The Bible and Yogurt (Guest Post)

This is a guest post by one of my wonderful girls (and friends) from UNC. Meredith is great - artistic, loving, creative, real. I do miss her. Maybe since her family now lives in the same city as me, I will get to see her more and maybe enjoy a breakfast or two together! I do have some pictures of us together, but I think this picture captured of who Meredith is: her love of cold weather (she used to live in CO), her love of outdoors, and her fun hair that I've always loved!

I hope that those of you reading this will be encouraged tonight. For me, this evening was one of those times when I was so tired from my day that after reading chapter 1 of Ephesians, I couldn't even remember what I had read.

I am a perfectionist, and therefore, I expect my devotions to be perfect; meaning I will have life-altering mountaintop revelational moments daily. But then I have nights like tonight, when I don't feel anything except how my eyelids are trying to close.

I was brushing my teeth feeling discouraged (that's one feeling I know well as a perfectionist!), when I remembered Hebrews 4:12 - "the word of God is living and active."

And here is where yogurt comes in. Yes, this is an analogy comparing the Bible to yogurt. As weird as it sounds, though, God has truly encouraged me with this! You know how you can buy yogurt with "live active yogurt cultures" in it? Well, often when I'm eating yogurt in which there are actually living organisms such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, I think about how these little organisms are running around inside me, doing good stuff that I can't feel!

I think it's the same with God's word; regardless of what we feel, His Word is living in us; it is at work. Reading the Bible is analagous to ingesting live active yogurt cultures in a sense; perhaps it seems as mundane as eating Yoplait one day, or even most days. Perhaps it seems we haven't achieved anything meaningful in our devotions. But we have - Hebrews 4:12 tells us we have.

I trust the seal of the National Yogurt Association that tells me Lacto and Strepto are diddling around in my tummy. (Did you even know there was such a thing as the National Yogurt Association!?) So, do I trust that I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and that this seal assures me Christ will complete the work he started in me? And He will do this regardless of how "well" I read my Bible tonight. He will do this regardless of and because of the physical and mental limitations of being a human.

I'm going to bed encouraged tonight, and I hope that you are, too, especially if you share this frustration. And in closing, the major flaw in my analogy is that yogurt cultures are potentially beneficial, but the word of God always is.

Thank you Meredith. Enjoy your live active cultures!

Summer Progressive Dinner

Well, this was a non-progressive progressive dinner. The 5 of us got together again for our Spring/Summer version of the progressive dinner. Its been a bit hectic here with mission trips and out of townness - so we had to combine two of the seasons.

Then yesterday with the storms passing through the ville we thought it would be better just to have it all at one house - mine - since I had the main dish. It was fun, but as Laura said, it was less of an event!

I love these friends. We talked about everyone's jobs, church, traveling. Since I had very capable men in my house I asked them to help me figure out my keyboard (moving bookshelves, amps, plugging in things, etc). That was a tremendous help and the evening concluded by me playing the melody of Trust and Obey. I also showed the guys how to do some basic kettlebell moves.

These friends are very encouraging to me and source of God's wonderful grace in my life.

Chicago and Spring Snow

I left work early on Friday to head to Chicago to hang out with a friend of mine, Janel. She just moved to the city this month and its closer than going to CH to visit her.
Traffic was a mess. Getting out of the ville, heading into Indy (because of the Sweet 16 games), then about 40 miles still inside Indiana there was construction that backed us up for 8 miles (and I so had to go to the bathroom) - good thing there was a rest area right when the traffic cleared. I had good sermons to listen to - Daniel Montgomery from Sojourn. Here are the two points I wrote down while I was either driving or stuck in traffic:
1. My functionality flows out of who I am. I am not what I do. I am who God has made me to be - and He paid my ransom - I am free.
2. The spies going into the land of Canaan (in Numbers) were not going in there to see if they could take the land...they were going in there to give a report. God had already promised the land to them. We need to hear every report in light of the promises of God.
So - I finally got to Chicago with the help of my Dad on the phone helping me find where I was going - then there was no parking, so Janel hopped in the car and we ended up at Charlie's to watch the game.
Saturday - we went to Wheaton - enjoyed the CS Lewis museum - totally convicting me that I need to read more of this great man's imagination (and Chesterton and Tolkien). Then the Wheaton Bookstore where I got The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges for 7$. Then we went to the popcorn store and then to Mai Tai Cafe for lunch. Trader Joe's proved also beneficial for us.
Schaumburg taught me a lesson in looking at prices and weight before buying something that is non-returnable and we went shopping and to Caribou for some hot chocolate (skim with whipped cream) - so good since it was very windy and rainy and cold up there.
Drove back and stopped by Whole Foods to get some coho salmon for dinner. We had dinner in while watching bball and then capped the night off with some Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility - such a great movie. I like it better each time I watch it.
Sunday morning woke up to about 4 inches of snow. Walked around the corner to John's Place for some breakfast - then I headed out and Janel went to church.
It was a great wknd - good food, good shopping, great talking with one of my girls.

Connecting Church and Home: Steve Wright

Steve Wright - Raleigh, NC
Psalm 78.4-6
1. My Journey
A college teammate led me to Christ. Didn’t have a clue what youth ministry was when I accepted my first job. A Youth Specialties clip art book helped determine his schedule. It was very activity driven. I began to do ministry in my own strength, with a great deal of pride. In this process, a question came to mind: “Are all these activities working – and are they biblical?”
Five troubling indicators regarding the next generation:
1. Retention- why are we losing teenagers between the ages of 18 and 21
2. Career – why are all those called to youth ministry not lasting?
a. 33% were leaving annually
b. If we aren’t staying to task for a long length of time, something’s not right.
c. High stress, low status, low pay, staff relations poor, high turnover
d. Not for faint of heart.
3. Evangelism
Alvin Reid: “Over the preceding twenty years, the number of full-time youth pastors has grown dramatically…meanwhile, during that same time span, the numbers of young people won to Christ dropped at about as fast a rate.”
4. Biblical Literacy
Soul Searching: “Scholars who have looked at young Christians say their spiritual drift is in part the result of a lack of knowledge about their faith. Therefore, they really don’t know what they believe.” – Christian Smith
5. My Personal Struggle
What about the next generation of Wrights? Will my kids continue with Christ, treasure Christ above all else?
2. Turning Point
One of the things I became convinced of: God had given parents the primary role of discipling their children. It is hard to compel kids to treasure Christ above all else, when many of their parents treasured all else above Christ. I was building a ministry model that allowed parents to abdicate their role.

3. Where Should I Start?
I had no plan of action for discipleship in my own family. Truth was: I was teaching my children to value recreation, sports, games, all other kinds of treasures above Christ. That is what I was modeling for my kids. Asked his kids: “What are we treasuring and what should we treasure?” Humility. My kids were hungry for this. Other students are hungry for this. Parents are hearing this and getting inspired.
a. It needs to look a lot like it did for Nehemiah. He saw the city in ruins. He had compassion – he prayed and fasted. As leaders, we have to have the same burden. We need a passion for our families. They need Christ.
b. We need to look to biblical theology. How is God’s Word leading us? If we aren’t turning to Scripture – where else are we going to turn? Corporate models? Disney? More spinning plates? Secular books? The treasure is beautiful. We do not need to glamorize it or have big drums to support it.
c. Start in your home.
John Angell James: “Here fix your center, here direct your aim, here concentrate your efforts, your energies and your prayers. Remember their religious education is your business. Whatever aids you call in from ministers or teachers, you never must, you never can, you never should delegate this work. God will hold you responsible for the religion of your children – so far as means go.”
See the gospel as the greatest thing. That God gets bigger, when the work of the Spirit gets mightier, when grace is more, when sin is uglier, when gospel roots go down deeper, when eternity gets louder. Keep this in mind: never let the gospel get smaller in your hearts.

Pay It Forward Giveaway

Pay It Forward. The first time I heard about this was when a pastor I served under gave me some much needed funds and said I couldn't repay it - just pay it forward. I had no clue he was talking about something specific. But, then a few years later I watched the movie. Great, tear jerker of a movie of course. Loved the movie - and it meant so much more to me that I wrote that pastor a letter and thanked him.
Today, I am following my friend, funny blogger, creative mom - in doing a Pay It Forward blog. I got a Pay It Forward surprise from her - can't wait to get some homemade knitted goodies in the mail.
So here it is. Pay It Forward - the way you pay it forward is by sending something to your blog winners that you have made - not something you buy. You use the talents or gifts that you have to make someone's day.
So, my gift or talent is baking - so the first 3 people who comment on my blog and say that will promise to pay it forward in some way (either on their own blog like this, or do something else for people) will get something yummy! And please say in your comment how to contact you (email, facebook, etc) and if you are allergic to anything, etc
Thanks! And Pay It Forward a lot in life - not just on a one time blog giveway

Progressive Dinner Winter Part 1

Winter holds two progressive dinners for me. Last night was version 1. It was with Laura and David Dawkins and Beth and Wes Crouser. Such a fun time.

Started off with the salad course at my apt. This conversation was mostly about school, work, and random stuff.

Next was the Dawkinses' house. They had the main course and all was set out beautifully by Laura. She is such the great person for that! David opened up with a psalm about how God has faithfully and graciously withheld his wrath from us and offered us salvation. We enjoyed the food and shared our favorite Christmas memory from this past week.

Our dessert course was at the Crouserses'. Such a chic apt complete with a Roombie (a automatic vacuum cleaner). We got to make homemade fruit pizzas, have a contest for the best one (Wes won, but since it was his house, Laura took home the prize - a disco snowman snowglobe). We talked about New Years' Resolutions - if we would keep them or just wanted to do them.

It was great. I am looking forward to Winter Part 2 in 2 weeks!

Baking Fun with Friends

One of the fun things about the holidays is getting to bake with friends. I have many great friends here in the ville who love to bake and cook - and I get to learn from their expertise and share some of the things I know about cooking and baking.

Last night was the first of this type of party I went to. Object of Brandi's Baking Party was to bring a favorite holiday recipe, all the ingredients to make it, and share the finished product with the other ladies.

I only knew one other of the ladies other than Brandi - Sarah, a girl that goes to Sojourn and the Seminary, came to Crossing way back in the day when I first started going there - and is a great cook!

Brandi was a very gracious host in ordering pizza, making sure everyone had what they needed before making her own, gave us a tour of her very pretty and well-decorated house.

We had a lot of fun and it was great just to unwind with others while baking at the end of a very stressful week. Now - I am glad it is Saturday!

Fun Stuff in NC

This past weekend I was able to go to RDU - the best place in the world outside of St. Augustine! Honestly - the saying for me is - Nothin' can go wrong in Carolina. God blessed that state with beautiful scenery, wonderful people, great churches, great restaurants, a great Seminary, and fantastic state university! So...here are some highlights from the weekend...

Pulled into rainy Wake Forest on Friday around lunch time. After dropping by Stealey Drive on Southeastern's campus to see Rach, met up with Charity at the Tea Room. I love the tea room, but the food wasn't stellar that day. The scones I had been so looking forward to were dry and tasteless that day - even with honey (since I don't like Devonshire cream). But, the company was wonderful. Charity and I had time to sit and chat and see what God was doing in our lives! And drinking hot tea while its raining outside - couldn't get much better than that!

Then the day was crazy after that. Went to get my haircut by Kathleen - love going to a hair dresser that knows what you want and will fit you in when you come visit! Oh, and I stopped by the Inquest offices next door to see Tina and Mike. Then I went to see Leah and Baxter (Georgia was asleep and Nathan I suppose was at the office). It was only momentary - but wonderful to see a cute little baby - who was born just one day after I saw them in September.

Then I drove to the other end of Raleigh to see another newborn - Heather and Billy had baby James Michael on Thursday night and I got to see mother and son on Friday. So cute with a head full of black hair. Billy had to work, so I didn't get to see him. Then went to my famed chiropractor. God is again so good in allowing me doctors who will see me when I come back in town, know exactly the problem, fix it, and give me things to do to help it not happen again - so I can wait until May to get adjusted again. Thank you Dr. Adams! :)

Drove then to Cary to meet up with Frank, Kasey, Katelyn, and Mr. Carter for Ruby Tuesdays! It was yummy and it was fun to see Katelyn devouring and playing in Frank's cake.

Then we had much to do to get ready for the women's conference next day. Finally got to sleep a little after midnight, woke up at 6 to get 'er done - as some friends like to say. God was gracious in letting that little bit of sleep last till almost midnight Saturday night.

The conference was wonderful - more on that in a later blog. Then went to Champps to hang out with Erin, Janel, and Jason while watching the Gator game (Chomp Chomp), the Heel football game (even though they would later lose), and the Heel Bball game - which they did win - it was their first game of the season! Good times. Such a lively place in there. Then it took me about 30 minutes to get out of the Southpoint parking lot - reminded me of the weeks right before Christmas when it took over an hour.

Got to hang out with my favorite family in Durham - the Bacons. Jean Anne was at the One Student retreat from the Summit. Bob's family was in town, and Noah was playing with his new "toy" from Dick's Sporting Goods. Clarissa and I were watching football, eating dinner, and sitting on the couch just talking for 4 hours or so - so wonderful. I miss that woman! :) Really - that family is such a blessing to me! I need to go back when I can stay longer! Thanks Bacons!

Sunday was a great time for me. Went to CMR campus of Summit but Curtis wasn't there yet, so I didn't get to see him. They run a well-oiled machine over there in the set-up and welcome station - hosted by Miss Carla Boast! :) Then on to the Briar Creek campus. It was great to see people, but more importantly - what a great time of musical worship (led by the talented Jason Douglas) and preaching in Philippians by JD on prayer. Then on to the WCC Campus and saw the Captain, Brad and Jena-Marie, the Workmans, Dinglers, etc. Good times too.

Finished off my weekend in Carolina by having lunch with the Wrights. Steve's family was in town as well. But, Tina fixed a great lunch and we all chatted about different things, ministry, and necklaces. Then, unfortunately, it was time for me to head back to the ville. Passed snow in the SW Va mtns on the way back and had a quick drive thanks to Beth. So glad God gave opportunity for a relaxing, do everything, worshipful, fun weekend in Carolina!

Trip to Huber's

There are some good things about living outside the state of Florida. I know - I did just say that!

But, today was one of those days.

I love fresh produce - and you don't get much fresher than picking apples off of trees in a orchard. I picked 40 lbs of golden delicious (applesauce, pies, bread, fried apples, eating) and 20 lbs of winesap (mainly eating and salads). There were also fields of pumpkins and green beans. There aren't too many apple trees/orchards in FL (though there are plenty in W NC).

I went with my friends Lisa and Rayann. You can see some more pics on the food blog (see the link to the side). We left early this morning and got there by 9 because last week many friends went and said it was way too crowded. We knew if we got there early it would be fine. We didn't do any waiting (unless you count waiting for the tractor to return to get us from the orchards). We then ate at the family restaurant for some good "southern" cooking. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I loved the weather. It was actually quite warm by the time we left (shortly after 12).

This is my third time at Huber's and I'll keep going. Probably won't go again until spring or early summer - that is when some good things come in! :)

My weekend in NC

How I love this state!
Friday we drove (friends in the housing office here at SBTS) to Wake Forest, NC. The Eastern part of KY and WV is so pretty - especially at dusk with the sun and leaves that are just starting to change. Looking forward to this drive again in November and then back to EK for T-day and B-day.
The Manor House is such a welcoming place for guests and prospective students at Southeastern. I enjoy my stay there - the rooms were dark and quiet and Donna and Jeff Hagood are wonderful new hosts to the place! :)
Saturday morning the housing guys from here met with Sid King (facilities head at SEBTS) while I went and had lunch with Leah, Nathan, and Georgia Finn (and Baxter who arrived Sunday/early Monday). What a great treat it was for me to hang out with them, meet Georgia, talk about life, churches, schools, etc. Thank you Finn's for fitting me in to Baxter's due date (and Leah, I hope the shoes work for you if you got them). We had fun trying to get Georgia to smile and look at the camera. Sorry the last one is blurry - but I really think it is my camera, not Nathan's fault!
Then we had a grand tour of the housing units and campus from Doug Nalley (Housing Director at SEBTS). The Patterson's will be proud of their building - the newest one on campus. I got to see my friends Rach and Sarah - thank you for showing me and us your rooms.
Then we ate at Las Mas and drove on to UNC. Maggie gave us a great driving tour of campus and then Cat showed us her apt - I had never been in those.
Trey then gave us a tour of Duke - all three campuses. The chapel is of course gorgeous - but I loved the Old English style of Duke's west campus - where all the money is evidently put! I got my first glimpse into Cameron Indoor - (personally, Dean Dome is much bigger and better). Caedmon's had just finished a concert there and I saw friends Erin and Keith Anderson who I went to seminary with and they go to Richland Creek.
We then met up with Trey's girlfriend at Southpoint and went to CPK (the only one with a very very long wait). Then to the Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory, and on to Cook Out for a great shake.
Sunday morning was worship at Providence where I saw great friends Steve and Tina Wright, met Amber Hickman (due in December), and Stephanie Chiulli - great morning. Then drove on to Summit for church. Man - can I just bottle up Chris Gaynor and the choir/praise team/band and take them everywhere with me. I loved seeing Amber, Lauren, Jenn T, meeting Zeke Shelton, Chris, Jason D, Kristin B, Sarah D, meeting Jena-Marie, Danny, Bonnie, Shannon, Lauren, Janel, Clarissa, Jean-Ann, Trina and Doug and Nicholas (at RR), Barbara and Paul Derby, Eric and Leslie, Merriem and boys (save Jase), Carrie, Lynn, Tom S, Jonathan, Douglases (Jason's parents), Courtnee, Leslie, and just feeling loved, missed, and seeing friends! Thanks for the love guys!
Then we went to Red Robin for lunch and hit the road, stopping by IHOP in Kville on our way back to the ville - arriving at 1.10am. I was tired - but so thankful for many things this weekend.

Fall Progressive Dinner

Tonight we had a small walking progressive dinner. It was so much fun. I got to hang out with two of the coolest couples I know here in Louisville. We are all around the same age, love to cook (well, the girls), love missions - with all of us being over seas - whether short term or longer term. We had great eats, different languages, the Word, and many laughs, shattered glass, and full bellies!

First stop was Laura and David Dawkins. Laura set the tone well with the Fall theme. She had made a great salad - with fall goodies on the table. We talked about their neighbor and my parents - what they did. Who knew genealogy could be such a stimulating conversation piece! David started out the night by reading a Psalm of Thanks! Such a great start to the evening. The picture I turned out at their apt came out blurry, so I went to their blog and got this picture! Laura is a great photographer!

Next stop was Bonnie and Justin Myers. Bonnie is a great cook and made a full T-day meal (almost). We had everything from chicken to stuffing, and all the vegetables! It was so yummy. We looked at picture, read from the Jesus Storybook Bible (great intro, and we each got one), talked about missions, and just enjoyed ourselves.

Last stop was my place. I had the dessert. Bonnie had the broken glass - hey, I got a clean floor out of the deal. I read a meditation from Paul David Tripp's new book.

Just a great evening. I love couples who teach me how to be a better wife, gives me glimpses of character traits in men that I would want for a husband. God - thank you for godly friends and couples who share life with me!

Things I Learned from Not Having Any Power

1. God is still God. I think through all of this, and my reading in Ephesians, Romans, and Worldliness by the Sov Grace guys, I've learned this very well this week. He has already provided me with everything I need in Christ. Not having power for 7 days will not change that fact. And, I rely way too heavily on media.
2. Community is very important. I've been in Louisville now a year and am very thankful for the community base that I have here. The Jones, Weldys, Lorrie, Myers, Lisa D, Brandi, other LEAD Staff, Tjaders, Tracy - and probably some I'm forgetting - all were a blessing to me during this time. Whether it was just a word, a "I've come to check up on you", a TV to watch the Gator game, banana bread, flashlight, a dark room to sleep in, play time with babies, free food - all these things are so important! :) Thank you!
3. God gets more glory when praise and thanks come from my mouth than grumbling and complaining. What good would it do me to complain anyway? And I was able to speak of God's goodness instead of my bothersome no electricity this week.
4. I am very thankful for electricity. This is definitely the longest I've been without it. My toothbrush (charged by electricity), my phone (I had to drive around town the first 2 days to charge it), my computer (it was dead after the first couple of hours), my fridge (I love to cook, my fridge will have to start all over tonight), hot water (to wash dishes or take a hot shower), reading at night (I'm thankful for the flashlight loaned to me by Jesse, but I'd much rather have real electricity to read, Dr. Horner would probably agree).
God is a good and faithful and giving God! There are so many throughout the Ike-zone that still do not have it - and I am a Child of God - chosen and adopted by Him - so I have no reason to complain!

Labor Day Part 3

The morning started early in our Best Western hotel room. We went down to breakfast, checked out, watched some on the Feeder Bands of Gustav on TWC with our resident expert, Jessica! :)
Then we went to Publix to pick up our subs for lunch and made our way to Stone Mountain Park.
Climbing Stone Mountain was harder than I thought it was going to be, but also more rewarding when I got to the top. We climbed hard - Jessica was the champ finishing first. I pulled up behind her. We were all cheering each other on to get to the top. The scenes were beautiful from the top of the mountain. And the way down was just as hard, but harder on your calves and ankles. Well worth it - and its free (minus the parking).
We then ate a picnic with Publix subs, customized snacks, and cupcakes. We prayed specifically for each other before we left the park.
As we got back to the hotel - we knew it was going to end - and we each had to go back to our homes.
I then headed to Dahlonega, GA. My Dad had graciously payed for a hotel there if I would look for him some bluegrass music. Well, there was only one store and they didn't have what he was looking for. I enjoyed some ice cream at Connie's - the line was out the door - very popular place! Found two Southern Living cookbooks Mom didn't have, so I picked up those for her.
Then got to the hotel - I love having hotel rooms to myself. Read through Ephesians, watched the Wildcats beat the Cards (so excited the SEC pulled through), ate some wings and cheesy bread, then put National Treasure on sleep mode and went to bed.
Final day in Part 4

Labor Day Part 2

We all arrived at the Best Western in Smyrna at the same time (about 1 minute apart). Hugs abounded! Nena - whom I've known since 1998 I think; Heather, whom I just met; and Jessica, whom I've also known since my Anastasia staff days. What a treat.
We crashed for a little bit in our hot hotel room (no air on before we got there). Then we went to Publix to round out our snacks. The Robshaw sent me a great basket with wonderful stuff in it - and the girls had brought me some great stuff as well. I provided all the snacks for the weekend.
So, they let me rave about Publix!
Then we all got ready to go to the Virginia Highlands area of ATL. It was great. Dr. Wilder had suggested it - and it was a great suggestion!
We went to Murphy's and Cafe Intermezzo (in Buckhead) - see food blog for write ups on those. Both were great, I love knowledgeable waiters and other foodies to enjoy it with. We did some shopping in some way too expensive stores but eclectic - so they were fun to window-shop.
Then we headed to the Buckhead area via Jessica's map reading! :) There are definitely parts of ATL that I do not want to get lost in... How many "adult stores" did we pass, Heather?
By the time we got back to the hotel, we each were doing some reading in the Word, turned on ESPN for some highlights of the opening NCAA football weekend, and then called it a night. We were all tired.

Labor Day Part 1

I have to break this trip down into sections.
i left here on Friday to head to Murfreesboro TN to visit with Lisa, a good friend of mine from high school. I love it when I can fly through Nashville with no traffic and make it there in just over 3 hours.
We ate a fantastic light dinner of a Mexican salad and tortilla chips - then went shopping for an outfit I needed for Saturday night in ATL. Finally found one in Wal-mart, but it was also something I could wear more than once!
Then we came back and ate brownies and new Publix ice cream - oatmeal raisin cookie dough - wow, so much better than chocolate chip cookie dough. I even made Lisa blow out a candle because it is her b-day on the 9th. We started watching the US Open and then we found Little Women - but both of us were tired, so we didn't get too far into it.
I got to sleep in the Boat Room at The Moseley Bed and Breakfast - they are so gracious!
We had monkey bread for breakfast and Matt had to scurry out of the house to run an errand.
Lisa and Matt are very gracious hosts!
Then on my way to Smyrna, I called my friend Christina who just happened to be sitting at a Panera on a coming-soon exit. So, I had to eat lunch - so I got to eat lunch with her. I hadn't seen her in a while, so it was very good to catch up with her face-to-face and hug her neck as she would say.
Then, I started back on I-75 to meet up with my friends....Best Western here we come!

Tennessee and Friends (and mini LCS reunion)

This past weekend I took a trip to Eastern TN. It was great fun (except seeing Neyland stadium). Had a blast. This is who I saw:

Lisa Moseley - my best friend from high school. Stayed with her and her husband on Friday night. We got her hooked up on Facebook and watched some stupid race show and had fantastic cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast!

Jeremy Dollar - friend from Southeastern who is preparing to go to Las Vegas as a church planter. Pray for him.

Anthony and Rachel Tucker and all their 5 boys! This was unexpected but such a treat. Anthony owns Clumpy's ice cream in Chattanooga - so if you are there - go!

Jen Sagraves - my twin from high school, we sang together our Senior year and just did a bunch together. Her family (except for Steven) were all at church too. We met up with some of her friends from church and went to Barley's and the TN Riverfront. Had a blast!

Joe McKee - a friend from LCS. Joe's brother, J.O., was in my class. Joe came to hang out with us.

Randy Doss - a guy I graduated with and we went to LCS all the way through. Good to see him. God's grace is amazing. He is teaching and just got married.

Chad Ridner - he graduated a year ahead of me at LCS - has 3 kids and is working in Knoxville.

Seriously, I think we should hold our next reunion in TN.

Then on Monday, I saw more friends from Southeastern - Christina, Marcus, and little William. he was wired from sitting in a car. But, he had fun in the sprinklers and we all got to talk!

My First Blog Interview

How cool is this! Alli has a great blog over at http://www.girlsfortruth.com/ - and she was up here at Southern for an apologetics camp. Steve Wright at Providence had introduced us (thanks Steve and Facebook) so we got to eat lunch and hang out one day while she was here. Even through all the interruptions -

Alli - I appreciate your heart, your eagerness for learning and for the Word, for ministry to your friends and family.

Thank you - it was a privilege!

Jill McCloghry - Amazing Girl and Song/video

This girl - and song - is amazing. I've known Jill since she was in 7th grade - have watched her grow, sing, struggle, grow, lean on Jesus, learn about Jesus, grow in Jesus, grow, struggle, keep growing and loving Jesus - she is great.
She is now way too far away from her "home" - living in Australia with her husband Matt.
This story of this song took place this February.
I love Psalms 34.1-3. My worship leader at the Summit embed it in our memories, quoting it often. This girl is a living breathing testimony of it. I pray as you watch this video - that you will look at the hard times in your life the same way. She sings truth! She is an amazing girl and someone I love (and miss) dearly. She exudes Jesus and devotion to Him when she sings/plays. Love you Jilly. Thanks for being an example of someone who loves Jesus and praises Him even in the crying times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY

Things to do in the City! - Updated

Well, when I mention the "city" - I'm of course only talking about New York City. Isn't every city built off this one? I'm slightly kidding.
I've been 3 times and have loved every trip (really twice, then once a little north of the city). My first trip was right after 911 - a group of students went to minister to people and talk to them - it was an amazing time of ministry in Time Square. The second trip was also an amazing ministry time as I went with about 15 college kids from the summit to Staten Island and then we went to the city for day. Loved it! :) I really liked Staten Island - there was actually grass! The third trip was to White Plains to help out a church plant up there. Got to meet several ladies from the church and go apple picking. White Plains is a great little town, not too far from the City.
So, Rach, Sarah and I have been talking about going again one day in the near future (whenever money will allow, so that will be never). So, I've been thinking what I want to do:
1. John's Pizzeria in the Square - we went there with the Summit - fantastic atmostphere and pizza.
2. Wicked or Jersey Boys on Broadway
3. This little place for tea: http://sweetmelissapatisserie.com/main.html - its in Brooklyn.
4. Go to Ann Taylor Loft and Sephora!
5. Walk through or around or on Central Park
6. Go to some parks in White Plains
7. Find that little cheesecake place again by the place the kids saw Rent in Times Square and eat some plain cheesecake. amazing stuff!
8. Walk and shop and look and walk and just enjoy being in the city!
9. Go to Ground Zero
10. Go to the statue of liberty - I've never been to it - just seen it from the Ferry
11. Go to the Empire State Building
(Things I forgot in first post)
12. Attend a prayer meeting at Brooklyn Tab
13. Go to a service at Redeemer Pres (where Tim Keller is the pastor)
14. Do something to help out both church plants I know while I am there - The Gallery Church in Soho and CTKC in White Plains.

The City is easily in my top three places to go: along with Richmond and DC. Man, I miss living on the East Coast!

Friends Who Remind Me

I am so thankful for friends and Scripture. I am grateful that God has given me friends here, in NC, in FL, in TX, and in my other places that remind me of God's goodness and faithfulness even when things don't always go the way you want them to go.
I love friends who say "I'm praying for you, or remember, God is good and faithful and full of mercy." Those are ones I love.
Tonight...
I was reminded of:
2 Cor 10.5 - We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Lam 3.22ff - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord.
And again of my fave verse this past year - and continuing into this year:
Ps 84.11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.