New Beginnings

Oh Dear Friend ... she has marked her NEW BEGINNING! after a tough marriage, separation and now divorce - she is embarking on a New Beginning. We had a special dinner last night ...

The old is gone, the new has come:)

I am so excited to see how God has worked in her life - and will continue to do amazing things with her. While she is ready to meet her future husband, she is at the same time embracing being a single lady and terrific mom. And trusting that God will make a way ....

which is just what Joel wrote about yesterday!!!

Trust Him to Make a Way

Todays Scripture "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" Psalm 20:7, NIV

Today's Word form Joel and Victoria

Sometimes, it's easier to get discouraged when things don;t go our way. Maybe you aren't getting out of debt as fast as you wanted. Or you're experiencing some challenges in your health or relationships. We have to be careful not to put God in a box by thinking that just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. Remember, we serve a supernatural God. When we believe, all things become possible!

The first step is to quite trying to figure everything out. There may not be a way in the natural, but that's okay. God can do what men can't do. THink about the children of Israel. When they left Egypt, there were two million of them. THen, Pharaoh came chasing after them, and when they came to the Red Sea, it looked like it was over. They couldn't see a way out. But that didn't mean there wasn't a way. God simply parted the Red Sea and they went through on dry ground. Remember, if it looks like there is no way in the natural, trust God to make a way. He'll part the waters if he has to! He'll do whatever it takes to lead and guide you in the path of victory that HE has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father God, I trust that with YOU all things are possible. Today, I take my eyes off my circumstances, and choose to put my trust and hope in YOU. I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' Name. AMEN.

I continue to struggle with placing EVERYTHING in his hands. Recently I have had no choice but to out it all on him - in November I hard a tap on my heart that I was still holding on to somethings that I needed to give fully over to God. But not until January was that choice made for me. Amazing that in the Natural, I wanted to give it over, I was struggling ... and then God provided an avenue (dry ground!) that gave me no choice - reminding me that I am NOT in control. And it has been freeing. PRAISE GOD!

New Beginning for my Dear Friend, and sister in Christ - New Beginnings for me too:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

Great Date

Aaron has shifted his schedule, so now he has Friday off, it used to be Monday.

We would take Monday off -- typically have a lazy morning, sometimes not ever leaving the house all day. Which there is a need to rest some days.

Thinking about taking Friday off came on because of the MLK celebration, Brookside hosted a neighborhood event - it was awesome... but Aaron worked Monday, resulting in determining a different day to take off .... Friday. He loved it- how he felt going into Sunday's Sermon ... so he did it again this week. I think he is on to something!

Work: Sunday - Thursday, off Friday ... Saturday is a workday, but typically meetings that include a meal.... After two weeks, I enjoy this schedule too.

Last Friday I went to the Children's Museum with my sister and the 3 little red heads - this week i wanted to be more intentional and have a date with my husband...

his two options: 1) The Home and Garden Show at the FairGrounds or 2) Indianapolis Museum of Art.

I was looking for things to do on Friday that would be different then our typical choices ... Aaron picked the IMA. He had never been, even before it was renovated.

Through the Artistically Talented program, I have been able to visit on the past few years - but we would be on a specific tour - it was great to just wonder at our own speed. And it is FREE!! They ask for donations, but to think most places it would cost ... something.

We started at the top, sometimes I have a hard time defending/explaining the minimalist contemporary art ... for example the Room that had colored yarn ... to help express the positive and negative space, that was difficult for me. While I understood the written explanation, I could not determine for myself the aesthetic quality that another might find.

After the 3rd floor we headed to the Cafe for some tasty salads and a great view of the fountain. We decided we should return each season, so we can enjoy the grounds as well (which FYI are pet friendly!)

After our leisurely lunch, Aaron voted for the American Art Gallery ... so we wondered through those rooms, Aaron asks good questions .... it was fun:) As we made it out of those, Aaron was done. We had spent 3 hours at the IMA ... PRETTY AMAZING! We drove through the grounds to see the Lilly house and talked about all the gardens with certain plans to return in the spring and summer and fall.

It was a day well spent, with my Hubby:) I do not expect every Friday to be a great date day, but maybe if we can be intentional and try something 2 out of 4 a month - that would be GREAT:) looking forward to warm weather so we can hike some trails, ride bikes .. visit the state parks .... so many possibilities!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Date day... Aaron is off today, so we are spending the day "together". We will talk over some of our Dynamic Marriage homework, visit the IMA, then have lunch. Should shape up into a great day!

grace and peace!

A fun time with the 3 little red heads

I headed to the children's museum with my sis and her 3 little red-heads. Yes, the same 3 that shared their germs with me ... you can see they are feeling better!

stopped at the Barbie exhibit first ... so thankful there were 2 phones!

My fav, Barbie inspired by Dale Chihuly, he is well know for his blown glass creations. He created the large sculpture in the center ramp of the children's museum.

One of the girls playing in the moving light, I have video too ... this entertained both girls for quite sometime! I used to have a laser pointer that my cats loved to chase, this was oddly similar.

On the Merry-Go-Round .... once you are over 3, you have the option to ride on a "JUMPER" this was their second time with me to ride on jumpers, so brave. They also did not notice that I was not actually holding them .... in the back you can see my sister with the Little Monkey.

GRACE AND PEACE !

wow, 3 in a row!

I guess I am not done with this lesson!

Trust Him with Your Dreams TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives" (John 12:24, NLT) TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria It's good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that's all you think about and you're not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that's out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar. Are you frustrated because you're trying to force things to happen on your timetable? Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but actually, when we let them go, that's when God can bring them to pass. If you'll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead use that same time and energy to thank God that He's directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart. We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He's the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn't be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen. GRACE AND PEACE!

more good stuff!

another good word from Joel ...

Trust God to Do it His Way

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Every person has things they're believing for, situations they want to see changed, and dreams God has placed in their hearts. But sometimes, we try to figure out how it's all going to happen. If we're not careful, we'll put God in a box and try to tell Him how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. Today's scripture tells us that God's ways are not our ways. They are higher and better than our ways.

If you don't get your way, if things don't happen on your timetable, instead of getting discouraged, why don't you believe that God has something better in store? Just because it doesn't happen your way doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Remember, God has a plan. He's got it all figured out. Don't limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, simply say, "God, I'm trusting You. I know You have my best interest at heart. And even if I don't get my way, I'm going to stay open and believe that You're still directing my steps into the abundant life You have for me."

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, I choose to trust You. I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams, and desires for the future. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

What an awesome message, I struggle daily with casting my cares to HIM - I still think I am the girl with a plan ... hum. I learn this everyday, every morning, every second. More then happy to have the WORD to remind me:) It never gets old.

On a different note .... sorta.

My reading this morning, I was reminded that we are never called to do anything with out help. Two stories that I read this morning excellent demonstrations of just how God can use those around us to help each of us do HIS will ...

1: the Israelites left Egypt, crossed the Red Sea ... then Moses sent a crew to fight the Amalekites (Joshua lead the way) Moses stood on the hill, when his arms were raised the Israelites were winning, when his arms lowered they began to lose. The fighting went on ... Moses got tired - but Moses had help, Aaron and Hur would hold up his arms, they helped Moses stay in a position - with their help Moses was able to hold his arms high and the Israelites were victorious.

2: a few passages later Jethro Moses' Father-in-Law, along with his wife and 2 sons come to the Israelite camp. Jethro watches how Moses handles the people issues - Jethro notices that he is bombarded with questions and problems of all the people (big and small) Jethro offers sound advice, after he thanks the Lord and offers a burnt offering to the Lord ... the Advice, find capable men that can help with the leadership, making decisions... For the past few weeks I have seen Aaron and his Assistant consistently pouring themselves out to the Brookside Congregation - they are in need of "capable brothers and sisters" that can come along side them and help. Alleviate the load that they seem to be carrying all alone. This is a prayer request! We know that help is near, we are preparing to train and raise up "capable brothers and sisters".

GRACE AND PEACE!

From Joel ...

it has been a while since i shared Joel ... this is a great one to share. In my daily reading, the Lord just took the Israelites across the Red Sea. And I was reminded just how awesome and BIG our God is. I have been reflecting recently that I have continued to try and control and manipulate my life and my desires. It is exhausting. In the same instance, I make God smaller then he is - I do not provide the room or the rich soil for him to move BIG. It is a constant struggle, that I am seeking help from my "Girls".

The Great I Am

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you' " (Exodus 3:14, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Have you thought about how big your God is today? Do you realize you have the Creator of the universe on your side? He's the God who spoke the worlds into existence. He's called the Great I Am. He's saying today, "I am everything you need. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!"

David put it this way in Psalm 138, "Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me." Maybe you feel like David today. You're surrounded by all kinds of difficulties. You're tempted to just settle right where you are. But you need to get your fire back. Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on how big your God is! He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for loving me and setting me free. I choose to focus on Your greatness today. Thank You for being the I Am—everything that I need to live the life of victory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

On more thought, my husband prayed that I would learn more from God today ... it happened before Lunch! :) I suppose it helps when my eyes are open and searching ...

GRACE AND PEACE!

March 13 ...

The first OFFICIAL Trisomy 13 Awareness Day : March 13!

There will be an official Living with Trisomy 13 (LWT13) ribbon.

The colors; pink, blue and yellow. They symbolize .... Girls, Boys and Joy of Life.

The pink and blue will not be pastel, but bright to represent how our kids are fighters, full of love and life.

When they appear I will be sure to post.

I will now begin to brainstorm how to make March 13th special ....

GRACE AND PEACE!

Go Colts!

Here we go again ... but this year is different....

2 of my nephews (soon to be 11 and 10) actually enjoy sitting, watching and analyzing the game with their Dad, Uncles and Grandfather- how cool! Although I do not always know what they are talking about, the interactions are priceless! Also that they get to grow up with such a great hometown team.

Sometimes I regress and go to the time when the Colts first arrived in town:

C.ount O.n L.oosing T.his S.unday ... C.O.L.T.S

When I came home from college, they were doing better, actually getting some wins and playing the post season ...

I remember when Jack and Sam would actually play "colts" Jack was Peyton and Sam was the Edge ... I think that was when my eyes were opened We actually have a team!

So now our Colts are going to the super bowl AGAIN! And they get to take on the Saints, a team that some Indiana fans root for: QB Drew Brees from Purdue and Wide Receiver Courtney Roby from IU and North Central High School ... I hope they play well, but I am certain the Colts will be victorious - AGAIN.

This week I will work to create job descriptions in all our volunteer needs, creating also a training/orientation program ... then do some Youth Ministry work too ... better make a list so I have some things to check off:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

cough cough - hack hack

I am covering my mouth in my elbow ... just when I thought a week ago I was returning to the blog I got hit with a massive cold.

Not since my first year teaching have I been that sick.

Sore throat, stuffy head, runny nose, achey body, no voice ... where did this come from?

3 adorable little red-heads!

Last week my sister was in Miami for a Pharmacy conference ( yes that is when it was record lows) Because she was gone, I had the opportunity to watch them Monday and Wednesday. Monday, when I arrived their dad had the twins up and eating breakfast, the little monkey was still sleeping ... Craig shared that one was taking amoxicillin for strep and the other two tylenol for low grade fevers .... I did not think anything of it. It was the 3rd day of them not feeling well. And actually it made the day less eventful, all three were operating at less then 100%. It was a "quite" play day. Other then wiping the runny noses - we had a nice time. Wednesday, the girls go to a half day of school and the little monkey slept most of the morning ...

Now, my Mother watches the kiddos regularly Tuesday and Thursday, she maintained that ... on Wednesday she came over so while I went to pick up the twins she stayed home while the little one slept.

Another less then 100% day, which is okay playing in the basement. My sister returned that afternoon, her kids all happy to see her. I headed on to Brookside for my Wednesday night gig. Playing in the nursery with the little ones. On the drive down I noticed a tickle/pain in my throat - but thought when I get home an orange will help that.

Thursday morning ... ugh. YUCKO ...I have not had a fever in years!

How am I certain it came from those 3 little red-heads ... Thursday morning their father woke up sick and so did my mom! That is CRAZY!

The fever broke on Sunday,(woke up in a sweaty mess) and I went to church (i did not know the 24 hour rule) ran the first Youth Ministry meeting and attended the first class for Dynamic Marriage with Aaron ... it was a FULL day. Needless to say, I had a slight set back on Monday.

So here it is Thursday, one week later - I am certainly feeling better, except the cough. I would like for it to be more productive, but it remains in my throat - not my typical deep "barking" cough. So I will take my cough medicine and press on!

I have been keeping up with my daily bible reading, interesting to read through a second time and notice my notes from 2007. Jacob just died in Egypt, Joseph and the brothers returned him to Canaan ... Tomorrow I will move 400 years after Joseph dies to begin with Moses ... One thing for sure, there has always been family drama!

Dynamic Marriage class ... this is an 8 week course that meets on Sundays, so far we have had homework everyday this week, the hard kind ... where you have to write about how you feel, not multiple choice. Aaron and I are looking forward to sharing with each other and getting to know the couples in our group. The Dynamic Marriage Institute is a national program ... and they offer courses all over. Cool to be part of something BIG!

have a great day - stay healthy!

GRACE AND PEACE!

At the Appointed Time ...

• This afternoon I listened to a podcast while creating jewelry ...

  I listened to Mars Hill, Rob Bell and the Christmas Eve service.

  It started out with some humor and fun - typical with the laughter. But then - there is always the BUT THEN ...

  
  

  The Christmas Story was shared from the Luke account, told with an emphasis on TIME.

  The account begins with Zechariah ... who was told by an angle that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a child to be named John. He was also told that God is going to then send the Messiah ... and This would happen at the appointed time ....

  He teaches through the story all the way to when Jesus was brought to the temple, and the meeting of Simeon and Anna.

  Each person as the story was shared, Rob placed an emphasis on TIME. How each person and the nation had been waiting and waiting ... year after year ... a longing.

  At the appointed time ...

  
  

  Rob goes on to teach, provide insight about the type of time shared here.

  Greek word for time: Chronos, this is the type of time that moves in sequence ... yesterday, today, tomorrow, next week ...

  BUT when the angel spoke to Zechariah ... The angel does not use the word chronos ... he uses kairos ...

  Kairos: opportune moment, undetermined period when something special will happen ...

  
  

  Rob Bell goes on to teach that while we live in chronos ... God moves and works in Kairos ...

  
  

  For me, this helped me to understand something I have been wrestling with the past week, maybe longer. I have been stuck in the chronos time, where my desires and all that I long for should be taking shape NOW in this time. But I had forgotten that God works all things in HIS time - and his time and my time are not the same. It has been humbling and a tough tearful lesson for me the past week. I became a hermit - I am thankful for my friends and family that have expressed kind words - but also have allowed me this alone time.

  I also started to read the bible through again, and it has been shown over and over that God fulfills his promises, (in his time) but while waiting for the promise to be fulfilled, no one is sitting still. Just because we might be waiting on something does not mean that we sit still. We must keep moving forward.

  In whatever the circumstance ... One example for me facing the reality that I am the interim Youth Ministry Coordinator and I need to step up and lead (until the "real" leader arrives) God has a plan, and he has promised good to me - as I stand on his word ... his good and perfect promises are being fulfilled ... at the appointed time.

  I will continue to live in the CHRONOS and long for the KAIROS ....

  GRACE AND PEACE!

I am still here ... The past week has been tough and I have found myself not sure what to post ... I will return soon.
grace and peace

Happy Birthday Jeremy

one year ago aaron and I met our little man Jeremy ... this is one of my favorite pictures

How I long to see him again. I wait with expectation knowing that we will have an awesome re-uniting.

Until then ... Lord give me the strength to press on. Finding your will in all things. Reveal your fire and desire burning in me. Lord, build in me all that you desire for me. Help me move forward - in your will, desire and plan.

Thank you Lord for choosing me to be Jeremy's mommy ....

A dear friend said to me yesterday: celebrate the blessings.

Today, as I try to be intentional with my feelings and thoughts Philippians 4:4-9 came to mind:

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

To top it ... this is the scripture Jack and Sam read at Jeremy's service:)

GRACE AND PEACE!