Fasting

We as a church body are being called to fast for 21 days with our focus on God and our city. Not just our church here at Rock Church but several churches. How could this be a bad thing? I don't believe it could be. I feel like we should come together as a team for God and take this time to hear what He has in store for us. I feel like we can only benefit from this experience. Like Pastor B said we do not all have to go without food for 21 days(unless God has called you to do so) but I think if we seek the lord with prayer we will be led to put away something we THINK we can not live without. I have been preparing mentally, physically and spiritually for this. I want a closer relationship with God. I want to here his voice. I want Him to touch me in a special way. I want more of Him. 11 days after the beginning of the fast I have set a QUIT date for smoking.(Yes I have been a smoker for years) I believe with God all things are possible and I know I am stronger than my addiction(Plus I have a, what I believe to be a, "Great Coach" to help keep me accountable. I have been preparing for this for the last two months. My 10 reasons for quitting are these...

1. For my health(I'm no spring chicken)
2. For my husband(worried I'll die today)
3. For my 12yo (worried I won't live to see my grand children)
4. To be an example for the people who look up to me. (my children)
   
5. I do not want cancer from cigarette's (or any other kind)
6. Quitting will add years back to my life
   
7. So I can breath better(I used to run and last week while helping put away somethings I had a hard time catching my breath after a few trips up and down the stairs.) I once ran a mile in 7min. That is my goal to be able to run a mile again, it does not have to be 7 min. but to finish it running would be good.
8. Save Money- yes it would be about $75.00 a month. (That will pay for Ross's Guitar lessons)
   
9. I will spend about 30 extra min. a day with my children.(because I smoke outside and not around them)
10. My food, that I love, will taste better.

Any way my heart is in it and my spirit is willing, though my flesh may be weak, nothing is impossible with God on your side and Carolyn keeping you accountable.

Love this season

Yesterday I had the pleasure of shopping for a nine year old girl. The PTO sponsored a child for Christmas, So shopping yesterday was even more enjoyable. All she had on her list was a Bike. Wow...in an age when children seem to want more she only had one thing on her list and we made sure she got it. I was so excited to drop it off at the school today. I wish I could know who this child is just to see the look on her face when she gets it:-). This year we decided as a family we would only get one thing for each child. We are trying to put the focus on giving and not receiving. Not to mention this is supposed to be the giving season. We get to celebrate this wonderful time because of the ultimate gift giver....GOD. He gave us his Son, a way out, a Savior, our King who took the punishment for us so we could be saved. I can remember when I finally got that. So for you I will explain it like this. God was up there in Heaven looking down here and shaking his head. He probably thought "well I can't flood them out again...I promised" I will go there my self as Jesus, live a perfect life, set the example, and then let them torture me till I am dead, raise up again in three days, explain all of this to a few and maybe, just maybe, they will get it." God loves us so much he came, suffered, died and rose again to prove it. He does not want to punish us, he loves us.

Class is almost finished

I have two classes left. It has been a great time for me. I have learned to do things and fix things I never thought possible. This has been a great year. Because of my position at Rock Church
I am taking a class that has stretched me even further, Mentally and physically, I have learned how to troubleshoot simple electrical problems, learned how a small (2cycle) engine works and how to troubleshoot simple problems. It seems there is a priming button and it is important to use it when starting a small engine, being careful not to prime too much or it still will not start. Andy has been very helpful and explains everything clearly and if you have a question he usually has the answer and if he doesn't he will find the answer for you and make sure you understand it completely. I believe he is a blessing to Cape Fear community college and his students. I have discussed with my husband about taking the woodworking class next month. I have discovered I like working with power tools. In this class I created a box with a raised panel lid and dovetail joints. I can't wait to put the final coat of finish on it. I had some help and it is very nice.

Lovin Life

I know it has been a while but I have been too busy.

• The PTO fall festival was a hit
• The class I have been taking at Cape Fear has been fun and informational, I am thinking of taking another. (wood working)
  
• Thanks Giving was a great day. Too much food and friends to share it with.(Seven kids in the house was a challenge) The company was a nice change of pace.
• My tree is up and decorated!(thanks to Ross' persistence)
• I can now start the Weed trimmer by myself!(It seems there is a primer button)
• The concert for C.A.R.E. is Friday night at Rock Church, I have a list of things to finish before the week is out.(And of course it is raining today)
• PTO meeting tonight(still have to do power point)
• Read a book. It was very informative. (That is all I can say about that)
• Evidently listening is a skill you must practice.(I am getting better)
• As for that talking......? well I am working on it.

God is so good. I know I don't need to tell most of you that but He is. He is all the things His word says, Kind, patient, loving, caring, gentle and God will never leave you nor forsake you. He created us to reflect His likeness in the earth. So do something today to reflect God's likeness to someone. Let them get in front of you in traffic, or at the grocery store, you know general acts of kindness. See what happens and keep it between you and God.

Pto MOM

Yes I am a PTO MOM. I am the co-president for RPPS in Rocky Point there are two of us because it is too much for one person. We are about to have our annual fall festival and the days are few. I am a little stressed. Not too much. I mean we can only work with what we have right? Donations are what make this possible that and parents who volunteer to help us. I want every parent at RPPS to know you are appreciated. Thank You Thank You. Donations are already rolling in. Thank You as well to Food Lion for their generous donation of cakes for the cake walk as well as Christy's restaurant in Wilmington for the whipped cream donation. I hope to get you all some pictures as soon as we are done.