Catching up on Life!

A lot has happened since I last posted. I turned 29! have been working, and playing, and praying, and exercising, and just all in all living this thing called life. My wonderful hubby and I enjoy a great vacation. We flew to Orlando FL, for a few days and then set off on a wonderful 7 day cruise! The cruise was for no particular reason, just to celebrate us. It was kind of funny everyone kept asking if we were on our honeymoon. Don't know if that's cause of the way we acted or just because we look young :) They couldn't believe that we had been married 7 & 1/2 years.


The entire 10 days off was just what the doctor ordered. It was so nice not only having my work week off but having 2 weekends off too.

Not much more to post about.

Sad Day Happy Day

Yesterday was a very sad day. I watched a couple say goodbye to their 4 month old son who died from SIDS. I can't imagine what they are feeling. However they spoke at their own son's funeral. The words that came out of their mouth were not short of words straight from the Lord. I was amazed by their selflessness. They just wanted to use this time when the world they knew was watching and listening to point everyone to Christ. WOW!

I was really proud of our church. I called several folks at the last minute to see if they could leave work early to provide childcare during this funeral. No one told me no. We ended of having more adults than children but what a great problem to have! I overheard some women in the kitchen talking about FIF and their willingness to serve and it blessed my heart. I'm thankful that we were able to help in such a small yet important way.

Thoughts on Marriage

The episode of Jon and Kate + 8 made me ponder marriage tonight. Actually I think about the importance of marriage alot. I always get so disappointed when people make the decision to separate and/or divorce. Basically I feel like they are saying their God isn't big enough to help them through these situations. Love is a choice. It's not always an easy choice but none the less it is a choice. I am so thankful that I have been able to learn from some amazing people the importance of choosing to love even when I don't feel like it. Think of it like eating right and going to the gym and/or working out. It isn't always the most fun, I don't always feel like it, and some times it out right hurts...........but I am better for it. My body thanks me and I can see results.

I love listening to couples stories of how they have overcome things and what their secrets are. It is such an encouragement to me. I really believe that you can be a product or your environment. If you are surrounded by people that are making the choice to divorce..........then we fall into the trap of complaining and actually considering divorce as an option. But if we surround ourselves with couples that we can look up to and learn from, we are all better off.

I just want to simi publically thank a few couples and individuals that have tought me so much about marriage and loving our spouses.

My parents, Lynn and David, Vince and Angela, Jim and Charlea, Jenny and Jeff, Matt and Angie, Ron and Debbie, Milton and Sue May, Mr. and Mrs. James, Blair, Becky and Charlie, Wendy and Forrest, Cheryl and Kerry, Betty Anne and David, Judy and Wayne, wow the list could go on and on.

At first I was going to put a discription but I decided not too. If you are curious about someone in particular ask and I will explain.

It's so important that we strive to be godly role models in our marriages. Afterall it's a reflection of the church.

I love my husband. He is such an honest, funny, talented, smart, passionate, caring, opinionated, loving individual! I miss him......but our time apart helps me put things in perspective. I am sure I don't tell him these things enouph.

well! what can I say it's Tuesday........but it feels like Monday :) We had a nice long weekend. We didn't get to do anything super exciting..........a few ministry things got in the way but that's ok b/c we had some quality time together and we really needed it.

So I'm pretty excited that my neighbor has decided to come out to the fitness class at the church. She wrote me an email last friday and told me how much she enjoyed it and even recalled our discussion about love being patient and kind and how she thinks coming on thursday nights could make her a better person :) I want her to know that Jesus will make her a better person. But that's how it gets started.

They are also very interested in the Financial Peace classes that we are going to do at the church. For any of you interested we are going to have a preview June 2nd, that this coming Tuesday at 7pm. We are going to start the class on July 7th. I'm so excited about it and I know several others are too.

Life has been pretty busy lately but not in a "i'm going to lose my mind" kind of way. Just in a "I feel accomplished" kind of way.

This summer is shaping up to be really busy......especially for Marty. There is a 3 week stretch that he will only be home for the weekend. Got to figure out what to do with the dog mid day????

Well It's Monday (Tuesday) that means I have to find the motivation to get crackin at work.

later!

James

We have been studying the book of James during our Wednesday Night bible study. I have so enjoyed it. Honestly I had forgotten how practical this book is. Studying it has made me reread it during my weeks and i have been so convicted. When's the last time you read it..............it's only 5 chapters, go for it. Let me know what you think :)

The fitness class we have at church on Thursday night's is probably my favorite. I love those ladies. When things get in the way of our time, I really miss it. We are hoping to up the participation. I don't really know what to do to get more folks coming. It's one of those things that once you get there you are so glad you came. Amber is such a fantastic trainer and she gives us her all. It's so nice to be working out and when you have a question, the trainer is right there to show you how to do it and answer your questions. I go to the gym also but I love the relationship I have with the folks that come to the class at church. We aren't just working on our physical body we are working on our spiritual body. I love the conversations we have, I love that we get to lift each other up in prayer. I love that we laugh together and cry together. If you want to come you are more than welcome. Thursday's 6pm childcare is provided :)

My crazy husband has decided to invite his Sunday School class over this weekend for a lockin.........have I told you how much I HATE lockins. He has been so busy, well I guess I have too, we really haven't had a lot of time to talk about it so I am not really sure all of his plans. I am sure it will be fun for everyone. And just for the record, I will be sleeping :).

I am looking forward to seeing Marty's family Sunday afternoon. We haven't seen them in a while. We had a great time visiting with my family last weekend. I totally thought my sister was cleaning at the beach so I didn't stop by her place..........well........apparently she had the weekend off, so I felt kind of bad about that. My nephew is graduating from preK today. I didn't plan ahead so I'm not able to go to the graduation. I kind of feel bad but it's only preK graduation right. I mean the high school and college graduations are the ones that really matter.

I'll make it up to him this summer. I'm trying to think of something cool to do with them this summer.........maybe they can come to the beach with me........yeah that would be fun. Get the beach house for a few days and invite them. I wish I had solid two day weekends instead of just one day. oh well.

That's basically my life and thoughts in a nutshell lately. peace out!

My mind is all over the place with the million and 1 things that need to be done......uggghhh. I can not focus to save my life.

I feel like my life has kind of been out of wrack lately. I apologize to my friends that feel neglected. My routine has been very different lately. I used to use my drive in to work and my drive home from work to catch up with all of my family and friends........well my friend Tina and her family are down to a one car family at the moment so she has been riding in and going home with me... so that has thrown off my talk time.

Also my evenings have been super full. This won't be changing anytime soon. I just need to figure out how to adjust my life to fit this in. For three months now I have been doing Weight Watchers and exercising like crazy and it's paying off. Down 21lbs!!!! I can't say that I have ever stuck with anything this long. Marty and I are both working on getting healthy together. There is just so much we want to do and accomplish in this life and our weight has been holding us back. So unfortunately putting my self ahead of others has caused some chaos in my life but that's just how it has to be until I can figure out a better way. Now if I can just get the rest of my family to understand :)

Things at church are going well. Things in life are going well. Change is good I suppose! Things at work...........well that's another story.........I mean I work for the state people........and my job is monitoring spending........if you haven't hear there is a freeze.........so I spend my day answering 2K emails :) Plus the paperwork is just piling up. man oh man It's ok, God is in charge and He will make it work out for me.

Dave Ramsey

The National Town Hall for Hope event with Dave Ramsey will be hosted at Friends in Fellowship Christian Church next Thursday April 23rd at 8:00PM. This is a FREE event about the economy, how we got here, and what we can do to help our families and businesses. Registration is open to the public at no cost, Childcare will also be provided for free with advance notice.

Please invite your friends, your churches, your coworkers and neighbors to visit our website and come to this incredible event.

Feel free to forward this email invitation as you see fit. Or direct others to the FIF website at www.fifchristian.com

Seems like updates are fewer and fewer lately. There has been plenty going on, don't get me wrong I guess I just don't think it is interesting enough to write about.

Last night we had a tailgate party at church, it was sooooo much fun. Throw in a little competition and folks come out of the woodworks :) there was so much food it was unbelievable!

The kids had a great time and so did the adults. Now I just have to figure out how to top it for the next one :)

I hope all of you are doing well. Not as much updating by others either.

Emilie I forgot to get your cell #, I need it. If someone has it get it for me :)

Peace out!

Just an update

I realize I haven't updated in a while. It has been cool to see God at work around me. I have friends who we have been praying for and God just answers them in the nic of time. God has funny timing. That saying: Never early, Never late, always on time. It can be so hard to wait on God. We get antsy and think we have to figure it out on our own. I have truly been blessed in my life with people who give God the credit for the work that He does, b/c of this my faith is stronger. Watching God provide for others makes me feel confident that He will and does provide for me. Too often people ask him and then when He does provide (in his time) they forget to give God the credit. Not only are they hurting themselves b/c of this but God isn't getting the glory, and boy does He deserve it all. There are so many examples that I can think of in my own life recently where God's timing has made all the difference in the world! For me personally God's timing has allowed issues to not be issues b/c He already had it worked out months before hand. Or God's time has given me peace prior to a situation that is happening. He really is amazing!

How does God's timing effect you? Emelie..... I already know the answer for this concerning your job so pic another example :) :)

A few days off

Wow I haven't worked all week! I love the snow. It is beautiful, fun to play in and makes the cold worth it! Plus I haven't worked at all this week. It's not that I don't have plenty to do in the office :) especially since I am leaving for the Chair's beach retreat tomorrow morning but what ever, I am not going to get bent out of shape about it! I haven't updated in a while. Not alot going on just the usual. I think I am getting back into the swing of things at work (well I was until this week :)) We have been able to enjoy several opportunities with family and friends over the last month. This is how it should be. Not to mention that we painted our house! that is a big deal since we have been trying to pick out a color scheme for like 2 years! It really looks amazing. I love that we got it finished so quickly too. We pretty much didn't fuss with each other and I think we both enjoyed the work. I will try to add pictures if I can figure out how. (Emilie you didn't show me :) :)) Speaking of Emilie.........you need to do a whole post with your message from Sunday Night, I have heard from several how great of a job you did. And Brent is absolutely crazy for doubting himself. He has an amazing voice!!!!! You guys Rock for real!!! Thanks for letting us use you. I am looking forward to the Saturday night showing of Fireproof. I hope we have a great turn out. It has been neat seeing people get pumped up at church when we do a campaign. I hope they don't get discouraged just because all the people they invite don't come. I know God is working on their hearts! Never give up! Well I am off to enjoy this final day off :) what a sweet blessing it has been. Later friends......speaking of friends .....Lynn it was great having girl time with you today!

New Year

I can't believe it's 2009! I was blessed with almost 2 whole weeks off. I took a sort of sabbatical and I must say I am refreshed! Been back at work since yesterday and I think I am finally getting into the hang of things today. Been pretty productive (up until now) :) I need to keep this pace. I took some time over the break to examine some of the distractions that add to my stress and I am trying to scale down on the amount of time I spend on things. So far it seems to be working well. I also realized over break how important it is for me to make more effort to spend quality time with family and friends. I think its the puzzle piece in my life that I am really missing. I keep poring into others and don't leave enough time to fill up my own tank so I am making a real effort to change that.

We got our coffee table and end table for christmas and then afterwords found a great rug, pillows and piece of art for the wall. This is such a big deal! I haven't done anything to the living room in the 2 years that we have lived there. haha I kept saying it looks like we just moved in. I think we are getting closer and closer to a paint choice! who would have thought it would be so difficult! but the decision is almost done!

Well that's an update for ya!