Celebrate Recovery

A lot of you know Celebrate Recovery is my ministry. It is a Christ centered 12-step program for ANYONE with a hurt, habit or hang up. (I think that covers the entire population) - I really believe there is something in this program for everyone. A common misconception is that it is only for people who are addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex or the "usual" addictions we hear about in secular 12-step programs. For, me it has been an opportunity to deal with past hurts and current unhealthy behaviors. During this process my relationship with Jesus Christ has become much more personal. I am learning to turn control over to God and lean on His promises.

A couple of times a year we have special music nights. Tonight, Greg Coplen came with his band to share his testimony and awesome music all written by him. They were so great and his testimony provided me with the reminder I sometimes need that God is always there. I am the one who hides from Him. All I have to do is reach out and He will take my hand every time I ask him to. But I have to ask! A line in one of his beautiful songs says "God am I, just a step away from going crazy? God are You, just a prayer away from coming to save me? Cause I’m lost, I’m lost." Although I still struggle and have the occasional set back (or relapse in 12-step terms) I am very thankful I am no longer lost. God found me long before I even knew about Him. What an awesome truth!

Come see us on Thursday nights at Concordia or Click here to find a Celebrate Recovery near you. It is a safe place.

New Mini Album & Lunch

Last night I stayed up late making a paper bag mini album for Nicole's pregnancy. I titled it "GREAT EXPECTATIONS". I am pleased with the way it came out & I think she liked it. I tried to get over to give it to her early but Darlene & Jesse were in meetings until noon & I couldn't leave. Poor Nicole was so hungry and wanted to eat. Jesse got a rare and fabulous idea to take Darlene & I to lunch so we suggested Nicole come along. Darlene & I swung around the front and picked Nicole up - she looked so cute with her little belly starting to pooch out I had to take a picture of her.

Here is the album I made with 4 paper lunch bags. I staggered them and cut them to size. There are 3 pockets for pictures and journaling. I set up several spots for pitures.

I made a calendar and circled her due date and titled it. "Coming soon to a hospital near you!"

One of my favorite pages is for her to put a sonogram picture on. The caption says

"There's love in my belly!"

She was so sweet and posed for a photo for me. Isn't she a pretty girl?

Jesse being a total goof ball. He is such a great boss - I am so blessed!

We are proud of our boy Matthew

Our son Matthew has recently moved home. This is a good thing and Mike & I are happy to help him out and know he is coming home with a plan.

Matthew started college in the fall of 2005. His freshman year was a bit of a party but we all know that happens sometimes. He ultimately ended up in San Antonio with a couple of roommates. He has been working full time as well as serving in the Army Reserves on top of attending UTSA full time. He is currently working towards a Criminal Justice degree. Law Enforcement is something Matthew has always had an interest in and it seemed natural for him to pursue.

A funny thing happened along the way. Matthew's full time job was a 911 dispatcher for a company that services Bexar County and other areas that do not have their own 911 systems. He took to it very quickly and always had a story to tell. Some funny but many were very sad. Shortly after he was released to take calls alone. He took a call that I believe changed his life. Just a few seconds into the call Matthew realized he was talking to the brother of a close friend of his that was waiting for a kidney transplant. The brother came home and found him dead in their home. For some reason, God decided Matthew was to take that call. I will never forget his call to me when he told me what happened. A mother never wants to hear that kind of pain in her child's voice. He said he handled the call well and then told his supervisor what had happened. I was very concerned about him after that day but he dusted himself off and went on to work in the dispatch office for several more months. I visited him at work once and he welcomed me to the room that "sucks the life out of you". I personally have no idea how someone can do that job - I would be so bad at it. He soon applied for another job with the company and was transferred to a local hospital to handle ambulance transports from the facility. He has enjoyed the job and they love having him around. While working at the hospital, he has been exposed to many aspects of the health care field and it has sparked a new interest. He put his bachelors degree on hold for a bit and went to school to be an EMT. This semester he is working towards being a Paramedic. We sometimes laugh when we talk about Matthew ending up in the medical field. Never in a million years would I have guessed this. It just shows how mighty God is. He will point us in the direction He wants us to go. I am proud of Matthew for identifying this and moving towards something he enjoys. He is still at the hospital but picks up extra shifts on an ambulance as much as possible and stays very busy.

He sometimes gets a little frustrated because a lot of his friends will be graduating this year but we tell him not to get discouraged and stay focused. While he is at home he hopes to pay off some loans and decide if he wants to continue working towards the Criminal Justice major when he returns to UTSA in the fall.

Keep up the good work, Matthew, we are very proud. We love you and thank God for such a great son!

I had to snap a few pictures as he was heading out last night. Yes, I am proud of him.

Doesn't he look thrilled?

Happy Birthday Bron

It is not very easy making guy cards. Most men don't care for all the embellishments that make scrapbooking and card making fun. No bows, buttons, rhinestones, flowers or pretty colors. I wanted to make a card for Bron with the items I had on hand. This is what I came up with. I think he will like it, it's a manly as a card can get. Have I told you lately that this is fun?

"Working on" sin ....by Andrew Meredith

"Working on" sin

The above is a link to a blog post by Andrew Meredith, a family friend that we have watched grow into a fine young man of God. He gave me permission to share these words with you.

Encouragement Card / Get Well Card

Here are two cards I made today. The first is for a friend who has had a tough time lately. I just wanted her to know she is in my prayers. It looks simple because that is what I am capable of right now. I had awesome visions of doing some embossing on the flap but I broke my tool for doing that. - Bummer... It was my first time using it too. :(

I made my own rub on for the "Just checking in on you". I typed it in word and printed a mirror image on a transparency sheet. As soon as it printed (quickly before it dried) I carefully placed the image on the card and rubbed it gently so the image would transfer on the card. I was kind of impressed! I just wiped the transparency with a paper towel and it can be used again. I will try this trick again soon.

The inside sentiment was just printed in Word with a little trick my friend Cheryl taught me.

I have another friend that has a sick puppy and they are very worried about him. I understand their concern and wanted to make him a little Get Well Soon card. It was fun to make. I used a piece of ribbon for his comforter on the front. I got a little spot of glue on it that of course I am obsessing over. I might put little dog bone over it or let it pass for doggie drool.

Thanks for going along with me in my learning adventure in the land of card making. It's fun! Come over and hang out in my Girl Cave and we can be creative together!

10 THINGS

I got this from sweet Polly. Are you really 25 now, Polly? I just can't believe it.

Here are the rules: If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it on your blog. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain will continue.
Try it! It is fun!
Polly assigned me the letter “B.”

1. BABIES - I love babies, human or animal it doesn't matter. I loved having babies of my own but am thankful they are mostly grown. I am looking forward to being a grandma someday in the future (not too soon) but for now I am enjoying children of friends and co-workers. There is a bit of a baby boom going on at work and I am loving every minute of it. Watch out Nicole, I will be stalking you throughout this pregnancy!

2. BIRTHDAYS - I don't care how old you are, everyone should be treated special on their birthday.

3. BIRTHDAY CAKE - No chocolate please. Preferably, white cake possibly with a custard filling and white frosting. It wouldn't be complete unless it is topped with "Happy Birthday ____" and some colorful flowers.

4. BLING - Nothing too gaudy. But every girl young and old, thin or not, needs a little bit of bling to feel like a girly girl.

5. BIBLE- My Bible brings me up close and personal with God. It tells me how it is. It tells me I am flawed and unworthy but God loves me anyhow and His story can be told through me if I listen, learn and follow His plan for my life.

6. BROWN- Brown is my black. I love brown. I am also my mother's only brown eyed baby.

7. BLUE EYES - Blue is not one of my favorite colors unless it is on your eyeball. My husband and children all have beautiful blue eyes.

8. BEACHES - I love the mountains but enjoy a trip to the beach every now and again. Preferably beaches with white, powdery sand. I have enjoyed beaches in the Caribbean, Texas, California and Florida. Caribbean & Florida beaches being my favorites.

9. BLOGS - I love reading blogs!! All of you are so interesting. Some of your posts get me laughing so hard- I just love that! I especially love your pictures. It is a great way to catch up with friends. I have found gazillion Scrapbook Blogs. I stalk them all frequently and get great ideas. My blog seems quite dull compared to most that I read but I really enjoy it!

10. BAUER (as in Jack Bauer) - CTU field agent on 24.... I am 2 seasons behind so let's not discuss him other than the obvious......He is an incredible hottie and when he is passed out, surrounded by terrorists and nerve gas, and handcuffed to a table leg, Jack Bauer laughs to himself and says, "I have them right where I want them."

LUNCH WITH GOOD FRIENDS

Miriam left for Brazil today so we decided to get together with Kelly for lunch to say good bye. We don't get to see Kelly much so it is always a treat when we get together. We laughed so hard that I am sure people were wondering what we were drinking! Miriam was a little nervous about being gone for a whole month without Ely and is also concerned that she may get sick while traveling. We prayed for safe travel and fun times for her and her family.

Mimi & her buddy Darlene

Good Friends

This is a straw but looks like I disconnected my oxygen tube.