about the position and how he knew one of my previous employers. So I waited 24 hours and called him back.

He spends 15 minutes explaining to me about how he came to be recruiting for this job and what the exact requirements were. None of which were listed on the job posting. I met the qualifications listed on the job posting. I did not meet the qualifications that he was explaining. So I interrupted him and said, "Excuse me, sir, I have to stop you. These qualifications were not what was listed on the job posting, and if this is what you need, I have to tell you outright I don't meet those qualifications."

He says, "I know. That's not why I wanted to talk to you. I called you back because my church needs a youth pastor." MY JAW DROPPED....

Long story short, we talked for quite a while, and he told me to think about it and let him know.

I called Rob and told him...he said "I think someone is trying to tell you to be a youth pastor!" Other than my education on my resume and my volunteer work, I never once mentioned to this guy that I was looking for a ministry position. Our whole conversation is basically stated above.

I have really been throwing around in my head what exactly God is having me do. I was just talking to someone the other day who said they felt lost. Like they didn't know what God had in store for them. I had to tell them that all of us who truly hand everything over to God feel that way. Look at me, I know I am called for full-time ministry, to serve God and to share the Gospel. But what I don't know is the when, what, where and how of it. I know that I am where I am supposed to be. I know that I am getting the education that God wants me to be getting. I know that he is preparing me, but for what...I can't exactly tell you. He's in control. He opens the doors and lights the path. My job is just to follow.

So we'll see where I'm going...life is definitely an adventure!

Muds Hens Vs. Norfolk Tides

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The Mud Hens played the Norfolk Tides last night. About 65 people from our church all went together. It rained on us twice and the Hens lost, but it's always fun to hang out with friends, the kids got to run the bases and there were fireworks.

Rowan got out on the field and ran from first base to second (they don't run from home to first). He was happy and laughing. Turned the corner to third and got sidetracked by John Deere golf carts that the maintenance team uses to take care of the field. I had to keep him on course for third base because he was running for those. He got on third, stood there for a second and everyone was laughing. Lots of bigger boys came running up as he was standing on the plate and of course they had to touch the plate. My face had to be hysterical . My hands went up to cover my eyes from the inevitable collide. But they didn't hit him.

He rounded the corner to home with my help because those "tractors" were even closer now. Midway between third and home, he was nearly trampled again. He did make it however and was very excited.

Nadine and Jourdyn ran them as fast as they could.

After running the bases, there were fireworks. The Mud Hens put on fireworks on the weekends. We parked at the corner of Monroe and Summit. We park there everytime we go to a game and have never had any problems. Well, it was really windy last night and all of the debris blew over to that lot. Our car was covered in fireworks. As we started to wipe them off, we realized that it was just covered in fireworks, it was burnt by fireworks. The hood has little burns in the paint and the roof has some as well. The Toledo Police came over and made a report. It was funny because some other parkers came over complaining about their cars being dirty and wanting them washed. The officer (who was very nice) told them the washing isn't their problem but if the car is damaged then he'll help him. The officer had worked the games at that lot for 7 years and never seen this happen. But he also had never seen the fireworks blow in this direction.

So today I have to call the Hens and see what they say about fixing it.

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08-08-08 Beijing Summer Olympics

You may be shocked to learn that I love the summer Olympics. Particularly, I love watching the opening ceremonies. This year they were phenomenal! If you missed it, let me know and I will try to find you some youtube videos of it. I always watch the opening ceremonies because I can see all the countries that I know people from, specifically it is always a joy to stay up late and see Slovenia enter the arena!

I can't help but think about Valentina and all the wonderful family and friends that I met while there.

I've added an Olympic Photo slide show to the bottom of my page. I guess it is supposed to be updated frequently.

Take some time in the next 17 days to sit down and watch the games. If for nothing else, maybe it will be a brief moment when you can forget all the turmoil in the world and focus on what it means to be human and to love one another. And it's a great way to admire God's awesome creation!

Gifted Enrichment

I had to take all of Jourdyn's paperwork over to the school to enroll her a few weeks back. They were going to enroll her as in regular classes and then later change her after they tested her for their gifted enrichment program.

I was quite stressed about this. Not only would she be starting a new school, but she would at some point have to switch classes mid-stream.

Well, being the good mom that I am (sometimes) I have every achievement test Jourdyn has taken from first grade to fifth grade. So when I went to the enrollment meeting I took them with me! The enrollment secretary took copies (of all of them!) and then forwarded them to the GT coordinator.

I hadn't heard anything back, and our friend, Connie is the secretary at the school Jourdyn will be going. When I asked her last week. She hadn't heard anything either. So today I called.

Thankfully, all of Jourdyn's tests were not only recent enough but also her scores were good enough to immediately put her into the GT classes. So she will not have to change classes midstream. She will start out in the GT classes from day one.

I didn't doubt this would happen. I was concerned that they wouldn't recognize her tests scores from her previous schools. But they did! And she doesn't have to take any other tests! YEAH!!!!

The coordinator seemed just as excited as I was. Rob says she probably didn't believe me when I talked to her weeks ago and I said Jourdyn was gifted. He thinks that she probably meets alot of parents that come from private to public that think their kids are gifted and really aren't. So it was probably just as thrilling for her to finally have one that was. I think that she was excited because she didn't have to do the extra work of testing Jourdyn again! I would be excited because of less work!

Anyways, she's in! And I'm excited, proud, anxious, the list goes on! And by the way, God has really given me a peace about this transition. It still is scary, but I know He is in control and He has His eye on my baby sparrow!!!!

A new look

We took Nadine to get her hair cut yesterday. She has a new look. And she loves it. She woke up this morning and just sat in front of the mirror playing with her hair. Smoothing it down and parting it. Just staring at herself with joy.

Potty Time

Just a quick note to embarass my child in the coming years....Rowan got up this morning, played for a while and then came to me. He said "I go potty," took off his diaper, went to the potty, sat down and peed!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!! Then he took his naked butt in to tell his daddy. Boy was he proud. (I mean, Rowan, but daddy was too!)

The Message

If you were to ask me what the one verse in the Bible that I love and cherish the most, the one verse that has meant the most to me was...I would say, Jeremiah 33:3. In fact, you see it in the upper right corner of my blog. It is what is called a "life verse."

At Women of Faith I bought a new Bible. It's the Women of Faith Message Bible. I've never owned a Message Bible before and really have never read one, other than a verse here or there, but mostly because it was used during services or something. So what better excuse is there than that to get a new Bible. (Trust me I don't need an excuse! Bibles are just about as bad as shoes! In fact, I think I have more Bibles than shoes!) I was a little apprehensive of the Message because it was different. In fact it's still hard to read because I read the verses as I know them, not as the pages say. So when I read out loud I quite often catch myself "filling in the blanks" with KJV or NIV. The good part is that that means I have memorized more of those Bibles than I ever thought.

Back to Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not." God is using this new Bible to show me great and mighty things. It is fascinating how just a few change of words can make a light bulb go off or set a fire deep inside me.

This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it liveable and lasting,
known everywhere as God: 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you
marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'

This is what God, the God of Israel, has to say about what's going on in
this city, about the homes of both people and kings that have been demolished,
about all the ravages of war and the killing by the Chaldeans, and about the
streets littered with the dead bodies of those killed because of my raging anger
- about all that's happened because the evil actions in this city have turned my
stomach in disgust.

But now take another look. I'm going to give this
city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I'm going to
show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I'll restore everything that
was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I'll build everything back as good as new. I'll
scrub them clean from the dirt they've done against me. I'll forgive everything
they've done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jersalem will be a center
of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They'll get reports
on all the good I'm doing for her. They'll be in awe of the blessings I am
pouring on her.

Yes, God's Message: 'You're going to look at this place,
these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, "A
wasteland. Unliveable. Not even a dog could live here." But the time is coming
when you're going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people
exclaiming, "Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He's so good! His love never quits,"
as they bring thank offerings into God's Temple. I'll restore everything that
was lost in this land. I'll make everything as good as new.' I, God, say so.

Jeremiah 33:2-11

WOW! These are words of God. Not just words but promises of God. Promises to Jeremiah as he sat in prison. Promises of renewal and hope. I can only imagine that Jeremiah was desperate, tired, worn-out, hopeless, scared and overwhelmed by all the darkness that overtaken the city and surrounded his life. God who made the earth, comforted him.

The reality is that these promises were not just for Jeremiah, they are for us. They are for Israel but also for all believers. For all who call out to God. God does the same for us today, as He did for Jeremiah. He comforts us. He speaks to us. I 100% believe that God's Word is alive and speaking to us today. Re-read the verses above and everywhere that you see references to the city or Jerusalem, put in yourself. What we've ravished and destroyed because of our own doing, our own rebellion or because of the sinfulness of someone else, God promises to make it whole. He promises to renew it. He promises to make it as good as new. There will be a day that our lives will be a celebration of His glory. We will hear laughter in our souls once again. As we praise Him and search Him out, He will restore all that was lost in our lives. Because His love never fails!

Do you know, I couldn't tell you how many times in my life that I have read this passage...but never has it jumped off the pages to my heart like it has reading it yesterday and today. It is just confirmation of His promise that if we call out to Him, He will answer and He will show us things we could never imagine!!!

Middler Camp

Dad, Nadine, Rowan and I made the trek with Jourdyn today to take her to Nazarene Middler Camp at Grand Lake in St. Marys. She will be spending the week in a cabin with 8 other girls. This isn't the first year. She has been going now since 3rd grade. This is however the first year that she has gone alone. No other kids from our church went. She wasn't uncomfortable though. She was excited. And in fact, once she found her cabin, it was "okay mom bye!" I didn't even get a descent hug!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

On Friday, we will travel down again to collect her.

Food, Fun, and Fireworks!

Rob and I scrambled all last week to finish jobs that we had started and just never got finished! My bedroom got painted and rearranged. Our deck was finished (except for staining). Our backyard was mowed and weed-whipped. All the weeds in our front yard that accumulated during our vacation was removed and everything was looking really nice.

Why? Because the City of Oregon had fireworks on Saturday and what better reason could there be to throw a party! Rob loves when I throw parties because it's the only time that we actually get everything done.

On Saturday before our party, we had our softball tournament, which I didn't play in because of the chaffing from Cedar Point on Thursday (not to get to personal or anything). But I went and watched. Unfortunately, we only played one game and were out. The season is over. I'm kinda sad about that. But next year I won't be going anywhere on vacation and don't plan on having any surgeries so I will be able to play the whole season.

Well, Saturday night we had our neighbors over and our old neighbors and some family. It was very nice. I had lots of food and lots of libations. Both of which had lots left at the end of the evening! There's just something different about having a party without a pig. It felt like something was missing! (usually we have hog roasts!) It was great though to hang out and relax for the evening.

The fireworks were actually quite nice and in my front yard, which made them really nice!!!

Pictures from Dad

My dad emailed me all these pics today. And I wanted to share them with you.

Cedar Point

Yesterday, Jourdyn and I went with friends from church to Cedar Point...lots of them: Pam, Morgan, Sydney, Natalee, Chelsea, Carter, Teddy, Barb, Debbie, Hannah, Sandy, Madaleine, Kailey, Bethany, Elena (I think that's everyone!) It was Naz day at Cedar Point, which really wasn't anything other than the district getting a group discount...but Rob's work discount was better than theirs.

It was really fun! Only five of us braved the water rides. It's sad to report, or at least painful that I was one of the five and I was wearing jean shorts...not a good choice!!! I'll be paying for days to come!!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Finishing backyard work

On Tuesday night, Jason came down to help Rob and I lay the carpet on our deck. The previous owners of the house did just about everything half-butted. You my remember the back porch that we tore off. The deck below it was great wood but very poor construction. So we fixed it all but were unable to fix the cosmetic looks. Our choice...to lay outdoor carpet. It's pretty cool. It's made from recycled plastic pop bottles, so while it's gray, it's really green!!!!