December 24th - Grace

It's been fun recalling some of my favorite Christmas memories and thoughts. Today will be my last blog in this series because I plan on unplugging from the online world tomorrow to spend a quiet day with my family.

I truly have some amazing memories from Christmas. Some are just one time instances, but some are traditions that have been carried on through generations as I have found out. The one true thing that remains, no matter where we are celebrating, with whom we are spending the time, or how economics have impacted our Christmas shopping. That thing, is the person and reason why we celebrate this special day.

In Kidzblast this month, we started our Christmas series by learning how grace impacted the coming of Christ as a baby. As I prepared for that service, the single most impacting thought was how it was God's Grace that allowed Jesus to leave the perfection of heaven to be born into the filth of this world. There are many compelling thoughts regarding the Christmas story...the virgin birth, the shepherds in the field, the angel appearing several times, the stable, the manger. But the truth that started it all was the overwhelming grace that God had, that allowed His only Son to come to our sinful, rotten, filthy earth.

It's hard sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everything during the month of December to really keep our focus on Jesus. I even found myself getting caught up in the festivities this year, trying to create a wonderful Christmas for my kids, and sometimes let it eclipse the true meaning. This morning as I drank my coffee, and the kids were snuggled on the couch watching cartoons, I took some time to look back at all that has transpired this year since our last Christmas. One word kept flooding my hear and mind...grace. Grace to trust in the hard times, grace to trust in the lean times, grace to rejoice in the good times. And then my mind traveled back to that most wonderful first gift of grace - the gift of a father, of his only son to a broken world.

Because I know many of you well, I know that during the next day or two, you will take time to focus your attention on the Savior. As you do, thank Him for the miraculous gift of grace. Thank you for reading my blog this month. Merry Christmas....I pray that it is full of the love of family, friends and Jesus.

December 23rd - The Meals

One of the things I miss the most about not being with my parents for the Christmas holiday is the traditional meals that we have. Both of my grandma's and my Mom are really really good cooks. Somehow this gene has skipped my generation I think (or just skipped me maybe), but I enjoy the challenge of cooking a good holiday meal for my family.

Christmas Eve my Mom cooks an enchilada dinner, something that was passed down from my Dad's side of the family. My Grandma Salazar taught my Mom how to cook her enchiladas after she and my Dad were married, and it's one of the best meals of the year. My Dad also usually finds a hispanic grocer that sells tamales, and we eat those as well. Jason and I do this when we are on our own...except Jason is the cook. He has perfected enchiladas that are delicious. I can't wait to sit down to that dinner tomorrow night.

Christmas dinner is pretty traditional...turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy....and more fairly common foods. A few things that are unique to our family though (as I have found out over the years eating with others on Christmas...) One, root beer that is chilled (no ice) is what we drink at this meal. Second, real mashed potatoes only. Seriously...I was well into my young adult years before I knew what instant mashed potatoes were. Third, dressing is homemade (the kids tear up the loaves of bread the night before). Stove top stuffing was as new to me as instant mashed potatoes when I entered adulthood.

Those are just a few of the many things that are unique to our Salazar/Ferrin Christmas dinners. On Saturday, I have the rare privilege of preparing this meal for my own family. I am looking forward to it, because my goal is to make it feel like home.

December 22nd -O Holy Night

I love Christmas Music. I love listening to it, singing it, and performing it. There have been favorites...my youth drama team in Central Point used to do a human video to "A Strange Way to Save the World" by 4Him. I've seen great things done to "Mary Did You Know" and then there's always "Holy and the Ivy" from my first post.

JJ has grown to love carols this year as well. He favors Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

There is one carol in particular that brings back a funny memory, and I do believe there is a video tape somewhere in my parents house of this event. When we were in Manteca one Christmas for a Sunday Morning service, my Mom and older brother, Jason did a harp/vocal duet to "O Holy Night." The details are a little sketchy, but as I recall, the first service went great. Mom played, Jason sang...beautiful. Then the second service...Mom played, and Jason started to sing, but the microphone stand became a little loose. As Jason sang, the microphone on the stand starting sliding down, down, down. And as it slid, rather than grab it to tighten it, or just hold the mic, Jason bent over little by little until he was bending over singing in to a microphone at about waist level.

This story makes me laugh out loud when I think about it. Something like this, having happened to me, wouldn't probably shock anyone because things like this tend to happen to me. But Jason? Oh no, he is a polished performer and perfectionist. That's probably what makes it even funnier to this little sister.

December 21st - Christmas Shopping

A few years ago I could never understand people's issues with shopping around the holidays. "What's the big deal?" is what I would always think, loving the opportunity to shop for my family members. Then.....then....then I had kids. Then, they grew up a little. Now, I am on the same page as those that dread battling the mall parking lot, or the Medford holiday traffic, or the cranky people in line at Toys R Us.

I remember when online shopping became all the rage. I thought to myself "I will never do that! What's the fun in shopping from home when you can get out there and do it in the store?" Oh you naive, childless, ignorant girl you....

I have to admit, I do still really enjoy shopping in person when it involves the following:

• One, but not to exceed 2 of my 3 children
• A parking space within the same zip code as the store I am intending to shop
• NO rain
• Ample amount of time, as not to become "rushed" and get immediately irritated (this is a side effect of my current pregnancy and may change at a later date!)

I have, admittedly, shopped online this year. Not once, but TWICE. Dear me, I can't believe it. I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg for me...next year I will have four children. One more to shop for, one more stroller, one more car seat to buckle and unbuckle....and? I wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole world.

December 20th - A special gift

Since the first year Jason and I were married, my Grandma and Grandpa Ferrin have been giving us special gifts each Christmas. They started us on our first Christmas with this:

Madelyn broke this ornament on her second Christmas when she was 14 months old, but Jason expertly fixed it, and you can't even tell.

Every Christmas a couple of weeks before the 25th, we receive a package from Grandma and Grandpa with standing instructions that we can open it when we get it. It is, of course the only present that can be opened before the big day! The kids have begun to really enjoy seeing what new ornament or decoration we have received. We have gotten beautiful ornaments, a manger scene, and even a matchbox music box (which is JJ's favorite this year).

This is what we received this year:

I love this tradition that my Grandparents have given us, because now, 11 Christmases later, we can look around to all of the beautiful things that grace our home because of their gifts. What a special thing for us...probably something we will do for our grandkids when they get married!

December 19th - Christmas Stockings

Our internet was down yesterday all day at home so I was not able to post my December 19th blog yesterday. But rather than skip it, I want to tell you about the blessing I was able to be a part of, and receive myself.

I'm not sure how long Bethel has been reaching out to families that ride our bus during Christmas, but I have had the privilege to be a part of the Christmas Stocking drive for 2 Christmases now. Our generous Bethel family fills a stocking for every kiddo that rides our busses, and myself and our faithful bus drivers had the opportunity to deliver them yesterday afternoon. This year was and extra blessing-packed trip because we were able to give away grocery gift cards to the parents (who in nearly every single case have never set foot in our church).

I loved repeating this ritual a few times...Our family drove up to the house or apartment, I figured out where I was going, knocked on the door, the door opened to a delighted face that saw me standing with their stocking packed full of goodies. Then I asked for Mom or Dad and handed them their gift card, and a the "why are you knocking on my door on Sunday afternoon" face became a very blessed, thankful face.

Probably one of the things I love most about Christmas is unexpected blessings. It truly is a season of miracles, and I am amazed at the generosity of God's family during this time. The day we set out the empty stockings, they were nearly gone by the time service concluded - dozens of stockings came back 2 weeks later packed with gifts for kids that might experience a lean Christmas this year.

So, thank you Bethel Church Family for being a light to your community. You have blessed dozens of kids with your generosity, and blessed your Children's Pastor through your support of these special kids.

December 18th - Christmas Dresses

I am a self proclaimed tomboy. Self proclaimed because I don't have anything to hide, and when I was younger I would never have been able to fool anyone anyway. I loved sports, riding my bike, collecting baseball cards, and anything else my brothers were into. I didn't love dressing up in dresses much either.

God must have a sense of humor, because he has given me two very "girly" girls. They love to be dressed up, they love having their hair done, and pretty much just love anything girly. Their Christmas lists consist of requests for dolls, barbies, more dolls and Nintendo DS games that would only be enjoyed by a true girl.

One thing I do love is dressing them up. A new dress to Madelyn and Elyse is right up there with the newest, most desired toy. Each year we try to get them a new dress for the Sunday before Christmas, so today we went to the store to find one. Oh my goodness, what a time we had looking through the dresses. After going back and forth between a couple of choices, they excitedly made their decisions.

Oh what a joyous day tomorrow will be when they get all dressed up (along with their little brother who is wearing the cutest tie and sweater vest). We will take pictures, we will praise them for how beautiful they are, and I will stand back and shake my head, still not understanding how I produced these little fancy young women.

December 17th - Time spent with family

Now that our kids are getting a little bit older, I enjoy the opportunity to have Christmas at home every once in awhile. I would, however, trade being at home with being at family's house in a New York minute.

I love being with our parents, and brothers and sisters. Last year, we flew to Missouri the day after Christmas for a week, and the best part were the late nights playing games, and playing Nintendo with my brother Josh and his wife, Kelly.

When we go to Colorado to visit Jason's family, we sit around the table long after dinner is over and talk, or play Balderdash which is always hilarious. These trips also catch Jason and I up on our movie watching, which is one of the best things about vacation, especially vacation over the holidays.

So, this year, we will be playing things like Trouble, Sorry & Chutes and Ladders. I can promise you that we won't stay up to the wee hours playing video games because we don't have a Nintendo, and let's be honest...Super Mario Bros. is the only game worth staying up until 2:30am to play.

Even though we will miss our family terribly, I'm looking forward to spending extra special time with our kids. And...the years away make the years we get to be together that much more special.

December 16th - The Christmas Tree

I can't believe I have waited until December 16th to write about one of my most favorite parts of the Christmas Season...finding and decorating the Christmas tree. I really didn't know what an "artificial" tree was until I was older and noticed them in other peoples homes. I can't be 100% accurate on this fact, but I'm pretty sure an artificial tree has never graced my parent's home. Since I was little, we would go cut down our tree, strap in on the roof of the station wagon (Christmas Vacation Style), and go home to decorate it.

My Mom would bake a batch of cookies, set out all of the ornaments on the couch, my Dad would get the lights out and put them on, and put on a Christmas album while we decorated. We all grab our own personalized ornaments, or things that we have made in the past. Josh and I had an ongoing argument about one particular ornament - deciding who made it. I distinctly remembered making it in Mrs. Lockwood's 4th grade class, but Josh somehow remembered making it too, so on and on our argument would go until someone gave in.

We all have our favorite ornaments. Some of mine are ones my Grandma Salazar made for me with my name on them, some from teachers growing up, and some just attached to really great memories. When I got married and moved out, my Mom picked out a few of my ornaments to send with me to put on my own tree.

I broke with the fresh tree tradition my first year of marriage, because Jason and I were still in college, and, well...broke. We had a hand me down tree from Jason's parents and used that for several years. It became normal for us. Then this year we decided to get a permit and go up and cut down our own tree. It was a great day as we hiked through knee deep snow to pick out the perfect tree. We brought it home, I made cookies, set the ornaments out on the couch, Jason got out the lights and put them on, and put on a Christmas album. And, my kids fought over which ornaments they had made as we decorated our tree.

December 15th - Christmas Simplified

Often times, we get really caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, rarely stopping to catch our breath, or even focusing on why we celebrate this season. It's probably cliche, but I really think if most of us stopped to take a look at our priorities during the month of December, we may be surprised.

A couple of years ago, Jason and I decided to scale back our Christmas a bit. We don't spend quite as much money as we used to, and we try to focus more on why we celebrate. Our kids didn't even notice a difference. What it has caused for us, however is realizing how crazy our society has become during this time of year. It makes me sad to visit stores and see people with their carts piled high full of hundreds of dollars of gifts, knowing that they probably won't even stop for a second to focus on the reason why we celebrate.

As parents, Jason and I really want our kids to grow up knowing why we love Christmas so much. Our memories are full of wonderful parties, gifts, smells, goodies....and those are all things I want to pass to them as they grow up. But I always want them to focus first on Jesus. I want them to love hearing the Christmas story on Christmas Eve as much as opening that first gift. I want them to think of "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald" as praise choruses to their Savior rather than just another Christmas Carol to be sung. And I want the gift of Jesus, God's sacrifice for us, to be something that fuels their passion to have a relationship with a personal God.

I pray that this Christmas, all of the normal traditions in your family and mine will be enhanced by the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

December 14th - A Christmas Carol

This memory is an isolated incident. I remembered it a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't until yesterday when my Dad blogged about it, that I remembered again.

First, go here: http://louiesalazar.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-own-personal-christmas-tradition.html and read about one of my Dad's Christmas traditions.

The thing is, I remember this movie as well. But I don't have such good memories of it! One year when living in Arvada, (this must be the year my Dad bought the black and white version of A Christmas Carol on VHS), my Dad decided that on Christmas Eve we would all watch the movie together.

I should probably apologize my Dad for what unfolded; an hour or more of whining, eye rolling, and generally bad attitudes among my siblings and I. Needless to say, it became my Dad's tradition and not a "Family" tradition. Sorry Dad.

December 13th - Christmas Books

For as long as I can remember, there has been a stack of Christmas books by my parent's fireplace, or on the coffee table. Their stack is quite large, everything from short simple stories, to a collection of authors, to full novels.

When I go home for Christmas, I grab the latest selections and sit and look through them in the rocking chair by the fire. It's one of my favorite things.

When Jason and I were engaged, my Mom started us with our own book collection. It has grown throughout the years, and this year especially, the kids have had fun looking through the books. One of them is an Anne Geddes picture book that goes through the Twelve Days of Christmas. I think the girls have already "sang" the book to JJ about 150 times this month.

A lot of my Christmas memories are special, and some are just dependable. The stack of books by the fire is just that - dependable. So this year, that's where our stack sits...in between the fire and my favorite place to sit on the couch. I will stop and sit several times in the next couple of weeks and peruse the books.

December 12th

I didn't title my blog today beyond the date because I wanted to blog about what a great job our Bethel Children's Choir did today, and it made me think about Madelyn's first Christmas. Let me tell you how my mind went there...

This morning our Children's Choir sang 2 songs. They were both Children's Christmas classics, Come on Ring Those Bells, and Happy Birthday Jesus. My partner in crime (Children's Choir co-director, Renee Breiholz) and I did something that most would view as a little partial...we chose our daughters to sing solos today. Don't worry, we let everyone try out, and gave out a couple of solos last month to deserving choir members, but from the beginning it was clear that Madelyn and Maylee were the best fit for Happy Birthday Jesus. They, and the rest of the choir did a really wonderful job.

I watched Maddie singing today, and I couldn't help think about how BIG she is. She turned 9 just a couple of months ago, and for some reason it just seems all of the sudden that she is so OLD. It made me think about her first Christmas. She was about 2 1/2 months old, and we went to Oklahoma City to celebrate with my parents that year. My brother Jason came with his family, and Josh was there too. It was a great year. My Dad dedicated Madelyn in their church. I remember the distinct feeling of change that year as I went from being a daughter, to more than that...a mommy. Jason and I had so much fun picking out presents for her, to which she was totally oblivious - but it was fun for us nontheless.

8 Christmases have gone by since then, and every year they have been more exciting as we have added to our family, and as the kids get older they really get into the spirit of Christmas. Today was a good reminder of a really great year.

December 11th - The Child of a Music Minister

My Dad is a Music Minister. He has been since before I was born, so most of what happens surrounding the holiday season at church is completely a part of normal life for me. In fact, my birth was scheduled around the hectic holiday musical season. True story.

The things that happened at church were such a huge part of our holiday season growing up that they are weaved throughout almost every Christmas memory I have. Here are some of my favorites:

• The Christmas Music selection. Let's face it, when my Dad started listening to music for church during the summer it meant we always had the goods when it came to new, really good Christms Music. There are a few songs that still take me back to my parent's living room even now when I hear them.
• Carols By Candlelight. I mentioned this in my first post. Even though that one year I botched my number, this was probably my most favorite service of the entire year. I loved the music, the drama, the stories, and the atmosphere.
• Christmas Musicals. My parents didn't always do a full blown musical, but when they did, it was always good. One year in Manteca, my Dad wrote a musical and I can still remember a lot of the music from it. It was a comedy, very funny...my Dad's sense of humor shows through the whole thing.
• Choir Christmas Parties. My Mom throws an amazing party. I always loved the choir Christmas parties because of the wonderful people it brought together, the delicious food, and the warmest, most Christmasy atmostphere in the world.

As a Children's Pastor we don't quite have as many events that are Christmas related as I did growing up, but I take advantage of every opportunity to make sure my kids soak up as much of the Christmas that goes on at our church as possible. In every one of these memories it makes me thankful for the way I was raised, and the influence of the church on this most special time of year.

December 10th - Advent Calendars

Before the first of December, every year when we were growing up, my Mom would get an Advent Calendar. It was usually a paper calendar with little doors to be opened each day. Each day my brothers and I would take turns opening the door for the day and seeing what was behind it. Sometimes it was a picture or a verse, depending on what sort of calendar it was. It was a great countdown to Christmas.

We celebrated Advent in church as well. My Dad would always lead our church in celebrating Advent the Sundays leading up to Christmas with the lighting of a candle. I remember one year I did this with our Children's ministry in Eureka. It went great until one Sunday we were lighting the candle, and a pretty little girl's hair nearly went up in flames.

A simple memory, but one that made the Christmas season more special.

December 9th - The Sacred Order

On Christmas morning in the Salazar/Ferrin house there is a rule. A sacred order if you will. It has to do with the order in which presents are opened. It goes something like this: present opening happens one present at a time in order from the youngest to the oldest person. When two or more families are together, this order can be cycled through as many as a dozen times, one by one by one. The Ferrins have even been known to stop for a breakfast break.

I love this tradition. I actually love it more now that I am adult, and love to see people open their gifts; especially the ones that we are giving them. I think that is the reasoning behind this rule; I really should ask when this tradition started!

I remember my first Christmas as a part of the Peter family. They do their gift opening on Christmas Eve, so Jason and I went over to his parents house. Jason's Dad, Phil read us the Christmas story out of Luke, then it was time for the presents. I have to admit I was a little caught off guard by what happened next. Phil started passing out wrapped packages and as soon as they hit their owners hands...paper started flying! I think the whole deal was done in a few minutes. I got some great gifts that year - one that I still use often, a Bible from Jason's parents. I just remember being so surprised at my first introduction to the difference in tradition - I mean, doesn't everyone open gifts in age order?? Apparently not! Jason has never really understood the whole present by present Ferrin way, and I don't totally get the free for all Peter way, but it is fun being different.

I have to admit that when we are on our own for Christmas (as we will be this year) we use the Sacred Order method. It's just too much fun to see what everyone gets, and Jason is a good sport about it.

One last thing. The Sacred Order doesn't end with presents. We open stockings from oldest to youngest. Yeah, you heard me. Imagine how long that takes!

December 8th - Watching White Christmas

There are a few movies that are "must watch" movies during the holidays. One is Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. Of course we catch A Christmas Story sometime during the Christmas Eve marathon, and I try not to let a season go by without watching Home Alone. We just added Elf to this year's rotation of Christmas movie classics in our family.

I'm not sure when I first developed my love for the 1954 movie "White Christmas." I know it's a classic, and I know that everyone has seen it...but I LOVE this movie. It is tops on my list of favorite movies of all time. There's just something unique and wonderful about the characters, the music and the storyline that I can't really explain.

Each year my Mom and I would make it a priority to watch it together. We still do when we have the chance to be together for the holidays. When I was in my last year of college and first year of marriage, my Mom mailed me my own copy of White Christmas. So when I miss out on watching it with Mom by my side, Jason will watch it with me.

As much as my kids love music, I will probably get them hooked on this movie before too many more Decembers fly by. I haven't watched it yet this year, but I will soon!

December 7th - Christmas Pajamas

Parents, you may not realize the impact that traditions have on your kids, but believe me, you will probably be surprised one day when you hear them talk about the things that were most meaningful to them. There is one tradition that I loved so much growing up that I have carried it on every year with my own kids.

Every year on Christmas Eve my Mom would pull out a brand new pair of Christmas pajamas for all of the kids. I loved putting them on and wearing them that night, and likely for several hours the next morning. There was just something about a brand new pair of warm, cozy, festive pajamas that made Christmas more...well, Christmasy.

I don't remember the exact year that ended for me; but I think I was in college. On Christmas Eve, there were no pajamas. My Mom had just assumed I had grown out of that desire I suppose. When I expressed my sorrow over the lack of pajamas and the fact that I had indeed NOT grown out of it...she rushed out and bought me a pair. I'm pretty sure that was the last year, because shortly after I got married and now I have passed the tradition down to my own kids. I hope they love it as much as I used to.

December 6th - The big Disneyland Surprise

I am sure that most of us have one magical, over the top year that we can remember from our childhood Christmases. I had several where my parents got me something memorable, but there was one year in particular that they pulled of the greatest surprise a kid could want.

One year on Christmas Day, and after the present opening had taken place, my Mom and Dad sat down and pulled out a puzzle that simply had three pieces. As they sat on the couch holding the puzzle, they had Jason, Josh and I one by one each take a piece and read a clue that was written in my Dad's handwriting underneath the puzzle piece. I cannot remember all three clues, but I do remember one was something about bringing your walking shoes. At the end of the three clues, we had to guess what they all meant, and the conclusion? We were leaving the very next day for Disneyland!

I don't know if you have seen those commercials lately where parents surprise their kids with a trip, saying something like "we are getting on an airplane in the morning..." and the kids freak out with excitement. I remember a similar celebration in our living room - jumping, shouting, hugging, laughing... And the next day we left for Disneyland.

Jason and I haven't had the opportunity to take our kids to Disney yet, but when we do, we have already decided we are going to make it the surprise of a lifetime.

I know in the beginning I said that these memories weren't in any particular order, but this one is at the top of my favorites!

December 5th - Luke 2:1-14

For a few of my elementary school years, my brothers and I were able to attend a Christian School. Our family could name countless memories from that time - it was great because my Dad's church office was at the school, and my Mom was the school secretary so we were all in the same place during the day.

Every month in every grade we had a passage of scripture to memorize. In December each year it was the same...Luke 2:1-14. We would work on it for weeks, then recite it to our teachers. I can still recall most of it from memory. Even though memorizing scripture can be a chore, it truly is a treasure within my heart now that I am an adult. So, when I hear any reference to Chapter 2 of Luke, it reminds me of that special time at Manteca Christian School when we received that valuable assignment....to hide God's Word in our hearts.

December 4th - The Story of Wallace Purling

My Dad loves Christmas more than anyone, which is probably why I have so many rich memories of that time of year. He has the ability to make Christmas special, and not just for our family, but for the entire church. As a Music Minister, he has always been able to put special touches on the Christmas season to make it a memorable time for the church family.

One of the ways that he does this is by telling stories on Sunday mornings throughout the Christmas season that he has picked up over the years. They vary most of the time, but the one story that makes an appearance every year is the story of Wallace Purling. He loves it so much that he just blogged about the story the other day.

You can read it here - http://louiesalazar.blogspot.com/2010/12/trouble-at-inn.html

More so than the story, what I love is the joy in which my Dad tells it. Over the years, I am pretty sure that he added a detail or two to make the story more compelling. I won't get to hear the story in person this year, but it's nice to have the memories of all of the times I have heard it. Perhaps I will tell it to the kids in our church one Sunday morning this year to continue the tradition...

December 3rd - The year we got Nintendo

If you are in your late 20's or 30's, chances are you had a Nintendo when you were in your preteen/teen years. One year, that was the main wish for my brothers and I...The Nintendo system, complete with Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt. My Mom always had us make our Christmas lists, and I have to say that most years unless it was just completely outrageous, we got the "most wanted" thing on our list.

Christmas morning came that year, and as we came downstairs our "big gift" was usually out and unwrapped. We raced down, and there were presents, that's for sure - but no Nintendo!

We unwrapped our presents one by one (this is another tradition for another day), and one by one, we got some great things, but still no Nintendo. I remember as we opened the last gifts, Jason and I looked at eachother with a dissapointed shrug, and I thought "maybe next year." It was right about that moment when my Dad said "hey, I think one of the presents might of got left in my closet..." He didn't even have the last words out of his mouth when Jason, Josh and I tore up the stairs, practically climbing over eachother in a mad scramble to reach the coveted gift waiting. Of course, it was the Nintendo. Days and days of Nintendo playing followed... a great memory.

I love the excitement on my kid's faces when they open that one gift that they have been hoping for. I'm pretty sure my parents remember this day as well as I do...it was one of the best!

December 2nd - Salazar Christmas Eve

There was a period of time when I was in elementary school where we lived in Manteca, California for a few years. During this time, we lived remarkably close to both sets of my grandparents. I know now that I am in full time ministry and live 1,000 miles from the closest set of our parents, what a gift this time in our life really was.

We lived about 30 minutes from my Grandma & Grandpa Salazar, and so Christmas Eve during that time meant a trip to Turlock for a night with Dad's side of the family. I'm sure my parent's marriage was God ordained simply because the Christmas holiday worked out so well in terms of their traditions: Salazar's celebrated on Christmas Eve, and Ferrin's, Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve nights were very fun; we always had a big enchilada dinner and lots of family time. The most memorable thing about that night for me every year was when everyone would gather in my grandparents "front room" (living room) to watch my brothers and I put on a little show. It always was a sampling of things, perhaps a song we had learned from a musical we were in, maybe a skit, or when we got a little older, a song on our instruments. I'm sure our performances were mediocre at best, but I know that my Grandma loved them because to this day, when we talk on the phone during Christmas she brings it up every time.

I didn't realize then what a treasure it was to celebrate Christmas with extended family every year. Now that we plan a year in advance to fly 2,000 miles or drive 1,000 to parents houses for Christmas, it is an even more meaningful memory.

December 1st - "The Holly and the Ivy"

I am blogging the next 25 days about some of the greatest memories I have from Christmastime. If you didn't read my previous post, it will explain my thoughts a little more. These memories aren't in any particular order!

I think it started sometime in Junior High, maybe High School. I was pretty new to playing the flute - I started in 5th grade. One year though, my Dad pulled out the Mannheim Steamroller classic "The Holly and the Ivy" for he, my brother Jason and I to play together. I played my flute, and Dad and Jason played the keyboards, and I must say, it sounds pretty close to the real thing! Every time we have been all together (which doesn't happen very often) we play this for a service in church. This memory is great in itself, and I think about it every time that song flows through our playlist during the Christmas season.

There are two stand out years though. First, one year we decided to get my little brother, Josh involved. So Dad pulled out some finger cymbals and bells and Josh worked at figuring out the rhythms. Well, apparently, it is an amusing sight to see a 16 year old teenage boy who is not exactly known for his musical prowess among the youth in the church to stand up on stage with a tiny pair of finger cymbals and play a "ding" here and there in a classical piece. Jason and I have a little laugh every year about it.

The second one, although not funny at the time, is very funny now. The opening of The Holly and the Ivy is played on a recorder. I had always played it on my flute as I wasn't exactly the most proficient recorder player. One year, I had the brilliant idea that it should sound as authentic as possible. I came home for Christmas break from college, Dad bought me a nice wooden recorder, and I set out to teach myself to play. Then came "Carols by Candlelight." I stepped up to play the recorder part, very nervously because I was nowhere near confident. What came next was a total train wreck. I started. I squeaked. I started over. I squawked. One more time. Nope. Couldn't get it. I glanced back at my Dad, who had a slight look of panic, then he told me just to play it on my flute. I did, it was great, memory made.

I was appalled that night, but it quickly became a family joke. That was probably about 13 years ago, but we joke every time we play together that "I should go grab my recorder." I still have that dumb thing. I have no idea why...

25 days of Christmas

I am not the most committed blogger. I could never write a book because I suffer from writer's block nearly everyday. However, today is December first, and very much my favorite month. Partly because it is my birthday month, but mostly because it's Christmastime, and entirely "the most wonderful time of the year." I got to thinking yesterday about all of the wonderful memories I have surrounding Christmas. I most certainly have more than 25; some of them as recent as last Friday when we took the kids all bundled up and went searching in the hills above the Rogue Valley for our first "real" Christmas tree.

Pastoring kids and parenting kids are the two things I am most passionate about. I think that this probably has a lot to do with how well I was brought up, and the wonderful memories I have from my childhood, both in the church and at home. A lot of these memories come from the Christmas season. So, bare with me over the next 25 days as I share some of my favorites. You may not read them all, but I can guarantee one thing...my Mom will!

Merry Christmas!

A Birthday Never to Be

I've thought about writing this post for a few weeks now. I've thought and thought, but never really could reconcile in my heart why I would do it. I suppose today, I just feel like maybe someone needs to hear...

If things would have gone according to plan, if things would have worked out the way Aimee wanted them; I would be holding 2 babies right now, or at least would be very near holding them. The last week of April 2010, I miscarried twins. I was about 11 weeks along, so it was too early to know if they were boys or girls. They were identical, because one thing they were able to determine was that they were "mono" twins; meaning they shared a gestational sac. Unfortunately for them and for many babies in their situation, that doesn't give them the best odds of survival.

When I found that I was pregnant early in March, they gave me a due date of November 13th. I was so looking forward to a November baby! Just in time for my favorite season of Thanksgiving and Christmas - the perfect time to take a maternity leave. The situation was perfect, and other then the worst nausea EVER, I was doing well and happy.

Then my 11 week appointment came along. At the doctors office they couldn't determine what was going on, just that things on the ultrasound didn't look quite right, but "everything is probably fine." So, they sent me to the hospital for a better ultrasound with someone that was better trained. The ultrasound tech knew pretty immediately what was going on. She said "well, there are two babies...(5 second pause)...but neither of their hearts are beating."

It was quite a surreal experience to find out about the existence of someone in one breath, and know you had lost them in another. The night I found out about our loss, as I was getting ready for bed; I noticed the picture on my dresser. It is a picture of my G-Mom and G-Pop, my great grandparents. I never knew my G-Mom, but I had the privilege to know G-Pop until just a few short years ago when he went to join G-Mom in heaven. As I looked at their wedding picture that night, my mind saw a picture of heaven; G-Mom and G-Pop in rocking chairs, each holding one of our precious twins. In that moment, I knew they were fine, I knew God knew best and I knew we would be okay.

Fast forward a few months, and here I am; nearly 18 weeks pregnant. It's only one baby this time; we'll find out in a couple of weeks whether we'll need pink or blue. In all of the happiness over this new addition coming; I couldn't help but be preoccupied this week as I knew that our babies, under different circumstances would be arriving any time now. I am the last person to be able to tell you why some things happen. When I got in my van to leave the hospital that day, the only thing that came out of my mouth was "Jesus, I trust you." I am not a hero of the faith; not even close actually...there was just enough grace on that day for me to know that asking why would be infinitely more difficult than just simply trusting. That trust has helped heal my heart, and gives me hope for the future that one day we'll all be together again.

Family Experience

Last Friday night we tried a new event here at Bethel especially for families. The feedback has been fantastic, and seems like everyone had a great time! Our first Family Experience was basically a night for families to connect with each other, and with other families in our church. We did this through putting lots of fun stuff on the tables (Mad Gab cards, paper and crayons, mini connect four & tic tac toe games, popcorn, pretzels, glow sticks), had ice cream sundaes, played some Minute to Win It games, watched a couple of skits, watched a fun short video, and I took a few moments to explain to our parents that our church is committed to partnering with them as they raise their kids.

It was loads of fun fun, but like any first time event, we had some bumps in the road. We didn't plan for enough people, so we had to set out tables and chairs for an additional 40 people. I forgot to put out the whip cream for the ice cream sundaes. I didn't realize this until I laid down for bed that night! We had some difficulty with a video I wanted to show and had to cut it last minute. All of these things were temporary setbacks that we solved, and still had a great time.

Many of you asked if we would do this monthly, or even quarterly, and right now I'm looking at next year and putting a few on the calendar. Our team learned some things about what works and what doesn't...(the popcorn wasn't the best idea...most of it ended up on the floor!) We'll work through those bugs and try to make our next Family Experience truly an experience to remember for every family.

The Cheese Touch

Getting into what my kids are into is one of my biggest priorities. Madelyn (our oldest) will rattle of detail after detail after detail about the books she is reading, or the newest toy she saw on TV. Sometimes I can catch myself getting annoyed because she will talk for 10 minutes, taking me step by step through her latest favorite DS game.

So, I am well versed in Phineas & Ferb, Barbie & the 3 Musketeers, and most recently, Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

It just so happens, that a couple of weeks ago on a whim, Jason and I rented Diary of a Wimpy Kid to watch on a Friday night with the kids. We knew Maddie had read the books, but we just weren't sure if they would be into the movie. Well, they were. Big time! This movie is hilarious, and will take anyone back to the awkward middle school years in a flash. The funniest part of the whole movie to us, was the whole "Cheese Touch" thing. (Go watch it if you haven't seen it).

So yesterday, Madelyn and Elyse tell me after school that there is a real, live, Cheese Touch at Abraham Lincoln Elementary. Maddie says to me with HUGE eyes "Mommy! There is a piece of white cheese on the blacktop at school, and somebody touched it and now there is a cheese touch at OUR school!"

Okay, so maybe this is not a blog-worthy subject, but I find it hilarious. Because last night at church, the other kids at church that go to Abraham Lincoln already knew about the cheese touch. They were dying to find out if it would be there the next day, and who would be inflicted with the dreaded "touch." So funny.

The "New"

There is a lot of "new" happening. I have talked with a few parents lately that are experiencing new schedules, new schools, new teachers...the transition from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school. Or just like our kids - a new school because we moved into new school boundaries a few months ago.

Well, here's more "new" for ya! Sunday, we will be moving our sweet little Kindergartners out of Promiseland down to KidzBlast. This will be a big move for them. Exciting though! Then, I will sadly lose our 6th graders to our awesome new middle school ministry SHIFT_MS. Sad for me, only because I am promoting some completely amazing kids.

Last, we are launching a new opportunity for our 5th graders to be leaders in KidzBlast. Previously we have separated them with the 6th graders into a class for Pre-teens. Now, not only will we target them through all of the cool stuff we already do in KidzBlast, we will use them as a "Timothy Team" - a team of kids that will help with check in, sound, worship, skits, and just overall being there to serve. I was able to talk to these kids last Sunday about their new role in KidzBlast, and the response was awesome! They were so excited - I know God is going to use them in really cool ways this school year.

Everything is launching new this week - We kicked off Royal Rangers and Girls Club last night, as well as classes for our little ones. Junior Bible Quiz gets it's start this Sunday, and Children's Choir is about to start again too. I love the summer...LOVE IT. But right around the end of August, I'm all pumped up for what God is going to do in and through our kids during the Fall months. Let's embrace the "new" and see what God does!

Life Journaling

Pastor Tim has been preaching a series, entitled "Hungry? Feed Yourself." It's more than a sermon series though, it is a way of life. Obviously, we aren't talking about physical hunger. Pastor introduced us to a book several weeks ago called "The Divine Mentor" by Wayne Cordeiro. While this book teaches much, the part we are emphasizing to our congregation is a method of personal devotions. In this method, you have a Life Journal (NOT a diary!), and a reading plan. Then from there, you read the plan each day (or any other plan that you may currently be following), then you S.O.A.P. SOAP is just an acronym.

S. - Scripture

O.- Observation

A. - Application

P. - Prayer

In your Life Journal, you write down your Scripture, make an observation about it, write how it applies, then your prayer. I usually journal about a page in my journal, sometimes spilling over to two.

It doesn't take long, and the rewards are huge. First of all, just being in God's Word daily is such a benefit. Secondly, it is so great to know that I am reading along with dozens and dozens of people from my church family, the same passages.

The Word of God is our spiritual food. Without it, we literally starve ourselves. Pastor Tim said Sunday in his message, that if Sunday is the only spiritual meal you are getting each week, you are starving! Imagine just eating food once a week. This seems ridiculous to most of us, but so many of us are starving ourselves spiritually.

It has been challenging to dive into this new method of devotions, because it has pushed me a little bit. I have gotten so much out of it. Parents, they even make Life Journals for your kids! It has a simplified reading plan, and place for them to journal their SOAP. So many of the Bethel Family are already doing this; I just wanted to encourage everyone to get on board. It will make a difference in your life!

The Business of Myth Busting

For the last 5 weeks in KidzBlast we have been going through a series called Mythbusters. We bust silly myths like "If you step on a crack, you'll break your mamma's back," and "If you swallow gum it stays in your stomach for 7 years." That part has been really fun, but we have been busting some spiritual myths as well. Yesterday, we busted the myth that "God is too busy to help me." We did some fun and crazy stuff leading up to the message, but as I got into the story of Jairus' daughter, and tied that too other miracles Jesus performed, the kids had focus like never before. Something about the story, about the subject, and about the foundations we had laid through silly games, skits and videos caught their attention yesterday. We normally break into small groups after the message, but I felt that we just needed to have them come forward for prayer; so that's what we did. Most of the kids came forward, and I saw something I had really never seen in KidzBlast before....distractions left, friendships were on hold, and a group of kids focused on Jesus and prayed.

I was overwhelmed by God's goodness in that moment, also overwhelmed to see my own two girls come forward and seek God. But I think that what I felt most of all, surprised me. It was an appreciation for God's faithfulness. I always spend time in preparation and prayer for KidzBlast, but this week I felt more of a need to pray, and more need to spend time on the delivery of my message. The result? God was faithful. He showed up big time.

Let's be honest. Sometimes kids just don't get it. They haven't learned yet what it feels like to be in the presence of their God. They aren't quite in tune with His Spirit. But yesterday was different. I'm praying for many many more of these Sunday mornings.

Royal Family Kids Camp

Last week I spent my week at Royal Family Kids Camp. If you are not familiar, Royal Family is a camp designed specially for kids that are currently in the foster care system. They come up to the camp for 5 days, packed full of activities, swimming, games, fun, music and bible story times.

Foster care, you could say, has been a reoccurring theme throughout my life. My parents were foster parents before I was born, and actively took kids into their home until about 12 years ago. Three kids stuck, and they are now my siblings, having been with us since they were infants. A few years ago, I had the privilege of working for a foster care agency in Kansas were I assisted a social worker in case management of foster and adoption cases. Now, I am blessed to be able to minister at Royal Family Kids Camp. I know that God has placed these experiencing in my life for a reason. It definitely has given me different perspective on these very special kids.

I caught myself standing back and observing a lot last week at camp. Observing the kids behaviors, their mannerisms, their interaction with the other kids and with their counselors. My heart was heavy all week, knowing that these kids have experienced things that no child should ever experience. I did, however, see transformations in the kids just over a 5 day period. I saw bright smiles replace skeptical looks, I saw scowls replaced by laughter. I saw introverted kids make amazing connections with their counselors.

There are 52 weeks in each year, and I know that for a lot of these kids, 51 of those weeks are pretty close to a living nightmare. I also know though that for one week each year, we can give those kids a refuge, a place to be a kid - to run, play, swim, create, and make a friend with an adult that loves them just because.

I am already looking forward to next year. Until then, I'll just be praying for each of the 32 kids that I met this summer.

The Great Kid Swap

When I was a kid, for a few weeks every summer, my parents gave myself and my brothers a gift. They sent us away to our Grandma and Grandpa Salazar's house. For a few of those years we lived fairly close - about 30 min from them, and we would meet in Modesto, at the mall in the JCPenny parking lot. The swap would take place, and off we would be for the best weeks of our summer. I LOVED going to my Grandparent's house. We did things that seem normal to most people, but as a kid the sum of all of those little things made going to Grandma's the most treasured time. We would go to the library, swimming, on walks every night, walk to the corner store to get a slushie, playing at the park, and lots of other things. These are some of the best memories of my childhood.

Yesterday, we arrived back home after "swapping" our kids with my mother-in-law. We don't live 30 minutes from them, in fact we live 16 hours from them. So, rather than drive 15 minutes to a JCPenny parking lot, we drove 8 hours to a hotel and spent the night together. Yesterday morning we transferred carseats and luggage, and I said goodbye to my 3 kiddos for 2 weeks of fun, just Nana, Aunt Candice, Aunt Amber and the kids. I would be lying if I didn't say that I was sad, especially to see my 2 year old go without me. When we arrived home, the silence was deafening. This morning when I woke up, I missed JJ's feet in my face, and I jumped to turn off the alarm clock so it wouldn't wake him...but he wasn't there. In short, I already miss them. But all I have to do is think back to those wonderful summers. Orange soda still reminds me of swimming at a public pool because that's what we drank when Grandma took us swimming. The smell and sound of wood being cut on a jigsaw reminds me of my Grandpa because he let us cut out our creations on one. When I see Black Cherry ice cream in the store it reminds me of hot summer nights in Turlock, CA. After I think of those things, I realize that my kids are making their own memories with their Nana. When they are in their 20's and 30's they will sit around and talk about those times just like I do with my brothers. How Josh got his first stitches, how I almost drowned but Grandma saved me, the hours and hours and hours of playing at "bee" park.

It will surely be a long 2 weeks. Then Jason and I get to pack up, and go spend a little over a week with them at Nana's before we come home. I miss the girls talking, I miss JJ's sticky kisses, but I am thankful for the memories being made right now.

What I took away from iCamp

Thursday afternoon ended 4 days at Kid's Camp that I will never forget. Our entire pastoral team went, as well as 8 other amazing adults from Bethel Church, and a handful of teenagers that made a BIG difference. Here are some things that I took away from our week at Sis-Q-Meadows:

• I knew that our Pastoral Staff was awesome; this week watching them serve our kids just confirmed what I already knew. They are indeed, awesome.
• I can not, will not, or do I want to ever do another camp without Susan Greisen. She rocks.
• Our kids came expecting a great week at camp. They left thinking that it was the greatest camp ever. Mission accomplished!
• Our 5 couselors - Bryan, Donavan, Tonia, Crystal & Renee did an awesome job. I hope to have them all back next summer.
• Barry Dale is one great cook! What a servant.
• When I said a few times to our counselors that the greatest things at camp often times happen after the altar call has ended, in the quiet times before bed, they listened.
• You don't have to do much to impress kids: they find the most fun in the simplest things: nature hikes, swimming in the river, and fishing with Pastor Ron and Pastor Lance.
• Kid's Worship is WAY better when Pastor Roger leads. (He is totally a rock star among the youngest of Bethel attendees!)
• Throw a little team competition in, and it changes everything!
• The kids loved activity time with Pastor Troy. We even provided the camp with a permanent game on their chapel floor!
• Teenagers make a big difference. Thanks James, Cyle, Taelor, Alyssa & Gabby. I'm very thankful you all came.
• Sis-Q-Meadows is a great camp. Everyone loved it.
• God moved in big ways, small ways, and weaved Himself between everything that we did. I truly believe that is why our week was so great.

I prayed from the beginning when we put this camp on the calendar that it wouldn't just be another week in the lives of our kids, but that it would be THE BEST week of their summer. I think for many of these kids, it was the best week. I know for a cabin full of boys, God moved upon their hearts late Wednesday night after the other campers had fallen asleep. Those are the kind of moments you cannot not plan, but you pray for because they are what creates true life change in them.

I'm already dreaming, and praying about camp next year. My head is buzzing with the possibilities, the dreams fill my head while I sleep. Thank you to all who took part in making camp a success. It meant the world to me, but even more to the 43 campers that will never be the same.

Days Zooming By

About 6 weeks ago, our 2 year old, JJ barely uttered a word. He just didn't talk. He could get his point across pretty easily through hand motions and grunting and signing a few words, but he just refused as we tried to teach him words. Now, just a few weeks later, he is almost putting together whole sentences. We have been parents now for 8 1/2 years, and sometimes I can't believe so many years have gone by. I am really fascinated by how quickly kids grow and change. A few short weeks ago, as I put JJ to bed, I said "I love you JJ." He smiled and answered, "yeah." Last night, as I tucked him in, I said, "I love you JJ." He smiled, thought for a second and said, "I love you....(thinking)...too much!" I'm pretty sure he meant, "so much" because he has said it before, but I'll take too much!

All of these fascinations make me love the normal, ordinary days. I had been thinking about this just this morning, and when I got to the office, one of the bloggers I follow, Jonathan Cliff, had blogged about this very thing. He posted a link to a video (mom's beware, you will cry...) that sums up the gift of ordinary days, and about savoring them. You can find it here -http://www.strategicdads.com/blog - go down to the video "The Gift of an Ordinary Day"

I remember around 11 months, I couldn't wait for my kids to walk. Then one day it became normal. I remember wishing that Madelyn could read the "big words" in her books one day on her own, and now it seems like there is nothing she can't read. Same with JJ's talking - it's almost hard to remember those days just a few weeks ago that we couldn't beg a word out of him. Time just goes by so fast. Cherish the normal, ordinary days. The days when you get to play video games or watch movies and read books with your kids. The walks, the trips to Sonic. Soon, too soon, those moments will be gone.

Summer is here, and so is KidzMax Live!

I just read a blog post by someone I follow that said one thing you should never do as a blogger is fill a whole blog up about why you haven't been blogging. I won't do that. Everyone is busy, and everyone faces big and little bumps in the road that keep them out of their normal routine. The last 6 weeks or so have been like that for the Peter family. We have experienced things that have been tough, but again as always God has shown us his faithfulness and filled us with joy and expectation for the future.

Today is the first day of no school for our girls. I love the FIRST day of school in the Fall because I love routine. But, I have to admit, I love the laid back feeling that summer ushers in. It also means that the mad dash that we have every morning to get everyone out of the house by 7:30 is over for the next 91 days...but who's counting?

I planned the summer events for our Children's Ministry at Bethel Church last September/October. A lot of thought and prayer went into those plans, and here I am preparing for tonight, which is one of the biggest things we have all summer. (There is a simple irony in the fact that I chose my busiest day this week to blog). We kick off tonight a 3 Night Outreach Event called KidzMax Live. It is a fast paced 1 hr event with games, illusions, drama, our special character Max, and of course prizes and tons of candy. The most exciting part about this event however is that we will give an altar call each night for kids to make the decision to follow Jesus. How exciting is that?! And what a great way to kick off our summer. I really believe that God strategically placed this event in our year so that it will have maximum impact in our kid's lives.

Even though this blog probably won't post to Facebook until after we are done with our kickoff night tonight, would you pray with me? That this week sets the tone for the rest of our summer, and that lives are forever impacted.

Mother's Day (a little late)

I had fully intended to blog on Saturday. Didn't happen, so I aimed for Sunday. Didn't happen again. Then Monday...well, you get the picture.

I can honestly tell you the reason why I didn't blog those days - I was enjoying my family! I had a great time this weekend. On Saturday we went and bought some vegetable plants and are making a first ever attempt at a Peter Family garden. Lots of weed pulling and planting later we have a cute little gardenish area that will hopefully produce some tasty produce! (In the event that Jason reads this, I must disclose that I did in fact pull weeds, but napped through the planting part.)

I digress...Mother's Day. There are 4 amazing women in my life that have taught me so much about being a Mother. First my Mom. Anytime I feel like I am having a hectic day, I think about my teenage years when most of the time we had 8 plus kids in the house, and my Mom seemingly effortlessly cared for all of us. And cared for us WELL. She loves her kids. Each and every one, even if they were just there for a season. There were times I was playing volleyball and in would come to the game, Mom pushing a stroller with a baby, carrying one toddler on her hip, with two more in tow. Then she would sit there through my game and cheer louder than any Mom there. Still to this day my Mom is my biggest cheerleader, no matter what I am doing.

Then, my two grandmothers. I have the privilege of having an incredible Christian heritage in my family. My two grandma's are two of the most Godly women I know. When they tell me they are praying for me every day, I know that they have called my name out to Jesus. I have so many wonderful memories of both of them from my childhood, and have learned so much from both of them.

The other mother who has impacted me greatly for the last 10 plus years is my Mother in Law. I am pretty sure that I have the best mother in law in the world. I just listen sometimes to women who are frustrated with their husband's moms and think "they would be jealous of MY mother in law." She is a Godly woman who leads by example. I have never seen her waver in her faith. I am so thankful.

There are so many Mom's that have impacted my life. They come from very different places in my very random life. My sister in law, Jennie...who loves her kids more than anyone I have every known, but more than that, she shows them constantly that love. The first pastor's wife we worked with, Mary Anderson...because she was a living example of loving her husband, the kids and the church, and in the right order. My best friend from my teenage years, Jennifer Unruh, because even though we keep touch through Facebook, a rare phone call, or text...I can tell that she is the funnest Mom in the world. From our church I admire SueAnn Dale, because she has amazing kids, and we all know where amazing kids come from...amazing moms.

I love being a Mom. But I my ability to mother my kids, like so many other things in my life, has been shaped by these women above and so many more. So, Happy Belated Mothers Day to all of my friends.

God answers kid's prayers!

I remember when I was young, probably 8 or 9 years old, my brother Jason was in a pinewood derby race with Royal Rangers. He had already made it passed the first round at the church, and I think it was a sectional race that was next. My parents must have been out of town, and so my Grandma Salazar took us to the race. Josh and I were obligated to go, although I have to admit that when I was little I loved watching pinewood derby races. I always wished I could have been a Royal Ranger instead of a Missionette and raced a car of my own!

I clearly remember being in the car on the way to the race, and Grandma telling us to pray that Jason would win. And pray I did. I prayed and prayed and prayed. Each race that Jason's car would have I would pray "please God, let Jason's car win." Seriously, that's all I did that day was pray. And lo and behold, Jason won a trophy - I'm pretty sure he was first, and if not, pretty close to it. I just remember being so amazed that my prayer worked!

Now, I hear you, you are thinking "he probably just had a fast car" or "God doesn't mess with the results of the pinewood derby" but I'm telling you - God hears prayer. Even the prayers of a competitive little sister who wants her big brother to win a big trophy.

Pastor Tim talked about healing on Sunday, and I had the privilege to pray over a few ladies for healing in their bodies and minds. I have been thinking all week that if I were to muster the faith I had that day at the pinewood derby race, it could surely move mountains. I have listened to countless children tell me how God answered their prayers. In Club56, our 5-6th grade group, the testimonies are amazing sometimes of what God is doing through the kid's prayers. When we have a sickness at home, or a problem that our kids are aware of, we always ask one of the girls to pray. I am have to admit that there have been times when I have asked Elyse to pray because I knew she had more faith than I did right then; probably because I have already prayed, and nothing has happened.

So why is God seemingly so quick to answer the prayers of kids? I think it boils down to their innocence. There is no doubt. They believe in a big God and they have been taught, and so believe that their God can do miracles. So that is the challenge I put to you parents. Try to muster some of that child-like faith the next time you need to move a mountain. And if you can't call your kids in to pray...it may just increase your faith.

The Children's Choir Debut

I love riding the wave of great, successful events in ministry. Yesterday was one of those days that created a perma-smile on my face! Several months ago, Renee Breiholz (one of those type of Children's Leaders I couldn't live without) came to me and shared a vision of a Children's Choir that God had given her. I have to admit that in the beginning I saw it as merely another "iron in the fire" but Renee's passion and excitement where contagious, so we moved forward. Renee did a great job leading up to our first rehearsal; advertised it well, talked it up among the kids, and we had a great response.

Yesterday the choir sang for the first time. They kids were awesome! They sang two songs, and I have to admit, they far exceeded my expectations of what they were capable of back in January when we started. The greatest part though, was during our second song "God You Make Me Smile." The chorus says "I raise my hands to praise your name, I am not ashamed, to praise your name, Jesus." Several of the kids spontaneously raised their hands to praise their God with a pure heart and motivated only by praising Him.

Renee's vision was that the kids would experience real, true worship; leading others in worship as well. I feel really privileged to have walked through this visioning process, and see the fruit come from it. Looking forward to the future with our Children's Choir!

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go...

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

How true, isn't it? The other day, I dropped my girls off at school. I was stuck in that seemingly never ending line of cars, and before I drove away onto the next destination I watched them walk up the path towards their classroom. And suddenly they looked so BIG to me.

If you listen to me talk, or read my blogs, or follow me on twitter - you may get bored of me saying this. Parents, we impact every breath of our kids lives. I watch how my kids have developed. Of course they have unique personalities (this is by no means a debate on nature vs. nurture!) but I see the patterns and qualities that have risen out of hours and hours of spending time with Mommy and Daddy. Like the way Madelyn grunts when she is frustrated (yes, I do that). They way that JJ teases his sisters already (that one is all Jason). They have been impacted by us, and watched everything we do. The impact is also evident when Elyse prays, or in how all three kids are super excited for church every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.

I am continually reminded of what Moses said in Deuteronomy 6 - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise..."

Most of your are already doing this, but I want challenge you to be even more committed in your efforts to "...teach them diligently to your children..." as Moses commands. Our kids grow and change seemingly overnight sometimes. There are so many teachable moments in our lives - use them to teach your kids God principles that will become part of their spiritual DNA.

I don't want to drop my girls off at middle school in a few years and regret that I didn't put Deuteronomy 6 in to practice years earlier. Soon my kids will make decisions on their own without the help of Mom and Dad. The impact I make now will determine their choices then.

I'm pretty sure I got honked at while I held up the line watching my two cute girls walk to class. Oh well - it was worth it to remind me of the challenge that lays daily before me.

This Weekend

This weekend is one of those weekends that you look at coming into it and wonder how alert you will be on Monday morning. Or better yet, if you will have any clean clothes to wear to work since you didn't have any time to do the laundry!

Tonight we have Children's Choir. We are getting close to our first ministry opportunity in "big church." The kids are sounding great, and I can't wait to show them off to our congregation on April 11th.

Tomorrow we are leaving for our last away Junior Bible Quiz tournament of the season. (The last one next month is at OUR church, whew.) I have the pleasure of joining 12 quizzers and their parents in Salem for a day of quizzing on Saturday. These meets excite me because I get to sit back and listen to the kids' hours of studying pay off. They answer questions that quite honestly, most adults wouldn't be able to answer. They win graciously, lose graciously and have fun doing it. I have been so proud of this team this year. As Jason would say, Rock the Q!

On Sunday morning I am excited to see what God is going to do in the hearts and lives of kids in each of our groups. There are so many amazing people that serve each week, with new volunteers coming on board all the time. It's going to be a great day!

After church on Sunday, I will be heading over to Central Neighborhood Church to attend a meeting for Royal Family Kids Camp - a camp we help put on the last week of July every year that is especially for abused and neglected kids - most of whom are in the "system." If you are on the fence about going to Royal Family this summer to be a counselor, come to the meeting, have lunch and learn more. (It's at 1:00pm)

Sunday evening we have Connection Groups. I love this time because I get to sit and talk with people that I may not see from week to week as I am involved kid's services most of the time. I get to participate in great discussion about a sermon that most weeks I was not present to hear, but it's great conversation nonetheless. I love my Connection Group.

Just a little update. I hope your weekend is fabulous!

My Dad

This is going to sound like part 2 in the "men of my life birthday tribute" but I assure you it's merely coincidence that the last blog I posted was about Jason's birthday.

Today is my Dad's birthday. I, like so many other doting daughters LOVE my Dad. I have the pleasure of being one of the few daughters that has followed in their father's footsteps in regards to a career. I grew up a Pastor's kid, and truthfully, had a really really good childhood. My parents handled their ministry and family with such wisdom and grace. Looking back, now that I am in full time ministry myself, I see how I was mentored by my Dad in these areas. He had some rough times in ministry while I still lived at home (and long after I moved out); I watched my parents both walk through some difficult times. But I also saw them handle these difficulties with such dignity. There were also wonderful times of ministry - too many to count, I imagine. The fruit of those wonderful times is spelled out all over his Facebook Wall today with birthday wishes from people touched by his ministry.

One gift that my Dad has given me over the years (with help from Mom, of course) is an unyielding support that has given me loads of self confidence. There was a time in high school when I was playing varsity volleyball, in a show choir, and in a couple of orchestras. At the time, you couldn't have convinced my Dad that there was a better setter, alto, or flautist in the world. I'm sure deep down he knew the truth (that a 5' setter wouldn't go much further than college, that my flute skills were limited, and that my alto voice blends nicely in a choir, but that's about it!), but I didn't know that then. His support continued as I graduated high school, went on to Bible college, got married, and entered ministry. I enjoy talking to my Dad about ministry - bouncing ideas off of him, sharing victories with him, and frustrations as well. He is talented, gifted, analytical, intellectual, hard working, loving and the wisest man I know.

I know everyone who knows my Dad knows he is a one of a kind guy. Special. My Mom tells me sometimes that I am "just like your father." I love it when she says that! (Even though most of the time when she says it, she's annoyed with me :) I'm going to get in trouble for saying that!)

So Happy Birthday Dad. I love you. I am extremely thankful for you. For your example, your wisdom and your love for our huge, crazy family. I pray that this year exciting things happen.

Happy Birthday Jason

Today is Jason's birthday. This year has been different for Jason. This same week last year, we were packing up our house and getting ready for a move to Medford. Jason had resigned his position as youth pastor, worship pastor and interim pastor in Eureka, but he did more than that. He resigned from full time ministry, so that I could take a full time position at Bethel as Children's Pastor.

This year he has worked hard. He has taken the plunge into "secular" employment, yet all the while he has spent many hours volunteering himself at our church. He has told me often that it is "different" but not once has he complained to me or said that he wished that he would change the decision we made.

It has taken us this full year to adjust to our new life, and even through employment changes for him, moving houses, and daily hearing me talk and ask questions about what I should do, or how to do it, Jason has gone with the flow and been a great daddy, husband and provider. I wouldn't be able to put into words how much it has meant to me that he gave up a full time career in ministry so that I could have one. Jason is still called, and he still serves the church - a lot.

So, Happy Birthday Jason. I love you and I'm especially thankful for you this year.

What I'm reading

I often have a small stack of books I'm working on. Here is what is in my stack right now:

I read the book Crazy Love last week. I've had it either on my desk or in my bag taking it to and from the office for about 2 months now. I just haven't made it a priority to read it. I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you are pretty comfortable with your relationship with God. It is incredibly challenging, and I don't mean that casually. It will absolutely turn the way you think about your life and your walk with Christ inside out.

Another book that I should have read months ago is Think Orange. There is a lot of buzz about this book in the Children's Ministry world, and I felt like it was time for me to see what all the talk was about. Why Orange? The author, Reggie Joiner uses the color Orange as an analogy not by itself, but as a blending of the colors yellow and red. Yellow is the church and red, the family. When you blend them, you get Orange; and a ministry philosophy that is catching the eye of a lot of Children and Family Pastors.

I am also currently making myself a student of special needs ministry. There are a couple of books on this topic that I'm reading so I can be better prepared to minister, and to train our volunteers to minister to kids with special needs.

I also spend some time reading some blogs each week. I have a few favorites that include speakers I've heard, children's pastors I follow, plus other miscellaneous people who have great things to say (including my Dad). A couple I recommend - www.jonathancliff.com; www.bostern.wordpress.com; www.ryanfrank.com; and www.insidenorthpoint.org. Those are just a few of my favs.

So, what are you reading? Anything that is challenging you?

Identity of Motherhood

This will probably surprise you, but I never aspired to be a mother when I was younger. Or a wife...I just really didn't think about it much. When I was 11, God called me to full time ministry and I really never looked back. I was super involved in my youth group, went on missions trips, then after high school graduation I packed up for Bible College. Oh sure, like any fairly typically teenager I had a boyfriend here or there, but I was still pretty focused on God's calling. Then...then I started dating one Jason Peter. I was only 20 at the time, and still had a couple of years of college left, but God's Will was clear from the beginning.

So fast forward 12 years, one marriage, and three kids later. I am now a wife, a mom to three, and a full time pastor. I have been in this pastor role for a couple of years now, but only full time for almost a year. I have been battling myself for the last 11 months trying to find that perfect "balance" in life that takes care of everything and earns me the title of "Super Mom" in the process! I remember once hearing a pastor's wife talking about "juggling" all of her roles in life, and I immediately thought "I don't want to juggle all my stuff - what if I drop something!" (I tend to be a little clumsy) So, my ambition has led me to carefully balance these things, because as soon as I throw something up in the air and momentarily take my eye off it, it will surely come crashing to the ground. I realized early on in this job that I work in a world where a lot of my colleagues are men, and that presents challenges to me. I bet some of you can relate.

This revelation has led me to these thoughts:

• The following priorities: Jesus, Jason, the Kids, and the Church are to always be in that order. No discussion. Period. (I actually learned this 9 years ago when we started in ministry but I truly see the importance of it now.)
• My Mother role does not lessen my Pastor role. This goes for any of you who have a career that you are passionate about. This is a false idea that my own brain managed to conjure up when I started this job.
• I CAN read a ministry book and help with homework, and stir the dinner on the stove all at once. I didn't think I could, but indeed I can.
• It's okay if you stay at home with a sick kiddo - you aren't weak or putting your job on the "not important to me" list. Your kids need the hugging and nurturing more than anyone else does right now.
• Your life can be the perfect blend of everything you chose to put in it. Chose wisely - it's the unnecessary things that cause the out of control kind of chaos. (A little bit of chaos happens. Mothers of two-year-olds say amen.)
• My kids get excited when I teach KidzBlast and Girls Club...they don't care if I'm their children's pastor and truthfully, I like that.
• My job as a Pastor and my role as a Mother will, and do overlap daily. It's my choice to embrace that fact, and to love this season of my life. It's hectic and tiring, but exciting and exhilarating.
• And last, I love my iPhone. It allows me to check my email during the above mentioned multitasking (cooking, reading, homework...) It also allows me to stay connected to all of my friends and family via facebook and twitter without pulling out my computer. You have to love that one.

So, make sure your priorities are in check, that the chaos is managed, and most of all, that you are tuned in to what God says your identity needs to be. Oh, and make sure you tweet about it!

These three things...

Three different times in the last 24 hours I have learned of a little life that is struggling. One through a blog; a friend of a fellow Children's Pastor. One through television and one through a prayer request this morning. It has caused me to pause and be thankful for my three healthy, vibrant, happy kids. Three little lives ranging from just a few days old, to just a few months old - hanging in the balance, fighting for life.

On Monday, I started a blog post about two year olds. I was furiously typing away, talking about all of the quirky qualities that many two year olds possess (namely the ones my son possesses), and recounting my experiences with the two and three year old class that I taught on Sunday. I was intent on recommending a book to help keep your sanity during these busy mom moments. I didn't have time to finish it that day, and I'm glad I didn't. The reason why? While I humorously complained about how JJ put his snack in the dog's bowl and ate out of it, put pennies in the dishwasher, or used a half a bottle of soap to wash his hands - thousands of other families are wishing that their little ones could just make it out of the hospital, or worse - just make it.

It made me think of the times lately when the kids volume has seemed to be at an all time high as they play, or fight or do whatever it is that fills their evenings, just very very loudly. I may have asked them to quiet down! or go in the other room! or please stop fighting! But I think even more disturbing than the loud noise, would have been complete silence. Chaos has become comforting in our lives of three kids. Today, more than ever, I am thankful for that chaos. Thankful for loud laughing voices. Thankful for running through the house. Thankful for that enormous mess that JJ makes every meal.

So, three times in the last 24 hours. Three kids - Madelyn Mae, Elyse Kathryn, and Jason Lee, Jr. - that I am thankful for. I am blessed, but I'm sure the parents of the other three would tell you the same thing.

Two Worlds

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being in KidzBlast. We played a fun game, worshipped with gusto, talked about Haiti; especially about the kids in Haiti, watched a cool object lesson, took an offering for Convoy of Hope, and prayed. I was amazed by the interest our kids had in just talking about this country and the tragedy that has occurred there. I can't remember a Sunday that they were so captivated by what was going on up on the stage and seriously - all I did was stand up there and talk. I talked about what it means to have Hope; hope that one day our relationship with Jesus means that we will spend forever with Him. It was a very profound service. One that reminded me how deep and impressionable kids can be at times. Before we broke up into small groups to learn more about the customs of Haiti, we broke into small groups to pray. In my group of 2nd graders, I had a first time visitor lead out in prayer for the people who are hurting and need food and water. I felt privileged to stand in that prayer circle.

Last night late, I gained a niece. My big brother and his wife are housing a little girl from Haiti for medical treatment. I'm not sure what the future holds for Jason, Jennie, the boys and their sweet Bernie, but God does. This morning as I was looking at pictures of Bernie for the first time, the reality of her situation hit me. She was in Haiti and experienced the earthquake and now she is being held in Jennie's arms...a world away. She is one of those children that my kids here at Bethel lifted up in prayer yesterday morning. We prayed that God would provide for children like Bernie, heal them, and make a way for them to meet Jesus. God is good...even though I haven't hugged my new little niece yet, I feel His goodness so strongly as these two worlds collided last night in our family.

Haiti: Learning, Praying and Giving

Parents, this Sunday January 24th we will pausing from our previously scheduled lesson to take some time to learn more about, pray for, and take a special offering that will go through BGMC to help Haiti. I will also be taking some time to talk about the earthquake with the kids. When global tragedy happens, it is not uncommon for kids to wonder why God would allow something like that to happen. I am going to speak to that, helping our kids understand what God's Word has to say about it. We will also specifically target some areas to pray for; including prayer for our Assemblies of God missionaries that are currently working there, and Convey of Hope; another AG work that is in the heart of this disaster working hard to meet needs.

You can help me out in this endeavor by preparing your kids for the special offering that we will take. Our kids have been doing a great job tithing and bringing in their Buddy Barrels for BGMC. Let them know this week that we have a special project to give to, and that Buddy needs to be extra full!

Please spread the word about this special Sunday!

The latest

I have to admit, that even though I'm not a proponent of getting sucked into Holiday busy-ness, it happened to some degree in my life this year around. Part of that was the fact that my family and I moved a week before Christmas. Just across town, mind you, but still - I do not recommend this! We threw our tree up and a couple of sparse decorations on the 20th amidst unpacked boxes and clutter. Then one week later took off for St. Louis, MO to spend a week with my family. We had a great time, but the consequence? The tree is still up in my living room as I write. I'm hoping to get it all put away tonight, and put the final touches on decorating our house with pictures and such to finish making our house into a home.

Enough about the Peters! What I'm really excited about is that there is some great things going on in our Children's Ministry. On January 1st we launched a Bible Reading Plan for all children birth - 6th grade. By December 31st 2010, as a Children's Ministry Family we will have read through the New Testament. Today is January 7th. If you haven't started with us, it's not too late! It's roughly one chapter a day, with some chapters split up. My hope is that you will take this time as a family to read the Word together. Pick up a copy with instructions at the Info Center next time you are at church.

Another exciting thing that we rolled out this week was our new BethelGirls Club. We had a great group of girls last night Kindergarten through 4th grade. We rotated through groups learning Scripture, eating snacks, participating in fun activities and crafts. The girls seemed to really enjoy it; and I think the adults had fun too!

On Sunday in KidzBlast we are starting a new unit to usher in the Winter Olympics called "Winter Extreme." Your kids won't want to miss it. And in Club56 we will begin walking through some very important foundations of our church's doctrine - in a fun way, of course!

I'm looking forward to all that God is doing in our Kid's already this year.