Couple's Retreat

Well, since I'm WAY overdue for a new post, what a better time than now to express what a fabulous time Mike and I had at the Couple's Retreat in Townsend, TN. It was held at the beautiful Valley View Lodge which was about 20 minutes from the main drag in Pigeon Forge. I liked it a lot better than the last location...more of the "country" setting. God is SO GOOD to make a way for us to go, through the financial help of

some precious saint(??) We wanted to go SO BAD, but funds are limited with me out of work. The devotions and services presented a great challenge for all 39 couples to "Grow Together in His Love" as our theme stated. If the church's foundation is made up of strong, healthy marriages how much greater things can we accomplish for the Lord and His church? I am SO THANKFUL for my husband's leadership and sincere desire to be faithful to God and to me. The special visitation by the Holy Ghost on Saturday night was certainly the highlight of the weekend. Only God knows the healing and restoration that took place that night as God used Sister Sharon Griffin (our guest speaker) to deliver a very timely message to the couples. One thought that stuck out in my mind, is how we must learn to recognize the enemy's attacks on our marriage and say "NO DEAL DEVIL"! Also, Bro Jeremy and Sis Emily Wallace shared an outstanding devotion on how God is "fusing" our spiritual bones together throughout the different stages of marriage. I wish every couple in The Church of God could come to a Couple's Retreat, just to take a weekend away from the cares of this life and focus on our marriage.

The couples in the pic were those that had been married less than a year (some less than a week:) Two of the couples are members at our local church and what a blessing they are! The other pics were the splendid surprise the Lord gave us Sunday morning! Although it wasn't much, it was the most snow I've seen all year. It was the kind I like, beautiful on the trees, but none on the roads, thank the Lord. Eventually, there will probably be more pics posted on the VA/WV regional website http://tcogvawv.com/as they come in to my husband. He has really enjoyed putting it together, although it's very new and still under construction.

The Lousy Blonde posts

No, this would not be "my" description of myself, but rather my beloved General Overseer's wife. I mean, you'd think she since she had not seen me in several months, she'd say something like, "Oh, how nice to see you Sister Lorrie...how have you been"? But NOOOO.....I was greeted with immediate sarcastic slander (I'm still trying to recover... sniff, sniff). Yes, I got scolded like a bad doggy for not keeping you posted on my ever-so-eventful life. Nevertheless, I have to admit it was a well deserved title. But at least I'm not as lousy as Sister Melanie....another 25 days and she'll be making her "annual post"!

It has been a VERY busy summer in the work of the Lord. Our region had a WONDERFUL youth camp last week with around 60 campers (more than DOUBLE last year's attendence)! I had double duty this year as counselor of 12 little girls, ages 8-11 and taught a class of about 25, 8-12 year old kids the Fruit of the Spirit. There is SO much work that goes into camp, but the rewards are priceless. Being able to lead one of my campers to the Lord and the other to sanctification was an absolutely priceless experience that makes it SO WORTH all the hard work. The Lord really moved in our services and it was beautiful to see so many youth seeking the Lord. Of course, I couldn't have done it without my assistant "Sargeant Jessica" (as nicknamed by our cabin). She's a natural with kids and will be a great asset to the camping ministry.

We were SO blessed to able to come "home" to so many of our NC family for their state convention yesterday. Many of them came to our regional convention a few weeks ago to sing in the WV/VA/NC state choir! So we then returned the favor and went to their convention to sing on their program. It was like old times and felt SO GOOD to be with everyone again. Of course we were missing several precious soldiers that have been wounded in the battle, but thank God, several more have enlisted! Oh God, grant me the determination to make it the last mile of the way!

Ok, Mrs. GOW, do I lose the "lousy" title now?? *SMILE*

Packin' my bags!

Yes, that's right....headed for Waco, Texas this Sunday morning for a week long intensive training for Curves, called "Club Camp". Curves employees will come from all over the world to learn everything there is to know about running the Curves business. I have been asking to go for a while, and since our other full time trainer is getting married and moving away, I will be assuming a lot more responsibility. I want to be the very best servant to the ladies that I can be, and this training will definitely help. And once I have Club Camp under my belt, that will enable me to take Nutrition and Kinesiology courses in the fall through Curves:):) This is VERY exciting to me, and classes that I have ALWAYS wanted to take. God is so good! The only scary part is the flying part. I have been in a 4 seater airplane, but never commercial. And this will be the furthest I have ever been out west.....too bad I'm not closer to the Horne's. I already looked - it's like 5 hours, or so. The best part is - it's all expenses paid - CHA CHING!

Some more good news from the weekend: We have located and purchased Bridesmaid dresses for Michelle Rhodes wedding. WOOHOO! We found them at Sears (of all places) for a REALLY good price and very modest, but elegant. Well, as far as Bridesmaids, she really only has one Junior Bridesmaid. Her sister and I will be her Matrons of Honor and Rachel Esqueda (sp?) will be her Maid of Honor. We didn't have any luck with Michelle's dress, but we'll just keep looking. It's SO HARD to find anything modest anymore. I'm just SO EXCITED that she is has found the man of her dreams! If you spent any time with the two of them, it's very apparent they in love and will make a wonderful team for the Lord. Keith has a very genuine love and hunger for God and has a great personality! Him and Mike have really hit it off and we just thank God for another couple our age to fellowship/hang out with. The recently moved up date is November 3, 2007, just one day before their first date...go ahead...AAWWEE=) Will they wait that long? Only time will tell *SMILE*

Hey everyone! I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged...shame on me (I know....took the words right out of your mouth). January - May is our busiest time at Curves....you know, that's when us ladies' make our new years resolutions to loose weight and be more healthy. SO, business has been VERY good for us so far this year, thank the Lord. I am still loving my job, more every day in fact, as I become more comfortable and familiar with all my responsibilities. I was blessed to be able to go to my very first Curves Regional Convention in Philadelphia, PN last weekend (all expenses paid, I might add)! There was about 1800 owners/employees in attendance, filled with excitement about our learning new ways we can help our ladies reach their goals. The most impressive part to me was that the president and the founder of Curves sincerely gave God all the glory for helping the business grow to what it is today. It started with the man and his wife opening up the very first Curves for Women like 10 years ago. There are now over 10,000 locations worldwide! Although it's the upmost desire of the corporate hdqt's for all owners/employees to be Christians, we know that's not likely in today's watered down religious world. However, it's comforting to know that those at top leadership do desire God's direction and blessings to be upon the business.

The Lord is continually opening doors for me to share the goodness of God with the ladies'....and as a matter of fact, one of our members came to church with me this morning! Ever since I met her about 5 weeks ago, she has kind of taken me under her wing and we've been working out faithfully 5 days a week together (being accountable to one another). The past several years have been very difficult since loosing her only daughter in a car accident. Today, she came to church for the first time since the funeral (big step). I believe with all my heart that God is working on her heart, and I am just trying, with God's help, to be a vessel by which HE can pour out his love to this hurting heart. God is still the GREAT PHYSICIAN and is able to heal broken hearts! Like my pastor said this morning, "deep down inside, people really do want God...they just can't break free from the chains of sin around their soul...they just need you and me to show them the TRUE love of Christ". God help me to be his hands and his feet!

Lovin' the New Job!

Lovin' the New Job! Well, Friday was my first day at Curves by myself, and it was quite awesome, I must say. I am just trying to get acquainted with all the ladies right now (which is about 300 members...yikes). I am so terrible with names, but I am determined to learn them. The end of my day was the coolest part. I got to talking to this lady, which happened to be a Christian. And we talked for the longest time about the Lord, mostly her sharing some miracles God had performed in her life. One of the first things she told me was that she had been divorced for 18 years and she quoted the scripture about GOD BEING HER HUSBAND.... and she was the BEST husband she'd ever had! Cool huh? Anyway, she really opened to me and shared some very personal burdens she had been carrying and asked me to pray for her. So I felt led to ask if she wanted to pray right there. So we held hands and believed God to answer the needs we had spoken of. The Lord came down in a special way and both of us were weeping and praising God! AND the coolest thing was... she prayed for me and spoke specific things I had been praying about, but hadn't mentioned in our conversation. But the Holy Ghost knows all:) God is so good and I can't thank him enough! So the Lord has given me a prayer partner at the gym that has agreed to help me pray for all the members there. This night was just another confirmation that I am exactly where God wants me to be *BIG SMILE* I am so excited that my pastor's wife, Sister Cathy, joined Curves tonight!! WHOOHOO! We had been walking at the mall for quite a while, but this is so much better! No moving targets to dodge:) My mom is supposed to be joining this week too. For those of you that know my mom and her situation, please remember her in prayer. She is desperately miserable and has fallen into a deep depression, coupled with rapidly failing health. Pray that she will "come to herself" and see that God is the ONLY ONE that can put the broken pieces of her life back together again. Lord's blessings to you all!

Still Workin' on the Purse

Well, I would LOVE to say that I have finished my first sewing project and was sportin' around a new purse, BUT after 3 trips to Sister Melanie's house to work on it, I am still not finished. *FROWN* I had NO IDEA it was going to take this LONG. It may not have taken so long if I didn't have to QUILT the fabric FIRST. Whoowee, what a job (I just couldn't find any already quilted to suit my taste). Sister Melanie would call me a perfectionist, but if I know me (I wonder some days), I will not carry it if looks sloppy. Let's just say...I have broken in the seam-ripper quite well. HA! This would be why I am not done yet. But I will post a picture of the completed project.

Well, I will complete my training tomorrow with Curves and go solo on Friday. YIKES! There is always SO MUCH to learn at first, but soon it will be like second nature. I thinks it's going to be a lot of fun and VERY rewarding. I am SO THANKFUL to God for opening this door to me!

I'm getting ready to send in my deposit for the Couple's Retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN on Feb. 23-25. WHOOHOO! This will be our third year going and I wouldn't miss it for nothin'! It's always nice to get away with your spouse and just focus on building up your marriage. The fellowship is always WONDERFUL and it's so nice to meet couple from all over. However, I declare that our guys wouldn't go if it weren't for the HUGE Bass Pro Shop there and Smokey Mountain Knife Works. Hey, whatever it takes to get 'em there, right? At least at the knife place, the basement is FULL of the neatest kitchen stuff that Sister Melanie and I just LOVE (we always ride down with the Hogan's). There is tons of shopping there and just about anything you want to do, entertainment wise. It always brings back good memories, as Mike and I honey-mooned in Gatlinburg (right outside of Pigeon Forge). Soooo, if you are reading this and you are married, I challenge you to join us this year. You won't regret it! And if you're not married, well, you have a little over a month. HEHE!

God Answers Prayer!

Thanks to all who prayed for me to find a job. I tell you, when God does it, he does it RIGHT. I was a member of the Curves for Women gym for over two years (sadly ending last October, I think?, when we purchased the BowFlex). The owner and I kinda bonded, as we often talked about the goodness of God. So she called me last week in need of a manager for one of the two locations here in Lynchburg. She said she hadn't advertised because she was not willing to settle for anyone less than a good Christian woman that loved the Lord and loved helping people. She expressed that she had been earnestly praying about who GOD would want in the position and I was the only person that He was laying on her heart. Curves is unique from other gyms, in that, not only is it ALL WOMEN (yippee, no men to deal with...how exciting!), but the goal of the employee is to create a bond with the members, thereby greatly increasing the chances that they will continue their membership. Of course, there will be some paperwork involved, but my main job will be talking with the ladies and trying to help and encourage them to reach their weight loss/fitness goals. Of course, as you get to know someone, they will begin to share different personal problems or struggles they are facing. The owner said she wants someone in the position that (when the door opens) can give them true hope in Christ, rather that just a mere pat on the back. So how cool is this? I get paid to talk to people about diet/excercise AND the Lord? Those of you that know me would agree that this is definitely a job that God ordered up JUST FOR ME!! The scripture is so true that says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalms 37:4. I just stand amazed as I sit back and see how beautifully God orchestrates my life. I feel so unworthy sometimes when I dwell on all that he has blessed me with and how little I give Him back in return. I have been saying for so long now, I am so tired of "pushing papers" in the office world, feeling like I am accomplishing so little for God...."Lord, I want to have a job where I can actually HELP people, both physically AND eternally." So he has indeed answered prayer. One of my favorite sayings is "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last". So my nice, leisurely, unemployed life will be coming to an end in just a couple weeks *SNIFF, SNIFF*. But please keep me in your prayers as I enter into this new mission field that my light will shine brighter than ever before, and that God would use me to have an impact on the kingdom of God and The Church of God. To God be the glory!

Since the Lord has blessed me with a sewing maching for Christmas (it's all your fault Sister Smith *SMILE*), I am planning to go to Sister Melanie's this weekend to tackle my very first sewing project! And there will no distractions from the Hogan men, as they will all be at the VA/WV Men's Retreat:) She made a few of those new style purses with the quilted fabric for her family members for Christmas. You couldn't even tell they were handmaid~~absolutely beautiful! How exciting to carry a purse that "I" made! I know I'll never be a sewing queen like Sister Smith or Melanie, but if I can do the basics - like sanctifying my skirts and hemming Mike's pants, I'll be a happy woman. I'll let you know how the purse turns out and maybe even post a picture if your lucky... (real lucky...oh, whoops - we don't believe in luck, do we?) Anyway, love and hugs to all my blogging buddies.