Craziness

I'm finding myself smack-dab in the middle of chaos again. I had finally crawled out of the craziness of being involved in too many things - and here I am again right back where I started. I know that it's my own fault. I just can't leave things undone that I believe need to be done. I often take on way too many responsibilities just because I don't believe anyone else will take care of them - and I simply can't leave them undone. Am I the only one who suffers from this busy disease? I don't think so. I only wish I knew how to not get into the "crazy" situation to begin with. I guess I could start by learning to say "no". Although usually it is me volunteering for everything that gets me into this mess. I love to be "busy". I think most of us do. I love to be involved in lots of things - I like to help out where needed. I only wish I could distinguish the good from the important and the important from the God-led. Here's a bit of what all I've volunteered to do:
* I lead the music for and am on the leadership team for our church's college group which meets on Monday nights.
* I co-lead the music for the youth group on Wednesday night (I play the guitar, and help choose the songs ahead of time)
* I am involved in choir and praise team - which meet Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
* I create the monthly YACS (our college group) newsletter - I write or coordinate the articles, I do the interviews, I print, fold, label and mail them every month.
* I am trying to kick-off a mom's group for my church that will meet at least once per week (this is a very needed ministry for my church - there are SO many new moms that would benefit from this group)
* I manage my Sunday School online group page (this takes no time at all - shouldn't even be mentioned)
* I've been keeping a friend's kids (a 2 yr old, and a 5 mo old) every so often b/c she needs someone to keep them (and I volunteered).
* I'm about to go back to work part time (2-3 days per week) in an office - and am taking my 8 mo old w/ me.
* My husband and I are trying to get a monthly JAM night started for musicians at our church.
* I have 3 youth that have asked me for music lessons of some sort. - but I haven't been able to schedule them yet.
* I will be coordinating the music for our upcoming VBS.

I didn't even mention that I have a 6 yr old in 1st grade, an almost 8 mo old who still does not sleep through the night, and a house that refuses to clean itself no matter how much I beg. We also are in the middle of the biggest financial crisis my family has ever had.

What do you think, am I involved in too much?? This is only the things I am already involved in - not the ones I'd love to get started but just don't have the time. Plus I think there are other things I've just forgotten.

I think it's time to look over the list and begin to delegate. Pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to do just that.

By the way...

I'm blogging again...I assume that you figured that out already, but here's the official announcement anyway. It's good to be back.

My stupid mouth..

Have you ever had that moment where you did or said something entirely stupid? I know I'm not the only one - although I'm beginning to think I have more than my share of those moments. I'm standing there and as the thing is coming out of my mouth I'm wishing I could take it back. Not because it was a bad thing - but because the timing was all wrong. It was perceived in entirely the wrong way - not at all how I meant it. I forgot to filter. I wasn't paying enough attention to the situation and I hurt someone's feelings - or rather made someone mad. It was not my intention and I am tortured over it. I couldn't wait even an hour to call that person and apologize from the bottom of my heart. I'm still a little tortured over it. The person said it was no big deal and that they are not mad - but my heart still hurts b/c my stupid mouth hurt someone.

Do you ever have those moments? I hope you don't - or at least not as often as I do. I've been singing the John Mayer song, "My Stupid Mouth" in my head ever since.

Next time I'll be more careful of the timing and context before I let loose with my tongue.

Welcome Baby Sydney

Here she is...Sydney Kate Wells. This is the first time Elisa held her. She's absolutely beautiful. 7lbs, 6 oz at birth, and 18 1/2 inches. Although now she's over 20 inches and at least 8 lbs. Growing like a champ.

Thanks for all your prayers and stuff - very much appreciated.

Still Waiting for Baby

Well, what can I say...no baby yet. We're beginning to think that he or she has just decided to stay put. My daughter keeps asking if the baby is shy or scared and that's why he/she isn't here yet.

I've been having contractions for 2 weeks now - at least every ten minutes - but most are coming at least every 5 minutes. For the last 2 days they've been coming more like every 3 or 4 minutes. And they don't feel good - although compared to what's ahead, I suppose they are not so bad. We've made 2 fun trips to the maternity ward at the hospital - both to no avail, but with much frustration. I'm tempted to go into nursing so that I can run the department and set some things right.

But enough complaining.

Baby's room is ready now - little animals everywhere. I just sit there sometimes and realize how dramatically my life is about to change. My husband has been really great - hanging curtains, cleaning carpets - he's basically been helping me nest since I'm almost on bedrest in order to keep the contractions from making me completely crazy.

Good news is that if baby doesn't come before Friday - doc will induce. So before the week is out - we'll have a new little bundle of joy.

I guess it's time to come up with a name. We have some ideas - but just can't settle on one yet. Maybe we'll wait until baby arrives to see what he or she would like to be called. If only it were that easy.

If you're not too busy - shoot up a prayer for us this week. The contractions are getting quite painful, but not productive enough to get things started. I'm pretty exhausted most of the time - but am desperately trying to keep in good spirits. I have a 6 year old that needs lots of attention. My husband is working extra hours - and extra jobs to help prepare financially, and we're both pretty worn out. BUT - we're unbelievable excited. We've waited for this baby for 6 years - and still can't believe it's happening. God has answered our prayers - and given us such a blessing in this baby. I found a book called "Praying the Bible for Your Baby" and it has been my companion for the last week. I'm finding it calms and comforts me to pray so often for my new little one.

Thanks for letting me share this incredible time with all of you. I appreciate all the support we've received. I know that soon everyone can stop worrying and start celebrating Baby Wells.

I'll try to post pictures as soon as little bean is born. - or at unveil the name.

Until then...thanks for your prayers - we really appreciate them!!!

Miscellaneous Updates

I feel like I'm confessing...it has been 2 months since my last blog post. I feel just terrible.

But - now I have lots to tell...

I am now 5 weeks away from the arrival of our new bundle of joy. We've decided not to find out the gender - so the anticipation is starting to get to me. Will it be a boy or a girl??? My baby shower was Saturday - and only 3 people voted that they think it'll be a girl. There were almost 20 votes for boy. I'm kind of thinking its a boy, too. We shall see.

It's getting really difficult to play guitar on Sundays - so we are looking for a temporary replacement. If you know of anyone...

I only have about 3 more weeks of work at my day job. I'm really looking forward to being at home full time. It'll be the first time I didn't have to work an 8-5 job in about 5 years.

My daughter is about to start 1st grade - and is also about to turn 6. She's getting so grown up! She lost her first tooth about a week ago - and is the cutest thing I've ever seen. She was so proud of herself because of how brave she was.

Silly story, though: Right after she lost the tooth - we mentioned the tooth fairy to her. And it COMPLETELY FREAKED HER OUT!!! She was terrified at the idea of some strange fairy coming into her bedroom at night. So we had to tell her that the tooth fairy doesn't exist and that Mommy and Daddy would just leave her some money under her pillow as a special bravery award. It reminded me of last Easter - when someone told her about the Easter Bunny - and we had to spend an entire day convincing her that there really is no Easter Bunny, so that she would be able to sleep at night. She's also afraid of the idea of Santa Clause. Last Christmas we told her the real story of Santa Clause (St Nicholas) thinking it would be better than selling the story to her. But someone else in our family spent a long time trying to convince her that there really is a Santa Clause that would climb through her chimney at night - she didn't sleep all night because she was so creeped out.

I guess she really takes after her daddy - she's so practical! I'm also wondering if it's too early to diagnose OCD. It's amazing how much like daddy she is becoming. She's even starting to really look like him.

Okay - I think that's all my updates.

Check out my church website at www.compasswired.com - there's lots of stuff going on now that you won't want to miss!

I've done it!!!

I've finally solved all the Adventure Beach clues. I'm so proud of myself that I just had to break my blog silence and let the world know. The sad thing is that my computer doesn't have speakers at work - and my home computer is currently out of order, so I haven't been able to download any of the cool extras from solving the clues. I just get to have the satisfaction that I finally did it. WOOHOO! Now I can move on with my life. Now I can actually get some work done.

I've been busy, man!!

WOW - I can't believe it's been over 2 months since my last post. Sorry about that. Things have been moving so fast. I don't think I've announced it officially - but I'm pregnant. In fact - I'm only 3 months from D-day. With working full time, being involved in Compass, and trying to prepare for baby - I haven't had much time for blogging.

I'll try to post more often - but can't make any promises.

About baby, though - we've decided to let the gender of the baby remain a suprise. I'm really excited about that aspect. We're trying to come up with names - but probably won't decide until baby is here. I'd hate to realize after baby is born that the name we've chosen doesn't really fit them. We'll wait and see the kid first. But we do have some front-runners...I'll save the unveiling for another time.

My daughter is graduating kindergarten tomorrow night. I'm feeling quite old. It seems that just yesterday she was that tiny little girl I just met. Now sometimes I feel she's smarter than I am. We're going to have a graduation party - my husband says it's stupid, but my kid thinks its cool and I agree. Probably will invite the cousins and, of course, her best friend purple bear.
I think its kind of cool that my kid's best friend is a little bear who's voice sounds like a much younger and weirder version of her own. Someday she'll outgrow him, but for now it makes me feel like she's still my little baby with her favorite stuffed bear by her side. I think I'll cherish it just a little longer before I prompt her to let him go.

I've decided I'm carrying a human octopus. This kid is kicking all the time - and all over the place. Sometimes I have to hold on to something to keep from falling over - not an exaggeration. Have you ever noticed that there are certain times of the year when it seems like everywhere you go the place is crawling with pregnant women? I went to Target the other day and counted almost 10 pregnant women - and I didn't even go all over the whole store. Weird.

I guess that's all I got - I'll try to keep posting, but usually if I have a spare minute - I find myself napping.

Atheist's observations

I read this post today on the Monday Morning Insight blog about an athiest who recently visited Willow Creek Community Church. He listed his observations and opinions about his visit. I found it incredibly interesting to see what he thought after going into the church environment. Check out the post here.

Idol Opinion

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with Idol. I've been BUSY!!!
I even missed the results show last night - but just checked out who went home...and here is my opinion...

I'm really bummed that Will got cut last night - I also am kind of bummed that Ayla went home instead of Melissa McGhee. Kinnik and Gedeon were the right choices in my opinion. But Will should have stayed while little Kevin went home and they should have cut Melissa instead of Ayla. Oh well - they all had to go at some point.

I think Melissa and Kevin will be the next to go. I also predict that the final 6 will be.... drum roll please....

Katharine McPhee
Lisa Tucker
Paris Bennett

Ace Young
Chris Daughtry
Elliott Yamin

I really don't know who I think should win yet - but if I had to pick right now - I'd pick either Lisa, Katharine, or Chris.

There you go America - my opinion. For what it's worth.

Pastoral Survivor

I found this totally hilarious. Seriously - it made me laugh out loud. Had to share it.

Team 100

Hello all!! As you probably know - my church, Compass Church, has started services at the new Roanoke Recreation Center. As part of our new start we have just begun a message series called, "Engage: Unleashing the Power of Prayer". You can check out the details of the series at www.compasswired.com

Anyway, as part of the series we are trying to recruit 100 people to pray for us twice a week for 4 weeks (during the series). You don't have to be a member of our church or a financial supporter to join what we're calling "Team 100". If you would like to join the team and commit to praying with us and for us over the next 4 weeks, would you please send me an email at kim@compasswired.com or simply leave a comment on this blog? We are keeping a list of our prayer supporters so that we'll know when we reach our goal of 100. We have a prayer guide available here so that you will know what to pray for specifically.

Thank you in advance!! I am really excited about what is happening at Compass and cannot wait to see the incredible things God has planned for us.

Idol Results Show

So - I was at least right about 2 out of 4. I was really suprised to see Becky go - although it would have happened soon. I really expected to say goodbye to Kevin and Kinnik. I remember Patrick and Heather now - they would have been on my "to go" list.

Until next week...

Bible in a Year

I found a great resource the other day and wanted to share it with you. Christianity.com has a section of their website with daily Bible readings so that you can read through the Bible in a year. You can even choose the translation and track your progress. I've signed up and am almost through my first week of readings. I'm really enjoying it - it's so very cool to be able to track my progress. The only thing that would make it even cooler is if they had some sort of journal capability to be tied to each day - maybe someday my programming husband will come up with a program that has that capability.

In the meantime, join me in reading through the Bible in a year...here's the link

Idol Picks

I know it's silly - and you're probably going to make fun of me - but I'm loving the new season of American Idol. Somehow I got hooked this time. You may not believe it - but I haven't watched the show at all since the first season. I'm a huge Kelly Clarkson fan - and thought that the talent hasn't compared since. BUT - I think this season is different. I think there are several stars in the making this season...so here are my pics after watching the performances these last 2 days:

Boys:
Who I DIDN'T like:
Bobby Bennett - I think he is the worst performer of all the boys and girls. Cool guy - interesting personality - but not an American Idol in my opinion.
Sway - I really don't like his style - but I think lots of other people will and so he probably won't be going home tonight.
Kevin Covais - I love this kid. Maybe in a few years he'll be ready for the competition, but right now he's just not as good as the rest.
Taylor Hicks - I love this guy too! He's really interesting and real and passionate, but I don't understand why the judges all thought his performance was good - I really thought he was the worst singer of the entire group. But since everyone else likes him so much - and because he is so funny - he will probably make it to the next round.

These guys are my 3 favorites - by far!:
Elliott Yamin - It's weird how often I agreed with Simon last night on the boys - this guy was the best of the bunch. He has an awesome voice, picked a great song, and definitely is likable. He'll make it to the very end - or at least he should!
Ace Young - Great voice, great presence, great performer - cool guy. This guy will also make it to the end!
Chris Daughtry - I loved this guy - and not just because he sang Bon Jovi :) He's got one of the best voices - and is definitely a great performer.

I also liked Bucky (the cowboy), Will Makar (he looks an awful lot like John Mayer in my opinion - I really like this guy) and David Radford (the crooner). I didn't like Gedeon (his smile bugged me too), but have to admit that he has a good voice - and will probably not go home tonight. I honestly don't remember Patrick. I don't remember him being bad, but obviously he was forgettable for me.

Okay, for the girls:
Fav's:
Katherine McPhee - LOVED her voice. She reminds me of Kelly Clarkson, but with more training - she has incredible potential. I think she might walk away with the whole competition - or at least make it to the very end.
Paris Bennett - This girl has TALENT!!! Not only is her voice unique and beautiful - she is the best performer of the girls. People are going to love her!
Lisa Tucker - I actually thought her voice was better than Paris - and she has the potential to be even better. I loved the uniqueness of her voice - cool chick!

Who I would vote off:
Stevie Scott - didn't like her style. She missed ALOT of notes. Don't think she'll make through tonight's elimination.
Kinnik Sky - she looked awesome. But her voice didn't match. Too many wrong notes, and not enough talent. I think she'll go tonight too.
Melissa McGhee - I don't remember much about her performance other than the fact that I didn't like it. She'll probably make it through tonight though - I think.

I DID like:
Kellie Pickler - I love this girl. She is not the best singer or performer, but has potential to be much better than we've seen so far. She won't win, but I really hope she does well.
Ayla Brown - weird song choice. Didn't show off her talent in my opinion. You could tell she has a great voice. I want to see what else she can do.
Mandisa - I like her style, her voice and her passion. She's not the best singer in the competition, but she's really good.

I DIDN"T like:
Brenna Gethers - She has a good voice. But her song last night was terrible. I don't like her attitude - and I think that affects my opinion of her voice a little. I don't think she'll make it too far, though - b/c I think America will get tired of her too.
Becky Donahue - she hit some wrong notes, but I liked the choice of song, and think she has great potential as a performer. She doesn't have the best vocal quality - her style is cool, though. I really don't know how far she'll get.

I don't remember Heather Cox at all either - not at all.

Bottom line:
I think that Kevin Covais and Bobby Bennett are the boys going home, and that Stevie Scott and Kinik Sky will be the girls that leave.

What do you think?

Compass Happenings

There is a new blog in town!!!

Compass Church has just launched a new blog! It's where you'll find all the information you need about what is going on at Compass. We're using it as a sort of online newsletter, with announcements, updates, and even sermon "extras". Check it out here.

Sunday was great, by the way! It is so awesome to be in the Roanoke Recreation Center! We were able to experiment with the lighting this week and it made a HUGE difference. We also were able to get setup in less time than previous weeks - yeah!!

I couldn't be more certain that this is exactly where we're supposed to be - and that's a wonderful feeling! There still are (and I'm sure always will be) a few kinks to work out, a few areas where we could improve - but all in all - I think we really have something here. Something worth throwing the weight of my life behind - something to really get excited and serious about. The potential has been there all along - but I think we're really becoming more than ever before what God has planned for this area at this time.

God has been faithful to us - to lead us to this place. Now we are excited to have the opportunity to be faithful to what He has called us to do - to His vision for our lives and for our church! What a privilege to be able to be a part of God's plan - to be able to see Him do incredible things. I can't wait for what He has in store for Compass Church!

Ephesians 3:20-21:
20Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. 21May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.

CD Reviews

Guess what CD I got last night?!?! I'll give you a hint - he was the blonde contestant on Rock Star INXS...still don't know? Well, my husband suprised me last night with the "Marty Casey and Love Hammers" CD. IT ROCKS!!
Not just because I now get to hear "Trees" whenever I want to - but because he is a really great songwriter - and the music is just awesome!! I haven't been this excited about a CD since I got the Bon Jovi CD w/ "It's My Life" on it (another song that really makes me happy!)

Here are a few other CDs I got lately:

Tree63: The Worship Album - this one is even better than I thought it would be...be expecting several of these songs to show up on Sunday mornings in the near future. Fav songs on this album: King, I Stand for You, Great Kindness, Lift, No Other

X Worship 2006 (various artists) - not as good as I'd hoped. I have a lot of these songs already. But I did find a song from Kutless ("Finding Who We Are") that I love and can't wait to share with Compass Church-goers. Fav songs: In the Burning (Something Like Silas), Finding Who We Are (Kutless)

Flyleaf (self-titled) - better than I expected. Also much heavier than I expected. I honestly haven't listened to this CD very much yet. Fav songs: Breathe Today, I'm So Sick

Telecast: Eternity is Now - It's ok, but not as good as their last album. I haven't listened to this CD much yet - but I'm sure I'll have my favorite songs picked from it within a week. It's not a heavy album - very mellow. Great lyrics, but the music bored me a little when I first listened to it. I'm sure it will grow on me, though. I really like this band!

Krystal Meyers: self-titled - I LOVE this CD. It has so many great hits on it. She rocks! Kind of along the lines of Kelly Clarkson or Superchick. Kind of pop, with a little rock mixed in. Fav songs: The Way to Begin, My Savior, Anticonformity (so far).

Music Poll

I'm curious. I'd like to take a poll.
1) What are your 5 favorite bands / artists?
2) What is your favorite song - currently?
3) What is your favorite song of all time?
4) What are the 2 radio stations you listen to most often?
5) What is your favorite style of music?

Here are my answers:
1) The David Crowder Band
Charity Von
John Mayer
Audio Adrenaline
Kelly Clarkson
Bon Jovi
Building 429
Gavin Degraw
(I couldn't pick just 5)
2) "The Narrow" - Charity Von
3) "Travelin Band" - CCR
4) 89.7 Power FM - I don't have a second. If there's nothing on Power FM, I'm listening to my CDs.
5) Rock

This Weekend

Some awesome things are falling into place for Compass. Visit Johnny's blog to read about some of the most recent updates.
We are kicking off services in the new Roanoke Recreation Center this Sunday at 10:30. It's going to be great! We worked all last weekend getting things ready, and the preparations aren't done yet. We're starting a series on Marriage this weekend called "Love Revisited". If you are a newlywed, not-so-newlywed or even a not-yet-wed, this series will be one you won't want to miss. Check out www.compasswired.com for more info on the messages within the series. I'm really excited about it! Hope to see you there!!!

Don't make fun. I had to add a pic in order to add it to my profile. I'm sure there was a faster and easier way to do it - but I prefer slow and difficult. So - ignore the picture.

Countdown to the "Big Day"

Well, it's almost here...the "Big Day". I'll be 25 years old next Friday - and I can't wait!! I LOVE birthdays! I LOVE birthday parties! I LOVE friends and food and presents! Everybody does - not everyone admits it, though. My dad says I'll be a quarter of a century old - that actually sounds OLD. I'd like to say that I have some important wisdom for you - and maybe I could muster up a few small things - but mostly I still feel like there is SO much to discover and to learn. I feel like life is just beginning - and I LOVE it! I couldn't ask for a better life situation. I have an incredible husband, adorable daughter, the best family, and friends that I don't know what I would do without. Life is good ... and getting better all the time! Hopefully there is a party in my very near future...I'll keep you updated.

A Dose of Perspective

I read a post by Tally Wilgis just now that I couldn't keep from sharing with you. Check it out here. It's all about his observations during a visit to another church. The best part is at the end...

"Each week when Christians and Selfians collide... someone WILL BE uncomfortable. Why is it that the Christians want to make the Selfians uncomfortable? Why can't the Christians say "If someone has to be uncomfortable in this transaction, let it be us. I'm okay with letting my saved family do church in a theater with beer ads all around." The way those beer ads hit many church goers is the same way a stained glass window, a tie, or hymnals hits the Selfians. If I KNOW there will be SOMEONE uncomfortable... I want it to be our church members and attendees. Let it be me! If it will allow my selfian friend to see Christ in his own context... so be it."

Good stuff - right?

Compass Sessions - Jam Night

I'm hosting a weekly jam night at my house starting this Friday night at 7. All musicians welcome!!

Email me if you're interested at kim@compasswired.com

More Top 10 Lists

More stuff I like:

Top 10 TV shows:
1. Gilmore Girls
2. Alias
- these two should actually tie for first place!!
3. Friends (I know it's cancelled - but I own a few seasons on DVD)
4. Reba - could be the funniest show on TV!!
5. Lost
6. The Apprentice - although I haven't had time to watch this season :(
7. Without a Trace
8. 24 - not as obsessed as my husband, but it's a good show.
9. All the Law and Orders
10. Smallville - again, not as hooked as my husband, but a suprisingly good show.

Top 10 Movies:
1. The Count of Monte Cristo - if you haven't seen this - go get it right now! Don't even rent it - just buy it b/c you'll love it. Seriously - right now!!!
2. Ever After (I actually wore out the video and had to buy the DVD)
3. Pirates of the Carribean
4. Tommy Boy (I can quote the entire movie - seriously.)
5. X-Men and X2
6. You've Got Mail (I'm actually a little embarrassed about my love for all things Meg Ryan - please don't make fun)
7. My Fair Lady
8. What Women Want
9. White Christmas
10. All the Lethal Weapons

Top 10 Lists

Thought it would be fun to start some top ten lists - so here goes...

Top 10 Songs (as of this moment):
1. For Who You Are - Big Daddy Weave (I LOVE this song!!!)
2. Intoxicating - The David Crowder Band
3. The Narrow - Charity Von
4. It's My Life - Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi makes me happy!)
5. Free - Building 429 (heaviest song they do - best by far)
6. Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson (the funky bass rocks!)
7. Chariot - Gavin DeGraw
8. Frontline - Pillar
9. Revolution - Starfield
10. Travelin Band - CCR (this song makes me smile!)

Okay - so there's many, many more - I could do a top 50 list. But those are the ones I can't keep out of my CD player - and that make me the most happy.

Top 10 Artists/Bands (I can't do these in order - it's too hard!):
Starfield
The David Crowder Band
Kelly Clarkson
Gavin Degraw
Charity Von
The Benjamin Gate
John Mayer
Audio Adrenaline
does DC Talk count?
Bon Jovi (I know it's sad - but I can't help it)

I should do an honorable mention category to put my other 300 favorite bands into - but that would make this post WAY to long!