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!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, October 12, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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!
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?
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?