Thank God for Heaven!

Pastor (Coach) Gillespie and the team

Last Thursday my family and I attended the funeral of a dear friend in the ministry who was also our sons' basketball coach and the pastor of the church that sponsors the christian school where all four of our children have attended and graduated from.
Pastor John Gillespie went to be with the Lord last Saturday, February 18th.  Pastor Gillespie left such a positive impression on our lives that we will never forget.  Such a giving person and always willing to help anyone in need.  He also had a great heart for missions! 
We will take many memories with us as we live day by day without him.  I ask that you please remember his family in your prayers.  His sweet wife Rose, his son Timothy and his youngest son Josh.  Also, please pray for his church members as they have lost their spiritual leader. 
I honestly don't know how those that don't believe in Heaven handle the death of a loved one.  All I know is I thank God for Heaven because I know that someday I will see them again!

Go Patriots!

All 4 of our children played sports in school.  Our daughter played volleyball and the 3 boys played basketball.  I loved watching them play and cheering for them.  Yes, I'm one of those moms in the bleachers cheering for her kids with a loud voice.  :) 
Well, last week completed those memories.  It was the last game that I would see my children play sports in school.  Our last child Andres is a senior and his season came to an end.
We had a great time this year going to the games and cheering him on.  His sister and her family came into town a few times to see him play, as well as my parents from Kansas came in for a few days for a few games.  My in-laws also came to a game.  :)  Great memories being made! 
I look forward to new memories that will take the place of these because when it comes to family, memories should always be made.

Andres' personal cheerleader!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our Little Valentine!

New Beginnings!

Last Friday we started another year of our missionary circle meetings!  The theme was "New Beginnings".  So far 36 ladies have joined which usually will grow to a larger group within the month.  I so much enjoy the meetings because of the service we can give to our missionaries but also it is a time I can enjoy with my church ladies.  We have a great time! 
This month as we do every February, we pick new groups.  And as we do in every meeting I have announcements, have a teaching and end the evening with a giant vegetarian burrito.  Hey!  Don't knock it till you try it!  It's really good!  (Wheat tortilla, brown rice, black beans, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, salsa & sour cream.) 
At the beginning of the year, we usually have new years resolutions.  I spoke on New Beginnings in the meeting with the idea of encouraging the ladies to get a good start on the new year.  Whether it was to work on being a better wife, better mother, better soulwinner or better Christian the encouragement was given. 
I think we all have room for improvement!  If not, we would be perfect! 
I would just like to encourage you, my readers to have a new beginning in at least one area in your life.

A year without soda!

WOW!  I didn't think I could do it but we did!  The Lord and I. :)
Last year, a year ago today I went cold turkey!  I knew soda wasn't good for me (or anyone for that matter) but I was so addicted to it and I drank it all the time!  I drank it like water.  When I was thirsty I would drink soda, when I ate I drank soda or when I was trying to stay awake for one reason or another I would drink soda! 
I have felt so much better!  My joints don't hurt as much and I just feel better over all! 
Some of the effects of soda are as follows:

• We age faster.  Who wants to do that!
• Weight gain because of the sugar.
• Not a healthy substance.  There is no nutritional value.
• It's linked to tooth decay and brittle bones.

Not to mention some of the ingredients it contains:

• Phosphoric acid-May interfere with our ability to use up calcium which may lead to osteoporosis.
• Sugar-Leads to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.
• Aspartame-(in diet sodas)  Several health side effects are possible: brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes and seizures.
• Caffine-Can cause jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and vitamin and mineral depletion.

Sad to say we are such an addicting nation to soda we drink it anyway because it tastes so good!  I'm not saying I have a lot of character to have quit.  What I am saying is that I realized that I wanted to be healthier and did it with God's help! 
There is so much more I would like to do for the Lord and I know that not being in good health can slow me down.  I want to better serve Him in everyway I can. 
One of my favorite songs is "Only One Life".  We only have one life, one chance to serve the Lord!  That is my desire!