Pendleton

Last Easter (2007) we had an amazing service at our church. Pastor Dave really challenged us to "get in the game" and make a difference. Without recalling the title or even the message that he spoke I felt God move in my heart to challenge me in a distinct way.

To use basketball to make an impact on those less fortunate or who have made poor choices. While playing ball in college we use to in the fall travel to Pendleton and Michigan City to play against the inmates. As a 20 year old, I knew this was a bit abnormal however I really enjoyed each experience. Why couldnt we as a church play ball over in Pendleton again? We have a very popular basketball league and bunch of guys that get together on Monday nights. To make a long story short... we have went into the Prison I think 5 times now to play against the inmates. Remind me to share sometime how God brought this together... it is an encouraging story.

We are going in again today, but today is different. Ray (the rec leader at the prison) is a believer in Christ. He specifically asked me to prepare and share a devotional with his team. Now, those of you that know me understand that I have done this type of thing a lot in the past. However, not as much in the last 5 years. Lots of reasons and a few excuses. Nevertheless, pray for me as we visit.

Halloween costumes

Here is the short list of what the kids want to dress up for:
Amy: a nerd or Sarah Palin(I vote for Sarah Palin, her Dad says she can dress normally for the nerd)
Aaron: some sports personality
Ann: the statue of liberty(I need some prayer for this one)she is on some patriotic kick- go Annie.
Andrew: Bob Sanders( He has a uniform with no number, but no dredlocks)

Here is what I have left in the dressup trunk: elephant, lamb, little red riding hood, mad scientist, clown, scarecrow, indian, knight, butterfly, ladybug, and I think a few more. Call if you would like to borrow one.

Monday Menus

Monday-Amy's Day
Chicken Parmigiana
mashed potatoes
garlic bread
carrots

Tuesday
Baked chicken
steamed vegetables
rice

Wednesday
Beef stroganoff Casserole
green beans
homemade applesauce

Thursday
Beef Stew in crock pot
bread and butter

Friday
pizza
Saturday
potato soup
Sunday
meatball subs
pumpkin roll

Hold me Jesus

The words of this song go through my mind frequently. There they were this morning so I thought I would share them. Rich Mullins was very instrumental in my early Christian walk. I am so very affected by music and their lyrics. He always wrote straight to the heart and straight from scripture. God took him way to early if you ask me.
My favorite line from the song is " I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need "That is so true of me. I try and remember this and let go and let God give what I need instead of what I want.
Anyone out there have a favorite Rich Mullins song?


Hold Me Jesus


Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something
I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS

You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Overheard

I was on the computer last night, checking email, and could hear Ann and Andrew in the shower together. Yes, they still love to shower and take baths together, they play with shaving cream and have contests to see who can hold their breath the longest etc. I digress. I could hear them singing at the top of their lungs. "What were they singing" you ask? The National Anthem. I think we watch too much sports. Actually Annie is doing a patriotic program for the 3rd grade on veterans day and is so pumped about it. She is constantly singing patriotic songs around the house, pretty cute, especially when she gets the words wrong.

You know your short when....

You pull out jeans from the winter bin and say to yourself " how did these capris get in here." Those aren't capri's your legs are just that short silly!

I finished a book!

It isn't even one from the list! I keep a book in the car to read while I wait at practices and in line to pick up Andrew at Kindergarten. I am nothing if not efficient!
The title: "Preparing him for the other woman: a mothers guide to raising her son to love a wife and lead a family" by Sheri Rose Shepherd
http://www.hisprincess.com/Preparing_Him_for_the_Other_Woman_s.jpg
Very good book, for moms of boys of course. Small, quick read. Took me months of course though! hee hee. I have a feeling I will refer to it for years to come.