Warning: UnPure Topics Ahead II

Austin asks you to pray for his parents... We simply could not resist talking about UnPure topics at the dinner table while eating homemade lasagna. We even sang songs connected to those UnPure topics.

One of the biggest blessings in life is being a parent and reminding grown children of days gone by. Oh... wait.... they're still kids even though two of them are taller than their mommy! lol

Please pray for Austin...those songs are now ringing in his head. "OH THE HORROR!"

Signed,
Lightened Up in Texas

Warning: UnPure Topics Ahead.

It's Saturday morning and Austin actually has the day off from work at the little store in our highly secure gated community.

The two of us decided to hang out and spend some time talking as mother and teenage son in the privacy of mine and his daddy's bedroom. The rest of the household was busy. So.... we knew we could really really talk.

It is no secret that I have very open relationships with my sons. But what happened this morning completely threw this mommy for a loop. I'm still not quite over it yet.

We were discussing various things when suddenly Austin said to me, "Those are UnPure topics. Do not EVER talk about those again."

Read the following at your own risk:




So.... from this mommy to Barney, Arthur, Comfy Couch, and etc. I'm sorry my sixteen-year old now considers you UnPure topics. Thanks for the memories! And thanks for the gift of laughter you caused Austin and his mommy to have this morning.

Signed,
Still Laughing in Texas

While Waiting. Don't Wait.

The title of this post might sound a bit weird. Given conversations I've had with a few individuals as of late, it seemed quite natural to write about it.

It is true that Brother G is waiting for the moment when he becomes (senior) pastor of a church. He hopes to graduate in the spring of 2009. And while we know it is not necessary for him to have graduated from seminary in order to be called to a church as pastor - there is always the possibility of that happening.

When God called us to G-town in 2005 - it was a given for Brother G that we would be joining and become active in the local church body my parents had been members of since they moved here. We were not going to be a divided household. We did all the driving - so one of us was going to be taking them there any way.

Brother G was the one who approached our local church body about becoming an intern. He was needing whatever experience he could get that being a lay leader alone could not provide. Our church body was needing additional staff but did not have the monetary means at the time. So, it seemed a natural marriage. That's how Brother G became an intern.

In the meantime..... while waiting for the moment when he becomes pastor of a church... Brother G has not been waiting. What's the real point of this post?

There are times in life when we find ourselves waiting for the moment when ________ happens. And yet, we are not to live life in a state of pause. We are to be fully engaged in living life and making the most of each moment given. How can a man who has been called to pastor/preach say, "I'm just going to sit here and wait until the day that happens. I will not be involved in what God is doing here... this moment." The two do not go hand-in-hand.

So... this moment.... I ask you....

In your waiting for ______ - how does God want you be actively involved right where you are at?

As Christ-followers we are called to be ministers..... to be light in this dark world. And no matter what any one may say...

No seminary degree is required for that.

WAY TOO COOL!

This just in from Smithee.....

We're set to baptize 5 individuals - young and old this Sunday! Can't wait to share about it...

We're still having contacts from/with various jails.

Totally cool what God is doing here up on the hill.

WAY TOO COOL!

Heart. Cross. Anchor.

On Tuesday, I lost the three charms that were given to me when I finished seminary. They were a heart, a cross and an anchor. How they came off my necklace, I haven't the faintest clue. Oh, for those who aren't familiar with the story...

On the day I was to walk across the stage, I was not there. Instead I was at my daddy's bedside as he took his final breath. There was no place I would have rather been. It was priceless time that I will always cherish. Exactly a week later, which would have also been his birthday, a package showed up at my doorstep. I had gone out to get the mail and when I returned to the front door, the same door I had come out of, there was the package in front of it. It was from the seminary. The heart, cross, and anchor charms were inside along with a couple of other items. Still gives me chill bumps just thinking about it.

Funny enough? Right now... this moment... I'm thankful that I lost them. For even though they were very special to me... the fact that they are gone does not change one single thing about my relationship with God or my call or the ministry in which I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of.

People. Places. Things. God can use them all to teach us valuable lessons in life.

Signed,
Beyond Blessed in Texas

That's Part of the Job II

Okay.. before I even begin this post I just have to say...

We just had one of the coolest things happen in the middle of the day... A man walking in with another man whom he had led to the Lord. Way too cool... Shouting time! Wow...

Last week I had scheduled what I thought was going to be an off the hook type of closing for the last session of this particular Bible study. The women had all written letters to God surrendering whatever they needed help with in their marriage and in their relationship with God in general.. and not so... digging deep type stuff here. We were going to have a burning of the letters ceremony outside with David singing as they were going up in flames and turning into ashes. I was stoked. (that means excited.)

Fast forward this week... Today there is a burn ban here in G-town. A BURN BAN. Okay.. How could I possibly go ahead with my plans? It is illegal today to burn any thing.. any where here in G-town. Not to mention we are located on the top of a hill with lots of dead grass all around as well as homes. I am employed by the church in addition to being a teacher. We're talking serious no-no stuff. But what about my plans?

They got changed. Instead of burning them - we shredded them inside the classroom. David has been sick since the weekend and even though he's here.. technically - he is not here. He has no voice and frankly is green. (said with sincerest sisterly love of course)

If I had decided to go ahead with my plans - even though for today it is illegal - I would been completely saying I was above the law. I'm not. It is possible we could have burned those letters and nothing else would have happened. Well, except what kind of lesson would I have really taught today?

That's part of the job as well...

Signed,
Thankful for the burn ban and plans changing

(Yes: David T.)

That's Part of the Job

Yesterday I was talking with a woman... she said, "SO, I heard about you last week." I knew what was coming. Sure enough....

There are times in ministry, in leadership, when you simply make others mad. Where they do not want to hear what you have to say. Not even if it is the law.... not just Biblically speaking here. And you might even be called a name or two... or three... You might be talked about in certain circles. You might even have your phone ring out of your pocket... cell phone that is.

I won't apologize for being passionate about children. About roles and responsibilities as mothers and wives.

That's part of the job. Part of the call. Sure I have chocolate for women in my Bible study classes and candy on my desk for those who sit or pass by it. That does not mean that I am all sugary.

Part of the job is understanding that there are days when people love you, hate you, or somewhere in-between. It is necessary to accept that no matter what others think of you... you must go back to the One who truly matters the most.

Again.... do your actions/words line up with His Authority?

If it does... thank Him for it even if it is not pleasant for you to do.

There is a difference between just hearing and actually doing.

Signed,
Thanking Him in Texas for strength that is clearly not my own

Giving Thanks. Answered Prayers.

This morning I simply must give thanks to Him. I remain in awe.....

One of the privileges I/we have in ministry is walking with others who are also in ministry. Brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the USA.

In the last couple of days, it has been a sheer joy to read several of the emails that are coming from these individuals. Reading/seeing/hearing how God has indeed answered their prayers. Prayers, at times, prayed while in the pit. For those still there.... take heart and be of encouragement. Real Hope, as always, is found only in Him.

Yesterday... I wrote about the Men's Ministry Breakfast that was taking place at our local physical church building. Little did I know.... Austin, our sixteen-year-old son, was one of the individuals asked to pray. Grown men kept telling me how his heart was evident in his words. And how it truly ministered to them... Austin greatly enjoyed being around the older men in our church as did Travis and Parker. Then again, they always do. May the generations realize there is much to benefit from one another.

There's this woman. I could not help but be reminded of being a good neighbor when talking with her in the hallway. She offered her new car to me to drive any time I'm in need of one. She has health issues that keep her from driving much. She said, "It is just a thing. It is to be used for doing God's will." Brother G is her lawn pastor. The boys take out their trash when her husband is out of town. We are neighbors in every sense of the word that God intended.

I've never been a morning person. Back some time ago now... I started praying for God to change me in that way. I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. praising Him. Now... if that does not go to show the power of prayer......

Giving thanks. Answered prayers. What a way to start the morning!

Thank You Lord for today! This moment.....

Now That's Cool.

Totally cool to know that there are men/boys right now in our local physical church building praying, eating, and encouraging one another.

As a wife and mother of three sons... I also find it cool how my husband has taken our sons with him this morning. How they were up and ready to go by 6:45 a.m. I am thankful and blessed.

God is at work. Our Father truly does know best. No one is cooler than Him.

Who do you think is cool?

What do you think is cool?

How do they line up with His Word?

Sunday's Scoop. Local.

Sunday is kicking off with the men/boys getting together for breakfast, prayer, and general encouragement as males.

Time: 7:30 a.m.
Place: Fellowship Hall

At 9:00 and 10: 30 a.m. - Family gathers in worship and through Bible study groups.

We're set to baptize 7 individuals this Sunday. Don't miss out on such an exciting time in the life of our local church body.

What about the traffic?

Answer: Patience is key. Starting this Sunday we will have someone directing traffic at the main light on the highway.

Why is traffic a problem now?

Answer: We're averaging over 1,000 each Sunday. Now THAT'S what we call a GREAT PROBLEM! Each person counts!!!!

Come with your hearts prepared to experience His Presence fresh and anew.

Leave wanting to share the Good News with others!

As always.... you've been prayed for. (even if you're not a local)

Highways. Plans.

Right now there is a group of men, women, students and children cleaning up highways in and around G-town. Today is this month's Love G-Town. 3 of our 6 are there right now. Obviously, I'm not one of them...

This morning there was no decision to make about whether or not I was going. My butt needed to stay home. Period. Did not matter how much I had been looking forward to this day and its adventures... my plans had been changed.

Today, I was also planning on seeing some old friends. Their plans changed before mine did.

I talk about it often... Plans.. We can make all the plans in the world.. They change in a moment's notice. Or thanks to a case of the flu.

Funny enough? As much as I was looking forward to showing G-town some love, hanging with amazing individuals, and etc.... this time has been refreshing.

Did I say refreshing and a case of the flu? Yep. That's how you know it's a God thing and not silly little me.

Highways. Plans.

He reveals His plans in ways we do not always understand. And sometimes that includes our butts having to "Sit this one out."

Signed,
His Grateful Child

From the......

I'm not at the physical church building. Brother G (aka my husband) sent me home after an hour this morning. So, if you're a local and you get that man's voice... be kind.. be gentle.....

Now if you'll excuse me... I'm going back to bed.

Signed,
The submissive wife

Softball. Hardball.

Please pray for the women in my Bible study class. Today was a heavy hitting day and I threw more hardballs than soft. Of course His Word always speaks for itself..... Walls are crumbling down. It is clear that He is doing some serious work in the lives of each woman there...

I am scheduled to teach another class when this one finishes next week. Talk about an emotional high right now. Please pray for me that I would be willing to give it up if required for I have come to love these women so. And yet, I know it in no way compares to His love for them... or me..

Signed,
Always a student even when teaching.

Whom Have I In Heaven?

Yesterday, I was told that I was being watched by a few individuals to see how I would handle a certain situation. Apparently, it is fascinating to some how I deal with my mother dating and especially Hoover's recent heart surgery and hospital stay. One thing about the conversation really struck me....

The individual told me that they thought about me when singing, "Whom have I in Heaven but You" Sunday morning. That they knew my response was no one. The individual does not quite understand how that could be... why do I not respond, "my daddy."

Like I told this individual... There is no question that I loved my daddy dearly. Yes, there are times when I miss that goofy man. But he was just that... a man.

Jesus wasn't just a man. Had he been... he would still be in a tomb.. He's Not.

And let's not lose sight of one of the most important things about life... Living for Him.

For in the end... it matters not who gave me birth... but who gave me New Life.

Whom have I in Heaven? The same ONE who is with me right now this moment...

"All Hands On Deck"

What wonderful words to hear from Pastor Jackson as the invitation time started... Really as it continued for the invitation does not start with a note of a song...

Individuals leaving their chairs to come and kneel to pray...

Parents bringing their children who couldn't stay in their seats any longer...

Individuals coming for baptism who wanted to take that next step now....

From the start of the day to the finish - His Spirit was ever present. Just as it is now still...

Words fail me to adequately describe what is taking place.

Last night I had the privilege of hosting the Deacon Ordination Reception. Thanks again to Sharon J. for all she is and does, and the deacon wives whom I asked to serve. Of course, thank you to Brother G and our younger sons too. Your dishwashing skills are priceless.

Individuals kept thanking me as they were leaving. Hugs and "I love you" were flowing just as the punch had been stirred and poured.

Over the years He has shown me time and time again - His love is not ours alone to keep.

What does "All Hands On Deck" mean to you this moment? Today?

And who could benefit from what He has given you?

Isaiah 6:8 says, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

Will you respond, "Here am I. Send me," today... this moment?

From the Front Desk

There's a lot of beeping going.... Andrew is way up high as I type...

Come and experience the difference this Sunday.

Remember our new times:

9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Also note:

Our local church body ministers to numerous individuals in ways you may or may not have ever thought of before.

If you would be interested in learning more about ways you can be of service - please ask one of our staff or check out our website.

We would love to share with you how you can make a difference in the lives of others.

Better yet... Ask Him to put someone else in your path right now... this moment...

You were just prayed for!

New Prayer Request

Please pray in regards to Hoover, aka my mom's boyfriend. He is being kept overnight for observation regarding his heart. Please pray for his family, ours and all connected.

Thank you.

UPDATE: Hoover had one stint put in last Friday. He was released a day later. Sunday I had the privilege of driving him to the physical church building with us. The seven of us ate lunch together afterwards. Thank you for your prayers. Hoover said he truly felt them. That is priceless.

Update on David

David, Brother G's brother, has been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Disorder. It is also uncertain the course of action that needs to be taken in regards to his right arm. It is possible he might lose it.

Please continue to pray for all aspects - spiritual, physical, emotional and mental.

Thank you.

Undeniable Surrender.

It's hours after we left the physical church building. I've had my Sunday afternoon nap... I sit here drinking my hot tea and reflecting over the day so far.

Undeniable surrender is what comes to my mind and heart at this moment......

I must confess that this morning's first worship service was one that I did not want to leave... or to be over... The baptismal waters flowed at the beginning and at the end.... individuals were raising their hands in confession as we sang "I Surrender All." Lives were being transformed and His presence was clearly there. As I walked out the doors and headed up the stairs... I knew more was to come. It was merely a continuation of what had been started.

Brother G filled in for a dear friend of ours in his Bible study class. He first had to explain that he was indeed my husband even though he looks so incredibly younger than the man I'm normally seen with. Losing the goatee definitely did that to him. As he shared about his decision to shave it off - I couldn't help but watch faces.

His shaving off his goatee was more about being willing to do whatever it takes even if it seems rather silly to us. That there are some battles to be had and others are truly not worth the fight. Two individuals in particular I couldn't help but feel their eyes on him as he spoke... They were listening intently.

He went on with the lesson for today and in the process - really stepped on some toes. He gave some suggestions on how to love the unlovely - or as I call them even - the unseen. He talked of the country club and how we need to get real for and with Jesus. How it is not about just those inside the walls..... He also talked about our Marine.

I've been exceedingly careful what I've posted in regards to David especially since he got injured.
But since Brother G spilled his beans this morning.... We weren't sure how exactly how Brother G was going to get to see David... if at all.. We're in Texas.. He is in Bethesda. Between schedules and the cost financially to get him there = uncertainty..... David and his wife do not understand why he has not come yet.... Out of all the family... why not him yet? He's not just David's flesh and blood brother... they truly see him as their pastor. David's & his wife's pain is more than physical.

When the class was over, I was in the hallway talking with a friend.. A woman stood inside the door and motioned for me to come back in.. It was one of the two I had noticed earlier..

What was about to happen - my mind still has not fully grasped. Instead of asking for us to pray for them... they wanted to pray for us... for Brother G and myself and our family... The man laid his hand on Brother G's shoulder and she took mine in hers.. and he prayed a prayer thanking God for what HE is doing in our lives and for the testimony he is seeing lived out... He prayed for the church that Brother G will pastor soon.. The rest, I let stay between those hearing and speaking... We all hugged and I thought that was it.... I was wrong....

Little did I know that after I left to gather up our sons and my mother to take them home... Brother G was approached by another person who had been in the class. Needless to say - when he can arrange to go - his plane ticket is paid for. Brother G won't let pride stand in his way from accepting this generous offer.

Undeniable surrender comes in many fashions and forms...

It is a process. It does not happen in one moment..

It is a daily commitment... A daily choice freely given.

What do you need to surrender undeniably today... this moment?

"Whatever It Takes."

That statement is being heard in and throughout our local church staff and body.

Whoever said that it is impossible to implement the kind of improvements needed should have been a fly on the walls of the physical church building the last couple of weeks. Things are moving fast; definitely bathed in prayer first!

It is no secret that Brother G and I love our church. These improvements have been a part of our prayers since first coming to this local church body in 2005. I know we are not alone in prayers being prayed for years for our body to catch on fire for the Lord and His kingdom. That it would stop being a country club. (Yes, I just said that in print. Many of you know we've said that to your face even.)

It is wonderful to watch the local church body rise for Christ. To stand up and say, "Count me in on whatever it takes." Yes, it does indeed get us more than misty.

When we stop to think that there is no price we can pay that can compare....

Whatever it takes should come as free as His love, mercy, and grace.

If it is truly in and through Him alone and not of our own strength.

Brother G and I are on our knees and ready to move.....

Are you living proof today of whatever it takes? Are you ready to be counted?

Would you clean a toilet if it needed it? Or hold a baby? Or give up your seat?

May "Whatever It Takes" become our motto for living as Christ-followers.