Seriously????

My youngest, Max can say some really funny things. He can do some really funny things too. Not too long ago I found out that when I dropped him off for Wednesday night church, he had gone into the men's bathroom, put on his ninja gear (head to toe mind you) and was sneaking behind objects and rolling in the floor as if he was in a Steven Segal movie. Crazy. But in Max's mind....I think it was pretty darn real. There are more stories...believe me....but I want to explain this picture for now.

I came home from work to find Max and a friend playing around and I had to do a double take when I saw the mustaches on the faces! After laughing a moment....I said what are you guys doing? They quickly responded...without laughter...."We're just being men".

Of course......of course.....

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Lord, thank you for my life and for allowing me the joy of being a mom. Every day...is truly a gift. I'm filled with your joy. I pray Lord, that we will all continue to see your hand in our lives through the gift of laughter...friends...and family.

Last Days of Summer

How do you make the most of the last week of summer??? That is the question that is going through my house in a big way right now. Granted...this question is not as serious as what would you do if you only had a week to live....but to some....its essentially the same.

We are filling this week with sleeping late, midweek sleepovers, hanging out with friends, spontaneous movie nights....whatever. The last few days will be fun! And then, I have to face the fact that I am now the parent of a junior in high school, an 8th grader and a sweet 4th grader too. Whew...at least there is still one in elementary school, but not for long....I see that happening fast too.

I remember my summer days as a kid and how they seemed to go on and on. But my days were really summer lazy days filled with play time and just fun stuff. I loved that time....and want my kids to have great memories too.

So, enjoy your week and have lots of fun. I like what the Bible says about numbering our days. Realizing that they are valuable....and a gift from God. Each one is an opportunity that we will never get to do again. Wow! That is really cool and sometimes scary to think about.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom

Lord, teach us to number our days so that we live wisely and without regret. Thank you for our families and the many blessings you give us! You are a most gracious God and giver of good, good gifts, days of summer...being one of them!

What do they see when they look in the mirror?

You know...I typically think that I am pretty good at being positive in front of my kids. I mean, I avoid the typical negative words about others and I hope that I do say more positive things about others in front of my kids rather than the negative. But I wonder what they've heard me say about myself. Do they hear me when I complain about being too fat, too tired, too old looking, too gray or whatever???? I hope not. I don't think I do that too much, but I've noticed something in my youngest that I NEED to try and curtail as much as possible.

Max has recently talked so much about dieting, fat, losing weight...you name it. At first, I thought he was just modest. You know, when he didn't want to swim without a swim shirt....or he wants to wear a shirt to bed, stuff like that.Now I know its because he does not like his little belly that is a bit more soft than it used to be. He is almost 10....and growing like a weed. Nick went though this same thing and ended up having a few years of chubbiness...then he totally grew out of that! But, lately before Max eats, he'll say, "Mom, I think I've lost weight". What this tells me...is that he is feeling guilt about what he is about to do. Something I know about all too well.

I don't want him to associate guilt with food or develop bad habits. As his mom, I can help make sure he gets all the good food choices he needs and I can affirm good choices too. Buy less junk....that's an idea too. But I asked him, Max, do you think you are fat? He just looked at me...like he had been hiding it so well. He then said... "Mom, I don't think I'm fat, I just don't like the way I look sometimes. You know like when I said I liked the picture of me and you and you said you didn't like it cause you looked bad without make up". Ok....why does that make me feel bad as a mom? I'm not sure. I guess because I feel somewhat hypocritical when I tell him to like himself for who he is...and I in turn.....want make up to 'like' my picture more. Ugh...I can complain and blame things on the pop culture and the images I see on magazines... but I also have to look at what I am saying and doing at home to promote self image as well. I felt awful when I heard him say this. Like he totally picked up on my self worth being tied with the vanity of make up!!! Good grief.

I want Max to be proud of who he is and also learn to eat well too. Max is not fat by any means, but he is approaching an age where I can see him putting on a few extra pounds before puberty. Somewhere he learned that fat was not good nor acceptable and he doesn't want to be that way. I'm probably not making much sense - but what I am trying to say is that I want him to feel good about being Max. In every shape and size while his body is growing into the man that he will be one day. We'll eat well and learn what is best for his body...but true acceptance can only be found in Christ. ( I guess I can't find it in make up either huh?)

Anyway, to totally honest with myself and words today, here is the picture Max liked. I guess that is my step out to say hey.....so its not my best but my son really liked it...because we were having a great picnic day in the park last week. That should matter more to me too! Ah....freedome. or not.... LOL.

Hey...if you have any food / nutrition ideas...please send them my way. Max is more inclined to go for the sweets rather than the veggies...so I do want to help him feel good about himself and eat well too. So...your ideas are more than welcomed here!!!


Psalm 139:15

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth

A2 Preview Service THIS SUNDAY!!! Yes...that means like tomorrow!

Hey everyone! I thought I would repost a message from our pastor, Chris Goins. I also want to invite any of you to join us for this special night!!!! Here you go...call me if you want to know more...or COME WITH US!

Hello a2 Friends and Family:

Our first official a2 PREVIEW SERVICE is just a few hours away.

With that in mind, I wanted to attempt to answer a few questions and give you one last reminder before the BIG EVENT.


Question 1: What is a PREVIEW SERVICE?

It’s an all out worship experience. A time for us to worship our GREAT GOD, to be challenged by God’s Word and to enjoy fellowship with one another.

With that said, come prepared to worship. Be ready to meet some new friends.

A PREVIEW SERVICE is an opportunity for us to learn, to grow and prepare for what’s ahead when a2 begins meeting on a week to week basis.


Question 2: Who should attend?

Everyone. That’s right. Invite your friends, family, work associates, the guy or gal next door, the people at your gym, your college room mates, your high school gym teacher... You get the picture. Invite everyone.

You still have time to invite someone to join you this Sunday night. Shoot them off a text. Give them a phone call. Send out an email. Let’s really go the extra mile and expend a little extra effort to make this Sunday evening a great night.


Question 3: Will child care be provided?

You bet. We will have nursery, preschool and elementary child care this Sunday PM. Your kids are welcome to attend.


Question 4: What time is the service?

The service will take place this Sunday evening, July 27 at 5:30.

a2 PREVIEW SERVICE
This Sunday evening, July 27
5:30 PM


Question 4: Where will the PREVIEW SERVICE take place?

Thanks to Bill Robbins, one of our a2 Launch Team members, who worked to secure meeting space at the Inverness Vineyard Church on Valleydale Road. Here’s the address.

Inverness Vineyard
4733 Valleydale Road


Question 5: How should I dress?

Most people will dress casual. But from the outset, we want to create a “come as you are” kind of culture at a2. If you’re most comfortable in a suit, tie, or bow tie. Wear it. If you’re like me and prefer a pair of blue jeans, wear them. COME AS YOU ARE.


Question 6: How long will the service last?

Probably about an hour and a half. Immediately following the service, for those who want to be part of the a2 Launch Team we will also have some LAUNCH TEAM BREAK OUT SESSIONS that will last about thirty minutes. All in all, we should finish up by 7:30 p.m.


Question 7: Can I do anything?

You bet. Here’s your assignment:


Pray like crazy for God’s anointing upon our time together.
Invite someone to attend.
Be a greeter. From the moment you arrive, meet as many people as you can and help us create a warm, loving, enthusiastic environment.
Worship like crazy.
Get involved.



Janet and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday evening. If you have any questions, give us a call.

Chris and Janet Goins
205.979.3633 Home
205.447.5948 Chris’s Cell
205.447.6239 Janet’s Cell