Guest Blogger Micaela

I was going to post a blog about our CRAZY Christmas bu Micaela said it all in a Facebook entry, so I'll let her explain the madness.

So I'm finally sitting at home after probably the craziest Christmas that our family has had to date (and that is saying a lot with some of the crazy family stories that we have). It's about 2:50 in the morning here in Tennessee and for some reason, I've decided that I need to right this now. Our trip started off rough to say the least. Tuesday morning we left our house at about 7:30 to set out on the 9.5 hour trip to Des Moines. We quickly realized that 9.5 hours was going to take a lot longer since the roads were like glass. For those of you that don't know, in Tennessee and Kentucky, when it snows or ices, the state shuts down. Sliding and fishtailing all over, our first obstacle was a semi and a car that slid off the road on a bridge. The next obstacle involved another semi that was off the road at the top of a hill. As we slowed to try and go around the semi, we got stuck with our only option to back down the glass hill and get a bigger run at it. You may be asking yourself "Where are all of the salt trucks at this point?" and the answer to that is in ditches. Every one of the county salt trucks had slid off the road and were waiting to be towed out. Your net question may have been "Why did you not turn around and go home?!". Answer: because we are CRAZY! The rest of the way was no less nerve racking. Our 9.5 hour trip turned into 13 long tense hours just to get to Des Moines. Once we were in Des Moines, we met some friends for dinner and my brother who in the mean time was suffering with an intense eye infection (which he is still not over so please be praying) in which the doctor thought that he would loose some vision permanently. As we were sitting in the good ol' Walgreen's parking lot after dinner waiting for my mom and brother to get his prescriptions, my dad and I had a rude run in. Someone not paying attention backed into our van and left a nice size dent in the back hatch door. Merry Christmas Eilers!! It only gets better. The next day, Christmas Eve, we met a bunch of friends for breakfast and then we were supposed to be heading to Sioux City to be with the rest of our family for Christmas. Then comes another kink in the plans! My grandma called all worried telling us that there was supposed to be really bad weather up there on Christmas day. We were going to be traveling back to Des Moines by then because my bro had another eye appointment on Friday so we couldn't risk getting stuck out there. On the advice of my grandma, we cancelled our hotel in Sioux City and made arrangements to have Christmas dinner with some friends in town. After the plans were all changed, grandma calls back and says that she was wrong about the weather. Too late! We spent our first Christmas ever in Des Moines (even though we had lived in the area for 19 years) and we don't even live there now! Christmas Eve night in the hotel was fun! We ate chili, watched Man vs. Wild, and played Apples to Apples. We laughed A LOT (which always seems to happen when Keaton is around)!! Christmas morning we opened our stockings like always. I got mints, a whoopee cushion, Rook, and Kung Fu Panda!! After breakfast we opened our actual Christmas gifts. I got money cause all of the "Wii"s in the Tennessee and Kentucky area were sold out so that's what I'll be using my money for. We ate Christmas dinner at the Lively house and played Mad Gab and then decided to held back to TN at around 3. About halfway home, my mom gets sick! Once again, our 9.5 hour trip took much longer. This time about 11.5 hours. Please pray for her though, she is REALLY sick. So anyway, that's what happened for my Christmas! I didn't want to have to tell the story over and over again so there it is so you can all read it! It's about 3:20 now and I really need to go to bed. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a great New Year!!

Side note...it's now late Saturday morning and I'm feeling a little better but am still experiencing some of the incredibly annoying symptoms that come with the flu. You get the idea. I have now been able to eat a few saltines, a little jello and sip some 7up.

Merry Christmas

From the Eilers family...Merry Christmas! We pray that this Christmas is one you will always remember as the year you celebrated Jesus with your WHOLE heart. Don't hold anything back...give Him your all! So far, our Christmas has not been at all what we planned but we are together and so thankful for all the Lord has done for our family through the years. It's a weird Christmas without Randy's mom and it's odd being in a hotel in Des Moines instead of home but it's all good when you know God is in control of your life. Much love to all! More details to follow.

Road Trip

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we hit the road to go to Iowa for Christmas. It will be so great to see Keaton again, my family and even several friends. I'm not looking forward to the loooong drive and the ridiculously cold temps of Iowa. It's even been unusually cold in Tennessee the past couple days. Last Friday, it was like 69 here in Union City! Today...18 degrees. I've been accused of bringing Iowa weather with me!

As much as I want to see everyone, I'm a little sad to not be spending Christmas in Union City. It's so hard to explain how in less than three months we have come to love this place and these people so much. I was talking to Deana today and I said something about how hard it is to remember what a short time we've been here because we just feel so at home. She agreed that it seemed like we had been here longer and went on to say how evident that the whole story is just plain and simply a God thing. Well, maybe not simple but surely amazing!

Gonna be a quick trip. We're leaving Tuesday and getting home Fridaynight! Now, where did I put that long underware?

Words

Here's a way cool quote...."Some men see things as they are and ask 'Why?' I dream things that never were and ask, 'Why not?" Robert F. Kennedy....Inspires me!

Double Take Christmas Musical

Aren't they cute?

Do I look nervous?

Everyone bringing their "hearts" forward.

Whew...it's done! I love doing kid's programs, especially Christmas but by the time they are finished, it is always a relief. :) Our Double Take musical ended up coming together pretty well but at Saturday's dress rehearsal, I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry! Of course, in hind sight, there are some things I should have done differently but the first year in a new place is always an experiment. The kids struggled with their lines and so next year, even though I hate to do it, we may have to do auditions for those who want acting roles. This year, I tried to be fair and divide the speaking parts equally between our kids who come with their families and kids who ride the van. Both groups had their issues but we will make some changes next year. All in all, it was it was fine and the kids choir did very well. We also included all our babies in a "Baby Parade" and the Toddler Church kids sang a song with props and everything. Super cute!!

I had the opportunity to preach a short message after the program and that part went pretty well. I always get so nervous when I speak to adults! I had a challenge that involved writing your name on a heart shaped post-it note if this was the Christmas you wanted to give your whole heart to Jesus. I led everyone in a commitment prayer. I then had whomever wrote their name down bring it forward and put it in a basket and I have committed to pray for those names for the next several weeks. I took all the post-it notes and put them on a bulletin board in my office so I could see them every day. It was a powerful sight to watch nearly 200 people walk forward and put their hearts in that basket. I know it was a simple message and quick to the point, but I'm praying that those people would cement their relationship with Jesus in the days and weeks to come. I humbly ask Jesus to use that simple challenge to impact some lives for His Kingdom.

Volleyball and Shuffleboard

Randy ready to serve.

The whole gang.

Pastor Tommy and Keaton squaring off in shuffleboard.

Last Friday night, we had a great time over in the activities building at church playing volleyball and learning the art of shuffleboard. Of course, as any good church does, we also had food!!! Keaton was in town so he got to meet some of the crazy peeps we now love so much. Pastor Tommy worked hard to paint the volleyball lines, basketball lines, shuffleboard course and even painted a small and large 4 square game for all my kids to enjoy! Our activities building is really coming together!

Fantastic News!

We had the best news today! Randy got a job! He starts tomorrow morning at a place called Ethanol Grain Processors as their accountant. It happened super fast. he just sent his resume last Wednesday late afternoon, had an interview Thursday, doctor's physical and drug test on Friday and the offer today! He will have about a 30 minute drive but we have heard great things about the company. God is faithful!

I'm so proud of Randy. If I had to wait this long to get a job, I'd be going CRAZY! But not my hunky man...he redeemed the time with Bible study and a good attitude. What an awesome Christmas gift!

The Big Weekend

First, let me say it's soooo good to have my boy here in Tennessee! He drove a long way to see the old folks and we really appreciate it. Now I just need to figure out a way to keep him! Just kidding....God is using him in some amazing ways back in Iowa.

This Sunday at 5 PM is our Double Take Christmas Musical with all my kids. We are starting the program with our babies! We will have a baby parade and let all the folks oooh and awww over them. Then the Toddler Church gang sings their song. I can't wait to see them! I love the unexpected antics of toddlers! Always good for a laugh or two. Then the big kids take the stage. I'm praying hard! There never seems to be a point when you can honestly say, "Oh, we are so ready!" But that's okay...our purpose isn't perfection but ministering to hearts.

We have dress rehearsal tomorrow so we'll be in "big church" for the first time and I hope all my mental staging works out. Practice is followed by pizza and ice cream so it will fun to hang with my kids!

Where Are You Investing?

Kids and teenagers. Some people cringe at the thought of spending time with them; on purpose or on accident! Some would scoff at the thought that a child could make a huge difference in the world. Some would laugh at the idea of a young person being a "chain breaker" in a family or community. By a "chain breaker" I mean someone who breaks free from generational sin and doesn't follow a path that seems to be their destiny. Kids and teenagers. The advertising agencies of the world understand their power. Who do they market all their products to? When will all communities, churches and leaders wake up and realize they are missing it when they underestimate a child or teenager? I'm so thankful to have served in churches past and present who "get it." Please invest in the youth of today. Give of your time, talents, and treasures...Wall Street is for fools these days but children are a worthy investment.

For those who understand the power of a caring heart and for those who may not realize how much our kids can do...you need to watch this. Get a tissue!

Build A Gingerbread House

Setting up for "the build."

The Kerns

The Brattons

The Sims

The Bagwells

The Breedens

Pastor Tommy and grandson Corbin

Pastor Tommy and grandson Corbin

Breanna, Deana and Amy

Elizabeth

Devon

Julie

Look at my angels!

We had soooo much fun at our first annual Build a Gingerbread House family event this weekend! Ten families participated and all of the houses turned out so cute. I was very thankful I had chosen the kits that had the houses "glued" together already and we just had to mix the frosting and decorate. I think we would have lost the kids' attention if we would have had to wait for the walls to dry before decorating. We then enjoyed a pot luck lunch and some great fellowship. All the while, we listened to Christmas music, drank hot cocoa and made some sweet memories for families. Everyone said they had a great time and can't wait for next year. It was fun to watch families who were new to the church connect with others they hadn't really talked to before and observe the kids making new friends, too. I would highly recommend this easy to put together activity for any church.

Side note...I am so blessed to have a facility like our activities building to do these events! Our pastor is thrilled every time it is used and he has personally invested his time, talents, and treasure to making it a place that's fun for "my kids." Thanks Pastor Tommy and Pastor Justin for all the hard work they've put into it. Pastor Tommy just painted the floor with the basketball and volleyball lines plus two different sized four square areas and a shuffle board course. Sweeeet. Do you call it a course? Anywhoooo...so thankful for that building!

The Best Week Ahead!

It's gonna be a busy but fun week ahead! Tomorrow is our all church family event, Build a Gingerbread House for everyone to enjoy. We are setting up the activities building for families to gather for this new holiday tradition and to have a pot luck lunch following the big build. You know me...I love to hang out with "my kids" and EAT!

Sunday, after morning service, is our Kid's Inc. team meeting and lunch. I love to break bread with my peeps and encourage them in growing together in our call to reaching boys and girls for Jesus. I am so blessed with a great group of laborers who also love kids. God has placed a couple of youth kids on the team that not only have a call to children's ministry but already do such a wonderful job with the kids. I'm excited for the opportunity to pour some of my experience into their lives and help them however I can.

This coming Tuesday is my first T.A.L.K. meeting in Tennessee! It's a branch of the group that started in Kentucky, spread to Iowa and now will hopefully be a blessing and encouragement to children's ministry leaders here. Teaching and Loving Kids is a networking group for anyone who works with kids, from any denomination, full or part time, who just want to build God's Kingdom and not worry about who's church is the biggest! I invited a TON of folks so I'm praying for a good turnout. I'm finding I may have to do an evening meeting next time as most are on a volunteer basis and work day jobs.

Wednesday night, my boy arrives! Keaton is coming down for a few days and I can't wait to see him! Pray he has a safe trip.

Next Friday night is our churches "Couples Volleyball" in the activities building...should be so fun! Saturday is dress rehearsal for the big Union City First Assembly of God Kid's Inc. Christmas Musical, Double Take! Sunday at 5 PM is the big show and everyone is getting excited. I am looking forward to the whole thing, from the Baby Parade and the Toddler Church performing their song, and to the ministry "my kids" will bring to our community. I'm praying that many hearts will be touched for Jesus through their singing and drama.

Whew....I need a nap already! :) Don't you just love the Christmas season?

Our First Christmas Float

The beginning....

Some of the float builders.

Pastor Justin hooking up the sound.

Brrrrr....it's chilly!

Some of my kids

I'm still thawing out but we had a great time at the Union City Christmas Parade last night! It was so fun to be a part of a tradition here in UC that's been going on for quite some time. Between float builders and floater riders/walkers, we had almost 50 people involved from the church. That was such a blessing to see so many get behind our very first effort. It was a simple float but for the first year out I felt led to keep it basic. I already have some big ideas for next year and a plan to purchase long underwear! Compared to Iowa, it wasn't that cold but you know me...whimp-o when it comes to winter.

Thanks to all who made it fun to get 'er done and especially to Pastor Justin....he rocks! I'm not sure how I'd get anything accomplished without my partner in chaos. We know how to make ministry FUN!

Awesome Thanksgiving

Taa Daa...it's Christmas!

Ryan and Mic working on the tree

Renay and Randy

Micaela bowling her 300 game, LOL!

Renay, Josh and me

Randy, Micaela and Ryan at Snappy's Pizza

We had so much fun with Micaela and her buddies Ryan, Josh and Renay! It was good to have a house full again and cook the big meal and watch everyone enjoy. My girl comes home again in a few weeks for Christmas break so it will be good to have her around for a little longer than a couple days. I'm so thankful for my kids. Micaela has such great friends...Ryan even helped put up the Christmas tree. :) Keaton is arriving on December 10th and I can't wait. Why can't we require our adult children to live where we want them to? Hee Hee...just kidding...well, kinda!

Doesn't Get Much Better!

Life doesn't get much better than this! My house is clean (thanks Randy), my house smells like pumpkin (thanks me) and Micaela will be here in about four hours! We are having a house full as Mic is bringing three friends home with her! I LOVE that! Nothing like four college students to keep the house hopping and my love of feeding people fulfilled.

It's a gorgeous day here in Union City and tomorrow it's supposed to be about 60 degrees. Woot woot! I'm praying the mild weather holds for Monday's Christmas parade. We are looking forward to our first winter parade experience.

Tonight's church service will be off the hook. Pastor Tommy and Deana's son is here from Franklin, TN where his is a youth pastor and he and another buddy are joining our band for a night of praise and worship. If I ever have a jealous moment it is for people who have musical talent! Both Pastor Tommy and Pastor Justin are very musical and can sing.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thankful

Okay, I realize that it's kinda lame that I'm doing a "thankful" blog the week of Thanksgiving, but I just can't get past the feeling that I need to publish some of the things I'm thankful for. Maybe someone will read this and be reminded of something they need to be thankful about.

1. I'm so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for His love, grace, mercy, guidance, voice, anointing, favor, healing, provision, and so much more.
2. I'm so thankful for my husband and all God has done in his life in the 28 years we've been married. He's my best friend and biggest cheerleader (minus the pompoms :0))
3. Two awesome, incredible, God-serving, loving, talented, smart and kind children. After accepting Jesus, and marrying Randy, having children was the best thing I ever did. I'm so blessed. I love you Micaela and Keaton!
4. I'm so thankful that God allows me to minister to children. Even though I've been involved with ministry for 20+ years, I still marvel that God would ask ME to love and lead children to Calvary. I don't get it but I'm sure glad He asked!
5. I'm so thankful for my church and pastoral team. They ROCK. Nuff said.
6. Friends....I am the MOST blessed person in the world because I have so many friends who love and care about me and my family. Too many to try to mention names so I won't attempt it.
7. Health! I finally have two relatively pain free knees that work oh so much better than a couple years ago. Long process but now worth it. I had another healing in my body this year that very few people know of and maybe someday I'll be able to share about it but let's just say I experienced a miracle and I praise God for it!
8. Coffee (gotta keep ya smiling!)
9. I'm so thankful for growing pains. Thank you, Lord, for stretching me to be better in all that you ask of me. It's not fun to feel pain but you always come out stronger and a little closer to Jesus.
10. I'm thankful I get to cook A LOT this week! You know me...I love to feed people.

Now it's your turn, What are you thankful for this year? My list could have been longer but you would stop reading!

Cool Quote

Love this quote I found on a leadership e-newsletter..."The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas."~ Linus Pauling

Lord, give me lots of ideas and Your voice to know which ones to pursue. Amen

Where Is God?

Wednesday night service at UC First rocked! Pastor Tommy preached a message that penetrated many hearts. He preached about Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 2 when Elisha refused to stay behind while Elijah traveled on to Jericho and the Jordan. Elisha had asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit before they were separated. As Elijah was taken in a whirlwind, Elisha was indeed blessed but he cried out, "Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?"

Pastor said as he was preparing for his sermon, that scripture jumped off the page at him. Many of us have asked that very same question...where is God now? Pastor then went on to say, "He's right where we put Him." He challenged us to ask ourselves about where we have placed the Lord in our lives and hearts. Is He really first? Or is He where many of us have Him...on call only when life gets tough or our wish list needs fulfilled.

Lord, let me press in and find you close in all parts of my life. May I feel your presence in every second of my day because I'm seeking You regularly and You are faithful hear my voice. May you find me as faithful as Elisha and may I be used by You in a way that blesses Your Kingdom. Amen

A Moment of Thanks

I'm sitting in my office and am up to my elbows in "stuff" to do but had to stop for a moment to give thanks. This morning in prayer, God spoke to me in a powerful way about ordering my day. I am by definition a "get 'er done gal" but God showed me I need to delegate more and focus on the things only I can do. Sometimes it's easier to just do whatever needs done instead of calling someone else to do it but I need to be better at that. I am thankful for the reminder, Lord.

Also, while I was typing the Kid's Inc. bulletin, I put in a new kid's worship CD that someone gave me. I was kinda listening and then got to the part of the bulletin that says "Next week's message" and prayed, Lord, what would You have me to preach about next Sunday? I stopped typing and opened my Bible to Romans chapter one and began to read. The scripture Romans 1:16 jumped off the page; "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Just then, the Newsboys song I Am Free started to play (incredible song!) and God showed me the Big Idea for next week - I am FREE and NOT ashamed. Ideas are flowing!

I am so thankful for the voice of God. How do people live without Jesus and the Holy Spirit? I mess up enough WITH Jesus in my life, I can't imagine what a mess I'd be without Him. :)

Amazing Kids

My kids are amazing! Anyone who has been in one of my kid's services knows that we always have a Big Idea for the day. It is the main point of whatever I'm preaching...a catchy phrase to help them remember what we are learning. Yesterday, as service was starting, one of the kids raised their hands and said, "Pastor Lori, I know last week's Big Idea." After she told me what it was, another child raised his hand and said, "I remember the one before." One by one someone told me each of the Big Ideas from every week since I came to Union City! I was sooooo proud of them! For kids to remember something from 7 or 8 weeks before was so cool...such a God thing. It brought tears to my eyes and blessed me so much that God is working in their hearts and minds. I've said it many times before; sometimes you just don't know if kids are "getting it."

We had a breakthrough in our Christmas music practice, too. All of a sudden, they are actually singing the words! Yippee. All the lines are assigned and I think most are happy campers. It helps to constantly remind them that Jesus is the "star" and all of their jobs are equally important in presenting the Gospel. Pastor Tommy has given me the option to preach a short message during the program, too. I always get so nervous preaching to adults but I believe the Lord is giving me a message to share that day. I'm praying He speaks clearly to me about sharing as I want it all to be in His plan for the day. If He does allow me to speak, God gave me a cool idea for a visual example. Hard to believe the holidays are approaching so fast!

I'm looking forward to something new for the Eilers' family this holiday season. We will experience our first Christmas parade! Yes, with the milder winter weather, you can actually do things like that in the south! We are planning Union City First Assembly's float as we want to be a part of all the fun. I think we'll keep it pretty simple and of course throw out a bunch of candy. We have an 18 foot trailer lined up and a warehouse to park it in to decorate. Should be a blast and a perfect time to build some more relationships with families.

Happy Birthday Deana

Deana and daughter Tiffany...two beauties!

We had a little surprise party for our pastor's wife, Deana, for her _ _ birthday. We actually pulled off the surprise and had a great time with about 30 of the ladies from church. Deana is a one of a kind gal. I just love her spunk and the twinkle in her eye. She is a wonderful mom and grandma, competitive, funny, quick to laugh, loving, an encourager, REAL, and passionately in love with her husband! The moment you meet Deana, you just have to love her. I'm so thankful for my new friend.

The Power of Caring

I love this city. I have NEVER been burdened for a city like I am for Union City. Today, we experienced the power of caring for people. There is something about meeting people's most basic needs that humbles my soul and reminds me how very blessed I am. We at UC First Assembly had our annual community outreach today where we physically show the people of our city how much we love them.

We set up the activities building with banquet tables filled to overflowing with clothing and household items. We had clothes hanging along the walls, also and even a few pieces of furniture. We invited people to come and "shop" for FREE for anything they need and there was no limit to how much they could have. Our congregation was so incredibly generous with items; some even had prices tags still on them. As the shoppers "checked out" and we bagged their treasures, we got to chit chat and introduce ourselves. One particular gal was so happy and thankful. Brenda told me how she and her husband had both lost their jobs and that her shopping day at UC First AG was the only Christmas they would have this year. We told her how happy we were to be a blessing and told her not to forget her Thanksgiving groceries when she was ready to leave. She about fainted when she found out she would be getting groceries, too! We had a prayer team ready to agree with folks about any needs they may have and I don't believe a single family refused our prayer times. I personally got to pray with Brenda and I know the Lord really touched her as I saw peace come over her face. I helped her carry her items to her car and she made me cry when she humbly asked if she could have a hug. I think I about hugged the stuffin' right out of her!

Over 100 families came through the church today. Thank you Jesus for setting an example of real, practical ways to love others and in turn be your hand extended. I pray we not only helped cloth and feed many people but they found hope through you, Lord. Thanks for using us....my heart is so full! Amen

Funnest Day Off!

Throwed rolls....yummmmmy!

There is a horse...just can't see him!

Smooching the whiskers!
Sister love. Soooo cute!

I knew I was missing my Iowa friends but didn't realize how much until we had the opportunity to see the beautiful Main ladies! They were in St. Louis for Amy's grandmother's funeral and we decided that my day off would be well spent with a road trip. Amy and the girls so very kindly drove half way to see us so we each only had to go two hours. We had planned to go to a museum in Cape Girardeau, MO but found out it was not a very good one soooooo.....off to Lambert's for lunch!

Well, first we had to drop Amy's Suburban off at a detailer's because of a chocolate milk catastrophe. That in it's self was a funny story! The detailer's business was basically a garage behind this guy's house and in a rather shady area of town. Nicest guys, though! They worked on the milk mess while we drove about 30 minutes to Lambert's - Home of the throwed roll. Sooooo worth the drive! Yumm-o! The girls had a blast catching rolls and we sure laughed a lot.

Side note. Isabella and Lisi are both such smarty-mcsmarties but Iz about knocked me off the seat with something she said. Amy was excitedly talking about the Life Group she and Mark are leading. Amy was talking about the Biblical maps they found and got for the whole group. The she was telling us about a friend in the group that had been to many of the places they are studying about due to serving in the military. She said he had been in Israel, Afghanistan, and Ur. Iz spoke up right away and said, "Is that Ur of the Chaldean's?" Excuse me! How old are you? I guess that's a benefit of Christian education!

Our drive was spectacular! The trees are just beautiful and it was a sunny day. We crossed a couple of huge bridges over the Ohio River and Mississippi River. We drove two hours and were in four states! Wonky boundary lines down south. :) We were in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri.

Thanks Amy! You made my day off so special and fun. Can't wait for another road trip.