A Heart Set on Pilgrimage

Blog Break

2009-11-08T17:46:00.001-05:00

I'm taking an indefinite blogging break.

Good Quote...

2009-11-04T13:28:00.001-05:00

"Hypocrisy desires to seem good rather than to be so; honesty desires to be good rather than seem so."

~ Arthur Warwick

A Call to Fast

2009-11-04T12:14:00.004-05:00

Our church has been called to a fast over the next 4 weeks.

Week 1 - Fast 1 meal and give that time to God.

Week 2 - Fast 2 meals and give that time to God.

Week 3 - Fast 3 meals and give that time to God.

Week 4 - Fast 4 meals and give that time to God.

(This is not asking us to fast 1,2,3,or 4 meals per day but rather per week.)

HERE is a good article if you are new to the idea of fasting.

Cabin Fever

2009-11-01T17:03:00.007-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, we needed out of the house after being sick all week (JUST COLDS NOT THE FLU... PRAISE GOD!). And Little One needed a nap which is only found to occur while driving... so we went for a drive. We took a long way to get to civilization but when we finally arrived, we walked around the mall and ate out... (which was nice 'cause Mommy didn't want to cook). We had fun... it was good medicine. And can I just say our daughter is quite the table top artist...

... wouldn't you agree?! (I did the leaf - that's it!)

Thanks to the many saints who pray for our health and wellness... 'cause we are all 3 sick of being sick! (I think we are on the mend.)

H1N1 Flu

2009-10-31T12:18:00.002-04:00

HERE is a helpful site about signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu.

Change

2009-10-29T17:23:00.007-04:00

Why do we, human beings, struggle with change so much? Life has been and always will be about change. It is the essence of life... things must change in order to grow. We as Christians actually can have a unique perspective on change... we can view it as an opportunity to grow in our faith because we believe in the One Who never changes... God our Savior.

Jesus is our Rock and Foundation allowing us to try new things without losing our Hope... nothing is ever the "end of the world" to us as believers because we have a greater Hope then things of this earth. No matter what changes occur around us we know that God stays the same. He is to be the focus of our worship... He is the reason for our being... He is the reason we do everything... He is the perfecter of our faith... He is Whom our eyes should be upon... and He Alone is God!

Inconvenience is not a reason to grumble... in fact we shouldn't be grumbling at all. Philippians 2 Our Lord suffered all the way to the cross... what do we really suffer in light of Calvary? Believers around the globe suffer for their faith, places where it is illegal - even fatal for them to attend a Christian church service, own a Bible, or share the Gospel... what do we really suffer in light of these countless martyrs?

We must examine our hearts and ask ourselves... why do we attend church anyway? Is it not for the glory of God, discipleship of believers, and the transformation of our souls? Never should we complain of the honor, privilege, and freedom we have to gather together in the House of our Lord!

2009-10-28T09:20:00.000-04:00

Watch this... The Greatest Gift!

Being Set Free

2009-10-25T19:10:00.014-04:00

One of the most difficult things about being a Christian is resisting the urge to be a "people pleaser". Not doing anything different or new just so we don't "rock the boat" is sinful. Anytime one attempts to move forward in order to advance the Kingdom you run into a big hurdle... the hurdle of "self". Protecting one's own interests at the expense of others spiritual growth is a sin.

"It's all about ME" is an attitude of sin that we must continually die to... dying to self... not a fun idea but if we want to be like Jesus that is exactly what we must do. We must be "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord".

We need a holy revival in our souls to in order to put God's Kingdom above our own kingdoms, agendas, plans, and schedules. We need spiritual maturity in the Body... trusting God to take care of all the details for His glory. When it's not as we would will... we say "not my will but Thy will be done."

Yes, that's it... even when it doesn't seem to make sense for us personally right away... we need to trust in God with a fearless faith that it is right anyway and we'll see the benefit of His ways in His perfect timing.

Of course, this isn't what we grow up thinking... it's not what the world teaches us... but God's ways are different from the world's ways. The world tells us to preserve our own selves but God says sacrifice self. But, that's just it... God's way requires self-sacrifice from us for the benefit of the whole Body (not just us or our circle of friends) and of course for His Glory.

It's time to let God be God.

Lord I pray all of this for my soul and that of my brothers and sisters in Christ. - Amen

"For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do... It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!" - Galatians 6:14 (MSG)

Happy 70th Birthday, Dad!

2009-10-23T08:39:00.017-04:00

(His birthday was actually Tuesday, October 20.)

I love my Dad! He is a hard-worker, he is a good and honest man, he's strong, he's smart (he can fix anything!), he's good-looking and ages well (he'll love that one!), and he has a teddy-bear heart for his grandchildren!

I have many fond memories with my dad, like going in his pick-up truck to the hardware store (that hardware smell will always remind me of my dad), the time he took me to buy a pony, him hating my teen-age years, him helping me buy my first car (a burgandy '79 LeBaron... it was very "uncool" but it was mine... he taught me good work ethic and it was my money that paid for the car even though it was not my first choice of a car... but I could afford it).

I also look fondly back on family vacations, going to every antique and classic car show in the nation, him giving me away at my wedding, and how he fell in love with my daughter the moment he laid his eyes on her... it's all so special and dear to heart!

One of the scariest moments was getting a call that he had a heart attack. After arriving at the ER, we learned he needed quadruple by-pass surgery... I stayed with my parents for about 3 weeks through his initial recovery. I can't believe that was over 8 years ago already. I get on him about his health all the time... but it's because I love him!

How blessed I am to have a loving father who cared and provided for his me! I love you, Dad! Happy 70th Birthday!

Rowan is the WINNER!

2009-10-21T01:19:00.003-04:00

Remember the cutie pie, Rowan Spracklen from Erie, PA that we voted for a while back? Guess what? He is the winner!

SEE Good Morning America STORY HERE.

He'll be on the cover of "BabyTalk" magazine in November! Congrats to this sweet child and his loving family! (He has a story that will grab your heart!)

We Appreciate the Appreciation!

2009-10-20T13:19:00.015-04:00

October is "Pastor Appreciation" month and this past Sunday our church sure did make us feel appreciated! They gave us flowers, cards, gifts,the youth put on a cute skit, and there was a lovely luncheon after service.

We just can't say enough about our church... they are incredible! We feel loved and we love them back! What a "good fit" we are for each other. We are so blessed to be a part of this body of believers and the ministry God is doing in this wonderful place! God is soooo good!

Thank you, Body and thank you, God for bringing us here.

Why we do what we do...

"He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." - Ephesians 4: 10-13

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-17T23:26:00.002-04:00

In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month... HERE is a link to the National Foundation for Cancer Research... there are also recipes from this SITE as well.

5 Pointed Star

2009-10-16T20:54:00.003-04:00

HERE is a link to an easy way to make a 5 pointed star out of paper.

Winter Wonderland

2009-10-16T08:22:00.010-04:00

Whoa.... fast forward to WINTER!! It's very pretty outside and my 3 year old is SOOO excited about the snow... but, so much for fall! The leaves didn't even get a chance to fall off the trees yet! That's just not right, is it?!

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

So that all men he has made may know his work,

he stops every man from his labor."

- Job 37:5-7

I Fell for Fall

2009-10-13T14:28:00.011-04:00

I fell for fall a long time ago! I mean what's not to love? The colors are extraordinary, the air is crisp, and the tastes are delicious. It's a multi-sensory lesson in how good God God is!

"Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

- Psalm 34:8

******************************************************************

I also like starting a new bible study in the fall 'cause there's nothing like learning more about God...

We began a new bible study last night at church... Compelled by Love by Philip Nation with Ed Stetzer... it's about "missional living"... living with a SENT mindset. It's already really good stuff and I have a feeling it will only get better!

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR THE STUDY!

FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL!

2009-10-06T14:13:00.003-04:00

Praising God... the first day of FUMC Preschool went really well. The children are great and it's a lot of fun! Can't wait for Thursday!

“He put a new song of in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” – Psalm 40:3

We DO Live in Elk County Afterall...

2009-10-04T22:02:00.007-04:00

We finally saw elk today! We saw this big bull, a few young bull, and some cows (female elk). This picture was taken with my husband's cell phone because we didn't have our regular camera as this was an unplanned adventure. (Of course, last time we planned for it and didn't see anything... so it goes...) Well, anyway, it was all very elksighting for us!

It's That Time of Year Again...

2009-09-29T12:54:00.006-04:00

HERE is a link to an old post about our convictions concerning celebrating Halloween. (There is another link within it that explains my thoughts even more.)

(And... yes, it will become more difficult as our daughter gets older but I'm praying for her understanding and God's strength.)

A Basic Truth to Remember

2009-09-28T18:21:00.006-04:00

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

- John 1:1-5

Questions to Ponder...

1. What impact does this basic truth have on our daily life?

2. How does it make us think about the world? our life?

3. Why is this so crucial for us to know?

Newspaper Article

2009-09-26T09:15:00.002-04:00

FUMC Preschool made the local newspaper!

Here is the LINK.

God is with Me and You!

2009-09-23T08:36:00.012-04:00

God is with me and He is with you! I recently emailed the Hebrews 13:5b-6 rendition of these Old Testament truths to some friends (and I needed to hear them right now too)... so I thought... hey... someone else might need them today as well... may they speak to where you are at this moment!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

- Deuteronomy 31:6

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies."

- Psalm 118:6,7

A Good Day of Firsts

2009-09-19T19:01:00.015-04:00

Today was my baby's first day of dance classes... my little ballerina (and tapper) is growing up! Here is the rundown: She was dressed in her new pink leotard, tights, slippers, and skirt... looking the part, of course! We can (and did) walk to the dance studio... it's just down the street from our house... I just love living in this town! Excitement was in the air... 3 year olds arriving in their dance outfits... sooo cute!!! The girls entered the studio and the moms had to wait in the waiting area... door closed... no peaking during class... (I must say this was torturous for a first time event... I needed to see this with my own eyes and take pictures... aughh!).

So, I had to settle for asking her if she had fun when it was over and she said she did... so of course that was good. I also asked the instructor how she did... "Well, she asked for you a few times (gotta love that boost to my mommy ego!), she mostly participated... a little wandering around (let me just say this was not surprising news), but overall she did fine." (Phew... I'll take it... that's good!) And... bonus... I met some nice moms while I was there as well. It was a great experience all around.

After asking the other 3 year old moms their opinion on popcorn (because my daughter always wants some but I've heard that it's not safe yet... what to do?) Anyway, the other moms said their children do eat it... they are just careful and are around to supervise while they eat it. So, another first today... she ate popcorn for the first time and LOVED it! (I stayed right with her just in case.)

Thank you Lord for the good day of firsts today!

Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

"Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever."

Little Things About Me You Probably Don't Care to Know...

2009-09-13T22:15:00.010-04:00

1. I like a good friend (thanks C!) to tell me that I have something stuck in my teeth as soon as they see it... which reminds me I need to put some floss in my purse!

2. I hate fruit-flies with a passion... I will defeat them!!!!

3. I watch Project Runway... and dream of making my own funky clothes someday.

4. I only get my haircut about 2 times a year but think about chopping it all off every other day.

5. I only buy things on sale (and many times the clothes are 90% off)... I'm a tried and true bargain hunter.

6. I am the youngest of four children: my sister is 10 years older, my brothers are 8 and 6 years older... I am the "baby" (well... correction now my dad calls my daughter "the baby" even though she's 3 years old... she'll always be the baby like I was)!

7. My parents will both turn 70 years old soon and in April will celebrate 50 years of marriage... which is pretty amazing!

8. I enjoy decorating the homes we've lived in (esp. our current parsonage)... it's my hobby.

9. I grew up (including dedicated, baptized, and married) in the Christian and Missionary Alliance church... it gave me a great spiritual foundation!

10. My body requires me to eat Post Shredded Wheat: Wheat 'n Bran and a cup of our brewed coffee each morning... this is very important aspect of my day! ; )

11. I'd rather get a good vacuum for Christmas than a diamond necklace.

12. I had a pony when I was a little girl... her name was Lady... she died one day... it was very sad.

13. I love to laugh and be around funny/witty people... it's one my favorite things.

14. I have a hair growing out of a mole on the side of my face that I have to trim a few times a week... I know... "pretty", huh?! However, I am attached to that mole because I've had it since I was born and it's part of my identity... a trademark if you will... so, you see I just can't get rid of it... even though certain individuals think I should (right big bro?).

15. I am excited for the fall weather so I can wear jeans again.

16. I prefer non-fiction books and movies but have a few favorite fiction film-works: some of my favorite fiction movies include: Emma, Little Women, Predator, and Transformers... (I know quite the mix!)

17. I like living a simple life and where we live now provides that in many ways... I am grateful!

18. I like to travel but don't like to pack.

19. I recently learned how to text using the "next" feature to find a T9word quicker... it's made a world of difference in my technology life.

20. T.M.I???? Well, I really should be quiet and listen more... I'm working on that...

New Preschool

2009-09-09T07:34:00.012-04:00

My new friend from church, Christy, and I both have 3 year old girls. We were talking one day and thought... "we should start a preschool at church"... and then it happened! Here we are starting a preschool for church and community children ages 3, 4, and 5!

We are excited as we prepare for our opening day, Oct. 6 and we will run throught May 27 on Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-11 a.m. We've been busy with research, policies, approvals, advertising, curriculum, cleaning, painting, organizing, ordering supplies, registering students, and much more.

We would love your prayer support and will need that prayer support all year long. Will you please pledge to pray for this preschool?

Our Purpose: To glorify God through the teaching of preschool age children.

Our Mission: To provide a fun-filled Christian education that will focus on the spiritual, physical, intellectual and social development of young children.

Our Vision: We desire to train children to be life-long learners who “filter” all things through the “lens” of Scripture and apply it to their everyday lives.

Our Hope: We desire for all children to know the love of God through Jesus Christ, for Him to be their Lord and Savior, and live for Him each day by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Philosophy: Each child is a unique individual created by God for a special purpose. We expect, accept, and plan for different ability levels and learning styles in our learning environment.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

- Proverbs 22:6

Fruitful Labor

2009-09-07T10:48:00.007-04:00

This labor day, think about what is fruitful labor... that which will last...

Read: Philippians 1

Philippians1: 21-22 (NIV)

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! "