I am the Second Man Now

I am sitting here listening to my beloved Switchfoot playlist. Its full of my fav Switchfoot songs...its amazing. Totally my love language. I am excited about its growth come fall with their new album. But all that is beside the point. Except that the song that is playing now is 24. The lyrics took me back to this last weekend and all the Lord did in my heart.

"I am not who I thought I was 24 hours ago...You are raising the dead in me, I am the second man now."

I went to Houston this past weekend to lead worship for an event for single women. It was so precious and dear to my heart because I spent so much time as a single women in that very church and in particular the very room we used was the room in which I spent many a day hearing the Word of God taught. I can't imagine my life now if it wasn't for those days, for those times of nearness with the Lord. Feeling very nostalgic as I always do when I go to Houston, I woke up early Saturday morning and took a drive. I went to Uptown Park Starbucks where I use to work and was a 'getaway' place for me. The Lord did so much in my heart there. Just pulling up I was moved by His nearness to me. Then I drove down Silber and pulled into the Mission parking lot. Did a u-turn and headed to HFBC where I sat in the parking lot and bawled like a baby. During the drive I turned on KSBJ (God Listens :)). The songs that came on were as if God planned the playlist for me. I was moved by His faithfulness. His faithfulness to change me. I kept noticing along the drive how many things had change. In my heart I knew that was a word for me. I began to think back at who I was then and by the grace of God, I hardly know that person. He has refined me, changed me, moved me and humbled me over and over. He has so faithfully taught me time and time again. I love that the Lord changes us. Yes and Amen.

The majoirty of my time in H-town was spent with two of my all time BFF's Amy and Allison. I can not tell you how much this was water to my weary soul. Just sitting with them encourages me. They have seen me change from that young single girl to this old mother of two and have loved me at every stage. Friends like these are priceless. I don't tell you two enough how thankful I am for you. I love you both dearly.

Leading up to the weekend I prayed that this person:

would come out. I really didn't know if that was possible. It's been years since I had the chance to lead in this capacity. I was thankful that the Lord does not need talent or precision to be worshiped and praised. He is so Faithful. Amen.

One of my favorite parts of life right now is watching my sweet friends become moms. I am not sure why, but it brings me overwhelming JOY to watch as the Lord blesses them and teaches them how to mother their sweet children. With this said a blessing that I received while in Houston was seeing Becky and Laurel. I love that little Laurel. She is so precious...seriously love her! And seeing Becky is always a joy. Then I got the privilege of going to the parent commitment (baby dedication) of little Judah Altic, Annabeth Jones and The Smith Kids. I was nearly crying the majority of the ceremony. I kept remembering back to 2000 and random memories of SBU. It was surreal really. I was taken by the graciousness of our God to be so giving to my sweet friends. They have wonderful marriages, ministries and families. Kay, Amanda and Star, you guys are amazing mommies. Your children are blessed to have you as their mother. Thank you Lord for your kindness to my sweet friends.

Last but not least, I LOVED spending time with Janelle on the ride down and back. Janelle, your friendship is so dear to me. Thanks for pulling us in and making us feel a part of things here. Thanks for always being honest, sharing your heart and always being up for fun! You are a blessing to me.

Change. Old being made new. Faithfulness. Thankfulness. Beautiful.

This is the song I've been singing Him since my return:

What A Week!

A couple posts back I listed through our schedule. We planned 3 to 5 days between trips over the summer to have some normalcy and time to unwind, do laundry and repack. Well this week we thought we had Saturday through Wednesday to do said things...instead here his what went down.

Saturday: Allison's Graduation and Graduation party- lots of fun!
Sunday: Leave for church around 6:50am, get home from church around 1:30, naps and laundry.
Monday: Vernon goes to our Acupresure/puncture Doc in Dallas. He was having terrible leg pains. We decide from there to take him to the ER to rule out blood clots (he has a factor V mutation in his DNA that predisposes him to blood clots and with all of our travel, we had to find out) After the entire day at the ER...no blood clots...AMEN! except he is still in a lot of leg pain. Later that evening we got the call that Vernon's Grandma had passed away. It was very sad news.
Tuesday: Vernon got up and went to work. The boys, Allison and I went to Dr. Park (our acupressure/puncture doc) in Dallas. He is helping me so that I can potentially get off my thyroid medicine or atleast have a lower dose! This was my first experience with full on acupressure and acupuncture. I have done lots of reflexology and such...but needless to say this was WAY better. I was so out of it the rest of the day. I was so relaxed and felt amazing.
Wednesday: Titus went to school for a bit then we left for the airport. Titus and Vernon headed to St. Louis. They will be going to Chet's graduation in Louisville then to his Grandmother's funeral. This is the longest I have been away from Titus since I went to Sudan w/o him when he was 10 months! After the airport I came home and got SO MUCH done around the house...its amazing what you can get done with only one child...wow.
Today: The morning was full of shopping for Justus' birthday party next week. Then back to Dr. Parks. Then a trip to Whole Foods for lunch and dessert!

That brings us to now. I am about to finish up the laundry and prepare for my trip to Houston! Janelle, Ella and I will be heading out tomorrow afternoon! I will drop Janelle and Ella off at Amanda's then drive on to Amy's! I am so excited about this weekend and the Oxygen Event at HFBC. It is going to be awesome.

Hope you had a great week!

Some Thoughts on Mother's Day

I have had a lovely Mother's Day. Church, Red Robin, a long nap (both boys slept at the same time!) and then ended the day with a little Marble Slab. I have received a plethora of cards and homemade things from Titus this year. I even wore a bracelet he made me out of sparkly pipe-cleaners this morning to lead worship at church...he was so proud.

I spoke briefly to my mom today and was once again reminded of how amazing she is. My mother is wonderful. She is a hero to me. Widowed with 3 children under the age of 9, my mom has taught me the meaning of perserverence. She loves deeply, encourages strongly and serves tremendously. She is steadfast. She taught me how to be creative. She taught me how to be frugal. She taught me how to cook, clean, sew and crochet. (although I will never be as good as her!) The list could go on and on. I am blessed to call her mom.

While I am so blessed, the entire day my heart has been heavy for those who are hurting on Mother's Day. I have many friends who have lost children even this year. I have friends battling infertility. I also have friends who experienced their first Mother's Day with out their mother. Loss is a deep wound. Grief is a cycle. Its hard to understand why and how God gives and takes away.

Today in Church, Jason, our college pastor preached. Our church is going through the book of James verse by verse and this was the first Sunday. He was in charge of James 1:2-4.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I found it ironic that on Mother's Day, Jason would be preaching over these verses. You see, less than a year ago, Jason lost his mother in a very traumatic accident. The family was horseback riding through a mountain pass. His mother fell off her horse into a strong and freezing cold current of water. Both Jason and Jason's father tried to pull her from the water but the current was to strong, her body was too wet and they watched as she struggled to her death.
Now THIS is an example of "Testing of your faith." In that moment Jason had to decide if he was going to believe that God had All things in control. He had to hold to the knowledge that God had numbered his mother's days. He had to believe in the face of this tragedy that God was good and in some way He would work this out for the good. At this moment his faith was tested. He had to choose to believe that God's Word was Truth.

Jason did NOT share the story of his mother's death this morning, but those of us who know what he has gone through this last year know that Jason not only preaches James 1:1-4 but believes James 1:1-4. His faith was tested by a trial and has produced in him steadfastness.

To all the mothers and daughters that are reading today that have had a hard day, you are loved. You have been thought of and prayed for. I am sure there were times today that the wounds of loss were so deep and piercing that it was hard to see the light of Truth and steadfastness seamed a distant dream. I pray that the God of ALL comfort bless you and give you peace. amen.

SO CUTE!!!

I saw this on the girltalk blog and couldn't stand how cute it was! enjoy!

Let "The Crazies" Begin

This week starts what I like to call "the crazies." It is the time of year where we are in a constant state of travel. It is always so fun but this will be our first "full force crazies" with TWO boys. We have had some hectic traveling since Justus has entered our family but NOTHING like the next couple of months!

Here is the run down:

Tomorrow we head to Midland for HV accounting and graduations. We come home Friday.
Saturday is Caroline's graduation from DTS in the morning and Allison's graduation from TCU in the afternoon.
The following Wednesday Vernon and Titus fly out to StL. Then drive to Louisville for Chet's graduation. Justus and I will stay home until Friday.
On Friday Sarah is going to keep Justus for me and Janelle and I will travel Houston where I will be leading worship at HFBC for an event called "Oxygen" if you are a lady in Houston and want to join in that would be awesome! We will head home Sunday afternoon. I will pick up Vernon and Titus on Monday.
The following Friday JUSTUS TURNS ONE!! Saturday my mom flies in to celebrate and to be here for Titus' eye surgery (more details later) on Tuesday the 26th. Mom leaves the 27th.
The 30th I will shoot a friends wedding here in Fort Worth and on the 2nd Vernon leaves for Sudan. The 5th is Titus' last day of school and prob his pre-school graduation. We will leave that evening for Missouri. I will take the boys to my mom's where they will stay for the next week as I fly down to Austin to speak at a High School Camp. (SO EXCITED) I will be talking to the girls every morning...its going to be so fun! I will fly back to MO, stay a few days and come back.
On the 18th we will pick up Vernon from the airport, come home for a few days and head to Alabama where Vernon will be speaking at a camp with some of our dear friends. There we will celebrate Titus turning FIVE! (we are not talking about it ...i am in denial) We will return from Alabama and rest for a week and head to St. Louis for the St.Louis Mission Project. (all the while making sure to be home on Saturday night so I can sing on Sunday mornings...at least most of them!)

And that takes us to about mid July.

Its a fun life.

If Starbucks Marketed Like The Church

I am sure a lot of you have already seen this...but if you haven't its worth the watch:

Justus 11 Months










Justus turned 11 months this week and I am holding onto this month with all I have because I just cant stand the fact that he is weeks away from being ONE! He is becoming a toddler faster than I imagined. Justus is such a sweet boy. He smiles and laughs most of the time. He has been crawling and pulling up for 4 or 5 months now and is just now showing interest in walking. He started standing this week with out holding on to anything. When he realizes what he is doing he quickly plops himself down and crawls...it is very funny! He is approaching one but still loves to be swaddled and held to get his bottle and to go to sleep...and of coarse I gladly oblige. Every time we pick him up to sooth him he pats us on the back just like we pat him! He loves to clap, be tickled and his favorite game is rolling/throwing any and every ball he sees. He has a few signs (sign language)...all done and more. The others he just laughs when I try to teach him!
The last two weeks he has been a little crabbier than normal...it just dawned on me to check....he is getting his year molars! He has 8 teeth and is about to have 4 molars!
I love this little guy. Enjoy the pictures! I uploaded more pictures HERE on my share site.

Kelly and Frank's Engagment Pictures

Kelly and Frank are friends of ours from Seminary. Kelly went to MU with Vernon's sister, Phyllis, and is BFF's with Chet's sister, and our friend Megan. Allison and I had a lot of fun photographing this sweet couple. Here are some of the shots CLICK HERE to view more!

Thank You Gospel Coalition

My husband, along with many of yours, is attending the Gospel Coalition Conference in Chicago. I had to fight not being jealous until this last week when they announced ALL the session would be on LIVE FEED! Also within the day all sessions will be available for download....amen! Just listen to the line up. Today starting at 2pm Tim Keller, then at 4pm John Piper, then back to back starting at 7 Phil Ryken and Mark Driscoll. Throughout the rest of the Conference they will hear from K. Edward Copland, Bryan Chapell, Ajith Fernando, D.A. Carson and Ligon Duncan! Now if you are thinking that is amazing....you should hear the line up for the break out sessions...CJ Mahaney, Josh Harris and Thabiti Anyabwile to name a few!

I CANNOT wait to tune in!

A Story Worth Reading

Read THIS moving story of a family who adopted a son that they knew would not live to be a year old. At the end of the story they share a very challenging blog post that this couple posted when their new son was about three months...here is a section of it:

Matt doesn't respond positively to all the love and care we shower on him, and despite the fact that I knew in my head he wouldn't, I still want him to smile back at me. Instead of smiling, he either stares at me blankly or screams in response to my best efforts to communicate with him. The discouragment I feel at his failure to thrive only evidences the selfishness of my endeavors. Before Matt, I was tempted to believe I loved my children with at least an inkling of selflessness. I now know that I expect at least some return for my investment. At the very least, I would like a two-month smile and a 3-month squeal of delight in response for the long nights and endless feedings. I am humbled further to think of the earthly reward I am tempted to expect from my older children. Each day with Matt, it looks more and more like all of our reward is being deposited in heaven (or not, because God loves a cheerful giver, and sometimes, I am just not). Frankly, I am not all that happy about the choice of accounts. While I may have previously thought I wanted to deposit all of my treasure in heaven, I now know I am more or a 50/50 or even 75/25 kind of girl; I would like some treasure in heaven and most of it here.

Dont miss this story it is worth the read.

Happy Easter!

We had a great Resurrection Week and I hope you did as well! Here are some pics of our fun weekend. The first are from the Easter egg hunt at Church. After that we went to a field of blue bonnets to take Ella's Easter Pictures. Justus was running a fever and getting 4 teeth so there is only one pic of him...but I will dress him up soon and take some pictures of him in his cute blazer.

Titus with his loot.

The one picture I got of Justus.
Here is Titus in the Blue Bonnets.
Here is one of the pics I captured of Ella and Titus playing at her photo shoot. I will load more once her mom posts some.

And these are because I've been very nostalgic lately: Toddler Titus 2007

Holy Week at The Burger's

You might get tired of me linking this book each and every holiday season, but it has made such an impact on my life as a parent and the traditions we hold as a family. Treasuring God in our Traditions by Noel Piper is an excellent recourse for any family who has a desire to pass down a legacy of God centered traditions to there family and might not have many that were pass down to them. Noel Piper tells about the purpose of traditions being passed down and then gives great ideas for each major holiday. What I took away from this book most is that each family is unique and creative in its own way. I was encouraged, not to do exactly what The Piper family does, but learn from them and make new traditions for our family, unique to The Burger's. Some I have come up with have been spontaneous and some have been thoroughly thought through. It has been so fun over the years. I encourage you to join in and make some fun new traditions for your family.

Here is what we do for Holy Week:

On Palm Sunday: We go to our churches Palm Sunday Service. On the way home we talk about the service and why they were waving branches, etc. When we get home we hide a lamb (stuffed animal obviously) somewhere in the house and Titus has to find it. We talk about how on the same day Jesus was coming into the Jerusalem the children would have been searching for a lamb without blemish for there Passover Sacrifice. Once Titus finds the lamb we talk about what they would be doing with the lamb that week and about the story of the plagues from Exodus. (this is the first year we have done this and it has been a BIG hit! Titus is REALLY getting it and he wants to keep hiding the lamb, find it and tell the story over and over....whatever works!) We tell him that while the kids were out looking for there Passover Lamb, Jesus had come to be there final Lamb to be slain!

Also on Palm Sunday we light six candles and talk about what the upcoming week is. Usually I tell part of the story and ask Titus to fill in other parts. At some point in that day we blow out one of the candles. Each day following we light all the candles and talk about the story and how Easter is getting closer but each day one more candle gets blown out by the kids. So by Good Friday ALL the candles are blown out. Then on Saturday the kids want to light the candles and blow them out only this time we don't let them because Jesus died and is in the grave. Then on Sunday morning when the kids wake we have ALL the candles going when they come in the room! "Jesus has Risen!" we tell them. Sooo fun! (At some point as the boys get older, I would like to spread this out over the coarse of Lent but for now, one week is plenty!)

Saturday of Holy week we go to our church's children's Easter Party where there is a big Easter Egg Hunt and the Easter story told. We like to dress the boys up and take there pictures in the blue bonnets on the way to the Easter party....we will see what it is like photographing two this year!

We like to make Easter as big a celebration as Christmas, which is pretty hard because there are few decorations and family members don't seem to send big gifts etc. (although we got some great Easter packages yesterday from my mom and Robin's parents!) So Sunday morning along with the candles being lit we get them gifts to open Easter morning and then celebrate with family and friends all day.

This year we are adding THIS to our traditions...I am going to attempt it tonight along with dying eggs...you can pray for me!

What do you do for Holy Week?

Titus' Garden

When Titus turned four he got a lot of gardening tools. He got shovels, watering cans, gloves and a rake. When he received those, Victor, our sweet friend from Sudan, told Titus that he would help him plant a garden. If you know Titus you know that he doesn't forget ANYTHING. If you tell him you are going to do something...he will remember. Anyway, two weekends ago Victor came over and taught Titus how to start a garden. He planted cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and okra. Victor also brought pre-grown flowers so Titus would have something he wouldn't have to wait on. Every evening Titus waters his garden...and just the other day we saw the first little sprouts coming out of the ground...Titus was so excited!
We will take more pictures when there is more growing. Spring has Sprung!

A Bit Of Heaven

Vernon spent the last week in St. Louis with his mom who is in the hospital (things are going so much better, thanks for all the prayers). While he was there he went to my FAVORITE store Trader Joe's and got me this....Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Joe Joe's with Vanilla Bean Cream and Dark Chocolate Almonds. AMAZING...these are my all time favorite snack. I am a happy girl.
If you live in Texas and dont know what Trader Joe's is...my heart goes out to you.
A big thanks to The Vern.

Amazing Testimony.

Next Up: Proof Texting

Last week while shopping at Target, Titus just about wore me out begging for this Transformer's blanket he saw. It started with some sweet asking that led to some ideas about how I could buy it and he would do lots of chores to pay me back and that quickly spiraled to whining and complaining about not getting it and how it would "take FOREVER to make that much money." I asked him if he was "whining and complaining," and reminded him of the convos we have been having about the pride in his heart coming out as greed and greed was coming out in his whining and complaining. Well, needless to say, this time "the talk" didn't do much. He literally bugged me about that blanket until I finally told him he lost the privilege to talk. (this is the worst of the worst punishments to Titus)

After we checked out at Target and were out the door I told him he was allowed to speak if he wished. He didn't really say much. I put our things in the trunk and buckled the boys in. As I got in the front and started the car, Titus said, " Mom, you have disobeyed God." To which I replied with a sunken heart, "Oh no, I have? Please tell me what I've done." Titus said, "You have said harmful things." I began to feel awful because I had gotten so flustered in Target I was thinking he had picked up on my annoyed tones. Titus continued, "The scriptures say,'Do not say harmful things but say what people need,' and you said I could not have that transformer blanket." I quickly replied, holding back my laughter, "Well son, sometimes the thing we need most is to be told NO."

That kid! Who knew at age four we would need to have a lesson on proof texting! ha ha!
---

I have probably already raved to you about the scripture memory CD's we use with the boys but just in case we haven't they are the Max Lucado "Hermie and Friends" cd's. Each CD is topical. We started with the Obedience one then the Fear one now we are on the one about being kind.

"Do not say harmful things but say what people need- words that will help others become stronger. That what you say will help those who listen to you." Eph. 4:29 NCV

Ella's 3rd Birthday Party

Titus' good friend Ella turned 3 last month but got the stomach bug on the day of her party. It was rescheduled for today and we had a blast! Janelle, Ella's mom, put on a great party. It was at a play place inside a church in Colleyville. It was My Little Pony theme...soooo cute. Here are some pics of all the fun! Happy Birthday Ella!!!

I Have This Friend

...who is a photo genius. She is amazing. The finest that DFW has to offer. If you love photography, need something photographed or just simply want to be inspired, check out my friend Julie Robles. Jules and Albie Photography is raw and honest, beautiful and inspiring.
Julie just got back from Honduras with our church and I am OBSESSED with her pictures. They are intriguing, real and full of life.
here is a sneak peek at her work but PLEASE don't miss her blog and website....she's amazing.

A Different Camp of Sorts

Our family spent the last 4 days attending our church's youth camp. Vernon was the camp speaker. When he was asked to speak I got SOO excited because, as most of you know, I would live at camp if I could....I LOVE camp. Where most people get tired as camp goes on, it just fuels my excitement and by the last day I am bummed about going home. I love it. As soon as Vernon accepted the offer to speak, I began dreaming of camp...the competitions, the team colors, the girls in my cabin and the Lord moving among us. I knew exactly who I would ask to watch the boys so I could be a counselor and invest in some sweet HS girls. When I was dreaming out loud about camp, Vernon goes, "Amber, we are are bringing the boys. I am away from them when I am in Sudan, I really would like for them to come with us. Peter already got us a room that fits us all." Sadly, my dreams were crushed in an instant. I knew at that point what my days at camp would consist of: changing diapers, running around outside, naps during the camp rec time, and NO listening to Vernon's preaching.
After some thinking I decided it was going to be so fun having the boys there....and it was! Camp this year was WAY different than any other camp I have gone to because I had 4 solid days, outside our normal home life to invest in our two boys....who will, sooner than I can imagine, be attending HS camp. When my perspective changed, my attitude followed and the Lord blessed us with amazing conversations and LOTS of fun with other kids and moms that were there!
The second to last evening, Titus, Justus and I were playing in a room with Krystal and Jenny and their little ones. Titus had been playing with his friend Ben's car a lot that evening and this evolved into him WANTING Ben's car. We have talked to Titus alot about the Pride in his heart called Greed. He knows that greed can lead to anger and rudeness towards whoever is standing in the way of him getting what he wants. Sooo...that evening when he was begging me for Ben's toy, I said, "Titus, I think I am hearing the greed in your heart." and he got angry and started to hit me...but stopped himself before he did full force. (he doesn't usually hit much so this was eye opening for him) I could tell he was blinded by the greed and had realized that it had progressed to anger....so I grab Justus and Titus and we went to our room for him to receive discipline.
In the room, I got Justus occupied and started talking to Titus about the pride of greed and how anger towards someone he loves is what came of it. This time he seemed to be following me. He got his discipline and I asked him if he was ready to go back and play. He said, "Not really. Mom, Why do I have greed in my heart?" So I told him that we are all born into sin and sin is what separates us from God. He said, "yeah, when you have sin in your heart it is like THIS between you and God" as he held up his hands forming a barrier between me and him. I told him he was right and told him again about the saving power of Jesus and how He came to rescue us from that sin and restore us to relationship with God. Titus then is his own 4 year old words summarized the gospel to me. He is getting it! God is moving in him and I am so excited to witness it! Please continue to pray with us for the Lord to call both our boys to Himself. What a Joy to be a mom.
I am so glad I went to camp and I am soo glad I took the boys!

Saint Patrick's Day

I find it interesting how holidays evolve sometimes so far from what they originally were celebrated for that the original meaning is scarcely known. Like Valentine's, Saint Patrick's Day is a holiday that, if you asked the general American public, few would have the correct answer.
So here I am again writing about a holiday, but instead of boring you with all the factual background, dorky stuff that I love, I thought you would enjoy this....its the best summation of St. Patrick's Day I have found.



oh, and American's, do the Irish a favor and when you shorten Patrick don't use Patty...that's a women's name....very offensive to them. Its Paddy. St. Paddy's day if you will. Thanks! Have a great day...and wear a little green!

3.14

"Pi or π is a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle's circumference to its diameter in Euclidean space; this is the same value as the ratio of a circle's area to the square of its radius. It is approximately equal to 3.14159 in the usual decimal notation (see the table for its representation in some other bases). π is one of the most important mathematical and physical constants: many formulae from mathematics, science, and engineering involve π.^[1]

π is an irrational number, which means that its value cannot be expressed exactly as a fraction m/n, where m and n are integers. Consequently, its decimal representation never ends or repeats. It is also a transcendental number, which means that no finite sequence of algebraic operations on integers (powers, roots, sums, etc.) can be equal to its value; proving this was a late achievement in mathematical history and a significant result of 19th century German mathematics. Throughout the history of mathematics, there has been much effort to determine π more accurately and to understand its nature; fascination with the number has even carried over into non-mathematical culture." from wikipedia

enjoy your pi day.

Some More Titus

Yall...if you haven't been following Vernon's blog, he has been putting up things Titus say that impact him. This latest one is so great. Jump over there and read it and while your there leave him some comments!

If I had...

a choir to lead...THIS is what we would sing.
and dont think its done at 3min 54sec because the best is yet to come....
warning: your hands will probably be lifted.
go ahead and memorize the chorus because we will be singing it in Heaven.

disclaimer: yes this song was written by a certain artist that i have a phobia of...but it is not sung by him so not to worry. and I might be less phobic after THIS performance....i'm just sayin....dont hate.

Ask and You Shall Receive

After a long awaited request...Danny Dyer now has a blog....don't miss it!

Making All Things New

Support a Brother.

My brother, Andrew, organized an event to raise money for the American Red Cross. He is a teacher at Central High School in St. Joseph, MO. At Central, my brother is also a sponsor for a group called "Sports Ducks." Basically its a bunch of students who like to talk about sports. He has asked the Sports Ducks to be a part of this event. On March 27th from 1pm to 1am they will be shooting free throws. 12 hours worth of free throws! The event is called "Shoot for A Cause."
Please think about a supporting them. HERE is the link to read more and give a donation!
His girlfriend Diana also organized an event with their Church small group. HERE is her link.

All donations go to the American Red Cross. The donations will go towards all kinds of things like helping a family recover from a house fire, provide a local military family help with Armed Forces Emergency Services, or making first aid and CPR available to everyone in the community. Please consider giving! Thanks!

Text Convo

sarah barnes: Hey I got a new camera lens and I want to play with it....Can I borrow a kid sometime?

me: Oh my goodness YES! anytime. (although i love taking pics of the boys, it is nice when someone else wants to!)

sarah barnes: ummm...how about nowish?

me: Awesome! We are in the back yard.

Result

She will probably be embarased that I linked this but HERE is her Shutterfly site.

Sharing the Love

This post is dedicated to linking you to some things I have wanted to for a while. Each of them, at one point, were going to be separate post that never came to fruition. This is not exhaustive but a good start.

Jelly Telly

If you are a mom of a pre-schooler or young elementary student you NEED to know about this website. It was started by Phil Visher the original founder of Veggie Tales. It is a web-based media site that plays all kinds of commercial free shows. All are full of good theology and fun bible memory for the kids...and its hysterical. Its fun to watch with Titus. He LOVES it.
In order for them to not go in debt it does cost but its only $3 a month. They have a free trial month....give it a try! CLICK HERE

GIRL TALK

I am not obsessed I promise, although I know I quote them all the time, but next up is The GIRL TALK BLOG. It is full of encouragement and challenges. For the last two or three years it has been a constant source of help for me as I stay home with my boys.
I am linking this particular series for all my Single Readers. This has been an awesome series dedicated to single women. PLEASE don't miss this. It is soooo good and don't think just because you are not single you wont benefit. Its soo good. Here are the links to each individual post:

Pursue Undivided Devotion
Become a Theologian
Help the Men
Choose Friends Carefully
Nurture Children

Prepare For An Important Career

Study To Show Yourself a SAHM

Devoted to Good Works

Josh Harris

I know many of you ride this name off because of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," but I must say if that is the case, please reconsider. If you are having trouble reconsidering please READ THIS. I have really enjoyed his blogs and sermons. They are insightful and full of Truth. He has a humble pastor's heart and it is so refreshing. Last year I listened to him speak on homeschooling , public or private schooling and how it was dividing the church because people were so opinionated about their decision being the "right one." I thought it was a great picture of the pastor he has become. Watch it HERE.

SUDAN

So much is going on in Sudan right now and many of you have expressed some worry and wonder about the orphans and the orphanage. I am going to save this for a separate post but wanted to let you know we are thankful for all of you who are praying. So far things are not directly effecting EPC and the orphanages. Please continue to pray...I will have Vernon write an update and I will post it. Thanks!

Music That Saves Lives.

Admittedly this is a bit of a shameless plug. I have this fear that their might be someone out there that has not heard of CompassionArt. CompassionArt is a group of 12 songwriter who got together for a retreat to write music that will in turn generate money for those in poverty around the world. I normally don't get into the whole "buy this and some money will go to the poor people" slogans. My general response is, "don't spend $100 on jeans so $1.00 will go towards poverty, just give $100, I am sure you have plenty of jeans."

But in this case, since it is music/art, I take back my cynicism and recommend you buy this album and support this cause. The songwriters on this project are 12 of the most esteemed writers in our generation of Christian Music: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Baloche and Chris Tomlin to name a few. This is a unique compilation from upbeat proclamations to slow and thought provoking songs. To be totally honest, most of the songs are "not my style," in fact I would describe this album as "very different," but i think that is why I love it so. It is a beautiful combinations of worship leaders from all over the world mixing there musical styles and standing together on Truth for justice.

It is the home of my personal fav song at this moment : King of Wonders by Matt Redman.

Here is a short video of it coming together...so good:



and i must admit: i got goose bumps during this video when i saw Matt Readman, Tim Hughes and Steven Curtis Chapman all playing their guitars and singing in that room full of those artist...amazing...could you imagine?