My new computer is officially on its way! I cannot express to you all how excited I am. I just hope God uses all the work done on it to bring others closer to him!

I fear this might actuallly be in my future - although the Ky-baby is much cuter than this pup : )

one of my fav. families : )

I am amazed...

Absolutely amazing!
Be sure to check out www.movingcrossroads.blogspot.com for all the latest info. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this new space- what a privilege to serve!

Creative Arts Gathering

Good thoughts from speaker Paul Black:
"Your destiny is not wrapped up in your talent - it's wrapped up in your character"

Paul gave lots of great pieces of wisdom today refering to character.

Character:
to be a person of character you must be
1. a loving person
2. humble
3. a servant
4. holy

Your character is tested when:
- we're asked to play a more behind the scene role than we're used to
- when someone gives us a contstructive critisim
- when our feelings get hurt
- when our expectations are not met (perfectionism)
- when we're tempted to sin
- when we're tired but someone asks us to give more of our time

I felt like he was talking to me - this week has been a character testing one for sure. I'm trying to remember though to be the kind of person who has blameless character not for myself but for the glory of God. I encourage you on to the same!

Proverbs 31:31

"A friend loves at all times" - thanks for being that kind of friend.

little faith

sometimes i pray for a slap in the face,
then i beg to be spared 'cause i'm a coward,
if there's a master of death i'll bet he's holding his breath,
as i show the blind and tell the deaf about his power,
i'm a doubting thomas, i can't keep my promises,
'cause i don't know what's safe, oh me of little faith
- Nickel Creek

Powerful lyrics by the band Nickel Creek... this week has just been -- hard. Friends dealing with really rough stuff - and my brain trying to figure out how to help and see God's power and redemption through all the junk.

i'm a doubting thomas,
i'll take your promise,
though i know nothin's safe,
oh me of little faith

-cute-

Having A Moment...

I think my heart is truly broken... Maybe the Allstate commercials will help to the ease the emotional separation.

funny

Calling all fakers, posers, and wannabes

It occured to me last night somewhere between the beginning of New Community and before midnight how much we all desire to hide the junk of our lives from each other... and until we're willing to be vulnerable to God and to each other - change for those things in which we desperately are (or should be) seeking is NEVER going to occur.

This is esp. hard for a self proclaimed perfectionist who can't allow others to see fault or fear in her. The realization is best summed up by this: “My desire to be perfect was greater than my desire for God.” -Brennan Manning

So I call to one and all......... all fakers, all posers, and all wannabes...... ME ...... Desire God more than perfection and allow Him to grow, change, and perfect you as he teaches you to pull the mask down and be real with those he's placed in your life.

caught in the act!

The true nature of my father-in-law... Caught in the act! Happy Birthday Dad- love you!

26.2

After a 2:30am wake-up call Sunday morning, we found ourselves on the road and headed to Disney for the much anticipated race. The day began at a chilly 35 or so degrees and I have a feeling the runners were warmer than those of us watching. Andrew, his sister Dawn, and Dad did an incredible job - and with only minor injuries all three finished the very LONG 26.2 miles in under 5hours. Talk about an accomplishment! I am so proud of them all.

Like I said before, you'll not likely find me joining - but you will find the proudest red head in the whole world standing on the side-lines cheering on the one who still makes her heart thump a little faster and her smile a little brighter. Enjoy the pics -


The 3 stopped at mile 10 (outside Cinderella's Castle) for a quick pic- I couldn't believe how good they were looking!








Look at that medal! (whoo hoo!) : ) I knew you could do it babe! (although it this pic makes you look a little like you're trying to hang yourself)







All three of the (now tired) but excited finishers... Great job guys!

stealing thoughts from Bethany...

"I suck at loving everyone and forgiving and all that stuff I'm suppose to do." - B. Tompkins

My dear sister - your quote sparked a thought... We all stink at loving unconditionally and I find (for myself) forgiveness as well. We just need to push on - and continue (with God's help & guidance) to better our responses to life's situations (no matter how hard or rediculous) It's that whole thing about God not giving us more than we can handle - and I assume (and hope) this pertains to our abilities, in Him, to love and forgive as well.



Bethany, I love you so much- and have seen a HUGE amount of growth in you these last few years. God has awesome things planned for you (and Delbert as well) - I just can't wait to see, and be a part of those things! : )

Love this pic

My husband is a creative genius.

Never ceases to amaze...

The day if finally here! The training will pay off... and the tent on mile 18 Andrew is off-limits. : )

This coming Sunday, Andrew will be running in the Disney marathon with his sister and dad - I am so proud of him. The training, endurance, strength, and sheer courage to attempt amazes me. You will never find me joining - but I will stand on the corner proudly holding my GOOD LUCK sign and cheering the brave on!

JOY

"All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten. Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I'm creating: I'll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, and create my people as pure delight."
Isaiah 65:18 (the Message)

Read this passage this morning and loved it! These last few months have been a little rough with the sick thing- and I am just so encouraged to be reminded of God's promises for the future. He is good...