Courtney S. - God IS Great!!

Going to Kentucky was a lot of fun. it was new scenery new experiences and a totally different way of life for these people. I worked on a lady's house named Mrs. Bevins. she was a sweet heart she was so happy to see us, knowing we were there to help fix her house. she opened up her house and everything she had for all 20 of us working on her house. what i thought was really neat was how when we got there she asked where we were from and we told her texas. she was like is that where all the flooding has happened and we told her yes and she replied ive been praying for you..it was amazing to see how God had her praying for us..and the same time we had been praying for her since we found out we were doing home repair..it just shows how big God is and how everything in his plan works together...we also did a vbs at the local YMCA. it was a lot of fun. there were a lot of kids...who loved us being there...one time my group was outside the front door teaching the bible story..and one of the parents had just dropped their kid inside and came out and asked where we were from...we told her texas..and she was astonished we came all the way to kentucky to teach a vbs to these kids we didnt even know. but just seeing how greatful these kids were was incredible...i wouldnt have changed anything about the week..God IS Great!!


Courtney S.

Austin - To Define in a Single Word

To define in a single word how this week was is simply an impossible task. You may study it, question it, and try to wrap our puny human minds around the very concept of the magnitude of the events that took place that week. Nothing will change

Someday you might come up with an answer.

It will be flawed.

There is no word. At least, not in proper English that can put all the words like ‘amazing’, ‘awesome’, ‘astounding’ in one word. And that was just the ‘a’ section of the list. There are still 25 more letters.

The reason we cannot come up with a word? Because the Lord worked so much in that week that He won’t let us come up with a proper term, nothing short of ‘the Lord was ever present and worked hard in everyone.’

This was my first mission trip with a church, and as much as I want this and hope this to be true, I hope every other mission trip is like this one. You drag yourself out of bed, and you’re tired. You eat breakfast, and you’re tired. You arrive at VBS, and you’re exhausted. The kids show up, and you’re dancing and singing and bouncing off the walls with energy you never knew you had. The kids thought we were kings. To see their smiles as we gave them a tunnel entrance was worth it. They got pumped and so did we. They enjoyed the music, the games, the crafts and the stories. Well, VBS ends, and after hanging around the kids for a few hours, you feel like you want to take a nap, and somewhat unwilling to get on the site and work. Well, when you get there, you feel like you can chop down a mountain with the energy that come from nowhere, well, God. Speaking from my site’s perspective, yes it was hot, and yes there were hundreds of stinging wasps and bees and yellow jackets, but we didn’t care. Just seeing the smile on Mrs.Bevin’s face every day was more than worth it. She would wait for us every day for us to come out and work on her house. At the end of the week, some of the workers and I made a new sign for her house, and she cried when we presented it to her. During the week we got to know her better, and while we had been praying for her, to hear from her that she had been praying for the Texan’s in the flooding areas for a while now brought to us a happiness that only the Lord could provide.

It would take me a while to explain all the marvels the Lord did that week. Sadly I have no time left, and I want the other students writing a testimony to give their views. My hope is by the time you’ve read all of them, you will get an idea about the week. And it will inspire you!

God bless,
Austin G.

PS- Mrs. Bevins made THE best biscuits and fried chicken you can EVER taste. If you wanna talk about heaven on earth, her cooking was a good example.

Children's Camp

Our 1st - 3rd graders are officially on the road this morning to camp. Please pray for Jim and Dawn, along with all the children and sponsors. They left at 7:00 a.m. and will be back around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night. The camp is down by Lake Travis. There are going to be around 600 campers from various churches.

As parents, we are thankful that our local church body has an over-night camp for these grades. It truly helps prepare the children for the week long camps that come with growing up. We also greatly appreciate those adults who make time for the children.

Please pray that during this time, each child and adult will come closer to God. That if they do not already have a personal relationship with Him... that this time will be the start of a beautiful and lifelong one. May HE truly ROCK their worlds!

Testimonies. AWANAS. Fall.

Testimonies: They are coming. Please be sure to watch for different names at the beginning and end of posts. We've got some amazing guys and girls in our student ministry. Please pray for the ones who will be sharing their testimonies here. Actually, continue to pray for the student ministry as a whole. They are exciting to watch and be around!

AWANAS: Last night was another training session for this exciting adventure! Our family can personally testify to the impact AWANAS has had on our whole family. Please consider being a part of this vital ministry. Next training session is Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. in the DMZ.

Fall: There are many new exciting things happening in the fall. Where is the fall going to have YOU? (ask yourself this whether you're here locally or not)

Off to serve meals as a part of Healthy Kids now.... Looking forward to getting all wet!

While Riding in the Golf Cart.

Earlier this afternoon, Parker came into the living room where I was working. He wanted to go to the little store, as we call it, to buy some batteries for his grandma's hand fan. She uses it to help her keep cool when playing golf. She has talked in the last few weeks of getting really hot while playing. I couldn't go right then. Instead I gave him a job to do to keep him busy for a bit. He went outside and swept the driveway. Oh those pecans......

Hubby hadn't been home long when Parker and I decided to go on the golf cart to the little store. Hubby informed P that he had already bought the woman of the house her batteries for her fan while in town this morning. Parker had earned a little money for sweeping all those pecans. So, we decided to go anyway.

When my folks got the purple golf cart, we had to laugh. My brother is an alumni of a school whose colors are purple and white. Did I ever mention about the purple counter top in the laundry room? Too funny actually. So, instead of just Parker and his mommy going on the purple golf cart to the little store, his daddy went too.

As soon as we backed out of the garage, there it was again. That horrible skunk smell from a few weeks ago now. Funny how I've been in and out of the garage a good amount lately and hadn't honestly smelled it. But wait..... I was going from inside the house straight into the garage. Most of the time, the garage door being closed. It is amazing how badly it can still smell after all this time and given the fact that the skunk itself is now completely gone.

As we made the turn onto another street and yet still has the same name as ours, a diesel truck decided to pass us. Frankly, given the fact that it is a battery operated golf cart and, therefore, goes incredibly slow, I didn't blame him in the slightest. Again, there's another lovely smell in the air.

As we passed by more row and row of trees..... again other smells start tickling our noses. While driving past one of the driving ranges, the smell of freshly cut grass was almost overwhelming. I must confess that it is weird to see the range after it's been mowed..... talk about being able to see the grass even with a couple of balls. Most of the time, the grass is covered like a blanket of snow.

Our trip to the little store was productive since I had promised P that I would take him to buy a treat. He also got to spend some time with his mommy and daddy. Of course, we came away with more than just his goodies.... there is also a pecan pie for the new neighbors. If his favorite had been cherry or apple - I could have made one with my eyes closed. It is still a pie.

On the way back to the house, there were more smells to take in whether we really wanted to or not. This is what happens while riding in the golf cart. Just remember - I don't have a golfing bone in my body and neither really does Parker. But we do enjoy riding on the golf cart because we are spending time together and at times use it for visiting others as well.

I'm sitting here eating peanuts that I purchased at the little store. Again, there's another smell. It reminds of me of baseball.... and why the golf cart is purple. Some stories will remain in the dugout.

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?