Sunday's Scoop. Local.

Sunday is kicking off with the men/boys getting together for breakfast, prayer, and general encouragement as males.

Time: 7:30 a.m.
Place: Fellowship Hall

At 9:00 and 10: 30 a.m. - Family gathers in worship and through Bible study groups.

We're set to baptize 7 individuals this Sunday. Don't miss out on such an exciting time in the life of our local church body.

What about the traffic?

Answer: Patience is key. Starting this Sunday we will have someone directing traffic at the main light on the highway.

Why is traffic a problem now?

Answer: We're averaging over 1,000 each Sunday. Now THAT'S what we call a GREAT PROBLEM! Each person counts!!!!

Come with your hearts prepared to experience His Presence fresh and anew.

Leave wanting to share the Good News with others!

As always.... you've been prayed for. (even if you're not a local)

Highways. Plans.

Right now there is a group of men, women, students and children cleaning up highways in and around G-town. Today is this month's Love G-Town. 3 of our 6 are there right now. Obviously, I'm not one of them...

This morning there was no decision to make about whether or not I was going. My butt needed to stay home. Period. Did not matter how much I had been looking forward to this day and its adventures... my plans had been changed.

Today, I was also planning on seeing some old friends. Their plans changed before mine did.

I talk about it often... Plans.. We can make all the plans in the world.. They change in a moment's notice. Or thanks to a case of the flu.

Funny enough? As much as I was looking forward to showing G-town some love, hanging with amazing individuals, and etc.... this time has been refreshing.

Did I say refreshing and a case of the flu? Yep. That's how you know it's a God thing and not silly little me.

Highways. Plans.

He reveals His plans in ways we do not always understand. And sometimes that includes our butts having to "Sit this one out."

Signed,
His Grateful Child

From the......

I'm not at the physical church building. Brother G (aka my husband) sent me home after an hour this morning. So, if you're a local and you get that man's voice... be kind.. be gentle.....

Now if you'll excuse me... I'm going back to bed.

Signed,
The submissive wife

Softball. Hardball.

Please pray for the women in my Bible study class. Today was a heavy hitting day and I threw more hardballs than soft. Of course His Word always speaks for itself..... Walls are crumbling down. It is clear that He is doing some serious work in the lives of each woman there...

I am scheduled to teach another class when this one finishes next week. Talk about an emotional high right now. Please pray for me that I would be willing to give it up if required for I have come to love these women so. And yet, I know it in no way compares to His love for them... or me..

Signed,
Always a student even when teaching.

Whom Have I In Heaven?

Yesterday, I was told that I was being watched by a few individuals to see how I would handle a certain situation. Apparently, it is fascinating to some how I deal with my mother dating and especially Hoover's recent heart surgery and hospital stay. One thing about the conversation really struck me....

The individual told me that they thought about me when singing, "Whom have I in Heaven but You" Sunday morning. That they knew my response was no one. The individual does not quite understand how that could be... why do I not respond, "my daddy."

Like I told this individual... There is no question that I loved my daddy dearly. Yes, there are times when I miss that goofy man. But he was just that... a man.

Jesus wasn't just a man. Had he been... he would still be in a tomb.. He's Not.

And let's not lose sight of one of the most important things about life... Living for Him.

For in the end... it matters not who gave me birth... but who gave me New Life.

Whom have I in Heaven? The same ONE who is with me right now this moment...

"All Hands On Deck"

What wonderful words to hear from Pastor Jackson as the invitation time started... Really as it continued for the invitation does not start with a note of a song...

Individuals leaving their chairs to come and kneel to pray...

Parents bringing their children who couldn't stay in their seats any longer...

Individuals coming for baptism who wanted to take that next step now....

From the start of the day to the finish - His Spirit was ever present. Just as it is now still...

Words fail me to adequately describe what is taking place.

Last night I had the privilege of hosting the Deacon Ordination Reception. Thanks again to Sharon J. for all she is and does, and the deacon wives whom I asked to serve. Of course, thank you to Brother G and our younger sons too. Your dishwashing skills are priceless.

Individuals kept thanking me as they were leaving. Hugs and "I love you" were flowing just as the punch had been stirred and poured.

Over the years He has shown me time and time again - His love is not ours alone to keep.

What does "All Hands On Deck" mean to you this moment? Today?

And who could benefit from what He has given you?

Isaiah 6:8 says, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

Will you respond, "Here am I. Send me," today... this moment?

From the Front Desk

There's a lot of beeping going.... Andrew is way up high as I type...

Come and experience the difference this Sunday.

Remember our new times:

9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Also note:

Our local church body ministers to numerous individuals in ways you may or may not have ever thought of before.

If you would be interested in learning more about ways you can be of service - please ask one of our staff or check out our website.

We would love to share with you how you can make a difference in the lives of others.

Better yet... Ask Him to put someone else in your path right now... this moment...

You were just prayed for!

New Prayer Request

Please pray in regards to Hoover, aka my mom's boyfriend. He is being kept overnight for observation regarding his heart. Please pray for his family, ours and all connected.

Thank you.

UPDATE: Hoover had one stint put in last Friday. He was released a day later. Sunday I had the privilege of driving him to the physical church building with us. The seven of us ate lunch together afterwards. Thank you for your prayers. Hoover said he truly felt them. That is priceless.

Update on David

David, Brother G's brother, has been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Disorder. It is also uncertain the course of action that needs to be taken in regards to his right arm. It is possible he might lose it.

Please continue to pray for all aspects - spiritual, physical, emotional and mental.

Thank you.

Undeniable Surrender.

It's hours after we left the physical church building. I've had my Sunday afternoon nap... I sit here drinking my hot tea and reflecting over the day so far.

Undeniable surrender is what comes to my mind and heart at this moment......

I must confess that this morning's first worship service was one that I did not want to leave... or to be over... The baptismal waters flowed at the beginning and at the end.... individuals were raising their hands in confession as we sang "I Surrender All." Lives were being transformed and His presence was clearly there. As I walked out the doors and headed up the stairs... I knew more was to come. It was merely a continuation of what had been started.

Brother G filled in for a dear friend of ours in his Bible study class. He first had to explain that he was indeed my husband even though he looks so incredibly younger than the man I'm normally seen with. Losing the goatee definitely did that to him. As he shared about his decision to shave it off - I couldn't help but watch faces.

His shaving off his goatee was more about being willing to do whatever it takes even if it seems rather silly to us. That there are some battles to be had and others are truly not worth the fight. Two individuals in particular I couldn't help but feel their eyes on him as he spoke... They were listening intently.

He went on with the lesson for today and in the process - really stepped on some toes. He gave some suggestions on how to love the unlovely - or as I call them even - the unseen. He talked of the country club and how we need to get real for and with Jesus. How it is not about just those inside the walls..... He also talked about our Marine.

I've been exceedingly careful what I've posted in regards to David especially since he got injured.
But since Brother G spilled his beans this morning.... We weren't sure how exactly how Brother G was going to get to see David... if at all.. We're in Texas.. He is in Bethesda. Between schedules and the cost financially to get him there = uncertainty..... David and his wife do not understand why he has not come yet.... Out of all the family... why not him yet? He's not just David's flesh and blood brother... they truly see him as their pastor. David's & his wife's pain is more than physical.

When the class was over, I was in the hallway talking with a friend.. A woman stood inside the door and motioned for me to come back in.. It was one of the two I had noticed earlier..

What was about to happen - my mind still has not fully grasped. Instead of asking for us to pray for them... they wanted to pray for us... for Brother G and myself and our family... The man laid his hand on Brother G's shoulder and she took mine in hers.. and he prayed a prayer thanking God for what HE is doing in our lives and for the testimony he is seeing lived out... He prayed for the church that Brother G will pastor soon.. The rest, I let stay between those hearing and speaking... We all hugged and I thought that was it.... I was wrong....

Little did I know that after I left to gather up our sons and my mother to take them home... Brother G was approached by another person who had been in the class. Needless to say - when he can arrange to go - his plane ticket is paid for. Brother G won't let pride stand in his way from accepting this generous offer.

Undeniable surrender comes in many fashions and forms...

It is a process. It does not happen in one moment..

It is a daily commitment... A daily choice freely given.

What do you need to surrender undeniably today... this moment?

"Whatever It Takes."

That statement is being heard in and throughout our local church staff and body.

Whoever said that it is impossible to implement the kind of improvements needed should have been a fly on the walls of the physical church building the last couple of weeks. Things are moving fast; definitely bathed in prayer first!

It is no secret that Brother G and I love our church. These improvements have been a part of our prayers since first coming to this local church body in 2005. I know we are not alone in prayers being prayed for years for our body to catch on fire for the Lord and His kingdom. That it would stop being a country club. (Yes, I just said that in print. Many of you know we've said that to your face even.)

It is wonderful to watch the local church body rise for Christ. To stand up and say, "Count me in on whatever it takes." Yes, it does indeed get us more than misty.

When we stop to think that there is no price we can pay that can compare....

Whatever it takes should come as free as His love, mercy, and grace.

If it is truly in and through Him alone and not of our own strength.

Brother G and I are on our knees and ready to move.....

Are you living proof today of whatever it takes? Are you ready to be counted?

Would you clean a toilet if it needed it? Or hold a baby? Or give up your seat?

May "Whatever It Takes" become our motto for living as Christ-followers.

From the Front Desk..

Please pray for our local church body...

There are so many who are ill with the flu and various other illnesses.

Continue to pray for Joshua P. and his family. He is on his way back to Cooks.

Also... as we prepare for Sunday and all of the new improvements....

Let's not forget that every day is a great day to worship and serve Him!

Be Careful What You Predict.

So....... at the beginning of this new year... I made a prediction that Brother G would not do something...

I was wrong. Very very wrong. Our sons are shocked. They are freaked out. My mother's knees got weak and she almost passed out.

Funny enough? I'm thankful to be wrong.

Be careful what you predict. You might just get taught a lesson or two.

Signed,
Schooled in G-town

Can you guess what I was wrong on? Anyone?

ANSWER: Yep. He shaved off his goatee. Shocking. He looks so much younger. ;)

Prayer Requests For Various.

1) Please pray for a man who is 46 and in the hospital on life support. He has had 2 kidney transplants over the years and now it is failing again, he has a bacteria infection throughout his body, gout, inflammation of the pancreas, and the doctors told them he will NOT survive. They are trying to keep praying and hoping for the best, but it is difficult when everybody at the hospital says there isn't any hope. He has 3 kids ages 10,12,& 14. (from a spacer and local)

2) Please pray for James' dad (little store and local body). He is having a quad. bypass right now. James is unable to be with him.

3) Please pray for a family dealing with issues regarding a child. (email)

4) Please pray for a family regarding an adoption. (email)

5) Whatever is on your heart this moment....

Our prayers may not be answered how we want and/or when...

Real HOPE is only found in Him.

Prayer Request...

Please pray for Joshua P and his family. His mom was instructed by the doctor to take him to Cook's Children's Hospital immediately.

Thank you.

Changing Roles: The Eyes Have It.

It was dark and warm this morning as we left the highly secure gated community to head for the big city. Hoover picked us up at 6:30 a.m. and the three of us were off for her right eye surgery. Conversation flowed between concern for Sylvia, Parker's birthday, yesterday's SOUPer Bowl service, and the Super Bowl. Only this drive was different than before. My only sibling, my older brother, was going to be meeting us.

Mom and Hoover went on in while I waited for him to arrive. Miscommunication had taken place... These things happen in changing roles. He did not realize it would be the boyfriend, the live-in daughter/sister, and him. Fortunately, they allowed him to go back and see her before the surgery started. I am so grateful.

So, while she was back in surgery.... the three of us sat.... me in the middle. The conversation flowed with ease at times and others - silence was spoken. Quickly enough, she was done and I was allowed to go back and see her. They both sat there - each loving her and wanting to go back and be with her. Love is a hard thing at times.

The post-op nurse remembered us...as had the doctor who put her to sleep... At times, laughter is a gift at awkward moments. Hoover went to go get his car, my brother- his as well, while I waited for her to come out in a wheelchair. The post-op nurse wanting to know whose car she was riding in this time. The boyfriend's won out given it was a car and easier to get in to.

The four of us had breakfast together at an IHop there in the big city. Soon enough, it was time for us to head back home. As the server started to hand the bill, I kicked my brother under the table.... Hoover insists upon paying for meals and gets insulted easily when challenged on it - a generational thing no doubt as well as loving her and wanting to provide for her in his own way. I've been down that road before. I should have warned my brother before we sat down... His leg survived though... as did Hoover's ego.

The three of us headed back to the highly secure gated community and my brother back to his house since he had taken the day off. And while he did not come here to take care of his mother - he is at home taking care of his daughter who is sick and at home today instead of at school. Hoover is at his house doing his Monday chores. Mom is fast asleep in her bedroom with her live-in caregiver listening for her call.

Tomorrow morning, the son-in-law is on duty while I teach a Bible study class on marriage. In the afternoon, Hoover is taking her to the follow-up eye appointment and will take notes for us... Mom does not always hear all the doctor says. And I will be at upstairs desk at the physical church building doing whatever needs to be done. Again, I am grateful.

Changing roles includes having more than one person being a caregiver for someone. The better individuals can work together for the good of all involved - the smoother things can go even when the waves are not always easy to navigate.

It is a privilege and a blessing to help someone else meet their most basic needs and even the more complex ones. Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? Yes, she is. The lessons are... And the fact is serving her is serving Him. That is more priceless than gold.

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve others.

Who do you need to show His love to today?

Life's Moments Continue II

This morning my cell rang. It was hubby. He and Austin had just passed a wreck on their way to the physical church building. He couldn't make out the person's face - too much blood. I started praying.... on my knees praying....

A few minutes later... my cell rang again. This time a name was attached to the person's face and the fact that she had to be care-flighted to a hospital in the big city. My prayers from earlier made sense now. I had prayed specifically for her... for her husband, children, family and friends. Her... I knew she had a husband, children, family, and friends. I just knew...

In Life's Moments Continue... , I talked about one of my prayer partners. It was her who was now needing my prayers. As I sit here thinking of her..... I can see her smile. I can see her eyes. I can feel her hand in mine as we've been there with each other through the thick and thin of life's moments especially through prayer. Some times together... others miles a part. Still connected.

I ask you to join me in praying. Her name is Sylvia. She is Jon's wife. The Cranny and Julie's mom. And a dear friend to countless individuals. She loves Jesus.

I also ask you to consider the following.....

How do you respond when His Spirit prompts you?

Do you trust and obey? or do you merely say, "No, not today."

I believe in the power of prayer.

And you.... yes, you.... have been prayed for this moment.

Dream. Prayers. Nineveh. Note.

In 1997, I had a dream. I was pregnant with a boy whose name was Parker.

On February 2nd, 1998 - that dream became a reality. Our third son was born. Parker Reed.

His arrival to us was too early... 2 months early.. and yet no doubt it came as no surpise to God.

Numerous prayers were prayed as he clung onto life. Blue in color. Lungs not fully developed yet. Transported to another hospital in another city from his mother in an effort to save his life.

10 years later.... You would never know he had been born a premie.. His intelligence keeps us on our toes frankly. He uses words like "fathom" and "probability" like his mother uses "......."

His overall health - not a thing wrong with him like the doctors thought would be. Thank You Lord!

At dinner one night at a Dairy Queen when we were in East Texas, I asked the boys a question.... "Where is your Nineveh?" Their dad had just preached on it.

Parker responded, "The school bus." The next day - when his dad went to pick him up from school, Parker was not there.

After calling the school bus - it was clear... Parker was in his Nineveh.

He has said he will ride that school bus unless there is some specific reason he needs to be picked up. He no longer has a reason himself.

He is on mission.

Parker had a student teacher (in her 80's) one day this week. She sent a note that said in part:

"Parker was such a help today! He is so courteous, generous, willing, and kind."

Thank You Lord for Parker and his life thus far.

Signed,
A Grateful Mother and Parker's sister in Christ

Loaves & Fishes NEEDS

Cereal
Jelly
Canned Tomatoes
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Canned Chili
Spaghetti
Corn Bread Mix
Rice
Dry Milk
Peanut Butter
Juice
Tomato Sauce
Canned Tuna
Canned Beef Stew
Instant Potatoes
Crackers
Macaroni & Cheese
Toilet Tissue
Shampoo
Soap
Toothpaste

One SOUPer Sunday Service.

One SOUPer Sunday Service at 10:00 a.m.

Bring your canned goods to restock our Loaves and Fishes ministry.

Be prepared to worship Him through prayer, music, opening of His Word, and etc.....

Witness the baptism of a student who said she would never come to church. She came DNow weekend.

This is a time to bring the whole family together.

There will be no Bible study classes meeting.

Come just as you are....

Walk away changed.

Hope to see you there!