Today in History. Year: 1966.

A baby boy was born.

That boy grew up and now is a man.

I could go on and on but that would spoil my plan.

Today in History. Year: 1966.

Happy Birthday Hubby!

At 42 - you never looked so good.

Even more amazing what a Godly man you are and becoming.

I'm thankful for you every moment of living.

Physical Church Building - Open

Yes, the physical church building is OPEN today.

The Parents Night Out is still on. (Time: 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.)

Thank you.

Moments In-Between The Dash & After

My mom just relayed the following story to me... Stay with me here...

My mom's boyfriend had worked with the grandfather of the teen aged girl who died last Sunday here in G-town. They had also been neighbors years ago. So, yesterday, my mom went with Hoover to the service. My cousin, Kim, and her family are a part of the local church body where the girl and her family are as well.

After the service was over..... My cousin Kim came and found my mom. My mom explained why she was there - Hoover's connections to the family.. My cousin Kim then told my mom that this girl's parents are some of their closest friends. So close in fact that they had actually come to her Uncle's service... They did not know him personally, but because of how Kim talked about her Uncle L. - they came. They thought it was the best celebration service for someone they had ever been to. That is I'm sure until yesterday.....

For I know there were countless individuals who were there in attendance at that service for their daughter who did not know her personally - or not that well - but were there because of how she was talked about by those who did.

It seems that Alyssa and Kim's Uncle L (my daddy) had one thing in common....

They were a bright light for Christ.

Moments in-between the dash and after....

Think about it. Is your light shining bright or is it hidden?

Or do you even know the Only Real Power Source?

(Please keep the family and all connected in your prayers.)

Physical Building Closing

Due to bad weather - the physical church building is closing today at 4:00 p.m.

Thank you.

Reflecting Moments.

There are moments in life where we are a part of things that come and go. We think it is for one time - one span of fleeting moments. One such time I spoke about here: High Heels. Raspberries.

Little did I know that the woman I met that day would show up in the current Bible study I'm teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. There's a questionnaire each woman participating has to fill out for me as we begin each new study. As I read the last question which asks, "Any thing going into this study you think would be helpful for me to know?" - her answer was one that rang in my soul and through my brown high heels. I looked up at her and she smiled deeply at me.... I could not help but go put my arms around her and hug her tight. Her name is Mary.

Another woman answered that same question, "You know my parents." I had been on staff with her mom at another ministry and had often spent many moments praying for her, her husband, and their daughter with her mom. Here she was now sitting in my class having moved to G-town. The connection with her parents goes even deeper. My in-laws had once upon a time gone on a mission trip with them to Kenya. Hubby and I did not really know them then even though we were a part of that same local body. There is another connection that I will keep silent on here. Her name is Debra.

As we were going around the room, the women were introducing themselves to the group. One shared that she was awakened at 4:30 a.m. knowing she was supposed to come to my class instead of the one she was intending on going to. Then, she said, "I heard you speak some time ago at an event. We met that day. I still remember so much about what you said that day." Her name is Kathleen.

Another shared that after sitting with me at lunch last Tuesday and hearing the women who had been in that class talk about me... she knew she had to be in this class. Then she put it together whose wife I am.... Brother G and her hubby had played softball together in the fall and will be again here in a couple of weeks too. Her name is Tricia.

The point of this is simple.... The moments are not fleeting even though they come and go. Prayers prayed will not return void. We must be intentional about our moments for they are not truly ours alone. And God can and does use any ordinary Tuesday to do extraordinary things. I am so thankful to be a part in whatever ways He allows me.

Reflecting moments. May they only reflect His grace, mercy, love, peace and forgiveness.

Please pray for these women and the others involved in the class. And for their teacher who is walking along side of them learning as we go following The Master.

Signed,
Wearing High Heels Can Be A Testimony of the Great Physician's Power

This Community Does It Right.

Our community had another teenager die last night. She was sixteen years old. Tonight, there is a gathering at the local church body in which she was a part of for all who knew her. Not just those who went to that church... All who knew her and her family.

One thing I can say about Shelley and Ryan, without question, is that they are becoming experts in dealing with grief and student ministry since their short time here. They have cancelled what our student body had planned for tonight so that it did not keep anyone from attending the gathering at the other church. Shelley and Ryan will walk through these days with the part-time intern student minister at that church.

Please be in prayer for all involved. There were three teens involved in the car accident. I cannot begin to imagine what her two sisters are going through right now nor her parents. Of course, our community is still fresh from Josh's passing.

This community does it right. And I, for one, am thankful to know that when times like these happen - what church someone belongs to or attends does not matter. All are welcome.

(Shelley and Ryan... You two are loved beyond words.)

Certain Individuals...

One of the highlights of ministry for me so far has been time spent with certain individuals. Not easy times mind you... but definitely worth each and every moment.

Friday afternoon, I heard from one of these certain individuals. I hadn't heard from or seen her in months. Frankly... wasn't sure if she was still alive or not. Then, ring went my cell phone showing a text message from an unknown number. The timing.... unbelievable!!!

Tonight, I heard from her again... and another certain individual. We're going to try to get together here real soon at their request... this week or next.

Certain individuals can make imprints on our souls.... And these two definitely fit that bill.

Priceless.

It's Gonna Be Good!

This morning we're set to baptize 5 individuals. 3 in the first service and two in the second. I'm excited! God is truly doing some amazing things in the life of our local church body. Come and catch the wave!

Tuesday morn., I'm set to start another Bible study. This one is on the Sermon on the Mount. My study in preparation for it has made me so incredibly thankful to be able to teach others about His Word yet again. It's going to be a wonderful journey. God's will permitting of course.

Today... It's Gonna Be Good!

Tuesday... It's Gonna Be Good!

As Christ followers we're called to follow Him each moment of every day. Even when the moments are not so good - He is. And each one can be made into something beautiful because of Him.

If you're not familiar with the Sermon on the Mount or if it's been awhile since you've studied it... I encourage you to get a Bible, God's Word, and open it up to Matthew 5: 3-10 and dive in.

It's Gonna Be Good!

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