Beachy Blasts

Trifecta

2009-01-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

What a great ministry day!
1. First up - a great conversation about children's worship. I have been passionate about children's worship for a long time, but haven't led in ten years. The dialogue was energizing and ended with my commitment toward praying about if and how I can become involved.

2. Next: After school my driveway looked like this:

and my front patio looked like this:
We LOVE our neighborhood!!

3. Tonight: Every Friday night we host our community LifeGroup - we provide the house, the rest provide the dinner, and we all contribute to prayer and Bible study. We love our friends and have grown to rely on their support and encouragement. Feels like family.

Trifecta. It's a good thing.

Give-a-Way!!!

2009-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Guess what?!? One of the blogs I frequent is giving away a $25 Kroger (Fry's) Gift Card this week. Go to $5 Dinners to enter to win!!

This is an interesting blog, by the way -- she aims to make each evening meal in $5 or less. Interesting recipes and ideas...

Christmas pics and whatnot to follow...sometime...soon...I hope!

Neighborhood Halloween Party

2008-11-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Two Neighbors and I threw a Halloween party for our neighborhood -- Lawn games, prizes, food, costumes -- Fun!

Zach and Ethan

The magnet of the event

Ben and the Bean Bag toss

Tiffany face painted all afternoon - the kids loved it!

Jenna, Brianna and their friend

Ben and Audrey

Gotta' love the thumb-sucking Batman!

The neighborhood Zoo Keeper

Love the hat, dude

Looks easier than it is

When's the last time YOU had a popcorn ball?

Zach and Andrew

We were thrilled that even the 'older kids' came and stayed!

Halloween Night - Brooklyn, Jenna, Maddie, Zach & Ben

Birthday Boy

2008-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

Oh, Benjamin. You are a gift to this family. Happy Birthday, my son.

· You have an infectious laugh -- I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever.
· You have a joyful spirit
· You love to run and jump and climb and play
· You stop to look at bugs and flowers and puddles
· You have a kind spirit
· Your favorite foods are cheesy broccoli, pizza, mac 'n' cheese, fruit, & scrambled eggs
· You love to read
· Your favorite games are Zingo and Sorry
· You love to play with PlayDoh, ColorWonders, scissors and glue
· If you could play outside all day you would
· You love cartoons on Noggin and the Disney Channel
· You are a great swimmer
· You call the piano "pah-lain-o" -- and I may never correct you!
· You take 2 breathing treatments everyday -- and almost never complain
· You love baseball and soccer and bubbles and bikes and scooters
· You hiked your first mountain this week!
· Your eyes and smile will get you out of a jam

You have grown into a BOY.

July 17, 2004:

July 17, 2005:

July 17, 2006:

July 17, 2007

July 17, 2008

Chef In the Making

2008-07-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

We have a birthday boy in the house this week -- B turns 4 on Thursday.

Mommy: So Ben, what do you want to eat for your birthday dinner?
Ben: (silence)
M: What's your favorite meal, buddy?
B: Cheesy Broccoli
M: Whaaaat?
B: With mac n cheese and cereal

Nice.

This from my bottomless pit child who for breakfast this morning ate 2 helpings of Breakfast Eggs, 2 helpings of fruit salad and 3 mini-banana muffins.

Any ideas for what to serve with Cheesy Broccoli and Mac n Cheese? :)

Jalapeno Bacon Thingies

2008-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

My new favorite recipe from Pioneer Woman. It was a HIT on the 4th of July and again on our last night at the cabin.

Tidbits:

1. Make twice as many as you think you'll need. Really.

2. Need to kill some time? Explore the website. Especially the cooking pages.

What are you excited to make these days?

Saturday in July

2008-07-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Hello. Today marks a major accomplishment -- we hiked to the top of West Wing Mountain!

It took about an hour and 15 minutes round trip with a little detour to avoid a swarm of flying ants. Brian's initial reaction was that the ants were fighting. But after a little research we discovered they were actually mating! It's not everyday you can say your plan was derailed by a swarm of mating ants...

Did I mention we made it to the top? My mommy radar went balistic during a 50-ft. section near the peak where we had to climb over boulders onto loose rock on the back EDGE of the mountain. Fun times of self-editing, I tell you. The difference between the dialogue in my head and the encouragement coming out of my mouth was quite impressive, if I do say so myself.

The views were awesome. Ben kept saying "I can see the big city!" At one point on the way down Zachary offered to hold my hand and be my helper -- "I can even get water from Daddy if you want it, Mom." -- that's my boy!

Tidbits:
1. My feet haven't seen tennis shoes since...oh...2002. My knees may beg my feet to stay in flip flops for at least a week!
2. Do you see that blonde hair? Arizona & South Dakota summers rule!
3. This hike was spurred by Brian's need to find a Geocache which we didn't find due to the aforementioned swarm. (We were within feet -- the swarm was literally right on top of the geocache coordinates. Bummer.)
4. We saw lots of these (first time we've ever seen them) and these (so fast) and one of these (peace in motion.)
5. Two boys + no complaining = happy (and surprised!) parents.
6. Two boys + no complaining + happy (and suprised) parents = more Saturday hikes!

Worship Confessional 04-28-08

2008-04-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Songs:
Majestic (Brewster)
Your Grace Is Enough (Maher)
Beautiful Jesus (Stanfill)
'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus (arr. Huska)
Enough (Tomlin)

We launched a new series which will address the things of life that fight for ‘greater than’ status. Lots of things try to take over a God-focussed life. What is it in your life? Different things at different times? Or the same thing over and over again? How do you respond? How do you know when you are making progress toward living and believing that God is greater than the issue? We kicked it off with God > Me.

This was one of those Sundays that just sailed on without huge hits or misses. The congregation responded well to the new song (Beautiful Jesus) and was ready to respond to the message with the familiar 'Enough.' Scott did a great job leading and hanging out on the bridge and chorus in a great reflective moment before we built it up to the end. I'm not a personal fan of that song, but this was a great arrangement for our congregation in that spot of the service.

Next up: God > My Fear

Catching Up

2008-04-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. Lookie here. When was my last post? So sorry. In a shameless attempt to get caught up on photos and random thoughts I offer The Catch Up Post:

1. FRIDAYS - The 2007-2008 school year represents the last time in decades that neither Z nor B have school on Fridays. We enjoy the day -- at the park or at a playdate or just staying at home in jammies, which usually results in something like this:

The super stairway racetrack + the suddenly shy (or goofball) boys

2. EASTER - After our great Good Friday and Easter Services we enjoyed the rest of the day at Brian's sister's home.

B, Nikki and Z showing off their haul + Z counting his eggs with Auntie Cyndi

Daddy and B

3. SWIMMING LESSONS - The boys love it!

4. BOY OF GREAT FAITH - Zachary was determined to plant some appleseeds so 'we don't have to buy apples anymore.' Brian obliged:

The planters + Z taking a moment to 'talk' with his tree

Worship Confessional - Good Friday 2008

2008-03-29T21:25:00.001-07:00

In the better late than never category: Good Friday at Copper Hills.

The Back Story:
For us, Good Friday started on Christmas Eve. Let me explain: Our Christmas Eve service included Isaiah 49:16 which talks about our name being 'tattooed' on the palm of God's hand. We had an artist from our church family paint a 12'x8' hand on 3 panels which we processed into the auditorium and hung from a rig on the ceiling. We invited people to write their names in the palm of God's Hand. The result was stunning:

Good Friday:
We hung the painting again for Good Friday. As people arrived they saw the painting and our huge cross which was anchored on the ground in the center of the room with the communion elements and lanterns around it (the pics really don't do it justice, but you get the general idea):
We led the crowd (about 140 = great attendance for a non-Sunday service for us) through songs of the cross, sacrifice and worship. Brad (Lead Pastor) reminded us of God's love for us and our need for God's love. He reprised the Isaiah scriptures about our names being written on the palm of God's hand and connected it with the blood that then oozed from Jesus' hand during the crucifixion. We invited the congregation to come to the painting, find their name (or add it if they weren't there at Christmas), dip a finger in red paint and swipe it over their name to symbolize the sacrifice of blood that was made by Jesus to wipe out our sin. The result, again, stunning:

The congregation moved from the painting to communion at the cross.

The Songs:

Nothing But the Blood - Redman
Sweetly Broken - Vineyard (J. Riddle arrangement)
Amazing Grace - arr. Huska (CHC arrangement)
Amazing Love - Redman
Lead Me To the Cross - Frasier
The Wonderful Cross (When I Survey) - Tomlin

The Impact:

Worship leaders often dialog about the effectiveness of this idea or that idea and constantly evaluate if the congregation is worshipping. Evenings like this leave little to discuss: people come prepared to participate and do so with intent, introspection and soul-full meaning. Worship happened - At the Hand of God and at the foot of The Cross.

My favorite pics of the night occured after the service: Janet (the "Hand of God" artist) talking with her daughter at the painting. And Brian and I at the painting with the boys. Special moments.

Worship Confessional 03-09-2008

2008-03-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name's Cathy. I lead worship. ("Hi, Cathy.") This is my maiden voyage on the Worship Confessional Ride. What is it? Simple: The thoughts, musings, and reflections of a recent worship experience. While I constantly have a running-worship-dialogue in my head I rarely write down my thoughts for others to read and comment. I read several bloggers who share their weekly worship confessionals. It won't shock you to know that I may not succeed in that blogging goal. Yet, one must start somewhere. Like last Sunday. Here it goes:

My Church: Copper Hills Community Church, Glendale, AZ
My Role: Plan and lead worship in collaboration with some amazing people
The Setting: School Gym + Courtyard for baptism
This Service: Concluded a series on Salt & Light

Worship Music

Walk-in Tune: This Little Light of Mine (instrumental-jazzy sax wailing)
Romans 12:1 (Agnew)
Forever (Tomlin)
Center (Hall)

Faith Stories

5 people shared their life-changing encounters with Christ
3 people shared their real-life examples of being salt/light

Wrap-Up & Response Song

Shine (Redman)- taught it for the first time 3/2/08. Immediate connection with our congregation
Baptism Outside - the 5 people who shared earlier

One of the things I love about my church is the way we celebrate baptisms. It is an all-out celebration with whooping and hollaring and unabashed joy. These Sundays always energize me - you can't go wrong hearing stories about how God is working in people's lives! The highlights for me:

One man's-man tearfully and honestly shared of his re-dedication to Christ. We're talking big, macho Jesus tears and big, macho life-change.
One father-son duo shared. Both were baptised. At the same time. With arms linked together. Dry eye, anyone? I think not.

The band was solid, those who spoke came prepared and energized, the church was full and ready to celebrate. Could the music have been better? Absolutely. Always, right? Would I change a thing or two if I could? Maybe. But the spirit of God was alive and present from the get-go and in those moments we were The Church.

This weekend we celebrate Copper Hills' 10th Birthday. It almost feels like it will be a let-down compared to last week. BUT...more worship, more stories, more celebrating the goodness of God through 10 years of church-ing. Looking forward to it!

Persuasion

2008-03-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Mommy: OK, Boys. Time to come brush your teeth.

Zach: But mom, we're fighting a volcano and stinky breath is the only thing that will stop it from ruining our things!!

How can I argue with that?

The Inspiration for Re-Entry

2008-02-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hello, Hello, Dear friends. (All 3 of you.) (Seriously.)

After much scolding, scowling and eye-rolling at my lack of blogging since HALLOWEEN, I've been inspired to restart. Here's the deal:

For months I've been following several bloggers - reading their daily entries and enjoying their takes on life, ministry, God, family, fashion and...well, pretty much every topic imaginable. THEN, one day a few weeks ago a HUGE announcement was made that these very bloggers are ALL taking a trip TOGETHER to Uganda with Compassion International. The goal of the trip is to spur US into action and save kids from poverty and hopelessness. These bloggers have banned together and committed to 8 days traveling and blogging about their experiences. I cannot express how intrigued I am and how excited I am to read their entries this week!

So...here's the deal. I recommend YOU READ these blogs with me. In all honesty, I'd recommend them to you in a heartbeat anyway...but this would be a GREAT week to start reading. (Let me apologize in advance for the addictive nature of Blog Reading and my overt attempt to get you hooked!)

Without further ado, The Bloggers/People Who Care About Kids:
Shaun Groves (recording artist, Compassion dude)
Carlos Whittaker (worship dude)
Sophie “Boomama” (an absolute hoot)
Anne Jackson (author of the upcoming "Mad Church Disease")
Shannon (also a hoot)
Randy Elrod (founder of the re:create conference)
Heather Whittaker (Carlos' wife - adventure girl)
Brian Seay (Compassion dude)

The trip includes additional people, but these are the blogs I keep my eyes on. They write from varying life experiences -- you may enjoy some more than others, but I'm certain you'll find them at least entertaining and at best inspiring and meaningful.

As an introduction to 'the trip', let me recommend this post from Shaun Groves. Happy reading -- and who knows -- maybe we'll be inspired to ACT!! :)

Halloween 2007

2007-11-03T19:24:00.001-07:00

We had a great time with friends and family...17 at our home for dinner!

Homemade Taco Soup and Chicken Vegetable Soup
Chips & Salsa, Cheese & Crackers
Candy Corn & Pretzels (should really be peanuts, but you know...)
Lots of candy...but only half of the trick-or-treaters. Bummer.
Brian and Jon took the boys and Nikki around the neighborhood
A good time was had by all.

Enjoy the pics of our little circus. :)

Zachary -- loved the whole thing

Benjamin - NO wig, NO make-up. YES to spikey hair.

The boys with Baby Carter (Jon & Janelle's son)

The boys with Nikki (Kevin & Janet's daughter) - a Pink Dragon - All girl, I tell you!

Baby Carter with Cyndi (The Official Candy Tester)

Benjamin and Auntie Cyndi's creation

Oh So Thankful

2007-09-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am. Here's one reason why:

The boys and I met some friends at McDonald's Playland for lunch today. We're there enjoying our Chicken Nuggets and whatnot when a Dad and Daughter join our line of barstools. This, not so surprising. The DVD player, headphones and movie that became planted on the table in front of the daughter...surprising.

What????

The Dad worked a bit to situate the DVD player so that all of the kids in line at the bar stools could see (how kind)...and then he disappeared. Really. He left his daughter with the movie playing, walked over to the pseudo-video-games and planted himself on a chair. While his daughter was watching a movie. In the middle of McDonald's. With perfect strangers. She's maybe 5.

A conversation between my friend and I ensued: Single dad who has completely run out of ideas so he's simultaneously using his two best ideas? Maybe. Sad little girl now really wants to run and play as our kids finished eating and ran off...should we suggest she go play? Maybe. Should one of us venture over to the dad at the video games and ask if the daughter can play? Maybe.

I was sad. And confused.

And then I was thankful.

Because yesturday morning, during a week that was so busy he could barely think straight, Brian offered to take the boys to preschool...just because he wanted to. And then he stayed longer than he had planned just to hang out for story time. And because next week Wednesday, Zach's 5th Birthday, Brian is surprising Z by picking him up from school and taking him for a special treat prior to our family birthday party. And because 2 Saturdays ago Brian offered to take both boys out to the lake so I could have some solitude. And because nearly every night when he walks through the door Brian gets tackled by two little boys who are out-of-their-minds-excited that he is home. And because sometimes, he even takes them to McDonalds...and eats with them. And talks with them. And then cheers them on as they play and slide and explore.

I am still sad for the little girl. But I am even more oh-so-thankful for my husband.

Justice & Mercy

2007-08-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Titus 3:4-7 (NLT)
"...God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life."

He declared me not guilty? Are you kidding me? Does he know me at all? So guilty am I. Quick tempered. Impatient. Arrogant. (Unsavory traits I didn't realize I had, by the way, until I became a parent of strong-willed boys!) These verses hit me as I've thought about God's simultaneous justice and mercy. He totally calls me on my sin. AND he chooses to pour out his mercy to the point of clearing me of my sin...pretty amazing. The convicting part, as usual, stares me in the face as I ponder how to offer justice and mercy to those in my life. With my children...honestly...WAY easier than with should-know-better-because-they're-adults adults. I need to chew on it for a while...

Signs of the Times

2007-08-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Scene 1: 6:30am in my bathroom
Zach: Good morning, mom. Where's daddy?
Me: He left early this morning, bud. He had an installer meeting.
Z: Oh
M: He has that meeting and another really big one this afternoon, then he'll come home.
(Silence)
(Silence)
Z: Mommy? Can we make a meeting with Daddy?

Scene 2: 11:30am at Barnes & Nobles
The boys are coloring and cutting pictures that are 'themed' with the Storytime books about going back to school.
Me: Zach, here's a scissors to cut off the end of that paper
Zach: No! My paper has an awning. I need it to hang over the edge.

Hmmmmm. The boy loves his daddy.