Indy Escapism at It's Best...and Some Deeper Thought

I have to tell you that I've forgotten how much fun an Indiana Jones movie can be. After all, it's been nearly twenty years since the last installment of one of my all-time favorite movie trilogies. On this particular Saturday the little wife and I were in desperate need of some good old fashioned escapism - especially after the stress and emotional smorgasbord of having our oldest daughter get married last Sunday morning...at sunrise...outside...and then having our middle daughter move out into her own place on Friday. You might say that it was a long and somewhat difficult week, so as we nestled into the seats at the Granbury Driftwood Theater this afternoon for a matinee showing of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," I felt sort of like the Calgon bath commercial of some years ago..."Indiana, take me away." And take me away Indiana did. What a great movie! Yeah, yeah, I know, its been called brain candy, and some of the critics have panned it as not living up to the prior Indiana efforts; but hey, if I want deeper meaning, I'll go see an M. Night Shyamalan flick. Indiana Jones is precisely what we needed today, and it did not disappoint. You had all the escapist staples - good guys, bad guys, good-guys-turned bad guys, the primary villan, danger, intrigue, high energy chase scenes, stuff getting blown up, the love story sub-plot...it was all here! Combine all this with a diet coke, a box of Junior Mints and my bride sitting next to me and I'm not sure, but I think I might have experienced a little slice of heaven right here in G-town, Texas today! But you know what? For no extra charge, I came away from this Indiana movie with a little deeper spiritual thought in my pocket - as I recall that I have with all three of the previous Indiana Jones movies as well. There always has been a very spiritual undercurrent to the Indiana Jones product. I mean, who could ever forget Indiana stepping out into nothingness over a bottomless abys, only to have the invisible bridge appear beneath his feet? A crystal clear illustration of the true nature of faith. In a similar vein, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is most definitely an Indiana Jones for the information age and it speaks directly to our most ardent search for knowledge, truth, and understanding. I'll not blow the plot for those of you who are yet to see it, but for those who have seen it, how poignant of a moment is it when Indiana realizes that its not a treasure of gold they've been seeking (an Indiana plot staple), but yet, a treasure of knowledge? Sitting there in the darkened theater, it reminded me that life really is a pursuit of knowledge, of continually trying to make sense of this window of time we have on this blue marble suspended in space. It reminded me that Solomon, obviously quite a seeker of knowledge himself, wrote that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." It reminded me of the simple fact that without God and His Word, this life makes absolutely no sense at all. It reminded me again that it is in the discovering and living out of God's calling and purpose for our lives that true meaning and cotentment are found. It is serving the true and living God that gives life its context, its meaning, and its purpose. And after all, at the end of the day, isn't that what every human being desires in the deepest depths of their souls? To truly know why they are here and to understand what this life is all about. Reminds me of the old saying that the "richest man existing without knowing God's purpose for his life, lives in abject poverty of the soul." Wow! Indiana Jones is better than ever...pure-de escapism and deeper thought, too! And all that for just five bucks a head!

A Smashed Cell. A Broken Heart.

Our life is stranger than fiction I'm often told. And today, that especially rings true. A part of our time here has included the pool that is connected with the main clubhouse inside the highly secure gated community. I'm often teased for having a pool ministry. I'll take that.... especially this moment.

As I went into what's referred to as the "Teen Room" to order food for lunch.... she was behind the counter. She has served me a couple of times before recently. Each time - talking about more than just Gatorade's in different colors please. A teenage boy who is like one of my own was working as well. We chatted back and forth. As he was cooking our chicken tenders - she told me that he was trying to fix her cell phone. She then showed it to me.... A smashed cell phone.. it clearly had met some one's fist.

She turned away for a moment and I asked, "What happened to it?" She replied, "That's what happens when he drinks. My husband that is." She then continued to speak with more than just mere words. Her broken heart clearly evident. Then suddenly, she pointed to a little girl walking around the Teen Room and said, "My little boy is about that size and he's just nine months old." While there was a smile of a mother's love for her child - there was still the cry of the broken heart.

She has a tattoo on her arm that reads, "No Fear."

Her words, body language and cell phone speak otherwise.

Please pray for her, her husband and their child. Also for those who are connected in whatever ways....

Take time to notice others. Be willing to get involved.

Jesus is the Ultimate Thirst Quencher.

The Carters. More Than A Lawn.

Please pray for Mr. and Mrs. Carter. As the Lawn Pastor was spending time with Mr. Carter yesterday - he learned that Mrs. Carter is not expected to make it through the summer. She is currently in a 24-hour care facility. Mr. Carter goes to see her every single day.

The Lawn Pastor (aka hubby - Brother G) spent some quality time with Mr. Carter last night after taking care of their property. Needless to say - it is no surprise - nor coincidence that one of Mr. Carter's literal neighbors put him in contact with the Lawn Pastor back a few weeks ago now.

Mr. Carter told the Lawn Pastor that they are not connected with any church. This is about more than a lawn.

It is about real life and certain death.

While you're praying for the Carters and the Lawn Pastor too... Ask God to help you think about your neighbors... And then DO!

It's not enough just to talk about it when one can actually do something too!

It is about real life and certain death.

Are you willing to die to self this moment?

Leaping. Going Froggy!

Last night I had the incredible opportunity to share some about what is going on with the G family currently with a few close friends.. individuals who are a part of our family due to God's amazing grace and love. And while I cannot share as much here yet as I did with them - I can share this....

Back in April, I was contacted about doing some writing. At first I was blown away - it moved me to tears. Fear stepped in shortly after and held me for a bit. There's a difference between writing on one's little blog (and other places) and the type of writing that was inquired about doing. The person who was inquiring actually wrote one of my all time favorite books. A book that to this day has had a lasting impact on my life and how I live it. It also influenced my dad, Austin, Micky and numerous others.

Within the last few days - this person came knocking again. And I am leaping. Going Froggy! It's a strange time to start this type of adventure given all else going on in our lives. If it made total sense - would it really take a leap? Faith? I'm SOOOOO not capable of this on my own.

So.... I ask that you pray for me and the rest of the G family. (And for the one who asked me. lol)

And to answer a question that was asked of me last night, "Does it have any thing to do with Evangelism?" Yep. It does. And discipleship....

Signed,
A Leap Frog for God

Spiritual Warfare III - Today IS It!

The G family has been going through some of our wildest times ever the last few weeks. The Spiritual Warfare is thicker..... it is deeper.... Today IS It! I'm even more convinced of it than ever. What do I mean? Let me explain.

God's Word is clear. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow. We're not guaranteed that we will make it through the hours of today. Am I being grim? Nope. Speaking the truth.

Why must we have an urgency about today? Because our moments are not ours. For the Christ follower - we must be about our Father's Business if we are to truly follow Him. Not wait until Sunday... Saturday night... or for whenever there's a time listed on a website or in a worship folder or on a big screen. Today.

If we believe that we are the church.... then we must act like it. If we have Good News to share - we must make the most of every opportunity to share it. And by sharing it - sometimes words are necessary. Other times our actions speak much louder than any single thing we could possibly say.

Think about where you go... what you are doing... who are you crossing paths with.

Today IS It! If we were to live as if today is our last day - can you just imagine what a difference it could make? I know I can....

I am unashamed to believe in God. I am a Christ follower. His Spirit lives in me! And I know that there is nothing that compares to the Love of God. There is no one Greater than God.....

What about you?

Are you going to live today like it is your last? Or are you going to sit by and say, "It can wait until tomorrow?"

His Word is Alive! Not dead.

Lessons from the Little Store.

Austin has been working at the little store located in the highly secure gated community for several months now. This morning, he is actually off work. Funny thing about Austin and that little store? The lessons we continue to learn from it. The following is an example of one such lesson.

There is no question that Austin has great love for the little store. It actually pains him when the store is not in the condition he knows it ought to be in and should strive to be in. Whether it is the produce section or aisle 3 where the jello is at - he wants to the store to be in tip top condition.

Austin is surrendered to God. That's part of where his love for the little store comes from. He sees what he does there as a way to show God's love. Does it really matter if all the jellos are faced the same way? To Austin it does.... it shows someone cares and takes the time to attend to that section of the store instead of overlooking it and saying it does not matter as much as the bananas. Oh.. speaking of bananas - they are the top selling item in the little store.

Ah... the lessons that come from the little store. And from the sixteen-year-old who does not just see it as a job.

Servant Evangelism Alive

These are some of the pictures of Servant Evangelism alive and in action at our monthly Love Granbury event! We would like to thank Wendy's for allowing us to use their parking lot and their water. More pics to come and hopefully a very amateurish video as well.

Note: Yes, Travis is our middle son. Parker is our youngest. Austin was at work at the little store in the highly secure gated community. Brother G was out and about being the Lawn Pastor. Micky is the guy with his back to the camera looking at the jeep.

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.