Praying Through Life's Moments.

One of the biggest blessings and privileges I have in ministry is praying through life's moments with others. It never ceases to amaze me how simple and yet profound prayer can be. Case in point:

There was a family that came into the physical church building one day this week. I knew who they were as soon as they walked in the door. Their heads were down and the weight of the world seemed as though it was resting on their shoulders.

I got up from behind the desk and came around to where they were. I introduced myself and told them that I had been praying for them as had our local church body there. One by one - I put my arms around them and hugged them. And while I cannot in all ways understand what this family is going through - prayer unites those that were seemingly strangers before.

One of the biggest blessings I have are individuals praying through life's moments with me. And like I am constantly told, "Camey? You are just weird. How can you have gone through all you have in life and believe and have the faith that you do?" Simple and yet profound... I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in The One who hears... listens... speaks.... draws me closer....

For in praying through life's moments one thing I have no doubt of... one cannot pray in the manner in which pleases God and not be moved... changed.... even if the circumstances remain the same.

Prayer is a gift. It is a part of worship. It is not intended to keep to ourselves.

Wherever you are at this moment - you were just prayed for.

Thank you for the privilege and untold blessing of walking through life's moments with you whether near or far. And thank you for walking with me as well.

Constipated Sheep. Goats.

Constantly amazed at the conversations I have with individuals here in the foyer of the physical church building. Then again, not really surprised!

Scooter is one of our custodians here at the physical church building. He is also a dear brother in Christ and I'm blessed to work along side of him. I was asking him if he is coming to the concert we are hosting here tomorrow night. His reply was....

"Well, I've got a bit of a conflict. You see, I've got this constipated sheep that might prevent me from being able to get here." Yep, that made me bang my hand on the desk because I was laughing so hard.

And that's another tale tale sign we are in the country. Not to mention the fact that we've had stray goats hanging outside in the grassy spots.

I could make several analogies here... Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah ;)

"God's money."

"Going out of town and don't want to take God's money with me."

That phrase was said by a widow woman who just left the physical church building.

It's Friday morning. And proof yet again that it isn't all about Sundays.

Tender Moments. More Godly Men.

Bob the Tomato was present yesterday at our physical church building. I just had to smile and laugh deeply as he walked down the hallway in the preschool wing to where the Moppets were. When he was finished, he came back and talked with me for a while. Bob's real name is Bob. And we've been connected for many many years now. His daughter was in my last Bible study class. How God used her then... and yesterday.

Because of Debra, Bob was at the physical church building wearing a Bob the Tomato shirt. His grand-daughter even calls him that. Watching Bob, because of his love for Debra and his grand-daughter, was beyond tender. Bob and I talked about our years and various individuals we're connected to. Some we agree upon... others... we've agreed to disagree on since we do not know each individual in the same ways. Bob is a Godly man. And I am thankful to call him my brother in Christ. I am thankful for his wife, his daughter, and grand-daughter. Their love for him is evident beyond words. And yet, I know it is because of his love for God that it rings so true.

The Younger Man arrived yesterday. As he walked in the front doors, I had the untold privilege of welcoming him as he said, "I'm looking for a church home." We hugged and the conversation flowed as if we've known each other for years. One thing I can say about Mark... Pastor Mark... is that he loves the individuals from where he came, and yet, he already has a love so deep for those where he is at now. He is a Godly man whom I know God is going to use not only inside the walls of our physical church building but outside... He already is.

Spending time with these two Godly men reminded me yet again about the moments of life... One man, I've known for years... the other... I have not... Our connections to each other go beyond the walls of any physical church building, city, or time. The Real Connection is the one that matters most. It is the one that makes us family.

The Spiritual Warfare is still thick and deep. The Younger Man said one Friday night not long ago, "Satan is not going to be happy." He was right.

Another thing about Godly men - they know that their Father knows best. Better than they do.... And He is stronger than any thing that can come our way.

Godly Guy and Men!

Yesterday, as Austin and I were heading to the physical church building, he told me that he wanted to take me out to lunch. He purposefully had not packed a lunch so he could take his mom on a date. I could not help but smile deeply.

The place in which we ate was having a rather difficult time. They clearly were understaffed. And yet, that just gave Austin and I more time to spend together talking. One thing I've come to know about that sixteen-year-old son of Brother G's and mine..... he is praying guy! So, he offered to pray and much to this silly woman's delight - he thanked God for the opportunity to spend time with his mom talking. The rest of what he prayed I'll leave between God, Austin, and myself.

Austin is a hard working guy as well. That's one of the reasons why he gets real joy out of giving to others like his mother. And yet, another thing that I've come to know about that sixteen-year old son of Brother G's and mine..... his first fruits always go to God. He is, as The Old Man says, "an hilarious giver." He is a Godly guy. He is surrendered to God.... to ministry. And I am thankful beyond words.

Speaking of The Old Man.... last night we had a reception for him at the physical church building. As I served individuals as they came through the line, I could not help but overhear some of what was being said to him and by him. It is clear that in his short time with us as interim pastor - he is/was loved dearly. Sure, he stomped on many many toes. But, let me tell you one thing I know about The Old Man, he loves God.... he loves people.

After it was over, The Old Man told me to stay put. That he would be right back. I didn't have to ask where he was going. I knew. He was going to tell our students thank you and that he loves them. No question they are thankful for him and love him too. And, just as he said, he was right back to me.... and hubby.

Another thing I can say about The Old Man..... he is an encourager. He wrote all our staff handwritten letters. Every single one including custodians and maintenance - after all, they are just as important. The Old Man is also a hugger. No wonder he and I get along so well. He hugged me and then looked at Brother G and I and said some thing that we will not forget... We will carry it with us daily just like the words he said in his letter to us.

There's one Godly man that no words could ever do justice to in my eyes. I am blessed beyond measure to call him my husband and best friend. I am thankful for the moments we share whether in good times or bad or in-between. He is a man after God's own heart. He loves me like Christ loves the church. And if I never receive another blessing this side of heaven - I am blessed beyond measure and richer than priceless.

Thank you Austin, The Old Man (aka Pastor, Dr. Richard Jackson), and hubby.

Thank You O Lord for these Godly guy and men.

Prayer, Praise! Come Together!

WeTheChurch.org has now officially launched.

"What? WeTheChurch.org is a very simple site designed to bring ministries together in prayer. If you need prayer for something, type it in. Have a praise about something that happened. Type it in. While you’re there, pray for a few on the prayer list. It’s that simple."

Not So Random Thoughts.

This morning Brother G and I spent some time in the big city. Driving there it seemed like forever ago that we started on this journey called surrendered to God - to ministry. The year was 2004 to be exact... today it seems like yesterday in some ways. Funny how that happens.

While in the big city, I got to spend some time with one of my girlfriends. She did not know that I was coming today. I did not know if I would catch her at work or not. She and I sat down and really talked. Not the plastic talk..... really talked and shared. We prayed together. And when it was time for me to go..... "I love you girl" was exchanged between us and totally meant/felt.

This is a person that I did not know before being surrendered to God... to ministry... yet, today, this moment, I cannot imagine life without her. We've been through some life's toughest moments together even when miles apart. Funny how that happens.

On the way back from the big city to the highly secure gated community out in the country.... I could not help but think of this journey...

and give thanks! That's God...... Funny how He works like that.

Signed,
It Is Well With My Soul