In His Timing

The past two weeks we've hosted a Bible study at our home.

If you told me several years ago our extended family would all be in church together, much less doing a study, I might have chuckled.  While I would say most have always been believers, in some form or fashion, church attendance was just not something everyone did.

But God can work out even the most unlikely situations for His good.

My paternal grandfather was a preacher so he was my faith foundation.  As a child, we went to church when visiting them.  After we were married and Austin was born, Tim and I discussed raising our children in church and how it was a value for us both.  We sporadically went for them, growing a little with each passing year. There were seasons we were regulars and others where life got in the way.

Ironically, it wasn't until after losing our oldest church became not just a habit but our lifeline.

We've watched our pew outgrow room and most Sundays now there are three to four rows of family together.  When approached by our pastor to host an upcoming Bible Study, we eagerly accepted.  And seeing the sign-up sheet after the first day, it was clear God had a plan for who He wanted there.  Our entire roster was and is family.

At first, I was uncertain if this was the best idea.  (This is where I think I'm smarter than God...)
But wouldn't each of us grow better if we were spread out among other groups?  Didn't we need to be stretched outside our comfort zone?  And what I quickly learned is that for many attending, this was already out for them. 

I forget not everyone is on the same path in their Christian walk.  Some are just starting out, some lost in the weeds, some climbing mountains and some further along.  How soon I forgot how uncomfortable we were at our first Bible studies or small groups.  Though it seems routine now, God is using us to help guide and encourage others. 

What a better blessing is there to do it among double family - family by blood and by the blood of Christ!  Though we are only a few weeks in, we've already seen God moving and working among the group.  I'm joyfully expectant at how He will continue to do so through this process and the days to come. 

Be Still...and Write!

I am still over-joyed from the experience of our first ever women's retreat this past Saturday.  Event planning is my jam so when I discovered this on our church calendar this girl was all about helping!  Aside from getting a nerdy fix on all the registration details, what I loved most was the opportunity to share with women about self-care.

The overarching theme was to learn how to better "Be Still" before God and to not let the distractions and worries of this world take us over.  My session was on prayer journaling, self care, and a little of my testimony mixed in for good measure.

Self care is something I talk about with young moms on a daily basis but having the opportunity to tell how God is the best source of our care was amazing.  As I shared with them, if you aren't going to Him daily to get renewed, refreshed, and refilled, everything else is just a band-aid.

My mornings start out in a quiet spot from the center of our home.  With a steamy cup of coffee, I nestle in to dig into God's word, spend time being still before Him, and writing notes in my Bible that speak to me.  There is no outside sound or distraction, other than the birds chirping awake.  This simple act and shift from what used to be a chaotic rush of a morning has changed everything for me.

I wake up craving this time with God and it sets the course of my day.

Going through old prayer journals in preparation for the class, I had many "Wow, God!" moments.  I was reminded that often when we journal or make a note it can mean something totally different years later.  There were so many entries I would read and know - this is why I experienced that, I understand this season now, etc.  Looking back gives us the ability to see how much we've grown in our walk with God and the lessons He's taught us along the way.

Prayer journaling can be stepping stones in our faith.

How often have we whispered a prayer and moved on, not even really giving thought to the end result.  Unless it is a major prayer, sometimes recalling those answers are even difficult to do.  Recording them in a journal gives us a history to look back on.  They show you how your relationship grows with God.

Love letters to Jesus, I like to think of them as. 

If you aren't currently journaling, I encourage you to try it.  Any notebook will do but there's nothing better than a really good pen.  One that flows with ease and glides across the page.  Or, you can join the world of virtual journals and start a blog.  Even if nobody but you reads them, I promise you'll be changed by the process.

Here are a couple I found online and shared in my session.  So, now I'm sharing with you.

Easy template (see #9)

Journaling prompts

Your journal can have a theme, like finding joy or giving thanks.  It can be focused on a specific scripture, book of the Bible, or use a different scripture each day.  Or you can dedicate pages to prayers about different people or needs in your life.  The choices are endless!

Don't spend a lot of time trying to create the perfect journal, just start writing.  Your journals will change as you do.  

In the cusp of the busy holiday season approaching, a first entry might be how you hope to Be Still before God and let Him calm the crazy of this world within you.

Joyful Journaling!

Day 31: Joy in Goodbye

We said goodbye to our pastor today, who has led us personally for the past five years, but our church for over 11.  It was a bittersweet day filled with emotions.

Early into being under Troy's leadership, I wrote about the impact he had on my family.  You can read about it here, where I speak of him being one of three wise men who've led me spiritually in my life.

As I sat down to write today's post, my final "31 days of joy," it came to me that I began my joy challenge six years ago, writing about my Grandpa the first wise man, and ended it today writing about Troy, the last.

Since that post back in 2012, Troy has seen our family through so many milestones and has helped to shape us more than I could've ever imagined when we first walked through the doors at EHBC.  His words of wisdom, whispers from God, have helped us heal in loss.  His calm presence has been with us in times of need.  His prayers have no doubt held us together as we've walked through life.  Under his care, we've seen our family pews expand in size and spiritual growth.  And his family will forever be an example to us of what it means to be good and faithful servants.

I'm terrible at goodbyes, as emotions overcome me, and in the midst of hugging a few words is normally all I can blubber out.  Such was the case today.  But I've learned how important your presence is for letting someone know what they mean to you.

I will never forget the winding line of people who came to say goodbye to Austin and the impact that had on our family.  Since then, I make it a point to attend farewells, whether they are goodbyes of this earth or goodbyes due to distance.

Since being at EHBC, we've said our share of goodbyes and I've learned that no matter how much you'll miss the person, there is joy still present because you know they are answering God's call.  Wherever it is He is taking them, they will do great things and touch many lives.  In the path of Troy and Kim, I'm just grateful God allowed us to be along for part of their journey.

As followers, we must expect change and movement and be open and willing to go wherever God leads.

As a Christian, I know that earthly goodbyes are also just "see you laters" because we'll hug them again in eternity.  And so, despite the pain that comes with losing someone, there is joy because you know where they are and that you'll someday be reunited.

Goodbyes are never easy.  But the only time a goodbye is truly painful is when you know you'll never say hello again.

A Saturday of Service

What an amazing gift to be a part of God's plan and see it through from the first seed to fruition!

Our church conducted our first Operation Inasmuch this past weekend, a local feet-on-the-ground mission trip.  We literally served in the backyard and surrounding neighborhoods from our campus.

Here's a quick video that gives a snapshot of what the day was like.  So good!

When a small group from our church sent a mission team to a similar project in Nashville last summer, we had no idea what God would have in store for us.  Looking back, I can see this past weekend was His plan all along!

Our family was deeply impacted in Nashville, having our eyes opened to the refugees that live two short hours from us.  Coming home, we realized that we could duplicate a mission of service here.

I began praying for direction of exactly how our church would be on mission in our own backyard.  A few weeks later a small postcard showed up in my mailbox.  It was a call to action to learn more about Operation Inasmuch.  And from that God's plan was born.

It was an honor to watch the progress from prayerful planning stages to final details.

Saturday, sitting in the circle of an army of volunteers I had to choke back tears.  I flitted about to various projects, taking photos, but mostly soaking up the view of watching His hands and feet in action.  From prayer walks, to lunch preparations, to nursing home visits, to chats with individuals awaiting free oil changes, they were all precious sights to see.  And even better was watching our teens roll up their sleeves and take part.  Both were eager and excited to serve.

Over 100 volunteers, countless lives touched, and a church on fire for missions.  What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

If you would like to learn more about Operation Inasmuch just click the link!  





Linked with #DancewithJesus

Faithful Friday: Thanksgiving

Happy belated Thanksgiving!  Knowing the week I would have, this post was started early, something I don't normally do.  I put the finishing details on it this morning, complete with coffee and PJs.  My hope is that your bellies and hearts are full by the time this reaches you.

Our Thanksgiving day was spent serving, a fairly new tradition our family started a few years ago.  As usual, God had great things in store for this year's event.  In the midst of the organized chaos, He never ceases to amaze me how it works out perfectly.  As the drivers were dispatched, trays of turkey and dressing in hand, calls began to come in.  "Where is this street? GPS can't find it."  And unexpectedly, "I have the same list as someone else!"  -oops.

The best message though came from a driver who shared that at his last stop, the lady answered and told him someone had already been there.  (Not the duplicate list mentioned above!)  As he was about to leave, she shared that her two sons were on their way.  As it so happened, two meals were what he had left.  I double checked all the routes and the lady was only listed on his.  Most certainly a God thing!

Thanksgiving had been a particularly difficult holiday for us, as it was our last one with Austin.  As such, there's a lot of painful - and bittersweet emotions around this day.  The first Thanksgiving without him I just wanted to ignore and avoid.  It was a welcome change and a perfect fit for a family focused on RAKs in the month of November to be a part of delivering meals to those in need.

Of course, with this new tradition, I no longer cook a big meal to have family over.  Instead, we eat lunch with the volunteers that day.  In some ways I miss it, but knowing how special our last get together was, which happens to also be my most popular post, gives me comfort in how it ended.  Time changes things and God has a purpose in it all.

The week will still be peppered with family, beginning with a Wednesday meal at my niece's (so strange to see her all grown up and hosting!), a visit at my grandma's, and ending with our own little turkey meal at home.  A new-to-Tina activity will be a night at the Shriner's circus, thanks to this girl winning tickets on the radio.  We haven't gone since the boys were little.  She is super excited and I'm thrilled to share this experience with her.  An added bonus is that my mom, sister and her littles will be joining us.

Folded in will be lots of Random Acts of Kindness as we wind down to Austin's Heaven-anniversary. We've done RAKs throughout this month but tomorrow will be the big day, complete with our favorite tradition, the Reverse Shopping Spree and a new one, backpacks for foster kids.  

Though we may do better year to year, prayers are still appreciated.  Keeping our minds busy doesn't take away the tug in our hearts.

Truly though, when I think back to those first holidays after losing him, it is amazing the healing that God has brought to our family.  I remember the broken, being lost in the darkness and depth of grief, and wondering if the pieces would ever come together again.

We will never have a day that we don't miss Austin but the pain, most days, does ease over the years.  And for that I am ever-thankful to my God.  He has returned JOY to us, even in the midst of our loss.

THANKSgiving

Last year, our family chose to spend our Thanksgiving at our church, delivering meals to those who would otherwise do without.  It was, by far, one of the very best holiday experiences we've ever had. 

This year, I was blessed to lead the amazing group of volunteers who run like a well-oiled  machine.  At our busiest, it was a beautiful display of organized chaos. 

The hands and feet of Christ....giving......in thanks for the ability to serve.
God is so good.  And we are so blessed.

 

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:7

 

 

So, what's it take to deliver 315 meals to the community...

Plus serve a complete banquet to the volunteers and families afterwards?

 

400 lbs of turkey

40 bags of stuffing

1000 ounces of corn & green beans

600 cookies

a small fort of cardboard boxes

20+ drivers

at least 200 miles of routes

dozens of tables, hundreds of chairs

enough volunteers to fill the space of our sanctuary in a giant circle

and an endless supply of smiles, passion, service and Christian love!

 

Even with all that, I am certain I'm leaving quite a bit out.

God filled in all the gaps.

 

Seeing this event beginning to end was such an awesome sight. 

Thankful, beyond words, to serve alongside these willing servants.

 

Wishing you a JOYous and blessed Thanksgiving!

Faithful Friday: Loving Others

God's timing often amuses me.  In his infinite wisdom, He set in motion a project for me that would need a lot of time, focus, and commitment at the end of the year.  From now through December, I'll be deep into the planning and execution of three major events at our church, all the while also recruiting a team of volunteers for 2014.

Ironic that I'll also be jobless around the same time?

I think not. 

Rewind many months ago, to me sitting in the office with my pastor.  After having the extreme honor of being asked to lead a new ministry at the church, I was there to say yes and discover the next steps. 

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?            Then said I, Here am I; send me.”  Isaiah 6:8

With his help, I would begin building a mission-focused group of volunteers to be known as the Loving team.  This group will oversee all of the outreach from our church.  It will combine several of our current projects, but we'll also be in prayer about God's plan for our future.

Amid the chaos of the summer, this is what has kept me grounded.  This is where I've counted my blessings.  The Loving team allows my spiritual giftedness, as well as experience and background, to be used by and for God. 

I stepped away from missions the year we lost Austin.  Actually, about two months before, when something told me to decline coming back.  While we've helped in certain projects and events at the church, I yearned to do more.  I'm beyond thrilled to lead missions as a whole for our church.  There's no better feeling that to be on task for God and feel him leading you.

^"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 

And what better way to keep me from dwelling on a temporary glitch in my life

 than to stay busy helping others.  Something we should do daily anyway, 

but what JOY it brings me to have a purposeful project this season -as well as the year to come!

Off to Camp

The kids have spent their first night away at church camp.  As it is a tech free zone, I couldn't text them good night or check in on them this morning.  I'm at the mercy of the random pictures I can stalk online from their leaders, when they have a chance to post any, and the knowledge that I'd have a text if anything other than a good report were necessary.

My wish for them this week is that they soak up not just just the sun and summer fun but that they open their hearts for whatever God has in store. 

As a child, I only remember going away to camp once.  It was with a church just down the street from our house that my sister and I walked to for VBS and a girls' program called Blue Bells.  Honestly most of what I remember about that trip are from the photos taken that week.  I do recall how beautiful the campus was, somewhere near Lexington, because I also remember seeing the castle in the distance for the first time that trip. 

And I remember how freaked out I was to share a shower with a bunch of girls, with only a paper thin curtain between us.  Perhaps I stunk that week because I'm pretty sure I avoided that experience again at all costs.  That reminds me of Noah's first camping excursion involving a dramatic bathroom scene.  He was away at 4H camp and they must've had a similar shower set up.  Of course it probably wasn't as graphic as he portrayed it, once home, but he basically admitted to only using baby wipes and the daily "Polar Plunge" he took at 6 am each day to count for his bathing routine that week.

Like his momma, he's probably not cut out for dorm life.  (future mental note)

Anyway, perhaps it is a phase he has outgrown now.  I did not pack him baby wipes in an effort to push the need for an actual shower.  Between that and the messy games he's signed up for, I think it will be a requirement.  Character building.

What I did pack (or rather sneak) into both his and Tina's bags were tiny notes, a travel tradition I started long ago.  Normally, as I'm leaving for a trip, I'll hide notes around the house so that they'll find them while I'm away.  I arrange it so they'll find them throughout the days I'll be gone but it becomes more of a hide & seek activity from what I've heard.  This time, knowing I couldn't communicate with them until Thursday, I tucked away sweet and funny notes hoping they'll find and know I'm thinking of them. 


.....off for a day of boat therapy on the lake.  Sure to distract me from missing them too much!

Faithful Friday: Cookies & Lemonade

Though there is still one night left of VBS, being that it's Friday, this had to be the theme of today's post;  because Bible School has been all I've eaten, slept and breathed for the past few weeks!

And although it has required months of planning, dozens of texts and phone calls, collecting gads of cardboard boxes, late nights of decorating, batch cooking for a week, lots and lots of changing of plans, and juggling a schedule crazier than normal, it has been worth every  chaotic  moment.

It's been a good tired.

For in between the trying moments,

there have been laughs...


- from watching my son attempt to sit in a "dress" (or rather royal smock) as King David, to the pastor's surprised face at the "trashing" of the sanctuary when the walls of Jerusalem came down, to trying to keep balloons under a sheet AND arrange them to look like a body in record time.

there have been spiritual lifts...

 - from the many sweet/sticky/sweaty hugs of little kids, excited to hear another story from the Bible, to watching growth within my team as they stretched themselves, sometimes going outside their comfort zones, to bring those stories alive and transport the children back in time, to soft prayers from little ones, heads bowed.

there have been tears...



 - from physically hammering the nails in the cross and feeling the sacrifice of my saviour, to later holding the weight of that cross as children pushed paper hands onto those nails symbolizing the sin He took.  With each puncture of the paper, I reflected on the many sins Jesus took for each of us and what a gift salvation is.



there has been JOY...
- from hearing of children coming forward and being saved - Hallelujah!  to dancing in celebration at the rebuilding of the wall and learning that He is Risen!  to knowing we've made an eternal difference this week through three little words...VBS.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16

Nacho Usual Teen Party

My aunt was the ultimate youth leader.  Funny, cool, relatable, and extremely creative, she made learning about the Bible fun.  Aunt Becky was gifted with making you want to hang with Jesus.

Even though I wasn't officially a "teen," Becky invited me to be a part of the youth group a few years early.  Like Noah, I looked older than my age, and being a typical first-born female, was mature beyond my years.  Of course, it also helped that I had a family connection.  I didn't care how I got in, it was just great to be a part of the group.

Among my favorite youth group memories are the recreation of the Lord's supper, Luau's in the backyard, and rapping the Sunday school lessons.  I remember thinking then how much fun it would be when I was a grown-up and could host teen parties for my own church.

Fast forward many, many years later to present day. 

Last night, we were blessed to host the monthly Bible study for our kid's youth group.  Mix together a couple dozen teens and youth leaders, 2 ginormous bags of tortilla chips, a vat of nacho cheese and all the toppings, a heavy assortment of sugary sweets, a study video that asks tough spiritual questions, and you have all the ingredients for one great night.

We've come to love so many of these teens the past year and last night was a wonderful opportunity to get to know others better.  Prayers, lots of laughter, and smart conversations were shared.  Tim and I loved watching Noah and Tina interact with their friends and responding to the challenges given.  Coming off Revival, the timing was perfect to remind the teens (and us adults) to be brave and bold in continuing to share the gospel. 

"What if each of us reached just 1 person this year for Jesus?"

rang through the walls of our home and stirred our hearts.

Cleaning up a littering of plastic cups and chip crumbs, I found myself smiling as the last kid trotted out the door.  Amazed, even still, at the work God has done with our family through this church.  Grateful and blessed that Noah and Tina have solid role models, strong youth leaders, and faithful Christian friends.  Of all the gatherings we've hosted in our home over the years, this Bible study is by far at the top of our favorite's list.

And I can't help but chuckle that someone in the neighborhood called in a complaint about the crowd.  If they only knew the great things that were happening under this roof.  ...Maybe next time we'll invite them to join us!

Faithful Friday: I wanna be fruity!

What a revival! 

While our bodies are exhausted from the long (short) week of late nights, our souls are REVIVED!  Over 10 lives were eternally changed over the course of five days, with decisions of salvation.  An innumerable amount of lives were refreshed and hopefully forever changed from the contagious passion of our guest pastor, Steve Ayers.

There were so many nuggets that I could share with you, but one especially impacted me and it'll be my focus for this Faithful Friday.  (I encourage you to check out our podcast to listen to each of the sermons though.)

It was interesting that my exact reading that morning was the scripture of focus for Pastor Steve's sermon. 

The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 

Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree,

“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.  - Mark 11:12-14

I've never eaten a fig, that I remember, and I didn't really know anything about a fig tree until that morning.  When I'd read the scripture earlier, for a moment I thought, "Gee, that was harsh."  It wasn't until later when I learned that Jesus cursed the tree due to the fact that it had all the outward signs of bearing fruit, from the fullness of leaves, but was a hypocrite because it had none.  And truly, if we aren't serving a purpose, what good are we?
 
Fig trees aren't the prettiest, they're knotty and don't play well with others.  The roots are greedy, spreading beyond the tree, often choking out other vegetation.  But those that mature and bear fruit, provide one of the most sustainable sources of food.  Figs are low in calories but high in fiber, anti-oxidants and minerals.  Even an ugly tree can fulfill its purpose when it does what God planned it to do.

I couldn't help but sit there during the sermon and compare my life to that of a fig tree.  Yes, I've had lots of ugly.  And I've had my share of looking like everything was together when it was anything but.  While I'm blessed to say I'm in the stage of life that is bearing fruit, I know that daily I need some pruning. 

I want my tree to be used up at the end of my life, to have born all the fruit I could possibly bear.  And to know that my tree was always used for God's glory, never my own.

Less leaves, more fruit. 

That's my earnest prayer...

Faithful Friday: Lifesaving Prayer

Turn on the television, social media, or just browse the internet and you quickly get a sense of an urgent need for prayer these days.  Not only on a national scope but locally too.  Aside from the horrific and cowardly acts of terrorism this week, mass casualties from fires, and impending storms, there are needs right here at home.  Perhaps right where you are now.

Sickness, broken families, tragic deaths.  Our county's obituaries were two pages this week and many were of people my age.  People passing before their time.  Shocking and unexpected. 
We are never promised tomorrow - or even the completion of today.

Sadly, Tim and I live in the harsh reality that life is short every single day.  We know.  We feel the still very present pain of a life taken too soon.  We remember the struggle to simply breathe with the knowledge and yet unexplainable news that Austin was gone.

Though it doesn't take the pain of missing him away, what held us from the very beginning was knowing where he was.  Austin asked Jesus into his heart at a very early age.  While I had no doubt of his understanding of salvation, at the tender age of 7, we asked our pastor to visit with him at our home.  His baptism was scheduled that same month and I can vividly picture him before entering the water.  Austin was smiling from the inside out, as if his soul was beaming for all to see.  Proudly wearing an "I love Jesus" t-shirt, he'd chosen himself, the very present love of our Savior and the joy of salvation filled the room.

I am proud of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes-

Romans 1:16

Knowing Heaven holds my sweet boy is what pushes me through each day.  This world can crumble around me but my foundation is secure in knowing I will join him there - and that my family will as well.  What breaks my heart is thinking of those who won't.

Whether within my friends and family, or a stranger down the road, my heart is broken for the lost of this world.  As a church member shared this week, "when I read those obituaries each Wednesday, I wonder if they were a Christian, and I'm burdened with the guilt I never reached out to them." 

That burden is heavily weighing on me too.  Preparing for our upcoming Revival, I've been in more dedicated and constant prayer for the lost.  For those I know and many I do not.  A group of us prayed, name by name, for the ones nailed to a small cross in our church.  We pray that their hearts be opened, that the hold of the enemy be removed from them, and that they accept and believe.  We pray that the Holy Spirit move and use us and others as vehicles to carry his Word.  We pray that their lives be changed...for eternity.

And I would be honored to pray for you too.  For someone you love.  For you personally.  I welcome you to message me and I will faithfully pray.

In this moment, wherever you are in your walk with the Lord, I pray for you now.  For peace, for strength, for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill you in this place.  I pray that if you do not know Him, that you will open your heart to the Lord now. 

  If you openly say, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from death,

you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

There are not enough words, no expression I can share that explains the joy that comes in knowing Him. 
It is my earnest prayer that if you are reading this, you also know this JOY.



I surrender all...

It's been a weekend of surrender.

Honestly, surrender began at even signing up a few months back to come to Women of Joy.  I wanted to go last year. I mean, how could a joy seeker, a joy sharer like me, NOT want to go? But something held me back. I didn't really know these women. I'd only joined the church a short time and being with "strangers" a whole weekend was way out of my comfort zone.  Being an onion and a bit of a loner, it takes me awhile to warm up to someone I don't know well.  Even though I call many of these women friends now, it was still outside my comfort zone a year later.

But God whispered, "Go..."

So it was in complete surrender when I signed up in February.  I paid the registration quickly as I could, so I didn't stress or analyze the details of the unknown.

When you let go and let God, amazing things happen. 

There's so much to share about this past weekend of JOY.  My messy notes, scribbled in the dark, will be inspiration for this week's posts.  I'm pacing myself on purpose because, to do it justice, it has to be more than just one writing.

For now, I'll share a picture of the group of ladies I was blessed to share the weekend with.  Some were old friends, some fairly recent, and some were brand new faces I'm glad to now know.


at the Spaghetti Factory...when we weren't at JOY, we were eating!  :)

 You can imagine in a group this big there's stories to share.  Oh, the laughs we had! 
But of course, what happens in Louisville stays in Louisville, so for the most part that fun will have to stay tucked away in the secret vault.  After that kind of tease though, I will end laughing at myself. 
And letting you join me.

Part of being an onion meant I didn't do a lot of sleepovers.  I had one best friend and spent 1/2 my life at her house but never really went to others.  I wasn't a typical college student and didn't do the dorm life, so I've never had a roommate.  Other than having to room with co-workers on work retreats, that world is unfamiliar and scary to me.  It was the part of the trip I was most apprehensive about.

To save money, we were all sharing beds, not just rooms.  The original plan was to have four in a room, two to a bed.  I picked my bed mate early, the kindness of an offer from a relatively new but close friend at church.  Debbie has become so much more than a friend to me - a mentor, a spiritual coach... (I could write a post or two just about her friendship).  Anyway, it did somewhat relieve my anxiety that she'd be the one I'd bunk with. 

Due to a hotel mistake, we ended up two a room, one small bed.  Anxiety returned. 
(surrender, surrender, I told myself!)

It was L.A.T.E. when we finally went to bed our first night, after a midnight feeding at the Cheesecake Factory and lots of walking at JOY conference.  My legs were beyond exhausted and I felt like I was riding a bicycle with their restlessness.  Of course, I tried to softly move them, so as not to disturb my sleeping pal.  In the wee hours of the morning, all hope was lost.

Being shocked awake by massive leg cramps, I tried to jump out of the bed and stand, the only relief I knew to seek.  Debbie, being the sweet pal she is, is startled from sleep thinking I'm having nightmares.  She grabs hold of me (a somewhat funny sight when you picture her size compared to mine) and in a David vs Goliath attempt, pulls me back shouting, "It's ok, you're just having a bad dream!" 

At the same time, and unable to speak because of the pain, I'm pulling away from her, struggling with the mounds of covers, trying to get out of the bed and stand on two legs.  For probably seconds, but what felt an eternity, we did this humorous tug-o-war.  Eventually I won and stood in the small room, trying to walk enough to work it out.  Still mute from the pain, she's not giving up trying to wake me, continuing her shouts of compassion to bring me from the nightmare.

After a few stretches and old man roll-on medicine, I was able to communicate to her what happened.  Still groggy, it dawns on Debbie what just occurred and we both collapse into laughter.  For the next thirty minutes -or more!- we enjoyed belly busting, side splitting laughs.  I was actually afraid someone would call the front desk and complain. 

Though an awkward icebreaker, it was kind of hard to have any nervousness after that.  It certainly gave us both something to laugh about the entire weekend!  And it helped me at least to physically surrender to the experience!

More JOY to come this week, friends...

Faithful Friday: Joyful, Joyful

By the time you read this, I'll be on my way to the Women of Joy conference in Louisville, KY.  My first.  And I'm so excited!!

3 days in Louisville with a group of women from church I respect, admire and appreciate their friendship. 

2 nights, including a Jeremy Camp concert and cheesecake! 

And 1 purpose - JOY! 

The conference is designed to spiritually teach, challenge, and uplift us as we joyfully praise our God.

My lips will shout for JOY, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 ESV

While there, I'll have the honor of hearing such speakers as Lisa Whelchel (Blair from Facts of Life) and Angela Thomas, author of Brave, the women's study I've been doing at EHBC.  I'm giddy with anticipation, much like a child on Christmas morn.

We'll see how my mobile posting skills are and if I can get it together to share some inspiration with you in the moment.  If I fail, there's always the promise of a post-post. 

Very blessed to have a family that supports me leaving for the last half of spring break to fill my joy tank!
More to come soon, friends...

Be a Good Neighbor

What would be your definition of a good neighbor?  In today's society, most would probably say a "good neighbor" is someone who keeps to himself, is quiet and respectful of those around them, and keeps a tidy yard.  Because, let's be honest, we've all lived beside someone who isn't one of these things.

Our sermon Sunday challenged us to be more...do more...love more, as a neighbor. 
And I was blessed for the reminder.

Tim and I had nursery rotation yesterday, so we opted to skip Sunday school and attend early service.  Though I know our sermons are now podcast, being there in person made such an impact and I am thankful we didn't miss it.

We took a "Good Neighbor" quiz as we were asked questions like, "Are you aware of the problems your neighbors may be facing?" and just simply, "Do you pay attention?" 

I wasn't pleased or proud of my score.

While we know most of our neighbors, there are some I would pass right by because I've never seen their faces.  Couldn't tell you their last names, unless it was on the mail box.  Our kids hang out with other teens on the block and I couldn't tell you the first thing about their family.  We truly do each live in our own little yard. 

Sadly, I probably know more about people I really don't know at all from Facebook, compared to the people who live on my street.  It's the world we live in, we're all closed off behind the safety of our laptop screens.  It's so much easier to simply post, "praying for you" on a status than getting out of our comfort zones and knocking on someone's door to help.  And maybe it is because of the reception we know will come if they answer.

It's the same, for many of us, when faced with sharing the gospel with the lost.  Neighbors aside, I have people in my own family I know that are lost.  People who I love and want in Heaven with me, yet I don't have the words or know how to reach them.  In some cases, I think maybe it is easier to reach a stranger and tell someone about Jesus.  And it shouldn't be that hard!

The ending of yesterday's sermon was profound.  Soul shaking.  Heart stirring.

There's a cross in the corner of our church where names of the lost had been attached.  Yesterday we arrived to find it empty.  Our preacher had pulled off all the names to review.  In one hand he held the names of those who had been saved.  We rejoiced in removing them.  In the other he held names of those who had passed, and to our knowledge, left this world not knowing the glory that could’ve been on the other side. My heart sank.

As names were reviewed and new ones added, each were placed back on the cross with a stapler. With each loud clank into the wood, I envisioned Christ being nailed to the cross for our sins. Every metallic clank, a symbolic reminder of his sacrifice for us, for them.  He's already paid the price, all we have to do is accept the gift.

For God so loved YOU that he gave his one and only Son, that if YOU believe in him, 

YOU shall not perish but have eternal life.

We are never promised tomorrow.

I rest because I know when my tomorrow ends, my forever begins.

It is my prayer that you know this too, friend. …neighbor.

Cleaning the Big House

We signed up on the church cleaning rotation this year.  Tim and I figured it was a family activity we could all do together.  I'm not sure the kids were thrilled at the idea, since that five letter word usually gets groans and eye rolls around here.  I've enjoyed it though.  But then cleaning and organizing is kind of my thing.

Or rather, I take it at spurts.  My sink may be gleaming from a recent scrubbing but laundry is hiding in the other room.  I can never fully manage to keep everything clean at the same time.  Tim says our house gets only really clean for company or the holidays.  He also jokes I never feed him well, except on those occasions mentioned above.  I'm pretty sure he's neither starving or that I'll appear on an episode of Hoarders anytime soon.

The kids would say I'm a neat freak.  This was a hard life change for Tina when she first arrived.  To her, putting up the dishes meant swinging open a door, tossing it inside, and shutting it real quick before something fell down.  A few broken dishes and serious conversations later, I think I've trained her to do better.  When Noah was little, I'd hoped a little of my OCD had rubbed off him, as he liked things a certain way too.  Over the years though, he's dusted most of that off.  Or rather, maybe that's the only thing he's dusted!  Seriously though the kids do decent.  They know how to walk a fine line between messy and good enough not to get fussed at by mom.

Our first time on the rotation was a learning experience.  It probably took us double the time of anyone else, but we wanted to do a good job and really didn't know where anything was.  I truly found joy though while cleaning.  The scripture, "whatever you do, do it for the glory of God," just kept whispering within me.  Scrubbing counters or floors, wiping down walls, and taking out the trash, I felt pride in my church.  I felt blessed to be a part of this family.  Cleaning reminded me that is our church too and I felt grateful.  Later I joked that every member should be assigned a shift, just to experience that feeling.  Somehow I don't think it will pass at a business meeting though.

And honestly, being told to do it, rather than sincerely wanting to, probably makes all the difference in the world.  When you love something, you freely give of yourself.  Volunteering at church is an honor for our family and one that blesses us each and every single time we do it.  Whether it is helping in the nursery, at VBS, delivering meals at Thanksgiving, or cleaning the floor!


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Faithful Friday: Redeemed

Once a month we get together with a small group of others from our church, known as a Lifegroup.  Looking back through my planner, I was amazed to see we've reached the one year mark!

Last February a handful of people, many new to EHBC, came somewhat apprehensively to our pastor's home for a potluck meal.  Sharing tacos and simple conversation, relationships began to form.  We ended the night with group prayer, opening each of our lives just a bit to new friends.

Month by month this continued, most of us taking turns to host in our homes.  And each month those relatonships, now strong friendships, continue to grow and thrive.  This gathering is one of the highlights we look forward to each time we turn the calendar.  It's something our entire family enjoys.



summer 2012 Lifegroup picnic

Not only that, it has strengthened our family and solidified our place in the church.  Coming from a big church, where our family got lost in the crowd, having these connections keep us grounded.  It's such a wonderful feeling to not only see friendly and familiar faces each week at church, but to also look out and see true friendships.

These are people who we've shared our souls with.  We've prayed together, cried together, laughed together, and of course shared yummy food together.  We don't just gather once a month to eat or pray, but we've become a part of each other's lives.  We're a phone call or message away when life's burdens come our way.  We're there to hold each other accountable and to protect each other's families from the enemy and distractions that can pull us away from being obediant to God.  I hold these people in my daily prayers.  They are truly like a second family to us!



Dec Lifegroup Party

This weekend we are blessed to have Lifegroup meetings two nights in a row.  Tonight we'll join with other leaders to learn and share how our group is doing.  And then tomorrow, our Christian family - Lifegroup Redeemed, will gather for food, fun and fellowship.

Yes, it makes for a busy weekend, but I couldn't imagine not spending time with this group.  I found a quote today that sums it up well, "Fellowship is not just something that we try to fit into our Christian life after we get everything else together."  It is what helps us keep it together!

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Brave.

I've never been the girl surrounded by a big a group of friends.  Sometimes I stand in amazement at Tina, who to the outside world can seem somewhat quiet or shy, but has dozens of friends.  It was difficult for her to weed down a friend list to invite to her last birthday party.  That was never me.

I solidly had one "best friend" from elementary to high school.  By the time middle school arrived, I branched out a bit and had a good handful of friends.  It wasn't that I didn't want more, it just seemed difficult for me to make friends easily.  At least more than what I considered to be 'high friends' - the familiar faces you'd chat in class with but never hang out or sleep over.

Perhaps it's because I can be perceived as shy.  And anyone who knows me well, will tell you that is just not the case.  As one friend put it, I'm an onion.  Those true friends, angels God has put in my path, just had the bravery to peel back my layers.  And I was brave enough to let them.

Even now, as an adult, who often longs for a few BFFs, my list of friends is rather short.  Tim is my best friend, something I love about our relationship, but as a woman, I still wish for a female version of that role.  Someone to shop or go out to eat with, someone to confide in, someone to just be a silly girl with.  Sometimes.  And then at other times the thought frightens me.  Because being that close to someone other than family opens myself up.  Scary vvulnerability.

I have been blessed with new friendships and close relationships since moving to EHBC.  I'm continually amazed at what God has brought into our lives through this church.  Strong women, faith-filled families, and I'm grateful for each smiling, caring face I've come to know. 

But my preacher put a kink in things when he asked me - and others in our group - to find an accountability partner last night.  Someone you could open up to, share with, pray with.  That's difficult for a girl who hasn't a long list to chose from.  I'm trusting God that he'll send someone my way or reveal the friend I'm meant to have in this role.

Timely that I'm starting a women's bible study tonight, appropriately named - BRAVE.  I'm excited and eager for the class.  And I'm boldly going into a church full of females, many of whom I don't closely know, and putting myself out there.  Bravely submitting to whatever God has in store.

2012...Year in Review

If you've been a visitor of this blog very long, you know I'm a fan of recaps.  I've done a YIR since beginning this blog and, if nothing else, it's fun for me to take a walk down memory lane.  Here's hoping you find some enJOYment too...

January - Our first day of the year began a frantic search for sauerkraut!  I was surprised with a lovely trip to Birmingham for work.  Noah had an epic birthday-palooza.  We purchased our first camper.  And Tim and I discovered impromptu date nights.  We visited a new church, which little did we know at the time, would become our new home.

February - The creation of "Tech Free Family Time" was invented, thanks to two tweens in the house.  My new year's resolution to read the Bible daily spilled over onto Noah and family devotion time.  I kicked Tim out of the bed, but not how you might think.  Kale became my favorite veggie.  We spent our Leap Day doing acts of kindness and surprised the kids with a picnic supper.

March - My first taste of guest posting.  Noah's love of baseball returned.  We tested out the camper in our culdesac.  The kids enjoyed their first church sleepover w/a weekend retreat.  In preparation for our upcoming spring break trip, I developed Camp Rules.  Our first experience of a Lifegroup.

April - The camping trip was everything we'd hoped for and more.  We said good-bye to our dear family cat, Tux.  Selecting our scholarship winner for Austin's Legacy was a goosebump moment.  Noah and I took in our annual Indian Breakfast.  Baseball Season in full swing.

May - Honored to be offered another guest post.  Noah broke his finger playing ball at church.  We didn't think it was broke and basically told him to suck it up.  Needless to say he still hasn't let us live that down! Tim and I were simply blessed with a simple day together.  We were held by loving prayers of friends, family and our Lifegroup to see us through the difficult month of what would've been Austin's graduation...  And it was an unexpected blessing to attend.  We ended the month by sharing our testimony to our new church family.

June - Noah's big game.  Tina's foot surgery.  Which led to a month of accidents...  We planted more tomatoes than ever and loved every juicy bite.  Fishing trips and homemade ice cream.

July - Austin's heavenly birthday was celebrated with a tree of hope.  Staycations.  Noah discovers Andy Griffith.  Tina's mission trip with Ky Changers.  Tim continued the accident curse with a scare in the midst of VBS.  We juggled and still joyfully served at VBS, with downtime at the hospital. 

August - First day of school.  I attempted couponing again...and failed.  Tim had back surgery.  We quickly remembered how much he does not like to Be Still.   

September - I treated Tim to his annual fried chicken birthday dinner.  Tim continued to learn to be still...I learned to be silent.  The beginning of fall festivals and our first pulled pork nachos!

October - Yellow mums...pumpkins (pies, lattes, candles, cookies, carving, painting, oh my word!)...caramel apples...autumn leaves...crisp mornings...bonfires...hayrides...scary movies...candy corn...soups, stews and chili...coffee on the deck, under a blanket...apple cider...Halloween parties...perfect hot tub weather...sweatshirts and hoodies...God's breathtaking landscape in the fall...Plan B Fall Break Fun.

November - a month of Thanksgiving.  Upward Basketball.  Operation Shoebox.  Noah's first deer - and he got 2 for 1!   A new Thanksgiving tradition - delivering meals to those without.  Another blessed RAK in memory of Austin...all month long.  Our first real Christmas tree.

December - Tina's baptism.  Joy Dare.  Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.  Lifegroup party.  Lots of lovely Family Time.  Lord of the Rings marathon.  A month of #23s...hugs from Heaven.  This Christmas.

The highlight of 2012 for me though wasn't from one moment or event, it was from a single choice.  Choosing to try "one more church" changed our lives.  God has blessed us beyond measure through our new family at EHBC and I'm hopeful for what 2013 has in store. 

What was your favorite moment or memory of 2012?

Faithful Friday: Crowd Pleaser

I spend more time in groups this month than probably the entire year.  And almost all of them involve food!

Within the past week, we've had Tim's annual fire department dinner, a youth progressive dinner, two company Christmas meals, and tonight, we'll host our monthly Lifegroup.  (Yes, I wear a lot of elastic!)

In a crowd, I'm an observer, a people watcher.  I'll talk quietly with whoever is around me, but for the most part, I'm a wallflower.  As such, I'm normally not one for crowds and will choose a quiet night at home any day, but when they're filled with dear friends, it's something I enjoy. 

Tim's fire dinner was a great time, as usual.  New members mixed with veterans, spouses, and tiny additions.  It was nice to see the next generation coming through, as I sat on the sidelines to support my hubby, salt and pepper hair among the young pups.  Watching him with his second family brings me joy.

Keep on loving each other as brothers. (Heb 13:1)

Sunday night the kids experienced their first progressive dinner.  I helped at the spaghetti house, so I was able to taste a portion of their fun.  They came home excitedly laughing about the dirty Santa game.  We are so blessed to have such a positive outlet for them to be in and spiritual friends to know.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccl 4:12)

Tim and I both had company meals this week, making our evening dinners very light to balance out the feasts.  I traveled to Bowling Green, an office I only get to see every month or so, but one that is always a joy to visit.  It was extra special this trip because both my current boss and my former were there.  I consider myself very fortunate to have two wonderful mentors in my career, who motivate and challenge me.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thes 5:11)

And last, but certainly not least, our Lifegroup.  Tim and I are thrilled to host this month's in our home tonight.  Lifegroup is such a new concept for us, even as simple as it is.  It's basically a small group from church that meets about once a month for fellowship, food and prayer.  I remember several months back, as we attended our first, and how hesitant we were.  Our fears were quickly relieved as the warmth, love and friendship we initially felt when visiting EHBC was present just the same in that group.  Over this year, we've shared recipes, tears, laughter, prayers, and grown closer.  We are so glad we stepped out of our comfort zones and into these people's lives, for they've made ours so much better.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.    (Gal 6:2)