Moved......

Hey all! This blog is no longer going to be used.

Please check my new blog out at

http://lifeinthemoments.wordpress.com

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you've added this blog to your blogroll - pls change it to the new one if you're so inclined to. If not, no worries..

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Has Knocked: Let The Son Shine

Today I write this from our new to us house in a new town. Austin is in the family room reading. Travis & Parker are a couple of blocks away at their new school. Hubby is literally across the street at the physical church building. And as I sit here in the dining room with the sunlight beaming in, I cannot help but smile deeply and give praise to God.

The move to Claude, Texas went much better than expected on Friday thanks to the incredible help of some dear friends on Thursday (cue in Brook H, Phil S, Don & Fran S). Brook knows how to make the most out of every single inch of space! Even hubby had to admit - Brook knew better than he did on how to pack that puppy out! We had only been here a few minutes when about 20 people or so from our new church body showed up. The moving truck that had taken hours to load thanks to the generosity of many individuals took no time at all really to unload.

In the midst of unloading, Dick was trying to bring our 2nd refrigerator down the ramp by himself. Needless to say, the frig decided to take over and hubby ended up with a twisted ankle. He walked away saying, "Man! That really hurt!" Funny enough? Dick and a sweet man named Chester (who also happens to be a relative of our buddy Clint) used that on Sunday morning during the service to talk about how one cannot do certain things by themselves and how you never know who is paying attention. Laughter was had as was a great lesson. Hubby's ankle is still a bit tender but otherwise mending well.

Speaking of Sunday... funny how individuals can feel like they've known each other forever so quickly. The boys and I had to laugh when we were eating dinner after the evening service & "the pastor" was still across the street eating brownies & chatting it up with some of the guys. Notice.. that means he was the last one of the G's to leave due to talking. And he says I talk more than he does. (Just a little rib there Man!) Sunday was beyond tender. God was glorified. Jesus was worshipped. People were encouraged and challenged by their/our new pastor. And boy, were there hugs galore! I/we got even better than I/we gave.

I will confess.. it is taking us a bit of time to get used to how we are being loved on here already. The food hasn't stopped coming.. we're even having to purchase a freezer for the garage as it is apparent in beef country - it is not uncommon to be given sides of beef, hamburger meat and/or steaks! The fresh veggies are going over big time too with bags of green beans, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, and etc showing up. I have a feeling the community food pantry our church body helps with may just see some of it too.

Today I'm waiting for the Dish network guys to come. Funny how we've been able to do without tvs the last few days and up until Monday night - even internet. This afternoon, after school, those inside the physical church building will be welcoming little children. Then later on, adults and teens will come too. We are looking forward to tonight with great anticipation! But, up until then - each moment still counts as just as important.

That's just a bit of an update on what's been going on with us since the big move! Not written about but definitely in the mix are all the new individuals we've talked with outside the walls of the physical church building. Opportunities to share and show God's love that is more than the sum of ourselves or any thing we are capable of on our own.

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

And thank you for all the prayers, support and love that has come our way from many of you too!

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: Celebrating Moments Gone By & Look Forward

Well, today is Wednesday. It seems like a whirlwind & yet also just like yesterday. By the time this day is over - the Gravley family will have had our last time with church body we've called our family the last 4 plus years. But just because we move away from G-town on Friday morning (Sept 4th) does not mean we are any less family than today. Just because we will join another on Sunday (Sept 6th) does not mean we are any less family then. It will just mean a part of God's larger family - as it always does.

Today/tonight/tomorrow... will hold many emotions. They are to experienced & seen for what they are.. gifts from God. Learning experiences... more opportunities to grow! And I am thankful beyond any words for how God does not let us stay the same! Not for those who truly seek Him & His Kingdom first.

Tomorrow - Thursday... the moving truck will be in the driveway & will load up many gifts that have been given to this silly woman and her family. We are still blown away & yet it is in line with God's character.

Friday - Sept 4th... we will pull out of this driveway, leave this highly secure gated community and head toward to our new normal in another town with another church body. But all you who remain here in G-town & surrounding areas will not be forgotten. And after all... I will still have my mother here.. Again.. Praise God for all the ways we clearly see Him these days.

Sunday - Sept 6th... The Gravley family will worship & praise God just like we do every single Sunday. Hubby will preach his first sermon as the "official" Pastor of First Baptist Church of Claude, Texas. Yet, we all know who the Real Voice of that church body is & will be. There is No Voice like God/Jesus/HolySpirit. We will, as a family become a part of that church body/family. And in the midst of all that - we will celebrate the 18 years that Austin has been on this earth. Talk about one of my favorite gifts of all times!

We are celebrating moments gone by & looking forward. Only with God is that truly possible.

Jesus is the Only Way to God. He is the Only Road, Path.. whatever one wishes to call it. Only One.

Do you know Jesus? God? His Holy Spirit?

If you do.... Are you truly living life's moments in such ways that show He is your Lord? Or are you merely giving Him lip service when in times of crisis or any time you walk in to a physical church building?

Tonight my computer will be packed up. I do not know when I will be back on it again. And that is a good thing as I concentrate on the family I've been so incredibly blessed with. And it will no doubt make the heart grow fonder... They have given me permission to update facebook via cell phone. I'll pass. I've always said that is a line for me I'm not willing to cross.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for! God has noticed you today. I pray you notice Him.

And thank you for walking through life's moments with this silly woman.

Much love,
Camey

Best Dishes!

Yesterday morning after the close of the 2nd worship service... a woman came up to me & said, "We have gifts for you & your family in our car. Please do not leave here without them." I had to smile & laugh at the very thought of what those gifts might be based on a conversation I had with her & her husband on Friday afternoon. Not the gifts themselves mind you.. just the very thought of them.

There were 3 gifts wrapped up so bright & beautiful for us to unwrap. Inside were 2 boxes of dishes - enough for 8 people & 1 box of glasses. Funny enough? I had talked myself out of buying these very ones Friday night. I simply could not allow my mind to go there. Since being here, I've become rather used to not being "the woman" of the house & therefore, not having my own things about. (Cue in "The Quiet Man" here.)

I have long since stopped being a thing person. God has done such a work in that area. So... when this couple came in to the pcb on Friday afternoon and asked me what did we need or want for our new house - I really had a hard time coming up with any thing.. except perhaps every day dishes. I had given away all but one saucer away when we moved out of our last house. It was the saucer that Austin had always used for his hot sauce. Our china has been up in the attic all this time. The woman encouraged me to really think about it. So, again..all I could come up with was every day dishes.

Then she did it.. She had to ask what colors did I want to use in our kitchen. My answer frankly surprised me.. browns & greens. Why? I use these 2 particular plates we were given the last 2 Christmases all the time. They are from gift baskets my mother's soon-to-be husband had given us. Browns & greens. The every day dishes I had given away had fruits and veggies on them and weren't the slightest bit masculine really. (read: remember - I was the only female then & will be soon again)

The woman then told me about a set of very expensive dishes she had made & that I could have if I wanted them. Her husband looked at her with the biggest of eyes & said, "Why would you give those to her when you don't really like them yourself? Aren't you suppose to offer her the best? Your best - first fruits?" (yes.. they are those kind of friends!) She looked at him.. and then at me.. She then said, "Well, I don't think they're really you & your family any way Camey." They walked out the door soon after that.

I saw her last night for a brief moment. I hugged her tight & thanked her for the dishes/glasses. I also shared with her about the fact that I had almost bought them on Friday night. Funny enough? This woman had called her recently married daughter while standing in Wal-Mart on Saturday to make sure she was picking out just the right ones for me & my family. Her daughter is in Branson! Dick & I used to be her Bible Study teachers before she got married. I also had her in another group several years ago. She knows me/us oh so well. The dishes were spot on.

And now.. every day when those dishes are used.. there will be a love attached that is greater than the sum of ourselves. Only God could have put us all together when He did. Only God serves up the best dishes!

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

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: The Love Story For All Times

As I sit here thinking back over the last few days, weeks and months... I cannot help but give praise to God. Sunday, August 23rd, my husband became the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Claude, Texas. As I've said in previous posts it is a love story. And I can sharing more of the details of the story that paint a clear picture.

Back in January, one of the closest couple friends we have ever had called us. We've known them for 17 years since Austin and their daughter, Sally, was 1. Clint & Marsha Cope are the true definition of real friends. We have been together through thick and thin. We have shared joys and the depths of sorrow. We have laughed and cried. We have raised babies, toddlers, children and in the process of teens encouraging each other a long the way! And through it all - God has been glorified. They are incredible servants of God.

They called wanting to know if they could submit Dick's resume for a church they knew was pastorless. Not just any church either. First Baptist Claude is the church where Clint's family was at during his growing up years. His mother, Sharon, is still there. Claude is the hometown we've been hearing about since having the privilege of meeting Clint and Marsha all those years ago. This was just the way that Dick had wanted his first pastorate to happen in his heart of hearts - someone who knew him and our family believing we belonged with that church body. And do they know us and that church body. We still cannot express how humbled we are/were of their desire for Dick and our family going to Claude.

Since January, other doors have opened. We had given them over to God through prayer and knew they were not where He was calling us. So, on Sunday, August 9th, when Dick and I met with Lesile, Jack, Dianne, Martha, Gerald and the one whose name I have a hard time remembering.. the pastor search team, and the question was asked of us, "Do you see your family being called here?" - we had no hesitation in answering yes. The ball went rolling fast from there. Please keep in mind... this conversation was had before they heard Dick preach in person that night at a sister church in Amarillo. They had heard/seen him on DVD & CD, but not in person until after that.

After he preached that Sunday night, the team, their spouses, Lesile's two daughters and the five of us went to Abuellos in Amarillo for dinner. As I watched, listened and answered whatever questions were asked, I knew this was not just any dinner. I saw how my hubby talked, laughed, was relaxed, and it is more than say to say... I smiled deeply inside and out. The boys were just as much with family as any blood could ever provide. Hugs were given all around. Jack said to me, "Camey, I cannot wait for Dick, you and those boys to come to Claude." Of course, he was also wanting to play the boys at Guitar Hero. Another one of those funny details. Gerald has known Clint since before he was born. His wife, Melba, as we were walking through the house that goes with being the pastor's family - told me it was okay for the boys to picture themselves living there because they were going to be. More details only God could orchestrate.

Detail after detail, question after question we have had has been answered in ways there is no mistaking it is God directing our path. We were prepared to leave G-town with what we came here with... furniture that could be counted on less than 2 hands, 1 vehicle and other items we fit inside the smallest UHaul trailer. Who knew that in answering God's call back in 2005 to G-town and to give away or sell almost everything on the cheap - He would see to it that we lack nothing in leaving here in 2009? Only One knew for sure His plan. What a plan too - a house, 3 cars for that 3 car garage, so much furniture we're having to say no to some of it, my mother getting married and so much more.

This was the town that I once told God I would not go to. I knew in doing so it would mean the deepest of sorrows and yet sheer joy in saying "See ya later" to my daddy - who was also one of mine and Dick's closest friends. And yet, I would not trade one single moment here. Not the ones that hurt like heck, are/were tender as a steak cooked just so, the love that has been shown and given... not one. For in answering God's call to come here - we've all grown closer to Him than we ever have been before. That is priceless to this woman and her husband. We've shared God's love and hopefully individuals have come to see glimpses of Him. We are so incredibly thankful for how God has allowed us to be a part of His work here. He did not need us and yet He allowed us. No words can ever do that justice..

Dick became the Pastor of First Baptist Claude on Sunday, August 23rd. I know I can say with all certainty - he knows who the Real Voice of that church body is and belongs to. I have never been more thankful to be his wife and partner in serving God and others. That would be just as true had he not become their pastor.

As we draw near to the end of our time here, Friday, September 4th, I cannot help but think of what a love story this is. Please do not miss it... God so loved us that He sent His Only Son - Jesus - to earth to live, die, and rise again on the 3rd day because He loves like that. He loved us first.. and it out of the overflow of His love that we live life's moments. It is only for the Famous One do we become all things to all so that in doing so - we win the race. The prize is and has always been - God and His Love. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love. What we can do is fall on our knees, admit our need for Him, praise His name and then rise to live life remembering it is all about Him.

For those whom have been praying for our family, being of such encouragement and support in this process... we thank you. You have no clue how much your friendships are valued and treasured. Hopefully in some detail only God can provide - you know that. We ask you continue to pray as we're in the throws of once again going through what is a need and want. There are tears wrapped in packages of friendships, life's moments as we've known them changing in ways we could not have imagined, and excitement for the future. Thank you again for walking through life's moments with us.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for. Don't miss the Real Picture. The Only Love Story Worth Any and All Awards. It is worth seeing every color painted and each stroke of the brush.

Much love,
Camey

PS: And yes.. this was the short version! lol Did I mention that both Austin and Sally have surrendered as well to full time ministry? They both are seniors in high school this year. And when she goes to her dad's hometown - we will be there.

Celebrating Life's Moments!

Celebrating 20 years of marriage! Humbled by how different our lives are now as opposed to that day. Thankful for a man who loves God most!

The way you, Dick, love God, me, our sons, and others is the best anniversary gift. I'm proud to be your ...wife and mother of your sons. And when I said you had potential all those years ago - I was being prophetic!

Preparing to head to the pcb for one of my last days there as a staff member. Worth leaving to follow God & my husband where He is sending us. Not getting Parker's schedule today either. He won't need it.

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

Thank you for coming along on this journey with us.

Much love,
Camey

When Faith Knocks: The State of the I Address

I've tried a couple of different times to start this note. The words were there, but the fingers weren't moving. My hubby just walked in the room, we talked, and out he went again heading out the front door to take care of one of his properties. It is his largest property, and therefore, takes the most time. The owners are hardly ever there as they live mostly in Florida these days instead of Texas. It is with laughter, a deep smile, a few tears shed and conviction that I write this. Funny how that can happen.

Back in May, my hubby was in Illinois for a few days - preaching, ministering, and such.. Before he left I knew that trip was going to be different for him, myself, and our family. During his time there, the potential to plant a new church was laid at our feet. My hubby was encouraged in ways that neither of us were expecting. Again, I'm smiling deeply at the thought of it all. I am thankful beyond words for his time there.

In July, we went on a mission trip together as a family with our current church. While there, our hearts were stirred for the people. The faces are still etched on our hearts and no doubt will remain in some form or fashion over the years. As I've shared before, I knew God was going to speak to my husband while in the mountains. What I wasn't expecting was for Him to speak so clearly to me while in the water on a Thursday. I heard clearly to get out of the boat and get in the water. I did. And while in the midst of being freezing cold, I heard, "You'll go to IL or ID, but what about ?, Texas?" The very place where hubby had received a phone call from on a mountain in Utah while heading to Idaho.

Upon returning from Idaho, I have talked with a few friends from all over the world about the "in 'I' states" that were showing themselves as the possible next place for our family to go and serve. I knew we were staying in the USA physically.. but truthfully - I thought we were leaving Texas. There are close friends also in other states where I could easily see our family going. Funny how God used a couple of them in particular to speak to me directly without them even realizing they were. Oh, sure.. they were saying my name in correlation to what they were saying, but their intent to some degree was different. I am ever so thankful for their friendships and life's moments. I am also grateful for how they recognize God's love is most important and pour it freely in return to this silly woman.

Music is something that is close to my heart. As weird as it may sound to some, there are few groups out there in various genres that my sons and I both like. Austin posted a status the other day on facebook that was a reference to a song by one such group. I haven't been able to get that song out of my head for long. In fact, I'm listening to it now. I am always grateful when God uses one of my sons to help teach me a lesson. Funny enough? All three of them have been great teachers here lately in ways they may not even realize.

When we were visiting hubby's sister and her family a few weeks ago, I studied my hubby even harder than normal.. which is saying a lot.. (insert laughter here pls?). We went to my sister-in-love's church to worship with her and her family. Afterwards, we went to his parents' home in another city close by. They weren't there as they were in Colorado.. again with the mountains. I listened intently as my hubby relayed a story about a pastor he heard speak one day. Again, I heard God whispering to me. "Keep listening as I am preparing your heart & mind, Camey. You will go where you are being sent."

Yesterday, we started the daunting task of cleaning, throwing away, giving away, and organizing in anticipation of moving. Between what is going on with the five of us - there is also my mother getting married. This house which my parents built in 1998 will be put on the market shortly after that. Last night when her and Hoover returned from being out for a few hours, we discussed openly about all that is taking place these days. Again, clearly heard Him whisper to me. I'll let that one stay between my Real Father and I.

As I've shared more openly in face to face situations about where we are going in Texas - each time my heart has been more and more tendered. As hubby and I have prayed over these last few months especially... the last few days even... my heart is more tendered. For I say that I follow Jesus.. and I will... wherever He sends us. It is not just about believing I do.. it is also about doing.. Actions/words..

So, I've realized that while it was incredibly flattering to have the other opportunities presented to us.. I don't want to be any where God does not intend for us to be. Whether that is in G-town or in a state that starts with an "I" or a "C" or an "F".. While there is grief to be had and gone through in leaving here... there is also sheer joy that comes from Him and His love alone. It is worth leaving those you have taken in your heart and life's moments to go love and serve others. Not because of what we do.. but because of who He is, what He has done and will do.

I can say without reservation or any doubt that I look forward to the future come whatever may. For in life's moments are just glimpses of who He is and the amazing love and grace He has to offer and gives to even such a silly woman as I. I was born in a city and lived in various ones until 2005. That does not mean it is always best for me to live in a city.

How is your state of "I"??

Does it need to be address?

How is God addressing you in ways you may not want to hear but know are right?

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for. And it was more dangerous than ever.

Much love,
Camey

PS: I write first and then edit... so if you read this more than once.. you may notice a difference here or there..

PSS: My desk which I am currently sitting at is about to be tackled.. Apparently, I've let it go for some time. (read: that's an understatement.)