Lots to catch up on…
1) For the last two/three months my hubby has been brokering a deal for our church to move into a new facility. We’re a church plant that meets in a high school cafeteria and for seven years volunteers have tirelessly set up and torn down our church each and every Sunday (364 times).
Christmas Eve at 12:15pm we received a call that our deal was approved and so this past weekend we started to move in. The last few days have been 10+ hour days of packing, unpacking, organizing, moving, lifting, painting, and all that other fun stuff…it is an INCREDIBLE opportunity for our church family and we are so very thankful!
2) The kids have had me running here and there, high and low for all the last minute projects, events, etc. that comes right before Winter Break (oh how I love the Winter Break). They are doing great and I have loved being home with them for two weeks (no car lines, lunch boxes, getting up early).
3) The in loves came the weekend after Christmas and stayed for five days. It was great to relax and hang with them while they were here. My mother in love can cook something fierce and blessed us with some amazing southern cooking while she was here.
4) I never did get around to decorating the Christmas tree this year. Yep, you read that right, we didn’t put up any ornaments on the two trees in our house. Not a single one. This year it was all about SIMPLICITY (or maybe that’s what I told myself so that I wouldn’t feel guilty, ha!).
5) It’s January 4th and I still haven’t made a move to put away all the Christmas decorations. No, there weren’t any ornaments, but I did decorate the house and think I may keep it up until Valentine’s…no, not really.
6) I’m in the process of building a board to get “Mel’s World Ministry” incorporated and officially off the ground. (Which is exciting and scary all at the same time.) I’ve set up a schedule of Praise & Coffee nights for 2010 and various Women’s Small Groups for 2010 as well.
7) My mom is doing GREAT! She started her breast cancer journey this past year (March/April 2009) and has finished her surgery, chemo, and radiation treatments. She’s healthy, happy, and has even stopped wearing her wig. She looks so cute and sassy with her new short hair. I’ll try to snag you a pic…it’s adorable!
8) The Godly Gals series is growing like crazy! Who would have thought that something as simple as showcasing “Real Women, Real Life, and Real Faith” would strike up such a cord. I’ve been meeting some of the MOST amazing women, reading their stories, and watching God take their everyday, ordinary life for His glory (Romans 12:2)…how awesome is that?
Thanks for being a part of my life, ministry, and friends!
Seeking JOY on the Journey,
Ok the no decorations made me laugh =)) But I think that is cool. I also loved hearing about how God has moved in your church. May this new location bring many blessings in the New Year.
Enjoyed reading this. I too have enjoyed the no car lines, no picking up kids, etc. I think it is just as hard on parents (if not more) to go back after vacation. And here I thought my parents did not understand.
Happy New Year.
its cute how you call your in law in loves. good luck with your minstires and god bless your family this year.
So glad to read all your latest news! You've had much going on in your world. Such wonderful news about your move into a church building. And I loved reading that your mom is doing well. Good for her to be sporting a new hairdo. That brings a smile to my face. It sounds like your husband's parents are great people. Love that his mom cooked some great southern dishes for you. Yummy.
Hugs,
Debbie
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the faithfulness of your church volunteers! Hallelujah for those that see the vision for furthering God's Kingdom! PTL!!!
We have been part of a church plant as well, but have only setting up & taking down for a year and a half so far. 🙂 Being part of the team has been an incredible experience! But, we couldn't do what we are doing without the help of our whole church family!
I am so excied to hear that God is moving you on! I can not wait to hear what 2010 brings for you, your family & your church!
Praying God will give all of you EXTRA-ordinary strength to get the new church established. Remember to take time to rest as well. 🙂
Take lots of pictures and be sure to have someone documenting the journey!
Woooohoooo!!!!
Have an AWESOME 2010!!!
So thrilled about your new building!!! It's going to be great because you all have the right hearts! No looking for your own glory or building your own kingdom…it's all for the glory of God and He honors that!!!
Love ya! I hear you're having cool weather this week… 🙂
Seriously Lori…NO Ornaments…I felt really horrible about it at first then realized there was something really sweet about the simplicity!
Angelretreat…thanks! The in-loves are such a blessing and this ministry season is sure to be exciting!
Debbie…it's AWESOME, right?
Karla…thank you so much, we need that extra-ordinary strength right now, there's so much to do, but we're singing, dancing, and praising Him while we do it…what a blessing!
7 years, wow! so glad a provision was made for you guys!
loved the non-decorated tree idea! makes for easy clean up! 🙂
As a part of a church plant about to celebrate our ONE YEAR anniversary of convenanting together, your move to a more permanent location is so EXCITING! Great is the Lord and worthy of praise! He is indeed faithful to provide!
Make no mistakes about it. God is moving greatly in your life and ministry! PTL on the new church "Home" that is wonderful to hear.
PTL with your Mom, what a blessing this this must be for many people.
I have to giggle at the tree. I did not feel like really decorating, (I was busy making sure our military families had a good christmas)so I cut out MANY paper snow flakes and was so taken at the beauty of it, I think I may do this again next year. I cut them the kids put them on the tree.
All of my Christmas stuff was put away shortly after Christmas. I am getting ready for a summer move Hopfully to FL(the cape)
You have done such gret work, I am proud to call you friend and let all my friends know of what a great blog you have.