Imperial March or Imperial Sugar?

Just a few minutes ago, I was sitting in a chair at the side of my mother's bed. She was sitting on the bed. We spent some time chit chatting about various things in life. We even laughed some. In fact, she just came out into the living room where I'm currently writing at and shared about an email she had received... And we laughed again.

This morning, Parker was in our bedroom talking with his dad. Hubby said something to Parker and P's response was, "Don't keep using sarcasm on me." The three of us just laughed. Of course, Parker's dad kept it up for a bit just because of that. I'm laughing again even thinking about how silly those two are together.

Yesterday, while at the science museum seeing........ all things Star Wars related.... I couldn't help but laugh. One of the exhibits was labeled, "Naked C-3PO" ....... Then right across from that was Darth Vader's head broken down into three parts: the helmet, the jaw piece, and then the rest of the face. The jaw piece consists of numerous wires and such the same as looking at a naked C-3PO. This struck me as funny because in the movies, Darth Vader was suppose to mean darkness, fear, and evil. C-3PO was suppose to be helpful, amusing, and well..... a robot. Of course the most laughter occurred when the 5 boys took turns acting like they were run over by a sand crawler. They were to look like they were hurt or dead..... instead they couldn't, for the most part, keep a straight face - especially our hams...er sons..... There's one pic of me that made everyone in our group laugh. If we can ever figure out how to post pics on this thing - I'll put it up so you can laugh with us.... on me... You know how I like to share things.

Last night at dinner, watching the ten of us all eat together definitely provided for more humorous times. The kids all thought it would be interesting to know how many packets of sugar and such were on the table. They had them all laid out in order to count them. Parker leaned over to me and said, "Those pink packets kinda reminds me of our kitchen counter in the mornings where you and dad fix your coffee." And then, he topped it with... "You know? All over that part of the counter?" Okay.... so maybe you had to be there and/or see our counter in the mornings. It's okay... The maids always clean up after us.... Oh, wait.... that would be us cleaning up after, well, us.......

I've been making noises and saying one liners associated with the movies while typing this. And yes, laughing at myself.... I'm trying to control it.... I know... I know... "Use the force, Camey." Where did I put that lightsaber again?

What makes you laugh?

Conversations on Monday.

This Monday morning has found me already involved in numerous conversations. Some easy and some not. That is life in the moments....

My mom came home Sunday night. Long/short - they had changed their plans from coming back on Saturday to Sunday. She thought she had told us of those changes. She had not. This too is life. Parker and Travis sat around her bed listening to her talk about the trip. By the time I came into her bedroom, Parker was able to say to her, "Grandma? Tell Mom about....." They had a good trip. They are still a couple - just not married legally. They are more like companions in life. Or so that's what I've gathered thus far. She is taking him to the eye doctor this afternoon. So, she will be driving today. Okay.... When you pray for one to be freed up - you gotta remember to not complain about when it starts to happen. Oh, lessons in life daily. It had been awhile since the boys had sat around her bed and talked with their grandma. I am thankful for this morning's time with her even if it was not a comfortable conversation in every single detail... whether mentioned or not. Parker and Travis have to go thru my mom's bedroom to get to their room. It was originally mom and dad's study. We are thankful that our sons were used to sharing a room. Totally see Him all over that!

Another conversation took place with a sweet friend. Funny thing is..... the lines in our friendship are more connected than ever. It comes in part from loving our families and wanting what is truly best for them... even if it means at times taking unpopular stands. We had not talked via phone in a while. I felt refreshed after talking with her and she said the same thing in return. We were of encouragement to each other. That's how I believe real friends should be. Not just full of fluff and tickling ears.... but able to dig through the difficult stuff and try to offer a hand to hold or to bring up.

In a couple of hours, the five of us are heading out to the big city with our "running buddies".... There's five of us and five of them. While we have many things in common - at times it is our differences that make for some of the most fascinating conversations. There are things we will probably never agree upon.... Yet, that does not stop the depths of our friendships. We're going to see an exhibit at a science museum. I cannot wait to hear the conversations that will take place while walking amongst each piece displayed and through the hallways. Then afterwards we will all eat together. Again, cannot wait to hear the conversations that will transpire.

This has been a different sort of Monday and it's just 10:24 a.m. at this moment. And yes, other conversations have taken place... the best one has taken place on my knees.

Where are you found having the best conversations of your life? And how long has it been since you've truly been on your knees?

Time. Mystery. Porch Swings.

For the last few weeks, I've been teaching on Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. The title of this series of lessons being, "What Time Is It?" If you have a Bible, I encourage you to open it and read these verses. If you don't have a Bible - I encourage you to get one and dive into it. What time is it for you at this very moment?

Mystery. Is time a mystery for you just waiting to be unwrapped like a game of Clue? Or is time something that you think you can plan every single minute of and in the ways in which you think it ought to tick?

Porch swings. Parker and I just spent some quality time together on the back porch swing talking about life and our walks with Jesus. How long has it been since you've sat on a porch swing and listened and talked with another about Him? Would you even have time for such things in this season of life?

Time. Mystery. Porch swings. Thank YOU God for the blessings of these things.

It's Sunday Morning.

Okay. So Austin made it home last night but so far no sign or word from my mom.

Hmmmmmmm.

Deaths. Living. Clean Carpets.

It struck me just a moment ago but this time last year..... in a matter of 5 weeks, there were 7 individuals who passed on. Talk about a hard, hard few weeks. As strange as it may sound, a couple of those trips to different cities/towns ended up being a far bigger blessing than I could have realized at the time. My daddy and I had real in-depth conversations about illness, death, dying, and of course real life and living.

One trip found hubby and I alone as the individual who passed on was a dear friend of ours from the church in which we had come from before. It was during this road trip that I rec'd the phone call about the possibility of starting a group for pregnant teens and single moms. It was started a couple of weeks later and shortly then after I stepped down from the ministry in which I had been on staff at. Daddy was in the hospital then. Mom had had her surgery just in the middle of August.

Daddy passed on back in November. I cannot tell you the number of deaths of individuals since then that we have known personally or have had some sort of connection to. Yet, clearly life has definitely gone on and living life honestly has never been so exciting.

Oh yeah.... The carpets are clean. The furniture has been dusted and polished. And I smell bad even though I took a shower earlier this morning. At some point this evening.... Austin is due home as is my mom and her ????????

Life in the moments yet again. God is good all the time.

At A Loss For Words Part II

This morning the phone rang. It was her - the now widow of the man that died while mowing his lawn on Sunday. She asked me if I knew who she was and when I answered, "Yes, ma'am" - she then asked for the lawn pastor.

She was calling to ask him if he could come over one day this week to discuss his taking care of her lawn now that her husband is gone. She was unaware that he not only knew that her husband had passed on but the manner in which he had done so. She also did not know that the lawn pastor had indeed attended the celebration service on Thursday. While he made it a point to sign the guest register, he had mainly slipped in and out on purpose.

He shared with her that he had planned on coming over on Monday after the weekend had past to visit with her. To him it is quite natural that he would now be doing that lawn again..... but not because of the lawn itself you see. One of the reasons why hubby has the title lawn pastor is because of the time he invests in the individuals whose lawn he is taking care of. He and this woman had numerous conversations before and after during the time that he had taken care of their lawn before. It is only appropriate that they will be again now.

For while this couple are not members of the church in which we are a part or even of the same denomination affiliation... they are still family all the same.

I have no doubt that the lawn pastor will listen like no body's business and may even be at a loss for words while doing so. There are times in life when just being willing to listen is far more important than any thing one can possibly say.

Please continue to pray for this family. Their grown son found his dad on the lawn... already gone. The grandson mowed the lawn yesterday because he needed to do something. The woman is now a widow when this time last week........ she was still married and thinking there would be a tomorrow.

Rain. Rainbows. Renew.

Last night the four of us (Park, Travman, hubby and myself) headed out to a big city. On the menu was dinner and some shopping. Really more than any thing else - just hanging out together. This week it has been a high priority to spend a good amount of quality time with the boys and as hubby and wife.

While out and about in the big city - the wind started blowing and sure enough - the rain started coming down. It was truly refreshing. Our eyes could not help but look at the sky in every which direction and take notice of all the different patterns in the clouds and all the shades of gray and blues around.. When coming out of one store, a man said to me, "Look at the rainbow!" One of the most gorgeous rainbows we have ever seen in all our years put together. It wasn't just one rainbow that was in the sky - it looked more like three. Vivid colors like they were freshly painted with Crayola markers.

As we were driving back to the highly secure gated community which is located in the country, we couldn't help but turn the music up high and singing ourselves silly with one song in particular as we are known to do. If you've ever been behind us while in the van - if our hands go up in the air - we are singing the words, "Can I get a witness?" The song is by Mark Shultz. It also happens to be my ring tone on hubby's phone. Which that alone cracks us up..... It was a very nice evening indeed. Oh, one thing about Travman - keep him out of stores that have kitchen gadgets. He definitely takes after his dad on that. My guys all love to cook.

This week has been a very different one for our family since moving to G-town. Long gone are the days when we lived as just one hubby, one wife, and three sons. While we live in this house - it is not ours. Our time here has truly been the most growing period of all of our lives. We are thankful and know that can only come from Him. Tomorrow, my mom and her boyfriend are due back from their vacation. We honestly know not what to expect from their journey together. We have not heard from her since she left the driveway Sunday morning. Yet, we know that this time has afforded the five of us and then the four to create some new memories as well. For that - we are thankful. As Christ-followers we should want to grow in our relationships with Him daily. As husbands, wives and children - we should make the most of every opportunity to be together whether in serious times or when out and about in the rain or sunshine.

I am thankful, O Lord, for the time to renew in all the various ways we have this week. For no matter what tomorrow brings - we know that You are always painting pictures in every crack and crease.

Lessons on Tuesday.

It is no secret that hubby and I take seriously the privilege, responsibilities, and blessings that come with each child we have been given. I am not too proud to say that they honestly have taught me more than I probably ever have them. You'd have to ask hubby if he is... (just kidding) Oh, Tuesday.... lessons on tuesday...

Our family had started off the day by hanging out at the house together. I had received a call asking for help with Healthy Kids due to a friend's grandmother passing away. It was a privilege to step in for her. Hubby had also agreed to take another one of the sites. We were doing Healthy Kids as a family. The boys really thought this was really cool.

The boys and I have a favorite site that we go to. We have really started developing some precious relationships with the children and a couple of parents/relatives as well. Little Laura just comes running when she sees us. Her uncle told me that they had wondered where we were last week. Oh.. there were other people there with Healthy Kids to feed them.... just not us. When I told him that we were at VBS, he replied, "Oh, about that... We didn't know where to turn the permission slip in at for the kids to receive a free ride. They could have come." OUCH! Austin looked at me and said, "Mom, we should have followed through with making sure that was taking of." He was 100% right. That didn't stop us from enjoying our time with them and the promise of more times to come. The playground being fixed is always a part of our conversations.... It was even more so since the kids were wanting to play on it. We will follow through on that. Our own kids will hold us accountable on that one.

After hugs and tickles were given... we headed back to our local church building and on to eat as a family. After we were finished eating - the younger boys needed haircuts... so off we went. Since we were right next door to one of our whole family's favorite stores - we popped on in. Little did we know we'd be buying school supplies then. A certain Ms. Schoolteacher came in and told us about a great bargain taking place. We couldn't help but buy school supplies with that knowledge in hand. Austin made a point of saying to me, "Mom, maybe we should buy some school supplies for the kids we've gotten to know through Healthy Kids." Oh... got me again. They will indeed be getting some school supplies too. Our own kids will hold us accountable on that one too.

It came time to go to a movie together as a family. Okay. Now one thing you must know about my hubby and I is that we are exceedingly strict about what our children are or are not allowed to watch. Austin tried several times to tell me that he did not think the movie we were going to see was appropriate for his younger brothers and probably not for him either. Knowing hubby usually really researches movies first - I assured him that it would be okay. WRONG! Hubby hadn't really check out the movie but was trying to enjoy all five of us hanging out together the whole week day.

Long story short..... We should have never gone to see that movie. It was inappropriate for many reasons. We should have walked out of the movie when we first realized it wasn't going to suitable for our family. We didn't. We sat there - each one of the five knowing we needed to get up and walk out. OUCH!

When leaving the movie, Austin, said to me, "Mom, I tried to tell you but you kept shhhhing me. I was just trying to help the family. I knew you and dad really wouldn't be okay with it if you knew what I did about it." And yes, I apologized to our sons and my hubby for not really listening to him. Had I let him finish one sentence - we would have never set foot inside that movie.

There were lessons learned on Tuesday in more ways than one. Being a parent is a tremendous privilege, responsibility, and blessing. And sometimes we parents make mistakes and it is the child that truly teaches us. This too can happen even when that child is a teenager and his mom has to look up to see his face when talking with him.

Signed,
Always a student

At A Loss for Words.

Hubby is on his way to a celebration service for a man who died on Sunday. It has been reported that the man had a massive heart attack while mowing his lawn. He had been told by doctors not to mow his lawn. For two summers, hubby was his lawn pastor. This summer he decided he could mow his own lawn.

Our prayers and thoughts do go out to this family. There are times when one is just at a loss for words.

Time.

Testimonies. M & M. On the Road Again.

The testimonies last night were amazing. Given the fact that it has been a week and a half since they've returned.... EVEN BETTER! Linc's video was definitely worth the price of buying one. All those faces... of the children there, adults there, and our own missionaries - priceless. The music - unbelievable!

"M & M" were two of Austin's sponsors. I believe they sponsored at least one other as well. They shared with Austin last night after the share time was over that they would definitely be a part of "adopt a missionary" projects again. They were so incredibly impressed with the whole thing from start to finish. Of course, realizing that with something like this just because the missionaries return home and report on what all took place, does not mean it is finished. I'm not saying they were just impressed with Austin... they have loved him since before he was even born. I think this also goes hand in hand with what hubby said in the video about having adults in individuals lives who are willing to be there for them, especially children and teens. We need more of that.

This morning a group of teens and adults set out on the road again from our local church building. Austin is on this trip. At first I wasn't so excited about him being on the road again. Yet, the teen was up and ready to go by 7:30 a.m. I think that speaks volumes about why he is on the road again. There is excitement and enthusiasm beaming from him. And no, that's not because he is Austin.

Look for more testimonies to come! If you're reading this and are thinking to yourself, "I should really share a testimony on this blog." What are you waiting for? SHARE! You don't need my permission to. Really, you don't need any one's 'cept HIS.

What's my email addy again? cameybelieves@charter.net

Austin's Letter to His Sponsors.

Greetings to my sponsors!

Well, the trip is over and I’m back. I cannot express my gratitude for your prayers and support that went into this trip. It simply amazes me how the LORD can give people the things they need in order to perform at their best during an excruciating trip, both physically and mentally. The LORD was present everywhere in that trip – on the bus ride up and back, in VBS, in our job sites – everywhere. And white water rafting was a blast!

VBS was amazing in all terms. Shelley told us that the YMCA people said that they had never seen a group so well prepared, and later in the week they said it was the best VBS they’ve ever had. What great compliments! The children were attached to us and it was probably the hardest thing on the trip to say goodbye to them. I had a few kids that followed me around all week. One of them told me that this was his first week at the YMCA and that I was the first friend he had there. Lincoln Wiseman did amazing songs and music that got the kids excited, and Daniel Stull hosted the recreation that gave the kids and teens a chance to have fun.

The house work was a great time too. We split the youth into 2 different groups, and worked on two separate houses the whole week. My house was literally on the side of a mountain and the mountain was falling down on it. We weren’t able to finish the house unfortunately, but we were able to get most of it done. We put tar on the roof, put new siding up, made a new deck and porch, put new windows in, and made the lady who lived in the house a new address sign. She was so nice and sweet; she made us food and gave us snacks when she had little to eat herself, and there were 23 of us. She made the BEST biscuit and fried chicken I have EVER tasted in my life. She made our job worthwhile and fun. The physical labor was intense, but a major blessing of the LORD was giving us the strength to make it through each day of work. The sun was hot and there were wasps and bee’s everywhere. One of our workers got stung by two wasps in the first 10 minutes at the site. Thank the LORD that I didn’t get stung at all this week, but everyone else got stung a lot. We gave her pictures of the week in frames, and she brought smiles to everyone this week.

As we debriefed Friday the 13th (ha-ha) at the church we were staying at, Shelley asked us a question that only one answer could be given. We weren’t able to come up with anything, therefore the only answer was ‘we cannot describe this week in a word’. This is simply the truth; there is no word to describe the week. But combine all the words like ‘great’ or ‘awesome’ or ‘amazing’ and put them all together, even then I still think a word is missing – God-filled. This was one of the best weeks of my life and at times I didn’t want it to end, and I cannot thank you enough for your financial support and prayers.

God bless,
Austin Gravley

Mission Trip Testimonies!

Tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. in the Attic (aka student ministry wing - 2nd floor).

Come hear about how not having vans proved to be a huge part of God's plans for the week.

Look for testimonies to be coming here too for those unable to attend tonight's gathering.

Are YOU on mission this moment wherever YOU are at?

Skunk. Bleach. Other Random Smells.

Being the mother of three sons and the wife of one hubby..... the following are my unbiased thoughts on a few smells in our daily lives.

1) Skunk - While none of our sons or hubby is one.... there was a dead one in our neighbor's yard a few days ago. You think that smell would be gone by now. NOPE! We definitely live in the country....

2) Bleach - It can be smelled all over the house at this moment. While I am thankful that the septic tanks are able to handle laundry being done at home today.... You'd think someone could come up with a bleach that actually smells good. Oh wait.... maybe the bleach smell has more to do with having three sons and a hubby.

3) Apple pie - you can buy a candle that smells like one but frankly..... it will only make you hungry or never want to see one again. There is no in-between.

4) Eggs - hard boiled eggs are great for many things like chicken salad sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs or just with some salt and pepper..... This does not change the fact that they smell like farts.

5) Deodorant - this always works better when put under the arms. While there is much to be said for "aiming straight" when using the toilet - the same can be said for underarms.

6) Bacon - in the frying pan smells great. Baked instead...... OH MY!

7) Hairspray - I kid you not.... NO matter what anyone says..... there is one male in our household who uses more of it than I could ever come close to..... He also primps more... (*coughhubbycough*) And we all know I have way more hair...

8) Popcorn - Travman eats popcorn like nobody's business. There is a huge difference in smells when it has butter on it or not.

9) Steaks - yummmmm that's what's for dinner. What a smell......... What a treat!

10) Coffee - I think I could stand to smell some of that right now..... Green tea just doesn't smell the same....

Signed,

Unbiasedly biased

Don't Touch That. Latex Gloves.

Last week as I reported here... I had the privilege of serving individuals in our volunteer lounge during VBS.. It has come to my attention, yet again, that several individuals are now having dreams as a result of my saying, "Don't Touch That."

DON'T TOUCH THAT!

There... If you need additional help.... get yourself a pair of latex gloves and try it for yourself. I've been told it's working wonders for some mothers at the dinner table.

This has been a public service announcement from the lounge lady. Always happy to be of service.

Hallways. Highways. Mind. Heart.

Hallways - You should have heard the buzz about VBS & Randal's sermon! These are just a few I heard while walking in the hallways:

1) "This was the best VBS we've ever been a part of. I can't wait to be a part of it next year."

2) "The children really learned a lot at this VBS. They really stayed engaged through every part of it."

3) "Did you hear about all the decisions that were made this week? I wish I would have a part of VBS."

4) "You could tell that the volunteers really love the kids. I watched a couple of them talking with the ones in their group. It was really touching."

5) "You could sense the presence of God all this week every time you stepped in the doors."

6) "God used Randal to really challenge me today."

7) "I wonder if Randal has been a fly on the wall of our home?"

8) "I know I shouldn't be putting all that junk in my head. It was like Randal was reading it. Man, that made me realize that God knows it's there."

9) "That was the best sermon that Randal has ever preached here. He wasn't claiming to be perfect. That helped me want to listen."

10) "God at work ahead. That sign is definitely true."

Highways - Yesterday morning my mom and Hoover set out on their vacation. This trip would require driving on many highways. This morning, a few parallels have struck me.

1) Trust. In order to go on a trip with someone - trust is needed. The level of trust may be higher by the time the trip is over or it may be lessened for whatever reasons. Checking the speedometer doesn't necessarily mean the one driving will slow down. Of course, it doesn't mean they will go faster either.

2) One highway can take you away from where you've been and yet it can bring you back again. This doesn't always mean you are the same person. Sometimes that can be for better or worse.

3) There are many twists and turns that can take place on highways. Long and winding roads so to speak....... Where does your highways in life take you? Closer to Him or away?

4) Sometimes you come across a highway that requires money in order to stay on that road. There are times when the toll is worth paying and others when it is best to get off that road and turn around.

5) There are many highways that bring individuals to our churches. What are their roads like when they leave?

Hallways and highways can reflect our very minds and hearts.

What would you be overheard saying in the hallways of your life?

Does your highway help bring God's love to others? Does it reflect the work He is continuing to do in your life?

Dancing in the Deep Water

This morning found me dancing in the deep water of the highly secure gated community club's pool with a certain child. She shared with me that she now has a "Spiritual birthday".... She was one of the 42.... She is also a part of the family I requested prayer for in the post called "Funny How That Works Like That"..... She told me, "Ms. Camey? I cannot wait to be discipled." And yes, I had tears streaming down my face.

Funny enough? The boys and I were at the pool then because of my brother and his three children who came to visit us yesterday afternoon. We literally walked in the door from VBS when my mom told us they would be out in just a couple of hours to spend the night with us. We were all beyond tired. They arrived after we woke up from a nap. Yes, all of us took naps....

Funny how that works like that.... where dancing in the deep water can come when one wasn't even expecting to be getting wet less than 24 hours earlier. We had a good time with my brother and his children as well. Funny how that works like that...... yet again.

SERIOUS DANCING TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There were 42 decisions for Christ TODAY alone!!!!!!!!!

Rumor #10 was DEFINITELY TRUE!

Let the little children come....... THANK YOU LORD!

More Rumors. SERIOUS DANCING TIME!!!!!!!

Here are the rumors floating around today. Again, I think some answers are due.

Rumor #1: Staff members are greatly encouraged to come to the volunteer lounge. TRUE!!! There have been around 150 volunteers this week. What a great way to spend time getting to know each other! Thank you staff and volunteers for the pleasure of serving each one of you.

Rumor #2: Two Harleys were seen going in and out of the room called the sanctuary Wednesday night at VBS Family Night with our Jim and Dawn on them. TRUE! Only this time - all the children knew what to expect. The looks on their faces were still beyond cool.....

Rumor #3: Randal, aka our associate pastor, was forced to ride one of the Harleys in the parking lot. FALSE! He rode it because he feels that good man.

Rumor #4: There were TONS of people at VBS Family Night. TRUE!!! What a crowd! What fun!

Rumor #5: Our volunteers ROCK! TRUE! From decorating, to rockin' babies, chasing toddlers, crew leaders, games, snacks, making sandwiches/cookies, and etc.......

Rumor #6: There has been dancing in our sanctuary. TRUE!!! The children and adults alike are loving the music this week. You honestly cannot help but at least tap your foot people after all... we are in Texas!

Rumor #7: Ms. Cynthia was back in the volunteer lounge today. FALSE. :( She had a migraine. Pray for her. Hopefully she'll be back tomorrow morning.

Rumor #8: There were some off the hook Chicken Salad Sandwiches today. TRUE!!!! They were requested and they showed up big time! If you didn't get one...... I am truly sorry. I hear there will be fudge tomorrow.

Rumor #9: Teenagers and adults alike were using tongs in the lounge. TRUE! If I couldn't serve it... they used tongs to get it for themselves. (read: LAUGH PEOPLE!)

Rumor #10: This is actually the most important one of all. It is currently still being investigated for accurate reporting purposes. I believe there will be some serious dancing time involved if proven true.

ONE MORE DAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!

Rumors. Taquitos. Serving Him.

There have been a few rumors going around.... I thought I would try to answer a few of them....

Rumor #1: Two Harleys were seen driving in and out of our church Monday morning. TRUE! They rode in and out of the room known as the sanctuary!

Rumor #2: A wiener dog named Sugar sang a special Tuesday morning: FALSE - She did walk across the stage where there's known to be singing. Sugar did not sing... she may have barked. Does that count as singing?

Rumor #3: Doctor J was in G-town today. TRUE! He also made a brief appearance at VBS. For those not in the know... Doctor J is our senior pastor who is supposedly on sabbatical...

Rumor #4: There were breakfast taquitos made by yours truly this morning in the volunteer lounge. TRUE & FALSE! What? I broke the eggs and scrambled the eggs but Ms. Sharon and others did the rest. Team effort all the way. They were served in the volunteer lounge unless you beat the rush and were there by 8:00 a.m.

Rumor #5: There was a woman named Cynthia helping me in the volunteer lounge today. TRUE! Thanks to all who introduced yourself to her. You truly made her feel welcome! Some thought I was nuts for asking a "visitor" to help in the volunteer lounge. Can we made that a macadamia nut please? She'll be back tomorrow... and the day after too.

Rumor #6: There were teenage kids running up and down the hallways today. TRUE! Ryan had them searching for staff members as part of their introduction into student ministry. Our very own Travman had to run to Randal's office, get him to write down on a piece of paper how much weight he has lost AND ALSO tell him he is looking a little skinny. BUT PEOPLE? There are always teenagers running up and down the hallways unless they're in the parking lots. Our teens ROCK! More on that to come.......

Rumor #7: We're having dogs tonight at 6:00 p.m. along with inflatables. TRUE! Sugar, the wiener dog will not be for dinner. That's just gross people! Nor will she be inflated and poured water on so kids can have a sugar ride. What are you people thinking huh?

Rumor #8: We're having our VBS Family Tonight instead of Friday or Sunday nights. TRUE! TRUE!!!!!! Why? Oh common now... If you've EVER worked VBS you know come those nights you are ready for VBS to be a memory. Fond memories. But still memories....... Like the corners of our minds... I apologize profusely if you could possibly hear me singing that in your corner.

Rumor #9: I am writing a book. TRUE & FALSE! What? To some my posts are too long so therefore - TRUE... FALSE! This in no way comes close to how long I can write or talk. (Read: Laugh people if you're not already)

Rumor #10: Serving Him is fun. Harleys? Wiener dogs named Sugar? Inflatables? Taquitos? VBS???? ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!

TWO MORE DAYS TO GO!!!!!!

Let the Little Children Come Unto Me

This week is VBS at our church. I cannot begin to share with you how many countless hours individuals, whether paid or not, have spent on getting everything ready for this week. The church is decked out..... like nothing I have seen before. And this is not the largest church we've been a part of.....

Sunday morning... as the VBS children's praise team were singing and doing the hand motions to one of the songs for this week's music.... I couldn't help but smile deeply watching adults and teens alike standing up and doing them with the little children.

Sunday night... we served burgers and dogs as a part of an early bird registration. As little children were walking through the line .... when they got to me, asked, "Where do we have to pay?" The looks on their faces, as well as their parents or grandparents, were priceless when I told them they didn't have to. It was free.

This morning.... the looks on the little children's faces as they walked into the room known as the sanctuary.. were that of complete awe. All the chairs were gone and again.... decorated to the hilt! When I was back in the volunteer lounge... where I have the privilege of serving all the volunteers food this week.... I was told that I needed to see what was fixing to happen. As I was standing there with young and old alike.... there THEY came on THEM. Two Harley's with our Jim and Dawn riding on them INTO the SANCTUARY! Our children's minister and preschool minister are flat out amazing! AMAZING! The little children... still talking about it when they left.... talking about how they couldn't wait to see what was going to happen tomorrow at VBS.

Excited.... The little children were excited... they are excited.... Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me." And to think.... FOUR MORE DAYS!

Signed,
His little child

People. Places. Things.

This morning when a certain friend walked back into his home, he found his little girl hiding her eyes and counting with Ms. Camey to ten. His youngest son and our younger boys were playing hide-n-seek with us. We haven't known them long and yet.... it is safe to say... with us they belong. His wife takes care of other people's children in a different sort of way and yet the same. Little children.... Jesus loves them. Even when they forget and skip straight to 10 from 5.

Her name is Teresa. We met back when my daddy and her brother were both in the same hospital. We spent several days in the waiting room area together given there were only certain times when we were allowed to go back and see them since they were in ICU then. I had the privilege of praying with their family on a couple of different occasions during that time period. I also read certain passages from the Bible as well. We realized we were all from G-town. I ran into Teresa and her hubby not long ago at Wal-Mart. We recognized each other immediately even though it had been since September since we had seen each other. Teresa had just had surgery and was in such pain.... her brother lives with them. She was sorry to hear about my daddy passing on but wasn't honestly surprised by the news. I gave her my number and we hugged. Today, I ran into Teresa, her hubby, and another friend of theirs who they have now taken in too. We were walking through the line at CiCi's together. She told me that she was glad to see me because she had been thinking about calling me. I told her that I have continued to pray for her and their family. The guy living with them turned to me and said.... "Oh, you're Camey." Her hubby said, "Yep... that's her alright." The manager at CiCi's is a bud of mine..... he made sure that they went home with more pizza than what they had purchased. When we were walking out of Wal-Greens a few minutes later.... I heard, "TERESA! There's Camey again." It was their friend staying with them. He is now my friend too.

I had $18.00 on me when we were leaving CiCi's... I made sure to leave a $2.00 tip on the table. When I went to get hubby's dry cleaning, it dawned on me.... "Do I have enough cash?" The thought of getting more money meant driving through what some people call traffic. I call it G-town's version of a single street where we used to live. But clearly most don't know how to handle it. I decided to see if I had enough first...... Sure enough $15.36 was all that was needed.

In the midst of this day the younger boys have been with me each step of the way... Their daddy has either been texting me sweet messages or on the phone giving me the last updates on where exactly they are at. In a couple of hours, hubby and Austin will be home. Funny thing is in so many ways they were never gone.

People. Places. Things. They are connected after all. Thank you God for the gifts of today.

Day 8 - Quiet Time Devotion

This is just a portion of the devotion that Austin wrote for the mission trip he is currently on.... they return tomorrow night.

Congratulations! You've made it through the trip, and everyone on the bus is probably grumpy and dog-dead tired. Well, snap out of it! There's still two more devotions to do!

Read Colossians 4: 2-6. This is Paul's closing letter to the church of Colosse, and as you're reading it or as you read it, you should be feeling some deja-vu right? Isn't this what we did on mission trip? Spread the mystery of Christ at every available opportunity? Some of you are probably thinking, "Oh yeah, we did." Well, guess what? It's not over yet. It's never over. That verse sums up our missions as Christians: to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Whether you realize it or not, that mission isn't supposed to be carried out just on trips like this. It's meant 24/7, 365.

The first part of that verse tells you to devote yourself to prayer. Well, what kind of prayer? Anything and everything. I'm sure that you met plenty of people this week that brought a smile to your face. Pray for these people; even if you don't know the names, God knows, so just specific, like "I want to pray for the guy I met at the YMCA Tuesday." It's important that we bring everything before God: requests, concerns, praise, hurts, anything and everything. Prayer is how we talk to God. So, if we like talking to our friends, family, girlfriend/boyfriend, then we should enjoy talking with God too. Right now, take a few minutes to pray for everything that happened during the trip; who you met, what happened, any annoying obstacles, or anything else from the trip that's on your mind.

You probably don't know how much of an impact you've made on these people this week. We took time and money and body odor to help these people out and get to know them. A song I enjoy listening to starts out like this: "Nobody knows who I really am; I've never felt this empty before, and if I ever need someone to come along, who's gonna comfort me and keep me strong?". You talked to a lot of people this week about Christ, some who maybe have never heard the name "Jesus". These people probably have felt the way the song talks about more than once. We might not be the ones to be there and keep them strong, but we did introduce them to someone who can: God. Use how you've talked and acted this week whenever you can; make it your 'default' attitude. As Christians, we are called to be light upon His word. Well, we can be that light everywhere: at school, at work, everywhere! Paul says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." You have more opportunities around you than you realize. We just have to get out of the box to see them. Right now, think about and write down 3 persons or 3 ways you, in your daily life, can make the most of every opportunity to spread the word of God. Share those 3 things you wrote down with a friend, and make commitments to fulfill those 3 things. Hold each other accountable for them. Start practicing now, in your conversing with friends on this bus, to "be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone". When we get back, be sure to thank everyone that paid your way or know you. Be sure to hug them, shake their hand, whatever, but tell them how much they mean to you. And be sure to get plenty of sleep, because on Monday, guess what we get help out with? VBS at our church back home! ............

Austin's mom challenges you with his words to:

1) Right now.... think about and write down 3 persons or 3 ways you, in your daily life, can make the most of every opportunity to spread the word of God.

2) Share those 3 things you wrote down with a friend and make commitments to fulfill those 3 things.

3) Ask your friend to hold you accountable for them.

Rest. Rain. Brenda.

After the repair man left, the younger boys and I headed to the highly secure gated community club's pool. It was cloudy outside and hubby had just told me via phone that we were expecting heavy rains again here. (my weatherman - lol) I told the boys I didn't know how long we would get to stay. That didn't really matter to them.....

The water was amazing. There was maybe 20 people tops. Most of them weren't in the pool. There was a lite sprinkle coming down on us. We had purchased a couple of noodles yesterday and I was just floating in the deep end. The boys were monkeying around... I offered to give Parker the noodle I was using since Travman had the other one. He swam over to me and gave me a hug (in public people) and said, "Mom, you use it and just enjoy resting in the pool."

The lifeguard keeping watch over the deep end and I kept hearing thunder. And then sure enough.... it started raining harder. The boys and I got out.... we were dripping wet from head to toe... And no, I had not gotten my head under water.. I was splashed several times and with the rain falling down - it was natural.... Man, I love that.

The boys and I got out into the van and decided we were hungry. There's a place about a half a mile from the back gate... we headed to it. Almost immediately..... we saw her..... Her name is Brenda. There was a slight drizzle coming down and no question I was going to offer her a ride again even though she did not have her thumb out signaling she wanted a ride. I stopped the van and rolled down the window... She looked up at us (read: she was walking with her head down as she usually does) and I asked her.... "Brenda, would you like a ride?" She said she was wanting to walk and thanked me as she always does. As soon as we drove on... it started raining a bit harder.

As we were driving back from Tommy's..... Brenda had not made it very far... But she was in the process of getting out her umbrella. She had indeed come prepared to walk in the rain. We've come to look for Brenda every single time we are on the highway heading to and from the back gate of the highly secure gated community. When we do not see her for a couple of days... we all wonder where she is and if she's okay.

In order to know her name, Brenda, meant getting involved in her life. And having her become a part of ours as well. I realize there are some who might say, "But Camey? You shouldn't pick up hitchhikers." Really? I shouldn't? If she were to walk into our church, having been dropped off by someone unseen & unknown, I would offer her a ride home. What is the difference between the church "building" and the highway?

Where is your highway in life? Who do you pass by without giving more than a second thought to or glance? If you were walking on the highway, wouldn't you want someone to care enough to ask why and offer you a ride? And wouldn't you want them to know you by your name? Even if you come prepared to walk in the rain?

Funny How That Works Like That

So today has found me waiting for the refrigerator repair man. Our main frig has been out of service since July 4th night. When we first moved in with my folks in 2005, the decision to keep our old frig was made given the fact there was seven of us ranging in ages from a 2nd grader to 64. It quickly found its new home in the garage. MAN, are we ever thankful for that frig! At times when something can be a luxury and not a need... it has definitely fulfilled a need now.

Last Friday, I posted about our missionaries needing vans in Kentucky. I requested anyone that could be of help to contact me.... Eh..... I didn't need to be contacted because God already had all that worked out even better than we could have dreamed. More on that to come!

A couple of weeks ago I took the younger boys to the highly secure gated community club's pool. Frankly? It was one of those times when I really didn't want to go... but we did. Long/short. Today I rec'd a phone call from someone who I talked with while we were at the pool. Please pray for this family.

The last time my side of the family (read: my folks, the five of us and my brother's five) went on vacation was in the summer of 2005 to Branson. It really wasn't a vacation for numerous reasons I won't go into now. My mom and Hoover are going to Branson on a trip. I am thankful that mom didn't sell her/dad's timeshare after he passed on. She could have especially given the 2005 trip's memories. Now her and Hoover will be making new ones. The five of us are staying here and yet it will be a bit of a vacation time. Life is weird people. God is good.

The repair man is here now and is talking with my mom. It is her house after all. Remember... I said at the start that I was waiting for the repair man. She doesn't like to be left alone with a stranger in the house. I would have let the repair man come on Monday when he first called. Since this is her house.... we do most things her way. Oh lessons in life daily......

Funny how that works like that huh? How's your life funny these days?

Frank Conversations.

Today has been one of those days. I picked up the phone this afternoon when I knew I had some time to talk and called her. No wonder she has been on my mind and heart so heavily. No wonder. Words cannot adequately describe our friendship. The depths of the bottom of the sea have been scraped more times than not. We understand each other as only someone who has walked in similar shoes can. Serious health issues can do that. Literally not knowing what to hope or expect can....

We talked about the fact that we've known each other for 7 years now. If I even began to really write what all has transpired in that time... you honestly would have to refresh the page to make sure you were still reading the same blog. Please continue to pray for Lisa. For even though I do not walk the road with her the same as I once did.... I wouldn't change one moment of time spent with her then or now. In truth..... our friendship is as deep as it is because we're not afraid - nor have been... to have frank conversations. And I know that even though she is thankful I was healed... she wonders why she is not. There are times when answers just simply aren't known to questions such as these. And yet I know.... Lisa loves God more so today than yesterday... even though she's got a 24 hour pump following through her veins for only He knows how long. These are the moments when I am thankful for His mercy and grace that even when we need to curl up in His lap... we can come to Him as we are.... children.

It is when He is carrying us that the frank conversations of life can lift us up and give hope no matter what tomorrow holds.

Trouble. Open Hearts.

There are individuals that come into our lives that we simply cannot help but come to immediately love. Trouble is her name. She wears it well. Of course it's not her actual name but the one given to her sometime ago now. I spent some quality time with her today. She was volunteering as she does so often to do whatever needs to be done. She had just been to the beauty shop and was wearing an even bigger smile than her hair was tall. When the younger boys and I first got there - spending time with Trouble wasn't even on my calendar for today. Am I ever so thankful for time spent with her!

She shared with me about reading Austin's devotional for the mission trip... When I told her about what has been taking place with him lately, she said, "I knew something like that was going on. Can that kid of yours write or what? What a heart!" She went on to ask about a certain special man in her life..... aka my hubby. One of the sweetest things about Trouble is her love for our family. If hubby doesn't get over to her quickly enough to give her a hug - she definitely lives up to each and every letter of Trouble. When he teaches on Wednesday nights - you can always be sure that Trouble has something to say to him or about him or in regards to what he is teaching on. We simply love our Trouble. The fact that she called hubby, "Preacher boy" today was priceless. I can't wait to tell him that one.

As I discussed in an earlier post, I've been given a new nickname by the younger boys and that certain waitress that we love... the Questionater. Funny enough? Trouble beats me every single time in the amount of questions she asks..... and how deep they are. Who knows? Maybe I am taking some of my cue from her huh? After all..... I've been told I'm trouble more often here lately than not. Of course I am young enough to be Trouble's granddaughter and I do have her first name for my middle name. I accept her without question as a grandmother figure in my life. It is a privilege to sit at her feet and listen to her years of wisdom. I may or may not always see eye to eye with Trouble. That's not the point.... Open Hearts are.....

Today's Splashes

1)Amazing Grace... (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin. HIS mercy & love ......none can compare.

2) A meeting today. I enjoyed listening to the others involved. I think they can all stand to be a little bit more passionate about their jobs. (I am so incredibly blessed to have ya'll in my life.)

3) Lunch with a woman and her three children that I really didn't know that well until today. The conversation was well worth eating at McD's. Our kids hung out well together. How funny that two have the same the exact birthday.

4) Dinner with another woman and two of her children that I really didn't know that well until tonight. How great to hang out with four of our children - with our husbands gone and just chill. Of course two of her children are with my hubby....

5) Funny how one can enjoy chilling like that and miss two people so incredibly much. I am thankful for cell phones that can make a voice in Kentucky sound like it is in the room. Even with that said..... there is no voice that compares to that of our Father. I am so grateful to be a wife and mother. Even more so.... HIS child.

6) Tonight there is a woman preparing for surgery in the morning. Please pray for her.... While the surgery is not all that serious of one..... It still is surgery... a hospital... Her name is Carolyn. We love her dearly. She is a precious friend. The lawn pastor will be at her side even from Kentucky. More important - her faith in God will sustain her.

7) Earlier today I was introducing myself to a woman that I had never seen before. Funny enough she says to me, "Oh, you're Camey! I was looking for you yesterday." Turns out she went to the wrong hospital in regards to Jerry. I recounted to her to a bit of what transpired. All the while she was really giving me the once over..... Funny enough... I think by the time we finished the conversation it didn't matter that I didn't fit the look of the person she was looking for yesterday. My clothes were dirty.... My hair was long and straight... And I didn't have a dress or skirt and blouse on. I am who I am... There is none that compares to the ONLY I AM.

8) There's this person in a city about an hour and a half away from here. I cannot get this person off my mind tonight. It's too late to call her.... Thankfully.... I can talk to HIM any time. My prayers are with you.... If I could take your pain away.... and yet I know all too well that God is using you through it. There was a time when you would have taken my pain away if you could have.... That's what real friendship is about... Being with each other through joys and agony. Lisa...... please pray for her.

9) The room is completely dark right now with the exception of what is coming off the computer screen.... I have music playing ever so quietly as I sit here writing. The other three are asleep in the house.......

10) This another time.... when praise & prayer is worth more than words can say....

Walking With A Big Grin

There's a certain guy I know who is walking with a big grin. He simply cannot help himself. It is beyond cute and funnysweet (my new word) and stems from an overflowing of his heart.

When I first saw him today... We hugged and I congratulated him on his recent marriage to a great gal. Later, he was bouncing down the stairs like Tiggggerrr on steroids. Oh my..... too dang darn sweet.

How long has it been since the overflow of your heart caused you to be walking with a big grin?

Life is Stranger Than Fiction Part II

In our last episode - the younger boys and I were headed out in the van to pick up two other children (read: actually they're teenagers) and spend some time at the highly secure gated community club's pool. And yes, I was wearing my swimsuit with my towel wrapped around most of my body. Then suddenly.....

Three doors down I noticed the commotion going on outside of our dear friends' house. The security guard just glared at me when I turned around in the middle of the street. (Okay.. you would have to if you had seen where I turned around.) I dropped the boys off back at the house, got my mother and ran down the Wetles.

Since we went in through the garage door - the security guard decided to not come after us. Inside we found our dear Peggy looking frantically for papers for her precious hubby Jerry. He is laid out on a gurney with several paramedics around him. It's clear - they are taking him to the hospital. I immediately ran back home and changed clothes and told the boys to do whatever their grandmother told them to. Hospital mode - they are so accustomed to it. I had the privilege of driving Ms. Peggy's caddy so that the dear woman didn't have to. We chatted non-stop along the way to the hospital in GR following the ambulance. Our cell phones ringing off the - well, technically, wall doesn't fit here does it?

Upon arriving Jerry was taken back and they began working on him. The man had been out working in his yard from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - he (72) clearly had heat exhaustion. As Peggy and I were sitting out in the waiting room until she could go back to see him - the two main paramedics came into the room. I told the men my name and thanked them for taking such great care of Jerry. The younger parademic of the two started talking to the receptionist. He was recounting to her the loss of his 31-year old wife just 3 weeks ago. He had such huge tears streaming down his face. I told him that while I could not understand first hand the loss of a spouse - I could someone who I had loved beyond words. He then said to me, "Yes, I know who you are. I remember you and your dad coming into the fire station numerous times. I knew you were his daughter the first time you came in with him because you both had that smile about you." The older one then said, "Yes, wasn't your dad a pastor?" Peggy immediately jumped in and said, "No, he wasn't a pastor but he might as well have been given all the people he ministered to over the years." The older one went on to tell us about having back surgery recently. We talked about pain... life... God. I gave the younger one my number and told him to call if we could be of any help to him and his 7-year old son. We hugged and again - huge tears.

Peggy was finally allowed to go back and see her precious Jerry. As I waited in the waiting room - her daughter and two granddaughters came in. We exchanged hugs. She is a nurse and couldn't wait to get back to see him. Yet, only one family member could at a time. We talked about women's ministry and life to pass the time. You could tell - she needed to see him for herself. Peggy finally came out and off Beverly went...... Jerry was doing much better.

We continued talking... Peggy, the girls and I until Beverly came back out... Yes, in her heart/mind... Jerry was going to be okay. Peggy immediately sent me back to the highly secure gated community to rescue my mom. I had noticed Peggy's car was almost empty so I made sure to put $10.00 worth of gas in it on my way back. Something I learned from my daddy many, many years ago.... I wasn't sure where I would find my mom and the boys... but I had hope. I drove up into the main parking lot area of the clubhouse and sure enough.... There was the van. My mom had not only driven her own grand kids to the pool but had indeed gone by and picked up the other two as well. She was sitting there eating french fries while drinking a Coke and talking to another close friend from church. And yes, soon enough there was Hoover and they were off. I was beyond proud of my mom. That close friend was off as well....

I sat at the pool and visited with a lady from church who I honestly didn't really know until today. She asked me to share about our family and when I was finished - she thanked me for providing her with such encouragement and hope. There were two teenage girls sitting there listening and soon enough... they were talking with me. After an hour and a half or so... I gathered up the kids and we left in Peggy's caddy. The other kids thanked me for going to the pool even though they would have liked to have stayed longer. They understood I needed to get Peggy's car back to her. Our boys told me they were proud of their grandma too as we pulled into the driveway.

I returned Peggy's caddy back into her garage and walked into the house through the backdoor. Sitting in the living room was Peggy, Sammy, Belinda and their son, Jay. Jerry was just getting out of the shower in their bedroom. He walked into the room and we hugged. As I was sitting there in that living room - I couldn't help but take it all in. You would never in a million years know that Jerry is not their biological dad and grandpa by watching and listening to their grown children.

Peggy and Jerry were really close to my dad. Sammy, his wife Belinda and their son, Jay were too. It was natural that he was a part of the conversation as well. Jerry, in fact, was there when daddy passed on. Before leaving - I made a point to talk eye to eye with Sammy while shaking his hand. Sammy is a pharm. rep...... I made it clear that our family did not think in any way shape or form that a certain med had any thing to do with what happened to daddy the night he had the heart attack. Sammy said that it meant alot to him that I told him that. He didn't know that I had been praying for the opportunity to do so face to face. Goodbyes and hugs - and the promise to let the lawn pastor take care of the lawn were taken care of as I walked out the door.

Upon entering the house.... I knew she was laying on her bed. My mother and Hoover had originally been scheduled to play golf today. We talked about all that had transpired. She said what happened today was a wake up call to her because she had been pushing herself so hard lately to play golf when there was actually sunshine instead of pouring rain. She gets overheated rather easily you see.

Life is stranger than fiction but I wouldn't trade it for all the money and success in the world. Now THAT has to be HIM!

Please pray for the Wetle family, Jason Tate and his son Kolbi, and Mr. Stanley.

Life is Stranger Than Fiction

1) Prayer request from Austin in Pikeville, Kentucky.... His other toe will be needing surgery when he returns. Please pray for him to stay focused on the MISSION and not his toe. Of course, I'm praying it will just be healed!

2) Prayer request - Campground in GR rec'd damaged Sunday. Mitchell is on the Mission Trip.

3) Prayer request - Dear friends are trying to buy some property. Pray for God's will to be done no matter what that is.

4) Prayer request - The bus driver. Since there were no vans....... 'Nough said.

5) Prayer request - The project sites & all involved. Much more involved than realized. Remember - they are working in the mountains.

6) Prayer request - The children are responding great to VBS there in Kentucky. Pray that it will have a lasting impact on their hearts/lives. Pray for their families.

The younger boys and I are heading to the highly secure gated community club's pool. We will have two other kids with us as their mother is out of the area working today. Pool ministry is one way God continues to stretch me. lol

Question: How are you being stretched today?

While We Were Out

The younger boys and I headed into town. For those who don't know or haven't quite grasp it yet - that's a good 15 minutes away from the highly secure gated community we live in. Yes, even going 65 to 70 in parts. (that's legal)

Tonight, fast food just wasn't on our menu. We found ourselves going to a familiar place to see a certain waitress. On the main road in town, the boys and I were talking away. They came up with a new nickname for me..... The Questionater. I am so very guilty of asking questions it seems. Laughter erupted and smiles were beyond big. Before we arrived at our destination - plans for in the morning were made with the ring of my phone. Before - there had been none written on my calendar.

When we walked into the restaurant, I asked the hostess if our certain waitress was there. You see, when we go there - we sit in her section on purpose. She walked over to us and immediately smiled huge. Hugs were given. As she went to get our drink order, the three of us held hands and Parker prayed aloud. We almost always pray for our waitress or waiter thanks to a sermon hubby preached some time ago now. God really used that sermon to speak to our family directly and none of us have forgotten its lesson. We didn't even have to ask her if we could pray for her or what to pray about. The boys know her.... they love her. They are thankful that their mommy does too. When I shared with her about my new nickname, she said, "Oh, DO I EVER understand that one!" Again, laughter and riches abounded.......

As we were eating.... this boy starts walking by and cannot help but to stop and talk to us. He pointed where he and his family were seated at. We went on to talk about his life in general. Thanks to the Questionater.... certain subjects were inquired about as they always are with him. He then went on his way.

The boys and I finished up our delicious dinner, ice cream and shake. I asked them questions... They gave me answers and asked me right back. Laughter kept raising the bar on how rich we each were inside and out. Far more so than the chocolate shake could ever dream of being. We gave our hugs and our 'love yous' to our certain waitress... and the boys did a "spinach check" on their mom. Funny thing about me and Southwestern Egg rolls - I can't eat them without getting spinach in my teeth. And yes, that's partly why I order them.

As we were walking to the front door of the restaurant, we passed by the boy's table. His mother it seems is a waitress there as well. I did not know her until tonight. The boy kept looking me and smiling at me because I was asking not only his mother questions but his younger siblings some as well. And yes, I gave them my number. If you tell someone they can call you any time - it's the least you can do..... As I started to walk away from the table... he grabbed my hand and hugged me tight. A couple of other waitresses walked up and said, "Oh yeah.. We know about you. You're Camey." The boy along with my own sons said, "Yes, she is." in unison while laughing.

When we got into the van to head home, I turned on the radio as I normally do. When we were on the highway that takes us to the highly secure gated community..... a certain song came on. It was a song that always made my daddy cry no matter if it was Selah or Josh Groban singing it. It's called "You Raise Me Up".......

While we were out......... HE understood better than any of us.

Laughter is Rich!

The younger boys and I are preparing to go out. We've been at home for over 24 hours now straight.

Parker (the redhead) says to me, "Well, we have been cooped up for so long now! We need to get out of here."

Funny enough... just Saturday - he was the one talking about how great it was to be able to stay at home.

Laughter is rich.... I am beyond wealthy....

Testimonies & Prayer Requests

It's Sunday afternoon and once again stormin' and pourin' here in G-town, Texas. Here's just a samplin' of some testimonies and prayer requests.

1) Ms. Melissa was giving testimony last night at the highly secure gated community's pool about our church. She spoke of how it had really ministered and reach out to their whole family. Even though they have sold their home and will be moving to a town nearby - they have already started visiting churches there. She said that the bar had been raised because of their time with us. Some of you may remember the long list of questions Ms. Melissa had for me, Dr. J, Randal, hubby, and anyone else who would listen. I'll never forget her leaning over to me and asking, "Do you people really want individuals to go down front?" during a time of invitation at the end of worship. Of course, I got in trouble for talking. Gotta love it! And we love Ms. Melissa, Mr. Pat, and their two precious sons. It is so wonderful to see how God continues to transform their lives. Thanks to those who invested in each of them and as a family.

2) This morning at the end of the 2nd service, testimony was heard by the drummer of the Praise & Worship team. It was powerful. It was moving. What made it better? He shared how the last two weeks have been in his life and about how he was woken up at 3:00 a.m. this morning. He couldn't help but to testify as to what God was doing in his life!

3) Back some time ago now - I had left my classroom after 20 minutes of waiting for someone to show up. 5 minutes after I left - 3 visitors showed up looking for my class. I vowed then to never leave until time for it to be over even if I looked darn foolish sitting there all by myself. Today....... Britti and baby Corbin showed up late. Really late. But they were there! Britti's blood pressure is great and Corbin is such a doll. This was the first time I had seen either one of them since he was born. The lesson for today was "What Time Is It?" with Scripture references being Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. The blue carnation a few weeks ago was to celebrate Corbin's birth.

4) Eating lunch with Parker, Travis, my mom and Hoover proved to be quite funny. The pizza was good but the fellowship was even better. And yes, mom told us we were free to leave before her and Hoover were through. It was sweet and tender holding hands to pray as our family is accustomed to doing.

5) Prayer requests:

- Our missionaries as they are heading from Tennessee to Kentucky. The request is specifically in regards to the bus driver.

- Those affected by previous flooding and what is coming down now.

- Britti, baby Corbin and all involved.

- The woman and man at Pizza Hut sitting by the buffet.

- AP's health and her whole family.

- The Howland family.

- Those on the verge of making huge life changing decisions. That they may have the courage to trust in the Lord and lean not unto their own understanding. He always understands better than any of us ever could.

Do you have a testimony or prayer request today? Feel free to comment.

Splash Time.

These are splashes in no particular order:

1) Friday morning was a great surprise! The fellowship hall was packed with individuals coming to see their missionaries off. The energy in the room from all the praying and sharing was better than any drink could possibly provide. Please pray (or continue to) for our missionaries. And yes, my hubby and oldest son Austin are two of them.

2) There are no vans waiting in Kentucky for our missionaries as was planned for tomorrow. Thankfully, there still is the bus. PRAY!

3) The response to those affected by the flooding here locally has been tremendous the last couple of days. If you've participated somehow... someway... Thank you! If you live here and haven't yet.... what are you waiting for?

4) This morning I awoke to the realization that other than normal Saturday stuff - there was nothing else on my calendar. First time in 4 weeks. The younger boys and I enjoyed resting during the morning time. Little did I know the "meetings" that would happen later in the day.

5) Please pray for the check out girl. She is 7 months pregnant. And to think, we almost didn't go into the store. I shared with her about the group. I told her I would be praying for her and would ask others to as well. She teared up majorly. Please join me in praying for her, the unborn child and all involved.

6) The twin boys were at the pool today. And on my... were they being extremely loud. I decided to talk with them about it because they were clearly disrupting other individuals. One of the lifeguards thanked me as did the individuals involved. When the other individuals found out I wasn't their mother, I thought I was going to be told to just mind my own business. Quite the opposite...... When it was time for us to leave - I told one of the boys to take it easy. I also told one of the lifeguards to keep an eye on him. He was pushing himself way too hard to keep up with his twin brother. The lifeguard in question also has a twin brother. HE knows better than I do how to watch over them.

7) Kudos to the younger boys for being so great in the kitchen! Our lessons during lunch and dinner time went rather smoothly. There's nothing like sitting down with them at the table. Conversations are always so lively even when there's just the three of us. They teach me something new every single day.

8) Tonight I am working on a project for hubby. I am honored to be his assistant. He has called or texted me several times today. Not because of the project.... he is just that way. He loves me and our family like that. The coolest thing though - his love for Christ. I am thankful to come second after Him.

9) It has been hot, sunny and gorgeous here today. What's the weather like where you live?

10) The rumor that I am currently writing a book is just that for the time being. I do have a friend named Anne who is though. It's not just any book.... So, please pray for her and all involved.

URGENT URGENT REQUEST!

Our missionaires are on their way to Kentucky. They are in need of vans once they arrive there. If you can be of any help in regards to this, please contact me directly at cameybelieves@charter.net

Thanks!

(For clarifications: Our missionaires are students and adults from our church. Yes, my hubby and oldest son Austin are two of those.)

Where's Your Voice?

The other day I was asked when did I become so outspoken on some different things. The person asking me was not honestly aware that for years my voice really hasn't been silent. It's just been heard in places they were not listening. Not because they did or did not care to be - it just did not happen that way. And that's okay.

The last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to visit with numerous people who did not know me at all or until just recently. I have found my self sharing with them victories, heartaches, and how God has never failed me even when I have Him. There was a moment yesterday when I stood in the garage and cried. It is a natural thing given where I've been in life and where I am today. As strange as it may sound to some.... there was twinge of guilt in not holding onto my daddy's hand yesterday as the parade was going through the square in town. Obviously, I could not hold his hand since he is no longer physically here. When one has been healed and another moves on from this life, this is a natural thing to experience. And without question, I know I am not alone in such.

Last night as we were hanging out with a group from church at some friends' campground, I found my self sharing stories with a certain couple because I knew that they could identify. Interestingly enough, they identified even more so than I could have ever even dreamed. The woman in particular said some thing to me that I will treasure because it was beyond unexpected. It gave me such encouragement and yes, made sweet tears flow from my eyes as we shared a hug as well. But you see, I had to get up out of my comfy warm seat first and walk over to where they were sitting.

My help comes from the Lord. For even though I am a shy person, He has shown me time and time again that if I just put my self aside....... He will hold my hand and speak more into living life than I could ever begin. He is the original author and no one can hold a candle to Him.

Where's your voice? And where does your help come from?

This. That. And Jeff

So, as I've stated before..... we live a very weird life. Most of the day yesterday was spent helping others. Then, before we knew what smacked us - to the clubhouse we were going... the younger boys to the pool and us to watch friends go by in the highly secure gated community's annual parade. Bicycles and golf carts decorated and individuals throwing candy...... oh my. It almost felt like we'd gone back in time.

The boys pooped out pretty quickly and back home they went. Hubby and I went out on a date. (read: you've gotta make time for stuff like that) We pooped out pretty quickly and were back home in an hour and a 1/2. It was a great kind of pooped out though. Funny how that works like that.

This morning the guys are heading off to walk in the annual parade down on the town square. They are representing the school that our oldest son goes to..... I will be hanging out with our best couple friends. And again, it will feel like we've gone back in time. I kid you not. Words cannot describe what all will take place down on the square today.

Later today, we're heading out to some friends' campground. The really cool thing about that is the fact that we have attached ourselves to the new couple I mentioned several posts ago now. They are coming along with us as well as our best couple friends and their family. Great way to have new friends meet several peeps from church. Gotta love that. It also answered the, "Camey? I've got plans for the 4th. What are you and your family doing?" asked by mom. Goes to show how annual plans can indeed change over time.

Now about Jeff....... He is a man that we met yesterday. He was a Marine. He and his wife Kelly lost almost every thing in the flood. Why did I say almost? As I was thanking Jeff for not only his service to our country.... I also thanked him for the privilege of helping clean up the waste that was once where their home was. Jeff cried..... He said, "God keeps showing me that He is still here with me." So while their material possessions are next to none..... Jeff is truly one rich man because he has the most important freedom of all... The freedom that can only come with Christ's love.

Happy 4th of July. Thank you Jesus for the real freedom to live life!

Thoughts This Tuesday

1) HIM! If you haven't spent time with Him yet, what are you waiting for?

2) Why did I post the link to Mad Church Disease and/or send it to you directly? Simple. I care about you that much or someone connected to you. 'Sides, Anne has a heart condition that I thought you might be able to really identify with. What do I mean by that? She is willing to go there, to get dirty. You either already have that condition or talk about wanting it. Time to put action to those words. If you haven't taken one of the surveys yet, what are you waiting for? If you're thinking, "I really need to send that to ..." What are you waiting for? What's that link again? http://www.madchurchdisease.com

3) Today at 10:00 a.m. a group of people (Student Ministry led) will be meeting at our local church building. We will be going to help individuals in the area most affected by the flooding here in G-town. If you own a truck, chain saw, or can be a body to help..... WE NEED YOU! Be prepared to get dirty. Most importantly, be willing to be the hands and feet of Him and to show His love right here..... If you're thinking, "Well, I've thought about getting involved?" What are you waiting for?

4) Making plans for the 4th of July? What about those neighbors you've been thinking about inviting over? What are you waiting for?

5) On that subject....... What are YOU waiting for today? Whose authority do you need the most? What are you waiting for?

Thoughts This Tuesday...

URGENT Request!

Please check out the following link if you are in ministry (whether paid or volunteer) or are connected to someone who is or perhaps was at: http://www.madchurchdisease.com

Thanks again, Anne for being willing to go there.

Where are Your Eyes Fixed?

Back when I was on staff at another ministry, part of my responsibilities were that of education coordinator. I had a real eye-opening conversation one day with the participants there. We were discussing how could the teachers of the various subjects make them come alive. It was then that I was so greatly impressed upon about visual aids. Just how different the generations (individuals in general) truly are in how they learn and process information. Those women will forever be etched in my heart and mind. Some have gone to truly grasp a hold of living for Christ and others are still struggling. And yes, pray for them.

Since that time, I have been asking God to help me in regards to visual aids in this new ministry; to help what I am teaching to come alive. It is easy for me to paint word pictures. It always has been. I do not take the credit for it... I know from Whom it comes from. Some times more than brushes with words are needed. I cannot fully describe how much time alone with Him means to me..... especially on Sunday.... reading His Word, personal worship, and printing for class.... It honestly makes me weepy just even thinking about it. This brings me to this morning.

As I printed... it was clear that that prayer of mine had indeed been answered yet again. To some - it may seem down silly..... and that's okay. If I appear foolish then, so be it. I was teaching today on 2 Corinthians 4:18 - the title of the lesson, "Where Are Your Eyes Fixed?" Not every thing I had sent to the printer printed like what was on the computer screen. For example: On the lesson sheet where the Scripture was to be, "temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" is all that printed. On the Praise sheet where they are to list praises... only what is written at the bottom of page showed up, "If you cannot come up with enough praises to fill this list.... Are you really paying attention to what is going on around you or in our world?"

We can so easily praise God when the sound and lighting work as they are supposed to... or when things print like we thought they needed to be or the congregation laughs at a joke the pastor makes. Yet, how easy is it to truly fix our eyes on Him alone? When things don't go the way we expect or want them to, how often do we chalk it up to it could have been better if they had?

Just like with the blank piece of paper lesson a couple of weeks ago, this one rocked. And yes, as is known to happen in class..... tears were cried. May God alone receive the praise! I ask you today.......

Where are your eyes fixed?