When Faith Knocks: "Hello. This is God."

Back in July we were on a mountain in Utah heading to Idaho on a mission trip with our current church. Hubby's cell phone rang and he immediately recognized the area code. In some ways it has seemed like a whirlwind since that moment. And yet, last weekend it was clear to us that this love story has been being knitted in our hearts for years. Funny how that happens.

Last night I listened as two men discussed the passing of the baton between an interim pastor and the potential new pastor. Granted I could only hear hubby's part of the conversation as "the potential new pastor" - but in his answers and questions - there was no mistaking what the interim pastor was saying either. Each one of them wanting the best for the other and the church body that they both love. There is no denying it - my husband has a deep love for this new body already as I do. That's what happens when you pray for that body you do not yet know for years like we have been doing.

Next Saturday - we will be going out of town again. This time will be officially "In View of a Call"... There is a meet/greet and question time Saturday evening. Then, on Sunday morning - hubby will stand before that body and share what God has laid upon his heart for them/us and the future. By the time, Sunday - August 23rd is over - we will know for sure if Dick is the new pastor of that body. The search team voted 100% to bring hubby before the church. As hubby says, "Then, it will be up to the body to vote. Whatever they decide, we will have our answer." He also told me to start packing in anticipation for moving Labor Day weekend.

This is a love story that is undeniable. Just in the last couple of days alone - there is no mistaking God's voice as He is speaking all over this. Speaking in ways that we know it is Him - incredibly precise and with such detail. We ask that you pray for them as their interim pastor prepares to preach tomorrow on "What's Next" as they continue to prepare their hearts for us and ours for them. We also ask that you pray for all three of our sons (Austin, Travis, and Parker) as they wrap their minds and hearts around leaving a place and people they too have come to love. Of course, pray for my mother and her fiancee. They decided to not set a wedding date until we knew for sure when/if we are moving.

For those of you here locally, your love and encouragement have been more tender than we can possibly say. For those of you not here locally but just as much a part of our life's moments - thank you as well for yours. We are blessed beyond any and all measure. That statement is just as true even if we were not engaged to another church at this moment.

So, dear reader, let me ask you this moment...

In what ways are God speaking to you today?

Make no mistake about it... He is speaking to you..

No matter who you are.

No matter where you are.

No matter what you've done.

No matter what you haven't done.

He is speaking to you.

Are you listening?

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

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: The Beckoning Call

Okay... let me get this is out of the way... no call last night. But I am grateful to say the least. WHAT? Read on.

Dick and I have a time of sharing and then praying almost each night before going to sleep. Pretty close to 98% of the time. Last night was no exception although it did make a difference. As he was praying, he was thanking God for allowing us to be at His "beckon call".. to be servants - used however and whenever for His Kingdom and glory. I could not help but smile deeply.

When most of think of "beckon call" - it does not bring out positive thoughts. It might bring about the sound of snapping fingers expecting a person to jump at an other's person voice and command. It might make one think of being a doormat for another individual. Or flip it around, perhaps you're the one who has others at your beckon call. It might make you feel powerful. You can fill it in for yourself... What do you think of when you hear the term beckon call?

Were we anticipating a phone call last night from the pastor search team? Yes. But the more I got to thinking about it after we prayed and Dick had already started snoring.. (yep, just went there) I was grateful that they did not call. The way my husband prayed was more tender than any phone call could have been. As I've said time and time again, we're so incredibly thankful for these moments. The ying and yang of them. But more than that, we know where our Real Hope comes from. It is not in a phone call. It is not in hubby becoming the pastor of a church one day. It is not in any thing we do or do not do. Our hope is Jesus.

In Jesus there is a beckoning call to follow Him no matter the cost. To trust in Him when the world says to do so means we're fools. To even remotely grasp how much God loves each of us. Just as we are without having to clean up first. After all - we are all messed up and under construction. Each and every single one of us.

Do we look forward to a call whenever it comes from the pastor search team? Yes. But no matter what happens .... we have The Beckoning Call in each of life's moments. And it is beyond words and leads to actions out of the overflow of God's love.

So, dear reader, do you hear His Beckoning Call this moment? "Come. Follow Me?"

If so, how will you answer the call?

As always, you've been prayed for...

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: The Music Is Playing

Monday when we were at the physical church buildings of another church, Austin sat down at a piano in the sanctuary. He did not realize I was watching him. As he put his fingers on the keys and stroked them gently, the look on his face was moving. Keep in mind here - there is a piano at the house in which we currently live. Given where it is - it is hardly ever played. I am the only one in the house who has ever taken any formal lessons. The piano was a gift when I was much younger although it has never moved with me. I play from time to time when no one is around. The piano is coming with us whenever we move.

A man named Lesile told Austin he had a couple of pianos he is not using if Austin wanted one of them. It was obvious that Lesile knew if Austin had true access to one - he would be able to play and would. Austin has taken guitar lessons over the years and is still teaching himself as well. Within the past year, he has taught a few others how to play as well. Part of their time together has also included Devotional time... not just a jam session.

Last week, Travis started Marching Band Camp. He started with the understanding that he may or may not ever step foot on the field here during an actual game. We did not want him to miss the opportunity of at least experiencing the camp. Dick played in the band in high school. He has very fond memories of his time spent playing in the band. He played the tuba. Travis plays the trumpet. And he is a mean trumpet player too. One of the sweet things about Travis going to camp are the other individuals he is around. Some of them are seniors in high school and are a part of our current church. They have taken him under their wings and are truly being there for him in ways he may not ever fully realize.

Today is Wednesday. As has been the norm now for a few weeks - the phone rings some time after 9:00 p.m. It has been Lesile calling on behalf of the other church. We are expecting a phone call tonight. While we think we know what the individual on the other end will have to say and ask.. we may or may not.

The music is playing. The tune is one that has a very familiar beat. We look forward to each note that is to come. We're thankful for the sounds it is creating and how our hearts are being stirred. There's a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "We Will Dance."

"When the music plays, I'll take your hand and hold you close to me and we will dance." I am thankful for my husband who holds me close as we dance life's moments.. Even more so for my Real Father who is teaching me to not look at my feet. Toes were meant to be stepped on from time to time.

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

And if you're praying for us... thank you.

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: Enjoying The Dance

This past weekend was like nothing the G family had ever experienced. And while there is so much more to this story than can be shared yet... what I can share is this..

We are enjoying the dance with the other church in another area of Texas. Whether or not it turns out to be marriage between our family and their church body remains to be seen. I do know that this wife and mother is grateful beyond any and all words. My husband and sons were themselves and shared God's love with ease. And they were greatly loved on. It was as if we were family. And frankly, as brothers and sisters in Christ - we are.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending some time with a woman named Melba. She and I talked about my being so open about sharing what is going on with us these days. Melba looked me in the eyes and said, "You should be sharing and asking for prayers. There is nothing wrong with it." Then, she told me word was out that we were there.. We just had to laugh. We did. And no, I'm still not telling directly here.

There are other pictures from this weekend that I will share later on down the road. Pictures of our time at a hotel, out at restaurants, of a possible house, of physical church buildings, and of individuals. There are stories that will be shared when more of them have been read as God continues to show us how the chapters unfold and as the characters continue to develop and grow. Make no mistake about it the leading role belongs to One. The Only Famous One in the group.

As I sit here this afternoon thinking back over the course of the last few days, I cannot help but being reminded of a song.. a country one at that.. "I'll Still Be Loving You."

This song has been sung to me numerous times over the years. Funny enough? On our wedding day (August 19th, 1989), Restless Heart had to sing it. Why? The man whom I'll go any where with had tears in his eyes and was all choked up. I saw that man very clearly this weekend no matter what he might say. And I've never been more thankful to be his partner for life's moments no matter the dance floor, size or the songs being sung.

While there is no doubt that my husband and I love each other more today than yesterday... it in no way compares to how much God loves us. Talk about a Real Reason to put on them dancing shoes!

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

Much love,
Camey