Saturday, April 12, 2008

Testimony - Danielle C.

"I had an awesome time even though it was just passing out water and fliers. The look on people's faces when we told them that the water was free because God loved them, one man was speechless. Another one was so happy because someone had pumped her gas and now she was getting free water! This was one of the my best memories ever! God really took over Granbury today."

Danielle C. - 15 years old

(Fliers - During the summer months we have a ministry called Healthy Kids. It provides free lunches for any one age 18 and under at designated spots all around Granbury 5 days a week whether rain or shine. That's what the flier was about.)

Note from Camey: I had asked several of the teens to write a testimony about today. Danielle had this written within the first 5 minutes we were back at the physical church building. That's how excited she was/is! More to come......

Kindness Explosion 08!!!!!!

It's here! Love Granbury - Kindness Explosion 08!!!! What a gathering we had last night at GFUMC. Just Like Jonah was fantastic. They did a great job leading us in worship. "Mattness" gave us our marching orders to remember that it doesn't end tonight. It is to continue every single day. (Actually someone else had already said it... Scripture!) Today we're going out into Granbury and the surrounding areas and sharing/showing His love through acts of kindness. Lincness is producing more videos. The body in action!!!!

If you are not able to participate with us - please pray. Last count there are 10 "churches" represented. The same God!!!!! The G family cannot wait to share His love that He has so richly given us. Huge thanks to Micky, Shelley, Ryan, Cari, Linc, and etc..... It is a sheer blessing ministering with each of you. We love you!!

Watch for testimonies to come. Make today count wherever you are!

Today - just like every single day is a great day to serve the Lord by serving others.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Please Join Us..... Prayer Requests.

Please join us in praying for the following. They are listed in no particular order. Some are local - most are not.

Andrew - 5 days old
Caleb - 10 years old
CJ - 2 days old
Kieran - 7 years old
Lillian - 16 months old
Luke - 2 days old
Qu'aniaya - 2 weeks old
Akeeb - 6 days old
Austin - 11 months old
Enrique III, 17 years old
Ford and Hayden - 2 months old
Grace - 1 month old
Jacob - 5 days old
Kayden - 2 months old
Nathan - 2 months old
Stacy - 6 years old
Zamantha - 1 month old
Alex - 1 year old
Dylan - 7 weeks old
Kimberly - 13 years old
Marcus - 19 years old

Debbie K and family
The Brooks family
Asa and family
All of those ministering through Love Granbury this weekend
All of those who will be ministered to through Love Granbury
Janie and Steve S.
Crystal and family
Joyce and family
Julie and family
Brandi's family

Please feel free to leave prayer requests here via comment or through email.

Thank you for the privilege of praying for and with you.


Thursday, April 10, 2008

20 Years - My Version

20 Years Ago – April 10, 1988

I saw your beautiful smile
I noticed your flowing hair
You sat by my side while we worshiped God
You picked me over the other pursuer
I wore boots and Wranglers
My heart was changed

20 Years Later April 10, 2008

Your smile has not changed
Your hair is still long and beautiful
We worship God more intently together
I am now second in your heart – Christ is first
I still wear boots and Wranglers
I love you more now than ever.

The next 20 Years – April 10, 2018

I don’t have the gift of Prophesy so I will live each day looking forward to the future.

What a great time I’ve had being your Husband and best friend. Thanks for keeping me the second most important person in your life.



Proverbs 31:10-31 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. 12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants. 16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. 19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. 22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29 "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. 31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.


Brother “G”

April 10th, 1988 - A Day in the Lives..

Some people celebrate their wedding anniversary. That's all good and fine. For hubby and I, we choose to celebrate the day we first met. The day that we walked into each other's lives and things would never be the same again. How God worked then and how He never has stopped.

This morning I am worshipping God. I am giving thanks to Him for the most incredible man I've ever known other than Jesus and my daddy. If you would have told me then that a simple act of turning around and inviting another person to sit with me and my friends so that individual would not be sitting alone would have the impact that it did ........ it would have blown my mind. Frankly, still does. A simple act of kindness.....

As I sit here thinking back over the 20 years - half of my life now... it is no surprise that I love this man even more deeply than yesterday or the day before or the day we married. His love for God is undeniable. And therefore, it is for me as his wife as well.

We have known the depth of joy and of sorrow. We have danced in the pouring rain. We have had the talks that most never want to entertain. Done things that most never want to do. And we have grown in Christ and in our marriage in ways that are being written on the pages of our lives.... eternity.

One thing we both believe with all our hearts, bodies, souls and minds...

Surrendered to God is the best way to truly be alive and live life in His abudance of amazing grace.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

All Access Pass. Be Careful What You Pray For.

There's this woman. Yesterday she asked me about the latest news in my life like she always does. In the midst of sharing with her about how God is working in my/our life, she said the following words to me...

"Camey, you have an all access pass here. Whatever stories I can help you share I will. It's no coincidence that this is happening now. That we are connected in the ways in which we are. There are individuals whose stories of helplessness to victory need to be told. You have our full support. Whatever we can do, we will."

I must confess to being a little blown away. "All access pass"..... those words are not heard often in certain circles. This woman loves others like Jesus. She is one of the kindest and compassionate women I've ever known in my life. I'm so incredibly thankful to call her my sister in Christ.

It also reminded me to be careful what you pray for. Since Sunday night a week plus ago now I've been praying for real confirmation about something new in my life and yet like breathing for me. That confirmation has definitely been given no matter who all else may be involved or how.

That's one thing about being a Christ follower... We do have an all access pass to Him. He is not closed behind some door with guards standing watch outside.

What are you praying for?

And are you trusting Him with things you've only dreamed of before?

Love others like Jesus today...

Monday, April 7, 2008

Little Girl Unseen.

There was a little girl today underneath the desk downstairs. She was hiding from her dad and middle sister. And she was talking with me all the while. I didn't mind that people thought I was talking to myself when she would hear an unfamiliar voice and would not respond back to me. It's par for her course. This little girl and I have a very tender friendship with each other for reasons I cannot explain here.

During her stay under the desk, there were a couple of individuals needing assistance out the doors. I would look at her and say, "Can you please go open the doors for them?" and out from under the desk she would come and with a smile beaming from ear to ear - would open the door for these strangers to her. That's what trusting someone can do. She knew it was safe to do so because I was asking her.

This little blond headed girl loves stickers. So, I gave her one. Only on her sticker I wrote, "Special friend to God and Ms. Camey." When I read it to her - she hugged me so tight and said, "I know you both love me." Tears came to my eyes for the little girl was quite right.

When she had a moment to think about it, she asked me if it were okay to give her middle sister a sticker too. I got another sticker out and laid it on the counter. She looked at the sticker and then me, and said, "Ms. Camey? I know God loves my sister and I know you do too. Please write on her sticker just like you did mine." So, I did.

When her middle sister, dad and baby sister came around the corner, the middle sister yelled out at me - "CAAAMMMMEEEEEEYYYY!" Then, came running to where I was at and hugged me tight. My relationship with her just as tender yet in different ways. Her oldest sister called out to her from underneath the desk, "I have something special for you from God and Ms. Camey." She then put the sticker on her middle sister. Her sister hugged her and they headed to the door with huge smiles on their faces like they were simply adored. They were quite right indeed.

The little girl unseen was heard in a loud way.

The Encourager.

There's a certain individual who shall remain nameless for the purpose of this post. Yesterday I spent some time chatting with him. One thing that rings true with this man, not long is needed to get straight to the point. He looked at me point blank and in a couple of words said more than some could say in an hour.

I believe we all need individuals in our lives who we can go to and be open with. That no matter what the conversation may be about - they always want the best for you that God would want for you. That's not necessarily saying the easiest, most fun or the ones that will make you rich monetarily.

As a Christ follower, one thing I believe is that every single day we are to encourage others. Not just those who look like us, act like us, believe as we do, and etc.

Others. Those who you cross paths with wherever you may be found. Or they might be heading.

I am grateful for the encouragers in my life. I hope each day to be so to others.

Who could benefit from your encouragement today? This moment?

If you have any encouragement inside of you... it is not meant to be kept but given away.

Pour it out lavishly on others.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

A Wedding. RQM. The Gifts.

A Wedding:

A cousin of mine got married in a town not to far from here tonight. Funny enough? For a couple of weeks, there's been this on-going discussion of my getting something new to wear to the wedding. I wasn't the one really discussing this mind you. It was just being discussed. I wasn't the slightest bit worried about what I was going to be wearing tonight. Not the slightest.

As I sit here writing this, the wedding has taken place and the reception is in full swing. I've been getting blow by blow plays from hubby who drove my mom and her boyfriend to the celebration. You see, I'm at home tonight. Actually sitting here writing this in my woobie - an oversized white robe. I look like a marshmallow. I've been at home since Thursday morning. Yep. No need to worry about what I was going to be wearing tonight. My cousin? My not being there did not stop her from getting married.

RQM:

Really quiet moments. I've had a good bit of those due to being home since Thursday morning. And yet at the same time - I've communicated in various forms and fashions with individuals all over the world. Goes back to connectivity. Really quiet moments are some of my favorite for the audible voice does not necessarily have to be heard but listened to.

The Gifts:

Funny enough? I see having been sick since Thursday morning as a gift. Even though we've had enough sickness in G-town to last several years now. I'm still thankful..

The woobie (lovingly given that name by my hubby) was a gift to me from one of my sister-in-laws at Christmas. She knows me well enough to know that I don't do spas but enjoy an oversized comfy robe that is big/long enough to cover me should we have unexpected guests show up at our front door. I confess - I've been living in the woobie since Thursday morning. It's soft. It's comfy. I won't apologize.

Hubby makes breakfast on Saturday mornings usually. Today was no different. He suggested that I just try one pancake instead of a stack. Parker came into the room when I was finished and asked if he could take my plate. (Again - this takes place almost every Saturday morning). When I said he could... he looked at me and said, "Well? Don't you have a comment for the chef? for dad?" He was right. I normally send back a message with him and not just the empty plate. I couldn't help but smile deeply.

Back a few weeks ago - we started having more volunteers around the physical church building during office hours. One is named Linda C. What a gift she has been! I knew she could handle things without me being there Thursday and Friday. She did so with grace.

There are other gifts that I have been given that I will share at other times. Too numerous to name at the moment for which I remain ever so thankful and ready to pour out when the timing is His not mine.

Grace.

This just in: Hubby just called to say my mom caught the bouquet. I kid you not. 20 somethings all around and 65-year-old woman caught it! Oh....... grace........

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Connectivity

As I sit here reflecting back on the moments of today - one word keeps coming to my mind. Connectivity. It has been a day filled with hugging the toilet literally, sweet prayers from dear friends, messages through emails, facebook, myspace, and phone calls to name a few. Had I not been home due to being sick - the connectivity would not have been the same. Surely some of the connections would have been there - just not in the same ways or for the duration they took place.

One of organizations my daddy was a part of called today. When I told the man that my daddy was deceased he paused and then said, "I'm so sorry. I'll make a note of that on our records." The organization was The National Parkinson's Society. I could not help but tear up for a moment or two. My daddy did not need this organization. He had Jesus. He still does. And while there's no doubt there were times when their studies or testimonies gave him encouragement, they in no way could provide him with the hope that God could and without question did and still does.

It's often been said that I am like my daddy was. Never knowing a stranger. This afternoon, that rang just as true as ever. When my phone rang, it was a number that I had never known before. And yet by the time we said our "until next time" - it was like talking to an old friend. A brother in the deepest sense. He spurred me on.. encouraged me.. laughed at and with me.. and man oh man pulled what some have deemed "A Camey"... he ended by praying with me over the phone. Funny enough? Our connectivity has been there far longer than just the hour we were on our phones.

Connectivity? Who are you connected to throughout the moments of your day? your night?

And do you really realize they are not your own any way? They belong to Him if you are a Christ follower. It is all connected.

For those who connected with me today in various ways - I thank you.

And as always... you have been prayed for just now.

Why the Same T-shirts?

The question has been asked several times the last few days... "Why the same t-shirts?"

Answer: Part of Love Granbury is everyone involved wearing the same gray t-shirt with "Love Granbury" on it. It's not about a your church body or my church body... it's His body going out and sharing His love with Granbury.

Think about it this way: My love cannot save anyone on it's own. Your love cannot either. His love? Absolutely!

Request: If you cannot be a part of Love Granbury (Kindness Explosion 08 for April) - please commit to pray. Not just say you will... actually do so..

The countdown is on!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Local Church Body News..

Yes, Brother G and I are teaching on marriage on Wednesday nights. The parenting class has ended.

Websites - just like people aren't perfect. (WE LOVE YOU ANYWAY ANDREW)

Oh.. and on another note: That spaghetti in the kitchen sure is smelling tasty! I can smell it all the way upstairs! Yummy.

Wednesdays - the physical church building is a happening place no matter if you're young or old or somewhere in between. If you're a local - get here. Bring someone with you. Guests always eat free the first time.

Make today count!! As always - you've been prayed for no matter where you are at... Even if you're not in Texas... or the USA

Local Body News..

UPDATE: We are back up and running. Power company surprised us! Not as long of an outage as they said.



Please be aware that our power will be off at least for an hour this morning at the physical church building.

Everything shutting down now.

Thank you.

No Ordinary Tuesday.

Tuesday is quickly becoming one of my favorite days of the week. It is totally cool watching how God is moving here in G-town. Not just on Sundays. Tuesdays even.

Yes, there was far more to what all took place in my class than I shared. That would have been more than enough to have made Tuesday be one of my favorite days. Ever. And I mean ever...

I teach Bible study and then work the rest of the day in the office. Confessing here - it's like I've been on the mountain top and in the valley deep while teaching and being with these women. Understand here - these are not all your typical Tuesday morning Bible study women. Far from it in fact... One of the new ones yesterday was not familiar at all with the Sermon on the Mount. The tears in the room were as real as my sitting in this chair writing this morning. And I am the old woman in this group. 40 never sounded so good. Bring it on! And don't forget the taxes...

There are times when we have individuals who seek assistance from our local church body whether they walk into the physical building or call. When we can meet the needs - we do. Yesterday, I put out an appeal for help in various ways. And people responded. Catch this - they may not meet who they are offering to help. Then again - they may. What matters most is that they are willing to help another. To give from the abundance that they have received. To give from the outpour of His love. It's all His anyway. Acts of Kindness. Servant Evangelism.

Sitting at the men's softball game I received another call offering to help. One of those times I was thankful I left my cell on. Our guys were off the charts last night. And for now - all I can really say is that God is using our men's and co-ed teams to reach the unchurched, the newly churched and those who are not yet believers. I hear that Shelley even got a double for the co-ed team after we left. And Ryan - well, he definitely broke a sweat. Brother G did not pitch for the men. That's a story for another time that I cannot wait to share. He is thankful to be the coach and the recreation person for our local church body.

One thing that makes the softball games all the more sweeter.... The two teams circle up after the game, hold hands and pray. After all - it is a time of fellowship between the different churches who are all a part of the family of God. A little competition thrown in - yes. But more of a coming together and having fun and being a tool that can be used for His glory alone. Yes, even softball can be a tool.

No ordinary Tuesday. And I remain blown away at how He works and how He moves in a town that was wanting to sleep but now is awakening.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Acts of Kindness.... Local

If you are interested in helping someone today - this moment... please contact me at the physical church building, via email or comment here.

Acts of kindness...

Thank you.

Listen? Are You Listening?

As soon as class started this morning, I knew my plans were out the door. How I thought or wanted things to go - nope. nada. weren't going to happen that way. My way is not always the best.

I'm so thankful my plans did not take place.

Listen? Are you listening? You're not going to do that.

Sometimes it's a whisper and other times it is like being bopped on the head.

This was like being bopped on the head. It hurt for a moment. Then, I listened.

Thanks to all who continue to pray for me and this class.

Without question the Holy Spirit was moving today. Freely moving.

And I am found with immeasurable gratitude.

Listen? Are you listening? What is He saying to you this moment?

And how will you respond?

Monday, March 31, 2008

Local Church Body News...

Kindness Explosion 08 is just around the corner, April 11th and 12th. This is our Love Granbury (G-town) event for April. This is where church bodies from all over Granbury gather together for worship and prayer before and after heading out into our town and surrounding communities to share God's love with others through Servant Evangelism.

"At this time we have 3 projects…which are working on widow houses, full service gas station and grocery carry out, and flyer handouts about healthy kids. It is okay if you can only participate in the service project. That is where we need the most hands on deck. Please let know by tomorrow at noon if you need t-shirts. We will keep all families together throughout the project." (per Shelley)

Our family (Hubby, Austin, Travis, Parker and myself) have been a part of almost every single one since they first started. Priceless times we have all come to treasure and look forward to. It is better than any movie you could see together as a family or any place you might go to eat... We encourage you to really give considerable prayer and thought to being a part of this. We promise - it will impact your life. It cannot help but do so. I know personally from what I speak of.

Stay tuned for more details and for testimonies of how simple acts of kindness can have life changing results!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Bumbling Fool.....

Dear Readers,

At this time I request you pray for me. I have tears streaming down my face as I write this.

All I can say at the moment is please pray. A dream of mine is on the tip of my tongue. I can taste it...

I serve a Risen Savior and there's nothing in the world like sharing His love with others.

Signed,
Bumbling Fool

Friday, March 28, 2008

In Local News....

"Don’t miss the big parade around the square at noon Saturday when the Bean Queen and the Rib King will be announced."

I kid you not..... it's often like a time warp in G-town.

Cannot help but love it no matter how much I try.

unChristian - The Book

If you haven't read unChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons... Brother G and I greatly encourage you to do so.

While it is a tough book to read in some ways - it is a necessary one to understand "what a new generation really thinks about Christianity and why it matters."

Our local church body's book club is reading unChristian currently at our recommendation. They will be discussing the book in detail next month.

You may find unChristian on Amazon for $12.23. It is worth every penny and more.

Time to reach out to a new generation and show God's love today... this moment.

It is not ours alone to receive or keep.