Spending time with Dave's Family in Michigan. We were able to celebrate Dave's 40th birthday with his family.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Downtown chicago
Wrigley Field Home of the Chicago Cubs
Indian Garden/Mosque visit
This is the mosque that we visited. We had to wear long pants and shoulders covered, but all women that attended were covered completely. The men came in some casual dressed, some traditionally dressed in full coverings. The sign in the front reads: No One is worthy of worship except Allah, and Mohammad(SAW) is His Messenger.
Photos from Chicago Mission Trip
Dave Carter was a member from our church and my partner with the kid's camp, Brennan-a very special person. He lives near the Empowerment Center and has touched my life. Don Noblett another team member, Noah-participant in the camp.
Here I am with Leyda. She is an 11 year old girl. She is the oldest of 6. Her mother is 29 and expecting another one this coming month.
Frank Geremia our mission team leader.
The area where we had our camp each night. During the daytime it was a dog park.
Our team: Armon, Franklin, Leyda, Lisbeth, Noah, Chase, JessicaChicago Mission Trip
I just returned from my Chicago mission trip and visit to Michigan with the family. I don't even know where to begin, but I do know that when you put away the cell phones, the internet, and television and focus only on God he teaches you some amazing things.
From July 12-19th I was in Rogers Park-Chicago, IL. serving the Family Empowerment Center with a team of about 18 from my church-Living Faith Alliance(www.lfachurch.org). God had called me there for some reason, but I didn't know why except that I was to go. I had no expectations except to do whatever the Lord asked of us. The first day we were able to learn about the area. It was a very diverse community with 40 primary languages spoken and very little of it being English. 1 in 6 lived in poverty and 1 in 6 made over $200,000. There were kids involved with gangs and drugs. We did prayer walks; had training that prepared us spiritually, mentally, and physically. I was able to start most mornings with a run with two other team members. We would run down towards Lake Shore Drive and along Michigan Lake. It was beautiful and quiet and a great way to begin each day. We would come back shower, eat and prepare for a time of worship, a time of scripture
and direction into the work needed for the day. One of our main goals was to promote the center and it's services to the community. Family Empowerment center is a faith based, non-profit organization designed to bring the community together through tutoring, after-school programs, mom's clubs, camps and sunday evening worship. We would go around and hand out free bottles of water to the community while encouraging them to participate in an upcoming project called City Clean 2009. City Clean is designed to clean up the Rogers Park area. People were hesitant to take free bottles of water, but as the week progressed we found God working and opening up the hearts of those we came into contact with. We even had the opportunity to pray for some of the homeless people we met. The second call we had was to serve as camp leaders for their soccer camp. We had 65 kids sign up ranging in ages of 4-12. We set up soccer stations for the kids to learn drills. They would work on that for the first hour. The second hour was spiritual filled with a time of worship, a skit that started on Monday and left them with question " How do we enter into Heaven" They had to wait to Friday. Each night taught them a little bit more. The focus was thier salvation and so along with each new idea came a color and at the end of the week a bracelet for each of them. Known as a Salvation Bracelet. Monday was about Heaven(yellow), Tuesday-sin(black), Wednesday-death of Christ(red), Thursday-resurrection and trusting in Christ(White), Friday-everlasting life through our belief in Christ(green). After each skit and bible teaching the kids had time with us in a small group so that we could ask/answer questions and pray. There is a story, too long to tell right now, about a guy who was 43,named Brennan, he was a coach and member of the community who really took to our group and worked with us all week long. God put him in my life for a reason and it was for me to remember that we are all God's children, it took some praying but each day God showed me just how special he was and I am so blessed to have worked with him. The soccer camp was a great way for members of the community to come together. I know it sounds all good and not too bad so here is why we were called there. While working with the children and doing God's will and teaching about scripture and spreading the good word, drug deals were being made around the perimeter of the fence. Homeless people walked with their shopping carts, Projects and run-down housing was our view. On one of our last days there we had teaching on the Islamic religion, we ate in Little India and had a chance to experience that culture for a day. We visited a mosque and witnessed things very difficult to blog about at this time. But the pictures I will post may help describe the lonliness of that culuture. Our last day was spent in downtown Chicago sight seeing. It was a great way to end the week. We were able to see the Willis Tower(formerly the Sears Tower), Millenium Park, and Chicago Cubs stadium. I had one of my first true experiences on the public transportation system of Chicago. We got to sing Amazing Grace in a subway full of people and that was a beautiful experience. But for the time we were there God's great hand protected us as he taught us. I went to serve and I have come backed changed. I ask my friends and family that follow my blog to keep The Family Empowerment Center in your thoughts and prayers. There mission has just begun and the foundation has been laid, but prayer is needed to keep it alive.
From July 12-19th I was in Rogers Park-Chicago, IL. serving the Family Empowerment Center with a team of about 18 from my church-Living Faith Alliance(www.lfachurch.org). God had called me there for some reason, but I didn't know why except that I was to go. I had no expectations except to do whatever the Lord asked of us. The first day we were able to learn about the area. It was a very diverse community with 40 primary languages spoken and very little of it being English. 1 in 6 lived in poverty and 1 in 6 made over $200,000. There were kids involved with gangs and drugs. We did prayer walks; had training that prepared us spiritually, mentally, and physically. I was able to start most mornings with a run with two other team members. We would run down towards Lake Shore Drive and along Michigan Lake. It was beautiful and quiet and a great way to begin each day. We would come back shower, eat and prepare for a time of worship, a time of scripture
and direction into the work needed for the day. One of our main goals was to promote the center and it's services to the community. Family Empowerment center is a faith based, non-profit organization designed to bring the community together through tutoring, after-school programs, mom's clubs, camps and sunday evening worship. We would go around and hand out free bottles of water to the community while encouraging them to participate in an upcoming project called City Clean 2009. City Clean is designed to clean up the Rogers Park area. People were hesitant to take free bottles of water, but as the week progressed we found God working and opening up the hearts of those we came into contact with. We even had the opportunity to pray for some of the homeless people we met. The second call we had was to serve as camp leaders for their soccer camp. We had 65 kids sign up ranging in ages of 4-12. We set up soccer stations for the kids to learn drills. They would work on that for the first hour. The second hour was spiritual filled with a time of worship, a skit that started on Monday and left them with question " How do we enter into Heaven" They had to wait to Friday. Each night taught them a little bit more. The focus was thier salvation and so along with each new idea came a color and at the end of the week a bracelet for each of them. Known as a Salvation Bracelet. Monday was about Heaven(yellow), Tuesday-sin(black), Wednesday-death of Christ(red), Thursday-resurrection and trusting in Christ(White), Friday-everlasting life through our belief in Christ(green). After each skit and bible teaching the kids had time with us in a small group so that we could ask/answer questions and pray. There is a story, too long to tell right now, about a guy who was 43,named Brennan, he was a coach and member of the community who really took to our group and worked with us all week long. God put him in my life for a reason and it was for me to remember that we are all God's children, it took some praying but each day God showed me just how special he was and I am so blessed to have worked with him. The soccer camp was a great way for members of the community to come together. I know it sounds all good and not too bad so here is why we were called there. While working with the children and doing God's will and teaching about scripture and spreading the good word, drug deals were being made around the perimeter of the fence. Homeless people walked with their shopping carts, Projects and run-down housing was our view. On one of our last days there we had teaching on the Islamic religion, we ate in Little India and had a chance to experience that culture for a day. We visited a mosque and witnessed things very difficult to blog about at this time. But the pictures I will post may help describe the lonliness of that culuture. Our last day was spent in downtown Chicago sight seeing. It was a great way to end the week. We were able to see the Willis Tower(formerly the Sears Tower), Millenium Park, and Chicago Cubs stadium. I had one of my first true experiences on the public transportation system of Chicago. We got to sing Amazing Grace in a subway full of people and that was a beautiful experience. But for the time we were there God's great hand protected us as he taught us. I went to serve and I have come backed changed. I ask my friends and family that follow my blog to keep The Family Empowerment Center in your thoughts and prayers. There mission has just begun and the foundation has been laid, but prayer is needed to keep it alive.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Today is our wedding anniversary-8 amazing years. It seems like it was just yesterday and as I look at my husband and our two children I realize how blessed I am. Who would of thought that taking a Health and Wellness class would lead to a marriage proposal. Dave a true Notre Dame fan-born and raised in Niles, MI takes a coaching opportunity here at Rowan-coaching with former roomates of my dad-small world. Dave proposed to me at the Amway Grand in Grand rapids, MI on New Year's Eve Dec 31, 1999. What a way to start the 2000s. We were married at St. Charles in Sewell, NJ and had a wonderful reception at Nicolosi's in Woodbury. We went to Aruba for a honeymoon and what an amazing time it was. The bridal party included my sister as the maid of honor, along with my childhood best friend Stacey, Michele, Evelyn, and Rebecca were bridesmaids as well. Dave's side included Devon, Rusty, Sparks, Billy and Terry. It was a beautiful day. Our wedding song is by Mark Cohen-My True Companion. Dave you are my one and only true companion. Every step of my life is better because you are in it. The way you love me, honor me, listen to me, respect me, and love me shows through to our friends and family. The father and friend you are bring such joy to my life.
So today on our 8th anniversary I want to tell you that I love you and can't wait to see what the next 8 years has in store for us.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Getting ready to serve the Lord
This week I begin preparations to serve the Lord. I am going on a mission trip to Chicago, IL. I will be with a team of 17 lead by Frank Germia. We will be serving the Family Empowerment Center in the Nothern part of Chicago (Rogers Park area).
We will be trained in areas of the Holy Spirit/Spiritual Battles, the Culture-Urban Dynamics, Loving Our Neighbors-Servant Evangelism, visiting with Hindus and Muslims. We are a church on mission going to serve others and come back change. I am excited to see what God has planned for me and to let him have complete control. In the evenings we will be working with AWANA soccer camp. The mission is is to glorify God, love my neighbors and stregthen urban familes through the power of Jesus Christ.
For more information on where I will be here is the link:
http://www.familyempower.org/index
I am asking for prayer of our team of 19. Pray for our safety, pray for God to great things in our lives, that we come back changed, continuing to serve the Lord.
Bible verses to keep me strong during this week of preparation:
John 4:34-38 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Romans 12:4-8 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
2 Corinthians 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
We will be trained in areas of the Holy Spirit/Spiritual Battles, the Culture-Urban Dynamics, Loving Our Neighbors-Servant Evangelism, visiting with Hindus and Muslims. We are a church on mission going to serve others and come back change. I am excited to see what God has planned for me and to let him have complete control. In the evenings we will be working with AWANA soccer camp. The mission is is to glorify God, love my neighbors and stregthen urban familes through the power of Jesus Christ.
For more information on where I will be here is the link:
http://www.familyempower.org/index
I am asking for prayer of our team of 19. Pray for our safety, pray for God to great things in our lives, that we come back changed, continuing to serve the Lord.
Bible verses to keep me strong during this week of preparation:
John 4:34-38 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Romans 12:4-8 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
2 Corinthians 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
1 Timothy 4:12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
How we celebrated America's Birthday
Me, Nicci, and Jules
In the Pool
Ladder Golf
Cassidy, Alli, and Peyton-best friends
The day started with us hanging around the house. I was able to go for a very relaxing 5 mile run. A new route today and during my run I focused on how lucky we are to live in America where I can go for a run and the freedom I have here in this country. After showers and a light lunch we packed the bags with swim suits, towels, and a dry change of clothes for the long day ahead. We went to Nicci and Jamie's for their annual 4th of July BBQ. The kids got to play with their friends, swim in the pool and eat lots of yummy food. I got to play ladder golf with my girls and me and my partner Amy won the first game. Peyton and Carson swam so much. Peyton has learned to dive in off of the diving board and swim across the pool to the shallow end. She has also learned to do a forward flip in the water. Carson is learning as well. He likes to swim with his bubble and jump off the board doing cannon balls. He also is learning to swim without the bubble. He was jumping in and bouncing off the bottom today. It was hard to get them out of the pool, but eventually we did and into dry clothes. As it started to get darker we packed up our things and headed towards Williamstown to watch the fireworks. As we waited we were able to watch some parachute jumpers. The fireworks were great and the kids enjoyed playing with their glow in the dark necklaces.
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