Summer!!!!

If you're like me, I love having my kids home during the summer. I also know they get bored and finding things to do can be difficult. I put together a list of activities, vacation bible schools, camps and etc. that are going on this summer in Valdosta. Feel free to print and share with all your family and friends. Enjoy your summer and be safe!

•Valdosta Stadium: Summer Movies- $1.00 admission for everyone $1.50 child size drink $1.50 child size popcorn Movies start at 10:00am Doors open at 9:00am the seats are first come basis. Tickets available on day of show.
http://www.georgiatheatrecompany.com

The Boxtrolls- 6/9 & 6/11
The Lego Movie- 6/16 & 6/18
The Nut Job- 6/23 & 6/25
How to Train Your Dragon- 6/30 & 7/2
Mr. Peabody and Sherman- 7/7 &7/9
Rio 2- 7/21 & 7/23
The SpongeBob Movie- 7/28 & 7/30

•Library http://www.sgrl.org/index.php/events/children-s-programs
 Weekly baby story time every Monday 11:00am
 Toddler time every Tuesday at 11am
 Family story time every Tuesday at 4pm
 Brown Bag Book Club every Thursday 4:15pm

•Lowes Kids Workshop Lowes.com
 June 13th 10:00am
 June 27th 10:00am
 More dates available

• Home DepI Kids Workshop Homedepot.com
 First Saturday of every Month 9am-noon

•Vacation Bible School Most churches offers early registration on their website. Please check out the sites for more information.
- Bemiss United Methodist http://bemissumc.org/
 June 19th-20th
- Calvary Baptist https://m.facebook.com/calvarybaptist.church.9674?tsid=0.16220759437419474&source=typeahead
  June 4th-6th 6:30pm-8:00pm
- Crosspointe Baptist http://crosspointechurch.cc/connect/kids/
 Dpkamp 3years-5th grade June 15th-19th $5.00per child
- Crossroads Baptist http://crossroadsbaptist.com/
 Family Fun Night May 31st at 5:30pm VBS June 14th-18th
- First Baptist Church https://kideventpro.lifeway.com/myChurch/?id=28772
 June 14th-18th
- First Baptist of Hahira http://www.hahirafirstbaptist.org/
 May 31st- June 5th
- First United Methodist Church http://www.valdostafirstumc.org/vacation-bible-school.html
 May 31st- June 4th
- Morning Side Baptist http://www.morningside.ws/
 June 1st- June 5th 9:00am-noon Ages 4 years- high school
- Park Avenue Methodist http://www.paumc.com/files/116/Newsletter/The%20Link-5.20.15.pdf
 June 8th- June 12th 9:00am-noon  Epworth Summer Camp July 13th-17th
- Northside Baptist http://www.nbcvaldosta.org/event/706162-2015-06-08-vacation-bible-school/
 June 8th- June 12th 8:30-noon Day Camp- Choose between two dates July 13th-July17th or July
 20th- July 24th 8:30am-4:00pm

• Here is a list of other place that also offer summer camps for your little ones:

Acting:          

- Little Actors' Theatre
                     http://www.littleactorstheatrevaldosta.com

- Amanda's Model & Talent Broadway Camp
                        http://www.amandasmodels.com/camp.html

 

Art:               

-  Turner Art Center Camps
     http://turnercenter.org/
 

-  Little Leaf Art Studio Camps
              https://www.facebook.com/LittleLeafStudio
 

Baseball:     

-Genesis Baseball Academy http://genesis-baseball.com/dates-pricing

-On Deck Baseball Academy http://ondecktraining.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/On-Deck-Baseball/288220907857061 - -

Dance:            

-Dance Arts

  www.danceartsvaldosta.com
 

-The Ballet School

Call for more info 

229-247-0597

-Gerlock Dance Studio Dance Camp

-Valdosta School of Ballet 

 call our office at 229-247-9966, email us at valdostaschoolofballet@yahoo.com, or message us on Facebook  

Day Camps:

Boys and Girls Club Camps

                     http://bgcvaldosta.org/

YMCA Day Camp

              http://valdostaymca.org/summercamp.php

VLPRA
http://www.vlpra.com/

Karate:           

-White Tiger Martial Arts Summer Camp

www.whitetigeracademy.com

-ATA Performance Martial Arts

            229-242-1173

Music:

-Kindermusik Summer Classes

https://m.facebook.com/kindermusikwithnealmusicstudio

-The Music Box Piano Studio

https://www.facebook.com/musicboxpiano

themusicboxpiano@bellsouth.net

-Wakeboarding:         Wakeboarding Camp

http://www.valdostawakecompound.com/

Selfish to Selfless

I've been up since 6:30 am thinking about life. There has been a lot of tragedy and death lately which makes my mind start pondering. For those of you who don't know we recently lost my aunt who was battling cancer. I'm not very good with emotions and I assume the reasoning behind that has to do with something in my childhood. Losing someone so close to my heart hasn't been the easiest for me. I like to hide my emotions and hold them in until they build up and big ball of mess comes pouring out. The older I get, I become more aware of how crazy I am lol!

My aunt...I'm not sure I've ever or will ever meet someone more selfless in my entire life. Selflessness is something I seriously struggle with. Some of you might be thinking right now "yep she sure does" and other might be thinking "no way". The truth is I do. I struggle with it in my everyday life and with my relationship with God. I had a breaking point a few Sundays ago where I woke up super early with "selfish" on my heart. Imagine someone bugging you, you can't escape them and they follow you everywhere you go until you finally have to stop what your doing and scream "what!!!!!" Well that's what God was doing to me that morning. I stopped getting ready for church and I got on my knees and listened to him. He wanted me to stop being selfish! I always want things my way, I run my life, I do the things I wanna do when I wanna do them, I make decisions on my own (sometimes I consult the hubby)  I study the bible when I want, I pray when I want and i usually prayed for myself and my family first. I was putting myself before God. I was being selfish! The bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Christians should take care not to use their liberty to the hurt of others, or to their own reproach. In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the glory of God, at pleasing and honoring him. While study "selfishness" I came across this and wanted to share;



The Corinthians were very conscious of their personal rights, but Paul challenged them to not become self-oriented but others-oriented. We are to become oriented to the good of others.

Committed Christians should be more interested in the good of the other person than in their own rights.The well-being of other believers should be a priority of a committed believer. Exercise of liberty is of secondary importance. Placing the good of another person above our own is an indication of God’s touch upon our lives.
Most Christians are concerned about their own personal success, which is a terrific indictment against Christians today. We think of everything in reference to how it will affect us. It is all about “me first.” Self-interest is not our true purpose. The Word of God challenges this attitude; we must not revert to this kind of thinking:
-Je 45: 5 “And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”
-Ph 2: 3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4Let each of you lookout not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Most of us think in terms of self. “I am not appreciated like I should be.” “I am not recognized like I ought to be.” We allow our feeling to get hurt and we wear our feelings on our sleeve. We are great at looking out for ourselves, because we want to get some credit, some popularity, and we want recognition for what we do.

I really encourage you to take a look at your life. I encourage you to stop being Selfish! I don't expect a "bad habit" to change over night. I also know with God's help anything is possible. Continue to pray for me as I continue to grow in my relationship with God and I learn to be selfless!


*Please add my family to your prayer list as we continue to mourn the loss of one of the most inspiring, loving, happiest, selfless people I've ever known, Charlotte Wallace.

Changes

We went on a little friends and family camping trip and we didn't stop all day until we laid down to sleep. I was so exhausted by the end of each day by the time all the kids were asleep I would pass out. We had tons of fun, adventure, and made lots of memories. We brought some of that adventure back home with us in the form of yellow fly bites. Lol!. I think everyone needs to take a little vacation at least once every 6 months. I would love to do it more than I get to but with 3 kids and one under 2 it makes things a little more difficult. We all get stuck in our daily routines and time away from routine is good for you! I always have a list of things I wanna change. I add and mark off changes to it all the time. When you break up your routine for a little while it makes it easier to make those changes when you get back home. Everyone has to readjust to a normal routine anyway so why not throw in a few new changes your wanting to make and scratch them off your list.

I didn't pick up my bible all weekend. Usually if I miss my morning "Jesus time", I will do it before I fall asleep but with being exhausted and busy I kept forgetting. I'm glad God never gets to tired or busy for me. :)I try to have that time with Him daily and most of the time I'm talking to Him constantly. I wouldn't survive sometimes without our talks Lol! Reading the Bible brings me closer to Him and it's the best handbook for all life's problems!

As I was waiting for my laundry to finish(and start another load), I picked up my bible and devotional to catch up. Oh how I missed it! My devotional stays on point to my life. I truly believe that God rearranged my devotional to give me what I need to know or learn for that day,week, or month. Some days I can read it and then pick it back up later that day to read again and it will change to something I really needed to hear. Thank you God;) Of course today was no different.The title "Change" exactly how I feel after a little time away from home.

When you and I say to God, "Change me," we better know what we're saying because we are not just going to wake up different the next morning. Instead, what God is going to do is give us an opportunity to grow as we change. We all know growing and changing can be tough. Not always learned on the easiest of circumstances. James 1 tells us how important it is to have patience when we're changing and facing opposition. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that only develops and grows under trial, and it's something we need. Patience..couldn't we all use just a little more. I know I can! Maybe that's why I face so many trials. I just haven't got patience down yet. Scripture tells us that when we have it, we're perfect and entire, lacking nothing. However, there's just no way to get it without going through something to receive.

If we really want to be victorious Christians who serve God and make a difference in the world, then we are going to have to go through some challenging things. The devil will try to scare you off, but God can see you through any challenge.

I've asked God to "change me" looking back to the first time I asked him. I can see all the challenges I've had to go through and how those challenges have made me grow and changed me. Most have been small changes in my life but I know that I'm coming up on one of my toughest challenges yet but with God on my side and knowing the direction I want my life to be in I know he will give me strength. Changes in life are hard. Sometimes we have no choice but to make them and other times we have to make them in order "to grow". I choose to let God work through me and with that choice I have to face challenges and make changes to grow closer to Him. So here I am writing this blog and ready to face tomorrow knowing he is gonna stand strong with me and I can do this. For all of you who are stuck on routine and not getting the fulfillment out of life you want. I'm telling you ask God "to change you" and then get ready......



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Desiring God More Than His Blessings

We all know how amazing our God is but I want you all to know how he worked in my life today. We have a lot going on in our life right now and this morning it seemed to really get me down. I was not my normal happy self I was drained physically and emotionally. I was over thinking things and trying to predict the future which we all know is impossible. I cried out for help to God, my husband, friends, family, and Facebook! My husband family and friends reached out with love and encouragement but yet it still didn't give me the peace I needed.  I picked up my phone to read my devotional hoping to read the words I needed to hear. The April 14th devotional was everything that did NOT apply to my life at that moment. I was disappointed and still sad. Later that afternoon I picked my phone up again to read the bible I came across Proverbs 18:24 which made me so thankful for the few amazing friends I have. I love that I can call them and they're always there to take time out of there day to listen and lift my spirits. Then for some reason I decided to read the April 14th devotional again and this time, for some unknown reason (God), it read something completely different. It was exactly what I needed to hear... "to desire God more than you desire his blessings." Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said I will never leave you nor forsake you." This verse spoke volumes to me. He changed this devotional just for me and this was his way of speaking to me. He never fails me. God has to be my top priority! I also have to know that no matter how tough life gets he will never leave or forsake me. My heart has to desire God more than his blessings. These past few months I have grown in my relationship with God. I feel closer to him more than I ever have and let me tell you: He is working in my life in ways that I can't even understand and my worst day with God is way better than my best day with out Him!!

JESUS FREAK

Last night we had a girls night out. We decided to go to dinner in Lake Park since that's where most of us lived and we all would be  close to home.  Rascals has the best food in Lake Park by a long shot. I've never eaten anything there that wasn't delish. We all met at 7:30 had a great yummy dinner and around 9 or so the place turns into one wild and crazy bar.  There I was surrounded by a bunch of people who probably want remember what they did that night.  I've been there in their shoes... Thinking this is what great feels like this is what having a good time is.. No care in the world.  Ha!  Ha!  Back then my world was one huge mess I was on a path of destruction and my life was going no where but death if I kept it up. I'm so lucky that God had bigger plans for this girl.  I broke free from that life he saved me!  I thank him everyday for not only giving me one chance  he has giving me tons of chances to be the best I can be.  He never has giving up on me and never will! I'm not perfect  I can't say that enough I fall down but I get back up!  I believe he puts people in situation for them to learn from to grow from.  Last night was one of those moments for me.  I thought I could have a few drinks nothing wrong with that right?  I mean "Jesus drank wine. " "As long as I don't get drunk I'm okay" Umm.. So after dinner I sat there with my drink This place is in full bar mode at this point.  I`ve never felt so ashamed. Here I am trying to witness to others and I'm sitting in a bar drinking an alcoholic drink... Really!?!? Yes, I never drink and this is a rare I mean rare occasion but these were just excuses to make myself feel like I wasn't doing something wrong.  If my preacher were to walk into this place right now I would wanna crawl under the table and die :) I would be so ashamed. The thing is my preacher doesn't know I'm here.  He doesn't know I'm sitting at this bar and drinking this drink but you know who does know. Who sees me drinking and knows I feel shameful and embarrassed? GOD!!! We didn't stay long but we stayed long enough and when I got home I prayed for forgiveness! I thanked him for giving me the life I have now and I prayed for him to use my night to witness to someone else who is in my shoes. Everyone has there on views and beliefs as to how they feel about my situation and I'm not looking down upon or think I'm better than anyone else. But for me it's not where I wanna be this is not who I am anymore.  I know this one time out doesn't describe or define who I am but for me it does.  When people think of me or see me I want them to say she is a "Jesus Freak" now!!! I want people to see Jesus in me.  I want him to be like a huge spot light shinning through me!!!  This is who I am I am; a child of God!!!!  I want people to think I'm too good to be in this bar!! I AM too good to be there and you are too!!!! I'm a growing Christian my faith gets wiser and stronger every day God is working in my life. He is making changes in my heart from big to small. I have to let go of my life and let him take control I'm with Him now and He is the driver!! Who's in control of your life? what excuses are you making? Let God shine through you!!

Diary of a Mad Soccer Mom:)

   Tonight,  my four year old had his first soccer game.  We have had a few practices but this was the first real game and everyone was really excited!  Maddie had been great at all the practices; he listened and followed directions and seemed to be great at it.  We called all our family to come see him play and we just knew he would do perfect! Boy! Oh Boy! God must be laughing at me right now.  One of those times when you think you have it all figured out and well you don't!  During the soccer game a little boy pushed him (not in a mean way it's a soccer game and they all want the ball:)). After,  Maddox got upset and "refused to play that team again!"  I was frustrated,  mad and a little sad! I wanted him to play. I wanted him to just be a little boy and have fun!  Our family had took time to come see him and he literally refused to play. We left the game early because our little girl Hadley who is 10 months was super sleepy. When I got home I felt bad for being upset with him. I knew I had only made things worse. Then Jesus spoke to me... why was I so upset with him!?!? Maddie could be mean,  selfish, unruly, hateful, a bully and all the things a mom wouldn't want their little boy to be and he is NONE of those!!! He has a kind heart and he is shy... And he loves his mama a little too much!! So what am I upset for!?!?!?! He has so many years to be a rough tough little soccer player or whatever little player he wants to be! I need to enjoy him being him:) :) This is who he is and this is how God made him.  He is perfect! Amazing how God can make my no good afternoon into a great night! I sure do love  God!!!

15 Days

15 days.... Doesn't sound very long does it?!?! For me today, emotionally it feels like years. 15 days since I have talked to God, 15 days since I have picked up my bible, 15 days since I have done a bible study, 15 days that I have been so caught up in this world that I have drowned out the voice of God!!! This world makes it so easy to fill our lives with distractions and the devil is around everywhere we turn. As I sit back and reflect on the past 15 days it's mind blowing to realize all of the different ways the devil has entered my life. I've pushed God far far into the background of my life the past 15days. Yes, I've gone to Church but you know that saying, "Just because you go to church doesn't make you a Christian." Well, I was in Church but as soon as I walked out those doors its was, "My way, my life.'' What amazes me is that even though I pushed God away, God is still there as everything else passes. He is still waiting on me! It makes me smile writing that!! Nothing can satisfy our inner longing for God, except communion and fellowship with him. This morning as I was drinking my coffee like I do every morning I felt anxiety. I was tired I wanted to just crawl back in bed and sleep the day away. Having 3 kids calling out "Mama" every 5 minutes and one crying to be held was not helping the way I was feeling. I jumped into the shower to just get a moment alone to myself, a moment to breath to think clearly to make a plan on how I was gonna make it through this horrible no good day. Guess who was waiting on me..God! He was speaking to me! I ran all the hot water out I had one long conversation with him. Then I got out, picked up my bible and studied! You know when you have one of those moments in church when the preacher is preaching directly to you and you know he is clearly speaking directly to you eye contact and all? Well my bible study was that for me! He knew what I needed at that moment and there they were. Those four words: Let God Lead You!! I was leading my life. I was doing everything I wanted to do making my own decisions letting all the distractions of life overcome me. I was breaking down, ''I needed God!!'' I needed to slow down. I needed to self discipline and stop procrastinating. I needed to eliminate key distractions in my life and set some guidelines. I needed to  set a time where I am "off limits" to give myself a break. And mostly I needed to pray and listen. I needed to let God lead me!!!!!!! As I am writing this I feel like a new person like someone has lifted a rock off my chest.  I am amazed at how God is working in my life!! Day 16 is a new day and I am thankful for new days, for God's forgiveness, and for Him always waiting on me!! Hurrying is the flesh trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. Take a look back at your last 15days. Who is leading your life?