My how time flies....

Hard to believe that a year ago today I was starting my first day at Maple Springs as the Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries.  I can remember so clearly that morning.  I approached my new office and noticed a a gift waiting for me.  It was a the sweetness of Pat Craver in the form of homemade cinnamon rolls- the best I've ever had.  Later the morning, Bev walked in with beautiful flowers.  The love I experienced that morning has not only continued but it has multiplied in more ways than I could have ever imagined.

I'll be honest- I'm not a person who likes change and I don't do well in times of transition but I embraced the change with so much excitement.  I didn't go in with any expectations but just knew that God was going to blow me away and boy has He.

When I reflect on the past 365 days, my heart flutters and the biggest smile comes across my face.
I have received so many blessings from working with the children of Maple Springs.  You just never know what kids are going to say- and that keeps me on my toes at times.  I love their excitement and their honesty.  I love to see their eyes light up when they understand something for the first time.  They are such sponges and are so teachable.  They are so eager to learn about Jesus and to deepen their faith.  They have hearts of gold and love to serve others.  They've raised enough money to build a well in Burkina ($2,000), they've made lunches for Samaritan Ministries and they've made notes and cookies for our Food Pantry.  They are experiencing at an early the joy that can come from serving others in the name of the Lord.

These children have brought so much joy to my  life over the past year and I look forward to the many years to come.  These kids and their families are such a blessing.

Some memories caught on camera during my first year at Maple Springs- enjoy!

This lady inspires me in so many ways......
she has shaped me
in more ways than she'll ever know...

...Sherry inspired me to let lose in early 2013 at
the Mother/son game day!

Thankful for time with the one and only Abby Carter.

Blessed to be in ministry alongside these folks- there is no better team.

For the beauty of Easter morning!

For the beauty of baptism and a 3rd grader making that decision on her own.

Blessed on the morning when our children and leaders lead worship at all 3 services

Some of the MSUMC 'things' that I'm blessed to serve with

The support of the Children's Council in this first year has been unreal.
Julie Brito and Marci Bruno have answered more emails, text messages and phone calls
than they can count- they're determined to do what it takes to grow the Kingdom.
For that, I'm thankful!

A sweet moment while I was gone to the beach.  Kids were asked to name people
that had planted seeds in their life.  Sweet Stella included me!

For the encouraging words, 'get it girl' smiles and '
you can do it' looks that Bev Coppley has continuously
offered me.  Bev pushes me to do my best- sometimes without
saying a word.  I look forward to all God will continue to
teach me through her. 

I am thankful for the laugher Jeff and I share on a daily basis.    Jeff seems to give me an 'atta girl'
when I need it most.  He offers so much to our staff and Maple Springs- he's a great leader and a teacher to all of us!

For the spirit of generosity!

The body of Maple Springs and the One Faith One Future that we share.