When dreams become reality…
p>The weekend was very busy with Christmas shopping, parties and taking care of a sick husband. When Sunday morning came, I was extremely tired. The boys and I arrived at church and as they do every Sunday they helped me finish the set up.
I put on a CD of Christmas music and when the kids came in, I was energized by their hugs. With a froggy voice, I led them in worship to our King.
This month I have been leading “Hit the Slopes” from Life Church.tv. It is a different format, but I love it. I think I have the format down and I am working on next years curriculum with a vengeous.
Last night, Noah our son had a party at the Skate Barn. He is an amazing 11 year old. I love him very much and I am proud of him. He is smart, loving, caring and a good friend. Noah understands how to live out 1 Corinthians 13.
What a great end to a wonderful day!
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How many times have I sung the Sunday mornings blues? Feeling sorry for myself that I had to get my children ready by myself and look presentable as a pastor’s wife. On my way to church this morning I was thinking about one such crazy morning that things didn’t go as planned.
Bryan was on a trip overseas and Gabriel, our now 13 year old, was a baby. I would usually get myself ready and then get him ready. I was dressed in my suit, heels and hose (glad times have changed) and had finished feeding Gabriel. I held him up and he started choking. I immediately flipped him over and gave back blows to dislodge whatever was stuck. When I held him upright he threw up all over me. It was in my hair, all over my freshly pressed suit, and running down my hose.
I quickly cleaned and changed him then it was on to me. Fortunately, I found an outfit that didn’t need ironing and threw it on. For the hair, I have to be honest and tell you I just used a wet wipe to get rid of the vomit because I had no time to wash it. I think I did some deep breathing exercises on the way to church. I couldn’t believe I made it on time for sound check.
Bryan has always done whatever he could to help me with the kids, but Sunday mornings are gametime for a pastor. I had to learn to plan for the inevitable. I would press all the clothes the night before, pack the diaper bag, and sometimes even put the cereal already in the bowls. My children have eaten many a granola bar on the way to church too.
I realized early on that each Sunday morning could be a challenge or I could do as much as possible to make it easier on everyone.
I have learned that it is more important for there to be peace in our home than everything to be perfect. My house will still look the same when I get home as it did when I left.
This is an update on a blog I recently posted about a Kid’s ROCK baby that was flown to Chapel Hill. He had a very serious respiratory that can be dangerous for preemies. Having 2 children premature, I understand the issues that can arise.
This mother spent 4 months in the hospital during her pregnancy and encouraged everyone she came in contact with. She truly showed the love of Christ. Women would come to her when they were discouraged and they have continued to keep in touch with her.
Doctors gave her baby no chance of survival when she entered the hospital at 22 weeks, but God had something else planned. He put her in a place to help others. She has reached beyond herself in a difficult time to touch someone else.
When Nana and I went to Chapel Hill, I knew it would be emotional for me. Children and babies touch my heart in a way nothing else does, and when they are sick my heart aches. When we prayed for the baby, we prayed that his recovery would amaze the doctors.
On Saturday, I received this text message from my friend “You won’t believe this but the doctors said his recovery is “amazing” and they feel comfortable discharging him. You guys prayed that he would even amaze the doctors…the prayer of the righteous availeth much.”
A big thanks to Life Church.tv for their free resources. Today in Club ROCK we used their Bling series. It is a completely different format from what we have used. If you lead children’s, youth, or small group ministry you should take a peek at their FREE resources.
With children making their Christmas lists and commercialism being the focus of so many at Christmas, I thought this would be a good fit. The phrase of the day: What you crave is fading fast only pleasing God will really last.
When I was researching this topic, I was amazed at how many hours 8-18 year olds spend on the computer and TV. The average 8-18 year old spends an average of 4 hrs watching TV and 2 hrs on the computer. How much of what they believe and desire is from what they see on TV or the computer?
My family isn’t immune to the media. We are a high tech family, and we have to work hard to steer our children towards pleasing God and not their selfish desires.
This Christmas our family is slimming down. We are decreasing our holiday spending and giving away from ourselves. One of the ways we are giving is by sponsoring a child this next year. It will remind us all year long of the decision we made during the holidays.
I have been a pastor’s wife for 14 years and on staff at ROCK Church for 3 1/2 years. I was a nurse for almost 12 years and nothing could have prepared me for today.
Today, Nana and I drove to UNC-Chapel Hill hospital to be with a family whose baby was airlifted there yesterday. There has been a fight for this child’s life from before he was born, and he must have an amazing destiny.
The parents were glad we made the trip and I was honored to be there. Spending time with the parents encouraged me. They are wonderful people who love Jesus and share his love with those around them. They look for an opportunity to help someone else even in the middle of what they are going through.
As children’s director, I have made many hospital visits but none quite like this. Having two premature infants, praying for this child took me back to those days in ICU. My heart was moved for this mother and I ached for her.
I am thankful that I am apart of a church that loves one another and cares for another. Please pray with me for this family.
