I have a reader! One reader. Kelsey Pine, God bless you. I blog and blog and blog and am unconvinced that anyone is reading, probably because you guys give me all sorts of excuses:

a) the dog ate my computer
b) I fogot the web address
c) you have a blog?
d) that's what MySpace is for.

For the record, I don't accept any of those. Yesterday at Chick-fil-A, Kelsey told me that she knew where to go and when to be at Chick-fil-A by reading...gasp! my blog. Can you believe this? I have a reader! I am so proud. I thought this moment would never come. Thank you, Kelsey! I'll keep blogging...just in case anyone wants to start reading.

If you weren't there last night, you missed a party. And not just your run-of-the-mill party, this was a par-tay! It was my milkshake party at Chick-fil-A and it was incredible! Let me just say this - balloons, Chick-fil-A hats, and milkshakes. Can it get better than that? My only disappointment was that the Cow didn't come and make an appearance. I tried a Coffee Caramel milkshake and must report that it was delicious. However, I only made it about 1/3 of the way through before the sugar got the best of me. I battled a sugar-induced headache for the rest of the night, but still don't regret that 1/3 of a milkshake.

It seems that the sugar got the best of more than just me...after the milkshakes were consumed, party-goers started eyeing the balloons around the table. Hmmm, helium. It seemed like a good idea. When all was said and done, there were no balloons left standing and several youth group members dealing with sugar AND helium headaches. And don't worry, there are pics. Check back soon to see them.

Here are the equations of the night:
1 Vanilla Shake + 14 Cookies & Cream Shakes + 3 Coffee Caramel Shakes + 5 Chocolate shakes+ 3 Strawberry Shakes = $75.14 

An unforgettable Night and 26 headaches = Priceless.

Special shout-out to Ginger, my favorite Chick-fil-A manager...thanks!

I never win things. Wait, let me amend that statement. I seldom win things and almost never win things that I want to win (example: a really gross quilt holder shaped like a big bow). But a couple of weeks ago, this all changed. It happened while I was writing my blog in adoration of Chick-fil-A. I went to CFA Odessa's website (cfaodessa.com) and on a whim entered to win a milkshake party. And guess what? A couple of days later, I got a call from Rusty, the manager of Chick-fil-A.
I won! And because I won, you all win too!

This coming Wednesday, you are all invited to come to Maurie's Milkshake Party at Chick-fil-A at 6:30 p.m. Everyone needs to bring money for dinner, but then, you will all be treated to a milkshake of your choice...isn't that fabulous?

                                                     

So it is true. God loves me. He sends rain and flowers and milkshakes to remind me.

Hope you guys will come and let me spread the love around.

Make sure and bring your swimsuit, a towel, and some sunscreen to Sports Day on Saturday. After lunch, we will be swimming at Mark Brake's house until 2:30 p.m. You won't want to miss this and no, boys, swimming doesn't count as a shower!

This Saturday, you have a date. A date with me, your fellow MDBC-ers (and honorary member Darcy), and a couple dozen balls. Interested? Confused? Frightened? You should be. Sports Day is this Saturday, June 14th, at the UTPB fields from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be lots of sports to play - ultimate frisbee, kick ball, flag football, basketball, volleyball, you name it, we'll play it! And after you are sunburned, sweaty, and stinky, then I will give you hamburgers from WHITE HOUSE MEAT MARKET! That's right, people. Can it get any better? I need a final count by Wednesday so that I can place our order. Friends are welcome. Friends are invited. Bring your friend, your appetite, and your sports prowress on Saturday and I guarantee, a good time will be had by all.

                                         

   

Another one of the awesome studies that we have going on this summer is Hidden, a Bible study geared toward younger girls, from 6th grade all the way through 8th. And one reason that all of you chickies want to make sure and come is that your Bible study leaders are those crazy cool high school girls! Hidden is kicking off this Friday with a party up here at the church from 7:00-8:30 p.m. There will be food, some games, some "get your hands dirty" activities, and a preview of the study that you girls will be enjoying. Hidden will be twice monthly on Tuesday nights up here at the church. Colossians is the book you will be in, searching for the Secret Power to Treasures, Purity, and a Good Complexion. Believe me, you girls have never seen anything like this! Invite your friends to come and join the excitement!

 

                                       

 

We have some really cool things happening this summer at MDBC, not the least of which are the summer studies that have been set up for all ages. The girls' studies are the first to kick off. Abide, the high school girls Bible study got started this past Tuesday the way any good Bible study should, with the 3 C's - caffeine, chocolate, and crafts. And although there was some abuse of the glitter paint (Katie Murphy & Caidon George!), everyone had a great time!

Abide is held at the cutest bachelorette pad in the city aka Kali Kirk's apt. Abide is led by the coolest Red Raider I've ever met, aka Millie Bratcher. Abide is attended by the craziest high school girls ever...aka you know who you are! Abide is a twice monthly gathering that will focus on how to know God as your Father through the book of 1 John. This is a great time of learning and laughter. No testosterone is allowed. If you need directions, call me or talk to me, Millie, or Kali on Sunday. Hope to see you girls there!

We have been talking about this moment for a long time. Take two things that you love, put them together, and what do you get? Well, if you're mixing PB & chocolate, you get a Reese's. If you are mixing cookies & milk, you get a bedtime snack. If you mix ketchup & tacos, you get my cousin Josh...and a lot of grossed out friends. But, if you are mixing friends and church, you are getting the BEST THING EVER - Friend Day!!!! 

This Sunday, you are supposed to be bringing a new friend, old friend, best friend, bad friend, short friend, tall friend, any type of friend to Sunday School and then church. This is the beginning of Double Dorado, the church outreach program that we are starting. The goal is to reach not just "people", you know, the random, nameless, person on the street (although there's nothing wrong with this!), but the people you live with, work with, go to school with, and play sports with. 

Sunday School is going to be a great time to bring them in - and as promised, I will have a clip from "The Office" to show you. Also to be looked forward to are Mrs. Annette's world famous brownies, the worship service, and the meal to follow. Bring something good to eat...and Mark, bring something to share! :) 

                                       

 

Can't wait to see you Sunday and meet your friends!