Hello Facebook Friends. 
I hope your Christmas holiday was a wonderful Christ-filled celebration spent w/ family and friends!  I wish for you the best and brightest 2013!!

As for me, I've thoroughly enjoyed the past FIVE days w/o Facebook or Twitter!  It's been refreshing, relaxing and a much needed time to focus on what is really important. This time has helped to rethink the "place" that these "social networks" have in my day to day attention.  Too often I've allowed posts and tweets to affect my mood and attitude.... that stops here! I have a joy and peace that only Christ can give and I will choose to let 2013 be a year daily lived in that joy and peace.  

With that said, I will enjoy watching you & your families "live" life. 
I will rejoice when you rejoice. 
I will cry when you cry and 
I will lift you up in my prayers as we live life together.                                                                                      Thanks for including me in your life. I look forward to what 2013 will bring (:    

with much love,
Patty

Before My Feet Touch the Floor.

1999 seems like such a long time ago, yet time flies... 

I was 38 years old, and God was asking me to do something that was way outside my comfort zone. 

In thirteen years a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. Some of those years the water was a steady flow, not too fast, not too slow... just peaceful and calm; kinda like the lazy river at a water park. Other years the waters were rushing and splashing and anything but relaxing. But most years have been a mixture of both, a lazy river today, and rushing waters tomorrow. With God's help, I've learned to navigate the changing currents fairly well. So, do you find yourself dealing with changing currents? 

Let's take a walk down memory lane...

1970, I'm 9 years old and with my brother I pray asking Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I can remember the day Billy and I walked the aisle at First Baptist Church Zion. There was this one lady who actually shouted for joy! That was scary at the time, but pretty cool to think about now. Imagine being that excited to see a child come to know the Lord! Maybe we need to take this lady's lead. 

1993, Jenni is 8 years old and Andy is 5 years old. Ronald and I, with both kids in tow, along with my parents jump in the car and drive to Zion, IL for a little visit. I was so excited to share my "birthplace" with my husband and children. (Of course Ronald would have enjoyed it more had he been able to see the baseball stadiums and wherever it is that the Bull's played - sorry, I digress) It was during this visit that I had my first memory of a physical "God moment". This feeling caused me to step back and re-evaluate my relationship with Christ. As we were walking through my church, we walked through the baptistery and as I did, an emotion overcame me that I never saw coming. My eyes welled up with tears and God bumps came up all over my arms and neck. I remembered my baptism as if it were the day before. I decided I never wanted that feeling to end, and my passion for Christ has grown and grown since that realization. 

What happened in 1999? God called me into an interim ministry. That is when I made the decision that before my feet touch the floor every morning, I need to give that day to God. I was so scared and nervous about this new "thing" God had asked me to do, I knew I couldn't take a step without Him. So I began to pray, "What are we going to do today?" And then I'd get up and follow His lead. 

2002 God says, let's take this up a notch. Full-time ministry became my new calling and now more than ever did I need God's guidance before I ever stepped on the floor!  

2005 God says, let's move and broaden your ministry territory. This meant leaving my home, my kids and my husband behind. It was one of the "rushing waters" times in my life... yet it was peaceful because I had my families support and I knew I was absolutely in the middle of God's will. I continued to dangle my feet over the side of the bed and have my moment with my Father before I began the day. 

2012,  my passion for my relationship with Jesus Christ is strong and more powerful than ever before. My passion for sharing Jesus with others and serving Him is my hearts desire. Yet, there is an uneasiness in my soul. I can sense the "lion prowling around ready to devour".  I agree with my pastor, Change is coming... something big. What? I'm not sure. 

I do know this... God will continue to use me. I know that He has called me to be bold. I know He wants to use me to hold the people around me and in my ministry area accountable to their walk with Jesus. I know that Satan will continue to use my insecurities and people pleasing issues to try to bring me down, discourage and disappoint me. So I have to stand firm. Be strong. Remember that God said it's HIS fight and the victory is already mine. So, I will pray. I will pray like never before. I won't care who is looking, I'll get on my knees and fall flat on my face in worship. I'll lift my hands in praise and let God fill me with His love. And I will try everyday to live up to HIS standard. As "the world" continues to push through the doors and hallways of the church, I'll fight it with every ounce of strength God gives me. I'll be able to do this because every morning, I'll wake up, swing my legs over the side of the bed, and before my feet touch the floor - I'll have a little talk with my Father. 

Is Somebody Watching You?

"I always feel like
Somebody's watching me..."

Back in 1984 Michael Jackson sang these words, probably because he really did have privacy issues. I think he probably was smart to be a little paranoid. Imagine people jumping out of bushes for pictures and autographs. Constantly looking over your shoulder would become your routine. We've probably all experienced that feeling of someone watching us to some degree and for me it's a little creepy. 

Tonight I found myself watching someone and they didn't know it...
Ronald and I went to watch a young lady we know play volleyball. She was very good and her team won three in a row, no need for games four and five. Way to go Erin!!! 

I couldn't help but notice throughout the three games #6 on the opposing team. She was a cute girl, tall and slender, and a pretty good volleyball player, but her attitude stunk!!! She walled her eyes when her teammates would miss a hit. She would mouth negative comments when they didn't make a good serve. She would stand with her hands on her hips instead of being "down and ready" and encouraging her team to do the same. After watching her for a few minutes the cute, tall, slender girl became a very unattractive girl who really didn't seem to care about anyone but herself. Is that the impression she wanted to give? I don't think so. 

As we were leaving what I observed started me thinking, what do people see when they are watching me and I don't know it? What about you? What are your facial expressions saying? What words do they see or hear come from your mouth? What is your body language revealing about you? If I'm really honest, I don't always like my answer.

As a follower of Jesus Christ it's my responsibility to make Him look good. There is scripture that says we are HIS Ambassadors, we represent our Father by our words, actions and deeds. 

Father forgive me for the times my words, actions or deeds have been less than glorifying to You. Help me to represent you well in every situation and circumstance of my life. 

Worship is a VERB

Isn't if funny how what you didn't like as a kid - you grow up to enjoy, and what you enjoyed as a kid you find you don't enjoy quite so much as a grown up?  Well, at least in this case, that has been my experience.  When I was younger (actually through college years) I hated to read.  I would read just enough to get by.  Well, I'm all grown up now and I find myself reading two or three books at one time! How crazy is that? Of course I get to choose the topic which makes a HUGE difference!

I've started reading a new book (well, not new, it was written in 1985), the title -                           WORSHIP IS A VERB. 
Here are a couple of quotes from the author:

 "The focus of worship is not human experience, not a lecture, not entertainment,                                  but Jesus Christ - His life, death, and resurrection." 

"One of the problems of evangelical worship is the passive nature of the congregation.                            We just sit and never do anything except sing a hymn or two and put money in the plate." 

"WORSHIP IS A VERB. It is not something done to us, or for us, but by us." 

What is amazing to me is these quotes came from the first two pages of the book!  I also find it interesting that he said this while speaking to a group of college students.  What was their reaction?  "Amen and Amen!"  He mentioned that surprised him, yet excited him to know that twenty-somethings wanted more in worship.  They want to be engaged.

Every Sunday I have the opportunity to stand before my church family and speak. I must say that most Sunday's, if I allowed myself to, I would walk off the stage frustrated or depressed! Don't get me wrong, there are some family members who smile and nod while I speak, but generally speaking I sometimes wonder,  "don't they ever want to just break loose and go crazy for Jesus?"  I mean, what would happen if next Sunday the church roared like the stadiums on football Friday and Saturday nights?  Unless Jesus just isn't as exciting as a touchdown, or a fumble, or a two-point play. (did I really say that?) Someone recently made the statement that they were older now and the joy wasn't there like when they were a kid. Are you kidding me!? When we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ there is unspeakable joy!  The more you grow and learn about Him, the more exciting and joyful your life becomes! Maybe that is the difference in a "ticket holder" and a follower. A "ticket holder" is excited when they receive the ticket, but the wait to turn it in gets so long, the excitement wears off. For a follower, you never know what is around the corner... the anticipation is almost unbearable!

Then comes the invitation... I bet if it was announced over the PA system that fans could come down on the field and talk with Nick Sabin or Gene Chizik a line would go completely around the football field.  Yet, people aren't moved to the altar on Sunday's to "talk to God".  Why is that?  I believe that at every worship service, every person has a decision to make... maybe it is a first time decision to follow Christ, or a re-commitment to live for Him, or maybe something was said or sung that stirred your spirit and you need to decide to make some changes in your lifestyle or behavior. Maybe it's a decision to pray for those standing around you.  Every Sunday God is speaking, calling people to come - yet the altar remains empty.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not a fuddy-duddy, really I'm not.  I would be at every Alabama football and basketball game if I could afford the tickets! When I get to go to games my heart beats a little faster, my stomach churns during the big plays, and I enjoy cheering with all the other fans. RTR!!!!  Those 14 National Championships give me a sense of pride to be a U of A alumni!  

But when I come to church to worship, I experience an even greater excitement.  My heart beats a little faster! My stomach churns during the message and I enjoy singing and lifting up praises to God with my church family - my hands and feet can't be still!  My salvation gives me more than a sense of pride... it gives me assurance of life everlasting.

So, for me there is no comparison... worship excites me, worship ignites me, worship is my life!

Now to move on to page three...




Worship is a VERB by Robert E. Webber

This is Who I Am

I have a dear friend who is a clown, seriously he is a clown! He went to clown college and graduated! What a proud day that was :)   No really. I'm serious. It was hard work but my friend was up for the task. He loves to make others smile. Every Monday my friend goes to the Children's Hospital in Birmingham to help give the kids and families something to smile about. What does he get in return?  Smiles. I'm very proud to call this clown, my friend.


We were both teaching at a Shocco conference one weekend and a conversation started up about facebook. He told me I needed to lighten up; all my posts were too churchy. To be honest I was offended by the comment but I laughed it off because I knew he did not mean to offend.  That was a couple of years ago and I can still  hear him say those words in my head.  I thought to myself, maybe he is right, I am to churchy and I need to lighten up. So I asked, "God is that true? Do I need to lighten up? Are my posts too churchy?" 


When we talk to God, He listens and He answers.                             He doesn't always answer immediately - but when I finally was quiet enough to hear His answer it was: "Just be you!"


God created me as a very passionate person. Through the years many of the "passions" in my life have come and gone. But once I truly began to understand God's grace and His unconditional love for me, HE became my passion. The passion I have for Him will not come and go, but it will be with me for eternity!  


Back to my "clown" friend's comment, I believe all of the "social media" sites are a reflection of who we really are. You may or may not agree - but I believe our posts do say something about who we are, what we like and what grabs our attention. In many ways it reveals what we worship.


That leads me to my devotion from yesterday and my scripture reading from today... yep, here I go again - getting all "churchy" on you :) 

My devotion yesterday was about image verses character... and today I read this passage. (I like to read in several different translations)

Then he said to them, "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God. Luke 16:15                     (New Living Translation)

So Jesus spoke to them: "You are masters at making yourselves look good in front of others, but God knows what's behind the appearance. What society sees and calls monumental, God sees through and calls monstrous. Luke 16:15 (The Message)

Jesus said to them, "You try to make yourselves look good in the eyes of other people. But God knows your hearts. What is worth a great deal among people is hated by God. Luke 16:15 (The New International Readers Version)

Two different days, two different readings - yet they brought me to the same place...

Image is "appearing righteous in public". 

Character is what God sees in your heart.

If we know this, then why do we go around justifying our actions and trying to impress other people? Our "social media" sites reflect the image we are presenting, but what about our character? Which one are we, the person we display on our social media pages, or the person who sits in church on Sunday? Are they one in the same? Does your image reflect your heart? Are we using our facebook and twitter to enlarge our Self-Image, or to enlarge Jesus Christ?

So, as for my friend (whom I dearly love & who is a very passionate children's pastor), I won't apologize for what you see on my facebook and twitter pages, they are a reflection of who I am and what I'm passionate about; my husband, my kids and my God.

So, some may think my posts are "churchy", and I guess that's OK. But as for me, my post are something more - they are a reflection  who I am... A child of God! He is the One I worship and my  relationship with Him is my passion! 

"It Will Never Happen Me" ?

Cup of coffee in hand, sitting down to "check on the world", and I see the Addison Road status update: 

"Don't stop living just because evil exist in this world. Don't let evil win.                                           Praying for the people of Aurora, CO."  

My heart sank. I turned on the TV to see that 12 died and 50 were wounded in a mass shooting at a "Batman" midnight premiere. The motherly emotions stirred up in me and I had the need to do something... how can I help? My kids have gone to midnight premieres many times, what if it had been one of them?  I prayed for the families and those who lived through the traumatic evening. This won't be a night they soon forget. 


I turned off the TV and picked up my Bible and devotion and began my quite time for today... here is the verse I read: " Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour."               1 Peter 5:8  


Part of the last paragraph said, "Just as we have to be aware that there are people who want to use the Internet to hurt others, the devil wants to use things that God meant for good to destroy us. WE SEE HIM IN THE NEWS WHEN A VIOLENT CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED (caps mine), but do we see him around us? Do we see him in the gossip you are spreading? Do you see him when you lie..."                                                                               (Audacious: 31 Verses Every Teenager Should Know)


Well, it's not a coincidence that is what I read today - it's a nudge to do something, but what? 


I agree with the Addison Road update... we can't stop living because there is evil in the world.  God created all things and He wants us to enjoy life, to have fun, to laugh and enjoy each other. 


I can't imagine what it would feel like to be a parent who took my child/teen to that midnight premiere last night - then to get a phone call with the news of the shooting! I pray those parents have had some really important conversations with their child/teen about eternity. Last night, 12 people began there eternity... I pray they all were followers of Christ, unfortunately statistics would not agree.


Still, what can I do?  I can boldly live out my calling to lead children/teens and parents to be prepared.  We can't live with a "It will never happen to me" mentality.  Not one person went to that theater last night thinking "this is my last night to live"! Not one parent thought as their child walked out the door, I'll never see them alive again.  What a morbid thought - of course we don't think those things! BUT that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for that moment.  I've been the mom on the other side of that phone call. Fortunately God spared my children, but had He taken them - I have no doubt that right now they would be in the arms of their Father.  What about you? Do you know that you know that you know the same about your child's life? Your own life?  I don't even want to think about the number of parents and teens who've told me that they don't talk about spiritual things with each other because it's uncomfortable or awkward.  Really?  Come on people!!!  This is your child's eternity!!!  It's your eternity!!!   What ARE you talking about?  


For the past seven years I've had the privilege to teach the youth of my church on Wednesday nights, at church retreats and summer camps. I love it!!!  My desire is to prepare these students to live their everyday lives for Christ  so they in turn are prepared for their eternity. Some are eager to take in all in, like a sponge. They want to hear the easy and the hard lessons. Others, well the lessons step on their toes, God convicts them and they don't like that feeling - so they come less and less till eventually we don't see them at all.  Excuses become very easy - sometime parents even help them with the excuses.  What could we be teaching that would make them so uncomfortable? The lessons are simple... It's not about following rules - it's about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. When you love someone following them and doing things to please them come naturally. So, if we claim to have a relationship with Jesus Christ - this should be evident in our life. Sure, making some changes in our lifestyle can take time and isn't always easy - but it's so worth it!  Some aren't ready to make those changes... so what does that mean? Did they ask Him to come into their life to "save" them so they could go to heaven and that was it? Are they not interested in the abundant life that Jesus promises today? (John 10:10)


So I wonder if that is how all their relationships go?  I guess when they make a new friend they say, "Hi, I want you to be my friend!" The other person says - sure I'd love to!  "Yea! I have a new friend! Great, thanks - now I'm going to ignore you.  I won't be talking to you unless I'm in a jam - then I'll expect you to drop what you're doing to run help me.  When you ask me to do something - well, I will if it's easy and doesn't interfere with the rest of my life - and don't ask me to give up anything that I enjoy because that's none of your business."   I wonder how long that "friend" would be around?! 


Oh my, how do I end this blog?  I didn't realize the passion that would be stirred in my soul as I began writing! I guess my bottom line... had any one of the 12 who died or 50 who were injured been under "my watch" I would want to know that I did everything I possibly could do to have them prepared for eternity.  God told Ezekiel to warn the people, "it's bad now, but if you don't change your ways it will be worse!"  He told Ezekiel that this was his message to share - if he didn't and the people died the deaths would be on his hands, but if he did and they chose not to listen and obey, he would save his life. I guess like Ezekiel, God's asked me to do something and I'm willing to do it. Whether the message is accepted and changes lives is up to those who hear. 


Living Boldly for Christ!

And One Came Back...

And One Came Back. That's all. 

A week without a cell phone, facebook, twitter, television and email... what a restful blessing and gift from God!  Student Life Conference was everything I had remembered and hoped for. Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin were anointed by God's hand and delivered to us messages and music that led us to the Throne of God!   Between Monday evening and Thursday night we had 20+ hours of  worship with 7000 members of the "family".                              It was amazing!  

As I was unpacking last night I had this overwhelming emotion of  thankfulness!  Why God chose me to lead this student group, at this time in my life I'll never know - but I'm so thankful, grateful, & appreciative!  

As I continued unpacking I was reminded of the story from Luke 17:11-19...

11 It happened that as He (Jesus) made His way toward Jerusalem, He crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As He entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met Him. They kept their distance 13 but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." 15 One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. 16 He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough - and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? 18 Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you."

As Jesus was traveling these men, who recognize Him, call out - (loudly) for Him to come and  have mercy on them.  In other words, they knew He could do something for them that they could not do for themselves... be healed!   Jesus showed mercy, yet only one turned around, came back and showed his appreciation... and he was an outsider!!!                   How often do you "call out" for help, from God or others; receive that help yet fail to show your thankfulness?

This morning Ronald and  I slept in and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  (It was really nice to use real fork!) As we were leaving the hostess announced, "Harrison, party of eight - your table is now ready."  I was walking out the door and held it open for the group coming in. A rather tall man, took the door and held it for his group.  As a young girl walked through she said, "thank you." Then she looked up, realized it was someone from her group and she said, "Why did I say thank you - it's only you."  How sad is that?! Why is it that this person she knew didn't deserve a 'thank you' for doing something kind?  I'm sure he wasn't holding the door in order to get a thank you - but, probably would have appreciated the grateful words.  Again, I thought about the story from Luke. How often do we call out for God's help - get it, then fail to say thank you?  How often do we get help from people we know or random strangers and fail to receive it with sincere thankfulness? How often does someone do something that blesses you and your family - yet it seems to go unappreciated? The kind act wasn't done for a thank you - but a sincere thankful word would be encouraging.

In just about every letter Paul wrote, he begins with "thank you".  

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."  

Philippians 1:3

"We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God..." 

Colossians 1:3

"Timothy, I thank God for you-the God I serve with a clear conscience..." 

2 Timothy 1:3

I guess my simple question is - do you live a life of thankfulness?  (for big & little things)

When is the last time you thanked someone for a random act of kindness?

When is the last time you thanked a family member or friend for doing something that they didn't have to do?  

Most importantly, do you give thanks to God in all situations? 

When He shows His grace and mercy - do you recognize it and turn around, fall on your knees and speak your thankfulness?  The scripture says the Samaritan (the outsiders) couldn't thank Him enough!  Do we as followers have that same outpouring of sincere thankfulness to our Father? 

I guess it might just go back to the Golden Rule found in Luke 6:31...

"Do to others as you would like them to do to you."

I thank my "Daddy God" for the blessings He has so graciously pour out for me.  

I pray that I will always be alert and recognize what He has done and is currently doing in my life. 

Your will. Your way. 

I love you "Daddy"!

At Some Point I Have to Let Go

This morning as I was reading Parenting By Design I thought about the days of raising my children.  The devotion title was "Release Control".  Do I have an issue with this???

Recently Jenni flew to Tampa on business. My baby girl flew, ALONE to Tampa!  Well, I wanted to buy a ticket and jump on the plane with her - she might need me for something! She probably would have let me... but I didn't.                                                      At some point I have to let go...

                                       

This week Andy is packing up and heading to Texas for six weeks. He will be playing the drums for worship and life-guarding during the day at Pine Cove / Outback Camp.   I wish I could go with him and hold his hand, he might need me for something! But that would look really silly and embarrass him!                                                                                      At some point I have to let go...

If I'm always holding on to my kids, and doing "for them", they will not learn to rely and depend on Christ - so as hard as it might be, I have to learn to release.  Children are supposed to grow up, move out, and live responsible lives without their parents looking over their shoulder and doing "for them" what they can do for themselves. At some point we have to trust that our kids learned the lessons we tried to teach and then trust them to go into the world and live it out! 

My heart is overflowing with joy because my children have become such an amazing young adults who love the Lord and live their lives to show it.  Their words and actions both reflect the relationships they have with Christ. I really didn't realize it at the time, but Ronald and I were raising our kids IN CHRIST not IN CHURCH.  There is a difference. Yes, church was a weekly worship activity, but worship was a 24/7 activity for us.  God is everywhere and we wanted Jenni and Andy to grow up knowing and recognizing it in their own lives. We wanted them to learn that we as their parents would move heaven and earth if we could, and many times we tried! But the best lesson we can teach our kids is to put their trust in the One who created the heavens and earth! 

So, Jenni is 27 and Andy is about to be 24 - what do I do now? I still want to go on their "field trips"; I still want to hold their hand so they won't fall or get hurt; I still want to be their mommy.

I've learned that an important part of Christian parenting is trusting our kids in the hands of the One who loves them most.  I find it  hard to believe that anyone could love my children more than I do - but God does. He is their Creator. He is the One who gave me these precious gifts and He has chosen their paths.  

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us; " I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

John 10:10 tells us;  "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." 

If I truly believe this - I will "release" my need to control and trust God to do as He promised. 

Lord, thank you for the two precious gifts you gave me in Jenni and Andy. They are grown adults who have given their lives to You and I can see that so clearly.  Please help me to release them  into your care. Help me to find ways to continue to be their "mommy" without feeling the need to control and hold on. Help me to encourage them to step out and take chances, giving them the opportunity to see and trust You in their lives.  You've always been there and I know You always will be! Thank You for holding Jenni and Andy close and protecting them along the way.  I love you. 

Thursday's Are Not My Best Days.

Thursday's are not my best days. For most people Thursday is on the down side, getting ready for the weekend, but for me it's a day of reflection. Thursday is to me as Monday is to a preacher. We pick apart and analyze the message given the day before. 
We wonder...
was anyone listening?
did anyone understand what we were trying to say?
did it make a difference?
did it make sense?


Unfortunately, I park there for a while. In my mind I cruise the room looking at faces to see expressions and posture. Are they engaged or do they look bored? Are they looking up the scripture or playing with the string on the pants leg? Are they looking at me or around the room at everyone else?  This list could go on and on... but I'll stop here, you get the picture. 


If the truth be known, when I step into the room on Wednesday nights, I'm studied up, prayed up and (usually) ready to deliver.  I can honestly say that when I bring a message - God and I have had many conversations about it and where He wants it to go. My prayer is always - "help me step out of the way so they can see and hear You."  So I guess the question I should ask myself on Thursday is, "Did I do what You asked me to do? Did I bring honor and glory to You?"  I so long to hear, "Well done!"


So why do I crash and burn on Thursday? 
Well, it's because I care and sometimes it hurts. 
There are students that I long to reach... but they seem so far out of reach.
There are students who have questions... but the answers don't come.
There are students who are hurting... and I can't ease their pain.
There are students who are seeking to know more... and I feel so inadequate.


A young lady in our youth program gave me a book a couple of years ago titled, Help! I'm a Frustrated Youth Worker! When she gave it to me I thought, "why do I need this?"  Well, I recently picked it up... and to my surprise (NOT!) there was much I needed to be reminded of...

1. I can't make anyone participate... they have to want to.
2. It is not about the numbers. You can have the fastest growing youth group in the city, but that doesn't mean they are growing in their walk with Christ.
3. It's not my job to judge... but I do need to hold students accountable.
4. Ministry and Missions aren't just about serving others...they're about quiet worship, taking students out of their comfort zones, and showing what "loving others" looks and feels like. 
5. Camps and Retreats aren't a vacation... they are fun experiences and adventures that grow their relationship with God and peers.
6. I can't fix anybody... but I can point them to the One who can.  

When it's all said and done, I can encourage students to have a relationship with Christ and to daily walk in His ways... but ultimately, they have to make that decision. I can't push students out of the boat, but I can teach them that when there is a tough decision to be made, to step out in the storm - that is where Jesus is. 
The ultimate decision as to who they are and who they are going to be is entirely up to them.  


Thursday's are not my best days, but on THIS Thursday what I finally understand is this...
"The Creator of the universe, the Being who is love... who constructed angels...who put the stars in the sky... who inspired the creation of every single flavor of Ben & Jerry's ice cream - that Being, that Creator and creating God - asked ME to be HIS servant."


That is why I do what I do. 


I'm looking forward to next Thursday! 

Live Like a Champion

Picture it... 

1988... Ronald and I were young and spontaneous (which btw, we still are!). We would decide to do things on a whim. One night, when there was a trusted baby-sitter with my precious little ones, Ronald and I went out to enjoy some grown-up time. After a wonderful dinner and conversation, it was too early to head home, so we looked for something to do. As we passed by Coleman Coliseum we noticed cars everywhere... what was going on?   We decided to go in for a closer look.

The place was packed with screaming fans, people in all different colors and school logos. We didn't realize the event was almost over (no wonder it was free!), so we sat down to figure out what we had stumbled upon. In a moment the announcer started calling out teams and numbers that meant nothing to us... until he announced that the University of Alabama was the 1988 Gymnastic National Champions!!! What?? How exciting!  It was their very first championship and we were there!  Well, to say the least we became hooked and we've enjoyed Alabama gymnastics ever since.  

                                                                                                                                                     This year they won their sixth National Championship... RTR!

As I was reading one of my devotions recently, I thought of this event in my life and as usual God connected the dots for me to learn a lesson. Bare with me, maybe He will speak to you too.

Imagine you are a gymnast, you love the competition, it causes your adrenaline to rush, your palms to sweat, your heart to pump faster and your stomach to churn. 

Imagine you are in first place of the competition with one round to go. If you perform well, the trophy is yours. Your nervous, anxious and maybe a little frightened.  Just before time for the final rotation your coach comes to you and in an excited voice says; "You've already won! The team in second place can't catch you. You're too far ahead. You are the champions!"  How would you feel? You would be overjoyed!!! Your heart would be racing with a different kind of excitement, your stomach would be churning with a new sense of thrill...you are the champion!!! 

How will you go out and perform? With fear and nervousness? Of course not.  You would perform with a confidence that you've never felt before, you will perform your best because the pressure is off - the prize is already yours. You will perform like a champion, because that is what you are! 

Hebrews 12: 1-2  We have around us many people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God's throne.

Paul describes life as running a race and our Coach has already told us we've won the prize... we are a champion!  

Jesus came to overcome the world. He ultimately went to battle for us. He IS and ALWAYS WILL BE the REIGNING CHAMPION and He has invited us to be on His team! So, as followers of Jesus Christ, we already hold the prize. Let's follow Paul's lead and get rid of the things that hold us back, let's throw out the things that get in the way, let's keep our eyes on the prize and live our lives like we are champions! 

As Queen so famously puts it... 

"We are the Champions my friends. 

And we'll keep on fighting till the end. 

We are the Champions, we are the Champions, 

no time for losers 

'Cause we are the champions, 

of the world!" 

In Christ Jesus... I AM A CHAMPION! 

Lessons from Criminal Minds

I am fascinated by the television show Criminal Minds.  I love it! I find myself getting so engaged in the story line and the characters, it's like I know them personally. I also love the idea behind the show - that a team of FBI agents can get into the head of a criminal. They can analyze a situation so deeply that they can "profile" a person to the point of knowing where they go, what they do, how they feel and even what will be their next move.  I like most of the characters too; "JJ" is the sweet, quiet, compassionate one who handles the families of victims with kit gloves. "Garcia" is the technical one who is way out there, but very likable. I guess my favorite though is "Dr.Reid/Reid".  He is a genius with a photographic memory and the confidence to speak out with a boldness that makes everyone stop to listen.  

I grew up with a "Dr. Reid". When I was a little girl, into my teen years, I thought my big brother was the biggest and brightest and smartest of everyone.  I remember hearing my parents talk about how smart he was, or about him being the lead in the school play, or singing a solo for a service, or making straight A's, being in the honor's society - I could go on and on. They were proud of him and so was I. As for me, I can remember my parents talking about how pretty I was. While my brother was working hard for all the accomplishments of his life - I was just born "pretty".  What had I done...nothing.  In high school I guess that is when most of my self-doubt and confidence issues became most noticeable.  

When I went off to college, I met the man of my dreams - and guess what?  He too is a "Dr. Reid"!  Very intelligent! High IQ, attended a high school for the gifted student - I guess you could say definitely above average! In no way am I saying that my parents, brother or husband have done anything to make me have self-doubt or low self-confidence, but it was a growing issue for me. I looked at all the people around me and in my mind I seemed so inferior in everything.

Where in the world am I going with this??? Right here...

Today as I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds a statement was made that caught my attention.  To set it up... "Reid" had been having nightmares and they were affecting his ability to do his job well. He began to think that He didn't need to be doing it because he could cause more harm than good. His co-worker and friend, "Morgan", said to him; everything you've experience in your childhood and your life has led you right here. There are so many other professions you could have taken, but this is where you are. Because of that, a criminal has been caught and a life saved. (Patty's paraphrase)

I'm accused a lot of "finding God in everything"; well I did here for sure. "Reid" thought that experiences in his past were clouding his judgment and keeping him from doing his job well, so he almost gave it up. "Reid" had the academic knowledge, all the right stuff to make a good FBI agent, but he was going to give it all up because a small voice in his head was saying "you can't".  

I too have listened to that voice, have you?  It has said to me you don't have enough education; you don't have enough historical knowledge of the Bible; you're too young; you're getting too old; your past sin and behavior is just too much to overcome; you can't serve Jesus.  Listening to the wrong voice in our head leads to doubt, fear and inferior feelings... but listening to God's voice brings a confidence that only HE can give, a peace that only HE can provide and the knowledge that only HE can teach. 

Act 4:13 says; "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Self-doubt and little self confidence keeps us from serving alongside Jesus Christ. We throw up excuses all the time as to why we "can't" do something.  The verse above has become one that I go to often because I need reminding that God calls us right where we are, and when He calls - He will give us everything we need to accomplish the task He has called us to do. 

You see, it's easy to look at other people, even TV characters, and see things about our own lives that are inferior, we tend to compare. But God has shown me, and continues to teach me that He has given me the natural abilities and gifts that I need to accomplish the calling He has placed on my life. I may not be a "Dr. Reid" with a photographic memory and an IQ that is off the charts - but I do have compassion for others, I do have the gift of encouragement, and I am a good listener.  Every day I get to use these natural, God-given abilities to serve hand in hand with Jesus.

What natural gifts or talents has God given you...

... the gift of beauty?

... the gift of intelligence?

... the gift of photographic memory?

... the gift of testing well?

... the gift of health?

... the gift of compassion?

How is He asking you to use this precious gift to glorify Him?

Have you said "yes"? 

I choose to say "yes", and I want to speak with confidence and boldness like "Dr. Reid" because I've got something very important to say and I want people to stop and listen! 

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"If You Meant it, you'll Mention It!"

"If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven."              Matthew 10:32-33 (ncv)

In the book "GASP" by Tony Nolan, he says he is asked often what that verse means... in short his reply, "If you meant it, you'll mention it! ... This is not something that you tuck - away in your heart, treating it like some sort of private thing between you and God. It was a personal thing, but God never intended for it to be private."

I remembered as I read this the day that Andy, my son, prayed asking Jesus to be his Savior. It was at VBS and as soon as the prayer was finished he looked up at me, told me what he had done and immediately wanted to go call his daddy and everyone else he knew!  The excitement of that moment and his decision was real and motivating. He wanted to tell the world! As Andy has grown up physically, he has also grown up spiritually and he still gets excited about “telling the world” that he is a Christian! (Andy, I hope you don't mind me sharing this!)

When I was younger I remember singing a song…

“I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’m not ashamed, His name to bear;
I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’ll take Him with me anywhere.”

Telling the world that I’m a Christian is my ultimate calling in life. Why, because I’ve been called into vocational ministry? No, not at all – it’s because I’m a follower of Jesus. When I was baptized I took seriously the symbolic display of my old life “passing away” and being born a new creation in Christ Jesus.  As I publicly showed my church family that I had given control of my life to Jesus – I was also saying that I’d be taking Him with me anywhere and everywhere I would go. I’m proud to say I’m a Christian and I want to share my passion for Christ with others so maybe they will experience it too.

Yet, there is more to that verse… “But if anyone denies Me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven." 

What does it mean to deny Christ?  Webster says to deny means to declare not to be true.  Peter did it and Jesus even told him before it ever happened that he would.  Peter loved Jesus and said that he would never do that! Yet, he did – three times. 

·         When the conversation got uncomfortable he denied.

·         When it looked like people were going to judge Him, he denied.

·         When He feared he would physically be harmed, he denied.

Can you relate?

I believe we’re called to BOLDLY acknowledge Christ!  Bro. Randy, my pastor, recently said in a sermon – “I’d rather look like a nut to the world than be disobedient to my Savior.”  When we live boldly, acknowledging Christ in our life – we will look, talk, and behave differently. To live boldly for Christ means that we will make decisions that will cause others to shake their heads and ask questions. To live boldly means letting go of “things that weigh us down"; sometimes that might be a person, or music we listen to or TV shows we watch or movies we go to.  If our lifestyle so closely resembles the world that the world can’t see Jesus in us… wouldn’t that be denying Christ? 

I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,
and how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him,
that all He gave me, He’ll give to you.

Romans 10:9-10 says, “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

You too can be “born again” and have a life that is everlasting!  God created everything and He found it all to be “very good”. That includes us – people.  God doesn’t demand our love or attention, our commitment or dedication; but He does long for it. He wants us to come to Him out of love and our need for Him to protect us & to save us.  This is a hard, mean, hateful world and trying to walk through it alone must be the hardest thing a person has to do… but it doesn’t have to be.  God never promises when we come to Him the troubles will disappear, but He does promise that we won’t be alone. He picks us up when we fall and He carries us.

I wish I could express this overwhelming feeling I have!  I’m not an eloquent writer; I’m not really  that great as a speaker either – so I’m not really sure how to express my love for Jesus, other than to live my life to glorify God and cause others to wonder and ask me why I do the things I do, why I act the way I act, and why I say the things I say. 

The life I live, the free gift I’ve been given – it’s yours for the asking!

“Oh, tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
Be not ashamed, His name to bear;
Oh tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
And take Him with you anywhere.”

Living Boldly in MY Comfort Zone

All my life I’ve had this tendency to be a people pleaser! With my parents, my brother, authority figures, you name them - I tried to please them. I've never really stepped out with a lot of courage. God has done some amazing things in my life – when I've surrendered… but I’m not sure I surrender that often. But I want to and I need to! What is holding me back?!  

When God told me, its probably been four years ago now, to be bold, step out and say what needs to be said, do what needs to be done. I was afraid. So, I was bold as long as it was comfortable.

A verse God brought to my attention was: 

Acts 4:13 (New Century)

"The Jewish leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus."

But I always seemed afraid, OR when I feel like I've found the courage to be bold – I listen to humans and then I doubt, so I don’t.  

I lacked confidence, but maybe that is why God called me to this ministry – because He knew I would never have the confidence to do it alone. He knew that I would have to rely on Him completely.  I was a wet lump of clay in HIS hands and HE wanted to mold me into HIS masterpiece. After about a year living “boldly” in my comfort zone, God gave me a tornado in my stomach! I had a sense of urgency that I couldn't shake.  I knew I was supposed to be doing something, but what? So as usual - I questioned if I heard Him correctly.

That's when I felt drawn to this passage...

Philippians 1: 22-25 (Message)
"As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better but most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues."

God has called me to this place, at this time, for a very specific purpose. There is “good work for me to do.”

So – if there is "good work for me to do" what keeps holding me back?  Well, it's ME!
I keep trying to do things in MY OWN strength instead of HIS and it is wearing me out!  I’m tired. I’m weak. I’m weary.

I want to be the person described in this verse…

Ephesians 3:12 (Message)
"When we trust in him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go." 

So how do I get there?

Psalm 51:10-13 (New Century Version)

 "Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. 
 Do not send me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me.
 Give me back the joy of your salvation. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit.
 Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to you."

There is so much that HE wants me to do, HE wants me to say, He wants me to become… this will only happen when I learn to daily die to self and follow Him.

It’s time to stop being afraid.

It’s time to stop trying to please people.

It’s time to WAKE-UP and live BOLDLY for Christ.  I’m ready…

What about you?