Life and Her Arrangements.

Life... Life..... It goes to show that no matter how much we think we can plan things... In a single moment - things can change. And suddenly arrangements need to be made.

They have set the visitation for Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. down in their hometown. The service will be on Monday at their church. Given this information.... things on our own schedule, therefore, have changed dramatically... That is life in the moments... That is being a part of a family.... and in ministering to ones own family.

Please pray for all those who are currently helping Kathy during this time. Individuals from their church have graciously offered homes for our massive family to stay in starting tomorrow afternoon. That is how a church body should respond in times like this....

We are leaving tomorrow morning. The next few days were packed full of plans. They have all changed now... That is life in the moments... and life and her arrangements. For as much as we think we can plans things.... Life happens... and so does death...

God is good all the time even when we don't understand. And His plans are never wrong.

He Was 47. Pray.

This morning we received word that a member of my mom's side of the family died suddenly yesterday of an apparent heart attack while on a tread mill.


He was in Washington State on a business trip. They will have to perform an autopsy to definitely determine the cause of death. He was a Christian, married to a Godly woman, and the daddy of 4 kids..... one of which has Downs Syndrome. He had two brothers and one sister. Too many other family members to list..... His funeral will have to wait until his body can be returned to Texas.


His dad, who is also.... my mom's brother Joe, was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago. He had just stepped down from the church he was pastor of in Oklahoma due to his health. He and his precious wife are still in the processing of moving back to Texas. Uncle Joe has been referred to over the years as the marrying and burying family pastor. I don't think he ever expected to outlive any of his own children.



Please pray.

On Leadership.

There are two leaders that I've had the incredible privilege of watching, listening to, and learning from lately. They are on-fire for the Lord. And frankly? They keep me on my toes.

Recently, they decided that they wanted to hold a certain event at their venue. The event's focus was prayer. People coming together to pray..... not just talk about prayer or praying.. to actually pray.

Prayer is vitally important to these two leaders. I can't tell you the number of times they've asked me to pray for someone about some thing. Things they learn about individuals because they care enough to get involved in others' lives. What's makes this even more special is the fact that they are in high school.

The event made our local newspaper this morning. How cool is that? People praying on the cover of the news...... There's a reason... And no, it's not because of these two leaders regardless of how amazing they are.

It is because, and only because.... of Him. He truly is The Reason. He is the most powerful leader there has ever been.... will ever be...... He wrote The Book on leadership.

Whose leadership are you under this moment?

On Parenting. On Prayer.

On Parenting:

1) The best example EVER on being a parent is God. He has written The Book on the subject.

2) Your child(ren) watch you. What are you modeling to them this moment?

3) If your child was to see your bank statement and/or credit card bills.... where does the money go? what does it say about your heart and mind?

4) If you are married.... does your child(ren) see a real love relationship between you and your spouse or just two people living in the same house?

5) "I am sorry. Will you forgive me?" These are powerful words as a parent...

On Prayer:

1) Prayer is meant to draw us closer to God.

2) Praying together as a husband and wife can not only help strengthen your marriage in all areas... but in doing so... it can also strengthen your willingness to parent together instead of against each other.

3) Praying with your child(ren) is a privilege and can be such a bonding time together... a real legacy.

4) Prayer is like talking with a best friend. That's what He wants to be in our lives. Not just a casual acquaintance. He can handle being our Father and best friend.

5) Prayer is powerful. It can literally change the heart of the one who is praying. And it can definitely change one's life.

Parenting and Prayer go hand-in-hand.

Teach a child to pray and you've given them the best life line in the world. They may not ever be a millionaire.... yet they will be rich beyond monetary value.

Early Morning Laughter

The gift of laughter has been ours this morning....

Last night my mom, Trav and Park made dinner as previously reported. They made two separate casseroles. One to stay here and one for mom to share with Hoover at his place. Off she drove to take it over there... Note: She cooked and then, drove....

This morning, with witnesses present, I told her that was the best pork dinner she has ever cooked in my 39 years of life and living. She just started laughing... and shared the following:

Apparently, Hoover thought it was so good that he had to ask, "Did you really make this?" Oh, he knows my mom so well. She confessed that Trav and Park helped her.

She then told him that she drove over there by herself. He asked, "You got that vehicle turned around by yourself?" (this refers to our crazy driveway)

Laughter. It is a sweet gift... especially early in the morning.

What makes you laugh?

Are you able to laugh at yourself and with others?

Various Subjects/Thoughts

These are some thoughts today.... They are in no particular order... And NO... not all I've had.

1) Yesterday was a bag of mixed emotions. (Can I get a witness here?)

2) The five of us had an amazing time during the afternoon session. Thanks Dr Ross. It was still a bag of mixed emotions.

3) Our children are 16, 13.... and 9. Hmmmmmm

4) I'm incredibly thankful to be married to a man who prays for his children. THAT makes him more Godly than what football team he roots for.

5) Watching a person sleep for 6 and 1/2 hours is tiring. I almost feel guilty for getting paid to do it. (okay that's two thoughts for one...)

6) My mom, Trav and Park were cooking dinner together. At first - I was scared. I was shaking in my bare feet. Just the thought of the kitchen afterwards....

7) Man! I had to ask forgiveness for thought #6. Thanks Juls!

8) Months ago I told Stacy it would be best for her to give up her son. She has now. What a fortunate little boy that his mother truly does love him enough to let him go.

9) Joel had a stroke. This was his second. The man drove himself to the hospital both times. Why are men so stubborn?

10) At the little store this afternoon.... the conversation about prayer with a woman and her mother... If #6 wasn't going to be happening, I would not have needed to go buy egg noodles. Mothers and daughters..... and prayer.....

Who and what are you praying for this moment?

Check out my Slide Show!

Dancing in the Moments.

There have been numerous times over the course of the last few days especially where there has been dancing in the moments. These moments can also be seen as "YES!" or "AHA!" moments. Just sharing a bit.... not all..... God is good all the time.

This week has been tremendously hard for Mae. She's been really down and fighting depression. She and I spent a good amount of time talking about those moments in life in which thinking back on makes her sad. In the past year, her life has changed dramatically. There is no denying that simple fact even though it is far from simple. I asked questions and she shared some of the pages of her life. As I was listening to the stories, as each one unfolded.... even in the midst of trials, suffering and pain.... there were reasons for joy and peace.

She uses a walker to help her get around. Yesterday, I purposefully didn't walk with her everywhere she wanted to go in the house. I was close by mind you... just not right next to her. When I'm not talking with her, cooking or cleaning, giving her meds or taking her blood sugar count, or watching her breathing as she sleeps or etc..... I sit at the table and read/study. At one point, she decided she wanted some thing to drink. Instead of jumping up and getting it for her.... I suggested to her that she look in the frig for herself and decide what she wanted. As she started walking past me... I started reading from a certain Psalm out loud. She stopped in her tracks and looked at me and said, "You know Camey? I haven't read my Bible today. I haven't wanted to pick it up." She then proceeded to get her water bottle out of the frig, walk back to her spot on the couch and pick up her Bible and began to read. We later discussed certain passages in greater detail. She said to me, "Reading the word has always been a part of my daily life. I was just being stubborn." We talked about how one should have joy in the midst of every day life and living. That our real joy should come from Him and His love. When leaving for the day.... I took her hand as I do each time and she squeezed it as hard as she could. She was trying to be all serious with me and she burped really loud instead. She smiled from ear to ear and we both just laughed. Ahhhh dancing in the moments. My time with her has been extended past September - God's plan permitting of course.

Austin earned his first paycheck this week. As his dad was cooking dinner, I walked upon a sweet and tender moment between the two. (Sorry, Austin. but dude... it was.) They were discussing in great detail about how the money was going to be divided up. It was parts of conversations that have been had over time as Austin has been growing up.... As his mother, I couldn't help but smile deeply watching and listening to that young man and his daddy. The teaching... what has been taught... oh.... but what has been caught... Dancing in the moments yet again.

Hubby, Trav, Park and some goofy woman went to the drive-in movie that was being held on our main parking lot at the buildings. Some of the church had gathered to spend time together. The night air was amazing..... Looking out from up on the hill.... seeing the town and her lights.... conversations that were had... hugs that were given and received... Yet again... dancing in the moments.

He is indescribable..... He is uncontainable.... And in dancing in the moments... it truly is Him who is all powerful.

Are you dancing in the moments with the Only True Star there is?

Update. Tonight. Sunday.

Update - HB came through surgery okay. It took longer than expected... Code Blue was heard but it wasn't in regards to HB. Don't know the details.. pray.

Tonight - YES! Be there at 7:30 p.m. and stay till the movie is over... Free popcorn, snow cones... bring your own drinks and lawn chairs. The movie is family friendly. If you get hit with popcorn it wasn't me... ;)

Sunday - We are having a guest speaker for all 3 services. Be there! Hear what Dr Ross has to say about the Revival Generation. If you have children 4th grade through student ministry - hopefully you've made your reservations for lunch and plan on staying to hear more from Dr Ross.

There's alot going on this weekend. Pray for all involved whether near or far.

Those Other Hospitals.

This morning there are two very dear men at the Heart Ctr. One is having surgery today. The other is still having tests to figure out what is going on. Oh, those other hospitals...

When the lawn pastor had finished tending to 5 lawns and their owners... we were off to see HB and Joel at the Heart Ctr. We know the Heart Ctr like the back of our hands. It was as if the vehicle was on autopilot. As we walked down the halls and into the various stations of rooms - it was clear that we were remembered by some of the nurses. That sort of thing happens when we pray with people.. when you take the time to ask about their own lives and not just focus on why you happen to be there. People are brought together for reasons. This I truly believe.

HB started to cry as we walked into the door. HB was one of daddy's best friends. Those two men clearly loved each other and enjoyed spending time together whether at conferences at various churches or playing golf. There was a time when HB was exceedingly mad at me. He later recognized the error of his ways and we can actually laugh about it now. He was in deep denial over daddy and it felt as if I was smacking them both in the face and gut. That's okay... We knew it wasn't going to be easy taking care of daddy.... and all his friends too. It was bigger than us... still is... fortunately... it is not bigger than God. This we know.

HB is having a having hard time being at the Heart Ctr.... in thinking about having surgery today. He keeps picturing daddy. We've become very close over the past year. HB is now like a dad to me and a grandpa to our boys. Hubby tends to whatever HB needs.. he is part of how hubby earned the title lawn pastor. We don't always see eye-to-eye but that doesn't honestly matter.. There is a love so deep and profound that could have only come from God. As hubby stood at HB's side and I at his feet.... we shared very openly about what all is going. About the past... about today... about whatever is God's plan for HB.

There in the room with us was HB's precious wife, daughter and two friends of theirs from a previous church. They listened and joined us in praying as we were leaving. HB..... well, I knew it was coming.... after we had hugged him goodbye... he said to those others in the rooms.. "I'll wait to tell you about Camey after they leave." He cannot tell others about my having been ill and then healed without crying buckets like daddy used to do. Oh... back to him being mad at me and then recognizing the error of his ways comment.... He later said to me, "How could I be mad at you when God healed you and then He had you take care of your daddy?"

I will not be going to the Heart Ctr for HB's surgery today. In just a bit I am going to Mae's to take care of her. It is the least I can do for all involved...... of course along with praying....

Those other hospitals.... they hold bleeding hearts that only One can truly tend to. My presence is not necessary there today. They are in the best hands possible....... His.....

Please continue to pray for HB and Joel.... More to come on these men....

Specific Prayer Requests

1. Joel - maybe having a heart attack. (Heart Ctr)

2. HB - is having bypass surgery tomorrow @ noon. (Heart Ctr - ICU)

Thursday Morning Thriller.

The lawn pastor and I were discussing some things as he was getting ready to head out.

Hmmmm.... Little did we know that his mother-in-law and Ms. Kathy (as in Jim and Kathy) were in our bedroom with us.

Thursday Morning Thriller.... I clearly resembled some other women in our lives.

How does THAT happen?

The Hospital.

Last night the hospital was full of activity. There were bodies everywhere. Some young. Some old. Some the ages not easy to figure out. The pain so obvious and evident by the blood that was pouring out through not only their bodies but its languages as well whether spoken audibly or not.

One patient was a widow. Her immediate family is no where close. She is needing to clean house literally, sell and move to a less expensive place. Her tears were as real as dew on the grass in the mornings. As I was holding her in my arms.... she said to me, "I need help Camey." When she had gathered herself for a moment, she walked away... Standing over in another part of the hospital was a man. I knew he could help her in ways that I cannot. Some of her brothers will be helping her.. And more than likely some sisters too. They just needed to hear the scope of her illness.

Another patient saw me and went another direction after only saying hello.... She came back after a few moments. She looked me in the face but not in the eyes, and said, "I didn't want to share what I did. I prayed that He wouldn't make me. And yet, He did. I didn't want to come back again. Yet, here I am." She immediately looked down at her feet like she does. Her pain is not one that can be described with one word or two. I shared with her the prescription for helping ease her burdens. The recovery time will be slow. It may take years. She finally looked me in the eyes as I was reaching out my hand. She took it for a moment, squeezed it and then let go. There was a glimmer of hope. The darkness not as dark as before - like a nightlight was turned on.

One patient was a child - a little girl. She was needing to be hugged. She found me several times. There were two other generations of little girls with her. As the four of us were standing there talking about what cures they thought they might possibly have..... There were smiles and yet past them were the clouds of doubt and disbelief that they would truly be the answers. There are ways that seem so right to them. And yet.... more pain will likely follow.

There were other patients coming and going. Some responding and others looking at their shoes as they walked down the various halls in a daze. At this hospital there are many different wings and yet they all have the same Great Physician taking care of each one of them. They just may not realize their need for One yet clearly. Or if they do... they still might be in the "I know what's best for me to do......" Or perhaps.....

There's a hope inside of them that knows that no matter what tomorrow holds.... complete healing is only possible through Him.

What kind of patient are you? For we all are one.

Three Sisters

Yesterday I had the privilege and blessing of spending time with three sisters. They came for the parenting class. We spent some time together talking after it was over.

The oldest sister has been walking through illness for the last 7 years. She has three sons as well. Oh, the ways in which we were able to share from our hearts about how only through God can one be thankful for such times. I have stated numerous times before and will continue to.... I am thankful that I had a form of Muscular Dystrophy and all the other health issues over the years. I wake up each and every day praising God for the incredible health I have now. I pray each day to not take it fore granted. And yet, we both know that any moment of the day we choose being healthy spiritually than physically. This woman lives in California. We will be staying in touch no doubt. Pray for her and her family......

One sister has just moved to G-town. She has little children and a heart so huge... They moved here from Houston where they were actively involved in various ministries. There were times when I was sharing various things that I could see the glow in her eyes looking back at me. Sure enough.... She has worked.. still does in a sense with teenage girls and young women who are pregnant and/or single moms. Little did she know that I've been praying for someone like her. The really cool thing is she and her hubby will probably be joining another church ... yet, we are still a part of the same body. She gets it that I don't care about "joining" a church.... I care (as does Juls and Becky) about seeing lives transformed and changed.... that reach out and touch other lives and continues to walk with the seen and the unseen. Now... before you get tempted to send me an email or leave me a comment about "I don't care about 'joining' a church" statement...... I do know the importance of fellow believers gathering together.... That's not what I'm talking about here though. I'm talking about those individuals who normally want nothing to do with God or the church herself until becoming pregnant and being a mother.... Please pray for this woman and her family... Pray for how we can work together for His kingdom alone.

The third sister.... well, I had the privilege of meeting her for the first time during VBS. I was blessed by serving her when she came to the volunteer lounge. Little did she know that I was beyond excited when she walked up to me to sign up for the class a few weeks ago. I have been praying for her specifically since then. Little did I know that she invited her sister who moved here to come with her... or that she had shared with her about our first class time together.... Again... the tears... I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned. Pray for this woman and her family.

As I am writing this and thinking back over yesterday morning with the three sisters... I am not sure who received more encouragement and I am thankful yet again for the unmeasurable love of God. How individuals are woven together..... like a child in a mother's womb.

I love you Father.. I am thankful that no matter what type of parent any of us may be or become... none can compare to You.

Signed,
Your Child

An Afternoon Confession...

So....... we were running a little late today getting out of class... I take full blame for the nursery workers having the children a tad longer than expected... I forgot to set my alarm like I do on Sundays..... (bad Camey. bad.......)

Nope.. That's not the confession... I stole an Expo marker...

Well.. actually... I was using it on the board while we were discussing issues... I can only assume that I put it in my pocket when I started talking with my hands... (I'm bad for flinging them across the room otherwise....)

It will be back in its rightful spot tomorrow morning in the classroom.

Signed,
Laughing at self - won't you join me

On That Subject...

No.... I will not be posting on that subject... Taking the lead of our SP, John, on that...

Now... if you want to discuss sex and spiritual intimacy......

See... that always gets certain ones to be quiet...

You're loved people.

Oh.... Those Moments...

It's Tuesday again.... That meant the parenting class.... I am so exceedingly grateful for how my hubby prays in our morning time together, especially when he knows what is on the schedule. I am in deep gratitude for the women who are praying not only for me as I lead this class... but for the women who are coming... for their families..... for generations represented.

The women were watching me as I walked around laying down the bags of chocolate and the Kleenex box on the tables. I shared how they are always staples in any class of mine. They laughed.... As the class went on..... the chocolate started getting eaten and passed around... The box of Kleenex being used to wipe tears... His Spirit.... Transparency...

If you are one of the women I am talking about... Thank you for allowing me the privilege and blessing of walking along side of you. And thank you for understanding that being a happy plastic person isn't who Christ calls us to be..

I remain in awe of how He works.... moves..... Oh... those moments...

Lord, I Lift My Friend to You

Casting Crowns has a song on their new CD called Prayer for a Friend.... And yes, I am listening to it. At this moment, it reminds me of several individuals that I know.

Yet.... for as much as I know these individuals... I can, in no way, know them like He does......

For as much as I want to help these individuals.... I can, in no way, help them ultimately like He can.

Lord, I lift my friends to You.

Who do you need to lift up to Him today? This moment?

And don't forget to lift up yourself..... For we all need prayer even on the best of days....

Real Identity.

It is without question amusing to me how He speaks to me at times... Today has been one of those days....

At 10:00 a.m., Austin's mom dropped him off for his second day of work at the little store in the highly secure gated community. He had such a huge smile on his face. Austin's mom was beyond proud and yet... there is that whole... "my little boy is growing up." OH, wait... He is 6 foot 2 already.... lol Growing and stretching.... Wanting to protect and yet knowing that he must have his wings to fly.

Parker, Travis and I went to get the car I drive, but, is not ours, inspected. While we were sitting there, I couldn't help but think back to the days of when all I had to do was take the vehicle I was driving to the dealership and drive away when they were finished. I answered to "Ms. B" then... and today it was "Mrs. B's" car that was getting inspected. When I was Ms. B., I had brand new cars every six months to a year through my daddy's job. The slightest noise and the car was at the dealership and I was treated like "Mr. B's" daughter. This car is the same age as Travis and is the last purchase my daddy made. We tried to talk him out of buying it but there was no getting through to him. He was convinced the seven of us needed that third vehicle. James, the man who inspected the car today... kept coming back to me and saying, "This is wrong. It won't pass unless it's fixed." Finally, after all the others who had been in the waiting room with us had come and gone... we heard, "Ms. B.? The car is ready. It passed." Parker and Travis both said, "Thank you, God." out loud. I couldn't help but be thankful for that car and what it still is teaching us..... While I am not Ms. B. legally and haven't been for 18 years now.... the lessons I learned while being her remain to this day. I'd rather have an old car to drive and appreciate it's real value than to have a new one and not. Funny enough? The other vehicle I drive is only a year old. It is needing to be inspected too. It is also Mrs. B's. Yet... it will be the widow's daughter who takes care of getting it inspected. Vehicles I have the privilege of driving through my Father's work no doubt......

The boys and I went to Wal-Mart to shop. I sent them off to the section of the store they like to visit the most. As per usual, I ran into someone we know. We started noticing the boys walking past us but not seeing us. They hadn't stayed where they were supposed to. They had gotten tired of waiting for me and decided to try and find me. We said goodbye and I set off to help the boys learn a lesson. They finally found me in the game section where I said I would meet them. Parents... and the lessons that come with having children.

Funny enough? The someone I ran into caused the boys and several others to do a double take as we continued to shop. I've been mistaken for her numerous times since living here. While we are not twins/sisters... there is no doubt we are cousins. Our dads were brothers. Hers the oldest... mine the baby.... Mine passed away first even though they had/have the same illness... We're closer now than we ever have been before. So much more in common.... including our hair! We've both have always been "known" for it..... lol

The lawn pastor returned while I was writing this. He had finished for the day. Funny how it doesn't take as long to tend to lawns when the individuals are not home. Hmmmmm Where is home again? Hubby wants to go on a date with his wife. It will of course, all depend, upon how Austin's day at work went when he gets off....

Real identity... While all are these are some of who I am.... Who Christ is in and to me is even more so vital to my identity. Again.... like breathing...

Who holds your real identity?

Travis... On His Hair....

"It feels like I'm wearing a rug."