Being Transformed

It has been a year!

2011-03-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

Today, life has once again changed and I am firmly convinced that God has an amazing way of pruning His beloved so that we might bear fruit and even much fruit as we walk in obedience to Him. For me, life's unexpected or even expected changes are often small disturbances in my life....for those affected by the earthquake in Japan this morning, change is severe and drastic even resulting in death. I am reminded of God's sovereign control over life, death, and certainly the things of this world.

Stay tuned for the catch up from the past year, as I purposefully determine to shake the dust off of my feet and move forward!

God Bless!

Conbratulations, Miss Southern Rivers 2010, Leslie Farman!

2010-04-12T10:34:00.011-04:00

In keeping with family tradition, a second Farman sister wins her first title, Miss Southern Rivers, to go to Miss Georgia! Leslie Laine Farman was recently crowned Miss Southern Rivers 2010 in Columbus, Georgia, and will compete for the title of Miss Georgia in June in Columbus. Her family has affectionately nicknamed her the "Third Leg" of the triple crown title holders in the family. Preceding title holders include her sister, Miss Carpet Capital 2008, Lydia Anne Farman; and her mother, Leanne Wood Farman, Miss Tifton 1979 and Miss Clayton County 1980.

Leslie is a graduating senior from Georgia College and State University, with a BBA in Management, she plans to attend Law School in the fall of 2011. She will spend the next two months preparing for the Miss Georgia competition in June, and dedicated to promoting her platform as a volunteer and fund raiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

http://www.macon.com/2009/07/.../for-one-family-miss-warner-robins.html

An interesting day, it was indeed!

2010-02-06T01:00:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a typical Friday I suppose except............

I over slept due to less than six hours of sleep
Arrived at work and hour late
It rained "cats and dogs" all day
My attire was unprofessional and I pulled a string on my blouse and unraveled the hem
The only solution to the unraveled hem was to grab my "granny" sweater
I forgot to eat lunch
Took two hours to install a scanner that should have taken 15 minutes
Received news of closure of a very painful chapter in my life
And, I was informed, late in the day, that Beth Moore would be at the local Books-a-Million from 4 to 6 signing her newest book.

As the gloomy day lingered on, I was determined to stay the course and finish all that needed to be completed in the office. Finally, around 5:15, my boss/hubby suggested that I go ahead and leave for the day.

Up until that point, I felt that attempting to see Beth Moore would be impossible, and I have to admit that my first thought when my friend called to tell me that she was in town was "oh my goodness, I look absolutely horrible, I couldn't possibly meet her today." Vanity in check, I pulled out of my office parking lot and bee-lined it down Highway 54 in the dreary rain to see if I could at least see one of my favorite Bible study teachers and speakers. I must admit my excitement grew the closer I was to the bookstore.

It was about 5:40 when I arrived, and thankfully I found a parking place very near the door. So I jumped out and headed into the bookstore. As I approached the glass windows, I easily spotted Beth sitting near the coffee cafe signing books, with a very long line of other excited ladies waiting patiently to meet her. Fortunately, I walked up to purchase my book without a wait and then began to look for the end of the line.

I could not resist the temptation to walk near to the table where Beth was signing books, thinking that if I did not have the opportunity to meet her because of the late hour, I would have at least seen her up close. Please note, I am not a groupie or a woman worshipper, but the closest experience I can relate my feelings to at that moment, was the excitement of meeting a Miss America or Vice President Dan Quayle.

What I did not realize was that in walking past the table sent me straight towards what was the "front" of the waiting line, where I was not greeted with glee. I quickly excused myself and headed to the very back of the store where the end of the line was at that time. The time was quickly passing as we walked through the line, listening for instructions, visiting with others who were eager to meet her as well, skimming all of the book titles as we passed each display, and hoping that we would be privileged to make it to the front of the line before the signing ended.

As I waited my turn with three or four ladies in front of me, the thing that stuck me the most, was the sincerity that Beth displayed as she greeted each guest with a hug and then sat down to sign each book. For my friends who are curious, she was more beautiful in person than she is on video or in photographs. Again, I was moved by her compassion and the humbleness that she displayed in brief seconds that we shared.

I am thankful to God for the diligent way that Beth has studied the Word of God, and for her faithfulness to present the Truth in power and zeal. I have been privileged to study the Word through her books and videos over the years and each have been significant in my personal process of sanctification. As I look forward to reading her newest book, I think back on a few of my favorite studies like "Get Out of That Pit", the study of Esther, and "Stepping Up". My prayer for Beth and the fine folks at Living Proof is that they might continue to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and teach the Truth of His Word.

It was an unexpected joy to meet one of my hero's of the faith. Only God could take a plain ordinary day that was not going well, at all, and grant such an extraordinary blessing for this Jesus girl!

As I read the new book, I hope to share with you insights and blessings from the lessons God is teaching me. For starters, I might add, I met Beth in my "granny" sweater and you know what, it didn't even matter. I must be growing up or better yet my insecurities are fading away, because I know that I know that I know "my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness!"

Being Transformed

2009-10-10T09:32:00.002-04:00

Sometimes being transformed, the process of sanctification that ever conforms me to the image of Christ Jesus, is painful.

The Lord is my Strength, my Song, and He is my Salvation! Exodus 15:2

Stepping Up!

2009-09-19T10:08:00.004-04:00

A faithful group of ladies from my church are studying the Psalms of Ascents, in a Beth Moore study called "Stepping Up!" It has been a delightful and detailed look into Psalms 120-134. I stand amazed at the accuracy of Scripture down to the last and smallest details. The amazing knowledge gleaned from this study is the way that the Word of God continually points to Christ and His finished work on the cross of Calvary. I am so grateful for God's salvation in my life and for the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross that paid the penalty for my sin, redeemed me, and resurrected me to new life in Christ!

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory!

Sola Deo Gloria!

News and Updates

2009-07-22T07:57:00.003-04:00

Well, as I glanced at my blog and the last posting date, I realized that I must have been very busy since the first of May. The princess tea party was a delightful blessing in the lives of over 200 little girls at FBCJ, praise the Lord. So May and the first week of June were spent on getting ready for the tea party.

The remainder of June was spent having all of the damages to our home repaired, today one of the last two projects will be completed, the fish pond in the courtyard. After that, we are only lacking gutters. It has been quite a ride these past four months with the house, but it looks like we have had a total makeover outside and I am grateful for that.

Broken has been my theme, not by choice, for the past four months. It all started with the $25,000.00 of hail damage to our home back in February. All of this work has been tedious and time consuming. In that period of time the following items have either been broken in some way and have required repair or replacement:

House - roof, exterior stucco, gutters
Fishpond
Swimming pool drains
toliet
dishwasher
dryer - 3 months of going to the laundrymat
washer
Lydia's car
My car had the transmission replaced two weeks ago
Cellphone
personal health - bladder, colon, hernia
air conditioner leaks and ruined the ceiling on the second floor (needs repair)
I am sure there is more, but it has been a trying time. What have I learned? In the words of Job from the Bible, "though He slay me, yet I will serve Him".
God is faithful, trustworthy, the giver of peace, and truly "my strength, my song, and he has become my Salvation!" Exodus 15:2

Thanking God today that I can see light at the end of the tunnel and praying for some calm - NORMAL - in my life.

Princess Tea Party!

2009-05-02T22:37:00.002-04:00

Daughters of the King, come let's celebrate our royal positions as princesses!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! All of the princesses of the land are cordially invited to a Princess Tea Party on June 6th, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Recreational Outreach Center.
Ages 3 and Up are invited - Guests under 5 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Tickets $5.00 and go on sale May 1 on the website, www.fbcjonesboro.com and at the Women of Purpose table in St. James Place on Sunday mornings.

This 2nd Annual Princess Tea Party is hosted by the women's minstry and pre-school/children's ministry of the church. If you would like to volunteer to assist with decorating, set up, or food preparations for the tea party, please contact Leanne Farman at womenofpurpose@fbcjonesboro.com or stop by the table and put your name on the sign up sheet.

Please spread the word and invite your neighbors and friends.

It's Tough Being a Woman...............

2009-04-01T12:49:00.005-04:00

Tonight is the final night of an eleven week Bible study of the book of Esther. This study entitled "Esther - It's tough being a woman" is in my opinion the best of all of the Beth Moore studies. Throughout the verse by verse study of the book of Esther, God has shown our group many wonderful truths and brought much comfort and hope through these difficult days that we are experiencing as a country and as individuals.

To summarize this study the following is a summary of what God is teaching me:

Even though God does not literally appear on the pages of the book of Esther, His providential presence is there.

Providence belongs to the Creator of the Universe, our Holy God.
Purpose for my life requires seeking and obeying God in all things.

The answer to all questions, dilemmas, and troubles in life boil down to GOD.

God, alone, causes the reversal of destiny in the life of His children.

It is tough being a woman...........

....in the shadow of another woman,
....in a world where beauty is a treatment,
....in a mean world,
....thrown a giant sized weight,
....in the tight fist of fear,
....who can balance passion with patience,
....who feels responsible for the "how",

But, God turns tough situations into destiny...........

....No one can out shadow God's shadow,
....God makes everything beautiful in his time
....In a mean world, believers are called to a good fight,
....God always has the upper hand, exchange your burden for a spiritual weapon,
....Every time you are in a tight fist of fear, remember you are in something tighter - the hand of God,
....Don't waste the wait,"blessed are those who wait for God."
....TRUST God for the "how"!

Praise God for His comforting truth and providential peace, even when it is really tough being a woman! A thank you to Beth Moore for her faithfulness to study and teach God's word.

Radical Obedience 2009

2009-01-22T08:46:00.002-05:00

Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. - Romans 1:5-6

The heart of women’s ministry at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, in 2009, will be to encourage the women in our fellowship and in our circles of influence to learn how to become more obedient in our walk with Christ. The scripture teaches that God is not only calling you to a life of obedience, but He wants you to pursue holiness.

Women of all ages are invited to be apart of this exciting journey as we search the scriptures to learn what can happen in our lives as we begin to say yes to God. Dr. Henry Blackaby says that “knowing and experiencing God is a progressive endeavor that depends on obedience.”

On the 3rd Thursday of each month, we will meet in the Celebration Room of the ROC for a time of Bible study and fellowship that we are calling Radical Obedience. At 6:30pm we will gather for a light supper and then spend an hour in Bible study. Each self-contained lesson will be led by a different teacher from our church family, followed by a time of discussion. The workbook guide for this study is entitled “A Woman’s Guide to Personal Holiness” written by Dr. Rhonda H. Kelley

Our first gathering for Radical Obedience was last Thursday night and it was great! On one of the coldest nights of the year, almost 100 women gathered at the church to fellowship together and study God's word.

Some of the teaching highlights are listed below, for complete notes see our church website at www.fbcjonesboro.com:

Isaiah 6:3 “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”

R.C. Sproul states in his book The Holiness of God:

"Understanding that God is Holy is basic to our whole understanding of God and Christianity. What we understand about His person, His character and His attributes affect every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we must seek to understand what holy is. There can be no worship, no spiritual growth, and no true obedience without it. It defines our goal as Christians." The first mention of the word holy found in the Bible is in Lev. 11:44, God declared, “Be holy, because I am holy”

So you may be thinking what on earth does our women’s ministry theme for 2009, Radical Obedience, mean exactly? As God began to impress this idea on my heart last February, I began searching the scriptures to see if there was a formula or a recipe that was outlined to help us become not just obedient but instantly, immediately, radically obedient to God. The Holy Spirit led me to an in-depth study of Psalm 119.

As I began outlining that chapter, a pattern began to develop that continued to point towards total obedience to God in very practical ways. I quickly saw that in order to be obedient to God in every way, we must begin to pursue holiness!

I believe with my whole heart that God is calling His children to a new place of total trust and obedience, especially in this day and age that we live. So I truly believe that the Holy Spirit of God is working in the hearts of believers all over this world to call us to a new, more focused walk of obedience.

You might be thinking, “is she crazy……..obedience is one thing, radical obedience is another.” Well I am convinced that just a little bit of obedience is not enough, we must be wholeheartedly sold out to first seek God as Moses did and then purpose in our hearts to obey Him with an immediate urgency.

Let me give you an example, if you are married and the man you married came home one day and said, “honey, you know I love you and I want to always be faithful to you in our marriage.” Then you asked him, “What does faithful mean to you?” If he replied, “most of the time faithful, almost always I want to be faithful, or I will be faithful 50% of the time, for sure,” what would be your response to him? My response would be, “you have got to be kidding, you are either going to be faithful or else……”

Is it not the same with God when we choose a little obedience, or obedience most of the time or we want to be obedient, but it is just too hard? Ladies, whining before the Lord God Almighty about obedience is not a pretty picture.
I believe that Isaiah 52:1-2 is so applicable for where we need to stand today as believing women:

Awake, awake O daughters of Zion, put on your beautiful garments….shake the dust off your feet, arise, loose yourself from the bonds around your neck or whatever is holding you back?

Proclaiming, Habakkuk 3:9, “the Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army, He makes my feet like hinds fee and will make me to walk (not stand still in terror, but to walk and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility.”

We are being called to walk in a place of radical obedience to our Most Holy God, proclaiming that He alone is Holy and you will march forward in the victory, promises and provision that He has made for His beloved as we seek Him with our whole heart. The whole heart issues include simple principles that we will explore during our time together this year, these are found in Psalm 119:2:

• Keeping His testimonies
• Seeking our Holy God continually
• Asking Him to show us His glory and His will for our lives
• Craving God alone with our whole heart.

As we follow these principles of pursuing holiness and walking in obedience then the scriptures tell us that we will be blessed and happy.

Holiness = Obedience = Holiness

As you reflect in the weeks ahead on the majesty of God who is HOLY, I would challenge you to begin asking yourself this question:

What does it mean for me to be holy?

Next month, we will look more closely at being a “holy people” in light of the Holy God that we serve.

May God bless you as you walk in obedience to His commands, today, tomorrow and in the days to come!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T08:46:00.003-05:00

This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad!" I can hardly believe that 2009 is here, primarily because I have not recovered from 2008. I thank God for every new day and new year, today is no different.

Our family has a tradition that instead of making New Year's resolutions, we choose to make a list of everything we are thankful for and then pray to seek God's direction for the days ahead.

With each new year comes uncertainty. We never know exactly what tomorrow holds, but we can know for sure that God is sovereign and at work to accomplish His will and purpose in our lives. I am so very thankful for that truth. Our health may decline, our job may change, we may face death or any number of "uncertainties"........but God never changes, His word is always Truth, His love is perfect, His righteousness unchanging, He is just and Holy!

Jonathan Edwards was a great pastor, recently Nancy DeMoss shared on her radio show that she "discovered not too long ago a series of 70 resolutions that were written by Jonathan Edwards. He, as you know, was a great pastor and Christian thinker and leader -- one of the men God used in a significant way in the first Great Awakening here in the United States.

In his memoirs we have a list of 70 resolutions that he made over a period of a couple of years. I did not know until recently that all these resolutions were written by the time he was 20 years of age."

He said, "Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, but what tends to the glory of God."

"Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God"¦Resolved to do so, whatever difficulties I meet with, no matter how many or how great those difficulties."

He said, "No matter what happens in my life, no matter what I face, no matter how hard it is -- I want to live my life for the glory of God." Isn't that what the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31? "Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we are to do everything for the glory of God." (paraphrased)

You say, "How does this live out -- this matter of living to the glory God?" Some of his resolutions show the very practical way he envisioned living life for the glory of God. For example in his use of time he said, "Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it [or use it or maximize it] in the most profitable way I possibly can."

He realized that one day in eternity he would be giving account to God for how he used his time here on earth. He wanted to be able to look back and to say, "God I have glorified You with what I did with the moments that You gave me here on earth." He wanted to live wholeheartedly.

He knew this would bring glory to God. So there's a sense of earnestness that comes through in these resolutions. He said, "Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live."

Can you imagine most of us thinking that way? Once we settle the issue -- that it's not about me; it's not about my convenience; it's not about my comfort; it's not about my happiness -- but all that matters is that God is glorified, that He is pleased with my life. Then we can endure and bear up under circumstances and challenges that we might not otherwise be able to face -- if we know that my sole purpose for living is to bring glory to God. So Edwards resolved to live purposely.

As part of that, we then see that he resolved to live a growing life, not just to stay where he was spiritually, but to keep pressing on, to keep seeking new heights in his relationship with the Lord.

He knew that the study of the Scripture was an important part of living a growing life, and that was how he would bring glory to God. He said, "Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently that I may find"¦myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Edwards said, "I'm resolved to strive every week to be brought higher [spiritually], and to a higher level of grace, than I was the week before." That's a challenge to me. As I was reading his resolutions last night I found myself wondering, "Am I further ahead spiritually this week than I was this time last week?"

How about you? Have you grown in grace, in your knowledge of Christ, in your knowledge of His Word in the last week? Have you grown in the last months?

Think about where you were a year ago. As you look back over this past year, can you say, "I've grown spiritually. I know more of the heart and the ways of God. I've grown in grace. I'm not where I want to be. I'm not where, by God's grace, I'm going to be, but by God's grace, I'm further in my walk with Him and in my ability to glorify Him than I was this time last year."

Do you love Him more? Do you know Him more? Are you pleasing Him more with your life? Are you growing in your walk with God?

Have you settled the issue? Edwards did. He settled the issue, "The purpose of my life is to bring glory to God, and that's all that really matters."

Have you settled that issue? If you haven't, then life will be for you one non-ending wrestling match -- resenting, resisting, struggling with the circumstances that come into your life.

But if you say, "Lord, all that matters to me is that You are pleased, that my life reveals to this world what You are like"¦." It was one of the Wesleys who said that our job here on earth is to give the world a right opinion about God.

That's what Edwards was saying. "I want with all my might, in the way I use my time, in all of the details and circumstances of my life, I want to shed great glory on who God is. Excerpt taken from http://www.reviveourhearts.com.

So, whether you read Edwards list of 70 New Year's Resolutions or you choose to just make a quiet list of all of the things you are thankful for and pray that your life would serve the purpose God has intended to accomplish through you here on earth.........I challenge you to take the time to put God first place in your life, your home and your family in 2009! Happy New Year!

Congratulations to Lydia!

2008-12-20T09:09:00.006-05:00

A proud mama congratulates her oldest daughter, Lydia, who graduated from the University of Georgia, yesterday, with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Lydia is officially finished with her formal education, for now, after being diligent for the past 20 years without a break. We are so proud of her accomplishments. She is currently a second year elementary school teacher and will continue to teach.

Congratulations!

P.S. Bruce and I also celebrated our 27th Anniversary today!

More pictures from the luncheon!

2008-11-22T19:49:00.011-05:00

Leanne and Marlesa, "just two southern belles who lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvve PINK"

Marlesa Ball Greiner, Miss Georgia 1986

Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus!

2008-11-22T18:23:00.010-05:00

Our ladies luncheon was awesome this past Saturday, I am so grateful for God's goodness to our women's ministry. Here are some photo's of last weekend, and as they say pictures are worth a thousand words:

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2008-11-10T20:24:00.004-05:00

The Christmas season is almost here! You may think, "wow, she has jumped the gun on Christmas this year!" Not so my friends, it is only 48 days until Christmas day, but Christmas begins this week at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. The annual Ladies Luncheon will be hosted on Saturday, November 15, so in the next few days we will transform the ROC into a Christmas celebration. It is definitely one of the highlights of the year, with over 400 women guests and 53 tables individually decorated to display the hostess' joy of Christmas.

The following week we begin decorating the Living Christmas Tree and sanctuary for the Christmas program, another highlight in our church year. With all of the trees, celebrations, parties, programs and decorations, nothing compares to the real reason that I love Christmas. I love Christmas because I love the Christ of Christmas!

My heart grieves when I look at the depraved world around me and then I have hope, because of Christ. We have the answer for this lost and dying world and that answer if Jesus Christ--the real reason for the season! So this year, starting on Thursday for every light wrapped around a tree, I will be praying that I can become an even brighter light to shine forth the love of God. With each ornament, I will be praying that God will bring revival to my church, community and the colleges that my daughters attend. With every bow that I tie, I will be praying that God wrap His loving arms around my family for protection, guidance and provision.

This wonderful Christmas season, I choose hope, I choose Christ, I choose Light, I choose Peace, I choose Joy and I am so very thankful that the great God of the universe, who is Almighty, Holy and Divine..........chose me!

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
John 15:16

Tough Times

2008-10-22T10:03:00.007-04:00

These past few weeks have been very tumultuous in our country. The nation is witnessing one of the most unusual political campaigns in history and the economy is experiencing one of the greatest crisis since the Great Depression. In almost every conversation that I have with friends, family and even strangers, these issues seem to be at the forefront of our minds.

God is teaching me some amazing truths as I watch the changing history of our great nation unfold before my eyes.

Through His word, the Bible, I have been reassured that the great God of this universe is in total control of everything.

He promises that He "will never leave me or forsake me."

God alone is the satisfaction for my soul. Salvation secures our lives for all eternity and soul-satisfaction ensures abundant life on earth.

God gives great power, through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, for those whose believe!

I have to constantly "take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ" and the weapons of our warfare are not of this world but spiritual weapons that will demolish every stronghold and anything that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God.

Prayer is the KEY to experiencing the practical reality of God's amazing peace.

Isaiah 26:3 states "You will keep me in perfect peace, when my mind is steadfast on You and I completely trust in You!"

Enjoying God's presence is possible and a great privilege in the life of a believer. Although times are tough and we are living in difficult days, there is hope and there is a future because of the finished work of Christ Jesus my Lord!

Today, is a bittersweet day for me as I remember the anniversary of my precious mama's homegoing to heaven. I truly thank God upon every rememberance of her life and the cherished memories that will always be with me. I am most grateful for her faithfulness to pour the truth of God's word into my life and for her prayers that have blessed me even after her passing. Although words can not describe how much we miss her, we continue to "rise up and call her blessed among women!"

In Loving Memory of Marcella Eldridge Wood
March 1, 1939 - October 22, 2004

"For Such A Time As This"

2008-09-07T19:34:00.002-04:00

Throughout the course of Biblical history, God has chosen to use women during very crucial times. One of my favorite stories from the Bible is the great story of Queen Esther. A beautiful young Jewish girl that God found favor with and used in a mighty way to save the Jewish people and change the course of history. The famous line from the book of Esther occurs when her uncle Mordecai challenges her to stand up for the truth and that God had placed her in the position as queen "for such a time as this." Esther followed God in obedience and was willing to risk her life to do so.

During the craze of the upcoming presidential election, I believe that God has chosen Sarah Palin, Govenor of Alaska, to be salt and light in this nation and to rise up in strength and power "for such a time as this."

Recently, I read a story told by Marilynn Blackaby in her new book Experiencing God Around the Kitchen Table where her husband, Dr. Henry Blackaby, had been impressed by God to meditate and really ponder a scripture from the Old Testament that says "when the foundations crumble, what will the righteous do?"

That seems to be the overwhelmingly pressing question for America today? The foundations literally crumbled on 9/11, and they continue to crumble very rapidly today. So, I ask you, what will the righteous do?

We need to PRAY, VOTE and campaign for the McCain-Palin ticket. Oh God, that you would have mercy on our country and grant us a President and Vice-President who cherish life and will fight to defend and protect this great land.

HOPE revisited!

2008-08-16T07:48:00.003-04:00

Since my last post I have had numerous comments about HOPE! A fellow blogger commented that God had given her another meaning of hope during a difficult time in her life...............
Holding
Onto
Promises
Eternally

What an awesome perspective on what HOPE means! So I began thinking about how many different meanings that little four letter word can have in the life of a believer, because remember we are not people without hope when we are in Christ Jesus!

CHALLENGE FOR TODAY:

Think about the word HOPE and I would love to hear from you if you would share what God has done in your life. For now, I pray that you can continue to look to the future with hope!

God Bless!

HOPE!

2008-08-06T21:07:00.002-04:00

These past few days have been filled with many emails and phone calls requesting prayer for serious problems and real crises occurring in so many lives. It is very difficult to "set my mind on things above" when the things of this earth are painfully serious and gravely stressful.

Although the requests are too many to recount some of the ones that really got to me are listed here:

Baby Hodges, who is due in November, has been diagnosed with SMA and his big brother died this past January of the same horrible disease.

Persecuted Christians in China.

A friend from Sunday School has colon cancer.

Another friend who is pregnant discovered her husband has been unfaithful.

Financial struggles, custody battles, illness, injury, marriage discord and many other trials and tribulations.

As believers, how do we cope with pain and sorrow and not become despondent, bitter, or complacent about the tragedies and concerns of this world?

As I prayed this evening, the Lord reminded me of the answer to this question...

H..........O...............P...............E..................

That's right, we have HOPE!

So I asked myself, what does HOPE mean to me? The Lord gave me this acronym:

HAVING AN
OPTOMISTIC
PERSPECTIVE ON
ETERNITY

No matter how discouraging this sad, sick world looks and no matter how bad the news and events of our lives are.......we are not a people without HOPE! Having an optimistic perspective on eternity, being very sure of my heavenly home, and knowing what the final outcome will be when the final story unfolds, the only choice I have is to face tomorrow with HOPE!

Thank you, God, that you give me HOPE and as the scriptures say, "Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

2008-07-26T14:07:00.005-04:00

Well, my recent twelve day stay in north Florida has made the familiar chant from The Wizard of Oz", Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my.... take on new meaning.

Let me explain...My sister lives in Florida on a river. For years now I have been worried about the safety of her children living, swimming and playing in the river. Historically, I have fretted over the thought of alligators attacking one of them, as many of their family pets have disappeared. Four years ago, during another visit, two snakes greeted me on the stairway to the house.

Then a few months ago, I learned about sturgeon. A prehistoric fish that swims in the river and jumps into the air, often injuring boaters and swimmers. This weirdly armored fish throws a punch that is equivalent to being hit with 100 pounds of pressure, breaking limbs, causing concussions and serious damage to humans who are hit by them.

If that wasn't enough, last week when leaving her driveway around dusk a bigbear crossed the dirt road about 10 feet in front of my car. As I turned the corner onto the next road, our little bear friend stopped to watch the car. Wow, it was the second time in my life I have had a bear cross a road in front of my vehicle, but never as close to a home. Just the thought of a bear encounter is a little scary.

This weeks bear encounter has made me even more concerned about my sister's family and their safety. Alligators and Sturgeon and Bears, oh my!

The real truth is that we live in a world filled with darkness and danger all around. The scripture says that "the devil roams around like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour." Whether the danger is real, visible, not visible or danger that we can not even recognize, it still exists all around us. As believers, we must daily ask God to place us in His protection, to guard our hearts and minds, to keep us from evil, and to make us aware of the evil one.

My prayer today is that I would never become lax about the evil of this world and the evil one who wants to destroy, and that God would protect and keep my family, friends and those I love. "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 5:11

P.S. I am also thanking God for my home in the city!

JOY, JOY, JOY

2008-07-07T09:02:00.008-04:00

These past weeks have been filled with fun, family, fellowship and a full schedule to say the least. Since my last post of the Princess Tea Party, our family has spent a week in Columbus, Georgia at the 2008 Miss Georgia Pageant. Our oldest daughter competed for the title of Miss Georgia. It was a great week! Not only did Lydia show up with her very best A game and perform beautifully every night, but we were blessed to get to spend the week with my immediate family, and throughout the course of the week we were able to have short visits with some very dear friends and from over the years.

It is always a humbling experience when people that you love drive long distances to participate in an event that is important to those you love. Visiting with old friends reminds me of God's faithfulness and goodness in our lives. As a self-proclaimed over achiever, I am always moving forward with the next goal or project in my life. Occasionally, it is very good for me to STOP and look back at God's faithfulness and where He what He has brought us through.

The house is quiet this morning, as the girls have returned to their respective colleges to begin a new school year. Gracie, our sweet little grand dog is back in Athens, where she belongs, Bruce is always at work, the house is clean and organized and I am left with my thoughts. Before I turn the page on the next chapter of my life, I just wanted to pause and thank God for His goodness and mercy to me and for allowing me to experience the joy of these past few weeks. Joy comes in many shapes and forms, but I am most grateful for the joy of family, friends, and the unfailing love and faithfulness of my Great God!

A Princess Tea Party

2008-06-11T20:04:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday, the women's ministry of FBCJ teamed up with children's ministry to host a Princess Tea Party. We seated 70 little princesses and 7 queen mother's for tea. These adorable little girls were greeted at the door by a grandmother in her tux, escorted into the room and greeted by the first princess; walked through a garden arch covered in toole bows and butterflies and jewels; then followed the grassy path covered in pink rose petals to another princess seated in front of a castle to have their pictures made wearing a beautiful tiara.

One by one the little girls entered and with each little princess the excitement in the room grew. There was time for a brief story or two that included some of my favorite books from the Fancy Nancy collection.

As the program began the little princesses were welcomed and then Lydia (my oldest daughter and Miss Carpet Capital 2008) was introduced to start the program. The girls were so excited to meet a "real" princess/queen. Lydia read a story to the girls entitled, "The Greatest Beauty Pageant of All." This was a story of Queen Esther in the Bible. Following the story Lydia shared the "10 Things Every Real Princess Needs". It was a great list of biblical principles for little girls to begin studying and understanding. The remainder of the program was a lesson in the proper rules of etiquette for tea.

Tea was delightful, served by the mama's in the room who were there to observe and participate. It was amazing to see how very hard the little ones were trying to obey all of the rules of tea and use their proper manners.

All in all it was a wonderful experience and a morning that will be remembered for a long time. To all of my little princesses: remember you are a "real princess" when you are a daughter of the King!

Stop to Smell the Roses!

2008-05-21T08:27:00.004-04:00

The old adage "stop to smell the roses" is sometimes easier said than done. Life can become so busy that I feel pressured and pressed from every side. When this happens, and so often it does, I find it difficult to STOP to do anything much less smell the roses.

This Spring the roses in my garden and all over town have been extraordinary. On the fence row outside of our courtyard is the most lovely rose bush I have ever seen. The rose itself is an old fashioned climbing pink Cherokee rose. What makes it unique and special is that this is a rosebush that has been in my family longer than I have been alive. It is affectionately called the "Grandma Abbott rose". I am not sure that I have the story straight, but my great-great-grandmother is buried in the Oakridge Cemetery in Tifton, Georgia. At some point in time after she was buried, this rosebush was planted near her grave. I will have to check with my daddy to see if it was in her garden before it was transplanted to the cemetery.

Long story, short...I have had a cutting from that rosebush in Tifton for at least 12years. The transplanted bush and the babies have made it from the Cemetery to Jonesboro, to another family home in Tifton, to my daddy's home and now to mine. After one of the babies was transplanted to my home it lived in the shade of a pine island, basically ignored for several years. The bush never once bloomed in that location and never grew longer than a three foot straight shoot that laid on the ground. Seven years ago, when we built a pool, I moved the rosebush to a fence row next to my neighbors yard and hoped that it might thrive in the new location.

The laws of nature are true, with the proper sunlight, water and pruning, that old family friend has bloomed this year in glorious splendor. There must be at least 1,000 blooms covering the fence corner, climbing up the trees and spreading over an area covering about 50 square feet. It is beautifully, amazing!

So, with all of that said, God has graciously reminded me that when I am too busy to "stop and smell the roses" He loves me so much that He will bring the roses me. I have had no choice but to admire, enjoy and smell the roses this year.

What does it take for you to stop and smell the roses? Are you to busy? The "roses" in my life are the blessings for which I am eternally grateful. Sometimes I completely overlook the blessings and I am ashamed to say that sometimes I am so busy that I fail to humble myself before the Lord and just express my gratitude to God for His amazing grace and blessings in my life. Thank you, God, for the blessings in my life and for the gentle reminder from my glorious rosebush, that if I don't "stop and smell the roses", voluntarily, You will put those "roses" right in front of my face and force me to stop and smell them.

What catalyst is needed to bring you in alignment with the purposes and plans of God, today? Start by being grateful, if we are not, often times God will place a catalyst in our life to force us to "stop and smell the roses"!

Time for Tea!

2008-04-21T09:41:00.003-04:00

The women's ministry of First Baptist Jonesboro hosted a Treasured by God Tea Party on Saturday morning at the church. It was a beautiful time as we gathered to share our lives with each other, enjoy a wonderful tea party and hear our guest speaker, Sherri Dodd share from her heart God's Word and message through her Tea ministry.

That may sound abit odd to you, if you were not there, but it it true. Through Sherri's love of collecting tea pots and teacups, a ministry to women has flourished. God really spoke to my heart in many areas on Saturday, one of which is that if we fail to use the talents and treasurers He has gifted us with we are not vessels fit for His use and glory.

Another of the lessons that she taught was that God pursues me, He hunts for me just like she searched all over Europe for tea sets. I am overcome with JOY that the God of the universe could love me so much that He would "hunt for me" not just the hunt for salvation but that He continually pursues me, drawing me to Himself for fellowship and abiding love. I am so grateful that God loves me more than I could ever imagine or even begin to comprehend.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:8

A Matter of Opinion!

2008-04-08T10:41:00.004-04:00

In my last blog, I mentioned that we have just returned from a "vacation" in Puerto Rico. I put vacation in quotes because often going on a vacation is harder work than staying at home in one's normal routine. Nevertheless, we prepared to take our annual business/vacation that we have been privileged to go on for 19 years.

This year's trip was to Puerto Rico and I was really looking forward to being at the beach, reading, and resting. The reading and resting did occur, but beach life was a bit disconcerting for two reasons: wind and iguanas. The wind blew at 30 mph the entire trip and never died down, not even for a minute. Wind and good hair days are not compatible. Even with the wind blowing constantly, I did venture out the first day to try and take a nap by the pool to rest from the early morning trip. Shortly, after dosing off to sleep, I hear this terrible noise above my head in a palm tree and someone shouts, "look at the lizards". When I opened my eyes to check out the "lizards", all I saw were two rather large creatures, fighting like there was no tomorrow. Mind you, the so called "lizard" was actually an iguana. The thought of iguana's fighting overhead made me a bit anxious.

The next morning I spent several hours studying my Bible and spending some much needed time with the Lord. One of the comments that I read in a devotional suggested that if you want to be a fearless person, you must face your fears, head on. I actually did not give that statement much thought until much later in the day. Shortly after noon, I ventured back out to the pool to try and get some sunshine. As I moved my beach chair in the position of the sun, I looked up to see a giant iguana about 2 feet in front of me, meandering across the grass. Needless to say, I immediately jumped on the chair and began looking up to see if there were any iguanas on the palm tree above.

Now, in my humble opinion, a lizard (which can frighten me from my fence gate when I walk by) is less than three inches long and are relatively harmless, even though we are not friends in any way, shape or form. A baby iguana, like the ones fighting in the trees the day before, are less than a foot long. But the iguana that I encountered at the pool on day two was not a lizard or an iguana, it looked like a dragon to me and had to have been at least 3 feet long. Not my personal idea of a friend or pet!

Quickly, I began praying that my husband would get out to the pool just in case I needed someone to defend me from the dragon. Fortunately, we did not see another dragon for several hours and then feeding time must have arrived. Right beside my chair struts a four foot dragon/iguana, who is not a happy beach lizard. He is followed by a younger, greener iguana, who scurries along at a much perkier pace. I only had two choices: stand on my chair and scream (which only put me about 3 inches higher off the ground than the iguana, who climbs palm trees) or to jump off of my chair in the opposite direction and pray that the mad iguana had not left his vegetarian lifestyle to consume a human.

Part one of the decision was easy, I jumped! Part two of the decision was a bit more difficult. I made the decision to face my fears. After all, there were two familiar sayings that flooded my mind at the same time. The first was "that which does not kill you, will make you stronger" and the second was from the morning devotional, "face your fears if you want to be fearless."

So for the next 30 minutes or so I followed the two iguanas around the pool deck to observe their behavior and conquer my fears about dragons. The older, more gray colored creature who was anxious, made his way to a group of resort guests chairs and became even more anxious as he felt trapped. This one reminded me of familiar human behavior. We run in a direction full steam ahead, not knowing where we are going and then we become trapped and anxious about the predicament that we find ourselves in. When trapped, the old iguana finally stopped long enough to evaluate the situation and look for the nearest place of refuge. For him, it was a group of shrubs where he could disappear undercover, and he did. Instead of being trapped and anxious because we run frantically in some direction that looks convenient, should we not always seek refuge in Christ alone! If we first run to Christ, then the word promises that the steps of the righteous are ordered.

The second iguana, who was apparently younger and more vivacious, did not run in fear; instead, he ran from chair to chair looking for food. When he finally found a willing family who was not afraid of him, he camped there for a while enjoying the fruit that was being thrown in his path. Willing to take a risk that the older iguana was not willing to take, he became vulnerable so that he might enjoy the blessings in store for him. Often times when we are willing to open up and become transparent, as humans, the blessings of the Lord become more obvious to us and to those around us. I admired the courage of the second iguana.

For me, I faced my fear of "lizards" with a much larger variety, thanking God that the iguana that I could see was not going to harm me. I still had some concern for the remainder of the trip about the iguana that might be lurking in the bushes that I was unaware of as I walked throughout the resort. That fear reminded me of what the scripture says about the devil, "he roams around like a roaring lion seeking those whom he may devour." I was also reminded that "we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood (the dragon/iguana/lizard) but against powers and principalities of the air." Our battles belong to the Lord and we need to march forward in faith not fear that the God who made us, loves us with an everlasting love and will protect us and guide us through this life.

So, I conclude that fear is often like the iguanas that I encountered in Puerto Rico - to some it is a lizard, to others an iguana, to me it was a dragon - it is definitely a matter of opinion!

Life in the fast lane!

2008-04-05T21:18:00.002-04:00

These past few weeks have been busy beyond belief, praise the Lord my husband and I just returned home from a vacation in Puerto Rico. Although the trip was not my favorite, the time for rest, reflection, and relaxation was greatly needed.

Since my last post about the new Bible study class, the 30 dedicated folks who have taken this 50-day challenge to better health have tackled the first pillar of health, which is WATER! Water is the single most important factor in good health. After a couple of weeks of disciplined water consumption, it has become relatively easy to drink the recommended daily amount (1/2 your body weight.) The second pillar of health we will tackle next week is sleep. Sleep reminds me of the story of the three little bears, there is either too much, too little, and never just the right amount.

Through all of the activity of the past weeks, God has continued to show me His faithfulness in my life in a strong and powerful way. Women's ministry has experienced the wonder working power of God in so many ways. Damsels in Distress was a very successful program with guest speaker Martha Peace. Martha's testimony was powerful and the blessings of the evening were abundant. We are now preparing for our Treasured by God Tea Party and are prayerfully anticipating God's work in our midst.

As I daily strive to walk in fellowship with my heavenly Father, I continue to be reminded of His power and sovereign control in my life. This past week during our vacation, the wind blew 24 hours a day at 20 to 30 mph. I was amazed at the constant and unrelenting force of the wind. I was reminded of how powerful God is and how strong He stands on my behalf. When I am tossed and blown like the huge palm trees we observed from our hotel room, I know for sure that God is the one who created the wind, who breathes life into me and who upholds me with His strong hand.

With a grateful and renewed heart and mind, tomorrow starts a new week filled with new challenges, new places of trust and new mercies. Blessings as you continue to faithfully walk with the Lord. Off to bed to practice the second pillar of health - sleep! Good night!

50 Day Challenge!

2008-03-20T21:25:00.004-04:00

The Seven Pillars of Health is a book written by Dr. Don Colbert, a general practioner who believes that God has given us an outline for better health. The scriptures teach that "for lack of knowledge, My people perish." The modern day church is literally perishing because we refuse to eat, sleep, and live according to the divine plan that God has for His children.

This past Wednesday night I began teaching a new Bible study based on the Seven Pillars of Health 50 Challenge. It was exciting to see 29 people in attendance at the introduction class. We officially begin the challenge next Wednesday night and seek to walk in obedience to the commands of scripture where our health and well being are concerned.

My prayer is that we will experience victory as we walk in obedience to the scriptures and strive to not only tend our temples, but live the life of service that God would have us live each day!

Refocused!

2008-02-17T09:32:00.003-05:00

Well, if you are so kind as to check my blog from time to time, you have obviously observed that I have not posted in a month. It has definitely been a month to remember. Following the student ministries retreat in January, our family set off for four straight weekends of watching our oldest daughter compete in Miss America preliminary pageants. From Athens to West Georgia to Macon to Dalton, it has been a whirlwind of gowns, shoes, luggage, hotels and cars arriving from all corners of the state. Coupled with the women's ministry Kick Off 2008 at FBCJ, which was a spirit-filled morning to remember.

With much gratitude, perseverance and due diligence, our daughter did win the title of Miss Carpet Capital 2008 and has earned her first trip to Columbus, Georgia to compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant in June. Congratulations, Lydia!

This past week has been filled with many plans for gown shopping, listening to possible talent music, and attending the Miss Fulton County Pageant last night.

All of this flurry of activity has reminded me just how important my quiet time with the Lord is and how easy it is to become distracted by the "things" of this world. So my determined purpose this day is to refocus my priorities and renew my mind in the Lord! My teaching retreat, The Offerings of My Heart, emphasizes the crucial importance of getting into the Word of God, daily, and renewing your mind. When we fail to do this with determination and purpose, we allow the MOST important relationship in our lives to slide to the back burner.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." This butterfly will retreat to her cocoon for a time to be renewed and refocused.

As I challenged my daughter this morning, I would like to challenge myself and each of you to practice Colossians 3:1-4:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Even good things can be an easy distraction to the pursuit of holiness, this day I choose to pursue holiness!

God Bless!

Bella Butterfly!

2008-01-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

What a busy time and it is only the 14th of January, 2008. I can hardly believe that just a few days ago I was recording my personal goals for the New Year and working hard to get all of the remaining glitter of Christmas off the hardwood floor.

You may wonder why this blog entry is entitled "Bella Butterfly", so I would like to share that with you. This past Friday night and Saturday morning, I had the great privilege of teaching a retreat for some of the young ladies from my church youth group. Prepared and a little stressed from the preparations, I was totally blessed by this special group of young ladies who gathered to study God's word and grow in their relationships with each other and God's word. The retreat was entitled "Bella Butterfly" which means beautiful butterfly. It was exciting to see these very beautiful young ladies who were eager to learn from God's word.

For over a year and a half, I have studied and taught the 12th chapter of Romans to various groups and at retreats, and I am amazed at how God has continued to teach me new truths from this passage each time I prepare to teach the scriptures. Hopefully, the truths that were shared and the scriptural priciples that were presented will have a life changing impact on those who attended. Great joy comes when you see the "light bulb" of revelation and truth sparked in the life of someone, especially a young person.

May God produce in each young girl who attended a transformed life that will not only grow into a fully matured, bella butterfuly, but also strengthen and encourage them through the truth of the Word to be the beautiful, godly, young lady that He has created them to be each and everyday. Remember, the only evidence of a transformed life is a transformed life! Be kind, be at peace with everyone, overcome evil, don't get revenge, love the Lord God with all of your heart, mind, and soul!

To my bella butterflies, your sweet smiles and joyful hearts are a blessing! Serve the Lord, well, today and everyday of your life!

Email me and share the random act of kindness that you have done since the retreat!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T19:34:00.000-05:00

As 2007 comes to an end and we await the arrival of 2008 in just a few hours, may your new year be filled with the grace and mercy of the LORD, as He directs your steps. Walking by faith is a challenge for everyone, my personal prayer is that I may embark on this new year with renewed faith and purpose to obey the will of God, each and everyday of my life.

Happy, happy new year and I pray that you will have true JOY for the journey in 2008!

Finishing Well in 2007

2007-12-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2007 has come and gone, praise the Lord! It was a very strange Christmas season for me this year. Most of 2007 has been a blessing and a success as we were striving with excellence to pursue the path that God had set before us. The Christmas season was no different. Our priorities were examined and the plans were made, but the "feelings" of Christmas were strangely different. I wonder if I will ever know why.

Several weeks ago, Dr. Henry Blackaby challenged our church family in a Sunday morning sermon, to purpose to "finish well" in 2007, before we even began making plans, lists and/or goals for 2008. Personally, I love a challenge, so I have been as busy as a bee checking off everything on my 2007 list that needed to be completed in order to finish well. I still have a few small tasks to complete before the new year rolls around.

One of the challenges from Dr. Blackaby was "to take a Spiritual Inventory of your life." It so happens that 5 months ago, I felt lead to order 4 copies of a Spiritual Inventory Quiz from a ministry called Ephesians 4 Ministries, along with a leadership style test, a Marriage Communication Test and a Spiritual Gifts Inventory.

In addition to all of the normal activity that surrounds a week of Christmas festivities, my family has been challenged to take these inventory tests. Of course, the girls and I have completed our tests and had many interesting disucssions about what God is doing in our respective lives. Hubby will take the tests when he has the time.

The point to all of this is that it is important to STOP every now and then to evaluate your life. Not just to see areas that need improvement or attention, but also to thank God for the work He is doing in your life and for the progress that you are making in the process of santification (being ever conformed to the image of Christ).

I challenge you to pull out your copy of the Word of God and spend a few moments reflecting on God's amazing grace in your life. Ask yourself the hard questions that will count for eternity, like:

Am I abiding in Jesus Christ?
Am I bearing fruit, the kind that counts?
Do I love others like Jesus does?
Have I been faithful to my church?
Have I been a good steward of all that God has entrusted to me?
Have I repented of my sins lately?
Do I pray enough?
Have I read the Bible today?
Have I hidden God's word in my heart that I might not sin against Him?
Am I a shining light and a reflection of God's glory?
What will I do to make 2008 count for Christ?

Happy New Year! May the joy that comes from serving a risen Savior be yours today as you look to the new year with anticipation and HOPE!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T16:18:00.000-05:00

My sweet daddy reminded me this morning that I had not posted since the first of the month. It is December and a very busy time for all. May our Great God of mercy, bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you this Christmas season, as you celebrate His birth!

Merry Christmas and may your 2008 be filled with all JOY!

"Tis the Season"...or so they say!

2007-12-03T08:09:00.000-05:00

The Christmas season is officially here and as a believer I ask myself this question:

If Christmas "tis the season to be jolly", as the secular song goes, then why are there so many unhappy, frantic, stressed out people running through Walmart and the local shopping malls with apparently no joy, no peace, and no genuine anticipation of this great day of celebration?

That is a long question so allow me to break it down as I see it from a biblical perspective. First, Christians and non-Christians have lost sight of why there is a Christmas celebration every year. When the perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is the true reason for this celebratory occasion, has been removed from the season, then there is no reason for joy or peace or celebration. Acts 4:10-12 says, " It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Second, the Christ of Christmas came to this world to testify to the truth. John 18:37 reads, "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the Truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." When we become caught up in the activity and stress of a "holiday" we are buying a lie from Satan that sets itself up against the true knowledge of Jesus Christ who is Truth and came to testify and bear witness to Truth. When "holiday" stress moves in to confuse and exhaust us then we are buying into Satan's lies that dilute and mask the Truth of Christmas.

As you prepare for this season of celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, please I implore you to not buy into the lies of Satan who wants to confuse you, stress you out,cause pain and rob your joy.

Purpose in your heart to proclaim the Truth as Christ did and desire above all of the hustle and bustle of the season to give Christ alone the preeminent place in your heart, your home and your holiday!

JOY!

2007-11-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

True joy comes from embracing the circumstances and the season of life where God has put you and accepting the responsibilities that go with that season! This quote came from a screen saver on the Nancy Demoss website.

How true it is to know that real joy-- the putting Jesus first in your life, others next and yourself last, comes when we learn to be content and accept the place of responsibiltiy and difficulty that God has placed you in.

Joy is not about being happy, because happy means blessed. We are blessed by being a child of the most high God. Joy is that place of perfect peace we have when our minds are "stayed on Christ"! Joy is a very uplifting word, something we need more of each day of our lives.

Take a JOY break today, find that place of perfect peace that God has already given to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose!

A time to dwell on the goodness of God!

2007-11-22T07:05:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was historically a wonderful time in my life. Growing up as a child, I only have the fondest of memories --going to Granny's house, playing with my cousins and really enjoying all of the holiday traditions. There was a time about 20 years ago, where Thanksgiving became a very dreaded day in my life, like so many holidays.

A dear sweet lady wrote me a note a few days before we were to celebrate Thanksgiving one year that made all of the difference in the world in my regaining my perspective on this special day. She encouraged me to remember that "Thanksgiving was a time to dwell on the goodness of God!"

I must say that I thought that I had always been thankful, but when I began focusing on God's goodness and not just my thankfulness, the celebration of that day took on new meaning. God's goodness far out weighed any dread I could ever have in my heart towards a day, a celebration, or a person.

This year Thanksgiving has taken on an even greater significance in my life. While doing genealogy research for my family, with the help of a cousin, have discovered that my ancestors celebrated the very first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock. Yes, I am a direct descendant of the Elder William Brewster, the oldest pilgrim who came to America from England on the Mayflower.

How has that changed my thinking about Thanksgiving this year. I am reminded of Hebrews 11 and 12 where the scripture says we have "so great a cloud of witnesses", and I am very grateful that I live in a nation where I can still openly profess Christ without fear of persecution or execution, I am grateful for the legacy of faith that my forefathers brought to this country, and I am grateful for a heritage of faithful fathers who loved God and were willing to live righteously and die, if need be, to preserve the privilege to worship a Holy God in Spirit and Truth!

Happy Thanksgiving, I pray that you may learn to dwell on the goodness of God in a new and fresh way today!

Seeing Jesus!

2007-11-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

Well it has certainly been a few very busy weeks for this old butterfly. I am so grateful tonight for the steadfast love and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. The women's ministry of our church has been very busy this year learning to crawl and walk in the path that God directs us. Today, we celebrated our annual Ladies' Luncheon.

Much prayer, thought, planning and preparation went into this luncheon. A week ago today, I did not see any way that I was going to survive this week, tonight I am just amazed at the work of the Lord in our fellowship at FBCJ.

There were many, many sweet ladies and many of our husbands who worked tirelessly to decorate, serve and setup for the 400 guests that attended the luncheon today.

So how did I see Jesus--He was all around in the hearts of those who worshiped Him in Spirit and Truth, He was there in the beauty of His Holiness, He was there in the hugs and love shared between great friends, He was there in the music and praise, He was there in every light that shined to remind us that He is the Light, He was there in the wreaths and garland because He is the divine creator, He was there in word because He is the Living Word, He was there in the glitz and glamour because He is robed in righteousness, and He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

When we see Jesus, we get a glimpse of the glory of God and all of the hope that a life in Christ promises.

A Day of Celebration! A History Lesson

2007-10-30T21:16:00.000-04:00

Many people celebrate the 31st of October in a way that can not be pleasing to God. We choose to celebrate a day in history that is one all believers should be grateful for, REFORMATION DAY!

What is Reformation Day? I am glad that you asked. Reformation Day is a religious holiday celebrated on October 31 in remembrance of the Reformation, particularly by Lutheran and some Reformed church communities.

On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the Castle Church doors. This was not an act of defiance or provocation as is sometimes thought. Since the Castle Church faced Wittenberg's main thoroughfare, the church door functioned as a public bulletin board and was therefore the logical place for posting important notices. Also, the theses were written in Latin, the language of the church, and not in the vernacular. Nonetheless, the event created a controversy between Luther and those allied with the Pope over a variety of doctrines and practices. When Luther and his supporters were excommunicated in 1520, the Lutheran tradition was born.

Within the Lutheran church, Reformation Day is considered a minor festival, and is officially referred to as The Festival of the Reformation. Until the 20th Century, most Lutheran churches celebrated Reformation Day on October 31st, regardless of which day of the week it occurred. Today, most Lutheran churches transfer the festival, so that it falls on the Sunday (called Reformation Sunday) on or before October 31st and transfer All Saints' Day to the Sunday on or after November 1st.

The liturgical color of the day is red, which represents the Holy Spirit and the Martyrs of the Christian Church. Luther's hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God is traditionally sung on this day. Lutherans customarily stand during the hymn, in memory of its use in the religious wars of the Sixteenth Century.

It is also traditional in some Lutheran schools for schoolchildren to hold Reformation Day plays or pageants that re-enact scenes from the life of Martin Luther.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day"

So you asked, why does this little southern baptist butterfly celebrate a day that the Lutherans celebrate. Well the answer is simple...Martin Luther was allowed by God to grasp and understand the biblical principle of Sola Fide, which means "faith in Christ Alone".

I celebrate Reformation Day because this great man of faith took a stand for Christ that costs him his life, but liberated believers from the persecution and oppression of a works based faith! Praise God for the faithful who stand for righteousness.

May all who come behind us, find us faithful,too!

Thankful Thursday!

2007-10-25T21:03:00.001-04:00

Over a month ago I saw this picture on a blog that I read and I wish that I could give credit where credit is due for the graphic. I downloaded it then and have not had the opportunity to use it until tonight.

This has been a week. It started with a busy Monday morning preparing to teach two different Bible study classes. After four hours of studying, I felt the urgency to "get all of my ducks in a row" and complete several other tasks that needed to be checked off of my list. As the day was winding down and supper was on the stove, I received a call from our youngest daughter and she was in a major crisis with her health, physically and emotionally. Quickly, I dropped everything and headed to Milledgeville, Georgia a two hour trip in the rain and dark.

Upon arriving at her house and seeing her, I quickly determined that she was in fact sicker than I had thought. I stayed with her until about two in the morning and went across town to check into a hotel for a very short night. Tuesday morning started with a trip to the school clinic, first to try and get her excused from class so that we could see a doctor. Did you know that you can't miss class, even if you are deathly sick?

We were quickly referred to an infectious disease doctor in Macon, Ga. However, they could not see her until today. In the meantime the diagnosis was a staph infection and cellulitous on her face with a serious sinus infection. While waiting to hear from the doctors office about an appointment, I called her uncle who is also a physician and he felt that she should begin a high powered antibiotic immediately. She took her first dose within an hour.

Late Tuesday evening I left her to come home. Yesterday, I spent most of the day on the phone with her doctors, the CDC, infectious disease doctors at Emory University and any other source that I could contact for information. Late Wednesday afternoon, I spent about 3 hours completing 18 hours of continuing education for my insurance license, and fell into bed exhausted.

This brings me to Thankful Thursday! This morning began early with getting dressed and preparing to leave to go and pick my daughter to get her to the doctor in Macon. Two hours to Milledgeville, 45 minutes to Macon, over two hours in the doctors office and an hour and a half home tonight!

So you must be wondering why I am thankful this Thursday evening. Well, I am so thankful to be home and to have my daughter home with me. I am so thankful that I do not have to work and that I am afforded the luxury of being available for my children and family. I am thankful for traveling mercies. I am thankful for medical professionals who want to try and get to the bottom of her problems. I am thankful for my husband who works so hard to provide for us. I am very thankful for my daughters. In all of the concern over Leslie's health issues I am thankful for her personal integrity and determination to continue on with her schooling, maintaining good grades. I am very thankful for the prayers of so many friends who have been faithful to remember us this week. And, most of all I am thankful for God's grace and mercy and for the wisdom and peace that He has given me all week.

Tomorrow, we will start over with her doctors in Atlanta at Progressive Medical trying some alternative therapies and IV's and wait for the results of the tests that were done today. Since tomorrow has worries of it's own, for tonight I am just thankful!

Girl Talk

2007-10-17T18:43:00.001-04:00

This past evening the women's ministry of our church hosted our first Girl Talk, a dinner event designed to encourage women of all ages to come together and take off their "church lady" masks and get real about the issues that affect their lives and daily walk with the Lord.

There were 60 women who attended and it was a nice evening for all. Many, many questions were submitted for our expert panel to answer. Questions ranging from raising children, submitting to a husband's authority, picky eaters, dating for single Christian women, lovely elderly women looking for a husband, to girlfriends spending time together without husbands being jealous. Frankly, I was amazed at how different many of the questions were and yet as I think about it today, there was one common thread.

The common thread that ran through all of the questions really boils down to the biblical issue of contentment! The married women have problems with husbands, in-laws and children...the single girls are looking for a man...the moms all need help raising their children..............

Whether lonely, frustrated, stressed out or struggling with the issues of life--basically we have to come to a place where we fully understand what Paul meant when he said, for whatever state I am in, there I will be content. Contentment comes when we can keep our eyes focused on the author and finisher of our faith.

The God of all comfort is here to comfort us and guide us and strengthen us through every single season of life and through all of the places where He is calling us to walk. Colossians 3:1 says set your eyes on things above and not on things on this earth. We are to be content with the lot that has been given to us. If we believe that God is soverign in our lives then we must come to a place of peace with the lot that we have been given.

What does this mean in a practical way: if you are married--love and respect the man your married to, if you are a mother--be grateful for the opportunity to raise the precious children with whom you have been entrusted, if you are single--embrace the freedom and privilege that you have to serve the Lord without hinderance, if you are lonely--look only to God for company and for Him to provide you with companionship you long for.

God is the All-Sufficient One and He is all that we need. So lean into Him, trust Him, pray that your thoughts would become agreeable with His will, and that you can find peace and contentment that passes all understanding.

Irregardless of your circumstances or season in life---be still...and know that He is God, a very good God who loves you with an everlasting love and only wants what is good for you all the days of your life!

Out of curiosity, what questions do you have about life as a female on planet earth that you need an answer to from a biblical perspective?

A very belated thank you and post!

2007-10-17T17:56:00.000-04:00

Sometime last week, my friend Dianne posted an award that she had been given and then passed the award on to those who had impacted her in someway, my name was on that list. Being relatively new to the blogging world, I have been a little slow in my response and in expressing my gratitude.

Although, I am humbled and grateful that she would mention my name with such an honor, in reality, she has been an encourager and uplifter to me for many months now. God is so good to give us great friends and family, those special people who encourage us and even push us when we need to be nudged along life's way.

Thank you, Dianne for your kindness and the support and encouragement that you give to me and especially to the womens ministry of our church. God Bless you for being so generous and giving!

Reminder, It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2007-10-11T23:53:00.000-04:00

Please do not forget that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to click the pink dot on the left side of this blog everyday or every visit, but it is so much more important to remind yourself and those you love, to do the self-exams.

This little reminder is brought to you today in loving memory of my mama, who lost her life to inflamatory breast cancer on October 22, 2004. May God grant someone the wisdom and knowledge to find a cure for this horrible disease.

Sincerely,
Butterflies against Breast Cancer!

A word of warning!

2007-10-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

Be careful about the words you post, they may come home to bite you. Yesterday's post,about all of the things that I have learned about anger was heartfelt and true. Today, those words were put to the test, BIG TIME! Can't say that I passed the test with much glory. The truth is that walking in victory and obedience requires a day by day, moment by moment effort and yielding.

May God help us when the next trial and temptation comes along and may you find a fresh victory through Christ. Be angry and sin not! Well I was angry today and I sinned, for that I am humbly repentant. LF

Be angry and sin not!

2007-10-09T21:12:00.000-04:00

Today, I completed an eight week Bible study on anger, what an awesome study. It is so amazing that the Truth of God's Word is sharper than a two-edged sword. Moving through the process of sanctification is often painful and exhausting, this study proved to be equally challenging for me personally.

When the Bible says "Be angry and sin not" what it means is "when angry, do not sin." We will be angry because anger is a true emotion that God experiences. But when we become angered, we must learn to quickly remove ourselves from the anger and forgive and let it go.

The mark of a true believer is one who walks in obedience to the commands of Christ. Christ tells us that if we get angry, we can't stay there--we must take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ and yield to the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome our anger.

"The anger of man(or woman in my case) does NOT accomplish the righteousness of Christ." I really believe that forgiving and forgetting are both a gift from God, one that can not be attained apart from the indwelling Christ.

The real lesson that I have learned these past eight weeks is this: "It is not what has been done to me, but what has been done for me on the cross that makes the difference."

I thank God that He is freeing me from the evil spirit of anger that can set itself up against the true knowledge of Christ in my life. My hearts desire is to please God and live a life that is worthy of the calling on my life and honoring this great salvation that He has granted to me through faith in Christ alone!

I challenge you to think about what it means to be a vessel of mercy, again, and make a mercy list of all of the people in your life that you need to give mercy to. God delights to show us mercy and gives us the same amount of mercy that we extend to others. Do not be angry, turn from anger quickly, forgive others and yourself and let it go. We can walk in the freedom that is available to those who believe. Christ came to set the captives free, and for those whom He set free ---they are FREE INDEED!

MERCY!

2007-10-01T13:46:00.000-04:00

This morning as I began to study and prepare to teach tomorrow, the word mercy continued to run through my mind. We often speak and God's grace and sometimes of His mercy, but His infinite mercy is not a subject to be taken lightly.

MERCY is not getting what we deserve - which is God's wrath!
GRACE is getting what we do not deserve - salvation!

What I deserve is the wrath of God and death,"for the wages of sin is death",and what I get that I do not deserve is "the gift of God which is eternal life in Jesus Christ my Lord". I praise God daily that He has allowed me to get a glimpse of His glory through my salvation in Christ Alone! It was His kindness that lead me to repentance(Romans 2:4)and it is His mercy that allows me to see His glory.

In an online sermon,by John Piper entitled "Vessels of Mercy", he profoundly reminds us of what is means to understand the truths of Romans 9:23 "...in order to make known the riches of His glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory..." There is not a more popular scripture known than the 23rd Psalm, and the phrase that Piper points out is "surely goodness and MERCY shall follow me all of the days of my life."

Surely, God's mercy shall follow me because He did not give me the death that I deserved. The scripture teaches that God delights to show mercy to His beloved sons and daughters, the very ones that He has set aside to be a vessel of mercy to others.

At a recent Beth Moore seminar, she showed this video link from Godtube.com that reiterates how precious we are to God and how much He "delights to show us mercy". "Surely goodness and mercy" will never be the same after you watch this video.....

May the Great God of all, grant to you today His mercy and may you in turn grant mercy to those whom you meet...."Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy!"

10 things that make me happy!

2007-09-30T13:54:00.000-04:00

I just sat down after a very busy morning at church to read my emails and my friend Dianne's blog. Her last posting was a challenge to "list 10 things that make you happy!" There are thousands of things that I could list that I am grateful for, but I have developed a slight headache as I begin to list the things that make me happy. Here goes my attempt to be honest, it seems that words like fun, happy, and even the old fashioned word "giddy" are not descriptive of my life---more descriptive would be words like serious-minded, focused, diligent and driven.

1. My girls coming home from college for the weekend.
2. Finding a really great item from an antique store.
3. Riding in my husband's convertible in fall or spring weather.
4. Thanksgiving at my Aunt Janet's house.
5. Eating my favorite Mexican dinner with my daddy in Tifton.
6. Decorating the Living Christmas Tree at church and sitting back to see it when the lights are on and the choir is singing.
7. Yelling across the street "good morning" to Jordan before she goes to school from my front door.
8. Sitting down to drink a cup of coffee in a perfectly cleaned house.
9. Watching the cardinals in the courtyard because they remind me of my mama.
10. Observing the moment when the Truth of God's word becomes real in the life of another person.

Once, I started it is not that difficult to think of ten things that make me happy. So do it for yourself, I challenge you to sit down and write out the first ten things that come to your mind, then keep writing for the next week, you may realize that you are happier than you think.

We can make a difference!

2007-09-22T20:46:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday I was afforded a wonderful opportunity. If you read this blog, you will remember that on August 10th, I attended a Beth Moore conference in Atlanta, and posted the Comfort Prayer that I prayed that day. Little did I know or understand, just how far God can move one out of their "comfort" zone.

My normal comfort zone is living in a quite town in the suburbs, taking care of my home and almost grown children, talking to my daddy on the phone daily, volunteering at my church in women's ministry and teaching Bible studies. Out of my normal comfort zone is spending time with a lady who is in the county jail on drug charges.

For months a dear sweet man in my church has been inviting me to go to the local jail with him to visit this gal that he had been ministering to. Because this was way out of my comfort zone, I chose to put him off and give any valid excuse possible. Last Sunday morning, he came by the women's ministry table and said very quietly over the crowd of ladies buying tickets for a luncheon, "she has been sentenced and if you don't come with me to visit her soon, she will be sent off to state prison." Without a thought, I said sure, I will meet you on Thursday morning.

Monday's are spent preparing to teach two different Bible studies on Tuesday.
Tuesday's are spent at the church teaching and organizing women's ministry.
Wednesday's are house cleaning days...................and then came Thursday morning.

I must be honest that Thursday was going to be a busy day with a dinner meeting at the church and I was looking for any excuse possible to NOT go to the jail. But the Holy Spirit really convicted me about the "Comfort Prayer", so I made the call to the minister and prepared to meet him in 2 hours.

During that time, I became somewhat anxious just because I didn't know what to expect. Being the researcher that I am, in between showering, dressing and packing my car to decorate for the dinner-- I went on-line and listened to 2 sermons about sharing the gospel, checked out the Prison Fellowship website on prison ministry, and called a friend for advice who is in prison ministry.

As I jumped in the car to rush off and make the 30 minute trip to the jail, the Holy Spirit impressed something on my heart, "what are you so anxious for, you know that if God is calling you to do something - He will equip you to do what He is calling you to do." For me at that point, this entire exercise was about my OBEDIENCE!

Arriving on time at the jail, I met the pastor who went into the jail with me. There are all kinds of proceedures that you must follow: what to wear, what to lock up, what you may or may not take in with you, etc. I soon realized that I might be a bit over dressed, but God used that in spite of me to witness to two ladies.

Once inside the jail, we made the final check point and walked down the longest, most desolent corridor that I have ever seen. Trying to avoid a wet floor on one side very tightly we made our way to a door that had numbers on it. We took a sharp turn towards the door and opened it to a very sterile room with a glass wall in front of us. I am not sure what I had pictured in my mind before that moment, but the reality of being in an unfamiliar room about to meet a total stranger through a glass wall was very surreal.

Through an intercom we requested the incarserated lady and waited for her to come. After a few moments passed, a door on the floor below us opened and a very nice looking lady came bouncing through the door, looking up with a huge smile on her face. The elderly pastor that I was with said, "there she is" and began waving furiously. As she approached the cubicle, behind the glass wall, I could see the excitement on her face. He took the phone receiver from the wall and said hello to her and then handed me the phone.

About 2 seconds of silence was followed by one of the most humbling statements that anyone has ever spoken to me in all of my life, she said "hey, I have been waiting to meet you for months, I am so glad that you are here." At that moment, nothing else mattered except focusing on the God-given moment that I might have to make a differnce in this little ladies' life.

Normal prison visits are limited to 30 minutes, but for the next 90 minutes we were undisturbed and I listened to her story, and shared the Truth of the scripture with her as honestly and openly as I have ever shared before. She professes to be a believer and desires to overcome the sins of the flesh and spirit in her life. When our time together was done, the blessing was mine! What a morning!

Please don't miss the blessings God has in store for you. If He is calling you out of your comfort zone, it may not be for the benefit of the one to whom you minister, it might just be for your benefit!

A Tribute - The Lord is my Shepherd!

2007-09-21T23:13:00.000-04:00

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This afternoon, a precious saint went home to be with the Lord, Bev Maday. Her husband sent an email to many who had been faithfully praying for Bev since 2000 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. The email read:

Bev passed away today (Friday) at about 4:30pm. All of our family was at her bedside and we witnessed the entire 23 Psalm and we saw Bev walk fearlessly through the shadow of the valley of death. An amazing wife, mom, friend and Mimi. We will follow-up quickly with funeral celebration plans. Her last words were "To God be the Glory!"

Thanks for all your prayers.........God is Good and Great!

I received several phone calls to inform me of her passing and it was not until late this evening that I sat down to read the email that her husband sent shortly after her death. I began thinking about the 23rd Psalm. Such a familiar passage of scripture and so often taken for granted.

My mama passed away in October of 2004 and she had written her own 23rd Psalm which ministered to so many people at her funeral. I will share her 23rd later.

So what is this passage really saying to me, as I think and ponder this day.

In Christ there is completeness, I will never lack anything. He is the Shepherd that will leave the 99 and go searching for the one sheep that is lost. Praise God that He chose me and that I have been saved by faith alone in Christ alone!

As my Shepherd, Christ leads me, restores me, teaches me, rests me, strengthens me, directs my paths, provide for all of my needs according to His riches in glory.

If and when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there will be nothing to fear, for Christ is the great Comforter! As the words of the song sung by Travis Cottrell says, "no guilt in life---no fear in death", may these words be said of me.

When trials come, and they will come, God goes before me to prepare the way. And He not only prepares the way or the table before me, the anointing oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit given to me, to empower me to walk in obedience and strength for whatever lies ahead.

Oh, His goodness and mercy have been given to me in immeasurable abundance, every single day since He called me out of darkness into His marvelous light.

He gives me a dwelling place, not just something to look forward to in heaven, but He comes to me and gives me glimpses of His glory, a time of refreshing where His mercies are new every morning. Tabernacled in Christ, I have a hope and a future that gives me an abiding relationship with a Holy God, today; and an eternal home, someday!

I praise God for the life of Bev Maday and the tremendous impact that she has had on so many lives on this earth. Tonight, I am sure that she is sitting at the feet of Jesus where her final earthly words ring truer than ever before: TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

If you are lacking anything in your life, hurting, lonely, sad, defeated or just tired, I challenge you to run quickly to the Great Shepherd who loves you with an everlasting love and is waiting to give you not only Salvation, but also a Hope and a Future, in Christ alone!

An Encouragement from a friend!

2007-09-17T10:23:00.000-04:00

Although my life has been toooooooooooooooooooooooo busy to post lately, it was a very nice surprise to read my friend Dianne's blog and see that she had mentioned my name and included me in this honor.

It has been exactly one year since God has placed me in a place of tremendous responsibility at my local church. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that He would find me worthy of such responsibility.

During the past year, I have been so blessed with many opportunities to be transformed, renewed and strengthened. More days than not, God places a sweet friend in my life to encourage me, lift me up and to give me wise counsel to light the path that lies before me. Truly, I thank God for every single person that has been instrumental in the process of developing a new women's ministry.

With anticipation and excitement, I look forward to the upcoming year and all that God has instore for the women of FBCJ.

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Today, I challenge you to look only to Christ for direction in your life, trust that He alone will guide you and give you strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Walk in the TRUTH and live in the Light of His love!

2007-09-06T10:18:00.000-04:00

What has been done to you is not important.
What has been done for you on the cross of calvary is all that is important.

All too often we walk around on this planet earth focusing on what has been done to us. We mumble, complain, stay depressed, look for comfort in food, drugs, people and other things. It is what I refer to as the "Eore, woe is ME" persona. Our focus is totally self absorbed and inward. We have to do what the scripture says in Colossians 3:1, "set your mind on things above and not on things of this earth..."

A horizontal perspective on life will leave you hopeless.
A vertical perspective will leave you hopeful.

Paul said it best, "Christ in me the hope of glory". The scriptures say, "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

So here's the challenge today:
Take a look at where you focus is placed today.
Ask yourself this questions:
Is what has been done to me more important than what has been done for me?
Is there anything in your life that is more important than the true knowledge of Jesus Christ?
How can I change my perspective and move it from horizontal to vertical?

Walk in the truth of II Cor. 10: 3-5 and choose to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ".

Free Mamograms for Women

2007-09-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

Free mamograms for indigent patients are available from corporate sponsors. Please go to the website below, often, and click the pink box and corporate sponsors will donate money to pay for mamograms for those who cannot afford a screening.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Thank you and remember to do your self-checks and get screened!

A Big Change in my daily routine!

2007-08-20T18:48:00.000-04:00

O.K. I will start by confessing that I am very shallow when it comes to drinking coffee. I love my coffee and I drink about a 8 cup pot every morning. So it has been four whole days since I have had a cup of coffee. I am sure that the only spiritual application for attempting to give up coffee is that it is very important in the life of a believer to deny SELF. Thus my mission has begun.

One of my favorite hobbies is collecting beautiful antique tea cups and I use teacups in my home decor. They are each very unique and lovely much like each of us, created in the image of God yet all very different. In the pursuit of denying myself and obstaining from coffee, I decided yesterday that I would enjoy a cup of hot tea throughout the day to not only have a substitute available when the urge to grab a cup comes, but also to enjoy the theraputic benefits of delicious tea.

I just came in from doing the lawn and I have had a couple of no energy days thinking, I sure could use some caffine. When checking my email just a few minutes ago, followed a link to a blog that I have never visited before from my friend Dianne's blog and this is the little encouragement that God sent to me this afternoon:

God is so good, He even cares that I am going through caffine withdrawal and gently reminds me that not only is HE alone, enough for my life, but He will come and sip tea with me. He is the All Sufficient One, the One to whom we should fully rely on day by day and minute by minute. My prayer for you is that you would call upon the name of the Lord, the All Sufficient One and have your CUP filled to the full measure of His mercy and grace!

Check it Out!

2007-08-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

Last week at Beth Moore's pre-conference event at Phillips arena in Atlanta, we were privileged to here a young man by the name of Travis Cottrell who is not only a very gifted singer, but also song writer and musician. Treat yourself to being blessed by his music. His website is permanently linked from this blog, but it is also here for your convience: http://www.traviscottrell.com/main.html

May you enjoy the indwelling presence of our living, loving, Lord Jesus Christ as you listen to his music. God Bless!

The Sandpiper Story

2007-08-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

by Robert Peterson

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.

"Hello," she said.
I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child.
"I'm building," she said.
"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes.
A sandpiper glided by.
"That's a joy," the child said.
"It's a what?"
"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on. I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.
"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
"Mine's Wendy... I'm six."
"Hi, Wendy."
She giggled. "You're funny," she said.
In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle followed me.
"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day."

The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
"I don't know. You say."
"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.
The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is."
"Then let's just walk."
Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face.
"Where do you live?" I asked.
"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
Strange, I thought, in winter.
"Where do you go to school?"
"I don't go to school. Mommy says we're on vacation." She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.

Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. "Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, "I'd rather be alone today."
She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.
"Why?" she asked.
I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?
"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!"
"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
"When she died?"

"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself. I strode off.

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. “Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was."

"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies."

"Not at all -- she's a delightful child," I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.

"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you."

Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.

"She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice faltered, "She left something for you, if only I can find it. Could you wait a moment while I look?"

I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully printed:

A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY

Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," I uttered over and over, and we wept together. The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love. A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love.
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NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.

Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a momentary setback or crisis. This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment...even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses.

This comes from someones heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you...
May God Bless everyone who receives this! There are NO coincidences!
Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us? I wish for you, a sandpiper.

This butterfly prays that each of you will experience God’s joy, unspeakable and full of glory!

A Busy Week

2007-08-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe that it has been a week since I posted, but a busy one it has been. It has also been a week of answered prayers, growing in grace, dealing with fears and disappointments.

You know, God is so good. He is the Sustainer, the Comfortor, the Peace-Maker, the Faithful One, my Hope, my Rock and my Redeemer. Last Friday, I had the great priviledge of hearing Beth Moore at Women of Faith in Atlanta. It was truly a blessing for several reasons.

So clearly, Beth presented the Truth from II Cor. 1:4-10 about comfort and the God of all Comfort who is our Source for all things. There was so much rich truth from which I can grow and be moved to a new place of service for the Lord.

The Bible study time was the first blessing and the second came from being with the wonderful ladies from my church with whom I shared this experience. At the conclusion of the conference, Beth asked each of us to make a prayer of comittment to God. I would like to share that prayer with you:

My Dear Sister,
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Has His hand on you.
Don't trade what He has for you
For the comforts of this world.
Let the love of Christ compel you
And infuse you with courage.
God, even God, who created the heavens
Is the One who comforts you.
Whatever you do,
Don't refuse it!
His grace will guard you from bitterness
And Christ will turn your pain
Into Holy Passion.
Pour your life lavishly into others.
Humble yourself and share your hardships
That others may also share your comfort.
Live till you die!
Then live like there's no tomorrow!
For the King enthroned in Heaven
Is worthy of your all.
Now, go, Girl!
For the Father of Mercies
And the God of all comfort
Goes with you.
Bless be God
And bless be you!

It is my prayer that you would search the scriptures to find the God of all Comforts who comforts us in our time of need so that we might in turn share our story with others and provide comfort in return. Blessed are the merciful for they shall find mercy!

My Baby is a Teacher!

2007-08-08T22:39:00.000-04:00

My hubby and I finished dinner tonight and he disappeared to the pool. After cleaning the kitchen, I walked outside to check on him and he was on the phone with our oldest daughter. Tomorrow is a very big day in her life. She is a new school teacher and tomorrow is the first day of her "official" teaching career.

Of course, as a mother, I have been praying for her off and on all week, and I had spent three days in her classroom earlier in the summer preparing for the big day tomorrow. She claims to only be tired, not a bit nervous. I hope that she is so prepared, that she walks into that classroom with grace and confidence. What hit me hard, in the emotional department tonight, was when I overheard my husband say, "I remember your very first day of school and now you are a teacher." As sweet as that sounded from her very proud daddy, the memories of her first official day of school, flooded my mind like a movie in rewind.

Like all parents we wanted our children to have the very best education that we could possibly afford. So without delay, I registered my sweet little 3 year old little girl in the very best church pre-kindergarden that our home town had to offer. I had researched the curriculum, pre-paid the registration fee and shopped for the cutest outfits a new kindergardner could wear to school.

What I had not prepared for was the terrible anxiety that I would have about two weeks before school started and my fears of sending her off into the world. Literally, I dreamed that she would not have money for lunch or that the building would catch on fire and she would be left alone in the classroom. Call me desperate or a control freak, I quickly began praying about what God would have us do about her education.

At the time, 20 years ago, home schooling was a bit of an odd concept and not widely accepted in society, the world of education, nor in the church. Being the efficient Type A personality that I am, I began to diligently research my options. It only took a few days to really feel that God was leading us in that direction. Little did I know what God was urging me to do and how enormous the responsibility of home schooling would be.

I will save the rest of the home schooling story until another time. With supplies, clothes, and all of the necessary tools that a teacher and a 4 year old need, we began our first year of home schooling. To make it official, which is probably the only thing her daddy remembers, we dressed her up in the cutest little navy jumper with a navy and white stripped shirt, socks, leather oxfords, and a huge navy hair bow. With curls in tack and her American flag in hand, she walked out into the garage and then turned around and marched into the kitchen to proclaim "officially" the first day of school.

Never was a mama so proud. Pride soon turned to perseverance when the newness of the routine wore off. We persevered for the next 8 years and she entered "real school" at the beginning of the eighth grade. She continued pursuing academic excellence both in high school and college. Graduating from a college prep high school Summa Cum Laude and graduating from the University of Georgia's College of Education, Magna Cum Laude, the third ranking education program in the country.
She is now midway through her Masters in Education at UGA.

My sweet little girl will start her teaching career tomorrow and we are still so very proud of her. I believe that God has not only called her into education, but also gifted her with an amazing love and concern for children. We need more dedicated young people who want to make a difference in this world. We can hardly wait to see the great and mighty way that God will use her.

If you read this blog, please say a prayer for her as she begins an exciting and challenging new chapter in her life. Never is a parent so grateful to God for His mercy, where a child is concerned, as is a home school mom who through tears, joy and perseverance knows that her job as the primary educator is finished. Praise God we finished this phase of the race and the job was well done!

Productive Days - Bittersweet Week

2007-08-07T23:10:00.000-04:00

In the past week, this old butterfly has been as busy as a bee!

Returned home from a trip to the Bahama's; sent two daughters off to their respective colleges for the year; entertained family for several days; cleaned, organized and re-decorated my office (which is usually the only disaster area in my home other than the garage); cleaned, organized and decluttered my garage; completed my to-do list for the summer; and began tackling my projects for the fall. Sometimes, I become exhausted just thinking about what I have done.

Just minutes ago, I stopped to catch my breath before sitting down to record my thoughts and it hit me as to why I have chosen to occupy my life with extreme business this week......no it is not because I am turning 47 on Saturday. What was a happy week in my life for the first 45 years has now become a bittersweet week of rememberance in my life since 2004.

My precious mama began the very last chapter of her life on August 12, 2004. Suffering from Inflamatory Breast Cancer for over two years, on my birthday, August 11, she was told by her doctor that her lungs would have to be drained because her left lung was about 2/3 full of fluid. So the next after noon, my daddy and her primary care giver, transported mama from north Atlanta to Tifton where she had a chest tube inserted into her left lung that would remain there until her death on October 22, 2004.

There have been many days and nights that I have wondered exactly why my mama suffered so during the last 67 days of her life, and at the same time I was so incredibly grateful for each and every minute that we had to spend with her during those last days. The memories initally were of the hospital bed, fluid canasters, medicine bottles, IV's,a second chest tube and all of the "stuff" that goes along with death by cancer. As painful as that time was in my life, I can now look back with a heart of gratitude to God for every precious moment and memory that we shared during those days; not only for the time with mama before God called her home, but also for the time spent with my daddy and many other family members who cared so much and demonstrated God's love to us through each selfless act of kindness.

I have allowed the bittersweet memories of this week to be overtaken with activity and accomplishment. Thankfully, God has given me these few moments to reflect on the significance of this week in my memories. Tears fill my eyes and my heart is overcome with love and gratitude to God for the great blessing He gave me in my mama. She knew without a shadow of doubt that her daughters did "rise up and call her blessed among all women" for she was truly a virtuous woman that deserved all of the earthly honor that could be given to such an excellent woman of God who loved Him,feared Him and excelled above most others. Thank you God for my mama, a truly wonderful lady who is missed everyday of my life.

This little butterfly has wilted wings because I miss my mama so very much. My prayer tonight is that in His mercy, God would grant me renewed strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow as I continue to serve Him.

If you have your mama, I would encourage you to stop right now and call her or write her a note and tell her how very much you love her! Be transformed today with gratitude to God for your mother!

Always be prepared!

2007-07-27T17:36:00.000-04:00

Now you might think that this title only applies to the Boy Scouts and their motto, but my recent trip to the Bahama's taught me that the phrase "always be prepared" is a universally applicable statement.

My family arrived last Saturday afternoon in the Bahama's for our annual vacation/business trip. We were totally prepared for a lovely week of fun and sun.

Shortly before leaving to go to the airport we checked the weather report to find that it was officially the "rainy season" in the islands, so we anticipated(prepared for)less than perfect conditions for the week. And, without surprise, weather.com was right on target, it rained and stormed every single day during our stay.

We also prepared for many other possible scenarios like sunburn (had that), stomach aches(foreign food), injuries(mild), fever blisters(huge) and bug bites(minimal), just to name a few. We even prepared to worship on Sunday morning without an organized church to attend. But there was one very unusual event that occurred on Sunday morning that we could not have prepared for and here is that story.......

As the sun came up over the Atlantic Ocean, early Sunday morning, it was a gloriously beautiful day. Upon opening my eyes to the new day, the first glimpse I caught was of my husband reading His Bible in the chair next to my bed. He quietly left the room to take a walk and I sat down to read my Bible and have some much needed quiet time for myself. The girls were still in the bed sleeping for the next hour or so as I read.

That morning, my readings took me back to the Book of Psalms, where I read many of my favorite chapters. Then I turned to the Book of Isaiah to look for a familiar passage that I wanted to use in a Bible study. As the girls began to stir, God gave me the idea to challenge them to find a Psalm that depicted their individual lives and where they were in their relationships with the Lord. My eldest daughter suggested that I begin reading chapter one aloud and continue until the right one came along. I decided to turn on the television and find a church service on television. Dr. Charles Stanley from FBC Atlanta was preaching and his text for the morning was Psalm 37.

How faithful was my Heavenly Father to provide the truth that we all needed for that moment. The highlights of His preparedness were as follows:

Fret not because of evildoers...
Trust in the Lord ...
Delight yourself in the Lord ...
Commit your way to the Lord ...
Be still before the Lord ...
Wait patiently for the Lord ...
Refrain from anger...
The steps of a man are established by the Lord...
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

God spoke to our hearts in a very meaningful way through that message. Then I flipped over to I Peter 3:1-6 and read that passage. The very last line of verse six jumped off of the page like never before. "And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you (not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you)." I immediately prayed and asked God to help me overcome the fears that often paralyze me and continue to use me for His glory.

No sooner than I had prayed that prayer and said "Amen" than we heard a loud banging and woman screaming in the hall right outside the hotel room door. At first, my thought was that the maids were laughing and goofing off, but within seconds I realized that this woman was in distress. Historically, I might have just called the hotel security, but without a thought I went straight out the door. There were two maids in the hall and three other adults coming to her aide. Almost simultaneously we asked her if we could help her. She denied our petitions and then turned and walked straight towards me, crying hysterically.

For the next 15 minutes, I shared scripture and told her that her only hope for the future was to place her faith in Christ alone for her salvation and deliverence from the demon of alcohol that was destroying her life and the life of her family. She began to calm down and try to listen. Between the tears and hysteria, she shared bits and pieces of her life story and the crisis that she was presently involved in.
As we waited for security to come (called by the maids) I asked her if I could pray with her and held her tiny wrist and prayed out loud. Her arm was as lifeless as a baseball bat. The Holy Spirit spoke through me very clearly and plainly as I prayed for this desperate woman. When I said "amen" I felt the presence of someone over my shoulder. It was the security guard standing there beside me. His words to me were, "bless you sister." Not only had God prepared me for that moment in time to share Christ with a desperately sad, hopeless woman, but also He prepared a Christian, Bahamian security guard to stand beside me as I prayed for this woman.

Quickly, I went back to my room expressing my grattitude to God for His provision for me, my safety and for giving me the opportunity to overcome a fear that would have prevented me, before then, of ever going outside of my room to minister to this lady. God answered my prayer almost before I uttered the words about overcoming fear and using me for His glory. I am so thankful that God, in His mercy and love, prepared my heart for the place of obedience where He would call me to walk.

Being prepared is always prudent in life....being prepared by God for a job that He has for you to do is awesome!

2007-07-19T13:01:00.001-04:00

God is SO GOOD! You will see me write this statement alot, because it is so true. This morning I witnessed God answer prayer in a mighty way. It amazes me when we see the Truth, hear the Truth, and understand the Truth and are still surprised, thrilled and overjoyed when God answers our prayers.

For months the over whelming burden of responsibility has been wearing on me physically, mentally and emotionally in ways that I had really not even acknowledged. After a really bad two weeks, I spent most of Sunday night and Monday really repenting of my sin and being reconciled to my Holy God through the forgiveness of Christ's blood atonement on Calvary. I so thank God for His mercies that are new each and every morning when we repent and confess our sins. The Word says "that when we confess our sin, His is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness".

My unrighteousness, usually involving my tongue, is a pretty ugly thing. Praise God that the scripture says "by faith, it was reckoned to him (Abraham) as righteousness." What that means for this Jesus girl is --that on my side of the accounting ledger there is a big fat ZERO under the column of debt, and because of Christ and His propitiation for my sins, He alone cancels my debt and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS is credited to me. This is how I can live the butterfly life that this blog will explore and discuss in the days and weeks to come. It is not my life, but the life of Christ in me.

Praise God that in His grace and mercy He loved me, He choose me, He saved me and He keeps me until the day of Christ's return. God alone is the Author and Finisher of my faith. On the days that this vessel is totally unfit for use, the great God of the universe the Creator of everything can choose to use me.

My gratitude for His love and forgiveness is enormous. My prayer for you is that as you live your life as "a beautiful offering", a living sacrifice that Romans 12:1-2 speaks of, that you will lay down your life and allow Jesus Christ to move in and cover you with His blood and raise you up by the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience to His will, seeking His face and living the transformed life that is available to you each and everyday.

My youth pastor of 30 years always says, "the evidence of a transformed life is .......a TRANSFORMED LIFE!" Go out today and live the life God intends for you to live. A life that is renewed, refreshed and totally yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you, my beautiful butterfly!

Welcome to the butterfly life!

2007-07-16T13:35:00.001-04:00

Thank you for joining me on a journey to see what it means to live a transformed life that is honoring to God and brings peace and true joy to the life of an obedient believer in Christ! May God richly bless you as you study His word, seek His face and listen to His voice. There will be victory and blessings that come from seeking God and presenting yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the one who loves you with an everlasting love and wants a relationship with you because you are His child.