See You At The Pole Was TODAY!

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23

See You at the Pole™ isn't about groups, grades, clothes, or churches. It's about praying. It's about all of us coming together and laying aside all the labels for one day, simply to call out to God, just as Jesus did in John 17 and say, "Lord, may we be one in you--whether jocks, preps, geeks, Pentecostals, Baptists, Catholics, freshmen, or seniors--may the world believe that You are real and have sent us to touch others through you, regardless of the dividing lines drawn by a broken world!"
(see more at the web site syatp.com)

I can't think of a better way to start my day then to go to school and see students gathered around their school's flagpole singing worship songs and praying to our God! William asked his dad to take him to school early this morning so that he could be a part of this group. I am so very proud of him. I went up after they left to support him and his choice to praise God at his school. I can't even convey the awesome feeling that overcame me while I was there. I know that I am so very blessed to be a part of this family of God and that my son is not afraid to show others of his faith.

Today, please take a moment and pray for our children. They will have many struggles in their lives and their relationship with God will definitely be a strong motivator to help them keep their faith firm. Let us, as parents be there to support them and let them know how proud we are to have them as our children. Let us not only say the right things, but also show them in our actions everyday that Christ is most important in our lives.

Beefesian's Belongin'

It was another great day with Beefesians in NP-3!! Keystone Kurt & Loco 'Licia were headin' up the posse this week. They had P'shaw Patty & Jailhouse Jared helpin' corral them there chitlins!



We had some new friends and some birthdays too! Happy Birthday to Taylor & Ben!


The Cadigan's came to visit us in our family spotlight! It was great to have them as our special guests for the day! We hope all had a great time this week...



Remember to bring back your Family Huddles in 2 weeks to get 2000 points to "trade" at the General Store!! If you missed us or need to get a new one, just call me!!! It's a great game-for EVERYONE!

Ya'll come back now hear!!!!

Weekend Fun???

Weekends are either busy, or busier! I can't remember the last weekend that I had that wasn't planned out way in advance. Saturday was a little different since I didn't have to get up at a certain time and be at a certain place. So, I guess it was a slow Saturday??? Bill is on his Fall canoe/fishing trip to Pennsylvania with "the boys". He left Thursday and took my van...which left me with THE TRUCK! I sure dislike driving it~VERY MUCH! (But, that's another story) Anyway, William & I went out to dinner on Friday with Angi & Toni and we took Ben for his birthday! Then it was off to small group for a night of fun.

Saturday morning William made coffee and pancakes!! Yep, you read right! William's specialty is pancakes cuz' they were GREAT! Then we cleaned a bit at the house and went off to "The City" to work. I haven't been there much lately. Seems after the funeral, then my sinus infection and getting stuff done at church, I didn't get to spend much time with "the girls!" I miss getting to talk with them tho, so hope to "bother" them lots more this week. I did get to meet my (x)boss (Kim) and her sister (Karen) for dinner one night. Wow, I think that was actually 2 weeks ago...boy how time flys! It was a great night and we laughed alot, even tho our eyebrows got a bit singed! Hopefully we will do it again soon! Anyway...back to yesterday, William and I then ordered Larosa's pizza for a late dinner and watched the movie "Unaccompanied Minors". We enjoyed the movie and the pizza then headed for bed. There were little things in between all the fun...like getting my Sunday School lesson together, answering emails, making phone calls...you know, the usual stuff.

Yes, it was a busy weekend! Then church this morning was a good day with all the teachers and helpers there and lots of children to enjoy. I will be posting the Beefesians pics here later. After church we went out to dinner with the fam...Angi, Tony, Toni, Ben, Chip & Jen. It is kind of a weekly thing after church. Today was TOOTS! (did you know that you can go to toots.com and get coupons for your children to eat FREE? Check it out!) We haven't been there in a while they said...a whole month! WHEW! It's always great spending time with family. Ben came back to church with me to see why my printer won't work. Thanks Ben! Wow, it has been a GREAT DAY so far! We took a walk and now William is watching "Saving Private Ryan" he says it's one of his favorites. I am going to stop writing now and do some of my Women's Bible Study homework! Type to you again really soon!

Waiting for vacation time!

I know, you're not suppose to wish you life away...and I'm not! Just wishing I was relaxing by the pool in Florida! This picture was from my trip to the Children's Pastors Convention in Orlando. Besides going to some terrific classes and hearing wonderful speakers I got to spend some one on one time with Sean. It was great! We haven't had much time together without a few others with us. I got to stay at his place and meet his boss and many of his friends. I must say the convention was exciting, but exhausting! I kept in touch here by email and phone and it was during a really exciting Sunday here at LCC. My neice, Jen got baptized while I was there, but got to hear it all over the phone! What a great day!!

OK, so I am confusing you a bit! This was last January...yes, many months ago, but I am wishing for a vacation anyway!! Dream with me, will you???

Kid Nation

Tonight was the first episode of "Kid Nation" on CBS. 40 kids from the ages of 8-15 are put into the abandoned town of Bonanza City, New Mexico for 40 days. They have to build their own society by electing leaders, passing laws, and establishing an economy.

William and I have been talking about this show since we saw the previews a few weeks ago, and couldn't wait to watch tonight. We have been discussing just how difficult it would be for a town of only kids and about some of the problems that could arise. It actually began really well with most kids working together. The one boy who was the nicest at the beginning is one of the older boys and seemed to enjoy causing some problems. But through it all they did get the old stove started and cook some food. They all have jobs within the town now and get paid from $1 to $.10 and seem to be getting things done.


Tonight one of the boys decided to go home. Jimmy, who is 8 years old opted to go home already. He missed his parents and I know I felt bad for him. The kids did rally around him and try to help him though. Can you imagine any 8 year old you know going out to try this...he did!


Our favorite guy is Michael. He is not in any leadership position (yet), but always seems to know just what to say to the whole group to settle them down and think about what is best for them all. I am looking forward to watching more to find out just how things will go.(They did pick 7 outhouses over a tv for their prize after a challenge...good choice, since there was only 1 for all 40 kids! YUCK!!)

When I see kids working hard at something...anything...I wonder, do we give them the credit and praise they deserve? Are we pushing our children into too many things? Are we teaching (and showing) them that God and His ways should come first and the rest should all be secondary? What are our children capable of? Would their "Kid Nation" be a Godly place???

Stay Tuned!!

Senior Day at Woodland Lakes!

Today we (Brian, Dan, Brad & myself) had the opportunity to go to Woodland Lakes and share our summer camp for 4th & 5th graders "Everyday's A Holidy with Jesus" at the camp's Senior Day. Our "4th & 5th graders" today were lots of fun and Brian was especially happy that they laughed at his jokes! There were people from churches all around and had some from our own church too! We had a great day with everyone!





There was prayer, singing, and lessons, a great Thanksgiving dinner, Easter egg scripture hunt, we heard the Christmas story, played BINGO (Tim style, with all the holidays), and made Valentine Cards to God and bookmarks to remember His promises. We had our daily exercises and watched the US flag raised and the New Years Ball drop. It was a holiday filled day!



Dan led us in singing at the campfire.
Our camper of the day...Shirley, and Weenie of the day...Marilyn!(There were others to consider...Dan and the wrong b-room, and Bri dropping the mic, but Marilyn won out!)
Of course, The Tradition...DQ after camp ~ always sounds GREAT to me!! It's Blizzard Time!

Then...back at the office, and back to work! Looks like it was a taxing day for Daddy and Daughter...sweet dreams!

The JOLLY RANCHERS visit NP-3

There was visitors ridin' in the saddle and lots of singin'! We had prayer, laughter, shoutin', dancin', and even saw a talkin' cow!! Yep...really! There was a sleepin' pig, even with all the shoutin' goin on, it still snored away! Right here is some of our pictures from today...it was sooooo much fun, we hope YOU come and join us next Sunday!

We're lookin' forward to seein' a couple other new faces visitin' us this next week too! You won't wanna miss all the fun! Oh, and don't forget to get those "Family Huddles" done this week. If you forgot yours, stop by the church and get another from me this week! The General Store is opening really SOON!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN!!!!

On this day, 25 years ago, I was in the hospital, beginning in the wee hours of the morning. I was there ALL DAY, and not feeling very well! But...the anticipation and excitement was GREAT! I was expecting my first child, a son. And when he finally arrived, I must say...he was beautiful!(or handsome, I guess I should say. If you are a mom though, you know what I mean)

Through the years he has grown to be an even more handsome young man, and he is beautiful still-inside and out! He went through school with great ease, making friends with his peers along with his teachers too. He has a beautiful singing voice which he shared all through Ohio in the state choir and at Coney & even as far as New Hampshire. He went to college in Chicago, and is now working in Florida. He has made me proud to say I am his mom.

Sean, I pray everyday for you and your life decisions. I know that God has great plans for you and your life, and I know that you have touched many with your love, strength, and understanding. I love you VERY MUCH and am VERY PROUD of you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Love, Mom

TOMORROW NIGHT!!! 5:30PM

OH YEA, I almost forgot...tomorrow night is our ROCK AWARDS to celebrate and honor our teachers and helpers in the children's ministry at LCC! You don't have to be a part of children's ministry to come and have a great night celebrating our teachers with us! They are the greatest!!! I'm sure I will have more to talk about tomorrow! See you at 5:30pm~ don't forget...it's Hawaiian Game Show Night with MC, Brad Estep!

Veggie Tales!!

A new Veggie Tales show is coming! We received the package yesterday and I can't wait to see it! "The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's!" is coming your way! We are having a family matinee and you, YES YOU!!! are invited to come and join us!!!! It's a free movie, with activities and snacks too! The kids will receive an activity poster that also includes a $2 off coupon if you would like to purchase the movie at your local store.(of course, you can't do that until October 9th-cuz' that's when it's being released!)I can't wait! Alicia is heading this up, and she ALWAYS does a spectacular job!! This is a FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE at 2:10, Saturday, September 29, there will be NO childcare, but...if you don't have any kids to bring, you can still come!!! I'm sure we could loan a couple to you! It is FREE, yes, really, but, we are asking everyone to pre-register so we will have enough seats, activity sheets, and snacks for everyone. You can register by calling the church, or registering online at www.lovedtolove.org.

Do As I Say...Not As I Do.

Have you ever heard that before? Have you ever said it?

I remember my Dad saying this. When he would be helping us kids with our homework,(he was a wiz at Math-but couldn't show his work even tho he always had the right answer) coaching us at sports, or working around the house. It was never on a moral issue or how to treat others. He was a giving man, and believed you should treat people the way you would want to be treated. He loved to be around any and all sports. (well, not soccer) He coached baseball and football for many years and earned respect from the kids and their parents. Today there are many parents around Loveland and the U.S. that was coached by my dad. They would see him even as they grew older and always have to come and see "Mr. Baxter." He also loved to watch us kids and all our friends play sports. Even when we were older, he and Jo Ann Henninger would come and sit behind the backstop at the then "Jr. High" and just enjoy the people around them. (and,of course, he loved to "hassle" the ump!)

Another of his sayings was, "Can't never did a thing!" He wasn't very happy if we used the word "can't". He never liked for us to give up on ourselves or anything that we tried to do. We were to try and do our best, and that was all he asked. He was always there to back us in our decisions, but also always there to make sure we knew what we did wrong so that we could learn from our mistakes. He always made us follow through with anything we decided to take on or to be a part of. "If you make that commitment, you must do your very best and you must see it through." He always told me that when you finish a job, you should be proud enough to sign your name on it for all to see. And, in the same way, if you make a mistake, own up to it.

My dad always believed in his children. He knew that God had a plan for us all and that even though our paths would veer from the one that God had made for us, that we would eventually get back to where He had planned. And...we have. My brother, sister and I have made it back to where God wants us. We are all doing our best to serve Him with the gifts that He gave us. We are working hard, learning from our mistakes, and not using the word "can't". We are also trying hard to do as we say, treat others the way we would like to be treated, and always being proud to sign our work. We still have much to do, with more mistakes to come, but know that God will show us the way. I know that I am very proud of my brother & sister. I know that both of our Fathers in Heaven are proud too!

Are you asking yourself...What's the point?? Well, are you saying & doing the same things? Are you treating others the way you want to be treated? Are you using the word "can't"? Are you proud of your work? Are you owning your mistakes? Are you following through on your commitments?

If you answered no to any of these questions, what about this. Are you talking with your Father in Heaven? Today's the day! He loves you and is proud of you. He doesn't want to hear that word can't...He is strength, love, compassion, and truth. He gives grace to all who ask...Today's the day.

GIDDY UP ~ BEEFESIANS STYLE!!!

YEEEEEEEEEEEEE
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
What a great day we had Sunday at LCC at our kickoff of BEefesians and Fall! We had SOOOO MANY new faces in NP-3! Welcome to all the new kindergarteners and to our new friends that visited with us! We hope you had a great time learning about all the BE's we'll BE learning about this fall, and we see you all again this week!

Sheriff Angi, with the help of her Deputy Toni, and Buffalo BEn, swore in her posse to help keep Jesus in everyone's heart and have fun learning more BE things! What were they??? Just ask the kids! We had games, songs, prayer, videos and lots of fun!

Family Huddles for this week (your family homework assignment) is to draw a picture of your family all decked out "cowboy style" so we can hang them up for all to see! Each week your Family Huddle is worth 2000 points to "shop" at the General Store that will be opening soon! Kids can earn more points by just BEing there, bringing their Bibles, bringing offering for Lomi, (the little girl we sponsor from Africa)or bringing a friend. Everyone who came this week already has 5000 points just for BEing at the kickoff! Twernt that easy?

This Sunday we learn about BElonging with Keith and Steve, and we are welcoming the Cadigan Family to our Family Spotlight couch...it's gonna BE FANTASTIC! If you would like more info on our BEefesians curriculum, check out the previous post with the BEefesian's picture, or just ask!

Hop on your horse and meet us this Sunday at 8:45 or 11:15 am for a BEautiful day to BE in NP-3 at LCC!!! BE with us ~ where you BElong!!

Do you believe in Angels?

I SURE DO!!!

I talked about 2 angels here on earth in my last post! And, now...
I had even more ANGEL SIGHTINGS THIS WEEK! As you know, it's been a crazy week for me and my family, and, well, things for our NP-3 Kickoff were not exactly finished...until...it began on Friday morning when I returned to LCC there were angels, yes, I said ANGELS building, painting and listening to heavenly music while they worked!! It was a wonderfully welcome sight for me, and I have to say I couldn't, and wouldn't have made it without them. Can, you believe it? Some had to leave because they came before their "jobs" (you know, the $$ one) or volunteering at the school, but another showed up to help out too!! God has blessed me with these wonderful angels & I so enjoy working with them! We are truly blessed at LCC to have them as part of our family and that they are willing to use the gifts they were given to glorify God by working in our children's ministry.

They say that angels don't have wings...but...they were sure flying around to get it all finished! Work went all day Friday, and then some came back later that evening with their angel children to work more and even on Saturday when we were finishing up...we are soooooooooooooooooo ready for our fantastic Fall Kickoff tomorrow...I mean today! I can't wait!!! You just gotta come to LCC today...NP-3 is for children K-5th during the 8:45am and 11:15am service times. We actually have something for all age children at all services. There is Sunday school at 10am. Oh yea, there is worship services for adults too! So kids, you can bring your parents with you!!!

It's Beefesians Kickoff...wear your cowboy duds and GIDDY UP!!!!

THANK YOU ANGELS~Steve, Kelly, Geneva & Patty! Sure do love you all TONS!
and...those angel children too!

So many to thank...

I want to take this time to thank EVERYONE from all of us! It was so amazing to see so many people at Jeff's memorial this week. School friends and their families of my husband and his brothers and sister came, friends Bill and I had not seen in many years, Bill's boss and wife and co-workers, my family and my church family. We are SO VERY BLESSED to have such great people in our lives.

We have received calls, emails, cards, flowers, many offers of help in many ways, and tons of FOOD! We could never express in words the greatness of our appreciation to you all for all the prayers, thoughfulness and your generosity.

We have had a week of tears, and sadness, but also of joy and laughter. Many had lots of stories to share about "the good 'ole days." And many of us are going to try and get together more often...it's always good to try! Where does the time go???

Thank you to Terry Cook from Hospice! Terry was there for Jeff's final hours here on earth. She gave him and the rest of the family the love, comfort and support we all needed during this time. Thank you to Julie from Tufts-Schildmeyer for all your hard work, time, and gentleness to the whole family through all aspects of the week. Both of these ladies are definitely angels here on earth and we were very blessed to have them both. God has given them wonderful gifts that they are using for His glory.

I would like to thank all who helped me be able to be there for Bill's family. I especially would like to thank Brian, Dan & Jared for your prayers, love and support for Bill, William and me. Geneva, thanks for holding down the fort and tying up all the loose ends in the office, all the children's ministry phone calls...and keeping me out of the office! Jean Wille for organizing food for the family, of course with Bob's help! Angi...what a super sis! Love you LOTS!

To ALL OF MY LCC FAMILY...Bill, William and I are truly blessed to be part of your family. I thank all of you for your prayers over the last few months for Jeff and us all. Thank you for taking the time to visit us at the funeral home, many of Bill's family told me how nice it was for you to come and support them even though you didn't know them. Thank you all for the cards, phone calls, emails and all the food! Thank you to all who stepped up to fill in for me while I was gone.

I THANK GOD FOR YOU ALL!

p.s. I have had a few visitors on this blog...some I know, some I don't. I am asking you to come and meet us this Sunday. God is listening to your prayers and knows that you should come and join us at LCC and feel His love through this great family. I could meet you there! I'm always running around somewhere! Our new 3 worship times will fit into your schedule. (8:45am, 10am or 11:15 am)If you would like to know more information about Loveland Christian Church (LCC) you can go to our web site at www.lovedtolove.com.

Hey...see you on Sunday!!

Hopes, Dreams & Life Accomplishments

Today has been a very emotional day. We received a call early this morning to come to my husband's Mom & Dad's house. Jeff, Bill's brother has been fighting cancer for awhile now, but lost that battle this morning. He was in a coma, but the Hospice nurse said he could hear us. The family all made it there to talk with him, and he passed peacefully. Even though we all knew it was happening, it was still very hard to take when the time came. The Kern's have 5 other children, who were there to love and support their parents today.

I volunteered to pick up a "life fact sheet" from the funeral home. It had a question about hopes, dreams, and life accomplishments. It reminded me of the poem "The Dash". It's not your birthdate, or the date you leave this earth, but the life that you lead between them that can make a difference. (the dash) What type of hopes and dreams do we have? What does God want us to have? What will be our life accomplishments? Will they be the ones that God planned for us? Or, will we make other choices, since He gives us free will? I so want God to tell me "Well done good and faithful friend," when I meet with Him in heaven.

I pray that everyone who reads this thinks about their dash and what God has planned for them, and doesn't wait to put those life accomplishments, hopes and dreams into action. God speaks to us in many different ways. There's probably been many things urging you lately, and today this blog is saying...get moving!!!! May your dash be filled with wonderful "God Moments!"

In honor of Jeffrey Alan Kern July 13, 1965 - September 2, 2007