Jackson and Madison are 4!!!

Happy Birthday to my Jackson and Madison!!!

Oh, how time flies!! I can't believe that it's already been 4 years since God blessed our lives with these two precious babies. They are so special to me and their wonderful daddy!

To Madison -

I love you princess! You are such a special little girl. I love how your funny laugh makes everyone around you laugh too. I love how you take care of your babies with a tender and sweet spirit -- you will be an amazing mommy some day. I love your independence -- you are not afraid to try things on your own and "do it yourself". You are my shopping buddy and already have a sense of style (lol!). Thank you for the last 4 years and all the joy you have brought to me and daddy.

Love you sweet girl!

To Jackson -

You're my little Spiderman. I love your imagination and your amazing ability to be cute! I love how you are content to play by yourself, but willing to be a helper whenever I need you. I love that you are my bug killer and a protector for your sister. I love it when you say "I love you mommy" (me: "I love you too) "I love you more!" I love that you want to do the right thing and you love to just be you - never lose that.  I look forward to what God has in store for you.

Love you sweet boy!

NYC

What a trip!! We just got back from a week in New York City with our adult Worship Choir. It was an amazing week!! We worked very hard and played very hard :o). We worked with Metro Ministries while we were there. This organization ministers to children all across New York City and across the world. They reach somewhere around 40,000 kids each through their local and international ministries!! We were incredibly blessed to work with these people and to be exposed to a new way of "doing" ministry. What an eye-opening experience! They have an incredible way of teaching the Word of God to these kids and they help them understand how to live for God in a very simple but impacting way. One thing that really stuck with me was the "4 Important Points" that they taught the kids. This was set to a great hip-hop beat and was done in a rap format. The 4 points are:
1. God Loves Me
2. I have sinned
3. Jesus died for me
4. I need to decide to live for God
Those kids knew the points!! What an incredible way for them to be able to take the message home to their families and teach others about living for Christ!!  Metro Ministries focuses on so many aspects of reaching children for Christ that they do not have the time or man-power to keep up with their facilities. They are working to open their world headquarters in an old Jewish hospital that they acquired 5 years ago. Part of our time with them was spent working on the facilites: moving furniture that had been donated to them, cleaning up lots that were under city violation, working to prepare backpacks for their back-to-school ministry, and various other projects. With the man-power that we took with us (65 people!!!) we were able to complete all of the tasks that they had asked of us as well as a few more . God is good!!                                         

While we were in NYC, we also were able to attend choir rehearsal with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir as well as attend worship with them on Sunday morning. I think that's what heaven is going to be like!! That choir is just as amazing live as they are on their recordings -- and Pastor Cymbala is an amazing speaker! Such a blessing.

We did have a free day on Friday of our trip. Dave and I had a great time exploring NYC and hanging out together. We toured Radio City Music Hall, shopped on 5th Ave, enjoyed cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery, shopped for the kids at FAO Schwarz, and lots of other things, too! We finished that day off with a game at Yankees Stadium (yankees lost, but it was still fun!) We took in a few musicals while we were there; Wicked (a must-see!!), and The Lion King (great costumes!!).

It was the trip of a lifetime with people that were fun to be around! We made lots of memories and took lots of pictures that I will share another time!

And........while we were gone........Jackson and Madison were in Snyder with my family. They are now, even more rotten than they were before!! -- but, they had a blast!!    Thanks everybody for loving on our kids while we were gone. You guys are amazing!!

Love to all --

Karomy

Job

Well...we are wrapping up Vacation Bible School tomorrow and I was thinking today about what a joy it has been to be able to serve as the Children's Minister at our church for the last 2 1/2 years. VBS will always hold a special place in my heart because that is where I accepted Christ as a young child. It is such a fun time of study for children and can be so impacting in their lives.

I've had several people say things to me over the past few days like, "Are you ready to hand over the reigns?" or "I'm sure you'll be glad to be done with your job." or "Glad this is your last VBS?". I have to be honest....I welcome the change in my schedule, but I wouldn't trade the last couple of years for anything. In my position, I have learned a lot about myself and about working with people -- some good things, some not so good things. I have been able to develop skills that I never would have been able to develop. I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has given me in this position. I am kinda sad to not be "in charge" any more, but I know that God has another plan for me. I will commit to pray for our new children's minister as she comes on the field to serve God in this position. I know that she will be blessed in her work.

As for my new direction, I am REALLY going full-time with Mary Kay. I know I've committed to this before -- but, I really mean it this time. I have had a renewed sense of commitment to my job with Mary Kay and I think it's time for me to jump back in with both feet and see where the Lord takes me on that journey. I ask for your prayers as I begin to work and share this amazing opportunity with other women. I pray that God will bless my business abundantly and bring the women into my life that need Mary Kay for whatever reason.

Seeking Him continually --

Karomy