All things work together....

I had a bad day yesterday. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did. It started the night before. I drank a mountain dew which is the root of all evil. If I drink one of those I'm doomed when it's time for me to sleep. So, needless to say, the last time I remember looking at the clock it was 3:00 am. Due to my lack of sleep I started feeling really sick. I came home from work and crashed the second I hit my bed. There was a bunch of junk that happened while I was working to enhance my crappy mood. I was trying to pull myself together so I wouldn't effect anyone else with my irritations. Nothing major happened to put me in a funk but a bunch of little things were getting under my skin. Then I started thinking...

Romans 8:26-28:

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will. 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[b] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

I started thinking about all the times in my life when MAJOR disappointments had happened and how God miraculously made the circumstances benefit my life and growth in it. If He can do it with the big things He can certainly turn my bad day full of little annoying circumstances around to something good. I love that verse 28 says "everything" ... even the little things will work out. God has my bad day under control.

Hey Rap Girl

Hey Andrea, I love that you're a rap girl! I so enjoyed watching you sing and dance with the kids in Powerhouse yesterday. I know all the kids are so happy you're back grooving with them again too. You do such an awesome job in there and it is so obvious that you absolutely love it...that's what makes you so perfect for the part. Thanks for also sharing your cooking talent with us last week too...we totally enjoyed our "Tour of Italy" at the Lopers. So, do you rap while you cook?

C3... un.orthodox!

Okay, okay... so I'm the rap girl. I love all music but hip hop is just soooooooo cool! Darrell and I visited Crossover Church in Tampa a few weeks ago. This is the pastor. He goes by the name Urban D. and this video describes C3 Church culture as well. His vision is to be un.orthodox in reaching the community around him for Christ. I'm so grateful that Pastor Byron is seeking God first and prays for un.orthodox methods to reach the lost. I've included some of the lyrics at the end of the song that I think fits C3 perfectly!

Urban D. "Un.orthodox" Music Video

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Vs. 3 On my journey’s people ask my occupation I tell em’ I’m a pastor and an artist – there’s amazement True engagement / Sometimes I wish I could take they look and frame it They can’t picture a cat that’s braided Cuz the old school presentation got em’ jaded But so many people waited (For a ministry out the box) With no cultural locks (C3 Church) – unorthodox Dreadlocks fades and fitted’s A multi-cultural faith community that’s committed To the great commandment and the great commission We orthodox in our beliefs, but not in our fishin’ We into Biblical context and not tradition Cuz we’re more concerned about your heart’s condition (We got a passion from God) – so we’re Purpose Driven We look just like you – but we found what’s missin’

This is my shout out to my family at C3! Let's be un.orthodox!

Connections

I can honestly say I have the best group of friends in the world. I wanna let you know about them.

Angie-I can tell you anything and feel safe. You make me laugh with your witty yet amusing banter. You sing real pretty!

Amanda-It's just easy with you. You make everyone feel loved. You have really cool placemat handbags(in other words... you're very creative!)

Sandy-I feel like I've known you forever. You're sweet and pretty. You make the best snow cones ever!

Leigh Ann-I can always count on you to say what I'm thinking but can't quite articulate the way you do.

Sally-I can't quite narrow it down to one thing with you. You are ALWAYS there for me! Loyal to the end!

Stacy-I can be silly with you and then completely serious. You fluctuate your mood with mine. We are one! :)

Ariel-You always encourage me with your vivacious and fun-loving spirit. You're just a fun gal!

Alexie-I look up to you... even if you are just a bit shorter! You've been adopted into my family as my new third sister. I wanna be the mommy you are one day... amazing! I am in awe!

These are just a few friends that I have recently spent time with. I love all of you and thank God for the blessing of having friends like you in my life! I am always praying that God connect me with more of the women at C3. There are so many of you I'd love to know better. We all have busy schedules and hectic lives but don't forget to take some time out for some real connection.

C3 women rock!

411 on the Women of C3

Periodically, I like to highlight what some of the great women of C3 are thinking. Lately, God has used many of their blogs to encourage me. So, I wanted to share their blogsites with you so you can check them out, too! Here are some of my recent favorites: Patti says this in her brand new blog Patio Talk. Jennie says this in her blog Controlled Chaos. And Monica says this in her new blog Laugh Often, Love Always. Thanks, ya'll for keepin' it real, and for helping me "run free and fearless". You rock and you are SO C3! Peace.

My New Reality Obsession

I have a new television show that I love. "Tori and Dean: Inn Love." They are sooooo Andrea and Darrell. We happened to catch it while the marathon of season one was on and Darrell just laughed at Tori's theatrical over the top personality. He then said, "honey, oh my gosh, that is you!" I loved the idea of running a modern bed and breakfast and pulling out a red carpet for the grand opening with ice sculptures, spotlights and just good old fashioned fabulousness. What I love more is that her husband tries SO hard to bring her back down to earth. I'm definitely exuberant, emotional, intensely passionate, and very much a dreamer. Darrell is much more the realist. I need that. I think I want to meet them and see how we click. We'd probably become best friends. There goes my dreamer side again...

Death by Exercise

Dear Drill Sergeant at the Blanchard Park YMCA Boot Camp Class:

Why do you hate me so much? Why do you make me run until I feel like I will throw up? Do you love the look of sheer pain on my face as I do my 100th jump-squat? And what's with all the push-ups? Why do I continue to torture myself by going to your class twice a week? I think it's because secretly I love the torture...I love how I feel when I leave your class. Thanks for the great workout...now I need to go throw up.

Amanda

At Home With Amanda

One of my favorite things to do is shop and I love to get a good deal, whether it's on groceries, an outfit for one of my kids, or a new pair of shoes for myself. My sister, Larissa, and I have competitions to see who can get the best deal...she usually wins. (One time she bought a brand new pair of pants for 99 cents...and they were cute!) I have lots of stories about her and her bargain-shopping experiences that would make you laugh including one about expired beef jerky at Eckerd's. (Sorry, Larissa...hope I didn't embarrass you! I love you and all your bargain shopping stories.)

So, between Larissa and my good friend, Heather, I have learned how to be a better bargain shopper. Thought I'd share a couple of websites that are my favorites.

1. mycoupons.com This site has several message boards that give great advise on which stores are having good sales. My favorite is on the LWIF board (look what I found). People share about bargains they have found around town at stores like Target, KMart, and CVS. They let you know when Target does their 75% off markdowns!

2. afullcup.com This site has a target coupon generator where you can print as many coupons as you need on a particular item. (A few weeks ago they had a great deal on baby food...I stocked up! I spent a total of about $2.00 and got enough food to feed Jackson for a month!) You can also find weekly ads for just about any grocery store in the area.

These are just a couple of sites to help you save a few bucks. Try it out...you just might get addicted! Happy shopping!

The first day of school

I'm so proud of my sister Cassie. Today was her first day of school... as a fourth grade teacher! She just graduated from UCF in the spring and accepted a position at Vista Lakes Elementary. She is so smart, pretty, driven, responsible, patient and sweet. I love her so much and I wish I would have had a teacher like her when I was younger. You'll be amazing Cassie! Love ya!

First Day Jitters

Emma's first day of Kindergarten was today and I'm not sure who was more nervous...me or her. I think me. She has been so excited about going to Kindergarten. She even had a "Countdown to Kindergarten" on the fridge this summer. She got up early this morning, (she insisted on setting her alarm clock last night so she wouldn't be late!) got dressed, ate breakfast and was ready to walk out the door by 7:30! Barry and I drove her to school, walked her to her classroom and anticipated a tearful good-bye. I took her picture, gave her a kiss, and she was ready to begin her day...no tears-YEAH!I picked her up at the end of the day and the first thing I saw was a great big smile. She loved her first day! I am so proud of her and can't believe she is already in Kindergarten! Where did the last 5 years go?

I love you, Emma! Ansley, Jackson and I will miss you during the day but we know that you are going to love Kindergarten!

Happy Birthday, Angie!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Angie! I hope your day is wonderful! I am so thankful for you and the friendship that we share. We have been through so many ups and downs this year and you have been so encouraging to me through it all. So, even though I wasn't the first person to blog about your special day, I hope you know how much I love you! You rock!

Go shorty, it's your birthday... we gonna party like it's your birthday!

Happy Birthday Angie! You're one of my most favoritest people in the world! I love you and I hope your day is awesome! You are an amazing friend, a great mom, an unbelievable example of a C3 wife, and just a plain ol' down chic! Keep it real girl! Love ya! You are so C3!

Spiritual Pedigrees

There was a time in my life when I really wanted people to see my life as somewhat perfect. It is a natural tendency for most christians. We feel like if we mask our flaws or overstate the "right" in our lives somehow that will attract unbelievers to Christ. I have now come to realize quite the opposite. I am nothing but a selfish, flawed, and sinful person by nature. The only man who walked this earth as a perfect individual was Jesus Christ. I strive to be more like Him but I would be foolish to think that I am not like everybody else. Romans 4 reminds us that no one is righteous. We are all destructive by nature. The only way to righteousness is through Christ alone. He frees us from our greed, our lies, our destuctive ways, our pasts... He frees us from ourselves. He freed me and I am eternally grateful. I wonder why we forget what God brought us out of. Some feel God has saved them from more than others but He ultimately saves us all from the same thing. Death and separation from Him. I can't imagine my life without God. I know I cannot claim anything on my own because it is only Him who gives me strenth to forgive, to be kind, to seek after Him, to focus on the things that matter. I am NOTHING without Christ. It makes me so sad that people forget that. We cannot do anything in our own might. I am so broken but Jesus has the ability to fix my brokeness. I wish more Christ followers would portray themselves as real people with real problems and point others to the real and only solution. The piety and self righteousness means nothing to me now. I have come to terms with my sin nature. I seek yet I will stumble. I must get up and keep seeking though. The world sees right through the phony catergories we place ourselves in and quite frankly... that's the wall that hinders many from Christ's love. I'm not interested in claiming the higher ground on my own because without the Lord I am stuck in a valley . He is the only one who has the right to make a claim on me. I am not interested in comparing myself with others because I am uniquely designed by Christ. I do not state my spiritual pedigree because I am never going to be good enough to. (Titus 3) I only seek Him, love Him and love others because that is all He requires. I am covered by His blood and I will never forget what He has saved me from.

HSM2 Party Pooper

So, our girls were geared up for a night of High School Musical 2. We ordered pizza, popped popcorn, and made brownies. The movie started at 8:00. The girls were really into it...for about 45 minutes. Emma had been lying on my shoulder for a while when all of a sudden her head fell into my lap. Yep, she fell asleep! She had been looking forward to this all week and she couldn't even stay awake for the whole movie. Oh, well...we recorded it, so I'm sure she'll watch it again (and again, and again...)

I do this all the time. Barry makes fun of me because I VERY rarely stay awake for an entire movie. It doesn't matter how great the movie is, if I'm in a horizontal position, I will fall asleep within 30 minutes. Like mother, like daughter!

Anyway, props to Disney for delivering an entertaining movie and a fun family night for the Leathers.

So You Think You Can Dance?

I love any show that involves dancing. Dance is such a show of emotion. I love hip hop and swing the most. It's just so fun and exciting. Tonight was the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance?" and I was so thrilled that a girl won! It's about time! The last two seasons guys have taken home the money so it was great to see the chicas representing. I really wanted Lacey to win but I loved Sabra as well... it was much deserved. I love to dance! Speaking of which, I'm so excited to be back in Powerhouse this Sunday after taking the summer off! I can't wait to sing and dance with all the kids again. I better start practicing!

Coming Soon...(To a Theater Near You)

It's always good to remember the blessings and opportunities that are in store for those who are faithful to follow Christ in the journey of change. Imagine the possibilities, and don't lose hope. Keep the faith! Peace.

Hangin' with My Herd

Byron and I have two "Barrys" in our lives: Barry Leathers (C3 Executive Pastor, and he and Amanda are some of our closest friends), and Barry Oser (Kayleigh's boyfriend and "like a son" to us). Ironically, both of them posted the same YouTube video around the same period of time, and had a similar take on it. You can check out their blogs about this video here and here.

Of course this video was moving to me - and I draw my own analogies from it as well. It just depends on the day as to which "character" I identify with the most. Many days, I can relate to the baby water buffalo: the enemy will try to "pick me off", isolate me from sources of protection, strength and encouragement, and pull me to pieces. Other days, I feel like the powerful buffalo that knocks the crouching lions into the air and won't back down no matter what comes (these days are more rare).

Then some days, I can identify best with the on-lookers who watch in helpless horror as the scene unfolds - knowing that the lions are behaving like lions - with their cunning ability to sense weakness and attack when you're at your weakest point, and the crocodiles are doing the same - looking out for their own appetites - not making the initial attack, but wanting to benefit from the struggle.

One of the most profound aspects of this video, for me, was the fact that the herd of buffalo never give up on the baby - even when it seems certain that there was no hope of survival - even when all seems lost, they won't leave the fallen one behind. They seem to understand that they are only as strong as their weakest "member" - and if they don't fight back, they will lose more and more of themselves to the enemy.

Of course, we can relate to this: as Christ-followers, in the ministry, as members of a unique community of faith like C3 Church...

We have to "have each other's backs"; otherwise, we can be picked-off, torn to pieces, and left for dead spiritually, emotionally and in all the important areas of life. I thank God that Byron and I KNOW that there are other honkin' "buffalo" in our lives that come hell or high water, have our backs - often at great personal sacrifice.

We are the buffalo - and we're not going to give up the fight until all the people who have felt disenfranchised by the church, outside of the grace of God, and disillusioned by "religion" hear that they've not been left...the herd is coming and the "lions" and "crocs" will have to have their appetites for destruction filled another day. The herd is circling...FAIR WARNING.

Love is the movement - Peace out.

Fanmail

fanmail video

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These are the lyrics to "Fanmail" by KJ-52. Check out the video. I hope it makes you think like it did me. Are we showing others that God can take the pain away?

My arms are sliced up but I'm not embarrassed
It's the only way I get attention now from my parents
It's not like they really take the time to be caring
They just use me to watch the baby when they run they errands
My name is ___ I got a friend named Karen
She gave me your CD with the track for Eminem
You wrote a song called #1 fan I listened and
I wanted to know if you can help me like you was helping them
She had something even harder to be mentioning
Like every single day I struggle just with fitting in
Plus the boys won't give me no attention and
I get teased and made fun of by all my friends and then
See I'm feeling like I'm wishing now that I could end
My life cuz I'm sick and tired of all the time I spend
Trying to figure out how I could be worth anything
Can u help me KJ from your fan

I'm writing this letter
Cause I have to tell ya
I need some help from you
I'm writing this letter
I hope that you get it
I need some help from you

I live with my mom ever since my parents split
And At home I spend my time on the Internet
Looking at porn Im addicted and I'm sick of it
Myspace dot com is mostly where I'm getting it
On top of that there's videos that I can watch
And I really wanna quit but its like I can't stop
See I'm scared that I'm just gonna get caught
And when I see a girl all I think is dirty thoughts
And its not that I don't know that it's really wrong
But its right there for me every time I'm logging on
I got all your CD's I really like your songs
Well I downloaded em but anyway moving on
My screen name is KJ-52 is the bomb
I want to do a website KJ rock's dot com
I really some help cuz I can't tell my Mom
Oh by the way my real name is ___

I'm writing this letter
Cause I have to tell ya
I need some help from you
I'm writing this letter
I hope that you get it
I need some help from you

I took the time just to write you
We play you every Wednesday at my youth group
I love your music and we all think that you's cool
But I been struggling ever since I moved to a new school
See everybody thinks that I'm the perfect Christian girl
I had a hard time trying to believe that God is real
I've been on mission trips and camps the whole deal
My dad had cancer tho I prayed that God would heal
But he died anyway so it's hard to feel
Like he cares about me so was it God's will
To take away my dad I really got a raw deal
Sometimes I just want to swallow all my mom's pills
When I pray I really doubt it
I've lost my way or maybe I've never found it
I been smoking and drinking nobody knows about it
By the way my name is ___ don't mispronounce it...

If I could write to every kid that's out there
Every kid that's hurting feels like nobody cares
I would tell them that God can wipe away tear
And he's right near and I would say it quite clear
Your here for a reason you're not a mistake
You are a special creation that God himself made
To the victims of abuse to every girl that was raped
You can live you can be free from your pain
And find strength and no longer be ashamed
You can find peace and hope In Jesus name
You aint gotta live with this hurt every day
Christ came to give you life in a much better way
To every kid right now that's full of hate
And bitterness I'd tell em just to give it all away
To the one that came to take all the blame
That's what I'd write here's what I'd say

I Think I Still Hear the Ocean

Okay, so I need a little prodding to blog. Now I've just spent the last 15 minutes trying to log on because I couldn't remember my username and password...maybe that's an indication that it has been a while since the last time I've blogged. Now that I'm really in the mood for blogging after that, this will probably not be as long as originally planned.

We just got back from a wonderful vacation in the Florida Keys. We spent a great deal of time in the ocean, by the ocean, and on the ocean. (It is pretty hard to get away from the ocean when you vacation in the Keys though.) It was just the right combination of relaxation and fun. We really got "unplugged" and it was great! We vacationed with some of our good friends: the Jacobsons and the Newcombs. You can see some pictures on Travis' blog (sorry I'm not blogging savvy enough to know how to write "here" and have it link to his site so you'll have to find it yourself...fyi, there's a link somewhere in the margin of this site) but I saved a few pictures for my blog that I wouldn't let him use.

I'll only post 1 of some of the kids for now.

You must admit...they are really cute, aren't they? All of the kids had an absolute blast, and parents of children who are happy and getting along are happy too. When we asked our kids what their favorite part of vacation was they responded with "Everything!" I'm quite certain we created some memories that will last a lifetime this week...and just in case they don't remember I took a few hundred pictures to remind them. We also enjoyed some good food together (that's always a key element of a good vacation for me)...nothing like going to a seafood buffet with 14 people and then having the husbands (only one was mine:)) prepare a freshly caught lobster dinner in your hotel room the next evening. Mmmm, that was delicious....why is everyone always so surprised by how much I'm capable of eating when the food is good...I mean really good.

We had a fun vacation but I am looking forward to being back at C3 tomorrow morning...or is that today already? It is going to be a great morning with Riverdale & I'm sure an awesome message delivered from God through Pastor Byron.

See you at C3.

"Super Verna" & the C3 Crew

Since we are all about children at C3 Church, we are thrilled that Verna Gange is now the director of our children's ministries. Verna has worked in the corporate world as well as in several schools. She is an administrative "dynamo" with a let's get it done attitude. She has a great love for children and education, so we know she will be a great asset as we pursue excellence in our ministries to children.

Along with Pastor Travis, she and her crew - Don Jacobson, Marlene Pagan, Monica Hunt and a number of hard-working volunteers - are committed to taking "Powerhouse" and "First Look" to a whole new level of excellence and fun!

The fall is going to ROCK at C3!

Thanks to Verna and her "crew" for loving God by loving kids! You are awesome and...

YOU ARE SO C3!

Sandi - Revisited

Since Sandi has been "out of pocket" for quite a while, here's some of her best stuff to remind us to be grateful that we are free...FREE TO BE C3!:

"Freedom. It's something we're all thankful for but often take for granted. Today is a day for us to reflect and thank God for our freedom.

As I was thinking about how thankful I am to live in a free country, I began to think about our awesome church. Freedom doesn't come without a cost and our freedom to be the church that God called us to be also did not come without a cost. We've had to fight for our freedom and there was great pain and suffering and some casualties along the way. However, there are no longer people coming through our doors day after day who want to destroy God's work at C3.

We are finally free to be the C3 church that God want us to be. Free to worship God the C3 way. Free to reach people of all races for Christ. Free to follow the vision that God has given our pastors. Freedom feels good and it is worth the price we paid."

Thanks, Sandi, for reminding us that when life-change is at stake, no price is too high. It's awesome, and...

IT'S SO C3!

Shout Out to my Bunk-hos

Just wanted to give a shout out to all my "Bunk-Ho" girls. For those of you who have never heard of or played Bunko, it's a dice game that you play with 12 ladies. I've been a part of this particular Bunko group for about 4 months and it so much fun. I don't think Bunko takes much skill, mostly luck. If you want to check it out, look here.

I look forward to our monthly games. But more than just playing the game, I look forward to hanging with a group of ladies that I love! (Oh yeah, and leaving the kids at home with Barry!)

Love you, girls! Oh, and thanks to Robyn Nealis for affectionately labeling our group "The Bunk-hos". Congrats to Ariel, Leigh Ann and Heather for being the biggest winners and to Lisa for being the biggest loser (she took my title from last month!)

Fifty is Fabulous!

One of my favorite people in the world is celebrating a monumental birthday today and redefining the word "ageless", at the same time!

Diane Vaught is a personal friend, wonderful example of God's comfort (she ministers through "Grief Care" to people recovering from the loss of a loved one), important part of the C3 office staff, and "Chief" of the C3 Corner Cafe. She is always ready to reach out to those in need, offer a word of encouragement, and work sacrificially to help show everyone the love of God - no matter who they are!

She has been a great encouragement to me, on a personal level - I'm so grateful that God has allowed me to have a friend like she is.

Diane, I'm so glad you were born and so blessed to know you. You are an inspiration - and you are SO C3! Have a blessed year - Rock on! Happy, happy birthday! Peace.

I love my man

Happy anniversary honey! I have the best hubby ever! I'm so blessed!

Genius Girl

Awesome, and too cute...smart girls rule!

De ja vu

My computer is broken again. Blogging from Darrell's phone. I'll make up for it later.

Happy Cooking!

Okay, so everyone who knows me knows I'm no Martha Stewart - but just to be rebellious and feel better about my domestic abilities, I took pictures of my dinner a couple of nights ago. This is mainly because it's my favorite easy dinner, and it actually turned out okay...meals like this always turn out because I make up the recipe as I go along, so no one can tell me I did it wrong! So here it is...

Ground Turkey Breast seasoned with organic tamari, vidalia onions, and sweet bell peppers - with steamed broccoli flowerets on top.
French Cous Cous with pine nuts. (not from a box)
Field Green Salad with crushed almonds and a honey balsmic dressing.

easy dessert: Sliced Strawberries and Blueberries (not sliced - that would be insane!) with unsweetened heavy cream.

The best part about the way I cook is that I only make things that take less than 30 minutes - I'm way to much of a procrastinator to do anything else. So I just throw a bunch of things that I like in a big pan and cook away until the smoke alarm goes off! As long as I keep healthy staples in the fridge and freezer, it's easier to make simple healthy meals than intricate ones that require a lot of ingredients and...well, actual cooking.

So, be encouraged and inspired - find the way that you do things and do them that way, without worrying that it's not as good as "Martha" or anyone else...only you can be you and that's what living is all about! If you have fun in the kitchen (or wherever you're working) and put in lots of love, it will always turn out perfectly because love is the best ingredient and fun is a great recipe! Happy "cooking"! Peace.

Need a Good Laugh?

One of the best feelings in the world for me is a good laugh. The kind that makes tears come to my eyes. The kind where I can't breathe. The kind that if I have liquid in my mouth, it just might spew out of my nose. (Okay, I know that was gross.) So, if you want something that is guaranteed to make you laugh, click here.

Back in Blogland

Good morning! After our whirlwind trip in which we logged about 4800 miles on our Excursion with eight people and tons of luggage, I'm back in O'town and looking forward to hangin' with my girls again...

Ya'll have done an excellent job of keeping the blogging home fires burning while I was away and away from wi-fi (between that and the absence of great coffee shops like "Cuppy's" on Lee Vista, I had to do a little regrouping).

I missed you all and am looking forward to Sunday! I've been posting photos on my blog (Blonde Antithesis) and have lots more to post since I took around two thousand pictures (I had to do something!).

So, keep blogging and reading - thanks for keeping me "plugged-in" as I got truly unplugged this summer. Luvya. Peace.