More Than A Hug.

Yesterday, from start to finish, was one of the most tender days.

I was told that there was a woman coming in to see me that was having a really bad morning. As she walked in to the door and up to the desk, her pain oozed out of her face and body expressions.

I stood up and walked around the desk and took her in my arms and hugged her tight. Her eyes started welling up with tears as she hugged me back and then just almost fell weight less in my arms against me. As she walked out of the physical church building, her load was not as heavy. And I was thankful to have been sitting at the desk when she walked in.

I've talked about G and his wife JE before. Yet, the most priceless times with them have just taken place over the last two days. I was questioned one day not long ago about why I make a point of hugging certain individuals every time I see them. That I stop whatever I am doing and hug them.... The individual asking was greatly puzzled and curious - not offended mind you but definitely intrigued because of the certain individuals as well as me. G is one such individual that I was being questioned about. The individual was glad they asked... So was I... Now, that individual gets hugged as well instead of staying at arms length...

I took time to explain to G and JE why I do so when they were talking to me at the desk in the foyer of the physical church building.... Our bond is even more stronger now than before. G walked up to me last night with tears in his eyes and hugged me tighter than ever and said some thing that will stay with me longer than just a moment in time.... A lingering touch on my heart and soul.... not just his and JE's...

When I was not plating food in the kitchen, I was walking through the crowd of people as they were eating and talking amongst themselves. As I walked up to one table with some precious friends at it... a couple of the faces at their table looked familiar but I could not place my finger on who they were. Hugs were given and then introductions around the table were made... This one couple had attended a few of the July 4th celebrations we've been a part of over the years at these dear friends' home. The couple looked me and said, "You're Camey?" And then it dawned on us all... We haven't seen each other since I was physically healed.... Thank You Lord for healing yet again.. Their faces were priceless.

During some of TfG, I was sitting at the desk in the foyer of the physical church building. This woman walked up to me and asked me about one of the ministries our church has... She had just missed one of the meetings down the hill from our main site. She asked me what was going on inside the sanctuary and then if she could sit in on the last few minutes. When she came back out after it was over... she walked up to me and said, "I've been away. My children and I came and then I stopped. We will be back. We need to come back. We'll be here Sunday night." As tears came down her checks, I put my arms around her and her head landed on my shoulder. I had already taken down her name and phone number so the one ministry in particular can get in touch with her.

It is times like these that shows over and over.... That it is more than a hug.. And dear reader, it is far more than any thing I am capable of on my own... There was a time when using my arms and hands was not possible nor my legs and feet... Because of the Great Physician I came to be able to do so again... And it is out of His compassion... mercy.... grace... love..... that I use what I have been given again to give what is not mine alone to keep..

More than a hug... What do you need to give away today? This moment because of what you've been freely given?

Moved Beyond Mere Words

Last night was beautiful in many ways. It is no secret that I love what I have the privilege of doing on Wednesday nights especially. With all that is going on with TfG, I wasn't really sure how last night was going to go.... Oh my....

As I stood there at the desk folding linen napkins for the dinner performances starting tonight... one by one they came by. The conversations flowed even in the midst of yucky weather outside and individuals running around in makeup and costumes all over inside.

There's one individual that I had not seen in a couple of weeks. Last night, she made a point of walking up to me and speaking from her heart... An apology was offered to me that blew me away. God is so at work in her life. I pushed her limits even on hugging.. but as she was walking away she said, "Thanks for pushing. Keep pushing." That's Him at work.... I'm only a part of what is happening.... This is where ministry for me is as real as typing on this keyboard.

As more individuals realized how long I was working on folding napkins (only 900 or so)... they started picking up napkins and helping me. This was so cool because it was evident that they wanted to do what they could to help make the dinner performances a success. And at times, that includes folding napkins as well as being on center stage performing. Even a certain doctor walked up and grabbed a few to help....

As I've stated time and time before... our lives are everchanging (it's not two words in my fluid vocabulary of living life) in so many ways... yesterday was no exception... I cannot go into real dets at this time... Yet, it is evident that prayers are being answered in ways that I/we honestly could have never imagined. How AWESOME is HE!

And I am moved beyond mere words. That, dear reader is only possible because of Him.

TfG. Security. Gifts.

TfG:

Tonight is the last time to purchase tickets for dinner performances. It would be my pleasure to help you secure tickets. Please come see me at the main receptionist desk from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m. As someone said to me earlier, "You mean you might actually work tonight?" I love you people....

Security:

Yes. Our local church body and its leaders are working hard to address security measures. The protection of any and all persons who are in the physical church building or in the parking lots are greatly important to us. Please keep that in mind when said measures are put into place....

Gifts:

One - The results of God working in our lives.
Two - meetings with peeps that I love working with.
Three - a lunch date with our oldest son Austin.
Four - an email from someone who is always of encouragement to me just because.
Five - you dear reader.

May the sun be shining this moment wherever you are at even if it is raining outside.

Ooops. Join Us. Answers.

Oooops:

As Brother G and the boys lovingly pointed out to me.... We won't be home starting tonight through Sunday night. The porch light will be on when we are actually home... You are still invited to stop and visit when we are in the house..

Join Us:

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet for Two From Galilee... It's not too late. It will be an amazing time.... Don't miss it... More importantly invite someone who normally might not walk in to a church. The info can be found again here Ticket Sale Vital Information

For those who have asked:

No... Brother G is not singing.. He is going to be with Ms. Sharon cooking in the kitchen.
No... I'm not singing... I'm going to be plating food in the kitchen.
No... Austin is not singing... He is the lighting guy.
No... Travis is not singing... He is going to be one of the servers.. wait staff.
No... Parker is not singing. He is going to be doing whatever anyone tells him they need done.

Again.. Don't miss it... Hope to see you and a friend or two... or three... there.....

Special Message: The Cross

For those who have asked.....

The cross is hanging on the tree in front of the house. Brother G put it up this afternoon. I can still remember when he made it with his own hands at daddy's request all those years ago now.

If you drive by.... please know you are welcome to stop and visit with us. The porch light will be on.

With all the talk about Christmas gifts... may we not forget that had Jesus not died on the cross and rose again on the 3rd day defeating death.... He would have been merely another babe...

Thank You Lord for the message of the Cross especially as we celebrate Christ's birth. No one can ever take Christ out of Christmas.

Listening and Responding to God III

So.... There was surprise for Brother G today when he came home from the physical church building after a meeting.... The surprise was via email and yet spoke volumes into his heart.... and soul.... and all over his face.

There are times in life when we need to thank individuals who truly make a difference in our lives. And even though I've never met this man personally.... I know him because he knows my husband. And as I stated in part II....God has used this man in our lives...

We talked for a bit via email today. His last response to me was priceless about Brother G. And yet again... I'm thankful that God calls me out of the comfort zones and what might be considered a "NO-NO"..... and as a result not only thanked a dear man but also encouraged the heck out of my husband's soul....

Signed,
A Beyond Thankful Wife

Who needs your encouragement today? You just might surprise someone when they least expect it....

Listening and Responding to God II

Last night was no ordinary Monday night. Brother G was in the big city for his last time until January. The younger boys and I cooked dinner together. As Austin came into the kitchen, there was this whisper that came in to my soul, heart, mind... and yes, of course, ear...

"Talk to the boys now about alcohol from your experiences. They need to hear about this now, not later." - so I did...

Interestingly enough? The younger boys (Travis - 13, Parker - 9) took what I had to tell them far better than what Austin did Sunday night. My halo wasn't as nearly tarnished. In fact, it opened the door for a really great talk with our three sons.. Due to Austin working at the little store in the highly secure gated community, he has had training through the TACB (Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission). He was able to provide his brothers with actual amounts of alcohol per body weight that it takes to be considered drunk. They really listened to him instead of dissing his knowledge on the subject.

After dinner, it was time to take Austin to the physical church building.. He is the lighting guy for Two From Galilee.... We talked along the drive. He told me how proud he was of me for talking to his two younger brothers about the subject. What else was said will stay between us. Let's just say..... God used him to minister to his sister in Christ..... Yes, his mother... But even more importantly, his sister in Christ...

Travis and I spent time talking alone when I got back. He said that he really needed to hear what I had to say because of different individuals involved in his life. We talked about kids he is concerned about given their behavior and especially what they talk about on a daily basis at school. His heart is so big. I also talked with Travis about the fact that I had had sex as a teen. Interestingly enough? The kid showed his mom such amazing grace. He even said that it definitely helped him to know that he really could talk to me about such things not just as a mom but as a sister in Christ. That I'm not some prude who doesn't have a clue what she is talking about first hand.

Parker said that it helped to talk about alcohol because several members of our extended families do drink. And since they do drink when we're around them, it helped explain some of the behavior he was seeing that he did not recognize as being really them...... Wow. He hugged me and thanked me for sharing about my past. Wow again.... We also talked about the fact that just because individuals in our lives drink does not mean that we love them any less or because they have a different stance on drinking than we do.

When Brother G finally made it home.... he shared with me about talking with one of his confidantes. Wise counsel was given about one of the knocks and we're definitely taking it to heart. I, as a pastor's wife, appreciate this confidante more than I could ever tell him. His encouragement to my husband has been immeasurable. He is no doubt one of the voices that God uses to speak into our lives.

I share all this with you dear reader as a part of listening and responding to God... At times it is like peeling back layers of an onion... Oh my.... how it can taste so good when mixed with His love, mercy, and grace.......

How is He stirring up things in your kitchen of life?

Listening and Responding to God.

Over the course of the last few months especially, things have been somewhat confusing. Times of transition where there are no easy answers... except are there? Times where God requires more of me than ever before honestly....

Warning: The following is raw.

Austin and I have had some real in-depth conversations the last 24 hours. On Saturday night, we drove through a city where my past came calling loud and clear. On Sunday night, I shared more with Austin about some of the times I wasn't following God like I should have been. And about the consequences of those actions on my part. He literally called me out about it. Asked why hasn't he heard about that before now - he's sixteen remember? And why others in our student ministry haven't heard about it from me... Like with about the fact that his mother had sex as a teen.... he was mad at me for a bit and then told me to use those experiences to help others. "It might help others to know why you have the position about drinking alcohol that you do." Ouch. My halo fell down again.

Then, this morning, as he was getting ready to go to work at the little store in our highly secure gated community, Austin surprised me with some news. He said, "Mom? I've told my Halo group that I will no longer be able to be their leader." He said that he did that because he was responding to what God told him. He has too much going on right now that is requiring his attention. Something had to give.... it was his Christian Halo clan ministry... His time online is virtually next to nothing now. What kind of leader could he be given that? He's an even better leader now that he has stepped down... then again I'm sort of biased aren't I?

Yesterday, someone said to me, "Camey? You posted about another church knocking at the door. You shouldn't do that kind of thing." Well, frankly.... I/we do not see our current church and any other church that is knocking at our door in competition with each other. We will serve with our current church with joy and with His strength and love until He completely closes that door.... if He even does at all.... One thing He continues to speak to our souls about is being about His kingdom.... That is wherever we may go.... may be.... it does not have to be in a physical church building at all... or with a particular group of people. And remember? We live in a relatively small town any way....

If we truly are His.... listening and responding to Him should be as natural as rain even if it at times it feels more like pulling teeth. There are times when things are confusing... I'm not going to try to pretend that's not the case. And yet, there is peace that when we listen to and respond to Him.... even if we are not sure what colors the walls are being painted..... the foundation is secure.

Are you listening and responding to God this moment?

By Request: Where is Home

Where is Home
Written: December 9th, 2005

In the crowd she stands looking so sad yet trying to command a smile. Longing to be anywhere but where she’s found herself. Little children at her feet – wondering where would they sleep tonight?

In the aisle of the store he looks in a daze as he tries to decide. Would it be one can or two? He searches in his pocket – only a couple dollars and some change. Would it be enough to feed his family tomorrow too?

At the doctor’s office riddled in pain, trying not to show the tears, in her gentle ole voice she whispers, “Does anyone truly care?” In a room full of chattering people, no one hears a sound.

Rushing through the busy mall she grabs each item and says “Charge!” “This one is for Jimmy and this one for Jill.” When time to wrap them she tries to remember, “Did we give them these last year?”

Driving down the long highway listening to the roar of the engine, he forgets how long he’s been gone. With what seems like miles to go and needing some rest, he pulls over when to a little town has come.

He walks into the only place he thinks might be welcoming this time of night. With candlelight to usher him in, he hopes that he is right.

He walks up to the front of the room and gets down on his knees. He looks up at the cross and starts to pray, “Father forgive me if you would please? I’ve been away so very long but it’s time now to come home. You’re all I’ve ever needed. I’ll rest in you alone.”

As he gets up off the floor with tears streaming down his face, he finds he is not alone in this tiny little place. For waiting in a line behind him standing oh so near are all the others who have gathered home for Christmas this year.

One by one they start to share of what in life has brought them there. The woman with her little children had been looking for shelter in all the wrong places. The man had not taken seriously his responsibilities with his family finances. The older woman had looked to the doctors to heal her aching heart. Jimmy and Jill’s mother realized she had put everything else above being their mom.

Standing in a circle holding hands they all begin to pray. One by one their loneliness starts to melt away. For when we spend time with God just speaking from our hearts, He is there to listen and always will respond. Circumstances in life may not necessarily change, but how we deal with them through God can make for a better way.

For whether in the good times or the bad, or somewhere in-between, home is where the heart is and where Jesus should be King. For many years ago in a manager a little babe was born - His legacy to give us the greatest gift of all.

So this Christmas may you find where your home truly is? For it does not have to be decorated with gold ribbons and bows to be entered in with His presence.

The moral of this story I hope you will hear. Christmas is not about the tree, Santa Claus, or reindeer. If you’re feeling like you really do not have the spirit of the season, check inside your heart to find out who might be missing.

Slow Dance. Breakfast Served.

Well, yesterday I had planned on being gone by 8:00 a.m. this morning. My mother decided she could not go to our dear old friend's Celebration Service. It is being held where my parents were married all those years ago. It honestly was too much for her to handle right now. Yes, she has the boyfriend... but that does not mean she does not miss the man who had been her husband for 44 years especially this time of year.

As I sat in the kitchen at 6:30 a.m. this morning drinking my coffee.... hubby, myself, Travman, and mom all talked about how busy our schedules are this coming week. I came back to our bedroom and opened my Bible and prayed..... Hubby then said to me that he preferred that I did not go to the service for it is not close. That he thought I ought to stay home and rest this morning..... It's past 8:30 a.m. as I am writing this..... Obviously I listened to his wise counsel....

There are times when the dance is fast... Parker did indeed finish reading all 20 books now...... Others, when it is slow.... And hubby just made and served us breakfast....

The Celebration Service will carry on....

This moment, yet again, is made for worshipping and praising God!

Ticket Sale Vital Information

Dates and Times:

Thursday, December 13th
Doors open 5:45 p.m. - Simple hors d'oeuvres & music in foyer
Dinner seating begins - 6:00 p.m. (seating maximum 300)
Dinner begins - 6:30 p.m.
Performance Begins - approximately 7:25 p.m.
Intermission - approximately 8:15 p.m.
Act II begins - approximately 8:30 p.m.
Performance ends - approximately 9:10 p.m.

Friday, December 14th
Same Schedule as Thursday

Saturday, December 15th
Same Schedule as Thursday

Sunday, December 16th - PERFORMANCE ONLY - NO DINNER - FREE
Doors open 6:00 p.m.
Performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
Intermission - approximately 7:20 p.m.
Act II Begins - approximately 7:35 p.m.
Performance ends - approximately 8:15 p.m.

Other Important Information:
Childcare ONLY available for Sunday night performance. (3 and under)
Dress? There are fine linens being used along with wait staff for dinner performances. David will be in his tux. Suggestion are business casual to dressy to formal.

You may order online, at the kiosk on Sunday, or call Ms. E or me at the physical church building throughout the week.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Correction.

Yesterday:

Brother G got another phone call. This time a really hard knock on the door. Please pray for God's clear direction.

What a special night! TR pulled out all the stops and Linc led us in worship. He sang some of his friend, Charlie Hall, songs, played the cello, guitar, piano.... and of course sang.. Wow. Brother G & I were thankful to be hanging out with the deacons and their wives at their Christmas banquet. Of course, with several others of the ministerial staff as well. And Brother G even won a door prize!

Today:

Please call and reserve your tickets for Two From Galilee! They are going fast. Friday night is sold out. Austin is doing the lighting. He says it is amazing! The cost is for the highly quality meal that is being served.

Tonight we will be spending time with hubby's family. His dad is being honored at a retirement dinner for the major company he has worked with for 40 years! We look forward to seeing them and hearing great stories of days and years gone by....

Tomorrow:

My mother and I will be attending the Celebration Service for our old friend that passed on. Please continue to pray for all involved.

Tomorrow night we are hanging out again with hubby's parents, sister and her little girl, and one of his brothers and his wife. We haven't seen some of them in a year plus. Two nights in a row. Can't wait!

Correction:

Parker realized yesterday while at school that he had not read one of the twenty books. So, he is not finished reading all the Bluebonnet books yet. Thank you Parker for being honest. We're even more proud of you now than before.

There are numerous prayer requests... Please pray specifically today for the P family and the A family. Thank you.

Sabby Man. Thataboy Parker!

Sabby Man:

His name is John. He and I were talking as we were waiting for the school bell to ring. I had the pleasure of picking up Parker.... he was there to pick up his son and daughter. He has been on a sabbatical since May. He is a journalism professor at a major university.

One thing that really struck me about our conversation.... John said he totally relates to stay-at-home moms now. He is aching for adult conversations daily. Even though he has been engrossed in his research work, it is met with relative quietness. Their two children are gone for 7 hours Monday through Friday. His wife has a high demand job outside of being a mom.

He also said that it unnatural for him to not be at a job. He has been working since he was 17. He is 49 now. And again, even though he is doing research from his home office, still not the same.

I admire him for his honesty. No wonder he needed to ride 21 miles today, in our 73 degree December weather, to be out and about away from the house.

I wonder how many men can relate to the Sabby Man?

Thataboy Parker!

Parker has completed reading all 20 of the Bluebonnet books for the state of Texas. He is the first in his intermediate (4th and 5th) school to do so. Oh, if you've ever heard me talk about the son of ours who almost died 3 times in his first month of life and who doctors say was born two months early.... that son would be Parker. We were told that he would have all types of disabilities. Nope. Not that kid. And actually... he was born when he was supposed to be.

He came home from the NICU after being there his first full month in the outside world. He had to wear a breathing monitor. On Sunday evening, Father's Day, 1998, his breathing monitor stopped working. Parker's dad told me we were not going to call the tech guy out. We stood over Parker's crib, held hands, and prayed. Parker's dad thanked God for the time we had had with Parker up to that time and that no matter what happened during the night, we were thankful for his life. Parker was an exceedingly quiet baby. He rarely ever cried. Even when he did... you could still barely hear him. We went to our bedroom and closed the door. The baby monitor was beside our bed...

The next morning, as I walked in to Parker's room... not a single sound could be heard. And yet....... as I peered over the side of his crib.... there he laid just smiling from ear to ear. We never used the breathing monitor again. For in reality...... monitors are just that... It could not save his life if his time was up. But it wasn't up..... And God is using Parker to this day to inspire the heck out of those who know him. And he loves Jesus with all his heart.....

Thataboy Parker! Thank you also Mark Schultz for the song "He's My Son" that meant so much to us during that time and still does...

Thank You God..... for the gift of reading... for life... for sons...

Especially for Your Son Jesus. For no son could ever truly compare.

Tears Flow. Faith Still Holds Secure.

On my way home from a meeting at the physical church building this morning, I got the word. An old family friend has passed away. His name was Billy Jo. He called me either his Darlin'Girl or Little Miss Sunshine and would squeeze the heck out of my shoulders with his side hugs. The tears flow because I'm thankful for the life he lived. They also flow because of and for her....

Her name is JoAnne. Billy Jo is her second husband to bury. She is only in her 50's. She has always been an example to me and any one else watching her how a wife should be. She also buried one of her sons shortly after his daddy past away. She and Billy Jo were an unlikely pair and yet they loved each other deeply. In truth, I always laughed watching the two of them together. They were beyond cute and mushy. Having known both of their previous spouses (both of whom were deceased), in some ways made them even more endearing to me. Today, she is a widow yet again.

Another thing about JoAnne has been her unwavering faith in God. No matter what trials and suffering has come her way, her faith still holds secure.

Thank You Lord for Billy Jo and his life. Thank You for JoAnne and her unquestionable testimony of faith through each moment of life in-between the dashes and her own.

Please pray for all connected. Yes, even me. This makes the twelfth person I've been more than remotely close to in my life pass on since 2005. And my faith is secure as ever... and tears flow as natural as dew on the lawn that is evergreen in my soul.

"Physical Church Building"

Question: Why do you call it the physical church building instead of the church?

Answer: The church is people. Not just a building up on the hill.

In Local News - GAS!

According to texasgasprices.com and our local newspaper:

Brookshire's and Texaco, both on South Morgan St., have the lowest gas prices in Texas.

$2.54 per gallon for regular unleaded as opposed to $2.96.

Now that news worth talking about.

Fill er up!

Better Than A Wide Screen TV

So earlier today, I was called into the physical church building to work for Ms. E. at the main receptionist desk. I said to myself as I sat down in the big black chair, "Wonder what Eugene will have to say to me today?" (No, I don't answer myself... lol)

Sure enough... A few minutes later, there was Eugene at the desk. The conversation had to do with Christmas presents. I shared with him that Brother G normally does not make requests for Christmas presents from me. What he really wants, I cannot buy for him. It is a God thing. Eugene is one of the individuals in Brother G's Wednesday night Bible study class.

An hour or so went by after Eugene left the building. He had gone to Wal-Mart and immediately thought to call me..... He just started talking as soon as I said, "This is Camey. How may I help you?" He responded, "Well, yes. You can help me. There's a 42-inch TV with your hubby's name on it that you need to buy him. I know he would like it." I just busted a gut.

What's funny about Eugene is that he was there the day I was training. Okay... Confession here: I was the President of Future Secretaries of America back in the 80's when I was in high school. There are just some things one does not forget.... Eugene told me that day that he expected me of all people to know answers to his questions when he calls the physical church building. That with sitting at that desk in particular, I should know every single thing that goes on in the church 24/7. Cough. Choke. Cough.

Ring. Ring. His name is Eugene. And honestly, I'm thankful I do not know every single thing. What I do know about Brother G is really rather simple. Christmas is not about any thing that I could purchase for him myself. The best gift came some 2000 plus years ago. And He was/is better than a wide screen TV.

Prayer Request.

Ms. E's son-in-law had his grand dad pass away. Please pray for all involved.

Ms. E. is a wonderful mother-in-law... She is taking the afternoon off from working at the local church building to help take care of the five grand kids.

Things change in a flash. Now their phone won't ring every night at 6:30 p.m. To some that might have seemed like a bother. They cherished it.

Please pray. Thank you.

Moments of Thanks.

Every day.... there are moments of thanks and individuals to be thankful for. Here are a few for today:

1) A man named Bob. He handled the widow woman on the other end of the phone with dignity.

2) A man named Taylor. His time today with hubby helped the future not seem so far away.

3) A man named "Camey's husband"..... lol Even though he is in the big city all day today and won't be home until later tonight.... he has listened to his wife every single time he has called. Really listened.

4) Two men... David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. unChristian is more than worth the read.

5) ______________ (fill in your name)

Have you been thankful at least once today? And if not, why?

"Situational Christianity"

Over the course of the last few months, this is a term I've used more and more to relate to various things happening with individuals.

What does it mean?

That a situation in an individual's life has changed; and, therefore, they have changed their thoughts and beliefs on Christianity to try to justify their actions.

This is especially true of a growing generation of ........

Senior citizens.

Ex: A man or woman who was married for years. Their spouse passed away. They had a good marriage and took care of their spouse in sickness and health. Now, they believe they are entitled in a sense to do whatever they feel like doing with another individual that they claim to love and care about. To quote an individual: "I've graduated from being married in the traditional way. I did my time. Now, I'm free to live with someone and we can consider ourselves married without all that other hassle. I do not care what any one else thinks about it."

Situational Christianity....