Journey Runner

Vacation Bible School

2010-07-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

We just completed our first VBS at Northwest Baptist last week and thought I'd share a few pics from our facebook page. We had such a great week getting to know everyone while serving the Lord together! What could be better? I'll tell ya- 2 kids getting saved!! PTL!

Move to Gainesville

2010-06-14T22:54:00.000-04:00

What can I say? We have moved to Gainesville Fl and a new adventure has begun! We started our new church on Sunday, and had a glorious beginning! I will post new pics of our home as soon as I get them so everyone can share in our new home!

Does God have a Waiting Room?

2010-02-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

You have definitely been there before. Usually in the dead of winter, on an overcast day, you find yourself among the half living in that place called the "waiting room" of your local Dr.'s office. Growing up I HATED going to the Doctor. Not the appointment, but all the time wasted sitting there waiting for my turn. Sure, they try to make the place inviting, but in reality, no one wants to be there. We are geared up for the main event- finding out what is going on, and looking for a solution, or rather a prescription for the problem we are facing.

Well, here I am in the middle of my spiritual winter. I sit, waiting. Waiting to see what God has in store for me. Waiting to see what the next step is in my journey. Waiting for details!! Don't we all want details about what's next?!

This poses the question for the day? "Does God have a waiting room?"

This may seem like a obvious question for some, but I've really been pondering reasons for waiting on God. I do wait, but usually its with a bad attitude, and I felt like God wanted to change my heart on the subject of waiting. So here goes...

I decided to look up the verb, "wait" in the dictionary and I got this definition: - to remain or rest in expectation.

Immediately I felt like the Lord gave me a picture of what this looks like. I thought back on Biblical characters who sat at the feet of Jesus and remained with Him and rested with Him. First of all, I was reminded of Mary, the sister of Lazarus who remained with Jesus while here sister Martha worked. She sat at the feet of Jesus and interacted with Him through worship and fellowship. Also, I was reminded of the disciples who served alongside Jesus. They reamined with Him as He ministered and looked forward with expectation at He would do next.

The Key here is fellowship with the Living God as we wait!

The Lord reminded me of a verse in John 15:4 which promises Remain in me and I will Remain in you.

Our perspective changes when we see this verse in context with the real meaning of waiting or remaining b/c if we WAIT on the Lord, we are really waitng WITH the Lord. How Awesome is that? Have you ever heard of a waiting room where the doctor stays with you and interacts with you while you wait on results? Isaiah 40:31 encourages us as well: "But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint"
How amazing! When we wait (remain) with the Lord he willrenew us, and help us not to grow weary!

To close my thoughts for today, I wanted to share the lyrics of a song that is my theme song right now. Its called, "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. It has really captured my attention and encouraged me thoroughly.

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting

I'm ba-ack! New Posts to Come!

2010-02-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

I have been away forever it seems, but I have a renewed vigor for blogging after I recently watched "Julie and Julia", a movie about a woman who promises herself to blog daily for a year about cooking recipes from Julia Child's french cookbook masterpiece. I can't promise to write daily, but hopefully I can get after it on a regular basis!!

Many of my written thoughts tend to be devotional in nature so join me as I try to unveil the mysteries of the Christian walk!

Opeartion Christmas Child

2009-11-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

Christmas is starting early this year, and the best way to get in the Christmas Spirit is to give something to someone who may not get Christmas presents. Enter Operation Christmas Child. Make a Child's Christmas by packing a Shoebox full of little goodies and trinkets and send them to Samaratians Purse, an organization that will ship them virtually across the globe to children in need. Here are some simple instructions if you are interested in this project:

1. SHOE BOX-PRINT THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS
Click to download.Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS-Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. DROP OFF Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week November 16 - 23.

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

GIFT IDEAS
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Fall Fest

2009-11-12T14:35:00.001-05:00

On Halloween Night, our church hosted its annual Fall Fest, this year for the first time in our new Family Life Center. We saw SO many cute kiddos dressed up as clowns, old men, construction workers, lots of Batmen and my two paticular faves:

Craig was George W. Bush and Cam was a bag of popcorn! Craig and I decorated or table with an American theme and "Re-Elect George in 2012!" We also had a game of rocket darts at our table. it was really fun, even though I was a humbug and didn't dress up this year! Katie opted out of Fall fest for a costume par-tay where she dressed up as a cowgirl.

As you can see, Cam had a ball with all her buddies and got loaded up on candy and goodies. We had a really great crowd and served tons of hot dogs and chips to all our guests for the evening.

After the Fall Fest, We hit Boo on Main, which islocated in downtown Westminster. The Local Vendors and Buisnesses close down Main Street Wesetminster and line up and give candy away to all the town's kids. Its really a fun way to see everyone, but this year there were LOTS of Scary Costumes and Cam got a bit spooked, so we headed across town to another Fall Par-tay and loaded up on Cotton Candy!! We also went trick or treating and can you believe it- Cam got NO Peanut candy! That was a first!

After the Sugar buzz wore off, we headed home and made caramel apples while Cam counted all the goods! Overall We had a great time!! Now we'll be eating this candy till Christmas!

2009-10-09T08:42:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Lessons From Wii Fit Running!

2009-07-27T11:38:00.000-04:00

SO, I am becoming a runner, not a long distance runner, not running sprints or marathons, or even 3k's , but I am running , nonetheless, in my basement of my home either by way of treadmill or Wii Fit! How on earth do I do that? By jogging in place and running virtually through a green, plush landscape that never has bad roads, you can see virtually anyone while you run and even have a trainer along to keep you on pace. 21st century excercise at its best!

Not really, but it is fun and gets you moving, and sometimes can even teach us something new about our journey with Jesus!

A few weeks ago, as my husband and I were praying together over several family matters, I was reminded that my running the race with Jesus was similar to that of running with my trainer on Wii Fit. You see, the trainer keeps you moving at a steady pace. My trainer looks back every once in a while to make sure I'm still moving forward and waves me on in my journey. if I start to run too fast and overtake my trainer, he slows me down and keeps me on the path that has been set out for me. Also, the trainer knows where the finish line is, knows the best route, and how to get there, while I get all the benefits of running the race that has been set out for me!How often do I do those things when walking/running with Jesus? I often challenge the path that He has set before me to walk, or try to run ahead and blaze my trail. Often times I stop altogether when I then don't have Jesus as my leader, or injure myself by running into spiritual potholes or stumbling blocks. If I just keep my eyes on the path set before me and on Jesus, I will run a more steady course.

Of course there are times that we do need to stop and rest b/c of pitfalls and road hazards.

These are times when we especially need to have our heavenly dad with us, guiding us, cheering us. I heard a story a long time ago about a runner who was sprinting to the end of a race when he fell and injured himself to the point where he could not stand, nor finsh the race. His dad was nearby in the crowd, cheering him on, when he witnessed His son's injury. The father of the runner then went into the race, picked up his son and began to walk while carrying his son, to the finish line, thereby helping his son complete the race that he had started. My friends, there will be times when we fall, when we are injured, when we literally can not walk, that our Father desires to come and pick us up and carry us until we can stand on our own two feet alone. that is why it is so important that He runs the race with us and preferably, ahead of us!! How many hurtful things would we bypass if he was able to navigate for us?

Our journey is a beautiful thing , a real walk with Jesus, not a virtual one. He longs to come into your journey and walk with you! Will you let Him?

Youth Group Reunion

2009-06-18T08:56:00.000-04:00

I just returned from a wonderful family reunion, but not an ordinary one. It was a reunion of my youth group from church- wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ that I shared many wonderful moments of laughter, drama, love, and most of all moments of spiritual growth.
We experienced the Lord together, and that is what drew us closer to each other, ultimately.

One of the most surreal moments was seeing 4 of the most influential spiritual influences of my growing up in one room! 2 youth minsters- one who led me to the Lord, and one who fostered my love for Jesus and ministry, one Sunday School teacher who singlehandedly helped me fall in love with Scripture and most of all, Jesus, and one fantastic mentor who helped mold me and shape my thoughts about who God wanted me to be in all areas of my life!! WOW!

One of the reasons I think this weekend was so amazing was because it reminds me of a family reunion that is to come!! Heaven will much like this, talking to one another about what God has done for us and seeing how far everyone has come in their personal relationship with Jesus. We'll have a chance to thank those who personally ministered to us and helped us grow, but most importantly, we'll finally be united fully with Christ!! What an amaing thing to look forward to. We will know and fully be known by the one who created us and bought us so that we would fully be His!! What a happy time that willl be!

Happy Birthday or Anniversary?

2009-06-04T09:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I celebrated a milestone- a spiritual milestone- twenty two years since I asked Jesus as my Savior, and began a relationship with Him. Until yesterday, I always refered to it as my "spiritual birthday"- it is , of course the day I was born into the Kingdom of heaven. But yesterday bloomed a new meaning from this sweet relationship.

It all started with a simple post on facebook. I decided I wanted to share what a special day it was for me on a status post. Then the most exciting comments began to roll in! A dear friend commented how cool it was to celebrate an anniversary with Jesus, another one commented how long she had been in realtionship with Jesus- 37 years! and it became more like a walk down memory lane for those who were relationship with my Jesus!!

What I discovered was a new perspective of my relationship WITH someone! I had viewed this day as a celebration for me (selfish as I always seem to be) instead of a celebration of a relationship that began that day! I spent the rest of the day recovering memories of the ups and downs I have had and how faithful Jesus has been to me over the years!

This new perspective vastly challenged me to think more in the terms of growing the bond with Jesus- like how I can work at my relationship with my Savior to make it stronger. Just like I strive to make my realtionship with Craig better, I need to constantly think of ways to grow closer to Jesus and to understand Him More and grow with Him! I have always seemed to think of this as "my realtionship" , but it always begins with Him, and is about Him!

Wow! I can't wait to celebrate my annivsersary with Jesus next year and look back on what we've been through together over this year! Its going to be amazing!!

Frenemies

2009-05-28T09:23:00.000-04:00

Recently, I heard the term "Frenemy" on one of those reality type shows and the word just jarred me. Does this ever happen to you? You hear some new word and it just sticks with you?

I believe this word had a huge impact on me b/c of the situation I find myself in. Recently, my youngest daughter has really struggled with "frenemies". A person that by all means is not your friend at all because of their behavior toward you, but still calls you, 'friend'. Or this person is so double-minded that you never know where you stand with them. They get mad at the drop of a hat at you for nothing, really, and handle your friendship like a bargaining chip, only behaving when its good for them. This kind of behavior is exhausting and let me just say, I'm ready for a summer break from all this drama!

The reason that this has hit a chord of dismay with me, really, is because I felt the Lord whispering to my heart, asking me if I was His friend or if I was just a "frenemy". My flesh is so weak, that sometimes, I admit, that I treat the Lord in this capacity. I treat Him with disdain when something awful happens to me, like it's His fault, or use my affection toward Him, often in a controlling way, that He'll do what I want if I show my affection or act in obedience toward his statutues for me. These thoughts, quite honestly, level me at my very being.

How do I respond to this? First of all, I confess that I am prideful and selfish and honestly, I am worshipping myself- I say this because I am trying to get the Lord of all creation, the architect of my being, to do what I say and control Him emotionally . I am so messed up!! Next,I get myself in His Word, aligning my mind with who He really is and repositioning myself. Finally, I Worship him in Spirit and Truth. I cry out, thanking Him that His Kindness leads me to repentance. His question of me was not one of condemnation, but of kindness, so that I could get back into proper fellowship with my Savior- Praise Him!!

I know I have been brutally honest in this post, but I think the Lord wants to know where we all stand with Him, and if we are friends, or just "frenemies" of His....

Mommacita

2009-05-13T09:08:00.000-04:00

I am really late posting this, but I have to take time to thank my Mom for all she has done for me and continues to do for me! Even as a adult, my mom has mothered me well, calling me to check on me or the kids when we're sick, letting me have company at her house or even parties at her home when I am there, picking me up at the airport and taxiing me around, calling just to talk and often just listen, counsel, or laugh with me and share great memories about the girlies!
A mothers work is never done and I am so grateful that God picked me out a good one! I am so blessed to call her mom and also friend! and I am even more thankful that I had a mom who taught me what mothering was all about!

biltmore house

2009-04-26T22:50:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Craig Surprised me on my birthday by giving me tickets to see the Biltmore house in Ashville, NC. We had SUCH a great day together exploring the home and grounds and were so worn out by the sheer size of it! I could have spent several days there studying all the architecture and admiring all the art and tapestries. I also liked seeing how all the renovation and restoration that takes place occurs. We really made some fond memories, and I can't wait to go back!

Cameron is a State Champion!

2009-04-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This weekend Cameron went to the State Bible drill and became a state winner getting 21/24 correct!! We were so proud of her hard work and determination!! Best of all we are already seeing her recall this scripture and apply it to her sweet heart! That is worth all the time that she has spent working on it when we see God USE it in her walk with Him!!

ode to krispy kremes

2009-04-24T15:26:00.000-04:00

This morning Jeremy, our youth minister, persuaded me (ha) to take some day old Kremes home with me. I mean- he REALLY forced me to (not)!

I was going to school to eat lunch with Cameron today and I took a few dozen up there for her class and what do you know?-you'd think I brought liquid gold!! Im sure it brought true harmony (and sugar rushes) to Mrs. Cox's Class this afternoon!!

Tim Hawkins paraphrases one of my favorite praise songs with,

"Krispy Kremes, Krispy kremes are what I long for,
Krispy Kremes, Krispy kremes are what I need;
Krispy Kremes, Krispy kremes are what I want to eat~!
take some dough and form it,
take some glaze and warm it-
chew it up, transform it,
oh Lord, oh Lord give me more!!"

Never underestimate the power of kremes in your life!

Little Book of Virtues or Lion King?

2009-04-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

We're haing a crisis at our house.... and I have a question.....one that can only be centered on can you really learn moral truths from a book of virtues, or ( in my opinion in this case) learn from a movie? Could it be that Hollywood has something good to say to my child?! Well in this case yes.

My Cam is going through a true trial right now. Two girls in her grade, who have been good friends in the past, have decided to gang up on her and make her life miserable, culminating in yesterday's fiasco, and this morning's drama with my daughters' monolouge about how she needs to switch schools or stay home forever and let me home school her. She had a seious meltdown, and ordinarily I would make her tough it out, go to school and work on keeping a stiff upper lip, but yesterday was too much for her and I caved.

Then what marvelous thing did the Lord put in my mind but the Lion King!!!! What? I started with having Cam tell me the story of the lion king retracing details about how she felt into the story, and when we got to the part of Hakuna Matata - "No Worries" We talked about how today was a break like Simba took, but she couldn't stay that way forever. She needed to go back to where she was needed and where she belonged, even of it was difficult!!! Wow! The word picture really jived with her! We have had a wonderful Hakuna Matata day together, laughing hugging and just lovin on one another!! and tomorrow my be hard, but we've got each other to lean on!
I am so thankful that God reminded me of this wonderful story and used it to help teach Cam an important life lesson about facing your troubles!

Rainy Day Wishes

2009-02-28T12:21:00.001-05:00

Top 1o :What I Wish For On a Rainy Day

10. Puddles to jump in

9. A cute umbrella

8. A good song on the Radio to drive to

7. Dry feet!

6. To bake something warm and gooey

5. T0 play games with my family

4. Good blanket to get cozy!

3. Watching storms roll in across the horizon

2. Watching a good movie

and the #1 best thing to do on a rainy day is:

1. Nap/sleep in!!

Enjoy this rainy day, everyone!!

All over the World

2009-01-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

Does it excite you to think that God's message of redemption through Jesus Christ is spreading around the globe at a faster rate than ever before? Of the 6.8 billion people in the world, there are an estimated 11,500+ people groups that need to be reached across the globe! Those numbers astound me and sometimes overwhelm me! I am amped to think that these numbers do not intimidate our Savior, because He know each one of them by name and knows their every thought, dream, action, and even the hairs on each person's head WOW!! Our God is huge!!

Begin to pray today for people groups across the nations that need Jesus, and pray that the message of Jesus will reach them soon. He,after all, has entrusted us with His message!

check out this site: http://www.imb.org/globalresearch/maps.asp for more info about how the gospel is being preached across the globe and to see people groups across the world via google earth.

10,000 Steps a day?

2009-01-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was watching Dr. Oz speaking about the importance of walking 10,000 steps a day!
Can you believe it!? I tried it yesterday estimating on my treadmill and walked a VERY long time (slowly, I am so out of shape!) and ended up about 90 minutes on the watch! Yikes!

I began to think about spiritual steps while I was walking..... if we physically need 10, 000 steps of walking a day, how many then do we need of spiritual steps a day? I thought that if I was willing to give 90 minutes of my time to walking, how much more could I receive from the Lord and our relationship of I gave Him 90 minutes of my day walking with Him?

I heard once from Louie Giglio, that our spiriual time should be divided into [my terminology] input ( hearing from God through His Word, through our local body of believers, accountability groups, discipleship groups) and output ( mentoring, ministry, service, etc. ) How much more would I shape up in Christ if I did these things on a daily basis?

Needless to say, I need to get physically and spiritually fit, and a great way to do that is just to begin a daily walk....

Memorizing Scripture

2009-01-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have been reading a dear friend's journal of faith, and I am astounded by her knowledge of scripture! She readily has it at the front of her mind to draw upon it during this time in her life. You see, she recently lost her husband of 30+ years. He had suffered 2 longterm illnesses, with the last one taking his life. She began online journaling daily during his last ilnness in order to keep friends and family up on the latest news of his illness, but always closing with a word of scripture.
Now as she grieves, she continually has these scriptures on her mind to remind her of our Faithful and True Saviour who longs to share our burdens.
This has reminded me of MY need to memorize scripture. How many times do I find myself in a situation where I need to have scripture hidden in my heart so that I can draw upon it? I am convinced that because Scripture is our only offensive weapon to fight the enemy, it is vital that we have it rooted in our hearts and minds.
If you would like any verses to get you started in memorizing scripture, give me a holler, and I will help you get started with me as I begin this discipline anew!

Chilly Night Chili

2009-01-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

I am making Craig's Chili since it is going to get down to 17 tonight!!

Here's the recipe!

Craig's Chili

Brown and drain:

1 1/2 lean ground beef

1 green pepper chopped

1 medium onion chopped

Add:

4 cups tomato sauce

2 15oz. cans stewed tomatoes

2 15 oz. cans kidney beans

5-7 tablespoons chili powder

1 tsp salt

Simmer 30 minutes or crockpot Enjoy!

Unwritten

2009-01-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love new beginnings? I love to open a new book, watch a new movie, I still love the 1st day of school, so it's no surprise that I LOVE New Year's and the month of January!

I added one of my all time fave songs this time around( hopefully you're hearing it right about now!) called "Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield. I love this song- guess- Its about new things! Its about new beginnings. about the future being unwritten- we can dream, take chances, make mistakes ( which I do ALOT!), be creative, learn new things, go on adventures, enjoy our loved ones, and the list just goes on and on...... its about taking control of our circumstances and looking to the future with peace, hope and joy!

One of the things I love most about God is that HE loves new beginnings more than I do! He is always doing new things- He made a new covenant with us when He sent Jesus to die for our sins, and He makes us a new creation when we accept Him as our Savior! HE is making us new, renewing our minds and putting new songs in our hearts!

Its so great that He erases our past sins and gives us a new page to begin again! Not only do we have a chance to begin again with Christ, we have a new beginning- a blank page if you will!

As we start this year, will you take the time give this year to God? If you have not begun a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call me or write me and I would love to talk to you about Him. Start this New Year with a new beginning with Christ. If you do know Him, this year is unwritten, and you have a chance to begin a new chapter with Him!

Happy New Year

2009-01-14T15:42:00.000-05:00

Is it too late to post a "Happy New Year" to all of you? I hope not, because I am roughly 2 weeks behind on all things in my life right now.... haircuts, dr's appointments, you name it- I'm behind...... So Happy New Year!!

Katie Lady

2008-12-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

As you can tell, my eldest is becoming a young lady. Where has the time gone? This is at her Choral Concert last week,where she got to sing the entire song of"Silver Bells"! We were so proud of her! I still want to think of her as so small and curious, with toothless a smile and ponytails. I wish on certain days that I could just freeze time and keep her exactly as she is at that moment, but if I did, I would miss out on so many more to come.

I sit here, 4 days shy of 13 years with Katie. Wow, we have come so far, yet we are officially beginning the teen years. I am reminded of the expectancy that I had when she was born, knowing that these years will be amazing, yet bittersweet. I will send her to high school, see her braces come off, see her learn to drive, see her graduate from high school, see her have her first date... oh my! Praise God that He is with her even when I can't be! I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but can you see why this mom is a bit nostalgic (for things to come!) God has GREAT things in store for my Katie Lady, and I know He has such a bright future painted for her! the Best is yet to come!!

I love a parade

2008-12-20T12:48:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday WFBC participated in our Westminster Christmas parade. We had such a blast! Imagine first of all, it was FREEZING out there ( never mind that I don't usually get cold) , all the kiddos were dressed in their warm clothes with blankets, hats, gloves. I LOVE to see kids dressed in their warm clothes all cuddled up- SO cute- and smashed together on our float. I loved seeing them jingling their bells, singing at the top of their lungs, waving, handing out candy, celebrating and wholly enjoying this presentation of christmas cheer.

I was reminded today as I get ready for our Christmas presentation, that there was an original Christmas parade, that began with a star leading the way, angel(s) on high telling about the birth of Jesus. Next came some overzealous, scraggly shepherds coming in from a night of sheep watching to worship Him, and finally the climax- three kings~ along with their entourages coming withy pomp and pagentry to give the REAL king presents! Awesome to imagine, isn't it? How would you respond to this scene? Would you sit and be a observer on the sidelines? I would not want to miss the excitement that I felt on our parde route and just watch, I want to particiapate! I want to join the ultimate parade this year. I want to go WORSHIP the KING. I want to clap and wave . I want to come humbly and worship at the feet of my Lord and bring him my heart this Christmas. How about you?

The Mad Hunt

2008-12-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

Every year we have at least one Holiday Miracle: we find the item that has escaped us for weeks at various superstores and malls. this year's said item was found on our "date" last weekend.

Over the past 2 weeks, my husband I have dashed around stores, hunted websites, just in time to see that we had indeed missed this product, but I kept assuring Craig that they would restock often, and resignedly, he and I headed back to Walmart Friday night to look again! As we rounded the corner to the department, I saw the stocked shelf! Joy to the World- the item had come! We dashed way over to the shelf to grap the desired item that had been replenished! We both sighed with relief that our search was over and the lost had been found!

As I reflect upon this mad search, I am reminded of several verses that have always clicked with me when I felt distant from God. They ALL involve SEEKING! How often to I expect God to be waiting there for me when I ought to be chasing after Him and seeking Him like I did this gift! He promises us that if we seek Him with all our hearts, we WILL find him..... amazing!
This Christmas, as you look for presents for your family and friends, seek Christ with the same fervor. I promise, you will find Christ in a very real way!

Drama Mama

2008-12-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

This time of year I don't need any drama in my life, for its time to live it out in sketches and Christmas musicals, etc. This is MY fave time of the year, becuase I get to direct such dramas!

I started out acting in high school/ college, but like many other thesps, I found my true love in directing and writing!

This year we are doing a Sunday morning piece called , "Remember the Child". It starts out with 2 kiddos telling what they want for Christmas( in excess, of course), then on to teenagers polishing thier lists, with money being at the top of the list. Next is a couple ( who are HILARIOUS btw!) converging schedules and dates and trying to fit everything in to the harried season. Last we find 2 people who guide us through sights and sounds of Christmas until we get back to the reason for the holiday: the birth of Jesus! It is a funny, sentimental, sweet and thoughtful piece that will hoopefully remind us to stop and reflect on Jesus, our Savior whose birth changed EVERYthing!

My next project involves our Sanctuary choir. For the first time, we are involving wise men, shepherds, the whole shabang as far as Christmas musicals go. I am so pumped! All my Tx. Hall days are flooding my memory as we block out these characters, and paint a picture of the nativity!What is different in the Christian acting arena is that we are not performing for ourselves, but we are presenting the gospel, one story at a time! Please pray for me as I juggle this awesome work that God has given me this season and that we will cast new light on the birth and life of our Saviour- Oh come, let us ADORE Him!!

Orange Soda Caffeine Crash!

2008-12-04T10:56:00.001-05:00

I am bitter today....and its from my own lack of reading skills....

I have been on a "no caffeine" course for 7 WEEKS and I blew it this week unknowingly. that's why I am mad at myself! The other day I bought 3 Sunkist sodasto drink throughout the week for something fizzy. I ususally drink Fanta which is caffeine free, so I assumed Sunkist was too! WRONG! I went to this store this morning to get 2 liters, and actually saw the caffeine listed on accident! YIKES! I have been without it for 7 weeks and now have to begin again!
I got myself broke form Coca colas, now from Sunkist.... SERENITY NOW! Ok, I feel better now! thanks for letting me rant!!

Count your blessings....

2008-11-27T03:39:00.000-05:00

Top 10 things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

10. I made it out alive at Walmart today! That place is nutso!
9. Beth Moore Studies (Jesus the One and Only this semester)
8. I-TUNES and IPOD-did I mention my addiction to music?- its a great fix!
7. That there is one decent Mexican Restaurant in Seneca when I need a fix!
6. I CAN live without caffeine.... 6 weeks and counting!
5. FRBC Friends that have reconnected this year via Faccebook! I am so looking forward to our reunion!!
4. Cam's health is stable... no big hair incidents this year- PTL!
3. Watching Katie find her "thing" in Cheerleading- also watching her grow in Christ at DN '08~
2. Craig is on the last leg of his Doctorate- he just got his project proposal approved!
and the #1thing to be thankful for this year is.......... God's work in my wellness this year.... He is just showing off! I am amazed that I have a God who sees me (El Roi) and cares for me in wonderful ways!

God is Good-all the time!
Happy Turkey Day.... gobble till ya wobble!

Walmart- What was I thinking?

2008-11-26T18:49:00.001-05:00

Cam wanted to go look at toys today at Walmart to make sure she hadn't forgot anything on her multiple lists....LOL.....and I needed to get a few things, so off we went....... and 2 1/2 days ( I mean, hours) later, we returned, frazzled, and cross-eyed with this crazy anxious tic from the pre-Thanksgiving shopping at our favorite supercenter........ WHAT WAS I THINKING? ( I admit I was the one cross-eyed , Cam was starry-eyed!)

This year, I am not preparing the feast, but we will celebrate in Anderson, so I have not been bakin', salad makin', hen roastin', or fixin' dressin', so It was interesting to see all the ladies ( and some husbands on their cell phones!) with huge baskets cramming them full with goodies and LOTS of home decorating items - we ladies can find ANY reason to decorate! Everyone was preparing for an occasion to celebrate with family and friends.

It struck me later, that preparation is key. I am so not naturally a organized person. Thank the Lord for Craig helping me in that way! I have learned over the years that when I take the time to plan, organize and implement, every thing just has a more put-together feel to it. Preparing our hearts and minds for this season is crucial to our enjoyment of it.

This year we are presenting a sketch in Worship called, "Remember the Child" and it encourages us to see beyond Black Friday, Christmas Parties, presents, church events, and even family traditions- and stop to remember what we're celebrating- the birth of our Lord, Jesus! If we stop now and are mindful to what it's all about, God can teach us more, help us treasure up these things like Mary and experience the season with a new fervor....
So, prepare your heart and remember the Child this season! You WILL be blessed for it!

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

2008-11-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy Thanksgiving week to all! I am reminded of so many years of being with my extended family at Grammie's house! We would gobble till we wobbled! She would fix the basic Turkey dinner and probably about 15 pies and cakes for our huge group, and then everyone else brought the salads and sides. We had enough to have a church covered dish dinner just from our family!! Most of all, I loved spending time with my family, cousins, aunts and uncles, and my grandparents! What a blessing it is to have this special time carved out for family!

Since we have been living out of Texas, we have started our own traditions. Sure, we still decorate with fall decorations and get special plates and napkins, but we light a candle as we share what we're thankful for, in order to remember all the Lord has done for us this past year! It is such a special time to share with MY little family. The words above by President Kennedy remind me that we ought to live the words we utter so that we can genuinely convey our appreciation and thankfulness.

So, Give thanks- and LIVE thanks!

And She was Run-ning!

2008-11-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Forrest Gump? I love that movie!
One of my favorite parts of the whole movie is when Forrest is Run-ning - everywhere- and then accross the country. This reminds me of why I named this blog Journey Runner- it is because my life is like a box of.... no really- its a journey.
.....A journey of love, friendship, broken hearts, childhhood memories, spiritual valleys and mountaintops, college, camps, work, ministry, you name it - these experiences are pit stops on a lifetime journey that shapes us into the person who God created us to be. Even the detours we take can lead us into the glorious grace that awaits us when we look to the Lord for direction.
My goal for writing is to examine the big stuff that I ecounter , as well as comment on the little stuff that makes life even sweeter! I hope this blog can be a blessing to you on YOUR journey!

May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing
With Your likeness let me wake.

2008-11-23T15:44:00.000-05:00

Stones Of Ebenezer

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is not your usual David and Goliath, or even Noah's chronicle, but a story about victory in the life of the Isrealites. As you know, after they FINALLY were led out of captivity form slavery in Egypt, only to continue to live a live of spiritual bondage and rebel towards the God who saved their necks! They worshiped pagan Gods and practiced false religion and b/c of theor sin, God disciplined them,and let them wander aimlessly in the wilderness for 40 years!

FINALLY, after a generation had passed, God used Joshua and Caleb to lead the Isrealites into the Promsed Land. They had to cross the Jordan River to do so. God intructed them to gather 12 stones, ( like the 12 tribes of Israel) make a tower from these stones and name it Ebenezer, meaning, "God has brought me this far!" to help them remember where they had come from and that thier promise awaited them on the other side. What an awesome word picture to describe what God had done. Every time they passed this place, it would help them recall their journey with God!

Several years ago, I was leading a Beth Moore Study and she mentioned these ideas in her teaching that Monday night. I was smack in the middle of an excrutiating journey of dealing with events in the past that has enslved me to fear and depression. I was at the point where I was REALLY getting out of the pit, God called me to have an Ebenezer moment!

I had recently gone to a new job and was finding the quickest route to get there from my home and from my kids' schools. I took a new route that morning, and as I rounded a very wide curve, I passed it....it was at least 6 feet tall, different sized rocks, all stacked in a tall column, my very own tower of Ebenezer! Not only that , it was situated in front of Ebenezer Church of God! There was no mistaking it! I stopped and worshipped that morning, thanking God for getting me that far in my journey, and praising Him that I was beginning a new chapter in my walk with Him- into his Promised Land for me!

Stop and Praise Him today that He has brought you thisfar and that

He has great plans for your life!

Twilight Movie

2008-11-23T02:49:00.001-05:00

Seneca Theater was a busy haven of frenzied teenage emotions yesterday when I took Katie and a friend to see Twilight, the latest pop culture phenomenon. I have read and loved all 4 books, but wasn't sure if I would see the movie until one day Katie "discovered" it! I read the first one this summer while on vacation, but somehwere this fall, the teenage brain caught onto it and it became her thing!!

The lights went out and the squealing began! So many teenage kids enclosed into a theater with that much energy. I admit I had as much anicipation as the crowd; my disbelief suspended into the emo vampire world that Stephanie Meyer so vividly writes, and captures your mind and imagination.

One of my main concerns was that Twilight would take a wild departure form the novels, but I was able to track along just fine and enjoyed the ride that this film takes! Despite a few oh, my! moments of pure cheesiness, Edward deftly romances Bella and charms the women of all ages in the film, as well as the audience with his whole James Dean, rebel-like and dangerous charm that a romantic vampire exudes! The action sequences were really great and even though many readers know the play-by-play of the plot, it still keeps you gripping your seat with anticipation!

Mostly I loved watching Katie. She is a well of waters that run deep and she was sweet and hilarious to watch at the same time! As we left she was whooping it up with a bevy of her friends and bursting with friends who were arriving for the next showing- she was a walking commercial- Oh how these marketers need to do a ad campaign comprised of 12 year old girls! LOL! Her eyes were shining with tears and pronounced, " this is the best movie in my 12 1/2 years of life!" SO glad I have that memory with her- Now that brings tears to MY eyes!

Prayer For America

2008-11-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that tomorrow is the day we will be FINALLY voting for the next president of the US. Amidst the many commericals, debates, news reports, and polls, I am positive that I am ready for it to all be over. EXCEPT.....
My heart is burdened for the direction that the nation is taking. It seems like we are headed straight away from God and his will for our nation. I literally have been sick at my stomach wondering if this is the beginning of the end. The only recurring thing that filters through my mind is this scripture from the OT:

II Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

No matter who wins tomorrow, It is imperative that we as christians make prayer for this county a priority. Praying for God's mercy on the sinfulness that we have as a nation. Praying that God will heal our nation of our apathy, and our embracing of this sinful culture. We consistently miss the mark, and we need His presence to get us back on track.

Pray. Pray. Pray.
It's our perscription for healing!

Cameron

2008-11-03T20:55:00.001-05:00

Last weekend, Cam and I spent TONS of time together watching HSM3, going to the park, going to "trunk or treat", and basically just messing around- enjoying each other! My heart was full and I couldn't resist taking a few pics so that I could recall those memories I stored up in my heart! She is growing up so fast, and I can't get over My baby will be 10 this year

Amazing Provision!

2008-10-29T08:10:00.000-04:00

I had one of those moments yesterday, a moment when God completely blows you away! I had recently been prescribed a much needed long term medicine, and went Monday to get it filled. Our current Medical Insurance plan is deductible based, so we have to pay 90% of our prescriptions. When the cashier said "$459.00", I about died- I was planning on about $100!
Needless to say, I left in a state of worry, and pretty much hysteria! I had to call Craig for a chill out!!
Yesterday, I called my Dr., who is also a trusted friend and fellow minister's wife! I told her about my plight and she came back with an amazing response! She offered me samples until I could get my new plan, which begins in January! Samples for 2 months!! WOW! Not only will I get my meds, it will be free until Jan. 1! Then it will be about $50! It's amazing how God works!