Arrrrrgh, Matey!

I've been working the last three weeks to try and rent out a movie theater so the families in the church could go and see the new Veggie Tale movie: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything! Today was the day I finalized everything. I'm so excited about this. I mean, how rare is it that a good, Christian film hits the theaters that's also kid-friendly? I really want our church to embrace this and support these film makers. I have rented out the Showplace 12 theater in Muncie on January 19 at 10:00 am. I hope all of you take advantage of this and bring your families. It's a great way to ask someone you know who doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus to a church function. Ask your neighbors, friends, family, anyone you can think of. I will charge $2.50 a ticket for the first 100 people. After that, you can pay $5.50 at the door. Please sign-up in the Family Life Center this Sunday so I know about how many people are going to come. Next Sunday, we are having a Rootbeer and Cheese Curls party in honor of the Veggie Pirates during Big KidZone on Sat. night and Sun. morning. You won't want to miss it! I remember several years ago going to the theater to see the Jonah Veggie Tale movie and taking my whole family. After the movie was over, everyone stood up and cheered! I know this sounds a little much becuase it is only a movie, but what I really think people were clapping for was the fact that they just watched a movie that glorified God and was well done. It was such a neat feeling to know that probably everyone in that theater loved God. I know God works through these films and I hope our church can be a part of that.

The Comeback of the Century!

Oh yes, I did it! I beat James in our re-match just two minutes ago! Oh yeah! Let me tell you the glorious ending! I had 6,000 points, James just rolled his last and ended at 11,450 points, enough to win. My turn and I know there is no way I can come back to beat him with only 6,000 points, I roll and get enough to keep rolling several times. Okay, now I have 11,150. I need to roll another three, I have only one dice to roll. Yes, I think you know the rest of the story, I rolled a three to beat James with a score of 11,850! And the crowd goes wild! Well, I was the only one who went wild since it was just James and I in the room, but you get the picture. This game will live in my thoughts forever or probably until the next time we play and James kills me again! Oh well, I can rub it in his face at least for a little while.

Farkel: not just a fun game anymore

So, I had to blog about my big butt whooping in Farkel against who else? My husband who NEVER LOSES A GAME EVER! I can't believe it! Why, why, why! Just to let you know how the game went, my first score was 1,950 points, pretty good. James only got 1,050. I was ahead like this the whole game, I was rolling straights, triple pairs, five-of-a-kinds! It was awesome! The last rolls of the game I ended with 10,900. You need 10,000 to win. James only had 8,300 and one roll left. Little did I know he was going to have the ROLL OF HIS LIFE! He got up to 9,400, then 10,600, and finally ended with 12,100. Are you kidding me? Just when I thought I would finally beat him at something, BAM! Farkel is not just a game anymore to me, it's a chance for redemption. Watch out James, I want a re-match.

Rockin' at the CatBox

The beautiful coffee ladies, and would you believe one of them hates coffee!

I actually got a group picture!

Rock the CatBox Security, be afraid, be very afraid.

Oh my gosh, I had so much fun! James really out did himself and I think that all who attended will agree! You would think that my favorite part was listening to the bands, which by the way I got a headache from head banging (I'm too old for this). No, my favorite part about last night was connecting with people at the church that I really haven't sat down and talked to before. It was so much fun just hanging out and talking, I think we should do this every week! (Except the part about staying up until midnight) There are so many neat personalities at the church and I was grateful that I got to know some of them last night. And who doesn't love the T-shirts? Awesome! The one thing that shocked me was that my kids lasted all night without getting cranky and tired! Wow, they must have had a good time! Lucas' favorite part was "winning a prize" and his favorite band was "those second people"! Sidney said, "I had so much fun it didn't matter that I didn't win a prize, I got a t-shirt from daddy!" Needless to say, our family can't

wait until next year!

Random things you probably didn't know about me

1. My favorite show on T.V. is Lost-I haven't missed one episode yet!

2. I like to play video games-especially racing games!

3. My favorite Christmas movie is Family Man with Nicolas Cage.

4. I like to eat Hot Tamalie candies over my popcorn. It's soooooo very good.

5. When I need time to myself to de-stress I cook or bake sweets.

6. My favorite sport to play is basketball.

7. I prefer Cherry Pepsi to Cherry Coke and yes James knows!

8. I worked at Silver Dollar City, an amusement park, as a scarecrow doll maker.

9. I'm related to Isaac Newton. I know what your thinking, "That's why she is so intelligent!"

10. I lived in the same house as Pastor Kris in Riverton, Kansas where our dad's were pastors. (No, we didn't live there at the same time!)

Stay tuned for more random things about me! I know your excited!

Diary of a Children's Pastor Entry #2

As Christmas approaches soon, I am reminded of just how blessed we are this year. If anyone listens to 98.9 Joy FM you know what I'm talking about. Every day they have a story about a family in need and people call in to say they will buy whatever they need. My heart is touched over and over again as I hear the radio announcer say that all the families needs have been met becuase someone decided to call in. It's so easy to get caught up in the Christmas season of getting, getting, getting, and getting more. I have found myself wanting all kinds of things as I walk through the stores. I'm so thankful that my God reminds me at these times that my family has EVERYTHING we need. We are in want of nothing. My son and daughter are healthy, they have clothes, shoes, coats, food to eat, and a bed to sleep in. My husband is healthy and he has a wonderful job. I am healthy and I have a wonderful job. God prompted me to call in on Monday to provide two pairs of pants and snowboots for a little seven-year-old boy. The radio announcer was talking about this family of five and how their twelve-year-old daughter has cancer in her legs. The doctors took out 9 inches of her femur and put in a metal plate. She was doing good and just a couple weeks ago they found out that the cancer has spread to her lungs. The family is struggling becuase the mom can't work and the kids need winter clothes. Such a heart breaking story but the story is not over, the family is reaching out to God for strength and hope. God has provided for them through different people in the community. What a comfort to know that our Heavenly Father is taking care of this family. This is what Christmas is all about: giving, sacrificing, and loving others. Please reach out to someone this year and give, no matter how big or small. Your heart will overflow with thankfullness. I know mine did!

Diary of a Children's Pastor: Entry #1

I'm starting a new series of blogs that tells about my wonderful, surprising, and sometimes overwhelming job of being a Children's Pastor. Here goes nothing!

I just love getting to know the kids in my ministry. I love seeing them in the halls at school, at the mall, or at Wal-mart and they come up to me and say hi! That's my favorite part! I enjoy being a part of their lives not just at church. I'm finally getting to the point in my ministry where I can look over at what I am doing and I can correct what needs to be corrected or improve what needs to be improved. I'm also, surprisingly, learning most of their names. The key word being most. This last Sunday I was blown away by the eagerness of my 5th and 6th graders to help me out wherever I need it. I had person after person come up and say, "What can I do to help?" I just feel so blessed to have kids who are so willing to serve, and I want that attitude to stick with them as they grow up. I'm learning so much about what my role is in these kids' lives. I'm not just supposed to tell them how to live, I need to develop a relationship with them and support them in the lessons they go through in life. Kids need to experience a life lesson to truely understand what lesson is to be learned. In my own life I need to set the example to them of how to be a light in a dark world. How can I tell them to read their bible every day if I don't? How can I tell them to make the right choices in life if I don't?This is what God has been saying to me lately, so I think I'm probably learning a lot more than my kids are on Sunday mornings! Well, that's it for today. Stay tuned for entry #2. I know you are all on the edge of your seat!Hey, check out my link to KidMo, the program I'm using in KidZone!
http://www.kidmo.com/shop/clip.aspx?series=kidmo&productid=10122