Can you believe it…. Here we are…. The day before departure….. 80 days ago when the counter to the right had that huge number on it I somehow thought this day would never come…Now here it is….
The emotions I am feeling today run the gamut of possible feelings….
I am bouncing off the wall excited that I am doing what the Lord has asked me to do… What a privilege it is to be His servant….
I am also beside myself happy that my mom and Mandie are getting to go with us and see where we are gonna be…My mom has never been out of the country other than the Bahamas so this will be a great experience for her….
I am sad about leaving some of my family and friends fro the next year…. Specifically my sister Johnnie-Lynn, LaLa (my brother-in-law) and my 2 nieces, Taylor and Sophie…. I love them so much I can hardly type their names with out tears filling my eyes…. I pray that my going would somehow grow their relationship with Jesus even more… I don’t know if they will read this today…But if y'all do, I cannot put into words how much I will love and miss y'all…I am already looking forward to beating ya’ll at Yahtzee over Christmas…
I am anxious about teaching a new grade…. For the past five years all I have known is first grade, and now I will be in a new country with a new grade….I think the 4-6 grade will be more foreign to me than the Philippines…but I am so ready for the challenge….
I am nervous… I know I am because of the seemingly non stopped flow from my innards began yesterday and hasn’t stopped yet….Maybe I will lose some weight before I even get there….All you uppity self righteous people get over that last comment….it’s reality and you would feel the same way…You might not broadcast it on the net…but hey..that’s me!!!
Most of all I feel humbled…..Humbled that the Almighty God in heaven who really has no need for me to accomplish His will, would choose to use me in spite of my sin, my mistakes, my shortcomings, my failures, my inadequacies, my lack of trust and faith..the list goes on… I wonder why He does things the way He does… Ain't He just good!!!
Below is a list of our itinerary. All "leave" times are local times to where we are...you can figure out what time it is here then by clicking here... Please be in prayer as we travel.... specifically for my mom...she is nervous about such a long flight...
Leave GSP @ 6:40pm........Arrive in Chicago @7:45pm
Leave Chicago @ 8:45pm........Arrive in LA @ 11:05pm (this will be 2:05 am EST time)
Leave LA @ 1:05am...Arrive in Hong Kong @ 7:25am Monday morning ( this will be 6:25 Sunday Night EST) Notice that we lose a day here...Where in the world will Sunday be for us??
Leave H.K @ 4:15pm......Arrive in Cebu @ 6:55pm Monday Night there...(6:55am Monday EST)
While all of you are in church we will be somewhere over the Pacific Ocean... Cool huh??
Anyway...this will be my last post until we get there...or maybe in Honk Kong airport...who knows.... 'Til then.......
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Charlotte and Back
Today Mandie and I went to Charlotte to eat lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and shop at the South Park mall......
On the way home we got stuck in some stand still traffic for about an hour due to a wreck on 85... While we were sitting there I wondered what the hold up was so I started flipping through the radio to find a traffic report.... I found a country station called WSOC.... They had the report on and we learned it was an overturned vehicle..... After the report....we heard a funny news story about a man who needed to use the bathroom while riding down the road and when he got out to use it he left this car in gear and it rolled down into a Florida swap.....
This led them (the DJs) to ask callers for stories.... and y'all know I HAD ONE!!!!!!!!!!! SO I called in and got through and proceeded to tell my story...
When I was 16 I left my car in gear at the top of a hill (of course I didn't realize it at the time.)...... I ran in the house to change and leave again...and when I came out the car was gone....... I panicked and thought the car had been stolen...after all we lived in a sketchy area.....I called my mom in tears and was scared to death.....then I looked across the street and I could see the top of the car in the woods stuck between 2 trees..... My tears were then tears of fear for my life....not my lost car....
Mandie and I waited for 30 minutes for the radio to share my story..... The DJs laughed like crazy but it never made it on the air.....So i thought I would share it with you....The DJs could not believe how many people had left their car in gear....Have you??? Tell me about it!...... Only 2 days til take off......
On the way home we got stuck in some stand still traffic for about an hour due to a wreck on 85... While we were sitting there I wondered what the hold up was so I started flipping through the radio to find a traffic report.... I found a country station called WSOC.... They had the report on and we learned it was an overturned vehicle..... After the report....we heard a funny news story about a man who needed to use the bathroom while riding down the road and when he got out to use it he left this car in gear and it rolled down into a Florida swap.....
This led them (the DJs) to ask callers for stories.... and y'all know I HAD ONE!!!!!!!!!!! SO I called in and got through and proceeded to tell my story...
When I was 16 I left my car in gear at the top of a hill (of course I didn't realize it at the time.)...... I ran in the house to change and leave again...and when I came out the car was gone....... I panicked and thought the car had been stolen...after all we lived in a sketchy area.....I called my mom in tears and was scared to death.....then I looked across the street and I could see the top of the car in the woods stuck between 2 trees..... My tears were then tears of fear for my life....not my lost car....
Mandie and I waited for 30 minutes for the radio to share my story..... The DJs laughed like crazy but it never made it on the air.....So i thought I would share it with you....The DJs could not believe how many people had left their car in gear....Have you??? Tell me about it!...... Only 2 days til take off......
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sometimes We Can't See What is Staring Us in the Face
Look at the picture below and see if you can find the face staring back at you.... It may scare you once you see it.... Look closely!!!!
When I finally found the face....it made me realize how many times we over look things that are right in front of our faces..... I lose my wallet and my keys all the time at home... and they are usually right on my dresser...but for some reason I over look them in my frantic search.....
Isn't that how we do in our spiritual walks sometimes.....we ask God to give us neon signs, burning bushes, thunder and lightning that spells out the answers to our questions but all alone God's still small voice is speaking the answer to our every need and we fail to hear because we are frantically looking.....
Whatever you are seeking God about today.... Be still and know that He is God....The answer you are looking for may be right in front of your face!
Have a great Monday!!!!
When I finally found the face....it made me realize how many times we over look things that are right in front of our faces..... I lose my wallet and my keys all the time at home... and they are usually right on my dresser...but for some reason I over look them in my frantic search.....
Isn't that how we do in our spiritual walks sometimes.....we ask God to give us neon signs, burning bushes, thunder and lightning that spells out the answers to our questions but all alone God's still small voice is speaking the answer to our every need and we fail to hear because we are frantically looking.....
Whatever you are seeking God about today.... Be still and know that He is God....The answer you are looking for may be right in front of your face!
Have a great Monday!!!!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
"Tomahawkin' It"
Yesterday 12 of us headed down to Atlanta for a Braves game.... Me, Mandie, Matt, Melissa, Misty, Steve, Sterling, Kimmy, Amanda, Allison, Cayman, and Issac... We had a blast in spite of the 5 runs the Tigers scored in the 6th inning that led the way to a shut out game... Enjoy the pics and enjoy the video blog from Manide and me.......
This was our last big hoorah before next Saturday..... Have you noticed the counter over there lately.... I think it kicked into high speed!!!
Sorry to the rest of you who went and your pics aren't on here.....Blogger will only let me put a5 on at a time and I couldn't decide which 2 of the 4 others to put.... so check out F.B. to see your shot!!!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Taylors Debut Video Blog
Taylor and I video blogged today when I baby sat.... Check it out... Be sure to check the earlier blog from today... Enjoy the video by clicking here
Honesty and Integrity
As a man of faith in Jesus... I have found that Honest and Integrity are the most important things needed to protect your reputation and your witness for Jesus.... I have an uncontrollable ability to tell the truth.... Most of the time it gets me into trouble because most people don't like the truth...... That's why some/most/all (i will let you chose which word to use....this is not a political blog) politicians lie... If they told everybody the real deal...it would be anarchy....
Anyway I want to be honest and have integrity in everything.... I don't want you to think that I am some super hero in the faith and have never been dishonest but my goal is total honesty....
I want to be honest about the funds we are raising for the next year.... We have well exceeded our goal and have raised enough to cover our airline expenses to come home for Christmas...
THE LORD IS GOOD..To date He has supplied through you all... almost 37000 dollars.. and He continues to be good by giving us above and beyond all that we ask for... It has been one blessing after another...
All that said I want you to know that any money sent in above/over the goal of course is going to go towards ministry in the Philippines and be rolled over to use in future years of service there, as well as cover any expenses that may arise back here at home.... We will not be receiving any form of income from now until....well forever if we chose to stay that long...
I consider every dollar a blessing from above... He knows now exactly what that dollar will be used for...and I want to personally thank you in advance for giving to the ministry opportunities that He will show us.....
Thanks for reading today and hearing my heart.... I felt the need to post this today so as to ward away any concerns some of you may have.... All of the money is the Lord's.....and He has trusts us to use it wisely...
Since I am honest I want to close with this bit of truth.... Just because you earned your money at work and no one gave it to you like they did Matt and I, does not make it any more yours and less His.... You too use it wisely......
Love ya!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
A Day at the Farm
As we prepare to leave we have been doing a lot of visiting and a WHOLE LOT OF eating...... Its been great.... The other day we went to visit my Aunt Cheryl and see her farm... Here is a video we shot while there...
Let me know what you think...... Later.... Oh one more thing..... Remember that blog about needing a Printer and a Mailer.... how 'bout we received 4 emails of people who were willing to help..... Ain't He just Good!!!!
Let me know what you think...... Later.... Oh one more thing..... Remember that blog about needing a Printer and a Mailer.... how 'bout we received 4 emails of people who were willing to help..... Ain't He just Good!!!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
PRINTER AND MAILER NEEDED
Let me explain my title.....
While we are gone to the Philippines we are going to be sending out an E-Newsletter.... The E-Newsletter will contain all the happenings in our lives while living, teaching, and serving Jesus in the Philippines... It is our way of keeping all of our sweet, dedicated, and generous partners informed and up to date on how their financial, and prayerful support is at work......
Unfortunately many of partners do not have email/Internet service...... In an effort to keep those people in the loop with all of our happenings we are wanting to send out a hard copy of the E-Newsletter..... In order to do that we need someone here in the States who would be willing to print and mail about 50-75 newsletters on a monthly/bimonthly basis...... Matt and I willing and able to cover all the expenses involved.....or you could donate it whatever you want.....The most important thing is having someone here at home who would be willing to take on the task of printing and mailing them.... By having someone here in the States to print and mail it will save Matt and I lots of time and money as the mailing would be quite expensive from the Philippines.
It seems every time we have asked for help on here, the Lord has provided it within minutes... I am looking forward to hearing from someone soon who would be willing to partner with us in this need..... Unfortunately every other path we have traveled to find a printer has been a dead end.... Maybe this one will be the right path.....
Also, If you cannot help with this need, but know someone with the capabilities and the willingness to help us out, please send them the URL address to the blog and tell them about how they can become a partner with us.
While we are gone to the Philippines we are going to be sending out an E-Newsletter.... The E-Newsletter will contain all the happenings in our lives while living, teaching, and serving Jesus in the Philippines... It is our way of keeping all of our sweet, dedicated, and generous partners informed and up to date on how their financial, and prayerful support is at work......
Unfortunately many of partners do not have email/Internet service...... In an effort to keep those people in the loop with all of our happenings we are wanting to send out a hard copy of the E-Newsletter..... In order to do that we need someone here in the States who would be willing to print and mail about 50-75 newsletters on a monthly/bimonthly basis...... Matt and I willing and able to cover all the expenses involved.....or you could donate it whatever you want.....The most important thing is having someone here at home who would be willing to take on the task of printing and mailing them.... By having someone here in the States to print and mail it will save Matt and I lots of time and money as the mailing would be quite expensive from the Philippines.
It seems every time we have asked for help on here, the Lord has provided it within minutes... I am looking forward to hearing from someone soon who would be willing to partner with us in this need..... Unfortunately every other path we have traveled to find a printer has been a dead end.... Maybe this one will be the right path.....
Also, If you cannot help with this need, but know someone with the capabilities and the willingness to help us out, please send them the URL address to the blog and tell them about how they can become a partner with us.
Now That It Is Over........
Now that a brief bump in the road to the Philippines is over.... I want to tell you all about it so you can get Pentecostal and shout and dance about God's AWESOME provision for those who step out in faith..... let me explain....
Last week on Tuesday night.... Mandie and I were at Wal-mart.... her phone rang and it was the other person who was gonna rent my house.... She said that she needed to talk to Mandie and I.... Mandie and I kinda looked at each other and both of us some how knew that she was about to back out of renting my house...long story short she did... that would leave Mandie all alone there and it just wasn't possible for her to make the payment all alone.... So she needed roommates and I needed renters fast..... no panic though.... God was/is/will be in control.....
Now.... the Jed of 6-7 months ago may have hit the roof..... but I didn't.....the Lord has been growing me in some areas..specifically in my conflict resolution skills (ie. no fussin, cussin, fightin, etc.) :0) ....I still have a ways to go...but i digress....
I told the friend of ours who backed out that they day she told me she would rent the house that the Lord knew she really meant no.... He knew that she would tell me 2 weeks before we leave, and He knew that I would need someone else..... He was NOT surprised....
Knowing that kept me very calm..... I just felt that He gave me an added dose of trust in Him for that moment..... and man did He show out and show me why to trust Him....
After we found out, Mandie immediately called 2 of her good friends from Sunday School who were overheard discussing moving out on there own...... Both girls came during this past week and have agreed to rent.....
By renting to 3 girls instead of 2....their rent is less....and I know that my house payment is more than taken care of......
He knew all along that there was a better way....He knew that our plan was a good one, but He wanted to show us a better one.....
Don't you just love that about Him...... It doesn't seem to make sense at the time, but after the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled what an amazing, providential, sovereign God He proves He is.........
Last week on Tuesday night.... Mandie and I were at Wal-mart.... her phone rang and it was the other person who was gonna rent my house.... She said that she needed to talk to Mandie and I.... Mandie and I kinda looked at each other and both of us some how knew that she was about to back out of renting my house...long story short she did... that would leave Mandie all alone there and it just wasn't possible for her to make the payment all alone.... So she needed roommates and I needed renters fast..... no panic though.... God was/is/will be in control.....
Now.... the Jed of 6-7 months ago may have hit the roof..... but I didn't.....the Lord has been growing me in some areas..specifically in my conflict resolution skills (ie. no fussin, cussin, fightin, etc.) :0) ....I still have a ways to go...but i digress....
I told the friend of ours who backed out that they day she told me she would rent the house that the Lord knew she really meant no.... He knew that she would tell me 2 weeks before we leave, and He knew that I would need someone else..... He was NOT surprised....
Knowing that kept me very calm..... I just felt that He gave me an added dose of trust in Him for that moment..... and man did He show out and show me why to trust Him....
After we found out, Mandie immediately called 2 of her good friends from Sunday School who were overheard discussing moving out on there own...... Both girls came during this past week and have agreed to rent.....
By renting to 3 girls instead of 2....their rent is less....and I know that my house payment is more than taken care of......
He knew all along that there was a better way....He knew that our plan was a good one, but He wanted to show us a better one.....
Don't you just love that about Him...... It doesn't seem to make sense at the time, but after the clouds have cleared and the dust has settled what an amazing, providential, sovereign God He proves He is.........
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Cost of Mission Work
Regardless of where you are..... Home, neighbors, Wal-mart, or the Philippines... You are a missionary..... During your time as a missionary (that is your lifetime if you are a Christian) you may struggle and have pain... Sometimes the struggles may be huge...sometimes they may be small... Regardless you are gonna have some struggles.....
Today as I ministered to my mom and her boyfriend Chuck by helping them move him to a new house I suffered a struggle..... Take a look...
"Matt-Matt" as he is affectionately known by my niece Taylor and all the women in his life who feel sorry for him for living with me was in a hurry as was I, as we were moving a huge stainless steel grill.... The edge of it sat down on my heel and took a nice little chunk out...IT HURT!!!... and it bled a lot.... My mom...not in the least bit concerned laughed hysterically at my pain...... Then Matt was left holding the ton of a grill... He tried to swing it up on the deck and it lost its balance and crashed......The nasty black stuff from the inside made a big mess, and the noise it made was even bigger...... Of course Chuck and his son were watching from inside and laughing at us as well...... I hope you enjoyed a good laugh too......
Today as I ministered to my mom and her boyfriend Chuck by helping them move him to a new house I suffered a struggle..... Take a look...
"Matt-Matt" as he is affectionately known by my niece Taylor and all the women in his life who feel sorry for him for living with me was in a hurry as was I, as we were moving a huge stainless steel grill.... The edge of it sat down on my heel and took a nice little chunk out...IT HURT!!!... and it bled a lot.... My mom...not in the least bit concerned laughed hysterically at my pain...... Then Matt was left holding the ton of a grill... He tried to swing it up on the deck and it lost its balance and crashed......The nasty black stuff from the inside made a big mess, and the noise it made was even bigger...... Of course Chuck and his son were watching from inside and laughing at us as well...... I hope you enjoyed a good laugh too......
Friday, June 15, 2007
Krispy Kreme Fund Raiser Cards
Man alive.... I never would have thought that a simple email would have turned into something so big for Matt and I as we prepare to leave for the Philippines in 2 weeks....Let me explain....
On Monday, I sent out an email to everyone in my email address book about these Krispy Kreme Fundraiser Cards my cousin David gave me....He runs the local Krispy Kreme here in Spartanburg, and his family my aunt and uncle own it.... The card is a buy a dozen get a dozen free card..... He told me I could sell them to add some money to our budget... Typically they are sold for 10 dollars so that's what I did..... In the email, I simply asked did anybody want to be one...
Within 15 minutes I sold 15 of them.... My email box filled up quick.... It was so exciting.... I still have about 15 left out of 50, and David said he could get me some more.... Since I invited my email people, I wanted to invite any of you who read, to purchase one if you would like...I am not sure if they are valid at other Krispy Kremes across the country....If you are interested and do not live in the upstate of SC, I will be happy to call and ask for you....Let me know if you are interested.... The cost is 10 dollars and 9 of every ten dollars goes towards our move...
The funny thing about the cards is that I have had them for about a month and didn't really know what to do to sell them..... I am glad I chose email!!!!
On Monday, I sent out an email to everyone in my email address book about these Krispy Kreme Fundraiser Cards my cousin David gave me....He runs the local Krispy Kreme here in Spartanburg, and his family my aunt and uncle own it.... The card is a buy a dozen get a dozen free card..... He told me I could sell them to add some money to our budget... Typically they are sold for 10 dollars so that's what I did..... In the email, I simply asked did anybody want to be one...
Within 15 minutes I sold 15 of them.... My email box filled up quick.... It was so exciting.... I still have about 15 left out of 50, and David said he could get me some more.... Since I invited my email people, I wanted to invite any of you who read, to purchase one if you would like...I am not sure if they are valid at other Krispy Kremes across the country....If you are interested and do not live in the upstate of SC, I will be happy to call and ask for you....Let me know if you are interested.... The cost is 10 dollars and 9 of every ten dollars goes towards our move...
The funny thing about the cards is that I have had them for about a month and didn't really know what to do to sell them..... I am glad I chose email!!!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
3:19 and Blogging
Ever had a time where you just got your hind parts kicked....... I don't mean a physical fight where some dumb, over grown, bully of guy or girl beat you up...... I mean where the Holy Spirit of God or a good close friend challenged you or called you out about something in your life that wasn't right........
It stinks doesn't it.....
Seems like I have had COUNTLESS moments like that.... especially since I leave with my accountability partner Matt..... I remember when he launched some of his good 'ole fashioned "but-kickin" on me right after we started rooming together in college....
His words.... "It's not what you say, but it's how you say it!" Those words ring in my ears til this day..... I have come a LONGGGGG way in learning how to say things in the proper manner, but I still have a long way to go.... Most of the time my passion and zeal for a certain subject just blows my good sense right out of the water....
You'll notice the title says 3:19 and Blogging.... 3:19 is when I started the blog today.... Often times when I see a certain time on the clock it will cause me to reflect on a certain scripture that matches the time or I will look up scriptures that have that reference.... It is amazing how God uses that in my life to encourage me, rebuke me, or show me His love.....
Today He did all 3 with Revelation 3:19.... Click on the link and read it....Go ahead, I'll wait....
Aren't you glad He loves us enough to move us from our sin sick home into his glorious forgiveness and grace... The next time you feel the pain of a bruised "hind part" because of some loving chastisement or a heart wrenching conviction from the Holy Spirit... run,sing and dance with shouts of praise....It is just his way of saying I Love You!!!!
It stinks doesn't it.....
Seems like I have had COUNTLESS moments like that.... especially since I leave with my accountability partner Matt..... I remember when he launched some of his good 'ole fashioned "but-kickin" on me right after we started rooming together in college....
His words.... "It's not what you say, but it's how you say it!" Those words ring in my ears til this day..... I have come a LONGGGGG way in learning how to say things in the proper manner, but I still have a long way to go.... Most of the time my passion and zeal for a certain subject just blows my good sense right out of the water....
You'll notice the title says 3:19 and Blogging.... 3:19 is when I started the blog today.... Often times when I see a certain time on the clock it will cause me to reflect on a certain scripture that matches the time or I will look up scriptures that have that reference.... It is amazing how God uses that in my life to encourage me, rebuke me, or show me His love.....
Today He did all 3 with Revelation 3:19.... Click on the link and read it....Go ahead, I'll wait....
Aren't you glad He loves us enough to move us from our sin sick home into his glorious forgiveness and grace... The next time you feel the pain of a bruised "hind part" because of some loving chastisement or a heart wrenching conviction from the Holy Spirit... run,sing and dance with shouts of praise....It is just his way of saying I Love You!!!!
Flattop Sally
My creative genius was working overtime tonight....Let me explain...
I let some potatoes that were boiling on the stove boil over on accident....The water and that yucky potato film crud burned onto my flat top stove.... I always say when you get lemons...make lemonade... so instead of getting mad about the mess I made....I turned the mess and cleaning it up into something fun... I hope y'all enjoy Flattop Sally... She may be around again someday.....
I let some potatoes that were boiling on the stove boil over on accident....The water and that yucky potato film crud burned onto my flat top stove.... I always say when you get lemons...make lemonade... so instead of getting mad about the mess I made....I turned the mess and cleaning it up into something fun... I hope y'all enjoy Flattop Sally... She may be around again someday.....
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Commissioned!
Today my church Commissioned us officially as missionaries/educators to the Philippines..... I am confident the Lord heard the prayers of our family and friends today as they lifted us up to Him....... The best part of the whole day was all of my family and friends who turned out to show their support for Matt and I today.....
Karen Ketterman
Candace Miller
Norma Blanton
Mayme Gardner
Mandie Allen
Melissa Allen
Vickey and Randy Allen (they came late and enjoyed the service from the parking lot...but they were there.......
Rick and Ashley Skipper and the girls
Molly Peake and Maddie
The Johnson Family
Mama, Johnnie-Lynn, Lala, and the girls
The best surprise visitor of the day though was a former student of mine Lucas "lulu" Miller (presently entering 3rd grade) and his dad Steve...... I can hardly type his sweet little name without tearing up..... Lucas was one of my favorite students of all time..... He reminds me so much of my self when was that age...... He is very funny and animated when he talks.... not to mention VERY SMART....... I can not thank Mr. Miller enough for bringing him this morning...... I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!!!!
I called "lulu" up on the stage as I was leading worship to introduce him to the church and he gave me the biggest hug.... I thought maybe he would be too embarrassed but he loved it......
Lulu... I don't know if you will read this....Maybe your dad will read it to you..... Just wanted you to know that you made my day today... You are a very special student and I will never forget you and your family..... I pray that one day you will grow up and be a great disciple for Jesus!
Karen Ketterman
Candace Miller
Norma Blanton
Mayme Gardner
Mandie Allen
Melissa Allen
Vickey and Randy Allen (they came late and enjoyed the service from the parking lot...but they were there.......
Rick and Ashley Skipper and the girls
Molly Peake and Maddie
The Johnson Family
Mama, Johnnie-Lynn, Lala, and the girls
The best surprise visitor of the day though was a former student of mine Lucas "lulu" Miller (presently entering 3rd grade) and his dad Steve...... I can hardly type his sweet little name without tearing up..... Lucas was one of my favorite students of all time..... He reminds me so much of my self when was that age...... He is very funny and animated when he talks.... not to mention VERY SMART....... I can not thank Mr. Miller enough for bringing him this morning...... I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!!!!
I called "lulu" up on the stage as I was leading worship to introduce him to the church and he gave me the biggest hug.... I thought maybe he would be too embarrassed but he loved it......
Lulu... I don't know if you will read this....Maybe your dad will read it to you..... Just wanted you to know that you made my day today... You are a very special student and I will never forget you and your family..... I pray that one day you will grow up and be a great disciple for Jesus!
Friday, June 8, 2007
"Spurrin' You On" Day 6
Today I want to type another installment of "Spurrin' You On" I started this back on March 13th... click here to read...There are several more you can read by clicking on the previous months. It all started based on a verse of Scripture that I love.... Hebrews 10:24
Today as the 6th installment rolls around.... I want to encourage someone who is VERY important to me...Misty Jones..... For those of you who don't know, Misty is my wonderful
friend who cuts my hair every 2 weeks..... Below you will see a picture of her that I took this morning..... She didn't like it...especially since she knew I might put it on here.... but she is at work and it was early....
Regardless of the pic, I love Misty..... She is one of those people who you can talk to no matter what it's about..... I guess all beauticians have that gift, but Misty really listens.... Sometimes I think I would go sit in her chair with a the hair catching cape on just to talk.... and listen to her sidekick Laura....the craziest nut you will ever meet.
Misty loves the Lord and it is evident in her life.... No, she is not perfect....who is???? but she is a faithful, consistent person and I love her for that....She works with the youth at our church and she is a member of the choir.........
She gives a great hair wash too.... The shampoo she uses makes your whole head tingle for several minutes after you are done.....
I am gonna miss her when I am in the Philippines.......
Misty, I hope you feel "spurred on" today...... Now the whole world knows what a great beautician and friend you are.... I wouldn't be surprised if the salon is overridden with new customers any second now!
Today as the 6th installment rolls around.... I want to encourage someone who is VERY important to me...Misty Jones..... For those of you who don't know, Misty is my wonderful
friend who cuts my hair every 2 weeks..... Below you will see a picture of her that I took this morning..... She didn't like it...especially since she knew I might put it on here.... but she is at work and it was early....
Regardless of the pic, I love Misty..... She is one of those people who you can talk to no matter what it's about..... I guess all beauticians have that gift, but Misty really listens.... Sometimes I think I would go sit in her chair with a the hair catching cape on just to talk.... and listen to her sidekick Laura....the craziest nut you will ever meet.
Misty loves the Lord and it is evident in her life.... No, she is not perfect....who is???? but she is a faithful, consistent person and I love her for that....She works with the youth at our church and she is a member of the choir.........
She gives a great hair wash too.... The shampoo she uses makes your whole head tingle for several minutes after you are done.....
I am gonna miss her when I am in the Philippines.......
Misty, I hope you feel "spurred on" today...... Now the whole world knows what a great beautician and friend you are.... I wouldn't be surprised if the salon is overridden with new customers any second now!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Go For It!!!!
About 10 years ago when I went to North Greenville, my mom bought me a picture of a bird wearing a baseball cap that was perched on a tree limb.... The little bird say this....
"Life is a risk.... You can't steal second with your foot on first....Go for it!!!"
I have had this picture in every place I have lived since she gave it to me.... It is not on display at my house now, but it is somewhere I see it everyday.... It is in the bathroom closet where I put my dirty clothes..... Everyday when I look at it...especially now that I am really leaving first base to go to second with my big move of faith to the Philippines, I sense God's presence with me..... It is amazing how this little picture has ministered to me over the years....
At the bottom of the picture it has this scripture....
At the bottom of the picture it has this scripture....
"Do all that you have in mind. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul..."
1 Samuel 14:7
1 Samuel 14:7
I am reminded that whatever I am doing for the Lord's sake that He is with me... I have really been reminded of that lately.....
I wanted to share that with you today because I feel like LOTS of Christians have dreams, visions, and callings on their life that they want to do but feel like they can't...... GOD EQUIPS THOSE HE HAS CALLED.... and guess what..... the preacher is not the only called.....
I want to encourage you today to step out in faith and.........
Whatever it is in your heart that God has placed a desire to do and is in accordance with his Word...DO IT!!!!.... Seek out ways to Follow His Call in your own life..... Trust Him!!!
Remember... God did not part the Jordan until the people trusted him and stepped into the water.....
I wanted to share that with you today because I feel like LOTS of Christians have dreams, visions, and callings on their life that they want to do but feel like they can't...... GOD EQUIPS THOSE HE HAS CALLED.... and guess what..... the preacher is not the only called.....
I want to encourage you today to step out in faith and.........
- start a ministry to the elderly at a local nursing home...
- lead a bible study for those who have been divorced, abused, or drug pushers at church...
- smile and speak to that troubled person at Wal-mart....
- take that class or course that will help you be a better disciple....
- join an existing ministry at church where you feel you can serve....
- sign up to help at VBS even though you think you don't know what to do.....
- talk to that lost co-worker about Jesus...
- plan an evangelistic block party in the middle of your neighborhood....invite everybody..give them food and let God do the rest!!!!!
Whatever it is in your heart that God has placed a desire to do and is in accordance with his Word...DO IT!!!!.... Seek out ways to Follow His Call in your own life..... Trust Him!!!
Remember... God did not part the Jordan until the people trusted him and stepped into the water.....
What are you waiting for...... GET TO STEPPIN' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished at 1:16
I started this blog about midnight.... My thoughts seemed to be random so I erased them and started over.... This is my third draft..... Maybe it will make it.... maybe it won't.... I guess if you read it then you will know.....
I really don't know what my thoughts are..... One second I am thinking about all the stuff I feel like I need to do for the move.... and then in another second I am thinking about what I need to do when I get to Cebu.......Then in yet another second, I am thinking about when I will do when/if I return to my former life as a first grade teacher......
As the ping pong match in my head continues to bounce the little white ball of my thoughts back and forth I am reminded of a very popular verse from Jeremiah that is comforting during this time....
"For I know the plans I have for you......." Sometimes people find comfort in the latter part of the verse that says.... "plans to give you a hope and a future, not to harm you but prosper you."
But tonight at 1:05 am my hope comes from the first part..... He knows the plans He has for me.....
What an assurance.... If the verse doesn't comfort you, let's look at some of HIS other plans that seemed to have worked out alright.......
1.the universe...
2.the planet...
3.the mountains ....
4.the rivers.....
5.the sun......
6.the solar system.....
7.and everything else in all creation...... and it all seems to be working according to HIS plan......
Of course the plans He has for little 'ole me will work out..... With that I close....and seek his rest through the night.... finally at 1:16 am!!!!
I really don't know what my thoughts are..... One second I am thinking about all the stuff I feel like I need to do for the move.... and then in another second I am thinking about what I need to do when I get to Cebu.......Then in yet another second, I am thinking about when I will do when/if I return to my former life as a first grade teacher......
As the ping pong match in my head continues to bounce the little white ball of my thoughts back and forth I am reminded of a very popular verse from Jeremiah that is comforting during this time....
"For I know the plans I have for you......." Sometimes people find comfort in the latter part of the verse that says.... "plans to give you a hope and a future, not to harm you but prosper you."
But tonight at 1:05 am my hope comes from the first part..... He knows the plans He has for me.....
What an assurance.... If the verse doesn't comfort you, let's look at some of HIS other plans that seemed to have worked out alright.......
1.the universe...
2.the planet...
3.the mountains ....
4.the rivers.....
5.the sun......
6.the solar system.....
7.and everything else in all creation...... and it all seems to be working according to HIS plan......
Of course the plans He has for little 'ole me will work out..... With that I close....and seek his rest through the night.... finally at 1:16 am!!!!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Indescribable
........That is the only word I can use to describe today..... The Lord has just shown us today how much He wants to get all of His children involved in what Matt and I are doing for Him by going to the Philippines....
This morning we shared about what the Lord is doing in our lives with the people of Cowpen's First Baptist.... It was a great time!!!! I had not been there in a while but the Lord was there with us this morning....It was good to see that the Lord is up to something there..... I love the people there so much.... It was kind of emotional to be there because the last time I was there was at my grandma Maudie's funeral over 2 years ago.... Many of you may not know this but Cowpen's First is where I went to church for the first part of my life.... I want to to give a special shout out to 3 young girls, Hope, Anna, and I think Sara.... They sang Days of Elijah and really ushered in the Lord's Spirit.... There group is called "Hosanna" You girls were great!!! The church took up a love offering for us and blessed our socks off....
This evening we spoke at a great church, Carlisle Wesleyan Church. This is my friend Dennis' church.... He leads the choir and his dad is the preacher.... They were so nice and welcoming to us just like their preacher and Dennis....Dennis is a GREAT friend of mine and has been for years...It was great to spend the evening with them..... The Lord used them tonight to encourage Matt and I so much..... After we shared they gathered around us to lay hands on us and pray, and they prayed down Heaven on us.... IT WAS AWESOME!!!! They blessed us too with a GINORMOUS love offering....... AND.......because of their generosity...that blew us away....THE LORD HAS PROVEN HE WILL MEET ALL OF OUR NEEDS ABOVE AND BEYOND ALL THAT WE COULD ASK!!!!
To all of the new readers that will join me from Cowpens and Carlisle over the next few days..... I can not thank you enough for today.... Your faithfulness and generosity have blown us away..... I will remember the joy of today for a long time!!!!! Thanks seems such a small word....I wish I could make it bigger.... O wait I know..
This morning we shared about what the Lord is doing in our lives with the people of Cowpen's First Baptist.... It was a great time!!!! I had not been there in a while but the Lord was there with us this morning....It was good to see that the Lord is up to something there..... I love the people there so much.... It was kind of emotional to be there because the last time I was there was at my grandma Maudie's funeral over 2 years ago.... Many of you may not know this but Cowpen's First is where I went to church for the first part of my life.... I want to to give a special shout out to 3 young girls, Hope, Anna, and I think Sara.... They sang Days of Elijah and really ushered in the Lord's Spirit.... There group is called "Hosanna" You girls were great!!! The church took up a love offering for us and blessed our socks off....
This evening we spoke at a great church, Carlisle Wesleyan Church. This is my friend Dennis' church.... He leads the choir and his dad is the preacher.... They were so nice and welcoming to us just like their preacher and Dennis....Dennis is a GREAT friend of mine and has been for years...It was great to spend the evening with them..... The Lord used them tonight to encourage Matt and I so much..... After we shared they gathered around us to lay hands on us and pray, and they prayed down Heaven on us.... IT WAS AWESOME!!!! They blessed us too with a GINORMOUS love offering....... AND.......because of their generosity...that blew us away....THE LORD HAS PROVEN HE WILL MEET ALL OF OUR NEEDS ABOVE AND BEYOND ALL THAT WE COULD ASK!!!!
Our total as of tonight 31,195.....and counting......
To all of the new readers that will join me from Cowpens and Carlisle over the next few days..... I can not thank you enough for today.... Your faithfulness and generosity have blown us away..... I will remember the joy of today for a long time!!!!! Thanks seems such a small word....I wish I could make it bigger.... O wait I know..
THANKS!!!!! That is as big as I can get...... :0)
For those of you who are reading and still contemplating your partnership..... Remember that all monies over 30,000 will be used for plane tickets and other unexpected expenses and ministry opportunities that come up....
Please continue to cover us in prayer..... We have a long, and busy 26 days ahead of us.... If you are interested in hearing about some of the specific needs we have left... Drop me an email at mrdearybury@hotmail.com and I will share them with you.....
Please continue to cover us in prayer..... We have a long, and busy 26 days ahead of us.... If you are interested in hearing about some of the specific needs we have left... Drop me an email at mrdearybury@hotmail.com and I will share them with you.....
Friday, June 1, 2007
Sidewalk Art
Tonight Matt and I had the privilege of baby sitting Taylor and Sophie... Lawrence, my brother-in-law made it home early so Matt and I were able to have some fun with Taylor out in the drive way..... I hope you enjoy the pics.... In the first one I am teaching Taylor some first grade reading strategies.....She did a great job at sounding out the words cat, dog frog, and BB. We are getting there....
In the next one Matt shows off his art skills with a football field... To the right he drew a baseball field...Both were VERY good.
In the last one you see a bit of my art work. I drew a boat and named it "Taylor's Boat" She had to have a picture with it.... Sorry these pics are so small.... All I had was my cell phone.
In the next one Matt shows off his art skills with a football field... To the right he drew a baseball field...Both were VERY good.
In the last one you see a bit of my art work. I drew a boat and named it "Taylor's Boat" She had to have a picture with it.... Sorry these pics are so small.... All I had was my cell phone.
National Board is Done
AAAAAAAA....... That is me breathing a sigh of relief as my final step to completing my National Board Teaching Certification is over... For those of you who don't know...National Board Certification is a year long process that is very reflective and takes a LOT of time... It starts in the fall and culminates with a computerized test at the end called the Assessment Center... Today at 9:00 it was my turn....
Well... it was supposed to start at 9 but due to computer problems it didn't start til 10 because all of the folks scheduled prior to me had to go.... The test I took lasted 3 hours with a 15 minute break in the middle.. I opted for about a 5 minute break so I could get done faster....
The waiting wasn't so bad though.... I ran into some old friends there and the lobby was very talkative. The testing is for all kinds of tests so there were people besides teachers there....
Of course if I was there.... there was gonna be a story.. I met a lady who taught a school where I did my student teaching..... A few years ago that school lost their secretary to a very sudden death. She was a friend of mine..... I asked the lady had they found new secretary to replace my friend.....She said, in a snippy voice..."it wasn't hard to replace that."
She then proceeded to speak very harshly of my friend and then of course attacked my friend's Christian Faith..... She said the lady was mean and inconsistent with what she said she believed and what she did in her life...... She said if you were gonna be a Christian then you should act like it.... I just let the woman rant.... I didn't argue with her or get sassy, I just listened...It is this new skill I am working on....You learn a lot by listening....
After our conversation I told her I was sorry that she felt that way, but I thought highly of my friend...One girl in the lobby spoke up and said I can't believe you are talking about somebody like that.....The lady continued on talking to various people and then the subject of me moving to the Philippines came up as I was talking with an old friend of mine who was there......
The lady who previously was doggin my friend and her faith was now suddenly interested in sharing what she wanted to do for Jesus and how she was thinking about going somewhere with the IMB (Southern Baptist International Mission Board)
She was fussing and ranting about my friend not being like Jesus and, until I brought Him up, based her actions, I had no idea what faith she had if any..... Does that mean she didn't believe in Him .....NO ...it meant she was still a sinner and had sinned in front of us, but I would never dare say she didn't know Him.... that's not for me to say...
I am not saying this to judge the woman, but to defend my friend who is with the Lord...... I think she was a great woman...all 3 of her kids love Jesus and serve him in various ways..... My friend's legacy, regardless of that woman's negative opinion, proves otherwise.
Yes we all have bad days and bad weeks.....Lord knows I do anyway......but to hear someone publicly degrade another sister or brother in the faith hurts me...It happens all the time....unfortunately A LOT!!!! Even if they are a little off....a little whacky.... a little different than you....if they worship different or pray differently....... Lift them up, encourage them, and challenge them to to do better when needed....
Just Please.....Don't tear them down, satan and his demons do enough of that.... I am guilty of it....we all are....admitting that it's a problem is the first step to fixing it!
Well... it was supposed to start at 9 but due to computer problems it didn't start til 10 because all of the folks scheduled prior to me had to go.... The test I took lasted 3 hours with a 15 minute break in the middle.. I opted for about a 5 minute break so I could get done faster....
The waiting wasn't so bad though.... I ran into some old friends there and the lobby was very talkative. The testing is for all kinds of tests so there were people besides teachers there....
Of course if I was there.... there was gonna be a story.. I met a lady who taught a school where I did my student teaching..... A few years ago that school lost their secretary to a very sudden death. She was a friend of mine..... I asked the lady had they found new secretary to replace my friend.....She said, in a snippy voice..."it wasn't hard to replace that."
She then proceeded to speak very harshly of my friend and then of course attacked my friend's Christian Faith..... She said the lady was mean and inconsistent with what she said she believed and what she did in her life...... She said if you were gonna be a Christian then you should act like it.... I just let the woman rant.... I didn't argue with her or get sassy, I just listened...It is this new skill I am working on....You learn a lot by listening....
After our conversation I told her I was sorry that she felt that way, but I thought highly of my friend...One girl in the lobby spoke up and said I can't believe you are talking about somebody like that.....The lady continued on talking to various people and then the subject of me moving to the Philippines came up as I was talking with an old friend of mine who was there......
The lady who previously was doggin my friend and her faith was now suddenly interested in sharing what she wanted to do for Jesus and how she was thinking about going somewhere with the IMB (Southern Baptist International Mission Board)
She was fussing and ranting about my friend not being like Jesus and, until I brought Him up, based her actions, I had no idea what faith she had if any..... Does that mean she didn't believe in Him .....NO ...it meant she was still a sinner and had sinned in front of us, but I would never dare say she didn't know Him.... that's not for me to say...
I am not saying this to judge the woman, but to defend my friend who is with the Lord...... I think she was a great woman...all 3 of her kids love Jesus and serve him in various ways..... My friend's legacy, regardless of that woman's negative opinion, proves otherwise.
Yes we all have bad days and bad weeks.....Lord knows I do anyway......but to hear someone publicly degrade another sister or brother in the faith hurts me...It happens all the time....unfortunately A LOT!!!! Even if they are a little off....a little whacky.... a little different than you....if they worship different or pray differently....... Lift them up, encourage them, and challenge them to to do better when needed....
Just Please.....Don't tear them down, satan and his demons do enough of that.... I am guilty of it....we all are....admitting that it's a problem is the first step to fixing it!
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