Weekend Recap

We had such an awesome weekend! God taught me so much! We had Jarrett's party and on Sunday we went to our home church in Augusta. They were having their 25th Anniversary. We were able to reconnect with old friends and just be filled. I can honestly say that I have never been at a church like West Acres! Even though we have been gone from there for 7 years we walked in and it was like we had never left.

The service was so awesome, I can't even put it into words. God taught me some things. Even though I long to be there all the time, I know we are right where God wants us at Winfield Heights. God was truly lifted up and exalted. God also showed me that it is up to me to be joyful. As long as I am trusting in Him no one steal my joy. Thank you God for allowing me to have the day I had yesterday. Thank you for refocusing my attention to You. Jesus, I want my passion to be You!

Happy Birthday to My Baby Boy!

Tomorrow June 29 we will celebrate my baby's birthday! Since tomorrow is Sunday, we had his party today. It was fun! One of his little friends that lives in Columbia came. He LOVES her. They had a great time. Tonight we went to Ryan's. We never go anywhere on Saturday night but Jamie is not preaching tomorrow so we did. Have a great service tomorrow, and I will post about our Sunday on Monday! I have posted some of my favorite pictures from the party! Our camera batteries died so we have limited pictures. That is so our life!

Jarrett and his "girlfriend" Kayla

Our crew at the party table!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jare Jare,

My sweet baby, how I love you! You are a true joy! I can't believe that you are 3! Thank you for the love and joy your bring to our house everyday! My Thomas boy, I pray that you will always listen and follow God. Trust Him and listen to Him, for He is real and will guide you. I love you so much! Thank you for being my boy, and thank you God for allowing me to be the Mommy to this sweet boy!






HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARRETT!!!
WE LOVE YOU!

A Busy Week & God Stop Friday!

It has been a busy summer week here at the Wootten house. We have had some great family time, and are busy getting ready for our little man's party tomorrow. Jamie and I actually had a date last night. It was so nice to get alone with my man and actually have a conversation without being interrupted!

One of my Siestas Patty hosts "God Stop Fridays" where you get a chance to reflect on how you saw God during the week. God reminded me this week that He prepares for your needs even before you have them.

With everything going up in price, God already provided to offset something that has gone up. This next school year our kids are going to be doing a virtual charter school. They are going to provide us with another computer and give us $10 towards our internet bill(our bill increased by $10 last month.) It isn't a very significant amount, but it is more about God saying I am going to take care of you, just trust me.

I am reminded of these verses in Matthew 6:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Thank you God that You are taking care of us and that we don't have to worry about our life because You have it under control!

A Good Day!

Today was a great family day. Jamie took most of the day off , and we all headed to Augusta. We started the day off at the Regal Cinemas Free Family Movie. If you have a Regal Cinema in your area, you should definitely check it out. The movie is free all summer. It is a great way to beat the heat! We saw Racing Stripes today. Even though we have the movie, it is still a great experience to see it in person. This was Chara and Jarrett's first movie in a theater. Surprisingly, they did well. After that we ate at Chick-fil-a and ran some errands.

Jarrett's birthday is Sunday and his party is Saturday so we got his party things.

He is having a Thomas and Dieselbirthday. If you are familiar with the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad, then you will know the Diesel character. As Jarrett says, "He's baad!" After a stop at Party City, we headed to Toys R Us to get Diesel for the top of his cake. Toys R Us does a great thing for their birthday club members. They give them a mylar balloon, crown, toy and announce to the store that "Jarrett is here today celebrating his birthday and he will be 3." The employees then proceed to clap and go wild. It is great!!! Next time I will take a camera! Click here to sign your child up

The thought occurred to me that just like those Toys R Us employees went nuts for my Jarrett, God goes wild for us too. When we accept Christ, turn and go His way, or just simply obey, I think all of heaven goes wild for us. It will be so great to experience that first hand. We need to remember that every time we see an awesome sunrise or sunset, God meets that need we have been stressing about, or God simply lets us know He's there, that is our cue to "Go Wild" for Him. He deserves it don't you think! I mean He IS the creator of the universe!

Thanks for listening about your great day!

Now, GO WILD for GOD!!!!

Love you!

6 Flags Recap

We had a great time at 6 flags! The only way it would have been better is that one of the kids that went didn't have a stomach virus and throw up standing in line for a ride. Yep, that's right, the teen came anyway. Oh well, we are just praying that the virus skips our family.

Kaylee rode a roller coaster for the first time. She was scared at first, but then she LOVED it. Her favorite ride was the log ride. Here are a few pictures from the day.

I hope you have a great day in God's house tomorrow! Pray for me, the pianist is gone which means I have to lead music while playing the piano. It is always interesting when I have to do both!

Love you all!

To 6 Flags We Go!

Well. in just about 15 minutes our front yard will be buzzing with excitement as 20 youth and chaperones hop into vehicles to trek to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta. This summer right of passage is quickly becoming a tradition. Wish us luck! This year for the first time we are taking one of our own. Kaylee worked and earned the $ for her ticket, so this will be her first roller coater experience. I will post pictures tomorrow! Have a great day!

What's Been Going On?...

I just wanted to catch you up on what's been going on at church. I eluded to some stressful things a few posts ago and I just wanted to fill you in. SOme of you know that we are in the middle of a building project at our church. This is a VERY big undertaking for a church of about 70 (on a good day.) We are building a multipurpose building that will hold classrooms, kitchen and basketball court.

Last week, Jamie got an email from the steel company stating that they were raiding the price of our steel about $24, 000 and some change! This was a total shock to us! We went with this company over a more local one because of the promise of a 35% discount. The price rise was exactly that same % down to the penny. The contract states that they can raise the price until the steel is delivered.(bad on our part.) I tell you all this to say that Jamie's life is VERY stressful right now. As those of you in full time ministry know that then transfers home. Hence the need for time away!:)

Please be in prayer that the steel company doesn't raise prices anymore, that they will cut and deliver the building quickly, and that God will make up the $ somewhere along the way.

Also pray that God will give my family peace during this stressful time in the life of our church, and that people will come together and revival will break out in our church and town(it is very spiritually dead; more on that another time.)

Thanks in advance for all your prayers.

I Need a Little Help

Calling all you super organized people! Since we got satellite a few weeks ago, I have been watching all those decorating makeover type shows, and I have decided that my house needs one in the worst kind of way! What are some organizing tips for the kids stuff. Remember I have 5 so even though they personally each don't have a lot, when you put it all together they do. I need a neat way to organize it so that it will be easy for them to clean up and where everything has its own neat organized place. I am open for ANY help you guys could offer! Thanks and have a great day!

A Prayerful Response

A few weeks ago, I mentioned to be praying about us going to Disney. Well, after my shopping trip yesterday, I have my answer. We will use the rest of our stimulus $ to pay off most of the credit card debt we have. I am just sick about this because I am the reason we have the debt in the first place. I made some poor decisions and now my family is paying for it. Please be in pray for this. We desperately need a fun family vacation. Things are getting very stressful around here. I will post about that another time.

Anyway, thank you for all your prayers concerning Disney. I know 1 day God will show favor on us and grant us that desire, but for now, the answer is no. You know, sometimes it just stinks to hear God say not right now!

I Just to Have to Vent!!!

Tonight I took Kaylee out for some "Mommy Daughter" time. We had fun shopping for her a swimsuit that fits. Anyway, we went to eat at Fatz Cafe, and then I went to Kroger to get gas and groceries. I have NEVER spent that much on gas in my life. It took $80 to fill up my van! $80. I was in shock. Don't even get me started on groceries. Things are truly starting to get out of hand. I was out of cooking oil so I needed some more. The Kroger brand Canola oil was $4!!! So I got just reg. vegetable oil that was still $3. So much for trying to be healthy, t is WAY to expensive. Sorry that this post is about me griping, but this is getting TOTALLY out of hand!!!

Father, the only one we can lean on during these strange frustrating times is You. Please continue to provide for our family as things continue to go up but our $ doesn't. Thank you for Your provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.

BTW, I have to find a place to sleep at the Siesta Fiesta. If anyone is willing and has space please let me know.
Love you all!

My Monkeys

Noah, Kaylee, Hannah Beth(being sad)

Chara and Jarrett

I took some pictures of the kids today before they left for VBS(they are going to it at another church in town.) I had not taken a picture of them all together since Christmas. At Easter I was sick so I didn't feel like taking a picture of them in their Easter outfits. Anyway one of the ones I took is on my profile and here are 2 more. This is the true picture of how life is around here! We are always having a great time, but more than likely someone has gotten their feelings hurt. (HB today :) Anyway, Have a great Wednesday!

Love You!

Photo Day

I realized the other day that I had not posted any pictures of the race that Jamie and Noah went to at Darlington. Here are just a few of the best ones.

On the way to the race

Helicopter flyover

Great view of pit road

My guys having a great time!

Noah's favorite driver Mike Wallace(the cars are going so fast that it's hard to get a good pic)

They had a great time and the plan is that next year Jamie, Noah, Kaylee and I will all go! It will be a great time!

Post #2

Normally, I don't post twice in 1 day, but I need some help. I have been making cakes for sevral years for my kids birthdays and for things we have at church. It is something I like to do, and people keep telling me that I should start making cakes for $. I made this cake for a party we had at church and everyone said why don't you start doing this for $.

This just keeps coming up, so I think I am going to put it out there and see what happens. I have NO idea how to advertise or anything. This is where you guys come in.

What advice can you offer me as I start this process. Where do I start? I know I need a name for this so, I thought I would list a few and you guys could vote. I know several of you have your own home based businesses, so PLEASE give me some feedback! I have posted a few of my favorite cakes. I make my own yummy(if I do say so myself) decorator's icing so everything tastes very fresh. What would you be willing to pay for one of these cakes? I have no idea about price and the only places that I know of are 2 grocery store bakeries in town and 1 private bakery. Anyway, thanks for all your help!

Here is the name list:

#1 Cake Creations; #2 Amanda's Cakes; #3 Cakes by Amanda; #4 Cakes Galore; #Cutie Cakes

Which one do you like? If you come up with something better, please let me know. I am open to whatever!

What I Learned From Church

I hope you all had a good weekend! This must have been the weekends for great Sunday services. Ours was great too! Even if I am a little biased about the preaching LOL :) Anyway, this is what Jamie's sermon was about. The title was:"It's All About Jesus." The text was Colossians 1:12-18. He went through the verses and came up with 6 questions we need to ask ourselves and deal with before be observed the Lord's Supper. After a time of prayer and reflection, we observed the Lord's Supper. Here are the 6 questions and the verse that each references:

1. Have I received the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus Christ?(1:12)

2. Does my life bear evidence that Jesus Christ changed me? (1:13)

3. Is there a sin that I refuse to forgive myself for? (1:14)

4. Do I strive to live out God's plan for my life or do I live for the things I want to do? (1:17)

5. Is there any part of my life I am holding back from God? (1:17)

6. What is my attitude toward this church? (1:18)

It was just a great service.

Then in the PM....

After church, which we had to have in the fellowship hall because the air is on the fritz in the sanctuary, we had a youth fellowship at our house.

Here are some photos to mark the occasion! I'll give you 3 guesses as to what we did for entertainment....

1. 2.

3.

If you haven't guessed by now, this last picture will be a dead give away!

That's right, Guitar Hero is what we learned at church!! Have a great day!

FYI

I saw on another gals blog that she had a signature, and of course I wanted one too. Anyway somehow, I can't remember how, I found this sight called My Live Signature.com and was able to design my own signature. It was so easy and they tell you how to add it to your blog and various other places. I hope this helps anyone out there listening spruce up their blog!

What Do You Think???

As you can tell, I gave my blog a new look. Let me just say, it is no easy task. Please let me know what you think. It is so funny, my friend Lisa updated hers also, and I almost chose the exact kind she has. Great minds think a lot!!

Anyway, let me know what you think!

Also, I have to tell you about a great deal we heard about yesterday that is happening today at Sears. (I just found out that the deal runs through 11:59pm June 15.) If you buy $100 worth of Dockers (anything except shoes and luggage) they will give you a $75 Shell gas card!!! You have to send off for the card like a rebate, but still, that is a great deal!!! You can find out more about it here.

As a bargain shopper, it is my duty to inform you of great deals!
Have a great day!

We had a very good day. We did not go to the beach, but we did have a great family day. We slept in, got dressed around noon and then went to Augusta which is about 45minutes away and just hung out. My hubby even took me to Kohl's!!! If you do not have Kohl's in your town, I am SOOOO sorry! :(. It is a GREAT store where you can find some great deals!

Anyway, on the way home this song came on the radio. It is called Empty Me by Chris Sligh. He is an American Idol alum, and a very talented musician. He like Mandisa got voted off fairly early. But, form both of their testimonies, it was a blessing.

I have heard this song before, but not really listened to the words and the message. Jamie told me to listen to it and remember what he had done(ie been on AI.) I have posted the lyrics below. This should be the cry of all our hearts. "Empty me of the selfishness inside. Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride. And any foolish thing my heart holds to, Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. "

Father, help me to empty myself so that there is room for You!

Empty Me by Chris Sligh(you can watch him sing the song here.)
I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood.
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.

Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away.
I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change.

Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you.
So, I surrender all!


Join me as we strive to surrender it all to Him!
Love you,

I've Seen It All

I was just looking at Fox News and saw this story. For a fee, you can have an email sent to your loved ones after the rapture occurs. I have heard of some crazy things, but I never thought about this. I bet these guys will actually have people sign up for this.
It sure peaked my curiosity. If it did yours too, check it out here!

Not Much of Anything

There is not much of anything going on this week. We are trying to get adjusted to summer like my friend Lisa. Anyway, Jamie has his last regular season church softball game tonight, so we will be eating at the ballpark again for supper. We have done this at least 1 time a week since April. It's not that bad, and it is cheap!:) It had also given me an opportunity to reconnect with a gal named Patty. She is super sweet and doesn't treat me differently because my hubbys a pastor, which doesn't happen very often in a small town.

I just wanted to check in. Jamie said something about taking a day trip to the beach tomorrow, but I don't know if we are going to do that or not. He has not mentioned it recently. We will be doing day trips this summer with gas the way it is. We are thinking about maybe doing Disney in Sept. (t.y. stimulus package), but there are so many other things we could use that $ for too. We desperately need a new couch, but I don't know. I know it sounds trivial but would you join me in praying about it. If any of you know the ends and outs of a cheap Disney vacation, please let me know. Thanks again, if I don't post tomorrow, it is because we are at the beach. Have a great rest of your day!
Amanda

Summer Showers and Rainbows

Yesterday afternoon we had the classic summer thundershower. You know the kind where it just rains on your street but nowhere else in town. It was raining so hard that there were puddles in our yard. I know we have not had rain for a while, but still it rained hard in those short 10-15 minutes. Anyway, as it was raining the sun was also out in full force. I told Jamie that somewhere their had to be a rainbow. Sure enough after a little while there was an enormous rainbow. Not just a half, but a whole rainbow!!! IT looked like it was going from our church to the roof of our house(we live next door to our church). Of course I was scrambling t o find the camera, and I could not find it until the rainbow was almost faded. This is the only picture I got of it. It was awesome though. The kids enjoyed playing in the puddles after the rain. That is always so fun!

This morning in my quiet time, Beth was having us look at Noah's life. I am doing the Believing God study, and we are talking about living our life like we know,"I am who God says I am." Boy did Noah ever have that challenge. She pointed out that Noah was the only one in his culture that believed God. How lucky we are that we have many whom we can share with and run this Christian race. Without you, this life would be VERY hard. God covenanted with Noah and promised never to destroy the earth by flood.

God has been so good to us, and He continues to give us grace and favor. Let's always remember that we are not alone in this race, even though we sometimes feel like we are. Lean on others, even if you have never seen them face to face. If we are believers, we are united in Christ and should bear one an0ther's burdens.

Just so you know, I am here for you. I will be glad to do whatever I can.

"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up IN LOVE as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:16(emphasis mine)