A life unplanned.....

I am a planner/organizer to the core.  The calendar/planner aisle at Wal-Mart makes me happy.  I am also as proud as a peacock to say that I am raising a daughter who is a planner.  We are the type that wakes up with a plan everyday.  Now whether or not we accomplish it is a totally different  story.  Elise and I dream big when it comes to plans.  One of the most exciting things that has happened to us was the invention of Cozi.  Cozi is a family organizing app that has revolutionized our family schedules.  If I have said it once, I have said it a million times to my family, "It's on Cozi." (in response to them asking the plans for the day)  I love Cozi and I organize G5's life on it.  If it's happening, it's on there!

"The plans of the heart belong to man,

But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord."

Proverbs 16:1 

But at this season of my life, planning has been a little tough to conquer. (urghh!) From little things, to large things, God has allowed unplanned things in our life to teach us much about Him and and to do His work well. 

 "I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself;

Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps."

Jeremiah 10:23

Like today.

I sit in my brown chair this morning, embracing the sound of rain falling outside, thanks to 'Isaac'.  Our sunroom is a glorious place to be (except when it is over 100 degrees or under 40 degrees outside!!!),  especially days like today.  It's very peaceful today.  I was just reflecting back on how unplanned it was for me to be sitting here at 10:00 in the morning.  A weekday morning.  I am usually working during the school year, but due to school budget cuts, I am not this semester.  (and boy do I miss those kiddos at school!!!)  Unplanned. (FYI-on Cozi I had me going back to work on August 20!)

 

"For I know the plans that I have for you,

declares the Lord,

plans for welfare,

and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

And yesterday, school, like in college,  started up again.  Last August the Lord placed on my heart a huge desire to go back to school for teaching.  So I enrolled at Southern Arkansas University last fall and completed the hours needed to enter the education program.  I started Block I in the Early Childhood Education program yesterday.  Totally unplanned, but it has turned out to be a huge blessing.  God has been very gracious to provide the time, energies, and finances for this to happen.

And I cannot ever forget about the unplanned summer 2012.  I did not have on Cozi a trip to Boston!  Up until all 5 of our feet touched the airplane floor in Little Rock, we were living by absolute faith.  No sight at all, other than God's faithfulness and His Word.  Totally unplanned for all 5 of us to go to Boston.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways My ways, " declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

And then there was our time in Boston.  I had a bucket list of places I wanted to go to in between Ethan's games. I wanted to make this most of the trip!   God had provided the means for us to go at this time and we had no clue if we would ever be able to come back to this part of the country.  So it was so important to Warren and I to make memories together as a family.  But no matter how much planning I did, everyday was unplanned in its own way!  We never knew what we would find along the way, the means we traveled by, or the places we would pass by.

We stumbled upon Walden Pond (Thoreau) on our way to Vermont.  Loved it!

And God totally turned my direction for serving at church this fall around.  I had picked out, purchased, put on Cozi, and communicated with Warren my intentions to teach a ladies class.  The Lord had different plans.  He grabbed my heart a few weeks back and placed it in the student ministry for this fall. I just want to love on and encourage the students.  So that's where I will be!

This verse in Proverbs continually crosses my mind.  In fact, I cannot put something on Cozi without being reminded that I may plan, but it is HE who directs and decides those steps.

 

"The mind of man plans his way,

But the Lord directs His step."

Proverbs 16:9

And I am so glad. 

"Commit your works to the Lord,

And your plans will be established."

Proverbs 16:3

I am so glad He has me with the students right now. They are so precious and hungry for the Lord.  I don't want to miss the privilege of being a part of that.

I am so glad that the trip to Boston was in His plans and not mine. Otherwise, Elise and I would have never seen this most beautiful sight. 

I am glad that 15 years ago, God interrupted where I was in college with a blue eyed boy.  I wouldn't trade that time for anything.  (especially the naps! ) Now God is using the current college season in my life to reach classmates for Him, encourage my children educationally, and cause me to grow in so many areas. (including a desire to learn!)

And how thankful I am that God has given me a season of rest, even if it is for just a semester.   (although I will be volunteering teaching 3rd grade science starting next week.)  Only He can plan something so good.



So when life seems so unplanned.  When it seems so not in the plans.  When it seems not according to the plan.  He knows.

 

"O Lord, Thou art my God;

I will exalt Thee, I will give thanks to Thy name;

For Thou hast worked wonders,

Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness."

Isaiah 25:1

Summer Fun! or maybe craziness??

I can't believe this summer is winding down already!  I heard some friends of ours call it the 'summer that wasn't.'  That makes me laugh because this summer has defeated all "normal" thoughts of summer.  It's been good, though.  I have stood in awe of God's ways all summer long.

The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

This past week was extra crazy, to say the least.  I feel like we were on a roller coaster ride all week!
It was just a few hours after I finished my blog last week that I heard the news of the reporter in St. Louis.  The reporter was out for a morning run along the Mississippi River.   He stumbled upon some of our things that were stolen.  Bibles, journals, a moldy retainer (our Tyler's), inhaler's and medication were all found.  This man was nice enough to even go back and look for more items that could be ours after he talked with Warren.  When the package arrived, this note lay on top.

In that box was my Bible.  It had been ran over and is a little torn, but boy did it feel good to hold.  I smile every time I open those pages.  I will even admit that I have hugged it like a long lost friend!

The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:9-10

We also had the excitement of  Ethan's baseball team making it to the World Series!  They beat Crossett's 12 year old all-stars in Lamesa, Tx to clinch this spot as Southwest Champions.  We will all board airplanes Tuesday and head to Boston, Massachusetts.  That was definitely NOT in the summer plans. 

And Tyler passed his driver's test this past week.  Oh my!  When you look over and see your little blond hair child with your life in his hands, you are thankful our lives are in HIS hands.  Wasn't it just yesterday he was running over my feet with the plastic Today's Kids golf cart?

This past week I found myself praying to God, "I have no idea what to say."  My heart is so full of so many things now.  I am overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed by His blessings, overwhelmed with life, overwhelmed with His goodness, overwhelmed with schedules, overwhelmed by His mercy, overwhelmed with flight schedules, overwhelmed by the faith required.  Just plain overwhelmed!  It's so hard to describe!  I am sure you can relate. 

People were overwhelmed with amazement.

“He has done everything well,” they said.

“He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:37

In my prayer journal for the past couple of weeks (which was returned by the reporter, too!), each day basically starts like this:

"God, Guide us.  I don't even know what to say."

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:5

It seems the situations in life are so much bigger than us, but not our God.  And I just don't want to miss Him, while overwhelmed.  Crazy statement, huh?  I just don't want to miss what He is up to.

The huge miracle of having my Bible returned to me in a city of 318,000 people and 65 square miles, is so much bigger than me.  I can't even wrap my mind around it.  And the note, I really can't wrap my mind around it.  It's a daily reminder how powerful God's Word is.  And how God answers prayers, wow!

Ethan's team heading to the World Series and the awesome ways God has worked in the relationships and now provisions.  It's way beyond words for me.

And that child of ours driving.  Enough said.  His grace is enough and more than I can express.

So God, guide us.
Guide us in the way that brings You glory.
Guide us in the way that brings others to You.
Guide is in the way that brings Life.
Guide us in this "overwhelmed" time.
Guide us.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you. 
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth. 
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.

The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us. 

May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Psalm 67

Good Grief!

We are home.  Again.  We arrived home last Sunday evening from a mission trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Minneapolis is a city so in need of salvation.
I want to so desperately tell you all about it.  And I will, promise.  But not today.
I am going to tell you about our trip in rewind.  That way, when I tell you about the trip, we don't have the end of the trip hovering over me and you.

"Bring joy to Your servant's life,

since I set my hope on You, Lord." Psalm 86:4

We left Minneapolis early Saturday morning (July 14).  We were looking forward to our late afternoon stop in St. Louis.  There were many of us that had never seen the Arch.  I was one of them.  I had no idea what to expect.  It was so cool how God worked it all out, but our dear children in the Lord (Natalie and Daniel) were close to St. Louis at the same time we were.  We were so excited to see them again before they made it back to New York. 

Warren and Sterling were the bus and van drivers and had a hard time finding a close parking spot, so they dropped all of us on the trip off in front of the Arch.  They went on and parked.  A little later Warren and I caught up with each other.  The Arch was so much more than I had imagined.  I had no idea about all the things they had underground.  Half of our students were able to get tickets to ride the tram up, including our Tyler and Ethan.  The other half was not able to.  So we decided to go eat dinner down the road (and on the way to our buses) at the Spaghetti Factory.  The walk there was fabulous.  The streets of St. Louis have so much history.  Up to this point, I was loving it and ready to come back on a family vacation.

We got word that the other group had finished the tram ride on the Arch and was heading to the bus.  We were getting our dinner tickets about that time.  We were in the middle of paying our waitress when Warren received a call from Sterling that our bus had been broken into.  At the point of the call,  we weren't sure of the van.  Our Tyler and Ethan had been riding on the bus with 27 other students and adults.  Elise was on the van/trailer with Warren and me and about 8 seniors.

"My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart,

my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

We hastily walked down the crowded, busy St. Louis street passing bright lights of casinos and people everywhere.  We walked into our parking lot, passed the security attendant, and cars.  As we got closer, we could see the police, upset students, and glass.

The bus had been completely ransacked.  The thief had taken so much.  The detective on the scene was carefully instructing students to stay away while he looked over the situation.  It wasn't long before the crime lab arrived and took fingerprints.

The detective would have students look carefully and see what items were missing. Much was.   IPods, Ipads, money, checkbooks, prescription glasses, retainers, laptops, backpacks, clothes, shoes, movies, cd's, Bibles, wallets, phones, chargers, sunglasses, keys, picture books, tax information, headphones, Bible study materials,  but most significantly, trust .

"I cry aloud to God, aloud to God,

and He will hear me." Psalm 77:1

After the awe of material things being gone, the kids stood there in a greater awe that someone would do this.  To them.  Teddy bears thrown to the ground by this thief.  Gifts from relatives were taken just like that.  Bibles they had received from loved ones, gone.  A child's bag of crayons and coloring books foolishly taken.


The students had so many questions:
"How could someone do this?"
"Why did God allow this?"
"Is the man going to find me?"
"Will I get my stuff back?"
Tough stuff and tough questions.


The only thing seen on the ground of the scene was an ipod cord, glass from the broken window, and Elise's Bible study book. 

I lost quite a bit of material things as well.  I am nervous that I lost tax information that was on my stolen computer. Money gone.  Chargers stolen.  I am bummed that I lost my Beth Moore James book, Kelly Minter No Other Idols and Ruth books, Radical by David Platt, Timothy Keller's Couterfeit God's, and Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. (Is God teaching me something about idols or what??)  I hate that I lost my awesome 31 bag and many other things.  Overwhelmed that our budget for the year is now on the streets of St. Louis.  My bamboo pink lipstick is melting on a street corner somewhere beneath the arch.

"Do not have other gods besides Me." Exodus 20:2

 But let me tell you, I have literally stamped my little foot about my Bible.  I did!  In the Suburban as we traveled home from Monroe the other night.  I have had this Bible for over 16 years. I purchased it while pregnant with Tyler when I began my first Precept class, Philippians.   I have prayers I prayed for my mother in it.  Prayers of thanksgiving when we learned we were having a daughter.    Prayers for the knots on Tyler's head to be healed when he was 2.  Outpourings of forgiveness of sins.  I have underlined many, many, many verses that God has shown me.  It has dates of salvation for many of our youth through the years.  I absolutely treasured this Bible.

 Just a month ago I had failed to open it for a day or 2 due to busyness.  I had been satisfied in my hurry with simply doing a "devotional book."  After those couple of days, I laid in my bed and just slowly flipped my fingers through my Bible.  It was wonderful.  I just read through some of the things I had written in the margins and the verse joining it.  It was a sweet night being reminded how good God is.  So faithful. 

I love to do my quiet times and study in my brown chair in the sun room at our home.  And I won't even try to deny it, I am struggling to plop myself there in the morning.  (Yes, my eyes are fighting a good cry right now as I upload these pictures)  I miss that brown Bible.  It's pages stained by me.  It's words are life to my soul.  I have pleaded with the Lord here.  I have praised the Lord here.  I have been humbled before the Lord here.  This Bible has met each morning through joy, pain, and loss. 


So we move on and learn so many things.
Missions is hard.
We live in a broken world.
That is why Jesus came.
That's why we go.
God is good.
God is faithful.
God is our protector.
God loves us.
He is enough.

So I will soon go to Lifeway and search the shelves for a new Bible.  It will have crisp pages (yuck) and the binding perfectly intact. God will teach me new things that I will mark.  Many prayers will be penned in the margins.  And I will love it, just as I did the old. 

I would love to have that old Bible back.  But I would be so very mad if I did get it back, because I know what that Bible holds in it.  Words that change lives forever.  It did mine.  My prayer hours after the incident are still held true today, blow wind, blow.  Scatter Your word.

The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But He, Jesus, has come to give us life and give it more abundantly. Praying TRUE LIFE is found in the lives of the ones who encounter my Bible. In it is found the pourings of my heart to God for 16 years. His Word never comes back void. May the pages fly out all over this city and stumble upon the feet of the desperate. May they see the margins and know God is ALIVE and Good!! Pray for our students to feel total secure in the Lord's protection.

and so we "cry and walk." (K. Minter, Ruth).  God is faithful.

Stop Your Whining!

I am sure all you "camp parents" have enjoyed the small bits of information your students and kids have shared with you after arrriving home from church camp or Super Summer.  For some of you out there, the information they shared with you about their experience is the only details of life you will get for the next couple of months.  After this, you will have to pull teeth to get practice schedules, details of new classes, and at least a day's warning of needed school supplies.  So I guess we all need to take a moment and savor that bit we got from our teenagers.  Because it's just about over.  :)
In our family Tyler is more of the talker when compared with Ethan.  Ethan's details come in bits and pieces and they are always so vague. I am still trying to put all the pieces together from his time at camp. 

Ethan at Super Summer

Tyler tells you all at once.  Fast.  So fast that I am still trying to figure out what he said.  I heard what everyone said, did, what the speaker said, songs sung, and highlights of camp within the first 30 minutes of being home.  Now I am just trying to let it soak in.

Tyler at Super Summer

One thing I did understand from both of the boys was that they really enjoyed the speaker for the week, Ed Newton.

Ed Newton

On the way home from Super Summer, Tyler shared with me many things he had gleaned from Ed's teachings.  I will admit, I have no idea what the point was, just his thoughts as he processed it.  Tyler told me that he realized this week that he got all his good qualities from his dad.  Ouch!!  I asked calmly (trying to remember my advice in "walk down the mountain" blog from a couple of weeks ago), "Tyler, what qualities would those be?"  He went on to describe Warren's kindness, mercy, friendliness, communication skills, easy going, ........................................................................... and on he went.  

So at this point,  wondering just what qualities he felt I beheld, I ask "So, Tyler, umm, what good qualities do I possess?"  Tyler goes on to describe the kindness, organization,cooking and friendliness in my life.  He did use the words "sort of" a whole lot.  He then adds a tidbit about how I am always making them clean the house, do chores, and more strict than Warren.  As he stops there, I think to myself, That's it?  15 years of effort and that's what he thinks of me? 

Side note I have written in my Bible.  Wrote it many years ago.

It wasn't but a few seconds later down the road, as I was digesting all of this "bad news", Tyler started again on my qualities.  He says, "You know, but you also, like, are really good at telling us what the Bible says we should do and how we can apply it.  You play the Jesus card a lot.  And you know a lot of scriptures.  You are really good a that.  I like that about you.  You are nice to people and want them to know Jesus."

Hallelujah!   My efforts are not in vain. 

"Be dilligent to present yourself approved to God as a workmen

who does not need to be ashamed,

 handling accurately the word of truth." Hebrews 4:12

Tyler also went on to tell me about the over 100 scriptures Ed said by memory and where they were located.  Ed uses an app called Fighter Verses to learn the scriptures.

I told Tyler this would be a wonderful app for him to use.  I encouraged him to use this in FCA at school or find an accountability partner in the student ministry in our church.  He agreed and on he went.

"Thy word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11

Later that night,  he walked into my room and said, "since we paid $2.99 for the app, you need to downlaod it."  That's when God grabbed my heart and I knew to ask, "Why? Are you wanting me to be your accountability partner and memorize these verses with you?"  And he reponded, "yes."

Oh no!

I can barely remember my own children's names.  I have to check 3 or 4 times a month whether I mailed all the bills or not.  I have to go through the alphabet to think of peoples names.  And he wants me to memorize a new scripture passage every week?

I won't lie.  I am being completely honest as I write this to you.  I have kicked, screamed, and whined, A LOT!  The first verse is found in I Peter and it has been many hours of studying to get it.  So here it goes.

"Resist him.  Firm in your faith.

Knowing the same kinds of suffering

are being experienced by your brotherhood

throughout the whole world.

And after you have suffered a little while,

the God of all grace

who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,

will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and confirm you.

[To him be the dominion forever and ever.Amen]

I Peter 5:9-10 [11]

I had no idea that my enjoyment of "camp talk" would lead to memorizing scripture with my son.  But it has.  Tyler and I go back and forth saying what we know everyday.  Tyler completely learned his first verse in 2 days. (but note-he probably knows every detail about North Little Rock's Payton Holmes, Kenny Howard, Gary Vines, Rodney Bryson, Juan Day and Altee Tenpenny in Hooten '12 already)   It has taken me the full 7 days to memorize this verse, but I have it!  We sit at Twisted Cow saying our verse.  We drive down the road saying our verse.  Ethan hears it.  Elise hears it.  He tosses his Bible at me and says, "Watch out!  It's sharp enough to pierce our hearts."

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword,

 and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow,

 and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of heart." Hebrews 4:12

Good stuff.  Having to obey and choose to leave a legacy with my family by memorizing scripture with them and being in God's Word is the time worthy stuff in life. 

I encourage you today to do the same.  Introduce them to this app or come up with your own plan.  Memorize His Word as a family or with one of your chldren.  Even if you have to kick, scream, and whine like a two-year old for a toy in Wal-Mart at first.  It is worth it!

So we finish week one and go to week 2.  And good news!  It's an easy verse!

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10

Maybe one day when I have left this world for my seat at Jesus' feet, those 3 that I "make clean house" will have engraved on my headstone, "Mama G: Lover of the Word." 

That's the quality I want to leave.

"For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life...." Deuteronomy 32:47

A Call in Texas

I have so many things I want to write this morning!  It is Monday and I missed writing last week while I was out of town!  I will spare you all the craziness and just share with you what God reminded me of as I sat in the auditorium of Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC) on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University this past week.  It was a sweet remembrance of just what God has done in our family.  I think it's important to reflect where the stones are laid in our lives and the promises God has kept.  A time to remember how he has rescued us.   Loved us.  Taught us.  Provided for us. 

Super Summer Arkansas (SSAR) was GREAT this year!  (SSAR is a camp held in Arkadelphia, AR for students)  God did some amazing things in many students lives this past week.  Everytime we go to SSAR, it feels like we are at a BIG family reunion. Current students, college students, families of student minister's, all traveling to the same place, with the same purpose.   Kind of makes me think of what the Festivals in the Bible probably felt like.  An opportunity to meet with the people who you have crossed paths with at some point in your life, meeting together to worship.

"For these things I remember, and I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and thanksgiving,

a multitude keeping festival." Psalm 42:4

This year was extra special because it was Warren's turn at being the Super Summer Chair.  He had the privilege of choosing the theme, scripture, and having the responsibility to lead the camp this year.  When he first told me his theme idea, I wasn't too sold on it.  But as the year progressed and I learned what and how important the feasts/festivals were, I was passionately sold on the theme.  It was at the festival of Booths that Jesus stood and said,

"If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." John 7:37

(This verse has much meaning when you are at rec at SSAR!)

Seeing Warren on stage leading at different times caused me to think back to where all God has taken us as a couple and as a family.  As I sat in the front row seat on Tuesday night, all around me sat former students that are now in college serving the Lord.  We have known most of them before they could even tie their shoes.  Several rows behind me sat current students, yelling with excitement .  In that section sat our Tyler.  Loving the Lord.  I just can't tell you what it does to a person when you are sitting in an invitation and you see students you once led to Christ or discipled, now leading others to Christ/discipling.  Very humbling.  A sweet taste of God's grace and love.

When Tyler was 6 months old, Warren and I were living in Huntington, Arkansas on his parents homeplace.  Warren was working for KHBS Channel 40 in Fort Smith in the promotions department.  He had been working at this job ever since he graduated the University of Arkansas with a degree in English.  During the Summer of 1997, KTEN in Denison/Sherman, Texas called Warren and offered him the director position for promotions/production at the station.  After much prayer, we took the job.

Warren liked his job pretty well.  But God used this job to make us uncomfortable.  Warren lost his passion for television.  It began to really bother him.  He would come home unfulfilled every day.  No passion.  The only thing keeping him going at work was the ministry opportunties he saw and was trying to take advantage of.

The building in Denison, Texas where KTEN was housed

Warren and I would search the scriptures over the next year we were in Texas.  We studied a Precept study together, I Timothy.  God used this book of the Bible as well as  the youth minister and yourthworkers at Parkside Baptist Church to work in our lives.  He also used a 12th grade Sunday School class that we taught to help us discern God's will for our lives.  We knew God was doing something.  We just had to seek Him for the answers.  We lived in Denison for 18 short months.  God brought us to this place to do a new work in our lives.

Parkside Baptist Church (Denison, Texas)



"And you will seek Me and find Me,

when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11

After sensing a calling in our lives to the ministry, Tyler, Warren, and I knelt down on the rose-colored carpet in our apartment.  I will never forget the spot and those tiny knees of Tyler kneeling on that floor.  We confessed, committed, and gave our lives to full-time minstry, 
Whatever that would mean.  We were ready to go.

Tyler and Warren at our apartment in Denison

That was 14 years ago. God would lead us to youth ministry where Warren has served in 2 churches as youth and associate pastor/youth and family minister. 

Blessings.  Growth.  Joy.  Struggles.  Passion.  Fulfillment.  Humbled.  Purpose.  Ministry has been this and so much more for our family since we surrendered to the calling He put on our lives.

Calling.  God calls each of us to different tasks to complete His will on this earth.  He doesn't call everyone to full-time ministry like our family, but he calls all of us to minister to people.

What does the ministry in your life look like? 
How about your family's life?

I know for me, one of the greatest blessings on this whole entire earth is serving with Warren, Tyler, Ethan, and Elise. I love mission trips with them.  Camps.  I love having dinner with them and the friends we are trying to reach.  I love ministry at ballgames with my family. There is nothing better than having a vision together as a family about a person or another family that you would like to reach for Christ. 


So I encourage you, find a family that needs Jesus.  Sit at the dinner table and pray for them.  As you drive down the road, talk about ways to build a relationship with them.  Intentionally cross paths with them as a family.  It's our calling to always be doing this.  Always to be sharing Christ.  It's important enough that Christ's last words to us was just this.

"...you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

You won't regret it for a minute.  Ministry. 

"...walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

with all humility and gentleness, with patience,

showing forbearance to one another in love,

 be dilligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

walking down the mountain

There is one excited girl at my house!  She has her suitcase out and is ready to load it.  At 9 am, she and a group of children from our church will jump on the church bus and head to the "mountain" at Camp Solgohachia for 5 days of fun, friends, and God's Word. 

"How lovely on the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news

Who announces peace

And brings good news of happiness,

Who announces salvation,

and says, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Camp Solgohachia evening worship time

This is her first "real" year to be a camper.  She is getting to room with some great friends.  They have already planned out most details of their week.  They have made sure they have signed up for the same activities, in the same order.  Blesses my heart greatly to know that she loves these times.

Being youth minister kids, camp is no stranger to them.  All 3 of our kids have attended and LOVED camp since they entered this world.  They really don't know summers any other way.  Many summers for Ethan and Tyler, in their early years, were a week of youth camp at Siloam Springs, a week at Super Summer, a week or more on a Mission trip, and then a week at children's camp.  Lots of camp.  Lots of packing, baths in rubbermaid tubs for those 2 little ones (Hilltop at Siloam only had showers.  That does not work well with an infant!), and lots of strawberry juleps.

Tyler and Ethan in front of Hatfield Hall at Siloam Springs Camp



"For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God,
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalms 84:10



Tyler, Ethan and Elise spent every summer on the "mountain" at Siloam and loved it.  Crawdads, dirt roads, and sweat.  Popcorn on the bridge, afternoon swimming, and Mike Seabaugh's skits.

Elise(19 mos), Ethan, and Tyler at Siloam



Siloam became an even more special place four summers ago when Ethan trusted Jesus as his Savior and Lord there.  He had been thinking and wrestling with his need for Jesus.  He knew he was a sinner and believed Jesus died on the cross for him, but he just wasn't ready to make that commitment.  It was during the summer of 2008 that Ethan got up during invitation, walked down to his daddy and said he was ready to make that commitment.  I followed behind them and the three of us knelt down together as he prayed and received Christ.

Ethan and Warren right after he was saved at Siloam

"Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised;

And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise Thy works to another,

And shall declare Thy mighty acts." Psalm 145:3-4



Yes, camp at our house is important and we totally believe in these special times.  It's a time for our students and children to go to the "mountain" and hear from God.  A time to set aside the busyness, distractions, and pleads for a clean room.  It's a time for them to be able to get back to the basics of God's Word, prayer, love, kindness, and a deep passion for the lost friends around them.  The important stuff. 

" ...so walk in Him,

having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him

and established in your faith...." Colossians 2:6b-7a



A couple of years ago, our oldest son Tyler came home from Super Summer. This was his first year as a "real" camper at Super Summer.  He and I worked hard packing him.  We packed each outfit in gallon size ziploc bags and labeled them so he would know when to wear the clothes.  Many of you moms will be able to relate to the need for this system!  (but know, I no longer do that.  This kid has to learn-  he's on his own in 3 summers!!!)
So off he goes for 4 days of fun on the campus of Ouachita.  Across the "mountain" he would travel to Arkadelphia on the church bus.  I was so excited for his return.  I couldn't wait to hear about his time there.  What did he learn?  Did he behave?  How did God work?  Did I mention, Did he behave?  I was so excited for him!
When return day came, I went to the church to pick him up with all the other mom and dads there to get their kids.  We all got our kids and their luggage.  Tyler and I loaded up all his stuff in our minivan.  On to the house we went.  When we got home we unloaded his sleeping bag, luggage and pillow.  We had no longer passed the threshold of the door when I started in with the million questions. I was as giddy as a kid to hear all about his time at camp!  What was God doing in the life of my kid?  I was thrilled!
Then I opened the suitcase.

Yep, there you have it.  Empty.  Completely empty.  Nothing.  Not even a dirty toothbrush.  No dirty underwear.  The godly conversation stopped right there.  I looked up at Tyler and asked, "Where are your clothes?"  He replies, "I don't know."  I won't go into all the conversation, but I was not happy.  I couldn't imagine how he could lose every stitch of clothing.  Many dollars worth of clothing.  The youth minster's kid!  I must say, regretfully, I started the lectures.  The ones about responsibility.  The threats of no more camp if he can't keep up with clothes.  And I was laying them on big time.  Not good.  But God quickly grabbed a hold of me and reminded me about where he just returned from.  The "mountain."  Time with Him.  Who was I to ruin his joy?  I stopped and told Tyler that I needed to go and figure out what we needed to do.  (a.k.a. as a quick walk around Wal-Mart if you live in Waldron.) 

"Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them;

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Matthew 10:14



 It was there in Wal-Mart that I ran into one mom, who knew another mom, whose kid picked up the wrong clothes.  They were Tyler's.  God appointment in Wal-Mart!

"casting all your anxiety upon Him, for He cares for you." I Peter 5:7



Camp.  Camp with children and teenagers.  A wonderful sight to behold.  A horrible smell to breathe in.  Other kids socks.  Underwear.  Deodorant.  And maybe a new crawdad friend or two.  Important stuff happens at camp.  Lots of  milestone commitments.

The students and children have made commitments during that week of camp to do things they have tried to commit to all year.  They are not having to compete with the nags to finish homework or be at ball practice.  They found a week where they could gain enough strength to start Bible study again.  They don't have the battle of the temptation of ipods, ipads, and phones.  They fell in love with prayer.  They aren't having to worry about the drama going on that weekend.  They have a fresh desire to reach their friends and the people that sit beside them everyday in English.  The teammates on their soccer team need Jesus and our student's eyes see that on the "mountain." 

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 

Let all you do be done in love." I Corinthians 16:13-14



Let us be wise and careful not to quinch the fire in their hearts when they walk in our doors. (even with an empty suitcase!)  Let us be patient about a clean room and foster the most important thing in life going on in their hearts right now.  (now that does not mean for the rats to move in and mold to grow!)

"Do not quench the spirit" I Thessalonians 5:19



Use this time of revival in the life of your student for your family to get on the same page concerning God things.  Maybe family devotionals can begin or restart.  Prayer for friends and family that need Jesus could be rekindled in the home.  Scriptures be memorized.  Intentional "God" talks could happen.  Priorities to be revisited.
While they are at camp this summer, maybe use this time to rekindle that fire of faith in your own life.  For many of us, it seems like we were just at camp the other day. 


Me (far left) at Siloam the summer before my senior year. 

"Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away,

in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Acts 3:19



Do you remember?  The passion?  The commitments?  Return.  Don't waste this opportunity for things to be renewed.  Things to be good.  Things to be God focused again.  Don't miss the most important things.  Your family needs that commitment.

Looking forward to the stories God leaves written on each of our children's and student's hearts this summer.  Also looking forward to the renewed hearts for God in the life of our families.

They will never be forgotten.

Walk Down This Mountain It's a better place
Standing high upon this mountain
I've seen Your face
Full of the light that holiest height can show
Blessed hand is why you you've given
But you've been given all you'll ever need
To know

So walk down this mountain
With your heart held high
Follow in the footsteps of your Maker
With this love that's gone before you
And these people at your side
If you offer up your broken cup
You will taste the meaning of this life
(Bebo Norman)

Rain, anyone?

It's VBS week in El Dorado, AR at Immanuel Baptist Church!  We are having a great week out at the Promiseland sweating for Jesus each evening.  VBS week is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  Just knowing that kids that normally would not hear about Jesus and kids that have heard about Jesus since the cradle, are finding out that the God that created them loves them so very, very much.  Not only does He love them tons, but desires a relationship with them.  I pray many kids would choose Jesus this week.  Good stuff.  It's what life IS all about.

"Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14b 

At our previous church, First Baptist Waldron, AR, I served as the VBS director for many years.  I (and later older youth like Natalie and Andrew) would sit by the computer on "release" night from Lifeway for the following year's VBS theme.  I (we )would start planning, training, painting, shopping, painting some more, and some more, and sewing puppet clothes as soon as the Christmas decorations were put up after Christmas!  Later in our ministry there, Warren and I felt a huge burden to have an evangelism rotation.  Gospel presentation using object lessons.  Loved it!   I loved standing in the back of the room and watching the lessons each night.

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;" Romans 10:9

As I was thinking about memories of VBS, I couldn't help but think of my own children at VBS.  All 3 of our kids have been to VBS since they were born.  They have spent many VBS prep hours at church.  I am sure at some point, deep down, I wondered if they would be willing to serve when they were older because of the hundreds of hours they spent on and at VBS when they were younger.



Tyler (18 mos.) and me at VBS at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, Texas

I remember when Lifeway put out their "10 year" theme song CD a couple of years back.  My kids, well to be honest, Warren and me too, loved thinking about the "movements" and memories with VBS from each these song's year.  There was the London theme, sports, Arctic, Rambling Roadtrip, SpaceQuest, and the Japan theme to name a few.

Tyler, Elise, and Ethan at VBS

Tyler, Ethan, and Elise.  This was Elise's first VBS.  She was 7 months.

This year's theme at IBC is "Sky."  Elise is having a great time.  Tyler is too.  And much praise goes to the Lord, I do believe he is having more fun than the kids attending as he serves the Lord at VBS this year. 

He's the silly camel at the entrance welcoming each vehicle that turns in to come.  Each night I just smile as I watch him welcome the cars.  I love that heart of his.  Thankful.  I am so thankful.

"and you shall teach them  (God's Word) diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."

Deuteronomy 6:7

Seasons of life.  That's what God continues to teach and show me. 

As Tyler, and now Ethan pass me in height, the seasons become even more evident.

No longer do I carry a diaper bag, car seat, wipes, sippy cups, and Tylenol for teething with me everywhere.

No longer does our vehicles look like the Thomas the Train store exploded in the floor.

No longer do we choose our eating destination based on happy meal toys or do we break down and make the promise of a toy for good behavior in Wal-Mart.

We are now taxi driver's.  Pretty sure we should have gotten a yellow suburban.

We are now carrying baseball/softball equipment, track shoes, basketballs, football equipment, campfire girls, friends, backpacks and lots of dirt and sand on shoes.

We make boundaries on ipods and phones.

We eat at restaurants we like and constantly train our kids to be on their own, soon.

We now disciple our 3 children who Jesus has saved (Thanks be to God!).  Knowing that nothing else matters but their walk with the Lord and love for others.

Seasons.

As I was thinking about these seasons of life this morning while watering my plants, God showed me something really great.  The ground is so dry.  My plants just absorb every drop of water before I even get to the next one.  The clouds looked a little dark and I thought to myself, "I hope it doesn't rain on VBS tonight!"  Then, I remembered thinking that last night with ball games, "Oh, I hope it doesn't rain the games out.  The season is almost over!"  Or even better, I will want the rain, but on my terms.  "Rain this morning, so the dust will settle for VBS tonight" or" rain during the night when we are sleeping."  I find myself saying that a lot in our busyness.  We NEED the rain, but this season of life is too busy for it.  So, I find myself being content with "artificial" rain.  Also known as a water hose.

 "...there was no rain in the land." 1 Kings 17:7b

I thought back to past years, when my flowers looked so great.  It rained lots then.  Lots and lots.  It was during years when the spring rains were plentiful.  The  red geraniums were beautiful.  The dogwood's white blooms were magnificent.  The miniature pink roses were so pretty.  They loved the rain.  And they received it.  It was also a different season of life.  Maybe somewhat less busy.

This year it hasn't rained much.  Things are so dusty.  My flowers are blooming, but you could not say they are beautiful! 

God reminded me that as we enter or continue in seasons of life,  that we are careful not to get so busy or content with life that we don't long for spiritual rain.  True rain.  His showers of blessings, and showers of strength, and love, and leading.  Floods of mercy, grace, and kindness.  We need the downpour of His Spirit on our lives.  We need it so.  We can't keep putting it off until "tomorrow."  We don't need just a little during the night or early morning.  We need floods. God,  Pour out the spiritual rains today!

"For I will pour out water on a thirsty land

And streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring,

And blessings on your descendants..."

Isaiah 44:3

It's those rains that will help us to continue to put deep roots in our families. 

 Rain to help the family grow and flourish. 

Rain for generational change to follow Jesus completely.

Rain for others to take notice and say, I want their God. 

There is a time for everything.  Time for a burp cloth.  Time for a potty chair. 

Time for Little League.  Time for algebra.  Time for college plans. 

Time to lead our families closer to Him. Everyday.

 Through it all, we need Him. 

We need a daily downpour of what only He can give us.  Jesus. 

 "And he will be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season,

And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers."

Psalm 1:3

Praying a flood of spiritual rain on VBS this summer.  Praying for a downpour on our families.

Rain, Rain, come today.  Come today, we need YOU so!