Honored

What an honor! Craig, my favorite nephew (one out of five) called me up the other evening to ask if I would be willing to play the piano at his wedding. I was thrilled, nervous, but thrilled. Of course, I immediately said "YES!" My next thought was "OH CRAP!" I don't have a lot of wedding material, so I went out and bought some. As if being asked to be the instrumentalist wasn't enough, Craig also asked if Tad could be the ring bearer. Well, this was soo sweet because Craig was the ring bearer at my wedding... here he is at about the same age Tad is now. Ain't he cute?

Not great quality on that picture, but I had to make a picture with the digital camera and then well, you know the rest. Anyhoo, I think you get the picture here. ha.. Now, it's a rush to find Tad a tuxedo or suit or something decent for a wedding and I've got to start practicing...

From Preacher to ???

Ok, as if preaching a sermon wasn't enough, I was tagged to lead Bible Study tonight as our pastor is away in Mexico with a mission team building churches, ministering to the people, and engaging in worship services. My adoring husband nominated me for this job last week at Bible study. I reallly didn't want to accept this job, but as no other person was willing to, I was trapped! Lucky for me, we are studying the book of Acts and chapter 2 in particular. Seriously, I lucked out on this one. The Pentecost story is one I'm well familiar with, having planned Pentecost worship services in the past. So, we talked about the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and ran down a few denominations. No, really we didn't speak derogatorially (is that a word?) of other denoms, we accepted that they may have different interpretations of Scripture than we do and that that's okay! We also talked about how different our world would be if all Christians were united by the Holy Spirit as those believers were on the day of Pentecost and in the days following. Imagine it if you can.... no hunger, no homelessness, seeing all as a brother or sister. What a wonderful thought....too bad that's all it is.

To Preach or Not to Preach....the Final Edition

Ok, so "they" finally convinced me to preach. "They" being my fellow Sunday School classmates, my pastor, and my nagging husband. Here I am ...

Was I nervous? I didn't think I was, but after spending most of the early morning in the bathroom, I reckon subconciously I was nervous. But, I had planned and prepared the entire service and it seemed to flow seamlessly. Not to brag or anything (cough), but the dialogue went really well. I had more comments at the end of the service and from people that I never expected. I even heard tonight at choir practice that this was the best Laity service we've ever had at Harris Chapel UMC. I'm impressed that they thought so much of it, and to brag again, I feel validated.

And I must say that my husband really didn't "nag" me, he just gently coaxed me. Apparantly, he saw in me the ability to do this and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support. Thanks Honey!

Now I just have to stave off the demands of the peeps for more...ha, as if. But seriously, preaching is not something I feel "called" to do. I feel it's something I could do if I had to, but I know there are other's that are better suited for it than me (Art, I'm talking to you!). It was definitely an experience, one that I am glad chose to be a part of.

We're Baack!

Well, vacation is over and of course we were bummed to have to come back home. We had a marvelous time just being alone together. I couldn't get over how quiet it was, apparantly I forgot how rowdy and loud our children can be.
My husband is a picture taking fool, but I'm glad that he is becuase I can share the fruits of his labor with you. Here we are on the beach
and then here we are waiting outside our favorite restaurant in Gulf Shores, Al...the "Original Oyster House" If you don't get there at the right time *4:30pm til 5pm* you could spend up to an hour and a half just waiting to be seated, but the food is definitely worth it!
In my humble opinion, the most beautiful sunrise and sunset in the world is in the Gulf of Mexico.

A few more pictures of the beach

All in all, this was one of the best vacations I've ever had. And it's all because My sweet husband was with me!

Birthday

Thanks to all who stopped over here to wish me a "Happy Birthday". Most of you came because my sweet husband told you to, but still I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This has been the best birthday ever! My husband went over and beyond what was called for, I could not even begin to list all the things he gave me, but the thing I am most grateful for is him! I am the luckiest woman in the world...because HE loves me!

On Vacation

Well, I've finished my "dialogue" for Laity Sunday and now it's time for vacation. As previously stated, my darling husband is taking me away for my birthday this weekend to our favorite, and most special place. This is a weekend without children, I might add. I, for one, cannot wait. It's been too long since we've gone away just the two of us, yes, I'll miss the children, but sometimes, we need alone time to "recharge". This is where we're going ...
This is what I plan on doing, well among other things..



Try not to be too jealous... ha! See you all when I get back...

To Preach or Not to Preach Redux

Sorry I haven't been posting as of late, my mind has been concentrating on the whole "Laity Sunday" thing. It has now been decided that 2 members of my sunday school class and I will be delivering the "message" for that day, meaning that I will not be preaching, but will however engage in dialogue. A dialogue that I have conceived and written. My husband, sweet, supportive man that he is, cautions me that I should submit this "dialogue" to our pastor for his inspection. I discussed this with said pastor and he informed me that that was not necessary. I think the reason my sweet husband wants me to let the pastor read it is because there's a word within the "dialogue" that to some may be profane. As I am not a preacher, my stance is that it doesn't matter what words I choose to use in my "dialogue". And besides, I am trying to get people's attention and make a valid point. Isn't that a great way to get another's attention? I thought so. Anyhoo, it's back to the grindstone as I haven't finished said "dialogue" and I need to get it finished before this weekend as my sweet, wonderful, adoring husband is taking me away to the beach for my birthday. He's a great guy!