Lynne and Anne

I'm Getting Married!!!

2012-02-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to announce that Brandon and I got engaged on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, and it was a wonderful day!! Here is what we did that day...

Brandon and I decided to go to Atlanta (one of our favorite cities) to spend the day having fun. He took me to the Georgia Aquarium, which was awesome!

We saw piranas....

(I know it looks innocent, but this is a DEADLY fish!! Razor sharp teeth!)

We saw GINORMOUS crabs!

(Look how big this crab is...compared to the kid in the pic. Yikes)

We got to walk under a tunnel of water, with fish and manta rays and sharks swimming over top of us! Cool.

(We kept referencing Finding Nemo for things we saw there... like that Manta Ray...that was what they rode to school on.)

Another shot of the manta ray overhead. it was huge!

A big, ugly Grouper.

(Brandon likes to eat Grouper...after seeing how big and ugly they are, I told him that would gross me out to see him eat that! haha)

THIS was the HUGE whale shark. There were three of them. It was cool to see them.

Then there was this big wall that was a view of under the ocean. There were all kinds of fish and whale sharks and things and it was very neat to watch.

Brandon got to touch a hammer head shark! SCARY! He thought it was cool.

We got to get really close to the penguins.

LOTS of fish...everywhere!

THEN....we changed into our fancy dinner clothes, and Brandon took me on a walk through Centennial Olympic park (we have walked through that park before), and it was a beautiful walk. The weather was perfect, the sun was just setting. We sat down on a park bench, and Brandon gave me a gift. It was a book he had made for me, with all kinds of pictures of our relationship, and he had written lots of reasons he loves me. It was very sweet (I cried!).

Then I got to the last page of the book, and I saw this....

And when I looked up, Brandon was in front of me, down on one knee. He told me he loved me and asked if I would marry him, and I was sooooo happy! It was such a perfect moment!

Then we walked through the park, called our families and friends.

In Centennial Olympic park, right after we got engaged.

THEN we announced it to our friends on Twitter. And this was Brandon's sweet idea for how we could announce it...

(Twitter played a fun role in the beginning of our relationship, as we Tweeted each other when we were just friends, so it was appropriate)

Here are some pictures of the ring...which I just love and I think it is PERFECT!

Then we had a Super Bowl party at Brandon's house (on Sunday) and got to see the Giants win! We had lots of friends over and had tons of really good food! It is fun to see the guys go all out with their "man food" like these yummy Buffalo Chicken Bites we made.

And this amazing bread bowl dip Brandon made. MMmmmmMMM

This was a fun, wonderful weekend. BUT now I am so excited that I get to marry the man of my dreams and spend the rest of my life with him. I am so lucky, and so thankful for God to bless me with Brandon!

-Lynne

The National Championship Game!

2012-01-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

I am a little late in posting this, but I got to go to the BCS National Championship in New Orleans! It was so exciting to see Alabama bring home #14, and I felt lucky to get to be there to witness it all!! I have never been to New Orleans, so it was fun to get to see the city and eat some really good food.

First night in the city...walking down Canal Street (I loved the palm trees with lights on them)

The first place Brandon and I had dinner. It was so good! I had red beans and rice, and he had crawfish ettouffe (spelling?)

My red beans and rice, with chicken and sausage... so good

The streets of New Orleans at night.

It is a beautiful city.

The St. Louis Cathedral at night. It is a beautiful church, but the weird thing is...there are lots of voodoo/palm readers sitting outside the church at night!

Those tables are the palm readers sitting outside the church.

Dinner #2 with friends at a nice restaurant.

Haha...

Brandon likes this picture because a famous football player is in the background (Chris Carter). He did get his picture with Chris Carter right after this.

Brandon and I woke up early the next morning to go to Cafe Du Monde and get beignets! It was GOOD!! The streets were so cute and it looked good in the early morning sunlight and quietness.

Our coffee and beignets.

Game day morning, walking around the city- this is the St. Louis Cathedral.

The Andrew Jackson statue outside the church.

We went inside the cathedral and had a prayer time. So pretty.

At Cafe Du Monde on championship morning.

The beautiful church.

Got our tickets!

Outside the Superdome a few hours before the game! So excited!

Inside the superdome during the game!

Cheers as Alabama wins the game!!

B-A-M-A Bama all the way!

Brandon and his brother, excited about the game!

After Bama won, everyone rushed onto the field. It was sooooo exciting! So glad I got to be there

We went down to be a part of the celebration!

Brandon, being cute, cheering and singing Rammer Jammer.

This was so cool!

Celebrating the win!

Me and Brandon and his brother and sister, excited about winning the National Championship!

ROLL TIDE!

Our group, just about to leave the hotel and go home as champions!

-Lynne

New Year's Goals 2012

2012-01-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Every year, I set goals and do some evaluation to see how I can improve and what I want to accomplish the next year, and I have taken a few days to think and pray about this year's goals.

I have done a pretty good job keeping last year's goals, and I want to continue to improve!

Personal Goals
*Better Time Management. Waste less time.
*Go to bed earlier (before 11PM) and wake up earlier (6:30AM)
*Get an accountability partner to meet with regularly
*Eat healthy food
*Spend more time in the Word (every morning)
*Build more relationships with unbelievers, invest in friendships w/neighbors, etc.
*Work out for at least 20 minutes, 4 times a week// walk at least 1-2 miles, 5 times a week
*Read 2 books a month
*Get married (this one has been a New Year's goal for the last 8 years...we'll see!)

Professional
*Become a stronger, more confident leader (read books, watch and learn from other leaders)
*Develop more leaders under me, and invest in those I'm mentoring and developing on a regular basis
*Develop teaching teams for children's church, so I will be able to go to "big church" at least once a month
*Plan ahead more and work ahead
*Get a First Impressions/Hospitality team in place, and better follow up for visitors

**THE WORD OF THE YEAR **

Every year, I pray about a word or phrase that God puts on my heart to focus on this year. After several days of prayer....I felt God was telling me the thing He wants me to focus on is... PRAYER.

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

I want these words to describe my prayer life: devoted, consumed, thirsty, faithful, powerful, thankful, intimate. I don't want prayer to just be something I rush through, but a powerful time of drawing my heart to God's and letting Him speak to me and work in me. I will commit to faithful and specific prayer times in the mornings, and throughout the day.

What are your goals for the new year?

-Lynne

Christmas and New Year's

2012-01-03T12:54:00.000-05:00

This was a wonderful Christmas! It was kind of sad that I did not get to spend it with my family in Indiana, but I had a great time, and made some fun memories with friends and Brandon's family! I am sad that Christmas is over, and I have to wait a whole year to celebrate again. But, so excited about this year! I can tell that 2012 is going to be a really good year.

We started the Christmas weekend with a fun visit to some friends' home while their kids opened presents and had breakfast with them.

Buddy got to open his presents too, an he loved it!

Went to a family/friend Christmas Eve dinner party, and we all wore tacky Christmas sweaters and played games and had good food.

Brandon and I got cute matching Christmas sweaters.

On Christmas morning, we went to Brandon's family's house to do presents before church. Fun fun!

We went to church on Christmas and enjoyed the service! Then we had a nice lunch with Brandon's family and we all played games and hung out, then went to a movie (Sherlock Holmes - very good!). It was a wonderful Christmas. I loved the time with family and friends (and especially Brandon), and I loved all my Christmas gifts!!

After Christmas, Brandon and I had a fun date day in Birmingham! We went ice skating and out to eat. It was so fun.

Then, we took a quick road trip to the beach over New Year's weekend! It was a spontaneous trip, because we both ended up having extra vacation time, and we wanted to go visit Brandon's family in Pensacola. He has a lot of aunts/uncles/cousins there, and it was so good to get to meet them and get to know them. I don't have any extended family like that, so I enjoyed getting to know Brandon's.

On the way to the beach, we stopped at Jim's for some delicious BBQ.

We had lots of good food over the holidays! Definitely need to go on a diet now! We went to this really good restaurant in Pensacola, McGuires. Great burgers.

They decorate the ceiling and walls with dollar bills that people put up. They said there is over one million dollars up in the restaurant.

We got to go bowling with Brandon's cousins.

Went to the beach at Destin. It was beautiful! It was my first time at the gulf coast, and I loved it. we took a lovely walk on the beach and walked in the water. The weather was so perfect.

I love palm trees! It felt so tropical.

We spent lots of time visiting family, but also got to go to the beach for three days in a row! One day, we ordered lunch to go and sat on the beach for a picnic! It was amazing and romantic. One of my favorite memories with Brandon.

We also started this book, the Love Dare. It's very good.

This is the beach and boardwalk in Pensacola. It was beautiful.

The Pensacola boardwalk.

The beautiful Pensacola beach. It was a nice day.

A nice lunch right on the beach in Pensacola. This was my first time eating crab legs! I do not do sea food at all, and I was kind of nervous to try it, but Brandon said it was really good, so I decided to try it. It was not bad. I don't know if I will ever like sea food, but I will at least try it.

I loved the beach, and was sad to go, but so happy I got to have such a good trip with Brandon. It was a great way to celebrate the new year, and I am looking forward to many more memories in 2012!

I feel so blessed, and thankful for every gift God has given me. The most important gift is His constant love and grace. I am still praying about New Year's resolutions/goals and praying that God will reveal to me the word or theme He wants to impress upon my heart for this year. I am thankful that God blessed me with a great job and opportunity to serve Him, and the blessing of an amazing godly man I get to share life with.

-Lynne

Fun Christmas Weekend

2011-12-19T13:43:00.000-05:00

With Christmas less than a week away, I am so full of joy to celebrate Christ and His love with my church family and friends, and Brandon. We are enjoying celebrating and making fun Christmas memories!

I enjoyed getting to go caroling with the young adult Sunday School class from church. We all brought cookies and put them in cute little baggies and took them to our neighbors (in my apartment complex) and went caroling. It was so fun, and the neighbors loved it! Then, went back to Kami's house and had some good food and played games- very fun.

Caroling to our neighbors.

Playing with fake snow at Kami's.

I made gingerbread cookies to give to people (they are very good and easy and fun to make)

I made a few cookies for Brandon.... =)

This past weekend, Brandon surprised me with a wonderful date!! He took me to the ballet! Neither of us had ever been. We saw the Nutcracker. I love that Brandon planned this for me, it made me feel so special. I am so lucky to have him!

It was just beautiful! I loved it!

Then, Brandon and I went all around the city looking at people's Christmas lights. It was fun! We saw some interesting, cool stuff. This house went all out!

The was cool- this house had a live "Santa" on their front porch, and it had a sign that said kids could visit with Santa from 6PM-9PM. Cool!

This house had some interesting blow-ups.

This house had a big screen set up at their house, and they were showing Christmas movies outside! Cool.

My tree, with all the presents.

I pray that this Christmas, during all the fun and memories, we would all focus on the TRUE gift of Christmas, the gift of Jesus!

-Lynne

Teaching kids Christmas

2011-12-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

So if there is ANY Bible story that gets told over and over and over, every single year...it's the CHRISTMAS STORY. The kids get to hear the story of Jesus' birth so much, that sometimes I wonder if they get tired of the same thing every year...and I wonder if it almost turns into a bedtime story type of ritual for them, that becomes like a made up story, like "Twas the night before Christmas."

This year, after the 2nd time we had gone over the Bible story this year in our children's ministry, and after I had overemphasized to the kids that this is a TRUE story of something that REALLY happened, over two thousand years ago, I asked them a question. I thought, since the kids have heard this story over and over, they will surely understand its meaning. But their answers left me a bit disheartened as to their true understanding of the nativity story and its implications for them.

I asked the kids "What impact does the Christmas story have on you today? How does it affect your life now?" And I asked the kids to think about this question for a few minutes to come up with their answers. Then, I went from child to child, listening to their well-thought out answers. Here are the answers I got...

"If Jesus wouldn't have been born, I wouldn't be alive." "We wouldn't be here." and many variations of that same idea.

They didn't get it. No one except for one child (pastor's kid) understood the significance of Jesus' birth and how it affected their salvation. It's almost as if the Christmas story and the Easter story are disconnected, being separated by several months, and the kids don't make the connection between the two.

So I began to tie everything together for the kids, to help them make the connection between Jesus' birth, and their salvation. Without the nativity, we would not have anything great to celebrate this Christmas!

Not only do we need to teach kids the Christmas story, but we also need to help them connect the story to their salvation.

-Lynne

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

2011-12-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

God has brought this verse to my mind a lot lately...

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:4-5

So often, the worldly, fleshly part of me takes over! It takes over my words, my thoughts, my heart. I pray that the Spirit would reign in my heart and my mind, taking me captive and sanctifying the fleshly and selfish parts of me. I cannot do this by trying harder to be better and more Christ-like, but only by surrendering and consecrating myself, and allowing the Spirit to work in me. I want to take every thought captive; I want to be obedient. I want to demolish every obstacle that keeps me from knowing Christ more. This is my desire and my prayer today.

-Lynne

Christmas party!

2011-12-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

So many Christmas parties and events!

We had a nursery worker party...

A Midweek children's ministry party....

The kids wrapped up one of their awesome preschool leaders, Mr. David. So fun!

And some of the leaders and kids wrapped up kids!

We had a great time!

Then I had some friends over for a Christmas party at my apartment. We had great food and fun times, and we got to watch one of my favorite movies, Elf!

We had an appetizer dinner party. Yum!

Girl picture!

We had fun watching Elf.

Brandon leading a game for the kids on Sunday morning at kids' church!

Brandon showed up at my apartment yesterday with these flowers and cake! He decorated the vase himself. I love it! AND he made me this delicious 3 layer red velvet cake with peppermints!

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful, thoughtful boyfriend. I love him so much!!!

What a great Christmas season, so far! I love getting together with people I love to celebrate the Savior I love, and enjoy fellowship and fun.

-Lynne

John 13:35

2011-12-12T12:31:00.000-05:00

Why is it that Christians spend more time criticizing each other, judging each other, gossiping about each other, putting each other down, and trying to one-up each other?! And how can it be that I am a part of all that too?! It breaks my heart to see Christians tearing each other down, when we should be loving each other and building each other up. God has laid this burden on my heart, and I pray that we would remember that we are on the same team as our brothers and sisters in Christ, and that we would think the best of each other, and spend more time showing love and grace instead of condemnation.

In John 13:35, Jesus tells his disciples that everyone will know they are his disciples by their love for one another. If the world looks to the church, I'm afraid they wouldn't see godly love for one another....and it must break God's heart. Let's all choose to show love and grace, to encourage and build each other up, to assume the best in each other and put the interests of others above our own. Then, we will be an example that will point others to God.

-Lynne

What about Santa?

2011-12-06T18:15:00.000-05:00

I just saw a website where parents could go to this website, enter a bunch of information about their children (names, ages, whether they have been NAUGHTY or NICE this year, a gift they want and are GETTING for Christmas, etc), and a "Santa" will record a video, and email it to you, so your child can receive their own personalized video FROM SANTA. Wow. I am actually thinking...that sounds so hokey and tricky. I don't think I would do that to my kids.

I don't mention Santa to kids at church, because I know that not all parents "do" the Santa thing, and I respect that. Sometimes, the issue of Santa does come up. When it does, I believe the best approach is to Redeem Santa, by telling the kids that there was a real man who once lived, named Saint Nicholas, who was an influential Christian leader, who gave gifts to the poor.

Veggie Tales has a movie about the story of the man named Saint Nicholas; click here to see more about it.

A really good article about the subject of Santa Claus in Christian families is THIS ONE, by Mark Driscoll, "What We Tell Our Kids About Santa."

I get to see kids who believe all different kinds of things about Santa, and I don't believe that is the most important issue. The most important thing I look for is what kids believe about Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. I would rather spend my time focusing on what kids believe about Him than about Santa. The Santa stuff can be fun, as long as it doesn't take the focus away from the true meaning of Christmas.

What do you think about this issue?

-Lynne

Christmas and Advent

2011-12-06T13:58:00.001-05:00

I have been so excited for Christmas season to get here! I was ready to put up my tree and all my decorations BEFORE Thanksgiving! I didn't get to, though, because we were in Indiana...so I had to wait until a few days after Thanksgiving.

By Dec. 1, my tree was up, my house was decorated, and all my Christmas shopping was done. By Dec. 2, all the gifts were wrapped and either under the tree (or in boxes, ready to be shipped to all my family members). All my holiday baking (I made bread as gifts) was done, and I have started watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music. I've gone to the Walkway of Lights (Christmas tradition; in Marion, IN); and tonight Brandon and I are going to Dickens Downtown (Christmas tradition; festival in downtown Northport). I am READY for Christmas. I love it! I love the decorations and music and all the Christmas cheer and spirit everywhere.

But I have to remember to focus on the True meaning of Christmas, as much as anyone else... I tend to forget this Advent season, to forget to worship God for the greatest gift ever given. God is reminding me again and again that my worldly perspective of Christmas pales against His meaning of sending His son. I tend to let other things push God out of my mind, especially when I get busy (I've got 5 Christmas parties in ONE WEEK!)....

Me with Z at the lights in Gas City, IN.

The Marion Walkway of Lights

The lighting of the tree in downtown Indy

Downtown Indy

Christmas shopping girls' day in Indy.

My tree in my apartment (it's not crooked; that's just the angle)

Homemade stovetop hot chocolate, Christmas movies, and decorating the tree = a great night!

South Coastal District pastors' Christmas dinner in Birmingham. Joel led the 12 Days of Christmas.

I've been doing a great devotional that is a compilation of journal entries by a man named Frank Laubach, that speaks of practicing the presence of God, or making it a habit to be ever aware of God in your daily life. This has helped me keep God's presence in mind and draw closer to His heart, to seek His guidance in everything I do. Devotionals don't change hearts and lives; church services don't change lives; Ministry programs don't change lives; God changes lives. I want to draw closer to Him and allow Him to continually change my heart, and I want to always be mindful of His presence. I pray that during this Christmas and Advent season, through all the busyness and shopping and parties and cooking, that you would draw ever closer to God, and remember the precious gift of His Son, our Savior.

-Lynne

A Week of Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T14:34:00.001-05:00

I was so happy that I got to go home to my parents' house in Indiana for a WHOLE WEEK. And to make it even better, Brandon got to come too!

Here are some of my favorite pics (there are a lot)....

We got to go to Chicago one day, because Brandon had a business meeting there, so we spent the rest of the day exploring Chicago. Even though it was raining, we had a great time! First stop: the home of the Chicago Cubs!

Second stop: Sears/Willis Tower. Here is Brandon checking out the view...

That's right, we couldn't see a THING! All we could see what white from the clouds. We thought it was funny, and got our picture taken anyway.

THIS is what the view should have looked like. (They photoshopped the background in for us).

I had so much fun in Chicago with the love of my life. After the Sears Tower, we got to eat the best pizza ever at Gino's East, then shopped on the Magnificent Mile, walked around Michigan Avenue, got coffee from Bloomingdale's, and just enjoyed the city! So fun.

One other fun thing we got to do with my family was go to the Walkway of Lights. My hometown has a great area you can walk or drive through to see a really cool display of Christmas lights. It's my Christmas tradition to go through it every year. We decided to get our picture with the elephant, because of the Crimson Tide!

My nephew, Ezra, enjoyed his first time seeing the Christmas lights.

Sometimes, Ezra was a happy, giggly boy...but other times, he looked like THIS a lot....! He is still so cute though, even with a mad face!

Such a silly boy! Ezra had fun feeding Buddy his food. Buddy enjoyed it too!

On Thanksgiving day, Brandon made a fried turkey for us, which was a first for all of us Northerners! It was SO GOOD. Definitely the best turkey I've ever had.

He did such a good job making the turkeys. Yes, we made two, just to make sure we'd have plenty for leftovers. Thanksgiving leftovers are the best.

Dad carved the turkey.

Ta-da! Isn't it beautiful?! Delicious.

Our Thanksgiving table. We had such a great meal!

Here are the dishes we invited to our Thanksgiving meal this year.... Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Turkey (of course), Cheesy Potatoes, Dressing (Southern Style...NOT called Stuffing), Cheesy Broccoli and Rice, Corn Casserole, Fruit Salad (not pictured), and my mom's delicious fruit bread (not pictured here).

We also had a great dessert. Peach cobbler and pumpkin pie (and pumpkin cake).

Anne and Z, enjoying Thanksgiving dinner!

Anne and Z and I got to go on a nice walk after Thanksgiving dinner. This is my parents' house, where I grew up, in Jonesboro, IN (aka: Small Town, USA. literally...there are about 1,000 residents in my hometown)

Walking with my sweet nephew. I love him!

On Thanksgiving night, we walked around the Walkway of Lights in Marion. I love the Walkway of Lights! Definitely puts me in the Christmas spirit.

The fam, enjoying the Walkway of Lights.

We got to ride the horses! I miss my horse so much! I used to ride her all the time, and now I hardly ever get to ride! This is my horse, Rosie.

Z even got to ride the horses. I think he enjoyed it! Rosie looks like she's sleeping.

Another Christmas favorite is going to downtown Indianapolis around Christmas time when the "tree" is lit up in the circle, in the middle of the city. We got to walk around, eat dinner, and show Brandon Indy.

One thing Brandon was excited about was getting to see the home of the Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium. We even got to go inside! This is the venue of the 2012 SuperBowl. Brandon loves seeing sports venues. It was very cool.

I love downtown Indy.

Ezra petting my Rosie.

My cute, cute nephew.

We had a fun "girls' day + Ezra" and went shopping in Indy. NOT on Black Friday though (ugh! We went the day after)

Brandon and I got to watch the Iron Bowl (from Buffalo Wild Wings), and we were so excited when Alabama won!!! We are going to the National Championship in New Orleans!!!!!

Roll Tide, we are excited for the National Championship! On January 9, we will be in New Orleans!
(Ezra wore his Bama outfit, but doesn't look too thrilled about the Iron Bowl win! haha)

My favorite parts of the trip were...
Going back to visit my alma mater (IWU). I got to speak in a children's ministry class, and that was cool!
Getting to spend time with my sister and nephew (who now live in Canada, where her husband pastors, and where he is from). I don't get to see them too often.
Getting to have a great Thanksgiving meal with my family, and spend good quality time with them.
Staying up late playing games with Anne and Brandon (Friends trivia! So fun)
Chicago. The whole trip was fun.
Riding my Rosie.

What a great Thanksgiving week! I have so much to be thankful for! But one thing God has impressed on my heart is to remember that I should not just thank Him for the great blessings He has given me and the things He has done for me, but I should praise Him and be thankful to Him because of WHO HE IS. Even if He took away all the blessings and material things in my life, God would still be good. He would still be loving and sovereign and powerful. And I would still be thankful. May we always thank God and praise Him, every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

-Lynne

Teaching Children

2011-11-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

The role of teaching children is such a high calling! God is constantly reminding me that every moment I have with kids is an opportunity to train them, disciple them, and lead their hearts toward Him. Everything I say and the way I react and respond is an opportunity to teach. I know I don't always say and do it exactly right, and there are times when I have to ask God to help me and forgive me, and give me wisdom....this responsibility is even greater for parents, whose kids are always around, watching everything their parents say and do. Kids are little sponges, soaking up and internalizing information and being molded daily.

I got this from a great blog post, from Leslie Ludy.

"I have observed that when it comes to training their children in Godly character, many parents over-teach and under-model. St. Francis of Assai said, “Preach Christ at all times, and if necessary, use words.” My words of instruction to my kids should be merely icing on the cake - a reinforcement of what they see me living out every moment of every day. What a high and serious calling this is! There have been times when I’ve been startled to realize that an impatient tone of voice I used toward my husband or kids was being parroted back to me by my two-year-old! They watch everything. They hear everything. And they mimic everything; the good, the bad and the ugly!

So it is my desire, by the grace of God, to be a constant “preacher of Christ at all time” to my children, even in the moments when I am not using words. This requires absolute, moment-by-moment dependence upon the only One who is truly pure and holy. Modeling Truth consistently to my children is something only He can do in and through me. If I try on my own I will certainly fail.

Romans 2:21 presents a very poignant challenge to every parent:

You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?

Having children is an incredible tool for maintaining spiritual sharpness in my own life. Everything I teach them, I must also teach myself. Everything I expect them to live, I must also live out consistently. So even though it’s a little like living in a fish bowl, having those little eyes constantly upon my life is also a great blessing, because it reminds me to live a life “worthy of the calling I have received.”

-Lynne

Halloween/Fall Fun Stuff

2011-10-31T12:04:00.001-04:00

Lots of fun stuff happening lately. Last Wednesday, we had Pajama Night at church, and the kids were SO INTO it! We played pajama/bedtime themed games, had snacks, got prizes, and watched a movie. What a fun night! The kids were so hyper though.You'd think that wearing their pajamas might make them sleepy...that was not the case.

Playing a game where we brush our friend's teeth...

I am LOVING this beautiful Fall weather. The temps have dropped to the 60s and 70s, and it is sunny and crisp and perfect. And the leaves are starting to change colors!

My sweet, romantic, thoughtful boyfriend surprised me with a really creative date last week! He told me to set out the ground beef to thaw, and not to wear a dress on our date night, and then he said not to ask any more questions. He picked me up and whisked me off to the middle of nowhere, which turned out to be a campground! I love camping! Brandon had gotten us a campsite so we could build a fire and make dinner over it and enjoy all the perks of camping, without staying all night! I was so surprised! And I love that he planned a special date for me and thought of all the details.

We made burritos in the fire, and we roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed sitting around the fire snuggling and enjoying the peacefulness of being out in nature on a crisp night. What a wonderful boyfriend I have.

Family Fun Night at church was very fun! We had face painting, and we grilled hot dogs outside to give away. We had bouncies for babies, and inside we had a live band and a magic show for kids! It was fun to see all the cute kids in their costumes.

The kids loved the balloon animals!

This was so funny, and SO reminded me of something I would have done when I was 10 years old... this girl dressed up like a "teenager," complete with cell phone and makeup and everything.

I love being outside and going on walks with Buddy in the Fall, when the leaves are crunching under my feet and the sun is shining!

Brandon and I made a delicious dinner. We got the idea from Food Network, and then we made it up and made it our own. It is Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese, and it was so good. I recommend you make this! I am not even a fan of the Buffalo flavor, and I still loved this!

We just used what we had, because we didn't want to go to the store. So, you should make this, but use whatever you have. Make it your own!

Here is what we did (I need to write this out so I don't forget, because I want to make it again some day)

Buffalo Chicken Mac N Cheese

1. Boil your pasta (we used shells and elbow)

2. Cook and shred your chicken

3. Saute the chicken with garlic and Buffalo sauce (according to taste)

4. Make your cheese sauce by starting with a pot with equal amounts of flour and butter (2 T. of each) cooked until slightly browned, then add milk (about 2 C.) and cook on medium, stirring constantly until thick. Then add a bunch of cheese (whatever you have). We used shredded Mexican cheese, cheddar cheese, Muenster Cheese, Velveeta, and Provolone. Stir until cheese is melted.

5. Add cheese to pasta, and stir. Then add the buffalo flavored chicken. Stir.

6. Put in greased dish, and top with a couple slices of cheese, and crushed Fritos (or Ritz crackers).

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

-Lynne

Fall Fun 2011

2011-10-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at the Alabama/Tennessee game! Alabama won, 37 - 6!! The weather was great, and hanging out with friends (and Brandon!!) was fun.

ALABAMA BEAT TENNESSEE! We are 8 - 0!

Then we had friends over to carve pumpkins, and we had a fun time! Brandon and I made potato soup for everyone, and we had hot spiced apple cider, sweet potato biscuits (yummy- made by Kami) and apples and caramel. Such a great night.

Kami and Ray (her fiance!) being goofy

Carving pumpkins

Brandon and I carved two pumpkins, but one of them had two things on it: on one side, Brandon's Alabama A (his alma mater), and on the other side: my alama mater (IWU!)

It was so fun. And it was extra special to us, because a year ago (to the Day!) we hung out for the first time, carving pumpkins. I think this should be our day-after-we-beat-Tennessee-tradition.

Hot spiced apple cider and sweet potato biscuits. So good.

Snuggling on the couch, hanging out with friends.

Kami and Ray with their pumpkins

Brien (Brandon's brother) and Laura

Carving pumpkins

Another food shot (I know, I like to take food pics). Biscuits and cider in the crock pot.

I LOVE FALL.

-Lynne

My First Road Game

2011-10-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to go to my first AWAY GAME for Alabama football last weekend! We went to Oxford, Mississippi, for the Ole Miss game, where Alabama dominated! It was a very long day (we left before 8AM and got home at close to 1AM), and about a 3 hour drive each way, but it was worth it. We had so much fun.
We ate breakfast at Buddy's steakhouse with friends(the traditional game-day breakfast restaurant). Then, when we got to Oxford, we got to eat at this cool, local place called Ajax, which had really good southern food. We got to walk around Ole Miss campus and tailgate with some of Brandon's friends. I loved the Ole Miss stadium-- so small and cute and quiet (compared it Alabama's)! And we got to sit behind some guy named Kenny Stabler, or "The Snake," who is famous in the sports world. Brandon and his friends were excited about that. Brandon (and me too...look in the background) even got his picture with him! A little tired at church the next day, but it was worth it, and God gave us both energy to lead the kids that morning!

I never ever in a hundred years though I would get excited about and enjoy football so much, but I am loving it and really getting into it! Looking forward to the next game, which is against Tennessee this weekend! Alabama is 7-0 so far, and we are hoping for another National Championship.

Pics...

It is so fun doing all this with the man I love!

Joy Overflowing

2011-10-19T16:04:00.001-04:00

God spoke to me this week through this verse: John 15:11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

The preceding verses talk about our fruitfulness when we abide in God, and that God is glorified and filled with joy when we obey Him.

God wants to give us overflowing, deep joy that comes only from Him! It does not mean we have to always be happy, hyper, peppy, and excited (like some people we all know)... But that is not necessarily overflowing joy. Overflowing joy is deeper than surface level happiness...I have known people who were so full of God's love, that when they are around you, that joy is contagious and inspiring. It inspires others to draw closer to God. I pray that God would fill me with HIS joy that flows out of me and onto others. The kind of joy that isn't fake or fading, but even through challenges and frustrating situations, fills my heart and overflows. That is my prayer this week.

-Lynne

Inspired

2011-10-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

I read in Francis Chan's Crazy Love-- Lukewarm Christians give money out of abundance, when it is convenient and when they have plenty left over to give. They don't sacrifice or give when it will impinge on their standard of living.

I want to share something that inspired me yesterday at church...a family from our church is really struggling financially, and urgently needed food. They contacted the church about this need, and we tried to help a little...but I do feel like we (ME too!) could have done more...I was talking with one of our children's ministry leaders about this family and how we could help them. When my nursery leader heard about the family's struggle, and the fact that they couldn't feed their baby, this nursery leader (who I know struggles with money HERSELF), got tears in her eyes. She immediately left church (leaving her kids in her class wit another nursery leader) and went to buy food, clothes and diapers for this family. She gave it to them right away. I know this nursery leader does not have an abundance of money, but she was so unselfish with her money, and she responded immediately, and her outpouring of love and sacrifice was so inspiring for me. She did it quietly, and didn't even tell any of the other nursery workers why she suddenly left and came back 30 min. later, and she didn't make a show out of it as she gave the things to the family. She didn't give money only when it was convenient for HER. She saw a need, felt God leading her to fill it, and discreetly and unselfishly obeyed.

I was inspired by this, and I pray that God would help me to obey Him and give unselfishly and sacrificially when the Lord leads me to it.

-Lynne

Fun Dates

2011-10-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

We have had so much fun lately! Fall is the best season! I am excited to make chili and apple pie and pumpkin bread and hot apple cider. I made a batch of crock pot apple butter, and it was so good! I got the recipe from here. We have had fun going to football games! I have been to 3 games so far this season, and am planning on going to a few more. I am surprised at how much I am enjoying the football games! A year ago, I would have never thought I would have fun going to football games and watching them on TV.

We made a delicious cheese fondue! I love my fondue pot. I only wish I had a few more (and places to keep them), because one fun thing about fondue is doing it ALL UP (cheese fondue for an appetizer, then doing meat and oil fondue for entre, then chocolate fondue for dessert).

We had so much fun at the Arkansas game!

Buddy LOVED his doggy pool party with his friends. This is something that our local animal shelter puts on every year for a fundraiser, and they always get a huge turnout! Buddy loved jumping off the side of the pool and chasing the tennis balls.

Brandon took me on a really fun date in Birmingham! First, we went to this wonderful Mediterranean restaurant called Do-Do-Yo's, and had delicious food. Then, we went to this statue (The Vulcan) and it was really cool. It was originally built for the St. Louis World Fair, like a hundred years ago, and we got to go up in it and get a great view of the city of Birmingham! It was so beautiful and romantic. We ended that night with a great dessert: cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory! That's always a winner.

Last night, we had a fun spontaneous date! We got this delicious pizza (the picture doesn't do it justice, it was sooo good!) and then went to see the movie Courageous, which was a very good and powerful movie. I hope all parents can go see the movie and be inspired by it.

I am so thankful for a wonderful boyfriend who I love spending time with and who plans fun dates for me! Although, we don't even have to go out to enjoy each other's company- we also have fun just going for walks or sitting on the couch talking.

-Lynne

To-Do List

2011-09-26T12:12:00.000-04:00

Starting off each week, I make a To Do List for myself at work. Then I try to knock out as many things as possible. Sometimes, if I accidentally put the To-Do list off and forget until the end of the day on Monday, I put everything I already did on the list, and then cross it off, to make myself feel good.

It's always a good feeling to accomplish things from the list, but I also know that usually, I won't accomplish EVERYTHING, because there is always more to do...and I also know that sometimes God's To Do List different from mine, and I want to submit to His plans and agenda for me. I know there are times when I will have to chuck the to-do list and just be willing to serve people and serve God. I don't ever want to be too busy to help someone, listen to someone, pray with someone, or encourage someone. I got to do that last week, when a family from our church had an unexpected health emergency, and I got to spend an afternoon hanging out with/ministering to two girls, and got to pray with them and hear their hearts, listen to them, and pour encouragement onto them.

As I start this week, two things I pray... Thank you, God, for all the things on my To Do List...for the job I get to do to serve YOU; and also, God, help me submit my plans and my agenda to you, so that I will accomplish exactly what YOU want me to accomplish every day.

-Lynne

When Moms Judge Each Other...

2011-09-20T13:11:00.002-04:00

I am not a parent. But I have a lot of time to observe parents, both in person and from afar. One thing I notice that breaks my heart is parents judging and criticizing each other. This happens some with dads too, but it seems to be mostly moms. It starts when someone gets pregnant, and doesn't seem to stop as you raise your children. If you are a mom, here are some things you might get judged for...

How early you tell people you are pregnant; how you eat or don't eat when you're expecting; what doctor you go to; if you do or don't find out the sex of the baby; how big you get when you are pregnant; during labor, if you do get an epidural or if you don't get an epidural; how hard/long your labor is; if you breastfeed or bottle feed; how you get your baby to sleep; if you let your baby cry it out or if you don't let your baby cry it out; how big of a birthday party you throw your children; how you feed your baby (do you make your own food, or buy it?); what brand of baby stuff you get; what kind of toys you buy your kids; how you discipline your kids; what school they go to, or if you homeschool; how well your kids do in school; if your children have behavioral issues at school; what time you put your kids to bed; what kinds of TV shows you let your kids watch; how early your kids start sports, and what sports they play; what holidays you get into; how much or how you little you do in school projects, fundraisers, class parties, etc, etc, etc! It is never-ending, and it is so sad to see parents doing this to each other!

Parents, you are on the same team! Just because someone does something differently than you would, doesn't mean that person is wrong. I am so guilty of thinking that my way is the only right way- and God is showing me that my way is not the only right way, despite what I often think.

Dads seem to be more accepting of each other's differences, whereas moms seem to be constantly trying to one-up each other. (BTW- I am not referring to any specific moms I know, just moms in general....moms everywhere)

Parents need encouragement; they need to know that others are on their team and supporting them. They don't need people telling them that their discipline styles are wrong, or that they don't make their baby food correctly or put their baby on the right schedule...it is so sad when moms judge each other instead of lifting each other up and trying to learn from each other.

My prayer is that God would soften the hearts of all moms (and mine included, although I am not a mom yet!), so that we can all lift each other up, rather than tear each other down and try to compete, compare, and criticize.

Have you noticed this too, about parents? How can we be better at lifting each other up?

-Lynne

rushing through prayer time

2011-09-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

So often, I will wake up, rush through my coffee/prayer time (these two things always go together for me), and then get to my morning routine of laying on the couch watching the Today Show, or taking Buddy out for a quick walk before work.

Prayer is the first way I want to start my day, but I don't want it to be something I just rush through to get to the rest of my life. I want these words to describe my prayer life: devoted, dynamic, listening, worship, focused, sincere...and I want it to be a time of connecting with God on a deeper level, resting in His presence and letting Him speak and fill my heart. I am trying to focus more and more on just being in God's presence and focusing on Him, rather than rushing through a prayer list of and checking off the list- and then I want to keep that connection with God, all day long- not just during my prayer times!

I think we can all get into times where our relationship with God is rushed or routine, and I pray that we will always be intentional to make it real, keep it fresh and dynamic. The more time we spend with God, the more we will fall in love with Him and be transformed by Him.

-Lynne

Football Season

2011-09-19T12:01:00.000-04:00

This is my first football season as a real fan, and I am loving it! It is so much fun getting into all the games and tailgating and am happy that my boyfriend was a great teacher, and explained football to me (that was a hard job for him!) so that now I understand what is happening! He was such a good and patient teacher.

I never thought I would say that I like football!! As long as I'm with Brandon, I enjoy watching football. The last game we went to (against North Texas) was so exciting, because there were some great touchdowns!

I decorated my apartment for Fall! I love Fall and all my cute decorations.

I made my first batch of Fall Chili! It was so good!

I made some cute Alabama cookies to take to the game!

Ready for the Alabama game!

We have had great weather here, and we have had lots of fun lately! I am so thankful for all the blessings God provides daily.

WINDOWS OPEN

2011-09-07T12:26:00.001-04:00

Another sign of Fall coming soon...the first day it has been cool enough to leave the windows open during the day!!! So excited! ....but not too excited, because it will be back up in the 80s and 90s by next week, I'm sure.

-Lynne

Turn Your Thoughts to Him

2011-09-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

God has been reminding me lately that I NATURALLY don't turn my heart and my thoughts to Him throughout the day. When good things happen, when mundane things happen, when frustrating or challenging things happen...my first instinct should be to turn my thoughts to God. To thank Him, or ask Him for guidance or wisdom, or vision or direction....but so many times, my natural self wants to leave God out of the daily life picture, unless it's time for Him (my devotional time, or Bible study small group time, etc). I am trying to be intentional about reminding myself to be focused on eternal perspective and be sensitive to the Spirit, listening to His voice all throughout the day.

-Lynne

Busy start to "Fall"

2011-09-06T17:33:00.000-04:00

I'm not posting as much on this blog about children's ministry, because I am updating my children's ministry blog on a regular basis with pics and my thoughts about it. If anyone wants to check it you, you can go to our children's ministry blog.

Lately, I have been so busy, but in a GOOD WAY. Lots of exciting ministry happening! A few weeks ago, we had a Father Daughter Date Night, which was awesome! I posted more about it on our children's ministry blog. I have been praying for the past few months that God would use me as a children's pastor and our children's ministry and church to really EMPOWER and equip parents as the number one spiritual leaders in kids' lives. I have been reminded time and time again that PARENTS are God's plan for discipling His children, and parents are the number one influencers and teachers in kids' lives. I pray continually for parents. I know I am not a parent, and so I can't fully understand what they go through, but I do know that their job is so important, so tiring and hard at times, and so huge. I pray that God would equip them with everything they need to do the job He has given them, and remember the great privilege of discipling their kids.

This has been a great and fun start to "fall!" And I say "fall" because it has not felt like fall weather, up until today (it's in the 60s today! Wooo Hoo!!), but we have begun our fall semester with school and ministry and also, the other important thing about Fall is .... ALABAMA Football! This is my first football season as a real football fan, and I am enjoying it so far. Brandon and I went to their first game last Saturday! I enjoyed it! My goal was to know WHERE the ball was, 60%-70% of the time...and I accomplished that goal! (A vast improvement from the last game I went to...didn't know where the ball was, ever).

Also, we are still cooking good food. Trying really hard to be healthy!! Here are some pictures.

We had never made homemade lasagna, so we decided to try it... it was time-consuming, but not difficult. And it was delicious.

Working on the homemade lasagna, meat sauce!!

The finished product! It was SO GOOD. This was right after we pulled it out of the oven, so it firmed up a lot after it had time to sit.

We had so much lasagna left over, that we had 4 big containers to freeze, and eat later! Nice.

For one fun date, Brandon took me to a park, and we had so much fun playing! We went down slides, did zip lines, tire swings and regular swings, and more.

Brandon, swinging.

We made a delicious and healthy dinner, Thai-inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They were so good.

I am so thankful to have a man who likes to help in the kitchen. He cooks and does dishes. Definitely a keeper. =)

For another date night, we went out to dinner, then Brandon took me to Barnes & Noble and we picked out games to play together. Then we went home and had a fun game night! Playing Yahtzee.

This was our first football game of the season! Alabama won! But it was a cupcake game, so everyone knew they were going to win. Bryant Denny Stadium.

We had a great time at the game.

Brandon got us these great tickets, with great seats, AND a cool perk: we got full access to the "Club" (I kept calling it the Clubhouse, but it's not a Clubhouse, just the Club). We got as much free (and good) food as we wanted!

We had great seats (25 yard line, about 20 rows up from the field). Enjoying the game.

Then we had another fun day! This is Brandon's mother. Our friend planned a cool surprise party for her, where we all got to go and paint our own things (picture frames, vases, dishes, etc), and then they fire it in a kiln and you pick it up later. So fun. (That is Brandon's cute niece, Kylie).

Working hard on painting.

Then, on Labor Day, since it was so cold and rainy, we decided to make a great dinner: homemade Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (over brown rice) -- also a really healthy meal. My first time having gumbo, and I loved it.

Then we snuggled up and watched a movie and ate our gumbo. A GREAT way to end a great weekend.

Well, a lot has happened. What have you done to start this Fall??

Next, we are looking forward to more Alabama games, more cooking out, and making more soups and chilis! I LOVE FALL.

-Lynne

Move to Nova Scotia!

2011-08-17T14:43:00.000-04:00

I have not written in a while because first of all, our computer blew up and died a while ago, right before we moved to Canada! Don't know if I told everyone on here, but Tyler was offered a job at Seaside Community Baptist Church in Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, just outside of Halifax. It happens to be the church where his sister Chelsea, and her husband and son Pierce attend, so it works out that we are living with them while we are getting settled here. They have a nice house with a nice basement for us and have been very gracious to invite us into their home for a while! And of course Ezra loves having his Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Derek and cousin Pierce nearby! We were sad to leave all of our friends in PA, but we feel that this is where God wants us right now. It was a VERY difficult and stressful move to Canada, and continues to be more expensive every day as we find out about new things we have to pay for like taxes on vehicles, registering vehicles, medical exams for immigration, immigration fees, set up and cancelation fees, etc. Somehow we know God will provide, but it is definitely testing our faith and obedience to Him! Immigration was NOT a fun process, but we are hoping I will be here legally as a permanent resident in the next year or so.

I did get to go visit Lynne for a week before coming to Canada, and of course she loved having Z. Also I stayed with my parents for a couple weeks. They enjoyed having their grandbaby around also!

Tyler had to go straight to Nova Scotia to start work, but Chelsea (and Pierce) and Sarah (their cousin) came down to PA to help us finish packing and load and move to Nova Scotia! It was a CRAZY trip that included Tyler having to unload almost the entire Uhaul (he got the biggest one and had every inch of it jam packed full) at the border to get the registration for the car, and then reload everything again at the border! They were glad to finally get here! And we are appreciative for their help!

Then Ezra and I traveled from IN to Bangor, ME and Tyler's mom and sister came to get us, and we stayed with my inlaws for a day and night and then drove 6 hours from NB to Nova Scotia. That week was busy! On Thursday we went into Halifax for the Buskers Festival which was downtown on the boardwalk, sort of like a circus with professional street performers. It was fun but SOOO cold for August! We had on short sleeves but were freezing and had to buy the babies hoodies! A lot of people had on coats, in August! Everyone says the weather this summer has been abnormally cold! It was a long but fun day!

We also have made a trip to the beach to go swimming, to the lake for fishing, had a fun day at church, went tubing/boating on the ocean (Ezra was sleeping so I didn't get to go but it's ok), and have toured the Nova Scotia area.

Yesterday was my 16th birthday and Tyler came home from work early and we spent the afternoon together. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day (in the 80s) and then in the evening, Chelsea came home and babysat and made dinner while we went on a motorcycle ride! It was fun and nice to get a tour of Nova Scotia. It was so different than anything I am used to! It was beautiful to see the sun glow glistening on the water, and the white crested waves crashing into the rocks, against the rocky and evergreen lined shore. And all the sailboats and little boating towns and bays were so cute! And then Tyler stopped at a beautiful beach on the way home and we got off the bike and held hands as we walked along the empty beach, watching the waves roll into the sand as the sun was setting. Then we climbed on some rocks along the shore, and then sat and watched the waves roll in and talked and laughed, then rode back home and had a wonderful dinner with steaks on the grill, with Derek and Chelsea, and had cheesecake for my birthday cake and I got some beautiful gifts! Tyler's gift to me was for me to get my hair cut in NB and colored! And then Tyler got me a sweet card and gave me our wedding dvd that he had worked on for literally years and had just finished, and we finished a wonderful day by watching our wedding video! We are excited to explore more of Nova Scotia and also to see what God has in store for us here! -Annette Hoyt -pictures to come later

Date day in Atlanta

2011-08-15T11:28:00.000-04:00

Brandon and I had a fun date day in Atlanta last weekend! We left early in the morning on Saturday, and came home really late Saturday night (which made for a very tired Sunday morning at church, but we got lots of coffee and we were fine). It was so fun!!

We had lunch at a really good burger place called The Vortex. It was SOOO good.

My burger is called the Guacamole burger (I am still obsessed with guac)

Then we went to one of my favorite stores, Ikea! We bought a few small things, and had fun looking at cool furniture and decorations.

I loved this special door in IKEA. It was just for kids! What a cool way to help kids feel special and important.

Then we walked around downtown Atlanta and went to Centennial Park and ran into some friends from Indiana (actually, we planned it). I love those kids- I used to babysit them all throughout high school and college (the older 2)!

Sweet kids!

We enjoyed walking around the city and the park. It was a beautiful day.

THEN we went to the Braves game! We got seats to the 755 Club, which means we get to sit in this cool place and have dinner while watching the game. Very nice!

This was our view during dinner- very cool! We had a great dinner there, then went to our real seats....

Enjoying the Braves game. The Cubs won, but it was still a good game. I actually sort of got into it!

This was our view during the game. We had great seats, and it was cool that we could see the city skyline all lit up, behind Turner stadium.

What a fun date day in Atlanta!

(Hard to get a good pic at stadiums...)

-Lynne

My Favorite Z Videos

2011-08-03T11:40:00.000-04:00

Ezra loves his cousin Buddy, and Buddy loves Z.

I taught Ezra this trick to shake his head, and he did it so much, just to make us laugh! He was SO funny and cute when he was shaking his head at me.

I watch my favorite Z videos whenever I start to really miss him... and they only make me miss him MORE. I love this baby. I miss his cute, smiley face. He is the smiliest person I know- he is almost always smiling or giggling.

Made from scratch

2011-08-01T12:03:00.001-04:00

I feel like this is turning into a food blog... =)
While I have the time (aka: no kiddos), I am enjoying cooking from scratch... I know that someday I might have to make shortcuts when I don't have as much time to cook, but I will always try to make as much as possible from scratch, for several reasons. It's good to know what's in your food, it's healthier, it's (usually) cheaper, it feels good to make something homemade.

Here are some great things we've made.

Stuffed bell peppers. (My sister made this), and fried okra (from the Farmers' Market!). In the peppers, we used cous cous, sausage, salsa, and topped it off with bread crumbs and cheese. Yum-- so good and easy!

Brandon made me this delicious dinner! Grilled chicken with pineapple strawberry salsa, grilled potatoes, grilled asparagus, and I made yummy cheesy muffins. Can you tell I love to take pics of my food? haha- yes, that might seem odd..but at least Brandon indulges me. He even helps me think of colorful, cool ways to arrange the food to make it look good in the pics! he's so thoughtful.

Stealing the idea from Brandon's awesome dinner, I came up with this great fruit salsa. It is so good, it is addicting. And it's a healthy snack too! (Although I could eat it as a meal, Brandon would not do that!) It is chopped up strawberries, red onion, kiwi, mint, and crushed pineapple. I like to eat it with Lime tortilla chips.

Brandon and I thought it would be fun to make our own fresh-squeezed lemonade. Neither of us had done it before, and so we bought a bunch of lemons, made the sugar/water syrup, and Brandon squeezed all the lemons himself! He did a good job, but now I want a juicer so we can make it more often without spending an hour squeezing lemons.

I love the powdered lemonade, but let me tell you, this was SO MUCH BETTER. Fresh lemonade, made from scratch, is so good! We will be making this again. Next time, we want to mix it up and add some mint leaves, or crushed strawberries for strawberry-lemonade. We got our recipe from here.

I love summer; grilling out and fresh squeezed lemonade and eating dinner on the patio as the sun sets... and I love having a great boyfriend who likes to cook with me. He is a great cook himself, and not to mention, we always have fun in the kitchen together!

-Lynne

Ezra loves to swim!

2011-07-26T15:55:00.000-04:00

Cookin in the Kitchen

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

While Anne and Tyler have been stressed about the big move, I've been enjoying life, doing children's ministry, getting ready for Summer Splash and District Conference, and cooking! Here are some of the great things I've made in the last couple of days...

THIS is one of my favorite things to eat in the summer time. Well, really, any time of year, but it just feels summer-y. This is chicken salad, but it's not like the chicken salad most people think of. It's an old recipe, passed down from my grandma to my mom, and growing up, my sister and I loved this so much, that it was often requested as our special Birthday Meal, when we could pick any meal we wanted. Our mom would make a BIG batch of this, and it would be a whole meal in itself, no sides necessary, and since it keeps so well in the fridge for several days, we would eat it for lunch and dinner the following days. I think I could eat this for every meal, it is so good. Also, it is fairly cheap to make in bulk, and VERY simple to make. It literally takes minutes (after you cook the pasta).

Chicken Salad: (unfortunately, we don't measure the ingredients, so I'm going to guess, but you can eyeball it and add as much or as little as you want). You have to make this!

Ingredients: pasta shells, green grapes, mandarine oranges, chicken. Cool whip, mayo.

It's so easy, basically, you just make the pasta, put everything in a bowl, and stir! It's best once it's been in the fridge for a while and has a chance to get cold!

1. Cook pasta according to directions. (How much? However much you want. If you're making a huge batch, cook the whole box, but I usually just cook half a box and it still makes plenty)

2. Cut the green grapes in half (again, however much you want, I do about half the bag of grapes), and add the grapes, pasta, 1 large can of mandarine oranges, and chicken to the bowl. (My mom always used canned chicken, for convenience, and I still do it that way, but I suppose it would be even better if you used actual shredded chicken or just a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. In my opinion, it tastes just fine with canned chicken, and it's cheaper).

3. Stir in the mayo and cool whip (sounds like a weird combo, but it works!). How much? I don't know, I would start with about 1/2 C. of each, and add more according to taste.

*You can also add in pecans if you want (my sis likes to do that, but I like it just as it is. Simple)

Blueberry Cobbler. Got the recipe here.

I LOVE my homemade guacamole. For some reason, I have been in a guacamole phase for the last few months. I could eat guacamole every day, I love it so much! I guess it is a pretty good thing to crave, because it's healthy. I don't use a recipe for this either. Here is how i make it: 2 ripe avocados, half a tomato (chopped), half an onion (chopped), (if I have cilantro...which...I hardly ever do...but If I do, I add in some cilantro), about a tablespoon of lemon juice, some olive oil, pinch of cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Then turn on the electric mixers and beat it! I always keep chips on hand, and can eat this as a meal, or put it on a wrap or tacos, or whatever! Yum. So good.

Cheesy Mexican Tostadas. A great meal for when you don't have a lot of ingredients, but don't want to go to the store. I almost always have leftover 9 inch corn tortillas, and either chicken or ground beef, so I like to make tostadas as a quick meal. Put the tortillas on a cookie sheet and spray them with cooking spray on both sides. Put under the broiler (turning them over after 2 minutes) for just a few minutes. WATCh closely, they burn fast. Then put whatever you want on them. Sometimes I do chicken and black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, mangoes.... last night I did ground beef with chilis and onions, corn, cheese, and sour cream. Very good and easy to make.

Zucchini bread. So good!! I love how moist it is. The perfect thing for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or for a late night snack with milk. I love making quick breads. Here is where I got the recipe.

THAT is what I have made in the last few days... I think cooking is a great stress-reliever. Not that I feel a lot of stress. Probably, because I cook a lot.

Does anyone have any great recipes to share?

-Lynne

Counter-cultural living

2011-07-08T09:52:00.001-04:00

Living according to God's Word will, many times, be counter cultural to how the world tells us we should live. It will be opposite what is acceptable and popular. Sometimes, even in the church, it takes great courage to live God's way, which is sad...but true. The best thing we can do is develop intimacy with God and once we find our identity and value in Him, we will want to live His way, even if that goes against the grain. I recently heard of a teen at our church who felt God was saying to do something specific and when others in the church heard about it, chastised the teen for being "too extreme" for God. When did obedience become too extreme? Why can't living by the Bible be normal for Christians?

How can we raise kids who courageously live out God's Word and stand for what is right, even when everything inside of them just wants to fit in and be accepted by everyone else? I think one of the best things adults can do for kids is to model what it looks like to live courageously for God, even if it is counter-cultural. We can help them develop their own intimacy in Christ and know their identity in Him. It is so hard for kids, because they want so badly to be like everyone else, but God wants them to be like Him. And the only way they can do that is through a deep rooted relationship with Him.

-lynne

Life is Crazy!

2011-06-24T17:07:00.000-04:00

Hey All - so a lot has happened since I wrote last! Life is getting really crazy. It's ok though. I feel like God is really developing my character. The Bible says that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces Godly hope. God can't make me the person he wants me to become if life is always easy! So we are ready to accept the challenges and face them head on!

So, to fill you in, if you didn't already know, Tyler and I have accepted the call to move to Canada and minister at Seaside Baptist Church! Everything is happening so fast! We are very sad to leave behind our church family and friends at Armbrust. However, we are excited that this opportunity will also bring us closer to Tyler's family - as in, right in their basement! For the first bit, while we are still getting on our feet, we will be staying in Derek and Chelsea's basement. We will be in Hubbards (the Halifax area) Nova Scotia, right by the ocean, thus the name Seaside Baptist! :) Right now, we are still in the sad to leave phase, and the crazy stress of packing and immigration stress, but soon we will be in the "excited to meet everyone and minister at Seaside" phase! We know God has big things planned for us and for this church. We are just being obedient to His call on our lives!

While we know this is what God wants from us right now, we have had a lot of hurdles put in our path lately. Immigration has been a pain! It is a long and tedious, not to mention expensive, process. We have no idea where the money will come from. It will cost about $1500 up front just for immigration stuff, and we don't have ANY extra money, so it will all have to come from God! Also, it is scary because I could do three things: I can stay with my parents during the immigration paperwork process time of 6-12 months, I could go to be with Tyler in Canada with health care coverage but not leave the country for up to 2 years and not go home and visit my family, or I could be in Canada with Tyler but have no health coverage for up to a year and a half. We have been praying about it and have decided that I need to go be with my husband, but there's no guarantee I will be able to leave and return to Canada, so we are praying that things work out so I can still come visit my family, but we are also scared because I will not have health care for the next year or so! It is kind of scary! It is just a very complicated process, but we are trying to take it day by day and not get overwhelmed or too stressed out by it all!

So we have the expenses of immigrating and moving to another country, and then we find out we have about $800 in termination fees that we cannot get out of for our cell phones and tv! The same day, we find out Tyler will likely lose his status in America so if we were to ever come back, he would have to start all over again with the expensive and complicated American immigration process! That same day, our Mac computer that we bought less than 5 years ago, and just sunk $600 into earlier this year, and which was working great, just up and blew up and is not fixable! So we have to pay our termination fees AND a new computer AND for immigration and moving, all while I'm not working and Tyler will be our of work between jobs this month! It is going to be very stressful! But we know somehow God will provide for all of our needs!

We did have a good time in Canada visiting Tyler's family earlier this month. His parents were there too, and Tyler was able to work with his dad to lay all the flooring in Derek and Chelsea's basement. And it was So good to see little Pierce! What a cutie! He and Ezra will love living together!

So the plan for the next few weeks, I THINK, is for Tyler and me to get everything in our house packed up, July 10 will be our last day in PA, then I will go to my parents' house in IN, then the next weekend go to AL for Lynne's ordination, then back to mom and dad's and I will have to have expensive medical tests for immigration done and then I can go to Canada the end of July. Tyler will leave July 11 for Canada with all of our stuff. We are PRAYING we can get it all to fit in one truck! Moving here from IN, it took us 2 of the largest trucks Budget had to fit everything in, and we only have money for one truck this time!

Ezra is going to be a pro at traveling by August! I can't believe he is almost 10 months old! My baby is getting big! He is crawling everywhere and is into EVERYTHING! I feel like I spend most of the day just cleaning up after him! I love his SO much though! He always makes me smile. I am so blessed. And Tyler is such a good daddy to him. Anyway, I have a lot to do, and will not have access to a computer for a while, until we have to break down and buy one, so this might be it for me for a while! Pray that all the transitions in the next month go smoothly! We are expecting to see God provide in big ways for us! -Anne

Children are a gift

2011-06-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Psalm 127:3 says "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him." It doesn't say... Children are a nuisance; children are expensive; children are time-consuming... But children are a gift from God. Wow! My prayer is that we can all (not just parents) remember the true blessing that children are, as we value and treat them as a gift.

ALL children are a gift. Orphans who don't have parents to love them are a gift. Babies who were unexpected or unplanned are a gift from the Lord. Children who have behavior problems or disabilities are a gift from the Lord. Thank you, God, for the gift of children! Thank you for the blessing to be able to love them and lead them to you!

-Lynne

Criticism

2011-06-21T13:49:00.000-04:00

I think one key way God checks our heart and attitude is how we handle criticisms. I recently tweeted this quote "We can always learn from our critics; either because what they say is true, or because of how we respond when it isn't." I know that no matter what I do, there will always be people who have criticisms of me and how I do things, and whether I respond in humility and grace, or with defensiveness, is a good indicator of my heart.

I was told by someone that I don't take criticism well, and my first response was, "That's not true!! I do too take it well!!" and to get upset that someone would even say that about me...then I stopped and felt God's conviction that a spirit of pride was causing me to respond in defensiveness. I need to get rid of that pridefulness, and learn from criticisms in humility! Not every criticism is true, but there is usually something I can learn from, or some way I can still give grace to others without being defensive or upset.

I try to also watch how critical I am even in my own heart, and when I find myself (even silently) criticizing others, then I know there is something inside of me that is prideful, wanting to put others down, or judge others, and that is not what God calls me to do. God calls me to love people with humility and grace.

Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, and sometimes my opinion or way of doing things won't match up with someone else's...but that doesn't mean that either of us are wrong, and the more can accept, love, and encourage each other, even in our differences, the more Christ-like we will become!

Instead of tearing each other down, judging each other, or pointing out the wrong in each other-- let's encourage and build each other up! We can allow the Holy Spirit to guide in our responses to others, and let grace and humility reign in our relationships and lives.

-Lynne

Quick visit to Indiana

2011-06-20T13:13:00.005-04:00

This is just a great pic of my BUDDY!

This is my dad. I love him. I am glad I got to come visit him for Father's Day.

Got to enjoy the pool and hot tub at my parents' house! I miss the pool and hot tub!

Got to go back to my Alma Mater and take a lovely walk around campus. It was so nice to get back on campus at IWU and remember all the great times I had at that school. I love IWU, and hope someday, my kids can go there!

Brandon and I went to dinner with my parents at one of my favorite restaurants in Marion: Mi Pueblo.

We made a fire in the fire pit and had a great time enjoying the beautiful evening and hanging out with my parents.

Brandon and I rode the horses! I miss the horses a lot.

I was so happy that I got to ride my Rosie, the best horse in the world.

We went to Indy for my dad's barbershop show, and stopped at one of the best Chinese restaurants ever and got this amazing food. This was orange chicken.

Got to see my dad's barbershop chorus perform their concert in Indy. It was so good. His chorus is great-- they made it to the international competition where they will compete next month- and they are one of the highest ranked groups in the world!

So proud of my dad, after his barbershop show. Love my dad. Wonder why there are no pics of my mother? Because she was sneaky and she got on my phone and deleted all the pics of her! She does not like to have her picture taken!

Brandon and I enjoyed the show.

We all got my dad a grill for Father's Day, and surprised him with a grill-out for lunch/brunch on Father's Day. He made his specialty: something we like to call "Daddy Sausages." They are so good.

We enjoyed a Father's Day brunch around the fire pit, and then Brandon and I packed up and headed home. We had a 9 hour drive ahead of us, so wanted to get on the road right after lunch.

This is my cute cute cute nephew! I didn't get to see him this time, because Ezra and his mom and dad are getting ready to move to Canada to serve at a church where Tyler's sister and her fam live. I just love my nephew so much.

Brandon and I stopped to eat dinner in Nashville both on the way TO Indiana and on the way home from Indiana. We got to experience two great restaurants that we loved! This one was called San Antonio Taco Company! We love Mexican food!!

I was glad I got to go home to Indiana for a quick visit! It was only a two day trip, but we enjoyed it. I don't get to go home too often, because of having to be at church on Sundays, and it's a 9 hour drive, so I love it when I do get to be home and go eat at all the places I miss and ride my horse and see my parents. I am glad I got to bring Brandon home for the second time, but I am also happy to be home to my other home in Tuscaloosa. It sure does feel good to drive down I20/59 toward Tuscaloosa, knowing I am blessed to be able to live here and serve here in such a great place.

-Lynne

Ministry wherever you are...

2011-06-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

So many times in life, we think when THIS or when THAT...THEN I will start ministry for real, and we think that our current life circumstances are holding us back or keeping us from ministry. But I am reminded constantly that wherever we are, that is where our ministry is. Whatever circumstances we're going through, God can use us for His purposes. God can use stay-at-home moms and He can use working parents. He can use single people and married people. He can use people employed and ordained as full time ministers and lay people who work in secular environments. He can use little children, teens, and middle-aged people. Whatever circumstances God has put us in, that is where we can be used by Him. I don't want to miss out on any opportunity to serve Him and share Him with others.

Also, for any mothers I know, I recommend this amazing book I just read. It's called "Experiencing God Around the Kitchen Table" by Marilyn Blackaby (her husband is the author of the Experiencing God books). It does not seem like a big fancy, best-selling book, but is one of my favorite books that I've read in a long time! I sat down to read it one night before bed, and read almost the whole book that night, and woke up early and finished it the next morning! It's an easy and interesting book to read. It basically just shares this woman's story of living for God, serving Him, trusting Him, and raising 5 children who love Him (all 5 of her children are now adults serving in full time ministry). In this book, she shares stories of how God worked through her and how she ministered as a stay-at-home mom. It was so encouraging and inspiring to see how God can use His servants when His people are dedicated and faithful to Him. This awesome woman of God had a great heart for children's ministry (one reason I like her so much) and a great testimony of trusting God even when circumstances were difficult! Please, check out this book- you will be glad you read it! Here's a link to the book on amazon.

-Lynne

Why I clean up the table when I go out to eat...

2011-06-05T18:24:00.003-04:00

Every time I go out to eat with people at a restaurant, I do something that always gets questions and sometimes people I'm with tell me it’s strange that I do this: I clean up the table a bit after we’re done eating. Not a lot, but I do pick up the trash and stack the plates, and pick up anything that has been dropped on the floor. People ask why, when it’s the waiter’s job? My answer: because it’s kind.

It might be the waiter's job to clean up, but it's my job as a Christian to be kind and serve others.

I see so many people sit down to eat, treat the waiter badly, and then make the biggest messiest mess ever, and then leave the waiter to clean it up. Thoughtless. Yes it’s their job. But I believe we should treat people the way we want to be treated. I wouldn’t want to clean up a nasty messy mess. Also – when I have kids, I am going to teach them that it is common courtesy and respectful to always leave a room as clean or cleaner than you found it—whether it’s a room at school, a room at church, going to visit a friend’s house, etc. A table at a restaurant is the same.

Frequently, I watch adults make messes at church, pouring and spilling coffee, leaving trash and crumbs all over the floor, without a thought in the world about cleaning it up, while their kids stand by and watch. Then later, their kids see me (or Brandon) cleaning it up after church, and I honestly don’t mind cleaning it up (I love any opportunity to serve others, even if it's cleaning up after them), but I wish people at least had a thought that if they make a mess, SOMEBODY has to clean it up. It’s not thoughtful or kind to make messes and expect others to clean them up. One way I will teach my kids this is by asking them to help clean up their own messes at home. I will also set the example in my own life. It is not a huge deal to clean up the table just a little bit when you’re done eating, but it shows that you respect the people who are serving you. It also shows kindness, and there can never be too much kindness in the world.

-Lynne

Nashville

2011-05-31T18:23:00.000-04:00

We had a really good quick weekend trip to Nashville, TN! Brandon and I went there to meet my parents. They came down on Saturday and went to the Grand Ole Opry, and we drove up Sunday after church. It's a good meeting place, because it's a 3 hour drive for us, and 6 hours for them. We got there on Sunday at about 4PM and left Monday after breakfast, so it really was quick, but good! Here are some pics.

Actually, this one wasn't in Nashville. This was part of our Friday night date night! We went to dinner at a really nice restaurant by the river and then walked by the river as the sun was setting. Very romantic. Thanks to Brandon's car for taking this pic for us (that's why it is crooked, btw).

Once we got to Nashville, we spent some time walking around downtown Nashville, and looking in the shops and listening to the live country music at the restaurants/bars. Then we stopped and ate at a restaurant by the river and heard a live band.

Then we walked around by the river. This is a sweet pic of Mom and Dad walking by the river. It was a beautiful night.

This is a pic of Broadway with all the bars and pretty lights!

Then we went to the Opryland Hotel and got gelato and walked around the beautiful indoor botanical gardens. It was cool.

The next morning, on Memorial Day, we went to breakfast at a good local restaurant called Fidos. I had a really really good muffin. I'm still thinking about that muffin... anyway, this pic is me with Mom and Dad after breakfast. Trying to dodge the cicadas.

Brandon and I after breakfast, right before we left to head home.

Nashville was great. I love that city! But I did NOT like the cicadas! They were EVERYWHERE. No joke! It was very gross. I have heard that they bury themselves under the ground and only come up every 13 years, and they're alive for 6 weeks at a time. 6 weeks every 13 years is too often, in my opinion! But the rest of the weekend was fun!

-Lynne

Summer Reading List

2011-05-31T16:12:00.000-04:00

I love to read! There is always something good to learn, and reading is a great way that I unwind every day. I am usually in the middle of several books. My goal this summer is to FINISH these books... what ar YOU reading?

1. The NEW Strong-Willed Child - Dr. James Dobson (A completely revised and rewritten guide taking you from birth through adolescence)

2. Soul Shaping (Creating Compassionate Children) - Kimberly Sowell

3. The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family (A Leadership Fable...about restoring sanity to the most important organization in your life) - Patrick Lencioni

4. The Dad Rules (The every day steps, secrets, and satisfactions of being a real dad, every day) - Dan Pearce

5. Reshaping It All (Motivation for physical and spiritual fitness) - Candace Cameron Bure

6. Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Got Married -Gary Chapman

7. Orphanology (Awakening to Gospel centered adoption and orphan care) -Tony Merida and Rick Morton

8. Making Ideas Happen (Overcoming the obstacles between vision and reality) - Scott Belksky

9. The Case for the Real Jesus (A journalist investigates attacks on the current identity of Christ) -Lee Strobel

10. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day (How to survive and thrive when opportunity roars) -Mark Batterson

So far, I'm in the middle of 4 of these books, and loving them. Looking forward to the others! Two that I'm loving right now are Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron (the girl who played DJ on Full House), which is a great book for all women interested in healthy living and growing in Christ; and In a Pit w/A lion... about being courageous for God and taking opportunities to do great things for Him!

Let me know what you're reading, and what you recommend!

-Lynne

Ezra 8 Months

2011-05-27T13:51:00.000-04:00

We love watching Ezra learn and develop into such a handsome, intelligent little boy! He is learning new things all the time! He now crawls very fast all over the house! He also LOVES to stand up and does so every chance he gets! Makes putting him to sleep difficult because he just wants to stand up in his crib! He also has been learning to feed himself big boy food, and since mommy cheers and claps after he does it, he imitates me and now claps also! It is so cute! He loves going for walks, bouncing, playing, standing, and crawling. He does NOT like sleeping, napping, being rocked, being held, snuggle time, hugs, or kisses! He is a very active little boy! He is also very tall and slender! He does NOT like to eat either! Like his dad! I think it's genetic! In the almost 9 months he has been alive, he has been in to see the doctor probably 5 times for not eating! They always say he must be getting enough because he is healthy and growing, even though he only eats a fraction of what he should at his age, and nurses for just a fraction of the time she should be, and still no bottle or sippy! He is not chunky, by any means, but he is getting tall! And is healthy! So we are thankful that he is a happy, healthy, growing little boy!

We have been very busy lately with church activities, softball games for Tyler, babysitting for Annette, youth and children's events, and fun with friends! we are looking forward to a visit to Nova Scotia to stay with Chelsea and Derek and Pierce and visit with Tyler's family! We will be there from Memorial Day, May 31, and come home June 7 in the morning.

Divine Appointments

2011-05-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Lately, the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the Divine Appointments He has planned for me each day. It is my prayer to be ready for those opportunities and people God brings into my path-- not mere circumstances or chance, but moments God has given me to share His love and grace with others. I want to be sensitive to the Spirit, and always living with eternity in mind, as I interact with others. There are so many times when I'm just going about my day, thinking of myself and what I had planned on doing, without even thinking about God's agenda for me that day, and I feel that I miss out on opportunities God has given me to love and serve people and share Him with them.

If you've ever had a person come up to you and say just the right thing at JUST the right time, then you know what it's like to be a part of God's moving and provision. I want to be a part of God's work among His people, and I can only do that by getting focus off of me, and focusing on being led by Him. God gives us all Divine appointments all the time, that we may we make the most them.

-Lynne

Unexpected Blessings

2011-05-24T15:47:00.000-04:00

Several people have asked how Brandon and I met, and I believe our love story is so sweet, and an example of God's provision of unexpected blessings. For many years, I've been praying for a godly man to be a partner in ministry, and God has blessed me with someone who is completely different than I ever imagined, but better than I imagined!!

Brandon and his family have attended the church I work at for years, and I always knew who his family was, because they have always been involved in the church and in serving. I always knew that Brandon was a leader at church (he was the church softball league coach), and we had mutual friends, so we knew each other for several years. He says he always thought I was hot, and that he mentioned that to our mutual friends periodically. I never thought I would ever date him, because he is not what I pictured for a husband! Because I don't like sports at all, I never thought I would end up with a jock! Brandon loves sports, and I would always dismiss the thought of dating him because I would say, "He loves sports too much."

But then Brandon invited me to a few of our church's mens' softball games, and I went to watch, and we talked a little. He was starting to work up the courage to ask me out. Last summer, he started coming in to church every day to talk to his mother and his friend, who also works at church. But while he was there, he started coming by my office to see me and we talked several time for about an hour, in my office and in the hallway at church. This continued, and he mentioned his interest in volunteering in the children's ministry, which thrilled me! I was beginning to see that there was more him than I thought!

He eventually started Tweeting me, and got the courage to ask me out, and I am so thankful he did! I am also thankful I decided to say yes, even though I first thought we wouldn't be compatible because of the sports thing. We both allowed God to lead us and bring us together, and I couldn't be happier with this wonderful, unexpected blessing from the Lord! Brandon is an amazing man, and there IS more to him than sports! He likes the fact that I am not obsessed with sports, and I'm learning to tolerate sports. ;)

God is teaching us a lot through each other, and I am blessed every day to get to be with such a great man. He is kind and servant-hearted, loving and romantic, thoughtful, honest, hard-working, funny, intelligent, godly, patient, adventurous, and more! How many times do we miss out on God's blessings because we are not expecting them? How many times do we miss out on seeing God work in great ways because we don't expect great things from Him?

I pray that we all would expect great things from God, and see the blessings He gives us and the work He does in our lives.

My advice for single ladies who think there are no godly men who are prospective husbands is this: keep your mind open to even men you don't think of at first, and be willing to give a guy a try! My advice to single men who are trying to pursue a woman is: be confident and courageous! There are plenty of wonderful, godly women around- so most men have their pick! Pick one, be confident, and ask her out! God may bring a wife to you, but he won't drop her in your lap, men need to be proactive in their pursuit of a woman.

-Lynne

I've Got a Lot on My Mind

2011-05-16T18:35:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, I wrote a song called, "I've Got a Lot on my Mind" and I would say that title describes me perfectly right now! My mind won't stop going, and I am looking forward to (sometime) a chance to sit down and settle my thoughts and rest and just clear my head. Since the tornado, we have all been pretty busy doing whatever we can to help, and we are moving from disaster response, to long-term future of rebuilding our city. I haven't had a lot of time to process my thoughts about the tornado, because life has kept moving on! Children's ministry is going great, and I praise God every day that I get to serve Him in such a great way. I am so thankful for the wonderful staff and volunteer team I get to serve with.

This week, I will be traveling to Atlanta to have my ordination interview, so I am trying to prepare for that as well! Here are some recent pics....

For Brandon's birthday, we took a great trip to Atlanta and went to a Braves game (his favorite)! It was so fun.

After the Braves game, we walked around Atlanta, went to the CNN Center, walked through Centennial Park, and went to...

Yes, that's right, we went to Ikea! Brandon had never been, so he wasn't as excited as I was. But he enjoyed it too!

THEN we went and found a really cool restaurant in downtown Atlanta where you eat on the roof and it has a great view of the city.

Ever since the tornado, our church has been doing an amazing job of stepping up and helping people in any way we can. We have had a large-scale distribution center in our gym, sent out teams with first-response items and survival kits, we've taken and distributed items to individual families and to other shelters and centers, we have sent out work crews with chainsaws and other tools, we have set up a clothing warehouse, helped house families and care for their other needs, we have housed relief workers and first responders in our church, and MORE. I am amazed at the outpouring of love shown by our church!

Aynslee had a birthday, and we had a special night (actually, 2 nights) celebrating her! Glad to have friends to have fun with.

My dog is so cute! I love that face he makes when you ask him a question!

Then, I surprised Brandon in Birmingham and we had a special date at a cool Mexican restaurant at an outdoor mall called The Summit. It was so fun, and I'm glad he likes to go on fun dates with me!!

Then, Brandon and Aynslee and I went to a rodeo! I had not been to one in a long time, and it made me miss home and my horse. The smell of cows, horses, and manure always reminds me of home and makes me a little homesick... =)

Then Brandon and I got to have a fun time hanging out with some really sweet children! Brandon was so sweet and he let them do his hair and put makeup on him! He is not even embarrassed that I took a picture of it!! He is so good with children, and I love seeing him with kids.

That's all for now- I am gearing up for a great summer. What have YOU been up to?

-Lynne

Cutest boy!!!

2011-05-16T12:38:00.000-04:00

I am so in love with this cute cute cute boy!!! He can now crawl and is into everything (Anne tells me). I love to hear him giggle and watch him on Skype! I was so happy to have my sweet baby boy come visit me, and I can't wait to see him in July!!! Auntie Lynne loves this baby boy.

-Lynne

Things I've Learned from the Tornado

2011-05-01T22:39:00.001-04:00

We are at Day 4 after what I call the T-Town Twister. I haven't had time in the last few days to sit down and process what happened, but tonight I got to sit down and think about some things I have learned in the 4 days since the tornado that changed my life, and the lives of so many others.

*To read an article about our church's effort to serve, go here AND here

There are so many news articles about the tornado, and I honestly just got internet back and haven't had a chance to look at them. I haven't seen the news at all. My family and friends in other states have seen more about the tornado on TV than I have. They were telling ME things about it, because I have been so out of the loop. Here is an article I found from Tuscaloosa News. com if you want to read one.

Go to this website to read more about or relief efforts http://relief.firstwesleyan.com/

Go here to follow us on Twitter twitter.com/firstwesleyan

Things I’ve Learned from the Tornado…

God is good, even in the midst of tragedy.

On April 27, 2011, an F5 Tornado tore through our city and destroyed miles of our city, from businesses to homes. It killed possibly hundreds of people. It ripped people’s lives apart. But through it all, God is good. Even when people lose their homes. God is still good. Even when kids are orphaned because their parents are taken from them in a natural disaster; God is still good. Even when people lose their lives and their homes; God is still good. He is still loving. He is still powerful. And though He did not cause the tragedy, He can use it for good. He can bring beauty and healing from tragedy. He can bring life and redemption from evil.

Social Media is awesome; communication is key.

Our church has been using Twitter, Facebook, and our church’s website to communicate during our volunteer efforts, and it has been amazing! The first day or so after the storm, hardly anyone had TV service, internet, or cell phone service that was very reliable. But lots of people were able to communicate via Twitter to get the word out about needs, stories, and prayer requests. Twitter has enabled our church to be one of the most effective distribution centers to get vital items to people in need. We hear of a need via twitter; we tweet or retweet it; our followers read it and supply the need; and we get in the donations and send it out to people who need it. Our donations are going out almost as fast as they are coming in. And it’s because a few people from our church are leading up the volunteer effort through social networking, which is so huge in communicating with people who can help fill the needs. Good communication is KEY in helping people! We should never downplay its importance.

Church is not a building, and the church building does not belong to the people.

A church plant we are partnering with, called Catalyst Church, has been planning and preparing for its launch for a long time. They launched on Easter Sunday 2011. They had one Sunday morning service. Then their building was destroyed. After only one service. But their church is still alive and vibrant. Their pastor, Martin Houstin, spoke at our church this morning and assured us that the church is not the building!

This has also been a good lesson for us as a church as we see that our church truly does not belong to us. Our church belongs to whatever God wants to use us for, and if that means we have to fill our gym with vital survival items instead of children playing, then we will do that. If that means we have to fill our Sunday School rooms with volunteers sleeping at night, we will do that. If that means we have to cancel our Midweek Program and fill our church with boxes, we will do that. The building is not to be used how WE want; but how God wants. What an important lesson for us all!

Things are not all that important.

Material possessions can be destroyed in a minute. Cars can be rolled over, houses and buildings can crumble. I heard of SO MANY people who lost everything; their clothing, their furniture and decorations, their cars, their picture albums, their cell phones and computers…everything! And they are ok. Because THINGS are not the most important thing in life. We should never seek to simply acquire more things to store up here on earth. Things don’t matter. People matter.

I am so thankful for everything I have.

At the same time, knowing that THINGS are not important…I am SO thankful to have so many things! I will not complain or lust after things I don’t have. I will be thankful for a warm shower. Some people don’t have showers at all. I will be thankful for food in my fridge, and working lights and electricity. Some people have none. I will be thankful for every little thing I have. When you see people who have lost everything, who are desperate for a bag of toothpaste, deodorant, water, and crackers- it will remind you to be thankful for EVERYTHING you have and not take it for granted.

Your life can be changed, or taken, in a split second.

I think for all of us in Tuscaloosa, we have seen the frailty of life. We have seen hundreds of people whose lives were taken from them and whose homes were destroyed, whose businesses were ruined, people who lost everything—all in a split second, without much warning. We are not guaranteed a future. We are not promised safety. I will make the most of each day, knowing that everything can change at any time.

Appreciate your loved ones

As the tornado was approaching, Brandon was driving home from Birmingham, trying to be with me. Although I was very worried about him driving in the storm, it was such a great feeling to see his car finally pull up and see him in person, right as the tornado was within a mile from our house. It helped me realize the importance of having loved ones near, and what they mean to you.

The church’s purpose is to be the hands and feet of Jesus

I have seen the church in motion. I have seen with my own two eyes what God designed the church to be. It is the hands and feet of Jesus. We are not here to come and sit in pews and be entertained. We are not here to simply have small groups and fellowship dinners. We are not here to have fun children’s programs. We are here to serve. All those things are good to do, but they are not the heart of the church’s purpose. Our church has come together through this, and we have been a team, a family of believers, working together for one purpose—to serve our community. That is what I think God had in mind for the church.

Churches Should Work Together

We are not working against each other. We are not only the Baptists, or the Wesleyans, or whatever denomination. We are The Church. The Body of Christ.

I went to share some donations with a Baptist church in our area, and the pastor there shook my hand and said, “We should all work together all the time, not just in tragedy.” I agree. Why does it take emergencies to get us to realize that? I don’t know. But it is great to see churches working together for the same purpose. Our church has been great at working with other churches to help fill needs and work together. We can get so much more accomplished together!

Leaders emerge when they are needed; and leaders are not always people with a title.

Out of the hundreds of people who come to our church, so many people are leaders that we didn’t even know about. I am seeing leaders emerge from people who have never officially held a title of leader. Leaders emerge when there is a need. Several people on our core leadership team of our church’s volunteer effort are not even people who are on staff and don’t hold any official leadership position; they just stepped up and used their God given gift of leadership to help plan, strategize, and empower others and plan for what we were doing. Our church’s distribution center and volunteer efforts are so effective and organized because we have the right people leading in the right ways where they are gifted, and that’s how you get things done.

People come together when there’s a need.

Sitting at the table, eating wings donated to our volunteers from Buffalo Wild Wings tonight, I was laughing and joking with two senior citizens, a college student, a high school student, and another young adult—a group that I would likely never be “hanging out” with during regular church life. But when there is a need, we all come together and we all are bonded in an amazing way. As we were sitting around the table, we were sharing stories we have heard from the tornado and relief efforts. We shared testimonies of God’s miracles and protection, and how people have been affected.

Today as our church served together, hundreds of people all encouraging each other, helping each other, and working beside each other, I saw that a need can truly bring people together, even people who are unlikely to be bonded to each other.

Needs are always changing.

The best way to serve at one time is not always the best way to serve at all times. Our needs at our church’s distribution center are always changing. One hour we might tweet a HUGE need for diapers or food, or water, or clothing, and then an hour later, the need is filled, and we need something else. Flexibility is key here. We need people to be ready to respond to changing needs, and usually at a moment’s notice.

We have known that our church is available to play a role as a temporary housing for relief workers and first responders, but we don’t know if they are coming until late in the evening. So we have a HUGE team of women who are ready at a moment’s notice to come in an cook a meal to feed over 100 people, or to come in at 5AM and cook breakfast for everyone, with only a moment’s notice. THAT is awesome. Know that in life, people’s needs are always changing, and we can’t be set on just one thing. We need to be flexible and always trying to find out what the needs are.

One question I can always ask more is, “How can I help you?”

There is always something I can do to serve others, and I am learning that I will never be too busy or tired to serve someone. So many times, I miss opportunities to serve others because I simply don’t ask, “How can I help you?” The morning after the tornado, our pastor went out into the affected area and went door to door asking people how he could help them. He said he was surprised there were surprisingly few people asking how they could help, and so many people who came by as “gawkers” with their fancy cameras pulled out, taking pictures. There is always a way to serve and help others, sometimes all we need to do is ask.

Heroes can come from unlikely places.

A man named Peanut came to our church this morning. He and his wife survived the storm. He is a small man, who doesn’t look important, but he is a hero. His house was completely destroyed in the tornado, but the first thing he did after the tornado, was go around to his neighbors’ houses, and pull people out of the rubble. He saved people’s lives. He put himself aside, and his own worries about losing his house, to help others. He is a hero. When he came onto our church platform this morning, he was welcomed by a standing ovation and tears in many people’s eyes. This is true bravery.

There are so many stories like this one of people who put their lives on the line to help others. That is a hero.

True servants serve sacrificially.

When people are truly serving God, there is sacrifice involved. So many are sacrificing financially. People have walked in and donated all their money to us to help others. Children have told me they want to donate their birthday money to help others. So many businesses have donated supplies. People have also sacrificed their time. We have so many people at church who have literally worked nonstop, around the clock, without even taking time to eat or go to the bathroom or do anything for themselves. People are giving up their weekends and days off and work days to come serve. One couple forfeited their 5 year anniversary cruise to stay and serve others. One relief worker from another state told me he felt God calling him to drop everything and come immediately to Tuscaloosa to help after the tornado, so he packed up and left, to stay for a week (or however long needed), without even knowing where he would stay.

There are so many stories I still don’t know, but I am hearing more and more every day of divine grace and healing, of miracles, of heroes who put their lives on the line for the sake of others, and it is inspiring. I am in awe of everything that is happening in our city right now, even with so much destruction, God is brining redemption. God is here, working in great ways. And we will not stop praising Him or serving him.

Ezra 7 Months

2011-04-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

I seriously cannot believe my baby is almost 8 months old! The time has flown by! He is getting so big so fast! I cherish every moment with him though! He is not a very snuggly baby. I do babysit a sweet little baby who is 1.5 months younger than Ezra and he is snuggly! So I get my baby snuggle time each week!

A few weeks ago I would have said Ezra is the most difficult baby ever! I was pretty fed up and tired because he had picked up the bad habit of waking up in the night again, sometimes multiple times. I tried some different things, found out he was not hungry, just was not putting himself to sleep. But the last few weeks have been different. I have tried to be as consistent as possible and help teach him how to put himself to sleep. Now, he puts himself to sleep for all of his naps and doesn't wake up at night anymore! He sleeps usually around 4 hours during the day for naps and 10-11 hours at night! It is nice having that free time, and full night of sleep! Really helps refresh me and keep me in a better mood when he is awake!

He is also really good at entertaining himself for a good period of time. A lot of his awake time, I just leave him in his (babyproofed) bedroom to play with his toys. He LOVES to explore! Oh, he is mobile now! He goes everywhere and gets into everything! He mostly likes to get into things he's not supposed to, like pull all of his books out of his book shelf and eat them all! He likes to eat my books and magazines too, and all cords and electronics, especially cell phones and tv remotes! He isn't technically crawling yet, he sort of scoots, pulls himself forward, and gets on his hands and knees and lunges forward. He is getting so strong and fast! When he is motivate, he is very fast! Today I was cleaning the bathroom and I left him in his room to play and he was curious because he heard me and I turned around to find that he had "crawled" all the way into the bathroom from his room to see what I was doing!

He likes for me to play with him but he is a very independent baby. Not super snuggly! I kiss him all the time but he does not like it! He enjoys going on walks and being new places. He loves new people and new friends!

I had to travel to Lynne's by myself and I was scared about flying with him. It ended up being a mess because I wasn't supposed to have a plane change but they changed it at the last minute and I had to run across the Atlanta airport with Ezra, the stroller, and our luggage to make the plane. Then I found out it was delayed 2 hours! And it was already 10 pm, way past his bedtime! BUT I was very blessed because so many people were so helpful! People would take my bags, the security guards helped me with my stroller, the flight attendant took Ezra once when I was about to drop him, etc. Everyone was very friendly and nice! And Ezra made friends with everyone he saw! He tried to make eye contact with everyone in the airport and then would smile and bounce happily to get their attention! He loves people! He doesn't have any stranger or separation anxiety yet! I don't know if it will come, but we are intentional about getting him used to other people.

In fact, this past Saturday was the Easter Egg Hunt at church and I was in charge of the Bake Sale and Tyler was running around doing stuff to help. I pretty much just sat Ezra in the middle of the gym and didn't see him all morning except glances of different people holding him all morning! He was happy and content all morning evening though he didn't get his usual morning nap, quiet time, and had a late lunch. He is such an easy going baby! He pretty much only cries when he is tired. He gets gas ALL the time but it doesn't seem to bother him. He hardly ever gets hungry. He smiles a lot. He is such a blessing to many people I know! We love him! He is doing pretty good with solid food. Still doesn't nurse well, but refuses a sippy cup or bottle still. We're working on it!

Also, Tyler has been VERY busy with church activities! And now he has softball starting and he is helping coach that so that takes up all his former free time! I am keeping busy too though! I had fun visiting Lynne in AL, going to the Columbus Horse Fair with Tyler and my parents, and Tyler and I just got back from a quick trip to IN! We decided at the last minute to surprise Mom and Dad for a late Easter celebration! The weather was not good but we got in the hot tub in the rain and rode horses in the cold mist, relaxed, spent time with mom and dad, ate at our favorite restaurants, and got one nice evening walk in at IWU when the weather was nice for a few hours! It was a good time! And mom and dad were so surprised and happy to see their grandbaby!

We have a lot going on in the next month at church and are excited to get to go visit Tyler's family in Canada next month! And then in July we're going to Lynne's ordination in Tuscaloosa. The summer is pretty much already booked up with travels and church events. My how time flies! Gotta go get my baby and put him down for a nap! Pictures to come! Hopefully later today! -Anne

A Royal Wedding... for ME!

2011-04-29T12:51:00.000-04:00

I will admit it, I'm a sucker for fairy tales. What can I say?! I'm a typical girl! I didn't wake up early for it, but I recorded and watched the Royal Wedding this morning. As I was watching, I couldn't help but be swept up in the emotion and excitement of the Royal family arriving to the Chapel. The excitement of the thousands and thousands of screaming, cheering fans that lined the streets the entire drive from the hotel to the church was contagious! And when the Princes got out of the vehicle, it made me catch my breath! They were decked out! And handsome, but that's another story! (No one is more handsome than my very own Prince Charming by the way!) And when Kate got out in her gorgeous dress, she must have felt so honored to have a stunning, handsome, royal prince waiting at the end of the chapel for HER! All the women in the world were jealous of her! She had a real live prince waiting for her and not only that, but she was going to become Royalty herself! How exciting!

And after the wedding I was listening to the Gaithers and the song The King is Coming came on. I heard these words:

The King is coming, the King is coming

I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I'll see

The King is coming, the King is coming

Praise God, He's coming for me

I had to imagine that that same excitement I (and all the other people watching) felt when Prince William got out of the car to marry Kate, that same excitement will be felt on the day when Jesus comes for me! Jesus is even MORE perfect and awesome and amazing than the handsome Prince William! Jesus is the RULER of the WORLD, not just Wales! Jesus will live eternally, and has enabled me to do so as well! How much MORE should we honor our real King?! How much more exciting will it be when the only REAL King comes?!

And what's more exciting is that I will be Kate! I will have a King that is waiting for me, welcoming me with open arms, into the Royal family! He will come to claim me! What a glorious day! And he is coming for each one of us! We will each get our own "Royal Wedding" someday! I can't wait for mine! Let's stay focused on what really matters and keep an eternal perspective...we each have a wedding to plan and a King to serve!

-Annette

Worship vs. Complaining

2011-04-25T20:37:00.000-04:00

I am reading a book called "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. It is a GREAT book, and I am loving it! I recommend it to anyone! There has been so much that has challenged me, and I am only on the 4th chapter so far, but one thing stuck out and has impacted my prayer life recently....

"You stop focusing on what's wrong with your circumstances. And you start focusing on what's right with God....I think there are basically two types of people in the world: complainers and worshipers. ANd there isn't much circumstantial difference between the two. Complainers will always find something to complain about. Worshipers will always find something to praise God about. They simply have different default settings.... Worship re-frrames our problems and refocuses our lives..."

It's true if you think about it: at any given moment of any day, you could find at least 5 things to complain about if you wanted to. There will ALWAYS be things to complain about...when our focus is on ourselves! But when our focus is on God, there is always a reason to praise Him, because we don't worship God only when circumstances are GOOD, we worship Him because HE is good.

My prayer is that I would re-focus my prayer life and and attitude and see God's goodness in every situation in every day. There is ALWAYS a reason to praise Him! If I am so busy praising God and focusing on Him, I won't even have time to complain. Because you can't do both at the same time.

-Lynne

This must be so frustrating.

2011-04-12T16:52:00.002-04:00

Visit to AL

2011-04-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

Ezra and I have had a busy past couple of weeks! I don't have time to post pics right now, because I just started babysitting a very sweet baby, so for two days every week, I will have my hands full with two babies! So hopefully sometime this week when I have just one baby and he's asleep, I can put some pictures online! Or maybe a video of Ezra "creeping" or giving kisses!

Two weeks ago, Lynne flew me and Ezra down to Alabama to visit her for a week! I was a little nervous about flying with a baby, and I will admit, it was difficult balancing Ezra, his stroller, and all our luggage. Especially since I wasn't supposed to have a plane change and at the last minute ended up with a plane change at the Atlanta Airport, and had to run all the way across the airport, go the bathroom while holding Ezra and had to leave our luggage, and ended up getting there just in time.....to find out the flight was delayed an hour and a half! Ezra was fussy and tired and cranky! But he was a very good baby! He slept most of the first flight and the entire time during the second flight! He enjoyed flirting with and smiling at all the strangers in the airport and made lots of friends! I Also was very blessed that EVERYONE was so helpful and friendly! I wouldn't have been able to make it if so many nice strangers wouldn't have helped me! One time I was struggling to carry everything getting on a plane and the stewardess walked up and grabbed Ezra just as I was about to drop him! And so many people helped me carry, load, and unload my luggage! Even the security guards in the airport helped me with the stroller and my luggage!

We had a good time in AL - stayed busy! The weather, for the most part, was gorgeous! It was sunny and warm and we enjoyed lots of time outside! We had a picnic and a walk at a couple of parks, went to her boyfriend's church softball game, her Wednesday night program, watched movies, layed out by the pool (I got sunburnt!) and hung out with her friends! While we were there, Ezra started "creeping", or pulling himself forward with his hands! He is now mobil! He is also trying to crawl! He gets up on his hands and knees, rocks back and forth, and then falls forward. He can go pretty far with his creeping though! And he also learned how to "give kisses", although he doesn't give them often! He is NOT a snuggly boy! In fact, I was telling Tyler just now that the baby I am watching, Jacob, hardly ever cries, is happy, loves to snuggle, and loves to be rocked, goes to sleep without fussing, etc. Ezra is a fussy, high maintenance, difficult baby! Ezra is very independent, hates being rocked and snuggled, demands attention but also freedom, and cries/screams when going to sleep EVEN if I am rocking him! If I am rocking him, he only cries for 10 minutes (usually) and lately he has not been sleeping through the night! Ezra is really testing my patience! Or should I say developing my patience! And he refuses to take a bottle, so I can never leave him for a break! I am praying the next baby is easier! Although he is difficult, we love him more than anything! He is very happy and smiley, playful, and smart. And cute! He is fussing now so I need to go tend to him. I will have to post more next time he is asleep!

Eating Well

2011-03-22T10:03:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the things I have been eating recently...

I will explain more later about why.

Black bean and mango tostadas.

Ratatouille (strawberries, roasted asparagus)

(baked apple with cinnamon, pecans, coconut, and rice ice cream)

Tomato basil soup, sweet potato fries, and corn muffins.

That's Brandon, helping cook a brown rice and veggie stir-fry.

Brown rice and veggie/orange stir-fry.

Spaghetti squash.

Spaghetti squash with sauteed onions and tomatoes, broiled carrots, and orange-almond couscous.

Frozen mango dessert with warm raspberries.

YUM!

-Lynne

I love this weather

2011-03-22T09:57:00.000-04:00

The dogs got to join in at the picnic too (they got their very own doggie ice cream to eat! They loved it)

Picnic with friends (and dogs) at the park

Buddy and his friends swimming at the arboretum.

We have had amazing weather recently, and I am really enjoying it! For the past month and a half, we have had a lot of sunny, warm days. I have been outside a lot! I love sitting on my balcony reading or taking Buddy on walks outside, going to restaurants where you can eat outside, having picnics with friends at the park...all these things are so fun when the weather is perfect! Thank God for the extra blessing of this amazing weather to enjoy being outside.

-Lynne

Developing Leaders

2011-03-15T12:28:00.001-04:00

One thing that I have been focusing on a lot lately is developing leaders around me, and helping people develop the gifts God has given them by serving in the children's ministry and leading others. I want to equip people to be leaders by giving them positions of influence and letting them lead others. It is neat to see people growing and developing personally as they lead in ministry. I love when people are serving passionately! It has been a great joy to get to invest in the leadership teams I get to serve with, and build relationships with them.

My goal is to develop others as leaders and invest in those people. I am doing less hands-on work myself, but that is a good thing, because now I can look at big-picture for the children's ministry, and that has always been my goal. I have been consistently trying to "work myself out of a job" for the past few years, and I am just getting to the point where I can really step back and start to look hard at the big picture. For the past few months, I have made it a goal to have someone other than me up on stage leading or teaching every Sunday. That has been great!

Being a children's pastor is much more than just teaching kids; it's about developing servant leaders, and helping empower kids and adults to do great things for God.

God can use anyone as a leader, even if that person doesn't feel equipped; God will equip you for the work He wants you to do.

-Lynne

HITS, MISSES, and FIXES

2011-02-28T18:18:00.002-05:00

One concept I've recently implemented in our children's ministry is something I learned in Jim Wideman's Infuse mentoring group, which was an amazing group I got to be a part of recently! It is called "Hits, Misses, and Fixes" and it is a quick process you go through every week after a service to help evaluate how things went, and what you can do to make things better. I like this, because I know that realistically, you can't change EVERYTHING you want to change every week, but you CAN change one or two simple things a week to make it even better next week, and it's good to be constantly looking for ways to make things better. Something went wrong this past week during a church service? Ok, how are you going to fix it for next time? How can we make things better? It's simply looking at what you're doing, and looking for ways to take it up a notch and raise the bar of excellence.

Every week, I'm going to have my leaders send me a list of those three things; Hits (things that went really well- what was a big hit last Sunday?); Misses (what didn't go well; where did we miss our mark?); and Fixes (What can we do to fix the problem or make things even better for next time?). It's a simple exercise that only takes a few minutes to think through, but the process of evaluating and improving is so valuable.

Usually, we will only have one or two sentences for each hit, miss, and fix, but I'm going to give an example and do one for this past weekend with a few more...

From Sunday, Feb. 27
HITS: We had SO MANY kids at church this weekend; more babies than we have ever had; several new guests and new families who seemed to enjoy it, and one returning guest who was SO happy to be back and ready to jump in and get involved; 2 people taught in children's church and they were awesome- kids loved it; 2 new nursery volunteers were serving and they were both great! (That's a lot of hits!)

MISSES: Check-in Computers were BROKEN again....!; had a TON more babies than we were expecting (double our normal numbers) and weren't prepared...didn't have enough rooms open or volunteers; Check-in volunteers didn't show up again; one child behaved very poorly and had to talk with parents; found out the preschool lesson didn't get taught and not sure why

FIXES: Got Bradley to fix both computers! Developed an action plan for what to do if a lot of babies show up and recruited some "stand-by" nursery volunteers who will be ready to serve when needed; going to talk to Check-in Volunteers and recruit some new ones who can be dependable; follow-up with preschool teachers and probably do some more hands-on training.

There. All in all a good weekend.

-Lynne

My Favorite Place: A Tribute to Brown County

2011-02-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

The best place to be, the place where I would choose to be over anywhere, and the place where I feel the happiest and most carefree is......Brown County! I want to tell you about it and why I love it. A lot of it has to do with lots of good memories there. But please, if you are in the area (in Indiana) and you haven't visited Brown County, you must go!

The Abbey Chapel (above)

Beautiful views of the rolling hills in the State Park

Shops in Little Nashville

The Allison Peabody Room in the Abe Martin Lodge (where we had our wedding reception)

The Fire Tower (where I got engaged!)

Cooking a delicious meal over the fire!

Tyler and Samson on the trails (above) The romantic and enchanting village of Story (below)

When I close my eyes, I can almost smell Brown County....at least the Horse Camp at the State Park! Every time I go back there, I close my eyes and take a deep breath and I am transported to a place where time doesn't matter, work and stress melt away, and the only thing to do is to relax and enjoy yourself, the horses, the surroundings, and your company! I love the smell of campfire smoke, steak cooking over the grill or fire, horses, dirt, leather, hay, and the outdoors. The horse camp really touches all of your senses! I also love the taste of food made over the campfire! I love eggs made in a cast iron skillet in the grease of the bacon. I love coffee made over the fire. I love corn still in the husk roasting over the fire! And Daddy Sausages are the best! We have some special food that we always had growing up when we went horse camping with the family at Brown County.

I have a lot of good memories from growing up. We traveled to a lot of neat places, went to amusement parks, had a lot of parties, had fun with the horses in 4 H, but I would have to say my favorite memories are horse camping at Brown County! When we were little, I remember we used to go camping over Halloween. Back then, they had half of the primitive campground called the Rally area, and they didn't take reservations for it, they just left it open for everyone to crowd in where there was room. And it got crowded! I remember one Halloween we were camping and they had the "headless horseman" riding around, carrying a pumpkin in his arms for his head, and throwing candy out to all the kids. I remember one Halloween going around to all the campsites getting candy.

Lynne and I used to love to ride our horses around camp on our own. (one ulterior motive at the time was to pick up cute cowboys!) I love waking up and having my horse right outside the motorhome (back them we didn't use tents, but Tyler has gotten me switched to the other side - no more motorhomes for me!) and we would love to jump on our horses bareback with just the halter and lead rope and ride them down to the stream to get them water.

We had several places that we loved riding to, including the camp store, 5 Points (now 6 points!), the Fire Tower, and Story Inn. Ah Story. I love that place. If you have never been there, you should definitely check it out! Back when I was little, we would ride there for brunch on Sunday, tie the horses at the hitching rails out back of the restaurant, and then sit on the porch and eat delicious food and watch the horses!

One of my best memories there is a newer memory. Tyler and I had our wedding night dinner there! We had the best meal! We each got water to drink, a main course, and a dessert and it was over $100, but it was amazing! The food there is the best I have had! Everything is grown and harvested locally, most of it comes from the beautiful garden out back. Tyler and I had ridden our horses from the Horse Camp to Story in our wedding outfits and when we came in we got a round of applause. When everyone eating there found out we had just gotten married, they loved it! Someone even bought us a bottle of wine! (which we gave to my parents because we don't drink) We also went there to eat the night we got engaged! And for our first anniversary! A very special place for us!

Story is so romantic and enchanting! You just have to forget all of your problems when you are there, because it is like you are transported to another time and place! It is very small and cute and has such a relaxing atmosphere. We got a cabin for our wedding night and it was so romantic and enchanting! We had an outdoor hot tub and a beautiful view of the stream and trees, with a little cobblestone sidewalk to the Story Inn restaurant.

I also love the Fire Tower! We would ride the horses there with mom and dad and pack our lunches to eat once we got there. Sometimes we would try to walk up to the very top, which overlooks a beautiful view of the rolling hills and colorful leaves as far as you can see! My favorite memory at the Fire Tower was the night I got engaged there! Just remembering and reliving that evening gives me chills and a smile. One of my favorite nights ever!

Tyler had planned to propose to me that night but didn't tell me. He got my family in on it! He had Lynne walk to the top and set up a bunch of rose petals, a blanket with our fondue pot, chocolate and strawberries, candles, a lighter, and a huge bouquet of roses, with the ring places inside one of the roses, all set up while we were riding our horses there Thursday evening. Once we got there, the sun was just starting to set and Tyler suggested we walk up to the top of the Fire Tower to overlook the beautiful rolling hills as the sun was setting as a backdrop to eat our dinner we had packed. I got to the top and was shocked to find the setting and my beautiful ring! We celebrated with my family and held hands the whole way back to camp, on horseback, in the sun glow, like we were riding away in a fairy tale! It was so romantic, and perfect!

Oh and I can't forget the Abe Martin Lodge! We had looked and looked all over Brown County for places to get married. We just knew we had to get married there! There were lots of beautiful places, but when I got to the Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park, I KNEW it was the perfect place to get married! It had a large hotel on site for guests and people in the wedding, cabins for the wedding party, was not too far from the horse camp, had an awesome new indoor water park, a beautiful, rustic, elegant, and delicious restaurant, and had the perfect location for the ceremony in an outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by tall trees in the rolling hills and forest. It was a little chilly, but the perfect day and the perfect wedding.

And Little Nashville is the best! Oh I could go on and on about how much I love this place. We used to go there when I was little, I went in college when I went to IU, and I never get tired of going back! They have the Little Opry Theater (which I have not been to), a theater downtown with shows, unique restaurants, all kinds of little shops, homemade candy and fudge, and so much more! You could spend an entire day here! It is so beautiful and cute and unique and fun. It is tucked away in the valley and hills of Brown County, surely Indiana's best kept secret! Oh, and there's golfing for the men! And the Rawhide Ranch, and Abbey Chapel, both wonderful places to visit.

Have I convinced you? I wish I could go to Brown County right now! I love it! Tyler and I are hoping to take a trip to Indiana this fall, after Ezra is 1 year old, and have my family watch him so we can go horse camping and hang out in Brown County for a few days. And once Ezra is older, we are definitely going to take him! I want him to have the same memories there that I do! It will be a family tradition! If you want to learn more about Brown County and the places I have talked about, please check out the following sites:

For info on Brown County: http://www.browncounty.com/
For info on camping in Brown County Park: http://www.browncountystatepark.com/see/campground.html
For info on the Abe Martin Lodge: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/abe/
For info on the Abbey Chapel: http://www.abbey-inn.com/
For info on Little Nashville: http://www.nashville-indiana.com/
For info on Story: http://www.storyinn.com/

My wedding day October 25 in Brown County State park

Story Inn - love this place!

The cabin we stayed in for our wedding night in Story

enchanting town of Story

married! On the trails at Brown County State park

relaxing by the fire at our campsite at Brown County (above) Engaged! (below)

Married in the outdoor amphitheater at Abe Martine Lodge

The Abe Martin Lodge -where I got married

Ezra Updates!

2011-02-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

So, being a mom is hard! Ezra is a happy, content, good baby MOST of the time. But he is NOT good at naps during the day, and he is NOT a good eater! We went through a difficult time around 5 months old with him not sleeping through the night. that lasted about 2 weeks. Then for the last month he has been sleeping through the night very well (except last night!) but he HATES naps, with a passion! He fights going to sleep so bad! I swaddle him, rock him, sing to him, and he still cries and fights it for 5-10 minutes. Finally he gives in, but I have to either continue to hold him or put him in his swing. If he goes in his crib, he wakes up and cries and screams. So we have been sleep training.....no fun. He is almost 6 months and needs to learn to put himself to sleep and keep himself asleep.

That is probably the most difficult thing I have ever done! Listen to my son scream bloody murder for over an hour! Of course we go in and settle him after 15-20 minutes, but he starts back up again. He has been doing well finally falling asleep though. The first time we let him cry it out, he screamed for an hour and a half before finally falling asleep. The second time, it was around an hour. The third time, 20 minutes. The next time, he stirred and fussed for less than a minute! But then last night he woke up at 3 and I fed him and put him down and he fussed and cried for over an hour, and I was so tired I finally just went in and rocked him to sleep! Hopefully that doesn't set us back! It is hard, but it helps to know he is getting better at it.

The reason we are doing sleep training is because after reviewing our finances, we decided that I need to bring in an additional income. I applied at several optometrists' as well as day cares. If I end up working outside of the home, no one is going to want to spend 2 hours twice a day putting and keeping Ezra asleep! I also am looking to babysit in my home, so that would be ideal because then I could keep Ezra with me. I am also worried because he doesn't take a bottle or sippy cup or anything yet! That needs to be resolved quickly I know!

But overall, Ezra is a happy and good baby. He LOVES to bounce! He giggles and smiles! He was 5 and a half months old when he fit sat up on his own, and he loves to sit up! He has also been rolling over both ways: front to back, and back to front. He loves standing up. We think he will be walking soon! He is NOT a snuggly baby though! He does not like to be held and rocked and snuggled! He wants to play, sit up, look around, bounce! I can't wait until he is mobile....!

Things at church are going well. We started a new small group at the church that Tyler leads. I am not doing the children's ministry, but I am leading up the nursery, which I am excited about! We are taking a church trip to go snow tubing this weekend, if the snows doesn't melt! We are also looking forward to warmer weather coming soon!

Ok Ezra is starting to fuss, so that means it's time for a nap.... let the fun begin! I will post pics sometime soon! That's all for now! -Annette

Uncomfortable

2011-02-22T16:31:00.005-05:00

I love being comfortable. I love having enough money. I love going out to eat, buying new clothes and expensive mineral makeup, new furniture or decorations for the house, books from Amazon.com. To be honest, I have an internet problem...not the kind where I go to porn websites...the kind where I go to Ann Taylor Loft websites and West Elm (my fav. decorating/furniture site) to look at all the new styles of clothes and decorations. I dream of how nice the clothes would be to wear or how nice my apartment would look with the new decorations.

I love to think about how I can buy all that stuff now that I have paid off my credit card (YEAH- for the first time in years) and I have a side job writing that is helping bring in a little extra money. But lately, I have felt the enemy's attack as I long for those things, and realize that those longings and desires are NOT from God, and as I recognize those thoughts that don't line up with God's word, I can defeat those by replacing them with God's truth (I'm loving the book Victory Over Darkness).

Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with nice furniture or nice clothes, and I am in no way trying to judge others who do have those things. What is wrong is having a lust for those things. When did it become ok to make as much money as we can to try to get as much nice stuff as we can? When did it become acceptable to get into as much debt acquiring things as we can, or put as much into our savings accounts or retirement accounts as we can? When did it become ok for us to raise our standard of living and cost of living with every pay raise? When did it become ok to make ourselves comfortable and lie down in our bed of consumerism?

God is challenging me and convicting me to get uncomfortable. For the long haul. To deny myself and my selfish longings, even to the point where it starts to hurt, where it costs me something. Not just financially, but I want to get uncomfortable in relationships and serve the least, the last, the lost. It might get messy to be involved with hurting people, but I want to get messy for God. That isn't just something I can go do for an hour a week, then check off my"check-list," it's a lifestyle and heart of service and compassion.

I want to make as much money as I possibly can to give away as much money as I possibly can. Following God and serving others should cost something. I think of the Good Samaritan- it cost him a lot to help that person- it cost him time, money, and probably his reputation. But I want to get uncomfortable for God. I want to, as my pastor says, give until it hurts. Give of myself and my resources. If my salary doubled or tripled, does that mean it's ok to spend DOUBLE or triple as much money as I'm spending now? To get a nicer car, or a bigger house, or more fancy stuff? I'm thinking... no, that's not ok. Why can't we live on as little as possible and give the rest away?

I don't want to be a slave to materialism and consumerism and selfish ambition. I don't want to be chasing after THINGS that are not of eternal value. I want a heart undivided to God and a life poured out for Him.

An amazing example of servants poured out for God-- this couple: Ron and Anna Sherman, who run an orphanage in Mexico. They gave up everything to care for the least, the last, and the forgotten children. They were willing to get uncomfortable for God. It cost them big time, but there is no better way to live than serving God and fulfilling His kingdom work. What an example! If you are interested in helping support their orphanage and their ministry financially (WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!) you can go to their website and learn more

My life goal is not to make myself as comfortable as I can, but to be willing to serve God and His people, no matter what the cost.

-Lynne

My Valentine

2011-02-15T12:47:00.003-05:00

This is my valentine. His name is Brandon. He is the sweetest boyfriend ever!
He buys me flowers (and not just on Valentine's day, sometimes just for no reason), watches Chick Flicks with me, helps out in the children's ministry and comes early to help, changes my tires, surprises me with thoughtful gifts, cards and emails, cooks with me, leads a Bible study with me, makes me laugh, helps others any chance he gets, coaches our church's men's softball team, and more!

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day date! We decided not to go out to eat, because of all the crowds and waiting. We decided to cook dinner together and watch a "chick flick" movie together.

Here is the delicious meal we made. The best parmesean chicken I've ever had, orange glazed carrots, and cheesy Italian mashed potatoes. We had Gigi's cupcakes for dessert, and we were planning on doing strawberries and chocolate fondue, but the cupcakes filled us up too much!

Brandon surprised me at work with a dozen roses. See? Told ya he was sweet.

This was a "mess-up" pic of the two of us, because of Buddy- I think it's so funny because he is always gets jealous of Brandon and me. When we watch movies, he jumps up on the couch to snuggle too.

-Lynne

Buddy, do you want to go on a walk??

2011-02-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Team

2011-02-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

Joel (our lead/senior pastor), Tracy, and their kids.

Lori (our music pastor) and her fam (2 and 1/2 kids)

John (our missions/seniors pastor), and his wife Kelly.

Scott (our Community Life Pastor) and Amber, and some cute kids.

Wes (our Youth/Young Adult Pastor) and another cute kid.

Speaking of cute kids... Bradley (worship leader/media leader) and his daughter Emma.

I am so thankful to serve with a great team at First Wesleyan Church.

It is a blessing to be a part of a church that is seeking after God, worshipping Him, and serving Him together, all moving in the same direction toward Him. I also know that it is rare to have a team of people who all mutually respect each other like our church has-- we don't always agree about everything, but we agree on the big things, and there is an attitude of respect, humility, and love. Every person I work with is an great leader and I have learned from all of them. We also have fun together!

Not everyone has the privilege to serve with a team like I am blessed to be a part of, and I think there are times when we can learn even from people who we don't get along with or click with, not just in a church environment, but life in general. I have had my share of learning to love and respect people I don't click with, and those are times when I have grown a lot.

I have learned a lot about leadership and giving grace from my pastor-- he is one of the best leaders I know. A great book I recommend about developing teams is Sticky Teams, by Larry Osborne.

-Lynne

The Difference Between Walmart and Publix

2011-01-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

I love Publix! I would rather go to Publix than any other grocery store. The main reason is because of the awesome service.

Publix is a southern franchise grocery store that takes costumer service very seriously. Their motto is: Where Shopping is a Pleasure. And it really is. The people are always so friendly and eager to help. It's the only store where you don't have to ask someone where a product is, because everyone who works there is on their toes and they ask YOU how they can help you before you even have to track someone down to ask. It's also the only store where you will see the managers going out to get carts from the parking lot. Not just the managers: everyone who works there goes out to the parking lot to get carts. They go the extra mile in everything they do. THAT is the kind of place you want to shop.

The difference between Taco Bell and Chick-Fil-A: Chick-Fil-A has incredible customer service and hospitality, which is one of the core things it was founded on. When you thank someone who works at Chick-Fil-A, they say, "It's my pleasure," and you really feel like it was their pleasure to serve you, because their service is genuine and joyful. They go out of their way to help you and make your experience great. I talk to many parents who say that when they have to take their kids out to eat by themselves (without the spouse there to help), they always go to Chick-Fil-A, because the workers there are eager to help parents in any way. THAT is the kind of place you want to go to eat.

I have friends who manage a Chick-Fil-A here in Tuscaloosa, and I asked my friend one day how they get their people to be so friendly? He answered, "You can't teach that; we hire friendly people." What a great way to ensure the genuineness of the hospitality and service!

I think these principles can apply to how we do churches. What if our churches went the extra mile to make people feel welcomed, to serve and host people, to answer their questions before they even had to ask; to be aware of families' needs and anticipate them before they need help, to genuinely serve people and make them feel special. What if we did all these things, and not just to put on a good show, but in the name of Christ? You can tell the different between someone who's helping you at the grocery store because they HAVE to, even if they are really annoyed, and someone who is helping you because they care. Let's be people who care about others. Let's go above and beyond to love people, to help people, to remember people's names, to pray with people, to talk to people we don't know. THAT is the kind of place you want to go to church.

-Lynne

The Benefit of the Doubt...

2011-01-24T11:14:00.003-05:00

So often, we let (myself included) other people's actions upset us. We can be so harsh and critical of others, jumping to conclusions, assuming the worst, and pointing out errors. But, while we may be quick to judge others, we tend to be very lenient on ourselves, always justifying our actions and thoughts, and remembering our good intentions, despite falling short. I am very guilty of this!

God has convicted and challenged me to give grace abundantly to others, even if it seems undeserved, and to give the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Instead of looking for ways to be critical of people, I should see the best in them and assume the best. This applies to friends, family, co-workers, parents and volunteers in my ministry, the child who is getting on your nerves, strangers in the grocery store, the waitress at the restaurant, people driving down the road who cut me off, people who are late for meetings.... instead of letting other people's actions upset me, why don't I assume that person is having a hard day, or in a lot of pain, or had good intentions that got messed up, or assume the best. This week, let's give others the benefit of the doubt. Let's give grace, even when it is unmerited. Let's see the good instead of the bad. Let's hold our tongue or encourage instead of criticize. Let's do a better job of loving the way Jesus does.

-Lynne

This cute boy

2011-01-21T10:27:00.004-05:00

This cute boy has stolen my heart! I am so glad his mommy lets me see him often. We try to skype as often as possible, and this week, for the first time ever, he responded to me over skype! He looked straight at me and smiled and giggled! It made me miss him soooo much, but it made me so happy! I hope he grows up knowing who his auntie Lynne is and that I love him so much! I've never had an aunt and have never been an aunt before, so I'm not sure how aunts work....but I think they are supposed to love and spoil their nieces and nephews =). I am trying to talk Anne into having more nieces and nephews for me asap so I can spoil them too, but I think she wants to wait a few months, or years. I love my Z man, or my special nickname for him (that I'm sure he will love when he's a teenager) Woodle.

-Lynne

Auntie Lynne got him that cute shirt. He cheeks look so puffy and kissable in this pic!

I love my woodle!

I dressed him and styled his hair! Very cute!

He was laughing!

Happy boy! I love him!

I'm in the middle of 8 books right now...

2011-01-18T16:09:00.005-05:00

This is really my nightstand. Can you tell I love books?

My reading list keeps piling up! Man, I love reading! There is always so much to learn, and I always want to keep growing and learning, and even expand my list to books I wouldn't normally read. I'm trying to keep it narrowed down though, and get a reading plan in place. Here is my reading list.. (and Bible is a given)

1. The Invisible: What the church can do to find and serve the least of these, by Arloa Sutter

2. Faith Legacy: 6 Values to Shape your child's faith journey, by Jim Boeger

3. Spiritual Parenting: an awakening for today's families, by Michelle Anthony

4. Formational Children's Ministry: Shaping children using story, ritual, and relationship, by Ivy Beckwith

5. When Children Grieve: For adults to help children deal with death, divorce, pet loss, moving, and other losses, by John James and Russell Friedman

6. Victory Over Darkness: Realizing the power of your identity in Christ, by Neil Anderson

7. A Chance to Die: the life and legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliot

8. The Gnostic Gospels, by Elaine Pagels

9. The Orthodox Church, by Timothy Ware

10. Sticky Teams: Keeping your leadership team and staff on the same page, by Larry Osborne

11. The Exceptional Presenter: A proven formula to open up and own the room, by Timothy J. Koegel

12. The Effective Executive: The definitive guide to getting the right things done, by Peter Drucker

13. The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family

14. Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: how to calm, connect, and communicate with your baby, by Tracy Hog and Melinda Bau

15. 9 Things They Didn't Teach me in College About Children's Ministry, by Ryan Frank (I know him! And I contributed to this book too, can't wait for it to come out so I can read it)

16. Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship, by N.T. Wright

17. The Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a search-and-rescue dog, by Susannah Charleson

Wow, that is quite a list! Just looking at it, I am a little overwhelmed, but I already own all of them and have already started or am in the middle of about 1/3 of them. I love learning, and love to read. What are you reading?

-Lynne

2011 so far with the Hoyts

2011-01-11T23:20:00.003-05:00

Things have been really busy with us lately, but we are enjoying life! We love watching Ezra grow and develop! He is getting so big! He went to his 4 month check up with his pediatrician and she said he is growing and healthy! He now weighs 16 pounds and is 27 inches long! The doctor said he is developing in some ways where 6 month old babies are! Our baby is a genius! For example, he can pick up an object and bring it to his mouth. He can also pick up an object and transfer it to the other hand! He also has very good upper body control and strength. He can stand, holding all of his own weight, just using our hands to help balance! He LOVES to stand!

He had gotten much more independent. He does not like to be held sideways like a baby, he likes to sit up and stand up and look out and see everything that's going on. We think he will be standing and walking soon! He LOVES jumping in his bouncer his Auntie Chelsea got him! He has a few favorite toys that he loves to hold and pull on and put in his mouth. He is sleeping well and is a happy and content baby. He also rolled over before he turned 4 months! He rolled over from his tummy to his back a couple of times.

Ezra did very well on the plane rides we took to Florida, AND he did well on a 36 hour road trip to Canada to visit Tyler's family! So to rewind, December was a crazy but good month for us! We enjoyed lots of Christmas parties and time with friends. We also had a good time at our church's Christmas Eve service and at the youth group Christmas party. We love our church - the people here are so nice!

We left for Canada right after the Christmas service, at about 9:45 pm and drove through the night and then all day and arrived at Tyler's parents' at about 3:30 the next afternoon. Ezra did very well that trip! He slept all night and only got out of his car seat two times to eat and have awake time. And then he slept all through the night that that! We had a good Christmas in Canada and had a good time catching up with friends and family. One of the best things was meeting our little baby nephew, Pierce, so was only 2 weeks old when he made the 6 hour road trip to visit from the Halifax area! He is so cute and such a good baby! We did a lot of visiting with family and kept busy while in Canada. We drove all through the night again on the way home so Ezra could sleep and stay in the car seat for a good chunk of time. He did VERY well and only got out of the car seat twice to eat. He only started fussing at 9:00 am, which is the time he normally gets up for the day. We got home at 9:30 am though!

We then had 2 days to recuperate before we left for a plane ride to Florida! Ezra did so good on both flights to and from Florida and was a good boy while we were there too! We loved being there for The Gathering, which is a conference for Wesleyan pastors and their families. Lynne was there also, and it was fun spending time with her and Ezra. Although I didn't get to hold Ezra much while Lynne was around!

That's all the updates for now. More to come later!

2011-01-08T17:14:00.004-05:00

2011 Has been great so far

2011-01-08T13:37:00.004-05:00

It has been a busy year so far! In the last 3 weeks, my parents & bro came into town to visit for Christmas, then I went on a ski trip with our church to Asheville, NC, then a couple days after that, I went to Jacksonville, FL for The Gathering, a Wesleyan leader/pastors' conference. All in all, a great few weeks!

I always pray about goals/resolutions for the upcoming year, to see what God would have for me, knowing that His plans are not my plans, and His plans are bigger than mine. God has been reminding me that His purposes are SO MUCH BIGGER than mine, and when I only focus on myself, my circumstances, my issues, I so easily lose sight of His bigger picture and His eternal purposes, which are far greater than anything I could imagine. So my goal for this year is to focus on eternal things and God's purposes. There is nothing more important than what is important to God.

This year, my word or phrase to remember is something the Lord has put on my heart is grace. Grace doesn't just give us a license to sin, or change us to make us better, grace changes everything. It gives us a new master, so we don't have to live under the rule and reign of our old self or under the powers of the world. I want to live in God's grace. If I try to live righteous or try to have self discipline or conquer sin on my own power, I fail. If I try to overcome sin and temptation on my own, I fail. I want to live in God's grace. I want to be a vessel of grace, pouring it out on others. I want to see the best in others instead of the worst, the way God offers grace to me.

I don't want to be a slave to trying hard to earn God's approval, or trying to be good enough, or self-disciplined enough. I don't want the pressure of keeping up with others or a list of DOs and DON'Ts. I want to live and walk in grace and freedom.

That is my goal for the year.

Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

Goals for 2011

Walk in God's grace daily.
Pour out God's grace to others.
Fill myself with God's word daily by reading at least one sentence from the Bible every day.
Grow in God's grace.
Keep investing in others and learning from others.
Get in better physical shape (gotta throw that one out there...)
Stay disciplined and dedicated to ministry, work, and writing.
Seek God in personal prayer and worship every day.
Build strong relationships with others.
Develop as a leader.
Meet with accountability partners regularly.
Keep reading at least a book a week.
Encourage and show appreciation for others constantly.
Get married and have babies. I have to keep this one, which has been on my list for the last 5 years ;)
Be more eco-friendly and green to help save the earth (thanks to my friend Jessie who is inspiring me with her fervor for this)
Get out of debt, make as much money as I can, live on as little as I can, so I can give away as much as I can.
Pray for and support missions and God's work around the globe.
Serve, love, and care for the poor, widows, and orphans.
Manage my time well and waste as little time as possible.

I am so beyond thankful for God's love and grace in my life, and all the blessings He has given me, which I don't deserve. I am ready and excited to continue serving Him and growing closer to Him this year.

Now I shared MINE, what are YOUR GOALS or Resolutions for this year?

-Lynne

Buddy having a dream

2011-01-03T17:27:00.001-05:00

A few Christmas pics...

2010-12-28T19:13:00.005-05:00

I will post more later. We had a great Christmas in Alabama! My first Christmas in the South. Unfortunately, I think the weather was trying to make me feel right at home, because it felt like I was in Indiana! It was freezing cold and even a little snowy on Christmas weekend! I was so glad my family could come visit, we had a great time, even though we missed Ezra (and his parents too, but mostly, missed Z).

The amazing Hawaiin Pizza that Alex and I made... officially the best pizza I've ever had.

Our annual Christmas Eve appetizer meal.

Brandon and me with our cool Elf hats we won at the staff Christmas "Elf" party.

My cute little Buddy.

My cute brother.

Me with my best buddy.

The theme of the presents was kitchen appliances! I got a fondue pot and a warming tray. Anne got a blender she didn't want and a crock pot she did want, and Alex got a crock pot, a waffle maker, and a coffee maker.

Got to spend some time hanging out with Brandon, which was fun.

Buddy got to open some presents on Christmas morning!

And when we woke up on Christmas morning...we discovered that Santa had come and left stockings! Buddy even got a stocking (the blue one). Thanks to my sweet brother for doing the stockings.

It was a great Christmas.

Anne and Ty were in Canada, so they will have to post their pics.

-Lynne