Guns 'n' Roses (well, hibiscus)

It is Friday, and I've been at Ellerbe Road UMC for about 10 days now. I'm happy to be taking a day off, and am enjoying my son playing with guns and "spy stuff" and creating his own little adventure, here in our backyard. Here's the picture: Poni loves anything that clips on or attaches to his being. So, he has 3 pistols (2 western-style cap guns in side pockets, and 1 bright orange pistol in a gun holster), his ID wallet, complete w/his sheriff's badge, a HUGE utility pocket knife in yet another pocket, flashlight, a spy watch (that carries mini-bombs, has a motion detecter alarm, and laser beam), a gameboy bag that has been modified into a spy gear bag (with a motion detecter/alarm inside, and TONS of invisible ammo... invisible, mind you) binoculars clipped on his belt, and, let's see... is that all? Oh... and a light saber that morphs into a rifle (which is actually just a rolled up poster). Gotta love all that!

I, on the other hand, am tending to our garden, and enjoying the fact that the wrens have returned, and my double bloom hibiscus are extremely happy in our revamped front flower bed. For anyone who knows me well, you know that I love being outside, and love to "nest". For a couple of years now, I've not felt that I had the time to do either on a regular basis, and the balance of my soul was severely compromized. There are a few things in life that always help me return to balance: travel, nesting, and spending time in relationship with little kids are possibly the top three. I've done all three in the last month.

In the last month, I've spent time with all of my nieces and nephews. I went to the Houston area for a week or so, and saw my sister's kids, Alex & Garrett. Baby Garrett was 5 mos. old at the time, and this was my first opportunity to spend time with him. He is SUCH a delight! And Alex learned to read while I was there! My sis and I bought her a couple of beginners books, and she read her very first book to her baby brother, Garrett! Now, that's good stuff! I also visited my brother and his family: Alli & Jake were in the home stretch of the schoolyear and I had a great evening with the two of them. Alli is 15, and Jake is 13. I just love 'em all! Last weekend, we went over to Ruston to celebrate nephew Carter's 2nd birthday, and just cuddled 9 mo. old Ella Claire all day! Is life any better than toddlers and balloons and bubbles and cake? At Ellerbe, I get to do children's sermons again (something we did not do at my last church), and those just give me that extra little relationship time with the children of the church. I do love that. Little kids bring balance back, don't they?

Being at Ellerbe is already showing it's blessings. There is much time for relationships and dreaming and loving life. I am excited about focusing my gifts and graces on evangelism and helping the church embrace its next level of ministry.

If you're looking for a church home, and want a place where the fellowship is real, might I suggest you give us a chance? When there's a spirit of "change" in the air, anything can happen! Come be a part of our family!

And now... back to Poni's guns and my roses... er... hibiscus.