Road Trips

I, who rarely travels, have taken two road trips in less than a week! Last Friday, Amy, Becky the kids and I all went to Omaha to the zoo and to see the Young's. It was a great day, the weather was beautiful, the kids were angels and it was so awesome to see Michael, Lindsay, and Reese. Lindsay is the CUTEST pregnant woman, EVER! So much fun to watch the kid's reaction to the animals and just to hang with good friends.

Yesterday, I drove down to see Micaela at Evangel. I'm sitting in her dorm writing this. We had lunch in the caf with all her buds. Last night we went to a flag football game for some of the guys and they won so tonight they play again in the "play-offs." We are having open dorm night so a bunch are coming over to eat the pumpkin bars I brought and then we'll go to the game again. What a wonderful group of friends my daughter has. No wonder she loves it here so much.

It has been so good for my spirits to be with Mic and have a change of scenery. So good to have five hours alone in the car to cry and pray, sing and praise, reflect and dream about what new thing God has for me and Randy. I am still so very sad and cry at the drop of a hat but my resolve is strengthening and my spirits WILL be lifted as I trust God. I know He is not done with me yet. I have too much passion left in my heart to not continue ministering to children. I have been leaning on Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6 daily. I have had so many wonderful phone calls and e-mails from friends and fellow pastors just to encourage me and say they are praying for us. The family of God is amazing.

I am totally enjoying campus life and Mic's friends have treated me like royalty! I'm headed back tomorrow afternoon. I have a feeling there will be a few less tears on the way home! :)

Changes

Change is always difficult, I think a little more so for women than men, but changes come. I think by now everyone knows that my last day as JCFC's children's pastor is this Sunday, November 11. I know there have been many tears and heavy hearts but God IS in control. He has a plan and purpose for each of us and I know He is not done with me yet! :)

I must say that the whole experience of planting a church has been fun, mind expanding, muscle burning, victorious, lesson filled, times of trial and error, and overall one of the best experiences of my life. I am so thankful for our time as a part of this wonderful church. I don't have to tell those who are a part that it is a unique place that God is blessing and lives are being changed for the better. It is truly a place where you can "build relationships and encounter God."

I know it is hard to say goodbye, believe me I have used more Puffs this week than I have in many years, but let's focus on the positive. JCFC will go on and do even more and greater things without Randy and me. It's such a weird phenomenon but for whatever reason when a pastor leaves a church there is growth. So ya'll better get ready!

Pastor Josh has taught me many things and I hope he has learned a little something from me, too. He has given me some incredible opportunities and totally gets how important children's ministry is to a church. I love that about him! He really needs you all now. I ask that you pray about how you are going to be a part of helping him in this transition. There are a million little details that will need done each week and it is a time when it will be "all hands on deck!" I will be able to leave with some peace knowing that all "my kids" will be taken care off on Sunday mornings. It's not always a glorious job changing diapers or wiping noses but I promise you will be blessed in ways you can never begin to know. The first time you see a child "get it", come to understand who Jesus is and how much He loves us, you will be hooked on children's ministry!

Thank you all so much for taking such great care of us and always loving us and welcoming us into your families. We want to stay in touch with you all however much is comfortable for your family. I know your children will have an adjustment time but the health of it will depend on you. If you, as their parents, will focus on the positive - so will they. It's okay and healthy to cry and ask questions but they need to know it's gonna be okay and that Randy and I are alright. We serve a wonderful Savior who watches over us and always gives us what is best.

I'm looking forward to hearing of all the wonderful things that JCFC will accomplish in the next few months and how you all grow together! Randy and I love you all very much.... thank you!! I think I will still be blogging so don't quit checking in!

Kid Movie? I Don't Think So

I've been meaning to post about this and my friend Trudy's post said it so well I copied it for mine. I know that a lot of kid movies are good vs. evil based and so therefor debatable in whether they are appropriate for our kids but this one crosses the line. My personal opinion about certain children's fantasy programs and movies is just that...my personal opinion, but ask yourself if it's something you really want your child's head filled with.

The Golden Compass
I'm sure by now many of you have heard about this movie. I checked it out on snopes and you can too http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp. I've read about it and it just blew me away on what I read. This is from a friend of mine: "This is the first in the trilogy, and it's the TAMEST. The hope is that the kids will like the movie, and it seems harmless enough, so they'll buy the books and read this author's garbage. The author makes no qualms about his beliefs, as stated in interviews, and the books are very obviously encouraging children to abandon their belief in God and religion." I took this off snopes: Written by Phillip Pullman, a proud and outspoken atheist who belongs to secular humanist societies. He hates C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia and has written a trilogy to show the other side. The movie has been dumbed down to fool kids and their parents in the hopes that they will buy his trilogy where in the end, THE CHILDREN KILL GOD, and everyone can do as they please." It breaks my heart that there are people out there who are making movies like this. The sad thing is that families will go to see this movie and think nothing of it. Please don't hesitate to pass along to your friends and family about this movie. This movie is to come out in December (and stars Nicole Kidman). Let's start praying that it won't be a hit in the movie theaters and it won't stay out there very long.

New Babes in Christ

Sunday was an awesome Creek Kids service. We finished our sermons on the virtue of respect and the Big Idea for the day was, "Show respect to God because He's in charge of everything." When I came to the end of the sermon, I asked the kids if they would like to know how to show the utmost respect to God. Of course, they all said yes. I went on to explain the plan of salvation and how giving our WHOLE hearts and lives to Jesus is the ultimate way the respect God and what He has done for us. Nearly every hand was raise to receive Jesus and even one of our Creek Kids workers got saved on Sunday. God is so good to us! I thank Him every day for the opportunity to serve Him. We talk about uniqueness this Sunday and how learning more about others helps so we can know more about ourselves. Gideon - one of my fav stories!

Crazy Daughter

Okay, just when you think you have taught your children to make wise choices, they go and do something like this! Micaela decided to go bridge jumping last spring while still at Evangel. I cannot believe her! I get nervous standing on a chair! I have threatened her with a beating if she ever does it again!! I'll never forget that phone call...."Mom, guess what I did today?"

Last school year she also received a concussion playing powder puff football and hyper extended her elbow playing in the snow with some friends. We won't even discuss how much that doctor bill was. :) Gotta love her spunk...or whatever you call it!

My Babies

I snagged this pic from Amy's blog. I'm so proud of my kids. People probably get tired of me bragging about them, but I just can't help it. Mic is having a great year at Evangel University, although she is super busy. Did you know she's doing a four hour radio show every Thursday night with her friend, Trey? It is broadcast on Evangel's TV network, too. Keaton's new job in Montezuma is going very well and his ministry at Community Hope is growing. He also has been preaching nearly every Wednesday night at First Assembly in Newton as they are without a youth pastor. It sure helps the empty nest syndrome to know they are doing well on their own. Love my babies!

Conversations

I had a conversation with the Sustala kids today that went something like this....
Me: So guys...do you think momma's gonna have a boy baby or a girl baby?
Jake: BOY
Jordan: GIRL baby
Jadyn: Silent
Me: So if it's a boy baby, whatcha gonna name him?
Jake: Jackson, that's mom's favorite and it HAS to be a "J" name! We need a boy so we have three boys and three girls in our family.
Jordan : Baby Jessica for a girl.
Me: Jadyn, what do you think?
Jayden: Silent
Me: Jadyn, do you think it's a boy or girl?
Jadyn: Big sigh...I just don't know yet!
At least the twins theory seems to be put to rest!

Amazing Idea

I shared with our Parenting Life Group a challenge Pastor Mark Batterson issued his son, Parker, on a recent birthday camp out. He made a three part covenant with his boy that for the next year, they would do a physical challenge together, an intellectual challenge together and a spiritual challenge of reading the New Testament together. At the end of the year long challenge, if Parker fulfills his part of the covenant, he will be rewarded with a trip. Batterson's theory is that if the sweat together and learn together, they would grow together. I thought this was an amazing idea! Today, Batterson's blog had this entry....

"Just thought I'd share a parenting idea. One of the things I'm doing this year as I disciple Parker is keeping a journal for my son. I feel like one of my roles as a dad is biographer. And I want to be a student of my kids. So I journal thoughts, ideas, and prayers for them. Helps me keep track of the things I'm learning about my kids!"

How cool would it be to give that to your adult child as a gift after years of entries? God made us in His own image. If God is creative, and you KNOW He is, then so are we. Let's ask Him to give us all creative ways to disciple our children. Almost makes me wish I could have more babies to raise and disciple!

Web Site

Here's a fun web site that teaches kids about missions! Check it out together...make it a devotional time. The family that "knows together"..."grows together."

http://www.simkids.org/index.htm

Tons of Pictures

This past weekend was the Family Fall Festival and Micaela's Evangel University ministry team, Oath, was here to assist so of course I took tons of pics. Here are a few highlights. I think I need to add Bubbleshare to my blog site!

Micaela's friends were so much fun to have around. We laughed and laughed. A special thanks to the Main and Mumm families for hosting some of the kids! I really appreciate you opening your homes to the kids. I even had more offers to host but had to do a "first come, first serve"! JCFC peeps are so generous! Thanks Mic, Trey, Josh, Sal, Nicola, Clover, Erica, and Kendra! Iowa and JCFC love ya all!

Great Weekend

Well, I'm going to do a quick post this morning to give a praise report and then add some pics of the weekend later. First, the Family Fall Festival went very well with at least 100 people in attendance. We had a few new families from the community, too! Awesome! I had a GREAT team of people helping and must give a shout out to Kyle and Krista, Christian and Jessi, Devon, Randy and Micaela's ministry team Oath. They all blessed my socks off! And to all the ladies that made/brought cakes for the cakewalk...WOW...nicely done. Got some pics of those, too. Jenn's JCFC popcorn bucket cake was super cute!

Next....we had an incredible service in Creek Kids. The JCFC kids department hit a new record attendance with 75! Haven't heard how many adults yet but heard they were super full in Big Church. I have some new Creek Kids team members and one started yesterday. Ashlin is already a wonderful help and she has committed to working with me every Sunday. I know you can't see me but I'm doing a hallelujah dance in my pajamas. Baby Steps was rockin' when I peeked in on my sweet little babes. Do you know how much it blesses my heart when I stopped in the toddler nursery and heard those sweet little voices saying, "Hi Past-o Lowie." ? Melts my heart!

I'll be phasing out the pink hair....sure has been fun, though. My button gave me tons of opportunities to talk about JCFC and my kids!

Family Fall Festival

Don't forget...Saturday, October 20, 6-8 PM at Westridge Elementary School, 5500 EP True Pkwy, in WDM is our first annual Family Fall Festival!! It's all coming together for our Wild West night! Remember we have prizes for all ages in the costume judging which will happen around 7 PM. We have carnival style games, candy, lots of prizes, face painting, a craft, more candy and a good ole fashion cake walk! Bring some friends for a bag of popcorn and a great night of family fun. Of course...it's FREE!! YeeeHaw! Don't be a party pooper...at least break out some jeans and a cowboy hat.

What's Up With Annie?

Is there nothing sacred left in the world? Come on people....vandalizing the famous AE cows Annie and Eric?! Some folks need to get a life. Wow, two rants in a month.

Creek Kids

I have to share a Creek Kids story. Sunday, we were starting service and I was reminding the kids that we are focusing on the virtue of respect for the month of October. My kids are so well behaved for me in Creek Kids but I know my little tribe well and know that some struggle with being angels 24/7. Hard to believe, I know. Anyway...I reminded them that respect means responding with words and actions that show others they are important. I stopped and gave an example. We may respond with the respectful words that are expected but as we speak them, we may have actions that cancel out the words. Such as saying "Okay, mom." or "Yes, sir." and as we say it we roll our eyes or give a big sigh. I was looking at the kids as I said this and my eye caught two sitting together who immediately looked at each other with the "How does she know that?" expression written all over their faces! It took everything in me not to bust out laughing. They KNOW they are doing something that isn't respectful and may think they are getting away with it at the time but maybe now they will remember my little example. The phrase "Do what I say, right away, and with a smile." is a great way to help them remember, too. Love those kids...they make me laugh.

Happy Birthday Angela Albers

Today is the birthday of an amazing woman. Her name is Angela Albers and we have been friends for about 9 years after having met at Berean Assembly of God. I have some awesome memories of ministering with Angela and her husband Scooter Scotty. Angela is one of those people that when you think of her you automatically smile. Angela has been through many trials in her life from cancer to losing her dad, from being a single parent to health crises with her children. All of her life experiences have helped form the strong, wise, compassionate, loving and faithful woman she is. Angela loves Jesus and has had to lean on Him more times than it would seem fair but she always trusts Him and usually does it with a smile on her face! Here's a few other tid bits about my good friend...


She is a great mom of SIX beautiful children - Dominique, Madison, Isaiah, Elijah, Amaris and Sam

She is a cake artist

She just learned how to quilt

She home schools some of the kids

She is a children's ministry leader at Berean and a FANTASTIC one at that

She always goes above and beyond in everything

She's a good cook and can stretch a meal like no one else!

She's a loyal and honest friend

She wants to drive a BIG truck :)

She's a researcher

She loves coffee

And she's super smart...purple is her fav color!

Those are just a few of the many wonderful things I could say about Angela. Have a very Happy Birthday my friend!

Spoiled Pastor

I am one spoiled pastor! Our wonderful church families honored Randy and me with some incredible gifts for Pastor Appreciation Day! What a wonderful surprise we had! I am feelin' the love, for sure! Randy got the coolest book bag for his "back to college" adventure. True story - He got this bag out of the closet the other day and I told him it was looking rather sad and he should go buy a new one. Ever the frugal guy, he insisted it was okay. Now it can be filed, retired or whatever you want to call it!! Yeah!

We also received a gift card for dinner at Cosi Cucina, which is so cool because we have never been and always wanted to try it! I always heard it was great from my pal Trudy. Next - who loves me?- Starbucks gift card! I'm not sharing it...well maybe once. HeeHee.

And the last thing, which I have to tell you made me tear up and know for sure how God is in the so called "small stuff." I received a BEAUTIFUL watch from Brighton as pictured. Several months ago I was in the store and drooling over all their stuff and fell in love with this watch. It was a little more $$ than I feel justified on spending on myself so I put it back and told Randy maybe for Christmas. Then more than a month ago, I was having a conversation with my friend Michon about jewelry (we are both addicted) and I mentioned this watch at Brighton. I think I was fussing about the $6 clearance watch I bought at Target one day when my other one died. Anyway....Michon mentions our conversation to my pal Amy and off to the Brighton store she goes. Amy finds two watches that she thinks I'll like and happens to think that MAYBE I filled out a Brighton wish list. The clerk checks and low and behold, one of the watches was on my wish list! I NEVER fill out those store wish lists but the day I was there the clerk pushed me into it. See how God loves to give us just the exact thing we desire? I thought that was so cool...not only was it a generous, lovely gift but the exact one I wanted! Thanks Lord and my precious JCFC kids and families! I feel so blessed to serve at JCFC! Ask me what time it is!

Happy Birthday Pastor Josh

I didn't forget my favorite pastor! Pastor Josh turned the BIG 3-0 on Saturday! Happy Birthday! I vaguely remember 30. Anyway...we love our pastor. He's many things to us but here are a few....
He's a visionary
He's handy with a hammer and screw driver
He's a man of faith and prayer
He's a soon to be marathon man, (well, half marathon, but still - wow!)
He's a great daddy
He's wonderful friend
He's still the best guacamole maker!
And he has the most contagious laugh

Happy Birthday boss!

Pinky Pastor

Well...whatcha think? My "Ask me why my hair is pink." button has already started some conversations!

Cookbook

I was watching Oprah the other day and she had a new author on with a cookbook that was very intriguing. Jessica Seinfeld (yes, Jerry's wife) had trouble getting her kids to eat their veggies and so she found a way to add them deceptively. Boy, if I had kids at home, I'd be buying this book! She uses veggie purees to add nutrition to traditional "kid friendly" foods such as mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and cookies! If you have a veggie hater in your house, you need to check this out. She worked with a nutritionist that helped not only get the veggies in, but combined foods to reduce fat and neutralize sugars. Wow...pretty cool.

Pumpkins, Goats and Sunshine

What a beautiful fall day here in central Iowa! Our mom's group made the trek to Howell's Pumpkin Patch today for a great time! We were a small group today but the kids were so incredibly good and you just couldn't have asked for a better day to go. We fed the goats and looked at the other animals, road the tractor pulled wagon out to the pumpkin patch and picked out our perfect orange prizes. Amy sent along some great advice. She tells her girls, "If you can lift it yourself, you can buy it." Takes care of the issue of picking out the 50 pound pumpkin! Howell's was a great set up. One piece of advice, if you have a larger group, call ahead and make a reservation. There were tons of school kids there! They also have a corn maze, play area, gift shop and it was pretty easy to find. Enjoy the pics!