Food Pantry Update for 12.23.08

So far this morning we have served 35 people. I expect a few more will trickle in before 11:00. With school being out this week, we had more children here. I hope that even these small encounters will shape their view of church. Church should be seen as a loving, giving, accepting place, so if NBCC can be that in the lives of their parents and grandparents maybe their children will also form that opinion. In addition to the children who came to receive, we had several children come to serve, both on Monday to pack bags and on Tuesday to hand them out. What an important lesson to teach our young people! Church is fun for kids...that is not a bad thing, but we need to make sure that they see us living out what they are learning each week. Knowing Christ is so much about what we do.

This is Our God

So, I am not in the choir mostly because I am busy when they do their thing. I am in the nursery on Wednesdays when they practice and sitting with my 2 older children during the worship service when they sing (Troy is busying being a bouncer...uh, I mean greeter/seater for those who come in after the worship service has started). But I love to sing and lead worship at our women's events so our music dude, David, asked me to sing in the Christmas Cantata. He bent over backwards to include me so of course I said yes. I have enjoyed the experience. It is has been nice to spend a little bit of time with some people I don't normally hang out with and singing with this choir is a joy because so many of them genuinely worship as they are singing.
My favorite part has been the music. Some of the songs were fun and some beautiful but a few were moving. One stood out. It is beautiful musically but the words are profound. I love it and wanted to share it with you.

This is Our God

Who is this Child asleep in the manger,
tender and mild, this intimate Stranger?
Recklessly, wildly, loving a dangerous world.
Who is this Light invading our darkness?
Glorious might His Son rising for us,
conquering might, He captures the hardest of hearts.
We sing

This is our God, living and breathing,
call Him courageous, relentless and brave
This is our God, loving and reaching
offering mercy and mighty to save.
Hallelujah, this is our God! Hallelujah, this is our God!
Hallelujah, this is our God! Sing praise. Sing praise.

Who is this One who will not condemn us?
Why would He come to shoulder our sentence?
Nothing we've done will keep Him from giving us grace.
Who is this One? We watch and we're speechless.
God's only son, embracing our weakness.
He overcomes all death and He frees us live.
We sing

This is our God, suffering and dying.
Call Him the hero redeeming the lost.
This is our God, Love sacrificing
all that is holy, accepting our cross.
Hallelujah, this is our God! Hallelujah, this is our God!
Hallelujah, this is our God! Sing praise. Sing praise.

Food Pantry Updates for 12.9 and 12.16

(12.9) This week we were able to help 36 families. I really appreciate Lisa James who came to help us pass out food, and Troy greatly appreciates Shauna Powell's help on Monday afternoon packing bags. We had a really peaceful morning due to these ladies' help. Lisa and I were able to spend some time with Jennifer and her daughter, Tiara. Jennifer has Crone's disease and was recently laid off. She is the single mother of 4 children. She was a lovely woman with a beautiful little girl. I cherish the time we were able to show both of them Christ's love and compassion.

(12.16) Good Morning Friends (You know, I miss typed that at first, and it said God morning - I hope it has been a morning filled with God for you)!
I am overjoyed to tell you that I saw 3 of our food pantry regulars at church on Sunday (to be honest I am surprised I was able to save telling you until today...I was so excited). God is using this ministry. This morning we were able to serve 35 people. We were a little worried things would be hectic this morning because we have new paperwork for people to fill out, but God's peace has covered us on Tuesday mornings. I had the great privilege of taking Annette aside and praying with her because her husband was at job interview while she was here. We held hands and lifted him and their family up in prayer. It was such a blessing to me. I can't wait to hear how it went next week! On the note of jobs, we think it would be beneficial to offer help on resumes and things of that nature to the people that come on Tuesdays. If that is a particular strength of yours and you would be willing to help with that, please let us know.

Last Week's Food Pantry Update

I hope that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that this is very late, but we left for Atlanta immediately following the food pantry ministry last Tuesday. As John mentioned yesterday, we were able to help 53 people in 25 minutes before we ran out of food. We joked that Troy needed to enter one of those bagging competitions...he has gotten very fast! Joann has been coming each week since God broadened our scope. She is blind and comes with a neighbor. On Tuesday, she had her neighbor find me and asked specifically that we pray for her. She is going to Moffit to seek treatment for very advanced cancer. My heart broke for her. We were so busy, I didn't get the chance to ask her if she knows the Hope-giver. I have been regretting the missed opportunity ever since. I can't wait until Tuesday! I hope that some of you will find the time to come help so that we can take advantage of every moment we get to spend with each person who comes to us for help...like John said anyone can hand out food. We have so much more to offer!

Weekly Food Pantry Update

Today, we were able to help 49 people. It is very rewarding to see faces that were guarded in the first few weeks walk in with smiles and warm greetings. It is amazing how people react to being called by name and shown kindness. What a simple thing to do that goes such a long way. This morning I was able to talk with Melody. She said she is the mother of seven but only has 5 children still living. One of her sons is having a second heart surgery on Thursday. Can you imagine her fear? When I told her that we have faithful family members who would present her requests before the Lord, she thanked you. She also said that she prays to St. Jude for her family, and I was reminded how much these people need Truth spoken into their lives. Jesus is her only hope. I pray He will continue to give us the opportunity to tell her that and show her His saving, healing grace.

All the Bloggable Things

So, here are a few things from this week...

1. I have the wonderful opportunity to work with the food pantry ministry at the church, and I usually send out a weekly update about how things went with some of the prayer requests of the people who come to receive food. I am going to start posting those here as well for 2 reasons. I will see them everytime I look at the blog and those of you who read this can be encouraged about the way God is working. Here is this week's:

We were able to serve 34 people on Tuesday morning before we ran out of food at 9:20. There is such a need for this ministry and God is richly blessing me for being a part of it. This week Annette came for the first time. She brought her husband and two little girls with her. She filled out the form that we ask everyone to fill out during their first visit. When she was finished, I asked her if she had any prayer requests and told her that we have several faithful family members who would receive and pray for her requests. Her whole face softened and she said "Oh yes, please pray for us. We have had a rough couple of months and are trying to get back on our feet." What an amazing opportunity to be the hands and feet of God in a lost community! These are the people Jesus would hang out with if He were here.

2. I was driving to a dr,'s appointment when I passed a strip mall. The largest sign was for a gentlemen's club (aka strip club). In the grass in front of the strip mall, there was a female maniquin in a sweatsuit. It had no head. I am sure it was meant to advertise some other store in the strip mall, but I thought "that pretty much sums it up, huh?" A strip club does to women what that maniquin implies...a body with no head...personality...feelings. hhhmmmm

3. Allergy skin tests hurt!!!! I got like 100 shots today. If that is an exaggretation, it is only a slight one. I am so sore.

4. Two of my favorite people joined facebook this week. My best friend from 8th grade, Christee, and a new dear friend, Shannan. I love connecting with people even if social networks seem impersonal.

5. Not sure if this is bloggable or not, but T is lucky he made it out of this week alive. He has been in a funk. Quarrelsome and disjointed. I think things are going on in his brain that aren't bloggable. Pray for him!

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

1. Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

2. Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

3. O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

So I am a contemporary worship kind of girl. I like modern praise and worship, but you can't deny the power of the words of some hymns. Whoever wrote Great is Thy Faithfulness or Holy, Holy, Holy or Victory in Jesus...man, those guys knew how to praise! So, yesterday driving to church I heard a beautiful version of Come Thou Fount I was mesmerized.

The line that I couldn't get out of my head was "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love" Wow. Isn't that how we feel so much of the time? What is interesting is the deeper you get with God the more you feel the tendency to wander. When we first meet Christ and begin the process of becoming more like him everyday, it is easy to make a list of the things that we need to stop doing (maybe not so easy to actually stop). When we rid ourselves of obvious sin, He doesn't stop expecting us to change. That is when He gets into our business and asks us to really commit to being completely Christ-like. Even nominal Christians will stop drinking or using foul language or whatever. It is hard to transform or renew our minds...our thoughts and feelings... The 'prone to wander' feelings become as much sin as the act. Jesus says that adultery is committed when we lust and murder when we hate. What sin my thoughts have gotten me into! UGH!
But this hymn is so obviously about victory. When I heard the song on the radio (SpiritFM), I was so struck but the one line that I didn't get that at first. I had decided to share my thoughts on that one line so I looked up the lyrics to the rest of the song. They are profound. What an amazing prayer. "Tune my heart to sing Your grace." Can you imagine a heart filled with the grace of God? "Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise." When you truly examine the mercy freely given without end...if you aren't praising, you don't get it (the big picture, not the mercy. He freely offers that to all of us - just one reason to praise). "Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood." The greatest display of our sweet Savior's love. "Let that grace now like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee." Grace is what allows us to be loved by a holy God. Isn't it amazing...truly awesome that He knows us intimately and still wants anything to do with us. He knows that we are prone to wander even though we love Him. What a God we serve!

My heart longs to be more faithful. My head knows I won't be. I love Him so much for loving me anyway.

You do all things well.

Goodness, I needed encouragement today about what is going on in our country. I cried taking my son to school when I saw a bunch of Obama supporters (I had a very stress-filled day so the crying may have been a by-product of those things but still). I just cried out to God. My exact words were "You can fix this. You can change this. Make this turn out right."

I just checked the Living Proof Ministries blog - like I do at least twice a day. Thank you Lord for providing the encouragement I needed. I have been reminded so often in the past few weeks how present God is in our lives. He sees us. He knows. Here is what I read:


Psalm 118:24

A few things I'm so thankful for on this election day, regardless of the outcome:

*We live in a democracy where we have the right to a vote and a voice. We have the God-given responsibility to use both wisely and in the way that best reflects what God conveys through Scripture.

*God "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" and "according to the plan." Ephesians 1:11

*Not only does God work out everything in conformity with His will, He has promised to work out everything for the GOOD of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

*God sets up kings and deposes them and gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21

*We, the beautifully diverse family of God, are never - not at any time - powerless. Nor are we ever victims of a system. Believing prayer takes us through doors we'll never be invited to enter and into judges chambers we'll never grace. Take a look back at Genesis 18 once again with astonishment over the dialogue between God and His servant and friend, Abraham. Rejoice that God is ever mindful of a faithful remnant. The Judge of the Earth will always do right.

*Even if persecution should await believers in Christ or harrowing circumstances hound us, God will use hardship to bring unity and purity to a people who need it desperately. The best of circumstances do not always produce the best in the Bride of Christ.

*The living God is firmly established upon His Throne and there at His holy feet we can always find grace and mercy in our time of need.

*No matter what happens today, we are GOD'S elect. He has elected us to show His heart and to walk in His ways in the culture that surrounds us. We are called to walk in the challenging balance of grace and truth.

May we be filled with Christ's Spirit today and our mouths given to praise and to believing, receiving prayer. God IS faithful and He has us firmly in His hand. We will not fear. We will not doubt. We will not hate.

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

I remain your servant,
Beth

I am so reminded of the fact that He does all things well. It calls me to praise.

Life After Church

SO, I am reading the book Life After Church. It is written by Brian Sanders whom I know and very much respect. He was on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship while I was involved first as member and then as a student leader. Some of his teaching from 10 years ago, not only do I still remember, but it still affects my walk with the Lord. I would definitely say he thinks out of the box. He is a profoundly moving speaker...one of my favorites and I have heard many. He is thought-provoking and in love with Jesus. I am trying to say that I would put myself under his teaching in a heartbeat. In fact, I did. Troy ordered the book to read through with Justin and as soon as the box arrived at the church, I stole one copy...(it helps to work in the church office...I will get it back for Justin soon.)
The premise of the book is that there are people who hunger for Christ who feel called to leave the church. He was one of them. He is affirming that call. He is offering hope to people who feel it necessary to pursue Christ outside of the current church culture.
So, I am about half way through the book and just like a close mutual friend described...it is very Brian. My problem with it then is I love the church. Not just my church. I love church. I have been part of bad churches...ones Brian would say are better off people-less. I am currently part of an amazingly healthy, good church that I love. I just don't find myself agreeing with him on the issues that leavers have. I guess that just makes me not a leaver. Brian says that leavers leave because they want deep teaching, or questions answered, or feel irrelevant. He says people want purpose and need to feel like when they give, it is used by God. Maybe being married to a minister helps because I am heard (whether my husband likes it or not). But I think also a lot of the reasons Brian mentions that people leave could be avoided if you find a healthy church and get involved. Join a small group. Come to Sunday School. Help with the homeless or with the food pantry.
I am looking forward to the hope in his book. I can't wait to finish it.

Personality Test

I took a personality test on Facebook. Here's my results. *Grain of salt, people - this is a Dr. Phil test!

Lively Center of Attention

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not one to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

A Special Moment

I am all about Beloved Disciple right now!

Beth is talking about Jesus appearing to the disciples in the upper room after the resurrection. Picture this:

Somehow I imagine young John's eyebrows pinned to his hairline, eyes as big as saucers. I think he probably froze until the love of Christ melted him like butter. I wonder if he broke out in such a toothy grin that Jesus wanted to laugh.

We read the Bible with such a reverent detachment. It is interesting to really imagine these scenes as they might have happened.

I chuckle as I think about this scene because I can imagine it so clearly now. My mind automatically thinks about how often I have seen something similar with my dad and my children. Papaw will show Abigail, Nathanael, or Ian something they have never seen or done before. Their amazement is palpable, and he just chuckles. It warms my heart to think Jesus had those kind of dear moments.

Abby

Two Fridays ago we went to a publishing party for Abby's class...

Abby: Do you want me to show you the boy I have a crush on?

Troy and I look at each other.

Troy: Sure.

Abby: His name is Tyler. He's over there. He has been in second grade 2 times. That is why he is a little bit taller than everyone else. He must really like second grade.

Troy and I look at each other....

Troy: Abby...

Kelly: Maybe you should find a new boy to like.


SO TODAY...

Abby gets in the van after school.

Abby: I found a new boy to like. His name is David.

Kelly: Good. I think.


Anybody know where we can get a time machine to skip the teenage years?

Beloved

So, I am having a really difficult month. Basically, wondering what God is up to...why hasn't He shown Himself mighty in my situation yet...

I am desperately trying to KNOW HIM in this time. Today, while doing some homework in Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore, I read this.

THE HEART OF THE BELOVED

John remained nearby Jesus, whether his leader was on the mount of transfiguration or in the depths of Gethsemane's suffering...

We cannot claim to know anyone intimately whom we've not known in the intensity of both agony and elation. Anyone with eyes willing to truly behold Jesus will at times be confused and shocked by what she sees. You see, if we're willing to be taken to the extreme of His glory where we gain intimate knowledge, we will undoubtedly see Him in situations that we cannot explain and that sometimes disturb. Then comes the question: Will we walk away from Jesus when our human understanding sees Him look weak and defeated? Do you know what I mean by that question?
What will we do when we can't explain what Jesus is doing? Will we remain nearby when He doesn't stop a tragedy? Based on earthly evidence, human reasoning concludes that He is either mean or weak. Think, Beloved, about what I am saying. Will we cling when our human reasoning implies that evil has defeated Him? Or that evil seems to be found in Him? Will we stand by faith when human logic says to run?
That's what will make us different.

Beloved Disciple is about the apostle John. She is teaching about what he saw at the crucifiction. He went with Jesus through as much of the difficult night leading up to His death as possible. He went further than any other disciple and was probably younger than all of them. We can read the account of the crucifiction with a bit of distance...really, with a lot of distance. We love and know Jesus, but we didn't "know" him. We can picture the horror that happened to Jesus, but we didn't watch it. But we do know the whoosh of pain that weighs us down in sudden tragedy. Can you imagine...your best friend, mentor, leader being betrayed by another friend, arrested by a mob, tried, convicted, beaten beyond recognition, and brutally killed in the span of a mere day? Me either. But I know what means for Jesus to ask me to follow Him through pain...fear...despair...sorrow. I know what its like to think "WHAT is going on here? Where are You?" Beth says that John, like Caleb in the Old Testament, had a "different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly" (Num. 14:24). Both John and Caleb had a human spirit that made them unique. They had a spirit to follow Jesus anywhere.

The struggle for me is wanting a spirit like that...intellectually, I know it is what I want. But if I ask for a spirit willing to follow in pain does that mean Jesus will take me on the path straight to it? Truth is pain/fear/despair/sorrow will come. Life just happens...sometimes we make life painful with our sin...sometimes we are not at fault. If trials will come...and they will (James 1:2 and many more promise that) the only way to survive much less consider them joy...is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. I want to know Him intimately. Goodness, I love my Savior...even now. Especially now.

You know your too busy when...

We sat down to dinner tonight. Ian gets up to the table and looks at Troy and I. He says "So, which one of you has Bible study tonight?" hhmmmm.... We at least get points for being in Bible study, right?

Ian

Ian: Mom do you remember when I got stung by a bee?

me: I do. It hurt a lot.

Ian: But God healed me.

me: Yes, He did and it doesn't hurt anymore.

Ian: Nope. Do you know why God healed me?

me: Why?

Ian: Because He is my God.

Precious.

Title

So, we are still working on a title that fits both of us and the things we are likely to blog about....suggestions?

What! What!

So the current phrase going around our house is not "dude" or "seriously" or "whatever" or "butt stinkin'" or "are you kidding me" as it has been in the past... but 'someone' has taken up the phrase "What! What!" And the phrase is not a questioning statement... but a from the hood 'What What' as an exclamation.
I do not understand.
Seriously, whatever. I don't get it. I am not even sure when to shout 'What What.' Dude, I don't even know what it means. I think the other phrases we use are butt stinkin' awesome and should not be replaced by these new fangled phrases. I like the old ones. "True that!"

A Great Reminder

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, The LPM Blog, and found this excerpt from the book Devotions for a Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas in the blog called Marriage Vitamins by Amanda Jones.

From "A Soul Filled with God" on p. 9:

Personal worship is an absolute necessity for a strong marriage. It comes down to this: If I stop receiving from God, I start demanding from others. Instead of appreciating and loving and serving others, I become disappointed in them. Instead of cherishing my wife, I become aware of her shortcomings. I take out my frustrations with a less-than-perfect life and somehow blame her for my lack of fulfillment.

But when my heart gets filled by God's love and acceptance, I'm set free to love instead of worrying about being loved. I'm motivated to serve instead of becoming obsessed about whether I'm being served. I'm moved to cherish instead of feeling unappreciated.

I am by no means an expert on marriage (just ask T), but this definitely speaks to what I know about God. He created us for relationships but wants us to choose Him above all else. I know that I have always found it be true that if Troy and I are having problems, one or both of us is having an issue with God. I know that one of my greatest struggles is putting my husband second to God. I adore my husband but, without a doubt, if I seek to find my worth in him, he will do something that disappoints or hurts me. When I seek to find my worth in Christ, I can offer Troy complete support, encouragement and love. hhhmmmm....I guess, just like everything in life, marriage works best when "personal worship" or filling your life with Christ comes first.

Identity Crisis

SO, I am having an identity crisis caused by....wait for it....wait for it...New Kids on the Block. I still like them...or like them again or whatever.

I was a ridiculous fan back in the day. I had enough posters on my wall to be considered wallpaper. All the tapes...yep, tapes. Really, I was RIDICULOUS. My mom will tell you that when we moved from Germany back to the States during my New Kids phase, I would not allow my posters to be shipped for fear of damage or going to long without looking at them or whatever. So, I put them in a duffel bag...probably thousands of them...it was so heavy. I dragged the duffel bag through airports and took it as my one carry-on for a 10 hour flight. My friend's family and my family drove 4 hours to see them in concert in Munich (my brother is cringing at the memory).

So, now that I have put behind me my somewhat embarrassing youthful obsession, they decided to reunite. I am deciding which one is...well, back then, it was cutest (I was a Jon fan)...now, it is hottest (kind of digging Danny...what a body...and the tats, yum) again. I can't get Summertime out of my head. In fact, I really like all the new music. Looking back at old pictures of them, they look goofy...but have you seen pics of them now...goofy is not the word that comes to mind.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?!?! I am an adult...a grown woman. Women do not like boy bands. **groans**

Hurdles

So, now we are on to the track and field events, and Troy and I have been enjoying the women's 100m hurdles. We felt bad for Lolo. The men's 100m hurdles started tonight. Now, the women maybe hit two hurdles in all of the races combined. The men hit at least two hurdles each in every race. They were knocking them all down and I just thought...isn't that just like a man...trying to run right through something instead of doing it the most efficient way...the right way...like the women!!!!

Troy's opinion of why the men had difficulty was far more...well, Troy-like. He mentioned that men have...equipment or appendages down near the hurdle jumping area that probably hit the hurdles...I hope not...for their sake.

Hollywood Nice Guys

This was on yahoo news today. I thought I would share it because it is a side of Hollywood we don't often see.




The late Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda was spotted skipping along the streets of NYC yesterday with her mom Michelle Williams in the cutest pink sundress. Every time I see a photo of the 2-year-old I can't believe how much she looks like her dad. He definitely lives on through her.

As most of you probably know, Heath was filming Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" at the time of his death. Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell stepped in to complete Heath's role, playing different versions of his character "Tim."

When the three actors learned that Ledger's will had not been updated to include his daughter, the generous trio decided to donate all the money they earned from the film to little Matilda!

It's good to know that there are a few nice guys in Hollywood.

Too Much Excitement for One Weekend.

So, besides the scheduled big events of this weekend...like meet the teacher on Friday, Women of Faith all weekend (amazing), or the first day of school (great). We had a few unscheduled surprises.
First, on Friday after meet the teacher, we headed to Target to get a few things off of the kid's teacher's wish lists. Troy and Nate dropped off Abby, Ian and I to shop while Nate got his haircut across the street. With Ian in my cart and Abby pushing her own cart right behind me, we headed down the main drag. All of a sudden two men come running down the aisle, one on each side of my cart. Abby had the aisle blocked right behind me so one of the men could not get through. So they begin to play a cat and mouse game around my cart. The man being chased turned to go the other way as a Target employee and a police officer round the corner. They box the guy in and tazer him right in front of us as the guy screams curse words....seriously...with my kids there. Abby is saying look at the bad man...loudly. Ian's eyes are as big as saucers. We went down an aisle to get away from the situation but could still hear the police officer yelling at the man to put his hands up and the guy shouting curse words back. Then my cell phone is going off and it is Troy wondering why there are six police cars and an ambulance outside of Target...well, honey, a funny thing happened while shopping for school supplies... Turns out the guy was stealing car stereos.
Then on Monday as I was waiting outside West Shore Elem. for the kids to be released from school, I was bit several times by fire ants. As I was driving home, my body started to tingle and my vision went blurry. I got tunnel vision and couldn't see to drive. My stomach and head hurt and I couldn't breathe. I told Abby to call Troy to meet us at home and prayed like crazy that we would make it. He pulled in right after us. (He said later that I did not want to know how he made it home from the church, but he didn't pull in right after us. Apparently, I was passed out in the car when he pulled up. When I thought he was pulling in, he was really getting his keys that he left in the car so he could get me into the house to call 911. He couldn't find my keys because I had turned off the car and dropped them.) I couldn't really get out of the car but, because I am stubborn and my kids were freaking out, I tried to walk into the house. I passed out right inside the front door. Troy called 911 and paramedics stayed until the acute reaction was over. I opted not to go to the hospital in an ambulance but was talked into going to see my doctor by my parents and husband. They checked to make sure it was just a reaction to the ant bites and not my heart (it was the ants). Now my body has to recover from the stress and I need to make an appointment with an allergist to get an epi pen.
You know, life can get crazy. Both of these situations could have had very different endings...what if endings...
What if the thief had had a gun? What if he had grabbed Abby or Ian? What if I had gone completely blind while driving? What if Troy had gotten in an accident coming to my rescue?
We don't often see God's protection so clearly or have such tangible reasons to praise. Thank You, Father, for Your love, grace, protection and presence. Thank You. Praise You.

First Day of School

So, it is the first day of school for all three Borst babies for the first time. I volunteered at the church until Ian was finished, which helped a lot with nerves. Abigail is in second grade. Nathanael is in first grade. Ian is starting pre-shcool. I am really happy with the kid's teachers. Abby has Nate's teacher from last year, who we loved with Nate and think is just what she needs after a rough year last year. Nathanael did not get Abby's teacher from last year, which is so important. I was able to talk to Nate's teacher for awhile on Friday. I really like her, but she is pregnant and leaving in October. Nathanael does not do well with change, but I am confident that this can be a great chance to see that change can be smooth and good. Ian is just ready. We really like where we have him, and he had a great first day. I hope this is a great start to a fantastic year.

Quote of the week:

The boys were excited about school...but Abby...not so much.

Abby: Mom, have you heard of something called home school.

Me: uuhh, yeah

Abby: I want to be home schooled so I can sleep-in.

yeah...I'll get right on that...

US Olympians

We have noticed that the number of American Olympians is not exactly accurate. There is Team USA and then all the people who live and train in the US but compete for other countries. We feel that as Americans we deserve to be compensated for their accomplishments in some way. Our suggestions: Yao Ming can mow our yard, Kirsty Coventry can take our kids to the pool, the US should always host the Olympics, Sammie Sanchez can teach Nate and Ian how to ride a bike, every four years we can invade any country we want and make it a state =P, all Americans can attend the Olympics for free...or at least just give us an accurate medal count.

I had a reminder from God today.

I love this song and have not heard it in awhile. I heard it today. It's message just speaks to my heart.

I Will Lift My Eyes
Written by Bebo Norman and Jason Ingram

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me

'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now

© 2006 Appstreet Music (ASCAP) / New Spring (ASCAP). All rights for the world on behalf of Appstreet Music (ASCAP) administered by New Spring (ASCAP). / Peertunes, Ltd./GrangeHill Music/J Ingram (SESAC)

Look at her face!!!

Can I just say that there is a point at which you just have to stop?!!!?! I am talking about plastic surgery. There are some actresses (particularly on soaps) who look awful in the attempt to look younger. And it's not like we can't tell they have had worked done. Their faces may not have wrinkles but they can't hardly talk, much less smile. Their lips stick out, their foreheads don't move. Their cheekbones are in unnatural places. The saddest part is they used to be gorgeous women. They definitely didn't need to do it.

Logos Team Challenge

So, in our Logos Team we are reading "Good to Great in God's Eyes: 10 practices Great Christians Have in Common" by Chip Ingram. Chapter one is called "Think Great Thoughts." That is going to take awhile...hhmmm...yeah. Chapter two I can do. I am all over "Read Great Books." Our Logos Team leader and my wonderful (today, anyway) husband challenged us to at least start a great book, and he had some that he thinks are great to choose from. I didn't need him to tell me Tozer was great...but I have never read anything by him because as Troy puts it people like A.W. Tozer and Watchman Nee are "jumping in the deep end." I originally thought I would just continue to plug through Beth and "Get Out of That Pit," but never one to back down from a challenge (that's not totally true...I will definitely back down if I don't want to do it). Anyway, I decided to tackle "The Knowledge of the Holy" because both Troy and Chip (in his book) recommend it.

I have only read the preface (Logos was yesterday!), but I am already very intrigued. In the preface, Tozer makes these statements:

"The Church has surendered her once lofty concept of God and substituted it for one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshipping men."

"The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils everywhere among us."

"With our loss of the sense of majesty has come the further loss of religious awe and consciousness of the divine."

WOW! Tozer believes the church lacks reverence and awe of God....and he wrote this in the 60s. Can you imagine what he would think of today's church? You don't even have to get too awfully emergent to see people dressed down, tardy or talking in worship. I'm not bashing...I'm guilty of all three. Can you imagine Tozer at a church that has "centers" and making a collage for Christ? Yikes! I am all about fun...but don't we sometimes lack respect for Who and why we worship? What if our sanctuary was just that...a sanctuary where the Spirit fell freely and was felt by all? I love being challenged in how I view God. I can't wait to continue to expand my knowledge of the Holy.

The apple of His eye

I love when God shows Himself as the answer to all of our questions. He will make His way know if you look for it. Like He did for me today.

There are two mini-background stories you need to know to understand what happened today. First, like I have said I spent Friday night and Saturday listening to Beth Moore speak. One of the things she said was that she really believes in reading Scripture first thing in the morning. I understand the idea that we start the day with God if we read His Word first thing, but I am soooo not a morning person. I barely function before 9:00. But in an effort to apply one of the many things I learned this weekend, I began my day reading Scripture. Second, there happens to be a couple of situations in my life right now that are causing me issues. They are situations that only peripherally involve me...basically, because they more immediately involve people I love. The issue that I am having is that some people just need to be yelled at because they are being selfish and stupid and are just flat wrong. So running through my head is all the things I want to say to these people who desperately need to be verbally slapped. So, last night I was talking to Troy about where Jesus says that you have committed adultery as soon as you lust and murder as soon as you are angry. I wondered if that meant I might as well say everything since I was already sinning by thinking it. My wise husband was barely listening because he has a crazy busy schedule this weekend that has him wiped out.

Finally...the reason for the blog. I had no plan for where to start reading the Word this morning. Though not commenting on the method one way or another, I just flipped open the Bible. This is what I read...
Psalm 17
1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.

15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.


Amazing. I don't know what it says to you (because God's Word is like that...living and active). But for me, today, it says leave it to God. Do what is right in His eyes. Let no sin come from your mouth (it matters if you say it - which was my tired husband's response - but don't tell him he was right!!). And I am the apple of His eye. Fabulous.

Beth Moore Simulcast

So, this weekend we hosted the Living Proof Live simulcast at our church. I am still processing all that I learned from Beth and will (hopefully) blog about that soon.
Here's what I learned while heading up this thing...Trust God to do His part. I had so many worries while planning this thing. Will anyone come? Will we be able to provide an experience that people will enjoy and enable us to do things like this in the future? Can we feel like we are part of what is happening at the live event? Will worship be the same? Will the women feel comfortable in their worship? Will they give to our mission? WILL YOU REALLY BE THERE GOD? Just tons of questions.
Did it go exactly as I planned or imagined...? Nope. But God was faithful...as usual. He was there and hearts were changed. I can say that with certainty because mine was. Isn't that why we did it?
It is beautiful to know that God is sailing the ship...even if we try to grab the wheel.

Friendships

You know, I serve a God of restoration. I am glad that I do. I am glad that friendships can be restored. My mom used to tell my brother and I (usually when we were arguing) that friends would come and go, but we would always be family. The church is a family. We go through things that, sometimes, aren't pretty. But we will always be family. We are all the children of God. A God of restoration.
Speaking of restored friendships...
I am in the nursery on Wednesday nights with a fun toddler...usually, it is just us. We often struggle with whose job it is to pick up the blocks that he has dumped all over. This happened a few weeks ago...

Jeremy: "Miss Kelly, I'm dirty."

Me: "Okay, let's change you."

Jeremy: "I've got to put it in the toilet."

Me: "Um, no"

Jeremy: "That's what I do at my house."

Me: "Well, this is God's house."

Jeremy: "He needs to come clean up the blocks then."

Nice...

Worship...AI Style?

I hope this works...




I hope this works...
So, I don't watch American Idol which is why this is seriously late...but in my exploration of MyChurch, I saw that youtube video of some AI finalists singing Shout to the Lord. It really is beautiful. And because I don't watch AI, I can't pretend to know anything about all the people singing, but I imagine they are not all believers. Some probably have mentioned faith in the packages you watch before they sing...like I said I don't watch it. But it is probably a safe bet to say that most of them learned the song to perform it.
That made me consider the difference between performing a song and worshipping. If you have seen it (on the show or here on my blog - hopefully), the setting was amazing...a full choir in a huge auditorium. The capacity for a moment of beautiful offering to our Lord is huge. But I wonder what He heard. The Word says that He inhabits the praises of His people but what if the people praising aren't His?
I hope that all of you have experienced worship inhabited by God. It is by far my favorite experience in this life. But I have also witnessed "worship" not motivated by a heart filled with love for the Lord. "Worship" that is not about the worthiness of God but about the voice of the person singing. It just seems hollow. If I am honest, sometimes, when it comes to worship, I am just singing...and in the process missing out on an opportunity to tell my Father that He is worthy because He always is.
I guess I am not putting the AI performance in one category or the other. It just made me think about worship. Jesus says that worship should happen in Spirit and in truth. But sometimes I think God just hears a pretty song.

God's love does not depend on you keeping the rules...?

So, I am quote-ish-ing (which means it was something close to that but maybe not word for word) a sermon from two weeks ago that I did not hear but my husband did. (I actually heard the sermon later and John did not say it that time.) Anyway, the idea of rules is an ongoing discussion between Troy and I. We disagree (usually peacefully) about whether or not God has rules.
If you know us at all, you may have figured out where each of us falls in the debate...you may have even heard (or taken part in) one of our discussions on the subject. I think that God has a way of life that we can choose or not. If we choose His way, we should remain in that way. Troy thinks that God has a list of Dos and Don'ts. I think that when you understand grace and freedom in Christ seeing that the Word points out the way to experience abundant life and following out of love for Him is easy. Troy thinks that God has standards that we must/should try to keep.
John's statement interests me because it doesn't really confirm either side. While it does mention rules, it implies that it is not necessary to keep them. The more I turn it over in my mind the more it makes me want to agree with Troy. (don't get too excited, T) Here's the thing...God will love you if you keep the rules or not. His Word says that He died for us when we were still sinners. But His acceptance certainly comes after we follow some guidelines...steps...boundaries...rules He has decided upon. We must do something to be accepted. Repent, believe, confess, baptize...whether you believe you must do some or all of those, you have to agree you must do something. Beyond choosing Him once, you must continue to daily pick up your cross and follow to remain in Him. So, does following Him mean following the rules...?

the discussion continues

Soap Opera God

(I guess that by writing this I am admitting to watching a soap opera. I do. The best one on TV according to the Daytime Emmys tonight, in fact. Anyway...)
So, has anyone ever noticed that soap characters only talk to or about God when something tragic has happened? Sometimes, I am proud that they mention Him at all. Mostly I think, I hope I am not like that...a sometimes or specific times follower. Isn't the key to a relationship continuity? How can I claim a relationship with someone I don't meet up with? Why would I go to a stranger in my highs or lows?
My favorite verse (it is hard to write that because there is so much good stuff in God's Word) is Psalms 63:3 "Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You." I know that I need God all the time. I hope that I glorify Him all the time. Sometimes, it is just easier to glorify Him. Just like sometimes it is easier to cry out to Him. When things are hard, it is easy to see that His love is better than life but not always easy to glorify or praise Him. On the other hand, sometimes when things are hard, we can't see His love and may even doubt that it is there. When things are good it is easy to praise Him but harder to remember that no matter how "good" life is His love is better. And sometimes when things are good, we forget to praise Him or give Him credit altogether. I love this verse because I easily see the need for consistency in it.
What I hope is true in my life is I always know and trust that He loves me...that I understand that His love is perfect and focused on me in all situations...that He walks with me through the bad and is the source of the good. If you truly understand those absolute truths, you have no choice. The only response is praise. I have no choice but to glorify Him.

Marriage...

You know, I have been considering why it works between Troy and I. We have had plenty of good reasons to quit, but we haven't. So I wondered why? We are approaching our 10th wedding anniversary, and I love him more than ever.
I think the beauty of marriage is in it's design. The Creator of marriage knew what He was doing. He created marriage to be a partnership that mirrors the relationship we find in Christ. The idea of becoming one flesh is to teach us about living with the Spirit. It is about compromise and change. I am not the same person I was 10 years ago...or even 2 or 3. My marriage reflects that. I constantly learn to mold myself to fit better with this man. Hopefully, my relationship with Christ is also constantly molding me into a better fit to be with Him...which is nothing short of perfection.
I think the Creator also knew our need for intimacy. This is what I have been considering most lately. God (that is the Creator!) longs for an intimate relationship with us but to participate in that we must understand it. I find that I desire intimacy most with Troy when he is spreading himself thin...when lots of people need him. In a room full of people, I ache to be with my husband...just to be with him. I don't know if that is jealousy or pride, but I love that after a busy Sunday, he comes home to me. This week is VBS. Troy is busy...lots of people are looking to him. I like knowing that I know him best and he knows me...it is a special connection. No one can penetrate our oneness. That makes me wonder about the ways that I allow things to come between myself and the Spirit. Do I long for intimacy with God the way that I do with my husband? Do I allow Him to know me from the inside out? Do I really want to know Him that way? If you truly consider the intimacy that a relationship with God can be...that He wants your relationship to be...it is astounding.

It constantly amazes me that when you really try to do this the way God intended....it works. Does that sound dumb? That I would be amazed when the Creator of the universe has the best way to live in it. It makes you wonder why so many people don't see it...

Dumbest Thing I've Heard Lately

So, I am watching Tori & Dean: Inn Love...yeah, I don’t know...anyway, they are redoing a Bed and Breakfast. They are actually doing a lot of the work for themselves (well, he is...she is 22 months pregnant). SO, Dean is doing a project in the yard and spots a paparazzi and calls the cops. Tori comes looking for him because they have to go somewhere, and he is all mad about the paps. He sees another one and chases them off of the property. She is obviously more used to it.

Anyway, they do an interview and he says this: "We moved up here to get away from the constant scrutiny"

They have a reality show where cameras follow them all the time...yep, there is no scrutiny there. Here’s your sign...

Mommy Survey

1. AGES?
6, 5, 4

2. Names
Abigail Jo, Nathanael Marc, Ian Jeremiah

3. Birthday?
A - 3/17, N - 6/27, I - 10/27

4. Time of birth?
A - 10:26pm, N - 7:47am, I - 1:42pm

5. How long did labor last?
With Abby, I got to the hospital at about 2 and we had a C-section around 10:30. None for the other 2

6. Who was in the room when baby was born?
Troy

7. How long did you push?
none

8. Weight?
A - 7lbs 10oz, N - 7lbs 15oz, and I - 8lbs 2oz

9. Length?
I think all 3 were 21"

10. Any hair?
I think they all had some

11. Who does baby look like?
Abby- blend, Nate- my dad, Ian - Troy

12. Be honest...how much weight did you gain while pregnant?
60lbs with Abby and 12 for each of the boys

13. Was baby early or late?
Early for all of them

14. Who drove you home from the hospital?
Troy, always

15. How many baby showers did you have?
I have had 5 in all.

16. When did baby start sleeping through the night?
I honestly don't remember. Abby took the longest, though.

17. Did you breastfeed?
for the first two

18. Who keeps your baby the most?
Troy or I...I guess me

19. When do you wanna have another?
never

20. How did you pick the name?
Abigail and Nathanael are from the Bible and their middle names are family names. We knew what we were having and picked them long in advance. We also loved their meanings. (Abigail - the Father's joy, Nathanael - given by God) With Ian we didn't know what we were having so Troy had a napkin in his pocket in the operating room with our top 3 names for each sex. We had decided them on the way to the hospital. When he was born, I just knew. Ian Jeremiah means "God is gracious" (Ian) and "He is exalted" (Jeremiah). So it was like God is exalted for His grace and I can't think of a better reason to praise. So I told Troy in the operating room. My mom was waiting. When Troy and the baby were brought out, she asked his name and Troy said "Kelly says Ian Jeremiah, but she is on a lot of medication so we'll see." We firmed it up in recovery.

21. How did you know when it was time to go to hospitaI?
My water broke with Abby while we were out shopping. But it wasn't like the gush in the movies it was more like I couldn't control my bladder. Finally, I figured it out and we went but even the nurses weren't sure. They had to use some chemical paper to tell. The other two were scheduled C-sections.

22. Did you go home or somewhere else when you left the hospital?
Home

23. Anyone spend the night with you first night home?
Troy and my parents

24. Did you cry the first time you held your baby?
teary sure but not cry...it was awhile after they were born before I could hold any of them.

25. Who cut the cord?
The doctors?

26. Where was the baby born?
A & N were in Greenville, TN at Laughlin and I was in PA at Williamsport

27. Did you video tape the birth?
nope-- before and after but not during

28. Was it the first time you had to change a diaper?
nope

29. How did you like those ice chips?
didn't have any

30.C Section or vag. birth?
C Sections

31. What drugs did you get for the pain?
I had spinals for all three.

32. Did you scream?
no reason to...I did when they were pushing the blood clots out after the surgery. That hurts. With Abby they came in at like 5:30 to do it and it was the first time so I did not realize the pain they were about to inflict on me. Troy was asleep on a roll away next to me and when I screamed he shot up in the air from a dead sleep. It was awesome.

33. Did you let the nurses keep the baby in the nursery?
On and off during the night I did. Especially with Ian because I didn't breast feed and Troy wasn't allowed to stay in the hospital with me so I couldn't get him if he did cry because I couldn't move because of the C-section.

34. Post Partum?
nope...maybe some baby blues but nothing serious

Interesting (borrowed from a friend)

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the following straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .

Easier?

The lesson:The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.

It's already tomorrow in Australia

Charles Schultz