tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85098728361064288352012-01-26T16:38:41.163-05:00Jeremiah 29:11---I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not for failure. Plans for a hope and a future.dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.comBlogger1901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-57980866644108150942012-01-26T16:38:00.000-05:002012-01-26T16:38:41.169-05:00

Tuesday was a big day for our family.  Even though John had already given his verbal commitment (which is just as important), to play baseball at SMC, he signed his letter of intent on Tuesday.  He made that decision himself after weighing other options and thinking through what would be the best fit for him and praying over where God wanted him to be.  He was great at blocking out all the

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-43272228529735449192012-01-23T14:48:00.000-05:002012-01-23T14:48:34.294-05:00

We took a look at our walk yesterday as pointed out in 1John 1:5-7.  We saw how we start the walk, how we stray in the walk, and how we stay in the walk. I love how Eddie pointed out how John uses the phrase "if we claim" a lot.  Unfortunately we are pretenders.  We do a lot of pretending when we are young and sad to say it carries on into our life so often.  Eddie asked several thought-provoking

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-32765980162504018912012-01-16T09:51:00.000-05:002012-01-16T09:51:09.697-05:00

New series in 1John, Walk in Light, Live in Love, got off to a great start!!  Absolutely love getting the background that Eddie gave us on John himself.  What a reminder of the sweet relationship John had with Jesus and to know that we can have that same sweet relationship with Him today as we walk with Him. My favorite part had to be on Real Joy.  As Eddie pointed out joy is an inside job that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-3729546329864353942012-01-11T14:53:00.000-05:002012-01-11T14:53:41.350-05:00

What an incredibly busy but fabulous time it has been over the past few weeks.  Christmas was a blast as we did much celebrating around here, lifting Jesus high and proclaiming His goodness and reclaiming His special day!  The time we spent away was refreshing and much needed. Very rarely do we take things in small doses and I have to say we all overdosed on laughter!!  There are some funny

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-41092620942617487442011-12-19T12:05:00.000-05:002011-12-19T12:05:39.013-05:00

We looked at heaven's view of Christmas in part 2 of Christmas in 3G...The Glory. What an incredible way Eddie presented the Christmas story from heaven's perspective and reminding us that it didn't all begin in Bethlehem with Jesus being born.  John 1:1 explains the beginning and we took a deep look into how Jesus emptied Himself, took on limitations and came to earth.  Salvation really is the

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-57657959145331462102011-12-12T11:39:00.000-05:002011-12-12T11:39:42.422-05:00

Kicked off Christmas in 3G with The Grinch also known as Herod.  I'll give you some of my favorite points from the message...(btw parentheses are mine)... ...Herod was determined to kill off all of his competition (how often do we try similar things with those we compete against? We try to kill em off or tear them down with our words usually). ...God isn't taken by surprise by what happens here..

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-25878267555562975002011-11-29T17:07:00.000-05:002011-11-29T17:07:05.332-05:00

A bit of time on my hands this afternoon.  Dinner is on the stove and in the crockpot, where would I be without my crockpot!  Waiting for Eddie to get home from work and John from workouts.  I'm not big on a quiet house but it's the only time I don't feel guilty for getting on the laptop so I thought I would creep in here for a few.  I trust you all had a great Thanksgiving.  Ours was FULL

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-4919201243384155822011-11-28T11:01:00.000-05:002011-11-28T11:01:43.233-05:00

There's a huge part of me that hates to see the IT series end!!  It's had such a life changing effect on me, whether it's been encouraging or challenging, whether it's stomped on my toes or put passion in my heart.  However, it ended with a super bang!!  Eddie closed it out with a look at the conversion and life change of Saul.  He spoke of how God can save anybody and transform anybody.  God

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-24948658600042604832011-11-22T12:09:00.002-05:002011-11-22T12:09:29.973-05:00

Just a quick word since I've been asked why the lack of blogging lately.  I stopped in May because my kids were all coming home from college and my high schooler would soon be out for summer break.  I hate being fixated on a computer when my family is around, it seems like a poor use of time.  Besides that I knew summer would be a FULL schedule and especially this summer with the sabbatical

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-34237955647278890492011-11-22T12:09:00.000-05:002011-11-22T12:09:04.723-05:00

Just a quick word since I've been asked why the lack of blogging lately.  I stopped in May because my kids were all coming home from college and my high schooler would soon be out for summer break.  I hate being fixated on a computer when my family is around, it seems like a poor use of time.  Besides that I knew summer would be a FULL schedule and especially this summer with the sabbatical

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-88770984227860481602011-11-21T11:13:00.000-05:002011-11-21T11:13:27.317-05:00

I knew this was going to be good and IT didn't disappoint.  What a word!!!  It seems like a basic of the Christian faith, how we treat others, yet it's so difficult at times whether we are in kindergarten or a much more mature season of life.  It is definitely one of those areas we have to be INTENTIONAL about and can make the difference in whether we live on the HIGHER LEVEL or not. I think it

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-28609585166542899822011-11-14T10:52:00.000-05:002011-11-14T10:52:06.910-05:00

I seriously can't get enough of  IT!!  Romans 12 is becoming my favorite chapter in the scriptures.  Eddie is bringing it to life and I love it!  It also thrills me that every sunday night with our younger ones in bible study someone always brings up something from the message and how it relates to the study we are in.  You girls are connecting it all together and I LOVE that and I LOVE YOU!! My

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-16830576719762038042011-11-07T11:07:00.000-05:002011-11-07T11:07:36.760-05:00

Another WOW moment yesterday...I was completely overwhelmed to see our people move out and take the "gold" cards promising to outreach to those in our community who are unchurched!!  You totally blessed my heart.  All ages represented filing out of the pews grabbing those cards!!!  I'm praying not only those we outreach to but also those doing the outreach would be so blessed by it that they

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-32115416643145765002011-10-31T10:00:00.000-04:002011-10-31T10:00:47.799-04:00

First of all the service yesterday was one of the most heart warming.  The worship center was full of Pink and the  awareness time was special I thought.  One of the perks to sitting up close is to be able to see faces so well.  My heart is so warmed to watch those who aren't just singing, they are worshipping.  To see tears welled up in eyes and hands raised and to know that for so many it's a

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-87614043278096886512011-10-25T10:44:00.000-04:002011-10-25T10:44:44.059-04:00

Yes, I know it's Tuesday and my days aren't too messed up.  I tried to do this yesterday but it took a while to bring this blog "back to life" on the computer.  I have been off since May, which I will explain on the next blog, no biggie reason really.  However since we started our new series Sunday that I have been so pumped about, I wanted to go ahead and get back to MMP even if it's Tuesday!!

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-14092612760449253412011-05-16T10:09:00.000-04:002011-05-16T10:09:55.954-04:00

The more we venture into James the more I love it and love him.  He is not going to let us off the hook with excuses or rationalizations when it comes to our actions or our attitudes.  He challenges us in almost every verse of every chapter to live out Christian principles, those things we say with our mouth we believe but so often don't  live out in our actions. Yesterday we were challenged in

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-46585880443119567062011-05-06T17:35:00.000-04:002011-05-06T17:35:52.667-04:00

Ok, my precious one...not going to be sappy since I know you hate that...HOWEVER... I couldn't let this huge event pass by without shouting from the rooftops (or computer screen) how incredibly proud of you we are.  I know you feel like this day would never come but to us it seems like just yesterday you started in kindergarten.  How precious you were then and you've gotten sweeter and sweeter as

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-75699556910774577282011-05-02T10:28:00.000-04:002011-05-02T10:28:57.363-04:00

I'll say it again...I love James.  I love the boldness. I love the truth of it.  I love the practical side of it.  I love the heart of James. My favorite points from yesterday's sermon... ...We mark our bibles but are they marking us? ...We don't need more truth, we need to practice the truth we know. ...Short tempers and sharp tongues lead to problems. ...We get angry when we are attacked but

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-8352133172611717552011-04-25T12:02:00.000-04:002011-04-25T12:02:48.957-04:00

Easter Monday...sitting here with LOTS to ponder this morning!!! Nothing I love more than a powerful evangelistic Easter message and that's exactly what we got yesterday at Millbrook and the response to salvation is evidence enough that that is why we do what we do!! We spread the simple message of Jesus to everyone we know and we do it boldly and unapologetically. I love how Eddie brought the

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-70466831857276173432011-04-18T10:52:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:52:54.697-04:00

What a great day at Millbrook yesterday.  Awesome crowd came out to worship together, study God's Word through small groups and hear God's Word proclaimed. I'm loving our time in the book of James.  Like Eddie said, it's 108 power packed verses of practical living.  My prayer is that each and every verse would impact the way we live.  May we hold one another accountable to live out what we are

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-6310260783788220892011-04-12T10:15:00.000-04:002011-04-12T10:15:56.203-04:00

The countdown to spring break begins right after the kids go back to school in January after the Christmas break.  It's different than it used to be, this year we actually had 3 spring breaks under the roof.  Chrissie had a week and she and Michael got to come for a few days of her break.  That was great because it had been so long since we had time with them.  Stephen and Jessica had a different

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-88560711200866299882011-04-04T10:07:00.000-04:002011-04-04T10:07:35.205-04:00

Yep, I knew James was going to be good!!  What an awesome start to the book.  My husband brought a power-packed message.  How timely is our God?! Eddie gave us a great intro to James and a preview to what we will be running into in this book and then we took a dive into the first four verses. I loved our 2nd section on Trouble has a function.  Count it ALL JOY!!  Put trouble in the profit column

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-3917259385361108392011-04-02T10:29:00.002-04:002011-04-02T10:31:30.770-04:00

I got up early this Saturday morning.  The hubby is out of town and there are two sleeping kids upstairs.  All is quiet at least for now.  I am extra thankful for my man this morning.  I strolled outside to get the paper, in the cold!  I made my own pot of coffee!  Those are two things Eddie always does and I missed it.  Sounds like little things, they are, but it's the little things that I

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-50602391294901511062011-03-29T14:24:00.000-04:002011-03-29T14:24:29.897-04:00

As we conclude the series on spiritual warfare, I find the comment so true that someone said...when you preach on spiritual warfare all hell can break loose.  One of the questions I'm left with afterwards is, do we really get it? Do we understand how Satan works and how he uses us so often to accomplish his tasks?  Do we get how we can be the ones used to bring about distractions and diversions

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-21486430468824089232011-03-21T12:41:00.000-04:002011-03-21T12:41:02.008-04:00

I cannot imagine how anyone left the service yesterday without having been overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord all over themselves.  Incredible is not a good enough word to describe the music.  Soloists were fabulous and the choir was unbelieveable.  So great seeing so many packed into the choir loft.  Thank you to all of you for your commitment and faithfulness.  Awesome hearing you all sing

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-9577976933262181862011-03-14T11:08:00.000-04:002011-03-14T11:08:07.144-04:00

On this Monday morning I am still so pumped about yesterday.  What an incredible crowd we had in worship!  The choir had a great crowd and led powerfully in worship.  I must say I was a bit shocked because of the time change.  Losing that hour is always tough but so glad to see that our Millbrook family didn't let a little thing like lack of sleep stand in their way of getting to worship.We

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-31247895444808565442011-03-07T10:03:00.000-05:002011-03-07T10:03:23.766-05:00

What an incredible day yesterday in the life of Millbrook.  The high winds and pelting rain couldn't keep Millbrookers away from coming together to celebrate through worship and bible study...what a tremendous crowd as we came back together as one family in one service.  You could sense the excitement and energy from God's people uniting together.  Our students filled The Rock as our missionary

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-41063058946373920272011-03-01T06:51:00.000-05:002011-03-01T06:51:01.482-05:00

Well 4am came dark and early this morning.  I woke up with my heart pounding, feeling like it was on fire.  Don't know if it was all the happenings of the past few days or maybe I ate too late after the ballgame.  Either way, God brings good from all and it got me out of the bed.  I do usually know when I wake up at whatever time and my heart is already pounding and my mind is full that early in

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-8043003425298695952011-02-28T11:13:00.000-05:002011-02-28T11:13:38.050-05:00

Just so there's no confusion as to who I'm writing this to...this is to the one who continues to send his anonymous emails harassing my family and my staff family. Funny to me how sometimes we think we can be anonymous with God but He knows exactly who you are and is all about bringing to light those things we do in the dark and think it will remain a secret...that brings perfect peace.  I hold

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-14018191642518142072011-02-22T22:47:00.000-05:002011-02-22T22:47:07.230-05:00

If there's anything better than being a parent I wish someone would tell me and then you had better have a lot of ammunition to convince me.  I loved it when my babies were actual babies. I loved the toddler stage when they were learning so much.  I even loved and love their teen years.  It's just all good.  Anyone who knows me at all knows the struggle I had when it was time for one to get

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-17343100050835361882011-02-21T09:34:00.000-05:002011-02-21T09:34:13.670-05:00

Wow...another awesome message in our family series from Ephesians. I love series like this that are so practical, encouraging yet convicting as well.  I also love how this message was a great word for children but also a word to parents.  We saw that children are called to obey and honor not because parents are always right but because it is right.  Also love how Eddie pointed out that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-2294925367392361772011-02-14T10:49:00.000-05:002011-02-14T10:49:33.355-05:00

It's so cool to be able to blog about the sermon on Valentine's Day when the sermon was about doing marriage God's way.  God is such a God of timing, only one of the reasons I love Him so. What an awesome sermon!! It reminded me of how important it is to not only do marriage God's way but life His way.  I'm thankful for the reminder of how dangerous it is to listen to the wrong voices.  Why do we

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-20945587648625499232011-02-10T14:45:00.000-05:002011-02-10T14:45:08.260-05:00

I had so many different things planned for today but things took a turn.  Poor Eddie got so sick last night, started feeling yucky right before dinner and it gradually got worse and worse.  Needless to say it was a long night most especially for him.  Anyway, plans changed and I stayed put with my sick man at home.  Days like that used to bother me much more than now.  I've come to learn that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-22365971368539204342011-01-31T09:59:00.000-05:002011-01-31T09:59:07.899-05:00

Prayer...that was our focus.  I do love acrostics and that's what Eddie used to walk us through a fabulous message on prayer...Adoration,Confession,Thanksgiving,Supplication. Eddie said right out of the gate that of all the things the disciples could have asked Jesus to teach them, they asked Him to teach them to pray. I think that's so interesting compared to what I usually ask Jesus for.  

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-57121503392412309772011-01-24T12:02:00.000-05:002011-01-24T12:02:26.455-05:00

First, let me back up and say if you didn't get to be there for State of the Church like me, go listen to it online.  It's always good to get info from the top instead of 2nd, 3rd, or 4th hand.  It was awesome and Eddie and I are so excited about the privilege to serve at Millbrook at this time.  I know sometimes we only see what's going on in our specific group or area of service but we are

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-41485412794802318332011-01-10T15:46:00.000-05:002011-01-10T15:46:09.035-05:00

Yea, yea, yea, I know it's not morning but couldn't bring myself to break out the computer with so much good conversation with the hubs going on. We get into talking church and I don't want to cut it off.  We are just both so excited about some things right now and praying and expecting some huge things from God on behalf of our church family.  We are also praying that our Millbrook family will

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-55353130614511902182011-01-05T20:12:00.000-05:002011-01-05T20:12:33.919-05:00

I've been meaning to do this for days but sometimes I just want to sit and soak in all that God has done and especially at the ending/beginning of a new year.  He has been so tremendously graceful towards us, showing us things and working in ways that even a year ago I would not have imagined.  It was a fabulous Christmas, in fact it's been a fabulous month and actually a fabulous year.  No, that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-42220011219571817202010-12-24T15:47:00.000-05:002010-12-24T15:47:38.641-05:00

What a joyous Christmas season it has been and now we are here at Christmas Eve.  I love Christmas Eve as much as Christmas Day.  This is the day that Eddie and our kids always go and fix the candles for our Christmas Eve service...they have been doing that ever since we came here.  That's something they have always loved doing and such a service gesture.  Usually that gave me time to do the mom

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-44957747445619050662010-12-12T16:00:00.000-05:002010-12-12T16:00:22.825-05:00

I know it's Sunday afternoon for MMP but it's a great time to blog and I've been pondering the sermon a lot already so I just went ahead.  It's such a winter-like day weather-wise, all the Christmas lights are twinkling, John's playing basketball and Eddie's preparing for tonight and ready to leave for deacon prayer time so it's extremely quiet.  Looking forward to my college kids coming home,

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-18498549875429340662010-12-07T09:34:00.001-05:002010-12-07T19:45:49.485-05:00

Just had to get on here quickly before some much needed house projects are started and say I had an absolute blast last night!!  It was our staff Christmas dinner at Myabi and then the evening completed with a stop by Krispy Kreme.  We have the best time when we are together.  Everyone's so busy with ministry and family that we don't get these times nearly enough (gonna be more intentional to

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-1532175200576284652010-11-29T11:22:00.000-05:002010-11-29T11:22:29.604-05:00

Principles of the new life was our focus yesterday as we looked at Ephesians 4:25-32.  Awesome message spoken with boldness.  The point of the entire message to me was that if we claim the new life and claim that something has happened on the inside, it should be evident on the outside!! Point taken. One of the things Eddie brought to our attention was the anger issue.  How true that so often we

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-17272326052483543802010-11-23T10:39:00.000-05:002010-11-23T10:39:00.768-05:00

I kinda hate to even start this because it's actually never ending and I will close it and forget a dozen things I failed to add but...I will anyway.  There's so many things I have to be thankful for it's hard to even know where to begin... I'm thankful for... Salvation, Redemption, Forgiveness and the Word. I'm thankful for ... A Christian heritage, A godly husband, that my 4 children are saved

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-24235098115032648562010-11-22T10:17:00.000-05:002010-11-22T10:17:13.827-05:00

Back to MMP...finally. My man's preaching NEVER gets old!!!  There are times when I think the whole world should get to hear him bring the Word every Sunday as I have had the privilege for so many years.  I owe so much of my spiritual growth to the fact that I have been able to feast at what he has put on the table year after year.  I am so thankful for his faithfulness to study and prepare and

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-38204703751229032822010-11-15T15:38:00.000-05:002010-11-15T15:38:12.399-05:00

Wednesday was our free day in Boston.  What an awesome day!! Suffice it to say God showed off in a big way for us today.  The weather was good, cool but that's New England.  Everything was fabulous. Joe and Karen took us up to Maine.  It's about an hour and a half drive from Boston...beautiful drive.  We went through adorable towns and then headed to do the cliffwalk on the coast.  The view was

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-38567894880435232642010-11-09T22:42:00.001-05:002010-11-09T22:49:51.717-05:00

I was going to wait and do one post on our entire trip to Boston but we have been here less than 2 days and there's already way too much I want to share so this may turn into a series. We flew into a cold wet Boston yesterday afternoon and were met by our dear friends Joe and Karen Sawyer.  Joe and Karen were friends, mentors, leaders, anything and everything to us in our church in Greenville.  

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-65407857016775107302010-10-27T20:01:00.000-04:002010-10-27T20:01:18.312-04:00

Our ReFresh lead team got together today for our kickoff meeting.  Loved the energy in the room.  I had to apologize for throwing so much out there and risking overwhelming my girls but like I told them, I have a lot of time on my hands now to think ministry and I have had some of this stuff going through my brain for a while and just waiting for God to say "GO!".  So today, we took off!!! This

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-20872937287086118852010-10-25T10:51:00.000-04:002010-10-25T10:51:12.357-04:00

This will be a different MMP.  I wasn't at Millbrook yesterday so I can't give thoughts on the sermon so I'm going to give a perspective on where I was yesterday, not the sermon except to say it was FABULOUS, but on the event.  It may be a bit wordy so if you don't like to read especially mush, tune out now cause here goes... I left dark and early yesterday morning to head to Greenville, SC.  My

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-76066464100453068282010-10-18T11:49:00.000-04:002010-10-18T11:49:13.744-04:00

We spent time in Ephesians yesterday looking at Paul's prayer in 3:14-21.  It's one of my all time favorite prayers in God's Word. I loved the whole section on Paul's provision for prayer...strength, stability and sanctification.  Out of that section my favorite was on stability.  I had never really put much thought into what "dwell" in verse 17 means.  Eddie said that word means to preside and

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-19313461892896616862010-10-14T20:20:00.000-04:002010-10-14T20:20:49.114-04:00

I have been beside myself for the past two days now.  My two college kids come home tomorrow for their fall break and I never thought it would get here.  Jessica gets to come home every other weekend or so but it seems like before we turn around a few times it's Sunday afternoon and she's headed back.  Stephen hasn't been home in forever because of baseball.  We have had a few glimpses of him

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-29836014185221134732010-10-11T11:30:00.000-04:002010-10-11T11:30:37.200-04:00

I loved the message yesterday, Gaining a Proper Perspective, maybe because it was on perspective and I don't think we can ever be challenged too much on keeping the proper perspective.  It is crucial in every area of life whether it be sports or school or our jobs.  Perspective is HUGE!!! We looked at the passage in Ephesians 3:1-13.  The fact that Paul had a proper perspective, chained to Roman

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-79789916944222080172010-10-04T10:51:00.000-04:002010-10-04T10:51:20.511-04:00

War and Peace...that was the title of the message.  Like Eddie, I hate conflict.  Like Eddie, I avoid it.  Like Eddie, I know some thrive on it, that's their comfort zone so to speak...drama, turmoil, conflict.  As for me, I've got to have peace.  Thankfully, I have peace with God through my relationship with Christ.  Peace with others is something I think we all have to work at daily.  I don't

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-20953033064239806412010-09-29T10:23:00.000-04:002010-09-29T10:23:15.648-04:00

Had a different kind of experience recently.  I guess it could possibly be the 1st of more to come but I kinda hope not. Stephen is now playing college baseball at SMC and John has spent the fall playing for a travel team and wouldn't you know it, John's travel team went to SMC to play for a weekend.  Just so happens, or I believe some coaches conniving, their teams played each other.  What

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-55001293234815169172010-09-27T11:32:00.000-04:002010-09-27T11:32:55.784-04:00

I absolutely loved the message yesterday as we continued through the book of Ephesians.  What a clear picture of what Christ has done for us and where we would be without Him.  I've heard so many people say that even if there were no heaven, the Christian life would still be the best life to live.  I so agree with that yet very thankful there is a heaven.  I'm so grateful that He did save us to

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-11347418805135707532010-09-07T13:43:00.000-04:002010-09-07T13:43:58.761-04:00

I know I didn't do MMP yesterday but it was a holiday and family was home and the last thing I wanted to do was get on the computer.  Needless to say, the message was awesome!!  Eddie and I are so excited about what God is going to teach us through Ephesians!! We have kicked off our Women in Ministry Refresh bible studies.  I always love to know that our women are growing deep in the Word through

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-8685866612629819782010-09-01T10:23:00.000-04:002010-09-01T10:23:06.580-04:00

26 years and counting.  September 1st 26 years ago I married the man I know God Himself chose for me.  A true man of noble character and much integrity.  It has been the adventure of a lifetime from day one.  I cannot imagine what my life would look like had you not stormed into it.  It seems like just yesterday I was the human football tee out on the field with you.  We blinked and now have a

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-91961478705664432472010-08-30T10:14:00.000-04:002010-08-30T10:14:29.037-04:00

Are we predestined?  That was the question of the day in yesterday's message.  Eddie did an awesome job preaching the biblical doctrine of predestination and election.  I love how he used the acrostic TULIP to explain the issues, very helpful.  It was one of those listen close, think hard sermons that I'm glad I take notes so I didn't miss anything.  My favorite part of the sermon...looking

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-23776651212253184762010-08-28T11:14:00.000-04:002010-08-28T11:14:31.031-04:00

It's the first week of the new norm I guess.  Married child off doing life, two college kids moved in and settled and down to one in the nest.  It's been extremely quiet but definitely not boring.  Jessica took my car to school with her so I've been homebound you could say.  That actually hasn't been too bad either at least for me.  My sweet hubby has come home to pick me up for things when

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-32407410950180841212010-08-23T11:01:00.000-04:002010-08-23T11:01:42.721-04:00

This may be a little different from most MMPs.  There just seems to be a conglomeration of things to post. First and foremost...my man can preach the Word.  I am so grateful for a husband and a pastor who emphasizes preaching the Word, studying the Word, staying in the Word.  He pushes me not only in His sermons but also personally the importance of bible study.  People...you can never get enough

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-85456842411608603632010-08-18T10:18:00.000-04:002010-08-18T10:18:17.047-04:00

My oh my there have been so many changes in our household in the past days, weeks, and months and they just keep coming.  Times like this just so glad to be holding on tight to Jesus and walking it out with Him. Jessica and Stephen, this one's for you...deep breath, no telling how many times I'm going to have to stop this and come back to it but here goes my best effort... I so wish words could

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-84078645252952221082010-08-17T08:47:00.000-04:002010-08-17T08:47:40.018-04:00

Can hardly believe it's been over a week since the big day. Time keeps moving on, doesn't it? It's amazing how you spend months planning for something and then it's over in a flash. I hardly wanted to go to bed that night just so it wouldn't all end so quickly.  It was fun coming home and eating wedding cake at 11:30pm and discussing all the details together, just needed the bride and groom to

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-52216456586210547902010-08-16T08:45:00.000-04:002010-08-16T08:45:39.356-04:00

We started a series entitled Be The Church yesterday which will focus on church health and could last the better part of a year. I am so excited about this and if you were there yesterday and heard the 1st message you have to be excited as well. What a great start!! We will be in the book of Ephesians but we started in Revelation with the letter to the church in Ephesus. We looked at the

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-34737452005516814712010-08-12T09:41:00.000-04:002010-08-12T09:41:52.626-04:00

Just had to take a moment to give a shout out to my former ingroup. I remember sitting on my backporch one evening after dinner with Brandon Bowers who was explaining his vision for ingroups...indepth bible study with fellowship, the perfect combo. I remember him looking at me and asking if I would consider leading one of the groups. I immediately said yes cause I loved the whole idea but I

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-79009175554499805172010-08-04T19:03:00.000-04:002010-08-04T19:03:46.214-04:00

It's been a very calm and uneventful wedding week so far. The plan from the beginning was to have all the major work done by the end of last week so this could be a very calm time for all of us. Most of the fun stuff has been this week. Recap a bit... We had the final meeting with the florist and decorator. Just made all of us even more excited! We all got our highlights done, well we girls

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-5643640677643692992010-08-02T09:18:00.000-04:002010-08-02T09:18:33.950-04:00

I thought I would title this post this way because when you were little and people asked you your name you would tell them your full name, so wish I could write it how you used to say it. You only have a few more days for this to be your full name, how bittersweet that is. In less than a week you will be Mrs. Chrissie Dawn Hux. There's hundreds of thoughts, feelings, emotions all going on at one

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-65281965469837203612010-07-24T15:47:00.002-04:002010-07-24T16:24:39.828-04:00

I love when God teaches me things about people and relationships because I'm a relationship crazy person. He's done a lot of it lately. Sometimes there are painful lessons, some maybe I'd rather not have to learn but they're necessary. Sometimes they are encouraging things. I try to learn even from the negative, you know when you know people and you think "Lord help me not to act like that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-49011510977504253682010-07-19T09:28:00.002-04:002010-07-19T09:58:18.875-04:00

Yesterday we were so blessed that our schedule in Atlanta allowed us to go to church at North Point. For those of you who don't know, that is Andy Stanley's church. They have several campuses and since we were staying in Alpharetta we attended that campus. What an awesome service!! As we usually do when we get to visit a new place we toured ourselves around after the service...very cool

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-42491694450624908122010-07-12T09:08:00.002-04:002010-07-12T09:17:09.655-04:00

How do you comment on a Lord's Supper service...you really don't so I won't. Except to say it was a beautiful service with a passionate, powerful message by our pastor that was truly convicting, which most of you know by now is my favorite kind of message. I will follow this one up later because I was struck by how Eddie began the message with asking, "do you think you are important? Do you

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-39816048401610147312010-06-30T10:08:00.003-04:002010-06-30T10:24:46.276-04:00

Wow, 17!!! That just seems so wierd, so old. Guess cause you are the baby, not a baby, the baby. Don't get mad at the title, enjoy it. Just couldn't let the day pass without saying that I'm amazed by you. I'm so proud of the young man that you have become despite the extra spoiling of being the baby in the fam. You have such a good head on your shoulders and a solid foundation. Your faith

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-79998833744891885532010-06-24T20:57:00.002-04:002010-06-24T21:38:41.709-04:00

As for blogging...sometimes God tells me to share things that may be helpful to others and sometimes He makes me keep things to myself. I'm thrilled when it helps others because I love to read other blogs, they help me as well. Sometimes when I read others, just like with sermons, it can be convicting or encouraging. I always like it when it steps on my toes a bit. Most of the stuff I do is

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-5838446777034209202010-06-23T15:31:00.002-04:002010-06-23T15:51:54.253-04:00

God has been pounding it in my head lately that HE IS IN CONTROL, not the people who think they are. It's amazing what a power people we are. We want control over things that don't even have anything to do with us. We are on a major ego trip...how can that be for God's people? Along with this He has also been showing me that He most definitely will take care of His children who are living in

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-15967035880623724402010-06-22T15:50:00.002-04:002010-06-22T16:07:45.669-04:00

I've been in Judges the past month or so. Have to admit I ventured in wondering why Judges. It's amazing how God speaks through His word and in such a timely fashion. I love how He gives us what we need when we need it if we are intentionally pursuing Him and chasing hard after His way.This morning I was in chapter 12. Israel had just won a great battle, but instead of joy, there was

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-41060302236008350912010-06-21T15:33:00.002-04:002010-06-21T15:47:03.723-04:00

What a great Father's Day message yesterday!! Eddie made four very good points about Hall of Fame Dads...1. They have a strong faith in God. He pointed out the treasure of a godly heritage while also pointing out that if we didn't have that we can be the one to start it for our family. Our Christian influence long outlives us!!2. They have a vibrant relationship with God. Loved the statement

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-67329405999283890872010-06-07T09:00:00.002-04:002010-06-07T09:15:42.402-04:00

We continued our X-Treme Home Makeover with Adding On yesterday. Adding on as in children. Children are definitely a gift!! The awesome thing about receiving a gift is when someone gives you that perfect gift that you need, love, is just what you want. A stranger can't give you the perfect gift because they don't know you. Children are a gift from GOD!!! He knows just what we need, what is

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-50696659698709981862010-05-27T09:40:00.004-04:002010-05-27T10:19:00.114-04:00

There's no telling how many times I'm going to have to start and stop this so I don't soak my computer in tears but here's the first start...Well, Stephen, I know you are much more ready for this than I am but honestly I don't know when I would ever be ready. I've told your sisters this and now I am so glad to tell you...when you walk across that stage next Thursday and graduate from South Aiken

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-34930893917741338132010-05-24T10:42:00.003-04:002010-05-24T10:51:58.953-04:00

We continued with our family forum yesterday at 11:11. Yay, we remembered to go back and answer the curfew question. We also dealt with discipline and everyone learned, if they didn't already know, that yes I am the strict one and Eddie is the fun one. Imagine that??? We had the heavy hitters of drugs, alcohol, sex and public vs private school choice. We talked movies, regrets, how Eddie and

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-42856014485971307162010-05-17T11:28:00.002-04:002010-05-17T12:12:44.028-04:00

Well yesterday was a little different. The first of two family forums. It's hard for me to say it went well or not when you're a part of it so I'll just say "it is what it is". How's that??I do want to say thank you to my kids for putting yourself out there, mainly for being real and honest and serving our church family. It is a fishbowl as we talked about and putting yourself in an even

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-67116237203999455482010-05-13T17:00:00.007-04:002010-05-13T17:38:53.694-04:00

Do not know if we have ever had a busier spring. But it's been a good busy. We don't do boredom well around here. We're not about being all over the place 24/7, we're much more about being together and busy, but we definitely don't like sitting around watching one t.v. show after another. Needless to say we have been on the move. LOTS of baseball, a fabulous prom for Stephen and Kaylin,

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-92101479502643907612010-05-10T10:16:00.002-04:002010-05-10T10:27:47.033-04:00

We kicked off our series on the family...Extreme Home Makeover...with a great mother's day message.It's rare but this time my favorite statements Eddie made came 1st and last. He started by saying the toughest part of being a mom is showing up for work every day. You think about how many people in the workplace or as students can say that they never missed a day, yet moms never miss work. Even

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-39098176455533402792010-05-04T09:37:00.002-04:002010-05-04T09:47:24.827-04:00

We wrapped up our series God's Lost and Found. I agree with Eddie, it would have been nice for it all to end at verse 24. However, it didn't and Jesus gives us a great lesson on the older brother syndrome. It was pointed out that older brothers never leave the Father's House. They stay in the right place with the wrong attitude: They are sour.They lack joy.They are mean-spirited.They react

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-20295313458140903112010-04-26T12:30:00.002-04:002010-04-26T13:04:02.503-04:00

Yesterday we continued our series on God's Lost and Found with the familiar story of the prodigal son. Thankfully we were reminded not to lose the meaning and impact just because we are so familiar with the it.My favorite part I think was when Eddie talked about how God is perfect in every way. He is the perfect father yet He has rebellious children. I don't think I have ever thought of it

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-44334988364971113982010-04-21T08:59:00.003-04:002010-04-21T09:28:45.267-04:00

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13:7Since I was about 16 years old, the Lord has sent me to this scripture over and over again. Some of those times I have clung to it like it's all I had and held on for dear life. Other times it has been sweet encouragement and left me with such a sense of peace. It's one of those "go to" verses for

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-37499157123373476632010-04-20T09:37:00.002-04:002010-04-20T10:31:40.592-04:00

I've spent a lot of time lately in the gospel of John. One of the things that never ceases to amaze me is the humility of John the Baptist. Humility isn't something we often hear referred to as a virtue in our world yet it's huge in God's sight. We seem to be all about ourselves...how will this make me appear, how will this affect me, what will this cost me? That's the world's mindset. One

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-35294088395660628442010-04-19T12:09:00.002-04:002010-04-19T12:20:59.249-04:00

Do Sundays just keep getting better or is it just me??? I don't think it's just me cause so many of you keep telling me it does for you too...always so glad to hear your comments. We continued our series yesterday on God's Lost and Found. We focused on the lost silver from Luke 15:8-10. I loved ALL of it. It was convicting, encouraging, challenging all wrapped up in one.What Eddie said about

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-37248921272825584572010-04-13T09:48:00.002-04:002010-04-13T09:57:59.598-04:00

I know it's Tuesday but just couldn't get the computer to wake up much yesterday. Anyway...We started our new series Sunday called God's Lost and Found. I know I'm gonna love it just like I love all of them. We started with The Lost Sheep in Luke 15.Eddie started out sharing our condition as sheep. I love how he pointed out that sheep are defenseless and people apart from Christ are

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-61303818293047050562010-04-06T08:58:00.000-04:002010-04-06T09:04:53.354-04:00

Spring Break always tells me we are very close to summertime and this year I am so siked about summer. It's going to be back to normal summers of old, it's jam-packed with lots of fun, travel, family and friend time.So far we have spent some much needed time with my brother and sister-in-law, my parents, some friends, and my boys are playing some great baseball...and it's only TUESDAY!! I'm

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-81147880429774883212010-04-05T10:40:00.002-04:002010-04-05T10:47:00.025-04:00

Easter is beyond words so this will be short. Eddie said he always has trouble preaching an Easter message, it's just too big for words. It was a great message and a great Easter at Millbrook. Jesus rose just as He said He would!

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-77428902042039604552010-03-29T09:22:00.002-04:002010-03-29T09:42:07.279-04:00

Another awesome Sunday at Millbrook.Starting with sunday school...fabulous. We started our lessons with the seniors combined for transitioning to college. I have heard from my girls what an awesome job the Opreas do with these lessons but got to witness it myself. If you have a senior, GET THEM TO SUNDAY SCHOOL for these lessons. We had a full room but always love having more!!On to worship..

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-75610506601384535752010-03-28T15:54:00.002-04:002010-03-28T16:40:30.168-04:00

Baseball is definitely my favorite sport. I love football and I like basketball a lot, especially if my kids are playing. My Dad coached basketball and I played and all my kids have played. However, I LOVE baseball. I keep a scorebook for each of my boys mainly because it keeps me calm and focused. I tend to be highly emotional at games and that helps me keep my head which is the problem

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-80280798267475393582010-03-22T09:27:00.004-04:002010-03-22T09:41:26.371-04:00

Was yesterday awesome or what!!!?? I feel very inadequate even trying to blog about it because if you were there you know it just speaks for itself.We began our series on The Road to the Resurrection. First up, What Happened in the Garden.Points I took away:-Adam assserted his selfish will and it led to the fall. Jesus deserted His will and it led to redemption.-Circumstances sometimes dictate

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-4188743533724177762010-03-18T15:13:00.002-04:002010-03-18T16:13:42.280-04:00

This has been spring break for my college girl. We have been busy, busy, busy working on wedding stuff. We have crammed more in the past few days than I can even go into right now. It has been a blast!! I feel right now like we are so far ahead of the game or at least where we should be at this point which is a great feeling. It's been a busy time of meetings and planning but we have worked

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-10819202433243635042010-03-15T15:42:00.002-04:002010-03-15T16:05:33.107-04:00

Eddie delivered the state of the church message yesterday. It was great. I think we need that at least once a year. It's good to reflect on where we've been and look forward to where we are going. I came away reflecting on Eddie's challenge for church health. I believe we are for the most part an extremely healthy church but there's always areas that need work. Healthy churches start with

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-26181624678012860332010-03-12T10:49:00.003-05:002010-03-12T14:55:29.535-05:00

I have a feeling this will be one of my all-time fave weekends. Gonna be busy so some things will have to be on the back burner...computer time.My future son will be in town for a whirlwind couple of days and we are gonna make the most of the little bit of time we have. Lots of wedding preparations and some marriage preparations all of which should be lots of fun. When we don't have much

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-27073686784201797552010-03-08T09:36:00.002-05:002010-03-08T10:01:00.610-05:00

If you spent any time attending our GIC missions conference, I'm sure you are just as full this morning as I am. Pastor Sasha did a great job Sunday morning and evening opening our eyes to the needs in Russia but also around the world. Youth sunday school was super-blessed to be able to hear the Emblers story of their journey walking from North Carolina to Peru. The stories they shared of how

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-58648271259610076092010-03-01T09:57:00.002-05:002010-03-01T10:11:53.619-05:00

I loved the evangelistic message that Eddie challenged us with yesterday. We've spent the last two weeks in youth sunday school talking about witnessing. I LOVE when that happens. So many of the things we were trying to get across to our students was again touched on in the worship service. God is so good. I appreciate how Eddie pointed out that Jesus' heart and purpose was evangelistic and

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-17868203297071657982010-02-22T11:21:00.002-05:002010-02-22T11:33:32.828-05:00

Well...we wrapped up our Jonah study yesterday. I kinda hate to see it end because I've learned so much and been convicted so much and been encouraged so much. However, I could probably say that about every sermon every Sunday so it's time to move on. I loved the three questions Eddie left with us:1. Is my comfort more imortant than compassion?2. Is the material more important than the

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-49467618037645970662010-02-15T17:58:00.002-05:002010-02-15T18:17:58.715-05:00

I know it's not morning but my kids are out of school today and I didn't want to spend the morning on the computer so I'm just getting around to blogging.I loved the message on Jonah as we continued through this great little book. This may sound strange but my favorite part was the invitation. I felt a strong urging early Sunday morning to really focus some prayer time on the invitation that

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-55218666082376944042010-02-14T14:25:00.004-05:002010-02-14T14:39:58.934-05:00

It's Valentine's Day. I love holidays, any holiday really. I love having special days set aside to reflect. My husband cares very little about these kind of special days. I do know that love should be something we give every day of course. I guess since having children, we've made it just as much about them too. It's fun anyway to give the heart boxes of candy away and I miss my kids not

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-17939391342035495012010-02-10T15:58:00.004-05:002010-02-10T22:59:36.882-05:00

I had a fun day with Jessica today in Augusta doing some shopping and enjoying some mother/daughter time over lunch. But just let me say, it was freeeeezzzzing cold and WINDY!! Not my favorite kind of weather. As we drove home God reminded me of some things. We all know you can't see the wind BUT we see evidence of it. The flags were blowing straight out, trees were bending and leaves were

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-445350529304724042010-02-09T16:39:00.000-05:002010-02-09T16:40:12.555-05:00

I was in the book of 2 Timothy this morning. It took on a different meaning than the other times I've read it. Either I had forgotten or never realized that this was Paul's final letter. As I read it I tried to keep in mind that these were the last words of this great man of God. There's never been another like Paul,aman of deep faith and conviction. So often it is easy for us to serve Christ for

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509872836106428835.post-75304418195418749272010-02-02T09:47:00.003-05:002010-02-02T10:06:30.361-05:00

It is O-fficial!! Stephen signed with Spartanburg Methodist College. I guess that shouldn't really make it official. Actually if became official the Wednesday night that he called the coach and told him he had made his decision to come there. It took a lot of prayer and time but we didn't want him to give that verbal commitment before he was totally sure. That word out of our mouth has to

dawn leopardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11346324893186241702noreply@blogger.com0