Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Coming up for July...

Forgiveness is like resting your head on a pillow filled with rose petals instead of a pillow filled with thorns. Loren Fischer

Sunday, July 4 War Memorial Park Fireworks- Gather at Bethel Assembly of God at 8:30 pm in the parking lot for the perfect spot to watch the Martinsburg fireworks. Drinks and hotdogs will be handed out to all who come.

Tuesday, July 13 Pikeside Bowling in Martinsburg, WV at 11 AM. Prices for adults is $4 per game, children $3.50, and $1.50 for shoe rental. Snack bar will be open.

Saturday, July 24 Ignyte Ladies Brunch at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 AM. A wonderful morning of good food and getting to know each other which will include a jewelry and purse auction.

Monday, July 26 Restaurant-Hopping beginning with appetizers at Glory Day's Grill in Ranson, WV at 6:30 pm, then main course at Paneri Bread in Ranson, WV and concluding with dessert at Ruby Tuesday's in Charles Town, WV. Meet at the first restaurant or at Bethel Assembly of God at 6 pm to carpool together.

Tuesday, July 27 Hagerstown City Park in Hagerstown, MD at 11 AM. For lunch, buy or pack.

Any questions or concerns, contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tim McGraw - Still (Official Video)


I love finding God in everything I hear and see. Often I find God and faith in country music. It's a genre of music I grew up listening to and have always loved. I hope you enjoy this video and believe the truth in it.
Lisa Fraley

Monday, June 28, 2010

Restuarant-Hopping Event

**DATE CHANGE TO MONDAY, JULY 26**
(This event was originally on July 19.)
Join us for an evening of Restaurant-Hopping where we have appetizers, main course, and dessert at three different locations!!
We will be beginning at 6:30 pm for appetizers at Glory Days Grill in Ranson WV, then the main course at Panera Bread in Ranson WV, and ending with dessert at Ruby Tuesday's in Charles Town, WV.
You have the choice to meet at the restaurant at 6:30 pm or at Bethel Assembly of God at 6 pm to car pool together. For this event please bring cash in smaller bills to make payment easier and quicker. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Dagostino.

Life With Balance

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40: 30-31

Some women have the gift of serving others, and they serve until they can't stand up anymore. You might be one of those women. You think, I don't have time to rest, and I really don't have time to be sick. But let's face it: sometimes our human bodies wear out. We get sick or just plain tired. That's when we can ask for help from the One who is the source of healing and strength. Jesus is still in the miracles business. Ask him to heal your body, mind, and spirit. And keep in mind that there's nothing wrong with finding the healthy balance by meeting your own needs so you can continue to meet the needs of others.

Are you doing a good job serving others as well as caring for your own needs? How are you doing in taking care of yourself?

A Devotional from the Busy Mom's Bible

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Lakemont Park

When I was a kid, there was one event I looked forward to every summer--Lakemont Park! My cousins and I would all get together, and make the 2 hour drive to Altoona, PA for the day. I would describe Lakemont as an amusement park for children 12 and under, although your older children will probably have fun too. It is filled with carnival rides, a water park, and one roller coaster, much like the "Comet" at Hershey Park. One of the best parts about the park, is that you can spend all day having fun there, for a fraction of the cost of other amusement park, or even the local fair! Regular admission is $9.95, but every Wednesday they discount tickets to $3! ($1 when I was a kid!). Not only that, but it is a pretty well kept secret, and I've never seen the park super busy. My last trip there was about 3 summers ago, and even then, if you had to wait in a line, it was usually less than 5 minutes. Many rides do not have a wait!

There are other things there that have a cost (go-carts, arcade, mini golf) but these activities are still reasonably priced. Unless reserved for the day, they also have pavilions available so you can bring your own lunch, or purchase one there. Parking at the park is also free. My daughter is still too young to enjoy Lakemont, but when she is older, it will no doubt be an annual event. My niece and nephew will be visiting this summer, and I can not wait to take them!

Check out their website, www.lakemontparkfun.com. It's a lot of fun, and I'm sure your kids would love it! If you go, you must ride the Toboggan--my personal favorite!

Janessa Solem

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Events

"Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere." Author Unknown

Tuesday, June 29 War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV at 11 AM at the lower level. Bring a packed lunch for you and your children.

Coming up for July...

Tuesday, July 13 Pikeside Bowling in Martinsburg, WV at 11 AM. Prices for adults is $4 per game, children $3.50, and $1.50 for shoe rental. Snack bar will be open.

Tuesday, July 19 Restaurant Hopping beginning at 6 PM. Details TBA

Saturday, July 24 Ignyte Ladies Brunch at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 AM. A wonderful morning of good food and getting to know each other which will include a jewelry and purse auction.

Tuesday, July 27 Hagerstown City Park in Hagerstown, MD at 11 AM. For lunch, buy or pack.


Any questions or concerns, contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.net.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

What is Prayer?

Is it measured words that are memorized,
Forcefully said and dramatized,
Offered with pomp and with arrogant pride
In words unmatched to the feelings inside?
No... prayer is so often just words unspoken
Whispered in tears by a heart that is broken...
For God is already deeply aware
Of the burdens that we find too heavy to bear,
And all we need do is to seek Him in prayer
And without a word He will help us to bear
Our trials and troubles--our sickness and sorrow
And show us the way to a brighter tomorrow...
There's no need at all for IMPRESSIVE PRAYER
For the minute we seek God HE IS ALREADY THERE!

Helen Steiner Rice

Monday, June 21, 2010

The House That Built Me

Upon first hearing the song, The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert, I thought it was only about a family home. After seeing it performed on the ACM's, it gave me a different perspective. I saw in the background of the performance the inside of a church with stained glass windows. It was beautiful! I began thinking about the house of God that built me.

It was a small red brick Assembly of God church on the corner. I know every room in that church. I grew up in it. In the basement in the last classroom on the right is where I first gave my heart to Jesus. The nursery room is where I was rocked to sleep as an infant and where I put on my wedding dress before walking down the aisle. The alter is where I was first dedicated as a baby, knelt at many Sunday evenings, and where I took my last look at my father at his funeral. It was more than a building.

We forget sometimes that the place we go to every Sunday or Wednesday is more than a building. It's a place that builds us. The people around us help shape us. When I remember my childhood church, I also see all the faces of the people that were there with me. I wasn't at the alter, singing in the youth choir, or in any of the classrooms by myself. There were teachers, pastors, choir members, and friends with me all along the way. This place that builds us is a family, the family of God.

There is a building that has continued the work of building me. The location is different but inside are the same people-those who love the Lord. They are shaping me and my children. I want my children to have the same memories as I do. The same type of memories you hear about in this song. If they get lost in this world, I want them to remember there is a place they can always come home to. A place where our brokenness will find healing, love, and acceptance. Many times those who have walked away from God find themselves walking back through church doors. They start with going to a physical place but are led to a spiritual place of finding their way back to Him.

Take a few minutes to find this song on the play list, listen to it and see if you're not reminded of a place that has helped build you. What are you doing to give your children that same place?

Blessings,
Lisa

Friday, June 18, 2010

Under God's Sea

Join the Bethel Kid's Choir as they portray the God Squad from Alleluia Aquatic Academy. In this musical, the students learn to navigate the sometimes murky waters of life by seeking God's Word daily. So come along and experience Under God's Sea!

Performances will be Saturday, June 19 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, June 20 at 10:30 AM at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV in the main sanctuary.

Many of our children are performing in this production and it is directed by one of our own, Heidi Shank! We invite you to join us!
Lisa Fraley

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Prioritize

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

As you get older, life gets more complicated. Demands on your time and attention continue to mount, and there's never enough time or energy in a day to get to everything. Do you find yourself longing for a simpler life? When all is said and done, the focus of your life should be to love God and love others. Do the things that fill your heart, life, and schedule reflect those priorities? By discovering and focusing your energy on what God considers most important, you begin to find clarity and purpose for each day of your life.

Devotional from The Busy Mom's Bible

What have you done this week that reflect the priority of loving God and/or loving others? If you have a moment, please share that with us today.
Lisa Fraley

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Our Events in June...





We had a great time at Monkey Joe's! It was so nice to see so many moms! My children can't wait to go back!

Monday, June 21 Game Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 6:30 PM. Bring an appetizer or dessert and drink to share.

Tuesday, June 29 War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV at 11 AM at the lower level. Bring a packed lunch for you and your children.

Any questions or concerns, contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.net.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Touch-A-Truck Kids Event

Just in time for Father’s Day, the Touch-A-Truck Event is sure to connect children and parents.
Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers, boys & girls of all ages...Everyone is Welcome! Although some vehicles will be “look only”, kids will also have the opportunity to touch, sit in,
climb on and sound all the bells and whistles on different kinds of cars, trucks, large-scale construction, tractors, and public service vehicles.

The event is Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 9- 11:30 AM at the Washington County Agricutural Center at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike in Boonsboro, MD 21713. Admission to the event is free. Concessions will be available for additional purchase.

For more information on this family-friendly event contact Marsha Moats with the Washington
County Recreation Department at 240-313-2805.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Regal's Free Family Festival is now showing!

Regal has planned a fun-filled summer of select movies for kids and parents. Regal has proudly offered this free summer fun since 1991. Oh, did we mention that it’s FREE!

Selected G or PG movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity.

The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer. Tickets for our 2010 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

Here are the movie listings for our area Regal theatre:
Martinsburg Stadium 10
950 Foxcroft Ave.
Martinsburg ,WV 25401
304-264-4061

06/08/2010-06/09/2010 Rugrats The Movie (G) Planet 51 (PG)
06/15/2010-06/16/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G) Bandslam (PG)
06/22/2010-06/23/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G) Aliens In The Attic (PG)
06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G) Astro Boy (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Curious George (G) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Doogal (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 Space Chimps (G) Hotel For Dogs (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 Charlotte's Web (G) Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Horton Hears A Who (G) The Spy Next Door (PG)

Christian Enlightening 2010

Friday, June 11 - Sunday, June 13 Christian Enlightening 2010 A Community sponsored event at Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg, WV from 9:45 AM- 10:45 PM on Friday and Saturday and 9:45 AM - 12 Noon on Sunday.

There will be fun and games including rock climbing wall, moon bounce, food, arts & crafts, businesses, and church groups with live music featuring sixteen bands ranging from Southern Gospel/Hard Rock/R&B/ etc. Admission is free with no drugs, no alcohol and no coolers allowed. This event will be honoring God placed authority- pastors, police, rescue, and military.

For information or to tell us your story which honors someone in authority, or to involve your church, organization, or business, contact 304-596-0159. Also check out http://www.christianenlightening.org/.

**non-perishable food and baby items will be accepted for those able to donate.**

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Cloth Diapers

When I first started looking at cloth diapers, I was nervous and not sure I could navigate through it. It feels like second nature now and I love doing it. It's definitely a lot easier than it looks! It's a little bit of extra work, but it feels so good knowing that I'm saving our family a lot of money. I think the diapers are much cuter than disposables anyways!

I currently use 2 types of cloth diapering systems. You will find that most people who cloth diaper have a few different types of diapers that they use. Right now I use FuzziBunz (http://www.fuzzibunz.com) when we are away from home and a mixture of FuzziBunz and cotton prefolds, with a snappy and a "Thirsties" (http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/covers.htm) or GDiaper (www.gdiaper.com)brand cover at home. The FuzziBunz are considered a pocket diaper. You can purchase FuzziBunz in sizes (XS-L) or in One-size, which grow with the child. I purchased the one-size so that it would be most economical. Normal prices on FuzziBunz One-size are $18.95-$20.95 a piece. I have always purchased mine one sale and never paid more than $16.10 a piece, but it does take some searching to find a store that has them on sale.

Currently I have 12 FuzziBunz, 12 cotton prefolds in Maggie's current size, 2 Thirsties Covers, and 1 GDiaper Cover. I can actually stretch out laundry if needed for 3 days, but normally I do it about every 36 hours. I line dry them outside then as well. Most people just try out different diapers until they find the ones that work best for them. I just happened to try FuzziBunz early on and loved them, so I've stuck with them. If anyone is interested in trying cloth diapers, I'd recommend starting out buying 3 or 4 pocket diapers, a dozen prefolds, and 2 covers. Then you can see which system you like better, and build from there.

I also purchased 4 packs of washcloths from Walmart that I use for wipes. I just use an old wipes container and get them wet with a mixture of water, baby shampoo, and baby lotion. For less than $5, I no longer have to buy wipes and I just throw them in the wash with my diapers!

If you would like to try cloth diapers I would be happy to discuss the options with you. Please contact me at janessas2@yahoo.com.

Janessa Solem
(Janessa is new to Mom's Connection and is a mother to Maggie Elaina, 2 months old.)

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

This summer in June...

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." Ruth Ann Schabacker

Friday, June 11 - Sunday, June 13 Christian Enlightening 2010 A Community sponsored event at Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg, WV from 9:45 AM- 10:45 PM on Friday and Saturday and 9:45 AM - 12 Noon on Sunday. There will be fun and games including rock climbing wall, moon bounce, food, arts & crafts, businesses, and church groups with live music featuring sixteen bands. Admission is free with no drugs, no alcohol and no coolers allowed. This event will be honoring God placed authority- pastors, police, rescue, and military. For more information go to http://www.christianenlightening.org/.

Tuesday, June 15 Monkey Joe's in Hagerstown, MD at 10:30 AM. For unlimited amount of playtime with wall-to-wall bouncing fun featuring inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses for children ages 4-12 and a separate toddler area for ages under 3. Price is $6.50 per child which includes one slice of pizza and drink.

Monday, June 21 Game Night at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 6:30 PM. Bring an appetizer or dessert and drink to share.

Tuesday, June 29 War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, WV at 11 AM at the lower level. Bring a packed lunch for you and your children.

Any questions or concerns, contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.net.