I mean NO OFFENCE to Msn spaces for this, but I am moving my blog to somewhere where my creativity is able to fly free.

 

Join me at:  www.thesarahbrown.blogspot.com 

 

It's up and running and ready for any and all viewers :)  See you there!

I have always liked Mandisa on American Idol. I thought at first that she wouldn't make it as far as she should because she isn't the typical (and shallow) picture of an American Idol (thin, blonde, and beautiful --- however, I DO think she is beautiful!)  My first props to her is because her talent far outweighs her worldly-imposed "imperfections".  She's amazing, and she's holding her own.

 

My second props to Mandisa flows after her performance tonight.  I love watching people stand up for what they believe in, no matter how many people are listening, no matter how many "judges" are ready to nail you to the wall, OR how many people just aren't going to get it***.   Praising isn't only done in the church sanctuary, but loud and clear from the American Idol stage. 

 

 

*** I appreciated how Mandisa kept up her Christian faith when Paula said "All I know is that there is a new religion and 40 million people just signed up at the Church of Mandisa"  -  Mandisa just kind of shook her head as if to say "you don't get it, do you?"

 

 

The only other person I have seen *really* bring his faith to the stage was Kalan Porter from Canadian Idol when he sang I Can Only Imagine as his choice song in the finale of the year he won.  Props to him as well :)

 

 

Where are you praising God from today???

I would NOT like to completely promote Bob and Tom (some of their stuff is not so appropriate...)  but I do love this song.  Females, read this from a male perspective (and giggle):

 

 

 

 

Who's vacation?? Sure wasn't mine! Gracious, I'm SO tired. 

 

For 5 years now, another church in town has rented our building to hold their VBS during the March Break. Since I came on staff here last year, we have teamed up with them in this ministry to bring  both churches strengths together. It is amazing, really, how many times Pastor Andre said " this is an area where my church struggles" and I said "perfect! I know just the person in my congregation!" Or I would say "I don't think we have anyone perfect for the role of ______" and he'd say "I know just the one!" 

 

For example, his church does not feel they are overly strong in the area of creating decorations - I love it (as does Mike - but he was too sick to help out this time)

 

He has to twist arms to find people to provide snacks. I have many ladies who do not feel they have the energy or the youth to actually work with the kids but are fantastic in the kitchen and *always* more than happy to supply us with snacks.

 

I do not have a *lot* of teens who are ready to lead teams of kids, and he has plenty who are strong in faith and eager to chip in.

 

It's just amazing how it went together :)

 

 

It's ALSO amazing that you can have an average of 50 kids in one building (in one hallway, basically) for 2.5 hours a day for 5 days and have ZERO behaviour issues to deal with.  The nurse was bored (there were NO injuries to deal with all week - just two sore bellies where the kids went home early).  Today, she actually brought her sewing machine and mending pile and got a lot of housework done! 

 

God has truly blessed us this week.  Children made decisions to follow Christ.  He showed his strength and might to us as leaders.  He kept us safe. He made connections with families from the community. He sent kids home knowing that God is their FRIEND, their LIFE, their LEADER, their SAVIOR, and their HELPER. 

 

Praise God for a week gone well!!

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!!