Posts
My Crazy Thoughts
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Pray for our Country and it's leaders!
I will be the first to say I have no clue about how our economy works.
I know how my family's does.
We work Hard.
We get paid.
Everything we have ultimately comes from God.
We give back.
We rely on God to meet all our needs.
I did hear a statement from the White House
"I trust the House and Sentate to move quickly with this rescue plan so Americans can have access to the credit they need to continue to live out their daily lives"
Several years ago my Husband and I found ourselves in a Crisis. My Husband lost his job because the company was sold overseas. Mark had many years vested into this company. Loved his job, performed it well, and had a sizeable 401K. We found ourselves in a financial panic. We did not make all the right choices.
We "bailed out" ourselves with our excellent credit.
House payments, groceries, medical bills..underwear,all on credit.
How stupid we were.
I must say we may not have survived had we not had some access to credit. I don't know.
But when I hear my President say "so Americans can have the credit they need to continue to meet their daily needs" It bothers me.
I want to say to my friends don't meet your daily needs with credit!! Okay, I know the average person needs credit for mortage loans or cars...Just don't ever live off of them. It has taken us years to recover from one years mistakes.
I will continue to pray for things I don't really understand and people I only see on the news. I will also pray for you. Times are hard for all of us.
I must say I am so glad that I have HOPE. I know that my future really lies in the God who supplies all my needs...not in wallstreet or main street.
GLOW
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Just wrapped a great series @ Mosaic
There is no denying the transforming effect that light has on darkness. The scriptures tell us that Jesus challenged his followers to be the light of the world and shine as bright as the stars.
HOPE that's what the world is looking for.
This past Sunday at the close of the services Naeem encouraged us to write the names of those we know who are searching for Hope. Hundreds of people wrote the names of friends, spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, room mates and more on Giant Sticky Notes posted all over the Walls.
We took all those names and hung them down the Halls of the offices.
Today as we gathered for staff prayer I stood in the halls and read each name. I was moved so deeply by the names of people searching for the hope that I could not breathe without! Some simply said ME one that touched my heart read My Daddy.
We had an awesome time of Worship and prayer. Nate played as we prayed over each and every name. Touching them, singing over them. The awesome presence of God flooded the room and I wept for not only the names but the hearts that wrote them. All who are thirsty...All who are weak....come to the fountain.....Come Lord Jesus Come
Awesome!! The most exciting thing is knowing that God will move this week in the lives and hearts of each of these people. We must Glow. Shine the Hope that lives within us for the world to see.
Great Series! We will be praying for these names for some times to come.
There is no denying the transforming effect that light has on darkness. The scriptures tell us that Jesus challenged his followers to be the light of the world and shine as bright as the stars.
HOPE that's what the world is looking for.
This past Sunday at the close of the services Naeem encouraged us to write the names of those we know who are searching for Hope. Hundreds of people wrote the names of friends, spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, room mates and more on Giant Sticky Notes posted all over the Walls.
We took all those names and hung them down the Halls of the offices.
Today as we gathered for staff prayer I stood in the halls and read each name. I was moved so deeply by the names of people searching for the hope that I could not breathe without! Some simply said ME one that touched my heart read My Daddy.
We had an awesome time of Worship and prayer. Nate played as we prayed over each and every name. Touching them, singing over them. The awesome presence of God flooded the room and I wept for not only the names but the hearts that wrote them. All who are thirsty...All who are weak....come to the fountain.....Come Lord Jesus Come
Awesome!! The most exciting thing is knowing that God will move this week in the lives and hearts of each of these people. We must Glow. Shine the Hope that lives within us for the world to see.
Great Series! We will be praying for these names for some times to come.
Check out Glow @ Mosaic Media
Apple Festival
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Yummy! The girls and I headed out to the Lincoln Co Apple Festival over the weekend. Mark was working a half day on Saturday so he missed all the fun. Lots of crafts and booths. Although we love apples (especially the Carmel ones) we went for the Library book sale.
Hardcover 1.00
Paperback .50
Magazines .10
I was looking for magazines. I love them. National Geographic Kids, National Geographic Explorer, Zoobooks, Ranger Rick, Odyssey
Any way NO SUCH LUCK
Not a single magazine to be found. However we did snag some books on the 50 states, American History, homeschool, a bunch of chapter books for my animal loving Kyndall, and our best find...over 150.00 dollars worth of piano music for 1.50. Love songs, Classic Rock, Country, Broadway Hits, Ballads, Oldies, Gospel, and more. Highlight of my day!
We spent 5.00
We ate carmel apples of course, walked a couple of miles, and worshiped with some young teen praise bands. Laughed at all the parents in line with their kids paying 2.00 per ticket to ride on a 3 minute kiddie ride. Nice day with the girls.
Opps I almost forgot. Came home with all the loot. You know... pens, pencils,plastic cups, sports bottles, jar openers, bookmarks, calenders, note pads, and frisbees.
Okay we have many frisbees from events just like these. However Sarah and Kyndall think they make perfect catfood dishes when turned upside down.
Who Touched me?
Some of my favorite memories growing up with my brother and sister happened in the car. We went on many vacations together and each year traveled to Ridgecrest for family retreats. My parents just loved to drive! Sometimes with no destination in mind. It was the ride itself, the fact that we were all crammed together in a small place at the same time.
The best conversations took place during long drives. I learned so much about History and Science just by asking my dad. He could give so much information on any subject. As siblings, we made up our own family games, sang songs, and annoyed my parents with the whole "stop touching me....Who touched me" situations that brothers and sisters engage in when crammed into the back seat of a car during a time when no one in the back seat wore seat belts.
Jesus asked this Question once." Who touched me?". You can find the account in Mark 5:22-34
Jesus called this women daughter! She pushed through the crowd to touch the hem of his garment and instantly was healed from years and years of suffering. Medical, physical, social, emotional, religious, financial suffering. As soon as this women touches Jesus the power leaves him and through her faith she is made whole. Wow!!
The ladies in our small group had great discussions based on this scripture!
Have you ever been in a situation in which you felt the power of God move through you? Many of my friends had great stories to share.
One mother in particular shared an experience I could identify with. She had experienced a difficult day with her child that had caused turmoil within her heart in regards to the way she had handled the situation. She knew the child's spirit had been hurt. Prompted by the Holy Spirit she laid down beside her resting child (who had cried herself to sleep) and placing her hand on her back began to pray. Not a prayer for the child but a prayer of repentance, for her own sin as a mother in this situation. Wow! The power of God at work between mother and child through an act of repentance. I cried!
Are you searching for Hope? It can be found in Jesus. Reach out to Him in faith. Reach out through repentance and experience the healing and restoration that will take place.
Chilly
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Okay....Never realized how much I loved the cold! We have been without aircondition for a couple of weeks. (Long Story) . It's really not been too bad! We have so gotten used to the warmness of summer days. My kids are even wanting to play outside more often!! Now most of you know I get hot easily so this was a big deal for me. But Now I am Freezing!!! The weather has cooled to 72 and the fans are in my windows. I feel like putting on a snow suit. As we speak my girls are doing Math in Long pants, sweatshirts, and fuzzy slippers!! Hillarious!! Never ever, in a million years, thought I would be cold in 70 degree weather!
What is your name?
Monday, September 15, 2008
May I see your ID please? If someone asked for your identification you would probably reluctantly pull out your drivers license with the crazy picture on it that makes you look like an ex-con. If you described yourself you might say: Wife, Mom, Husband, Dad, Pastor, Teacher, Receptionist, Mechanic etc...or something that describes what you do.
Last Friday we started our small group meetings again. There is something comfortable about this group of ladies. Our same peeps plus some new friends! We are doing a different study this time. We have chosen Questions that Jesus asked throughout His ministry and researching them on our own and sharing them with the group. A different question each week. This was really cool.
Our first Question Jesus asked a man in Mark 5:1-20
What is your name?
We focused on the Mans life before his encounter with Christ and then the transformation that took place afterwards. We each shared our stories of salvation and how our lives have changed or are being changed by Jesus. This was a great start to our Bible Study and I learned something fun as well.
Renee: means Reborn
Mark: Author of a Gospel
Sarah: princess, Lady
Kyndall:Valley of the river
So What does your name mean?
Carowinds
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pictures from last weekends trip to carowinds. Mark, the girls, and I went with my Mom and Dad, Amanda, and Toby and Lisa. Can you believe my parents rode every coaster they could find! It was so much fun. The park was virtually empty. We rode roller coasters over and over without even getting off! I think because of Hurricane Gustav, the forecast said lots of rain. It changed at the last minute. No rain just a nice cool breeze and 82. It was a lot of fun.
YIKES IKE!
(Image of Hurricane Ike by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)
My good friend Linda Jo is in Galveston. at least she was on thursday!
She works for Michaels stores and is in Texas setting up a new store. They evacuated thursday night to the west side of Houston. She said it took them 41/2 hours to move 40 minutes inland. They found a Hotel (she is with another lady) and hunkered down for the night.
I talked to her a couple of times. The Hotel gave out duck tape for everyone to tape their curtains to the walls in case the windows busted out. The winds were harsh for several hours. She says they slept through most of it. Now it's saturday. Of course the power is out. She can find cell phone service though.
I talked to her a few hours ago and the Hotel was asking everyone to leave. Evidently some type of city ordinance that says if you are without power for more than 12 hours..customers have to go. That's Crazy!! Where exactly would you go? Can't find gas anywhere!
Well fortunately they are staying across the street from a Micheals in Houston. So they are headed to the building to stay put until they have the clear to go and check on the store outside galveston or fly back home. She says they have water, soda, chips and cookies.
Micheals Corperate Home Office is in Dallas TX. So I am guessing they will send someone after them...to check on employees and buildings.
Stay safe Jo Jo!! Love Ya!!
Zack is Back!
Friday, September 5, 2008
I have had a busy week!! So This morning I tried to catch up on a few posts. So check out the next few for news on the Lewis Family. We had a great start to our school week (more on school later) and are headed to Carrowinds with my family tomorrow if Hurricane Hanna stays away!
Green
I love green plants!! They brighten my day and remind me of life in the winter. I hope my friend survives the dramatic change!!
Good bye Nissan
Saying goodbye to a car with a few memories. This is my sister Michele's car. Lots of miles put on this vehicle! Shelly traveled in this car to my house at Christmas to watch her Gracie and sunshine open Christmas presents! She traveled to see each of their births, to bring laughter and smiles, to visit my church, and just to say hey! She drove countless people with no transportation to and from work, drove to the airport for mission trips, picked up friends for church,to the store with daddy for snickers!She drove to work with Alzheimer's patients, the countryside...just because, doctors appt. for herself and others, college, and most often around town, long drives for fun and out to the movies and dinner with mom!! Just a simple vehicle.....crazy fun memories...I cried a little when they hauled it off. I am so grateful for all these wonderful memories God brings to my mind.
Lake Norman State Park
This is a beautiful park about 2 miles from my house! The water was a little merky and the kids a little quirky! We had a great time. Nice day, yummy picnic, good friends!! Fish were nibbling our toes!! Gross!
