Determination

Sometimes my kids really surprise me. Last year Abbey would not go near the climbing wall. This year she wanted to do it. The guy running it told her he thought she was too small, that the harness would not fit. She told him, "I just turn five so I am big enough."







About an hour and five tries later, she made it to the top without any help.

Back to School Bonanza

Sunday was our Back to School Bonanza. It's a community event we do every year. It's our way of saying to the community we are a church that's about more than ourselves. It's basically a big carnival with moonbounces, a rock climbing wall, food and games and prizes. All free and designed for people outside of our church.

This year we had somewhere around 150 guests show up and around 70 volunteers from our church making it all happen. I saw a lot of our folks engaging in coversations with folks from the community, which is one of the main goals of this event.

I want to thank everyone who volunteered to help make it a success. Can't wait to see what God does with some of the connections that were made.

Life Regrets

A great quote from "One Month to Live":

Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it I say! Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows. - Pope Paul VI

Being Attractive Without Having to Look Good - part 3

Today, in worship, we talked about the number two most needed spiritual fruit - self-control. Great feedback this morning. I received a comment today from someone who said they appreciated the fact that I was willing to put my own struggles out there. Most of the time, I'm learning right along with the rest of the church.

Next week we will wrap up this series with the #1 most need fruit of the Spirit - patience. So here's my question? Feel free to answer or be prepared to answer Sunday. What are some “impatience triggers” in your life?

Here's my short list:
-When I'm stuck in traffic and I'm late.
-Kids
-Waiting in lines.
-People who don't do what they say they will do.
-Having to redo something.

One Month to Live

I hope the title of the post didn't freak anyone out. I'm not dying (that I know of.)

I started a new book that I'm reading each morning for the next 30 days. The title is "One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life" by Kerry & Chris Shook.

I just started it today so I'm sure a lot of my AM posts will include stuff I'm reading and learning. Each day ends with a few questions to help me begin to focus my life toward no-regrets.

Today, I was challenged to tell someone that I am reading the book and ask that person to circle on the calendar the date for one month from today and to ask me how my life was changed in the month.

Because I want my life to be more of an open book, I'm sharing that info here. The date is October 2. If I forget to post an answer to the question someone please remind me.

First Day of School

I always loved the first day of school when I was a kid. I didn't sleep much the night before from the excitement. One of the great things about being a parent is getting to have a similar experience with my kids.

Andrew was really excited today, which was an answer to prayer considering how bummed out he was about his class at open house. Abbey had not really grasped the reality of going to the "big kid school" and being one of those big kids. When we walked through the doors, with the crowd and chaos, reality set in.

She did really well but she held my hand very tightly, which for those who don't know her, she's very independent and usually doesn't want to hold my hand at all.

As I was walking home I was praying for both of them and that God would protect them and allow them to have great days. As I walked and prayed it occurred to me to thank God for allowing us to live in such a great place as N. VA. and to have the benefits of some of the best schools in the country. I also asked God to help us not take that for granted and to help all of our family to use what He has given us for his glory.

Power Base Makeover Pictures

Several people have asked to see the pictures I used of our Power Base group. Since there are nine of them I really don't want to post them here. I'll have them posted on Facebook tomorrow. If you don't have Facebook, you should get it, it's a great way to reconnect and stay connected to friends and family.

I'm also happy to Email the pics to you.