reunion???

So, I get this email from a friend from high school. Here's the deal - she's getting married and having a casual reception, which says is also a school reunion. Why does this send shivers down my spine? I am a confident woman - but still a little apprehensive to actually attend this wedding (and reunion).

Why is this weird for me? Could it be that I haven't seen most of these people for 20 years? Maybe because I don't think I am anything like the person I was during high school. I am different today - in so many ways. At least, I hope I am different. I don't want who I am now to be overshadowed by who I was or what people thought of me then.

So, in about a month I will come face to face with my past. Am I ready for this? Pray for me. Maybe something totally unexpected will result from this? Stay tuned - I'll let you know.

my sister

As I had hoped, my sister was all too eager to take a picture on Easter Sunday - probably because she is thinner now. I didn't have the heart to ask if she would hold me (like she did in 1970).

For those who have not had the great opportunity to meet Sharon, she is an incredibly fun person to be around. She always makes me feel welcomed in her home and with her family, has great ways to make me laugh and I enjoy spending time with her. When we were little, it was not always fun and games. I admit, I was the bratty little sister (imagine that!). But, it has been incredible to have a friendship with her like no one else. And for that, I am incredibly thankful.

So, here's to you, Sharon. May I look so good when I'm your age.
I love ya!

A Person is Falling

I received the following email from the mom of one of the kid's in my ministry. "I have to share something with you that my daughter told me today. We were walking through the Grocery Store last night and she busted out in song, “A person is falling, is falling, is falling on me.” I stopped her and said, “What are you saying?” She repeated it and I said, “Why are you saying that?” She said, “That is how the song goes.” I corrected her and explained what it meant. We both got a good laugh out of it! I thought you might too!!!"

We sang "Mercy is falling" in Promiseland on Sunday and do this really great things where we act like we are falling down when we say it. We had a great lesson about salvation and receiving God's mercy and grace. While her comment really made me laugh - I must say, that is kind of true isn't it. HIS MERCY is available to us only through the person of Jesus Christ! Wow. I'm afraid that we say things like that - and sometimes stop to really take it in. His promise of eternal life is only possible because of the work of Christ.

I was reminded yesterday how incredibly awesome God's plan is for us. While I hesitate to 'push' salvation on kids or have them respond to please me or their parents, I was also reminded that we must tell kids what God's mercy and grace are all about and help them hear from God. And then we pray that when He calls them, they will hear Him be ready to receive that gift. May I never cease to be diligent to teach kids about His amazing love! Thank you God for allowing me the privilege of sharing your story with kids and helping them see how to be a part of our story!

Easter in review

Any girl can tell you that Easter involves new clothes and pictures. So, in honor of all the time my mom spent shopping and getting us all pretty for pictures...I thought I would post a few family photos from my early years. Hope you enjoy!

I think that might have been the last time my "big sister" held me in her arms like that. I'll see if she'll do it again this Easter Sunday.

1970 My FIRST Easter












Easter 1972 (check me out - I'm a real blonde!!)




1973 (notice that even our little puppy "bootsy" made it into the family picture...where are my parents??)


1975 I'm such a little poser!


1979 with my nephew Eric - I'm still not sure why I'm in the picture!