Have Jesus. Will Travel.

Back years ago there was a TV show called "Have Gun. Will Travel". The premise of the show was that the lead character had a gun and wasn't afraid to use it. He would travel wherever there was an enemy that needed to be taken care of. Some times he used his gun. Other times, there was no real need.

Each of the G family believes in God and His Son, Jesus. We know the power of the Holy Spirit and have seen first-hand how mountains can be moved or danced on top of. We also know the value of the valleys and the deserts. We know the power of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and especially of God's love for each one of us.

Tomorrow morning, we leave out on a 9 day Mission Trip to Idaho with a group of peeps from our local church body. We will be going to serve with another church in another state all because of God's love first. We will be loving on that community there with far more than we alone are capable of in our own strength. Sharing Jesus

Also during this time, I will be taking a sabby (unplugged) from facebook. One of the "safeguards" I have in place is not utilizing facebook via my cell phone. No facebook. This time away is necessary in order to be fully engaged where I will be and whom I will be with. What an incredible opportunity it is to go with Parker's age group on a Mission Trip as a family! Yes, I said "Parker's age group!" We're talking 10, 11 and 12-year-olds. And while facebook is a part of ministry for me.... I will be with 4 of my favorite individuals in the whole wide world (Dick, Austin, Travis and Parker). We haven't been away together for longer than 3 days since 2005. Facebook will carry on just fine without me as well the pcb and G-town, Texas.

We are lifestyle missionaries. Some times that means sharing God's love here locally.. other times it means traveling to places we might not go on our own. Why? Because God loved first. We have the Best News there is! There is no one or no thing better! No voice as precious and priceless as His.

We have Jesus. We will travel wherever He leads us. Tomorrow it is at every place we stop at to use the potty, get some thing to eat, where we stop to sleep in Wyoming... and then the same on Sunday as we end up in Idaho. The Mission Trip doesn't start on Monday. It has actually already started. And we believe as Christ-followers - every single day there are opportunities to engage the Holy Spirit already at work in the lives of those we encounter.

We greatly appreciate all the individuals whom have been praying for us and we know will continue to while we're gone. We ask that you also pray for my mom during this time as well. We serve God first and foremost even if that means leaving her here. No one is more trustworthy than God no matter what happens in life's moments.

So..... Do you have Jesus? If so, are you willing to travel? Across the street, on the other side of town, across the Country in which you live and/or across the world?

If you don't know Jesus.. He is right there just waiting for you to meet Him. He will meet you right where you are no matter where that might be.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for! Dangerous indeed. And thank you for the privilege of being in your life's moments however that may be.

Much love,
Camey


PS: The Only Real Freedom in life's moments come from knowing God through His Son, Jesus.

PSS: Yes, I'm fully aware that Spiritual Warfare is going to increase - not decrease! ;-)

On the Front Lines - Part II

This is the latest update from our missionary son, Austin.

"Several kids came to Christ at Rob & Carolin's site. Spiritual victory was achieved at that place. Ryan has returned with his whole family being healed. My sites are running well and both groups of teenagers have been incredible. I have been significantly re hydrated and feeling much better. Trav's sunburn has not gotten worse. We are entering the exhaustion phase of the trip and already I'm seeing irritability with students. Pray that we would not succumb to sleepy sillies - that we would remain attentive and alert as these last days continue."

Thank you to those whom are praying! Please keep it up! Their days there are non-stop once they are awake until they hit the hay.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for too.

Much love,
Camey

On the Front Lines - Mission Trip Update

Austin, Travis, and several other individuals from our local church body are on a Middle School Mission Trip this week. After the two text messages I received from Austin last night, I decided to bring it to those of you who pray for prayer.

"My two VBS sites are easy. Ran the best VBS day ever in the morning for me. Afternoon for me is slightly more challenging but still easy. Focus your prayers on Rob and Carolin's group. Rob said he had the hardest group in his life and the reps there say it is their number 1 hardest site. 40+ kids, fights, drug deals - Travis is on the front lines with a bright red face. Also every single person on this trip is experiencing some form of dehydration at the moment. Nobody is dangerously dehydrated but with the heat - it was 103 today - we are very hard pressed for water. Pray that God presses us to drink water!"

For clarification purposes... Austin and Carolin are the 2 high school student leaders on this mission trip. Rob is one of the adults. Travis just finished middle school.

As I said in my last note, this is one of Austin and Trav's favorite places to serve at. They go any time they are able. You might be asking, "Camey? After those types of updates, aren't you tempted to go get your sons and bring them home since they're not an hour or so more away. Aren't you scared for your sons?" Let me answer that straight from the heart.... No. They are there because of God's love first and then because they were sent there this week. They belong to God far more than to me/us.

This is not just an update for prayer for Austin, Travis and those they are with. This is call to prayer for where they are at. For the individuals there who do not know God's love intimately. May lives be touched and real transformation start through the power of Jesus' name and Holy Spirit.

Yes, I realize that calling people to prayer over this puts even more of a bull eyes on our sons and those they are with. And they wouldn't have it any other way. Life's moments are not meant to be lived on the balancing beam holding on for dear life.

So, dear reader, if you claim to be a Christ-follower, let me ask you this....

How long has it been since you've been on the front lines?

In order to be so, you have to move beyond your self and your own comfort zones.

You do not have to go to a big city or even to another Country..

Some times all you have to do is walk across the room.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for!

More updates to come.

Much love,
Camey

PS: And yes for those that asked. This is the same place the G family went on the Monday before Christmas as part of our gifts to each other. The gift of serving others side by side

That's Crazy Love For Ya!

One of the G family's favorite communicators is Francis Chan. Austin, Travis, and some silly woman they claim as "Mom" had the privilege of hearing him live back a couple of months ago at an all day event called Ignite with a few peeps we love and hundreds of others we love through Jesus. I purposefully haven't spoken much about that day online until now because it was hard to put in to words. I know.. hard to imagine for a writer right? Indeed it was, but not now.

Today is Austin's last day at the little store here in the highly secure gated community. He has been there since September of 2007. It was his very first paying job at sixteen. Tomorrow he and Travis leave on yet another mission trip until Thursday evening. They are going to one of their favorite places to serve. They will sweat like dogs, love on whomever is willing to be so, and literally be the hands and feet of Jesus with the others serving there. You could be wondering, "Camey? Silly woman.. what do those things have to do with hearing Francis Chan and Ignite?" Simple.

As we were listening to Francis, the weather was exceedingly stormy. It was raining. We had taken cover numerous times throughout the day and evening. There were times when we were tempted to leave, but knew in the long run - it would be worth staying until the very end. Francis spoke passionately about the fire being ignited inside of us for God's glory. About not playing it safe! When some thing is ignited it can be very dangerous! ;-) There were candles lit as well. Some lost their flame. Others - the flame wouldn't be snuffed out. The light was unstoppable!

When Francis was done, Kari Jobe and Chris Tomlin led us in an incredible time of sheer worship. When time came for the last song, "Sing. Sing. Sing." - we were asked to turn around and look up in the sky. And with all those hundreds of individuals who had chosen to stay, and those whom we had come with... I worshipped my Real Father with two of my brothers who also happened to be my sons. In the sky, there was the most fantastic firework display we've ever seen! Ever! It remains some of the most powerful moments of worship for me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this summer was going to be different. Not that they haven't done the mission trip thing during other summers, but not like this summer. And I also knew that between that time and now, our lives would be changing in ways I'm not at liberty to fully talk about just yet.

I mentioned in another post not long ago that Austin has also been praying about other mission trips. Today, we received an answer to that prayer. Austin will be heading back out of the Country in a few months for his 18th birthday present to share the love of Jesus. And of course, there's the mission trip all five of us are going on from July 4th to 12th to Idaho.

As Travis has been helping me with the laundry needed for their trip and as Austin is finishing his last day at the little store, their dad is about to punch out from his last Saturday at Wal-Mart. His last official day is this Thursday.

Parker said to me earlier today, "Mom? Our family is being moved in ways that are obvious it has to be God!" Tomorrow as we celebrate Father's Day.... our family can say without hesitation it is a Crazy Love that moves us beyond ourselves. And while Dick is a wonderful dad.. he in no way can compare to God, our Father. Neither can Arthur, nor could Larry.

Life's moments can be lived on the balancing beam holding on for dear life in fear of falling off!

We've jumped down knowing that we are in His hands.

For that's where Real Life is found... Trusting in Him instead of ourselves.

And as always, dear reader, you've been prayed for!

Thank you to those whom have been praying and will continue to.

Much love,
Camey

For the Glory of the Lord - We Will Never Be the Same Part II

This morning I cannot help but praise God for this past week! Here's just a tad:

1) People came to Jesus! Individuals like Matthew..... Dylan also came to Jesus. Dylan has played softball with us on Tuesday nights. Praise God!!

2) Lives were ruined for Him! Absolutely.. totally... ruined! Yep, I could write a book on this alone.

3) On the same day hubby gave notice at Wal-Mart, Austin was officially going to Idaho with us in July. We are going there on a mission trip to share and show God's love. And all 5 of our ways there are already paid for as of last night!

4) This morning, Austin has given his 2 week notice at the little store here in the highly secure gated community he has worked at since turning 16. He will be 18 in September.

5) Travis.... well... this goes back to #2. I won't go into much detail here on purpose but to say that we are NOT surprised in the slightest by what happened with him and through him by the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is exactly an answer to dangerous prayers his mama has been praying for him. Yes, I know my sons that well. And I have never been more thankful and grateful to be his mama, but more importantly, his sister-in-Christ. There is no relationship more important than with God/Jesus. None.

6) Last night as we were hanging out as a family - we experienced the wildest weather we ever have. Yep... even Austin and Travis said it was more intense than Wednesday night when they were in Denton. As it was happening, Austin got out his guitar and the two of us started singing. After it was over.. and given that our electricity was off... we went to check on neighbors and to determine what damage could be seen. This is where knowing your neighbors BEFORE the storm hits that makes a huge difference. The electricity came back on at 11:30 p.m. and in the light of day this morning... there is more to clean up as expected. Austin was talking with Shirley who lives across the street 2 doors down. He said, "This is what Jesus would have done." Shirley replied, "He went about helping those in need." Shirley is a widow along with being our neighbor.

7) Our local church body is part of a group of individuals feeding children this summer. It is the 3rd summer we've done so 5 days a week. The group has already served more in the 1st week than in 3 weeks last summer! Did you catch that? More in the 1st week than in 3 weeks? I could tell you story after story... in fact, be watching for stories! Lives are being impacted. And it's not just those who are being fed either. Funny how that happens.

8) And like a flood, His mercy rains. It is Amazing Grace. And this morning, I am praising God for how we will never be the same. We have not arrived... life's moments are the journey as well as the classroom.

And dear reader, thank you for being a part of life's moments here through this blog and however else you may be now or have been in the past as well.

You have been prayed for. Thank you to all whom have been praying... don't stop!

Much love,
Camey

For the Glory of the Lord - We Will Never Be the Same

This note is in response to the numerous questions I've been receiving lately about what's going on with us these days. Some things I can answer in this note today... others are still going to have to wait.

The last couple of months have been some of our most intense ones yet. The last two weeks in particular have been moving to say the least. Moving? Yes, moving! This is going to be written in a different fashion than most of my notes on purpose. And yes, some of the questions people ask me make me think twice about my being called, "The Questionator!" ;-)

"Why have you and Parker been going down and laying stones at the foot of the cross the last two weeks?

Answer: We are intentionally laying stones as a Spiritual Marker of what is happening in our own lives and for what is happening in G-town, what is going to happen in Idaho in July, and for Illinois. The stones also represented each one of the three boys and every one connected to them already and yet to be! Here locally, in this Country, and around the world - Revival and Spiritual Awakening!

"Why is Austin on the fast track to graduate high school in December instead of May?"

Answer: December is when his dad will be finished with his schooling. Since Austin "does" high school like he does - after much prayer and discussion, it is clear... he needs to be freed up come January.

"Where is Austin going after graduating high school?"

Answer: That remains to be seen. Austin surrendered to God and full-time ministry well over a year ago now. While there is a call upon his life to go to Japan at some point as a lifestyle missionary... It's safe to say, where we go next will help direct where he does.

"Where are you guys going?"

Answer: We're still praying about that one. Doors more than appear to be opening. I'll be bold enough to say we're asking God to smack us up side of the head. In His love, smacks are well worth it. So are gentle whispers that come through listening during the early hours of the morning or before going to bed at night. As a wife, mother, and sister-in-Christ.... I am so incredibly grateful for the time that hubby and I spend in prayer together. Funny how that happens.

"Where is Austin this week?"

Austin is at Student Camp. He is a part of the Student Ministry Leadership Team. Travis will be joining him today as well as 120 something other peeps. Please pray for all there this week! That they will hear directly from God and they will be ruined because of it.

As for Austin, he is currently praying about more travel in the next few months as the missionary that he already is. Pray he hears clearly about that too.

"What's up with 'quitting' or 'giving notice' about things?"

Hubby will be leaving Wal-Mart here in the next couple of weeks. This is an effort to not keep a job that someone else needs more than he does. It is also to free him up as well in different ways. As for giving notice about not teaching the "18 to 25 somethings".... still teaching until newbies are found. This is an effort for this group to expand and grow in ways that we are not able to at this point in things. It is also to free us up when the time does come to leave here.

Okay... That's just a tad of what's happening with us these days. Thank you to those whom are praying and will continue to do so. For those behind the scenes - we pray you have some clue how much your friendships mean to us. We are beyond grateful.....

For the glory of the Lord, we will never be the same! Talk about being beyond thankful...

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for... dangerous indeed.

Much love,
Tis better to serve than be served

Love God. Love People. Praise God!

Revealing Gifts!

It started off like most of my Sunday mornings here lately especially with an incredible time of personal worship and studying God's Word before leaving the house. Parker, Travis and I headed to the physical church building full of excitement over what the day had in store! Anticipation was in the air!

Our 18 to 25-yr-old Bible study group meets at our 9:00 a.m. hour. In the hallway outside of the room where we gather, one of our "Greeters" introduced me to a new friend for the group. The next few minutes are sort of a blur as I ditched what I planned on teaching to go for what Spirit directed me to instead. Intense time as I heard, "That was what I need to hear!" by the new friend. Did I mention I taught on recognizing and listening to The Spirit?

As she and I were standing in the main entrance of the physical church building after group time was over, I decided to make a trip to the women's restroom. There is no bath... therefore, not a bathroom. :-) I had taken care of my "everybody potties" (cue the Elmo song please) moment and was heading back to the new friend when one of my most embarrassing moments happen. From what seemed like out of the blue to me, I was tackled from behind by a woman I did not know. Apparently, I was revealing far more of myself than I should have been. And people wonder why I don't wear skirts often. No mystery there now.

I proceeded to walk a bit farther when she tackled me again. Apparently, my first attempt to rectify the issue wasn't enough. And in the corner of my eye, I saw one of the servant men of our church trying really hard to keep his composure. In a funny and yet tender couple of moments, he shared with me how he was preparing to come to my aid before the woman did. He also told me a hilarious story about his granny in an effort to make me not feel as embarrassed.

The new friend and I walked in to what is known as our “Worship Center”. I saw the woman and what I assumed to be her husband walk in ahead of us and sit down. I told the new friend to hang on a moment so that I could thank the woman again for her kindness to an apparent stranger. I knew I did not recognize the woman.

I walked up behind the woman and her husband and leaned in. I told her how much I appreciated her being willing to help me even though she didn’t know me. I told her my name again and asked her last name. She had only introduced herself as Martha before – the 1st time I thanked her. Needless to say, she was no real stranger as she and I had had an in-depth conversation on the phone on Friday. I took the time to tell her that I prayed for her about our conversation upon hanging up the phone. She and her husband both got all teary-eyed and thanked me for my kindness in doing so. She proceeded to share with me a bit of what had transpired since our conversation. And I was thankful yet again.

Was what happened to me in the main entrance of the physical church building one of my most embarrassing moments? Yes, without question. But honestly, it was worth it. For in it was revealing gifts to be treasured. It also reminded of how thankful I am to be able to walk and use the restroom seemingly all by myself again. Even though I know I’m never alone. And it told some grandparents they aren’t either.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for! And it was dangerously revealing!

Much love,
Camey