I've Moved!

I've moved my blog.

Come visit me at:
http://www.kimrhodes.wordpress.com/

Nothing against blogger, wordpress just seems to have a lot more options!
Please make this change on your blog and make sure to visit me at my new place!

Kim

Celebrating Fall

I was just getting a box of Paper

Wendy and I had just dropped off the kids at school and were heading to Office Max to pick up some supplies for the office. Upon checkout, a man named Michael asked if he could exchange our box of office max paper for the HP brand and said if we did that they are donating 20.00 per box to help fund cancer research. We said sure. It was the same cost and it was great to help out with a cause. We both know a someone who has had breast cancer. He offered to take the box to the van for us and that initiated a conversation.....

Do you know that the government does not fund cancer research?
He has personally sold 400 cases of paper at our store.
Office Max is donating $2 per pack of paper /20.00 per case to cancer research
There are over 700 stores in the US
Michael found out a year ago that he has a tumor inside of his eye.
He is heading to Boston this Saturday for another visit to check on the progress
He had a 1 in a million chance of having a tumor in his eye.
They can't remove it or he will die in 6 months
If it starts growing he will die in 2 months
If it shrinks too fast then it will go to another part of his body and he will die in 6 months
He said he believed in God but is not a religious person
He had a daughter that died at 16 and he has never been back to church since
He encouraged us to have our eyes dilated when we got eye exams
We told him we would be praying for him
We asked if we could pray for him and we decided not to since he seemed awkward about it

All of those points to say... Here is a guy who is passionate about life and is making a difference by working at office max. He believes in a God but I would not say he was a follower. He lives with the unknown everyday of he might just drop dead. Just another reminder that tragedy can really form your passions. Just another reminder that there are so many people in the world working to make this place a better place and not all of them are believers.

On another note. James Dobson was on the radio on the way home and the conversation/topic of airtime was why you don't need to watch R rated movies. This is just my opinion but are there not better world changing topics out there that we can address? Let the spirit guide you in what is good for your own life. There are people dying from hunger, disease, aids, malnourishment and we are spending time on the radio talking about how if a movie has one bad word or twelve... how to deal with that. Our communities need to grow up and start addressing real issues. Just my opinion... I know not everyone would agree with that......

Mcmanus

Today I listened to a talk by Erwin Mcmanus from last week. It was titled the call to an original life. It was good to do that today. Very challenging and affirming at the same time. Here are my notes on it...

Your life is a heroic tail waiting to be discovered.

So many times the language of a call only applies to speakers. Does everyone get to live an extraordinary life. Every one of us are being called out to live an original life. When you meet Jesus that call comes crashing into your soul and it’s a tragedy if you miss it.

The calls are never the same. And often the calling of God is formed on our life in the context of crisis and tragedy and hardships. (( how true is this.))

Daniel: A calling out of hardship. Ch 1 vs 1 – There was a moment of turmoil and war and the babs came and overcame the Israelites. This pagan king takes the artifacts that belong to God and pillage it. The king ordered young men who were Israelites to be filtered into their world. They were given new names and their world was in turmoil. They went from nobility to royalty and one day they would be kings and rulers. They had power and wealth and their intently was wrapped up in this nation. Then their lives were released and they were to give up their names and take new identities. This is where we discover calling coming. There are moments in life where everything goes bad and you wonder if God is even paying attention. But what God is doing is forming your character etc. and as you want to make progress forward God wants to make progress inward.

Deborah – a calling out of necessity. God called the one who was willing to go. Judges CH 4 – She was leading Israel at the time. And she held court. She was known as a person of leadership and wisdom. Deborah knew she could do it but it was not her moment. After asking someone else to go and fight they in turn said only if she came would he. So the point made here is that sometimes the call of God is formed out of necessity because the person who is supposed to go is not willing to go.

Esther – a calling out of opportunity. To look at your life and see what you are good at doing that only you can do. If Esther does not do this then God will raise someone else up. And who knows you have been given this position as such a time as this. God puts you at the right place at the right time so that you can have influence.

Anyway.. just some thougths on what I was challenged on. Not sure where I fall into this. Some of my calling has been out of hardships and others out of opportunity. More later

Cleaning out the closets

Ok so for the past month or so now I've been cleaning out the closets. I am sure you are wondering what I mean by that. Well yes I am actually cleaning out my bedroom closet. Getting rid of clothes I never wear etc. But I have also been cleaning out my life closet as well. The thing is, when you clean out your closets... some things need to go because you realize they look bad on you etc. but then you have to sort through some really good things as well and realize they are just not worth hanging on to. It's great stuff but it needs to find a new home in order for better stuff to come in. So that is where I have been. I've dealt with some old stuff lately that I needed to get rid of but I've also worked through some of the good things too and realized it's time for me to move some of that stuff out too. Maybe that has been why the lack of posts. It gets kind of scary when people read what you write and make assumptions by the way you happen to express yourself. Sometimes I think that happens with me. The whole assumptions thing. People think they know me because they look at me from a distance or they read some words floating out there on cyberspace but they don't know me. There are only a handful of people that truly know me. And at the end of the day that is what matters to me. So if I may... here are some very random closet cleaning thoughts. Take them for what they are worth. Some good, some bad, some stuff just moving on. Bottom line. These are my opinions on a life I'm living.

I've realized lately how insecure I can be. How I struggle with confidence in myself. Sometimes my lack of fighting back is because it's not worth my effort to make people feel like I am a person of control. Why is that so important to some people? Anyway, through some processing I've started to gain a backbone. I'm going to be more confident in what I say and how I express myself. I am a strong woman of God.

I just got back from the Catalyst conference last week. Still processing all of that stuff. It was great on a multitude of fronts. In ways I was so humbled to walk by the side of my husband who is an introvert by nature. I can't tell you how many people stopped us to say hello. I guess after 7 years of ministering to churches in a variety of venues... people start knowing who you are. To me it was such a joy to sit back and realize what our family does is worth it. We are impacting lives and we are having amazing opportunities to share our message with people. I don't say that in pride I say that out of a heart who is amazed that God truly can use the most ordinary people to impact this world. We are proof of that. Catalyst was also great because I was able to be challenged by a multitude of people. After hearing the message at Catalyst I left very disturbed in life. But that is a good thing.

If one more person asks if I am pregnant I'm not sure what I'll do. Yes it still happens and has happened twice in the last three weeks. I live under the assumption that it will keep happening. It makes for the most awkward situations. If I don't know the person then I'll just smile and when they say congrats I say thanks and if I happen to know them... well lets just say how awkward it is. Bottom line, my ab muscles are permanently separated and I tend to show a belly if I've eaten a big meal. As weird as it is to be asked if I'm expecting, it has started to remind me how thankful I am that I have a pot belly. It really is the best trade off in the entire world. How can I dwell on it when the reality is that it has brought me such a blessing in my life. I'll be forever grateful.

There are so many things I feel like I need to be doing.. the whole croc thing and then there are all these people that the Lord has layed on my heart to help. It's frustrating when your days are slammed and it seems you never get started on these desires. Dave recently reminded me that there is a season for everything. Just because God has prompted my heart to start thinking about certain things does not mean that I have to have them done tomorrow. I may not see those things play out in my life for months even years. All that to say, I've experienced much freedom in knowing that it's ok to wait on some of these things and I'm not failing myself or what I feel God is leading me to do because of that.

It's hard being a working mom, even if it's a part time working mom. But I would not trade it for the world. I love my girls but I for our family our relationship works so much better because I can get out and work at the things God is calling me to do. Being a mom is one of those things but getting to play a role in Kingdom work is one too. If I was not working at Wayfarer I know I'd be working for some other ministry out there. It's a big way I feel I contribute. I'm the lucky one. I've never struggled with my purpose or calling in life. Before kids or after. I am realizing what a hurdle that can be for other people at times and I'm thankful that it has not been one for me.

With that said, I wish I liked to cook or had time to cook. That is one thing I don't ever think I will get passionate about. I have friends that can cook... they could open their own place. That is just not me. It's amazing the stresses that can bring on when your husband walks through the door from work and asks whats for dinner and I just stare at him and say... "not sure! " I guess if you have to have one week spot in your marriage it's a good one to have.

Talking about marriage... Not my place to brag but I am so thankful for what I think is one of the best things about life. Dave and I have a wonderful marriage. I realize more and more how uncommon that is becoming. Our marriage is great because we work really hard at it. Well we don't work that hard at it so I guess we are the lucky ones. I am convinced that if two people truly decide to embrace life together. Embrace mission, passion and calling that your journey has this stronger adhesive. I think honestly it is because our driving force is more than going to work, having kids, eating dinner, and then do that all over again. I mean there has to be more right? Again just my opinion but Dave and I are not ones who fight for our personal agendas or make sure we one up each other. We are a team and we are living life with purpose. And we are not unique. I know so many others who do the same. And here is the deal. We still have our own identity's but the majority of our identity is found in us both as a team. I'm not a weak person because of that. I'm a better person.

Emma is calling for bed. So many more randoms to go... later when there is time.

Have any of this? If you want to help let me know!

Here is an email that I sent out to our friends and family today. If you can donate items or know of someone who can, please pass on the word.

Dave is heading to Peru in November with Compassion International. During his trip they will be visiting a Child Survival Program Center. He will be able to take and leave things like stuffed animals, rattles, receiving blankets, pajamas, baby clothing and other developmental toys for ages up to 3 years old. He will also be visiting with their school aged children and will be able to share with them jump ropes, soccer balls, side walk chalk, or anything that would be fun to interact with the kids. Our family is going to get together some of these items for him to take however we would love for him to take as much as he can when he goes. If by chance you have these things and you are in the process of needing to get rid of them, I just wanted you to know that our family would love to take them off of your hands.

We are really excited about this opportunity that Dave will have to be with Compassion and see first hand what God is doing through their organization. Chad Norris and Chris Brooks from Wayfarer will also be going. So between the three of them, we should have room to take some really needed items to children who really need them.

Thanks for letting me share this with you. If you have questions or are able to help feel free to email me at krhodes@engagegod.org. Please feel free to forward this through any networks you have.

Thanks!
The Rhodes Family

Lots to Update on but please take a look at this for now

Our friends, the Ivey's have started the adoption process in Haiti for a beautiful boy named Amos Dowensky. You can catch up on their journey here.


They received a video of Amos in Haiti receiving a package they sent him. It made me cry.... a lot. If you have time make sure you take a look and while you do, please pray for this family as they journey towards each other in this beautiful picture of redemption. Click here

Pictures of Caitlyn

Here we are waiting for Caitlyn to make her arrival. My little sister about to have her first child.
Chad my brother in law holding Caitlyn for the first time.
Nana... She will be watching Caitlyn just like my girls....
Papa, yes another girl has arrived.
Here we are at the hospital today visiting Caitlyn.

Emma was so excited to see Caitlyn. Izzie told her hi. We brought her an Emily Ray bracelet.
Still can't believe I am finally an aunt!
Here she is.. all 5lbs and 14ounces of her!
The girls getting a little crazy at the hospital
Emma was so proud to be able to hold her!

I'm an Aunt!

Got a call at 6:30AM this morning that my Christie, my sister was at the hospital and she thought she was in labor. They admitted her around 8 and Caitlyn was born at 12:45 this afternoon. She was not due for another 3 weeks. Christie had the best labor ever. In 4 hrs she was fully dilated and only pushed for about 15 minutes and Caitlyn was here. I'm still trying to figure out what I did wrong with my own deliveries! :)

So welcome to the World Caitlyn Elaine Pruitt. She's a beautiful baby weighing in at 5lbs and 14oz. She's got a full head of dark curly hair of course!

Pictures to come.....

The Chin (long story short)

I get a call from Emma's school this morning at 10am and they tell me that Emma fell on the playground and busted her chin. They thought it needed stitches. Now my child hates cuts. I remember one time she got a paper cut on her finger and you would have thought her finger got cut off. When I got to the school it was much worse than I could have pictured. She had a huge gash. Off we went to the Dr. She was a true trooper. They had to tie her down on a board so they could do what they needed to do. I really felt helpless. Can't describe the moments that followed but she finally got stitched up and only cried a little. She was such a big girl. I almost passed out and had to sit down. Off we went to Toys R Us for anything she wanted! I must say that our Pediatrician is amazing. He was so good with her and he made this terrible accident something that we were able to handle. Our angel for the day. So Emma is recovering and doing better. Here are picts from tonight. Her first stitches. I was told she will have a scar. I hate that for her. But thank goodness she is a girl. Nothing make up can't fix when she gets older.

The Stitches

Izzie taking a look
Emma took this picture of me... tired and worn out!

What's New

What's New:

Trying to recover from a crazy week last week.

Excited about all the premiers coming on this week.

We attended a shower for Robert and Lindsay this past weekend. Still can't believe Robert is about to get married. It does not seem real. We are all super excited.

Emma slept in her bed all night for 10 days so she is having a reward celebration tonight. Frankies for Putt Putt, ice cream at coldstone and a spend the night party with Sam. I know school night and all.

Izzie is getting so old. She seems to have lost all the baby look. She is climbing stairs, chatting up a storm and developing her personality. She is officially a little girl and not a baby anymore.

Starting a girls study with the Wayfarer wives this week and can't wait.

What the world would look like if everyone gave?

I just heard a great talk by Erwin McManus. He's the pastor at Mosiac Church out in LA. He is such a great communicator and is so good at it. Anyway they are in a series called EVERY(ONE) and this past week he talked about what the world would look like if everyone gave. If you have 45 minutes to listen it's worth your time. Dave told me about it and it really resounds what we hope and want our lives to be about

You can find the link here.

Domino Effect

It has been a crazy few days and we are in for another few. Wayfarer is taping this week for a DVD Series that Thomas Nelson Publishers is doing. They are 1 of 5 DVD series that Thomas Nelson will be releasing in 2008. So needless to say it's been a little wild around here. Tonight they are doing the majority of the taping. So if you happen to be in Greenville come on out!

Also you can check out engagegod.org for more info.

Izzie's 10 month old picts

I got Izzie's supposed to be 9 months but ended up to be 10 months pictures taken tonight. She did great. I was supposed to go and get the 9.99 deal but ended up getting the 4 pose deal which was a lot more money!!!! Oh well... they are only this little once right? So here some of the shots. Plus they gave me the disc. Enjoy!

Blogged out

Stressed out, tired out, blogged out.
In one of those seasons where I feel like I have nothing to say and also if I end up saying something it does not communicate the way I intended. Ever feel that way?
So I'll just show pictures....

The girls at the beach.

The Family floating down the lazy river

Fun in the Sun

First time I ever french braided Emma's hair. She's growing up so fast!

Emma's favorite thing... Putt Putt with daddy!

Our last day in Myrtle Beach

So I did not post this week. Too busy having too much fun. And when I went to download pictures from my camera to Dave's computer, his computer would not let me. Weird! I'll have to post them next week. We have had such a wonderful week. It could not have had nicer weather. The girls have been great and having Nana and Papa around has been wonderful. I have slept in till 9:30 every day. Izzie gets up and mom would come and get her and she would tell me to go back to bed! What a huge blessing for a mom in need of much needed rest. For hours we have played by the ocean, swam in the pool, played a lot of put put. We've had some great meals out and Emma and I spent way too much money at the Disney Store!

I'll sum up the trip in detail next week. But till then, we'll keep doing what we are doing.... having a blast!

We've arrived!

We have arrived in Myrtle Beach. A short 4 hr trip and we are here. The girls did stellar during the travel and Izzie slept great last night. We are off to a fun day of sun, beach, and pool. My camera just ran out of batteries so when I get some new ones today I'll start posting pictures.

Izzie crawled all around the beach last night and had two hand fulls of sand to eat and just loved it!!!!

Myrtle Beach, Here We Come!

Tomorrow we are heading to Myrtle Beach for the week! I am so excited to get away. Our last big trip of the summer. We are looking forward to playing on the beach, floating all day in the lazy river, going putt putting every night, visiting the Disney store (Emma gets to pick out something since she slept in her bed all night for 7 days straight) Eating out and eating in and doing whatever we want to do. This will be Izzie's second time to myrtle beach. Last year I was extremely prego with her! Here are some memories from last year. We hope this year is even better!

Making Princess Sand Castles
Getting ready to head out to a good meal....

One of our many evenings of Putt Putt.

Always making time for a picture!

A world in need.

We just found out some really exciting news that some friends of ours are going to be adopting a little boy from Haiti. I call them friends but I I've only hung out with either one of them a few times. But they are people that just simply get life. And when you run across those people, you always connect and feel more a part of their community than you actually physically are. Maybe because it's that we know we are all on the same mission. Do you know those kind of people? I am finding more and more how hard it is to come across those kinds of people. It's a sad but very true reality.



If you know me at all you know I have a heart for adoption. Although we do not have any adopted children and are not yet in the process of an adoption, it is something that is very dear to our hearts. Something that I know our family will journey to at some point in our future. But as I think more about it, I think it becomes more of a mission of seeing people in need and knowing we can do something about it. I get so frustrated with people who just don't get that. People who are oblivious to the fact that we in America are among the wealthiest people in the world and have more resources available to us than anyone. So why is it that we are obsessed with having more stuff. Why are we in the rat race to buy a bigger house that is not that needed, bigger faster cars, have things that this society makes you feel you have to have to be of value or importance? If people could only get a glimpse of a world reality. But all of that to say, the Iveys are a family who get that world reality and the way they live their life demonstrates that. It always encourages me to get a glimpse into their life from time to time and know that there are people out there who get it.



You know, you don't have to adopt a child to play a difference in someone life who has needs. If you have money, by all means please find ways to give it to others in abundance. When you run across a need why not try and go out of your way to meet that need? So now I am rambling.. I am sorry.



I want to leave you today with a picture. These are the children at the rescue center that sleep on a blanket on a concrete floor. I suppose one of those children is Dowensky. He is the little boy who is being pursued by adoption from the Ivey family. When you think about it, pray for their family and Dowensky that things will go smoothly in the process of them finding each other and becoming a family. You can keep up with their journey at this site they have created for him. You can also see some financial needs they have and if you feel led you can give to the cause. And if you don't feel lead to give to their cause then find someone else's cause and jump on board there!

Pictures of Emma from Camp this Summer

We just got some pictures of Emma from the summer when she went to kids camp with Dave. Thought I would share since my creative juice for blogging about anything right now seems to be lacking... Enjoy the picts. The SL staff painted Emma's face each day.

This is Grant. Emma was in love with him and told me he was her boyfriend!

This is Ramsey the Ram. He made an appearance at Late night each night. Emma's biggest highlight of camp was that she was able to get on stage and dance with Ramsey.

First Day of K4

Today Was Emma's first day of K4. She was so excited this morning.

Emma with her Tinkerbell Backpack that is almost as big as she is!

Emma and me!

Emma and her friend Sam getting ready to leave for school

Emma met her friend Mary Chandler who is in her class. They have not seen each other all summer. They were shy!

Izzie wanted to say goodbye too!

Dave is not pictured since he is in Birmingham. We were sad he missed seeing Emma off!