Some of you maybe wondering what is YWAM? Can't say I blame you. I did not know what it was either until a friend told me of her brother's missions work with the organization. Youth With A Mission (ywam.org) is its full name. It was the second largest missionary organization in the world just behind Wycliffe Bible Translators when I attended the Crossroads Discipleship Training School in the Spring of 2001.
It was a great experience for me. I was 34 years old, and I learned to live life like a missionary. I had judged missionaries harshly thinking they were not technology savvy, not like what I was in the business world. YWAM leaders proved me wrong in the first meeting.
I also learned to value the things God values. I was so far gone in the ways of this world that He had to take me to missionary school to teach me the value of being a wife and mother. I had no idea God would so quickly put that teaching to work. When I returned from my six-week outreach in Ukraine and Bulgaria, I was planning to attend my next training with YWAM in Kona, Hawaii, at the University of the Nation's School of Worship. That is not what happened next. Two weeks after returning from Montana, I met my husband. Seventy days later we were married. Then a honeymoon baby on the way.
Psalms 16:9 says that man makes his plans but God orders his steps. My plan ... school of worship. His plan ... a family plus the school. He is so good!!!! This is how His plan unfolded. My job would not give me leave to go to Hawaii for the school plus I was now engaged. I turned down my acceptance to the school, but I was sad. I thought that desire was gone forever. Life moved on for about a year until the Holy Spirit told my husband through a vision that we were to move to Nashville. We lived in South Carolina. What was God doing? Many details later. I was accepted into the YWAM School of Worship in Nashville. We moved here in September of 2004.
Eight years later we are still here, and I believe God is soon to open the musical doors we are here to walk through. A friend prophesied to my husband and I this spring that these years have been used to establish us. I can believe that. We have great friends here, wonderful homeschooling opportunities, a church home, and the list goes on. I am finally moving back into songwriting, a task I started with YWAM's School of Worship, but have done little with until now. I am gaining confidence in my singing thanks to YWAM leaders, my talented husband, an encouraging friend, and an all-knowing God.
What He will do next I do not know. Philippians 1:6 tells me "that he who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus." 2 Corinthians 2:14 tells me "But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." I am expectant. Here we come 2013!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Refills Needed
Have you read Radical (radicalthebook.com)by David Platt? I read it about two years ago. It really made me stop and think about his concept of the American dream getting in the way of the spread of the gospel. His concept to pray for other countries prompted me to start praying broader. I admit it worked for a short while. Some how I took my eyes off of others and put them back on myself - so much like the American dream overtaking the Great Commission.
"D. L. Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly with the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak!” He pointed to a water tank which had sprung a leak. “I’m like that!” he said.” (Owen Bourgaize - Sermon Central).
That is so me. Leaking, leaking, leaking. You would think my time in YWAM (ywam.org) would have cemented that concept of prayer for the nations but it didn't. I lost focus. Radical reminded me. I refocused, but still fell back to me again.
One thing from YWAM that I did not forget is this ministry! It was there that I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to start C Square Ministries Foundation. While there in Lakeside, Montana, I visited with the president of Mission Builders Foundation (mbius.org) because I did not know what a foundation really did. He gave me the names of several family foundations to research.
Today you are reading of that ministry. We were founded in January of 2006 as a family ministry, i.e. the research I had done. Thank you to interlibrary loan, a patient family and divine direction, I wrote the bylaws way back then to incorporate us in the state of Tennessee as a non-profit. We have a board of directors and a Bible verse of purpose - Psalm 82. We lack the federal 501 (c) (3) designation. Just this week I requested a book from the library to guide me through that filing. It is going to be an adventure! I need the Holy Spirit's guidance anew.
"D. L. Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly with the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak!” He pointed to a water tank which had sprung a leak. “I’m like that!” he said.” (Owen Bourgaize - Sermon Central).
That is so me. Leaking, leaking, leaking. You would think my time in YWAM (ywam.org) would have cemented that concept of prayer for the nations but it didn't. I lost focus. Radical reminded me. I refocused, but still fell back to me again.
One thing from YWAM that I did not forget is this ministry! It was there that I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to start C Square Ministries Foundation. While there in Lakeside, Montana, I visited with the president of Mission Builders Foundation (mbius.org) because I did not know what a foundation really did. He gave me the names of several family foundations to research.
Today you are reading of that ministry. We were founded in January of 2006 as a family ministry, i.e. the research I had done. Thank you to interlibrary loan, a patient family and divine direction, I wrote the bylaws way back then to incorporate us in the state of Tennessee as a non-profit. We have a board of directors and a Bible verse of purpose - Psalm 82. We lack the federal 501 (c) (3) designation. Just this week I requested a book from the library to guide me through that filing. It is going to be an adventure! I need the Holy Spirit's guidance anew.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Ready for 2013
The ladies bible study for 2012 has now ended. Don't be sad. We will resume in January! It is so hard to believe that one year ago we stood on the threshold of beginning it. Three studies later. Yes, three studies later we are looking forward to 2013. This is quite a feat and a testament to the dedicated ladies willing to dig in and learn more about their God.
Our next study will be Beth Moore's Daniel. Yes, God has already provided those valuable DVDs through our church. They are waiting at the church office for me to pick them up. My community life pastor says we will love it. The lady that selected it was excited! "So relevant to the times we are living in today," she said. How on the mark! Here is the description of the study.
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore Join Beth in a faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials.
Come and join us!
Our next study will be Beth Moore's Daniel. Yes, God has already provided those valuable DVDs through our church. They are waiting at the church office for me to pick them up. My community life pastor says we will love it. The lady that selected it was excited! "So relevant to the times we are living in today," she said. How on the mark! Here is the description of the study.
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore Join Beth in a faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials.
Come and join us!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The Nashville Napkin
This blog ... this blog has challenged me. Here I am confessing my shortfalls to you ... again. While catching up on some back issues of Southern Living several months ago, I felt prompted to borrow the idea of "The Paper Napkin Interview" for this blog. In the article they ask questions of celebrities while having an informal meal. It is only a one page Q&A story with photo. They even say what was on the interviewee's plate to eat! I forgot the idea.
Today while waiting on my daughter at a dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker, I was scanning my latest issue. I stopped at "The Paper Napkin Interview." It had a little different format. I began to judge it. I didn't like that they changed it. Then I felt it. My face went flush. My chest burned. My heart seemed to drop in my chest. I remembered. I was to do this type of article in the blog. I had failed to obey.
Immediately I prayed, "Lord, forgive me for forgetting. I don't know too many famous people. Who do I interview? What questions do I ask? I don't want to fail again."
One name came to me. Then another. Then another. So I am committing to you here that I am going to do this. Hold me accountable. Check back to see what becomes of "The Nashville Napkin."
Today while waiting on my daughter at a dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker, I was scanning my latest issue. I stopped at "The Paper Napkin Interview." It had a little different format. I began to judge it. I didn't like that they changed it. Then I felt it. My face went flush. My chest burned. My heart seemed to drop in my chest. I remembered. I was to do this type of article in the blog. I had failed to obey.
Immediately I prayed, "Lord, forgive me for forgetting. I don't know too many famous people. Who do I interview? What questions do I ask? I don't want to fail again."
One name came to me. Then another. Then another. So I am committing to you here that I am going to do this. Hold me accountable. Check back to see what becomes of "The Nashville Napkin."
Monday, November 19, 2012
Deuteronomy DVDs: The Back Story
The astute reader may have picked up that this session's study is indeed Deuteronomy. These thoughts may have raced through your mind. They wanted that one, but how could they acquire it? It is brand new. My church has not even completed it yet. Let me tell you how it came about.
Remember way back in August when I was buying the Psalm's study guides. I encountered a lady purchasing the Deuteronomy DVDs. She is an avid studier of the word of God. I was blessed to meet her several years ago at Community Bible Study www.communitybiblestudy.org. Now we are members of the same church. Just that fall she would be studying Deuteronomy with CBS. She bought the Beth Moore DVDs that day as a supplement to that study and related to me that she would probably donate them to our church's library when she was finished with them. That was the secret I knew.
Two weeks ago, I tracked her down at church to see if she had finished the DVDs. She had and keeping her word gave them to the church. Together we went to the library hoping they had not been checked out because she had told several of her friends about them. Stress increased when we could not find them on the shelf. One of the ladies who oversees the library was there. She found them for us! They had not been cataloged yet! I was elated. I had them in my hands. God had made a way!
The study is entitled The Law of Love, Lessons From the Pages of Deuteronomy. It takes the same format as her lecture series through Revelation but is published by Living Proof Ministries www.lproof.org. The homework is one noticeable difference from her LifeWay studies. It is just one day's worth of reading! I am sure it is going to be another amazing study!
Remember way back in August when I was buying the Psalm's study guides. I encountered a lady purchasing the Deuteronomy DVDs. She is an avid studier of the word of God. I was blessed to meet her several years ago at Community Bible Study www.communitybiblestudy.org. Now we are members of the same church. Just that fall she would be studying Deuteronomy with CBS. She bought the Beth Moore DVDs that day as a supplement to that study and related to me that she would probably donate them to our church's library when she was finished with them. That was the secret I knew.
Two weeks ago, I tracked her down at church to see if she had finished the DVDs. She had and keeping her word gave them to the church. Together we went to the library hoping they had not been checked out because she had told several of her friends about them. Stress increased when we could not find them on the shelf. One of the ladies who oversees the library was there. She found them for us! They had not been cataloged yet! I was elated. I had them in my hands. God had made a way!
The study is entitled The Law of Love, Lessons From the Pages of Deuteronomy. It takes the same format as her lecture series through Revelation but is published by Living Proof Ministries www.lproof.org. The homework is one noticeable difference from her LifeWay studies. It is just one day's worth of reading! I am sure it is going to be another amazing study!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Bible Study Adventuring
Our Bible study went on an adventure Sunday night for two reasons.
1) For the first time in almost a year of meeting, there was someone in the exercise room when we wanted to start class. The gall of that person! Wanting to use the room for its intended purpose! I joke, but she did have first right to the room. So, we had to go to plan B. We had no plan B. What to do? Between Woody and I plus a quick conversation with the front desk person, we decided to meet at the table in the lobby. Pulling up four chairs to the laptop on the table, we watched 90 minutes of Beth Moore's latest lecture on Deuteronomy. People came and went through the lobby. One apologized for interrupting our meeting. One lady fell coming up the stairs. Others dropped their heads or tried to ignore us. We were prominently on display in the lobby, and I wonder what that did in the spiritual realm. Could he be claiming this ground for his own? More on that one day.
2) For background information, I had a God moment when I said something at church to a friend about the Bible study. I was explaining to her why our daughter could not come to Bible Quizzing like I thought back at the beginning of school. I said, "We all have a job with the Bible study. My husband watches the children while I study with the ladies. Our daughter ...," I paused. I filled it in with enjoys playing. In my mind that did not cover what I was feeling. Not five minutes later she comes to me with her arms full of Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes. (www.samaritianspurse.org) She says she wants the children at the Bible Study to fill them. I was shocked. There it was. She was doing her job - hearing the Holy Spirit and obeying for the children. She even said that I know the Lord wants me to put my ant eater in a box. I stood amazed. Somewhere in the world a little child is in need of a tiny stuffed animal still with the tags on it!
After reading the materials she handed me, I contacted our three ladies planning a packing party for the children at our next meeting. When the project was complete, the children had packed four boxes with toys, candy, school supplies, and hygiene products. One Mom also provided the cash to ship three of the boxes. We also had the most children ever that night - 8. Two were older, and they were a great help with the personalized notes prepared for the boxes.
Adventure one took us to another location in the hotel. Adventure two took us around the world. WOW!
1) For the first time in almost a year of meeting, there was someone in the exercise room when we wanted to start class. The gall of that person! Wanting to use the room for its intended purpose! I joke, but she did have first right to the room. So, we had to go to plan B. We had no plan B. What to do? Between Woody and I plus a quick conversation with the front desk person, we decided to meet at the table in the lobby. Pulling up four chairs to the laptop on the table, we watched 90 minutes of Beth Moore's latest lecture on Deuteronomy. People came and went through the lobby. One apologized for interrupting our meeting. One lady fell coming up the stairs. Others dropped their heads or tried to ignore us. We were prominently on display in the lobby, and I wonder what that did in the spiritual realm. Could he be claiming this ground for his own? More on that one day.
2) For background information, I had a God moment when I said something at church to a friend about the Bible study. I was explaining to her why our daughter could not come to Bible Quizzing like I thought back at the beginning of school. I said, "We all have a job with the Bible study. My husband watches the children while I study with the ladies. Our daughter ...," I paused. I filled it in with enjoys playing. In my mind that did not cover what I was feeling. Not five minutes later she comes to me with her arms full of Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes. (www.samaritianspurse.org) She says she wants the children at the Bible Study to fill them. I was shocked. There it was. She was doing her job - hearing the Holy Spirit and obeying for the children. She even said that I know the Lord wants me to put my ant eater in a box. I stood amazed. Somewhere in the world a little child is in need of a tiny stuffed animal still with the tags on it!
After reading the materials she handed me, I contacted our three ladies planning a packing party for the children at our next meeting. When the project was complete, the children had packed four boxes with toys, candy, school supplies, and hygiene products. One Mom also provided the cash to ship three of the boxes. We also had the most children ever that night - 8. Two were older, and they were a great help with the personalized notes prepared for the boxes.
Adventure one took us to another location in the hotel. Adventure two took us around the world. WOW!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Stair Climbing
If you can, I would highly encourage you to gather a friend or two and complete the Psalms of Ascent study by Beth Moore. I can make this statement with great confidence because I have now done it twice - the first time at the beginning of our hotel stay and now at what I believe is the closing days of that season. A study to bookend the stay, only God could do that!
What have I learned? After reviewing my study guide notes from my first tour, I learned that I have literally traveled most of those stairs, Psalm 120 to 134, in my current pilgrimage. Approximately three years ago the psalms that spoke the most to me were - Psalms 120, 121 and 126. In the closing of this week's study, I recorded the most crucial psalms were 127, 131 and 132. Look at that! If that is not God's faithfulness, I don't know what is. Yes, for three years, I sat between Psalms 126 and 127. But look! Look! He grew me to 132. He is faithful. "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! " (Psalm 34:8)
So close to the top. I can see it. I can see that top step - to worship in his house always, day or night, calm or storm. I want to be there - Psalm 134. Thank you, Lord. Thank You. Amen.
No, I am not finished yet. But, I have joy for the journey. Don't forget. They made this journey three times a year. There is still so much to learn.
What have I learned? After reviewing my study guide notes from my first tour, I learned that I have literally traveled most of those stairs, Psalm 120 to 134, in my current pilgrimage. Approximately three years ago the psalms that spoke the most to me were - Psalms 120, 121 and 126. In the closing of this week's study, I recorded the most crucial psalms were 127, 131 and 132. Look at that! If that is not God's faithfulness, I don't know what is. Yes, for three years, I sat between Psalms 126 and 127. But look! Look! He grew me to 132. He is faithful. "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! " (Psalm 34:8)
So close to the top. I can see it. I can see that top step - to worship in his house always, day or night, calm or storm. I want to be there - Psalm 134. Thank you, Lord. Thank You. Amen.
No, I am not finished yet. But, I have joy for the journey. Don't forget. They made this journey three times a year. There is still so much to learn.
Monday, October 15, 2012
One More
The Bible study grew by one lady last night. Decisions were made for the next study's content. It was a good night!
Huge thanks are due to my husband for watching the children while we meet. We could not do it without him! Six children ranging from 6 years to 11, plus a dog, in one room or the hotel hallway, is no easy task. He even made supper for his family last night while we studied.
We are most grateful for his willingness to serve. He selflessly has done it each week with not one, no not one, complaining word.
Huge thanks are due to my husband for watching the children while we meet. We could not do it without him! Six children ranging from 6 years to 11, plus a dog, in one room or the hotel hallway, is no easy task. He even made supper for his family last night while we studied.
We are most grateful for his willingness to serve. He selflessly has done it each week with not one, no not one, complaining word.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Weather Warms in Exercise Room
I never thought I would type this news!! We used a fan in the Bible study/exercise room last night. Yes, it was warm in the coldest room in the entire hotel! A fan! A fan in the room that put us in coats. What a turn of temperature!!! One of the ladies has just plain given up sitting in her straight back chair because it is easier to spread her notebook and Bible out in front of her on the floor than balance them all in her lap! Sitting on the floor, she enjoyed the level one breeze of the fan blow.
We are two sessions from completing this study and guess who found her notes from her first time through the study guide. They were not in the POD (www.pods.com) as I thought. I found them in the nightstand by my bed. I was cleaning it out to make room for more books. That means I discovered that study guide on the shelves of the library about 3 years ago. I have not reviewed them yet. I wonder what God was working on during that part of my life that needs further clarification now with the same study. I hope it doesn't mean I am a slow learner :(. I will let you know ... :/ maybe.
More good news. When I returned the Revelation study to my church, the Community Life Pastor was in her office. I told her we had enjoyed the DVDs and were now doing the Psalms study. She asked if I needed the DVDs. I told her how we had borrowed them from another church. She swept her hands toward her bookshelves and offered her whole library of Beth Moore studies for our use. It is so exciting to see God at work opening more doors for study.
When I told our group, that same lady from the floor exclaimed, "Can we get her latest one on Deuteronomy?" I know a secret. "Maybe," I said. I need to make contact with the sweet lady I saw in the Lifeway store. Lord, this the beginning of an idea. Timing is important. Please make a way.
That reminds me. Our church library has the complete set of resources from answersingenesis.org given to them by a family. I am wondering what can be done with that resource. I need to see specifically what it is. A trip to the church library is in order!
As you may or may not remember, I committed to be on the intercessory team for our home school cooperative. I am now also interceding for the 6th grade class studying the Old Covenant and it's teacher. The class is called God's Chosen People. Wow, my eyes are being opened so much about our religion's Jewish roots. Wow, my eyes are being opened so much to the weight of intercession. I told you this was a new experience for me. Wow, it weighs heavy sometimes! The enemy does not want me to pray. Wow, it lifts you too! To hear from God is awe inspiring. I have been told to pray protection over my family because it is like being on the front lines in a battle. Will you pray, too?
We are two sessions from completing this study and guess who found her notes from her first time through the study guide. They were not in the POD (www.pods.com) as I thought. I found them in the nightstand by my bed. I was cleaning it out to make room for more books. That means I discovered that study guide on the shelves of the library about 3 years ago. I have not reviewed them yet. I wonder what God was working on during that part of my life that needs further clarification now with the same study. I hope it doesn't mean I am a slow learner :(. I will let you know ... :/ maybe.
More good news. When I returned the Revelation study to my church, the Community Life Pastor was in her office. I told her we had enjoyed the DVDs and were now doing the Psalms study. She asked if I needed the DVDs. I told her how we had borrowed them from another church. She swept her hands toward her bookshelves and offered her whole library of Beth Moore studies for our use. It is so exciting to see God at work opening more doors for study.
When I told our group, that same lady from the floor exclaimed, "Can we get her latest one on Deuteronomy?" I know a secret. "Maybe," I said. I need to make contact with the sweet lady I saw in the Lifeway store. Lord, this the beginning of an idea. Timing is important. Please make a way.
That reminds me. Our church library has the complete set of resources from answersingenesis.org given to them by a family. I am wondering what can be done with that resource. I need to see specifically what it is. A trip to the church library is in order!
As you may or may not remember, I committed to be on the intercessory team for our home school cooperative. I am now also interceding for the 6th grade class studying the Old Covenant and it's teacher. The class is called God's Chosen People. Wow, my eyes are being opened so much about our religion's Jewish roots. Wow, my eyes are being opened so much to the weight of intercession. I told you this was a new experience for me. Wow, it weighs heavy sometimes! The enemy does not want me to pray. Wow, it lifts you too! To hear from God is awe inspiring. I have been told to pray protection over my family because it is like being on the front lines in a battle. Will you pray, too?
Friday, September 21, 2012
What I did this summer.
I spent another week on the beautiful South Carolina coast! My beach reading was Howard Schultz's first book entitled Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built A Company One Cup At A Time. I gained new business insight. The most eye opening was how valuable good people are to business success. It lead me to pray for our business and its future.
And now, I must eat crow. Yum. In my Beth Moore Bible study this morning, my own judgmental words against Starbucks founder Howard Schultz came to my mind. Mrs. Moore wrote, "You may be encouraged to realize that God can be hard at work in our workplace without our earthly boss ever acknowledging it." Well, there it is. I was wrong. God is hard at work at Starbucks and all I could do was judge. Forgive me, Lord. You don't need him to acknowledge anything. And, I just need to keep my mouth shut, or should I say my fingers still!
I also enjoyed reading Maxine Clark's book The Bear Necessities of Business. She is the founder of the Build-A-Bear retail store chain. It is an easy to read back to the basics book for starting a company. I used parts of it in our new business plan.
Another end of summer highlight is the beginning of our second Bible study here in the hotel. We are four sessions into Beth Moore's Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent. It is a study she produced back in 2007. She said in the introduction that God has designated this time for you to do this study. I dropped my chin, mouth gaping. Could it be true? We are five years from when it came out. One could argue we are behind the times. God knows best!!! She said that this study is to take us to a level higher with him. Oh, how exciting. I want to go up. I suppose my revelation of this morning is one such step in the right direction.
More good news! The hotel staff is turning the air conditioning off during our study time so the exercise room has been so much more comfortable. Goodbye gloves! So long hat! See you later blanket! I was really hoping we would be living in a new place for this study. We are not, yet God is still good. He has made the room temperature much more tolerable for the three of us.
Onward and Upward!!! Thank you, Mr. Schultz! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you all for reading!
And now, I must eat crow. Yum. In my Beth Moore Bible study this morning, my own judgmental words against Starbucks founder Howard Schultz came to my mind. Mrs. Moore wrote, "You may be encouraged to realize that God can be hard at work in our workplace without our earthly boss ever acknowledging it." Well, there it is. I was wrong. God is hard at work at Starbucks and all I could do was judge. Forgive me, Lord. You don't need him to acknowledge anything. And, I just need to keep my mouth shut, or should I say my fingers still!
I also enjoyed reading Maxine Clark's book The Bear Necessities of Business. She is the founder of the Build-A-Bear retail store chain. It is an easy to read back to the basics book for starting a company. I used parts of it in our new business plan.
Another end of summer highlight is the beginning of our second Bible study here in the hotel. We are four sessions into Beth Moore's Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent. It is a study she produced back in 2007. She said in the introduction that God has designated this time for you to do this study. I dropped my chin, mouth gaping. Could it be true? We are five years from when it came out. One could argue we are behind the times. God knows best!!! She said that this study is to take us to a level higher with him. Oh, how exciting. I want to go up. I suppose my revelation of this morning is one such step in the right direction.
More good news! The hotel staff is turning the air conditioning off during our study time so the exercise room has been so much more comfortable. Goodbye gloves! So long hat! See you later blanket! I was really hoping we would be living in a new place for this study. We are not, yet God is still good. He has made the room temperature much more tolerable for the three of us.
Onward and Upward!!! Thank you, Mr. Schultz! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you all for reading!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Ordinary Business of Being Human
I have come to the computer with no clear idea of what to write, other than to tell you that I have had scripture confirmation that the "financial famine" is over. The Holy Spirit gave me Romans 8:1 on July 1. It spoke directly to that place in my heart.
I have just come from the COLD exercise room where I finished reading Reflections from A Life God Rewards by Bruce Wilkinson. I am going to have to read that small book again. Right now I can't even wrap my mind around all that I need to learn from it - my actions, tithing, work, etc. As I sat there I thought about the Bible Study. Would that be something He would reward? Just my life? Would that be something he would reward? I thought of my desire for a house. I thought of some of my wants in a new home - meeting room space, room for children to play, a big kitchen and dining area for potluck meals, enough bedrooms for all my children (3), a big tub for soaking in, a guest room, a recording studio and lots of garage space, even a pool in which to baptist. Some desires are for personal needs, and others are tools we believe we are to use to serve the "Soon Coming King."
In my devotional time this morning, I read in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young to practice praising and thanking Jesus continually through out today. I had many opportunities. Some I took advantage of while others I just plain missed and sunk into a pity party. Even the paragraph above shows how quickly my mind can go from God to myself.
This life is not an easy one. Wilkerson says in the conclusion of his book that "Every day is a new opportunity to discover what eternal business might be lurking in the ordinary business of being human." I hope I do a better job tomorrow.
I have just come from the COLD exercise room where I finished reading Reflections from A Life God Rewards by Bruce Wilkinson. I am going to have to read that small book again. Right now I can't even wrap my mind around all that I need to learn from it - my actions, tithing, work, etc. As I sat there I thought about the Bible Study. Would that be something He would reward? Just my life? Would that be something he would reward? I thought of my desire for a house. I thought of some of my wants in a new home - meeting room space, room for children to play, a big kitchen and dining area for potluck meals, enough bedrooms for all my children (3), a big tub for soaking in, a guest room, a recording studio and lots of garage space, even a pool in which to baptist. Some desires are for personal needs, and others are tools we believe we are to use to serve the "Soon Coming King."
In my devotional time this morning, I read in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young to practice praising and thanking Jesus continually through out today. I had many opportunities. Some I took advantage of while others I just plain missed and sunk into a pity party. Even the paragraph above shows how quickly my mind can go from God to myself.
This life is not an easy one. Wilkerson says in the conclusion of his book that "Every day is a new opportunity to discover what eternal business might be lurking in the ordinary business of being human." I hope I do a better job tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
New August Study
Our new Bible study will be Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. Here is key insight into how we selected Stepping Up as our next study - finances. Those DVDs are expensive! To the tune of about $150. That is "beyond the budget" for a budgetless small group. But God! He had a way!
This is the study description from www.lifeway.com.
Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent - Member Book by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Traveling pilgrims sang these psalms both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us.
Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through this 7-session study. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God.
Five or so years ago, I saw the Stepping Up study guide on the library shelf, checked it out and recorded my answers on notebook paper. Those sheets are in the POD, by the way. I hope to unpack them before August, but back to my story. I never viewed the DVDs. Just last summer a friend of mine lead this study in another friend's house. I was not able to meet with them, but we worked it out that I could watch the DVDs. Well, I only was able to watch the first session. I was disappointed. It did not work out because it was not God's timing. I see that now.
When I approached my fellow seekers about doing another study, they said they were willing, so I presented Stepping Up because I knew where I could secure the DVDs. I also knew the workbooks were still available since I just happen to see them on the shelf at LifeWay when I bought the Revelation studies. (Yea. Right. Just happened to see them. A.K.A. God.) The study was originally released in November of 2007.
With their yeses in hand, I placed a call to my friend who lead the Stepping Up study and asked about borrowing the DVDs. She said it would not be a problem. So, we are set for the new study to begin on Sunday, August 19.
Join us!!! Children are welcome. My husband oversees them. This last study we had children playing in the hall, in our room, in the pool, and even in the lobby. One gentleman dropped in to see us and brought a friend. "See," he said, "when they are out in the hall (meaning the children) that means they are in here doing a Bible study." We got a reputation! A rep for doing a Bible study. What a way to be known!!!!
This is the study description from www.lifeway.com.
Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent - Member Book by Beth Moore provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the group video sessions of this in-depth women's Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Traveling pilgrims sang these psalms both on the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as key elements of the worship at those festivals. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us.
Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through this 7-session study. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God.
Five or so years ago, I saw the Stepping Up study guide on the library shelf, checked it out and recorded my answers on notebook paper. Those sheets are in the POD, by the way. I hope to unpack them before August, but back to my story. I never viewed the DVDs. Just last summer a friend of mine lead this study in another friend's house. I was not able to meet with them, but we worked it out that I could watch the DVDs. Well, I only was able to watch the first session. I was disappointed. It did not work out because it was not God's timing. I see that now.
When I approached my fellow seekers about doing another study, they said they were willing, so I presented Stepping Up because I knew where I could secure the DVDs. I also knew the workbooks were still available since I just happen to see them on the shelf at LifeWay when I bought the Revelation studies. (Yea. Right. Just happened to see them. A.K.A. God.) The study was originally released in November of 2007.
With their yeses in hand, I placed a call to my friend who lead the Stepping Up study and asked about borrowing the DVDs. She said it would not be a problem. So, we are set for the new study to begin on Sunday, August 19.
Join us!!! Children are welcome. My husband oversees them. This last study we had children playing in the hall, in our room, in the pool, and even in the lobby. One gentleman dropped in to see us and brought a friend. "See," he said, "when they are out in the hall (meaning the children) that means they are in here doing a Bible study." We got a reputation! A rep for doing a Bible study. What a way to be known!!!!
Reveling In Revelation
It has been more than the alotted eleven weeks, but we have finished the Beth Moore lecture series on the Book of Revelation. It was a mind opener and head shaker. On many occasions I looked into the mirror clad walls to see my fellow sojourners nodding their heads at the new insights she was giving us on this illusive book. At those moments we forgot how cold we were.
Another occasion that warmed our hearts was a visit by a lady named Karen from Brisbane, Australia. My husband meet her and her family by the hotel pool. He learned they were Christians. He brought her to the exercise room while we were watching the DVD. We talked with her for awhile completely enjoying her accent. She said she liked ours, too! We discovered she was the leader of the Ladies Ministries at her church of approximately 150 members. We took the opportunity to pray for her - for her refreshing while she vacationed in the U.S. and for her work when she returned home. She blessed us with her request that our Bible study grow in numbers.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of Paul in the book of Acts when he was encouraged by the visit of other believers. See Acts 28:15. What a delight to see God at work on an international scale from our little room in Tennessee.
When we closed our session very late that night, one of the attendees requested a new meeting place for our next study. (Yes, we are going to do it again.) I am hoping, praying, believing our next location will our new home, our new ministry headquarters. You may remember from my last post that I asked for prayer for a house for my family - to believe for what seemed impossible.
In James 5:16 we learn that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. I am aware of about a dozen ladies praying. Now our request for a home has gone beyond our own desires. It has been expanded to include a home with meeting room space! If you pray, let me know.
Another occasion that warmed our hearts was a visit by a lady named Karen from Brisbane, Australia. My husband meet her and her family by the hotel pool. He learned they were Christians. He brought her to the exercise room while we were watching the DVD. We talked with her for awhile completely enjoying her accent. She said she liked ours, too! We discovered she was the leader of the Ladies Ministries at her church of approximately 150 members. We took the opportunity to pray for her - for her refreshing while she vacationed in the U.S. and for her work when she returned home. She blessed us with her request that our Bible study grow in numbers.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of Paul in the book of Acts when he was encouraged by the visit of other believers. See Acts 28:15. What a delight to see God at work on an international scale from our little room in Tennessee.
When we closed our session very late that night, one of the attendees requested a new meeting place for our next study. (Yes, we are going to do it again.) I am hoping, praying, believing our next location will our new home, our new ministry headquarters. You may remember from my last post that I asked for prayer for a house for my family - to believe for what seemed impossible.
In James 5:16 we learn that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. I am aware of about a dozen ladies praying. Now our request for a home has gone beyond our own desires. It has been expanded to include a home with meeting room space! If you pray, let me know.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Believing For The Impossible
Yesterday's post was about which end of the plow we were on. Woody was plowing while I was being plowed. Today, I want to tell you about Growing Pains and Moviemaking. Well, not quite, but that's the title of Chapter 9 in Preparing for Rain. To me it means moving into another level of ministry. I'll let Mr. Catt start with his story.
"The move into our new facilities was a crucial step into seizing opportunities that God sends our way. They provide us with more space to accommodate people, thus expanding our influence and our effectiveness in ministry. We had prepared our fields for rain, we were now ready for God to send showers ... and He has! During recent years we have seen God move in our midst in unbelievable ways. One of those was the launching of Sherwood Pictures and our first film (p. 126)."
"When the vision was cast for shooting our first movie, Flywheel, some members were skeptical, but most were excited. They were ready to believe God for another amazing and unique opportunity to touch the world from Albany, Georgia. Sherwood had been molded into a swift, seaworthy sailing vessel, and ships aren't made for port, but for sailing. We spent many years sailing before the idea of making movies ever surfaced. The congregation had been taught how to dream big dreams, think outside the box and believe God for the impossible ... and we had seen God come through time and time again (p.126-127)."
It's Deborah again. I wrote a mission statement for our family many years ago. I wish I had it. It is in the POD in a file cabinet somewhere downtown Nashville. I think it was pretty good. It was similar to "touching the world from Albany, Georgia." It was what my family would focus on to reach others for Christ. It had to do with music, but that is all I remember.
I bring this up because my family is feeling growing pains. A vision was cast. Faith was put to foot, and we moved to Nashville. Here we have learned to depend on God in ways we never thought possible. We have seen God move in our midst. We are looking for the rain clouds. Remember the prophet Elijah after his victory over the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. He had proclaimed there would not be any rain for several years. Then, after the defeat of that evil, there was the sound of a heavy rain. Elijah prayed and began looking for rain clouds. That is faith!!!
I feel our time of famine is at its end. We can look for rain clouds. Just like Sherwood's new facility "being a crucial step to seizing the opportunities God" sent their way, a house would be that for us. I am asking you to join us in prayer on the matter. We have placed a picture of a house on our wall. We have prayed and taped scripture verses, prayers, quotes, artwork, etc. around it. We are believing God for the impossible.
Will you?
Catt's Chapter 10 is entitled Connect With The Right People. I am thinking part of that chapter for us could be written right here. Right here at this point in the story. Who will be praying?
"The move into our new facilities was a crucial step into seizing opportunities that God sends our way. They provide us with more space to accommodate people, thus expanding our influence and our effectiveness in ministry. We had prepared our fields for rain, we were now ready for God to send showers ... and He has! During recent years we have seen God move in our midst in unbelievable ways. One of those was the launching of Sherwood Pictures and our first film (p. 126)."
"When the vision was cast for shooting our first movie, Flywheel, some members were skeptical, but most were excited. They were ready to believe God for another amazing and unique opportunity to touch the world from Albany, Georgia. Sherwood had been molded into a swift, seaworthy sailing vessel, and ships aren't made for port, but for sailing. We spent many years sailing before the idea of making movies ever surfaced. The congregation had been taught how to dream big dreams, think outside the box and believe God for the impossible ... and we had seen God come through time and time again (p.126-127)."
It's Deborah again. I wrote a mission statement for our family many years ago. I wish I had it. It is in the POD in a file cabinet somewhere downtown Nashville. I think it was pretty good. It was similar to "touching the world from Albany, Georgia." It was what my family would focus on to reach others for Christ. It had to do with music, but that is all I remember.
I bring this up because my family is feeling growing pains. A vision was cast. Faith was put to foot, and we moved to Nashville. Here we have learned to depend on God in ways we never thought possible. We have seen God move in our midst. We are looking for the rain clouds. Remember the prophet Elijah after his victory over the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. He had proclaimed there would not be any rain for several years. Then, after the defeat of that evil, there was the sound of a heavy rain. Elijah prayed and began looking for rain clouds. That is faith!!!
I feel our time of famine is at its end. We can look for rain clouds. Just like Sherwood's new facility "being a crucial step to seizing the opportunities God" sent their way, a house would be that for us. I am asking you to join us in prayer on the matter. We have placed a picture of a house on our wall. We have prayed and taped scripture verses, prayers, quotes, artwork, etc. around it. We are believing God for the impossible.
Will you?
Catt's Chapter 10 is entitled Connect With The Right People. I am thinking part of that chapter for us could be written right here. Right here at this point in the story. Who will be praying?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Plowing and Being Plowed
From the introduction of Preparing for Rain by Michael Catt ...
"In the movie Facing the Giants, Grant Taylor, a discouraged football coach at Shiloh Christian Academy, gets an unexpected spiritual lesson from Mr. Bridges, a prayer warrior. When the coach tells Mr. Bridges "I just don't see God at work here," the prayer warrior responds with a story:
"Grant, I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain. Both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think God trusted to send the rain?"
"Well, the one who prepared his fields for it."
"Which one are you? God will send rain when He is ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it."
Are we at C Square Ministries, Inc. ready for rain? Have we plowed our fields to be ready for a downpour?
Approximately five years ago at our very first public ministry event - a Grace Life Conference we sponsored - a prophecy was spoken over this ministry. As the rain poured outside, and I mean, poured outside, I felt the Holy Spirit say he was going to do the same thing for us. He was going to abundantly pour out his favor, drench us in it.
In the ensuing five years, we have seen some rain. We have seen drought. We have seen provision. We have felt heartache. We have watched the hand of God move on our behalf. We have made mistakes. We have received forgiveness. No downpours. Are our fields ready?
You have read about our work in the hotel in our Christmas letter (scroll down to February to read it). Do you want to know where my husband excels? It is here. Meeting new people. Loving new people. Gently comforting them to see God at work in their life. He is amazing. One day as I sat by the pool, I realized we had impacted a small group from our house but God brought us here so He could bring us so many more. Each day, each week, each month, each year, more and more people. Woody has the heart of God for them. He amazes me. He has a realness with them that leaves me in awe.
He reminds me of the first evangelist in the Bible - Philip. That is Woody's given name. He was named after his mother, Phyllis. There is also the apostle, Philip. Whether the deacon, apostle or his mother, they all have given him a deep spiritual heritage that oozes out of him. Look at Acts 8:4-8. You could rename it Woody in Studio Plus. It is what he has been doing in his own unique and wonderful style.
As for me the most recent things are that I was asked to read some scripture at our church's Ladies Spring Fling back in May. I was part of a team of five reaffirming "Who I Am In Christ." I was honored to participate. In the same month, I was also asked to be on the Intercessory Prayer Team for my daughter's home school cooperative, New Life Academy. We have been attending there four years. I count it a privilege to serve.
In "Preparing for Rain," Catt says, "The prayer ministry is the heartbeat of who we are as a church. If it weren't for the prayer ministry, the rest of this book would be little more than flesh-peddling and bragging about who we are. Because of the prayer ministry, Sherwood is a testimony of what God can do. The secret to touching the world is to know the secret of touching the heart of God. When we fail to pray, we disappoint Christ, defeat ourselves and delight the devil. No Christ-honoring church or ministry ever rises above the level of praying done for it. (p.58)."
I am looking forward to learning. Learning how to pray for a ministry. Learning to touch the heart of God and hear him speak in a new context. Yes, a new context. I have for three years now been in what I believe was a season of discipline. My own personal field has been plowed. God has overturned rocks of pride, financial independence and self-righteousness. It is humbling the day it dawns on you that your family has had to endure a financial famine because of your sins. I understand David now in 2 Samuel 24 when he counted his troops and sinned against God, and he said that he would rather fall in the hands of a merciful God than man. It was a matter of my heart. No man knew. Man would have judged me harshly. God, however, knew and was gracious. I understand because even in discipline I have seen the mercy of God.
Preparing For Rain has been soaking in my brain for about a month now. It has been a perfect book to help me see a bigger picture with the ministry. Remember when I asked you, the reader (If there are any out there.), for suggestions on books to help with the progress of the ministry. God guided me to this one at just the right time. I guess He reads blogs. (Hee! Hee!) That pretty much wraps up what I gleaned from Chapters 1-8. I have one more parallel to draw with Chapter 9. We will work on that one tomorrow. Thank you for reading on!
"In the movie Facing the Giants, Grant Taylor, a discouraged football coach at Shiloh Christian Academy, gets an unexpected spiritual lesson from Mr. Bridges, a prayer warrior. When the coach tells Mr. Bridges "I just don't see God at work here," the prayer warrior responds with a story:
"Grant, I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain. Both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think God trusted to send the rain?"
"Well, the one who prepared his fields for it."
"Which one are you? God will send rain when He is ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it."
Are we at C Square Ministries, Inc. ready for rain? Have we plowed our fields to be ready for a downpour?
Approximately five years ago at our very first public ministry event - a Grace Life Conference we sponsored - a prophecy was spoken over this ministry. As the rain poured outside, and I mean, poured outside, I felt the Holy Spirit say he was going to do the same thing for us. He was going to abundantly pour out his favor, drench us in it.
In the ensuing five years, we have seen some rain. We have seen drought. We have seen provision. We have felt heartache. We have watched the hand of God move on our behalf. We have made mistakes. We have received forgiveness. No downpours. Are our fields ready?
You have read about our work in the hotel in our Christmas letter (scroll down to February to read it). Do you want to know where my husband excels? It is here. Meeting new people. Loving new people. Gently comforting them to see God at work in their life. He is amazing. One day as I sat by the pool, I realized we had impacted a small group from our house but God brought us here so He could bring us so many more. Each day, each week, each month, each year, more and more people. Woody has the heart of God for them. He amazes me. He has a realness with them that leaves me in awe.
He reminds me of the first evangelist in the Bible - Philip. That is Woody's given name. He was named after his mother, Phyllis. There is also the apostle, Philip. Whether the deacon, apostle or his mother, they all have given him a deep spiritual heritage that oozes out of him. Look at Acts 8:4-8. You could rename it Woody in Studio Plus. It is what he has been doing in his own unique and wonderful style.
As for me the most recent things are that I was asked to read some scripture at our church's Ladies Spring Fling back in May. I was part of a team of five reaffirming "Who I Am In Christ." I was honored to participate. In the same month, I was also asked to be on the Intercessory Prayer Team for my daughter's home school cooperative, New Life Academy. We have been attending there four years. I count it a privilege to serve.
In "Preparing for Rain," Catt says, "The prayer ministry is the heartbeat of who we are as a church. If it weren't for the prayer ministry, the rest of this book would be little more than flesh-peddling and bragging about who we are. Because of the prayer ministry, Sherwood is a testimony of what God can do. The secret to touching the world is to know the secret of touching the heart of God. When we fail to pray, we disappoint Christ, defeat ourselves and delight the devil. No Christ-honoring church or ministry ever rises above the level of praying done for it. (p.58)."
I am looking forward to learning. Learning how to pray for a ministry. Learning to touch the heart of God and hear him speak in a new context. Yes, a new context. I have for three years now been in what I believe was a season of discipline. My own personal field has been plowed. God has overturned rocks of pride, financial independence and self-righteousness. It is humbling the day it dawns on you that your family has had to endure a financial famine because of your sins. I understand David now in 2 Samuel 24 when he counted his troops and sinned against God, and he said that he would rather fall in the hands of a merciful God than man. It was a matter of my heart. No man knew. Man would have judged me harshly. God, however, knew and was gracious. I understand because even in discipline I have seen the mercy of God.
Preparing For Rain has been soaking in my brain for about a month now. It has been a perfect book to help me see a bigger picture with the ministry. Remember when I asked you, the reader (If there are any out there.), for suggestions on books to help with the progress of the ministry. God guided me to this one at just the right time. I guess He reads blogs. (Hee! Hee!) That pretty much wraps up what I gleaned from Chapters 1-8. I have one more parallel to draw with Chapter 9. We will work on that one tomorrow. Thank you for reading on!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Becoming Rain Ready
The sugar fast is finished. It came to a natural end while visiting our families in South Carolina. I can't say I had a word from the Lord for it to end. I had peace. I am now much more aware of the sugar I consume. I am slowly becoming aware that my diet and exercise habits need an overhaul!
On another "learning about yourself" note, I am reading Preparing For Rain by Michael Catt. The book jacket says, "It is the story of a church that believed God for the impossible." Catt is the pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, the church that "challenged the Hollywood establishment with the locally produced, nationally syndicated moving Facing the Giants." Half way into the book while learning about the building of the ministry team that accomplished this feat, I saw my own weaknesses. The Holy Spirit put his finger on two heart attitudes that needed confessing. With those heart issues unsettled, I realized Mr. Catt could not have hired me for his ministry team. I am glad for the cleansing. I asked God to prepare me personally for rain. I read on.
Another eye opener from the book was that you need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no formula. I acquired the book to see how they did it, i.e. how they made those movies. I was looking for the formula. Mr. Catt made it clear. It is all about getting "alone with God and find out what He has called (p.166)" you to do. He says, "We must be spiritually authentic ..." and "... we're to be original and unique (p. 167)."
There is so much more to the work of that church than just movies. They have a huge sports ministry program, a diligent prayer program, conferences to refresh pastors, and the reclaiming of the arts - the movies. I thought of my two tours with YWAM in Montana then Nashville with worship and dance to today's singing and songwriting in Nashville. Again Mr. Catt offers this direction that comforts me, "The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. Timing is essential for us to see God's blessings. I thought Sherwood was ready to build a new facility in 1992; we didn't build it until 2000. I wanted to change our worship style in 1990; we made gradual changes over a five-year period without a fight or split. We finished filming Facing the Giants in 2004, yet had to wait until 2006 for national distribution. Be patient, wait on the Lord and trust his timing (p. 169)." Running ahead of God. Yes, I have made that mistake before. I don't want to do that again. Wait. Wait. Wait on His timing. I should also trust him for the plan. It may be bigger and broader than I can imagine, like Sherwood.
As I edit this to prepare to hit the publish button, a new thought hit me. These two items are related. God is working on both my physical body and spiritual house. Wow, prepare me for rain!!! To believe you for the impossible!!!!!!!!!
On another "learning about yourself" note, I am reading Preparing For Rain by Michael Catt. The book jacket says, "It is the story of a church that believed God for the impossible." Catt is the pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church, the church that "challenged the Hollywood establishment with the locally produced, nationally syndicated moving Facing the Giants." Half way into the book while learning about the building of the ministry team that accomplished this feat, I saw my own weaknesses. The Holy Spirit put his finger on two heart attitudes that needed confessing. With those heart issues unsettled, I realized Mr. Catt could not have hired me for his ministry team. I am glad for the cleansing. I asked God to prepare me personally for rain. I read on.
Another eye opener from the book was that you need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no formula. I acquired the book to see how they did it, i.e. how they made those movies. I was looking for the formula. Mr. Catt made it clear. It is all about getting "alone with God and find out what He has called (p.166)" you to do. He says, "We must be spiritually authentic ..." and "... we're to be original and unique (p. 167)."
There is so much more to the work of that church than just movies. They have a huge sports ministry program, a diligent prayer program, conferences to refresh pastors, and the reclaiming of the arts - the movies. I thought of my two tours with YWAM in Montana then Nashville with worship and dance to today's singing and songwriting in Nashville. Again Mr. Catt offers this direction that comforts me, "The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. Timing is essential for us to see God's blessings. I thought Sherwood was ready to build a new facility in 1992; we didn't build it until 2000. I wanted to change our worship style in 1990; we made gradual changes over a five-year period without a fight or split. We finished filming Facing the Giants in 2004, yet had to wait until 2006 for national distribution. Be patient, wait on the Lord and trust his timing (p. 169)." Running ahead of God. Yes, I have made that mistake before. I don't want to do that again. Wait. Wait. Wait on His timing. I should also trust him for the plan. It may be bigger and broader than I can imagine, like Sherwood.
As I edit this to prepare to hit the publish button, a new thought hit me. These two items are related. God is working on both my physical body and spiritual house. Wow, prepare me for rain!!! To believe you for the impossible!!!!!!!!!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Learning From Children
It is amazing how much we can learn from children. Our daughter again has shown the way. She "sold" seven soccer balls for the team to take to Africa. However, she was only able to secure six from the church because .... wait for it ..... the children bought all the balls the church had ordered. Yes, they ran out. Don't underestimate them!!!!!
My own daughter astounded me when she was talking with someone she wanted to buy a soccer ball. The lady was not able to afford a ball, but she did not miss a beat and told her about the children also gathering flip flips to send to another African orphanage where one of our pastors is working out an adoption. You could help with that she said. The next time the lady saw her she handed her $5.00 to buy flip flops. To have that focus. To not miss an opportunity. To have no fear. To not stop for Jesus.
We will be buying $20 worth of flip flops to replace that soccer ball. I had not thought of that until typing this example of my nine year old. I suppose God needs more flips flops and less soccer balls now. We are redirected but still in motion. We are not going to stop!
My own daughter astounded me when she was talking with someone she wanted to buy a soccer ball. The lady was not able to afford a ball, but she did not miss a beat and told her about the children also gathering flip flips to send to another African orphanage where one of our pastors is working out an adoption. You could help with that she said. The next time the lady saw her she handed her $5.00 to buy flip flops. To have that focus. To not miss an opportunity. To have no fear. To not stop for Jesus.
We will be buying $20 worth of flip flops to replace that soccer ball. I had not thought of that until typing this example of my nine year old. I suppose God needs more flips flops and less soccer balls now. We are redirected but still in motion. We are not going to stop!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Car on Fire
Remember that post back in February when my daughter raised money to buy soccer balls for our church's missions team going to Kenya, Africa. Her efforts earned her recognition at our church. The children's pastor e-mailed that they were going to introduce a program to the children to "purchase/sponsor" soccer balls for the June trip. In children's church, she wanted her to tell about how she had raised her money and to sign the first ball for the program.
On that Sunday we excitedly headed to church. We saw her center stage telling her story. She wrote on her soccer ball, "Jesus loves you, and He died for you." God had rewarded her efforts, and she was seeing the eternal! We were so happy.
Straightway from church we headed to Wal-Mart to buy a gift card and were on our way to Chuck E. Cheese's for a birthday party. While on the interstate I smelled smoke. We checked all our gauges. All was well. Further down the road we saw the source of the smell ... a car had grey white smoke coming from the back end. We went on by. Something then told my husband to slow down.
Yes, that something was the Holy Spirit. He slowed down preparing to cross the three lanes of traffic to move closer to her. We came up behind her the second time, and I saw fire beneath the undercarriage. Yes, fire. I told Woody, "We have to get her out." He told me later I yelled, "We have to get her out."
He pulled behind her and by the grace of God she pulled over. He told me to call 911. I began dialing. He exited the van calling for her to get out of the car and that it was on fire. She slowly complied. He wrapped his arm around her walking her to our van safely parked a distance away. She stopped. She needed her cane. That fast it was not safe to go back. We waited for the fire truck and watched her car burn.
There is more to the story, but my point here is that we watched our Heavenly Father orchestrate events to save this lady's life. He was working in the physical to save a life. One hour before he had used our daughter's efforts to save a life in the spiritual. Those soccer balls are evangelistic http://www.e3resources.org/ in that they use the five colors of the Wordless Book http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordless_Book tell the story of Christ.
Wow! What a day!! We went on to the party late, smelling like smoke, but humbled to be doubly used by God.
On that Sunday we excitedly headed to church. We saw her center stage telling her story. She wrote on her soccer ball, "Jesus loves you, and He died for you." God had rewarded her efforts, and she was seeing the eternal! We were so happy.
Straightway from church we headed to Wal-Mart to buy a gift card and were on our way to Chuck E. Cheese's for a birthday party. While on the interstate I smelled smoke. We checked all our gauges. All was well. Further down the road we saw the source of the smell ... a car had grey white smoke coming from the back end. We went on by. Something then told my husband to slow down.
Yes, that something was the Holy Spirit. He slowed down preparing to cross the three lanes of traffic to move closer to her. We came up behind her the second time, and I saw fire beneath the undercarriage. Yes, fire. I told Woody, "We have to get her out." He told me later I yelled, "We have to get her out."
He pulled behind her and by the grace of God she pulled over. He told me to call 911. I began dialing. He exited the van calling for her to get out of the car and that it was on fire. She slowly complied. He wrapped his arm around her walking her to our van safely parked a distance away. She stopped. She needed her cane. That fast it was not safe to go back. We waited for the fire truck and watched her car burn.
There is more to the story, but my point here is that we watched our Heavenly Father orchestrate events to save this lady's life. He was working in the physical to save a life. One hour before he had used our daughter's efforts to save a life in the spiritual. Those soccer balls are evangelistic http://www.e3resources.org/ in that they use the five colors of the Wordless Book http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordless_Book tell the story of Christ.
Wow! What a day!! We went on to the party late, smelling like smoke, but humbled to be doubly used by God.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
God and Golf
While watching part of the final round of the Master's on Sunday, I remembered another biography I read more than ten years ago. It was Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography by Tracey Stewart. The book description goes like this ...
"When his life came to a sudden and tragic end on October 25, 1999, Payne Stewart was at the top of his game on every level. In June of 1999, he enjoyed the signature triumph of his career and solidified himself as one of the exemplary personalities in his profession with a victory at the U.S. Open and a place on the coveted winning U.S. Ryder Cup team. However satisfying his professional accomplishments were, it was his personal triumphs that made him stand out. Those closest to Stewart said his family and faith were what mattered most to him. At his funeral, his wife Tracey described him as a devoted husband and father and a devout Christian. She said, “After 18 years of marriage, he was still the most beautiful man I had ever seen, because of what he was on the inside.” The only authorized biography of Payne Stewart, this book was a 'New York Times' bestseller for 13 consecutive weeks."
What I remember most about the book was Stewart's choice to wear the knickers. I respected that decision to be an individual. What courageous fun! I think Payne Stewart would be happy with this year's winner of the Masters, Bubba Watson. I heard the news purport he is a devout Christian and quite a personality in his golf career. (Sounds alot like Stewart to me.) He has never had a swing coach or watched his swing on video. Without apology, he used a pink driver and cried when he won. He is also a newly adoptive father. According to Hebrews 12:1, I think Payne Stewart is in heaven having a real good time watching this gent.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Let each of us strip off sin and run the race God has put before us with endurance. And, may the crowd cheer!!!!
Do you have any recommendations of biographies or autobiographies that I could read that would further my faith in the one true and holy God? Or, one that could help with the progress of this ministry?
"When his life came to a sudden and tragic end on October 25, 1999, Payne Stewart was at the top of his game on every level. In June of 1999, he enjoyed the signature triumph of his career and solidified himself as one of the exemplary personalities in his profession with a victory at the U.S. Open and a place on the coveted winning U.S. Ryder Cup team. However satisfying his professional accomplishments were, it was his personal triumphs that made him stand out. Those closest to Stewart said his family and faith were what mattered most to him. At his funeral, his wife Tracey described him as a devoted husband and father and a devout Christian. She said, “After 18 years of marriage, he was still the most beautiful man I had ever seen, because of what he was on the inside.” The only authorized biography of Payne Stewart, this book was a 'New York Times' bestseller for 13 consecutive weeks."
What I remember most about the book was Stewart's choice to wear the knickers. I respected that decision to be an individual. What courageous fun! I think Payne Stewart would be happy with this year's winner of the Masters, Bubba Watson. I heard the news purport he is a devout Christian and quite a personality in his golf career. (Sounds alot like Stewart to me.) He has never had a swing coach or watched his swing on video. Without apology, he used a pink driver and cried when he won. He is also a newly adoptive father. According to Hebrews 12:1, I think Payne Stewart is in heaven having a real good time watching this gent.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
Let each of us strip off sin and run the race God has put before us with endurance. And, may the crowd cheer!!!!
Do you have any recommendations of biographies or autobiographies that I could read that would further my faith in the one true and holy God? Or, one that could help with the progress of this ministry?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Starbucks and Me
As you may can tell I like to read and on occasion I do read books other than religious ones. I read George W. Bush's book, Decision Points, as well as his wife's, Spoken From The Heart. I enjoyed them both. They broadened my view of the office of the President and First Lady.
According to the book's web site, "Decision Points is the extraordinary account of America's 43rd president. Shattering the conventions of political autobiography, George W. Bush offers a strikingly candid journey through the defining decisions of his life." I found that to be true. I particularly liked President Bush's references to God's guiding in his life and presidency.
The publisher describes Spoken From the Heart like this, "In this brave, beautiful, and deeply personal memoir, Laura Bush, one of our most beloved and private first ladies, tells her own extraordinary story." I realize Laura Bush's faith may be a quieter version than her husband's, but as I read I longed to hear more specifics of God at work in her life.
What started all this reading about the presidency was my reading of Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue. Wikipedia tells us that "Going Rogue: An American Life is a personal and political memoir of Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican candidate for U.S. Vice President. The book became a New York Times #1 bestseller in its first week of release, and remained there for six weeks.[1] It is one of four recent political memoirs to sell more than two million copies." I was one of those intrigued millions. But, boy was her book a long one; however, I gained insight into the presidential election process as well as how smart our leaders must be.
Talking about long books, I also read Billy Graham's autobiography, Just As I Am. The publisher says, "In this account of his life, Billy Graham shares how he came from ordinary beginnings to have an extraordinary life of prestige and influence - all derived from his unshakable belief in Christ." I learned how smart our religious leaders need to be to stay pure in our society. His insight into that so many years ago struck a chord with me. Today he is still such an icon for both our political and religious worlds. That was a winter time read by the fireplace many, many moons ago.
I read on the beach this past summer Howard Schultz's book Onward. Here is the book's description from Amazon.
"In 2008, Howard Schultz, the president and chairman of Starbucks, made the unprecedented decision to return as the CEO eight years after he stepped down from daily oversight of the company and became chairman. Concerned that Starbucks had lost its way, Schultz was determined to help it return to its core values and restore not only its financial health, but also its soul. In Onward, he shares the remarkable story of his return and the company's ongoing transformation under his leadership, revealing how, during one of the most tumultuous economic times in history, Starbucks again achieved profitability and sustainability without sacrificing humanity."
The book feed my interest in how businesses are run. However, there was never (not one that I remember anyway) a reference to God. He is the giver of every good gift (James 1:17), and I so wanted him to receive the credit for what was happening for Starbucks.
I have my own story about Starbucks. I love. Did I say love? I love their Cafe Mocha. I like other things as well but that is my treat for me. My sister gives me a Starbucks gift card every Christmas because I love it so much. Just about a month ago while sitting in Bible study, the Holy Spirit convicted me about the amount of sugar in my diet. You see I had been loosely following the Atkins Diet, the low carbohydrate diet. I had cut out carbs but my go to food was sugar. I was not eating french fries, but I would drink hot chocolate. Sitting in front of me was my fave - a Cafe Mocha. The Holy Spirit said to cut out sugar. "This cost me money," I thought. "I'll finish this and then." I clearly heard the Holy Spirit quietly say, "You would choose that over me?" I wanted to weep. After class was complete, I could not get to the bathroom fast enough to pour that thing out.
I could not believe what I had done. I had chosen sugar over my God. It rattled me. I came home and told my husband. I needed his comfort. I had done the right thing the second time around. That day and the next I felt weak. Was I going through a form of withdrawal? I had read in the Atkins book, The New Atkins For A New You, (Oh yeah, there is another book I read, well almost all of it.) that sugar is an addiction. It sure was for me. I also remembered a speech I heard many years ago by a futurist that Starbucks would be an addiction for our country. I had never heard of Starbucks back then. Now I knew them. No, Starbucks is not an addition for me. It was the sugar. I am still choosing to fast sugar. And God in his grace showed me Starbucks' New Skinny Cafe Mocha. It has no sugar. It tastes almost the same, and I still can have a chocolaty treat.
When will the fast end? I don't know. Some people say you don't start a fast without an end in mind. God has done this before in my life. Several years before I met my husband and had my family, I did a juice and water fast for 35 days. The Lord called me to it without giving me an ending date. My mother, father and sister were very concerned for me, but God was clear when it was over. They were relieved. I can trust him now as well.
Talking about long ones.... This entry has been that. Thank you for your diligence to read on!
According to the book's web site, "Decision Points is the extraordinary account of America's 43rd president. Shattering the conventions of political autobiography, George W. Bush offers a strikingly candid journey through the defining decisions of his life." I found that to be true. I particularly liked President Bush's references to God's guiding in his life and presidency.
The publisher describes Spoken From the Heart like this, "In this brave, beautiful, and deeply personal memoir, Laura Bush, one of our most beloved and private first ladies, tells her own extraordinary story." I realize Laura Bush's faith may be a quieter version than her husband's, but as I read I longed to hear more specifics of God at work in her life.
What started all this reading about the presidency was my reading of Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue. Wikipedia tells us that "Going Rogue: An American Life is a personal and political memoir of Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican candidate for U.S. Vice President. The book became a New York Times #1 bestseller in its first week of release, and remained there for six weeks.[1] It is one of four recent political memoirs to sell more than two million copies." I was one of those intrigued millions. But, boy was her book a long one; however, I gained insight into the presidential election process as well as how smart our leaders must be.
Talking about long books, I also read Billy Graham's autobiography, Just As I Am. The publisher says, "In this account of his life, Billy Graham shares how he came from ordinary beginnings to have an extraordinary life of prestige and influence - all derived from his unshakable belief in Christ." I learned how smart our religious leaders need to be to stay pure in our society. His insight into that so many years ago struck a chord with me. Today he is still such an icon for both our political and religious worlds. That was a winter time read by the fireplace many, many moons ago.
I read on the beach this past summer Howard Schultz's book Onward. Here is the book's description from Amazon.
"In 2008, Howard Schultz, the president and chairman of Starbucks, made the unprecedented decision to return as the CEO eight years after he stepped down from daily oversight of the company and became chairman. Concerned that Starbucks had lost its way, Schultz was determined to help it return to its core values and restore not only its financial health, but also its soul. In Onward, he shares the remarkable story of his return and the company's ongoing transformation under his leadership, revealing how, during one of the most tumultuous economic times in history, Starbucks again achieved profitability and sustainability without sacrificing humanity."
The book feed my interest in how businesses are run. However, there was never (not one that I remember anyway) a reference to God. He is the giver of every good gift (James 1:17), and I so wanted him to receive the credit for what was happening for Starbucks.
I have my own story about Starbucks. I love. Did I say love? I love their Cafe Mocha. I like other things as well but that is my treat for me. My sister gives me a Starbucks gift card every Christmas because I love it so much. Just about a month ago while sitting in Bible study, the Holy Spirit convicted me about the amount of sugar in my diet. You see I had been loosely following the Atkins Diet, the low carbohydrate diet. I had cut out carbs but my go to food was sugar. I was not eating french fries, but I would drink hot chocolate. Sitting in front of me was my fave - a Cafe Mocha. The Holy Spirit said to cut out sugar. "This cost me money," I thought. "I'll finish this and then." I clearly heard the Holy Spirit quietly say, "You would choose that over me?" I wanted to weep. After class was complete, I could not get to the bathroom fast enough to pour that thing out.
I could not believe what I had done. I had chosen sugar over my God. It rattled me. I came home and told my husband. I needed his comfort. I had done the right thing the second time around. That day and the next I felt weak. Was I going through a form of withdrawal? I had read in the Atkins book, The New Atkins For A New You, (Oh yeah, there is another book I read, well almost all of it.) that sugar is an addiction. It sure was for me. I also remembered a speech I heard many years ago by a futurist that Starbucks would be an addiction for our country. I had never heard of Starbucks back then. Now I knew them. No, Starbucks is not an addition for me. It was the sugar. I am still choosing to fast sugar. And God in his grace showed me Starbucks' New Skinny Cafe Mocha. It has no sugar. It tastes almost the same, and I still can have a chocolaty treat.
When will the fast end? I don't know. Some people say you don't start a fast without an end in mind. God has done this before in my life. Several years before I met my husband and had my family, I did a juice and water fast for 35 days. The Lord called me to it without giving me an ending date. My mother, father and sister were very concerned for me, but God was clear when it was over. They were relieved. I can trust him now as well.
Talking about long ones.... This entry has been that. Thank you for your diligence to read on!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Beth Moore Didn't See It This Way
When Beth Moore was envisioning her Revelation Study, I am sure she didn't see it like I saw it Monday night. It was one person wrapped in a fleece jacket and toboggan and the other in a camouflage coat owed by my husband. We were freezing. The exercise room is beside the laundry room. The laundry room was seeing much action. I could see faces peering in through the little windows between the two rooms. I could hear the water slipping into the wash drums, dryers rotating with a possible small shoe ... bump, pause, bump, pause, and then the click, click of zippers. I assume the dryers heating up the adjacent room kept the AC running at full Arctic blast in the exercise room. We were on ice!!!! Still the teaching was excellent, and I left with a full heart and frozen hands and nose.
As I write this I wonder what those faces thought to see two ladies wrapped in winter clothes sitting in straight back chairs among exercise equipment watching a lady talking on a laptop that said Revelation behind her. Oh, did you do an awesome thing with that Lord!
Amazing above amazing is that my laptop worked flawlessly. God fixed it with no help from a human source. It just started "talking" when my husband played an NCIS DVD a few days after it refused to "speak" last Monday. Call it a miracle or not. I am extremely grateful to Him for helping me with it. I feel so much better knowing it is working properly. He answered my prayers.
As I write this I wonder what those faces thought to see two ladies wrapped in winter clothes sitting in straight back chairs among exercise equipment watching a lady talking on a laptop that said Revelation behind her. Oh, did you do an awesome thing with that Lord!
Amazing above amazing is that my laptop worked flawlessly. God fixed it with no help from a human source. It just started "talking" when my husband played an NCIS DVD a few days after it refused to "speak" last Monday. Call it a miracle or not. I am extremely grateful to Him for helping me with it. I feel so much better knowing it is working properly. He answered my prayers.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
More On Books
Another series of books that are great for reading about Bible characters are by Charles Swindoll. There are nine books in the series entitled Profiles in Character or Great Lives Series. They are longer reads that Mr. Getz's books. He includes a book on Esther as well as one on Jesus.
According to the publisher, "Everybody loves tales of heroism and transformation---rags to riches, plain to beautiful, weak to strong. You'll find all of this and more in Swindoll's fascinating explorations of the lives of Bible characters. Interweaving ancient truths and contemporary insight, he shows how the qualities that informed and empowered these courageous people are available to you today!"
I definitely recommend these books. I have 2 or 3 left to read. I am looking forward to reading a new one I discovered while preparing this blog entry. It is Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters and includes commentary on Abigail. The one about Jesus scares me when I think about reading it. Maybe because he is so sacred in my mind. In God's time, I'll study it.
Happy Reading!!!
According to the publisher, "Everybody loves tales of heroism and transformation---rags to riches, plain to beautiful, weak to strong. You'll find all of this and more in Swindoll's fascinating explorations of the lives of Bible characters. Interweaving ancient truths and contemporary insight, he shows how the qualities that informed and empowered these courageous people are available to you today!"
I definitely recommend these books. I have 2 or 3 left to read. I am looking forward to reading a new one I discovered while preparing this blog entry. It is Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters and includes commentary on Abigail. The one about Jesus scares me when I think about reading it. Maybe because he is so sacred in my mind. In God's time, I'll study it.
Happy Reading!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Bible Study Meets
We now have meet twice with our Beth Moore study of Revelation. The first meeting was almost comical. The three of us met in the exercise room. We sat on the floor leaning against the wall across from the the stationary bike and cross county ski type machine. Laptop on the treadmill belt playing the DVD. I had a request later in the week to sit on something. "Maybe a pillow," she said. How kind is that!!! I needed to rethink the set up. We have extra hands to set up the room so this week we sat in dining room chairs borrowed from our two rooms and had the laptop on a coffee table. It was more comfortable! I have a feeling we will be laughing about that start one day!!!!!
The downside this week is my laptop would not play with any volume. Not a peep came out! The other lady here in the hotel had her husband come down and try to figure out the problem to no avail. She graciously let us watch the DVD on her laptop. Please pray that we will figure out what is wrong with mine and then fix it without any huge expense. We are also praying that our fourth member of the group will make it next week.
Thank you for your prayers.
The downside this week is my laptop would not play with any volume. Not a peep came out! The other lady here in the hotel had her husband come down and try to figure out the problem to no avail. She graciously let us watch the DVD on her laptop. Please pray that we will figure out what is wrong with mine and then fix it without any huge expense. We are also praying that our fourth member of the group will make it next week.
Thank you for your prayers.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Men of Character
In recent years I have found that I like reading about the people in the Bible. I put biographies on my Facebook page thinking of this favorite. One source for insight into some of the men in the Bible is a series of books by Gene Getz entitled Men of Character. The publisher says that they highlight the lives of men in the Bible and demonstrate that we can still learn from their relationships - both with God and man. I have enjoyed them so much. They are easy to read and not long. Yes, I know they are written by a man for men but the principles are applicable for women as well.
When I went on Mr. Getz's web site to obtain a few facts for this blog, I was astonished to see he has written 27 other books. I will be looking up more from this author. As for now, I have two more in the ten book series to read. I look forward to reading them. The Holy Spirit always has something to teach me and often times applying it to a current situation in my life. He is so amazing to know what I need when I need it!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
God Answers Prayer
I am thrilled to tell you about God's provision for the study guides. Friday night at work a gentleman from Ohio left me a $30 tip on a bill of more than $100 for his family's meal. When I saw how much it was I knew it was for the three books. I feel like the Apostle Paul with his tent making business. "You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions." (Acts 20:34)
This weekend I also remembered another study I completed. It was a book and study guide combo entitled "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul." It was written by John and Stasi Eldredge. I used some of what I learned just recently with my daughter. It was a good one too!!
While I am on the subject of recommending good reads, I want to recommend to you a book series. I'll start with that in the next post.
This weekend I also remembered another study I completed. It was a book and study guide combo entitled "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul." It was written by John and Stasi Eldredge. I used some of what I learned just recently with my daughter. It was a good one too!!
While I am on the subject of recommending good reads, I want to recommend to you a book series. I'll start with that in the next post.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Lord Willing
Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." That is what happened to me. Didn't you see all those plans I had several days ago? Today, I confirmed with the other lady for the Bible study. We will have four ladies (including me). We will start this Monday night if Lord willing I am able to purchase the books earlier in the day.
I am so looking forward to it. Just for a little background, I have been doing Bible Studies on and off for years. It is always such a positive experience. I want everyone to enjoy it. I started with Bible Study Fellowship studies and even became a children's leader. I love the Beth Moore series. I'll have to check on it, but I think I have done more than half of the ones she has written. I have even completed one year with Community Bible Study and a Precepts study by Kay Arthur. Currently, I am a group leader for a CBS program entitled "It's In The Book." A friend of mine started it at our home school cooperative. She is a former CBS Teaching leader.
So, you see I can say Bible study has had a profound effect on my life, and I want everyone to love it.
Is it easy all the time? No. There is homework.
Is it worth at in the end? A resounding YES!
I am so looking forward to it. Just for a little background, I have been doing Bible Studies on and off for years. It is always such a positive experience. I want everyone to enjoy it. I started with Bible Study Fellowship studies and even became a children's leader. I love the Beth Moore series. I'll have to check on it, but I think I have done more than half of the ones she has written. I have even completed one year with Community Bible Study and a Precepts study by Kay Arthur. Currently, I am a group leader for a CBS program entitled "It's In The Book." A friend of mine started it at our home school cooperative. She is a former CBS Teaching leader.
So, you see I can say Bible study has had a profound effect on my life, and I want everyone to love it.
Is it easy all the time? No. There is homework.
Is it worth at in the end? A resounding YES!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
I have the DVDs.
I picked up the Beth Moore DVDs today. I also talked to the original lady, and we set the date to start our study this Monday night. I'll hopefully pick up her book that day at Lifeway. I'll need a good weekend at work to make the money I need for that cost and other bills.
I left a message with our other board member asking her about attending. After some time considering the idea of a Bible study in our living circumstances, my husband has ask me to limit the participants. So, I will not make the poster for the hotel. I'll still make one additional personal invitation. My husband has agreed to take our daughter to soccer practice if needed so that we can accomplish this undertaking. Plans are starting to jell!!!
I am so excited about providing an opportunity for others to study God's word. I am also eager for my own personal revelations.
I left a message with our other board member asking her about attending. After some time considering the idea of a Bible study in our living circumstances, my husband has ask me to limit the participants. So, I will not make the poster for the hotel. I'll still make one additional personal invitation. My husband has agreed to take our daughter to soccer practice if needed so that we can accomplish this undertaking. Plans are starting to jell!!!
I am so excited about providing an opportunity for others to study God's word. I am also eager for my own personal revelations.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Bible Study On The Horizon
I am so excited! We will be starting a Bible Study in the hotel. You may remember this was mentioned in the Christmas letter. Frankly, I had forgotten about it until I posted the letter here. It reminded me, and the timing was perfect.
My husband had thrown the idea out to another long-term guest, and she encouraged me with her interest. I went to her on Saturday with some study ideas. She liked the study of Revelation by Beth Moore. I was thrilled. I felt that was the one we were suppose to do. You see I had started it back several years ago when it first came out. I had to drop the study for several reasons but had gained permission to use the DVDs from the church to finish it. I had tried to borrow them back in December 2010, but they were in use by another member. Well ... time moved on, and I forgot about it. Am I seeing a bad trend? Or, is God's timing?
I contacted my church again and just a few minutes ago I read the e-mail that the DVDs were available. I will pick up them up on Wednesday. We can get started earlier than I thought. I was thinking we would start after I finished the Beth Moore study on James in about two weeks. I told the lady I would round up a study guide for her. For that I need money. I have asked the Lord to provide. We only have $5 in the ministry account and no money in the personal account. The books are around $10, I think.
I thought about another person I would like to invite. She lives here in the hotel. That then lead to me thinking about doing a flyer for the study and see if we get any other interest. My husband said he thought that would be alright. I also want to clear it with the original lady. I am not sure how we would handle a group. I had told her we could meet down in the exercise room and watch the DVDs on my laptop if our rooms were not available. (We both have families.) We will see what happens. I also wonder about men. What if they want to come? I think it would be OK. It is sound teaching for any of us.
I think I will also ask the ministry's third board member to see if she wants to join us. Oh, I am looking forward to this!!!! Just thought of another lady to invite. This is so fun.
If I can get one blank book, I could make copies for the first lecture notes for any additional people that show up. I have written in my copy. After that I could take orders and payments for books. I would need to buy them quickly because homework can pile up rapidly during the week.
Now, I am thinking about when we meet. I am thinking Mondays would be best. My room may even be available then because my daughter has spring soccer practice. I know we can fit five people in here to watch a DVD on our TV. Did I say this is exciting? It is!
I must stop this rambling! I'll keep you posted.
P.S. Tonight I cooked another batch of kale chips for my daughter's Muffins for Missions fundraiser. That's the name that came to me when this same customer bought an additional batch of muffins to take to his job to see if he could get any orders. I have not heard that he did, but it was a great effort on his and his wife's part to try and help her. Her new total is $17.
My husband had thrown the idea out to another long-term guest, and she encouraged me with her interest. I went to her on Saturday with some study ideas. She liked the study of Revelation by Beth Moore. I was thrilled. I felt that was the one we were suppose to do. You see I had started it back several years ago when it first came out. I had to drop the study for several reasons but had gained permission to use the DVDs from the church to finish it. I had tried to borrow them back in December 2010, but they were in use by another member. Well ... time moved on, and I forgot about it. Am I seeing a bad trend? Or, is God's timing?
I contacted my church again and just a few minutes ago I read the e-mail that the DVDs were available. I will pick up them up on Wednesday. We can get started earlier than I thought. I was thinking we would start after I finished the Beth Moore study on James in about two weeks. I told the lady I would round up a study guide for her. For that I need money. I have asked the Lord to provide. We only have $5 in the ministry account and no money in the personal account. The books are around $10, I think.
I thought about another person I would like to invite. She lives here in the hotel. That then lead to me thinking about doing a flyer for the study and see if we get any other interest. My husband said he thought that would be alright. I also want to clear it with the original lady. I am not sure how we would handle a group. I had told her we could meet down in the exercise room and watch the DVDs on my laptop if our rooms were not available. (We both have families.) We will see what happens. I also wonder about men. What if they want to come? I think it would be OK. It is sound teaching for any of us.
I think I will also ask the ministry's third board member to see if she wants to join us. Oh, I am looking forward to this!!!! Just thought of another lady to invite. This is so fun.
If I can get one blank book, I could make copies for the first lecture notes for any additional people that show up. I have written in my copy. After that I could take orders and payments for books. I would need to buy them quickly because homework can pile up rapidly during the week.
Now, I am thinking about when we meet. I am thinking Mondays would be best. My room may even be available then because my daughter has spring soccer practice. I know we can fit five people in here to watch a DVD on our TV. Did I say this is exciting? It is!
I must stop this rambling! I'll keep you posted.
P.S. Tonight I cooked another batch of kale chips for my daughter's Muffins for Missions fundraiser. That's the name that came to me when this same customer bought an additional batch of muffins to take to his job to see if he could get any orders. I have not heard that he did, but it was a great effort on his and his wife's part to try and help her. Her new total is $17.
Friday, March 2, 2012
As Promised Last Part
Here is the final section ...
We pray this season brings you new revelation of God and his unending love for you. Thank you for reading this letter. Thank you for your prayers.
See you here on Monday!
Our future plan for the ministry is ultimately to become a
private grant making foundation for funding families to go on mission trips and
helping small and start-up ministries.
This will include obtaining the federal designation to allow for tax deductions
for donations. We are planning to add
credibility to the organization through a seminary degree and to make an
international mission trip through our church to Kenya, Africa.
Just this week we received requests for Deborah to start a
Bible study and for Woody to participate in a prison ministry. The prayer group from our old house desires
to reconvene our weekly meetings as soon as space allows. God continues to work and we are humbled to
be his servants.
We pray this season brings you new revelation of God and his unending love for you. Thank you for reading this letter. Thank you for your prayers.
Respectfully,
The CoppedgesSee you here on Monday!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
As Promised Part 2
More letter ...
We in turn have seen the blessings of God with the gifts in our times of need with a place to live, a van, a new computer, and the finest of meats. Our business has benefited from donations of labor and supplies. This list does not include the many blessings that our families have given us. We thank God for his faithfulness to meet all our needs.
Thank you for still reading entries!!
We in turn have seen the blessings of God with the gifts in our times of need with a place to live, a van, a new computer, and the finest of meats. Our business has benefited from donations of labor and supplies. This list does not include the many blessings that our families have given us. We thank God for his faithfulness to meet all our needs.
God has never failed us but we have failed him. Our work has not been perfect. We have grumbled and complained to God about
space instead of being thankful. We have
missed opportunities to talk about Jesus.
Like Philip in Samaria, we have attempted to proclaim Christ and have
been told that living our life in joy and faith in God is testimony in itself to
those living near to us (Acts 8:4-6).
Thank you for still reading entries!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Promise Kept
I am back as promised with the next except from our Christmas letter.
Our move in the summer of 2009 and then into the extended stay hotel, began a new phase of ministry. We reaffirmed a single lady’s decision not to abort a pregnancy and baptized her in our bathtub. We were a vessel by which a man recommitted his path to God, possibly fulfilling a call into ministry. Through the gift of home cooking and hospitality, we fed a family in need, honored new parents and new friends, and were an answer to prayer for a holiday meal.
The opportunity to privately pray for or to pray with individuals as we cross their paths and learn of their lives has been a privilege. We have encountered the unchurched and children, struggling believers and non-believers, gays and grandmothers, verbal abusers and controllers, college students and tourists, mothers and fathers, Wicken members and singles, as well as, drug dealers and exotic dancers.
More later ...
Our move in the summer of 2009 and then into the extended stay hotel, began a new phase of ministry. We reaffirmed a single lady’s decision not to abort a pregnancy and baptized her in our bathtub. We were a vessel by which a man recommitted his path to God, possibly fulfilling a call into ministry. Through the gift of home cooking and hospitality, we fed a family in need, honored new parents and new friends, and were an answer to prayer for a holiday meal.
The opportunity to privately pray for or to pray with individuals as we cross their paths and learn of their lives has been a privilege. We have encountered the unchurched and children, struggling believers and non-believers, gays and grandmothers, verbal abusers and controllers, college students and tourists, mothers and fathers, Wicken members and singles, as well as, drug dealers and exotic dancers.
More later ...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
More Than Africa
When I first started this blog, my intention to chronicle God's plan for our family mission trip to Africa seemed broad. I mean it was going to happen ...bam, bam, bam. We would be there! Wrong again.
Three years later we still have not made the trip, and now I am tasked with the job of keeping an active blog. Last night while I wrote to you it occurred to me to open up and talk more about the ministry in general. This morning when I sat down to write all manner of controversy came my way. My office software would not work. I deleted it trying to fix it. I lost my patience. Cried. Was short with my husband. Had to apologize to my family for my reaction. Talked to my computer's technical support. I think I am on the right track. :)
For the next few entries, I am going to give you portions of our 2011 Christmas letter. It was basically our annual report. This will catch you up a bit and then we can move on with a fresh start. Thank you for reading!
December 13, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are writing “to report all that God has done through us” (Acts 14:27) in the past two and a half years.
You may remember we began C Square Ministries, Inc. as a family ministry in January of 2006. We began by purchasing phone cards for residents at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Three worship events in four years were held in the local community. debwood the band was formed. For two years, a weekly prayer meeting was held in our home. We saw one salvation and several healings from past hurts with individuals God brought to our door. The ministry also grew to include a new board member and a bread ministry that served more than 2,500 families in two years.
More tomorrow ....
Three years later we still have not made the trip, and now I am tasked with the job of keeping an active blog. Last night while I wrote to you it occurred to me to open up and talk more about the ministry in general. This morning when I sat down to write all manner of controversy came my way. My office software would not work. I deleted it trying to fix it. I lost my patience. Cried. Was short with my husband. Had to apologize to my family for my reaction. Talked to my computer's technical support. I think I am on the right track. :)
For the next few entries, I am going to give you portions of our 2011 Christmas letter. It was basically our annual report. This will catch you up a bit and then we can move on with a fresh start. Thank you for reading!
December 13, 2011
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are writing “to report all that God has done through us” (Acts 14:27) in the past two and a half years.
You may remember we began C Square Ministries, Inc. as a family ministry in January of 2006. We began by purchasing phone cards for residents at the Nashville Rescue Mission. Three worship events in four years were held in the local community. debwood the band was formed. For two years, a weekly prayer meeting was held in our home. We saw one salvation and several healings from past hurts with individuals God brought to our door. The ministry also grew to include a new board member and a bread ministry that served more than 2,500 families in two years.
More tomorrow ....
Monday, February 27, 2012
New Year, New Me, Pooh
I has been almost two years since I have written. I failed to be obedient ... again. Please forgive me, Lord. What brought me here was a friend who updated her blog after a period of silence. It reminded me of my promise. I immediately knew what to write about. My daughter had been diligent where I had not.
A month or so ago she decided to hold a fundraiser for the 2012 team going to Africa. All on her own she set up a menu of items to sell with the money going to buy soccer balls for the team to take in June. (That is what she remembers from our church's first trip to the orphanage.) She sold blueberry muffins, kale chips, sugar cookies and M&M cookies. She raised $14. Of course, her father and I had to come along side to underwrite the cost of ingredients. She told one of the customers that she still hopes our family can take the trip one day. Her example was one I needed to see. I had no thought of supporting this team because we were not going .... again. Poor attitude! You see why I don't want to write this blog. I have to confess my shortcomings!!!!!
Here is another tidbit. My daughter had a huge plan. When I saw what she was doing, I culled back her menu in order to afford it. She set her own delivery date. Her parents didn't make that one. More failure on her parents' part. She patiently set another deadline. While in Pet Smart last week, she wanted a beta fish and tank. She, nor I, had the money for it. In the van in the parking lot, we prayed and asked God to give us His direction and wisdom for the situation. The Holy Spirit prompted me that she needed to keep her word and deliver on her fundraiser. Boy, did that propel me to aquire the ingredients. Woody made the two types of cookies, and I made the muffins and kale chips. Thanks to a friend who loaned us a muffin pan, we met the second deadline.
Learning from that situation, I asked the Holy Spirit to show me if there was was something I needed to finish in order to receive his wisdom in my own life. He told me specifically what that was yesterday through that friend's blog!!!! Finally, I am delivering on my overdue commitment to you. Thank you to a patient God.
A month or so ago she decided to hold a fundraiser for the 2012 team going to Africa. All on her own she set up a menu of items to sell with the money going to buy soccer balls for the team to take in June. (That is what she remembers from our church's first trip to the orphanage.) She sold blueberry muffins, kale chips, sugar cookies and M&M cookies. She raised $14. Of course, her father and I had to come along side to underwrite the cost of ingredients. She told one of the customers that she still hopes our family can take the trip one day. Her example was one I needed to see. I had no thought of supporting this team because we were not going .... again. Poor attitude! You see why I don't want to write this blog. I have to confess my shortcomings!!!!!
Here is another tidbit. My daughter had a huge plan. When I saw what she was doing, I culled back her menu in order to afford it. She set her own delivery date. Her parents didn't make that one. More failure on her parents' part. She patiently set another deadline. While in Pet Smart last week, she wanted a beta fish and tank. She, nor I, had the money for it. In the van in the parking lot, we prayed and asked God to give us His direction and wisdom for the situation. The Holy Spirit prompted me that she needed to keep her word and deliver on her fundraiser. Boy, did that propel me to aquire the ingredients. Woody made the two types of cookies, and I made the muffins and kale chips. Thanks to a friend who loaned us a muffin pan, we met the second deadline.
Learning from that situation, I asked the Holy Spirit to show me if there was was something I needed to finish in order to receive his wisdom in my own life. He told me specifically what that was yesterday through that friend's blog!!!! Finally, I am delivering on my overdue commitment to you. Thank you to a patient God.
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