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!!