Keeping Up With The Joneses

Winter ONE-derland Birthday Celebration

2012-02-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

Our baby celebrates the BIG 1!

Thanks to my friend Karen Chiancone with Captured Moments for her birthday photos.
She is styling her customized appliqued shirt by Amanda's Hang Ups on ETSY.

Don't you know that the week we plan for a "Winter" One-derland party it was in the high 60's and low 70's in N.C.. It did cool off some on the day of the party... no snow but a light rain!

It didn't bother the birthday girl though... she enjoyed having her family and friends around to celebrate her big day all in SNOWY STYLE!

The mantle is displayed with Chloe's month by month to a year pictures!

April and May pics

Thanks pinterest for the refrigerator idea... and the bags have snowman soup inside (yum).

snow cloud made from tule and a wiffle ball...sweet!

And what party is a party without food and sweets!

Vincenza's new favorite that mom made... Cucumber and Bean Salsa

Chloe's personal cake!

Thanks Dale Blevins for the great cakes! SNOW buddy makes cake like you!

The party was filled with fun, more fun, and super fun!

Joseph and Chloe taking a bottle break!

BIG KIDS!

Joseph trying out the swing MeMaw and PawPaw bought Chloe for her birthday. Wished they could have been here... Papa was in the hospital... we are praying that he feels better soon!

Trevor sporting his daddy's team helmet

Making our own snowmen on a stick (yes... that same finger delivered the donut to the mouth).

Trevor's donut man (with a little help form Aunt Patsy)

Of course EVERY 1st birthday is all about the FIRST CAKE...

Somebody cut her off!

...and presents. And what more could a 1 year old ask for than a new line of clothes?!?

What a great day! Thanks for coming everyone!

Bye. Bye. (It was SNOW good to see you all!)

Fall means FAMILY

2011-11-13T21:55:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year. The cool winds make me breathe in deeper (often exhaling the stress of life). The changing leaves represent to me that we all are in a process of change. The new temperatures remind me that God's mercies are new every morning. Plus, the cool weather makes cooking chili in the crockpot a weekly occurrence.

Hello Fall! Glad you are here. We are sure enjoying you!

Keeping Up With Joneses

2011-10-07T21:25:00.002-04:00

Making some updates to our blog with ministry links and access to our ministry newsletter.

Check out the addition of "Nick and Heather Jones", "Support" and "Ministry Newsletters" on the tool bar of our blog.

Have a great day!

Summer Blog Conclusion...

2011-08-09T22:18:00.002-04:00

...A goodbye to Nashville and our trip to Florida. I realized that I did not end our summer blog so I will try to wrap it up in one blog.

School of Ministry "Goodbye" Lunch

Chloe enjoying kisses from Teiana (School of Ministry student/TX)

We left for Nashville, TN on June 11 and returned home to NC on July 30 with a stop-off in FL for a Leadership Conference. (Correction: The kiddos and I flew home while Nick flew back to TN to get our car and stuff and drive it across 2 states. BEST DECISION OF THE SUMMER!)

FLIGHT PHOTOS...

Leaving Nashville was bitter-sweet. We loved getting to know all the students that were a part of the Every Nation School of Campus Ministry and hated to leave them. Boo hoo. Also, we had to leave our Nashvillian friends (not a real word...but I like it) and TN family but we made great memories this summer there.

The Every Nation Ministry Leadership Conference was awesome.

our hotel room...chillin'

I got my picture taken with one of our speakers...Lisa Bevere

School of Ministry students- Stephanie (from Canada)

Posing with Greenville Gals!

I would have to write a whole blog about it...so I may have to do that in the future (here is a raincheck for that). But I will say that my highlight was Friday Night when we had "Campus Night". Nick hosted the evening and had the privilege of headlining with our pre-event entertainment Sinbad.

my handsome hubby!

What? Things I never could have imagined in a million years... only God!

P.S. We also had some "freetime" to visit a few Disney Parks on our visit.

I see Mickey!

Hollywood Studios

We are so glad to be home. To sleep in our own beds is a jewel.

I will blog soon about our list of things we learned on our summer adventure. Stay Tuned!

Friends and Family

2011-07-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

...Make Life Fun!

Kendall & Aunt Sheila

We enjoyed having Kendall come and stay with us for the weekend. The boys especially enjoyed getting tickled and tossed around. It was easier saying "goodbye" knowing that we will see her next at Disney... there will be more tickles and tossing in store.

At the end of the weekend we got a surprise visit from Nick's cousin, Sheila, who drove up to Nashville to see us. She is here in Dayton, TN with her daughter who is at camp there for 2 weeks (She lives in NC near Nick's hometown). It was great spending time with her.

Sweet time!

Sheila even watched the kids for us last night so Nick and I could have a date together. Unfortunately, we had to come home early after a wasp-stinging incident that swelled EJ's ear almost twice its size. But after a little allergy medicine and a lot of consoling... we are better today and the ear is slowly returning to normal.

Can you tell the ear on the right is red? a little bigger?

Billy goat in the tub

help! too many bubbles!

See my ear?

More family coming today! My sister's family is coming to see us at lunchtime. This will be our last visit together for a while because we leave this weekend for Disney. What an awesome summer, what great friends, and what a wonderful family we have!

Let's Run A 5K!

2011-07-16T23:40:00.000-04:00

It all started with a simple conversation months ago in my favorite restaurant called Moe's. Our family went to eat with Kendall after church and I said, "I need a goal. What if we were to run a 5K together?" Now I must tell you that I am not a "5K kind of girl"l but hey, I can try anything once, right? (Or die doing it.)

That simple conversation turned into a straight-out challenge and unfortunately for me, Kendall took the challenge head on. We found a scheduled race that would involve her taking a trip out to see us in TN July 16.

Then...together but separately, we started the "Couch to 5K" training program. It is a nine week plan to run a 5K. The first 3 weeks went pretty good. Then there was sickness in my house and my workout plan went by the wayside. Then our temporary relocation to TN didn't help with the program schedule either and did I mention the heat?...the list goes on....

So as the days move on while we were in TN, I realize Kendall has purchased her tickets to see us and the race may actually happen. SHE REGISTERED FOR THE RACE! What?!?

Honestly, I started to panic a little because I knew I would have to keep my word. However, I did try to think up some excuses of why I could not participate. This line of thinking went on all the way up until the day I had to pick up Kendall at the airport. But then I decided I would just do it. The worst that could happen is that I would either have to quit or walk the entire thing until the day ended. I just needed to do it.

But there was an addition to the plan... an added participant, Elijah Jones. He really wanted to race too. How could I deny his pleading? What is a Mom to do?

So at 5:15 a.m. we were up and dressed, I made Chloe a bottle, and we were on the way.

"Go Number 1510," they cheered at the 2nd Mile Mark!

On the Course...

Crossing the finish line in under an hour!

Very Accomplished!

We did it! We ran/walked a 5K and lived to tell about it. I am so proud of Elijah for being willing, participating, and completing the race.

Check out our race info: http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Spectrum_11.txt

To top it off, Kendall won a $50 restaurant gift certificate. Awesome.

Now the whole family is thinking about doing another in October...but for the next time there will be a little more preparation.

Kendall Came to Town!

2011-07-15T21:56:00.049-04:00

Our friend from home, Kendall Taylor, came to see us in Nashville. We left early Thursday afternoon to pick her up from the airport and almost got lost on the way home. Thank heaven for GPS.

Hot-rolled Kendall's hair for the first time.
(She will probably kill me after I post this... so it was nice knowing you)

We relaxed on Friday morning and then headed out after lunch to go see "Winnie The Pooh" at the movies. It was such a cute movie. I think I may have enjoyed it more than the kiddos.

We picked Daddy up at work on Friday and headed to downtown for dinner. We decided to eat at Neely's BBQ. If you have ever seen the Food Network, you may have seen Pat & Gina Neely who cook together on the show. Sweet couple. Their family has several Memphis style BBQ resturants in the south and one is here in Nashville. It was a great experience, delicious food, sweet tasting tea, and we even got to see ducks and turtles.

Outside Neely's

Kendall meeting Gina & Pat...nice to meet you too.

How can you sleep through this...especially the sweet tea

TURTLES!

Don't know why this is in the blog...just funny... It is fitting... so
"THE END" for a rear-end.

Filling the Zoo with a Few More Monkeys!

2011-07-09T22:58:00.005-04:00

Yup! That would be the Monkey Jones Family entering the Nashville Zoo.

We had a great family day visiting all the critters here in TN. We left the house at 8:50 a.m. and stayed until 2:30 p.m.. Needless to say, this was plenty of time to spend with 3 children ages 6 and under (napless too). Not to mention the fact that the temperature read 95 degrees when we got in the car to leave. Whew!

The boys loved the treats probably more than the animals (i.e. ice cream and refillable slushy bottle). They especially loved playing in the Jungle Gym where they were able to get wet by a snake. Definitely an area to go back and visit and spend more time (especially with swim shorts).

I love this picture...especially the boy in front... they are waiting so patiently.

Most visits to the zoo involve lots of walking. We decided to "kick it up a notch" by extending our workout. When we arrived at the zoo we realized our double stroller had almost flat tires and so we (which was mostly Nick) toughed it out the visit pushing a heavy stroller around the zoo. But hey, it burned more calories, right? Yeah. That is what I thought.

a little scared

on a safari

it is okay for me to take a picture of EJ

but NOT okay to take a picture of Noah. "No take picture of MEEEEEE"

EJ looks TOO excited to be in this picture

Buzz looks like he is going to karate-chop Woody from behind... They really enjoyed their trip to the zoo. I am glad they didn't get fed to the animals.

The slushy that caused a bit of arguing

"It is my turn to drink it now Noah."

Watching the show at the zoo. Team Green vs. Team Planet Earth

We took the scenic route home and tried to get a handle on the city's layout. Starting to figure it out slowly. Fun day but I have tired pups (my feet that is) and monkeys (the kiddos).

Just A Little While Left...

2011-07-08T23:24:00.000-04:00

until we head back to NC.

We have had a great summer so far visiting TN as Nick is helping teach and train the next leaders/staff on the college campuses and beyond at Every Nation Campus Ministries School of Ministry. It has been a great experience for him and our whole family.

We traveled back today from Chattanooga (me, the boys, and Chloe) and were so grateful to have spent some great time with our family there. Here are a few pictures of the last few days and today.

Elijah's Chalk-Double

My sister bet my father she could outline Noah before he got up. He doubted it since Noah is a mini-version of himself...he doesn't stand still for long. Annie won. Dad owes her $50. Noah plans to benefit from the bet in terms of playdough.

yup... he is cute alright!

Noah decorated his sister with his version of a bow- a "cup" head accessory.

He has his own cup...just as cute.

cuteness

fun night touring the toy aisles

BIG Brother helps!

I scream...

You scream....

We all scream for ICE CREAM! (finger-lickin' good)

death by ice cream

Noah too!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T22:18:00.003-04:00

This holiday floods my mind with many, many memories with family. As a child, our family would go to the beach for the fourth for many years. The last several years, we spent this holiday with Nick's side of the family at White Lake and had a equal amount of fun and memories. This year we drove down to my sister's home in Chattanooga and spent an awesome day with family. My parents flew in town for the week and my cousin and his family drove from Murffreesborough. It turned out to be such a great day...just like the days as a child...there is nothing like time with family on the fourth!

tearing up the house...Cody looks concerned

looks like Joey and Noah are thinking alike

Elijah swam sooooo well today... quite the fish

The Boys Are Back In Town!

Annabelle has a new friend for life!

Two peas in a pod

The Girls: Annabelle & Maddie with Chloe...FUN!

Matching shirt picture

Hairbows made by Moi'

Just what the world needs: Noah with fire!

Just A Hop, Skip, and a Jump...

2011-07-04T00:32:00.001-04:00

to Murfreesboro.

My cousin Jason, his wife Patty, and three children live just a short drive from us in Murfreesboro, TN. We headed to their house Saturday night to hangout with their family and have a cookout. It was a lot of fun. I look forward to another day trip to their house for our kids to play together... they had a great time.

From their house we headed to my sister's house in Chattanooga to celebrate the fourth. This car ride was not as much fun. There was a lot of crying in the car. Later, Nick confessed he contemplated walking the rest of the trip. One can see why "babies crying" is used as a torture method.

Praise God we made it and look forward to a great holiday together!

Chloe Slept Through The Night!

2011-06-29T23:56:00.002-04:00

... Now if we could just get Noah to use the potty... (it is a work in progress).

It has been a great week so far. We are wrapping up our stay at our friends house and then back to our "home-away-from-home". It has been a lot of fun going to the pool together as a family and also with just mommy. The boys are getting more and more comfortable in the water and have made some friends while playing. Noah is still trying to figure out the whole "walk NOT run" thing but we are getting there. Personally I think it is harder for him because his legs are so short so walking fast looks like running.

Buzz and Woody...don't look now... there is a full moon a rising!

We also went to church tonight for Wednesday night service. Chloe won friends over with her smiles, Noah enjoyed playing on the playground and learning his memory verse "God watches over us" and Elijah got to play in the gym and reconnect with a friend he met at VBS.

The kids are growing leaps and bounds this summer.

Elijah in stature,

Noah in speech,

and Chloe in length and strength.

We look forward to the weekend where we get to celebrate the 4th and celebrate with family.

Saturday is a "SUN"day

2011-06-25T23:48:00.003-04:00

We left Chattanooga on Friday and met daddy that afternoon for a weekend together of fun.

We are staying this week at our friend's house in Franklin, TN while they are out of town. We are watching their sweet puppy and the boys are very into this experience. Elijah said today, "Mommy, when I turn 10 and Chloe turns 5... can we get a dog?" Quickly, I responded, "We can talk about it April 22, 2015." (That will be the day before he turns 10).

This afternoon we went to their community pool and had a blast in the SUN. We will be returning this week for a repeat, and repeat, and repeat. So much fun it is worth repeating!

We ended the day at none other than a Mexican restaurant... our family tradition. It is how the Jones Family rolls.

Now it is off to bed for a much needed night of sleep since Chloe is teething it has been a few restless nights. Also, Noah thinks that "wake-up" time should NOT be effected by the time change.

Last Day With The Sistas!

2011-06-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

How do people make it through life without a sister? ~Sara Corpening

It is has been a while since we all have been together and especially with all the children. You can just imagine how loud it was with six boys and two girls (ages ranging from 4 months to 17). We had a great time at the house- swimming in the pool...

taking a bath in Annie's bathtub,

making creative sleeping arrangements,

and more.

It sure will be a lot quieter next week...I think Cody may look forward to that some.

Under the Sea...

2011-06-22T00:36:00.000-04:00

A Day at the Aquarium in Chattanooga!

Here are some pictures of our time together at the Aquarium:

This is how we roll... Getting out of the car

"Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom!"

I am not sure about this... How about I just stand here...

Brave soul

I did it!

My finest accessory!

Thought of Noah when I took this picture... from the time he ate a worm.

Noah: Let me see the picture.

This is Aunt Annie's fault...she told Noah to KISS the penquin

The highlights from the aquarium: Noah decided to play in the water in the outside "water play" area. He runs up to me and says, "Mommy, I dropped my num-num (translation:gum)." I tell him we can get more later. He runs off to play some more. Ten minutes later, Noah comes running back over with a mouthful of white substance, "Mommy, I found my num-num." NASTY.

My sister's boys, Benjamin, Alec, and Kyle, competed in a Man Vs. Food Challenge and won. Hat, Applause, Picture, and All!

Chattanooga, Here We Come...

2011-06-20T22:50:00.000-04:00

After pressing through a bit of sickness over the weekend, we headed to Chattanooga for some time with my sisters. I look forward to the week with family...I hope they look forward to seeing me too! ; )

Here we are half-way at a rest stop just over the mountains.

Saturday is for Relaxing

2011-06-18T16:48:00.001-04:00

It is time to rest today... woohoo. Here are pictures from the week to catch up on the blog. Enjoy!

Breakfast Time: I made waffles

Yum-Oh!

Check out this out... do you see what I see?

This was taken just miles from the house where we are staying.

I wish I had pulled out the camera earlier... he was standing.

They wanted to eat alone at Honeybaked Ham before VBS

Gift basket from all our friends at ENCM office... Welcome to TN

Fun to be together on Saturday!

More Wildlife: Wild Turkey parade

I saw 5 mamas and lots of babies...only in TN!

VBS Adventures: July 13-17

2011-06-18T16:12:00.002-04:00

VBS School was a blast for Elijah... where he learned that Jesus was once a kid just like him. Here are some pics of his experience here in Brentwood, TN.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2011-06-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we stayed at home and let Nick take the car to work. We spent most of the day preparing for his birthday, baking a cake, playing, and getting a bath.

Buzz and Woody go for a ride in a Barbie Jeep (love the $1 yard sale price on hood)

Chloe looks like Napoleon in the bathtub

Happy 32nd Birthday, Nick (aka Daddy).

EJ decorated the cake all by himself

We took Nick to work this morning and decided to make the most of our road trip by doing a little shopping. We went to Joann's Fabrics and Crafts (to get ribbon for the hair bows I am making for my 'business") and the mall (to browse for a bathing suit, to play in the play area, and get lunch). I tried to stop at the grocery store but my grace had left. It also started to rain on us but thankfully it stayed in the north of us. Nick experienced a couple of bad storms while working today and said he was a little "sckerred".

Noah loves to listen to the movie with his headset below his cheeks... go figure?

No VBS tonight but we made other plans. We went out after picking Daddy up from work to celebrate his yester-birth-day at a Mexican restaurant (not that anyone was surprised) and then headed home in a monsoon. But the bright side to the rain is that we saw a double rainbow...and two full ones at that! I took a picture when we stopped at Kroger on the way home.

We headed home but to our surprise we had NO power. The boys thought that it was cool running around with their turtle night lights and a flashlight. We even got to hang out with the host family, the Minguses. They are so sweet and it was fun for the boys to have another audience to put on for. Then bedtime. And wouldn't you know it that the power came on as soon as we tucked them in.

Speaking of sleep... it has been an interesting time for my kids and their sleep schedule while here. I think the TN time change has made it challenging. Also Chloe is cutting her teeth and she is all off schedule... but a happy girl otherwise. Mama is hanging in there. I think I will be going to bed early tonight!

Welcome to Nashville-ish!

2011-06-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

We aren't in Nashville exactly... we are staying in Thompson Station which is south of Nashville but it is Nashville-ish. This house is perfect for us and has a lot of room. The boys are loving it. There is a pool out back and a great view of horses and cows.

In preparation for Daddy's birthday tomorrow we took a road trip to the mall for a little shopping to get some surprises. We also spent some time at the play area where the boys got to run out some energy and meet new friends. I did too. I met a lady who also had three children...2 boys and a girls about the same ages as mine. She was super-friendly and we may get together while we are here to let the kids play together at the park.

We came back for a rest and then Nick's mom and Dad showed up with our luggage drop off on the way to their visit to Brownsville. We are thankful that they brought us all of our stuff... so now we can really get settled. Yay!

The evening concluded with dinner at Moe's and VBS for Elijah. I took Noah with me to Target and he picked out some Lucky Charms and decided to bring them into the church to pick up Elijah. Too Cute!

Part 2: Road Trip

2011-06-13T00:47:00.000-04:00

Somebody forgot to tell Noah that 5:30 am is not the ideal time to wake up the day after a big drive....

I will say I could not have made it through the day had it not been for Daddy taking over the early Noah shift. These couple extra hours of sleep were priceless.

We had a great morning at Annie's house. We were treated like royalty with french toast by Hannah and enjoyed a dip in the pool. Chloe enjoyed her photo shoot pool side and sunbathed in the buff.

Later, we packed back in the car and headed to Nashville for a cookout to "kick-off" the School of Campus Ministry. It was soooo fun. The boys made two new friends and had "boys club".

Finally, we got back in the car ONE more time to head to the host home where we will be staying the next few weeks. It is awesome...The boys are going to love it here.

I concluded the day (which by the way is an hour behind- I am sooo sleepy) at the grocery store getting some needed items for our stay-at-home day tomorrow. The Kroger I shopped at here was huge... I should have taken pictures... you would not believe how big it was... it was like the size of a Super Target.... man.

Goodnight all. Will blog tomorrow after our "stuff" comes.

...And So The ADVENTURE Begins!

2011-06-11T22:45:00.001-04:00

Hello all! Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged about the Jones family...BUT lucky you... for the next few weeks I will be blogging my heart out (mostly just my fingers on the keypad). These blogs will chronicle our summer adventures in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and who-knows-where-else for the Lord may take us these next few weeks.

As for today's adventure... we will call it the CAR TRIP. Here is a timeline of today's adventure:
2:15 a.m. mid-night feeding for Chloe
2:45 a.m. car packed with entire clan (I gave both boys motion sickness medicine before we left home)
3:30 a.m. sudden stop for EJ to lose yesterday's food (Later in the day my conversation with Nick, "What is this on my white pants? Ah man. The early stop on the side of the road. Yuck.)
[Kept thinking about the part in cars where the cars are teasing Mack for being a nodder. That was me.]

7:30 a.m. made it to Asheville for Breakfast at Cracker Barrel
9:00 a.m. gas and gum (haha)

10:30 Tennessee Welcome Center welcomes us as we stop for another motion sickness pull-over. EJ felt better soon and was running down hills and taking picture with the disposable camera Babcia got him.

1:00 p.m. Made it to lunch only 30 minutes from Annie's house (near Chattanooga)
2:30 p.m. Naptime
The evening concluded with a dip in the pool, fun with family, a delicious dinner, and a late bedtime.

Here is to Part Two tomorrow... a shorter drive to Nashville.

This is what most of the car ride looked like behind our seats:

It is Official... Elijah is Growing Up!

2010-06-22T15:05:00.001-04:00

Yes... it is that time in a mom's life when her little boy has reached a milestone. Elijah got his FIRST library card today.

Talk about excited. I was not sure if he could contain it. We had planned a trip to the library today when I realized he was five- the age you must be to get your first library card. So off we go to the library to solidify his manhood!

Requirements: He had to sign his first name, mommy could help with the other info and co-sign for his card. He did really well considering the line space was the width of a #2 pencil. If anyone has a 5-year old... you know how BIG their writing is at this stage. It is like asking me to remember geometry as if I would want to do that.

The lady was so nice and encouraging. She told him that this card is good for now until he is 10... then he gets one at 15... and then one like mommy when he turns 18! (Please... is this necessary to talk about him turning 18 now!)

We made it in time to listen to the last 20 minutes of story time. He argued at first about it being too baby for him... I convinced him to do it for "brother". He agreed and had a horrible time (wink...wink..).

I noticed that he kept slipping his card in and out of his pocket- looking at it with great admiration. I encouraged him not too lose it. Then I said, "We will have to get you a wallet so that you can keep your card safe". You would have thought I just suggested for us to pack up the car and head immediately to Disneyworld! His own wallet. Wow!!!

Once we finished story time, we went over to the lady at the children's resource desk and asked her to help with his first book search. "What did he want to check out?" You ask.

I bet you never can guess....

A book on dogs. Not just any dogs. A book about golden retrievers like Buddy and Molly, the parents of the Buddies (from the movies Air Bud and Buddies). The nice lady was glad to help with this request and went to the computer to search for a book on golden retrievers. She said that they did not have the book but another branch did.

Guess where we were heading? The other branch.

But first we picked out a few books that would "do" in the meantime for Elijah and Noah, all of which he demanded he checkout on "his" card and NOT mommy's.

What a great day!

However with a sniffle, sniffle I wonder...

What is next in his soon-to-be-purchased wallet? A license?!?!

BOO HOO!!!!!!

Every Nation Campus Ministries Summit

2010-05-21T00:13:00.004-04:00

for College and Youth Missionaries

We have been in Austin, Texas since Monday night. We have had a great time with one more day to go.

We have been here for a youth and campus missionary conference. It has been an exciting time being amongst friends and with those that have the same passion to reach the youth of this world!

Here are some pictures from this week... Enjoy.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

to ME... Happy Mother's Day to me... Happy Mother's Day... to MEEEE...
Happy Mother's Day to me!

Today at Elijah's school they had a special day planned for all the mom's. When I got to his class, Ms. Beth, Elijah's teacher, had a tray with flowers on it for the children to pick one and give it to their moms.

We then were escorted by our children to another building where we had a wonderful breakfast of muffins and juice. Then, we were escorted back to the classroom, hand-in-hand, for a special presentation.

The children sang us two songs and then they had created a big flower with each pedal representing each special mom.

Elijah's pedal said... I was special because "I give him baths". Then, they presented us with a beautiful pot they painted with handmade flowers in them.

SWEET! What a great day!

Put Him in Coach...

2010-05-04T21:25:00.000-04:00

Elijah is ready to PLAY!

(BTW... this picture is him telling me to get off the field taking pictures... mommies aren't allowed on the field).

This is it. Life is really ON now... we participated in our first t-ball game tonight and I get the award for the most "smiley". I was so proud of my boy. Decked out from head to toe in t-ball gear he rushed onto the field ready to play.

He did a great job tonight hitting and playing in the field. He played first base for one of the innings and was very thorough. Whether the opposing team made it to the base or not... he tagged it. He was certain to touch the base. (They don't really get out... the coaches let them stay on the bases and run around so that everyone gets to come "home").

Elijah's special friend, Emma, makes t-ball even better! And snacks...

I am sure he will sleep great tonight after his first game. I am sure he will rest up for Saturday's 2nd one!

This is what Noah was doing...

Truly... It's a Wonderful Life!

2010-04-29T23:51:00.000-04:00

Lessons learned and experienced.... through the classic movie, "Its a Wonderful Life".

Sunday night /Monday morning, I realized that I had 'misplaced' my wallet. This is not quite uncommon for me but usually I know the locations of my 'misplacements'. I tore the house up (Luckily, it was semi-organized from the party this weekend so I could find things a little more easily). I combed through the car with a fine tooth comb. I called Target (the last place I remember having it/using it) and I went into the store to ask if anyone had turned it in. I returned the next day again. I asked my friend, Michelle, to ask them today. Still nothing.

On Monday, I felt like my life was off it's axel. Where was my wallet? I felt like the uncle character in "It's a Wonderful Life". I was SO stressed and I felt stupid. People would ask me questions to 'help me' like, "Have you looked in the car? Under the seats? Have you looked in the trash?" YES!!! I HAVE LOOKED THERE AND EVERYWHERE. NO Wallet!!!!

I started to think maybe it was 'taken'. I thought about Mr. Potter. How could he be so mean? Even at the end of the story he doesn't 'fess' up and return the money he "found". What makes me think I deserve it to be returned? Is it my right as a child of God to be given my property back? The world isn't necessarily fair in that way... it would be nice but not a guarantee, child of God or not.

Tonight, Nick and I go on a date to dinner than a stroll around Target to pick up a few random things. In Target's parking lot, I ask Nick what he feels about my wallet. He says that he feels a peace from God. He said that he feels like my wallet is safe. If we don't find it by Sunday than we will move on.

We did our shopping. The final call is made to take your selections to the front for check-out before they close. We check-out just as the lights dim. As we are walking toward the door a Target employee stops me and says, "Excuse me, this may be random but have you been looking for a wallet?" Thinking he had seen me in there several times this week I said, "yes... I have been here looking for my wallet. Wait! Have you found it?" Actually he had. He said just tonight he had opened the safe (in the back) and had seen my wallet and my picture. As I was walking toward the front, he told a fellow employee that he thought I was the person that the wallet belonged to. He walked around to get a better look and wah-lah!!!! It was me... I am me... I am the owner of the black with white polka dots with a "green H" wallet. I gave him a TWO high five. He was not prepared for my enthusiasm as well as all the other details from my lost wallet adventure over this past week. After he brings it from the back, I verify my name and address, I gave him a BIG hug which I am sure he was not prepared for.

The cool part. Everything was the same in my wallet as I had last left it. Nothing was taken.

Peace of mind. How cool is God? He even cares for a good night's sleep. Some may use the term coincidence but I say providence.

Thank you Jesus that you care for the things that are lost (Me included)!

Happy Birthday Weekend

2010-04-24T23:07:00.002-04:00

Elijah turns 5!

As I sit here on the couch... I think back to five years ago about this time on a Saturday night when I was being prepared for a C-section... and then at 10:55 p.m. our little baby boy arrived into this world and forever changed our lives!

I cannot believe it has been 5 years! He has grown so much and he is such a joy to be around. He is very tenderhearted and at the same time all boy (his knees and legs can prove it).

We celebrated his actual birthday (Friday) with lots of fanfare. We started the day at Elijah's Preschool with cake at snacktime, lunch at one of our favorite mexican restaurants (with a fried ice cream on the house), a play-date with one of his best"est" friends, Emma, followed by dinner, presents, and a Buddies movie to end the day with Mommy, Daddy, and Noah.

Today, we celebrated his birthday with friends and family at a park where he practices t-ball. The theme of the party was centered around his favorite movies... thus it was a "Birthday Buddies" Party starring Elijah. We had cake and ice cream with a mix of Buddies games. For those of you unfamiliar with the movies, they are about 5 golden retriever pups named Rosebud, B-Dawg, Muddbud, Buddha, and Budderball. Therefore, the games had an element of each pup.

1. Budderball likes football (and food). Our game was a football relay where the kids dressed up in grown-up football attire and had to race to the finish.

2. Rosebud is very girlie and likes to dress-up. What better way to do this then to have the kids dress up their parents/grandparents and take them down the runway?

3. Buddha, well, you can figure that out... he likes to meditate and such. (BTW this is the part of the movies Elijah does not like... he covers his ears and looks down). I set up a tent for the kids to sit in to have a quiet moment (like that happens?).

4. B-Dawg loves hip-hop and basketball and BLING. For him we had to play "Pin the 'B' on B-Dawg" (the 'B' is on his BLING).

5. Muddbud loves to get dirty and often gets in trouble for his mischief. This time we got dirty but no one got in trouble. I bought a blank white canvas (Big Lots- $5) and had all of Elijah's friends leave their 'paw prints' on it with washable finger-paint. What a great keepsake for Elijah!

It was an awesome two days... we had a great time. Can't wait to see what is in store this next year for Elijah. Let the 5 begin!

"Playing Sports Can Be Hazardous to Your Health"

2010-04-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

(or to your brothers!)

We had planned a "family day". This is how it was going:

Breakfast at cracker-barrel followed by mid-morning shopping. We visited 3 stores to purchase t-ball equipment and accessories. We had lunch and games at ECU's Pig Skin Pig-out. Then before nap, we planned practice time for Elijah to try out his new t-ball stuff. After about 10 practice hits on his new tee Noah decided to participate. He went over to where Elijah was and before Elijah knew it Noah leaned over right in line with the bat being swung.

Bam!

Then a bit of blood. Followed by tears from Noah (because of the injury) and tears by Elijah (because of his tender heart and concern for Noah). We tended to the injury and the tears.

What to do? Stitches or no stitches?

After seeking advice from some of our neighbors (who are quite pros... they are pregnant with their 6th), we decided to mend his cut with "Liquid Bandage".

This evening his boo-boo is starting to look better. The verdict is still out if he will have a scar or not... but he is better. And Elijah is too.

They will have a story to tell when they get bigger... Band-Aid of Brothers!

Here is a picture of Noah "NOT MISSING A BEAT"... and Elijah too.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

2010-04-13T21:57:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it? Elijah went to his first t-ball practice tonight. I was so proud of him and so excited.

I felt like I was living it along with him tonight. The experience brought back great memories of my childhood when my dad coached me for my years of t-ball. (He became my coach when my original coach quit... He was supposed to fill-in but continued... for 13 years!)

Elijah coach seems to have some of the same qualities of my dad. He wants the kids to have lots of fun while they are learning the fundamentals of baseball (but with the emphasis on fun).

Elijah did great. He was very focused but very excited to be sharing the experience with his friends from preschool- Mason and Emma as well as getting a chance to make some more friends (6 boys and 5 girls in total).

Here are some pictures from the night. Enjoy!

DETOURS: Roads may turn left without notice.

2010-03-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

On a recent trip to visit Nick's family on a road I have taken for years now, I came upon a DETOUR. Unlike other times when I have experienced detours while driving, I felt as though I was not given much warning. Most of the times you see signs miles out before the actual detour. This detour seemed to sneak up on me and before I knew it... I had to turn left. I had to leave the familiar highway and head down a series of streets and roads I have never seen or been down before. At times it seemed as if I would never get back to the road that I knew I needed to be on. At times I questioned my safety. That is where trust comes in... I had to trust the signs to lead me. And then... I saw in the distance that familiar road and I experienced a deep sigh of relief.

For me, personally, it feels as though I have experienced a spiritual encounter like a detour in my life. Some may automatically infer that I am talking about a detour like the trap of sin, disobedience to God's Will, or an obstacle one has in hindering his/her in their path with God. This is not the case in which I am referring. My detour came in the form of a miscarriage.

You see, I was trotting along down the road of life when I found out I was going to have my third child. The pregnancy test was evidence of that proof. We went to our first doctor's appointment at 7 weeks and everything was fine. We began to plan for our life with our new baby to be due March 8, 2010. Having had two pregnancies and the subsequent births of two strong boys... everything seemed to be moving along like I had experienced before. Then, just like my earlier experience on the highway... SUDDENLY there was a sign. And then before I knew it my road turned left just one day shy of twelve weeks. Our baby was taken to heaven without us even holding him/her here on earth.

This was NOT in my plans. This was unfair on many levels.

First, I was not prepared. The sign came. And then the next thing I knew... I was turning left.

Second, I did not have a choice. The road didn't take time to discuss this with me and ask me about my thoughts. However, the road did have a one-way conversation and it came in the form of this scripture, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." You are with me Lord. Then another word came to me just moments before we lost our little one (a scripture referring to Daniel being removed from the Lions' Den), "So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him because he believed in his God". No injury, really?

Third, I felt unsafe and out of my comfort zone. I have been traveling along this detoured road and since it is so unfamiliar ... I experienced a great sense of insecurity. I have questioned my safety. Then I remember to trust the signs and know that the Lord was leading me in this process.

Finally, I need to trust even if I can't see the road ahead (which in life is often)?

I am beginning to see the road up ahead. Somehow, it looks different from this direction but I know that Jesus is leading me. This detour, this road that turned left, is now a part of my story and our families' story.

I am reminded of song by Ginny Owens that I use to sing all the time awhile back. The words come out a little different now. There is a richness to the tone and a truth that is even deeper:

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering that Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to

Cuz when I cross over Jordan
Gonna sing, gonna shout,
Gonna look into Your eyes and see You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to You
And I will walk though the valley
If You want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley
If You want me to

I love Birthday Parties!

2010-03-15T23:37:00.006-04:00

Noah's 2nd Birthday Party: Let the good times roll!

Start with a THEME: We decided to do a rough and tough birthday with a dump trump theme for Noah... it is fitting. He loves dirt and has been known to eat a worm.

Then make the INVITATIONS: I enjoyed using my new computer to design it. And how fitting then to write a poem to describe what Noah is made of.

Deck the Picnic Area with DECORATIONS: Black table cloths with white tape for road markings. The construction cones just happened to be there... lucky us! And of course, you can't have a party without balloons. At least, that is what Noah would say, "Bah!" (interpretation: balloons)

Think about a CAKE: A dump truck cake is a good choice. We had gone to a friend's house last fall where they had a dump truck cake and so I searched the internet and found similar recipes. Here is the end product using chocolate cake, icing, crushed cookies, pretzels, gummy worms, and doughnuts. Plus Noah gets the big truck when the party is over. The children were served their own cake in their own dump truck to later take home. (I searched everywhere for these trucks and found them at Dollar General while my mom picked up additional ones at her Dollar Store).

More GOODY BAGS & More: In addition to their trucks, each child left with a goody bag and hard hat. I also took a picture of each child on a dump truck to put in next years scrapbook.

Noah's SHIRT: My friend Allison made Noah's t-shirt for the party. How sweet he looks in it. Blessed to have such a creative friend.

Don't forget the SMILES: We had a great time celebrating at the party with our family and friends!

Over the River and Through the Woods...

2010-03-08T23:33:00.000-05:00

to grandmother's house we go... and back again.

We left on Friday to go visit Nick's mom and dad for an extended weekend (possibly until Wednesday- since ECU is on spring break). The Brothers: Nick, Chris who came from Ohio, and Michael have had a plan to help their parents with some jobs around the house this week.

Our trip was cut short on Sunday when we had to come back to Greenville to take Noah to the doctor (which ended up being a part of the emergency room at Pitt... this was the only place open for urgent care on Sundays for children under 2. Mind you, his birthday is next Wednesday still the other urgent care would not see him.)

Earlier in the week, Elijah had been sick with congestion and sore throat. I took him to the doctor on Thursday and they ruled out strep and said for me to continue treating the symptoms like I had been with the addition to using an inhaler for the wheezing. As parents, we all know it is difficult to separate the siblings when they are sick and thus enters the transfer of germs. Not to mention the fact that Noah doesn't make it any easier when he speedily grabs 'brother's' germy things like a drink and a lollipop (which was placed down for a millisecond).

Elijah seemed to be doing better so we headed off to Elizabethtown. Noah seemed to be fine. Then, out of nowhere, Saturday night he went to bed and started to cough funny. Was it croup? It seemed to be different. Was it asthma? I was not sure. I ended up waking the family to help with the diagnosis. Not sure. He later ran a fever and had a very restless night (mommy too). By morning, I decided to go back home to take him to the doctor so we could take care of his breathing difficulties... whatever was causing the problem.

So... finally... after 4 hours at this mini-ER, two rectal thermometer readings, a breathing treatment, a strep test, two chest x-rays, a coritisone dose to open the airways, an extreme case of fatigue.... he had croup. Poor guy. That was an ordeal. They did give him a puppy book and mommy and daddy will get the bill... a nice size one I am sure. As for peace-of-mind: Priceless!!!

Needless to say, he went to bed at 6 p.m. and did not wake up until 8:30 a.m. this morning. He seems to be doing better today but tonight seems to be having some difficulty resting. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for both boys and mommy too.

DANIEL FAST: DAY 40

2010-02-19T22:45:00.001-05:00

Day 40... How Sweet It Is!

(Heather writes...)

We ended the fast tonight at McAlister's Deli with a lot of our friends from the campus ministry. I bought a roll of crepe paper and had everyone walk through the "finish line" as they came into our reserved room. How sweet it is to celebrate together all that God has done these last 40 days.

I am so thankful for this experience. I feel like I have grown so much.

God has answered prayers, is answering prayers, and will answer prayers to come!

Just a quick testimony to what God did last night at our campus ministry meeting at East Carolina: 218 were in attendance (the most we have ever had at a weekly meeting), 19 Salvations, 26 felt called to full-time ministry, and many stood for prayer for healing.

Thank you Jesus for touching so many lives... I give you ALL the praise!

DANIEL FAST: DAY 39

2010-02-18T23:50:00.000-05:00

FREEDOM!
(Nick writes on FB's "Breakthru40")

Day Forty! Wow! Where do I begin? What an amazing forty days it has been! This fast has satisfied a place in my soul like I have never felt before. However, it also has created a hunger in me like I have had before. More Lord, more!

As we end this fast focusing on colleges and youth, I want to testify to what God is doing THIS WEEK on a college campus. Here’s the background: When we started the fast, we decided to end it by having an outreach at East Carolina University (Wed-Fri). On Wednesday, within a three hour span right in the middle of campus, Jesus showed up BIG! One student got right with Jesus, another girl got delivered from drugs, a guy repented and asked God to free him of alcoholism, another student got filled in the Holy Spirit which he then in turn laid hands on another guy who got filled in the Holy Spirit. What does all this mean? It means God’s heart burns for this generation and is waiting for His people to be His conduit.

How can we be His conduit? The answer is simple: FREEDOM.

I am reminded of the movie “Braveheart” which is based on the life of William Wallace. Wallace was one man with one passion to see his people set free. Can that be said of us? Would we even go as far as he did- at the cost of our own life? This sounds like what Jesus was talking about when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:3).

As I walked the campus this week and talked to students you could tell they want freedom but don’t know how to get it. We all have experienced His freedom in our lives and it is as simple as sharing this truth with people.

Let us look at the end of the movie for a final thought. William Wallace is captured and about to be killed when he is given a chance to stay alive if he just says ‘mercy’. The whole crowd chants, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”. He gets ready to speak and the crowd quiets down. With the last breath, he screams, “FREEDOM”! What a moment in the movie, but I think it is a prophetic word for us these last forty days. As we are at the end of this fast, we don’t STOP, we must keep pressing into God for FREEDOM. Even on the fast we were saying “no turning back”. My prayer is that what God has done in our lives, there is no turning back. I don’t want to go back to the way I was forty days ago. I’m desperate for Him.

Here are some scriptures as further encouragement:
Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners;”
John 8:36 "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Our Prayer: Lord, we proclaim FREEDOM to this generation of youth and college students. We will be the ones to stand in the gap and shout FREEDOM until your children are set free! In our lives, Lord, there is no turning back. More Lord. Use this fast to catapult us into our destinies.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 38

2010-02-17T21:47:00.001-05:00

Can You Believe It? Day 38... WHAT?!?
(Heather writes...)

Here we are coming down the home stretch. What better way to run this last leg of the marathon than to have our friend, Gregg Tipton, join us at ECU. Breakthru40, baby!

Nick picked up Gregg (who also works in campus ministry and is the director of "Ten Days"- a missions organization) at the airport and brought him back to Greenville and then off to campus. Our students and staff were waiting for them and were ready for some new "fire". When Nick and Gregg came home today and told me all the testimonies that happened on campus... it truly was amazing. Here are a few examples...one young man got saved, a young woman experienced a touch from God, two were filled in the Holy Spirit... wow!

Tonight, they are getting together for prayer and more Breakthrough. We will have our Thursday night meeting on campus tomorrow, followed by leadership meetings and prayer on Friday night with a celebratory dinner at 8pm at McAlister's to end the FAST.

Thank you Lord...

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 37

2010-02-16T21:20:00.007-05:00

"AH-HA" AT ALDI!
(Heather writes...)

The boys and I went to our favorite grocery store today... Aldi. (You've got to love their prices). We ran into my friend that I have made at Aldi who works as a cashier there. We haven't seen each other in a while so we began catching up as I checked out and also as I packed up my groceries. I told her about the fast our family has been doing. She was very interested. "What is a fast?" she asked. "Somebody came through my line yesterday talking about fasting and I don't really know what it is. Is it a diet?" I began to explain to her that it was not a diet but in some ways had the benefits of one. For me, it has been a time to get recharged in my relationship with the Lord.

Then, the manager who was also ringing up customers told us he was about to start a 40 day fast with his church. As I continued on talking to my friend, another customer wanted to know what we were talking about. She said she tried to do a 30 day fast with her church once but only made it 3 days. She said she needed to get back on track and maybe she should do a fast. (I am not making this up... I felt like I was witnessing at Aldi about fasting).

My friend asked me how I have felt about my experience. I told her that I didn't feel like I have had a BIG "ah-ha" moment so far when my new friend, the manager, piped in to say declaratively, "Yes you have!" "I have...?" He went on to remind me of some of the things that I had been telling my friend (he must have been listening...) "You have slept through the night during the fast and you have overcome your addiction to Diet soda. Those are BIG for you. God was in that. Celebrate those things." (Who is preaching now? Answer: My new manager friend).

I get the point Lord. You have done some amazing things. I will celebrate...NOW!!!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 36

2010-02-15T23:50:00.000-05:00

A Flawless Performance?

(Heather writes...)

I have been watching the Olympics this evening in which I have been amazed at the Couples Ice Skating Competition. Many of the couples have not performed well. Even ones that have been known to perform with few flaws have had many mistakes in their routine. So now every couple just has to make less flaws then the one who performs before them and so on. The pressure is on.

The commentators said this about one couple, "Despite the mistakes, it was a strong performance. You could tell it was heartfelt." Can you still have a strong performance if you have mistakes? Afterall, it is about your heart being in it, right?

How do I measure my Christian walk? Is it based on my flawless performance? Can I compare it to the people around me that have more flaws than me? Gheeze... at least I am not like so and so! What about my heart... my good intensions? Shouldn't that be counted for something?

Ephesian tells us differently in chapter 2:8-10, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

I am reminded again it is about GRACE~ not my works, my fast, my sacrifice... It is about the gift He has given me which is wrapped in grace... When I open it I see inside 'the works' HE has prepared for me. I can relax now.

In the end, I will receive the Gold medal but not based on my merit but on what He has done for me on the cross. Thank you for your grace Lord. I choose to walk in it!!! Shooo... that is a relief!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 35

2010-02-14T22:20:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day
(Heather writes...)

We have had a busy week this last week and I am quite worn out today. I apologize for not blogging more. BUT I do wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 34

2010-02-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

Can We Go Outside Already?
(Heather writes...)

The snow altered our plans a bit today. We had to cancel the VCM Ladies Valentines Breakfast this morning. That was a bummer. We are hoping to reschedule at another time. (Side Note: Our speaker was supposed to be Allison Dameron but she was snowed-in in TN (boo), so last minute Michelle Dameron and I were going to share her message. We worked on it together last night. The message was entitiled, "Beautiful Scars"... a message of healing. If anything, God wanted us to get some revelation on healing. Thank you Lord for giving us that opportunity.)

We did get to play in the snow this morning. Here are some pictures of the men in my life making such great masterpieces.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 33

2010-02-12T23:00:00.010-05:00

Waiting on the SNOW

(Heather writes...)

It is said to snow 4-6 inches tonight through tomorrow. What?

Normally I would be very excited and I am still a little, but we have a ladies event planned tomorrow and we will have to decide what we do. I'll keep you posted.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 32

2010-02-11T22:35:00.001-05:00

YOU CAN DEWWW ET'!
(Nick writes and as seen on FB's "Breakthru40"...)

Here we are. We are entering our last week of the fast. We are getting close now to the finish line and we need one big gust of wind for our sails. To quote a wise man from the movie Waterboy, “YOU CAN DEWWW ET!”

However, it is going to take more than a cheesy saying from a movie to help us through. We NEED the Word of God. Daniel was in need of breakthrough and this is what was said about him, “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank;...” (Daniel 1:8) It is time for us, like never before, to make up our mind and choose to finish.

Do you want to know where you could have found me yesterday? I was in a ministry meeting at a restaurant for three hours. Not just any restaurant but THE Macaroni Grill. How did I make it through with my three glasses of water while my companions enjoyed their lunch? I made up in my mind.

I am desperate for the BREAKTHROUGH God has promised. I cannot quit now. There is too much at stake.

How about the youth and college students? Are we going to quit on them now? NO!!! We are pressing through today for their breakthrough. We call forth the Daniels, the Meshachs, the Shadrachs, and the Abed-negos. We cry forth for a generation of youth that will make up their mind not to defile themselves. Lord, help them finish strong.

Desperate for Jesus,

Nick Jones

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 31

2010-02-10T20:54:00.002-05:00

The Fourth Quarter
(This a quote is from todays "Breakthru40" by Gregg Tipton...)

Today starts the 4th quarter, the quarter that determines whether you win or lose the game? All that we’ve done together these 30 days is put us in a position to have a chance to win the game. And as any athlete will tell you, all you want is a chance. We not only have a chance, but we’re ahead because of what our unselfish captain did for us on the cross. Right now I’m weak, I’m hungry, my head is pounding, and my flesh is crying out to quit. O but there is too much at stake beloved, because if we let up and give in now all our sacrifices would have been for not.

Heb 12:3 “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
...

We didn’t start this fast to quit now because of some circumstance or excuse. We’ve come all this way to feel His pleasure, to finish the race, and to breakthru to victory! The fields of our neighbors, family members, co-workers, and people you don’t even know are counting on you! I pray that we would would life up our eyes and see the harvest. Let's go sharpen our sickles and tell our life changing stories!

Grateful that He finished for me,
Gregg

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 30

2010-02-09T23:23:00.002-05:00

So Grateful....
(Heather writes...)

We had an awesome time tonight sharing at "Is This Love". Despite the rain and cold, we had about 30+ in attendance for this event sponsored by Apha Nu Omega Inc.. Three young women make up this newly established sorority at ECU and I must say they are doing an awesome job. They get it! They are making an impact on our campus and they are not ashamed of the Gospel... it is evident!

Nick and I were so grateful to share our hearts on the topic of love, lust, and relationships. We were asked some great questions and hope we were able to 'plant some seeds'.

To quote Elijah earlier in his prayer, "(we pray) that their hearts will be open and that their ears would be open". Yes, Lord. Touch everyone who came tonight. Show them how to walk in victory. Let them truly know your love. And especially for the three young women- Melody, Teneshia, and Jessica .... continue to make them BOLD for you and fulfill their desire to leave a legacy on our campus! I know they will!

Sorry no pictures from the event yet. I will post them soon.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 29

2010-02-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

IS THIS LOVE? The war between love and lust.
(Heather writes...)

That is the question being asked tomorrow night on campus and Nick and I hope to help shed some light.

We were invited by Melody Monroe, the president of Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, to come and speak at this event. It will be taking place tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the Science and Tech building (C209) for the members of this sorority and also opened to anyone else who like to come and attend.

The evening is designed to help answer some hard questions like: How can we know the difference between lust and love? Is love a feeling, an emotion, or an action? Is lust wrong?

Come check it out if you can! There will be a video presentation, games, a talk, and panel discussion.

We are trusting God to give us His words to share and that hearts would be truly touched. Please take some time on TUESDAY to pray for those that will be in attendance- non-believers and believers. Pray for healing. Pray for understanding. Pray that people would be set free from a lifestyle of sin.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 28

2010-02-07T23:43:00.002-05:00

Sunday School & the SuperBowl
(Heather writes...)

Today at church, the boys were in the same Sunday school class where they learned about Jesus in the boat with the twelve disciples. They made a very creative craft that they proudly left the church with. Unfortunately, Noah's boat did not make it home in one piece (a certain 23 month old disassembled it in no time). What does this mean? All the disciples were out of the boat. Jesus was no were to be found. The sail on the boat was stripped. I don't know if I can handle Jesus not being in my boat!!! (By the way, Elijah told me Jesus was the one with the 'blue cape'. After all, He is a super-hero!)

We ended the day by hosting a Super-Chili-Bowl Party at our house. I offered two chili options- veggie and beef (not for us- you know). I also served Daniel Fast appetizers which everyone loved. It was a great time.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 27

2010-02-06T23:33:00.001-05:00

Krispy Kreme: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

(Heather writes...)

Don't worry.... I did not fall off the wagon. It was for my kids. Honest! For the record.... those doughnuts would have been worth it... especially being there when the "HOT" sign was on.

I went to Krispy Kreme this morning at 5:45 a.m.. It was my second stop on my all-morning adventure. Today was school registration day for the fall (Kindergarden for Elijah and Preschool for Noah). I signed in at Noah's preschool at 5:30 a.m. to be called back later morning, a thoughtful breakfast stop for the boys was next, and then home to fill out Elijah's six page application for Christian school. I set the doughnuts in place for my sleepyheads and headed out the door to turn in Elijah's application and registration fee at his school by 7:30 a.m., followed by the second stop to Noah's school at 9 a.m. to turn his application and fee.

Wow! What a day!

How does this relate to the fast? A lot. One of the things Nick and I have been praying for on the fast is for direction concerning the boys education. We felt like God really led us and gave us a peace about both the boys' schools.

Here some pictures of the boys enjoying the extras I brought home from Krispy Kreme:

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 26

2010-02-05T07:36:00.001-05:00

Friday's Devotion on BREAKTRU40 (FB)
(Nick writes...)

Theme: 1 Samuel 17

Today I want us to look at the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

As I have been walking on campus this week, looking at the thousands of students, I wonder what Giants of FEAR are they facing. I especially wonder about the students who are believers on the campuses. What destiny God has for them! These same students find themselves stunted in their growth because of a GIANT that will not seem to get out of their way.

Personally, I’ve always been encouraged and challenged by the story of David and Goliath. What a great picture of a young man who takes down a giant in his life!

Here are some of the things that I noticed in this story.

1. David obeyed his father (v.20): He followed the request of his earthly father to take some “things” to his older brothers. Being the baby of three boys, I will admit that I wanted to be like my brothers. However, I was always frustrated that I had to do things for them. I wonder if David ever had these thoughts?

2. David was fully engaged when he got to the battle line (v.32 ): He was aware of what was happening. The giant, Goliath, has been coming out, morning and night, for forty days- taunting and tormenting the Israelites’ which were God’s people. Instead of just leaving, David decides to do something about it.

3. David was secure in who God made him (vs. 38-40): After other people tried to place their armor on him, he finally just takes what he has- his sling shot and some rocks to face the giant.

4. David fully trusted God (vs. 45-46): With the sling in hand, he puts his faith in God. And we know the rest of the story- how by God’s help, he was able to conquer the giant.

5. David helped free his people (v.52): Because of his victory, the Israelites were able to move forward and also receive their own victory.

This brings me back to my thoughts of the youth and college students. How many believers are being tormented by fears in their lives? How many of them are trying to fight like someone else instead of being who God made them? How many believers in this generation are really engaged? How many are obeying and trusting in God? Will they slay the giant and bring victory for their generation?

Let us pray today for the believers on the campuses that they will be like David and obey their Heavenly Father, that they will be fully engaged, that they will be secure in who God made them, that they will FULLY trust God, and that they will help free others through their own victory.

Reaching this Generation,
Nick Jones

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 25

2010-02-04T09:06:00.012-05:00

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

(Heather writes...)

This morning, I woke up to the scripture I mentioned last night, Psalm 63:1, "...in a dry and weary land where there is no water" just replaying over and over in my mind. Then I heard the words to the song "Holy of Holies"... "Take me in to the Holy of Holies, take me in by the blood of the lamb.." Is that you, Lord? Are you wanting me to wake up. Then I had the thought...I must be hungry this morning. I did ask the Lord to make me hungry in my soul and flesh. I woke up and grabbed my Bible and went into the bathroom to pray and read my Word.

Why spend time with the Lord in the morning? Yesterday, I read Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalm 63. Referring to verses 1-2, it read, "Early will I seek thee. The true Christian devotes to God the morning hour. He opens the eyes of his understanding with those of his body, and awakes each morning to righteousness. He arises with a thirst after those comforts which the world cannot give, and has immediate recourse by prayer to the Fountain of the water of life. The true believer is convinced, that nothing in this sinful world can satisfy the wants and desires of his immortal soul; he expects his happiness from God, as his portion. When faith and hope are most in exercise, the world appears a weary desert, and the believer longs for the joys of heaven, of which he has some foretastes in the ordinances of God upon earth.

I am reminded of runners... not that I am an expert or even a novice... this is just what I have heard along the way. Plus, I do watch the Biggest Loser. Runners begin the race. STOP! We can't start the race without 3 very important components... water (being thirsty for God), food (feed the soul and Spirit by the Word) and the warm-up (recite the word and pray).

Now, we are ready to RUN and take on the day!!! Get ready, get set, GO!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 24

2010-02-03T23:03:00.005-05:00

Feed the SPIRIT, Starve the FLESH
(Heather writes...)

You know that saying about starve a cold, feed a fever... or is it starve a fever, feed a cold? I can never keep it straight. Anyway... I kept thinking about this concept as I started the day today. "Feed the Spirit, Starve the FLESH."

Sometimes being on the Daniel Fast I can spend a good portion of time thinking about the food. What can I eat or what can I not eat. What did that label say? Rats!!! I can't eat that. You get the picture?

Where does my time go? It has been spent focusing on the food that I am eating. Where is my REAL bread... the Bread of Life. I should spend the majority of my time concentrating on feeding my Spirit- the body is just the byproduct of the fast. The Daniel Fast should teach me how to be fed- both inside and out.

Just as I have been recognizing the ingredients I have been putting in my body, so should I recognize the ingredients going into my Spirit. What am I putting in? Am I exposing myself to pollutants? The key is keeping it pure. Now and in the future, fast or no fast. I may need to STARVE things that my flesh wants.

I read Psalm 63 again today and verse one reads,
"O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water."

The first part I get... "God, You are my God... I shall seek You earnestly;" Pretty self-explanatory. I get the part about my "soul" thirsting for God. I know what that feels like to be thirsty in the soul. BUT "my flesh yearns for You"... what? Most of the time in my life.... My flesh longs for the flesh... the things of the flesh... bad attitudes, sin, basically the flesh IN-THE-FLESH. That is what my flesh longs for. Could it get so bad that the flesh would "yearn for" God? Obviously, YES. "In a dry and weary land where there is no water". If the conditions get dry enough... weary enough... a land of NO water. Is my soul and flesh that thirsty?

Lord, help me to FEED my Spirit, to discard the things that my Spirit does not need, STARVE it, and Lord, help me to FEED my Flesh and Soul with YOU!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 23

2010-02-02T21:54:00.001-05:00

Out with the BEANS, In with the TOFU

(Heather writes...)

I think I needed a change from all the mexican/chili meals we have been eating. I wanted something asian. Lettuce wraps... maybe not P.F. Changs but they still were good. The Kicker: they even had tofu in them AND Nick ate them too and enjoyed it. Miracles DO happen!

Check out this site for the recipe. (*I added rice)

http://hungryhungryveganos.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/tasty-tofu-lettuce-wraps-or-move-over-pf-changs/

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 22

2010-02-01T21:02:00.007-05:00

If I am not pressing into God, I am just DIETING. (Yuck, I hate dieting.)

(Heather writes...)

This sentence has been plaguing my mind all day. I know there is grace in God and I know He wants us to rest. However, I feel Him calling me deeper in Him, otherwise, I am just using this Daniel's Fast as a diet.

It does have the health qualities I need in my life and it has been helping with weight loss. I will give it that. I feel better and know my body is thanking me for all the detox I have done and for recognizing the lifestyle that I need to adapt after the fast. So feeling good on the outside and inside is a great accomplishment. But like the Word says, "...To obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22). It is not about the act of the fast, it is about the heart behind the fast.

Today, in the mail, I received a book I mentioned in a earlier blog called, "The Daniel Fast". My friend Jaimie bought it and sent it to me. She is awesome... I am getting teary-eyed.

I opened it up today and read this, "... fasting always has to do with our spiritual life. Without that aspect, it is just a diet." (See, I told you God is speaking to me.) "Using the Daniel Fast eating plan for health purposes may be a good dietary change. However, understand that you would not be fasting if the spiritual component is not fully engaged. Imagine spending the day on the golf course. When you return to the clubhouse, someone asks how you did. "Oh, I had a great day of golf," might be your reply. When asked about your score, you reply, "Well, I didn't hit the ball today. I left my clubs in the car. But like I said, I had a great day of golf." The truth is that you may have had a very successful day walking and enjoying the grounds, but you were not golfing. The same is true with fasting. You may follow the eating plan with diligence and experience many great health benefits," (that is me) "but not including the spiritual component is like leaving your golf clubs in the car: you are dieting not fasting."
* see page 12 Yikes!

Thank you Lord that you are speaking to me. Open my ears to hear you more and help my heart to obey you. Draw me closer to you... so close that I may hear your heartbeat. I want to be desperate for you.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 21

2010-01-31T20:59:00.003-05:00

2nd Half and Counting
(*I received this email from Gregg Tipton and thought I would share it...)

In just a few hours we'll jump into the second half of our fast, yes it's all downhill from here on out! It looks like we're up by two touchdowns but you need to know, we can't let down as we start the third quarter. They say the first 5 minutes of the second half "sets the tone" for the rest of the game. If that's the case, then these next five days will dictate our ability to finish strong and stand firm. I applaud all of you who've come this far, so let's press in even deeper and focus on the goodness of our Father to to Break-in, to Break-out and to Break us thru!!!

I remember a coach who use to tell the freshman at orientation the story of the donkey who fell into a farmer's well. The farmer tried everything to get his donkey out of the well. He couldn't and decided the donkey was old and the well needed to be covered up. So he assembled all the farmer's together, gave them each a shovel and decided to cover up the well. Once the donkey figured out what was happening, he started to cry. Then after a while the crying stopped. The farmer decided to take one last look into the well but when he did, he saw something amazing. Because with every shovel full of dirt, the donkey would SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! The donkey had decided not to whine, complain, nor make excuses for what was happening, but decided with every shovel full of dirt, he would SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! And you know what, it wasn't long before the donkey stepped up out of the well and trotted off.

But let's not let down our guard now and allow the opponent a comeback. As we start the second half and the going gets tough, turn to the One and Only, gather your strength through the only One who strengthens us all, and SHAKE OFF the tough moments and continue to STEP UP and Step into Our Breakthroughs!!!

I'm proud of this team and look forward to hearing of all our stories of victory!
Ten Days Tip
PS if you've not been participating with our Breakthru40 fast just pick a day and join in. Follow us and become a facebook fan at Breakthru40!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 20

2010-01-30T23:03:00.007-05:00

Let it "S"! Let it "S"! Let it "S"!
(Heather writes...)

You don't know what "S" is? Why it is S-N-O-W. Elijah came home from school last week and told me that we couldn't say "snow" because then it would not snow (that is what his teacher told him). We have to refer to it as "S" or whisper the word. So ever since then we have been talking about "S". But this morning we could say the word because it was here!

Elijah was so excited this morning when he looked out of our window. He said, "Mommy we are going to have a white Christmas". Here are some pictures from our adventures today with our family and with our friends:

We ended the snowy day with a hot bowl of veggie chili. Yum!!!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 19

2010-01-29T22:37:00.003-05:00

Fridge Fiesta!
(Heather writes...)

I think my refrigerator is in shock. It has never seen so many fruits and vegetables on their shelves. The kicker... they don't just stay on the shelf... they get eaten. Wow! What a concept.

We went to the store(s) to do our grocery shopping before the BIG snow storm. That is what they are calling for and we could really see the results of that weather forecast in the stores we went to. People acted like we were going to have a blizzard... well, it could happen.

First stop was Fresh Market for all the Daniel's Fast items. Second was Aldi for the majority of the groceries. Third, Harris Teeter for the items we forgot. Finally, Food Lion for toothpaste left off the list. And now they are safe and sound at our home and will be eaten before to long.

Now all we need is a movie and a snuggie as the snow begins to fall!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 18

2010-01-28T23:59:00.001-05:00

"Here I am. Send me!"

(Nick and Heather write...)

*This is from the "Breakthru40" FB page for Friday for Campuses/Youth.

Hearing the cries of His lost children, the Father asks, “...Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6: 8a) These are some of the cries heard on the college campuses today:

The party girl looking for fulfillment in the bottom of a glass, wonders, “Why doesn’t the party last?”

The football player who seemingly has everything together, but is secretly contemplating suicide, questions, “Is life really worth living?”

The pretty girl who sells her image on the internet desires to know, “If this is just a picture, why does it make me feel so dirty?”

The intellectual who has an answer for everything except when tragedy strikes, struggles with this thought, “Is there really a God?”

How many of these cries go unnoticed because there is NO ONE there to hear and respond? Let us be like Isaiah and say, “Here I am. Send me”. (Isaiah 6:8b) It may not always be convenient and we may not always feel prepared. We just need to be willing and obedient to GO! I am so thankful that God heard my cry on the college campus and answered it by sending someone to help.

What can we do in response:

Personally say to the Lord, “Here I am. Send me”. There is a great need to reach the campuses and you may be the very person God wants to use to meet that need.
Pray for more laborers. This means full-time, part-time, and student missionaries. “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Isaiah 9:38)
Participate by supporting your local campus/youth missionaries. (Examples: hosting student events in your home, prayer, financial giving, etc.)

Reaching this Generation,

Nick & Heather Jones

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 17

2010-01-27T21:37:00.005-05:00

Tofu Gets a Bad Wrap!!!

(Heather writes...)

Yes, I said it. Tofu!!! I think Nick just got sick in his mouth at the mention of that wonderful word.

It really doesn't taste that bad. (My opinion not Nick's). I don't think it tastes like much at all. Since being on the Daniel's Fast, I have missed specific foods. Not meat and not necessarily the sweets. I have missed CHEESE and CHEESE PRODUCTS. That is where TOFU comes in.

I have learned that I miss the texture of certain foods so I have substituted it with 'stand-in' foods... like Tofu for cheese and guacamole for sour cream. The biggest part is tricking the mind. I am not sure how much of a role tofu will play after the fast but I will keep my guac! Yum, yum!

Let me flip it to the spiritual. As easily as I have learned to function on the fast with replacements, it is just as easy to be on a fast and replace the purpose of the fast with busyness. I read somewhere that fasting provides you with an opportunity to "feel hungry"... so let that hunger drive you to Jesus. The busyness can replace the hunger and it can turn into 'life as usual'. However, I should allow myself to "FEEL" the fasting and "FEEL" the hunger pains because it will make me desperate for Him. Help me Lord stay hungry.

Tofu and guacamole. What's next, soy milk? Nick tried some today and liked it. So blog readers, if you have any other replacement suggestions let me know. I am up for the challenge.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 16

2010-01-26T20:57:00.004-05:00

Hope for Haiti!

(Heather writes...)

I read this passage this morning in my quiet time. I have read it so many times before today but this morning it came alive to me as a picture of God's word to Haiti. What encouragement knowing this is what God wants for His Body of Christ in Haiti... the double portion is coming!
Isaiah 61

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
       because the LORD has anointed me
       to preach good news to the poor.
       He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
       to proclaim freedom for the captives
       and release from darkness for the prisoners, ² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
       and the day of vengeance of our God,
       to comfort all who mourn,
³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
       to bestow on them a crown of beauty
       instead of ashes,
       the oil of gladness
       instead of mourning,
       and a garment of praise
       instead of a spirit of despair.
       They will be called oaks of righteousness,
       a planting of the LORD
       for the display of his splendor.
⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
       and restore the places long devastated;
       they will renew the ruined cities
       that have been devastated for generations.
⁵ Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
       foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
⁶ And you will be called priests of the LORD,
       you will be named ministers of our God.
       You will feed on the wealth of nations,
       and in their riches you will boast.
⁷ Instead of their shame
       my people will receive a double portion,
       and instead of disgrace
       they will rejoice in their inheritance;
       and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
       and everlasting joy will be theirs.
⁸ "For I, the LORD, love justice;
       I hate robbery and iniquity.
       In my faithfulness I will reward them
       and make an everlasting covenant with them.
⁹ Their descendants will be known among the nations
       and their offspring among the peoples.
       All who see them will acknowledge
       that they are a people the LORD has blessed."
¹⁰ I delight greatly in the LORD;
       my soul rejoices in my God.
       For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
       and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
       as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
       and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the soil makes the sprout come up
       and a garden causes seeds to grow,
       so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
       spring up before all nations.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 15

2010-01-25T21:37:00.003-05:00

Expecting Miracles
(Heather writes...)
* This is written on FB's "Breakthru40" for Sunday by DeNail Sparks. The message at church on Sunday seemed to echo this same theme. Yes, Lord... complete victory!

Theme: Miracles
Scripture: 2 Kings 13:10-18

The trembling hands of a dying prophet steadied the heart of a weary king. Together under God’s direction Elisha and Jehoash the king of Israel performed a token of the Lord’s deliverance and shot an arrow (an instrument of war in that day) towards Syria, Israel’s present oppressor. (2 Kings 13:15-17) Elisha spoke words of comfort to the king; he gave great assurances of success against his enemies and encouraged Jehoash to go to war against them with vigor and confidence. One thing remained, before the king was excused, Elisha commanded Jehoash to demonstrate a second act that God would use as a sign of Israel’s deliverance.

(v.18) Then he said, "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."

Some scholars say that Jehoash considered the act of “striking the ground” a bit trifling and beneath him as a king. Other commentators say that his stopping at the third blow betrayed the weakness of his faith and that he simply didn’t understand that the discharged arrow and the subsequent act of striking of the ground signified victories over the Syrians.

The token, the act intended to demonstrate total victory over Syria, exposed something that affects us all. My personal observation has led me to the conclusion that king Jehoash was simply…satisfied.

As I write this post, I have a confession to make. I’ve laid hands on the sick and seen immediate recovery. My failure is that I don’t press through toward miracles often enough! Too often in fact I’ve shot my arrows, experienced initial victories, and then walked away saying to myself, “I’m satisfied, that’s good enough for me, I’ve done my part.” I understand now that my daily breakthroughs don’t always mean the fight is over, sometimes they mean that there are more victories to come.

These 40 days of prayer aren’t about confrontation but breakthrough to complete victory. Over the next 27 days as we strike the ground with our prayers for Haiti, our friends, families, leaders and other precious burdens, let’s shoot every arrow and leave nothing on the table! There are mountains yet to move!

Pressing through toward miracles,
DeNail Sparks.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 14

2010-01-24T18:42:00.001-05:00

Try not to judge me... I ate out today!
(Heather writes...)

Yes, I know. But I have to give you the context.

My family came to town today to go to church with us- my mom, my dad, and my Aunt Patsy (church was awesome BTW). Knowing that they probably would not like to eat my 'Daniel's Fast' food, I said we could just go get something to eat. My mom suggested that we could go somewhere like Ruby Tuesdays... and that is where we ate lunch. I really felt okay with that decision. I had told Nick when the Lord spoke to me about not eating out that if we ever had 'family come to town' that we would not be legalistic about it. (*This is an exception... but I could ask them to drive to Greenville everyday for the next 20+ days....hmmm.... good idea!)

I am feeling so good as I finish almost two weeks. It is giving me a new perspective on being healthy... mind, body, and soul. I feel good about the things I have eliminated from my body and feel extremely good about the things that I have been putting in my spirit. I haven't really had an "ah ha"moment so far with the Lord... but my time in the Bible has been refreshing and my prayer time is constant.

As I look ahead at the week to come I am anticipating greater times with the Lord. He is good. He is my portion. He is my all in all!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 13

2010-01-23T22:53:00.002-05:00

Daniel would be proud of this veggie soup!
(Heather writes...)

I will insert "deep thoughts" tomorrow. As for today, I will leave you with a recipe that my mom and I created. It was a tasty dinner tonight served with wheat crackers.

CROCKPOT Veggie Soup (Daniel's Fast approved!)
2 potatoes (in cubes)
2 sweet potatoes (in cubes)
1/2 red onion
1 carton of veggie broth (fresh market)
3 carrots, sliced
~slow cook for 3-4 hours on low then add....
3-4 zucchini, sliced
2-3 celery stalks, sliced (with leaves too)
12 oz bag of peas/corn
1 red pepper (diced)
1 can of diced tomatoes
~slow cook on high 3-4 hours on high

Enjoy!

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 12

2010-01-22T22:50:00.004-05:00

Food for a Daniel's Fast
(Heather writes...)

Since starting the Daniel's Fast 12 days ago, I have been asked several times, "What do you eat?" This blog answers that question.

I found a great website that I have used for information about a Daniel's fast with recipes and weekly emails from the author, Susan Gregory. http://danielfast.wordpress.com/ She also has a cookbook that I would love to buy... maybe later. I have tried some of her FREE recipes.... and she also gives a snack list. If you have any specific questions... she'll write you back with advice.

I also have modified some vegan/vegetarian recipes. I love to use my crock-pot so I usually modify recipes for it.

Here is an example of a day on the Daniel's Fast:
Breakfast: Bake apple (split in half and cored) with honey and cinnamon. Top with wheat germ. Banana.
Snack: Almonds and raisins
Lunch: Microwave Rice (90 secs...yea), saute an onion, add diced tomatoes, zucchini... put together!
Snack: Apple with natural peanut butter
Dinner: Veggie Chili (Cans of black beans-1, corn-1, diced tomatoes-2 and chili seasoning, onion, pepper) serve with Whole wheat triscuit

I may be doing the Daniel's fast a little more in detail... but that is because I have asked the Lord to help me get healthy and to pay more attention to what I am putting in my body. God designs the boundaries for this fast. There is grace and He will speak to you through His peace. Some people say it is okay to still drink sodas/coffee or have an occasional piece of bread and some even eat cheese pizza... it doesn't have meat on it, right? Either way.... it is all about the heart... that is what God cares about.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 11

2010-01-21T23:50:00.004-05:00

Eight years old is not too young to run a nation!
(Nick writes...)
*Taken from his devotion on FB's Breakthru40

A lot of my attention this week has been drawn to what has been happening in Haiti. Quite often my prayer time focused toward the people of this nation. In one moment their life was forever changed- some lost loved ones, some suffered physical injuries, and some faced personal loss like never before. As I was praying, I felt God give me hope for the youth of Haiti and the nations through the story of King Josiah.

In 2 Kings 22:1-2 it tells us, “Josiah was eight years old when he became King, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem;....He did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the way of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or to the left.”

Also in 2 Kings 23:25 it writes, “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.”

I cannot image what it would have been like to become a king at eight years old or to be under a king who was eight years old. Young or old, the task set before King Josiah was great. He had inherited a kingdom that had become a moral cesspool. This story shows how one youth can take a disastrous situation and restore it to the way God had intended it to be. All of this is attributed to the fact that he was dedicated FULLY to God.

Where are the King Josiahs of our generation? We literally have the next kings of countries and presidents of nations studying on our campuses today. But it doesn’t just rest on these governmental figures; it is a call to all young men and women to rise up and to be fully dedicated to God. Let us pray and ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit on all people like He promised in Joel 2:28-29.

Pray that the youth would be dedicated to Him FULLY...
1. in Haiti
2. in our nation
3. in the nations of the world.

DANIEL'S FAST: DAY 10

2010-01-20T23:59:00.002-05:00

I slept through last night's post...
(Heather writes...)

It was one of those days yesterday! I am writing this to you on Thursday, January 21...(Shhh! I changed the post date).

Nick ended is first 10 days and is moving into the Daniel's fast with me. He said he was excited about eating my meals. Miracles did happen on his first ten days... he wants to eat my food and is excited about it!

We are a quarter of the way there and are anticipating good things to come. And hopefully by day 39, my children will not spit out my food.

Lord, thank you for a night of rest. I am looking forward to DAY ELEVEN and all that you want to do in our lives. Thank you for this "new day". I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!