Thursday, February 26, 2009

WOW! I am so grateful for warmer weather today. Boy, would I love to be on a beach somewhere warm with my toes dug into the sand! We had a great Ash Wednesday service for the youth last night and now we are in the season of Lent. Chris has given up red meat, I have given up any frivilous spending, no eating out, etc., Abby has given up complaining, Emma has given up "giving up to easily" and Jacob is still undecided - imagine that. He said he was thinking about not arguing during Lent - but that would just flat out be a miracle from God! Bless him....

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Famine Video

The best I could do after hours of sleep deprivation.

Famine Over!

What a great success we had with our Famine. Praise to God and to all the hard work from our youth, we raised $4334.00! We also were able to get 7 kids sponsored by families in our church this past Sunday! How exciting! I will be posting pics of the Famine later this afternoon. I am always blessed when I just pour everything of myself out to service and this was no different! I will share soon! Love, Melissa

Friday, February 20, 2009

I am greatly saddened......


for Satin - I don't think she is enjoying wearing American Girl Pajamas.......

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Well, the Famine is quickly approaching and I covet your prayers that I will have everything ready in time! Things have actually gone fairly smoothly, but there are always those last minute things that crop up and make ya' go "Oops, completely forgot about that!". (smile).

Also, I would ask that you be in prayer for me this weekend as I fast. I am using this time to seek the Lord's will in several areas. This has been something that I have been really dealing with for well over 2 years now and I am praying that the Lord will reveal to me exactly what I am to be doing for His kingdom. I have always known that I have a call to missions, but there have always been things (mostly a thing called "doing life") that have distracted me or gotten in the way of that. Also, when Chris and I married we were Christians, but not living for Christ, so things like "what do you want to do to serve the kingdom of Christ?" never quite came up in conversation. (big smile). Now that we have grown up (that is debatable to some people, I know!) and both committed our lives fully to Christ, we are both using this weekend as a time of prayer and meditation (listening to the Lord) and asking the Lord to show us where we are supposed to be (as in city, work, i.e. all areas of life) and what He is calling us to do for Him. So, please be in prayer for us that we will see clearly God's vision for our lives and also that we will have the courage and willingness to follow that calling. Also, most importantly, be in prayer for our stomachs!!! :)

Starving for children all over the world,
Melissa


Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Hmmm......

Where to start? Well, first of all, this is a very exciting week for me because our church is participating in the 30-Hour Famine this weekend. Our youth will be fasting for 30 hours while simultaneoulsy raising money for World Vision and also holding a community food drive for the Good Samaritan Center here in Winchester. I love helping out with this project and can't wait to see how God works in all of our lives during the Famine.

Secondly, I have been really relying on the Lord to help me through the 1st year anniversary of my brother's death and He has been so good. Sunday during church I became overwhelmed with grief, but could feel the Lord's comfort and peace surround me. And our pastor talked about the compassion of Christ during the service and how sometimes death is a gift - to ease the pain and suffering. Very timely words!

Also, other news is that I have started participating in a new Bible study on the book of Esther by Beth Moore with 6 other women and it is SO good - I highly encourage you to do this study if you have the opportunity.

Other than that, just doing life and taking it day by day. Working two jobs and loving it! Chris and the kids are good and we are juggling everything fairly well. If you know me, you know that is just how I like it! Peace and love to all! Melissa

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

So ready for spring


Well, it is windy in the 'Chester today and it is looking like rain. Seems like spring might be heading our way......


Spring has always been my favorite time of year since as far back as I can remember and let me tell you that this year I am chomping at the bit for it to get here! A few of my


Favorite things:


the plants starting to pop up through the dirt

digging in the dirt with my fingers and toes

the smell of flowers and tree blooming

the first little blooms showing on the dogwood trees


I hope today finds you anticipating springtime and enjoying the day God has given us. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Valentine's Day

Here is my menu for Chris and the kids on Saturday night. Let's hope I can pull it off:

Maple-Glazed Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Heart-Shaped Polenta
Baby Spinach and Red Onion Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cake

Yummo! Can't wait!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Abby Alert!

Abby wore her hair down today and actually put mousse in it and scrunched it!!!!! This is big happenings on the Brown front!! I will try to sneak up on her and get a pic sometime tonight and post! Hee....hee....
Hello all! I haven't had time to blog lately, nor time to relax, take a hot bubble bath, catch up on my reading (my favorite past-time of all)! I am busy working two part-time jobs now and am loving it believe it or not. I also am gearing up for our 30-Hour Famine at church - trying to get things organized and media releases done, etc. On top of all that I think we need to do a small little thing called OUR TAXES! Oh well, no one in administration seems to be able to pay them either, so maybe Uncle Sam will be forgiving if we are late this year. :)

Hope all is well with everyone and remember God loves you!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Great Book!

I have met so many wonderful people over the internet and especially through Facebook! I met one especially sweet girl through Facebook named Tammy Maltby. She lives in Colorado and has a great life story and also has written an incredible book called "Confessions of a Good Christian Girl." She sent me an autographed copy in the mail this week as a surprise and I am spending the day reading it while making hot wings for the Middle School SuperBowl Party at church. I feel like the book was written for me - or could have been written by me! If you get a chance to pick it up, I encourage you to read it. Here is a review:

"Beautifully tender and scorchingly honest. Confessions refuses to waste time on either judgment or sentiment. This book, like its author, speaks with a voice of deep understanding, aching transparency, and fierce reliance on the Grace of God."

I personally thank Tammy for being REAL. Something so many people have trouble being either due to fear or pride. She uses her life story as a witness to others and to give us all hope in our present circumstances. Melissa