Saturday Funnies.

Parker's response to me about his snack:

"It takes like it expired. It has a bad after taste."

Fortunately for him... he was talking about store bought pudding.

*This Just In.... Parker and I just made cookies. His response - "They're perfect."

Brother G gets yelled at:

Brother G goes to the car wash after taking Austin to work... Suddenly he hears...

"HEY? ARE YOU FEELING BETTER?" as a woman starts to drive off.

Fortunately for him... she was yelling at him out of concern because he's been sicky.

This has been brought to you by: Heylaughterisworththesmile

Lifestyle Missionaries.

There's this woman that I've had the incredible privilege of knowing for a couple of years now. Yesterday, she had some news to deliver. This news was answers to prayers prayed for her and her husband some time ago now and yet will still continue in prayer and praise. Throughout our conversation, it reminded me all the more about being lifestyle missionaries.

Brother G and I were just discussing about how this is hardly thought of any more... In our compartmentalized world, we have put things into boxes - into time slots if you will. This being for that day and hour but not to overlap with this other area of our lives. Lifestyle missionaries..

One day this week I was asked about our traveling to east Texas for Brother G to preach. The individual did not understand how he could do such a thing or how our family could go with him. That our place is with the local church body.... only with this particular body. And while there is a part of human nature that makes one feel good about that for a moment... the moment flees when really thinking about it deeper.

Yes, Brother G and I are in vocational ministry.... but our mission is not only for one particular group of individuals who gather together at certain hours on given days. At times it does mean traveling to other places and sharing His Good News there. Being missionaries in foreign places does not always mean traveling overseas.

Does it make for a wild and crazy life? Yes... And frankly, we would have it no other way.

Our prayer is that more would consider what being lifestyle missionaries is truly about....

For His Word... His kingdom is not about just one day a week in one place.

Where is life taking you today? This moment? And who will you meet? Who will they see?

If His church is truly being His.... we should all be lifestyle missionaries.

Piano Music. Songs of Joy.

Sitting here at the desk, I can hear piano music playing in our Wee school.

At the moment, I find myself with songs of joy for seeing, hearing, smelling and tasting Him.

For answers to prayers prayed long ago and some as new as yesterday...

Who writes the music of your moments?

Her Name is Elisha.

What happened with her last night...

The Light on the hill...

She came straight there last night from jail. Yes... from jail.

Because of the Light on the hill. The Light that can be seen all over...

Elisha's coming is clear evidence... The sign is right...

God moving ahead!

And I am at a real loss for written words... the tears still flow even thinking about it.


Her coming was just a part of what happened last night. Yes, on a Wednesday night....

Thank You Lord for Elisha and Wednesday nights!

Light on the Hill.

What took place at our local physical church building last night still has me at a loss for written words...

Please stay tuned.. or if you're a local - I'll be thrilled to share with you in person or via the phone.

"Light on the hill."

At A Loss for Words.

What an unbelievable night! From start to finish... Unbelievable....

I'm at a loss for words.

Stay tuned....

Nickels. Dimes. Quarters.

Austin and I just returned from the bank. He had a deposit to make into his savings account, a certificate to show he had completed an on-line smart credit course, and had some loose change he wanted to get out of his way. He thought there was around $10.00. He was wrong.

It amounted to $37.58

Now to some that may be pocket change. To others that might be the world...

It definitely was a lesson for Austin and his mother on nickels, dimes, and quarters.

He now has been issued the challenge to do some thing for someone else with that money.

What are nickels, dimes, and quarters really worth to you?

High Heels. Raspberries.

High Heels:

This morning as I reflect back upon yesterday... I have to praise the Lord for high heels. The women's ministry of our local church body had its kick-off for this semester's offerings. As a part of my visual aid for the marriage class that I am teaching.. I was dressed in a skirt and had all of my hair down straight. Skirts for me almost always mean high heels. I mean high, high heels.

The women were given the opportunity to come to each table and sign up for whichever offering best suited their needs or want. I saw her walking towards me and began to smile. I had not seen this friend in a few months. She introduced the woman that was with her and began to share with her about my story..... She especially pointed out the fact that I was wearing high heels. The woman started rubbing her arms because she had the shivers... She then explained to me..

She had a child that had a form of muscular dystrophy. He died 5 years ago.. In May of 2008, it will be 5 years since I was completely healed. She welled up with tears at the fact that not everyone who has a form of muscular dystrophy dies. And I have never been so thankful to be wearing high heels on a Tuesday morning. And yes, I have the reputation of even running in them in the parking lot racing Parker to the van.

Raspberries:

Tonight starts the parenting class that Brother G and I are teaching. So as a part of studying up on the subject of parenting again... I did what I thought would yield the best research for this time of the day..

I walked into their room... went over to their bunk beds. Sat on the lowest bunk and gave Parker raspberries on his back to wake him up. Laughter is a great way to wake that kid up!

Praise You oh Lord for the gift of high heels and raspberries!

Speaking of Sticky Notes.

Please pray for Bill. He is a co-worker of Inez.

Thank you!

Prediction #2 Lives!

On January 1st, I posted Predictions for 08

Last night the leadership for our local church body gathered together for an in-depth look at our past, present and future. It was one of the best gatherings Brother G and I have been a part of during our time here.

Each person was given a sticky note, an agenda, and told to find a seat that fit their leadership position. The room was filled with chairs set up in circles with tags designating positions. Each circle had at least one position from all the various groups. That's how unity can truly start to take place!

There was opportunity for real discussion to take place. Heartfelt discussion... Passion-filled! It is evident that real change is taking place. Not starting six months from now.. or next year.. but it is happening now. Sunday will definitely show that! If you're a local.... you will not want to miss this Sunday.

Brother G and I encourage our local church body to continue to pray and seek His guidance! We encourage each person to ask God how you can be an active part of what is happening. Where you need to get involved.... and then for you to do it! Can't wait to hear testimonies of how God grows and stretches and lives are truly impacted for His kingdom alone.

And we ask that you continue to pray for us as individuals and as a family. We will be in east Texas again this Sunday.

Changes are happening. God is stretching us like never before.

Prediction #2 lives because He does!!

Prayer Requests. RQM.

Prayer Requests:

1) Joe, Sandy & family - not local

2) Laura - back in the hospital

3) MG - double knee surgery

4) B family - not local

5) C family - not local

6) Local church body as transition continues

7) The church body where we were yesterday - not local

8) Woman looking for a place to stay.

RQM:

Really quiet moments are nice.

Thank You..

Thank you to all who have said you will be praying for Brother G and our family today.

And we're praying for each of you, wherever you may be found this moment!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Yesterday I had several conversations throughout the day that really struck me...

One man, as he was preparing to leave the physical church building, came to the desk to turn in his tag to me. His wife was with him and stories started flying. This man and his wife knew my daddy. They loved him deeply. No question, he loved them as well. The man said to me, "You know Camey? Until your daddy came along, I do not think anyone but my wife knew what my name was. Your daddy made a point to call me by name every single time he saw me." The man cried while standing there at my desk.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name....

There was this couple. It was their first time to bring their children to our Wee School. They were crying... the man and woman both... As they were leaving the first time, I told them I would be praying for them throughout the day. They both thanked me... They walked out of the door with the look like they had just lost their best friends.

When they returned, and were signing in, I ask them how had their day gone. They both said it was one of the hardest days in their lives. They have never left their children anywhere before. They are wanting them to have social interaction and thought this one of the best ways to do so. The wife took my hand and said, "Thank you for praying. Please keep doing so. We need it." She then told me their names... and that of their children. She told me they looked forward to seeing me each Thursday and Friday.. (when I'm at the receptionist desk)

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

Mid-afternoon or so an elderly woman called. I have a certain way I answer the phone... So she said, "Camey? I want to let you know they're releasing me from the hospital. They do not know what happened. Further tests are needed." She then thanked me for praying her even though I can't recall ever meeting her face to face before.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

One of the publicity individuals came in to the physical church building. She was putting out publications throughout the building.. especially in the women's restrooms. As she walked past my desk.. I asked if I could have one. There have been several calls lately about all that is happening this semester. So, I wanted the newest and freshest info. I could not recall ever meeting this woman before so I introduced myself to her... Her response truly caught me off guard.. "OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!! YOU'RE CAMEY!" She then went on to explain about having seen my name as one of the Women's Ministry Bible study teachers last semester and then for the one starting this next week. And then, also, that Brother G and I are teaching a class together on Wednesdays night.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

Another couple was talking with me about the church body where Brother G preached last Sunday. They talked about the fact that it is such a smaller body that individuals truly know each other by name including that of their grandmother, aunts, cousins, and animals.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.....

Several of the older women in our church body were quite upset by one of our new security measures. They said to me, "But Camey? I'm not a visitor. I'm a member. You know me." By afternoon the tags had been changed....

There is something to be said for knowing some one's name. For having others know your name.... As long as it is kept in check - nothing wrong with it.

My question to you today is this:

If only one could know your name, who would you want that one to be?


My answer: God.

Prayer Request

Please pray for G.E. of Arlington, Tx. She is having a biopsy done this coming Tuesday the 8th. Ms. Gloria asked that we pray for peace for her and her family, that God grant wisdom to the doctors and that the area of concern is benign. She is very optimistic and thinks that the doctors are erring on the far side of caution.

Early Morning Praises!

As I sit here reflecting over the past few days and looking toward the days ahead.... Praises are on my lips and through every vein in my body.

Last night a group of individuals came together to give praise for prayers answered. Testimonies were shared, Scripture was read, audible voices were raises even without a musical instrument. As we got in to small groups to pray.... Brother G & I were prepared to be just us two as we had last week. A certain couple insisted on joining us. Their prayers being humbling and refreshing. There was not a dry eye...

Brother G and I are the only ones awake. He is currently working on one of his two sermons for Sunday to deliver in East Texas. Of course that will mean more traveling. And while we will no doubt miss our local body here while away.... it is again answer to prayers prayed. How can my eyes stay dry with the very thought of how He answers and stretches and provides opportunities to be active in His service?

As I start preparing for the Marriage class on Tuesdays, the parenting class on Wednesdays, and a break out session for a retreat at the end of the month.... I am met with gratitude beyond what if said truly out loud would make any sense.

As we were walking out of the worship center last night, Randal laid something on our hearts. Nothing our local church body has never known. And yet, no doubt is entirely possible only because of God. I cannot wait to see all He has planned!

You, Oh Lord, are the sun rising in the morning.
It setting in the night.
And every cloud and ray of light that beams from the sky.
Your Love is like no other.
Your mercy and grace are unending.
And it is beyond me how You paint the pictures that You do on this canvas called life.
Early morning praises belong only to You.

New Security Measures

New Security Measures:

Every individual who comes to the physical church building must sign in at the receptionist's desk first.

Let me repeat... Every individual.

We realize this will, and already has, ruffled a few feathers.

Please keep in mind these security measures are here for reasons.

Thank you for your advanced cooperation.

*UPDATE: For those upset with the "visitor" tags.. they've now been changed. Thank you Stephanie!

Prayer Requests

1) The Askew family - son is having heart surgery today. UPDATE: Out of surgery. Hopefully will be released on Friday.

2) Joe & family - not local

3) Buffaloe family - not local

Thank you.

That's Tradition for Ya.

Our youngest son, Parker, enlightened us on Sunday morning. In keeping with being thankful for our children's honesty, I thought I would share about our conversation.

It seems that when Parker realized there were hymnals at the place we were at.. He said, "Oh, this is a hymnal church. I do not know many hymns you know." I looked at him puzzled and then it dawned on me..

Parker has only known "contemporary worship"... which means that the only way hymns are sung is via words plastered up on big screens with a more jazzed up tune than how they were originally written. The exception of course being songs attached with Easter or Christmas.

He is our only son, out of the three, who has been raised this way. Looking back over the time line of his life... it made total sense that this took place. We've been a part of two church bodies - each that had only one set time for student (grades 7 through 12) Bible study or Sunday School as it was once called by the time Parker was old enough to really start remembering. So, with only one time for our other sons to attend, came the automatic decision of being a part of the contemporary worship service.

So, Parker has the tradition of contemporary worship. Being at a "hymnal only" service was completely out of his comfort zone. He was still able to worship after the first few minutes..

What also struck us funny.... When the men began to gather up front for the offering time.. Parker leaned over to me and said, "Wow! That was fast." I then reminded him that his dad had not preached yet... so, therefore, the service was not over. Part of his tradition the last two plus years has been the offering being taken at the end of the service. I informed him that not every church body does it that way. Clearly, messing with his tradition, caused him to lose sight of other important factors.. such as hearing God's Word proclaimed from the pulpit.

That's tradition for ya.

What are a part of your traditions?

Examine them... Ask God to reveal how they might keep you from truly worshipping Him.

Local Body - Praise Time!

Last Thursday night we were called to prayer as a body... Prayers were heard & answered.

Join us tonight (Jan 3rd) at 7:00 p.m. in the worship center to give PRAISE to God.

Hope to see you there!

Power Source. Singing Saints.

Power Source:

This morning found us without power in parts of the highly secure gated community. Yes, those type of things really do happen here too... Apparently what our guys, and this hubby and wife needed was just some serious down time. We were all so cold (hey, our version of cold for Texas) that we climbed in our bed and snuggled. We dozed off and on or talked about things. Then, stomachs started rumbling...

One thing about an all electric house? When the power is out... No cooking going on even if there are some amazing left-overs from New Years. Not even the microwave can pop that all important corn that Travman so enjoys. So, out to lunch the five of us went... looking like we had just rolled out of bed.. naturally... because, well? We had....

Singing Saints:

As we were walking in to one of our favorite pizza joints... there came that white van our family knows so well... The guys all said, "Ut oh! Better get in quick before all the pizza is gone." Sure enough... they started piling in all dressed in red. Way too cute. Them... not us mind you...

Hugs and conversations were had. As we were leaving, they told me I needed to come with them on their next stop... I had on a red shirt also. Brother G lovingly and graciously shared with them that no they really did not want me to join their singing group... not even for one song. Laughter was abundant!

Mixed in with the Saints also came in jamming Ray... He sat at the table next to us. We could not help but talk about all the noise Ray's electric guitar makes during our local body's contemporary service. We also had to laugh about how much fun we've all been having playing the Wii.. According to Ray, he is a pro golfer now!

The power just came back on... No doubt the living room is a bowling alley now.

The Source of Real Power never was turned off. And those Singing Saints sure can eat... especially one named Ginny...