Welcome to the Bible belt! If there is anything that is known in Mississippi, it is most definitely religion. On any given day, you can find someone in a little coffee shop fervently discussing the politics of religion. And I'm going to let you in on a little secret - they are always right and their church is always THE best in the city. As far as that goes, theirs is the best in the whole country!
You would think that in an area that is so much in favor of God, we would grasp the big picture a little better. You find churches fighting over members and declaring that one church is trying to "steal" the others' members. People tend to "church hop". Let me share my point of view on "church hopping". To some it is looked at as trying to find the perfect church. To others it is seen as someone trying to find where God is wanting to use them. Either way, it is not for us to judge the reasons for someone visiting or changing churches. The way that I see it is simple - Praise God that they are IN church! And yes, I am one of the "church hoppers", not in search of the perfect church, but in a quest for where God is leading me. Besides, I already belong to THE perfect church. It's not in a building, though. It is the Body of Christ and I carry that with me wherever I go.
We need churches, though. We need instruction from Pastors who are gifted in the ability to share the Word with us. We need fellowship with other Christians so that we may form relationships and can help each other in our walk with Christ. We need challenges from our leaders within the church - challenges to go beyond the four walls, challenges to be more than just a Sunday and a Wednesday servant. We need to be in a church where we don't feel comfortable. When we feel comfortable, then it means that we are satisfied with our surroundings. We can't become complacent and no longer have the desire to do more and grow more.
For over 2 years, I was a member of a wonderful church. I can honestly say, without a doubt, that I was at the right place at the right time. I was just where I needed to be and where God wanted me to be. To this day, even after leaving the church, I still believe that the Pastor there hears God whisper in his ear. It's good to learn under a Pastor like that. My children accepted Christ as their Savior while we were members of that church. They were baptized at that church. We were inspired to become greater disciples at that church. But it was time to move. I know now that God had been trying to move us for a while. We just didn't want to see it and didn't want to accept it. We had developed dear friends there. We loved hearing the awesome choir. We felt great, both getting ready for church and after we left the service. But ignoring God's wishes can cause things to happen in your life that aren't so great. You can see things that perhaps you weren't supposed to see in the first place. Situations can arise that might not have occurred if you would have just been obedient in the first place. When God wants you to move, if you don't move, He might just do it for you. I feel that is what He did with us. So... "hopping" we have gone.
The church we are attending now has a few differences than our previous church. There is no choir...the congregation is the choir. There is worship music and it is wonderful. It's definitely different in the ambiance, but not different in the fact that it is welcoming God into His house. The Pastor hears God whisper in his ear, as well. And let me tell you one thing - when he gets started on a message, you better look out! He will step on a few toes if the need arises. I love seeing the passion that he has! This is the place that we are called to be at for this season in our journey. At this time, for us, this is where we need to be.
I've painted a great picture, I hope, of both of the churches that I care for. Just because I am not at the first church any longer does not mean that it isn't an amazing church. It is a growing church. I continue to pray for the growth of that church, not just within the walls but within the people. I look forward to seeing that church accomplish so many great things in building the Kingdom. And I continue to pray for the Pastor so that he will keep hearing the whispers of our Lord. The church we are at now is also an amazing church. It is reaching beyond the walls and making a difference in the community. It is crossing the racial barriers and showing what "created equally" is all about. I am feeling fed, once again.
In making the move, I have seen the warriors come out. I have seen not only Christ's warriors, but satan's, as well. People don't like change. And they get their feelings hurt when you decide to go to another church. Perhaps they feel threatened that you might pull some of the members away from their church. And ya know, that does happen. But the ones who are changing buildings because of God's calling are not the ones that are making this happen. We change buildings for one main reason - because that is what we felt God was leading us to do. I'm not sending out messages on Facebook or any other social networking site encouraging others to jump right up and follow us to the new venue. But what I am doing is telling you this: Listen. Hush. Be quiet. Listen to what God is telling you to do. Serve where you are being told to serve. Worship where you are being told to worship. If you think that you aren't hearing these directions from God, you are right. You aren't HEARING them. It's not because He isn't talking to you. It's because you aren't LISTENING. Don't listen when others are telling you that you simply MUST come to their church and leave the one you are at. Thank them greatly for the invitation, and go where God is leading you. But if you aren't in a church that is within four walls, then take them up on their invitation. Who knows? It might be just where God is wanting you to be. It might just be where God wants to grow you.
I'm sure I have posted this before, but I have to do so again: "It's all ice cream, just different flavors." Pastor David Hagan of Life Church said that and I just really like it. It just sort of sums it all up. It's okay that you love strawberry ice cream. I just happen to love butter pecan. But we all love ice cream!
Have a wonderfully blessed night!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Can You Help Me?
I don't know about y'all, but the one thing that I hate doing with a passion is asking for help. I know that it is a pride thing. We all hate to admit when we are just simply unable to do something or we are in a position that we need help. And yes, often the one putting us in that position is our own self. Perhaps that is what makes it even harder to ask for help - the fear of someone telling you "I told you so" or "Why didn't you do it this way?"
Here's the thing about the two statements above, "I told you so" and "Why didn't you do it this way?"... Now that you've been reminded of someone telling you so, is it possible for you to go back in time and fix it? Or not doing something a certain way... can you warp speed back a couple of hours and just change time? I'm guessing that your answer to both of those questions will be "NO". There is nothing that you can do to fix what you have messed up. However, hopefully, we can all learn from the mistakes we make and not do them again.
I do understand that we all need to reflect back on our past and our past mistakes to realize how to go forward in a more efficient and suitable manner. Everyone messes up. It's those "mess ups" that teach us how to be better in the future. And sometimes it is those "mess ups" that teach us how NOT to act toward others in the future.
Every Sunday morning before I leave to go to church, I am reminded of how I have failed in the past. Every week it is something different. It makes no difference of what good I may or may not be accomplishing now. Instead, the focus is put onto how things could have been different or how I have let someone down. Well, no matter how much I would like to correct those mistakes to make things "okay", I have not successfully invented the machine that will allow me to travel back in time. Nope. It's just not going to happen. Nothing is going to be accomplished in reminding me week after week how I have failed. However, because of this weekly scenario playing out, I start the day with a great burden upon me. But that burden has made me more mindful of how I speak to my children and how I speak to others. I try my hardest to be uplifting. Of course, there are times when correction is needed. But correction and condemning are two different things.
One thing that I try to remember is this: Does God tell me "I told you so?" or "Why didn't you do that?" What would He say? Of course, we know when we have done something displeasing to our Father. And we know when our carelessness has caused both ourselves or someone else harm. But even with that knowledge, we know that our God is not going to speak to us in a manner that is hurtful. He cares for us greatly and wants us to succeed. He wants us to have a blessed life. God wants you to feel loved and to be able to show His love. We aren't able to do that as well when we are broken inside.
So let's all try something new. When your child, your spouse, your co-worker, your friend, or whomever it might be in your life messes up royally, try not to say those two little phrases that can do so much damage. Realize that when someone comes to you for help, perhaps they are already battling the demon pride and are weakened. Perhaps, they could use a warrior's ear instead of a judges.
Many blessings to you all!
Here's the thing about the two statements above, "I told you so" and "Why didn't you do it this way?"... Now that you've been reminded of someone telling you so, is it possible for you to go back in time and fix it? Or not doing something a certain way... can you warp speed back a couple of hours and just change time? I'm guessing that your answer to both of those questions will be "NO". There is nothing that you can do to fix what you have messed up. However, hopefully, we can all learn from the mistakes we make and not do them again.
I do understand that we all need to reflect back on our past and our past mistakes to realize how to go forward in a more efficient and suitable manner. Everyone messes up. It's those "mess ups" that teach us how to be better in the future. And sometimes it is those "mess ups" that teach us how NOT to act toward others in the future.
Every Sunday morning before I leave to go to church, I am reminded of how I have failed in the past. Every week it is something different. It makes no difference of what good I may or may not be accomplishing now. Instead, the focus is put onto how things could have been different or how I have let someone down. Well, no matter how much I would like to correct those mistakes to make things "okay", I have not successfully invented the machine that will allow me to travel back in time. Nope. It's just not going to happen. Nothing is going to be accomplished in reminding me week after week how I have failed. However, because of this weekly scenario playing out, I start the day with a great burden upon me. But that burden has made me more mindful of how I speak to my children and how I speak to others. I try my hardest to be uplifting. Of course, there are times when correction is needed. But correction and condemning are two different things.
One thing that I try to remember is this: Does God tell me "I told you so?" or "Why didn't you do that?" What would He say? Of course, we know when we have done something displeasing to our Father. And we know when our carelessness has caused both ourselves or someone else harm. But even with that knowledge, we know that our God is not going to speak to us in a manner that is hurtful. He cares for us greatly and wants us to succeed. He wants us to have a blessed life. God wants you to feel loved and to be able to show His love. We aren't able to do that as well when we are broken inside.
So let's all try something new. When your child, your spouse, your co-worker, your friend, or whomever it might be in your life messes up royally, try not to say those two little phrases that can do so much damage. Realize that when someone comes to you for help, perhaps they are already battling the demon pride and are weakened. Perhaps, they could use a warrior's ear instead of a judges.
Many blessings to you all!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How Do I Look?
I've noticed lately that people are becoming more and more focused on their outward appearance. It's not just their physical qualities they are concerned with. It's also whether or not they are "siding" with the right team or perhaps saying something that might lead someone else to think they might like something that the other doesn't. I have seen people wanting to take a stand against something but refusing to do so because a few of their friends might get upset with them. We have become a society that puts so much emphasis on "fitting in".
I've come to realize that I don't "fit in" too well in some places. I don't straddle the fence. I don't bite my tongue. I see things in black and white. Either you are in or you are out. None of that wishy-washy mumbo jumbo. Sometimes I wonder if that might be a bad thing. There is only One that I am trying to please, and that is our Father.
Unfortunately, there will not be a day before our Savior returns that we will ALL look past each others' outward appearance. We will continue to be put into "classes" based on how much money we make, what kind of cars we drive, and what earthly worth we have. We will continue to be looked at as either a beautiful one or as not. However, we do not have to give in to those expectations that are not of God. Forsake the requirements of men to conform and give in to the requirements of God to go forth.
I have been following author Anne Rice's choice to "quit" Christianity. Roughly summing the entire debate up, she has basically decided that she doesn't want to be included in a class of people that call themselves Christians but refuse to act like Christ would have them to act. On one hand, I can understand the point that she is trying to make. However, she goes on to agree with things that I do not believe that Christ would have us to agree with. It is discouraging to see people use Christianity as a title instead of a way of life. Christianity has become popular again in many places. People use it as a way to gain business, gain friends, and gain favor in the eyes of the community. Being a Christian isn't about popularity at all. Being a Christian is a big responsibility. I believe that, as Christians, we are charged with going forth and telling all nations about Christ. As Christians, we can't be comfortable merely surrounded by four walls on Sundays and Wednesdays. It's about getting out there and serving our Father and building His kingdom. We can't do that by being still. I'm not planning on quitting being a Christian. Christ is my Savior and I am very proud to be called one of His.
It bothers me when I see all of these young girls so concerned with their size or their looks. I pray that I am raising sons who can reassure young ladies that what truly matters is Who is in their hearts. Parents, spend the time now with your daughters and teach them to let God lead their paths and let God be the one they are concerned with pleasing, not society. Teach them young that they don't have to fit in.
And when someone asks you "How Do I Look?", could you tell them they were made in the image of God and that they are beautiful?
Many blessings to you all!
I've come to realize that I don't "fit in" too well in some places. I don't straddle the fence. I don't bite my tongue. I see things in black and white. Either you are in or you are out. None of that wishy-washy mumbo jumbo. Sometimes I wonder if that might be a bad thing. There is only One that I am trying to please, and that is our Father.
Unfortunately, there will not be a day before our Savior returns that we will ALL look past each others' outward appearance. We will continue to be put into "classes" based on how much money we make, what kind of cars we drive, and what earthly worth we have. We will continue to be looked at as either a beautiful one or as not. However, we do not have to give in to those expectations that are not of God. Forsake the requirements of men to conform and give in to the requirements of God to go forth.
I have been following author Anne Rice's choice to "quit" Christianity. Roughly summing the entire debate up, she has basically decided that she doesn't want to be included in a class of people that call themselves Christians but refuse to act like Christ would have them to act. On one hand, I can understand the point that she is trying to make. However, she goes on to agree with things that I do not believe that Christ would have us to agree with. It is discouraging to see people use Christianity as a title instead of a way of life. Christianity has become popular again in many places. People use it as a way to gain business, gain friends, and gain favor in the eyes of the community. Being a Christian isn't about popularity at all. Being a Christian is a big responsibility. I believe that, as Christians, we are charged with going forth and telling all nations about Christ. As Christians, we can't be comfortable merely surrounded by four walls on Sundays and Wednesdays. It's about getting out there and serving our Father and building His kingdom. We can't do that by being still. I'm not planning on quitting being a Christian. Christ is my Savior and I am very proud to be called one of His.
It bothers me when I see all of these young girls so concerned with their size or their looks. I pray that I am raising sons who can reassure young ladies that what truly matters is Who is in their hearts. Parents, spend the time now with your daughters and teach them to let God lead their paths and let God be the one they are concerned with pleasing, not society. Teach them young that they don't have to fit in.
And when someone asks you "How Do I Look?", could you tell them they were made in the image of God and that they are beautiful?
Many blessings to you all!
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Best Laid Plans
....of mice and men often go astray. Our world has become convinced that we all have to have everything planned out. It does help to have a plan, but we have to remember this famous quote: "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." No matter how much we would like things to go a certain way and we would like to have every aspect of our lives in order, situations can arise at any time to just wipe those plans away. We often rely on our plans and trust in ourselves and other people for everything to be okay. That's not the way it works. God is the Master of ALL plans. One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. It reads "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That scripture has said a lot to me for over 12 years now. No matter what happens, I am trusting in the Lord. He is not going to harm me. With Him I have hope and I have a future.
Some people may be a little concerned with the path that we have chosen to travel. Although we have been in the process of making plans to set out on this journey, we know that God is the decision maker. He can veto any plan that we have at any time. With that knowledge, we are trusting in Him to continue to guide us so that we do make wise decisions. Our foremost desire is that He is glorified in all that we do.
I want to share our tentative plans with you. I'm doing so in order for others to be aware of what we are doing and to keep us in their prayers. I also welcome advice and suggestions. But one thing I do ask is that you don't question who will provide for us. We know that God will provide. We are also smart enough to know that He gave us strong bodies to work and to take the responsibility to care for ourselves. None of the decisions that we are making are being taken lightly. Great amounts of prayer and listening have been put into each decision and we are constantly seeking God's will for us.
Let me start by saying that we are not going on the road in an evangelistic manner, so to speak. We will not be carrying around instruments, singing, and standing in pulpits seeking donations from churches that we are visiting. I am not saying anything negative about that type of ministry AT ALL, but we do not feel that is the ministry God has for us at this time. I am sure that there are many people in the country are grateful to hear that, considering I can't carry a tune in a bucket! Ha! We are going out as servants so that we can be useful to churches, communities, families, and anyone else that God allows us to encounter. We are not seeking out sponsors so that we don't have to work and things like that. We are planning to do quite the contrary. We want to be able to give to people. We want to be able to get into the trenches, so to speak, and to show God's love through our hands and through our hearts. We want to share the kingdom with others and tell them that the kingdom is here.
**Matthew 10:5-8 (The Message) Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously."
Let me share our financial game plan with you. We have purchased the camper. We are selling the house and all of our belongings. I must admit that the children are keeping a good bit of their toys. They are keeping their game systems and games. We are keeping our books and we are keeping things that we can still enjoy in the camper. We are keeping their bikes so that they can ride through the campgrounds. And I am keeping my favorite shoes! Okay, well that's not such a big deal since they are the sandals that I wear all of the time! But with keeping sandals, I am keeping nail polish! LOL So there are quite a few things in this world that we are still hanging on to. We do realize that the decision that we have made as a family will be a totally different life for all of us. But it is a life that we are all anxious to start living. We do not feel that now is the time to start blazing the trail and going out throughout the country. But we do feel that it is time that we start making preparations to do so. We intend to have all of our debt paid off. One of satan's biggest weapons that he has used against us has been our finances and our debt. We are going to eliminate the debt part. We also wish to have a substantial amount in our savings so that in no way do we have to burden others when we come to help out. We do know that there are campgrounds throughout the country that offer free rv site rent in exchange for helping out with some of the responsibilities of the park. This will help us with our goals. We can't ever be completely debt free as far as not having to pay to park the rv somewhere. But we can use our able bodies to be close to it.
Do we have every single detail planned out? No. Not in the least. However, we are still listening to what God is trying to tell us and we aren't going to do anything rash and rush off tomorrow without lining things up. With that being said, watch us wake up in the morning and a clear message be scripted in the skies saying "GO NOW". I promise if that happens, you will be some of the first to know!!
**Matthew 10: 9-10 (The Message) "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. YOU are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light."
We have had people drop their jaws in amazement and confusion when we have shared with them that we plan to live in a 30ft camper. Yes, we know that isn't much room. Yes, we know that it is tight quarters. Yes, we know that campers can get old quick. But God gave us an absolutely beautiful playground on this earth. We have all spent way too much time indoors instead of being outside to enjoy His creation. I look forward to standing in awe as I gaze at the sunset going down over the treetops.
**Matthew 10:11 (The Message) "When you enter a town or a village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave."
I appreciate all of the comments that people make about our journey to come. I appreciate the concerns. However, what I don't appreciate is when someone would speak of it as though it is a ridiculous concept that we shouldn't even consider because of our children. Our children hold a very big place in our hearts and every decision we make is made with them in mind. What I want to tell you now may be a shocker to some: Our God comes before our children. Their well being is one of our utmost concerns, but it is not and will not ever be our FIRST concern. Our FIRST concern is obeying God and doing as He has commanded us all to do.
**Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message) Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in this practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
I will finish up tonight with one last scripture. I want you to all take the time in the near future to read the book of Matthew. Jesus told so many things to His disciples and to the people that apply to each of us today. I encourage you to study what He has said and to get a little radical and decide to do something for Him.
**Matthew 10:38-39 (The Message) "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
Many blessings to you all!
Some people may be a little concerned with the path that we have chosen to travel. Although we have been in the process of making plans to set out on this journey, we know that God is the decision maker. He can veto any plan that we have at any time. With that knowledge, we are trusting in Him to continue to guide us so that we do make wise decisions. Our foremost desire is that He is glorified in all that we do.
I want to share our tentative plans with you. I'm doing so in order for others to be aware of what we are doing and to keep us in their prayers. I also welcome advice and suggestions. But one thing I do ask is that you don't question who will provide for us. We know that God will provide. We are also smart enough to know that He gave us strong bodies to work and to take the responsibility to care for ourselves. None of the decisions that we are making are being taken lightly. Great amounts of prayer and listening have been put into each decision and we are constantly seeking God's will for us.
Let me start by saying that we are not going on the road in an evangelistic manner, so to speak. We will not be carrying around instruments, singing, and standing in pulpits seeking donations from churches that we are visiting. I am not saying anything negative about that type of ministry AT ALL, but we do not feel that is the ministry God has for us at this time. I am sure that there are many people in the country are grateful to hear that, considering I can't carry a tune in a bucket! Ha! We are going out as servants so that we can be useful to churches, communities, families, and anyone else that God allows us to encounter. We are not seeking out sponsors so that we don't have to work and things like that. We are planning to do quite the contrary. We want to be able to give to people. We want to be able to get into the trenches, so to speak, and to show God's love through our hands and through our hearts. We want to share the kingdom with others and tell them that the kingdom is here.
**Matthew 10:5-8 (The Message) Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously."
Let me share our financial game plan with you. We have purchased the camper. We are selling the house and all of our belongings. I must admit that the children are keeping a good bit of their toys. They are keeping their game systems and games. We are keeping our books and we are keeping things that we can still enjoy in the camper. We are keeping their bikes so that they can ride through the campgrounds. And I am keeping my favorite shoes! Okay, well that's not such a big deal since they are the sandals that I wear all of the time! But with keeping sandals, I am keeping nail polish! LOL So there are quite a few things in this world that we are still hanging on to. We do realize that the decision that we have made as a family will be a totally different life for all of us. But it is a life that we are all anxious to start living. We do not feel that now is the time to start blazing the trail and going out throughout the country. But we do feel that it is time that we start making preparations to do so. We intend to have all of our debt paid off. One of satan's biggest weapons that he has used against us has been our finances and our debt. We are going to eliminate the debt part. We also wish to have a substantial amount in our savings so that in no way do we have to burden others when we come to help out. We do know that there are campgrounds throughout the country that offer free rv site rent in exchange for helping out with some of the responsibilities of the park. This will help us with our goals. We can't ever be completely debt free as far as not having to pay to park the rv somewhere. But we can use our able bodies to be close to it.
Do we have every single detail planned out? No. Not in the least. However, we are still listening to what God is trying to tell us and we aren't going to do anything rash and rush off tomorrow without lining things up. With that being said, watch us wake up in the morning and a clear message be scripted in the skies saying "GO NOW". I promise if that happens, you will be some of the first to know!!
**Matthew 10: 9-10 (The Message) "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. YOU are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light."
We have had people drop their jaws in amazement and confusion when we have shared with them that we plan to live in a 30ft camper. Yes, we know that isn't much room. Yes, we know that it is tight quarters. Yes, we know that campers can get old quick. But God gave us an absolutely beautiful playground on this earth. We have all spent way too much time indoors instead of being outside to enjoy His creation. I look forward to standing in awe as I gaze at the sunset going down over the treetops.
**Matthew 10:11 (The Message) "When you enter a town or a village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave."
I appreciate all of the comments that people make about our journey to come. I appreciate the concerns. However, what I don't appreciate is when someone would speak of it as though it is a ridiculous concept that we shouldn't even consider because of our children. Our children hold a very big place in our hearts and every decision we make is made with them in mind. What I want to tell you now may be a shocker to some: Our God comes before our children. Their well being is one of our utmost concerns, but it is not and will not ever be our FIRST concern. Our FIRST concern is obeying God and doing as He has commanded us all to do.
**Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message) Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in this practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
I will finish up tonight with one last scripture. I want you to all take the time in the near future to read the book of Matthew. Jesus told so many things to His disciples and to the people that apply to each of us today. I encourage you to study what He has said and to get a little radical and decide to do something for Him.
**Matthew 10:38-39 (The Message) "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
Many blessings to you all!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Skies Are Clearing
I have seen so many prayers answered this week that if there ever was a doubt in my mind that there is a God, it would certainly be gone now!
I haven't posted on here for a while. Wow! It's been over 3 1/2 months! Where do I begin?! There has been so much that has happened that it would probably fill a book in itself!
Let me start off by saying that after a second surgery, I THINK everything is going to be alright. Keyword there being THINK. I am most definitely still praying that some of the situations that arose are going to heal better in time. God is the Master Healer and I know that He is hearing my prayers. It has been a long 3 1/2 months with the healing process and I am still not 100% there, but I have all of the faith in the world that I will be there soon.
The camper search ended today! WOO HOO!
I am SO thrilled about this! We bought one yesterday and one miracle led to another to where it is now going to be used for a friend of ours to live in. She had been in a situation and had been abused, leaving her and her son homeless. Not anymore!! They now have a roof over their heads that they can call their very own. That led to us getting a different one today; one that will suit our needs even better. God is so awesome! And the people who allow themselves to be used by God hold such a big place in my heart. That's what it is all about - helping each other out and treating people how we would want to be treated. I am so glad that God is in charge because I couldn't have planned all of this out if I would have tried! We go to actually pick up our camper this coming weekend. We are having to borrow a truck to do so because Robert's truck is not quite enough to do the job. So, it looks like a little more truck selling, swapping and whatever else it will take will be in the near future.
Now the fun begins! We get to start condensing everything and deciding what to keep in the camper, what to store, and what to sell. I really like the sell part. I am anxious to declutter and really get down to the necessities! I see a huge garage sale in my near future! The quicker that everything is sold, the quicker that the house can be gone as well. My dear friend Lori is a realtor and is ready to sell it now. I keep putting her off because I just can't imagine anyone coming into this house with all of the stuff that is in it. If I am selling it as a fixer upper, they need to be able to see what actually needs fixing up! Hopefully, before the next month is over, we will have it completely emptied and ready to go to someone else for their new path in life.
My friend Lori and I are working on another project that just popped up. We have formed ML Productions and are currently working on a huge Christian concert to be held in our downtown area in October. What started out as simply wanting to bring a group here for my son's birthday has turned into bringing LOTS of groups here for the entire community to enjoy and at the same time benefit both Haiti and SOMA (Greek for "body"), a new Christian club here at our local junior college (JCJC). I am so excited about this entire project. Rest assured, though, that I had NO idea how many details were involved in making something like this happen. Satan has come in on more than one occasion trying to stop this. That's how I know it needs to happen! Here is the video for the Grand Stage groups that are coming:
Exciting, isn't it? Woo Hoo!
We are calling the event "Rock the Block 2010". We have another SEVEN local groups set to perform. I know, with all of my heart, that God is going to be glorified in this event. I love seeing God move, and I can hardly wait!
I think I have bored you all to tears by now. I will definitely make more of an effort to keep posting. I was able to reunite with a dear friend of mine from the past and she has been after me to journal. Well, this is as close as I will come to that for now! I can type much quicker than I can write!
Wishing you all a wonderfully blessed evening. May you close your eyes tonight as you rest your head on your pillow and be able to feel God wrap you in His arms and hold you tight!
Many blessings to you all!
I haven't posted on here for a while. Wow! It's been over 3 1/2 months! Where do I begin?! There has been so much that has happened that it would probably fill a book in itself!
Let me start off by saying that after a second surgery, I THINK everything is going to be alright. Keyword there being THINK. I am most definitely still praying that some of the situations that arose are going to heal better in time. God is the Master Healer and I know that He is hearing my prayers. It has been a long 3 1/2 months with the healing process and I am still not 100% there, but I have all of the faith in the world that I will be there soon.
The camper search ended today! WOO HOO!
I am SO thrilled about this! We bought one yesterday and one miracle led to another to where it is now going to be used for a friend of ours to live in. She had been in a situation and had been abused, leaving her and her son homeless. Not anymore!! They now have a roof over their heads that they can call their very own. That led to us getting a different one today; one that will suit our needs even better. God is so awesome! And the people who allow themselves to be used by God hold such a big place in my heart. That's what it is all about - helping each other out and treating people how we would want to be treated. I am so glad that God is in charge because I couldn't have planned all of this out if I would have tried! We go to actually pick up our camper this coming weekend. We are having to borrow a truck to do so because Robert's truck is not quite enough to do the job. So, it looks like a little more truck selling, swapping and whatever else it will take will be in the near future.
Now the fun begins! We get to start condensing everything and deciding what to keep in the camper, what to store, and what to sell. I really like the sell part. I am anxious to declutter and really get down to the necessities! I see a huge garage sale in my near future! The quicker that everything is sold, the quicker that the house can be gone as well. My dear friend Lori is a realtor and is ready to sell it now. I keep putting her off because I just can't imagine anyone coming into this house with all of the stuff that is in it. If I am selling it as a fixer upper, they need to be able to see what actually needs fixing up! Hopefully, before the next month is over, we will have it completely emptied and ready to go to someone else for their new path in life.
My friend Lori and I are working on another project that just popped up. We have formed ML Productions and are currently working on a huge Christian concert to be held in our downtown area in October. What started out as simply wanting to bring a group here for my son's birthday has turned into bringing LOTS of groups here for the entire community to enjoy and at the same time benefit both Haiti and SOMA (Greek for "body"), a new Christian club here at our local junior college (JCJC). I am so excited about this entire project. Rest assured, though, that I had NO idea how many details were involved in making something like this happen. Satan has come in on more than one occasion trying to stop this. That's how I know it needs to happen! Here is the video for the Grand Stage groups that are coming:
Exciting, isn't it? Woo Hoo!
We are calling the event "Rock the Block 2010". We have another SEVEN local groups set to perform. I know, with all of my heart, that God is going to be glorified in this event. I love seeing God move, and I can hardly wait!
I think I have bored you all to tears by now. I will definitely make more of an effort to keep posting. I was able to reunite with a dear friend of mine from the past and she has been after me to journal. Well, this is as close as I will come to that for now! I can type much quicker than I can write!
Wishing you all a wonderfully blessed evening. May you close your eyes tonight as you rest your head on your pillow and be able to feel God wrap you in His arms and hold you tight!
Many blessings to you all!
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