Threads - It's All Connected Part II

"Thanks for the link! I think this is some of the most crucial work that the church is about today. We have to realize that what we've been doing isn't working in reaching this generation and we've failed to help twenty- & thirty-somethings realize that church, their church is relevant. I'm excited to be a part of the solution in helping churches and leaders do just that."

Chris Ediger
Threads Internet Producer
June 23, 2007 7:27 AM

The above was a comment left on the Threads - It's All Connected post. I didn't want you to miss what Chris had to say. Didn't want it to get lost in a sea of other posts.

Recently I took a survey in my class. The results of that pierced my heart. The girls/women knew that I was going to be using that to help not only our church but others churches as well. At first I wasn't really sure they would be willing to fill out the extensive survey. They answered each and every question because they understand the importance of sharing their stories so that those who minister to them and others like them would have a clearer picture. We would gain valuable insight in what had been done right and wrong. We could make changes and hopefully move forward to a healthier, real way of impacting lives.

These girls/women had grown up in the church. Not all in ours. When they reached the age of 16 to 18 - they lost interest in the church. They spent the next few years wandering. This is not new of course. But why? Why does this happen more often than not? In so many churches - there are things for preschoolers, children, teens and married couples. What about those that don't fit into these categories?? What about them?

As Chris stated, "I think this is some of the most crucial work that the church is about today." Amen Chris. We've got to get out of the mode of what we've always done before. It doesn't work. Time to move on. This generation is needing the best we can offer them. Not something leftover from 20 or 30 years ago. The best we can offer them is Jesus. Alive. The real connector of each and every thread in life. Not someone who died to never rise again.

They want accountability. They want the freedom to share their stories and know that grace, mercy, compassion and etc will meet them. They don't want to be told that they do not belong until they look like we want them to. That they have to get all cleaned up first.

I ask you again to check out http://threadsmedia.com/

What I'm really asking is more than that..... I'm asking you to get uncomfortable for the sake of others... For the power of the cross. For Jesus Alive! Be a part of the solution. Be a thread in another person's life and help make something beautiful from what others might see as scrap. Let your space become a part of theirs.

And more about the survey to come. More stories and testimonies.......

THANK YOU! Testimony!

Brother G just heard testimony from one of our members that she has really felt the love.

Why? She put in a request for help unloading some boxes and her phone has rang off the hook.

Thank you to all who called..... even if you weren't the ones who unloaded the boxes.

****There are people who are willing to help.... Just let individuals know there is a need.

The Pool. The Pool.

The city pool that is...... Looks like we're on! VBS registration event tonight.... 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

*Bring your kids

*Bring your grandkids

*Bring your neighbors and their kids

*Come HEAR the music

*Don't bring the dog



Note: It had been postponed previously.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

Gavin H. was hurt in an accident. He is 14-years old. He will be having surgery on Tuesday.

Gavin and his family are asking that individuals pray that he does not have to have surgery. It involves his eye and his jaw.

Gavin is the son of Pam & Gene. His family has come so far since I first met them.

When It Rains - Get Wet

This morning the boys and I headed out to the building we call church. We were surprised how many showed up today. The van was completely full with several other vehicles loaded up as well. I was the only female in the midst of all males. Their ages ranged from 16 to 9. We talked and listened to music until we got to our destination. Where exactly I cannot say......

First there was one.... and then another.... As I sat there reading "S" a book while she was eating her lunch - her great aunt said, "Oh look. There they come." I turned to see the ones whose faces I have etched in my heart coming down the lane. They were smiling and waving. Two boys, two girls and their uncle or cousin.... sometimes the lines are blurry.

They walked over to where the boys were all standing. One by one they received their sack lunch and milk. Hugs were given and the, "I was hoping you'd be here today," were heard. I really didn't think much of the spot we had set-up in. They started taking their lunches over to where it was shady. I followed their lead of course.

I held one in my lap while she ate her lunch. She wasn't really thrilled about eating at that moment because she wanted to play with her dog.. We were after all at a park. Sitting next to us was "L".... a little tiny blond hair girl who honestly must be all of 3. I kept playing with her hair that she had put into a pony tail. She kept laughing. The boys were busy talking with another friend all the while consuming their food.

When "L" was finished eating, she looked at me and said, "Where's Parker?" I yelled at Parker who was back over still where we had been. He came running over. He let her chase him around and around again just like he has done before. He kept saying to her, "Watch where you're going little 'L'." I couldn't help but smile deeply.

Next thing we know.... it was starting to rain. First little drops and then harder. Parker kept letting her chase him. When I saw what time it was & knew we had to be heading back..... I directed the boys who with me to all load up in the van. The ones who we were leaving behind yelled out... "Thanks for getting all wet with us. We'll see you again."

For whatever reason I had really done my hair this morning before leaving for Healthy Kids. My hair was now a droopy mess. Yet..... there was laughter in these children's voices, food in their tummies, and smiles on their faces...... Some things you just can't put a price tag on.

Feed others when you have the chance. And when it rains...... get wet.

Driving Hoover

My mother is currently in the living room waiting for Hoover. Her favorite color is purple.... She has earned the title "Queen"..... Hoover is going to the eye doctor today. He needs to have surgery on his eyes here soon. She is going with him because well.... that is just what they do now... and he will not be able to drive himself home.

As I was walking back into our room, I couldn't help but laugh. Even though she doesn't hear all that well..... she replied, "I know why you're laughing." I turned to her and said, "Oh? Really? Why is that?" Then she started giggling..... "Because of the whole driving thing."

You see most days my mom does not drive. She is the one who is normally driven wherever she needs to go.. Unless she can get there by golf cart or it is less than a mile from here. And yes.... most of the time we open and close the door for her.

Why was I laughing and still sitting here with this big dumb grin? And yes.... tears streaming down too..... Her driving Hoover goes to show the power ..... of that four letter word... love.

Hubby just came in and said, "You ought to see her now. It's so funny. She's ready to go." Have I mentioned before how much hubby loves his mother-in-law? Love really is that powerful.

HIS love is most powerful of any...... It can cause one to drive another any where they need to go.

My thesis for videogame addiction/abuse

I wrote this on a clan forum a few moths ago and thought i should post it here (i just did a mono copy, so it might be missing some periods or some sentences might seem weird)

Halo is my first online gaming experience for the computer, but i am an observer and gather information, and will post what knowledge i have gathered


Online gaming is addictive. Whether its Xbox Live, Nintendo Wi-fi, or simply Gamespy Arcade, online gaming has been an established feature in video and computer gaming and can guarantee product success if the multiplayer aspect is addictive enough. However, it isn't the game play by itself that is addictive: its the community you play in. You make friends online, you fight with them, talk with them (statement doesn't apply to Nintendo Wifi, as i play a lot of it), and grow into a community. You make friends all over the world and get to know them. Very few people play the game online and don't get involved into a community; its a byproduct of online gaming, and the developers know it. It doesn't matter if its just text-based chat, team speak, or any way of communication (again, Nintendo wifi excluded), you make friends who play the game you enjoy. Its even more addictive if you have friends in your community:church, school, neighborhood, or anywhere, and they do not think highly of the game. They ignore you whenever you talk about it. There are people like that, and it is dangerous for them. While growing into a community is a good thing, it can be a very bad thing as well. Since you may not know them physically, and only know them from online, there is the "friendship mask" that can hurt someone if the person they may perceive as their friend online may hate them in real life, outside the "online world" they want to live in. However, on the plus side, it can be a healthy and godly thing as well. Online gaming to the "average" player is a place to "pwn", "become l33t", and post/say abbreviated cussing. However, online gaming is slowly yet surely establishing itself as a "ministry beacon" for those who want a creative way to spread the Gospel. Halo clans like CoG, SoC, ELC, and other Christian gaming clans are powerful ways to spread the Gospel. While in a sense it can be dangerous, online gaming via a Christian clan can be a safe way of playing online without getting a "ungodly addiction". Parents fail to realize that not all online gaming is bad as parents believe. But, even though you may play on a Christian server, it still can be bad if you do not restrain yourself and complete your other activities before you play. Homework, jobs, friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, family and God; when those things become ignored, then it becomes an addiction. When its a hobbies, those items are still prioritized first before gaming. Having a healthy relationship with your friends can also help restrain yourself

Parents, here are some way of realizing that your child/teenager is becoming addicted to online gaming
1: Its the first thing they do when they come on, saying "ill do that later" to everything else.

2: They play several hours of it nonstop, without breaks, ignoring meals and other activities (this is very dangerous, as it can result in CT'S, Seizures, and several other medical issues)

3: If they are playing in an unholy environment, listen to when they say (both while playing the game with voice and around the house while not playing) Depending on who their friends are, their attitude will change, they may slip out words they shouldn't, and will be more grumpy and violent if provoked

4: If they are playing in a holy environment, they may start to ignore church in place of a more pleasing environment; the clan or server, simply because "I'm hanging around a godly environment". wrong. ignoring church for Halo is a sin. Make, plead, and flat-out threaten if your teenager ignores church for playing Halo with his online christian friends.

Teenager/Kids, here are some ways to prevent yourself from getting addicted

1: Establish a "play OK" time, whether it be 1 hour 2 or 3 times a day, or 2 hours once or twice a day, where you can only play during that time. If you plan to meet a friend online, then try to meet them in one of your times

2: If you have homework, tell yourself "the faster i get done the more time i get to play". Don't rush it or do a sloppy job, but try to do your best

3: If you get the impulse of "I'm bored", just stop playing and do something else. If you tell yourself "yea i get bored but i don't have anything else to do right now", then it become an addiction twice as fast as normal

Unfortunately, that covered mostly the addiction issues. there are other issues, mainly sexual abuse, identity theft, or other web-crimes that parents tend to think more about every day.Tell your kid that under no circumstance are any of these things to be revealed

1: Last name

2: Phone number

3: Address

4: Any card numbers

However, some of these items may be eventually revealed
1: Age
2: State
3: Gender
4: First name

The above 4 items are commonly revealed and normally pose no threat, but the 4 above should never be revealed under any circumstances. If they are, tell your child to log off and, depending on what was revealed, contact the appropriate police to handle the situation.There will always be the "parent/child gap" on several issues, and online gaming is no exception. In fact, due to online gaming's growth over the last decade, it is becoming a more common issue, as well as the potential threat for cyber bulling and cyber sexual harassment.. The best way to understand what is going on and what your son/daughter is doing is to try to immerse yourself as much into your child's activities as possible without becoming a stalker. Try to make conversation about online gaming in basic terms and work your way up. Hopefully, your child/teenager will be more open about it and you can protect your child without acting like a "parent parent".


alright I'm done blabbering. i should also add that i am 15 and wrote this all by myself. i expect a lot of flack from that aspect.

God bless,
{ELC}Neo X, Austin.

Calling Brother G!!!

Brother G (aka hubby) is currently unavailable. He is stuck in traffic in Arlington. If you're wondering why there's been so many posts today? There is a lot happenin' behind the screen......

Did I mention it's raining now? Just as the boys and I were headed to the club pool too. The laundry is done... The kitchen clean..... Brother G can come home and relax.... Tomorrow is Friday... How does that happen?

Here's a little funny for ya... My mom went running to door and then said, "I guess I shouldn't look so anxious huh?" Hoover was walking to the door. We both just laughed.

Breakin' News... Parker says the sun is comin' out.... Life in the moments...... To the pool we go! Good thing God is unchanging........ It's all connected... one way or another.....

Threads - It's All Connected

Looking for some resources for your church's 18 to 30 something crowd?? Or perhaps to help create a young adult ministry????

Check it out at http://threadsmedia.com

We must keep looking for ways to keep, reach..... and include this age range. How many walk away from the church and/or God during these years? How many who have never known His love won't walk into our churches because they think we're boring and have nothing to offer?

Surveys say that more teens leave home for college to not return to a church until they have children of their own if at all. We must do something to stop this trend.

What are you willing to do? It is all connected.

Prayer Requests!

1) Brandy (not related to me) is in labor. She is at 30 weeks. (request from Katie)

2) The man with hospice care.. his family...

3) The man who had surgery today in Arlington

4) The Buffaloe family. Job.... she has Lyme Disease....

5) Jessica... a little girl... her grandparents are attenders at our church

6) The children wanting to attend VBS & their families

7) Individuals to drive our church vans to pick up the children wanting to attend VBS

8) The Dyers and all who moved to Fredericksberg

9) Glenn & Sherri Watson - transitioning to Canada

10) The Tatum family

YES!.. It's True & Really Sensitive

There's a rumor that I was seen out today with no makeup on. Oh please..... If you were to see me most days/nights - I don't wear any or not much at all.

I guess my question is - where have YOU been??? Now for some thing really sensitive....

Parker just got off the phone with one of his buddies... Apparently he has sensitive gums and is on his way to another town nearby to go to the dentist. If you could have heard Parker's end of the conversation...... Plaque never sounded so intelligent. You'd never think they were in 4th grade..

Parker wears clear fingernail polish...... There is more than one way to stop biting one's nails. Feel free to talk about that won't you......

Testimony from Benny

There's a man that has been in my life forever. He and daddy were life long friends. Benny called today to check in on our family.... just like he promised daddy he would. What flowed from his heart was so in line with the beat of the last post that I just had to share it with you......

The pastor of their church in Lindale, TX. recently rec'd a love offering. Why? He and his wife had adopted a little girl with some special needs. They needed to take her to Dallas for surgery and such. This pastor has only been there since 2005. Benny said he is one of the best preachers he has ever heard and is a great pastor. It is obvious how much Benny loves this man.

Benny is in charge of his church's benevolence fund. Thinking through all that the pastor, his wife and this little girl would be experiencing..... it was placed upon his heart to take up a love offering. The church members gave over $10,000.00. If you could see the size of this church and the town in which it is in....... Another man from the church owns an apartment complex or two in Dallas by the hospital where the surgery was to take place. He gave his pastor's family an apartment there for a month - free.

Benny said, "You know Camey, with all the bad stuff we hear about churches and their pastors not getting along... This is a testimony of one going right." Amen, Benny.

Real Oxygen Testimony!

One of the benefits of living in this highly secure gated community 15 miles plus away from town is the grocery store up the street. Well.... today... the benefit was that of Homer.

I noticed him when I first walked into the store. Frankly, I don't remember having seen him there before. Most of the time one of the boys is with me, if not two or all three. That's where a lot of lessons take place. When I was reading one of the labels on the pasta - there he came down the aisle. Low sodium has taken on new meaning.

Homer was pushing a cart full of items that needed shelving. Attached to this older man was a portable oxygen tank. He looked at me.... I smiled and walked on. When I had grabbed a few items - I proceeded on to the checkout line. The girl calls over the loud speaker, "Homer to carry out please." I had not noticed his name before.

He came and bagged each item with care and then placed it into my cart. He walked with me out to the van and started putting the groceries in the back end. He made a comment about the carrying case for the golf clubs and asked if I played. Remember: there's not a golfing bone in my body. Not a single one. Yet.. the door was open....

I told Homer about my dad and we talked some about what a horrible disease Parkinson's is. We then talked about how when one is a Christian - there is more to life than good physical health. I asked him about the additional oxygen he was requiring. He then told me his story up until today....... He recently had a PET scan made.... The doctor was baffled. It was clean. No cancer to be found. Homer goes to our church and yet we had never met. That happens when you have a church our size.

While the cancer is gone - his body still needs additional oxygen to help him not be so tired. We talked about how great God is. And standing there looking at this dear older man - there was no doubt what a real oxygen testimony he has.

Not long ago I sent a story about a testimony that took place at a laundry mat one day to a dear friend of ours.... She said, "I would love to be a part of something like that." The testimony actually included her by the way. Of how God had used her in a person's life...... She was a part of the testimony. Why? Because of her passion for sharing Christ's love with others. For getting into the pit and showing who could really get them out......

My challenge to those of you reading this is........ Don't put God into a box that can only be opened on a hill or wherever you call church. For He is alive in the parking lot among the trees as well as the laundry mat.

If you have a testimony you'd like to share..... You are free to post it here! And yes.... please pray for Homer. Pray also for the testimony he can be to those who think they just need to sit and soak.

Speaking of Laundry

This is the color of most of Trav's shirts. You'd think we live in Texas or sumpthin'.... The boys are currently helping out with the laundry. They are each responsible for folding their clothes and hanging up their shirts....then, putting them up. Hubby washes all the clothes at the laundry mat and then drys them at the house unless the septic tanks are not full and he can do a load or two each day. Remember though: septic tanks are not our friends. Not when you have the size of family we do living in a house created for two with occasional guests. If you live here - you are all too aware of the amount of rain we've been getting lately.

I have had a couple of questions about hubby and the boys in regards to the laundry. I realize that some may not agree or understand our ways of doing things. That's okay. Here's the scoop:

Hubby does (read: washes) the laundry because quite frankly - he is better at it. Just ask him about lipstick and all the clothes I ruined early on in our marriage. When one does something better than the other - it is okay for that person to do it. In this case, it does not make hubby less of a man. If you think it does - GET OVER IT! His momma taught him how to do laundry because he was the oldest of 5 children. Thank God for his momma on that one! He is better at it than her too now.

Why the boys then? We're not raising our sons to depend upon other people to have to take care of them. This is a part of growing up in our household. The lessons they are learning are not just about laundry. This is one of the ways that as parents to have those teachable moments. Sure... hubby could do all the laundry and have it put up in our closets before I would think to put a load in the dryer.... That is not necessary. What is necessary and vital is to teach our children about responsibililties. How it is important to take care of the things in which we are blessed with...... This will help them to be better children and stronger men. Not weaker....

As parents.. as Christians... God calls us to train our children. While this does include household chores at our house...... It is truly referring to learning about Him and serving others. The two can work hand in hand together if you just give it a try. We have some of the most in-depth conversations while going through the sea of orange shirts and shorts. And yes... the boys are learning how to cook, clean the kitchen, and take out the trash.

I know there's the argument that I am the mom and therefore, I should do all the housework. If that's how it works or worked at your house - clearly your family's decision. Each family does have to decide for themselves what will or will not work.

How do you decide? What is your guide?

Prayer Requests!

1) Hoover (aka my mom's boyfriend)- he's at the sleep doc again.

2) Caitlin - this little girl is having such a fight with her body. Her family too....

3) Cynthia & Mark - they were back last night! More about them to come...

4) Individuals making tough decisions about life

5) Individuals who are retired in more ways than one

6) Dr Jackson who will be preaching this Sunday... I've heard he can say more in 30 minutes than most can say at all. WHOA! Can't wait!

7) VBS registration event at the city pool - FRIDAY NIGHT! It was cancelled last Friday. It is back on.... well.. if the weather corporates. If we get to have it.... I will say... it had been postponed. (read: laugh people)

8) People on the streets of G-town. If you knew all the student drivers I do - you'd stay off the road! Nah.... they're all fabulous teens! What makes a couple of them even more so.... their dedication to Christ! They ROCK! (read: they've got real passion)

9) Teens who are considering having sex or have already done so. More about a recent survey on teens, sex and the church to come.

10) Whatever is weighing on your heart today......

Out of the Mouth.....

Last night I was singing as I was playing on the floor with the kids. One started singing with me. Another said... "She's singing with you to make you sound better."

Gotta love little kids.

Unchanging in the Midst of Change

This morning as we were walking through the trees... I couldn't help but think about how He is unchanging in the midst of change. The trees are so alive colored with many shades of green and in all shapes and sizes. We had added two more in our quest for healthier lives. While Ms. Rhonda (& Mr. Danny) encourages our children - we encourage theirs right back. Couldn't help but think about the fact that this time last year - we did not know them yet. They have added so much to our lives. And without question - gave us a great gift when daddy passed..... a night at a bed & breakfast for just hubby and myself. Actually... the real gift is their friendship... their love... What makes it even sweeter? We don't always see eye to eye on every thing. Wow! Talk about refreshing to so many degrees.

The last couple of months I have been taking care of children in the nursery/preschool on Wednesday nights. This is a part of ministry for me. Last night as I was climbing up the steps of the play gym holding a sweet little boy's hand - out of the corner of my eye - I saw his dad. He couldn't leave the nursery last night. The news about his health had his wife crying upstairs in hubby's Bible study class. The look on his face was that of pain.... of uncertainty. A few weeks ago... his little boy wouldn't let me close to him if his dad was around. He not only let me hold his hand.... he also wanted me to pick him up in my arms. For a moment, his dad smiled.

There's another little boy who tends to want to challenge authority. He was throwing rocks and telling me "NO" and running away to the corner of the playground area. Yet, later as we were back in the room..... I joined him on the floor while he was building with blocks. At first.... I just sat there watching and asking a question here/there..... He looked at me and said, "You can build too if you want." I smiled and started picking up a block. He looked at me cross ways and said, "Don't put it there. It doesn't really belong. Put it here." I couldn't have said that I knew better and put it where I wanted instead. Nah..... There are times when it is not necessary to be in control. Another girl joined us and she kept asking him where he wanted her to put each block. All the sudden he moved over closer to me.... and said, "Jesus wants us to be friends. We can build this and then knock it down together." He was smiling and so were we. The room was actually the calmest it had been all night.

There's a man mowing his lawn across the street. His mind is slowly fading away. He forgot that the lawn pastor was going to take care of it this morning. Yet... there he is on his riding mower. He tells the same stories over and over again. Sometimes hubby reminds him - other times he doesn't. He has lived a fascinating life. I can't help but wonder - where is he really today in his heart? His little wife frets over him and he doesn't even realize it. Yet.... their love is as sweet as iced tea here in Texas.

While it is all good and fine to have individuals in our lives who we can call upon in the midst of changing times..... They in no way can compare to the ONE who never changes. His love is where the real power comes from. If you're reading this today and thinking to yourself, "But Camey? You don't understand my situation..." I don't have to. He already does.

Prayer Requests!

1) The man and his family who is having hospice care.

2) The teenage girl who lives with her grandparents every summer. Her grandparents and her mother as well....

3) Our SP as he is on his sabbatical.

4) The couple who visited last Wednesday night for the first time.

5) The women at the pool last night and today.

Cheese? A Warning!

"Cheese" is a form of heroin. If you hear anyone talking about wanting to score some "Cheese".... they are not talking about cheddar, swiss or pepper jack. This is not me being flippant. This is a serious subject. Facts you should know:

1) Cheese is a tan-colored powder usually snorted through the nose with a tube, straw or small ballpoint pen.

2) Signs of cheese use include excessive thirst, disorientation, and a sudden change in grades or friends. Individuals are lying down and never waking up again because of Cheese. If you see any thing out of character - please consider it a red flag!

If you think our town doesn't have a major drug problem - please pay closer attention to those around you. If you don't live here - there might be a reason why you are reading this right now.

If you are reading this and you need help - please seek it immediately!

That's Why & STOP IT!

Okay... So forgive this little tiny rant of mine. Instead of letting some of our food go to waste at lunch - I walked up to give the untouched portions to the lifeguards attending the check-in desk at the pool. One in particular was beyond shocked. Why? She is used to be treated like dirt by "club members"........

Some have asked why I am not a fan of highly secure gated communities where people have to be members of "the club" to live there - that's why. STOP IT!

I may be becoming addicted to saying "STOP IT!" If it shows up in another post within the next 24 hours - please warn me.