Giving it up for Lent

Growing up Baptist, I have never heard a lot about Lent. I knew a little about Mardi Gras....but only the bad stuff. And then Lent had something to do with that. I have on the other hand, heard about fasting. I've done that before, but mostly as a young person. Then, this year it seems as if I am surrounded by people who are participating in Lent. Not Catholics, just people like me. So, I thought, "If that was me, what would I do?" Then, the obvious came to me.....Mtn Dew! It couldn't be bad if it pointed me to think more about God, right! So, that's what I've done. For the past few weeks, every time I have wanted a Mtn Dew, I've taken the time to pray about something that is important to me. Or just sit for a minute and listen to God. It's been really cool, and something that I will definitely do again!

Happy Birthday, Abs!

I feel like I say this every year, for every birthday, but it's true. I really can't believe that my children are as old as they are. Time passes sooo quickly, and here I am again! March 24th was Abby's 10th birthday. She is changing so much. I don't know if I am totally looking forward to her teen years, but I know they are going to be interesting. I just hope that I can be the mother and the example that she needs me to be. I know how much I love and respect my mom, and I just want to be the same for her.

The coolest present she got, in my opinion, was a dulcimer from my mom. If you don't know what that is, it's just this really cool stringed instrument. I can't wait until she figures out how to make some music on it!

Here's a pic of Abby on her actual birthday. We had been to McAllister's and she got a birthday balloon hat. Then, we went to Target. Nuff said!

Fishers of .....Men?

For this month's Surgical Week, we had another special guest. I love the fact that we have people coming that aren't preachers, or missionaries, or anything like that, but they are normal people who have testimonies and they are willing to share them with my kids. So, this week we had Catfish from Silver Dollar City come and visit. He told them a little about himself, and then shared some really cool stuff about the Bible. Then, he told us about how we can become fishers of men! We then, of course, made balloon animals of fish on a hook. They really enjoyed him and left there smiling! Oh, and should probably add that Abby and Savannah won the egg toss! Good job, girls!

Love Thy Neighbor

We did the coolest service project this month. For our monthly visit to Convoy of Hope, they had us doing something we'd never done there before. They had this huge assembly line and we walked all around it while they placed groceries into our bags. By the time we had walked around the line, who knows how many times, two teams had bagged a total of 2300 groceries. For a total of 4600!! Then, the coolest thing.....these were all going to stay in our area to help Springfield people. I loved it! Being a part of something bigger to help our neighbors! It was definitely the hardest job, but it was awesome! I kinda felt bad because it was my mom's first time with us at Convoy of Hope! I just told her....it gets way easier after this!

Go Surfing!

I can't believe I have forgotten this!!! I am so exicted to announce that the church has a new website! And the really cool part is that there were visitors here on Sunday that said they had come because they had seen the website! Awesome!

Anyway, come visit us!.....www.sffwbc.com

Women are crazy

I did something this weekend that I have never done before. I know I've said that in the last few months that I was going to try stepping out of my comfort zone....out of that box. It was daring, it was different, and I did it! I stepped into the world of....Women's Conferences!!! This past weekend was the first of this year's Women of Faith Conferences. It was in Kansas City, and it was wonderful! People keep asking me what my favorite part was and I just say "All of it!". The speakers were all wonderful and contributed their own special parts, and the music was great! Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa provided that. Need I say more!?

We met Kelly, who had traveled up earlier, so Abby rode with me on the trip. She spent the day with my cousin Taylor and her family. She was good company and it was good for a girl's road trip!

I was challenged in so many different ways it's hard to talk about just one. But it's pretty cool that God just keeps using different instances to remind me that He loves me and is constantly pursuing a relationship with me. He loves me for who I am and not who other people expect me to be! And this weekend, each speaker said that in her own special way.

Thanks, Kelly for the invite! Sign me up for the next one!

Here's some pics!......

here's me in kc traffic! & abby trying to figure out computer

my princess my grandma is so great!

Mandisa rocked the house!

Marilyn Meberg, psychologist AND christian!

can you find me in the 5500 people?

Lisa Harper....hilarious!



Kelly & her Columbia friends


Patsy Clairemont, too cute! Lisa Welchel, facts of life!

The Sprint center to the right and downtown KC

Steven Curtis Chapman-

what a wonderful testimony!

Keep it comin', Lord!

I'm still smiling over another great weekend at the church. It just seems like everytime we get together you feel this sense of God going to do something. It's wonderful, and I'm ready for so much more of that!














First of all, we had our first Saturday Evening Worship service. We weren't really sure how many to expect, but we were ready to worship no matter the head count! We had some new people and some regulars. Travis did a great job of mixing things up. With some worship choruses, videos, some interaction in the sermon....it seemed to be just what everybody needed. And that was just the first day, we are keeping our eyes and ears out for those who might be interested in something different, and we are searching for ways to get out there and bring in the lost. Side note: We also had a mean game of spoons afterwards at our house where a first timer won! I don't know if I believe him now or not!


Then, yesterday we had the priviledge of baptizing two more young people. Sabria and Deante are so special to us! They have been coming to church with us almost as long as we have been here. So, it is so awesome to watch them grow physically, and now watch them grow spiritually and learn to trust Jesus as their Savior! Their family was there, and we hope to be able to minister to them, too. We just pray that we can be what they need us to be for them.

God is working, and I am watching for my chance to participate!

Celebration Service

First of all, let me apologize for my lack of posting! We have been without internet at the house for over a week now. I make fun of Tyler for going into ESPN withdrawal, but it's really me and the internet!!!

But now, for the real news!

This past weekend we had a great and uplifting service at church! There were so many things going on! I think we just felt like God was blessing in so many ways, that He was leading us to do this special Celebration Service to tell everyone!

First of all, we had invited former members and pastors to come and participate with us. So, we had coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall for a time of catching up! We also had a picture and memory table for people to enjoy!

Then during the service, we shared memories from the past pastors. Dale Skiles and Bill Adkisson were both present and they took time to share some of their thoughts. Wayne Waggoner and Tommy Franks could not make it, but sent letters with wonderful words to our people.

Then, we celebrated God's faithfulness to our church by having a note burning. Our church is currently debt free and that just frees us up to be able to use that money in other ministry opportunities. Travis also thanked the Board for all of their years of service to the church.

And last, but certainly not least, we celebrated God's love for us by worshipping in baptism! There were 3 youth who committed to be baptized. Hanna & Haley who received Christ last summer at their home, and then Tucker, who got saved recently on a Wednesday night in our kids program. I always love to see kids participate in baptism. I know it could be very scary to them, so for them to go ahead with this is very special. They all seemed very proud of the decisions that they had made. By the way, we are going to baptize 2 more this Sunday. Their mom (who doesn't go to church) didn't want to miss out, so we just rescheduled for this week!

God is so awesome! His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not ours. Thank Goodness! You know it is so easy to get bogged down in the ways that you see and the things that you think should be happening, but Lord, help me to not be so consumed with myself that I dont' see you working! I would hate to miss out on the next things that you have in store for us! And for me.