tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14992627044606706462024-03-13T15:50:20.960-04:00The Youth Pastor NOT the MermaidAirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-64090959506193816602018-03-23T00:08:00.001-04:002018-03-23T00:08:11.997-04:00He is STILL good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpXuY0FtPw/WrRyXE7KTdI/AAAAAAAABoY/wb9dXV2J_6AS4akNNFkL4xWC7JJq8zl3gCLcBGAs/s1600/a7dbeefaeed040fee14951ae895a569d--he-is-thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpXuY0FtPw/WrRyXE7KTdI/AAAAAAAABoY/wb9dXV2J_6AS4akNNFkL4xWC7JJq8zl3gCLcBGAs/s1600/a7dbeefaeed040fee14951ae895a569d--he-is-thoughts.jpg" title="and if not HE is still good" /></a></div>
For the last few months I have been reminded over and over that no matter what happens God is still God and He is still good. For my Husband and I we have been praying for a child for years. Honestly, it's been hard. We have had times where we believed we were going to be matched with a birth mom and we have not been picked. We have been told we aren't country enough or that we aren't what the birth mom is looking for. We've even had 2 mom's pull out the day before looking at our book because they weren't ready. We have felt as though at times we had a miscarriage. We have sat on our couch weeping together. Our parents have weeped and people have tried to be kind and say things to help us, but really through those times words do not help.<br />
<br />
This thought of God still being good started a couple of months ago at a women's retreat. The title for the weekend was "Broken Hallelujah." My Pastor friend Jane spent part of the weekend in Daniel. Daniel 3:18 describes Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendego's reaction of what their punishment was to be. They were brave. They said that no matter what God chose to do (save them or not) they would never bow down to the man made alters. Here's the kicker... No matter what God was still going to save them. So many times in our lives we forget how God works. We forget that we are <u>IN</u> His plan. We think that some how it's <u>OUR</u> plan and God is like Santa and gives us what we want. I've been reading a book called Barren Among the Fruitful. Amanda Hope Haley writes, "A child is not a reward for a woman's faithfulness to God. Meeting God face-to-face is the reward." I think we are almost programed to believe that faithfulness means God is going to do what we want Him to do as long as we are faithful to Him. That's not how this works at all. People, hear me here, God is going to do what brings Him the most GLORY. Wether we need to go through the fire or die in the fire, God will get the glory. I came away from the conference knowing that even if God did NOT bring us a child He was still good. That next week we had another failed match in which we told no one about. I thought since I had come to terms with this then God was going to bless us. Again, it was about <u>ME</u> and <u>NOT</u> about God. Ya'll I'm a Pastor and I struggle with wanting God to work on my timeline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBpIgYUmKg/UvP3WkFGi6I/AAAAAAAAAR0/9fPNmW4Zq_oJv1aJ4t6M1w0zxIy69l2TQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Williford%2BWedding-0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBpIgYUmKg/UvP3WkFGi6I/AAAAAAAAAR0/9fPNmW4Zq_oJv1aJ4t6M1w0zxIy69l2TQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Williford%2BWedding-0779.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
So, here I am a couple of months later... I have been to a conference for Youth Pastors and again the speakers were talking about how to believe in God we have to believe that the same God who was good on my graduation day from college, our wedding day and on FSU's National Championship (yes, it was a big deal in our family) is still good on the days that birth moms say, "No." He is still good when we feel like we will never become parents. God is constantly reminding us that He is still good. We had a teenager tell me last week that he is no longer going to use my name, but call me Church Momma instead. God is reminding us that we do have kids... right now 36 teenagers we see regularly. They need us to be real. They need to see that we struggle. They need to see the Christianity is not all rainbows, butterflies, unicorns, and glitter. They need to see that even in the hard times we still believe.<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God has given us songs like Miracles by Jesus Culture and a new one by Michael Farren called Fighting For Us. (Please give it a listen below.) God has given us friends who aren't overbearing and just wait with us. He is growing us closer to him. He is showing us more of His love than we have ever felt. Does that mean we have all great days? No, there are days I feel like I can't get out of bed because I am so down and feel broken... physically and spiritually. The song Fighting for Us has reminded me that God is still God, He is still good, and He is fighting for us! He is the God who defeated armies and He can make us parents - that doesn't mean He will, just that He can. The only way He is going to make us parents is if our story is all about Him and nothing that we have done. Our story is God's story! So, pray for us as we continue to try and make Him look good. Continue to pass the word that we would love to be parents to a child... no matter their race or gender!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/J9WOD7pPkls/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J9WOD7pPkls?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-49930519249188319442018-01-09T13:28:00.001-05:002018-01-09T13:28:54.329-05:00Christmas and New Years PlanningOur small church has had the best Christmas Season! We had a church wide Christmas Party, the Youth went on the Tacky Light Tour, and our Children had a Parents Night Out!<br />
<br />
I did a Christmas Wrap Up video for all of you other small church Youth Pastors! At the end I discuss my planning for the New Year!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yvccuK9-BaM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvccuK9-BaM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-65288409798235622802017-12-11T21:28:00.000-05:002018-01-04T21:33:26.811-05:00Sunday Night Wrap Up 12.10.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday Night wrap up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Sunday Night Wrap Up dealing with Christmas</li>
<li>Talking about our upcoming events, a Tacky Light Tour and Parents Night Out.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_E99es3nBJk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_E99es3nBJk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-53244617503127036892017-12-05T21:13:00.000-05:002018-01-04T21:26:40.389-05:00Sunday Night Wrap Up 12.3.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A wrap up of our Sunday Night and how it is growing as well as our series on debunking of Christmas Story during youth!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gULpDtuKLdU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gULpDtuKLdU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-942038599207730902017-11-27T21:11:00.000-05:002018-01-04T21:12:17.436-05:00Youth Ministry Suicide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weeks Sunday Night Wrap Up deals with what my reaction was as a Youth Pastor after a suicide of one of our fringe kids. Our church and Youth Ministry handled it as best we could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aj21kMJVIIo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aj21kMJVIIo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-37081820984170014462017-11-20T21:05:00.000-05:002018-01-04T21:12:54.023-05:00Youth Ministry Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've started doing a Sunday Night wrap up. It is a way I can get out everything that goes on inside my head. This video talks about what a Win in Youth Ministry looks like. You could have had the worst night in Youth Group and it could still be a win!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h8ks3Afeq0w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8ks3Afeq0w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-2051233016682889852017-11-02T15:12:00.003-04:002017-11-02T15:13:22.101-04:00Why Adoption?We are asked all the time why adoption? Well, for me, I like to say its in my blood. You see my dad was adopted as an infant. I was the only person he knew who was blood related to him until he was in his 50's. I saw the good in adoption. He always said he had 3 mom's. The first mom loved him enough to allow someone else to raise him. The 2nd mom who raised him as her own and lastly his step mom has loved him even though she didn't have too. My dad had 2 dads. One who didn't know about him until he was a grandfather and the other who placed him under the Christmas tree for that was all they could afford that Christmas. Some days I think that is how Jaron and I will be, placing our baby under the tree for that is all we can afford.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Adoption... Dictionary. com defines adoption as - to take and rear (the child of other parents) as one's own child, specifically by a formal legal act.
</h3>
The word adoption happens 5 times in the New Testament. All used by the Apostle Paul. Paul uses this word to describe us (non Jewish people) being grafted into the family of God. We are adopted into God's family when we ask him to be the boss of our lives. We become family. I never realized how this applies to us until we met part of my dad's biological family. Some of them are believers. When we met them we were instantly like family. We felt very close very fast. I believe that is because we already had the bond of Christ. The part of the family who are not believers were very standoffish. We did not have that sense of already being family. You see we were already family through Christ. We were already grafted together because of our belief and trust in Jesus.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal. Adoption is not only in my physical family, but in my spiritual one as well... Let us all follow God's example and adopt. Maybe you can't physically adopt for a lifetime right now, but you can help other families. Our church is helping 50 kids this Christmas from right here in our community. We are buying presents and providing stocking stuffers. These families aren't going to have to worry about keeping the power on instead of buying presents!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Maybe you need to think and pray about adopting for a season or for a lifetime!</span>AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-33425203491726451982017-11-01T10:38:00.000-04:002017-11-01T10:38:54.128-04:00Adoption Exhaustion<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.69.3" style="box-sizing: inherit; transition: background-color 0.75s cubic-bezier(0.42, 1, 0.16, 0.93);"><span class="label" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: inherit; font-size: 0.85714rem; margin-right: 0.28571rem; padding: inherit;">Psalm 69:3</span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer;">I am exhausted from crying for help;</span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.69.3" style="box-sizing: inherit; transition: background-color 0.75s cubic-bezier(0.42, 1, 0.16, 0.93);"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer;">my throat is parched.</span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.69.3" style="box-sizing: inherit; transition: background-color 0.75s cubic-bezier(0.42, 1, 0.16, 0.93);"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer;">My eyes are swollen with weeping,</span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.69.3" style="box-sizing: inherit; transition: background-color 0.75s cubic-bezier(0.42, 1, 0.16, 0.93);"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer;">waiting for my God to help me.</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
I don’t know about you, but this scripture hits deep in my soul. When it comes to our adoption we want it to happen now… We were told the wait time is minimal, but here we are… still waiting. We are told our book is a dream book, but we are still waiting. If I'm honest with you I've cried A LOT! I can't tell you how many times I have asked God just to make this barren womb healthy, so we could be like everyone else. Or how many times I have prayed for the birth mom of our future child, hoping the agency would call the next day.<br />
<br />
We are coming into the Holidays. I firmly believed God was going to provide a child for us this Holiday Season. During the Adoption process its all hurry up and wait. You have to get your paper work and book made. Then get your home study which means getting your house uber clean! Then more paperwork. Then you are presented to potential birth moms. They might pick you, they might not. We have a carseat in our closet just in case we get a call. We have a crib in pieces in the corner of our office. We have a bassinet in our basement. We don't want to get excited when someone says, "We know this girl who is thinking about adoption." Our hearts have leapt once in this journey. The girl hasn't given birth yet, but it's not a great situation and we will probably go through the holidays childless.... again. I am like the Psalmist wrote - exhausted - exhausted from crying for help. I truly believe God has us on this journey to help others.<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Am I trying to treat God like Santa Clause?</span></h3>
<div style="text-indent: 32px;">
As I sat down to blog this morning I wondered... am I trying to treat God like Santa Clause? I am asking for something and wanting instant gratification from my prayer... Then I realized - God is God and I am not. He is not Santa Clause. He does not give us things because we ask. He gives us things that are already his desires for us. <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 1em;">Psalm37:4 </span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 1em;">Take delight in the </span><span class="nd" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: white; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 1em;"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer;">Lord</span></span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 1em;">, </span><span style="text-indent: 2em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">and he will give you your heart’s desires.</span></span></span> Our hearts are naturally sinful. So, for our hearts and God's to match up with God's we have to be focused on Him. The more we focus on Him the more His desires become our desires. It's no longer a Santa Clause feel, but something that is already laid in the plans from the beginning!</div>
<br />
During my personal worship time with God this morning literally right before I sat to finish this blog God reminded me over and over that We're Not Alone. God is fighting for us! This song came out in 2014 and this morning I heard it like never before. It is my hearts cry. My God hears my cries.... He is strengthening my heart.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8thswC-64-Y" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">You hear our Prayer; You see our need</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Nothing is too hard for our God.
</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">We're not alone, We're not alone </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">We are not alone, We are not alone
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Our God is Fighting for us always</span></span></blockquote>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-16758346756009899552017-09-25T11:53:00.003-04:002017-09-25T11:53:59.946-04:00Racism and the NFLAs I sit in my little brick house here in Virginia I look outside and see my white neighbor's house, my Hispanic neighbor's house, and I can hear my husband's black friend from work bush hogging the field down the road. My community is one where we truly all get along... I have not always lived in such a place where when I saw a black man and we were both in our NFL get up he would be the first to joke with me. I have not always lived in a place where parents of kids allowed their children to go to the house of someone of another race. I have not always lived in a place where there was not a "black part of town." I have not always lived in a place where the "N" word was not spoken. I appreciate my town. I appreciate the fact that we are invited to birthday parties and weddings of people of other races. I appreciate the fact that our youth group is not lily white. I appreciate the fact that our kids of different races spend the night at one another's houses. I appreciate the fact that if anyone at my husbands work needs a ride into work, no matter their color, someone picks them up.<br />
<br />
I have lived in a place where white women did not speak to black men and visa versa; when I did they were in shock. I was usually asked where I was from because there is no way I could be from that town. I lived in a place where people told me how to get to their house by going around the "black part of town" instead of going the shorter way through it. I lived in a place where I was told my house value was going to go down because 2 US Military Veterans were moving in next door. They happened to be black and all I heard from my white neighbors was about the black people. Not about how he had lost his arm in combat serving our country or how good his BBQ chicken was, but the color of their skin. I lived in a place where no one went to the closest grocery store because it "wasn't safe." I was always the lone white person when grocery shopping. I lived in a place where the local football coaches did not attend an NFL draft party for <b>2 </b>college players from our town because of the color of their skin. I lived in a place where I invited a black man into the church to get some supplies for a play and he was scared to walk in the door.<br />
<br />
Racism is alive an thriving in America. We, white people, might not see it in our community, but it is there. I saw it not to long ago here in my town. A father told me his daughter isn't allowed to date a person of color except for 1 boy. I didn't speak out...<br />
<br />
BUT if you say your child cannot date someone of another race whether they are black, Asian, Hispanic, or white. You, my friend, are racist. When we talk about adopting and the first question you ask is what race my child will be. You, my friend, are racist. If you are telling me a story of a friend and you start it with "this black girl in my office." You, my friend, are racist.<br />
<br />
I went through a time in middle school when the people I was hanging around were becoming racist. I remember it well. I started to become like them until my parents put a stop to it right away. They reminded me that God created everyone. Jesus himself was not white. They told me they did not raise someone to judge others by the color of their skin.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for a dad who has shared multiple pulpits in African American Churches. I am thankful for a mom who taught me to cross the street when there were shady looking people coming my way no matter their color because their attitude means more than their color. I am thankful my house was open to anyone. If you wanted to come to my birthday party or to hang out after school you were more than welcome, no matter the color of your skin.<br />
<br />
The NFL players are not kneeling to disrespect the flag and our military, but to bring awareness of the racism that is still running rampant in America. There is not a bigger platform to bring light to the truth than through the NFL. If you are boycotting the NFL because they are disrespecting our military please look closer at the issue. I saw a meme earlier today that said, "Thinking NFL players are 'protesting the flag' is like thinking Rosa Parks was protesting public transportation." In this situation I feel as though no truer words have been spoken.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Lord, Help us to see with your eyes. Help us to learn from your words and Help us to change the world we live in for your Name! - Amen </blockquote>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-58043720496315206512016-05-11T13:43:00.000-04:002016-05-11T13:43:25.745-04:00Adoption Quilt Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1CW3KxPrqo/VzNVjJkNLyI/AAAAAAAABTc/KMWP68K0uXM/s640/blogger-image-720188648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1CW3KxPrqo/VzNVjJkNLyI/AAAAAAAABTc/KMWP68K0uXM/s320/blogger-image-720188648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92L64LlX9EE/VzNak4mJL8I/AAAAAAAABT0/B1khMebP8NAdlqAg1NshLX81r370BITsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92L64LlX9EE/VzNak4mJL8I/AAAAAAAABT0/B1khMebP8NAdlqAg1NshLX81r370BITsQCLcB/s200/IMG_1613.JPG" width="149" /></a><br />
My mom taught me how to sew when I was in preschool! My mom's best friend taught a sewing class to elementary school students and my mom figured she could teach me! During the summers we would make outfits and one time a doll! For a while my mom made flags to make ends meet. I remember during nap time and when I went to bed at night I would hear the hum of the sewing machine as well as the washer and dryer going. Something about those sounds comforts me! About 5 years ago, I made a few quilts and taught some of my youth girls to sew. My first ones were a bit rough (the brown one to the right) and I never thought I would be using something like that to raise money for our Adoption! Back then I wasn't even dating let alone thinking about having kids!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A3Cmg-rDuj4/VzNVf_Ise0I/AAAAAAAABTI/DMK6jztsnkc/s640/blogger-image-1543827871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A3Cmg-rDuj4/VzNVf_Ise0I/AAAAAAAABTI/DMK6jztsnkc/s200/blogger-image-1543827871.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">10 QUILTS!!</span></h3>
Some of you have seen posts on Facebook showing me making quilts. It has been CRAZY! In one month I received 10 orders! Ya'll I NEVER thought I would sell 10! Seriously... When we bought the first fabric I was questioning why I thought I could do this! Now, we only need 10 more quilts and we will have enough to get through the home study portion of our adoption!! Then hopefully we can get grants! Honestly, the way this is going we might be able to do it all making quilts! I would love to make this a small business one day and employ some of my family so they could stay at home! How cool would that be?! That may never happen, but hopefully we will continue to sell some so that we can pay the agency so that a birth mom can choose us!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d1yLCnxuUfQ/VzNuRJHPPwI/AAAAAAAABUg/YIc0s6eTfY4/s640/blogger-image--1306225789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d1yLCnxuUfQ/VzNuRJHPPwI/AAAAAAAABUg/YIc0s6eTfY4/s200/blogger-image--1306225789.jpg" width="200" /></a>I can't write this post without including all of the blessings we have received. Some of you are helping us quilt (HUGE BLESSING), some have given us donations (I cry every time we receive one), some of you have ordered quilts, and hopefully all of you are praying! This is a perfect picture of Church! Everyone helping and pitching in for one goal! God is definitely up to something! The more I talk about adoption the more people pour their lives and hearts out to us about their struggles with pregnancy! God is allowing us to be heard and share our story in many different ways! I can't wait to see all that God is going to do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOpqQbG4hUo/VzNr3S2omDI/AAAAAAAABUM/jv2mtWlnADw/s640/blogger-image-1964819586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOpqQbG4hUo/VzNr3S2omDI/AAAAAAAABUM/jv2mtWlnADw/s200/blogger-image-1964819586.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Some people have wondered how I am getting all these quilts done... Well, I work on my Youth/Children stuff till 12:30 and then after lunch I get to work on quilts! At 5:00 I stop and go to whatever games/events our students have normally getting home between 8:30 and 9:30. It's crazy busy, but it's our life right now!!<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSFNESI8ktI/VzNshNjmRUI/AAAAAAAABUU/EyAOEyy7bEc/s640/blogger-image--1894699176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SSFNESI8ktI/VzNshNjmRUI/AAAAAAAABUU/EyAOEyy7bEc/s200/blogger-image--1894699176.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Send me a picture of a nursery and we will get to making a quilt to match!</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br /></div>
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-78763146087852703812016-04-01T00:28:00.001-04:002016-04-01T00:28:32.130-04:00Adoption Update #1I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life where I wanted God to answer my prayer RIGHT NOW! He doesn't always do that does He?<div><br></div><div>I've always felt the calling to adopt. I've always wanted to continue the adoption culture which my family has and hopefully those prayers will be answered! Right now though I sit waiting to hear a little more from God. We made a baby quilt over Christmas that we have prayed over believing that God is going to grant us a child.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzRcsFEMYrc/Vv347tUB83I/AAAAAAAABSY/yIKAYybn9Wk/s640/blogger-image--1936960825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzRcsFEMYrc/Vv347tUB83I/AAAAAAAABSY/yIKAYybn9Wk/s640/blogger-image--1936960825.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Jaron and I have picked an adoption agency... We have the first little part of money for the application fee. Next comes $3,000. We don't have 3k. We can't apply for grants until we are home study approved and that is the $3,000... With grants we would be looking at close to 13k. It's hard to think about... <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are still paying a mortgage on a house in GA while renting here in VA. Even though we have amazing people renting our house it is still a financial burden when looking to adopt. People have told us to set up a GoFundMe page, but I've heard so much negitivity with others who question fundraising. They think because people looking to adopt can't afford the adoption then they wouldn't be able to afford the day to day and that is untrue!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I'm starting to make baby quilts, sheets, and receiving blankets to sell online to help offset the cost, but it's going to take forever! Jaron is working 6 days a week from 8 to sometimes 8 for extra income. Jaron and I have a separate bank account just for our baby! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We are working hard and believing that God is going to help us and bless us throughout this crazy journey! Please join us in praying for our situation!</span></div>AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-5943035199962916562016-03-16T01:01:00.001-04:002016-03-16T01:01:15.559-04:00He is Here!As I sit on our couch in a dark house after a pretty quiet day I am reminded of how God is here! In the darkest of days/nights and in the beautiful days... He is here! My friends I want you to remember that God is here... He wants a relationship with you... Through the good and bad! Some nights like tonight I just love to go to bed after Jaron and just sit and soak in our little life. Our lives are not perfect, our marriage is not perfect, our families are not perfect, the ministry that God has called us to is not perfect, but God is here in the mix! He is fighting for us!<div><br></div><div>As you know, Jaron and I would love to have a family! When I get bummed out about the process of adoption or the cost of it I am reminded that God is here! When I see all the wonderful pictures of ultrasounds and babies across my Facebook I am reminded that God is here and it's just not our turn!</div><div><div><br></div><div>Jaron and I have attended another adoption meeting and fell in love with this agency! My heart filled to overflow when the ladies talked about the counseling for the birth mothers. I really want to have a good relationship with our child's birth mom. I don't want our child to have a hole in their exstitance that wonders about their mom. I know God is working ahead as I pray for our future child's birth mom. God is there with her and God is here reminding me that He is here and He has a plan!</div><div><br></div><div>As of 2 weeks ago, we have enough money to actually start the process!! We will need quite a bit more money through the process ($10,000) but I know God will provide! He provides for us everyday and I know He will provide when it comes to this! I am starting an online business of making baby quilts and crib sheets and possibly receiving blankets to help with some of the cost. I know God wants us to work for it and not expect a hand out. He is here urging us along in this crazy process.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UXsyhhPuLJk/Vujome3IIFI/AAAAAAAABPo/fhZ0WeSYb8k/s640/blogger-image--1569045776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UXsyhhPuLJk/Vujome3IIFI/AAAAAAAABPo/fhZ0WeSYb8k/s640/blogger-image--1569045776.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I am so grateful for all the prayers we are receiving through this journey. I know that one day when we get through all the paperwork and financial stuff we will have the child that God has granted us! It's so crazy to think about all that goes into an adoption, but it will all be worth it in the end! We will have the family He desires us to have, but as for right now... He is Here!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-31994060965049021442015-04-07T22:10:00.002-04:002015-04-07T22:10:48.123-04:00God's plan vs Our plansWhen I was a Senior in High School I went to a youth ministry conference where David Nassar spoke about how God's plans are better than our plans. The title of his message was, "God's going to ruin your life." It has been 12 years since I heard that sermon and almost every year from then on I felt my plan change into God's plan.<br />
<br />
A little over 2 years ago was one of the hardest to date. I was told one of the worst things that could be told to a woman engaged to be married. I was told I did not ovulate (You know that thing that women have to do before they have sex to be able to have a child!)... a week later I was in the same room finding out the gender of my first niece or nephew. (He is an amazing little boy!) His mom was only 15 at the time. So, there I was watching a young girl do something I was told I could never do unless by a miracle of God. I thought it was SO unfair! Later, I found out that multiple teenagers I knew were pregnant. It was my job to minister to these teenage girls... to love them. Inside I was dying! I knew they were hurting, but so was I. Life was so hard. That summer was terrible. I was dying on the inside and had to be happy for them on the outside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHmfuaZ2LPE/VSSN9oo0jEI/AAAAAAAABM8/LOCLK2NLzns/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHmfuaZ2LPE/VSSN9oo0jEI/AAAAAAAABM8/LOCLK2NLzns/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Jump ahead 2 years and Jaron and I are married and would love a family of our own! Instead, of trying IVF we have opted to begin the journey of parenthood through adoption. So, here goes nothing! I am so excited I feel like I'm about to pop, but I know it's a long process.AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-73125061517916103292015-02-19T16:58:00.000-05:002015-02-19T16:58:16.887-05:00Spaghetti SauceI am such a Foodie! I absolutely love to eat, but I also LOVE to cook! I started cooking when I was small just helping my mom, but in first grade both of my parents had the flu and I was able to make them food! By the time I was in middle school when I would get home from school I would start dinner because the deal was the first person home had to cook dinner! I hope one day I will be able to teach our child/children.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know how your house was, but my whole family was in the kitchen cooking! When I started dating Jaron I was the one that cooked, but slowly he is moving into the kitchen alongside me!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I always get rave reviews from my Spaghetti Sauce and honestly I feel like it isn't homemade, but I have found that in our world today people think that it is! I made this sauce, other than the beef, for 100 people for $20! That's right $20!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Depending on how many people you are serving depends on how many CANS you will use! Tonight, it will just be Jaron and Myself so I used 1 can. Normally, I use 2 cans. We got a couple of crock pots that link together (Thanks Aunt E!) but I haven't tried them for regular stuff just dips, until tonight!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Food Lion has Large cans of Spaghetti Sauce for .84. That's right, less than a dollar! So, pour the can of your favorite sauce into the crock pot (keep the can), then drain and add a can of diced tomatoes, a drained can of mushrooms. Stir that together and put it on low. Dice up a clove of garlic and throw it in!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzvP49B3tn4/VOZb5tsAUEI/AAAAAAAABK0/gvvf0wTSYFc/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzvP49B3tn4/VOZb5tsAUEI/AAAAAAAABK0/gvvf0wTSYFc/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Now, we are going to use our skillet and brown a pound of ground beef. I chopped about an eighth of a large sweet onion and one clove of garlic! Sometimes I don't have fresh gar<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41kf-9w2Lx4/VOZbWYGYtKI/AAAAAAAABKA/hOr9R5AoimI/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41kf-9w2Lx4/VOZbWYGYtKI/AAAAAAAABKA/hOr9R5AoimI/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>lic, so I use garlic powder.<br />
Put the skillet on medium and just when you can feel the heat on your hand, with your hand about an inch away from the bottom, put your onions and garlic (only fresh) into the pan! Do not leave them alone because we did not add any oil, so stir stir stir! Now, put into the pan your pound of ground beef, thawed! We are going to add some seasonings! I use Oregano, Basil, Parsley, and Cilantro. I know cilantro is normally for hispanic food, but I LOVE IT! If you are using the garlic powder add that now as well! Mix it all around and when it is all mixed in, flatten the mixture to the bottom of the pan and LEAVE IT ALONE! Once the bottom is browned then flip it over and start smashing! My Dad loves the meat to not be all clumpy, but to be smooth! That is where the smashing comes in!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83JrSzLK60s/VOZcNOysYrI/AAAAAAAABK8/B0J78e-1X50/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83JrSzLK60s/VOZcNOysYrI/AAAAAAAABK8/B0J78e-1X50/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Once the meat is browned drain the grease back into the can your sauce came out of! I told you to keep it! Move your meat around and drain again. I don't rinse the meat because I believe it takes all that flavor away. Now, Put the meat into the crock pot! Fold it in and add the same seasonings other than the garlic and onion! Now, let it sit on low for 4 hours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jKAv1nwRrM/VOZbgjZSMuI/AAAAAAAABKQ/ASnb5zy5_7I/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jKAv1nwRrM/VOZbgjZSMuI/AAAAAAAABKQ/ASnb5zy5_7I/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh man! Look at that! Just perfect! Oh and that plastic is a slow cooker bag! It makes clean up a snap!</div>
</div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-63209124706068167072015-01-28T13:13:00.000-05:002015-01-28T13:13:09.362-05:00Snow Day!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBx-b6a4aLU/VMkdKRylfLI/AAAAAAAAAw0/bRCQfEFL89g/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBx-b6a4aLU/VMkdKRylfLI/AAAAAAAAAw0/bRCQfEFL89g/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>Sometimes I think about all of our plans. We have tons of plans of what we are going to do and what we want to accomplish! Yesterday was a day full of my plans! Well, it SNOWED (very little) and snow means everything is canceled!<br />
Everything I had planed was canceled! I took a step back and took a breath. My day was going to be completely different and wonderful! I had forgotten how much I love snow days! I went into work and saw the preschool children as well as got all of our circus and winter jam forms ready.!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fKKyfRU6O8/VMkdqV4WGPI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4jgGKJYADS8/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fKKyfRU6O8/VMkdqV4WGPI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4jgGKJYADS8/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a>What do we normally do when everything has changed? I was very excited that a little snow showed up! Everything was up in the air yesterday! I was able to just sit back, drink my coffee and watch the deer! God granted me a day to sit and reflect on Him. Even when it is not winter sometimes I believe we need a Snow Day. A day to sit and reflect on God and his goodness and his love! So, what do you do when you get a Snow Day? Do you ever get a day to sit and reflect?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpVKUdsssaE/VMkmNYYpOUI/AAAAAAAAAys/e_9fIZ3KBGg/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpVKUdsssaE/VMkmNYYpOUI/AAAAAAAAAys/e_9fIZ3KBGg/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Oh and I made an awesome meal: Venison Roast, Grandma Betty's Mashed Potatoes, Peas, and Creamed Corn! My husband was very thankful for Venison instead of concession stand burgers!AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-18478220877130003212015-01-20T13:41:00.001-05:002015-01-20T13:41:50.596-05:00Welcome to ClarksvilleWell, it's been a little over 2 weeks since we have moved to Clarksville, VA. We first talked with Clarksville this past sumer and honestly Jaron and I thought they had gone another way because we had not heard from them. We received a call in September saying they were still interested and at this point we were talking with another church. Through the process we became excited about the possibilities here in Clarksville. Jaron and I both gave 2 weeks notices the week before Christmas and were here the first of the year. It was so quick, but worth it because we both really felt God's hand moving us. We moved on a Saturday, I was installed as a minister that Sunday, and on Tuesday Jaron went to work! God has provided for us so much more than we ever thought! I am so excited about what is to come! I grew up in small towns in Va and I feel right at home here. Jaron even said after leaving Food Lion one night that he loved our little normal life here! Most people (all but 2) are so loving and excited we are here! I definitely do not have on rose colored glasses knowing that some people don't see the need for my position, but we are loving on the kids and parents as much as we can!<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now the questions start rolling in....</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Where do we start?</li>
<ul>
<li>Where are the kids Spiritually?</li>
<li>What kind of ministry has been taking place before now?</li>
</ul>
<li>How do we start?</li>
<ul>
<li>Build Relationships</li>
<ul>
<li>Go to games, plays, band things</li>
</ul>
<li>Get Organized</li>
<ul>
<li>Budgets, Parent Meetings, Teaching Schedules, Camps</li>
</ul>
<li>Begin to create a Spiritual Culture</li>
<ul>
<li>Focus on Time with God</li>
<li>Show how God changes us and molds us to be more like Him</li>
<li>Set the bar HIGH!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>What do we change?</li>
<ul>
<li>Create a "Sacred Space"</li>
<ul>
<li>walking in it says, "time to talk with God"</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4WhKGgGLnk/VL6AsyT7Q4I/AAAAAAAAAaA/_0GP0e9AXJA/s1600/10292551_779741362102285_2045619862569985840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4WhKGgGLnk/VL6AsyT7Q4I/AAAAAAAAAaA/_0GP0e9AXJA/s1600/10292551_779741362102285_2045619862569985840_n.jpg" height="171" width="200" /></a>So this is how we have started...</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
At the end of our official 1st week Jaron and I went on a Ski Retreat with some of our new Youth, Volunteers, and Parents! What a way to kick start relationships!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeqynilGFk0/VL6fgl4hD1I/AAAAAAAAAig/IqZanucTVdM/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeqynilGFk0/VL6fgl4hD1I/AAAAAAAAAig/IqZanucTVdM/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" height="150" width="200" /></a>The start of the 2nd week we did what I grew up doing and went to a basketball game and had concession stand burgers for dinner!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love it when we are able to go to games and see our kids play! We rounded out our week at a game night with church people playing Bunko and Spoons while eating pizza and sipping wine (in my case a diet mountain dew!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tonight I have a JV basketball game to go to as well as a Children's Committee meeting! Later this week our Community has a Women's conference!! I'm so excited about being able to meet people and learn more about our Savior!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We seem super busy, but honestly it's such a slow pace that it doesn't feel rushed or busy at all! Jaron and I are able to have lunch and dinner together almost everyday!! AND dinner is before 8pm!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-74359791698000271972014-11-19T14:38:00.000-05:002014-11-19T14:38:00.068-05:00They Way Girls Think and the Toys They Played WithSo, why are girls so strange? Well, it starts with how we were raised. Our toys helped to shape us to the girls/women that we are... Let's take a look!<br />
<h3>
BARBIE</h3>
Think about what girls play with as children. Dolls. Dolls of all shapes and sizes should pop into your head. We as girls are programmed at a young age to want a boyfriend just like Ken (as in Barbie and Ken). Ken is the best thing EVER! He’s buff, tan, and has blonde hair, even if it is plastered to his head. I had this Ken Doll named Rob. Rob was from Florida and was a friend of Ken’s. Rob’s hair actually moved. It was AWESOME! He had darker hair, but of course he had highlights in his hair! Ha! Okay so that was just a fun fact for you, even though you really don’t care! But seriously girls’ infatuation with Ken is that he was the perfect man! We could make him do and say everything that we thought a man should be like. For me Rob/Ken was a romantic, but a tough romantic. He went hunting and hung out with the guys but had time just for him and Barbie. Of course Ken had a JOB and could afford to take Barbie out with out the help of his mom or friends. (That’s a hint to you! Girls like guys that can provide for them. Even if it’s cutting grass for people!) So, do you get it yet? Girls are programmed at birth to look for a man. When we get older it is hard to even think about being single for the rest of your life because that is uncommon. After we find our Ken it's time to start thinking about that other doll we had, the baby doll.<br />
<h3>
Baby Doll</h3>
So what is so important with girls having a baby doll? Baby dolls are what start the mothering and nurturing side of us. We learn from having a doll how to take care of children. We remember to feed them, some now even cry when they are hungry. We change their clothes and carry them around. We have strollers for our dolls and even some have car seats. Girls’ dolls are their children. Some girls don’t have dolls but animals, older girls/ women have them too when they want to care for something. They make sure their animal is fed and goes outside. They play with them and treat them as their own children.<br />
<h3>
House</h3>
When little girls play together they mostly play house. One girl is the mommy and the other is the baby then the girls switch roles. They play this game until someone says it’s not cool anymore, so about the 2nd or 3rd grade depending on older siblings. It really is amazing to look at little girls playing house. Playing house has girls act out different adult roles such as cooking, cleaning, marriage, and even parenting. They are taught how to act during a problem in these areas through play. This is one of the reasons why finding a mate is so important for girls. They have played house all their lives; it’s what most girls dream about. Some girls even have their wedding planned out at age 12. Don’t blame girls for being so psycho about marriage and such it is engrained in us from birth. What we have been given to play with what our parents talk to us about, everything points us to marriage and children. AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-41172204044654533532014-11-17T14:35:00.001-05:002014-11-17T14:35:33.622-05:00Luke 17I have some amazing students! This past Wednesday night they would not leave! They wanted to know how to share their testimony with people. We started just discussing our "Jesus stories." We stayed almost an hour extra and I have mostly middle schoolers. I am so excited to see what God is going to do with this group of students. They want to see lives changed for the Gospel and I believe they can do it! I needed to tell you that before I told you about Luke 17:34-35. You need to know how awesome my students really are! Now, read the passage!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Luke-17-34" id="en-ESV-25677" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.</span><span class="text Luke-17-35" id="en-ESV-25678" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25678AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25678AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>There will be two women <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25678AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25678AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”</span></blockquote>
When you think about this passage what do you notice? On Wednesday nights we have been walking through the Baptist Faith and Message. Right now we are in the "Last Things." On November 12th we were discussing this scripture. While we were reading my students got lost in laughter! Now, when people who have been around Biblical teaching for a while we think, "Oh wow! That is going to be crazy!" So, why were my students laughing? Let's take another look with some definitions.<br />
"I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. <span style="color: white;">(teenagers think sex)</span> One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women <span style="color: white;"><b style="background-color: black;">grinding</b> </span>together. <span style="color: white;">(grinding is dirty dancing like sex... and this says two women were doing it)</span> One will be taken and the other left." I just had to stop, think, laugh, and then say, "Okay, back in biblical times women would take two giant stones and spin them in opposite directions to make corn or wheat extremely small... That is grinding! They weren't dancing all together." It's amazing how words can change over time. None of the adults in the room thought twice about what was read. What would you have done? After that night I went to the Greek and multiple versions of the Bible. Some add the word grain or flour, but in the greek it doesn't say what they were grinding just that it was an activity that women did often. I don't think I will ever read this passage without laughing from this point! So, when you teach this make sure you read it out of the NIV! haha! I have read it to multiple people since and it's amazing how the age of the person decides whether they laugh or look at me puzzled when I say my students laughed! We wonder sometimes why some generations don't understand the others, part of it is the language and definitions of words! LIKE GRINDING!AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-16655343909295926942014-11-04T11:48:00.000-05:002014-11-04T11:48:02.933-05:00What about the boys?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYq-V5AFhbQ/VFkCqLUiztI/AAAAAAAAAXU/WrZ7y0oNT1o/s1600/BoysVsGirls_2803227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYq-V5AFhbQ/VFkCqLUiztI/AAAAAAAAAXU/WrZ7y0oNT1o/s1600/BoysVsGirls_2803227.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">http://static.planetminecraft.com/files/resource_media/screenshot/1227/BoysVsGirls_2803227.jpg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a youth minister I have noticed the amount of books written to teenage and tween girls about boys. Have you ever noticed the amount of books written to boys about those things? It got me thinking what would I want my future son and my male students to know about girls. Here is what I came up with:<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What Girlie Toys have Taught Girls</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Movies and Books - Disney and
Twilight</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Guy/Girl roles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How Do You Know A Girl Likes You?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Step Up and Ask Her!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why Good Girls Like Bad Boys?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Friend Zone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Types of Girls</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Throughout the next couple of weeks I want to explore these from the perspective of a girl, but meant for boys. I think they would be helpful for guys to really understand what is going through a girl's head and the reason they act the way they do.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To get started just google "girl stuff" and get ready for the up coming blogs! </span></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-74247920225305376842014-09-30T16:39:00.000-04:002014-09-30T16:39:31.445-04:00Youth Camp - For Church kids only?When did youth camp become something for JUST Christians?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me explain some background. Every year I take students to camp that do not go to church, my youth tell them they can go to the beach for a week. I had also been taking my group to a camp led by a youth pastor who paid non churched kids to go to camp.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgAiC6MKVU/Uaiq7fyfOVI/AAAAAAAAAP4/48ZtJAKfwqQ/s1600/Youth%2BCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dmgAiC6MKVU/Uaiq7fyfOVI/AAAAAAAAAP4/48ZtJAKfwqQ/s1600/Youth%2BCamp.jpg" height="98" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
This year was different. I took my students to camp with other churches in our local community. I love the youth pastors and volunteers in our community and have run things with them for 4 years!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was so excited about camp! It was going to be like d-now, but for a week! I did what every good youth pastor does and I handed out the what to bring what not to bring list. I went over how I wanted to have our girls wear tankinis instead of bikinis... to make sure their shorts didn't show their butt cheeks when they bent over. Please remember I was a co-ed cheerleader and we wore soffees and sports bras as practice wear. So, as long as everything is covered, including your stomach, we are good!<br />
<br />
Just like every other year a student came up wanting their lost friend to attend camp! I was excited and told them just to make sure their money got to me before we left for the trip. The girl came excited! She packed clothes she hoped were okay and then a bag of stuff that if she had to wear she would. This girl walked up to me telling me how she spent time on her outfit to make sure it was modest enough. My students were excited that they would get to minister to this girl for a week. No one cared how she looked or how she was dressed!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b style="text-align: center;">"Hmmm, I wonder when we all started thinking youth camp was just for church kids."</b></h3>
We arrived at camp and the first thing said to me was "Arielle, you have got to make that girl put some clothes on." I was probably not the nicest person when I responded about how I was more worried about the heart than the outward appearance. Later, I was speaking to another Youth Pastor and he mentioned her. Again, I went into my spiel. That Youth Pastor looked back at me and said, "Hmmm, I wonder when we all started thinking youth camp was just for church kids."<br />
<br />
That quote has resonated with me. Youth camp has been over for 3 months and still this has been on my heart. I've been struggling thinking about how in Youth Ministry so many times we focus on our church kids. Shouldn't our church kids be focused on reaching and developing disciples. If that were to happen then we would be taking a bunch of lost kids to camp instead of my 1 girl in a sea of 150. I want to ask you, when did it become a place for just church kids. Maybe I am off and youth camp is about church kids and their "rededication" on Thursday night instead of a first time salvation experience. Don't get me wrong, I love youth camp and God broke me at youth camp in high school. I was a church kid. We didn't take any lost and non church kids with our groups. I often wondered why?! As an adult I realized something. It was money. We didn't take anyone who didn't have the money. We did fundraisers and such but you had to be apart of us to go. Our church didn't plan on extra spots for friends who didn't know Jesus.<br />
<h3>
Our church didn't plan on extra spots for friends who didn't know Jesus.</h3>
<div>
I want to change the culture in our churches. Have at least 1 spot for people who don't know Christ. Get your kids to invite the unlovable. It breaks my heart to think about all we could do if we took 1 or 2 extra kids a year to camp, but we don't do it. I realized it more this year and then thinking back on my youth camp days as a camper. What would happen if every church vowed to bring at least 1 lost person to camp or better yet 2 in a group of 10? How would we plan different? How would we act? Funny thing, I was discussing this topic with my mom and she said, "What do you mean lost kids don't go to camp? You're dad always had 2 or 3 go to camp." My dad was a youth pastor 23 years ago via text message my mom started discussing the non Christian kids my dad took to camp. So, when did our goal change?</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-84748689265186665812014-09-23T18:09:00.000-04:002014-09-23T18:09:59.626-04:00SeasonsHave you ever felt like there is a season in your life that is on its way, but you have no idea what that is?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy3H__qFG-k/VASxVijYEuI/AAAAAAAAAWw/lLR6vSggTpk/s1600/1468795_698519769726_1157958168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy3H__qFG-k/VASxVijYEuI/AAAAAAAAAWw/lLR6vSggTpk/s1600/1468795_698519769726_1157958168_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best fall photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Growing up in Virginia I loved the seasons! Every season is completely different. you knew when it started getting hot out that it was almost time for school to get out for summer, but my favorite was knowing that school was about to start because of how tall the corn had gotten. The two seasons I loved the most we don't have here in South Georgia, Fall and Winter. The change into Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! You wake up one morning and a crispness hits your face and you know the leaves are about to change and it will be sweater weather soon!<br />
<br />
I miss the leaves changing colors and the crunchy sound under your feet, but most of all I miss the change. You knew a change was coming. You knew things would not stay hot forever. A cool change was coming.<br />
<br />
In the season of life that my husband and I are in we are feeling that a cool change is coming, but the hard part is not knowing when or how. We are in an uneasy part of life almost like "waiting for the other shoe to drop" or will this be the cool change? This is not a fun feeling at all, but this is where we are right now. Where does God want us? What does God want us to do? I keep reminding other people of Paul's words to the church at Philippi about being anxious. Funny thing, I am being anxious! Sometimes we think God is talking through us when in actuality He is talking directly to us!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zAFtJ0LM8eY/VCHtoX5BtiI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4hKdkC3ZSEk/s640/blogger-image--533770969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zAFtJ0LM8eY/VCHtoX5BtiI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4hKdkC3ZSEk/s320/blogger-image--533770969.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil 4:6-7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
With the change in seasons comes some amazing things! I hope your change this season is a happy one!</div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-68342931263696862862014-08-30T12:28:00.001-04:002014-08-30T12:28:42.160-04:00Memory Verse Boards<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E9AR4H8cewg/VAHxd2RRclI/AAAAAAAAAWI/OQQkxQYMuqI/s640/blogger-image-1178990280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E9AR4H8cewg/VAHxd2RRclI/AAAAAAAAAWI/OQQkxQYMuqI/s200/blogger-image-1178990280.jpg" width="200" /></a>One thing growing up that my mom instilled in me was scripture memory. I constantly come back to it. A few weeks ago I created a quiet time book for my youth and added scripture memory to it as well. I have always been the type of person who will not ask anyone to do something they are not willing to do. I actually started the week before my youth with a verse not related to our quiet times. I also started just writing it on my arm.<br />
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dl8cpoOkxV4/VAHyAq3OCeI/AAAAAAAAAWY/VGupNm8A_Io/s640/blogger-image-1950907460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dl8cpoOkxV4/VAHyAq3OCeI/AAAAAAAAAWY/VGupNm8A_Io/s200/blogger-image-1950907460.jpg" width="200" /></a>Later that week I found an unused white board in a storage room in our church and changed it into a memory verse board for the week. I'm normally not a very creative person and have sat in awe of people who take sketch notes. You, know the people who draw as apart of their note taking. So, I decided to make the Memory Verses fun by adding pictures to help me remember!<br />
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5TM3X9fX_5M/VAHyBsKVsQI/AAAAAAAAAWg/HpcXcUfsZ7U/s640/blogger-image-1581050506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5TM3X9fX_5M/VAHyBsKVsQI/AAAAAAAAAWg/HpcXcUfsZ7U/s200/blogger-image-1581050506.jpg" width="200" /></a>So far I have memorized a verse a week for 5 weeks!! I am still writing it on my arm, the board, but have added 2 more things. #1 I have an alarm set on my phone for 11:30am. That way right before lunch I go over the memory verse of the week EVERYDAY! #2 I have begun writing it on a mirror in our home by the door we frequent the most to go outside! So, the scripture for the week is literally everywhere!!<br />
<br />
How do you memorize scripture? Do you have a set routine?<br />
<br />AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-1414183464328050722014-08-25T10:23:00.002-04:002014-08-25T10:24:48.048-04:00Do not be quick to judgeAs I have looked through my Facebook page through the last month it has been covered in people's thoughts on Mars Hill Church. I was quick to judge and my husband laughed at me! I never said anything to him about laughing at me. This morning I realized why Jaron laughed at me. He laughed because that is exactly what we have been going through. Please know I do not know the truth at Mars Hill Church, but just about our situation. People have lied about me... about us... about our ministry in the last 6 months. Jaron and I have not been the only ones hurt. Our pastor has been attacked spiritually and emotionally for years. Our music minister has also been under attack. I have never seen anything like this before. Some have been partial truths and other out right lies. My favorite is that apparently my husband and I lived together before we married. We actually never kissed before our wedding day! We had alarms set every day that Jaron would leave and go home to his parents house and his mom would call if he was late to make sure we didn't fall asleep to avoid the appearance of evil! We had tons of safe guards including keeping windows open! Some of the lies came from a former student who dated my brother-in-law and became mad when they broke up. The part that hurts are that people have believed the lies. Jaron and I try hard to live our lives above reproach and when things like this come up we are just baffled. Throughout the last month people have come to me and apologized for spreading lies, others have left our church to get out of the drama, and still others have joined because they see God working in our church and in the student ministry. God has definitely humbled us through this process. I am constantly reminded of a verse my mom and I memorized when I was a kid.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
James 1:19-20 <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Jas-1-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">My dear brothers and sisters,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30286AH" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30286AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span> take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30286AI" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30286AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span>and slow to become angry,</span><span class="text Jas-1-20" id="en-NIV-30287" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>because human anger<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30287AJ" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30287AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span> does not produce the righteousness that God desires.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know what you are dealing with today. You might feel like you are being attacked, but just remember we are to produce the righteousness that God desires. I am continually trying to live this way. I pray you are as well. When people talk about you, let them talk. Others know the truth by how you live.</span>AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-87459603050769336912014-02-27T17:41:00.002-05:002014-02-27T17:41:50.796-05:00EAT ME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqvgx5yD-bM/Uw--lZnCy7I/AAAAAAAAASA/ohxqQE5Z1F0/s1600/Bread+and+Wine+for+Communion+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqvgx5yD-bM/Uw--lZnCy7I/AAAAAAAAASA/ohxqQE5Z1F0/s1600/Bread+and+Wine+for+Communion+-+Copy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Yes, I just titled this post EAT ME! Last night in Traders Youth we started the 7 "I AM" statements in the book of John. Now, in chapter 6 Jesus says, "I am the bread of Life." I started thinking about what He meant. There is SO much foreshadowing in this chapter it is RIDICULOUS and to think when the crucifixion comes the disciples are still baffled! (Who am I kidding! I'm slow and Jesus would have had to be like "Arielle…. I'm going to do some symbolism here… catch up!") Jesus talks about His body and His blood. It was so good to hear my 7th grade babies be able to tell me what these things mean… They get His foreshadowing! They know what is coming!<br />
At one point Jesus says, "Eat of me." Think about what food does for us… what happens to our bodies when we get healthy food… it makes us strong! Our bones, bloodstream, and even cells are affected by the food we EAT. So what would happen if we treated Jesus like food and let Him become apart of our very existence?!AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1499262704460670646.post-2394166690973750682014-02-06T15:53:00.000-05:002014-02-06T15:53:50.760-05:00Budget and FoodJaron and I started budgeting together in September. One thing we realized is how much we ate out. I know keep track (have a blank calendar and write in) of every meal we eat. We have cut our eating out in half! The other thing we do is grocery shop for a month. What that means is we have a calendar of foods we like to eat and we keep it stocked! We don't have to eat certain foods on certain days, but we know it is there! When I was growing up we had a food calendar and we pretty much ate everything the day it was on the calendar... My dad hated it and my mom loved having a plan! My mom also shopped for 2-3 months at a time! I'm not that organized yet! Plus, we don't have that many recipes!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our budget looks a whole lot better when we eat at home! We try to eat dinner at home 4 nights a week. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but we love Buffalo Wild Wings and Tuesday is cheap wing night! So then we have Friday night and either Saturday or Sunday night to go out. Sometimes it's 5 nights at home, but it is usually 4! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are like us we always have a staple of Hispanic food! If we don't know what to cook we normally make something Hispanic! We love Hispanic, Italian, and American food. We haven't eaten a lot of Asain food lately, but that is going to change. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For feeding 2 people we budget $200 for just groceries. That includes lunches! That is less than $2 a meal per person so $4 per couple! That is AWESOME! When we make things that are double recipes we have a Seal-a-Meal and freeze the other to pull out later! I wish I could have figured this all out years ago!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe one day I will be as good as my mom and shop in bulk and get our meals down to a dollar a piece, but not yet!</div>
AirEellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07982729304349809749noreply@blogger.com0