Beautiful Morning

Now that the kids are back to school, I get an oppportunity to have morning quiet time. I loved hanging out with my kids when they were home, but it is nice to get back into a routine. I almost forgot how nice it is to just sit and listen to what God is saying to me. With my schedule, two kids, a dog, and a wonderful husband it is hard to find those moments of queitness. Yesterday morning I read about God's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7:25. With everything in this life so temporary, what a relief it is to know that God's promises are everlasting and permanent. And David didn't just stop there, he gave praise to God for the promises yet to come and for just being God. Just take a look in your Bible and you will find countless promises God has made to His children. Promises to love us, guide us, protect us, heal us, and reward us with eternal life. How many people on Earth can promise those things and keep those promises? None that I can think of. So, why do I put my trust in earthly things so many times? This passage was a great reminder to me to EVERY day put my trust in God because His promises are real and He is the one who will LOVE me through it all.

Diary of a Children's Pastor

So I noticed that I haven't talked about my ministry lately so I thought I would give you all an update. Last Sunday KidZone had a visit from Mrs. Fluffybutter, a nutty Sunday School Teacher from England! I had a ball dressing up and acting like Mrs. Doubtfire! The kids seemed to love it and they were fascinated with my blond, puffy, out-of-control wig. Hopefully the kids learned a thing or two and weren't too distracted with my funky costume! Our focus was showing the kids how important it is to read the Bible to know how to make the right choices in their life. God gives us wisdom if we read His Word. This week the kids will be visited by the looney, "Lenny the Lab Assistant" who will show the kids a cool science experiment! I can't wait! Our focus will be Amplifying the change God has made in us by being baptized. Baptism is "showing people on the outside what God has done on the inside". And don't forget our Church picnic and Baptism after church this Sunday! Stay tuned for more updates on KidZone!

Amazing Divers!

James and I are watching the women's final springboard diving event and it's crazy! I can't imagine climbing up on that springboard and jumping that high doing all those twists and turns, and then trying to go straight in the water without very much splash. I really admire those divers. The announcers were talking about one American diver who hit her head on the springboard quite a while ago but she is back at these olympics competing in the final. She had a broken jaw bone and several teeth had to be replaced! How do you get back up there after that? Amazing! All these athletes I've been watching over the past week have exceeded the expectations of the media and I'm just baffled at what they are capable of. These athletes train, train, train for years and this is basically the one shot they have at some kind of acknowledgment for all the hard work. I wish I had that much dedication to something in my life. I think there is a lot to learn from these athletes. In my own life, I enjoy getting noticed for something I have done and sometimes when I don't get noticed, I get a little upset. God doesn't want me to get caught up in that, he wants me to serve him NO MATTER WHAT. These athletes train so hard for this one chance at a gold and even if they don't get it, they keep training for the next Olmpics! They want that Gold! This is what they were born to do. I want my life goal to be this, that no matter what happens and no matter who notices I will serve God. My reward at the end is far better than a gold medal!

A Year of Events

Sitting here at my computer, I was thinking about how James and I have been here at Farmland a year and all the changes that have occured within that time. Moving to a completetly different place around all new people is always a challenge, but I will say that Farmland Friends Church has been so supportive of our family and I can't even express my gratitude for that. I think the hardest part for me is not being around family. Ever since James and I got married, we have lived by either my family or his, so this year has been quite an adjustment. For me there is a feeling of safety and comfort when you know that you can call your family anytime and they will come over. Seeing my family a couple weeks ago reminded me of that feeling. I am so fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family. Despite my longings for my mom or dad to be near by, God has blessed me with others in my life that have encouraged me and loved me when I needed it. Just the other day, Yvonne Sorensen hugged me with tears in her eyes and told me how proud she was that I was in ministry and what a great job I was doing at Mega Sports Camp. That was so special to me becuase she has known me for a while and it felt like my mom was there saying that to me.
Another big event in our life this year was finding out I was pregnant! For me, since I have lost a baby once, it was a little stressful. I was worried for the first few months, but now I am at ease. God has given me a peace and I know that he is taking care of me and little Will. Yes, that is what we have decided to name him. William Ryan Pinkerton, after James' dad William (Bill) Pinkerton. New life has begun and an older life has ended this year. A couple of weeks ago my grandmother in Idaho died, so I have been struggling with some guilt for not taking the time to go and see my grandparents when I had the chance. Around the same time, we found out my Aunt has been diagnosed with cancer. I'm so glad God knows what is best and that His hand is in all of this. I know that I couldn't deal with all of this without Him. Thank you Father for just being my comfort and constant friend throughout all the changes in my life. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our Lord stands forever!"

A DAY AT MEGA SPORTS CAMP 2008

Kansas Trip Part 2

Pictures from Kansas part 1

Playing with the Cousins!





























Four Generations