"VBS- Sailing the High Seas"

I will be in and out this week, as I am a "crew leader" at VBS (vacation bible school) at my church. This is my first time but I am glad I listened when I felt God telling me to do this. Last night, the first night was AMAZING. VBS runs through Friday.

The church looks phenomenal. I was blown away yesterday when I arrived and saw it. But trust me I will have lots to tell, as I already do; from one night, about my experience. I am so excited to dive back in tonight. I had a blast, probably more fun then my kids.

I have a great crew. 3 boys & 1 girl. My girl, Sarah is going into the 6th grade this fall. 2 of my boys, Jacob & Alex are going into 3rd grade and Joseph is going into 4th. Hopefully tonight I will also have my younger sister, who like Sarah, will be entering middle school in the fall. My dad/stepmom forgot that VBS started Sunday night. So Dee only missed one night.

Also this week: 

E has an ETN apt... as she has yet ANOTHER ear infection. That makes 6 since Dec. Can we say "tubes". Poor baby.  She was supposed to start tumbling this week but b/c of her EI and her ENT apt she will miss her 1st tumbling class via the YMCA. I am sad but we will go next week, I need her to get better.

-and-

Thursday E, my mom, stepdad & Hayls (E's Godmother) & I are going to see Nickelodeon Presents Storytime LIVE. I got tickets for this back in June! So As you can tell we are BUSY BUSY this week.

I will try my absolute best to blog/comment this week but being my first time leading a group through VBS, I want to really be focused on God & his word and what he has in store for me and these children this week. I know that I am going to gain a lot from this experience & I hope my kids do too.


SN: Guess what happened?! E went poopoo IN THE POTTY THIS MORNING! After telling us that she had to go! Thats right, she TOLD US she had to go. Folks we are moving in the RIGHT DIRECTION to being diaper free, but I am not getting to excited, yet.

...

Have a great week everyone & HAPPY AUGUST.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"5 minutes w.God"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest if you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.



I have never been a super religious person, Im not a "bible banger" if you will.

I grew-up in church, my Gran saw to it that I did, I went to VBS when I was a child and loved it. As I got older and understood God's role in my life, I was baptized, I was 8.

Then shortly after that when I hit middle school I started to "church hop" & became unsure of my faith. I knew I believed in God but I didn't know much else. I was a confused middle schooler, I mean middle school is rough for most kids.

Then I found my way and realized 'my church home' was right where I started.

But as of late, I have not been attending church b/c of my geographical location, and b/c the closet Baptist church isn't close. I guess you could call me a denomination snob, but I've tried them all, as you all know.

Just because I have not been in church doesn't mean I have stopped praying or worshiping in my own way. I like to involve E too, because some of my first best memories are from Sunday school.

As I have mentioned on this blog & in numerous tweets, E has a growing Veggie Tales collection. I watch them with her, I find myself singing the songs, so much so that I spent $8 on iTunes the other day buying VT music! E loves it and I love the messages behind the videos/music, they are terrific.

In a way, I feel like this is how we worship daily, and trust me its MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY . I am not sure she fully understands but I think in time she will. I get just as much, I know it sounds silly, out of the videos. Because I do understand.

I know as a Christian I am not supposed to question what God's plan for me (or the people I love) is. I know I am just supposed to go w/it, take it in strides and move on.

But I was thinking the other day... If only I could have 5 minutes, face-to-face with God... what would I ask him? The list of questions got so long, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't believe I had so much I wanted to ask God. The "WHY'S" overtook the list. It was then I realized, I don't pray/talk to him nearly enough.

The amount of time I have to talk to him is unlimited. He might not respond/answer me right away but, he will. I just have to listen. If he doesn't answer, it doesn't mean I should stop talking, it means I should talk more & listen even harder. One day, out of nowhere I will start to hear his responses.

He like any Father, isn't always going to give the answer we want, but he gives the answer that is best for us.

God loves when his children talk to him. He never gets overwhelmed. So I am going to work to better myself, as a parent & a Christian. God is always listening, I just need to speak up.

I know this is going to take some serious thought on my part. I used to be an avid prayer; But then IDK what happened, whatever it is, no excuse is good enough. Don't get me wrong, I never claimed to be perfect, but I know once I get back into a groove of talking to God, I will feel my 'list' diminish.

...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"May 10, 2009"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.



One year ago TODAY (mother's day last yr)- I made the decision to dedicate my daughter, usually it would have been done when she was just a month old but GD was still hanging around, like a bad fungus, said "No way". As 1/2 of her genetics, I said fine, then took a shower and cried. I wanted MY daughter to be dedicated.

That doesn't mean God wasn't present EVERY SINGLE DAY, just b/c she wasn't dedicated.

A baptist dedication is not a baptism, she can get baptized if/when she knows and understands what it means. Until then I wanted to take a part in my daughters Christian upbringing.

When you have your child dedicated you go up in front of the entire congregation and your pastor asks if you're willing to raise your child in a godly way. Before I had her dedicated I was very sporadic in my attendance at church. Holiday's, Family Occasions, etc.

Not only did I dedicate to raise my daughter that the Lord comes first, but I dedicated my own life. After that day, I started to attend church regularly, again. The way I saw it was, I was raised in that church and my daughter deserved the same better.

When I woke her in Sundays, I used to say "It's church day!! Are you ready to go to God's house?" I loved seeing how excited she got. I CAN NOT WAIT until June to see that same excited expression on her face again. She is so loved by the nursery staff & by our entire church family. All of whom watched me grow & mature. I can't wait for them to all watch her grow & mature. They've already watched her for a yr.

I am so glad I made the decision to have her dedicated. I talk to her about Jesus & he amazing unwavering love. I am not perfect, but I do the best job I can.

I couldn't think of a way to get on her level, so I was talking to my good friend and she suggested "Veggie Tales"- at first E was not interested, now she loves her "Amato". After we get done watching, I always talk to her about it. I don't want to loose a chance to talk to her about the Lord.

She was given a small chapter of the bible when she was dedicated. I think she is still to young ROUGH to have that yet, so it still sits on the VERY TOP of her book shelf, that is something I want her to treasure when she is a little gentler with her things.

To make it an even more special day, her Godmother, Hayley, my best friend of 20+ years drove 2 hours to be in attendance. It was a beautiful day.

Here are a few pictures- [HK tried to take a few while E was actually being dedicated but my small P&C cams flash wasn't good enough and the pics inside the church didn't show up. I know someone from the church staff took some. I should hunt those down & have HK thow those in the back of the 2009/2010 (#2) Scrappie. HAHA. ily.]

All the moms- Godmommy Hayls, Mama Me, 13mon old E & My Mom aka 'Nana':


My Dad aka 'PePaw', E, Stepmom Jane aka Grandma, not so little 10y/o sister Destiny:


Godmommy & E


...

I have a small poster to do & I have to type up standards and I AM DONE with work for this semester! Woohoo.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"My Roots Run Deep"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.

I originally was going to post today letting you know I was going to take a few days "off". I have been in a funk, lately. But while I was in the shower earlier, where I do a lot of good thinking, I felt myself kind of come out of my funk, if you will.



I have written posts about religion before but this is different, I have neaver been this open before, until recently; I wasn't very open about MY life. Anyone else life, yes. Mine, no.

I was born & raised @ First Baptist Church of Pine Castle [FBCPC] . I was then baptized when I was 8 years old. I attended church every (other) Sunday, as my parents were divorced since I was a baby & I only went on the weekends I was at my dads, b/c at the time my dad life with my Gran & FBCPC was "her" church. I went to sunday school & children's church & then on to evening service w. my Gran. I loved it. Since my dad got me EVERY Wednesday & everyother weekend, that meant that I was also at church EVERY Wednesday night, too. It was who I was, I loved my savor, my Lord in heaven. I continued to attend for the next 4 years, until I hit 12 years old.

I wanted to be a rebel. I decided to become a Methodist. Which is VERY similar to a baptist. I attended Conway UMC b/c that is where my bestfriend, Amy, at the time & a lot of kids from my middle school went. I think it was more of a social thing then anything. But in my head I was rebelling again my baptist upbringing.

I found out that you had to go through what they call confirmation, so I did that & had a really shoddy mentor, it was my friends mom. She had another girl as well and let me fall to the way side so I basically did it on my own. I had a lot of questions but had to do it on my own. This did not make me like the denomination very much but I pushed on. I attended for two-ish years. It wasn't for me. At least that church wasn't.

I felt lost. I didnt feel like I was connecting with God anymore. I needed to reconnect.

I couldn't hear what he was trying to tell me. I needed things to quiet down so I could hear God better.

My sophomore year of highschool I decided to give my dads church a try. He no longer attended FBCPC. He was a FOUNDING MEMBER of Fellowship of Orlando . It was non-demnominational but the pastor was raised in TX, and his father was a BAPTIST pastor. Nevertheless It was okay, a little to "hip" for me but I "followed" them all over Gods green earth. They were just starting out so they didn't have a permanent location. They were at the YMCA in Lake Nona, a movie theater, DPHS, a few other locations ETC... I realized by my SR year it wasn't my scene. I stopped going to church altogether.

I lost sight of bigger picture. I still read my bible, not enough but occasionally. I still talked to God, but I became a "holiday" church goer & when that happened I would go to FBCPC or with my mom to Northland . I dislike churches that large. NO ONE knows ANYONE. Where is the Familiarity? How can someone feel like they are welcome if no one knows their name?

I left for college in Jacksonville. I found myself "wandering" I needed to get back in church- ASAP. My roommate and GREAT friend, at the time, Kristen, was Methodist. Wonderful. I found myself attending with her as to not be alone. We had our own bible study in our dorm. It was great. I felt more connected with God & with myself. But something still felt "off". I had a few other friends ask me to go w.them to their very upbeat non-demnom. churches, but that just wasn't my scene.

Kristen and I parted ways as friendships sometimes do (another blog- maybe) and I found myself stepping WAY WAY out of my comfort zone & going to church by myself. gasp. I know. I went online and googled the BAPTIST churches in my area. I knew that is what I needed.

After a few weeks of trying out different ones I found Kernan Blvd. Baptist Church [KBBC]. I ended up spending over a year at KBBC I never became a member, though. I don't know why. It was down the street from my school and eventually across the street from my condo. It was exactly what I needed. It was a great substitute until I could get "home".

Now a few years and a bachelors degree later, I have returned to my home, FBCPC. It is bitter sweet for me. I just recently re-joined, found my way back home if you will. Yet I am moving in 21 days. I SOOO MANY memories in that church. Mainly the sanctuary. Its sad to think that LAST service I will attend in there will be Dec 27 2008.

My Gran used to be the wedding director for FBCPC & I used to run up & down the aisles w.my cousins- Amy, Dani & Bubba, with lace tied to us- idk where tomtom was. while Gran set up for the weddings. Or we would be upstairs playing hide & go seek in the dark. SOO SOO many wonderful memories.

That church, which I will always and forever refer to as 'Grans Church' has changed so much- has grown so much. Which is wonderful. I am elated for the new sanctuary but I will miss the old one.

Either way. I am glad I found my way HOME. No other church has helped me connect with the Lord like this one. Once you find a church that is HOME, you should never leave.

My roots are at FBCPC. They always will be. I am moving for Graduate school, but trust that when I am home for breaks or for a visit I will come HOME for a visit.

I am going to try to find a church that meets my needs up near me, but I always know I have this one back home to fall on. Thank you for being such a strong and loving church home. I love you all dearly.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"I never claimed..."

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.

...to be perfect. But I do have very strong opinions & beliefs. Which stem from my Baptist upbringing.

A few years ago I stopped going to church. No reason really, I just stopped going. Well thats kind of a lie, I was living away from home, in the dorms- and I was usually hungover on Sundays. So outta respect I didn't go.

When I moved back home I would go every now & again; but I have since started to go again on a regular basis and I rejoined my old church. My grandmother was elated, she is the definition of Southern Baptist & when I stared attending regularly, w/my daughter, she told me that her prayers had been answered.

It was until this past Sunday did I really realize how much my relationship w/the Lord had suffered. I mean I knew it had suffered but the sermon didn't really reach me so I had some spare time to think & pray. [Don't judge me... I can't be touched week after week]. Just being in Gods house & really talking to him I felt as if I was taking the needed steps to re-build my relationship with him.

I was raised in the church & I want E to be raised in the church. I felt like my church family were MY family. It's a great feeling to walk into church & still to this day everyone knows you & have known you since you were a lil-tot.

I haven't always walked the straight & narrow or in the way of the Lord, but the wonderful thing about him is he is a forgiving God. Life is full of trials & tribulations, ups & downs. I am learning that, with my family right now. I know that I can't do it with out him in my corner. Its been hard & I know he's never left my side but now it's my turn!

**I know this isn't my normal type of post. But this is what has been weighing heavy on my heart.**

>>Now I ask you my lovelies... Is there anything weighing heavy on your hearts that you just want to get out there? It can be deep or it can frivolous. Either way; Tell us about it >>

>>IM STUCK IN A BLOCKERSBLOCK...HELP ME PLEASE! I WANT TO GET "REAL" WITH YALL SO PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS [[ANYTHING]] & @ THE END OF THE MONTH I WILL COMPILE AND ANSWER THEM ALL!! THX!!

Don' forget I am giving away a [custom] piece of jewelry (check here for an idea) to the reader who comments the most throughout the month of Oct. -- I know that is a long time to run a "contest" but I hope since its custom that my readers will be more inclined to comment!!

The "contest" has started! Good luck & Happy Commenting! :)

**Limit... 2 comments per post, per person**

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?