Taking the Time I Need

Sometimes it's really hard to just stop with the busyness and just listen to what the Holy Spirit would have you to do.  At least it is for me.  From the time my brain clicks "Open for Business" in the morning, I'm thinking of all the things I need to get done and how I'm going to accomplish it all.  This week has been busy, as I work every other week cleaning houses.  It has been hard to catch up with the things that need to get done.  But in the midst of it all, my dear friend had surgery.  Not only did she have surgery, but one of her children had their tonsils and adenoids taken out and two of her other children had their wisdom teeth removed.  So, pretty much the whole family is down and out and dad had to head off to work this morning.  So, I have chosen to hear the voice of God this morning.  Quite frankly, I'm ashamed of myself that I didn't answer immediately, but then I was reminded that I don't have to carry the guilt of that:)  All I have to do is answer when He calls and today he's called in a sweet voice of a friend who needs my help.  I will spend my day taking care of my friend and her kids.  I'm so blessed to have the privilege. Thank you, God, for my dear friends.

My Friends Rock!

Today is an exciting day as I'm preparing to go out of town with some of my girlfriends.  We are going to a conference for Children's ministry workers.  Some may think that might sound boring or lame, but I get to hang out with these ladies that are the cream of the crop!  I'm so lucky to get to work alongside the best besties!  So, I'll brag on these ladies for starters (since I talked about the women friendships in my w2wministries blog today.

There's Becky.
Becky is the most faithful person I know.  We've been friends a long time and our kids have grown up together.  Even during a time when I wasn't around, Becky has been faithful to the church and the commitments she is a part of.  I only wish I was such a faithful servant.  Becky is my brain (cause a lot of times I wonder if I have one).  She keeps me on task and remembers all the important details.  She has the kindest heart and thinks of others above herself.  She has overcome many obstacles in her life, but has remained faithful to serve God through it all.  I am so glad God has blessed my life with her friendship and her help.  And I hope our season of friendship continues for a long time.

This is when Becky and I camped out in the church parking lot this summer to secure the VBS premises.  Haha!

We've come so far!

Quick pose before church one morning.  Sure love this girl!

There's Kathy.
My sweet Kathy always knows how to cheer this girl.  She is a wonderful listener.  She has been through the ropes in her own life and has great insight in how to be sucessful in marriage and life.  She is always willing to jump in and help where needed.  She has such a tender heart for the kids.  She's not afraid to shed a tear or two, but she is afraid to take the stage.  But she'd even do that for me;)  I love my Ms. Kathy!

Here's the 3 amigas!  I don't know why I can't find more of Kathy and I right now.  I'll have to take some this weekend.

There's Tammy.
Tammy and I met this summer and I have liked her from the start!  We definitely have kindred spirits and her heart is genuine.  She was always there this summer when we were preparing for our big VBS event.  I loved that time because I really got to know her well.  I am excited that she has become a part of our team and I look forward to getting to know her better.

This was taken at our awards ceremony this week.  I plan on taking many new pics this weekend with this girl!

I am so blessed!  These are just a few of the wonderful people that God has surrounded me with!  Ladies, we are going to have a blast this weekend!  Love you all and I'm so thankful for our friendships!

This Momma is Proud:)

Today on Woman to Woman Ministries, I shared about the Importance of Acceptance of our children.  So many times, I spend a great deal of time talking about what things need to be done or fixed or corrected, that I forget to remind my kids what I really like about them and what they accomplish.  So, today I want to share with you some of the things that I'm proud about with my kids...

Ashlee:  She is such a good big sister to her siblings.  I know they drive her crazy at times, but she never fails to take them out and spend time with them individually and make them feel special.  She works hard at her job and has proved her consistency by being there for a long time. A lot of kids her age are trying to find themselves and are very lost with who they are and don't even hold a job down, but Ashlee sticks with it even through the tough stuff (and this has been a tough year for her).  I'm proud of you, Ashlee.  Keep up the good work!

Bree:  She has come a long way since that first day we met her.  I'm so proud of her perserverance to better herself and her determination to finish school and be successful with everything she does.  She is preparing to be a momma and I know she'll do a great job at it.

Britnee:  I'm so proud of all that you have aspired to.  You have accomplished so much in your school work, working hard to get it all done.  I'm also so proud of your progression you have made in your photography work and business.  You have great talent.  You also continue to shine the light of Jesus wherever you go.  Your work in the youth group and Children's ministry is over the top and I know your crowns in heaven will be great!

Bradlee:  My boy might show a tough exterior, but really he's come a long way from where he used to be.  He might still be shy, but he has learned to overcome those fears and stand in front of a crowd and give a speech, like this year in Debate/Speech.  He always makes us laugh out loud, for real.  I always have called him my Apple Jack Laugh, a name he gave himself when he was about 3 years old and would tell us jokes to get us to laugh.  He's still making us laugh today.  He did a fantastic job in playing football this year and being part of a team that works together to get the job done.  And a side of Bradlee that most people don't even know...this year we had a dear friend come live with us with her children for a season.  Bradlee has blown me away with his tenderness and love to those children.  He has jumped right in there to help care for them.  He will one day be a great father, I can tell already!  You are a treasure to me, Bradlee Wyatt!

Ellee:  My sweet little Ellee Belle.  We have certainly come a long way!  You have had to be my brave one way more often than I would wish for any kid.  You have conquered so many fears and have defeated the odds on so many levels.  I'm so proud of your willingness to help with anything I need help with, your sweet spirit towards animals and those less fortunate than others, you're a true friend to everyone around you, and your genuine interest in being the best you can be.  Just recently you finished a project on the Mayas that took a long time to prepare.  You did such a great job on it!  You are so helpful to care for the babies at anytime we need you and so flexible just to jump in the car and see where the next hour takes you.  I love your passion for reading and learning.  I also love the way you make me laugh.  I'm lucky to be your momma!