It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas! My family celebrates on Christmas Eve and the celebration is at our house so today will be an action packed day. I just wanted to take a minute to tell my C3 family how much I love them before the craziness of this holiday consumes me. Enjoy your holiday with your friends and family as we reflect on the greatest gift ever... the birth of our Savior. I love you all!

Sunday Blog Banter

This has been the slowest Christmas season ever for me at work. I have worked in retail my whole life and have never been this bored at work during the holiday season. Well that all changed Friday and Saturday. It was as if a whirlwind of shoppers overtook Bloomingdales and specifically the YSL cosmetic counter! At one point Saturday I did in one hour the business I can do in a whole day... a busy day at that!

Saturday night my mom's community group came over after I got off of work for a Christmas party at our house. My mom has some really cool people in there. We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed having them over. It's always a wonderful thing in my world to get to know people better. We talked about everything! I can't even recap because it literally was just about everything! I love having people over and I wish I could more often.

My mother-in-law is in North Carolina for the holidays. Darrell and I have the house to ourselves for the first time since we've lived here. We moved in April and between my sister and nephew living with us at one point and then moving her in it has been exciting in the Loper household. Quite frankly, I love them all dearly but I'm ecstatic the house is empty right now because we all need a break! I love that it is just the two of us for a couple of weeks.

I'm soooo excited to be moving to the theaters in three weeks. I can't believe it's almost here! What an amazing place for us to be to reach out to our community! I can't wait to see the main worship area and Powerhouse. I sing in Powerhouse and from what I understand the theater is going to really be crazy fun for the kids! I went to the children's ministry lunch today after service and I was so impressed with all of the volunteers who were there to serve in children's ministry. I'm so proud of what God is doing at C3! Darrell and I are pumped about all of those who have stepped up to serve in Connections as well. The curb to curb experience it so important and I'm anxious to hear and see what God is going to do through your smiling faces and warm receptions. There are so many vital areas God will use you in when you are just willing. I love the willingness of my C3 family! God will bless that more than any of us even know!

Well I'm gonna get a little shut eye before I head off on my hot date with my hot man! Have a great week and BTW check out the new C3 women's blog ... I can't wait to read some more great, encouraging blogs!

Hurray for my 'Manda Lou!

Today is a special day! It's the day "'Manda Lou" was born...better known as our own Amanda (of the "At Home with Amanda" fame! Martha, eat your heart out!)
There are many things I could say about Amanda:
* She's a wonderful mother who really "makes" a home.
* She's a wife who supports, encourages and stands firm no matter what!
* She's a leader of worship...and "so C3".
* She's a devoted and loyal friend...everyone should be blessed to have someone like her in their corner!
* She loves people and loves seeing them "embrace the Grace" (Love Wins, yea!).

But, most of all, she is passionate about her love of Christ and her desire for others to know Him.

And, she's been a friend to me...well, I could never do justice to what her friendship has meant. I thank God for giving Amanda to us...to me.
'Manda Lou, I'm so glad you were born!!!!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday!
Love...and Peace out, Angie

A Delicate Weave

A couple of blogs back I told you about my friend Miss Amy. Today was the day I brought her the peaches. Something divine happened. There was a knock on her door. Miss Amy asked me to get it... so I did. There were 2 pastors from another church in our community there. One of them I know very well. He is an older gentleman that pastors a senior adult ministry. He's known me and my family since I was 2 years old. Imagine the stories he has about me! I love this man and his family very much. He truly has a heart for the seniors in our community and works his tail off to reach just one more. He serves in a very different church environment than ours at C3 but he is flat out getting it done for Christ in his community. He told me that he met Miss Amy just recently and that she had just prayed to receive Christ. I was almost in tears! This is what ministry is all about! I knew God had put Miss Amy in my life for a reason and today it all became clear. I may not have been there when she prayed her prayer of faith but I know God has used me to plant some seeds of love. Furthermore her nurse told us that right before Bill got really sick he gave his life to Christ as well. Her nurse is a Christ-follower and led Bill to the Lord. I am so thankful for these people in Miss Amy's life. These are the moments where life really matters. God places us around certain people for a very specific purpose. We all have different stories and different backgrounds. God uses many methods to reach those around us. I'm so grateful for the methods of C3. We are tirelessly devoted. I'm also grateful for the methods of my pastor friend and Miss Amy's nurse. It was a delicate weave that God knit together to bring Miss Amy to a relationship with Him. I love Miss Amy and I know that she would NEVER feel comfortable with the worship environment at C3 as an 89 year old woman. That's okay! I'm not insulted. My immediate circle of unchurched friends would probably NEVER feel comfortable in the worship environment of traditional churches. That okay too! We all serve a purpose for those who need hope. Thank you for your prayers for Miss Amy... God really does answer. His will is to always answer in a way that brings us together not tears us apart. This is something I've always known but needed to be reminded of.

My Dwelling Place

When I'm in a funk I try to focus on the things that make me happy. I had some funky moments this week and here are some of the things that I've been dwelling on to make me smile. No more funk for me.

-seeing people out with their C3 shirts on
-my own stupid jokes that only I laugh at
-obscenely bright nail polish and lipstick colors
-vivid color in general
-reading my bible and the words hitting me right when and where I need it
-an encouraging word
-climbing into bed right after putting clean sheets on it
-Darrell rubbing what I consider my pudgy belly and telling me he loves it... or when he tells me he loves it and lays his head on it
-fabulous shoes/handbags
-a good read
-makeup... lots and lots of makeup!
-having a great meal and discussion with friends... hence, the pudgy belly
-seeing friends I've invited in church... regularly
-spontaneous silliness
-an awesome day after a crappy one
-laughing so hard it hurts
-hearing about my nephew Hayden's day
-getting ManPed's (manicure/pedicures)
-having code words for things... such as ManPed's
-getting my hair done
-my "CU AT C3" custom license plate on my car
-Madea
-having a weekend off from work
-sleeping in
-smokey eye makeup
-a smile from a stranger
-feeling safe with someone
-HGTV... particularly "Divine Design" and "Deserving Design"
-houndstooth print
-my friend's artwork
-hanging out with my mama and sisters (I don't do this enough)
-dancing a night away
-reconnecting with an old friend
-telling people the stupid things I did when I was younger to get a reaction
-Powerhouse kids
-teasing my mother-in-law
-our Sunday night dinners with Dan and Sally
-cruises
-C3 on Sunday
-making new friends
-talking to my dad on a good day
-seeing someones life change after meeting Christ
-the way the red candles smell from Pier One
-great design
-a fresh perspective
-singing in my car
-setting goals and meeting them
-C3 in the community
-Johnny and Jayde in the morning on XL 106.7 while driving to work
-knowing when someone says they'll pray for me they really will
-Darrell's new faux hawk
-going to Chuck E. Cheese with Hayden
-young adults home team
-C3's future

Praising Jesus Yolanda's Way

I replayed this song a lot today in the car. You don't want to know how I sounded singing along with it. I'm no Yolanda. God has truly blessed this woman with the most beautiful vocal instrument of all time. I love when the song hits the middle and then ends. She just belts it out to Jesus. The words are so powerful. Check it out.

There is a name that is so precious,
a name so wonderful to me.
This name is worthy of all praises.
Because of him, I am made free.
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him.
The one who gave, his life for me.
Because of love, so unconditional,
I will have life, eternally.

This name speaks peace, unto my storm clouds,
This name speaks calm, unto me fears.
And when I feel, that no one loves me.
His loving presence is so near.
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him.
The one who gave, his life for me.
Because of love, so unconditional,
I will have life, eternally.

Praise that name!
Praise that name!
Praise that name!
Praise that name!

Someday I'll leave this earthly dwelling,
Through time and space, my soul will soar.
And finally see the face of Jesus.
And praise his name, forevermore!
That name is Jesus, oh how I love him!
The one who gave his life for me!
Because of love so unconditional,
I will have life eternally.
Excellent is that name!
Glorious is that name!
Wonderful is that name!
Oh praise that name!

Six Days of Bliss

I will be off from work for the next six days. I'm so excited because I just worked a long stretch of days to get here. It is nice to just rest. I've scheduled nothing but I am up for anything. I want to be spontaneous and available. Here is a general idea of some things I may be participating in.

-Cleaning and laundry
-Hang out with my hubby
-Spend time with my family
-Catch up with friends
-Head up to Universal to buy some tickets at Hard Rock
-Sleep a lot
-Go get a ManPed (what my sister's and I call Manicure/Pedicures)
-See a movie with my mother-in-law
-Contact some of my clients (my freelance work)
-Go to the Yves Saint Laurent company warehouse and trade some labor to get new FREE makeup (I love my boss... she hooks me up!)
-Set up a photo shoot to update my portfolio
-Finish reading Mark, move on to Luke in my bible... reading in general
-Go to church on Sunday (I'm so excited about the new series, "Dirty Little Secrets")and have lunch with my FOUR friends that will be coming for the first time!
-Watch some Tyler Perry/Madea stuff... the best plays and movies ever!
-Sleep a lot
-Update my facebook
-Blog
-Surround myself with positive, uplifting people, things, and activities
-Visit my friend Miss Amy
-Sleep a lot
-Force myself into the gym
-Look into trading in my car if I can get a deal
-Strategize my future goals
-Love my time and enjoy every minute
-The thing I'm most excited about... CU at C3!

I'm ready... let the fun begin. I just hope it doesn't fly by too quickly!

Break Free

A Fight for Love!

I think it's fitting to write about social issues today. In part, in honor of my friend Leigh Ann's birthday. I love Leigh Ann's raw honesty and humor, but lately I have been amazed and challenged by her heart. She is someone who I can honestly say has fought her traditional views of Christianity, God and the church - even to the point of sacrifice. She has been honest in her struggles and transparent in her questioning of the true mission of Christ. She is developing a real sense of being "others focused", and it is a beautiful transformation. Happy birthday, Leigh Ann. You challenge me and make me laugh. Thanks. You rock, and love does win. Peace.

I don't desire that my blog be a place for political commentary.

And if I were going to discuss politics, I more than likely wouldn't be in the same camp with a President from Columbia University.

But, today, I am in agreement - because after all, the Columbia President (Lee Bollinger) - who spoke before Iran's President Ahmadinejad - spoke more about freedom and the recognition of evil, than just recycling a bunch of political rhetoric.

His passionate speech was about the triumph of good over evil. It was about vigilantly holding brutal tyranny accountable for human suffering. It was about freedom and truth.

These are to be the ideals of the church, but one rarely hears these things from the evangelical pulpit. Why?

Why do we seem afraid to have discourse about issues of social justice? Is it not in the heart of God to "plead the case of the oppressed"? Are we terrified of being labeled "liberal" or worse?

It's a difficult path for the Christ-follower to travel. To marry an evangelical passion for each person's soul and eternity with a passion to meet the practical and social needs of the down-trodden. It is difficult, but following Christ demands that we try, even to the point of sacrifice.

Are we too afraid of labels or misunderstanding to be proactive...or just too lazy?

This speech today, from someone with whom I would most likely be on the polar opposite end of the political spectrum, reminded me of the things going on around the world that I am likely to forget in my comfortable, suburban, American existence. It reminded me of what the absence of love...of God can cause.

So, how do we fight brutality and evil - with love. And love demands action. The action of love is powerful, but it should be because it is of God. God is love, and if we are about the things of God, then we are about love.

Love hears, sees and demands action, and the best part is...LOVE WINS.

But, we do have to get in the game.

Peace.

The Full Circle Friendship

I have an uncanny ability to pick up right where I left off. It's really weird actually. When I am holding a conversation with someone and the subject moves on to something different I can get back to the original conversation like nothing happened in between. I just like the idea of completing the thought process. I picked up where I left off in another way this week.

A couple of years ago I worked at Saks Fifth Avenue. I had a friend there that I instantly bonded with. She was artistic, crazy, quirky, fun, energetic, and very comfortable in her own skin. She was also a pale skinned tanorexic, dark haired chica like myself. We just got each other. The last day I ever saw her was August 9, 2003, the day I got married. That same week while Darrell and I went on our honeymoon she moved to Indiana. We stayed in touch for a while but we eventually lost touch. I have always had her on my heart and secretly hoped she'd reappear. This week we have officially picked up where we left off. She called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me that she went through a very difficult period in her life and needed to move back to Orlando. She was wondering if I could help her get a job quickly. I was more than happy to grant her that favor. She officially started working with me this week and my boss asked me to train her so we've been able to spend a lot of time together. I feel like she never left. We were laughing today about some of the memories we have together and she confirmed my feeling as well. She said to me, "laughing about that makes me feel like I never left." I love that. In that moment it was as if August 2003 just picked up again in September 2007 with no lapse in between. This blesses me beyond words.

If this type of full circle friendship can continue with us imagine what God is capable of. I've had lapses in my life when my relationship and friendship with Him has not been maintained. I missed my time connecting with Him. I felt guilty for not reading my bible like I should or talking to Him regularly. I now realize that He is waiting in anticipation for me to contribute to our relationship again during those times. I think God just wants to hang out with me. He wants to be the friend that sticks closer than a brother to me. He wants to do life with me. I'm so amazed that He wants to know me through everything. The joys, the sorrows, the ups, the downs. He is my rock and my salvation. He is the ultimate friend and I'm so glad I can live in the assurance that He will never leave me. He waits for me. Be encouraged that He waits for you to. If you've had a season of wondering He anticipates picking up where you left off. God is love.

Mi Familia Loca

I had the privilege of spending the day with my crazy Colombian family. Darrell and I went over to my uncle's house for a Labor Day barbecue and we had a great time. Let me take you there.
Setting: My uncle and aunt's house with a newly broken A/C. We hung out in their new sun porch though. It overlooks the lake in their backyard so it was breezy and beautiful.
In Attendance: Five out of six of my mother's siblings, their spouses, and children. Darrell, myself, my mother-in-law, my sisters Brittney and Cassie, Brittney's boyfriend Eric, my nephew Hayden, my grandmother and some friends of my aunt and uncle with their child as well, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Food: Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and veggie burgers (I have a large vegan/vegetarian population within my family... they are converting more and more by each passing year.) We also had salad and baked beans... oh, and cake. Typical barbecue dining.
Ambiance: A lot of joking around and cutting up. Football was discussed on more than one occasion and there were many cuts made on other's teams. I caught up with my cousin Aislinn, who is a senior in high school. I had to get the dish on what's been going down in her life. It's all good. We danced to really, really, really loud salsa, merengue, and pop music. (This is always my favorite part of any family gathering. I love to dance and I love that everyone in my family loves to dance because they all do it so well... I get it from my mama!)
I love my fun family and the time I get to spend with them. It seems like we only get together with my extended family on the major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. I'm thankful for the bonus family day today!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Always in awe

I really underestimate God. I just found out that a friend of mine that I've known since I was 15 years old gave his life to the Lord the other night. He wrote to me on my My Space page to tell me. This is someone I've prayed for many times in the last 14 years. This is also someone that a lot of churches may have written off years ago. I'm glad God didn't write him off. I sometimes feel like there are certain people in life that will never get what it's like to truly know God because I think they are just to far from Him. Sometimes the ones who seem the furthest are the ones who are just a prayer away. Why do I doubt God's ability to move? I have so little faith. I see God change lives over and over again and there are times I still doubt for some. I seem to forget that God uses even the smallest seeds to produce growth beyond what I can ever comprehend (Mark 4:1-8). I am so astounded by my friends new life as a Christ follower. I'm so grateful he thought to share his news with an old friend. I really needed a reminder.

"I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
I'll stand my soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours."

Independence Day

Happy Wednesday!

Of course, today I'm thinking a lot about freedom and independence.

Earlier this week, we spent some time at my grandmother's house. We let the kids swim, and had lunch. She made "Schenkinfleckel", a German noodle and ham dish that I love, but should avoid if I'm trying to watch my diet...(I didn't, though - Oh well!).

My grandfather was a sergeant/major in the army during WWII. He was a West Virginian, who grew up during the Depression (similar to the "Walton's"), a country-boy who was part Cherokee Indian - so, very well suited to be a tough army "Sarge". During the war, his "command" ended up in a little German town where they set up their headquarters in the largest house in town. There he met a beautiful German girl named Johanna.

After his troop was transferred, Johanna had to escape in the night because the Nazis were coming to "take them away" - her father was known in town as a big business man, and it was rumored that her mother was a Jew. Her father died of a heart attack as he was being taken away, but the rest of the family made their escape in the night. Of course, through all of this the "Sarge" and Johanna lost contact because they had no way to find out where the other had ended up.

Johanna finally arrived at a safe house where they knew of the American army man, and they were able to get a message to him. Johanna and the sergeant were married shortly after this at an army base, and she came to America with nothing but a few treasures she was able to hide from the Nazis as she crossed over the boarder into Switzerland (much like "The Sound of Music").

The sergeant and his German sweetheart had three daughters: Eloise (Elli), Johanna (Joey), and Dorothy (Dottie), and Joey had four daughters of which I am the oldest. So, my little German grandmother is Johanna who escaped so many years ago, so that now she can make us all "Schenkinfleckel" and her wonderful braided bread - which I discovered recently is exactly like "Challah" a Jewish bread...so, now when I eat it, or make it myself, I feel connected again to my great-grandmother who had to hide her identity so many years ago just to stay alive.

So, because of the strength and courage of my grandparents, I'm here today, able to spend the morning with my kids - able to have a leisurely "Fourth of July" cleaning my house and preparing to go on vacation...not anything like having to leave all of your possessions in the middle of the night, or fighting in a war as a young soldier in a foreign land. I have the opportunity to do the many things that bring me so much joy - even worshiping God - because of their sacrifice.

So, Independence Day really resonates for me. And I know there are others being strong and courageous even as I type, so that we can even celebrate a day such as this. To say I'm grateful would be an understatement, but I am. I am a multi-cultural sold-out Christ-follower with a flair for the dramatic who has the ability to express my opinions and hopes and dreams, all because of FREEDOM and SACRIFICE.

I am so thankful for these blessings. It's Independence Day, and tonight as I see the fireworks explode, I will remember...and think of all of those who've gone before me who've paid for my freedom. It's a beautiful thing!

Happy Wednesday, and happy, happy Independence Day!

Frieden. (German)
Dohiyi. (Cherokee)
Shalom. (Hebrew)

Peace.

Happy Birthday Andrea!

Your girls want to wish you a Happy Birthday, and let you know how glad we are that you were born! You rock! You're a rapping diva with awesome shoes - free to be fierce! You are an awesome friend, and C3 wouldn't be the same without you. We wish for you peace, love and freedom for the coming year - this will be the best one yet! Thanks for being you. We love you - Sandi, Amanda, and Angie.