This is something our church is taking a part in. How cool.
In 2008, 12Stone Church, along with 8 other Metro Atlanta churches, researched the problem of the sex trafficking of children in Metro Atlanta. What we discovered was disturbing. We were disturbed to discover that Metro Atlanta (including Gwinnett County) ranks among the top 10 destinations in the world for adults looking to pay for sex with children.
We were disturbed that victims are often kept as slaves in horrible conditions. We were disturbed that between Thursday night and Sunday, every week, some 250 girls under the age of 18 will be raped for profit. We were disturbed that most people are completely unaware of this horrific injustice happening in our own backyard.
So, we joined with the 8 other churches to form an alliance known as Street GRACE. We developed a strategic plan that has 5 elements:
1. Create an Advocacy “Outcry” Campaign that will inform and educate broad audiences across Metro Atlanta on the injustice of child sex slavery that exists.
2. Develop a Metro-wide Church Mobilization Campaign that will equip churches to effectively engage on the issue.
3. Build/establish a “mobilized” Prayer Network that will intercede for the victims and abolitionists who are fighting the issue.
4. Sponsor Strategic Aftercare for Child Victims that will resource and equip facilities to care for victims.
5. Support At-Risk Youth/Mentoring Networks Programs that will drastically reduce victims by education and prevention.If you're interested in joining in the fight against child sex slavery, join the Facebook Group of Street GRACE. Just search on Street GRACE in the Groups module, or visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=51873772098
Each year, 6 to 800,000 women, children and men are enslaved and trafficked across international borders. 70% are female. 50% are children. As many as 17,500 are brought into the United States against their will. According to the United Nations, 79% of slavery is for sex. 18% for forced labor, forced marriages, or forced organ donation. Approximately 200,000 American children are at risk to be forced into prostitution.
The FBI & United Way have consistently ranked Atlanta as one of the top cities where PEOPLE are trafficked every year.
Where is freedom?
Where is hope?
Where is justice?
Who will hear their cries?
Who will stand for them?
Stand with us, April 1st, 2009 at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, GA to Rock For Justice! Many Atlanta artists, including Dove Award winner Aaron Shust will lend their voices to raise awareness and money for those enslaved in our city. All funds are being donated to Wellspring For Girls, a safe house ministry for underage girls coming out of the sex industry. Stand for truth. Speak up for the downtrodden. Rock For Justice.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
I finally got inspiration last week: courtesy of my husband. He told me what he wanted, and that was the grocery list and meal plan. Made my life simpler.
Last night we had chicken terriyaki sandwiches. Chris says this is one of his all time favorite meals, and admittedly, it is really good. My inspiration was the chicken terriyaki burger from Red Robin. It's really good stuff (mine and theirs).
Tonight we are having chicken chow mein. I've never made this before, and I'm excited to see how it turns out. It's easy, relatively inexpensive to make, pretty healthy, and quick. What more could you ask for?
Meal preparation timing is getting to be more and more of an issue for me, what with having more and more going on in my life, I'm having less and less time to spend on fancy meals. Not to mention to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the stove just doesn't go so well with an 8 month old and almost 4 year old underfoot. I'll get back to gourmet cooking in the high school or college years!
Now for my serious part of the post. I have been meaning to update on my involvement with high school ministry (called The Point) for awhile, but just haven't had a chance. Here it finally is:
Getting to a point where I could be involved in youth again was actually a walk of faith for me. I have always loved working with high schoolers. It was something that always just came naturally to me, starting when I was an upperclassmen, trying to offer any guidance that I could to the younger class men. I felt like both through my own life, and through observing the life of others, I realized how critical that period of time in your life is. There are so many challenges, questions, and confusions during this period, not to mention this is a time where important decisions are made, particularly those regarding your faith.
Knowing all of that, sometimes doesn't make it any easier. Particularly when you are still someone who is young and haven't quite gotten all of your views on life issues figured out. This was particularly true in my case. I had a couple of instances in my early experiences of working with youth where out of my wanting to care for someone, gave too much of myself, even to the point of being held responsible for their decisions. This is the extremely short version of some stories that rocked my world as a young adult.
So I stepped away, for about 7 years. Then we came here. I thought I was done with youth, and that I would fill my heart for that age group by supplicating it with the college ministry. Well e-mails about college involvement never got returned, and it seemed virtually impossible to break into that world, and yet mention of the high school ministry was all around me. I had finally opened my mind to the possibility when I got a message on my FB site through our chuch's FB group informing me of an open night at The Point looking for new volunteers. I thought about it for awhile, and finally gave in, figured I'd suck it up and go.
I'm SO glad I did. That first night was essentially orientation, showing you what you were in for. Our high school pastor is AMAZING! I don't remember even encountering someone who is so gifted at speaking and relating to these kids on their level and yet being so biblically based and RELEVANT! I cannot imagine how different my life would have been if I would have encountered someone like this in HS. I'm so excited that these kids have this opportunity to be impacted in this way.
There are almost 400 students each week that attend, and it's growing each meeting. We have small groups after the worship and message, and the group of girls I meet with are freshmen girls. I LOVE IT!!! I always joke with Chris that hanging out with my girls is like my night out. It came at a great time in my life, after having two boys and feeling sometime overwhelmed by the amount of testosterone in the house, it's like I've adopted 15 girls!
I can't say enough about these girls, they have such passion, and excitement for life (and boys!), they are beautiful, and funny, thoughtful and kind... I don't understand how any one can be discouraged by the upcoming generation if they have really looked at them. Me, I'm excited, I think these girls have so much to offer the world, and I just want to do whatever I can to help them along the way, be there for them, support them, and answer any questions they have.
I know that when my kids are that age, they won't always feel like they can talk to their mom about everything (and sometimes, that's okay!), I pray that there will be godly people in their lives that they can be encouraged, poured into by, and have answer questions in a way that will impact them differently than something their mom (or dad) would say.
I hope I can do that for these girls.
Last night we had chicken terriyaki sandwiches. Chris says this is one of his all time favorite meals, and admittedly, it is really good. My inspiration was the chicken terriyaki burger from Red Robin. It's really good stuff (mine and theirs).
Tonight we are having chicken chow mein. I've never made this before, and I'm excited to see how it turns out. It's easy, relatively inexpensive to make, pretty healthy, and quick. What more could you ask for?
Meal preparation timing is getting to be more and more of an issue for me, what with having more and more going on in my life, I'm having less and less time to spend on fancy meals. Not to mention to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the stove just doesn't go so well with an 8 month old and almost 4 year old underfoot. I'll get back to gourmet cooking in the high school or college years!
Now for my serious part of the post. I have been meaning to update on my involvement with high school ministry (called The Point) for awhile, but just haven't had a chance. Here it finally is:
Getting to a point where I could be involved in youth again was actually a walk of faith for me. I have always loved working with high schoolers. It was something that always just came naturally to me, starting when I was an upperclassmen, trying to offer any guidance that I could to the younger class men. I felt like both through my own life, and through observing the life of others, I realized how critical that period of time in your life is. There are so many challenges, questions, and confusions during this period, not to mention this is a time where important decisions are made, particularly those regarding your faith.
Knowing all of that, sometimes doesn't make it any easier. Particularly when you are still someone who is young and haven't quite gotten all of your views on life issues figured out. This was particularly true in my case. I had a couple of instances in my early experiences of working with youth where out of my wanting to care for someone, gave too much of myself, even to the point of being held responsible for their decisions. This is the extremely short version of some stories that rocked my world as a young adult.
So I stepped away, for about 7 years. Then we came here. I thought I was done with youth, and that I would fill my heart for that age group by supplicating it with the college ministry. Well e-mails about college involvement never got returned, and it seemed virtually impossible to break into that world, and yet mention of the high school ministry was all around me. I had finally opened my mind to the possibility when I got a message on my FB site through our chuch's FB group informing me of an open night at The Point looking for new volunteers. I thought about it for awhile, and finally gave in, figured I'd suck it up and go.
I'm SO glad I did. That first night was essentially orientation, showing you what you were in for. Our high school pastor is AMAZING! I don't remember even encountering someone who is so gifted at speaking and relating to these kids on their level and yet being so biblically based and RELEVANT! I cannot imagine how different my life would have been if I would have encountered someone like this in HS. I'm so excited that these kids have this opportunity to be impacted in this way.
There are almost 400 students each week that attend, and it's growing each meeting. We have small groups after the worship and message, and the group of girls I meet with are freshmen girls. I LOVE IT!!! I always joke with Chris that hanging out with my girls is like my night out. It came at a great time in my life, after having two boys and feeling sometime overwhelmed by the amount of testosterone in the house, it's like I've adopted 15 girls!
I can't say enough about these girls, they have such passion, and excitement for life (and boys!), they are beautiful, and funny, thoughtful and kind... I don't understand how any one can be discouraged by the upcoming generation if they have really looked at them. Me, I'm excited, I think these girls have so much to offer the world, and I just want to do whatever I can to help them along the way, be there for them, support them, and answer any questions they have.
I know that when my kids are that age, they won't always feel like they can talk to their mom about everything (and sometimes, that's okay!), I pray that there will be godly people in their lives that they can be encouraged, poured into by, and have answer questions in a way that will impact them differently than something their mom (or dad) would say.
I hope I can do that for these girls.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I'm trying to make my grocery list, which starts out by planning the weeks menus. And I have absolutely no inspiration. This is not good, and rare. Usually I can just pop to a couple of foodie websites and get inspired, or work off of WF's meat specials, but this week...nothing.
So I'm distracting myself from the blankness that enters my brain when I try to think of meals with a blog.
I've been reading a lot lately. I love to read. However, it is hard to do and find time for with two small children around. Thankfully there have been a few nice days where I can unleash Josh in the backyard and get a few moments in.
Some of my reading has been mandatory, for one of my small groups or bible study I'm doing, and some of it has been because my friend almost beat me over the head with one book and out of desperation for my sanity I finally bought it. I'm so glad I did. I'm so glad I have a friend like her, who knows what I need, even when I don't.
All that to say, reading, good books. Thought I would share some of the insight that these books have had that I considered to be worthwhile:
Relationships by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott:
"If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of identity on your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself."
"If we have not achieved a solid sense of who we are on our own, we are destined to believe one of two subtle lies guaranteed to sabotage all our relationship: (1) I need this person to be complete, and (2) If this person needs me, I'll be complete."
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend:
I cannot say enough about this book. I used up an entire highlighter on it and I wasn't even halfway through it yet. It helped me have peace about areas I had previously felt guilt about, gave me wisdom and guidance along with scripture to back it up, and showed me areas where I struggle and need to grow in. This is one of those books that I will often come back to, and will always keep with in an arms reach. This is also the first book that I will recommend to any one struggling in any relationally based are of their life. That said, here are just a few quick quotes:
"...boundaries are not walls....but in every community, all members have their own space and property."
"God defines himself as a distinct separate being, and he is responsible for himself. He defines and takes responsibility for his personality by telling us what he thinks, feels, plans, allows, will not allow, likes and dislikes. He also defines himself as separate from his creation and from us. He differentiates himself from others. He tells us who he is and who he is not. For example he says that he is love and that he is not darkness (1 John 4:16, 1:6). In addition, he has boundaries within the Trinity."
"If you feel close and loving, things are probably going well. If you feel angry, you have a problem that needs to be addressed. But the point is, your feelings are your responsibility and you must own them and see them as your problem so you can begin to find an answer to whatever issue they are pointing to."
"We cause pain by making choices that others do not like, but we also cause pain by confronting people when they are wrong. But if we do not share our anger with another, bitterness and hatred can set in. We need to be honest with one another about how we are hurt. "Speak truthfully to [your] neighbor, for [you] are all members of one body (Eph 4:25). As iron sharpens iron we need confrontation and truth from others to grow. No one likes to hear negative things about him or herself. But in the long run it may be good for us. The Bible says that if we are wise, we will learn from it. Admonition from a friend, while it can hurt, can also help."
"We can't manipulate people into swallowing our boundaries by sugarcoating them. Boundaries are a "litmus test" for the quality of our relationships. Those people in our lives who can respect our boundaries will love our wills, our opinions, our separateness. Those who can't respect our boundaries are telling us that they don't love our no. They only love our yes, our compliance."
Okay, enough distraction, back to list writing and menu making. I'm open to tips.
So I'm distracting myself from the blankness that enters my brain when I try to think of meals with a blog.
I've been reading a lot lately. I love to read. However, it is hard to do and find time for with two small children around. Thankfully there have been a few nice days where I can unleash Josh in the backyard and get a few moments in.
Some of my reading has been mandatory, for one of my small groups or bible study I'm doing, and some of it has been because my friend almost beat me over the head with one book and out of desperation for my sanity I finally bought it. I'm so glad I did. I'm so glad I have a friend like her, who knows what I need, even when I don't.
All that to say, reading, good books. Thought I would share some of the insight that these books have had that I considered to be worthwhile:
Relationships by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott:
"If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of identity on your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself."
"If we have not achieved a solid sense of who we are on our own, we are destined to believe one of two subtle lies guaranteed to sabotage all our relationship: (1) I need this person to be complete, and (2) If this person needs me, I'll be complete."
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend:
I cannot say enough about this book. I used up an entire highlighter on it and I wasn't even halfway through it yet. It helped me have peace about areas I had previously felt guilt about, gave me wisdom and guidance along with scripture to back it up, and showed me areas where I struggle and need to grow in. This is one of those books that I will often come back to, and will always keep with in an arms reach. This is also the first book that I will recommend to any one struggling in any relationally based are of their life. That said, here are just a few quick quotes:
"...boundaries are not walls....but in every community, all members have their own space and property."
"God defines himself as a distinct separate being, and he is responsible for himself. He defines and takes responsibility for his personality by telling us what he thinks, feels, plans, allows, will not allow, likes and dislikes. He also defines himself as separate from his creation and from us. He differentiates himself from others. He tells us who he is and who he is not. For example he says that he is love and that he is not darkness (1 John 4:16, 1:6). In addition, he has boundaries within the Trinity."
"If you feel close and loving, things are probably going well. If you feel angry, you have a problem that needs to be addressed. But the point is, your feelings are your responsibility and you must own them and see them as your problem so you can begin to find an answer to whatever issue they are pointing to."
"We cause pain by making choices that others do not like, but we also cause pain by confronting people when they are wrong. But if we do not share our anger with another, bitterness and hatred can set in. We need to be honest with one another about how we are hurt. "Speak truthfully to [your] neighbor, for [you] are all members of one body (Eph 4:25). As iron sharpens iron we need confrontation and truth from others to grow. No one likes to hear negative things about him or herself. But in the long run it may be good for us. The Bible says that if we are wise, we will learn from it. Admonition from a friend, while it can hurt, can also help."
"We can't manipulate people into swallowing our boundaries by sugarcoating them. Boundaries are a "litmus test" for the quality of our relationships. Those people in our lives who can respect our boundaries will love our wills, our opinions, our separateness. Those who can't respect our boundaries are telling us that they don't love our no. They only love our yes, our compliance."
Okay, enough distraction, back to list writing and menu making. I'm open to tips.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
SO TRUE:
the mother in me
I've known I wanted to be a mother since the day I was born.
Well, probably not since the actual day I was born. That's a little extreme. But from the time I first knew what a mother was. Or maybe since when I realized that I possessed the genetic makeup to, indeed, be able to become a mother some day.
Regardless, it's been a long time. But it feels like it's been always that I've known that motherhood was for me.
As a young girl, I loved children. And drawing. And baby names. And drawing pictures of children and giving them unique names. I spent countless hours as a child, sitting up in my bed under my pink canopy, using my Trapper Keeper as a hard surface, drawing pictures of all my future children. Oh, and giving them each long, fanciful names, of course.
I was going to have twelve children, I was sure. Naturally, this was before I had any inkling what morning sickness was, had never heard of a nursing bra, forgot that I'd need to find a husband who was up for such a feat, and didn't realize a family of that size would require at least two cargo vans for our transportation.
And, although part of me would honestly, truly love to have twelve children, there are other parts of me that I don't think could handle it. My uterus, for example.
I digress.
I have basically always wanted children. Wanted to be a mother. I thought mothering would be so wonderful, so magical, and so lovely. Naming, dressing and playing with Many Small Children all day long? What could be better!?
And, even though, back then, I was a bit hazy on some of the finer details associated with parenting (you know, like dying llama hissy fits, sippy cups full of mold behind the couch, stretch marks and time outs), I still think I hit the nail on the head.
There is very little that is better than mothering.
But not exactly for the reasons I first thought. Sure, there are wonderful moments in mothering, magical memories created with our offspring, lovely late-night snuggles with heavy-lidded babies. But parenting is also hard work. And it's not glamorous. We don't often get the support we need, we struggle with mother's guilt and sometimes feel we need to keep up with the Jones'. Our children sass back and our best-laid plans are trampled on. We must often face our own shortcomings, because they are revealed to us so readily as we make attempts, but fail, at being perfect parents.
But there is good that can be brought forth from the hurt that parenting sometimes brings. Moments of revelation to be found even amidst the clamor of Many Small Children. Beauty to be derived out of the ashes of mother failure. Joy that can only be discovered in helping God create another human being. There is meaning in the mundane, a purpose beyond potty-training, and a peace that can only be gained when one has learned to calmly deal with a tantruming toddler at Target.
Having children is worth it. And, although I was inspired to start my family for one reason, Prince Charming and I have continued for another.
I love making our family.
But I don't love it for the dirty diapers, the sleepless nights, the cracked nipples or the endless whining. I don't love it for the dings in our walls, the screeching down the halls or the midnight calls.
I love it in spite of all that. And I love mothering for how wading through all the difficulties that mothering brings transforms me for the better.
Mothering is one of the toughest, most beautiful things I have ever done.
And it's totally worth it.
I desire to be an encouragement to others about starting their own family. And, to those who already have, I long to be a support, and never a hindrance, in their journey to discover exactly how wonderful parenting is.
the mother in me
I've known I wanted to be a mother since the day I was born.
Well, probably not since the actual day I was born. That's a little extreme. But from the time I first knew what a mother was. Or maybe since when I realized that I possessed the genetic makeup to, indeed, be able to become a mother some day.
Regardless, it's been a long time. But it feels like it's been always that I've known that motherhood was for me.
As a young girl, I loved children. And drawing. And baby names. And drawing pictures of children and giving them unique names. I spent countless hours as a child, sitting up in my bed under my pink canopy, using my Trapper Keeper as a hard surface, drawing pictures of all my future children. Oh, and giving them each long, fanciful names, of course.
I was going to have twelve children, I was sure. Naturally, this was before I had any inkling what morning sickness was, had never heard of a nursing bra, forgot that I'd need to find a husband who was up for such a feat, and didn't realize a family of that size would require at least two cargo vans for our transportation.
And, although part of me would honestly, truly love to have twelve children, there are other parts of me that I don't think could handle it. My uterus, for example.
I digress.
I have basically always wanted children. Wanted to be a mother. I thought mothering would be so wonderful, so magical, and so lovely. Naming, dressing and playing with Many Small Children all day long? What could be better!?
And, even though, back then, I was a bit hazy on some of the finer details associated with parenting (you know, like dying llama hissy fits, sippy cups full of mold behind the couch, stretch marks and time outs), I still think I hit the nail on the head.
There is very little that is better than mothering.
But not exactly for the reasons I first thought. Sure, there are wonderful moments in mothering, magical memories created with our offspring, lovely late-night snuggles with heavy-lidded babies. But parenting is also hard work. And it's not glamorous. We don't often get the support we need, we struggle with mother's guilt and sometimes feel we need to keep up with the Jones'. Our children sass back and our best-laid plans are trampled on. We must often face our own shortcomings, because they are revealed to us so readily as we make attempts, but fail, at being perfect parents.
But there is good that can be brought forth from the hurt that parenting sometimes brings. Moments of revelation to be found even amidst the clamor of Many Small Children. Beauty to be derived out of the ashes of mother failure. Joy that can only be discovered in helping God create another human being. There is meaning in the mundane, a purpose beyond potty-training, and a peace that can only be gained when one has learned to calmly deal with a tantruming toddler at Target.
Having children is worth it. And, although I was inspired to start my family for one reason, Prince Charming and I have continued for another.
I love making our family.
But I don't love it for the dirty diapers, the sleepless nights, the cracked nipples or the endless whining. I don't love it for the dings in our walls, the screeching down the halls or the midnight calls.
I love it in spite of all that. And I love mothering for how wading through all the difficulties that mothering brings transforms me for the better.
Mothering is one of the toughest, most beautiful things I have ever done.
And it's totally worth it.
I desire to be an encouragement to others about starting their own family. And, to those who already have, I long to be a support, and never a hindrance, in their journey to discover exactly how wonderful parenting is.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Life is good.
The weather is still beautiful here, mid to high 60's and sunny. We've been outside everyday this week.
Have I mentioned what a great husband I have? I have a wonderful husband. Today I got a beautiful delivery of 2 dozen roses as a surprise from him (and the boys).
Also, I found a HUGE gorgeous rosemary plant in my yard. I was planning on planting one myself, so it was quite a thrill. Plus, did I mention that it's HUGE? I should sell some of it... or just give a bunch to my friend here that cook.
As busy as Wednesdays are, there is something about being with those high school girls that rejuvenates me.
And I'm looking forward to our small group tonight. It's Chris and I's first official week teaching (I don't think leading a small group is as much teaching, as facilitating conversation).
Good times.
Dinner: fried chicken salad
The weather is still beautiful here, mid to high 60's and sunny. We've been outside everyday this week.
Have I mentioned what a great husband I have? I have a wonderful husband. Today I got a beautiful delivery of 2 dozen roses as a surprise from him (and the boys).
Also, I found a HUGE gorgeous rosemary plant in my yard. I was planning on planting one myself, so it was quite a thrill. Plus, did I mention that it's HUGE? I should sell some of it... or just give a bunch to my friend here that cook.
As busy as Wednesdays are, there is something about being with those high school girls that rejuvenates me.
And I'm looking forward to our small group tonight. It's Chris and I's first official week teaching (I don't think leading a small group is as much teaching, as facilitating conversation).
Good times.
Dinner: fried chicken salad
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Today I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Wednesdays are kind of a long day, I have bible study in the morning, and youth group at night. It wouldn't be that long if that was all.
But I have a problem.
I try to do it ALL. Not just try, but I want to do it all, and I get upset at myself when I can't.
I want to spend hours going over the info for small group tonight, look in commentaries, find out the Greek word definition that gives the verse a whole new depth, cross reference verses... I want to be able to open the magic that is the word of God for these girls, and give them cupcakes at the same time.
But I can't. Well, I can, but at the cost of my being in a good mood when I see them, my family having dinner for tonight, and my children getting any attention.
One of the many lessons of adulthood: everything costs something.
Committing to bring snacks for bible study means an hour that I don't get to do something, be with the kids, my husband, clean the house, get dinner done. Something somewhere always has to give. And it's frustrating.
That is definitely one of the treasures of singleness that I wish that I had treasured more. There was not a cost on my time. If I committed to something, it only took away from time that I wasn't really doing anything.
I don't even have time to expound on my thoughts. I just took 10 minutes away from children to write this. Argh!
Last nights dinner: chicken enchiladas
Tonight: spaghetti (did I mention that I don't have time, this is my shortcut meal! does it count that I make my own sauce?)
But I have a problem.
I try to do it ALL. Not just try, but I want to do it all, and I get upset at myself when I can't.
I want to spend hours going over the info for small group tonight, look in commentaries, find out the Greek word definition that gives the verse a whole new depth, cross reference verses... I want to be able to open the magic that is the word of God for these girls, and give them cupcakes at the same time.
But I can't. Well, I can, but at the cost of my being in a good mood when I see them, my family having dinner for tonight, and my children getting any attention.
One of the many lessons of adulthood: everything costs something.
Committing to bring snacks for bible study means an hour that I don't get to do something, be with the kids, my husband, clean the house, get dinner done. Something somewhere always has to give. And it's frustrating.
That is definitely one of the treasures of singleness that I wish that I had treasured more. There was not a cost on my time. If I committed to something, it only took away from time that I wasn't really doing anything.
I don't even have time to expound on my thoughts. I just took 10 minutes away from children to write this. Argh!
Last nights dinner: chicken enchiladas
Tonight: spaghetti (did I mention that I don't have time, this is my shortcut meal! does it count that I make my own sauce?)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tonight: roasted vegetable and kale soup with white beans and smoked chicken plus grilled cheese (and maybe some cornbread or biscuits).
We have spent the last three days at the park, and looking to add a fourth tomorrow on our play date. For the record, I don't like the word play date. I think it sounds silly, and lacking in accuracy of what is occurring.
We had our first small group last week, and it was great. A really fun bunch of people, but also diverse enough to keep things interesting. One of the most fun parts for us was that one of the couples literally live just up the street from us. We have a pretty small neighborhood and haven't met very many people in it yet, so that was pretty exciting. They also have a son named Joshua that is only about 2 months older than Josh. They were also able to tell us about a great preschool just a block or two from us.
Preschools here are enrolling now for next fall. Madness. The whole school thing seems to be happening really quick. I must admit though, it will be very nice to have four days a week where I can get things done. Josh is at the point where he is just not content here at home. No matter how much I try to do to challenge him, or keep him busy, it's just not enough. He needs to be challenged by someone else (someone preferably with more patience and talent for teaching and needs to have more interaction with other kids. He's just so dang social. Can't imagine where he gets that from.
Hopefully tomorrow I can find time to do a post about working with the high school girls. It has been so much fun, and I enjoy it so much! I really hope that when my kids are that age that there is someone that can relate to them on their level that can help encourage them through the tough path that is high school. Our high school pastor is amazing. I really enjoy listening to his talks each week (and they are very applicable to a younger generation, one of which I still consider myself!). If anyone else is interested you can hear him under 12 stone podcasts on iTunes, and the high school ministry is The Point.
We have spent the last three days at the park, and looking to add a fourth tomorrow on our play date. For the record, I don't like the word play date. I think it sounds silly, and lacking in accuracy of what is occurring.
We had our first small group last week, and it was great. A really fun bunch of people, but also diverse enough to keep things interesting. One of the most fun parts for us was that one of the couples literally live just up the street from us. We have a pretty small neighborhood and haven't met very many people in it yet, so that was pretty exciting. They also have a son named Joshua that is only about 2 months older than Josh. They were also able to tell us about a great preschool just a block or two from us.
Preschools here are enrolling now for next fall. Madness. The whole school thing seems to be happening really quick. I must admit though, it will be very nice to have four days a week where I can get things done. Josh is at the point where he is just not content here at home. No matter how much I try to do to challenge him, or keep him busy, it's just not enough. He needs to be challenged by someone else (someone preferably with more patience and talent for teaching and needs to have more interaction with other kids. He's just so dang social. Can't imagine where he gets that from.
Hopefully tomorrow I can find time to do a post about working with the high school girls. It has been so much fun, and I enjoy it so much! I really hope that when my kids are that age that there is someone that can relate to them on their level that can help encourage them through the tough path that is high school. Our high school pastor is amazing. I really enjoy listening to his talks each week (and they are very applicable to a younger generation, one of which I still consider myself!). If anyone else is interested you can hear him under 12 stone podcasts on iTunes, and the high school ministry is The Point.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Last night we had homemade pizza. Tonight, fettuccine alfredo tossed with spinach and lemon basil chicken, and a salad.
I love being able to work with the high school youth girls. They are amazing. I'm so looking forward to getting to know them all better, and getting REALLY connected. They are so full of passion, and excitement, and questions. LOVE IT.
Our small group starts tomorrow. Exciting.
I love being able to work with the high school youth girls. They are amazing. I'm so looking forward to getting to know them all better, and getting REALLY connected. They are so full of passion, and excitement, and questions. LOVE IT.
Our small group starts tomorrow. Exciting.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Feeling like life is hard today. Too many difficult decisions with major consequences. Tired of feeling the weight of it all.
Had a fun super bowl, it was great to be able to spend it with some real live, and in person friends!
We had hamburgers, chicken wings (PW style), spinach and artichoke dip, veggies and dip, and this amazing brownie dish our friends brought over.
Tonight I'm making a lemon, thyme and garlic roasted chicken with parmesan polenta, and some sort of veggie I haven't yet decided on (either a simple salad, napa cabbage salad, or broccoli, oh, or maybe roasted zucchini, that sounds good, and I need to use that up, I think that may be it...)
I like counselors (it may have something to do with the fact that my best friend is one). Wish I could find a free one here that provided babysitting. How great would that be? It would be so nice to have someone just tell me what to do and me not have to figure it out and worry about the consequences.
Had a fun super bowl, it was great to be able to spend it with some real live, and in person friends!
We had hamburgers, chicken wings (PW style), spinach and artichoke dip, veggies and dip, and this amazing brownie dish our friends brought over.
Tonight I'm making a lemon, thyme and garlic roasted chicken with parmesan polenta, and some sort of veggie I haven't yet decided on (either a simple salad, napa cabbage salad, or broccoli, oh, or maybe roasted zucchini, that sounds good, and I need to use that up, I think that may be it...)
I like counselors (it may have something to do with the fact that my best friend is one). Wish I could find a free one here that provided babysitting. How great would that be? It would be so nice to have someone just tell me what to do and me not have to figure it out and worry about the consequences.
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