Back 2 School Rally 2008

I just realized that I never gave a final evaluation/recap of the Back 2 School Rally. It was Saturday, August 16th (almost 2 weeks ago). Here are a few cool things:

• We gave out over 160 school supply packs
• We gave out 71 door prizes (including backpacks, lunch bags, gift cards, etc.)
• We had over 50 volunteers serve at the event, and at least 20 more that helped prepare for it.
• We had a wonderful response from the community - both businesses and individuals.
• We were able to donate almost 50 school supply packs to Watauga Elementary on Monday following the event (what was left over)
• Pastor Elias shared the Gospel in both spanish and english to the crowd - very cool!

I think that this event was a new turning point for our church - so many people were able to serve in ways they might not have before. They were able to be a part of meeting real needs in the community. I think that our church is beginning to understand Servant Evangelism - and is getting excited about being a part of it.

On a personal note: I would just like to say, that I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this event. When we first talked about it almost a year ago - I could not have anticipated how much our church would really get involved and own it. FBC Watauga really stepped up for this one. I was impressed at how many people supported the event financially - and also the ones that volunteered (especially those that helped with all the pre-event stuff). I would just like to say a huge thanks to my cohort Charly - who was involved on every level of this thing from start to finish, to the Davidson family - who helped every step of the way (in the icky heat many times), to Theresa - who was responsible for the haircutters (a huge part of the event) and many other details, to all those who gave us ideas, to all those that gave us money and backpacks and supplies, and to all those who gave of their time in volunteering at the event! We could not have done any of it without all of you - I am honored to serve alongside each of you. I am so very proud to call you all my friends - and my family. Thanks again!!

Has it really been that long?

It's been several weeks since my last post - sounds kinda like I'm confessing :)

I've been busy, as I'm sure you can guess. Elisa started 3rd grade on Monday. Ricky is in the middle of the last full week at his current job (to start a new job on the 8th). I'm working hard on potty training Syd, and Maya is finally sleeping through the night (and by that I mean, for about 5-6 hours straight - a huge improvement).

I also had the privilege of tagging along with our church's Missions committee on a retreat we had last Friday/Saturday. Although I felt a little out of place (since I'm not on the committee - and Maya was with me), I really enjoyed being with the group. I'm constantly amazed at each one of them - how passionate they are about the things of God, how excited they are about being involved in what God is doing, how intentional they are about seeking God's direction - instead of coming up with their own plans. God is very much at work within that group - and also within our church.

Despite being a little overwhelmed with all that I need to get done (B2S Video Recap, finish the B2S thank you notes, clean my house for Elisa's bday party, plan Elisa's bday party, not to mention all the regular stuff I do every week), and with everything that's about to change, I am excited about what's ahead. I can't wait to see what God will do in the months ahead. I am also already anticipating Fall and all that comes with it - holidays, cold, decorations, snow (hopefully).

How's that for a random bunch of thoughts?

Are You A Missionary?

Someone asked me a few days ago if I was a missionary and I said no. That was the wrong answer. It took me by surprise. I knew it was the wrong answer even as I spoke it, but I couldn't think of how to express it to her. It's another one of those times when I knew right afterwards what I would say if I could go back and replay the moment.

I would say yes, I have a missional heart. I am a missionary-not to a foreign land, but God had called me to be on mission with Him right where I live.

In 2 Cor 2:14 it says that as Christ followers, we are the fragrance of Christ, a fragrance that comes from knowing Him. The deeper my relationship grows the better I'm going to smell.

Sometimes I sure don't feel so fragrant. In fact, sometimes I know I stink, but I'm not going to give up. Thanks be to God that He loves me with an everlasting love and will never give up on me!

It's my heart's desire to see my world as a mission field every minute of every day. I want to see my everyday walking around world with spiritual eyes and to look at every circumstance and every person that I meet with an eternal perspective.

At the end of week 1 day 5 of the Willis/Blackaby study, On Mission with God, it says, "God has placed you in this unique era of His kingdom's advance. He wants you to join Him on mission to bring all peoples of the world to glorify His name."

Lord God it is such a pleasant thing to rest in Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You for loving me in spite of my many flaws. You continuously amaze me with Your love and watch-care over me. Help me to remember that every second of every day I am a missionary.

- Sandra

Watching Him work

I'm taking a break tonight from the event that has been consuming my life for the last month - and blogging. I'm actually also watching the Return of the King - one of my very favorite movies. I thought it might be a good idea to talk about some of what's been happening with the rally so far. I'm amazed and in awe of all that God has done. Here's a quick rundown of all the things God has put together:

• We now have 200 school supply packs ready to be given out - all from money that was donated by our church members
• We have over 30 door prizes (gift cards, backpacks, and other things) - all donated by church members and local businesses
• All the food & drinks for the event have been donated by local businesses. (Hungry Howie's Pizza, Tex's Star Grill, & Frostie drink co.)
• We are able to pass out flyers this week at the Elementary school's registration
• there is so much more - but my brain is kind of fried, so this is all I can remember right now.

I have had so many wonderful conversations with people over the last week about what God is doing in and through FBC Watauga. I cannot begin to say how impressed I am with all of the people I have the privilege of serving and worshipping with. These people have given so much of their time and their resources and their support - I am constantly impressed - and so grateful.

I'm sure there's more I want to say. I'm so overwhelmed with excitement at the Back 2 School Rally opportunity. I'm praying that we will be able to connect with our community in a very big way and that people will really get that we love them, and that Jesus loves them! Will you pray with me that we are able to make a significant impact on the families and staff of Watauga Elementary, and Watauga as a whole. I cannot wait to tell you how it all turns out. I know God will do big things this Saturday - I am so honored to be allowed to watch Him work!

Excellence honors God

I read a quote today that I had never heard before:

" No crooked table legs or ill-fitted drawers, I daresay, ever came out of the Carpenter's shop in Nazareth." - Dorothy Sayers

I am quite moved by this quote. I have always believed that excellence honors God - that we should always give our very best in all that we do in order to really bring Him glory. That when we are unprepared or unpracticed we miss the point. I feel this way with music in regards to worship. I, personally, have a difficult time worshipping onstage when I feel unprepared. I find myself concentrating more on the notes and chords than on the One I'm singing/playing about. I hate that. This quote is pretty significant to me - I can't imagine that Jesus ever sold something that wasn't His very best work. I can imagine that He worked long and hard to make sure that everything was "perfect". I had never thought of that before. I pray that it occupies my thoughts today so that I will give everything I have to the work God has for me today. I pray it also for you.

Blogfolio

I've created a "blogfolio" of some of my design work in an effort to get some freelance work.

Check it out at http://kimewells.wordpress.com

If you know of anyone who could use some print marketing help, please let me know.

So excited!!!

I'm going to see John Mayer tonight!!! We went last year & it was awesome. This year it'll be even better 'cause we're going with friends. Friends make everything better.

Can't wait!

I hope he plays My Stupid Mouth & Gravity!