cat swanzy

How God has been directing my path this summer

2009-08-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Wow I have been so busy and have not blogged in such a long time. We were so busy in the spring planning for our big fund raising banquet and camp. Both were very successful. Thank you Jesus! We brought in over $20,000 for our banquet. This was the first Camp that Gateway has ever put on, so Chad and I did a lot of work and planning for program. We had 3 leaders that were our go to girls who went all over town to get the supplies we needed. We ran middle school and high school camp the same week on different tracks. Over 30 kids came to know Christ that week. I was home for one day then I left for young lives camp in AZ. For those of you who don't know Young Lives is a ministry for teen moms and their babies. This was definitely an eye opening experience for me. The week was a long hard week emotionally as well as physically. I was on the child care team so basically we watched babies so that the moms could have the best week of their lives and hear about Jesus. We had the babies about 8 hrs. a day and some days even more. My heart was torn in two different directions. The first as a youth worker and the other as a mommy! I wish I could express to you how God intentional this trip was for me. My eyes were opened to so many things. Many of the teen girls were also a product of their moms being teen moms. It's this unbreakable cycle. Why? Because they are 15 yr. old girls who can't get a job and many don't finish high school much less college. They can't get out of their surrounding therefore the feel stuck and they can't seem to change the pattern of their life or their child's life and so the cycle repeats again and again. On the very last night I told my 10 three yr olds good bye and gave them a hug, kiss, and a prayer and fought back tears with each one. I wondered "God, why you placed me in the lives of these children for only one week I don't understand". The next day before we got on the bus to go home we had a say so service so all the child care workers got to go listen and watch as the teen moms one by one stood up and said "I'm giving my life to God" "For myself and my child" I'm changing my path" "I'm choosing to let God change my destiny" Many of the moms of my three yr olds stood up. I love that God directs our paths and I love that He directed me all the way to AZ. to teach me and grow me and start a process in me. I'm thankful that he chose me to play a small part in the lives of these moms and babies for only one week of their lives even though they will never remember me, it was most defiantly the most important week of their lives weather the will ever realize it or not. So I got on the bus for a 3 hr. trip to the air port. I sat down and began to read letters from family and friends back home and as I began to process through my week, missing my kids, and family and friends and ministry. The tears could finally come.

2009-01-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

So... I've been in this funky mood for about a month now. I don't usually post unless I have something positive to say. That's kind of my rule of thumb. I can't stand it when people say what ever they want on line regardless of whose feelings they hurt. But seeing how my mood doesn't seem to be changing I just thought I would be transparent. I see that God is always at work around me. LOL I'm so glad that God is consistent. His moods never change towards us. He doesn't get bored or burnt out. He always has patience with us even when we do irritating things. I love the fact that you can't ever fool God! He knows when your putting on a show to impress someone. You can act super spiritual if you want to but your not fooling God. He can see straight through all your crap and he knows the desire of your heart. God, help me not to be so judgemental and easily irritated with someone that you love just as much as me.

A God deed

2008-11-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

We were shopping at Lakeline mall and were leaving the food court (us and the boys) and we passed by this man in an electric wheel chair who was leaned over trying to eat his sandwich off the table. So we passed him and rounded the corner and Chad said "did you see that" and I said sort of but I didn't really look at him because I didn't notice the sandwich thing. And chad said he can't reach his food. so we kept on walking then all of the sudden Chad turned around and walked back. Cameron was like "where is dad going?" I said "I think he's going back to check on that guy." So we also turned around to go back but he was way ahead of us so I couldn't see him. When I got there I realized he had gone back to FEED that guy his sandwich. He ask the guy if he needed help and the guy couldn't talk but chad introduced himself and he ask if he could help him with his food. So chad put the sandwich in the guys hand and helped him get started. Chad thinks the guy was saying he dropped it but once it was in his hand he could do it. Me and the boys just stood at a distance and watched. I was very proud of him today. Especially when I asked Cameron "do you think anyone else in the world would do what your dad just did" and Cameron looked at me and said "me". I almost started crying in the freaking food court. Chad is a great father and his boys are learning love and compassion by watching him.
Thanks for reading.......

God, you move me!

2008-11-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I sit down to write this because I wish that I could explain with words what I'm feeling right now. I will not be able to do it justice. Six months ago Chad, Andy, and I set out on a mission to start small groups for the youth (The Uprising). We started with about 5 kids. I remember thinking that we should just play cards because I didn't want to waste a great worship set and lesson on just 5 kids. Andy and Chad just moved forward as if there were 25 kids in the room. The experience was amazing the kids were moved to tears during the worship. Then Chad cast a vision to 5 kids about "the gathering". Those kids cried out to God to move in big ways. The group has grown every week. I am moved to tears EVERY single week. Even as I write this I want to weep. How in the world do I deserve to be a part of this amazing life changing experience. Teenagers are amazing. The are funny, full of energy, creative, sometimes selfish brats who are socially awkward, and even punks at times!
But because they wear their emotions on their sleeves they are raw, authentic, and transparent. So when they let God move in their hearts HE moves in big ways! And it rocks me to the core with a smile on my lips and tears streaming down my face. There's power in passion. 51 people crammed in my house last night for small group LOL yes I said 51 for small group. Chad, Andy and I stood in the corner together at one point looking around at the new faces and I of course fought back tears. My group was amazing, but that's another blog. I do have 3 funny stories to share though. This is why I love teenagers. I usually cook for all these kids, but last night was "pot luck" . I know I know after 14 yrs of student ministry you would think I would have "re named" the theme for the night.(maybe that's why we had 51) haha
So Andy asked one kid if he new what "pot luck" was and he said he googled it. LOL
Andy himself being 23 and single brought a jar of pickles. Another kid brought 6 whoopers (candy) and 3 nutragrain bars. Everyone did a great job though. One kid was going through a lot of stuff and got really emotional in group prayer time so Andy was talking to him in our laundry room. Well, when he came out his face was red and puffy from crying but he came out in style wearing my 6 yr old sons 3D glasses as a disguise. The first words out of his mouth were "Where's my ham? I put my plate down before I went in there" Beautiful! Adults aren't nearly as entertaining. LOL
So, now the house is quiet, all the food is gone, the floor is trashed, and I fell asleep on the sofa, but I can't wait till next week.... because GOD, YOU MOVE ME!!!!

Has it Been that long?

2008-10-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe it's been 2 months since I've blogged. Now that I'm on facebook I never blog anymore. It's all about relationships here so that's the best way for me to keep up with people. I've been so busy this fall. The boys are doing well in school. I'm Cooper's room mom so I'm having fun planning the parties. I also help out with the reading groups in Cameron's class. I also teach a moms and tots music class at Gateway on Fridays. What takes the majority of my time is of course The Uprising. The Uprising is our student ministry here at Gateway. I am the small group director for middle school and high school. This should definitely be a paid position because it's a lot of work, but at this point it is not. We have started Soul Revolution and things are in full swing! We had 25 kids show up for small group at my house last night. We split into 2 or 3 groups. It was awesome! I will try to keep up with my blog, but the best way to keep up with me is through facebook. I love it!

2008-08-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Cameron's 1st day of 1st grade. I have been busy getting things ready. We met his teacher at back to school night. I'm very excited about Cameron going to first grade and I feel great about the school and the teacher. So tonight I packed his lunch and I was writing a note on his napkin and all of the sudden it hit me and I started crying. The boys laughed at me. Cameron ,having the sweet heart that he does, came over to comfort and tease me. He wiped the tears off my face and whispered in my ear,"I hope you don't do this in the morning when you drop me off cause I'll be so embarrassed." So if your reading this say a prayer for me when I drop Cameron off in the morning!

The transition is complete

2008-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

wow! Is it HOT in Texas! It has been a great summer here in Austin. We are resting up, gearing up and praying up for the exciting things coming up in the fall. Cameron will be in first grade at the local public school. Cooper will be in the 3 yr. old class at a local christian pre school 2 days a week. I really have peace and confidence in our decisions regarding school choices. This will be an important yr. for Cooper to understand some basic biblical principles. While Cameron on the other hand needs a chance to spread his wings and put into practice some things he already knows. I'm really looking forward to many conversations with him this year, and the opportunity to parent him through making good choices, being a good friend, and letting his light shine. Chad is busy leading the Uprising and is doing a great job. We will be adding 2 middle school services Aug. 24th, and completely changing the Wed. night program to an outreach for non believers young life style! Tues nights in Sept we launch our High school small groups (led by student leaders!)This is where the high schoolers can go deeper with God. I'm taking on the role of small group coordinator for ms and hs and I love it. In Sept I will also be starting my preschool music class for moms and tots at Gateway. I'm really looking forward to that. The Swanzy family is doing great. We are spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy! To all of our new friends here at Gateway as well as all of our friends at FRC thank you so much for your prayers, love, and support through out our summer of transition!
I am so grateful to be writing this post as I am reminded "That ALL things work together for good to them who love God and are Called according to HIS purpose."
Peace out!

To pee or not to pee?

2008-08-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post for fear that someone else will beat me to it! So... today I had to go up to the church to talk with some people and drop off some papers so being the responsible mom that I am I really tried to plan ahead. I fed the boys lunch so that they wouldn't be hungry. I went before nap time so that they wouldn't be grouchy, and I brought their bikes so that they would have something to do. But no amount of planning could have prepared me for what was to come. I stood there talking to about 5 people close to the window so that I could see my kids and all of the sudden I see them BOTH pull down there pants and pee on a tree in the middle of the church courtyard in front of the office windows. All I could say was "Oh my gosh!" When I stepped outside and said,"what in the world are yall doing"? They informed me that they were pretending they were at work and went on a restroom break!
"could you not have gone inside to pretend the restroom break?" They just looked at me with big eyes and sad faces as we headed home for a spanking and nap!

Camping

2008-07-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Some of Chad's fondest childhood memories are of camping with his family and friends. He has been trying to get back into it since our boys are getting old enough to enjoy it with him. So for Christmas he got a tent, lantern, and out door stove. This weekend the boys convinced us to go camping for the night. We called our friends the Marriotts to tag along. Tim put up a huge 3 bedroom tent and all 5 kids were stoked about sleeping in it. They also brought their pimped out RV. After putting everyone to bed I attempted to sleep in our tent on the air mattress we borrowed. At 1:00 in the morning I started digging through the car and only found a towel to cover up with. At 3:00 in the morning I decided to check on the sleeping angels in the big tent only to find that they had all deserted us and joined the Marriotts in the pimped out RV . They were sleeping soundly in the Ac on the mattresses with BLANKETS. Perhaps this is why my fond childhood memories included the holiday inn!

I'm believing

2008-07-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal.... Tonight we had our small group and it was my turn to steer the discussion. I was a little nervous about how it would go. But God showed up. Doesn't He always show up if we just get out of the way. I don't often give advice about youth ministry because there are so many amazing people with such great ideas, but this one time I just can't resist because I see such a huge difference in this small group vrs ones we have done in the past. We started this group by getting up on the stage and saying if you want to be a leader in this student ministry meet right over here and sign this paper. Then we called the names on the list and said meet at our house tues. night 7pm. We eat dinner together, then our worship pastor leads us in worship. This totally sets the mood! We read scripture together out loud then silently. Then open the floor for discussion. The adults can hardly get a word in. Then we always shake it up. We try to have a creative aspect every single week. For example tonight we passed out plates of sand for the kids to write in. This went along with our lesson in John chapter 8. This creates meaning and experiences for the kids. With this group of kids we have really been focusing on quiet time with God, prayer, journaling, bible reading, accountability groups. The next step for this group is to reach out to the other kids at the uprising. This means they have to step out of their comfort zones and lead. Andy, Chad and I are expecting big God size things from this group in the Fall.

The snake

2008-06-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

My oldest son Cameron will be 7 next month. He loves camping, swimming, bike riding, the ocean and beach and ALL kinds of animals. He is always catching something, but he never keeps it. He always wants to return it to its natural habitat. Well today he found a snake in our back yard. I hate snakes so I told Chad to kill it. Cameron begged me not to kill it. He said it was God's creation and that we could catch it in a coffee can and let it go in a field across the street. So I agreed as long as it was out of my back yard. Chad went over to the side of the house to catch the snake in the coffee can. He bravely bent over to scoop the snake up, but the snake jumped and scared Chad so he hit with a baseball bat. THEN he scooped it up in the coffee can. As soon as he came inside Cameron asked "did you get the snake into the can?" "yes, it's in there", replied Chad. He had good intentions! lol

student small groups

2008-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so amazed at God's perfect plan. His willingness to use imperfect humans to express his love to the next generation. Chad and I meet with 12 students on Tues. night in our home. This group of high schoolers have been a huge encouragement to me. They are so willing to be transparent about their lives. They discuss the scripture with such passion. They are eager and hungry to draw close to God. Each week has been a unique experience that I find myself savoring every moment of. I have seen them worship God and be moved to tears. They have reached out to hurting kids in the group. They offer each other encouragement and accountability. This group is the base group that our small group ministry will be founded on in the Fall. In Sept we will launch small groups to student ministry. We will all meet together for food, worship, and an intro to the lesson. Then we will break into our small groups which will be student led by the 12.

Happy Birthday Cooper

2008-05-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

As I laid in a hospital bed three and a half years ago Chad and I were a whirlwind of emotion as the doctor stood before us announcing that I was probably having a miscarriage and because I was only 4 months along " the baby wasn't viable". As I spent the night alone in the hospital that night I remember thinking I can't believe that in a hospital where they have all kinds of drugs and know all kinds of procedures they won't do anything to save this baby. Crying alone in a hospital bed that night I prayed " God, you are the only hope this child has. I know this this baby is viable to you. I know you have a plan for him. God work a miracle."

After months of bed rest and weekly appointments with a specialist it was determined that when the baby was born he would have issues with his kidney's. One kidney was missing and the other was under developed. So the plan was to whisk him away for exams and x-rays to determine the severity. As long as he had one working kidney he would be okay. So we prayed...........

On the day Cooper was born everything went as planned. They whisk him away for testing and a few hours later they brought him back placed him in our arms scratched their heads and said " this child is perfect. He has TWO fully developed working kidneys" God, you are so big!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cooper Brady! You ARE "viable" to God.

mother's day

2008-05-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today was the Mother's Day party at Cameron's new school. Don't you like my southern bell hat? As you can plainly see this hat was made for style not comfort! lol I couldn't see a thing, but I wasn't about to take it off. The class drew pictures of their mom's and we guessed which one was us. I guessed right on the first try, only because that is the only smile Cameron ever draws. He also made a book about me. He said " My mom is 23. Her favorite food is brownies. She likes to shop at HEB. She looks pretty when she wears her skirt. Her favorite show is Grey, Adam, and Eve. (Grey's Anatomy) I love my mom because she is always there for me!" It was really sweet. I felt so special to Cameron today. It's a privilege to be his mom.

(the inside of the hat)

forgiveness

2008-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever truly forgiven someone? Yeah I know you have probably said that phrase a million times as a child, "I forgive you." Or maybe you have said "I forgive you, but I can't forget what you did" "I forgive you, but I don't trust you any more"..... Being the imperfect person that I am I have realized that I have a huge problem forgiving people. Check out this definition Of forgiveness I found today.
Forgiveness: Is to excuse a mistake or offense, to pardon them by treating the the offender as if the offense had never occurred. To free them from guilt or blame.

Wow! This is by far the best definition I have ever heard. To genuinely forgive someone is to treat them as if they had never hurt you. Do you remember that God also commands us to forgive each other. He leads by example. God treats us as if we never hurt him. He covers our offenses as if they had never occurred. He frees us from any guilt or blame. Forgiveness is not a feeling it is a choice. Now ask yourself has anyone ever truly forgiven me? When I think about this question the only answer I can think of besides God is my parents. They usually were on the receiving end of some pretty harsh words and actions when I was a teenager and yet they treat me as if that never happened. Other than that I cannot think of another person who has ever treated me the same after conflict. Forgiveness just goes against our human nature to protect ourselves. But what if you were willing to be completely obedient and make yourself vulnerable by treating people as if they had never offended you. What if you let down all the walls? I think I would be saying to God "I trust you to keep my heart safe"...by forgiving others.

The move

2008-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

wow! It's been a long time since I've blogged. We have had many changes in our family over the past month. Chad decided to quit his job and excepted a job at Gateway church in Austin Tx. We lived with some friends for a while until we found our house. We moved in our new home 2 weeks ago. We also took the kids to my parents and went on vacation with old college friends. We have amazing neighbors! They have 3 boys . Our kids have become instant best friends. Cameron started his new school on Monday. He is in k-5 at the local public school only blocks from our house. He likes it. Cooper has had many ear infections lately. He's going to a specialist may 9th. I'm sure he will have to get tubes put back in his ears soon. So for the past 30 days I have been adjusting......

Holly Guyon Talks about her Tatoo

2008-03-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hey readers I have my very first guest blogger on my blog. Holly recently got a tatoo with a beautiful story behind it. Ladies and Gentlemen, Holly Guyon.

I got a tattoo in memory of the love of my life Peter Guyon...I wanted a symbolic tattoo that was pretty but held a lot of meaning so with the help of a friend, this is what we came up with:

The diamond shape in the middle represents our love (unique and forever like a diamond)
The flower petals represent the four years that we were married
The black swirly lines represent our lives, his line is the one on the right (notice it's shorter)
The green vines represent our growth - how we grow in different directions and now we are apart but will still always be connected by our love (the diamond)
The black "dots" on either side are tear drops - which represent how much I miss him and always will
And the colors of course are green and purple - each of our favorite colors

I wanted to put it in a place where I will always see it and remember him so I decided on the inside of my left wrist...it makes me smile when I see it and I also get to tell people about him all the time when they ask me about my tattoo...love never dies!

Holly

Our mistaken identity

2008-03-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Have your kids ever embarrassed you by telling the truth? Mine did today. The neighborhood kids all came over to jump on trampoline today. I took a chair outside to referee how many people were jumping at a time so that Cooper wouldn't get trampled. Over the past 8 months we have developed somewhat of a relationship with our neighbors across the street. However, he has never been able to remember our names. We first noticed this at a birthday party when he introduced us as Dean and Nicole instead of Chad and Cat. We were so taken back that we didn't say anything. So, he continually calls us Dean and Nicole and we answer to it, because we didn't want to embarrass him. Well, today as I was sitting watching the kids in my backyard he came over to check on his kids and he said "Hey Nicole! How are ya? Where's Dean?" Before I could even answer him Cameron said " My dad's name is Chad and my mom's name is Cathy but she goes by Cat, so I think you might have just embarrassed yourself!" He looked at me and said "really? I've been calling yall that for 8 months". Then I had to have a very awkward conversation about why we never said anything. I could have killed Cameron! And NO Chad wasn't outside with me!

Hide and seek

2008-03-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

The other day Cameron talked us into playing hide and seek in the house, in the dark! So we played on teams. Cooper was on my team to start with and we hid first. It was a fast game because the minute Cooper heard "ready or not here I come" he could not control his excitement And started laughing and squealing because of the anticipation of someone finding him in the dark. It was so funny. I tried to hide with him twice then we switched partners and he did the same thing with Chad. So funny

2008-03-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in a place in your life where you felt like you were just standing still. Closing one chapter but not yet beginning another. It's the most awkward feeling. Alot of raw emotion. Anticipation, uncertainty, loneliness. At the same time knowing full well that God is still in control and has a plan but desperately trying to see it through His eyes to get the big picture?

2008-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

I had a good laugh today and wanted to share it with you.

Thanks Heather for the laugh.

2008-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

I've always heard the parable of the soils taught that as Christians sometimes we get to plant the seed, sometimes water the soil, etc, etc .... However, today I feel something a little different when I read that passage. I think that as Christians it's our job to prepare the soil. I have a friend that I met two years ago. Every since the first day we talked she has been asking me all kinds of questions about God and what I believe and my church. She was truly seeking answers, and was so close to giving her heart to God. She became very involved in a church and started working and volunteering there several days a week. Surrounded by Christians she had high expectations of their behavior. The people around her assumed she was already a believer and proceeded to let their true colors show. They spoke of all the turmoil in the church. She said that once she got to know some leaders she realized that even though she wasn't a believer she was more kind and a better example than the Christians around her. She has decided that the Christian religion might not be the place for her and her family. Can I tell you that this information breaks my heart and at the same time makes me furious? Instead of fertilizing the soil of her heart this group of believers have dug up holes and wedged in rocks because of their poor examples. Where do I go from here?

Cameron's first love letter

2008-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

In Cameron's class they are writing letters to each other. Each child choses a friend, writes a letter and puts it in their friends mail box. So, today Cameron came home and informed me that he got a letter from a girl. He said that the letter was funny so he decided to write her back. "oh, Cameron that's so nice. What did you say in your letter to the little girl?" I asked. He said " I wrote Dear ------ you toot and your lazy" Wow, Cameron you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet. As Chad picked himself up off the floor, I said "please tell me you didn't sign your name on that letter". He proudly announced, " sure did, first and last!"

relationships

2008-02-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's so amazing to me how God works. I was just telling my 7th grade girls today that every situation we are faced with can be used by God to build character in our lives. It's awewsome how God ordains friendships for specific seasons of our lives. when we are young we have our friends from school, friends from church, friends from the neighborhood, and then there's the one time friend that you met at the park and played with that day but will never see again. Isn't it funny that as adults we still have different layers of friends? People that God has placed in your life like threads of a rope. Each one comes together to make one strong cord.

Everyone needs someone in their life who loves them unconditionally. Someone who knows the good, the bad, and the ugly and loves you just the same. For me this has come from my parents. They have been my rock my whole life through all my drama. The next person who comes to mind makes me laugh. Every one must have one person in their life who wears rose colored glasses. A cheerleader, a person who thinks you can do no wrong and will always be on your side.

My sister is this person in my life. If I told her I robbed a bank she would say "well I'm sure you needed the money." lol To balance things out in your life you must have a truth teller. My friend Monica has that one covered. I also have a group of "mommy friends" their job is to encourage and support as we go through parenthood together. I also have some college friends that I see about once a yr. We always pick up right where we left off. This group is special to me because we were family while away at college. We met when we were only 18yrs. old, and we know each others deep dark secrets. It's always fun to get together and laugh at the past. I could go on and on about the awesome people that God has brought through my life. Some of them I still see and some of them just bring back great memories and a smile to my face. Why do I still feel connected to them? Because God is our common thread. He connects us to each other. He ordained the relationships we have in order to shape us into the person we are now. Relationships change with the seasons of your life, but thank God they don't have to end!

2008-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I was extremely shy. I remeber being at restaraunts with my family and hiding behind my mom when the waiter ask me what I wanted to eat. I've always been kind of reserved until I get to know people. I cannot tell people if they have food in their teeth or something hanging out of their nose or their pants are unzipped unless I know them very well. However, I've come a long way . People used to ask me how in the world Chad and I ended up together. Only because I was so quiet and Chad was so loud. So when we were dating and newly weds Chad thought it was so funny to embarass me any way he could think of. One time I will never forget is when we wanted to stop and get a milk shake. We were craving a big, thick, fatening, chocolate milk shake. We stopped at what we thought was an ice cream store. To our dismay it ended up being a health food shake place. We walk in, go all the way to the register, look up at the menu and see things like bran shake, alfalfa sprout combo, multigrain something etc.... At the exact same time we both realized our predicument. The lady at the register turned to face us and take our order and instantly Chad drops to the floor and crawls on his hands and knees completely out of the store without being seen leaving me standing there by myself. Not being able to walk away all I could say was "do you have anything with strawberries in it" knowing full well I was about to pay $6 for a drink that was going strait into the trash can.

2008-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

The other day we went to publix. My kids love to get on the scale and see how much they weigh. I also got on the scale, and when I got off chad got on. I saw him look puzzled, get off, then get back on again. I have known Chad for 15 yrs. and he has always weighed the same amount, but not today. " Wow Chad you've gained 10 lbs" He glared at me and said " you have to subtract 3 lbs. for clothes" Then Cooper topped it off right on cue by singing " daddy is a fatty" lol

2008-01-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

In this season of my life I am a stay at home mom, but my passion is education. I'm always on the look out for creative, out of the box teaching ideas. A good teacher is always learning. If you don't stay up-to-date on the latest most innovative teaching methods as well as the tried and true ones you risk becoming stale and stagnant in your teaching methods. I'm not saying you have to use everything that comes along but you should at least stay informed and have an open mind about different methods. One of my greatest resources this year has been my son's k-5 teacher at FRC. She has 17 students all with different back grounds and learning styles, and yet she is able to reach each one with her creative, hands on, out of the box style. Today I was watching a MLK documentary when Cameron walked into the room and announced that he knew all about this man and how he helped make the country fair again. "Really? How do you know about this man?" I asked. He began to tell me about a day of school when his teacher taught the class an amazing piece of our history with out so much as even opening a history book. From what I gathered from my 6 yr. old it seems that the teacher, who is always fair, was having an off day. Little did the kids know that their was a method to her madness. She chose 3 kids, and all day long these kids got special privileges that the other children did not. Such as candy , extra play time, special seats etc..... When the experiment was over she gathered them all together and ask them to share what their thoughts were. After the children expressed their frustration over the unfairness she told them that she had done it on purpose. Then she was able to unfold the story of the civil rights movement and how MLK played a huge part in making things fair for all people no matter what their skin color. This is one history lesson that Cameron will never forget.

Hats off to Mrs. Guerro and her creative methods!

Love

2008-01-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received a phone call from a long lost friend. Actually this woman is old enough to be my mom, and for 4 yrs. while we lived in San Antonio she was like a 2nd mom to me. She was an incredible mentor to me. I led a young mother's bible study ,"The Power of a Praying Parent", and I ask her to come to be the mentor mom. She has an incredible way of speaking the truth with an incredible amount of love. She really lives out the fruits of the spirit in her life. I've never seen her be reactionary or harsh with anyone. She is gentle, meek, humble, honest, kind, thoughtful, and above all else loving. I didn't realize how much I missed her until I talked to her again. I miss her kindness, her words of affirmation, and her sensitivity. She is an example to me of the verse in the bible that says you can do a lot of good things but if you don't have charity (love) you are like clanging cymbal. The message says your like creaking of a rusty gate if you try to do good things without love. So what do you feel when you hear a creaking gate or door? How about a clanging cymbal? When my kids get those party favor noise makers, like clanging cymbals, they quickly disappear when the kids aren't looking. Why? because it's annoying. It's noise to me that's not communicating anything of value. 1st Corinthians 13 (the love chapter)
says this in the message: You can speak with human eloquence, you can speak God's word with power and reveal all his mysteries , you can give everything you own to the poor, you can even die as a martyr, but if you don't love you have gotten no where. So, no matter what you say, believe, or do you are bankrupt without love.
If you don't love people you are ineffective and all your hard work is vain. I don't really remember any of the great advice that my mentor mom gave me years ago, but I do remember that she cared about me and that she loved me.

Thankfulness

2008-01-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today I have a lot a free time. A lot of time to reflect and think. As I sit here thinking by myself what I feel is enormous gratitude. I feel so so thankful for the small things in life. I am thankful for my boys. All three of them. More specifically: The things I love about Cameron are his sense of humor, his compassion and sensitivity for others, the way he worships his God so freely not caring what others think yet (I hope he never loses that), his strength and fortitude to right the wrongs (don't know where he gets that), his happy go lucky, relaxed,laid back personality. Cameron, you are a lover not a fighter and I am thankful for your gentle spirit!
The things I love about Cooper are hmmm...lol...Well, whats not to love right? I write this with tears burning my eyes because Cooper is my tangible evidence and daily reminder that God is the creator and giver of all life. Cooper, God made you a fighter from the moment of conception. Without the hand of God and the determination that He placed in you, you probably wouldn't be with us today. God has amazing plans for you and I just can't wait to see what they are. Although you try my patience daily I can honestly say that I am thankful for your strong will and determination, your confidence, your sense of humor, and even your leadership style of never going with the flow.(I wonder who you take after?)My prayer today is that I will be the mom that God has called me to be to help these two amazing and unique boys reach their God potential. I'm thankful for my calling.

The Fierce Hunter

2008-01-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

Florida has so many lizards. I used to be so scared to get out of my car at night because I thought a lizard was going to fall on my head. Chad is also afraid of them. We try to talk Cooper into picking them up and throwing them outside for us. He's tough. This weekend we were outside jumping on the trampoline and chad saw a little brown mouse on our porch. He ran to shut the door before it could get in the house. It ran behind some toys so it was a suspenseful moment while we all watched Chad move the toys one by one holding a baseball bat in one hand. The boys watched with big eyes to see what their big strong dad was going to do to the little brown mouse with their bat. Then it happened the mouse ran out and their big strong dad screamed like a girl, threw the bat down, and almost broke his neck trying to get back up on the trampoline. The boys were cracking up laughing. Cameron said that was the best show he'd seen all day!

Christmas

2007-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

In the morning our boys will get up and we will have Christmas here at our house. We got special permission by sending a letter to Santa and explaining that we will be traveling on Christmas morning. So, Chad and the elves are setting up the new trampoline as we speak. My boys will love it! It was either a trampoline or a dog! I made the right choice right?

2007-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

You may not know but it's soccer season at the Swanzy home. Yes, Cameron has started playing soccer. During the first game Cameron never even ran towards the ball.
The 2nd game he ran around the people who were kicking the ball, but never actually touched it. Chad and I did a lot of coaching, encouraging, and practice this week. All the way to the soccer field we talked about being aggressive, and going for the ball. So, tonight was the 3rd game and he was awesome in the first half. He played his position well. He went after the ball and yes he even kicked it a few times. Then came the 2nd half and the other team put in an 8yr. old on steroids. Emidately I noticed Cameron pretending to play by running close to the people who were acctually kicking the ball. So I decided to call him out on it. His response was "mom, did you see the size of that kid? I don't want to get hurt!" Well, at least he's honest. I think we as adults do the same thing. We work up our courage to put ourselves out there but we also remember what it feels like to get hurt, knocked down, or intimidated. So,when we see something coming it's easier to pretend and run along side of others than to get in the game and risk getting run over by the big guy.

Still missing a friend

2007-11-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Every Sat. night on the way home from church I let my boys use my cell phone to call family back home in Texas. This past Sat. night I ask Cooper if he wanted to call his PaPa. His shocking reply was "no, I want to call Pete". I said "remember, Cooper, Pete's in heaven with Jesus".
We all just sat there for a minute to see what he would say next. Then he said "mommy, Pete obeyed God." Chad said "that's right Cooper." Then Cooper said that he wanted to call Holly and he wanted to hold her. I wonder if that was a God thing. I can't imagine a 2 yr. old being able to remember. I think it's such a testimony that the one thing that he remebered about him was that he obey God. We were amazed!

patience

2007-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our high school campus team over and Josh (18) led the group in a study about patience. God really used him to speak truth to me. He said true faith in God begins when you stop worrying. That is so true. When you try to control a situation or handle the problem yourself you are saying to God I don't trust you enough to take care of me. God uses every life situation to build character in us. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, so it only makes since to me that the closer you walk with God the more you get to know him, trust him, and become like Him. God is so patience with us!

2007-10-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great night for FRC student ministry. The enemy was hard at work all week trying to distract and discourage anyone and everyone who played a part in 20 or more kids accepting Christ tonight. Can I just tell you that God has proven Himself time and time again that He will complete the work He started and He is always faithful to show up! Props to Rachel and her 1st impressions team, Duce and the AWESOME student band. Javin you have a tremendous amount of courage and God is soooo using you. Carson the set looked amazing. Liz and the drama team ...... where do I start? If you could have only seen the tears pouring down the faces of your friends and peers as you moved their hearts and showed them what God did for them. Finally to my Chadwick, I never grow tired of hearing you tell teenagers how much God loves them and wants them even when nobody else does. You are a man after God's heart.
Go students! Go team! Go God!

Happy Birthday

2007-10-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a sad day for me. Oct 15th was my Mammaw's birthday. She would have been 88 yrs. old today. My grandmother was such an awesome person. I wish you all could have known her. She was the most unselfish person I have ever met. What I remember most about her is the way she loved and served every person in her life. She worked at a hospital on the children's floor. She had such a way with kids. I remember at Christmas time how many cards she received from parents of patients from years gone by. The impact she had on so many people is still amazing to me. She was the life long care giver to her younger sister with down syndrom who was also an intrical part of my life growing up. When my grandfather was diagnosed with alzhimers she retired to stay home and take care of him. I have so many wonderful memories of being with her. I grew up in Lubbock, Tx. and Mammaw lived right accross town. Every Friday night I spent the night at her house. She taught me how to cross stitch. lol. Oh yeh , and how to peel an orange. We picked grapes from a vine in her back yard and she canned jelly. She wanted to have every story or poem I ever wrote. She loved hearing me sing and play the piano. She was at every important event of my life. She was beautiful and spectacular and witty. I loved her dry sense of humor and her strength! She passed away from cancer 1 month before Cameron was born. I know she would have loved my boys. I'm counting on Pete to tell her all about them. She had 8 grandchildren altogether and we each thought we were her favorite, because she was a favorite to all of us! I am blessed for having her in my life. I am a better person for having known her. I love you mammaw! Cathy ann

The T.V.

2007-10-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

When Chad and I were married 12 yrs. ago our first purchase was a t.v. We have carried this t.v. all over the country. We have moved it to Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and now Florida! In the first move all the buttons got scrapped off the front, so we can only turn it on with the original remote. This past year when Cooper was teething he chewed off the channel up and down buttons. Now you have to enter the channel number in that you want to watch. During our move this summer one of the teenagers sat on the t.v. and it cracked all the way down the back. I thought for sure that would be it, but guess what? I plugged it in and it still worked! A few weeks ago I pushed the red button to turn it off but instead it only turns off the sound. Then yesterday I pushed the volume button and it started turning the channels. I'm sorry to say that I think the Swanzy's ghetto t.v. days are numbered!

Got character?

2007-10-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

1st wed. was A-mazing! God really spoke to me tonight through Pastor Troy. I am and have always been the type of person who thinks it's my job to right all the wrongs in this world. I was the kid who made sure everything was fair at recess! I see this behavior in Cameron already. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just a more challenging lot in life. I struggle with boundaries on personal conviction and a desire to stand up for those who can't or won't stand up for themselves. Today I pulled the car into the drive way and I as soon as I parked Cameron jumped out and ran two houses over to pick up a piece of dirty trash out of the neighbors yard. As soon as he came back I started to scold him. I said "Cameron, don't pick up other people's dirty trash that's nasty. You will get your hands dirty" He looked up at me and said very matter of fact, "how else are we going to save the earth?" He is his mother's child. Tonight Troy said there is only one vision and there is only one leader, but the people who hold up the vision and the leader must have strong loyalty, strong character, and strong integrity. We have to protect the integrity of the church and the vision. I prayed for Cameron and I on our way to school today and I said,"God help us to have good character today, Amen". Cameron said "carrot juice? why do we have to have good carrot juice?" lol So I explained that good character is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. I know that my God is a just, Holy, and righteous God. He sees us all completely naked!

God's perpetual presence

2007-10-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

All day today I have been surrounded by people. At work, at the store, at home, and at small group, from 8am until 11:30 pm. All day today I have felt completely alone. In such a busy world it is difficult to connect with people on a meaningful level. Have you ever felt that way? So many thoughts going through your head, but you're unable to piece them all together to effectively communicate your feelings. Thank God He knows what I need before I even ask. He knows all my frustrations even when I can't put them into words. He feels all my emotion even when I can only express tears. He comforts me even when I don't know how to ask for help. My Father knows ME!
Psalm 139
Lord you have searched me and you know me. You understand my thoughts. You are aware of all my ways. Before I speak a word You know all about it. You have encircled me and placed your hand upon me. (vrs 23) search me God and know my heart test me and know my concerns.

I hope you feel God's presence today and rest in the one who knows you best.

sorry...

2007-09-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have recently been scorned by my good friend Natalia and a few others about not being faithful to my blog. I admit that I have been blazy "blog-lazy." I have had a lot of things going on. The big one has been work but other things have been the small group. Okay it starts at 8 and ends at 12 midnight. I've been focusing my personal study on leadership. I am amzed at the style of leadership Jesus showed here on earth. I love how Jesus always led by example and out of servanthood. Chad has a cool post on his blog here.

Ask yourself these questions about your leadership skills;

Do people enjoy your leadership or endure it?
Do you lead with the verbal stick of intimidation and threats?
Does your organization have unwritten rules and levels of needless affirmation and approval that bring division, competition, and isolation?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when your name is spoken?

cheapskate

2007-09-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after we got home from school I started frantically cleaning my house for my small group to come over. I was really running behind so I called Chad to stop at the store to pick up dinner. He offered to come get Cooper out of the way so I took him up on it. When He got to the house Cameron wanted to go too. Well, it just so happens that Cameron happens to be the neat freak in our house and I really needed his help . ( he's 6) Isn't that sad! So I tried to bribe him to stay home and help me. I said,"Cameron if you stay home and help me I'll pay you a dollar" (he's only 6 ok) He said, "sure ! If that dollar has a 20 on it!" Oh, my gosh! I couldn't believe he said that. Chad had to leave the room because he was laughing so hard. Chad's always accusing me of being a cheapskate. Anyway... I had a great time with my group. The last 2 people didn't leave until 1am. God really has a way of bringing people together. I'm so excited about the relationships that I'm going to building in the next 5 weeks!

1st wed.

2007-09-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Last night was 1st Wednesday at FRC. I was just remembering my very first experience at 1st Wednesday. I was so guarded when I first moved to Florida. I was extremely shy as a kid, and no matter how hard I try it just takes me a while to warm up to people. Moving here from Texas where I had been building relationships for the past 5 yrs was difficult to say the least. So on first Wed. I was so intimidated to walk into the student building by myself and sit with strangers to eat. That seems so ridiculous now, but at the time it felt like a big deal. So I went in with my 2 kids (cooper wasn't even walking) and I sat at a table in the corner with the least amount of people. People were very friendly. I remember Garland coming over to say hi, and Brian Vasil, and then Matt and Jen. Jen took Cooper so I could eat. But in reality God was setting me up. I was then free to start a conversation with girl next to me Betty. Through the conversation she shared that she was going through a very painful divorce. A beach baptism video was playing on the screen, and God prompted me to ask her if she was going. She ended up telling me that she wanted to get baptised but she felt so inadequate. She was struggling with shame and guilt over a failed marriage and thought she couldn't make a commitment to God until she cleaned herself up. I got to share with her how much God loved her, and how He takes us all just as we are and He does the cleaning up. As we got ready to leave she said that she was amazed that God brought a stranger to sit by her, encourage her and cry with her over a greasy slice of pizza. To this day I still feel blessed for getting to sit by Betty that night at my first 1st Wednesday!

2007-08-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

As the mom of a kindergartner I'm learning the hard way that there are a few items that you must have in house at all times. A few months ago Cameron lost his first tooth. It was 10pm when he came out of the bathroom ,toothbrush in one hand and a tooth in the other, declaring his excitement about loosing his tooth. He promptly went to bed with his tooth tucked safely under his pillow. I kissed him good night assuring him that the tooth fairy would come. "Good night mommy", he said looking up at me with his big brown eyes. " I can't wait to see what tooth fairy dust looks like in the morning". Hmmmm...............? It's already late. I don't want to go to the store. Why didn't somebody tell me I should keep a supply of tooth fairy dust for such an occasion as this? So there I am 11:00 pm in the garage scraping glitter off Christmas ornaments to come up with some tooth fairy dust. The things you do for love!

God's timing

2007-08-14T05:20:00.001-07:00

Last week we had an awesome camp. On Wednesday night 30 something kids excepted Christ. That was about 9:00 at night. At 2:30 the next morning I was awakened by my friend Marge. She told me that she had just received the phone call from Holly that our friend Pete had passed on. I got up, grabbed my phone and headed to the leader cabin to let Chad and Matt know. On the way I called the male counselors who were with us at camp. When I got back to my cabin I let Melissa and Patti know as well. So there we were me, Marge, Melissa, Patti, Brian, and Nester, at 3:00 in the morning, exhausted from camp with tear filled eyes over the loss of our friend. We all came together remembering good stories, and comforting each other. We held hands and prayed together, laughing and crying at the things we thought Pete would be saying at that moment. As we rejoiced over the 32 salvations Pete rejoiced with the angels. At no other time would the 6 of us had been together at 3:00 in the morning when we needed each other the most. God's timing was perfect.

camp

2007-07-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's only 11 days until camp. What's your best memory about camp? Chad says his best memory is going down a big slide on a potato sack. Another friend said he remembers playing a "pick up trash game" hmmmm..... must of been a baptist church. lol

My favorite games were cops and robbers, capture the flag, and counselor hide ans seek.

The thing about camp is getting away from everything that makes you lose focus from God. It's a high energy God focused week. It is amazing! Go!

the princess of puke!

2007-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today I was all excited to go snorkeling with my six year old son along with my visiting sister her husband and my two nieces. It didn't even occur to me that this idea might be the end of me because to be honest with you I couldn't have imagined that the ocean I love so much would put me in such saucy straights.

So we climbed aboard the S.S. Sickness and headed out to a reef in Pompano to go snorkeling. Cameron was excited to see sharks and I was as happy as a mom should be. That's until the waves began to pitch the boat back and forth like a porch swing gone postal. At first I didn't notice but after a few minutes I began to get totally nauseous. I jumped off the boat into the water and felt better for a while. Then we had to get back on the boat to go to a new spot and I thought I was going to throw up in front of a bunch of strangers. As soon as the boat stopped I tried jumping back in the water, but it was to late and I puked in the ocean. I was so glad when that boat ride was over.

I learned a valuable lesson today. I am not the little mermaid.

Why God?

2007-06-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last year when I first came to frc I was quickly befriended by Pete and Holly Guyon. My boys call them uncle Pete and aunt Holla! They have taken the Swanzy family in and treated us like their own family. We have celebrated holidays together. Exchanged Christmas gifts. Sang many happy birthday tunes. We have enjoyed double dates , and Texas hold'em poker nights. They even attended Cam's school program to be his cheering section. We have prayed together, cried together, laughed a lot together, and even been frustrated with each other! It comes with the territory when you do ministry together. oh yeah, and they have picked us up on the side of the road when our car breaks down. ( which is often) lol
My mind is flooded with so many memories. I have cried so many tears over Pete being sick. I have begged God to heal him. I have asked God so many hard questions that I may never understand. I know that God can handle all of our frustration, tears, and questions. He's such a big God. He wants us to be transparent.
Today in the midst of all the emotion He blessed me. Some how the conversation at the dinner table turned to Pete. Cameron my almost 6yr. old son asked" Is Pete going to die?" WOW , I paused to try to think of something positive to say, but I couldn't so I answered with what I perceived to be the brutal truth. " yes, Cameron, I think he is" Cameron was so sad he said that he would never see Pete again. So I explained that Pete's sick body would die, but that Pete would live forever in heaven because he had Jesus in his heart. ( Cameron has been asking questions about salvation for almost a yr.) So after about a 30min conversation and questioning him he prayed this prayer by himself with chad and I listening as we all sat on the kitchen floor.
"Dear Jesus, thank you for this day, but I have done so many wrong things. I don't deserve to go to heaven, but I want to. I want to ask you to come into my heart and forgive me. Thank you for this day Jesus. In Jesus name amen.

call me crazy

2007-06-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

This year I have been in the season of my life called motherhood. I have 2 boys and 23 7th grade girls. Yes, I said twenty-three 7th grade girls. I have been with my girls at frc for 1yr . It's been a great year. We have been to the movies, out to eat, pool parties, tie-die t-shirt making, costume parties, and on and on.........I talk to my girls once a week on the phone and some of them e-mail me, but my favorite time with them is our table time on Sunday morning. The girls have grown so much in just one yr. Every week I get to share and talk about God with them. I love to hear them talk. They say the first thing that comes into their mind and it's beautiful! I love seeing and hearing about God working in their lives. I'm so excited about taking them all to camp. They say spending one week at camp with your kids is the same as an entire year of contact work. I know the week will be filled with lots of drama and high pitched screams, but what it's really about is kids taking the next step in their spiritual lives to reach their God potential. This is my heart and my passion!

Out of the mouths of babes

2007-06-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

We finally found a house. It was a long and grueling process. This is a good parenting story. I found a house that I thought I wanted. It wasn't perfect. It needed some work, but it was big . We made an offer on the house and we didn't get it. The landlord chose a family without kids (less wear and tear). So when I found out that we didn't get the house I threw a major fit. I was crying and saying that we weren't going to have a place to live and so on and so forth. So today 2 weeks latter we found and got a new house and it is much better than the first one. It's in great condition and needs no work. So we are walking tonight and Cameron says" mom do you like the new house or are you still upset about not getting the other house? and why did you think we weren't going to have a place to live? " So Chad's laughing at me while I'm having to explain to my 5 yr. old about my fit and my lack of faith in God. I said" You know cam sometimes we think we know what the best thing is for us , but we can only see what's right in front of us. But God knows and can see the future. Sometimes He says no to us because He has better plans down the road. We have to learn to trust Him that He always has good plans for us". Lesson learned!