Hillbilly Heiress

Weeping for His people

2010-10-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

“Esther again pleaded with the King, falling at his feet and weeping, she begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews…..’For how can I bear to see disaster fall upon my people…?’”

Esther 8:3 & 6

“….falling at his feet and weeping….” I can recall the last time that I wept, can you? For me it was not only yesterday, but also today! It has been an overwhelming 2 weeks. Not a typical schedule by any means. I thought that after an AMAZING church event on Friday evening (thank you Marion ladies!!) I would come home and life would return to “normal”. All day Saturday I was emotionally out of sorts. I had a strong feeling in my spirit about a phone call that I new I needed to make and it wasn’t going to be easy. I made that phone call on Sunday. It went as well as a “difficult” phone call could, I guess…. – and soon after that, learned Josh Pfister, a 23 yr old cheerleader at my daughter’s gym was killed in a car accident over the weekend. Sunday evening our gym was to participate in a kick off for Long Hollow Baptist’s Youth Crusade. The cheerleaders did their thing on stage at the church--- many struggling during the routine to keep it together. Then, when the speaker was close to the end of his message he started telling the story of a teenager at one of his crusades who accepted Jesus and then just two hours later – was killed in a car accident. As salt was being poured in a fresh wound – the doors of the sanctuary that led out in to the lobby where being thrown open by many crushed and devastated young people. I saw a young, beautiful girl standing in the lobby in our team colors of purple and orange – I had no idea who she was, but my mother’s heart pressed me to go and just give her a hug. Not only had I lost one friend while about her age --- I had lost two. She held on to me and we both cried – no, not cried. Wept.

Today, I didn’t cry --- I wept again. Before you start thinking I need to be committed – allow me to explain. If you’ve kept up with my story you are aware that I brought I family here from Africa to have surgery for their daughter. Once the family arrived in Nashville I discovered the mother had a sister living in Chicago on a Student Visa. With a little planning – the two sisters saw each other yesterday for the first time in 11 years. Crying, no – weeping, yes.

Grace is being held by her aunt, Marie for the first time.

On Friday night as I spoke – I used the verse mentioned above and asked the ladies in the audience, “When was the last time that you wept over a group of people? When was the last time that you wept over the evil in this world?”. As with EVERY message I share, God is speaking to me and teaching me something new while I am teaching other people. My two “people groups” to weep for young people and the people of Africa. I’ve known that for some time – but this weekend was a CLEAR reminder of how I need to stay committed to them. I need to beg my Father to put an end to the evil. The evil influences that have a strong hold on our young people. The evil of poverty and war that grip the people of Africa. I know who I’m weeping for. As of this weekend – I think I’m all out of tears for these two groups. I’ve renewed my prayer direction by praying specifically for them. For in the words of Esther, “How can I bear to see disaster fall upon His people?”

Helping Darlene Grace

2010-07-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

For today's post - I'm just posting a link to another blog. The blog says it all so no need for me to re-word something perfectly done.

The blog is by Dirk Helmling. He is founder of 29.11 Ministries. Dirk left for Liberia just a few day after I returned home from Liberia. Dirk was the "man" behind my trip speaking trip to Africa. On Dirk's blog he shows more pictures of Darlene Grace's medical problems.

This is a picture of me and little Grace from my June trip. She needs our help. Please pray that God will connect us with the right people to save her life.

http://www.dirkydirk.blogspot.com/

Shoulder to Shoulder

2010-06-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

“Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.”

Zephaniah 3:9

I always get tickled at my ministry partner, Leigh, and say to her – “God gives you verses in the most obscure books of the Bible.” Seriously, when was the last time someone in your small group opened up prayer with a verse from Zephaniah!! This was Leigh’s prayer for our ministry team months ago AND God woke me up early this morning with His words from Zephaniah on my brain.

I just returned home from a mission trip in Liberia, West Africa. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to Africa. I’ve ALWAYS had a heart for the “least of these”. I’ve NEVER had any clue as to how God would pull all of that together.

But in perfect God fashion, He used a long line of coincidences to form His plan. Oh how I love to look backwards!! I love to look backwards and see the tiny puzzle pieces of life – pieces that alone did not make any sense, but when connected in the right way and in the right time create a beautiful masterpiece.

In a Beth Moore study recently, I heard her say that in our personal and even in our corporate/professional ministry – we need to have some “along with’s”. She was saying that God effectively uses people together in fulfilling their destiny. We don’t do ministry alone. I loved that!!

I can’t say that I have a gazillion friends with a desire to go to Africa. Nor, do I have a gazillion friends with a heart for the least of these. God has given us unique callings, gifts, passions and circumstances. At times – it would be easy to say that I was alone. But looking back, God has been giving me “along with’s”.

When we are in a crisis (negative) – that piece alone doesn’t make any sense. When we are given a specific passion (positive) – that piece alone doesn’t make any sense. It’s easy to be angry when faced with a crisis or frustrated when given a passion for something and you don’t have a clue as to what to do with it!!!

No matter what you are going through this minute – as a believer, you can look back one day and see God’s fingerprints all over it. You will have names of people (maybe people you’ve not met yet) that will be your “along with’s”. People God set aside to work with you shoulder to shoulder during your crisis or in your ministry. Trust that: 1) He sees the big picture 2) Your life’s puzzle pieces will eventually connect and 3) He will receive glory as you share your testimony of what He has done.

Hosting A Banquet?

2010-05-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Luke 14:12-14

At church Sunday I was 100% convinced that Bro. Ken has been reading my ministry notes for speaking! Every few minutes my heart was saying "AMEN!", followed by my brain saying "that's what I've been saying all along! Jeez - are you people EVER going to get it?".

That was then followed up quickly by God reminding me - "Honey, you just think you got it!"

Bro. Ken actually focused on another scripture found in Matthew 16:24-28; "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." The bottom line of the message is that these are easy words to say - hard words to live out.

He went on to talk about 'Casusal Christians'. In my speaking messages I talk about a club called 'Comfy Christianity'. In this club (which I have been a member) we say things like - 1) "I'll pray for you" and 2) "I'm here if you need me" and the very famous Southern 3) "Bless your heart!"

Which is all code for: 1) As soon as I walk away from you I'm going to forget your prayer request. Truth is I'm super busy and I have a ton of my own requests! 2) Please don't need me, please don't need me - I have no idea how to work you into my schedule. 3) I hate that things are bad for you right now. I don't mean to rub it in, but I'm just great and the Lord is blessing me left & right!

Everyone of you reading this (especially females) know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Two years ago during our UpWards basketball and cheer leading program – promoted to the community, we had around 400 children playing in our gym. Less than 100 of those were “our” church kids. I coached a cheer leading squad and out of my 14 girls, only 3 of those had a church home (and none of them were members of my church). All of my girls came from very poor and very rough backgrounds. One night I noticed on of my girls, her mother was very distressed. As I approached her I saw that her blue jeans were torn from her pocket nearly down to the bottom of her pants leg. She was trying to hide her tears and her torn jeans with her daughter’s jacket. When I asked her how she was doing that night --- I had no idea what I was getting myself into. She shared with me about the domestic assault that had happened moments earlier that lead to her torn jeans, she told me about the drug addictions that lead to her car being reposed, and the affair between her best friend and her husband (before the assault she had accidentally ran across a sex text).

I did not want to know all that. I went to church that night to teach a few cheers and maybe distribute a few hugs to some young girls with a questionable home life. I did not want to invest in this person and her life that was so different from mine.. I had a choice to make at that moment - to take up my cross and deny myself OR to say, “I’ll pray for you. I’m here if you need me. And, bless your heart.”

As I mentioned, I went to church that night to teach a few cheers – but God intended for me to host a banquet.

Seeing desperation in the eyes of “the poor” who lived in my own backyard was a wake up call for me. A life devoted to Christ also has a public and transforming relationship with the world. It’s hands on. It’s dirty. It’s heart breaking and I can guarantee that you will not be comfortable. So, have you hosted a banquet? For me - it's been awhile. On Sunday, thanks to Bro. Ken - I was reminded of that. Will you be on the look out for opportunities to host along with me?

Are you weird too?

2010-05-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10

Please tell me that I’m not alone in this! Do you have a particular person in your life that always catches you at a weird time? For example when you have food on your face, toilet paper on your shoe or a stain on the back of your shorts from sitting in something at the ballpark --- all while your roots are weeks past a touch up!! This SAME person never seems to see you when you are in your best light. You know without a doubt they think you are the weirdest person in the world!

I have girls 10 & 8 who have some friends, another set of sisters ages 10 &8. When we moved into our subdivision a few years ago I just knew this was a match made in heaven. However, it seems that their mother is always hearing this sentence from my girls: “My parents don’t let us __________ (fill in the blank). Without a doubt she thinks we are the weirdest people in the world! I’m confident she feels that she never catches us in our best light ----- or does she?

Over the last year my girls have filled in the blank with the following: play with Bratz dolls, watch Bratz movies, have shorts that short, show our bellies, say that word (butt), say that other word (shut-up),watch Twilight, watch shows on Nickelodeon after supper, buy Teeny Bopper magazines, hang up posters of pop stars, have a TV in our room, wear fish net gloves because mom says it’s trashy, wear shirts that say I’m a princess or diva or boy crazy or I love vampires, buy clothes at Abercrombie, watch scary movies, play witch, dress like a dead bride, go to the movies with a boy, have a boyfriend, get kid drinks that look like that because they look like grown up drinks…… and trust me, the list goes on and on and on!

In a way, it’s become sort of a joke between Russ and me. When the girls come home from an afternoon of play time - the first thing we ask is, “Well, what could you not do this time?”

What’s funny is that I don’t think of myself as a strict parent (until they come home –ha). And, the girls don’t mind NOT doing any of the things that I’ve mentioned. I have been very proud of how they sincerely don’t want to ___________ (fill in the blank w/any of the above). Well, I take that back – out of everything so far the only thing that caused a fuss was the fish net gloves. Go figure???

When I say “We don’t _________” then explain it’s because: Abercrombie has inappropriate pictures in their store/ads, shorts this length are not modest, we need to keep our minds on things above so we don’t have TV’s in our bedrooms or purchase teen magazines, etc…. And, I follow it with – “Now, your friends might do/have X, Y & Z but that’s not what God wants for our family” the girls have been very cool with it all.

If God’s cool with that, my girls are cool with that --- why do I feel so weird? I’ve recently realized the reason. This family, from what I can see (and we are too look for fruit aren’t we?) are not believers in Christ. What better strategy for Satan than to say to this family: “Look how weird those people are! You don’t want to be like that do you? How silly is that to not let your kids ___________” (fill in the blank). And He says to me: “You really are weird. Don’t you know your silly “stands” are doing more harm than good. Seriously, what’s the big deal.”

It’s a struggle to authentically live Galatians 1:10. The root of my problem is I want to “please” this mother. I want her to like me, like my children, like our choices so that – in my mind – she will like God.

I’m reminded that God’s Word says this again in 1 Thes. 2:4 “…We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” As well as the entire book of 1 John! Be a light, be set apart, don’t be exactly like the world and so on. As difficult as it is – I’m resolved to continue in making what the world feels are silly stands. Any one standing with me? Are people seeing you in your best light?

Goodlettsville, TN + Coast Guard = STRANGE

2010-05-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.”

John 4:39

I’m telling you --- the words Goodlettsville and Coast Guard should not be used in the same sentence. It’s totally appropriate to say, “Umm – God?” Yet, Monday morning in my neighborhood, I watched the Coast Guard in their small boats bring families from one side of my subdivision to the other. I know those who lost their homes and I know those who only received water damage on their lawn because the water stopped justa few feet from their house. Both sets of families having stories to share of how God was with them.

If you are a believer – you have a story to tell. God has done something amazing in your life. Often, we think of a "God story" as something huge --- miracle size, if you will. Tragedies like the Nashville flood, tornado's, accidents, illnesses, etc.... and how God protected, provided and so on. Would it be STRANGE to think that before the Coast Guard came to Goodlettsville - if Monday had been an ordinary day; would we still have a "God story" to tell?

In church lingo – we often use the word “testimony” when we want others to share a story of what the Lord has done for them. When we tell what God has done for us we testify to His existence, to His greatness and that God is in deed who He says He is.

Growing up in the church - I remember looking at the church bulletin, seeing that someone was giving a testimony and knowing 1 of 2 things were about to happen. 1) somebody was about to share way to much information about themselves or others and then the other extreme 2) somebody was about to read scripture for 45 minutes straight with a few phrases like "this verse was important to me too" tossed in the mix a handful of times.

My question for you today is --- do you have a daily testimony to share of what God is doing in your life? Have you ever sat and thought over the "coincidences" that have occurred in your life in just the last week alone!!??

In John 4:39, we see that this woman had a VERBAL testimony to share. It wasn't too much personal info and it wasn't full of memorized head knowledge. It was a simple story of how she had seen Jesus. I encourage you to become comfortable in sharing verbal testimony's of how God is at work in your life. Feel free to post them here!

Haiti and the Church

2010-01-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Matthew 25:40

"We need so much. Food, clothes, we need everything. I don't know whose responsibility it is, but they need to give us something soon," Sophia Eltime, a homeless 29-year-old mother of two, told the Associated Press.

This is what I woke up to read today. The above quote was made by a Haitian woman in desperate need for her family after the 6.1 aftershock this morning --- the strongest since the Jan. 12th 7.0 earthquake.

Her words, "I don't know whose responsibility it is..." cut deep. Her words bring me back to what some of my readers are calling a "soap box" in regards to my posts about Christians and their call to help those in need. If proclaiming God's truth on how He intends for us to live out our faith is a "soap box" --- well then, I guess I'm on it. And I'm not getting off. Her words are a reminder that for years I have not done my part. Her words are a reminder that the WORLD sees Christians no different than anyone else. Her words break the heart of God. Her words should make the church feel very ashamed. Her words move me to tears.

However, I have refused to stay in this place. I can't change the "church", but I can make sure that this church goin' girl puts feet to her words. That's where we've missed the mark all along. I told a MOPS group that I was speaking to just yesterday ---- "The world hears us say that we love God. The world sees us holed up inside our church walls having another pot luck dinner. The world does not see us minister to the 'least of these.'" That is why the world is clueless as to "whose responsibility it is."

Are you a Christian? If so, it is your responsibility.

The Blind Side

2009-11-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

Isaiah 58:6-7

We’ve been talking about what God requires of us, us – meaning fellow believers in Christ. In my last post I shared what God had required of my friend, Jen Gash, of Sweet Sleep. For her, it is a life devoted to providing beds for orphans in some of the darkest places in the world. Now, don’t click off this page just yet because you have no desire to travel to “dark places”! Hang on just a second……

You see, we can find in God’s Word SPECIFIC ways of how He desires us to follow Him and live a life set apart from the world so that He alone can be glorified. Most of us can rattle off a list of things like, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” “Love the Lord with all your heart,” and “Take up your cross and follow me.” In these three quotes alone, God is telling us how to live an abundant life on this earth. OK – still, don’t click off just yet. We are getting to the good part!

For example, ALL believers are required to “love” our neighbor (found in Leviticus & several time in the New Testament). Now surely you know that “neighbor” doesn’t mean the person literally living right next door to you. Jesus is talking about mankind in general. So, how do we do that? The Bible doesn’t say, “Love your neighbor by baking a pie for a widow on their birthday.” Or “Love your neighbor by keeping your kids off their lawn because you know they are really picky about how it looks!” Or “Love your neighbor by building beds for orphans in dark places.” You see, the AWESOME thing about God’s Word is that yes – He is totally specific as to how we are to live. BUT – He wants to be even more specific and tell you step by step, “Ginger, this is how I want YOU, and You alone, to love your neighbor….” If we really desire to be all that God created and planned for us to be – we must do our part in looking into His Word, finding these specific callings He has for believers and then say, “OK, Lord, How do you want me to live this out?”

Above in Isaiah, we see yet another calling – another requirement for us in Christ. He lists 9 ways that He has chosen for us to show Him and a lost world that we are indeed followers of Chirst.

1) loose the chains of injustice
2) untie the cords of the yoke,
3) set the oppressed free
4) break every yoke
5) free the enslaved
6) feed the hungry
7) shelter the homeless
8) clothe the naked
9) acknowledge kinships (taking care of family)

Have you ever prayed and asked God how He wanted you to live out any of these? Jen has. He wants her to live a life, as I said earlier, devoted to the care for orphans. Now, He probablly doesn't have that for you. But what has He called YOU to do?

I watched the movie, The Blind Side, this weekend. It’s an amazing story of how a family in Memphis, TN lived out this very scripture. It’s a story of how God asked their family to do something very specific for Him. Of course Hollywood doesn’t get into all the “God stories”, but you understand that their beliefs play an important role as to why a very wealthy white family with two kids - choose to take in a homeless African American teenage boy.

As we were leaving the movie, the couple behind me started talking about the film. The lady said this, “I like the story line. But it’s hard for me to believe that somebody would do that for somebody else.”

Have believers become so much like the world, that when scripture is lived out, it is so far from the norm - that other’s find it hard to believe?

Freeing the enslaved, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked……etc, as a believer – this should be a way of life for us! This should not be because it’s the Holiday’s and we feel guilty about how much we have and sorry for those who don’t! It should not be odd to live this way on a daily basis! But, it is.

So, will you be an oddball with me? Let’s talk more in a few days:)

An Unexpected E-mail; What God Requires

2009-11-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them,and do not hide from relatives who need your help."

Isaiah 58:6-7

I recieved an e-mail from a dear friend today. Her name is Jen Gash and she is the President and Founder of Sweet Sleep (an organization that builds beds for oprhans around the world). I had planned on using Is. 58 to continue my posting over the next week or so - talking about "What Does God Require from us?". These were not the words I inteded to pen. But God has said it best through Jen. She is living out what God requires.
The way that Jen and I even met is a TOTAL God story to be shared in another post. But for now, read her words below. Allow yourself to be in Jen's shoes. And - if you dare, allow yourself to be an orphan in Gulu.

"For nearly 22 years northern Uganda has been in a war-- a war which I have never known about until a few years ago. I had vaguely heard of "invisible children" or child soldiers or night commuters. Really all I knew was that a crazy evil man attacked villages at night, killing as many as possible and
kidnapping children to be in his rebel army. I knew that each day, at dusk, children would walk long distances to sleep in safe shelters so the rebels could not get to them at night. This was all I knew.

Earlier this year God changed all of that. God made it clear-in many ways---He was calling Sweet Sleep to work in Uganda....
Recently this war entered into a time of peace. I've been trying to learn about the plight of the children in this area. This rebel army, the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) would attack villages during the night. As they
attacked, LRA soldiers would kill as many adults as they could and they would force the children of these villages to kill their parents or be killed themselves. From there the children were kidnapped into the LRA army and forced to become child soldiers. These children have lived through tremendous atrocities.

In July, while our first team of 22 was providing beds to two orphanages six hours away from Gulu outside the capital city of Kampala, I took a day to travel to Gulu to see what Sweet Sleep had provided and to understand what more we could do. What I saw and learned that day has changed my life, and the ministry of Sweet Sleep

There are far too many things to share about that day. However, I do want to tell you one story: In Gulu I spent the day with 5 teenagers who had either been child soldiers or who had lost their parents, they took me from camp to camp showing me huts and some of the beds Sweet Sleep had provided. I had never been in a hut before and focused on taking in everything I could.

Actually, it was a little crazy to think I was in a hut in the middle of nowhere in east Africa. At one point in the afternoon we ducked through the doorway into another small hut. I looked around and saw it was just as all
the others: a hard dirt floor, curved walls made from mud and little rays of light coming in at the top where the wall met the simple straw roof. I stood there and looked at the contents of this hut: one little bed with a pink
blanket and one toothbrush somebody had woven in and out through the straw of the thatch ceiling. That was all. I asked a question I'd not yet asked, "Who lives here?" The answer that followed rocked my little world. The teens told me that a 14-year old girl and her five younger brothers and
sisters lived there.

I heard their answer, but I didn't understand it. So, I asked, "Where are her parents and why have we only given them one bed?" The answer that came was dumbfounding to me. I learned that in the Gulu region there are still one million displaced people-people who have lost their homes and everything they owned---because of the war. I learned that three-quarters of those people are children living in child-headed households. Yes, read that again.

That's about 750,000 children with no parents or grandparents or even orphanage to protect or care for them.

This information struck something deep inside me. Spending the day watching and studying those 5 teenagers struck something even deeper. I kept asking myself what in the world our ministry could do there. I knew we couldn't give them back what had been taken away from them---we couldn't give them back their parents. I knew we couldn't take away what had been forced upon them---those children had watched as their families and villages had been brutalized.

What could we do? God and I wrestled with this for weeks and weeks and weeks. One of our driving verses at Sweet Sleep is the one God showed me on my first flight home from Moldova: Proverbs 3:24 which says, "they will lie down and not be afraid; they will lie down and their sleep will be sweet." Here, in Gulu, this verse just did not make sense to these children.

In the months that followed, God showed me another verse, also in Proverbs, that says, "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."

The answer, I realized, is that I had seen and had learned and was responsible to share their story with all of you so that you, too, would know and be able to respond. The answer for Sweet Sleep was that we respond just as we have always: we work together with everyone we can in order to find resources that will bring beds and hope to as many children as possible. This is the good news. It's such good news that hope
is coming to these children in the form of a bed which communicates to a child things about God's promises so that peace can slowly begin to come to their hearts.

So, we are moving on to bring true sweet sleep to these tired and traumatized little ones. We face a challenge before us that is greater than ever. It is our ministry's responsibility and challenge to connect the message of God's hope, His love, grace, forgiveness, protection, provision and redemption, to the beds which we will provide. And, to equip those children with scripture that they can begin to learn and memorize which will enable them to push out the fear that grips them at night----the time the rebels come. If they can lie in their new beds and know they are loved and protected and then claim a verse reminding them of this knowledge, they can begin to have little victories over the fear that grips them. And, peace and hope and love can slowly come to their little hearts. This is why I desperately need your help.

The decision to spend 3 weeks in Gulu over Christmas was made very recently and last week I was in Haiti working on future ministry opportunities there. Now that I'm back I'm faced with a harsh calendar that tells me I only have a few weeks to raise the money we need for these children to have beds. My hope is you can help me find people who want to do something great this Christmas. We are providing 450 beds and need 320 more. A bed in Gulu consists of a straw mat, a mattress, sheets, blanket and a mosquito net, for a cost of $88. Of that, $8 is for a treated mosquito net to help prevent children from being bitten by a life-threatening mosquito infected with this disease......"

Sweet Sleep

This is what God requires of Jen. To minister to the orphans in Gulu. The above verse says, "Only Jen Gash is to free the oppressed......" Oh wait, nope. Don't see a specific name there. Huh? You guess that it means that you and I are supposed to be involved in feeding, clothing, sheltering..... the poor - the oppressed? Looks like it to me. So, what are you doing about all that?

I DO the very thing I DO NOT want to do!!!

2009-11-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

Romans 7:15-17 (New International Version)

I’ve walked most of my Christian life feeling like I’ve kinda got this Christian thing nailed down. I accepted Christ at age 9. I was a good teenage kid – very involved in my youth group. Went to a Christian college, married a pastor’s son. As an adult, I’ve gone to church regularly, led a women’s ministry and often teach Bible Studies. I stay away from “big” sins, I’m a good wife and good mom – I do devotions with my kids….

AND, I have recently realized that all of this that I’ve mentioned about myself has made me a member of an exclusive club. It’s a club called “Comfy Christianity”. I’m in a club that has tag lines and slogans such as “I’ll pray for you.” “I’m here if you need me.” And, “Bless your heart.”

Which in reality likely means:

1) As soon as you walk away from me, I’m going to forget your prayer request because first of all I’m just busy and secondly, I’ve got a ton of my own.

2) Please don’t need me – my plate is too full as it is.

3) And, too bad you are having a hard time right now. I hate to tell you this but, life is just great for me right now.

If you listened closely, you would recall that all these comments I just made have one thing in common. It ALL comes back to “me”.

Now, when I make those kinds of comments, “I’ll pray for you” and so on --- my brain is not going: Don’t pray for anyone else only think of yourself!!!! I don’t set out to have selfish intentions, but that is what they are. I think of what Paul says in Romans 7...I DO the very thing that I DO NOT want to do!

If I were not a Christian, I would still be a “good” person. IF Christ was not in my life – I would still not be a murder. I would not be robbing banks. I would still stay away from those “big” sins. I would be a decent wife and a good mom. In short, I would look like the rest of the world.

Aside from my car not being in my driveway on Sunday’s and Wednesday nights – can my neighbor see any other change in me?

You would have thought that after YEARS of Bible Study, I would have figured this out by now. I really feel like a total dummy. I've stayed at home since the birth of our daughter in 1999 - so no "witnessing" in the work place for me. My friends all go to church. And, it's a little difficult to share the Gospel with the world when you are always holed up in Bible Study.

Hummmm --- sure sounds like God Requires More.... Chew on Roman 7:15-17. I'll be posting what is "required" soon. Give you a hint - take a look at Micah 6:8:)

House Rules: Avoid Trouble

2009-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

"It is to a man's honor to avoid trouble." Proverbs 20:3

From a previous post, some of you have asked me about our other house rules, so I'm going to be sharing those with you. This verse is rule number 3: Avoid trouble/be a peacemaker

Oh man - we've had some "trouble" at our house! My oldest, who is 9, just got over her two weeks grounding. We've never grounded before so we wanted to make sure we did this first one right!! Two weeks - where basically the only thing she was allowed to do was eat, sleep and go to school --- plus added chores.

The thing is --- she did not avoid trouble, she choose to roll around in it! The history is this:

A little boy that has a crush on her (who has his own cell phone - which is VERY common at that age around here, but not for my 9 yr old --- story for another post) calls our house very frequently. He has already asked her to go to the movies, with his dad as chaperon. This is ACTUALLY the second boy that has called our house this year, 3rd grade, who has asked my daughter to the movies. She knows that 1) we don't have boyfriends at this age 2) we definitely don't go on "dates" at this age. To me, everything is settled - no boyfriend, no dates.

Let's fast forward a few days. Here's what happened next:

We were to meet some friends at a bounce/jumpy place for the kids to play. Saturday morning, the phone rings and it's this little boy for my daughter. The TV is loud and she's holding her ear - so she walks off into another room. She gets off the phone and starts the count down until we go to the jumpy place. When we arrive, she is super eager to get out of the car --- even wanting me to drop her off. I KNOW you can guess where this is headed!

Yep, I'm walking into the jumpy place and this stranger, a man, comes up to me and says, "Well, it looks like our little monkeys scheduled a play date." I think he is off his rocker and has me confused with someone else. I kinda grin an hurriedly walk on, but he keeps talking. Then, I realize that this man is the dad of the little boy that calls my house all the time. Savannah agreed not to go to the movies with this little boy (to avoid "trouble") - but she arranged a "date" at the jumpy place. If a cartoon artist had been watching this scene unfold - he would have had a blast drawing my reaction because I am CONFIDENT steam was coming out of my ears!

Savannah was terrified. She could not stop crying and I was trying to discern if it was true remorse OR the guilt of being caught! During her "woe as me - I'm not worthy to play here" attitude - the little boy's dad had scrammed (assuring me his son had a cell phone and could reach him if needed) and I was left with my three and an extra kid I'd never meet before. My words to Savannah were, "I'm glad that you don't feel like playing, because you shouldn't! But you drug (little boy) into this and you are not going to be mean to him now. You had better play long and hard today because this is the LAST time you are going to play anything for a LOOOONG time!!!"

Whew - the joys of parenting. And, I'm leaving out about 1,000 other things that went wrong that day in the parenting world! So, we will just leave it at that:)

Savannah DID NOT avoid trouble. She knew the rules. She knows right and wrong - and when we do right, we are honored in God's eyes. When we do wrong we are punished.

My thoughts for you today --- pray for your kids to AVOID TROUBLE and pray that IF they DO NOT avoid trouble --- that they get caught in their sin. I told a group of teenage girls last summer in a Bible Study I was teaching that I knew their parents and I knew that some of their parents where praying that they get caught in their sin. For the first time all night - every girl in the room paid attention.

But it's true - we can't put our heads in the sand. We need to be aware of sin and temptations in our OWN lives, as parents. We need to avoid trouble. We need to set boundaries for ourselves and our children in order to avoid trouble. Listen, I don't want to go off on a tangent here, but letting little kids go on "dates" is NOT cute. No wonder they have sex at 12, they are going on dates at 9! Most things in life are a progression. If you date at 9 you progress towards sex much quicker (I wish I could put my hands on the stats to prove it - they are somewhere around this house!). In so many ways, as parents, we are setting our kids up for trouble. And, we are not setting boundaries so that trouble can be avoided.

Remember Proverbs 20:3 - what can you do to 1) set up boundaries for yourself so that you can avoid trouble and 2) set up boundaries for your children ----- so maybe they won't be grounded for two weeks.

More House Rules next time.........

Intentional Relationships

2009-03-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Some of you might know that I recently went to Alaska to lead a Ladies Retreat. What an AWESOME experience! I was so honored to attend and God did amazing things. The ladies were wonderful:)

On my way there from Tennessee – I was able to have a layover in Seattle and spend some time with a precious friend. She was our youth pastor’s wife and they moved to Nashville back in 2003 to be on our church staff. And, about 6 months ago moved to Seattle to be church planters.
But, the day our church hired Greg as our Youth Pastor and we accepted him into our congregation - I did not immediately become best friends with Shelly, his wife. I met her. We were pleasant and said hello. Probably hugged, because I’m just a hugger that way. But we weren’t BFF’s! That took time. It took me calling her. She asking me to lunch. Me watching her children and vice versa. It was an intentional process. And now – with her moving; I can’t drop a note in her mailbox on my way to Target anymore --- she lived right by the best Target in town! But with our distance – we are still just as close as ever because we are determined to be intentional about our friendship.

Why can we be intentional about developing relationships with earthly friends? Yet, we have a Father in heaven, who sits on a throne – willing to give us the desires of our hearts (Ps. 37:4) and often we hardly give Him a second glance.

Our God is a God that can be known. He is a God that can be found. He is a God that wants to be close to us. That’s why He is called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” But He draws close to us as we draw close to Him (James 4:8).

God wants us to want Him. And after we have made Him our Savior - why do so many "Christians" just stop there? They may attend church occassionally --- or to me, I think worse yet --- attend every week, but their personal relatioship with Christ never deepens. The reality is - God WANTS us to want Him, but we don't. We don't WANT Him, plain and simple. We are not willing to be intentional in our relationship.

This deep and intimate relationship with God that we often "say" we desire and can’t live without – doesn’t just happen. It must be sought after, prayed for, nurtured, and treasured. And we must continually seek after, pray for, nurture and treasure it.

So, are you "saying" it OR are you "doing" it? Do you sit in church, week after week and think - "I wish I knew Christ more." OR are you seeking Him? Do you know where you Bible is? Have you prayed today?

Since I got back from Alaska, I must say Guilty As Charged!! I got in at 1AM on a Monday and jumped right back into life. I had a week of more speaking, meetings, school, church and sports activites awaiting me. It's taken a few days to get back into the swing of really studying His Word.

It's not easy. I'm a Bible teacher for heaven's sake and it's not easy for me --- so no finger pointing on this end! I'm just wanting you to think about your motives - your thoughts and actions. It's one thing to say, "I need to loose weight." It's another to change your diet and exercise.

Don't loose heart. If your Bible's gotten a little dusty - just make today the day you dust it off. No matter how long it's been --- if we call to Him, He will answer. I know that I could use some insight on some "great and mighty things". How about you?

The Church Needs The Orphan

2009-02-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them." Psalm 12:5

I'm not sure what the Lord is trying to tell me..... Well, I know what He is trying to tell me. He's telling me to get off my "bum" and help the needy!!!! But, for years I've been praying, "To what degree are You calling me and my family to 'help'?" And that's all I've done - just prayed and sat here on my "bum" waiting for Him to put a Neon Sign over my head with specific instructions.

I've been convicted over the years that God's Word SPECIFICALLY states that it is the responsibility of Christians (the church) to help the oppressed and the orphan. My heart has ached for underprivileged children since I was a teenager. I make jokes about how I will NEVER be able to take a mission trip for fear of not be able to minister to anyone because all I will do is 1) cry and 2) try to cram as many kids as I can into my duffel bag to take home with me!!

I have a precious quote from a "blogger" friend of mine named Lorie. I feel that we share the same heart in Spirit --- but she has adopted several children from overseas. Please read her words about the orphan and the church as she talk about her sweet daughter, Grace.

"I look at those pitiful pictures of an emaciated baby who was abandoned.... I can hardly believe it's my Grace. So many people see those old pictures and say, Oh how lucky she is to have you all as a family. The opposite is really the truth. We needed Grace- perhaps more than she needed us.

That's the strange thing about orphans that I don't think most Christians, or churches, understand. Yes, the orphan needs the church-- no doubt. But, the church needs the orphan. With our high-tech worship services and our multi-million dollar worship centers, the church needs to remember where they came from... we were all orphaned once.

The church needs the orphan... perhaps more than the orphan needs the church. Think about it...."

WOW - what a wonderful thought that she has challenged us (me!) with:) So, the question is: what are we doing? Are you sitting on your "bum" like I have been?

My ministry Speaking Thru Me, has recently partnered with Compassion International and I'm finally stepping out into action and sponsoring a child. Her name is Rachael, she lives in an Aids infected area in Kenya. She's only four years old --- and a smile that would light up a room.

Part of me says --- but this is only 1! Am I making a difference over 1? Matthew 25:40 says, “Whatever you have done unto one of the least of these, my brothers, you have done it to Me.”

My friend Lorie would answer, "So, does saving one child really matter in the big picture? After all, there are 145 million orphans worldwide. Saving one doesn’t even put a dent in that statistic. But, my God is not a God of statistics. He is personal and He is close to the poor and the orphaned. So close in fact, that He actually becomes the poor when we minister to them. Look again at Matthew 25:40. “Whatever you have done unto one….” Yes, one does matter."

I have listed various opportunities for you to pray about how God would lead you to save, just one.

http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=98442

http://www.freshair.org/

http://www.holtinternational.org/

http://worldorphans.com/

Are You A Joy?

2009-02-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden." Hebrews 13:7

We have very few rules at our house. As a matter of fact - I only have 5 written on the side of our refrigerator door. Instead of a long list of: don't hit, don't run, don't color on the walls, don't sit on the dog, don't lick your dad's glasses (yes - I have had to literally say the last two "do not's" to my son!) don't..... whatever the case may be, I've tried to focus on the heart issues.

One of those issues and rule number 4 is Be Respectful. Under Be Respectful I have the above verse listed (for each short rule I have one related verse).

Well, this verse has been written and said MANY times in the last few weeks at our house. My oldest daughter is really struggling with immediate obedience and respecting authority. I guess a pet-peeve of mine is someone rolling their eyes. Even if I see another child do that it takes everything in me to not shout, "Excuse me?".

But, I'm learning that I need to make this verse into a prayer and not just something that I make Savannah write 20 times for poor behavior so that it will sink into her brain! I want this to sink into her heart. AND --- why do I always tend to think - "Oh, this verse is for the kids." Isn't it for me, too? Am I a joy? YIKES! A lot of times --- no, I'm not.

I've always had the fear that one of my children would be the dreaded child of his/her class. You know - the one where if that particular child is absent the teacher does a little happy dance. Maybe you were that child once --- maybe you have one now and you know it! Even worse, maybe you don't know it!! Maybe you are a teacher who did the happy dance this week. Or, maybe you are a Mom with a list of rules for your kids that you don't always follow yourself.

So, let's do a heart check together. Are you (not your kids) - you, are you a joy? When you go to work are others glad to see you? Do you give your supervisor lip on occasion or possibly roll your eyes? Are you quick to obey those in authority over you? Are you quick to obey God?

Yes - this verse is a great verse for our kids. But first, let's pray this for ourselves so that our kids can see us live this our first hand.

Have You Gotten Your Hands Dirty?

2009-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

On our pantry door in the kitchen we have two large dry erase calendars. For the month of January - as odd as this sounds, I was too busy to even stop and fill it out!! Which - was not good, I was a mess all month! So, last week I made it a point to stop and fill out the calendar for Feb., March and even part of April.

The Lord has blessed me with many speaking opportunities between now and April (in addition to teaching opportunities at my own church) and my older daughter noticed my schedule. She asked me, "Mom, are you a missionary?" I said, "Why do you ask that?" She replied, "Well, I saw your calendar and you sure are going a lot of places to tell people about Jesus." I thought for a moment and said, "I never thought about it that way, but I guess I am." Which led us to a discussion of how you don't have to live in Africa to be a missionary or be a witness for Christ.

But to be honest with you --- it's really easy for me to travel, stand in front of tons of people I don't know and proclaim Christ. I love it --- and I really prefer it! You see, when the rubber hits the road - I am ashamed of the gospel.

What??? You might be thinking! How can you be ashamed, especially when you are teaching it??? Well, the answer to that is this: I don't like to get my hands dirty. It's easy for me to teach to 100's of people from a distance, BUT to develop a relationship with someone who is not a Christian or who is not living a lifestyle for Christ or who has a background of drugs or who has difficult family circumstances ---- to have get to know the good, the bad and the ugly that comes along with relationships - I don't want to get my hands dirty. I can write you a check - but I don't want to know you.

Sound harsh? It is - and it's not pretty, but if I told you anything different it would just be a lie!

Thank the LORD, he brought this attitude of the heart to my attention. And - as I have been praying for opportunities to minister, to get my hands dirty, He has been faithful to provide. They have all been baby steps for me (kinda like I mentioned in my Perfectionist post). Here is a quick examples:

At Christmas time - one of our staff asked my if our new "Newly Married" Sunday School Class that my husband and I teach would be willing to help a family in need. Well - who doesn't want to help a family in need at Christmas! So I said, of course;) I intended to go back to the class, take up money, get a few gifts and call it quits. After all - isn't that what we all do at Christmas? Do the majority of people REALLY get to know the family they are ministering too?

Our staff had other plans --- before even collecting the first dime, Russ and I were to go over and visit the family. So - we squeezed it in our schedule some how all the while I was still looking at this as something to scratch off my "to do" list.

We met a Great Aunt and Great Uncle who were raising four children. The kids ranged in ages from 5 - 12 years old. The oldest - a boy, immediately became Russ' best friend. The girls drug me all over the house showing me things. These kids were starving for some extra attention. Their Great Aunt and Uncle love them and are doing the best they can --- but they have a hard life. By the time we left - I was moved to tears and couldn't believe that I had been so reluctant to visit. We invited them to church and they came! Not only did they come - but Russ and I have acquired 4 new kids to sit with at church. We've picked them up from class, we've gone to their ball games --- we look forward to seeing them each week.

Sometimes when I'm sitting with them in church - I try to hold back the tears, but I can't (I'm sure the kids think I'm crazy). I just want to "fix" them! All their hurts, all their confusion, all their finances --- I just want it fixed. I can't "fix" them, but I can offer them salvation through Christ.

I am just the missionary called to not be ashamed of the gospel. And to share His love with every hug, with every high five and in every conversation. Ultimately, this family is His. And, I will praise Him and thank Him for this very spacial opportunity to get outside my comfort zone and get my hands dirty.

Purse Winner

2009-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Stacey Preston! She is the winner of the Purse Give Away:)

You can check out her personal blog at http://hgpreston.blogspot.com/

For The Life Of Your Little Ones

2009-01-28T21:10:00.001-08:00

******** Don’t forget! You can still sign up for my PURSE GIVEAWAY

on Monday, Feb. 2. Comment, e-mail or facebook me about my blog or ministry and have your name entered!*******

“Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord; lift up your hands to Him for the life of your little ones.” Lamentations 2:19

Well, I did it! I took my “baby steps” on perfectionism and I DID NOT purchase Jamison an “I’m the Birthday Boy” shirt for his party on Monday night. I did not even put him in a polo, button down or anything that was really even nice for that matter! I let him wear one of his favorite sweat suits. YES – a sweat suit! Surprisingly, the world did not stop spinning.

You know ---- I spend a lot of time stressing about my kids. And, most of the time over silly things. Think like - how Jamison will look for his birthday party. And, sometimes over medium silly things like - is Savannah really prepared for her Science test? And, occasionally serious things like – is Cassidy ready to make her decision to follow Christ?

But, until recently – I spent more time stressing and less time praying. I LOVE the verse above – how beautiful is that??!! I have it posted right here in front of my computer on my desk. It serves as a reminder for me to stop stressing and start praying. You would think that common “Christian” sense would make you know to pray for your kids – specifically and often. But, I must say guilty as charged on that one sometimes! I have to especially work at the specific part. I told my Ladies Ministry Team at church recently that I am the queen of blanket prayers. Do you know what that means? Saying things like, “Father, forgive me for all my sins.” Or “Lord, be with my children today.” Just saying simple things --- and not putting forth the effort to get down to the nitty gritty.

This is an area that I have been trying to work on for some time now. I have in NO WAY arrived, but I can tell a change not only in the relationship with my children – but also in my relationship with Christ.

Two things that I pray specifically for is that: 1) our children will have a LOVE for the Lord and His Word and 2) our children will be obedient to God’s call in their life and serve Him in ministry. Now – you can be a nurse and still serve Him in ministry. What a calling! You don’t have to be a missionary in Africa to be in ministry. BUT – I want my children to understand that whatever job God has called them to – it is a ministry. Something that God uniquely designed only for them to do for His glory.

I also say a prayer for me as a parent that I will see how He is molding my children and also be obedient to encourage them in their calling. For example, Jamison loves his Bible. He hugs it, holds it and even asks to sleep with it! Well, at first I thought about how the pages might rip if he sleeps with it. Or if he leaves it laying out the dog could chew the corners! This was his baby dedication Bible and I don't really want it torn to shreds!!! But then, God had me to look at this situation in terms of "eternity". If I restrict Jamison from using his Bible and say that's only for Sunday --- what am I teaching him? Is it that big of a deal if a Bible is tattered and worn?? No! I think God knows that that kind of Bible is really the best kind. One that is used. One with the pages taped together. One with scribbles on the pages from a toddler who wants to read and write in their Bible like they see their Mommy and Daddy do. I've decided that that kind of Bible --- it is a keeper far better than one in perfect condition.

Inside I laugh at how I can see Savannah as a missionary to China, Cassidy adopting 10 kids and Jamison being a preacher (and I have the photo to show for!). Only time will tell where God leads them, but I can’t wait to share with them how I poured out my heart, like water before the presence of the Lord; lifting my hands to Him for the choices they will make.

Perfectionism

2009-01-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Well gang! It's been a long time, huh? Thanks for you "faithfuls" who have patiently awaited my return:) But, during this time away - I have learned something about myself that I want to talk about today.

I spoke at a church back before Christmas about Perfectionism. I had never given it much thought - but, because my house is NOT spotless, I'm terribly unorganized and given the fact that I am confident that I WILL be late for my own funeral --- I never thought that I was a perfectionist.

It was during this time of study that I learned a new term: Selective Perfectionism. That means that we pretty much pick and choose, we select, the areas where we are a perfectionist. We may not live at the gym and drink Soy milk, but our house is obsessively spotless. We might spend an outrageous amount on dressing ourselves and our children but we can never found our car keys (no matter how many cute baskets we purchase to hold them in!).

I also discovered that perfectionist are always thinking how nothing is as good as it could have been. We think back on what wasn’t good enough and tend to see only how things are wrong and forget what is right. It’s very tempting for a perfectionist to lay in bed at night and think about what they didn’t get done --- instead of what they did accomplish.

Not very far into my message that I was preparing to share with others --- I realized that perfectionism had a hold on my own life. My areas of weakness are the appearance of my family and myself and this blog! Hang on, and let me explain.

It is my belief that my girls should ALWAYS have a hair bow. At 7AM on Christmas morning I'm sticking a hair bow in the girls hair before one picture can be taken! My kids should also ALWAYS match while on vacation. When I speak - I always have a suit jacket with matching accessories (thanks for the grace Knoxville when I couldn't find my earrings!!). Birthday parties are ALWAYS to be extravagant adventures for children and the very reason that Party City loves me!!!

I've read that “Perfectionist take great pains and give them to others.” That perfectly describes me in the above scenarios:( Would Christmas really never be the same if I didn't cram in a hair bow? Do other vacationers in Disney really stop to look at my well dressed kids? Of course not!! And, guess what -- the ladies in Knoxville didn't pass out because I couldn't find my earrings.

You see, there is obviously nothing wrong with wanting my girls to wear a hair bow. However, there is something wrong when “it” – your particular area of perfectionism ---- when you feel that “it” defines your worth. When the way my kids look suddenly defines the way that I find value as a person ---- then, we have a problem!

I've also learned that perfectionism can cause you to have a type of paralysis. For example – if I can’t do the perfect dinner party, why have anyone over at all. If the house will get wreck in 10 minutes – why pick up a thing. If my medication says, causes weight gain then why exercise? We can develop the attitude of, “If it can’t be perfect – then I just won’t do it.” This is where I have been with my blog.

I LOVE to write. I LOVE to share what God is doing in the small things in my life --- but I was getting so stressed out because I didn't feel that it could be "perfect" - so I just stopped. I didn't like my old design - it wasn't "me", then I wouldn't have time to really say what I wanted to say.... and the excuses would just keep coming.

Do you see yourself in any of the areas above? Are you over-doing it in some (like me with the kids) and under-doing in others (like me with my blog)?

The above scripture says that we can not earn our salvation. God knows that we are not perfect, so He offers it to us as a gift. So, let's stop trying to pretend like we are perfect! We do not have to earn our worth in Christ.

Let's take some baby steps together. My Son's birthday party is Monday night and it is killing me NOT to get him a new birthday shirt. The truth is - the little rascal has hardly grown since last year and if it is that important to me that he have on a shirt declaring it's his birthday --- then he can wear the old one!! See, silly to most - but baby steps for me! And, how about with my blog. Instead of feeling pressure to write a novel every day of the week --- how about being more realistic with just one or two posts a week.

Let me know how it's going for your! And, of course --- since I've spilled the beans on my personal life - I have ALL of you to keep me accountable.

My Inheritance

2009-01-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

In August of 2008, I attended a Beth Moore Living Proof Live conference. These are my notes from what I heard during that time. These 8 points are very important to understanding who we are in Christ. As a believer, Your Father is a King, and YES – you are an heir. Even if you are a Hillbilly one!

1) I am an heir of God – My life is not left to chance.
God works through natural events as well as the supernatural; fate has no control.
Esther 4:14, “If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father's house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this."

2) I am an heir of God – I am inheriting a kingdom.
We will “live” in eternity. We will “live” in a literal place – a kingdom.
Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”

3) I am an heir of God – He is my portion and I am His.
God’s treasured possession is people. Your God considers you wealth and value beyond silver and gold. His own people are His inheritance.
Deuteronomy 4:20 “But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you now are.”

4) I am an heir of God – The down payment has been made.
God’s inheritance trumps anything else that you’ve inherited. Don’t just use your past as an excuse. You can do all things through Christ ---- You can be set free.

5) I am an heir of God – My boundary lines form a pleasing place.
Think about your life as land with boundaries. Your Faith should be the capitol city. Surrounding your faith are things like: intimacy with God, life experiences, your past and your giftings.
Ephesians 4:27 “and do not give the devil a foothold.” Where is the enemy standing on your land?

6) I am an heir of God – The will has been activated.
In order for a will to be activated, someone has to die.
Galatians 4:1- 7; Hebrews 9:15 -17

7) I am an heir of God – I can be secure.
Our security should be found in Christ --- not in the affirmation of others. If we need a “pat on the back” from someone, then we have put that person in Christ’s place.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This is one of my favorite “Beth Moore” lines of all time – “If you are constantly saying, ‘Woe is me – I just live a the church.’ Well then, go home. Don’t look for martyrdom in your stress!”

8) I am an heir of God – I have a beautiful inheritance.
II Timothy 4: 7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” When you are in a “fight” or a “race” - you don’t finish with a powdered face and your lipstick on! No – you are sweaty, dirty and most likely bruised or even bleeding. But our fight is beautiful to our Lord. Isaiah 61:3 says that He will “…bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of HIS splendor.” 61:7 “Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance’; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.”

Are You An Heiress

2009-01-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

How to Become an Heir of Christ

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Roman 3:23

Several years ago I took a discipleship class about learning to share your faith. So, of course - during the course of the class we were to go out and share our faith and put to practice what we were learning. The first question we were encouraged to ask the people we met was this, "What do you think that a person must do to go to heaven?" Many times people would say - "I just need to be a good person." They would continue by letting me know that they thought they were "good". The people I talked to would claim to be "good" parents, friends, and neighbors. They would tell me a lot of what they didn't do, such as steal, do drugs and so on.

But the verse above reminds me of my contrast with God. In regards to salvation, this verse is making us aware of how we are ALL SINNERS - we were not born "good", and we do not become "good".

You know, if a doctor suddenly announced to us in an exciting voice that he had a cure for the Paraguayan Flu, would we really care about it? In order for his discovery to impress us so deeply that we would seek a vaccination, the doctor would first need to prove to us the terrible dangers facing us of the unknown virus. People will not seek a cure until they know they are ill. Our illness is sin, and our cure is salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 9:12, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

So I've mentioned how we can not get to heaven by being "good", but did you know that you don't go to hell just because you are bad? Do I have your attention now??? People go to hell because they reject Christ, and they go to heaven because they accept the free gift of eternal life.

Read this scripture, John 3:16-21 and then we will talk about it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Look again at the part I've put in BOLD. The Bible does not say that he was condemned because he got drunk, or because he committed adultery, gambled, or even murdered. He was condemned because he did not believe in Christ. Listen, Jesus' blood on the cross atoned for all those sins. And Christ CAN and HAS and WILL forgive them. However, hear me on this ---- far worse than gambling, adultery, or murder - is rejecting Christ. Matthew 12:31-32 "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven."

Someone reading this needs to hear right now that Christ died for you. As crazy as that sounds in our selfish world - it is true. I will never forgot when "Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson was out and my heart broke one night watching TV. I was watching a show called "Politically Incorrect with Bill Marh". You can tell that Bill Marh has some head knowledge of the Bible and he was debating with those on his show that night about the accuracy of the film. Bill had seen the movie. He had read the scriptures that related to the movie. BUT, he said this - "I see the passion Mel Gibson has for this film and I'm moved by how he truly believes what he created on film is the true Gospel. But, I can not image that someone, who doesn't even know me - would ever die for me, a sinner. That is incomprehensible." My eyes just filled with tears and I prayed for Bill Marh that very moment. He was so close to believing, but could just not understand the truth of God's love. John 4:10 "This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

So, now what? Did you know that Satan believes in God. It is not enough for us to believe that God exists. Since we are a "Christian Nation", most Americans believe themselves to be "Christians" because they live in America! I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Are you needing to do that today? Confess with your mouth your sins and ask God to forgive you? I've had the need to write about salvation on my heart for some time - and I couldn't put it off any longer. If you have more questions OR make this decision - please contact me. If you aren't even sure what to pray - I have a prayer below that you can pray. I would love to know if you prayed this prayer and send you some resources to encourage you in your walk with God. I hope to hear from you soon:)

"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I have been a sinner from birth and there is no good thing in me. But God today, right now - I am believing Your Word, the Bible. I want to confess my sins to You and ask You to forgive me. I know that You died on the cross for me. And, I want to accept the free gift that You want to give me, which is the gift of eternal life. God I want to know more of You while on this earth. And, I want to spend eternity with You in heaven. Amen."

From Hillbilly To Heiress

2009-01-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

From Hillbilly to Heiress
"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."

Psalms 16:5-6

For those who don't know - I went to the Beth Moore Conference in San Antonio, TX and I am over loaded with information and could write for days, but I promise - I will not!

Before leaving for my trip I was pretty bummed. My ministry partner, Leigh Gray, had nearly broken both ankles just a few days before she was to drive to my house so that we could fly out together and head to Texas. But, that's a little hard to do when both of your feet are in boots! You see -- we just knew that God was going to tell us great and mighty things about ourselves and ministry as we worshiped and prayed together during the course of the weekend. Now, she wasn't coming.

So - thankfully, I had two other ladies on our ministry teams going to the same conference. I had talked to them by phone, e-mail, heard their messages on tape, etc.... but NEVER officially met them. Also, right before leaving - I recognized a name on a list of ladies attending a special event offered during the course of the conference. Ends up - it was a Mom I know from Nashville. So long story short here (this isn't my main message for today) ---- God worked out all the details. I left Nashville not really knowing a soul and came back with a slew of new friends!!

OK - now for the main thing ---- the point is, I was determined that I was going to hear from God this weekend. I mean I wanted the Alamo Dome to part wide open and have rays of sun light shining down on me with angels singing and my face glowing like Moses in the Old Testament!

Beth's message was right on. I took pages, upon pages of notes. And I can't wait to share what I've learned with all my "peeps". It was GREAT stuff and Beth was very anointed and profound in her speaking.
But, for me - the Alamo Dome didn't open. The rays of sun didn't fall on me. And I was definitely not glowing. As a matter of fact - I was caught blocks away from the hotel when a rain storm hit and have never been so soaked in my life --- we are talking wringing your clothes out bone chilling soaked.

Nope. Instead, I heard the Lord say these words to me. "You are a Hillbilly Heiress." WHAT! Does the Lord even use the word Hillbilly in His vocabulary?! That is nuts --- I have no doubts that you are agreeing with me at this point. As strange as I thought it was - it kept coming back to me.

You see, Beth's theme was that "we" are an "Heiress of God." She had 8 points and they all started with "I am an Heir of God ........." and then another point would be stated. She laid the foundation for this on Friday night and then hit the ground running on Saturday with two sessions. Very early into the first session on Saturday, she talked about our past and how God's inheritance trumps anything else that we've inherited. This got me thinking .......

My family has no literal inheritance. I lived in a trailer park in Tennessee when I was young. I remember taking a bath in a tin tub in the front yard at my grandparents house --- they also had an out house! I remember at Russ' first Thanksgiving with my family, my relatives just busted out the instruments (including a canjo -- that is a literal can of food that has been turned into a musical instrument) and started sangin'. No,that is not a typo - they seriously talk that country. So --- they do not sing - they sang. At that time they were in a gospel "sangin' group". Russ also learned other vocabulary words he had never heard that weekend!!! I come from a line of Lilly Mae's and Clementine's. Until this weekend I was aware of all of this about my family, but never realized one thing. Yes, it is true - I am a Hillbilly.

You see - in my talking with God during the weekend (in addition to begging Him to part the skies for me to receive "my Word") --- I asked Him for a title. A title for my blog or for my book that would be cute, catchy and draw ladies in so that they could learn about Him. He was so faithful this weekend. He didn't speak to me the way I wanted Him too, but He spoke to me in the way I needed Him to. Soft and gently - very casually during the course of my day.

When I got back and was sharing everything with Leigh about the conference, she said to me, "You know, I've learned that conferences are great. But I don't need to go to a big conference to hear from God." AMEN! And I think that precious Beth Moore would agree with that. YES - God moved at her conference. AND, I'm confident that for someone there --- the Alamo Dome did part and the rays came down and the whole nine yards! But, not for me – this time. And that's OK. God desires a personal relationship where we can talk daily - just not one powerful time. And a relationship where He can be a little funny and say words like Hillbilly!!

So, ---- it looks like I'm on my way as being known as the Hillbilly Heiress from Tennessee. Sharing how God can take anyone and forgive their sins, give them worth and make them an Heir (even if they’ve used an out house and taken a bath in a tin tube in the front yard!).

Earthly Knowledge and Godly Wisdom

2008-09-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10

Yes - I've taken yet another LONG blogging break. And - AGAIN, much to my personal dismay. Since I've helped in starting Speaking Thru Me Ministries, I have managed to go through two, yes two laptops. My ministry partner was so gracious to help me out in getting my last one (just a few months ago) and somehow I've managed to do something to it that only I could do!!! So - I've been computer less AGAIN. Please pray that that will change ASAP! I need to write!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK - very quickly before hubby needs this computer to get back to work!

Sometimes for my alone time with God - if I'm in between Bible Study's, I will turn to the book of Psalms. I usually look at the date or time and then turn to a passage in Psalms that relates. For example, the girls started school on August, 11. So, I decided to turn to Psalms 11 and 111. That morning the above verse really spoke to me.

You see, here I was sending off my girls (Cassidy for the first time! She just started Kindergarten.) to gain all of this earthly knowledge and wisdom so that they can "make it in this world". With Cassidy's anxiety and depression I was VERY nervous wondering, "Will she be able to learn??" And, with Savannah - I was also rather stressed because I have always heard how hard 3rd grade can be. She can put a lot of pressure on herself for a kid - she wants to be the best at EVERYTHING and I could see us having many meltdowns over multiplication and cursive writing (new skills for a third grader!).

But God's Word, as ALWAYS, is so faithful. What a wonderful reminder I needed that morning that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, ALL who follow his precepts have GOOD UNDERSTANDING."

Yes - earthly knowledge is important and I'm not some nut that's going to pull my kids of out school because they are learning "earthly concepts", but boy! What a great way to look at things --- we could have all the knowledge in this world, but what does that matter? Yes, I want my kids to do their best in school - but is that all that's important? How are your kids, as young as they may be, understanding Goldy precepts? Are you teaching them Godly precepts? Is earthly knowledge, A's & B's, more important in your family than learning the ways of God?

I remember when Savannah was a baby having the make myself say, "Look at the trees God made." It seemed so weird to be honest! It was like Satan didn't even want me to get the words out! I mean, here I am with a newborn talking out loud about God and His creation!! However, I praise Him that over time it did get easier.

If this is a new concept to you, I encourage you to just start small. It will be weird, no doubt about it. But as you continue to share the things of God with your child(ren), you will see not just them - but you too - grow in understanding if His precepts!

Here's the first day of school. How do you like those pearls???

From Hillbilly to Heiress

2008-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."

Psalms 16:5-6

It's so good to get back to writing! I've missed it these last few days. For those who don't know - I went to the Beth Moore Conference in San Antonio, TX last week. I am over loaded with information and could write for days, but I promise - I will not! However, I'm sure I will be referencing the conference in my posts for days to come:)

Before leaving for my trip I was pretty bummed. My ministry partner, Leigh had nearly broken both ankles on Monday and she was to drive to my house on Thursday and us fly out to San Antonio on Friday. But, that's a little hard to do when both of your feet are in boots! (you will have to go to her blog and see the pics she has of her feet - YIKES!) You see -- we just knew that God was going to tell us great and mighty things about ourselves and ministry as we worshiped and prayed together during the course of the weekend. Now, she wasn't coming.

So - thankfully, I had two other ladies on our ministry teams going to the same conference. I had talked to them by phone, e-mail, heard their messages on tape, etc.... but NEVER officially met them. Also, right before leaving - I recognized a name on a list of ladies attending a special event offered during the course of the conference. Ends up - it was a Mom I know from Nashville. So long story short here (this isn't my main message for today) ---- God worked out all the details. I left Nashville not really knowing a soul and came back with a slew of new friends!!

OK - now for the main thing ---- the point is, I was determined that I was going to hear from God this weekend. I mean I wanted the Alamo Dome to part wide open and have rays of sun light shining down on me with angels singing and my face glowing like Moses in the Old Testament!

Beth's message was right on. I took pages, upon pages of notes. And I can't wait to share what I've learned with all my "peeps" (Beth, Amanda, Melissa - I said that just for you - ha!). Seriously, I've already called several girlfriends back home and we have gone over note by note what was shared at the conference. It was GREAT stuff and Beth was very anointed and profound in her speaking.

But, for me - the Alamo Dome didn't open. The rays on sun didn't fall on me. And I was definitely not glowing. As a matter of fact - I was caught blocks away from the hotel when a rain storm hit and have never been so soaked in my life --- we are talking wringing your clothes out bone chilling soaked.

Nope. Instead, I heard the Lord say these words to me. "You are a Hillbilly Heiress." WHAT! Does the Lord even use the word Hillbilly in His vocabulary?! That is nuts --- I have no doubts that you are agreeing with me at this point. As strange as I thought it was - it kept coming back to me.

You see, Beth's theme was that "we" are an "Heiress of God." She had 8 points and they all started with "I am an Heir of God ........." and then another point would be stated. She laid the foundation for this on Friday night and then hit the ground running on Saturday with two sessions. Very early into the first session on Saturday, she talked about our past and how God's inheritance trumps anything else that we've inherited. This got me thinking .......

My family has no literal inheritance. I lived in a trailer park in Tennessee when I was young. I remember taking a bath in a tin tub in the front yard at my grandparents house --- they also had an out house! I remember at Russ' first Thanksgiving with my family, my relatives just busted out the instruments (including a canjo -- that is a literal can of food that has been turned into a musical instrument) and started sangin'. No,that is not a typo - they seriously talk that country. So --- they do not sing - they sang. At that time they were in a gospel "sangin' group". Russ also learned other vocabulary words he had never heard in his life that weekend!!! I come from a line of Lilly Mae's and Clementine's. Until this weekend I was aware of all of this about my family, but never realized one thing. Yes, it is true - I am a Hillbilly.

You see - in my talking with God during the weekend (in addition to begging Him to part the skies for me to receive "my Word") --- I asked Him for a title. A title for my blog or for my book that would be cute, catchy and draw ladies in so that they could learn about Him. He was so faithful this weekend. He didn't speak to me the way I wanted Him too, but He spoke to me in the way I needed Him to. Soft and gently - very casually during the course of my day.

When I got back and was sharing everything with Leigh about the conference, she said to me .... "You know, I've learned that conferences are great. But I don't need to go to a big conference to hear from God." AMEN! And I think that precious Beth Moore would agree with that. YES - God moved at her conference. AND, I'm confident that for someone there --- the Alamo Dome did part and the rays came down and the whole nine yards! But, not for me. And that's OK. God desires a personal relationship where we can talk daily - just not one powerful time. And a relationship where He can be a little funny and say words like Hillbilly!!

So, with ALL OF THIS long post being said ---- it looks like I'm on my way as being known as the Hillbilly Heiress from Tennessee. Sharing how God can take anyone and forgive their sins, give them worth and make them an Heir.

In The World But Not Of The World

2008-08-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

I John 2:15

So, as a parent --- how in the world do you guide your kids in living in this world, but not loving the world??? They are surround by various media's making suggestions to them on how to dress, think and feel.

Now - I am NO EXPERT! For heaven's sake, my oldest is only 8! But, I really feel that this is where every family has to hash out with God what kind of boundaries to set for their children. The Bible gives us clear directions regarding right and wrong. However, how do we handle "gray" areas? Like TV for example. Is the "TV" sin? No, it's just an object. Is owning a TV sin? Is watching TV sin? It depends on how the TV is used. Are sinful things shown on TV? YES!!!!! So, for my family. We do not allow a TV in our kids rooms. Yes, would could use the parental controls and all that stuff which is great - but we just aren't even going to go that route. We watch TV shows as a family.

One show we watched for the first time last season was American Idol. My oldest, Savannah REALLY got into it! She loved the horrible singers and would latch on quickly to several favorites. We had a great time watching this together.

So, when tickets for the concert went on sale ---- I thought what a fun family trip! Well, the closest concert was about 3 hours away from here and luckily - it was on a weekend. I got some details worked out and purchased our tickets.

We didn't tell the girls until Friday and the concert was on Saturday. Friday morning we told Cassidy. Then, Russ went all out and made a scavenger hunt for Savannah with a little help from Cassidy. When Savannah came home from school it started with a trip to the mail box, then all around the house and yard and ended up finding her "surprise" in a treasure box. It was all very cute!

So - after lots of screaming and a little packing we were off to a concert. By doing that - does that mean that we love the world? Well, let me say this......

On Monday, it was Savannah's turn to take something to school to tell about "her". She didn't bring anything about American Idol --- you know what she packed? Her prayer journal. She did this all on her own, without any suggestions from me.

Yes, it's possible to raise children to live in the world, but LOVE the things of God.

Enjoy our concert pics!

Savannah holding up her last clue

Savannah, Cassidy and Savannah's BF, Makenzie, at the concert

Jason

Brooke White

Christy Cook, Cassidy's favorite -- singing one of Cassidy's favorites - "God Bless the USA"

Cassidy's personality doesn't show much excitement (God gave her portion to her sister!), but would wave to the "Idols" once in a while

Carly

David A.

Savannah seeing her personal favorite, David Cook, for the first time (my response was similar ------ it's OK - Russ is aware!)

David Cook!!!! We were about 20 rows from the stage and dead center:)

More David Cook

And more David Cook

And one happy family:)

The Oppressed, The Orphan and The Widow

2008-08-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

Deuteronomy 10:18

When I was only 14 years old I went on a Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA. That one trip forever changed my life. I worked in a project area with kids who were afraid to go home. They talked freely about the gun fire and various family members who had been killed. During that week I met a 12 year old who was pregnant and I also held a "crack baby" in my arms. This baby was nearly 2 years old, but was still very much like an infant. I made two special friends, Jamal who was about 3 and then Devon who was 8. I have some great pictures of that trip. And still have some of the letters that Devon wrote to me after leaving. On our last day - so many of the kids we met were begging us to take them home. When I say begging - I'm talking about crying, screaming at the top of their lungs holding on to your leg kind of begging. Some of the kids kept trying to get on our bus and hide down in the seats or in the luggage area under the bus. I cried from New Orleans, LA all the way home to Cleveland, TN. To this day, I still tear up thinking about all I experienced.

After that experience, I've taken many mission trips and continued working with kids in project areas up until I was pregnant with my first child. My heart has always been tender to children, especially those who are born in poverty areas and without much hope. Believe me - Russ does not want me to take any more Mission Trips for fear of us needing to purchase a second mini-van to hold all the kids I would likely bring home!!

During the last few years, I have been connected with many people who have adopted. Their stories vary, but almost always come back to these statements: 1) We are all orphans, by His grace, Christ adopted us into His family. I felt His calling to extend that grace by adopting a child. 2) Christ says that we are to defend and feed the fatherless - He has called my family to live that out.

My heart is breaking today for two special friends. Both have other children, but were feeling called to adopt. Near the ending point - both adoptions have fallen through. One from Russia. The other twins from Liberia. You can read about Lori's story regarding her twins at her blog http://lorienewmanblog.typepad.com/perfumedpresent/.

I can not image the devastation. Just recently, I've wanted to work with Compassion International and "adopt a child" where you pay X amount a month to help feed them and get them items they need. It was so hard to look at all those children and pick one. But one stood out above all others. As I continued to pray - I went back a few days later excited to her adopt her. Her picture was gone. Had someone else adopted her? Had something terrible happened to her??? I couldn't believe it! That was my child --- who in the world took her and what happened??? As I've continued to review the sight - I'm again, overwhelmed by the great need of these children, but "my child" is not standing out this time. And every time I look, I say a prayer for little Doreen from Uganda and continue to sort over which child to pick now. But with so many children - does one really matter? Do you think that "one" matters to Christ? Yes, "one" does matter. And, I can't wait to help make a difference in the life of just "one".

I can no way compare my situation with what has happened to these other families. But in Lorie's story - she mentions how she truly felt God leading her to these twins. It was no mistake. So why did the adoption not work out? Little details like that will not be answered on this earth. All Lorie knows now is that she will forever be praying for two little twins in Liberia and she will continue the search for the child God wants to bring to their home.

We are not all called to literally adopt children into our families, just as we are not all called to have widow/widower move into our homes (like a parent or in law). But, as a Christian we are to do our part. I'm amazed at how many references in scripture talk about how "we" are to take care of the orphan and the widow. Ps. 10:14, Ps. 68:5, Ps. 146:9, Is. 1:17, Jer. 22:3 -- just as some examples.

My father in law passed away last November. Every time we got out to eat with my mother in law, my husband pays for her meal. It's not a huge thing, but it's one way that my family can "care for the widow".

So what are you doing about the scripture listed above to be a "defender"? Have you asked God what should be your role in caring for the oppressed, the orphan and the widow? If you ask - I have no doubts that he will tell you. Then, let me know. I can't wait to hear from you!

Think BIG

2008-07-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well gang, my ministry partner Leigh had an awesome post this week. Some of you read her stuff as well, but to many this will be new. I was going to put it in my own words, but why fix something that's not broke (or is it broken?). Anyway, you know what I mean! We have exciting times ahead of us at Speaking Thru Me Ministries. I'll be talking more about that as well. But for now, read this and enjoy hearing from Leigh:)

What is God asking you to do right now? I don't mean if God has ever asked you to do something, I mean right now He is asking something of you - Are you listening? God always wants to engage us in things that He is involved in. Are you willing to respond and think big?

The line of questioning above reminds me of the time Jesus asked the disciples to feed the 5000. On this occasion Jesus and his guys had been ministering all day and were ready to retreat. They asked Jesus to make the crowd go away. Jesus replied with an odd statement and probably very frustrating to the the disciples, "You give them something to eat." Jesus was not solving the problem, but giving the disciples even more to do. He was engaging them - big time!

Coming from Charlotte, NC we had every conference under the sun not only come to the city, but most of the conferences came to my big church. It was not uncommon at all for me to go to each and every event - I LOVED it. I would always come home with so much excitement and energy. But it was one of those things that unless you are there it was too difficult to explain. No matter how dramatic I got with Clay he just didn't feel it the way I did at that time. Bummer!

It was not long after moving to Southern Illinois that I began to thirst and starve for that kind of ministering again. And then the Lord asked something of me. I was at a Mark Schultz concert down in Marion and as I stood up to look around the Lord whispered in my heart, "Bring it here - men and women alike." Over time He revealed not just a music concert, but speakers and worship for both the man and woman at the same time. Not a marriage conference at all, but a worship/ministering conference for both of all ages. Something for the area of Southern Illinois that doesn't make us drive to St. Louis, Indy, Chicago, or Louisville. The impulse girl that I am said, "Sure thing Lord, I would love to do that." Then the fear began to set in.

As the disciples began to pass out all they had, 5 loaves and 2 fishes, I am sure the fear began to set in. "What happens when we get to the sixth person? What happens when I can not feed a baby? What happens when i run out? What if more people come up?" I think there was fear there as well even though they had seen Jesus work all the miracles not only that day, but throughout His ministry.

In verse 16 of Luke 9 Jesus gave thanks and then gave the food to the disciples to let them be engaged in the miracle happening. Jesus could have multiplied the food immediately, but instead He gave the food to them to see and feel with their own eyes and hands all He was doing. It was if He was saying, "Come on guys, take part, be engaged, think bigger, and trust Me." After feeding everyone I believe it to be no coincidence that there was 12 baskets leftover for each of the disciple. When we give of everything, even a heart lacking in faith, He still faithfully provides filling us in unimaginable ways!

Speaking Thru Me Ministries has just been granted 501(c) tax exempt status. That means that we are able to take donations and give the donor a tax benefit. Yeah!! But having said that we have little to nothing in the pot to speak of. If you remember correctly our speakers take no kind of speaking fee. I would say we have even less than 5 loaves and 2 fish. Nevertheless God has given me this story today to encourage me that He will provide in abundance.

September 2009 I have rented the Marion Civic Center for a conference for men and women. I have already booked Curtis Jones, Beth Moore's son in law, to speak. I am working on the worship leader and a few more speakers. Priscilla Shirer has already gracefully declined. So i continue to reach my hand in the basket to pull out more and more loaves and fishes. Every time I begin to panic - will anyone show up - how will i ever pay for all this - what if my speakers cancel at the last minute - how is this different than anything else - I reach my hand once again in the basket and He provides...scripture, cards from friends, emails from family, holy nudges!!

So, what is it for you today? What is He calling for in your life to be engaged and think bigger? Can you hear Him today? Have you taken the time to sit before Him today? Listen to the voice of the Savior! Keep digging for more loaves and fish!! It is there!!! He is there!

Do you pick and choose your sin?

2008-07-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hey gang! I have something really quick today as a follow up from my last post. We are wrapping up summer around here (school starts in about two weeks!) so, you might want to sign up to receive e-mails on my blog updates instead of just checking the site here and there. I might be a little scattered on writing between now and school:) But, I promise I will try to write at least once a week.

OK - I was getting my nails done the other day and I had a new gal this time. She was very chatty and told me all kinds of details about herself. She was young, only 19 and talked a lot about her friends and starting college. She went on to tell me how a group of friends were going down to Atlanta before school started to hit some clubs and party for the weekend. She proudly told me that she wasn't into that. And, she didn't want to risk getting caught with a fake ID. She said that she had accomplished to much to get hauled off to jail for something silly like that. Then, her next sentence was this. "So instead, I'm just going to go with my boyfriend on a weekend trip." Now, this was the first time I had ever spoken to this young girl. No, I don't know if she considers herself a Christian or not. And, yes - some of you will think I'm judging her - but just hang in there and hear me out:)

So - we have, for the sake of our example, a young girl who doesn't drink under age - because that is wrong. But, she is willing to spend the weekend with her boyfriend. Now, come on guys. Do you really think that two 19 years olds of the opposite sex are going to stay in a hotel room for the weekend and nothing is going to happen? If so, I will just tell you straight up that you are nuts!

Now, to get away from someone else's example and turn this on myself (YIKES!). Do I pick and choose my sin? Wow, what a question! Think about it. Do I rank sin and think to myself -- I will never murder that's terrible! But, an occasional lie or exaggeration of the truth is OK. I won't gossip with this person over here because I know they think it's bad, BUT - I know this person doesn't mind so it's OK when I talk to them. You know that I could go on and on with things that we consider petty, but God still calls them sin.

If you have some time, I've listed below some scripture references about sin. If you have a certain area in your life where you are feeling defeated - talk to God about that today. Satan wants us to feel defeated in our sin. He wants us to think that the occasional sin is OK. No, Christians are not perfect and as long as we are alive - we will sin. BUT, does your sin break your heart? Does the sin of our nation break your heart? Have you grown so accustomed to certain sins, probably "petty" sins, that you don't even feel guilty anymore? Or if you see a sin in someone else - you don't grieve for them. You just consider it their personal choice. If we want to live a radical life for Christ, when we sin - it MUST break our hearts. Pray today for true conviction of sin. Not just for your life personally, but also for our nation.

Sin steals joy (Psalm 51:12)

Sin removes confidence (I John 3:19-21)

Sin quenches God's Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19)

Sin brings physical damage (Psalm 38:1-11; 31:10)

Sin breaks God's heart (Ephesians 4:30)

Sin opens the door to other sins (Isaiah 30:1)

Sin breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Sin desires to control my life (John 8:34; Romans 6:16)

How to Become a Christian

2008-07-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Roman 3:23

Hey guys! I've been on a quick vacation so sorry for the delay in blogging this week. BEWARE - today's blog is of a more serious nature. No silly kid stories today, but I feel that someone in Blog World needs to read this right now!

Several years ago I took a discipleship class about learning to share your faith. So, of course - during the course of the class we were to go out and share our faith and put to practice what we were learning. The first question we were encouraged to ask the people we met was this, "What do you think that a person must do to go to heaven?" Many times people would say - "I just need to be a good person." They would continue by letting me know that they thought they were "good". The people I talked to would claim to be "good" parents, friends, neighbors. They would tell me a lot of what they didn't do, such as steal, do drugs and so on.

But the verse above reminds me of my contrast with God. In regards to salvation, this verse is making us aware of how we are ALL SINNERS - we were not born "good", and we do not become "good".

You know, if a doctor suddenly announced to us in an exciting voice that he had a cure for the Paraguayan Flu, would we really care about it? In order for his discovery to impress us so deeply that we would seek a vaccination, the doctor would first need to prove to us the terrible dangers facing us of the unknown virus. People will not seek a cure until they know they are ill. Our illness is sin, and our cure is salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 9:12, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

So I've mentioned how we can not get to heaven by being "good", but did you know that you don't go to hell just because you are bad? Do I have your attention now??? People go to hell because they reject Christ, and they go to heaven because they accept the free gift of eternal life.

Read this scripture, John 3:16-21 and then we will talk about it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Look again at the part I've put in BOLD. The Bible does not say that he was condemned because he got drunk, or because he committed adultery, gambled, or even murdered. He was condemned because he did not believe in Christ. Listen, Jesus' blood on the cross atoned for all those sins. And Christ CAN and HAS and WILL forgive them. However, hear me on this ---- far worse than gambling, adultery, or murder - is rejecting Christ. Matthew 12:31-32 "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven."

Someone reading this needs to hear right now that Christ died for you. As crazy as that sounds in our selfish world - it is true. I will never forgot when "Passion of the Christ" by Mel Gibson was out and my heart broke one night watching TV. I was watching a show called "Politically Incorrect with Bill Marh". You can tell that Bill Marh has some head knowledge of the Bible and he was debating with those on his show that night about the accuracy of the film. Bill had seen the movie. He had read the scriptures that related to the movie. BUT, he said this - "I see the passion Mel Gibson has for this film and I'm moved by how he truly believes what he created on film is the true Gospel. But, I can not image that someone, who doesn't even know me - would ever die for me, a sinner. That is incomprehensible." My eyes just filled with tears and I prayed for Bill Marh that very moment. He was so close to believing, but could just not understand the truth of God's love. John 4:10 "This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

So, now what? Did you know that Satan believes in God. It is not enough for us to believe that God exists. Since we are a "Christian Nation", most Americans believe themselves to be "Christians" because they live in America! I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Are you needing to do that today? Confess with your mouth your sins and ask God to forgive you? I've had the need to write about salvation on my heart for some time - and I couldn't put it off any longer. If you have more questions OR make this decision - please contact me. If you aren't even sure what to pray - I have a prayer below that you can pray. I would love to know if you prayed this prayer and send you some resources to encourage you in your walk with God. I hope to hear from you soon:)

"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I have been a sinner from birth and there is no good thing in me. But God today, right now - I am believing Your Word, the Bible. I want to confess my sins to You and ask You to forgive me. I know that You died on the cross for me. And, I want to accept the free gift that You want to give me, which is the gift of eternal life. God I want to know more of You while on this earth. And, I want to spend eternity with You in heaven. Amen."

Guess what Jamison did now!

2008-07-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what is lost."
Luke 19:10

Well, my last two posts have been about the girls. I guess the Lord didn't want me to leave Jamsion out so I have a story to share from yesterday.

First, I need to tell you a little about Jamison. He is 3 and if there is such a thing as being 200% boy - than he is it! If I had not raised two other children before him I would totally be questioning my parenting skills. He makes me look 200% irresponsible! He is adventurous and as quick as lightening thus the reason for two ER visits and in a completely unrelated case a call to 911 where police were involved!!! At this time I need to remind you he is only 3 and look at what all he's already done:( YIKES!! As I type this he is trying to convince me that it is OK to sword fight with his Dad's screwdrivers!

But, I can't leave you with that impression. He is also one of the most affectionate of my children. He holds my hand all over the house. Literally, one day it took me nearly one hour to put groceries up because I did it one handed. If he is not holding my hand, he is holding my shirt tale or my leg. He showers me with kisses - and his preference is smack on the lips! He has fallen asleep at my feet on our hard wood kitchen floor while I did the dishes. If we are in a room together and I leave that room without him --- he comes running fussing to me, "Mommy, you lost me!" He is my blue eyed shadow, and most of the time - I wouldn't have it any other way.

So yesterday, AT SWIM LESSONS - he slides into the water off the pool steps over his head. There are only 4 kids in the class, but the instructor is at the opposite end of the pool helping another child. I did not even see him fall in - I just happened to look that way. He was under and not even making any splashes. His eyes were open and his mouth was open. He would slightly float up, but not even high enough to take another breath. I ran into the pool clothes and all. When I pulled him out he coughed some and was crying, "Mommy, I go under." Of course my heart was racing and I was near tears - when I pulled him up I had no idea what to expect. I was thrilled that he was going to be OK, but very shocked that he wasn't spitting out more water than what he did. The poor instructor was a nervous wreck the rest of class. It was truly an accident and she was not to blame. The class was very much under control and well organized. It was just unfortunately, one of those things and I am so glad I stayed for swim lessons. With him not making any splashes and the instructor at the other end of the pool at the time --- this could have turned out very badly.

So, I came home and held my sweet little boy the rest of the night --- thanking God over and over that he was OK. Jamison told me at least 100 times last night that he loved me. Even one time he said, "You saved me Mom" and came over to give me a big hug. It was during this time that God showed me how much "we" are like Jamison.

You see, as sinners - we are drowning. Sometimes we are so deep in sin, we feel so far down that we could not even make a splash for help if we tried. We wonder who, if anyone, would even see us to help us or care to help us get out. But someone does see you. The One whose eye is on the sparrow, is also on you. God desires to pull you up from the deep ---- from the place where you are in so over your head that without His help, you will never get out. If you call to Him, He will jump into the "pool", reach out and pull you up, hold you in His hand and then you can say -- "I love You. Thank You for saving me."

My God will fight for YOU

2008-07-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."'

Exodus 14:13

Oh my! It is so true that kids will say anything - and that seems especially true for my children! But one story stands out far above the rest and that's what I'm going to share with you today.

Several years ago, I had taken Savannah to a new Doctor's Office. This office had a huge chalk board on the wall to entertain the children and immediately after we arrived my little artist was quickly at work. The office was full and I was confident that my little Michelangelo had caught every one's eyes with her fascinating works of art.

During one particular drawing I could see the concentration on her face. She was drawing her stick figures with great precision. One was small and placed far away from the other two larger stick figures. Then, with serious determination, she began drawing straight lines over the two larger stick figures. She did this over and over until both stick figures had horizontal lines all across them. She finished her creation by drawing a line across the top and bottom of her horizontal lines --- making a box. (Is anyone following me here????)

Intrigued by what she had done and knowing that she had a purpose or a story behind what she had drawn - I asked Savannah to tell me about her picture. In a room FULL of people, in her very LOUD toddler voice she said, "Mommy, remember that one time the police came and took you and Daddy to jail and I was left all alone? Well, I drew that time."

Now, do you follow the picture?? One small stick figure (her) away from the larger two (me and her dad), the box with lines (a jail cell)!!!!

So, with all eyes on us - I replied back, "Oh honey, did you draw a dream that you had?" Immediately she responded with a very strong "NO Mom! I drew that time you and dad went to jail and left me all alone!" The more I tried to insist that she had no idea what she was talking about - the more adamant she became that she had indeed drawn a true life portrait! And, the more exchanges that we had - the more I could tell the entire waiting room was on her side! I mean come on! Even I have to admit that was one wild imagination for a toddler. Had the tables been reversed, I probably would have been one of the first in the waiting room to have a raised eyebrow.

The point of this wild and true tale is this: (oh wait - TRUE being the drawing in the Doctor's Office, not TRUE as in the going to jail part! just wanted to make sure we were clear - haha) the more I tried to stand up for myself, defend my parenting, prove that I really was a good person - the worse I made the situation. The more I looked guilty.

If you are a Christian, is their an area in your life where YOU are doing the fighting? You are arguing with those around you to prove that you are right "in Christ". Maybe you are trying to defend your reputation, maybe it is your parenting choices. It could be any decision you've made where you and God have worked out all the details - but your family and friends aren't on board with His plan. Maybe it's Homeschooling. Maybe it's moving your family across the world to be missionaries. Maybe it's about having more children (and most people feel you already have plenty!). I'm just tossing out things that I've witnessed recently --- and I realize most of these I'm mentioning deal with "younger" families because that's where I am right now, but I'm sure you catch my drift. No matter your age - right now, you can think of an issue.

Whatever the situation - you may be feeling personally attacked. Like your judgement is being questioned. BUT, Have you ever thought about how maybe this isn't your fight? Believe me - I like to "duke it out" with the best of them, and it's been a hard life lesson for me! Guys listen - we might not be going into a literal physical battle like our pals in the Old Testament, but God still fights AND wins His battles. Be encouraged by this list of scriptures:

Deuteronomy 1:30 "The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes."

Deuteronomy 3:22 "Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you."

2 Chronicles 20:17 "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "

Jeremiah 1:19 "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

If we believe that God has called us and set us a part in a certain area of our life, do you honestly think He wants to leave the fighting up to us? Now I hope you know that I am not asking you to not stand up for what is right or that we should not take a stand against sin..... Of course we should! I am talking about a heart issue. Something where you are not letting go and letting God take 100% control of the situation. Something where you are yelling ..... "I am right! God told me to do this! You are crazy for thinking I'm crazy!! And above all, I've never been in jail and left my child all alone --- I promise!"

If this is an area of concern for you - pray these verses today. Pray for the people involved. Ask God to show them His heart in this are while also asking Him to continue to change your heart's attitude regarding those who are opposing you. Keep a journal of your prayer concerns ..... be still, do not be afraid, watch the Lord fight for you and anticipate His deliverance. Let me know how He moves.

Tears at the Hair Salon

2008-07-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Luke 12:7

Cassidy's New Hair Style

Even though the girls are just 6 & 8 years old, for years and years - they have gone with me to the Hair Salon. As much work as I have done to my hair, ha - I can be at the salon for up to three hours. So, we literally make a day of it. While I'm getting color and such, the girls get a wash, cut and style. They love it and surprisingly behave for that long of a time!

Well, it was Salon Day and I started early in the morning asking the girls what they wanted to have done. Savannah, 8, wanted some bangs this time. Not my favorite thing - they are so hard to work with - but I agreed. Cassidy, 6, really shocked me. "I think I want my hair short." Well, short to her was at her shoulders. Her hair at this time was mid-back, very long. It's not like Cassidy to want to be different. She often copies her sister and doesn't always make such brave statements. So, I applauded her for stepping out of her comfort zone and I agreed with her as well. I could live with should length.

So - I go first at the Salon and get my color and foil and the Hairdresser places me under the dryer. I've reviewed with him Cassidy's wishes stating - SHOULDER length. So from across the room I see Cassidy hop up in the chair. She is smiling ear to ear and thrilled to be getting her hair cut (she enjoys Salon Day the most between the girls I think!). Then, everything after that is like a slow motion movie to me.

Cassidy's hair is wet and the Hairdresser pulls it back into nearly a pony tail and then, snip. From across the room I can see the back of her neck and I start to panic. It was like in my mind - I was leaping out from under the dryer (all in slow motion), yelling "NNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!" and sliding across the slick black salon floor on my stomach with my arm stretched out as if to catch her long beautiful locks of hair before they hit the ground. ----- As if I could put it back on??!!

So I start saying to myself. "Don't cry. You can't cry. If you cry, she will cry. Wait, is she crying? Oh no! If she cries - I will cry!!!" It was the worst 5 seconds of my life. I keep looking at her sweet little face in the mirror as he continues to snip and add layers to my 6 year olds hair! Her facial expression has not changed. It's as if her smile is frozen. I start to wonder if she is even blinking!! But, she doesn't cry. I take a deep breath and decided that we will make it through this.

When her "style" was done, she whispered in my ear (not wanting to offend our stylist!), "Mommy, this isn't what I was wanting." I replied, "I know. It's not what Mommy thought you were getting either, but it looks adorable on you and I really like it. You look fabulous!"

As I looked at my little toothless new short hair styled little girl - I thought about all my worries for her. If I can't protect her from the hairdresser and a bad hair cut --- what's going to happen to her in the real world???? When I saw that first snip, I was terrified. As she starts kindergarten this fall, I'm terrified. I can't explain how she is "different", she just is. She has a hard time learning, she can not follow directions hardly at all - doctors and therapist admit they "see something that's not right" but can't diagnose exactly what it is. She often gets words turned around or calls an object by the wrong name. I'm terrified about .... will she fit in? Will the other kids laugh at her when something doesn't come easy to her? Will she pass Kindergarten --- she's already 6!!??

But I need to take all these fears, all these concerns and replace them with:

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken..... He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:1-2; 62:7-8

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

And the scriptures could go on and on. Yes, I am initially fearful about my sweet Cassidy and her future. But, I can not live or dwell in fear. And anytime a fearful thought arises, I must replace that with God's Word. I'm so thankful to know that God is Sovereign in all He does. He has a purpose for her life. He knows the hairs on her head (even though they are all shorter now!).

You're kidding me! I'm old?

2008-07-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."

Psalm 84:5

I hope that you had a great 4th of July. I had a very eye opening weekend!

Just earlier this week I was telling Russ how I feel just like the young Moms at our church. The ones who have only be married a short while and have just had their first child --- I still feel just like one of them! I actually think of myself as their "peer".

Well, this weekend I was enjoying the 4th of July sales at the Disney Store and had found some steals for my kids ($2.99 t-shirts!!) As the young girl behind the counter rang up my items, she said the strangest thing to me. Very politely she commented, "Oh, you must be buying for your grand kids." Completely stunned - I started thinking ...... what about me looks grandmotherish today? Is it my new highlights --- they are very blond, maybe they are so blond, she thinks they are white! I know I've been using my moisturizer ..... my wrinkles can't be that deep, can they??!! I couldn't think on my feet - how in the world do you respond to something like this??? So, I said, "No, these are for my children. My oldest is only 8." Then, I thought .... OK Ginger, that was great! Make the young girl feel as terrible as possible. The entire scene was very uncomfortable and a complete nightmare! She tried to quickly recover and reply, "Oh, well, my mom never really bought us stuff - our grandmother always did, so I just thought since you had a lot of stuff it was for your grandchildren." Bless her heart, that was not a good save.

So, I walked away - with reality hitting me in the face. Nope, I'm obviously not peers with the young girls at church after all.

Recently in a Bible Study we were asked to write down the number of years that we had been on a pilgrimage with God. Meaning, at what age did you accept Christ and start your journey with Him. I have very clear memories of my decision at age 9. Actually, my Spiritual Birthday is just a few days away. But, I have never thought about how many years I've been a Christian before. I was surprised to learn that I had been on my pilgrimage with God for 25 years! YIKES! That's a long time --- that's actually how old I feel (or felt before my bubble burst at the Disney Store!) Now some of you might be laughing at me because your Spiritual pilgrimage already doubles mine in years (and here I am kinda complaining of "age"). And, I just want you to know that in so many ways --- I can't wait to be you! What wisdom and stories you have to share about our Lord Jesus Christ:) And now that I'm aware of this concept of being on a pilgrimage --- I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for where this journey leads for the next 80 years!

So, these events really got me thinking ..... how have I grown? what experiences has He used to shape me over these 25 years? how often have I been obedient? how often have I heard His voice on this pilgrimage? how much longer will my journey continue?

I wish that years ago I had understood this concept. It makes so much sense now! I've always wanted to "run with perseverance the race marked out" for me - Heb. 12:1 And, fix my eyes on the prize, our Lord Jesus - Heb. 12:2. And, finish the race well. BUT, all this time - I've been missing the process, the pilgrimage! Where I am now --- I'm not staying! Whatever problem, crisis or even sorrow that I am experiencing today is preparing me to finish the race well.

Psalm 84:5, "Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage." I want my heart to be set on pilgrimage. I don't want to wallow in what's taking place today. Yes, I need to address today - I can't ignore today, with His strength I can face it - whatever "it" is! BUT, the great news is that I have the promise of today leading me towards the next level in my relationship with Christ. Oh Lord, please help me not to be so focused on "finishing well" that I miss all the details in between that are so important to the process of how I get to the end!!

So, here I am. 34ish with a wonderful husband and three great kids. I still can't deny that I feel only 25:) But I'm looking forward to this journey. When I think about how my love for the Lord has truly grown in recent years - I get goose bumps to think about loving Him even more! Knowing Him even more! Remembering in the hard times - that I'm only passing through and in all things - He will be glorified.

A Salvation Story

2008-06-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."

Acts 11:21

OK - I know I have some explaining to do:( I looked at the date of my last post and yelled "YIKES!" Boy, our summer has been the most hectic ever. I need school to start to get a break!!!

I have so much to tell you that it's been hard to know where to start. We have had all kinds of things happen in our family from Cassidy pulling her two front teeth, Jamison being potty trained (well, sort of --- at 3 1/2 years old I'll take whatever I can get!), Savannah going to New York, all kinds of new exciting ministry opportunities ..... But, I had to start with the best thing.

As you know with my writing - I need to share some background first! When I had Savannah and started staying home, I was asked to work in Vacation Bible School. I somehow weaseled my way out of it because we all know that no one is busier than a new Mom with one child! (Now, don't send me any ugly notes --- I'm just kidding! Well, kind of! Ha) But seriously, at that time I felt like my world was upside down! I had to deal with one child all day everyday and I did not want to take on any more ---- especially someone else's kids! Besides, I was ministering in "other ways".

Several years passed, and by the time Cassidy was pre-school age I kinda made an appearance at VBS. I willingly helped two days, but needed "my time" the rest of the week. And believe me, my prideful heart was very proud of my two days where I "suffered for the cause of Christ"!

By the time Jamison arrived, God had really been doing a number in my heart (thank you, Lord!). I realized that I had a gift of teaching not only adults, but children. I think it's my drama background that allows me to be a little silly with them. And - I discovered that I really did like other people's children after all! Hey, it wasn't that bad:) Since these gifts were God given, I needed to be using BOTH of them to be obedient in His calling for my life. I regret now that it took several years for me to figure that out.

So, three years ago I started teaching the Bible Story to the 1st-6th grade during VBS and fell in love with doing that. I enjoy getting actors to create the story if needed, making props, doing neat little activities so that the story really stays with the kids. I've also been asked these past few years to council with children who want to make decisions during that week to try to discern if they are truly ready to accept Christ.

OK - now - fast forward to 2008! I'm working with 4th grade this year (when I'm not teaching my story) and the first day I meet Devon. Devon is a rough and tough little dude - you can tell by the red bandanna wrapped around his Mohawk. He isn't the most disruptive in my class, but does his share. So, I make myself acquainted with Devon and decide that we will be pals this week. Devon is cool with that so we "hang" for the week.

One GREAT thing about out church is how open we are to the community. Every year we have far more visitors to VBS than our own children. We run near 200 during that week and we aren't a large church! I knew that Devon was not a member of Parkway and I encouraged him everyday to be sure to come back.

Well, on day four we have our "Salvation Story". Our Children's Minister does this and very simply and clearly lays out the plan of Salvation. Another thing I LOVE about our church is our sensitivity to make sure that these are individual and true decisions. We have a process of screening kids at the gate, so to speak, asking why they came down front. We then sort according to their need. We also have a wonderful follow up system, including a talk with the parents. Yes, we have some that just come and don't know why. We have some that come because their best friend came. BUT - we also have many real decisions.

From the counseling room, I saw Devon and my heart leaped! I had been praying for him all day. I could see his tone turning more serious through the day --- as the entire day was leading up to the story of Jesus on the cross. I motioned to the "gate keeper" so that I could be the one to speak with Devon. As we talked - he seemed just a little confused and was wanting to know about "Holy Water"! I was thinking, "Gee kid, I'm good old Southern Baptist. I don't even know about Holy Water!" I wanted him to accept and understand so much - be felt a check in my Spirit to be cautious. I continued to talk to him about the plan of salvation and said, "Devon, I want to make sure that you understand exactly what you are doing. I feel like we need to just pray today that Jesus will let you know without a doubt when you are ready to become a Christian." He was fine with that and we prayed.

On Friday, as soon as Devon arrives - he was grinning from ear to ear. "Ms. Ginger - I know I want to become a Christian. I'm ready to obey God and the Bible." So, we took off . I asked him a few questions and could tell by the joy in his eyes, that this time - Jesus was calling him. He prayed and immediately began telling everyone - all day- that he was a Christian. I am as serious as I can be when I say I physically saw a change on this little boys face. My eyes are filled with tears again as I recall his expression.

BUT - the story doesn't stop there. I found out that his mother had been praying for her kids to go to church. She felt something in her heart saying - "You don't need to just send them, you need to go too." So, just a few weeks before VBS at the invitation of a friend - she came to our church and on her first visit accepted Christ. She continued to pray for her kids and could see something taking place in Devon during the week of VBS. She was amazed at God's work in her family - she was not raised in church and knows very little (but is eager to learn) about the Bible. She couldn't get over that God would work so fast!!! Then, today Devon, his Mom and his Grandmother came to church. His Grandmother had barely walked in the doors of our sanctuary and couldn't stand it. She couldn't wait until the service started ---- let alone the end for an invitation! One of our Minister's just "happened" to walk by (which, we all know was not an accident!) - she accepted Christ right there. All three came down front during decision time to make their public profession of faith.

Now the moral of this blog is not to guilt anyone into teaching at VBS. I know I made a joke earlier about being so busy with one kid - BUT the fact for me was that I was not in tune to where God had wanted me. The truth is, I wasn't really even asking for His opinion on the matter. It makes my heart sick, to think about what I missed. I do not want that to happen EVER again. I don't know about you, but I want to be smack in the middle of what God is doing.

I don't want to be a "yes man" at church ---- doing everything that someone asks me. But, I do want to discern and say yes to everything that God asks me. I want His hand to be with me, so that many will believe and turn to the Lord.

When I think about it - that is flat out a scary thing. That means I will have to be different. I will have to live set apart. I will have to do things that are sometimes uncomfortable and step out in faith. I will be refined like silver. But I am learning that "The way up, is down". If something is honestly flat out scary - than I need to be flat down on my face in front of Jesus. Pouring my every fear into His tender ears that are so eager to hear from me.

"Dear Lord, I have so much going on in my life - everyone does. But this verse in Acts, stuck out to me today like a sore thumb and You know that I needed it. God, I've never considered myself an evangelist of sorts --- but, I am called to be one. All of us, every Christian - God when your hand is with us - people will believe. Not just a few, but a great number. In my speaking ministry - how I pray that You alone will be glorified and that a great number will come to know you because of our ministry team. In my personal life - how I pray that my marriage will reflect You. Father, I thank you for Russ and all that he means to me. Not only is he an amazing Christian husband, he is an awesome Dad! I do not deserve the blessings You have given me. Lord, in my marriage and as we raise our children --- I pray that a great number of people will come to know You. God, this is scary to say - but use my children. I see a true missionary heart in Savannah. Send them out to share your Word. Use our family to bring glory to Your Kingdom. Oh God, you don't need me, my husband or even my kids - but I thank You that You, a Holy God, are so willing to extend to us a personal invitation to not only live in eternity with You, but to also on earth - have an abundant life in service to You. Amen"

Anticipating the Voice of God

2008-06-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

"I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me."

Habakkuk 2:1

Oh gang! I LOVE this verse. Honestly, I wasn't very familiar with it until last summer when I was able to teach Priscilla Shirer's Bible Study, Discerning the Voice of God. It was one of the verses shared on Day 1 of the study and I have found myself clinging to it a gazillion times since then. AND, I am needing to hear from God in so many ways as of late that I have pulled out this study to just re-do during my personal quiet time.

The study I just completed at home was on prayer. It was wonderful! It's been years since I've done a prayer study and it was just what I needed. I had never really thought about how your prayer life and your time in God's Word relate to each other so much. Obviously, I know that I need to be in His Word and I know I need to pray. And, over the years I have heard people with the most precious prayers and thought --- Boy, I'd LOVE to pray like that.

As I thought about these people - the one thing I've noticed they have in common is their LOVE for God's Word. They don't just glance at it on Sunday - they are breathing it. As I strive to spend time with Him daily - I have noticed a significant change in my prayer life. I use to NEVER want to pray out loud. Now, it is a joy. I use to get sleepy during the long prayers of others (sorry - just being honest!) and now I don't!!!! I am praying along with them for as long as they are! I still have so much work for God to complete in me in this area, but I am so thankful for the progress that He is making in me.

Also - I was once the typical "God, I need..... Can you..... Give me....." In my prayer time asking for so many things. I would just get into an "asking routine" and after I asked, I was done. I didn't even anticipate that He would answer. I knew God answers prayers and thought "Oh well, if it's His will He will give me what I'm asking." BUT - I wasn't concerend IF what I wanted was what He wanted AND I didn't EXPECT to hear from Him. I wasn't eager about His response. I wasn't listening for Him to actually speak to me about something that was possibly very trivial.

Here is a quote from A.W. Tozer. "God will speak to the hearts of those who prepare themselves to hear, and conversely, those who do not so prepare themselves will hear nothing even though the Word of God is falling upon their outer ears every Sunday."

God has so changed my thought process! You can not have God's Word without Prayer OR Prayer without knowing God's Word. That is just they way it works. Yes - we are all at different points in our spiritual walk - but we shouldn't be staying where we are today. We should be growing in our knowledge of Him (the Bible) AND growing in our personal relationship with Him (prayer). AND -here is the kicker!!! (sorry - lots of "and"s today!!!) We should be anticipating that He WILL speak to us. Standing on our guard post - stationing ourselves and keeping watch to see what He will speak.

I know I've kinda harped on "asking" God for things. And, that is not all wrong. God wants us to ask. What are you asking Him for? Do you need guidance with your job situation? Have a difficult child? Need money to get the bills paid? Is your spouse not a believer in Christ? The list could go on and on.

This is my challenge for you today. 1) Spend time in God's Word - make sure what you are asking Him for lines up with the character of God. If you need direction in this area, contact me and I can give you some great scripture references. 2) Pray. I mean get gut honest with God. Tell Him how great He is. Ask Him for forgiveness on how you fall short. Tell Him your need. 3) Anticipate hearing Him. Be looking for Him to move - EXPECT it. It will most likely come in a way that you would never imagine. 4) TELL ME! I can't wait to hear how God is working in your life.

Man, Life Sure is BUSY!

2008-05-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

"The disciples gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even get a chance to eat, Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So, they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

Mark 6:30-32

I shared with a group of ladies I was speaking to last Saturday that for me - May has been just as busy as the Christmas Season! We've had awards day, field day, spring music programs and graduations --- along with soccer games, cheerleading tryouts and a trip to the ER!! The trip to the hospital has been one of many for little Jamison - he is fine, just ALL BOY!!!!

So in the midst of all this craziness - I've got to share a story with you. This story didn't happen this month - but it was another "season" where life was just in sane and how my oldest daughter is scarred for life due to her mother's scattered brain!!

I have two girls, my 2nd grade daughter, Savannah who attends an elementary school close to home and a 6 year old daughter, Cassidy who was in a pre-K class at another elementary school.

So two girls, two separate schools, but in the same county. And – every year the schools have a county wide drug free week called Red Ribbon Week. And during the course of this week the kids get to wear something different and fun each day (like silly unmatched socks, sunglasses and so on.).

So – I receive my two notes from each school explaining the week’s dress code. Some days the girls dress the same and some days are different. You guys know where this is headed I’m sure!

Ok – it had been an unusual week and I had been doing a pretty good balancing act until Thursday. That’s when Cassidy (my younger daughter) and then my baby boy came down with a stomach bug at the same time!! So – I’m rushing around on Thursday knowing that it’s going to be a long night. I’m getting as much prepared for Friday as I can. So –I look at the paper telling me what Savannah is to wear on Friday and it’s called “Wacky Tacky Day”. Which means, you are to purposefully not match any of your clothes. The crazier and more mismatched the better.

Well, I yell upstairs to Savannah so she can help me by finding her own clothes -- and she has a blast in her closet finding the coolest mismatched outfit she can find for the next day. Stuff like that is really up her ally. She has a red sock, a blue sock, a green paisley skirt, an orange shirt and has laid out some eccentric hair accessories.

I was right, Thursday night was horrible. I’ve had zero sleep and I’m driving Savannah to school in a daze and as she gets out of the car --- I think, “Uuh – That’s strange. Not many kids dressed up today.” and I’m off!

And it was not until oh – 15 min. before Savannah was to get off the bus that afternoon, while I was disinfecting our kitchen – I really stopped and looked at the Red Ribbon Week schedule posted on my fridge and I could have died!! You guessed it. It was not “Wacky Tacky Day” at Savannah’s school. It was sports apparel day. “Wacky Tacky Day” was at Cassidy’s school, but she was sick so didn’t go to school that day. And, to make things worse for Savannah --- they had an assembly in the gym for the entire school K-5th grade. And she was the line leader for her grade and had to walk in front of everyone around their gymnasium.

It was an honest mistake, but one that was made because I was overwhelmed, rushed, frustrated and didn’t even slow down enough to read the correct sheet of paper posted right on my refrigerator.

Now, I could maybe get away with saying I had sick babies and that could happen to anyone (trying to make myself feel better). But, the truth of the matter is my calendar of craziness the Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before my babies were sick on Thursday was the root of the problem. Because I had so many things crammed in to my schedule for the entire week – when the unexpected happened – the bottom fell out!

It takes tremendous faith, discipline and persistence to manage our time and MAKE time to rest from our assigned daily activities. In Mark, we see the disciples doing GOOD things. But, they are so busy they don't even get a chance to eat!! It takes the wisdom of Jesus to come along side them and say - He guys, what you are doing is great. But it's time to come away with Me to a quiet place and rest.

The truth is, our stress level increases with our effort to do more and be more. With an increased drive to “get it all done,” we’re paying a high price. And we actually reduce our ability to accomplish tasks efficiently. It gets increasingly difficult to make decisions and takes longer to complete even simple tasks. We get forgetful and easily distracted, along with becoming just plain worn out!

On your list of "To Do's" for Today - did you make time to rest with Jesus?

God's Calling You To Move Where?????

2008-05-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

"For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard. And how can they hear without someone preaching to them. And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

Romans 10: 13-15

Here is a picture taken just last night. On the right is my daughter Cassidy and on the left is her sweet friend Shelby Fuller. I look at this picture today with so many emotions. Mostly excitement, joy, thankfulness, but with just a touch of selfishness.

You see, Cassidy's sweet friend, Shelby, has a precious family that is very dear to my heart. Her father, Greg, and mom, Shelly, came to our church over 3 years ago to serve as our Youth Pastor. Shelly was very pregnant at the time with their son Nash (a great friend to my little Jamison!) and I immediately wanted to get to know her more and make her feel welcomed. We clicked very quickly and an amazing friendship developed. We've laughed and cried together ---- and what I LOVE about Shelly is that there is more laughing than crying!! We've "added" to our family over these last several years. Me, just one little man, Jamison. Shelly, well...... they arrived at our church with just Shelby and they have added ----- Nash, Noelle, and Eden (who is just 5 months old).

Shelly has taught me to pray. As I have come to her about various concerns over the years, she has always been faithful to just stop and pray for me at that moment. With kids all over her, I've heard her say, "Kids, Mom's going to pray with Ms. Ginger now - so don't get too loud." That is something very few friends in my life have ever done with me before. I've been so thankful for the accountability group that we have been a part of. Shelly, another friend - Sondra, and I started praying together every week years ago. With the additions of children - it's been harder to get together, but I always know that both of them are just a phone call away and are willing to pray ASAP!

Something else that I have always loved about Shelly's family is just their pure hearts and obedience to God's will for their life. I think of the old gospel song .... "Wherever He Leads, I'll Go" That sums up the Fuller family. In every aspect of their life - in every decision they have made - I can testify that they simply say, "God, wherever You lead we will go."

Yesterday they made the official announcement in church that they would be leaving "us" and moving to Seattle. Yes, Seattle. This is something they have been praying about for months. And Greg will be involved with Church Planting in that area. Did you know that (I think I'm sharing this number right) over 90% of Seattle is unchurched?? That sounds crazy to me since I live in the Bible belt. All I've ever know is that there is supposed to be a church and a bank on every corner!!! And, when Shelly came to me to share the possibility of their move --- I knew they would go. It's just built into their character. As scary as it is - as far away from family as it is - they are more than willing to depend on God for their every need and just step out in pure obedience.

I will ALWAYS, thank my God every time I remember the Fullers. The example they have been for me and my family --- it's just immeasurable. It will only be on the other side of Heaven,m that they can grasp all the lives that have been changed just at our church alone. Oh, how beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News!

Today, I want us to think about two things.

1) Say a prayer today for that person in your life who has been a "Fuller" for you. As a Christian, God brings people into our life to encourage us and to help us grow --- pray for that person today.

2) Maybe you aren't being asked to move to Seattle, but is God asking something BIG from you. It's BIG to you, because it's an area where you have to move completely out of your comfort zone and there seems to be more questions than answers right now! If so, ask God to continue to direct you. Ask Him to confirm and close doors and tell Him .... that you are willing to step out in pure obedience.

Children, Obey Your Parents -- Parents Don't EXASPERATE!

2008-05-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:1-4

I’ve mentioned before in my blogs how my girls are huge Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus fans. Well, a few weeks ago in the news Miley had a week where she had a run of racey pics --- professional as well as amateur.

I knew that the story was about to come on the news and Savannah, 8, was in the room. I was pondering …. Should I send her out OR Should I let her watch?? I decided on the later and sat down beside her so we could talk about it during and after the newscast.

After watching what had taken place, Savannah said (all of this in one breath by the way – she was very concerned), “Mom! What were here parents thinking??? I mean, where in the world were they during all of this! Oh no! She’s going to turn out just like Brittany Spears!!”

The fact that Miley’s parents were around for some of the photo’s is neither here nor there for the point of this story --- the fact that my 8 year old daughter grasps the need for 1) Parents to set boundaries and 2) Children are to obey them --- that is the point.

Over the years, in reading numerous parenting books – I’ve always read those words …”Children desire boundaries” but this time I wasn’t just reading some words in a book – I was hearing from my own daughter! She was saying I EPXPECT you to set rules and I know I need to obey.

So, we see here in Ephesians one of the 10 Commandments and it says that it is the first one with a promise. Children, obey your parent AND you will enjoy long life on earth. BUT we can’t stop this scripture right there. We need to continue to the next verse. After the command to children – we see some advice for the parents!

Do not exasperate your children, but train them --- teach them the ways of the Lord. Do you really know what exasperate means? It means to infuriate, frustrate, to make angry, wind up, annoy, to drive mad, to worsen. YIKES!

If we are teaching our children God’s Word and living by example the life God has called us too – if we DO NOT exasperate them – it will make it so much easier for them to obey.

Some of you reading my feel that the words in Ephesians sound to good to be true. Maybe you feel that you’ve already missed the boat because now your children are older. Maybe your relationship with your children, for whatever reason, was severed years ago. Well, let me offer you some hope today.

Regardless of circumstances, pray this for your child today:

“I pray that out of His glorious riches that God may strengthen (child’s name) with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (child’s name) heart through faith. And I pray that, (child’s name) being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Chirst, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that (child’s name) may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Our God, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or can imagine – it is our prayer today that you create in us, the parents, a pure heart. A heart that desires You and You alone so that we may teach (child’s name) your ways and not exasperate our children. Father, we pray the words found in Isaiah where you say …. I will put My Spirit into your children; My blessing will be like a stream of water flowing over your family. One will say, “I belong to the Lord, “… another will write on his hand, “The Lord’s.”. Dear God, we ask today that first – we will say I Belong To The Lord and then Father, that (child’s name) will be able to say that also. Hear our cry, precious Lord. Amen.”

Speak Lord, Your Servant Is Listening

2008-05-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Glad to see your back! Ok – so this is where we left off yesterday. In case you didn’t get to read II Samuel 3: 1-10 I’ve got it here for you.

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 On night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone, out and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord; The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The Lord called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got p and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Did you catch how many times God called before Samuel recognized His voice?? 4 times! In verses 4, 6, 8 and then 10. Boy, if anything – you can see that our God is persistent.

Can you think of a time God was calling you and you were not really sure what was going on – but He kept at it? Over a 5 year period, God called me multiple times regarding a certain area of life. That area was SPEAKING! He was persistent for 5 years until I said God – this must really be you speaking to me. I thought that because it was something that I LOVED to do – God wouldn’t use it. It was such a strong desire in me that I thought --- this could not be God’s desire! My thinking was that God calls you to stuff you dread because He wants you to depend on Him to pull you through. It never dawned on me that God would place desires in our hearts that line up with His will and His purpose for us. (duh…. Thus the verse ….. “and He will give you the desires of your heart…. – I’m so hard headed!)

Eli was the one who realized that it was God speaking to Samuel. And, I am so thankful for the “Eli” in my life! Not only did God use His Word, but He also used another believer to encourage me and explain to me what she could see taking place in my life. She was the featured speaker at our Ladies Luncheon one October day and I was asked by the committee to be the brief testimony giver. After the luncheon, she came up to me encouraging me to pursue speaking or teaching and making jokes that I should have been the featured speaker that day!

So, when we think we hear God speaking and then circumstances of events or other people confirm what He is saying, AND what we are hearing LINES UP WITH GOD’S WORD - we need to be on the lookout for God’s direction!

But, there is something else that I don’t want us to over look today. ………..

Have you ever thought God was telling you to do something and so you step out in faith --- then think, something is not right! I’ve made a mistake!! Did I hear God correctly?

I taught a class not to long ago (created by Rick Warren) that helps Christians discern their gifts for ministry (ministry meaning God’s purpose for your life). And, one of the things stressed in this class was: Finding where you are to be used in ministry is mainly discovered by trail and error. And, I can agree with that. I did 10,000 things for my church before I realized that God wanted me to teach! That teaching lead to a speaking ministry. It was crazy! I would prayerfully consider each position and think that I was doing what was “right”. But once I got into it – honestly, I would just stink at it! I did this not only with church activities but in other areas of life as well. I knew that I enjoyed public speaking – which is most people’s nightmare! So, for that reason, I tried selling BeautiControl, Legal Services – you name it I probably tired to sell it (thinking – I can do this, I love to stand in front of people and talk!!)! But the good news is that with every prayer regarding ministry opportunities at my church OR even life situations ---- with every step that I took in what I considered being obedient to God’s call ---- it was all to bring me to this point. To finally surrender the call to serving Him in a full time Speaking Ministry.

It was so relieving to me when I finally realized that I’m not always going to get it right. God might be calling and I misunderstand or just miss hearing Him. BUT, God is persistent. Samuel missed hearing Him 3 times and on the 4th time – got it right. His purpose for me was to teach His Word. Looking back, I’m so thankful that I wandered in the wilderness! He did not give up on me.

Right now, I’m at another point in my life of questioning God’s calling in a specific area. It’s something that is so crazy – that only God could accomplish it! It’s a desire I’ve had for many years, but I’m at that same point ….. “God, is this my desire or yours!”

Are any of you right here with me? Is God stretching your faith? Let’s decide right now to …. Pray with out ceasing, to pray – not my will, but Yours be done, to say to Him – speak Lord, you servant is listening.

He Calls You By Name

2008-05-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

Isaiah 45:3

Not long ago I was sitting by myself (surprisingly!) just watching the kids play, when I see out of the corner of my eye - Savannah realizes that I'm not busy and she had that inquisitive look in her eye. She walks over, sits in my lap and asks - "Mom, I know that God can speak all the languages like English, Spanish and French, but what language does He speak the most? Or, which one do you think is His favorite?"

Several times a week I get a question like that - AND, I know she is getting more and more tired of me saying, "Honey, I don't know. You will have to wait until you get to heaven!" So, this time - I thought on my feet (again, surprisingly!) and responded, "Honey, I'm sorry - I don't know. You will just have to ask God when you get to heaven. BUT, my guess would be that He really likes English because that's the way He speaks to you. He speaks to you here (pointing to her heart) and He speaks to you through the Bible."

She jumps to her feet and shouts, "You are telling me! The other day I was being really mean to people and unkind and then in Sunday School I read in my Bible where God says to be kind to everyone. I knew He was talking to me so I had to start being kind again!!" And, off she ran.

Here I was so proud of my wise words, when in reality --- I didn't tell her anything that she didn't already know.

Just think, God calls us by name. He desires to speak to us. If you are listening - he has something that He wants YOU to do --- and you are the only person He is calling, at this time, to take on that particular task. Remember in my previous post -- we are his masterpiece created to complete His works. Will you #1 hear and will you #2 accept? OR, will He need to find another who is listening and who is willing.

It's awesome to me to think that one day in Sunday School - God called Savannah by name. She's only 8! But she heard Him, her tender heart was listening.

It is my prayer today that you recognize God when He is calling your name. Sometimes that is not easy. In the book of I Samuel 3:1-10 we see God calling to Samuel, but it is not until the 4th time that Samuel recognized His voice.

I can speak from experience that our God is persistent.....

Come back tomorrow - read I Samuel 3: 1-10 today, and let's see what God has to say to us!

A Visual Look At Spiritual Warfare

2008-05-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Ephesians 6:12

Yesterday our youth group did a wonderful music program called "Free in Christ". They did a similar version of the skit/song that you will see a link too. It is POWERFUL! I ran across this video back in the fall - it was right after one of our youth took his own life. Which, made this all the more moving. This is a MUST to see.

Please take time to watch this clip. I tried and tried to put it on my site so you could just watch it from here --- but those of you who know me, well --- you aren't surprised that I couldn't figure out how to do it!

The video is a little slow in the beginning, but hang on! You will be so glad you watched.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

We are God's Workmanship Part II

2008-05-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

You are who you are for a reason

You are part of an intricate plan
You are a precious and perfect unique design
Called God's special Woman or Man

You look like you look for a reason

Our God made no mistake
He knit you together within the womb
You are just what He wanted to make

The parents you had were the ones He chose

And no matter how you may feel
They were custom designed with God's plan in mind
And they bear the Master's seal

No, that trauma you faced was not easy
And God wept that it hurt you so
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you'd grow

You are who you are for a reason
You've been formed by the Master's rod

You are who you are, beloved
Because there is a God

We are God's Workmanship

2008-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

God’s plans were prepared before we were born! Not only does Eph. 2 tell us that but so does Psalm 139:16 “ Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written before one of them came to be.”

But, we have a choice to make. We must decide to spend our time discovering and aligning ourselves with the purposes of God OR doing what we want to do ---- and then being “good church folk”, asking God to bless it!

There is a precious couple at our church with a powerful testimony and I want to share that with you today.

This couple struggled with infertility for years. I remember being on a Sunday School Class retreat and I was pregnant with my first, which was a struggle for us as well, and she and I had a very long discussion on evening about doctors, and testing and God’s plan and God giving you the desires of your heart ….. it was intense. And I remember feeling her pain and praying often after that for her and her husband.

At the time of this conversation, they had been struggling around 6 years. Well, several more years passed. They had continued their journey of medications and procedures – only to have them fail. Then one day they realized that they had never really given their situation over to God. They had been tying everything on their own --- never once asking God if that was what God wanted for them. They had not been praying over God’s direction for their family. They had taken matters into their own hands, and as I mentioned earlier, wanted God to bless it.

As a couple, they cam to the realization that they NEEDED God and put their desires in God’s hands. After 11 years, (and with out medications) she conceived and discovered that she was pregnant on Christmas Day! But, this is only the beginning of their testimony. This sweet couple was blessed with a son. And, when their son was only 3 years old – it was discovered that their only child, the child they had waited on for 11 years had a malignant brain tumor.

The amazing thing is that this couple never questioned “Why, God?” They had settled that years ago. Once they made the decision to involve God --- to earnestly seek His will for their family and not their own (before their son was ever born!), they knew that IF God blessed them with a child that this sweet baby had been hand picked by God to be placed in their loving care. They understood that God never makes mistakes and He has a reason for everything He creates.

That young couple fully understood 2 things:
1) We are God’s masterpiece, His workmanship
When God created their son, Jackson – God did not create a broken child. Yes, Jackson had a brain tumor. Yes – I have a child with severe anxiety. Yes – my adorable nephew who is 3 years old is deaf, can not speak and just learned to walk. BUT, those things did not occur because God was not paying attention the day He knit them together. Those children are a one of a kind masterpiece – the same as you and I.

2) God created us fully equipped in Christ to handle what His will requires
Jackson’s mother shared that weeks before his diagnosis, she knew something wasn’t right to the point where she was restless. And on the day that the news came she was obviously not prepared to hear something so devastating, but at the same time - with her nursing background and with her God given “motherly intuition” she knew Jackson’s results could be serious. And now, looking back, they see how God was equipping them to handle this storm.

As of today, Jackson is cancer free. However, for 5 years he must have an MRI every three months. His next MRI is May 13th.

Can you imagine living your life in 3 month cycles? For me, instead of counting my blessings like them – I would be counting down the days until the next poor report ( I can be negative that way!).

But, they take life one day at a time. Knowing God has a plan and only God knows their future. As for their future, they recently found out they are expecting again! And you will never believe when?!? She is due in December.

As we seek to hear God’s voice and discover His plan --- we must believe that He has a sovereign plan. And this is not anything that we can accomplish by our own power. This is a divinely created purpose for our life that can only b accomplished through us by His power.

No kidding - this is a true story!

2008-04-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Romans 8:37

This past Wed. I spoke to an AWESOME M.O.P.S group (Mother's of Preschoolers). And, I used one of my favorite messages. The bottom line of the message is - We need to spend time alone with God daily. It was easy to direct that to group of preschool moms because out of all the people on the planet they are the ones least likely to EVER be alone. I mean come on, they even have little people follow them into the bathroom!! Talking about no privacy! Thus, the calling of a mom with young kids:)

I also talked about BUSYNESS, feeling pressure to be Super Mom and told them this personal story about how having to much on your plate can really catch up with you!!

I have two girls, my 2nd grade daughter, Savannah who attends Madison Creek and a 6 year old daughter, Cassidy who was in a pre-K class at Gene Brown Elementary.

So two girls, two separate schools, but in the same county. And – every year the schools have a county wide drug free week called Red Ribbon Week. And during the course of this week the kids get to wear something different and fun each day (like silly unmatched socks, sunglasses and so on.).

So – I receive my two notes from each school explaining the week’s dress code. Some days the girls dress the same and some days are different. You guys know where this is headed I’m sure!
Ok – it had been an unusual week and I had been doing a pretty good balancing act until Thursday. That’s when Cassidy (my younger daughter) and then my baby boy came down with a stomach bug at the same time!! I’m rushing around on Thursday knowing that it’s going to be a long night. I’m getting as much prepared for Friday as I can. And, I look at the paper telling me what Savannah is to wear on Friday and it’s called “Wacky Tacky Day”. Which means, you are to purposefully not match any of your clothes. The crazier and more mismatched the better.

Well, I yell upstairs to Savannah so she can help me by finding her own clothes -- and she has a blast in her closet finding the coolest mismatched outfit she can find for the next day. Stuff like that is really up her ally. She has a red sock, a blue sock, a green paisley skirt, an orange shirt and has laid out some eccentric hair accessories.

I was right. Thursday night was horrible. I’ve had 0 sleep and I’m driving Savannah to school in a daze and as she gets out of the car --- I think, “Uuh – That’s strange. Not many people dressed up today.” and I’m off!

And it was not until oh – 15 min. before Savannah was to get off the bus that afternoon, while I was disinfecting our kitchen – I really stopped and looked at the Red Ribbon Week schedule posted on my fridge and I could have died!! You guessed it. It was not “Wacky Tacky Day” at Savannah’s school. It was sports apparel day. “Wacky Tacky Day” was at Cassidy’s school, but she was sick so didn’t go to school that day. And, to make things worse for Savannah --- they had an assembly in the gym for the entire school K-5th grade. And she was the line leader for her grade and had to walk in front of everyone around their gymnasium.

It was an honest mistake, but one that was made because I was overwhelmed, rushed, frustrated and didn’t even slow down enough to read the correct sheet of paper posted right on my refrigerator.

Now, I could maybe get away with saying I had sick babies and that could happen to anyone (trying to make myself feel better). But, the truth of the matter is my calendar of craziness the Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before my babies were sick on Thursday was the root of the problem. Because I had so many things crammed in to my schedule for the entire week – when the unexpected happened – the bottom fell out!

AND after this weeks talk and this fabulous reminder ---- I DID IT AGAIN!!!! This morning, Savannah is all dressed up this time. She's in gold dress shoes, a skirt and blouse matching accessories and as we pull in the parking lot she says - "Mom, I'm supposed to have on my class T-shirt and tennis shoes! We are running a marathon today!!!"

God keeps me around for entertainment I'm sure of it!!! How is it that one person can be so scattered yet try so hard to not be!!

Once again, I realize my need not just for HIM daily, but moment by moment!! "God, through you - who loves me so much - that is the only way I will ever the able to conquer my daily schedule! I'm so thankful that You have not given up on me yet!!! Amen!"

FYI Parents of kids in public schools

2008-04-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

Please go to http://www.missionamerica.com/ and read what the next homosexual activism has planned.

This is an event for April 25, 2008. The Nashville area schools that plan to participate are:

HILLSBORO HIGH SCHOOL
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MAGNET
PEARL HIGH SCHOOL
NASHVILLE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

There is information on how to become proactive. It is time for Christians to Speak Up!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE look in your area - I know people all across the States read this, find out what schools in your area will be participating.

Disney Pics

2008-04-08T14:44:00.001-07:00

You can't take a trip to Disney without spending time with Mickey!

OK - I really do try to watch my spending on souvenirs while on vacation, but who could pass up these Mickey Mouse shades!! What a cutie:)

The girls LOVE Mulan. This was a rare treat! She is not around the park often, so to see her was extra special.

Savannah has been over the "Princess" thing for a few years now, but for some reason was fascinated by Cinderella. So much so that she is already declaring that she wants to dress up like Cinderella for the church Harvest Party in October!

Yes - my kids either have on matching clothes OR the same color scheme most days - BUT, especially while on vacation!!! By the way, we celebrated Cassidy's 6th B-day while we were down there (thus the cupcake shirt). The park gave her a special button to wear so all the characters were quick to wish her a Happy Birthday.

We were just at Disney in October (if you are planning a trip - ask me anything! I feel like it's our second home!!) and we didn't make it to Sea World. We went this time and it was great! Did you know they have one of the best roller coasters in the world??? Who knew!

Cassidy's favorite ride, Splash Mountain, was at Magic Kingdom. The kids rode it 1,000 times (or so it seemed!). The last time they took a spin, I sat out with Jamison. While I was waiting - I met Bret Favre's wife!!! No kidding! Evidently, good ol' Bret was just a few logs back behind Russ and the rest of the family. She was sweet as she could be!!

One of our favorite rides (including Savannah who is just 8!) is Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. It's a roller coaster that goes forwards, backwards and upside down! You've got to try it!!

Since it was Spring Break for the entire USA the week we were there (crowds were insane!), we took advantage of the Extra Magic Hours which means we could stay at the park until 1:00AM. Most people are not that crazy - so the park was no where near as crowded during that time. We are a family of night owls so it worked for us! The kids would sleep till 10AM and we would go back to the park after lunch. They feel asleep nearly every night on the bus back to the hotel.

Here are some grumpy kids -- not ready to go home! We were leaving MGM/Universal Studios to hit the road for the 12 hour trip home:(

What's been the hold up?

2008-04-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

"I will put My Spirit into your children; My blessings will be like a stream of water flowing over your family. One will say, 'I belong to the Lord,' another will write on his hand, 'The Lord's'."
Isaiah 44: 3, 5

Oh how I LOVE that verse. I have it written on a tile (you have to see it to make sense - it's a small tile like you would have on your kitchen back splash and the Is. 44 verse on it --- a crafty friend made it!). Anyway, the tile is on a stand and it's in the center of all my kids photo's on a table at the entrance of my house.

I look and see that it's been a month since I last blogged! YIKES!!! I have two reasons 1) no computer and 2) KIDS! We spent 8 days in Disney (which you will see more than you ever wanted to in just a minute!) and they have consumed me more than normal. And, they have shared many funny and thought provoking stories that I'm sure will wind up in a future blog or speaking engagement.

So, since my time is brief - I wanted to just post some pics for family and friends of our recent trip. Those of you who really have missed me - THANK YOU! Your e-mails have been so encouraging to me and I REALLY want to get back to this devotional/blog thing. So - say a prayer that I will be able to get a new computer soon. It's going to cost as much to fix the old as to buy a new one. AND - after this trip to Disney, I just don't have hundreds of dollars stashed under my pillow!

ENJOY the Disney pics on the next post:)

Wave your Bible in the air!

2008-03-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Hebrews 4:11-13

Well here it goes --- I'm about to get on a tangent! I'm sorry in advance:)

Our pastor once again had an AMAZING message on Sunday. And even though the entire sermon was Right On, one thing really stuck out to me. It stuck out to me because I had been very burdened and praying about something for a few months now. It has to do with the issue of Bibles.

I had started to notice the lack of Bibles being brought to church and it was really bothering me!!! My thinking was - OK, this is the place where you are supposed to bring your Bibles, right? So - if you are not bringing them where you are supposed to --- are they (the Bibles) being opened any other time of the week?

Now, I must clarify! I was not walking around with pen and paper taking tabs on who had their Bibles at church or not. I'm sure over the years - in the midst of dragging diaper bags and donuts for the Sunday School class for breakfast - I've forgotten my Bible. But, our pastor made a great point. In the world of Power Point presentations with the Scripture for all to see during the worship service AND the trend of Sunday School literature to have Scripture printed out for you each week - it's easy to see our Bibles as one less thing to carry to church. Brother Ken challeneged our church to start bringing our Bibles. I'm glad he addressed this -- now I wouldn't have too (haha)!

I wish I could remember the name of the pastor that was referenced in Brother Ken's sermon, but let me end on this note. There is a pastor somewhere who starts his sermon's like this: "If you brought your Bible today, let's hold our Bibles way up high and wave them around so we can make the Devil good and made this morning." Would you be able to make the Devil good and mad today?

Take Up Your Cross - Part 2

2008-03-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

Some of you might remember a post I made in January about this verse. I was inspired during my devotional time to create this wall in my home. I promised pics so here you go! I LOVE it!! Some might think it's a little over the top --- who am I kidding! It is, but I like it. Oh -- and I can't take credit for painting the verse! I hired someone to do it and she did a wonderful job!!!

It looks like I'm at least one more week without a computer. I miss blogging, but hopefully this won't last much longer!!

Official Soccer Mom

2008-02-27T11:17:00.001-08:00

“Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4

Well, I’ve done it. I’ve traded pom-poms for the soccer field. Not completely – the girls are still cheering, but wrapping up their competition season. BUT, my little Jamison is hitting the ground running on the soccer field at barely 3 years old. Yes, we are nuts. But hey – he runs around the house and kicks things all day, so why not channel that energy into something more appropriate! And, we live so close to the park we can literally walk to his soccer field if we needed too. All this sports stuff just works for us.

But, today – I’ve got to tell you what God showed me on Monday. Well, Monday’s are always a little stressful around here. It’s the day before my Apples of Gold mentoring thing at my house (I’ve mentioned it in previous blogs – in short: 20 plus ladies come to my house for food and Bible study every Tuesday) so I’m cleaning more than usual. And on Monday’s the girls have cheerleading from 6-7PM. So, guess when Jamison’s soccer practice is!? Yep. Monday’s from 6-7PM. Well, this Monday was his first ever practice and being “good parents” neither my husband or I wanted to miss this!!! Since we are very comfortable with the girls’ gym – we decided to drop them off early, head to the soccer field, watch “little buddy” be cute and run around in circles, leave Jamison’s practice early and then go pick up the girls, go home, eat, take baths, put on P.J’s, and go to bed. Sounds like a good plan, huh?

Well, it’s 6:00 PM and I see LOTS of people at the soccer field, but no one for Jamison’s team. I see LOTS of coaches, but not Jamison’s coach. So, I’m going around asking everyone are you Coach So & So. After asking everyone who looks over the age of 15 if they are Coach So & So, some lady stops me and says – “I heard your coach was running late and practice would not start until 6:30.”

Gang, I was getting angrier by the minute. I thought – do people not know I have two other children to pick up across town by 7PM! Also, while I was making a fool of myself asking everyone if they were Coach So & So --- my mother in law had called my husband. She wanted us to go out to eat after the kids practices (and not somewhere quick, but a NICE sit down place.) I was screaming in my brain IT’S A SCHOOL NIGHT, PEOPLE! But, I was trying to take deep breaths. Now, my mother in law is precious and we just lost my father in law recently so – I was not angry with her at all! Any time we can spend time with her – I want to do that. But, this overall situation was making me most upset. I mean come on – what good coach is 30 minutes late to the first practice (and didn’t even let the parents know!!).

So, I decided that I was going to call Coach So & So and not be rude (of course!), but explain in no uncertain terms that I do have a life and what in the world could be the hold up on the very first night of soccer practice!!! Remember, it’s a school night!!!

When the Assistant Coach (the wife) picks up the phone I hear a baby screaming wildly in the car. That already begins to soften my attitude. I know what it’s like to be running terribly late and have a VERY upset child strapped in the car. So, I immediately change my approach and put the blame on myself by saying …… “I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake. I’ve been here since 6:00 and I’ve not found you guys.”

With her screaming child in the background she apologizes 1,000 times for running late, but they had a death in the family. They had been out of town at a funeral all day and were stuck in traffic on the way back home. She wasn’t going to make it, but her husband was nearly to the soccer field. When he arrives – he is in dress slack and shirt the whole nine yards. His little boy in dress pants and a nice sweater --- not at all soccer attire, AND with good reason!

Oh my goodness! What had I doneL I was so wrapped up in my world, my schedule that someone ---- actually several someONES (my mother in law and now this new soccer family) were hurting all around me and I was concerned with my kids getting a good nights rest!

In an instant – God changed my attitude. So much so that on Tuesday I called the Coaches wife back just to ask if they were doing OK or needed anything. I told her how we had lost Russ’ dad recently and we have small kids too, so I understand how hard things can be. That’s not like me. I don’t up and call people I don’t really know. But God was really pushing me to do that. I could sense the thankfulness in her voice that I had called to check on her family. But what’s odd is I don’t know these people! I’ve still not personally met the wife. I don’t know if they are believers. If they are church attendees? They could be atheist !

So the moral of this blog --- don’t take your life so seriously (especially with silly things) that you fail to be used by God to those who are truly hurting all around you. Am I concerned with my own interests, OR the interests of others?

Just Give HIM Some PRAISE!

2008-02-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:6-8

Hi gang! I’m back:) Thank you for your patience. Due to my schedule – you might want to sign up for my e-mail notifications so you don’t have to check this site often. It will let you know when I have new thoughts posted. I plan on pushing forward and writing as much as I can but with a messed up computer (I’m using hubby’s right now!), flu season and traveling --- it’s going to be difficult.

So now that “business” is done – let’s have some fun!

I was so tickled by this verse this morning during my quiet time. I wish I had put the date in my Bible of when I first started this, but I pray these verses in Colossians often for my children. And just a few days ago my eight year old was overflowing with thankfulness!!!!

It was just the two of us in the van running a few errands before cheerleading practice. Her sister was at home sick and obviously her 3 year old brother was not going to practice cheerleading so Russ was taking care of that part of the crew. It was just Savannah and I – and I was actually enjoying some semi-adult conversations.

It was a beautiful day and unseasonably warm for February. So out of no where, I hear from the back of the van, “I can not believe this weather we are having! We need to stop and give God some praise!! I mean, I don’t like it cold at all. It is so warm today – I love it!!”

I was praying – Oh Lord, help me remember every word she just said because that was precious! The sincerity, the excitement, --- her understanding of Who is in control of the weather – it was a very proud moment AND a humbling one.

I started wondering – when was the last time that I just gave God a “shout out”? I’m talking about just busting from the seams praise like my child just did!?

I’ve shared this story with some gals at church and so now we pass each other and say “We need to stop and give God some praise!” It’s been a little “joke” with a very serious reminder. So - have you given God praise today?

MILEY CYRUS (aka Hannah Montana)

2008-02-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:8-9

I had a wonderful day at church! I have missed so many Sunday’s lately due to Cheerleading Competitions and my trip to Mexico. It was so nice to be in such a worshipful setting. I LOVED our message by out pastor yesterday – but one thing really stuck out to me and I want to use that comment today, but in a different direction.

The title of yesterday’s sermon was, “Rest in Peace” using Philippians 4:6-9 and Galatians 5:22 (fruit of the spirit – peace). He gave several celebrity examples of those in the “lime light” who are obviously – by their choices – struggling to find peace. He shared the words of Britney Spears in a 1998 interview of what an important role faith played in her life and how she wanted to be always known as the girl next door. It’s really heart breaking to think what all has happened to her since 1998 (again, mainly her poor choices).

Having young girls – I quickly made a comparison in my mind of Britney’s 1998 comment with that of Miley Cyrus, AKA Hannah Montana, in 2007 about her faith and always wanting to be known as a good girl. Miley has gone so far as talking about attending a Bible Study on her Miley World website (which thrilled me and my daughter to read!!). She also recently explained to the news media how it was Satan attacking her when someone made a big deal about several slumber party photo’s.

I have thought so often about what someone like Miley could do for Christ. What if she gave a testimony and busted out with an invitation at one of her sold out concerts! Over the years, the Lord has led me to pray for several “stars” and for the last several months – Miley Cyrus has been added to that list.

My girls LOVE her. And so far – Miley has done nothing for me to crack down on my girls admiration of her. I actually enjoy her TV show myself! I heard a rumor just a few weeks ago that the Cyrus family was buying some property not far from our house (like bike riding distance) --- remember, I live in Nashville – so it was possible. After all, this is where she was born. Savannah and Cassidy envisioned Miley coming over to play at our house on a regular basis – doing nails, singing and having snacks. My Cassidy said, “Momma, I can’t wait for Miley to move next door. We are going to be best friends!” Then Savannah chimed in, “Maybe she can go to church with us!”

Oh how I hope she is able to go to church somewhere! From what I hear, they use to be very faithful before moving to LA. I hope that in the midst of all the money and fame she is able to keep her thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Boy – that’s hard for me and I’m just a stay at home Mom surrounded by mainly only Christian people!!!!!!

Is there anyone out there – someone famous, that God brings to your mind often? It’s not a fluke!! Pray for them. Hollywood needs Christ – and that’s not a major news flash for any of us. Now, I’m not negating the fact that our neighbors need Christ as well – today, I’m just asking, Have you thought about stretching your prayers out farther than that? Who will you pray for today?

Sometimes our prayer life can be so overwhelming. We have personal needs to be brought before the Lord, then there is family and friends, our country and so on. A Bible Study Leader once shared with our class how she keeps from being so overwhelmed in her prayer life ---- and this was great advice! You might already be doing this – but this was a life saver for me!!!!

She of course has daily prayer needs. Then, aside from that – she breaks down her prayer list by days of the week. For example – it could look like this: Monday’s are for extended family and friends, Tuesday’s are for the leader’s in our nation, what is going on around the world (Miley would fall in this category for me), Wednesday’s are for missionaries and various ministries. Thursday’s are for those suffering with illnesses, widows, etc…Friday….Saturday… She wraps up on Sunday by praying for her church and those in various ministry roles, and teachers at our church.

I hope this post was helpful to you today! Please – be in prayer for the people your kids look up too. IN and OUTSIDE the church

Tennessee Tornado

2008-02-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

"For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

Psalm 95:3-6

This was NOT yesterday, but the tornado that hit my subdivision in Spring 2006. Our house was OK, but this was a neighbors.

I'm sure you have heard about out the Tornado damage here in Tennessee. My ministry partner Leigh and I (and our spouses) graduated from Union University (the school is all over the news). We have several from our church that are at Union right now. My sister-in-law has been texting her friends at Union all morning and they are all OK, but their dorm was severely damaged. About all that was salvageable were some clothes.

I get a little out of sorts with bad weather. However, this didn't happen to me until several years ago. I was a newly-wed working in downtown Nashville on the 9th floor of a 13 story building. When - out my office window I saw a tornado!!!! YES, gang. I saw it and will never forget it. The wind was whistling in the stairwell as hundreds quickly raced down all those steps to the basement. All the phones were out and I had no way to contact my husband. It happened around 2PM and it was 8PM before I was able to get home.

Last night, my kids were a little freaked out as well. You could hear the sirens warning of bad weather. The lightening was wild and the hail falling from the sky was huge! My middle child asked if we were going to die!!! The girls sleep upstairs by a HUGE window and were very nervous. So, last night I made a pallet in the floor by our bed for all three kiddos. They were pleased and after lots of giggles and silliness - were sound asleep by 10:30PM. At 1AM the storm really kicked up and I was on stand by to scoop them up and head to the closet. Luckily, that was not necessary.

My oldest is also out of school today due to the damage in our county. Our neighborhood is fine this time, but we were hit in Spring 2006. My house (we were building at the time) was not hit directly, but MANY in my subdivision were --- taking the complete back side off some of the houses. They looked like doll houses (see the above pic)! Walking around the debris was just creepy. The weather immediately after a storm like that is very weird. The air is still and dark - you see wondering pets, lawn chairs in tree tops, metal twisted in shapes that would blow your mind!

What can really blow your mind is knowing that God is still in control. That is a difficult concept to grasp during tragedy. In times like this I just think of so many different Psalms passages. I think of Psalm 5:4 that talks about how our God does not delight or take pleasure in tragedy/evil. I think of Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid I will trust in you." Even Psalms 95 talks of how in His hands are the depths of the earth and the sea is His - He created it all AND it is all (even the weather) under His control.

Please pray today for those affected by yesterday's terrible storm.

Return To The Garden Pictures

2008-02-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

This is Kay and the gals in the taping! What an amazing two days:) God even worked it out where I got to sit beside her at lunch and talk about Speaking Thru Me Ministries! It's a great story I will post one day. She gave some wonderful wisdom for ministry that I will cherish:) Also - she has one of my scripture bags that I sell for ministry. As a group, we decided to give her one in memory of our fun time together.

Hi all! Since my computer is down I don't have much time before hubby comes in and needs to start his work day so I will be brief today. By the way - my husband works from home:) Lucky ME!!!! He has a HUGE project due on Friday that he has been working on for months now - say a prayer that all goes well:)

Here are some Kay pics from our video taping of her newest Bible Study, "Return To The Garden". The study shows what the Bible says about purity. She talk about man being Protector (as God intends) VS Predator (as Satan intends) and woman being Saint VS Seductress. I am so embarassed now as to how I use to dress years ago. YIKES! Someone should have stopped me!!! Oh dear - my college dress was an absolute nightmare. It was obvious that the "meditation of my heart was not pleasing" because my dress showed it!!! I've already started working on my girls at ages 8 & 5 about modesty AND sharing age appropriate information about WHY modesty is important. My mother-in-law was a great example for me. When I met Russ, his youngest sister was only 6 years old! (Boy I'm old - she's now married!!) Anyway, I remember shopping with his sister and her mom during her teenage years. What a task! But, Amanda always looked stylish, adorable and modest.

If you have young girls in your home, begin praying about their purity. God will show you ways --- creative ways - to guide them in the area of modesty and purity.

Burning Coal

2008-01-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

"Then I said, 'Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.' Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, 'Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.' Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Isaiah 6:5-8

Well, you might be thinking - what an unusual passage to share! I am actually in the midst of the Isaiah precept study so this is more than likely not the first scripture from Isaiah that I will share over the next few weeks:)

I could actually write for days on all that I've learned from just these few verses alone, but I'll spare you for now! And, I'm probablly not going to focus on what you are thinking.

I want you to look at the burning coal part. To take you back just a bit, Isaiah is writing of a vision where he saw the Lord. The Lord is sitting on His throne and when Isaiah sees Him, Isaiah is in awe of God's holiness. This is where he says, "Woe to me!" Isaiah is admitting that he is a man of "unclean lips" and that he is sinful. At that moment - a seraphim picks up a burning coal and places it on the lips of Isaiah and the seraphim says "your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven." The very next word in the scripture is "THEN". It says "Then I heard the voice of the Lord." Isaiah did not hear from the Lord UNTIL his sin was taken away.

During our Bible Study time, a lady in our class said, "There is no painless way to get rid of sin." WOW. I can not imagine the pain our Saviour endured on Calvary so that I could one day enter his Holy presence. And, on earth - as we confess our sins to him - it can be so very painful as well.

Recently a precious friend of mine shared how she and her husband were fasting and praying. During this time, one was led to share a sin from the past that had been a burden for around 15 years. It was devastating news, something that could end a marriage if allowed to. Confessing this particular sin was terribly painful for the both of them - it was a burning coal. As they continued to stay in a state of prayer - God worked a miracle. In a matter of hours - as painful as confession was, healing (in their situation) was immediately taking place.

As my friend shared this story - I had just left Bible Study. I could not stop thinking about the comment shared in class. It is true, their is no painless way to get rid of sin. BUT, what comes from our confession (our burning coals) far outways the pain. We, sinful man, can hear from a Holy God. And what great things He has in store for those who are obedient to confess and come to Him.

My Trip To Mexico (AKA Woe, the plans of man!)

2008-01-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24

I am back from my trip and boy, do I have a story to tell!!!! It goes like this ……. Actually, it ends like this …… when our boat was docked in Mobile, Alabama it was supposedly to be quarantined for 4 days before the Center for Disease Control will allow anyone else to board!! So says CNN News!!!!!

OK, now I’ll back up. I had a fabulous long bus ride. I had a wonderful full day at sea. I took my Bible and all kinds of ministry stuff planning on having an awesome time with God and getting MUCH accomplished.

Well, we dock at Cozumel. My Mom and grandmother along with 40 or so other ladies go on a Site Seeing and Shopping Excursion. Our first stop is across the island in a small village setting where I find a really cool cross ring (we’ve already established my cross thing in another post!). Next, we go to the Beach for about 15 minutes for pictures. For some reason, our next stop is at a Tequila Factory --- why a group of Baptist Women are taken to a Tequila Factory I’m not sure – but it was pretty funny!!!! (this is where you laugh at my Baptist joke) Anyway, I’m starting to not feel well, so I sit and pass on the tour. We get back on the bus to head into downtown Cozumel to do some serious shopping. I’ve been in Mexico about 2 hours by this time – and my time has come to a halt!!! I get off the bus, run to the bathroom and I am oh – so-sick! So sick, that my grandmother hails a cab and we are rushing back to the boat. From there – I continue to be, you guessed it! Oh-so-sick! Oh-so-sick, that my nearly 80 year old grandmother is pushing me in a wheelchair to the ship’s Infirmary!!! Something is seriously wrong with that picture. Evidently, I am oh-so-sick along with hundreds of other people on the ship!!!!! Thus, the boat being inspected by the CDC! And, my trip officially ended riding in a cab only after spending two hours in Mexico. Gang, I was down for the count and I’m doing well to remember getting off the boat :)

I did not get to buy my kids any “real” Mexican gifts. I only got 1 “real” Mexican gift for myself!! I did not have any “lofty” quiet times on the ship’s deck looking out to the sea. I did not do any ministry planning stuff. All I did was be oh-so-sick and sleep.

So, I’m sharing with you what I’ve learned from this unique experience. Life is not about ME! How shocking!! I went on this trip thinking, I deserve a break. This trip is long overdue – I owe it to myself. I’ve got to get my ministry stuff organized. I’m going to accomplish this & that and Me, Myself and I are going to have a blast because it’s about time I did something for – you guessed it, ME! AND – my very supportive husband was never thrilled with this cruise idea. I’m often able to get away for time with Beth Moore, Priscilla and Kay (not personally – but in conference form!) and occasionally for scrapbook weekends. It’s not like I NEVER get away, but he was more hesitant about this trip. He has a huge project due every Feb. and Jan. is the worst possible time for me to leave him to juggle three kids and this other massive undertaking! And honestly, I never gave him a choice so he never said “No.” I just determined from day one that I was going because this trip was well deserved. Well, God put my plans to a halt didn’t He?! Is it possible that I should have listened to my husband (doesn’t God’s word say something about respecting him ---- you would think sometimes I’d never read that part!!)?

Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Paul was not living to please himself or to get his needs fulfilled. He didn’t desire to get away from it all to hear from God on a cruise to Mexico!! From the point of his conversion on the road to Damascus, he had one burning passion: to live for the glory and the pleasure of God. All that mattered to him was knowing Christ and making Him known to others.

In all honesty, I’ve been more worried about getting a suntan in Mexico and coming back with some grand concept that God revealed to me while standing on the seashore or while sitting in the rays of His glorious creation. I was planning on Him revealing something dramatic and profound with me, so that I could tell (blog) it upon my return. Again, in honesty – making me appear to be greater than I am!

“Oh Lord, how I want to live these words by Paul. Forgive me for my selfishness. I don’t want to live to please myself or even those around me --- only You. God, trips are great – but it’s my attitude that needed the adjustment. Thank you for my husband and his wisdom. Father help me to not think I “always know best”. He is amazing and did such a fabulous job with the kids while I was away. Lord, I truly desire to finish the race and complete the task that You’ve given me. I thank you for my calling in ministry – I understand however that my plans mean nothing. You are in complete control. And plans are good – they are not bad things. But, when I focus on my plans and not the plans You have for me – that’s where the problem comes. Help me to live for You today. Amen”

Apples Of Gold Mentoring Program

2008-01-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Titus 2: 3-5

First of all I need to apologize for my blogging inconsistency!! PLEASE, hang in here with me. I've been out of town so much in January and I'm leaving again today for a cruise:) YES, a cruise. My Mom thought I needed a break so she and my grandmother are taking me on a cruise with 172 other ladies from their church. So - this will be my last post for a week. BUT, come back! I will have great things to share once I return I'm sure!!!

OK - with that out of the way, I need to tell you about the coolest thing! My church started our Apples of Gold mentoring program last night. Have you ever heard of it? Women's Ministry people - this may interest you. It is a six-week nurturing program for women. The format is like this:

It is held in someones home. You have 10 "apples" these are the ones who need/want the mentoring. 6 - 10 Mentors. A cook and kitchen help. Each week starts with a cooking demonstration (our cook uses her own recipes not the ones in the Apples of Gold book). While the food is cooking we have a Bible Study time. Each one of the Mentors will teach a session that is outlined in the book. The topics are: kindness, loving your husband, loving your children, submission, purity, and hospitality. The apples have a little homework before coming to the next weeks session. After Bible Study, we eat the delicious meal and have specific table talk about the lesson we just studied.

I am hosting this session of Apples of Gold at my home. It's a stretch for me to do something like this!!! I am NOT a housekeeper. But, I have been involved with this ministry for many years now and it is such as awesome thing to see how these "young" and sometimes not so "young" apples are just in such desperately need of Godly role models and friends. We don't limit by age - just anyone who is needing to be loved on is welcome. We do limit by number. First 10 only - and it's a race for sign ups every time!!!

For next weeks session I hope to be walking in the doors from my trip while all my guests are arriving!! I hope I don't miss it. And, say a prayer for my family while I'm gone.

Take a look around you. Is there someone that you can mentor? You may not be able to have a formal program like Apples of Gold, but has God placed someone around you - who you need to invest time in? I am so thankful for the mentors in my life. When I was a newlywed - a group of young Moms took me under their wing. They asked me to go see Beth Moore at a church in Kentucky before she was BETH MOORE!!! It was such a God thing - my mentors, the trip, meeting Beth that weekend ----- all the makings of a great blog!!!!

"God, I thank you today for Rebecca, Micca and Lori and their willingness to open up their circle of friends to include a young newlywed years ago. Father - I see where you have taken them and I want to go too!!!! YOU are everything in their life, and they have shown me the Way. God I pray that I can be that to someone else. I pray for this group of "apples" who will be in my home over the next several weeks. Speak to them through your Word and through the mentors You have chosen to participate in these sessions. I pray for those reading - maybe you are bringing someone to their minds this every moment. Maybe they are needing to invest in someones life. Maybe - they need to be mentored too. God - I pray that you would bring everything together --- whichever way it's needed, and you would be glorified. Amen"

God's Plans

2008-01-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

My Nephew Jake

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Well, it's much later than I anticipated, but I'm back on Monday like I promised!

What a weekend! I had such a wonderful time with the girls. We had pillow fights, ate at great restaurants and visited with friends. It reminded me how much work God has done in the lives of both of my girls.

For some reason, God loves to give my husband and I very unique children. All three of my children have had some type of developmental delay. When my oldest daughter was born, she cried so much in the hospital nursery - that the nursery literally brought her to me and said that Savannah would have to stay in the hospital room with me the rest of my stay. It was funny because the head nurse, Amy, was actually a member of my church! She came to me and said Savannah was disturbing all the other babies and they could do nothing to settle her. I tease her now about "kicking Savannah out" and she remembers the whole thing! Amy often reminds me of God's healing in my family.

You see - that hospital story was only the beginning. From that point on, Savannah screamed until she was pushing 4 years old. She learned sign language because she couldn't speak, I had to take pictures of daily tasks (such as breakfast, a bathtub, toothbrush, pajama's, our church, family members and so on) to help her with transitions. Savannah had all kinds of therapy -- OT, speech, behavioral - several times a week. She was tested for Autism - I was just confident that was it. They agreed she had signs, but not enough to classify her at that time.

Some of you will get a kick out of this! Sometimes, the only way to get sleep would be to have Savannah in bed with me, nursing her and with the vacuum cleaner running. YES - the vacuum!! Boy, I ruined a great vacuum. My husband and I got so use to it - it would run half the night. By the way - don't ask me how long I nursed!! I'll just tell you this much - I was expecting my second and still nursing my first!!!!!

Prayer is the only way I know to explain my survival. She did not have "just colic" and I was not being an "over anxious new mother." We had SERIOUS issues going on and the Lord's direction in parenting and divinely appointed therapists are now precious memories of God's hand over our family.

I have always considered this verse in Jeremiah "Savannah's verse". I had prayed for her arrival for many years. And, it was all God's timing. He knew His plans for her - and He knew I needed to be at a point of daily seeking Him because He "planned" on sending me a real doozie!

Savannah now often says, "Momma, remember when God healed my brain?" And I can't get my "Yes!!" out fast enough. As a toddler, we never knew that she would be able to speak or function as a "typical" child. Seeing her this weekend cheering on stage in front of hundreds of people - WOW, what a miracle.

Sometimes I feel guilty that Savannah is healed. My nephew Jake, who turned 3 in November, just learned to walk. He has severe hearing loss, he is unable to eat anything much more than yogurt and can't feed that to himself or even hold a sippie cup. I know that God has plans for Jake too. When He was perfecting Jake in the womb - God did not mess up! He formed Jake's body as carefully as he did Savannah's. I just need to rest in Scripture - His ways are not my ways Isaiah 55, His works are wonderful Psalms 139, and only He knows His plans Jeremiah 29.

I was sent this video on Autism today. I'll give you the link if you have time to view. I don't know anything about this organization - I just know from experience that their are hurting families praying for healing.

I ask today that you say a prayer for my children. Praise for Savannah's healing. Continued prayer for Cassidy's auditory processing issues and Jamison's speech. For my precious nephew Jake - that God would lead them to the right specialist and if it be His will that Jake's parents would have a confirmed diagnosis and find a great support group. I ask that you pray for any children you might be in contact with who have special needs --- and also for their parents.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

Gone Again!

2008-01-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

Just wanted everyone to know I'm off to more Cheering for the weekend (well, not me - ha -- the girls). We are getting to stay in a fancy hotel in Chattanooga - the girls are thrilled. I'm even being one of those crazy mom's that paint the mini van with car paint!!! What fun!!

I want you to visit my ministry partner's blog today ---- and be praying for Donald. Donald is someone Leigh met who is searching for Christ. She gave him her blog address and has Donald a letter posted on her site. Great idea, huh!?!

http://www.leighhargisgray.blogspot.com/

I'll be back on Monday:)

Not one of "those" phone calls!!

2008-01-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

“For this reason, since they day we hard about you, we have not stopped praying for you, and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
Colossians 1:9-12

Well – it’s honesty time. I received last night one of “those” phone calls from another parent. One of those calls saying, “Your child hit my child and is mistreating my child” kind of phone calls. YIKES!

I could tell that she was as nervous calling as I was listening!! However, I really am thankful that she was bold enough to call me. That is a hard thing to do. It’s easy to sit around and stew about things than to just face them head on. I had been thinking earlier in the day – I wonder if I should call so & so’s Mom. I didn’t know what to say or how to say it! God knew I would completely butcher this situation – so He just had her call me!!! She talked and I listened.

Afterwards, I was so upset -- more at feeling failure as a parent than any of the particulars discussed by phone. Part of my child’s problem is what I like to call a “tone” issue. Her voice can sound very disrespectful. Of course I immediately start thinking, “Oh no – she’s learned that from me!!” I have to be so careful how I speak to others (especially when I’m tired!). Also, she has accepted Christ and I already see signs of her having the gift of prophecy. Things are black and white – so if she “perceives” something as wrong, she is going to let you know about it!!! This leads to a lot of negative things being said to and about others. Oh goodness – how can some of our greatest attributes be our biggest downfalls?? Out of all the Spiritual Gifts – prophecy definitely gets the most flack! She has so much God given potential to do something amazing for His kingdom, but she really needs some sharpening! This gift will serve her well at age 28, but at age 8 --- we’ve got some work to do!!!

After taking a “chill pill” – ha, God brought to my attention a verse that I pray for my children all the time. It’s the very long one at the top of the page.

“God, I thank you right now for the mother who called me. I pray for her relationship with you. Lord, I don’t know her spiritual walk – but you do. I ask that you show yourself to her in away that would be undeniable. I pray for her daughter. I pray that she might come to know you --- and how awesome would it be if this all works out and Savannah one day leads her. And God, I pray for their mother-daughter relationship, may it be a strong one that brings glory to you. I ask that if there is any wrong on their end that they would be accepting of that. Please help all of our relationships to not be awkward from this point forward. Give Savannah wisdom, even at her young age, to know when to use her gift of prophecy! I pray that she lives a life worthy of you and pleases you in every way. Show me where she is imitating me in negative ways and change me! Father, I pray that she will bear fruit, and grow in knowledge of you. God, thank you for opening my eyes. This morning I feel like there is so much that I should have said over the phone. BUT, I see that all of it would have been building Savannah up, while only bringing down this other child. (didn't you just have me blog about that very thing last week???) Thank you for your grace last night to help me keep my mouth closed and just take it all in. You know that is not like me – it must have been You. God, I pray for the teachers who may get involved. Give them discernment and help them to mold each girl’s character for the better. Be with Savannah today. You know how nervous she is about going to school. Give her courage to do what is right and the grace to do it. Thank you for your Word and your awesome wisdom from Colossians!”

Sitting At The Feet of Jesus

2008-01-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Mark 6:31

I don’t know about you, but someone telling me to rest awhile is not a very common thing. Some of you may remember the days when you had an audience of little people while in the bathroom. And that’s where I’m at right now. Rest is the last thing that is willingly offered to me. When I sit briefly to watch a Thomas the Train movie with my "recently turned" 3 year old – if my eyes even begin to close slightly I hear loudly in my ear, ‘Mommy – no close eyes!” Then he begins to pry them open with his little fingers.

Even when he naps --- I still don’t have enough time to take a quick nap myself. I have two other children to tend too. I can’t afford a getaway, just me and my spouse. It’s very easy to feel that I am always stressed out and in a rush.

I fill my life with MANY good things. I believe that most women fill their lives with many good things. Listen to this list:

Working outside the home, serving on committees, being a friend, serving in a civic organization, mentoring, being a wife, mom, attending events, working with teenagers, teaching Sunday School, volunteering, joining clubs, hosting parties. And that’s a drop in the bucket.

I was at a Women’s Ministry Conference and all of the ladies in attendance were involved heavily at their local churches or in ministry like me and our speaker said something on that stage I will never forget. She said, “Ladies, you can not do 1000 things for the glory of God. Discern a few, and do them well.” Boy, that hit home. I don’t need to do all things, only a few.

The truth is, our stress level increases with our effort to do more and be more. With an increased drive to “get it all done,” we’re paying a high price. And we actually reduce our ability to accomplish tasks efficiently. It gets increasingly difficult to make decisions and takes longer to complete even simple tasks. We get forgetful and easily distracted, along with becoming just plain worn out!

It takes tremendous faith, discipline and persistence to manage our time and MAKE time to rest. Again, Mark 6:31 Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Jesus – giving us permission to find a quiet place with him and rest. I regret that I don't always live out this principle. I often feel guilty if I just stop "doing" and slow down! Because – I don’t know about you, but the world will stop spinning if I take a breather!!! So, I’ve got to keep trucking or else the whole world’s in a mess!!

But today - with an insane January schedule before me - I need to remind myself to slow down the pace. It's times when life is so hectic that we should have no other choice, then to take time and rest at His feet first.

And three reasons come to mind as to why I need HIS rest so desperately!

1) I want stability. Psalm 91:1 “ He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty.”

2) I want to rest in God’s peace instead of living in turmoil. Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

3)I want others to see Jesus in my life. Matthew 5:16 Let you light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your good deeds, and praise your Father who is in heaven.”

Thanks God! I needed this today:)

God Speaks - Even Through Cheerleading!!

2008-01-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

Well, we are back from Cheerleading and we won 1st place!! We better not feel too confident – we have a huge competition next weekend with some top notch squads – I’ll let you know.

Competition weeks are very hectic. We practice an hour & a half and sometimes two hours 3 days a week. PLUS, a one hour tumbling class. Now these are just 5 – 8 year olds, so that’s a lot of time! I was really feeling this week like I was wasting time. What does cheerleading really have to due with life in terms of things that are eternal?

So, with all this cheerleading stuff – God reminded me of a story I want to share with you today. It is how He made a spiritual marker in my daughter’s life. It has a some cheerleading details, but hang in there – it’s really neat!

Back in March we had cheerleading tryouts. Yes, they make little girls “try out”, but everyone makes the team. As you get a little more experience you can be younger and be placed on an older and higher skill level squad. So, my Savannah was determined to make one of the older squads. She worked, and worked and it did not go unnoticed at the gym. She made one of the older squads! She was thrilled – it was her dream come true. Not only was she on an older squad, she was going to be a flyer in one part of the routine (the girl that gets tossed in the air). Life was good!!

Then, we got the schedule. Her squad practiced on Sunday from 1 -3:00 PM. Now Sunday’s are very special days for my family. We don’t get out of church until close to 12:30 most days, and then we would go straight to my in-laws for a huge Southern Sunday Lunch every week. It has been a tradition since my husband and I married.

I talked to Savannah and explained that we would not leave church early, but we would have to 1) drive a separate car from the rest of our family 2) take cheer clothes with us 3) eat fast food every Sunday and 4) miss our family time every week. I wanted her to be clear on the sacrifices we were making (and --- I wanted the gym to know!). We prayed about it and she talked to our family about it. The process was difficult, but she decided to cheer.

This went on for several Sunday’s. Then, I started noticing that she was still praying about her choice for cheerleading. I saw that she was looking sad often, not eating well --- almost like a depression. So, I asked her one day what was bothering her. She said that she had made the wrong choice. She had been praying about it and really thought being with her Nanny, Poppa, Aunts, Uncles and cousins on Sunday was what she needed to be doing. She was in tears and said, “Momma, I guess I’ll have to quit cheerleading. I’m going to miss it, but right now – I miss seeing Nanny and Poppa more.”

Well, that was all I needed to hear. I let the gym know ASAP that our time was over. Savannah had chosen her family (without my influence) and we would no longer be on the squad. I wanted them to know that SHE had prayed about this and this was HER stand. After a few weeks the gym approached us about being on the younger squad one more year and making Savannah the “leader”. She would get to help the younger girls know what to do and would be front and center on the routines. The good news was – no Sunday practice for the younger squad. Savannah accepted.

This year has not been easy. Savannah often sees the older girls and gets sad that she’s not with them. She is sometimes easily frustrated by the younger girls who don’t take things as seriously (including her sister!). But, I have to remind her – “God lead you to this decision. It won’t always be fun and games, but He is the one who wants you to be here at this time. And, you can be confident you did the right thing.”

So, the moral of this cheer story?????

1) Encourage your children to pray for choices they have to make.

2) Expect God to hear them.

3) Remind your child of the story often – it could one day be a special part of their testimony.

4) Go to God with the small stuff.

5) Know that He can and will speak to your kids and through your kids.

6) He can glorify Himself and bring eternal significance in cheerleading!

Enjoy Your Weekend

2008-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'm off to a Cheerleading Competition for the weekend. Yes, my 5 and 8 year old travel and compete --- it's a crazy life (much like the baseball world for little boys). Anyway - I'll let you know how we do! Go PrimeTyme All-Star Peeps!!!!

Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me

2008-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23

I LOVE jewelry. Sorry, it’s just the truth! And, I especially love scripture jewelry and crosses. If I am outside the house – you can almost guarantee that I will be wearing it! I have a favorite bracelet that says Proverbs 3:16 “Commit they works to the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established.” And, I have at least 15 different cross necklaces. I’m hooked on the stuff! My thought process has been this – if I’m going to wear jewelry – why not put on something that represents my faith.

Well, I have been told over the years that I am naïve. And, I guess I’m ready to admit that. Here it goes! It shocks me that people who do not believe in Christ – or show any fruit from their beliefs – walk around wearing crosses just like me! WHAT???? That upsets me to no end! No, actually – that hurts me. It hurts me to think that the precious cross where my Savior died is just someone’s “cool” winter accessory!

This was actually brought to my attention in a taping I was blessed to do with Kay Arthur (YES!!!! I was in a taping! Just me and 7 other gals being taught for 2 full days by Kay, but I’ll save details for another blog). Kay was talking in one session about the changes in society. She gave an example of Brittany Spears, who was photographed wearing a bra with a long cross necklace. She continued by saying how that cross did not mean anything to Brittany – and to most in society who just make the cross a fashion statement. And then, she looked at me with my flashy rhinestone cross necklace on and she said, “But, Ginger here – I know her character. And the cross she is wearing means everything to her.”

Oh – it does! The cross means everything to me. I’ve never intended for my jewelry to be “cool” --- only to witness. However, after that taping I was actually hesitant to wear my necklaces again. I didn’t realize I was putting on the same thing as Brittany Spears in a bra! But, I’m so glad that Kay pointed out the attitude of the heart. I would never want to do anything to hurt the cause of Christ – I only want to proclaim it!

With all this cross talk – I realized yesterday how many cross decorations I have in my home. Again, I am always drawn to them because of my love for Him. My sister-in-law told me of someone she knew who had a collection of crosses and had one wall in her home just filled with them. Then, I had an idea. I have one small wall that would allow me to hang nearly all the crosses I have – all sizes, just randomly placed. AND, above all the crosses I want to paint the words – “Take up your cross daily, and follow Me”.

That’s what I’m reminded of when I have on one of my cross necklaces. That’s what I’m reminded of with each new cross decoration I purchase. I want to be surrounded by that thought. That I must deny myself, take up the cross and follow Him if I want to be a disciple of Christ.

And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”
Mark 8:34
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27

By the way --- I’ll post pics after I get my wall done!!!

Working For The Lord

2008-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

“Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24

I am so excited right now! I had a wonderful meeting with someone who is helping Leigh and I with our ministry, Speaking Thru Me. I am a visionary person and don’t have a clue about details. So, I’ve found someone willing to help us in that area. I met with her for nearly 3 hours and she was drawing and diagramming and brainstorming all the needs of our ministry. It was so cool to see how a detailed person’s brain works!!! Ha! I loved it:)

All I know is that I feel called to teach God’s Word, be part of a ministry and write a little. I don’t know anything about legal issues, forms, contracts, organizational structures, web sites and so on. But, just because that stuff doesn’t come easy for me (boy, that sounds like a lot of stuff that doesn’t come easy for me!!) – does not mean that I don’t have to do any of it OR dread doing it.

God’s Word asks us in whatever we do – to do it for the Lord. I’ve realized that for me, I can’t just say “I’m in ministry”, and set back and not do anything about it. I need to continue sharpening my speaking skills, I need to attend conferences and network with others in ministry, I need learn more about the computer (yuck – not my favorite thing ….but, I must remember….. I’m working for the Lord!), and I need to put into practice some time management skills to better balance family and ministry.

BUT – God is teaching me something else that is very important. ANY work that I do, not just ministry stuff, but in all work I’m serving Him.

That’s hard to grasp when it’s 1:00 AM and someone around age 3 can’t go to sleep. It’s hard to grasp when the dishes are touching the ceiling. It’s hard to grasp when a particular 8 year old can’t understand her math homework no matter how many different ways I’ve explained it!

BUT – what I’m starting to hear is:
Ginger, your little boy needs you. He won’t be 3 forever, what’ s so wrong with missing a little sleep to assure him of your love. Enjoy this time with him.

Ginger, I know you hate the dishes – but a clean house is so important to your husband. When you honor him, you are also honoring Me.

Ginger, be patient. She has such a tender heart and your tone is not helping calm her with her homework. Believe Me, you can be pretty difficult yourself sometimes!

So I’m learning, situation by situation, to strive and work for the Lord. Not for myself, not for others – but for our God.

“Heavenly Father, I am difficult! Work isn’t always fun. It can be frustrating and overwhelming. You know all the “work” that lies ahead of me in the coming weeks. God – I give my time to you. Show me ways to work efficiently. Lord, as I go about my MANY household tasks – remind me who I am ultimately serving. Amen.”

Raising The Bar

2008-01-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Ephesian 4:2-3

We have all heard the saying, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" And that is so true. I have come to notice that my attitude can set the tone for the day in our household. If I am stressed, rushed and snappy all the people around me suddenly become very difficult! Which seems to happen every Sunday morning before church --- how is that? No matter how prepared I am the night before - Sunday's are the roughest morning of the week! And, I'm the one that started it all. I am frustrated about my daughter's hair clip that matched her church dress disappearing in mid air, my toddler has hid one of his shoes and now his whole outfit must be changed and my oldest can't find her coat. Which we all know - they will NOT hold church service if children show up with out hair bows or non-matching shoes and are coatless!! At this point however, I am not patient and I am not bearing anyone with LOVE.

I was at a Women's Ministry Conference and once heard a male speaker say how a healthy Women's Ministry raises the bar for her church. Now, some of you might not be officially "in ministry", but if you are breathing -- you are at some point around other people. And, you have the opportunity to raise the bar. By your example - you can choose to bring them down or raise them up.

I have really felt the need to reflect on my attitude and my choices. Am I being humble, gentle and making efforts to keep unity? Or, do I feel the need to always be right - often times belittling others? Or, to always be the focus of attention? Or, to stir up trouble here and there? Or, .......

Now honestly, I don't (please tell me I don't!!) feel that I go around and purposefully bring havoc upon those close to me. But I know when I am not living out Eph. 4. And so often - I know that I'm not by the attitude I see in those around me (especially the little people in my life).

I think that all of us want to be liked. We don't want to be known by others as a gossip, someone who disrespects her husband or angers our children. But imitating the humility and the attitudes Christ displayed can seem unattainable. Well, let me free you. Perfection is unattainable. Taking my sinful nature to the Cross, is my choice. Allowing Him to fill my prideful heart with His humility - is my choice. I'm not forced to do that. I'm not forced to show patience to my daughter on Sunday morning when her coat is misplaced for the 10,000th time. No - I don't have to applaud her forgetfulness, but I definitely don't have to yell in her face.

So, I go about life - not being perfect. But knowing what God has asked of me. And, wanting to quickly ask for forgiveness when I am out of line with what he has called. My desire is to "Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Praise God In All Circumstances

2008-01-07T05:08:00.000-08:00

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

II Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's easy to praise God when life is good. When there are no bumps in the road. But, when you add some adversity - that is when our true character shows.

It was 2 months ago yesterday that my father in law passed away at age 68. He had been relatively healthy and became ill with a cold the end of July. He was taken to the hospital and on Aug. 6th was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma. He was in and out of ICU for three months and very seriously ill.

Being a pastor for over 30 years, he was loved by many. We had a multitude of saints who were "praying continually" for our close knit family. And, we have daily felt their prayers from Aug. 6th to the present.

It has been a sad time. We miss his voice. We miss him sitting at the kitchen table around Sunday dinner. We miss his humor. We miss his Godly wisdom. And, we miss his hugs.

But, II Thessalonians tells us that it is God's will for us to be joyful, and pray continually giving thanks in all circumstances. How can that be - while hurt, pain, confusion and sadness fill our human bodies?

As I mentioned earlier, it's easy to thank God in the good times. But, when adversity strikes and we thank Him anyway - we are putting trust in His sovereignty. We are acknowledging that we know nothing and He is omniscient. We can say to the Lord of Lords - Yes, this stinks! And yes, I am VERY hurt and even angry. But, I know your Word. And, knowing His Word is how I can live out II Thessalonians.

I believe Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me."

I believe Psalm 56:22 "Cast your cares upon the Lord and he will sustain you."

I believe II Corinthians 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."

And I believe John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you."

Acknowledging God's sovereignty, through our pain, ultimately strengthens our relationship with Him. And as we turn our hurts to Him daily --- sometimes moment by moment, He lovingly begins a healing process within our heart.

I am so thankful for the legacy that my precious Father-in-law left behind. With God's leading, he built a strong and growing church filled with grace. He was know to often say, "Just pour a little grace on it." I am so thankful for the spiritual heritage he left my family. I am thankful for the way he raised my husband to be a Godly leader of our home. And, I am thankful that he was able to baptize our oldest daughter Savannah.

If you are hurting deeply today, my prayer is that you will find comfort in the scriptures above. I hope that if you don't know His Word, that your circumstances will draw you to Him in a way you have never experienced before. And then, you will be able to say ........ "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Live by FAITH, Not by SIGHT

2008-01-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

"True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse a dream within you that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need."

by Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

I am embarrassed to put a number on how many times I have made a choice and then said, "Okay, now God - Will you bless this for me? Pretty PLEASE???" I am so thankful He is a patient God because I can be a real brat!

I made a terrible decision last Spring. A previous place of employment called me and asked me to take on a short term project working from home. I prayed about it and felt that I should say, no thank you. To confirm that was the right answer all I needed to do was look at my more than usual BUSY spring/summer schedule. So, I called and explained how it was not going to be possible, I was over booked with various appointments, engagements, end of the year school activities, a wedding (which included all 5 of my family members being in the wedding party) and I was trying to work in a family vacation somehow! I told them how thankful I was that they thought of me, but the timing was just not right. I felt good! I actually said "No" to something - I listened to God and I felt GREAT!

Then, a few days later the phone rang. The conversation was something like this, "Mrs. Moore, we've been thinking about your schedule and we would really like for you to be the one to do this project for us. We are willing to push the start date back until your schedule slows down." Being flattered - and after all, this was a Christian organization - and the money was good for the work to be done, I immediately said "Yes."

What a dumb-dumb! I listened to the words of man (and my desire for extra cash!) over the words of God. AND, I was miserable over the next few weeks. II Corinthians 5:7 says something very short and very simple. "We live by faith, not by sight." In faith, I should have believed God's NO and instead I depended on my sight, which was seeing dollar signs.

It was during all of this struggle, however, where I could hear God's calling on me to do something "more" in ministry. I didn't know what "more" was - but I KNEW that I needed to step out in faith in various areas of my life. I needed to ask him to plant HIS desires in my heart and follow HIS leading, not my own.

And, He has. He has given me a vision for ministry that is far beyond anything I could have ever dreamed up. Recently, He has asked my ministry partner and I to speak at churches for free! For FREE!! Do you know how crazy that can be in the speaking world? But I LOVE teaching God's Word and I know that after the way I butchered things by not trusting Him this summer - He wants me to grow in my faith!

Is God asking you to step out of your comfort zone and do something for Him? Has He placed a desire in you that seems so far out of reach --- you are almost embarrassed to even tell someone? I have been there. Sometimes I've stepped out in faith, and other times I've just crawled in a hole waiting for God to stop asking me to do something that's out of the ordinary. But, our God is persistent in His calling to us. If He has laid something on your - don't make Him keep calling to you day after day. Just take a leap of faith and say, "YES!"

"God, I pray for those reading today who are in need of confirmation from you. Father, you have placed a desire in their heart - something they KNOW they cannot do alone. And, it's scary! I pray that they will embrace II Cor. 5:7 today. That they will live by FAITH and not by SIGHT. Amen"

He gently leads those that have young

2008-01-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2008

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

I can't believe that I am in blog world! This has to be a God thing because this is completely out of my comfort zone. I don't like the computer and I'm confident it does NOT like me! So, here it goes --- my first official blog entry of my personal prayer journal (yikes, I'm nervous!!).

"God thank you that you care about my day -- and all the little details. Even though you designed them and you saw what happened - you desire for me to draw close to you by sharing my heart.

I'm grateful for the bed full of children I had last night. Me and three little people all in a queen size bed! You know my sleep was horrible, but you also know how important it is to my children to sleep with me while daddy is away. Thank you for Russ' safe travel. I pray that he accomplishes everything he needs to while on his business trip.

Father, I pray right now for my sweet Savannah and her ear issues. She woke early this morning screaming from a ruptured eardrum. I hated to see her in so much pain. This was her worst ear infection in a long time. But, how precious it was to just rock her, my 8 year old, for over an hour like a new born. I am so grateful that the other children stayed asleep so I could tend to her like I needed to. And God, I see how you have created her to be appreciative and I LOVE that. She said to me this afternoon - 'Mom, thanks for taking care of me so much today.' God, help me to continue to encourage her in the way you have created her.

You know one of my favorite verses from Psalms. 'You knit me together in my mother's womb...I am fearfully and wonderfully made...your eyes saw my unformed body...All the days ordained for me...before one came to be.' Lord, the days of my children are ordained. I pray that I use that time wisely and teach them your ways. God, you saw Cassidy's unformed body. You know the anxiety that at only 5 years old she holds in that tiny body you created. Today, I saw anxiety in her like never before. It scared me and I know that she is also terrified inside. Lord, help Russ and I - our families and her therapist know how to help her. She is so emotional and so tender. It breaks my heart to see her struggling with life at age 5! God, what will she do at 15??? Help me to remember to trust you in all things. That you will 'gather her in your arms and carry her close to your heart.'

And - I know you love the details, so go ahead and chuckle at this one. But PLEASE help me potty train Jamison!!! God give me patience to accomplish this trivial task. At times God, I feel like I shouldn't come to you with such small things - when so many people are hurting so deeply and would give anything if there only concern was potty training. But Lord, I know you are faithful. And, I need to be faithful in coming to you with the big stuff as well as the small stuff.

With this being the last official day of Christmas Break, ---- I guess that's why I have kids on my brain today. I have enjoyed everyday that they have been home. Next week will be a real adjustment. Help me get their schedules back on track.

And, as always! My quiet time went right along with what I needed for today. I was so glad to read in Isaiah where it says, 'he gently leads those who have young.' Lord, you KNOW I have young!!! And, if Russ would let me --- we would have more "young" - ha! Maybe not, oh - I don't know! By the way, where you the one that's put Savannah up to praying for that lately??? Well, if so - it's not that funny!! But, anyway - you do lead me gently. Someone once said to me (and you know they didn't mean it tacky!) - 'No wonder your house stays such a mess. I've never seen anyone spend so much time with their children.' God - I want to thank you for a messy house. I do spend a lot of time with my children and I feel that I do so mostly to your gentle leading. God, if I can have time in your word, my husband by my side and kids in my lap -- that's more than I could have ever hoped for! Thank you for being so gracious to me during these young mothering years.

And, Lord - in reading that verse - I can't help but pray for my precious friend Shelly who had her 4th baby just two weeks ago. God, hold Shelly in your arms and gently lead her also. She needs your strength and wisdom as she walks this path you made for her and Greg.

And, speaking of paths - guide my path and help me to see you at work around. It makes me nervous to even pray this part, but I pray that Russ and I learn to trust you more. Please make Russ' trip home tomorrow safe. We are so excited to see him!

Amen"