Lester.

This was written on Friday..

This morning we received word that one of the dearest individuals we've ever had the privilege & pleasure of knowing had taken his final breath. It is in memory of him that I share the following.

Lester was 89-years young. Almost every week, he would be at the physical church building to volunteer his time doing whatever needed to be done. Whether it was stuffing worship guides or doing mass mail-outs - he could be counted on. Given the size of our local church body - we could be talking 1,000 plus here.

Lester was married to Erma. One day as they were preparing to leave the physical church building, Lester stopped to talk with me. That conversation has stayed with me since January of last year, as does his smile, arms around me, and the feel of his check as I would kiss it. Lester and his wife knew my daddy. They loved him deeply. No question, he loved them as well. Lester said to me, "You know Camey? Until your daddy came along, I do not think anyone but my wife knew what my name was. Your daddy made a point to call me by name every single time he saw me." Lester cried while standing there at my desk.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name....

A couple of weeks ago, Lester was put in the hospital. It was arranged by his wife for me to spend some real time alone with him. Lester & I talked as in-depth as two like us could about the fact that Jesus was already talking with him about it being soon. He told me to be sure to tell everyone to be thankful whenever it happened. I have and will continue to. As I held his hand & rubbed his head with a washcloth, he would drift off and on asleep. What a privilege to be by his bedside during those moments too. Death & dying for the Christ-follower is not something that should be feared.

Today the phones at the physical church building rang off the hook due in part because of word spreading about his passing. I think it is safe - more than just a few of us know well the name - Lester. He also trained others like our three sons how to do what needed to be done after he was gone. I can also tell you that Lester loved Jesus. He was a good and faithful servant. And as he took his last breath - there was ONLY ONE whom he truly cared knew his name. I have no doubt he knew well the sound of his Master's Voice.

For locals:

Sunday evening - Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wiley's.

Monday morning - Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m. at Wiley's too. Yes, at Wiley's.

Of Dreams, Prayers, and Red Hair!

There are individuals who come into our life's moments that simply teach us more than they will ever realize. One such individual made an unexpected to us arrival on February 2nd, 1998. I was only seven months pregnant at that the time. I had an infection that was causing danger to me & to Parker in the womb and I was in labor. He arrived via an emergency C-section at 3:51 p.m. By all accounts from the medical world, Parker should not be alive. Since he did live, he should, according to doctors, have all sorts of health issues. That redheaded son of ours is as healthy as can be!

As Parker & I were driving this morning, we were talking in-depth about things as we so often do. Frankly, his vocabulary keeps me on my toes! We were talking in particular about dreams. I recounted to him the dream announcing his life. It was in the dream that I learned I was even pregnant, that the baby was a boy, and that his name was Parker. Notice - I didn't say would be.. His name was Parker. He was already alive inside of me. Parker always finds it fascinating that I had the dream one night after coming out of the water having gone off the diving board at his Gmama's & Gdad's (Gravley) house. I came up out of the water & knew I shouldn't dive again. Just as I know I'm writing this now.

Parker & I were also discussing the prayer time the five of us had last night during half-time of the Super Bowl. We were praying for all that is going on here... but also specifically for the next place.... the next body of believers & those yet to come that we will be moving from G-town to serve as lifestyle missionaries and that hubby will pastor. He said, "You know I haven't had a dream about where just yet. But when I do - Mom, you'll be the first to know!" Parker & I have dreams. I know that makes some uncomfortable.. It is what it is. It was Parker who dreamed that the next place we lived would be surrounded by trees. That was long before we heard clearly from God about moving here. Thousands of trees! When the boys were sitting on the couch and I said, "We're moving.." Parker said, "To Grandpa's to take care of him and Grandma too. That's the right thing to do!"

And little did we all know - that it would be in connection with the life that we had at the time & where we are now that he would come to be the Christ-follower and lifestyle missionary that he is. Upon seeing me after having been with friends - he shares with me what is going on in their life's moments. It is not uncommon for him to say, "Mom... We need to pray for _________. They were hurting today. I told them we would be praying for them." It is not uncommon for Parker to give away small hand-size Bibles either. Oh, sure there are times when Parker likes to flick his brothers or other teens he knows on the head or give a light tug on their hair. But, it is also his way of saying to them, "You're being noticed right now!" Stop and think about that for a moment.

Parker & I dance together more often than most realize. We dance out of celebration for the lives that God has given us. We dance as a part of our worshipping the Only One who knows the number of hairs on our heads - mine brown/gray and his red. We dance as a way to remember where we've each been health wise in the past and where we each are today. It is no surprise to me that it was Parker that God used to start me/us noticing that I was being physically healed back in 2003. Or that some of our favorite conversations have taken place in trees whether sitting in them or under.

At noon today, I have a hot date planned with an 11-year-boy who knows who his Real Father is... God. And I am thankful even more so to be his sister-in-Christ than I am his mother.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for.

The Best Christmas Ever - 2008

You might be saying to yourself, "Camey? Christmas has come & gone. The season has now changed to Valentine's with hearts & candy." I would simply have to agree to disagree with you of course.

The Gravley family of five (Dick - 42, Camey - 40, Austin - 17, Travis - 14, and Parker - 10), decided that we were simply tired of all the Christmases gone by. We ached for it reflect how we live our lifes' moments. We purposed to change our family's legacy. Not just our five mind you.. but to impact the current Brown's too as well as the extend Gravley family.

We prayed and discussed how we would go about our intentional actions. We came up with a plan. We each had a part. We knew what it would require of us. We all agreed. It was a family decision... a family's commitment... and individual ones as well.

One of our gift to our sons and theirs to us was spending time together serving others. There is a ministry in a big city that we simply enjoying being a part of from the moment we even think of going there to even months since we left there. We scheduled a day to go. We worked their Christmas Store from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Funny enough? Dick was the only one of us that had not been there.. We could not wait for him to come to know it as intimately as we already did. It took him all of a couple of minutes. No surprise there given that hubby of mine or their dad.

Hubby & I also purposed that we were not spending more than $200 tops on all gifts that we would buy. We didn't even spend that much. Instead of things, we gave time and ourselves. The boys picked out a few gifts to give to family members but the real gifts were the ones with much larger price tags as seen through other eyes.

Austin made his only girl cousin (Ms. Julia - the princess - my brother Kelly's daughter) an invitation to a tea party. She just beamed from ear to ear as he read it to her. Watching the two of them sipping out of the those cups with Austin listening to her every word and then answering her back in his funny British accent - Hallmark could not have written it any better. He also played football with his brother Travis, Uncle Kelly, Jordan (Kelly & Michelle's oldest son), and Joshua (their middle child). Austin is not a football player. He gave it up in 7th grade due to health issues at the time. They laughed... more than a ball was caught.

We spent much time playing board and card games with my brother's family. As a part of tradition - they spend Christmas Eve at the place we currently live - my mother's house. We were happy to serve the whole household for the time they were here. Cooking and sharing stories of days gone by when Daddy was with us too. We laughed and many tickles were given. By the time my brother and his family left - he said to me, "You know - you guys spent next to nothing and yet we could not have had a better Christmas!" Music to our hearts.

My in-laws came the next Sunday. We spent time together eating and sharing the latest in our lives. We hung out and laughed and really had such a sweet time being together even though it wasn't for long. My mother-in-law had been in the hospital just days before. Praise the Lord she didn't have the massive heart attack the doctors were expecting her to. What a gift for sure! Little did we know what else was to come...

It seems the extended Gravley family were being more touched by our lives than we had even come close to realizing. Needless to say - gifts were given to us that still make our eyes fill with tears at the thought of. Gifts that could have only been orchestrated by One. Our gifts to them apparently was/is how we live life's moments. Still leaves me dumbfounded frankly.

Christmas is continuing on. It is alive tonight just as much as on December 24th or 25th. For the Christmas I am talking about is not one that world says you must go in debt to obtain or that disappears as fast as those cookies on a plate for Santa that parents or grandparents eat.

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for. And yes, they were dangerous!

When The Going Gets Tough!

Today is one of my brother-in-laws 40th birthday. We are unable to be with him to celebrate in person. He and his wife live in Florida. We, of course, are in Texas. I write about him as a way to celebrate his birth and life's moments! To share a bit of his story with each of you.

I would like nothing more than for this day to be filled with laughter and a grand time for him! However, I know that may not be quite the case as it was in previous years. For while today is his birthday - on January 29th, he will be marking an anniversary that has changed his life and those who are connected to him. I share this from the viewpoint as a sister-in-law, friend, but more importantly sister-in-Christ.

It was a foggy Saturday morning as I was traveling to another town for a retreat in which I was being a guest speaker. On the way there - as I drove through the fog on the long stretch of a highway.... I knew I was going to be receiving word about something while speaking/teaching. I knew as clearly as I sit here writing this now. I arrived and shortly after eating breakfast - the group gathered and I began...

Then.......

My hubby started texting me. We have a rule - no texting in such situations unless an emergency. I knew it was bad news and yet was still good news too. As I read the text aloud to the group - I was sharing news that this brother-in-law had been in a bomb blast in Iraq. It was his 4th tour there. We were uncertain of his condition - just knew that he had been directly hit.

I shared with the women that knowingly him as I do - he would not want me to stop what I had come there for. I prayed one of the most dangerous prayers I've prayed to date and continued on. To say that the Spirit was moving and everso present would be a gross understatement! I was teaching/speaking on "Overcoming Depression: Time for the church to be the church and to stop sweeping it under the rug!" It is a subject we know all too well due to my mother and some of what brought us to G-town in 2005. It remains one of the most intense teaching/speaking/listening times to date!

My brother-in-law was greatly injured in the bomb blast. He and his wife were stationed in Japan at the time and have just recently moved back to the states. He is looking at having another surgery on his arm soon. He lost part of the bone in it. They are going to try replacing what was lost with a cadaver bone. There is no guarantee that it will work. He knows this and yet it is not stopping him from living life's moments although they are different than he ever dreamed they would be now.

He also lost hearing in one of his ears as a result of one of his eardrums brusting. He is looking at another surgery for that as well that may or may not help him to get the hearing back in that ear. And yet, it is not stopping him from living life's moments although they are different than he ever dreamed they would be now at the ripe old age of 40.

So, today... as I sit here in Texas thinking about that brother-in-law of mine in Florida - I remain thankful that he is still alive and for how God is working in his life. I am thankful for a man whom is willing to lay down his life for what he believes in. And to continue on with his life as well. The same thing is said and felt for his wife too.

I ask that if you're praying person... if you would please add him and his wife to yours? They have such a long road to go in more ways than one.

When the going gets tough - what do you do? Whom do you turn to? Trust in?

What about when times are smooth as silk pie?

And as always, dear reader, you've been prayed for!

(Yes, there is far more to this story... stay tuned)

Beyond Rich!

Her name is Marie. Today I had the opportunity to spend 15 minutes or so with her as she poured out her pain. As I wrapped my arms around her, hugged her tight, and prayed with her - I could feel the heavy burdens, regret, shame, and unforgiveness she was holding inside release if only for a few moments.

Marie lost her grown daughter and dad all within a 3 month time period 3 years ago. She explained that she was so busy working for a living that she wasn't living life's moments as she could have been. When her daughter needed her - she was too busy working. Since her daughter has been gone - she is finding it hard to work more than a part-time job. The pain from her dad passing is almost getting the best of her. To say she is carrying a load in her heart and on her shoulders would be an understatement.

Marie asked me how I was so soft & tender. I didn't understand her question at first. Then as I looked her in the eyes - I saw the tears starting to flow down - I knew exactly what she needed to hear from me. So I shared about knowing the depths of sorrow, heartache, loss, and pain. Her eyes stayed locked on mine as I continue to rub my hands on her arms.

As I told her about having been paralyzed, her eyes grew wide. When I shared about as far as the doctors are concerned I should be in Heaven already or at least paralyzed from the neck down and hooked up to an oxygen machine - she started to smile a bit. As I shared about being healed completely physically, her smile could have lit up a whole room. She said over and over, "You do know!" And yet….

It was when I shared about having been my dad's primary caregiver until he went to Heaven that she said, "You know Camey - that's it right there! That's why you're so soft & tender! I won't forget you! I will never forget you! May God bless you beyond whatever you could ever imagine?" Then, with another hug - Marie was gone.

We are both beyond rich because of our encounter today.

And with that, I'm off for Thursday night date night with my three sons!

Pure Water. Living Water. It Really IS That Simple.

Since early Monday morning, Parker has had the stomach flu. This morning, as he had thrown up yet again, he said to me, "Mom? Can I have a little water?" I walked a mere few feet to the refrigerator door and got my son some water. But, that is not the case with every mother in the world - nor with every child.

Yesterday afternoon, I received the following link to a video from a buddy of mine by the name of Mark Hogg. If you know me at all - however you may know me, you know I do not post links lightly on this blog - nor do I promote individuals. My purpose in this life is to love God, love others, and help change the world. It is only through dangerous prayers do I do so.

I ask you.... Please watch this video http://is.gd/eGCt

Mark also shared the following with me: "We are also working on this big international water training in Northeast India. Impact could be HUGE. Here are some pics on a recent interntaional training in Louisville. http://is.gd/83Vi I will keep you posted."


Take action! Whatever type of action as the Spirit guides you!

May His compassion not be lost on those of us who claim to know Him.

May we give it freely.... may it be a ripple that turns into a stream that turns into an ocean.

As always, dear reader, you have been prayed for!

The Gift of A Scar: Hairy Compassion

When I was 18 months old, it was discovered that I had Scoliosis. That's a fancy term for a curved spine. Instead of being straight - it looked like an "S"... It became worse over the years as I grew. When I was in 4th grade, it was determined that I had to wear a Milwaukee back brace. That's a brace that went from under my chin to my hips. It had one metal rod in front and two in back. It made me sweat! But I would not trade those moments for any thing.. Not even when I was stripped searched at the airport. That was long before 911 mind you. Not even for the jokes and endlessly teasing and stares.

The summer going in to 6th grade, it was determined that the brace was not working. I remember so vividly my daddy sitting on the floor with me weeping as he held me in his arms after praying about the next step the doctors said was necessary. So... while all the other kids my age were starting school - I was having back surgery. I became the proud owner of a 12 inch metal rod known as the Harrington Rod. And no, I do not make metal detectors go off funny enough.

What I do not talk about very often is that I almost did not make it off the operating table. They were getting ready to write my time of death down when I started breathing again on my own. Well, of course, it was not on my own. Hope wasn't finished with me here on earth yet.

I've always been known for my hair as crazy as that is to me. I spend very little time on it and always have. But, when my hair recently past my scar - I knew what I was to do with it! Of course, I have those in my life who do not understand my decision to cut 10 inches off today. That's okay.... I do not need their permission. I only seek to answer to One.

I look at my scar as a gift. As a reminder of God's love for me. I am thankful for the life He has given me - yes, even in having faced the depths of not being considered normal and loss. In suffering, the compassion of Jesus became more real to me than every single breath I take. Giving the 10 inches of hair to help someone else is one way I can serve Him... and share His compassion with another so that they too may know His love in the most intimate ways.

Hairy compassion! So, I ask you this moment - what can you give to another out of the story of the life you've been given?

As always, dear reader, you've been prayed for!

Hope Has A Name!

This morning I had the pleasure of ministering at a memorial service of a dear family friend. Pleasure and a memorial service? They don't sound as if they should go together, but in this case they do without a doubt. That's what can happen when you're walking through life's moments together. While Marion and I never agreed 100% on every single thing - there was a bond that was undeniable. The bond - Jesus.

Marion also brought into my life a woman named Pauline. Pauline is married to Marion's oldest son. Today, I finally had the opportunity to meet her face to face. I sought her out amongst the crowd of other family members that were there. When I told her my name - she grabbed my hand and tears filled her eyes as they did mine. As she stood there with the aid of her trusty cane - we smiled and laughed as sisters can do.

Pauline has been ill for many years now. At times, she is unable to stand. She is in pain and doctors are unable to give her any real sense of hope of being cured. Her illness is not one that is easily explainable. Pauline and I have a bond that is deeper than deeper even though we've never been in the same room until today.

Pauline prayed for me from 1998 to 2003 while I was ill. And I have been praying for her all these years as well. She said to me this morning, "I remember hearing that you had been healed Camey! Here you stand now! Hope knows no end!"

For while I am thankful to have been physically healed, there is truly no comparison between it and Spiritual healing. That is another part of the bond that Marion, Pauline, and I have in common. The last time I saw Marion - he said to me, "You and I both know that I won't be healed this side of Heaven. Just like you knew with your dad. Hope is not found in the world, but only in Jesus."

I'm often asked if I'm afraid of becoming ill again. The answer is simple. No. For even in illness or the best health of my 40 years - my hope is the same. It is not based upon myself or what I can or cannot do. Jesus. My hope is Jesus..... it is in Jesus... it is through Jesus.

Now... back to pleasure and a memorial service.... When Jesus is there - the tears can be ones of joy and happiness!

Hope has a name..... Jesus.

As always - you dear reader have been prayed for...

Special Message: The Cross!

For those who have asked.....

The cross is hanging on the main tree in front of the house. Brother G put it up this afternoon.

I can still remember when he made it with his own hands at daddy's request all those years ago now.

If you drive by.... please know you are welcome to stop and visit with us. The porch light will be on if we're here.

With all the talk about Christmas gifts... may we not forget that had Jesus not died on the cross and rose again on the 3rd day defeating death.... He would have been merely another babe...

Thank You Lord for the message of the Cross especially as we celebrate Christ's birth.

No one can ever take Christ out of Christmas!

Will you help others see Him in it through serving them?

By Request!

Here are the links to the articles that I have had published through Serve! ezine with Steve Sjogren. Please make sure you read the other articles as well. Then - actually SERVE!


http://www.serve-others.com/issue19

Called "Deal of a Lifetime"


http://www.serve-others.com/issue21

Called "The Lawn Pastor"


http://www.serve-others.com/issue26


Called "Not Just A Day On The Calendar"


My door is always open to helping you/yours figure out how to live life in the outflow!

Jesus came to serve... not be served... His door is open too!

Opportunities to show His love and kindness to others are at an all-time high!

As always, dear reader, you were just prayed for!

How are you serving others this moment?

Real Oxygen Testimony - Some of the Homer Rains' Story.

Real Oxygen Testimony! Date: June 21, 2007

One of the benefits of living in this highly secure gated community 15 miles plus away from town is the grocery store up the street. Well.... today... the benefit was that of Homer.

I noticed him when I first walked into the store. Frankly, I don't remember having seen him there before. Most of the time one of the boys is with me, if not two or all three. That's where a lot of lessons take place. When I was reading one of the labels on the pasta - there he came down the aisle. Low sodium has taken on new meaning.

Homer was pushing a cart full of items that needed shelving. Attached to this older man was a portable oxygen tank. He looked at me.... I smiled and walked on. When I had grabbed a few items - I proceeded on to the checkout line. The girl calls over the loud speaker, "Homer to carry out please." I had not noticed his name before.

He came and bagged each item with care and then placed it into my cart. He walked with me out to the van and started putting the groceries in the back end. He made a comment about the carrying case for the golf clubs and asked if I played. Remember: there's not a golfing bone in my body. Not a single one. Yet.. the door was open....

I told Homer about my dad and we talked some about what a horrible disease Parkinson's is. We then talked about how when one is a Christian - there is more to life than good physical health. I asked him about the additional oxygen he was requiring. He then told me his story up until today....... He recently had a PET scan made.... The doctor was baffled. It was clean. No cancer to be found. Homer goes to our church and yet we had never met. That happens when you have a church our size.

While the cancer is gone - his body still needs additional oxygen to help him not be so tired. We talked about how great God is. And standing there looking at this dear older man - there was no doubt what a real oxygen testimony he has.

Not long ago I sent a story about a testimony that took place at a laundry mat one day to a dear friend of ours.... She said, "I would love to be a part of something like that." The testimony actually included her by the way. Of how God had used her in a person's life...... She was a part of the testimony. Why? Because of her passion for sharing Christ's love with others. For getting into the pit and showing who could really get them out......

My challenge to those of you reading this is........ Don't put God into a box that can only be opened on a hill or wherever you call church. For He is alive in the parking lot among the trees as well as the laundry mat.

If you have a testimony you'd like to share..... You are free to post it
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The above was written on June 21, 2007. I have not seen Homer in a long time. Austin informed me last night that "Homer" had died. You see, Austin knew Homer from having worked together at little store here in the highly secure gated community. As employees, all their name badge has on it is their first name. I only knew him as Homer all this time.

One day this week I learned that a man named Homer Rains was in the hospital - near death... I learned this as a part of what I do at the pcb - physical church building. It wasn't until just a few minutes ago did I understand it was in fact the same Homer. The name "Homer" has been ringing in my heart and mind since hearing about Homer Rains and praying for him and his family. Homer and Austin ended up being a part of each other's testimonies as well since I first wrote about him. And we are thankful for Homer Rains and his "Real Oxygen Testimony".... He has never been more alive than he is now!

My challenge to those of you reading this now... whenever now may be.... remains the same. Don't put God into a box that can only be opened on a hill or wherever you call church. For He is alive in the parking lot among the trees as well as the laundry mat. He is just as alive on Monday - Saturday as He is on Sunday... May we who claim to know Him live as if we do no matter what day or time it is.

How Deep Is The Ocean?

Tonight as I sit here not where I originally had planned... I can't help but think of how truly blessed my moments are. My calendar had me being gone each night Tuesday through Sunday. And yet, here this woman is... again... not where the calendar said. I've been needing to stay in due to a silly head cold. Funny how blessings come that way?

I was supposed to be one of the hostesses for a big event with our current church body. It was something I had been looking forward to for awhile. And yet, back in my mind - I had a feeling that it wouldn't turn out as I had planned. Funny how that worked out isn't it?

Instead of nights filled with hundreds of people, food, dancing, singing, and etc... my nights have instead been relatively quiet, but then again not. I've spent much time listening to others pain, praying dangerous prayers, studying, talking with friends catching up on life's moments, hanging out with my husband or the redhead known as Parker.

Last night I was trying so hard to cook Parker and myself a wonderful dinner. Well.... let's just say... utter disaster! We laughed ourselves silly over it and then dived into some delicious sugar cookies. Tonight, I had favor with the redhead as I scrambled up a few eggs just oh so right. We sat at the bar and talked much to my delight.

Tucked into the last two days has been Travis.. the dirty blond with spiked hair. He made the All Region Band for the trumpet - 4th chair! Out of 800 plus students who tried out.. only 200 or so made the cut. To say we're proud of Travis would be an understatement.. then again - we always are even when he forgets to the dishes. This afternoon was the big concert. I was up to going so the redhead and I jumped in the van and headed off an hour away. I was tempted to speed, but I didn't. Of course, I had to laugh at the mere thought of it. The concert was great! The mean 4th chair trumpet player out shined them all in my eyes!

So? My calendar may have ended up looking nothing like I had planned... and yet... there is a smile on my face and I've got my hug on which is a part of my groove... and I am reminded again how deep is the ocean of God's love for this silly woman!

Dear reader... I can assure you... His love for you is just as deep.

Dive in.

Thawed and Not Frozen

There's this couple... I ran into them earlier while in the frozen food section of the little store here in the highly secure gated community. Upon seeing one another we always hug. Tonight was especially tender.

The man looked at me and said, "Kid... I was hoping to see you over the course of the next few days, but wasn't sure how that was going to happen unless we just dropped by where you live. And here you are with that hug to give."

The couple and I talked about the fact that the Lawn Pastor had been by for a visit yesterday. We discussed the fact the Wal-Mart Pastor was already serving others tonight. Then we talked about what's coming this weekend.

Brother G (aka hubby, Lawn Pastor, Wal-Mart Pastor) is preaching at a different place this Sunday morning and evening. The boys and I have been asked to come too. The question was asked of me, "So? Do you think you guys will end up there?" I looked at them and smiled. Only God knows that at this point. Although I do have my theories... and that dream.

While we were standing there in the frozen food section, I couldn't help but smile deeply inside. For whether or not hubby is called to this other place as their pastor is not necessarily the goal and they were perfect examples of it.

They were thawed and not frozen... How can you share God's love with others? It is as easy as mowing a lawn, stocking water or even giving a hug.

More Than Just A Good Time. Weekend Update.

Thanks to all whom have sent me messages asking for an update... It truly is hard for me to find the words to describe what all transpired this weekend. Without a doubt - it was more than just a good time. It was more than answers to dangerous prayers prayed whether years ago or just even yesterday. It was a vision/dream painted in real-life colors with brushes and strokes that only can come from the Holy Spirit.

We saw individuals come to Christ... teens... We saw individuals come back to Christ who had been wandering away. We saw individuals even really notice God for the very first time. The students did projects that took them out of their comfort zones and then learned first hand about what it means to serve others without pay.. just because God loves them. I had the pleasure and sheer joy of seeing a college age young lady whom I had known as a child lead because her foundation is secure and steady. I also had the pleasure of being the chauffeur for some of the teenage girls and their leader. I'd drive them any time - Chinese fire drill and prayer request time included.

It is no secret that I take seriously prayer and having a praying life - not a prayer time. This weekend - I had the pleasure of praying with several different individuals. Some teens... others adults... And I can say without question - there is major Jesus work being done in and through so many lives. Prayer can take place any where and at any time.... Yes, even in the bathroom!

My husband was ordained last night. We had individuals come from hours away to be with us for such a special time for our family. That's really where I saw even more of the Spirit at work. And I am so incredibly thankful. Hubby was surprised to receive so many letters from individuals all over the USA. To those who wrote one who might read this - he will treasure those letters just as much as the certificates he rec'd if not more so. He laughed when he got to the bottom of a couple of them and there was the suggestion to come to whatever state they (or you) are in. There were individuals who spent countless hours preparing for not only last night but the weekend as a whole.

One of the questions I was asked was, "Did you stand behind your husband and hear what all was said to him as individuals laid hands on him?" No, I did not. I was where I could see his face clearly and who was speaking to him. I also got to experience numerous of those same individuals coming to hug me as they wept sharing with me about my husband, my daddy, the boys, and our family. Some of these very individuals I have known since being a little girl.... and some are individuals who prayed for a woman and her family during the years she was ill because of her parents. Talk about reaping what you sow.

There is no question we will leave this place at some point - unless Jesus returns before then. There is no question that the very place I said I would never go to has had a lasting impact on not only my life, but that of my husband and sons. I remain dumbfounded by how God works in such mysterious ways.It is a love that can only be explained by God.

Thank you to those who are a part of this journey with us through prayers and/or however else you may be. Thank you to those who prayed for Brandon these last few days. While we are thrilled that my husband was ordained - it doesn't compare to seeing others come to know Christ or coming back to Him or even noticing Him for the first time.

More than just a good time............ Radical life-changing times!

Heart Burn. The Best Kind.

The last few weeks have been crazy. We're seeing dangerous prayers answered in ways that we know, without a shadow of a doubt, that it can only be the handiwork of God.. of the Spirit.

The title of this may seem odd to some. Yet, if you were to closely examine the moments the G family have been having as of late... you'll come to understand what I mean. Our heart burns.... there is an aching there that cannot be described in any other way than God. Our heart burns to continue to draw closer to Him.. Our heart burns to see others notice Him for the first time. Our heart burns for those who have wandered away to come back.

As I wrote about in "Thanksgiving in our Novembers".... hubby has preached at our current church the last two Sundays. The comments are still coming in.. One lady told me today, "Camey? He nailed it. That hubby of yours nailed it." And while I was grateful for her sentiments - I couldn't help but be reminded that if Jesus had not "nailed it" - it would matter not what my hubby did. Talk about a love that surpasses all others!

I must confess - some of the clearest indication of heart burn happened last night. Hubby received a phone call. Needless to say - he is preaching this coming Sunday morning at another church.. I had to remind him that he could not preach at their Sunday evening service... this Sunday night is when he is being ordained as a pastor. But that's how much his heart burns for the gospel... for the Word.. to preach, teach, and let the Spirit guide him in the ways in which he should go.. to see lives transformed by the renewing of minds/hearts that can only take place with God and His Love.

Another indicator of it was my lunch date with Parker... which ended up being pretty much his whole class too. Parker invites 1 or 2 kids whom he knows does not know Jesus or perhaps is not connected to any church to eat with us. There wasn't room at the "guest table" for us to eat at. So? We did what we could.. sit where they normally do. The conversation flowed with ease between myself, Parker and the kids at the table. One boy kept being talked about. Apparently, he is known as "The Arm Wrestler." His name is Daniel. Daniel finally came to the table and we got to talking about his arm wrestling adventures with others in the school. Before long - I was telling the kid directly across from me to change places with Daniel. You should have heard the cheers from the kids, "Parker! Your mom is going to arm wrestle Daniel! COOL!" I held on pretty good but alas Daniel won.. that opened the door to my sharing with those listening about having been paralyzed and where my real strength comes from. It is certainly not from myself alone. Before the class all headed back off to their classroom - hugs or handshakes were given by almost each one of them. Yes, it is safe to say - another indicator of heart burn.. As I sat at that table, one of the boys shared with me about his home life. I told him our family would pray for his family. He smiled and said, "Thank you, Camey. I know you'll pray because you're Parker's mom." Burns just thinking about it again.

Today, I saw a dear friend named Stephanie. Every time I see her - I am reminded of another Stephanie. That Stephanie came into my hospital room back in November of 99. It was a time in-between family/friends "taking care of Camey." There I laid not even being able to push the button for a nurse should I need one given the fact that I was paralyzed from the neck down. The nurses had left my door opened and told me to SHOUT OUT if I needed them. In walked Stephanie.... and then quickly out again.. She returned with a chocolate candy bar and a Coke. Both had been off limits to me. Stephanie walked over to my bed and broke off some of the candy bar and rubbed it in-between her fingers to break it up into tiny pieces and put it on my tongue. A candy bar never tasted so good in my life! Honestly - no candy bar to this day compares to that one. She then got a straw and put it into the Coke can. She then dabbed some of the Coke on my tongue - just like she had done with candy bar. Some of the sweetest heart burn I've ever had.. Still to this day even. OHHHHH! The very next morning was when my fingers were able to move.. Oh my.... the heart burn! And even though the complete physical healing was still 4 years away - I am thankful beyond words.

This weekend - our church student body will be having what is called DNOW. 146 students are signed up to come. As I sit here and think about each one of them and their families - again - there is that heart burn. Yes, please pray for all involved. Amazing things are going to happen and already are as we only had around 60 last year! Austin and Travis are two of the students. One can never be too close to God... matters not how old one is or how long they've gone to a place called a church... nor if their parents and grandparents are/were Christians.

There are other things going on that I cannot talk about just yet. Come Monday, I will be able to share more! Our heart burns for those of you who continue on this journey with us as our brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, through prayers... or however you may be. So.... from our hearts to yours - thank you.

Heart burn... The Best Kind.

Have you ever had this kind of heart burn?

Shoes - Sharing God's Kindness Really Is Simple

Today, I am thrilled to be a part of an internet blast to help raise $$ for 50,000 pairs of shoes to be given to individuals who have none.

Sharing God's kindness really is simple..

Go to http://www.50000shoes.com and donate $5.

$5 buys 2 pairs of shoes.

It takes less than 2 minutes.

Help take a stab at poverty today!

And as always... you've been prayed for dear readers!

More to come...

Thanksgiving in Our Novembers!

Over the last few days, the boys and I have been talking about how November seems to be a significant month in our lives time and time again.

Today is the 2 year anniversary of daddy's passing. We remain thankful in the midst of grief. And for those who have asked... Yes, I do believe some of my accepting about his passing is directly related to having been at death's door before myself. And there was a dream as well. The dream came a week before he passed. I know that makes some uncomfortable... I don't always understand that myself. My daddy loved God. He rec'd the ultimate healing!

Tomorrow ( and the 9th) - hubby is preaching at our current church. While he has preached other places before - this will be his first time to do so here. We remain thankful for how we see God working here in G-town. (ohhhh to those in our group - you'll have a sub filling in for us tomorrow as I will be with hubby.)

Sunday, November 16th, hubby will be ordained as a pastor. And while we believe he has already been ordained by God long ago now... we are thankful for this next step.

November 1998 is when I came down with a rare form of pneumonia and our lives were changed forever. No question - we are thankful that our family did not remain the same.

November 1999, having been ill for a year... I became paralyzed from the neck down. I spent the whole month in-between two hospitals. Muscular Dystrophy wouldn't be diagnosed until later... I did receive a miracle in being able to move again. The battle would continue for 5 years. Again..... I cannot begin to tell you how thankful we remain for that time in our lives as hard as they were.

November 2000, we spent Thanksgiving with my folks in Galveston. I was able to get around some with a cane. I looked like an old woman standing there at the edge of the water having to be covered from head to toe.. Daddy wanted me to be able to spend some time with the boys on the beach... playing in the sand. He always thought I would die first. He had already been diagnosed with Parkinson's and Diabetes a few years before that.

This is just some of why I am thankful as I sit here..... For while we may not always understand why things happen the way they do - I am thankful for God's amazing love. For that's what life's moments are all about.

Take Our Lives. Here We Are.

First things first... Thank you to those who have checked in about no blog posts. Your friendships and prayers mean more than words can say. My blogging fast is over as of today.

NOW! Having said that... Let me share what's going on in our moments.

The G family is so thrilled to see prayers answered.

Direct prayers.. Dangerous prayers...

Four years ago, Bro G and I surrendered to God. We surrendered to "Take our lives. Here we are." Actually - all five of us surrendered - the boys too. The past four years have been filled with some of the best times, some of the worst times and in-between. And yet, we can say without question... we wouldn't want it any other way! That has to be God - not the G family... We have grown, stretched, reached out, served, and etc.... We have not stayed the same. We simply could not have.

Sunday, November 2nd, and Sunday, November 9th - we are seeing prayers prayed long ago answered. It definitely goes to show how God is at work in our lives and through our lives and where we are at currently.

Bro G is preaching at our current church. We have two gatherings each Sunday - one at 9:00 and the other at 10:30. Will he be wearing his boots and blue jeans? Don't have a clue... He is preaching on Evangelism. The Wal-Mart Pastor and The Lawn Pastor will definitely be preaching/sharing too - no doubt.. We are to use our life's moments to be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouth, and etc of God - wherever those moments may take us. God's Word is clear - as you go...

Thank you to those of you who have been praying for him/us in regards to this. Please continue to do so. And while everyone knows we love the people where we are currently at... we are praying for those yet to come, yet to know Jesus, and for real transformation to take place in each individual on a daily basis. It's not just about Sundays folks.

We are also praying for that body/place that God is preparing the G family for and them for us. When/where - we haven't a clue yet.. Until that time - we will serve with joy where we are at. Yes, even through the internet..

We do know this - we will follow God no matter the cost. After all - No One could come close to what God did for us with Jesus on the cross.

Take our lives. Here we are.

Dangerous prayers continue to be prayed and answered!

Every day is a GREAT day to serve God... and therefore, others!

Blog Action Day - Poverty!

Today is Blog Action Day on poverty!

Jesus said that the poor will always be amongst us. As Christ-followers, we have a distinct responsibility to help those in need. We must not turn a blind-eye to the faces and lives they represent.

While today is "blog action day".... I encourage any one who reads this to consider that every single day is action day if we are to be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and arms of God!

What can you do? Take action today! Don't wait for someone else to help that individual in another country or even perhaps across the street from you. Poverty knows no address alone.

Since the summer of 2007, our local church body has joined together with other churches and organizations in feeding the children in our community/town a free meal 5 days a week. Almost half of the students in our public system here in G-town qualify for free or reduced meals. Summer means no school. We almost had a child die of starvation in 2006. One child is one too many! Yet, our town is known to many as a "retirement or resort area"... We must look with God's eyes and not merely our own!

Take action today! It's not about money.. It's about touching and changing lives!

Love God. Love People!

Camey

Today. Ordination Council Meeting

4:00 p.m. central time....

Hubby is having a meeting with the Ordination Council at the local body we serve at currently.

He will be ordained as a pastor. The real ordaining of course we know and believe comes from God.

This is mere a formality... but most definitely an answer to specific prayers prayed by numerous individuals.

So... from us to each of you - Thank you. Keep praying!

More to come as the G family continues to follow God as and wherever He leads.