Sunday, November 3

My 27 Thanks:

1. We got an extra hour of sleep.

2. Gary got home earlier than normal from the fire station.

3. Gary got to sleep all night, so he felt rested and ready to go for a busy Sunday.

4. Ava Hatton was the first face to greet me at church. Her sweet smile always lights up the room.

5. Ava gives selflessly. She has a beautiful, servant’s heart.

6. Miss Laura stepped in and subbed my girls Sunday School class. She was a great help.

7. Crossroads Kidz Ministry went well.

8. Even though Jeremy was gone, our tech booth ran smoothly.

9. We had to make some changes to our room staffing because of already approaching Holiday plans, but all went well and stayed relatively calm.

10. Felxible and helpful people. You can’t live without them!

11. Starla and Lori do a fantastic job helping me direct the different areas of kidz ministry each Sunday. I am so grateful for them and their leadership on our team.

12. Larry and Joy Henderson help keep the supply closet stocked and clean. I don’t ever have to be concerned with it because they do a great job making it a success for every leader.

13. Miss JaQuisha made 50 turkey crafts for our Elementary aged kids to do during the Generations night of vision.

14. The dancers for the Christmas Production continue to work hard. I am so excited about the 4 numbers we will be showcasing this year.

15. We have fun together and work really hard.

16. Charlie Burchardt and Daniel Draper are a perfect duo for skit comedy. They made us all laugh so hard!

17. Pastor Marc has great talent. He is helping me take the details of the production to another level.

18. Mike McCall and Michael Mondragon are working so hard at a very difficult role. I am so proud of them.

19. Gary is going to help me run sound board. It is a critical piece in the production and I know he can do it. He did great for his first night on the board.

20. Kidcrew Christmas practice started too. I am so excited our kids will be traveling around to nursing homes this Christmas season. They are a blessing.

21. Gary is practicing his music again.

22. Generations has been fully launched.

23. This morning, I taught Week 5 of The Sweet Life. We learned that “I Obey when I am Away!” I told the kids the Bible story about Achan. Achan thought he could take items from Jericho because no one was watching, but he forgot that God is always watching. I am glad that God is always watching.

24. God is watching because He wants to REWARD our obedience.

25. He wants us to live the Sweet Life.

26. Pastor Marcia approved my leave request for tomorrow.

27. I finally get a day off WITH my husband.

Saturday, November 2

My 27 Thanks:

1. Judah and I slept in until 8:45 a.m. I don’t remember the last time this happened.

2. We had a morning full of huggles (hugs + snuggle= huggle)!

3. I always have something on the calendar for each day. But, today, I decided that our calendar is CLEAN. I made a decision that we don’t HAVE to do anything today. This is liberating.

4. We stayed in our PJs all morning long.

5. We played games on the living room floor. Games like Mousetrap and Connect Four are some of Judah’s favorites.

6. I have an active son.

7. He loves life and loves to play.

8. He loves it most when I play with him. He could have the coolest of toys, but he would rather me just play with him.

9. Revelation.

10. The Lord loves it most too when we just spend time with Him.

11. I learned long ago that “You can’t do the work of the Kingdom without the Power of the King.” What a true and powerful statement. It’s time to get close to the King.

12. He is made strong in my weakness.

13. The process sometimes seems slow, but I am always moving forward.

14. Even if you fall down on the track, you don’t have to return to the start line. You just get back up and continue on the path.

15. We ran to Walgreens to pick up some photos and Judah found the toy aisle. He loves playing in the toy aisle. I love that he never complains when I tell him, “No,” on buying certain toys. Because of his attitude, he usually gets something.

16. I let Judah get a box of tools. He is excited to help his daddy fix stuff.

17. One hour photo development is awesome.

18. I live super close to everything.

19. Convenience.

20. We had the most beautiful weather again today.

21. Judah and I enjoyed time outside together. We went for a walk around the block.

22. Judah rode his scooter. He has great balance.

23. I am so glad that I live on a quiet, safe street.

24. I am also glad that cars do not park on the street in my neighborhood. It may be petty, but I do not like neighborhood streets when cars park on both sides…it is so dangerous to me.

25. Judah fell asleep in my arms.

26. Quality time.

27. Gary and I always say, “goodnight.”

Friday, November 1

My 27 Thanks:

1. We had a nice, relaxing morning together.

2. Gary made oatmeal. I added fresh berries to mine. It was a healthy start to our wonderful day.

3. Gary gave me a really big hug in the living room and held me close. Then, Judah wanted to be a part and we had one big family hug.

4. We are an affecionate family.

5. I had a surprise phone chat with my SIL, Meghan. It was great to chat with her. I am super excited to host Thanksgiving at my home this year. I love being surrounded by my family.

6. Making holiday plans.

7. My brother, Jake, got a big buck this morning. Maybe now he can relax and enjoy the Fall season… ha ha ha.

8. We went to TG Farms today and had a most wonderful time.

9. My mother-in-law and Judah’s cousins went to TG Farms with us.

10. The weather was exceptionally beautiful.

11. We had the farm almost to ourselves. Truthfully, we were the only ones there for quite a while.

12. Judah has grown so much. Last year he would barely participate, but this year, he led the way in every activity.

13. We got to pick some really fun looking pumpkins at the end of the hayride.

14. It was so nice to soak up some sunshine…Vitamin D is good for the soul.

15. TG Farms is easy on the pocket book and a perfect place for a preschooler.

16. We remembered to tag my car!

17. The Tag Office lady was really nice. Unfortunately, nice people and tag office don’t always go together.

18. Gary, Judah, and I went furniture shopping. We are looking for a perfect piece.

19. We don’t rush decisions. We are patient about big purchases.

20. We had a nice dinner at Outback.

21. Our dinner was free. Some friends of ours blessed us with an Outback giftcard.

22. Judah wanted to sit by me in the restaurant. We had fun coloring the kids menu together.

23. While I got Judah ready for bed, Gary ran to the grocery store and bought some essential items.

24. Judah always helps pick up after himself.

25. We make messes together, but we also clean up together.

26. My mind was completely free from work today.

27. Fun.

Thursday, October 31

My 27 Thanks:

1. Work went by fast today.

2. I got everything setup for Sunday, so I won’t have to go into work this weekend.

3. Brandon and I had an awesome conference call with Wacky World Studios. They are so full of energy and excitement and anticipation for the great things that creativity can do to a space.

4. Creative thinkers. I love spending time with people who can look at something without life and give it amazing potential.

5. There is potential in EVERYONE.

6. The ability to think outside the box.

7. I briefly met with my architect friends today. We are super close to a final drawing of the new kidz ministry space.

8. Pastor Marcia shared her bread and PB today. Neither one of us had a chance to leave for lunch, so good ole’ filling peanut better sandwich it was.

9. I am not allergic to peanuts. My sweet husband is allergic. I couldn’t imagine not being able to eat peanut products.

10. I got to leave a few minutes early today. I couldn’t wait to get home to Judah. He was so excited to get his costume on and go trick-or-treat with his cousins.

11. My friends are going on a cruise to celebrate their anniversary. I am so excited for this relaxing time that awaits them.

12. My kidmin teammate, Deborah, is finally moving into her own apartment. This is a big step for her and I am thrilled for this new chapter in her life to start.

13. All things are working together for good for the Mondragon family.

14. Judah was so excited for the evening. He couldn’t get over the fact that people gave out candy for free.

15. Judah kept asking if he could eat more dinner, so he could eat more candy.

16. Laci and the boys came over to our house and went trick-or-treat with us.

17. Our neighborhood is a perfect, family friendly place to trick-or-treat. Most of our neighborhood sat outside their home and handed out candy.

18. I love Oklahoma. I love the people of Oklahoma.

19. All the kids that were out were polite, kind, and friendly.

20. Laci and the boys hung out with us after trick-or-treat time. The boys have a blast playing together. It was nice to visit with Laci for a bit too.

21. I have great Sister-in-Laws.

22. Company…It is nice to have guests at my house especially when Gary is away. It makes the evening go by faster.

23. Heather and Krista and their boys came over too. It was nice getting to see them and visit for a bit.

24. The weather was amazing. It wasn’t too hot and not too cold…it was just right!

25. Judah and I had fun sitting on the floor and sorting all of his candy loot into patterns. You can turn any opportunity into a learning opportunity. I love encouraging number and letter recognition with Judah.

26. He loves to learn.

27. I lived another wonderful day and enjoyed every moment with my sweet son, Judah.

Wednesday, October 30

My 27 Thanks:

1. I enjoyed breakfast with my family before heading off to work.

2. The Halloween Paw Patrol was on Nickelodeon this morning. Judah has been wanting to watch it and it finally was on when we were home together. It was fun to watch that with him.

3. I got multiple hugs and kisses from my sweet boy before I left for work.

4. I have a good job.

5. I enjoyed fun conversation with my mom on my commute to work.

6. I always feel healthier after talking to my “health-nut” momma. My mom is a walking encyclopedia of very interesting things…

7. Lynn Steele is breaking ground on her new home! After the May tornado destroyed it, she and her husband, David, are building again.

8. Lynn told me I looked skinny. Skinny has never been a word used to describe me.

9. My friend, Lacey, continues to get better and heal quickly.

10. I had a great conversation with a new friend, Jessica. She is full of faith and a positive outlook on life.

11. Pastor Ted loves to joke…

12. I worked from home this afternoon and was able to finish the Kidmotion lesson for Sunday. I was having a difficult time concentrating, so the change of environment helped me out!

13. I got to play with Judah for a bit before heading back to Wednesday night church service.

14. I appreciate people who are willing to make some tough calls for the better of the whole.

15. I learned that the library has their own version of red box, but the movies are FREE. I found One Night with the King there.

16. The librarian assistant was super helpful and so sweet. I love sweet, helpful people.

17. Because we had to reschedule our fall festival due to the weather, we decided to open Wednesday Night Kidz with a little pumpkin bowling. I have an amazing resource closet and can come up with all kinds of fun games.

18. The kids had a blast and every one had a chance to bowl. Only one person made a strike….and, it was a girl!

19. We were not scheduled to have kidz ministry tonight, but my leaders rallied together and we pulled off  a great night of ministry.

20. The story of Esther is so powerful. I am glad we are studying it with my girls right now.

21. The Mondragon family is on the road to recovery.

22. Our Youth ministry had a fun night with the last-minute costume party.

23. People have shown so much love and support to the Mondragons. When tragedy happens, you need a church family!

24. Tonight might have been a record-breaking dismissal night.

25. Most people were understanding about the fall festival being rescheduled for next Wednesday.

26. On the way home from church, Judah saw a big pile of wood and said, “Look, that looks just like a boat.” And, it did. The pile of wood was in the shape of a boat. I love his smart, imaginative personality.

27. Home.

Tuesday, October 29

My 27 Thanks:

1. I over slept my alarm, but I still made it out the door in time.

2. My son has never had to go to daycare. I have no problem with daycare, but I have been so blessed to not have to use that service.

3. My mother-in-law opens her home to her grandkids. Literally, they take over her house for the time they are there. Thankfully, it can be cleaned and goes back together relatively easy.

4. Pastor Ted shared his list of “11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Ministry” in staff chapel.  It’s a great list and an eye opener.

5. The freedom to laugh and joke.

6. Database systems that help you track data and run specific reports.

7. At Crossroads, our “front door” is bigger than our “back door.” More people are coming in and staying then leaving.

8. Growth.

9. My church goes above and beyond to help people in need.

10. 50+ women gather on Tuesday mornings for a women’s Bible study. This “small group” continues to grow. I am so glad this group of ladies has an opportunity to come together and study the Word and build relationships.

11. My team is being super flexible with the possibility that we will have to reschedule the fall festival due to weather.

12. Starla brought me back lunch, so I didn’t have to leave work to get anything. I love being able to knock out some to-do’s on my lunch break.

13. I have a corner office with a view and a great big window that lets in lots of sunshine. I love my office. It is a peaceful place to work…well, sometimes. Ha Ha Ha

14. I have an inside job. I am so thankful that I don’t have to work outside in the Oklahoma weather.

15. Open, honest conversation between friends.

16. Accountability.

17. When I opened my car door in my in-laws drive way, Judah greeted me with the words, “Mommy, I am growing bigger and can climb a tree.” He is getting bigger…sniff sniff.

18. He was so excited to climb his first tree. Thankfully, it is a smaller tree and manageable for his size.

19. My brothers and I had a blast climbing trees when we were young. My brother Kyle actually made me climb to the top of a “gum ball” tree if I wanted to be in his boys club! I climbed to the top and he still didn’t let me in. Those were good days though.

20. The memories I have of my childhood are sweet and good.

21. Judah had a wonderful day of play with his cousins.

22. When we got home, we enjoyed a meal of leftovers. I usually hate leftovers and won’t eat them. Gary, on the other hand, will eat anything if it isn’t older than 7 days. Well, I actually enjoyed my plate of leftovers and so did Judah.

23. Judah fell asleep at 8:00 last night. He needed the earlier bedtime because he played so hard.

24. I had a relaxing evening with the Hallmark channel.

25. Countdown to Christmas starts this weekend. I might have a slight addiction to the Hallmark channel. But, watching a cute, funny, romantic movie is truly my method for shutting off my mind and not thinking for a period of time.

26. My husband has a great job. Even though his schedule is tough on our family at times and doesn’t always work well with my work schedule, I am thankful. The benefits outweigh the negatives.

27. The Gospels. I love reading about Jesus’ ministry.

My 27 Thanks:

1. Amy Hoover celebrates her 40th birthday today. I love this woman. She has been right by my side and in my ear during some of the darkest of days that I have walked through. Her words of wisdom and encouragement have been true life lines in my life. I treasure her friendship and value her heart. Today, I celebrate her life.

2. Amy makes it a point to impact the lives of all those around her.

3. Amy has a gentle spirit. She makes me feel at peace.

4. Amy makes everyone feel included, special, and apart.

5. Amy has a way of brightening up the place.

6. Gary picked up all my fall festival pumpkins. He found them at a really good price. Last year, we wanted until the night before to get a good price on large pumpkins and we had to drive to multiple stores. This year, we got a good price and went to one store.

7. The fall festival is ready to go. Now, I just need the weather to cooperate.

8. Starla got a wonderful nights rest after a very long, tiring Sunday. I love hearing about my team resting after big ministry days. Rest is so important.

9. Gary and I enjoyed Qdoba $1 tacos today. It was really nice having a quiet lunch together.

10. My friend Debby sent me a really sweet text. Her words always make my heart smile.

11. Lorry Gail stopped by my office today and we had a nice chat. She has a passionate heart and such a beautiful heart for kids. She especially wants to minister to babies in Romania.

12. A pray was answered today and it is going to be so good.

13. God answers prays. He works in a realm of impossibilities.

14. Great things are WORTH THE WAIT!!!!

15. I made a great dinner while Gary worked on the yard.

16. Gary got several loads of great top soil dirt from our neighbors still under construction yard. I can’t believe they just haul off all that perfectly good dirt. So, our builder gave it to us.

17. We will be able to use the dirt to level out our rolling hills backyard.

18. It was FREE.

19. Judah loved helping his dad work in the dirt. He brought in half the pile too, I think.

20.  It felt really good and somewhat old-fashioned for my husband to come inside filthy dirty, wash up, and eat the meal I had laid out for him.

21. I have an amazing kitchen and I designed it myself. Well, I found the design on pinterest. But, it is totally my taste!

22. Gary always helps clean the kitchen.

23. Judah picked up the Moustrap game without being asked. He likes to keep things clean like his mommy and daddy.

24. My family laughs all the time.

25. We always have a great time when we are together.

26. Judah and I laid in bed and played a new game: “Name Your Favorite.” I asked Judah a series of questions and he told me his favorite. His answers made me laugh. For example, “Where is your favorite place to eat?” His response, “My House.”

27. I see relief in my future.

I want to sing You a love song. You are the thief of my heart. Rhythm and Rhyme try to describe it. No matter how hard I try I can’t fight it. No, I can’t fight it. 

Faithful, You are Faithful. I have found nothing but good in your heart.

Loving, You are Loving. I am in love with the way that you are.

Thankful, I am Thankful. I have been running away on my own.

But, then you found me. And, Oh how you loved me. I know you’ll never leave me alone.

I want to sing You a love song. You are the Love of my life. Rhythm and Rhyme try to explain it. No matter how hard I try I can’t contain it. I can’t contain it. 

Faithful, You are Faithful…

The words to this song, Faithful, by Enter the Worship Circle, were sung at my wedding. They are sweet words for the Lover of my soul-Jesus. Tonight, I share them with you.

My 27 Thanks:

1. He is loving.

2. He is faithful.

3. He found me.

4. He will never leave me alone.

5. I am thankful.

6. Our prop for my KidMotion sermon made it to church safely and in one piece.

7. Gary is off on Sundays NOW!!!!! Hip Hip Hooray. He helped me carry in all my props.

8. The sound system in KidMotion was messed up, but Jameson came to the rescue. He had it fixed in no time. I am so thankful that the Big Church team helps out the “little church” team. We are all ONE team.

9. The pre-service game went over really well in KidMotion. I loved the new service layout.

10. 90% of our Kidmotion kids went to the bathroom during “Potty Time.” We had very few leave during the service to go to the restroom. That, my friends, is huge! They went because of the changes we made to our pre-service lineup. I might just be smarter than a 5th grader.

11. Strategy. Change. Thinking outside the box. Success!

12. Meagan, a 5th grader who just moved here from Virginia, came up to me excited on Sunday. She couldn’t wait to share the Sweet Life power verse with me. She got it right…word for word!

13. My kidmin team rocks. They are so faithful to the call that God has put on their life.

14. We had a tech heavy KidMotion service this week. Jeremy nailed every cue.

15. The kids loved the object lesson. Gary and I made a HUGE dinosaur out of play-doh. It took many hours, but it was worth it. I wanted to illustrate that if we allow our lives to be used by God, to be molded and shaped by God, then He can turn us into someone amazing.

16. Many kids responded to the altar time for prayer. We have a great group of kids who want to Obey right away.

17. The new preschool praise party room solved our biggest problem. My team was thrilled to not have to haul 75 preschoolers down the hallway for the preschool service. We love the new room.

18. All 3 dances for the Christmas production are choreographed and learned. The girls have worked so hard and learned every dance in record time. Now, we just have to work on cleanup.

19. We laughed much in practice and have a great time together.

20. New faces have joined the team of dancers. Some are really stepping out of their comfort zone. I am so proud of them.

21. The Event Center grand opening was awesome. Over 500 people came out for the great occasion. They loved the new space. I enjoyed listening to the hundreds of comments that went a little something like this, “Wow, this is beautiful.” “I can’t believe how big it is.” This is going to be an amazing space.”

22. The flood destruction is officially GONE. It has been replaced with BEAUTY. (P.S. My old office is now the location of the new men’s restroom. I am not going to read into that one…ha ha ha).

23. Gary got several compliments on his new style of dress. It made him more confident in my fashion choices for him. He looked so handsome.

24. I received some of the sweetest cards and gifts from precious people thanking me for serving kids. Their words of kindness and encouragement are so special to my heart.

25. Even though it was an incredibly long, scheduled day, we got to eat with my sister Haley during our lunch break. We met at Pei Wei and had a delicious meal on the patio! It was great seeing her.

26. Arizona joined us for lunch. She is a precious young lady who loves Jesus and loves people. I love her sweet heart.

27. Gary rubbed my feet with peppermint oil. My feet were so sore from standing all day, so the rub was so appreciated! Truly, the way to my heart is through my feet. Ha Ha Ha!~

My 27 Thanks:

1. We slept in…yes, 8:00 is sleeping in for the Hendricksons.

2. The rain held off, so we got to take our scheduled Christmas mini pictures with Mrs. Katie.

3. Even though HE DID NOT SMILE at all for pictures, we still got Judah Orange Leaf as a treat for dressing up in a shirt and sweater vest. However, next time I am adding shoes to the list of “must wear for pictures” before you get Orange Leaf.

4. God protects us when we drive. Today, I felt stressed in the car. I hate road construction areas when a semi truck is driving beside me.

5. The facility team has been working so hard on the Event Center. I am so glad that they got to spend today with their families and rest.

6. Judah told me that he is not a small kid or a big kid…”Mommy, I am a medium sized kid.” Where does he get these comments.

7. Judah brings me so much joy.

8. I am not a single parent. I can’t imagine raising a child by myself. It is tough work. I have great respect and sympathy for those who have to parent alone.

9. God is speaking some great truths to my friend’s life. As Laura remains faithful to this 10k blog journey, her life will be transformed. Thankfulness changes you.

10. We spent all afternoon and evening at our home. What a wonderful, relaxing day.

11. The Mondragons are doing well and are in great spirits. They are going to be just fine.

12. We had a spontaneous snow ball fight with play-doh in the kitchen today.

13. My superstar friend, Debby Torres, is filling in for Miss Cherryl tomorrow in the 4s class. Debby is so faithful to serve all the time. And, I didn’t even ask. She saw the need and volunteered.

14. Judah sat in my lap and we watched the Halloween Team Umizoomi special. We love watching that show together. We learn so much about numbers and patterns.

15. Gary and I spent most of the afternoon and early evening creating a really cool prop for my sermon tomorrow in KidMotion. The kids will probably go home and talk about it. It is really cool. I will talk more about it tomorrow. I don’t want to spoil the element of surprise.

16. Kids are so much cooler than adults. They get excited about everything.

17. Family game of hide-and-go-seek always brings great fun and great laughter.

18. Judah finds amazing hiding spots, but always tells us where he is hiding. I love it.

19. We did pretend play too. I was the Big Bad Wolf and Judah and Gary were the “two little pigs.” Judah thought that it was so funny when I blew down the house.

20. Gary gave Judah his bath tonight so I could have some peace and quiet to write this blog.

21. Tonight, I heard Gary playing and singing the song that we played at our wedding almost 9 years ago. I still love that song…it was a song called, Faithful. It was written and performed by Enter the Worship Circle.

22. OU won the football game, so Sooner fans will be happy tomorrow for church.

23. Judah told me tonight that he was afraid of scary eyes when it is dark. I told him that he didn’t have to be afraid of anything because Jesus is always with us. To that, he said, “But, Momy, Jesus doesn’t live in my house.” Yes, a wonderful, sweet discussion followed and we ended the conversation with the song, “My Best Friend, Jesus.” We sing it all the time and it goes like this:

He’s always with me and I’m so happy…I love my friend, Jesus.

I love my friend, Jesus. I love my friend, Jesus. I love my friend, Jesus.

Our preschool department is going to sing that song for the whole church in the December 22 AM church service.

24. He is always with me.

25. Jesus is my best friend.

26. I don’t have to be afraid.

27. I am not only a friend of God, but I am a Child of God.

Friday, October 25

My 27 Thanks:

1. This weekend is what I like to call “Gary’s platinum 4-day.” We get very few back to back days off over a weekend. So, we treasure them.

2. When Gary got home from the fire station, he told me about a tragic call they responded to the day before. A man lost his life in a tragic accident. I won’t go into details here, but his life was taken from him in a moment. I am sure he woke up that day and headed to work and never even thought that it would be his last day. Life is SO PRECIOUS. Life is SO FRAGILE. I value every moment of every day of my life.

3. Gary is not desensitized by his job. Even though he sees tragedy on a weekly basis (usually), he still feels.

4. Went up to the church together as a family to help out with the final touches on the Event Center.

5. Judah and Asher helped me in the Resource Center. They LOVED spraying the pledge bottle and wiping the dust. I had a lot of fun with them.

6. Asher taught me some really interesting facts about animals. I am sure I learned them long ago in the 5th grade (no one is smarter than a 5th grader). But, I didn’t use the information, so I lost it. Did you know that a flamingo is pink because of the food it eats? I know….I could have googled it, but I didn’t know that off the top of my head. I do now…Asher taught me.

7. The Event Center is BEAUTIFUL. It is the final piece to be restored from the flood damage 2.5 years ago.

8. We had to work quickly as a team to complete some tasks before inspection. I felt like I was on one of those design shows. At one point, I think I was sprinting with the vaccuum.

9. Our facilities team is AMAZING. They have worked countless hours this week making it all come together.

10. I only had an hour at the Outlet Mall to find outfits for Gary and Judah for our Christmas Card pics. I DID IT…I got them both great outfits and was out in an hour.

11. Judah just had to take the train that we made the day before into the Outlet Mall. Of course, he left it in a store. He realized he didn’t have his train when we pulled out of the parking lot. Because of the giant alligator tears, we went back. Thankfully, Gary found it in the first store he went back to check. All is well in Judah’s world now.

12. Gary actually purchased clothes…and not a t-shirt…he purchased a SWEATER and a shirt to wear underneath it. I am so proud that he is going to wear layers!!!!

13. I finally got Judah some other shoes that he will wear besides his light up car shoes.

14. We celebrated my dear friend, Amy Hoover, today.

15. She was completely surprised by the party. I loved seeing her sweet smile when she realized what her husband and mom had successfully pulled off.

16. Amy has made such a lovely difference in the lives of so many. Many of those lives were at her party and sang her praises. I loved seeing her blessed.

17. We got to sit with the Mondragons at the party and visit with them. We know them and see them weekly, but we never get to chit-chat.

18. During our visit, the Mondragons got a call that their home had caught on fire. THANKFULLY, their seven children and grandma made it out of the house safely.

19. The firefighters got the fire out rather quickly and the fire was mostly contained in the garage.

20. Even though they lost a lot in the event, Ananda…my sweet little friend who made me the card for Pastor Appreciation…was mostly upset because she lost her first tooth that day and now the tooth fairy wouldn’t be able to visit the tooth since it was missing. I love the innocence of children.

21. The church immediately responded to the Mondragons needs.

22. The local church is the HOPE of the world. I am so glad I am a part of a church community. We need each other.

23. Cyndyl, the oldest Mondragon, and I had a great late night shopping trip at Wal-Mart. We laughed a lot.

24. As a teenager, my dad always said, “Kara, nothing good ever happens after 10:00 at night. I want you home by then.” My dad was right. Weird people come out late at night…ha ha ha. Cyndyl and I saw some interesting “Wal-MArt people.” Thankful for my parents care and concern over me as a teenager.

25. What an honor it is to minister to the needs of others.

26. God makes beauty from the ashes.

27. Protection and Provision.