In Him

Winbourne Clean Up

2007-10-21T08:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an awesome day, to say the least. Glenn, Jordan, Ashlyn Mitch, Kenny, Melee and I all helped out at the Winbourne clean up day. I was so touched by how many servants showed up. We had at least 250 people to show up ... what an awesome move of God. My job was to dust every nook and cranny of the pews of this beautiful facility. As I dusted each one, God began to show me the many faces that would sit in these very pews and come to know the Lord. I was so excited to be a part of something so wonderful.

One thing that really stuck out to me was this. A man walked up with his two young daughters...probrably 4 and 6, and asked was there anything that he could do that they could do also. So I told him that the dusting would probrably be fun for his two girls. So they all began to dust with us. I really thought how wonderful it was that this man took a saturday morning to spend with his daughters teaching them about servanthood. What a great age to learn to take ownership of the house of God. I couldn't think of too many daddys that would spend a saturday morning with his young kids working, but he obviously understands this "kingdom principal" and wants his girls to value it also...AWESOME!!!!

Mamma P

New Addition

2007-10-15T12:25:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share with everyone our latest addition to the family. She has added so much to my life since we got her. So much has been taken from my life and it's refreshing to see her precious little face. Glenn travels 40 weeks a year, Julia is back in Germany, Ashlyn goes more to her dad's, and Jordan's moved out. SHE HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT ON MY LIFE. Her name is Miley and I love her like a kid. I finally understand how people go crazy over their dogs!!!

Mamma P

Wii is more than a wee bit of fun!!!

2007-10-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

So yep, I finally broke down yesterday and bought a Wii. I have been wanting one cuz it's such good family fun. Ashlyn, Mitch and I played last nite and my arm is actually sore. So I guess it is kinda sorta exercise for the kids. Haha for the big kids too!!!!

Esther

2007-09-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

So I have been meaning to post about Refuge wed nite but things always seem to get crazy. But anyway, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Haviland. She really got her preach on Wed nite. She went into the story of Esther, which is my second favorite woman in the bible( Ruth is my fav).

Two particular points stood out to me. The first one was how while Esther was an orphan, her name was "Hadassah." But then when she became queen her name became Esther. And I love this point that Sarah made...Isn't in interesting that once Eshter became queen, she was never referred to as Hadassah. The thought that she had us ponder is could it be that once she became queen, her past was gone and that God only saw her as her new creation... Esther. I love that our past doesn't matter to God because he sees us for who we are. Why is it that so often we let our past affect our future, and what we've done affect what we do.

The second point that had me thinking was how even though Esther was fearful, she remained obedient. And that really hit home for me. Because so often I let fear nestle around in my mind and then get off track for what God would have me do. I love when Esther said "If I perish, I perish. I want to have that kind of courage and will, to do whatever God calls me to do. Overcoming fear builds faith, and lets face it, we are lost without faith.

Exciting news

2007-09-08T20:21:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn found out Friday afternoon that she made Dutctown's 2007 Homecoming Court. I know you are probrably thinking what I thought ...so much of the flesh. However, Ashlyn is so not like many of these girls. We had a meeting yesterday and while alot of these girls were trying on 64 dollar tops for the parade, Ashlyn said, Mom let's go to Rue 21 for my casual clothes for the parade and pictures." We got her top and pants for 50 dollars. I was so proud that she wasn't worried about doing or looking like anyone else. If nothing else, I am so happy to see someone in love with Jesus make the court, represent him and make a stand for this generation. Congratulations Ashlyn and to the 2007 Dutchtown Homecoming Court!!!

Hangin with Telia

2007-09-02T20:29:00.000-06:00

Who says that "Libbie Loo" is just for kids?

Do you hold the key?

2007-08-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

I heard a story on the news this morning that I have been thinking about all day. A key that may have held some of the secrets of the titanic going down was being auctioned off.

It was the key that could have saved the Titanic.
The simple item was for a locker that stored the binoculars in the crow's nest and was in the possession of a Scots officer who was taken off the luxury liner at the last moment.

In his haste, second officer David Blair forgot to hand the key over to his replacement and took it with him. As a result, none of the lookouts on board could use the binoculars, despite asking other officers for them.

I began to think about how many lives may have been saved had this key been in the place that it should have been. This man held the key to many lives being saved. God began to stir this in me ...

I hold the key to people being saved from their sin. Am I putting Jesus in the light or is he stored away in the locker of my heart and not being shared. What a precious key, Jesus, that we hold to save the many souls God has in trusted us with.

Best Boss Ever

2007-08-29T12:18:00.001-06:00

Ok so everyone knows that tomorrow is LSU's first game and my boss is pumped to say the least. I'm not really a sucker for LSU (even though I did graduate from there), like most of you crazy's out there.

Anyway just wanted to give a shout out to the best boss ever. Our entire office is filled with "LSU everything", if you know what I mean. But this just took the cake. As you see, he took it to the extreme. He walked in to check my patient with not only an LSU baseball cap on, but it was also turned backwards... like a thug. The patients all loved it. They said that he should definitely be relaxed at work( anyone with a drill in his hand must be relaxed) ...and he was! Go Tigers!!!

Coming to America...a GOD story!!!

2007-08-28T08:01:00.000-06:00

As most of you know we have been trying to figure out a way to get Julia back to the US during her winter break which is in February. Well it is so awesome how God intervenes when you least expect it.

Glenn travels about 40 weeks a year, and it's not unusual for him to stop in several cities in one week. About 2 weeks ago he was on the plane about to head to his second stop when Delta realized that they had overbooked the plane. Glenn was in no real big hurry to get to Jacksonville Florida so he volunteerd to get off of the plane. In return, Delta gave him an $800 voucher to be used at his discretion. Immediately he began to check to see what it would cost for Julia's flight in February. He looked at the cost and it was 575 dollars, we thought at the time. So we were thinking good we'll still have some money left over to use on another flight.

During Glenn's next travel week, he went to the Delta counter to purchase Julia's ticket. As it turned out the 575 that we thought was dollars turned out to be in euros which brought the ticket cost to $803. Isn't that so cool? Glenn and I were laughing saying that it wasn't God's fault that the international agencies couldn't get the taxes right. So once again...God is awesome!!!

Mellow Mushroom

2007-08-27T08:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Salem, Marina and I went to the "Mellow Mushroom" to say goodbye to Marina. She leaves in about 1 week to go to Harvard( what an accomplishment). Salem is starting at LSU today and so yesterday really helped me to reflect back on my life as a college student and just how cool it is that God takes you down so many paths. While he knows every path that we have taken and will take, it seems a little scary to us. I am thankful for each road that I have traveled as I have learned so much about myself and the life that he has chosen for me to live. Good Luck Marina and Salem!!!!

The Hummer N Me

2007-08-25T13:24:00.001-06:00

So some of you know that I kinda been thinkin about buying a new car. "OLD BLUE" has been in and out of the hospital and she's costing me some dough. So I looked at some new Hondas ( civics and acchords), but I just couldn't find what I was looking for. But then last nite, I saw her...there she was just calling my name. I sat in this amazing vehicle and thought... Wow if this could only be mine. The downfall is that she'll only get 12 miles to the gallon, but she sure looks great. As we began to ask our friends about their brand new hummer, I knew I was livin the dream but it sure was fun. They got this car on Ebay and had to drive it from Las Vegas.

Here's the " not selling point"...

When the arrived home with this new ride, a fraud company had called to see if someone had stolen their credit card because there were so many hits on the cardfrom Vegas to home. We calculated that it cost them about 500 bucks to drive this baby home. So it was fun being with them in their new hummer last night for dinner but it was definitely only a dream!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDACE!!!

2007-08-25T13:20:00.001-06:00

Today is Candace's 28th birthday so if you see her , tell her HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Closer 2 Nite

2007-08-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

OH my Gosh, tonite "Closer" was so much fun. We celebrated Candace's Birthday at Ci Ci's Pizza and had a bible study there too. It was sooo awesome. We had planned to have Closer Girls there tonite cuz Tori's mom has been under the weather. But about 4:00 this afternoon, I decided to get Candace a birthday cake and surprise her(her bday is this Saturday by the way). So I went bought her a cake and went to CiCi's with the cake early so she wouldn't see her cake. After we finished eating pizza , I had the owner bring out her cake with the magic candles on it. As we began to sing, we were much surprised to have the whole St. Amant football team join in and sing with us. It was so funny. I really think there were about 70 people singing happy birthday to Candace.

Before we began the bible study, the team had left. But I wondered if they would have participated in the bible study as they had the song. I was mad at myself for not being bolder. It could have impacted them , had I thought sooner. Anyway, we finished up on "you choose". We dove into some very important principles that pertain to good decision making. I think all were filled with pizza and the word of God. Oh and some of us was clothed in icing. We learned from our youth pastor in LA how to smear icing all over each other in public places. Thanks Leah. Sorry for getting it in your hair...NOT!!!!

2007-08-14T17:10:00.000-06:00

Well it has now been just over a month since Julia has gone home to be with her family. The days are getting easier but I miss her terribly. There are days when my heart actually hurts. I yearn to hug her and be her Ameican mom.

It's funny how I really thought that the only person who would experience change was Julia and wow how much more false could that have been. The day I said yes to this experience, I merely thought that I was just doing a friend a favor. Little did I know that my life would be changed forever. She in her sweet ways changed so much of me. I look at life so different now. I want to experience all that I can for I know time shall pass and I'll look back and wonder why I did or did not do something. I have learned thru Julia that time is of the essenece . I don't want to put off today what I can say or do tomorrow.

Memories

2007-08-12T10:20:00.000-06:00

As Glenn and I reflected on the last 9 years, I thought about that actual day that we said "I do". I thought I'd give you a little glimpse of one of the days that changed our lives.

Such a special time for Mother and Daughter.

The only day he's ever been on his knee...haha

Not an advocate of divorce, but it was so sweet to have Jordan and Ashlyn be the minature bride and groom.

2007-08-11T07:51:00.000-06:00

Last nite Glenn and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary at Houmas House. We made the 9 year mark on July 11th, but as most of you know that was the day our precious Julia left and I was in no shape to celebrate anything. But last nite was an amazning nite to say the least. My prayer for everyone is that they can marry the person of their dreams and be truly this happy. In spite of his travel schedule, we manage to sneek in date nites like these. He is very good at planning time for us to get away and have times like these. For this I am so thankful to My God, who has place this wonderful husband in my life.

America's Got Talent

2007-08-09T13:39:00.000-06:00

What about these girls. They definitely have courage. They are called the "Glamzons". I don't think they'll go much further according to the poles the day after the vote. But they sure are entertaining!!!

AWHH MAN!!!!

2007-08-08T07:16:00.000-06:00

OK so if you know me you know me at all you knowthat I am not much on TV. However I have been watching " America's Got Talent" and I am so disappointed that this group did not get voted back. They are "The Calypso Tumblers " and have been performing for 20 years on the beaches of California and the streets of New York. They did various stunts with tumbling and strength and I would have love to see them win a million dollars. But OH well America thought different. You should check it out. The finals are next week. I even got Blake and Candace hooked.

Jordan on Drugs (HaHa)

2007-08-04T14:25:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was an interesting day in the Crowe house. We got to see Jordan on drugs and it was so funny. He had all 4 of his wisdom teeth cut out. I'm not sure what they gave him, but he was looped up for about 6 hours saying the most random things. As I was trying to feed him some chicken noodle soup, I asked him if the bites were too big and he said that they were perfect because he didn't want me to bombard his metabolism. So I asked again if the bites were good and he said the same thing. So I started dying laughing. He looked up at me with the most serious face and said, " What you don't understand what I am saying?" Anyway just thought I 'd share this funny day with you.

Mamma P

LA

2007-08-03T12:06:00.000-06:00

Well there were so many really cool things that we did in LA and most bloggers have mentioned most of the outreaches and things of that sort. But what I wanted to share isthat I realized how big God really is on this trip.

A little history on the " Dream Center" first. One of the first days that we got to LA, the founders and Pastors of the Dream Center spoke to us about how it all began and frankly I was taken back by their testimony. These two guys, 19 and 20 at the time came, to LA and believed in and followed their dream to where we are today. They were from Arizona and wanted to come to LA to make a difference in this city. They began doing outreaches to the community on a small scale and now do over 15 outreaches in one week. As their ministry began the needed bigger accomadations and wanted to purchase this old abandoned hospital. They were told that it would cost 16 million dollar. Between the two of them they only had 10,000 dollars. They were persistent and went back some months later yet the price was still much to high, somewhere around 7 million dollars. But this didn't stop them, as they had a promise from God that they wouldn't not give up on. Some months later they went back and again asked to purchase this old hospital. This time the owners told them that they would give them 30 days to raise a half of million dollars. And I love what he said at this point. He said, "You just have to dream so big that the only way it will work out is if God shows up." And that is exactly what happened. They were able to raise the money and purchase this old building that we now call the "LA Dream Center.

It was so amazing to see all that this place does for this community. We brought cookies to the homeless people on 'Skid Row"( one of the most dangerous places in LA). They have a discipleship program where they take people in for a year to try to help them get back on their feet. They have food trucks that deliver food to different parts of town. They have Metro Kidz to reach the kids. And this is just to name a few things that these guys started.

SO I say all that to say this. What if they had not followed the promise that God gave them. LA would not be the city it is today. The Mayor said that crime dropped 73% and he attributes it to the great work of "The Dream Center." We can never underestimate God and how big he is. I just can't hardly believe that all that we were a part of began with just two people who wanted to make a difference in a dark and dying world.

SO don't grow weary if you aren't seeing your dream come to past yet. It maybe that God is waiting foryou to trust him and let him in on a really big dream. With man things seem impossible but with God all things are possible.

Mamma P

Parenting Ways Today Frustrate ME

2007-07-26T08:54:00.000-06:00

Why do parents want to be a friend to their kids instead of being an example to them?

Today I was cleaning a guys teeth and we were talking about how I finally let Ashlyn get a nose ring. I told him that after about 2 years of her asking that I began to realize there could be so many worse things that she could be doing like drinking, smoking, having sex. He said "Yea we worry about our daughter too, she's not smoking or having sex but we do let her drink. I continued to clean his teeth and he said I'll tell you more about it when we finish the cleaning. "
Well we never got on the subject again, and I really didn't care because I really didn't want to here how he rationalized why she should get to drink. I'm sure it would have been along the lines of, "It's so much safer if we are with her" or " She would do it anyway so why not with us." I love that one.

UHHHHH!!!!this just really gets to me. I can't stand when parents are to weak to stand up and be a parent and not their kid's best friend.

When Jesus walked here on earth he didn't say, " Now I'll curse but don't you" or " Now I'll get drunk but don't you." No He came and was an example to us and showed us how we should live. Why won't parents be this same example to their kids???? So many parents want to use lip action and not be the example that their kids need.

This might be really strong and offensive to some, but our children want and need rules and discipline. They cry out for it. I just wish parents would stand up and do what they were called to do. Be a parent and not a friend.

Love as always
Mamma P

LA post coming soon

2007-07-24T21:18:00.000-06:00

Post coming soon on our LA missions trip...for now here's what you missed!!!!

Bittersweet memories

2007-07-15T18:29:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry for how long it's been since my last post but I have been very preoccupied with planning Julia's going away party and then seeing her off back to Germany.

Wow I didn't really know how much I love that girl, till now... now that I can no longer go in her room to say goodnite, see her off to school and all those other things that a mamma does for her child.

As you all know Julia came here as an Athiest, but left the US confused. Confused is good...way better that atheism. When I talked to her yersterday I told her that I wanted to write a letter to her family letting them know how close she and I had gotten so that when she is down, they'll better understand her. She really liked the idea. This is the really cool thing. I asked her if she wanted me to mention anything about church and she said yes because she had just mentioned to her parents earlier that day that church was one of her favorite things. Isn't this amazing?

We had all been praying that she would be bold and what a first step... telling her parents how vital church was in her life here in the US.

I miss her terribly. Some days good , some not so good. The tears aren't coming quite as bad. I've really been calling out to God for strength. I can truly identify with parents who have lost a child. I know she is still alive but I mourn the lost of this year, this season of my life. There is no doubt that I will see her again but never in this capacity. And that really hurts.

So please send me some scriptures that can help me through this difficult time. I have been reading Psalms 23 everyday. And like a said each day gets a little bit easier. But I would love to here stories and scriptures that helped you through tough times.

Love mamma P

Submerge re-cap

2007-07-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

All I can say is WOW to submerge... what an amazing move of God, not only on our young people but us old folks too.

I had the most amazing group of girls. In our room was Heather Leblanc, Simone Rougon, and Jordan Prince. Then the other leader was my dear friend Miriam from Life Church in Charlotte with her two girls Lauren and Kara. We all got along so well and began the start of some great new relationships.

But I particularly want to highlight one of the girls in our group and her name is Jordan Prince. I don't know if many of you know her story. But she was diagnosed with brain cancer about six years ago. She has gone through many situations and obstacles during this time. She has since lost all hearing in one ear and almost all in the other. The doctors have told her mom that she also will loose her sight. She broke her ankle a few months ago, but had first walked on it for two weeks due to her inability to feel the same as you and I do. As you can imagine, she has climbed a tough mountain.

I am just so proud to have served as her leader. She shows the most amazing courage and strength. I just watched her fit in with each girl in her own special way. She never became discouraged or wanted to go back home where things were familiar to her and I sooo admire her for this. I don't know that I could have been so brave at this age. It really challenged me to face my fears head on like she does... with a continuous child like faith.

So hats off to you Jordan, YOU TRULY ARE AMAZING!!!!

LOVE
Mamma P

2007-06-26T07:49:00.000-06:00

SUBMERGE ... TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-25T13:12:00.000-06:00

2 DAYS UNTIL SUBMERGE...

Letting go and letting God

2007-06-22T21:47:00.000-06:00

Its amazing how listening to God can be a unique experience. God was speaking to OG about blessing someone today when he heard of their situation. This sounds easy on the surface but you know its not always easy to let go of what is in your hand to see what God will give you next to use for his kingdom. So, OG called me and told me what God was dealing with him on and asked me if it was ok if he blessed someone with $500 today. In fact, he said he had already agreed to do what God told him to do. I told him that I was not getting between him and what God told him to do. Thats between them. Anyway, he tells me he gets home and there is an unclaimed property form in the mail that he called about today. Turns out there is a $3000 check that we never received from 4 years ago. Isn't God amazing????? We could have never received that blessing. It was from some stock that wasn't worth much when his grandmother gave it to him in the 80's. Sometimes good things follow you from back in the day.

Mama P

Divine Appointment

2007-06-19T10:19:00.000-06:00

I had a really cool thing happen in Vegas that I haven't had the time to post about yet. I just love how God places us right were he wants us to carry his plans and purposes.

I was down at the pool, while everyone else had already gone up to the room. The temperature was 108...I was parched to say the least. The best way to stay cool was to stay in the pool. I was sitting next to this older lady and she and I got to talking about Julia living with us, her family, my family. The next thing you know, she mentioned a Christian radio station where she was from. Ahhh when she mentioned that, many doors opened for more discussion about church, God and everything in between.

As I talked to her, I felt so sorry for her because she said her husband gambles the whole week while she shops, reads and swims. I just thought, what a way to spend your family vacation. But anyway, she then said that she had been saved for many years but her husband was not. I could here the frustration in her voice and the more she talked, I could tell it was an ongoing issue for her. She said that she feels bad because maybe she says too much to him, whether suttle hints or straight forward comments.

I then went on to share with her something that had happened when Glenn and I first got saved. I told her how I was saved before Glenn and that he continued to have drinks after work for a good while after I was saved. I told her how I was always letting off sly comments and this really became a problem. Then one nite God spoke to me and said " Just quit preaching and start praying." I also had someone tell me that if I quit letting Glenn hear my voice, he would soon hear God's voice. And wow what great advice. Glenn is a different man today and I'm thankful for these divine appointments that changed our life.

As Mrs Grace was sitting in the pool, I could tell she was taking in all I had just shared with her. And as I proceeded to get out of the pool and be on my way back to the room, she called me back to her and said, " I do believe that I was suppose to meet you here today."

I thought how awesome it is that God's plans every destination...He is our heavenly GPS!!!

THE SIGNAL

2007-06-17T18:54:00.000-06:00

Well as I posted last time, I told you guys that we were at the Grand Canyon. Now we are home and wow there's no place like home ( I feel like Dorothy...there's no place like home). We saw some really cool sites, but I have to say that the highlight of the trip was watching Ashlyn loosing cell service, finding cell service or just plain whining about no service. You can see her here at the country store in Bryce Canyon where she had to sit in this one spot to talk to her friends. You would have sworn that she had won the lottery.

It 's trully amazing how you could be so disconnected from the world wide web, cell phone towers and all those other technologies, but yet be so connected to the one source that really matters... GOD ALMIGHTY. I couldn't help but think about His amazing power that is so unexplainable. When I looked at all these canyons, I couldn't help but think that some believe that God doesn't exist. I just can't think of any other explantion than him, when I gazed down at the depths and heights of such large, majestic demographic regions like these.

This is us at the end of a 2 hour horseback ride in Bryce Canyon. We were all saddle soar and walking funny for a couple hours... but still very cooool.

and lastly the Grand Canyon that Ashlyn said was just a big hole in the ground that could have been seen on a post card...kids... they're just wonderful :)

as always,

LOVE YA

mamma P

Grand Canyon

2007-06-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

So we are at the Grand Canon and its so beautiful. We wanted to show you all the beautiful canons but we thought that might bore you. So here is some of the wildlife we've seen.

Some people should not be allowed to dress themselves. :)

Looks like he can't find Starbucks either. I guess you have to take what you can get when your in the wild.

We are short on signal and will have to update everyone later.

Telia

2007-06-02T19:58:00.000-06:00

I was trying to spend time with Telia but as you can see, she was spending time with her new shoes!!!!

BIG MISTAKES

2007-06-02T19:50:00.000-06:00

I happen to come across this really big eraser at work a couple of days ago, and a few thoughts came to my mind. As I read "for big mistakes" I began to reflect on my many mistakes whether big or small, that I have made. I thought about my divorce and some of the mistakes I had made along the way. I thought about decisions that I had made that ended up being upsetting mistakes. And as I took time to reflect, I just started to thank God that he doesn't just "white us out" when we mess up or erase us out of relationship with him. I am so glad that he sent his son Jesus to cover our lives when we seem to feel it up with crazy mistakes. Aren't you?

~paula

2007-05-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

As I begin to prepare for the LA missions trip with refuge, I am asking God to give me visions and show me the many faces and hearts that we will see and touch. He is enlarging my heart's capacity to reach out and love on each one of these new people I will meet. It's such a bittersweet thought as I know we will meet many, but will take home only the memories of their stories and faces. I am reminded of the Mexico Mission's trip that I went on in 2005, so many stories that we heard, so many sad lives with stories that were untold. I reflect on this one, Daisy, that Glenn and I were so touched by that we tried to adopt her, but were unsucessful. This is the bitter sweet that I mention. I see the face in my mind, but cannot get to her again.

~Paula~

Living A Surrendered Life

2007-05-23T07:58:00.001-06:00

Why is living a "surrendered life" so dog-gone hard to do. Just when you think that you given every tiny corner of your heart over to God, one other area creeps up. This is what I've been S-T-Ruggling with lately. God keeps speaking to me ...completely surrender. Are you completely surrendered to me? God wants it all. He's is a jealous God. There has been these couple things that I think I can handle better on my own. But it never seems to work. I thought about what it means to surrender and I thought about in war when there is battle and one finally surrenders. He lays himself down and knows that he has been captured. Or what about this... a chase scene in movie and the suspect is finally caught and handcuffed. He no longer fights because he knows the authority that he is under.

But why is it that with us as Christians, we say we have a surrendered heart to Christ, but that one thing comes back to haunt us, and we begin to pick up what ever ammunition that we can to fight our own battles. We have laid our lives down for Christ, yet not completely surrendered. We know the authority that we are under yet not completely surrendered. We have been captured but not completely surrendered. God help me to stay surrendered. What I have also noticed is that with surrender comes sacrifice...sacrifice of our own thoughts and ways.

Why do we surrender? Is it out of love, out of obedience, out of a sense of duty? Whatever the reason may be, he can fight for us so much easier when we are his.

I've been reading in Ecclesiastes and many times it mentions that a life without God is meaningless. So I was thinking those areas that are not surrendered to him are really without him. And I definitely do not want to live a life that's meaningless But more than anything a life without God.

Just have had this on my heart...and pretty heavily!!!

~Paula~

A weekend of Parties

2007-05-20T18:59:00.000-06:00

I feel like such a party animal. Glenn Jordan, Ashlyn, me and Julia had three fun parties to attend this weekend. Friday nite was Emily Woo Woo 's birthday party. She and Salem came up with the Harajuku theme. It was really cool but the most awesome thing was that we got SUSHI and ASIAN food... Sweet!!!!! Oh and it was very good company too. The girl had about 40 people show up in her honor... not to shabby huh?

Then Saturday nite we had a small going away party for Sandra at my Daddy's house. He's been hangin out with the "German Girls " and wanted to do a fish fry for Sandra so we made it kinda a farewell party too. The party was at the house where I grew up. In the backyard is a 150 year old oak tree that I use to climb as a child. Well it was so cool to see all these crazy teen agers climbing the tree and hangin out in my old playground. I know it made my daddy so happy too. I love my daddy. He's not in church but has such a big heart. It was a fun day!!!!!!!!!!

Then today we had Salem's graduation pary which was very cool... Hah all the cool people from Refuge were there(just kiddin) including the Dr himself. Salem sported his new swimsuit that he'll be sporting at camp and at least he has a tan unlike Dustin and Jarrod Altazam who were "white as snow"... wooo quite blinding... I can only tease them cuz I've gone to the tanning bed several time to get rid of my "white as paper" skin. I love you guys!!

It was truly a great time of food, fellowship and fun. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends in my church family. It's so awesome to be doing God's work and at the same time having such a great time doing it!!!!!!

Love Always

Mamma P

Mother's day pics

2007-05-15T17:56:00.000-06:00

Me and my Jordan My brother Ryan, OG, Ashlyn and Ella(my neice)

...and she says that she wasn't shooting anyone with the water gun...I don't know, what do you think?

Jordan's Graduation

2007-05-12T20:58:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share that I really aged last night... my Jordan graduated from French Settlement High School and I couldn't be more proud. He was one of the Co Valedictorians and was able to give a one and half minute speech. He really didn't tell me anything about the speech except that the lady in charge had him eliminate some of the message.

But of course God has a way of taking control of the things that he has ordained. The only thing that Jordan said about school was that God had gotten him through it. The rest of the message was about the love of Jesus Christ and how his life has been impacted since he met Jesus. He also left his class and everyone there with this thought ...that they too could come to know and love our Savior. It was amazing, and not your typical farewell speech. We had about 50 friends and family members, some saved and some not. It was definitely a message to be remembered...a 5 point sermon, from an ordinary guy with an extraordinary heart!!!!

~Paula~

Refuge Last Nite

2007-05-10T12:10:00.000-06:00

I'd like to first begin by giving a shout out to" The Refuge Band." Last nite at refuge, we had the most amazing worship. The Holy Spirit was soooo... thick!!!

During worship I really began to feel a tugging on my heart and a burden for the LA missions trip. First I thought God is that really you? And then I did what everyone does... I began to think of all the many reasons why I couldn't go to LA like time off from work, finances, leaving Julia, giving Jordan and Ashlyn time without me on a missions trip and any other excuse that I could come up with.

So then this morning I was reading in Ecclesiates 3:9-10 and this is what I read:

9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

This was so for me because so often I work really hard and I never won't to miss work. Sometimes I'll miss out on things that don't come around again because Im afraid of not making enough money...just being honest. This is one of the things that God is teaching me about right now. I have to trust him in all things. Sometimes I think that I am a better balancer of the checkbook, but he always does so much better than me. Then this verse showed me that what better time than this for God to have placed LA on my heart... what better time than in his time.

So I then called Jason to see if its even still possible for me to go. I had decided it was all in his hands. My work schedule, finance all of it. The trip was confirmed through Jason when he said that he really needs me to go because of only have 2 adult male leaders. I am so excited!!!

I have put it all in God's hands. I do feel called to make this trip and it feels so awesome. It will definitely be a huge step of faith. I will be missing 16 days of work in June and July with family vacation, summer camp and LA. Wow I am believing in God for the fiances for the rest of Ashlyn's trip, my trip and of course not to mention my monthly salary. But it's all good and it's all up to him.

I don't want to have faith the size of a mustard seed and sometimes I do. I just don't think big enough. Glenn, Jordan and Ashlyn all teach me so much about having big faith. Glenn is so awesome... he thinks big, he worships big and he blesses big. Now he's really being blessed in a new position at work. ANd then to watch Jordan have so much faith for elevate is just incredible. I learn so much from both of my kids. CHILD LIKE FAITH!!!

Anyway sorry if I rambled but I just had to tell everyone...LA BOUND!!!

~paula~

Life...Handle With Care!!

2007-05-04T19:32:00.000-06:00

I have quite a few things that I want to share, so I hope it's not to long and that I make sense. Well God has really been speaking to me about how fragile life is. Over the last few weeks, so many sad things have been happening around me. As these things happen around me, I am left asking this question. Do I take life for granted?

Last week I found out that one of my 46 year old patients shot himself after purchasing a hand gun three days prior. He had a beautiful wife and 2 college age kids and was very happy- go -lucky. I am still in such shock and sadness that he couldn't find some other way out than to commit his life to eternal hell, and not to mention the pain and unanswered questions that his family is left with. A life taken for granted.

The day before this happened we learned of Kennon Odum being diagnosed with leukemia... 16 years old and having to deal with such a diagnosis. My heart is hurting for this mother and her son as they face this situation together. A life that must be handled with care.

All the while, I've been reading the journal of Sam Seidel, faithfully each day (the 2 year old that fell in his backyard swimming pool) , as his mother shows the most incredible faith while she watches and waits for her boy to wake up. Again, I can't help but think what a fragile little life that must be handle with care.

And then this past Wednesday night at Refuge, we learn that Gabby Marcantel was killed in a car accident. The life of a beautiful young woman taken so suddenly. We continue to wonder and ask why...why...why?

Why do such things happen? And as I think about all these things, I can't lie. Fear jumps on me like a big ugly monster. It really gets in my head because, I( or any of us for that matter) could be in any of these situations...whether as a wife, mother, or friend. I can't imagine walking in any of these shoes right now, but what I can relate to in each of these scenarios is how precious life is. Nobody can appreciate life as much as those who have had a life taken from them.

I pray that I live life to the fullest and never take for granted my life that God has given me, and all the many lives that he has entrusted me with. I pray that I am the mother that he's called me to be, the wife that he's called me to be, the friend that he has called me to be, and the daugter that he has called me to be.

Then at Refuge, Tweez was saying that when he and Griffus were talking, Griffus said " We have to live each day like Jesus is coming back in 5 minutes. This is so true. We just never know when it will be our turn. Which leads me to my next thought. Am I doing all I can for the cause of Christ? Am I a true disciple and follower of Jesus?

This past thursday at Closer, we discussed "the heart of a disciple" and wow as I studied this lesson, I felt sooo challenged. When people look at my life, do they say " she is definitely a follower of Jesus Christ?

Then 2 really cool things happened Friday. At my job, we were discussing heaven and hell and this one girl looked at me and specifically asked "Paula don't people who do good things go to heaven? And it was so awesome that she asked ME this because I was really feeling inadequate after the lesson the night before. The lesson really made me look at myself and made me think.

That same day the girl that colored my hair was very open to coming to HPC. She had been depressed and looked like she was really searching for something. So I said, "Listen I'm not sure what all you have tried in your life for your pain, but how about giving God a try?" She hasn't been in church in a few years and was feeling that she needed him in her life. She is planning on coming to HPC soon. All glory to HIM!!!

When I left the hair place, I really began to think about the lesson again, and God spoke to my heart, that people are watching and learning from my life. It may be sutttle and I may not see it right away but he does.

So it was really cool because I know we all ask these questions from time to time. Am I doing enough for the kingdom? And I believe the answer is yes. However small that you may think it is, it's big to God.

Anyway kinda long sorry

~Mamma P~

Not something you see everyday!!!!

2007-05-01T04:38:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn's paranoid cat is always looking for a place to hide...I'm not sure that this is the best place...haha.

She has issues!!!

"Justice" at Prescott Middle

2007-04-29T05:27:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to take a few minutes to give a shout out to some of the greatest kids I know. We had about 30 or so "refugees" go to Prescott Middle to do our first big Justice Project. And I am so proud of all who showed up bright and early on a Saturday morning. It brought such joy to my heart to see these guys representing not only the greatest youth group, but also the most amazing churh ever. The school got an awesome make-over but we all got so much more in our own hearts. I couldn't but help think about all the hearts and faces that would be touched by what we had done.

Oh and one more thing you can also see our crazy, fun,sold out to Jesus pastor... Dr. Tweez!!!!! He's such the ARTIST!!!!

"Freedom Writers"

2007-04-24T09:37:00.000-06:00

Last night Julia, Ashlyn and I watched a really cool movie called "Freedom Writers." The movie is based on a true story about a high school teacher who touched and changed the lives of her students. Her students were all kids from various nationalities and backgrounds who had very rough lives.They were involved in gangs and shootings and things of this sort. I don't want to tell too much about the movie because I can't stand when someone ruins a movie for me... plus I'd rather you see it for yourself. But I will say this much...it's very much worth the time.

Throughout the whole movie, I was reminded about the power of ONE. This teacher put aside her own desires to step into the lives of her students, and was able to truly impact the fate and outcomes of their lives. She was ONE teacher, with ONE heart with ONE purpose...TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed by the amount of lost friends and family members that I can't seem to see the promise that God has given me. Sometimes the task feels so great to me. And I am sure that this teacher felt overwhelmed at the task that was set before her, but she continued to invest in these kids and get into the world that they lived day in and day out... reminds me of a message Jason preached on a few months ago about INVESTING and INVITING.

That's what it boils down to...being THE ONE who will invest in THE ONE!!!

WILL YOU??

~mamma P~

Displaced

2007-04-22T16:24:00.000-06:00

Well I have to say that I am definitely married to the best man ever, Glenn or OG as many of you know him as. He planned a little one nite get-away for just the two of us to Biloxi...not San Diego(my favorite city) but still fun nonetheless. We started out as always at this little stand right off of I-12 that sells boiled peanuts. This is one of out little rituals and we LOVE BOILED PEANUTS!!!! That's for you Candace and all of the sushi girls.(inside joke).

We then continued on to the coast killing time until we could check in. I was so surprised at how much everything still looks much the same as we had all seen on the news after "Katrina." Houses , souvenir stands, gas stations and just leveled buildings still in complete devastation. As we drove around, I couldn't help but feel guilty for having moved on in my mind from Katrina, when there are still so many displaced people who are probably still in alot of pain. It is now almost 2 years since this destruction took place, yet there are so many who have lost hope. I began to pray for the people that once inhabited these places that God would begin to show them the vision that he has for their lives even though it may be difficult for them to imagine.

Then I began to think about all the displaced children in Uganda and how Katrina was just the beginning of learning what the term"displaced" truly means. For those of you who don't know, there's a big campaign going on to raise awareness of what is taking place in Uganda with the children, called "Displace Me." Little small children are becoming child warriors, although not by
choice. These kids leave there home at night and go sleep in the city to avoid being taken in as a soldier. CHECK out invisible children for videos and pictures, etc. It's so alarming to see how they are living.

So on April 28, all over the country people are coming together to spend a night out on sleeping bags with only a cardboard box for shelter. Wow what a way to truly experience and feel what they feel. Pastor Johnny Green just spoke this week at Refuge how we have to take our world go to them. Several will be heading down to Tulane to spend the night as these young kids are doing each night What a way to not only talk about their world but to actually live it too!!!!

So now this is really cool...THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 27th at the Annex, we will be showoing the invisilbe children movie. And listen it's for all, even if you can't go down to New Orleans Sat nite, you can still come watch the moviel... God may won't to rattle you up any way!!!!!

~mamma P (OG contributed this time...haha)

FSHS Youth Ralley

2007-04-21T07:19:00.000-06:00

Last nite French Settlement High School was the setting for the 2nd Youth Ralley. The beginning of the year was the first one, where about 30 youth participated. But last nite, there were at least 100 teen-agers and at least 75 went to the altar at the end of the service. The youth pastor from "Freedom Worship gave a powerful message on ..."what's keeping you from God." Their youth group did an awesome drama and lives were touched. I'm so thankful to be a part of seeing the stirring up of this generation...what an uprising that is taking place in a little small town where God loves each and every peron. I am so glad that he knows all addresses and zip codes of his people.Here's a few cool shots of some of my favorite people.(Sorry didn't get Jordan's face, but have to say that's a really cool shirt that he's sportin').

~Mamma P~

2007-04-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

So I have the brand new Hillsong CD but it's a copy so Im not real sure what the name of this song is. If I had to guess I would say "Lead me to the Cross." Anyway check out these lyrics. I keep saying them over and over in my mind:

Lead me to the cross
Where you love poured out.
Bring me to my knees.
Lord, I'll lay me down.
Rid me of myself
I belong to you.
Oh lead me,
Lead me to the cross.

This is my prayer that each day I would die more and more to self. What a selfless act of love as he was led to the cross. When I sing , "Lead me to the cross(with the cd of course), I feel so unworthy yet so thankful for of such an act of love. It really leaves me thinking of what he was feeling when he was being led to the cross. As I sing "lead me to the cross, I feel such a peace knowing that the blood that was shed at the cross covers me always. Yet as he was being lead to the cross what was he singing. We know he asked the Father was there any other way for this to be done. We see it in Matt 26:39

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

I just can't help but think what fear and anguish that he was facing at that time but yet he continued on with such a beautiful, selfless act of love.

~Paula~

2007-04-16T06:43:00.000-06:00

Ok so the quality of this photo is pretty bad (pretty funky phone) but I wanted to show you what Jordan has been up to this weekend. He was pumping up summer camp and I just think its so funny, because you have all these thoughts as a parent of what your child will be, but never a duck...haha

Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

2007-04-12T07:58:00.000-06:00

A thought for the day...

Why would we want to see through these eyes, when we could see through these?I had the awesome pleasure Tuesday nite of spending time with Tori, Jordan, Sandra ( the other German exchange student), Ashlyn and many more cool people, at the "Delirious" worship concert. We had a great time and to say the least, it was such a powerful nite of worship and a time to refocus our attentions on our Saviour. I was really feeling that I hadn't spent enough time with my God and really needed this nite.

But one song really spoke to me and I cannot get these words out of my mind...it was a song that Vicky Beechum wrote and sang... and the last lyrics said "Lord never let me look away". And I really began to meditate and think about just how many times I look away. OH It's never intentional, you know... just busy schedules and just plain doin' life. Heck you can evern be busy doing all church stuff and be looking away. And I thought what a great place for the devil to get a foothold on us... and force us to "look away" and not even realize it. I had a rough week last week and thru this song, I quickly realized that I had indeed looked away. If even for a moment, it seems you can just feel that instant pull into unchartered waters. WHY??? Why would we leave such peace and serenity when we can rest in him?

God let me take off the blinders and not have tunnel vision. The bible says that I was blind and now I see. I want to always see YOU what you have for me .I pray that I never look away from your beauty. Why would I ever look away from such peace and splendor?

~Paula~

2007-03-31T16:08:00.000-06:00

So, a bunch of wild and crazy teen agers just left my house heading to prom. Jordan and Tori are headed to downtown French Settlement were they will meet their limos( woo wee... we never had a limo)then they'll be eating at Ruth Chris. The rest of the crew is headed to Landry's for pics and then on to Flemings for the cheapest meal they'll ever eat ...haha. I love all you guys!!!! Tori O and Jordan
Dustin "Ray" and Julia
Sandra and Peter Ashlyn and Josh

Aren't they precious????

2007-03-29T15:07:00.000-06:00

Last night was the openning night of "Ash Girl" at Dutchtown High. This is just a glimpse of Ashlyn in her element. She played one of the evil step sisters. Ash Girl is very similiar to the story of Cinderella. Tonite is the last nite, so maybe I'll have more pics after this evening!!!

2007-03-28T08:57:00.000-06:00

So a funny thing happened to me this past Sunday...

Glenn and I are taking Brother Wayne's "Life for Marriage" class, which by the way is great. He is such a man of God and has taught us soooo much. Well this week Glenn and I had to leave a little early. The class starts at 1000 and we needed to leave at 1100( sometimes we are there until 1130). Brother Wayne had also mentioned that if ever he and Mrs Dee are not able to teach that Paige and Meaux Becnel would teach the class.

So it was about 950 when I walked in. Paige and Meaux were at the front of the class with about 10 people. What I precieved was not the case at all. I thought they were about to teach our class...right? So I waltzed through the middle aisle and told Paige that we would be sitting in the back this week because we would be leaving a little early. She just looked at me and said " OK that's fine with me, we're just finishing up our 'Blended Family' class." I could have died... I felt so small... so Paige being how sweet she is says, "oh guys paula has an amazing blended family. Why don't you tell them a little about your blended family."

So Glenn walks in after parking the truck, looking with much dismay as to why I'm in the front of this class. So I explained why I was up there and we were able to share our testimony with these great families. It was awesome to let God use us this way.

What is really funny is that I get so nervous speaking in front of people, yet I wasn't the least bit nervous... It 's so funny how God uses you when HE wants to.

Anyway thought I'd share this little funny happening with all my bloggin friends!!!!

2007-03-20T08:53:00.000-06:00

AMP'D UP !!!!!!!

Wow what can I say... if you went to Amplified this weekend you know what the "WOW" is about...3 Days of Chad Daniels, the next generation, and The Holy Spirit. Do I need to say much more??? What an amazing combination... kinda like a hamburger, french fries, and a coke... It just goes together!!

It's so funny, how God will take a weekend like this one and teach us( the adults) a great lesson also. Even though, I was always looking for ministry moments and oppotunities for the students, God was also gently whispering in my ear the things that he wanted me to learn also. This was what most of this weekend was about...hearing the voice of God, if even a whisper.

I think the greatest thing that God spoke to me this weekend is how powerful our words are, and how he uses those words for his glory . You see, so often we may not even realize when God is using the words we say to impact others or how words that are being said to us may have a lasting impact on our lives also. For example, Chad talked about how he received an email from Gabby Reimayer( who is a teenager with her family who are missionaries in Africa) asking did he remember speaking this over her at an "amplified" and at first, he couln't recall exactly. But after seeing, he did recall that actual service. And I just thought wow, you never know how what you're saying to someone can affect them and God's plan for their life. I also thought what a privledge, and even a responsibility, it is to serve God this way. Because if he gives us a word for someone, it can be an everlasting word that affects the rest of their lives.

So in the saturday service as I looked up in worship, I noticed Tammy Bourg worshipping with all of the youth and it hit me, how significant my words had been a year ago. I began telling her how much the youth of the generation needed her and what a jewel she'd be to the refuge staff. There was some resistance because she loved LIFE U, and she had friends there also. And this was understandable... it was what she was comfortable with and used to. But after seeing a video of blake on the big screen at church , she felt it was confirmation of where God wanted her to be. After much prayer and seeking God Tammy came to refuge. But, I thought, suppose I had not said anything to her,( and no glory to me, ONLY HIM) she would be missing serving the youth, and refuge would not have such a woman of God to impact these young people.

To emphasize again the power behind every word we say, I had a really cool thing happen a couple of weeks ago that I would love to share. Just in case you don't know, much of my testimony pertains to my divorce and its effect on the people around you. So in my work, if given the opportunity, I share my testimony with others who are going through similar situations. I had a man come into my office, and I as looked at him, I knew there was something that I should remember. So I said to him, "Aren't you a single parent raising your little girl?" And I was completely shaken by his answer and immediately began to wonder what exactly I had said to him before. He said, "Well not anymore. Thanks to you six months ago talking to me, I realized what I had and I went back to my wife. We have been doing very well and it's because of all that you shared with me." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. And again no glory to me, only him. But, I thought if this is the only life that was changed by my testimony, it is all worth it. Wow, again, how powerful are our words? Funny thing is I can't remember exactly what was said, but God knew what I needed to say and annointed it for his glory to save this family.

I just love seeing this next generation get crazy for God and that's exactly what we saw and were a part of this weekend. It seems that I can never get enough of all the energy, as well as the innocense they bring to this dead and dying world. Oh how we must continue to see this world thru the eyes of a child and remain in awe of his wonder and his power. It's so awesome because these young people don't have all these jumled-up life experiences to tell them that they can't do something or that they are not qualified. They believe in his power and I want to continue see the world as they do and be moved by his presence.

His presence was so thick for all these young people. They were not afraid to reach out and grab what God has for them. We heard story after story of all that God spoke to them and how he moved in their hearts.

So reach up and out to God and grab onto the dream that he's place in your heart. Listen to the words that are spoken over your life... take hold of them... and above all...BELEIVE!!!!!

2007-02-12T10:18:00.000-06:00

I'll start with this thought...God is so amazing!!!!!

I haven't really posted much at all about "Closer", and I don't know why because it is an awesome group of young people as well as leaders. I love doin life with these people. They are all soooo... COOL!!!. This past week Reverend OG spoke on "forgiveness" and wow, was it amazing! God really used him to speak to our 33 kids. We talked about how it is a choice to forgive and who all gets hurt when you don't forgive. Not only do the people around you suffer but also you suffer. He did a very cool illustration that showed if you can't forgive, you harbor hatred, bitterness, strife, anger, envy, jealousy and many more mixed emotions. And we carry all these emotions around all day with us, which stops us from getting to Jesus and then we can't be used. At the end we had prayer time and it was so amazing to see and hear some of our students call out to God for their indiviual needs as well as their friends and family. I trully believe that Thursday night was the beginning of healing for many.
Through this study on forvgiveness, I can't help but realize that forgiveness is LOVE. How much more could he have loved us than to have been beaten beyond recognition and die on a cross for us . What a love this is! Thank you oh God that you continue to teach me to love this way. I want to see the world the way he sees them. I want to look beyond the faults and disappointments of man and see only the image of God. Sometimes I have patients at work that look really different, act different,and some that really get under my skin. But God gently quickens my spirit and reminds me that no matter what I see or feeltowards them, he loves them and sees their potential in CHRIST. Oh how I always want to be reminded that he created us to love this way and if we are in Christ, it shouldn't be hard to do. I thank God that on the cross he openned his arms and not pointed a finger. What a LOVING and FORGIVING GOD!
I've been seeking God and asking for a deeper passion for him and a deeper understanding of his love. And of course , he has come through again and again. And this is just another one of those times that I only needed faith the size of a mustard seed for him to show himself again. I am also so inspired by Jordan and Ashlyn's passion for Christ and this is another way that he is showing me how to love and understand more about him. I want to pocess this kind of "childlike faith" in everything he calls me to do.!!!!

Serving One by loving ALL
Paula

2007-01-03T10:04:00.000-06:00

Sorry it's been a while....

Wow what an amazing and exciting year. It's so hard to believe that we are saying goodbye to 2006 and ushering in 2007. As I look back on this year I am so thankful for so many things. First and for most I'm so proud to serve the one who saved me, my God who brought me out of the dark and gave me life. I and happy to be married to the most awesome man on earth and blessed to have two kids that are serving God. I also am so blessed to have the most amazing exchane student that anyone could ever ask for. I can't even imagine any more from God than he has already given me. But that's what is so great about God...we don't have to imagine or plan because it's all his hands anyway. God has really been speaking to me about this-"The Providence of God". It's so great to just look around and really see how God is working in our lives.
One of the things that God has been showing me and teaching me about is his providence. At One of our family Christmas parties there was about 60 people. As I looked around the room in a quiet moment, I wondered just how many of them really knew Jesus and if they really live their lives for him. I began to feel somewhat overwhelmed with this thought. Even though I know that the decision is theirs to follow Christ , I just felt such a sense of urgency. So as the night progressed, one of my cousins came to me and said, "I went to your church for a chick night." She began to tell me who had asked her to go and that she liked it. Right then and there, I felt such a relief. I began to meditate on "The Providence of God," how he is always working and planning each interaction for his glory. Whether it's in the work place, our families, sporting events, workout facilities or I guess pretty much anywhere people are, he's at work. It is so neat how he has different believers strategically placed in the lives of those who don't know him yet. So I guess what I'm saying is we can never underestimate the power and providence of God. He is an awesome God!!! I love the way he has little irons in the fire everywhere.

He also has been speaking this word to me quite often. I was working out when God spoke the word "fingerprints". I was thinking God is that you? Why am I hearing this word. So as I continued to worship, (that's what I do on the tread mill so the the time passes faster and it's a great use of my time) , he spoke to my heart but much more detail..."You are leaving fingerprints everywhere you go." And wow how many questions and thoughts began to run through my mind. As a leader at Refuge, am I leaving fingerprints of God on our students? What kind of fingerprints am I leaving for Jordan , Ashlyn and Julia to see? Am I seeking God enough that he may leave his fingerprints on my life? Are there some fingerprints that I wish I could erase(like on CSI)? So I really began to think about actual fingerpainting and how it can work in my life. I love that with fingerpainting there are no boundaries. You have the ability to think big or think small. You can think inside the box or outside the box. You can paint with bright colors or dark colors. And I think the same goes for us in our lives. How will we live? I don't know about you but I want to think big, think outside of the box , and I won't God to be the only one who sets the bounaries. I want to fingerpaint his purpose for my life.

So as God works and put his fingerprints on my life, I pray that I would leave his fingerprints on those around me.I want to live 07 with more passion and zeal for our Lord. I want to sacrifice and give more of my life to God than ever before. I asked God to show me what I need to work on in 07 and boy, you gotta be careful what you ask. Because he will surely answer you. I got some real honest anwsers. So here they are for all to see that you guys may hold me accountable...OUCH

1. Attitude and tone of voice
2. Compassion for all
3. Being a good listener
4. Not have a critical or blaming spirit(wow that's 2 things)
5. Selfishness
6. Let go of finances
7. Be a better mentor
8.Spend more time with extended family

And I'm sure he's not finish answering me but that's quite a bit to start with.
So that's all for now. I love you guys and look forward to a great new year. Oh and one more thing that I need to work on is more post( see he's already got me on something esle :)

mamma P

2006-11-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

What an honor!!!

Sorry that it's been so long since my last post but I've really been waitingto hear from God on just what he'd have me post next. So here it is...

This past Friday nite a group of youth( some of Closer and some kids from Dtown) decided to go ice skating. It was about 10 of us in the Closer group. I, at first, wasn't going to skate but Jordan said "oh come on mom you are skating with us." So I thought this is gonna be quite interesting. First that Im 41 years old and I haven't done this in about 20 years. I got on the ice, and much to my surprise, I could still do it. I even did a little turn and skated backwards too. I didn't have any falls until Ashlyn and Mike decided to come up behind me and speed me up into these 2 little kids. That was it...I busted it...Salem said Look Mrs Paula you have snow all over you. And I did...all down my back side. It was great. I really didn't care, just I was cold now. So I decided to go sit and rest. There was this man watching his 8 year old skate. And this is the question he asked that has really left me thinking. He said to me..."How do you get to hang out with a group of teenagers on a Friday nite?" He said "because I can only hang out with 8 year olds." And I said you know I don't really know how I can get away with it except that it's all God. And I really began to think what an honor and a privledge it is to be able to serve God by serving the youth. I'm so blessed to be able to be a part to their lives butwhat's more amazing is how much they give back to me. Sometimes we get in a rut of life and it all feels mondane, but life is never mondane when you are doing it for the kingdom of God. So always remember that all we do for God is an honor. Never take for granted the mission that God has you on. See Friday nite was just another nite with the youth... I mean I do this all the time ... But when I left there that nite I appreciated even more where God has me right now and how blessed I am to serve him.

In Him
Paula

2006-11-05T20:02:00.000-06:00

Fun, fun, fun...

Well lots of fun and exciting things have been happening but I just have to share what was most fun this weekend. A few months ago we got punked with Christmas decorations in our yard(keep in mind it was July...pretty weird). Connie and Doug Firmin left a sweet Christmas wish but also said to pass it on. So at that time we passed it on to our good friend Dustin Anderson. Well at the last MAFIA meeting a couple weeks ago, I asked Dustin had he ever passed it on, and he had not done it yet. So a few crazy parents and leaders sitting around eating and cutting up decided to get pastors Dino and Delynn with the hitious Christmas stuff. OOHHH boy let the games begin!!! So me, Glenn, Tammy and Jody Bourg, Salem, Dustin, Tori, Jordan, and a little inside help that I can't mention, began to develope our plan of action.

The hardest part was making sure that noone would be home. Dino was not a problem...oh but Delynn was a different story. It wasn't until Firday nite( we were punkin on Sat nite) that we found out that Delynn had a birthday party from 7-8. Thank you Jesus. We now had a one hour window of opportunity to pull this off.

We all went to the 500 service to hear Jason preach(WOW what an amazing job that he did) and from there we left with our vehicles loaded down with extension cords, lights, ancient manger scene, ugly white xmas tree, icycle lights and the ugliest reindeer that I have ever seen. We even had xmas music playing for when they arrived. Every detail had been planned and strategically thought through. It was quite an operation. We even called it "THE DEAL". Haha we had code language. OH and yea and we had our own video guy because we knew we just had to capture this on film.

We arrive in around 700 pm to "do the deal". Good thing noone was home cuz we were far from quiet. We jumped out of our cars and began placing all our junk out. We had everything out in 15 minutes and we were proud. IT looked really good!!! I must say I got nervous! I mean it is the pastor's house, and we just busted up on his property. So I began to panic that maybe he wouldn't think it was too funny after all. But they both had a sense of humor and loved it!!! Although my dear friend Tammy had talked to Dino and knew that they loved it. But Dino Delynn and Tammy tried to play a trick on me and tell me that he was mad and that I messed up his concentration for his speaking for the week. They could have really got me but a little bird told me that they were trying to scare me so I was prepared. But that would have really freaked me out had I not known that they really were OK with it all... SO be ready you might be next to be punked with xmas stuff. Don't call the cops on the pastor, he's just passing it on!!

TO SEE THE VIDEO :
Go to myspace.com/paulaandog
click "video" under the picture of the three crosses

Serving Him
Paula

2006-10-30T08:19:00.000-06:00

TIME...

So...this blog begins like this...I've never had a blog, only read them. So it's kinda weird for me. But one of my favorite friends, Tori, is on a missions to get everyone blogging and she's doing a fine job, I might add. So I'll start off by sharing some of the things that God's been doing and teaching me in my life.

So... Friday nite Jordan's basketball team played in a tournament ( looser's bracket... ouch) in Maurepas, La. I road with ALL the Ohlerkings ( too many names to mention LOL ). We all walked in and it was so funny for me, because I usually am only looking for one seat, two at the most. Well as I looked back to count how many we were, I realized that we needed our own section. It was GREAT!!! We actually had enough boys with us to complete a basketball team. I grew up with only one brother, and I am eight years older than him. So I really got to see the dynamics of a large family. Rhett and Rhodes ( 2 year old twins) played cars in the bleachers with me. WOW, I really reflected back to when Jordan and Ashlyn were this young. OH, how the time flys so quicklyl!! Where did the years go? Did I do everything that I could to provide them with all they need to have a happy and successful life?

Time is of the esscense...this is what God has been keeping in my thoughts and teaching me about lately. You see all of my life, I've always wanted to hurry to get to next thing. I use to say "I can't wait to have a boyfreind... I can't wait to go to college...I can't wait to get married". Anyway, you get the picture. And my daddy use to say "Paula, you are wishing your life away. Just enjoy where you are." Now I often reflect on this thought because now more than ever I wish that time would stand still or at least slow down. We have such limited amounts of time to spend with family, freinds, church life, etc. See we think time is infinite because we can't see the end. But now God is showing me thru Julia( our exchange student) even more about how limited our time is. She will only be with us for 10 months and this is a definite(not because I want it to that's for sure). More now than ever I see how valuable each minute, each moment and each memory is. Our time together will come to an end and she will have to go back to Germany. This thought turns my stomach and makes me feel such a sense of urgencyto get to know her and love on her even more. Suppose we all knew our time lines. Would we do things differently? Would we live life with more zeal? Wouldn't we wonder if what we did with and for others was enough? I like to think that I live life each day like it's my last, not holding anything back.

Then on Saturday, Ashlyn and Julia went to St John's homecoming in Plaquemine. Here again the TIME thing came to my mind again. As I looked and admired Ashlyn in her beauty, I was reminded again of how quickly my time with her too is passing. I can hardly get in a minute with her anymore. We live in the same house and have a bond that most mothers and daughters can only dream about and yet we seem so far apart. Mostly schedules... which all goes back to limited time together. Sometimes I follow her around the house, like a little puppy, trying to get a glimpse of the life of a teenager today. But the business of life can so easily become a distraction to our relationship.

So this weekend as I was praying for more of his presense and more intimacy with him. This is what God spoke so clear to my heart. He said, "I have to have more of your time. Just as you are constantly pursuing time with Ashlyn, I too am chasing you down for more TIME. "Wow!! It became even more clear how God hurts too when we don't allow enough time for him in our lives or maybe we only cut out small segments of our life for him. Then to top it all off, Sunday in the 800 service Dino wastalking about sacrifice and how God wants most what we don't have alot of. He even said that for some of us that might be TIME. And let face it that probrably applied to lots of people but I knew it was definitely for me. It was the Holy Ghost!!!

So what I'm saying is this...If you don't feel you have time, then make time. Invest in those around you, and I'm definitely preaching to the choir, because there's many people that I need to spend time with also. Wow this is such therapy for me. I love it!!!. But mostly make time for God. He deserves it. After all, I look at what he's done for me and he is so worthy. And I guess that's about all for now...

In Him
Paula

2006-10-27T19:34:00.000-06:00

Tori made me do it!!

I'm gonna begin my blog just like everyone else. "Tori made me do it." It's a good thing!!!

I'm gonna post soon...about what God's doing in my life. :)

-Paula