Prayers for My Boys

Big day today for ‪#‎maboys‬... one in a concert this evening (that he's been looking forward to being a part of again for six years) and the other one trying out for freshmen basketball team (day 1 of 3 days of tryouts).  *update: Oliver didn't make the team

Today also kicks off a very busy season for Chamber Singers for Henry! I have been pumping him full of Vitamin C, encouraging him to drink lots of H2O and rest when he can. The next nine weeks for him will FLY BY in the blink of an eye.

If you're the praying type, please say a prayer for both of my boys that they find peace, joy & happiness in their days and weeks ahead!

Journey of the Cross | Ox Lake

Year after year, the thing my boys look forward to each summer is Camp Wapo.

Oliver, Tommy & Emily

throwback to 2009

Camp Wapo 2014

Every year, toward the end of summer, the boys head off to Camp Wapo (on Lake Wapogasset) in Amery, Wisconsin.  Anticipation drips from their faces and the discussion takes a hurried pace as they pack the weekend before camp.  "Mom, we don't have enough bug spray!  Mom, I don't want to bring a sleeping bag this year, I get too hot.  Can I just bring sheets?"

Each day has a theme to go along with the week of camp as well.  This year is no different!  There are servant days, high ropes courses, horseback riding.  I would encourage anyone who has children in the area to consider sending their kids to Camp Wapo. You don't even have to be part of a given church to attend, just the greater desire to be part of something bigger than you.  Bring a friend, join the fun.

The games, the canteen (filled with money from Mom & Dad), the swimming, the food, the friends, Agape, Bible study, and campfires, worship & music!  I think they'd be hard pressed to tell you what they love most about their week at camp.

playing 9 square

Henry is taking part in TIM Team this year.  He is joined by other senior high youth and will hopefully find a way to continue being a part of this wonderful experience next year.  Henry will be confirmed on October 26 after three years of confirmation studies.

TIM Team is a leadership development opportunity for Senior High youth. TIM teamers commit to one year of service as leaders in their home congregations working primarily with younger youth. TIM Teamers will spend time at both Ox Lake and Wapo during the 6 day experience. TIM Teamers will have lodging at Ox Lake, as well as experiencing the Low / High Ropes Challenge Course. During the week, much of each day is spent at Wapo interfacing and participating as leaders amongst the younger youth from their congregation.

It does a Mother's heart good to see the social media updates posted by both the camp staff and Calvary youth staff.  Don't get me wrong, we are enjoying the peace and quiet around 3513, but JP actually said that the house was too quiet this week.  Yes, we miss the boys, but wouldn't let them miss this experience for anything!  The boys have been going every year since third grade.

Oliver is headed into 8th grade next month and his second year of confirmation.  He has grown to love WNL and Bible study with a small peer group.  Joining together with his friends above, I am sure that not much slumber has happened in their little cabins in the woods!

Selfie with Youth Director Tim

waiting in line to take the "swim test" that gets you a band for the deep water (Henry, far left)

staying hydrated & happy smiles for these TIM Teamers

Cannot wait to hear their stories of camp when they get home tomorrow!  I'm sure they will both be exhausted, full of bug bites, but with happy smiles of another successful year at camp.

A circle of Calvary youth, gathered in a field, bonding...

#teamJesus

This is what camp memories are made of! 

2013 Wapo  

youth in confirmation

A little behind on blogging, so bear with me if it seems scattered in the coming weeks.

Henry is in his final year of confirmation classes, Oliver has just begun.  They attend confirmation on Wednesday evenings, give back to church with their time every Sunday (Henry: Grace Place assistant; Oliver: usher at early service), in addition to other education received and stewardship projects throughout the year.  Every fall they kick-off with both parents and kids in attendance.  This year was no different, except for the fact that it was...  in that there is a whole "changing of the guard" at Calvary.  The staff has almost completely turned over recently or changed roles, including the youth directors.  I was a little hesitant and anxious when we sat in the pew last month.  The first talk, however, went well and I took a few notes to keep us all reminded of some mini-goals in parenting and relating to one another. 

WNL 2013-2014  9/10/13

---

Students, Things your parents want you to know:

• See me as a grown up - treat me like an adult comes with expectations
• Honor your parents; Ephesians 6:1 "how you treat your mom is the best indicator to the one you will date in how you will treat a future relationship"
• They want to hear the words "I love you" (out of the overflow of our heart that our mouths speak)
• They want you to talk and use your words (have Grace for your parents)
• Let your parents do their jobs - look out for you.

Parents, Things your kids want you to know:

• Don't ever say again, "I know what it's like to be your age" (you don't in 2014)
• Talk on their schedule (not after school, sports, etc); it's probably right before you're going to bed and they're wired
• Listen more than talk (80/20); what if you surprise them with kindness {my words}; the consequence is never our relationship.
• Keep it confidential; pray about it (Ruth Graham's way of parenting).  Not everything your child does needs to be broadcast.
• Work on your poker face - they need to know they can tell you anything; you won't freak out.
• Admit when you're wrong.

Looking forward to another year of educating ma boys in faith, and allowing them to make the choice of confirmation at the end of these years.  If Henry chooses to be confirmed, it will happen a year from now, October 2014.

john paul & geeky cool science

Well, the bottom part of this post will contain the "geeky cool science" parts.  The first half of this will serve to update on how our week started.  As I sit here in the family lounge listening to a Hmong interpreter talking with a loved one, two others conversing about their mother down the hall, I am trying hard to draw on the memory of the last 72 hours...  it's been a whirlwind!

Henry called me mid-afternoon on Monday, September 30, while I was in a work meeting, from his father's cell phone.  Of course, I didn't know it was Henry, but it's not like my phone to ring with calls from home, so I was apprehensive saying hello. 

"Mom, there's an ambulance here and Dad's not feeling well.  He's got chest pains."

{insert: MY heart suddenly, instantly, racing out of control...  and my feet, somehow springing my body into motion}

I immediately stopped what I was doing and started back for my desk.  I received a text from my neighbor letting me know she was at our house as well.  I sent a quick email to those I work for and I was out the door.  Texting, driving, and not sure which direction to head (home or hospital).  I know, I know.  Don't lecture me.  What would you do?  He was still in the house, I'm only 10 minutes away, and CHEST PAINS aren't exactly something to mess with, right?  So I kept an eye on my ever-changing messages and took a right turn...  heading to meet him at the ER.

I arrived shortly after he did.  Found an "un-named man" in room 10, who arrived by ambulance with chest pains.  It was JP.  My first question to the person getting him into a gown and tagged with do-hickeys (whatever those chest monitoring pads are called), "Do you have a cath lab on-site?"   Yes, yes they do. 

9 hours later...  still in the ER...  still not at a pain level zero, so not being moved upstairs.

I left to go home and be with the boys.  Reassure them Dad will be okay.  Everyone already on "prayer warrior" status.  He was in good hands, under an hour from {presumed} attack, and waiting on a confirmed diagnosis and treatment.

Somewhere after 9 pm, he was moved to ICU.  Pain level .05.  Yes, that's what he said.  Being feisty, impatient, and who knows if he was truthful, he finally landed somewhere other the uncomfortable ER bed.  Still no confirmed diagnosis.  Blood drawn.  Multiple doses of Nitrol, a few rounds of Morphine.  Have I mentioned he dislikes hates drugs?  No, I mean really.  He had previously been diagnosed with high cholesterol and was told to take Lipit0r.  Well, after a little searching on Dr. Google, he was put off by side effects and chose not to take the prescribed drug.

JP is healthy.  Exercises.  Eats right.  Adds jalapenos and hot sauce to everything.  He doesn't smoke, if you ask him.  He smokes cigars; doesn't inhale.  He does drink, both beer and "the brown stuff", as I so affectionately refer to it.

Heredity.  Period.  That's what gets him this far.  Ok, and the beer doesn't help (hopeful he will come to his senses and now change his ways in that regard), but if you saw him, you'd otherwise wonder why he ended up in the ER. 

Backing up:  He got back after his 10 mile bike ride, took a shower, couldn't stop sweating.  Lay down for a while, it didn't get better.  Sat on couch, looked in the mirror and was white as a ghost.  Sent Henry to the neighbor's for help.  She wasn't home.  JP then handed Henry the phone and told him to dial 911 and tell them his Dad was having chest pains.

Are you still with me?  Yeah, my story-telling will be a bit scattered.  Sorry.

No bed for me at the "Inn" (aka ICU), so I finally went home at 1 am on Tuesday morning (10 hours after arriving, leaving, coming back). 

Blood draw shows elevated levels of some kind of marker [insert proper wording later].  Six hours later, wee hours of the morning while I'm trying to sleep at home...

Confirmed heart attack. 

First day October
I get the boys off to school before heading back to the hospital.  I arrive about 6:30 am to JP just awaking.  Still had pain overnight, received more drugs, and another elevated reading of blood marker.  "They will fit him into the cath lab schedule" sometime today.  I understand scheduling, I do, but then suddenly JP is pounding touching his chest again in the sternum.  Pained look on his face, just as agitated and, from what I can tell, as much pain as when he presented over 12 hours earlier.  I am thankful that the internist, Dr. Jeff, is present.  I met Dr. Jeff at 12:45 am.  I look to him and tell him I'm not happy with JP's level of pain again and they push more drugs.  Ok, trying to stay calm, but WTF?!  Really?  more drugs to mask the symptoms?  Could we PLEASE DO SOMETHING about the underlying issue at hand?  Thankful for the mind-reading at this point, because as Dr. Jeff looks into my eyes, the drugs not working, he suddenly makes a decision to push this through as a 'stat' medical event and JP will be taken immediately to the cath lab.  Finally.

Well, let's just say that immediately wasn't quite as quick as it happened.  I decided that things in a hospital pretty much follow the military's motto of hurry up and wait - but at least we were moving toward resolution.

JP was wheeled down to the cath lab.  I followed along, and we parted ways in a back hallway somewhere.  Kissed him and off I went to wait.  My prior medical company employee status not able to play a part and get me into the tech room.  I was relegated to wait...  as the wife....  helpless.

I set my iphone timer as I sat down.

Thirty-three minutes.  That's all it took to discover, insert a stent and bring my husband to a relatively pain-free status.  Perhaps even less time, but that's when his name was called out to me in the waiting room and I stopped the timer.

Fast-forward to the cardiologist, Dr. Roh, talking with me about those 33 minutes.  Time that both dragged on and then flew by as I was praying.  Hoping.  Waiting.  I had not met, nor talked with him prior to this time.  He did not know my affinity or relation to my former employer.  Imagine my moment of utter, thrilled relief when he said they placed a Promus Element Plus stent into my husband's artery.  An artery that was 99% blocked, mind you.  holycrap.  "He will be feeling much better now", said Dr. Roh, and then he says, and I quote, "it's the best stent on the market".  I inform him that I previously worked at Boston Scientific for 11 years in quality/design assurance.  I know this product.  I know the team that worked on it. 

...................and exhale

Which brings us to today.
Prayers answered.  Miracles performed, by skilled doctors, with guidance from above (yes, He gets credit for this, in so many ways).  99% blockage of the mid-circ artery opened up by a product of modern science, coated with a drug that will release over the next 30 days and help keep away restenosis.

source

The stent

The Mynx Closure Device

A new man, having just celebrated double-nickels, with his boys by his side.  A few new lifestyle habits to incorporate, one of which includes taking a couple of drugs on a regular basis (he will learn to be okay with this).  We are blessed to have him with us another day.  We are so very thankful for modern medicine, skilled physicians, wonderful care attendants, a plethora of friends and neighbors who come to assist at a moment's notice, and all who have had even a thought or prayer for our family in the last few days.

We can only hope to continue paying it forward. 

One day, one breath, at a time.

 

 

{to be continued}

 

so much more to tell...

social media, large family, network of friends rallying to help, pastoral visits,

connection with woman taking ECHO, boys' reaction, neighbors pitching in,

connection to med device community, and thank you's

Camp Ox {2013}

As in years past, the boys went off with friends from church and spent a week at Camp Ox this year.  We had a full truck on our 90 minute drive over to Amery, WI.  Four {ever-growing} teenagers, 2 adults, 3 bikes and a bunch of camping gear.  Oliver slept in cabins this year, and Henry in tents. They were kept busy and had a lot of fun! 

Oliver's camp focus: Our International and U.S. staff lead worship, Bible studies, ethnic meals, and activities that help provide a global perspective. Campers also experience campfires, swimming, tubing, bouldering wall, ropes challenge course, games, devotions, horseback riding, and arts & crafts.

Henry's camp focus: Journey of the Cross is a powerful high adventure camping experience. The challenge experiences are symbolic of the challenges we face in our personal faith journeys, and we embrace the life-long challenge to take up our cross and follow Jesus wherever He leads. Campers participate in our low and high ropes challenge course, bike on the Gandy Dancer Trail, rock climb at Interstate Park, canoe down the St. Croix River and horseback ride on the trails at Ox

Below is a post from the Youth Director after their first evening:

(Melanie here). I checked in with the Ox lake campers today. They are doing good! The spent the day horse back riding and doing low ropes, now they are hanging out and relaxing before dinner. The counselors tell me that they are great campers and that tomorrow they get to do high ropes which is new this year for the ox lake campers. I think it is great and that they will love it.

I didn't see ...the journey of the cross campers because they are biking today. Sounds like they got off to a great start this morning though and had a good night last night from the ox counselor I talked to. They will bike tomorrow as well (new again this year), canoe on Wednesday, do low and high ropes on Thursday and horse back ride on Friday.

Thanks for praying for all our campers and the wapo staff, keep the prayers coming! God is good and I know He is going to do great things in their lives this week!

Playing a game at the eco-camp.




Last year for these three at camp!
Next year they become TIM teamers* if they are interested.
They've gone to camp together since third grade.

 “…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross and follow me.” Matt. 16:24

 

 

Oliver's turn at the ropes course, with his friends by his side!

 

 

 

Some kind of shoe game. 

His new summer shoes came home filthy dirty!

Kids will be kids.

What Mom doesn't see won't hurt her, I guess {just the laundry}.

 

 

 

 

*TIM Team is a leadership development opportunity for Senior High youth. TIM teamers commit to one year of service as leaders in their home congregations working primarily with younger youth. TIM Teamers will spend time at both Ox Lake and Wapo during the 7 day experience. TIM Teamers will have lodging at Ox Lake, as well as experiencing the Low / High Ropes Challenge Course. During the week, much of each day is spent at Wapo interfacing and participating as leaders amongst the younger youth from their congregation.

Happy Easter 2013

My morning started rather quietly...  JP went off to sing all four services at church, and I plopped myself on the couch for a bit.  The silence was interrupted about 8:20 am with the beautiful sounds of church bells ringing across the street at St. Joe's, accompanied by the birds in the trees.

I rousted the boys from slumber about 9:45 am and took them over to Bruegger's for a bagel breakfast.  Non-traditional, but satisfying.

As we walked into the church to find our pew for the 11:00 am service, Henry declares, "What does Dad call these people again?"

A little more quietly, I reply with "C&E'ers". 

"Yeah, that's it," he says, "do you recognize any of them?!"

True, son...  not many look familiar.  Let's hope that most of those attending were out-of-town family and not folks who only choose to come twice a year. Only one son's father reached out to shake my hand that was familiar to me at all.  We were lucky enough to get our front seat too!  Yeah, I know...  not really ours, by any stretch of the imagination, but not many people like to sit right up front.  I do, no distractions between me and The Word. 

I like Spring.  I love Easter.  I was sharing with a few folks last week how this season of church is my absolute favorite... because our church does such a wonderful job of a solemn Friday service (dark church, leave quietly, most with tears) to Sunday morning - dimly lit church, birds chirping and then {BAM!!!} - in comes the trumpets, choir, praising and singing - the cloth is lifted from the hanging cross and I get goosebumps and tears - every.single.time!

This year, Oliver sang on Good Friday with the children's chorus, and the kids all came forward to hammer the nails into the cross.  Tradition is good.  And when we entered the pew to take our seats on Easter morning, this is the beauty of the darkened church pulpit.
 

And then the magic begins...



Kudos go to so many musicians and behind-the-scenes individuals who make this what it is each year.  I really enjoyed sitting in the pew with ma boys, listening to the music and the message by our interim Pastor TJ, soaking it all in.  It was another beautiful service! 

Then it was back to the house for a very simple Easter Sunday.  No real meal planned, taking in an orphan or two, and playing a couple rounds of cards.  It was a nice end to a busy weekend.



Cousins

Best Friends

A game of "golf" and a good meal

Happy Easter from our house to yours!

a musical weekend

The Calvary Lutheran Church "Where Are You Christmas?" concert was a huge success!

I had a wonderful time being IN the music this year and not watching it from a pew.  Although, I must admit, I was just a little jealous of those sitting in the audience being surrounded by such passionate & fulfilling music.  It is truly a different perspective to experience from either location.  I am hopeful there are other video recordings available soon to view as well.

Until then, I took liberty and put together a "behind the scenes" look at this year's concert.  Yes, from my point of view, and as much as I tried to sing quietly and be inconspicuous, you will hear my voice. 

not letting life pass me by

It's been a very busy month, this November 2012.  I'm not sure where the time has gone, but December starts tomorrow! I've got lots of post catching up to do and pictures to upload!  If you follow me on Facebook, you've seen some of the fun we've had as a family.  I'll be back when time slows down (ha), I promise!

This weekend will be filled with music - rehearsals, singing at service and two concerts on Sunday!  If you live nearby and need a nudge to get into the holiday spirit, come by Calvary and see us after the football game!  This is a wonderful show, filled with talented local musicians, and sure to warm your heart!

I have joined the chorus this year and look forward to my first year on stage again in many, many years!  I only wish I knew who would be sitting in the audience, taking my place, video-taping so I can share it with those who do not live nearby.  If I find a link to a video or two, I will be sure to link back for you!

The boys also have concerts coming up in December!  Oliver tells me he has a choir solo too.  I will update the side-bar this weekend with dates for family & friends interested in attending.

I just LOVE all that December brings

and cannot wait to be an active part of it.

a cup of coffee {with ashley ann & adeye}

This morning I sat down and had a cup of coffee with Ashley Ann @ Under the Sycamore.  You see, she is about to travel across the world and adopt a young girl from an orphanage.  Ashley has so beautifully shared her heart with us this morning in her post about what tomorrow brings for her and the Little One she will add to her family soon.

And in another country, Adeye is doing the very same thing to bring home two more children to join her home.

Truth be told, I am a tad envious of these two ladies, and well, quite frankly the neighbor next door.  You see, I always wanted a big family, and I believe I've shared that here before.  However, as it turns out, the way for my dreams to become a "large family" were woven quite differently than I originally thought they would be.  I saw myself having six children of my own.  However, He showed me another way, and that while they would not all reside in my home, there would be six children born to me.  As part of my dreaming as a child, I also envisioned large gatherings of loved ones near me at holidays, and for that, He provided me with my husband's family.  Because JP is one of eleven children, the gatherings are overflowing with family, especially when those spread across the country are all home at once.

Because I have come to know and follow so many women's stories, rescuing the orphan has become something that is now a part of my daily prayers. I encourage you to do the same.  Say a prayer for the mother who has given life...  and the mother who has chosen to adopt...  and for the children... who are waiting for someone to gather them into their arms and show them love.
And if you feel a tug at your heartstrings, and prayer isn't enough...  GO!  love.  rescue.  Follow your heart and His will.

"Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Isaiah 6:8

Thursday's child has far to go!

Five years ago today, the days lined up exactly the same as this year, and the morning of the 26th was a Thursday!  It would be a very crazy morning, just ask my husband (*both of them!). 

I had been up the night before timing contractions with an online contraction timer.  Yes, folks, we have evolved that much.  Good thing, too, because I didn't want to wake anyone in the house to help me time and focus, as they needed all the sleep they could get!  However, by the time JP came down the stairs at 3:30 am for work, I told him he wasn't going to work and to start making telephone calls.

He called the OB's office, my parents to come watch the boys, my coach in labor, Kara, and last but not least...  baby daddy, Mister J!

The conversation on our end went something like this...
"It's baby day...  yes, today...  no, he's not waiting until induction day on Monday.  I suggest you get on the next plane to Minnesota.  By noon?  Well, if you want to see your baby born, I suggest you leave now."

After that, the morning was a blur.  My folks showed up to watch the boys.  JP got to drive me, yet again, to what he affectionately calls "the baby factory" to give birth to Little J.  Through the streets of Minneapolis, bump after bump after bump...  not breaking any driving laws, nor rushing through red lights this time, and we even beat the morning rush hour...  we pulled into the parking ramp about the same time Kara did. 

Hooked up to monitors and ready to go...  but Mister J wasn't there yet...  it didn't matter, baby boy had an agenda of his own.  Dr. E broke my water and we were a go!  Commotion heard from outside the room, and Mister J had just arrived with his Baby Nurse - phew!  All was going to happen as it should and he would see his son born.  He told us that he had to rush down the runway and exclaimed, "My wife is having a baby in Minneapolis, I need to get on that plane!" while being followed by female Baby Nurse...  the odd looks apparently provided much needed amusement to keep the brevity of the situation light during transit.

Once again, Little J had decided to change up the game plan... he was much bigger than we thought, and with decels in his heart rate, and a couple hours of attempted pushing, Dr. E decided that it was time for my first-ever c-section.  Folks, the thought had never even occurred to me that this surrogate pregnancy would end up there, on the operating table!  Also dumbstruck was Mister J in this new set of plans, "here, put these on, she will be down in the OR waiting for you, make it fast" and before I knew it, I was watching the ceiling lights float overhead and my husband was left standing in the doorway... 

Activity like I've never seen before broke out around me - heck, I'd never even seen the inside of an operating room, who am I kidding?!  Twice as many people were suddenly in the room with us - shift change!  Really?  Just our luck.  Dr. E wasn't very pleased about the timing of it all and sudden urgency was heard in her voice to make it snappy...  and then the first cut...

To say I wasn't just a little freaked out at this point would be a gross understatement.  I was calm on the outside, and freaking out on the inside. I knew that we had decided JP wouldn't join me in the OR (and hospital policy wouldn't allow me to have two people there), but I wanted my husband next to me.  Knowing that the man at my shoulder was focused on the action below the draped sheet at my midline...  well, suddenly everything around me became very real about this situation of helping another become a father.  But I had faith.  Dr. E had been my doctor for almost 20 years, and I knew I was in good hands.

Shortly after we started, Little J entered the world...  screaming, happy, healthy & into the arms of his Papa he went.  I survived my first c-section.  JP would later join me in recovery, and I had emotions wash over me like I never imagined.  Sure, I was prepared to hand over the life that had grown inside of me for the past nine months (and another few months of preparation that went into it)...  but, well, to not see more than a glimpse of him until the next day...  that, my friends, was raw...  still, I told myself that I was strong enough to get through this too... and I did.

Fast forward...  five years later...  today marks the anniversary of his BIRTHday...  Little C (name changed on the tarmac while waiting for gate clearance 24 hours after he was born) and I can only imagine that he is the most loved, spoiled and cherished little blond boy on the East Coast. 

This day will always hold a special place in my heart.  I welcomed a fourth little boy into the world...  three I had grown of my own, and one under my heart. 

Little did I know that it would be the beginning of an admittedly slight addiction to helping someone create a family.  After all, I had survived a c-section...  giving of life and love...  seeing the pure joy of a new family through the father's eyes...  I was hooked!

And blessed.

Happy Birthday, Little C!

May you be celebrating in style!

carrying Little C "on the outside" at 6 weeks old

FREE Community Meal on Tuesdays

Community Meal
Come.
Meet.
Eat.

Free for everyone every week at Calvary!
Beginning July 31, the Community Meal will be held every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Calvary Gym.  No prerequisites. No strings attached. It's simply a time for anyone and everyone to gather together and to enjoy some good food


Calvary Lutheran Church | Golden Valley, Minnesota, USA |

serve & play

At the end of the day, an activity is planned for the kids on a mission...  seems that they have just enough energy left over to smile and get goofy!  I am keeping up with them (and getting these photos) via the church's Facebook page.  Gotta love technology!

You'll notice my son, up front and happy.  Miss you kiddo, but so glad you're having such a wonderful week of new experiences, meeting friends and serving the Lord.

Please be in prayer for our junior high kids, who are on a mission trip to St. Paul this week. Even though they're not far away, they're immersed in all sorts of ministry settings that will help them to realize that there's a mission field right outside our front door. Pray for the kids and adults, that they might have a really good experience, that they might influence the lives of the people to whom they minister and that their faith will take a giant step forward in their relationship with their Lord.    ~ Pastor Steve

on a mission



on the steps of the Cathedral of Saint Paul


Henry is with the junior high students from Calvary Lutheran on a mission trip this week.  They went a whole 15 miles across town to St. Paul to make a difference in their own backyard!  This proud Momma cannot wait to hear all about it when they get back on Friday!

Palm Sunday and a Little Rap

A little video to watch from Palm Sunday's service.  It's always a treat to see the kids come marching in with their palms.  It was an extra special treat to see our senior pastor join in on the fun!



I will catch up with blogging again soon.  I promise.

music soothes the soul {part 1}

There was dancing in the pews on Saturday night...  and in the aisles, and flag waving, and a conga line, and testimonies, and raised arms for all that He does for us.  No, really.  I kid you not.  If you're local and didn't attend, you missed out.  Obviously Dan Adler and his Heart of the City gospel choir has a following, because they filled the sanctuary with avid fans!  I was a little disheartened to not recognize some faces in the crowd, nor see the youth of Calvary who really would have enjoyed the night.  There was music overflowing, lots of dancing and a really fabulous vibe to share!

"These events are focused on crossing denominational and racial barriers in uniting believers in worship and prayer."




One True God, a Bhangra Praise song (East-Indian), complete with dance!  The origination of this song's story can be found here.  It's also available in iTunes.  I would have to say it was my favorite of the night!




I greeted folks as they entered the doors to the church and was touched by geniuine love of two little girls who were giddy for God.  They couldn't stop gushing about the band members, how they previously got autographs, had never been to our church before, but were very excited to be here and were obviously followers of this gospel mission.  It was heartwarming to see them both later, down in the front of the church, dancing and twirling flags that a woman shared with them.

It was wonderful to observe and be a part of the sheer JOY flowing through the sanctuary.

God is good.

FMSC @ Calvary {sunday snapshot}

Lots of activity at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley this week!  We are hosting a mobile packout for Feed My Starving Children.  The kickoff was today and runs for an entire week.  These pictures and video are from the 8:45 am Grace Place kids' hour of volunteering!

the packout area goes from this....

to this!

everyone gets a job...  and a hairnet (even if you have no hair)



and even the littlest Superbowl fan can volunteer!



chicken . veggies

soy . rice

Such a wonderful organization...  join us and donate or volunteer this week!  We are celebrating Henry's birthday by filling one side of the table and packing this Saturday at 3:30 pm.

Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor. Proverbs 22:9

Precious in His Sight

...so many

boys and girls

desperately

wanting

needing

a forever family!

It just breaks my heart. I do believe there are families out there for these children on Adeye's blog. I can only share and share and hope that someone, somewhere, is able to help find these children who are "aging out" of the system find a forever family!

More information is here in Adeye's post.

And even more information in this adoption blog too...   wonderful waiting kids

Do you know someone who has been waiting? 
Will you help spread the word too?
Will you go?

Music and a Story {date night}

I cannot wait for date night tonight...  performing locally at Grace Church, and I've got a date with JP to take in the whole spectacular experience!!

A Baby Changes Everything

JP sings at Calvary this weekend with the Expressions Choir.  The Christmas concert is on Sunday at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm.  If you're looking for something to do this weekend, spend a few bucks and come out to hear a fabulous choir & orchestra...  nothin' better to get you in the spirit!   Come and sing along with over 100 local voices.

Here's a snipit from last year's performance.  Of course my recording doesn't do it justice at all.




Hope to see you there!

If you want to come and cannot afford it, send me an email and I'll make it happen!