Spend Less - Give More

This has been a wonderful - yet very different Christmas season for us. Don't get me wrong, it has been great - its just felt different. We've put far less emphasis on the gift part....and we've tried hard to spend more time just 'being' together. Enjoying the gift of our family.....and trying to be more mindful of what this season is truly about. Our Pastor has been leading a series of Sundays that have been amazing. The entire series is entitled Christmas Rebellion - Taking Christmas Back. If you weren't there....I wish you could have been. There are some great notes on our church website....click here to read more.

The first Sunday we began this series, we talked about Worship. Worshiping the one we celebrate during this season. As we came in that Sunday, we were asked what burdens we were carrying. What was keeping us from truly experiencing the gift of Christmas. Was it money worries? Family issues? Depression? Name it....then write it down. After we wrote our words down on paper they provided - we tore them up into little pieces - then placed them in a bowl that was passed down each row. Chris asked us to just get rid of those things....give them to God. Worship him fully - and allow him to be the reason for movement and worship and celebration this season. At the end of the service......the tiny pieces of paper had been used to make a beautiful mosaic creation. Two hands holding a heart.




If the picture were closer, you would be able to see portions of the words that were written on the papers. I imagine there were all kinds of words. Being honest with you now...when asked what could hinder me from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas this year - I had to write down busyness. I can get so busy some times I just miss it you know? Not this year....I will not be busy about being busy this year. How beautiful it can be when we give our worries to God and truly worship him with everything we have....holding nothing back. Remember, he promises to give beauty for ashes right??


Last Sunday, we talked about the spending aspect....buying less. And giving more. We even talked about the wise men who set out on their journey to find the one who was promised. They followed a star in the dessert to find the one they knew would change history. Not a king in a palace, but one in a manger...in a barn. How humbling...how amazing....how relatable...how God is that???? The art that was created this past Sunday was pretty amazing. We entered to find a painting of a lady who had a shopping cart full of packages. Through out the message, Chris had taken off packages that were glued to the front of the painting. The Macy's Star that was formerly at the top of that painting was taken off and a majestic star was painted at the top of the canvas. As we sang about the Glory of God and worshiped God....while thinking of changes we could make this season.....pieces of the painting were being cut away. The first layer was being taken off in certain places - where the shopper was once standing. What was unveiled underneath the lady who was in a hurry to shop....was a wise man, on a camel - following a star with a gift in hand...for His King.






It was pretty cool.....it totally made you think. The question I left with yesterday was this; What am I giving this year to my King?? What am I teaching my kids to give? Have I taught them that it really is all about Jesus??? You know, I think my kids do get it. And I'm thankful. Grateful. Chris did ask us if we wrap up Christmas each year....thinking to ourselves that we missed the mark spiritually. You know, thinking that this year...I will make Christmas all about Jesus. Then, we get busy, don't do the things we planned, and still shopped and spent like every Christmas before. Did we not do the devotions...or read with our kids like we planned??? I think we have all felt that once or twice haven't we? He also commented on what the Wise Men must have talked about as they walked away from being in the presence of 'God with us', Emmanuel. Do you think that the Wise Men walked away saying..."yeah, I had big plans for this event...but it didn't really turn out as spiritual as I wanted it too...." No way....they walked away pumped...changed.....and totally fulfilled because their hearts were all about him. Wow...They followed the sign straight to Jesus.

I can't wait to see what next Sunday holds! If I can encourage you to do anything this Christmas besides the obvious of spending less and giving more...I encourage you to find time be alone and thank God for sending his son....to be with us here on earth. Read the Christmas Story, you know..the birth of Christ. Click here...how long has it been since you've walked through these words in the Bible? Its amazing.....inconcievable....and true.


In case you are wondering....yes, Kevin is partly responsible for the artwork you see. I am excited that he is using his talents again within church. We are so excited about what God is doing at a2 Church. We are growing....and Gods word is spreading and that is very cool.....to say the least! We meet each Sunday at 9:45am and always have a fresh pot of coffee going. We have a special Christmas Eve service planned that will be wonderful I know!!!

Matthew 2: 1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Merry Christmas - May you spend less this Christmas as you give and receive so much more!!!!

When God Calls YOUR Name....

Wow, I am so excited to share what is going on in our lives. Since May of this year, we have been part of a vision to plant a new church in Birmingham, Alabama. The church is called a2. That alone has you asking questions doesn't it? It is a church that loves God and all His people. I know all churches do......its just that I am experiencing this in amazing ways right now where I am with a2. The reaching out to others has been such a blessing to me! Beginning this church has opened doors for me to share my faith with others, that I might not have had without this experience. a2 is a different church...we are in a storefront for goodness sakes. I never thought that would appeal to me...but sometimes, that is what is most appealing to others. Sharing a2, I'm finding that is simply what some people need and are craving.

Check out this video from our lead pastor Chris Goins. I watched it this morning and was more than excited! I can't wait!!

We are a body of believers that are totally excited to provide new opportunities for worship and encounters with Jesus. It's a church for those who might have given up on church in the past. A church that desires and longs to see what God sees in each and every person...... His image, people more than worthy to be reached out too....the reason we go to church and the reason each of us become Christians in the first place. It's all about Him. About the God who loves us all....equally, and gave his life for us...that we might go out and reach the lost, the ones who feel they have nowhere to go. The ones who feel....maybe church didn't 'work' for them last time. a2 will be a beacon for God's Love.

About a year ago...or possibly more, Kevin and I felt a stirring to do something. But, we didn't know what. It was like a restlessness that I can't explain any other way than to say it was just a sensing that God was leading us to do something different. We talked about many things....but nothing felt definitive in that we knew it was where God wanted us. We've talked occasionally about the mission field and what that would mean for our family.....one day...would that be our calling??? Well, in hearing about A2, and the plans that were unfolding - we became more and more drawn to the vision. Once we heard the plan - we knew - we both knew immediately God wanted us to be part of this church plant. Once we both said out loud our feelings, and agreement - we no longer felt that restlessness. When God calls you to do something you can run and run, but you will not find rest. When you submit and commit....you might be busier than you've ever been in your life - but your soul will find rest...that is for sure.


Take a moment and read Acts chapter 2...its not long. Click here.

These verses sum up a2 for me;

The Fellowship of the Believers

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

I praise God for my new church family and I pray many blessings for those involved in this amazing adventure. It's my privilege to run this race along side all of you!

Who are the Sugarbabies you might ask? Well, I'll tell you!

Last week was crazy. I posted last week that I was away from my family traveling on business. Well, after I wrapped up some sales calls on Thursday - I changed hotels and met 7 of my favorite friends in Atlanta for fun and the Women of Faith conference. This was a long week for my husband and boys......but they were great to wish me a great weekend anyway! We had a blast and I know I for one....felt refreshed...even if I was dog tired! The slideshow from our trip is playing on the front page of my blogsite. We had so much fun!

There is something about getting away with friends that remind you how amazing life can be. I mean, I sometimes forget to be so thankful for the people I've met and how they really pour into my life.



This is a group of ladies that I met through a weekend experience called Tres Dias. We call ourselves The Sugarbabies. We've been known by that name for a few years now...5 at least. Long explanation...maybe one day...but not now. Anyway, I never would have met some of these ladies, had I not attended my Tres Dias weekend back in 2001. The weekend in itself blessed my life completely in a good way. This group of friends was a bonus! These ladies love me regardless and in spite of my many flaws. They give me space when I need it, (sometimes I drop off the face of the earth),they call to check on me....but then they'll say....she's just needing some space- she's ok. If I'm not ok...they come running believe me! I just do a weird go-underground type thing ever now and then when I am overwhelmed. It's all good. I probably need therapy...but no time right now!

We have a text prayer chain. When we get a text...it can simply say...pray for so and so now. And we do. We'll have a group email that goes out regarding something silly or important...either way....we all try to stay connected. And we try...really hard to connect personally at least once a month. You have to. Friendship, real friendship is hard work....but so worth it!

Anyway, during our weekend fun we heard from many great speakers at the conference, cried during some...laughed a whole lot during others and seriously...just had a great time over all.

Our group ranges in age from almost 30.......to mid 40's. I love it. We've got most every stage covered. Whatever one of us is going through....there is typically someone who's been there before. We are each so different and I think that is what makes us fun. We are a group comprised of stay at home moms, work at home moms, office manager, flight attendant, teacher and attorney. Go figure. We attend different churches and are all different denominations.....Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, non-denominational..... followers of Christ. That is what brings us together and blends us so well with each other.

We had to drive separately back to Atlanta. I know the mini-van in front of us listened to the Alabama game. My car.....we jammed to the Disco count down as loud as we could at times. Dancing too.....with our hands anyway. That might be the highlight of the day for me on Saturday! Again, a blessed reminder to me with all that God has given me.

I would say that if I wanted to send one thing to you...encouraging that I gained from this weekend is that life was not meant to live alone. Get away when you can with your friends that build you up. Have people that hold you accountable to be the best person that you can be. Surround yourself with friends that won't accept any less from you than who they know you are...and can be. Have friends that tell you, YOU CAN DO IT!......when everyone else tells you that you are out of your mind! Oh....and most importantly....have friends that will ditch the last session of a conference because they crave conversation with you....and they know when you part this time....it will be months before it can happen again. And all the Sugarbabies in the house said.....AMEN.


"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love that it's Friday!

YYYYYEEEEEAAAAA!!!!! I feel like I made it! It is the weekend and there will be some time for fun. I am looking forward to some 'high school' tailgating tonight and then hopefully a Win for Spain Park! Saturday will be fun too - our plan is to go skating to see if Max can skate. Why you ask? Because for his 10th birthday, this November he is thinking that he wants to have a skating party.....but he wants to be sure he can skate first. What a hoot!

Update; Nick gave the girl the CD.....she loved it and said yes. They seem to be a couple....I mean with one question.....the relationship changes. I saw them last night at Scout's football game and after the game, she came up and was bubbly as usual. This time, though, she greeted me with a smiley "Ms. Shannon!!" and then walked up a couple of bleachers to give me a hug. Nick smiled like a proud parent. I like her....I love Nick's heart more.....I hope this is a good life experience for both. I am praying!!!! Nick told me last night that she shared her CD with the girls and they said that is the most awesome way anyone has ever been asked to Homecoming. He then followed up with the fact that he would always ask his dad for suggestions. He sees now...that his dad truly does know what girls/women want! Go Kevin!

Ok...a friend of mine, Tony had this insane.....wacky picture on his Facebook profile. I seriously, enjoyed laughing at it. He had some fun at this website. You MUST do this! It's not hard...and it is beyond fun. Kevin and I stayed up past midnight one night making pictures of ourselves.....thought I would share a few with you! You MUST email me a pic of you...if you enjoy the random funness of this site!


Me in 1966. My face is big.....but its pretty funny.

Kevin in 1954

1958

1970

I am glad I met him in 1991~ Whew...that was fun.


Today, I love that I am going out to start my day with joy and expectation of GREAT things. I love that I had a sweet time alone with God this morning. I praise Him for this joy!!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Rainy Days & Mondays

Remember the Carpenter's song, Rainy Days and Mondays? Well...they don't get me down....they just make me glad. Seriously! I am sitting in my favorite place in the world, (home) and it is raining, the house is now quiet and I have coffee!!!!

So, I'm going to catch up on a few things this morning and just enjoy some time here. The grocery store and errands...in the rain can wait! The house is all mine. ALL MINE!!! That is such a blessing in itself I almost don't notice the laundry I need to do or the dirty dishes from our breakfast time. There will be time for that....in just a bit. For now....I will just be still, and drink one more cup of coffee.

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth

Conversations with Strangers

Last night, I flew home and was so thankful to be back in Birmingham. I had a great week and a successful trip for work, but coming home....feels better than anything. I'm enjoying being at home with two of my boys today as it rains. However, its much less rain than what I had all week in Orlando! That was severe!!!

While I was in Orlando, I met a woman that I sat beside at our closing luncheon. As we sat together and began the usual get to know you questions, she mentioned that her business was going quite well since she divorced her husband. I guess I looked surprised, because she then offered alot of the details as to why her husband was so awful. He was a verbally abusive person from what she said and told me her kids agreed. I truly didn't know what to say...but I knew whatever it was...it needed to count. Literally, the only thing that seemed to make sense was, "I'm so sorry". As I spoke those words to her, I just patted her hand and looked away for a moment. When I looked back at her, I noticed her eyes were filling with tears. As I suspected...it really was not OK. I then said, "you are not ok are you". She insisted she was and told me that her kids were simply coming out of their shells and she was better than she had ever been in her life. I still wasn't buying it. There was a sadness in her that just could not be ignored. She had been married for 22 years and the divorce was just final 4 months ago. I asked her if she had a home church in Texas where she was from. She didn't. She said that she had never really found a church that was 'for her'. So I said, "So you do believe in God...and Christianity for that matter.". To both of those...she said, "Oh yes! I'm Christian, but just fell out of the habit of going to church when my kids were little. I stay so busy". When she said that,I told her I definitely understood the busy thing..and sometimes, when life is crazy the only thing that can help me is without a doubt, Jesus. But there are those times....when I need Jesus with skin on....and many times,that has been my church family. Being part of a body of believers that come together often (weekly) to praise, study, fellowship and recharge.... is something I don't do well without. I went on to tell her the benefits of finding a church home and how you find encouragement there when dealing with divorce, death, sorrow....and celebrating the joys in life too.

It's Saturday and she is on my mind today. I'm wondering if she is back in Texas and if she is thinking of that short coversation she had with a stranger...and how she shared some very personal information with that gal from Alabama (me). I pray that my words encouraged her....and that the holy spirit continues to work in and around her - that she hears His voice telling her to find a place to worship. To find community and share life with those who love her and the Lord too!

Alright....I'm going to wash several loads of laundry now. But you know what? I am thankful.....I've actually missed my household chores these past few days. Going away does remind me how blessed I am...when I come home! So...today is Saturday and its rainy which I love. I'll watch a sappy movie, fold some laundry and drink coffee while the boys hang with their friends.

I love being home. I hope my new friend in Texas finds happiness in her home as well. And as far as church homes go....I'm excited to be a part of my new church. It's very much a new experience for my family. We've never been part of a church plant before. But we are so excited God is using us in this way. If you want to know about our new church, click HERE. A2 is our name and I promise, you'll find Jesus with skin on here!!

Psalm 122:1
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the LORD

A Prayer for Hannah Underwood

Sunday morning, I went to sit with a friend of mine who has a 17 year old daughter recently diagnosed with severe stage - MS. The official diagnosis came Friday, although they had some clues earlier in the week. The Underwood family has been a vital part of Tres Dias for quite a while now. My friend Cindy, was the Rector for the 2008 Fall weekend for Birmingham Tres Dias. Hannah, serves on the council for the VN community here in Birmingham. VN is a Tres Dias experience for teenagers. I cannot tell you how special this family is. They love and trust the Lord - and are showing great strength through this trial.

If you knew Hannah, you wouldn't be surprised that while I was there on Sunday morning, she was all smiles, being positive and open with what is going on with her right now. In fact, while I was there she got the news that she would have to remain in the hospital a while longer because of the tremors in her left hand and arm. She just looked at her mom, and said, "Well, I guess I'm not going home today after all", then she smiled and kind of joked with her mom that she shouldn't have said anything about the tremors so they could go home. Her mom is a nurse at that very hospital and could easily watch her and do some therapy at home. But...Cindy is (reluctantly) learning how to be a mom and patient...not the Nurse in charge of a patient.

A friend of the Tres Dias community, Craig Pierce wrote a beautiful prayer of healing for Hannah. It was posted in her hospital room and copies are being given out to friends and family who come to visit. I'm sharing it with you and asking you to please pray with us for the healing of Hannah.

Healing Prayer of Hannah Underwood

Heavenly Father, I call on you right now in a special way. It is through your power that Hannah was created. Every breath she takes, and every morning she wakes and every moment of every hour she lives under your power. Father, I ask you now to touch Hannah with that same power. For if you created her from nothing, you can certainly recreate her. Fill her with the healing power of your spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in her. Mend what is broken, root out any unproductive cells, open blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas or tissues, remove all inflammation, and cleanse any infection. Repair and restore her brain and remove the lesions that were detected by the MRI. Remove all traces of any cancerous cells, or any defected cells in her body. Let the warmth of your healing love pass through her body to make new any unhealthy areas so that her body will function the way you created it to function. And Father, restore Hannah to full health in mind and body and spirit so that she may serve you the rest of her life. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The story of the hairbrush...seriously. But first...grab some coffee - this blog is LONG!

This is long...but so good. Not my own words. These are borrowed from Beth Moore. I looked and looked for a video and couldn't find one. Hearing her tell this story....is the best. She tells it as only Sister Beth can. I love that woman!!! I've heard her in person only once, and I'll never forget it! So, though its not in video form, take a moment to read the life happening referred to as the parable of the hairbrush. I can just see this happening to her.

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters. For more on her you can visit her here on her blog.

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.

The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport....an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh, no, God, please, no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it... "I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair."

The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man."

Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."

I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?"

"May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?"

To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that."

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?"

At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull.

A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees and said, "Sir, do you know my Jesus?"

He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said, "You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride."

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?"

I said, "Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!"

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way. . . all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We Have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

I think of this story EVERY Time I hear the song Aware. Its a song by the group Salvador. Anyway, here are a few lyrics that just get to me each time I hear it. If you want to listen to the song, click here.

Make me aware, make me see
That everything I am is not all about me
So Take my world and turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found
Make me aware
I have been missing so much
Not recognizing your touch
Or Acknowledging that you’re the reason
I'm even here
I have been missing so much not recognizing your touch
Make me aware, make me aware


To be AWARE of Him in all things.....Lord, make me aware.

Deeper than just Olympics

Like most of you we have been totally engrossed in watching the Olympics. Our favorites so far have been Beach Volleyball and swimming. Both men's and women's divisions. It is amazing to see the strength and talent and total competitive spirit out there. Literally, we get to the point where we are yelling as they approach the last lap....or are set for the winning point. My hands have been totally sweating and clapping!!!

As we were watching Michael Phelps last night, he looked very serious didn't he? The day before he seemed to be a bit more light in spirit. There seemed to be just a focused mind yesterday - and that is good. He knew what he needed to do. I started thinking about his drive and actually...that lead me to thinking about his mother. Wow....how did she parent and help channel that drive inside her son? I wish she would write a book! Is she a christian?? I want to know more. Anyway...I thought it was odd that Michael did not walk during the opening. I heard what they were saying about him wanting to save his energy - but wow...to miss a bit of the glory in opening. That seemed odd to me. But I guess to Michael, it was more about the race at hand...not just the 'short term' glory. Then again last night, when he came in 3rd in the qualifying round for one of the races, I thought....that is crazy. He looked like he was halfway swimming! What's wrong??? Again, I hear the commenters discussing Michael's strategy for saving his energy for the race that 'mattered most'. Oh.....again, wisdom on Phelps's part.

How many times do I place my energy on the least important parts of my day. Sometimes I get more involved in the things that 'seem' to be important and are showing others how busy I am...rather than the things that are really important. We are here to bring glory to our Lord. To bring others to know Him. That's pretty much it. It's not about how much we are liked or how successful we are. It's all about HIM and somehow, more times than not....I make it about me.

In all seriousness, I woke up this morning thinking....today I want to think about the things that are most important and not waste my time or energy on the things that won't help me get there. I don't want to focus and waste time on the things that steal my energy from what I really want to do!

How I got this from the spirited competition of the Olympics? Only He knows. He knows that I need Him to speak to me in sometimes unconventional ways. It's just how I work. Maybe you too. Thank goodness our Lord knows each of us individually. Right??? All I know, is that I hear him saying, "Shannon, run toward the prize, not toward the stuff that won't last". So today....that is what I'll do. And tomorrow...I'll wake up and try to do the same!

Philipians 3:13 - 15

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you

They will know HIM by my love.

As I was flipping through my prayer journal this morning, I was reminded at how good God is. How faithful He is. The reason for keeping a prayer journal is also reinforced within me because I can go back and see certain things where I've cried out to God...and how He's moved in those situations. Good and bad....there are some where He simply says, "you may not understand right now...but one day you will". Those are sometimes hard aren't they.

I am sitting in the middle of a situation where I feel closed. I feel my heart closing and that is dangerous. You see, I feel like the person in the "right"....I feel like I have a cause to be and say what I say to this person. And then...in the middle of my time with the Lord this morning, I see where I have prayed for this person over and over....and I ask God to move and to work. And I stay still. I hurt for them, and I am also hurt by them. But what I hear God saying to me is "They will know ME by your love for them Shannon". And in my situation now, I am not showing love. Unconditional love is humanly impossible to show. This means pushing aside pride, hurt feelings - even when they are considered justified. Unconditional is simply without conditions or stipulations.

What the Lord spoke to me this morning is that you can't stay still when you are asking Him to move. Love is a verb. It's something you do. They will know HIM by our love. By my love toward others. The person I want so desperately to reach can only begin to see what I want them to see in Christ when I move and look like the love of Christ. I am far from that right now. But, I'm making baby steps and I know that He is with me and will walk beside me the whole way. I just gotta be willing to love and act on that love for others.

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you

John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Luke 6 (The Message Translation)

35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

On vacation this summer, I bought a sign to hang in my kitchen. I love hanging quotes and sayings within our home. I love having this reminder....

Live your life in such a way that those who know you but don't know God will come to know God because they know you.

Lord, thank you so much for your Word. I pray for the courage and boldness to live out what I say I believe and I pray that you quicken my spirit to act and show your love at all times. Please forgive me Lord, for falling so short of this. Thank you for a new day.

Today

Well, its early and I am totally excited that I am at home with the boys for the next few days. I about killed myself cleaning last night so I would not have that over my head today. I want to just go to the waterpark...sit in the lazy river and have some girl time with my friend. Ah....the true last days of summer. I know it will be hot, and the heat index is totally off the charts. But, can you really complain if your just crusing the lazy river? I don't think so.

This Thursday, the kids will go back to school and so will my routines. It can get crazy. Not that I am anticipating...or even thinking crazy right now. I just know it can happen. And that makes me think of one of my FAVORITE devotional readings of all time. I keep it by 'my place' and read it quite often. Today....I started my morning off reading it again. I need to hear those words. And because I read them often, I find that literally, when I get frustrated during my day...I think about choosing a reaction instead of just plain reacting. It just seems to say what I need to hear. I've copied it and put it in the boys room and in my office too. I think that on Thursday, I'll remind the boys again of these words. It's by Max Lucado......and he's awesome! He has a way with words...see what you think. I pray it blesses you today as well.

"It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE...No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY...I will invite my God to be the God of circumstances. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE...I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE ...I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS...I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS...I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS...Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS...Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL...I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will not, rule the eternal. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ.

LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULLNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL Gal.5:22,23

To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest with the peace that passes all understanding."

---Max Lucado

Calmness

I recently wrote this verse on the chalkboard that hangs in my kitchen. It could never have been more true than at Middle School Registration yesterday.

Ecc 10:4 Calmness can lay great errors to rest

When I found that verse on Monday it just hit home with me. It seemed perfect for my kitchen....a perfect reminder for me and my family as we are MOST spirited! But, as my week has gone on...the verse has intrigued me in a big way. So this morning, I find myself wanting to know more.....why was that verse there? What is before and after that verse???? So I go to Ecclesiastes and I read. How can anyone read that and find the Bible NOT relavant to today? I pray that this blesses you in some way - because it surely has blessed me and I KNOW it will help me on my day entering a more than busy weekend.


Ecclesiastes 10 (The Message Translation)

1 Dead flies in perfume make it stink, And a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom.

2 Wise thinking leads to right living;
Stupid thinking leads to wrong living.

3 Fools on the road have no sense of direction.
The way they walk tells the story: "There goes the fool again!"

4 If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic;
A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage.
5-7 Here's a piece of bad business I've seen on this earth, An error that can be blamed on whoever is in charge:
Immaturity is given a place of prominence,
While maturity is made to take a backseat.
I've seen unproven upstarts riding in style,
While experienced veterans are put out to pasture.

8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you.
Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you.

9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous.
Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.

10 Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work;
Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.

11 If the snake bites before it's been charmed,
What's the point in then sending for the charmer?

12-13 The words of a wise person are gracious.
The talk of a fool self-destructs—
He starts out talking nonsense
And ends up spouting insanity and evil.

14 Fools talk way too much,
Chattering stuff they know nothing about.

15 A decent day's work so fatigues fools
That they can't find their way back to town.

16-17 Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup,
And whose princes party all night.
Lucky the land whose king is mature,
Where the princes behave themselves
And don't drink themselves silly.

18 A shiftless man lives in a tumbledown shack;
A lazy woman ends up with a leaky roof.

19 Laughter and bread go together,
And wine gives sparkle to life—
But it's money that makes the world go around.

20 Don't bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath,
And don't abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home.
Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around.
Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide.

My Place

I love getting up in the mornings and having 'my time'. I truly need that time to get ready for the day. In all the fun of summer - I have to admit my routines some times get tossed to the side. I go and go....and then eventually, begin thinking....'I've got to have some time'. What begins to be evident in me....is I've missed my time alone with God. My 'tank is running on empty' some would say.

This weekend, while Kevin was away I did some SERIOUS cleaning. Now, that may not sound like the ideal Saturday night to you - but for me...it was GLORIOUS. I felt so good once I went to be Saturday night. One of the things I did was move my side table back to my living room. Back around Christmas, I moved it into my bedroom beside the bed to accommodate the Christmas tree. I replaced it with a smaller table that could fit beside our tree. After the tree came down.......I just left the smaller table. It was nice for a while....but it totally altered 'my place'.

It felt different and I knew it each time I sat there. I've spent many mornings praying over my husband, children, job, friends, family and for myself in that spot. For me...that is holy ground. I know....that my God meets me there each day. I love that. I need that....and I've missed that!

So this morning.....when I read His word...and listened for his voice....my room was right. Ah.....its the little things. But...its a big thing when we seek him right?

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth." (and in my living room)

This may sound totally insane for some of you....but maybe you need a spot too. Somewhere that you feel God meets you each day. We know that God is all around us and the Holy Spirit...walks with us - but a place is special and I find I NEED it each day. A place where I can be still and know. Do you?

What God said to me today.

Ok...so today, I took our youngest to camp. He was so excited!!! He loves camp with his friends. I had been in his cabin for only minutes when he was already eating beef jerky and promising scary stories to his friends. Ah...it will be a good week. I love that for him. Here is Max as we were leaving this morning.


After I dropped him off, I drove through my old stomping ground! It is always amazing to me to see how things change over time. How things are so different than what I remember. For some reason....when I drove by my high school, a Bible Verse ran through my mind.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever

I began thinking about the way I felt when I was in high school. The feeling you may remember too, of feeling like this is the best. All the things as teenagers we feel that make us totally vulnerable to our peers. It is amazing how many kids (including myself way back then) who have their worth tied into their feelings of all that matters within their high schools.

Looking at these pictures of my old school, I see how its changed. Still an operating high school...but its lost much of its glory. The other pictures are key spots I would go as a teenager. The smaller storefront was a Turtles Store. How many cassettes did I buy there? I have no idea. I know that I bought my treasured A-HA cassette there. That was totally a great album. Remember them? So fun... anyway - the point is....they didn't stand the test of time did they?


This is the Old Turtle Record store. Before then...I think maybe it was a Magic Platter. Remember that one?????

Its like driving through this area was a reminder to me that though I thought everything back then was so important....it wasn't. Well...some was and I did some great things as a teenager. But the whole popularity, fitting in....all that stuff...just so didn't matter as much as I thought it did! Looking ahead, I have 3 boys that are going to think the same thing. And they won't be able to see it either when I tell them that there are things in this life so much more important than their 'here and now'. They'll see their high schools and friends and totally think that I don't know what I'm talking about. My job will be to help them hide THE WORD in their heart as much as I can because I do know...that all else will fade away. Success and accomplishments during their school time is so important. I'm not saying that it isn't. What I am saying....is that it is not everything. And, if I don't have the God part to marry with it...I'm missing something big for my kids.


The Grass will wither....the flowers will fade but the Word of MY GOD will stand forever! Longer than my poor high school and everything else! I guess....its a reminder for me to be realistic that my kids aren't necessarily going to 'get it' during their time in school....but God's word will stick with them regardless. A reminder for me to remember how it feels.....and to not expect them to be everything I was not. Did that make sense to you? It does to me.....maybe it makes more sense to you than you think. Hmmmmmmmmm



yeah, that's me and my girls from high school. They were from my church youth group...Oh the stories we could tell!

When to raise the white flag.....

Summer is just beginning right? I mean we are just now in the middle of June - and I feel tired. Not that I am not enjoying my summer. But there is so much to do. So much to plan for! More laundry, more cleaning (because kids are home and so are their friends!!!), more food to buy and so on. I have made 2 trips to the grocery store this week. The food disappears within days! I have had 5 teenage boys since Tuesday, and believe me, they are having a blast! And please know...I love having them in my home. My boys have great friends - But it does take some work and patience mind you to have a home where kids can hang out.....and want to hang out.

Along with being a teenage busy house, I also work a very people demanding job. I love what I do...but there is always somebody who needs something from me. That seems to be all areas of my life. Most everybody's life I'm sure. I am blessed to have a job that is very flexible and allows me some time at home each afternoon. But there is still that obligation on my part to do my best and serve my employers to the best of my ability. I want to do a good job. I sometimes have a hard time drawing the line between me trying to do a good job and finding balance with my family and time at home. I have a hard time doing this even with my great schedule. It seems as though its a constant cycle. And at times....I can feel the cycle spinning way too fast. I get edgy and just need some space. I feel like I can't do it all and that makes me frustrated.

But guess what.....we can't do it all! It is so unrealistic for me to expect so much of myself. I am not superwoman...even though I like to think I am. You know what I mean, the woman who handles stress with ease, nothing bothers her and she totally still gets all of her laundry done....never letting anything sit longer in the dryer than neccessary! HA! You know that person!!! Even if you are not a woman...I know that men can wrestle with the same type of feelings and pressures.

Today, I am raising the flag. A time out if you will. I am BLESSED to have a boss that appreciates me. When I say I need a day for mental health, he says ok - I am going to pray for you, take the day. He knows that I work hard and my commitment to him is to get my job done. I can do this better when I see that I need a break and I raise my white flag. Those were actually my bosses words...."Thanks for knowing when to raise the white flag". Wow...a rush of peace already.

If you are running and pushing yourself to the limit....stop. Raise your white flag and take a day. Sick days are there for mental health too. I know that my family will benefit from me knowing when to say when. I'll be nicer.....and happier too. So go ahead...if you NEED it....Raise your flag and take time for yourself. If you love your friends and family....you'll do it!


Matthew 11:28

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest", says the Lord.

A Prayer to Bless Others

I found a prayer card this morning from a few years ago. I got it at my inlaws church in Georgia. I remember thinking it was a great prayer to be mindful of others. Thought I would share it with you today.

"God in the name of Jesus Christ, make me a blessing to somebody today!"

"Oh that You would bless my family, my church, and my life and bless them indeed. Expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for Your glory. Let me do more for you! Oh, that Your hand would be with my family, my church and my life as we are totally dependant on You. Lord, keep us safe from temptations and direct our steps away from all that is not of You. Protect us by your power. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen"


As we left the service that day in North Georgia, the cards were handed to each of us. Two short prayers that could impact us each day. I am praying that you are all blessed today as well as my own family. Hope your day is a great one!!

Picture This...

There is a verse in the Bible that I have always loved. It speaks peace to me.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing

I remember the first time I heard that. It was like wow...I get that. I sing over my children. Well...I guess I did more when they were little. But, when I am happy I sing. When I hold a baby (or even my own big babies) I want to sing. The picture of my God singing over me....perfect peace.

I ran across a blog this morning that I often read. Usually, to laugh a bit. It's called Stuff Christians Like. EXTREMELY sarcastic...but funny at times too. (Steve Irby...if you are reading this...you would like this guy) Well, today, he got serious. Let me back up, all his posts have a serious side to a Christian issue. But he finds a humorous way to make us look deep at something good. I think if you like watching 'The Office' on NBC - you'll like this! I know I've got some 'Office' friends our there. I've seen your facebook pages and your 'Office' flair. Ha!

Anyway, today he has a blog on unused gifts. One line mentions that he heard God say to him that when he used his talents for God, God sings. Beautiful. Read this and see what you think. Like me, maybe you'll become a frequent visitor! You might have to copy and paste this link into your browser...cause I just can't figure out how to put an actual link here. Sorry!! I've only had one cup of coffee.

http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/06/271-being-afraid-to-use-our-gifts.html

Hard Conversations

Today is almost over, and I am glad to have part of it behind me. I had a hard conversation with a friend today. Basically - it was sharing a situation of moving churches. It's hard to leave what you know sometimes. The comfort and familiarity. The things we count on. But what happens when God says go? When HE says, I have a new adventure for you. I'm learning that you just go....you just do it. If you don't, he'll just keep bringing it back up every opportunity he gets until you finally say....OK God...I'll go. But sharing that with a friend who I know would be sad, is hard. In more ways than you think.

We've been at our church for a long time. Nine years in fact. It is familiar and a place we love deeply. The people we've grown close to are our extended family. We've all been there for each other through so many things. I could fill a journal with our experiences. Actually, I have gone through quite a few while at our church.

For the past few months, we've been praying about a restlessness we've felt and a leading to move to another church. Our decision is not sudden or without seeking God's plan. Finally, after a few months - we've agreed with God to go on a new adventure. A new experience with God leading us as we help launch a new church in our area. EXTREMELY unknown territory. But...oh...the possibilities! I feel a new excitement now to anxiously await what God is going to do and how we are going to be used to begin this new church.

Our kids are excited, but will also miss the familiar. We've talked with them and for the time being, we are allowing them to be involved in our current church so that they keep ties with their friends. They've done life with that church for 9 years. You just don't let go of something like that. But we know, that they too are going to be used to start this new church as well. We feel strongly it will be something that will help define their Christian walk as well.

As I think on our new task, I am also reminded I don't like change too much. So, I looked up the word and studied it for a bit. Here is what I found;

Change - VERB

1 to make different in some way

2 to pass from one form, state, or level to another
to give up (something) and take something else in return

3 to give up (something) and take something else in return


Antonym stabilize

I can look at all these words and be reminded that though I don't like change, it is necessary sometimes to grow, to be used by God, to keep being transformed by God into the person that he has already planned for me to be. He has a plan for me....for my husband and my boys. And unless we surrender and sometimes give up we want...we won't know that full plan. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss a thing! Even if it means that sometimes I have to give up something (even something I love) for something else (maybe better than I've ever thought could be) in return.

I look forward to sharing more with you on this new phase of our life. We'll all be blessed I know.

Philipians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Just can't get enough!!!

Ya'll...this is totally just because I want to show her off. This is my niece Peighton Bayleigh. I know what you are thinking.....yes, her mom (my sister) found the longest way to spell those two names! But, sweet name just the same. This little baby girl is amazing!!! She has captivated not only me, but EVERY member of my family. We can't get enough of her. She is perfectly formed....beautiful!!!! I look at her and I thank God for creating her just for us. My three boys were the only grandchildren for my parents up until May 12. Then...they (we) received our first baby girl since my sister and I were born. How amazingly special Peighton is to all of us. Enjoy these pictures!!! And as you look at them, pray for our sweet girl and the plans that the Lord has for her. I truly believe God has something special for her. Good Plans!!!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Easy like a Sunday afternoon.....

I know the song from the 70's was Easy Like a Sunday Morning, but today - we were Easy Like a Sunday Afternoon. It was awesome. We've been traveling here and there and it seems that lately, we never sit and enjoy our home! That really bothers me. Do you ever feel that you spend so much time getting your house to a point where each room is completed or decorated....then you never get to just sit and enjoy it??? I feel that way alot. I've tried to be better about finding time to be at home...to just be. You know? Today was one of those days.

Nick went to visit a friend, but Max and Scout truly shared the same vibe Kev and I had. We just laid around for most of the day. Enjoyed each other....movie time on the couch.... a nap here and there. When we were hungry, there was always crackers and cheese. It was that kind of day. GLORIOUS. It was all about being with family and spending some time talking too. It was much needed.

We'll end the night soon with a fireworks show. Compliments of Scout Johnson! I brought back some fun fireworks for the boys driving back from my last Atlanta trip. They love that.

I guess this blog is simply for me. To journal a good day and thank God for this Sunday. I feel very blessed. I feel content and for that, I praise the one who placed me in this very spot. His plan for me was good...and I feel very prosperous!

Psalm 105

1-4 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered

Thank the Lord today for your good life. Your happy life! And since tomorrow is Memorial Day...find some time to take a break and enjoy your home and your family. Look around at what the Lord has done, just for you.