My Sailor!

I would love to say that I am happy to be home, but I would be telling a lie. Our trip to Chicago was so much fun! "I MISS MY BOY" I have "NO" idea when I get to see him again. His "A" school will run for 5 months! He is suppose to get his orders today! Before we were even back in Michigan, I had many calls. My boss at the AA News called many times, in one breath, he was welcoming me back home and in the next breath, he was telling me to not forget customer's that my sub's missed. I received other calls, that I am sure were important to the people calling but I really just couldn't relate to what they needed yesterday. I finally had to turn down my phone and let my machine pick it up. I don't believe I can be very pleasant or understanding, when I'm upset. What use to be very important to me, seems, well, maybe not so important right now. I am sure in a few days, when I get back into the swing of things around here, I can relate to people and their needs better. Anyway, The drive to Chicago wasn't to bad, until we hit Chicago, it took us two and a half hours to get to our hotel, once we got to the city. It was bumper to bumper traffic for hours. I drove, let me tell you, I was a nervous wreck. I don't like driving away from home but my husband had to read the map and direct me. We finally got to the hotel around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 25th 2007. We were all so tired, we ordered dinner in and went to bed!

Friday morning, we were up early to head to Aaron's Bootcamp graduation. We got to the base around 7:30 a.m. and the place was packed already. We stood in line and told them our names and my mother-in-law's name didn't get on the list. How embarrassing! Anyway, she had to wait back at the chapel building until 8:30 a.m. They then allowed anyone who was not on the list to enter. We found seats and I went back to wait with her. She lived through it and we found our seats. As soon as I saw the flags (Aaron was holding the Wisconsin flag) I started to cry. The longing to see my boy, hit me hard when I saw the Sailor's holding the flags. I think I wrote before in my blog that Aaron was picked for a special 900 DIV. The 900 div. did a special flag demonstration. They performed at 3 graduations and a banquet for all the higher up's in the Navy. Well anyway, they started marching by and we saw our boy. I was so proud! Still am!

Today, I am just going to show the picture's of graduation and all the people that came to see Aaron. My mom and step-dad were going to come but I didn't think they could see the graduation. I didn't want them to go that far and not be able to get in. My daughter, Becca, did call many times to talk to her brother. (She couldn't come because she lives in Texas now) Each recruit only could bring four people. My husband, Bret (My oldest son) and my mother-in-law saw the graduation. My daughter-in-law, Jessica, stayed back at the hotel and watched the kids. We will get a video of it to show everyone that couldn't get in.

This is what we saw first! Aaron was one of these Sailor's, he was holding the Wisconsin flag.
Flag Demonstration

This is were Aaron stood during the graduation. There were 10 Div. that graduated on Friday. 720 Sailor's all together.


Mom, Aaron (my Sailor) and Dad. Grandma had us all laughing while she took our picture, we were suppose to be posing but she was the one doing the posing while we laughed at her. I have to say, she got a good picture out of it. At least we all looked very happy!
Grandma and Aaron (This is my husband's mother)
Jenna (My granddaughter) and Aaron (I think this picture is so sweet)
Jessica, Jenna, Josh, Aaron, Bret and Ethan (This is Aaron older brother, I guess you would say my oldest son and his family)
Funny Aaron, with his Dad! (My Sailor, in his working Blue's)

My Sailor in his Dress Uniform!

Last Update!

The Doctor's office just called and said, that John does have Strep-Throat. They said, "he should be fine to go to Chicago because they did put him on antibiotic's yesterday." I praise the Lord that he instill in us mother's a knowledge of when we think something is worse wrong, then just a virus.

Anywho, we will be leaving in just a few hours for Chicago!

God Bless,

Thank you all again for praying for my family!

Lori

Hopefully I'll have lot's of stories and picture's to share next week.

The Call!

I wanted to take a minute and thank you all for praying for us. I will not say everyone is better, because that just would not be true. Bo is better, Jimmy came down with a cold yesterday, and John is pretty sick. He called me around 11:30 a.m. from school asking if I could please come pick him up. When John gets sick, it is always worse than the other's. I woke him up this morning for school but he won't be going. High fever, sore throat and ear aches, will be sending us to the Doctor's today. My husband has a cold but I think he is on the mends. I am still pretty healthy! I think the old saying goes, Mama's can't get sick. For the most part this is true for me. I really don't get sick very often, this is a good thing.

Hey mom, if you read this. We are taking John to the doctor's at 12:50 p.m. today. He woke up pretty sick this morning, he was crying that his ear's are hurting really bad, his temp was pretty high. I'll let you know what they say after he gets done. Also, I explained to Aaron, that I failed to tell you that we were able to get him for liberty weekend. I am really sorry I didn't talk to you about it. My mind has been on a million different things lately.

You know I love you, I'll call later,

Lori

On a brighter note, my boy called me yesterday. I was so shocked to hear his voice on the phone, I didn't recognize him. He is so excited to be getting out of bootcamp. His A school starts on Tuesday. Just a few more day's and we will be able to see him, I just want to give him a big hug. I really don't have time to go into our conversation but I was able to talk to him for about 45 minutes. I have a full day planned today, with packing, my Motor route, Awana tonight, I will be really busy the rest of the day and tomorrow morning. With that, I'll be off for a few days.

I pray ya'll enjoy the rest of your week and try to have a blessed weekend!

Footprints in the Sand

Thanks Angel girl for sending this to me, I was a bit down this morning on my route. This has lifted my spirits! I am a very blessed woman but there are moments, when I am thankful that people remind me, that even when I am going through trials in my life, The Lord is always with me. Carrying me or walking beside me.

To be honest, I bought the Josh Groban Christmas CD "Noel" by Josh Groban and was listening and singing to it this morning on my route and I was thinking how different Christmas this year is going to be. My daughter lives in Texas now and my son is in the Navy. It was so upsetting! I love Christmas morning, seeing my children open their gifts. The sweet sound of laughter and excitement. It was not only from my younger children but more, I have to say from Becca and Aaron. I know in my heart, that all of this is a good things but I am only human. I have been a mom for the last 29 1/2 years.

I guess, I said all that to say, I received "Footprints in the Sand" today in an email. I have seen this many times before but today it really reminded me how lucky I am. The Lord is with me even when I am having a rough day.

by Mary Stevenson

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was
walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the
sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he
noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one
belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When
the last scene of his life flashed before him, he
looked back at the footprints in the sand. He
noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed
that it happened at the very lowest and saddest
times in his life. This really bothered him and he
questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said that
once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all
the way. But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life, there is only one set
of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed
you most you would leave me." The Lord replied,
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it
was then that I Carried You."

The Wonder of The Cross by Vicky Beeching

This is another worship song we will be introducing to our congregation in a few weeks. Beautiful words!


The Wonder of The Cross

You can listen to this song here

O precious sight, my Savior stands,
Dying for me with outstretched hands.
O precious sight, I love to gaze,
Remembering salvation’s day,
Remembering salvation’s day.
Though my eyes linger on this scene,
May passing time and years not steal
The power with which it impacts me,
The freshness of its mystery,
The freshness of its mystery.

May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost,
Undone by mercy and left speechless,
Watching wide eyed at the cost.
May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.

Behold the God-man crucified,
The perfect sinless sacrifice.
As blood ran down those nails and wood,
History was split in two, yes,
History was split in two.
Behold the empty wooden tree,
His body gone, alive and free.
We sing with everlasting joy,
For sin and death have been destroyed, yes,
Sin and death have been destroyed.

May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost,
Undone by mercy and left speechless,
Watching wide eyed at the cost.
May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.

May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost,
Undone by mercy and left speechless,
Watching wide eyed at the cost.
May I never lose the wonder,
The wonder of the cross.

Words and Music by Vicky Beeching

An Article for Worship Leaders!

Theology Of Worship Leading

Greatarticleonleadingworship

A New Testament theology on the office of the worship leader

Author: Holland Davis

Scripture References: 1 Cor. 12:1-7
Have you ever asked the question where do worship leaders fit in the Bible? Are they the same as Old Testament Levites? Do we have a Biblical model for worship leading? These are difficult questions especially in light of the fact that they way we do church is really a modern cultural invention. Where do you find Sunday School in the Bible? The modern American church owes much of it's methodology to the revivalists of the Great Awakenings. Charles and John Wesley modeled the Pastor and Worship Leader connection as they married the word and worship through their meetings.

One of the struggles I've had as a worship leader has been over the issue of the legitimacy of Worship Leading as an office or gift. I've been told that God had called me to be a Worship Leader, but it's not listed with pastor, teacher, apostle, evangelist, prophet. I've been told that I have a gift of worship leading, but it's not listed with the other spiritual gifts. So where do I fit?

I want to submit a theological paradigm that I believe provides a Biblical context for the office and function of a worship leader. Ephesians 4:11 tells us, And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers... I don™t think that it is an accident that worship leader is not listed. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1, Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” He goes on to write There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:4 7).
There are three words mentioned as it relates to how the gifts of the Spirit function in the church.

They are diversities, differences and activities. The original language translates these words distribution, implementation and effect. In other words, all the gifts are from God but they are distributed to different people and implemented different ways through activities that produce an effect. This is where I find the “gift” of worship leading. A worship leader is a pastor, teacher, prophet, evangelist or apostle who exercises their gifts through facilitating sung prayer. It's not a musical function, but a leadership function. In fact, you can discover the primary leadership function of a worship leader by the songs that they select. Pastors choose songs that emphasize relationship and healing. Evangelists choose songs that are stylistically relevant with simple and easy to understand language. Apostles are concerned for the nations and mission. Teachers are concerned with doctrinal truth and prophets are concerned about purity and holiness.

Your theology of worship influences your philosophy of ministry as it relates to the function of worship leading. If you view worship as a musical function, then you're concerned about song selection and musicality. If you view worship pragmatically, then you're concerned about setting up the message properly or having a worship ministry that will draw the community. Every pastor has an opinion of how worship should happen, but very few understand the role of a worship leader.

So what is the function of worship leading? Look at the book of Psalms. It is a collection of what I like to call - prayer songs. The prayers of David and others were set to music and incorporated into the worship life of the nation of Israel. They became part of the corporate and private expression of worship to God. Using David's model as a worship leader, I facilitate the corporate expression of prayer from the congregation to God. It is a relationship based ministry where the worship leader is providing language through prayer songs for the congregation to relate to God. Worship songs are prayers set to music and the set list is equivalent to a list of prayer requests.

This has huge implications as it relates to how I perform my function as a worship leader. It means that I need to have my own private life of prayer. It also means that I need to be in touch with the work of the Spirit within the community of believers I'm serving. In other words, I can't fake it. My relationship or lack of relationship with God will have a direct influence on my ability to facilitate the corporate sung prayer of the congregation. This is why you can worship with a group of well-rehearsed musicians in a worship service and walk away feeling like you've never met God. In other words, worship is not purely musical, but relational in function.

Incidentally, this is the creative impetus behind writing new songs of worship. All prayer songs are given to a local congregation for the purpose of facilitating the corporate prayer life of that community. Sometimes, those “prayer songs inspire other communities and become part of a regional or national expression. I have never written a song with the intent of getting it recorded or to “get the songs out there. My entire focus is simply to serve the people that show up every week for worship and that includes writing songs that best express the cry that is in their hearts. What happens after that is up to God.

If worship is relational, then spontaneity is a natural part of the worship leading function. Think of a prayer group. Each individual prayer influences the prayers of the group. When you are in the midst of the worship event, the opening prayer of the pastor, the scripture reading, God’s leading or the message will all influence the prayer songs that I select. Sometimes this change might happen during the worship service after sound checks, set revisions and power point. Sometimes the only song that fits is a new song that is birthed on the spot. That is how Let It Rise was written. It was a spontaneous prayer that captured the cry of our hearts at a coffee shop Bible study in Pacific Beach. I always tell my worship teams, we play from the heart not the chart. This requires greater preparation at home on their part. I encourage them to live the songs. I prepare my media team to be ready to go off the page.” This requires them to pay attention and have good tools at their disposal. We've built a culture with the understanding that our worship is responsive and not programmatic.

I started leading worship when I was thirteen. I would sit in my room and play worship songs to the Lord for hours. I would sing what was on my heart. I would sing songs from the Young Life Songbook that I had. I didn't know that God was training me to be a worship leader. I just loved to spend time with God. It wasn't until I was sixteen that I led worship in front of people. Do you get my drift? I encourage worship leaders to sing their prayers during their private devotional time with the Lord. Sing scripture. Develop a natural prayer language of song. That way when you're in a congregational setting, you're simply responding as you do in your private times.

So where does style and instrumentation fit into all of this? This is one of the areas of greatest tension with churches. Jesus provides the best solution to this ongoing tension when he says, And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10:49) When it comes to style and instrumentation, we need to ask, does it best serve the community gathered? When you bring a full drum kit into a room that holds 50, does it best serve that community gathered to seek God?

When you play traditionally arranged choral songs for a young congregation, does it best serve that community expression of prayer? Keep in mind that these dynamics change as a church grows numerically and culturally. What works today, may not work in six months. You might be in a room that is best served with acoustic guitars and djembe. In a year, you might be in a room that can handle a full band. But, if you keep the attitude of a servant and weave that attitude into every aspect of your ministry, then you will go far in diminishing potential problem areas.

I like to give some basic guidelines to pastors and worship leaders on instrumentation. Unless you have an extremely gifted drummer, I wouldn't introduce drums until you're in a room that can hold over two hundred people. Actually, the acoustic approach is a very hip approach right now. Using acoustic guitars, bass, piano and djembe or cajon is a culturally relevant and sonically easy to control instrumentation for music.

Be creative in your use of technology. New products are constantly being developed that expand your instrumentation in ways that are appealing even if you don't have the talent base to produce what you hear in your head. You might want to explore the use of loops or keyboard sequencing. What about using a vocalizer to strengthen backing vocals? The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

All ministry is incarnational. What do I mean? The word incarnational comes from The Latin incarnatio and corresponds to the Greek sarkosis, or ensarkosis, which is taken from John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh". It is God made flesh in Jesus. In Colossians 1:27 Paul writes, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Here he introduces the idea that this God made flesh in Jesus now lives in and through every believer. When we say that all ministry is incarnational, we are saying that all ministry is the life of Jesus living through the individual believer. It is Christ in you ministering to those around you.

This is both freeing and terrifying. It is freeing in that so many leaders look at the success of others and try to duplicate them by imitation. We go to conferences trying to learn the latest techniques and kill ourselves trying to implement them. It can be a pressure filled prison of unrealized expectation. Or worse, it can work and we become enamored with our own success thinking promotion comes from my cleverness. I’ve watched leaders trapped by their self-made success. I've also watched them crumble under the pressure of it. The truth is that God does not anoint us being someone else. God doesn't anoint me doing someone else's vision. God uniquely gifts and anoints you and I for the tasks that He asks us to do. So, be who God made you to be. Play the music you love to play, pray the way you love to pray, serve the way you love to serve. But also be prepared to discover that what you love to do may not be rooted in His love. It might be rooted in your desire to be something you're not and He may take you to task in order that His image might be reflected unhindered in your life and ministry.

This is terrifying in that we realize that if we don't obey then the expression of Christ through us is lost. He doesn't give it to another. It remains undone because no one else can do what we can do as empowered vessels in the hand of God. God may give the assignment to another as in the case of Saul and David, but that reflects on Saul's disobedience to God. That means no one can steal your ministry or influence. God gives and takes away. That means you can hold no grudge when you feel held back. That means you can't be bitter because you lost your position. You have to come face to face to God. Is He testing your faithfulness when given a better opportunity? Is He testing your obedience during hard times? Is He testing your sense of calling when it's taken away? When we say thus says the Lord, are we making it up? Is your God schizophrenic or
unchanging?

Wherever you are in your development as a follower of Jesus, it is important to remember the central theme of worship. We love Him because He first loved us. Our service, our creativity, our passion is simply the response to the price that He paid when He died on the cross for our sins. We sing because we've been liberated from death and have been given a new life of hope and joy. So let us serve with gladness and thanksgiving the One who has redeemed us for Himself.

CREATING A FLOW IN WORSHIP

1. Think of your set in terms of a journey. A typical journey begins with songs of celebration and ends with songs of intimate adoration. You can also begin with songs of intimate adoration and end with songs anthemic exaltation. It just depends on the mood of the service.

2. Have at least two songs in a row that have the same key and feel. This creates a sense of movement without distraction.

3. When you move into a time of intimate adoration, use simple songs that are well known or easy to remember. You want people to focus on their personal experience with God and focus on trying to remember the words.

4. Create space to linger. Don't feel the need to move quickly through your set from song to song. This might mean repeating a chorus or hanging on a particular chord. It might also mean allowing for silence.

5. Use prayer as a means to transition from one segment of the service to another. This keeps the congregation focused on the Lord and allows you to make dramatic changes with minimal distractions.

6. Once you begin your set of worship songs, focus all your conversation to the Lord. When you engage the congregation, you take the focus off Jesus and you put it on yourself.

7. Think of your set in terms of a theme. Maybe you will want to choose songs that focus on God's holiness or salvation. Maybe your pastor has a message that you can reinforce through song selection.

SONG SELECTION

1. Choose songs that are not too high or low. The standard congregational limits are the D one octave above middle c and the d below middle C

2. Choose songs that minister to you.

3. Choose songs that fit the season your church is in. There are songs that express the heart cry of the congregation. These are reflections of the work that God is doing in the community. Discover what those songs are and make them a key part of your song selection process.

4. Choose songs that fit the worship team. Do songs that you can do well. Your job as a leader is to make your team sound great. If you don't have the talent pool you wish you had, then pray and use who you have wisely.

5. Introduce new songs in seasons. I like to introduce four or five new songs within a short period of time. Those songs may represent a current message or season in our church life. The congregation accepts them because they relate to them and it gives them opportunity to say something new to the Lord. It keeps the worship team fresh and excited about worship. These seasons may happen once a quarter or with

This is so Cute!

I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven. I asked them, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, Would that get me into Heaven?"


"NO!" the children answered.


"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?"


Again, the answer was, "NO!"


By now I was starting to smile. Hey, this was fun! "Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my wife, would that get me into Heaven?"


Again, they all answered, "NO!"


I was just bursting with pride for them. "Well," I continued, "then how can I get into Heaven?"


A five-year-old boy shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD."

New Car!

I received this email from my daughter today. She moved to Texas back in April! It sounds like she is doing well.

Hi Mama,

I am responsible now. Not that I wasn’t before… he he!!

I bought a ‘2006 Saturn Ion’ color is goldish. Power locks, windows, has a very nice radio/cd player. About 30 thousand miles on it. Warranted.

Anyways, just thought I would share that info with you… love you lots!!!!

Love, becca

I think perhaps, Bec, just needed to get away from her mother? I think it was hard for me to look at her like she was adult living in our home. I still found myself wanting to help her out, clean up after her, I think you understand where I am going with this. I was keeping her a little girl! I think now, she will be able to grow-up and become the woman that God wants her to be. Letting go is soooooo hard for me. I have, cut the strings!

Mid-Life Crisis

Oh boy, as I sit here and try to recuperate from my workout this morning. I am reminded how blessed I am to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and a loving family to care for.

This morning as I worked out, I was thinking about a conversation my husband and I had in bed last night. I chuckle at how silly I can be at times! We were talking about how our van will be paid off next summer, and how we are going to put the money we spend on the van payment, in a saving account. This way we will have a good down payment for the next vehicle that we purchase. Before I tell you my story, you all must understand my husband drives a mini-van, drives the speed limit or under and teases me all the time about the mid-life crisis he is suppose to be having. Every once in a while he will say things life. I wonder what I should buy for my mid-life crisis. He is pretty funny!

This is his new mid-life crisis story.

My husband said, "I think I will buy a Jaguar, for my midlife crisis that I am suppose to have.

I told him, "I, was his mid-life crisis".

He said, "How do you figure"?

I said, "I have lost 25 pounds, I work out everyday, I've changed my hair style, so I think that I should be your mid-life crisis".

He said, "The wife, can't pick out what her husband's mid-life crisis should be".

I said, "The book I am reading, on how to be a better wife, says, that I can pick out your mid-life crisis".

He said, "Are you for real".

I said, "NO, I'm making this all up as I go along". Hee, Hee

Oh boy, did we have a good laugh!

The simple things are the best things!

Anywho, I'd better get off this thing and go make my children breakfast before going to school. John, wants "waffles", Jimmy and Bo want "Cream of Wheat". We go over what the kids would like for breakfast before we go to o bed at night. It works out great!

Today, I am going to meet a friend of mine from the AA News. I am going to learn how to do my back brake's! This should save me a bit of money! Right now, with all the papers I deliver, I am having to have the back brakes done every other month.


I'm a little nervous, I'll take pictures!

Ameriquest Brownie

Well, it is Monday morning, as if you'll didn't know that. I clean my own house on Monday's so there is no time for posting much today. I need to sweep and mop my floors, put some quick shine on my hard wood floors, clean my windows, my bathroom, do the laundry, make the bed's, dust! Big breath!! Well, I guess you'll get the picture. I thought I would post some funnies that I received from my Mom. I watched this video and many other Ameriquest video's this morning.I think my kids think I am crazy, but what is new!

: )

Here is another funny from my mom! I pray you all have a great day. See next post for Mama funny!

A little laughter to start the week off Right!

Q. What does HMO stand for?

A. This is actually a variation of the phrase , "HEY MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eye.

Q. I just joined an HMO . How difficult will it be to choose the doctor I want?

A. Just slightly more difficult than choosing your parents. Your insurer will provide you with a book listing all the doctors in the plan. The doctors basically fall into two categories: those who are no longer accepting new patients, and those who will see you but are no longer participating in the plan. But don't worry, the remaining doctor who is still in the plan and accepting new patients has an office just a half-day's drive away and a diploma from a third world country.

Q. Do all diagnostic procedures require pre-certification?

A. No. Only those you need.

Q. Can I get coverage for my preexisting conditions?

A. Certainly, as long as they don't require any treatment.

Q. What happens if I want to try alternative forms of medicine?

A. You'll need to find alternative forms of payment.

Q. My pharmacy plan only covers generic drugs, but I need the name brand . I tried the generic medication, but it gave me a stomachache. What should I do?

A. Poke yourself in the eye.

Q. What if I'm away from home and I get sick?

A. You really shouldn't do that.

Q. I think I need to see a specialist, but my doctor insists he can handle my problem. Can a general practitioner really perform a heart transplant right in his/her office?

A. Hard to say, but considering that all you're risking is the $20 co-payment, there's no harm in giving it a shot.

Q. Will health care be different in the next decade?

A. No, but if you call right now, you might get an appointment by then.

To Your Good Health (because as you'll see, you'll need it!)

Health Question and Answer Session

with Dr. Kenmiester:

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longe r? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: N o, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good !

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE N OT LISTENING !!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you cra zy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

Worshipfest October 28th, 2007 It is all for "You Lord"

I'm sitting here preparing for the Worshipfest 2007, I'm printing out all the word's to the songs our worship singer's will be leading that evening. Funny thing is, I'm not going to be able to participate in it. Sometimes, God has a way of putting our lives in perspective. I LOVE singing praises to our AWESOME KING!

My boy graduates from bootcamp the same weekend as the Worshipfest. This summer, I put together survey's for our congregation to tell us what their favorite songs are. I tallied them all up for our Worship Leader, so he could come up with the order of worship for the evening. I helped come up with the date for the Worshipfest. I knew Aaron was leaving the second week of August, knowing this would give me a few weeks after, what I thought would be his graduation.

If you read back over my blog, you will see, that it stormed the week that Aaron was suppose to fly to Chicago for the Navy bootcamp, his flight was cancelled three times that week, so he was stuck in Troy. This delayed his departure by a week! By the time he got to bootcamp he missed the Division he was suppose to be in and had to wait for more recruits to come. This put graduation back three weeks, which just so happened to be the same weekend as the Worshipfest. God knows my passion, but He also has given me a wonderful family to love and to be the mother of six wonderful children. As I am learning, this has to be my number one passion. I serve the Lord, but I need to take care of the family He has given me. The Lord is teaching me, growing me and molding me, into the wife and mother He wants me to be.

I thank you Lord for showing me what you would have for me to do!

I still want to promote our Worshipfest! I think this is going to be a great night, with our without me. The man goal is that the Lord be Glorified! It is all about HIM not about me.

Here is all the information concerning the Worshipfest, if anyone lives close to our church. This is your Invite, come and enjoy a wonderful night singing praises and worshipping our AWESOME Lord and Savior.


The following is the "Order of Worship for the Worshipfest!

Men's choir - I Bowed on my knees and cried holy

Set 1 team 2

Come, now is the time to worship D-E
He knows my name E
Above all A
God is good all the time D
My Redeemer Lives E
Victory Chant E-G#

Choir - Celebrate the Lord of Love

Josh's group

Men's choir - Hallowed be Thy name

Set 2 team 1

Since Jesus came into my heart
Shine, Jesus shine G
Majesty G
The old rugged cross G
Agnus Dei A
Shout to the Lord A-B

Choir - We Will Remember

Set 3 team 1

Wonderful grace of Jesus C
What a mighty God we serve D(Eb)
Praise Adonai Am
Indescribable F
How great Thou art Bb

Choir - Hallelujah Anyhow!

Nick's group

Set 4 team 2

I'll fly away G
Soon and very soon G
Worthy is the Lamb G
Nothing but the bloodG
Your Love O Lord G
Days of Elijah G-A

While I was printing all the songs out, I thought I'D take advantage of the time and listen to, two of Paul Baloche worship songs on "YouTube" our worship leader sent us tonight. We sing these two songs in our worship service. "I LOVE THEM".

Because Of Your Love - Paul Baloche

Because of Your Love

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

As we come into Your presence We remember every blessing
That You’ve poured out so freely from above.
Lifting gratitude and praises For compassion so amazing
Lord we’ve come to give You thanks For all You’ve done

Because of Your love We’re forgiven
Because of Your love Our hearts are clean
We lift You up With songs of freedom
Forever we’re changed Because of Your love

Yeah, Yeah
As we come into Your presence
We remember every blessing
That You’ve poured out so freely from above.
Lifting gratitude and praises For compassion so amazing
Lord we’ve come to give You thanks
For all You’ve done

Because of Your love We’re forgiven
Because of Your love Our hearts are clean
We lift You up With songs of freedom
Forever we’re changed Because of Your love

Because of Your love We’re forgiven
Because of Your love Our hearts are clean
We lift You up With songs of freedom
Forever we’re changed Because of Your love

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Hosanna - Paul Baloche

Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

[Chorus:]
Hosanna, hosanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

[Chorus:]
Hosanna, hosanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away

[Chorus:] [2x]
Hosanna, hosanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna, hosanna

Christmas Menu and so much More!

I know it is a little early to think about your Christmas menu but this is what my daughter-in-law and I did yesterday. We made our dates to make our Christmas cookies, (Hey mom, if you want to join us, we are making them December 5 and 6th) we just have to come up with the recipes that we will use.

Side note: I remember when I was a kid, my mom would make these one cookies. For the life of me I don't know what they are called or how to make them. I just remember, she would make the dough, roll it out and cut it into strips and fry it in oil. After frying it she would put powered sugar on top. Those were the best cookies. (Oh my, I'm getting really hungry)

We want to make up a package's for my son Aaron (who is in the Navy) and for my daughter Becca (she lives in Texas). We must make cookies for our families that live with us, as well. I don't think my children would be very happy, if they didn't get any Christmas cookies. Hey, if anyone has a great recipe for Christmas cookies, please pass it my way.


I'd better run, I am getting my granddaughter and one of my grandson's this morning. It will be off to work for me this afternoon and Worship team practice tonight at 5:50 p.m. A little time with the family, off to bed for a few hours and off to my two cleaning jobs in the early a.m. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to my house cleaning job, Motor route again in the afternoon and who knows what tomorrow night will bring? I just have a feeling my boy's are going to ask if their best friend's can come over again. I've been spending my Friday evenings with my Son Bret and his family.

Life is good!

I thought I'd post a preview of Our Christmas dinner, it sounds so yummy right now.

We are going to have the following:

Ham
Turkey
Corn Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Veggie Tray
Relish Tray
Many deserts

I don't want to rush things, but I can't wait!

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

I had such a good morning! I went to work at 2:30 a.m. I got home around 6:30 a.m. just in time to get my boy's up for school. I got their clothes out, fed them, took them to school and went to my daughter-in-laws to exercise. We exercised, made plans for the next few weeks and prepared our Christmas menu. I love spending time with her! I am now getting ready to go to work! Tonight is Awana and then it will be a little quiet time with my family. I'm sure snacks and a movie will be in my near future. Isn't life GREAT!

Have a "bee"autiful day! I'm sure going to try to!

Kathy'sKlavier Honored me with a very special award.

Thank you Kathy for thinking of me!

"Merry Christmas" & "Faith! For all I trust Him!" Plus "The battle of Jericho Revisited"

I have to say, I've been a bit busy this week. I had my grandson with me for three days. Awana on Wednesday evening! I had my grandson and adopted grandchildren on Thursday, I went to see my son and daughter-in-law last night. Today, I went to Hamburg for Boaz' soccer game. We lost 4-3 but it was a good game. I think I got a sunburn today, it is 89 degrees here!

I'm now sitting down preparing for Jr. Choir at 5:00 p.m. I'm typing up all the songs, to make it easier for the children to sing with tonight.

The first song we will sing is called "Merry Christmas" we are doing the play called "The Christmas family Tree". Back in 1998, when my daughter was in sixth grade, we did this play.

It is a good play! It has songs, drama and hand movements to a lot of the songs. I am looking forward to a great Cantata, that brings all Glory to God.

First song,

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! We hear it, we say it! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! What is it? It’s a way, it’s a greeting that we use to share the special news that Jesus birthday is here.

Solo1
It only takes a moment to say these special words instead of “Hey or HI, or how you are.
But in that special moment, the name of Christ is heard bringing joy to everyone you’re talking to.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! We hear it, we say it! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! What is it? It’s a way, it’s a greeting that we use to share the special news that Jesus birthday is here.

Solo 2
We’re always in a hurry at this time of year, with people rushing past us in a blur. But if a “Merry Christmas,” each one of them would hear, you’d get miles of smiles and even words of cheer.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! We hear it, we say it! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! What is it? It’s a way, it’s a greeting that we use to share the special news that Jesus birthday is here.

Abbie: I’m ready, Merry

Merry: Alright!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! We hear it, we say it! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! What is it? It’s a way, it’s a greeting that we use to share the special news that Jesus birthday is here. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Jesus Birthday is here Merry Christmas!

F-A-I-T-H

Solo
I never understood what faith was all about. How you can believe in a thing you can’t see. Then someone came along and spelled the whole thing out and now I know what faith means.

Choir
F-A-I-T-H is how the word is spelled and each letter stands for a word of its own. Now that we have learned this definition well, we’ll show you how the word goes.

Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. For all I need the Father will provide. Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. That’s the way my faith can be described.

Solo
There’s nothing you can name, the Father can’t provide, for things here on earth and for eternal life. There’s nothing I can do, His love for me to earn so that is why I have learned.

Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. For all I need the Father will provide.
Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. That’s the way my faith can be described.

Let this definition be your heart’s condition and by faith, we’ll see Him someday.

Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. For all I need the Father will provide. Faith! For all I trust Him. Faith! For all I trust Him. That’s the way my faith can be described.

F-A-I-T-H For all I trust Him. FAITH!

The Battle of Jericho Revisited

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Solo

Rahab was a woman. No soldier man was she.
But a braver gal would not be found and this is why that’d be.

Choir
Rahab hid God’s spies, yes, both of Joshua’s man. From a long red rope those men escaped and then they came back again.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.



Up to the walls of Jericho,
He marched with spear in hand.
"Go blow those ram horns",
Joshua cried,
"'Cause the battle is in my hand".

Those ramhorns they began to blow,
The Trumpets began to sound,
Joshua said, “the children to shout’,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

You may talk about your men of Gideon,
You may talk about your men of Saul,
but there is no man like Joshua
At the battle of Jericho.

Now Joshua was a hero, but Joshua wasn’t all. ‘cause without that brave gal Rahab he’d still be behind those walls.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho,
And the walls came tumblin' down.

Solo
Rahab his old Joshua’s men, she put her life out on a limb. She let God’s messenger come in and the walls came tumblin’ down, down, down.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, a sleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Mr. C speaks: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet; “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” which means, “God with us.”

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me I pray Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with You there.

Everyone, Everywhere Come

Everyone, ev’ry-where come. No matter what you have done. His arms are wide open to welcome you. Ev’ry-one ev’ry-where come.

No skin is too dark nor too fair for Him, no nation will be turned away. No past is too painful for Him to heal, so come to Christ today.

Everyone, ev’ry-where come. No matter what you have done. His arms are wide open to welcome you. Ev’ry-one ev’ry-where come.

Through ages He’s waited for one and all to walk through the doorway of faith. He longs to adopt you for none can come by any other way.

Everyone, ev’rywhere come. No matter what you have done. His arms are wide open to welcome you. Ev’ry-one ev’ry-where come.

Solo

Oh! For the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me. Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

Choir

Come home, come home, Ye who are weary come home; His arms wide open to welcome you. Ev’ry-one every-where come. Ev’ry-one, ev’ry-where come No matter what you have done. His arms are wide open to welcome you. Ev’ry-one ev’ry-where come.

A.J. Update!

We received a letter from Aaron today! I have received a few now but have failed to post them, so I thought I would post this one. I get a letter every Wednesday now. He said, the Navy let's him write on Sunday's.

Letter from Aaron:

Hey Everyone,

How's everyone doing? Everything is fine here. We have our ups and our downs, but were doing better then before. Some people have gotten kicked out, like 5 so far. A couple more are on the way way. Were starting to work as a team more.

Well anyway, how's everyone doing? You guys do anything fun while I've been gone? Boot camp is pretty crazy right now, were taking tests and having inspections like every week. We got a flag for getting a good grade on the first test. Were hoping to be the first division to do 5.0 on the second test. 5.0 is the highest grade. We have a really big inspection coming up and I don't think we're ready yet.

How's school going for the boy's? I hope there doing well! Bo's soccer games sound pretty interesting. What is his teams over all record?

How's wrestling going for the boy's? It sounded like they are getting better and better and less tired.

So, how's work going for everyone? just got my first paycheck, it was like a quarter of what I am suppose to get because of clothing and stuff. I can't wait till graduation to get out of here. It's not bad but I want some good food, outside of bootcamp. After A-school I can take 14 days off leave so I think I am going to take the 14 days.

Well, I'll write again next week. Send a couple pictures!

P.S. Tell everyone I said hi.

Aaron

Marriage Monday!

I'm sorry, I haven't had much time for posting lately. I'm trying hard to stay up on everything that is going on in my life right now. I try to read my Bible, write and senD out a card or a letter to my son A.J. everyday while he is in bootcamp. I'm trying to keep my house cleaned, my laundry done, exercise, work, be on the worship team, an Awana leader, lead the music for the Jr. choir AND most importantly maintain a healthy marriage at the same time. So I guess you could say, I've been a bit focused on being the wife, mother, grandmother and the Godly example at church and in public, I should be. I should be back to posting more often soon! I pray!

I just want you all to know that I am not complaining about all the things that I do or should I say, I get to do. I am very lucky to have a husband and a family that doesn't mind that I need to have many things going in my life. Not a one of them, complains about how hyper I am and how I feel like I have to be busy 24/7. I am a very blessed woman!

Prayer update: The last nightmare I had was the day I posted about it. Thanks for your prayers! Also, Aaron called last Friday. He is doing good! He loves the food and he said, "he has an awesome Petty officer". He also said, "things are going well". Were going to Chicago at the end of the month for his graduation from bootcamp. He said, "his "A school" is right next door to where he is right now". I can handle five hours for the next 8 months. (5 hours is drivable) Things are going well!

I did get a chance to visit some of your blogs this morning. I hopped over to e-Mom's blog and found a great post on marriage. Maybe ya'll could hop over and take a look! Just click on the button, and it will send you over.
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