Germs!!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a bit of a germ issue. Now, I don't wash my hands 200 times a day, but I will not share food or drink with ANYONE! That's right.... I am a mother of 2, been married for just about 13 years and I will not share with my hubby or children. There is no such thing as me drinking out of my child's cup after they've used it. No eating off my hubby's fork.

I know, I know. I know what you're thinking. They're your children, you're flesh & blood. You kiss him. How can you not share germs with them? Not quite sure how to answer that - I just don't.

I also won't eat food once it's touched the table - that's a whole other post.

Reeling myself back in.

Anyway. This past weekend I took a BIG jump out of my comfort zone. You see, I had the amazing opportunity to hang out with over 600 6th grade students at Boot Camp. I was definitely intimidated to hang out with my 11 small group girls, but determined to survive.

On Saturday we played 'team building' games... you know: dodge ball, slip-n-slide, eat-the-doughnut. I made sure I participated in as many activities to encourage my girls to join in too. I couldn't possibly ask them to do anything I wouldn't do, right?

That leads me to 'Worms in my Cereal'. Imagine a large bucket of Froot Loops filled with milk and Gummy Worms hanging out on the bottom. It was a relay game.... run up to the bucket, shove your head into the bucket & pull out a Gummy Worm. Sounds easy, huh? Yeah, probably a TON of fun for people who don't have germ issues. Yet, I dove right in!!


Trust me, my brain was SCREAMING at me. My skin was crawling with the thought of other people having already put their sweaty faces in this bucket. Yet, it was just something I 'needed' to do. Even my husband didn't believe that I did it - until he could smell me 10 feet away about 2 hours later. Being covered in milk and running around in the heat does NOT smell very nice after 2 hours.

Does this mean I plan on sharing my cups with my kids? NO! Does this mean I'll have no problem sharing a fork with my beloved? NO! But it was a step for me.... I'd probably do it again too.

Many blessings,
Allison

It's a great place to volunteer!!!

It's been rainy here in Georgia, which usually leads to boring weekends. With baseball practice cancelled once again, we were THRILLED to head to church in the afternoon for a volunteer get together. Of course, I didn't have my camera with me; only my cell phone.

UpStreet staff decided to honor their volunteers & families with a great day of food, fun & football! You know the men were thrilled to be watching a game, the kids were wearing themselves out in the jump houses & the ladies were thrilled they weren't at home playing referee.

During each commercial break, Tennessee Steve & Florida K-Love entertained us with contests & door prizes! We were the lucky winners of 4 tickets for SlapShots roller rink.

Half time proved to be the most entertaining! The North Forsyth High School Drum Line performed - they are AMAZING!!! Then we were treated to the cheers of the MidWay Wolverine Cheerleaders; very cute!!! No sporting event is complete without some 'famous' football players. Some of the UpStreet & WaumbaLand volunteers are local high school football players. They were nice enough to let us cheer for them & sign some autographs. Thanks North & West Forsyth guys!

The team I was rooting for didn't win, but we still had a great time! A fun way to spend family time & hang with your fellow volunteers. We don't usually have time to chat on Sundays!

Many blessings,

Allison

Listening to God

"Be still and know that I am God" ~ Psalm 46:10

For quite some time I've been volunteering in different children ministries at church and LOVING every minute of it. Yet, lately I've been feeling that it's time to move on to another area. Something different. God is leading me in a new direction. Moving on to something new isn't what scares me - it's leaving something that I've been SO involved in. Would there be someone who I could 'trust' to take over?

Two weeks ago, I got my answer. I finally told someone that I was considering leaving one of the ministries. Not an hour later, they came to me with a new volunteer and someone who was willing to be captain. God provided someone who loves that ministry just as much as I do. This change in my life is God ordained. On to stage 2.

Volunteering with the rape crisis center - WOW!! Exactly where I'm supposed to be. Again, the only thing that would make this perfect would be if it was a paying gig. Being a victim advocate - my dream job!! Or is it? Today I had the opportunity to meet with a SANE nurse (sexual assault nurse examiner) and I think I just might want to go that route... I'd have to work in the ER for at least 2 years before I could be assigned to rape cases, but the thought of doing forensic investigation really peaks my interest. We'll see.... for now, I'm ready to volunteer.

I have to say God has really been speaking to Craig & I a lot lately, confirming decisions in our lives. It's been amazing! I am a no one, but to God I am SOMEONE. He's taken the time to speak to me... to use me to do His work. It reminds me that God uses anyone!! Rahab, Mary Magdelene, tax collectors, fishermen. You don't have to be perfect for God to use you... in fact, He has a tendency to use 'less-than-perfect' people to do His work & further His kingdom.

Many blessings,
Allison

Here I go again....

How many times can I blog in one day? I think this is a record for me.

Anywhoo, several months ago I wrote an entry about an amazing volunteering opportunity that came my way with a special group called 'Rape Response'. Unforunately, my schedule was not all that forgiving and I was not able to participate in the training. So, I've been in limbo.

Lately, I've been re-evaluating the different volunteer roles that I have at church. I've lost the fire, the drive, the excitement. I've been volunteering to fulfill an obligation. Plain and simple. Those positions started out as ones that I felt called to do. However, now I'm wondering if I'm even making a difference. I feel detached. I just want to be a person at church, fade into the woodwork.

Then I get an email today that only reaffirms God's plan for me. Rape Response training is coming up in February. I've checked my schedule and as long as I can find a sitter for the Saturday session (Craig will be away with his boys), I can begin this long awaited training.

I know what you're thinking, "what does volunteering with rape victims have to do with volunteering at church". Nothing really, but I've made a few decisions and feel that they have helped open up the time needed for this new adventure. This adventure that has captured my heart.

Please pray for me as I begin this training. I will be getting a LOT of information. I ask that God protects my heart & my mind. That the stories that I encounter do not stir up my own. I pray that God uses me in such a way that these victims see Him in me. God can use even the worst of a situation to bring out the best.

Many blessings,
Allison

Ready or not: Here I come!!

Several months ago, I filled out an application online to be a volunteer at a local rape crisis center. I never thought of it again. Recently, I have been contacted by the center to begin training. I’m SO excited!! This is exactly the road that I feel led to be on.

A few road bumps have surfaced, but I am doing my best to counteract them; scheduling issues mainly. Yet I feel that I need to do this. This is a great beginning for me.

I’ve started having reservations. Do I really want to air my ‘dirty laundry’ for the world to know? I mean, I am not famous – at all! However, this can impact my family. Right now, my children do not know that part of my life (they’re too young), but eventually they will. Will they be alright with me telling my story? Hubby is VERY supportive – just cautious because he does not want it to affect me in a negative way. That’s understandable.

Then last night I had a revelation. I was chatting with the women in my small group, talking about Pivotal Circumstances. One of them said that I was brave for wanting to go public with my story. I finally realized that it’s not about bravery or even me.

Rape is about control, domination. A rapist isn’t getting off because of the sex, but because o f the control he has over his victim. By being fearful of telling my story, I am continuing to let my abusers have control over me 15 years after the abuse ended. Control that I have fought tooth & nail to regain for myself. I will NOT give that up.

So, I am going to suck it up & I am going to do this training – whether I feel equipped or not. God is in control & He’s watching over me. He will protect my heart & my mind and with His help, I will use the worst years of my life to help others.

Many blessings,
Allison