If She Only Knew

In last night's study, "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed... A Study on David" Kay Arthur, although bound by a wheelchair due to a broken foot, left few people sitting in their seats where this conference was taped. Our small group was "cheering her on" as well. Anyone who has experienced the amazing transformation of God's grace could not have kept quiet as she spoke with power and authority on Psalm 51 and how God desires for us to stop sulking about our past (once we've repented) and move forward in victory by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ! To do anything else, is basically a slap in His face as He came not only that we might experience salvation but to also walk in newness of life! As Kay Arthur shared her testimony during last night's class, I was immediately taken back to the first time I sat under her anointed teaching beginning back in 1992, when I attended Bible study at Standing Springs, under the amazing teaching of Kay Chandler.

I was a relatively new believer at that time, still reeling from all my past regrets, sins and failures, including the fact that I had not accepted Christ until the age of 27. I had never heard of Kay Arthur, but there before me was a woman teaching the Word of God like I had never heard before. I remember thinking how she had to have been a Christ-follower her entire life to know Him as she did, and His Word. Not long into her teaching that morning, she shared her testimony -- about her sins, her divorce, her remarriage, and how she had not accepted Christ until she was 29 years old. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and as I walked back to my car that morning, I could barely see the asphalt for the tears. Her testimony was so similar to mine and yet look what GOD had done! My life was changed forever.

Fast forward seventeen years -- to last night. As I made my way back to the car, a fresh awareness of His grace and mercy flooded my mind and heart, and tears began to flood my eyes (is there such thing as too many tears when it comes to being joyful... or repentant?) Brian, Brandon, and Zach were immediately ushered to the forefront of my mind, as I was reminded of how each of them was a "mark of grace" upon my life. I certainly don't deserve a husband like mine, and I'm moved every time I think of the lives our boys should be living... if it was based on how I had lived and rebelled. But that's the jaw-dropping, mind-boggling and unexplainable grace of God. Every good thing has been a direct result of God's faithfulness, His unending grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unfathomable love.

Kay is now in her late 70's, which is amazing -- she is still beautiful, both inwardly and outwardly. Her fervor for Christ and teaching His truths has only increased. Once again, I find myself wanting to follow in those footsteps of faithfulness.

"Our words can change the course of a life."
Kay Arthur

If she only knew.

Jackson & Perkins Has Me Jumpin' for Joy!

A package arrived on our doorstep Saturday morning. It was my favorite kind of package... plain, brown... and with the words "Live Plants" plastered all over the side! The problem is, when I placed the order for it last November, I had specified it to be shipped after April 15 (the supposed last frost date in our area). I also noticed that the package appeared to have been re-taped and it seemed a bit dry.

So, this morning I figured I had nothing to lose by taking a minute to call Jackson & Perkins, letting them know about the condition and to see if it was okay to plant the rose in our freezing temperatures. I spoke with a horticulturist on staff, Steve, who should win awards for customer service. He was extremely helpful by sharing what I needed to do with the rose until I could plant it later this week (when the evening temps climb a bit). As we were getting ready to hang up, he told me he thought I should get a brand new rose and that I could keep the one that arrived on Saturday free of charge! Two roses for the price of one. Ah, the Lord is good.

Check it out. It's an antique rose by the name of Zephirine Drouhin. I will be planting one on either side of the pergola that will one day sit in its reserved spot. Until then, the roses will get a jump start climbing to around 8'. They're a beautiful shade of pink, very fragrant, and practically thornless. Three of my favorite features!

How Will They Know?

So, here's the "challenge" proposed to the class this morning:

We've been studying the incredible love of Christ for the past few weeks and while it's beneficial to learn these truths, people do not identify us as His by what we know -- they identify us as His by how we love.

While reading the book above (which is AWESOME!) the idea came to mind that on the final week of the 40 Days of Love study we could meet at 10:00 am (as usual), but instead of meeting to learn more, we would go OUT and love others through serving them! This could mean lending an extra hand in the nursery, picking up trash, or delivering doughnuts to our fire men close by. It could be anything the Lord lays on their heart to do in that hour. We would have one person stay in the classroom and pray for those who are out and welcome any newcomers we might have that morning.

Because this is a new group of friends it was hard for me to read exactly what they thought about this idea/challenge, but everyone seemed on board. We'll all be making it a matter of prayer as to where God would have us to serve in a few weeks.

One woman in our class, Amy, has a huge heart for people -- I love it! On the first week we met as a class, she mentioned she was going for a job interview the following day. She found out this week that she got the job! Yea God! We praised the Lord with her this morning and she was "awarded" a Pay Day candy bar. :)

Now, if that's now showing the love, I don't know what is!

Saturday Snippets

• I'm glad so many of you enjoyed Brian's "Valentine" painting. I thought you might also like his latest masterpiece (as far as I'm concerned!). He knows old-fashioned roses and hydrangeas are my absolute top two favs!

• Maybe you've noticed (maybe not!) -- I haven't been posting as much in recent weeks. Teaching both classes is PURE joy. Obviously, more time is required and it has to be taken from somewhere. I'm still working on my study "groove" so hopefully I'll get back on schedule pretty soon. I miss my writing outlet. :)
  

• I plan to spring an out-of-the-box idea to the class tomorrow morning (with the Director's blessings... he loved the idea!) If it's a go, I'll share more details.
  

• It's been a rough couple of days. I believe I hear my gardening books calling my name before I hit the sack. I know my electric blanket and Nationwide race are! Goodnight!
  

Maintenance is My Gardening Mantra

Since the first planting season at this "old" house, I've kept a gardening journal, which includes information on each plant, it's origin, and where it was planted in the yard. The first year tallied well over 125 perennials and shrubs. The second year, 100, and this past year it was around 75. Obviously, I've lost my share, but it's still hard to believe that number of plants exist in our yard.

I'll never forget pulling up to look at this old house for the first time. Brian was checking out the house. I was checking out the yard, which was... well, downright depressing. It was rather small, and totally barren except for weeds, some unruly shrubbery and one rose bush (which died).

2009, however, will be much more about maintaining and much less about purchasing or building hard scapes, for a variety of reasons. But that's a good thing. It's necessary and it's also rewarding. Don't get me wrong, this novice gardener becomes weak in the knees when I spot old-fashioned roses or hydrangeas (okay, basically any plant), but this Spring/Summer will need to be more about mulching, weeding and finishing the projects we began last Fall.

Am I still daydreaming about the plans Brian drew up for us last summer? You bet! But when the gardening fever hits (and it will!), I'll grab my hoe instead of my Visa.

But hey, a girl can reminisce, right?

40 Days of Love... in Action!

Today was our second Sunday in the "40 Days of Love" church-wide series at FBC. It's been a very practical and powerful study (the best kind!)

Last week's lesson in our C4 class (all Sunday classes work in conjunction with Randy's messages) focused on how love is a choice -- and the importance of loving others, regardless of how we feel (1 John 4:7,8)

On Monday, I received an email from someone in the class that set me ablaze with thankfulness throughout the week. You see, this person has struggled for quite some time with another person in the church (and can I add, understandably so?) She has avoided this person at all costs. That was, until Sunday, immediately following our class. Who do you think God placed in her path on the way back to her car? Yep. You're right! In obedience to what she had just learned in the Word, she chose to not only speak to this person, but to do so out of genuine love as his sister in Christ. Granted, the "liking" factor is still in the works, but she took a GIANT step forward in her faith and I could not be more proud of her. That is LOVE in action!

Now, speaking of action, I can't close out tonight's blog without mentioning three words I've been longing to hear for the past few months, which are... BOOGITY, BOOGITY, BOOGITY!!!! Yes, NASCAR is back in action and I couldn't be more delighted. Today's race was a let down as it was rained out with around 60 more laps to go -- and the guy who won had led only ONE lap -- but it was the most important one... the final one just prior to the rain delay. As I type these words, I can't help but be reminded of the criminal on the cross with Jesus. It wasn't until his final few breaths that he accepted Christ, but those were the most important breaths taken as they were heavy-laden with faith in Jesus. He entered Paradise on the "final lap" of life.

I close out tonight with a very thankful heart -- thankful for the ability to see love in action (God glorified!) and thankful for the gift of time which has allowed me to "run the race" for almost twenty years.

Thank You Lord!

My Watercolor Valentine

Have you seen this commercial?




I can't relate -- because my husband IS "that guy"!!! My valentine does create his own cards... and with a fountain pen! This Valentine's Day, he surprised me by painting this watercolor of my favorite flower, the rose:

I agree with Emma Goldman -- "I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck."

I would actually be upset if he spent money on jewelry or even a dozen roses. Give me a handwritten note (and a beautiful watercolor that will last long beyond the real thing!) ANY day.

Thank you, Brian!
You are a constant reminder of God's amazing grace
towards me and our boys.

Happy Valentines Day!

Friday Fun Facts

Top Three Reasons to AVOID Walmart when you have a headache:

1. You WILL inevitably end up with the bumpiest, loudest, and loosest buggy known to mankind -- no matter how many different ones you try before launching off into Wallyworld.

2. Someone needs to check the decibel level on the announcement speaker. (Did you say something?) Have mercy, it's painful.

3. I rarely go there on Fridays due to the crowd. I wish I had remembered that little tidbit of information this morning.

And did I mention the sales girl who stood at her check-out stand continuously thumping a hard plastic ball on the counter? It was so obnoxious I turned around twice in disbelief. She finally stopped to ask me if it was obnoxious. Guess my answer.

On a much lighter (and brighter!) note...

I met two dear friends, Allison and Sue, for lunch today at Napoli's (a new Greek restaurant near 5 Forks). I had not seen Sue since our departure from CRCC so it was a wonderful reunion! We all vowed to never let that much time come between us again. I forgot to take my camera but I won't soon forget their smiling faces. I miss Sue SO much (thankfully I see Allison on Tuesday nights!).

If you're looking for a great family-style lunch/dinner, Napoli's is the place to go. Allison and Sue ordered a small pizza (each enough for two people) and I ordered the Chicken and Mushroom Casserole. Needless to say, we'll all be enjoying yummy leftovers tonight.

Time with friends + incredibly beautiful weather + yummy leftovers... life is good.

Truth or False? It's My Responsibility!

Tonight's study in Colossians 2:1-10 generated some of the best conversation to date.

We talked about the words "See to it that no one takes you captive..." and how it is OUR responsibility to know the Word -- to really know the Word -- in order for us to identify truth from false teaching.

Sam Storms, in "The Hope of Glory" writes:

"The word rendered "firmness," used here [Colossians 2:5] to describe their faith means steadfast, stable, resolute, solid, not given to flights of fancy or open to the influence of flashy, fleshly preachers whose "ministries" are built on the novelty, bizarre and sensational experiences, or some new revelatory "word" that is strangely absent from Scripture and, upon closer examination, in direct conflict with it.

There wasn't much to set apart these believers except for their commitment to good order in godly living and resolute solidarity in their commitment to Jesus Christ. But isn't that enough? Where did the church ever get the notion that God is more impressed with new and unprecedented insights, or scintillating discernment on the signs of the times, or perhaps the latest sure-fire strategy for financial prosperity?

Here is what brings a smile of approval to the face of our heavenly Father: faithful Christians who set their personal and corporate spiritual experience in that "order" set forth in Scripture. Here is what evokes a heartfelt "Well done!" from our great and glorious God: people whose lives are fixed and riveted on Christ alone, whose faith does not bend with every blast of new doctrinal wind, whose commitment is not compromised by threat or fear of persecution or loss of personal convenience and comfort.

No, it's not very exciting, at least not as the world measures excitement. It may not draw huge crowds or bring in massive offerings or lead to lucrative book contracts. But whose favor are we seeking anyway -- God or man's? If the latter, good order and firmness of faith in Christ won't get you very far. But if it's the favor and pleasure and joy of your heavenly Father that you most desire, commit yourself in the power of his Spirit to put all things in good order and stand firm and resolute and unwavering in your single-minded, wholehearted, world-denying, devotion to Jesus."

Have mercy! That's enough to sleep on. Wouldn't you agree?

God is Doing a New Thing!

This morning was a first. My first Sunday to teach in the new C4 (Connect 4) class!

Check out some of the highlights from this morning (in a very particular order):

• The Holy Spirit was present. For a teacher, there's nothing like seeing a "light bulb" moment appear on a person's face when He surprises them with a particular truth.
• Hearing a young man share how he has been away from the Lord for about 5 years, but how he has now returned, ready to get back on track.
  
• Seeing the variety of people God brought to the class. Singles (40's-60's), young couples (early 30's), other couples in their 40's, and a Junior High student (she enjoys coming to C4 with her parents).
  
• Having other teachers and people I had never met stop by to wish me well and offer any support they had to offer. Teaching the Word (in addition to Randy's sermons) is one of FBC's top priorities. It shows. How refreshing.
  
• Having my hubster in the class - which hasn't happened since I taught discipleship classes at Temple Baptist. He's my biggest cheerleader -- which is always appreciated -- as long as he leaves his pom-poms at home.
  
• Seeing the room spiffed up a bit. It's your basic classroom - white - but this week, I found a few things to brighten up the room (including a schweet cafe-type table for the coffee pot and goodies). Yesterday, while at Hobby Lobby (my first, but not my last, time there) I found vinyl wall letters that spell out Psalm 46:10. While the class "environment" doesn't rank near the top of my priorities, I do believe it can play a small part in the learning process.
• Oh yeah, and did I mention the room has a white ceiling fan? The ladies class, who had previously occupied the room, apparently saw the value in installing their own fan. Gotta love it. I know I do!

"See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:19

A Touch of Spring Fever

I'm coming down with a fever, but it's nothing that a few flower bulbs can't cure! My daffodils and daylilies are beginning to emerge and new ideas for the yard are swirling around in my head.

Is this weather amazing or what? Here's how we celebrated:

Two teriyaki pork tenderloins GRILLED to perfection! Just call him "Chef Brian".

Tomorrow promises to be even nicer. Time to flip through those seed catalogs!

A Tool of Encouragement

This week's "Go & Grow" challenge issued to the "Women in the Word" group was to compose a letter to an imprisoned believer in China. We had finished studying Colossians 1:15-23 that evening and talked about how we often read those truths on who Christ is and what He has accomplished with little more than a warm fuzzy feeling. And yet, there are Christ-followers dying every single day because they are willing to put their very lives on the line for those same truths.

I became aware of this "tool of encouragement" this week and it's too good to keep to myself. You can go online, read the stories of persecuted and imprisoned believers around the world, compose a letter of encouragement (top right hand of the page) and they will translate it for you. How long would it take each of us to send a letter of encouragement once a week? Once a day?

Before closing out on Tuesday night, we talked of how one day, in the U.S.A., we could possibly be persecuted for meeting in a person's home to share the gospel of Christ. Would we be willing to be imprisoned for the truths found in Colossians 1:15-23? We all agreed we know nothing of persecution here in America -- but we can come alongside those who do and encourage them with our prayers and encouragement.

Won't you join us?

'Twas A Great Sunday... Seriously!

After a GREAT service this morning we headed over to what was our last Sunday in Sherri Wilson's class. We'll miss her teaching, but we look forward to seeing what God has in store for the new class, beginning next Sunday at 10:00!

Our awesome friends, Steve & Angie Prout (and Robyn!) invited us over this afternoon for a delicious dinner -- shrimp appetizers, this amazing soup, salad (with cranberries!)... and, yes, the famous Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Have mercy!

But, I think all those present would agree, the highlight of the evening was playing Wii bowling, tennis, and watching Brian register for Wii fitness. Click on the picture to enjoy it as much as we did (with his permission!)


It was a GREAT day (and night!) Thank you Prouts!