Ode to Thunderstorms!

I love thunderstorms. I recently found out that my brother does too. There is nothing like sitting in a house and listening to it storm! I don't know of anything else like it. I like watching it roll in and get real dark and the winds pick up - there is a certain smell in the air. The best is hurricane season. Man - then it really gets going. I wish I could just go sit in it - but with it lightning - not such a smart idea!

Defining Christian Hedonism (and the lack thereof)

Ok - so...it has been a dry few weeks for me. Very little time in the Word, reading other books (but nothing compares to the Word), season finales on tv, movies, etc. But...where does my joy come from?
Does it come from losing weight? Hopefully not, although it is a good thing to be healthy and take care of the temple that God has bought!
Does it come from watching TV. I would hope not, but when have I ever been so excited about reading the Word and spend three hours a night reading it - or recording it when I have to miss it and pouring over it -skipping the commercials - when I can watch it?
Does it come from a boring job? Well, definitely not this one. Even getting paid more - it doesn't matter...my 40 hours a week is not going to fulfill me - no matter what job I have?
Does it come from my ministry? Well, even though it is the reason I am in the state - it isn't. You would think that - every summer I go through this...why am I here? My ministry pretty much comes to a complete stop for 3 1/2 mths and I wonder what in the world am I doing here?
Does it come from material things? Definitely not - especially when you are still unpacking things from when you moved in (3mths ago).
Does it come from a relationship - any relationship. Nope - my life is pretty slim on those right now, and I actually like it. I let others do the talking and I just sorta listen - and I'm good with it. I hope no one thinks anything bad because I don't talk a lot... Then when it comes to guys...are expectations really that high? Don't lower them - but are they realistic. Don't know...

Where is the truth and desire of Ps 27.4 and Ps 63 in my life these days? Christian Hedonism - John PIper and Jonathan Edwards...finding joy in God because it will bring us the most joy because only God can fulfill all of our everythings with Himself. That is not me right now...

Oh pray that it is: pray the desire returns...

To the apron wearer of the family!

For my wonderful Mother. Ok - so it is a day late, better late than never - right. My Mom didn't do a ton of cooking when I was growing up, but now she does. And her food is fantastic (almost as good as mine - right?) Just kidding. We take turns when we are together - we each swap recipes. When I'm home she is usually my "sue chef" - and yes, I know that is spelled wrong! Anyway, her faith is amazing - it is what I like most about her. Simple faith. She prays for me all that time - even when she is mad at me - which believe me - still happens today.
Thank you Mom - my biggest fan!

Remedies for a Bad Day

Well, some psychologists would call this blog entry "regression therapy" - and I guess in a way you will learn that about me, but I'm not at all into psychology.
So...in high school, I don't really remember what I did when I had a bad day. Probably yell at my parents or something. But I remember trying to be what everyone else thought I should be in high school - so pleasing everyone made for an easy life back then.
College...Flagler (you know the beach has got to play in this somewhere). I did three things in college to remedy a bad day: walk the beach at night by myself for about 2 hours, sit in front of Phyllis' fireplace with a fake log crackling, sipping tea and rocking in a rocking chair. Last, on really bad weeks, I would just get in my car on a Friday night or Saturday morning and drive to Lakeland to do nothing. That 2 hour drive myself with music playing or no noise at all was a great remedy.
Seminary...usually on bad days Sarah and I would go walk from the campus to Flaherty - that usually happened about midnight. I had a room to myself except the first 1 1/2 semesters, so I would just lay on my bed and not answer my door. You can always be really really quiet and no one will bother you - oh how nice that is. Once Sarah left I had to settle for sitting out on the seminary lawn by myself. As long as you are not sitting in ants you are doing pretty good - especially fall or early spring on a warm day when the sun was out.
Now...what am I to do in Durham??? There is no quiet place to walk that is safe. There are no lakes or beaches within walking distance. I like walking UNC but you can't really do that at night by yourself. So...remedies for bad days in Durham...
1. Drive to St. Augustine - when gas prices are down and I have nothing to do that weekend (boy, these are rare days).
2. Sit in the apt (or my room) and have it quiet or play a favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama, Anne of Green Gables (playing now), Patriot, Italian Job, Count of Monte Cristo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Its a Wonderful Life, Beautiful Mind, Indiana Jones, American President, Catch Me If You Can, You've Got Mail, Just to name a few...
3. The best one I can think of...SIT in the hard spray of a hot shower. Too bad water isn't included in the rent in this apt. Most of the times it helps.
Anyway, I hope you have learned a little bit about me by learning my remedies for bad days. I think the key is not making my brain work and having a little bit of quietness. Going back in life (regression) to a time when all the decisions weren't left up to me and I didn't decide everything. This is another one of those days when I totally believe and LOVE the sovereignty of God!

Pics of Mom mentioned in other Mom Tribute post

This is Clarissa - read on in the next blog to find out more about her
This is Stace - read on below for more












This is Phyllis - she amazes me! Read below












This is Kasey - more info below

For all the Moms I know

Well, not all of them - but these are of all some importance to me. So this is for you. Some of the pictures had to go in another post (below) and some I didn't have. The pictures I have hopefully will be ok - and I hope you enjoy your day to shine...

First, my Mom - Dianne, Mother when I'm whining, usually just Mom. My biggest fan, the artist of most of the paintings in my house, and a great cook. Thanks Mom! I love you...
Next, is my mentor mother...Phyllis, Mrs. Billy, She really taught me how to cook, be a Godly woman, love on teenagers, love her husband, have a quiet time - a real one, hospitality to its fullest. Thank you - you are amazing. Her kids, Jill and Jeremy, will definitely rise up and call her blessed. Look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. PTL
Another, Mom #2 as some of us girls call her. Mrs. S, teacher extraordinaire, Mom to 2 grown kids with kids of their own. She believed in my musical ability back when I was a jabbermouth with glasses in the seventh grade. Thank you!
Now are some I know... (I'll miss some, please don't take it personally):
Veronica - the First Mom at the Summit Church - she has the cutest girls - She knows her theology, teaches it to her girls, disciplines her girls, loves her husband, bakes, and most people say way out of her husband's league - but she's great!
Clarissa - she's my deacon's wife at church - much more, she's a great roommate in Thailand and a great eating partner at Elmos. She's got great kids too!
Joy - she's an adoptive Mom, but a Mom none the less. She's a busy mom to a 17 mth old and 2 dogs. Her husband is on faculty at SWBTS and his www is here if you want to see more pictures of Rachel. She's a great friend who has always been able to tell me like it is (even though I don't always listen)...(ah, remember the days)


Laura - MOOOOOO. You can check out her blog here and see her cute baby. We met before she even got to Flagler, lived on the same hall in the dorm, I sang in their wedding, now she's a Mom with lots of creative gifts and is using them.









T - my friend who works overseas. She is the second newest Mom of the bunch...she's gorgeous and loves serving Jesus. Her blog is here and you can see baby J.

Kasey - amazing girl who loves Jesus and her husband and new baby. She did our makeup at her wedding - definitely the most godly wedding I've been to (to date of course).

Lindsay - She is the newest Mommy. We met doing a DNOW in Charlotte, now she is married to a good friend of mine. They are from the good state. She is going to raise little Shep just great!

Patty - my worship pastor's wife from ABC - her girls are equally as cute and she came into motherhood in a most unique birthing place a little bit earlier than expected. I look forward to seeing you in June too (and your girls and husband)

Corinne - Even though I never get to see you...I know you have three precious kids - the first being Genesis - know that you are loved. You guys just need to move further south so we can all see you (I think most of us live in the south...see what you are missing)

Stace - You have perhaps taught me the most out of all the young moms. You and Rick love, nurture, teach, and discipline both Jacob and Noel. Your love for the Word and you being so real with me on struggles and joys. Thank you - your friendship amazes me, even if you do live in SC.

Sandra - You taught me a lot while at seminary, in the office, at Open Door - thank you - about prayer and faith even in times of uncertainty. You have raised two great boys who love you dearly!

Merriem - Oh, the Mom wonder of three boys. Danny wouldn't not survive without you. The decisions that have been made over the past year - you are great! Keep being a Mom for Jesus and a light to all who see you!

Moms listed here...you amaze me. Your patience with your kids overwhelm me. Thank you for your love for Jesus and your kids. It is definitely the most important job in the world IF I EVER have kids - I will use much of what you have taught me to hopefully raise them like you have done your kids. Your kids will rise up and call you blessed and you will train up your children in the way they should go - so they go out into all the world proclaiming the name of Jesus and His glory! Thank you.

Thoughts on DVC

OK - so that means the Davinci Code. My family was appalled that I was reading the book. I want to engage the culture I'm in - not be of it - not think like they do, but be able to engage it without using circular reasoning. The DVC is a good (not great) work of fiction. Kept me interested. I COULD put it down. But, at the end, I was glad that there was nothing I could but put my complete trust in the perfect creator of the Universe - and there is only ONE. I'm glad I don't worship a person like me, someone who makes mistakes and who fails and who died and stayed dead. There is only one GOD! He died for me and rose, and will come back one day for me. I don't have to search the globe for Him, kill for Him, or anything else. All I have to do is believe in the free gift that He has given me...He chose me...

OJ, mullet, and family

These didn't come through the first time. This is me learning how to "Suck an orange".

Family Pics

Ok - I promised some family pictures. Got up around 8 and made some homemade banana pudding. But, we only had one pkg of vanilla pudding so we had to use choc pudding too. It was actually really good everyone said. I made my first real whipped cream and that was real good too - so everyone says. Much better than ff cool whip. Then we gathered everything up and went across the pasture to my grandparents house. This orange tree is in their back yard and had some really good oranges in it for being late in the spring. This is my Aunt Sandy - she is oldest of the four kids. She lives in CA with her husband - they raise dogs.
This is my older brother, Alan, and my Uncle Eddie who is the youngest of the four kids. He plays the piano and had brought his keyboard, so we sang hymns all morning and he was jazzing them up. It was fun.
Not many people outside the south know what a smoker is. This is my papa's smoker. They had been out there since 6a firing it up and making good smoked mullet (its a fish they catch down in Ft. Myers). It was so good. I hadn't had any for a long time. The freezer is now empty so my brother will have to go with him to fish again.






This is Uncle Eddie showing me how to "suck an orange". I know, I should have known this before I am almost 30, but I learned today. Take an orange and cut the top off (I used my Dad's pocket knife). Slice down one time only to the white to get the peel off. Then take the point of the knife and dig in to the orange to extract a little of the juice. Then turn it up, squeeze, and suck at the same time. You are your own straw! That is fresh squeezed OJ - none of this "from concentrate" stuff.

Now, I'm chilling at home, most have left. Alan and Ty are coming up next week, but no more family again for a while

Fave places in FLA!!!

These are some of my fave places in Florida. I didn't take a picture of the Publix we went to, but more fam pics will come tomorrow!


The best bbq! Oh my goodness - none of that vinegar junk they serve in NC - only Sonny's will ever foot the bill!

Meaningful Music

Can you tell that music is a big part of my life - I love singing it, reading it, playing it, hearing it, its great! This is some new stuff I just got by one of my fave artists - Watermark. Nathan and Christy Nockels - Jill's "employers" in Nashville - best female artist in Christian music - and has been for a while. He has produced some wonderful stuff. They are great acoustic or rocking out. They sing a lot for Passion - so you may have heard them there. Their new stuff has great theology to it (just like most of their stuff). But, one of the songs I keep playing is Gloria/Friend for Life...
This is slightly out of order (from the original lyrics), but look at these:

Justification
Friend for life, Who took my pain, the cleansing flood, You remain, wash over me, till I can't be seen.

Sanctification (hear John 3.30 in there)
Living water swallow me
Deepest river wash me clean,
Jesus Savior more of Thee
Come and ruin me with your love - so no other is enough
Come and leave your mark on me
Jesus, more of Thee

Glorification (this is what will be truth when we are in heaven, without sin to entangle us and call us away)
Gloria - glory in the highest
Forever I will hide myself in Thee
Gloria - glory in excelsis deo, gloria, gloria
Every breath that I breathe - every moment in my history
In effort to praise you, in effort to Praise YOU

So, there is truth in music. It just depends on what music you listen to. This has been very telling of some of the stuff I'm learning now and thinking about. I get motivated to do something or get rid of the sin in my life - then it creaps back in - usually around the time I push snooze in the morning. Jesus - take away - swallow me - the pride, the sin, the self. There is a lot of me, I don't want more of me, I just let me down. I want you - more of you - all of you - to come and purify me. As another song of their's says: "Paint me with your purity, that I'd attract your majesty." And perhaps my fave of their's: Captivate - "Captivate us Lord Jesus, set our eyes on You, devestate us, with your presence falling down - holy fountain consume us with you."

What a prayer

Pictures --- its been a while!

This is one of the cutest babies alive! Oh my goodness - she has grown. I haven't seen her since right before Christmas and I so miss her - and her parents of course. This is Katelyn - her parents are good friends of mine - Kasey and Frank. Why does Apex have to be so far away?
These are my parents. They were at the Sons of the American Revolution meeting in the holy land of Florida (Gainesville). My Dad is really into genealogy (that is what he does for a living and is really good at it) and my Mom is a Mom and my biggest fan.

Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending

Wow - what a fast paced crazy two days. Prayer meeting last night was great: no sound, humorous baptisms (if you need more info, just ask), sound, God-stories, way too many things to do in an hour, one young lady got sick - had to call the ambulance, then one of the babies got sick, and I had to drive her home, then I found out I would be teaching Bible study tonight - so I get to prepare something I'm not even prepared to prepare...
Then today, preparing..., haven't felt well, came home, prepared...as much as I can...now, I need to sit in the truth.
C K Chesterton (theologian) wrote: "Orthodoxy is not only true, but it is infinitely more interesting than heresy. It is alive and compelling and life-changing. Heresies come and go by fashion. The truth is unchanging and unchangeable."
The Davinci Code - fiction but also will be a heretical act of fiction for hopefully all Christians who believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. And, is that a doctrine that must be held to to be a Christian? I have to still think about that one. Anyway, Gospel of Judas, Davinci Code, The Last Temptation of Christ, the Quest for the Historical Jesus...all these things...
But, we still have the Bible. Praise God. It is truth. If you want to hear more about this, go click on the Summit to the right, and hear JD's sermons on them. He is good. Unfortunately, flights are not so predictable, so I'll be teaching our last Bible study tonight instead of him. Sorry girls.
So, the hymn for today..."Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending"
I first heard this hymn (with slight change in melody) when I was attending FBC in Youngsville before coming to the Summit (great move). It turned out to be one of my fave songs we did there. I always looked forward to singing it.
John Cennick wrote this in the late 1700s. He was a moravian teacher who knew the Wesleys. Charles Wesley worked on this hymn as well. So, as before, what does this Hymn say about God and then what is my response:

Theology (or in this case - Christology)
He became a man (Phil 2, John 1)
He died once for all sinners (Rom 5)
He is adored by saints (Rev 4, 5)
He is coming to earth again to reign - (Rev - the end)
Every eye will see him (Phil 2)
He was crucified on a tree (all the gospels, and 1 Cor 15)
He is coming to get His children (1 Thess 4, Matt 24)
He is the adored one (Phil 2.11)
His throne is eternal
He has all power and glory (Rev 4, 5)
God is everlasting (Gen 1.1)

What is my response to this great news:
Don't reject Him, He is coming, be prepared, tell others. (in a nutshell)

My fave line: (boy this is tough). I am singing it in my head. This is phenom hymn.

"Oh come quickly, oh come quickly, everlasting God come down."

The Theology of House

HOUSE - it is definitely one of my fave shows right now. But, the theology on house tonight - stunk. Why do most shows always paint Christians in such a weird light? Humility? Sainthood? More trials to those he loves more? Questioning the power of prayer?

Turn off TV week and TIVO

Ok - this is funny. I do listen to Z while I am work. They were talking this morning about National Turn Off your TV week. Its amusing to me why they don't pick a week during the summer to have this, when none of the shows are winding down, all are in reruns.
But, the DJs said this morning, well, "I'll just tivo it". Then what is the point of turning off your tv this week?
Kinda crazy - technology.
I don't participate in this week at all, never have, just cause. But, I don't participate in it then TIVO it.
American Idol - has on Andre Boccelli tonight, and the female dj didn't even know who he was.

Let the amen, sound from His people again...

As you've seen on the blog the last few days - I've been posting songs. Some contemp songs are definitely better than others, but not many hold a candle to a majority of the hymns found in a typical hymnbook. So many hymns never even got published to where we could sing them on any given Sunday (not the movie). My favorite hymn is It Is Well, and we will certainly get to that one.
But, yesterday, Gaynor used a good ole hymn to open up the service with (after the Word of course). It was great, so many Scriptural truths were in it. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. So, for the next bit, I will be going through the theology of hymns - the Scripturalness of hymns for my quiet time followed by some reading in the Valley of Vision: a book two of my mentors told me about.
This hymn was written by some guy who died when he was 30 years old. He lived in the mid-1600s. There may be some differences between now and then in terms of culture - but every
The names of God in this hymn:
Lord - the very name of God as He gives it to Moses at the burning bush (Ex 3)
Almighty - Rev 21.22 - the very center of Heaven
King of Creation (Gen 1, Ps 8, Ps 19, John 1, Ps 29:1-3)
My health and salvation - Ps 41.3 - whether here or in death
Indweller of the temple (Heb 8 - He is now our mediator)
Reigner (as in over all things) - Many times in the Psalms He is known as King
Protector and Sustainer (Ps 91.1, Phil 4.13, Ps 31.15) -
Prosperer and Defender (Ps37.7)
Goodness, mercy, omnipresent (Ps 23)
Almighty (I think we covered this one)
Adored - Its what the angels do
Lover (Hosea)
Friend (John)

What am I commanded to do in response to this knowledge?
Praise Him (how many times does it say that?) - Ps 150
Obey Him (all who hear, come) - John, Ps 1
Gladly adore Him - He doesn't want our mean spirits or "have-tos"
Think about Him (Deut) - When I think about the Lord... (another great song that isn't a hymn)
Wholeheartedly worship Him - He wants EVERYTHING - oh how hard that is.

Why is it so hard? Living the Christian life with JEsus as Lord is much harder I think than anyone ever told me. It is easy to give my life over to someone for the big things because He is the only perfect one and I stake my life on that. But, to give over the daily grind, the wanting to watch TV, the wanting to sleep a little bit later, the wanting to have opinions and share them for my own gain...This is the hard stuff.

I'll try to pick out a fave line out of all these hymns:
"Let the amen, sound from His people again" - What He has said, He will do, He is of His Word!

You are God alone! (Praise God for that)

WEll, Philips Craig and Dean to my knowledge have not changed their views on the Trinity, but at least they got this song right: This is playing right now on the Z.

Phillips Craig & Dean - You Are God Alone
From the album Let the Worshippers Arise
You are not a godCreated by human hands
You are not a godDependant on any mortal man
You are not a godIn need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is
Chorus:You are God aloneFrom before time began
You were on Your throneYour are God alone

And right nowIn the good times and bad
You are on Your throneYou are God alone
You’re the only GodWhose power none can contend
You’re the only GodWhose name and praise will never end
You’re the only GodWho’s worthy of everything we can giveYou are GodAnd that’s just the way it is
Bridge:UnchangeableUnshakableUnstoppableThat’s what You are

Add another one to the pile

While I'm listening to the songs today...this is one that Selah does, and I love the words to it...(at least the portions I have here). Of course there is a pop version of this song, so take it for what you will....

You Raise Me Up
When I am down, and oh my soul, so weary.
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be.
Then I am still and wait here in the silence.
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

There is no life no life without its hunger.
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly.
But when you come and I am filled with wonder.
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity.

Casting Crowns

Another great song I'm loving right now...

Praise You in the Storm - Casting Crowns

I was sure by now God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears awayAnd stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen, and it is still raining
As the thunder rolls I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I'm with you
As your mercy fallsI raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away
I'll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've criedYou hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm

I remember whenI stumbled in the wind
You heard my cryYou raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry onIf I can't find you
I lift my eyes into the hillsWhere does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

There is No GOD like Jehovah!

Oh, how I love that song. I used to only hear it occasionally when the Summit would sing it, but now that Twila Paris has done it (I think it is her), I hear it all the time on the station I listen to out of Orlando. (z88)
And why does it only seem truth (meaning I do something about it - truth that is doable in my life) when other things fail - when I go through disappointment of any size or measure. I live my life for other things thinking they will fill me when all they do is leave me empty and far away from the God who is like no other.

here are the words to that song:

These are the days of Elijah,Declaring the word of the Lord:And these are the days of Your servant Moses,Righteousness being restored.And though these are days of great trial,Of famine and darkness and sword,Still, we are the voice in the desert crying'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,Shining like the sun at the trumpet call;Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee,And out of Zion's hill salvation comes.
These are the days of Ezekiel,The dry bones becoming as flesh;And these are the days of Your servant David,Rebuilding a temple of praise.These are the days of the harvest,The fields are as white in Your world,And we are the labourers in Your vineyard,Declaring the word of the Lord!
There's no God like Jehovah.There's no God like Jehovah!