Servant Evangelism - A Thought or Two

Tomorrow morning is our monthly Love Granbury where we do acts of kindness. On the calendar is a free car wash at our local Wendy's. (That's a fast food chain here in Texas.) Notice the word there is free.

While this has been on our calendar for some time - what exactly we are going to be doing has not. Why a car wash tomorrow? It's suppose to be sunny, hot, and that makes for a great time to engage the great outdoors to sow seeds of kindness. Engaging our neighbors where they can be found.

Wendy's makes a decent burger and don't forget the frosty. It's also in the shopping center with a Home Depot, Starbucks, Wal-Mart.... just to name a few. That's where the "a thought or two" really comes in...

Servant Evangelism is not some complicated thing. It's as easy as some water, a little soap, elbow grease and a great location. All ages are welcome!

Who knew Servant Evangelism could be such fun too? (Ever participated in a car wash and not gotten wet? Or soap in your hair?)

Fed X Man! Special Delivery.

Sometimes one just has to laugh....

Here's the scene:

I'm sitting here at the front desk in the foyer of the physical church building.

In walks the Fed X Man (yes, I know his real name) who says, "Special delivery for Camey."

He walks over and hands me the package.

He then says to me, "You still ___________." (this part will come at another time)

My reply was, "Nope. That's fixing to change." (blah, blah, blah)

His reply, "Sister, the Spiritual Warfare is deep, but keep pressing on. You and your hubby and your sons just keep on following the Lord and praising Him when others done think you are a fool."

We then proceeded to talk about my mobile home to which he busted out saying, "Don't you know that's right Camey! Keep on telling it like it is sister! You are loved by God!"

Now that's what I truly call a Special Delivery.....

Oh, and you reader are loved by God too. Here's hoping your home is mobile.

Risky Business!

Are you available to follow Him?

Yep! That's risky business alright.

Prayer Request - Babies, Children & Teens

ALEXANDRO, 12 months.
BRIANA, 11 years.
KAYLA, 2 years.
AKEEB, 2 months.
CADEN, 4 months.
FORD, 4 months.
GRACE, 3 months.
JACOB, 2 months.
JAX, 15 months.
KIEARRA, 20 months.
KLAIRE, 3 months.
LANE, 22 months.
NATHAN, 4months.
QUOC DAVID, 12 years.
ALEXIS, 15 years.
JAYDEN, 3 months.
JOSEPH, 6 years.
KAYLAN, 22 days.
CAMDEN, 4 years.
DEVIN, 10 years.
EMERY, 10 weeks.
LILYANN, 23 months.

Join us please in interceding on behalf of these babies, children and teens.

Thank you.

The Fast Lane. Willing to Risk.

The Fast Lane:

One of the biggest blessings Brother G and I have is watching our sons as they grow in Christ. As I shared here Unashamed. Austin's Public Surrender - our sixteen-year-old is walking/living close with God these days. It is all the more evident since that day. Yesterday is a great example.

As we were getting ready to head to the physical church building for the day... I asked Austin if he had brought his lunch. He replied, "Nope. I'm fasting from food today." I just had to smile deeply. That kid kicks my butt honestly. But in a good way.....

It's been over a month now since this silly woman has had a Diet Coke or any dark cola product. Austin walks the talk. And God uses him to inspire and challenge this sister-in-Christ (aka his mom). This is his second time to fast from something in 3 months. His first, God used to speak to me about my drinking habits. As any of the women in my Bible study classes can attest.... I almost always had a drink (dark cola product) with me. If I did not have one with me - one of them would go buy me one. Yep..... I was addicted. It was a part of my routine. Giving up dark cola products has been one of the best things about having turned 40.

Willing to Risk:

I believe we are to share our ups and downs and in-between in life and living. And while at times they are for us - sometimes they are not or are a combination of both. In having given away or selling almost everything material wise in 2005 - there has been real freedom. God has used these years to constantly speak to me...... us.... about the difference between a house and home. I am willing to risk looking like a fool for Christ. Brother G and the boys are too.

Our joy is found in following God no matter how easy or difficult that might be.

For in every moment of living and life - for the Christ follower - home is found in Him.

Signed,
Already Home and It's Mobile

Real Liberty for Tana

Please continue to pray for Tana. I first wrote about her here Basic Needs. Tana.

Tana and I are developing a relationship. She called this afternoon and if all goes as planned, Tana and her three-month-old son will be visiting with us on Sunday.

I'm not at liberty to say where Tana is physically at the moment. I can say that she is drawing nearer to God.

And in that - there is the real liberty!

Please pray for Tana's son also. Thank you.

"Walked Away When 16."

Please pray for the man who just left here. He is hurting so bad. He has two daughters. He did say that while I am praying for him and his family... I could also pray for John who is 25 and in the hospital with cancer.

Hurting so bad does not even begin to describe the pain on his face and in his voice. He said that John is not religious but would be open-minded right now. I told him I do not care about being religious.

We will make sure that John is ministered to. As for the man who was just here.... it is no coincidence he is now connected to the physical church building property.

Please join me in praying for them. Thank you!

"Underwear would be falling to his knees!"

One of my favorite things about being a part of the church is when individuals help others with needs. Especially when laughter is had in the giving...

I just had a bag full of underwear brought to me to give to someone else. As the Mayor said, "Well, my husband certainly can't wear these. His underwear would be falling to his knees."

Gotta love it! Especially given the fact that the Mayor, as she is lovingly referred to, is 93 years young. Her husband, Lester, is in his late 80's.

So, now I have a bag full of underwear underneath the desk I'm sitting at.

Some things are just beyond priceless.

Praying Through Life's Moments.

One of the biggest blessings and privileges I have in ministry is praying through life's moments with others. It never ceases to amaze me how simple and yet profound prayer can be. Case in point:

There was a family that came into the physical church building one day this week. I knew who they were as soon as they walked in the door. Their heads were down and the weight of the world seemed as though it was resting on their shoulders.

I got up from behind the desk and came around to where they were. I introduced myself and told them that I had been praying for them as had our local church body there. One by one - I put my arms around them and hugged them. And while I cannot in all ways understand what this family is going through - prayer unites those that were seemingly strangers before.

One of the biggest blessings I have are individuals praying through life's moments with me. And like I am constantly told, "Camey? You are just weird. How can you have gone through all you have in life and believe and have the faith that you do?" Simple and yet profound... I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in The One who hears... listens... speaks.... draws me closer....

For in praying through life's moments one thing I have no doubt of... one cannot pray in the manner in which pleases God and not be moved... changed.... even if the circumstances remain the same.

Prayer is a gift. It is a part of worship. It is not intended to keep to ourselves.

Wherever you are at this moment - you were just prayed for.

Thank you for the privilege and untold blessing of walking through life's moments with you whether near or far. And thank you for walking with me as well.

Constipated Sheep. Goats.

Constantly amazed at the conversations I have with individuals here in the foyer of the physical church building. Then again, not really surprised!

Scooter is one of our custodians here at the physical church building. He is also a dear brother in Christ and I'm blessed to work along side of him. I was asking him if he is coming to the concert we are hosting here tomorrow night. His reply was....

"Well, I've got a bit of a conflict. You see, I've got this constipated sheep that might prevent me from being able to get here." Yep, that made me bang my hand on the desk because I was laughing so hard.

And that's another tale tale sign we are in the country. Not to mention the fact that we've had stray goats hanging outside in the grassy spots.

I could make several analogies here... Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah ;)

"God's money."

"Going out of town and don't want to take God's money with me."

That phrase was said by a widow woman who just left the physical church building.

It's Friday morning. And proof yet again that it isn't all about Sundays.

Tender Moments. More Godly Men.

Bob the Tomato was present yesterday at our physical church building. I just had to smile and laugh deeply as he walked down the hallway in the preschool wing to where the Moppets were. When he was finished, he came back and talked with me for a while. Bob's real name is Bob. And we've been connected for many many years now. His daughter was in my last Bible study class. How God used her then... and yesterday.

Because of Debra, Bob was at the physical church building wearing a Bob the Tomato shirt. His grand-daughter even calls him that. Watching Bob, because of his love for Debra and his grand-daughter, was beyond tender. Bob and I talked about our years and various individuals we're connected to. Some we agree upon... others... we've agreed to disagree on since we do not know each individual in the same ways. Bob is a Godly man. And I am thankful to call him my brother in Christ. I am thankful for his wife, his daughter, and grand-daughter. Their love for him is evident beyond words. And yet, I know it is because of his love for God that it rings so true.

The Younger Man arrived yesterday. As he walked in the front doors, I had the untold privilege of welcoming him as he said, "I'm looking for a church home." We hugged and the conversation flowed as if we've known each other for years. One thing I can say about Mark... Pastor Mark... is that he loves the individuals from where he came, and yet, he already has a love so deep for those where he is at now. He is a Godly man whom I know God is going to use not only inside the walls of our physical church building but outside... He already is.

Spending time with these two Godly men reminded me yet again about the moments of life... One man, I've known for years... the other... I have not... Our connections to each other go beyond the walls of any physical church building, city, or time. The Real Connection is the one that matters most. It is the one that makes us family.

The Spiritual Warfare is still thick and deep. The Younger Man said one Friday night not long ago, "Satan is not going to be happy." He was right.

Another thing about Godly men - they know that their Father knows best. Better than they do.... And He is stronger than any thing that can come our way.

Godly Guy and Men!

Yesterday, as Austin and I were heading to the physical church building, he told me that he wanted to take me out to lunch. He purposefully had not packed a lunch so he could take his mom on a date. I could not help but smile deeply.

The place in which we ate was having a rather difficult time. They clearly were understaffed. And yet, that just gave Austin and I more time to spend together talking. One thing I've come to know about that sixteen-year-old son of Brother G's and mine..... he is praying guy! So, he offered to pray and much to this silly woman's delight - he thanked God for the opportunity to spend time with his mom talking. The rest of what he prayed I'll leave between God, Austin, and myself.

Austin is a hard working guy as well. That's one of the reasons why he gets real joy out of giving to others like his mother. And yet, another thing that I've come to know about that sixteen-year old son of Brother G's and mine..... his first fruits always go to God. He is, as The Old Man says, "an hilarious giver." He is a Godly guy. He is surrendered to God.... to ministry. And I am thankful beyond words.

Speaking of The Old Man.... last night we had a reception for him at the physical church building. As I served individuals as they came through the line, I could not help but overhear some of what was being said to him and by him. It is clear that in his short time with us as interim pastor - he is/was loved dearly. Sure, he stomped on many many toes. But, let me tell you one thing I know about The Old Man, he loves God.... he loves people.

After it was over, The Old Man told me to stay put. That he would be right back. I didn't have to ask where he was going. I knew. He was going to tell our students thank you and that he loves them. No question they are thankful for him and love him too. And, just as he said, he was right back to me.... and hubby.

Another thing I can say about The Old Man..... he is an encourager. He wrote all our staff handwritten letters. Every single one including custodians and maintenance - after all, they are just as important. The Old Man is also a hugger. No wonder he and I get along so well. He hugged me and then looked at Brother G and I and said some thing that we will not forget... We will carry it with us daily just like the words he said in his letter to us.

There's one Godly man that no words could ever do justice to in my eyes. I am blessed beyond measure to call him my husband and best friend. I am thankful for the moments we share whether in good times or bad or in-between. He is a man after God's own heart. He loves me like Christ loves the church. And if I never receive another blessing this side of heaven - I am blessed beyond measure and richer than priceless.

Thank you Austin, The Old Man (aka Pastor, Dr. Richard Jackson), and hubby.

Thank You O Lord for these Godly guy and men.

Prayer, Praise! Come Together!

WeTheChurch.org has now officially launched.

"What? WeTheChurch.org is a very simple site designed to bring ministries together in prayer. If you need prayer for something, type it in. Have a praise about something that happened. Type it in. While you’re there, pray for a few on the prayer list. It’s that simple."

Not So Random Thoughts.

This morning Brother G and I spent some time in the big city. Driving there it seemed like forever ago that we started on this journey called surrendered to God - to ministry. The year was 2004 to be exact... today it seems like yesterday in some ways. Funny how that happens.

While in the big city, I got to spend some time with one of my girlfriends. She did not know that I was coming today. I did not know if I would catch her at work or not. She and I sat down and really talked. Not the plastic talk..... really talked and shared. We prayed together. And when it was time for me to go..... "I love you girl" was exchanged between us and totally meant/felt.

This is a person that I did not know before being surrendered to God... to ministry... yet, today, this moment, I cannot imagine life without her. We've been through some life's toughest moments together even when miles apart. Funny how that happens.

On the way back from the big city to the highly secure gated community out in the country.... I could not help but think of this journey...

and give thanks! That's God...... Funny how He works like that.

Signed,
It Is Well With My Soul

Dedicated To Pastorless Churches.

"Dear Mr. G________,

The Pastor Search Committee of ________________ has been provided your name/resume as a possible candidate for pastor. We are praying that our search will be directed by our Lord as we seek His direction in these matters. For now, we are in the initial stages of our task and are in the process of gathering several bits of information from our local church members.

At this point, we simply desire to acknowledge we have received your name. If you would prefer that we not consider you as a prospect for pastor, please send us a note to remove your name from our search.

We pray God directs you in all you do in service to Him.

Sincerely,

_________________
Chair, Pastor Search Committee"

This letter was well received by Mr. G (aka Brother G - hubby) and our family. We are so grateful that this church, through their pastor search committee, took the time to make us aware of receiving his name and resume. It could be a form letter. It still represents the type of courtesy that is welcomed on this side of the envelope.

If you are a part of a church body that is pastorless - please consider using a letter such as this.

The G family is praying not only for the church body where the letter was received from but all who are going through a time of seeking God's will.

Michael. Prayer Requests.

Please join us in praying for Michael. He came into the physical church building today for a gas card needed to get him to the doctor. He is looking at having his toes amputated.

Please do not just pray for his physical condition. As Michael said himself, "I have not been inside a church in a long time." As always in situations such as these - we extend an invitation to come visit us or one of the other local church bodies.

Michael shook my hand and then hugged me. As he was walking out the door, he said, "May God bless you for your kindness in helping others. Your smile has encouraged me."

Who was encouraged again? Funny how that happens.

Please pray for Michael.

How can we pray for you?

Basic Needs. Tana.

Tana just walked through the doors of our physical church building to pick up a gas card. It does not seem like much and yet she was in tears. $15.00 does not go as far as it used to. To Tana, it goes where she needs it to tomorrow. Sometimes our needs really are that basic as was giving her a hug and letting her let go when she was ready to and not a moment before.

Please join us in praying for Tana.

Spiritual Warfare Part II.

Wednesdays are my long day at the physical church building. I arrive at 8:30 a.m. and do not leave until 8:30 p.m. Over the course of the day, I had the opportunity to spend time talking with various individuals whom I love and am so incredibly thankful to have as a brother and/or sister in Christ and also call friend. They are family.

It's funny really. I fought being on staff. I did not want to allow myself to get trapped inside the physical church building. It has been inside those walls however where I have found some of the most amazing individuals I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Funny how that can happen. I fought it and yet it was for my own good. There was real benefit.

The topic of Spiritual Warfare is one that I do not think is talked about enough. Yesterday as I was discussing it with one individual - that person said to me, "Camey? I believe it is easier for women to talk about it than it is for men." Thinking back over my life thus far, I had to agree with this person. Yet, by the time the night was over.... I was having to disagree.

Brother G and I teach a Bible study class on marriage on Wednesday nights. After we were done last night, I walked outside and came across a certain couple. This couple has been praying for us since we first met. They pray with us. They have been of such encouragement to us. Hopefully we have been to them as well. I had only gotten out a couple of words when the man said, "Camey? The Spiritual Warfare is heavy right now. You and your hubby and the boys have been brought to my mind several times over the last couple of days. I knew something was really going on. I could feel it." His wife agreed with him and said she had the same thing happening to her as well.

As I walked down a hallway to where we meet up with our three sons to leave..... a sixteen-year old boy whom our family loves dearly came running up to me and hugged me like he normally does. Then he said to me, "Doors close. Doors open. It's gonna be good. Just hang on for the ride. I'm praying with your family!" Apparently, Austin had been talking about Spiritual Warfare with his buds.

We're fighting for something much bigger than ourselves. The Last One Standing has always been the One and Only Winner! We are a part of Him. He is with us... for us...

Spiritual Warfare.... It is real. It needs to be discussed.

If we are truly to make disciples - to be disciples.... we've got to take off the masks and get real...

And we've got to get dirty! Even if it means cleaning toilets and taking out the trash and slaying those dragons and demons.

Spiritual Warfare! Sit Out or Put On Armour?

There are times in life when things can be rather confusing. The G family totally believes in Spiritual Warfare. We are experiencing a good amount of it currently. It is thick. It is deep. It is as real my sitting in this chair writing this. For those who I know read this blog who do not believe in God.... I know.. "There she goes again." I still love you. Most importantly, God does too.

My reason for talking about Spiritual Warfare this moment is simple... For those of us who do believe and profess faith in God, in Jesus, we should expect Spiritual Warfare. If we are living the moments given to us by God for His Kingdom - truly seeking to make an impact in the lives of others... Spiritual Warfare should not surprise us when the battle really starts to rage.

I'd rather trust in Him any moment than to trust in myself. I am weak. He is strong.

And HE wins! There is victory in Jesus! In serving God!

So, I ask you this morning... Spiritual Warfare...

Do you sit out or put on His Armour knowing you do not fight alone?