Ramblings of a CareerMomPastorwife

About time...

2009-07-27T11:08:00.001-07:00

After years of being told "you have to read this book," I finally broke down and bought it. Of course I'm now bracing for a lot of "I told you sos." I'm only halfway through and it's already on my top ten list (could be top five). This is one of those books that is a must-read for anyone - Christian or not.

I agree with about 99% of what Donald Miller says. The 1% is reserved for some stereotyping and bashing. But he may win that back before I finish the book. I love how he writes so truthfully and says stupid stuff, then goes back and admits he was stupid. Isn't that how life is? Huh. Wouldn't it be great if we could all say it instead of either deny it and get defensive or let it eat us up inside?

The thing I'm learning in this book that took me by surprise is that not everyone thinks like I do. Well, duh. Of course I already knew that. But the part I'm talking about is God's grace. I goof up all the time, but I know that He forgives me and loves me. I don't have to think twice about it. That's not the case for everyone. There are some people, including Christians, who can't handle this "hand-out." Deep down they still feel like they need to earn it and are too proud to just accept it. I'm not saying that I'm a better Christian at all. I have other issues to contend with (like that I should be more way more thankful for what He has done for me than I am). But I am learning that some folks may need help letting go of the control they have of their own sin. Don't know how I'm supposed to help, but at least I understand a little better.

In short, this book is a lot of nodding my head and opening my eyes.

"The place where the fruit pops out."

2009-03-24T11:04:00.001-07:00

That a wonderfully simple statement I heard on Sunday about what we are as Christians. It was based on what Jesus says in Galatians 15:4-5:

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Whew, that's a load off! I think we can sometimes get burned out trying to do things on own effort (removing ourselves from the vine). Sometimes that happens in ministry, too... Well, that's just plain backwards, right? But oh, so true. Maybe because we are using other people measure of success instead of God's...

Luke and I took a week-long vacation and it was so encouraging to be participants in another church this past Sunday (hence the stuff above). Four people got saved in the service! God really spoke to my heart that day and reminded me that we are building up the big "C" church in our little "c" church. If we were 15 people, 100 people or 3000 people, that would still be the case. It was a blessing to worship with another church and receive that reminder.

The Shack

2009-02-23T09:26:00.001-08:00

I feel like I should preface this blog with a disclaimer: I am not endorsing this book. There are a lot of people that I would strongly discourage from reading it. That said, it may very well be one of my favorite books. I'm sure there will be some that want to talk me out of that. This book is not an interpretation of the Bible by any means. It is like a close friend explaining God's love in a way that you can understand in a fresh way. If I never accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, this book would probably be rubbish. But as I read it I can feel the magnitude of His love for me. That He is "especially fond of me." Of ME. That he is always with me. And that His sacrifice was the Ultimate sacrifice. As I read my own words it seems like something I've read or heard a hundred times, but after reading this book that Truth is renewed. If you have read or plan to read this book, note pages 162 and 163. I bawled my eyes out. Maybe it took being a mother to understand His sacrifice so deeply.

Thanks Marie for sharing this book with me:) I couldn't be reading it a better time.

Smiles

2009-02-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged (besides random surveys) in a while. I've been talking about starting back, but I want to have a standard for myself regarding my content. If I'm going to blog I want it to be for the encouragement of others. I don't want to blog for myself - at least not publicly. (As a side note: I'm saying this for myself, not as instructions for any other bloggers out there who might be reading this.)

Last night we babysat our dear friends Bekah and Fuller's dear children, Micah and Eli. Micah really likes the camera. I think it's just the flash, but it still made for some terrific photos. The photo here is one of Mayer and Micah. Mayer thinks she is great. He just likes to sit by her and make her laugh. He insisted on sitting next to her at dinner too. She has one of the best smiles and laughs. I really like her:) I don't want to have another baby any time soon, but hugging her is so nice.

I think I'll start ending my blogs with something I learned or that the Lord has shown me this week. I just came up with that idea on the fly, but I think it goes along with my "standard." (I know I'm being silly)

About a year ago Luke and I went to a conference and speaker gave us a tip/challenge for Bible reading. He said not to read according to our own goal or schedule (i.e. one book per day), but to read until the words fly off the page - until God speaks to us. Also, read the Word expecting to hear from Him, not just hoping to. I know ladies in the church have heard me say this numerous times, but it really has made a huge impact on my walk with God. Reading the Bible is how God speaks to me, and He never ignores me if I want to hear from Him.

I'm reading through Luke right now. The words have been flying off the page all over the place and I can't seem to stop reading. That said, God has shown me a lot this week, but I'll limit what I've learned to one thing.

Luke 18:9-14 says,
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus old this parable: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people-- robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'"

We can get to places in our Christian life when we think we're better than others - Christians and non-Christians alike. We are all sinners. I pray that I never get (back) to a place where I think I'm better because of my "deeds." Being knocked off a pedestal stinks - especially when God does it. I pray that I always keep close to my heart the magnitude of what Jesus did for me. It was all Him and there was nothing in His sacrifice for me to boast about. ...except maybe that Jesus loves me.

Survey....

2008-12-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

...from Rachel's blog

Three names you go by:

1. Shana
2. Mommy
3. Mama

Three things you are wearing right now:

1. Blue jeans
2. long sleeve blue t-shirt
3. green cable-knit sweater

Two things you want very badly at the moment:

1. For everyone to get out of the hospital
2. For a marriage to be fixed (FYI - not mine)

Three people who will probably fill this out:

Hmmm, I don't want to put pressure on anyone.

Two things you did last night:

1. Ate rice and beans per Kaela's request
2. Hung out with my husband.

Two things you ate today:

1. Pizza
2. Cookies

So much for healthy eating....

Two people you last talked to on the phone:

1. Keri
2. Luke

Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

1. work on making a present for my mom
2. do some real work for my job

Two longest rides you have taken:

1. from Talladega, AL to Rome, NY
2. from Talladega, AL to Nyack, NY

Two favorite beverages:
1. Dunkin Donuts coffee
2. Sweet Tea

Survey from Rachel's Blog

2008-11-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

8 Favorite TV shows (I don't watch a lot of adult TV as you can see):

1: The Office
2: Scrubs
3: American Idol (when it's on)
4: Drake and Josh
5: Fairly Odd Parents
6: Spongebob
7: Hannah Montana
8: iCarly (this is so stinkin' sad)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1: PF Changs
2: Fish Market
3: Purple Onion
4: Zaxby's
5: Frankie's Market Cafe
6: Olive Garden
7: Top China Cafe (gross I know, but I love it anyway)
8: Moe's

8 things that happened yesterday:

1: got up early and took Rebekah to see her new baby sister for the first time:)
2: Held my new niece
3: Ate lunch with my parents, Rebekah and Kaela
4: Came home and cleaned
5: Got sick from something I ate (I guess)
6: Turned my watch back an hour
7: Watched Dan in Real Life
8: Sleep really well

8 things to look forward to:

1: the end of the election AMEN!
2: lunch with my friend on Tuesday
3: Thanksgiving
4: Christmas
5: Christmas shopping
6: Sleeping tonight
7: A date with Luke
8: Stone Mountain Christmas

8 things I love about fall:

1: colder weather
2: fires
3: beautiful leaves
4: Christmas shopping
5: DRESSING!
6: different clothes
7: decorating the house
8: the excitement of the season

8 things on my wish list:

1: Wii Fit
2: New Pajamas
3: HSM3 Soundtrack - maybe the other 2 as well (Kaela and I bond while singing songs from musicals)
4: "Sing it" for Wii - again so Kaela and I can bond while singing
5: New shirt or two
6: my house to be painted it's entirety
7: new TV (this one is quite a stretch)
8: pot rack to go above my bar

"same kind of different As me"

2008-10-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

I just read this book and it was so awesome I had to say so through this blog I haven't posted to in months. It was co-written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. The first being an international art dealer and the second a homeless ex-sharecropper. The book is about each of their stories and how they came to be true friends through the perseverance and prayers of Ron's wife. I could go on and on about this book. I cried for a good 10 chapters at least (they are short chapters) because it was heartwretching, but also because I can see God's work in the words and in the lives of these individuals.

Read it! It will change you.

Same Kind of Different As Me

Another Camara Incident

2008-07-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a short family vacation to Helen, GA with Grandma and Grandpa Camara. It was a lot of fun. The grandparents treated us to two nights in an awesome cabin. We were all spoiled quite a bit - especially Kaela who came away with a Cabbage Patch Kid from the Babyland Hospital, a real ring and a crown - among other things. Last but not least was the much anticipated horseback ride. Me, Kaela and Grandma were the only ones to go since Luke's last horse experience ruined the chances of him ever getting back on a horse and Grandpa and Mayer needed a rest.

We loaded up on Coley - see picture below...

...and make our way back on the pretty brown and white horse below:

How did this happen? Poor Coley decided to take an unfortunate detour between a tree and fence that just happened to be the home of a family of yellow jackets. After realizing he was under attack, he bucked, kicked and bolted his way outta there. I held on as tight as I could to the saddle and to Kaela and tried to grab enough of the reins to pull back to he would stop. Kaela was barely on the horse by the time he did. The moment was reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez in the Wedding Planner. I kind of wish we had it on video. Kaela was a real champ. She was as shaken up as me but she didn't cry. What a trooper.

Since Coley was injured and could no longer give us a ride, we had to wait on his backup who later gave a cool ride through part of the Chattahoochee River. We all felt like cowboys at that point. Never a dull moment on a Camara Family vacation.

I should be doing something more productive, but.....

2008-07-26T18:24:00.001-07:00

Would it hurt seeing someone make out with your ex?
Nope - I'd be happy for him.

How did you wake up this morning?
Listening to Mayer rake his feet over the noisy pack 'n play sheet.

Do you drink regular or diet sodas?
Regular

Where is the biggest scar on your body?
C-section scar.

Would you marry someone you didn't love if paid 10 thousand dollars?
Heck no.

Do you like cats?
They're okay, but I've developed allergies to them so I have to keep my distance.

Does everyone deserve a second chance?
To be forgiven, yes. Second chance - not always.

Last time you had pizza?
Addie's Birthday party - twice that day.

Does the last person who put their arms around you mean anything to you?
He sure does ;)

Honestly, how many people have you completely fallen for in your life?
Luke, Kaela, Mayer and of course, Jesus.

Do you like the smell of gasoline?
Yep, I'm one of the weird ones.

Do you have any obsessions right now?
Yes, getting organized at home.

Have you talked to a complete a**hole today?
Nope

Do you regret something you did yesterday?
Some one say I should, but actually no.

Do/did you do good in school?
I did average. Maybe a little above, but I didn't try as much as I wish I had.

Last text from?
Laura W.

What are your plans for this weekend?
Half is already over, but I drove back from Helen, GA, helped my sister and her family move into their new house today and I'm going to church tomorrow.

Do you get distracted easily?
Yes, unfortunately. I wonder if I have ADD sometimes.

Do you love someone at the moment?
Yes :)

Have you had braces?
Nope.

Single or taken?
Taken

What should you be doing right now?
Something more productive.

Explain why you last threw up?
Stomach Flu

How's this week been?
Busy, but fun.

Do you miss someone?
Yes, I miss a lot of old friends that I don't see much.

Do you think you can last in a relationship for three months?
I'm on year 10, so I think that's pretty good.

Will you be in a relationship in 2 weeks?
I certainly hope so.

Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
Nope

Where are you going to be at 4pm tomorrow?
Either at home or shopping

Can you get jealous?
I'm sure, but I haven't had that feeling in so long I can't remember what it feels like.

Favorite color(s)?
Orange and brown.

Favorite fruit?
Peaches

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they liked you?
Yeah.

Do you drink bottled water?
Not very often.

Tears are falling from your eyes, what's the reason?
Could be a number of reasons.

How many hours did you sleep for last night?
9

Have you ever in any way been betrayed by someone you trust?
Yes :(

Are you a morning person or a night person?
A little of both.

Do you trust all of your friends?
Mostly, but maybe not with everything.

Week One

2008-07-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today is the 1-week anniversary of my last day at Regions. I'm overjoyed that I have this opportunity to stay with my kids and work from home. Here are my bullet-point thoughts during the past week. I don't think I can concentrate long enough to have more than that.

1. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard work. I'm physically tired.
2. I can't wait until school starts back and I can start working on my company.
3. I need to find ways to seriously save money. I'm starting with groceries right now.
4. I have a strong urge to finally organize my house. It's gonna be fun.
5. The days are extremely long, but I'm getting to savor every moment with my kids:)
6. I hope I have more time to blog soon.

Submission

2008-07-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

I went to a great bible study last night on the topic of submission. My friend Laura gave me an excerpt from Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline." I love that book, but I guess this part didn't speak to me as much in the past as it does now:

"In submission we are at last free to value other people. Their dreams and plans become important to us. We have entered into a new, wonderful, glorious freedom--the freedom to give up our own rights for the good of others. For the first time we can love people unconditionally. We have given up the right to demand that they return our love. No longer do we feel that we have to be treated in a certain way. We rejoice in their successes. We feel genuine sorrow in their failures. It is of little consequence that our plans are frustrated if their plans succeed. We discover that it is far better to serve our neighbor than to have our own way."

This is probably the best description of submission that I've heard. It really gets me thinking about the topic in terms of my relationship with people of authority as well as with my husband. Submission isn't about superiority or inferiority. There can be so much freedom in not being in control.

The Beach and Spinning

2008-05-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Beach Trip...

I wish I could post a picture or two about our beach trip, but I can't do that from work. Maybe soon I can do it from home. It was fun! Much needed. We just lazed around (is that word) and laughed a lot. I haven't been away on girls trip since before Kaela was born over four years ago. I can't believe I haven't been anywhere without them in that long. I missed them terribly, but it was still so good for me.

Spinning...

Went for the first and last time yesterday afternoon with Rachel. My behind hurts so bad that I don't know if it's better to sit or stand. I think standing would be better, but I can't stand and work on the computer at the same time...

Some pictures make us smile...

2008-05-05T19:03:00.001-07:00

...and this is one of them for me.

Seems kinda random since its about two weeks past when it was taken, but it just got uploaded today. This was taken at our friends Melissa and Michael's wedding. Kaela is really enjoying Marie and vice versa it seems. I hope she is okay with me putting this picture out here:) I think it awesome. The Camaras miss her!

A Climber in the Making

2008-04-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Talk about proud. Check out my girl on the side of that rock. Makes me want to cry. I can't believe what a brave and independent child she is. I'm so glad that Larry and Krista Lain, along with their kids Avri and Eli, introduced us to bouldering/climbing. I don't know the correct terminolgy since we just did it for the second time today (first time for me). But I can not WAIT to get back out there. I think we may have found something that the whole family will love doing. I've been online looking for child climbing gear and it's apparent that finding shoes for a kid as small as Kaela is difficult. I think I'm going to need Larry or Krista to help us! Anyway, I was so inspired by my child today. I've got such champ! Yay!

My Story

2008-04-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

Paul gave the challenge on the Safe Harbor Blog website to tell our
salvation story, so here it goes:

I can remember "praying the prayer" when I was about 8 with my mom one
day in our living room. It was a sort of eureka moment I guess, where
I realized who Jesus was and what he did. But I didn't feel that
different. From that point forward I struggled between wanted to do
what I wanted and wanting people to like me, and also knowing deep
down that something was wrong inside me.

We never went to church as a family when I was growing up, but both of
my parents talked to me about God and what the Bible says. I would
have periods of time where I'd make myself read the Bible, but I just
couldn't understand it. It may have had a little to do with the King
James Version being to hard for my little mind to decode, but it had
more to do with me not having the Holy Spirit to help me.

When I was 15, the guy I was dating asked me to go to a get-together
at the home of one of our classmates that was in the youth group at
his church. (Brent – if you ever read this, I'm so glad that you
talked me into going. It forever changed my life). After that, I
started going to church regularly. I went every Sunday.

Around the beginning of my senior year of high school I started dating
a new Christian. One day he asked me if I was one and I said "Yes." I
felt so sick inside because I felt like it was a lie. It ate at me
constantly. Since I attended a Southern Baptist Church, there was
always an altar call. I always felt like I should walk down that isle,
but thought people would judge me because I was supposed to be a
Christian already.

I don't know for sure when I was technically "saved." Was it when I
was 8? Or was it after the night after graduation when I was lying in
bed, reading the gift bible I got from my pastor and I felt the Holy
Spirit there with me, telling me that I didn't have to struggle
anymore and that I was loved by God. I cried myself to sleep that
night, basking in that presence. That's something that changes you and
you never forget.

The road from there after has been an experience. I've tried my best
to follow His guidance, but sometimes (a lot of times) I fail
miserably. But I'm glad that in the times I have followed Him, I have
been blessed – even during the tough times. Thanks to God, I've met
and married my prince-charming and best friend Luke, gotten stretched
emotionally and spiritually by going to Nyack College (testimony for
another time) and am now being blessed abundantly by the members of
our congregation.

One funny thing about how God works is that I used to sit in Sunday
School and watch my pastor's wife as she taught our class and think "I
don't know how I'm going to do that one day." And then I'd have to
remind myself not to worry because I wasn't marrying a pastor. And
then I did just that. I'm so glad that God prepares us for what his
plans are, at least some of the time!

The Holy Spirit

2008-04-09T05:59:00.001-07:00

The Holy Spirit has been a topic of numerous conversations of late and
now Luke has posted a blog asking for response to his sermon on
Sunday. His topic was Holy Spirit Power. I know that the power of the
Holy Spirit is awesome and I think it (He) works in numerous ways that
I can only testify to from my own experiences. He has given me the
words to say or pray for someone when I could in no way have said them
with my own strength and He has covered me with a blanket of love that
has left me on my face weeping uncontrollably. Those times are what I
call "God moments" and they are precious to me. Someone a few years
ago told me once that if I didn't speak in tongues that I wasn't
really saved. That really upset me. Not because I thought she might be
right, but because she was dishonoring my relationship with God. Sort
of like someone that I didn't know telling me that I didn't really
love Luke, I just thought I did. I love the Holy Spirit:) Does that
sound silly? Whether it is the guidance He give me in the little
details or the outpouring that leaves me speachless and feeling like
no one is around but me and Him. There's some power there.

Enjoy Life on Purpose

2008-04-07T09:39:00.001-07:00

This is the Camara Family vision statement. It may not make a lot of
sense on its own, but there is a lot buried in it. Luke and I, along
with Vinny and Alicia, were treated to a Family Vision conference this
weekend. It was fantastic. We discovered our own Family Vision and
Mission Statements. We learned a lot about equipping our children too.
We tend to focus on keeping them out of trouble, but we can teach them
how to keep themselves out of trouble. Whoa. And we can teach them how
to be caring individuals, especially to their siblings.

Last week was rough with Luke and the kids having the flu. The only
thing that could have been worse was if I got it. Praise the Lord I
did not! So, with the fear of passing the flu on to my sister who was
planning on watching the kids during the conference and the tornados
scattered about the Birmingham area, I kept asking myself, "Is God
trying to tell us not to go to this conference?" But as I was driving
to the hotel and Luke was driving to drop the kids off with Dana, I
realized that Satan didn't want us to go. I'm so glad we persevered.

The Race That Wasn't

2008-03-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was so excited to run in the Dawson Memorial Perseverance 5K this morning. Rachel and I planned our warm outfits days in advance and we got ourselves up at 6:00 on a Saturday so we could eat breakfast and get there a few minutes before the 8:00 start. In my excitement, I forgot to grab my purse, so Rachel had to spot me on that breakfast. I owe her one (actually two). Too bad it had to snow and the police made them cancel the race :( I was so pumped to "persevere" through running in the snow. Oh well. We had a good time dancing instead. I don't know if I'd exactly call it dancing, but I think we're actually learning to move. I'll have to demonstrate the "walking down the street" move. Not something I'd really try in public.

Tagged

2008-02-29T13:27:00.001-08:00

I've been tagged, but since I'm sort of late in the game I'll be tagging people who have already been tagged....

HERE'S HOW YOU PLAY. ONCE YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED YOU HAVE TO WRITE A BLOG OF TEN WEIRD, RANDOM THINGS, FACTS OR HABITS ABOUT YOURSELF. AT THE END, YOU CHOOSE TEN PEOPLE TO BE TAGGED, LISTING THEIR NAMES AND WHY YOU CHOSE THEM TO BE TAGGED. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE THEM A COMMENT "YOU'RE IT" AND TO READ YOUR BLOG. YOU CAN'T TAG THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU. SINCE YOU CAN'T TAG THAT PERSON BACK, LET HIM OR HER KNOW WHEN YOU'VE POSTED YOUR BLOG SO HE OR SHE CAN READ YOUR ANSWERS.

1. I can turn my feet around backwards. Could be why I can't keep my knees straight enough to ski...

2. I rub the sides of my feet together when I'm trying to go to sleep. I never realized I did it until Luke pointed it out.

3. I never really liked getting flowers because they die, but I had a eureka moment this week and I've decided I wouldn't mind potted flowers that I could plant.

4. I've always had really big feet for my size. I wore a size 7.5 when I was in 7th grade and 4'9". I shock people when I tell them I wear a 9. I don't think a 9 is that big, but some people must.

5. My favorite movie of all time is The Princess Bride. I can't wait to read the book to Kaela when she gets old enough to care.

6. I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up.

7. I learned to walk on my tip-toes. I didn't get rid of that habit until high school.

8. I used to daydream in Sunday school about what it must be like to be my pastor's wife and worry about how I was going to be really bad at it. Then I would remember that I wasn't even marrying a pastor and calm down. Then I did marry a pastor.... It's really not at all what I thought it was going to be like.

9. My work like is in upheaval.

10. I love music, but I am TERRIBLE at rhythm an about the worst dancer EVER.

I'm tagging only 6 people because I ran out of other people and no body else has blogs.... (if you've already done this you are exempt)

1. Luke - because he hasn't blogged in a while and it will give him an excuse

2. Lynn - because she likes random blogs

3. Jenn - because I want to feel special that she responded to being tagged

4. Marie - because I need to hear about NY randomness and my friend there

5. Paul - because he never blogs. Ever. This should be easy.

6. Melissa - because she might consider a survey even though she's probably too busy.

In tune?

2008-02-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

It's been an interesting week. Here are my thoughts in list form.

1. We watched a Nooma yesterday and it got me thinking. In the discussion questions afterward, it asked if God is compassionate, loving, forgiving, etc. or actually is compassion, love, forgiveness. Whether I'm right or not, I'm really empowered by the second. I would rather live out God's compassion and love that try to do those things myself.

2. Also from the Nooma, Rob Bell talks about being "out of tune" with God. We talked about what that means. We can go really deep when we think about it, but I think it's simply when we take control of things instead of letting God.

3. I realized this week that I really need encouragement. I never thought words of affirmation was my love language, but I think it is. Or at least one of them. I'm lucky to have a husband that never lets me down in that area.

4. I loved having a date with Luke this weekend. (Thanks Dave and Rachel/Grandma and Grandpa) It's been a while and we needed it. 27 Dresses was really cute.

5. I wonder if I should have higher standards when it comes to movies. I seem to have an auto-filter and can't always tell if things are offensive. Of course, I know if they offend me, but I can't tell if they will offend others. I guess most movies are offensive to someone...

6. I really missed Kaela when she was with the grandparents. She's grown up so much lately and is so fun to hang out with.

7. I love this new healthy lifestyle I've started. I always thought that the more you worked out the more tired you were and that healthy food was never appetizing. I was wrong on both. I hope I can keep it up.

That's all I have time for now, but there are many thoughts bobbing around in my little head that needs to get out sometime.

Tanzanite

2008-02-12T05:46:00.001-08:00

Miss Kaela got her ear's pierced on Sunday. I think she's shown everyone she's seen since - whether she knows them or not. She has been asking me if she could get them for a few months. I always said that she had to ask for them before she would get them. Grandma Camara has been waiting patiently to hear that request come from Kaela so she could take her. I have to say that Kaela amazes me. She wanted those earrings so badly, she didn't even flinch when they went in. I showed her a mirror right afterwards and she just giggled. It's so fun to be the mom of a little girl!

Will you be there?

2008-01-25T06:48:00.001-08:00

This has been a very tough week. I've cried every day, and for all kinds of reasons: sad, mourning, relieved, amazed by God's glory, happy. My life is good. My family is together and healthy. But God has taught be a lot this week through the suffering of others. I know I'm not alone in this. Thousands of people have had the same week I've had. What has he taught us that we are going to hold on to? I find myself getting upset or frustrated at the most trivial things - things I know I'm not going to care about in eternity. I know I need to be upset over things that will really matter then. I need stop being angry at a dumb email and start praying for and sharing with a lost co-worker. How often do we pause to think, "They might not be with me in heaven." That doesn't seem like a work-related topic. But we need to make it one. My prayer is that I will stay continually kingdom-focused.

If you haven't already, you absolutely must to listen to or watch Rick Burgess' message from his son Bronner's funeral. You can find it at www.rickandbubba.com. I don't care how depressing you think it might be. Don't chicken out because you don't want to cry. You definitely will, but you will be changed. If you don't know what it is to be a Christian, you ought to after listening.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Snow Day '08

2008-01-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed! I know some of you see it all the time, but this is the first time we've seen "real" snow since I we moved back to Alabama. They kids loved it! Kaela for some reason knew all about what you're supposed to wear in the snow, how to make a snowman and what you're supposed to do when you're done playing the snow - "Have hot chocolate with marshmallows!" Of course. And so we did. I hope the rest of you Alabama snowbirds will be posting pics to share too. I can't wait to see them!

Random Updates

2008-01-17T05:34:00.001-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while, as Luke has reminded me. I keep breaking my personal rule to stop rambling and to blog instead. So, here are some very superficial things going on in my head and around my life (it's way to early for me to think deeply right now)...

New Camera - We got our new camera in the mail last week. It is awesome. We've been saving for it for a while and were finally able to get it with Christmas money we got this year. I'll take some cool pictures and post once I figure out how to use it!

Sickly Mayer - Mayer was sick last week with pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections in both ears. All that combined with the cutting of two more teeth in the same week made for a very sad and cranky kid. He is a HORRIBLE sick child. I'm so glad he's feeling better now.

Sales - I love after-Christmas and end-of-the-season sales. My latest favorite store is JCPenney's. I hate to say I haven't really shopped there in about 10 years. The quality and selections is much better now, and with their 70% off I got to buy lots of stuff for Kaela. Anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm completely obsessed with sales. It's really kinda sad.

Running - I'm getting back to running again. Rachel and I have committed to running together 3 times a week. It's so much fun. I forgot how much I missed it.

Scale Back Alabama - I won't go into detail about this program/contest because it would take too long, but I'm on a team committed to losing 10 pounds in 10 weeks. I know I've feed myself to the wolves. I'm slim to begin with, but if lose 10 pounds I would be close to my pre-baby weight. I think most women just want to be at their healthiest weight. So don't persecute me please :)

Wii - I probably don't need to buy one of these because no one would ever see me. But I've gotten to play recently and it is so much FUN. Zoe kicked my tail at Hannah Montana, but I beat Dave in overtime at basketball!

Guitarhero - Same as above, mucho addictive. I will be playing this weekend for sure.

American Idol - I tend to get addicted to this as well. I told myself I'm only going to watch on Tuesdays and just hear about the results later. We'll see how this goes.

Ok, so that's it for now. Maybe my next entry will be more intelligent :)

On My Mind

2007-12-05T06:58:00.001-08:00

My head is a bit cluttered right now, so I was thinking that making a list would help. With what, I'm not sure. Maybe get it out and never think about it again, maybe share because I want other people to hear about it or maybe help me prioritize. Here it goes...

1. I can't believe Mayer is already 1. I wonder if he will decide that walking is a good idea soon.

2. Church was really great on Sunday. It was some good God time.

3. How did I get so lucky as to have so many great friends?

4. I'm so glad my sister (and my brother-in-law and niece) are only 45 minutes away now!

5. I feel very mixed emotions about our ministry that I need to time to focus on working out. I love everything about our church, the people in it and what we're about. It's awesome to see how much we are growing closer to God (Luke and I included). But I don't dig critics. They bring me down and make me doubt. Don't get me wrong - constructive criticism is much needed. We have to make sure we are kept in check and we have people we trust around us that do that (thank the Lord for them). It's the other kind of criticism that hurts and I don't understand. I've blogged about this before, so maybe I should stop now.

So... as I look at my list above, #5 sticks out as a priority. Pray for us and please leave encouraging words that lift my spirits! That sounds selfish, but I need my friends to do that:)

The Price of a Child

2007-11-30T08:14:00.001-08:00

I was cleaning out some files in my desk and I found this story that my old boss had emailed out right before Kaela was born. It made me cry, so I had to share. I apologize in advance for how incredibly long it is...

The Price of a Child

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That does not even touch college tuition. For those with kids, that figure leads to wild fantasies about all the things we could have bought, all the places we could have traveled, all the money we could have banked if it were not for (insert child's name here). For others, that number might confirm the decision to remain childless. But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into $8, 896.66 a year, $741.38 a month, or $171.38 a week. That's a mere $24.44 a day. Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice says don't have children if you want to be rich. It's just the opposite.

There is not a way to put a price tag on: Feeling a new life move for the first time and seeing the bump of a knee rippling across your skin. Having someone cry out "It's a boy!" or shout "It's a girl!," then hearing your baby wail and knowing all that matters is that it's healthy. Counting all ten fingers and toes for the first time. Feeling the warmth of their fat cheeks against you. Cupping an entire head in the palm of your hand. Making out Dada or Mama from all the cooing and gurgling.

What do you get for $160,140? Naming rights. First, middle and last. Glimpses of God every day. Giggles under the covers every night. More love than your heart can hold. Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds and warm cookies. A hand to hold, usually covered in something sticky. A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites, building sand castles and skipping down the sidewalk in the pouring rain. Someone to laugh your self silly with no matter what the boss said or how your stock did that day.

For $160,140 you never have to grow up!! You get to finger paint, carve pumpkins, play hide-and-seek, catch lightening bugs and never stop believing in Santa Claus. You have an excuse to keep reading Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, watching Saturday morning cartoons and wishing on stars. You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day and cards with backwards letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140 there's no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, taking the training wheels off the bike, removing a splinter, filling the wading pool, coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs and coaching a baseball team that never wins, but always gets treated to ice cream regardless. You get a front row seat in history to witness the first step, first word, first bra or boxers, first date, first time behind the wheel. You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you are lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there with God. You have the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost.

Colossians 3:12-17

2007-11-28T05:34:00.001-08:00

I haven't blogged in a week or so, mainly because I just didn't have anything to talk about. Scripture often says what's in my heart and, like today, gives me the encouragement I need at the exact time I need it. So instead of rambling on about me......

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:12-17

Messy Mayer

2007-11-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

This story will probably follows Mayer around the rest of his life. If you get queasy about bodily function, consider this is a warning to stop reading.

I had to pick him up from daycare - immediately - today because he had a blown-out that was quickly followed by projectile puking....directly in his teachers mouth/nose. She was still tasting it when I got there. She went into great detail about how it all went down and I'm sure glad I wasn't there. My poor baby boy was covered in poo-poo and vomit - according to the teacher it was enough for 2 adults). His bagged clothes told the story.

I was really worried about him and took him directly to the doctors office, with just one stop to pick up some Pedialyte from our dear friend Holly. He just had the stomach bug. (I'm sure his teacher is not thinking "just".) He's doing much better already. Kids sure do bounce back fast!

Quick brag (totally not related to this story): Kaela can spell her name all by herself and Mayer can stack Legos in a 6 story tower! I got to spent a lot of time with the kids this past weekend so I caught up on some things I'd somehow missed out on. They're brilliant! I love my kids :) And their dad:)

The Ear Wick

2007-11-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

I first have to apologize to anyone who has had to be around me this past week. I'm not a good sick person. And I'm not a good deaf sick person. The photo above really sums up what my week with an outer ear infection entailed.

Just imagine that thing along with pain requiring Loritab (sometimes 2). I wouldn't wish this suffering on my worst enemy. But the ear wick (you can google that to find out exactly what this ear sponge is for) was removed today and I can finally (mostly) hear out of my right ear now. Yay!

Bless the Lord, O my soul

2007-11-06T05:38:00.001-08:00

This was my devotional today and I thought I would share...

_________________

Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfeth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:1-5).

Who so well can sing this thanksgiving song as we who rejoice in God's full salvation and praise God for the glorious health of a risen Lord and a continual youth? This psalm and its opening verses is in the very center of the Scriptures by an exact count of letters and verses. So let it stand central in our lives, as we look backward and forward and upward in grateful thanksgiving. Let us sing in the words of its closing strains, Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, 0 my soul (Psalm 103:22). Lord, center my heart in Thee and in the spirit of love and praise. ~A.B. Simpson

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I love reading A.B. Simpson's devotionals. It could have been a century ago, but his message is still so relevant. Here's the link to it if you ever want to read them...

http://www.cmalliance.org/devotions/simpson/simpson.jsp

Hehe

2007-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

That's how I feel when I look at this picture. My daughter is a riot. I don't have anything to do today. I was going to be at a worship conference today, but we couldn't get all of the worship team members together to go so we had to cancel. So here I am in front of the computer all morning trying to catch up on emails, upload photos that have been hanging out on my camera and blogging. I'm sure I could be doing something more productive. Like painting the trim or washing clothes or Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping.... Gotto go!

The Derek Webb Concert

2007-11-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful family and right now I want to recognize my brother- and sister-in-law, Nathan and Kate. They were kind enough to watch the kids for the weekend which gave us the opportunity to go to a concert last night. Derek Webb and his wife, were awesome. We had a great time with friends and for a split second remembered what it was like before kids. Don't get me wrong - I adore my two beautiful children and wouldn't trade the amazing life I have with them in it for anything. But I have to say that dates with my husband are far more precious than they used to be. I'm glad I married my best friend. (I love you Luke)

Here are some pics from the night. Unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures of the guest of honor, but that's okay - we're not friends anyway:) But these folks are and I love them dearly.

God is Awesome

2007-11-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

I was listenting to Derek Webb's "House Show" CD in the car on the way to work and I realized that it pretty much sums up how I feel about my Christian life. Man - he can preach!

I'm so excited about what is happening in our church right now. We are experiencing God in such a real way and he is making some serious changes. Not just in our personal lives, but in our church family as a whole. We have been utterly broken and taught to depend on Him for all aspects of our lives - especially the cleaning up of the ugly stuff. He must become greater, I must become less. How can we see His amazing grace if we can't see all of the junk that He's saved us from.

It's a strange thing. Luke and I were called to start this church a few years ago and we had not a single clue what we were doing. Giving God all of the control was the only thing we could do (although we at times slipped up and thought we could handle it). But we could have in no way created the fellowship that we have or called Him to be present in the way that He is. I am so thankful to Him for bringing together this group of believers and to see them pushing each other closer to Him and supporting each other. That's something Luke and I could never do on our own.

Luke and I are going to the Derek Webb concert tonight with some of friends. I'm super pumped about it.

--
Shana

Being married to a pastor - Part II

2007-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

On to what I was really wanting to say in my last post...

Some other pastors seem to be particularly pre-occupied with Luke's sermon topics. We've heard "stench in God's nostrils" even "from Satan." Whoa. Okay, so Luke prayerfully prepares his sermon based on God's word and it is a stench in His nostrils and from Satan. I am particularly sensitive to people calling my husband a heathen. I know what they say is not true and so do the folks that attend our church. I am so glad that we have fostered an environment where people can be "real" with God. He knows all of our junk anyway, so why do we try to hide it? And there's no reason to hide it from each other either because we need encouragement from each other. I know we probably talk about things that other Christians may find embarrassing, but you know what? We're not embarrassed. There's so much freedom when we give all of our junk to God and get it out in the open. Then we don't have anything to hide behind and we can see how awesome Jesus is for taking that load off of us.

So in short - I love our church and I'm pretty sure God thinks we smell great.

Being married to the pastor.

2007-09-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Being married to a pastor is an exciting thing. We're a team and I'm fully supportive of Luke and his calling. Starting a church and discipling it's people is a huge responsibility, but one that we wouldn't trade for anything. Our hearts are full of love for so many people. We laugh, we cry, we joke around and we get our hearts broken. When the going gets tough, I just say we're "storing up our treasures in heaven."

We haven't gotten a lot of persecution from people outside the church - and in that I mean non-church-going people. But surprisingly, we have gotten a ton of persecution from people inside the church - and by that I don't mean people at Safe Harbor Church. I mean other "godly" people who see what Luke is doing in our church and cry out against it. Not that any of them have actually been to one of our services or small groups. If they had, they would surely eat their words.

God is as present in a contemporary church as he is in a traditional church, so long as he is the focus and we are giving our praises to Him. Sure - we have to examine our hearts every now and then, but that goes for any body of believers. We can get so caught up in a sensationalist moment that we can't actually hear what God has to say, but we can also get so stuck in a traditionalist rut that we forget that God even wants to say something. (Disclaimer: I'm just trying to make a point) We all need to stop being critical of how other people show their love to God.

That was a rant I really didn't need to go on and wasn't even what I needed to get off my chest, so I'll carry on to another blog since this one is sooo long.

Does anyone know who I am?

2007-08-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

Because I don't think I do anymore. I'm at one of those crossroads in my life right now where I know something has to change. I love being a wife and a mom, but I miss who I used to be. I used to have so many hobbies and I defined myself with many of them. How can I define myself now if I can't do those things anymore. I know that most moms go through the same thing I am right now - I just don't know that I prepared myself for it. When will I ever get "me" time again? I don't mean the occasional shopping trip or girls night. I mean the regular "me" time. Working out, playing my guitar and trumpet (I used to be really good - who knew?), scrapbooking, drawing, painting.... Maybe I'm just too self-centered. Maybe I should look at this time in my life as a chance to give of myself and put my desires last. This could be God's way of humbling me, even when I don't think I need to be humbled.

And the winner is...

2007-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Captain Christopher Theilacker - THE Vanilla Elvis. Isn't it great to know that there are at least some really enjoyable things that the troops are getting to do while they are serving our country in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, or wherever they may be. Chris, my brother-in-law, is stationed in Kuwait and a few weeks ago they had a talent competition. Of course he won - he's one of the funniest people I know (second only to my husband) - with his impersonation of Elvis singing Ice, Ice, Baby. Check out the video. No one even knew it was Captain Theilacker until he went up to accept his award. They even doubted that they were giving the award to the right person. So $100 richer, he's able to give us a laugh that we can share. Thanks Chris!

"We're all in this together..."

2007-08-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

I can't get this song out of my head. I'll admit it - my guilty pleasure is High School Musical. I even compromised by daughter's bedtime last night to finish watching High School Musical 2. I missed the first half hour, so I'll have to catch in on Disney later (okay, Thursday night @ 7 pm). It's really impressive to me that such a clean movie has been such a huge rage. It just goes to show that kids (and adults) can enjoy watching something that's just plain entertaining without being offensive or crass. Those kids (in the movie) are so talented. I just hope that they continue to be good role models.

Ok, you can call me cheesy now.

Give $1 to save Naoimi

2007-08-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Naoimi is a little girl that a couple from our church (Jen and Alan Weathers) are in the process of adopting. Click on this link to read the whole story:

www.theweathers.onedollaradoption.com

It will break your heart and hopefully lead you to give at least a dollar so we can hurry and get Naoimi here where she can get proper treatment.

They posted the website on August 9 and have already raised $2632! Pass this story along to your friends so they can help meet the $10,000 goal. Anybody can give $1!

And pray for Jen and Alan since this is obviously a super stressful time for them. They have been given an amazing calling to adopt a special needs child such as Naoimi.

I can't wait to see God work!

Serving enthusiastically?

2007-08-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23

Have you ever met those people that seem to get extreme joy from helping people? I'm talking super-excited nearly squealing with delight. Rare, huh? But those people are inspiring. At least to me they are inspiring. I realized this morning that those people are truly serving with the right heart - a God-pleasing heart. We don't have to feel like we are toiling in vain - we can show Jesus to people around us just by helping them out. Doing it enthusiastically will not only make them feel extra special, but also make them curious as to why we are so enthusiastic in the first place.

The Beach

2007-08-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

The beach was awesome this weekend. Luke and I took the kids to my sister's house for the weekend and headed off to Destin the next morning. It was the same beach my sister and I visited nearly every summer when we were kids. Looking at it through my own children's eyes, it seems so new and exciting. Like standing at the edge of the tide and watching your fit sink and feeling like you're sliding backwards. And the exciting nervousness when the sea gulls fly low over our heads and then land in a huddle nearby. I hope I took enough pictures! These are two of my favorites. A lot of cheese on both parts, but full of their personality. The highlights of the day: Mayer eating sand (of course) and Kaela screaming her imaginative cry "Help us Daddy! The wild dolphins are after us!." Wild dolphins. That's awesome.

This has to be easy

2007-08-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

A person I hold with highest respect has encouraged my to journal at least once a week. Since I know my track record with journaling, I'm hoping that this blogging thing turns out to be easy. Not that writing in a paper journal is hard work or anything, but I can't commit to sitting down with one when I'm home. There's too much stuff to do! So my professional blogging husband has taught me that I can post a blog just by emailing. How cool is that? Maybe this is something I can actually commit to since I'm glued to a computer all day. We'll see....