CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Thursday, January 29, 2009

CUTESY BAGS!

Just wanted to mention that when you visit the STMM site you can choose any bag from the site if you're the winner. Forgot to mention that in my original post. Good luck and leave those comments!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

GIVEAWAY!!!

Don't you love free stuff - especially girly stuff? Well, this can be yours.....
If the price is right.....sorry couldn't resist. Seriously though, if you'll go visit THIS site and then leave me a comment on what you think of the Ministry, I'll put your name in a drawing and if you're the lucky one it's yours! I'll be holding the drawing on Fri Feb 6th so get busy! LOVE free stuff!!!
Good luck!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes.....

Yep. Changed my layout. Like it? I think it's cute. Anyway, gotta fix all my gadgets and widgets and all that other lingo that I have no idea what it really means! haha

I'm doing a little project for my upcoming Bible study and I'd really LOVE your participation if you don't mind. (Don't worry the names and identities will be changed to protect the innocent! teehee)

Finish this sentence:
"It's tough being a woman......" (when you've got to change the filter for the furnace. When you have to take care of sick kids. Because of all the stuff we need to do to be presentable - just a few examples!)
Leave me a comment and I'll greatly appreciate it and I'll pray over whatever you feel is tough.
Thanks!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Torn.....

Have you ever been torn between two decisions? Ever felt like the Lord could be calling you in either direction but you need some CLEAR guidance - like a burning bush?! I've kinda been feeling that lately. Not major, life-altering decisions (well one is) but decisions still the same. The funny thing is, I see it happening with a TON of my friends as well. I've had at least 4 conversations with 4 different people this week who have all said the EXACT same thing.
One of my sweet friends told me "Every calling is a good calling, but not every calling is YOURS". So true. I'm one of these spoon in every pot kinda girls and I realize that isn't where God wants me, but it's my personality and it's sometimes hard for me to let go of things. Can anyone else relate? UGH.
I think it's no small coincidence that God has me in Esther. That I'm leading a study called "It's Tough Being a Woman". Can I get an amen on that one? So as I've been having these emotions and feeling a bit torn about where EXACTLY I'm to be serving the Lord sends me a big ole' hug thru my Sweet Honey Butter Roll Donna! She reminded me from Eph 6 that not only am I to put on the full armor, but what do I do once I'm armored up and ready for battle? I'm to STAND and pray. Not fight. Not charge ahead full steam. Not go in like gang busters and change things but STAND.... Oh does anyone else have a hard time with that one?
I love how the Lord works. That's what He does. He works. If we'll get out of His way, He'll work. I love that. Anyway, that's my thought for this day. Tune in tomorrow 'cause I'm sure it'll be something TOTALLY different like, "Why am I serving in this ministry? That's it! I quit!" hahaha

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Here we go......

**Update - as I read this post I realized there were a lot of "wow"'s in it. Sorry about that! haha

Is anyone else finding it hard to comprehend that we're kicking off a new year? Wow. I remember as a kid hearing my parents talk about how the time just seemed to be flying by and thinking how dumb that sounded to me. (sorry but I'm just being honest) Now I realize that I was the dumb one! haha The time is flying.
As I'm preparing for the new year, the many changes that I know are inevitable, I find myself anxious. Not anxious as in worried but anxious as in Christmas Eve! More anticipating, I guess. I've jumped into the pool of teaching High School Sunday school and it has been AMAZING! Each week I look into the faces of these beautiful girls and think of the possibilities and pray for their hearts to be just WILD about Jesus and for the most part I believe He's given me a group of girls who are. But in reality, I'm the one who walks away learning more and more from them. The things they face. Their battles. WOW. That's all I can say. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
But I'm also anticipating leading a Bible study in a few weeks for our Women's Ministry. It's Beth Moore's Esther study and as I've been previewing it, all I can say is HOLD ON TIGHT! WOW!! If you are able to come on Wed mornings from 9:30 to 11:30am (childcare is provided) PLEASE come. Not at all because of me, but because the Lord has something for you and I'd love to be standing there when you receive it!
Also, the Lord is preparing me for a mission trip this year. I thought for a long time it was going to be Chile - and it still may be - but all I know is, I'm ready. He's calling and I'm ready to go. Not quite packed yet, but ready. teehee Who knows, it may be that I don't go anywhere, but just that He wants me to be ready. Either way is fine with me.
Another big change is my oldest starts Middle School in the fall and that makes me just about need to barf! I had someone (a kid) say to me "Don't worry Ms. Val, the threat of guns doesn't really start til about 8th grade." WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! So, I don't have any idea what the Lord will do in THIS area of my life and though it scares the bajeebers (spellcheck loves that one! haha) out of me to say this, I'm willing to do whatever He asks. (oh land sakes!) All I know is that I trust God more than I trust myself or anyone else with the care of my kids and I know that His plans for them are for their benefit, I just don't want to get in His way so I'll do what He asks. UGH.
So here we go. 2009. What will it bring? What will change? What blessings will it hold and what disappointments? Are you as excited as I am? WOOOHOOOOOOO! Here we go........

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Elswick Family Holiday Highlights

Here's a look at some of the highlights of our Holiday season!! ENJOY.....


Happy New Year's!!!!

My man and I at the WV/UNC Bowl game. GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

"Mom this is a Wii game and we don't have a Wii."
WE DO NOW!!!!!!

Trolley Ride with our HS girls and some friends!
Look at this face as we're seeing lights at McAdenville....
Yes that's Kenan!
The Trolley Princesses. ..
You better hold on Jorden!

Party with the Nutcrackers! ;-)
Happy Holidays from the Elswick's!