A Little Weekend FUN!!!

Sad thing is, I know a Cletus!! HAHAHA

I know you do too Tracy!!! Tell Jesse I dedicate this video to him!!! haha

A bit random..

Well, today's post is gonna be a bit random. There's so many things swirling around in this head that when you combine it with all the air that's ALREADY in there (I'll say it so you don't have to) well, it's just alot! ;-)

First I have to say to please pray for Jennifer and my friend Lisa as they are boarding a flight - about now - on a mission trip to Brazil! Pray that the Lord will use them in a MIGHTY way and I know He's going to because this team has already faced some pretty intense warfare and they are just now leaving. WHEW!

Secondly, last week our SS classes were studying Hosea and man, I LOVE that book! The first time I really studied it I had to go back a couple of times to read it over and then check my footnotes. I was like "God WANTS him to marry a prostitute? Is that what that says?" Ya'll know I'm kinda slow sometimes. Anyway, LOVE that story. Such a picture of God's unfailing love for us. Wow! In fact, if you're a reader and haven't already, get Francine River's "Redeeming Love" and read it. It's loosely based on Hosea and a fiction story but oh my stars, I LOVED it too.

Now I'm slowly chugging thru Luke and I'm in chpt 8 thru vs 21 and while there's so much there - especially being the seed in good soil - the thing that really spoke to my heart was Jesus and the women who were with Him. Jesus was the original "Women's Lib-er"! But His plan for liberating women wasn't to give us power over anyone but to raise us to a place of equal service as the men. He had cast demons out of some of these women. He had brought them out of bondage, raised them from shame and degradation and they didn't go around telling others how to do the same. They didn't start a Self-help seminar. They didn't go write a book. No, these women followed Jesus. They used all their money for His service. They paid their way and then used their surplus for Jesus' ministry. Can you imagine?

Now I know there's gonna be some that are offended by my next statement and I'm sorry, but it's truly what I believe. I really don't think Jesus did this so that we could have a female president. Really, I don't. In fact, in all honesty, we are emotional, even the strongest of us get our feelings hurt if our friends don't include us or don't compliment our new "do" or outfit. How in the world is a woman gonna go sit with other world leaders, who don't allow women in their countries to even speak (I don't agree with that either by the way - but it happens), and offer up her opinions? I don't know.

What I do know is that Jesus came for ALL of us. Men, women, children. ALL of us. Gender didn't matter to Him. Age didn't matter to Him. Race didn't matter to Him. If you have a pulse, He came for you. If you were the only one alive, He still would've done it...just for you! That's the bottom line. Didn't mean to go off on that political tangent - but like I said - lots of air in this head of mine!! What matters most to me isn't what your political stand is, isn't what you think of the women's lib movement, isn't who you're voting for (though it's important TO vote), what matters to me is...Do you know my Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive you of your sin and to be Lord over your life? If not, please let me know and I'll be so glad to tell you how. If so, please take a sec and thank Him, again, for His redeeming love for you.

Still in the miracle business!

Well our weekend was awesome and I'm gonna blog more about it during the week. As you can imagine, I'm a little busy with Mt. Laundry in the garage and chasing all these dust bunnies today but I did wanna pop on quickly to tell you about how AMAZING God was this weekend - let me restate - how God reminded me this weekend of his AMAZING-NESS! Even if it isn't a word, I'm still AMAZED!! hahaha

Ok, so my mom was REALLY sick back in Jan. Suffered carbon dioxide poisoning, "multiple" strokes, elevated blood sugars and blood pressure - just a mess. Then if you'll remember she only spent 2 weeks in Rehab before they sent here home with an "unexplainable" recovery. (Of course we all know the explanation - GOD answers prayers!) So this was my first trip to see her since all this - I know I'm an awful daughter! Anyway, I call her and - get this - she's at a Bible study at her church, then she had a lunch scheduled and THEN she would make it over to my sister's to see us. Ok, now please know that I am NOT complaining about this!! Since my dad's death, my mom has been - frankly, a bit of a recluse! So hearing her put me off due to her busy social calendar was the BIGGEST blessing I've had in YEARS!!!!! For those who have met my mom, pick up your jaws!!! I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If that's not good enough, then God just popped a little cherry on my sundae (raw not maraschino because He knows that's what I like) with this little tidbit!! My mom has a "gentleman friend"!!!!!!!!!!!! YA'LL - YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!! That is so stinkin' huge!!! I'm just here to tell you that God Almighty is still in the miracle business!!!

Take me home, Country Roads.....

We're in WV. We're visiting family and I likely won't have time to blog again. Pray for us as we're dividing time between our families and friends. Also for our travels. Thanks and have a great Memorial Day weekend!!!

Unspeakable

I'm sure most of you have heard the news by now, but in case you haven't click here. There are just no words for the sorrow that this family must be feeling. I can't begin to imagine. Please pray for the Chapman's. I'm really not just saying that to be nice or appear caring. I want you to literally stop what you're doing and PRAY for them. Wouldn't you want the same? I know I would.

Up and out.....

Well I'm gonna try to keep this as brief as possible to let you know what the Lord has been doing in the last week and what's coming up for the "E" family!

Last week I eluded to my man bein' STRESSED out - which he was/is - and that he was going to be making some decisions requiring your prayers. Well, the decisions haven't been made, yet, but the Lord was SOOO good to us this past weekend.

Friday night - we had game/dessert night with 3 other couples and all of our kids. It was a blast! We laughed more than I thought we would and just had an AWESOME time. Then Sat. morning we had a prayer summit at our church. For those of you who missed it - SHAME ON YOU! haha JK It was incredible. Made me really just stop and get my eyes off myself, my circumstances and get God-centered! Perfect timing from a Holy, Perfect God for my man and I! Then Sat. afternoon I have to tell you that I jumped with BOTH feet out of my comfort zone. I don't mind helping people with "manual" labor. I don't mind getting dirty and sweaty for someone who needs a hand. What I don't like is having my kids along and worrying about what they're possibly getting into, or if they're wondering off, or.....whatever. But Jimmy and I talked about it and we decided to take our kids on a "Hearts and Hammers" project. The first of our new Sunday school class.

Now, there's a bit of background info you need here. Our new class is the choir and orchestra people. Band geeks and singers! (hahahaha) Give us anything and we'll make either an instrument or a microphone out of it! So, going to do a "Hammers" project - I thought - was going to be QUITE comical. Well, once again, the Lord proved me wrong. Our project was for a widow in the Sr. Adult/Adult choir. A woman whose kids don't live close by so she's mostly alone. So, while we did her "list" of tasks, she (being a former school teacher) sat out in the yard with all the kids entertaining them, putting them to work too, and playing domino's with them. I have to tell you that I stood on her back porch weeping - like an idiot!! It was just about the sweetest thing ever! I took pics but am having trouble downloading them.

Then Sunday was just a great day of worship and rest. Then Mon, Tue and today have been PACKED with stuff. Cleaning, laundry, working, volunteering for EOG's (yuk!) and getting ready to go to WV. We're leaving in the morning for an extended - much needed - weekend with our families. My man hasn't been around his family in almost a year - July of 07 to be exact - so I think that is contributing a TON to his problems. Hopefully, he'll get his "fix" this weekend and this moving talk will STOP!!!! hahaha Anyway, so please be in prayer for us as we travel and that the Lord will give us a couple of burning bushes this weekend!!! He's speaking - I just know it! I just pray that we can shut out the clamour and focus on His voice - CLEARLY! Thanks for the prayers and I'll hollah at ya!!! CYA!!

CRAZY

There's been a lot going on this past week - busy, busy, busy - and I've got so much to share with you but I just had to post one more pic from eXtreme Praise. Hope you're not tired of it, but this one just makes me happy! That's my baby in the middle, but just look at the kids faces, they were LOVING this concert and praisin' the Lord with reckless abandon. Surely we need to do the same, don't ya think?

One more to add.....

I had to add one more pic from that night. You may remember about the answered prayer that came in a baby boy from Guatemala, well here's a pic of baby Kenan with his daddy! Oh I love this boy so much I could just SQUEEZE him!!!!

eXtreme Praise Pictures

Here they are - FINALLY!! A few of the pics of my babies in the eXtreme Praise concert! I was so proud, not just of my own kids, but ALL the kids up there singing their hearts out in pure worship! There was no drama in this concert, just praise and I'm still getting people stopping me everywhere - even in the grocery store - telling me how it blessed their hearts! To God be all the glory!!!

My oldest is the first guy on the top left! (Yes he placed himself next to a pretty little thing!) (oh yeah, the little blond second from the rt on the 1st row is Nicki's oldest!)

The little guy in back is my middle man! My oldest is on the right of the parachute.

The angel on the far right is my baby! Oh yes, I KNOW!! Thought I was gonna be raptured right there! haha This one is VERY dark, but if you look closely you'll see me on the far right singing with the kids and if you count over to the 4th little guy left of me (3rd row and there's a "dark" boy in there haha) you'll see my middle man and I lookin at one another! Just about makes a momma's heart skip a beat! ;-)
So there's just a few pics of that AMAZING night. If you're a "Grover" and missed it, PLEASE go get the DVD! I promise that you will NOT be disappointed!! The Lord's Presence was STRONG in that place and I know He was smiling on these precious little ones!!

More Weekend Worship

I'm on a roll ya'll! After the week I've had I just wanna praise this weekend!! He is King of Everything and I want my life to praise Him!!!

Weekend Worship

Amazed by you?

Well things are looking brighter and feeling better around the E Plantation!! God is faithful, ya'll!! Still lots to figure out, but land sakes His Word is alive and active!! Don't you just love when you open it up and you HEAR from Him? WOOHOOOO! I wish I could share it all, but just know, God is speaking!

Anyway, I'm in the 7th chpt of Luke and loving going slow in this book. I read the story of Roman centurion - again, a familiar story - but what truly fell fresh on me was the fact that Jesus was amazed by his faith. I mean, He was Jesus for Pete's sake! He knew every hair on that guys head (or lack of if he was bald). He knew the things this army leader had likely done to the Jews. He knew. And yet, He was amazed by him. Jesus was amazed that this guy believed that all Jesus had to do was say the word and his servant would be healed. He had never met Jesus face to face and yet he believed. Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Holy Son of God was amazed by this man.

Does that blow your mind like it does mine? It just reminds me that the heart of our God is so tender that He finds us amazing. He loves us so much that He came - leaving His heavenly throne - leaving the Presence of Holy God - leaving His place of authority - to come to earth to be amazed by US?! I just love that about Him!! It blesses my heart to know that He cares that much about me. I hope today you'll think about how deep His love is for you. I hope you'll remember that He cares. He knows. He rejoices over you with singing. He is enthralled by your beauty. I'm grateful He's reminded me of that this week!

Brighter Day

Look over to my playlist and click on Brighter Day. The Lord is faithful. Have all my problems vanished, well no, of course not or I wouldn't be typing this, but the winds that have been blowing thru Charlotte the last couple of days have not only blown the petals off my rose bush, but have blown a few of the shackles of the enemy loose. God is faithful!

Thank you for praying - He is listening and answering. There's still many issues to work thru. Many things to be settled. Many decisions ahead of us - as is true for all of us so your prayers are still coveted, but praise His name it is a 'Brighter Day' when I think of all the things He's done!! Listen to the song, get up out of your chair and do a Jesus dance!

Roller coaster!!

Do you love roller coasters? I do! I have always loved them. The scarier, the better. As I've gotten older I've developed a few medical conditions that have limited my ability to tolerate certain rides, but roller coasters I can still tolerate. I guess it's the wind in my face that helps. Anyway, I just LOVE them! Especially when you climb off and your upper lip is stuck to your gums from the air drying your teeth! DON'T YOU LOVE THAT?! hahahahahaha

The ones I don't like, however, are the emotional ones we ride every day. The ones that are created in our minds by the lies of the evil one. The ones that we stand in line for, climb in, and strap ourselves in to. The ones we allow to twist us and turn us, banging us up, messing up our hair, pushing us to the point of barfing! Those are the ones I don't like. Really, what it is that I don't like is that I ALLOW the evil one that kind of power over me. That I allow him to lure me in to standing in line, climbing on and going along for a ride that the Lord does NOT have in mind for me. Now, I know that the Lord is standing at the head of the line going "Here it is girl. You get to decide if you'll go along this time." knowing full well what I'll choose and knowing full well what I'll learn from that choice. But still, I don't like those rides!

That's kinda where I'm finding myself lately. Emotionally going up and down hills, twisting and turning. Physically holding on with a death grip to my Safety Belt. I guess that just may be right where He wants me for now. It's not that I feel like my life is out of control or anything like that. It's not that I feel like I'm slipping away from my Source of Strength. It's just that lately it seems that I've allowed the enemy to distract me with some things and that's my problem. That's the bottom line. It's not about the roller coaster. It's not about my ability to hold on or let go. It's about what I'm going to choose. Will I choose to climb into the safety and security of my Abba Daddy and go on His wild ride or will I choose to be distracted by the kiddie coaster the enemy has for me? Will I waste time on a coaster that has no lasting results at the end or will I climb on the "Wild Ride" that God has for me that will last for eternity?

There is no choice. I choose Jesus. Every time. I choose to stand in His line, strap into His ride, to let go with both hands and allow His Spirit to break and mold me, to twist and turn me, to take me up and down hills and even upside-down if He chooses and when I climb off His ride into glory I will unashamedly smile with my upper lip stuck full up on my gums and say "Thank you Lord for that WILD RIDE!" "Can we go again?"

Burning Bridges........

Well Mother's day was just an all around great day for me. Actually, we kinda had Mom's day weekend - which started with breakfast in bed Sat morning - followed by house cleaning and laundry with my 3 little "elves". Great fun! It really kinda was because they were genuinely helping and learning about how to clean ("For when we get our own place mom" says my 8 yr old! haha) but we had a blast. Yesterday afternoon a couple that opened their home to me when I lived in Florida stopped in for a visit. They are Marketing Directors for Choose-life and are trying to get those plates up and running in NC. (for more on their efforts, go to the site!)

So, in our Old Testament study we just finished up with Elijah and are moving into Elisha this week. I have to tell you how incredibly timely the Lord is - as always! (how about that grammar by the way? haha) We talked in SS yesterday about depression - about having a "mountaintop" - if you will - with God and then falling to the valley of depression and sadness. This comes after my post last week of "Whew"! As you can imagine, it was just what I needed to hear. I needed to hear that I wasn't a freak for feeling depressed after being so consumed with the children's musical and sad when it was over. (typically, I'm glad when it's done but I loved this program so much it truly made me sad) I sat in SS with tears running down my face because our Father is ever so gentle and kind. I just felt like a little girl who had climbed into her Daddy's lap! Amazing!!

Then, today, I open the book and we're talking about passing the torch. Talking about Elijah going to Elisha who was plowing in the field and passing on his "mantle". The thing that really knocked my socks off is again, He's on time every time! You see, my man has been struggling at work, talks of layoff's looming about, production down, just struggling. Top that with the fact that neither of us were with our mom's on Mother's day AND the fact that today is my sweet step-daughter's 17th birthday and we're not with her either and it's NOT a good combination.

I share this with you to ask that you pray for us. Pray that we'll burn whatever bridges we have used as a crutch or a false sense of security to follow the Lord's call for us with the fervor of Elisha. I mean, the guy gets the call, goes back to say good-bye to his parents, kills the oxen, burns the plow and has a farewell celebration with his friends. That's the heart I want! The heart that says "You want me to do that? Well, alrighty then!! Let's do it!!!" I appreciate your prayers, and so does my man!! We know the Lord has plans to prosper us and not to bring us harm - it is His promise after all - it's just that we're a bit emotional right now so we need some discernment before we go making any crazy decisions!! ;-) Thanks again for praying and for caring!

Mother's Day Song of My Heart

Mother's Day

Hey sweet friends. It's Mother's Day weekend and for those who are mom's let me say that I pray you have a blessed and happy day!! For those whose arms are still waiting let me say that I love you and I pray that the Father will fill those arms SOON! For those whose arms were full but are now empty let me say that my prayers are with you and for the Father to wrap you in His own arms in a MIGHTY way this weekend. And for those whose arms are full of grandkids let me say thank you. Thank you for all you did, for the sacrifices, for the troubled times, for all of it and for all you continue to do!!

Given all I went thru with my own mom this past Jan. I must say that it stings quite a bit to not be at her side this Mother's Day but I'll be seeing her in a couple of weeks. I love you mom. I know the chances that you'll see this are slim, but know that I'm thinking of you and praying that the Lord will give you a wonderful weekend. He's obviously not finished with you mom, so I'm anxious to see what He has planned because it's apparent your work here isn't quite done. I love you and I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me. I miss you.

To my children let me say that it is the greatest joy of my life being your mom. I never knew how full my heart could be and I never dreamed the Lord would be so gracious as to bless me with the 3 most AMAZING kids on the planet! One that is so compassionate and funny, one that is so loving and kind and one that brings joy and sunshine wherever she goes. I pray that one day (though I know at times it seems it will NEVER happen - haha) you will rise up and call me blessed. I pray that you will grow to serve the Jesus that your mommy loves with her whole heart!! He is all you need. Not me, not your daddy, but Him!! I love you guys!!

Have a happy Mother's Day!!

WHEW......

I'm tellin you what! It STINKS getting old! Yes, it does! It has taken me all blasted week to recuperate from this past weekend. I mean, let's be real. I was at the church about 4 hrs on Wed and then Wed night church (last week), about 4 hrs on Thur and then again Thur night for our National Day of Prayer service - AMAZING by the way - then Friday from 1pm to 8pm then Sat 9am to 6pm then Sun 7am - 11:30am (yes I was on vocal team - filling in for someone - WHAT was I thinking?) then back at 1:45pm til 8:30 or so Sun night. I took it easy on Monday, except running a few errands, then Tues had to deliver and set up a new sound system for my kids school. Then had to clean my Beth's house yesterday, church last night, then clean my MaryAnn's house today! Like I said.....WHEW!!!

My own house is lookin' a bit pitiful, but I'm hoping if I hold out long enough I'll get some sympathy/Mother's Day help! hahaha I guess after going back and reading that it's no wonder I'm worn out! Made me tired just typing it all! haha

I think my post Tues made it sound like I was a bit down, but I'm not really. Tired, but the Lord was so good to me during the last week that I can't do anything but shout - well, ok just say because of the fatigue - His praises!!! My man is in the mortgage business and anyone with a brain knows things are bad so I just ask you to pray for that situation and for my man to not stress about it. God is and always will be faithful!!! Oh yes He will!!

Mark 10:27

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God'".

Impossible. That word overwhelms me. Have you ever faced things that seemed impossible? I know I have and I'm sure you have as well. Today when I saw this little flower growing up thru the concrete this verse popped into my mind. That pretty little pink flower surrounded by a sidewalk and a parking lot, impossible, and yet....there it is.

There are some things happening in my life right now that seem impossible. Things that the enemy is doing his best to distract my man and I with so will you just pray that we will remember this verse. That God will continue to put flowers in the concrete for me everywhere I go! Thanks.

No words...

Of course I'll come up with some, but there really are no words to describe how I'm feeling today. A few that come to mind are exhausted, sore, crampy and a plethora of physical words I could use, but at the same time I am finding myself on the verge of tears all day. Not because I'm down or sad, but because last night the Lord spoke to me in such a POWERFUL way thru the mouths of about 100 kids under the age of 12.

The concert was amazing. I was kinda the "stage manager" if you will, so there was a lot of running, placing, checking and the like going on, but let me just tell you that thru it all the Lord touched my heart with the pure, sweet worship of those kids. Seeing them singing about a Father who calls them His own and lifting up their hands in worship, not just because that was their cue, but because it was coming out of their hearts.....well, I just about couldn't contain myself. Of course we had our wigglers, our stare-ers, our deer-in-the-headlight-ers (how's that grammar workin' for ya?) but land sakes even THEY were just the cutest.

It was the first time all three of my babies had been on the platform together and it was almost more than this momma's heart could stand. I found myself checkin' out as manager and just bein' a happy, proud momma. In fact, I was supposed to go onstage at the end and almost missed my cue because I was busy jumping up and down and screaming my fool head off! GREAT for the old vocal chords by the way! hahaha Then, I went onstage barefoot because I had kicked off my shoes in the running! hahaha Oh well. Thank God our church isn't stuffy! (or at least I don't feel that way)

Anyway, I hope to have some pics this week - still trying to download to my dinosaur computer from my dinosaur camera, but we'll see. I pray that you have a great day and I plan to do as little as possible to try and recoup!

Not our kids but still........

One of the songs our kids will be singing at the musical and though I don't know these kids there's still something so precious about hearing their authentic praise that just blesses my heart! Pray for us as we prepare our kids Sun. night and if you're near the Grove I pray you'll come and hear them. I PROMISE it'll be worth the effort!

National Day of Prayer

This is the prayer I posted on STMM prayer blog and I hope that you'll pray for our nation as well. Our church is having a service at 7pm and I pray that yours is as well. If not, come to mine. ;-)

Father God, I come to you today thanking you for your tremendous blessings on this country. Father you have protected, sustained and provided for us over and over again and I thank you and I praise you for it.

Today, on this National Day of Prayer, we come to you, crying out for your continued hand of mercy on us. Lord we recognize that we are undeserving both individually and collectively, but Lord I praise you for seeing fit to send a Lamb to atone for our sins out of your great love for us. Thank you Jesus for being the Lamb. For giving us the pattern of obedience we are to follow.

Lord these are difficult times we live in but not one bit of it takes you - in your sovereignty - by surprise. Before the foundation of the world was laid you knew that we would reach this place and this time and you had/have a plan. We trust you Lord. We trust that your perfect will is one to prosper and not harm us and to give us a hope and a future so Lord we lay the upcoming elections at Your feet. We ask that your truth will be revealed to us as we make decisions as to who we will vote for. I pray that you will convict us on election day if we do not participate in the vote.

Father as I read the example you gave us of the people in the last days in 2 Tim 3 I know that your time is drawing near. You said they would be lovers of money, proud, abusive, unforgiving, without love, lovers of pleasure rather than of You and Lord that sounds just like our nation. Forgive us Lord. For the sins of our nation Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. I pray that we will never be like the weak-willed women in 2 Tim allowing those having a form of godliness to worm their way into our homes, gaining control over us. May we be followers of Christ, warriors of prayer, recognizing our identity as Daughters of the King.

Father I thank you for the honor of laying our burdens at your feet. I thank you that you are not a God who doesn't understand or care, but that You took on our infirmities and healed us with the stripes laid on Your Son. Thank you for making a way for us. Protect our Land, Lord and start a Holy Fire in this nation that will spread like nothing we've ever seen! Blow our minds Lord!! In the strong and mighty name of Jesus I ask these things.....Amen