Call me crazy!!

This is my Godstop Friday post Patty! And, I'm feeling wild so y'all bear with me!! :)

This song is not a new one and its on my Ipod bc I simply love, love, love it. And...while out walking a few weeks ago...the sweet Lord told me to hear the words with Him in mind.

And....so I did. And, I can't stop listening to it. And....it's one UNBELIEVABLE song to put on your ipod and hit the streets.

I promise...stop.....take the time...listen to it all....through a different set of ears.

You'll be jammin! You'll be having a blast!! You'll love to get out and go for that walk if you've got this music in your ears.

Take a chance...listen up! I love it!

Happy Friday...

Drama King

Are you wondering who I am talking about??

Could it be this guy??

Or maybe its this guy?



I don't know...these guys could be dramatic couldn't they??



Well, the drama king I'm talking about is not any of these handsome guys.

I don't know about you...but when I hear the phrase "drama queen" I get a little annoyed. I am not a fan of the drama queen adult. And...I'm not sure if I have ever heard a man called a "drama king." Have you??

Well, since it was Wednesday morning and the crew was all still in the bed at 8:30, I had a prime time opportunity to watch our beloved, Beth Moore, on Life Today. I hope you got a chance to see it. If not, PLEASE check this one out on the web.

Something cool I got out of it and want to share is this....

God is the biggest adventure of your life. HE is the ultimate drama King!

However, we all tend to be satisfied, comfortable, and content right where we are. Are you one of those people?? I am. Isn't it much easier and safer to stay in that comfort zone??

She said that if we are compelled by comfort then we will miss the greatest adventure of our lives. In order to "go" somewhere new, we have to leave.

One more time...

In order to "go" somewhere new, we have to leave.

Ouch.

Our calling is probably and most likely way out of our comfort zone.

Ouch again.

My 2 cents is this....If you are feeling content, bored, not thrilled by God, or feeling at ease....it is probably time to see and listen how He is ready to take you to a new place.

I do believe that God has ants in His pants and is completely anxious for us to get them too.

He's completely ready to move us girls.

Think about a crazy, scary, thrilling time in your life when you thought you would never come out alive but could look back on it and found it to be the most fun of your life and one of the closest times with Christ. That is the adventure!!

I want an adventure with Him. I don't want to miss it. I know it's going to be scary and in the uncomfortable zone. I want to go. I really do.

I'm scared to death though.

"Lord, I know that you have new places for me. I have felt it coming for awhile. Would you please increase my belief and faith in You so that I can quit digging my feet in the sand and go with You?"

Let's go everybody! Ask Him where He wants to take you. It's going to be worth it. We can do it. If you have done "Believing God" then you know the 5 statements of faith. I'm going to find my workbook and read them again. And, then pray hard!!

hugs and blessings,

Fran

Wonder what I did all weekend??

This is my life.

These are my boys.

This is my family that I cherish and have a complete blast with!!!

Thank you Franklin TN for a fabulous time!

Hope you are having fun and loving Summer!

Hugs and blessings~
Fran

So thankful....

It's Friday morning and my children....and myself I might add.....have finished another year of school and I'm so thrilled to be done!! Welcome Summer! I just love you!



As I spent so much of yesterday and even this morning as I wake up, my heart is still aching for the Chapman family. Please continue to pray for them. I will not post again for 3 days and will follow suit with the idea set by Beth Moore and her team.



My heart is full this morning as I thank God for the friendship I have with Teri. Y'all, she is just the coolest, most real girl, in love with Jesus, loves her family to pieces, and is a friend for life. Add her to your blogroll and read her entries often. She blesses me deeply.



And, I got to talk to her on the phone yesterday! Yes I did!! We talked for probably 2 hours!!
Oh, how I praise God for each and every one of you and the special meaning you hold in my life!

Press on with Him because He simply shines beautifully through each and every one of you.



I will be in Nashville this weekend to celebrate my dads 70th birthday and spend time with family. My boys are also playing in a baseball tournament there. My heart will enjoy every bit of my family that will surround me. But, I can't help but think of the Chapman's and all they are going through on the very same days.



Hug the ones you love. Tell them you love them. Live hard for Christ. Keep Him at the center of all things!!



Thank you Patty for hosting Godstop Fridays. I love you friend. I wish I could see you this weekend. I'll email you if I think it will work out. :)

Hugs and blessings~
Fran

Today we have to pray for them

Please pray for Steven Curtis Chapman and family and the tragic death over their daughter. I got this text from Fox News and from Travis Cottrell's website. Please pray for them. My heart is breaking for all of them.

The girl, Maria, was hit in a driveway on the family residence Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

McPherson said no charges are expected.

"It looks like a tragic accident," she said.

She said several members of the Chapman family witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County just south of Nashville.

The brother apparently did not see the little girl, McPherson said. She did not have the name or exact age of the brother, only that he is an older teenager.

The girl died later at Vanderbilt Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.
Chapman, originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria.

Chapman has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association.


The singer's Web site said that Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.

The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007, according to the Web site.

"After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing — our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that," Chapman says on the Web site. "We've really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don't think so. I believe God is saying, 'I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world."

Chapman also has released a book about being a father entitled "Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess."

You can read more and watch a beautiful video from a blog set up by his manager here.

Prayers being lifted~
Fran

My heart is oozing!

Well...

How was the weekend?? I have officially become a redneck with this beautiful baseball tan thing I have going on....the tshirt lines, the tank top lines, the sock lines, the flip flop lines, and all the other signs of being outside in the sun with no sunscreen. I've learned my lesson....apply sunscreen. I know.

So, I've been thinking back on this past school year. I am completely grateful for my children's teachers, their level of faithfulness, committment, service, and heart for these kids and the Lord.
I'm also grateful for the people at church that have also lead them spiritually this past year. Their Sunday school teachers and their Wednesday night leaders have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Phil. 1:3 says, "I thank my God every time I remember you."

I'm doing a lot of remembering right now and my heart is truly oozing gratitude and love.

As someone that works in the church, I'm extra grateful for those who have been these spiritual teachers this past year. I have seen this years group be completely creative and truly be enthused about growing these children closer and closer to Christ. What a blessing. I just love them!

I also spend this time of the year looking backwards thinking about children's ministry at church....

What could we have done better?

What didn't work?

What should we have done??

What would I like to see for the next school year?

So, my beloved bloggy friends....here is where you come in. I need your help. I need your ideas.

Tell me something that your church does....especially in children's ministry.....that you absolutely love. Tell me something that you think is fun that is going on in your church. And, if you want to throw in something regarding Women's Ministry....feel free to do so! :)

You are going to help me out so much. I think the sun got to my brain a little this weekend and the brain activity is a little flat. I know y'all are creative and also have some amazing things going on in your own church!

I can't wait for your ideas! Bring 'em on internets!!



I'm grateful for so much. And, you are a part of this oozing heart today!

hugs and blessings~
Fran

God Stop Friday!

WOO HOO!! It's Friday!!! Are y'all as happy as I am?? This time next week, I'll be into full blown Summer mentality!

Thank you Jesus. I truly thank you for another good year of school and teachers.

I just love Patty and the fact that she causes me to stop and reflect how I've seen God this past week. I hope you have a fabulous weekend Patty. You are a treasure to all of us who call you friend!

There are many things that God and I are working through but I believe the biggest one right now....is this....

"We're moving forward, Fran."

I have felt this deep desire within my heart that He is pushing me to go into areas of ministry within my church that I normally don't go. I might dabble here and there, but there is something different brewing and I'm waiting for the glorious revelation! :)

So, in the meantime, I'm already asking Him for the strength and courage that I will need as He reveals His path.

He's also telling me it's time to step it up a notch with complete passion for Him. And, I think He's telling me to live fully in Him. I'm already passionate for Him, but in some areas of daily living and in certain relationships, it's time to step it up and QUIT LIVING IN MEDIOCRITY!!

So....I'm ready. I'm willing. I know I am able through His Holy Spirit within me!!

Have a great weekend doing whatever it is you have going on and whoever it involves! Just don't forget to take hold of Jesus in everything you do and with everyone you are around!!

Be free. Be full. Be alive!!

Hugs and blessings~

Fran

Mid-week confessional

Oh friends....We are days away from finishing school and my brain is so fried, done, could care less, and completely checked out from the whole school thing. Aren't we all a little weary by this stage of the game??

I'm so glad my children's teachers don't read this blog and I do have more than one kid....ya know...lets make it tricky and sneaky to try to figure who I'm talking about! :)

I must confess. I did one of my kids entire math page for him last night. I did every bit of it. We thought that going to watch friends play baseball was way more important than doing school work. How's that for fine example setting?? So....I'm clearing my mind and heart by letting you know. It's really bothering me this morning.

Exactly who does he think did his work for him? The math fairy?? I'm not asking.

I'm about to watch Beth Moore on Life Today and watch her probably teach something on lying, cheating or doing your kids work for them!!

Have a great day. I really need some divine intervention to get through these next few days. Begging for Summer! :)
Hugs~
Fran

Hey everybody!!

Did you have a fabulous weekend?? We had a GREAT time in Birmingham over the weekend.

I really liked that place....totally wanted to move there. ;)

Lets get the disappointing news over with first.....

1. No trip to World Series in Disney for our 10 yr old guys. Lets just say those Alabama Bombers are "it!" WOW! Had a fun, fun time but didn't make it to Orlando in August.

2. Games were pushed back Sunday morning and that completely messed up my ability to go hear David Platt at the Church of Brook Hills. VERY VERY SAD about that.

Ok....that's the "not so fun" news so lets move onto some food for thought. And, boy, have I been thinking on this one.

Got a question for you. Its been gnawing at me all weekend long.

What is your passion??

I tell ya one thing....there are some intense parents during competitive sporting events. I could cut some tension with a knife during a few games. I've come a long way in this area of my life.
By nature, I'm very competitive. So....when a game gets going....you better watch out. However, this part of my life is now under control and the sweet Lord has been able to tame this crazy girl and this part of my life. I've learned to "settle down."

However, there are some parents out there who get really...really worked up during some games. Sometimes that's ok and sometimes you just want to say, "chill out...its just a 10 yr old baseball game."

What if I took that passionate, competitive nature that God gave me and channeled it into something for the Kingdom. Hmmmmm.....

I want you to pray about and think about what you are passionate about regarding the kingdom.

Can you name one or two things??

And, are you going after them?? With that same passion and intensity that you might have in other areas of your life??

I'll be honest.....I am not going after some things that I would really love to do for His church.
Why??? Fear. Failure. Missing the mark.

So....I'm praying now for some "take it up a notch" intensity when it comes to His Kingdom.

What is your passion?? Are you pursuing it?? We all have passions. But, what is yours for the church and for Him??

Go after it!! We each have a calling.

Ephesians 4:1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

I want to live my life worthy of the calling He has given me. I bet you do too.


Blessings and hugs~
Fran

Sending some love out to ya!!

Happy Mothers Day weekend to all you mothers out there!!

I am leaving town to watch our 2nd son play in a pretty cool baseball tournament in Birmingham AL. Now, we normally don't go this far, but this tourney is especially cool.

The winner......goes to........

DISNEY WORLD!!! Did you hear that???

DISNEY WORLD World Series in August!

His team is already qualified for another world series in Birmingham in July, but this one in Orlando is the big daddy for their age group.

I know you will be so anxious on Monday to find out how they did. I may be worn slick, but I'll manage to give you a "thumbs up" or a very sad look of, "we ain't going."

So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, please know that, as I visit Church of Brook Hills, that this momma will be giving thanks for each and every mom or daughter that I've come to know through this blog.

May God's presence be the thrill of your heart and His blessings and favor be upon you and your families.

And, GO TEAM GO!!

Hugs and blessings~
Fran

A little Tuesday afternoon heaven...

Look where I got to go Tuesday!!! It was simply beautiful, peaceful, and so much fun in such a short period of time!!



That was a view from my sweet friend Lesley's cabin at the River somewhere in TN.
I'm not 100% sure where I was, but it sure didn't matter!!

Ok...here we are heading out in the water in our kayaks! Yes. Kayaks!!!




Y'all it was so much fun!! My kayak was right on top of the water. We saw a snake.
Lesley jumped...not out of the kayak, but she took that paddle and seriously took that baby backward quickly!!

I got stuck trying to turn around and ended up just going side to side, bank to bank, and couldn't get that puppy around. After a good hard laugh, I pulled it together and got "her" facing the right way.

Here I am sticking my tongue out after that fiasco!



There were so many fish swimming in that water too. Lesley has some serious eyes or special fish vision because she could spot 'em a mile away....and I'd be over there going..."where??? Where are they??? I don't see them??? Where'd they go??" That probably didn't get on her nerves! :)

We also saw a duck blind that had a momma goose on top.....and we do believe she was dead....and her babies were still underneath her wing....and they were yellow too. Anybody know why baby geese are a different color?? The daddy goose was swimming in the water on the other side of the blind. He was clearly protecting his youngins. He didn't seem to be upset by us. He must have sensed the mothering skills in us were alright.



Ok, we only had a short time to have all this fun because we had to get back to pick up the kids from school. I learned so much from my wonderful outdoorsy friend. I did ask 401 questions about everything under the sun.

I could write pages on how sweet my friend, Lesley is, but she would probably kill me. I hope you have someone in your life that is just the real deal...nothing hidden, honest, loyal, loves God with all her heart, sincere, family is everything, dedicated, blah blah blah.... You get how wonderful she is.

I love ya Lesley! Proverbs 13:20 says this..."He who walks with the wise grow wise."

She makes me wise and I happen to have a blast with her too! :)

The underdog...

Don't we all love the underdog?? Don't we all just jump up and down like fools when the underdog comes back and wins a game....football, baseball, basketball....whatever the sport may be....we'll cheer hard if the underdog is about to pull off an upset.

It's early this morning as I'm typing this out...and I sure haven't had my coffee yet so the brain is a little sleepy still....but, aren't there some good movies about the underdog beating the odds??
Wasn't "We are Marshall" that kind of story....they all got killed in the plane crash and the new football team beats the odds??? Was that the right movie??? Anyway, if its not, I'm clearly putting 2 movies together and have that non-movie in my head as a really good movie! :)

Anyway, my story is this....

Over the weekend, all 3 of my boys played in a baseball tournament away from home.
We had lots of ballgames on Saturday and lots of ballgames on Sunday. My youngest little guy's team, taught me another lesson Sunday afternoon.....

PERSEVERANCE and DETERMINATION and DON'T GIVE UP!!!

This little 7 yr old team made it to the championship game as the underdog yesterday. The team we were playing could hit home run after home run after home run. Our boys were down 4-0 or 5-0 and those little guys came back and won the dern game 8-7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is nothing like the excitement of watching your team come from behind and win the BIG game and noone saw it coming!! Oh, how I love the underdog. My son fell asleep on the way home, with his 1st ever trophy, buckled in with him laying right up against his worn out body! Ahhhhhhh......



I know for a fact there are underdogs all around us. There might even be one in your home.
Maybe one of your kids has to work a little bit harder than the next to just get by. Maybe there is a kid who is friends with your kid and they are the underdog.

Who is this person in your life???

Would you spend a few minutes thinking about who this person might be.....child or adult or both. Make a good effort....and I mean really good effort....to pray for this person daily for one week! Pray hard for that person to persevere, be determined, and not give up in whatever is hard or frustrating for them.

Can we do that??

Oh, I'm so excited.....I've got a few in my mind.

Hebrews 10:24 says this..."And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Who do you need to spur on?? You never know what will happen....In reality, we all know the feeling of being the underdog and know the need for some spurring on!

Hugs and blessings~
Fran

It's Friday!!!!

Yeah baby! It's Friday and that means it's God Stop Friday!! Thank you sweet Patty for hosting this. I absolutely love reading how God is at work in everyone's lives.

Well....here are a few things that have been sweet and personal for me this week.

I have never lived in a house that had pretty flowers already there.....I mean, I'll plant things in pots for the Spring and Summer, but we've never had anything in the ground already that bloomed something....just the usual shrubs and bushes and things....So, we moved into this house in the dead of winter so we had no idea what these brown dead things would become in the Spring....and, look what we have now....HOLY COW....she is beautiful and I could stare at her all day long!!

Don't ask me what it is bc I don't know. My guess is that she's a rose bush of some kind bc of the thorny things on the branches and leaves. No...I don't have much knowledge in the area of horticulture....I just know what I like and don't like...and does it live in sun or shade! :)

Ok, another thing that happened for me this week......the Lord told me over and over again to CHANGE MY ATTITUDE in an area of life that can get me so bloomin frustrated! And, who other than your 7 yr old to teach you the concept of a good attitude. You can find that post below.

Also, the Lord has been teaching me the importance of taking care of this body of mine. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I need to be better at taking care of it. If you want the name of a CD teaching from our beloved, Beth Moore, I'll email you the name of it. She taught on this subject a few years ago at a conference in Las Vegas and it is OUTSTANDING!

Finally, I got to sleep in a very small twin bed last night in the room with one of my boys. One of the kids was gone on an overnight field trip and the other one WOULD NOT sleep without the other one there. How sweet is that?? So, I had the joy of going to bed at 8:30 with a darling little boy who tickled me to death once it was time to go to sleep.

He said "I love you mom" at least 10 times. He tossed and turned and tried desperately to get comfy. I snuggled right in and had no problem with that. He made some hilarious noises that I don't know what they were or where they came from!

A truly sweet time to be with him at night, but to also lay in that "empty" bed and pray for that son who was gone.

Hope you have a great weekend. Watch and listen for God. He's everywhere and in all things!
Hugs and blessings~
Fran