Operation Passion

Yesterday our church did the coolest thing. We moved all of our Sunday services from our campus to Wheately Courts in inner-city San Antonio. We had our worship service and sermon on the football field at Wheatley Middle School, then broke up into teams and went out into the Courts and surrounding neighborhood to serve the community. It was so amazing to see so many from our church out there being the hands and feet of God. Lawn work, clean up, a carnival for the kids, serving lunch... it was so awesome! I was so inspired watching everyone the whole day.

One of my proudest moments was when Abby, her new friend Zoe, and I were walking down the street and the girls started noticing lots of trash along the streets and in the yards, and they came up with the idea (on their own) to get trash bags and pick up all the trash. They filled up almost three garbage bags! I wish I were as quick to jump into action when I see things that need to be done.

I feel so blessed to be a part of a church who does more than just talk about helping people, they actually do it. The cool thing that I realized is that God saw the bigger picture when he asked us to serve others. He saw that, not only does it help others, but more than that it changes us. Very humbling. Very cool. Here are a few (well, a lot) of pics from the day. (More at www.facebook.com/RCCCNW!)





































And of course, Carson found sweet Ashley to carry him around so he could eat watermelon without tiring himself. The kid cracks me up!

Daddy's Helper

The other day Aaron and I were hanging out while he built his new desk (he's getting ready to start working from home a couple days a week), when in walks Carson, who paused, gasped and then shouted, "I'll help you, Daddy! I'll just go run and get my tools!" Off he ran, and in a flash, he was back, toolbox in hand. He sat right by Aaron's side, eager to help, drilling this and that, and asking a million and one questions about all the tools. It was cute. This boy loves his Daddy. :)

Abby's Kinder Graduation

Can it really be the end of the school year already? It seems like just yesterday we were dropping Abby off at her first day of Kindergarten. In a lot of ways, she's very different from the little girl that she was then... but I'm thankful that in many ways she's still the same girl.

Her teacher, Mrs. Schneider, was so thoughtful to spend time talking about the character qualities she saw in each student as the diplomas were being handed out. When she talked about Abby she talked about her servant's heart and how she was always willing to help. I admire that in my daughter, too, and I'm happy to see her using that gift, even at school.

She was also recognized for being "Most Improved" over the course of the year. I gotta hand it to her, even though she might've struggled here and there, the girl never gives up. I love that about her. She's grown leaps and bounds over the past 9 months and I'm so proud of her!

Here are a few pictures from the morning...

















Not sure what the deal is, but Abby was NOT up to smiling this morning. Thankfully Mrs. Schneider was able to tickle her into an "almost" smile. :)

Now That's LOVE

Some girls love flowers, jewelry, and perfume. As for me, I thought I had died and gone to heaven when my husband walked in last night holding a Frosty in his hand. Last night while he was at a meeting, I sat at home and edited 600 or so wedding photos -- at which point I was overcome by a craving for something cold, creamy, and chocolatey. Well apparently while he was meeting, he saw my status update and stopped on his way home to get me something, even though I know he was completely exhausted. Now THAT is love, my friends. :)

Fear

Fear (in the form of worry, doubt, anxiety) has always been a struggle of mine... at least throughout my adult life. While I feel like I've been able to conquer it in many ways, I find that it still plagues me. It grips me in the middle of the night or as I try to fall asleep. I feel overcome by all of my shortcomings, or the things that I haven't gotten done, or I will just begin to worry (panic, even) about some facet of my life... family, work, money...

It's honestly the worst feeling ever. Because no matter how much I try to think on something else, and no matter how much I may know (in my head) that it's really not that big of a deal, it consumes me.

I've come to realize over the past months that these "attacks" are, I believe, very spiritual in nature -- designed to defeat me and take my eyes off of the fact that God is very much in control and that He loves me deeply. Since this realization, I've had to be very intentional in fighting fear.

1. By taking every thought captive. This is very difficult for me, but necessary.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:5

2. By prayer. This is actually  most important because, at least for me, it's hard for me to take those thoughts captive without prayer.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."Psalm 34:4

3. Openness and Accountability. This is difficult for me because a lot of time when I give voice to the things I worry about... I feel silly. Ha! But Aaron has really helped me a lot lately. Not only does it help to just get it out, but his prayers for me have been so amazingly helpful.

4. Keeping the Tank Full. I have started to notice that fear/worry is just not an issue when I am regularly spending time with God by being in the Word and in prayer.

I have been reading through the book "Window in a Glass House" by Shirley Walker (a great read for pastors wives or for anyone in ministry), and I read a chapter this week about this very topic. There was one paragraph in particular that really spoke to me.

I view fear as the gauge for my spiritual tank. When i find myself battling the "what if..." questions, I know my faith is running on reserves. I need time in the scripture to strenghten my spirit in His word... No longer is fear a crippling enemy... it has become a stepping stone into His presence.

I thought that was a really cool perspective. Thanks for letting me share!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Weekly Update [05.20.10]

This week...

- A good friend brought me lunch and we got to hang out for the afternoon. Thanks, Amanda!
- I (mostly) finished my laundry room.
- We painted the master bedroom.
- We had our first small group meeting with our NW Campus core team!


- I got to see my family!
- I missed having a little baby. Andre was so precious.
- We celebrated the kids' birthday at the Kiddie Park.
- We went to the Grand Opening of Sandy's new gallery, Studio 106.
- Experienced God's presence Sunday at RCCC in a big way.
- Paul Coleman came to our church.
- Picked up a book and read for the first time in a while (currently reading Window in a Glass House -- an amazing read for those in the ministry!)
- I danced with my kids


- Prayed with my husband
- Had (still have) a 3 day headache
- I met with my friend and mentor, Lauri, and had great conversation
- I ate a lot of chocolate.

I know lots of other things happened, but these are the moments that stand out in my mind. Overall, it was a really great week, and I feel so blessed.

Birthday Party

Last weekend we celebrated Abby and Carson's birthdays (four and six!) at the Kiddie Park off Broadway. I had a couple of shoots there recently and fell in love with the colors, the old rides, and the atmosphere and I knew the kids would love it. My family was also able to come for the weekend and in addition to the party, we got to enjoy spending a couple of days with all of them (and Aunt B got to snuggle with her newest adorable, cuddly, sweet nephew some). The party was small, but we all had a great time, and the kids were in heaven!

I feel so blessed to have such great kids, and I loved having the chance to celebrate them.

Unfortunately, I made the assumption that I had a working camera in my car to take pictures at the party (I usually do), but alas, I didn't. Luckily, Sandy was there to save the day... here are a few of her photos. :)

Mother's Day Dinner

Tonight we had Aaron's family over to celebrate Mother's Day. (Sidenote: This was really the first time we've had people over for dinner, which prompted us to finally unpack the rest of our boxes and tidy things up earlier in the day. It feels so nice walking into the garage and to NOT see boxes piled up everywhere!) We had a great night, talking and laughing and eating. I love being with family and I'm so thankful for great Moms! Looking forward to celebrating with my mom next weekend. Here are a few pics from our afternoon...

The boys with their Mom :)














At the end of the night, we were all saying goodbye and we kept hearing Carson screaming in the back yard. This is nothing unusual, so we didn't think anything of it. Finally Aaron poked his head out the back door to see Carson hollering for help because he had gotten stuck on the swing. Poor baby. :)