Life's AHA Moments! Compassion.

Last night our two oldest sons, Austin and Travis (16 & 13) returned from Student Life Camp. As I sat there and listened to them.. it was clear that they indeed have had "AHA" moments this past week.

I asked each one of them, "If given the choice between going back to Student Life Camp for another week or going back to Mission Arlington - which one would you pick?" They both said Mission Arlington. In fact, Austin said, "I don't think I'll be going to Student Life Camp next summer. My plan is to be out serving others instead." Travis said, "I'd definitely take Mission Arlington. Sure it was tough work but well worth it."

As with any trip away from mom and dad our sons go on, I spent some one on one time with each son. A couple of weeks ago, I thought about suggesting to Austin that he adopt a child through Compassion International (www.compassion.com) - I decided against it. Now I know why......

Austin has adopted Frixon Ariel Medranda Vera - a ten-year-old boy from Ecuador this week through Student Life Camp for $40.00 a month. Any day of the week as a parent and as a sister-in-Christ - I'd rather him do such a thing because he is compelled to because of God's love outflowing through him. Austin is at the little store here in the highly secure gated community as I type this with yet another purpose for his service there. He is a stocker, checker, produce man, and etc. with a joyful heart and a smile that reflects that even when he is dirt tired.

Travis said to me, "Mom, I have to agree with Austin. I don't know that I'll be going back to Student Life Camp next year either. I know there are better ways to spend my time for God." We have seen such incredible growth in Travis the last few months especially. And as Parker, our ten-year-old said, "That's what we're suppose to do - not stay the same. We're suppose to grow as we serve. And serve as we grow." Talk about "AHA".....

Parker has spent a good amount of time with me at the physical church building this week. We've talked about the various things as they've gone on. From the phone calls of individuals seeking shelter, food, or ...... to those who walked in the doors - we talked. One man came in to the building as I was upstairs making sure the night service was on. Parker ran up the stairs to get me saying, "Mom, I think he's been in jail. He needs help." He was right. And when I told the man I remembered him from a few months ago, he had tears streaming down his face.....

"You remember me Camey?"

Please note here.... I did not have my name tag on. He then said, "I remember how kind you were to me. Thank you."

God's Compassion fails not.... we just have to remember it's His... not ours to keep.

As with Compassion International.... it can be as simple as $40 a month..

As with Healthy Kids... it can be as simple as giving out a free lunch...

How is His Compassion flowing out of you?

Rumors!!!!

Rumor #1:

I hear the students will be back around 6:00 p.m.

Answer: True. Can't wait to see those smelly faces and hug the heck out 'em and see how God rocked their worlds!

Rumor #2:

Brother G was seen working at Wal-Mart today.

Answer: Also true! In addition to being The Lawn Pastor ... he's now The Wal-Mart Pastor too. See a pattern??? (He's a stocker.. not a stalker.. watch the spelling please people.) Stay engaged where you are at and be prepared to leave brings on whole new meaning yet again.

Rumor #3:

The students were challenged in last night's sermon to stay on their mission trip even after it is over.

Answer: True! I know because I was listening live via their website! As a parent with a son going on a mission trip here soon - it's okay with me if he does not return because he has been called to stay there. Yes, I just said that out loud (well, sort of). He's not mine to keep any way..

Rumor #4:

There are items needed for VBS still.

Answer: True! Remember folks.... we're looking to have hundreds kiddos here at the physical church building that week. Some of which we're connecting with through Healthy Kids currently. (Over 600 plus free lunches have been served since the 5th of June.)

Rumor #5:

It will be hard to top the motorcycles from last year. What are they going to pull out of their hats for this one?

Answer: That was off the charts! And true... very true. I have no clue - even if I did...... shhhh

There ya have it folks.

I'm Naked. I Gotta Go Potty.

I'm often asked why I get such a kick out of working the front downstairs desk on Thursdays and Fridays....

You know the old, "Why on earth would anyone want that job?"

The widow ladies are going on a day trip today.

"I'm naked."

"I gotta go potty."

These things have already been said to me this morning while at this desk.

The one lady was seeking my help because she had forgotten her earrings. Therefore, she was naked by her definition of the word and circumstance.

The other ladies all saying, "I gotta go potty" took the time to then explain to me the necessity of going to the potty before going on a road trip.

There ya go... Just a couple of reasons why. Laughter simply abounds!

Praises! Prayers Being Answered.

Latest txt msg from Dawn:


"Praises! Wrangler moved from ICU. Now at Richardson Tower. Night went well. Go 2 Harris Hospital website and send him an email. They will hand deliver 2 him! He was very excited 2 get some yesterday!"

For specific room number information - please contact me directly via the physical church building until 4:30 p.m. central or leave a comment here and I will call or email you with the information.

Please keep praying! God is answering prayers...

Praying in the Spirit. Noticing Others.

Yesterday morning before leaving for the physical church building - I had been praying in the Spirit. A "open my eyes - help me see what You see.... make me not be able to be comfortable" type praying. This is a part of my very breathing... For someone who is as shy as I am - the type of ministry I've been called to requires more from me than I am able to do or give on my own. I depend greatly upon Him to guide me. Otherwise - sitting behind this desk is good with me. That's why it demands surrendering every single day. Again praying in the Spirit....

Please be aware - this next part may offend some. Others will be able to laugh with me and understand my gratitude.

I threw down my dinner. I was so hungry that I did not really take the time to eat slowly. Really had not eaten that well during the day so was ready to chow down. Totally forgetting that I do not eat broccoli and cauliflower in such situations. It tasted so good though!

So, on my way to make a hospital visit.... Gas and burping became a passenger. Shortest hospital visit I have ever made! I headed back to the physical church building to hide out until Parker was ready to leave.

I was sitting at my desk upstairs when she walked by...Her head was hanging down low. There was sadness and despair written in her overall body language. She did not notice me at first but then turned around and looked directly at me. I motioned to her to come on in...

She tried to act as if nothing was wrong at first. Then I asked her, "Tell me why the despair?" She looked at me as if she realized I knew any way... and then poured.... and poured.... out.

This is one time when I can say that gas was a blessing. Praying in the Spirit often brings about opportunities to truly notice others. I was not able to immediately solve her problems. But sometimes - just knowing someone will listen and then actually does is food for the body and soul.

Please pray for this woman and her circumstances.

Please pray also for the woman in the hospital as well.

Although I would beg to say that they both were in one.

Speaking of Difficult Moments...

This morning I am totally laughing. The main computer I use is not working properly...

Yes, it is the very one I have the first installment of the writing opportunity thingy on.

Good thing I was able to print a copy up before the computer went south. (Funny I thought we were already south being in Texas!) Looks like I'll have to retype the whole 750 words.

Now is that really a difficult moment? On one scale perhaps.. others - nope.

Wrangler is having surgery again this very moment - talk about truly difficult.

Please continue to pray for him and all connected.

May they know The Comforter's presence like never before.

Dealing with Life's Difficult Moments.

One of the things I'm often asked to talk about is about dealing with life's difficult moments. So, here we go... if you know me at all.... if I can share from personal experience(s) - I try to. I've found over the years that it helps others connect better.

I was asked specifically: "Camey? The last ten years of your life especially are like something one would read in a book. How can you say if you never receive another blessing you're blessed beyond measure and richer than rich?" Okay... So how can I?

The last ten years have been the worst of the worst and the best of the best all thrown in and mixed up together. Through all of life's ups and downs and twists and turns... God has been there. He has been my refuge. I have learned that there are no arms better. There is no love stronger. There is no bond tighter. There is no relationship more important.

One day when daddy was needing a bath... I had the privilege of telling him he was just going to have to get over my bathing him. The nurse could not do it alone given daddy's health at that moment. Daddy was mad at me. I was his daughter... I was not suppose to be bathing him.. taking care of him... He asked me, "Cam? When did I give up control?" I then reminded him of the years when I was ill (trading places takes on a whole new meaning here) - he told me numerous times over that my not being able to do something for myself was another person's opportunity to receive a blessing by doing it for me. That we never have the ultimate control that we think we do. So, I repeated back to him what he had said to me. . And we laughed.

Why laugh? Was that laughter inappropriate given the circumstances? No... not at all. He was mad at someone whom he had cried many many tears with years before when she was lying in a hospital bed not able to move from the neck down. Now.. here was that same person being able to bathe him.. take care of him.. at his times of greatest physical needs. The most basic of basic needs just as that person had known herself. As I had known myself.....

During the years that I was ill, daddy would often say to me, "You know, God is teaching me that as much as I think I can take care of you.. make it all better... save you... I can't." And I could not make it all better or save him either. I wasn't suppose to. That was not my place as it was not his either.

We were created for God... He is the Only One who can truly save any of us. It is only the depths of His love that even in the midst of the most difficult moments can make one be filled with joy and laugh. Pain can rip out our hearts to such a degree that we think we will never be the same again. And honestly, when pain comes - it means we are to be changed - stretched. We are given the opportunity to look to Him, and say, "I will trust You even when it does not make sense."

God is bigger than any and all circumstances. And when we can come to grips with that...

We can dance when the rain comes in our bare feet and sing His praise with arms wide open even to a song we don't like the beat of.

Are you able to dance today.. this moment?

Are your arms wide open or are they closed not willing to be unclenched?

Prayer Requests for Staffers.

UPDATE 6/24/08:

Funeral for Cathy's dad is Thursday 6/26 in Bartow, FL. For more information you may contact the physical church building.

Wrangler is off the ventilator.. He is doing good. Talking a little. Keep praying for no infection. He is at Harris Downtown Ft Worth. More surgeries to come.


(AP) Randal - Cathy's dad passed away Sunday night in Florida. His diagnosis of cancer to passing was very quick.

(MA - preschool/children) Cassie - her son, Wrangler, was hit on his motorcycle and is at this moment having surgery on his leg. He will have several more surgeries. He will be in the hospital 7 to 10 days at least according to doctors.

Please join us in lifting up these staffers and their families/friends during these times.

Thank you.

It's A Funny Monday.

It is not even noon here in G-town. (might be by the time I'm finished. lol)

What a funny Monday....

By 8:15 a.m.:

A gang of 88 peeps left out of the physical church building parking lot heading for Student Life Camp in LA. Two of those peeps are mine and Brother G's sons - Austin and Travis. Talk about excited! Too dang funny. They didn't have to hug their mama goodbye before getting on the bus because we're a hugging family daily anyway.

There are a few individuals that I have purposefully been investing time in the last couple of months especially. Some are also on that bus. I asked the one with the name written on my prayer band how could I be specifically praying for her this week.. Her response... "That I would have the courage to share my faith with others." Oh my.... what a privilege to pray that kind of prayer. Please join me won't you?

Another individual on the bus I've requested prayer for numerous times before from various individuals/circles. She is not happy about being on that bus. She may be smiling but she is not happy. Brother G, myself, her grandparents and etc... cannot wait to see what God has in store for her this week. It is no coincidence she is on that bus. Yes, of course, please pray for her.

Please pray for all those adults and students. Pray also for their families back in G-town. May God truly rock lives this week! May they be shaken and stirred and poured out!

11:30 a.m.:

I was arranging for more time for the young woman and baby to stay where they had been moved to on Friday. Shortly afterwards - she tells me her news.. She has found a place to stay with a friend. That friend has a relative who is willing to loan her an extra vehicle they have to get back and forth to the new job she just got on Friday. She was beyond grateful to our church body.... and hopefully we'll see her for dinner and Bible study on Wednesday night if not before. Yes, keep praying for her and her baby.

Parker and I had made a delicious homemade lunch of three cheese grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup with bacon. We cooked together and then totally chowed down together. Yummy!

Brother G has called a few times from the physical church building... He's working on website stuff this morning and eating lunch with a fun bunch of peeps. Funny enough? More knocking this morning from a different church than last week. We kind of thought maybe that one had gone past us... Goes to show... Seeking God's face!! And yes, we believe in being open about the fact that his resume is out and about. We're prepared to stay in G-town or to leave... staying fully engaged and yet prepared to move. THAT is only possible with HIM!

All day today:

It's Shelley's birthday! Yes, she purposefully planned to be gone to camp! That right there is someone who cares more about the students than being pampered.... lol We love you Shelley! We are exceedingly blessed to call you our sister in Christ, dear friend, and our sons' student minister (along with Ryan.. except the sister part... lol)

Right now:

I'm closing this puppy down. That writing assignment has my name on it. And I am counting my blessings for the privilege of being able to write about how prayer and serving truly go hand in hand.

OH... and yes.... lest I get in trouble again for not mentioning it... It has been 5 years now since I was completely healed physically. My gratitude for that goes without saying. May I never forget what it was like to be fed, bathed, and etc.... Somehow, I know I won't. My HOPE is in the Great Physician ALONE... otherwise - I should still be paralyzed from the neck down waiting to take my last breath.

And you've been prayed for wherever you are at this moment! Thank you for that privilege.

Oh Those Men.....

This afternoon I was reflecting back over the day thus far...... I could not help but smile deeply. Let me explain why...

The G family is incredibly blessed to have some amazing men in our lives. Some having been around since I was a little girl - others having really known only for a few months now. One thing is a common thread amongst these men.

Shortly before leaving the physical church building, one stopped me and put his arms me and hugged me tight. And I hugged right back. We do not always agree but that does not stop us from loving each other richly. If you've ever heard me talk about "The Ten Men"... he is one of them. Brother G walked up shortly after and this man said, "Hey Man! I'm praying!" And laughter erupted as only can between individuals who are so connected. Brother G knowing that I had shared with this man something we've been discussing and praying about and seeking God's face on. This man almost always says to me, "I love you kid." And without question - we love him and his wife.

Another man was opening the doors for individuals. As he was finishing for the morning, he walked over to me and hugged me. For as long as we've known one another - the majority of my life now... he has started off conversations with me by asking, "So? How's Camey today?" Today was no different. We share life's ups and downs and have seen each other through some of the best of times and worst. Again, we do not always agree but that does not stop us from loving each other richly. And without question - we love him and his wife. And yes, he is another one of "The Ten Men."

Over the course of the last couple of weeks in particular.. Brother G and I have been getting to spend real time getting to know Pastor Mark.. Mark. I've been asked what are my thoughts and opinions of him. That always strikes me as funny actually. This morning's sermon was an example of why there is no doubt Mark already holds a tender place in our hearts... He shared about how only God completes any person. About how we are to seek God's face and not only His hand. He was wearing this dumb smile because he is so excited about going to camp with our students this week. Why it is called a "dumb smile" is beyond me because it really is rather smart.

Earlier this morning I wrote about another very special man in our lives.... Again... One common thread....

They are some of God's men. God loves them. They love God. And because of that... they invest in the lives of others. Giving what they do not have on their own but must rely on God for.

So, I issue this challenge for any man reading this.... Consider the following:

What do individuals say about you?

Do you invest in the lives of others because of God's love for you and yours for Him?

In this day and age... it is vitally important for men to step up to the plate and get off the sidelines or the couch.

Are you now.... will you be.... One of God's Men?

Are you ready to go where no man can truly go alone?

One of God's Men.

Today is the birthday of a very special man. He is clearly one of God's men. Time and time again, God uses this simple man in ways that only He can. This man at times wears his heart on his sleeve but that truly only makes him more endearing. This man is not afraid to say what he thinks and mean what he says. This man is a risk taker for the sake of God's kingdom alone. This man is a devoted family man. I could go on and on for this man is truly one whom God has used time and time again in our moments of life and living... especially through prayer and real communication. This man is a servant of God.

Happy birthday to one of God's men!

May God bless you PT in ways you've only yet to dream of... for His glory and honor alone.

The G family loves you and are grateful for your life beyond words.

Prayer. A Date. Saying Sorry. Funny.

Prayer:

On Wednesday afternoon, I had the opportunity to spend some time talking with a man that encourages the heck out of me. Funny enough? This man and I have never met face to face.. yet. In that phone conversation, he and I were discussing the importance of prayer in the moments of life and living... and in serving. Late yesterday afternoon I was asked why do I take prayer so seriously. The conversation with this man came rushing back into my mind. And that was used to help share with this other individual about seeing prayers answered in ways that one simply cannot explain except with God and the power of Holy Spirit. Conversations not filled with empty words. Words that help breathe God's kindness and grace into those of others.. The effect is one of overflowing, pouring into another, and the ripple goes on and on. I believe in the power of prayer. And I am always thankful for the opportunity to share about the Hope that is only found in God.

A Date:

As we were leaving the physical church building last night, Brother G and I were talking with two teenage girls about the importance of dating even after having been together so long. Our lives have been extremely wild as of late... so, we decided to go to dinner and then for a ride out in the couuuuuuunnnntry. As I was having the pleasure of riding in the passenger seat along side of the man that I love more today than yesterday... I could not help but be taken in by the scenery and the sound of his voice as he was singing. As we returned back into town - talk about feeling refreshed and revived. We weren't gone but a couple of hours and yet they were incredibly sweet. I am blessed beyond measure to be Brother G's sister in Christ, wife, mother to his sons, and partner in ministry. That all goes back to prayer..... every single bit of it.

Saying Sorry:

Yep. I had to say I was sorry to Brother G just a few minutes ago. OUCH! Fortunately, every one who knows me knows I'm soooo not perfect anyway.. He asked if there was a new message on the answering machine last night when we returned back to the house. I said no... just assuming without checking that it was a message I left for my mom to hear. Nope... when I checked it this morning.. it was for Brother G. (Knock. Knock.) Again... that all goes back to prayer..

Funny:

Parker absolutely cracks me up. As we were spending time together this morning - just the two of us... he said to me, "Well, that's obviously......." Oh, did I say, "just the two us?"

As always, you've been prayed for this moment wherever you may be.

Those Calls. Those Faces.

Little did I know when I wrote that post this morning what would transpire on this regular Friday.

Parker wanted to be with me today. He was still asleep when I left for the physical church building this morning, so I let him stay asleep. Around 10:00 a.m. he called me still really wanting to be with me even though there were others at the house. There was a sense of urgency to his voice. I immediately left and went back to the highly secure gated community and picked him. My phone rang again while driving...

Parker and I then had an adventure with the young woman and her four-month-old son. She needed to be moved from one place to another. The timing did not work out for an individual I had arranged it with. So, there we went... Parker and his mom... also his sister in Christ.

The little car could not hold all her and the baby's things. Two trips were necessary. As Parker and I got back in to the car to head back over to where she was at - the car would not start. Please keep in mind here that I am talking about the sixteen-year-old car which totally has a mind of its own as we say. I was calling the physical church building for assistance when finally - it started and we were back on our way.

After we got her and the baby's things all moved - we got some lunch and took her to the place in which she now has a job. Her and the baby mind you... The manager totally agreeing to give her and the baby a ride back when they were finished.

Parker was a tremendous help during all this. He not only helped keep an eye on the baby while he was in his car seat or bouncer, but also made him smile and babble. Please do not lose sight of the fact that I'm talking about mine and Brother G's ten-year-old. He could have been at the house playing video games or whatever else. He knew he needed to be with me. Funny how that works. Also, the manager could have said no to the baby coming with her and to giving them a ride when finished. Too many other details falling into place so quickly.

Shortly after getting back to the physical church building, individuals started returning from Healthy Kids. Families going out and feeding families today. A dad, mom, two boys and a daughter not only giving out free food but books as well. Another set was an older man and his daughter... the volunteer which I talked about yesterday. The older man has just agreed to help teach seventh-grade boys Bible study on Sunday mornings. Travis, our middle son, is in that group.

Like I have said numerous times... I do not believe in coincidences.

Kind of like how a church on the other side of town called today. They saw on-line where we're doing the same VBS they are and want to see how we can work together in reaching this town for Christ those weeks by sharing resources. That church is where we held the worship services for our annual Love Granbury this past April. Love Granbury being where we go out as The Church and share God's kindness in our town and surrounding communities. That's the weekend that Austin made public his surrender to God and ministry. He's been a Christ-follower since he was in the first grade.

Behind me at the front desk sits a box of food waiting for an individual to pick up. I'm watching one of the dearest people I know clean windows even though in a couple of hours... there will be children all over this place for a Kids Night In. The kids stay - the parents/grandparents go out.

And as I was typing that last part... another call for assistance came in..

Those calls. Those faces.

It's Friday... not a Sunday....

Fortunately, God does not live by times on a website or entrance door alone.

What time does your clock say it is?

How will that direct your steps and sharing His love and kindness?

Those Calls. Seen. Unseen.

Late yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call. It is a call that I've gotten several times while being here in G-town and ministering to the seen and unseen.

"Camey..... I don't have anywhere to go. Can you help me?" Each time this has been said by a young woman with a baby/child.

She was calling from a hotel room where she only has money to stay a couple of nights at the most. The shelter at this point is not an option. Rules and regulations and all that jazz.

Please pray for her and her baby. Please pray for those who will have the opportunity to invest in someone(s) they've yet to met or might possibly not ever.

I cannot begin to tell you how many individuals I talk with every single day..

Those calls.. Seen and Unseen by those around them.

Fortunately, God is God.

May she see Him like never before in those He sends their way. Whether she sees them or not.

Prayer. Serving.

What on earth could those possibly have to do with each other?

That's what I'm currently working on in regards to the whole writing opportunity thingy for the moment.

So.... for those who have said you will pray and/or are praying for me about this...

There ya go...

750 words.. hmmm.

And if someone wants to take a stab at writing my bio for me - go for it!

3 lines only please.

Funny Looking Group of People.

Last night was flat out amazing. I was in the back of the crowd listening to a funny looking group of people share about serving others. Why were they funny looking? Let me explain....

Any time you take a group of middle school kids, four high school guys and girls, and throw in a few adults with opportunities to really serve others - chances are they will have these encounters that simply blow them away. Therefore, not returning the same as when they left.

We did not just listen to the group. Thanks to Lincoln's incredible talent... we got to watch them in action via video. Time and time again, a thirteen-year-old or fourteen-year-old holding hands with a little child while playing games. They also did trash pick-up, held a free garage sale, did general repair work, fixed hundreds of free sandwiches, and the list goes on and on. Again... a funny looking group of people serving others.

I'm sure that going to Disneyland is lots of fun and memories are definitely created that can last a life time. Please note... I'm not knocking that sort of thing. But what I am saying is this...

We were created to serve. And when we serve in and through God's kindness - there really is nothing that can compare to it. Not winning a Super Bowl, or PGA Golf tourney or the Lottery. Lives are changed beyond one moment in a time.

Just ask that funny looking group of people.

Who says that teens are the leaders of tomorrow?

And in being in the back of the crowd - I had the pleasure of watching those in front of me...

They were moved to tears and inspired. They even danced and moved around to silly songs.

When it was over... as I walked around talking with various adults I heard the same thing over and over again.....

"Wow! I had no idea that's what they were going to doing. It makes me want to serve. G-town needs that sort of thing right now."

Thank you Ryan and Shelley for leading by example yet again. You guys rock!

And it is a pleasure as a parent to have two of those funny looking people still talking my ear off about it. Praying daily about how they can serve others wherever they are.

Serving others really is that easy.

Seeking Silence. Listening.

The last couple of nights I have been so wired. There is much going on in our lives that words simply will not do justice to at this point and time. As the rest of the household was snoring last night, I was seeking silence. Hence, the headphones were put on and the tunes were tuned up high..... lol

One of the things I've been discussing with individuals a good amount lately is prayer. About how to bathe life's moments in direct communication with God. In good times, bad, or in-between.... there is no communication for the Christ-follower that can compare to pouring out and listening.

There are times when I'm asked to pray for various individuals or offer to. And while I consider it a tremendous privilege and blessing to pray for others.... to stand in the gap for them... there is no comparison between my prayers for them and them praying themselves. For one thing I firmly believe about prayer ........ it changes the person who is praying. That I can testify to.... a work in process constantly. Refining... pruning... growing.. stretching.. letting go... moving forward.

And in seeking silence and listening.... change is a desired result. Or at least it should be. Not change for the sake of change alone... for that is rarely ever long lasting or permanent.

If you're overwhelmed by the chaos and noise... may you seek silence and listen.

May the Holy Spirit be more to you than just a voice on one side of your shoulder.

And may any change that occurs be for God's glory and honor alone.

Right in Our Own Town. Who Are Our Neighbors?

Healthy Kids is in full force in G-town. Today was the perfect example of why this is a huge need in our town. I'm not even sure I can fully put it into words at the moment.

Four girls walked up to my desk at the physical church building after returning from delivering Healthy Kids sack lunches to their designated site. The looks on their faces were that of sheer concern for a family they met. They were sharing what they learned about them and were trying to come up with ways to meet more of their needs. These girls are 4th and 5th graders. It was not okay with them to just give them a meal and be done with them.

Apparently, this family had walked 1 and 1/2 miles to receive their free sack lunches. It's Texas and hotter than heck today.

Needless to say... this family will receive help in a variety of ways now. Please pray for them.

Right in our own town...

Who are our neighbors?

May we be guilty of loving like Jesus.

Why Lawn Pastoring?

Yesterday I was told by a few individuals that they've seen Brother G mowing various lawns over the last couple of weeks or talking with the owner of that particular lawn. They were puzzled.

Why would an educated man such as Brother G spend time mowing lawns.

Why Lawn Pastoring?

Our response is: The church is not found inside the walls alone. Nor are we to only minister to those who believe and think like we do.

On Saturday, Brother G was spending time with one of the individuals he has the pleasure of being a Lawn Pastor to. It is due in part to that individual that Brother G is connected with the Carters. The Carters are not a part of a "church" currently.... They never have been. Never. Being inside the walls of a building known as a church is not a part of their vocabulary or lifestyle.

Why Lawn Pastoring?

There are individuals who have never seen The Gospel Alive and Living. Yes, even here in the USA. Grass grows, needs to be mowed, fertilized, and etc...

It really is that simple.

Father's Day. A Wedding Ring.

Father's Day:

One of my favorite memories of my daddy is surprising to some. It actually came at the end of his moments that made up his dash. It was when I realized he had taken his final breath. After announcing to all there he was gone.... I walked out into the hallway and threw my hands up in the air and worshipped and praised God and was full of thanksgiving.

This may sound strange to some... hang with me here... daddy had been convinced that if he could just get out of the bed and go to the bathroom - he would be able to get out of the hospital and go home. We started referring to the bathroom as "The Promised Land." The bed was the desert and he was wandering. And man oh man.... let me tell you... keeping daddy in that bed at times took four of us. He could not be left alone for even a moment. There were times when daddy did not know best. Fortunately, God does. Therefore, Father Knows Best.

Upon his last breath in that physical body - daddy's Spiritual life and living had never been more real. That's why I say, as thankful as I am for having been physical healed myself in 2003, my daddy received the Ultimate Healing. He ran his race and crossed the finished line. My daddy was a servant of and for God - Our Real Father...... the most important relationship we can ever have.

One thing that my daddy and my hubby definitely agreed upon - Living for God is the Only Way to truly Live. I am exceedingly grateful that the two most important men in my life knew/know the secret to real success. For success in life is not found in climbing the corporate ladder or the creating the last and greatest gadget. Although - in of themselves - there is nothing wrong with that. Success is found in trusting and following God no matter how many moments there are in-between the dash. It is in realizing that Life is about Him.

Speaking of my hubby..... I'm telling on him here... last night he had the hardest time going to sleep. He normally is in however many services we have on Sunday mornings. This morning - he was going to be teaching a Bible study class. And the very thought of opening The Word and unpacking it for those who would be listening had him all excited. Let me tell you.... That's why he is my hubby right there! And I've never been more thankful that he is the earthly dad to our three sons. Time and time again - he points them to their Real Father. And all three know who their Real Father is and can share with you about Him and His Free Love.

A Wedding Ring:

In history, June 15th marked a special day in the lives of two individuals. It is because of that day and the love those two individuals shared that I wear a certain wedding ring on my left hand. Please note here that Brother G and I got married on August 19th, 1989. The ring I wear is the one that my daddy placed on my mother's hand on the day they got married all those years ago. Having lost my own wedding rings a few years ago... my mother gave me her rings to wear instead of them staying in a box until she's taken her final breath.

I purposefully mention the wedding rings for this reason.... even though times have changed greatly since the day they were placed on her finger and then on mine... One thing has remained the same. God is still God and He is unchanging even in the midst of change.

And I dance today because I am able. My Father is truly my Audience of One. I do not have to dance with prince charming because I dance with The King whether seemingly alone or in the arms of my husband or with Austin, Travis and Parker.

To all you dads out there - you were just prayed for!