Eat-2-Live

Couple's Retreat

2009-02-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

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

2007-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

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*

2007-03-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-01-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-01-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

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.

"blessed be the name of the Lord"

2006-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

This scripture is the latter part of Job 1:21 and the testimony that he portrayed upon loosing all of his wealth, including his children. He realized that EVERYTHING God has allowed him to have in this life was not HIS but was given to him by God. That's why he could say "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away..." This was my testimony to several of my co-workers last Thursday, the day before I was layed off from my job. I knew our plant was preparing for a huge layoff, as production has been unusually slow this Christmas season. I worked in the Quality Assurance department and unfortunately, in manufacturing, they are viewed as "overheard" when it comes to lay-offs. Although I will miss many of the people I worked with for over 3 years, it's really an answer to prayer. I haven't been happy there for quite some time and knew God had something else for me. So now I have nothing BUT time to look for something else. Because Job trusted God to bring him through the fiery testing of his faith, God blessed him with TWICE of what he had before. So I am completely trusting God to provide a BETTER job than the one I had!! Wednesday night at church, I sang the chorus "God is faithful, he's faithful to me..." And he is. Fortunately, I am able to draw unemployment for a while until I find something. So I have been enjoying this week off before Christmas to get prepared for Christmas and spend some extra time with family. It's been SOOO nice! Mike is still job searching too (but fortunately he still has one!) for a Computer Technician position. So we are depending on the mighty prayers of the saints that God will open just the right door and for us to be in the center of His will. I know God has given me this time too, to give a much needed recharge to my spiritual battery and enjoy some uninterrupted times of fellowship in His presence! Time is so short and I desire to be more effective for Him. Lots of love to you all!

Our cat Aggie

2006-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I'm surprised you even still check out my site, but nevertheless, I'm glad you stopped by. Just call me Mrs. BB (backslid blogger). I wanted to post a picture of our cat "Aggie". Her name is very original.... short for "aggravator" (she's much better now since being de-clawed). Since Mike and I have no little ones yet, she is our BABY...aaaawwwweee. Ain't she cute? She is indeed the most lovable cat you would ever meet (except when in-laws stop by to check on the house when Mommy and Daddy and away...wasn't pretty). She was last year's Valentine's Day gift to Mike. She loves attention and is sure to target your hand if it's not doing anything. She absolutely LOVES coconut (weird?)...can't count the MANY bags she has put holes in. And any bag, box, trashcan that she can climb in... she's there!

Anyway, Mike and I are doing well...just trying to get ready for Christmas. I am working on my devotion tonight for the Juvenile Detention Home on Monday. Usually it's just me and another older lady from our church that go every month, but this time our entire youth group is going (many of them never setting foot in a detention home) to have a devotion, crafts and snacks. We're preparing treat bags to hand out with homemade cookies and candy too. YUMMY! It's so exciting to be able to spread God's love to young people that so desperately need it. Please pray for us to be a blessing! Please keep praying for both of our job situations. We REALLY need the Lord's help. Thanks!

Miss me?

2006-10-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, hello everyone! It's me, you know...your blog-challenged friend. I am always reading what's going on in your life, so I guess it's only fair to let you in on mine. Let's see, we had a WONDERFUL service on Sunday. The Holy Ghost took over from the opening song of Sunday School and then Brother Horton felt led to anoint and pray over every married couple there, as well as anyone else in need of prayer. It was powerful, and SOOOOO refreshing!

I was blessed to be able to escort my father a couple weeks ago, to his 50th high school reunion in Banner Elk, NC. The reason for the escort....you would NEVER know my dad was 68 until you got behind the wheel with him~~SCARY. You'd better be PRAYED up. So being the nice daughter that I am, I offered to drive my car. I am SO glad I went though...lots of good father /daughter bonding time=) He was raised just minutes from his high school, so the trip brought back lots of fond memories for him. I got lots of nice pictures (which I will try to post later) of the fall foilage. The further into the mountains you take me, the happier I am! Fall is absolutely my FAVORITE season! God has given us so much beauty in nature to enjoy if we will only take the time. Sunday morning, we went to church with my relatives there and I was amazed at the LOVE and true Spirit of God that I felt there. It was just a little country church up on up a hill with just a handful of people that were EXCITED about Jesus. It brings me great joy to know there are so many other true sheep that God is going to lead into His Fold!

Last weekend was our region's Youth Retreat at a camp in Fincastle, VA. We were able to go down on Saturday morning and stay for the day. The services were good and I believe our youth had a great time of fellowship. Mike and I had a rather disturbing reality check when we realized that we were one of the few oldest youth there! YIKES! I just can't comprehend that I am 30. I guess it helps that I don't LOOK or FEEL that old (most people guess my age in the low 20's:) I guess I will find out this weekend if I can still keep up with the young-in's (as my NC relatives would say). Our youth group is planning on picnicing (spelling?) in the Peak's of Otter mountains after church on Sunday. The brave ones will hike up the mountain and then we'll top off the day with an outdoor service in one of the pavilions. Sound like fun, huh?! Sure wish you could be there!

Watch out Hogan boys, you have some competition...last weekend Mike enjoyed his very first hunting experience with his new bow he got for Christmas last year. He's only been practicing the last couple months, but his aim is exceptional (according to more experienced hunters he shoots with). His heart is set on getting one tomorrow. This means I will have to glean some yummy recipes from the "Venision Queen" a.k.a Sister Melanie Hogan :) The Hogan boys gut it, and she processes and packages it right there in her very own kitchen. Amazing. She's the coolest mom! So while he is doing his MONLY (deep voice) thing, I will have the house all to myself... YIPPEE!

BTW, Does anyone know how make the date appear on each comment? Sis Becki, I know I have seen the date on your blog. HELP!

Much love to you all!

Responding to the A.P.B

2006-08-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

Howdy, everyone! Forgive me for not keeping you updated on my leisurely, mundane, care-free life...NOT! Camp, pastor changes, and working lots of overtime has kept me very busy the last month. I just don't know HOW in the WORLD those of you with a quiver full of children are such faithful bloggers. You make the childless one look SO bad! You see, by the time I finish reading everyone else's new posts, and sometimes responding, it's WAY past my bedtime and my brain is not functioning enough to post.

Anyway, this Sunday was the first real Sunday with Brother Horton (may of us were away at camp the previous Sunday), and WOOWEE did he feed our souls with fresh manna from above! I cried through both services as God's word and his Spirit ministered so deeply to my heart. Jesus is the Great Shepherd that knows where the greenest, most nutritious grass (spiritual Barleygreen!!) is to nourish and strengthen our souls. God is using him to really CHALLENGE us to reach our full potential in Christ. If there was ever a time that I want to have the favor of God upon my life, it is now. God is preparing his true sheep for a great battle that we still have yet to fight. A scripture caught my eye this morning in 2 Timothy 2:4 "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life: that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." To entangle, means to perplex or distract. How easily we can become distracted from the things of God, when we are not fervently fighting (not just defensively, but OFFENSIVELY) for the unity and purity of the church on our knees in prayer. If a real soldier in combat lost his focus in the heat of the battle, he would be an EASY target for the enemy and would, no doubt, also endanger his fellow soldiers. God help me to stay FOCUSED on Christ, that he may be pleased with this soldier!

I am so excited! I finally figured out how to post pictures...and it's SO EASY! This is me and my sweetie at the Assembly 2001 (haven't used the digital in a long time - Mike claims it's outdated and is waiting to get a new one). I love and appreciate all my fellow bloggies *SMILE*

Yes, I am still alive!

2006-07-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my blogger buddies! Sorry so long since my last post, but it has been a VERY busy couple of months. My co-workers agrees that our employer should provide beds and showers on the job cause so many of us are basically living there. HA! So I have been working lots of overtime, trying to job hunt inbetween and also working on VBS stuff. We've been in Bible school all week and tomorrow night is our commencement and cookout. YIPPEE! Our theme was "Going Buggy For Jesus" and each class studied a different insect in the Bible, teaching spiritual lessons from the every day lives of little insects. Believe it or not, you can REALLY learn a lot from these little creatures! We've studied ants, bees, moths, spiders, and butterflies. Everyone has worked SO hard and God really blessed us with an average attendance of around 45! I had so much fun teaching the primary class....just watching their little faces light up and really get excited about EVERYTHING we did, brought such joy to my heart! The cool thing was that ALL of my 8 kids were not regular attenders. Oh, how we need little ones! Our gleaners are growing up into VLB's and we are asking the Lord to send us some little ones to take their place.... especially for my Sunday School class. I'm sure the Lord will be answering our prayers in just a few short weeks....as we will be gaining a new pastor that LOVES kids (he's done a pretty good job of filling the house at his current post of duty:) I am personally excited about them coming and can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year! And I am thrilled to be gaining 3 new youth! WOOHOO! Of course, it has been tough knowing that I'll be loosing the 1st and only pastor I've ever had. We've shared SO many wonderful memories over the last 10 years that I will never forget. I think I will miss his dear wife more, though:)... as she has always been my role model of what a Godly woman should be. But I trust COMPLETELY that God knows exactly what he is doing and is always working ALL things out for our good... AMEN! Well, it's been a long day and the bed is calling my name. Please do remember me in prayer that God will open a door to another job. I just want HIS will, even if it is not a job "I" would pick. God's blessings to all of my brother and sisters in the great Church of God!

Bow-flexin it

2006-06-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

God has been SO good to us lately. We are very pleased about the good deal we got on a Bowflex Home Gym. Mike started a diet 2 weeks ago and has last lost 17 lbs already! I am SO proud of him for the determination in his spirit and the discipline that ONLY God has given him. He is walking a couple miles about 4-5 days a week and eating lots of salads and fruit. No, I haven't converted him into a "vegyman" yet, but he is making great strides! Since he knew he needed to tone while he lost weight, yet he didn't feel comfortable going to a co-ed gym, we decided to bring the gym to our house. It has only been used for a month, and we got it for $300 less than retail price. It's made very well, as compared to some others we looked at, and it does like 60 different excercises...WOOHOO! The only negative is that the only place we could put is in the middle of our den. This was a big act of SUBMISSION on my part, that I am sure the Lord is taking notice of *SMILE* Fortunately, we do have another sitting area in our living room. It will have to do for now, until the Lord blesses us with another house with a BASEMENT (our dream). Lord knows I will be willing to do anything I can to help my hubby reach his goal (knowing that reaching his goal will have MANY benefits for ME TOO)!

Well, today is the day that my mom is tying the knot. I would love to be there in her support... if it was a biblical marriage. My dad is still living and still loves her. But she chose to go her own way several years ago, and has experienced great heartache over the years because of her decision. Although the man she is marrying is super-nice and I know will treat her well, she is still one-flesh with my dad. Upon confiding with my husband (and other trusted church leaders) we decided that it would not be right to attend a marriage that was not honored in the sight of God. I did have the opportunity to give her all the scriptures concerning divorce and remarriage, but her mind was already made up. Satan is so tricky to blind our eyes to the plain truth of God's words, when it is not what "WE" want. This has been an EXTREMELY HARD decision, I guess because it's my mom, and we have always been so close. Being the only member of my family in the church, I am sure my family thinks that my husband and I are weird-os. But I do not regret standing for God and his word, for that is all that will matter in eternity. The Bible says "he that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me". As grim as things may look in the natural, I am still believing God will give her another chance before she dies. I thank God for the abundance of strength he has given me through this trial and for my husband that has been my ROCK. As the song says "God is faithful, he's faithful to me".

Praise Report!

2006-05-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to testify of God's saving power. I was BLESSED to be able to lead a young girl (maybe 15?) to the Lord during Detention Home service on Monday night. I started this work about 2 years ago, with a strong desire to reach out to young ladies that are exactly where I used to be. The girls ages range from 10 to 17, and are being detained for anything from stealing to murder. We go once a month and minister to the girls (anywhere from 1 to 10 usually) for now. I am still working on our guys to get them to with me and reach out to the teenage boys there. It started out as a youth out-reach, but now it's usually me and Sister Shirley Pelfrey that go. Anyway.... about the service. God was already working on the hearts of these girls before we even came (many other church groups come in, as well). One of the black girls sang a beautiful song that got one girl to crying. Then I opened up for prayer requests. They began to share how they needed God's help to make better decisions in life, and the girl that later got saved, requested prayer for "strength to be able to walk in the ways of Jesus". So laying aside the devotion I had planned, I just let the Lord lead me into testifying about how I should have been in a detention home MYSELF for all the bad things I did as a teenager. I told them of how my mom was getting ready to kick me out of the house, and that is when I hit rock bottom and KNEW I could only get my life straight with God's help. I just simply told them WHAT GOD HAD DONE FOR ME and how he has KEPT ME by his grace for 9 years now, free from the bondage of this world! And before you knew it, all 8 girls were crying and the mighty presence of the Lord was in that room. I gave an invitation for anyone that wanted to be saved to raise their hand and I would come and pray with them. Unfortunately, my time was about up (limited to strictly 1 hour). But I was able to have a short prayer with this young girl, as she poured her heart out to the Lord, not caring of who was around. That's how I KNEW it was genuine. I wish I was able to contact them to encourge them, but because of them being underage, the facility will not allow it. I usually try to leave tracts with them, so they will know where we are when they get out.

There are SO MANY young people out there that are crying out for that LIVING WATER to quench the overwhelming thirst in their souls. I am just thankful that Jesus was able to flow through me to bring this soul to the WINNING side! Words cannot express the joy I feel in being able to see fruit from my labors. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

2006-05-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, the comments have exploded since last time I checked! It has been a busy weekend, and I have really been meaning to post, but well, you know, just didn't get around to it. I'm really trying to make my precious Sister Melanie look better :) I have really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and getting my daily "laughter medicine". I find myself frequently busting out laughing (which I have never done on the computer)... and I can just see my husband giving me the WEIRDEST looks on the other side of the wall. It's so refreshing to communicate with non-stuffy church people. Sis Smith, I am so glad things are going well at BTI. I can't tell you how much I wish I was there! You all are daily in our thoughts and prayers.

This was a busy weekend, second one IN A ROW that my computer MD had to make a house call to MommaSmith's. You'd think we love her, or something?? We just thank God everything is up and running! Sis Smith- if you find your room a little scattered upon your return home, it's because we both broke out in a full shout when we connected with the online world! It was a blessing to be in your home, even though you weren't there. The spirit of Michelle tried to rise up in me, but my husband rebuked it. You should be thankful. Well, ta-ta for now.... must finish studying for band service tomorrow night.

2006-05-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

A massive meal right before Church...

Just a test to see what my Blog looks like... ô¿ô