Celebrating John Martino

Ten days ago, our church family lost a precious member, John Martino.  His life was celebrated last night by hundreds, but I was unable to attend because I had sick babies to love.  This morning I decided to attempt putting my thoughts about this precious man into words.

On Sunday mornings, it was easy locating John because he always positioned himself and his family on the front row patiently awaiting a chance to minister to countless people through prayer.  Just a short few weeks ago, I experienced a "John" moment.

Worship/prayer time had just ended when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.  The tap was quickly followed by one of John's signature bear hugs.  He then whispered in my ear, "I looked up and saw you during worship.  God wants you to know that He sees and hears you.  You do not go unnoticed.  He adores you too!"

Very few days have passed that I haven't thought about that precious moment.

I have no idea what John did for a living or where he grew up.  I have never been to his home.  I have no idea how much money he had in his bank account.

What I do know is that he loved his Savior, family, and people.  He REALLY loved people.

John, your faithful obedience to God did not go unnoticed.  This gal adored you too!

An Emotional Baptism Video

Like most Christian parents, Scott and I have a strong desire to see our children follow Jesus' example in baptism.  With that said, we are overly cautious about pressuring our children into making this decision.  We want them to take this step out of obedience to God not because they were pressured or seeking the attention and excitement that accompanies baptism.

When Olivia informed us that she would like to be baptized, we were skeptical.  She, however, was insistent.  We participated in many deep lengthy conversations about her motives and her understanding of salvation.  She took her baptism class very seriously.  In fact, she spent days carrying around and studying her class booklet.  After making these observations, we were confident that she was serious and ready to be baptized.

There was just one gigantic obstacle.  She was terrified of taping the baptism video.  She would be asked to introduce herself and explain in one simple sentence why she was choosing to be baptized.  I caught her practicing with an actual video camera multiple times early in the week.  

Wednesday night was the big night.  She was incredibly emotional while waiting her turn.  In fact, I encouraged her (multiple times) to wait for a few more months.  She insisted.  When it was her turn, she walked into the green room and sat on the bench with the bright lights shining on her.  She fought back a river of tears.  Sweet Wyatt even suggested that she just have her picture taken and skip the video entirely.  She confidently shook her head and proclaimed, "I want to do the video!"

When you watch her testimony video, you may see a terrified little girl on the verge of tears.  You may hear trembling in her voice,  You may notice a fake forced smile at the end.  However, I see a Child of God determined to overcome a real fear in order to glorify her Creator and share with her church and family that she has made a real decision to forever serve her Savior.

I have never been more proud of you Olivia Grace.  In those few moments, you challenged me.  My prayer is that you will always be willing to overcome your fears in order to share what God has done for you.

Buddies in Buggy

Several weeks ago, I mentioned that J Man went on his first buggy ride at church.  My sweet friend sent me this adorable photo last night.  

Two little dudes chilling in style at church on a Wednesday night....

A New Chapter

Well another chapter in the book of our lives has been momentarily closed...not shut forever, but bookmarked.  Scott and I have officially turned over the responsibilities of Crosspoint Church's Elementary Directors to Chad and Ally.

We do not close this chapter bitter, angry, or feeling slighted in any way.  In fact, we are ecstatic and excited for Crosspoint and our family.  Scott is tired and longing for an extended break in his long list of responsibilities.  His easy going, carefree personality has recently started to be replaced by crabbiness, exhaustion, worry, and a feeling of inadequacy.

In a few months, we will revisit our roles in children's ministry.  Only this time, we will just be two of the many supporting characters in the wonderful book that God has written for the children of Crosspoint Church.

We look forward to driving to 5001 Little Rock Road as a family, sitting in the front row TOGETHER, praising our Savior the entire service, and visiting with those who are over 5 feet tall.  With that said, we still desire hugs from our "other" children and invite them to interact with us like always.

We don't know the title of our next chapter, but I am pretty confident that God does.  I hope that it involves touring the country in an RV with my 4 favorite people!  Not likely, but a girl can dream.

Don't worry Crosspoint Church...you are stuck with us.  We love you Crosspoint Church.  Thanks for loving us too!

Mandi G. put together this video of our church family picnic.  It makes my heart happy!  I love my church, and I am pretty sure that my church loves me.  Thank you Jesus for Crosspoint Church!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qmudxubEbA&feature=youtu.be

A Month of Thankfulness Day 18

You know that I could not let this month pass without expressing how very thankful that I am for my Crosspoint church.  I am still in love after 6 years.

The lines between our church and our family are definitely blurred.  I am  blessed with so many adopted aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, and children, and our church family continues to grow.  My church is always one of the few things that I miss while on vacation.

Several days ago, Scott and I were reminiscing about our house fire.  We remember having so very few people in our lives to lean on during that difficult time.  Today, there wouldn't be a shortage of people to love and support us.  This knowledge is an absolute gift and blessing.

I am thankful for the pastors, their wives, and the Crosspoint staff.  They are the real deal.  Humans determined to use their gifts and talents to serve the One and Only God.

I am thankful for the oodles and goodles of lovely people who love on my children each and every week.  They speak truth into their lives.  There is no greater gift that can be given to this momma.  I will be forever thankful for their faithfulness, dedication, and sacrifice.

I am  so thankful for the amazing opportunity that Scott and I have been given to lead, teach, and love on so many of God's precious children.  I am certain that they have taught us more about God's love, mercy, and grace than we have taught them.

Crosspoint Church, we sure do love you!  You are definitely one of the things at the tippy-top of my thankful list.

If you are interested in learning more about my home away from home...Crosspoint Church.

My Fab Family

Dale was the guest children's speaker at our Encounter services this past weekend. Of course, we all had a super fun time. I was even coerced into doing a character skit with Breanna. To make a long story short, she did my make-up badly. On Sunday evening, Dale encouraged the kiddos to perform a circus routine. I was amazed by and so proud of our creative students. Andrew and Olivia wowed the crowd with their balloon twisting skills.

I only wish the lighting in our room was better.  Ughh....

Kid's Camp 2012

Andrew had a blast at camp.  His counselor said that he didn't miss a beat.  Of course, his favorite activity was the water slide.  He decided that the blob was not nearly as much fun as he had envisioned.  

Scott, Olivia, and I drove down on Thursday evening for service.  (We drove 6 hours to spend 2 hours at camp.)  I was able to snap a few photos of the camp speaker and his crew.  

Victory Star.

I am glad that he had a fun week at camp, but I am thrilled to have him home.  So thankful for men who gave weeks of their vacations to love on my sweet little man.

We sent our sweetest boy to camp for the week...without us.  He was absolutely fine.  I was an emotional mess.  I went over every possible water safety precaution that one could possibly think of.  In fact, he now knows the proper way to fit a life jacket.  He is excitedly planning to be blobbed tomorrow.  I think that I may stop breathing just thinking about it.

With that said, I am so thankful that he loves camp and that it doesn't matter if we are a scream away or 3 hours.  He is expecting to have a super fun time and experience the presence of God in a special way.

I am expecting him to come home alive and be a stronger warrior for Christ.  

Be blobbed away buddy!

On Wednesday night, the junior high interns set up the giant slip and slide for One_Elementary.  It was so much fun for the kiddos.  However, there was a lot of mud involved.  I am confident that fun nights like this one help our students bond for a lifetime.  Andrew and Olivia managed to go down the slide together every time.  I am confident that little sister planned for that to happen.