Sorry about yesterday, but I left you in good hands. Franks “knee mail” was very un-Frank-like (it was really good). Just kidding Frank. And its good to see Jennifer Byers back on the scene, I love her honesty. Keep it up Jen, and…..hmmm………hello….been missing you at church!! And Cynthia as always is a crowd pleaser who taps a depth in writing that captures you. And then there is Kyle. Dude, you are shockingly good at this blogging thing (just kidding…..keep it up, you’ll get more out of it than those of us who read it). Thank you to the fellow bloggers who consistently keep us all thinking.
Now onto the title, last Sunday Sid had a loose tooth and I simply put the kung-fu grip on it and pulled it right out. No problem, although I got a little skin with it and it bled a pretty good bit. Well this past Sunday we had another loose tooth and I put the kung-fu on it and nothing but tears. He said I hurt him and I tried several more times with the grip, but nothing. We tried the dental floss, rocking side to side, forwards and backwards…..nothing. It would not come out. So fast forward to Sunday night and I told him he had to let me try again. He said he wanted to try it, so he went into the bathroom and came out with the tooth in his hand. Where am I going with all this. I’m glad you asked.
The parrallation to this story is pretty simple. Our unsaved friends can be a lot like Sid’s teeth. Some are easy to share the gospel with and see results. And then there are those who just will not hear it no matter what you do. You can beat them over the head with the bible, drag them to church, witness to them and nothing. Can I get an Amen!! So why is this. I believe simply that we are tools God uses, but its not us who bring the person (or persons) to Christ…….it’s God. And if God isn’t calling them, then they won’t make the change, but we can’t know who God is calling or who He isn’t……so we push on. We can’t ever give up, because it may be that the 200th time is the time they will hear it. Just think how many times you felt God’s nudging and blew it off. Thank goodness He never gives up on us and we should never give up on our unsaved friends.
This one is for you Amy…..see I can do a halfway decent post on a Wednesday morning.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Today
Do y'all know what today is? It is Tuesday Jan 30th. Do you know what is special about today? Today just happens to be one of those days when I don't have any time to blog. Sorry for it, but I have a sick kid and a sorry alarm clock. Check out the links to the left. See ya tomorrow!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Finish the Day
Good Morning all! It ain't chilly this morning....it's down right COLD!! Yesterday was a great day at church. Hats off to Russell Blackston for his great job in assisting Jennifer with the lesson. I like the quote he used on finishing the day. I am gonna try to implement that into my days. I have so many things that I start, but due to dedication have not finished.
Not only does that apply to projects around the house, but also to habits, lifestyle changes, etc. We just lack the dedication, because it is hard. It isn't easy to change what you have always done. It takes strength and we have all that we need in Jesus. If we call on Him, He will give us the power to handle anything.
Get out there today and start working on changing something and start finishing the day strong. We have another blogger in our community....Kyle Payne has joind the ranks. I have his blog listed under links and you can click on it to get there. Good job Kyle.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Not only does that apply to projects around the house, but also to habits, lifestyle changes, etc. We just lack the dedication, because it is hard. It isn't easy to change what you have always done. It takes strength and we have all that we need in Jesus. If we call on Him, He will give us the power to handle anything.
Get out there today and start working on changing something and start finishing the day strong. We have another blogger in our community....Kyle Payne has joind the ranks. I have his blog listed under links and you can click on it to get there. Good job Kyle.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Super Cool Person of the Week
Due to the amount of criticism I receive when I drop the ball on the Super Cool Person of the Week, I have decided to use some different questions.
I'm sure most of you have seen the email floating around entitled Getting to Know Your Friends. Well, I received it from David Vaughn and who better to be this weeks choice. David is an awesome guy and I love the fact that he and Amy are so involved at church. I wish I had some pictures of T-Bone back in the day.....He used to sport a mullet! David is a rocker from way back and he can really skin a guitar. Anyway, here are Davids answers to the questions.
What time did you get up this morning? 6:45
Diamonds or Pearls? diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? We Are Marshall
What is your favorite TV show? Rescue Me
What did you have for breakfast? Egg & cheese sandwich
What is your middle name? Michael
What is your favorite cuisine? Steak
What foods do you dislike? cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collards
Your favorite Potato chip? sour cream & onion
What cd have you been listening to lately? Godsmack -IV
What kind of car do you drive? Chevrolet truck
Favorite sandwich? bologna & cheese
What characteristics do you despise? attention sponges
What are your favorite clothes? shorts & t-shirt
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Australia
Favorite brand of clothing? Eddie Bauer
Where would you want to retire? Charleston
Favorite time of day? sunset
Where were you born? Jax, Fla.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Football ( American )
Pepsi or Coke? coke
Are you a morning person or night owl? night owl
Pedicure or Manicure? manicure
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Nothing earth shattering
What did you want to be when you were little? little!
What is your best childhood memory? Summers @ Fripp
Ever been toilet papering? yup
Been in a car accident? yup
Favorite restaurant? Chophouse 47
Favorite flower? sunflower
Favorite ice cream? butter pecan
Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds
How many times did you fail your drivers test? 0
From whom did you get your last e-mail? Heidi
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Grady's
Who are you most curious about their responses to this? everyone
Last person you went to dinner with? Amy
How many tattoos do you have? Zero
Favorite magazine? GOLF magazine
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Jon Bon Jovi
If you could choose another first name, what would it be? Pedro
If you could change your profession right now, what would you be doing? playing golf
Thanks David for who you are. Everybody have a great weekend and for those involved in Upward don't forget about photo day tomorrow.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I'm sure most of you have seen the email floating around entitled Getting to Know Your Friends. Well, I received it from David Vaughn and who better to be this weeks choice. David is an awesome guy and I love the fact that he and Amy are so involved at church. I wish I had some pictures of T-Bone back in the day.....He used to sport a mullet! David is a rocker from way back and he can really skin a guitar. Anyway, here are Davids answers to the questions.
What time did you get up this morning? 6:45
Diamonds or Pearls? diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? We Are Marshall
What is your favorite TV show? Rescue Me
What did you have for breakfast? Egg & cheese sandwich
What is your middle name? Michael
What is your favorite cuisine? Steak
What foods do you dislike? cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collards
Your favorite Potato chip? sour cream & onion
What cd have you been listening to lately? Godsmack -IV
What kind of car do you drive? Chevrolet truck
Favorite sandwich? bologna & cheese
What characteristics do you despise? attention sponges
What are your favorite clothes? shorts & t-shirt
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Australia
Favorite brand of clothing? Eddie Bauer
Where would you want to retire? Charleston
Favorite time of day? sunset
Where were you born? Jax, Fla.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Football ( American )
Pepsi or Coke? coke
Are you a morning person or night owl? night owl
Pedicure or Manicure? manicure
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Nothing earth shattering
What did you want to be when you were little? little!
What is your best childhood memory? Summers @ Fripp
Ever been toilet papering? yup
Been in a car accident? yup
Favorite restaurant? Chophouse 47
Favorite flower? sunflower
Favorite ice cream? butter pecan
Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds
How many times did you fail your drivers test? 0
From whom did you get your last e-mail? Heidi
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Grady's
Who are you most curious about their responses to this? everyone
Last person you went to dinner with? Amy
How many tattoos do you have? Zero
Favorite magazine? GOLF magazine
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Jon Bon Jovi
If you could choose another first name, what would it be? Pedro
If you could change your profession right now, what would you be doing? playing golf
Thanks David for who you are. Everybody have a great weekend and for those involved in Upward don't forget about photo day tomorrow.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tending the Garden of Your Heart
I feel like I really need to apologize after that weak performance yesterday. My sister called and told me that it was unacceptable and from now on I needed to write Wednesdays blog on Tuesday night. She's tough.
Yesterday I heard a snip-it on the radio about what we produce. How much fruit are you seeing in your life and if none what do we do about it? the Bible is pretty clear on this and says that if we are connected to Jesus we have no option but to bear fruit. Check this verse out:
1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:1-5 (NASB)
OK, so that answers the question about what we can do if we see no fruit in our lives. Basicly we need to be plugged in and totally connected to Jesus to do anything for the kingdom. That is an easy concept. But what are the fruits that we produce when we are connected? What can Jesus produce through us if we will let him? I'm glad you asked, because the bible addresses this in the book of Galatians.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:22-24 (NASB)
How many of these fruits are you practicing daily? Lets compare for a minute the desires and deeds of the flesh. They are addressed in the verses before this one.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality , impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions , 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:19-21 (NASB)
Are there more deeds of the flesh than fruits of the spirit in your life? God desires for us to be plugged in and stay that way, but I have to die daily to the deeds of the flesh and reconnect to Jesus every morning. Why you may ask? Because the devil never sleeps, he is always looking for our weakness and he hates God and wants us to stumble. That is why it is so important to be all that we can be, and abide daily in Christ Jesus.
I have an email that I would like to share with y'all this morning about just how our fruits are perceived, and kinda sums up what I'm trying to say. Thank you Aunt Cheryl for sharing this one.
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.
In their rush, with tickets and brief-cases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall.
He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Let's start living like we are worth the price He paid.
Start today!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Yesterday I heard a snip-it on the radio about what we produce. How much fruit are you seeing in your life and if none what do we do about it? the Bible is pretty clear on this and says that if we are connected to Jesus we have no option but to bear fruit. Check this verse out:
1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:1-5 (NASB)
OK, so that answers the question about what we can do if we see no fruit in our lives. Basicly we need to be plugged in and totally connected to Jesus to do anything for the kingdom. That is an easy concept. But what are the fruits that we produce when we are connected? What can Jesus produce through us if we will let him? I'm glad you asked, because the bible addresses this in the book of Galatians.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Gal 5:22-24 (NASB)
How many of these fruits are you practicing daily? Lets compare for a minute the desires and deeds of the flesh. They are addressed in the verses before this one.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality , impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions , 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:19-21 (NASB)
Are there more deeds of the flesh than fruits of the spirit in your life? God desires for us to be plugged in and stay that way, but I have to die daily to the deeds of the flesh and reconnect to Jesus every morning. Why you may ask? Because the devil never sleeps, he is always looking for our weakness and he hates God and wants us to stumble. That is why it is so important to be all that we can be, and abide daily in Christ Jesus.
I have an email that I would like to share with y'all this morning about just how our fruits are perceived, and kinda sums up what I'm trying to say. Thank you Aunt Cheryl for sharing this one.
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.
In their rush, with tickets and brief-cases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall.
He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Let's start living like we are worth the price He paid.
Start today!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Out of Time
Sorry faithful, but I just don't have time this morning for a post. As you know Wednesdays are hard with Men's Fraternity and all, so today I leave you with the 23rd Psalm. This is from The Message translation.
1 A David psalm God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Psalms 23:1-6 (MSG)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
1 A David psalm God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Psalms 23:1-6 (MSG)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Children
Have I ever told y'all how much I love children. I love everything about them. Their innocence and especially their energy. I think the reason is that I have yet to really grow up. I can sometimes see in the mirror the snaggle tooth six year who chased Amy (sister) around the house, or held Mom's hand as she prayed over me before Judy Locke picked me up for school, and throwing dirt clogs in the fresh plowed fields as I carried Daddy and Papa some cold water while they planted soy beans. Yes I'm a certain that I have yet to grow up and very proud to say that I had an awesome experience as a child, because of a wonderful set of parents who cared for me and love me still to this day.
Anyway, Lori and I had the 3 and 4 year old children's class Sunday during the worship hour. I will have to admit that I got called down several times by Lori, I think I was being too loud. I took Sid's bible and read them a few stories and they were so attentive. David and Goliath is an all time favorite because you can embellish a little. I made some Goliath noises and we all made imaginary slings and made wind noises as we slung them around our heads, it was great. We all had fun and they paid attention.
As a parent it is sometimes hard to find the energy after a hard days work to give our own kids the attention they need and deserve. And I fail as much as I succeed in this category, but I try to make each day better than the one before. All children need is our time and a little imagination.
God loves kids and as parents we are blessed by the gift of children. The dreams of both the parents and the child are unharnessed possibilities from heaven. We have the means to do anything and everything and with God's help it can happen. So, if you have kids take the time today to thank God and just relish in the fact that he has entrusted you with one of his own to raise and care for. Just the thought of that is overwhelming.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Anyway, Lori and I had the 3 and 4 year old children's class Sunday during the worship hour. I will have to admit that I got called down several times by Lori, I think I was being too loud. I took Sid's bible and read them a few stories and they were so attentive. David and Goliath is an all time favorite because you can embellish a little. I made some Goliath noises and we all made imaginary slings and made wind noises as we slung them around our heads, it was great. We all had fun and they paid attention.
As a parent it is sometimes hard to find the energy after a hard days work to give our own kids the attention they need and deserve. And I fail as much as I succeed in this category, but I try to make each day better than the one before. All children need is our time and a little imagination.
God loves kids and as parents we are blessed by the gift of children. The dreams of both the parents and the child are unharnessed possibilities from heaven. We have the means to do anything and everything and with God's help it can happen. So, if you have kids take the time today to thank God and just relish in the fact that he has entrusted you with one of his own to raise and care for. Just the thought of that is overwhelming.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Celebration
Good morning everyone. I had a great weekend and I hope you did too. Our lesson yesterday in Sunday school was entitled "Knowing When to Celebrate" and it really was a great lesson. The main preface was how all of Heaven rejoices when just one sinner repents. The scripture was taken from Luke 15:4-24. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Erin brought up a great point that I had never really thought about. She said that Jesus was sharing this with his disciples, and that he had seen this happen first hand. Look at this verse:
10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:10 (NASB)
Jesus was in Heaven with God before coming to Earth and He was speaking from first hand knowledge. How lucky were the disciples and how lucky are we that they recorded it. To sit and talk with Jesus daily! Through the bible we can have a part in it. I love the way that the bible becomes alive and has new meaning daily, even 2000 years after it was written.
So what do you celebrate? Do you look for the opportunity to share your faith? I think we can all improve on that one, but that is the most important thing we are called to do. Be on the lookout daily for that person God put in our path long ago. Get out there and daily cause a Heavenly celebration!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luke 15:10 (NASB)
Jesus was in Heaven with God before coming to Earth and He was speaking from first hand knowledge. How lucky were the disciples and how lucky are we that they recorded it. To sit and talk with Jesus daily! Through the bible we can have a part in it. I love the way that the bible becomes alive and has new meaning daily, even 2000 years after it was written.
So what do you celebrate? Do you look for the opportunity to share your faith? I think we can all improve on that one, but that is the most important thing we are called to do. Be on the lookout daily for that person God put in our path long ago. Get out there and daily cause a Heavenly celebration!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 19, 2007
What a Week!!
This has just been an awesome week and I think this is just the beginning. It is amazing what is going on in the blogging world. I love the fact that we have this outlet to share our faith and to help encourage each others on a daily basis. Today is Friday, and you know what that means....Super Cool Person of the Week. To the new visitors, this is a time when we take a member of our class and eventually our church and take a deeper look. Everybody is really Super Cool, but I can only pick one at a time. So here is this weeks selection.
Tonya Lusk has been an inspiration to all of us. I really do admire her giving spirit and she and Matt can and will do almost anything asked of them. The Super Saturday was awesome and they were the planners behind it all. Beyond the Walls is a great ministry that they formed and manage. Tonya does a great job and we are truly blessed to have her in the fight with us. Here she is in her own words:
Favorite food? Matt's smoked barbecue with his baked beans and slaw. * A little side note... Matt almost divorced me over those beans! He really has a special recipe for the beans that everyone loves and while heating them for the last Pig Pickin we had, I scorched them! They tasted like an ash tray smells.It was ugly! Needless to say, I am not a cook.
Favorite thing to do? Spending time outdoors with my family around our little farm out here, sitting down and doing crafts with my girls, and having alone time with Matt! We're lucky that our parents live close enough that we have quality time together.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I use to say a Prima Ballerina until about 3rd grade :) , but I truly feel I am fulfilling my purpose which is being with my girls. I never feel like its wasted time or that I have a wasted education.... raising them is my purpose right now.
Favorite TV show and movie? TV show is Criminal Minds and American Idol (hate to admit it)... Movie is probably Shawshank Redemption and Father of the Bride
Favorite music? Jimmy Buffett
Favorite place on the planet? Anywhere with a beach and my family.
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Greece
Favorite sport @ team? Definitely the Clemson Tigers... yes I am still a fan!
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Two awesome parents- David and Debby Jones.... they are still a big part of my life.
Everyone knows my Big Sis Laura and the McGoo Clan.... she's a very good sister! And, last but not least... My very attentive (to me) husband Matt and my sweet girls Ryleigh(5) and Sydney (almost 4).
Best friend? Definitely Matt... there is no one that I trust more than him! He also keeps me laughing!
What are you afraid of? Honestly, losing one of my children. I have to remind myself (thanks to my good friend Erin) that they're really not mine, but God's children. And that I have been given them as a gift and have to trust God to watch over them.
When did you get saved? I was 7 and I remember how long that aisle seemed as I walked down it at BFBC to meet Eddie Rickenbaker at the end. After starting the New Beginnings class, I rededicated my life to God and began a deeper relationship with him.
Church background? Grew up at BFBC, started Belton Pres. in college and Matt and I joined there a few years ago. Then, we felt we had to make a change (now I know God had a big plan for us) and we visited BFBC and loved it! We never went anywhere else cause we felt like we were home.
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Well, Its hard to pick just one person. So here are 3 in different ways....
My Dad for his hard work and will to succeed. He came from a low income family and was not college educated, but he had enough belief in himself to open Superior 25 years ago and now its a very successful company.
My mom for her patience as a mother and she always took time to listen to me... and I mean really listen without always offering advice. I can feel her love and support everyday of my life.
And, "My Matt" for the way he loves me on good and bad days. He has taught me a lot about not worrying and being myself!
What has been a defining moment in your life? The birth of my girls... I really don't think you can ever be prepared for the love that you feel for your children the moment they are born. Its overwhelming!
Thank you Tonya for allowing us a look in. You are truly a gift not only to our class, but to our church as well. Keep on keeping on!
Remember if you don't have anything, come by the gym tomorrow and get involved with Upward in some form or fashion. We would love to have you!! And if anyone reading this doesn't go to church, get plugged in somewhere, it is awesome.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tonya Lusk has been an inspiration to all of us. I really do admire her giving spirit and she and Matt can and will do almost anything asked of them. The Super Saturday was awesome and they were the planners behind it all. Beyond the Walls is a great ministry that they formed and manage. Tonya does a great job and we are truly blessed to have her in the fight with us. Here she is in her own words:
Favorite food? Matt's smoked barbecue with his baked beans and slaw. * A little side note... Matt almost divorced me over those beans! He really has a special recipe for the beans that everyone loves and while heating them for the last Pig Pickin we had, I scorched them! They tasted like an ash tray smells.It was ugly! Needless to say, I am not a cook.
Favorite thing to do? Spending time outdoors with my family around our little farm out here, sitting down and doing crafts with my girls, and having alone time with Matt! We're lucky that our parents live close enough that we have quality time together.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I use to say a Prima Ballerina until about 3rd grade :) , but I truly feel I am fulfilling my purpose which is being with my girls. I never feel like its wasted time or that I have a wasted education.... raising them is my purpose right now.
Favorite TV show and movie? TV show is Criminal Minds and American Idol (hate to admit it)... Movie is probably Shawshank Redemption and Father of the Bride
Favorite music? Jimmy Buffett
Favorite place on the planet? Anywhere with a beach and my family.
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Greece
Favorite sport @ team? Definitely the Clemson Tigers... yes I am still a fan!
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Two awesome parents- David and Debby Jones.... they are still a big part of my life.
Everyone knows my Big Sis Laura and the McGoo Clan.... she's a very good sister! And, last but not least... My very attentive (to me) husband Matt and my sweet girls Ryleigh(5) and Sydney (almost 4).
Best friend? Definitely Matt... there is no one that I trust more than him! He also keeps me laughing!
What are you afraid of? Honestly, losing one of my children. I have to remind myself (thanks to my good friend Erin) that they're really not mine, but God's children. And that I have been given them as a gift and have to trust God to watch over them.
When did you get saved? I was 7 and I remember how long that aisle seemed as I walked down it at BFBC to meet Eddie Rickenbaker at the end. After starting the New Beginnings class, I rededicated my life to God and began a deeper relationship with him.
Church background? Grew up at BFBC, started Belton Pres. in college and Matt and I joined there a few years ago. Then, we felt we had to make a change (now I know God had a big plan for us) and we visited BFBC and loved it! We never went anywhere else cause we felt like we were home.
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Well, Its hard to pick just one person. So here are 3 in different ways....
My Dad for his hard work and will to succeed. He came from a low income family and was not college educated, but he had enough belief in himself to open Superior 25 years ago and now its a very successful company.
My mom for her patience as a mother and she always took time to listen to me... and I mean really listen without always offering advice. I can feel her love and support everyday of my life.
And, "My Matt" for the way he loves me on good and bad days. He has taught me a lot about not worrying and being myself!
What has been a defining moment in your life? The birth of my girls... I really don't think you can ever be prepared for the love that you feel for your children the moment they are born. Its overwhelming!
Thank you Tonya for allowing us a look in. You are truly a gift not only to our class, but to our church as well. Keep on keeping on!
Remember if you don't have anything, come by the gym tomorrow and get involved with Upward in some form or fashion. We would love to have you!! And if anyone reading this doesn't go to church, get plugged in somewhere, it is awesome.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A Few Random Thoughts
I am so glad that we have (so far) avoided the weather they were calling for. I always get a little anxious when they call for ice, because I'm a little partial to this thing called power. And we normally loose it when the ice comes. Thank you Lord.
Dodd is no longer allowed to attend a Clemson game. He went to the basketball game last night and, well, they played like the JV team. So, Dodd stick with the TV coverage.
The lady we have all been blessed with meeting this week, Cynthia, has a blog and she is a great writer. I have a link to her blog under my links.
Newspring now has the video of their messages available on line, so you can watch the message from the comfort of home. Their website is http://www.newspring.cc. Perry is currently doing a series called "What If". I watched the one from Sunday last night and it was great.
God is moving in Anderson County. He is changing lives all around us, and He is using all of us to do this. These are exciting times. We have a long way to go, but the realization that we can make a difference, because we are called to do so, is just exciting! It's almost like a spiritual awakening. Everyone I talk to is communicating their relationship with Jesus to those around them daily. All we have to do is invest and invite, and then God will do the rest. We are pieces on a chess table and He puts us in place to impact people and change lives - daily. Are you letting Him use you? Join us and take a stand for Jesus today.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Dodd is no longer allowed to attend a Clemson game. He went to the basketball game last night and, well, they played like the JV team. So, Dodd stick with the TV coverage.
The lady we have all been blessed with meeting this week, Cynthia, has a blog and she is a great writer. I have a link to her blog under my links.
Newspring now has the video of their messages available on line, so you can watch the message from the comfort of home. Their website is http://www.newspring.cc. Perry is currently doing a series called "What If". I watched the one from Sunday last night and it was great.
God is moving in Anderson County. He is changing lives all around us, and He is using all of us to do this. These are exciting times. We have a long way to go, but the realization that we can make a difference, because we are called to do so, is just exciting! It's almost like a spiritual awakening. Everyone I talk to is communicating their relationship with Jesus to those around them daily. All we have to do is invest and invite, and then God will do the rest. We are pieces on a chess table and He puts us in place to impact people and change lives - daily. Are you letting Him use you? Join us and take a stand for Jesus today.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I am Truly Humbled
First of all let me say that when I started writing this blog, I did out of a curiosity. I have said it before and I’ll say it again…I’m a blog junky, and I don’t really know why. I never read the newspaper, but I have a few blogs that I read daily. And since I love to talk (just ask anyone that knows me) I can talk on the phone like a teenage girl….to anybody, so I figured I would throw my hat in the ring. I could have never anticipated what happened yesterday.
Most people want to know that they matter, I think we can all agree on that, but ask any Christian and they just want to be used by God. To know that God used you to speak to someone else is powerful. Lets back up in time to yesterday at lunch. I’m going in a restaurant to meet some customers and my phone rings. Its my crazy, beautiful, and unhitched sister (I love ya girl), anyway she says you've got a comment that you need to read immediately. Well I couldn't right then, but after lunch I got out the laptop and sat in my truck with my Verizon wireless card and checked the post. As I read what Cynthia wrote I sat there and cried. The reason being, I had deleted certain parts of that post 3 times and I kept coming back to it. I felt the Spirit prompting me to put it in. And it was just what Cynthia needed to hear. If you haven’t read Cynthia’s comment from yesterday here it is:
Thank You so much for this. I read your blogs as often as I can and sometimes play catch up. You may not understand that the words you speak are exactly what I needed today. I have had a mountain in the bedroom for years. Mine was not a pile of laundry awaiting my attention. Instead it was a mountain of loneliness that I cry over each night. God has been a major surgeon in my life in the past month. He has removed people and things from my life that would have caused spiritual death. I had been headed down the road of destruction when I called on HIS name. My Jesus has delivered me and forgave me. It is a hard walk downhill just as it was going up. I had a friendship with the opposite sex that you were talking about. I sought out council with him and did not realize the danger in it. I had made him my emotional and spiritual helpmate. God corrected me fast and brought it to our attention that we both were being disobedient. The Lord is my helpmate and my husband. Thank you again for this message. Be encouraged and continue to minister to those who read. I am encouraged that this was confirmation that God is still removing mountains.
Cynthia, first of all let me say thank you for your kind words, but it was all God. The best part is that I have no idea who you are, but I do know that you matter to God and he used me to speak to you through a blog. I’ve got to tell you I am still floating. To think that God used me is truly overwhelming. We all need encouragement daily, and we are called to help each other, but when it happens it can catch you off guard. I am just glad that I listened to Him yesterday morning. Cynthia you are not alone in the daily struggle, we all fight our demons daily, but know that me and Jesus love you. I will add you to my daily prayers as I’m sure the other people who read this will do as well. Welcome to the family.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mountains in the Bedroom
May be my best blog title yet. And I'm sure some people are terrified right now, wondering what I'm about to say. Well, the mountains I'm referring to is nothing more than a ginormous pile of unfolded clothes. I think overnight it received a sprinkling of fresh powder (snow that is, because it's so high). Lori actually walked out of the bedroom last night snickering at how big it was and yet we plopped down on the sofa to watch a movie. Yes, folding clothes is one of those dreaded tasks here at the Locke house.
Folding clothes isn't hard and it doesn't even require sweat and muscles, but it does take time. Isn't it funny how we let little stuff go and then the next thing you know you have a mountain in the bedroom?! I think I can draw a parrallation. Sin is just like the clothes, it starts out as a little white lie and then turns into a tall tale, or a friendship with the opposite sex that gets way out of hand. We keep turning our back and trying to handle it ourselves and then all of a sudden you feel like you're stuck on the side of Mt. Everest.
The good news is that God, if we humbly ask him, can make rubble out of those mountains. We serve an awesome God who can do mighty things in our lives if we'll just let him. And He can take those mountains and just remove them from our lives. The hardest thing for us is coming to the realization that God not only forgives, but He forgets. We are just not wired that way, but a certain freedom does come from trying to understand it.
God simply doesn't dwell in the past and we shouldn't either. So deal today with your mountains, seek God's counsel, and move on to the next mountain. It really is that easy. And just like folding clothes....it only requires time......on our knees.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Folding clothes isn't hard and it doesn't even require sweat and muscles, but it does take time. Isn't it funny how we let little stuff go and then the next thing you know you have a mountain in the bedroom?! I think I can draw a parrallation. Sin is just like the clothes, it starts out as a little white lie and then turns into a tall tale, or a friendship with the opposite sex that gets way out of hand. We keep turning our back and trying to handle it ourselves and then all of a sudden you feel like you're stuck on the side of Mt. Everest.
The good news is that God, if we humbly ask him, can make rubble out of those mountains. We serve an awesome God who can do mighty things in our lives if we'll just let him. And He can take those mountains and just remove them from our lives. The hardest thing for us is coming to the realization that God not only forgives, but He forgets. We are just not wired that way, but a certain freedom does come from trying to understand it.
God simply doesn't dwell in the past and we shouldn't either. So deal today with your mountains, seek God's counsel, and move on to the next mountain. It really is that easy. And just like folding clothes....it only requires time......on our knees.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
I Can Only Imagine
WOW!! This weekend was awesome and just a little tiring. I realized, while refereeing the first game that I was out of shape. Not a good feeling @ 9:30am when I had to go until 4:30pm. But with the good Lords help I survived it. It was great to see the kids again and see the excitement they have. And Friday night a group of us met at half court and Dodd Wilson led us in an awesome prayer and right in the middle, Frank's phone rang. That really isn't that bad, because Frank's ring tone is I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me, to which Dodd calmly incorporated in his prayer. I don't believe in accidents and I think that was God reminding us; that when we trust in him to guide us, that we can only imagine what will happen.
Then yesterday at church, Dale delivered a strong message on prayer. For those that were there I want to be a little blunt. I was shocked that no more people came down front yesterday. With a charge to come forward and publicly announce that we will better commit ourselves to prayer, in my mind everybody should have come down. Just being honest.
Thanks to Phil for allowing Dale to tell his story. God is really moving in our church and a lot of that movement is taking place in our class. It is awesome to see how He is changing lives and I think we can only imagine where He is taking us.
I want to share a neat story with y'all. I have a friend who has recently been looking for a church. They live in Seneca and they really don't like the traditional type worship, so I mentioned Newspring to them. I got her reading my blog and then she would link to Perry's blog. I have been telling her for the longest time to go to Newspring, well yesterday I get a call from her and she had gone. She said she saw a shiny head and thought it was me, but with the crowd lost me at the conclusion. Anyway she was extremely excited and said that her husband liked it as well. Perry did a message on forgiveness and they were given Popsicle sticks and asked to write down what or who they wanted to forgive or forgiveness from. Then were asked to come forward and break the stick and lay them on the stage. She said on the way home her husband told her that he had forgiven God for taking his father's life. She was very pumped about that and she said they were probably going to join and they can't wait until next Sunday. Once again.........AWESOME, and 100% a God thing.
As you can see it was just a great weekend, and I am filled with excitement to see where God is leading us and how He is changing lives along the way.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Then yesterday at church, Dale delivered a strong message on prayer. For those that were there I want to be a little blunt. I was shocked that no more people came down front yesterday. With a charge to come forward and publicly announce that we will better commit ourselves to prayer, in my mind everybody should have come down. Just being honest.
Thanks to Phil for allowing Dale to tell his story. God is really moving in our church and a lot of that movement is taking place in our class. It is awesome to see how He is changing lives and I think we can only imagine where He is taking us.
I want to share a neat story with y'all. I have a friend who has recently been looking for a church. They live in Seneca and they really don't like the traditional type worship, so I mentioned Newspring to them. I got her reading my blog and then she would link to Perry's blog. I have been telling her for the longest time to go to Newspring, well yesterday I get a call from her and she had gone. She said she saw a shiny head and thought it was me, but with the crowd lost me at the conclusion. Anyway she was extremely excited and said that her husband liked it as well. Perry did a message on forgiveness and they were given Popsicle sticks and asked to write down what or who they wanted to forgive or forgiveness from. Then were asked to come forward and break the stick and lay them on the stage. She said on the way home her husband told her that he had forgiven God for taking his father's life. She was very pumped about that and she said they were probably going to join and they can't wait until next Sunday. Once again.........AWESOME, and 100% a God thing.
As you can see it was just a great weekend, and I am filled with excitement to see where God is leading us and how He is changing lives along the way.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Upward and __________
I'm glad this week is coming to an end! That means we are 1 day away from Sid's first Upward game along with the other 214 kids. As Frank said yesterday on his blog, if you have some spare time tomorrow just come down and check it out. I promise you will receive a blessing! It seems that I am missing something this Friday.........Super Cool Person of the Week. Well, I.....was able to get somebody. I had you going there for a minute didn't I? You don't have to lie, I know it.
This week we have a good friend of ours who is what I would classify as a gentle giant. Phil Carwile kinda reminds me of Belue on Jungle Book. OK, maybe not that vocal and I have never heard him sing Bear Necessities, but he is definitely a lot of fun like Belue. Phil is a great father and an awesome Upward coach and you can just tell he cares. That is why he is my choice for Super Cool Person this week. Here is Phil in his own words.
Favorite food? Ribs
Favorite thing to do? Vacation with my family
What do you want to be when you grow up? Pro basketball player
Favorite TV show and movie? The Office….. Hoosiers (as if there are any other movies!!)
Favorite music? Anything that makes me feel good
Favorite place on the planet? Home
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Australia
Favorite sport @ team? The Mighty South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Wife-Lyndi, Daughters-Lily and Eva Kate, Dog-Duke Cat-Abby, 3 brothers, My dad. My Mom is in heaven with the good Lord
Best friend? Lyndi
What are you afraid of? My family ever doubting how much I love them.
When did you get saved? As a child, but this week I gave it all to God
Church background? Grew up at Second Baptist. Joined First Baptist a few years ago
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? My mother and Lyndi
What has been a defining moment in your life? Having children and starting a true relationship with God
Thank you Phil for who you are and who God is recently shaping you into. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for you and don't forget; we all fall short of the glory of God and none of us deserve anything the Lord has blessed us with. Thanks again for allowing us a look in.
If anyone has some spare time tonight, we are gonna be at the gym from around 6pm until making the tunnel for the games tomorrow and just getting the gym ready. We would love to see you.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
This week we have a good friend of ours who is what I would classify as a gentle giant. Phil Carwile kinda reminds me of Belue on Jungle Book. OK, maybe not that vocal and I have never heard him sing Bear Necessities, but he is definitely a lot of fun like Belue. Phil is a great father and an awesome Upward coach and you can just tell he cares. That is why he is my choice for Super Cool Person this week. Here is Phil in his own words.
Favorite food? Ribs
Favorite thing to do? Vacation with my family
What do you want to be when you grow up? Pro basketball player
Favorite TV show and movie? The Office….. Hoosiers (as if there are any other movies!!)
Favorite music? Anything that makes me feel good
Favorite place on the planet? Home
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Australia
Favorite sport @ team? The Mighty South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Wife-Lyndi, Daughters-Lily and Eva Kate, Dog-Duke Cat-Abby, 3 brothers, My dad. My Mom is in heaven with the good Lord
Best friend? Lyndi
What are you afraid of? My family ever doubting how much I love them.
When did you get saved? As a child, but this week I gave it all to God
Church background? Grew up at Second Baptist. Joined First Baptist a few years ago
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? My mother and Lyndi
What has been a defining moment in your life? Having children and starting a true relationship with God
Thank you Phil for who you are and who God is recently shaping you into. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for you and don't forget; we all fall short of the glory of God and none of us deserve anything the Lord has blessed us with. Thanks again for allowing us a look in.
If anyone has some spare time tonight, we are gonna be at the gym from around 6pm until making the tunnel for the games tomorrow and just getting the gym ready. We would love to see you.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Stress
I don't have time this morning to do an awesome post. I overslept and I have an early appointment that I have to be at. Margin, time, resources, you name it, and there probably isn't enough in your life either. Why do we run ourselves ragged all day every day? I don't know, but I am desperately looking forward to a time when I can sit back and enjoy life. To not be so rushed all the time. I don't know if it will come in the near future, but I am anxiously awaiting it!! Not that I am looking forward to being lazy at all, but to just chill out and not be so stressed about everything. And hopefully when I get there I'll see you.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Gameday
Good Morning everybody. I hope all are well. We at Belton 1st Baptist Church are really looking forward to this Saturday. The Upward basketball season gets kicked off with game day. We have 215 kids from K-5 thru 6th grade involved and we are pumped. I'm pressed for time this morning, but I at least wanted to say hey.
I need everyone to pray for all the kids in Upward, their parents, and families. We will probably have around 1200 people coming through our gym over the next 7 Saturdays. What an opportunity we have and it is our prayer that we display the love of Jesus in everything we do.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I need everyone to pray for all the kids in Upward, their parents, and families. We will probably have around 1200 people coming through our gym over the next 7 Saturdays. What an opportunity we have and it is our prayer that we display the love of Jesus in everything we do.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Disappointments
Yesterday, as it turns out, was not the best day to head back to the gym. Translation is that I didn't make it at all. I'm not giving up, I will try it again today. With the job I have it is real hard to get in any type of routine, because my day is constantly changing. There is no (work) constant from day to day.
Sounds a little like our walk with the Lord doesn't it. Sure, there are a few routines we can practice daily, but the pressure from the devil can come at us from different directions and catch us off guard all day. We have to be 100% all the time.
Bottom line....anything on any given day can happen, and it will happen, but it's how we handle those that make us who we are. I'm sure Ohio State didn't foresee a 41 - 14 loss to Florida 24 hours ago, but it happened.
Start everyday out with the Lord and make the day His, and you will be surprised at how you can handle the daily difficulties. I hope everyone puts on the armour of God today and everyday and joins the fight. It is a hard battle, but an eternal victory.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Sounds a little like our walk with the Lord doesn't it. Sure, there are a few routines we can practice daily, but the pressure from the devil can come at us from different directions and catch us off guard all day. We have to be 100% all the time.
Bottom line....anything on any given day can happen, and it will happen, but it's how we handle those that make us who we are. I'm sure Ohio State didn't foresee a 41 - 14 loss to Florida 24 hours ago, but it happened.
Start everyday out with the Lord and make the day His, and you will be surprised at how you can handle the daily difficulties. I hope everyone puts on the armour of God today and everyday and joins the fight. It is a hard battle, but an eternal victory.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Working Out
I am starting back to the gym this morning. This is not really anything new, I normally rejoin every January. I like the thought of getting back into shape, but I struggle with the commitment that is involved.
At least I don't sign up for a whole year, I hate contracts. I work out in Williamston at a small gym where you pay by the month. That way if you get hurt, or work becomes too much; you simply loose a month. But this can also be a bad thing. With no contract holding me for a year or a workout partner it is real easy to oversleep, or say I'll stop by there this afternoon on my way in, or I'll just double up tomorrow.
Does this sound like any of you? Maybe not with working out, but with almost anything. It is hard to go at anything alone. I know we aren't alone and that God is always with us, but as humans we need the interaction of each other. We enjoy the fellowship that comes from being friends. We need help holding true to not only our commitments, but also our convictions. Constantly build each other up and like Erin said yesterday in Sunday school, the bible gives us all the instruction we need. I especially like the verses she shared with us in Colossians chapter 3:
12 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. 13 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. 14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. 16 Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! 17 Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Col 3:12-17 (MSG)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
At least I don't sign up for a whole year, I hate contracts. I work out in Williamston at a small gym where you pay by the month. That way if you get hurt, or work becomes too much; you simply loose a month. But this can also be a bad thing. With no contract holding me for a year or a workout partner it is real easy to oversleep, or say I'll stop by there this afternoon on my way in, or I'll just double up tomorrow.
Does this sound like any of you? Maybe not with working out, but with almost anything. It is hard to go at anything alone. I know we aren't alone and that God is always with us, but as humans we need the interaction of each other. We enjoy the fellowship that comes from being friends. We need help holding true to not only our commitments, but also our convictions. Constantly build each other up and like Erin said yesterday in Sunday school, the bible gives us all the instruction we need. I especially like the verses she shared with us in Colossians chapter 3:
12 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. 13 Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. 14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. 15 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. 16 Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! 17 Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Col 3:12-17 (MSG)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Its Back Baby
Finally I have another victim....I mean Super Cool Person of the Week. I really enjoy this segment and I know a lot of you do as well. I have yet to receive any emails with the questions filled out, so last night I called this person. I just emailed her the questions and she simply answered and sent them back. Bingo, Yahtzee, Uno......OK, I'll quite there, do they even sell Uno anymore? Anyway back to the person.
I'll say right up front that Gale Clinkscales is the most genuinely honest and nice person that I've ever met. Quick story. One day Lillie (my daughter) had a little accident and we had to go to the Dr. and we ran into Gale. She was very concerned and when we got home she had baked us a casserole and left on our doorstep. It was kinda like a Norman Rockwell moment. Not only is she Super Cool, but she is Super Nice. I really do appreciate her openess is Sunday School and her giving spirit is truly a gift.
Lets move onto the questions, here is Gale in her own words:
Favorite food? Believe it or not, I do not have a favorite food, but there are many that I love. Great Mexican, it may be my favorite, but it is an impossibility in the big city of Belton. I also love great pizza, and of course chocolate ice cream.
Favorite thing to do?I like anything outdoors. I love flowers, plants, boating, swimming, hiking real mountains, and the smell of fresh air.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I think that I would love to be a mother of two God grounded children.
Favorite TV show and movie? I love Grey's Anatomy and Favorite movie is the Shawshank Redemption.
Favorite music? I like everything except rap.
Favorite place on the planet? It would have to be somewhere that involved water. (Lake, pond, river, ocean, bathtub)
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? The three A's... Australia, Africa, and Alaska.
Favorite sport @ team? The University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Hank (46), Tom (16), Molly (14) , golden "Maggie". golden doodle "Lucy", one cat "coco", and one snake, "Louis". I have six siblings which include my very own twin named "Dale". (Not T. Dale)
Best friend? Let's see, I have three....
What are you afraid of? Unspoken fears that are very real!!
When did you get saved? About 30 years ago.
Church background? Methodist
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Mary Rickenbaker
What has been a defining moment in your life? The birth of both of my children.
Thank you Gale for a look in and welcome to the blog. That's right, Gale checked it out for the first time last night. What a great way to get her reading it. Personally I was unaware that there were people out there who didn't read it.....Shocking! I'm kidding.
Welcome back to the Wilson clan, y'all will have to get Dodd to tell you what he learned about choices we make and how they affect others. Maybe he can share this next time he teaches. That's it, C ya.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I'll say right up front that Gale Clinkscales is the most genuinely honest and nice person that I've ever met. Quick story. One day Lillie (my daughter) had a little accident and we had to go to the Dr. and we ran into Gale. She was very concerned and when we got home she had baked us a casserole and left on our doorstep. It was kinda like a Norman Rockwell moment. Not only is she Super Cool, but she is Super Nice. I really do appreciate her openess is Sunday School and her giving spirit is truly a gift.
Lets move onto the questions, here is Gale in her own words:
Favorite food? Believe it or not, I do not have a favorite food, but there are many that I love. Great Mexican, it may be my favorite, but it is an impossibility in the big city of Belton. I also love great pizza, and of course chocolate ice cream.
Favorite thing to do?I like anything outdoors. I love flowers, plants, boating, swimming, hiking real mountains, and the smell of fresh air.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I think that I would love to be a mother of two God grounded children.
Favorite TV show and movie? I love Grey's Anatomy and Favorite movie is the Shawshank Redemption.
Favorite music? I like everything except rap.
Favorite place on the planet? It would have to be somewhere that involved water. (Lake, pond, river, ocean, bathtub)
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? The three A's... Australia, Africa, and Alaska.
Favorite sport @ team? The University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Family info (Husband, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Hank (46), Tom (16), Molly (14) , golden "Maggie". golden doodle "Lucy", one cat "coco", and one snake, "Louis". I have six siblings which include my very own twin named "Dale". (Not T. Dale)
Best friend? Let's see, I have three....
What are you afraid of? Unspoken fears that are very real!!
When did you get saved? About 30 years ago.
Church background? Methodist
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Mary Rickenbaker
What has been a defining moment in your life? The birth of both of my children.
Thank you Gale for a look in and welcome to the blog. That's right, Gale checked it out for the first time last night. What a great way to get her reading it. Personally I was unaware that there were people out there who didn't read it.....Shocking! I'm kidding.
Welcome back to the Wilson clan, y'all will have to get Dodd to tell you what he learned about choices we make and how they affect others. Maybe he can share this next time he teaches. That's it, C ya.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Plugged In
I am excited this morning. I am ready for just about anything that may come my way today. I feel like whatever the devil throws at me it will bounce off, and my prayer is that it will last all day. Do you ever feel that way upon waking up? I wake up almost everyday this way and as soon as I start working the devil tries to steal my joy!! Sometimes he succeeds and sometimes he doesn't, but regardless he is always trying. Why doesn't he ever give up? Why is it that some of you don't feel the devils pull?
He never gives up because misery loves company and if you don't feel his pull.....you may be walking with him. The devil is good at what he does, but it only takes one thing to daily beat him......JESUS! You have to be plugged in to Jesus. Its like my laptop, as long as the battery is charged up I don't have to be plugged in. But as soon as the battery starts to use up its power, the level at which it performs starts to drop and I simply have to plug it in if I want to continue working. Simple concept and this is true with just about any electronic device. And I think you see the parrallation to our daily relationship, walk, commitment, and covenant we have with our Lord and Saviour. We simply have to be plugged in for us to perform at the optimum level to combat the devil.
We simply can't do it alone. So charge up your batteries with prayer, reading the bible, christian music, or you name it. Get plugged in and stay there.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
He never gives up because misery loves company and if you don't feel his pull.....you may be walking with him. The devil is good at what he does, but it only takes one thing to daily beat him......JESUS! You have to be plugged in to Jesus. Its like my laptop, as long as the battery is charged up I don't have to be plugged in. But as soon as the battery starts to use up its power, the level at which it performs starts to drop and I simply have to plug it in if I want to continue working. Simple concept and this is true with just about any electronic device. And I think you see the parrallation to our daily relationship, walk, commitment, and covenant we have with our Lord and Saviour. We simply have to be plugged in for us to perform at the optimum level to combat the devil.
We simply can't do it alone. So charge up your batteries with prayer, reading the bible, christian music, or you name it. Get plugged in and stay there.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Late
This morning we started back up with Men's Fraternity, so I'm running late and behind. I want to share just one thing with you this morning as time is very limited. During our session earlier, Robert Lewis talked about Psalm 1 and I liked it, and wanted to share it with you. It says:
1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3 (NASB)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3 (NASB)
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Facing Your Giants
One of my new year resolutions is to read more. My "to read" pile is pathetic. I used to read all the time until the kids were born, and now I just can't find the time. But this year I am gonna try and make the time. I am reading so many books right now, and just like with everything, I love to start something, but have a hard time finishing. Just ask Lori about the number of projects around the house, I should also point out that my mother-in-law could give you an ear full too. But in '07 I'm gonna try and do better.
Not finished yet with the book In a Pit with a Lion On a Snowy Day, I started Facing Your Giants last night. I know this isn't what I need to do, but I love Max Lucado's writing and when I read pages 2 and 3 and I realized why I picked it up. This book (it appears after just 3 pages) is not just about David and Goliath, but about our Goliath's that we face. Let me show you what caught my attention in this book so far:
Your Goliath doesn't carry a sword or shield; he brandishes blades of unemployment, abandonment, sexual abuse, or depression. Your giant doesn't parade up and down the hills of Elah; he prances through your office, your bedroom, your classroom. He brings bills you can't pay, grades you can't make, people you can't please, whiskey you can't resist, pornography you can't refuse, a career you can't escape, a past you can't shake, and a future you can't face. You know well the roar of Goliath!
Wow! I believe no matter where you are Max hit it. How many of us view the above mentioned as Goliath's? How many times have you taken the David attitude and met him head on with the help of God? I know I try to do it by myself a lot of the time. Max has a little caption on the back cover that says it best: Focus on Giants - You Stumble. Focus on God - Your Giants Tumble.
When you think of everything in your life as Goliath its easy to get inspired by David. He didn't focus on Goliath he focused on God, and the giant fell. I think it really is that easy. Whatever your giant or giants charge them in '07 and look to God for the power to defeat them.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Not finished yet with the book In a Pit with a Lion On a Snowy Day, I started Facing Your Giants last night. I know this isn't what I need to do, but I love Max Lucado's writing and when I read pages 2 and 3 and I realized why I picked it up. This book (it appears after just 3 pages) is not just about David and Goliath, but about our Goliath's that we face. Let me show you what caught my attention in this book so far:
Your Goliath doesn't carry a sword or shield; he brandishes blades of unemployment, abandonment, sexual abuse, or depression. Your giant doesn't parade up and down the hills of Elah; he prances through your office, your bedroom, your classroom. He brings bills you can't pay, grades you can't make, people you can't please, whiskey you can't resist, pornography you can't refuse, a career you can't escape, a past you can't shake, and a future you can't face. You know well the roar of Goliath!
Wow! I believe no matter where you are Max hit it. How many of us view the above mentioned as Goliath's? How many times have you taken the David attitude and met him head on with the help of God? I know I try to do it by myself a lot of the time. Max has a little caption on the back cover that says it best: Focus on Giants - You Stumble. Focus on God - Your Giants Tumble.
When you think of everything in your life as Goliath its easy to get inspired by David. He didn't focus on Goliath he focused on God, and the giant fell. I think it really is that easy. Whatever your giant or giants charge them in '07 and look to God for the power to defeat them.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
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