Wow! Two posts in one day...that is a record breaker for me. But I was so excited to try my new link trick that Mel taught me that I had to post again. So here it goes....cross your fingers...let's see if it works!!
I had two wonderful phone calls today, one from Penny & one from Mel (it worked!). These ladies uplift my heart so much. We can talk about anything! God truly has blessed me with them so much! Mel and I talked so much about our husbands and how we should truly cover them in prayer daily as we encourage them in their job and in their walk. We live life together daily, so it is important to keep one another strong and accountable. So I wanted to post my prayer for them, so if you are reading I ask that you pray for the staff at Meadow Heights , they are courageously heading up the vision God has for the church and are doing an amazing job. I also encourage you to check our Mel's blog and check out her blog's from yesterday and today and link to the blogs she talks about, they are pretty cool!
My prayer: I pray a hedge of strength and protection around the staff at Meadow Heights, around their hearts and around their friendships. Father I pray that You would bind them together through Your Word, strength and love. Bless them in a way that only You can Heavenly Father. May they be filled with Your peace and Your strength today and always as they seek your wisdom, knowledge and understanding in their pursuit to fulfill your vision for Meadow Heights church. I thank you for them God and I thank you in advance for all your going to do in and through their lives and hard work. May their vision always be clear and their focus forever on you, fill them with the endurance to run this race Lord in a way that only You can. Once again, your awesome Father and I love and thank you.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A new beginning...
Our LifeGroup just gave birth to two beautiful groups, which was quite emotional, we have lived life so much together, they have been with us through some pretty rough times and we love each of them SO much, but we had to let go...get out of our comfort zones...step into what God intends for our groups...walk across the room...so, last night was our first group since the new beginning (I'm not fond of the term "split" so I will avoid it, because it is a growth, a new beginning). I am so incredibly proud of my friend Nancy who totally stepped out of her comfort zone into the Zone of the Unknown to lead our new group! She took a step of faith, trusting totally in God to lead and guide through her! BEAUTIFUL! I love to watch the beautiful growth in people and am humbled by the opportunity to watch her blossom and glow with the love of God. It just truly touches my heart and continues to ingnite my fire for God and encourages me to live a more missional life! I am so excited to see how God is going to move in and through our new groups!
Today marks the 50th birthday of one of the greatest men I know, Bo Lindley! Bo, along with his beautiful family (Kay, Chase & Mary Katherine)have blessed our life so much! From the first time I met them (years ago) they have truly had an impact on my life! Although I've known them for years, I have to say the last year and a half of being in their LifeGroup has been the biggest impacting time. Bo's knowledge of the Bible inspires and challenges me to get in there and dig deep and truly understand what it was that Jesus faced in all the days He walked on this earth! That southern drawl keeps us smiling, yet comforts us in times when we need encouragement! Thanks Bo and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! We love you lots!
My prayer today: Father I come to you today thanking you for the gift of friendship, I thank you for uniting us in your love. I lift up each and every LifeGroup today Lord, praying that we would step up and live up to your calling for us, live missionaly and truly walk across the room, give each the strength to break out of those comfort zones and remind us, it's not about us, it's all about You Lord, break each of our hearts for the lost, give us a hunger to reach out and walk across the room like never before. I love you so much Father God, I am incredibly humbled by the love, grace and forgiveness you bless me with each and every moment of the day, I pray that I would bless each and everyone I come in contact with, with the same love, grace and forgiveness you give me. We truly serve and love an awesome God!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Life is but a vapor...
James 4:14 couldn't be clearer to me today as I have been reflecting on my life over the last couple of weeks. Where did that time go? I have been challenged in many different areas of my life and have taken some steps to really get my life and my families lives in line with the will of God for our lives. It hasn't been easy and I have really battled pride throughout the process. I long to truly live out God's calling for my life and have been finding so many obstacles in the way, nothing major, just lots of little things that tend to get in the way. After a lot of prayer, I was able to give my notice at work that I wanted to move from part-time to PRN (as needed). I have struggled so much with this decision, but God had continued to give me confirmation on my decision and remind me...it's not about me, it's about Him!
My family & I are on the countdown...5 days until we leave for Disneyworld! We are truly a bundle of emotions! We had Ashtyn's "Send off party" this past Saturday with the Make-A-Wish foundation and let me tell you what, it was all we could do to not cry the entire time. It's one of those bitter-sweet moments in life, your excited to go & have this opportunity with your family, but in the mean time, you would rather be there paying your own way with a totally healthy child. Yet, on the other hand, we are so humbled and thankful for the opportunities God has given us with this trial. We have been blessed by so many amazing people in our lives, who have joined us in this battle, prayed for us, cried with us, encouraged us and totally loved us with the love of the Lord. It is truly humbling. We are truly blessed beyond compare.
As I watch the girls each day their anticipation and excitement continue to grow & grow & grow. They are so precious! Ashtyn is packing and unpacking everyday. She'll pack her favorite blanky that she sleeps with each day in hopes that the next time she unpacks it we will be at Disneyworld. I look so forward to the time with them, to allow them to be totally kids, away with just Greg & I, a family blessed by God and our church family!
This new series at church is awesome! Greg & I read the book back in March or April and it truly blessed & encouraged us, I cannot wait to see how it ignites MH's and blesses the Parkland as we all walk across the room! Our church is incredibly blessed by an amazing staff who continues to encourage us, motivate us and feed us with the Word of God! So to you Bryan, MAC, Michael, J-miah, Greg P, Brent and last but certainly not least Greg A. (my best friend & husband) THANK YOU for loving us, loving God and living a missional life that challenges and encourages each of us!
Father God, I thank You for the beautiful life you have blessed me with, my family, friends, church and church family! I thank you for your calling not only for my life, but for the lives of my family and I pray that you would continue to use us to glorify You, that people will see us and know that You are a God who lives within us, strengthens us, loves us, heals us and fills us with a peace that passes all understanding. May they see You in not only our trial, but in the challenges they face daily and know that all they have to do is call on Your name. I pray that you will bless our staff and their tremendous efforts, may they be filled with Your peace, strength, knowledge, wisdom and understanding in the coming months, guide and direct them Father in a way that only You can. I love you so much, and I thank you for your amazing grace and love!
My family & I are on the countdown...5 days until we leave for Disneyworld! We are truly a bundle of emotions! We had Ashtyn's "Send off party" this past Saturday with the Make-A-Wish foundation and let me tell you what, it was all we could do to not cry the entire time. It's one of those bitter-sweet moments in life, your excited to go & have this opportunity with your family, but in the mean time, you would rather be there paying your own way with a totally healthy child. Yet, on the other hand, we are so humbled and thankful for the opportunities God has given us with this trial. We have been blessed by so many amazing people in our lives, who have joined us in this battle, prayed for us, cried with us, encouraged us and totally loved us with the love of the Lord. It is truly humbling. We are truly blessed beyond compare.
As I watch the girls each day their anticipation and excitement continue to grow & grow & grow. They are so precious! Ashtyn is packing and unpacking everyday. She'll pack her favorite blanky that she sleeps with each day in hopes that the next time she unpacks it we will be at Disneyworld. I look so forward to the time with them, to allow them to be totally kids, away with just Greg & I, a family blessed by God and our church family!
This new series at church is awesome! Greg & I read the book back in March or April and it truly blessed & encouraged us, I cannot wait to see how it ignites MH's and blesses the Parkland as we all walk across the room! Our church is incredibly blessed by an amazing staff who continues to encourage us, motivate us and feed us with the Word of God! So to you Bryan, MAC, Michael, J-miah, Greg P, Brent and last but certainly not least Greg A. (my best friend & husband) THANK YOU for loving us, loving God and living a missional life that challenges and encourages each of us!
Father God, I thank You for the beautiful life you have blessed me with, my family, friends, church and church family! I thank you for your calling not only for my life, but for the lives of my family and I pray that you would continue to use us to glorify You, that people will see us and know that You are a God who lives within us, strengthens us, loves us, heals us and fills us with a peace that passes all understanding. May they see You in not only our trial, but in the challenges they face daily and know that all they have to do is call on Your name. I pray that you will bless our staff and their tremendous efforts, may they be filled with Your peace, strength, knowledge, wisdom and understanding in the coming months, guide and direct them Father in a way that only You can. I love you so much, and I thank you for your amazing grace and love!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
A beautiful rain...
As I sit to blog, I am completely soaked, but blessed by the beautiful rain that is finally nourishing the earth.
As Ashtyn & I were waiting for Hannah after school the rain began to fall on us. Everyone around was huddling under their umbrellas, but as for Ashtyn and I....we intentionally left them in the car. We wanted to not just see the rain, but to feel the rain. And as Hannah came out she asked where the umbrellas were and my only answer was that they were in the car and that we were going to "play in the rain" and enjoy the blessing God was giving us. So as we got home it was raining even harder and out we went to play in the rain, to rid & refresh our souls as the rain fell on us. And what a teachable moment!!! Although we may have looked silly dancing around in the rain, our hearts were full of thanksgiving as we danced around singing "Thank you Jesus for the rain". Not only was it teachable for the kids, but as for me as well!
Once again God sends us a humble reminder that He knows not only our needs, but the needs of the very earth that He made. That in His time He will quench the earth and all the beauty that He has given us, just as He quenches our souls thirst with the Living Water.
God uses amazing things, whether great or small, to send the most abundant peace throughout my body & soul! Not to mention the time I needed just to let go of everything, be a kid again, and most of all to see & feel another miracle of the awesome God I love & serve.
My prayer today Father is of thanksgiving, not just for today, but for life and for the awesome gift of everlasting life that you have given each of through the death of your precious Son Jesus on the cross and the only thing you ask Father is that we acknowledge that we are sinners and ask you to come into our hearts and love you...Wow! Your love is amazing! I lift up those who don't know you and I pray that they would take the step of faith to invite you into their hearts and that they would allow you to invade their lives like never before, that they would not just invite you in Father, but that they would truly experience a life-changing relationship with you. And Father God, I pray that you would use our church and the staff as they see your vision for Meadow Heights and they feel the hurt of the lost. Give them a strength that can only come from You. I pray that you would use my life to reach others for you, that you would continue to place people before me and that you would continue to break my heart for those who are hurting & in need for you and fill me with a hunger for your Word like none other! Thank you Jesus for your love, grace & forgiveness and for being the omnipotent God who was, is and is to come!
As Ashtyn & I were waiting for Hannah after school the rain began to fall on us. Everyone around was huddling under their umbrellas, but as for Ashtyn and I....we intentionally left them in the car. We wanted to not just see the rain, but to feel the rain. And as Hannah came out she asked where the umbrellas were and my only answer was that they were in the car and that we were going to "play in the rain" and enjoy the blessing God was giving us. So as we got home it was raining even harder and out we went to play in the rain, to rid & refresh our souls as the rain fell on us. And what a teachable moment!!! Although we may have looked silly dancing around in the rain, our hearts were full of thanksgiving as we danced around singing "Thank you Jesus for the rain". Not only was it teachable for the kids, but as for me as well!
Once again God sends us a humble reminder that He knows not only our needs, but the needs of the very earth that He made. That in His time He will quench the earth and all the beauty that He has given us, just as He quenches our souls thirst with the Living Water.
God uses amazing things, whether great or small, to send the most abundant peace throughout my body & soul! Not to mention the time I needed just to let go of everything, be a kid again, and most of all to see & feel another miracle of the awesome God I love & serve.
My prayer today Father is of thanksgiving, not just for today, but for life and for the awesome gift of everlasting life that you have given each of through the death of your precious Son Jesus on the cross and the only thing you ask Father is that we acknowledge that we are sinners and ask you to come into our hearts and love you...Wow! Your love is amazing! I lift up those who don't know you and I pray that they would take the step of faith to invite you into their hearts and that they would allow you to invade their lives like never before, that they would not just invite you in Father, but that they would truly experience a life-changing relationship with you. And Father God, I pray that you would use our church and the staff as they see your vision for Meadow Heights and they feel the hurt of the lost. Give them a strength that can only come from You. I pray that you would use my life to reach others for you, that you would continue to place people before me and that you would continue to break my heart for those who are hurting & in need for you and fill me with a hunger for your Word like none other! Thank you Jesus for your love, grace & forgiveness and for being the omnipotent God who was, is and is to come!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Pumped & ready to go...
OH MY GOODNESS! What an amazing weekend to be at Meadow Heights, it was so incredibly hard for me to contain myself!! Wow! I am truly almost speechless (and it is really hard for me to picture that myself.)
Bryan's vision cast added fuel to my heart & soul's fire! God truly knew what my heart was needing and as I looked back at my last post, my prayer was that He would allow me to see His calling for my life with new clarity and WOW!! has He been refreshing my calling not only this weekend, but over the last week as I had the opportunity to spend some amazing times with two amazing women that I am able to live life with (Penny & Mel)! (Thanks girls for being my sista's and for supporting/encouraging me, praying for me, and living life together!) You bless me tremedously!
As Greg & I were driving home last night, we both were so excited! I think I could have ran 10 miles on pure adrenaline! We talked of God's amazingness the whole drive and how AWESOME it was that He brought two of the most amazing people to worship with us. Scot & Kay have been with us through all of life's up & down's, they have laughed with us, cried with us, prayed with us, encouraged us and grew with us! We have been anticipating their presence with us at a service for SO long, we have planned several times and something has always came up, but as Greg & I talked, we aren't one bit surprised that God arranged the perfect timing to be on "Vision Weekend 2007", we're quite pumped to see what God has in store & are so incredibly thankful for their presence not only Saturday night, but in our lives daily!!
My heart was pumping with the beat of anticipation, excitement and thankfulness the entire service. To hear the word "missions" sets me totally on fire! I've always known "missions" was something was calling me to do , but with new clarity! I'm psyched & cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!! I get so excited that I have to remind my self , that each day is a mission, we are called to live missionaly, in our homes, at the store, on the street, in our jobs...each and everywhere we go, we are to shine our lights and sprinkle our salts that come from God & God alone. Imagine...
My prayer today Father is that you would forgive me for limiting you with a thimble, Lord I bring you a bucket and I pray that You would fill it in a way that only You can, Lord that you would use my life to ignite the Parkland and Your world. I pray that you would continue to open my heart & eyes to see the hurt & the hearts of each person I come in contact with and I pray that you would bless our church, the staff and our vision beyond all compare! Keep us humble & strong in the battle of life, that when people see us, they will see You! I can only imagine!!!
Bryan's vision cast added fuel to my heart & soul's fire! God truly knew what my heart was needing and as I looked back at my last post, my prayer was that He would allow me to see His calling for my life with new clarity and WOW!! has He been refreshing my calling not only this weekend, but over the last week as I had the opportunity to spend some amazing times with two amazing women that I am able to live life with (Penny & Mel)! (Thanks girls for being my sista's and for supporting/encouraging me, praying for me, and living life together!) You bless me tremedously!
As Greg & I were driving home last night, we both were so excited! I think I could have ran 10 miles on pure adrenaline! We talked of God's amazingness the whole drive and how AWESOME it was that He brought two of the most amazing people to worship with us. Scot & Kay have been with us through all of life's up & down's, they have laughed with us, cried with us, prayed with us, encouraged us and grew with us! We have been anticipating their presence with us at a service for SO long, we have planned several times and something has always came up, but as Greg & I talked, we aren't one bit surprised that God arranged the perfect timing to be on "Vision Weekend 2007", we're quite pumped to see what God has in store & are so incredibly thankful for their presence not only Saturday night, but in our lives daily!!
My heart was pumping with the beat of anticipation, excitement and thankfulness the entire service. To hear the word "missions" sets me totally on fire! I've always known "missions" was something was calling me to do , but with new clarity! I'm psyched & cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!! I get so excited that I have to remind my self , that each day is a mission, we are called to live missionaly, in our homes, at the store, on the street, in our jobs...each and everywhere we go, we are to shine our lights and sprinkle our salts that come from God & God alone. Imagine...
My prayer today Father is that you would forgive me for limiting you with a thimble, Lord I bring you a bucket and I pray that You would fill it in a way that only You can, Lord that you would use my life to ignite the Parkland and Your world. I pray that you would continue to open my heart & eyes to see the hurt & the hearts of each person I come in contact with and I pray that you would bless our church, the staff and our vision beyond all compare! Keep us humble & strong in the battle of life, that when people see us, they will see You! I can only imagine!!!
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