An Upcoming Adventure!

While in Cincy last weekend, I worshipped with my Aunt and Uncle at their church.  I'm certain that it was no coincidence that I was meant to hear that sermon!  It was titled... Adventure!  The sermon took us to an amazing adventure in the Bible with Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10.  Cornelius wasn't a believer in Christ, but he was seeking God and was reverent and generous.  Therefore, God sent Peter to tell Cornelius about Christ.  During this adventure Peter was called to the table with Cornelius.  According to Jewish law, certain foods were forbidden to be eaten.  The food laws made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement.  In fact, the Gentiles were often seen as "unclean."   Peter had a vision that meant he should not look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem.  Before having the vision, Peter would have thought that a Gentile Roman officer could not accept Christ.  Afterwards he understood that it was his responsibility to go into a Gentile home and tell Cornelius the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ!

Like any great adventure story, there is always conflict just around the corner.  When Peter brought the news of Cornelius' conversion back to Jerusalem, the disciples were shocked that Peter had eaten with the Gentiles.  Can you imagine the reaction... "What in the world has Peter done now?" "What trouble has Peter generated for us?" "Who does Peter think he is?"  Moving into Acts 11, we see that even the disciples couldn't believe Peter would gather with the Gentiles.  These were people that had walked with Jesus!  However, once Peter began to explain, the Holy Spirit took root.  When they heard his story, they too believed that even those impure, unclean, contaminated people could come to Christ and be saved!

As I thought about my upcoming trip to Nicaragua, these were the words that were pressed on my heart during the message...
Peter's dream was inviting him, challenging him, to be different.  God was asking Peter to move from comfortable to courageous.
When we go out of our comfort zone, it can be exhilarating!  If we are not willing to experience some fear in life, then we won't have the opportunity to feel the exhilaration and joy!  
If we always choose to stay in the safety mode in life, we'll never experience what it's like to live an adventure.    
We need to be willing to take the seeds that the adventure provides for us and be willing to allow God to use them deep in our hearts to help them begin to grow our character... to change our lives for the better, to look more like Him!
We love adventure stories because an ordinary person is willing to step outside their comfort zones, strap into the ride of his/her life, somehow through all of that, the world becomes a better place!!!

The sermon concluded with these questions...
Who in your world is that unwanted, impure, or unclean person or people group?
Who in your world is God calling you to pray about, to think differently about?
What adventure is God asking you to go on?
Will you step out?  
Will you take a risk?  
Will you move from your comfort zone to see what God wants to do in your life?


Wow!  The Lord is preparing me to head off to the mission field!  For those of you that don't know, I am co-leading our first FAMILY Missions Team to Nicaragua from August 4-11th.  Braydon and Bryce will be going with me to serve in the community of El Pourvenir, and yes, they were sitting next to me during this sermon!  The exciting part is that we will be meeting our sponsored child, Wilberth!  As the date is nearing, I have many emotions... yet I am so confirmed that I am doing exactly what the Lord has called me to do!

We would greatly appreciate your prayers during our ADVENTURE!  If you are willing, please pray that we would be willing to step out of our comfort zone and into the adventure that He has waiting for us.  That He would plant the Holy Spirit deep into our souls so that we might continue to change and impact this community for the good of Him!  Thank You!!!

We are also seeking financial support to take the three of us out of the country.  If you feel it on your heart to support us, please send donations to...
Emmanuel Community Church
c/o Shandra Hathaway
12222 West Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN  46814

We'll keep everyone posted along our ADVENTURE...

Summer Schedule!

It's summer time!!!  And that means that the summer calendars have started for the Hathaway Family!  For the past three summers, I have been very intentional about my time together with my kiddos.  This year will be a bit different for my boys because they will be with a "sitter of very mature boys" three days a week.  I am not rigid about these calendars... they are just ideas if needed each day.  Some days we'll do them, some we won't.  I have had many friends ask for a copy of the calendars.  So, I tried to download the calendar documents onto this blog.  After several hours and lots of frustration... technology beat me to a pulp and I gave up.  If you are interested in a copy, send me your email and I'll get it to you.  Although it isn't the calendars, I did make a list of all the websites for the activities below.  Here you go friends... Enjoy!!!

FREE Kid Movies at Foellinger
http://www.fortwayneparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=117&Itemid=182

Rave FREE movies
http://www.ravecinemas.com/ffff_2012.aspx

Kids Bowl Free all summer (ProBowl West - 2 free games a day!)
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

FREE Summer Activities at the Aboite and Main Library
http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/kids/pdf/Programs2012.pdf
http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/kids/pdf/SRP%202012%20Prgms%20by%20PlaceDate.pdf

Lowe's Build and Grow FREE Saturday Workshops
http://stayathomemoms.about.com/od/activitiesandfun/p/lowes-build-and-grow-workshops.htm

Behind the Scenes Day at the Embassy Theatre
http://www.fwembassytheatre.org/behind-the-screen.htm

Letterboxing... Treasure Hunt... oh so fun!!!
http://treasuringtimetogether.blogspot.com/2011/05/letterboxing.html

List of Farms around IN to pick different berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, etc)
http://www.pickyourown.org/index.htm#states

Reading Log from Barnes and Noble (earn a free book)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570

Buckner Park - Playground and Splashpads
http://www.fortwayneparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=293%3Abuckner-park&catid=38&Itemid=33

Fox Island Summer Pass (swimming at the lake, hiking, environmental center)
http://allencountyparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/annpassbrochure2.pdf

Fox Island Day Camp
June 25 -29  Fish ‘N Fun Camp
Rig a fishing pole, catch bait, learn to canoe, fish, net a tadpole, frog or turtle along with other fun stuff at this camp!!   http://allencountyparks.org/programs-day-camps/summer-day-camps-2012/   

Camp Michindoh... Church Camp
http://www.michindoh.com/program2.htm

Three Rivers Festival Activities

http://threeriversfestival.org/index.php/events

Fort Wayne Museum of Art - FREE admission on Sunday and Thursday's

http://www.fwmoa.org/

Zoo Membership
http://www.kidszoo.org/informat.htm

Fort Wayne Firefighter's Museum... my boys LOVE this museum... stop by sometime while you are at the downtown library... it is right next door :)
http://www.fortwaynefiremuseum.com/

Preparing for the Last Day

My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass.  I want to hold on longer, I want to recognize your lasts...Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.   Karen Kingsbury

The year went by so very quickly.  I will send my children off today as a kindergartner, third grader, and fifth grader.  They will return home as a first grader, fourth grader, and MIDDLE SCHOOLER!!!  I plan to savor this last day of elementary school with Braydon.

I am so very grateful for all the teachers at Haverhill that worked so hard to make the transition to their new school as smooth as possible.  I appreciate their investment in my children's emotional and academic being.  I put together some fun gifts for those special people today!

For the classroom teachers :)

For all the special area teachers that also poured into my boys this year!

I switched my day off this week so that I could be part of this day with my children.  I'm looking forward to taking them Subway for lunch and enjoying Zesto's after school with some close friends :)

Friends savor today!  Take time to celebrate and hold onto this day with your children!  As you look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass, don't miss today's sweet precious last!!!

Dinner Theater - Beauty and the Beast!

For fourteen years, I watched the fifth grade plays at school and felt such pride watching my previous students up on the stage performing!  It was always so wonderful to see how mature "my" kids had gotten  since kindergarten.  This year I wasn't the teacher in the audience, I was the mom and WOW, I am bursting with pride!  Where do I begin?!?!?!

Braydon has grown up so quickly this year.  For the past two months, he has set his own alarm and gotten up early every day on his own!!!  He gets dressed, makes his breakfast, and gathers his items needed for the day.  He has exhibited such grown up independence!  This in itself, makes me proud of him!

The past few weeks, I had been spending time at the school preparing all the props for the Beauty and the Beast production.  The first time that I saw Braydon on stage performing as Maurice, Belle's father, I was in awe.  He was really good, no bias here of course!!!  Seriously though, he spoke clearly and audibly.  He seemed very comfortable on the stage!

Then, tonight to see my young man in full costume, just made my hurt burst with joy!!  He had a large fan club in the audience.  Six grandparents, Brothers, Friends of the Family, and Neighbors.  I am so grateful for the people that poured into Braydon this evening.  What a special and beautiful night for him to remember :)

I must say, to see him dressed and act like a father, made my heart skip a beat!  I'm watching my son grow up very quickly but I'm SO very excited for him!!!  We embraced the dinner theater as a celebration of the elementary years!  His time is almost complete and I'm choosing to celebrate that with him!  He's ready to move on to bigger responsibilities, more independence, and freedom!

As proud as I am of Braydon's stage performance tonight, I was just as proud of his kind spirit that he exhibited.  On the way home he was telling me, in a matter of fact way, that he would be praying for a friend to feel better before the next performance on Thursday.  He shared with me their conversation and the words of encouragement that he spoke.  That's my boy!!!  Then, he was concerned about two adults and the words that were spoken between them... he was very concerned for the one adult.... again, his words were encouraging and so very grown up!  The conversation then lead to Braydon sharing that one of the cast members had messed up on one of the songs.  Braydon said that no one in the audience would have even known but the fifth graders knew because of how much they had memorized all the parts.  He said that this cast member was ready to cry but that the kids were building him up and he felt much better!  Lastly, Braydon thanks me for all the work I did with the props...  Braydon, I am SO VERY PROUD of the man you are becoming!  My heart is full... you've made me proud to be your mom!  I know that the Lord has great plans for you.  I am truly honored that He has allowed me to take the front seat in the journey.  I love you buddy!  I'm proud of you!  I believe in you always!

Maurice, Belle's Father
Beauty and the Beast 

Haverhill Elementary
Fifth Grade Dinner Theater

Reflections from Mother's Day in Kindergarten

I heard Rylan when he was waking up this morning and he was whispering to himself, "It's mommy day, It's mommy day!"  Then, my bedroom door swung open and my sweet little man came running in to announce that it was "Mommy's Day"!!!  He was so keyed up.  He got all dressed up for this special day!  My attire was complete when I put on a beautiful pin that Rylan made me last year in preschool :)

Upon arriving at school this afternoon, the moms were waiting outside the kindergarten room looking at the artwork.  The kids wrote about their moms and drew a picture.  I first looked at the pictures and picked out the one that I thought was Rylan's.  I knew it was his after I started reading!!!  Oh, how this made me smile!

The teacher had the kids come out in the hallway and walk us into the room!  Rylan held my hand and pulled out my chair for me... so sweet!  The kids sang us two Mother's Day songs...

Then, we were invited to enjoy a few snacks.  However, we were to be treated as queens and the children had to serve the mom's.  So, Rylan went off to gather my plate.  Again, so sweet!

While we were finishing up our food that the children had prepared for us, the teacher presented some awards.  Each mom was awarded a beautiful flower pen for what she does the best.  It was our turn... "Rylan's mom is the best at being a church teacher!"  Rylan was grinning from ear to ear... he was so very proud!

To top off the afternoon, we were given a Mother's Day gift... a Kindergarten handprint!  I LOVE this!!!  I made these for my kindergarteners and I was so very pleased to have one for my little man!  I will cherish it always :)

The day together was beautiful!  I awoke this morning with a prayer of great thanksgiving.  A year ago today, I had a sub filling in for me for the Mother's Day tea because I had taken a medical leave just two days prior.  The day after the tea party last year, Bryce was admitted to the hospital and Jeff was gone for six weeks due to business.  One year ago, I was suffering... I was weak... I was broken... Today, I am healed... I am strong... I am full of joy!!!!  The Lord stood by my side and held me up.  It took several months of pain and sadness but I can honestly say, a year later, I am grateful for the journey!  Seeing the big picture now of what God had planned during all of that pain, makes me smile!  I love sharing my testimony... I love where God has lead me... Yes, today was wonderful and beautiful!  I woke up today with a healthy family, a wonderful new career, and a stronger faith... Wow!

If you are struggling today, I pray that you reach for the Lord's hand... he will lead if you surrender.  It may not be the answer that you understand but take his lead, He WILL comfort you, He DOES love you...
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!

Faith Date with Rylan!

For Valentine's Day this year, I gave each of my boys a bottle of Crush soda with a coupon attached.

The coupon granted each kiddo a "Faith Date" with mom.  

So, considering we are moving into mid April, I decided I better get these dates started!  Yes, no mom award here... 2 months late!!!  

Rylan and I went to Ziano's for dinner.  He loves to draw and you can draw on the table cloth there!  Rylan loves fettuccine alfredo and bread... Not to mention, this is my favorite restaurant!!! Yummo :)

While we were waiting for our food, I gave Rylan a gift...

He wasn't expecting a present...

Yay!!!  His very own big boy Bible!!!  AND his name is printed on the front!

He wanted to touch God's words...  He was so very proud of his new Bible :)

Our food was brought to our table.  So, we prayed together, then ate together and talked together...

We talked about me no longer being a teacher and my new role in ministry.  We talked about God, in kindergarten words of course :)  He wanted to know how many more days until church when he could carry his Bible into his classroom.  I told Rylan that I like to write in my Bible and we decided to look up this month's memory verse and underline it.  Wow... thank you Rylan for a perfect date!

... Thanking God tonight for choosing me to be Rylan's mom... Thankful for God's Word, for the stories in the Bible.  I pray that Rylan will begin talking more to God, opening his Bible more, and being "the light" to others... 


While we were waiting for our bill.  Rylan wrote on the table cloth and told me to read it.  I did as he asked and then he pointed to me and said, "I love you, mom!"  This was certainly a successful first Faith Date...

Rylan - the Sunshine Friend

I got Rylan a special Mickey ribbon to wear for the day!

It was FINALLY Rylan's turn to be the Sunshine Friend in his Kindergarten class.  Since the beginning of the school year, a different student each week has been assigned to be the "special" friend for the week.    Rylan has been very patient... his week was March 19-23.  His week started out with some fun Disney cookies for snack time :)  Rylan was able to sit in the special chair all week during Circle Time.  He got to hang pictures of him and our family on the Sunshine Friend bulletin board.  His friends liked the picture of our doggie, Grace, the best :)  Rylan got to be the line leader for the week... that was a biggie!

The highlight of the week for him and me, was on Friday.  I went into his class to read a story to his friends.  Rylan chose "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Chick" by Lucille Colandro.  Rylan's class had already read several versions of this book this year.

It was wonderful to be back in a classroom rocking chair with kinders at me feet!  I loved talking with the kids and making connections to the other versions of this story.  I loved the predictions that they were making about the end of the story as well.  It was easy to jump back into "teacher mode".  I had so much fun AND Rylan was pretty proud about his momma being in the rocking chair.

I decided to make a fun snack to go along with the story... carrots!  Rylan was SOOO excited about this special treat!  He was over the moon on this special day :)  I'm thankful that the Lord calmed my nerves on Thursday evening to take the time out and make these special treats.  I was in the scurry mode of packing and preparing for our Disney trip for the following day.  I almost didn't send the email to Rylan's teacher to schedule my visit.  I'm ever so grateful that I took the time to treasure my son this week!

Baskets full of Carrots!

Cheese Ball Carrot :)

Ready to pass out his snack to his friends!

Today was such a highlight in the days of kindergarten for Rylan!  The Lord is Amazing!  I believe that He knew the right timing for me to step away from my teaching career and enter ministry.  He chose the year that I had a kindergartener!!!  Although I walked away from my Kindergarten Classroom, I have been able to live Kindergarten through my child this year!!!  This has been wonderful timing, indeed!

Lord, thank you for this easy transition!  Thank you for the joy of kindergarten!  Thank you for calming me during this week and allowing me to treasure my youngest son!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for your perfect timing!  I am in awe...