My Son's Wall

My son has a giant map of the world on his wall. He loves geography and I thought it was a pretty cool way to decorate his room. But really there was more to it than that. I want my kids to remember that there is a big world out there, much bigger than the small several mile radius of the world we live in day in and day out. It's easy to get consumed in all of our activities and forget that there is a whole lot more going on out there.

Above his map there are vinyl letters that say this,"It's Time to Save Your World". I know my son is only 8, but I want him to know that he was placed here on this earth to help Jesus in saving it. He has a purpose on this earth and it's not just to play baseball. He (and the rest of us) has a mandate as Christ followers to DO something with our life that will better God's kingdom. If my son remembers anything that mom taught him, I hope it's that there is a mighty big world out there that needs someone brave enough to go and save it!!!

It can be overwhelming, but perhaps God is just asking you to give. Maybe He's asking you to serve on a missions trip. Could He be asking you to serve those around the corner in need or just invite a neighbor's child in your home that may not be receiving love. No act of love it too small.

Mighty women, how are you saving your world?

Gutter and Glitter

Be honest: How many of you would rather stay in the "nice" side of town? Honest moment: Sometimes I'd rather keep my life in a small bubble of pretty.

The phrase that hit me today: "God came for those in the gutter and those in glitter".

Reality is that many more lie in the gutter than in glitter. While my belief is that Christ wants to sprinkle some glitter (blessings) on all of us, His heart hurts for those in the gutter.

A good pastor friend of ours was once in an interesting situation. The local daycare around the corner called him when their toilets were overflowing. He, not being a plumber, rushed to help them in whatever way he could when he found himself sticking his bare hand in the toilet to unclog it. While his hand was in the toilet God spoke to him. Don't you just love the real life illustrations God puts us in to get our attention sometimes?!? God said, "Keep your hand in the mess and I"ll give you the blessed." In other words, don't forget about those in need! God knows that we all need finances to do great things for His kingdom and He's into blessing us, but while He lavishes finances upon us may we not forget about the "guttter" and realize that the reason we are blessed is to BE a blessing. God is a God of action!

May we be funnels that His blessings flow through. I've seen some of the worst situations possible on my trip to India. Things I didn't even know existed. There is need from India to our next door neighboor. All we have to do is open our eyes and look around us.

Don't just stay in the "pretty", but let your heart (and even body) venture out to the gutter and watch how God will fill you with compassion and if you start to bless them, He will fill you with more blessing!

Go girls! There's a world that needs saving (more about that tomorrow).

Open-handed

I was reading my One Year Bible today and Deuteronomy 15:7-15 stuck out to me. I love the picture it represents of generosity. Take a look at how much being generous is referenced:
"..be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs; give generously; because of this the Lord your God will bless you; be openhanded toward your brothers and the needy in your land; do not send him away empty handed; supply him liberally; give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you..."

Not only is this a picture of how generous we are to live our lives, but also a picture of how Christ lived His life. Nothing embodies generosity more than the cross. Notice how many times openhandedness is mentioned. Jesus knows about open hands. Nails drove His open.

May we live our life "remembering that we were slaves... and the Lord your God redeemed you..." vs. 15.
I want to be generous with
My life
My time
My money
My love
My compliments
My worship
My service......

We can never give enough to compare to what He has given, but may we live a lifetime reflecting what He has done.

Love Generously Today!

The Atlantic Ocean...

There are things in my life that I want to see God do. Are there things in your life? We all have dreams and hopes for our life. The main thing is to make sure those dreams and hopes are what God wills for us. A great prayer is to pray "God give me your desires for my life."

Sometimes those desires don't instantly happen. But I would encourage you to stay the course!!
Despite what you see.
Despite what you hear.
Despite what you feel.

Stay the course.

Last night we heard Pastor Jim Graff quote his late father in law, John Osteen. Pastor John responded to a young man who asked him if he ever got discouraged over the years of pastoring. Pastor John's response was this: "If I moved my pulpit one inch every time I got discouraged, I would be preaching in the Atlantic Ocean!"

Well put!!

We all face discouragement because our life may not be happening "as planned". Stay the course! Be faithful. Don't quit. In due season you will reap a sure reward!

I'll be out on Friday for time with my family. So see you Monday!

Steel Magnolias

My sister in law (sister in my book) emailed me pictures from a dear friend, Luke Walter's daughter's wedding last weekend. Oh wow, the wedding was gorgeous! They live on a plantation in an old southern antebellum home with a huge porch on the front with hundred year old, moss covered, lazy oak trees adorning the yard. The wedding took place there. With white tents and twinkle lights everywhere it looked like a southern fairy tale or a modern day "Steel Magnolias".
Everything looked pristine. Wow, it gave me a proud moment that I'm from the South. As much heat as the South takes at times with movies like Water Boy, I still stand tall and say I'm a Southern girl and proud of it!! :)

I may say "fixin to" and "huh" or "good gracious" but that's okay. I am who I am. You are who you are!!
There's nothing wrong with bettering yourself and speaking properly, but don't lose who God made you.

By the way, don't miss Pastor Jim Graff speaking tonight at the North Campus. You will enjoy!!
Bye yall!
(I had too!)

Go with the gut

I am ambitious by nature. It can be good AND it can be bad. Need I say more? So being the ambitious woman that I am, I sometimes find myself stirring up situations and happenings that weren't necessarily designed by God for me. Yes, it seemed great, it would touch many people, it would cause me to grow, it would be fun, but you know what else it will cause? Extreme stress and an uneasiness that weighs on you until you decide to abort and run. Sometimes those desires were put in your heart by God for another time down the road. When that time comes the opportunity will be one that causes peace and is extremely fruitful. You will reap more fruit with the right timing than you ever would have conjured up doing it on your own.

This is a lesson I'm checking myself on constantly. I know instantly when I've outstepped my boundaries. That restless irritation or "check" comes and I know I better quickly change courses before it ends in an unfavorable way!! I like staying in the favorable zone. :)

Anybody out there ever been there or am I the only one?

Go with your gut ladies, and stay in the peace (God's will) zone!
Later.

Poison?

Have you ever had life change permanently in a way you wouldn't have chose it? Matter of a fact, completely opposite of the way you dreamed it? I can say I've experienced that scenario quite a few times. One situation had to do with a loss. A loss of someone very close to me. The loss was hard enough to deal with so to remember and honor this person I wanted life to halt. I didn't want anything to change. Even if it meant others suffering. If I had a pause button my thumb would have been pressed hard on it because I didn't want to move forward. But others affected by it did. They were so happy, why couldn't I be happy for them? Moving forward is healthy. Don't I want to be healthy? I knew I needed to, but I didn't feel like I wanted to! I've learned enough to know this: that if you go by your feelings you'll never get anywhere good. You better go with what God is doing.

A river with no current is polluted.

Stagnate.

I don't want my life to be stagnate, but sometimes moving forward hurts. Sometimes it's an up hill battle, climbing and fighting all the way. Becoming stagnate would be much easier, but less healthy. When you become polluted those around you feel the poison.

So what's a girl to do? The world around me is moving, advancing and is happy. I have two choices:

I can buck it all the way and cause tremendous pain for myself.
or
I can follow what God is doing even if it means following Him blindly.
TRUST.
I wish I could tell you this option had an easy button, but this one thing I know for sure.... it's easier than standing with your feet in the mud saying "I'm not moving!"
Eventually, yes eventually, the change you didn't want to happen will become a blessing to you. Because I am convinced that where God leads there is blessing.

Maybe there is a blessing in your life that you cannot see because you are refusing to allow God to do what He wants to do.

I don't know......... these are just words on my heart tonight. I hope they spoke to someone and encouraged you to embrace the change.

In it for the long run,
Goodnight girls!

Sow, sow, sow!

Prov.11:18
"He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward....the truly righteous man attains life."

Love that scripture! What will the righteous man reap?
LIFE.
Not just eternal life (although that is certainly good enough), but also life while on this earth. If you are reading this obviously you are alive, but I want to do more than just breathe. I want to LIVE!! I want my life to be filled with LIFE!!
How does this happen?
By sowing righteousness, by reaching out, by serving someone, by loving Jesus more, by giving more..... These are the things that will cause you to not just exist but to live and live to the fullest!!

Sow righteousness today. Sowing is an act, it's not just being.

Sow.

You will not regret it!

Until Monday.....

Last Night

Wow Ladies! Last night was great. Almost 200 women show up for a Bible study! You gotta love that!
I'm so proud of the hunger of the women at Keypoint. They just want more of God and I know He will honor that in their lives.

It challenges my hunger for the Lord. Do I only need Him in crisis or do I sense a need for Him everyday? I want to be that Prov. 31 women who rises in her dark hour, but I also want to rise in my sunny hour too. That is where growth takes place. Day in and day out getting to know my Savior more.

Alright girls, I'm tired and my morning just began!! Yikes. So I'm leaving you until tomorrow. HUNGER God today!

Out!

I Got Nothing!

Some days it's just hard to come up with some great revelation to write about. Today..... I got nothing!! :) I'm very rarely speechless so don't get used to it.

The only thing I can tell you today is stay committed. I was reading an international friend's email today about the abused young women in Nepal and her plea for us to help them. Of course, it stirred my heart like never before. I have a deep passion for women and children around the world. Sometimes I feel like I have to put it in the back of my head just to focus on what I have to do that day. It reminded me all the more on how much our commitment to pray, support and serve is so necessary. When much has been given.... much is required. We are blessed to be a blessing. What are we doing with what we've got? Are we investing it in the right places? I can tell you there is no other investment that will yield such a high return than people. I can also tell you there is no other investment that touches the heart of God more.

Okay, so I guess I do have a little something today! :)

Think about it.....

Martha wouldn't approve!

I need to learn how to bake better. I have great ideas but poor execution. I can't bake a pretty cake or cookie to save my life. Now a baking a nice muffin, on the other hand, I am a rock star!

We have out of town guest coming in tonight. Should be fun. If you see them at church Sunday be sure to say hello.

Signing off for the weekend. See everyone Sunday AM.
Until then......

Tassels

(Numbers 15:38) In the Old Testament the a man gathered wood on the Sabbath Day, a day commanded by the Lord to rest. The Lord told the community to stone him to death because he disobeyed. Yikes!! Aren't you glad you don't live under that law anymore? God goes on further to say that everyone needs to wear blue tassels on their clothes as a reminder to them not to disobey God's law. Obviously this man ignored what He knew God asked him not to do because of his own selfishness.

Today we have the sweet Holy Spirit living within us to guide us in the path God would have us live. He is our reminder. By the way, His path and direction is for our protection.

Today take time to listen to the Holy Spirit and ask His voice to speak to you today. Ask Him to make you sensitive and to wisely apply what He says!

Have a fun Thursday girls!

I Hear Voices.......

Not long ago there was a popular movie where a little boy said the famous line "I Hear Voices....".
Don't we all? Not necessarily his kind of voices, but outside voices... voices from others. The good, the bad and the ugly they have to say about us. The opinions, the praise, the criticism. What "they" think we should do or not do. Don't get me wrong it is wise to find counsel in others, but we cannot base our life on what "they" say. Who in the world are "they" anyway? Ever wonder that?

Honest moment:
As a leader, this can be a struggle for me. Believe me, for every praise there is a criticism that follows behind it. Listening to every voice can send you into schizophrenia, geeze! Be this person, be that person, do it this way, please me. Base your life on what others say and one minute you'll feel great about yourself and the next minute you'll feel like the biggest looser around! The first few years of ministry really tested me in this. I am a people pleaser by nature so you can imagine my dilemma. I have prayed and fought really hard to get to the place where I live for God's approval alone. That takes thick skin and confidence in what your Savior has to say about you.

What about you? Ever consumed with what "they" have to say? I can tell you from experience this is no fun place to live. Determine that what He says about you counts more than all the voices you hear from the outside. If you know you are pleasing your Heavenly Father then TRULY nothing else matters- TRULY!

Side Note:
When you're going against the grain of what is typical and you know God asking you to do it, there will be a battle. But seeing breakthrough in your own life and the lives of others is well worth it!

Have a stellar Wednesday!

The Almighty Snickers

Snickers prides itself on "curving your hunger". While I love a snickers occasionally, it usually doesn't curve my hunger correctly. There have been too many times that I've been grocery shopping starving and see the heavens open up and shine down on The Snickers Bar! I've grabbed it, paid for it and devoured it as I walked to my car. They are true in some sense, it makes me feel full, but before too long I have this all too familiar sugar downer. I hate that feeling. I wish I just would have waited to eat something healthy that wouldn't make me sick.

How true this proves with God. What is curving your appetite for Him? In our crazy world there are so many things that you could quickly shove down to replace the hunger for God you are really feeling on the inside. I'm good at it, I have a feeling we are all good at it. Sometimes when I know He wants to talk to me I pick up a book or I get on the computer, when what I really need is to be still and stop replacing my hunger. While these things are okay, just like that yummy snickers, they will leave you unfulfilled and unsatisfied if it's all you ever do.
Hungry? Want to get full? Quality time with your Maker!!
That simple.
Bye for now.

One of my FAVE scriptures!!

Hello Monday (my internal clock has not yet adjusted... I"m still tired)!
KPC Women's Night is fast approaching and I'm getting a little excited. I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year.

Today I wanted to give you some of the WORD!! We all need it, matter of a fact I'm convinced that APPLICATION of the Word is the key to getting over adversity in our life. We've got to USE what we know, if we don't know it then we've got to dig and get to know it. So here goes:

One of my fave scriptures is Ps. 23 and it also reveals the seven names of Jehovah in the Old Testament. I love using His Jehovah names.

1. Jehovah-Rohi, my shepherd. (v. 1) "The Lord is my shepherd"
2. Jehovah-Jireh, my provider (v. 1) "I shall not want"
3. Jehovah-Shalom, my peace (vs. 2) "He makes me lie down in green pastures"
4. Jehovah-Rapha, my healer (v.3) "He restores my soul"
5. Jehovah-Tsidkenu, my righteousness (v.3) "He guides me in the paths of righteousness"
6. Jehovah- Shammah, my presence (v.4) "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death... You are with me"
7. Jehovah-Nissi, my defender (v.5) "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"

When you are down or struggling open up to Ps. 23 and call God these names. There's no way a little encouragement won't hop into your spirit. I love His 7 names b/c all that we need.... HE IS!

Ladies, have a sunny day (even if it rains outside)!!
Lots of love sent your way!!

Fun Friday

No serious thoughts today, just fun. Had a long day of great meetings yesterday. Today I want to chill.
Target is open. Yay. Haven't been yet. Maybe I will make it today.
I absolutely love this weather. I really believe Heaven is going to be like this. I may even throw on a pair of shorts today! Watch out now... I'm getting crazy!
My oldest son, Hayes, has Odyssey of the Mind competition tomorrow. I hope they win.
My hubby, Casey said tonight we are grilling out, love those family times! Love his grilling too!
Gonna make myself do Pilates today.. pray for me. :)
Looking forward to a great weekend at church. I always look forward to those. I hope you do too.
Gonna make a point to laugh alot today and maybe listen to Dancing Queen (me and my daughter, Holland's, favorite).
I heard purple was one of the new colors for spring.
I want to wear more dresses. I never wear those, don't feel that comfortable in them. I wonder why? I think because all my life I was teased because of my legs. Could be an old subconscious insecurity. Who knows? But I'm breaking free sister!! Dresses this spring......maybe! :)

Well, I hope you have a great one today and a great weekend. Make a point to have fun.
See ya.

Multiply Today!!

Okay, here it is. The 3rd level of church participation: The "Multiplier".

As you read this take a true inventory of your own life and see which one you identify with. A multiplier is someone who has once been an attender, then craved something more and became a member, but then became ignited about PEOPLE. Let me explain. I went to church all my life, a great church. I fell in love with the Lord at a young age, but during my middle school years I got more involved in being cool and less involved with God, granted I still attended church every Sunday. Then someone invited me to a youth prayer meeting, the moment I walked in I knew I was reconnected with where I wanted to be with God. I became so passionate about God, something that I really had not experienced before. My Christian walk was booming. My friends became some of my close friends today. I was at church literally every time the doors were open because I found so much joy there.

Moving into my high-school years God began dropping a desire in me to get involved in leadership, but I was only 15!! Age does not matter to God (Timothy is testimony to that). I jumped into a leadership role, of course with much supervision and training. I began leading a small group for girls my age and found an incredible fulfillment from that. By the way, just a few years before you would have found me as a very shy, insecure young girl who would have never thought in her wildest dreams that she could speak in front of anyone much less lead.

Literally from that point on I have lead small groups for girls and now women. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is the only way to be a multiplier, but what I am saying is that multipliers have a passion for seeing people grow. They want to build God's kingdom by building people. And multipliers don't have to be incredibly gifted people.

You may not be able to lead people at the capacity that you see some doing. That IS okay! But a multiplier simply wants to multiply the Kingdom of God by touching people and it may be just one person at a time.

As I end, I was talking to a great, great couple last night at First Wednesday (which by the way rocked)! This couple faithfully serves our church every Sunday morning through hospitality. Which is NEEDED. Church always need people to serve. But what I wanted them to know is that I don't see them as just "servers". They have the ability to multiply themselves into others lives and their wisdom is MUCH needed.

What you have within you is MUCH needed!
Think about it.

I Remember I Was a Member! (I know I'm cheesy)

This week we are talking about 3 types of participators in church. As promised, here is the second type, the "Member".
Members are involved in church. They tithe, they even serve at times. They are great people. Members are heading in the right direction. They are faithful, but there can be a problem and they don't even know it. Sometimes members may feel a bit unfulfilled, maybe even disconnected or discontent. Why do you think that is?

I believe the ultimate goal of each believer is to BUILD the people around them. I firmly believe that. I'll say it again... I really believe that. But... to build those around you, you must be built as well. Sometimes it takes other people's involvement in our life to help us break the spiritual ceiling above us. It took pastors, friends and other leaders to build my life. I'm a big fan of gleaning from others and having others walk with me in life. I hope you agree. If not, you are missing out.. you are.

I realize that it can be tough diving in, but for your personal and spiritual development, it's worth it. Let others help file off the rough edges and perhaps point out bondage in your life. I have a great friend that does this to me all the time. She's been a friend for 19 yrs. and she IS NOT afraid to set me straight!! Believe me I've said "ouch" to many of our conversations.

Do you know where I met her? Church.
Do you know where we really became close friends? Life Group.

True story.

Women, we need each other. We need life groups, we need pastors, we need friends to break us through to the next level..... and we'll talk about that one later this week!! (I'm going to give you my story on how I dove in and found my calling.)

Take time to get to know someone this weekend at church. Maybe even tonight (First Wednesday). I'm telling you from experience it will be worth it. Who knows... maybe 19 yrs. from now you'll be calling her!
Love you!!

I Never Did Like Math

Over the next few days I'm going to be talking about "Multiplication". Fun I know! I still get tripped up on it every now and then. 8x7=??? That's one that gets me!!

Seriously, not that kind of multiplication! The kind we do with out lives. Here's what I mean:
There are 3 types of people in church. 1. Attenders 2. Members
3. Multipliers (by the way, I have been all of these)

An Attender is someone who sporadically makes a certain church the place they irregularly attend. Here some week, not there others, but in their mind they attend a church. Perhaps that attender is an unchurched person who is not ready to commit or a very churched person who is buying in to religion and a half hearted relationship with Jesus.
Now, let me make sure that you know I am in no way condemning anyone. I LOVE people and honestly want the best for their lives, and without true dedication personal growth cannot occur.

When I was an attender in my middle school years. I knew that going to church was the right thing to do, so I went just enough to say I did. During those years there was absolutely no growth in my life. It wasn't until I took the plunge and got committed that I saw true change happen in me. It was then that my life had new meaning and I LOVED the results. It was addicting.

Have you ever been an attender? Perhaps you are one now. I would encourage you to dive in, get committed, This is not about church growth. I believe your spiritual maturity can be directly related to which of these three you are in your church. This is about your own personal growth and change.

Tomorrow we'll talk about what a member is. Stay with me and I'd love to hear your feedback.
Remember to have FUN today!
Bye for now.

P.S. Respond to the "It's Hard Being a Woman..." blog. I need your input.