Fort Fisher

Today, oh what a long day it has been. I heard the alarm at 5:30, exactly one hour earlier than I usually rise, telling me it was time for me to get up so I could take 80 amazing 6th graders to the Fort Fisher near Wilmington.

We left school at 7:00 on the most rickety charter buses I ever have seen. I honestly wasn't sure we would make it. The kids were so excited and could hardly wait to see the ocean and go crabbing at the saltwater marsh. Many of them had but quite a few had not. While it was a hot and tiring day for this 6th grade teacher, the joy on their faces was priceless.

notice the alligator between their heads!

kids in awe at the aquarium

heading down the beach 3/4 of a mile to the salt water marsh to go crabbing

got fish???

"um...Mrs. Berry..."

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to JBerry!

He is:

A son, uncle, brother, a committed lover of Jesus Christ.

My husband for almost 6 years!

My best friend for almost 8 years!

Tall, Handsome, Strong, Gifted.

One whose eyes go "Chinese" when he smiles.

A Student Pastor. A Worship Pastor.

Blessed with an ability to fix things without any effort.

A 'jack of all trades'.

A talented musician and singer.

A lover of loud music- All types of music.

Athletic.

A lover of laughter that is contagious.

A loud laugher.

A corney joke teller.

FUN.

An individual with an amazing ability to let things 'roll off his back'.

Not a worrier but one who trusts in the promises of the Lord.

Not a fighter. He loves always.

Very forgiving. Patient. Kind.

A cleaner. He likes things neat and orderly.

Our laundry washer, yard mower, floor vaccumer.

Meat and Potatoes kind of guy.

A risk taker.

Outdoorsman.

The One I love to spend time with.

Always eager to ride his motorcycle.

Someone who has taught me so much about life and what it is to be loved unconditionally.

A snorer, lover of sleep, long naps and rising late.

A worshiper.

Going to be a WONDERFUL Father.

A multiple time snooze button pusher.

A former Quarter Back in High School. Practice Dummy at App.

Loved by many. Disliked by very few.

Lover of sports center.

Crazy about Texas Roadhouse Ribs.

Super Happy when I fix Cube Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and Greenbeans.

Lover of Pepper- both the person and the spice!

He is more than I ever could have asked for!

Send....

All of us are guilty of sending out a text message while being behind the wheel. And we can all probably think of a time that we had a 'close call' with another vehicle because we were texting. For those of you who have not, "CONGRATS!" , but I know John and I are guilty of texting and driving.

States all across the US are working towards banning texting while you are driving. How they will determine you are guilty, besides an accident, I am not sure, but the bill is in the works in North Carolina. I read the following article, where I found this .....

Now that the North Carolina House of Representatives has made it overwhelmingly clear—by a 104 to 5 vote—that texting and emailing while driving should be banned, the bill now heads to the state Senate and then Governor Bev Perdue. If the bill becomes law, anyone caught violating the ban would b fined $100 plus court expenses. Rescue workers and police are among those who would be exempted. An amendment to the bill helps determine when negligence might have occurred if someone was texting when a North Carolina car accident happened.

There are more people texting in North Carolina than ever before. According to the 2008 “Big City Wireless Use Study,” from April 2006 to April 2008, text messaging use increased among Verizon customers by over 600%. The International Wireless Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry says text message sending and receiving increased from 14.4 million in 2000 to 48.1 billion in 2007.

I hope it does pass! I really was indifferent until this morning when a young lady was driving behind me on Bragg. Blvd and almost hit me because she wasn't watching the road! She was too busy looking at her phone. I know that it was her phone because as i started to break, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw her looking down. Then as I heard her breaks screech and she flew past me, finally with both hands on the steering wheel, she had her cellphone in her left hand in the death grip with her steering wheel. Not only did she pass me in the median before coming to a halt, but the car in front of me too! She was moving!

I'm grateful that I am safe and I have decided no more messaging for me while I drive. Whoever it is can wait! I hope that they would prefer that over never being able to talk to me again!

What's in Your Thought Closet?

A closet is created to store things. Some closets are neat and organized. Others a mess that you dare not open. Have you ever thought of your mind as a closet? It's created to store your thoughts. It harbours thoughts of yourself, your family, your surroundings,your hopes, your dreams, your God..... The list goes on and on. Our minds are constantly running thoughts through it. Rarely do we really sit and just think of nothing. Well, the women who are reading this anyway?:) John often times says he is thinking of nothing and over the last six years of marriage, I have really found it to be true.

I have really struggled with my thoughts. Thoughts of myself, my life, my marriage, my family, my relationships, God..... The list is endless. I dwell on things I know to be true but I can do nothing about it and I dwell on things that I think are true but are absolutely not true at all!

Words...even the ones we speak to ourselves in our thoughts have great influence. Our words either build up our life or speak death into our life.

Matthew 12:35 says "A good man produces good things from him storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil." The greekword for storeroom is thesauros. The term thesaurus, used to describe a storeroom or collection of words is derived from this word. Thesauros also refers to the magi's chest of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt. 2:11). A thesauros, like a storeroom or the magi's chests, is a container. Your heart and mind are also containers. They are full of words, many of which you've said to yourself over the years. When people used words in Scripture, it reflected what was in their thesauros.

Many people in God's word struggled with their words about themselves. Look at Moses for example. Moses identified himself by his studder (Exodus 4:10) We would never identify him with this quality. His I am statement may have been I am not an eloquent speaker and not capable of communicating Gods word to others.

When we look at God's word and what he says about us, we see ourselves in a different light that calls us to clean out our closets and rearrange our thoughts so that they line up with what God's words says about us and his thoughts towards us.

Psalm 40:5 ' Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which you have done, and Your thoughts toward us...'

Psalm 92:5 ' How precious also are you thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

Jeremiah 29:11 ' I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil , to give you a future and a hope.'

God's thoughts are not like our thoughts. While our thought closet can be crammed full of darkness, His can only be filled with light because He is LIGHT!

I have been praying that my closet doors will spring open to be aired out allowing the light to shine in.

Hebrews 4:12 says 'For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It's sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting between soul and marrow. It exposes our inner most thoughts and desires.'

ReTHINK

Yesterday John and I spent the day in Raleigh at the ReTHINK conference. It was great time hearing about how the Word calls families to carry the responsibility of spiritual growth for their children. Many people believe that this lies on the shoulders of the youth pastor. We've been told so many times , "John could you get my child saved" or "my kid really needs to hear a pastor talk about responsibility or priorities".

This conference really emphasized what an important role the parents play in their childs spiritual growth. The family is to be an example of how we should be at church; loving others, being able to talk out differences, etc. However, because the family structure has fallen short of what God's word calls it to be, we see the impact on the church body often times through how they deal with one another.

One of the speakers talked about the importance of starting a childs spiritual development plan as soon as they are born. He challenged families to get in the word together, pray together and sing and worship together in their home setting from the time that your family begins. Doing this on a consistent basis begins to allow your kids to see the example. Only seeing parents be 'Sunday Christians' leaves students, especially as they get older, with a distorted view of how God calls us to live. This causes students to leave their faith or "graduate from their faith" as they graduate from High School.

There is a battle going on for the next generation. The only ones who truly can win are parents who partner with the church to grow their child spiritually ' so that they might not depart from it'.

While we were at the conference we had an awesome privilege to see Jon and Leigh Chasteen! We went to school together at Appalachian (GO MOUNTAINEERS!) and John and Jon played football together. They are serving at a church in Durham with their two beautiful kids.

Leigh and I both love to take pictures. We are laughing here because Leigh had picked out the background she wanted for our picture and we just needed someone to take it before the last speaker started. We were out near the parking lot and man in a suit was getting out of his car. Leigh grabbed him before he went in, asking him to take our picture. Noticing that he was in a suit the guys pointed out that it was Randy Stinson, our next speaker! He probably thought we wanted a picture with him but we really just needed him to press the button :) It was a really good laugh and I'm sure he didn't mind....so we told ourselves!

We had a good time together and they introduced us to a new place called Pei Wei. It was just like PF Chang's but the cheaper version of it. It was SUPER good and I'm sure we will go back together again!

SOMEDAY....

It's Mother's Day Weekend and it's usually a doosey for me, but this year I can feel a huge difference and can feel the growth I have had in this area in my life. It has simply been me turning over my desires to the Lord. I have also had to change my mindset about the situation too and realize that God holds all things in His hands. Even my desires for children. He wants no harm for me. I am trusting his word. Jeremiah 29:11, heard so many times says that 'He knows the plans he has for me. Plans to PROSPER ME. Plans for GOOD and not for Evil'. I know that in his time he will provide.

For the past 5 years, John and I have been ready to start our family together. However, sometimes God's plans aren't the same as ours and I have certainly found out that it is He who is in control. I've had to simply quit listening to the enemy's words telling me that it will never happen and that God is withholding from me. He truly desires to still, kill and destroy our hope. But I'm grateful that my HOPE can be placed in one that loves me and wants what is best for me.

This year John decided to throw in a few 'Someday You'll Be A Mother' presents. It was really great to be able to be excited about what God has in store rather than dwelling on what we don't have. John has always been the one to remind me of that. I think after 5 years it's finally sinking in! So we enjoyed each other and went to two new exciting places we had never been before!

On Friday night John planned for us to go see 'The Wizard of Oz' Broadway show in Raleigh. One I had not been to Raleigh except during my senior year of high school to visit a prospective college. Two - I had never seen a musical production except for the ones that were done in high school. It was really GREAT! The most impressive part was the real dog that played TOTO! I was a little bummed that I couldn't take pictures, but it was good to just sit back, relax and sing all the songs in my head as they sang. OK, well I whispered them..hehe!

On Saturday, we loaded up the jeep and headed down to Carolina Beach. John has just been 'itching' to get himself on the part of the island where he could drive his jeep on the actual beach. We decided to head on down and see it for ourselves.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day full of sun and seafood! We had a great time and got to catch up with Mere and Eric who are about to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary!

On Sunday we enjoyed our morning at church and took a long motorcycle ride - my ' someday you'll be a dad' present to john. We ate dinner with the ladies in my life who have been my "mothers".

Overall it was the best Mother's Day I can remember in years!

Here's to SOMEDAY.....

Here Comes the Bride

This past week I had the opportunity to take some bridal shots for a friend. It was so much fun and I was excited about the outcome. I LOVE pictures. Anyone who knows me could tell you that. Maybe I could do something on the side with this? Madi will be heading down the aisle in just a few weeks. She's going to be a beautiful bride!

Life is Sweet

Last week John and I took a vacation! It was amazing....Since our huge transition to the Fayettenam area we have had so many things going on. John has had a new job, new responsibilities and something new every week to wrestle with, pray about and overcome. It's been a roller coaster to say the least since we took off from the Western part of North Carolina to the Eastern part. While I feel God has stretched us and grown us in ways we have never experienced, I must admit we were a bit exhausted from it all and knew we needed to get away for refreshed minds, bodies, and attitudes!

The Cruise was an amazing way to rejuvenate bodies, minds, and spirits! And plain and simply it was precious to have my husband all to myself with no cellphone, no church responsibilities, no computer...NOTHING but us! I loved it!

We headed down to Jacksonville, Florida early Monday morning following Easter. I had to drive because John has stayed at the church till 1:00 AM getting things ready for his one week off. He finally finished packing close to 2:00 AM and was in the bed. He was still exhausted when I woke him at 5:30 so the "steering wheel Nazi" as I call him, (yes I realize this is politically incorrect...I've learned that the hard way..another story for another time though :) )..... gave over his post and allowed me to drive most of the way through till Georgia.

We arrived at Jacksonville and saw the FASCINATION ship! The excitement finally rose within us both as we realized we were finally THERE! We enjoyed our first few hours on the boat, just roaming around and enjoying the new scenery. It was our first cruise...it was probably obvious. There were probably 2nd timers on the boat making fun of us..but we really didn't care. One of my favorite parts was the towel animals they left every night in our room. This one we called Lily for our cat at home...we added the whiskers and of course, John with his "take things apart and put them together mind" knows exactly how to make this for our guests!

That night we went to dinner, but John couldn't handle being up any longer. Earlier in the day he had felt a migraine coming and it came at full strength around dinner time. We finally had to just go in for an early night. It was nice to get some much needed rest. However, John got the rest and I was WIDE awake through a HORRIBLE storm on the first night. I literally thought it might be the end of our days. I could hear the waves crashing against the front of the boat and the lighting was putting on a show outside our window. I had to continually tell myself that I was hanging out in a rocking chair so that the movement didn't make me sick...John slept through the entire storm and had no memory of it the next morning.

Our FUN DAY at SEA was spent in the sunshine! We got a little roasted as we typically do on the first day because we are so anxious for sun and we don't put on enough sunscreen. That night was the Captains Dinner and I was a night lobster red in my black dress. It went well with our prime rib and lobster dinner which was scrumptious, but the best part was the melting chocolate cake! It was so amazing. We made friends with our waitress Anise and she gave me the recipe. I can't wait to make the delicious dessert at home.

Our first stop on the ship was Key West, Florida. We enjoyed the Southern Most Point of the United States with dolphin watching, kayaking, and snorkeling. I haven't gotten the underwater camera developed yet. I haven't had film developed in forever... Once of the best part was the Key Lime Pie!

Nassau, Bahamas.

Nassau was beautiful! It was my favorite stop of the two.The turquoise blue water was unbelievable. Of course I took tons of pictures but there just isn't enough room for them all!

Atlantis is a resort on Paradise Island. We went over to the island with a couple we met on the boat, Candace and Trey. They only live about 45 minutes from us. It was alot of fun going over and looking at the aquariums and amazing sites of Atlantis. We wanted to get information about how much it would cost to visit Atlantis again sometime ..... bad idea. The cheapest room was $350.00 a night! YEAH RIGHT..not on a pastor and teacher salary. The suite that connects the two towers is $25,000! Anybody want to send us?

Overall, we were extremely happy with our cruise! We definitely want to go on another one. It was a great time to be reminded that all the hard work is worth these times together.

BERRY Precious Nieces!

This last few weekends we have been so blessed to spend time with newest niece Allie Elizabeth and our 19 month old niece Ella. Such precious times......

Ella has received such undivided attention for the last 19 months of her life. There are not words to describe her sweet personality and how it makes me feel when I hear her say my name. I love her so much and I just couldn't imagine what it was going to be like to add Allie to those that I allow to dip into my love well. But as soon as I laid my eyes on her, I loved her just as much. In all these pics, Allie is not even ONE week old! Anyone on this Earth would have to admit that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law make some beautiful babies!

The boys worked on a chair covering project our first weekend we visited and Nicole and I had our own little project. A pedicure!!

Having two weekends with our Brother and Sister has been amazing. Makes us miss them so much more....and of course we miss the girls!!! Counting down till our next visit!

ALLIE ELIZABETH BERRY

Allie Elizabeth Berry....our new niece born April 6, 2009!

Mrs. Berry. wika wika .......

There are some things that REALLY get you and you NEVER forget it. This will be one of those things.......

Recently my sweet Shaquira wrote a rap for me:

I love her smile. She's so funny! Definitely my class clown at times. A precious jewel!

Fatherless Generation

We've all been told that we are seeing a Fatherless Generation grow up. This week I had an eye opening experience to just how "starving" they are for a male role model in their lives. The reality of a "Fatherless Generation" hit me in the face at school this week.

This picture is of Nigiel. Nigiel is being raised by a single mom. Dad is in prison for dealing drugs and Nigiel takes the man's role in his home for his Mom and his two sisters. He takes it serious. You can't see it in the picture below, but the string around his neck is attached to a picture of his family that he carries proudly. He is never in class without it. Nigiel is what most people, who have no clue, would call a 'street kid'. This past week I had an awesome experience with him that showed me just how much he craves male attention along with all his other male peers.

Third period is the most sacred time of my day- "Planning Period!" No children. No one yelling my name or asking me a question immediately after I closed my mouth from giving the answer they so desperately need me to repeat. I could go on and on about how wonderful it is, but that has nothing to do with the current story... John and I typically talk during my 3rd period. On Monday we were closing out our conversation and a student entered my room early. He realized I was talking to "MR. Berry", as they call him, and asked for the phone.That can be pretty scary, but he was very mature and knew exactly what he wanted. He was looking for a lunch date! He asked John when he planned to come to the school and how soon he could come and eat lunch with him. He and John continued their conversation and Nigiel hung up the phone....

His first response was... "Mrs. Berry, he sounds BIG! I'm not acting up in your class no more!"..all I could do was laugh. He and John had set a date for Friday.

The rest of the week Nigiel was on cloud 9! He could hardly wait to eat lunch with some man he had never even met before. Not only did the buzz continue from Nigiel, but many of his closest friends began asking if they could sit with Mr. Berry at lunch too.

John showed up on Friday and just the presence of a male in my classroom changed the entire feeling. He immediately began speaking to the kids, not knowing which ones are a pain in my neck daily or sweet angelic voices in my ear. It was amazing to see their responses.

Lunch was great and Nigiel was so happy. He barley ate his lunch because he was so excited about his guest.

Justin pulled me over to his table during lunch. Here's what our conversation sounded like:

"Mrs. Berry is that your husband?"

"Yep!"

"When can I get an appointment with him for lunch?"..

The buzz of John's visit hasn't stopped. I wish he could come every week, but I just can't expect that of him, nor can he squeeze it into his busy schedule every week. But there are thousands of men in this town that could give away 30 min. a week, or even a month to some boys who could seriously be impacted by their time.

FUEL

Tonight John unwrapped his vision for the youth ministry at Liberty Baptist Church in Spring Lake.

Within each of us, when we accept Christ, a spark is set within our hearts. The world and all that is within it would do anything and everything to extinguish that spark within our hearts. As we encounter intimacy and growth with Christ, our spark becomes a burning fire. John had an awesome visual for the spark and then the flame that's fueled by our relationships with reading God's Word, prayer, worship, and relationships with others,.

As a follower of Christ we are to help others FUEL their fire so that it continues to burn with passion. A passion for a deeper understanding of our loving Savior and his desires for our lives.

What or who helps FUEL your fire? Have you thanked God for them lately or better yet shared with them that they help FUEL your fire?

What things keep your fire from burning to it's fullest capacity?

John challenged the kids with this very question. After small groups, they came out to a big bonfire and threw those things in the fire, praying that God would remove them and allow their fire to be FUELED it's fullest capacity!

At Liberty, we are praying to be that FUEL. To join together with parents & volunteers to keep the FUEL on the fire within the hearts of students.