Thankful Thursday

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. --- Psalm 28:7

We're winding down the summer with only two weeks left until school starts. While it has passed all to quickly, we have had so much fun! We still have a few more things yet to experience, and so very much to be thankful for!

• I am thankful that Margie (my MIL) has made arrangements to treat my oldest to a trip to Washington, D.C.! (This is something she wants to do for each of the children when they get old enough... take them on a special trip.) They are leaving on August 9, and Emilee will experience her very first plane ride. She is SO EXCITED!
• I am thankful that even though I had to jump through several hoops constructed of red tape to get Em a photo ID (in order to be able to board the plane), IT'S DONE, and she is READY TO GO!
• I am thankful that I will finally reach the end of my "Wisdom Tooth Saga" on Tuesday, August 5. I am having surgery to have them removed. ...See that??? It's the LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!! ;-)
• I am thankful that KISA has planned a lovely weekend for us in two weeks to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. We will be going to Charleston, SC and revisiting our honeymoon. We're even staying at the same hotel! I am SO EXCITED!!
• I am thankful for the wonderful Family Night that we pulled together at the last minute last night. It was "S" night: Steak, Salad, Squash, Skillet Potatoes (okay, that was a bit of a stretch...) and a game of SORRY! We had a blast!! (The kids had a pretty good time, too!) ;-)
• I am thankful for all the prayer support God has put in place for Revolution Church. Thanks to ALL OF YOU who have agreed to "stand in the gap" for us as we continue on towards the goal of planting the church that GOD DESIRES here in Florence, SC! Your prayers and support mean SO MUCH, and we could never express how truly grateful we are for them!!!
• More than anything on this earth, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who despite all my short-comings and failures, chose to shed his blood on Calvary's cross to give me LIFE eternal and abundant!! Thank you Jesus; You are my SAVIOR KING!!

What are you thankful for today??

Hop on over to see Iris @ Sting My Heart, and share with us!!

Coming Soon: A Heroes Birthday

A while back, I posted about mine and KISA's affinity for the NBC hit show Heroes.  I found out the other day that the two-hour Season Premier will be on my birthday, September 22.  I am so excited!! ;-)

This season's episodes will pit heroes against villains like never before.  There's just something about uniquely gifted individuals coming together to fend off the forces of evil and save the world, that captivates and inspires me.

After the wild and wooly day of errands I had yesterday, I sometimes wish I was like Hiro and could teleport through time and space to get things done.  Then again, Peter's ability to absorb others' "powers" and pretty much get to do anything he wants, is pretty cool, too.

So, that leads me to this:

If you could have any "super power" you wanted, what would it be and why??

I'll definitely be tuning in on September 22 @ 9 PM, as the saga continues!

MSM - Week Three

WOW! I can't believe it's Monday already!! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Let's jump right in, shall we?

Questions for Discussion:

(Remember: you don't have to answer all the questions here, just pick the ones that challenged you most, or spoke to you the loudest...)

#1. As you were growing up, what irritated you most about your brother and/or sister? What irritated them? I would have to say what irritated me most, is when they didn't do/be/act like I wanted them to. I was the oldest, and it was my job to "set the example", and it just irked me to no end when I tried so hard to lead, but they refused to follow. I would have to say that what irritated them (and probably still does) is the reverse side of that very same thing. I tend to be "mother hen-ish" and a bit too controlling of those I love. I think I know what is best for them, and am quite quick to share my thoughts...whether advice has been requested or not.

#2. What kinds of situations bring out the Twanda/Flesh Woman in you? Basically what I outlined above. When people don't behave like I want them to, or allow me to "mother" (that's my way of making "control" seem a bit less harsh) them and mold them. Yeah... there's no way of makin' it pretty. I am a control freak, and when things get out of my control, that's when Twanda (or as Beth Moore once put it, my GORILLA) gets loose!

#5. Based on Phillipians 2: 1-4, list the characteristics Christians should have. We should show encouragement, love, and comfort... we should show unity and fellowship; not be selfish or vain, but humble, tender, and compassionate, showing concern for others above ourselves. What attitudes did Christ display (verses 5-8) and what were the results (verses 9-11)? Jesus walked away from his throne in heaven, and humbly came to earth, "making himself nothing" and in the form of a servant. He relinquished control and submitted to God's plan and God's authority. And in the ultimate act of obedience, He laid down HIS LIFE and died for me! He has now been given the "highest place" and "exalted over all the earth". JESUS IS LORD!

#6. Read Psalm 139: 23-24. rewrite these verses in your own words and then pray them to the Lord.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Sweet Jesus, I need some housecleaning. I need you to get out your heavenly formula of 409, to clean and disinfect me. I don't want to spread germs of discontentment, bitterness, and pride. Frankly, sometimes my attitude stinks, and it effects everyone around me. I need You to wash me with Your precious word and make me whole. Be sure to examine every nook an cranny. I want to be fully, totally, and completely Yours... forever!

#8. What spoke most to you in this chapter? This chapter had several passages that God used to pierce my heart, and cause me to cry out to Him. Here are just a few:

After all until we see how dark our hearts can be, we will never cry out for a heart like His. We'll continue living our lives with the wrong spirit, the wrong attitude, rather than calling out for a heart made new in the likeness of Christ. And we'll keep lying to ourselves about who we are and why we do what we do.

(page 45)

Because here's the bottom line: We can know what we ought to do. We can even have God physically there beside us, a flesh and blood example of what life should be---yet still be powerless to live as we ought to live.

In order to truly change---to stop our self sabotage, oust Flesh Woman, and open our lives to transformation---we need a Helper. A Strengthener. An internal Source of power.

(page 50)

As we surrender our nature to Christ, He replaces it with His own.

Honing our gifts and talents so they can be used effectively by God.

Purifying our motives and intents so we're not undone when He chooses to use someone else.

Mending and healing our past so it no longer effects our future.

Tempering our personalities and spirits so they are not only fit for the Master's use, but also can be receive it with gratitude.

All of this describes the manner of the Spirit who desires to live and move in you if you will only allow Him access.

(page 56)

Wasn't this a great lesson on being filled and led by the Spirit? How did it speak to you, and cause you to desire to be different? Be sure to sign Mr. Linky and let us know! Also, if you are just getting the book, and want to join in the study, you can find out how by following this link.

Next week we'll be discussing Chapter 5, and the discussion questions for Week Four on page 245. Have a great week, and I'll meet you back here next Monday!

Friday Five - "Southernisms"

Got an email from a dear friend a couple of weeks back that made me laugh so hard, I almost choked on my sweet tea!!  From a self-proclaimed Southern Belle, here are my five favorite "southernisms" that made the list:

A Southerner knows that 'fixin' can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.

In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor's trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin!

Even Southern babies know that 'Gimme some sugar' is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a "hissie fit" and a "conniption fit", and that you don't 'HAVE' them, you 'PITCH' them.

***BONUS ROUND*** 

(He he!! You knew I couldn't quit with FIVE, so here are FIVE MORE facts about Southern Women...)

Southern women have a distinct way with fond expressions:
'Y'all come back!'
'Well, bless your heart.'
'Drop by when you can.'
'How's your Momma?'

Southern women know their summer weather report:
Humidity
Humidity
Humidity

Southern girls know the 3 deadly sins:
Having bad hair and nails
Having bad manners
Cooking bad food

Southern women know the movies that speak to their hearts:
Fried Green Tomatoes
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Steel Magnolias (my all-time FAVORITE!!)
Gone With The Wind

Southern women know everybody's first name:
Honey
Darlin'
Shugah

Yes ma'am...I am showin' my southun roots, and I have to say that makes me mighty proud! ;-)  Y'all have a good weekend now, ya heah?

Overheard at Chick-Fil-A

After a brief trip by their school to check on some things, I decided to treat the kids to lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  Thought it would be a nice cool place (it's hot as BLAZES outside!!) for them to play after lunch, so I could read the next chapter in my book.  When they had finished their nuggets and fries, and thrown their trash away, they hurried off to la-la land, and I got giddy about some psuedo-alone time. (Hey, a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do!)

I got about a page and a half into the chapter when my ADD kicked in, and I began to be distracted by conversations all around me.  There was a trio of cute gals enjoying a meal at the table right in front of me, and I couldn't help but notice their excitement over getting together.  Two of them looked like they had just come from the gym, while the other wore a beautiful blue pants suit.  Another curious aspect was that one of the "gym girls" looked remarkably like the "office girl", other than the fact that one was beautifully coiffed with makeup and heels and the other had that "natural glow" that comes from a good work out on the tread mill.  I think they may have been twins.

After chit chatting for a few minutes about painting kitchen walls, and finding shoes in closets, one of the ladies remarked, "Okay, I guess we should bless the food now".

The debate began as to who was best qualified, and that is when I heard this remark that made me chuckle.  Gym Twin looked at Office Twin and said,

"You pray.  You look better than we do."

Okay, I have to admit... it was more than a chuckle.  I had to contain myself to keep from laughing out loud!

Why did I find this so amusing?  I think it's because I am exactly the same way.  I think I have to have everything pressed, powdered, and curled (spiritually speaking) in order to approach my Jesus.  Like he doesn't see beyond all that?  Like there is anything I could ever do to "cover up" my mess, anyway!!

I think he was trying to show me the ridiculousness of my thought process on this, and prove to me that he wants me to come to him JUST AS I AM...

Stinky gym clothes, and all!

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.    ---  Hebrews 4:15-16

MSM - Week Two

Before I begin sharing my answers to the discussion questions that spoke loudest to me, I would like to confess something.  Other than being extremely tired from a great, but wildly busy weekend, I had to postpone my post due to a SERIOUSLY FIERCE battle with my own "Twanda"!!  She reared her ugly head along about Sunday afternoon, and the inward struggle went on through the night, and into Monday morning.  So, if my answers to the questions are a little too raw, I deeply apologize.  But maybe, just maybe, God can use my candid heart to speak to yours...  That's my sincere prayer, anyway...

Questions for Discussion/Reflection

#1.  What does your Flesh Woman look like most often?  A tattoo-and-leather biker chick?  A well-dressed church lady?  Or something else?? Has anyone ever seen 102 Dalmatians?  It begins with Cruella (changed to "Ella") Deville having been released from the penitentiary  a "new woman".  In her rehabilitated state, her hair is perfectly coiffed and she dons a perfectly mild and demure clothing ensemble.  All is calm... all is bright...  But when the bells of Big Ben chime, and the effects of her Pavlovian treatment wears off... buttons pop... fingernails grow into claws and her hair begins, one lock at a time, to take on a wild and gnarly appearance, not unlike that of someone who has been struck by lightening.  Well... that's me.  Perfectly calm and serene one minute, but when the right bell "dings" my "Twanda" (aka: flesh woman) rips out of her cage, tears her clothes and flexes her muscles like the Incredible Hulk!  It's shocking, really.  And much like Joanna Weaver, my beast is usually saved for those I know will still love me when she's gone.  But sometimes, under the right circumstances, other less-understanding individuals become victim of her wrath.  That is when I truly feel like Dr. Jekyl, frantically racing to find a cure for Mr. Hyde.

#4.  Consider the "good dog/bad dog" story on page 35.  How do you feed the good dog in your life?  How can you weaken the influence of the bad dog?

"When John Michael and Jessica were small, I used an analogy I'd heard to try to explain this dilemma that even little children feel.  'It's like you have a good dog and a bad dog inside you,' I explained one night as I tucked them into bed after a particularly difficult day.  'The good dog belongs to Jesus and the bad dog belongs to the devil.  They fight and fight.  And they'll keep on fighting until you decide which one you want to win. If you feed the good dog, the good dog will win.  But if you feed the bad dog, the bad dog will win.

I try to feed my "good dog" by reading my Bible and praying daily.  I say I "try" because I have to admit, there are weeks that the poor thing goes on a starvation diet.  Though I realize that daily quiet time with the Lord is HUGE in guarding my heart and renewing my mind, I often fail in this area.  I also try to surround myself with positive influences.  Outside of the leadership of my godly husband, and the counsel of my ever-wise Mama, I have a few dear friends who I go to for encouragement and accountability.  They help me keep my "bad dog" in check, and when she gets out of her cage, they are always there to ride around the neighborhood with me, calling her name, until she is back on her leash and safely tucked away.  Not to mention, these dear girls help me attend to wounds (mostly self inflicted, but not always) that Twanda may have caused, and right the necessary wrongs.

#8.  What spoke most to you in this chapter?  I think the "Conviction vs. Condemnation" sidebar on page 37, spoke loudest to me.  So very often I wallow in my mess, rather than asking forgiveness of my sins, and moving on.  I allow the enemy to come in and talk me into beating myself up for days regarding my bad behavior.  I love the way Joanna Weaver worded her sentiments about this on page 26.

"You see, I've come to realize that Satan is not nearly as disappointed at losing me from his kingdom as he is determined to keep me from being effective in God's kingdom... Our enemy wants to keep us so consumed with our own inadequacies that we never get around to appropriating the love and transforming power God has made available to us through His Son".

But as she says further on in this chapter, "I have to get so sick and tired of the spiritual tug of wars and playground games that I finally pray, 'Lord I want to be on Your side... I choose You.'" 

That is truly the prayer of my heart right this very moment.  Like Eustace in C.S. Lewis' The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, I desperately long for my King to rid me of my dragonish thoughts, and undress me of my rough, tough, unsightly scales.  May my response to the Lion of Judah, be like that of Eustace to Aslan.  Rather than trying to "fix myself" and "make things better" (which never works, anyway), I simply need to kneel at His feet, and allow him to peel the layers away.

The very first tear was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart.  And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I have ever felt.  The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peeled off... Well, he peeled the beastly stuff right off---just as I thought I'd done it myself the other three times, only they hadn't hurt---and there it was lying in the grass: only ever so much thicker and darker and more knobbly looking than the others had been.

Dear Jesus, I need a Holy Makeover, and no matter how bad it may hurt to peel away the thick, dark, and knobbly layers, I need you to start, now!!

Now it's your turn.  What did you think about this chapter?  Be sure to sign Mr. Linky below to participate in this discussion.  And remember, anyone can start at anytime.  Just click here for instructions.  Have a great week everybody!!

HOMEWORK: "Week Three", page 244

MSM - Postponed

Hello All!

Just wanted to shoot out a quick post to let you know that Mary Spirit Monday (Week 2 Edition) will be postponed until TUESDAY this week.  The Reeders had a crazy marathon of a weekend, and it will take me a bit to finish getting my thoughts together on this one.  Let's just say Twisted Sister really challenged me.

So until tomorrow...

Friday Five - Summer Fun

Outside of our AWESOME VACATION back in June, I thought I would share some of the things us Reeders have been doing for fun this summer!

1) Traveling to visit other church plants with Revolution Church has been a blast!!  So far, we've visited North Point Community (Columbia, SC), Pee Dee Fellowship (Florence, SC), and Midtown Fellowship (Columbia, SC).  This week we are off to Hub City Church (Spartanburg, SC), and next week will be Barefoot Community (Myrtle Beach, SC).  This week, since we are traveling so far, and helping serve with Jonathan and his team, we are leaving kids behind.  This will be the first time they have not traveled with us.  We usually ride with the boys in one vehicle and the girls in another.  What could be more fun than a ROAD TRIP?

2) CAMP ROCK!!  Ever since the movie premiered on Disney on June 20, my kids can't get enough.  They are huge fans of the Jonas Brothers; Jake loves to pretend he's Nick -- and can sing as well as ANY of them!  And well, if Jake thinks he's Nick Jonas, Emilee has certainly taken on Demi Lovato.  I bought them the CD soundtrack this week, and it's so cute to watch them play the songs and "act out" the movie.  Reminds me of when we were little...  My brother would spend hours in the bathroom slicking back his hair, so we could take down the post holders on my bed to use as mics and sing the soundtrack of Grease!!  Too funny!!!

3)  Speaking of ROCK...  We have had an ongoing marathon of Guitar Hero around the house, and the kids love to play Rock Band during Revolution Core Team Meetings at the Russell's house.  You should see us ROCKING OUT!! The kids love to play/sing "Wanted Dead or Alive" on Rock Band, and my favorite on the GH - AeroSmith version is "Sweet Emotion" ...but "Walk This Way" with Run D-M-C is pretty rad, too! Who new it would cause such a revival of 80's hits (and terminology...where in the world did "rad" come from???) on our iTunes!  FYI: Chris keeps telling me he's going to record me playing, and put it on youtube, but I have threatened him with his life!!! ;-)

4)  MOVIES!  The kids have been to see Wall-E with Nana and Papa.  Aunt Misty is taking them this weekend to see Kung Fu Panda, and they are itching to see Space Chimps when it comes out next week.  We've also been taking advantage of the Disney Channel features when they come along.  I've already mentioned Camp Rock, and a few more of our faves have been High School Musical 2 (of course!! ...Sam is always first to yell, "I get to be Troy!!"), The Shaggy Dog, and 102 Dalmatians.  Our favorite part of Family Movie Night, is when all five of us curl up on one couch to watch he movie; and we always have popcorn and peanut M&Ms handy!!

5) THE POOL!! Because of gas prices, we haven't been every week like we went last year, but we have been traveling back and forth to Nana and Papa's to swim in their cement pond! ;-)  The older two are absolute FISH (they get that from their Mama), and Sam is coming along.  He still wears his vest, but he will let go of you now, and travel the perimeter of the pool -- even the deep end -- while holding on to the wall.  A few more trips, and we may have him swimming, yet!  Thanks to Uncle Buck, Jake has learned how to do cannon balls, can-openers, and prayer-seats.  He loves to make a big splash!  Emilee is working on her handstands, butterfly and back strokes.  A little water ballerina she is!

So there you have it!  We've been quite busy, but have had a BLAST!! I can't believe we only have four weeks left until school begins!! You can bet we will make the most of them.  We have a few more trips planned, but I will save them for later posts. 

In honor of this post, and our summer fun, I have changed my play-list (scroll down to bottom of sidebar) to reflect our favorite hits of Summer 2008. (Just to give you a little taste, but I should warn you... don't listen if you don't like CHEESE!!)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Dandelion Reflections...

This picture on KISA's post from Saturday, reminded me of a quote I read recently in the book Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll & Gary Breshears.

"To be a Christian is to be a "little Christ." In fact, the name Christian was originally a term of mockery given to us by our enemies. But Jesus said that to be a Christian is to pick up our cross and die. Die to sin, die to pride, die to comfort, die to anything and everything that fails to glorify God alone as the object of our affection and the source of our joy. With great insight, Walter Wink has said that killing Jesus was like trying to destroy a dandelion seed-head by blowing on it. At the cross, what was intended as eradication was used by God for multiplication, and we pray that you would always be loyal to Jesus, our hero, and his revolution."

Beautiful, isn't it?? I don't think I'll ever look at a dandelion the same way, again!

Oops, Sorry!!

I forgot the "homework" for next week at the bottom of yesterday's Mary Spirit post. Hopefully you've all caught on by now, and know to do Week Two's assignment from the Study Guide on page 243 (Appendix A). But, just in case... there you have it!

Thanks to all who are participating. Can't wait to see how God uses this study to impact our lives. Have a great week!

Mary Spirit Monday - Week One

Welcome to MSM! I am so happy you have joined us today!!

Our format for discussion is going to be a very simple one. Just select 2-3 questions from the Study Guide to focus on in your posts each week. What really challenged you? What ministered to your heart? How did the scriptures enlighten you?? After you've contemplated these questions, share your thoughts/answers with us in your weekly posts. That's it! (See, I told you it was going to be simple!) ;-)

After posting be sure to come back here and sign MR. LINKY at the bottom of each week's post. (I know, I know... I said there was not going to be a "Mr. Linky"...well, let's just say I'm going with the whole "woman's prerogative thing", and changing my mind!) Again, for simplicity's sake, this will help us to see who all is participating, and visit and leave our comments at each site more easily. Remember that anyone can join in at anytime, just go here to grab the button and get instructions!

Now... Let's get to our discussion, shall we?

Questions for Discussion:

#2. How do you tend to view God? As I did---up in the sky with a holy fly swatter, waiting for me to make a mistake? As loving, but detached and distant from what is going on in your life? Or actively involved in your life, wanting to help you succeed? I believe that God wants to be actively involved in my life, and help me succeed at the plans He has for me. There's just one problem... ME! God is the ultimate gentleman, He will never force himself on anyone. Because of this, He waits for me to invite Him into the situations and circumstances of my life, to allow His power to rule and reign in them. I'm just TOO STINKIN' STUBBORN!! I think I should be able to handle things myself. Now, don't get me wrong. When it comes to BIG things in my life, traumatic events, like when my father and best friend were diagnosed with cancer, I readily hand Him the reigns. These are things that I cannot comprehend, so I know I need my all-knowing and all-powerful God to carry me through them. The problem for me is in the "little things". Things that I think I should be able to handle. Things for which I refuse to relinquish control. (Can I get a witness? Any other control freaks out there? Give a sistah a holla-back! ;-)) Unfortunately, in these situations, it's only when I have made a mess of things that I call on Him to come in and take control.

#6. Read Brother Lawrence's story on page 16. How would your life be different, if after confessing your sin to God, you gave yourself "no further uneasiness about it"?

It was the same turning point Brother Lawrence came to more than three hundred years ago. Desperate to serve God with his whole heart, he joined a monastery. But as hard as the poor monk tried to be holy and without sin, he constantly failed. Finally, as he describes in his timeless book, The Practice of the Presence of God, he began to converse openly and honestly with the Lord. Looking to Christ rather than his own character for strength, Brother Lawrence flung himself entirely upon God's mercy and grace.

When faced with an opportunity to practice a virtue, he prayed, "Lord I cannot do this unless Thou enablest me."

And when he failed, he was quick to acknowledge, "I shall never do otherwise if You leave me to myself; it is You who must hinder my falling and mend what is amiss."

After doing that, his biographer writes, Brother Lawrence "gave himself no further uneasiness about it."

Can you see from my answer to the last question how this passage spoke into my heart so greatly? In addition to my "control-freakishness", I have to confess I am also a perfectionist. (I know... you're shocked!) Not only that, I am my own worst critic. So when things do not go like I plan, (hey... could that be the problem?? MY plans??) I tend to beat myself up and feel like a failure. Through these quotes by Brother Lawrence, I have learned that the key is a CONTINUOUS, OPEN DIALOUGUE with the Father. I have to admit, it's pretty freeing to realize that as long as I am honest with Jesus about my opportunities and failures, I can keep myself open to His leading and correction.

#7. Read Phillipians 3:12-14. Circle key words and mediate on these verses---really think about what is being said. Then memorize the passage phrase by phrase. Write it on an index card and refer to it frequently, repeating it until it becomes a part of you.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

You see above the key words that stood out to me in those precious verses. I am working on memorizing this passage; I made one index card for my bathroom mirror, and one for my purse. As Beth Moore would say, I am "strewing scripture wherever I go". ;-) The point is that I no longer want to feel like a failure because of things that happened in my past, or my own delusions of perfectionism. From now on, I will PRESS ON for ALL THAT JESUS HAS IN STORE FOR ME!

Friday Five - Top Blogs

Wanted to share my favorite (5) blog posts over the last few days.  (In no particular order...)

1.  This one by Pete Wilson (and this one by Chris) are still rocking my world!! 

2.  This post that my Mom wrote (Splish-Splash!!) is awesome! 

3.  Perry Noble's 50K makes me want to charge hell with a water-gun!!

4.  I love this quote by John Eldredge via Vince Antonucci.

5.  My sweet friend, Cookie, challenged and inspired me with this little diddy.  (And, that's what it's about!!) ;-)

:) HAPPY WEEKEND, everyone! :)

****************************************************

*Don't forget about Mary Spirit Monday, right here at Truly Captivating!!*

Thankful Thursday - AMAZING GRACE

I'm BACK!! I haven't been around for Thankful Thursday in quite a while, due to my crazy schedule, but I am super excited about sharing today.  Before I even start this post, I need to share that my heart is about to burst with emotion as I type.  So much has been going on this week, that to begin to try to share it all, may result in a marathon-mish-mash of a blog post that could possibly send you away dazed and confused... For that, I apologize in advance! 

I just want to take a minute to day and thank Jesus for his MARVELOUS, INFINITE, MATCHLESS GRACE!!

• GRACE that saved my soul at eight years of age, and never let me alone until I was completely and totally SOLD OUT to God's plan and vision for my life...
• GRACE that patiently waited for my husband to realize that he needed once and for all to SURRENDER to that very same Lordship, and when he did, continued to woo him to long for more...
• GRACE that caused life-change to happen to a precious, tender, sweet, and wounded heart at our One Prayer gathering on Monday night...
• GRACE that brought guitarist C.C. Deville, of  the band Poison, to his knees and caused him to give his life to Christ...
• GRACE that caused Pastor Pete to show up at a Poison concert to nurture and disciple C.C. Deville.  (YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK THIS OUT!!! Seriously!  GO READ IT NOW!!)

To give a little background on how deeply that last story of grace has impacted me, I need to share few more details.

Last week, on the way out of town for the 4th, we chose a bunch of 80s "big hair" tunes for our play-list.  (I am a huge Bon Jovi fan, and KISA loves it all!)  The kids were sleeping, and the song "Something to Believe In" by Poison came on the iPod.  We listened and sang along, and after the song was over, Chris looked over at me and said, "How did that speak to you?"

So often since we have begun this Church Planting journey, God has used some seemingly ordinary, average, "worldly" things to prick our hearts and burden us for souls that are far from Him.  I replied that the world is searching... seeking... for something, ANYTHING, to believe in... to give them purpose, and a reason for being.  (BTW: That song is nearly twenty years old!!) I went on to say that if we as believers are not missional and intentional about sharing Christ, THE TRUTH, with a hurt and broken world... then what are we even here for???

While I was playing Guitar Hero the other night (Rocking out with Aerosmith, I might add!! ;-)) Chris was on the couch reading emails and blogs.  Pete had just twittered (yes, I said TWITTERED!!) about praying with C.C. backstage.  To say the least, we were floored!  We had just been talking about this band a few days back!! I think I may have actually said, "I wonder if any of them have ever found Him? Jesus... the one, true Something to believe in??"  HOW CRAZY-WILD IS THAT!?!?!

This morning, as I read the whole story, all I could do was cry.  My heart is so full!! Full of awe and wonder for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who's SOLE mission on this earth was to seek and save that which is lost!!  Full of appreciation for the fact that He is still today SEEKING and SAVING souls.  Full of urgency and passion to see those far from God be FOUND IN HIM.

The fact that C.C. asked Pete to watch the show and "tell me if you see me do anything that would not be honoring to God" is SO AWESOME!! Would that we all would that same attitude as we go about our daily lives, jobs, routines and schedules.  C.C., himself appears to be amazed at the change that has occurred in his life!

If nothing else, this story proves one thing to me.  No one is ever too far gone!! We should NEVER lose hope, or think that someone is beyond help.  GOD IS SOVERIEGN!! ...and I am ever-thankful that His GRACE is "greater than all our sin"!!!

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

And oh yeah, I'm with KISA... I'm Glad God Loves Big Hair, and I can't wait to hear C.C. play "Amazing Grace"!

New MSM Button!

I am very happy to announce that my sweet, sassy, Canadian SIESTA (AKA: ValleyGirl) has created a new button for our Mary Spirit Monday (MSM) posts! Check it out below, and feel free to use it (just grab the code) to identify your posts as you participate in the study.

<br /><a href="http://trulycaptivating.com/2008/06/mary-spirit-mondays.html" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="TrulyCaptivating.com" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/5reeders/MSMbutton2.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><br />

And thanks, Tammi! You're the BEST!!

Mary Spirit Mondays - Intro

Good Morning Ladies! I am so excited about the beginning of our journey through Having a Mary Spirit.

Since today is more or less an introduction to the study, I wanted to deal with some logistics first.

• Revised: We will be using Mr. Linky to assist in our discussion for this study (some of you know what I am talking about because you participate in Thankful Thursdays and other such memes). Simply "sign in" at the end of my post each week, so we will know that you have posted, and be able to stop by and leave an encouraging comment.
  


• ***UPDATE!! We now have a beautiful button thanks to ValleyGirl! YAY!! Please grab the code below to identify your MSM posts on your blog.***
  

<a href="http://trulycaptivating.com/2008/06/mary-spirit-mondays.html" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="TrulyCaptivating.com" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/5reeders/MSMbutton2.jpg" border="0" height="200" /></a>

• Just like most Bible Study formats, each week we will have a homework assignment. You will find these in Appendix A (Study Guide) on page 241. I will also list these at the bottom of each post. May I suggest getting a spiral notebook or journal to answer your questions in each week? This will make it easier to get your thoughts together before posting.

Okay, now that we have all of that "business" out of the way, let's move on to the purpose of today's post: PRAYER.

In Chapter One (which we will read as part of our homework this week) there is a "How to Use This Book" segment on page 7. In it, Joanna Weaver shares her prayer for us as we begin this journey.

As you read I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth. For the Spirit is our teacher, and He makes real in our lives even that which we don't fully understand.

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you." -- Ephesians 1:18

What an awesome prayer! My prayer is that this study will lead me out of mediocrity, and rekindle the spirit within me. I heard a sermon recently that dealt with Lukewarm Christians (Revelation 3). I don't want to be that way anymore! I don't want the thorns and thistles of life to be able to choke out the seed that God has planted in my heart. I want to grow... be fruitful... multiply! So my prayer is that in learning what it takes to Have a Mary Spirit, I will surrender the stubborn corners of my heart to the Holy Spirit, and lead a more fruitful, vibrant, spirit-filled life.

I'd like each of you today to consider: What is your prayer for this study? How do you want to see your life changed in this? Please share that with us, either in a separate post on your blog, or in the comments section of this post. I feel that in order for us to get the most out of this, we need to commit it to prayer. Prayer is POWERFUL, not only will it help us in our commitment and consistency on this journey, but it can and will create a strong bond. Let us know how we can pray for you.

Lastly, Joanna shares this challenge at the end of her introduction to the Study Guide (pg.241):

As we reprogram our hearts and our minds to operate according to God's truth, our lives are changed. This study may feel a bit personal at times and you may find that your natural self (I call her "Flesh Woman") puts up a fight. Bu that is because she knows she'll lose ground as the Holy Spirit leads you into all truth. Prayerfully commit yourself to this study. Give God access to every part of your life. And prepare to be changed...

For God has a holy makeover waiting for you!

Amen?!? I don't know about you, but I sure could use a holy makeover about now! So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!

Homework: Week One (pg.242)

Join in the discussion anytime at Mary Spirit Mondays!

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

Week 8 - Blog Discussion Omitted

Week Nine

Week Ten

Week 11 - No Blog Discussion

Week Twelve - Hosted by ValleyGirl

Week Thirteen - Hosted by ValleyGirl

Happy Birthday, America!!

I'm posting this a little early, because we're leaving in a bit to spend the Fourth with KISA's family.

We attended a celebration at SFBC last night in honor of both Independence Day, and the true freedom we have in Christ. Jeffery sang this song, and I was reminded of just how powerful its words truly are. Our own Clark Gray, who just returned from his tour of duty in the War on Terror, blessed our food and returned thanks to God for his church, his family, and his salvation. Needless to say there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

We are truly blessed as a nation. Not just to have had our forefathers fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all, but to have young men and women standing on our front lines... right this very minute...fighting for that same freedom, equality and justice. We truly do live in "the land of the free...and the home of the brave".

As you watch the video below, please pray our troops; these brave men and women who are laying their lives on the line for us every single day.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday...

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

Radio Free Florence

Just wanted to post a quick video about an awesome ministry right here in Flo-town. Please pray for these guys as they continue to strive to make an impact in the lives of students in our area, our state, and ultimately, our world. They are currently on a waiting list for an FCC licence, in order to be able to broadcast by radio. Until then, you can listen live, here.)

FYI: The second (very handsome) board member, is my brother, Phillip. He is the Youth Pastor at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pinopolis, SC. I am SO PROUD OF HIM, and I know that God has great plans to continue to use him to minister to young people! I noticed that he was not asked about his most embarrassing moment... maybe because there are too many to name?? he he!!! I love you, Bro!!

And yes, ladies...he's single!!! (...He's going to KILL ME for that!) ;-)

But seriously, if you would like to find out more about the ministry of Radio Free Florence, and how you can donate your time/resources to help them further their vision, click on the icon below. (You will also meet Kris Meade, the "Mystery-Camera-Man" and Mastermind behind the whole project!)

Feel free to snag the button for your own blog to help spread the word!