Simply Staci

Leadership: Dealing With Uncertainty

2012-01-13T10:29:00.000-05:00

“We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 2Ch 20:12 NLT

As a leader you’ll be called upon to make decisions regarding relationships, money, time, values, opportunities and disputes. And your decisions will show up on the bottom line. There, in the clear light of day, your leadership will be judged. And there’s something else you need to know; in that realm it takes longer to recognize your brilliance or stupidity, because you’re forced to lead for long periods of time without the benefit of knowing if you made the right call. By the time your crop starts coming in, it’s too late to change your agricultural procedure. You have to wait until the next season of planting. When it comes to leadership, uncertainty is a permanent part of all progress; it never goes away! Furthermore, uncertainty isn’t an indication of poor leadership, it just underscores the need for it; it’s the environment in which good leadership is most often discovered. As a leader you may think you should always know what to do, but in reality there will be few occasions when you are absolutely certain. It’s why King Jehoshaphat prayed, “We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” Since you’ll constantly be called on to make decisions with limited information, your goal should not be to eliminate uncertainty but to develop the ability to trust God and be courageous and clear in spite of it. It’s not your job to remove uncertainty; it’s your job to inspire clarity, faith and progress in the midst of it. When you can do that, you are learning to be a leader.

Blog post devotional from: Word For You Today

A friend asked me to read this devotional this morning -- I usually read this devotional at night, but am so glad I read it during the day! It was a wonderful reminder to me about planting seeds and making the right decisions when "planting". I grew up on a farm and my uncle was the primary farmer of our land, and still is. When a farmer plants corn seeds, corn is what comes up. If wheat is planted, wheat comes up.

Sometimes in ministry, seeds of love, perseverance, faith, discipline, and the like are "planted" -- sometimes for years, but the "crop" doesn't show up for weeks, months, even years later. But what's important is that the seeds were planted. Another friend of mine put this quote on the wall in my office, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

So, today -- remember all of the seeds you plant -- purpose to plant good seeds. And ask the Lord of the harvest for His help!

Dove Promises ...

2012-01-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

I just love Dove promises! They are the perfect little size that I "need" right after a meal. I have saved a few of my favorites over the past few days.

One of the 5 Love Languages is "quality time". Just being together with family/friends is what's most important!

So very true, but for the "gift giver", spending a little money always counts! :)

Bottom line ...

Always, always.

Be Content!

2012-01-03T13:46:00.002-05:00

YOU’RE QUALIFIED! (2) (Word For You Today Devotional)

“If you’re content to…be yourself, your life will count.” Mt 23:12 The Message

Do you remember Rosa Parks, the black woman who refused to surrender her seat to a white man and move to the back of the bus? There was more at stake that day than just a ride home from work. By simply being herself, Rosa suddenly moved to center stage. She wasn’t playing games. She was the real thing, and God shone a light on her soul that day that changed history. That’s how it works: when God’s light shines on your efforts, little becomes much. Jesus said, “If you’re content to…be yourself, your life will count.” Now, since God is the only One who knows when your time will come, you must be prepared. “How do I do that?” you ask. The Bible answers: “Be content with who you are…don’t put on airs. God’s…hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time” (1 Peter 5:6-7 The Message). Allow the Holy Spirit to be your agent and advance man. Don’t get ahead of Him. Just be faithful; when the time is right God will shine His spotlight on the next stage and assign you an even bigger role. And when the moment comes for you to stride confidently into the spotlight and fulfill your God-given role, try to remember that there’s no room for self-importance and pretense. This moment calls for: (1) stripping away all lesser roles you’ve acted out and settled for; (2) discovering who you are and what your life is really about; (3) depending totally on God to help you give the most authentic performance of your career.

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Oh, I loved this devotional. My prayer recently is that I would be content, truly content with where God has called me. As of January 1st, I have taken on a new role in ministry as the Next Generation Pastor (birth-12th grade) at the same church I've been serving for 7+ years, Capital City Church! I really never dreamed that I'd be in this position, but God did! He has placed an amazing team of people/leaders around me to help me and for that, I'm so grateful! I love the fact that the now 12th graders were my first 5th graders when I came. I know them and their families, and most of the middle/high school students serve in CapCity Kidz Ministry. God has placed amazing students around me to pour into, to lead and love! I love the verses in 1 Peter. I just want to be me ... and I only want more of Jesus in my life and less of me. Lord, I pray that You'll increase and I'll decrease.

Launch Out ...

2012-01-01T21:59:00.001-05:00

“Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Lk 5:4 NKJV

From "The Word For You Today": Someone has said that mediocrity is just the best of the worst and the worst of the best. Is that what you want this year? If not, you must be willing to leave the safety of where you are, and go where God wants to take you. After fishing all night and catching nothing Jesus told His disciples, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” In other words, leave the safety of the shoreline and be willing to face the fury of the storm, knowing that God is with you. Helen Keller, who overcame incredible challenges, said, “Security is a myth. The reason we don’t experience it is because it doesn’t exist. Avoiding danger or failure is no safer in the long run than outright risk. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

Launching out means setting goals, establishing a plan to reach them, and becoming accountable. It requires staying in sync with God’s will, confronting your fears and discovering the rewards that lie on the other side of them. It demands looking in the mirror, and either respecting or correcting what you’re becoming. It calls for devoting your life to something greater than yourself, even when others don’t understand. It’s having an “I will fear no evil for Thou art with me” (Ps 23:4) attitude, and attempting great things for God. As you enter this New Year, stop and recall God’s goodness. Check the price tag on His will for your life against what you’re already paying, and compare the rewards of both. Then, “launch out” and don’t look back!

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I read this devotional tonight ... and boy, did the words speak to me. I've been feeling something ... maybe insecurity, maybe stress, maybe overwhelmed, maybe like I'm going to fail -- BUT I want to truly "launch out". Lord, please help me to trust You with all I have and with all that I am.

Happy New Year! (Christmas 2011)

2011-12-26T01:46:00.000-05:00

Stationery card

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Here's what the "back" of the photo card said:

2011 has been such a full year of memories! God continues to be the Source of my contentment and I LOVE what He has called me to do. Hope you've enjoyed seeing just a glimpse into my life! You can follow along at any of the following:

www.capcitykidz.com, www.stacinskeep.com,

through Facebook, or stacinskeep@gmail.com.

If you're ever in the Columbus area, please feel free to stop by!

Praying you have a blessed 2012!

Stationery card

2011-12-26T00:23:00.009-05:00

Happy New Memories New Year's Card

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A Really Long Time ...

2011-10-02T21:50:00.001-04:00

Dear Blog Friends,
I haven't blogged in such a long time on my personal blog. Life just gets busy and you do the things that are important to you, it seems. Lots has happened since the last time I blogged back in MAY!!! Crazy, I know! Summer has come and gone -- and at the time, it seemed to fly by. Here are just a few highlights from my summer: Missions Extreme (June), my hairdressers wedding (in the CapCity Cafe in July), Vacation Bible School (July), Kids Camp (July), trip to Michigan for a reunion of friends from the Dominican Republic (July), my birthday (August), CapCity Kidz started back to school (August), speaking at Powette (September), Mom's birthday (September) and now it's OCTOBER!!! Today is actually my brother's birthday! Happy Birthday, my best brother!

Some things I've been pondering lately are:

dying to self daily
more of Jesus, less of me -- John 3:30, " He must become greater; I must become less."
family is important
friends are needed
transparency
delegating more/better
discipling and what exactly does that mean -- sometimes it gets messy
contentment

That's all for now ...

P.S. I joined Pinterest -- a very fun way to express yourself! :) If you wanna see a few things I "pinned" on my bulletin board, just click this link. Enjoy!

January - March 2011 highlights

2011-05-01T21:29:00.001-04:00

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Cruise to the Bahamas!

2011-04-03T23:10:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful cruise to the Bahamas! I had a great time with my friends! I totally unplugged for 3 full days and read a book and a half! I didn't miss my laptop, cell phone or emails. Thank you, Lord, for such a great relaxing time away! Thank you, Jill -- for inviting me to go!

Road Trip!!!

2011-04-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

In February, I had the chance to take a ROAD TRIP!!! I love, absolutely love road trips! I left after church on Sunday and made a stop in Alabama for a few days. I got to visit sweet friends, the Mannings. We had a great time together!

Jeanne and me

Lauren and me

Then off I go to FL to surprise Marissa on Tuesday! I loved it and yes, she was surprised! As I was tucking her in that night, she said, "Aunt Sissy, you are a great surprise!" Oh, man, melt my heart! :) We had a fun week together and did lots of fun things as we all pitched in and helped get ready for her 6th birthday.

Gramma Linda and Marissa

Boom-boom and Marissa

Marissa's "birth-time" gifts given at 8:35 am!

Gramma Linda, Marissa and Boom-boom with her new moose pillow.

Marissa wanted a "lemon" themed birthday party. Kelly made the most DELICIOUS lemon birthday cake!

She had a picnic in the front yard with her closest friends!

Aunt Sissy and Marissa.

Ty, Marissa and Kelly

Marissa's very own deer mount for her bedroom!

Right before we said our good-byes, Marissa and I had to do some sack jumping! We had so much fun together!

Pink Sandwiches with Marissa

2011-02-24T12:36:00.001-05:00

So, instead of having lunch with one of my students today (typically Thursdays), I got to have a "pink sandwich" with my niece, Marissa! It has become tradition when I'm with her that we find a nearby Dunkin' Donuts and get one of her favorite things ... a "pink sandwich" -- which translates into a pink frosted donut with sprinkles. The one she chose today was filled with Boston Creme filling. Of course, she ate "half" and gave me the other 3 bites!

I asked her a few questions about herself and here's what I learned about Marissa:
Favorite color: pink and all
Favorite animal: horse
Favorite movie: Black Beauty
Favorite food: cake and ice cream, and donuts, of course
Favorite drink: lemonade
Favorite game: Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Favorite song: Father Abraham
Favorite TV/movie character: Ratatouille and Lightning McQueen
Favorite car: Hotwheels -- orange with a big exhaust
Favorite stuffed animal: Pup-pup
Favorite outside activity: having a picnic
Favorite ice cream: vanilla/strawberry
Favorite vegetable: celery (with peanut butter)
Favorite fruit: apple (with peanut butter)
Favorite flowers: snapdragons and tulips
Favorite supper: french fries, chicken nuggets, applesauce, oranges
Favorite shape: circle
Favorite candy: bubble gum
Favorite lipgloss flavor: bubble gum
Favorite friends: Taylor, Elleri, Molly and Jasmine
What she wants to be when she grows up: vet, animal shelter, pet store (all three wrapped up into one!)

Marissa, you are the best niece anyone could ever have! I love you so much!

Aunt Sissy
xoxo

p.s. When I got here, I surprised her by coming in the front door! She didn't quite know what to think -- she seemed really happy! Before she went to bed, she hugged my neck and said, "Aunt Sissy, you are a great surprise!" AWWWW - how sweet, huh? Then the next day, she said, "You're still a great surprise!" I love that girl!

Catch-up Time for December & January

2011-01-23T21:55:00.000-05:00

So, I've got some catching up to do, don't I?!?! I'm going to try to catch you up by using some pictures. Enjoy!

Dad's 69th birthday!

My friend, Denise. We meet weekly for yummy coffee!

My sweet Gram turned 90 this year! Please pray for her as she recently fell and broke her hip. She had surgery on Wednesday, January 5.

Back to the Manger cast -- CapCity Kidz did an amazing job on December 19th. So proud of them all!

Lori, Joe and Bailey -- so thankful for this family! I am blessed to be living with them.

Celebrated Christmas at my parent's home with them. We had a great day!

A few if of my kids with their crazy straws! I love CapCity Kidz!

On December 29th, Joe, Lori and I met for our "Christmas Dinner & a Movie" and when we came out of the theater, we found my vehicle had been broken into. It was an awful feeling to see the GPS & my ipod gone from the front, but then realized that my backpack filled with my brand new birthday Macbook Pro and so many of my "techie" items including my handheld video camera, cords, etc. My purse was also in the very back which included my checkbook, camera, Vera Bradley Yellow Bird accessories along with my Vera Bradley Yellow Bird lunchbag!! All gone! We immediately called the police, my bank, and my insurance company (American Family). 2 hours later, the police showed up to get details for the police report. The bank put a hold on my checks. American Family was absolutely wonderful and they sent checks for a lot of the replacement costs. So glad for auto insurance and renter's insurance! Throughout this whole ordeal, I've been reminded again of my life motto -- simplify. So in 2011, I'm really thinking about what I "want" and what I really "need". God protected me from harm and for that I'm thankful.

Unkle Dick and Auntie Helen -- we celebrated Aunt Helen's 83rd birthday on Monday, January 17th at Der Dutchman.

Louann, Debbie, Mom, Dad, Unkle Dick, Aunt Helen, me and Aunt Betty -- catching up after lunch.

The newest member of CapCity Kidz, Elliana, born on Saturday, January 22.

There you have it -- a recap of the past couple of months.

Remember to SIMPLIFY!

2010 Christmas Card (well, an "after-Christmas" card!)

2010-12-20T14:55:00.003-05:00

Modern Cranberry Noir Christmas

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Here's the Christmas/New Year's Card I made on Shutterfly. Enjoy!

December 2010

Dearest Family & Friends,

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! I pray this finds you doing well & enjoying life. 2010 was a great year! In June during Missions Extreme (an in-state missions trip for 5th/6th graders), our team served in Painesville, OH & was privileged to work with Convoy of Hope for the culminating outreach at the end of the week. One of my biggest dreams is to drive a semi truck. Although I didn’t get to drive it, I did get to sit in the seat of the Convoy of Hope semi & even honked the horn! I LOVED that! For the first time, I had the opportunity to speak at Kids Camp this summer on the topic of going into all the world. I served with a great team of leaders & some of my kids got to go to camp, too. The Easter Egg Hunt is always a highlight! This year CapCity Church stuffed 10,000 eggs with candy & had a record attendance for the event. I attended 2 children’s ministry conferences this year, one in St. Louis, MO & the other in Murfreesboro, TN. I learned a lot at both! I was able to take 2 trips to FL--the first trip in January was terrible! It was so cold, with the highest temperature being just 59 & I only got to be in the sun for 5 hours! :( My time in FL during May was much better & was a much-needed break before all the summer activities began. I got to see Ty, Kelly & Marissa while there, too! What an honor it was for me when my good friends, James & Anitha, asked me to fly to Wisconsin to dedicate their baby in August. Also in August, I turned the big 4-0 & celebrated with a huge party with balloons animals, a bounce house, a cupcake-decorating station, a scrapbook page-making station, carnival games, great food, & so many special people! Ty, Kelly, & Marissa came up for a short trip in November (middle left: Marissa in the leaves, age 5; middle right: Kelly, me, Marissa, Ty & Gram, who turned 90 this year!). December 19 was the Christmas musical, Back to the Manger (top right: cast of Back to the Manger). Dad, Mom, & Gram came down to watch (bottom right). I am still living in Plain City with Joe, Lori & their dog, Bailey (top left). I continue to LOVE where God has called me to serve, Capital City Church. I LOVE my CapCity Kidz & the entire church family! I enjoy connecting with CapCity Kidz during weekly services, monthly movie nights, & weekly lunches at their schools/homes. Phew--what a great year! I’m looking forward to a great 2011 & wish you all a very happy & blessed New Year!

Love & prayers to you & yours, Staci

www.stacinskeep.com; www.capcitykidz.org; www.facebook.com/stacinskeep

My Gram's 90th Birthday!!

2010-12-20T12:22:00.001-05:00

So, my Grandma turned 90 on December 14! It was so fun to see those who came out to wish her well on the Sunday before. All of her kids were there, and most of her grand-kids and great grand-kids, too. What a treasure she is -- and someone who lives a very full life and always has! She loves Jesus with all of her heart, too, and that is the most important thing to her and she wants to make sure that everyone has Jesus in their heart! She is an example to so many and I'm so thankful she is my Gram!

Here we are at Gram's party (Joe, Lori, me, Gram, Dad and Mom).

Here is a quick shot of Gram and me before I left. (Doesn't she look so pretty with her snazzy red/black top and those blue eyes?!)

Happy 90th Birthday, Gram! I love you so!

Hallelujah Chorus

2010-12-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Fellow blogger, Tony Kummer writes, "What would happen if the worship of Christ invaded a shopping Mall at Christmastime?"

Watch the video below and you can see firsthand. Turn up your computer speaker and enjoy! It’s really an amazing experience. I love how all the regular shoppers join in as the song continues.

Enjoy!

We Cry Out (Kari Jobe)

2010-09-06T00:10:00.003-04:00

Our congregation sang this song in worship this morning ... I've never heard it and because I was teaching CapCity Kidz, I didn't hear it, but when I came home, I listened to it. Wow -- just amazing!

Happy 40th!

2010-09-05T22:38:00.008-04:00

On Friday, August 20, from 6-9 pm at Capital City Church, was my 40th birthday celebration! I had such a great time and so many people -- my family, friends, and CapCity Kidz -- came out to celebrate! There were so many fun elements: Happy Birthday bounce house, cupcake decorating station, carnival games, balloon artist and ventriloquist, scrapbook page making station, a few clowns, lots of good food, and so many who were a part of the Birthday Planning Committee!

Here are a few pictures of the evening!
Thank you all so much for making my 40th birthday so memorable for me! Your friendship, gifts of love and generosity are so special!

Love,

Baby Dedication in Wisconsin

2010-09-05T22:21:00.006-04:00

Friends of mine, James and Anitha, asked me to perform their youngest daughter's dedication on August 14th. What a true honor it was for me to be with them and their entire family during this time. I was there from the 13th-16th -- and had a blast! Rebekah Ann turned 1 year old on August 14th and we had her dedication at the Civil War Museum with all of her closest family and friends attending! Here is a picture of Rebekah and me!

I remember when I first learned that Rebekah was coming! (James and Anitha sent me this picture of Megan -- the big sister!)

I had such a nice visit in Wisconsin with great friends!

Recap of Kids Events this summer ...

2010-08-07T17:07:00.012-04:00

June 21-27, Missions Extreme Camp:

Monday/ Tuesday kids arrived and began working on ministry training -- either human videos or clowning.
Wednesday was filled with various service projects and some last minute ministry training.
Thursday was our fun day -- all day at Cedar Point!
Friday we set-up for the outreach all day long ... lots of prepping for the big outreach.
Saturday was the Convoy of Hope outreach in the city of Painesville! (Here are just a few highlights from the day: 3127 guests, 1400 volunteers, 125 adult salvations, 80 kids salvations, 471 haircuts, 65 participating organizations, 58 participating churches, 360 family portraits, 350 dental guests including 70 tooth extractions, 50 nurses, 500 blood-sugar tests, 17 employers for the job fair, 600 pairs of shoes, and 4500 hotdogs!)
Sunday we had the great opportunity to be at Painesville Assembly of God with their congregation to share what God did throughout our week!

July 12-16, High Seas Expedition Vacation Bible School:

The CapCity VBS Team did an amazing job this week! We had a great week with many new faces! Our kids did an amazing job of bringing their friends!
During the week, we had an offering contest between the boys and the girls. The offerings collected on Monday - Thursday all go to BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) -- and if the boys gave the most, then I got a pie in the face and if the girls gave the most, then First Mate Mr. Matt got the pie. It was close ... the girls were ahead all week, but on Thursday night, the boys won out! And yes, yours truly got a pie in the face! (One of our favorite songs during the week was ... "Pie in your face, pie in your face, lookin' like a fool with a pie in your face!")
On Thursday night as well, Captain Crawdad did an amazing job at the gospel presentation and many children asked Jesus to be their very best friend that night!
Station leaders, crew leaders, and every volunteer outdid themselves each and every night! Registration, food preparation and media went smoothly each night as well. Every part of VBS was wonderful ... what an awesome team!

July 19-24, Kids Camp -- Keepers of the Cross:

Right after VBS, I headed to Heartland Conference Retreat Center for a week of Kids Camp!
7 kids from CapCity were able to attend! They all had a great time!
The evening services were definitely highlights for me ... Pastor Jay spoke on Monday about salvation, Pastor Becky spoke on Tuesday about the Holy Spirit, Miss Jenilee spoke on Wednesday about spiritual growth, I spoke on Thursday night about "going into all the world" and Friday morning, Pastor Josh spoke on being Keepers of the Cross.
Each night before the message, a skit was performed by the "Keepers of the Cross". We had such a fun time with that! Pastor Carl ... AKA "Jester" was the star in the evening skits!
Worship time each night was amazing as over 300 kids sang songs to God at the top of their lungs. It was so awesome!

There were lots of little events that happened throughout the summer, but these were some of the highlights! Hope you enjoy!

How To Stay Positive

2010-06-17T14:41:00.004-04:00

I was reminded today about being positive ... and staying positive! This was very timely for me. I mean, most of the time, I'm a pretty positive person (I think!), but I'm trying to get things finalized and organized for a camp that I leave for on Sunday, making sure things are just perfect for when I'm away, etc. Everything always turns out just fine.

So if you're feeling not so positive, why don't you take on the attitude of this little girl -- who thinks she can do anything!!

Living positively ... and with complete flexibility,

Waiting ...

2010-05-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

Sometimes God calls us to be content in our discontentment. I think that can be defined as "waiting".

Rick Warren says this, "You can't hear God's voice if you're rushing. You must be resting."

"I wait quietly before God." Psalm 62.5 (NLT)

Definition of "waiting": remaining inactive in one place while expecting something

Definitions of "wait on": a) to perform the duties of an attendant of servant for; b) to supply the wants of a person, as serving a meal or serving a customer in a store; c) to call upon or visit (like to "wait on" Her Majesty at the palace)

I beg to differ though ... as Christians, can we remain inactive and "wait"? Or should our focus be who we can "wait on"?

I will choose to do what God is leading me to do.

So, Lord, while I'm waiting, I will serve You, I will worship You, I will not faint, but I will run the race You've set out before me with obedience, boldness and confidence because I love You and Your ways are higher than mine, Your plans are perfect.

Learning to Fly

2010-04-18T17:36:00.000-04:00

The other day, I listened to a friend's podcast entitled, "Learning to Fly". It has had me thinking. One line in particular that has been stirring in my head and my heart since listening is this ... God is faithful. He is good. He is enough. Do I really believe that? Really, deep down, in the depths of my heart of hearts?

The Reason

2009-12-17T15:30:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! It has been awhile since blogging on here, but today I received a picture that is just beautiful -- and true. It has me thinking about the true reason for Christmas -- not the material gifts we give (which I just bought more of today), not the hustle and bustle (which I'm not a huge fan of -- stood in line for a return at a store today for a really LONG time), not the Christmas Eve Service that we'll attend, not even about the family traditions we take part in or celebrate each year, but Christmas is about Jesus ... the little baby who was born to us so long ago. The little baby, who grew up to be a man who would die on a cross to forgive my sins and yours. This man, Jesus, who loves us so much, is the real reason for Christmas!

Merry, merry Christmas!

CapCity Kidz blog

2009-11-12T08:49:00.007-05:00

Oh wow, I was reading my google reader today and found out that someone thinks that the CapCity Kidz Blog is in his top 10!!! You can click here to see the post! I was completely humbled and honored to be recognized like that! Thanks, Wayne, for that post! You made my day!

Fall Back ...

2009-10-30T21:11:00.003-04:00

Yes, it’s that time again. You get an extra hour of sleep this Saturday night. How great is that? Don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour, otherwise you’ll be really early at church on Sunday!

The Nines ... Leadership

2009-09-12T12:43:00.003-04:00

There was recently an online leadership conference ... called The Nines ... different leaders spoke for 9 minutes about leadership. I was not able to "attend", but some of my ministry friends got to. I was reading one blog by BLeach and here's what he got from one guy. It's a VERY good way for replicating servants/volunteers, constantly having an apprentice with you whether it's in service, getting ready for an event, or whatever. Good stuff!

Here's a five-step process Dave Ferguson shared for developing another leader.

1. I do, you watch.
2. I do, you help.
3. You do, I help.
4. You do, I watch.
5. You do, someone else watches.

Really simple, but it's a process that has the ability to create a reproducing culture in the church.

My beautiful niece ...

2009-09-05T19:13:00.008-04:00

Look at my sweet niece, Marissa! She is so pretty! Her blue eyes are the best -- just like her Daddy's. Her family came up to Ohio during the summer time and we had such a nice time together. She got to play with her cousins, Madison and Mason, Gavin and Lincoln. They all played so well together and had such a fun time (they are all sitting on the couch below)! Then after our time together in Ohio, they had to go back to their home in Florida. I got to see them again in a few days when I was at General Council in Florida. Marissa and I ran to the ice cream truck which was down the street at the park. She wanted to have a strawberry ice cream cone, but they didn't have that. They only had strawberry popcicles. But she was fine with that! We skipped all the way home -- that is such a happy memory in my mind. I love every time I get to spend with Marissa (and Ty and Kelly, too). Looking forward to the next time ...
Aunt Sissy loves you, Marissa!

Typical Mondays ...

2009-09-04T20:32:00.008-04:00

My Mondays during the summer have been just wonderful! I love my days off! Plus, I love to be in the sun. I usually read a few magazines (Real Simple or Family Fun are a couple of my favorites), a current book, or listen to the ipod some. And yes, I even have a baby pool with water in it! If it's hot enough, I really do lay on my raft inside the pool! It is so relaxing -- I love my days off!

5 years at Capital City Church, July 18, 2004-July 18, 2009

2009-08-09T21:06:00.007-04:00

Beautiful yellow roses from my church family! My favorite!

Kids Ignited (1st-5th graders) celebrating with me!

A sweet watercolor picture and a foam cross from 2 of my students ...
My parents came down to church to surprise me -- I thought they were here to see the kids sing during the service for a VBS recap! Little did I know! We ate at Red Lobster for lunch after service right before I left for Kids Camp.My beautiful Gram came, too! (Don't we look alike? -- I pray that I look that good when I'm 88!)
Lori and Joe were in on the surprise, too!

Hillsong Live // Faith+Hope+Love

2009-07-28T09:39:00.001-04:00

Faith+Hope+Love releases 08.04.09. And if you want to hear AND SEE a track from the album, here's the World Premier Video of Brooke Fraser’s “I Will Exalt You”. Enjoy!

The Flowers in our Garden ...

2009-06-08T21:00:00.014-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is work in the garden! I get the "GREEN" thumb from my parents! Here are a few pics of the flowerbeds around the house. I love them! This is out back ...
These next few are of the North and South sides of the house.
Here is the front of the house -- a side view.One of my favorite things is this little red wagon. There is a cool story behind it, too! I was driving home from work one day and someone was moving and had a pile of stuff out by the curb for the trash guys to pick up. I saw this little red wagon -- it's a Radio Flyer wagon, too! I backed up and asked the guy if I could have it. He said that the axles were rusted through and it didn't really work that great. I told him that I was going to put it in my flowerbed with some flowers in it! I put some red and white impatiens and 4 lime colored sweet potato vines in the little red wagon.
Here are a couple of my favorite planters. The chair is filled with an orange and purple pansy planter. The other planter is filled with a spike in the center, lamiam, Japanese fern, purple shamrock, wire vine and blue pearl impatiens. Mom and I went to a "Container Class" at a nearby greenhouse one night and this is what we came up with! I love it!
Hope you enjoyed some of the beautiful flowers!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-06-08T19:02:00.007-04:00

This year we decided to put in a garden! I bought 16 strawberry plants unknowing that those plants needed a pretty good side bed to grow in. So we decided to build a raised bed out of landscape timbers. Joe and Lori's Dad built the actual raised bed and then my Dad and Mom stopped at Lowe's and got a few things ... peet and compost to add to the top soil I already had. Here we are mixing all the stuff together to make the perfect soil mixture.
Here is the finished product! We planted a grape tomato plant, 3 roma tomato plants and a celebrity tomato plant, a couple of habanero peppers, a jalapeno pepper, 16 strawberry plants, a couple of sunflowers and some cilantro!
Pretty cool, I think! I'm so proud! I couldn't have done this without all the help I had! Thanks to everyone who helped with this project! Below is a picture of the garden today ...
The strawberries are doing really well. I even have some green strawberries and one red one! YEAH!

Past My Bedtime ...

2009-03-26T23:13:00.002-04:00

Hi ... this is my first blog post. I spent the better part of my evening trying to find the PERFECT background! Well, at least I like it ... let me know what you think! :) It's past my bedtime ... sweet dreams!