Disqus - Latest Comments for Mandy

Re: steven. - Election Year

Mandy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:30:52 -0000

If a church promotes a certain candidate in any way at all...they can lose their tax exempt status if someone turns them in.

I would also walk out BTW.

Re: Life, Death, and Tim Russert [will i die before 35?]

Mandy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:38:38 -0000

You should sign up for the RagauffinTop challenge. We post a pic and our measureable goals every Saturday. I've been doing it for 2.5 weeks now and have lost 5 lbs and had so much encouragement from Ragamuffin readers.

Re: Why? [A world ripped apart]

Mandy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:37:19 -0000

I can't imagine how this must feel.

I remember the pastor of my church going through this when I was about 10..I always wondered how his family was dealing w/ all of it.

I'll be praying for your family today.

Re: Lazy [When Will I Defeat You?]..a moment of blog-honesty.

Mandy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:03:27 -0000

I'm going through this same thing right now. I sure as heck don't miss twittering, but I'll miss making lunch until 1. Uh, starving kids should be a priority.

Re: Caption Please!

Mandy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:50:46 -0000

In the late 60's, early 70's..reverse polygamy was all the rage.

Mandy's last blog post...Monday Prayer

Re: What Makes A Man…A Man

Mandy — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:41:14 -0000

We take meds when we have aches, pains, cough...REAL tangible type situations. We also take meds when we feel depressed, have too much anxiety, hyperactivity...emotional things. We have become dependant on suppressing feelings & emotions, rather than experiencing. It somehow seems easier. Problem is, we don't calculate the risks or problems that will be created. Or even worse..we don't CARE about said risks or problems. We just want less pain, less emotions, less feeling.

While Thomas was on Oprah, he said that he's having to receive MORE meds to keep his body from rejecting the pregnancy because of all the male hormone he had taken (he stopped taking them while pregnant).

He also claimed that after the show they would be moving their business (t-shirt designs) out of Bend into Portland which they believed would be more accepting.

Mandy's last blog post...Writers Blog (ck)

Re: EXCLUSIVE! Breaking News!

Mandy — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:36:58 -0000

Typical...

Mandy's last blog post...Authenticity

Re: What Makes A Man…A Man

Mandy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:53:14 -0000

ckroboth - in her previous life (teenage years) she was a Hawaiian beauty pageant contestant.

Mandy's last blog post...You thought what?

Re: What Makes A Man…A Man

Mandy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:57:25 -0000

ckroboth - AND her mother committed suicide when she was 12. "Tracy" was left w/ her Dad & 2 brothers.

Mandy's last blog post...You thought what?

Re: It’s About The People

Mandy — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:40:17 -0000

In honor of your fast...I will not post dinner pictures tonight. =)

It's awesome to bring these types of organization to people's hearts. Great job.

Re: Going To The Fair…Day 3

Mandy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:55:14 -0000

First of all, if I was there...I'd be dancing. Seriously. Nobody dances?

Secondly, I'm proud of you for getting in touch w/ your hillbilly side. Using that music, was awesome. Makes this hillbilly miss OR more than ever.

Mandy's last blog post...New Vacation Clothes

Re: Church and Culture…Are They Opposed?

Mandy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:06:59 -0000

I was immersed in "the culture" for years until I was saved at 23. I don't think twice about going into a certain place or hanging out w/ certain people...they are all loved by God & if I can be an example of a Christian who is loving & accepting like Jesus was..then so be it. I have discovered that a large percentage of my unchurched friends have extremely poor views of the Christian community. How judgmental they are, unaccepting, unwilling...sadly, these are the some of the same Christians I encounter as well.

Mandy's last blog post...Positive Post Tuesday

Re: Question For The Weekend

Mandy — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:00:14 -0000

Sweets...I'd actually get skinny again if they got taken away.

I'm sure my answer is revealing my true priorities. It's an ugly truth...but truth nonetheless.

Mandy's last blog post...Birth plans Shmirth plans

Re: Pastor’s Should Not Be Paid…Or Should They?

Mandy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:58:47 -0000

Our pastor told a story of an old friend of his who had worked at a certain church for years. He lived in a parsonage & his furniture were provided by the church members.

Guess what? They brought him their crappy, left over, smelly old furniture.

Whatever happened to giving our best? Why would that ring any less true to someone we're following on our walk w/ & to Christ.

How we pay our pastors shows how much our church values them.
It's not a 40 hour a week job...

Mandy's last blog post...I've been tagged...

Re: Should I respond?

Mandy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:27:37 -0000

Totally respond...WITH SCRIPTURE. Hahaha.

Mandy's last blog post...Family night.

Re: Before and After…Blue Skies, Or Not…

Mandy — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:40:25 -0000

We had a black as night storm here just an hour ago. I tried to convince the kids it was bedtime again...w/ no avail.

Our Summer has been mild. Only a few humid days. Nice actually. I'm dreading the snow already. =(

Mandy's last blog post...School's starting

Re: Why Politics Frustrate Me

Mandy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:05:39 -0000

I watched a few minutes, but it was like Days of our Lives only they're searching for votes, not ratings.

I'll feel the same about next week's event. It's all scripted by professionals, nothing's real. It's all rehearsed & planned to say just the right thing, with just the right twist to rally in as many folks as possible. It's not the candidates words..it's a writer's words.

I wonder if Mr. Miller spent time praying for the right words to say or if they were scripted by a writer. I turned it off believing that it was all a play & they'll run a repeat next week when the Rep. gather.

mandy's last blog post...This just in

Re: I Give You…Jesus?

Mandy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:22:14 -0000

I see the guy from Pirates of the Caribbean...

mandy's last blog post...Sunday Setlist

Re: I’d Like a Big Mac, Fries and 700 Billion Dollars Please…To Go…

Mandy — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:05:09 -0000

Borrowing money is a bad thing, I agree. But the process is already in place. To crash it now would have long term effects that not everyone thinks about.

I'm sure you've all thought about the timber industry, the applicance manufacturing industry etc. What about your local public works? How will they be affected by this housing crash? How will that affect you? What about churches. If jobs are lost, homes are lost, do you think people will be giving $ to churches? Even a 10% minimum tithe would be difficult, if existent at all. That would affect tons of jobs too. It would affect all of those who are depending on churches for a hand up. People who are struggling to buy groceries (who can no longer depend on government subsidaries, because they are overstressed) will depend on the church, but the church won't be able to accomodate.

It would take a miracle...oh wait...never mind. Delete all the above. I forgot for a second Whom we live for...

<abbr>mandy´s last blog post...Bailout</abbr>

Re: I Am 70% Adult (I think some would argue against this)

Mandy — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:13:50 -0000

Um...I feel really weird about my results.

I'm 60/40. Must be because I hang out w/ kids all day everyday. Yeah, that's it.

<abbr>mandy´s last blog post...Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup</abbr>

Re: A Little Bit of This…A Little bit of That…

Mandy — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:14:12 -0000

It was so much fun to meet you guys!!

Maybe next time we hook up I won't be so jet lagged.

And maybe my kids won't be such smart alecks. =/

<abbr>mandy´s last blog post...Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup</abbr>

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » My Top Ten Guilty Pleasures

Mandy — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:40:54 -0000

1.My whole family does random dancing, like iCarly!
2.Photoshopping my pics that I send to my hubby at work. =)
3.Pepsi, not Diet. About 5 a day.
4.Homemade cookies at least once a week. Ok, ok, mostly just the dough.
4.Boston Legal, The Soup, Las Vegas, Private Practice, The Muppet Show, Fantasy Island, Little House.
5.Selling my kids' stuff on ebay. They never miss it.
6.Webkinz. I love Goober's lab & Tile towers.
7.Marie Callendar's Chicken Pot Pies.....Mmmmm....
8.Quilting. I don't know anyone else under 50 who does it.
9.Changing my sheets. I do it at least twice a week.
10.I have autostart on my truck. So, I like to wait for someone to be right next to it unloading their groceries and then start it. It's an Excursion....it's very loud and scares people. I at least try to avoid the more "seasoned" adults.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Mandy — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:56:41 -0000

This just happened to me. She called and apologized. I accepted and wished her well in her endeavors. But I secretly want to name my rug after her. "Honey, can you take Suzy out and beat her?"

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Abe, Youth Pastor, or The Hairy Lip

Mandy — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:31:48 -0000

My husband just went through the same thing...the "hairy lip" makes you look younger.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » “The Editors of the NIV Pee Sitting Down”

Mandy — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:00:31 -0000

I've seen this before. His name is Steven L. Anderson. He founded a church in Tempe Arizona. There are several other videos on his website. They're all just as disturbing. Interestingly enough, the majority of his congregation are female. Pretty sure they sit down, even after the "hell & damnation" sermon.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Throwin’ Rocks at My Boo Daddy - The Mini Series

Mandy — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:11:18 -0000

My hubby says the same thing as Emily's. He's curious as to why I'm looking a naked bald man other than him. =/

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » I Think I Have Pink Eye

Mandy — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:40:25 -0000

Pink eye is no fun to try and get rid of. Especially when your family is allergic to the standard treatment. Good luck!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Ragamuffin Soul Is Closed

Mandy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:48:25 -0000

My heart stopped for a brief second. Not funny dude.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Men Create More Housework for Women

Mandy — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:28:30 -0000

My hubby does ALL outdoor things. Changes oil, mows the lawn etc. I do ALL indoor things. It's worked out for the most part. Sometimes I get upset, but I'm quick to remind myself that he works 40+ hours per week outside the house.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » I Know My Page Load Speed Sucks

Mandy — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:25:29 -0000

It took less than 4 seconds to load on my computer. I logged out and retried to be sure.

Re: Ragamuffin Readers…What’s Your Day Job?

Mandy — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:31:19 -0000

WANTED - Full time, no pay, cooking, cleaning, sanitation engineer, taxi driver, events coordinator, must speak several unknown languages.

POSTION FILLED BY ME! I don't have time to work outside the house.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » You Made Out To WHAT?

Mandy — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:05:37 -0000

"November Rain" by G & R. In a 1956 Chevy....good times.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Speak To Him Right Now…Everybody Now…

Mandy — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:35:42 -0000

help me see others how you see them.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Dear Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Mandy — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:23:20 -0000

Avis is always good to me. I'm loyal, so they give me upgrades. Last time I rented a focus (cheap), they gave me a mustang. I don't care for mustangs, but they didn't know that.

Hopefully someone from Enterprise reads this and voids your bill. We'll pray now.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Bit The Bullet

Mandy — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:52:32 -0000

Tim Stevens is rad live...yes, I said rad.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Average Age Of My Readers

Mandy — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:37:50 -0000

31 1/2

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Make Up A Word - My Word?…Smraisin

Mandy — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:02:33 -0000

Lasterday - yesterday or anything else before it.
Lasteryear - last year or anything before it.

I can't take credit. My 5 year old made it up when she was 3.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Top 5 Reasons My Job Is Better Than Yours

Mandy — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:18:16 -0000

1. Eating breakfast w/ my favorite people on earth.

2. Playing Barbies for hours on end.

3. Random dancing in public. People stare, kids think I'm the coolest.

4. Math lessons while making cookies.

5. Tucking in & saying prayers. God is good.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Throwin’ Rocks At Yo BooDaddy - Season 2, Episode 1

Mandy — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:44:41 -0000

Seanna was feelin' it. Eyes closed, hands clasped, I see a worship leader in the making.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Ragamuffin Soul - The Journalist

Mandy — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:47:45 -0000

Mark Beeson is the pastor of the church I attend. Amazing energy, great vision caster, willing to let other people use their talents to serve the body of Christ instead of controlling everything. Have a great time and can't wait to hear about it via blog & twitter.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Where Do You Sit?

Mandy — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:38:36 -0000

3rd row (or so) so I can meet all kinds of new people, but usually closer to the aisle. I'm super short...I sometimes need to step out in the aisle to see. =/

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Our Service Programming Division Retreat

Mandy — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:38:14 -0000

In Early Childhood Education, we teach P.I.E.S. Physical, Intellectual, Emotional & Social health. Without one, the "pie" isn't complete.

I guess it should be SPIES. Spiritual + the others. =)

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Caption Please - You Knew It Was Coming

Mandy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:06:53 -0000

I second that Rachel. Jake's Seesmic made me jump outta my seat. =D

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Please Don’t Shoot!!! I’ll Write I’ll Write!!

Mandy — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:41:15 -0000

I'd be a ballroom dancer, or a ballet dancer or a tap dancer...or just teach any of those. I used to be but gave it all up to be a SAHM. Those are expensive hobbies & kids (of course) come first.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » How Can I Pray For You?

Mandy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:36:42 -0000

I need to be more disciplined in certain areas of my life that are important.

I'm great w/ the unimportant stuff (sadly)

And to see people through God's eyes and not caste judgement.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » RagamuffinTop Challenge // 4

Mandy — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:11:10 -0000

I cut it out for the week, but had 1 last night.

That's tough to do.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Running In The Dark

Mandy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:21:49 -0000

Hubby leaves for work at 5:30...YIKES.

So unless I want to PAY a sitter, I have to wait until evening. Usually around 9 pm.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Oh No You Didn’t…

Mandy — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:40:59 -0000

(In 1995) Old boyfriend bought me a leather jacket & a Sega Genesis for my b-day. Started dating hubs a week later. =/

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Two Words From You…Single or Married? Male or Female?

Mandy — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:19:41 -0000

Married Mama

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Caption Please

Mandy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:32:41 -0000

Stan finally figured out the best place to "rub elbows" w/ the big wigs at his new firm.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Best Sermon Ever

Mandy — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:02:40 -0000

Each week is the best for me.

I go into church ready to be changed every week.

This week was Stephen Mansfield, author of The Faith of George Bush.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » I Hate It When My Worship Leader…

Mandy — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:32:23 -0000

Our old church's leader would sing so high that no one could sing along. She provided no harmony for us to pick up. It was to showcase her own voice.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Blossipping About Blog Smack

Mandy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:18:37 -0000

They're just jealous. They want a "traffic jam" type blog. That is until they get one, and then have people blossipping about them.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Daley, Julie, Jacinda, Heather, and I

Mandy — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:34:40 -0000

Looks like Daley's hair is holding up well in the humidity.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Throwin’ Rocks At Yo BooDaddy // Sohaila’s Toof

Mandy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:02:56 -0000

How much is she getting for the first one? that's a biggie! Of course, then she'll expect that much for EACH tooth.

The going rate here (Granger) is $20 a tooth. GASP!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Yo Baby. I’m Yo Stat Ho

Mandy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:59:48 -0000

It's just nice to know there are others out there that are as twisted & odd as my family is...and still loves Jesus.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Mega-Church Myths

Mandy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:14:55 -0000

We've been going to Granger for 2.5 years & have yet to experience close relationships. They offer study groups, but no child care. And spending $10 an hour is NOT in our Dave Ramsey budget.

So I guess we're sacrificing relationship to be debt free right now.

It seems like the 20 families in our hood that (I've heard) attend our church would want to dive into life together. I wish I knew who they were.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » August’s Flava

Mandy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:24:47 -0000

I read Kem's blog, although I wish she'd do a personal one as well. Of course that would eliminate her "less clutter" lifestyle. (She joined us for family night last week...hysterical!!)

I also read Pete. He's not afraid to talk about things we all think, but won't say. Love it.

You should add Tam Hodge, wife of worship pastor in Medford OR, Brent Hodge
http://kassota.wordpress.com/
http://brentinworship.com/blog/
They have amazing communitites over there.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » People of the Second Chance - David Trotter

Mandy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:22:22 -0000

I broke up a good friend's relationship in H.S....yeah, I was THAT girl. I met up w/ her the day AFTER I got saved. No coincidence there huh?

She forgave me on the spot & we've been great friends ever since.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Announcing The Buckhead Music Project

Mandy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:03:14 -0000

Post more vids of the actual events if you can. Awesome idea.

I find it interesting that so many old worship songs were derived from bar tunes. Speaking the people's language is the only way to reach them!!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Cohabitators // Who Does What?

Mandy — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:02:16 -0000

Hubs works his regular job & changes oil. Sometimes he mows the lawn as well.

I stay home w/ the kiddos & do the rest. =)

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » No BB Gun For You

Mandy — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:49:36 -0000

Hubs is in the RV market. It's taken a HUGE hit. Our paycheck was down 40% which was hard. Now it's down 60%. We are commission only which means we have to be disciplined w/ what little money we do get.

Luckily we have an affordable home & no other debt. The 3 kids are understanding about no extras right now.

I've taken a job (starting in a few weeks) to cover the 60% cut in pay. Desperate times call for desperate measures...

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Innovation Manipulation

Mandy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:05:45 -0000

Being innovative?...I think it means coming up w/ new ways to get folks to church. Whether that be the actually church building, a small group, a volunteer opportunity or even a bar...

I don't think it has anything to do with building size, first impressions or the coolness of its children's programming. Although sometimes those are the things that attract people to a church...

GCC is definitely innovative. It's not important for us to be "attractive" (as Ben says) to anyone other than those that don't yet know Christ.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Innovation Manipulation

Mandy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:23:40 -0000

Rich - Problem being that, even when the church is doing its ministry to reach real people...people accuse it of being cool just so they can make a list. That happens weekly when I tell people I attend GCC.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » This Is The Look I’ve Been Getting All Day

Mandy — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:09:12 -0000

Tell the truth. You did it to be more aerodynamic. Trying to a get a few less seconds on your running time.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Your Church Size

Mandy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:53:18 -0000

We're at about 7500. Holiday weekends are around 10,000.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » From 36″ to 15″

Mandy — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:50:18 -0000

We cut $100 a month out of our grocery budget & pay with cash. No one even noticed the difference, except me when I had an extra $100 in my account at the end of the month.

We pack homemade lunches everyday for all the kids & for hubs. Hubs taking his lunch saves us about $5 a day. I can send lunch & 2 bottled waters for about $2 for hubs vs. the $7 he was spending. Not including saving about $2 for both kids to take a lunch instead of buying.

We also gave up on having a big bday party for each kid every year. They have big parties on even years. Small family parties on odd years. This saves me $150 per kid on those even years.

Goodwill. We live in a nice area. Goodwill rocks here. I buy stuff on 1/2 off day & use my 1/2 off coupon. I then rip apart & repurpose clothes for the girls. I made summer dresses this year out of men's hawaiian shirts. They were adorable & only 1.25 each.

Re: James 3

Mandy — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:58:59 -0000

Isn't it true that the devil wears many hats. He encourages us into the lies "C'mon it won't hurt a thing. It's to spare their feelings."

Then as soon as we DO tell the lie, his hat is of the accuser "How dare you. You call yourself a Christian"

He's good at convincing then convicting isn't he?

Great post, welcome to small group

Re: Pondering James 4…..

Mandy — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:05:14 -0000

"Say a quiet yes to God"...I love that.

I constantly yell at my children...GUILTY...maybe I should try another approach seeing as that's how God speaks to me. Quietly, but powerful.

Mandys last blog post..Blogger Small Group

Re: James 5

Mandy — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:54:11 -0000

Yes. One person straying can cause an epidemic. Negativity breeds.

We were all struggling last week (and this) w/ twitter being on the fritz. We're addicted

Mandys last blog post..Blogger Small Group

Re: i might drool

Mandy — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:49:01 -0000

Yes! I do drool. I figured getting them every month, I'd learned to control my saliva...ain't happenin'.

Re: and I didn’t attend the conference!

Mandy — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:09:38 -0000

Very cool. I've had a great time reading your blog. Mine is mostly about my kids, but heck sometimes even THAT can be interesting.

Re: ApologetiX

Mandy — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:25:13 -0000

Sort of like the Weird Al of the 21st Century. Only w/ better hair & better lyrics =)

Re: Where is the Good Samaritan?

Mandy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:06:00 -0000

That is a horrible situation. Have we gotten so self absorbed that we won't take time out to HELP SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN HIT BY A CAR?

Re: first time today…

Mandy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:47:29 -0000

We're at 3.99 a gallon here. W/a 44 gallon tank, it KILLS the bank account to fill up!

Do you think the election completion will turn gas prices around?

Re: Perryisms

Mandy — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:00:05 -0000

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the last one. I hear folks often say "10% means NOTHING to me." It's true, I don't miss it, but it means more than I can understand.

Re: Week 3 - Ragamuffin Top

Mandy — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:08:59 -0000

Consistency is my downfall. I'll do the work for a few weeks and then fall off...Hopefully knowing that I have to post a pic will keep me going.

Great job! Keep it up.

Re: Blogger Small Group: James 1 | Consuming Worship

Mandy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:12:06 -0000

Great thoughts. The only part I disagree on is verse 13 & 14. I believe that sometimes God ALLOWS us to be tempted. Sometimes things happen that don't REFLECT His righteousness, but will ACHIEVE His righteousness. Allowing sinful things to happen to believers, can perfect their faith, can strengthen the church, and can make believers stronger & more effective. Luke 22 is a good example.

Mandys last blog post..Blogger Small Group

Re: Blogger Small Group: James 2 | Consuming Worship

Mandy — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:17:27 -0000

"I can’t count myself as “arrived” at holiness just because I’v succeeded at keeping some of His commandments, and them flippantly say to myself, “the blood of Jesus comvers all the rest.” Where is my heart of humbleness and submission with that kind of attitude?"

I love this part of your post. The amazing thing is, even though we are flippant and don't sport humility...his blood DOES cover all the rest. Unbelievable huh? I'm amazed all over again, just typing it. God knew we couldn't live a perfect life, so he filled the gap.

Thanks for the reminder.

Mandys last blog post..Blogger Small Group

Re: Blogger Small Group: James 3 | Consuming Worship

Mandy — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:55:41 -0000

I agree w/ you & Heather about teaching a Sunday school class.

I truly believe our church does it right. I have a friend who is the member of another religion altogether and this is how they do it; They tell you to do and then call it your "calling". Whether it be teaching kids or running a scout troop or cleaning the building. I guess it is a calling, but by the heads of the church, not THE HEAD of the church.

Mandys last blog post..What's your nickname?

Re: Wearing Sunglasses In Worship: To Do or Not To Do

Mandy — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:12:35 -0000

I once sat next to a woman at GCC who was moaning about some guy wearing a hat in the front row. She said "REAL Christians don't wear hats in church. It's disrespectful"

Just then our worship leader walked out..ready to start singing..wearing a hat.

Classic!!! I love it when people just wear what they want to wear, as long as it covers more than saran wrap & a rubber band would.

Re: Blog Apologies

Mandy — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:13:45 -0000

It works.

<abbr>mandy’s last blog post..Trunk or treating</abbr>

Re: Christmas Traditions: Breakfast Casserole

Mandy — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:58:01 -0000

Christmas Eve we go to a church service & then come home & have a bday party for Jesus.

We always have some sort of desert. Sometimes there are party hats & tooty horns. But we always sing Happy Birthday & talk about His birth & sacrifice.

<abbr>mandy’s last blog post..$100 challenge on WSBT</abbr>

Re: She said YES

Mandy — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:12:17 -0000

10 years is a big milestone in our generation. Congrats!

Re: Email Blogging Test

Mandy — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:00:27 -0000

It's alive!! It works!

Thanks for the twit follow. I'll have fun looking over your blog. It's addictive.

Re: Who Am I and Who Are You?

Mandy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:40:47 -0000

If they were to write a movie about your life...what songs would be on the soundtrack?

I'm Mandy. I'm a stay at home Mom. I hate getting flack for that because we work really hard. I think this is going to be my new response when folks say "what do you do for a living?

“I am socializing two Homo sapiens into the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia that God willed from the beginning of creation.”

Think that sounds more acceptable?

Mandys last blog post..RagamuffinTop Challenge

Re: Who Am I and Who Are You?

Mandy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:45:53 -0000

BTW - No...I didn't write that myself.

Mandys last blog post..RagamuffinTop Challenge

Re: National Worship Leader Conference - Worship + Web2.0 Thanks

Mandy — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:55 -0000

I watched both sessions, but couldn't get the chat to load the first time around.

Great info. Thanks for letting us "attend'

Re: I Thought We Were SUPPOSED To Sing?

Mandy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:36:08 -0000

Great conversation Fred.

At GCC there are a few that don't sing. But, we have a HUGE percentage of first timers each week, so it's understandable. I think the rest of us sing louder just to be an example of sorts.

But I've been one (at my old church) who mouthed the words. The reasons? There are a few. If the worship team doesn't provide enough harmonies to follow & all the singers are sopranos... I don't want to pick my own harmony...every one ends up staring thinking I'm making up my own song. Second, you can tell when a worship leader is there for THEMSELVES. She's rocking the piano & raising her arms, but it's all forced & for show. Its' a "worship leader concert" instead. And lastly, they used to power point the words & the person using the slide things was either too slow, too fast, spelled words wrong or forgot certain words alltogether. My hubs wouldn't sing because he didn't have them memorized well enough to cover it if he messed up. I tried to tell him that no one is listening, but was proven wrong when someone pointed out that he might consider learning the words better. =(

Just putting in my 2 cents on why I used to be a non singer at church.

Mandys last blog post..A teacher or a salesman?

Re: FreePlay Friday - Anniversary Edition

Mandy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:48:03 -0000

As of April 19...it's was 11 years. Ross is all around amazing. I couldn't have imagined him being as great of a father as he is. With 3 girls, his got his work cut out for him!

I also love that he brags about my cooking to people at work. When I walk in the office I always get "when are you going to bring us some of that famous (insert food item here)!"

mandys last blog post..Grade school punishment

Re: Sunday Setlists #5 - Post Your Worship Experience

Mandy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:07:53 -0000

That's what I thought....9+ minutes...that ain't short. Still good though.

mandys last blog post..Sunday Setlist

Re: Gratitude - Mr. Potato Head Version

Mandy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0000

My kids would love this.

The leper's voice was a little South Parkish...not that I've watched that show...uh...somebody told me about it...yeah...

<abbr>mandys last blog post..Halloween family night</abbr>

Re: Shiny And New

Mandy — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:33:05 -0000

The green is gorgeous!!!

Re: Mean Girls

Mandy — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:26:02 -0000

I moved to Indiana 2 years ago and was asked to join our neighborhood Moms group. They meet every Wednesday for coffee & a playgroup.

I hated it. They just talked smack about those Moms who weren't there that week. And ....I'm being honest....I had a hard time not judging people on their parenting. I figured until I was ready to not judge, I shouldn't attend. It would be too easy to get sucked in to the drama.

Great post.