NOW is the TIME!!!

Matthew 25:31-46 

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ..."

Acts 20:35 

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Over and over in Scripture it talks about how we are to care for the poor, help the needy, reach out to those who have none...It is not a suggestion, it is a command! There aren't stipulations on it "Well, if they would get a job they could feed themselves..." or "Well, their choices got them where they are." We are simply to give to others, to share what we have, to help them and come alongside them.

The problem...we have allowed the Government to come in and take control and do what the church was called to do. I purpose that IF the church as in the body of Christ were to step up and take on this challenge, then the Government would have to close doors on some of these services not for lack of funds but for lack of clients! What if when people came through the doors of our churches - we didn't call the local Human Services to get them help, but we instead began calling members of our church who could meet their need?

 They have car problems? Who in the church is a mechanic?  They need for food? Who in the church has extra or can take them to the store? They have medical needs? Who is a Doctor or Nurse? You get the idea...

I can hear you now...but we are busy, or it would make things tight, or I don't know them, they could be a criminal...Yes! In fact, WE ARE ALL CRIMINALS....we have SIN. The Bible is clear - we deserve death but YET Christ's blood set us free!!! The VERY least we can do is show in a tangible way to others who Christ is!!! 

So, how do we do this? Here are just a few ideas - I bet you can add some of your own, just pray and ask God what YOUR part of taking care of the poor and needy is:

1. EVERY church should have a food pantry on site....members should bring non perishables that can be given out. The staff should have full authority to distribute according to need....I KNOW that every church has a closet that can be used for this.

2. Create a list of members in your church who can and will reach out with specific services: Mechanics, Doctors, Nurses, Appliance repairmen, Carpenters, Business Men/Women who can help with applications and resumes - when a need arises the staff will have access to a list of those who have the skill set to help out in a ministry mindset.

3. Take inventory of the things YOU have on hand. What material goods do you have that you could give to others - what can be sold so that you can help give to those in need? Now is the time to live in the mind set of less is more...the less I have to maintain for myself, the more I am able to give to others!

4. What homeless shelters or soup kitchens are in your area if any? If there are some - call them and ask when you can volunteer as a family. If there aren't any - talk to your church staff and ask what could be done to start one.

5. Instead of just giving at the holidays, how can you give all year long. Don't get me wrong - there are NUMEROUS great opportunities during the holidays to give and I believe we should - however, hunger, need for clothes and heat, unemployment are problems that people face all year long and we need to reach out all year long.

6. Find a family in need in your community and commit to take them on as a family to reach out to and mentor. Find out birthdays, anniversaries, special needs, etc and make a point to reach out to them on these special dates. Invite them to be a part of your family time, holidays, etc.

"People don't care about what you have to say until they see how much you care." It is almost impossible for someone who is hungry, cold, or in need to be able to think about their eternal need for salvation or the need to be a part of a church family if their everyday needs are not met....

Who do can you and your family reach this week, this month, this year? NOW is the time for we as the church to reach out and be the hands and feet of Jesus!!!

Growing up...

Wow! This whole working fulll time has taken A LOT of adjustment! Don't get me wrong, I still know it was the right thing to do and I am thankful for both my job and the opportunity to help our family financially. However, it has taken some time figure out timing in being a wife, mom, employee and do ministry with my hubby. Getting there though and it seems to be a littler smoother every day!

Anyway, back to blogging! So many things have gone through my mind that I have wanted to blog about in the past few months - however, instead of going back, I think I will just pick up with today. Perhaps I will go back and address some of the other topics later...

Today on my heart is this - my children are quickly growing up!!!!

Hannah is a Jr and has only 19 months until she graduates! Now, in some ways you think that's a long time but reality is, it isn't. Now, I know we are always her parents but the amount of time we have to influence her and guide here is coming quickly to an end. As I ponder this - I have to ask "Have I done all I could?" "When she sees me, does she see Christ?" etc...I am not saying I have failed but I am also admitting that I haven't done all that I could possibly do. I truly desire for her, and all my kids, to have an intimate relationship with Christ. In looking at this, I realize that yes I can tell her the steps to take, the verses to read, the things to do - However, if I don't SHOW her with my own life, my own personal habits, my own relationship with Him; I have not been effective. So...throughout these next months that is my heart, to not merely tell her but to show her!

My sweet Tyler is quickly changing before my eyes as well. In so many ways, he still has the innocent childhood mannerisms and in so many ways he is now my young pre-teen almost teenager. Today this was particularly evident at the audiologist as he was picking out colors for his hearing aides and ear molds. In the past, I have always looked forward to seeing what crazy colors he may pick out - today was no different. Would it be pink? Bright Orange? Green? Nope! He went with grey hearing aides and gray and black molds. WHAT??? My crazy, fun loving, off the charts boy picked grey and black??? Yep...a sign that he is maturing and growing before my eyes....Today was also the first time that he has asked very specific questions about his hearing loss and his ears. Don't misunderstand - I KNOW he needs to take ownership, I KNOW he needs to understand but for this Mamma - it is a reminder that he is growing and maturing and getting closer to the time where he will take an active role in his care...etc. Bittersweet for sure!

Of course, Malachi and Kestra are growing up too - just today, my big one and little one are on my heart as I reflect on the ways they are changing and growing up...

Today - I claim the verse "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

For whatever time I have left with my kids whether a day or ten years, I want to train them in the way they should go - a way that leads to the cross, the King, the Savior - so that when they are old and no longer under my influence they will not depart from it!

Weight Loss and Working....

What do weight loss and working have in common (other than working out to lose weight)? The answer...they have been the two big points for the last month in my life!!!

Weight Loss - At the end of June, I finally had time after all the craziness in our life of moving and vacation to take a realistic look at where I was physically. The picture I saw was not pleasant to say the least! I knew that it was time to get serious about my eating habits and exercise (or lack there of). So...I went back to what I knew worked - My Fitness Pal. If you haven't tried it look it up at www.myfitnesspal.com, it is easy and works!

Anyhoo...along with my AMAZING hubby, for the past month I have been exercising and eating healthier on a regular basis. We have walked, played raquetball, and learned the sport of Disc Golf! All three are so much fun AND the weight is coming off!!! So far I have lost 11lbs...I still have a LONG way to go, but it is working and I feel better than I have in months!! I can't tell you enough how much it has meant to have my husband not only encourage me in this area but actively join me in it. Along with getting healthier it has been some awesome time together as a couple and occasionally Tyler has even joined in!!!

Working - When we moved to Levelland, Joel and I made the decision that in order to truly get where we wanted to be in the area of finances, I would need to work full-time. This has always been a difficult call for us because it takes me away not only from time at home but also some areas of ministry; however, we also want to honor God in the area of finances which includes paying off debt. So, mutually we made the decision that this was the direction to go.

Yet, getting a job is a lot harder in not only a hurting economy but also a small community. In addition, I needed a job that would provide some flexibility for Tyler's meetings at school and some ministry needs - not an easy task. As the applications went out and I did interview after interview - I began to not only question this decision but also got discouraged. I wanted the job I thought was best....however, God's ways are higher and He is more sovereign.

God has blessed me and has answered the prayer for a job! I was offered a job in the Credit Administration Department of a local bank. It has been evident from the beginning that God had his hand in this. I almost didn't apply due to the fact that I didn't have any bank experience, wasn't really sure what the job was but I felt the prompting to send a resume and see what happened. So, in God's perfect time I have finished my first week and although I am still learning the ropes, I think that I will really enjoy it.

In a nutshell, that is what has been the focus of July in regards to me. The kids have been enjoying the last weeks of summer. The older three got to go to Rock the Desert in Odessa this past weekend. It is a weekend of concerts by major Christian Artists - they had a blast! We are very thankful for the generosity of others who pain their way...such a blessing!

As for August, the focus of course will be school. We will be enrolling the kids on Thursday. Please join us in prayer as we go through the adjustment process of a new school district and  especially getting all the services in place for Tyler. All the kids are anxious to see their schools and find their schedules! Look for more on that in the near future!!!

Reading through Proverbs....from a different perspective.

I decided July 1 to read through the book of Proverbs this month...I am sure you have heard of or maybe even done this yourself. You know - 31 chapters, one per day for a month.

Anyway, it has been awhile since I have done this and so I thought July the perfect month to do it! I was thinking - love the advice Solomon gives and it will be a great refresher.

God has a way of taking what we think to be something routine and making it totally different...thus the case with Proverbs. I have always approached this book from the perspective of the recipient. You know, as in a letter from one of my parents to me - not this go around!

This time, I began to think of it from Solomon's perspective...words to MY kids! Then I began to see the challenges that it presented to me from that angle!!! YIKES!!!

5 days in and already I am sitting here going - oh my! Am I living my life in a way that shows Godly wisdom and understanding? Am I instilling a life of integrity to my kids? Am I teaching them discretion? Do I show them by MY actions the importance of surrounding yourself with Godly counsel? Do I keep MY way pure and clean so that I reflect a pure and holy life to them? This is only in the first 5 chapters....I have a feeling it will be a month of some sore toes as mine get stepped on again and again. Yet, I am so very thankful for this reminder and different perspective!

What books of the Bible have you read and looked at from the Author's view rather than the recipient's? I would love to know and get some thoughts for August!!!

Settled...or at least getting there!!!

Looking back on my last post...I am amazed again at how much has gone on in the month since I last posted!

* Kids finished school and although it was a tad stressful and we wondered if all classes would be passed we made it! All four finished off well - they learned a lot about themselves, self-discipline, and yes academics!

* We packed up our house in Borger, Tx and made the trek to Levelland - unloaded into storage, and went back to Borger for our last Sunday!

* We said fairwell to so many dear lifelong friends in Borger - that we really hope to see again at some point!

* We took a MUCH needed week long vacation in Colorado and even took an extra night on the road to just enjoy ourselves and see some of the less stopped at things.

*We came back to our new home in Levelland and moved all our belongings from storage to the trailer we are renting.

* We unpacked, set up house, and have slowly made it our home!

* We have joined a new church family and are enjoying getting to know them more and more!

*Joel has started his new job - feet first!

* Kids have begun attending their new youth group/Sunday School classes!

* Kids are on their first youth mission trip with their new Youth Pastor.

*Tyler has gone back to Colorado for a week with Grandparents - lucky kid!

Whew!!! That has pretty much summed up our time in the past month! In the mix, we have had not had home internet until this past weekend which has in a sense left us a tad out of the loop in the sense of blogs, etc but we are back up and running! I am looking forward to getting back to blogging regularly and so much to share with you all!

A new beginning, A new journey, A new season

In my previous post I shared that Joel had resigned his position here at First Baptist Borger...so many different things led us to this point but I want to share the story of what led us to where we are going - First Baptist Church Levelland Tx!

Joel was the last of 6 Pastoral Staff to be hired here in Borger. Throughout the past two years - 5 of those 6 have resigned and moved on to other place of ministry (the first actually had resigned before we came, his last Sunday was our first Sunday) for their own reasons. As we began to see these events unfold, Joel and I fervently began to pray about what God would have us do and whether or not we should stay, go, or what. We both began sensing that He would lead us on. The primary reason behind this is that Joel's calling and passion is for Children and Families. He longs to come alongside a Sr Pastor in a secondary position and reach families - I like to refer to it as he makes a GREAT Wing Man but not so much the Lead Plane! Anyway - we came to the realization that if we were to stay this calling and passion for families would need to be placed on the back burner while he helped the church through a very critical time of transition. This was simply not something he or I felt that he was even capable of much less equipped to do.

A few days after we came to that realization and decision, a friend of ours from college called Joel. He said, "I am pretty sure I know the answer to this, but for the last week your name has come to mind so I just need to call...our church is in need of a Children's and Families Pastor would you be open to sending your resume?" Don't you just LOVE how God opens a door when you are truly seeking Him? Joel had only actually sent out two other resumes, we had told very few people that we were even considering looking, we had prepared ourselves to be here through the summer and God flings open a door!

We went through the application and interview process, we prayed, talked with our kids, prayed some more, talked with others in ministry and parents, more prayer, etc and this past weekend we went in view of a call to First Baptist Church Levelland Tx. The vote was positive and so we are beginning the transition to a new place of ministry!

There are by far many mixed emotions! I know my previous post alluded to the hard times but rest assured there have been MANY ups!!! We have made some incredibly amazing friendships, Joel has been mentored by one of the most Godly men we know, we have seen families grow stronger and parents learn to disciple. Our kids have met friends, played sports, and grown so much!!! We will truly miss many people here. Our hearts are most definitely broken over the place that the church here is in but yet we are excited to see what God does with First Borger!!!

As we look ahead to Levelland - EXCITEMENT and ENERGY are an understatement! Joel will have the opportunity to truly build a children's and families ministry with a firm foundation of kids, parents and volunteers already in place. There are many new and exciting opportunities for our kids in the way of schools, sports, a strong youth group, etc. I will be looking to returning to the work force full-time although not sure what that will look like for sure and of course I will be helping Joel with ministry mostly through pre-schoolers and their moms! We can hardly wait to get there and join an amazing staff that is already in place!

Our timeline is this: June 2 is Joel's last Sunday here in Borger, we will leave on vacation to Colorado June 4 and then we will go to Levelland June 12or 13 with his first Sunday being June 16.  There is much to be done in that time...packing, finding a home in Levelland, finishing up here in Borger, ending school, etc but we know that it will all get done and so we press forward!

Look for more posts in the near future as we progress! Can't wait to tell you more about our new journey!!!

For every time there is a season....

Twenty - two months, just shy of the two year mark, two full school years...the amount of time that our family has been in Borger Tx serving at First Baptist Church Borger. July 17, 2011 Joel began ministry as Associate Pastor to Children and Families. It has been a time filled with mountain highs, some plains, and yes many valley lows.

OUR plan when we came, was to be here for many many years. We intended for Hannah, our oldest to complete all four years of High School here, the others to potentially do the same. WE intended on buying a home and establishing roots. OUR goal was to be a tenured staff member of this church....Do you see the theme? It was OUR idea. Yet...God in His infinite power and love knew the plans HE had for our life, the goals HE has for us to reach for, and the steps HE has ordained to get us to that place.

There is so much that has brought us to the place we are now and the new beginnings that lay before us. Events and circumstances that have refined, molded, shaped, and sharpened us. More than any other place of ministry, I feel as though I personally have come to a point of falling on my face before the throne of Grace here in this place. I was broken to the point of re-examining my faith and determining if I TRULY believed and was really willing to LIVE as though I believed all that I said I believed...I do and I am! The time here has caused me to rely solely on my God....For all of this I AM THANKFUL!!! I honestly believe that I have been refined by the fire and made purer. THIS WAS HIS PLAN. For such a time as this, God brought me to Borger Tx.

Do I fully understand all that God purposed for our time here? By no means, there are times I question and times I wonder but seriously....it's really not my call. I am learning day by day that He is God, He is in control, He ordains and directs, He calls, and I follow!

This may sound a bit confusing to some...but I want to lay a foundation. A foundation that brings the Glory and Honor to Christ in it all.

Last night, Joel formally submitted his letter of resignation to First Baptist Church Borger. This was the end result of many GOD sized events, MUCH prayer, MUCH searching and most of all God's Divine Intervention. I will share the story of where we are headed and how it came about in the next post...

For this post...I want to share a bit of my heart and what God has and continues to do in me. When I came to Borger, I honestly believed this was going to be the most amazing thing ever for our family. I was convinced that this was the greener grass on the other side. There were hopes of new home, there were dreams of feeling "established", there were ideas of close knit friendships, ideas of helping grow and develop an exciting new ministry,  etc. That was what I saw the move to Borger as.

Had I known then what I know now, would I have still come? Honestly - no! Yet, now being on this side and looking back I can see how God used every experience to bring me to the place that he has me now - a place where I can say I have come face to face with my God and my Savior. A place of being refined and defined, a place of repentance and restoration in my walk with Christ. It has been one of the most difficult seasons of my life and yet at the same time - it has been one of  the most amazing experiences of my life. If I were to sum up what God has done for me here it would be this:

      My time in Borger has been a time of walking through spiritual warfare like I have never been before, it    has been a time of reaching deep within to discover where I truly was with Christ, and it has been a time of brokenness so that HE can become my all in all.

Many lessons have been learned through our time here...but the biggest one for me personally is this; the hard times, the painful times, the ugly times, the rough roads, and valleys - these are truly the moments that teach you to say as Paul said "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and AGAIN I say rejoice." They are the moments that you will grow stronger and deeper in your relationship with the Lord - therefore, we shouldn't despise them, or avoid them - we need to embrace them and welcome them!

I can honestly say there is no bitterness, anger or regret about our time here - as short as it has been, on a personal level it has been a season of spiritual growth like I have never seen before. I am so very glad that the King knows what I need so much more than I do!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Part of my future and my hope was for Him to bring me to a place where I could be refined and made stronger in Him!