Hoffspace...are you Kidding Me?

After posting a rather serious post earlier, I ran across this website about one of Germany's favorite singers.

I clicked on it today and it gives me a message that it is currently undergoing maintenance. I wonder if that has been 'undergoing maintenance' since the mid 80's?

Immigration Policy...or lack thereof

I am not going to ramble on and on about this and I really don't want to start up a debate, I just want to inform those that may not have personal relationships with immigrants the two-sided, red tape, unclear message we send to immigrants. I encourage you to think about it and put a face to the issue before making the staunch statement that illegals should be deported immediately.

I will also put the disclaimer on that my husband is 100% German and I personally went through the immigration process, filled out paperwork and continue to meet the requirements of the INS for his residency in the U.S. Keep the comments that I do not know what I am talking about to yourself.

Here are just a few examples of the craziness that occurs:

• Illegal immigrants are processed through the public school systems in the U.S. and receive high school diplomas. I personally graduated with a boy back in 1991, so it isn't something recent.
• Illegal immigrants are unable to get a valid driver's license, yet they can purchase both automobiles and car insurance in the U.S.
• Illegal immigrants are provided government assistance through the naturalization process of children born in the U.S. (i.e. medicaid, food stamps, reduced or free lunches)

I would ask that you lift this situation up in your prayers this next week and that you specifically pray that the leaders of our local, state and national government will find a way to handle this situation. Ask God to provide them the knowledge to handle this in a manner that will glorify Him.

Your Full Potential

This past Thursday I was cleaning up the room we use for our Elementary Students at church with a few of our kids that were volunteering with their parents at the Dream Center. I have found with kids that it is easy to get them to serve when you change things up as to what they are helping with and there is a clear start/end to the project.

So...we were straightening up our craft center and sharpening colored pencils. One of the moms walked in and I asked her,

"Am I neurotic wanting to sharpen the pencils for Sunday mornings?"

In addition to admitting to a tiny bit of OCD, she said that without sharpening the pencil, kids would never know the full potential of the pencil. I have thought about this a couple days and I think it is just like that with each one of us. We are the pencil that is dull, not reaching our full potential until we sharpen one another.

As iron sharpen irons, so one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17

A Funk

Do you ever find yourself in a funk? A self-imposed and single attended pity party? Start to ask whether what you do makes a difference?

I've had a couple days like this and I am not saying this for you to jump on board and throw on the encouragement. I am writing this just to be real with those that have stumbled across my blog or in some odd way find amusement in the day-to-day activity of what I consider to be a pretty 'normal' life. I think a lot of it stems from the fact that I went from full steam ahead with Open House and 50-60 kids/week at the Dream Center to a pause in between closing that down and starting back at the schools volunteering. Oddly enough...I miss the kids from the neighborhood and gain fulfillment in giving time to spend with them.

How do I handle funks? I use humor. It is my answer to everything!

Bad day....laugh
Good day...laugh
Bills to pay...laugh
Hit the lottery...laugh
Fall off a ladder...laugh harder!

I know my friends that are teachers will berate me for saying this, but I am ready for school to start so I can see some of our kids again!

You Might be a Redneck...Part 4

This takes horseshoes to a whole new level in the redneck world. I am hoping they weren't used toilet seats. Then again...it would be a lot of fun to play. I might find a way to bring this to Children's Ministry in North Charleston.

Does Anyone Else Find this Funny?

I am not going to really comment on this, but only ask if anyone else finds humor in this picture?

Humbled to be a Part of God's Plan

We had the annual book bag give-a-way today at the Dream Center. It is the second year that I have been a part of it and I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of God's plan.

It started with the stuffing of the book bags on Thursday Evening. A team of 20-25 students and parents came together from North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley as Nerve2Serve packed 350 book bags with a great start for any school year: pencils, notebook, ruler, tape, glue and folders.

This morning, the Adopt-a-Block leaders and their teams assembled at the Dream Center and hit the streets to invite families to come hear a short message on salvation and then receive a book bag to start off the new school year. I had the opportunity to serve with a team of friends anointed by the Lord to deliver the best story of all, the story of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There were more than 20 kids and parents that either committed their lives to the Lord this morning or laid it back down at the foot of the cross. It was amazing to see God work through each of the people that served at the Dream Center today!

I hope to post some pics of the event in the next day or two!