iMac Rewind

At the end of the mission-work portion of IMAC, the kids/counselors really stepped-up and made an additional tangible difference in a family's life. They took up an "offering" for one of the homes that had significant damage, and raised money to replace their ceiling fan. Because of their sacrificial generosity, Byron decided to add to their gift, and we were able to get the fan and many other items to help Miss Fanny, and her three great-grandchildren be a little more comfortable in the Texas heat. Again, C3 and the name of Christ were represented well, and we all were reminded to appreciate the blessings that we have - like air conditioning!

Kayleigh fell in love with Miss Fannie's great-granddaughter India. She, Andrea and Jenny helped India put together all her new Barbie stuff. Girls rule!

Barry hung a new net for Miss Fannie's great-grandsons who love to play ball.

C3 Party in the Big "D"

After the work was done, we took the party to Dallas. Texas Stadium was our first stop, then Six Flags, then Fellowship Church of Grapevine for Sunday morning church. Although everyone was exhausted after their labor and lack of sleep, the group had a great time unwinding in the big "D"!

There are many other photos - some of which I have added to prior posts (my "Blackberry Blogs") in order to fill in some of the blanks.

It was awesome, and it's also awesome to be home. I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine, gearing up for the fall, and getting back to C3! Peace.

IMAC in Beaumont (It's So C3!)

Many of the C3 youth and adults went to Beaumont, Texas to be a part of IMAC - a youth camp/mission trip. During the days, they were working in homes that still had damage from hurricane Rita. In the Southeast Texas heat and humidity, they all worked tirelessly to help others less fortunate than they are - they represented C3 and Christ well, and Byron and I are very proud.

Happy Birthday, Nate The Great!

Today is a great day mainly because ten years ago our Nate The Great was born. We've been celebrating all day in our cabin in the mountains.

Byron, the kids and I, Byron's parents, Barry O. and Adam make this quite a full house, but we're having fun. Byron and I had great fun hanging-out at the local laundry-mat for a couple of hours this morning washing laundry for eight.

We spent a few hours downtown Eureka Springs, and then came home to bake birthday cake which didn't turn out quite right (Ethan asked me if it's because I'm not a very good cook...I didn't answer, just changed the subject). Then, some of us were traumatized by the presence of a racoon at the back glass door - names won't be mentioned.

So,now I'm finally getting to spend some time blogging, although still on my phone.

My next blog (after my fingers get a rest) will be about all that God did at IMAC student camp last week - it was awesome.

Byron's cleaning the kitchen, and I really need to help, at least to salvage my self-esteem in the domestic domain...if I can't cook, the least I can do is clean...

I love this cabin, I love these mountains, I love that my son is still not too old to crawl in bed with us in the morning to tell us about his dream. I thank God for all of His blessings - like blessing us with our very own Nate the Great! Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Arkansas, Here We Come!

We are currently driving through a rainstorm somewhere in Oklahoma - we have eight people in our Excursion, so to say it's crowded would be an understatement, but everyone's being a trooper.

This week in TX was awesome, and I took a bazillion pictures which I hope to post as soon as I have access to high speed wireless again. I'm definitely going through Internet withdrawals - thank goodness for Blackberry technology! Fellowship Church was great, but of course we missed being at C3.

So now we're headed to Arkansas - I wonder if I'll get wi-fi there? Anyway, I hope the mountains are ready for us 'cuz we're coming like a Mack truck! Peace.

C3 Students Rock!

I've only got a few minutes of internet access before I go back to the church here in Texas to make dinner for the kids (IMAC - C3 youth mission trip). It's been a long hard day for the kids and counselors, after a 19 hour bus ride. Last night and this morning we had awesome services led by Robbie Robision and Travis Conrad with music by "Riverdale". Then today the group broke up into teams to do hurricane repair work in some homes around Beaumont. The work is grueling and it's VERY HOT! We are making sure they are all drinking lots of water and Gatorade - they are all working hard and well-representing Christ and C3. I know the people who have been living in these damaged homes will be thankful for their labors. I've been taking lots of pictures and will post them ASAP. Everyone is well, but tired and we are all looking forward to what God is going to do tonight in the service! More info will follow as I often as I can get to a computer. Pray for us! Peace.

A Blackberry, a Blog, and a Big Vocab (aka: The Perfect Storm!)

So blogging from a Blackberry on the road somewhere on I-10 is not easy. This is definitely going to shorten the length of my blog (and the people cheered...). But, at least I have neglected my nails, and they are very short - I'm really rethinking the importance of proper punctuation and grammar though! I also didn't realize how many long words I use. I need to get dumber if this is going to be workable at all! I don't know how Kayleigh and Ashley text messege so fast - I guess it's all about motivation! That's all I've got for now - my fingers are exhausted (like I can't just say "tired"? - I've got to change my ways!!). Peace!

The Remains of the Day

We've driven into the night, and now I'm exhausted but wanted to re-cap the day:

I woke up this morning feeling not very rested, and knowing there were "miles to go before we sleep..."

But the minute I got to church and saw the beautiful room with a bazillion candles burning (the set design I like to call "Christian Gothic"), I began to unwind a little bit and focus on the morning...

We began the service with several baptisms, as usual, the majority being adults. We've seen a trend that way, and the coolest part is that the entire family almost always ends up coming know God also...

There is just something about an acoustic set that calm you - usually our music is quite...energetic, but today we planned it to be more...restful. The opening of an acoustic duet and scripture passages on the screen was lovely, and just what I needed...

The message was about "rest" and the passage was the 23rd Psalm (in the Message version it's particularly lovely). ...

Following the message was another music set. For the final song we re-introduced a song that we sang for the first time last Sunday. When we got to the chorus, Darrell decided to let the congregation sing - so he pulled his mic down. What happened next was phenomenal - the congregation was singing so loudly (a new song they had just learned) that it caused Darrell to become emotional...of course, then I had to drop my mic. But the people kept singing!...

We just stood there and worshiped God by listening to his people sing "Oh no, You never let go - through the calm and through the storm..." It was fantastic, and we really got to feel the Spirit of God through the voices of His people...and they know it's true. They could sing that song passionately because C3 is a church who has come through the fire and the storm...

This morning, the people lifting their voices so strongly reminded me that we have survived to be a testimony of the grace and power of God - a power that cannot be quieted by men...

I was also reminded that God's rest doesn't have anything to do with my circumstances, in the Psalm David says "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" (death is looming over, and casting it's shadows around me). So, God, the Shepherd, is leading to green pastures right through the Valley!: Finding rest in God is not about my where I am, but Whose I am....

Thanks for reminding me, C3! "...If my God is with me, whom then shall I fear!"

Peace.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Peace.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Today is Byron's birthday.

I've shared twenty birthday's with him now, and I can honestly say that I've never known anyone who has used their years in a more productive way in the areas of change and growth. He is continually on the move - moving in the direction of hope. Someone once said that when someone is singularly focused on something, to where it becomes almost an obsession, then they function "south of normal", well, that applies to Byron in his obsession with following Christ, only it causes him to live..."North of Normal"!

So, Happy Birthday, Baby. You've been a wonderful husband and father, leader and friend - and I look forward to watching you make the most of the next twenty birthdays...I know you're headed further North!

Love and blessings to you. Love, Angie.

Candle in the Wind...

It's somewhat ironic that we begin a series at C3 tomorrow about how to "Rest in God" - today has been one of those days when I've felt like I've been on a treadmill set on "high" and it won't stop...my little candle is feeling a little wind-blown tonight, and now I'm trying to wind down so that I can get prepared to sleep and rest for all that will take place in the morning. I believe it will be a beautiful service - the platform "set" is beautiful and tranquil, and the music set is beautiful and inspiring. And Byron is preaching from the 23rd Psalm - beautiful. To me, the reoccurring theme is the beauty of God's rest - the kind that only He can provide. I need that tonight, my mind is racing will all of the things still left to do. My heart is heavy for the thought of some friends who won't be there, and excited for the new friends I will make as they discover the love and mercy of God.

(By the way, tomorrow also happens to be Byron's birthday - I won't say how old he'll be, but he IS one year closer to the big 4-0!)

So, tonight, I'm listening to Enya (my favorite is "May it Be" from the Lord of the Rings), and I'm choosing to focus on the beautiful aspects of the love and mercy of a God, my God of Rest - because He hears, He knows - all of our difficulties, dreams, fears - He knows and He sees. So, I can rest in Him and all of His Beauty...and sleep in peace, dreaming of all of the hearts He will touch and change with His Beauty tomorrow...

"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home

Mornië utúlië
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië
A promise lives within you now

May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun

Mornië utúlië
Believe and you will find your way

Mornië alantië
A promise lives within you now

A promise lives within you now" (Enya "May it Be")


And even on days like today when I feel like a candle in the wind, I can rest in His shelter, and experience the Beautiful Rest of God...and the wind doesn't feel quite so strong. May it be that you rest in Him as well.

His Peace.

One Pilgrim's Progress

So I know I have 24 hours in a day, just like everyone else. But some days those 24 represent a lot more accomplishments than others. Today definitely won't go down in the books as a stellar day for checking-off my "To Do" list. I haven't been feeling very well for the past few days, so I've mostly been watching Byron work (he's redecorating our bedroom - I've been telling him that he's like a much, much more masculine Christopher Lowell). I've got a list of things to get done before we leave that's a mile long, only I don't feel up to it.
When I was younger, and Byron traveled in evangelism, I literally could pack for a two-week trip (with three kids - and two of them home-schooled) in two hours.
Not these days. I guess I'm hoping for a second-wind (or, in this case, a first wind) so I can get everything done that has to be done.

Someone asked me recently why I blog. I guess it's a good question, although I've never really thought about why. There are many reasons: because I love to write, because it's therapeutic to express myself in a healthy way, because I feel some responsibility to others to let them into my journey, because, in some way, I feel like I was born to do this...

But, more importantly, there are a few reasons that are NOT "why" I blog:

*it's not to just journal (I could buy a notebook for that), although my own personal thoughts and feelings drive the subject matter, it's not just about a journal of my day.

*it's not to make other women feel intimidated or inadequate as I list my domestic or spiritual achievements (I am neither Martha Stewart nor Beth Moore - as you know if you read my blogs...ever!)

*it's not to "get back" at others who've hurt or offended me - in fact, this blog has really been a caveat for reflection and growth in my life in the area of forgiveness ("what I don't deal with, I become")

*it's not to point out my personal frustrations with any individual just to "get it off my chest", but rather I desire to use my observations to facilitate change

*it's not to complain or rant about other's shortcomings, but rather to address issues that I deal with - especially as it relates to being a woman - as these things come into my life, I process them, and look to Christ and His word for how to deal with them, then I can pass along what I'm learning in the struggle and journey

The reasons why I blog are evolving all the time - like, hopefully, I am (not in the Darwin-way, but in the Jesus-way).

I certainly hope my words have been a source of encouragement to you. Of course, how you "hear" what I say is also dependent upon your own state of mind and heart (if you read with an agenda...well, all flows through that filter). Please read through the filter of love and grace, for that truly is the spirit in which I try to write - even when I write challenging things (it always challenges me first).

I'm just one pilgrim on a journey, and if I can encourage you in the race, then I'll keep on blogging...and you keep on running. Don't give up, ever!

Hebrew 12(MSG):
1-3Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

It's all about the journey, because the journey IS the destination!

Peace.

The Best Medicine

I've not been feeling well today.
So unlike many, many others (you know who you are), I'm going to blog twice in one day. My friend Leigh Ann told a funny story about her daughter not "liking Jesus" because of how scary he looks in the "Passion" book of photos.
I understand this.
Maybe because I think like a four year old, and maybe because, although without the brutality of how Christ died I wouldn't have hope, sometimes - like tonight - I need to think of Jesus laughing. I need to know that, in Him, there is such overwhelming joy - even in sorrow or illness - that he couldn't help but laugh. And because of his great love for all of us, which many times caused him to weep, he found such joy and happiness in just watching us and in being with us.

I also think that if we could show the world the many sides of Jesus - his love and sacrifice, his justice and grace, his tears and his laughter - maybe they would be more drawn to him instead of reacting to our often poor imitation of a one-dimensional somber God with no joy or sense of humor. He created us with all of our dramatic, hilarious, crazy and fun-loving propensities. He offers life to the fullest, in that must be joy and even hilarious laughter.

So tonight I'm going to think of the things that just must make God chuckle or even laugh out loud. I don't really know what makes God laugh, but it can't be that different than what makes us laugh (except for our own bloopers - since God has none), I especially think he enjoys watching us enjoy his creation:

For example:
* a baby giggling at nothing at all
* a puppy barking at a reflection of himself
* an elderly couple reminiscing
* the inside jokes of best friends
* a surprise party that really works
* a really good practical joke that really works
* a married couple finally able to laugh at their "crazy" family members
* a million little things that make us laugh every day
* a person who learns the freedom of laughing at herself - because she doesn't have a clue how to be...a pastor's wife, for instance.

I believe Jesus laughed often. I need to believe it tonight. I'm going to find a way to laugh out loud tonight, and all I need to do is look around to find something to smile about. It's all about perspective.

I hope you laugh tonight, and every day...I believe it makes God smile.

Peace (and hilarious laughter) to you.

Hello, World!

July is going to be a hard month for the blogger in me.
It feels like no one blogs and no one reads.

So this morning I was looking at my analytics report for the month, and of course, my views are at an all-time low since I began blogging.

Then I began to notice the shading on my "map overview" - As of this morning, when Australia was shaded-in for the first time, every continent is represented in viewing my little blog. It makes the world seem huge and so small all at the same time.

So, welcome Australia! And Hello, world!! Thanks for making me not feel so alone in my little corner of the world on this day after a national holiday when it feels like "no one blogs and no one reads".

I did watch fire-works last night (at the Loper's new town-home), they were beautiful, and I kept my word and I did remember all of the sacrifices others have made so that I could watch fireworks in the rain (with no umbrella). The fireworks were lovely, and being with friends and family was lovely too.

It truly is a small world when you have friends in every continent. Thanks for reminding me. Hello from my little corner of this small, yet vast, world...

Peace.

Independence Day

Happy Wednesday!

Of course, today I'm thinking a lot about freedom and independence.

Earlier this week, we spent some time at my grandmother's house. We let the kids swim, and had lunch. She made "Schenkinfleckel", a German noodle and ham dish that I love, but should avoid if I'm trying to watch my diet...(I didn't, though - Oh well!).

My grandfather was a sergeant/major in the army during WWII. He was a West Virginian, who grew up during the Depression (similar to the "Walton's"), a country-boy who was part Cherokee Indian - so, very well suited to be a tough army "Sarge". During the war, his "command" ended up in a little German town where they set up their headquarters in the largest house in town. There he met a beautiful German girl named Johanna.

After his troop was transferred, Johanna had to escape in the night because the Nazis were coming to "take them away" - her father was known in town as a big business man, and it was rumored that her mother was a Jew. Her father died of a heart attack as he was being taken away, but the rest of the family made their escape in the night. Of course, through all of this the "Sarge" and Johanna lost contact because they had no way to find out where the other had ended up.

Johanna finally arrived at a safe house where they knew of the American army man, and they were able to get a message to him. Johanna and the sergeant were married shortly after this at an army base, and she came to America with nothing but a few treasures she was able to hide from the Nazis as she crossed over the boarder into Switzerland (much like "The Sound of Music").

The sergeant and his German sweetheart had three daughters: Eloise (Elli), Johanna (Joey), and Dorothy (Dottie), and Joey had four daughters of which I am the oldest. So, my little German grandmother is Johanna who escaped so many years ago, so that now she can make us all "Schenkinfleckel" and her wonderful braided bread - which I discovered recently is exactly like "Challah" a Jewish bread...so, now when I eat it, or make it myself, I feel connected again to my great-grandmother who had to hide her identity so many years ago just to stay alive.

So, because of the strength and courage of my grandparents, I'm here today, able to spend the morning with my kids - able to have a leisurely "Fourth of July" cleaning my house and preparing to go on vacation...not anything like having to leave all of your possessions in the middle of the night, or fighting in a war as a young soldier in a foreign land. I have the opportunity to do the many things that bring me so much joy - even worshiping God - because of their sacrifice.

So, Independence Day really resonates for me. And I know there are others being strong and courageous even as I type, so that we can even celebrate a day such as this. To say I'm grateful would be an understatement, but I am. I am a multi-cultural sold-out Christ-follower with a flair for the dramatic who has the ability to express my opinions and hopes and dreams, all because of FREEDOM and SACRIFICE.

I am so thankful for these blessings. It's Independence Day, and tonight as I see the fireworks explode, I will remember...and think of all of those who've gone before me who've paid for my freedom. It's a beautiful thing!

Happy Wednesday, and happy, happy Independence Day!

Frieden. (German)
Dohiyi. (Cherokee)
Shalom. (Hebrew)

Peace.

A House Full of Dreams

I think I've lost the ability to blog.

So I had this horrible dream last night and woke Byron up at about 4:00a.m. to tell him that I'd had the most horrible dream - in it Ethan was falling and I couldn't catch him in time... - So then Byron couldn't sleep either so he got up to check on the kids...and now it's really late and I can't fall asleep! This morning I told Byron that I didn't ever want to fall asleep again; of course, I was just being dramatic - I know what can happen if you don't sleep for prolonged periods of time, as I have seen "House" and "20/20" (I get all of my medical info from shows like this - and if you need legal advice, I have seen just about every episode of "Law & Order" - all during times like this when I CAN'T SLEEP!)

So now, for the past two days, every time Byron hears me "clicking" on the computer, he says, "Are you blogging?", and I just respond "no, I'm just commenting", and tonight he says, "you're the only one I know who comments as long as most people's blogs." I wanted to argue, but who am I kidding, it's true (Sorry, Leigh Ann).

So my dream really reminded me of how much I love my kids.
Ethan (my baby - the real one. Just in case you thought his name was "Sugar Boy", that's my dog) cracks me up with his six-year-old insights on the world. He also happens to still think I'm cool AND pretty - He smiles constantly, unless he's being competitive, then he's the "ice man".
Nate is very pensive and inquisitive - he thinks about EVERYTHING. He's in the "reporter stage" of development where his favorite thing to do is bug his older sisters, especially if he can gross them out. He's a lot of fun, and some times I try to picture what it's going to be like when he's a foot taller and some girl thinks he's cute...I'll think about that tomorrow.
Ashley is one of our teenage girls (that's right, we have two under the same roof). She's very artistic and has a great sense of humor - it's a dry wit, and she could beat anyone in an eye-rolling contest (except maybe me at her age). She seems to be developing a real knack for writing, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her thoughts since she has now started blogging herself. She has a strong sense of herself which is so cool to see.
Kayleigh is the oldest (so are both of her parents - so she really has the first-born gene!), she has always had the ability to meet new people - no one has ever remained a stranger to her for long. She is becoming a strong woman with her own set of values. Being the oldest, she has dealt with the brunt of the negativity from people who don't like this or that in the church, and she has developed a strong sense of purpose through understanding why we do what we do - and honesty and loyalty have become HUGE to her.

All of them - my kids - are growing into a force to be reckoned with, in their own personal way, for God. They are each so unique and I know God will mold them to do His will and purpose. They're wonderful, and I thank God for the gift of my "full house".

So now it's either sleep, or more "Law & Order"...

Peace.

The Remains of the Day

This morning was great. Attendance was up, even though it's summer in Florida and the week of a National Holiday. By accident, I wore red, white and blue...which caused people to comment on my patriotism, Oh well...I am very patriotic, just not very organized in my fashion, but it all worked-out.

For some reason, I keep thinking about one thing today...I've been mulling it over since lunch, and even dreamed about it in my afternoon nap. I keep thinking about influence - specifically the influence of women. What does it mean to be a woman of influence? Not just a woman known for her skills as a manipulator, a convincer or arguer, and not one just known for being able to "get her way" - but what allows a woman to truly be able to influence, to effect a change in a positive direction?

I've seen it more times than I care to count: the spineless husband apologetically or rebelliously following behind his unbending, opinionated wife who through fits of complaints, the silent treatment or frigidity, or just sheer demands, controls every aspect of their lives - from how to raise the kids to where they'll go to church.

I've heard many of these women ask fervently (and in their most spiritual voice) for prayer that their husbands would become the spiritual leader in their home ("I don't want to lead, but I have to lead!"). Yet, if one of these men would dare to try to make a decision, much less actually LEAD, these same women would throw a tantrum that would make a three year old on a candy binge take notes.

Being good at making those around you (especially your family) dread one of your lectures, pouting-fits, or super-spiritual glares, shouldn't be the caveat by which we influence those in our circles. Submission isn't about not having strength or a mind of your own - it takes real strength to place your rights and wants under the submission of someone else - but it's the only way to be free...

Being a strong woman who follows a strong leader (Christ first, my husband second) isn't easy, but it is the true path to greater influence. And it can allow for greater growth and development of my children and all those around me. And my husband and kids don't have to live in fear of embarrassing moments when "mom doesn't get her way". This is something I have to work on every day, and after observing a scenario like this at lunch today (and being embarrassed for the husband and kids of a woman who hasn't gotten her attitude in order), I am reminded again to be vigilant in my efforts to be strong in the true sense of the word, not as a sour-faced bully who leads my husband around like a "purse-dog" (I already have one of those, and I certainly don't wish for my husband to be like him).

Just a thought, and a challenge - to myself first, of course.

Peace.