Turkey Bound

I cannot believe one week from today I will be flying to Turkey! It has come up so fast. I now have enough support raised to cover all my fixed expenses plus a little pad for those expenses that are hard to plan for. If I'm careful, I should have enough for the whole trip. THANK YOU to all who given towards this opportunity to minister. You have made an investment that, I pray, has eternal rewards. You are sending me where you cannot, at this time, go yourself. I promise to do everything in my power to represent you well and carefully listen to what the Lord would have me to preach.

Please continue to pray for traveling safety, good health and that the Holy Spirit will really move in our services. I will preach seven services with the kids. There is a young missionary couple who are coming to help me. I'm excited to meet them. Val in an MK and has lived in Latvia, Russia and Belgium so I know she will be a huge help in the cultural differences I'll experience. I'm so thankful that the Lord has opened this opportunity to me.

I'll leave from Memphis on Saturday evening and fly all night to Amsterdam. Then onto Istanbul and finally to Kusadisi, Ephesus, Turkey (airport is at Izmir). I'll get to the resort about 8 PM their time which is noon our time. My total air time one way is between 13 and 14 hours. I'll be returning Friday from Izmir to Istanbul to JFK (three hr. layover) and then into Memphis about 10 PM. It takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hrs. to get to Memphis from Union City. My flight schedule is actually pretty good. No sleeping in airports!

I'll take lots of pictures and if I have internet access will blog from Turkey. Blessing to all!

Living in the Land of Grace

Grace...we all need it...we should all give it. BUT. I had a conversation with Pastor Mark our music pastor, and Pastor Tommy the other day that has been replaying in my head. We were commenting on an ongoing frustration in all areas of ministry. Lack of commitment and excellence. Most people who commit to volunteering at church do an awesome job. We have a team of people that ROCK! But every church has volunteers who have the best of intentions and still struggle to follow through. For years, we in the church have been living in the land of grace. "Well, if I'm a few minutes late, it's church folks and they'll forgive me." "I didn't have time to study my Sunday School lesson, so I'll wing it....everyone is busy so they'll understand." "There are two other nursery workers scheduled so they probably won't care if I don't show up."

In our quest to be grace givers, we have allowed people to serve Christ in a haphazard, second best way. I realize people who volunteer at church also work other jobs and have busy lives. But we need to decide if we can afford to let this trend continue or if we have to have those hard conversations with those who serve in ministry. I don't like those conversations...I tend to lean towards mercy, but since that discussion with my fellow pastors, I have had to ask myself if I'm willing to sacrifice my comfort or sacrifice the effectiveness of the way we reach the lost. I truly believe Jesus is coming soon so therefor, I am willing to sacrifice my comfort and help those who need it to see how they can step up and do their ministry in a more effective way. Obviously, I have to do it in a Christ-like manner but it needs to be done. In anything and everything that we do, we should be doing it as unto the Lord himself. Sometimes we have only ONE opportunity to share Jesus with someone...I want to do my best. As a leader, I need to be able to set the pace, raise the bar and speak the truth. It may seem harsh but if we keep this pattern of good enough, we will never see a pattern of excellence. I need to be able to communicate to the people in my circle of influence that every Sunday is our Super Bowl!

I'd love to hear some feedback. How have you dealt with this?

Funny Thing About "Haystacks"

First of all....I surpassed 500 blog entries and didn't even realize it. Go me. Hee hee.

Second, and to me this is hilarious, in the last several months I have had tons of hits on my blog from all over the world. Obscure, exotic, far away lands...plus every corner of the good ole USA have perused Pastor Lori's Blog because they have Google searched "Giant Haystack." Last October, our church hosted a Halloween alternative with a huge haystack filled with numbered balls that the kids could redeem for prizes. Of course, I blogged about it. Apparently there was a famous wrestler named Giant Haystacks who passed away in 1998. In the search for info on the famous Mr. Haystacks, people have stumbled upon the blog. My Site Meter has given me a glimpse of the wrestling world....those crazy people are all over the place! Anyway...it makes me laugh. Maybe someone will look at my blog and learn something about Jesus! Love that.

Teaching Kids About the Holy Spirit and The Call

Yesterday in Building 2-52, I preached from Acts 1:8. It was obviously the first time that most of the kids had heard about the Holy Spirit and the power it gives us in our lives. We had an amazing altar time in both services. To my knowledge, none of the kids were filled with the Holy Spirit as with the evidence of speaking in other tongues but I am not discouraged. Why, you may ask? Because every single kid in both services were at the altar worshipping God, going after more of Him and just enjoying His presence. It is always a beautiful sight to watch a child lost in prayer. It tears me up each time I see one of my kids on their knees with their little faces in their hands seeking more of Jesus.

It will not be the last time I preach on this powerful gift. I have just begun and I know, with God's help, I will be able to help them more fully understand why it is so important. I have a better understanding of what they need to learn. The first thing is that kids are intimidated to pray out loud. You cannot be filled without being able to worship God with an audible voice. I know most adults don't even feel comfortable enough to pray out loud but these kids will be able to do it and lead the way for all generations!

One GREAT source for explaining the Holy Spirit to children is a book that I'd like to recommend. It's called Kid Power by Tim Enloe and you can order it on his web site at http://enloeministries.org. You can get a good price by ordering 10 or more. I'm ordering some this week to have on hand. I think it's something that would really help to empower parents to teach this at home. It would be so awesome to hear about families praying together at home to receive their Heavenly prayer language.

Side note...had an amazing conversation with one of my 3rd grade boys after service. The first time I met this young man, the Lord spoke to me that He had a call on this boy's life. I have been waiting for Jonas to tell me himself. I don't ever want to plant ideas into kid's heads so I hadn't said anything to him. The Lord prompted me to ask him if he knew yet what God's plan was for his life. His eyes were so big and he very politely said, 'Yes, mam." I asked him if he'd like to tell me about it and he said, "God has called me to be a preacher." I then told him that God had told me the same thing. You should have seen his eyes get even bigger! So exciting to see kids being called at such a young age! That's the second boy in about a month who have shared their call with me. The Lord has showed me two other kids He has called and set apart for service and I'm already praying for them, that they would obey, guard their hearts and never doubt what God has asked them to do.

What's Up?

I have been a bad blogger as of late. So sorry. Thought I'd give some random thoughts, observances and rants to give you a glimpse of my life lately.

God is so amazing. I know...duh. But really, He is so faithful and forever grace-giving and I seriously am so thankful for where I am in my faith. I have not "arrived" but love that I can honestly say I have grown more in my relationship with Jesus in the past couple of years than ever before....and striving to grow DAILY. The last nearly 8 months of being in Union City, God has "expanded my territory" by allowing me to minister, not only kids, but several adults as well.

I started a "Kid's Council." It is a leadership/ministry training time for any 3rd-5th grader who would like to learn some ministry skills. We meet from 5-6 every Thursday. The kids involved understand that this is a serious responsibility and they always hear the scripture from Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required." We start our time with prayer. I am teaching the kids to pray out loud for each other. It may sound silly but I know many adults who cannot pray out loud in front of people so I want the kids from a young age to be able to speak out and minister to others. We then have a devotion from the Word of God. The kids are required to read their Bibles at home, too. We then move into training. We are currently working on leading worship and puppets. Every week, they go home with homework! It may be music and motions to learn or puppet practice but they have something to learn. It's going great right now. One of my 4th grade girls has a call to ministry on her life. I don't know if she fully realizes her call yet but she is gonna be a firebrand for Jesus!

I baptized 7 kids a couple of Sunday's ago. Wow, nothing like the feeling of helping a child step through another phase of their journey with Christ. Austin, one of the boys I baptized, came to his mom a few weeks ago and told her that God had spoke to him and told him he was gonna be a preacher! This 9 year old is so on fire for God. He didn't have his own Bible so Pastor Tommy told me to get him one from the church. He carries that Bible around like it's the most awesome thing he has ever owned. He testified during his baptism about his call. I think he may have inspired a tear or two among the adults. I know there were lots of cheers. I'm so proud of all my kids! To see them at the altar in Building 2-52 with their little faces in their hands, bowed down on their knees, going after God with all they have, gives me a feeling I cannot adequately put into words. I praise God that I am allowed to witness such things each week.

It has rained a lot here recently. I am officially OVER IT! Come on sunshine. Everyone's lawns are so wet and the grass is growing like crazy but it's hard to mow with all that water.

Randy is still unemployed. Man, we must have really ticked off the devil cuz he is sure trying to discourage us! We know God is at work, He's providing and of course, He is faithful. We will stand firm, remain obedient to His call and expect the miracle to come.

I leave for Turkey in just a few weeks. I am no where near what I need in funds but the Lord is never early nor is he ever late. This Sunday, my Building 2-52 team has organized an ice cream social fundraiser for me! How awesome is that? They are the best team ever! Some of the younger kids are asking if I'm going forever. It's hard to see the concern on their faces but I have assured them they are stuck with me!

Our friends, Curt and Mandy Cecil, had baby number four! Congrats on the arrival of Thaddeus Larkin Cecil! He's a beautiful little bugger!

Micaela is officially graduated, moved and working. Praise God. I'm so proud of my girl!

So....what's up with you?

Ice Cream Dates

Had a little BGMC challenge and these goofy girls won the contest! Micky D's, ice cream and laughter...doesn't get much better than that!

Where Have All the Comments Gone?

Is it due to Facebook? Have I become too boring? I miss comments. Sadness.

Where Have I Been?

So sorry to be MIA in the blog world but life has been nothing short of craziness the past few weeks and to top it all off, my computer hard drive crashed and burned! I lost EVERYTHING! That's what I get for trusting a computer that is only 1 1/2 years old. I will now and forever back everything up on a jump! It is so sad how many pictures I lost.

We are so proud of Micaela! We witnessed her graduating from Evangel University on Friday! It has been a long journey for her but she always had top grades and finished strong. The day before graduation, she was offered a job at...are you ready for this?...Evangel! She is now gainfully employed full time in the conference services office where she has done a work study for the past three years. God's timing was amazing. She can do graphics as a freelance and stay at the school she loves so much. She moved into her first apartment with her best friend and life is good for my girl.

I have been sick for the past 10 days but finally feeling almost normal. I'm just a little tired still. I had sinus infection. Blah!!!! It started out as a cold and blossomed into, well, I'll spare you the details.

I have lots of pics to load in the next few days. Graduation, water baptism of some of my kids, Pastor Tommy's 50th birthday party, ice cream dates with BGMC contest winners from church...

God is really stirring my heart. He continues to stretch me and it's exciting, overwhelming, humbling, inspiring, and keeping me on my knees. God has given me a vision for where we are headed in the children's ministry of Union City First Assembly of God. I can't wait to see how He is going to accomplish it all because it is beyond me. I will continue to work as though it depends and me and pray as it, of course, depends on God! I do know one thing...I may have to clone myself! :)

Only one month until I go to Turkey! Eeeek. I have my passport and have had about 1/3 of my support come in through so many wonderful friends. I have a long way to go for the rest and not much time but God is never too early nor too late. I flux between uber excited and gonna-throw-up nervous about traveling so far by myself. It will entail many firsts in my life.

Go Gavin

This baby blesses my heart!! This is Gavin, our youth pastor's son. His momma put him up on the drum throne with the sticks and he was going to town! He's a sweet, happy little guy and gets tons of attention at church. Love that boy!

Easter 2009

It was a great day for Jesus at Union City First Assembly of God! We had a nice crowd of people with several visitors and a couple of people receiving Jesus into their hearts for the first time. We had 83 in the children's department! Our candy dash and giant bounce house were a big hit. All our plans and timing of events went off without a hitch, praise God! Pastor Justin did a fantastic job of preparing the hospitality teams. It was so great to have the whole church working together for the purpose of winning the lost.

I haven't gotten to listen to Pastor Tommy's message yet but I was told by many that it was super good....very anointed and inspiring. His sermon was titled "Resurrection Reunion." Can't wait to hear it. So can you if you go to our web site and link to iTunes and listen to the podcast. http://www.unioncityfirstag.com.

It was hard to watch the faces of my kids when they heard of the horrible things done to our beloved Savior. I didn't get too graphic as to upset them but even the things I did share obviously impacted their young hearts. I told them Easter is the saddest story ever told yet the happiest, too. From the arrest, trial, beatings, humiliations, and crucifiction to the resurrection in Glory. We serve a risen King!

I'll Always Remember This Day

April 10...a day that I will never forget. In fact, it was a Friday that marked this day 18 years ago. I can't believe it's been 18 years since my baby brother, Chad, was murdered. He would be 36 now.

Many of you know the story. He was a senior in high school, out with some buddies, minding his own business. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. A couple of guys, out looking for trouble, pulled into the parking lot where Chad and his friends stood talking. The driver kept trying to engage the boys in an argument. When they got closer to the car, the driver pulled out a gun and shot Chad in the chest. He bleed to death in just a few minutes. The guy was caught the next day, charged with 1st degree murder and is serving a life sentence which he received on his 21st birthday.

God taught me so many things through this horrible tragedy in our family: forgiveness, trusting God no matter what, importance of knowing if your family members know Christ, the way God will take an awful situation and turn it to bring Him glory, and much more.

Chad was an amazing kid. I miss him a lot. I was 12 when he was born and was a big part of his early childhood. So today, I'm choosing to remember all his funny ways, his quick smile and loving nature. Today, I'm going to be thankful for the 18 years we had with him, and how he impacted so many lives in such a short time. I'm going to praise God for the peace that passes all understanding. I'm going to pray that his murderer will come to know Jesus.

Here is the new backdrop! I'm lovin' it! Micaela, our logo designer and our resident artist, Charlie Boyd, did a great job. Thanks to Tim and George for filling in the unused windows and to Kayla, Judy and Randy for helping me to paint the wall and trim. The walls of the fellowship hall are the same "Pecan" color as the backdrop and so the logo really "pops."

Pastor Tommy and Pastor Justin added some more can lights today and got all the mushrooms and flashing color bars working the way they are supposed to so the lights are sweeeet! Easter is gonna ROCK!

The stage will look even better when it's set for service with all of our props. Gotta get some new table clothes in different colors....I'm thinking green and orange. What do you think?

Easter Excitement

I cannot believe that Easter is this weekend! Every week for the last two months in Building 2-52, we have been counting down til this big day and it's finally here. The church has been working hard to promote our services with a huge yard banner, beautiful business card invites, and a 1500 piece mailer to the surrounding neighborhoods. We are also advertising our kid's activities. Between the 8:30 and 10:30 services we will open the GIANT bounce house, and have a Candy Dash for ages 3 and under, 4 and 5 yr. olds, K-1st graders, 2nd-3rd graders and 4th and 5th graders. We have a special skit planned and some great praise and worship. Of course, the Easter message will be presented in a manner that kids can understand.

If you read this and live near Union City, I'd like to invite you to come and celebrate our "Resurrection Reunion" services. Pastor Tommy is super excited for the message God has inspired him with. Our nurseries, toddler church and Building 2-52 for Kindergartners-5th graders are all staffed and ready to welcome your kids. May the Lord bless every Easter celebration and may the Gospel be proclaimed with this victory over death!

Wacky Week

What a crazy week! Our staff went to Tennessee District Council on Monday. We got back from Murfreesburo yesterday and today I leave to go back that way for TSOM (Tennessee School of Ministry). Poor Randy has been alone most of the week. District Council was fun even though I didn't know many folks. I did get to connect with a few children's pastors that I hadn't met yet. We had a very fun breakfast meeting. It's interesting to me how Iowa and Tennessee children's pastors TOTALLY are the same wacky, creative thinking people. It must be a part of the cp DNA.

Murfreesburo reminded me of West Des Moines in appearance and vibe. That's where Pastor and Deana lived before they came to Union City. I got to meet many of their ministry friends.

I stayed at a brand new Embassy Suites because it's where we had Council. It was beautiful!! The service and breakfast were amazing. If you are traveling to Murfreesburo or Nashville, I highly recommend it. It is in an easy to access location and close to great restaurants and shopping.

I'm looking forward to TSOM today. One step closer to being licensed. There are five of us going together from our church. It's such a blessing that our church invests in those called to ministry by helping send them to TSOM. I'll get to meet some more peeps, too.

Lilly

I had the privilege of attending one of my kids' preschool program Friday night. Lilly was sooooo cute. She is one of those kids who has a personality that is larger than life. I love getting to be a part of a family's memory making events. Isn't she adorable? Her big sister Elizabeth got in on the "hammin'", too.

H2O...the Way to Go

It's early Tuesday morning. The Lord woke me up about 4 AM and His presence was so strong I couldn't get out of bed for a little while. He was speaking to me about the message He wants brought forth tomorrow night at church. I have the opportunity to do a full kid's service in "big church." I am furthering my credential level and part of my requirements is for Pastor Tommy to evaluate one of my services.

I've been praying about this message for a couple of weeks and it wasn't fully coming to me. I had an idea but wasn't sure if it was a "Lori thought" or a "God thought" at first. Sometimes the Lord will give me a message in a matter of a few minutes. But like this time, He sometimes gives it to me in bits and I have to chew on it for awhile...pray it through.

It all started with a bottle of water. It sparked a thought and Jesus showed me how that everyday item would help my kids remember the message. The Lord has done that before with me. A traffic light helped me preach a message about not being fearful and trusting God. A skeleton helped me preach a message about guarding our hearts. Tomorrow night I'm preaching about the Living Water.

Father, I praise you for speaking to me this morning. I thank you for stirring my heart and confirming what it is you want me to speak. I pray that the words would flow from me tomorrow night and that everyone in that room, young or old, would have an understanding about the Living Water. I pray lives will be eternally changed for You. I pray hearts will yield and be given to You. I pray your power falls and people are filled with your Holy Spirit. Continue to speak to me today and show me to smallest details that You want in the service. I thank you so much for another day to serve You and this opportunity to proclaim Your Word. In Jesus name...Amen.

Happy Birthday Micaela

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter! I sure wish we could spend the day together. Micaela is such an amazing woman of God. I always am in awe of her artistic talents and passion for having fun. She is a great friend to MANY people and very loyal and trustworthy in those friendships. She loves to travel, see new places, learn new things, play games, spend time with family, Facebook!, music of all kinds, animals, movies, dark chocolate, hunt for old books, doing crazy things like jumping off bridges and climbing water towers, and she LOVES to laugh.

Mic, I pray you have a wonderful day even though we are apart until Easter. God has so much in store for you as you follow Him. Graduation is just several weeks away and it's gonna be so exciting to see this next chapter in your life.

Love you bunches!

Random Thoughts

You know me...occasionally have I have some random thoughts to share.

I'm loving all the flowering Bradford Pear trees here in Union City! Sooo pretty and nothing like flowers to make you think spring and new beginnings. It was prophesied in our church that 2009 is the year of new births! Love that.

I have a new fav coffee...well the at home brew variety, anyway. It's Dunkin Donuts Dark Roast. Very yummy. I'm a dark roast girl.

Easter is only four Sundays away after tomorrow. I'm excited for the opportunity to reach people with the celebration of a risen Savior!

Our kids are having birthdays in a few days. Micaela will be 25 on the 20th and Keaton will be 24 on the 29th. My kids ROCK! They will be here for Easter. Can I get a woot woot?

God blessed me with a friend who wants to pay for my passport and my visa to go to Turkey! Did you know passports cost $100? A visa there is about $20. God is so good. You can't out give Him!

March 26th marks 6 months here in Union City. Wow, it has been a fast 6 months! But on the other hand, it feels as though we have known these people forever. Mysterious how that works.

My twin nephews turn 10 years old this month. Double Digits!! They are precious to me. If you see this Jakob and Dylan...Aunt Lori loves you and prays for you. God has a mighty plan for your lives.

March 11 was the first anniversary of Randy's mom's Home-going. I'm so glad to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is with Jesus but I sure miss her. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and a warrior for the Cross. She was also my friend!

The new Facebook layout bugs me. Why do they keep changing it?

After two months of working out, I THINK I'm finally starting to feel some results. It's good to do something for myself!

Look, Look, Look, SEE!

I had the honor of preaching Wednesday night in "Big Church." Pastor Tommy is in Florida at a pastor's conference and he asked me to fill in. I was praying one morning about 5 AM and looking up some scriptures for a friend when God inspired the sermon for the night. I have been praying that God would not only give me "an ear to hear what the spirit says," but an eye to see as Jesus does. As I said in my sermon, I am guilty of buzzing through my day and not always being aware of divine appointments God sets before me. I do not want to be so mission minded that I rush past a God ordained opportunity to minister to someone or some need.

The title of the sermon was inspired from the Kleenex commercial. You know, the one where the woman is going through her morning routine touching things. Touch, keys, touch, shoes, touch phone, touch this don't touch that, touch, touch, touch and then she grabs a tissue and the commercial voice says...feel. Look, Look, Look, SEE! Part of my sermon focused on the story we all have read and heard a thousand times. Jesus has set himself apart to mourn the violent death of His friend John the Baptist. Matthew 14:13-21. The crowds followed Him, not knowing what He was going through, and instead of being annoyed, frustrated or telling them to leave, the Bible says He SAW them and had compassion on them. He healed their sick and then He spent the day ministering to them. When the disciples came to Jesus with the need of food...He fed them via one of the most amazing miracles...five loaves and two fish fed over 5,000 people. What miracle might God perform through us if only we stop and SEE? Jesus Himself said in John 14:12, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." We are people of faith! And so I say faith looks at a problem but SEES it as an opportunity.

I want to see as in be aware. I don’t want to be so wrapped up in my mission mindedness or life struggles that I am not aware. I’m gonna pay attention. Not that I’m so heavenly minded that I’m no earthly good but if I’m listening then I’m gonna see also! I’ll notice if you got a hair cut but will I be aware when your countenance changes for better or worse? I want to rejoice with someone in a mountain top time but want to be their walking stick as they climb out of a valley, too.


I want to see as in recognize. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and good.” God recognizes the wicked and the good of this world. We want to have eyes to see what is intended for our benefit or our destruction! When you encounter someone you haven’t been around for a long while, you might look at them but not recognize them.

I want to see as Jesus does as with understanding, compassion and looking at the heart. I don’t want to see as the world does.

Anywho, the Lord really helped me get past the nerves and speak what He wanted. We had a great altar time with Jesus. I hope the message challenged everyone to go deeper in their relationship with Christ and to Look, Look, Look, SEE!

Couples Bowling Night

Hey my Union City friends! FYI...Friday night's couples bowling adventure is at 5:30-7 PM at Southlane. Note the slight time change!! It costs $6.50 per person and we are still planning to do ice cream at McDonald's following me humiliating myself with what I attempt to call bowling! Oh well....I have fun doing it. Bring another couple along!