Once a month, I gather together with 5 friends to share a meal and study God's word. All of us work with the youth at our church (so we're all a tinge crazy) and each of us brings a unique perspective to whatever topic we discuss. I love these girls!!! Let me take a moment to share who they are with you:
Tona-Thoughtful and full of brilliant questions. Tona knows how to cut through the small talk and get to the real point of any discussion. Most people with this ability are loud and pushy. Tona somehow speaks her mighty words in a gentle, caring voice. Tona is such a dear friend and true partner in ministry. She is always teaching me with her life!
Beth-A no nonsense sorta girl, with a truly tender heart. A newlywed and a nurse, she cares for others with great skill and compassion. Although I haven't known Beth very long, I can see that she loves others deep and hard. She lives to please the Lord and longs to serve Him with her whole life. Oh, and she loves the rodeo too!
Erin-Passionate and giving. Erin loves with everything she's got. I've watched as she pours her life into family, friends and youth. She is an all-in kinda girl. This kind of intense passion can sometimes lead to deep pain and disappointment. Erin has faced trials with grit and grace. Her perseverance is building a genuine faith and character in her life. She is a joy to me!
Rose-Authentic to the bone! This Itailian knows who she is. Striving to live a life of integrity, Rose openly shares her struggles and victories in a way that gives God all the glory. Rose is funny, strong, opinionated and gives the best hugs! Rose has a heart for missions and is a prayer warrior in the making. I can't wait to see how God will continue working in her life!
Laura-A wonderful mix of . . . everything! There are so many things I love about Laura, but the most striking is her love for the church and her passion for the lost. She cares for people and loves them where they are at. She utilizes her planning and organizational skills to bring people together in hopes that relationships with one another might lead to a relationship with God. I am strengthened and encouraged through her example.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October in Review . . .
- Visited the Pumpkin Patch with the fam
- Went to High School Musical 3 with a crowd full of giggly girls
- Attended the Gifted to Lead conference through Willow Creek Association
- Saw Hairspray at the Coronado with my mom and some friends
- Got 2 new stoves (long story)
- Had a Mommy and Miles lunch date at Chipotle
- Added 3 new students to my caseload at school
- Had a blast with my sister-in-law Nikki at the EWomen conference
- Ordered a picture of Owen's Mom's Day Out class, he is the one hugging the kid next to him!
- Attended a Circle meeting with some of the older women from my church
- Raced around Rockford for a scavenger hunt with my Jr High d-group
- Changed approximately 140 diapers
- Went on a date with my husband
- Visited the Belvidere Oasis with the fam (several times)
- Ate chili with cinammon in it (thanks Erin!)
- Watched 3 of my Jr High girls perform their hearts out in the musical Annie
- Took Miles to his 15 month check-up
- Finished a Bible study on the Psalms of Ascent and began a study on Paul
- Led a wild and crazy retreat meeting
To sum it up, October was super busy, but super exciting! I am looking forward to November when by little buddy will turn 4 and I get to eat GG's stuffing and some broccoli souffle for Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Brandon
I love my husband! He loves me in such wonderful ways. From writing chalk messages on our driveway to watching the boys for the night so I can spend time with the girls . . . he is wonderful!Monday, September 15, 2008
A Magnificent Monday for Mommy and Miles
My little Miley is a mama's boy! He loves his dad, he tolerates his brother, he adores his grammy and grampy, but he is especially attached to me. You will often find him crying at my feet, wanting to be lifted high into my arms. As the second child, Miles does not have the pleasure of my undivided attention. I do feel bad about this at times so I often oblige his requests for some up close and personal time with mommy.
Another way I've attempted to assuage my guilty conscience is to devote a chunck of each Monday to my little Miles. Every Monday morning, I drop Owen off at Mom's Day Out. When Miles wakes up from his nap, we head off to a Kindermusik class. Miles and I love going to class together. He dances, sings, plays instruments and smiles at the teacher, the moms and the other kids. He is such a hoot! After class, I have the pleasure of eating lunch with my youngest. Today, daddy joined us at Potbellys. After lunch, it is time to pick up Owen from church.
Although the rest of the day is spent with the entire Early clan, there are still some special moments between just the two of us. Miles and I still find time for a dance or two in the kitchen. He lets me lead and often lays his sweet head on my shoulder. Even though he's one year old, I still let him drink from a bottle while I cradle him in my arms and stare into his blue-green eyes. Bathtime has also become a cherished mommy and Miles routine. My favorite part is watching him ditch the lion towel and run through the house wearing only a smile! Tonight, Miles threw in one extra special moment. As I was wrestling him into his pajamas, he pointed to something on the rocking chair in his room. "Babu." "Babu." I turned to see what he was talking about. On the chair lay his "Babu", his Bible.
Oh Miles, you are learning and growing so much each day. I love you to pieces and am so blessed to be your mommy. I look forward to walking with you throughout each new class, each new dance and each new word. You will always be my favorite Miles!
Another way I've attempted to assuage my guilty conscience is to devote a chunck of each Monday to my little Miles. Every Monday morning, I drop Owen off at Mom's Day Out. When Miles wakes up from his nap, we head off to a Kindermusik class. Miles and I love going to class together. He dances, sings, plays instruments and smiles at the teacher, the moms and the other kids. He is such a hoot! After class, I have the pleasure of eating lunch with my youngest. Today, daddy joined us at Potbellys. After lunch, it is time to pick up Owen from church.
Although the rest of the day is spent with the entire Early clan, there are still some special moments between just the two of us. Miles and I still find time for a dance or two in the kitchen. He lets me lead and often lays his sweet head on my shoulder. Even though he's one year old, I still let him drink from a bottle while I cradle him in my arms and stare into his blue-green eyes. Bathtime has also become a cherished mommy and Miles routine. My favorite part is watching him ditch the lion towel and run through the house wearing only a smile! Tonight, Miles threw in one extra special moment. As I was wrestling him into his pajamas, he pointed to something on the rocking chair in his room. "Babu." "Babu." I turned to see what he was talking about. On the chair lay his "Babu", his Bible.
Oh Miles, you are learning and growing so much each day. I love you to pieces and am so blessed to be your mommy. I look forward to walking with you throughout each new class, each new dance and each new word. You will always be my favorite Miles!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Silly Prayers
I don't know that silly prayers even exist, but recently I've felt like I've prayed some that were just that . . . silly. A few months ago, I attended back to back women's conferences in Colorado Springs. The first was a leadership conference and the second was a Beth Moore Living Proof Live event. Friday was a big day. I would spend the morning at the hotel finishing up the leadership conference, then later that evening I would attend a huge arena for the Beth Moore event.
As I stood in the bathroom getting ready for the day, I looked in the mirror and prayed. "Lord, I know this is silly, but it would be so cool if I could talk with Beth Moore today." I attended the morning sessions at the leadership conference and headed to the main session room for lunch. We had an unannounced, surprise speaker . . . Beth Moore! To make a long story short, there was a question and answer time and I was able to ask the last question.
After Beth Moore had left the room, I looked at the two women sitting next to me. "This is really silly, but this morning I prayed that I could talk to Beth Moore today." Well, get out the kleenex, these two women laughed and cried and were amazed at how God worked. One of the women, another Beth, said that my prayer was not at all silly and that God knew that I would talk to Beth Moore that day. She believed that God had prompted me to pray, knowing that He would provide. Wow, never thought of it like that!
A few days ago, I prayed another prayer that I would categorize as silly. Owen and I love to walk out to the mailbox together and get the mail. He likes to open the mailbox and carry the mail inside. Recently, he wanted a little more involvement. He wanted mail! Very sweetly he asked, "Mom, is there any mail for me today?" My heart was breaking! "Lord, that would be so great if Owen could get some mail of his own." I had it all figured out, I would send him some mail in the next couple of days. Then I remembered, God is in the business of answering prayer--even silly prayers! The very next day, Owen got mail! I don't know why these things continue to surprise me, but they do. Then, as if the postcard from his Mom's Day Out teacher was not enough, the day after that he received more mail, a thank you note from a friend of mine. Wow! Talk about pouring out blessings and giving good gifts!
I am so thankful that I serve a God who cares about every detail of my life. He knows me. He knows what I want, He knows what I need, He knows what is best for me. He loves to give good gifts to me, but He wants me to ask. It doesn't matter if His response is yes, no or not right now, I know He has my best interests at heart.
As I stood in the bathroom getting ready for the day, I looked in the mirror and prayed. "Lord, I know this is silly, but it would be so cool if I could talk with Beth Moore today." I attended the morning sessions at the leadership conference and headed to the main session room for lunch. We had an unannounced, surprise speaker . . . Beth Moore! To make a long story short, there was a question and answer time and I was able to ask the last question.
After Beth Moore had left the room, I looked at the two women sitting next to me. "This is really silly, but this morning I prayed that I could talk to Beth Moore today." Well, get out the kleenex, these two women laughed and cried and were amazed at how God worked. One of the women, another Beth, said that my prayer was not at all silly and that God knew that I would talk to Beth Moore that day. She believed that God had prompted me to pray, knowing that He would provide. Wow, never thought of it like that!
A few days ago, I prayed another prayer that I would categorize as silly. Owen and I love to walk out to the mailbox together and get the mail. He likes to open the mailbox and carry the mail inside. Recently, he wanted a little more involvement. He wanted mail! Very sweetly he asked, "Mom, is there any mail for me today?" My heart was breaking! "Lord, that would be so great if Owen could get some mail of his own." I had it all figured out, I would send him some mail in the next couple of days. Then I remembered, God is in the business of answering prayer--even silly prayers! The very next day, Owen got mail! I don't know why these things continue to surprise me, but they do. Then, as if the postcard from his Mom's Day Out teacher was not enough, the day after that he received more mail, a thank you note from a friend of mine. Wow! Talk about pouring out blessings and giving good gifts!
I am so thankful that I serve a God who cares about every detail of my life. He knows me. He knows what I want, He knows what I need, He knows what is best for me. He loves to give good gifts to me, but He wants me to ask. It doesn't matter if His response is yes, no or not right now, I know He has my best interests at heart.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Olympics
I am loving the Olympics! Whether it is swimming, running, volleyball, gymnastics or even wrestling, I will watch any and every competition with great enthusiasm. Why is it that every two years I am suddenly passionate about sports?
Maybe it is because the stakes are so high. This is a competition that only comes around every four years. Athletes have trained their entire lives for this one moment. The thrill of victory is so sweet and the agony of defeat is excruciating.
Show me the . . . medals! This event is not about money. There are no trades, no injury lists, no strikes. These athletes compete for the honor of receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal for their beloved country.
Possibly the biggest reason I enjoy watching the Olympics is because I know all my friends, family and neighbors are cheering for the same team. How often does that ever happen! I love going to Facebook and seeing friends in California, Tennessee and even Rockford, Illinois cheering on the same athlete, the same team, the same country.
Well, off I go to see who wins the men's marathon. Although the United States is not a top contender I'm still glued to the screen anticipating the thrill of victory and cheering on the world!
Maybe it is because the stakes are so high. This is a competition that only comes around every four years. Athletes have trained their entire lives for this one moment. The thrill of victory is so sweet and the agony of defeat is excruciating.
Show me the . . . medals! This event is not about money. There are no trades, no injury lists, no strikes. These athletes compete for the honor of receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal for their beloved country.
Possibly the biggest reason I enjoy watching the Olympics is because I know all my friends, family and neighbors are cheering for the same team. How often does that ever happen! I love going to Facebook and seeing friends in California, Tennessee and even Rockford, Illinois cheering on the same athlete, the same team, the same country.
Well, off I go to see who wins the men's marathon. Although the United States is not a top contender I'm still glued to the screen anticipating the thrill of victory and cheering on the world!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Leadership
I love coordinating our church's annual women's retreat. As the retreat coordinator, I lead a team of about 20 women. We have a great team and it is a joy to serve. A few weeks ago, the women's ministry director at our church gave me a book to read. The book is "Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-Linear Leadership" by Nancy Ortberg. I'm a little over halfway through the book and have already learned so much. Two statements have hugely impacted me.
1. Have the conversation.
-I avoid conflict at all costs. As a leader, I do not have that luxury. It is my job to deal with any issues or problems that arise. I know that this statement will be popping into my head when my heart wants to turn and run the other way. If I allow God to lead through me and deal with difficult situations in a loving and compassionate way, our team and ministry will be healthier and stronger.
2. The intersection of vision and reality may be one of the greatest tests of leadership.
-This portion of the book really hit me hard. I love to dream. I love to hope for the best. I love to see what could be. Unfortunately, I can't live in this world. I need to dream, I need to hope, I need to see what could be, but I also need to live in reality. Nancy Ortberg says this, "It is having sober eyes and an optimistic spirit, and refusing to chose between the two. It is the good news--bad news moment when you cannot allow one to dismiss the other. They are both true--where we are heading and where we are--but we have to walk through reality in order to move toward the vision. Without that, vision becomes a simple addiction to the emotional high of an imagined future."
1. Have the conversation.
-I avoid conflict at all costs. As a leader, I do not have that luxury. It is my job to deal with any issues or problems that arise. I know that this statement will be popping into my head when my heart wants to turn and run the other way. If I allow God to lead through me and deal with difficult situations in a loving and compassionate way, our team and ministry will be healthier and stronger.
2. The intersection of vision and reality may be one of the greatest tests of leadership.
-This portion of the book really hit me hard. I love to dream. I love to hope for the best. I love to see what could be. Unfortunately, I can't live in this world. I need to dream, I need to hope, I need to see what could be, but I also need to live in reality. Nancy Ortberg says this, "It is having sober eyes and an optimistic spirit, and refusing to chose between the two. It is the good news--bad news moment when you cannot allow one to dismiss the other. They are both true--where we are heading and where we are--but we have to walk through reality in order to move toward the vision. Without that, vision becomes a simple addiction to the emotional high of an imagined future."
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