Connecting Hearts...One Woman at a Time

Forgiveness Is Impossible

2011-10-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

All I can say is this is yet another power-packed chapter. If you are reading Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh Demoss, you are probably wondering, “When is she ever going to give us a break? Is she ever going to lighten up?” Like unforgiveness keeps pounding away at our hearts and minds, DeMoss keeps chipping away at lies the world has fed us.

These are just a few of the quotes from this chapter alone that jolted my attention:

• “Forgiveness isn’t meant to be free and easy. It is hard. It is costly. It is painful”(106).

• “…whatever has happened in your life to cause unforgiveness to well up in your heart, God could have stopped it. But He didn’t”(107).

• “If you’re a child of God, the ordeal you’re undergoing, however wrong or unfair or heartless it may be or may have been in His providence and skillful hands will be used to take you somewhere good – deeper into His heart, to a place of greater dependence and trust, more perfectly refined into the likeness of Christ”(107).

• Forgiveness is impossible. But NOTHING is impossible for God. Forgiveness is an act of God’s grace performed in your heart and through you. You can’t do it on your own.

• Forgiving yourself means accepting God’s forgiveness first. “If God’s forgiveness is not good enough for us, then what’s so special about ours?”(114) “God is your forgiver – your one and only forgiver”(114). “No sin can create a stain too great for God to erase”(115).

There are many walking wounded, many broken people existing in life because they are clinching onto unforgiveness. They have white-knuckled pain so long it has turned into bitterness. God is steadily chipping away you allowing things to come into your life to break you down. He’s allowing things to put chinks in your walls. How bull-headed are you? What is it going to take before God gets your attention to the point that you are ready to meet Him, get real, and get healed? WHAT WILL IT TAKE? Trust me, I’ve been broken. It’s not a fun place to be, but when He finally gets through our thick heads and even harder hearts, He can perform CPR (Christ Performed Restoration). OMGoodness! It is healing. It is cathartic. It is liberating! Don’t you want to be free? Don’t you want to be unburdened? Then you must forgive and receive His forgiveness. You can’t forgive on your own. It is a work that God performs in you. For some of us we have to choose to forgive daily…sometimes moment to moment, but eventually over time, we get there. He gets you there.

Are You Harsh? Are You Hurt? Have you let kudzu take over your life?

2011-10-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

Kudzoo. Is that how you spell it? Maybe it’s “kudzu.” It’s the stuff that is growing in Mississippi that they can’t seem to kill. You know what I’m talking about? That green viny plant that is growing everywhere. It started out as a pretty, little, green vine, and it actually had a purpose. They used it to prevent soil erosion. The corp used to plant it everywhere until they realized what we now know today. Supposedly kudzu can grow about a foot a day during the season, and possibly up to 60 feet in a year. It can climb on anything, over anything, and overtake anything that isn’t moving. The problem…they can’t kill it. It takes root and spreads and spreads and spreads. One suggested apply herbicide for four years in order to kill it. I’ve heard there is a recommendation to buy goats and let them eat it till it’s gone. Some so pretty, lush and green started with a simple idea of preventing soil erosion and now the state is so overrun with it they are looking for ways to get rid of it.

Isn’t that just like sin? It may not start off looking like sin because it has some part of truth mixed in it, but it is sin. If it isn’t 100% truth, then it’s not the truth. We let sin take root in one area of our life. It doesn’t just stay in that area. NOOOOOO! It has to start covering other areas climbing onto anything and everything. It is one of the hardest things to get rid of in your life too.

I can’t tell you how many women in the Bible study have said, “I really don’t have a problem forgiving people.” That may be true, but are they walking around hurt by what someone is doing to them or has done to them? There are some women who have said, “How am I supposed to forgive someone who keeps doing wrongdoing?” I’ve also heard, “How am I supposed to forgive someone who is dead?” Then there are those who are struggling with truly forgiving someone because they think that by forgiving them she is saying, “It’s okay that you hurt me.” Forgiveness isn’t about saying, “It’s okay,” because it isn’t. Failure to forgive is a sin of rebellion. The act of forgiving is not about the offender. It is about the offended releasing the control the offender has over her.

Failure to forgive turns into bitterness, resentment, harshness. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the parable about the king pardoning the man who owed more money to the king than he could ever repay in his lifetime. After receiving the pardon, the man goes out and finds another man who owes him money, grabs him and tells him to pay up. The king hears about this, and the grace he had extended is revoked. The man is thrown into prison to be tormented. “When we refuse to forgive, we set ourselves up to be turned over to ‘tormentors’.” (65) Refusing to forgive, gives Satan a foothold into your life. Torment can come to a Christian in the form of “chronic mental, emotional, and physical disorders” (65). This is not to say that all of those disorders are rooted in unforgiveness. It just means that for a Christian these are possible ways Satan can torment us.

Think about these things:

1. Matthew 18:35, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

2. “What if God only forgave me to the extent that I’ve been willing to forgive those who’ve sinned against me?”(68)

3. “When we refuse to forgive, something is blocked in our relationship with the Father.” (69)

4. “Bitterness grows in us when we fail to see the trouble and pain in our lives from God’s point of view, and when our expectations of what life should be diverge from the reality of what life really is.” (73)

Those are some statements that can walk all over a person.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss writes, “When we get hurt, no matter how serious the offense or how deep the wound, God has grace available to help us deal with the offense and forgive the offender. At that point, we have one of two choices: We can acknowledge our need and humbly reach out to Him for His grace to forgive and release the offender. Or we can resist Him, fail to receive His grace, and hold on to the hurt” (76). I know people who have chosen the latter. They are bitter, negative, harsh, and offensive repelling people who love them the most. All because they held onto hurt and failed to forgive – allowing sin to take root and spread like kudzu.

Walking Wounded -- How Long Have You Been Drinking Poison

2011-10-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

A parent, a spouse, a sibling, a co-worker, a family member, a minister, a superior…someone you trusted violated your trust, broke your heart, tore you down till you felt little worth, took advantage of you, used you or even worse, they’ve done it to someone you love like your child. You now sit there angry, bitter, hurt, resentful…madder than a wet hornet. Justifiable? Absolutely. We’ve all been there at some point in time in our lives…”Walking Wounded.” “And wounded people tend to wound people” (35). Who are you wounding by holding onto your anger, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness? Are you ready to begin the work necessary to forgive?

Some of you may still be under the effects of the hurtful event or person, and some of you may just be walking numbly around wondering what in the world happened. Some are coping the best way you can. Some have built walls and protection around your hearts and lives. Does any of this sound like you at any point in your life? I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. Living in that pain and hurt, holding onto anger and clinching onto unforgiveness keeps you from freely worshipping God Almighty. “The question is: Do those wounds – past or present – have to define who you are, where you’re headed, and how you get there?” (37)

“These are God-sized wounds that need God-sized answers” (39). Forgiveness is no easy thing to accomplish, and often times we have to repeatedly forgive someone who will never even ask for forgiveness.

I love this quote, “The outcome of our lives is not determined by what happens to us but by how we respond to what happens to us” (41). You are not defined by what happens to you. Your future does not have to be determined by what someone else has said about you, what someone did to you, or what has happened to you. Living like that is living like a victim, and John 10:10, the Bible says that Christ came to give us an abundant life. A victim’s life is not abundant. It is not a free life. A victim’s life is a life chained to the one who abused, neglected or hurt you. You want to move past? You want to be liberated from your captor? Forgive. Yes, I know it is much easier to say than do…trust me, I know this to be true. The offenses and events will shape your life, but it does not have to be what defines you or your future. I don’t know about you, but I find that empowering. This means the ball is in my court. I have control as to whether or not I allow this wrongdoing to eat away at me, or I can choose to forgive. It’s my choice. There isn’t anything that the harmful situation or other person can do to keep me bound to them if I so choose it. How strong is your will?

As Christians, we have hope. We know that there is a way out. We know that God has hemmed us in from the front and the back. We know that God has ordained our footsteps. We also know that God is our Great Physician healing down to the very marrow of the bone. You want freedom? You want to be liberated from those who hold your chains? Forgive them, and with God’s grace, you can.

Now for those who like to keep score…Nancy Leigh Demoss calls you a “Debt Collector.” These are the ones who want revenge. They want to retaliate and build up resentment in their hearts. You are holding so tightly onto every wrong that has ever been done to you that you don’t have a hand free to receive what God has for you. Did you get that? You are choosing to keep score and get even. We have a rule at our house. If one of the kids retaliates against the other for a wrongdoing, then I, as the parent, will not exact punishment. By retaliating, my child is choosing to take matters into his/her own hands. This usually means things escalates to nowhere good, real quick. If your focus is so set on getting even with someone, then your focus IS NOT ON GOD.

What if you are waiting on the other person to ask for forgiveness? What if it never comes? Are you going to live your life grasping onto the hope of that person asking for forgiveness?

What are you holding in your hands? Are you willing to release it to God, and let Him handle it? When we release our grip on what we think we deserve or want, then God is free to give us His best knowing we can receive it with our hands open. This means we have to LET GO.

Do you enjoy being forgiven by a Holy God? Do you appreciate the grace He gives you and the mercy He extends every time He forgives you? Then you must do the same.

One last quote for you to think about this week: Unforgiveness is “like drinking poison and hoping someone else die.” How long have you been drinking poison?

In the months of October and November, there is a Bible study going on for women using Nancy Leigh Demoss’s book Choosing Forgiveness. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:40 AM for a frank and honest lesson on forgiveness.

Sticks and Stones --- A Bible Study on Forgiveness is Starting

2011-09-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

My son loves rocks…and sticks. The more unique they are, the smoother they are, the more my son is intrigued by them. I cannot tell you how many rocks and sticks I have washed in the seven years of his life. Rocks of different colors and shapes. Sticks from different types of wood weathered or smooth. He rubs his hands over them. He uses them as little tools, and he shows them off to his sister who has no great interest in them. He accumulates them in his pockets throughout the day which means I accumulate them in my laundry room. A rock here. A stick there. You’d think I’d have enough rocks and sticks to build a wall or something, but the rocks and sticks really aren’t good for anything but his sheer amusement.

I know a person who has accumulated and collected his prizes. He goes over them and over them, bearing his focus on them to the exclusion of other things. His prizes or badges he carries with him day in and day out accumulating them as he goes. And just like my son he tries to show them off. He talks about them. He gets loud when no one will listen to him any longer. In many ways the man and my son are similar. They both are holding onto what they collect. The more they collect, the heavier it gets. For Pearce, his britches can start sagging with the weight of rocks and sticks, but for the man, the badges he accumulates are hung around his heart. The only difference between my seven-year-old son and this grown man (other than their physical age) is that Pearce collects rocks and sticks, and the grown man collects grievances or things that have been done wrong to him over the course of his life. The man’s heart is hard, and he’s bitter and angry. The people who have done him wrong are long gone, but he yet he still holds on.

In Nancy Leigh Demoss’s book Choosing Forgivness she writes, “When we choose to hold on to our grudges, we relinquish control of our future” (10). Are you a collector of wrong-doings? Are you carrying around hurt that has not been dealt with? Forgiveness requires total surrender and relinquishment (22). Are you tires of being heavy-burdened? Are you tired of being angry? Are you tired of giving power and control of your life to someone who doesn’t even know they have it? Then this study is for you.

You know when you are carrying that kind of weight around it can’t help but affect you. It affects your posture. (Pearce is always looking down to find rocks and sticks. My friend expects for people to try to take the best from him, so he’s always on the defensive.) The more one accumulates the heavier it becomes. “The wounds that have been inflicted upon you will not be made one ounce lighter by being stored up and left to fester. In fact, they will only become heavier and more burdensomen.” (25)

Joy is replaced with sadness and defeat. Pleasure is replaced with resentment and bitterness. Love and kindness are fended off by the walls that are built around your heart. “We cannot expect to live at peace with God or to experience His blessing in our lives if we refuse to forgive our debtors. To do so is to choke out His grace and to allow Satan to ‘get an advantage of us’ “(2 Cor 2:11)(25).

“Forgiveness at its best requires that you face how badly you’ve been hurt” (29). This study is going to make you face your hurt. You are going to learn how to deal with you hurt, and you are going to be given the opportunity to learn how to forgive. After you learn, it is up to you to CHOOSE FORGIVENESS.

Do You Treat Prayer Like God Is Your Genie in a Bottle?

2011-08-27T16:35:00.002-05:00

Whenever I take the kids to school, they know the first thing we do in the truck is to pray. It helps to focus our attention on the things that matter and not on the drama that has just previously unfolded in our home. One morning, Pearce had a little difficulty. I had prayed for each one in my family, and Erin had prayed. There was a long pause, and Erin said, "Pearce, it's your turn." Pearce snarled back at her, "I KNOW, ERIN." His prayer didn't go much better. Pearce is known for thanking God for his momma and daddy and every dog that has come into his life, but he either manages to leave Erin off his prayer list or she comes AFTER the dogs. Today not only was she after the dogs, but his comment was, "And God, be with my miserable sister, Erin!" Before drama could unfold I reminded Erin that Pearce was having a conversation with God, and I think God could take him.

Sometimes we wonder why if feels like our prayers don't get past the ceiling, but if we were to examine our hearts and attitudes toward God and prayer and the subject matter, we might understand better. James 5:16 tells us to, "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." It's not the prayer that changes things. It's the heart of the person praying to an Almighty God. God is the One who changes things based on the person doing the praying.Lately, I've found myself praying all kinds of prayers. God has this way of teaching me a lesson before I teach it, so when someone asks me where do I get my material, I tell them, "God taught it to me."
While I was preparing this week, several quotes came across my path that I would like to share. Hopefully, they will provoke you to think about your own prayer life like they did mine.

"What if you woke this morning with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Christine Williams
When I think of prayer I think of…
When I think of my prayer life I feel…

In a book I'm reading for seminary, I read, "Purpose of prayer is to get to know God while we worship and make our requests. Primary focus is on the relationship with God."
How often to you treat prayer as the lamp that holds your personal genie? Dear God, I really need __________. Dear God, I really want _____________. No, "hello." No, "How have you been?" No, "Thank you, God!" No, "God, you are so _______."
Have you ever had a friend or family member that the only time they call you is to ask for something? You are being that kind of person to God if the only time you pray is when you need or want something. How is your relationship with that needy person? Do you try to avoid their calls? Do you deny their requests? Just something to think about.

I like the fact that the author of this book encourages us to worship God first. Why is that? Because when we worship God first, it put our focus on Him. We will be seeking His will and His desires for us. When we start with worship, it reminds us of just how unworthy and unholy we are which leads us to a time of confession.Have you ever wondered why we are to confess our sins to God if we are already Christians? I have. Think of it like this. Have you ever had a friend or loved one do or say something that was egregious to you? Did it offend you? Were you hurt by it? Before your relationships could be restored, someone needed to apologize. When we confess our sins as God's children, we are restoring our relationship with our Father.

This week, I encourage you to praise and worship God first and foremost in your prayer time. It doesn't have to be singing. It can be just simply praising God for who He is to you. He is the Alpha and Omega! He is the lover of my soul! Praise Him. Worship Him. Confess to Him your sins, so your heart will be right with Him. Then make your petitions known to Him.I will also encourage you to journal your prayers. They are wonderful to go back and read at a later time.

When You Find Yourself Imprisoned or in a Pit…

2011-08-07T13:43:00.001-05:00

When I asked my class to read Acts 5 and 12 and be ready to compare and contrast the prison breakouts, I wasn't really sure where God was going to take us. Acts is an exciting book in the Bible because it was an exciting time to be a Christian. The church was growing. God was doing amazing things, and Christians were being persecuted.

In Acts 5 the apostles were imprisoned because they were teaching God's Word, and laying the blame of Christ's death squarely on the shoulders of the Sanhedrin. The apostles were arrested and put into jail (something along the lines of our city jail – The court at this level could not sentence the apostles to death, but they could most certainly make life difficult). Then the angel of the Lord led them out of the prison past the soldiers and instructed them to teach in the courts the way of the Life. When the Sanhedrin met the next day and sent for the apostles, the door to the cell was locked from the outside. The guards were still in place, and yet no one was inside.

In Acts 12, Peter was imprisoned alone. Herod chained him between two soldiers and assigned four groups of four soldiers each to guard Peter. Apparently, Herod had heard about the prior escape. The night before Peter was to arrive in court and fight for his life, he was ASLEEP in prison. He was asleep chained between two soldiers in the pitch black of the cell. Herod's prison system could sentence people to death, and that is where Peter was headed the next day…to his death. In order for Peter to be able to sleep before a night like that at trial and being chained to two guards, he had to have had the peace that passes all understanding. As a matter of fact, he slept so well that the angel had to shake him to wake him. It was a sound, deep sleep. Lord, when I'm in my pit chained to the things that bind me and weigh me down, please give me that kind of peace.

The angel of light told Peter to put on his clothes, coat and shoes. It's important to realize that the cell was pitch dark. Peter could not have seen the hand in front of his face had it not been for the light of God exposing the clothes and items he needed. Peter got up, did as he was told and followed the angel.

In whatever prison (dark place) that you are sitting, are you expecting God to show up? Often times when we are in a pit, we are struggling and fighting so hard for what we think is ours that we miss God completely, and we are STRIVING FOR NOTHING! If we would just be still and listen, God shows up. He shows up in the way He chooses and when He chooses. He is never late, and He provides everything we could possibly need for what happens next. If we would just shut our traps long enough and look expectantly to God to handle the problem and to lead us out, our time in the pit chained to what binds us would be much shorter.

If you believe that God is in the future, if you believe that God is all-knowing, if you believe that God wants what is best for you – then why do you struggle against things that God hasn't led you to struggle against? TRUST. FAITH. Actually it is the lack of trust and the lack of faith in God – this is why we worry. This is why we become anxious. God is bigger than any person. God is bigger than any roadblock. God is bigger than any plan that a human being can come up with. God is bigger than any disease. God is bigger.

What would your faith look like if when you first found yourself in a pit if you would stop and wait on the Lord? What would your walk look like if when you found yourself chained to something you had no control over if you looked to see how God was going to work it out instead of your trying to bust the chains? What would your life be like if you exercised the peace that passes all understanding? Trust Him. Faith Him. Easy to say. Hard to do.

Don't Overlook Anyone -- God Works Outside the Box

2011-07-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

South paw. Left-handed. Only one in their right mind. Accident proned living in a right-handed world. I have heard all of these for I am a lefty. Growing up, I hated having notebooks with the rings on the left, and there were certain pens that I couldn’t use because they would smudge. This would not be the only thing that would make me different nor the only thing that would force me to do things differently than others. If you are right-handed, have you ever tried being a lefty for a day? Eat with your left. (After all the fork is on the left, shouldn’t you use your left hand?) Wear your watch or jewelry on the opposite side. Anything you would do with your right you would stop and do with your left. Awkward, isn’t it? Uncomfortable? Doesn’t really make sense to do it with your left because you are more efficient doing the task with your right.

Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Verse 9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God does not always choose to do what is comfortable for us. God does not always choose to use the person we think He should use. We’d like to put God in a box, but He is God and cannot be contained by anything man creates. Sometimes He does a thing just because He can.

What has driven me to this whole thinking and reasoning is reading Acts 9. Why would God choose to send the PERSECUTOR to the PERSECUTED? Because He can, but in order to do so, God has to shake Saul’s world upside down, inside out, and all around. It wasn’t comfortable to say the least. You see, to get Saul to where he needed to be, the POWERFUL had to become POWERLESS. The IMPRISONER had to become IMPRISONED by his own inabilities. The SIGHTED became BLIND. The INDEPENDENT became the DEPENDENT. The LEADER had to be LED. The STRONG had to become DEFENSELESS. God did not write Saul off the books because he was difficult. Instead, God chose to take Saul down to bare metal. Been there, done that. Are you there now? If you are, take hope. Philippians 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.”

God is so good. He loves us too much to leave us in the state we are in. He can use anyone whether they are a willing vessel or not. He knows what it takes to get a person’s attention. He knows the calling He has put on each person’s life, and in verse 15 of Acts 9 God said, “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.”

God does not always choose to work within the confines set by man. Sometimes He chooses to shake things up. Keeps things interesting, don’t it! That is why it is so imperative that we have an intimate relationship with Him. No one is to be overlooked. God doesn’t write anyone off as being useless. Who would have thought God would use a Christian-slayer to be a Christian leader? Have you written anyone off? If so, you might want to seek God’s guidance about the best practice for that person. He may just have you devote yourself to praying for that person, or he may call you out like Ananias to go and minister to him/her. AWKWARD! What will you do when that happens? Will you go and trust God’s ways, or will you miss out on the blessing and stay put? This journey isn’t about your being comfortable. It’s about growing in your faith and in your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He can use you, and He will, if you allow Him.

Teleporting in the Bible: Running in the Bible -- What are 'Things we miss when we don't dig?'

2011-07-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

Before Star Trek was introduced to us in 1966 and before we heard about “teleporting,” do you know that “teleporting” happened in the Bible? Personally, I’m not a Star Trek fan, but the creator and writer was very creative and imaginative. At any rate back to my point, teleporting actually occurred in the Bible. By the way, this might be a good way to start a conversation with someone who is a “trekkie, and since we never know who God will send our way…”

During our study of “Out Live Your Life,” my mind has really become intrigued with Acts 7 and 8. When you make time, I highly recommend focusing on this passage of Scripture for a week…at least!

Okay, on to support my point. After Stephen was stoned, Saul and others turned up the persecution of the church which caused its members to spread. Persecution sort of back-fired here, because persecution caused the believers to go in all different directions, and as they went they spread the Word of God. What Satan means for evil, God can use for good (Romans 8:28). The church grew!

Philip went to Samaria, and he was filled with the Spirit doing as the Lord led him to do. People were saved. Unclean spirits were cast out. Miracles were performed. Then the Lord spoke to Philip (8:26). He told Philip to go to a road that goes to the desert. What I personally noticed was that Philip didn’t ask what he’d be doing, he didn’t complain about leaving the mountain high he was on, he didn’t voice his concern about going to the desert road. Verse 27 says, “So he got up and went” – like this was the most ordinary thing. I heard from the Lord, and I obey him. Completely unfettered by his own agenda or what he thought might be his personal restraints as to why he couldn’t go.

When Philip got there, the Spirit told Philip to go to a specific chariot that was parked along the road. I love verse 3—“Then Philip ran.” God speaks and gives direction – Philip runs to complete it. God leads: Philip runs to follow. He literally runs. I think he runs out of obedience, but I also think he runs in anticipation to see what God is going to do. Are you excited or are you anticipating what God is going to do next? Are you anticipating how God is going to use you next? If not, start running to it, the endorphins might help you ;>

God lead him to the place where he was supposed to be. Philip ran to it. God provided the opportunity – the eunuch was already reading the Scripture and had questions. Sometimes we are the sowers, and other times we are the reapers. Philip and the eunuch didn’t have much in common. The eunuch had a place of position and authority. The eunuch had prestige and money. Philip was a refuge. The eunuch was dark skinned. Philip – not so much. Yet, God brought both men together and provided the means for which they could communicate and find unity. It’s a God-thang.

So, Philip travels with the eunuch a ways until they found some water. HANG ON! THIS IS WHERE THE TELEPORTING HAPPENS! The eunuch wants to be baptized, so Philip baptizes the eunuch. When the eunuch comes up out of the water verse 39 says the “Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer.” Verse 40 says Philip then appeared in Azotus. TELEPORTING via the Spirit!

What a phenomenal story of faith and obedience of Philip! What an amazing story and testimony he had! God continued using Philip.

Where are you today in your walk with God? Are you a believer? Do you follow Him? Do you run when He leads you somewhere? Do you obey when God puts someone in your path? When something bad happens, do you look to see how God is going to turn it around? If you aren’t, then you are missing the ride of your life. You are missing out on a great adventure.

"Out Live Your Life" -- What Will You Do When the Tough Gets Going?

2011-07-03T11:04:00.000-05:00

Do you know who James Zwerg is? I remember watching an interview with James Zwerg, and I couldn’t help but watch the whole piece. Zwerg was from Wisconsin but was going to a college in Tennessee in the early 60s. His roommate was an African American young man who invited him to ride a bus. Some of you know them as the “Freedom Riders.”

James was described as “humble and modest,” but he says he had a hot temper as a child. So as he went through the training on civil disobedience, he wasn’t sure he would be able to maintain the calmness necessary for the job.

His family did not understand his desire to participate and cut off ties with him for a while. Before Mr. Zwerg stepped a foot on the bus, he wrote his family a letter stating he would most likely be dead when they read it, and yet he rode the bus anyway. After some setbacks the bus ride made it to Alabama. There was a mob waiting. Men and women used whatever they could find to beat the riders.

“Branch writes: ‘One of the men grabbed Zwerg's suitcase and smashed him in the face with it. Others slugged him to the ground, and when he was dazed beyond resistance, one man pinned Zwerg's head between his knees so that the others could take turns hitting him’.”

“Zwerg, whose religious faith had been considerably strengthened by earlier Civil Rights efforts, recalls that his beating was preceded by "an incredible religious experience." Upon asking God for the strength not to fight back, Zwerg describes feeling "a peace that I've never experienced again in my life.”

Later Zwerg would meet Rev Martin Luther King and become a pastor for 10 years. In his TV interview he said he had searched for that type of bond that he had with the other riders and that type of peace since the riot and had never found it. He became a pastor thinking he could find that bond again, but after 10 years of dealing with the people of the church, he realized it was not to be.

“A peace that I’ve never experienced again in my life.” This was the phrase that popped into my mind when I read about Stephen in Acts 7.

Stephen was described as one with a good reputation, full of the Spirit, wisdom and faith. He was a servant who was full of grace and power who performed great wonders and signs. He was an over-comer, and when it mattered the most, when his faith was tested, he chose to teach. He taught the Sanhedrin, the scribes and Pharisees about how they have persecuted and rejected everyone God had sent them starting with Moses. He pointed out that God’s presence isn’t contained in the Tabernacle carried to and fro or in the temple, but that God Almighty sits on His throne. Jesus Christ whom they had just put to death was now with God. Stephen pointed out that the laws were given by angels, and yet, they still did not obey God.

When you point out the sins of a nation, the sins of the church, the sins of a group of people – they will not like it. They rose up to stone Stephen. Acts 7:55-56, “But Stephen, FULL of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”And while they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (vs 59-60).

Stephen didn’t fight back. He didn’t resist. He prayed, and then he went to meet his sweet Savior.

James and Stephen both experienced the peace that passes all understanding (Phil 4:7) in the face of abuse and death. One who still searches for that kind of peace today, and one who lives forevermore with the Prince of Peace.

My question for you today is this. By outliving your life, you will come against opposition. How will you handle it? It’s been over seven years ago that our pastor said that the desire God had put on his heart was to put a banner over the city of Shreveport. Do you know why it has taken us as a church so long to get to the place where we can reach out and start spreading that banner? Opposition. Opposition within our church, and now some opposition within our community. Pastor Rick has stayed the course. Will you? When it gets hard will you stay and stand in the gap? When you are tired, but there is a block party to assist, will you come? Satan will do whatever he can to keep you from where you need to be serving. Just like the Sanhedrin, scribes and Pharisees there will be people who say, “You can’t do that,” or “That’s not going to do any good.” What will you say? What will you do?

(You can read more on the interview with James Zwerg at http://www.beloit.edu/archives/documents/archival_documents/james_zwerg_freedom_ride/.)

A Hungry Boy

2011-06-26T10:32:00.002-05:00

Pretend with me for a moment, will you?

You are on a trip by yourself to visit an old friend, and you stop for lunch to eat at this little country diner on the side of the road in no place special. You decide to eat at the counter. As you are perusing the menu, something catches your attention out of the corner of your eye. It’s a little boy with his hands and face pressed against the glass looking inside at the customers. You put your menu down as you watch the little boy’s eyes go from table to table. He can’t be more than 7 or 8. The waitress comes up to take your order, “What will it be, Hon?”

“Tell me about the little boy at the window. Do you know him? Is he looking for his parents?”

“No. He’s a neighborhood kid.”

“Well, why is he at the window?”

“I’ll tell the cook to shoo him away.”

“No, don’t do that. Just tell me why he’s there,” you say.

“I don’t know the whole story, but he’s probably hungry. I’ve seen him going through our dumpster and eating the food out of it.”

You are horrified. Where’s his momma? Why doesn’t he have food at home? You have so many questions, but the waitress has turned to go take another order. You step down from your stool and walk outside. “Will you do me a favor?” you ask. “I don’t like eating alone. Would you be my guest? You sure would be helping me out if you would.”

Shyly the boy follows you into the diner, and you show him where the restroom is so he can wash up. He returns, and you begin asking him what he’d like to eat. You place the order.

Is that something you could see yourself doing? I could see myself doing that very easily.

But what if the one peering in the window isn’t a little boy but a homeless person, a person who has been beaten up by the world and been spit out on the curb? What if the person looking in the window is a woman who has bruises on her face and arms? What if the person was covered with tattoos and piercings? How does your answer change? “Well, I’d be worried about my security.” You are in a very public place. There are still ways to get a meal to that person standing on the outside of the window.

God creates every human being on this planet the same way as the next. The ground at the base of the cross is LEVEL. “For ALL have sinned,” Romans says. They may have made bad decisions in their lives that brought them to this point, but they might not have. WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE? If God leads you to a person to whom you are to minister, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBEYING. He is responsible for everything else. I challenge you to read Matthew 25:34-45, and then I challenge you to pray and ask God to open your eyes to see those in front of you, so you may see them the way He sees them. If you pray this, He will answer, and if He answers then you will become responsible to act.

Serving as He leads requires us to see the people He puts in front of us the way He sees them and then to minister to them as He leads us. What happens next is all up to Him…What will you allow Him to do through you?

Serving with Empathy

2011-06-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

“Is anyone here in the Mullins family?” The phone had rung in the ICU waiting room and another family had answered. Having waited recently in an ICU waiting room, I know that feeling. Dread. Anxiety. Concern. Unsure of what will happen next.

Initially, you don’t know the other souls in the waiting room, but the longer a person stays, the more days on the calendars that fly by, you become aware of the others and their stories. You may not share a common background, history, or occupation, but what you do share is a concern for a loved one whose life is holding on by a thread and a prayer.

Wednesday night, my children and I went to Calvary and made sandwiches and dinner bags to pass out at LSU Medical Center. On the way to the hospital, my kids and I prayed aloud that God would direct us. We went to the children’s floor and then to the third floor. I have to admit I didn’t really see the people we were serving. That will be my intent next time though – look them in the face, speak to each one individually, and see what God reveals to me in their faces.

It can be an uncomfortable thing to minister to the hurting and homeless, but having recently been in that waiting room reminded me that I had a hope that some of the others in that room didn’t. I knew regardless of how God chose to answer our prayers that I would see my mother-in-law again. Not everyone in a ICU waiting room has that hope, that peace, or that comfort.

I had an exceptionally brilliant aunt who was so funny and charming and unique, and anytime you spoke to her, she made you feel so important and gave you her undivided attention. She was impressed with what some people would call the small things or what people would dismiss. AND, for reasons only known to God, she was diagnosed at the young age of about 51 with Alzheimer’s. After her diagnosis and a little progression, my uncle who was a pastor would take her with him to do hospital visitations. He tells a story that just rips my heart out. During one of his visits to a parishioner who was going to lose his foot to gangrene from complications of a heart attack and diabetes, my uncle was speaking to the man when he saw my aunt begin to rub the man’s black, shiny foot. Startled by her behavior, my uncle collected his wits and asked if he could pray for him, and he agreed. After the prayer was said my aunt bent down and kissed the man’s foot. After they got outside the room, she told my uncle that the man was ashamed of his foot, and she wanted him to know he didn’t need to be ashame. Even in her condition, my aunt understood empathy and compassion. She wasn’t afraid of it.

When we serve, we are taking Jesus to the lost where they are. When we serve, we are not to judge where they’ve been or what they might do with what we are providing – THAT’S GOD’S BABY TO ROCK. If we are taking Jesus to the lost, the we must serve plugged into the source – the One from whom all blessings flow, the One who sustains us in his right hand, the One who is the Vine, the One who is the giver of life. To “Out Live Your Life” we have to move beyond our shells and take Jesus to those who are hurting and who are lost. It is our responsibility to obey and follow him, He is responsible for the results.

Who Don't We Serve?

2011-06-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

I’d like to tell you that my lesson this week was so neat and in order and easy to follow, but it wasn’t. It isn’t.

I have a multi-racial family, and while we haven’t had to deal with racism too much yet I fear the day is coming. Biases, bigotry, prejudice can be against any race or religion, and I hope when the time comes that I will have matured to the point that I will only open my mouth to say the words God has put on my heart because the flesh (my momma bear side) would like to tear flesh of anyone who hurts one of my babies…I’m just sayin’.

Having said that, I had to ask God to show me any biases I have in my heart and in my life. What am I afraid of?

I want to challenge you to read John 13:1-17 and read it from the perspective of the people Jesus was serving.

I love how John 13:1 starts the chapter off… “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” What was Jesus Christ going to do to show the full extent of his love?

The Scripture identifies a couple of things before getting to his act of love.

1. The devil had already worked in Judas Iscariot to betray him. Jesus knew his betrayer was in the room and that Satan was behind his actions.

2. Jesus knew he had come from God and was going to be going back to God. He knew there was a time limit with his disciples. He also knew where his source of strength came from was his Father.

Then comes his act of love beginning in verse 4:

1. “he got up from the meal” – He took action

2. “took off his outer clothing” – He prepared himself which meant removing the things that would hinder his service. This also means that he was most vulnerable exposing more of himself than he had previously done at the table.

3. “wrapped a towel around his waist” – He was equipped to do service.

4. “he poured water into a basin” – There was more than just intent to his service.

5. “to wash his disciples feet” – Have you ever washed someone’s feet or have you had your feet washed by someone you respected?

6. “drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” – No act of service was left undone.

Just that act of service chokes me up. Jesus on his knees showing these men the “full extent of his love.” BUT YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION? The fact that Jesus washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, the one who would betray him, and he washed the feet of Peter, the one who would deny him. AND JESUS KNEW WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO AND SERVED THEM ANYWAY!!!! HELLO!!!! ANYBODY OUT THERE? Do you see it? This is HUGE! If anyone on the face of the planet had a right to have a bias against someone it was Jesus. He was going to be betrayed and denied by two men in his inner circle, but Jesus wasn’t prejudiced. He still showed both of these men the “full extent of his love.” OH BUT WAIT – Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We might as well have been sitting at that table between Peter and Judas. He knew we were going to sin and need redeeming, and He created us anyway.

Here’s the bottom line, if Jesus served the very men who would hurt him the most there really isn’t anyone on the face of the earth we shouldn’t serve if he calls us to do it. If he came to die for us because there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:13), is there anyone we shouldn’t serve? It doesn’t matter what they’ve done in their lives. It is not for us to judge. It is for us to serve as he leads.

When was the last time you washed the feet of unlovely? When was the last time you served someone who was ungrateful? When was the last time you were hurt by someone you served? Ladies, all these things we need to leave at the feet of Jesus. We are responsible for being obedient. God is responsible for handling the rest.

John 13:17 “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” Our job is not to judge based on our biases those whom we are too serve, but we are to serve others based on our faith in God and desire for obedience to God. You serve, and let God handle the rest.

Time to get outside your comfort zones, ladies. Time to get past biases. It is time to show the full extent of the love Jesus has for others.

It’s going to be exciting!

Drive-bys

2011-06-07T19:21:00.000-05:00

Calvary Women Connecting doing drive-bys!

If you haven't found a place to serve on Wednesday night, meet us at "The Well" formerly known as "The Fountain" at 6 PM for details.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Tell Me about the Godly Person Who Out Lived Their Life by Investing in You

2011-06-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

Everyone has been touched by someone who unknowingly “out lived their life” by influencing you in a positive, godly way. I would love to hear about those people. Write me and tell me about them. What made them special? How did their life affect yours? How did your life change because of what they did? SERIOUSLY, WRITE ME!

Personally, I think of women like Phyllis Copp, Linda Chapman, Mrs. Powell, Teri Cupples Foti – all these women saw something in me that I could not. They were my Sunday school teachers, encouragers, and mentors. I remember teaching my peers in Mrs. Powell’s class. I remember spending time with Phyllis Copp. Mrs. Linda encouraged me and still does giving me words of wisdom. Teri was a teacher, but she also discipled me.

The people that brought about change in your life, did they have special powers? Did they have special training? Were they perfect? Could they leap over buildings in one bound, stop a speeding bullet, etc? Get the picture? The women I mentioned weren’t seminarians. They hadn’t sat at the feet of Beth Moore, but they had sat at the feet of Jesus. They obeyed where He led them. They had courage to go outside their comfort zones to allow this high-strung, strong-willed girl “teach” a Sunday school lesson.

Now think about the legacy you are leaving. Are you even leaving one? You are never too young to invest in the life of another by ministering and serving them in the name of Jesus Christ.

There are many excuses people will use as to why they cannot.

1. LACK OF ABILITY – Been here, tried that…not a good defense (just so you know). Satan used to tell me I couldn’t lead and minister because I am uneducated in women’s ministry. I couldn’t lead because I wasn’t equipped. Let’s face it; my job investigating insurance fraud doesn’t exactly lead itself to ministry. BUT I heard a quote that stuck with me, “God doesn’t always call the qualified, but He always qualifies those He calls.”

In Mark 2, a man could have let his inability, his deficiency keep him from Jesus, but instead, his deficiency is what led not only himself but FOUR OTHER MEN to meet Jesus. You see the man was a paralytic. He couldn’t have walked to see Jesus even if he had wanted to. Instead, four men carried him to meet Jesus, carried him up the stairs to the roof, removed tiles and thatching and then lowered him to Jesus. God used a man’s inability to walk to bring four men to see Jesus, to improve their faith and to witness a miracle. Not only the four men but the crowd who were present that day saw the power of God in the form of a miracle in the life of this man.

Yeah, lack of ability is not a good defense to not serving.

2. MY HISTORY – If you have never heard my friend Sunni teach on the women in the Bible, you need to. She has a passion for this subject, and you can see it ignite in her as she talks about the Samaritan woman at the well talking to Jesus.

You see, the Jewish men often thought it was a waste of time to speak with women, much less a Samaritan woman with her reputation. This just goes to show that man’s thoughts are not the same as God’s because Jesus had a conversation with the Samaritan woman. The Jews hated the Samaritans. They hated the Samaritans because they were part Jews and part Jewish but following their own rules. The Jews thought the Samaritans were filthy and vile. Jesus saw a woman – a woman with a past who needed everlasting life.

What was this woman’s legacy? This woman with a past brought the town to meet Jesus, and isn’t that what we are supposed to be about – BRINGING PEOPLE TO JESUS?

Once you have asked Jesus into your heart, God no longer sees every sin you’ve committed. He sees a trail of blood from the cross covering every transgression. So, be like the Samaritan woman at the well and bring those you have known from your past to meet the Jesus in your present.

3. MY FINANCES: God does not consist in the constraints of time nor is he bound to work within our fiscal means. His math does not conform to the computations that mathematical scholars utilize in every day existence.

• 2 Peter 3:8 “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years”

• Mark 6:30-39: 5 loaves + 2 fish = 5000 men completely satisfied

Be faithful and obedient with what He has given to you, and let Him work out the rest whether it is financially, physically, or time-wise.

There is no excuse that God hasn’t already overcome. The question is, “Are you willing to lay down your excuses to follow God?”

Here’s the thing, if you don’t get involved, you’re going to kick yourself for missing it. I don’t want you to do that.

Get informed. Come serve Wednesday night.

LEGACY

2011-06-03T09:53:00.001-05:00

It's Saturday morning, and I sat in a room with fifteen women who were laughing and talking and enjoying a nice brunch. Each of these women were invited to the brunch by my mom because she wanted to celebrate spring's arrival. As each woman arrived, she made her way around the room giving a hug to each of the other ladies whether she knew her or not. This is how they introduced themselves. Some of these women knew my mom from high school, some from prior women's ministry teams mom had led; some are family and friends she had picked up along the way. But as I sat there I looked as each of these beautiful, godly women and realized I am their legacy.

Mrs. Virginia is the one who got my mom into women's ministry in the first place which is why I was exposed to it. This exposure was a way God prepared my heart for when it was my turn to lead in women's ministry. There were women from the team my mom lead many years ago. There was, of course, the "Sister Circle" – a group of women who have been friends for years and know how valuable true friendship is and makes time for it. There were women there who had prayed for me to become a mom. There were women who had known me from my childhood, and there were women who God put into my life through the life of my mom for specific reasons – some reasons I know, and some I don't. This group of women is just a few who have invested in my life to make it such a rich tapestry, hopefully pleasing to my God. There are many more.

Normally when I think of legacy, I think of what am I leaving my children, but today, I began to think of myself as being the legacy of these women who are ahead of me. Women who have endured hardships, difficulties, health issues, marital issues, child rearing issues, and here they sit, laughing, telling stories, and saying how good God is. These women are my heritage, and I am their legacy. Thank you, ladies. I love ya'll.

I posted this on my personal blog back in March of this year after Mrs. Lavahn had reviewed the book Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado with our women's ministry team. Little did I know that our church this summer would be going through this book and Bible study together. I just love how God works!

After looking at this post and reading part of Out Live Your Life, I wonder whose life am I impacting? How is God using me? How does God want to use me? How does God want me to serve?

I cannot tell you how excited I am that this is the path our church is on. God has laid this on my heart for some time. It's one of the reasons that anything the women do in our church we have wanted it to have some element of missions or ministry. It's why last fall we made baby blankets to donate to the CPC and had the silent auction at the Christmas Tea. It's why this spring we have been collecting food and pantry items for the Heart of Hope Maternity Home and why we are going to the Heart of Hope Maternity Home on June 12 for a Girl's Night Out – to do service, to minister, to love on others. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ. It has been a step-by-step process to work on getting the women outside the walls of this church, and it makes me so stinkin' excited! Makes me wanna shout!

If you haven't purchased your book Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado, they will be on sell in the sanctuary Sunday morning. But if you read it, you are responsible for what you learn. You will be responsible for following where God leads you to serve, and I can't wait to see where that is and to hear from you where He's leading you. SOOOO, please write to me. Tell me what God is laying on your heart and what you are doing to follow. WOOHOO! God is so good.

The “Church Lady,” the “Good Christian Woman,” and You

2011-05-25T21:08:00.001-05:00

Traci and I have yet to have one normal conversation, and I love her for that. She is on my team of women, and sometimes she wonders why God has put her there. But I know why.

Recently, Traci and I had the opportunity to share one of our conversations with some young married women. You see, I thought they might be able to relate to some of Traci's "issues" or "hang ups."

Who do you think of as being in women's ministry? What kind of woman? What does she look like? Do you fit that description? I didn't. I don't. When I was growing up there was a rather big-boned, tall woman with big hair and big shoulder pads who carried a big Bible at church who was the "church lady" to me. If I ever had a question about the Bible, she must have been an authority on it. Why else would she carry around such a big Bible? For Traci, her "good Christian lady" wore sensible shoes and would never be seen in a red convertible. Yes, Traci drives a red convertible and wears blingy flip flops to church. During our conversation with these young women, I asked if these kind of women wore an under-wire or push-up, Traci assured me that even if these women did wear one, they most certainly wouldn't discuss it in public! But truth is underwear is a necessity.

Everyone has an excuse as to why they can't serve. My daddy used to tell me that excuses are like belly buttons, everyone has one (although I'm not sure about Adam and Eve). Some women don't feel like they should lead or serve because of their pasts or that they will be judged for it. When God looks at His daughters, He doesn't see your past. He sees a trail of Christ's blood – that's it. If you have a past that you are embarrassed by for whatever reason – abortion, addiction, abuse…name your poison – He wants to liberate you from it. He wants you to deal with it, so He can use your testimony to encourage and help the next woman going down that similar path. Satan wants to keep you bound to it and make it a stumbling block. Which do you prefer – a stumbling block or a stepping block?

You are who God wants to use. Are you willing? Do you have the courage and strength to commit to Him? I'd love to talk to you about it. Please feel free to email me or call me.

On June 12^th, we will be having a GNO (Girls Night Out) at the Heart of Hope Maternity Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you can organize, stencil or garden, great! If you can pray, great! There will be a place for you to serve after we have a potluck picnic at HOH. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces. If you are new to the church, please call me at 464-3679, and I will make sure you are connected with a lady who can introduce you to others. We want you to feel comfortable about getting involved, so there's no excuses. You are who we need in the trenches with us as we fellowship, have fun and serve.

JUNE EVENTS

2011-05-21T08:29:00.001-05:00

I SURVIVED!
I need a t-shirt with that on it. I'd wear it every year at the end of school. May and December are the most hectic, crazy times of the year. Is it just me, or is anyone else out there feeling this?

After you have a moment to catch your breath, I want to give you a few things for you to look forward to for YOU!

Sunday, May 22^nd, the Calvary Women Connect team will be hosting a breakfast for the young married women in room B-107 starting at 9:45 AM. All you have to do is show up! We want this group of young ladies to know who is on the team and to get your feedback and ideas about the things God has placed on your heart for service. I cannot wait! Serving isn't just for "church ladies," don't ya know.

June 12^th we are having a potluck picnic at Heart of Hope from 5- 7 PM. We will be taking canned goods and pantry items, and they will have areas of service for us. They have a prayer room, and I know they have some stenciling that needs to be done. I'm sure we can find something for you to help with, so please come. More information will be sent out in the weeks to come.

June 16, 17, and 18^th – LEARN TO SEW!!!!! If you would like to learn to sew, a couple of the ladies at church have agreed to teach for FREEEEEE!!!!!!! This is a beginner's class for young women who have just graduated high school to the mature women. Come learn a skill that will be an asset for you, your family and community.

If you have any questions, please send me (Kristy Timmons Mullins) a message on Facebook or call me at (318) 464-3679.

GNO – GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! You don’t want to miss.

2011-04-17T16:06:00.004-05:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

MANDISA AND ANITA RENFROE

When: May 20^th 7:00 PM. If you are interested in meeting around 5 PM for supper, please let me know.

Tickets are $25. We will be taking money and reservations to order tickets. We will order the tickets on May 9^th. If we have more than 10, we may be able to get a reduced price.

Where: FBC Bossier City

If you want to come, but don't know anyone, please let me know. We want you to come and be a part of the Calvary Women Connect.

HEART OF HOPE MATERNITY HOME

Please bring canned goods and pantry items to the foyer of the church for the Heart of Hope Maternity Home. There are baskets set up to hold these items.

GNO -- Girls Night Out

2011-04-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!

Sunday from 6 PM - 8 PM at Mrs. Dinah's. We are going to have a mash potato bar! If you can bring some goodies for the potatoes, a salad or dessert that would be great.

Our mission this semester is the Heart of Hope Maternity Home. If you can bring a pantry item or canned food for this ministry, I know they would appreciate it.

So, get your girlfriends. Pile into the car, and come on! Time to eat, fellowship and laugh.

If you don't know anyone and want to come, let me know (464-2679).

Look forward to seeing you,

Kristy Mullins

Sweet Stars -- The RESULTS

2011-04-02T19:05:00.000-05:00

Our First Sweet Stars in February included:

Friends, fellowship and fun

Whoever came thinking they didn't know anyone, left with new friends.

Whoever came needing to laugh, left with a smile on her face.

And best of all, they learned a new skill to share with others, and the cupcakes were a hit at church the next day. Every single cupcake sold with all the proceeds going to the Heart of Hope Maternity Home.

Great job, ladies! And thanks to Kim Walker, Holly Tunstall and Holly McKinney for sharing their talents with us.

Thank you Mary Beth, Mary Rimmer and Shawn Kelly for opening your homes for us to use as a labratory of sorts.

SECOND ROUND OF SWEET STARS IN APRIL -- The Cupcake House

We all have to start somewhere. Sometimes the basics are challenging, but we took our time and learned.

Women of all ages. Strangers at first are strangers no more.

Women who were strangers are stranger no more.

Laughing

Talking

Learning

And this is the proof of our time together and what we learned.

THEN THERE WAS THE CAKE HOUSE...ENUF SAID. Right ladies?

Holly taught the ladies that it's not so important that the cakes be perfect. It's the fellowship and laughter that is the key.

From elbows in the cakes to the tips of the icing bags. Icing on the floor. Icing on the table. Some icing made it on the cakes too. The MAJOR lesson learned today -- if you have a whole in your cake, cover it with a flower!

What a fun group of women. What a sweet time of fellowship.

Thanks to Holly Tunstall and Holly McKinney for teaching and to Donna Melancon and Debbie Lohnes for opening your homes.

SWEET STARS FOR ALL OF THE WOMEN OF CALVARY

2011-03-21T18:26:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars: April 2
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

WHO: Women of all ages and
girls from third grade on up
with their moms

WHAT: Learn how to be the Ace of Cupcakes, how to be a Sweet Start of Calvary

WHY: Why not? Come and fellowship, learn a skill, laugh
and have fun.

We will be selling the goodies on Sunday morning with all the proceeds going to the Heart of Hope Maternity Home.

There's one catch -- YOU HAVE TO REGISTER! It's free. You just have to bring your undecorated cupcakes, but we need to know you are interested, so we can make assign you to a host home.

You don't want to be left out of the fun. Bring your daughter. Bring your girlfriend. Bring your mom. Bring your coworker. Just come!

If you have any questions, please call me. Kristy Mullins 464-3679

A Woman With a Scandal...

2011-03-08T13:14:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love a good scandal?

Okay, so I know that the good Baptist girl in us probably won't be raising our hands and admitting to this... but the world loves a good scandal. Don't believe me? Just try checking out at the grocery store or going Yahoo.com or watching the news- scandal sells. The world loves to build a person up, just to tear that person down. Satan loves it, too. I am speaking from personal experience. Do you know the feeling?

My early 20's played out like something a reality show on MTV. In other words- SCANDAL. Satan was having a hay-day with me, whispering words of pride into my ears... building me up for the fall that would inevitably happen. Too bad for him, I fell right into the arms of my Savior and I haven't looked back since.

You see, once I picked up my Bible I began to read about women like myself- scandalous women. I only meant to share one with you today, but there are just too many to choose from. (Pretty wild, huh?)

The book of Matthew in the Bible included five women in the genealogy of Christ. This is notable since it was not customary for Jews to include women in their records. Even more remarkable is the fact that Matthew included some scandalous women.

The descriptions of these women could easily be the headline for a tabloid magazine-

Tamar (Genesis 38:6-30)- Diguised herself as a prostitute, seduced her Father-in-Law and bore his child.
Rahab (Joshua 2:1-24)- A prostitue who risked her life to hide spies.
Ruth (The Book of Ruth)- A foriegner, so desperate for a husband that she is willing to sleep at his feet.
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-27)- Commits adultary with the King, who then has her husband murdered.
Mary (Matthew 1:30-36)- A virgin who claims to be pregnant with the Messiah.

All of these women were used by specifially by God for His glory, despite the circumstances. He can do the same for you. All He asks is that you repent from your sin and follow Him. He can give you beauty for your ashes.

My life verse is-

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Don't let your past keep you from your future. God wants to use YOU!!! Despite all of the scandal.

I'll close with another video. The song is 'I Am New' by Jason Gray. It's my anthem. I hope it encourages you as much as it has me.

In Need of Healing: A Woman with a Sadness

2011-02-21T14:55:00.000-06:00

Not long after that, Jesus went to the village Nain. His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman's only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, "Don't cry." Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, "Young man, I tell you: Get up." The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.

Luke 7:11-15

In my quiet time I've been reading through and soaking up the gospel of Luke. It's no secret by now- I'm a sucker for stories about Jesus and women. (Dr. Luke happens to contain the most, so I'm slightly partial to him.) I don't know how this treasure had passed me by in years before, but I've had a hard time getting it out of my head and heart since I read it in my bathtub several weeks ago.

I love the way The Message translation puts emphasis on this story. The boy is described as "a woman's only son". The precious woman gets a sentence all her own- "And the mother was a widow."

This says so much.

In this day and time a woman was solely dependant on her husband and when he died she would be dependant on her sons. This poor woman had been left with no support. Not only had she lost her family, but now she would likely be reduced to begging for food in the streets.

Jesus had chosen that day to pass through her village of Nain. He stopped and observed as the funeral processional came in to sight. He saw her- the mother, the widow. His heart broke. He reacted. He gave

I am always amazed by the love and compassion of our Savior. I said it last week and I'll say it again (and most likely again next week, too)- you are no different from this woman. I don't know the details to your story and I don't know the outcome, but trust me- if your heart is breaking, His is breaking right along with yours. You are His beloved child. His treasure.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,

for the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted

and to proclaim that captives will be released

and prisoners will be freed.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn

that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,

and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

To all who mourn in Israel,

he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61: 1-3

In Need of Healing: A Woman with a Sickness....

2011-02-15T11:46:00.001-06:00

On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him.

Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying.

As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed.

“Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Luke 8: 40-48 (NLT)

Two people were in need of healing that day-

The first was Jairus, a synagogue leader- a Jewish leader, at that. How extraordinary that a Jewish leader would fall down at the feet of a man most Jews thought to be a big hoax. You can imagine the scene this would have caused. The crowd surrounded as Jairus begged for healing for his daughter and grew larger and larger as they headed towards his house. Row after row of people, shoulder to shoulder, elbowing each other for a closer view.

There was another in need of healing that day-

A precious woman, who had known nothing but loneliness and pain for the past twelve years of her life. She had a bleeding condition. She was unclean. Her heart ached for a touch.

So she pressed through the crowd, this woman with a sickness. I don't doubt at all that her sickness had caused her body to become weak and feeble, but still she found the strength to push through.

She believed in Him. That he could heal her. Though the scriptures said that anything or anyone she touched would become unclean like her, she knew He was different. She knew she could trust Him to heal her.

"Who has touched me?" Jesus asked.

Trembling, she fell to her knees before him and spilled out the details of her life.

Not only had she touched his cloak, but also his heart.

"Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Let's take this story into a modern day setting and make it a little more personal.

We live in a day and age where medical technology would prevent us from suffering physically as this woman did- and if we did happen to have a problem with hemorrhaging we wouldn't be considered unclean. We could continue to live with our family, go to church or the grocery store and hug friends without the fear of making everything around us from people to furniture unclean. (Leviticus 15:19-28) Still, I find that so many women walk around as if they were bleeding and unclean. I know all to well, I used to be one of them.

Do you feel as if your heart is bleeding and it just won't stop?

Has it been torn, broken, abused, shattered?

Does that make you feel lonely, isolated, ashamed, weak?

Perhaps we have more in common with this woman than we care to think.

I first taught on this woman this past fall. I am pretty smitten with all of the women in the bible, but this sweet lady was not on my list of favorites. Her story made me uncomfortable. After a week of fighting it, I gave in to the notion that I was to teach on her. I began to study her story and she (along with my sweet Savior) changed my heart once again.

With everything riding against her, she found the strength to push through the crowd and reach out to Jesus.

I casually mentioned it before, but let me lay it out for you- the law stated that whomever she touched would become unclean. That meant by touching Jesus she would make him unclean. At a certain point in my life, I feared the same thing. It seemed as if all of my issues and sin would be too much for Jesus- that a touch from me would make Him unclean.

There is many a debate about why Jesus asked who had touched Him. He is God after all, shouldn't he have known?

I personally like to think that He just wanted her to share her story aloud. He wanted a crowd of people to know that His power and grace could overcome such issues and that He is our healer.

You are no different from her, sweet friend.

I pray that you will find the strength to push through the obstacles in your way and fall at the feet of your Savior. Tell him your story, pour out your heart and you will find healing.

"Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

Woman with a Past

2011-02-09T10:18:00.001-06:00

In six short weeks I will be a mother of two little girls, so naturally I am a big ball of tenderness, nostalgia, anxiety and hormones. As the day of having a pair of sisters approaches, I find myself replaying my life over and over in my mind like an old fashioned movie reel.

The days of my early childhood are filled with sweet memories and it thrills me to give my girls the gift of sisterhood. The memories of my teenage years are full of rebellion and lost innocence. Honestly, as a mother, I pray every day that my girls will not choose the same path that I did. Life got worse in my early 20's as I let the guilt, shame and sadness of my teen years overtake my mind and actions.

So here's my question to you-

What's in your past? (You don't have to answer that aloud...)

Is is filled with sickness? Sadness? Scandal?

I'm pretty sure we've all got a good mix of the three.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Over the next few weeks I will be blogging about our Redeemer. We will look into the pages of the New Testament and study how He dealt with a variety of women. Though their pasts were each very different, they were all in need of His touch. I pray that you will follow along as we 'settle the matter' and prepare our hearts for a "You-Nique Weekend For Women."

-Sunni

Preparing for the Fast

2011-01-04T17:39:00.001-06:00

The past few blogs we have been preparing and encouraging the women of Calvary to get prepared, to get ready for the fast and for revival. For this Sunday, God laid some pretty heavy stuff on my heart to ask the ladies in the small group I lead, and I want to pass those along to you.

What are your motives for fasting?

In Isaiah 58, the people were fasting but getting nothing from it. You know why? Because they did it for appearance sake. They Bible says, they "seem eager." Their fasting was on a superficial, ritualistic level. Are you fasting simply because everyone else is? Are you fasting because you want that time of cleansing and getting your relationship with God on a deeper level? In Isaiah 58:1-5 the people were fasting the way they wanted to and then they were doing what they wanted. The result of their fast – quarrelling and strife. Their definition of fasting was not God's. What is it that God wants you to fast?
Are you willing to fast God's way?

God's definition of fast was connected to behaviors. He wants his people to live an over-comers life not bound to our sin or to be controlled by our sin. He wants the "ropes of the yoke" to be untied. What are you in bondage to?

God's definition of fasting was very different from their definition of fasting. The results of fasting God's way led to drastically different results than those who fasted their own way.
Are you willing to do what the Lord leads you to do during the fast and as a result of the fast?

The way God desires us to fast means He will lead us to action. In Isaiah 58, fasting God's way lead to social action – feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked. That means getting outside the church walls to serve him by ministering to others. It can be uncomfortable, but that's when you know you're growing. It won't be your idea, and that's when you know that God is leading you to put aside yourself to put others first.
What are the benefits of fasting God's way?

In verses 8 and 9 it shows if we fast God's way and IF WE ARE OBEDIENT, the reward is recovery/restoration. The reward is that he will be found.

Fasting is a denial of our selfish desires putting God first and foremost in our lives. By focusing on God, we are choosing to feed our spiritual life. WHAT YOU FEED FLOURISHES. WHAT YOU STARVE SHRIVELS. When you feed your spiritual life it grows, and your fleshly desires shrivel up. When we feed our fleshly desires (food, anger, spending, pride, you fill in the blank) then those fleshly desires will flourish. They don't stay contained to just one area of your life. Satan has a foothold with one sin in your life, he does not stop there. It spreads.

Ephesians 4:21-31 shows that by accepting Christ and being baptized we are bound to him. He died and conquered sin once and for all. We don't have to live in bondage to our fleshly self. We don't. "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come so that you may have life more abundantly." John 10:10. Romans 6:1-14 says we are to count ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ. We have to die to our fleshly desires daily and choose to follow Christ. We do not have to be bound to our sin. It's a choice. What will you feed? Will you feed your flesh, or will you feed your spiritual life? And if you decide to feed the spiritual and God leads you to do something during the fast or as a result of this fast, ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT?

Ladies, it's time for some spring cleaning a few months early. We need to get rid of the things we cling to that are of our fleshly desires and embrace those things that God leads us to.

Preparing for the Fast -- REPENT

2011-01-01T10:03:00.005-06:00

Last week in my small group on Sunday morning, we talked about preparing for the fast, preparing for revival. We talked about how John the Baptist's destiny was to prepare others to meet Jesus and how, like Elijah, his message was REPENT.

Ladies, we need to prepare ourselves for this fast. We need to prepare ourselves for revival. We need to confess our sins to our Creator, and when I say "confess our sins," I mean more than saying, "Please forgive me of my sins." By saying that, we are white-washing our sins and distancing ourselves from our sins. We need to name them. If you don't know what your sins are then pray Psalms 19:12 – 14. God will reveal them to you.

By naming our sins, we may become more like Mary, Martha and Lazarus' sister, who was known in the town of Bethany as a sinful woman. When she came to Jesus, she knew her sins. She wept at Jesus's feet for her sins; she dried his feet with her hair; she kissed his feet. Ladies, she poured the most expensive, extravagant, precious gift she had on his feet – herself and the perfume from the alabaster jar.

Jesus said she did this because it was ordained that she prepare him for his death, but having lived a life so separate from Christ because of her, she poured herself out (her old self) till she was empty, and there was nothing left of herself so HE COULD FILL HER UP. Isaiah 59:1-3, "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things." Our hands are covered with Christ's blood – it is because of our sins that he died for us.

When was the last time you wept at the feet of Jesus because of your sins? When was the last time you truly repented of your sin?

Ladies, you can go through this fast and not get a thing out of it. Isaiah 58 shows Israel fasting but not hearing God in it. We have to repent – no more white-washing.
Repentance isn't a one-time deal either. Repentance is a lifestyle. I'm not talking about a lifestyle of self-loathing or self-deprication. I'm talking about daily dying to our selfish desires and wants. We need to daily put on the armor of God, choose to follow him, and put aside our selfish, immature, self-centered, toxic ways.

If we want to prepare for this fast coming in January of 2011, if we want revival to happen in our lives, WE MUST REPENT. NAME THEM.

Take Jesus Out of the Manger…And Live

2010-12-19T11:28:00.001-06:00

So, we've taken Jesus out of the manger and carried him everywhere around the Shreveport/Bossier area. I encouraged you to take Jesus out of your purse every time you make a purchase. You may be wondering what the point to all of this is…it is a physical reminder of something you do every day. You carry Jesus with you every day, everywhere, every minute. He hears what you say with your mouth, in your mind, and in your actions. He sees your actions and the intentions of your heart. Are you living your life like that? Are you living your life in such a manner that his heart is reflected in you? Are you seeing others through his eyes?

Do you remember how we started off this Mary/Martha challenge? Remember how much God loves you and what he was willing to do for you? Let's live like it. Let's dig in his love letter to us and share it with others this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas.

Love ya'll,

Kristy

Take Jesus Out of the Manger…And

2010-12-13T10:11:00.000-06:00

I have some wonderful girlfriends around the country who have a heart for serving God and for ministering to women. I’ve challenged them to challenge their women to take Jesus Out of the Manger just like I’ve challenged you. You may be wondering, “What’s the point?” Good question.

We decorate every year. We decorate our homes, our cubicles, our yards and even our cars for the holiday season. What if we all left baby Jesus out of the manger? Some do already. Some only put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning and celebrate His birthday. But what if, we take baby Jesus with us wherever we go. I challenged you last week to carry the baby Jesus in your purse. This week, I challenge you to take baby Jesus out every time you open your wallet to buy anything. Set baby Jesus up there right beside the card reader. Keep Him there until your purchase is finalized.

Do you think this has the potential for starting a conversation with the sales clerk? Do you think the person behind you might wonder why baby Jesus is in your purse? So, now, not only are you focused on Jesus, but the cashier and the person behind you. Isn’t that what Christmas is about? This is your opportunity to say, “I believe in saying Merry Christmas because I believe in Jesus Christ, so Merry Christmas.” How simple is that?

Now, what if there is a woman in that same line an hour later who takes her baby Jesus out and places it beside the card reader? What if she does the exact same thing? She has taken the challenge to say, “I believe in saying Merry Christmas because I believe in Jesus Christ, so Merry Christmas.” Do you think it will make an impression on that clerk?

You know what else that means? We will have to be on our best behavior! That clerk will be watching and listening. Are you different from all the other customers who haven’t looked her in the eyes the whole day? Will you be like the others in her life who barely recognize her existence, or will you take the opportunity to look her in the eye and say, “I believe in saying Merry Christmas because I believe in Jesus Christ. I’ve taken Jesus out of the manger and take Him wherever I go. Why don’t you come to our Christmas Eve service?”

Ladies, when the shepherds went to the find baby Jesus, they didn’t keep Him all to themselves. Luke 2:17 said they told everyone what they had been told about the child and that those who listened were amazed. We don’t need to keep this to ourselves. It’s not enough to carry Jesus around in our purses much less our hearts. We MUST share Him, so take Him out of your purse every time you pull out your wallet. I challenge you, and I’d love to see the faces on those who start seeing us pull little baby Jesus’s out of our purses. I want to hear about lives changed because we were bold enough to share Jesus in this simple way…my guess, it is your life that will be forever changed.

His Daughter,

Kristy

Take Jesus Out of the Manger

2010-12-06T10:09:00.001-06:00

At the Christmas Tea, I issued a challenge, and I want to challenge you as well. Too often we get caught up with the shopping and the “to do” things that we totally miss opportunities to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We miss opportunities to serve Jesus. We miss opportunities to love others from the overflow of our love for Christ. So here is the challenge – take Jesus out of the manger and put Him in your purse!

Do you go anywhere without your purse? Not often, if at all. So I challenge you to put that baby Jesus in your purse and take Him wherever you go.

When you go to Hobby Lobby to buy just one more thing (like that’s possible) and you reach for your wallet, your hand will graze the baby Jesus in your purse. I hope it reminds you that before God created the world, He knew He was going to create you (Eph 1). He knew how much you, like me, were going to screw up, and yet He still wanted to create you. LISTEN TO THIS – He knew that by creating you He would have to send His only Son to die for your sins to redeem you, and HE STILL CHOSE TO CREATE YOU ANYWAY!!!! How awesome is that? What an amazing love! It’s the kind of love that people are looking for today. Are you sharing it with those who are in the checkout line with you?

When you are searching for the tube of lipstick to reapply before going into a Christmas party, your hand grabs the baby Jesus, I want you to remember that God made Himself so vulnerable as to come as a newborn baby and made Himself available to the lowliest of people because He wants a personal relationship with you and every person in that party. HE BECAME DEFENSELESS SO WE MIGHT NOT BE THREATENED OR INTIMIDATED BY HIS PRESENCE, BUT RATHER HE MADE HIMSELF APPROACHABLE AND LOVABLE TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS AND PRECONCEIVED IDEAS. Are you that approachable and lovable so that ANYONE in the party will see Jesus in you?

And when you take the contents of your purse out and put them into another purse, and you hold baby Jesus in your hand, I want you to remember God wants a personal relationship with you. It makes no sense, but He does. He was willing to die for a relationship with you. That’s how precious you are to Him. He wants to spend some time with His daughter. IT’S PERSONAL. YOU MATTER. THEY MATTER.

There are people who are dying and going to hell because they think Christmas is a holiday like the others. Does that bother you? If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart, He waits patiently. Nothing that has happened to you, no choices you have made surprise Him. He still loves you. He even knows what is going to happen in your future, and He wants to help provide and protect you.

You’ve probably ignored that tug on your heart before, but don’t. He wants to adopt you as his daughter. He’s paid for the adoption – He sacrificed His Son – you’ve just got to claim Him as your Father.

Ladies, the baby that is the reason for this season was no ordinary baby. He was born to be sacrificed for you, for me. Are you living like it? Are you living like someone died to set you free? Let’s serve Him this season out of the overflow of our love for Him.

SHE LOVES MUCH

2010-11-29T08:00:00.002-06:00

Over the past four weeks, we’ve been looking at Martha and Mary. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure Martha has to be a first-born of her and Mary. She just has that flavor about her. It’s easy to dissect where leaders make mistakes because they are the ones up front and center and the ones leading visibly, but I think Martha also had some wonderful qualities as well. She was intelligent. She could motivate people to action, and she was generous.

This being said, I began to wonder about Mary. When I looked Mary up in my concordance, it showed me Mary the sister of Lazarus and gave me two additional scriptures Matthew 26:6-13 which is about the woman and the alabaster jar of perfume and Luke 7:36-50 which is the one I want to focus our attention on today.

In verse 37 says a woman with a sinful life in that town went to see Jesus. She was known by her actions in the whole town. In your family, what do your actions say? What about your church? She did not pretend to be more than she was either. Ladies, sometimes we have socialized our sin. We put it on a graded curve from a little, white lie to a big, black lie, and I’m pretty sure God doesn’t see it like that. Your little white lie put Jesus on the cross just like a big, black sin of someone else’s. You are no better than they. The only difference is Christians have been redeemed. Soak in that for a minute. Not too comfortable, is it? I didn’t think so either.

In verse 38 she stood where? BEHIND Jesus. Where was she? AT HIS FEET. What was she doing? WEEPING. When was the last time you wept over your sin? Just asking because it convicted me. Her tears wet the feet of her Savior – the feet that would be pierce for her iniquity, her sin. She was sobbing. Then she wiped them dry with her hair, and what happened next caught my attention. It made me stop in my tracks. I’m not going to tell you either. You have to look it up. Then and only then did she pour the perfume on His feet. Oh, the love she had for her Lord. I want that. I want what she had. I want that softness of heart and Spirit, so His Words convict me and pierce through the walls I’ve constructed around my mind and heart. Jesus recognized her for her love. Check out verse 47. “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for SHE LOVED MUCH. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

I may not have ever murdered anyone in cold-blood, but I may have in my mind. I may not have acted on a hatred, but I may have held it in my heart. I might have envied and coveted without stealing, but in my mind, I’ve taken many things. I want my Jesus to recognize me as “SHE WHO LOVED MUCH.” It’s because of her love of Jesus that she served. She served from the overflow of her love for Him. How much do you love Him? Will He say, “She who loved much” or “she who loves little?”

During this holiday season when we are so rushed going here and there, buying this present, and preparing this meal or that, will your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers see you serving from the overflow of your love of Christ? OR will they see you serving man for the recognition by man or because it is required?

Jesus LOVES MUCH. It’s why He chose to humble Himself and make Himself the most vulnerable as an infant, so He could reach the most common, everyday people – you and me. How will you serve Him this season?

Mary and Martha’s Faith Is Defined by a Box

2010-11-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

Last week we focused on John 11. I encourage you to read that chapter again, at least to verse 44. Take this time. It is for your benefit. Pray and ask God to open your eyes and mind to show you what you should believe, what you should learn, and what your response needs to be.

We discovered last week that Jesus waited two days before even starting His journey to see Lazarus, Martha and Mary. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus was in the tomb 4 days. Jesus was in Jerusalem 2 miles away from Bethany where Lazarus was sick and dying and yet Jesus stayed two more days and it took him 2 additional days to travel 2 miles. (Seem callous? Stay plugged in.)

Martha heard that Jesus was on His way, and she went to meet Him while Mary stayed home. Martha is once again “the doer.” She is a woman of action. She is also a woman of faith. In verse 21 and 22, “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Martha believe that if Jesus had just been present, He could have healed Lazarus, but now that Lazarus was dead and in the tomb 4 days, she believed that He could ask the Father for restoration and that God would provide.

Jesus’s response is simply that Lazarus will live again.

Martha has obviously been sitting at the feet of Jesus because she understood that Lazarus would rise on resurrection day. Martha confesses that she believes Christ is the Son of God, but she still doesn’t completely understand what Jesus is saying to her much like the disciples earlier in this chapter.

Now Martha goes back home and tells Mary that the Teacher is there and wanted to see her. It’s not written that He wanted to see Mary. Maybe Martha thought Mary would have a better chance of getting what they wanted if someone else talked to Jesus. We really don’t know.

Mary’s response? She bolted out of that house so quickly that the mourners who were there to comfort her thought she was running to the grave of Lazarus and ran after her. When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at His feet. In Luke 10:38-42, Mary was at Jesus’ feet listening. Now she is at Jesus’ feet again crying and telling Him of her hurt, “If you had just been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw Mary sobbing and the other mourners grieving the loss of Lazarus, Jesus was moved with compassion. The NIV says, “he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” The crowd took Him to Lazarus’ grave, and Jesus wept. He wasn’t callous. He wasn’t heartless. He was moved by those who were grieving. He knew what the outcome was going to be, and that there would be rejoicing in a matter of moments, but He was with those who were hurting where they were.

Jesus then told them to remove the stone from the grave. Martha’s response? He stinks. He’s been dead for 4 days. Jesus insisted, and the stone was removed, and He began to pray. Read verse 41 and 42. Thank you.

In this glimpse into Mary and Martha, we see Martha has more knowledge than some of the disciples at that time, but she didn’t get the full understanding. She had faith. She was a believer, but she didn’t understand the magnitude of Jesus’ power. She knew He could heal, but didn’t know about His ability to raise the dead to life. How often do we put Jesus in a box because of our own limited knowledge or ability?

In Martha’s grief, she showed incredible faith and knowledge even though it was limited based in her humanity. Mary is a woman who is driven by her emotion, her conviction, yet she didn’t ask Jesus to raise Lazarus from the grave. Why?

Just like Martha and Mary too often we put Jesus into a box – a box that is defined with human definitions, confined by what we know by our own humanity, BUT GOD. Jesus may have been God in Flesh, but He knew His source was the Father and through Him all things are possible. God can’t fit into any box you have created. You have a problem or situation or a relationship you can’t get straight, think outside the box – GIVE IT TO GOD.

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus – developing a picture

2010-11-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

The past couple of weeks we have been going over Luke 10:38-42. We reviewed Martha’s stressors and how we all have “been there and done that.” Sometimes I still go there, but as I looked at that passage, I really wanted to learn more about Mary, so I started digging.

Before we get start, please start with a time of prayer. Ask God to make your heart tender to what He wants you to receive. Ask Him to make it tender to the things in your life that He may not want in your life. Ask Him to make your heart tender for the things His heart is tender for.

The next couple of weeks we are going to be reading over John 11:1-44. Take time to read it. Read it all the way through and then go back and meditate on different verses throughout this week.

The chapter starts by introducing the characters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, and in verse 2 it reads, “This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.” (Did you know that? I didn’t know that! We will be visiting this a lot more later, so stay tuned.)

Mary and Martha sent for Jesus saying, “The one you love is sick.” When Jesus heard the news, He knew what was going to happen. He knew what the end results would be just like He knows what is going to happen to you later today and tomorrow. Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Whatever struggle or difficulty you are going through, will God’s Son be glorified in it? Will your actions point others to Christ?

I love the next part. Verse 5, “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus knew that his friends were about to go through a difficult time, that He would be glorified in it, and His thoughts for Martha, Mary and Lazarus were of love. He loved them. He loved them before the storm in their life got really bad. He loved them when life got more than they could handle, and He loved them when their hearts were broken and grieving.

Do you need His loving? Does it feel like you are struggling and nothing is going well? That is where Mary and Martha were. They sent for Jesus. They looked to Jesus because they had faith in Him to fix it.

But Jesus didn’t get up and jump to, did He? He stayed TWO MORE DAYS!!!! (What is up with that? Two more days? What is the point?) There was a quote in one of Beth Moore’s Bible studies that said, “God misses a few good opportunities to be early, but He is ALWAYS on time.” Isaiah 55 tells us His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts because He is higher than our ways and thoughts. He sees the big picture whereas we see through part of a mirror darkly. A song says it like this, “Sometimes He calms the storm with a whisper peace be still. He can settle any sea, but it doesn’t mean He will. Sometimes He holds us close and let’s the winds and waves go wild. Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child.” There are times when it doesn’t seem like we can find Him during those horrible or difficult times, but He is there. And one more quote, “When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.” God isn’t in the business of hurting His children. He’s in the healing business, the disciplining business, the restoration business, and the redeeming business.

If you are going through one of these rough spots, I encourage you to journal. Sometimes when we are in those dark valleys we can’t always see God’s hand moving, but when we go back and look we can catch a glimpse of His hand working in our lives by the people He leads to us, the way He leads us to pray, and by the circumstances we can’t understand.

“When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”

“Kristy Michele!”

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I asked you to read Luke 10:38-42 from a couple of different versions. Read those verse again after you’ve had a time of prayer.

We also looked at how Martha opened her home to Jesus, His disciples and whatever crowd might have shown up. Martha and Lazarus’s sister Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. We saw that Mary opened her heart and her mind to be filled by her Creator, the Lover of her soul.

Let’s look again this week at Martha. In verse 40 we read that Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. AND WHO WOULDN’T? It’s not like she could call in an order at Monjuni’s and pick up some lasagna for a house full of people. If she was going to fix chicken, she was going to have to catch several chickens, kill them, pluck them, wash them, and that is before preparing them to be cooked. She was probably also considering what else she should serve to go with the entrée. Do I have enough dishes for this many people? I haven’t dusted this week. My house is a disaster! I can totally appreciate it if Martha was thinking these things. Can’t you? I mean, after all, it’s JESUS entering your home. You are feeding JESUS. It is a big, flippin’ deal! And in the middle of her frenzy, Martha turns around to order Mary to do something, and she isn’t there. As a matter of fact, Mary isn’t anywhere near the kitchen. Mary has gone and sat her scrawny self down and isn’t lifting a finger to help. That would burn me up to know that the person who should be helping me has ditched me. Can you feel Martha right now? Have you walked in our sista’s shoes? (I know you can’t see me, but I am SOOOOO raising my hand right now!)

Then in Martha’s frenzied state, she goes to Jesus and says, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work BY MYSELF? Tell her to help me.”

What Martha is saying is, “Jesus, I can’t do this alone! It’s too much. I need help. There is just too much to do.” But then she goes one step further. She bosses Jesus! “Tell her to help me!” (Oh, no she didn’t! Oh, yes, she did!) She told Jesus the One whose Father only has to speak a thing into existence to go tell her sister to get up off her scrawny behind and help her. (That my sisters is skating on some thin ice…in my humble opinion.)

But God is gracious. He is merciful. He could have in that moment squashed her like a bug, but He didn’t. Instead, He was compassionate yet firm (Oh, how I wish I could parent like this!) Jesus calmly called her by name…twice. “Martha, Martha.” (When I was growing up if my momma or daddy called, “Kristy Michele,” then I knew I was in deep trouble.) But Jesus’s tone isn’t one of scolding, it’s one of calming Martha down. “Martha, Martha.” I just love the fact that He knows my name. He knows your name. It’s personal. He’s personal.

Martha didn’t have to tell Jesus everything that was on her plate because He knew. “You are worried and upset about many things.” He knows what is on your plate. He knows what is going to be happening the week before the tea and the day of the tea as we prepare. HE KNOWS!

Then Jesus leads Martha where she needs to go – “Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” What was that ONE thing? Who was that One?

As you prepare to serve the women who will attend this tea, what needs to be our focus? Who needs to be our focus? Do not neglect your quiet time with Him. Crawl up in your Father’s lap with His Word, and let Him love on you. Let Him fill you up because it is when we are filled up with Him that your act of service will most reflect Him.

Mary and Martha - The Christmas Tea

2010-11-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

I have to admit I borrowed the title for our Christmas Tea from a sweet friend of mine who leads a women’s ministry in Virginia. I thought the title was so appropriate, but little did I know how God planned to use the title, “How to Have a Mary Christmas in a Martha Month” to affect me.

Many of you know I am going to seminary to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Education with a focus on Women’s Ministry. This past week I was there taking a couple of classes – “Bible Study for Women” and “Women and Church Growth.” While there I had an opportunity to participate in a ministry that I had looked forward to doing, but as the day progressed, my heart became heavier and heavier, and I knew I would have to miss the ministry opportunity to meet with God in my little hotel room. What He led me to and through is what I would like to focus our next few postings to in order to best prepare for our tea.

Before we get started, please take time to pray. Focus your attention on your Creator, the Lover of your Soul, the One who gives meaning to your life. Tell Him the things for which you are grateful. Tell Him why you love Him, and then ask Him to open your eyes to see what it is He wants you to see and ask Him to reveal to you what it is that you are to apply to your life.

Please open your Bible and read Luke 10:38-42. We all have our favorite version when reading the Scripture, but I’d like for you to go to www.Biblegateway.com and select another version and read these same verses.

In the verses, we are told that Jesus and His disciples were on their way to see Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Whose home did they go to? It said that Martha opened her HOME to Him. My mother-in-law designed her own home…every inch of it. She is creative and gifted. She made the bedspreads, cornice boards, drapes, and bed skirts to all match and of course they complement the paint choice flawlessly. Her home is in cool blues, and I find such peace and serenity when I go to visit. She thinks of every little detail and has things prepared ahead of time. What a gifted hostess. Martha was about to be hostess to thirteen grown men and whatever crowds may show up. Have you ever had that happen to you? A large group of people just show up? We don’t know if she knew if they were coming or not, but what the Scripture does say is she opened her HOME.

The Scripture then goes on to say Martha’s sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet. Mary sat. Where did she sit? At the Lord’s feet. I love to sit and soak in the Word. It’s refreshing to hear others teach the Word of God, but I can only imagine what it was like to sit at Jesus’ feet. Not only did Mary sit, but she was listening. She wasn’t idle or lazy. She was listening and learning.

Martha opened her HOME, but Mary opened her HEART and her MIND to be filled by Jesus. Martha was so distracted and worried and upset by so many different things that she did not make set her priorities in the right order.

As we prepare for this Christmas Tea when we will have an opportunity to invite our coworkers, girlfriends, and family members, let’s remember to keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus, so we may be full of Him and not so distracted by the stressors and craziness the life affords.

My prayer is that you will follow this blog at least until the tea. Please be praying for this tea that girls and women will come to Jesus and will be encouraged to open their hearts and mind to Him as well.

I love ya’ll.

His Daughter,

Kristy

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT!

2010-10-23T18:58:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying this cooler weather. I know the word "cooler" is relative, and for those of you who are transplants from northern territories this is probably still sweltering, but for us, anything less than 95 degree is a cool streak.

Tomorrow night is our Girl's Night Out. You know what I love about Girl's Night Out? I love the fact that women of all ages come. This time there is a pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie contest, so bring it on! We are also going to be "speed dating." You are going to have an opportunity to meet some fascinating people. So, bring your mom, your sister, your daughter, your girlfriend, and come on!

Mrs. Sue has graciously opened her home up to us tomorrow night at 12129 Ellerbe Road. If you need directions, her number is 797-6058.

One last thing…The mission the Women's Ministry is supporting is the Crisis Pregnancy Center. If you could bring a ream of paper or a pack of diapers, we would greatly appreciate it.

See you there.

ENIGMA

2010-10-01T13:36:00.001-05:00

Enigma, according to www.dictionary.com, is "a person of puzzling or contradictory character."

I don't like tomatoes, but I love spaghetti sauce and ketchup (but not together mind you).
I can move my arms and legs to go and do as I please, but I couldn't control my own body to produce a baby with my husband.
I love technology, but I am technologically challenged.
I love the smell of a pipe and of coffee, but I don't partake in either.
I want to spend time with God daily, but I don't make the time to crawl into the lap of my heavenly Father and be with Him.
I want to be used by God, but I maintain my pride, my desire for control, and my selfishness.

Paul wrote in Romans 7:15 -- 19, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing"(NIV). Is that about as clear as mud? Reminds me of the Abbott and Costello routine of "Who's on First?" So, let me see if I can put it to you in a sister's tone, my tone.

Have you ever said, "I don't know I bought that outfit. I can't afford that!"

"I wish I hadn't eaten that last bite. I'm so stuffed!"

"I shouldn't have returned his phone call. What have I done?"

"I knew better than to tell her that. What was I thinking?"

You know you need to limit your spending, watch what you eat, keep yourself pure, and monitor your mouth, but you do the opposite anyway. You know God's way is right, but we choose the harmful even detrimental way because of our selfishness and our pride. There isn't one good thing in us. We might have the desire to be good and do good, but we have weaknesses. We have a sinful nature. You think you are the only one who struggles with this? You aren't. "There is no one righteous, not even one," according to Romans 8:11. And if you think you are better than your sister, you better take that log out of your own eye before trying to get the splinter out of her's (Matthew 7:4). Girl, you need to ask God to search you and see if there is any unclean way in you (Psalms 139). Some who suffer from the affliction of "I'm better than her" need to get off the cross because somebody else can use the wood for something better than martyrdom that glorifies themselves…just sayin'.

We may even have designs on doing something great for God, but it doesn't ever measure up or it falls through. Then we get discouraged because it didn't work out as we planned. I can't remember where I read this, but I was assured that I was not responsible for the results. I am responsible for surrendering, submitting and obeying my heavenly Father. He, girlfriends, is the One and only who is responsible for the results. Think about what could be done if He's the One leading and coordinating everything.

We are not an enigma to Him. He knows exactly who we are today, who we were yesterday, and He knows who we can become. One more definition of enigma -- "a riddle," and here's a riddle for you: He knows we have a sinful nature and weaknesses, but He chooses to love us anyway. The answer: God has immeasurable mercy, grace and forgiveness for everyone who will accept it.

So, even though I may not always understand why I do something, I know His grace is sufficient for me and all my inadequacies. Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving me time and time again, for saving my soul, and for loving my unlovely self. Micah 7:18, "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." He DELIGHTS to show mercy even after all I've don – now that is HIS ENIGMA. I am blessed.

It’s FALL!!!! And Ladies, there is something for you.

2010-09-04T15:53:00.002-05:00

Fall is in the air. This is my most favorite time of the year. The leaves are changing. The weather is getting cooler. It's football time, and it's time I can get back outside and do some projects. This summer with the 100 plus temperatures add a good dose of humidity made it feel like you were wearing the air around you as soon as you walked outside, so the fall is something a bit different.
For some, fall is a fresh start. I remember being so excited as a child for the first few days of school. New clothes. New book bag. New books, paper, pens and pencils. Everything was fresh and new.
Well, ladies, fall is here for you too. It is a fresh start. This semester we are support the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Our Bible study groups are asked to bring diapers and reams of paper to donate. The craft group will be making items to donate, and we'll be sending out more information shortly.
We are starting our new Bible study on September 13^th at 6 PM in the Fireside Room. The morning group will meet September 14^th at 9:30 AM in the same location. The Bible study for this fall is When Wallflowers Dance by Angela Thomas. This summer I was attending a convention and was able to hear her speak. She has us all laughing till we had tears rolling down our faces, but ladies, when she makes a point she doesn't mince words. This study is about "Becoming a Woman of Righteous Confidence." Who couldn't use that? Invite a coworker, a girlfriend, an acquaintance and come. You don't have to be a member of the church to participate.
Also, we are starting up the craft nights again. September 17^th from 6 PM – 8 PM. Bring a snack or drink to share and learn to knit a baby blanket to donate to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. If you scrap book, we would love for you to come and help put together a 6*6 book for a mother and then work on your books. If you crochet and want to make a blanket or something to donate, please come join the fun. You may have another art that you can do to support the Crisis Pregnancy Center. You are welcome to come.
Now, you may be saying I don't do crafts. Do you pray? Come teach girls from the third grade on up how to pray over the fleece, tie-blankets they will be making to donate. A prayer is said for every knot made on the blanket. This is a wonderful opportunity to make an impact on the next generation in how to pray.
We have a "Girl's Night Out" coming in October, and other surprises along the way, so stay posted. I also suggest that you check the blog site at least once a month because we are adding tabs to the sidebar with information.
Exciting things are in store ladies. Do you feel the excitement and energy? Do you want to be a part of it? We'd love for you to. Here are a few things we are looking for:

Do you have a large kitchen? Do you like to cook? Would you consider allowing some young ladies come to your home to learn to cook or bake or decorate cakes? Would you open your home for someone to come and teach young women to cook or bake?
Do you sew? Do you have a sewing machine? Would you be willing to help other women teach their daughters how to sew?
Do you have spare bedrooms? Would you be willing to open your home for one night to moms in our church? Curious – call me.
Do you have something to give? Have you been there and done that, and would you mind sharing your faith with another woman who is going through a similar situation? I want to know.
Ladies, have you ever prayed or wished that another godly, growing, Christian woman was available to speak truth into you, encourage you, guide you, or mentor you? Let me know.

This women's ministry will be what you put into it. Are you committed? Are you ready? I am. I can't stand it! I am so stinkin' excited.
His Daughter,
Kristy Mullins

Sprinting, Running and Passing Smooth Out

2010-08-18T09:09:00.000-05:00

I have been doing my best to exercise on a regular basis. You may ask, “Have you been successful?” To which I would reply, “Absolutely not.” But today, I went to the track inside the gym where the girls at the academy were having p.e. (physical education). They were to run twelve laps (1 mile). I confess. I’m a sprinter. Been sprinting and darting for most of my life. Ran short distance in high school, but I’ve never been a long distance runner. As a matter of fact, I ran relay, and our team would get a trophy if we would place in the mile relay. This meant I would have to run a full lap, 400 meters. Keep in mind that I trained to sprint the 100 and the 200. I didn’t know how to run the 400. For those of you who don’t run or didn’t run track, you set a pace and then sprint the last 100. I ran track, but they failed to tell me that little detail before they signed us up to run the race. Michelle was in the block. The gun went off, and she started running. I got into place, and the hand-off was as smooth as silk. We never dropped a baton. The baton was in my hand, and I began sprinting. I did fine until I had to continue on pass my 200 mark. I was sucking down some serious wind. My breathing was a mess. There was no pattern, no rhythm. I passed off the baton to Phyllis and then passed out. YEP! I passed smooth out on the gravel track. They got me up and walked me around, occasionally putting my head between my knees to help me breathe. The first time I was bent over was when I noticed the skin on my left leg. It was gone. From my ankle to my knee on the outside portion of my leg, the skin was gone and covered with gravel. (Yeah, that was fun having that cleaned out.) Right then and there, I determined; I set in my mind that I would never run anything longer than 200 in a race.

Had I trained for a race? You bet. Every day. We jogged around the track passing the baton back and forth, making sure we never dropped the baton. Dropping the baton or getting out of our lane would lead to disqualification. Could I sprint? With the best of them. But was I ready when the coach called me to run a different style of race? No. I had to fall back on what I knew, and little of it translated over to this style of run.

Ladies, we train and we prepare for life, but there are times when we are assigned to do something we aren’t trained to do. We are weak and vulnerable and susceptible to making some horrible mistakes. When we study God’s word, when we have a quiet time, it needs to be more than a verse that fits for the day. That is short term. That’s a sprinter.

As Christians, we are called to run the race, keeping our eyes on the prize. We are to fight the good fight. The growth of our faith is not a sprint. It’s cross-lifetime. Memorize the Word of God. Bind it to your heart. Meditate on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you. Get into the Word of God. Have a healthy diet of the Living Bread and Water. This way when things happen in life, you won’t pass out because you don’t have a clue as to how to live through it. You will run without fainting. You won’t grow weary because you know the Source of your strength.

I challenge you to get fit in every area of your life because life is a journey and heaven our destination. It is not something achieved by living short-sighted, so get in the Word.

His Daughter,

Kristy

Me? An Angel?!

2010-08-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

I had signed in at the registration desk and was walking across the waiting room to join my husband who had found two chairs on the opposite side of the room. As I passed a man and woman who were seated close to the desk, I heard her call out to me not by my name but by the name of the church I had previously attended. Thinking this was a little odd, I turned toward the voice and found myself looking into the face of a woman I hadn’t seen in at least 15 years, and I even remembered her name (Catherine). She apologized for not remembering mine, but when I looked at her face closely, I knew why my name had escaped her: she was not feeling well, and fear was written all over her countenance. That was totally understandable; we were, after all, in a chemotherapy lab. I knew that look; I knew that fear.

As she stood in response to my offering her a hug, she looked rather fragile, and I could see bandages peeking out from the neck area of her shirt. I felt a tightening in my stomach, and even though I knew the answer was not going to be a pretty one, I asked, “What are you doing here?” Rather weakly, she replied, “Today is my first day of chemo.” My heart sank because I remembered my own “first day of chemo” just three years prior. I remembered the fear of knowing absolutely nothing about what was about to take place in my body. How would I feel when the chemo first went into my body? Would it burn? Would I even know it was happening? Would I get sick? How long would it take?

I just had to do it: I sat down in front of her and chatted for a few minutes, sharing my experience with cancer with her, doing my best to reassure her that today would not be nearly as bad as she had imagined it might be. It’s that not knowing that sets one’s imagination in motion. Thank goodness, she has the same oncologist that I do, and he’s a wonderful, Christian man as well as a phenomenal physician, so I spent a few minutes singing his praises. I also assured her that (in my opinion) she was being treated at the best cancer treatment facility in town. The staff people are absolutely wonderful, and they wait on and take care of their patients as if they were royalty. My cancer was stage three breast cancer three years ago. I am now on a two--three month check-up schedule, and I can hardly wait to get there every time to see those wonderful men and women who took such great care of me; it’s like a family reunion every time I go.

The nurse came out and called me to the back to have my lab work done, so I promised Catherine that I would check on her before I left. After my lab work was finished, I was scheduled to see my doctor for my regular check-up. When that was over, I stopped back by the chemo lab to see how things were going with Catherine. As I chatted briefly with her, several of the nurses came by to speak to me and give me a hug, and I introduced each of them to Catherine and reassured her that they are the best in the field. As I was leaving, I promised Catherine that I would be checking on her in a few days.

Several days later, I did just that and got a most unexpected greeting from her. When she answered the phone, she didn’t even say, “Hello.” She simply said, “There’s my angel.” To say that she caught me off-guard is putting it mildly; I really was speechless for a few seconds. In all honesty, I thought that perhaps she had looked at her caller ID wrong and was expecting to speak to a dear, close friend or a family member. Not knowing exactly how to respond, I sort of chuckled for a bit and then said something really inane like, “Well, am I your angel?” I fully expected her to say something like, “Oops, I thought you were my sister/good friend/mother/etc.” But she didn’t. She went on to say that she had been telling a friend about our “chance” meeting at the cancer center several days prior to this phone call. Catherine had told her friend how nervous she had been, and when she looked up, because of my white blouse and my “blonde” hair that I really did look like an angel sent to her to help calm her fears. (I thanked her for calling my hair blonde, but in all truth, it is now varying shades of gray---thanks to chemo!)

Catherine and I had a wonderful chat about God’s love and power and ability: He created everything and keeps everything working in an orderly manner (I Corinthians 14:40). The really amazing thing is that He also takes the time and effort to do the “little” things for us, His children, when we need His reassurance--like arranging for our paths to cross that day in the chemo lab. Squire Rushnell wrote a book entitled When God Winks At You. He tells story after story of people who have experienced a coincidence in their lives which they later realized was not a coincidence at all but something which God had done for them. Rushnell says that when God winks at you, He is, in essence saying, “I haven’t forgotten about you or your situation; I’m still here. I’m still in control, so you don’t have to worry.” Rushnell also says that when God does something special like this, it’s as if a close friend is winking at you to remind you of some special secret or bond between just the two of you. I love that thought—that God is a close friend trying to reassure me of His love and His ability to take care of anything in my life.

I was first diagnosed in April of 2007. After the shock of the diagnosis started fading a bit and I was just beginning to get just a tiny idea of what treatment was going to be like, I asked a special favor from God: If I was going to have to do this cancer thing, I didn’t want it wasted. I wanted someone else to benefit from all I was going through. God has been so faithful to give me opportunities to share with and encourage other women as they experience cancer and the treatments they must endure.

II Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)—
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

If you’ve ever had doubts that Romans 8:28 could really be true, this is God’s plan for our spiritual growth, the encouragement of His children, and a witness to the unbeliever.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)—
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are
called according to His purpose for them.

God can take all the bad stuff in our lives (death, divorce, cancer, rape, financial problems, problems with our children, etc.), and use them to comfort, heal, and renew us. He then instructs us (II Corinthians 1:3-4) to “pass it along” by helping others who are suffering and struggling. When we obey that instruction, many good things can happen: our faith in and our relationship with God grows; someone else is helped through a tough time; and unbelievers may witness all of this and wonder, “How can I have a life like that?”

However, the key points to this plan’s working is that: (1) First, we have to be willing to give the situation to God. (2) Second, we must be willing to be open and honest with others about our situation when God gives us the opportunity to share. So often, all we want to do is survive the tough time ourselves, put it behind us, try never to think about it again, and we most certainly do not want to tell anyone about our difficulty.

I’m thinking that God the Father might have wanted to do that Himself when His innocent son was crucified for our sins. Aren’t we blessed that He didn’t?

Sandra Timmons

Sharing a Moment of My Quiet Time

2010-07-26T14:59:00.002-05:00

There is something about sitting in the outdoors, listening to nature and studying God’s word. When I am in this surrounding it’s as if God reaches down and touches me all the way to the core. I absorb the nature around me, hearing and seeing things differently from the norm and knowing that by His hand these things are created. I love this moment, wishing every moment of my life were like this very moment. Even though it seems short-lived, I cherish it because at this precise moment of my life, I am able to connect with God so strongly, and that is my heart’s desire!

As I sit listening to the many sounds of nature, I think about how I am a vessel – simply that! I perceive my body as such and envision God taking out all the broken, sad, and hurtful pieces. He removes all the trash that has built up and collected there in my vessel. He takes it all out so that there is nothing dark or flawed or sad or tarnished left. Only the good that He has found in me is allowed to remain (which I envision to be only up to my ankles because I envision from my feet upward). So then I envision God’s pouring into my vessel – that part which is now mostly empty - His love, His wisdom, His healing, His ALL until my vessel is completely full, and there is nothing but Godliness from Him in me. I am His. He loves me, and I live for Him.

This is just one of the things I think about and envision in my quiet time with God.

Shared by

Donna Melancon

He Wants a Word with You!!!!

2010-07-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

There was a specific time in my life when I wasn’t all too pleased with what God had allowed into my life, and just as I was ready to have a word with Him, He said, “I want a Word with you.” Nothing like being called into your Creator’s presence.

Ladies, unlike any other book in the world, unlike any other document in the world, God’s Word is living and active (Heb 4:12). You can read a verse in a time of need or just in a time of meditation, and then a month later or a year later, you can read that same verse, and He has spoken to your very soul yet again with a different message.

God’s Word is to be preached and taught. In 2 Tim 4:2 “be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instructions.” This is what we need to be doing with His Word.

As I sat down in His presence, these are the things He spoke to my heart:

"Kristy, my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways for my thoughts and ways are higher than yours" (Is 55:8-9). "Kristy, you see in a mirror dimly where as I see the whole picture" (I Cor 13:12). "You need to know that I knew you before the world was even created." (Eph 1:4) "I knew you were going to screw up and need redeeming. I knew you were going to need my perfect Son to die for you in order to save you, and I created you anyway." (That was humbling.) "Kristy, I love you so much that I personally knitted you while you were in your mother's womb. Girl, you are fearfully and wonderfully made"(Ps 139:13-14). "I threw away the mold when I made you. You are a one-of-a-kind. You are priceless." "And if I loved you so much that I created you knowing you would sin and need redeeming after I took my time creating you, do you really think I would do anything to harm you or allow anything or anyone to harm you now?" "Girl, I have plans for you. I want to prosper you. I want to be your hope, and I am your future" (Jer 29:11) "Trust me, child, when I say that I haven't finished with you yet. I'm going to continue my work in you" (Phil 1:6). "And there isn't anything you will go through that I didn't know about. NOTHING SURPRISES ME, and I'm going to use every bit of it to your benefit because you love Me" (Rms 8:28). "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Heb 13:5b). "You can take that to the bank." Then the Babbie Mason song comes to my heart, "When You Can't Trace His Hand, Trust His Heart."

I’d like for you to read that paragraph again, and this time, put YOUR name in it.

You see, ladies, He was able to do this with me because as a small child people encouraged me and rewarded me for learning scripture. And there are verses I don’t remember where they are found, but the Spirit refreshes them in my mind so I can find them. Look them up in the concordance of your Bible. Look them up at www.Biblegateway.com. Start choosing a verse to memorize each week.

Mrs. Lavahn gave me a small, spiral bound set of index cards that I keep in my purse. I write down verses that I use regularly or that I need to remember. Ladies, I can pull these little cards out anywhere and have a quiet time. The more that we store God’s Word in our hearts, the better He can speak to us. Then in turn, when we are praying for someone or counseling someone or encouraging someone, we can quote these scriptures to them. What better way to encourage someone than a special Word from their Creator?

Ladies, I encourage you. Get into the Word of God. Memorize it. Write it upon your heart.

Written by: Kristy Mullins

I Have a Blind Spot or Two

2010-06-18T18:58:00.002-05:00

When my husband was in elementary school, he and one of his little buddies decided it would be a ton of fun to put all of the balls they used for P.E. (physical education) on top of the covered walkway. Upon accomplishing their fete but before they could escape a teacher saw them. The teacher made them shimmy up the poles and get every last ball. Their excuse for doing this act was, "He was did it first." The teacher had the boys follow him to his classroom to write and fill a whole sheet of paper with a verse that my husband remembers to this day: "The blind will lead the blind and they both will fall in a ditch." (Matthew 15:14) Oh that our teachers today could use the Word of God for reproof and correction!
Do you know why "they both shall fall in a ditch?" It seems obvious, doesn't it? They couldn't see. When a person has been sighted and then loses it, the way they experience their world is radically changed. They have to learn a completely different way of operating in the world using their other senses, assistance, and devices.
You might be wondering where this is going, but hang in there with me.
There have been times in my spiritual walk where I've been blind. I was walking in my faith by sight. Is that really faith? It's definitely not a rich, growing faith. I remember going through the adoption process the first time. No one I had ever known had gone through fertility treatments and certainly not the adoption process. I remember telling my mom, "If God would just show me, if He would just tell me, I would obey! Just give me a sign or something as to where I'm supposed to go to get my baby!" (My fear was that I would get the wrong baby. When you give birth to your cherubs, you really don't have to worry too much about that.) I remember crying out to God not knowing what direction I was supposed to be going or what I was supposed to be doing. God knew the intent of my heart was to be obedient (Proverbs 16:2), and He wasn't going to allow me to go astray. If He had whispered in my ear, "This is the way walk in it," (Isaiah 30:21), He knew I would follow, but His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts (Isaiah 54:8-9). He saw the whole picture whereas I only saw a corner of the picture. My Lord was choosing at this time of high anxiety and stress in my life to develop my faith, my blind trust because my obedience has already been established.
Since that time in my life over nine years ago, I've had other blinding experiences, and I've relied on and claimed Isaiah 42:16, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Are you going through a "blinding" experience right now? Maybe it's with your health, your marriage, your family, your job, your finances – you have no idea what God wants you to do. God knows exactly where your blind spot is, and He is going to use it to its maximum potential to grow you up in faith.
Think about that verse. When you're blind, you are led. Who do you want leading you during your trial? Do you want Someone who has known you since before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to guide you? Do you want Someone who loves you so much that He died for you to guide you? Do you want Someone who knows what tomorrow holds to guide you down this unfamiliar path? Here's the thing. The path is only unfamiliar to you. He is the Creator of the path.
Did you notice the word "guide?" If He were to lead you so it was blatantly obvious it wouldn't require much faith from you. Would it? And sometimes, He chooses to work like that – Thank you, Jesus! But other times, He chooses to GUIDE. A synonym for the word "guide" is "Shepherd." He will shepherd you where you need to go.
He also said He would make the "rough places" (those "rough places" have jagged ends that can do irreparable harm) smooth. Notice He didn't say, "You won't have pain." There can be and more times than not will be pain in growth. Not only does He smooth the rough places, but He is the Light. Where He is, there is no darkness. We just have to pray that He will remove the scales from our eyes, so we can see what He would have us see.
All those times I was in a "blind spot" He never once left me (Hebrews 13:5). I might not have known His plan or how He was going to work it out for my good (Romans 8:28), but I had confidence that He was going to finish what He started in me (Philippians 1:6), and you can have that same confidence. No matter how difficult a time you are in or what your struggle is, He's not going to leave you in it.

His Daughter,

Kristy Mullins

Seeking God’s Kingdom First – It’s All About Balance

2010-06-14T09:32:00.002-05:00

We live in a fast-paced world, and as Christians we have to deal with being part of this world, but not of it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructed us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; then the things that we need would be provided.
Recently, during a time of prayer, I sensed the Lord speaking to me. This is what He said: “Press through the smoke screen of this world – the counterfeits of Me and My glory. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Push past the allurement of the world – the bells and whistles, the “new” innovative ideas, new marketing strategies and techniques. Go past the photographs which promise MORE.”

A few weeks ago, I went to dinner with my family. My sister ordered the “new” chicken dish, which was touted to be so spectacular. The bottom line? It was grilled chicken with fancy macaroni and cheese. Not even a new taste! Nothing new, nothing to “wow” me – much ado about nothing! Just another marketing technique used to convince me that this item was better than any other – so I should spend my money purchasing it.

We must push past the descriptions. The world will always “hawk” their wares like a carnival worker wanting us to throw away our money on a rigged game. Satan’s plan is to lure as many as possible onto the broad, easy path of destruction and to pull us off the straight and narrow that leads to eternal life.

There are many allurements for women, such as the quest to look better - a younger looking body, wrinkle serums and creams, face lifts, Botox, tucks and lifts, cosmetic surgery, hair color, more cosmetics, breast augmentations, collagen injections. These are just some of the outer allurements. Then there are the latest fashion trends, jewelry, shoes, sexuality, power and money.

Sisters, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for looking good – as much as possible. But if our hearts and minds seek these things first instead of furthering the kingdom of God, then we have our priorities all out of balance.

I heard a minister say that Satan can’t take away your salvation, but if he can cause you to not be productive in God’s kingdom, then Satan has succeeded. There are numerous ways through which he can influence us. Our number one line of defense is the same one Jesus used when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness – through the Word of God. And the greatest commandment is that we love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength: that is seeking first His kingdom. And that, dear friend, is living a balanced life.

By: Sally Frazier

Just a Shepherd Boy

2010-05-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

I love studying the life of David. I find such encouragement in his life. God called him ‘a man after my own heart’ and while he was that, he stumbled, fell and hurt just like the rest of us. That speaks to the melancholy in me that is determined to do it all and do it perfectly. I can mess up and God will still allow my heart to beat just for him. First and Second Samuel read to me like the most fascinating of any novel I could find on the shelf at my local Barnes and Noble and right now in this blessed season, I have the privilege of studying the life of David once again.

I’ll have you know that I’m only on the second day of my Bible Study and already my mind is ablaze in wonder.

I wonder what David thought when he was brought in from the field that day and anointed by Samuel. I wonder what he had been thinking about while tending to the sheep in that field just hours before. Were his thoughts lofty or mundane? Was he happy and content tending to the sheep or did he dream of greater things?

These are just a few of the many questions I have the day that I meet my King face to face.

This speaks to me, because in my life right now I feel like I am in a season of sheep tending. Not the pastoral type of sheep tending, but the real sit in a field all day watching sheep graze the grass type of shepherding. I wake up in the morning, eat a bowl of cereal, get the baby ready, kiss the hubby, head to work, sit, answer the phone, sit, greet a guest, sit, pick the baby up, cook dinner, bathe the baby, go to bed. Surely I thought life would be so much greater when I was a young girl. Perhaps you feel this way, too.

Today I read a blog entry written by one of my best friends. She’s really struggling in life right now. Through her written words I can hear her practically screaming “Is this all life has to offer me?” at the top of her lungs.

And then I think of David. I wonder if he thought those exact thoughts while he spent his days watching sheep eat grass, poop and sleep. It’s a known fact that sheep aren’t the smartest or the most interesting animals, surely he got bored.

Perhaps he loved being a shepherd. One of the sweetest moments in my day is having the Daycare’s Bye-Bye buggy make a visit past my desk. (The Bye-Bye Buggy is a cart full of precious one year olds who make their way around our establishment, either in order to prevent boredom or keep the babies from falling asleep.) I love those babies; I know each of them by name. It’s a sweet thought to think that David knew each of his sheep by name- that they were more than just sheep, they were cherished pets.

Regardless, David’s life changed one afternoon when his father sent for him to leave the field and head home. In just a matter of hours, David went from being just a shepherd boy to the anointed and chosen one of God. It says in The Message that the spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind. Can you even imagine?

I’m going to think about David, the shepherd boy David, when I find myself in a rut. When life feels mundane and I want to shout at the top of my lungs “Is this it, Lord?”

Where are you in your life right now? Are you feeling bored, weary, unimportant, overlooked?

Tomorrow could be the very day that God pulls you off of the field to anoint you and call you to the very thing he chosen for you to bring glory to Him. Are you allowing God to prepare you for that time or are you too busy wallowing in your sorrows?

Make a choice to be thankful for wherever God has you in this movement. Learn from it, cherish it, live in it.

I imagine that when David looked back on his exciting and prosperous life, he was indeed thankful for that time he spent in the field merely tending to the sheep.

Sunni Scott

Blessed By Cancer

2010-05-15T19:14:00.002-05:00

As I read what a friend wrote about being "blessed by the fire" that burned her house to the ground, I was reminded of something that I had said recently to my daughter's Sunday School class of women. It was something that had been tumbling around in my head for a while, but I had never actually verbalized the thought. And if you had told me just a year ago that I would ever say those words, I would have said that you were crazy. It was just this past weekend that I said the words for the second time, and it was to the group of my closest friends when we went on our annual retreat together. I'm still very cautious about saying these words because most people won't understand, but I have to say them anyway and trust that God will use the words wherever they need to be read or heard.

"I'm grateful I had cancer." There! I've said it again! It took me only three years to say that out loud. Do I want to do it again? A resounding NO! I didn't want to do it the first time, and I certainly don't want to do it again! God and I have had that discussion—more than once! I pray daily that I never have a repeat of that experience, especially for my family's sake. However, I have arrived at the point that I can truly say that if that is how He chooses to use my life, then so be it.

2007 was without a doubt the worst year of my family's life. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer (lymph node involvement) in April and finished with surgeries, chemo, and radiation on December 21, 2007. There is so much I could say about that year—none of it good. Then how can I be "grateful I had cancer," you may ask: because God was involved, and He did many, many wonderful, loving, compassionate things for us that year, and, to me, the greatest thing He did was to change me. For that I am eternally grateful! I am a much better person than I was, and I like the "new me" much more. I have a clearer picture of so many things—what my priorities need to be, how blessed I am in everyday life, the reality of what God wants me to do and be while I'm on this earth. The most important "clearer picture" is that I got to know—really know—God so much better. For those things (and many others), I am grateful! Have I "arrived"? Absolutely not, but I am farther along than I was b.c. (before cancer). I do not want to go back to being the person I was b.c. So "Thank you, God, for teaching me, for changing me, for allowing me to learn so many things—even if it took cancer to do it."

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8 – 9

Written by Sandra Timmons

CAROL ANDREWS – WHAT AN AMAZING MOM!

2010-05-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

When you meet Carol, you cannot help but fall in love with her and her love of the Lord. Her faith is so strong, and God truly comes first in her life.

And, oh, how she loves her family; her eyes light up and sparkle as she talks about her husband and her sons. She shares that she is married to “a very special man” -- Frank Andrews -- and that she cannot imagine life without him. He has always been there to support and love her and the kids through all the struggles, and she is happy to say they have been married for 54 and a half years; it will be 55 years in September.

Then there are the boys who truly touch within the depths of her heart -- Andy, Billy, and Johnny. These children are so precious in Carol’s eyes. God blessed her greatly with these particular sons. Andy was 18 months old when Billy was born, and then Johnny was born 2 years later.

When Billy was 3 months old, he was diagnosed with Trachial Stenosis and had his first tracheotomy at that time. Those early years were so hard: when Billy cried, Carol could not hear him because of the trachea; and when he cried without sound, Carol cried out of hurt for him. During this time, it was so hard for the other boys, as mom and dad could not always be there at bedtime. But praise the Lord, Carol’s mother was there to help. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Then the doctor suggested breathing treatments for Billy, and there was no one to give him the type of swimming lessons he needed. Carol did not want to sit on the sidelines and decided to change her profession as a secretary to become a swimming instructor. She took four years of swimming instructions, became a lifeguard, and even wrote a book about swimming. Not only was she able to help Billy with his needs, Andy and Johnny also benefited from the swimming. She developed a special heartbeat for the handicapped and taught swimming to these special children for over 30 years. AMAZING MOM -- she always has and now still gives from her heart where she is needed.

AWESOME THINGS happened through the years. The doctors told Billy he would never talk; but even when the chips were down, Billy surprised everyone by talking through a tube. Billy was told that he would not be able to go to work, but praise God, he went to work anyway in the billing department at LSU Medical Center.

And then there is this sweet answer to Billy’s prayer. He wanted a wife, and it seemed that was not going to happen. He prayed for over 20 years, and then he met his lovely wife, Cathy, at LSU. God has blessed Billy and the love of his life with 10 years of marriage.

What troopers in this family! Andy and Johnny support and love their brother intensely and want things to get better for Billy. Frank and Carol were blessed with exactly the right brothers for Billy, and they are so proud of them for their own strength through these struggling years. And God blessed even further with just the right wives -- Johnny’s wife Lisa and Billy’s wife Cathy -- so full of love and understanding and support. GOD IS SO GOOD!

There is no way in this limited space to tell about all the ups and downs in the lives of this family, but Carol shares that only with her faith in God and the love and support of Frank, Andy, Johnny, Lisa, Cathy, and Billy himself have they been able to move on in these circumstances.

One thing Carol learned is to always give the tithe to the Lord -- even when times are hard. One time, they needed to buy a suction machine and did not have the money for it. Frank said they were going to tithe anyway, and, yes, God did provide the $100 -- and it was a gift. When Billy was 6 months old, Carol said they were honored to give their testimony on tithing in hard times, and she reminds that “God blesses when you give to Him from your heart.”

There are so many good things to say about Carol Andrews! WHAT AN AMAZING WOMAN -- MOTHER AND WIFE -- with a faith that never stops! Her favorite song is “Amazing Grace” because she experiences that every day of her life. To get through the hard times, she says to draw from God’s Word. Her favorite Scripture is Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” When it hurts the worst, be sure to tithe anyway and draw close to the Lord.

GOD IS SO GOOD ! He has blessed Carol with the best Mother’s Day present ever -- truly a miracle! Billy’s vocal cords are now working, and his trachea is straight. The doctor says nothing he did caused this. AMAZING GRACE! Please pray for Billy that he will have complete healing.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, CAROL!

May God bless you as you have blessed us!

YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOM!

Oh, Father, we do pray for this AMAZING MOM, Carol Andrews, and her precious family. Please continue to bless them as they move forward in their lives. We thank you, Lord, for the miracles in Billy’s life, and we pray that you will bless him with complete healing. We pray knowing that nothing is too difficult for you (Jeremiah 32:17), and we pray believing that the answer is on the way.

“As for me, I trust in you, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’”

Psalm 31:14

Written By: Lavahn Stillwell

Thank God for Funnies

2010-04-15T09:50:00.002-05:00

Washing your car at the local carwash sounds like such an easy task, and normally it is. On one particular day, I decided to take my 3-year-old grandson, Kylan, with me to help me out. I could teach him little everyday things; plus, this would be fun. What a beautiful morning God had blessed us with. We were going to enjoy our day: do a little visiting, do a little shopping --you know, that kind of stuff. But, first, we were going to get our dirty car washed!

We arrived at the carwash of choice, I grabbed my quarters, and we were ready! Kylan was going to be a big boy and help wash the car. I handed him the nozzle and told him to get ready while I put the coins in the machine.

Most machines that I’d used had the knob that you turned to whatever setting you wished. This one was a little different: it had numbers (which I hadn’t paid attention to) and pictures (which I thought were the buttons). I put the money in and kept pressing the picture; why wasn’t this thing working? I was thinking that Kylan must not be squeezing the sprayer nozzle down, but he was. As a matter of fact, he was standing facing me with the sprayer, showing me he was squeezing it. I turned to look at what else might be the problem with this old machine. OOOOh, buttons; that’s what you do. I pressed #9 and, boy, did things start happening!!!

Kylan was still facing me and still squeezing the nozzle, just like his Nonna had told him, when the machine cut on. The initial constant spray was directly on me--with force, I might add!! Poor little Kylan was so scared--his big brown eyes wide and doing his best to control the hose which was moving around uncontrollably in his little hands. I was trying to get the hose from him, and he was trying to let me have it (no pun intended), but he kept facing me, so he kept spraying me, and, well, you get the picture. I’m sure we looked like two stooges, at that point. He must have realized that dropping the sprayer and running would be the best defense because that’s exactly what he did. Needless to say, I was soaking wet, and I most definitely was on my own when it came to washing the car.

I could not stop laughing as I washed the car and as I looked at him peeping around from the other stall to watch me wash the car. I’m sure you are wondering if anyone else saw us. Well, the answer is “yes.” There were other people there vacuuming their vehicles, and we were in plain view. I’m pretty sure we made their day!!!

The moral of my story is this –“Be prepared for the unexpected and find humor in it, if at all possible!!!!!” Or, the moral of the story could be—“Pay attention.” Or—“If you don’t pay attention, be prepared for the unexpected and find humor in it, if at all possible. I wonder which one the Lord was trying to teach me that day. Regardless of the moral, we should thank God for the funnies or comical things that transpire in our normal daily walks of life just as we thank God for the serious things that transpire in our lives. I most certainly thanked God for this funny moment that I shared with my grandson. I don’t think either of us will soon forget it!

Written by Donna Melancon

IS MY WORSHIP GREATER THAN MY WOUND?

2010-04-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

No matter how awful our past, we can’t have a life of quality if we continue to reside there. In our lives, we have disruptions that occur. We experience things such as divorces or loved ones passing away. “Dreams fail to materialize, assumptions about life or about other people are shattered.” No matter what we experience, certain things are just painful.

When these disruptions occur, we experience emotions such as sorrow, grief, anxiety, and anger. These are all powerful emotions, and they can take a lot of energy from us, leaving us overwhelmed or making us feel as if our life is over or making us feel defeated or beaten down. While sometimes we don’t have a choice about what happens to us, we have a choice of how we respond to what has happened, and we can choose a life devoted to God by disciplining ourselves to take our sorrows to Him in prayer and turn our heart to Him, letting go of our sorrow and worshiping Him.

When we talk to God, God responds! He knows exactly what we are dealing with and exactly how to help us. By focusing on God, being faithfully committed to worshiping Him, and staying in constant communication with Him, day by day His strength will enable us to carry on. So the question is, “is your worship greater than your wound?”

We all know that sometimes “sorrow can produce bitterness and resentment, but it can also produce faith, peace, and purpose. Out of our sorrows can come serenity, graciousness, and closeness to God.” If we choose to give our heartaches to God and focus on Him daily, then we can experience serenity and graciousness, and we can also achieve closeness with God.

The more time we spend with God the more spiritually sensitive we are to God, the more our hearts will develop and grow. BLESSINGS and POWER come to the ones who constantly devote their time to God versus being “one day spiritually-on and one day spiritually-off.” At some point, we have to learn to let go of our grief and to focus on God.

When we take our hurts and our sorrows and redirect our energy to worshipping God, we overcome our sorrows. Daily communication with God is much easier than we sometimes think. No matter where we are, we can always communicate with God and glorify Him.

When we go through pain and we turn to God, we are doing more than just surviving the sorrows that we are experiencing: we are “becoming productive and acquiring a meaningful life and getting a sense of wonder.” Something that was shared with me recently that is so effective is when I find myself faced with a tough situation, I should just start to say, “God, God, God, God, God…” until He comes into focus. When we can keep our focus on God, He, in return, will help us and bless us.

Written by Donna Melancon

Inspired by the book Wonder Women of the Bible, New Hope Publishers, written by Brenda Poinsett.

WOOHOO!

2010-04-01T10:04:00.001-05:00

If you aren't coming to Community on Wednesday night, then you are missing out on a mid-week upper. Last night was phenomenal!

I love going because it gives me a chance to see people I haven't seen in a while because we are in two services on Sunday morning or because I'm busy with kids or women's ministry. I love going because I'm meeting people I've never met before – some are new members, some are old members and some are visitors. But even better than that, we get to meet with family, our church family and circle around tables eating with them and then praying with them. There's singing and worship. It's just an uplifting experience.

Then there was choir practice. There were 92 people there for the practice. God has given Pastor Rick the number 80, as in we should have 80 people in the early and late service singing in the choir. If you enjoy the music on Sunday morning, you should come try out the choir. You don't have to be a soloist because I assure you I am not. But last night we were raising the roof, worship God Almighty and praising His name. "For the Lord is good, and His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations!" Psalms 100:5

Last night as I was sitting in choir practice and when I was standing worshipping my Savior, it dawned on me – "For Christians, Easter is our Independence Day." When I think of Independence Day I think of freedom. We enjoy freedom in this country, and we celebrated it on Independence Day. For Christians, we have such freedom in Christ because He not only overcame death, He defeated it! And by His victory over death, I have freedom. "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Cor 3:17) That's what I felt in choir practice last night – FREE. Free from the bondage of sin. Free from fear and anxiety. I was free to open my heart to Him knowing He would never harm me. I can lay down the stresses of my day and just worship Him. He wanted to meet with me last night. I sought Him, and I found Him waiting for me with arms wide open.

Are you ready to abandon your dignity and pride? Are you ready to abandon and release your hold on what you think is important in this life? Are you ready to release your anxiety and fear? Abandon it all. Find freedom. Come Sunday morning to Calvary. Come and find freedom, excitement, energy, new life. Come find encouragement. And then, come to Community on Wednesday for an empowering and energizing time with your family.

I love you, ladies. Great things are coming. Can you feel it?

Loves Vitameatavegamin.

2010-03-24T16:49:00.001-05:00

"Are you run-down, listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular? Then you need Vitameatavegamin," says a sober Lucille Ball. After practicing this commercial numerous times, this wonder medicine has made her drunk, and the results are classic Lucy. "Are you run-down, listless? Do you pop out at parties? Are you unpoopular?" Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. Always trying to get on television. Always trying to be something she wasn't. Always trying to figure out what she wanted to be on television – be an ad girl, a ballet dancer, and many more.

Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? Have you ever looked for a place to belong? Have you ever wanted to find something that energized you? Have you ever searched for an outlet to give back? Have you ever wondered if anyone cares? This is why you should discover the gift that God has given you.

Why would anyone want to discover their spiritual gift? This gift that God gives us when He adopts us into His family that we have been carrying around day after day ever since we asked Him into our hearts – THAT GIFT.

The spiritual gifts are laid out in four locations in the Bible – Ephesians 4, I Corinthians 12, and Romans 12. Discovery of your gift is part of the process. It is part of maturing. It is developing your relationship with your Creator. Study the gifts. Ask God to reveal to you which one He has given to you. There are plenty of evaluations or questionnaires you can fill out to get a better picture of which ones may be your gifts. Then once you discover your gift, you need to exercise it.

What happens to a muscle that is not exercised? It atrophies. It decreases in size. It becomes weak, useless. Employ your gift. Find someone who has the same or similar gift as yourself who has matured and developed their gift and talk to them about it. There will be bumps along the way as you begin exercising your new gift. This reminds me of when my children first started learning how to walk. Erin was in no great rush to walk, but Pearce had places to go. They fell. The toddled, but eventually, they got the hang of it. Then we put shoes on them. Another challenge. They looked like we had put cats on a sock! They looked so funny walking with their knees all whopper-jawed, but they got it. It didn't take long for them to start running either. When we exercise our gifts, we grow.

Then, ladies, a really neat thing happens. You start feeling the Lord's prompting. You feel Him leading you to do things you wouldn't normally have done, but it's amazing because you know He is ministering to others through you. He chooses YOU! He chooses you to work through to minister to others. Is that not awesome? Is that not humbling? That feeling and knowing that He chooses to use you will energize you. It gives you your purpose. You'll find your place of service, and you'll know that your Creator cares more for you than you can ever imagine.

Discovery, Exercise, Employ, Follow – These are a recipe for a dynamic, awesome relationship with Jesus Christ. I encourage you to find you gift. Not just for yourself, but for those who He wants to minister to through you. You've been missing out carrying your unopened present around day after day. Get the lead out! Start discovering.

Putting God in a Box

2010-03-15T08:27:00.003-05:00

One of the main themes in this season of my life is the gifts that God has so graciously given me--not just spiritual gifts, but also gifts of talent. I’ve known what my gifts are for a long time. Before I had even heard the term ‘spiritual gift,’ I knew what God had given me and how I was supposed to use it. That’s not to say that I have used it well or wisely or really that much at all, but I’m working on that area of my life. (That’s a different blog for a different day.)

My gifts are teaching and knowledge. My talents are dancing and writing. Teaching is a hereditary trait in my family. 90% of the women on both sides of my family work in education. Writing and dancing are the two things I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. I didn’t really play much growing up: I taught dance class to my dolls and neighbors, and I wrote stories. That was my childhood.

As well as I know what my gifts and talents are, I know even better what they are not: I am not a musician in any shape or form. As a young child, I was convinced that I would one day voice a Disney princess. One afternoon, I recorded myself singing a song from “Beauty and The Beast.” Let’s just say that I was horrified when I played the tape back. I laid down my dreams of being a singer then and there. In high school, my drama coach insisted that I try out for the part of Marty Maraschino in “Grease.” She just knew I was perfect for the role. Well, bless my heart, I probably was--until the vocal part of the audition. I won’t ever forget the look on my drama coach’s face as she tried over and over to have me sing on key. She finally gave up, and I was assigned the comedic role of Jan. Unfortunately, our coach didn’t read the script correctly, and I had to sing anyway. I won the award of Best Comedic Role that year, and it was based on my singing voice! I wasn’t even trying to be funny!!

I’ve never been more aware of my lack of talent than since I married my musical genius of a husband. People have always assumed that because he is a musician, I am, too. My husband, along with everyone else close to him, was sure that the Lord would give Him a fellow worship leader as a wife. He even tried his best to turn me into one. Finally, he gave up and told me, “You just don’t hear music like normal people.” I guess I don’t.

During the fast, the Lord really began dealing with me on my lack of use of my gifts and talents. I sat down in my prayer time and surrendered them to him one by one, up until the last one--dancing. I explained to Him, “Lord, I’m in a Baptist church. How on earth am I going to serve you by dancing?”

He reminded me of one of my favorite weeks of the year--Vacation Bible School. Each year on the Sunday following VBS week, I would join our Children’s Pastor on stage and lead the children in motion and sign language to the music. The first year I participated, I was beside myself! Being able to express myself through motion in worship was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It has been one of my favorite days in my walk with God so far. I remember telling my husband, “This must be what it feels like for you every Sunday.”

The next week I spoke with our Children’s Pastor about taking on a bigger role in our upcoming VBS. A few weeks later, I found myself sitting in a room with VBS volunteers from across our region who would also be functioning in the same role as I. We started with prayer, and then our leader looked to me and asked, “So, what role do you have on your church’s worship team?” I suddenly realized that I was surrounded by worship leaders, team members, children’s choir directors---people with musical talent. “I’m just here to dance,” I told her.

She spent the next hour explaining the importance of teaching children to worship. As a mother, I felt that. I felt it deeply! She then turned to me and quoted 2 Samuel 6:14: “‘David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might.’ Worship isn’t just about the music; it’s an expression from the heart. That’s what these kids need to know.”

On the way home, I called my husband and squealed, “Babe, you are not going to believe this, but your wife is going to lead worship.”

I realized that I had put God in a box. I thought I knew the parameters of my gifts and talents. I was sure that I knew the places He could take me and the places that were impossible--even for Him. He didn’t give me a musical talent, but that doesn’t matter, for nothing is impossible with God.

Do you have a dream or desire that seems beyond impossible? Don’t lose heart; our Father is full of surprises!

‘For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

-Sunni Scott

Wonders how do you carry your spiritual gift? Do you have a designer bag?

2010-03-05T09:47:00.001-06:00

Several weeks ago, I walked around holding a gift bag which contained a number of small, wrapped gifts. I took this bag to each of the ladies in my small group and asked them to take one. Some pulled the first available. Some saw and chose a box bigger than the others. And then when I told them I wanted them to carry it not only home but to church and to work, the ones with larger gifts exchanged it for smaller ones. Then when I told them there was really something in the box, some with smaller boxes wanted to exchange their gift for one in a larger box assuming there must be something better in a larger box.

This whole process has intrigued me. I'm really curious to know how many of the ladies are carrying their gift to work. I wonder if they are carrying it inside their homes. I wonder if anyone has asked them yet why they continue to carry around this unopened gift.

In all of my wondering, pondering, and thinking, it dawned on me that my ladies are treating the unopened gifts a lot like many Christians treat their true spiritual gifts. Once a Christian realizes they have received a spiritual gift from our heavenly Father, they begin wanting to exchange it for another gift of a different variety maybe. Then some Christians will carry their spiritual gift around, but it is hidden in the depths of their "spiritual purse" never seeing the light of day unless they decide to take it to church. Some Christians exercise their gifts occasionally at church but not necessarily at home or work. Rarely do we see the Christian who takes their spiritual gift out and use it, so it will benefit the body of Christ like He intends for us to do.

I can't wait for the ladies to open their gifts. We still have several weeks before this happens. Maybe I'll ask my ladies where they are carrying their gifts or if they've had any conversations. Either way, I think is very fascinating.

Remembering Maria

2010-02-17T08:33:00.000-06:00

He said that there was one word that was never used in their house; my mind was flooded with ideas about what that “one word” might be. I think we were all just a little surprised when he said that they never used the word “step,” as in “step-child.” They were all just—“children.” You see—they are a blended family, and that often consists of step-sons, step-daughters, and step-parents; but not this one. I’ve known a lot of blended families and know from other people’s experiences that it can be one of the hardest things on earth to do—to blend two families into one. This family was so successful at it that it was probably eight or nine years before I knew which child was the biological child of which parent. I discovered that truth not because either parent ever told me but by putting two and two together and praying that I came up with four! This must have taken a great deal of determination and love to accomplish. That’s exactly what this young preacher explained in the next 30 minutes of the eulogy he was delivering—that of this mother (not biological). He had begun by saying that there was really nothing to be said about this beautiful lady—that her life had said it all. True—so true!

I had been blessed to know his “Re” (Maria Lorick) for probably nine or ten years and can honestly say that it was not surprising that Maria could pull off this blended-family thing. She was a one-of-a-kind woman who made me want to be a better person! She was one determined woman, and I think she could pull off anything. As is often said of someone with a strong characteristic, “Look in the dictionary; beside the term ‘steel magnolia,’ you will see a picture of Maria.” Tall, always elegant, she even looked the part, even after numerous rounds of chemo had taken her hair once again. Then she would start wearing the big-brimmed hats which always remind me of the genteel women of the South.

But she was tough as nails. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May of 2007, she was told that she might see the Christmas of that year. Those who made the diagnosis did not know Maria---or her God! Many of us started grieving in 2007 until we realized that we were wasting our time: Maria had no intention of leaving us just yet! Christmas, 2007, came and went as did Christmas, 2008. Maria was determined to see Christmas, 2009. She was much worse by then, but she was determined to see that holiday. And just for good measure, not only did she see that special day, she threw in an extra month and four days, dying on February 4, 2010. Maria was so close to her God that it wouldn’t surprise me if she had talked Him into giving her those extra days to just show off His power and love!

She did a lot of things that she probably shouldn’t have, but she just determined that as long as she was alive, she would be alive! I received this story second-hand, but there is not a doubt in my mind that it’s true. The Lorick family always has a huge Fourth of July party. Maria had had numerous cancer-related surgeries, but she was not about to miss this big party (or anything it offered!) just because of a few little surgeries. Her family tried to talk her out of going down the water slide—wasted breath. In retrospect, I have to laugh at their even trying to do that. It is my understanding that Maria went down the water slide (with her surgeon looking on and praying, I’m sure) singing, “It’s my party, and I’ll slide if I want to.” Just that mental picture makes me smile. Life was good for Maria—even when it wasn’t!

In addition to being tough, she was the most loving person I think I’ve ever known. Throughout all the years I knew her, not one phone conversation ever ended without her saying, “Love you.” Not one visit ended without a hug and her saying, “Love you.” The amazing thing is that I’m sure she always meant it. She had so much of God’s love in her that it just had to come out some way, so she shared it with everyone. Before the funeral, I had told someone that I couldn’t imagine Maria’s ever saying anything bad about anyone; not many of us can claim that one. During the eulogy, the young son/pastor proved my point; he said that his wife had noted that in the ten years that she had been a family member, Maria had never said anything negative to or about anyone. Amazing love! But that was Maria!

I learned so much from her (including how to die and still witness and minister to others) that I could go on and on. I’m going to miss her! We’re all to be striving to emulate Jesus in our everyday lives, and if we’re lucky, at some point in time, we will have a “Maria” in our lives to remind us of what He wants us to be! At the funeral service, the family handed out teal bracelets to remind us of “Ovarian Cancer Awareness.” I wear mine every day to remind me not only to be praying for a cure for that awful disease but of Maria. And there’s just no escaping it: when I think of her, my mind goes to her God—my God! As I said, she makes me want to be a better person!

What does your Valentine say? AND YOU DO have a Valentine

2010-02-12T11:01:00.003-06:00

Sunday is February 14^th. It's a holiday made-up by society to celebrate love. Its icons include Cupid, roses, chocolates and other gifts to show one's level of admiration, affection and love.
But it was brought to my attention that maybe instead of looking to another human being for the love and affection we so desperately want and crave, we need to look to our Father. So, if you were to make a Valentine for the Lover of your soul what would it look like? What would it say?

Think about this…Before you were created He knew you. Before you took your first breath, He had already ordained your footsteps and numbered your days. Before you were born, He knew you would make choices that would break His heart, and yet, He still created you; He still loves you; and He so desperately wants to be in a relationship with you. He thinks you are worth it. He thinks you are worth all the heartbreak. He knows you are worth dying for, and so He did it for you. "There is no greater love than this."

When everyone around you and every situation and circumstance seems to hurt you, He wants to love on you and protect and guide you. Is that some crazy love or what?
He wants you to feel Him present. He wants you to feel His hands around your heart protecting it. He wants you to feel His arms around you holding you tight when things seem too hard to bear. God wants you just as you are. You are precious to Him. He finds you beautiful and worth loving. He loves you the way you need to be loved.

He wants to be there to prepare you for each day. He's there during the day waiting for a word from you, so He can share a Word with you. And at the end of the day, even though He's been with you the complete time, He still looks forward to your telling Him about your day and what your concerns are. He wants to listen to you. He is the lover of your soul. What more can you want?But what do we as women do? We still find ourselves looking to another human being to make us happy, to love us, and we've bought into the lie that we need another person to "complete" us. The only person we need to complete us, to fill our void, to heal our hearts is Jesus Christ, and He's waiting on YOU! What are you waiting on? What are you afraid of? If you're in a marriage or not, if you're in a relationship or not, why don't you give Him an opportunity to love you? Some of us who have been Christians for many years need a fresh touch from God. We need to cuddle up with the Word of God, spend some time quietly in His presence, and feel Him around us. And in those quiet moments when it is just you and the one who loves your imperfect self, may you feel the liberty in that love that you feel nowhere else. The liberty to expose you heart and your hurt and to entrust it to Him…the One who can heal, rescue, and repair.

So, what does your Valentine to the lover of your soul look like? What does it say?

A Fresh Word

2010-01-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

I believe with everything in me that God's word is ALIVE! I love it when He breathes new life into a scripture that I've read nearly a thousand times. I pray that the following words will encourage you as much as they did me.

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Get into His word, Ladies! You won't regret it.

I love you all so much.

Your Little Sister,
Sunni

Why Fast?

2010-01-15T13:54:00.001-06:00

Can I just say, "This sista is HUNGRY!" On my way back from Little Rock on Wednesday, I had to stop by Whataburger! (Now before you run to tell Pastor Rick, you need to read the whole thing.) I had turned off I-30 in Arkansas, and there really isn't any place after that where I would stop to use the little girl's room. SO, I held it for a VERY long time, and as I was running to the restroom in Whataburger, the aroma wafted in my direction, and my knees went weak. This is my normal stop for a burger and fries on the way home or on the way to Little Rock. I had carried nuts and a trail mix with me, so I would have snack food, but that burger surely did smell inviting. I took care of my business, and I ran out of Whataburger. Flee from temptation!

Tonight at my parents' house, my kids had cheese pizza. The smell of the crust made my mouth water, but I refrained. This Daniel fast is harder than I imagined.

My co-workers went out to eat, and I ordered the vegetable soup and salad. The restaurant was chosen because I told them I needed to eat a salad, and the discussion started about the fast. "Why are you all fasting?" I explained that it's a time of purification and a time for us to regain our focus. I told them how the kids were fasting--TV, movies, sugar, or whatever was on the calendar and that we were fasting fast food – my weakness, I now realize.

Why am I fasting? Just because Pastor Rick leads us to do a thing doesn't mean I have to do it. Why are you fasting? Don't want others to talk about how you aren't fasting? While we are being led corporately to fast, fasting is a very personal choice as well as the reason we fast. For me, it's about seeking God. I need some direction in my life. "Should I start seminary or shouldn't I?" "What is the next step for women's ministry at Calvary?" And then, I have personal things that I'm seeking God's face and grace regarding. You know, God is so good. He rewarded my daughter with an answer to her prayers the first day, and it was a big one.

For me so far, the fasting has resulted in rest. I know that sounds odd, but when I was in Little Rock I couldn't keep my eyes open past 7:15 PM. I had been studying for my Sunday school class and preparing for a series we are going to start in February when He allowed me to sleep. At 6 AM I was awakened by a text from a friend who is also fasting. Her e-mail that followed is what I needed to read. God's conviction on my heart to confess my disobedience to another friend lay heavy on my heart, and I was able to be obedient Wednesday night. Friday night I'm expecting more from God in another personal matter.

So, why am I fasting? I'm fasting because I want to be clean before the Lord my God. I want to be anointed by holy, omnipotent Father. I fast because I'm expecting God to do awesome things in the life of my family, my church, my ministry, and in my life. I WANT REVIVAL! Could I do those things without fasting? Possibly, but the effectiveness of fasting makes my expectations reach for higher limits. Relying on God without putting human constraints on Him, looking to God for my most basic of needs, expecting God to move mightily and answer my prayers – these are the reasons I fast.

Why are you fasting?

From Funk to Revival --- And Everything in Between

2010-01-05T17:12:00.002-06:00

You probably have never had this problem, but in most of December, I had a serious case of a funk that had crawled all over me. No matter what I did, it clung to me, sometimes in the heaviest of natures. It was so evident one Sunday that Mrs. Lavahn pulled me into my office and called me on it. Can I just say that I love that woman! She sits in my office every Sunday during the Sunday school hour waiting for women to come who need to be loved on, prayed for, and encouraged, and apparently, I needed what she was dosing out. Ladies, Christmas is usually my most favorite time of the year. I love to decorate, but my house is being remodeled, so decorating was limited. I love to entertain, but we didn't because of the condition of the house. I love having family over, but most of them didn't travel into town this year. And of all years for me to just survive December, this was the year my husband vowed to be more like Santa Claus than the Grinch!

Sunday, I had stayed in my class a little to listen to a sweet lady and arrived in the worship service during the middle of praise time. I could feel that funk all over me again. It was a heaviness in my spirit--in my core being. I hate that feeling! But I could sense God's presence, and tears began to flow as we all worshipped corporately and individually. Then Pastor Terry preached on revival, and I realized that was what my soul was craving--revival.

How long has it been since you've personally had a revival? Some ladies I spoke with said they were eager for it. The thing about a true revival is that it cannot and should not be contained within the walls of the church. We need an awakening. We need the Spirit to come and stir and move in and around us. We need anointing.

I am eager to hear about the fast in which Pastor Rick and the other pastors will lead us in the upcoming days. There are so many ways to fast, ladies. What do you spend the majority of your free time doing (as if we have a lot of it)? What do you spend most of your mad money on? What are you plugged in to more than God? For me, I'm not a fan of TV. I can live without the additional racket and chaos it brings, so that wouldn't really be giving up something of value. For each person, it's different. What are you willing to give up in order to focus on God, in order to be drawn closer to Him, in order to have a personal revival--music, computer, chocolate, shopping, TV, fast food? We also need to include our children in this process. This is an opportunity to teach the next generation what a revival looks like and how it comes about. Revival and fasting mean an opportunity to lay all distractions aside and focus on God and God alone. Revival means using our resources (whether it's finances or time or energy) to find out how God wants us to spend that time that was once consumed with TV, shopping, music, etc. Clearing away the distractions, spending more time with God, repenting of those things of which He convicts us, repairing relationships – these things will and must happen.

Job 9:12-13 in The Message: " We'll never comprehend all the great things He does; His miracle-surprises can't be counted. Somehow, though He moves right in front of me, I don't see Him; quietly but surely He's active, and I miss it." Ladies, I'd hate for a revival to happen and you miss Him. Get ready. Revival's coming!

Preparing to Fast...

2010-01-02T09:10:00.000-06:00

During Christmas we focus our attention on the story of Christ’s birth, but as we prepare for January and the fast our pastor will be leading us into, I think we need to look at John the Baptist. Why? John’s destiny in life was to prepare people to meet their Savior. John’s message was that of Elijah’s – Repent. In order for people to get ready to have a personal revival, we need to be prepared to meet Jesus and expect him to bring on a revival.

REPENT! John the Baptist’s whole message was on repentance. He was preparing those in his time to meet Jesus. People were dying of thirst and hunger – thirst for the Living Water and hungry for the Bread of Life. People were so desperate for the Living Water and Bread of Life they were willing to go to the desert to hear a man preach the Truth and to call a spade, a spade – or in this case, a brood of vipers.

In a world that is so hung up on “political correctness” instead of the spiritual condition of a person’s soul, don’t you think it’s time for a voice in the desert crying out “REPENT” ?

So, I began digging into “forgiveness” and “repentance.” We ask for forgiveness when we’ve done wrong, and God grants us forgiveness. Psalms 103:12 says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” In Isaiah 43:25 it says, God “remembers our sins no more.” That is forgiveness. Satan is the one who would like to keep us ensnared in our sin bringing up our past mistakes over and over again. Satan enjoys throwing the dirt of our past failures in our face -- this is not of God.

REPENTANCE is a lifestyle. It’s not saying, “I’m lower than scum,” or “I am dirt.” Repentance is a daily dying to self – dying to our selfish wants and putting Christ first and above all else. It is making a conscious decision to put down your idea that you are owed something, you are due something, that you have rights. As Americans we have come to believe we are “entitled” to things, but that is contrary to the Word of God. The only reason we are blessed with good things in this life is because it is from God (James 1:17). Repentance is the daily choosing to focus on what Christ wants you to achieve during the day, how God wants you to live a victorious life. Do you want a revival? Do you REALLY want a revival? Because if you do, God will bring it, but if he brings it, you must also.

I confessed to the ladies this past Sunday that when I pray and I ask God to forgive my sins that sometimes it’s rather vague. In Luke it says people were going to the desert to confess their sins to John the Baptist. I believe if we were to pray and name our sins, ask God to show us our sins, and truly repent – turn from them, die to ourselves and focus on how we are to live our lives – then personal revival would happen. We need to be praying Psalm 19:12 – 14, “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden (and unconscious) faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) Rock and my Redeemer.” (Amplified Bible)

While studying Mary and Martha this November and December, I discovered the woman with the alabaster jar was most likely Mary. This woman was described as being known around town as sinful, but in the stories of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, it says that Jesus loved them. More than once, Mary was found at the feet of Jesus – once she was listening and learning and the other time she was sobbing, pouring out her heart, repenting and washing the feet of Jesus with her tears, drying them with her feet, kissing them with her lips and pouring the most extravagant thing she had on his feet. Don’t you know she felt sweet release after pouring herself out like that? When was the last time you cried about the sin in your life? (You have to take the plank out of your own life before you take the splinter out of someone else’s. Mt 7:3-5). When we have poured ourselves out then He can fill us up. When was the last time you listed your sin before God, truly confess and lived a repentant lifestyle? If you want personal revival, this is where we have to start. Are you willing? Repent.

The Original Birth Father

2009-12-18T19:35:00.002-06:00

Imagine yourself standing on the curb holding your precious child. Look down and see the round cheeks of your baby, the bow-tie lips, and wisps of hair. Do you remember those days? Do you remember how your baby smelled? Now you see a school bus has arrived. It doesn't have any identifiers on it. The windows are tinted, and you don't see the bus driver. You don't even know where the bus is going. All you know is that in order for this precious baby you love so much to have any chance of a decent life you have to put your baby on that bus. You don't know if you will ever see that baby again. What is it that you feel? Is it overwhelming sadness or grief? With tears streaming down your face, you study your cherub's face and features, hoping that maybe one day, just maybe, you'll recognize the sweet face again. Many of you moms are saying or thinking right now, "There's no way I'd put my baby on that bus." But what if you had no way of feeding and clothing your baby? What if you didn't have a roof over your own head? Times are tough right now, ladies. What if you didn't have a job or health coverage for a baby who needed it? The bus offered that security for your baby. Could you then? How destitute would you have to be before you placed your baby with someone else for them to adopt and rear as their own? How destitute would you have to be?
It's a gut-wrenching decision. You say or you think this doesn't happen; this isn't real life. But for many women who choose to place their babies for adoption, that is exactly what it feels like. Women who chose open adoption have a little more security and knowledge about where their baby is and who is loving their baby. Some even get to see their baby grow up. The act of a birth parent to place their baby for adoption is the most self-sacrificing and self-less kind of love. It is second to laying down your life, and there is only one who has done both. You see, our heavenly Father is the original Birth Father. He chose who would be the earthly parents for Jesus. I can tell you from personal experience, it is an extremely humbling moment when another woman asks you to raise her unborn child. Mary was already a humble servant of the Lord. I cannot begin to imagine all the emotions she must have felt and gone through, knowing she had been chosen and at such a young, vulnerable age. There is also great joy as well as uncertainty that comes with being a chosen parent. You not only want to be a great parent because you love your baby with all your heart but because you want to show this birth parent that they made a good choice. And how rewarding it is to hear that birth parent tell you, you are doing a good job. To hear them say, "I made a good decision in choosing you," is just an unexplainable reward. I wonder if God gave her some reassurances from time-to-time.

The thing about God being the original Birth Father is that He did it knowing that His only Son would have to die a tortuous death. I'm sorry, but I couldn't put either one of my children on the bus I described if I knew that kind of end would come to my baby. Do you see the face of your baby? God chose to come to earth in the form of a baby. Thirty-three years must have flown by. It must have felt as if Jesus was born one day, and the next day was Calvary. How did He not live in dread? I'll tell you how. Somehow His love for you, His love for me is so great that He was willing to sacrifice One for the good of many. He realized the pain He would endure was temporary and that there was good that would come from it. No, not good. Great things would come from His birth, death, and resurrection. Great things for us, His adopted children.
If God's first act of choosing adoptive parents wasn't a big enough act of love for you, then the cross definitely is. And if you put the two together, you have to agree that it is an overwhelming, all-consuming kind of love. My question for you is this: What are you doing with His
love? Were His sacrifices for nothing? This kind of love is to be shared. It is to be on purpose. Take time this holiday season to love on the unlovely, to love on the unsuspecting. Take time this holiday to make contact with that checker at the store, the person who takes out your groceries, the one who waits on your table. Let's show them why we love this season and why we choose to say, "Merry Christmas." We have much to be thankful for, and I am thankful for each of you.

His Daughter,

Kristy

The Time of the Year

2009-12-12T12:07:00.001-06:00

This is my all-time, most favorite time of the year. I love everything about it – the cool weather, football, the changing of the leaves, Thanksgiving followed by Christmas which means good food, family and friends. I do have to admit I have to do an attitude check from time-to-time because my focus gets off what is important which usually means I've put the focus on myself. My feelings get hurt. I get tired, snappy, short or make caddy remarks that have no business being said much less being thought. Anybody with me? Sometimes we get caught up in keeping score: "Well, I brought this last time," or "This is my responsibility: I do it every year." When I hear those kind of words come out of someone it makes me wonder about their heart and their focus.

It isn't for us to keep score. That's not your job or mine. Proverbs 20:27 says, "God is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out." (The Message translation) When we allow God to keep score and deal with things, then we are able to maintain our focus on what is important like loving on others and serving others, we find our attitude changes, our burdens lifted. And wouldn't that make for a much more pleasant holiday season for everyone?

Each of us is a precious daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let's be gracious daughters of the King as well exercising mercy, extending love and a willing hand with a gentle spirit, emulating His generosity, and executing Christ-like behavior not only in actions but in speech as well. Look for opportunities to practice your precious, princess-self remembering you represent your Father.

Love to you all.

His Daughter,

Kristy

A Wayward Friend or Child

2009-11-25T09:31:00.001-06:00

Who is a score keeper? Who is a keeper of wrongs? I have to admit early on in my marriage not only was I a score keeper, but after arguing with attorneys all day, I took that skill home and would annihilate any argument my husband might have tried with me. I realized once during the middle of an argument when I was on point number two just what I was doing.

Today as part of my quiet time, I went to www.Biblegateway.com and read the verses for today. I chose to read it in The Message. Ezekial 20 talks about God and how His children rebelled against Him. More than once it reads, "I seriously considered inflicting my anger on them in force there in Egypt. Then I thought better of it. I acted out of who I was, not by how I felt." (OH, Lord, I want to act out of whose I am instead of how I feel!) God is the ultimate score keeper. In another Bible study I read today, it said God didn't explain Himself. He let the repercussions fall as they may or allowed the problem to work itself out in instances.

Time after time the children of God rebelled. Then the next generation arose, and they rebelled time after time. God got His fill and ended up showing His strength and flexing His proverbial muscle. Even God reached His maximum tolerance level with His chosen children. They were out from under His protection. He separated them, spread them apart, and then His sword went into motion. I don't pretend to know what it's like to have a child go away from the way of God, and I hope I never have to because I've seen heart-broken mommas and the grief caused by a wayward child. Sometimes it's not a child. Sometimes it is a spouse or friend.

I would like to encourage you to read James 5. It talks about our speech and how we are to speak to one another, and then I challenge you to claim James 5:17, "The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." (The Message) I absolutely love that verse.

Please read the words to a Casting Crowns' song "Prayer for a Friend": (Pray it for your friend or child who needs to return to God).

Lord, I lift my child to You.

I've done all that I know to do.

Lord, I lift my child up to You.

Complicated circumstances have clouded her view.

Lord, I lift my child up to You.

I fear that I won't have the words that she needs to hear.

I pray for Your wisdom, oh, God, and a heart that's sincere.

I know she means much more to You.

So, Lord, I lift my child up to You.

I want so much to help her, but this is something she has to do.

Lord, I lift my child up to You.

There's a way that seems so right to her.

But You know where that leads.

She's becoming a puppet of the world, too blind to see the strings.

Lord, I lift my child up to You.

God is in the miracle-working business, and this is the season for miracles. It's also the season to believe.

Love to you all,

Kristy

What Are Your Traditions and Family Recipes?

2009-11-23T19:49:00.001-06:00

I would love to get some ideas from you. What are some of your holiday traditions? What are some of your favorite recipes? We have a Beth Moore book to give away.

One of our traditions I started after a friend told me she did it. When she would set up the Nativity Scene, she wouldn't put out the Baby Jesus. Baby Jesus would come out Christmas morning. They would sing "Happy Birthday," and it helped them focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

How do you keep your focus and your family's focus on the real meaning of the holidays whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Help me out, ladies.

I Choose Joy

2009-11-20T08:06:00.006-06:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:1-3

I love the word "joy." As a matter of fact, if Patrick were to say we could adopt again (after I picked myself up off the floor and had him repeat himself then write it in blood), I would heavily consider the name "Joy." If not for a first name, most definitely the middle.
Do you know when you appreciate joy the most? During a trial or after a trial or difficult time in your life. The depth of joy can be directly related to how deep the trial or difficult time through which God has delivered you.

My family loves to laugh. We laugh at each other. We look for things to laugh at. Storytelling that makes others laugh is a gift of my daddy's. We find humor in the things our children do like when Pearce got a "C" in conduct for making "gassy" noises on his arm. But there was a time that we struggled with finding humor.

2007 was a dark year for us, but in January of 2008 we had a celebration party rejoicing that God had allowed us to survive, and He worked it all out for our good. In 2007, we had to search for joy, search for something to laugh about, search for humor. Some of the best pictures of 2007 were when Honey (my mom) brought out her "cranial prostheses" (that's fancy talk for "wigs"), and we let the kids try them on. Pearce looked like a blond, Hispanic Starsky or Hutch, and Madeleine and Erin had a ball. In turn, we found ourselves smiling and then laughing.

Something I've discovered about joy is that people are drawn to it. When I walk around with a smile on my face--a genuine smile--for some reason I get asked, "What are you up to?" They want to know how I got that smile on my face. They want to know why I have a smile on my face.

Smiles are infectious. You can't help yourself. If someone smiles at you, you smile back (Your momma raised you with good manners, didn't she?).

Since starting this women's ministry, more and more women are opening their hearts and sharing their burdens. We are connecting these women to other women to encourage and pray for them. But the bottom line is that joy is a choice. Sometimes it is down-right hard, if not difficult, to get out of the bed in the morning because of all the weight on your shoulders. Sometimes it is difficult to leave that relationship at the feet of Jesus. Sometimes it is difficult to get up and do the same thing day after day feeling unappreciated, unvalued, uncherished. It is then that we have to CHOOSE JOY.

In 2007, my sister and I surprised my mom with something or someone at every chemo treatment she received. I don't tell you that to pat myself on the back. I tell you that because that was a way we CHOSE JOY. The last chemo session I wanted to find a quartet to go and sing, "Victory in Jesus," but my budget was $0. You know what God provided? A small choir of about 15 people singing praise and worship songs while she received her last round of chemo. Truth be known, before it was all said and done, several nurses had joined in, family members of other patients had joined in, and some of the patients on that ward had joined in. They were making a choice--choice to exercise JOY.

Whatever your excuse is as to why you don't have joy, throw it out the window. Throw it out! Daddy says, "Excuses are like bellybuttons; everyone has one." Get rid of your excuse and choose joy.

Joyfully His Daughter,

Kristy

Are You Where You Are Supposed to Be?

2009-11-13T10:59:00.001-06:00

"There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again – it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak." Proverbs 14: 23-13 The Message

Have you ever been toodling along in life thinking everything is just ducky when there is a snag or a bump in the road that rattles you out of your state of unawareness? Has God ever used someone who He obviously brought into your life for a reason in order to snap you back into His reality?

How often has contentment in my life allowed me not to see what God was wanting me to see. How often has complacency in my spiritual life cheated me of being a blessing to someone else and even receiving a blessing. Contentment and complacency may appear benign but it is the beginning of malignancy that leads to stagnation in our lives. As Pastor Rick once said, "That's a pool of water I don't want to swim in." Give me the Living Word. Give me the Word that is God-inspired and speaks to me in ways I am not always aware of.

It's not enough to come to church on Sunday morning. It's not enough for us to have quiet times with God because if truth be known, if our walk is as it should be and we are having that quiet time with God daily, we will be producing fruit. We will be actively involved in our churches using our spiritual gifts and talents He has so graciously and generously provided in order to serve others as Christ did. There is a way that seems right to man, but it will lead to death. Actions are not the way we get to heaven, but they are result of the work that God is doing in us. What do your actions say about God's working in you? What are my actions saying about God's work in my life?

Ladies, you are too precious to God, and I don't want you to miss out on one blessing He has in store for you. Find your place of service and get thee there and serve Him with your whole heart.

Love ya'll,

Kristy

When Peace Is What You Need ("When Peace Like a River")

2009-11-07T16:09:00.001-06:00

Has anyone ever stood on your last nerve? There are days when I feel like someone isn't only standing on it, but they are wearing cleats jumping up and down on it! There is a constant assault, a barrage of stimuli, people, or junk wearing you down sometimes a little bit at a time and at others it is taking chunks from your heart and mind causing rock slides of emotions, instability, and stress.

P E A C E

Do you ever crave peace? "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well. It is well with my soul'."

Peace. I desire peace.

I love having one-to-one encounters with women because it allows them to share their heart with me and trust me with what they are going through. Ladies, I don't take it lightly or light-heartedly. Your confidences I keep. But one thing that has been a common thread throughout this week with the women I've met or talked to is the trials they are going through, the difficulty. John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble." (Ain't that the truth?) "But take heart! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." (Praise the Lord!)

There is victory and peace in Christ. What we go through in this life is temporary. It is but for a season. (Granted some of those seasons feel like the drought will last forever, or in Louisiana the floodwaters will last forever, but in truth, it doesn't.) I Peter 3:11 says I must "seek peace and pursue it." If we are seeking and pursuing peace, can we have our focus on other things like the problems and the things that weigh us down? He also says if we will seek Him we will find Him (MT7:7). He is the perfector or finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). He is the one who provides the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Peace is a process.

But once we seek Him and pursue Him who gives peace then we have to be willing to release our grip on what is causing us grief, turmoil difficulty and trouble. We have to release it to Him and trust that He knows what is best and that He, and HE ALONE, will work it all out for our good (Rms 8:28). We have to be willing to give it up, lay it down, and when we do, we find rest (Matt 11:28-30). We have to trust in order to find peace. Does that scare any of you?

Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Peace affects your heart AND your mind, and the only one who can provide that to you is your Maker, your heavenly Father. I don't know about you, but my mind is a scary place because I can fester, mull, fret and all sorts of things that are not peaceful. I have to release it. Lay it back down at the foot of the cross. Tell God I trust Him, and it is well with my soul that He is in control.

Then the last part of the peace process is to be thankful. Finding something to be thankful for during the difficult times can be difficult at best sometimes, but Colossians 3: 15 says, " Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Be thankful. Paul wrote that in all things we are to give thanks...that, girlfriend, can be hard to do at times, but it is a crucial part of having peace.

Thank you, God, for bringing me through. Thank you, God, for providing. Thank you, God, for never leaving me nor forsaking me even when I get stuck or try to work it out on my own. Thank you, God, for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Thank you. Living a life of gratitude leads us to be able to say "It is well with my soul."

"It Is Well" -- Awesome -- Please click on link

Amazing Stories (Encouragement)

2009-11-03T19:31:00.000-06:00

We have some of the most phenomenal women in our church. Just since I started leading the Women IN Ministry, I've had opportunities to meet women one-on-one and hear their stories. EVERY WOMAN HAS HER OWN STORY! You have your own story. And I find each story and each woman fascinating.

Some women have endured abuse, divorce, addiction, defeat, neglect, grief, loss of a child, illness, and so many things that would blow your mind if you heard, and yet they don't know how awesome their own story is. The women who have been bold enough to trust me with their stories always include how God brought them through it, how they can now see God's hand working it out for her good. That gives me goose bumps. Our God is alive and working it out in our lives every day if we just WAKE UP! (To quote Pastor Rick)

Then I am so honored when these women tell me they are willing to share their stories with another woman who may be going through a similar situation. I love that. How generous our women are. How generous our God is.

If you have a story you are willing to share with another woman who may be going through the same thing, I'd love to talk to you or you can write me at Kmullins@calvaryshreveport.org.

In all of our journeys, in all of our stories along the way we have all needed encouragement. Haven't we? I know I have. There have been times when I couldn't find anything to be thankful for, and God was faithful to provide someone to stand in the gap for me. Then He was faithful and provided someone along the way to encourage me.

Ladies, I don't know about you, but there are some Sunday mornings when I am not in the frame of mind to go into worship. I've had a hard, trying week. I've had to referee at least one fight that morning before leaving the house. I'm sure I've torn the house apart looking, searching for the boy's shoes or underwear. And the truth is I'm just worn slap thin. If that is you or if that is a girlfriend sitting beside you during Sunday school, discretely step out of your Sunday school class and head to the Women IN Ministry office.

The Women IN Ministry office is the office across the foyer from Sunni's large desk. This office is going to be open, and there is going to be a growing, godly lady who will be in there to listen to you, to pray with you, and to encourage you. It takes only about 15 minutes, maybe 20 at the most.

Will you have the courage to share you heart with another woman? Will you allow her to encourage you? Wouldn't you get more out of worship if your heart and mind were focused and encouraged? Yes, it would.

Your story, your relationship to God is precious. Sometimes we just need a little encouragement along the way. I hope you take this opportunity to do something for yourself. You deserve it.

Zip Yo' Lip

2009-10-30T18:36:00.001-05:00

"Do everything without complaining or arguing." (Philippians 2:14)

Do I have your attention?

Have you ever wanted to tell someone, "Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!" or "If you're so miserable, then leave!" I have to say that I have, especially with the professional complainers and whiners (as if they don't have anything better to do with their time). I want to say, "Get a life!" or "Get happy in the same pants you got mad in!" or "If there is a problem, then be the solution not another problem."

I quote this verse to my kids on occasions only for God to remind me of it later that same day when I complain.

We all have things we struggle with, don't like, or want to change, but we're told in God's Word to do EVERYTHING without complaining. You have something negative to say about someone or something -- ZIP YO' LIP!

By refusing to ZIP THE LIP, we are refusing to submit to God's authority, and that, girlfriend, is not a place I care to tread. And I don't want any of my gal pals there either.

"Submit" is a difficult word. It requires humility. It requires us to give up our own agenda, our own actions based on our opinion, and requires us to follow and be obedient to His will, His plan.

Maybe when we open our mouths to complain, we should retrain ourselves with another verse in the Bible -- "Pray continually."
(1 Thessalonians 5:25) Pray for the situation you are wanting to complain about. Pray for the person you are wanting to complain about. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes people...especially the one doing the praying.

I guess the reason I write this is because God has dealt with me on this subject from time-to-time, and if you can learn it at my expense, please do because I don't want someone else to have to go through it as well.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11)

His Daughter,

Kristy

"Sunday Face"

2009-10-24T10:27:00.001-05:00

Have you ever laughed at someone just to go and do something as foolish or goofy yourself? One night I was watching the Discovery Channel. It was one of their E.R. shows, and this lady had accidentally been putting her husbands Nitroglycerin ointment on his hemorrhoids, and his hemorrhoid medicine on his heart. It almost cost him his life. I laughed thinking, "How could you possible confuse those two?"

The very next morning I was getting ready for work and before putting on my make-up, I realized I had put my lip ointment that plumps and prevents my lipstick from running under my eyes -- GREAT! Now my eyes would be puffy all day long. My under-eye treatment was to reduce puffiness, lines and lighten any circles under my eyes had been applied to my lips -- GREAT! My lips would be pencil thin (SOOO attractive). It would be interesting to see how the rest of my make-up would look by the time I'd get done.

It reminded me of the time when I was a newlywed living in Dallas and work required I wear dresses or suits. I'd get dressed the same way every day. Under garments first (That makes sense, right?), then I'd try to figure our what I'd wear for the day. One morning I had gone to work, had been social speaking to almost everyone in the office, worked some files, went to the restroom and the breakroom, but it wasn't until I went back to my desk that my support person told me I needed to go home at lunch. I said, "Why? What's wrong?" That's when she informed me that she could tell I was wearing hot-pink panties under my white dress! I sat down the rest of the morning and tried to make my exit as uneventful as possible.

We try so hard sometimes to put on a good face, to have the right look especially when it comes to going to church. But how many times have we already had an altercation, had to referee a disagreement, had a bad hair day, couldn't find a shoe, etc., before we ever enter the premise of the church only to slap on a happy face right before entering the doors. Sometimes we enter the sanctuary or our small group room with so much baggage that our hearts aren't prepared to praise and worship. We are doing it because it is the right thing to do. We are doing it out of obligation. We aren't doing it out of our relationship with God. We aren't doing it because we are prepared to enter His presence expecting a word or touch from Him.

I remember there was one Sunday I had to leave during the middle of the Sunday school lesson. I just couldn't hold it together any longer. I drove home crying my heart out to God under such conviction, and I met God at my kitchen table. It wasn't pleasant, but it was necessary. There have been times when I just wanted "to unload," "to be heard," or "to be encouraged and loved on," but I didn't get it at church. You know why? It wasn't the people at church fault. It was mine. It was pride. I didn't reach out and tell someone I needed help. I didn't find a godly, growing lady to take aside to say, "Would you please pray for me, I'm struggling?" Why didn't I? Why don't you? Healing, support and encouragement is a person away...God can use godly, growing women to touch the lives of other women.

If a wise, godly, growing lady were available during the Sunday school hour in the Women IN Ministry office, I wonder how many visitors would she have? Who would have the courage to share their heart with another woman of such class, wisdom and character? This is something I've been praying about. I'd love to have your feedback. Words are one thing. Action is another.

Real worship begins when we let down our defenses, when we lay down our burdens at the foot of the cross and live as if God has already handled it. Sometimes we may just need a little help doing it. And God isn't all that impressed with how your make-up, hair or clothes appear. He is more concerned with your heart.

Mistaken Identity

2009-10-18T15:57:00.000-05:00

I love this project. I went to El Salvador and worked with our missionary and his wife this summer encouraging women, and I have to say the orphanage broke my heart. It was all I could do to not to burst into tears and pack two of them away in my luggage to bring home. I looked down into their faces and saw my son's who is Mexican not Salvadoran, but the coloring is similar.

When my son Pearce saw this photo that went out on postcards to all our members, he saw something I hadn 't seen before and unfortunately this photo cuts it off. In the right portion of this picture is a little boy dressed in shorts and some stars have been placed around him. Pearce studied the picture and said, "Mom, this is me!" Sunni was there and told him those were children from the orphanage in El Salvador. Pearce's next question -- "Then why am I there?"

I tried to explain that it wasn't him, but he didn't want to be confused with the facts, so I told him the stars around him was fairy dust. Sunni piped in saying Pearce went to El Salvador when he slept at night. My children aren't warped for no reason!

Have you ever heard that everyone has a twin somewhere? When I was in high school there was another teen with dark, big hair (it was the 80s after all), fair complexion, and pencil thin who attended church with me. My dad one time walked up from behind put his arm around her shoulder and started walking with her. It wasn't until he looked down into her face that he realized it wasn't me. Fortunately, she knew how goofy my daddy was and thought it was quite funny. During college, I was told there was a waitress at Clancy's (A restaurant that use to be on Youree that I loved!) that was my twin. I never spotted her.

Pearce's mistakenly identifying himself in the picture and my memories got me to thinking about mistaken identities. Peter was hoping that people wouldn't identify him as being a follower of Christ, but it was undeniable. Even though he tried three times. Have you ever been identified when you were in a moment in the flesh? What do you do? Do you back out of it and act like it never happened? Do you pretend what you did was okay?

I make my children go back and apologize when they have acted in a way that is not appropriate or respectful. Should I go back and apologize to the person who saw me acting in the flesh or when I was acting too big for my britches like my momma use to say? How humbling that would be if we practiced that. To humble means to lower ourselves. When was the last time you lowered yourself, humbled yourself before the Lord so that others could see Christ's identity in you? When was the last time you acted in the flesh and God did the humbling? I would much rather humble myself than have anyone humble me.

See here's the thing, we can't live like Christ is the center of our world, the Rock of our foundation and others not know it. Are Christians perfect? ABSOLUTELY NOT! If they were perfect they wouldn't need a Saviour! But when we mess things up, we should handle it differently. We shouldn't wish and hope that people don't identify us as a Christian when we get all up in someone's business. We should do our best to act in a manner pleasing to God, and when we mess up, own up. Take possession of it. Humble ourselves. Apologize for not being the example we need to be.

Let me encourage you to wear the title of Christian with humility. Serve in humility, and when we royally screw things up like I am proned to do (After all, if you do something, do it well!), apologize and show there is a difference between being a growing, active Christian than others in the world. People are watching to see if we are going to be Christ-like. We may be the only Jesus they will ever see. Who will others identify you with?

Just some questions to ponder.

His Daughter,

Kristy Mullins

Question

2009-10-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

If you are on Facebook, you may have seen or taken the quiz about what Biblical character are you most like. I'd like to know the answer to that question and the why or what characteristics make you like that person. It will be interesting to see the answers. We have an Avalon CD to give away to one who answers the question. We'll put your names in a hat and pull one. So let's get started.

5K and Forward

2009-10-05T09:19:00.002-05:00

For those of you who don’t know me and my family, we are all very sports-oriented, and I am a runner in training. When I first began running, it was oooh sooo hard. Often times, I wondered if I would ever get stronger and if my runs would ever get easier. I set my goal (1 mile), and my desire to reach my goal kept me enduring the challenge even when I wanted to give up.

First , I just ran. But then I realized that to get better, I needed more knowledge, so I read, researched, studied, and talked to other runners who were more experienced. I ran with friends, signed up for races, placed myself around others which, in turn, motivated me and kept me wanting more. I began to understand what was needed in order to reach my goal. I became better and stronger, and what started out as just one mile became two, then three, five, nine and now 13.1--or the ½ marathon. Because of effort, time, perseverance and my heart’s desire, I realized that what once was so difficult had become easier. I was able to reach beyond my initial goal. Wow, had I actually made it this far?

My runs became more fulfilling. Fulfilling in the sense that running was time I spent with my Lord, thanking Him for the beauty around me, focusing on my life’s purpose and praying for myself and others. I realized that if I had the “heart” to succeed in running, how much better I could be in God’s work if only I channeled that same desire to build my relationship with God. What would His goal be for me? What would His distance be for me? What is my life’s purpose from Him? The motivation I got when I thought of my heart’s desire to live for Him combined with His almighty power PUMPED ME UP! Wow, with that combination, things could really get done!

I don’t know about you, but I truly do believe God can move mountains. I desired to be in His presence and have His almighty power work in me. I desired to know what He had in store for me. As with running or any sport, if you don’t have the heart, you will be just mediocre or “middle-of-the-road,” but if you have the heart, you go beyond the norm, being extraordinary, superb, first-rate! I wanted to be first-rate in my service for God. I surrendered to Him, and things began to take shape. God began giving me direction and understanding of where and what He was wanting me to be doing. My God-given gift began to surface. With God’s help, I was running in the right direction and placing myself around others who were teaching me, motivating me to use my desire and passion to help connect with women in crises, women who suffered heartache, felt jaded, alone, helpless, going down, and unnoticed.

Now, as with running, I am increasing my distance in God’s purpose of my life, and so can you. With God’s help, you can begin to use your God-given gifts. Although there will be challenges along the way, God will steer you, and other Christians will motivate you to stay on the path. We will gain the strength we need to persevere and never give up. We, as Christian women, just need to start, set out, get moving in the right direction. With God as our coach, we will become better and stronger, and we will be able to reach beyond what we ever imagined we could do. God desires that we run the race for Him and take others along with us. As Nike states, “Just Do It.” Join in the run for connecting the hearts of women by using your God-given gift . When our work on this earth is done, then the final race will have been run, and will all cross the finish line together. We will all be winners!!

By: Donna Melancon

Builders, Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y -- Which Are You? What do you want to do?

2009-09-29T15:52:00.001-05:00

Thank you all who were part of the churchwide, women's Sunday school hour. It went by so quickly that I'm not sure where all the time went.

Several ladies have been interested in the generation information that I've been taught or read about, so I thought I would share a little more with you.

The Builders (1901 -- 1942)

Also known as "The Greatest Generation" (Tom Brokaw)
Experienced -- WWII, the Depression, the invention of FM radio
This is a loyal group of ladies who appreciate being respected and want to be communicated to on a personal level.

Gen Y (1981 -- 2002)

Experienced -- Waco Compound, OK bombing, Columbine, 911, 1/2 parents are divorced, latch-key kids
This group is outside the church walls. They are searching for their identity and for their life paths, careers and mates.
This group loves a cause.
They are also a "green" generation.
She wants to be mentored but not just by one woman, but by many. She wants to know each of their stories.
This group wants to meet outside the church.

Generation X (1961 -- 1981)

aka The "Me" Generation
Experienced: End of Cold War, 1st Female Justice, 2 Shuttle Incidents, Brady Bunch, Color TV, MTV, the invention of the microwave
This is a creative generation but often are over-committed.
We are called the "Me" generation because we get wrapped up in me, my, and mine. We talk to and sit with our girlfriends. We do things for our kids. We don't extend our borders to reach out to others.
We need to put our big girl panties on.
God has given each of us gifts to use inside the body of Christ, the church not just within our social circle. Let's use them.

Baby Boomers (1943 -- 1960)

Also known as the "Sandwich" Generation because they are parenting their parents and often times may have children at home or have children returning home
Experienced -- Vietnam, Anti-war sentiment, MLK, Beatles, Woodstock, the invention of TV and air conditioning -- WOOHOO! Thank you, Boomers.
Biggest population -- The information I've read put this group from 72-76 million people strong
They started retiring in 2008
They are "hoverers." When their adult children have problems, they hover over them until it is worked out, and then they leave.
As Mrs. Peggy said it's a generation of women who are in the process of reinventing themselves.
Some have said this generation has been catered to since they are the largest.

The bottom line is this every generation is needed in order to make this ministry a success.

I explained how having a "Lost Arts" night might result into some small groups getting together to crochette, knit, quilt and how those groups could be used to minister to other women. This is just one example of how we can be ministering to other women.

Continue to check out the blog site because we will post upcoming events on the sidebar. If you can't find the blogsite, you can go to the church's website, and there is a button that will connect you to the blog. Once there, please become a follower, so we know who we are writing for and who is getting information.

Please continue to pray for this group of women who are seeking God's will for this ministry. We do not want to get ahead of Him in any way.

Thanks again for coming.

His Daughter,

Kristy

WELCOME

2009-09-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Women IN Ministry blog site of Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. You can learn more about our church, services, academy, and sports by clicking on Calvary's logo on the right.

We are so excited you are visiting our site. The women on our team will strive to keep our blog current, relevant, and up-to-date. Our goal is to make weekly entries that will inspire you, encourage you, cause you to reflect, help you to grow in your faith, and inform you of social and civic issues. We will also list our events on the side column.

We covet your prayers, and if you visit our site, please sign in and let us know who you are. If you visit us regularly, please become a "follower," so we will know the audience for whom we are writing. Your comments are desired as well; we will review them and post a selection of them.

We believe this will be a fun way to keep in touch. You will be able to send this blog to your Twitter or Facebook page by using the button on the lower right column. You can also e-mail it to a friend if you like. We will have polls and ways to win things. Doesn't that sound like fun? If you would like to donate something for our readers to win, please contact Sunni at (318) 687-4920.

Be sure to check back soon!

His Daughter,

Kristy Mullins