Missionary Service Training

For the least fifteen days, I have been living in New York with fourteen others from all over the world who will be embarking on missionary service around the world.  It has been a great time of fellowship, learning and experiencing the delights of other cultures.  I will be blogging more over the next  couple of weeks but wanted you to see who has been my "missionary family" these past few weeks.

Countries represented:  Chile, Mexico, Congo, Hong Kong, Korea, Brazil, Puerto Rico, United States, Philippines, Costa Rica

Going to:  Senegal, Mexico, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, United States, Japan

WOW!  How privileged I am to serve with these folks!

Vacation Bible School Week

So....I have been absent from the blog-o-sphere for a bit, but for a good reason!  It's Vacation Bible School Week here!  And what a week it has been!

Six days of fun and faith stories

Seven churches working together

Six meals

Tons of kids

Lots of adults

I have had the joy of being the storyteller.  Of course, I haven't done it myself!  We have told the story of King David, Queen Esther, Nehemiah, Jesus and Josiah.  The stories have been great.  The fellowship has been wonderful and the work has been rewarding.

Here are just a few pics from the week....

Each church involved took a night to provide dinner for the kids and the workers

Some of our decorations for story telling

Rev. Aaron Atchley as David.  What a good sport!

Vacation Bible School is a great week, but I am tired.

A Word for Wednesday

If you want to be miserable think about yourself, about what you want, what you like, what respect people ought to pay you and what people think of you.

Charles Kingsley

Charles Kingsley 

I couldn't say it better myself! What is a favorite quote of yours? 

The Adventures of Chicken Farming: Coyotes

Yesterday, there came a frantic knock on the front door.  It was my neighbor alerting me to the fact that this animal had been seen in the yard:

Coyote (not a friend to chickens or cats!)

Fortune

Pumpkin

It was just a few minutes and the place was swarming with men who looked for the coyote to shoot it (including the sheriff).  We were encouraged to gather our animals and get them inside.  The cats were pretty easy to get in the house.

(Aren't they cute!?) 

The chickens were another story...we tried bribing them with food and then with treats.  I ended up feeding them a bunch of meal worms without getting one single,solitary chicken back into the coop.  Aaron chased them out of the woods and Anna and I tried to "encourage" them to go into the coop.

Part of our little flock

We spent about an hour trying to catch our six chickens to make sure they would be safe from the big, bad coyote.  We were not successful.  However, I am sure that the gang of folks who had gathered to eradicate the coyote enjoyed watching the pastor and his family chase chickens!  We never did get those chickens back in the coop, but we did get a good cardio workout and a good laugh!

The chickens finally made their way back to the coop at the normal time and not a minute earlier.  I learned a few valuable lessons today:

1.  Chickens will do what chickens want to do
2.  I am severely out of shape
3.  I loathe coyotes
4.  I need a shotgun

Living Life Today!

I have to apologize.  There are not profound thoughts here.  No goofy pictures of my kids, chickens, cats, husband....I am busy living life today.  I am going to be busy driving my oldest to pickup a dear friend from Kentucky who is coming for a visit, busy planning for  my youngest birthday party, busy loving on dear friends who are celebrating the life of their mother, busy learning about addictions so that I can better love those who suffer with them, and busy being a mother, wife, missionary, friend....

This is my prayer today:

Freedom to serve...

Happy Independence Day!

The girls several years ago at the Wilmore Veteran's Day Parade.

Today we celebrate the birth of our nation, the freedoms we enjoy and those who have defended those freedoms and this very soil on which we stand. It is a debt that can never be repaid.  I absolutely love Fourth of July celebrations!  It's one of those days that the country comes together regardless of political affiliation, differing beliefs, socio-economic status, education level, etc. to celebrate what we have in common:  freedom!

The question that comes to mind for me on this day is "What are we free from?" and "What are we free to do?"  I think the first one is answered pretty easily...we are free from the fear of religious persecution, free to pursue dreams, free to own property, free from the fear that our homes will be invaded....free from political violence and unrest.  The list goes on and on ...but what are we free to do?  Live our lives worthy of that freedom...

Which reminds me of Galatians 5:13:

You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses but serve each other through love.

So as an American Christian, I am especially reminded today that I am free politically but also spiritually.  My freedom to express my religious beliefs has been given to me by my fellow Americans.  My freedom to love others has been given to me by the atoning acts of Christ.  I am free to love and I am free to serve. Serving is not an obligation or a burden...it is a joy.  It is freeing to put others before self.  I encourage you today to think about how you can serve others in love.  We are free not to pursue our own selfish desires, but to serve one another.

 

The girls are back...

The girls spent ten days with their grandparents.  They swam, played with puppies, shopped, rode horses, tubed the Little River, went bowling, shopped, saw a few movies, went to a play, etc...

Their dad and I spent the week cleaning the house (because you know the saying...cleaning house with children is like brushing your teeth while eating oreos....), working on projects and just getting some much-needed rest.  We have always been fortunate to have family who have been willing to give us little respites from parenting.

The girls are back...here's the proof...

So much for the clean house...oh well...glad they are home!

Today marks a new beginning!

July 1, 2013.....

the day I became a missionary.

As of this morning, I am officially a Church and Community Worker with the Global Board of General Ministries of the United Methodist Church appointed to the Tazewell District Cooperative Ministry in the Holston Conference.  What a mouthful!!

Many, many years ago when I was just a teen, I responded to call for missionaries.  I never really thought that I would be able to claim that title after life took its twists and turns, but God is faithful when he calls and blesses those who are faithful in the answering.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds!

I would love to share this journey with you.  If you would like to be on a mailing list with updates on the new project, please contact me!  I covet your prayer support!!

Being the hands and feet of Christ

We had our last team meeting last night for our short term mission trip.  We are going to be going to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky and I am very excited about it!  One of the things that I am most excited about is the collaborative nature of the trip--32 people of all different ages (from 8-80) from 7 different churches are joining together to be the hands and feet of Christ!  Woot!  Woot!

Here's the shameless plug for us....we need your help!  We need your prayers as we put the finishing touches on our preparations, prayers for safety, prayers for the presence of the Holy Spirit's presence and prayers that our hearts and minds will be focused on serving others.  We need your help financially too!  Each person is responsible for raising $225 for team fees.  Our family needs to raise about $700 more.  Can you help?  If you can, please contact me.  You will be a blessing...to our family and to the families of Frakes, Ky!

A Mother's Prayer

My girls are visiting their grandparents this week.  It is a nice reprieve from parenting and it is especially timely as I am going to be starting working full-time in just a few weeks.  One of our goals this week is to get the house cleaned up and put back in order which can be a daunting task with kids running around!

As I was cleaning the kitchen yesterday, my gaze fell to the windowsill over the sink.  There sat a little framed poem that I have had for many, many years.  My Aunt Sharon gave it to me when Anna was a little tiny thing.  It had sat in her windowsill while her children were young.

It is looking a little rough, but it has been in the windowsill of two mother's, five children, four states, twelve homes....it is precious.  It has served its purpose of reminding of my most important responsibility.  I will pass it along to another young mother when it is time.

Here is what is says:

A Mother's Prayer

God, give me the wisdom to see that today is my day with my children,

That there is no unimportant moment in their lives.

May I know no other career is as precious,

No other work so rewarding,

No other task so urgent.

May I not defer it nor neglect it,

But by thy Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by thy grace realize

That the time is short and my time is now,

For children won't wait!

written by Helen M. Young

Just a few years ago....

Chicken Farming: How it all started....

One of the items on my bucket list was to be a "backyard" chicken farmer.  I know it sounds strange to some folks, but it has been a dream of mine for a long time and Abby began to share in my dream this past year.  So....after some mighty persuasion, the rest of the family agreed to jump into the chicken farming adventure.

On a very snowy morning, March 21, Abby and I traveled to the local feed store in a crazy snowstorm to pick out our little flock.  After looking over the chicks, we chose six Buff Orpingtons and braved the slick roads to get them home.  

See the snow in the background??

They were so cute!  Abby was already late for school, so we let her stay home for a little while.  She held each little one to make sure that it was comfortable it her new home.

They were so fluffy and sweet!

Our little flock was so stinkin' cute!

The most difficult part of the first day or so was introducing the little flock to our cats!  The cats were very, very interested in the little chicks.  

Fortune couldn't figure out what was in the box.

Pumpkin and Fortune were enthralled with the chicks in the brooder.

Stay tuned for more adventures with our little flock!!

No one ever said it was going to be easy....

Over the last five years, I have been slowly plugging along on a masters degree.  I have done this while working full-time (for the majority of it), managing a family with two very active daughters, supporting a husband who was going to school full time, and being an active church member.  There were many times that I questioned whether I should be going to school, if I was smart enough to go to school, or if it was worth the sacrifice that was being made by my girls, husband, extended family and friends.  I simply was not available to folks as I wanted to be.

Most of the time I felt that I wasn't doing anything well.  It was a rough few years, and I never want to repeat that kind of situation.  I literally felt that I was stretched so thin that I was going to be pulled apart.  There are folks who encouraged me along the way...sometimes gentle prodding, sometimes speaking the truth in love and sometimes giving me a "slap upside the head."  For those individuals, I will always be grateful.

On May 25, 2013, I walked across the stage in Wilmore, KY and received a Masters of Arts Degree in Christian Ministries, Servant Theology.  I don't know who was more excited...me or the family!

Since I "earned" most of my degree while sitting on a soccer field, the girls wanted to take advantage of the goals for this picture!  There's nothing like doing homework on the sidelines!

I survived and thrived!!  Woohoo!!

The 'rents were pretty excited too!  Both of their girls have now finished  master degrees!

So excited that mom is finished!!

So....no one ever said it was going to be easy, but it was worth it!  As I sat in the graduation ceremony, I couldn't help but think of all those who do not have the opportunity to learn...maybe it is because of their gender, race, economic situation or belief in their ability.  For them, I am saddened.  It may not be easy...but anything usually worth doing isn't!

Being a preacher's wife: the lessons learned during my rookie year

I have been a "preacher's wife" for almost one year.  It has been a great year as we transitioned from being seminary students to being in full-time pastoral ministry.  There have been a few bumps and bruises along the way, but it has been an incredible year!

Here are a few things that I have discovered:

1.  No matter where you go, people need God.  The peace, love, grace, and acceptance that is available because of the acts of Christ are needed in the hills and hollers as much as it is needed in the inner city or the growing suburbs.

2.  There is nothing sweeter than sitting on the porch visiting with neighbors and friends.

3.  Ministry is about relationships--forming new ones and nurturing old ones, but most importantly, not neglecting one's own relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is imperative that it takes precedent over any other relationship.

4.  It is humbling to be the face of God to a community of believers and non-believers.

5.  There is no better food than what is prepared for a covered dish dinner!  Be open to trying different things.

6.  You need to keep some "go-to" items to whip up a dessert or dish for a neighbor in need--emotionally or physically!

7.  Do not underestimate the power or need of a home, hospital, nursing home, school or any other type of personal visit.  Always accept the glass of tea or water that is offered.  Allow people to show you hospitality.

8.  Plan for the unexpected.  Do not schedule your time so much that you have no time for the things that will become the most important.

9.  If the house is a mess, you will have company!  Folks don't come to the parsonage to check up on your housecleaning skills...well, at least most of them don't!  :-)

10.  If the wind blows, the sun shines, it rains, snows or hails...the electricity will go out.  Be prepared with extra water, flashlights, etc...do not be caught without water or you won't be able to flush the toilet!!

11.  When you feel like you cannot face one more situation of despair, remember that you are not in this alone.  You have a God that is bigger than the worst situation, who loves you and all of those around you, and who desires the very best for all of his beloved creation.

12.  There is nothing more powerful than prayer--your prayers and those of others.  Be transparent of your needs so those in your faith community can pray for you.

13.  There will be folks who take advantage of you...don't be bitter.  Keep offering assistance and love.  Those are the folks who need it the most.

14.  Learn how to cook deer, fish, squirrel....anything that can be shot, trapped or caught.  Don't be squeamish!

15.  Don't try to be perfect and don't expect your kids to be perfect either.  Be real...and authentic!

16.  Laugh....be willing to laugh at yourself.  You are not going to do everything right....laugh when you need to do and ALWAYS be willing to apologize when you have offended.

Back to blogging....

I woke up today and realized that it has been over a year since I had written a blog!  It hasn't been because I have been lazy....just very, very busy!  Here are a few of the BIG changes and activities that have kept me from the world of blogging:

Abby's team won the KY state championship in June 2012 (and again in 2013!)

Aaron graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree

We moved to lovely Narrows, VA!

Aaron became the pastor of Kathleen Memorial and Hales Chapel UMC

"It's going to be a GREAT day!"

To say that Abby loves fried eggs would be an understatement.  She would eat them at every meal, every day.  It's a good thing that she is as active as she is or she would be in big trouble!  It is not uncommon for her to eat 3 fried eggs for breakfast come home from school and ask for more eggs for her snack.  We joke about "cutting her off" from her eggs. 

So this morning, for whatever reason, everyone was moving a bit slow.  I told Abby that I would fry her some eggs for breakfast.  She asked if she could have some jelly toast with them.  I told her that I could do that.  She jumped out of bed and exclaimed, "It's going to be a GREAT day!"

How can you not want to take the time to fix a kid eggs when it means that much to her??  Even though it made me skip washing my hair...I made her eggs and toast.

I am pretty sure fixing breakfasts like these on a busy work day morning should at least get me a vote for Mom of the Year!

She's a happy girl!

Confessions of a Soccer Mom: Tournaments

I have a love/hate relationship with soccer tournaments.  Tournaments are great fun...hotel stays, lots of soccer, swimming, friends, new places!  But, let's be honest, tournaments are also a LOT of work!

Sitting in the freezing, wet weather while watching your child play in the miserable conditions is not always fun.

Me and my fellow soccer moms enduring low 40 degree temps and rain to cheer on our girls!

What is even less fun is the laundry that must be done after the wet, nasty conditions.  Unfortunately, the hotel we stayed in this weekend did not have guest laundry facilities.  So, this soccer mom (along with my fellow soccer moms) washed uniforms, slider shorts, and socks by hand in the sink in the hotel room.  I so wish I had taken pictures of the mess!!

Abby's keeper gloves were so wet and heavy, we decided to lay them over the heating unit in the room to speed up the drying out process.  Sounds great right?  Have you ever smelled keeper gloves?  This is how I would describe the smell...take the worst smelling shoes you have every smelled, put them in a plastic bag and set them out in the sun for a day or so, open the bag and take a big sniff...that is what a keeper glove smells like.  NASTY!  Needless to say when we returned that evening, the smell knocked us down when we opened the door.  It was BAD!

The mess just doesn't stop at the laundry...my house is now a WRECK!  Unloading the van of all of the gear, late on Sunday night, after traveling means that nothing makes it past the living room.  UGH!

Monday mornings are always a bit rough too...everyone is tired and grumpy.  It is a minor victory to get everyone dressed, fed and out the door without major breakdowns.

However, it is worth it.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend!

Getting pumped up!

Snuggling with Anna trying to stay warm!

Love this pic!

More details about the tourney to come...stay tuned!

Entrepreneur Fair

Tonight was the Entrepreneur Fair at the elementary school.  The 5th graders had to come up with a product, slogan, advertising campaign and then sale it.  Abby chose to make sno-cones and her friend made hair bows.  It was a great night full of fun and lots of energy!

They sold 51 sno-cones and 23 hair bows.  They learned what if felt like to serve customers and have a "rush."  They didn't just sale things.  They had to sample the wares of their friends.  Pop-corn balls, brownies, cup-cakes, pop-sickles, and bacon kabobs....yes....bacon kabobs...were enjoyed.  The thing was the most exciting for Abby was the hair dyeing booth.

She chose to have a section of her hair dyed blue  to get ready for the upcoming soccer tournament. Here is what it looked like after it had dried.

So, although it was a LONG day and it was hot and loud, the girls left happy and feeling good about themselves.  What more could you ask for??

Pay it forward

Usually when the phone rings early in the morning, it is not good news, but today my friend Michele called and wanted to go to breakfast.  Never one to pass up a fun time with her (or good food!), I accepted.  We were off to find somewhere yummy for breakfast and were a little bummed to find the first place we wanted to go to not open.  It was Cracker Barrel to the rescue!!

We ordered our food and it was yummy!  I laughingly took a picture of all of our dishes and joked that I was going to write a blog about what the end-of-the-semester stress makes faculty and staff do!!

After we had eaten as much as we could, the waitress brought our tickets.  We were not in a huge hurry to get to the office, so we sat and chatted for a while.  We were getting ready to get our tickets and go pay when our waitress showed back up and took the tickets off our table and crumpled them up.  I was in utter shock!  I wish I could have seen my face as I just stared at her.  

She explained that today was our lucky day!  Our bills had been payed for by someone we didn't even know.  Evidently, there is a gentleman that frequents this particular Cracker Barrel and often chooses a table at random and pays the bill!

What a great way to start a day!!  Breakfast with my friend Michele and it was free to boot!

Our New home: Part 3--The Duck Pond

There is a duck pond in Narrows, VA.  

For Abby, this is heaven on earth!  On our first visit, we got to spend two days in Narrows and she insisted that we visit the duck pond each day.  The first day, we just stopped by and watched the ducks swim and play.  The second day, Abby insisted that we stop and get some bread so that she could feed them.  She fed them an entire loaf of bread in about 5 minutes!  She is such an animal lover.  

When we go to return to Narrows about a month later, she could not wait to show Anna the duck pond!  

I can't emphasize it enough that Abby LOVES the duck pond.  

Our New Home: Part 2--the schools

We have had the opportunity to visit Narrows twice this spring.  Abby went with us the first time and both girls were able to go the second time.  The schools are divided up a little differently than we are used to and that has created a little bit of anxiety for the girls, but I would be shocked if there was not some anxiety about changing schools, etc.

Abby's school will be a combination elementary/middle school comprising of grades K-7.  Anna's school will be a high school with grades 8-12.  I believe that the size of the school will be the thing that will require the biggest adjustment on all of our parts!  Anna's graduating class (did I really just right that????)  will have about 70 students in it.  After a few years of a pretty big middle school, I am looking forward to the more intimate atmosphere.  Hoping to actually be able to speak to a teacher when needed!!

The schools have co-ed sports...even FOOTBALL.  Aaron is struggling a lot a bit with the thought of Abby playing football...she is loving the idea!  We will see who wins this battle.  Their colors are green and yellow and they will be the Mighty Green Wave.

Here are a few pictures of the schools:

This is the first time that Abby will go to a school where her
sister has not been a student!

We think this is the middle school wing.

Anna wasn't with me to get a picture with her school sign...bummer!

The  High School

Can't wait to the fall!  Love me some football games!!