Beautiful Day!

Oh My! The weather today in Arkansas was out of this world. Really, it was amazing! In order to soak in the beauty, our family set out to conquer Pinnacle Mountain. (Small mountain on the outskirts of Little Rock, AR.) We loaded up the boys and the dog and headed out. When we arrived at Pinnacle, we were stunned by the sheer number of cars searching for a parking spot. After several minutes of driving, we decided to park in a field across the road from the entrance to Pinnacle Mountain. As a result, we had to hike in order to get to our hike! We decided to take Lulu our dog on the hike with us. This was our first outing with Lulu and my first outing as a dog owner. Here is what I discovered. Tons of people talk to you when you have a dog. All the kids wanted to pet Lulu. It was really fun!

The number of people hiking the mountain was unbelievable. I kept thinking--- this is like rush hour traffic. All the hikers had to work together in order to make the day work. We did and everyone on the mountain seemed to have fun. Lulu and I only made it 3/4 of the way up the mountain. Her little legs just could not climb all the big rocks. We sat at the #8 marker while the guys went to the top.

As I sat, I watched all the people pass by. This is by far one of my favorite things to do. People watching is just so entertaining to me. I listened in on their conversations and wondered what their life must be like. I prayed for them and even talked to some. Today as I watched the people climb up the mountain and down the mountain, I was taken by the sheer number of people in this world and the fact that so many of them do not know Jesus. It is staggering for me to think about this fact. Right here in Arkansas, in the heart of the Bible belt, there are people who do not know Jesus. People who have never opened a Bible. People who have never been around a Christian who lives out their faith every single day. People who have not even heard the name of Jesus.

During the car ride home, we turned on K-Love. Jeremy Camps song Jesus Saves was played. My boys know this is one of my current favorites. I love this song! I love the words in this song and the message the words convey. Today, we all sang along--- "Raise a shout to let all the world know that Jesus saves!"

I am ready to shout! How about you?

Andrea @ TVM

Note: Picture of my boys, Jake and Andrew, during lunch at Five Guys. This was our first Five Guys experience. Now that is a big burger!

Mugs and Muffins

Tonight I had the chance to attend my home church's 2011 Women's Ministry Kick off event. The event was called Mugs and Muffins. As you might guess we had coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate, and an assortment of fabulous muffins. I had so much fun chatting with my friends and hearing all the wonderful things that my women's ministry team will be offering this year.

I loved going to the event and just being a normal gal. I was not the speaker. I was not asked to pray. I did not set anything up or take anything down. I took the event in, "just like everyone else." I put on a name tag, registered for a door prize--no, I did not win, and enjoyed all the yummy treats. I had so much fun! I met new friends and visited with old friends. I came away from the night refreshed and ready to tackle 2011.

This year I want to encourage you to support the ministries that are offered through your local church. So often as women we do not take time to fill up our spiritual tanks. We often forsake our spiritual tanks for the sake of our kids or out of perceived necessity. But do you know what I learned tonight? I learned that if I take time to fill up my spiritual tank, I will have more to give. Sisters, let's not neglect our spiritual tanks to the point where we are running on fumes. Instead, let's be proactive and take the necessary steps to connect with God through His Word and to fellowship with sisters in Christ. A great place to connect with God and fellow sisters is through the ministries offered at your local church. So here is a two-fold challenge. First, support the ministries at your local church. Get in there and get involved. I promise you will not regret it! Second, grab a mug of hot chocolate, a fancy muffin, a friend, and God's Word, then watch and see how the Lord fills up your spiritual tank! Trust me, there is nothing like it!

Love!
Andrea @ TVM

The Body Of Christ

The last two days I have been reminded about my deep love for the body of Christ. True Vine Ministry had a booth at the Arkansas State Evangelism Conference. As I stood at my booth and shared my heart for reaching women in Arkansas and beyond with the love of Jesus Christ, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from my brothers and sisters. Many took my card and committed to pray for me. Others expressed a desire to partner with TVM by hosting a women's retreat or conference in their area or at their church. Some bought a copy of Reflecting His Glory and resolved to take the resource home and share it with the women in their church. Then there were those who simply hugged my neck and said, "Thank you for what you do."

At various points during my time at the Conference, I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude to the Lord for allowing me to see the body of Christ functioning as it should--- in love, gratitude, and support for the greater cause of Jesus Christ. Too often members of the body of Christ get sidetracked and focused on earthly things. I will be the first to admit that I struggle with this problem. Perhaps I start looking out for my own interest instead of the interest of others. Or, I start thinking that I have to make something great of my name and in the process fail to live my life for the furtherance of God's Name on this earth. We can all fall into one of these self -focused traps.

When I returned home yesterday afternoon, I had a facebook message from a new friend. My friend shared the news that she had received a diagnosis of Cancer. I immediately called my friend to check on her. My friend shared a few details and then apologized for "dumping" on me. I, with great boldness, shared with my friend that she was not "dumping" on me. In fact, I told my friend that I count it an honor to help her in any way I can. After all, isn't that what the body of Christ is all about? Loving/serving God and loving/supporting one another.

Today, I want to challenge you to think beyond yourself. Root out the areas in your life that are self-foucsed and embrace a life that is focused on loving God and supporting those around you. As you do, you will see the body of Christ as a beautiful thing. A family that lives for Jesus and the furtherance of His Name on this earth!

Go Team!!
Andrea @ TVM

The power of p. p. in your daily life!

I know the title for today's post is interesting. As a mom of two boys, p.p. usually means one thing in our house! However, when I share the story behind today's title, I think you will agree that we all need the power of p.p. in our daily lives!

Last Thursday we had some work done in our kitchen. As a result, our kitchen was closed. Jake and Andrew were hungry following school so I took them to McDonalds to pick up an early supper. Jake, Andrew, Lulu--our dog, and I got in the car. As we drove to McDonalds, I began to think that I had made a serious mistake by bringing the dog along. Lulu is new to our family and has not been out of the house to run errands. To say that Lulu is high-strung is a major understatement! Lulu is wild! As I thought about ordering the boys food via the drive through, I pictured Lulu barking and running around in the car. So, I made a snap decision to park the car in the front parking space and run inside to order the boys food. I told the boys to stay in the car and keep the doors locked. I assured the boys that I would be able to see them the whole time. Jake my oldest asked a question. "Mom, what if someone tries to break in?" I told Jake that I would have my eye on them the whole time and that the car would be locked. Jake's response. "Mom, don't worry. If anyone tries to break in, I will use the p.p. approach." Again my mind went to my idea of p.p. and I thought, "that just might work!" Jake went on to explain that if anyone tried to break in the car, he would take care of the situation with p.p. Jake said, "you know mom, I will pray and punch!"

As I sat in my car, I laughed at Jake's sense of humor. He is a sharp boy who is able to come up with a plan in a short amount of time. It was not until later that I began to process the value of Jake's p.p. approach to life. How often we find ourselves in a difficult situation and pray but never actively engage in the solution. Maybe we have a stronghold in our life and we just want that area to disappear instead of taking the necessary steps to renew our mind. Or, maybe we find ourselves punching at the problems in our lives by trusting in our own strength to overcome and failing to talk to God and ask for His solutions for our life.

The balance to both of these extremes is seen in the p.p approach to life--- praying and punching! This week as you encounter difficulties, strongholds, or problems; stop and pray. Surrender to the fact that as a created being, you were designed for a Creator. You cannot live the life God calls you to live in your own strength. You must be in communication with God! Next, begin to look for ways that you can punch the difficulties, strongholds, or problems by actively engaging in the solution God has for you. Avoid living a passive Christian life. Get in there and fight! As you do, you will discover the power of p.p. at work in your life!


Andrea @ TVM!

Whiter Than Snow

This weekend I will be leading a women's event at Central Baptist Church in White Hall, AR. I have to smile when I think about God's timing. The theme for the event is "Whiter Than Snow." Today I have been putting together my final thoughts for the event. As I sit at my dinning room table working on my outline, the scene outside my front window is breath-taking. Snow is falling! In fact, snow is falling fast. For many, snow is "no big deal." Bur for those of us who live in Central Arkansas, snow is an event! The threat of snow sends people to the store for supplies. It causes teachers to move test dates in preparation for dismissal. And, snow makes the most productive person feel lazy!

Today as I watch the snow fall, I think about the truth found in scripture. In Christ, we are white as snow! We are dead to sin and alive in Christ Jesus. We no longer live from a position of shame, doubt, fear, anxiety, or separation from God. We are connected to God through Christ and as a result, we have the ability to live whole, pure, free, and radiant lives in Christ. What an outstanding truth from scripture that all to often gets lost in the fabric of our daily lives.

The application point for my lesson this weekend has rocked me to my core. The application is this. Snow is white just like we are pure in Christ. But do you want to know what makes snow blinding in its radiance? The answer--- illumination by the sun. Think about it. Have you ever walked outside after a snowfall and the sun is shining. The sun's reflection on the snow is almost more than the bare eye can stand. The same truth should be evident in our lives. Each day our lives must interact with the Son. As we interact with the Son, His reflection on us and through us will be blinding to the point that others will not see us, they will see Him. "Lord, may it be!"

So, if the snow is falling at your house, allow the snow to remind you of your position in Christ. You are free. You are whole. You are pure. Then walk in that truth by asking the Son to shine on you each moment of the day. For His Glory!

Let it snow!
Andrea at TVM

All in a day's work!

It is 10:14p.m. and I am just sitting down to blog. So much for blogging first thing in the morning! I guess "better late than never" will be my theme for today.

My day started by dropping the boys off at school. I came home and spent time in Isaiah 1. I am teaching from this passage on Saturday. I then headed to church to drop off a jump drive. Can I confess that when I go anywhere first thing in the morning, it is not a pretty site. I tell you, I have no shame in throwing a baseball cap on my head and meeting the day "no make up" applied. After everyone at church was throughly shocked by my appearance, I headed to the McGhee center to run. For whatever reason, running was HARD today. I think everyone at the track felt bad for me. I finished my laps and slowly walked to my car. Once home, my day was moving at the speed of light! I spent more hours on the phone than off the phone. There are days when I am overwhelmed by the number of hurting people around me. At times I feel so unprepared and so inadequate to respond to the needs of others. Today was one of those days. Oh how I wish life was simpler. I wish there was a neat and tidy solution for every problem faced. All I can say is that I am thankful for the Lord. I am thankful for His presence and His Word in my life. I am thankful that God is greater than any struggle, hurt, pain, or problem faced in this life. God is God and He has the answer because He is the answer!

Once the boys arrived home from school, it was homework time. Andrew has two tests tomorrow so we had a lot of studying to do this afternoon. This is always a challenge and requires patience on my part and perseverance on Andrew's part. All I can say is that we made it through the afternoon! Jake left his backpack at a friends house so I had to track down his work. One that mission was accomplished, I threw supper together. Tonight everyone had their choice of food. Of course this is code for leftovers at my house. Following supper, I headed to choir and enjoyed sitting down for the first time all day. We worked on new music and just had fun laughing and fellowshipping together. Following choir, I picked up two new banners for my book table. Next Monday and Tuesday TVM will be featured at the Arkansas State Evangelism Conference. I needed some super sharp signs for my booth and Dusty at my home church hooked me up! I can't wait to share the pictures with you.

Although this sounds like a pretty packed down, I am far from finished. Now I need to prep my kitchen and bathroom for a little remodeling work that will begin bright and early at 8:15 in the morning. So I guess I better sign off and wash some dishes. However, before I go, allow me to share one of the most amazing passages of scripture with you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" This scripture never gets old. I often need to be reminded that as a believer in Jesus Christ, the old is gone! As a result, I must forsake the old thing and embrace the new thing that God is doing. It is not always easy to forsake the old thing but it is always the right thing to do. In the end, forsaking the old thing and embracing the new thing brings joy and peace into my heart as I live a life that is focused on Jesus Christ.

Real quick, before I go, may I ask you a question? "Do you need to forsake the old thing and embrace the new thing?" If so, do it! You will never have peace in your heart till you surrender to the life God is calling you to live. The old thing may be a destructive habit, a bad relationship, or a negative thought pattern. Whatever it is, determine to be done with that old thing. Embrace the new thing that God is doing in you and live your life focused on Him!

"Lord, help us to forsake the old thing and embrace the new thing. Please give us an undivided heart for You and Your Word. May we settle for nothing less than all of You in all of us--- for Your glory alone!"

Love!
Andrea at TVM

Welcome 2011!

I am finally getting in the swing of things around my house. Is it really the middle of January? It seems like our family has been blessed with a lot of together time lately. Christmas break was a blast and we enjoyed seeing extended family. The snow break was so much fun! The boys are old enough to go out in the snow and play for several hours. Yesterday the boys were out of school for MLK day and we had fun at home. So, can I be honest with you and say that I was a tad bit excited this morning when I dropped the boys off at school? I have missed my quiet house (which really isn't that quiet anymore--- I will explain in a second!) I have missed my uninterrupted time with the Lord. I have missed singing at the top of my lungs to my precious Savior. Don't get me wrong. I will probably be the first person in the car pool line to pick up my crew, but I will admit that I have enjoyed my much needed time with the Lord. Thank you, Jesus!

So as 2011 is in full swing, I want to give you a few updates on my life as well as True Vine Ministry. Hang on to your seat---- here we go!

Updates:
1. We have a new dog! (Hence the comment about our house NOT being so quiet!) Lulu is a one and a half year old maltese. She requires a lot of attention from me and the guys but we are so glad she is a Lennon! Lulu is having to learn a lot of rules right now and she is doing pretty good. I feel like she is another full-time job but my boys LOVE her so it is worth it. I even found myself glad to see her when I came home from a meeting last night.

2. Jay and the boys are doing great. Jay is working hard on some changes to the TVM website. He is trying to get me up to speed in the area of technology. I am so thankful for my supportive husband. The boys are fun and I love to see life through their eyes.

3. TVM's speaking schedule for the spring is full! I am excited to share God's Word with so many women this year. Check out the events page for a location near you!

4. Women's Inc: I will continue to contribute a monthly column to Women's Inc. I will post the links each month on Facebook, twitter, and this blog. I have also been asked to submit four additional columns for the new Home edition of Women's Inc. I am going to write a series on the Fruit of the Spirit at work in our homes--- A Peaceful Home, A Loving Home, A Kind Home, and A Joyful Home. So excited to share God's truth in this setting!

5. I will be doing more web-conferences this year. I hope to schedule at least four. The web-conferences will be free so keep an eye on my events page for details.

6. Reflecting His Glory: Book sales are going well for RHG. I have several events this year and two state-wide events. My goal is to focus on Arkansas and get the word out about this tool for women. The first event is next week at the Statewide Evangelism Conference.

7. Free To Thrive!: The manuscript is complete! Thank you, Jesus! The editing process is about to begin. I hope to publish in the fall of 2011.

8. Social Networking: This year I am going to focus on using facebook, twitter, and this blog to encourage women in their walk with Jesus. I just have to be honest--- social networking is a challenge for me. I am a face-to-face kind of gal. However, if I can honor the Lord through this means, I will gladly do it!

9. Church Work: As many of you know, I spent a lot of my time in 2010 helping at the staff level at my home church in the area of adult education. I was honored to step in when needed but I am thankful to report that this weekend we have a Godly man and family coming in view of a call for the area of adult ministry. Lord willing, I will be totally released from church work in 2011 so that I can focus on TVM. Of course, I will still be very involved in ministry at my home church but in more lay leader roles.

10. Mission Work: Once again, I am looking forward to traveling to the other side of the world to share the love of Jesus Christ. Jay and I are working together to connect churches in the State of Arkansas with mission needs on the other side of the world. We are currently working with 9 churches. We are so grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to serve--- to the ends of the earth!

Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Andrea at TVM