Happy Birthday, Cousin Levi!

our crazy dog

We have a strange dog. Willow is a 4-year-old mutt. She has some Chesapeake Bay Retriever, possibly some pit bull, and who knows what else. Four years ago, our kids prayed like crazy and saved their pennies, and we finally found Willow. We love her dearly, but there is one little thing she does that makes us wonder about her. You see, a couple years ago, she discovered our ficus tree in our master bedroom. At least once a day, often more, she, well.... You'll just have to watch the video. If anyone has an explanation for us, it would solve a great mystery in our home. "What in the world is that dog doing??"

Whew!

I feel like my life is a whirlwind right now. I have so many things going on that I can't seem to keep focused on any of it. Our Vacation Bible Blast prep is going great, but so very much to do! Recruiting volunteers, organizing supply lists, trying to think through all the details we might forget, meetings, meetings, meetings! I am also in the midst of the kick-off of the new Rooftops ministry...getting curriculum written, making sure we have all our teachers, small group leaders, structuring the schedules. Plus we have a Family Movie Night event at church TOMORROW night. Ma has a violin concert tonight. We're having a family birthday party for N on Sunday, I leave for Atlanta on Monday for a Family Ministries conference through Thursday. I'm missing N's 13th birthday on Wednesday (don't get me started...Mom guilt is about to do me in!). I get back on Thursday, rush off to Ma's Spring choir concert at school. Then have Friday to prepare for N's big sleep-over Skate City 13th Birthday Bash....... And of course, it just continues on from there with Mother's Day, Mi's birthday (on Mother's Day), baptism classes, Field Days at school, field trips, more VBB craziness in the midst of it all.... OK, deep breaths..... I know I am not alone in this crazy life, and please don't take any of this as complaint. I am doing what I love, and love what I am doing! I am so grateful for quiet and peaceful times with God in the midst of all of it. Times when I just sit with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and my Father. Quiet. At peace. Filled. Often I feel too busy to stop and take the time. But never do I regret a second spent in His presence. Always He calms my spirit, fills me up, and empowers me to do what today requires of me.

Extreme Makeover, Maddie Edition

Maddie decided she was ready for a new style, so on Saturday, we headed off to the salon (Cool Cuts for Kids). The above picture was taken just before her locks were cut. I think you'll agree, the change was a good one! When we got home and her brothers saw her, they were shocked and told her how pretty she looked. What great brothers. They made her feel so good! We worked on growing her bangs out for the last couple of years, and in one second, off they came. She looks so good, and has been lavished with compliments everywhere she goes.

Faith Chairs

Last night was our official Kick-Off for this summer's Vacation Bible Blast. As the new Partners Director for the Children's Ministries, I now have the overwhelming responsibility of heading up VBB. We are expecting around 350 kids, and I can't wait! I love VBB week. I love seeing the kids fill the auditorium, praising Jesus, laughing, dancing, being crazy. It makes all the blood, sweat and tears of the months leading up to that week absolutely worth it. Last night marked the beginning of that process. This is the hardest part...Right now we still have all the blood, sweat and tears ahead of us. As I have been planning for our volunteer kick-off, I have prayed continually that God will put the same excitement and passion into the hearts of others. I want people to help with VBB because they deeply desire to impact kids' hearts for eternity, not just because they feel like they should help, or that it sounds like fun. Anyway, as I set up for the meeting last night, I was trying to determine how many chairs to put out in our meeting room. We don't historically have a large turn-out for our first meeting (15-20 people). I decided to put out 30 chairs, and as I set each chair out, I prayed over the chair and the person that would sit in it. I prayed that God would fill each and every chair. When Ellen and Mandy arrived to help set up and go over the plans for the evening, I told them those were my "faith chairs" and that God was going to fill them. Just before 7:00, the people started coming....and kept coming! Would you be surprised to hear that each and every chair was filled? And that we needed more chairs? Thank You, God! He gives us above and beyond what we ask, and when He calls us to do His will, He supplies what we need to do it! I have a confession, though.....I was surprised. Why am I continually surprised when God shows up and does what He says He will do?? Has He not shown me over and over again that He is faithful? When will I pray and fully expect and KNOW that He will faithfully supply all my needs?