The Hickman Happenings

We Are MOVING!!!

2011-01-14T08:32:00.001-08:00

Now, don't get on your phone and call all of your friends and tell them we're leaving town! We are just changing blog addresses ! Trust me, though! I've been busy all week moving things around and making our new home just like I like it. It combines a little of our home life, along with our ministry life. We hope you will like our new digs and come visit often. We still have some work to do on the place, but we're glad you dropped in!

THE HICKMAN HAPPENINGS

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

And the Word of the Day...YEAR...is...

2011-01-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

My title may give me away as the parent of a preschooler that watches Sesame Street, but really, I've decided to take it a step further and have a word of the YEAR! I've seen a lot of people I follow on Twitter, and really respect as well, talk about their One Word. I had been thinking before the New Year began about some things I would like to have characterize my life at the end of 2011, so when I began to see all of the tweets and updates, it was as though I already knew what my one word would be. No doubt, God had already been preparing my heart. I haven't officially participated in this One Word challenge, but it did give me some encouragement to know that others were thinking intentionally over their year as I have thought over mine. I really believe God is not done showing me plans and goals for 2011, but I DO know that irregardless of the plans or goals, this word will be my constant. I hear it, think it, dwell on it and my heart races! The word?

PURPOSE

Wikepedia defines it as "Purpose is a result, end, mean, aim, or goal of an action intentionally undertaken." Guess which part I really, really like in this? "Intentionally!" It changes everything for me.

As I read through the Gospels toward the end of 2010 with my fellow Pastor's wives at LifeSong, I saw Jesus being so intentional day in and day out. I can remember viewing the word, "intentional" as a stressor in my life. I, for whatever reason, felt that it required a whole lot of work and a whole lot of planning ahead. What I discovered when I read is that Jesus just lived life. He was! I mean, He is...OK, He's the great I AM! As I read the Gospels and focused on reading in order to just see Jesus for who He is, I saw Purpose and a realness that felt new and fresh to me. In applying this to a New Year, that freshness and realness took on new meaning and put my focus on having purpose and intentionality in every, single thing I do. Every, single thing I say. Every, single circumstance - whether big or small! I honestly believe that I thought I would see fireworks or sirens would sound when I actually had "planned" ahead on how I would approach my New Year. That just hasn't been the case. I have the most honest, real and sincere peace over me as I seek to make every moment count. I've failed countless times already, here 11 days in, thus bringing another change. The old Amy would be beyond frazzled over failure, but the new Amy is taking the failures and waking up each day CHOOSING to not be ruled by fear, failure, disappointment, but instead she is living. Yep...living! She rolls with the punches. She looks in her mirror and not the mirror of another for approval or comparison. She understands freedom and she lives in it, irregardless of the opinion of another. There's a lot of life to live. I wasn't put on this earth to live it just for me. Being a mom that stays home, it's easy to lose my identity and feel I'm not making a difference, but when I see it through the lens of purpose I see that I could be raising a daughter that will be a world-changer, or that as I spend a day sending out notes of encouragement to someone who is alone, or taking a meal to someone who is too weak to cook for themselves, or going to serve my husband in the office just so he can concentrate on something else, I see that I'm loving others more than myself. It's purpose! It may not be how the world defines it, but nonetheless, it is loving others as Christ did.

The definition of PURPOSE also states there is an end result. Check back in 2012 for what I hope will be a HUGE end result of changed lives (not just mine) and big impact on me personally, my family and my community. May God use me for HIS purposes and to venture out WAY beyond myself!

Win Your Man Over

2011-01-07T05:27:00.001-08:00

They say the best way to your man's heart is through his stomach! I think my man would agree. :)
Before ya know it, the Super Bowl will be here and you better get your dip recipes ready. Let me be the first to "bless your heart"....ummm, I mean your stomach...with this "yummy to your man's tummy" dip. I thank the greatest mentor of my life, The Pioneer Woman, for blessing my heart with this one (OK, maybe not the greatest mentor, but I'm hungry right now as I type this, so my thoughts are to the great food influences of my life). So, here ya go...I bless thee!

Hot Olive and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients

1 can Artichoke Hearts (14 Oz. Can)
10 whole Black Olives
8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese (1 Pack)
1 cup (Real) Mayonnaise
1 whole Egg
¼ cups Red Onion, Diced
¼ cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Cayenne Pepper (for Spice)

Preparation Instructions

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 5 to 8 times until mixture is combined but not totally liquefied. Stir and check seasonings, then pour into a small casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with Stacy’s Simply Naked chips.

How Many Friends Do YOU Have?

2011-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

How many times have you asked, been asked, or even checked Facebook to see if you have more friends than someone else? Are you living under the disillusion that the more friends you have on Facebook, or the more people that follow you on Twitter, define how many real relationships you have in your life? Do you feel like you have "arrived" if you have over 500 friends? I feel, sometimes, that our identity gets wrapped up in little petty things like this and in the long run, we miss a way bigger picture.

I'm very relationship driven. I love being around people and it energizes me, but I'm NOT that girl that has/had a ton of friends. My friendships have always been based on an intense loyalty. My friends from 25 years ago, are my friends today...with very little exception. As I've looked back on what makes these friendships tick, it all comes back to the same thing - we spend TIME together. We DO life together and through thick and thin, we endure it all - the good and the bad.
Managing Facebook and Twitter is somewhat a tricky thing for this "want to know the heart of who you are" type person. Let's be real. It's hard to really get to KNOW someone through these two avenues of social media. Sometimes it even keeps us at a arm's lengths distance from knowing the heart of the person. Now, there's no way we can get to know EVERYONE on Facebook or Twitter that we have friend-ed, or have friend-ed (followed) us, but how can we integrate our culture and still pour into the lives of people on our friend's lists? I'm convinced that social media is here to stay and how we use it can make great impact. From time to time, personal statements like where you're eating lunch, or you got a great deal on a sweater (me!!) give us an inside look into the everyday-ness of people's lives, but how are we using the opportunity we have to update our status to be difference-makers in the lives of others? Luke 10:8 says, "When you enter a town and are received, eat what they set before you." Now, lest you think this post is going to turn into a post about food, look at what the Scripture is really saying. Get to know your community. Put your finger on the pulse of who they are. DO life with them! Tap into the culture where you live. Statements like these can oftentimes overwhelm me because I feel a sense of "I have to get to know EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. INTIMATELY???!!!!" No! Be engaging. Show people you care from how you treat your waiter, your cashier at the grocery store, to loving on your child's teacher, be interested in meeting people's needs. Speak to people when you pass them by, rather than trying to write them messages, or posting on their wall, and really believe that you are forming some sort of relationship with them. I've had people walk right on by when they see me in public and not say a word, only to come home and find posts and messages from them in an attempt to converse. Look people in the eye. People don't walk right on by and not speak when we are looking people in the eye. Our eye contact often says to someone, I'm saying hello and acknowledging you without even saying a word. We once served in a church where people grew up with one another, yet they barely spoke to each other, much less had any physical contact of hugging or patting each other on the back. We began to break the wall and actually hug on them, and before you knew it, they were speaking and actually stopping in the hallways to share life together. It really doesn't take much.
Now, I have NOT arrived at all in bridging the gap of social media and real everyday life. I despise talking on the phone, and texting, I believe was created for ME alone! We're not gonna be great at all things regarding relationships, but we can sure be great at some things. Not doing anything will not make a difference at all. Tap into the world around you. Coming back from Venezuela years and years ago, this issue still causes me a whole lotta confusion. America seems to live in a busy, get it done fast mentality, leaving very little time to look people in the eye, pat them on the back and actually say, "You matter to me." 2011 should be a year of new beginnings for us. We need goals everyday. Start today making people matter. For the ones God has allowed me to get close to in my life, I'm a waaaaaaaay better person now than I was when I started off!

Labels

2011-01-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

About two months ago, I took an amazing group of ladies through "So Long Insecurity" by Beth Moore. We used the online discussion questions found on her blog to guide us through the chapters of the book. One particular day, our discussion turned to labeling people - depersonalizing them by giving them a title, rather than a real person identity. It was....ummmm....TOE-STOMPING to say the least. I was mortified (that's the strongest word I can think of right now) over how I depersonalize people over petty things, like how they dress, how they hold their posture, whether they come to church (or don't), education (or lack thereof). I know of another word that turns into depersonalizing another...JUDGMENT. As I studied to teach this particular day, my oldest daughter was telling me how kids at school had been coming up to her - kids she did not even know - and laughed at her and called her a "goody, goody" because she is a Pastor's Kid. Most of the kids I could forgive because they are not in relationship with Christ. I don't expect those walking in darkness to live like they are walking in the LIGHT, but it's the Christ-followers that I admittedly had problem forgiving. I caught myself depersonalizing the children that depersonalized MY child! It was becoming a vicious cycle, really! The Mama bear in me wanted to yank them by the scalp and give 'em a piece of my mind for labeling my child before knowing her! Then, that still, quiet voice pops in and I'm mortified! Mortified that I am depersonalizing people everyday without taking time to get to know them...to really know what they are going through. I wish I could say that I've become a success at seeing everyone for who they are, but I'm not there yet. I still react in my flesh. I still rush through life so fast that I don't take time to really listen.
Admittedly, I've experienced the receiving end of labels often in ministry. I, too, as a pastor's kid received labels..."You should know the right answer...you're the preacher's kid." "You shouldn't let anyone see you do that...you're the preacher's kid." As an adult, I've more than received them. "You shouldn't say what you really think. You're a Pastor's wife." "I can't believe that you listen to Bon Jovi...You're a Pastor's wife." (True statement!) While this bothers me to have my life singled out as though I'm superwoman, a non-human, I'm more disgusted when I see/hear the same things coming out of my life/mouth. So, the statement we've often made so cliché really ought to hold some truth...we've gotta begin to "see people as Jesus sees them." Rather one is in ministry publicly or not, we ALL...and let me say that again...we ALL have a ministry! We all put our church clothes on everyday and influence someone's life. While it's easier to point a finger at a pastor or a pastor's wife and say, "You shouldn't" this or that, pluck the log out of your own eye and see that the same things we say "you should not" to are true of each of our lives. Someone is always watching, always critiquing. Start seeing people how Jesus sees them. After all, "We’re the clay and you’re our potter: All of us are what you made us.Isaiah 64:8 MSG.
None of us have arrived! I remove labels off of cans to send in with my daughters to school for rewards for their class. It's time I, and the rest of us, begin to remove them off the faces and lives of real, life people. It's time to reap the rewards of knowing a person for whom God created them to really be!

My New Year's Resolution...Early!

2010-11-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big resolution maker. Half the time, I don't keep them, but sometimes you just need a recharge, and I definitely need one with blogging again. I love writing more than just about anything, but I have simply (yet chaotically) allowed life to take over. Time to take back what I enjoy doing...writing about my family, my life in ministry, sharing recipes and photos of our life.
So, there's no time like the present...

As I look back over the last few years of our life, I've heard myself say, "My heart is so full" so many times. I'm beyond grateful for how God has allowed us to be used and see lives impacted. We have such a great platform in serving LifeSong Church, but it is learning to live and love like Him everyday that excites me the most. It's where life, even in the mundane, not so busy days, is full because His love has become more real to me each day. Life has been full for us, but the moments we have experienced have been as though time has stood still and given us a view of great appreciation.

In a nutshell, life with the Hickman's is full of a whole lot of school, where the girls are doing so well. Mommy has time to herself, even, as the youngest little Hickman is off to preschool. There's a lot of running around, working and playing going on!
We are excited to see our church, LifeSong, experience a great deal of growth over the last year. We have just broken ground for a new building that we pray will continue to be used to greatly impact our community.
We look forward to catching up with you over the holidays, whether it be face to face, virtually or by phone call. Look for us to catch up with you here at our blog, or on Twitter (@AmyCHickman and JeffWHickman)or Facebook.

I Pretty Much Looked the Other Way

2010-08-26T04:52:00.001-07:00

**(I shared this post in our monthly Pastor's Wives' Newsletter. I think it's something we all face, so I wanted to share here, too.)

I began my day with a great deal of excitement. School was starting and I was gaining some freedom...some ME time! I still had one child at home, but my day was looking pretty good irregardless. I had plans for pedicures with my girlfriend and a nice lunch later. My day was completely planned out...just the way I like it! For the most part of the morning and early afternoon, I stuck to my plans. I had well-groomed toes with a nice Burgandy polish, and later enjoyed a healthy lunch, and wonderful conversation with my friend. All of it proved to be medicine to my soul...until I left the restaurant and headed home.

As I left the restaurant, I waited in a line of about six cars, where I was about 5th in line. I looked around and noticed a woman about three cars up standing in the grass holding a sign. I could only make out the word

"HOMELESS."

Immediately, my "Yeah, I bet you are" attitude took over - the one where I got taken for a fool more times than I can count when I lived in Venezuela. I mean, we live in the land of opportunity in America and I have never quite been able to rationalize homelessness in this country. I really shut down my heart to the possibility that this could be legitimate. As I inched closer, a different picture took shape. In seconds my world changed. I began to pass by to turn at the stoplight at which I had been waiting, taking me face to face with a woman holding the sign, red-faced, with tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. The sign could have, instead, read

"HUMILIATION."

My heart broke into. I began to cry and ask God what I should do. I had to get to a gas station. I was on empty and had to make it before I ran out. I reached the gas station beside a grocery store and began to ask God if I should go in and buy groceries for this woman. I rationalized my way out of it, though. "How would she get the home?" "Where did she live?" "How did she get to where she stood by the road?" I filled up my car and headed home...leaving a woman by the road without a solution...without relief. All day, her face haunted me. All I could see were her eyes, full of tears, empty of hope. I went though my day, only to wake up the next morning knowing I had to find that lady.

I got two bags of clothes together, put them by the door to load in my car, only to leave them when I went out to run errands...MY agenda only on my mind. And now, the days have gone by and here I sit writing a story with an unhappy ending. I never found the lady.

I never again tried!

I've asked myself a thousand times why I didn't reach out to her. My past would say it was just fear, but I wasn't scared to turn around and go back. I really just didn't have the follow-through. I knew God spoke clearly to go, but I didn't have faith enough to turn around and see where His leading took me. I just didn't have the full picture!

Often times, we don't have the full picture of what it's like to walk the Jesus Way. It calls us to step out on faith. Fear may not be present in our lack of obedience, but our lack of faith to see it to an end may be. Jesus' Way calls us to step out on faith, to take an otherwise stereotypical picture of homelessness in this country and see the individual...see the pain behind the sign.

What my experience has done for me is remind me that each day God has called me to take up my cross and follow Him...follow him out of a planned out day...follow Him to turn my car around and serve...follow Him into danger.

How are you, everyday, walking the Jesus Way? Are you ready to see where His way will take you? Will you step out in faith?

I Like to Go to School

2010-08-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

The title is Quinn's words EXACTLY. She tells me over and over how much she likes to go to school. I'm finally, after 12 years of being home with my girls, enjoying a little alone time. Tuesday - Thursday I have three and 1/2 hrs a day to myself. I've been staying busy working out tons, cleaning lots and volunteering at Jeff's office and at the other girls' schools. I miss my girls, but I would be lying if I said I didn't love this time to pursue some other interests. I'm always ready, though, to pick this cutie up from school everyday...

Missing Daddy

2010-07-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

When Daddy is away, we miss him like crazy! This week the girls worked on their special sign to welcome him home from his trip to Haiti, where he was gone for 8 days!!!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2010-07-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

I am taking part in Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life posts today w/ very optimistic expectations (read the title if you don't believe me). Today, we are linking up to show off our amazing single friends in hopes that there's a match made in heaven...or here, in blogland! ;)My very dear friend, Amy, is one of the kindest, truest souls I've ever known. I met Amy when we attended boarding school in Venezuela, where my parents were missionaries. Amy traveled to school from Colombia, where her parents were missionaries. From the moment I met her, we hit it off due to her "never meet a stranger" attitude and her infectious laughter! She is truly a person that lives each day to the fullest, and she does it all with a smile!
She loves the Lord with all of her heart, and seeks to follow Him wherever He would have her be. She currently resides in Texas, where she attends seminary, and works full time as a Labor and Delivery nurse. She LOVES her job of bringing new life into the world. She loves kids and all of her nieces and nephews can attest to the fact that Aunt Amy is the coolest!Amy also loves to travel, spends a lot of time outdoors camping and in her new kayak and loves hanging out with her friends as much as possible. She is very close to her family. Amy is very loyal, confident and always has time to listen. She is 37 years old, and would make any man an AMAZING wife! I look forward to the day that God answers her prayer and sends her someone to love her as she deserves! How much fun we're gonna have at her wedding! One thing is for sure...there will be a lot of smiles and laughter!

Reunions

2010-06-01T04:24:00.000-07:00

I love that God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends from all over the world. In my day to day life, I'm learning that God has given me a safe haven to lean on and trust in. It has been a hard journey to find that, and I'm so thankful for the peace I've found in having people to trust and who genuinely love me. That desire to have that love and investment in my life was most definitely born out of an amazing background of growing up in a boarding school, where the girls you lived with in the dorm became your sisters and your best friends. I'm so blessed that now, 20 and 25 years later, we still can't go very long without seeing one another. Two years ago we reunited in Dallas. This year, we reunited in Phoenix, Arizona, where my best friend, Lana, lives.We had such a good time spending our days hitting every great restaurant in the city (well, maybe not 'every', but my waistline is saying A LOT of them!), watching movies and looking at old pictures from high school (there was a whole lot of bad hair going on in those pics) and listening to a ton of 80's/90's music so we could relive the "good 'ole days"! I've known Lana since we met in Costa Rica, where our parents were in language school. We both bonded over how much resentment we had for our parents making us move to another country!! ;) I've known Camille since our parents served in Caracas, Venezuela together, and I've known Amy since my first visit to our boarding school, Christiansen Academy. She was the first person I met there, and later ended up being a roommate there numerous semesters. Lastly, my sister, Missy, and I shared most of our friends growing up, so of course she joined me for the trip!

Here's some great highlights of our time together....
Our day trip to Sedona

A Chapel in Sedona

Lana and Amy

Camille and Missy

Missy and Me

All of us

Lana and me
Amy and Amy!

Favorite Children's Book

2010-05-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today I'm participating in Kelly's Korner "Show Me Your Life" posts because I cannot ever pass up an opportunity to brag on my cousin, the author. If you are looking for an AMAZING children's book that your kids will grow up and say, "One of my most special times was when you read...", then you want to get "Me With You." It's about the relationship a grandparent has with their grandchild, but it can translate to any special relationship we have in our lives. The illustrations are timeless and heartwarming. Check out this great trailer of when her book came out last year, and then RUN to your local Barnes and Noble and get one!

Birthday Hoopla!

2010-05-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to blog at all anymore! I've stunk my blog up here lately, but we've had two very specials birthdays at our house that need to be written about! The photos of said birthdays may be few, but let's try to paint a pretty picture of the ones celebrated!!

We have a 12 year old in the HOUSE!!!(McKenna is pictured in the middle)

I think that we are actually still celebrating McKenna's birthday. It seems to have been a few weeks long celebration from breaking her out of school early the weekend of her birthday to taking off to Columbia for "The Rock and Worship Roadshow" on the actual day of her birthday.

McKenna is our firstborn. We first learned to be parents through her, and she teaches us more how to do that everyday. There are so many words that describe McKenna, but here are a few...

M - marvelous C - Child of God (we're so thankful she calls God her Father!)
K - kindhearted...always thinks of others
E - everyone's friend
N - non-stop worker...amazing work ethic
N - nice, courteous, gracious
A -An AMAZING daughter

McKenna is, quite simply, a blessing to know. She shows me everyday that while she is my child, she is also my friend. I love talking to her and learning from her. She genuinely loves others and you will not find a more servant-hearted person. Our precious firstborn is growing into a beautiful young woman. Each year with you, McKenna, is a gift to us. If you know McKenna, you LOVE her!
The latest birthday in the house was for Jeff! He's 38 years young! We've had lots of fun celebrating as a family and with friends. So many people have a love for Jeff...he's known by many and a friend to all, but for us, he's an amazing husband and father. He's someone that never lets a day go by without it being evident that we are his priority. He makes us laugh. He challenges us to be better and work harder. He walks with the Father so closely that the overflow of that is the love he pours out on you when you are with him. He is never content with being the same, but he is always on a path to being better and stronger! I'm so thankful for how hard he works for us and takes care of us. One day a year is not a long enough celebration of just how we feel to know you, Jeff. You fill our hearts up! We love you!

A Giveaway for Moms and Their Daughters

2010-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is a great giveaway over at All Access. Check it out if you have daughters!

We're NOT Professionals...

2010-04-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

We are not professional bowlers, but we sure had fun taking all of my girls and my sister's girls bowling on Spring Break w/ my mom.

Easter

2010-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our Easter 2010 was wonderful! We saw almost 2000 people come out to LifeSong Church for our Easter Egg Drop/Hunt, and then over 700 come back the next day to our Easter services. We are so grateful for the lives we saw changed this Easter. I loved how Jeff said it on Sunday. He said that you won't find us doing any different service at Easter than we strive to do every single Sunday at LifeSong Church. We always want to come together on Sundays and celebrate Jesus resurrection and life because we have Victory! I can tell ya, though...celebrating Sunday was extra special! What a great thing to know that we can reach out to our community in such fun ways and meet their need for great family activities for their families, and see them come on Sunday and meet Jesus. We saw 13 salvations Sunday, and we rejoice in every one of them!The girls had fun this Easter starting off with lots of excitement at our Egg Drop/Hunt. We had so much fun waiting on the plane to fly overhead, dropping tons of eggs out, and off we went to gather them all in our baskets. You can imagine with almost 2000 people there, the eggs were gone like THAT! Even still, candy was to be had, and very dirty faces after!
Easter morning, the girls woke up to a much more "intentional" Easter basket. This year, I felt very strongly that our emphasis needed to be more focused on the life, death and resurrection of Christ rather than filling our baskets with a lot of commercialism. We presented all four of our girls with brand new Bibles. Of course, they got candy, because who doesn't have a smile on their face after a little bit of sugar! Our prayer is that these new Bibles will be a constant reminder of our desire to see our girls walk in victory each day.Easter Sunday afternoon was spent over a yummy Sunday lunch, naps and egg dying and hunting. It was fun spending time together on what could not have been a more gloriously beautiful day!

Catching Up In Pictures

2010-03-18T04:37:00.003-07:00

Nicer weather makes for fun times outside!

Our house is for sale...NOT this cutie!

3 of the 4 girls enjoyed a day at the park

A Dinner Party

The HOST of the Dinner Party

A visit to see Papa and Meme

Loving on Meme after her hospital stay

Sitting in her favorite chair at Meme's and Papa's House

Bailey's chorus concert

Who Do You Inspire?

2010-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have many people that have inspired, and continue to inspire, me in my life. They may all have different personalities, but the one connecting factor in all of them is that they just are who they are. They are "being today who they want to be tomorrow." In other words, they are just being the real deal, truly living their lives....every part of their lives. The thing that inspires me about them is they are not trying just to show the good parts. They are vulnerable, teachable and willing to start over in order to really become what they are supposed to be in life. I've been told (more than a time or two) that I expose too much of who I am to people...say too much, don't hide my emotions very well or I "might" be a little too honest. For a very long time that has, quite honestly, wounded me. It held me back from being who I am. I cared way too much what people thought about me. At the same time, when you are in the process of being who God wants you to be, you're gonna need to hear some criticism, but ultimately care about the One's comments that matter the most. I am learning that God has made me to be me...not you, or who you think I should be, or even who someone else is that may be WAY cooler than me. I'm to be me!

This has challenged me this week as Jeff began a new series called "Close Encounters," challenging us to have encounter with God for one...to know Him as our Father, but also to realize when the God of heaven and earth is right in the midst of our LIVES! Those unmistakable, undeniable times when it's you and God. We talked about this in our LifeGroup Monday night - "Describe your close encounters, or one of your close encounters with God." This, for me, has come through times of God showing Himself to me through others...the ones that inspire me, but I've had significant times in my life that it's just God and me...the only one that could deliver me from being so low and depressed that I could barely breathe...He reached out to me and drew me close and spoke "peace." Times when the hurt and pain have been so severe that He said, "You're not alone. I'm here." Most significantly, though, is that none of those things would have happened had God not spoken His love for me as a 7 year old little girl...had it not been for me accepting a simple and unconditional promise that He would live in my life forever. As I've heard many stories of close encounters in their salvation as an older teen or adult, I hear such a real desperation in voices to live for Him, that freshness in their love for Him...it's just "seemed" more real. I thought a lot about it yesterday, and truly, had it not been for people inspiring and investing in my life, I often wonder if the love I feel for Christ now would not seem so real to me. It made me think of the way inspire others...my kids, my husband, women's lives, our church as I serve as their Pastor's wife, etc. It's heavy the responsibility we have to inspire others, but it's also the very thing that could spur others into their own close encounter with Christ. Don't take for granted that you have no one to inspire. Don't ever deny the fact that if you are His child, you have been inspired to lead others. For me, my husband inspires me as he is just REAL in his relationship with Christ...never living as though he's already "arrived," but doing whatever it takes to move everything in his life in the direction of Christ. My parents have inspired me in the readiness of their hearts to follow Christ wherever He leads them. My sisters inspire me simply by giving my life laughter. My daughters even inspire me as they challenge me to be the mother that they need. My dorm mom from high school inspires me as she prays scripture over my life, and just genuinely loves me for who I am.
Who are you inspiring to have a close encounter with God? Who is inspiring you?

What I'm Doing

2010-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

There's a whole lot going on in my life right now. Before you stop reading because you think this is a post about being busy, never fear...I don't like that word..."busy". It has become too much of a status quo statement maker. The busier we are, the more successful we're supposed to appear. Instead, I'm trying to focus on the little details of my days...the insignificant and the significant. I just want each moment to be LIVED, and not regretted. I want to love well and in turn, love God by loving others. So, here's a little peek into my life TODAY, and if I can be intentional to love through even the most tiny detail, then I'm going to relish it!

What I'm reading: "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan - Really has been the impetus for this post. Lately, it has pinpointed in my life not minimizing the ways I CAN love right now, without all of the excuses that I'm good at making, such as "life is just so mundane/routine," "I never come in contact with other people...other than the grocery store," "How can I make a difference?" Rather, know that God has commanded me to love Him and love others, and by loving others, I am loving Him and desiring more and more of Him when I'm exercising love. It's becoming real to me through the hug I can give, the meal I can prepare for others or even my family, through the kiss I can give my girls in the morning that's not easy for this morning person, or through loving and praying for that difficult person. It's practical. It's real. It's freeing.

My favorite activities: I wrote a post recently on being intentional to spend one on one time with my girls, and the month of January was more special to me just because of this alone! I loved getting to sit with my girls and hear even the smallest detail of their day, or what they are into right now. They always amaze me by sharing their heart. Sometimes I think I know them, but then they surprise me even more.
Date nights are consistently one of my favorite activities. I never get tired of spending time with Jeff. We just get along...plain and simple. I love every bit of time I can spend with him. His heart is the purest! He is just an amazing person to get to know. We laugh, we sit and stare at one another, we enjoy our time! We are beginning to get healthier together and I love being on whatever journey God puts us on right now...together!
I still enjoy reality TV. It just amuses me. I definitely think it's fallen into the "favorite pastime category. Along w/ that, I love keeping in touch with friends through Facebook, Twitter and email. It's really strengthened my friendships, when I keep it in check! ;)

New ventures: I'm all about relationships. They breathe life into me, and lately this aspect of my life has taken a newer, richer turn. I've been able to connect myself with some great wives of Pastor's. These ladies have been such an encouragement, whether it be the ones I've had the pleasure to meet in person, or the ones I know through Facebook, Twitter and blogging. They teach me and enrich my life. I had the honor of meeting with five wives of pastor's last week as a part of the coaching network Jeff has been attending the last six months. It was such an edifying time to hear all God is doing in these ladies' lives to make them the lead pastor's wife that God wants them to be. I really appreciate the words spoken over my life during that time. God has put so many neat people, in general, in my life lately. Their humility, vulnerability and love have all worked to make me a better me!

Deeper callings: In loving well, I continue to know God is challenging me and moving me to a greater place alongside my husband as he leads our church. I LOVE being married to a pastor. Even in the times of figuring out my place of leading others, it's a joy to be a part of seeing lives changed. I am excited to be more intentional as Jeff and I lead together and as was spoken over my life at the coaching network, to "relish my reality." I am excited to move forward in the confidence of my calling to encourage and love, in order to be who God wants ME to be!

I encourage you today to take a look at all areas of your life. Sometimes we don't take the time to realize that we are difference makers, and that our life that never seems to matter much, matters to someone! What are you doing TODAY to love Him well?

Happy Birthday to Quinn!

2010-02-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

haQuinn Olivia is the name we chose for this "unexpected" little blessing three years ago on a chilly February 7th day. It was no surprise to us that we were having our FOURTH daughter...seeing as we pretty much had a winning streak going already! The day the ultrasound tech told us, we pretty much could've told HER! We were familiar with the picture! We were surprised, however, to even be expecting a baby at that point in our lives. Having a fourth child was NO WHERE on our radar...AT ALL!
We were going through one of the darkest times of our lives and feeling very uncertain of our future...very hurt, very frustrated, very confused. Going to the movies with my sister and her girls that day was only supposed to be a girls' day out (my sis has THREE girls!)...not a day to go find out that I was pregnant. I just wanted to be out and have a day to not think about the current state of our life, but something kept nagging at me the whole movie..."I think I'm pregnant. No I'm not. Yes, I am. NO I'M NOT. That is CRAZY!!" My thoughts were later confirmed that day as I took a test and found out that indeed I was pregnant. I was too scared to tell Jeff in person because he was already going through so much. I told him over the phone! I think of his words all the time, especially now on Quinn's birthday...especially now on this side of God's provision and protection - His plans for our life of prospering and not harming - His plans for a future that included a smiley faced, happy little girl that lives life for the fullest. He told me

Celebrate Life

Never did I need to hear two words more...NOT even, as I've learned now, living in the midst of heartache, but more because embracing each day in joy, in trial, in success. I'm thankful for God sending us a precious little 7lb 8oz girl to teach us so much about life. She continues to be a ray of sunshine for her Mommy and Daddy, as well as her sisters. She tackles the day with a lot of fervor, and gets in trouble a whole lot for it, but nonetheless, she does it with a smile on her face.

Here are some special facts about Quinn:
Loves sweets - as with the other girls, I blame this on their Daddy. He always gave 'em that first piece of candy, thus spoiling them for life!

Loves her sisters - she is NEVER fully content until we pick them up from school everyday!

LOVES to sing

LOVES her dogs, Jake and Emmy
Loves her "boyfriend," Aiden

LOVES her "gaggy" - her blanket
Loves outdoors
Loves apples

Loves to run to her Daddy when he gets home everyday (will even tell him to go back to the door if she misses him coming in)

Loves her bed! She calls "Mommy" every morning when she is ready to wake up. I love that time of the day when I hear her call my name.

Quinn has blessed our lives in sooooooo many ways. Our prayer for her is the same it's been for all of our girls...that they would come to know Christ at an early age, and in Quinn's case, that He would use her love of life to touch many, many lives!

12 months of Investing

2010-01-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Very recently we (at Lifesong) were challenged to Invest...time, resources, gifts, talents, love, compassion - whatever we could to love God by loving others. The result of this challenge was different for everyone, but for me, I was really challenged, and convicted, that I was not investing in my kids' lives as intentionally as I should be. Sure, I'm home with them a lot - that's what my life's calling is, but I had not been giving it my all. During Christmas, this really seemed to stay with me. What could I do to show each of my girls - individually - that I want to spend time with them...that I want to get to know the "girls of God" that they are. I get so stressed sometimes trying to find alone time with each of the girls, so this year, after NOT over-thinking it, I decided to gift the girls with 12 months of alone time with Mom. Dad even jumped in on the fun with his on ideas, too. We each decided to come up with an idea per month that we could take our daughters - by themselves - on fun days. Some of the things we came up with are things we actually have managed to stay consistent in doing with them, but for me, it was the being intentional aspect of things that made this matter the most. Knowing that on a designated day each month of the year the girls and I would have our day together is so exciting to me.
Today, Avery and I have made plans for our first month's activity together. She chose the "Dinner and a Movie with Mom" certificate I gave her. Over the next year, I'll post pics of our time together so I can have a record of it. I'm excited, and my prayer is that we'll reach December 2010 with loads and loads of brand new memories...and a LOT of laughs!
How have you been intentionally investing in others?

Be

2010-01-06T04:48:00.000-08:00

"Be today who you want to be tomorrow" were the words I started off my day reading. For a procrastinator, with very good intentions, these words penetrated my heart and brought me challenge, but more so, relief! When you live with the mindset a lot of the time that, "Tomorrow, I'll get it right," you sell yourself short on living each day to the fullest, so that tomorrow will just become "More of the same, please!" In these last few months, I have felt that I am realizing more and more what this means. For me, it's meant to finally stop doing what others expect, but do what God has created me to do. He's made me like I am. You have to come to terms that not all will like you, or give you the benefit of the doubt in this life. Thing is, I really don't like everyone either. (Thanks to a new friend for making this a little clearer for me on a cold December day in a Starbucks!) Personalities and paths are different for us. I may not be on the same road you're on at the moment, or you may have a less than "go get 'em" personality that is different from me. Either way, I gotta be me! This scares me a bit. It scares me because, typically, God has to put me in front of people to be bold most of the time, which often gives others the false illusion that I crave attention and want to be the focus. Here's a little secret...

"I hate it!"

I cannot stand to be the one that has to be in front of others, to have my life looked at because my husband is a pastor and well...your life is GONNA be looked at whether you like it or not, to sometimes have God ask you to say the unpopular thing in order to lead people to something, or Someone, greater. I may over think this from time to time, but coming to terms that God has called me to a life of not doing what is popular most of the time, will make me the woman of God I desire to be tomorrow. I kick, scream, cry a lot of the time back at God because I get trapped in the, "But I just want to be like others" trap. I focus too much in desiring to be liked by others, and waste countless hours trying to determine just why is it that some don't like me. Truth is, deep down, I probably don't care. I must become all that God wants me to be....not what others want me to be. The last Bible study I did rocked my world about this. I really believe that most of the time you don't like me, or I don't like you (figuratively speaking) is because we have no clue what is going on in each other's lives. We don't know where each other is coming from (birthplace, path, trials, victories) - what you are currently facing in life. I look back to some of the most hurtful times in my life and remember some nasty things I have said to people just because I was hurting. That's life, and it happens, and it is what we leave others with in impression of us. That's not wrong. It happens. Even in the midst of being nasty sometimes, we can still "Be today what (we) want to be tomorrow." God's given us each a path to grow from and gain experience from. It's, again, a relief! For me, it's embracing the knowing - the knowing that God has a plan for my life.

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."(Jeremiah 29:11, The Message)

That verse gives me hope that when I give up control, I become free to be what God has intended me to be all along. I hope that you are encouraged today to stop putting off what God may be asking of you, which is just to embrace the woman, or man, that He wanted you to be all along. He doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't make us all the same. He does, however, make all things beautiful in His time.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

2010! Wow! It's crazy to think about, but it's here! We hope that you have enjoyed an AMAZING New Year with your family and friends, and that you are armed with lots of resolutions to fulfill. I used to be so anti-resolutions, but really, if you're not making goals for yourself in life, you are living with zero challenge to become all God desires you to be. Go out and make a resolution. You don't need to make a ton. Make one and stick to it! I'm excited over things that God has put on my heart and hope to leave 2010 behind me much differently than I entered it...with a better ME!

We have enjoyed the last days of 2009 spending time together and celebrating Christmas with family and having a new 10 yr old in the crib! Bailey celebrated her birthday with some of her 4th grade girlfriends by having a bonfire and s'mores, cookie cake, and hot chocolate! Can you say H-Y-P-E-R!!! They had such a great time, though. We are so incredibly proud of Bailey and the young lady she is becoming. She fills our home with her sweet laugh, artsy personality and her love for others. She is such a blessing to us!We have enjoyed seeing our families over the holidays. Our time with them is few and far between with our weekends being full, but when we have the chance to see them, it's always a blessing.
We hope that this year is filled with much love, laughter and joy! Take time to do for others and make sure your friends and family know you love them! Happy 2010!

Christmas Newsletter

2009-12-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

Here at the end of the year, here's a little "catching you up" on our 2009. We are grateful for each of you and continue to be so incredibly grateful for the investment you make in our lives and our ministry. Continue to pray for us, that God would guide our steps to go right in the center of His will!

Jeff - This has been an incredible year for Jeff as Lead Pastor at LifeSong Church. God has used him to be a part of seeing lives changed, our community impacted and a look into the future of where LifeSong needs to focus. He has been a part of a coaching network of six other pastors that meet once a month under the mentoring of two other pastors. This has been an incredibly encouraging time for him, as well as a challenge to always become a better leader.
Of course, with football season ending soon with college bowl games and Super Bowls, I always worry he might go into a depression, but he has thoroughly enjoyed his favorite hobby these last few months.
He and I have just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on the 17th of this month.
I am so thankful for the man of God that Jeff is and continues to become. He leads our family well and loves me completely. There's no greater gift than to be Jeff's wife!

Amy - I feel more and more like I live in the car everyday. With a span of ages of almost 12 down to almost 3 years old, I feel like my brain is living in two different worlds most of the time. I'm carting kids to and from school, watching a whole LOT of Dora and Diego, and trying to stay consistent in my responsibilities everyday. I wouldn't trade a minute of it. I'm convinced it's the #1 way that God challenges me, humbles me, and grows me as a person by continuing to have me be home with my girls!
Aside from full time Mommy, I began a hobby/job as a Southern Living at Home consultant. I have really enjoyed the party aspect of things...meeting people from all walks of life. I probably enjoy the "booking parties" part the least, but it has been something that I've been able to make my own and still have it provide a little extra income for our family.
I continue to believe firmly that God has given me a specific ministry to the lives of women. It feels slow going at times, but I'm so very thankful for how God uses this ministry in my life to not only impact the lives of women, but to grow me as well. We begin our new Community Ladies' Bible study in January, and I'm always anxious be a part of having a front row seat to women growing in their love relationship with their Father!

McKenna - We have an almost 12 year old come April! Crazy!! We have continually seen McKenna on her own path with God...one that she hears Him speak to her about and that she obeys to follow. She is passionate about her role as AWANA secretary in our LifeSong Kidz area of ministry. She prepares during the week, adds special touches and wakes up early every Sunday morning to go to church with her Dad so that she can serve her ministry well! To say we are proud of her is an understatement.
She is doing so well in school. 6th grade has proved to be HER year. She has a ton of friends and next month we will go attend her induction into the National Beta Club! Her Mama "might" have cried over the invitation! (wink, wink).
She plans to play soccer in the spring/summer and will start sewing lessons next month, but whatever Kenna does, we know she will put her whole heart into it!

Bailey -Bailey will turn 10 on the 27th. 4th grade has been a very busy year for Bailey! She has an incredible amount of homework everyday, but she has done so well in all of her subjects, and her first 9 weeks saw her name on the Honor Roll. She is on the Pride Patrol team for the month of December, so she gets to school early to help kids to their classrooms and the running and talking in the hallways to a minimum! ;) She has been taking private art classes this year and we are AMAZED at her talent. She is doing so well. We've also seen her put her love for music and theater to practice. She is in chorus at school and was chosen for Honors Chorus for our school district, had a part in LifeSongs Mortality Room at Halloween, and can constantly be heard singing and seen being a DRAMA QUEEN a lot ! ;)

Avery - Avery is doing incredibly well in school this year, too. She is 8yrs old and in 2nd grade. She has made straight As the first nine weeks and we've seen her develop a real love for reading this year. She might not LOVE homework and comes up with every excuse in the book not to do it, but nonetheless, she is finding she loves Math more than anything, and is in love with Magic Tree House books! She loves playing with her friend, Andrew, everyday after school. They've been working diligently on building a fort everyday in our backyard.
Avery just lives life to the fullest and on "full steam ahead!!"

Quinn - Quinn has probably changed the most. She talks 90 miles a minute and doesn't hesitate to tell you what she REALLY thinks! She is obsessed with Dora and Diego right now, loves to read books and anytime she can be outside she loves swing HIGHER!! She will turn 3 in February, and she has zero interest in the potty, yet she can tell you everyone's schedule and probably even cook a meal if she set her mind to it. She's our baby, though, so we may have let a lot slide with her. She is a joy to us and a constant source of laughter! She calls us "Mom" and "Dad," loves her sisters with her WHOLE heart, has a boyfriend named Aiden (of whom she is VERY possessive), and loves anything to do with music.

We pray God's very best for you this year! May 2010 be a year of great promise, love and laughter! We love you!!

Santa is a Nice Man

2009-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Quinn had her first Santa picture this year. My other girls never would because apparently Santa is the equivalent of Jason from horror movies, so we don't have a picture of them that would not have shown looks of sheer terror!

This little cutie, however, says "Santa is a Nice Man," and we can see why (look in her hands)...

Then and Now

2009-12-17T07:00:00.001-08:00

...and the Love story goes on and on!
Happy Anniversary to my best friend and love of my life, Jeffery!
You are one in a million, a gift to everyone that really knows you, but to me you are the man that I fall in love with over and over each and everyday!
Thank you for being the real deal! I'm a better person because you believe in me and love me.
Looking forward to continuing our journey.
I love you!

Scenes from Christmas...So far

2009-12-16T04:09:00.001-08:00

View from my Christmas Window

Trip to Roper Mountain Holiday Lights

A Sleigh full of NICE (as opposed to naughty) girls!

A Little Christmas Crafting

4th Grade Chorus - Elf Impersonator

Bill Drake Christmas Program - District 5 Honors Chorus
(Bailey is on the very back row)

A Christmas Fair w/ my sis.
(I represented So. Living at Home and she sold things from her home business, "Priss Pots"

A little Christmas "goofing off"

I ♥ Ministry

2009-12-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

One of the most common things I've heard over our time in ministry - which for the record, for me, has been my WHOLE life - is how much we must love ministry. Most times this comes out of the notion of another that when God calls one to ministry, there must be angels singing and a lot of running through the wide open meadows singing and dancing as we go! It's a lot of "everyone must love you, want to spend time with you and living in a 'happy place' all the time." I don't mean to make a mockery of it...really, I don't. It's just that I sometimes like to use my blog for others in ministry, building a network of encouragement for others living the life of a pastor's wife, or any aspect of ministry. And goodness knows, we people in ministry sure like to "ponder these things" this time of year.
Pondering is my love language...well, OK, sometimes is my hate language, when it decides to take me to an unhappy place of false assumptions, "I'm a failure," no one likes, me, everybody hates me, think I'll eat some worms kinda place. That's another blog (and probably a therapy session, too!).

As I ponder a lot of things at the end of this year, one of which is what I have learned, and continue to learn, from a calling to ministry:

1) We are ALL called! Wow! That took a lot of pressure off me, didn't it? None of that blog post about just me being in ministry. We get to run through the meadows together! Seriously, it's my favorite thing to ponder this year. At LifeSong, we hear ALL the time how we are to be "missionaries where we live, work and play." I LOVE that. This year, this has become more and more real to me. One day, I'll write about just how it has. It's really just been over the last three months. I love the freedom of knowing that finally the day came that something I really knew in my heart most of my life, is now REAL for me. My friend, Misty, said it best to us when we started LifeSong. She said, "Everyday, I put my church clothes on because we are ALL the church everywhere we go." She and her family really live what they say, too.

2) Ministry is not about me. This is something I struggle with a lot. It's the kind of pondering that takes me to the false assumption place. God did not call my family to be served, but to serve. He didn't call us to be taken care of, but to take care of (the orphans and widows). Sometimes it's easy to fall into the trap of feeling alone, unwanted, not taken care of, but the truth is, that's just where Satan would want us to be. He wants to keep us discouraged so that we stay offended when no one speaks to us, think we are not loved/included, feel burnt out from trying to please everyone, or he will lie to us that no one is really following our leadership, or have us believe that we are fractured as a leadership. The list really can go on and on. Where he finds a place to attack, he will. Just when I think I've endured all the attack I will ever have to endure, well, in walks in a thorn. I love the fact that we GET to serve others. When I am serving by having new people in our church into our home, my heart is full. When I am asked to pray for another, my heart is full. When I see a woman grow in her relationship with God because she attends a Bible study, a weekend retreat, reads a blog, shares her faith with another, my heart is full. When I witness the Holy Spirit falling down on one of our corporate worship times, my heart is so full.

3) Ministry is hard. I read this today. It's specifically about church planting being hard. It really summarizes anything I have to say about ministry being hard. There is always the possibility of failing...failing when WE get in the way. We make it hard, more times than not. Point #2 really talks about this, too, but the aspect of church planting is not for the weary of heart.

4) Ministry is about relationship. I love the friendships I've made over our 14 years in ministry. From the relationships we made in seminary, to each place God has called us to serve, the relationships he gives us are priceless. Some are given to us for a short while, some to invest in, some invest in US, and some give us accountability. I love knowing that there is always someone in my life that God has given to me to spur me on to a better me. I'm thankful for those that love me for me, and do not breathe false assumptions about who they think I am over me, but they have taken the time to understand me and love me, challenge me and pray for me.
We say sometimes that we are lonely in ministry, and yes, that is true, but not from lack of relationships in our life.
Another filling of my heart is knowing that others walk hand in hand with me.

5) Ministry is about investing. Jeff and I are always grateful for those special ones that God gives us more opportunity to invest in their lives. We wish we could invest in everyone in a one on one basis, but I'd clearly need another brain to manage that. Rather, we've had the honor to disciple some in their faith, be a part of God calling them to a specific life of ministry, traveling on mission trips outside of our community, and to daily be a part of leading a church to invest in lives around them. Really, what more could we ask for. I am personally grateful for the lives of women in which I get to invest. Seeing them changed is amazing to me!

These are just a few things that God has specifically spoken to me about over the past year. I am constantly on a path to understanding the calling God has on my life, and being called to be a Pastor's wife is something that I will learn more about for the rest of my life. For me, being married to Jeff, the man, not the pastor, is the greatest gift of my life. The fact that God has chosen him to shepherd people is a bonus. Jeff teaches me everyday that ministry is always about others, and to never waiver from the mission that no one ever die without the life-changing message of Christ. We are called to live that our with a fervor and a passion. We are called, all of us, to make sure that we love THAT ministry above all others!

Chance #2 to win!!!

2009-12-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a second chance I came across to win the HP, so I'm blogging about it AGAIN! Hey, friends, whatever it takes! You know, I've done some thinking since that last post a few minutes ago...I would even consider giving my computer here at home to someone that needs it if I won. I think being a missionary kid makes me not be able to win things and feel good about it. I have to pay it forward, and pay it forward I would! So, check out the contest at Kelly's Korner, too, and I really hope that someone I know wins. I love a good celebration!

What does HP stand for?

2009-12-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

Why, it stands for the best computer ever, and you can win one here. I have to share this, cause that's just the kind of person I am! Not really! I'm posting it here, on MY blog, so that I can get another entry to win it for myself! I suppose, with it being the Christmas season and all, that I hope you win and I will be happy for you. I will. Really, I will! So, check out the details and get busy entering! 'Tis the season to be Jolly, aka., trying to win every giveaway on the block! :)

We Love our Ministry Family

2009-12-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday Jeff and I hosted our annual Ministry Family Dinner Party. Truly...and you may deem me corny for this...but it's my biggest JOY at Christmas time. I plan months ahead for this day. I generally know my menu for the evening in October, and my table setting is something I dream about all year long. I love the little touches that make them feel special. I pray that the food goes off without a hitch. (I way underestimated one year at a previous church and it was a total embarrassment that haunts me to this day!). So, this year, despite the fact that we are way overly busy people, we finally managed to coordinate our schedules. I never sent out a formal invite because of the back and forth planning, and that will haunt me, I'm sure (cause I'm anal like that!), but the night couldn't have been more special! And lest you think we were civilized about it because it's called a "Dinner Party," take a look at our pictures and you'll discover that we only get together to laugh and be ourselves, and some of us found ourselves to be a little silly this particular night! We are very grateful for our Ministry Family. We are definitely all unique and bring our own gifts to the table, and that table might look a little whacky, a little shy, have leaders, have followers...but, we all love each other and realize when we spend time together like we did, that it's way to0 infrequent, but way FUN when we have it!

Our Tree

Brian and Barbie George
He's our Pastor of Administration

Allan and Debbie Smith
He's our Pastor of Families

Tim and Lynn Lyda
He's our Pastor of Discipleship

Jeff and Amy (It's US! ;) )
Jeff is Lead Pastor

Larry Lawson -this is where it got less civilized :)
He's our Worship Pastor (I'm sure you figured that out, though)

Larry had our friends, Matt and Heather come bearing gifts as
Santa and Mrs. Claus! So much fun, y'all!

Presents!!!

The Pastor's Wives
My picture of all of the Pastors did not take, so just imagine them looking very "Teamly" together!

Merry Christmas, everyone! We are so very blessed to serve at LifeSong with a great team of Pastors
and their wives!

My Thankful Tree

2009-11-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last year our family made a big cut out tree and put it on our refrigerator and each day we wrote a new thing for which we were thankful and added it to our tree. This year, we didn't put the tree up, but each day I've found myself thinking of that tree - which was just made of scrapbook paper and tape - and mentally placing my Thankful leaves on that tree. These are just a few of the things that I am thankful for right now. Be forewarned! If your looking for something deep to read, stop now! It doesn't take much for me to get excited over, aka., "thankful" over. Also, these are not in any particular order, except for the first three!

1. My relationship with God. It's in a sweeter place than it's been in months. Don't be fooled to think that I'm living on a mountaintop all the time, but my heart is fuller, and I see Him more as my best friend everyday.

2. Jeff. My best friend on earth. My most trustworthy friend. Lover. My laughter. My heart. (We'll be celebrating our 15th anniversary soon).

3. McKenna, Bailey, Avery and Quinn. 4 girls that light up my world!

4. LifeSong - not just a name of a church, but a representation of GOD's church. Today I'm especially grateful for a church that is meeting a need to feed the hungry in our community by giving away free Thanksgiving meals to ANYONE in need in our area.

5. Cold weather and sweaters. This is my favorite time of year.

6. Christmas lights. Christmas trees. Egg nog. Peppermint Mochas.

7. My house.

8. My extended family

9. Friendships from all over the world.

10. My past. No story here. I'm really thankful to have grown up overseas and how it has made me who I am. I wasn't always thankful for this.

11. Sleep. The older I get, the more thankful I am for a full night's rest! Can I get an AMEN?!!

12. Thankful to be able to add to this list as I look around me and see that there is more to be thankful for when I take time to notice and to listen.

What are you thankful for today?

My Fortune Cookie

2009-11-12T06:18:00.001-08:00

Last night, I veered away from my menu plan for dinner. I just wasn't in the mood to cook, mostly because my fingers were frozen from how cold I was yesterday! Wednesdays are typically very busy days for us because our afternoons are jammed pack full of going back and forth in the car taking our girls to things they have on their schedules. Usually I cook, but last night felt like Chinese food to me. All I could dream about was Egg Drop Soup. I proclaimed the night "Take Out Night" (because, really, everything is more justifiable with a cute name attached to it!) and I dialed my local Chinese take out place and ordered our meal. I dropped Bailey off at her art class and went to claim my food and headed back home.

The meal was as yummy as I hoped it would be and the soup warmed me right up. I had a quick bowl of it and then had to head back out to get Bailey from her art class before I could finish the rest of my meal. I picked her up, came back and fixed my plate and Bailey's plate, and settled in for a night of TV watching. Bailey finished her meal up pretty quickly so she could retrieve her fortune cookie before anyone else snatched it up. Little did I know, I'd be snatching her fortune from the cookie to write a blog about it the next day. I mean, really, who writes blogs about their fortune cookies? People who are desperate for an idea or people that find a deeper meaning in a, usually insignificant, piece of paper. Well, I fall into the latter category. I read a "fortune" that caused me to have one of those "A-Ha" moments and tied a lot of what God has been showing me lately all together! Here's what it said...

"Take no risks with your reputation"

"Well, hummmm...what does that mean?" I really had just never thought about it that way and how I might be doing that in my life, but it kind of tied things together for me in being an extension of the Bible study I've been doing by Jennifer Rothschild, "Me, Myself and Lies." I sometimes have felt that my life has pretty much represented someone with a split personality! I spent the first half of my life being very quiet, brutally shy and very much willing to do anything for anyone - otherwise known as a "yes" person! The second half of my life, so far, has had small resemblance of that person, but has (is) become a person that no longer can/will say "yes" just because it's popular. You see, I've lived the lie of caring way too much about what people think of me. A lot of that has stemmed from the calling on my life to be the wife of a pastor. I began that journey as a "be yourself" person, but over the last few years, have become a "be what they say you're supposed to be" person. You see, part of that occurred, in large part, to just believing the lies that Satan throws at me, but some of it has come from people themselves saying, "why must you be so brutally honest?" There have been attacks for doing what God has wanted me to do because most of my life He's asked me to do the unpopular thing, by human standards. That's the one part of my life that has somewhat stayed consistent, even in all of the changes I've encountered in my personality "change." Even in my darkest hour, I have always wanted to go where God sends me, do what He says, and be what He wants me to be...until I started caring way too much about what people thought of me. God has had to bring me to a place that I had better start caring way too much about what He thinks and sees in me.
He's called me to be me. He's called you to be you. We spend a lot of time becoming like someone else because we think what they do is way cooler than what we do, or we don't like ourselves and would rather focus on being like someone else, or we believe the lies that people say about us (or we've convinced ourselves they MUST be saying about us). When we do this, I've come to see that we cheapen God's power in our lives. I mean, He created us. He has a work to do in us, but we must let Him.

There are always going to be challenges to becoming what God wants us to be. Our worst enemy is often ourselves. We don't gain victory because we let ourselves become bogged down with believing lies. Here's a great measure, and one you've heard before. Measure it all by God's word. A lot of people talk and run their mouth off about what their "opinions" are. They think they know it all about everyone and everything. We believe a whole lot of what we hear and perceive. What does God's word say about it? I know the times it's gotten back to me what people have said, or concluded about who they think I am, it's hurt me, but the worst part is that I believed it must be true because someone said it, so it must be true. Friend, what does God say over your life? Who does he say you are? Are you risking your reputation by believing that you are who PEOPLE say you are, or are you risking it on who God says you are. Either road is not without trial. You'll be miserable all your life for pleasing others, or you will probably be unpopular for standing up for God's truth. Which risk would you rather take? I want to be an encourager to all people. Can I just say that I fail miserably at that. Being in the spotlight a lot, people haven't hesitated to let me know I fail, but I'm a human being that fails. I say things I shouldn't say, or do things I shouldn't do. I can live in that failure, or I can risk it to let Jesus live through me by showing others I can be vulnerable and say I screw up, or I can risk my reputation by saying, "I know what you're saying about me, or who you assume I am, so I'm going to fall down in a hole now and die because I'll never amount to anything because you said it, so it must be true!" How's that for a long, drawn out soap opera mentality! Hey, let's risk our reputations on what God says is true. If you are squelching out someone's life by the ugly words you say about them, or you are passing along things to others that someone said about another, stop and think about what you are doing. Don't cause someone to lose victory because they care too much about what you think of them. Start today to be victory-givers in the lives of everyone you touch. Faulty assumptions in life suck the breath right out of us. They kill. Walk in truth today and risk your reputation on who Christ is calling YOU to be...and only YOU to be.

OK, I've got to go eat a fortune cookie for tomorrow's blog! ;)

Menus...better late than never

2009-11-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

Monday - Popovers
Caesar Salad
White Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Tuesday - Chicken Marsala
Fettuccine Alfredo
Salad
Key Lime Cake

Wednesday - Roast w/ Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole

Thursday - You're on Your Own Night!

Friday - Marinated Grilled Chicken
Green Beans
Baked Potatoes

Saturday - Taco Night

Sunday - Shrimp Chowder

I Love to Cook!

2009-11-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Truth is, I am one of those women that LOVES to cook. Unfortunately, I have let LIFE get in the way of what I love to do here lately, so I'm returning to my love...MENU PLANNING!! Back in the day when the girls were all home, I cooked a full spread meal every night, and up until recently, that was still true, even I could get only three days of meals in, but NOW, I have failed miserably. I need to menu plan! I LOVE to menu plan, and for the two friends that recently requested I menu plan again, here's to you, Bonnie F. and Celeste! I'm starting with Sunday because, well...I made a meal that just cannot be left out yesterday!

Sunday - Bacon Cheeseburger Soup (recipe is in the new holiday edition of Paula Deen Magazine)

Monday - Barbecue Boston Butt
Sweet Potato Fries
Green Beans

Tuesday - Tortilla Soup with Chips

Weds. - Crock Pot Spaghetti
Salad

Thursday - Potato Soup

Friday - Cheeseburgers and Fries

Saturday - Marinated Grilled Chicken
Baked Potatoes and Salad

Sunday - Out for lunch

Appreciation

2009-10-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I've never really taken the time to publicly thank the Pastor in my life for being my Pastor, because, well, most of the time, I think of my Pastor as my husband...because HE IS!!

Just yesterday, I sat and talked with my husband, also Pastor, about what God speaks to him and how God walks with Jeff through each day. You see, I have this perception of Jeff that he always has his act together - that he never really needs encouraging or uplifting. It's not that I don't do these things, even, but I probably don't go FULL OUT when it comes to doing those things because he is always so confident. The truth is, though, that he needs to be encouraged, thanked, and prayed for as much as the next person.

Let me tell you what I have a front seat row to everyday being married to my Pastor. He begins his day a little earlier everyday just so he and I can spend time praying together for one another, for our girls, and for you, LifeSong Church. He starts his day off as a husband by telling me each day that he thinks I'm beautiful (and for someone who does not see themselves this way, you have no idea how special those last words are to me everyday) and then he carries on to his next priority by taking our girls to school, and guess what the last thing is he says to our girls...Yep, he tells them they are beautiful! I know this because my daughters have told me how much that means to them. He then moves on to his office at LifeSong, but you can pretty much count on him not being content on staying in the office all day because he likes to hang out with people. I know this because #1, I know that he first spends time in that office of his praying his heart out for the people God has put in our life, and #2, I watched him cry last night as he spoke of nothing tearing his heart out more than seeing people come to know Christ. He lives each day with an urgency to see that NO ONE die without Christ. I am sure that even I don't understand the intensity that he feels about this, but know this to be true...HE CARES FOR YOU!

God gave Jeff a vision for LifeSong Church probably even in the first place he ever pastored. He would spend most days walking around praying in the cemetery beside the church, and it was there that it became apparent and URGENT that he do all he can to see that everyone hears the message that "Jesus Loves YOU", and "love your neighbor as yourself." He faced a lot of growing up at that church, and even the one that followed, but never have I seen him allow trial and hardship to deter him from that passion to see men and women saved. It's never been a time that neither he, nor I, look back on with regret because God has to use things in our lives to make us stronger and more ready to face the challenge and joy of planting a new work in LifeSong Church.

I know that for our family that God has allowed us to meet so many people in our ministry that often Jeff and I find ourselves so lacking in the time that we fully get to spend with everyone, but let me assure you that you will never find a more loving, compassionate, more SOLD OUT cheerleader than your Pastor, and I get to be along for a great ride of enjoying all of the same! We love you dearly. We love you for allowing us to grow up and learn with you, make mistakes right in front of you, and see God carry out a vision by allowing a man named Jeff Hickman to be used for Him in some small way.

Finally, I am very thankful for the four other men of God that compile a team of Pastors that, from my perspective, make my husband an even better man, so, for Larry, I am thankful to see in you a friend that holds Jeff accountable and loves him deeply...for Brian, I'm thankful that you are detailed enough to be the "nuts and bolts" guy that Jeff so fondly calls you (and depends on to keep him straight!) and for being a heart that is willing to do whatever it takes...for Allan, I'm thankful that you love Jeff with the love of a brother and the dedication of a friend...for Tim, I'm thankful for you being the Pastor's Pastor! You are like the Daddy that encourages his son to give it his all, and you make Jeff want to be a better man and father. For each of you men, I celebrate you today.

So, Pastor Jeff, I am MORE than appreciative for you in this, the month of celebrating Pastors! I am completely in AWE of you and your heart for me, our girls and for others, but my Love, it is the heart you have for JESUS that slays me the most. Today you are loved and today you are prayed for...that you may, each day, become more and more a "man after God's own heart."

Cheeks Hurt

2009-09-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

You ever been so happy, and smile so much, that your cheeks hurt? I love that feeling when you just have happiness all around you that you can't help but smile all of the time. Sometimes you may not even physically smile on the outside, but you are overflowing with joy on the inside. I tell ya...I have so felt that way lately. The crazy thing is, I wouldn't necessarily say I've felt happy 24/7. There's been bad moods to deal with (mine, not anyone else's!), sickness in the house, lots to do, and a whole lot of spiritual warfare all around. I've been reading a great book (which I'll write more about later on) that has just already transformed some thinking patterns I've held on to, that well, I'm just sick of holding on to. If you've read my blog lately (which I know millions of you are! Ha!) you know that I have spent a long while just stewing over everything. I've been BITTER! I had absolutely NO reason to stay bitter, but I decided I liked it there, so there I stayed. So dumb, really! No one else was miserable but me. It was time to make a change. It was time to say, "Hey, God, this whole control I've been trying to steal from YOU...YOU take it back! I don't want it!" I don't always succeed at that, but God is showing me that when I decide that He's in control, there's a whole lot less worry, and a whole lot more happiness and joy. As a result, there's a sweeter time in my home, in my friendships and most of all in my relationship with Christ. He's showing me things and putting people in my life that have completely encouraged and transformed me. The last few weeks, I have laughed more and learned more in a long time, and how amazing to be able to do that even in the midst of stuff that isn't always where I find the most joy. I'm so glad that God is in the details of life. He knows just what we need and when we need it. Even in the bad or the good, He's never left, but we've sooooo left Him to take control of our own life. I'm thankful today that He's showing me that today matters. What we do with today could be the difference in the legacy we leave behind. I don't know about you, but I'm stopping today to realize I'm blessed beyond words. There's no room in my life for feeling sorry for self, making my own agenda, complaining, griping, accusing, being lazy. There's only time to laugh so hard that my cheeks hurt!

UPDATE:
Right after I posted this, I read this quote... "Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self..." CS Lewis

Couch Time

2009-09-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to spend time with my husband tonight, we're having "couch time." You may have heard of it. You take time to sit and focus on spending time together talking to each other, about each other's interests or enjoying just being! Tonight, couch time will last about three hours, while we watch THIS........

A Challenge

2009-09-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

To all of my girlfriends... Here's a great challenge for you to take part in, and no, it's not to make you lose weight, but I guess it could relate back to that somehow...not sure how, but somehow! ;)
I'm excited to do this, but I think this is somewhat easy for me to want to do because my husband makes it VERY easy to love him and encourage him. I fail so much at being consistent to demonstrate that to him though, and I always want to be teachable, so I'm excited to participate in this 30 Day challenge. Make sure you read how to sign up and then hop to it!

2009-08-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

During the next month or so, we are fasting at LifeSong every Wednesday. We are doing this because we are wanting to remove ourselves out of the way as we look to make some big decisions in the life of our church. We are fasting to hear from Him...to just plain and simple hear from Him. We are not asking for the details about our decisions, but we are joining our hearts in one accord as He speaks to us individually, so that we may contribute corporately. It may mean fasting from food, or fasting from things that take your attention and distract you. I won't share in which way I've participated, but I want to share just what God showed me this past Wednesday.

I woke up in a cold sweat on Wednesday morning. I had such an unsettling dream - the kind that just sticks with you all day. It proved one thing to me. I had better start praying right then! I have been in such a season of discontentment and loneliness lately. To me, I felt it was just the discontentment and loneliness of the human sort, but deep down I knew that wasn't true. It was completely a spiritual thing for me. I was discontent in my relationship with God, and you can imagine where that led me...right to the arms of loneliness! I found myself not even longing for God. I could go days without even thinking about Him. I just didn't care. I never kept myself away from surrounding myself with the things of God. I went to services every Sunday. I planned things for Women's ministry. I even went on a mission trip. It all left me unfulfilled. I guess the mission trip probably was really the straw that broke the camel's back. We were in Las Vegas. I've been numerous times before. I noticed the same things there as before, but this time, it drove straight to my heart. All I could see was what my life must look like on the inside.
Everything looked like one big distraction...one big mess. That's exactly how I felt on the inside. I was miserable.

In many ways, I would rather live in Vegas. It is more like what I'm used to. I grew up in places that were melting pots of people. They didn't live there all their lives. Everybody didn't know everybody, thus everybody didn't know everything about everybody. Sometimes living in a small town, for me, has proved to be the biggest challenge of my life. It was pretty much what was going on in my life at the time. All I associated with small town living was low expectations, no one takes initiative to have relationships and to show someone you really loved them was like speaking a foreign language. This was just so different for me. Growing up overseas, when God changed people, He gave them a joy that was amazing. They couldn't stop smiling. All I was seeing here was hurt. People act like they have it bad, but had no clue how good they really had it. They succumbed to the demon of busyness, and think that's how it's supposed to be. I was becoming just like my surroundings. I don't blame my surroundings, but I was definitely taking on that character because I thought that was how you are supposed to be. All it has been doing to me is making me sick and tired of being sick and tired.
This all leads to what God showed me on Wednesday. I have sooooooo been controlled by fear. It's been that way most of my life. Even in the comfort of being reminded of how I grew up as we traveled to Vegas, I was confronted with it. I am so scared to fail. I'm so scared to let people down. I'm scared to be set a part from the crowd because I'm different. Fear has just been controlling me. I kept myself in situations that never challenged me to overcome it...from my relationships, to my weight, to me wanting to try a new career and not doing it. I had created a cocoon of fear for my life. I was so miserable. God spoke to me on Wednesday to make a change. It's crazy how I sooooo have to go rock bottom and be hurt, be lonely, be the one to hurt and be the one to cause lonliess, before I realize how desperately I need God. I have sensed God speaking to me for the past three weeks now. You have to understand...up to that point, I had not heard a word from Him in a very long time. I had the right mask on. You may not have even known. I wasn't hearing Him utter a word at all to me, though! Suddenly I began to hear Him challenge me to really pray for our upcoming Ladies' Night (This Night) at LifeSong. I almost knew before getting there that He was going to do something good. He did. You can read about it here. Little did I know that Wednesday He would bring me to my knees and be desperate.

Am I over my fear? No! Am I allowing myself to be controlled by it? No way! I realized that I was trying to create situations within my friendships, in church, and my home that would be what I thought I had to have to be happy. It's not what God has called me to do. I have realized that He is totally not calling me to be what you, or anyone else, thinks I should be. He calls me to be what HE wants me to be. Sometimes the road to that isn't so bad, but most of the time it's hard. If it's hard for me, you most likely have witnessed it as I go through it. I won't be silent when things aren't going well. If I can't use my inconsistencies, trials, hard traveled roads to show how God is my Deliverer, then I might has well shut it down. God has not called us to share the easy. He's called us to be real. I don't want to live today and not be the most real that I can be. It risks being talked about. It risks being hurt. It risks being a failure, but it is so worth the risk to me. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." I love that He challenges us to not be in the box. He challenges us to live each day, realizing we have got more blessings than we can count, and when we realize this, we need to LIVE it and stop waiting on someone else to do it for us. We have to live each day and do what He has called us to do...not what He's called our neighbor to do.

A Little Sweet for Your Sweet Tooth

2009-08-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my table last night for This Night, a ladies' night we have at our church. I was inspired by this and this catalog. Our theme of the night was "This Night...A Night of Restoration." I think this has restoration about it, don't you?

First Week of School

2009-08-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

So far, the first week of school has been a hit. I would love to show you pictures of my 6th, 4th and 2nd grader...if only my camera wasn't BROKEN! Ugh! I am so heartbroken. I just got that camera about four months ago, and KAPUT! It is just as blank of a screen as a screen can be. I cannot function without my camera, so hopefully I'll find a solution soon! ;)

Anyway, back to school starting. We are in love with all of the girls' teachers. God just seemed to fit them each with someone that they are great with, and we look forward to seeing where this year takes us. So far, not a lot of homework, but I am pretty sure the tone on that will change next week.

Quinn and I have been hanging out together and making up for a lot of cuddle time lost during the summer, because "little one" had to go off and follow BIG sissies everywhere they went. Now, we are using this week to watch a LOT of Dora together, having breakfast with my girlfriends, getting a sitter for Quinn so MOMMY can have breakfast with girlfriends, and of course, SHOPPING! ;) I am loving catching up on my time with her. It makes me a much nicer Mommy with the BIG girls come home everyday. I'm just sayin'! Now, if only we can get this week to stretch out all the way to MAY!

I'm hoping to resume my Monday Menu Planning on Monday. I miss my routine. I have really missed blogging. I don't have a large following, but I'm thankful for this blog world that indulges me to write out my feelings, document my days and just have a journal of our lives to look back on.

Hope your school year has started off to a bang. How have you indulged yourself this week? What are you doing to get back on track?

Right now, I'm off to cuddle with a sweet two and a half year old that is calling for "MaaaaaaaMaaaaaa!" Oooooh, I LOVE THAT!

Shoes, or Barefoot?

2009-08-18T04:58:00.001-07:00

I have a love for shoes! Now, I'm not one of those people that has a gazillion shoes, but I do have a passion to find a shoe that is different, but must be at a great price! I have recently bought two pairs of shoes for $7 a piece. One pair I've had my eye on all summer, and the other was just one of those "I did not go to buy a pair of shoes today, but how can I pass these up" kind of moments. I could NOT pass up the fact that they had been $70, and I got them for $7...well, really $6.99, but you get the idea. I LOVE these shoes, but the thing is, I cannot walk in them for very long. They hurt my feet, and they are a heel, so being a person that doesn't really wear heels very often (I'm 5'10", so heels are just making the fact I'm already taller than everyone a bigger fact!), they are a lot to get used to. I love them, though, so I'm willing to endure the pain...for a little while. The same is really true for my other pair of new shoes, too. They hurt my feet at first. They are a different shoe, though...a flat. They are beautiful, though! They are shiny red and a statement maker! I love them.

It's funny to me, though, how both pairs of shoes pretty much sum up my life the last few months though. They both are characterized by pain! One pair is much more painful than the other, and the second pair is only slightly painful. Both cause me pain pretty much because I choose to let them. I don't mind it at first, but then I get sick of it and I'm ready to find something that hurts a lot less, which for me, will always mean going barefoot! As much as I adore a cute shoe, you will never find me roaming around my house wearing a shoe at all! I simply can't stand to wear them! I invariably get tired of anything that binds me, causes me pain, or makes me feel that I'm suffocating.

Same, once again, for my life right now. What a season it's been for me. One that has been characterized by pain of MY choosing. Sounds so sadistic, huh? I mean, who would really choose pain? Sometimes we do because it's a safety net for us. As much as we want out of the pain, we stay right there because we almost become accustomed to it. To do what it takes to get rid of it sometimes scares us more than just living with it. We walk around thinking that all the things that have caused us pain in our lives are just how it's supposed to be, and even when something better and more freeing comes along (you know, a cute pair of shoes), we still think that things are going to go sour. Ugh! Get's kind of YUCK to live like that. We become someone we know we are not, all for the sake of keeping up appearances, our masks on, or just because we're scared.

Fact is, God has called us to walk in freedom. WALK! He's equipped us to be just who it is He wants us to be by fitting us with the proper shoes...ones that don't necessarily hurt all the time, but just might in order for us to become more like Him. And then there's that time when He says, "Kick off your shoes and run barefoot!" And yet, sometimes that even hurts, but it is still freedom!

This is just where I've found myself this summer. I've allowed circumstances, people and my own fears to dictate to me what each of those things "think" I'm supposed to be. I've lived most everyday in a shadow of gloom and doom, anticipating something bad coming around the corner, all the while missing out on the very freedom God has for me. It's a cycle for me...one that takes me a different route every time, but one that always leads me right back to the same answer! I need to put on the proper shoes everyday and just WALK with Him. I don't always make the right choices, much like when I choose a real shoe. Sometimes I pick pain and sometimes I pick that shoe that I could wear all day long, and maybe even run in! All I know is that you can never stop choosing to do it! You can't give up.

I may find myself needing to blog about this again one day. I may not know just what to do today, but I know that He gave me this day and to sit around and do nothing won't get me anywhere. Today, I am choosing to walk in the way of my Father. It's taken me a lot of months and a lot of people making me feel like I'm nothing...and most of all, I've made myself feel like a nobody. I'm thankful that today I can step out in whatever shoe I choose and know that I'm stepping out with Him!

It's Random. That's What It Is!

2009-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

I just pretty much don't have a lot to write about these days. It's not like we're bored around here or anything, but we just seem to pretty much sum up our days by playing, cleaning, eating ice cream, playing some more, and cleaning some more...lots of time in the sun....lots of time with people we love. It has pretty much been what summer should be.

I (Amy) did take on a new venture. I began as a consultant for Southern Living at Home. I really have always loved their products and business, and after some time, decided it was TIME for me to have a little outlet of my own. I told the girls it was a job, but really, it doesn't feel like one. It's a whole lotta fun, with a cherry on top! I love interacting with people, so I think the party aspect of SLAH is going to be my favorite. So, if you are ever interested in having a party, I will come...I will travel to you (well, you know...within reason ! :0) ). It will be fun for all!

We are gearing up at LifeSong for a huge...and I DO MEAN HUGE...fireworks show for our community to celebrate the 4th. We actually have it on the 3rd just so it is more available to people that may have other plans on the 4th. We checked today and there is no other fireworks show like this until you get to Charlotte, so if you are in the area, come by. We will start gathering on the lawn (bring your lawn chair) around 8pm. There will be concessions, music, fellowship (my favorite part!) and fireworks are promised! A company comes from Charleston and last year was AWESOME! It's FREE!

The girls are doing great! They are little tanned things, soaking up every ray of sun they can! Hopefully, I can nab some new pictures of them soon...if they would stay inside long enough for me to get some.

Take a Little Break , Why Don't Ya?

2009-06-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

I'm literally taking a break on our vacation break and checking in on the blog world. Seems I'm having a little issue with sunburn, so I'm staying indoors for a bit. I am sure all ten of my readers already know where I am, but I thought I'd drop in and say "Hey, Y'all" anyway.
I'm enjoying our time on vacation immensely. I always find it's a good medicine for me as I go back to reality and try and remember what it's like to chill out at home, too. Here's a peek into our time away...

Aaaaah!!!

2009-06-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

Let's all let out a collective happy sigh.....Vacation is on the horizon. It's time! I could not have waited a second longer, really. Once you know you're going, it can't get here fast enough. No matter what time of year, vacations should be mandatory. It is a great source of refueling for us and we come back feeling refreshed and ready to go tackle whatever. I always grew up taking the best vacations. No matter how busy our lives were, my parents could travel! They always made the time to take us to some neat places. I've been to Disney, the beach(es), almost every State in the Western US, and many, many more places. Now, Jeff and I want to take the girls to places that they will remember always and spend time with them, making memories. Cheesy, huh? It's true, though. We have always had the most fun on our trips, and even though we come back a little worn out, there's still that feeling of completely feeling relaxed and ready to go when we come home. So, I can't wait to come back and share lots of pics of our time away. We're doing the beach thing this year. It's where we love the most! So, here's to tans, walks on the beach, eating out and much, much more!

Here's some pics of June so far....

Lazy Days of May Heading into June

2009-05-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

It can no longer be said...well, not much longer anyway...that these are lazy days because school is letting out soon and I'm "skeered." I normally have a very well-planned out time for my girls. Mind you, my planning is not for their cultural well-being. There are no trips to museums, latin lessons, or gourmet cooking classes to attend. There is however, usually, every opportunity for a "kid to be a kid." Along the way, they are cultured, and being bilingual myself, I might speak to them in Spanish, just so they feel like I'm smart, and that they have been enlightened. We, instead, take trips to whomever will loan us a pool, eat Mexican food (hello, opportunity to speak Spanish) and we grill out (no gourmet, but my girls do love to help their Mama in the kitchen...errr, outdoor kitchen). So, I'm taking the approach of bring it on SUMMER! Show us whatcha got! We're ready to be thrilled, surprised and just plain carefree!

OK, OK, this may last a full week for me. I am, after all, a gal who loves a plan!

So, here we go, taking the leap to summer. We do have plans to go on vacation here, grill every meal outdoors that we possibly can, visit the grandparents (hello, grandparents, get our rooms ready!), go to church here, and whatever else may surprise us. Until then, here's a little glimpse of what May has been like for us.Duh, of course you know this!
McKenna finished Soccer up
I had a makeover party with some girlfriends. :-)I'm the only one you get to see be a guinea pig...well, at least in public anyway! ;)the end result of the hair color change A little plantingThis is a permanent site at our home during the summerQuinn is fascinated by the caterpillarLymanfestThis is just cute!

Me With You Winner!

2009-05-20T04:07:00.000-07:00

I completely did not want the responsibility of choosing a winner to fall on me, so I pleaded with my author cousin, Kristy, to read all of your comments and choose a winner. Apparently, indecisiveness runs in our family, because she couldn't choose a winner either, so in good 'ole school random fashion, she opted for the draw a name out method. I will post what she had to say about each of your comments and you'll see at the end how she made her selection. Very creative, if I do say so! Here's what Kristy had to say....

I absolutely couldn't pick a winner. Each time I thought, "Oh, yes, this one" and then I'd read the next one and be hooked again.

I wanted to pick Vanessa because of the many, many memories I have of homemade strawberry ice cream with my Papa.

I wanted to pick Autumn because I think it's adorable that she called her grandpa Grandkad, and it reminds me of our cousin Allen calling our grandma Nannoo and then that is what all the cousins ended up calling her too.

I wanted to pick Lynna because of the loving sacrifice she made in caring for a grandmother whose mind has gone and because when she reads ME WITH YOU she may see herself more as the adult in the story.

I wanted to pick Tricia because I too remember running my fingers over the veins in my Nannoo's and Grandma's hands. Why did we find those veins so interesting? :)

And I wanted to pick Donna because she honed in on what I think is so true about grandparents: "She knew how to make everything in life special." I know the time I spent with my grandparents was like that, and I think it's one of the key themes in ME WITH YOU.

I wanted to pick "The Pettigrew's" because their story reminded me, once again, of my own Nannoo. She was loved by so many and a stranger to no one. Her name lived on because of the love so many had for her.

So, all that to say, I couldn't pick and I just wrote all the names down on a piece of paper, folded them all up, threw them all up in the air, and when they landed on the floor, the dog picked up one of them and brought it to me,

TRICIA!!!!!

So, congratulations, TRICIA! Another reason I (Amy) just could choose a winner is that all of you are such sweet friends to me that I want you ALL to win, which leads me to say, "Tricia, you so deserve this! I can see you now reading to Ashley, Nathan and Daniel." I wish I could send a copy of this book to all of you, but I do hope you will make this book your favorite gift to give, favorite story to read to your children and lasting memory to hold on your bookshelf!
Tricia, I'll get your copy in the mail to you soon! :)

It's a GIVEAWAY FRIDAY!

2009-05-15T05:01:00.001-07:00

Comments are now CLOSED for this post...Stay tuned for a winner by tomorrow, the 20th!

Update...You have until 8am Tuesday morning to post your comment. All comments should go through without having to be moderated by me, so no more worries that your comment won't get posted. I will disable comments 8am Tuesday morning and reveal a winner by Weds., the 20th....Happy Posting!

OK, I'm trying my hand at this again. I have lots of cute gifts up my sleeve, so if we have some good success at this giveaway, it might just be a frequent thing around here at The Hickman Happenings!

So, have you heard, Me With You by Kristy Dempsey is in stores now? What, you say? You did not know! Then you must not be reading my blog! I just happen to know the author. She's my cousin! We even sort of look alike! We smile the same, have a bold deep belly laugh and spent many a day cavorting around together...you know, back in the day! We have shared so many memories in our lives, from me wanting to be just like her growing up (she was a gymnast, and well...I just wanted to be one) to her coming to Venezuela to live with us the year we welcomed my little sister, Katie, into our lives, to later having Kristy be a part of my special day - my wedding. She and I have a relationship that, irregardless of the fact she currently lives in Brazil, when we talk, FACEBOOK, or actually see each other from time to time, we just catch right up where we left off...usually, that means laughing our tails off. So, you see, relationship is important stuff to us, and it just so happens to be the subject of Me With You. What began as a love letter to her husband, took the shape of a children's book that embraces the relationship of a grandparent with a grandchild. Some of our (Kristy and my) memories are shared together primarily because of the relationship all of us grandkids had with our Nanoo. It was at her home that we played, bonded, made memories. So, this book, you see, is really just the right thing to do! I'm so happy Kris envisioned this, and even more happy that here we are once again making memories together. I get the honor of promoting and bragging on her!

So, if you haven't viewed the trailer (make sure you pause my playlist), watch it now...it's the following post. Once you view it, come back and tell me the most significant memory you share with your grandparent, or the person that impacted your life like a grandparent would. We'll pick the one we like the best and you will receive a signed (did I mention I KNOW the author?) copy of Me With You. You will also receive an all expense paid vacation to Brazil to meet the author! NOT REALLY! Got your attention, though, right? Nope, you can meet the author if you live in my area on August 11th at LifeSong Church. She will join us for a community wide book signing, along with craft time. It's the perfect BACK to SCHOOL event for all of your kids!

So, hop to it! Let's hear those stories about your grandparents! Tell your friends, and have them tell their friends about this giveaway. This will be a book that you will treasure for the rest of your life!

Me With You...Officially Released Today

2009-05-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

You might be sick of reading about me telling you to go buy my cousin's book, but it'll be alright...
"Me With You" is the story of a grandparent's love. It is the perfect book/gift for that preschooler that you hold dear, and with all the kindergarten graduations occurring right now, it is the perfect gift for the little graduate. I would buy this book for each of your children to have has a keepsake, for sure! My cousin has always been extra special to me, and more of a friend to me than just a family member. She is so talented and her personality and love draw you in the moment you meet her, and from the very first moment you read that first page of "Me With You."

Let me know how you like it when you buy it. I am so proud of my cousin, Kristy!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

I can remember the "I want a baby so bad I can hardly stand it" days in the beginning of our marriage. It was all I could think about, dream about, and think some more about! About 8 months into our marriage, I harrassed Jeff all the time about us having a baby. He always said, "It's not time." I thought those words meant he didn't love me, 'cause he always gave in to me before, which is also called my manipulation! I just always seemed to know how to look at him the right way and BEG, and then get my way. I never won on this. I didn't win on this, at that time, because God was using my man to lead me...to lead our family. He knew that God had not picked that time, just 8 months into our marriage, to grant us a child. He knew that we needed to pray and be faithful to that which God had called us to do at that time.

Now, years later, I'm celebrating my 11th Mother's Day. I had McKenna at the end of April, and almost two weeks to the day, I went to church to celebrate my firsts Mother's Day by dedicating her that Sunday at church. Today, I saw some first time parents, and some longtime parents, dedicate their children to the Lord. It reminded me of doing the very same thing that first day, and then three more times after that. It has been a good reminder to me each Mother's Day of just how God was always preparing me for that which He has prepared me! He chose this for me. Even in the midst of never feeling like I'm that super of a mom, He saw fit to bless me with four of the most precious daughters. They each bring an extra special something to my life...

McKenna ~ my firstborn! She is increasingly more like a friend to me. Now, grant it, we still have to parent her, but I so enjoy my conversations with her about life. She makes me think hard, and she challenges me to be my best in all I do. I watch her tackle her fears head-on and not give up. She inspires me!

Bailey ~ She always makes me laugh. She is silly and so innocent, and in her innocence she makes me laugh the most. I love to watch Bailey catch herself having a "Duh" moment. She just laughs and laughs over "how in the world could I have thought that," in turn making me laugh at the sound of her laughter. I love the way her heart is bent for her family and friends. She never wants anyone to hurt or be sad. She is loyal through and through.

Avery ~ My free spirited child probably challenges me the most, but really makes me laugh the hardest. She was watching a movie the other day with Spanish subtitles and midway through the movie, she said, "By the way, Mom, can you write this movie down in my school reading log so it will count toward my weekly reading!" Points for trying, Avery!! The other day I was singing along with a Richard Marx song (who, by the way, I adored in high school!) and she said, "OH, please turn that old fashioned music off!" Ugh! OLD FASHIONED? :) I can see her calling me out on my wardrobe next!

Quinn ~ I am in love with this little two year old. She makes me smile everyday. She grabs me around the neck every morning and says, "OH, my mommy!" Yes, I am, my sweet girl. I am so very glad to be your Mommy! I love hearing her say everyday..."I get my shoes on a minute I go outside." Not only does she say it once, but will say it a gazillion times until we get those shoes on and get her outside!

My girls have blessed my life. It challenges me to stay home. There's not a lot of glory in it. There are days, and yes, I had some of them this week, that I have felt alone and disconnected from the real world, but I know God has called me for "such a time as this," and I wouldn't trade it for a million and one paychecks. Having kids has made me a better me, in all of it's challenges, in all of it's ups and downs, not sticking to scheduled days, being lazy and doing nothing days, to the kisses to make it all better. Being a mom is the best job on earth!

We Have a Winner!

2009-05-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

I don't get a lot of views on my blog apparently, or maybe I mis-judged the cuteness of my artwork, but at any rate, had I gotten a gazillion comments, Allison would've won hands down. Allison, I read your comment and teared up! I felt like I was a fly on the wall watching this whole scene between Ava Love and your Mama. So sweet! I'll have your Family Tree to you soon!

Happy Mothers Day, Alli!

Amy Grant

2009-05-07T05:12:00.001-07:00

I grew up thinking Amy Grant and I were related because we shared the same first name, until I realized that everyone from the mid 60s to late 70s named their daughters Amy. Trust me...I have at least five very good friends from high school named.....AMY! Anyway, I've always loved Amy Grant. I love her style of music and she was the very first concert I ever went to. She was with Michael W. Smith and when she sang El Shaddai, I cried. I did. I'm not ashamed. Through the years, I've celebrated Christmas with her..."Breath of Heaven." Even wanted to move to Tennessee just for Christmas...."Tennessee Christmas." I just like her. I do! I may slightly covet her hair, too...just maybe.

So, she has a new release coming out and I'm linking you to iTunes to hear some of it's selections.

OH, and if you like a Giveaway, you can link here and try and beat me. I dare you!

Been Gettin' Crafty...A Giveaway

2009-05-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

I decided to take on a little project I saw on a blog I read. I thought it turned out pretty cute. It's a nice perspective on The Family Tree. You can choose your fabrics and customize to the colors of your home, and even fill in more members of the family after the piece is done. This particular one was done for one of my best friends. She just moved in a new house and I hope she'll be able to find the perfect spot for it.

If you like this one, and would like one for yourself, I'm doing a GIVEAWAY! I'll pick a winner on Saturday, May 9th, but you must leave your comments by Friday at midnight EST. Just leave a comment telling me the colors you would like for your family tree and if you would like a
5x7 or an 8x10. I'll pick the winner by choosing from the sweetest story/memory you share with me about your mother in honor of Mother's Day... or anyone you consider to be Mother-like in your life. Don't worry, you won't be voted on just by me. I'm getting my four daughters in on the voting, too!
So, get to commenting and share this giveaway with your friends. I like getting to meet new people through doing stuff like this.

Soccer

2009-05-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

We have a soccer player in the house. Admittedly, I like sports, and even more admittedly, I never really cared for soccer. I know you're thinking, "Grew up in Venezuela, doesn't like soccer?" Of course I watched soccer while living there, but baseball is the national sport of choice in Venezuela, so my exposure to soccer by my choice was only because I would go watch whomever it was I was dating at the time in High School. Just bein' real...

Anyhoooo, we've got a soccer lover in the household now, so I go watch my sweet 11 year old every Saturday. She's getting better and better every week, and might even be helping her Mama like it ever so little bit. :)

Quinn had to "coach" a little bit, too!

It's Birthday Palooza Time

2009-05-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we had the big 11 year old's birthday, and this weekend, we're celebrating my sweet hubby's birthday. Today, Jeff turns 37. I guess we'll get to the point that telling, writing, blogging about our ages will hurt a little more, but so far, so good this year. I think we're feeling pretty good about the whole turning 37 thing. Truth be known, it probably hurts a little more knowing we have an 11 year old! :)

Celebrating Jeff is probably the most natural thing to do. You will not ever know a kinder, more compassionate, honest man than him. He has stood up against the odds countless times, and yet, God has continually blessed him and used him. He truly cares for people and desires to see souls saved. He just has passion in all he does. He is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of man. He is the same everywhere he goes. Our lives are blessed for knowing him and loving him. Straight up....we're just better people for having him in it.

We celebrate Jeff today. He's my partner for life, the one I will love until I draw my last breath. I am in awe to know that God gave this man to me to take care of me, but for me to take care of him. I truly have married my soul mate.

Our girls couldn't have a better Daddy. They are the apple of his eye. They light up when he comes home and respect him as their father. He takes time to really spend with them and invest in their lives.

We wish you a very Happy Birthday, Jeff. Each day with you is a celebration, but we are so glad to have today to show you how much we love you!

Each One Can Reach One

2009-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Ever heard that song before..."Each One Reach One"? It's old, but it's message is not. It's hard to comprehend sometimes how we can be that one to reach one when there are so many. It sometimes gets overwhelming, and when we're overwhelmed, sometimes we just give up. I can't deal with that, though. I can't stop trying to reach that one that needs Christ, can you? The Bible says, "A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27).
It's our responsibility. It's what we're commanded to do. Yet, can each one of us make a difference? I sure hope so! I BELIEVE so! This is what has led our family to extend ourselves outside of our community and reach one....specifically a sweet, adorable Ethiopian four year old girl.
She is our new Compassion child. We sponsor her for $32 a month, which is not nearly enough, but it sees that she is taken care of, schooled and nourished both spiritually and physically. It is something the girls and I have talked about and decided we HAVE to do. Realistically, we really don't even have that money to spare, but we have the attitude of how can we NOT do what we have to do to take care of a child who is not an orphan in definition, but she could find herself there if anything ever happened to her parents who work everyday. It is our honor, and doing what God commands us to do never leaves us lacking. He always blesses, especially in the times we think we have nothing to give - we have EVERYTHING to give.

Please take time to read this and this and this today. You will not be sorry you did, and I pray it inspires you to extend yourself outside the borders of where you live and invest in another's life.

It's true! Each one of us really can reach one.

Our McKenna

2009-04-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Over this past weekend, something life-altering happened in our family. Our oldest daughter turned 11. I remember her birth as though it were yesterday, as well as the LOVE that we were introduced to as a result of God giving us our firstborn. She is a treasure. I blog about her often, so I know you know how incredibly blessed we are to call her our own. She never ceases to amaze us with her love for people. She is genuinely concerned about others, and seeks to serve them in whatever way possible. Never have I seen another like her - she gets physically ill if she even thinks that she won't be able to go with her Daddy on Sunday mornings to help prepare things for people to arrive. She takes it so seriously. She told me that it is what she enjoys...what makes her feel special. I want to be like her when I grow up!

Eleven years ago was one of the best days of our life as we welcomed our sweet 7 lb 13 oz. baby into our lives. She has blossomed into a beauty on the inside and outside. We look forward to seeing just where God takes her in life, and we pray her life is even more blessed than our own has been.

I actually missed her birthday this year for a ladies' retreat. I struggled with my decision even while there, but I am thankful that McKenna knows the best gift I could give her is taking opportunities to go and grow in my relationship with my Father so that I can be a better mother to her. We had a fun time before I left, and she even got to go fishing with her dad, grandfather and sisters for her special day. There is not a day that goes by that I don't celebrate you, McKenna. You are a gift to all who know you. It is my honor to be your mother. Your Daddy and I are so proud of the young woman that you are becoming. Know that God has great plans for you, sweet girl! We can't wait to watch them all unfold!

Dinner Menu

2009-04-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Monday, 27th - Honey Dijon Chicken
Steamed Veggie Blend in Rosemary Butter sauce
Sweet Potato Crunch

Tuesday, 28th - Pizza Night

Wednesday, 29th - Crab Cakes and Grits
Garden Salad

Thursday, 30th - Chicken Salad Croissants
Roma Tomato/Cucumber Stackers
Pasta Salad

Friday, May 1st - DATE NIGHT!!

Saturday, May 2nd - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JEFF!!!
Fruity Marinated Steaks
Steamed Asparagus
Sweet Potatoes
Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce

Sunday, May 3rd - Lasagna
Caesar Salad
Bread

A Guest Blogger is my Name

2009-04-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today I have been dubbed "Guest Blogger" over here. Go read all about what I've been up to there, since I have updated here in, like, FOREVER! Have I ever told y'all I stink at multi-tasking? Blogging and doing anything else just would put my brain in overload!

Menu Plan Monday, April 13-Sunday, April 19

2009-04-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Monday, 13th - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Garlic Bread

Tuesday, 14th - LifeGroup

Wednesday, 15th - Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday, 16th - Ham and Cheese Cannelloni
Lettuce Wedge Salad with Bacon, Tomato and Creamy Parmesan

Friday, 17th - Cubed Steak
Rice/Gravy
Green Beans and Corn on Cob

Saturday, 18th - Hamburger Shots
Veggies and Dip
Chips

Sunday, 19th - Chef Salads and Half Sandwiches
Ice Cream "Sundays"

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Updating You...

2009-04-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

For me, writing is pretty theraputic, but lately, the words won't come, or either I am moving around too much to listen for them. At any rate, my blogging has taken a serious hit. Maybe it's because I get on a streak where I think I should be funny, and then a little serious, and a whole lot random. That seems to be my pattern, at least! At any rate, lucky for you, it's a random day! Here's a peek at what we've been up to - some of it in pictures, some of it in words! I'll start with the Big Man.....

Jeff - Well, bless him...he's been on fast forward x's three lately! I really don't see him functioning any other way, but we rate Jeff's busyness on speed around here, and it's definitely been one of those "crazy" times. He has had lots of irons in the fire, and all the good kind, so that only means lots of good things in the works! God has blessed him so much lately with opportunities to share His love for Christ, as well as the vision God has given him for LifeSong. We are really beginning to see this desire for community transformation being fleshed out. You'll see some of what I'm talking about in pictures coming up.
Oh! On a sad note, Jeff's car, Bessie, has been dying a slow and painful death. I'm not so sure how sad Jeff is about it, other than the fact that it's a blessing she's going (finally), but a pressure to find a new Bessie, with a better, more fancy sort of name, of course! Bessie was a blessing, though, and while Jeff could care less what he drives around, we just want something that doesn't smoke up the area around him when he's stopped at a stoplight! :)

Amy - I, being the mom and all, benefit from everyone's busyness, so when I throw my own in there, it can be sheer chaos, coupled with a headache that lasts for a full blown week! Even good chaos has side effects!
I have had the honor of beginning a Community Bible study in my town. It is amazing to me that I've had a front row seat to seeing all of this unfold. I am in love with the whole notion of hanging out with other women anyway for fellowship, and pair that up with an incredible Beth Moore study, well, then you have got the makings for an incredible 9 weeks! We have seen 43 ladies come be a part of this, with 20 kids being taken care of in our KidsLife, so their mommies can delve into God's word! My prayer is that it is not in vain, and we keep all this goodness to ourselves, but we'll leave the building and put our hands to work transforming our community. I'll keep you updated on all of that. I've had lots of fun lately doing other stuff, but this has definitely been the highlight of the last weeks for me!

McKenna - We continue to be so proud of McKenna's progress in school. She brought home an awesome report card this week. She works hard for her grades and we're tickled at how this is paying off for her. She is fast approaching her 11th birthday. I'm kinda, sorta, A LOT having anxiety over this! I'm not old enough to have an 11 year old!
McKenna starts soccer today. We are excited that she has made the choice to do this and see her really taking it seriously because it's been a long road leading her to this point. So proud of her courage!

Bailey - Bailey has been working super hard lately. She has taken on more responsibility here at home and at school. She stays ON TOP of the social scene in life, so we always know what is going on with everyone else!
She is the best encourager to her friends, and loyal through and through.
She recently helped one of our Pastors on the day of our Community wide Egg Hunt by tracking the Easter Bunny around town on its way to our church for the Egg Hunt. She took some pictures and helped lead the way for people to come!

Avery - I am most proud of Avery. She has worked so hard on her school work, housework, and played hard in the process. She is fast approaching the end of first grade, and we are so proud to see her trying so hard to end well. She is working toward her goal of getting her ears pierced when she turns eight in September. I think we'll be seeing some cute earrings come fall!

Quinn - Either she's the fastest two year old ever, or I'm the slowest Mommy ever! Keeping up with Quinn is work! She is very social, very happy and very, very into everything! She is slowly taking to potty training. I am just not as enthusiastic as I was with the other girls. I could beat myself up for not having her trained before two years like they were, but life is much different now than it was then. Back then, I didn't leave the house for anything, but I had to decide years ago that had to stop and I had to venture out and live a little! My attitude is better because of it, but it makes things like potty training like "Oh, it will come..." Anyway, Quinn has been enjoying days at the park with friends, talking my ear off (I may have heard her say "shut up" to Avery the other day...she has older sisters, people!) and just cuddling with me as much as possible. We have so much fun together everyday. We read, play and dance! She can get her groove on!

Enjoy these pictures of some special stuff we've done lately!
(a day at the park!)

(got to go hear Karen Kingsbury speak...love her!)

(Kite Day at LifeSong)

(Quinn and her little kite)

(plane flying overhead to drop Golden Eggs at our LifeSong Egg Hunt)

(a great crowd at the Egg Hunt!)

(precious sisters going to hunt eggs!)

(Quinn decided to "hide out" in her stroller from the Easter Bunny...She said, "It scare me!")

What's for Dinner?

2009-04-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm falling behind on my planning. We haven't stopped eating, but I certainly have been tweaking my menu these last few weeks. Once again, you may see some repeat performers here. Hopefully these meals will get eaten this week.

Monday, 6th - Leftover Chicken Pot Pie and Mashed Potatoes

Tuesday, 7th - Dinner with our LifeGroup

Wednesday, 8th - Chicken Fried Steak
Broccoli Casserole
Brown Rice and Gravy

Thursday, 9th - Pabellon - Carne Mechada
Black Beans and Rice, Plantains, Arepas

Friday, 10th - Date Night

Saturday, 11th - NO COOKING...on a trip!

Sunday, 12th - Easter Lunch
Ham
Potato Salad, Green Beans, Pintos and Cornbread
Allison's Love Language Dessert (aka Dump Cake!) :):)

Just My Civic Duty....

2009-03-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

to inform you of any GIVEAWAY I come across. Check out this site for a Noodles and Milk giveaway. There you will find all of the directions you need to become a winner! Would love to know if you win, so comment back and let me know.

On to other news...Yesterday was an AWESOME day at LifeSong Church! We left the building to invest in the lives of others in our community. This was not a "door to door, let me tell ya about LifeSong" day. This was a day to take time and look around at all the needs around us and pray about how God would have you meet these needs and DO IT TO IT! We distributed over $1300 to families in attendance at LifeSong yesterday and waited to hear how God chose to use our people to show the love of Christ in practical ways to our community. THIS is my love language, y'all! I love hearing how people are blessing others and receiving blessings in return. Hop on over to my husband's blog and read all of these great stories. It is very much like my "Pay it Forward" post a while back, but OH SO MUCH BETTER to see firsthand!

The girls are on Spring Break this week. We have no concrete plans, but today we took a day of rest and we all slept in! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I stuck my earplugs in and didn't even hear Jeff leave to go to work! Gotta love that! Hopefully we'll see the outdoors this week and take a day to go to the park.

Quinn is keeping us smiling these days! She may be 25 months, but this child knows the culture around her. Today she told us, "I want to have that iPod!" iPod??? Since when did one of your children's first few complete sentences contain the word 'ipod'?

For any friends that may live in the area, check out our Aroma blog in our women's ministry at LifeSong, and consider taking part in our first ever COMMUNITY Bible study. We'll be studying "Esther" by Beth Moore. No question that you'll love it, but the question is, "will you come?" I would be honored to have you!

Hopefully, we'll update this week with pictures of our Spring Break! Happy Spring Y'all!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Menu March 30-April 6^{th - I had to repeat some things this week b/c we didn't follow our plan so much last week due to this or that!}

Monday, 30^th – Mini Chicken Sandwiches

Carrot Sticks in Ranch

Baked Chips

Tuesday, 31^st - Barbecue Sandwiches

Green Beans

Potato Salad

Shoney's Strawberry Pie (taking this to my cousin...we're having it Sunday)

Mother/Daughter (s) Tea Party (just my girls and me)

We'll eat our regular dinner and then enjoy tea with Graham Cracker Sticks and
Lemon Dip

1/2 cup lemon juice (from bottle) mixed with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

(this tastes just like lemon pie!)

Wednesday, 1^st – Arroz con Pollo

Salad

Thursday, 2^nd – Honey Lemon Chicken with Brown Rice

Lettuce Wraps

Friday, 3^rd – Hamburger Helper for girls

Saturday, 4^th – Wedding/Pizza for girls

Sunday, 5^th – Chicken Pot Pie

Herbed Mashed Potatoes

Garden Salad

Shoney’s Strawberry Pie with Whipped Cream

A Late Menu Plan - Menu Plan TUESDAY!

2009-03-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind on life right now, but I'll post our menus, and what we ate on MONDAY, even! Take time to eat at least one meal together this week! Make a memory!

Monday, 23rd - London Broil with Mushrooms (I cook mine on a low heat for about 3-4 hours in coffee and cream of mushroom soup)
Squash and Zucchini over Whole Grain Egg Noodle Pasta (topped with parmesan cheese)
Steamed Green Beans

Tuesday, 24th - Arroz Con Pollo with Black Beans

Wednesday, 25th - Barbecue Chicken
Potato Salad
Green Beans
Shoney's Strawberry Pie

Thursday, 26th - Honey Lemon Chicken with Steamed Broccoli
Lettuce Wraps
Brown Rice

Friday, 27th - Out

Saturday, 28th - Pabellon (my love meal from Venezuela)
Carne Mechada, Plantanos, Rice/Black Beans, and Arepas

Sunday, 29th - Chicken Pot Pie
Mandarin Orange Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Pound Cake with fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream

My New Love Affair

2009-03-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

I have found a new love. Well, it's not really a new love. It has always been there, but just recently, it's made it's way to the top of my "I gotta have 'em" list, and so far, seems very secure in first place. The options are endless, and the joy it brings my heart is limitless. Is it wrong to dream of these all day long?

OK, on to some news. Here's more of what we've been doing around here at The Hickman's home recently.
Quinn loves to go to the park...LOVES to be outside, so that's where we've been...A LOT!

I should have included this in my last post, but Jeff got his first pedicure in Vegas. I got one, too, but this picture of Bobby and Jeff is so much more fun. So, definitely, pedicures is what we have been doing and hope to do more now that flip flop weather is coming back!

We had the LifeSong Youth over Sunday night. I'll admit it...it traumatized me slightly to have so many in our house (about 30), but I love them. Here the boys are trying to set fire to our house with the S'Mores maker!

What's a youth gathering without a little "see" food?!

Finally, we have also been working on, "Sisters LOVE each other!" Here I forced them to hug b/c they are just at that age where THAT is NOT Cool, Mom!

Lean On Me

2009-03-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

So much has been going on since my last post, and if you were one of the three comments made on my Pay It Forward post, your gift will be coming soon. Rest assured, you have not been forgotten! We have been traveling so much...well, at least I have. Jeff and I both had the opportunity to visit LifeSong Las Vegas recently and spend some time with our dear, dear friends Bobby and Britt Tyler. We have known them since we served in Dillon, SC almost five years ago. They are some of the people that God brings into your life that, once you first meet them, your hearts are bonded for life. They are like flesh and blood to us, so planting LifeSong Lyman and LifeSong Las Vegas has certainly been an extra special experience for our families. We are so excited to become adopted Uncle and Aunt to their new baby girl set to arrive in July. She will be one more loved on baby!
We so enjoyed our time spent encouraging them, loving on them and spending time with them in their work in Las Vegas. We're ready to hop the next plane back to see them soon!
We are so grateful for Jeff's parents and our sister-in-law, Renee, keeping Quinn for us, and for our sweet friends Beva and Barbie staying here in Lyman to keep the other girls. How blessed we feel to have them invest in our life in order for us to go!

A couple of days after we returned from LV, I packed up again and headed out to Nashville, TN with two of our Pastor's wives here at LifeSong Lyman for the Living Proof Live Minister's Wives Conference done by Beth Moore. It was such a time of refreshing and encouragement to be in the same place as other pastor's wives, worshiping together as Travis Cottrell led, and just leaning on each other for love and fellowship. When Jeff and I were in seminary, the word always was, "Bless your heart. You'll be so lonely." In seminary, I never realized just how precious my days were there with other people in my same boat, with my same focus and just getting to live life with them in a safe place. Who knew that life "out there" would be so threatening, confusing, ups and downs, highs and lows?! Jeff and I wouldn't go back to seminary at all because neither of us felt it gave any practical word for what's really out there, but we would go back in a heartbeat for all of the relationships that God gave us that have continued to be our biggest source of encouragement. Because as life would go, I became that person that said, "yes, it is lonely." Now, if you are reading this and you have been in any church where we have served, please don't take this the wrong way. Never for one second would I change living my life with you, loving you and serving you. You are my life's calling! But, the truth is...ministry IS lonely. You move from place to place and you must make new friends. You make some. You lose some. You are the person that sometimes has to stand for the unpopular thing and you lose relationships because of it, or people just think you are way too serious. Well, I am! I am dead serious about seeing God change your life, but I sure have had a ball living it out! There is no amount of compromise that would make me think my life hasn't been a blast. The lonely times come when people say for you to be real and share and then when you do, you're told you shouldn't feel that way, or you'll get over it. Well, sometimes I don't want to get over it! Galatians 5:13,14 says, "For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love." That sooooo sums up how I feel. I love this life God has called my family and me to, and there are times when I want to kick and scream and NOT go, NOT do, NOT say what's right, but it's the times of "serving one another through love" that makes all else make sense to me. What an honor and privilege to serve those God has put in our life. It may mean risking "fitting in," being popular, or doing what I want to do from time to time, but the reward in the end of seeing lives changed is SO worth it. I love it. I love who God has put in our lives to serve alongside in this season in ministry. He alone has created a team that comes from every walk of life and in that walk they have seen God change them and use them, and they wanted MORE! Jeff and I feel so blessed to walk with them in this new journey in our lives. They uphold us, serve us, love us, teach us...OH, I could go on! What a blessing they are. Going on this trip to Nashville with Barbie and Lynn is something I will always cherish. Thank you, LifeSong, for allowing us to go. When you give us wings like that, we go away and come back fuller and better than we were when we left. We are so gratefull to serve you and be a part of your life. I am so grateful that God has given me three pastor's wives to lean on and call friend. They are truly special. God sure has used the last two weeks to fill our hearts. It was a chance to look around and, in some pretty hard times in our country, see that God IS on His throne and He IS changing lives and using people all over. What a challenge it is to go forward and be the best we can be!

Me With You

2009-03-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

My cousin, Kristy Dempsey, is set to release her first children's book on May 14. You can pre-order at Amazon.com. You don't want to miss snatching this book up! The book captures your heart from the get-go, and the illustrations done by Christopher Denise and are just stunning! For all of you friends of mine that live locally, Kristy will be coming to my church for a Moms/Kids Day out to do a book reading and book signing in August, so stay tuned for a specific date for that. Be sure to watch this trailer and order your book today!

Pay it Forward!!!

2009-02-27T05:30:00.001-08:00

My sister, Missy, posted an idea taken from one of her friends on her blog yesterday, and I am ALL for this way of thinking and action, so here's what's going to happen. For the first three people that comment on my blog, you'll be receiving a SURPRISE gift from me! No hints as to what you'll be getting, but you'll be getting something special with hopes that you, too, will pay it forward.
At our church, we are taking this step in a big, corporate way at the end of March. We'll be giving each family that comes to church services that day an amount of money to go and pay it forward in their community. For families within LifeSong that are in need, we'll be paying it forward to them, if they so desire. It's a day set aside to push you along in the right direction. I have found that when I returned back to the States from college, the society I took for granted - you know, the one that thought of others more than themselves...the one that would spontaneously give to their neighbor without hesitation - had pretty much changed. It had become more of ME first and YOU second! Sorry, people, but that's not me. I have always taken for granted blessing others in the way that I just thought everyone did it. Well, we don't all do it, and what better time to start like the present?!

So, comment here, but BEFORE doing so, you must write a post, linking me, on your blog, showing that you, too, are paying it forward. We want to keep this going. It's not a fad...it's blessing others in unique and love-filled ways. So, who's with me? Start paying it forward! Don't forget to leave your comment for a special prize from me!

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks the beginning of the Lent season. It is the challenge for us to give up - personally sacrifice - self in order to focus on our relationship with God, our God Himself, and to confess those sins that bind us from walking in freedom with God. It is an intentional preparation for 40 days for the believer leading up to Easter. For the most part of my upbringing, Lent was just never really recognized. No one really focused on it in the Baptist church. It may have been mentioned, but no challenge to fast and pray was really ever given.

Today, I find myself very challenged to focus these next 40 days on prayer. It all seems like what God has already been doing in my life to challenge me to live expectantly falls right in line with focusing on prayer. For me, prayer is one of the hardest things to do intentionally. I pray all throughout the day - while I clean, in the car driving, falling asleep at night, sending my kids off to school. The aspect of prayer I miss is the intentional focus on praying expectantly for a movement of God, a return to Him by the people, a daily sacrifice to follow Him.

For the last 10-15 days, I've been a part of a group on Facebook called "40 Days of Prayer for our Husbands". I have spent those days intentionally focusing on God filling up my husband, using him, guiding him as he leads our family, etc. It has been refreshing, to say the least, but more than that, it has been a front seat to watching God's power in my man's life.

Prayer changes things.

So, I know that if prayer is making a difference in this area of my life, how much more would it mean to have it overflow into every area. For me, personally sacrificing my time, my wants, my desires to do this quite literally stress me out. I get in these routines, and whether good or bad, there are a lot of bad routines I'm in that comfort me...you know, it's my thing, it's what I do, it's just part of my day so I do it. I don't change it because, well, it's just what I do everyday, so why change anything up.

Let me pause here and say I'm getting very uncomfortable. Writing how you feel in your heart and knowing it's going to really lead somewhere is making me highly nervous!

I am not going to let this season of Lent pass me by. I know God is calling me to sacrifice my time - especially that big chunk that I waste everyday doing trivial things - and replace that time with Him. I have tears in my eyes at the prospect of it all...somewhat because of fear; somewhat because of the power it can bring; a lot because of how it will take me out of my comfort zone; a double lot because I know He's calling me to sacrifice, but really not knowing exactly how that will flesh itself out.

I read this today and I found myself saying, "Wow, how great for you." I was challenged, but not that challenged to do something personally, until I tried to move on to the next thing and found God saying, "What about you, Amy?" That's just it! What about me?

God has got me on the verge of a lot of neat stuff happening in my life. I see it being ten times greater bathed in the power of prayer - in the personal sacrifice. So, over the next 40 days, I pray that I will return here to tell you of the incredible things God has done in that time period. I'm still not sure what all of this means, but I do know that I have to turn some attention off of me and return it to Him. A year from now, I pray that this time of Lent will not be forgotten, but it will only increase my awareness of daily sacrificing my life for Him.

So, what do you do for Lent? Has God personally challenged you to sacrifice a specific thing over these 40 days, or a combination of things? Where do you find your heart as you prepare for celebrating the resurrection of our Lord?

On My Mind...

2009-02-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I woke up and was like, "Life sure has been smooth lately." Oh my word, mistake number one! I should have known better than to think such a thing, because, most certainly, what happens? We usually eat those words with a big, fat spoon! I wouldn't necessarily say that I had to eat them in the worst of ways, but God sure did deal with my heart. I was feeling pretty prideful, I have to admit. I have kind of had the mindset that I am finally at a place that I want to be. I really don't care what anyone else does anymore. I feel pretty much at ease with all I have on my plate right now - no more of that feeling that I should be doing more because that is what everyone expects of me. I don't care about not being included on everything, which if you've read my blog long enough, I really struggle with feeling left out. I also have felt like I've finally been the wife and mom I had lost a while back. I was just feeling all nice and proud of myself. Well, that was until yesterday...

Jeff has been preaching messages the past few weeks on our Passions. The series has been great, and really, if I had to pick, last week's message was my favorite, but it was this week's message that got me shaking...well, jumping....out of my comfort zone. It was one of those times that before I went in the doors of our church yesterday that I was already feeling that God was trying to get my attention. He was calmly whispering to me, "Don't get comfortable." I didn't realize the full impact of the words until Jeff's message yesterday. He preached on the Passions of the Church. In a nutshell, it dealt with our expectations. For those of you who read this that may not know me personally, I am generally a person with high expectations. I can't stand being around people, even, that can't dream big, or see past their nice little boxes to live in comfortably. I am a dreamer. My dreams rarely disappoint either. I dreamed of a godly man to marry. God answered. I dreamed of being a mother. God SURE did answer (four girls!!). I dreamed of leading women to love their husbands, families, themselves, etc. God has answered time and time again. And THAT, right there, is where I feel him tugging to answer me again. It's time to up the ante. It's time to kick it up a notch. I have not lowered my expectations for this area of ministry, but they have just remained like this --------------------------- consistent. I do NOT want to be consistent here. I want to see women's lives changed and marriages/homes walk in victory. God has called me to do that. To talk about it here seems so serious, but really the journey is loaded with fun and fellowship. It is true, though, it is loaded with a lot of deep stuff, too. That is where the last part of Jeff's message comes in. We, the Church, should be a place of Healing. We need to be restoring lives, looking past the junk itself, to the possibility of deliverance. We need to stop talking about what people are doing, or NOT doing, and begin to wrap a arm around them and hold them up. I have these expectations, people, but I, like you, am content to remain stagnant and unmoving. Well, not today. Today I choose to live in the possibilities that this day, and the days after, will be mindblowing...lifechanging! I don't even like to be all serious here on my blog, but I will not remain shallow here, either. God deals with me all the time and I don't tell a soul, thus leaving God and me the only ones in the know. Well, now you know. Know you can extend a hand of accountability to me. Know you can pray for BIG things to happen in my life, as I pray happen in yours. God doesn't want us walking to the same Ho-hum drum. He wants us "jumping, leaping and praising Him." He wants us dancing the dance of our lives today! Which music are you going to choose?

Menu Plan Monday February 23-March 1

2009-02-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

For more great ideas and links to other menus, check out The Organizing Junkie. Now, GO, get to planning!

Monday: Chicken Alfredo
Salad and Rolls

Tuesday: Cooking for my LifeGroup
Mardi Gras Dinner
Red Beans and Rice
Salad and Cornbread

Wednesday - Date Night!!!

Thursday - Barbecue Chicken
Corn on Cob
Oven Fries
Green Beans

Friday - Taco Bar Night

Saturday - Blue Cheese Burgers
Cole Slaw and Fries

Sunday - Chicken and Dumplings
Lima Beans over Rice
Chocolate Pecan Pie

Am I the Only One Disturbed by This?

2009-02-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

(The Interactive Jesus Doll)

AND, to top it off, it's sold at my local grocery store! I don't know, maybe it's just me...

Butterfly Treehouse

2009-02-17T09:29:00.001-08:00

Check out the Aroma Blog today

It's Another Menu Plan Monday!!

2009-02-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

Since I was sick last week, I'm using some menus from last week, but for the most part, I still had to cook last week and stuck to my original plan. Happy Planning!!

Monday - Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Tuesday - Cheesy Lasagna
Salad and Bread

Wednesday - Breakfast for dinner - Pancakes, Bacon, Fruit

Thursday - Grilled Chicken
Steamed Broccoli with Cheese
Roasted Potatoes

Friday - Marriage Conference

Saturday - Date Night

Sunday - Ham and Cheese Cannelloni
Caesar Salad and Breadsticks
For more great ideas visit The Organizing Junkie for other menus. Take time to cook for your family this week!

Just to Prove I'm Not a Valentine's Scrooge...

2009-02-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post 14 things I love today, and random though they may be, it's what I love most at the present time...

1. I would be remiss if I didn't put my Jeffery Walton Hickman at the top of this list. He is the love of my life. I met him and it was as if the Lord said, "here's the answers to your prayers." The Lord has never once stopped telling me that!

2. I certainly love my four girls...McKenna for her servant's heart; Bailey for her social butterfly-ness; Avery for her quick and hard hugs while she takes a break from being sneaky; Quinn for calling "MaaaaaaMaaaaa" every morning when she awakes.

3. I love menu planning. Call me a nerd. I love making sure my family is well fed and loved on through a good dinner. I refuse to let the woman who cooks for her family die! ;)

4. I love Pandora radio...really, I just love music, and inside I'm a Diva singer!

5. I love where I attend church because it has teaches me everyday how to be the Church everywhere I go.

6. I love blogs...words have always been my love language, so reading other people's words and getting little glimpses into their world just really interests me.

7. I love all things Hispanic...food, culture, language...and I like to share my experiences of growing up in that culture with anyone who will listen. Once you have traveled the world it gives you a very unique perspective on a lot of things.

8. I love my country...because of #7, I cannot listen to our national anthem to this day without crying

9. Coffee is my love language...it wakes one up, builds relationships, comforts...

10. I love Soma...my friend, Lana, introduced me to their camis and other comfort clothes

11. No list would be complete if I didn't include Target...it never gets old to me.

12. I love having people over for dinner...breakfast, lunch, snacks. Showing people I love them by having them over is always fun for me.

13. I love reality TV...I am a sucker for it.

14. Because of my Father God, I have love at all. He completes every list!

Cupid Ought To Hit You Everyday!

2009-02-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a Valentine's Day Scrooge. I really don't see the point. I'll stop here and fess up, though, and say, "yes, I do LOVE Valentine's candy, and I most certainly expect a box of chocolates when the 14th of February arrives." I just really love candy!! I'm kinda under the notion that the holiday is a great time for couples who are dating. It's kind of like dating is already good training ground for when you get married and go on dates. It's just a day for you, you dating people, to pull out all the stops and tell the one you love you love her/him. My beef with it, though, when you are married is you kinda should've grown up by now and don't need the little extra nudge to show your mate how important they are. I hear you out there saying that you don't have time to date, that life is busy, that "she/he ought to know I love her/him by now." Pshaw! Pleeeeease!
If you have time to sit and watch two hours of American Idol, and really, let's take a sidebar here and say...if you really have time to watch two hours of American Idol and endure that horrendous laugh of Tatiana, you HAVE time to take your spouse out on a date. Really, that puts things in perspective, huh? Tatiana's laugh or time with your spouse? Ummmmm....
I must say, I do love this holiday for my kids. They are just so giddy with excitement over their V-day loot when they get home from school. They get so much they never seem to notice when all the Bottle Caps go missing!
My favorite Valentine memory is from back in High School. As Seniors we sold carnations for our class fundraiser. We loved trying to sell the most we could, but for the girls in my dorm (remember, I went to boarding school) we would have one of those unspoken contests to see who would get the most flowers. I didn't do too bad, really. Practically every square foot in my room was covered in flowers. Every girl's dream, really. The funny part of this to me, though, is that eventually they would die. Have you ever smelled a dead carnation? There is no other smell to compare it to! It was horrible...ghastly, really. It was always funny to me that the flowers brought so much happiness, and really, they stayed pretty so long, especially if you took good care of them, only to die a horrible, smelly death. Kind of a picture of any relationship, huh?
There are lots of things I love this time of year, though, but I love them all the time...not just on February 14th. I think the greatest gift you can give each other as a couple is time. That is fleshed out in so many ways. It may vary for you, but Jeff and I can never say enough about taking time to date one another. It is so important. It is great to have time to talk to each other without interruption from the kids, and we try to not answer our cell phones while we are out either. We have always made a commitment to date, but recently we've upped the ante to stick to this date night no matter what. There are times we have to change, like this week for instance with me being sick, but on those times, we date after the kids go to bed. We may fix our living room up like we're at the movies and have popcorn or candy, or we may do a picnic on the floor and eat a late dinner. There are so many options to choose from that will give you quality time. I can go through the week knowing that I was important enough to Jeff that he chose to take me out and spend time with me. That doesn't let you ladies off the hook though. I plan many a date, too. Your man needs to know that he is special enough to you, too, that you want to spend time with him. I stay home and have no source of income, but Jeff and I have budgeted together for me to be able to plan things like this, too. Sometimes it's stressful finding something to do, but I never come home saying I wish we hadn't gone! So, I jest about Valentine's Day, but I really do want to encourage you to make everyday a Love Day. I mean, after all, didn't Forrest say it best, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you're gonna get." It's kind of like what everyday can bring to our marriages if we let it. And really, who doesn't like chocolates?

Quinn's Birthday Re-cap

2009-02-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Finally finding some strength to post pictures of Quinn's birthday. It has been a rough few days around here. I'm still fighting with this flu and generally about to lose my mind. My sweet husband didn't know the church member he'd be ministering to this week was me! I am incredibly thankful that on any given day, we (the girls and me) are his priority, but I'm especially grateful that that rang true this week. He has taken such good care of me, and Quinn, too, as she's had a horrible cold. He has the best work ethic of anyone I know, so in case it ever came into question (ha!), he works circles around me here at home, but he also manages to continue to find the time to invest in others, work on his sermon prep and all the other stuff he does everyday. I get dizzy just watching him! Anyway, I've said thanks a million times, but it's hard for the Mama to be sick, but Jeff has definitely been the Mama and the Daddy this week and never missed a beat!
Anyway, on to the birthday stuff. Quinn had a family party the day before her birthday and friends her age came over a couple of days after her birthday. She just thought we were eating lots and lots of cake! :) I'll post more as I get them. She got a new tricycle that she has been dying to ride more, but since she's been sick, too, we'll try to catch her doing that on a better day!

Aunt Missy spent Quinn's whole birthday weekend with us...Meme did, too, but I don't think I got her in a single picture! How'd that happen??!

I made Chocolate Chip poundcake when my family came over (along with Shrimp and Grits!), so Quinn enjoyed blowing out candles on that cake!
Oh, yeah, she enjoyed eating it, too!

No one has to tell a girl how to open a present!
One of her favorite presents..."Elmo Potty Time" She tries to tear her clothes off and run for the potty every time she watches this!
Opening presents with her friends on her birthday playdate (don't know why this is the only good picture I took)
I made these cupcakes for her playdate...hearts since her due date was really on Valentine's Day...she's still a little Valentine baby to us!

Take an Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning

2009-02-11T09:32:00.001-08:00

Yet, sometimes taking an aspirin doesn't do the trick. Well, technically, they never do the trick for me...they upset my stomach! I do, however, wish they had done the trick this time, though, because for the past four days, I've had the flu...only I didn't know until yesterday that I had the flu. I had been sick on Sunday, but I felt A-OK on Monday, and I even had a party with Quinn's little friends for her birthday. Yes, I did this not knowing I had something to give each and ever person that walked through my door! I feel horrible about that, but I never would've had people over if I thought I was really sick. I didn't even have a fever, for Pete's sake! Anyway, there are a lot of other things I would rather be doing today than sitting around blogging about having the flu!
I don't know about you, but when I'm sick, I watch entirely too much TV, and in the case of this flu, I've eaten entirely too much! Another thing I do entirely too much of is THINK! My word, what you can ponder while you are down and out in the bed is, at times funny (especially after I've taken my meds), depressing, life-altering, or just plain BORING! I have asked myself some tough questions and some dumb questions. I have thought a lot about where God has brought me from and where He's taken me, too.
I recently was faced going through something difficult in my life. I don't always know how to walk tough roads with people I love. Sometimes, God leads you to make tough decisions in regards to people you love that hurt some and are the healing agent for others. It's the tough love part I struggle with. And yet, when I read God's word, it is filled with that same kind of tough love. The times we see that He allows us to go through things that we think we cannot any longer bear, but He allows us to walk that road because He's promised us that we won't have to bear more than we can handle. It's times when we think we know the plan for our life, but He shows us another plan for our life that is meant to "prosper us and not to harm us." Even when our flesh makes decisions to harm us, God still has a plan that will NOT harm us! Life-breathing, isn't it? So, even as I sit here typing this seeing myself in the situations, it is still so difficult to breathe the words of life to people in my life that God has allowed me to be friends with, or invest in. God asks us to be real, though, and even in the times we are being real, others have to be at a place to accept it. I have been on the saying and receiving ends of this. I don't know which is harder. We say we want accountability, but do we? Do we only want it when we are going through happy stuff, or can we take it when we are going through the hard stuff, too? It's hard when I've had friends come to me that I have asked to hold me accountable and when they have to say the tough stuff to me in my darkest hour, well...I want to claw their eyeballs out. Being on the end of saying the tough stuff to someone in their darkest hour makes me sick and makes my heartache, even knowing it is for "the building up of the brethren." It has cost me relationships, but that doesn't make me want to stop loving people as God would. The reason I say that is because, at one time, it did make me not say what God would have me say. I would say that which would make them feel good at that time, never taking into account what needed to be said for the long term. I find that even being willing to "go there" God still uses down the road, too, because He words are the life-giving, heart-healing, path-altering words of life.
Yeah, well, maybe it's my meds that have me thinking all deep today, but maybe not. I read something today that one of my friends wrote. It went like this..."Some days are for wrapping up in a warm blanket like a cocoon and letting God minister to your soul, mind, and body." That is what today is for me, and what my hope is for people that God has called me to befriend, to influence, to invest in. It's never gonna be me that makes a difference and ministers to someones soul. It has to be God! Today I can bemoan the fact that I'm laid up here in bed and feel sorry for myself, or I can allow God to penetrate my heart and minister to me today. Maybe you are reading this today and thinking, "what does God have to offer me to minister to me at all?" He has Life! The Life He has given me is the life where everyday is like walking outside your door on the first day of Spring and just really BREATHING. It's everything...even in the darkest time or the roughest day.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Monday, 9th - Quesadillas
Salad/Chips and Salsa

Tuesday, 10th - Pizza for girls...LifeGroup for Mom and Dad

Wednesday, 11th - Beef Stew over Rice

Thursday, 12th - Potato Soup

Friday, 13th - Bailey's having a party!

Saturday, 14th - Filet Medallions with Mushroom Sauce
Fettucine Alfredo with Broccoli
Salad
Cheesecake

Sunday, 15th - Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Check out the Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas!

A Two Year Old

2009-02-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today I officially have a two year old. Oh, I have had a two year old before, but today is different. My BABY has turned two - the baby that pretty much came along as a surprise and changed my whole world. She lit up my life in such a sad time I was going through...that our whole family was going through. When we found out she was coming, we chose to just celebrate life...all of it...the good and the bad. She has lived true to that theme, too. Never a time will you NOT see a smile on her face. She laughs constantly, talks All of the time, and gives hugs and kisses like nobody else could.
It makes me sad today that she turns two, because we feel she is our last baby, unless God answers our prayer to adopt one day. It's as though, with her, I look at her firsts as also the last time I'll ever go through that, and boy have I loved every second of it. But, the whole "turning two" part is sad because she wants SO badly to grow up and her Mama wants So badly to keep her a baby.

Today, we celebrate Quinn Olivia's birthday. She helps us celebrate life everyday and today we get to throw a little extra special love back her way. We love you, Quinn. Our prayer continues to be, first and foremost, that you will know and accept Jesus at a young age, and that He would use us as instruments in your life to bring that about. We pray for happiness and good health, as well as lots and lots more laughter. So today, you little lovey, we say "Happy Birthday" and "We love you so very much!"

National Fondue Day

2009-02-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was National Fondue Day...yes, it was! My Paula Deen calendar informed me of it, and it was as though I read MANDATORY CELEBRATION, so that's just what we did. Jeff and I often go to The Melting Pot just for dessert, but here lately, we have made good use of that fondue pot my sister gave me years ago and we've done some Fondue Nights with the girls. They love it, too. We had the best time last night trying strawberries, bananas, angel food cake, pretzels and vanilla wafers in yummy chocolate.
See for yourself.....

A Blogging Slump

2009-02-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

I'm in a complete blogging slump. All day long I think of things to share with you, my little blogger friends, but then I get to the computer and I'm like, "what was it I was going to share?" It's either a slump, or I'm old. Can you guess which excuse I'm going with?

Life has been plenty eventful around here. It really has, but when I lie my head down on the pillow each night, I have no clue what I did during the day, thus, my blogging slump. I know that each day I get up, brew some coffee, make lunches for lunchboxes and then I do my Wii Fit. Oh, the bonus this week is, for the first time in my entire life, I've joined the gym. I've enjoyed it so far. Yesterday I couldn't move...literally. I was hurting in my legs and feet so bad that I contemplated crawling everywhere. For the most part, though, I like going. The one thing I really struggle with is not getting distracted by the fact that yesterday, for example, was every skinny girl in my town day! Really, they were all skinny, and I, who in all actuality wore rather tight pants proudly yesterday, found myself suddenly re-thinking my decision. A girl can dream, right, but then again, a girl can be delusional, too! I fear I fell into the latter category. I mean, why did they come if they are that skinny? It baffled me. I'm not quite at the "let it give you hope that you, too, can look like that" stage yet. I just wanted to crawl up into a ball and roll right off that treadmill, but I had tight pants on, and somehow the sight of my rear end up in the air scared me more...needless to say what it would've done to the patrons at my gym.

So, let's move to another note...a happier note. I've been watching a LOT of TV lately, and if you let your mind dwell on that, you'll find yourself right back at the previous paragraph and my need to GO to the gym. I can't help myself. It was, after all, The Biggest Loser, that inspired me to join the gym (and to buy the tight pants), but I love American Idol, The Bachelor (don't tell my mom) and LOST. I simple do NOT blink when LOST is on. I cannot miss anything. If you never watched it from the beginning, I highly doubt you find it as rivoting as I do, but I tell ya...it is amazing television! I enjoy my nights in front of the TV, though. Jeff and I just chill out and enjoy that time together after the girls go to bed, and while I know he could do without the TV, he indulges my interests.

I have also been doing a lot of catching up with friends lately. It's amazing how many people I have found on Facebook that I grew up with, or met along the way. I am going to write a whole separate post about Facebook one day, or better yet, I may even write a book about it. It is a whole other world, I tell ya! But, if you don't want everyone all "up in your business," Facebook is not your thing. I love it, though, and because of it, I have been able to correspond with my college roomies a lot lately. My roommate met me for lunch last week and I finally got to give her...ahem...14 month old her baby gift! I know...tacky of me! We had a great time, though, and our next outing is to get together with our whole suite. I'm expecting a lot of laughter and reliving "the good old days." We had so much fun!

We've got big plans this weekend. Our baby girl turns 2! I cannot believe it. Time is flying. I will write more about that later, though.

Hey, well lookie there! I wrote a blog. If you stuck it out to the end, you ARE a true friend. If you did, pass it along to 10 other people and you'll receive blessings by the end of the day if you do it before 5:48pm. I know...don't you just hate those things? Naw...just relish in the fact that you might have been one of the few to make it to the end, and if you really read it all, maybe, just maybe you'll tune in again!

Menu Plan Monday February 2-February 8

2009-02-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

Monday - Mini Cheeseburgers
Tater Tots

Tuesday - LifeGroup

Wednesday - Chili

Thursday - White Wine Chicken
Steamed mixed veggies
Garlic Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Chocolate Fondue for dessert (National Chocolate Fondue Day!)

Friday - Birthday dinner with my family to celebrate Quinn's birthday
Shrimp and Grits
Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Birthday cake

Saturday - Quinn's Birthday!!!!
Make Your Own Pizza Night

Sunday - Baked Spaghetti
Salad
Bread
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

For more great ideas check out The Organizing Junkie Menu Plan Monday. Would love to hear what you are making for your family this week, so make a comment!

Some Great Posts to Read

2009-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

I am admittedly a blog "stalker." OK, "stalker" might not be the most flowery word to use, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading blogs. I have a few favorites that I like to keep up with, so I thought I would pass on a few of my recent favorite reads. Some of the posts are funny and some just encouraging. So, if you are ready to sit back and read a little this weekend, here's some great stuff you might enjoy...

Jeff, my husband, had a great post on why our church exists in this community.

Perry Noble, Pastor at NewSpring Church in Anderson, just posted a wonderful post today on prioritizing your family as Pastors, but really as men of God. I'm recommending you read it as if to say, "we're proof it's true." You do this, and you'll see things in place in your life.

LPM blog...Oh, my word...this just made me laugh and flash back to the past. I'd love to know your flash back moments...what takes ya back?

The Preacher's Wife posted something "too cool for school" yesterday. Check out her post and I promise you'll become as addicted as I am to this!

This has got to be one of my new favorite blogs to read. I am snatching up her book as soon as I can, but read this post. It caught my attention because I, too, was outraged over how the church treated Ted Haggard, former pastor of New Life in Colorado, after news of scandal broke out in his family's life. The Church is about restoration, yet his family was sent packing...literally, forced to move out of state. I pray that God's people will wrap arms around me and not leave me alone if, God forbid, I end up in scandal.

I'm sure there are tons more great reads I could suggest, so maybe I'll add more later. Have a great weekend. Who are you pulling for in the Super Bowl? Are you even gonna watch it? Go Cards!

Menu Plan Monday 1/26-2/1

2009-01-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

My mind must have been on all things cultural in my meal planning this week. Maybe it's a little longing for something Venezuelan, or maybe I am in a mood to travel and all I can afford is to travel there through my tummy! Anyway, don't fault me on my lack of creativity, or better yet, praise me for it...It's International Week! (I totally made that up, but it does apply to everyday this week except for Thursday and Sunday, when we break from our International theme!)

Monday, 26th - Taco Soup

Tuesday 27th - Lunch for my girlfriends - Chicken Empanadas
Salad
Black Beans
Mexican Sugar Cookies

Wednesday, 28th - Pabellon (Venezuelan meal, per McKenna's request)
Carne Mechada
Black Beans and Rice (leftover from day before)
Arepas
Platanos (Plantains)

Thursday, 29th - Silver Dollar Pancakes
Bacon

Friday, 30th - Fish Tacos
Spanish rice and Pintos

Saturday, 31st - Game Night with some friends and I have to take an appetizer

Sunday, Feb. 1st - Chicken Pot Pie
Tossed Salad

Dance Fever

2009-01-23T07:43:00.001-08:00

Growing up, Jeff, and his sister, Sandra, wanted to be Dance Fever dancers. Jeff wanted to BE Denny Terrio! Word has it, Jeff would throw (twirl) Sandra around the room every time the show was on practicing his dance moves. Too bad he gave it up. He might could have had a future on "Dancing With the Stars." Maybe Avery will come through for the family, though. This is a glimpse into our dinnertime together the other night. Think The Robot will make a comeback?

Superstars!

2009-01-22T05:15:00.000-08:00

Report cards were issued yesterday in our school district. I always break out in a cold sweat those days because my past starts to haunt me. "Have my girls inherited my 'just be average' gene? Please, Lord, help them be like their Daddy!" By this, I mean, I coulda used another year of school! Anybody relate? I was born in October in a time period where the cut off date for starting Kindergarten was November 1st. Had it been today, I would have started school in September, thus giving me a year to get smarter and start my life in school off on a better note. OK, this is my story and I'm sticking to it, cause we all know that my poor performance in school was not because of lack of motivation or discipline, right? Anyway, truth of the matter is, I was just really average when it came to school. I have tried hard to not instill bad habits in my girls. My middle name can, at times, be "Procrastinator." I mean, really, isn't that the reason I started this blog - to give me reason to put off doing something much more important? My husband pointed out in his message on Sunday that I'm the planner and he's the one that likes to fly by the seat of his pants. Well, folks, that is not entirely true. If we were getting stellar grades for who can procrastinate, aka "fly by the seat of their pants" better than anyone else, I win, I win!! I just had a knack for pulling it out in the end. Unfortunately, my pulling it out in the end still looked, well...AVERAGE! I convinced my teachers and professors that I had worked diligently, however, thus resulting in being well-liked by them because they thought I was one of the "good" students! Ha! I sure hope my girls don't read this!
My point in all of this is that coming home everyday and doing your homework and studying diligently actually DOES work. I am happy to report that all of my children...you know, the ones that share MY blood, my genes...came home with straight 'A' report cards yesterday! OK, well, Avery gets C's and S's because she is, after all, in first grade. C's mean "consistently demonstrates" and S's "somewhat demonstrates." Avery got C's! That'll be the only time we'll jump up and down about that! I am so very proud of them, though, and THAT is the real reason I have this blog...to brag on my babies and talk about just whatever I wanna talk about. What superstars they are! I am, in all honesty, slightly jealous, however. I can't say that straight A's were ever a reality for me, but I can live vicariously through my kids, right?
So, world (OK, all 10 of you that read my blog) my kids got straight A's (C's). What a happy day at the Hickman Home. Way to go girls!

I'll Be LOST Tonight

2009-01-21T05:06:00.001-08:00

This is how I'll be spending my evening tonight, so if you call my house and I don't answer from 9pm-11pm, you'll know where I'll be...

Ham and Cheese Cannelloni

2009-01-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

This was given to me by my sister-in-law, Sandra, and it has become one of our family favorites! Enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Cannelloni

Makes 8 cannelloni

Prep time  15 minutes

Cook time  20 minutes

Use

whole milk instead of heavy cream; skim milk ricotta and low-fat

mozzarella in place of whole-milk cheeses.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 large egg

8 egg-roll wrappers (available in the refrigerated section)

8 slices deli ham

1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1.             Preheat oven to 400.  In a small saucepan, melt the butter over

medium heat.  Whisk in the flour until smooth.  Slowly whisk in the

heavy cream and cook, stirring continuously, until thickened, about 5

minutes.  Set the cream sauce aside; then stir in the salt.

2.             In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella and the egg.

3.             Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce (about 11/2 cups) in the

bottom of a 9-by-9-inch baking dish.  Arrange an egg-roll wrapper on a

work surface.  Spread 3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over the

wrapper, cover with a slice of ham, then roll up to form a log,

jelly-roll style.

               Repeat with the remaining wrappers and place the cannelloni, seam

side down, in a single layer in the baking dish.

4.             Spoon the remaining cream sauce over the cannelloni, top with the

Parmigiano-Reggiano and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and

bubbly./span>e>

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

My menu for this week is carrying over a little from last week. I did some rearranging on a couple of days, so you might see some repeats. I like posting this from week to week to keep me straight on what I am cooking, and challenges me to find new things. I'm always looking for new stuff, so feel free to send what you're making at your homes to me. Happy Planning! Oh, and visit the Organizing Junkie for more great ideas and other links to other menus!

Monday 19th - Chicken Noodle Soup and Sandwiches

Tuesday 20th - Lunch for friends - Potato soup and salad
Dinner for my LifeGroup -
Ham and Cheese Cannelloni
Salad
Bread
Chocolate Eclair

Wednesday 21th - Chicken Casserole
Collards
Mashed Potatoes

Thursday 22nd - Barbecue Sandwiches
Slaw and Oven Fries

Friday 23rd - DATE NIGHT

Saturday 24th - White Chili and Cornbread

Sunday 25th - Lasagna
Caesar Salad
Bread

Quinn's First Haircut

2009-01-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

We took Quinn for her first haircut today. Yep, she's almost two, and we're just now getting her first haircut. She's had such cute curls up until things recently fizzled, or should I said "frizzled."
We were going for the bobbed look, but as things would have it, the curls popped back into place, so she got shaped up and cleaned up! She crawled up in the seat and acted like she had done it all her life. No tears, no screaming, no jerking around...Nothing! She just sat there and played with her friend, Elmo, while the stylist did her job. We went to Jelly Beans and they let you have your child's first haircut for a penny! Mama loves a deal! I took some pictures, but you know my story..."stinky camera, would love a new one, but these will have to do" kind of shots. My baby looks like a big girl now!You can't really get a great look at the finished product, but Mama also has to have a chance to play with it and fix it all nice and pretty. :)

A Long Weekend

2009-01-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, it is a long weekend here in our school district, but as Hickman tradition would have it, we have sickness in the home anytime we have a break from school! I am grateful, yes, that we don't have it while school is in session, but still... Avery has strep throat. Apparently it's running rampant around her school, so six people in the house here, two of whom have no tonsils and rarely get sore throats, but three of whom are susceptible, and let's just pray it's not the man in the house who has the largest tonsils in the known world!

So, you can imagine our day today has not been too thrilling, other than a trip to the doctor where Little Lovey, aka Quinn Olivia, decides to act like a two year old and have me chase her all over the medical center! She cackled. I ran out of breath! Anyhow, we got a diagnosis for Avery, and now we know what to do.

Typically, today or tomorrow or Date Nights for Jeff and me, and we were going tonight, but unfortunately, our babysitter had an emergency. We'll reschedule, though. It has always been a priority to go every other week for us, but we're attempting a weekly date by putting it in our new budget. We love our time together and love trying out new restaurants together and ending every date at, yep...Starbucks!

I've been sitting here dying laughing at Quinn. She has been really talking lately, and has I have mentioned before on here, she learned to say Avery's name first. We tell everyone that she learned Avery's name first because she hears it the most, and yes, it's true. In turn, after all this time of saying Avery's name insesantly, she has taken to blaming everything on Avery, too. In just the few minutes I have been sitting here typing, she has come in here and told me, "Avery hit me...Avery hit me...Avery hit me," OR very similarly, "Avery hurt me...Avery hurt me...Avery hurt me." She grins from ear to ear each time she says it, so you know that she has made the whole thing up, cause this Mommy who knows where her children are at all times (hint of sarcasm) happens to know that Avery is lying doing on the couch!

So, any ideas on what we can do while we are cooped up indoors tomorrow? Not going out while Avery is sick, of course, but it's going to be 31 degrees here tomorrow! Give me an idea!

Hope you have a great Friday.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

Pictures from some highlights of our week...

Menus for January 12 - January 18th

2009-01-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, right....

Monday, January 12 - THIS NIGHT at LifeSong

Tuesday - I'll be taking Green Bean casserole and Brown rice to my LifeGroup.

Wednesday - Chicken Spaghetti (Jeff's love language meal)
Caesar Salad and Bread

Thursday - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Sandwiches

Friday - DATE NIGHT!!!
Girls are eating their love language meal - Hamburger Helper! :)

Saturday - Potato Soup cause it's gonna be COLD!

Sunday - Stuffed Pork Chops
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole and Rolls

Random thoughts

2009-01-12T05:25:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on my mind and heart today...
This Night.....
Tonight is something that I have planned for and prayed for since several months ago. Our Aroma women's ministry at LifeSong is hosting "This Night...A Night of New Beginnings." This Night is something that God gave me a vision for a little over a year ago. Although the idea is something that many churches do, it's the focus that I desired be different from what I've experienced in the past. The idea is to have hostesses decorate their tables according to a provided color scheme and according to their personalities, and to sell tickets to women in our community to attend. The encouragement from me, however, has been to let God challenge you to buy your table's tickets and hand out tickets for women to come, making it much more doable in getting people to attend. If they have a free ticket, they feel ministered to by receiving a gift, and they come in and are ministered to. In the past I've participated in this in different churches, but the outreach part of it never felt like it clicked. I never felt that we were reaching anyone but ourselves, so the idea of This Night...A Night..... you fill in the blanks, was birthed. Our first one was a Night to Reach the Nations and our second one was a Night to Reach the Community. Tonight's idea came from where each of us finds ourselves right now - in a new year of new beginnings. Our speaker's life changing experience exemplifies this to a tee. The added thought behind This Night has been that we come face to face with our Father in corporate worship, rather than having someone stand before us and sing. If you have ever attended a women's conference before and come back and say you needed that kind of corporate worship, that is kind of what I'm talking about here. The bursting of my heart always comes when I look around that room and I don't know a soul! I love it. I know my hostesses, but the people that are sitting at their tables are women that they are having a direct influence on, and on whom LifeSong is getting to say, "We exist for you!" I am beyond excited about what God has intended for His glory tonight. This Night is saying, "here's your opportunity to evoke change on a big level, but let it prompt you to do this every single day!" I can't wait!!!

Paying it forward....
We all have heard the phrase, "pay it forward." It is really what LifeSong was founded on by saying, "be missionaries where you live, work and play." Jeff and I had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of this on Friday. We went to the mall to spend some giftcards and decided to eat at Garfield's in the mall. Let me stop here and say that I really do not like Garfield's a whole lot. I think I could make their food at home and it is way over priced. It had a sit down atmosphere away from the noise of the mall, so that made our decision to eat there. We enjoyed some time together and with Quinn, and really our lunch was great. We were getting ready to pack Quinn's food up to take with us when the waitress came over and told us that a gentleman sitting on the other side of the wall divider from us knew us and had paid for our meal! What?!!! We asked who it was and the waitress said she had not asked his name, but that he had a mustache. Ok, yeah, well, that really narrowed it down! We were really touched. Jeff and I will randomly pay for people's meals when we are out, or pay for their coffee in the drive thru at Starbucks, but I can't say that we've ever been on the receiving end of someone doing that for us anonymously. We were beyond touched by this. It encouraged our hearts so much. It's one of those times that being on the receiving end just heightens the notion behind the reasons you yourself do what you do. Giving is much easier for us than receiving. Now don't go thinking I don't love a good present, 'cause I do! I'm just saying, we're so focused on that most of the time, that receiving just almost seems weird! To whomever bought our meal for us, if you are reading this, "may you be blessed a hundred fold for how you blessed us!"

Upward...
Bailey and Avery participated in their first Upward cheerleading experience. They were awesome! I am so proud of them. We've been to Upward games before, but to be able to be in the atmosphere with your children participating was really special. I will post some pics soon of our day together.

Wii Fit...
So far, I've accomplised a full week of doing Wii Fit. It's been awesome, really. We missed getting the deal at the gym we were joining, so we are holding off a little bit until it comes back, so in the meantime, the Wii has taken off three pounds and I'm cool with that. I want to be on this journey of 2009 being about me. I want my kids to see their mom giving it her all in every area.....
Purple Book...so I've started this book to focus on the everyday with Jesus. Let me tell ya...my quiet time has really been less than existent here lately. I need structure. I need simple. This book is being used in our LifeGroups, so it has provided me with both. It has challenged me and made me rethink a lot of what I do, think and believe. It's been great!

Family...
Jeff and I are learning daily to be intentional in our marriage. God has blessed us, yes, but it's hard work to walk life together. We love the challenge of getting to know each other more and more each day. This time continues to be the sweetest time we've known to date!
McKenna is just encouraging my heart so much lately. She is a ten year old that just desires to serve God with all of her heart. She told me yesterday that she loves going with her Daddy early on Sunday mornings to help set up things at LifeSong because she just wants to serve people. We don't make her get up or tell her she HAS to do this. She sets her clock every Saturday night and is ready to go out the door before Jeff is. I see God using this in her life to place her focus on others, rather than herself.
Bailey, as noted before, is doing great in Upward. She looks forward to going to practices and always comes back saying she is looking for the new, special friend. She is working on making her bedroom a girly place to hang out and last night she helped make a really yummy dinner.
Avery is busy with some responsibilities we have given her. She initiated things by asking if she could take over unloading the dishwasher, so this prompted Jeff and I to do job charts for each of the girls. They do jobs all throughout the summer, but generally don't do a lot during the school year. They had been begging for allowance, so they get $3 a week for four jobs and consistently doing their homework when they get home, without being told. For every job they do not complete, or have to be consistently reminded to do, we deduct 50 cents from their week end's pay. They are doing a great job, and although we are working through some issues, once again, I love teaching my children to serve. And hey, I'm human, lightening my workload ain't half bad either! :)
Quinn is talking up a storm! She is hilarious and loves everyone! She now has big girl panties for us to begin an intense week of potty training this week. Pray for me. I never had to potty train the girls after McKenna was potty trained. They just always wanted to be like her. Quinn is doing the same, to some extent, but I still need to spend some one on one time with her. This is why I don't like dogs in the house! You get it, right? I dread cleaning up accidents! :)

So, enough random from me for one day. Pray for me, if you think about it. The word "focus" comes to mind!