01/08/12 – Worship from Resurrection Fellowship on Vimeo.

Rocky with the Rez team recently. Loveland, CO

LIVE Stream Sunday at www.rez.org, go to media, live webcast at 8:30 or 10:30 am.

Dave is teaching for the county here.  We went really-really-really almost-above-the-timberline high to get here, over Monarch Pass.  Here is a sign Dave saw in the county building:

I am visiting lots of wedding sites and www.marthastewart.com greets me with a countdown each time I log in, which I have to say does not really thrill me.

So, like 75 days now…actually less.  Luckily, though, Ryan and Tredessa are having a small family wedding, so we should be able to pull it off.  I mean I have got all the talent in the world in my fam!

In other wedding news ::

Elise-the-Niece is getting married to Matt in 11 days.

This gorgeous beauty will be at my house, along with little Miss Sawyer by the time we get home.  All the way from hot-hot-hot Texas!

Better bring a sweater, Stef.

Dave and Tara are celebrating their 8th anniversary today.

Love your love, my sweets.  8 very, very good years.

Rocky and Jovan will celebrate their 5th anniversary Friday.

Five beautiful years for two gorgeous lovers!  Congrats, my sweets!

So

I am catching up on reading and writing and organizing my computer files and photos and downloading video and editing video and getting room service every morning.  From Dave.

And I have suddenly realized I want to start thinking ahead to:

Yes.  It is time.

UPDATE 9/14/11 :: Apparently rain in Denver = snow in elevations over 10,000 feet.  Living in Colorado this long I should know that, yet am here, expecting up to 6″ of snow tonight, in flip-flops and a hoodie.  Hehe.

 One time Averi saw a picture of my dad and exclaimed, “There’s Grandpa Ross Moslander!” 

Chloe-the-dog was quite longsuffering and sweet.

“A little turkey.”

Amelie loved Lake Michigan!

You don’t just get to be a mom without the help of some pretty incredible people to help you out.  On Mother’s Day, I always think tribute should be given to the people who made you a mom.  I have never been one to need breakfast in bed or a dozen roses of thanks with a Hallmark card, really, though those are sweet things.  But I sure like being with the people who afforded me the privilege and title of “mom.”  Time.  Yes.  Loved them way back when (before I could even know who they would be but I just knew God had entrusted their tiny to-be-discovered little lives to me).  Love them more, and o-so-proud-of-them all, today.

I loved having babies, which is why I kept at it so vigorously for those, ya know, almost 7 years.  There was honestly something so regal in carrying a child within.  I sensed, very keenly, during pregnancy, the unbridled blessing of the Lord, the trust He had placed in me to carry destiny, to harbor safely within:  some one, a person, my heritage from Him – a baby who would grow up to be His.  At each child’s dedication, I solemnly renewed in my heart to honor the Lord by giving my babies to Him.  Write Your Name on their hearts, Lord, I would pray, knowing that more than they were mine, they were His.

It is a sobering realization

With the way I failed so many times, at being everything a good mom should be, the kind they speak of in songs and greeting cards, it amazes me still, that I was entrusted with so many and such an above-average group, at that.  I think I got points for making sure they had such a great daddy, or something?  Nonetheless, I was blessed, so blessed beyond deserving.

And I have often heard it said that God gives you the parents you needed, which, except in the case of parents who choose cruelty, who abandoned without thought the preciousness of the child placed in their care, this may be true.  But it seems more true that God gives you the child you need (with 5, I must have been very needy).  For they bring a piece of your heart, a part of everything you were born to be – when you didn’t even know it was missing.  And suddenly, you’re a mommy.  And though they grew there, nurtured in your womb, and then became their own, leaving that safe place, they somehow left you more whole than before.

So, on Mother’s Day, thank-you to Tara & Stephie, Dessa & Rocky and the baby, Storm-kins for making me a mom and for turning out so darn great in spite of me and maybe a little because of me.  I hope my deep love covers anything that needs it and will last in your heart way past the days I here to remind you of it – all the way to the end.

Tara - you taught me that God loved me and believed in me even when and especially when I did not deserve His mercy.  You were a gift straight from heaven for my heart, joy that I had never had, and a stamp of approval I was almost too embarrassed to receive.  Having you was my yes to God.  Yes to You for all times and all ways. This is when I knew I was in for keeps (I am my beloveds and He is mine) and not just because of who my parents were.  This is when I met the same God Hagar had discovered in a desolate place: the God who sees.  I saw Him.  And He saw me and placed love in my arms.  Joy-in-the-morning!

Stephanie -you taught me that God is a healer and that he hears us when we pray.  You were not just the only baby we actually “planned” to have ~ all the rest were delightful surprises and unexpected-but-cherished gifts.  But you, you were the one I had to fight the enemy for.  You were the baby that caused me to grow up and stand my ground against the thief. You were the one that introduced me to agonizing like Hannah before the Lord “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition made to him.”  And He did, oh yes He did.  And you were worth it, Stephanie.  You are worth it…

Tredessa - everything about you, from your conception to your even-in-toddler-hood deep love for the Word and things of God when you could barely walk or talk caused awe and wonder in us.  You have challenged me to know Him more, to press in  no matter what.  Where I had been a strong-willed, hard-headed, bull-dozer of a kid to try to be heard, you came quietly, but with such a deep dignity and strength of spirit. Your reliance on the Lord has taken you around the world and keeps you close to home.  You are the wit and wisdom of your grandparents, the brains and ability of all who have come before you and deep treasure of the strong love of your parents for each other, for you.  You are all this and so much more…

Rocky -to us a child was born, a son was given.  You were such a surprise after 3 girls.  You carry the name of our family, of all we have been and yet are to be.  You got your dad’s good looks and my fire-y personality.  You carry your grandpa’s zeal and your great-grandpa’s strength of character.  You embody the strong work ethic from which you come and make us proud, so proud to call you son.  But you carry a song from the Holy Spirit, and a heart to give God praise and you are called by the One who has shared you with us for paths all your own, yet to be discovered, exciting for us to watch.  You are my beloved son, in whom I am so so so well pleased.

Stormie -you came in gentleness.  You are the heart of your daddy and you remind me so much of Jesus in John 13 when he was ina room full of disciples and no one would serve.  And because He knew who He was and where He had come from and where he was headed, He just tied the towel around His waist and washed their feet.  And baby girl, you have served the Lord and the people you love in selflessness and rich beauty and you are all the more ravishing for it.  It is your honor, your bejewelment, it is the dazzling beauty of who you are in the room.  You were the icing on my cake, the cherry on top, the greatest (the servant of all) for last…

The past couple of weeks

These are some photos and video from 2 or 3 “family times” these past couple of weeks.  This song and these images are a tiny, delicious slice of the great smile-pie of my life!  This is Dave + me + the five + their loves + 6 chubby-cheeked sweetie-pie honey-bunches-of-oats grandbebes.  Mi familia.  Because of a blessing-giving God…

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ME!

1 Samuel 1   “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here praying to the Lord.

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition made to Him.

Therefore I have given him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is given to the Lord. And they worshiped the Lord there.

Best thing I ever did as a mommy?

Give you back to the One who gave you to me.  As long as you live, you are in my heart, but you are His.

TWO songs, actually ~

Well the Worship and the Word Movement & Friends Christmas Concert was a rousing success! 

Incredible music:  Dave & Tara Powers, Rocky Rhoades, Dan Wakefield with Todd Herbic (drums) and Stormie Rhoades (bass).  They were joined by special guests Lewis and Ramona Brown who brought the house down, Dave Beegle the world-class-guitarist, and our good friend, Mary Ellsworth, plus Churchill played!  Churchill!  And DJ Life (of Transform DJs, aka Luke Bodley of Heaven Fest) brought a lot of Christmas joy by spinning  some high energy traditional-gone-techno stuff.  My friend Heather’s sweet little girl was heard to say “I danced my butt off,” which means she had great fun, I believe.  Then Ellie Pickett brought it on O Holy Night!  When Dave started harmonizing with her toward the end, wow!  Actually, I mean W O W!!

I think (partially judging by the mad rush for desserts and sweets provided by sweet-Patrice of Patrice’s Pantry), we had about 600 or so in attendance.  It was fun, it was touching and it was filled great joy and good fellowship.  It was a great night for families and friends, for kids from 1 to 92.  Just a good show and sweet worship, too.

Here is a look back at the the very end of the night when the “band-of-brothers” Dave, Dan and Rocky closed the evening.  My husband, I am certain, will be posting more of the great music from the night on his youtube channel. 

Finale to the WWM & Friends Christmas Concert:

Oh, AND, we collected over 2200 pairs of socks for the homeless!  YEAH!

Then Rocky at church on this fine {warm and sunny} Sunday morning before Christmas, O Come Emmanuel:

Christmas is for singing, just like the angels did!

Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy

Feels like the winds are gonna change

Beneath my feet, the earth is ready

I know its time for heaven’s rain, it’s gonna rain

Little boy grows up.

Look at you, Rocky.  My little boy grew up.  The shadow of the child with the thick black hair (mullet) and short legs running zig zags over surfaces and walls and ceilings, I can still see from the corner of my eye at times.  I brace myself when you walk into the room these days - what joke or orneriness will ensue?  Will you tickle me (undoubtedly) or try to scare me (most certainly) and when can I breathe relief as you move on to another target?

Rocky with Amelie Belle, September 2010

Oh, you were a bundle of delightful energy, you were all boy-defiant and strong-willed.  You were all the brother your sisters could handle and you pushed their limits nearly every day of their lives and don’t they love you all the more for it, now? 

 Rocky with Averi earlier this year

‘Cause it’s living water we desire

To flood our hearts with holy fire

Rocky with Jovan, the love of his life

But before me stands a man, an honorable and good man.  He is rugged and handsome, he is gentle and humble.  He loves his beautiful wife and he dotes on his little daughters, and they sure do love their daddy.  He is strong and gifted, capable, yet unpretentious.  You are turning out, Rocky Rhoades.  You are have turned out to be a wonderful man!  Your mama loves you – can you tell? ;p  Like a rock!

Rain down all around the world we’re singing

Rain down can you hear the earth is singing

Rain down my heart is dry but still I’m singing

Rain down, rain it down on me.

Don’t you worry ’bout a thing!

Just when I thought you’d drive me insane, when your boldness and courage collided with your young teen-aged hormones and you questioned everything about everything and I wondered if I’d totally missed instilling in you what I’d wanted to, when you were about 13 and God showed me in an instant, as I was walking in to Burlington Coat Factory in Westminster and an evening snow was beginning to fall, that I shouldn’t worry.  He showed me I’d raised a David (your true given name ~ David Allen Rhoades II, and a Psalmist) mixed with a bold, impetuous Peter  (the “rock”).  My heart breathed a sigh of relief, strength to see you through the teen years.

And wow-o-wow, was I ever happy when, within a few days, you said aloud that the 2 people in the Bible you most related with were David and Peter.  YEAH!  Thank-You, God!

Back to the start, my heart is heavy

Feels like it’s time, to dream again

I see the clouds, and yes I’m ready

To dance upon this barren land

Hope in my hands – yeah,yeah

When you were just 2 as a ring-bearer in LeAnn and Ron Barnes’ wedding.  With your 3 big sisters.  We were practically our own 1980s “hair band.”  Haha!

Time to dream again!

Then you read Psalm 112 and told us, as a young teen-age kid, no less, that YOU wanted to be that kind of man.  A Psalm 92 man: whew!  What a joyous relief for your mom!  And that IS who you are and the grace into which you are continuing to grow and go towards.  That is your life scripture and your future, Rock-man.  It is your description, you calling, your destiny and your promise!  And because you choose this, I have all confidence in your life, your future.  Go get ‘em, Rocky, my unshakable: wealth, riches, light, blessing, good, security, honor and all the rest!

Hope IS in your hands, baby boy!  You can count on it!

Rain down all around the world we’re singing

Rain down can you hear the earth is singing

Rain down my heart is dry but still I’m singing

Rain down.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU!

Give me strength to cross the water – Keep my heart upon Your altar

Rain down, rain down!

Give me strength to cross this water – Keep my feet don’t let me falter

Rain down.

Do not shut the heavens

But open up our hearts, open up our hearts

Your mama loves you like a rock!

VIDEO:  This is when Rocky took a few months of voice lessons in 2006 so he’d know how to sing it up without damaging his vocal chords.  His instructor threw a recital for all of her students.  It isn’t a worship setting, so there is some awkwardness in the set-up and maybe even a little in the response, but he brought it!  And every time he sings this song,  I can almost see the heavens opening up to pour out a blessing.

Happy Birthday, beloved son.  May the heavens pour you out a blessing you can hardly contain and I hope you just get drenched!  Soaked!  You and your family, too!

Love you, Bo-Bear…mom

Baseball is summer’s game.  We didn’t have a TV most of my growing up years, but the radio was tuned in to St. Louis Cardinal’s games as the sun went down on summer nights.  The cracking sound of the bat hitting the ball and the crowds going wild, along with the rev-the-crowd organ music drifted through the open windows mingling with the sounds of playmates and I chasing fireflies and whirling hoola-hoops around our waists.  The screen door slammed, as in and out we’d go and beer commercials would ring out between innings.

Tools of the trade.

We don’t do it enough, but now and again, Rocky will get a group of us together to run up the street and play softball at the elementary school.  And each time we say, “We have to do this again soon,” because even my grown children, now, have become nostalgic as they remember the years they played ball all day every day with the neightborhood kids.

Uncle Rocky pitching to Gav-at-bat.  The cheering crowds.  DP up to bat.

When I feel the morning grass I let down my guard

Because love comes from the dirt in my own backyard

Everytime I think I’ve finished being young

I catch myself having fun

My husband, Dave, up to bat.

Recently, on one of those lovely evenings that make you wish summer could last forever, Rock got us all together, the fam and some good friends.  There is just nothing like some bats, a good, broken-in leather glove and bases to run around.  Good times!

Pepler.  Guini and Nonna (me).  Gavin hits it!

But the moment passes as the sun moves on

So I turn myself back to you…

And it’s depressing that I can’t forget the tune the organist played

La  – da da da da da da,  la  – da da da da da da…

 

Everytime I think I’ve finished being young

I catch myself having fun

But the moment passes as the sun moves on

So I turn myself back to you

Is our season over?  No four leaf clover?

The boys of summer:  just coming down “Front Street,” as DP likes to say.  Shirt by Stormie

Hunter and Gavin will climb anything.  Tristan swinging the pipe…as a lefty!

I feel it’s getting colder…

But can you still remember?

April to November

You and I were members

Of the best team in baseball

So we play our games…

Lyrics: Baseball

All of these pictures: by Stormie!

Set your DVR and Tivo!

My son-in-law, Dave’s brother, Jon Powers is going to be on Letterman tonight.  He is the drum player for Matt Morris and they went to New York on the media blitz for Matt’s new album, “When Everything Breaks Open.”  Then on to California for the Ellen DeGeneres Show, among others.

The Longmont Times-Call recently ran this article about Jon and another guy we know, Sean Blanchard being in the band.  You can read it here.

So Jon is DP’s brother and is super good friends with my other s-i-l, Tristan, and they used to be in a band with Rocky (and Heath Hardesty: Eveningtide….it was truly a “band of brothers).   Jon is family.  And we are just so proud of him!  Keep up with Jon here: http://www.myspace.com/jpdrumming

Pictured, l-r: Rocky, Tris and Jon catching up, Oct ’09;  Jon at work.

Matt Morris:

Learn more about Matt Morris’s tour, new CD and the band here.

Rocky was bemoaning turning 25 (or a quarter-of-a-centuryold) a few days ago and the fact that he would never experience having a “surprise party” because Jovan cannot keep anything from him.  In her defense, I have to tell you, Rocky is the worst!  He can make you think he knows things he doesn’t and then your facial expression gives things away.  He has done this to Jovan and I plenty of times.  He is a booger.  I made a quick mental note of the conversation and emailed his sisters.  In about 4 or 5 days flat, we threw together a little surprise for him (and about 80 other people) at a local school/park where we could play baseball with him, something he wants way more of in his life.

Could the secret be kept?  Well, we put on the invitation that no one should even let Jovan know.  Why risk it?  So it was a surprise for both of them.  We worried about church on Sunday.  Some one might give it away  But, yaaaay.  No one did.

We did it!  We actually surprised Rocky!  He showed up at our house 2 blocks away and there was a sign which said, “Happy Birthday, Rocky.  Meet us up at the ball field.”  The shelter is right at the intersection, so we could all see them coming and were waving and cheering them in.

Friends and family.  Food and cake.  Baseball.  And the wind.

Old friends, new friends, brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews, parents and in-laws and church family and neighbors joined us to celebrate Rocky.  There was even a dog or two.  His dad read a blessing over him and we found out who the really competitive baseball players are. 

There were 2 big cakes: a 12″ white with cherries on top and a pumpkin spice cake, which was really nothing more than a socially acceptable vehicle for eating the ultra-thick, unbelievably-amazing cream cheese icing (made with real butter and heavy whipping cream – the BEST I have ever made).  It was to die for, I must say.

When Rocky was born in 1984

Can you imagine what a thrill it was, late on a Saturday night, to finally get a son?  I had three adorable little girls in flouncy dresses, barrettes and lacy ankle socks.  Then the doctor said, “You have a boy!”    I actually laughed and cried simultaneously.  I was sure I was having another girl, which would have been delightful, but wow!  A boy?  What a thrill!  I couldn’t sleep all night.  I just wanted to look at him and smell his sweet head.  He still smells good. 

Rocky, as a son, has been the sweetest and the orneriest boy in the world.  He has been the most polite and the most exasperating young man.  He has gone at everything with full vigor.  He has picked up the annoying traits of one of his parents (I won’t name which of us) who thinks that everything you do should be done bigger, better, faster, louder, and to perfection.  He pushes us, drives us, encourages us and chides us.  He never settles.  He never lowers his standards.  And he likes being right.

But he is so loveable and tender, too.  He is an adoring husband and such an attentive daddy.  He cares about all of us deeply and is protective and opinionated, always wanting the best for us.  He has never been harder on anyone else than he is on himself.  He is my boy, and he is beloved.  Happy birthday, Rock-man.  I love you so much.

25 wishes for my son on his 25th birthday.

1. Hey, Bo-Bear?  You’re not the kid brother anymore.  You’re a man.  You have put away childish things.  I wish for you to trust yourself and value your own thoughts and opinions and gifts the way the rest of us do.
2. I wish so much happiness and romance and love for you and Jovan.  You’re in this tricky part of young marriage.  So much love and time go to the babies right now.  But love the wife of your youth.  Tend to her.  Listen and watch and pursue her like you did to get her to marry you.  The rewards will come back to you.
3. I am loving watching Averi be such a little daddy’s girl.  The tenderness she has brought out in you is a sight to behold.  And I love the way she has picked up your very unique traits, especially the silly faces and crazy noises.  I pray you will hold these daddy-daughter moments as life’s most precious treasure, because that is what they are!
4. Keep singing, Rock-man.  Sing to the Lord.  I sense His smile on your song.  It isn’t a job.  It is a call.  It is an honor to have been appointed to the Holy Place. 
5. I wish for you the time to do all that crazy guitar-perfecting you want to do so badly.  Get going, kiddo.  10 years from now, you could be the best in the world!
6. I hope you’ll win many X-Box games over the next year. I also hope there will be worthy and challenging opponents.
7. I am praying for God to place the right people in your path, the ones who can give you something God wants you to have, and ideas you can build on.  I am praying for God-planned connections, and deep friendships with people who love you, but who will also aggravate you into growing.
8. I wish for you a band of strong brothers-in-theLord: men who have your heart and your passion to fight the battles with you, like-hearted warriors you can trust.
9. Strengthened family relationships.  You’re a hero to all your sisters and even though some of them are older than you?  They really love to have your protection and guidance and love in their lives.  They want you to butt in (and you like to, too).  So, get in there and get messy with your sisters.  And your baby sister still needs you so much!
10. I wish for you a strong friendship and bond with your dad, who loves you so much-just like he read to you at the party.  Do you know how many young men will never get a father’s blessing spoken over them like that?
11. I want you to keep making me laugh.  That sounds more like a wish for me than you, but you like to make me laugh.  You know you do.
12. I wish for you to quit tickling me and scaring me.  Really.  Stop that, you ornery little booger.
13. Happy birthday, Rocky ~ may this be a year of many, many wonderful surprises!
14. Joy!  Just a great big, heaping pile of joy on you.  For you.  In you!  May the great joy of the Lord be your strength and your might.
15. Songs!  Write more songs!  I can’t wait to hear the songs pour out!
16. I am asking God to send you mentors who will recognize the deep treasure in you.
17. Financial blessing and steps towards the dreams you and Jovan share.  May wealth and riches be in your house. (Ps. 112.3)
18. I pray that you will enjoy the blessings of a man who fears the Lord and keep His commandments. (Ps. 112.1)
19. I pray your children, Averi and the baby due in March and all the ones after that, will be blessed and mighty in the land (Ps. 112.2).
20. Because you are a gracious and compassionate and righteous man conducting your affairs with justice, I know the Lord will see to it that even in dark times, a light will dawn for you and good will never be far behind (Ps. 112.4-5).
21. I wish for your heart to be steadfast and secure.  You trust in the Lord, Rock-Man and you’ll have no fear of bad news.  You’ll always know you’ll win over the enemy. (Ps. 112.7-8)
22. Keep the generosity going, son.  You have a giving heart.  God will honor you for that and raise your authority level. (Ps. 112.9)
23. I thank the Lord that you decided at the age of 12 or 13 that you wanted to be a Psalm 112 man.  It is happening.  As you have become that kind of man, God is blessing you in that way.  So cool! 
24. Sabbath rest.  Oh, how I wish that for you – the really good, God-blessed, restorative, one-day-a-week, joy-filled rest.  Make every effort to get it.  It’ll keep you!  Hebrews 4
25. I wish for you to know how many people love you, respect you and admire you.  There are many.  But my wish is that you’ll see it, know it, and most importantly: RECEIVE it!

I love my son!…Jeanie-the-mama

NOTE TO SELF:  Me and Rocky and the guitar.  More of it!

It was crisp black lines and soft, silk blue and monograms and crystally-light drapes.  It was bubbles and blue Mustangs and tuxedos and loveliness.  Barefoot flowergirls, curled hair cascading down their backs and ring-bearers raced to the finish line.  The black, menacing sky broke forth into a yellow blaze of western-sun glory just as the bride, on her father’s arm, entered to be seen by her groom.  There was a 5-tier cake, each a unique and specially-chosen flavor with gourmet fillings, embellished with the palest blue and thousands of edible pearls.  There was candlelight.  Friends and family filled every space, the dancing was exhuberant and chocolate fountains flowed.

My favorite part of Rocky and Jovan’s wedding day?  The vows they wrote to each other, so sweet and loving and true. A close second would be that Jovan and I tested at least 17 buttercream recipes and hit upon the perfect one.   My favorite part since?  Their commitment to passing on family traditions and their gift of time, the time they give us on holidays and holy days, the special events and times that make family and keep the legacy going.

Rocky and Jovan got married three years ago on September 15, 2006.  Congratulations and Happy Anniversary you two beautiful people.  Life has changed since then.  Rocky + Jovan brought us Averi-baby and will bring me another grandbebe in the spring!  This is a thrilling and good thing.

Love you so much, my son and his love…mom

pictured: Rocky and Jovan with Averi, taken by Ellie Pickett; The “Rock-vans” at Heaven Fest, taken by Kori Verspohl