Christmas Cards

I am a little late at getting Christmas cards out this year. As a matter of fact I don't think I even did Christmas cards last year. I don't remember why, I just remember that I did not send them. We had a Christmas banquet at the church this past Friday night. It was very nice. We had a catered meal and Christmas music sang by a lady from West Virginia named Joy Jones. She and her 2 boys sang some Christmas music. I love Christmas music and they did a very nice job at it. So we took this picture of us in front of the Christmas tree at the church. Somehow we got even Preston to smile! He turned 6 months old Friday! Time has flown!! Tori will be seven in February. She has a Christmas concert at her school tonight. I am so excited to see her sing, because she is very excited about it. She told me last night that her singing in this Christmas concert is her gift to us. She is so sweet.

We went out for dinner and shopping on Saturday with my parents for my birthday. They bought me a birthday cake and it was such a nice day to be able to spend it with my parents, Matt and the kids. My brother had to work, so he and Felicia did not make it. Sunday Tori said, "Mom, I don't have a lot if money to buy you a nice birthday present." I told her that just having her as my daughter was the best birthday present ever!! She looked all sad and like she wanted to cry. That was the sweetest thing she could've said to me. Just for her to think about buying me something for my birthday was so cute!! I am so thankful this Christmas season. Thankful for great friends and a wonderful family and most of all that God sent his son as a baby in a manger to save me! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Roy Gabbard

Today is kid of a sad day for me. It was 10 years ago today that my Grandpa, Roy Gabbard, passed away. He was the greatest man I have ever known. I cannot believe it has been 10 years! If I ever met a true man of God, he was. At his funeral he was referred to as "God's man". He truly was God's man. He only cared about pleasing God and getting a work done for God. He had the greatest faith I have ever seen. As a teenager and young adult I would go to my grandparents house and just sit and talk to them. They would tell my stories about what God had done for them. Stories like when they mortgaged their home to buy a rat infested building in Newport, Kentucky. Why did they buy it? Because God spoke to my Grandpa and told him to and because the church they were attending at the time needed to sell this building to use the money for a new addition to the church. So God spoke and that's all to it. Even if it didn't look as if they were doing the right thing, in the natural, they trusted God and just did it!! What faith! So, they bought this old building and rented it out for around two years, which made enough to pay the mortgage payment. Then God spoke again. This time God said to sell the building and told my grandpa the very price to ask for it. The next day a man walked in the building and asked if it was for sale. When my Grandpa told him the price he bought it, no questions!! When the deal was completed Grandpa had enough money to pay off the loan and all of his other debts and also enough to pay cash for a brand new car!!! Isn't God amazing!!

This is just one of the many stories Grandpa had to tell!! God miraculously performed many miracles throughout my grandparents life!! When I would leave their house I would feel as if I could do anything God wanted me to do. The sky was the limit!! He left behind a great legacy. 12 children (eight of his children are preachers), 23 grandchildren (several of them are preachers as well), and 10 great grandchildren. Their isn't enough time to tell all the great things about my Grandpa, but he taught me some valuable lessons in life. He taught me that God was real, that I should not serve God because he did or the rest of my family did, but serve God because I have an experience with God for myself. He taught me how to hear and understand the voice of God and to always obey God at all cost!! He was the most loving, generous, forgiving, faithful man I have ever known. I am priveledged to have known him and to be his granddaughter. But most of all I am privelidged to be the a daughter of God! I can't wait until I see him again!! And I know it will be soon!!

Tori's Blog

I love my family. This picture is of my baby brother, Preston. I am feeding him. Preston was about 2 months old in this picture. I love my baby brother! I love 1st grade. My teacher's name is Mr. Brewer. My Kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Miller. My preschool teacher was Mrs. Jane. She took me to see the movie WALLE. I had a lot of fun!! I am excited about Christmas. I want a ipod, my two front teeth (haha), and a Nintendo Wii. I love my mommy! Merry Christmas everybody!!

Love, Tori

My Kids

My kids are getting so big. I had Preston at the Doctor last week and he weighs 20 lbs 8 oz.! I can't believe how big he is getting. He had ear infections again last week. This is the third time and he is only 5 months old. I have been worried about him because he has been sick so much. Tori was not sick like that and has had maybe one ear infection her whole life. I know that the Lord will touch him. Please keep him in your prayers.


Tori is getting big as well. Here is her 1st grade picture. My father in law says that she looks like my mom. I think she kind of does in this picture! Tomorrow is her Thanksgiving Feast at school. She will be dressing up as a pilgrim or an Indian (we haven't decided which yet). She made straight A's on her first report card of the year. We are so proud of her!!

This is two pictures of Tori. The first one is from October of 2007. She was a cheerleader for Upward Flag Football. Upward is a Christian sports league for children. I really like the program because it is based around Christ and the kids have a devotion at each game. The second picture is from October 2008. She was again a cheerleader for Upward Flag Football. See how much she has grown in just one year!! Time flies! Now she wants to play basketball for Upward. Basketball starts in February.

I am so excited about Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving almost as much as Christmas! We go to my aunts (Cathy) house for Thanksgiving at lunch time. Then we travel back to West Union to have Thanksgiving dinner at Matt's parents house. I don't get to see my family as much anymore so it is nice to get the chance to see everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

It's beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!!!

We put our Christmas tree up last week. This is the earliest I have ever put up my tree. Tori had a wonderful time helping. She carried every branch in the house, one at a time from our storage building. She had a blast and so did Matt and I. I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year! Maybe because my birthday is the 16th, Christmas is the 25th, my Anniversary is the 28Th (12 years this year!!), or Matt's birthday is the 31st. I don't know. Or maybe its the lights, the trees, the look on the kids face on Christmas morning. Or the fact that it seems that Christmas brings out the best in all of us. We are more giving. I went to a Pastor's conference last February in Phoenix, Az. It was at Phoenix First Assembly. It was amazing! They have the biggest bus ministry I have ever seen. They bus kids and adults in every week and see lives changed every time! Anyway, every year at Christmas time they throw the biggest Christmas party ever. They bus these kids in and have toys all over the sanctuary. Bikes and all kinds of toys all over. Hanging from the ceiling...just toys everywhere! Last year one of the kids walked in the church and said to the bus pastor..."Is this Heaven?!" Keep in mind, most of these kids come from crack houses. You may think- what does giving kids toys have to with God? Jesus said, when you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me. When we put aside our selfishness and do something for someone else that really needs it- they will see Christ through us!! So this Christmas, although the economy isn't good and I won't be giving or receiving as much as normal- I'll not complain because I am blessed. Blessed with the most amazing husband and kids that anyone could ever dream of having. The older I get the more I realize that its not all about me, its more and more about him. And, I will try to find someone who needs help and help them this Christmas season. In hopes that they will see the love of Christ through my small sacrifice and receive the greatest gift of all... salvation!!!

Happy 5 Months Preston!!!

Preston turned 5 months old yesterday! He is getting so big. He is such a happy baby. Last night Tori was playing with him and she had him laughing out loud! Now he laughs out loud all the time now, but Tori had him laughing so hard he was shacking! It was so cute! I am thankful everyday for my kids. Thankful that they are healthy. They are such blessings from God! Happy 5 months Preston. Before we know it you will be turning one! I can wait though!

Lord, Use me!!

I am excited about what God is doing. This past Sunday our crowd was down, which is kind of depressing because so many people find so many excuses not to come to church. And then you have those people who are struggling and need help and then they don't even show up at church all weekend. I am thinking, "Duh! No wonder you are having so many problems!" I guess I was raised different. When I have a problem I run to God, not away from him! Anyway, even though the crowd was down a little, God was still there! We had two amazing services. Matt preached Sunday night about the rapture. He had a dream (and I remember when this happened, because he woke me up). Anyway, he had this dream when President Bush started his first term, we were living in the Eastgate area of Cincinnati, in his dream something happened during President Bush's election that started the countdown to the rapture. He said that at first he thought it was the devistation of 9/11. But now he knows that the trouble our economy is facing and the events of the last few weeks are what he believes he dreamt about. I know this has been scarey for everyone, but somehow the antichrist has to start to rise to power and we are heading in the direction for a one world currency (the mark of the beast). I don't know near enough about the end time, but I do see the changes happening as a sign of the times for the believers. Jesus said that we will know the end is near when we see these things happen, just as we know when summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter. We don't know when it will happen just that it will. I know that God has a plan and I am trusting him everyday to take care of us no matter what happens in the future.

So, Sunday night a man got a healing in his body and a couple came up to pray because the company he works for is laying off employee's this week. Matt got an email yesterday from this couple and while some did get layed off- his boss took him in the office and gave him a raise, instead of laying him off!!! Isn't that awesome!!! So, yes I am excited about what God is doing. We are living in a day that the prophets prophesied about! I am reminded of the scripture "Work while it is day, for the night comes when no man shall work" (I am paraprasing). Now is the time, today is the day to work! Lord, help me to be an instrument to help others get saved.

This weekend!!

I had a great weekend! It was so nice to see everyone at the wedding. The wedding was very nice and Heather looked like she was in heaven! I am so happy for her and Patrick! Late Saturday evening and Sunday morning I was sick. Sick to my stomach. Matt got the kids ready for church and took them and I came a little late, but made it and even sang both services. I know that the Lord counts on me to do my job for the church, so I always try to be there even when I am sick. I know that someone's soul could be in the balance, that's why I have to give 100% even when I don't feel like it! Jason (our worship leader) said a few things Sunday about this and it really encouraged me. He said the what we do is not a game- it's real and we have to fight the battle and do what God has called us to do at all cost. Sunday night we prayed before we sang (as we always do) and Jason prayed that the alter would be full of people wanting to get saved and get closer to God- then he said let the alter fill a second time- and it did! People just kept coming. Matt preached a message about "signs". How God gives us signs in our life to warn us and to lead us in the right way. He talked about the sign (street sign) that shows a "dead end" and how you may not get the chance again to come to Jesus. He even told the story about Charlotte preaching years ago and she stopped and turned to the wall and prophesied "Your life will be required of you this night, because you didn't heed the voice of the Lord" (I am paraphrasing) and she didn't even know that behind that wall was a young man who was making fun of God and the people in the next room worshipping God. Later the night he died in a horrible car acident. He didn't get a second chance. We never know when it is our time- we have to be ready. But then he ended on a positive note preaching about the "U turn" sign. How tonight you can turn around and change your ways and God will be there to help you! It was great- I don't know how many people got saved, but I do know that the alter was full. Sometimes it makes you realize that the trials and the hard times you go through can sometimes be the devil trying to hinder us from what God wants us to do. Anyway, it was a great weekend.

Preston is sick again, I took him for his 4 month check up and he has a double ear infection again. This time the doctor gave him a shot. I go back in 2 weeks to see if the ear infections have cleared up and for him to get his other shots. He is so good though. He was fussy a little last night , but this morning he seemed like he felt much better. I know he will be fine. I just worry because this is already his second ear infection. But, I know he will be fine. Keep you posted!

Preston

Preston rolled over for the first time on Wednesday night. He is getting to big, to fast. He turns 4 months old on Sunday. I can't believe how time has flown. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Matt has been sick this week and I think Preston may have a touch of what Matt had. Last night he had a slight fever and wasn't eating as much as normal. All in all, he is such a good baby. Even when he has a fever, he still laughs and plays.

This weekend there is a wedding back home. Heather Sanders in getting married tomorrow. I am going to drive back with the kids and go to the wedding. It is so nice to get to see everyone, since I don't see them as much anymore. I will try to post some pictures next week. Can't wait, it will be a blast!!

Some Pictures

Here is a picture of Tori's first day of 1st grade. This was taken about 3 weeks ago. She loves 1st grade . Her teacher says he likes to use Tori as an example to class of good behavior, although he also added that she can talk a little to much. I have no idea where she gets that from!!!

This is when Tori lost her two front teeth. This was taken early in the morning and she looks half asleep.

This is Hannah Montana-I mean Tori. She wants to be Hannah Montana though. And always posing for every picture.

Here is a picture I caught of Preston when we went to a local fair 2 weekends ago. We were walking around and he was so content, just looking at everything.

Here he is last week trying to reach for something, although he looks like he is reay to fight!

Preston loves his aerosaucer. I thought he was to young for this toy, because he is only 3 1/2 months, but he loves it. He laughs out loud while playing in it. My batteries died in my camera, so I missed him smiling. He is growing so fast!

This last picture is from July. Tori went Bowling with the Daycare (we have a daycare at our church) as a summer activity. She had a great time.

More Gabbards Coming to Texas!

The "Gabbards" singing group is going to Texas. They are leaving on Monday and I am so jealous that I can't go. I really miss singing with the group. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it! They however sound better than ever and I am so proud of them. Here is a list of who I know is going so far: Cathy, Adrain, my dad (Gary), Rob (not Robbie, anymore- I can never remember that), Charlotte, Galen, Nathan, baby Andrea and Zach and Taylor I am not sure about. Anyway that is a bus load! I know they are having revival at Glenn's church and they were going to sing in Port Arthur, but I haven't heard about that since the hurricane. I am having dinner with my parents tomorrow night and I will find out the scoop then. So, I hope Diane and Glenn are ready for the Gabbard invasion! haha! And I hope Diane is ready to cook, because all Gabbards like to eat! Diane- you are a great cook, another reason I wish I was coming. But maybe I will be able to come next time. Tell them all I said hello, when they get there!!!

Hurricane Ike!

Can't believe that a hurricane would ever affect Ohio! But yesterday afternoon we had high winds knocking power out. Our power at our house was only out a few hours, but most of Cincinnati will be out for around 4 days- last I heard. The power went out at the church around 5:00 P.M. Our band practices at 4:30 every Sunday night, so right in the middle of our practice the power went out. We decided to have church anyway- so we went to our old sanctuary (which is now our children's area) opened the doors, used some candles, some flashlights, and light from windows and had church anyway. We sang about four songs with Jason playing acoustic guitar and Matt preached and we baptized about 6 people in the dark! Pretty awesome. Really makes you thank God for electricity! The best part was that 1 person got saved! Just think, if we would have said- Oh, well, the electricity is out we don't need to have church- let's just cancel, then that 1 soul might not be saved right now! And the other 125 people that were there would have missed out on an experience from God!



Anyway, Matt and I were talking last night about how unusual it is that a hurricane would affect us this way, all the way here in Ohio. It was actually a little scarey because we have never had to deal with power outages this long. Then fearing that their could be a gas shortage and wondering what we would do when we weren't prepared. (I know those of you from Texas are probably thinking- boo hoo- you haven't seen anything compared to what happens here! but we are not used to this.) So, we headed to Maysville, KY (which is about 30 mile from us) to fuel up and get some groceries. I was even planning on going to my parents because they had electricity. So anyway, my point to all this rambling is that we realized this is just a sign of the times. The rapture really is going to take place and it could be sooner than we think! This doesn't scare me, but it does make me think of the scripture- Work while it is day-for the night cometh when no man can work! Whatever we want to do for God we have to do it now! There are millions of souls out there need to be saved and we what to do whatever we can to reach them. So no more going through the motions- attending church every Sunday just because I know its the right thing to do- No! I am going to work harder than ever before- get involved more than I ever have before- pray and seek God like I never have before! Why- because I want to see people saved- call me crazy, but if I have to sacrifice a dirty house every once in a while, to go door to door and invite kids to come to church with our bus ministry, or if I have to eat out less so I can give more in the offering to help pay for fuel in the bus so those kids whose parents are on drugs and don't care about them can come to church on Sunday and find out who God really is - then it will be worth it! God gave me his all and I want to give him my all as well! I am excited to see what God can do through us when we take of all limitations and serve him with our whole heart! He is wonderful!! With God on our side we can make it through any storm!!

Happy 3 Month Birthday to Preston!

Today Preston is 3 months old! Happy Birthday Preston! He is already getting too big. He weighs 17 pounds! If he keeps this up I won't be able to carry him much longer!! I forgot my camera today so here is pictures from Chuck E Cheese the other week. Tori had so much fun! We are planning to go to a local festival this weekend, but so far it has been raining all day. We will probably wait to go until tomorrow since Preston has been sick. (He is feeling much better today. Last night he slept better, until 6:30 this morning. )

Praying for Lori and Aaron and their boys. They had to evacuate toady because of hurricane Ike. Hope you all are safe. Keep us posted as to how things are going. I just can't stop watching the news about this storm. I am praying for everyone's safety!

Hello!

I have not been a very good blogger lately. So, here is what's going on in my world. Last Tuesday, Tori started 1st grade. She loves it! She loves riding the bus and loves her teacher. I am so proud of her!

Sunday she lost both of her front teeth. Eating lunch at McDonald's, she lost the first one. She had went home with a friend from church for the afternoon and called to tell us she lost her tooth. They have both been very loose for a couple of weeks now. Then at church Sunday night she was running to show her daddy where she lost her 1st tooth and as she was running another guy's hand accidentally hit her in the mouth and out popped the other tooth! So, she lost two in one day! I will post the pic soon! She was so excited and it is so cute! She is having trouble talking and eating, but I know the new teeth will grow back soon!!

Also, Preston went back to the doctor yesterday to make sure his ear infection was cleared up(he had a ear infection in both ears 2 weeks ago) and he still has an infection in the left ear. So, we are starting on the second round of antibiotics. So anyway I will post some more pictures soon!

Pictures

Here are some pitures of us and the kids. The first one is of Preston at 7 weeks old. The next is of us at my parents house, Preston was 2 weeks old there. Then of the kids one morning, I think this is one so cute because I caught them both smiling! The next one is when were leaving the hospital and the last one is Matt and the kids before church. This was Matt's favorite outfit that Preston has on, he was 1 month old in this pic.

Well today I took a half day off of work to take Tori swimming and my sister in laws house. I figured we would have a mommy, Tori afternoon since school starts next Tuesday. Oh, how time flies. Everyone enjoy your holiday weekend!!!

My first Blog!

This is my first blog. I am trying this out because I ran accross some bloggers, who are all my cousins that live in Texas. Tim Gabbard, Joe Gabbard (he doesn't live in Texas.. where do you live Joe?), Lori Garza and Julie Cubbage. I thought this was a cool way to keep up with there lives since we live so far away from each other. I have had such a great time reading about them and their beautiful kids and how well they are all doing. So anyway, I thought I would try it. It looks easy enough- however I have no idea how to post pictures on here. So, hopefully soon I will learn how to do that.

Anyway- a little about me... My husband Matt and I are pastoring a church that his Dad actually started about 12 years ago. The church is called Life Impact Church and we have doubled in size in the last year and a half. I sing for our praise and worship team (called Life Impact Band) and I love it. We just posted a song on youtube and our praise leader, Jason Osbourne, wrote the song we are singing. We are doing a live CD on Sept 28th and all of the songs were written by Jason. I think it is going to be great. Can't wait!

My kids are wonderful- Tori, who is 6, starts 1st grade next Tuesday. I wanted to take her to school on her first day- like I did last year and she told me last night that she wants to ride the bus. It kind of broke my heart because she is growing up to fast. I am still worried that she won't find her class and be lost, but I know I am being to over protective. And then there's Preston, the new addition to our family- he is 11 weeks old today. He is so much fun! He is starting make noises and try to talk to you and laughs out loud, and just last week I discovered that he is ticklish on his neck! He has grown so fast over these 11 weeks. He just went to the doctor and he weighs 14 lbs 12 oz. He had his first ear infection and he is so great- I didn't even know he was sick other than he had been fussy in the evenings for a couple of nights. I am trying to cherish these moments in my kids lives because they are going by so quickly!

Hope my first blog turned out okay- don't even know if anyone will read it, but hey- it's fun anyway!!!