Ahhhh...The Noise

It's the noise I've missed. Kids in the house! If you know our daughter Micaela, you know there isn't much quiet when she's around. :) The girl loves to laugh, talk, quote stuff (don't ask), play games and generally make noise. It's great to have her home for a few days. The only drawback is she leaves a trail. Oh well, I'll take it over too much quiet. I know when we have small children, we beg for and dream of quiet...even just a few minutes of it but when they move out, the quiet isn't as precious as it used to be. It's been so great to have my kids home and to share the time with Micaela's friend, Clover. The quiet returns tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that I have both of my kids home with me today. Micaela brought a friend who couldn't travel all the way to Alaska to spend the holiday with her family, so we are blessed to have Clover with us, too. Randy is in Sioux City to spend Thanksgiving with his mom and oldest brother. I don't really like being apart from him today but it was more important he get to see his mom who has been struggling with some health issues. There is no way my doctor would allow me to travel yet, so it's an unusual Thanksgiving for us. I cooked most of yesterday to send Thanksgiving dinner with Randy and have all my kid's favorites for here. I am thankful for...Jesus, who loves me unconditionally and saved my soul, the Holy Spirit who guides me (I need it!), the Word of God, my hunky husband, my awesome kids, my family, my church, my friends, my cat, my call (Thanks, Jesus, for allowing me to minister to kids and their families.), all of God's provision, my new knees (I think), and for the exciting things God is doing in our lives and community. Enjoy the day, take a nap, hug everyone at least twice and don't count calories!

My Dad

Yesterday was a great day for me. I got to see my dad and step mom. They stopped by for a short over night visit on their way back to Michigan. We only get to see them once a year so the visit is a little too short but I'm so thankful we got to see each other. I have an amazing dad. He is a wonderful man of God who leads his family with great commitment, he's an awesome grandpa, and a loyal friend. My step mom is this terrific person who has always treated me with love and respect and as though I am one of her kids. She is also an awesome grandparent, the type we all dream about having for our kids. I wish we lived closer together! We all have "family issues" with siblings or parents, but I'm really counting my blessings when I get to see them. Hopefully, this coming summer Randy and I can get to Michigan and see my whole family. I have a sister and two brothers, three nieces and two nephews, a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law there, also. I haven't seen my Michigan siblings in four years. That visit sure blessed me and lifted my spirits. Thanks dad and Val!

New Lessons in Patience

I've always considered myself a very patient person. For three years, I worked one on one with behavior disorder kids in a middle school, I am the oldest of six kids, I can listen to people who take forever to tell a story, etc. But God has new lessons in patience for me in the last two weeks. Anyone who knows me very well knows I'm a "get over it" person when it comes to myself. I am so ready to be done with all this knee stuff that I am being taught that my way and my timing are not ever better than God's. Last night, for the third time, I really hurt myself. This time, I was alone and was trying to get up when I somehow almost ended up on the floor. It happened so fast, I'm not even sure what caused my accident but the pain caused everything to go black for a second, immediate sweating and choking back the urge to throw up. It scared me so bad! Poor Randy was at Walgreens when he got my hysterical phone call. He handled it so well, talking me through it until I could breathe and settle down. Evidently, I am being too impatient. It got my attention, I need to slow down and let my body heal. I want to have all this done but I need to trust in God's timing. What a humbling experience. Makes me dwell on the scripture of Isaiah 40:31 that teaches us to wait on God, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I will be singing that old chorus to myself today!

Kids and Worship

I am not a singer. I have some things that I am good at; cooking, talking with just about anyone, fairly organized, neat and tidy, yada, yada, yada. But singing, as much as I love to do it, I am not very good at it. I don't have to worry about it with the kids at JCFC, they tolerate my singing because what I lack in talent, I make up for in enthusiasm! One of the advantages to having so many younger kids in Creek Kids is that they are not to the age of being too cool to worship yet. So each week I try to share what it means to worship God, why we do it and why it helps us prepare to receive from God. Now if you came in and watched what was happening, you may not think that anything "spiritual" is taking place because we are having such a good time doing it. Fun and spiritual...can that happen together? Of course. Anyway, a lot of our songs have motions. It helps the kids remember the words, helps us to not take ourselves too seriously and it gets the wiggles out. I have parents tell me all the time, "I need to learn the motions to the________ song." I was joking with my friend Amy that I may need to have a "motions clinic" for parents. Amy is one who occasionally hears from her daughter, Isabella, "Mom, you must not know the right motions." It's awesome to hear how Isabella and her sister, Lisi, belt out our songs while riding in the car. Oh, I hope they never get too cool to do the motions, it's too fun for me to give up. I love to watch the kids worship without fear of what others are thinking of them. When we "grow up" we think it's undignified to jump or move our feet when we worship but remember, King David danced before the Lord. If it's not undignified for a king, why is it for some of us? Okay, so maybe we can get too old for some things. I'm probably too old to train for the Olympics or have a baby but I'll never be too old to worship God.

"The Bionic Rev"

That's what my beloved husband calls me. With two new plastic and metal knees, I guess I am kinda bionic. The progress this time is a little different. My swelling in not near as bad, and my bend seems to be advancing a little quicker but I cannot lift my leg yet. That part is slower than last time. My left knee is working overtime, so it's pretty sore but seems to be holding up. My balance is not very good yet. I have fallen once and nearly fell again last night. Thank God when I fell, I was close enough to the chair that I landed on it with my rear but it felt like I tore everything from my ankle to my hip. I was thankful Randy was home but I scared him so bad with the blood-curdling scream I let out. Last night, I tried to pick up something off the floor and almost lost it again and pulled my knee pretty good. I guess I need to be more careful with the balance thing. My pain level is the same as last time, so that's a little frustrating. But after all that complaining I really am thankful that I have no more knees to fix, my husband is my knight in shining armor, I have the BEST friends ever, and Jesus is with me every wobbly step I take. I can't imagine what this would all be like without the Lord.

Speaking of friends....they are feeding us so well, I'm sure I'll need to fast a few days after all the awesome chow we are having delivered to our door! Thanks to those who came by to visit, especially those who brought the kids along. I know things are fine at church without me (Dara and Camille are incredible) but I miss the kids so bad, I can't wait to get back.

Taking a Break

I will be taking a break from the blog world. I will have my next knee replacement surgery tomorrow. Not really looking forward to it but know the Lord is with me and it needs to be done. The first one is still healing and sore but making slow progress. The hospital has my number on speed dial from so many surgeries, I'm praying this will be my last one, EVER. Thanks for all the prayers.

Advice from "Peanuts"

Randy loves the cartoon Peanuts. It's never been my fav but you've got to love the creator Charles Schultz's philosophy. We at Jordan Creek Family Church want to show the people in our community that we truly care for them. Everybody needs a friend, everybody needs Jesus, but not everybody always feels welcome in the "church". JCFC wants to change that. May these words inspire you and help you remember that kindness, caring and being genuine with people are what really counts!

Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Amen Charles!

Upcoming Stuff

I'm very excited about the upcoming events in the children's ministry area of Jordan Creek Family Church. We are starting our Christmas program practice this Sunday, working on some music. Our presentation of "Christmas Around the World" will be at 10:15 on Sunday, December 17. The "cute factor" will be off the charts so be sure to invite every person you have ever met in your life and make sure you all have cameras, video equipment, extra batteries and please practice your "ooo's and ahhh's"!! :) The program is a simple message with some new and traditional songs and what I like best about it is that it has a missions emphasis. Our JCFC kids love missions! There will even be special appearances by all of our Baby Steps members. Come on...how can you even think about missing that?

After Christmas, on December 28, we will celebrate the kids making and surpassing our missions giving goal with a pizza and ice cream party. We will keep you posted with more details but mark your calendars and let's make it a family event.

In January, Randy and I will be starting a new Life Group. We are leading a parenting class that I pray will not only help you be all God wants you to be as a parent but will also empower you be the spiritual leaders of your kids.

Today's Playground

There are very few things in life that have not changed drastically since I was a kid. One thing that I've observed in the last few weeks as I have lunch at school with "my kids" is the playground of 2006 is pretty much the playground I used in the '60's. Oh yes, the equipment is a little nicer and some have mulch instead of sand and maybe look a little "artsier", but really they are the same. Today when I followed Leighton around the playground after lunch, there was still shrieking girls, hand clap games, swings, slides, teeter-totters, kick ball, boys tackling each other and the classic....boys chase the girls! Our little Miss Leighton was the object of one little guy's goal. Darrin chased her with all he was worth, but she was too quick for him. He finally gave up and went his own way. Good girl, Leighton...stay away from those boys. When I hear girls talk about their boyfriends, I always tell them the only boyfriend they need is Jesus! Anyway, it's kinda nice to see some childhood things are still in place. It's a lot harder to be a kid in 2006 than when I was in kindergarten in 1965. Let's hear it for good ole traditions!

Friendly Competition

Today one of our sweet little girls, Lisi, arrived at church full of excitement as always. She and her sister, Isabella, both came with their Buddy Barrels full of offering for our kid's missions program, Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade (BGMC). We are having a contest in Creek Kids that if the boys bring in the highest total offering for the next month, Pastor Lori gets a pie in the face. If the girls win, Mister Randy gets the pie. Well, as little Miss Lisi, who by the way isn't even old enough for Creek Kids yet, came running to me with Barrel in hand proclaiming, "Pastor Lori, GIRLS WIN!" Sounds good to me, Lisi! How cute is that? It's fun to see the kids get into the spirit of fun, but even better how they are excited to give to missions.

Old Friends

This week, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a couple that I ministered with at Berean. Our good friends Pastor Kevin and Trudy Umphress were in town doing a Kid's Crusade and I crashed a couple of services. It was so great to see them and catch up on each other's news. I'm so thankful for the time I got to work with them. I learned a lot from Pastor Kevin and we worked so well together. My favorite memories are of us doing character skits together, adlibing all the way...no scripts ever. The Umphress' are people who bring a smile to my face by just thinking of them. Do you know someone like that? Drop them a note today and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. I know I don't do that enough, I'm gonna try to do better.

Kids and Marriage

Some of you may have seen these come on an e-mail forward but they are so funny you have to read them. A challenge follows...

The Funny Things Kids Say: Kids Talk About Marriage
How do you decide who to marry?
(1) You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. - Alan, age 10
(2) No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. - Kirsten, age 10
What is the right age to be married?
(1) Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. - Camille, age 10
(2) No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married. - Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age)
How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
(1) You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. - Derrick, age 8
When is it okay to kiss someone?
(1) When they're rich. - Pam, age 7
(2) The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. - Curt, age 7
(3) The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. - Howard, age 8

So after I read these and had a good chuckle, I started to think about how our kids see our marriages. Do your kids see you and your spouse hugging and kissing, holding hands and exchanging loving glances? Or do they only see and hear the strife that comes with everyday life? Do they see you working as a team or as two separate figures that they can play against? Randy and I have always tried to show our kids how a marriage partnership works and I'm sure we had our failures along the way but I was determined to be a chain breaker. By that I mean, I came from a family of divorce and all the time I was growing up, I would watch how disfunction in my home effected every person and every minute of "family" life. I did not want that for my future family! I challenge you parents to take a look at the marriage picture you present in front of your kids. Let them see how dads should be the priests of the home. How he should love his wife as Christ loved the church. Let them see moms who submit to their husbands, not in an abusive way, but in the way the Word shows us. Let our children learn that they do not run the house or set the tone, but we as parents are in charge and are working for their benefit. Let our kids see we are not perfect but in everything we work together and with love. Divorce in "Christian" homes is just as high as in any home. Let us be chain breakers! Kids learn by example and will unfortunately repeat our mistakes so keep in mind they will also repeat our successes!

Travelin' Girl

Micaela, my travelin' girl, is in Camden, Tennessee the next four days. She is spending her fall break from Evangel University ministering at a church in Camden with her outreach team, "Oath". They will be working around the church, ministering in both AM and PM Sunday services and working at a Habitat for Humanity site building a house. She was so excited when I talked to her. She has a real heart for serving and missions. I'm so proud of her and love how she is enjoying campus life so much. But...I miss her something fierce! I'll get to see her in a couple of weeks when she comes back to DM to be the Evangel rep for Iowa Youth Convention. Unfortunately, it's while I'm in the hospital. But it will be better than nothing. Hope I still can make some of her favorite foods while she's here. I know she wants some of her fav Mexican Chicken. Have fun in Camden, Mic!

Lunch with Pastor Lori

Okay, I messed up. I should have included in my birthday top ten reasons I love Pastor Josh, the fact that he is cool with me having flexible "office hours." The reason I love it is because it gives me the opportunity to spend time with the kids to whom I minister. Like this week I started having lunch at school with some of my kids. They are so funny and react different to me seeing them outside of the church setting. Awnna would have had me spend the whole day and she introduced me to every person at DM Christian, well it seemed like every person. I got the grand tour and even played on the playgound! If you know Awnna Claire, this will not surprise you...she doesn't know a stranger! Jaron wasn't quite sure what to do with me being at his school. He was polite, quiet, and looked a little nervous. He would only talk when I asked him a question. He wrinkled up his nose when one of his buddies asked if I was his mom. I asked him if he wanted me to stay for recess and he said, "AAAA, no, that's okay." I had to stiffle a laugh, he is so adorable, a great little man. Today I had lunch with Jordan. She smiled so big the whole time I was there, she looked like she was going to bust with excitement. She is such an angel, so loving and happy. She was thrilled to show me her purple water bottle. She knows Pastor Lori's favorite color is PURPLE! Each lunch date had one thing in common. Their friends. They were all so curious who I was, why I was there and when I said I was their pastor, I got the most hilarious looks. I guess in most churches, they don't have women pastors or pastors that they see outside of Sunday morning. I LOVE doing this. I hope it shows my kids how much I enjoy just spending time with them and just maybe it will be a way to reach someone else with the love of Christ. I hope in a small way it speaks of how very important children are to us at JCFC. I did have a great conversation with someone at Jordan's school that I hope leads to a visit to our church. This person seems like they could use a friend and a support system.

If I haven't set a date with your child for lunch, please let me know if they are interested. Thanks Pastor Josh, you help make it possible! Those school hot lunches looked better than when I was in school! I just may have to try one. :)

Conversations With Colin

Today, I had the opportunity to hang out with my buddy Colin Singleton. We went to mom's group together and had a great time. The drive there and back was the best. We had this sweet, funny conversation that merits recording. When we left, I asked this adorable 2 year old if mommy's tummy was better. His mom, Dara, had an emergency appendectomy the other day. He said yes and I asked if he prayed for mom and he said no, so I said let's pray now. After praying for Dara, he started listing off others who needed help with their tummies. He said to pray for Lisi's tummy. After we did, I asked him if Lisi was his friend and he very emphatically said, "NO, GIRLFRIEND!" Our conversation varied from trains (a Colin obsession), trucks and toots. Yes...I said toots. Out of the blue he said, "Awnna did it, not me." I asked what she did and he said, "tooted." I said Awnna is at school so he said, "You did it." Of course followed by a sweet little giggle. I asked him if it was really him that tooted and he said, "Yes, it's gross." I've never heard him say gross before. All that just on the way to mom's group. On the way home we got to talking about today being daddy's birthday. I asked if he was going to sing Happy Birthday to daddy and he said no. He tried to convince me that it was really his mom's birthday. When I asked him how old dad was now, he said without pausing, "18." I asked if dad was old and he said, no, so I asked if Mister Randy was old and he said, "Yes, Randy's old. I love Mister Randy. Awnna loves Randy, too." AAAAHH! How sweet. I'm telling you, if you need a good laugh, hang out with a toddler who's vocabulary is exploding. Good times, thanks Colin.

Happy Birthday

Hey, it's Pastor Josh's birthday on Friday, October 13. In honor of my favorite pastor, I thought I would share the Top 10 reasons I love Pastor Josh....

10. He's cool with me wearing slacks to church, which is great when I have to crawl under the theater curtains.
9. He totally understands the importance of premo coffee for church even though he doesn't drink it much.
8. He makes awesome guacamole!
7. He has the greatest laugh.
6. He thinks out of the box.
5. He still loves toys like I do. How many senior pastors do you know that buys himself a water balloon launcher?
4. He doesn't micro-manage.
3. Seriously, he's very humble.
2. He's almost as passionate about children's ministry as I am.
And the #1 reason I love my pastor...He's not afraid to do whatever it takes to win the lost to Christ. He genuinely loves people, is compassionate, and never asks us to work any harder than he does.

Okay, that was a couple more than 10, but he's easy to love. Have a great birthday Pastor Josh!

Knee Update

I am finally feeling like I'm making significant progress with my new knee! God has been working over-time for me, and you know how great that extra income feels. :) My bend is supposed to be 110 degrees to have "normal" use of my knee and after five weeks, I'm at 105 degrees! The pain level is getting better each day and I'm so thankful. Randy has been so awesome (as always) through this whole business and the poor guy has to relive it in four more weeks with my other knee. Does anyone know of a "Husband of the Decade" award I could nominate him for? Seriously, he's the BEST, sorry girls, he's all mine! Thanks for all the prayers...keep 'em coming. The kids have been so sweet at church. They are so concerned and always asking how I am, making me cards, praying for me and trying to be helpful. I love those little monsters!

Blog-a-holic

Okay, I must confess, I love to read blogs. One that Randy has me hooked on now is http://perrynoble.com . If you like pastors who say like it is and have a great sense of humor, check it out. His entry today was awesome. His church is experiencing an incredible move of God and it's fun to rejoice with them through their testimonies.

Comments Anyone?

Just FYI...I changed the setting on my blog so non-bloggers can leave comments. I didn't realize I had that set and had a request to change it. Comment away, my friends.