I have hundreds of friends. I’ve lived in the same area my entire life. My guys comment that I “know everybody” whenever we go anywhere! Yet, as I prepare to move, I realize the depth (or lack of) of many of these relationships. Kathy Guy wrote a post this morning titled Do you have your four friends? Do you? that really hit on exactly what I’ve been thinking about.
I know I haven’t always been a good friend. Now, before you start thinking terrible things, what I mean by that is that although I’ve been a “decent” friend to many, I’ve not always been one to “go the extra mile” or “carry my paralyzed friend’s mat through a roof”. It’s easy to express joy, sympathy, compassion, or understanding if it doesn’t take risking ourselves.It’s easy to think of what to do, it’s a whole different level to actually get up and do it. How many people saw this paralyzed man? How many of his friends wanted to help and may have even thought of how to get him to Jesus? Yet, four friends picked up the mat, risked it all, and did it.
In my life, I know why it happened. I learned long ago to keep my life secret, to be superficial and to never be vulnerable. That offered protection from being hurt, but it also established barriers to real relationships. When you block out the bad, you also block out the good. You can’t be selective…it just doesn’t happen.
I want the kind of friends who will “pick up my mat and carry me”. I really want to be one who will grab on and step up for someone else. Do you have four friends who would do this for you? Are you one of someone else’s four friends? Or even one? Do they know? It takes risk, it takes effort, and it doesn’t come easy. It’s a choice we make and it’s a choice I’m willing to take. How about you?
I’ve received numerous requests and questions about podcasts of me speaking. Not all have been recorded but here’s what is available (I’m new at this so give a little slack on the speaking! I’m working on it!!):
This is all I’ve got–the first time I spoke at Thursdays–”my story” (and the first time I publically shared most of this stuff!!)
The other question I’ve been asked about is how can anyone donate and help in supporting me and/or Walls Down Church. Here’s what’s up:
Like a missionary, I’m raising my own support to pay bills, conferences, insurance, etc. (Paul is also doing this for his family)
We need to raise start up funds for Walls Down Church–from baby wipes to microphones to fees for building rental and everything in between!
The Association of Related Churches has selected Walls Down to partner with and match all gifts Walls Down receives! This means all donations to Walls Down gets doubled!!
At this time, any donations are going through Mountain Lake Church missions (100%), where Paul has just completed a church planting residency, until we get “on the ground” with our own financial/legal framework. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a giving statement!
checks made out to:
Mountain Lake Church, 3105 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming GA 30040
Don’t write the check to me, Paul or Walls Down at this point—simply include a note or write on the memo line where the monies are designated to go. They will all go to a special fund and all will get to us.
We need prayers!!!! Please don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer–drop a comment or note telling us if you’re praying for us. It is so very appreciated!!!!
Thanks for traveling alongside as God continues to do incredible things! I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
I have been so busy lately, both physically and mentally, trying to get everything done before we move. My guys are sensitive to these times and I’ve intentionally planned time to spend with them and to just try to take time out. I’ve continued to spend time every morning with God and reading, praying, and studying. I’ve also scheduled time to spend with friends as our time in NY winds down. It’s been great, but something has been missing…
What’s missing? Good ol’ let loose, over the top, crazy fun and laughter!! I’ve been known to bring squirt guns into work, tickle my kids until they’re laughing so hard they can’t breathe (or they’re laughing at me trying to hold them down when they’re bigger than I am!! ), and just being so “silly” that they can’t help but laugh. We have so many words and phrases that only take one mention and it sends us into uncontrolled laughter.
Yup—that’s been neglected lately. I think that needs to be changed…
What about you? Are you remembering to laugh? And no wimping out with a “tee-hee, ha-ha, that was funny” laugh either—go for it with all you’ve got! Be crazy today–and enjoy it!!!
Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God. Yet the Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today. ~Deuteronomy 10:14-15
When I first felt a calling into ministry and I pictured myself speaking to people, I thought “Who am I?” to think such thoughts. I am nobody. Nearly two years ago I shared a tiny bit of my story at our 3 main services at church, in front of 700-800 people. The responses were overwhelming and again I asked myself, “Who am I?” to have such impact. I am nobody.
I began blogging and making connections with people all over the world. People were reading what I had to say. “Who am I?” that anyone would care to read? I am nobody. Over the past year I have met incredible leaders, people “who are somebody” and it’s exciting! To think that these people would take their time, and talk with or write to me–wow!! I’ve gotten comments on blog posts and my jaw has dropped, because they have spoken to me. It’s like running into celebrities, and they speak to you! “Who am I?” that anyone would think I had something to offer. I am nobody. Yet it continues.
I know, without a doubt, that God has called me to ministry and to help start this church. I know, without a doubt, that all I’ve been through will be used by him to reach people and help lead them to Jesus. I know, without a doubt, that I have already and will continue to connect with people that others can’t…or won’t. Yet, I continue to ask “Who am I?” to have this privilege? “Who am I?” that God, THE God that created all, THE God that has power to do anything he wants, would ever even think about me? I am nobody.
I’m not doing anything special. I am a nobody. I am no different than anyone else. I spoke again at the 3 services last weekend, a changed person from just a short time ago. I know, without a doubt, that I have done nothing except listen and obey. I know I would not be at this point, or even alive, under my own power. I am nobody, yet I am somebody to God. When the service finished, I was asked to come forward so all who wanted could gather around and pray. I stood up and was completely overwhelmed by the numbers who stood with me. I am nobody, yet God continues to work.
As I read about how Jesus gave his life for the people in the Bible, I know this is the same Jesus that gave his life for me. Jesus is way bigger than any “big church” leader. He is way bigger than any celebrity ever could be. I am nobody, yet he thinks I’m somebody. Wow! I don’t ever want to forget this feeling!
Casting Crowns, “Who am I?” says it all…even if it’s a familiar song, take a minute to listen and appreciate the words…
I haven’t been blogging much lately. It seems like every minute of the day has been filled with things to do, but I’ve also been intentionally spending more time with my guys during this time of transition. So here are some thoughts and updates…
Each of my guys handles stress in different ways…one doesn’t talk much, but thinks all the time; one gets overwhelmed and upset easily; and one constantly says ”I love you Mom” and wants hugs!!
Yes, we accepted an offer on our house–we’re still waiting on an official mortgage commitment
Finding a car for my 18 year old is impossible! We need decent, reliable, but within our budget–if you have one for sale, let me know!!
This week I mowed my lawn. Usually my kids do it, but I’ve always enjoyed the time to think. It may have been the last time I ever use a riding lawn mower.
Car insurance, health insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance—I can’t stand this stuff!!!
I love backyard campfires. Awesome conversations, great laughs, tons of memories, and Reeses Peanut Butter S’Mores!!!
Last summer I was riding my bike about 20 miles a day. Yesterday I rode 10…I am so out of shape.
We’ve taken extra time to have fun in the pool and simply enjoy each other’s company
The guys and I have done movie night at least once a week for years—the past couple of weeks we’ve watched a movie together almost every other night.
Last doctor and dentist appointments, gathering transcripts, finding important papers, address and email changes….so much to remember and do…
We’ve spent time…all 4 of us…playing Playstation games together. I even won…once
I can still tackle and take down my guys…they say tickling isn’t fair…but I make the rules! They all have the best laughs–I love it!
I am so in the “get rid of it” mode–sell it, trash it, or give it away…
Home is not a place…home is wherever my guys and I are together. Bottom line is…the 4 of us are so very close and we would do anything for each other. That’s better than any “stuff” could ever be.
This move has brought us closer than we’ve ever been and I’ve seen my guys’ faith in God, their growth as men, and their love for what’s important. I am the luckiest mom ever!!
