I've decided that I never have a thought that is long enough to bother blogging about - so I am taking on the artform of "list blogging".  Thanks for showing me the way :)

 

1- I've got ONE week left to finish the decorations for VBS.  OH MY... that is not enough time!!!  I've got a 7 foot saguaro cactus, a 7'x10' Mexican casa, a wall hanging cactus and red pepper, large paintings of the daily characters, blankets, and a sombrero.  So much more to be done!!  I'll post pictures later

 

2- I miss my boyfriend greatly and, while I love the way we are growing together in our situation, I look forward to the day when there is not 1000 kilometers between us!!  He'll be here in 18 days!!!

 

3- I am going back to Arizona in May  SO excited.

 

4- My mom recently turned 50!!  Happy birthday mom (Feb 27)

 

5- My sister is going to have a baby in like 3 weeks. 

 

6- I have read 10 books since Jan.  If I keep up this pace, I will hit and surpass the goal of 50 books in a year.  Yay me.

 

7- Even in list format, this is the most boring blog ever.  I should quit.

 

8- Maybe something interesting will happen tomorrow?

It's probably a good thing that when I go back to Arizona, the nice weather will have already hit here or I *just might* decide not to return to this seemingly God-forsaken north!!!  It is SO COLD!!! So much for having such a nice January. February is KILLER!!!   Only 3 weeks til SPRING!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!

 

 Don't worry - SOMEDAY I will blog something worth reading!!!

 

I'm on my way back to Arizona!!!  I am so excited!  Tickets are in hand (well, in email anyway.. "ticket in hand" loses some meaning when there are technically no physical tickets involved anymore)

 

BUT WE'RE GOING!!! Despite the fact I've only been there once, I love Arizona.  I love the people. I love the warmth. I love the cacti. I love the mountains. I love the sun. I love the blue sky. And I love spending time with Jeremiah "in his element." 

 

I'd start a countdown but there are too many big things in between that I don't want to rush.  Life is to short to live on 3 month countdowns!!!  But believe you me, I'M EXCITED!!

Got these in an email. Couldn't keep some of them to myself.  They're kinda small.  View the photo album to see them bigger!

 

Jeremiah left my house today.  I miss him already. 

 

Some pictures were added

It struck me today.  I think I am old - Heather's blog from a couple days ago is true. But I have sensed it in different ways this week.

 

As I watch the Olympics, I went back in my memory to my childhood Olympic memories. I remember thinking that the athletes were old.  That they had accomplished so much and that they were "adults" and well... yeah, old. 

And hockey players. Even the new ones. They were, well, old.

 

And now. I look at Olympians. Many are 3-6 years younger than me.  Rookie hockey players are *mostly* 6-8 years younger than me.  

 

That's it. I'm over the hill

 

After all, something only has to be 25 years old to be considered an antique.

Hey, while you're flitting from blog to blog, give this a try. It's kind of neat :)

 

 

 

No, this time, I am not talking about Jeremiah.  Although I don't think he'll be jealous.

 

This past week, I went to our district Ministers and Mates Retreat.  President Medders and Rob Trafton were there representing BBC. While speaking to Pres, my 'relational status' came up, and I told him that Jer and I were seeing each other (actually my mother was the one who told him... and I found it quite humouring that her wording was not that we were dating but that she might have a new son-in-law)  Upon hearing the news, a HUGE smile spread across Pres' face and his eyes began to sparkle.  "Are you serious?!" he asked. My own face breaking into an equally large smile, said yes. He grabbed me, face still glowing, gave me a big hug and whispered in my ear "He is AMAZING!"  Our conversation continued.  He had nothing but great things to say about the potential that Jer and I possess together.   (And I'm pretty sure that the "sparkle" in his eye just might have been a tear!)

 

I have always looked up to and respected Pres Medders greatly. Hearing him speak so highly of what he was hearing makes me all the more sure that Jer and I are on the right path. 

 

Thanks Pres - and thanks Jer :)

 

 

Tonight I am speaking at a Teacher Appreciation Night for all the children's ministry workers/volunteers in my town.  As part of my talk, I have created a top ten list of children's ministry tips.  Here it is :)  Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any comments.

 

Top 10 Tips

 1-     Share! – None of us have the money to purchase all the resources that we would like to help our ministries go.  However, if we work together, sharing what we have, our resources have all of a sudden quadrupled (or maybe more!)

 2-     Pray! – Pray about everything in regards to your ministry.  For our ministries to be fruitful, we must learn that God needs to be at the forefront of what we are doing.  Every step should be carefully bathed in prayer!

 3-     Use the resources you do have! – Resources are more than just material items.  Look around you.  What’s just outside your door?  What are your teens talented in doing?  What seniors can you recruit for a one day lesson?  God has given us many resources that don’t cost a dime. USE THEM!

 4-     Know your kids! – It is so important that we know who we are working with.  Kids are all different – just like snowflakes, you’ll never find two alike.  Spend time getting to know each child individually. Know their likes, their dislikes, their families, their background.  Go to their school performances, dance recitals, or sporting events.  Keep a journal with a page (or section, depending on how much you find out) on each child.  When you know you will see them, take a quick scan over their page.  Ask them about their activities. They will be amazed that you care enough to remember!  More importantly, they will see that you love them. 

 5-     Ask a friend! – Pass ideas by each other.  Sometimes, people will have valuable insights that you yourself did not think of.  ** beware however, that just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you or that it is right for your ministry (and vice versa)

 6-     Read new ideas! – Some of us have probably been doing children’s ministry for years and years.  Are we doing it the same as we were doing it years and years ago?  Times have changed, new ministry philosophies have been developed.  Keep up to date with the new ideas!

 7-     Read old ideas! – Some of us are brand new at doing children’s ministries. Not only should we be reading current ideas, but read back! The ideas from before could still be useful for today.  A good mix never hurts!

 8-     Ask the kids! – Kids have great ideas.  They know what they (and their unchurched friends!) enjoy and learn best through.  Ask them for their input!

 9-     Don’t be afraid to evaluate! – Don’t be afraid to have people evaluate your ministry.  Get different opinions (pastor, volunteers, kids, parents).  Find out what’s working, what needs work, and what needs to be left to yesterday. 

 10- Live it! – Don’t teach what you don’t live.  If you want your kids to have  a vibrant life of following Jesus, live one!  You can’t teach what you don’t know.

 Top Ten Tips PLUS! 

(There are so many good tips, I couldn’t resist adding a few more!)

 11- Search the web! – The web is a valuable resource when we learn how to use it effectively.  Many churches and organizations have Christian websites with tons of ideas, games, crafts, ministry opportunities.   If you don’t know how to use the internet efficiently, find someone who can show you the ropes or just play around until you figure it out on your own!

 12- Create a circle of support! – Children’s ministry is challenging… no matter how long you’ve done it for!  Children are a special breed.  Make sure you are supported in your ministry.  Pastors, spouses, and family are great means of support.

 13- Vary your method! – Children, like adults, learn in different ways.  By varying your teaching methods, you are enabling more children to learn and understand each lesson.  This takes extra prep time, but is well worth it in the long scheme of kingdom building.  Things you can use (not a complete list!):  drama, games, crafts, music, quiet activity, walks, puzzles, writing letters, sign language, puppets etc etc.

 14- Use food! – It’s tried and true in my church. Kids are more attentive when food is involved.  J

My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me "forwards" over the past 12 months. Thank you for making me feel  safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy.

 

The weirdest thing happened. I wrote my last post, then I spent an hour deciding on a URL for a new blogspot.  I was still messing around with my spaces.. Then all of a sudden, I refreshed and **everything was different!** I said I wanted more and PRESTO, there was more!!!

 

There hasn't been an release in months and PRESTO as soon as I say I'm bored with it, THERE IT IS!  I'm quite impressed.

 

Anyway, here's some of the things I've learned about msn spaces.  (Please notice that you can take the /members/ out of my URL!! how exciting!):

 

1- If I figure out some HTML crap, I can put a little mini Windows Media Player to play videos (WATCH OUT JER!! YOUR CAN CAN IS NOT SO FAR AWAY!)

 

2- You can put pictures in book lists (AND - get this - if you click on a book from my book list and then BUY it from Amazon, i get PAID for it!! So if you're going to buy a book, TELL ME, I'll add it to my list, and then you can buy it! What a fancy idea!!)

 

3- You can leave comments on my pictures (this is kind of weird, i'm still trying to figure it out... your comments are linked to whatever picture, but it's hard to FIND the comments... especially if you dont' know they're there...)

 

4- There are lots of new backgrounds (I would still like to be able to use my own pictures as my back grounds)

 

I'll update you if I find out anything else..

 

but for now, I won't bother going to blogspot -- why would i?  "Spaces is the fastest growing blog provider!"  And there's lots more in the works!

I dislike how limited the layout for spaces is.    I starting to lean towards figuring out how to work through my blogspot -- but I haven't a clue how to do anything there. AND I have a sister who works for microsoft...... would she feel i'm jumping ship??? (Gina, would you disown me??)  I'm just looking for a new format and am unhappy with what spaces are letting me do :(

 

 

Currently, that is definitely my question... and a question that needs to be answered FAST!  (Answering fast is worth $90)

 

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about exercising, finding a way to get fit, to tone up, and to just be a healthier person.  24 hours into the soup diet that was blogged about a few days ago, I quit. "This is ridiculous," I said. "I am *not* trying to lose weight. I need to tone muscle.  Eating soup and vegetables for a week is not going to tone anything."  So I ate cookies for lunch. Hey, only 2.. it's not like I went crazy!!

 

So... I'm now contemplating joining the Changes for women up the street. It's perfect. It's a 3 minute walk away, Amy already goes, Amanda is contemplating joining with me, 3 sessions of half an hour a week and eventually, I'd be a new healthier me.  But it's so EXPENSIVE... And I'm not convinced that I will stick with it for an entire year. I know me.  I don't know that i have stuck with **any** health activity for a year!!!  However, because gyms KNOW this, they sell memberships by the year (stupid, money grabbing, belly toning, bench pressing......)

 

So here's the deal. It's January.  They have on what I call a "Sucker Sale"  (for all those new years resolutionists who say "yeah, I'll do it" when they find out they get two months free...) IF I sign up in January (before Tuesday), I pay the initial sign up fee or $75 and $45 a month for 12 months but the bonus is that i get 2 free months. So it's actually only $45 for 10 months.  Comes to $525/year

 

OR I can forget the January sale and go for the 3 month trial pack. But there is no discount whatsoever here.  And I think it is slightly more expensive to go this route.  Two hundred something and I'm *not positive* if this includes the sign up fee.

 

OR there is a 6 month membership, but I don't know the details on this one.  And it is probably more a month than the 12 month and guaranteed has no discount even in January....

 

So what do I do??? Do I believe in myself and say that I'll stick with it?  Do I stick with what I have known about myself up to this point and go with three months because that's probably as long as I'll go anyway?  Or do I just forget it all together and run laps around my living room instead??

 

Do any of you have gym memberships?  What do you think???? HELP!!

Jeremiah and I have one very important thing in common. We both have a deep and eternal love for .... cow.  Mostly in the steak form, but I'll take it however I can get it. Practically every time one of us traveled to visit the other, we went out for steak at least one time.  We've been to Montana's, Ruby Tuesdays, The Outback... But oddly, in Arizona we never ventured to this avenue even once!  But boy, I'll tell you... we ate and we ate WELL!

 

Where'd we go?

 

Taco Bell - about as "Mexican" as I've ever eaten -- a truth that was soon to be remedied

 

The Olive Garden - my first evening there, we met Laurel and Christian (Jer's sister) for supper at The Olive Garden (what I once considered a favourite restaurant... NOW i think that maybe I just didn't get out enough...)

 

PF Chang's - A Chinese restaurant, PF Chang's was a classier kind of place. The ambience pulled me in and made me feel like a queen. (Jer, did you feel like a queen?) And the food -- OH MY!!  We had the crispy honey chicken and the lemon pepper shrimp (a favourite of our waiter).   I think I've found my wedding food!!  Also, it was the first place I have ever been where the lady was given a menu without prices. We did not realize this until I mentioned that they were not there and Jer said "Yeah they were.... OH!"  Anyway, it was very classy. Recommended to anyone who may be able to attend!  (Despite the fact that I still have no idea how much it cost -- perhaps *sometimes* it is better that way) And the New York Cheesecake wasn't half bad either.

 

Molinitos - Jeremiah and Laurel both had a good laugh at my expense when it came to my experiences with Mexican food. Perhaps someday I will enlighten the blogging world to "Mole Chicken Pizza" experience, but for now, just believe me that i have never had **authentic** Mexican food -- it was time to change that.  So we went to Molinitos.  They tried explaining a bunch of the menu items to me and eventually I just laughed and said "Jeremiah, just order me something that you think i will like. I will trust you. Just make sure it has NO REFRIED BEANS!"  (Deep down, I really didn't trust him at ALL, but figured he had better sense than I did since I didn't know what anything besides a taco was!)  He ordered me my very first shredded beef Chimichanga, enchilada style.  VERY tasty. I was pleasantly surprised! Mind you the thing was HUGE and I came no where CLOSE to finishing it.

 

Vinny's Pizza - VERY good chicken wings.  I'm looking forward to trying them again!

 

So, despite skipping the good, red, medium rare, juicy, still-mooing-on-the-plate steak with blood fries tradition (mmmm.. my mouth is watering just thinking about it!), i have no complaints about the way we ate.  My waistline might -- by my mind and memory have no complaints!

 

 

 

 

The dreaded "soup diet" has struck my house again.  If I'm still alive at the end of the week, I'll tell you more about it!!

 

 ------ save me!! ------

One day in Arizona was spent at old movie sound stage, Old Tucson Studios.  If you're ever in Tucson, keep an open mind and go.  Regardless of if you have ever seen a Western in your life! (I haven't unless you count Dr Quinn and Little House on the Prairie... And Dead Man's Gun -- but that was my father's favourite, not mine)

 

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but have NO REGRETS about the day spent in OTS.  We definitely got our money's worth.  The studios were built in 1939 as a sound stage for the movie Arizona.  Since then, they have been the location for many many films including Bells of Saint Mary's (1945), Winchester '73 (1950), Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1957), McLintock! (1963), Little House on the Prairie (1977-83)... you get the picture!  Even more recently - Tombstone (1993), The Quick and the Dead (1994), and Young Rider (1989-91).  But i have never seen any of these. Perhaps now I will. 

 

There were many little shows going on while we were there including a stunt show (how DO they do it??!), a play about can-can dancers and cowboys, and a "real live" bank robbery.  Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask!)  there was a lot of crowd participation.

 

In order to keep a long story short - I got chosen to "fight" a guy in the stunt show.  Not only was I chosen as one of three to punch one of the actors around, but I was chosen as the set up for the next part of the action -- I was supposed to pretend punch this guy in the face, but he pretended that I really did punch him and I got in trouble because "in these parts we got CODES! We don't just go around punching each other." (Which, mind you, they do!)  Anyway, my punishment was that I needed to kiss him to make up for it.  In the lead up to this "kiss", I'm guessing I played along pretty well (despite never kissing him) because I had the lead guy on his knees in the dirt laughing.  Ah, what can you do... 

 

Jeremiah was afraid to go to the Can Can show - he was afraid they weren't done with the audience participation yet ----- -and rightfully so!!! By the end of the show, not only was he ON the stage, BUT he was on the stage doing the CAN CAN dance with the girls IN A SKIRT and long blond wig.  I have a very short video clip if you'd like to see (woulda got longer but videos were actually not allowed to be taken in there so I just snuck a short clip).  I can email it to ya... or if anyone has webspace where I could host it, I'd bless you!! (I'll put up a link later if I find a volunteer hoster)

 

Needless to say, the day was a hit.  Despite it being "hot and dry" (stupid tourist-- it's the DESERT, what'd you EXPECT??!), it was fabulous. 

 

So if you're ever in Tucson, take a walk through the Old Tucson Studios... "where legends come alive."