L3 - Who Messed Up?!

I could completely relate to something I read this morning in John 9. It's the story of Jesus healing the man born blind.

As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in Him." John 9:1-3

Aaah! Don't you love that! How many times do we think it's something we have done that is causing things to not go the way we want them to in our life? I know, even recently, as things happen or don't happen the way I think they should, I catch myself asking, "God, what's wrong? Am I not doing something right? Is there sin in my life I am overlooking and so you aren't favoring me right now?" I've also caught myself pridefully thinking, "I'm trying to live a holy life, do the right things, and & please you God. So why am I being punished for doing the right thing?!" Amazing that my pride gets the best of me and allows me to question God that way. But we all do it. I love that Jesus assured His disciples that no one sinned to make this guy have to go through being born blind. The man had not done anything wrong to bring this on himself, neither had his parents. It was God's plan...why? "So that the works of God might be displayed in Him." God may not choose to glorify Himself through me and in me in the way I think He should. He's definitely not right now in my life. I have my own ideas about how He could use me to be a light for Him, but He apparently has other plans right now. This verse was so encouraging today. God reminded me, it's nothing you're doing and nothing you did. It's so that the works of God might be displayed through you! That's ultimately all my heart desires, and so I can rest and stop trying to figure things out on my own. I can stop questioning God. I can just believe that He is working things out to best display the works of God through me and I can just keep following His voice! I hope this encourages you today like it did me! Stop questioning, keep your faith. (FAITH - Fully Anticipating It Totally Happening!)

Some Exciting News!

Hello! Wow, it's been a week! Started the week with a very bad cold that I so generously shared with my husband. At least the first half of the week, we were both pitiful. Runny noses, coughing, no energy...yuck! We finally managed to rise above it though in time for a weekend filled with grandparents, a 5K race (I attended, didn't run), a wedding shower, and of course NCAA basketball. Some new and exciting things are happening. I'm still not sure what God is up to, but I feel like I am finally starting to see glimpses of what He might be doing. It's so hard to wait on His timing for stuff, but I'm so glad that I feel like the time is getting closer for Him to reveal more of His plan to us!

So...the exciting news I wanted to share today is that I have started working on my first book! (That sounds weird...) It's still in beginning stages, but I'm super excited! It's always been a dream of mine, and God just recently gave me direction on it. Hopefully I will be able to share more with you soon, but if I'm blogging less...you know why! I'll try to post more details soon.

CG Tour in Memphis!

I've been out of "blogger" world for a few days. Most of the time because I was out of town and the last few days because I have been very sick. I told you that you would be hearing more about our amazing middle schoolers very soon..., well here ya go! My husband and I just spent 5 days in Memphis with about 200 6th, 7th, & 8th graders on a mission trip to Memphis, TN. 200 middle schoolers + 5 buses + 11 concerts in 5 days = craziness! Our middle school choir is like nothing you've ever seen. These are students who give up their spring break and so many hours beforehand preparing to go present a concert of testimony, dance, and singing to anyone who will listen! This year we had the amazing opportunity to go into multiple public schools and "sneak" in the Gospel. Here are some pics!



Green bus - we're straight up G! The green bus life is the life for me! We called our bus the green shamrocks! Since our trip contained St. Patrick's Day, we decided this would be a good name for us. History tells us that St. Patrick went into Ireland to spread the Gospel and to drive out the darkness. He used the shamrock to help illustrate the 3 parts of the trinity. We were headed to Memphis to spread the Gospel and to drive out darkness just like St. Patrick!


Me and some of my green gurlies...we be lookin so fly! Stoppin to eat up some McDs on the way up!


Yep! They're 8th graders...I guess you never grow too old for a Happy Meal!


Our first ministry site...a block party with Lifelink church. Right in the middle of inner-city Memphis, we held a block party. We did a concert and fed everyone in the freezing cold!


Setting up for the block party at Lifelink! The graffiti made for an awesome backdrop!


Day 2 - Unloading at Church without Doors...right across from the FedEx Forum! It's a church for the homeless that meets every Sunday. We got to lead their service and then feed them and hang out. It meets at a big outdoor park and they set up orange buckets upside down with wooden planks to make pews. An incredible eye-opener for our students.



This is how they started the service at church without doors! So fun!


Day 3 - Hamilton High School...our first school. Right in the center of inner-city Memphis...it's one of top 10 most dangerous high schools in America. God opened up the door for us to tell them how God could write a new story for their life at an assembly for their 9th grade class.


Me & Bryant...two of the 60ish chaps...do we look tired?!


Rachel, Ramsey, & Sarah...don't they look cute in their blue tees?!!


Mr. Boyd didn't last too long...straight up in the middle of the school gym during tear down!


Some of the schools we went to...






Youth Vision is a community center for neighborhood kids to have a place to go to stay out of trouble. This place is so much fun and Coach Marion is the bomb!


The concert...


Jason praying over the students at Youth Vision after the concert.


My 3 little "homies" MacKenzie, Ashley, & Cori


Prayer walking through downtown Memphis...


Last year, on this same prayer walk we prayed that God would give this building to the Memphis Union Mission to use for ministry. The Memphis Union Mission was able to purchase this building for $10 and it will allow them to expand their current ministry to the homeless, teaching them about the love of Jesus.


Me & Bryant again...end of the last day, we be lookin like it!


At the end of the prayer walk with some new friends! Ellie & Gabby! Special girls!

It was a great trip! We saw so many people lay down their old stories and let God write their new story! They will be leading worship in the morning at Pinelake during all three services and then a homecoming concert tomorrow night at 6:30 at Pinelake. Come if you can!

What Are You Waiting For?

I haven't had much to say lately, I've just been trying to figure out what God wants to do with my life and getting ready for our middle school mission tour coming up in less than 2 weeks! (I'll post some videos about them soon, you haven't seen anything like it!) Oh, I have also been spending time working doing some marketing for a friend who owns a couple of businesses in the area, it's been fun getting to be around random people again! I love being around people!

My purpose in writing this blog post tonight is to let you in on something that God is teaching me right now. Maybe it will speak to you too. It's blaring loud and clear in my life right now!

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with a guy named John that I don't know too well, but I knew he had recently left his job to take a job at our church. I was congratulating him on the new job which sparked the conversation. He talked about how it was hard for him to leave his job that he had, because he enjoyed it so much and he was good at it. He said that he was working with his friends, he was fulfilled, and he just didn't have a desire to leave. Then he received a phone call from someone at our church talking to him about coming to work there. Long story short, this new position was one that was very intimidating to him. He thought, there's no way I am capable of holding that position at the church! And then he told me something that I haven't been able to get out of my head since then. He said that he once had a friend tell him, if you're ever offered a position and you think you can do it, don't take it. Don't take it because it doesn't leave any room for you to depend on God. But if you're ever offered a position and you think, there's no way I could do that! This is how you know it's God!

The very next day, I went to lunch with someone who offered me a position, and my immediate thought was "there's no way I am capable to do that!" Every day since then I have battled with this thought, "God, I'm not capable." He keeps reminding me of what John said that day, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head! So while this has been going on for the past week or so, every time I get in my car it seems, and I turn on the radio this certain song has been on. Even a couple of times when the radio wasn't on, the Holy Spirit told me to turn on the radio and this song has been on or has come on once I turned on the radio! It's been crazy! The song is called, "Walk on the Water" by Britt Nicole. Here are the words:

You look around, and staring back at you
Another wave of doubt, will it pull you under?
You wonder.

What if I'm overtaken?
What if I never make it?
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step into the unknown
you know that He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move
your faith is all it takes and you can WALK ON THE WATER TOO.

So get out, and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don't wait, and don't you turn around
And miss out on everything you were made for
I know you're not sure, so you play it safe, try to run away

If you take that first step into the unknown
you know that He won't let you go

Step out! Even when it's storming
Step out! Even when you're broken
Step out! Even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
Step out! When your hope is stolen
Step out! You can't see where your going
You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting for?

Is there something that God is telling you to do, but you don't think you are capable on your own to do it? This thing I'm praying about, I can't tell you how unqualified I feel to do it! But I think God is telling me to step out in faith and let Him do it through me! It makes me think of the conversation God had to have with Moses in Exodus 4.

Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."
The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
"Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."
And Moses said, "Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will."

I've decided I'm going to step out and do it! I hope that if there's something God is telling you to do, but you've been running from it like I have, that you'll join with me and let's do it! God is calling us to do great things for Him, but we have to take the first step like Peter did before he was able to walk on the water!

Matthew 14:29
And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

What are you waiting for?

For some more encouragement, you can find out the story behind the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAFup_5dPaQ

What's Your Boast?

"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God." Psalm 20:7

Today is the second time I have read this verse this week in my quiet time with God. And even yesterday at church we sang a song by Paul Baloche with these lyrics:

"I will boast in the Lord my God, I will boast in the One who's worthy, I will boast in the Lord my God, I will boast in the One who's worthy, He's worthy!"

I figure God must be trying to teach me something...and so I write.

Why did David use the example of chariots and horses in this verse? When David was the King of Israel, and even all throughout history, Israel was never seen as the best army by the world's standards. Yes, they did some great things and defeated some important adversaries, but it was never because of their glitsy, showy battalion. Quite opposite for the neighboring countries, like Egypt. They had great wealth and fine war chariots which were carried by horses. These war chariots were a dread to those in Israel who lacked faith in their defense. Although Israel didn't have the horses like the others, they chose to declare Jehovah their God as their defense. It had been a sure defense that had never let them down in the past.

Many times it seems like I don't measure up in the world's standards. I don't have the most money, or the best job, or know the most important people. The truth is, apart from God, I don't have anything to boast in, but it's tempting to find things. In today's society, this verse could read quite differently:

"Many boast in wealth, glamour, popularity, & fame, and many in stocks, cars, TV shows, & sports teams, but I will boast in the name of the LORD, my God."

What are you boasting in? What do you talk about most, that's usually your boast. Are you boasting in what God has done and is doing? Is that what you spend most of your time talking about or thinking about? Or do you spend most of your time boasting in YOUR favorite sports team that's having a good season, YOUR favorite TV show that left you hanging last week because they knew you would have to tune in this week, who YOU know, what position you hold at work, how much money you make, what kind of car you drive, or how beautiful or handsome you are?

You see, we can have the pretty horses. We can boast in our money, looks, our status, our friends...but we can be sure we won't see victory.

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord." Psalm 21:31

What about when it comes to "spritually" boasting? That makes it better, right? "I went to church today, I volunteered for this ministry, I served an extra day this week, I gave money to someone who needed it, look how great I am?!" The bottom line is this kind of boasting has nothing to do with God and everything to do with us. But who are we to boast in ourselves? We are sinners, and unholy apart from Christ.

"For all have sinned and fall short of God's glory." Romans 3:23

"Here is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15

We haven't done anything. We are nothing apart from Christ. And why would we boast in anything else this world offers? Everything good we have came from God and belongs to God. We didn't get it for ourselves. And it can't truly be our defense. The truth is, we can look for other things to boast in, but if we are boasting in anything other than the LORD, our God, we are setting ourselves us for defeat.

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord." Psalm 21:31

Who Wants to be a Superhero?!

There's a picture somewhere at my parents' house of me with a towel draped behind me and tied around my neck for a cape pretending to be a superhero! Most girls pretend to be princesses, and believe me I did! But I think it's interesting that even as a little girl there was still part of me that wanted to have superhero powers & do great things! I remember Superman: The Adventures of Lois & Clark being one of my favorite shows! The thrill of approaching danger like it's nothing, destroying the enemy, saving lives, & having that much power!

I'm entering into day 2 of feeling this overwhelming sense of unimportance and smallness. Just being honest here, I have been reading of the accomplishments of others and thinking, "God, do You have something for me? Is there something important for me to do for You?" I'm surrounded by people who are finding their niche, if you will, that place where God has called them to be and to serve Him faithfully. I'm glad for that, I really am. But there are those thoughts of, "God, what about me? I don't feel adequate enough to do something like that, so what are You going to do with me?" Then of course, we are surrounded by Olympians (risking their lives!) to compete for a medal, & the whole world is watching constantly in awe of their courage & speed! Then there's me. Little ole me. I'm currently at home being constantly confused about my calling in life, and trying to tune out the lies of the devil. Not quite the story that would land me in a superhero comic book or movie. Maybe "The Superhero Who Wasn't!" or "Super-Boring Woman!" (Please excuse my vivid imagination!) And then this morning I read...

"The God who girds me with strength & makes my way blameless. He makes my feet like hind's feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze! You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me. It's Your gentleness that makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped." (Psalm 18:32-36)

Wow! Talk about some superhero powers! But I'm sure this only applies to those people who have really important jobs to do, I mean, David was writing this and he was a stinkin king! Au contraire! The verse right before these verses says that this is what God promises not just to those with an "important calling" in the world's eyes, it's for (v30) ALL who take refuge in Him! That could be me! But it doesn't stop there...

"I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed. I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. For You have girded me with strength for battle; You subdued under me those who rose up against me." (Psalm 18:37-39)

Take that Satan! I bet that hurt a little! That's for telling me things that go against the Word of God!

Here's the thing, we are powerful beyond imagination! God promises us...VICTORY over our circumstances. How can I sit here and feel powerless & helpless when I have these resources available to me? I can't. If I am thinking these things & listening to the devil, it simply means that I am not taking refuge in my God. And why wouldn't I take refuge in Him? Do I really want to stand out in the battlefield by myself & let Satan pelt me with thoughts & accusations until I'm black and blue all over?! That's crazy! When I take refuge in Him, He becomes my shield! He provides for me my superpowers, because He is all-powerful! I may not know what is next for me, but I do know that no matter where I am presently, I have no excuse to feel defeated. God wants us to be superheros. He has equipped us to be!
So here I am God! This is me. I choose to be a superhero today & I choose to take advantage of the power You have given me through Jesus Christ! I'm taking refuge in You, I've got my superhero gear on, & I'm looking up into the sky ready for wherever You want to take me!

"I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Romans 9:17

White Friday!

The morning started very early this morning! Zach started crying around 6:50! That may not be early to you, but at the May household...that's early! Especially on a Friday which is everybody's day off. We did, however, wake up to lots of snow this morning! LOTS of snow!! Got Zach up and changed and I had a blast playing mommy for the morning. So cute eating Apple Jacks!

We played inside for a while, and he got a little morning nap. Then it was time to bundle up and head outside for some fun in the snow! I'm not sure how much fun Zach actually had, but Bryant and I had a blast taking pictures! How obvious is it that we don't have children of our own?! Ha! Here's some pics!






I have to hand it to you Allison & Kevin (Zach's mom & dad), after playtime, bathtime, & lunchtime...by naptime Bryant & I were tired! So funny, he's sleeping, so we are squeezing in our to-do list before he wakes up. Valentine's Day party tonight, which is sure to be a blast (I hope you can hear the sarcasm in my voice). Fun times!

Some words of encouragement God gave to me today from Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of the earth, refined seven times." You can trust Him today! Trust what He has told you to do, and do it!