Life Is For Service

Well, here I am, back in Texas! I enjoyed my trip back to the land of my nativity, but man, was it rushed! I tried to post from Arkansas, but we were so busy, I just couldn't take the time to do it. I also did a lousy job of getting photos of anyone! I kept leaving my camera in the van, and it was pouring down rain nearly the entire time we were home! I did get to enjoy the crisp mornings and the gorgeous colors that have come to typify autumn. It was great!
The preaching was good- but long! With two preachers in the evenings, we didn't get out of church until 11:00 or later. That was hard! Laci got sick on Wednesday night, so I missed the morning services on Thursday (when Terry got to preach!) and the evening services. We made it in late Friday night and Saturday was our ladies fellowship. I had to take Laci to the ER on Sunday morning, because she got a terrible rash (it's better now) and I found out she has another ear infection! (Help, LORD!) She may need tubes. We would appreciate your prayers for her. We're really worn out, and she is too! :(
Mrs. Laurie Hall, missionary wife to Kenya, Africa, spoke to our ladies on Saturday, and it was such a blessing! She gave her salvation testimony and then shared a devotional thought from Psalm 37. She then answered our questions about Kenya. I got to have her family up to our house on Sat. night, Sunday, and Monday. It was so nice to get to fellowship with her. Her boys are 17 and 15 and are so kind. They have very good attitudes. I asked Laurie if they did anything extra to ensure that the boys stay close to the Lord and she said they have always taught the boys their motto "Life is for service." I thought that was great. That's our new family motto! I want my children to be servants! I want them to serve God, and to serve others. God didn't give us life so we could become rich, or famous, or leaders of the free world, but simply to serve. She was such a blessing to me, and Bro. Hall was a big encouragement to Terry.
We believe the way up is down, and that's how we plan to live. Jesus stooped down to wash the disciples' feet, and he stooped down from Heaven to save my wicked soul! I think I'll just spend my life "stooping down" to serve others as He leads me. After all, as Laurie Hall says, "Life is for service!" And she's right!

Do We Have to Rub Elbows?

We head out tomorrow afternoon for Arkansas - also known as HOME SWEET HOME!! I still have to pack for all of us, so I'll be brief. I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again. I'll try to post from Arkansas. I have several photos to upload, but I'll have to get on that when I get home.
I am planning on getting some photos of friends and family this week to share with you.
It will be really great to hear so many wonderful preachers and singers at the camp meeting this week. I am so tired of Christians rubbing elbows with the world and calling it "Christ like". Why do we have to get closer and closer to the world? Why can't we all just live by the Bible? I'm not perfect at all, but I try to be oh-so-careful when it comes to music, television, clothing and even this little thing I'm using now - the Internet! The devil wants to destroy our testimonies. I want to keep my guard up, and I hope you do too. One way I do that is by submerging myself in good, sound Bible teaching and preaching! That's what I'll be doing this next week, Lord willing. I'll be hearing some great men of God (who haven't started rubbing elbows with the world). They include: Dr. Don Green, Dr. Jack Thompson, Dr. Tom Wallace and many others. These men may not be "in style"(to the world) with their clothes or music, but they know God's Word and they live it, and that will never be out of style to me! I'll take the "old paths"- they're tried and true!

I Had Some Prayers Answered!

Well, it's been a red letter week! I am reminded of I Thess.5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Easy to type, hard to do! I mean, we all love to thank Him for safety, good health, good finances, souls saved, etc. But it's hard to thank Him when we are ill, we're in a car wreck, we're broke, no one is getting saved despite faithfully going soul winning, and so forth.
This week we were in a revival meeting. We didn't see anyone get saved, we didn't have to put out chairs for attendance, and our neighbor churches of like faith didn't come out to support us. (Back home, we would go to a revival in a nearby church of like faith to offer support. After all, we're all on the same team! Aren't we?) We felt let down. We'd prayed all week for the Lord to send lost people that would be saved. We were faithful and all of one accord but He said "no", for now. We are not quitting! We will not stop soul winning, singing, smiling and living a life that is Christ honoring! I want to thank the Lord for having His way this past week. Was it what I wanted? No. Was it what He wanted? YES! This is His church, and we are following Him, so He surely did have His way, and I'm glad!
I went to the dentist on Wednesday to have my teeth cleaned and examined. I prayed that the Lord would please not let me have any cavities, or expensive work that needed to be done. But, I had a bad feeling about my teeth, so my prayer had some doubt in it. Again, God said "no". The dentist presented to me so many things that had to be fixed that I had to fight back the tears! I don't have insurance, and in case you didn't know, I'm not financially wealthy. I am wealthy in many, many other ways though! One way is that I am saved. That's enough right there! But it doesn't stop there, I am blessed by Him everyday! So I can say "Thank you". This teeth thing is a set back, but I'm going to keep praying and waiting on God to use this for good. Romans 8:28 applies to teeth too, you know! :)
The bottom line: I had some prayers answered this week! I hear you saying "But, uh, Valerie they weren't answered! Your revival didn't go the way you'd asked and you had tons of problems with your teeth!" You're right! But "no" still qualifies as an answer! God answered...He said "no". It hurts, but I will make it. I can make it, because I have Him.
By the way, I was hurt at first. If you've read very many of my posts, you know that I am right behind Paul for the "chiefest of sinners" title. I'm definitely no "super Christian". I couldn't understand at first. I wondered "Why Lord?" But, because I know Him, I know I can trust Him. He will take care of me. I love the song that says "And although there have been times I've been out of His will, I've never been out of His care." He cares for me...and you.
I know it's a little early for Thanksgiving, but I want to give Him thanks. I'm thankful He heard me, and that He said no. I know He did it because He loves me and He knows what's best for me!

The Latest

Well, the revival meeting has begun...now we're just waiting on true revival to move into our hearts. The preaching has been right on the money so far. The Devil has been fighting us, so we must be doing right, or he wouldn't care!
Please keep praying for our church if you can. Prayer really makes a difference. Terry just told our people during the the week of prayer meetings that praying is hard to do because it is so powerful, therefore, Satan tries very hard to keep us off our knees, or out of our "spot". Boy! I can say a hearty "Amen" to that!
Laci is not sleeping all night, still! She has been on her anti-biotic for four days, and no real improvement. I only wish she could tell me what is hurting her. Terry and I have a shift worked out so that one of us gets some good sleep for half the night, but hey, it's getting old. Y'all know how it is...we just need sleep! Please pray for her. The doctor mentioned that she might have acid reflux that is bothering her at night. I haven't seen any symptoms of that, but if she isn't better soon, I guess we'll look into that. Lauren lost her spelling book yesterday, and we've looked everywhere and can't find it! That's frustrating. You know, just another one of those "little foxes" that spoil the vines. I'm supposed to go the dentist tomorrow...yuck! I have had trouble in the past with a tooth and I'm fearful it's acting up again. I am praying it will go well.
The Devil is fighting, and we are trying to fight back, by praying and staying faithful.
On a happy note, the church honored us for our two year anniversary as Pastor. They gave us a very sweet card that each one had signed a note to us in and a very generous love offering...what a blessing! They also had a special meal at the church for us and gave Terry some bookends that were made of white limestone. They have a cross hand carved in them. The event was a surprise, so I don't have any photos yet, but I'll try to post some soon. Sometimes I can't believe it's been two years, and other times it feels like 10! I thank the Lord for allowing us to serve Him, and these people, for two years!
Well,that's the latest news from us. Thanks for stopping by...I'll try to post again soon!

I'm Needing What's Needful

Luke 11:40-42
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

We've had great times of prayer at our church all week. The last session is tonight, and then revival begins Sunday. The devil has been fighting us tooth and toenail all week. Laci has an ear infection, and Leslie has some terrible fungus on her scalp. (She'll be on medication for 6 weeks!!) I am going to be cooking for the Evangelist, and therefore I need my house to be clean for company! We'll need around 12 outfits a day (2 for each of us) for the duration of the meeting. Oh, did I mention I homeschool? Today I need to clean my house, then go down and help the ladies clean the church. I am about to go make my Saturday visits, and I must prep for Super Church.
Already I feel overwhelmed and somewhat defeated...can I survive a revival? I feel worn out from "revival preparation"! If Satan can get me so "cumbered about much serving" as Martha was, then I will miss the "one thing that is needful"- the best part! I suppose you could say "I need what's needful". I don't want to miss out on Revival! If no one else gets anything, I want to.
At every prayer meeting, the Lord helped me get a step closer to seeing a revival in my own heart. The first 2 nights, I couldn't really even pray for others because God was bringing to light some things I needed to let go of in my own life! He was purifying me, I guess. And I always need that!
Please be in prayer for our church. Yes, we'd love to see souls saved, and folks added to the church. But not for our glory, for God's!
Because of the "busy-ness" of the forthcoming week, I may not be able to post daily. I will definitely post blessings from the revival meeting when I can. Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for praying for my church! And please...pray for me!

Where I Really Belong.

In just a few days, we'll be heading northeast, toward HOME! Soon we'll be going to Arkansas for a short visit during the annual camp meeting at Victory Baptist Church. My hometown, Benton, is growing and changing everyday. It is about 20 minutes from Little Rock, and it is fast becoming a suburb of of Little Rock. But no matter how far away from Arkansas I move, when I cross the state line and see the glorious "Welcome to Arkansas The Natural State" sign - well part of me wants to jump out of the car and hug it or something! It makes me so glad to know I'm getting close to my hometown. And no matter how much Benton changes, when I get there, I just feel like I belong. It's my town. I grew up there. I ate with friends at that Taco Bell! I went to that Wal-Mart too many times to count as a teen. I worked at Landers Auto Sales and at Malvern National Bank!!! I learned to drive on those streets. I visited the bus kids on the not-so-nice part of town. I belong there.
Today I read I Thessalonians 4:16-18
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
This is a very familiar passage. Lots of people can quote it. As I read it, I was reminded that I don't really belong here. No, not Texas or Arkansas, but in this world. There's a much better and more permanent home waiting for me. Don't get me wrong, I love where I live, and you already know that I love Arkansas!!! But, I love Heaven even more.
I like the phrase "Home Sweet Home " but maybe "Home Sweet Heaven" would be better, and truer. Maybe He'll come back today and we'll be "caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." Now that makes me want to hug something!
Thank you, Lord, for making a way for me to go to Heaven to be with you
forever!

Abounding in Love

I remember the sweet spirit in our church. The song services seemed to fill our auditorium with an electricity that could be felt. Everyone singing out in unison, with smiles on their faces and a bounce in their step. I remember one particular night when I was about 14, standing there in our old orange-carpeted auditorium singing next to my Mom and Dad thinking "There isn't one person in this church that I don't love with all my heart." I had no bitterness toward anyone, there was no one that I couldn't get along with. They were, and are, some of the sweetest people in the world.
There was Mrs. Denise, a practical joker who worked at church with a sweet spirit at whatever was needed - nursery, kitchen, cleaning, teaching - it mattered little. She did whatever was needed without complaining. There was Mrs. Marie, my Mom's soul winning partner, kindergarten Sun. School teacher, and junior choir director (boy, did she put up with a lot from us!). She too, would do anything that was needed. There was Mrs. Susie, and Bro. Jenceson, my bus captain and driver, respectively. Hard workers, and great attitudes. I could go on and on. Mrs. Cindy, and Audri, her daughter and my friend - faithful, willing, and happy to serve the Lord. My best friend growing up was Dixie. She and her family traveled with a tent evangelist years ago, so she wasn't there too much. When she was there, she too had a great spirit about doing whatever the Lord wanted her to. We've been friends since we were about 11 or 12 years old. Not once did she try to get me to do wrong. Not once. I pray my daughters find friends that are just like she was to me - a godly influence. Most people at my home church were like the ones I listed above. There was a spirit of unity, love and sacrifice in my church.
I hadn't been a member of my home church for about six years when my Dad went to Heaven, though I had visited quite a lot in those years. When I went home to Benton after losing Dad, and I walked through the doors of Victory Baptist Church, it was like running into the arms of the world's largest family! Some 100 plus members who were grieving and hurting with me, who wanted to help me, pray for me...love me. What a blessing!
Since leaving that church and seeing other churches I see that what I experienced in my home church is rare. So many Baptist churches do not have that sweet spirit. I am blessed that the church we are in here in Texas has a great spirit. It is small, but everyone loves each other, and is willing to do whatever God wants them to do.
Today I read I Thessalonians 3:12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:" That's how Victory Baptist was, and still is, and that's how I pray our church here continues to be: everyone abounding in love for each other. The Bible says that "Hatred stirreth up srifes: but love covereth all sins." Prov. 10:12 . I need love, we all do! Is Victory Baptist Church or Northside Baptist Church perfect? No way. But when we all love each other, we tend to look for the best. And if you look for the best, I guarantee, you'll find it!

My Mom is not a Quitter

Me, Mitchell, Mom and Lauren in 2005

Small in stature, but big in heart. Carolyn Courtney looks like she would break under pressure, but looks can be deceiving. As the daughter of a very successful farmer, she learned the value of hard work early in life. With five siblings, she learned how to get along. The Leonards were never weak - they were strong in will and in love. My Uncle Gary was left a paraplegic by an accident on the farm many years ago. While in the hospital, the nurses came to discuss new lines of work with him, since farming would no longer be an option. To this, he replied "I'm going to farm." And farm he did. Every piece of farm machinery was fixed with a rope - not wheel chair lifts - rope. He climbed into this equipment that had been fixed with hand controls using his upper body strength only. He rises early in the day and works until late at night. He jokes, laughs and makes every one around him feel good...you don't even see his wheel chair after a while.
What's this got to with your Mom? Thanks for asking! It's got everything to do with her. My Mom is like my Uncle. No, she wasn't injured on the farm, but she has faced battles, nonetheless, and she has refused to quit, just like Uncle Gary.
No matter what has happened in her life, she has not once quit on God.When my sweet nephew contracted bacterial meningitis at three days old and nearly died, and subsequently is mentally retarded, she refused to quit. When pain or sickness wracked her body, she refused to quit. When my Dad lost his job of twenty years at age 52, she refused to quit. When God moved her children to North Carolina, Florida and Texas, she refused to quit. And, when God took her husband, confidante, and companion through life's trials home to Heaven, she refused to quit. She goes soul winning every week, heads up a ladies spiritual support group at her church, teaches third grade Sunday School, teaches in the Bible College, tutors children in the Christian School, writes numerous notes and cards to people, and the list is endless. I haven't even begun to tell you all the things she's done for me personally - that would take forever.

My Mom has always been tenderhearted. She was not just a teacher, but a special education teacher. She taught what some people would call the "cast offs", or the underdogs of society. I am not as tenderhearted as she is, but after watching my mother patiently and lovingly teach those precious students, well, I've come a long way. She loves the unlovable. I know this because she loves me. I know this will shock some of you, but I've not always been the paragon of virtue!! I was a stubborn and often rebellious child, and a hard to manage teenager - but she loved me anyway. Some would say "She had to love you, she's your MOM!" But I've been in enough homes to know that in fact, she didn't have to - so many kids are not loved by their Moms. I watched a young boy and his mother yesterday as I was waiting to get my hair cut. The mother angrily grilled her boy on his addition flashcards, stating rather loudly "I don't care how much you hate it, you're doing it all day, until you learn these." This boy wasn't being openly defiant - he was tired! It was 4:00 pm, and he had been at school all day, and now his Mom was openly humiliating him. I can say, my mom never did that to me, and I was openly defiant!! Yes, I am very blest. My Mom believed that verse in Proverbs that says "The sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.."

I just wanted to share with you what a wonderful lady my Mom is. Today is her birthday. Some can paint beautiful paintings, or cross stitch, or play a song on the piano, but I only know how to write. Thanks for taking the time to read about her. I am so proud of her.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I sure do love you.

News From Northside Baptist Church

We are having nightly prayer meetings at church this week to prepare our hearts for revival. Our revival begins Oct.14th and goes through the 18th. Our last revival was in March, and was poorly attended, but worse, the Lord wasn't free to work. We are really desperate to see God do great things here- we know He can!
Bro. Bill Marshall will be driving from Idaho to get here, so we are praying for his traveling safety and that God will stir his heart as to what messages to bring us.
The week of Oct. 22 my family and I will be traveling to Arkansas for the camp meeting at Victory Baptist Church in Benton. (MY HOME CHURCH!) We are really looking forward to seeing my mom and old friends and hearing some great preaching.
I would really appreciate your prayers for us to have wisdom, and for the church to go forward. Thank you so much! Your "cyberfriendship" is a blessing. If any of you have needs that we can pray about, please comment here, or email me: terryandvalerie@juno.com
Have a great day!

Once again, God's Word comes through

I'm going to share with you another of my many weaknesses. I sometimes worry about my health, and the health of my loved ones. It started after I got married, and then it became a lot worse after I had children. It increased greatly after my Dad went to Heaven, because loss suddenly became so close, so personal. I have found out by talking to other mothers, that most women, especially mothers, worry about their own, and their kids', health too. So, at least I am not alone.
Since I know worry is a sin, I try not to do it. Yes, I can see the shock in your expression: "You must not try too hard" those who know me are thinking. Well, maybe not, but I do try!
Because I know the Bible is the best source for help, I am always on the lookout for verses that promise me a long life, or productive life, etc. It's a comfort. Of course, I realize God is sovereign and can do as He wants with my life, but still, it's a comfort.
Here's my newest "find":
Proverbs 9:11 "For by me [wisdom] thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. So, there ya go! I mean, there I go. Another great promise for a long life from my favorite infallible source: the KJV Bible! If I use wisdom in my life, I'll have my days multiplied and my years increased. I am not too wise, but there's one thing I do know, it's where to get wisdom: from God's Word. More specifically: Proverbs! That's why I read one every day! It's like taking "spiritual vitamins." I try to increase my "Proverbs Quotient" (PQ) everyday. (Did you notice there are 31 chapters?) Isn't the Bible great?

The Bible has my answer!

If my husband has said it once, he's said it a thousand times in the two years we've been pastoring here: "Christians need to read their Bible everyday." As most of you know, I have a two 1/2 year old and a 10 month old, and I get very little sleep or time to myself right now. (One of these days, I'm going to visit my library - alone!) I may not get to do any scrapbooking, shopping or reading, but I do however, fight for my daily Bible time. I try to get up around 5:30 or 6 so I can beat my children up and have my quiet time with the Lord. Sometimes, I get breakfast late for the kids because the Bible is important to me. I once heard a preacher (maybe it was my brother! I can't remember.) say that we won't do that which we do not plan to do. I change the sheets every Friday. I buy groceries on Mondays usually, I make lesson plans for school...why wouldn't I plan on meeting with the Lord? I plan everything else. Oh, sure, there are lots of days when I am reading my Bible at 11:59pm because the day has been so terribly hectic -illness, accidents, and the like can interfere with our best made plans. But still, I do the best I can.
When I get up and head to "my spot", I always find Him waiting there for me, like a good friend does when you plan to meet somewhere. He listens to me thank Him, and then gripe, and then thank Him, then gripe, well you get the picture. Then, He speaks back to me from His Word.
I was struggling with a problem recently and I would like to put the blame on someone else. But, through my Proverbs reading for the day, He showed me that, yep, it's my fault. He had to scold me. Boy I felt bad about it. I said "Yes, Lord, I see what You mean. I'm sorry." Then, I went over and read a little from the NT - and He encouraged me. My reading for that day was Phil. 3:13-14 ..."but this one thing I do. forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Coincidence? No. I know He was telling me "You messed up, again, Valerie. But I forgive you, now get up and go forward." Isn't He good to us? He saves us and keeps us saved forever! That's eternity!! Then, He gives us His word, His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, He gives us friends, and He promises that He will always be there for us. When we are grieving, He's there. He has a great shoulder to cry on, by the way. I've used it often. My family and friends cannot possibly fathom some of the sorrow that I have faced, but He can. My Mom cannot fix all my problems, but He can! My husband could not fully understand my grief when I lost my Dad, but He did! He has stood right beside me through everything, and His word has guided me.
The Bible tells me:
How to be a good wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend
How to pray
How to think
How to talk
How to love others
What to do when people revile me, persecute me and speak all manner of evil against me.
How to share the gospel
How to be a good guest
How handle my money
How to do things in my daily life (decently and in order)
What to do when I'm afraid, and just Whom I should fear.
What to do when I'm heartbroken
How to raise my children
How to love my husband
How to deal with angry people, foolish people, wise people, scornful people, critical people
What to do when I've been betrayed
How to dress
How to serve
How to eat
How to be a good employee....

AND THE LIST COULD GO ON FOREVER!

The Bible has the answer for all of life's situations. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the Bible! Thank you for being faithful to me even when I'm so unfaithful to You!

News from God's Country ~

I wanted to update you all on the exciting news down here in God's Country. :o) Terry delivers our local phone books once a year, and he is finally done for this year! He delivered around a thousand or so this year. It was a blessing as it provides us with some extra money without lots of time spent. Here he is, after finishing bagging the last of the phone books. He thought he'd be really funny and make a face just before the picture snapped! I get the last laugh though, and now you do too!

Here's the right photo!
Last Saturday was our monthly ladies fellowship. We made swags to hang above our nine windows in the auditorium. We love the light streaming through our lace curtains, but we needed a splash of color. The swags turned out really well. None of us is a florist, so they aren't perfect. If you are a florist, forgive us! We had a good time making them. Here is a sample:
Here are the ladies who showed up to work. We didn't have the turn out that I had hoped, but we had good fellowship. We also had two homemade pies from the local favorite, Bluebonnet Cafe! Yum!!

Thank you, Kathy, Doris and Caroline for your hard work! You all are a blessing!
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Graphics By Diane ~

I wanted to share these great graphics that my friend, Diane in West Virgina, made! I wasnt' sure how to use them on my blog yet, but I wanted to go ahead and share them with you this way. They are great!
Also, if anyone has any favorite sites to get graphics from, please comment. There are so many, and I don't know where to begin. Your help could save me a lot of "surfing" time!
Enjoy the graphics!

Thank you, Diane!!

Through Him, I can do it.

I read today in Phil.4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Verse 12 says I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound... I think that is my biggest struggle: contentment. I believe we all struggle with this, but especially in the ministry. So many pastors and preachers judge each other's churches by the attendance, or the missions program, or the offerings, or, well you see what I mean. Therefore, if the attendance is low, or the offering is low, or the number out soul winning is low, etc. we feel as though there is something wrong with us. This leads to dissatisfaction and discontentment. I wrote in an earlier post about "the grass is greener syndrome" as I call it. It's whene I look over somewhere else and think life would be better over there. Well, for me, feeling that the grass is greener elsewhere usually begins with dissatisfaction with our church - either the people or the actual number of people! Shame on me. The Bible says in II Cor. 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. The Bible says it's wrong to compare ourselves with ourselves. I mean, we are all imperfect, so of course, I might be better than another sinner, for a moment! But I'll never look to Jesus and say "Yep. I'm like Him alright." At least, not if I'm honest!!It's so easy to compare ourselves with another pastor, or pastor's wife and so forth. I'll tell you the truth, I fight it. I fight wanting to build myself up by saying to myself "I'm better than Mrs. So and So, and my husband is better than Pastor so and so." The Bible says that's wrong. Those that "commend themselves" as the verse says, are only proud of what they do because they have the wrong standard to measure to. If we are all honest with ourselves, and look to Jesus as our standard, then of course, we fall short. He is who we need to measure up to! That will take a lifetime of work, and even then, we won't be perfect like Jesus. However, we'll come closer than if we don't try at all.
Sometimes I get unhappy or discontented, but it's only when I look at others. When I look to Jesus, He reminds me of the many blessings He's given me. And as the song says: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth (like attendance, people's weaknesses, money) will grow strangely dim, in the light of His wonderful face." That does it. When I look to Him, nothing else matters.
I may never be in a "large" church. I may never have any extra money. But that's OK. I cannot say with Paul that" I have learned to be content". I'll have to say " I am learning to be content". In the same chapter of Philippians, Paul says in verse 13 "I can do all things through Christ which strentheneth me." Through Him, I can learn to be content. So I'll look to Him as my standard of living, and I'll look to Him to help me look to Him!

My Not-So-Grand Experiment

I felt worn out, sick and tired last Wednesday. One of the major benefits of homeschooling is flexibiltiy! We can do school inside or outside, we can do it early or late (though I prefer early! You never know what can pop up late in the day, especially as a Pastor.) We can dress up, or be casual, and if necessary, we can have a day off! Last Wednesday I felt bad - not debilitated, but just "blah". My husband said "Take a day off" my aching head said "Take a day off" and my children enthusiastically cheered "Let's take a day off!" We took a day off.
I rested. I read 100 pages of a book that I have been trying to read for the last, I don't know, 9 years?? Ok, I exaggerate, but it's been a while. I also did some quiet little "one on one" projects with Leslie. I feel like I neglect her and Laci since I don't officially "homeschool" them. But, when it came time to finish the day, I felt like a ZERO. I didn't feel like I had done anything, and even though I rested, as in "not doing any work", I didn't sleep. So I was as tired as always. I found in my little experiment that work gives you a good feeling. The next time I feel "blah" and not really "sick" I am going ahead with my usual schedule. I think I'll feel better in the long run. I hope I won't feel like a big ZERO!
And I can't end a post on work and not quote one of my faves, Andy Griffith, from an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" (or "TAGS") called "Opie and the Spoiled Kid." If you ever have the chance to watch it, you won't be sorry. It's a great show, every episode teaches a great lesson and is funny.

Andy to Opie: "You do feel good after workin', don't you?
Opie: "Uh huh. Good and tired."
Andy: "Well, as you grow the work will get bigger and that good feelin' will get bigger. You understand?"
Opie: "Yeah. The older I get, the tireder I get."

And, boy, is that the truth! Speaking of work, I better go get busy!

My Dad ~

My Dad, and "partner", Ron Courtney.

Terry's cousin Misty was kind enough to email me this photo of my Dad that she saved off of the funeral home's website. I didn't even know it was possible to do that at the time of my Dad's death, and didn't think of doing it now! I've also been blessed with a great family from my husband's side as well. I'll have to devote my next post to the Bashams!

Thanks again, Misty! You made my day!!

Tribute to a Great Family:

My Wonderful Family!!!

Me (and Laci), Kevin, Mom and Melanie at our home at 2811 Karen Drive!

July 30, 2007

In my last post, I shared a little bit of my childhood with you. Thank you for the kind comments that some of you left me. I mentioned my wonderful Mom and Dad, but I didn't tell you about the great brother and sister God gave me! My brother, Kevin, Pastors First Baptist Church of Ocoee, Florida - right outside of Orlando. He has four great kids and a sweet wife, Kathy. I had the blessing of having Kevin as my school Principal when I was in 5th -7th grade in the Christian school I attended. Every morning from 8:30 to 8:45ish he held devotions for the whole school. Only in Heaven will he know how those devotions impacted me. I remember several of them vividly! Though I wasn't saved then, I was trying to live the Christian life, mostly because I wanted to be like Kevin and Melanie.

Speaking of Melanie.... she was 9 when I was born and has loved me unconditionally since the day she heard "It's a girl". She prayed for a little sister and God answered her prayer -she just forgot to ask for a little sister who wouldn't be a stinker!! :-) She lives in beautiful North Carolina now with her three precious boys. I asked the Lord to put us in a church in NC, but I was asking so I could "consume it upon my own lust" so the Lord didn't answer! It would be great to be physically close to a sister who seems only a whisper away to my heart. We have remained very close over the years, despite the thousand plus miles that separate us.

Kevin and Melanie are both extremely good...and it comes so naturally! I have to really work at things like thoughtfulness, compassion, willingness to help others, saying the right thing, and on and on and on!! It all comes so easily to them. They have, and always will be, an example of sincere Christians. What you see on Sunday with Kevin and Melanie, is what you'll see any day of the week if you dropped in on them at their homes. They are genuine people. I don't know why God placed someone like me in such a wonderful home. Though not perfect, they are always giving me a goal to reach up to in my Christian life. As a child I thought I was adopted! As a teen I thought I was "switched at birth". As an adult I realize that God just decided to have mercy on me.

On the third anniversary of my Dad's homegoing, my mom flew all of us kids home to be together for four days. The photos here are from that brief, but wonderful, trip home. I'm sorry I don't have a photo of my Dad to show you. I only had my digital camera a short time before he died, so I didn't get any of him on it. My brother -in-law may be able to e mail me some photos from his camera(Thanks, Walter!), if so, I'll be posting them later. So stay tuned!

Me (and Laci), Kevin, Melanie, and Mom enjoying the food and fellowship of my aunts and uncles in Batesville, AR