Chit Chat....

[ayles]

Crazy long church members' meeting tonight. 2.5 hours! But it was really really good. A lot of things were addressed: changes to the church constitution, the elder that left, others that have left, and that incident of church discipline (following Matthew 18, the situation was brought up and we, as a congregation, are to 1. pray for him, 2. seek/treat him in love, 3. pray for his wife and daughter).

Our church leadership are such godly, loving, smart men. I really do love my church.

Amen. Makes a lot more sense than the information you were given before, huh? Glad it went well

[pants]

Amanda-Sounds like a great meeting. We've had a few long ones too! Sounds like a good meeting though.

We had a great weekend!!!!!! DH and I went on saturday morning for 4 hours and canvassed a new neighborhood that opened not far from out church. We handed out 200 flyers for our Christmas programs and church invites. I put Isaiah in my back carrier and we walked the neighborhood. People were so nice and receptive. Out of 200 or so we only got three that told us flat out NO they weren't interested at all and didn't want any info. But everyone else was receptive, talkative and we had a chance to share the gospel. It was a great family activity. Then we spent the rest of the day cleaning up around here because we are about to go away to NY for thanksgiving. Then we got a call that 3 other couples were having a last minute dinner and we were invited. So my inlaws offered to watch Isaiah and we really enjoyed a nice dinner and game and fellowship time.

Today was just a day of rest and preaching. Our youth pastor did the evening service. He did a topical on Witnessing. It was excellent. The importance, need, desire and scriptural response for witnessing. Just what we need before we go away to visit a whole family of unsaved people!

Speaking of i'm going to hit the sack now. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[KC's wifey]

Crazy long church members' meeting tonight. 2.5 hours! But it was really really good. A lot of things were addressed: changes to the church constitution, the elder that left, others that have left, and that incident of church discipline (following Matthew 18, the situation was brought up and we, as a congregation, are to 1. pray for him, 2. seek/treat him in love, 3. pray for his wife and daughter).

Our church leadership are such godly, loving, smart men. I really do love my church.

That IS a really long meeting! Lots to talk about though. I'm glad it went well, and hope it brought some healing.

[KC's wifey]

So I interpreted the whole sermon today by myself. Jenn wasn't there today. I think it went ok... until we got to Luke 20:18...

"Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."

Ok, it sounds simple, but trying to put that into ASL while maintaining both the meaning and the analogy without knowing it was coming... yeah... I messed it up. lol I got the meaning across, but not very eloquently.

[Sakura]

Amen. Makes a lot more sense than the information you were given before, huh? Glad it went well

Yes.

Amanda-Sounds like a great meeting. We've had a few long ones too! Sounds like a good meeting though.

We had a great weekend!!!!!! DH and I went on saturday morning for 4 hours and canvassed a new neighborhood that opened not far from out church. We handed out 200 flyers for our Christmas programs and church invites. I put Isaiah in my back carrier and we walked the neighborhood. People were so nice and receptive. Out of 200 or so we only got three that told us flat out NO they weren't interested at all and didn't want any info. But everyone else was receptive, talkative and we had a chance to share the gospel. It was a great family activity. Then we spent the rest of the day cleaning up around here because we are about to go away to NY for thanksgiving. Then we got a call that 3 other couples were having a last minute dinner and we were invited. So my inlaws offered to watch Isaiah and we really enjoyed a nice dinner and game and fellowship time.

Today was just a day of rest and preaching. Our youth pastor did the evening service. He did a topical on Witnessing. It was excellent. The importance, need, desire and scriptural response for witnessing. Just what we need before we go away to visit a whole family of unsaved people!

Speaking of i'm going to hit the sack now. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Sounds like fun!

So I interpreted the whole sermon today by myself. Jenn wasn't there today. I think it went ok... until we got to Luke 20:18...

"Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."

Ok, it sounds simple, but trying to put that into ASL while maintaining both the meaning and the analogy without knowing it was coming... yeah... I messed it up. lol I got the meaning across, but not very eloquently.

[caligirl07]

Yikes Amanda long meeting! Glad it went well, hope ms gets better soon!

on interpreting Polly, you tried your best Im sure... better then no one there at all!

[ayles]

Brenda~Glad you had a great weekend! What kind of baby carrier do you have? I have the baby bjorn but Adriel's grown out of it; I used to love carrying him in it!

Praying for you as you witness and minister to the family you're visiting in New York

[pants]

Brenda~Glad you had a great weekend! What kind of baby carrier do you have? I have the baby bjorn but Adriel's grown out of it; I used to love carrying him in it!

Praying for you as you witness and minister to the family you're visiting in New York

Thank you for your prayers. I use an ergo now exclusively.http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ . They are a little pricey unless you can get used at a second hand store. But IMO worth every single penny. I use it hiking, walking, in the grocery store, at the farmers market. It gives me both hands free.
I had a hotsling and bjorn when Isaiah was little. Here's a pic of me carrying him in the ergo

[Sakura]

Beautiful picture!

[pants]

Beautiful picture!

Thanks!!!!!!It was one of those non makeup lets go hiking days......Sometimes those non made up shots are the best right!

oh and I hope your MS is better today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anonsouthernbell]

the pic Brenda & I agree w/Katie Polly esp seeing that you were bringing praise, glory & honor to God.

[Consensus]

I'm feeling pretty nauseous this morning. That gets a and a I hope it doesn't last all day because I've got a dinner and movie date with dh tonight. I started shadowing another counselor at the pregnancy care center last night.

I hope your morning sickness is a short-lived experience! How is the new position going?

basically its preaching straight through scripture in order. Like our pastor is using the book of John right now. He is going verse by verse and does every Sunday morning out of the book of John started with John 1 months ago. Like the last verses were john 14 1:8..next week he may review 1-8 but will move on to verse 9 and beyond. It's opposite of topical preaching which takes a specific topic and goes through the bible all over the place preaching on that topic. He does do topicals on Wednesday nights. Like the topic of Satan was the month of October. He did a topical on Prayer, Parenting, Marriage. ETC.....Both preaching styles are very good. Exegetical preaching is interesting because you go verse by verse and every single verse of scripture has so much in it!!! You'll be amazed. Sometimes if a preacher focuses tooo much on topical preaching you loose some of the minute details of the verse that get skipped. But if a preacher spends too much time exegetical preaching they sometimes loose important topics that edify the breatheren. Does that make sense??

My pastor does a mix of those as well. He goes by seasons and alternates a topical series with a book series, with the fall series for the past two years on the book of Romans (until we make it through - we did four chapters last year and four this year). I really enjoy his style and have learned so much.

Jenn~Praying for your strength during this time. Praise God for the possibility of a promotion! Prayerfully we will get to talk on the phone one of these days

Yes I'm looking forward to talking on the phone too! How is school going?

My sister asked me to sew her newborn a blessing dress (and asked how much I would charge her... which was just silliness!). She is due in December, and they will be blessing the baby the first week of January. I am excited and nervous! I really hope it turns out ok. Oh, and a bonnet, too, which I think will look adorable.

I'm sure it will be beautiful! What a great confidence booster!

Crazy long church members' meeting tonight. 2.5 hours! But it was really really good. A lot of things were addressed: changes to the church constitution, the elder that left, others that have left, and that incident of church discipline (following Matthew 18, the situation was brought up and we, as a congregation, are to 1. pray for him, 2. seek/treat him in love, 3. pray for his wife and daughter). Our church leadership are such godly, loving, smart men. I really do love my church.

That is awesome.

Amanda-Sounds like a great meeting. We've had a few long ones too! Sounds like a good meeting though.
We had a great weekend!!!!!! DH and I went on saturday morning for 4 hours and canvassed a new neighborhood that opened not far from out church. We handed out 200 flyers for our Christmas programs and church invites. I put Isaiah in my back carrier and we walked the neighborhood. People were so nice and receptive. Out of 200 or so we only got three that told us flat out NO they weren't interested at all and didn't want any info. But everyone else was receptive, talkative and we had a chance to share the gospel. It was a great family activity. Then we spent the rest of the day cleaning up around here because we are about to go away to NY for thanksgiving. Then we got a call that 3 other couples were having a last minute dinner and we were invited. So my inlaws offered to watch Isaiah and we really enjoyed a nice dinner and game and fellowship time.
Today was just a day of rest and preaching. Our youth pastor did the evening service. He did a topical on Witnessing. It was excellent. The importance, need, desire and scriptural response for witnessing. Just what we need before we go away to visit a whole family of unsaved people!
Speaking of i'm going to hit the sack now. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

What a great weekend - so full of fellowship and worship! It is really inspiring to hear of experiences like that - it's been taking a long time for us to get more involved in the church. Part of our barrier has been distance, since we live at least 20 miles from any church event (since we live 20 miles from pretty much anything), but thank you for sharing and planting the seed of your example as a reminder of how rewarding the time dedicated is.
Does your church post sermons online? I would love to listen to this.

So I interpreted the whole sermon today by myself. Jenn wasn't there today. I think it went ok... until we got to Luke 20:18...
"Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
Ok, it sounds simple, but trying to put that into ASL while maintaining both the meaning and the analogy without knowing it was coming... yeah... I messed it up. lol I got the meaning across, but not very eloquently.

That is the most important thing! The deaf ministry is lucky and blessed to have you there to step in! How much longer do you have before you can officially start on a regular basis?

Brenda~Glad you had a great weekend! What kind of baby carrier do you have? I have the baby bjorn but Adriel's grown out of it; I used to love carrying him in it!
Praying for you as you witness and minister to the family you're visiting in New York

Ayles, I also have a peanut shell sling which I used to hip carry DD around which has saved us on more than one occassion when she gets antsy in her stroller. It's nice because it fits easily in my diaper bag. I found it on sale online for $10 + shipping.

Thanks!!!!!!It was one of those non makeup lets go hiking days......Sometimes those non made up shots are the best right!
oh and I hope your MS is better today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely! What a great picture!

I was going to try to do the love dare but I don't have the book - I thought I could piggy back off what was here and I could but really haven't been around enough to do it regularly. I started instead really concentrating on the things I say to DH. I know I really dislike when I'm doing something and he says "Why don't you....." instead of a) letting me do it myself or b) starting off by saying "Can I make a suggestion?" - but heard myself say it last night. I think God definitely put this in my heart and feel very led by the Spirit to stay uber-conscious of the things I say and do before complaining to or even just feeling annoyed about things DH says/does. So it's own personal dare to really focus on this one thing until it becomes more natural - not that I should ever stop, but it's a challenge for me to not speak without thinking first.

[Sakura]

I hope your morning sickness is a short-lived experience! How is the new position going?

I've had one evening of shadowing another counselor. Went well. If I'm feeling ok, I'll start up again after Thanksgiving.

[pants]

Does your church post sermons online? I would love to listen to this.

We are in the process of revamping our entire website. It's coming along if you want to take a look http://www.catawba.org/
I will ask to see if that sermon is up yet but I didn't see it. We use to post them online......Keep reminding me or checking it out. Our youth pastor is the person that did the sermon and he has a blog site. Sometimes he posts followups to the sermon or posts the sermon notes online. I didn't see them yet...but here's his blog if you want to check http://www.pastorjonas.com/

[pants]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Were leaving for NY in the morning. I'll catch up next week when we return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loves and Kisses

[Sakura]

Happy Thanksgiving! We're leaving in the morning, too, for PA and MD and we'll be back on Monday.

[caligirl07]

I LOVE MY ERGO! seriously... if you have to collect penny's forever, it will be the best baby purchase you ever make! We even used it for Tristyn a bit at disneyland!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Im super thankful for all of you girls

[Consensus]

So today was DD's 12 month appt and I am at work all day with my new work schedule. Warning - there will be a lot of 's here.
Mia was slated to received 5 shots today (8-9 vaxes?) and when I looked at the CDC chart I saw they could be staggered and still within CDC recommedations, so I wrote out which two to do today, which two at 15 months, and which two at 18 months (there was going to be one at 15 months anyway for a total of 6 shots). When I told DH about this, to make sure he knew to bring her immunization chart and my note, he totally shrugged it off and said he would talk to the doc and let them decide I told him I felt moderately strongly about this and needed him to back me up and support my wishes, and his response was that he didn't feel that strongly about it so wasn't going to fight for me and I needed to call the doctor So I called the office and let them know about the incoming note and she was awesome and said it shouldn't be a problem. When I called DH after he got home from the appt, he said she did great, cried a little with the two shots but calmed down within five minutes, and I could hear her happy babbling in the background Awesome! Then I asked what they talked about, and about some specifics I wanted to hear about, and he said they talked about - wait for it.... stuff! Me: "What are her stats?" DH: "I have no idea you'll have to find out when you get home". Oh my. Men!

All in all I'm glad that is over - the whole vax thing was much ado about nothing - DD is doing great developmentally wise and no setbacks from being a month early. I started last night thanking DH for bringing her and being so good with her and I thanked him again today. I'll probably work just a little harder in advance to make sure I bring her to future appointments Too much for mommy to handle.

[ayles]

Thank you for your prayers. I use an ergo now exclusively.http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ . They are a little pricey unless you can get used at a second hand store. But IMO worth every single penny. I use it hiking, walking, in the grocery store, at the farmers market. It gives me both hands free.
I had a hotsling and bjorn when Isaiah was little. Here's a pic of me carrying him in the ergo

Love the picture! Will look into getting one, I believe it'll definitely be a blessing since Adriel doesn't like to be in his stroller too long. Have a safe trip to ny!

[Sakura]

Jenn, sounds like a great appointment!

[anonsouthernbell]

Happy Turkey Day!

[KC's wifey]

Its been quiet in here! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

So a while ago I was talking about the Deaf ministry at our church, our interpreter's medical issues, and how I needed to attend longer in order to serve. Well I have interpreted the last 3 services, and just now filled out an application for ministry. I should be "official" by December! Woot!

[Fallenstar80]

Polly: That is awesome!
Birthday week started for DS. He turns 2 tomorrow! Had Dh's sister and her husband over for dinner. Saturday is his party with family and a few friends in my hometown. It shall be awesome!!!!

[KC's wifey]

Mary - How fun!! Are you still doing the pizza place? I can't believe he is 2! I remember when we were pregnant together. *sigh*

[Fallenstar80]

Yeah that is on Saturday. Tomorrow he is getting his big present from us. His smaller present was a Veggietale plate set. Yeah I remember when we were pregnant together too!!! Memories!!!

[Sakura]

Polly, that's great!!


We're heading home today and would appreciate your prayers! I've got m/s (not bad, thankfully) and Tim's getting over a stomach virus. We've got about 12 hours in the car ahead of us.

[ayles]

So the zoo isn't doing parties for the month of December due to the wonderland lights exhibition so we won't be able to do Adriel's party there I'm bummed but realize it's not God's will because earlier in the week DH and I had talked about how my MIL and BIL and his family don't plan on being here so if it's just my family it may make more sense to do it at home. We have a small two bedroom apartment though so not sure how crowded it might be but just praying for it all to work out.

[caligirl07]

We're heading home today and would appreciate your prayers! I've got m/s (not bad, thankfully) and Tim's getting over a stomach virus. We've got about 12 hours in the car ahead of us.

Drive safe!!! Praying you get home safely!

So the zoo isn't doing parties for the month of December due to the wonderland lights exhibition so we won't be able to do Adriel's party there I'm bummed but realize it's not God's will because earlier in the week DH and I had talked about how my MIL and BIL and his family don't plan on being here so if it's just my family it may make more sense to do it at home. We have a small two bedroom apartment though so not sure how crowded it might be but just praying for it all to work out.

We have a small house too, and the parties always seem to work out. I always freak out, but in the end everyone has a good time, and we all fit somehow.

[ayles]

Thanks for the encouragement Katie

So I just talked to my Mom and she's dealing with all this stuff concerning the mortgage on my parent's house that was supposed to be paid off with the insurance money from my Dad's death but there's a Muslim law in Pakistan that gives a man's siblings a share in all is assets after he dies and so in order to use my Dad's assets (property, insurance money etc) to pay off the mortgage my Mom has to get the paperwork signed by my Dad's siblings; well since Dad died they've put up a fight saying that they won't sign because we won't give them their share etc etc. They've really excercised a lot of greed; it hadn't even been six days when my Dad died when they started talking about their share etc. so it's been a challenging, hurtful "fight" so to speak. Anyway so my Mom said it looks like she won't be coming for Adriel's birthday I have to admit I was disappointed and expressed it. I do understand all this stuff going on but his 1st birthday will only happen once and with everything going on with the in-laws I was really looking forward to having my whole family here and I did kind of feel like my Mom was making up excuses to not have to travel etc (my Mom is a hypochondriac and it's hard for her to go anywhere without feeling anxious about getting sick ). Anyway I feel blah!

[anonsouthernbell]

Happy Thanksgiving! We're leaving in the morning, too, for PA and MD and we'll be back on Monday.

I didn't realize you were in my neck of the woods! We could have had a playdate