This morning went something like this:
Mike: Ok, hun. I'm headed out. Love you.
Me: giggling-Have a nice day at the OFFICE! kiss-I love you!
God is so GOOD! Hope your day is blessed :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Eagle Has Landed (or) It's Official!
As most of you know, Mike has had the privilege of being the part-time worship leader for First Baptist Church in the DOXA service since Jan 1, 2008. With great excitement and humility, we want to share how the Lord has now opened the door for him to serve in this capacity full-time. With the Lord's blessing and favor, Mike will continue this God-directed journey as the newest staff member of FBC beginning in April 2009! Read what Mike had to say concerning our coming to FBC in September 2007 and what his heart holds for the people of DOXA:
At age 17, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior followed by a call to music ministry. The next several years consisted of many opportunities to reach out with the Gospel through music - in mostly youth oriented settings. God chose these opportunities to shape and refine not only my calling, but my life. In 2004, while leading a monthly youth service at Gum Springs Baptist Church, I met Chris Beck and realized a call to co-lead worship at First Baptist Church St. Bethlehem. It was during my three years there that I met Steve Moore and began to play several youth camps and retreats along side him. In the Fall of 2007, my wife and I began to sense a leading to join FBC. This move was a difficult decision for us in that I felt the Lord was successfully using me in the worship ministry at FBCSB. My family and I loved and respected Pastor Jeff Burris (and still do) and had deeply invested in the people there. However, after much prayer and godly counsel we decided to heed the urgent call to FBC and stepped out in faith. Soon after this, Steve Moore accepted a call to FBC Paducah and recommended me as Interim Worship Leader, the position in which I am now serving. I strongly believe this was the beginning of a faith building journey ordained by God partnering myself and FBC, specifically DOXA to reach the city of Clarksville for Christ.
Given this incredible opportunity, below is the vision Mike has committed to uphold for the DOXA service.
The people of DOXA, a unique expression of FBC, has a passion to reach our city for Christ. It would be my goal in DOXA to engage the congregation in authentic worship, bringing glory to God through the music. As a leader in DOXA, it is my desire to do what it takes to create an environment conducive to DOXA’s unique gathering of people. I will prayerfully seek out new and creative ways to reach out to our city, drawing the people of Clarksville to DOXA and ultimately to CHRIST.
I could not be more proud of my husband. He was made for this. God has brought us to this place and in it our prayer remains Isaiah 26:8… Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Thank you, every one of you, who went before the throne on our behalf. Your prayers and words of encouragement throughout this process have kept us on the victorious side of the fine line between perseverance and insanity! :)
I've said it before and I will say it again...God is SO good. We could never have imagined where He would bring us when we took that first shaky step toward this journey. FBC has truly become our home over the past year and we are humbled to be counted among those, whose privilege it is, to serve the people of DOXA and Christ!
At age 17, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior followed by a call to music ministry. The next several years consisted of many opportunities to reach out with the Gospel through music - in mostly youth oriented settings. God chose these opportunities to shape and refine not only my calling, but my life. In 2004, while leading a monthly youth service at Gum Springs Baptist Church, I met Chris Beck and realized a call to co-lead worship at First Baptist Church St. Bethlehem. It was during my three years there that I met Steve Moore and began to play several youth camps and retreats along side him. In the Fall of 2007, my wife and I began to sense a leading to join FBC. This move was a difficult decision for us in that I felt the Lord was successfully using me in the worship ministry at FBCSB. My family and I loved and respected Pastor Jeff Burris (and still do) and had deeply invested in the people there. However, after much prayer and godly counsel we decided to heed the urgent call to FBC and stepped out in faith. Soon after this, Steve Moore accepted a call to FBC Paducah and recommended me as Interim Worship Leader, the position in which I am now serving. I strongly believe this was the beginning of a faith building journey ordained by God partnering myself and FBC, specifically DOXA to reach the city of Clarksville for Christ.
Given this incredible opportunity, below is the vision Mike has committed to uphold for the DOXA service.
The people of DOXA, a unique expression of FBC, has a passion to reach our city for Christ. It would be my goal in DOXA to engage the congregation in authentic worship, bringing glory to God through the music. As a leader in DOXA, it is my desire to do what it takes to create an environment conducive to DOXA’s unique gathering of people. I will prayerfully seek out new and creative ways to reach out to our city, drawing the people of Clarksville to DOXA and ultimately to CHRIST.
I could not be more proud of my husband. He was made for this. God has brought us to this place and in it our prayer remains Isaiah 26:8… Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Thank you, every one of you, who went before the throne on our behalf. Your prayers and words of encouragement throughout this process have kept us on the victorious side of the fine line between perseverance and insanity! :)
I've said it before and I will say it again...God is SO good. We could never have imagined where He would bring us when we took that first shaky step toward this journey. FBC has truly become our home over the past year and we are humbled to be counted among those, whose privilege it is, to serve the people of DOXA and Christ!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Weekend Update
We had a pretty great weekend! Nothing crazy. Just time together...
Friday-
We had planned to hang out with BW, Lauren, and Krystle, but I got a McNasty cold and decided that it would be better (for them) to hang out where the germs weren't. So the four of us just ate chicken pot pies and curly fries - thanks to Hubs, who graciously cooked so I could lounge with my hankies and blanket. We watched Durango Kids followed by a friendly father/daughter wrestle-fest! After the girls pooped out, Mike & I watched Amazing Grace. It was a pretty good movie! I took some nyquil and immediately got all tingly and sleepy!
Saturday-
I slept until 11!!!! Thanks to the nyquil I didn't even move until then. The extra sleep got me feeling somewhat better. We decided the beautiful day was perfect for our "here comes spring" to-do list! Mike serviced the lawn mower and we managed to rake and clean the entire yard. I didn't get to fix my flower beds, but all-in-all, not a bad day's work! We made a quick trip to Lowe's and Kroger and finished off the day with a yummy burger off the grill.
Sunday-
Although it was his week off, Mike got to lead in DOXA. He filled in for Pat who was very sick. (Pat, praying you feel MUCH better very soon!) We headed home to grill again, this time with BW, Lauren, Krystle and Little Momma! It was a nice afternoon. Just hanging out with family, catching up and playing some games. After everyone left, Mike, the girls & I took off for a walk around the neighborhood. We barely beat the rain, but it felt good to walk again. We decided to head to Golden Corral for dinner. I had a really good coupon that was ready to expire and not cooking sounded just FINE with me! While there, Mike got the official word that the Deacons had voted to call Mike to the Worship Associate position full time! I watched Mike get a smile he couldn't have hidden if he wanted to and he just looked at me. It was a really great moment. One I'm not soon to forget! I'm so blessed that the Lord has allowed me to be the woman sitting across from him for over 12 years. After months of watching him beg God for direction and discernment in the process, God has answered. And we are humbled.
It was a good weekend! And now on to Spring Break! :)
Friday-
We had planned to hang out with BW, Lauren, and Krystle, but I got a McNasty cold and decided that it would be better (for them) to hang out where the germs weren't. So the four of us just ate chicken pot pies and curly fries - thanks to Hubs, who graciously cooked so I could lounge with my hankies and blanket. We watched Durango Kids followed by a friendly father/daughter wrestle-fest! After the girls pooped out, Mike & I watched Amazing Grace. It was a pretty good movie! I took some nyquil and immediately got all tingly and sleepy!
Saturday-
I slept until 11!!!! Thanks to the nyquil I didn't even move until then. The extra sleep got me feeling somewhat better. We decided the beautiful day was perfect for our "here comes spring" to-do list! Mike serviced the lawn mower and we managed to rake and clean the entire yard. I didn't get to fix my flower beds, but all-in-all, not a bad day's work! We made a quick trip to Lowe's and Kroger and finished off the day with a yummy burger off the grill.
Sunday-
Although it was his week off, Mike got to lead in DOXA. He filled in for Pat who was very sick. (Pat, praying you feel MUCH better very soon!) We headed home to grill again, this time with BW, Lauren, Krystle and Little Momma! It was a nice afternoon. Just hanging out with family, catching up and playing some games. After everyone left, Mike, the girls & I took off for a walk around the neighborhood. We barely beat the rain, but it felt good to walk again. We decided to head to Golden Corral for dinner. I had a really good coupon that was ready to expire and not cooking sounded just FINE with me! While there, Mike got the official word that the Deacons had voted to call Mike to the Worship Associate position full time! I watched Mike get a smile he couldn't have hidden if he wanted to and he just looked at me. It was a really great moment. One I'm not soon to forget! I'm so blessed that the Lord has allowed me to be the woman sitting across from him for over 12 years. After months of watching him beg God for direction and discernment in the process, God has answered. And we are humbled.
It was a good weekend! And now on to Spring Break! :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
We Put Some Bananas In It
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family...
Proverbs 31:15
I'm not claiming to be a true proverbs 31 woman...just trying to get there! And I have a lot of help as you can see!
You honestly can not mess up this recipe! And it's delicious! It was one of many recipes I received as a wedding gift from the ladies (and a few men) in the office I worked in just before getting married.
Banana Bread
2 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 bananas (very ripe)
3 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350. Dump all ingredients into large bowl. Blend with electric mixer until there are no large lumps of bananas. Pour batter into 2 loaf pans or 1 bundt pan. Cook approximately 30 minutes or until knife tests clean. Enjoy!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Purity Ball 09
Cuttin' a rug...
What a beauty...
They've got the moves...
Little lady...
Daddy and daughter...
What a beauty...
They've got the moves...
Little lady...
Daddy and daughter...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
25 Random Things About Me...
A little about me...
1. My middle name is Joye - like Joy - but with an "e". I've never met anyone else with that name. I've also never met anyone else who spells Catrina with a "c".
2. I can barely function without a list or calendar.
3. I've only been on an airplane once - to Orlando - and I made the woman next to me take my picture. I was 20!
4. I started dating my first (and only ever) boyfriend at 16. I married that man, my amazing husband when I was 18 years old - he was 21 - and I wouldn't change that for anything. I still get butterflies when he smiles at me.
5. I grew up with the most amazing parents and brother on 8 acres of imagination. Other than my husband, there is no one on this planet that I respect and look up to more than my Daddy.
6. I had a 4.0 in high school and a full 4 year scholarship to Texas A&M. I planned to become a Marine Biologist.
7. I take being a wife and mom VERY seriously. And feel like I'm the worst at those things.
8. Hearing my two girls laugh really hard makes my heart happy.
9. I can't decide if I want to live in the country or the city. It keeps me awake at night.
10. I don't wear my beautiful engagement ring because I knocked the diamond out of it a few years ago - in the washing machine. I found it but haven't been able to have it fixed yet.
11. I LOVE to pray and believe that to be one of the most precious gifts our Lord could have given us.
12. I love to cook. Especially organic and whole foods. But I find it frustrating & difficult to maintain such high, healthy standards on a budget. I also believe that if we ate according to the Jewish dietary laws, we'd be oober-healthy.
13. I don't like to dream, but I always remember them.
14. I've been saved by Grace from a wicked amount of sin and rebellion. I am scandalously blessed by our Great God.
15. I feel awkward all the time.
16. I have drawn hundreds of house plans. I remain certain I'll never be "home" until Heaven.
17. My best friend - Melanie B. - is the most godly woman I know. I aspire to be like her. I'm not worthy to be her friend.
18. I've learned more about my Father, God from being a mother than I could have ever imagined.
19. If I ever meet Beth Moore, I'll pee my pants. Her daughter left a comment on my blog and I almost did.
20. My favorite thing is having people in my home and knowing what will make them feel special and loved when they are.
21. I love disecting things in lab.
22. I really dislike the word "moist", puppets, clowns and small children singing nursery rhymes.
23. I wish I could have another baby. Really bad.
24. I've lost my temper less than 4 times in my life.
25. I can't wait to be a nurse. I feel blessed the Lord has called me to this special ministry.
Tell me a little about you?!
1. My middle name is Joye - like Joy - but with an "e". I've never met anyone else with that name. I've also never met anyone else who spells Catrina with a "c".
2. I can barely function without a list or calendar.
3. I've only been on an airplane once - to Orlando - and I made the woman next to me take my picture. I was 20!
4. I started dating my first (and only ever) boyfriend at 16. I married that man, my amazing husband when I was 18 years old - he was 21 - and I wouldn't change that for anything. I still get butterflies when he smiles at me.
5. I grew up with the most amazing parents and brother on 8 acres of imagination. Other than my husband, there is no one on this planet that I respect and look up to more than my Daddy.
6. I had a 4.0 in high school and a full 4 year scholarship to Texas A&M. I planned to become a Marine Biologist.
7. I take being a wife and mom VERY seriously. And feel like I'm the worst at those things.
8. Hearing my two girls laugh really hard makes my heart happy.
9. I can't decide if I want to live in the country or the city. It keeps me awake at night.
10. I don't wear my beautiful engagement ring because I knocked the diamond out of it a few years ago - in the washing machine. I found it but haven't been able to have it fixed yet.
11. I LOVE to pray and believe that to be one of the most precious gifts our Lord could have given us.
12. I love to cook. Especially organic and whole foods. But I find it frustrating & difficult to maintain such high, healthy standards on a budget. I also believe that if we ate according to the Jewish dietary laws, we'd be oober-healthy.
13. I don't like to dream, but I always remember them.
14. I've been saved by Grace from a wicked amount of sin and rebellion. I am scandalously blessed by our Great God.
15. I feel awkward all the time.
16. I have drawn hundreds of house plans. I remain certain I'll never be "home" until Heaven.
17. My best friend - Melanie B. - is the most godly woman I know. I aspire to be like her. I'm not worthy to be her friend.
18. I've learned more about my Father, God from being a mother than I could have ever imagined.
19. If I ever meet Beth Moore, I'll pee my pants. Her daughter left a comment on my blog and I almost did.
20. My favorite thing is having people in my home and knowing what will make them feel special and loved when they are.
21. I love disecting things in lab.
22. I really dislike the word "moist", puppets, clowns and small children singing nursery rhymes.
23. I wish I could have another baby. Really bad.
24. I've lost my temper less than 4 times in my life.
25. I can't wait to be a nurse. I feel blessed the Lord has called me to this special ministry.
Tell me a little about you?!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Date Night!!
Thanks to our sweet, sweet Uncle B & Aunt Lauren, who rangled the kiddos last night and this morning, we enjoyed a great date night!
Friday night:
*Uncle B picked up the girls and they were so EXCITED. They promptly buckled themselves in and politely asked for hugs and kisses and for me to please go back inside so they could leave! I'd be hurt, but I know how much they LOVE their Uncle B & Aunt Lauren and how much their Uncle B & Aunt Lauren love them! I'm glad they have so many people who want to spend time lovin' on them!
*Mike came home from work and we headed out to eat. We decided to stay in town and try a new place. Since we were planning to see a movie we chose Ciao Bella. It was great! Good food, friendly service and right across the hallway from the movie theatre.
*Walked right up to the window and bought 2 tickets for Paul Blart: Mall Cop. We still had an hour before the movie started so we just wandered around the mall. We NEVER do this...I mean it has literally been like a year since we just walked around the mall. Being Friday night I really thought it would be worse, but it was only about 6:30 pm and I'm guessing that's why it wasn't. Anyway, we went into Borders and saw the most hilarious display of "music love" by this man who obviously DID NOT care that the store was full of other people who could see his not-so-awesome dance moves! We laughed really hard. He just looked SO happy! Then we headed to Kirkland's, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE store (well, right behind Lifeway)! We didn't buy anything in either store, but it was fun to look! Then Mike spied a PS2 baseball game for $3.99. We got it for his Papaw to play when he comes to hang out with us!
*We headed back to see the movie and noticed the line was incredibly LONG! We were SO glad we bought our tickets ahead of time. Got great seats for the movie and laughed our faces off! It was clean (except for a few potty words) and funny...a good combination in my opinion!
*Headed out into the COLD for some Starbucks (sorry Krystle, Lasaters closes too early!!) and a stroll through Kohls. Again we didn't buy anything, but it was fun to look without trying to keep two very uninterested children contained!
*Pooped out and headed home to watch Ocean's Twelve.
Saturday Morning:
*Got up early to try Silke's Old World Bread & Cafe. If you haven't already, I would HIGHLY recommend it! I had a ham & cheese stuffed croissant and cinnamon roll. Mike had an apple & oatmeal coffee cake. Then we bought a loaf of Walnut, Raisin Sourdough bread and Whole Wheat Farmer's Bread to take home. Delicious!!
We had a great time, and to hear tell, so did the girls! Thanks Uncle B & Aunt Lauren! You are Rockstars!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If you would...
...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16
Please pray for this man. (For obvious reasons...haha)
**But specifically for his interview this Saturday morning at 8am**
Father. God of the heavens and the earth. You know the plans we have made in our hearts and all the same we know that You determine our steps and Your purpose prevails (Prov 16:9; Prov 19:21). You alone, Lord, have brought us here. Be glorified. In Your name, Amen.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
James 5:16
Please pray for this man. (For obvious reasons...haha)
**But specifically for his interview this Saturday morning at 8am**
Father. God of the heavens and the earth. You know the plans we have made in our hearts and all the same we know that You determine our steps and Your purpose prevails (Prov 16:9; Prov 19:21). You alone, Lord, have brought us here. Be glorified. In Your name, Amen.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, January 12, 2009
Faith of a child...
The other day I overheard Gracie & Autumn playing in the playroom. I sensed they might be playing a little rough. Maybe it was Mother's intuition...maybe it was that the house was practically bouncing up and down on the foundation. Either way, what I heard next caused great laughter followed by a thankful heart!
Autumn: Dear God. PLEASE help me with Gracie. She's too tall for me to win! Thanks, Lord. Amen.
Gracie: Autumn! No fair!
I think she meant. No fair going over my head like that! Oh, to have such faith in practical matters!
Autumn: Dear God. PLEASE help me with Gracie. She's too tall for me to win! Thanks, Lord. Amen.
Gracie: Autumn! No fair!
I think she meant. No fair going over my head like that! Oh, to have such faith in practical matters!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)