Washington DC

This is where we spent our holiday! Seemed perfect to celebrate our nations birthday in her capital city! Even in the rain......

OKAY! We are back on line- BUT First things First-

Tomorrow PLEASE COME AND JOIN US for our first
Preview Service of a new Baby-

Pathway Community Church
is our new East Michigan Wesleyan church launch
and we are having a trial service prior to our September 21st Launch service


Join us Sunday June 21 at 10:00 am at the
Utica School IRC building
(instructional Resource Center)

The address is 14201 Canal Rd. It is in Sterling Heights. The zip is 48313.
about a mile south of Hall road!

Still off-

Computer still off- I am at the library again- good thing is the boys are participating in the summer reading program through our local Romeo Library- and Noah and Micah are really reading and enjoying it. Micah has a goal to read 25 book his reading level or higher- of course it helps we told him if he read 25 books we would give him 25 dollars:) don't laugh, it keeps them reading! Noah wont read quite so many, his book as longer and harder, Zach HAS to read but I posted about that earlier- for his AP English class this coming fall, 4 classics, glad its him and not me- Aaron well, if it is about sports he'll read it in between his morning football sessions and afternoon basketball practice he is pretty wiped out by 8pm (last night he fell asleep in the basement watching tv)

okay gotta run my time limit is just about up. Maybe we will be back on line tomorrow.

whew-

Having a whirlwind of time-

Presently at the library for this update so it will be short and sweet-

We returned home from Kentucky, the computer was on at the time, we were able to catch up on a few e-mails and then it went dead- have no idea what happened- HOWEVER
prior to our departure we were one of the hundreds of thousands in the area without power after a HUGE storm (not sure if they are calling it a tornado or not) so we were with out power for a few days, well actually we had a generator to run the fridge and the sump pump but no other electricity therefor we have a lot of catching up to do. I was hoping to be able to do all that catching up stuff this week but with out Internet access at home it will be difficult so those of you bloggers wondering where the Mabey's are- that is the short of it. Hope to be back on line by next week but who knows?

My walk monday

I have been absent from My walk Mondays for a couple of weeks but catching up today-



What is the hardest trial you have been through to date?


my answer:


Well some of my writing during the last few years will let you know what it has been like


BE still. The situations you face have caused you to be unsettled and anxious, you are tending toward impulsivness. But, I say to you wait on Me. I will most certianly bring you through this troubling time, and I will strengthen, establish and settle you in my purpose as you yield to my guidance. Stop. Refocus. Be at peace, for you can trust me absolutely. Ask, and I will give you wisdom and direct your steps. Do not step out in your flesh and by the power of your own good ideas to try to bring resolution to your problems. Have faith in Me,says the LORD.

Ecc. 7:3

Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. It is sorrow that makes us think deeply, long and soberly. Great thunderstorms of sorrow reveal hidden depths within that were never hitherto suspected. God never uses anybody to a large degree, until after He breaks that one all to pieces. Joseph had more sorrow than all the other sons of Jacob, and it led him into a ministry of bread to all nations.

Every person and every nation must take lessons in God's school of adversity. "We can say blessed is night for it reveals to us the stars." at the same time we can say "blessed is sorrow for it reveales to us GOd's comfort"

A chapter in our lives is coming to an end, and in doing so I am trying to remember as C.S. Lewis stated in his movie the Chronicles of Narnia, " All that is wrong will be turned right when ASLAN comes into sight.


My people, this is the hour of transformation, a time of new beginnings. It is a time when I would have you forget all of those things that are behind you so that you can press and push toward the mark of the high calling of your Lord, which has been set for you, your destiny fulfilled.

You are entering a season in which you can be all that you have been called to be in My kingdom, says the Lord. But, you must let go today of those things that have held you back.Begin again, and let Me, your Master Potter, take you in My hand and make you a new vessel. There are new opportunities ahead of you. I will move you by the power and might of My Holy Spirit. Behold, I come as fire upon you to bring you into the fullness of your destiny.

Beloved, I am preparing you to rise above all doubt and unbelief and to go forth as true believers in which signs and wonders will follow you. The enemy has done his best to kill your faith and cause you to be complacent. His intimidation in your circumstances has made you afraid to believe for anything beyond what your natural mind can comprehend. But, I tell you that I am loosing the gift of faith among My people that will overcome all of the work of the devil as you begin to speak My word in faith.

Watch and be amazed at the great and mighty miracles that I will do in your midst as you move ahead with faith and courage, says the Lord.

Mark 5:36b "Do not be afraid; only believe."

Well I think you get the idea......

HELP!

Is there is someone/anyone who has these books-

The Grapes of Wrath- John Steinbeck

One flew Over the Cuckoo's nest- Ken Kasey

Wuthering Heights- Emily Bronte

Taruffe and The Misanthrope- Moliere

BUT here is the catch we are not looking for new because
Zach will need to write in them and take notes etc. for an
Advance Placement English Lit class.

These books are the basis for his first papers next fall, the common thread is the Anti-Hero or the obsessed Loner- he will be asked to write about them and given comprehension tests on them to see how much he understood.

He will also prepare to take the Ap lit test next spring and if he passes it with a "3" or better earns college credit for it.....

So if you can help us out please contact us- we can pay for shipping we just don't want to pay full price at the bookstore to write in them- know what I mean?

thanks in advance

soccer trophies

We had another busy weekend- this time it was all about Noah and Micah

It was trophey day!
Every year- at the end of the spring season every one gets a trophy- We also enjoyed a picnic/barbecue- with BWW, hotdogs, sausages and pizza, inflatables and much more, I had to take off and go to a car wash fundraiser but the boys enjoyed themselves!

Their games this weekend were not so successful, losses all around- even Zach's team had a loss:( BUT the trophies always make up for it)



next weekend I will be in Ypsi with Aaron for his basketball tournament- summer will be officially here- and I say let the fun begin!

I would love to win this contest

For the Fourth time in about as many years my vacumme cleaner broke!

The difference is this time I have a chance to win one in a contest- okay so my chances are slim but with 4 boys, a husband and a dog plus countless boys friends it is imperative I have a vacumme cleaner! oh did I mention they play sports?

you could win one too- but I hope you dont cause I want to win:)

Honors Night

Romeo Middle school hosted its annual Honors night last night and Aaron was in the group of
66 percent of the 8th grade who made honor roll!

Way to go Aaron!



The boys in Aaron's row were all a bit shorter than he was but you can not tell in this picture- it was quite comical - however the boy three seats over from Aaron had a lot to be proud of he was an all A honor student and got the Presidential award for honors signed by President Bush! I thought that was great- three other girls in the class had All As 3 years in a row while at the middles school- now that is saying something!

Mr Argiri- Principal and Mr Bennett- Asst. Principal and Athletic director were both present to give the students there certificates and say a few words moving them into the realm of bigger and better at the high school next year- it was a nice evening-














Aaron was being a stinker and not wanting to get his pictures taken cause he wanted to get home and see the Pistons game:) but we managed to get this out of him before we left! Thanks to his "friend Megan" .....no really just a random Megan in the class:) We are proud of him!

Walking field trip

Micah's class took a walking field trip through downtown Romeo today - they visited sights that used to house the first hospital, the fire station- the blacksmith and the Methodist church- it was a very interesting historical tour.

Here is Micah trying to ring the bell at
the Methodist church

Aaron's Last band banquet

The end of 8th grade for Aaron
also marks the end of his band career.
At least for now- next year he wants to focus on
football and Basketball as well as adding
Spanish to his repertoire.

He has played an instrument since beginning kindergarten
on the piano- he moved to percussion's in the 5th grade
while still at Peace Lutheran- 5 years later this is the end of the road- kind of bitter sweet:(

We are the Champions Again

Pacesetters Invitational U-16 Silver

Champions !

Game 1....loss3-2 vs TFA

Game 2 ....tie 1-1
`vs New Albany

game 3 win 2-1 vs Michigan Rush South

game 4...win 1-2 vs. Crush


semi final game win ....2-1 vs a u-17 team from our own club Metro Stars

final game....2-0 1 vs another u-17 team from michigan Down river Nike
This last photo is my Romeo boys- Sebe, Zach Saul and David! They are all hoping to play together next years varsity team at RHS!

Show Hope - join the movement- make a difference

Lifting Up the Chapman Family

"I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." (Romans 15:30)

Last Tuesday, Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter of Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman, was killed in a tragic accident in the family driveway. Such an amazing outpouring of love and compassion followed, and the Chapmans have so much appreciated the many prayers and words of comfort that have been offered. They very firmly believe that it is only because of the grace of God and the many, many prayers of His people that they are able to stand at all today in the hope of Christ.

It is a long road ahead for them, so please continue to lift them up, specifically praying for:

- The Chapman family as they seek God for wisdom concerning the timeliness of returning to their home from their friend's house, and slowly re-engaging back into life-

Wisdom and discernment for those around them seeking to love, comfort, counsel, and encourage the family and friends affected by this tragedy, that they would know how, when, where, and what to share-

Steven and his community to be good stewards of honoring God in this process, and that they will be message carriers for the good news of the gospel and the hope we have in Christ-

All those surrounding the Chapmans who are being attacked on different fronts, that they might be able to take up the shield of faith and extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one, that they might be filled to overflowing with Christ Himself

* We welcome you passing this along to others to pray, encouraging them to sign up for weekly orphan prayer updates.*
Any updates or information we get, we will post here >
* If you’d like to meet Maria and express your condolences click here >
* In lieu of flowers, the Chapmans request any gifts be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope.
Donate here at showhope.org/maria >

Thank you again for your prayers and support,Shaohannah's Hope "Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work." - Oswald Chambers

» Forward to a Friend

Any of my local friends up for this?

Anyone need a summer bible study?

From Beth Moore's blog -



OK, Girls, so what’s the plan for V-I-C-T-O-R-Y this summer? A more leisurely pace is terrific for the summer months if you have the kind of job (in or outside the home) where your schedule loosens up. Goodness knows, all of us could a huge let-up on the schedule and the stress. We need a vacation in the worst way. BUT, if you’re like me, 3 months outside the Word is roughly 2½ months inside a pit. I’ve found that if I’m going to live in victory, I’ve got to plan for it.

Summer brings a whole new set of demands to many women’s lives so here’s a little encouragement to keep our heads covered with the Word. If you’ve already got a Bible study planned for the summer, let us know in a comment what it is and where you’re participating…or if you’re just doing it solo. Our blog could offer some fun accountability. If you don’t have a plan, however, I’d like to propose one.

This summer I’m going to facilitate an 8-week Siesta summer Bible study on:No Other Gods by Kelly MinterI’ve told you before that I consistently do other authors’ Bible studies so that I can receive spontaneous words from God through other teachers. I have no idea how many I’ve done through the years, but for the last month I’ve been doing Kelly’s “No Other Gods.” I’ve gotten a ton out of it and have really enjoyed her writing style. The homework is not long and drawn out like other authors we know (let’s not mention names) and we won’t involve lecture-driven sessions, so it may be just the thing for some of you for summer. Not too much. Not too little. Kelly’s emphasis is on discussion, spending some really meaningful girl time together, and how about sharing some good food?

Here’s my vision for how we could implement her study in Siestaville: *We will launch on Tuesday, June 17th and “meet” EVERY OTHER TUESDAY (July 1st, 15th, 29th, August 12th) until we conclude our eight weeks of homework and accountability on Tuesday, August 12th. *We will each need to get our own copies of the workbook (not the regular trade book version but the workbook!) “No Other Gods” by Kelly Minter and have it well in your possession by the time we launch. (We aren’t able to get it for you through Living Proof but I wish we could.) Please don’t wait till the last minute to get it or you may not be able to start on time! If you have a LifeWay Christian Store, you should be able to find it on the shelf but the easiest way may be on line through the LifeWay Website.

Here’s the link: http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=797560*You can participate solo but since such an important part of Kelly’s purpose through the study is fellowship, try as hard as you can to enlist three or four other women to meet with you in one of your homes every other Tuesday night as scheduled.

Five meetings this summer shouldn’t be too overwhelming and we can rotate houses if we like. Make sure that the women you invite to participate know that the evenings will be low on stress and high on much needed fellowship and rich discussion. Kelly calls this approach “The Living Room Series” because of its emphasis on a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere where we can develop some wonderful relationships in Christ. In this superficial culture that surrounds us, where friendship take place through text message (I’m guilty, too!), we have a huge deficit of pure depth in women’s relationships. Let’s make this real. The goal is to have those two weeks of Bible study finished each time you meet (after the launch) but the fellowship will still be worth your while if you couldn’t get all your homework accomplished. Let’s have lots of encouragement without loads of condemnation.

*On each of our meeting days (every other week starting Tuesday, June 17th to Tuesday, August 12th), I will “facilitate” by posting discussion questions or activities I’ve come up with based on our previous two weeks of study. You will then implement them into your gathering. (I will make sure the post is up first thing on those Tuesday mornings in case your meeting times are morning or noon rather than evening.) Your way of checking back in with me will be by telling me something about your gathering afterward in a comment to that same post. It will be left up all day Wednesday for your feedback. (For those of you not participating, it is important to know that we will not hog the blog all summer with this Bible study activity. It will only require a post or two every other week. We will have plenty of other things going for all our Siestas.)

*Several days before our every-other-Tuesday meetings, we will post a recommended recipe (of our own – probably from Melissa) for a dish to be prepared by one of you and served at that gathering. THOSE OF YOU NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE SUMMER SIESTA STUDY WILL STILL ENJOY HAVING A RECIPE IDEA. Recent posts and comments have been proof to me of that. For those who will participate, one of the really fun elements of Kelly’s series is great food. Talk about Biblical! Much New Testament community took place around the table in a long, leisurely meal. You’ll love the recipes Kelly’s included in the Bible study even if we pitch you some of our own ideas. Inviting all the participants to have a common dish every other Tuesday night will be just another way to fellowship as a large on-line Bible study group. It’s the beauty of the common table.

SO get back to me if you want to participate! I can host the first study night- or we can go during the day whoever is available- I will be doing the study regardless- so if you can only meet occasionally that would be okay too -just let me know!

Stephen Curtis Chapman

From the time I was 13 years old I have listened to Stephen Curtis Chapman and his music. First seeing him at a Wesleyan youth convention (I think in Urbana, Illinois) and after that I was hooked-we have been on many GREAT ADVENTURES SC2 and I:)
Through him I have laughed, cried, shouted, danced, swayed, jumped up and down BUT today I mourn....

I received an e-mail from dear friends and then the e-mail was confirmed through my bible study time with Beth Moore

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.
The girl, Maria, was hit in the driveway of the family’s home Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The brother, whose name and exact age were not available, apparently did not see the girl, McPherson said. No charges are expected.



"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'" Revelation 21:1-4

joelle

Aarons Last Band concert

last night was Aarons last band concert for Romeo Middle school

maybe ever -as he has chosen not to take band at the high school next year-

It was a little bitter sweet! However it seems there

will a lot of football next year and band is not totally lost as

Noah will taking 7th grade band in the fall!

Relay for Life 2008

Relay For Life® is a time to remember the lives of those lost to cancer, but it is also an opportunity to spread hope for the future. By raising funds for the American Cancer Society and the important help and services it provides, those who take part in Relay are supporting the mission to save lives, diminish suffering, and once and for all eliminate cancer as a major health problem across the world.

I celebrated my one year anniversary, if you call it that of finding out I had cancer, this past weekend was exactly one year and I walked in the relay for life in Romeo.

I am not sure of the totals but my team raised 14,000 dollars for cancer research! Amazing! our goal was 13,000. so we surpassed that. It was a crazy weekend but I walked 11 miles.

as a rule:) I try not to do that, not that I am not in shape- but I found out how out of shape I am.



We started the day with a survivor lap, followed by a spouse and family, and caregiver lap- they were both very emotional- the whole day was rather draining. one of the most moving laps was the luminary lap- teams sold luminary candles for 10 dollars a bag and you could write names in honor of or in memory of and they were lined up around the field- the whole field, this pictures does not do it justice but imagine the whole track lit up with luminaries, all with names of those who were still fighting/ but many of those who have lost there battle with cancer- hundreds of people showed up for this lap and ceremony to keep on fighting!


There was one church represented- the Orchards Community, a missionary church and this is my shout out them- Thank you! Not sure why more churches are not involved but I can tell you this- Pathway will be there next year! The orchards had a prayer tent which was where you could go and leave prayer requests for yourselves or and loved ones and from what I heard they were overwhelmed with requests!

One team brought wheel barrels for weary walkers- you could rent a barrel for a dollar a lap and have someone push you around the track- by lap 6 I was thinking about it but never followed through, by mile eleven I headed home to sleep in my own bed- thank goodness Zach had a game the next morning early and I had an excuse to go home!

The Detroit Piston drum line showed up about 5 pm and gave a great show! Thanks guys, you helped us get through a few more hours of relay!

Win a grill

One Char-Broil® Grill2Go® will be given away every hour between 12PM – 12AM ET May 11 – June 7, 2008. Don’t miss out.

Just for playing, you will become a Pizza Hut Ultimate Grill VIP and receive 20% OFF any grill or grilling accessory from www.charbroil.com.

PLUS, you’ll be entered to win one of 10 Ultimate Char-Broil® Infrared Grilling Grand Prizes worth $1,000 each! Grand Prize winners receive:
1 Char-Broil Infrared Commercial Series Grill
1 Char-Broil Big Easy® Oil-less Infrared Turkey Fryer
Char-Broil Grilling Tool Assortment

They'll even ship them right to your house!

http://pizzahut.eprize.net/ultimategrill/index.tbapp?WT.mc_id=041808Ultimate_Grill_Email_Contest_Callout

Odyssey of the Mind

Is Black really black?

Micah's field day!

Veggie Tales

From the first moment Bob and Larry hopped their way into America’s living rooms, getting kids to have a healthy dose of “veggies” has been just plain easy. These veggies are fun!
And with their clever plots and witty banter, adults can actually enjoy the show right along with their kids. It is win win for everyone involved.

“Lessons from the Sock Drawer” is the newest release in the VeggieTales® series. Bob and Larry kick off these silly shorts by digging into a dresser full of socks, which is also known as Larry’s “Veggie Vault”. The kids get to hang out with a story-telling donkey and a sock puppet while learning some valuable lessons.

When Edmund’s pet hamster disappears after he accidentally leaves the top off its cage, he writes to Bob & Larry asking for advice. While Bob feels like there’s no lesson to teach Edmund - after all, it was an accident - Larry feels quite the opposite! He has just the right stories with just the right lessons tucked away in The Veggie Vault!

Filled with hilarious video segments and music, “Lessons from the Sock Drawer” has 15 irresistible shorts together on one DVD for the very first time. Includes favorite Veggie moments, like “Dr. Jiggle and Mr. Sly,” “Larry’s Lagoon,” “Omelet,” “Going Up,” “The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill,” and many more. Each story is woven together with new video clips, and as an extra special bonus, you’ll find segments from the VeggieTales TV show that have never been seen on DVD before now.

And, for some extra fun, here are some free VeggieTales® coloring sheets for your kids.

http://bigidea.com/other/misc/socks_coloring/coloring_blues.pdf

http://bigidea.com/other/misc/socks_coloring/coloring_forgive.pd

fhttp://bigidea.com/other/misc/socks_coloring/coloring_sly.pdf

http://bigidea.com/other/misc/socks_coloring/coloring_socks.pdf

VEGGIETALES®, character names, likenesses and other indicia are trademarks of and copyrighted by Big Idea, Inc.

head on onver to 5 minutes for mom here

Mother's Day 2008

Wow! I look rough- but it is still morning, I have not even had a shower yet.....Micah wanted to make sure we celebrated.....thanks Micah! Breakfast was delicious, bacon, eggs and french toast. a late breakfast I should say, and Chinese food for dinner that I did not have to make. Who knew Chinese restaurant was open on Mother's day, Romeo is a small town!

We spent the day at a tournament for Zach~ and I would not have it any other way, spending time with my boys, although a sunny day would have been my preference!

Thanks guys for making my day special,

you're the best!