Patch Club

I never grew up wanting to teach.

In fact, the little I thought about it was always a quick passing, "I would never do that!"

I am not sure why I felt that way as I was blessed with some pretty amazing teachers-in Christian school and in Sunday School classes. Some of my teachers, quite frankly, changed my life. I have many, many stories of teachers I could relate here, but I want to share just one. I would like to tell you about Mrs. King.

She taught me how to teach. More than that, she gave me a deep love for teaching.

My freshman year at college I went to work in a Sunday School Department. I volunteered for that department for several reasons-none of which had to do with teaching. I was asked to help in Mrs. King's Sunday School class. She taught third or fourth grade (I can't remember which.) girls from inner city Chicago.

Another freshmen was also assigned. A gal named Becky who would immediately become a great friend.

Mrs. King appeared to be your average lady. There wasn't necessarily anything special about her that would command your attention if you were to pass her on the street. I sat in the back row of her class not expecting much. I just thought of this as a duty to fulfill in order to be in this department and have the privilege of the other duties I was looking forward to.

But then class began...

And this "average" lady transformed before my eyes. She was engaging and delightful. She was enthusiastic and expressive. She taught with such life that girls with little training and discipline sat so still to please this wonderful teacher and possibly earn a prize--and more importantly, her praise.

Week after week I was amazed. She went out of her way to bring in visuals that would help drive home a Biblical point. I won't ever forget the day she started a contained fire to show the girls a truth from God's Word!

For one year I sat and absorbed from this master teacher. I had a unique opportunity from God and I enjoyed every moment of it.

The end of the school year came and I returned home for the summer. When I came back to school in the fall, I eagerly returned to my Sunday School Department. But Mrs. King was not there any more. Becky and I were each given our own Sunday School classes. In fact our classes were side by side.

I became a teacher.

From that point until now, I have pretty much taught somewhere: Sunday School, Junior Church, Christian School, Homeschool, etc. And I love it all! :)

Teaching is so rewarding for me. I thrill to teach a lesson and see the "light" come on in the eyes of a child as they catch what I've taught. I love the time spent with children. I love their unbridled enthusiasm for the things of God. I love their unashamedness of spiritual things. I love passing on a truth from God's Word and helping to hide it in their heart to have it stored and ready for their future. I love teaching a practical lesson that they understand and can put to immediate use.

Two years ago we reorganized my Wednesday night junior church into a Patch Club. I went from doing some singing and teaching for 45 minutes to having children for almost 2 hours.

I now get to combine teaching with another love of mine (singing) as a choir is a part of our Club setup. We have lessons, singing, stories, games, contests, awards and so much more! If you know me, you know Wednesday nights are a highlight of my week. I love Patch Club!

I praise the Lord for Mrs. King passing on the love of teaching to a young girl who didn't care to receive it. I am so thankful that she came to class ready to change lives. She changed my life and my heart that very first Sunday. And as I help to change lives now, I pray that I help to bear fruit for her account.

Mrs. King-wherever you are-Thank you! I love you!




With all that said, I thought I would take you on a "walk" through a Wednesday night here at our house.

Daddy helping Jonathan get ready...




Walking down to church....What a beautiful day Wednesday was!




The van getting ready to pick up some Club sailors. (Like how I decorated the van? The kids do!)



Some of the sailors singing. Several walked in later and some are on vacation.



Here they are acting like pirates as we sing "Shiver Me Timbers." Definitely one of their favorite songs!



We do our singing before the main service starts in the main auditorium. That gives us the good piano to practice with and more importantly, the most wonderful church pianist in the world!

Then we go back to our Club room for the rest of the time.






A couple of pictures from our Patch Awards Party last year with "Pastor Pirate." It is hard to believe that we will have our second annul party next month already!




And a few of the many visuals I have made for Club.




I hope you enjoyed spending an evening with us. ;)

And as always...

Thanks for stopping by,

Blue Jays

Blue jays are my absolute favorite birds. They are very skittish and so I do not get good pictures of them very often, but I did today.
I love all the different shades of blue. I am so thankful that God put so much gorgeous variety in nature.
My daughter looks more like my sister all the time. I have lost count of all the times I have mistakenly called her Sarah. If you do not know my sister, this is her gorgeous hair that my daughter inherited.One of our favorite college young men is home for the summer. He is a hero to my boys and they love spending time with Zack. Welcome Home!
Mom, we are loving the cowboy hats you sent. Even the kittens love them! The hats will be broken in in no time. ;) Thank you so much for the wonderful goody bag you sent us! We feel loved and spoiled. I hope to try the cotton candy maker tomorrow.

And to end this hodge-podge post, I simply want to say that God is very good. I was overwhelmed in blessings on Sunday. So many good things from God! And today was a great day with my family. I also was able to get some amazing deals with coupons today! Wow! I love to coupon.

I trust that you are taking the time to recognize God's goodness in your life.

Thanks for stopping by,

Oh, Deer!

We have thoroughly enjoyed a doe and her fawn on the path on our property and using the field behind our home. We were excited to get pictures yesterday of the baby eating. I would have to say that deer watching is one of my favorite things.

I narrowed down our selection quite a bit and tried to give you our favorites.









A question and plea for help to my friends who are much more accomplished MWAC than I:

Some of my pictures are not as clear as I would like. I have a Canon Powershot SX10IS. It has a 20x zoom. It seems that near the end of my zoom range everything lacks clarity. Is that digital zoom? Is that something I can correct while I take pictures or with an on-line photo editing program? Any help or direction would be appreciated, but please use simple "layman" terms. I do not know much about photography or camera features! ;)

I hope you all have a won-Deer-ful day! (Sorry~I couldn't resist!)

Thanks for stopping by,

Some of My Favorite People

I have lots of people I love-but my brother definitely ranks near the top of my heart! My handsome brother, his beautiful wife and three cute sons are making their way to my parent's home today for vacation. I have been thinking about them and praying for them often today as they travel...so thought I would let you "see" them.

My brother was very good to me growing up and we were very close. We enjoyed getting to spend several years in college together before we both got married and went our separate ways. He made me laugh at his corny jokes, but more importantly, he taught me to laugh at myself and not get so uptight about things.

But my favorite "brother" memory happened the day he got his first car. I am older and had my license for a few years before Rob got his, but had never had my own car. (That never concerned me as I didn't need one.) Rob bought a car to take to college as a young man really needs one. I was excited for him and his big purchase. I was at work when he and my parents went to pick up his car. When I got home, the car was in the driveway and Rob was at work. I went in the house and went to my room. There was a set of keys hanging on a nail on my door. I was surprised and asked my brother about the keys when he got home. He told me he wanted me to have the keys so I could use his car whenever I wanted! I remember feeling so loved that day. A guy's first car is a monumental event in his life...and he wanted to share it with his sister! I have nominated him for the "Brothers Hall of Fame"-or I would if there was one. ;)

His wife is wonderful and highly talented, but most importantly is dedicated to God and husband. She is a great Mom to her three boys and lets them be just that--boys. I love her and am glad she is in my life.


Hello to my handsome nephews! Aunt Jennie loves and misses you so very much! Have a great time at Grandpa's and Grandma's house. And remind Grandpa that big, gooey donuts are the breakfast of champions! Also, get Grandpa to tell you bedtime stories-they are the best!


Thanks for stopping by,

A Favorite Place

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28

It was many years ago now when my Dad introduced our family to this place which truly has become a landmark in my life.

It is a joke amongst our dear church family that Wal*Mart is my very favorite place. But in all sincerity, after my home, this place is dearest to my heart.

I love my church...and I love the God it represents.

Today as I was there I marveled once again that the building is so small, for it could not possibly hold all the tender, precious memories I have of it in my heart.

Today alone I experienced...

...joy as I rejoiced with a mother and her newborn baby.

...grief as I shed tears with a young lady who lost her grandpa yesterday.

...usefulness as I met a new visitor and helped her to feel welcome.

...excitement as contest winners were announced and hard-working members were rewarded.

...thoughtfulness as I saw so many doing for others.

...delight as I shared with another the Old, Old Story and heard her pray.

...nostalgia as I saw a dear one I had not seen for several years.

So many pictures I could post-so many memories I could share-so many people that I love-how deeply this place is rooted in my heart and being.

I hope you were able to spend your day with God's people, too.


Thanks for stopping by,

Unimportant(?) Favorite Things

Six favorite unimportant things.....Hmmm.....I saw that Amy was tagged and read her post. (Well, of course I read her post. I devour each and every one!) I thought how I was thankful not to be tagged because it sounded like an assignment that required thought. (Homework flashbacks!) I read all the comments after Amy's post and particularly enjoyed Stacy's comment about how she thinks "we thinks too much." I agreed with her wholeheartedly (translated: good excuse for not doing unwanted assignment). Then I noticed that Stacy did a post on the subject any way...and tagged me as one her six! Gasp!

Actually, I had a good chuckle at this turn of events. So, I have let this thought simmer, and I asked my husband and children for help. I feel most of what I do and read does have a purpose, thus hard to deem as unimportant. But enough said...here is my list.


1. Anything my husband cooks on the grill-but especially if it is steak from Ballards. My tongue is happy just thinking about it!

2. Dandelions from my children. I never cease to feel so loved as they come in proudly clutching these treasures.




















3. Aquafina--I am having a hard time stating this is unimportant... I am hopelessly addicted and am not looking for a cure.



















4. My Americana Kitchen--It makes me happy.



















5. Blogs--Reading others and creating my own. How fun to connect with friends & family, make new friends, find inspiration and encouragement and on the list goes. And it is rewarding to see all your pictures and thoughts organized into neat little columns and boxes. (Isn't organization wonderful?)

6. Reading--There is nothing like turning the pages of a good book. I was dismayed a few years ago when ebooks were making their entrance into the world-and I am thankful they never really caught on.

So, there is my list.

I won't tag anyone (though I think Paula should do it!), but if you want to join the fun, go ahead! And if you don't have a blog, just list your favorites in the comments section. Don't feel obligated to list six-any number will do.

And like others have said-if it refreshes our spirit, is it really unimportant?


Thanks for stopping by,




Thanks, Stacy! That was fun! I hope to meet you in person someday...Love, Jennie