Jesus Son of God

This past Sunday at our 8:45 worship service, Jerry Chapman and his crew lead us in the song, Jesus Son of God.  This song has been playing over and over in my head all day.  The words speak to my heart, especially today.

Take a few minutes and listen to the words. Thank you God for your son that laid down His perfect life for each every one of us.

sweet ministry moments

In January, Maple Springs started a new ministry for our 4th and 5th graders.  To be completely honest, I was slightly intimidated by the age group but over the past few months I've come to love being with them.  We've spent many Sunday nights learning about the importance of loving and serving others.

In one of our first meetings, we talked about ways we could spend time serving our community and our church.  They really had some good ideas!  One of my favorites was that they wanted to go to the UMAR home and spend some time.  I loved it and made sure to get that one our calendar.

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to go to the Hooper Home and spend some time with the ladies that live there.  I must admit- I was a little anxious about taking 4th and 5th graders into their home.  When we left the church to make the short drive to their home, the girls were so full of energy it was crazy.  They just couldn't contain themselves- they were beyond excited.

As we got to the house, they jumped out of the car and ran up to the door (they didn't need any of us adults).  They introduced themselves to the girls and immediately were at ease.  I was amazed.  Within 20 minutes, all of the girls were laughing and talking like they had known each other forever.

We spent the first part of our visit making individual pizzas.  This was enjoyed by all and they smelled delicious.

One of my 4th graders suggested that we make God's eyes, so while our pizzas were being made, she lead us in that activity.  All of the girls sat around and worked together.  It was beautiful.

We finished the evening eating pizzas and playing bingo!

I have been serving in ministry for 7 years and I have never witnessed anything like I did Sunday evening.  I left that home so filled.  I was so amazed at the sweet ladies that lived there.  They welcomed us, complete strangers, into their homes with open arms.  They loved on us and treated us like they had known us forever.  We laughed and laughed and laughed.  As we were preparing to leave they asked me several times to please bring the girls back.  I promised I would.

Sweet friends. 

There are many things I can choose to do with my 4th and 5th graders on Sunday evenings.  There are many lessons I can teach- many scriptures to be read.  But there is nothing like taking them out and letting them experience what it is to be loved and what it feels like to love others.  I do not think they will forget this experience for years to come.  I do believe it will be something that shapes them.  I am thankful for the opportunity for my kids to see a glimpse of the Kingdom-what a blessing.

time on the road

Mid-March, Pastor Bev asked me what I was going to do over Spring break.  I kind of giggled and said "um, nothing."  She looked at me and said "that's great but I want you to take the week off."  Later that day, I texted my sweet friend Leeann and asked if should'd be up for a visit the week of April 1-April 6- she said of course!

So last Wednesday, at about 10:20am, I departed Rural Hall for Wilmore, Kentucky.  I must admit I love time on the road.  I love being alone on the road.  I love driving.  So the idea of being on the road alone for 6 hours excited me- well, until about 2 hours in and I got pulled over.  I think it's impressive that I'm almost 30 and that was my first ticket.  And I hope it will be my last.

I may have gotten my first ticket, but purchasing Frozen made my day better.

I pulled into Asbury Seminary around 5:30 Wednesday evening and was greeted by a very excited Leeann! For those of you who know her, you know when she's excited she cannot hide it!  She was jumping up and down on the sidewalk when I pulled up.  We spent the evening on campus.  She gave me a tour and then she cooked dinner.

John Wesley is a big deal at Asbury!
(PS- The statue is his actual height)

Despite our age, Leeann and I are really kids at heart.  Following dinner, we made cookies and watched Frozen!  We loved it!  Totally obsessed and now I understand why people have been making such a fuss over this movie.

This girl loves to bake almost as much as I do!

Thursday was a rainy day but that didn't stop us.  We shopped and shopped and shopped.  We went to a place called Irish Acres (which was a little out of our league), a peddler's market (which was right up our alley) and we finished the afternoon with a tour of a chocolate factory (YES!).

I loved riding along the country roads and seeing all the barns!

Finished our tour at the Chocolate Factory with a taste of a chocolate covered chip!

Late afternoon we felt inspired to craft and headed to Hobby Lobby.  I think we were there for well over an hour.  We topped the awesome day off with dinner at Olive Garden!

We each made a wreath and made one for my mother-in-law as well.

I am so thankful for a week off.  And I'm thankful for the time to travel and visit a friend.  I'm so blessed to have a friend like Leeann.  We share many similarities, far more than meets the eye.  My visit with her was good for my soul.  I love you my frister and so thankful for the blessing you are in my life.

PS- Leeann, do you want to build a snowman?