TVM Blog

Living a Careful Life, Part 3

2011-09-07T16:02:00.002-05:00

Hello my sweet friends!

Finally--- I am posting part three of "Living a Careful Life!" Remember our key verse is Psalm 101:2-4. "I will be careful to lead a blameless life when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.”

In parts one and two, we looked at our inward reality and our outward expressions. Remember our inward reality is who we are at the very core of our being. The call from Psalm 101:2-4 is to be blameless. We demonstrate a blameless life when we are sincere or entirely whole towards God. As a result of our inward reality, we should demonstrate certain outward expressions. The outward expressions we explored are: I will walk in my house with a blameless heart, I will set before my eyes no vile thing, the deeds of faithless men I hate, men of perverse heart shall be far from me, and I will have nothing to do with evil.

Now we are ready to look at the final part of living a careful life--- our daily resolve. Psalm 101:2 says, "I will be careful...." The daily resolve that you and I must have in order to live a careful life is the resolve to structure our day carefully before the Lord. The word careful used in verse 2 means to be upright.

I want to share the definition that Webster uses to define careful. Webster defines careful as a painstaking effort to avoid errors or omissions. In other words, if we are going to live a careful life then we are going to have to make conscious decisions throughout our day that enable us to walk upright before the Lord. When this happens, our hearts are sincere or entirely whole towards God.

Let's get practical. What can we do daily to live a careful life before the Lord? I would like to share my Top Ten list with you! (These are in no particular order.)

1. Memorize Scripture: Hiding God's Word in our hearts is key to living a careful life. When God's Word is in our hearts, we have access to it 24/7. The result--- when we come to a fork in the road, we have a solid roadmap that is always available to us. Tip: pick a verse, write it on a notecard, and carry it with you everywhere you go. Look for the empty two and three minutes in your day and work on your passage of scripture during that time. Also, be brave and memorize large sections of scripture. God's word is a powerful weapon to have hidden in your heart!

2. Daily quiet time before the reactive point in your day: Determine the point in your day when your day tends to get away from you and resolve to have your quiet time before that point. For me, I try to have my quiet time before I turn on my computer or answer my cell phone. This forces me to get up and get with the Lord first thing in the morning. The result--- when I react, I am not reacting out of my self, rather I am reacting out of the overflow of my time with the Lord.

3. Journaling: It is always beneficial to record God's work in our lives. I utilize journaling the most when I am struggling to understand my feelings. I find that writing things out helps me to process deep emotions that are hidden in my heart. As I write my thoughts in my journal, I recognize what is going on in my heart and turn my struggles over to the Lord.

4. Prayer Closet: I cannot overstate the benefit of a prayer closet. A prayer closest is a specific place to go when we need to be alone with the Lord. When my children were younger, I learned the value of a prayer closet. I told my children--- "When I am in my prayer closet, you are NOT allowed to interrupt me unless it is an emergency." The reason why--- if Jesus is going to make a difference in my life, I have to spend time with Him. As I made the choice to go to my prayer closet, I modeled for my children the necessity of daily quiet time with the Lord.

5. Heart Friends: It is so important to surround ourselves with people who love Jesus and encourage us in our daily walks.

6. Balanced Prayer Life: Following a prayer model will help you to have balance in your prayer life. The result, you will not only ask God for things you will also learn how to praise God for the way He works in your life. I use the ACTS prayer model.
• A- Adoration: praise to God
• C- Confession: confession of sins
• T- Thanksgiving: thanksgiving for what He is doing
• S- Supplication: presenting requests to God

7. Personal Worship: I cannot overstate the benefit of personal worship in a believers life. For me, when I feel anxious, grumpy, sad, or mad, I worship the Lord. This process allows me to take my eyes off of myself and put them on Jesus. Tip: Use your Ipod and listen to music during your daily routines--- laundry, cooking, cleaning, exercise, etc. Sing hymns of the faith that are meaningful to you. Praise the Lord as you walk around the block and think about all the things He has done for you.

8. Reading Good Books: No matter what type of book you like to read, find one that promotes Godliness in your life. Make sure that everything you put into your heart and mind honors Jesus.

9. Fasting: Fasting is removing a creature comfort from our life so that we can focus on the Lord. Often we associate fasting with food. However, we can fast from anything that brings enjoyment. I find fasting to be helpful when I need to overcome sin, seek God's presence, or gain spiritual clarity. Tip: Start out small and make sure that as you fast you focus on Jesus rather than the item that you are fasting from. Also be careful not to fill your life with "other things" when you are fasting. You take something away in order to increase your focus on Jesus. Use the hunger or your desire to watch tv as a way to focus more and more on the Lord.

10. Giving: Give till it hurts. When you give freely you accomplish two things. First, you demonstrate the truth that every resource in your life belongs to God. Second, you demonstrate faith that God will provide for your daily needs. Tip: Instead of having a garage sale or taking part in a consignment event, give your things away. Or, take a certain amount of money and tuck it in your purse and ask God to show you how He want you to use the money for His glory. You will learn how to listen to God through out your day.

My challenge to you--- pick one or two things from this list and implement them in your life. You will see how God begins to train you to live a careful life. It is an amazing adventure--- you do not want to miss it!

Love!
Andrea@TVM

Living a Careful Life, part 2 cont.

2011-08-26T12:44:00.002-05:00

Today we will continue our three part series called "Living a Careful Life." In today's post we will examine the final two outward expressions listed in Psalm 101:2-4. This passage states, “I will be careful to lead a blameless life when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.”

If you will recall, long before we can examine our outward expressions, we must examine our inward reality. Our inward reality is who we are at the very core of our being. The Bible says that we are to be blameless. The word blameless means to be complete, sincere, and entirely whole towards God. When our hearts are blameless before God, we naturally have outward expressions that please Him.

In the last few posts we examined three outward expressions of a blameless life. Here is a quick recap:

• Outward Expression 1: I will walk in my house with a blameless heart.

• Outward Expression 2: I will set before my eyes no vile thing.

• Outward Expression 3: The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.

Let's move on and look at the final two outward expressions listed in Psalm 101:2-4.

Outward Expression #4:

"Men of perverse heart shall be far from me."

In order to live a careful life we must examine the people who influence us the most. Proverbs 12:26 states, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” When thinking about our friendships, we must recognize that God has placed different people in our lives to play different roles. I like to think of these different roles as friendship layers.

Three friendship layers set forth in God's Word:

1. Close Friends- You can think of this group as your inner circle. For me this is two or three key people who encourage me to have a right heart before God. I can tell my close friends anything and I can call on them day or night. Close friends must be Godly individuals who fear the Lord and uphold the Bible as their standard in life. Close friends ask the tough questions and hold us accountable to God's Word. The primary purpose of the close friendship is accountability. David and Jonathan demonstrated a close friendships in 1 Samuel 20.

2. Caring Friends- The caring friendship layer is similar to the close friendship layer. Both friendships focus on loving Jesus and helping one another grow in the Lord. The primary difference is that the caring friendship focuses more on love, encouragement, and support and less on accountability. Because of the broader focus. you can have lots of caring friends. We see this type of friendship layer displayed in the Early Church as recorded in Acts 2:42-46. The members of the Early Church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. As a result of these actions, the caring friends had everything in common and daily praised God with one another.

3. Casual Friends- The casual friend is a friend that God places in your life for the purpose of investing. This friend may or may not know Jesus. This friend may or may not go to church. What is true about this friend is that God has placed her in your life so that she can see that Jesus makes a big difference in you. In casual friendships, it is important that you set the tone! You are investing in them because you long for them to know Jesus and love Jesus. In Matthew 9:35-38, we see the heart of Jesus as He looked around and saw many people who did not know Him. Verse 36 states, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.” Why? Verse 36 concludes, “Because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” As you and I seek to have the same heartbeat as Jesus, we too should look at the people God places in our lives and demonstrate a heart of compassion by looking for opportunities to minister in Jesus’ name.

Outward Expression #5:

• "I will have nothing to do with evil."

The final outward expression is an all encompassing one--- I will have nothing to do with evil. I love the way Webster defines the word nothing. Webster states that nothing means “not any thing; no thing; or zero.” One saying listed in Webster’s to describe nothing is “neither hide nor hair.” This idiom is used to convey the notion, “not the slightest trace.” This definition of nothing gives us a glimpse into the threshold David set for allowing evil things in his life. David had no tolerance for evil. We too need to have this same level of disgust for evil in our lives. When we do, we display a blameless heart before God.

Next week we will look at part three of our study--- our daily resolve. Get ready to get very practical as we look at ways we can promote blamelessness in our daily life.

For now, I want to ask you to think about the five outward expressions listed in Psalm 101:2-4. Which one spoke to you and why?

Living a Careful Life, part 2 cont.

2011-08-23T08:57:00.003-05:00

We are in the middle of a three part series called "Living a Careful Life." This series calls for us to examine who we are at the very core of our being. Scripture states that we should be blameless. This means that God is calling us to be complete, sincere, or entirely whole towards Him.

When we are blameless before God, we demonstrate outward expressions that are pleasing to the Lord. Our outward expressions describe what we do. Last week we looked at two outward expressions--- walking in our house with a blameless heart and setting before our eyes no vile thing. This week we will look at the final two outward expressions listed in Psalm 101:2-4.

Just a reminder that the key verse for our series is Psalm 101:2-4. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.”

Outward Expression #3:

• The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me..."

In this statement David dealt with an important point in living the careful life--- our perception of sin. Our sin perception is simply how we view sin in our life as well as the life of others. David was clear--- he did not hate the men who committed the sin. Rather, David hated the sin itself.

There are two extremes that we must guard our lives against when it comes to how we view sin in our life or the lives of others. Deuteronomy 4:2 states, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”

Two-Extremes in Viewing Sin:

1. Legalism: Legalism occurs when we draw the liner tighter than the Word of God. We see a picture of legalism in the Pharisees of Jesus' day. The Pharisees were religious leaders who showed more interest in the outward appearance of man than the inward realty of the heart. I find it interesting that the Pharisees were so wrapped up in the rules and regulations of the Word of God that they completely missed the Word (Jesus) as He became flesh and dwelt among them. As a result, Jesus had the following words to say--- “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:26-28) Wow! Talk about a strong word. Today we act just like a Pharisee when we allow rules, regulations, traditions, and personal preferences to play an exaggerated role in our walk with God.

2. Liberalism: Liberalism occurs when we draw the line looser than the Word of God. A person who struggles with liberalism fails to recognize absolute truth as taught in the Word of God. This person has a "whatever is right for you is fine with me" attitude. Paul conveyed a much more serious view of sin in Romans 6:1-3. Paul stated, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Today we embrace a liberalistic view to sin when we turn our backs to truth and embrace the cultural norm of "anything" goes.

The Biblical Response to Deeds of Faithless Men:

So how should we respond to sin in our life or the lives of others? The Bible provides a beautiful picture in 1 Samuel 15. In this chapter, the Lord went to Samuel in order to express His displeasure over the sin in King Saul's life. The Lord said, "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." (verse 11) Listen to how Samuel responded to the Lord. "Samuel was troubled and he cried out to the Lord all that night." (verse 12)

So what is the biblical response to viewing sin in our life of the life of others? Our hearts should be troubled to the point where we are on our knees before the Lord and crying out to Him for help. For just a moment, think about the difference this viewing process will bring into your life. Certainly it will help you guard against legalism or liberalism. This is true because you will not be overly focused on rules and regulations as seen in the legalistic viewpoint. And, you will not have an "anything goes" attitude as seen in the liberalistic viewpoint.

So here is the question before you. Have you fallen into the trap of legalism or liberalism? If so, humble yourself before the Lord and ask Him to give you His heart for the people in your life. As you do, you can know that God will break your heart over the sin in your life as well as the sin in the life of others. Once your heart is broken, you will be ready to go to your friends or family members in love and challenge them to embrace Godliness in their lives. However, during this process, please guard your life so that you are not tempted to fall into the same trap of sin.

Today please know that I love you and that I am fighting with you and for you! God has given me a passion for you to be complete, sincere, and entirely whole towards Him. Dear friend, do not stop short of all of Him, in all of you, for His glory alone!

Much Love!

Andrea@TVM

Living a Careful Life, part 2 cont.

2011-08-18T10:17:00.003-05:00

We are in the middle of a three part series called "Living a Careful Life." The key verse is Psalm 101:2-4. “I will be careful to lead a blameless life when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.”

Part 1 of "Living a Careful Life" dealt with having a blameless (complete, sincere, entirely whole) heart towards God. We defined this as our inward reality--- who we are at the very core of our being.

Part 2 deals with our outward expressions--- what we do as a result of who we are. Outward expression #1 was "I will walk in my house with a blameless heart." The word blameless used in this passage means innocence and integrity. Bottom-line for living a careful life--- we must realize that our daily walk with God begins the moment our feet hit the floor. The outcome of a blameless heart in our homes is that the people who are the closest to us will see that Jesus makes a real difference in our lives.

Let's move on and look at outward expression #2

• I will set before my eyes not vile thing

To set means to place and begs the question what are we placing before our eyes? There are many avenues that we use to place things before our eyes. Let's examine two.

1. Media: Probably the most obvious way that we place things before our eyes is through media. Things like TV, movies, magazines, books, internet, facebook, twitter, and blogs--- the list goes on and on. When it comes to the things that we place before our eyes, testing or examining is essential. We need to make sure that the things we place before our eyes promotes Godliness.

2. Thought-Life: Perhaps less obvious, but equally as powerful is our thought life. Our thought life is made up of the constant stream of thoughts that take place in our head. This is the time that we spend each day daydreaming about a life that is not our own. Women fall into the trap of dreaming when they think about and long for a life in a different setting, with a different person, and with a different set of circumstances. Daydreaming often seems harmless because we think that we are not "hurting" anyone. But, daydreaming is harmful because it keeps us from focusing on the life God has called us to live.

Today I want to challenge you to examine the things that you set before your eyes. If you find something that is not honoring to the Lord in your media routine or your thought life, get serious about dealing with that sin. Here are a few practical ways to address each area.

In regards to media, identify the problem areas and share the areas with a close friend. Then ask your friend to hold you accountable to Godliness by checking in with you each day or each week and asking you how you are doing. Accountability is a powerful tool in your walk with God. Do not be afraid or ashamed to use it!

In regards to your thought life, use this three step process to overcome wrong thought patterns.
• Recognize the wrong thought by admitting to God and yourself that you have a problem.
• Remove the wrong thought by s
aturating your heart and mind with scripture.
Find a specific passage of scripture that speaks to your wrong thought pattern and memorize and meditate on that passage daily.
• Replace the wrong thought pattern with the right thought pattern. Be sure and c
ontinually guard this area of your life. Chances are you will face a similar struggle in the future.

Okay--- I hope you are ready to deal with the things that you set before your eyes. I am so proud of you for getting serious about your daily walk with Jesus. He is the best thing that has ever happened in us.

Love!
Andrea@TVM

Living a Careful Life, part 2

2011-08-17T10:05:00.003-05:00

Earlier this week I introduced a three part series called "Living a Careful Life." "Living a Careful Life" challenges each of us to examine our inward reality, our outward expressions, and our daily resolve. If you did not get a chance to read part 1, check it out here: http://andrealennon.blogspot.com/2011/08/living-careful-life.html

The Key verses for "Living a Careful Life" is Psalm 101:2-4.

“I will be careful to lead a blameless life when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with a blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.”

In part 1, we examined our inward reality. Our inward reality describes who we are at the very core of our being. From scripture we saw the call to be blameless. To be blameless means to be sincere, complete, or entirely whole towards God. David said, "I will be careful to lead a blameless life..."

Part 2--- Our Outward Expressions

Today we are going to move on and examine the first of five outward expressions as defined in Psalm 101:2-4. It is crucial to note that our outward expressions must flow from our inward reality of being blameless before the Lord. (Bottom-line- when our hearts are right; our actions are right.)

Outward Expression #1:

• I will walk in my house with a blameless heart.

This outward expression calls us to examine how we live inside our homes. In fact, our daily walk with God begins inside our home--- as soon as our feet hit the ground each morning. Have you ever thought about the fact that the real you comes out when you are at home? This is true because your home provides a comfortable environment where you tend to be yourself.

The word used for blameless in the phrase, "I will walk in my house with a blameless heart" carries the meaning of integrity and innocence. So how do we walk blamelessly inside our homes? We interact with our family members with integrity and innocence. For me, I am walking in integrity when my "no" means "no" and my "yes" means "yes." Likewise, I am walking in innocence when I have no hidden agendas, no behind the back moves, and no secrets.

I will never forget the night the Lord burned the call to "walk in my home with a blameless heart" into my life. On this particular night I was frantically trying to complete a speaking outline for an upcoming women’s event. My husband Jay was gone to a Bible study, and Jake and Andrew were running around the house. The dishes from dinner were still on the table, and I had so much to do that I did not know where to begin.

I told the boys, “Watch TV and do not fight.” The boys obeyed, and I started working on the speaking outline. As I worked, time quickly passed. I looked up from my computer and noticed the time read 9:00 pm. This surprised me, since my boys should have been in bed by 8:30. Immediately, I went into drill sergeant mode. I told the boys, “You have to take a bath, brush your teeth, say your prayers, and go to sleep as soon as possible.”

I put the boys in the bathtub and told them there was no time to play. They could talk quietly while I went and picked up their towels. I quickly walked across the house to find their towels and returned to wash the boys. As I stepped inside the door, I discovered two inches of water on the bathroom floor. I could not believe it! Immediately, I took the boys out of the tub and asked them what happened. Jake said, “Mom, we made up a game, and I won!” That did not impress me. In fact, I got very angry. I gave the boys a lecture, put them on their beds, and cleaned up the mess.

Once the floor was dry, I went into each room and told the boys how upset I was and that they needed to put on their pajamas and go to bed. That night we had no prayers, no snuggles, and no tucking into bed. I turned the lights out and told the boys to go to sleep.

After leaving the boys’ rooms, I took a few minutes to shake off my anger and returned to my computer to complete the speaking outline. As I typed, the Lord spoke to my heart. “Andrea, when you act like that do you think they have any idea that I make a difference in your life?” The question took me by surprise and became a life-changing question. Do the people closest to me know that Jesus makes a real difference in my life? My heart sank because I knew the answer to that question was often no. I fell to my knees and asked the Lord to forgive me. I then returned to my boys’ room and asked for their forgiveness as well.

The simple question from the Lord changed my perspective on life. The question brought an understanding that taught me that I could travel around this world telling others about Jesus, write Bible studies, and even speak at women’s conferences, yet miss the real point. You see, what Jesus was teaching me was that at the end of my life what would really matter the most was that my husband and my children could say, “Jesus made a real difference in her.”

How about you? Do the people inside your home know that Jesus makes a real difference in you? If not, focus on today's outward expression and live a life of innocence and integrity inside your home.

Blessings!

Andrea@TVM

Living a Careful Life

2011-08-10T21:21:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday night I traveled to First Baptist Church in Keiser, Arkansas in order to spend the evening with a group of ladies from Mississippi County Baptist Association. The topic for the night was "Living a Careful Life." Our time in the Word was amazing. We laughed together as well as shared stories and life experiences. Certainly--- God's Word challenged all of us!

The session "Living a Careful Life" speaks to the heart of every woman who loves Jesus and longs to live a life that is entirely whole towards Him. The key verse is found in Psalm 101:2-4. The session is divided into three parts--- our inward reality, our outward expressions, and our daily resolve. This week and next, I am going to post a three part series summarizing the teachings from "Living a Careful Life." I invite you to join me in the study of God's Word!

"Living a Careful Life"

Part 1--- Our Inward Reality

Key Verse:

Our inward reality speaks to who we are at the very core of our being. You can diagnosis your inward reality by asking this question--- "When it is just me and the Lord or me and my close family members, how do I think, act or react?"

In Psalm 101:2-4, David defined how he longed to think, act, or react before the Lord and his close family members. David said, "I will be careful to lead a blameless life." The word blameless that is used in verse 2 means to be complete, sincere, or entirely whole towards God.

The idea of being complete, sincere, or entirely whole towards God is challenging. Perhaps you will admit that your walk with the Lord does not measure up to these high standards. If so, you can take heart--- you are not alone! I will admit that I am right there with you. In fact, every believer in Jesus Christ is on a journey to wholeness or completeness in Christ. The truth of the matter is this--- as long as we are on this earth, there is renewing work to be done in our life!

Scripture gives us a picture of the blameless life. Below you will find nine passages of Scripture that speak to the heart of living complete, sincere, or entirely whole lives in Christ. Take a quick look and see how your life measures up.

• Genesis 6:9- “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” We must learn how to walk in step with the Lord. Often we find it easy to run ahead or lag behind. We must fight this urge and live patient lives that are in step with our Savior.

• 2 Samuel 22:24 David speaking, “I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.” We must have a serious view of sin in our life. Sin keeps us from hearing from the Lord and sensing His sweet presence in our daily life.

• Job 1:1- “In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” We must fear God and shun evil. Fearing God and shunning evil requires a proper perspective of God in our life. When we have a proper perspective of God, we understand that God is in charge--- we are not!

• Psalm 15:2 (David in response to the question, “who may dwell with God?”) “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.” We must speak the truth from our heart and focus on living right before God.

• Psalm 26:1 (A cry from David) “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.” We must trust in the Lord no matter how difficult our situation may appear to be.

• Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” We must allow the Word of God to be our standard, our rulebook, and the guide for our life.

• Philippians 1:9-10 (Paul’s pray for the Philippians and believers everywhere) “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” We must live our lives with the character quality of love as the central focus--- loving God and loving others.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We must be blameless in every area of our life--- Spirit, Soul, and Body. It is so important to note the inward to outward flow of this process.

• 2 Peter 3:14- Peter speaking to believers says, “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, (the day of the Lord) make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” We must participate in the process of becoming blameless. Do you hear the call for ownership in the blameless process? I do. We are to make every effort to be found blameless!

So the question before you today is this--- "Are you growing in your love relationship with Jesus and as a result are you living a blameless life?" I hope so! God's Word provides us with the necessary instruction for living a blameless life. Right now, review the nine verses listed in today's post. Please share with me the verse that challenges you the most and why. Then seek to obey God's Word and walk in step with Him!

Love!

Andrea@TVM

Sweet Moments with Jesus

2011-08-05T12:07:00.002-05:00

The best thing happened to me last night during the night. I woke up at 4:00am and spent some much needed time with the Lord.

Like any mom, it is not uncommon for me to wake up during the night. I am always on standby for Jake, Andrew, and now our little dog Lulu! However, something about last night was different. When I woke up, I knew I was the only one awake. Not only that, I went from a deep sleep to fully awake in a matter of seconds.

As soon as I woke up, I immediately thought about Psalm 63:6-8, "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

Last night as I thought about this passage, I knew the Lord was offering me a chance to spend some alone time with Him. I am so glad I did! The uninterrupted time with Jesus was priceless. I talked to Him and then took the time to listen for His reply. I thought about different times in my life when I regularly woke up to spend time with Jesus. Two examples came to mind: When Jay and I were first married we lived in Huntsville, AL. We attended a church where the pastor challenged the congregation to ask God to wake us up in the middle of night so we could pray. I took the challenge and spent several nights in prayer. Then I thought about the time when I was in Seminary. During my Seminary years, the Lord woke me up regularly to pray.

To be honest with you, it has been awhile since I asked the Lord to wake me up in the middle of the night. Thankfully, God did not wait for me to ask Him. He knew what I needed and took the necessary steps to get my attention. And, oh, what a difference His work makes in my life!

Today I want to challenge you to ask the Lord to wake you up one night soon. And as soon as He does, allow Psalm 63:6-8 to guide your time.

• Take a few minutes and think about the way the Lord works in your life. (Psalm 63:6)

• Recognize the protection you receive when you live in the shadow of Jesus. (Psalm 63:7)

• Resolve to cling to Jesus during your day no matter how overwhelming the circumstances appear to be. (Psalm 63:8)

I love you and I count it an honor to serve you.

Sweet Dreams!

Andrea@TVM

Wellspring Recap!

2011-08-02T18:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I am going to be honest with you--- I am tired! The last two weekends have been intense. Between She Speaks and Wellspring, I have been very busy!

I am pleased to report that Wellspring, a State-wide Women's Conference hosted by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, went well! I had the honor of delivering the three theme interpretations for the event. I met so many wonderful women and God's Word challenged us to live an "Unhindered" life in Christ.

I will be honest with you and say that the Friday night session was a little rough. The truths were there and straight out of scripture--- deal with sin, run one race, fix your eyes on Jesus. But half-way through my session, I realized that I was trying to pack too much information into a short amount of time. (Have you ever been there?) So, I did my best to cut to the chase and conclude the night quickly. Thankfully, the Lord had given me a great analogy to use at the end of my session. I presented the analogy and it really communicated everything that I was trying to say. I know I was glad when I finally said, "Amen" and I am sure all the ladies were glad too!

Saturday was a different story. When I woke up, I knew the Spirit of God was going to move. I looked over my material and fell on my face before the Lord. I asked Him to change our lives and I believe He did!

The Lord had clearly told me to teach the Saturday morning session on who God is and how He longs for us to view Him in our daily lives. We looked at the truths that God is our Creator, Sustainer, Protector, and Provider. As we recognize these foundational truths, we heed Jesus' words of knowing the truth and allowing the truth to set us free. The outcome--- "What can man or this world do to me???" The answer, "Nothing!" Now that is freedom!

In the afternoon session, the Lord challenged me to teach Exodus 14. This was my first time to teach this passage. Not my favorite idea, but as I taught the passage, I saw God's hand of direction. The bottom line from this session--- God is going to lead us through our greatest obstacles. And as He does, others will see Him, instead of us! When they see Him, we have the chance to share the difference Jesus makes in our lives. What a powerful word from the Word!

If you were at Wellspring, I want to invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Did God challenge you to Realize, Reflect, or Radiate? Whatever challenge God gave you, embrace it and resolve to make spiritual progress in your life. I am praying for you!!

Love!

Andrea@TVM

Stepping Out--- Moving On!

2011-07-25T13:06:00.002-05:00

I made it--- I survived!

This past weekend I spent three days in Concord, NC attending She Speaks, a speaker/writer conference hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministry. What an amazing experience! I met so many wonderful women who love the Lord and seek to serve Him by investing in the lives of women.

The weekend was packed with lots of opportunities. I had the chance to take part in a speaker evaluation group. I pitched Reflecting His Glory to Zondervan as well as two literary agents. All of these opportunities stretched me! In fact, I found myself fighting the urge to call a taxi cab so I could rush home to my safe haven of Arkansas. Thankfully, the Lord gave me strength and I pushed through the fear in order to step out in faith.

Saturday was the most intense day. I woke up with a sense of dread. I knew the day was going to be long and way outside my comfort zone. I arrived at my first meeting. I waited for forty minutes and heard the words, "She is ready to see you." I walked in and started to talk. You all know how fast I talk when I am nervous. I talked and talked and talked! I kept repeating myself. By the time I made it to the end of my pitch, I knew I had last her attention. I tried to figure some way to redeem the meeting, but I could not. It was a "no go." I thanked her for the time and left. As I walked down the hall I thought, "One rejection down, two more to go." For a moment I strongly considered canceling my other meetings. "They are all going to say the same thing," I told myself. Thankfully, my resolve to finish the day well, forced me to carry on. I came to my second meeting and waited for thirty minutes. Once again I heard, "She is ready to see you." I walked in and immediately knew that God was granting me boldness. I presented the book and my ministry with passion, energy, and clarity. And, the response was very positive! I left the meeting with tangible things that I need to do to grow the ministry. It was now time to face the third meeting. This was going to be the most challenging meeting of all. Are you surprised to know that I thought about canceling? Yep, always running from uncomfortable situations! Thankfully, I did not. I waited for twenty minutes and heard the words, "She is ready to see you." I walked in and went through the pitch. Praise the Lord, the response was very positive for me and TVM. The agent felt like Reflecting His Glory is not a "break into the market" study so she sent me home with the challenge to keep on writing. I gladly took the challenge and left the meeting feeling thankful for the agents openness, honesty, and suggestions. Next on my plate was my speaker evaluation group. I walked down the hall and into a room where I stood in front of 12 people, who do the same thing that I do, and presented a five minute mini-lesson. As I taught, the ladies took notes on every aspect of my presentation. At this point, I was too tired to be nervous. Thankfully the presentation went well and the feedback was great. No surprise that I was encouraged to slow down just a bit!

On the flight home, I thought about the weekend. I thought about the fact that I told several people how much I enjoyed my time at She Speaks and the wonderful experiences it provided me. Funny, at the time, nothing about Saturday felt enjoyable. In fact, I felt pretty miserable! This fact taught me an important truth. Sometimes we have to get to the other side of an experience before we can fully appreciate the value it brings into our lives. This was the case for me and my She Speaks weekend. Now that I am safely home with my husband and kids, I think the weekend went great!

Today, you may be going through an experience that is challenging. Like me, you may feel uncomfortable and fighting the urge to run to a "safe" place. If so, dig in and determine to step out in faith so that you can move on in your walk with the Lord! I promise that when you get to the other side of your experience, you will be glad you did! In the mean time, find a passage of scripture and claim it over your circumstances. The passage that meant the most to me this weekend was Psalm 138.

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:1-8

Stepping Out---Moving On!
Andrea@TVM

FBC Nashville and Wellspring!

2011-07-20T20:43:00.005-05:00

Hey my sweet sisters!

I hope that your summer is going great! Can you believe that August will be here soon? I am already thinking about back to school shopping and having a 5th grader and a 2nd grader. Time is going by too fast!

Things are busy, busy, busy at TVM. Here is a quick update:

Last night I spoke at Ladies Nite Out for First Baptist Church in Nashville, Ar. What a huge success! 600 women attended the event! It was a power-packed night and God's Word was so alive as we talked about how to reflect the glory of Jesus Christ in our every day life. Psalm 25:15 was our key verse--- "My eyes are ever on the Lord for only He will release my feet from the snare." My take home thought was that the people closest to me should see that Jesus makes a difference in me! If they do not see the difference Jesus makes, chances are I am reflecting myself, not Him! If you were at the event, I would love to hear from you! What was your take home thought?

Real quick, I want to look ahead to next weekend and tell you about a State-wide event hosted by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention called "Wellspring." "Wellspring" is a women's conference that is open to all women in Arkansas who love to study God's Word and hear about mission work around the world. I will be the keynote speaker. It is going to be a great weekend! There will be wonderful times of fellowship, worship, networking, Bible study, mission projects, and so much more! I want to personally invite you to attend. I really believe that God is going to meet with us and change our lives! The theme for “Wellspring” is "Unhindered." I love this theme because it reminds me of a crucial biblical truth--- Jesus died and rose again so that I can live my life free in Him! Freedom! Just the thought of it should cause us to stop and ask this question, “Does my life reflect a free life in Jesus Christ?" For every believer, the answer to this question should be a resounding, “YES!” The reason why is simple. We were created to live free or unhindered lives in Jesus Christ.

At “Wellspring” we will explore the topic of "Unhindered" by unpacking the following truths:
Realize--- We live from a position of freedom!
Reflect--- On the truth found in the Word of God!
Radiate---Our love for Jesus to a lost world!

Join me and your Arkansas sisters at “Wellspring,” July 29-30. I know you will be challenged by God's Word, encouraged by fellow believers, and equipped for God's work! Registration, hotel and conference information can be found at www.absc.org/women.

Much Love!
Andrea@TVM

Big Picture Living!

2011-03-29T20:41:00.002-05:00

Today's blog post is an article that I wrote last month for Women's Inc. This article was written and submitted long before I knew that a family in my church would find themselves thrust into the valley of the shadow of death. My friends, Larry and Sheryl Mulberry, lost two sons in a car accident. Keith was 18 and Jacob was 16.

It has been one week since the accident and my church family and community continues to grieve the profound loss of Keith and Jake. Keith and Jake were full of life and love. Both boys loved and served Jesus. As you might guess, Keith and Jake touched many lives. Yesterday at the service, I watched Larry and Sheryl celebrate the life their boys lived. Without a doubt, Larry and Sheryl have displayed big-picture-living as they have accepted God's plan for Keith and Jake. A moving moment during the service occurred as the congregation sang, It is Well With My Soul. Both Larry and Sheryl sang with hands lifted high in praise to God.

I dedicate this article to Larry, Sheryl, and Bobbie Mulberry. Thank you for embracing the call to big-picture-living. You have set a Christ-like example for all of us! May God grant you His strength and peace as you continue to lean on Him!

Embrace a big-picture perspective with faith!

My boys recently brought home their art projects from school. I love it when the boys bring artwork home. Seeing Jake and Andrew creatively express their ideas on paper brings joy to this non-creative mom’s heart. However, the most recent art project that one brought home left me scratching my head. As I looked at the project, I had no idea what to say. I wanted to find something positive and uplifting to say about the work, but, honestly, I was at a loss for words. I had no idea what the picture represented. I asked my son a few prompting questions and soon learned that the picture was a vase with flowers. “Mom, can’t you tell?” was my son's defeated response. “Of course, honey, now I see it,” came my reassuring reply.

Sometimes we see our lives much like I saw my son's art project. We know something is there but we have no idea what kind of picture God is attempting to create. As a result, we may go to the Lord with a few prompting questions.
• “Lord, what is this obstacle I face?”
• “Lord, how can I figure out what You are calling me to do?”
• “Lord, when will I understand your plan for my life?”

Thankfully, God knows exactly the picture He is creating with our lives. He sees the big picture. This means that God sees and knows every detail going on in our lives-- past, present, and future. Not only does God see and know every detail going on in our lives, God uses every detail in our lives to draw us closer to Him. I can think of no greater reassurance of truth in my life than this: God sees, God knows, and God cares.

Each day you have the chance to live your life with a big-picture perspective. Big-picture-living requires that you recognize that there is more going on around you than you can see or know. One mark of a mature believer in Jesus Christ is displayed in big-picture-living. At the very heart of big-picture-living resides the truth that God is in control of your life even when your life seems out of control.

In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon gave the following instruction. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, New International Version)

This passage of scripture provides the basic building blocks for big-picture-living. First, we must trust the Lord. For me, one of the hardest times to trust the Lord is when I have no idea what He is doing in my life. Placing my trust in the Lord during confusing times displays a heart that believes that God sees and knows every detail going on in my life. Second, we must forsake an earthly perspective on our situations. Oh, how challenging this point can be! Solomon made this point clear when he said, “lean not on your own understanding.” Forsaking my perspective in confusing situations shows that I understand that my view is limited. Instead of leaning on my understanding, I am called to do one thing--- acknowledge the Lord.

Today you can know that God is creating an eternal picture with your life. The best way to view and understand this picture occurs as you embrace an eternal or big-picture perspective. This type of perspective allows you to trust the Lord with all your heart no matter how confusing your life may seem. As you embrace a big-picture perspective, you will discover something very amazing. The areas of your life that once seemed confusing will slowly come into focus as you trust God and know this reassuring truth--- God sees, God knows, and God cares for you.

Peace in the midst of a crazy storm!

2011-03-17T20:45:00.003-05:00

Oh, where to begin?? It has been one of those crazy weeks. Things started out amazing. On Sunday, I had the chance to join my pastor during the sermon in order to help unpack the topic: Women in Ministry. What a blessing to share my journey in regards to this important issue. I planned to blog about this topic but the Lord had other plans for my week. Lord willing, I will blog about this topic next week. You can listen to the service at www.2BC.tv. Click on the message link and then select "Women in Ministry."

Monday came along and I spent the day doing laundry (5 loads--- washed, folded, and put away!) I also took time to finish up my handouts for this weekend's retreat. I am so thankful the Lord prompted me to finish the handouts on Monday because Tuesday hit with a pronounced thud! Tuesday morning I went to Little Rock to have lunch with my good friends, Jimmie and Annette Sheffield. Following lunch, I received a phone call from my dad stating that he was taking my mom to the hospital because she needed a pacemaker ASAP! I was surprised about the call because I had spent the previous weekend with my parents and my mom seemed fine to me.

Sidebar--- perhaps you remember a few years ago when my dad was in a similar situation. Dad was experiencing a heart attack and was taken to the hospital for urgent care. My response to my dad's situation was pitiful at best. To be honest, I fell apart. There is no other way to describe my response. I could not think. I could not talk. I literally felt myself shutting down. In light of my response to my dad's health crisis, I praise the good Lord that I am able to report to you, that God has taught me so much in the last two years. Our sweet Lord has developed my faith. This development was demonstrated in my response to my mom's health crisis. When I received the call about my mom, the first thing I did was pray and give my mom to the Lord. I can't tell you what a relief this brought to my heart. I was reassured by the truth that God loves my mom even more than I love her. As I prayed, my heart clung to right theology--- God knows the number of days my mom will spend on this earth and everything that will happen to my mom while she is on this earth. As a result, I was able to present my request to the Lord for my mom's healing and then surrender my will to His will. Can I just share that I love spiritual FREEDOM! I will sing it from the roof top, there is nothing like living your life with an eternal perspective. Living for eternity rather than this world really takes our circumstances out of the drivers seat and puts God and His sovereign will clearly in the forefront of our minds. This is not to say that I did not have my moments, but praise God, I did not fall apart. Trust me--- God gets all the glory for that because I know my tendency and it ain't pretty! :)

Ok, back to my week in review--- Mom did not receiver her pacemaker on Tuesday. The doctor decided to wait until Wednesday. I left Conway on Wednesday at noon and drove to NWA to be with mom and dad. I arrived at mom's hospital at 2:30 in the afternoon. The surgery was scheduled for 3:00. LONG, LONG, LONG story short, my mom finally received the pacemaker at 1:30am the next morning. Praise Jesus, mom is recovering well and is on the road to a full recovery.

In the midst of mom's health crisis, my husband leaves in the morning for an overseas mission trip. Jay is leading a team of 9 people to the other side of the world to share the love of Jesus with men, women, and children who need to know that Jesus is the ONLY way to eternal life. Please pray for Jay and the team as they seek to share Jesus and set up a medical mission clinic. We are asking God to do BIG things that only He can receive the credit and glory for!

As not to under pack our weekend, I will be leading a women's conference this weekend at FBC Manila, AR. I love this sweet church. I have spoken at FBC Manila numerous times. I know the ladies and I love them. The women's ministry team at FBC is so supportive of True Vine Ministry. This is such a blessing to me and my family. FBC knows how to take care of a family in ministry. I count it an honor to serve this church and community. This weekend we will examine the topic Free To Thrive! Saturday will be jammed packed with the Word and I know the women will come with a ready heart. My prayer, "Lord show Your power!"

The boys will be in Harrison for the weekend. Jay's parents are picking them up tomorrow and I am so thankful! God is good and always provides everything we need to be obedient to Him. Aren't you glad He does not leave us on our own? He is with us! Today, I am taking this promise to the spiritual bank and making a personal deposit! I hope you do too!

Peace and Love!
Andrea@TVM

A Sacred Trust

2011-03-04T21:37:00.002-06:00

Well, I meant to write this post last week but got sidetracked with life. (Can you relate?) Even now, there are several things I need to do--- laundry, toilets, dishes, etc! My "to do'" list is long but it will have to wait. I simply have to share something with you. It is a passage of scripture that God is using to rock my world!

It all began last week. One morning before school, Jake (my ten year old) and I were working on memorizing a passage of scripture. Jake is involved in Bible drill at church. I am so proud of Jake! He is memorizing 25 verses of scripture and 10 key passages. Jake is really working hard on this task. Recently, we started working on memorizing 1 Corinthians 4:2. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Jake and I went over the passage several times and then I asked Jake, "What do you think 1 Corinthians 4:2 means?" Jake blew me away with his response. Jake stated, "There are responsibilities that come along with being a Christian." I asked Jake, "What are the responsibilities?" Jake said, "The number one responsibility is to love God more than I love anything else." Can I say, "Wow!" Out of the mouth of my ten year old son, flowed life-changing truth. As a believer in Jesus Christ, it is my responsibility to guard my life from loving anything or anyone more than I love Christ.

Following my conversation with Jake, I dropped Jake and Andrew off at school. Then I rushed home and opened my Bible to 1 Corinthians. I wanted to examine the context of 1 Corinthians 4. As I did, I was reminded that the believers in Corinth, the original recipients of Paul's letter, were arguing over the person they chose to follow. Some said, "I follow Paul." While others stated, "I follow Apollos." Paul set the record straight by saying, "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe..." (1 Corinthians 3:5)

As I processed this passage of scripture, I had to smile. I thought about the fact that things really do have a way of remaining the same. Even today you find loyal followers of preachers, teachers, and leaders who make it their passion to follow their guy or gal. I hope this statement does not come across as judgmental. Please know that my desire is to lift up and encourage the body of Christ! With out a doubt, I have a list of leaders that I pray for and follow on a regular basis. We all should. The point I attempting to make is that our passion to follow an individual must not supersede our passion to follow Christ! I know everyone reading this blog will agree with me in theory, but what about practice? A good way to measure your heart on this important issue is by asking this question, "Do I spend more time listening to a spiritual leader than I do in one-on-one time with my Lord?"

I will be honest with you. This message hits close to home. As many of you know, some exciting things are going on at True Vine Ministry. I am thankful, humbled and amazed. At the same time, I find myself fighting a near trap. During these days it would be easy for me to think that I need to create a successful ministry by gathering a large following of women, thus making a statement about the validity of TVM to the Christian world. In essence, striving to be the kind of leader that women are drawn to follow. While this sounds good and "dead on" when it comes to marketing your ministry or profession, it teeters near a very dangerous line in ministry that I simply cannot cross. The focus of TVM should never be on people following me. Rather, the focus of TVM must be on directing others attention towards Christ. I have been given this trust and I must prove faithful in it.

In your life, you have been given a trust as well. This trust involves loving "no one" or "no thing" more than you love Christ. Additionally, your trust requires that you make a choice to forsake a path in your life that might cause someone else to love you more than they love Christ. This is your trust. How will you respond?

ReFocused!
Andrea@TVM

The Secret Place

2011-02-22T09:51:00.003-06:00

This morning I had to go to a place that I have been avoiding. A place that brings me pain and healing, dread and relief, sorrow and joy. This morning I had to go to the secret place. The secret place is a place where I am alone before God. I love the secret place because going there results in much needed restoration for my weary soul. At the same time, I dread the secret place because it forces me to see the holiness of God and to feel the weight of sin in my heart.

To be honest, I knew this morning was coming. Last night I spent time doing research on Psalm 38, 39, and 40. During this time, the Lord began convicting my heart about the way I respond to sin in my life. Not that I had stopped confessing my sin, I had not. However, I had fallen into the trap of confessing my sin much like I read my grocery list.

As I read the words David penned in response to the sin in his life, I wondered how I had become so callous to sin in my walk with the Lord. The following verses brought this truth home to me. Psalm 38:4-8"My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart." Talk about the feeling of pain, dread, and sorrow, David's words flowed with the brokenness he experienced as a result of sin in his life. Today, I can relate. I too am broken over the haphazard approach to sin that I so easily display.

Praise the Lord that going to the secret place does not leave me with a feeling of dread! You see, at the very heart of the secret place resides great hope in knowing that God is greater than any sin that so easily entangles my life. Again, I offer David's words. Psalm 40: 1-3- "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out o the slimy pit, out of the mud and more; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." The song that God often puts in my mouth as a result of encountering Him in the secret place, is a song of praise to my God for His saving grace in my life. I am reminded that God has delivered me from a number of slimy pits and He will continue to deliver me. Today, my response to the truth is to get real about the pits that I am currently in and to surrender to the truth that the road leading to those pits was paved with sin. No doubt, I got into those slimy pits by compromising the holiness of God in my daily life. The path that leads out of the slimy pit is paved with righteousness. I live a right life before the Lord when I recognize His holiness and strive to live that holiness out in my life.

Today are you avoiding a much needed encounter with God in your secret place? If so, run my friend and find healing for your weary soul.

Humbled and Grateful!
Andrea @ TVM

Love NEVER Fails!

2011-02-15T11:34:00.003-06:00

Last night Jay and I took Jake and Andrew out for a special V-Day dinner. We let the boys select the location and we were not surprised when they picked I-Hop. My boys think I-Hop is the best place in town. Jay and I think I-Hop has the best deal in town--- all you can eat pancakes for $4.99!

When we arrived at I-Hop, I was surprised that we were seated next to a table with 10 college girls. The restaurant had plenty of open seating but we were escorted to the long bench seating at the front of the restaurant. Because we were seated so close, it was impossible not to hear the conversation going on at their table. I will be honest. I was curios to hear the topic of their conversation. It was apparent to me that these 10 (super cute) girls did not have V-Day dates. As a result, the girls decided to get together and share a meal. This fact made me love these girls from the very beginning!

As both tables waited for food, lots of conversation took place. I talked with Jay and the boys. At the same time, I listened to the conversation going on beside me. The topic--- favorite V-Day gifts. One by one, the girls shared favorite gifts or memories for years past. It was neat to hear the things that had meant so much to each of them.

Soon the meals arrived and I watched as these precious girls bowed their head and thanked God for the food and the sweet time of fellowship. I was amazed at the spiritual sensitivity these young girls displayed. It was apparent to me that these girls knew that God had granted them a sweet time together even though it was not the traditional way to spend V-Day.

Our family wrapped up our meal and headed out to the car. Once in the car, I had a box of Russell Stover's candy waiting in the front seat. I opened the box and told the boys that we were going to share one person that we love and why we love them. Then I passed out the candy. The conversation went like this:

Andrew, "I love dad." Why, "Dad wrestles with me."
Jake, "I love mom." Why, "Mom gave birth to me."
Jay, "I love Andrea." Why, "Andrea is my Valentine."
Andrea, "I love Jesus, Jay, Jake, and Andrew." Why, "Because all of you have changed my life."

As we drove home and enjoyed our chocolate, my thoughts returned to the 10 college girls that we encountered at I-Hop. I prayed for them as we drove. I thanked God that they appeared to know Him by taking time to pray before their meal. I also prayed that they would know and experience real love in their lives. Not the kind of love that comes only in the form of a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of their stomach, but also the kind of love that changes their life. The kind of love that NEVER fails.

Jesus gave each of us a chance to know and experience real love that NEVER fails when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus' act of obedience to the Father and love for us, we can know this unfailing love. This unfailing love sticks by your side through thick and thin. This unfailing love gets stronger as the years go by. And, this unfailing love changes everything about the way you live your life. Not only can we experience and know this unfailing love, because of Jesus' act of love, we can express this unfailing love to those in our lives. What a wonderful truth! We can stick by someone's side through think and thin. We can express love that grows stronger and stronger each day. And, we can offer love to someone in such a way that their life is forever changed.

Yes, real love, God's love, is unfailing. Today, because of Jesus, you can receive real love and then turn around and give real love away. My friend, love NEVER fails! This week I want to challenge you to evaluate the type of love that reside in your heart. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and ask the Lord to teach you how to live a life of love--- that never fails!

Love! Love!
Andrea @ TVM

A Whirlwind Resistant Life!

2011-02-09T12:02:00.002-06:00

We all know what it is like to get caught up in a whirlwind in life. A whirlwind occurs when the circumstances of life leave you at a point where you do not know right from left, front from back, or up from down. The result of a whirlwind is that life occurs so fast that you find yourself constantly spinning in different directions--- emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Whirlwinds come in different forms. A few examples include: unexpected diagnosis, breakdown in a relationship, loss of a loved one, financial problems, crisis at church, or loss of a job. Any one of these situations can leave you at a point where you do not know right from left, front from back, or up from down.

Jesus' disciples experienced their share of whirlwinds. One whirlwind took place in the months leading up to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. During this time, the disciples experienced a lot of ups and downs. Think about the triumphal entry. Certainly, this was a high point. The disciples must have rejoiced in the fact that many Jews were waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna." This high was quickly shattered with the lowest of lows. The same crowd shouting, "Crucify!"

In the midst of the whirlwind, Jesus drew the disciples aside and gave them a series of instructions. Today, I would like to focus on three instructions found in John 14:1-6. Hear these words as the disciples must have heard them. Full of love and assurance as they flowed from Jesus' lips.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said to him, Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14: 1-6

Three Clear Instructions:

1. Trust God with every detail of life! The most important question in your life, "Do I trust God with the details in my life?" We ultimately display our trust in God by surrendering to Him--- to His will and to His purposes.
2. Embrace a big picture perspective! The big picture perspective is the eternal perspective. This world is not our home! When you have a big picture perspective you understand that there is more going on in your life than you can see, measure, or comprehend. Remember God's goal for you life--- conformity to Jesus Christ. Romans 8:29. A big picture perspective helps you move past a focus on this world and the things going on in this world. The benefit, you no longer measure your life based on your circumstance. Instead, you value the things that Christ values.
3. Walk a clear path by following Jesus! Jesus is the way! Think how often we use John 14:6 to share our faith. Naturally we should. But can I tell you what grips me about this passage? The recipients were believers! Everyday believers in Jesus Christ need to know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

If you are in the middle of a whirlwind, find your place of refuge in God's Word. Know that you can trust God with every detail going on in your life. Know that you glorify God in your life when you embrace a big picture perspective. Know that every day you are called to walk the narrow path of following Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. As you submit to God's Word, your life will not spin out of control because of the circumstances going on in your life. Instead, you will walk, by the grace of God, through that whirlwind and straight into the loving arms of your Savior.

Love!
Andrea@TVM

Helpful tips for keeping your eyes on Jesus while you live in your busy world!

2011-02-01T19:01:00.002-06:00

Last night I had the best time with a group of gals at First Baptist Church in Camden, AR. We gathered together on a cold/wet night to study God's word and encourage one another in our walks with the Lord. I loved the group of gals the Lord brought together. We had young ladies who brought babies to older ladies who were so full of wisdom and love for our sweet Savior. One thing we all had in common--- we all live busy, crazy lives. From carpool to laundry to church work, all of us stay too busy for our own good! Because of our tendency to live busy lives, we recognized that we often fight the tendency of forsaking our first love in Jesus Christ. As we talked through scripture, we were reminded about the importance of keeping our eyes focused on Christ. We learned the value of continually moving forward in our walks with Christ with a sense of openness and surrender before the Lord. We learned that we must be rooted in Christ through salvation and built up in Christ through sanctification--- becoming more like Jesus every day and less like the world in every way. We were reminded about the importance of taking daily steps of faith and how stepping out in faith provides a "space" in our life for God to do amazing things. The call to be thankful in every circumstance really put the icing on the cake and reminded all of us that when we are thankful we will have eyes that are focused on Jesus because we will recognize how He sustains and provides in our lives. (Col. 2:6-7)

At the end of the night, I shared a few practical tips that I use in my life to help guard my relationship with Jesus from my busy and sometimes crazy world. I shared that I strive to have my quiet time each day before I hit the reactive point in my day. This means that I strive to establish God's authority over my life before life starts happening to me. For me, my reactive point occurs when I turn on my computer, smart phone, or answer the telephone. Therefore, it is important for me have my quiet time before these points occur. The reason why is simple. When I react in life, I want to react out of God's love instead of my natural self. Second, I utilize personal worship in my daily walk with Jesus to help stay focused on my King. I use my ipod for this almost every day. Early in the day, I worship the King. This step helps me to get my eyes off of myself and to put my focus on knowing, loving, and serving Jesus throughout my day. Finally, I make scripture memory a priority in my day so that I always have God's Word with me--- no matter where I go or what I face. I will never forget a question the Lord asked me one day in my quiet time. The Lord asked, "Andrea, if you did not have access to my Word on a daily basis in your life, how much of the Word would you have hidden in your heart?" My answer, "not enough!"

These are a few things that I do to remain focused in my daily walk with the Lord. Now, I have a question for you. "What do you do on a daily basis to stay focused in your walk with the Lord?" Do tell, sister!

Love!
Andrea @ TVM

Beautiful Day!

2011-01-29T17:52:00.002-06:00

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

2011-01-27T21:51:00.002-06:00

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

2011-01-26T11:07:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-01-23T13:50:00.006-06:00

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

2011-01-20T10:46:00.002-06:00

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!

2011-01-19T22:14:00.003-06:00

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!

2011-01-18T11:19:00.003-06:00

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

Thanksgiving Blessings!

2010-11-25T11:53:00.003-06:00

It is Thanksgiving day and I am overwhelmed with God's many blessings! How about you?

I am thankful for my loving Savior who willingly died in my place. Even though my mind fully comprehends the actions Jesus took, I am not sure my heart will ever be able to understand the pain Jesus bore when He took God's wrath for my sin. Today, all I know to say is "Thank you, Lord!"

I am thankful for my family. Jay, Jake, and Andrew are a blessing to me. Jay is a rock in my life and my boys keep me real. I am also thankful for my parents and siblings. Mom, Dad, Jason, and Shannon have put up with me for 34 years. I love them more every day. I have wonderful in-laws who are so very supportive of me and True Vine Ministry. (in fact, I am posting this blog from their house!) Thank you Joe and Cindy!

I am thankful for my friends. Wow! I am blessed in this area of my life. Life would not be the same without my circle of friends. This circle includes friends that I have known for many years as well as friends I have met in recent years. Life is richer with all of my friends in it! I love you all!!

I am thankful for my church family. As I think back over the last year, I am amazed at God's hand of direction. The Lord has walked us through so much and I am thankful for my church family who has remained steadfast in their hearts for God. I can't imagine walking through life without this important group of people in my life.

I am thankful for my community. I love Conway! I hope the Lord allows us to live in Conway for many years. I love writing for Women's Inc. To me, this is one way I can give back to a community who has given so much to me and my family.

I hope as you read this entry, you are reminded of the many blessings in your life. Feel free to share your thoughts of thanks!

Blessings to you and yours!

Love!
Andrea

Shopping and Friends!

2010-11-19T23:44:00.002-06:00

Hello from Branson, Mo. I am on a shopping trip with a few girlfriends from my Small Group. We are ready to take Branson by storm. As I spend time with my friends, I am reminded about the importance of friends. Friends are there for you in good times and bad. The Bible teaches that we should have at least three types of friendships in our lives. First, we should have Close Friends who hold us accountable to God's Word. This type of friendship was demonstrated in the life of David and Jonathan. Next, we should have Caring Friends who are fun to spend time with and encourage us in our faith. This type of friendship was demonstrated in the Early Church. Finally, we should have Casual Friends that we are willing to invest our lives in so we can share the love of Jesus Christ. This type of friendship was seen in the life and ministry of Jesus who looked for ways to invest in the lives of those around Him as He walked on this earth.

Tonight, before I go to bed, I want to ask you a question. "What kind of friend are you?" I hope you can say that you are the type of friend who points others towards Jesus. If so, you can know that God is being honored in your friendships. If not, take a hard look at your friendships and ask the Lord to help you be the kind of friend that brings honor to Him!

Good night, my sweet friend!

Andrea

P.S. I will let you know what kind of deals I find in Branson! I am excited :)

Busy Days!

2010-11-18T15:15:00.002-06:00

WOW! Life is busy but good! I do not know about you, but I cannot believe it is the middle of November. I will confess, my Christmas tree is up and I am ready to spend time with my sweet family.

Last week I wrapped up TVM's speaking schedule for 2010. What a great year! As I reflect on the year, I am so thankful for all the opportunities to share God's Word as well as meet so many new friends.

This week, I finished up the first group study of Reflecting His Glory at my home church. What a blessing! The feedback has been wonderful. I am thankful for all the ladies that took part in the study. Speaking of Reflecting His Glory, it along with our family, will be featured in the December issue of Women's Inc. I can't wait to see the magazine. I will share the link with you when it comes out.

Now that things have slowed down at TVM, I am working on finishing up Free To Thrive! I hope to finish the manuscript this week and send it off to the editor by the end of the month. I am so excited about this resource. As I write, I see the great potential for a devotion type study focusing on our freedom in Christ. The great thing about this devotion is the fact that it is designed for women who are bound up in the craziness of life. Can you relate? It is my hope that this tool will help women get free from the trappings of this world and long to have a balanced, meaningful life in Christ.

Jay and I are doing a little remodel work in our home. When we bought our home eight years ago, we made a list of things we hoped to improve. We had no idea it would take 8 years to get to many of the things on our list but it did! RIght now we are tackling the kitchen. We have painted the ceiling, changed out the appliances, and put up new light fixtures. Next we are putting in a new sink and new countertops. After that we will install a tile backsplash and tile flooring. It will look like a new kitchen when we are done. We are so excited to see it all come together. The kitchen remodel will also be featured in an upcoming Women's Inc. So stay tuned for pictures.

So, I am trying to make this blog more interactive so I have a question for you--- "Have you ever remodeled a room in your home? What advice do you have for me and Jay?

Love!
Andrea

Camping Trip! Help!

2010-10-26T13:56:00.002-05:00

I am leaving tomorrow morning bright and early to go backpacking/camping with my good friend Janet. If you know me very well, you know that Janet must be a good friend if I am going backpacking/camping with her. Bottom line--- I am not an outdoor girl! My idea of fun is going to a nice hotel, taking in a movie, enjoying a nice meal, and sleeping on an extra soft mattress with lots of pillows! So the thought of carrying my bed into the back country and sleeping with the critters makes me a little nervous.

I knew I was in trouble when I found out that I cannot wear deodorant or smelly hand lotion because it might attract the bears. It was at this point that I decided I better get serious about my approach to my backpacking adventure. So let me share my approach with you. I am going to approach this adventure like a mission trip. From the beginning, I am going to know that I will do things I do not normally do. I will live in ways I do not normally live. And by God's grace, I hope to share the love of Jesus with someone along the way.

I plan to take my camera and I will post pictures when I return. Pray for me and especially Janet. I do not think she has a clue what she has gotten herself in to!

Love,
Andrea

FBC Manila Retreat

2010-10-25T22:34:00.005-05:00

Last weekend I had the great honor of leading a women's retreat for First Baptist Church Manila, AR. What a great weekend!! We gathered in the beautiful town of Ponca, AR. If you have not been to Ponca, you need to go! God's creation just cries out to Him! The trees, the animals, the streams, and the mountains proclaim that God is our creator God.

During our time in Ponca, we looked at the topic Free To Thrive! God's Word challenged us to Thrive no matter the circumstances going on in our lives. Galatians 5:1 served as our focal verse, "It is for freedom Christ set us free, stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." It was a great weekend with a great group of ladies. Check out the pictures below!

Reflecting His Glory Update

2010-10-25T22:11:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been awhile! I just wanted to let you know that Reflecting His Glory has been published!! I am in the middle of teaching the study at my home church. It has been so exciting to see God use this study to challenge women to really examine their hearts desire. Each week we have placed ourselves before the Lord and asked Him to show us areas where we fail to reflect Him. God certainly has been working in my heart and I hear the same from my sisters. No doubt, reflecting requires hard work and daily surrender. We ultimately reflect Him when others see Jesus in us.

As I teach the study, I am writing the leaders guide. This guide will be available in the next few weeks for any church or women's group. It is my hope that the leaders guide will make the study more user friendly for groups. Please join me in prayer for God's plan for this study. "Lord, may Your will be done!"

You can order your copy of Reflecting His Glory today. Click on the RHG link at www.andrealennon.net

More soon!

Love,
Andrea

WellSpring

2010-07-31T21:20:00.003-05:00

I had a great time this weekend at WellSpring Women's Event in Arkadelphia, AR. The women were so warm and open to God's Word. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the event a huge success!!

I want to share with you the key points from the two sessions I led.

The first session was on simplifying our life. Wow! We need to hear what God's Word has to say on this important topic. The key verse for this session was Psalm 25:15, "My eyes are ever on the Lord for only He will release my feet from the snare." Scripture taught that a life that pleases God focuses on the Him. We learned the difference between a glance and a gaze. When we gaze, we are released from the traps in our life.

The second session was Free to Thrive! We saw in God's Word that we do not have to live a life that merely survives. We are called and equipped to Thrive! To thrive means to progress towards a certain goal. As believers in Jesus Christ, our goal in life must be conformity to Jesus. God’s Word plays a key role in this process. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 If we are going to Thrive, we must ask ourselves--- “What am I holding on to?” And, “Is it setting me free?”

If you attended WellSpring, I want to encourage you to post your "take home" lessons. What did you learn this weekend and how are you going to incorporate these truths into your daily life? Remember, the truths God speaks into our lives must be more than head level knowledge. We must surrender to His teachings and ask Him to write them on our hearts.

I love you and I am praying for you! May your walk with Christ be filled with love as you walk in step with Him! I hope to see you again soon.

When it is one of those days....

2010-02-12T10:25:00.002-06:00

Today is one of those days when I want to crawl back in bed, pull the covers over my head, and come out when the sun is shinning and the snow is gone! Do I hear an "amen" out there?

To make things worse, I did not sleep very much last night. My throat started hurting yesterday around 7:00p.m. and my head just kept pounding and pounding. I was totally surprised by this cold because last week I struggled with the flu. Surely, I will not be sick two weeks in a row!

This morning as I thought about my options, crawling back in bed or facing my day, I picked up my Bible and read John 1:1-5. As I read, I was faced with Truth. This passage states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. (this is the best part--- are you ready?) That light shines in the darkness yet the darkness did not overcome it."

This morning, as I read verse five, I just stopped and thought about the fact that light can not be overcome by darkness. No. Light always wins. Think about it--- you can be in the middle of a vast room that is totally dark. Yet, if a tiny little shines, your eyes immediately look to the light. If you are not sure about this tendency, go to your closet and give it a try. I believe that you will find your eyes drawn to the light.

To be honest, this concept of light shining forth in the darkness is getting me through my day. Darkness may be all around me--- it may even be represented in the way I feel. However, God's light, which not only lives in me but shines through me, overcomes the darkness.

Today, I challenge you to know that God's light, who is Jesus Christ, lives in you and through you. Even if the circumstances of your life seem challenging, look to the light of Christ. As you do, the light of Christ will overcome the darkness in your world. The reason why--- light shines in the darkness and the darkness can not overcome the light.

Well, I better go. It is time to face my day living in the light of Christ. How about you? Are you ready to live in the Light?

Love You!

2010--- In full Swing

2010-02-10T22:41:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been too long since I updated the blog. This month I plan to fix that problem. So here we go---

January has come and gone. It was a month of getting back in the swing of normal. I worked hard on last minute editing for Reflecting His Glory. We are getting close to publication!! Stay tuned on that subject.

Last weekend I led a retreat in Monticello, AR. There were over 100 ladies in attendance. God poured out His Spirit as we learned how to have a New Year with a New You! The ladies were sweet and had open hearts to God's Word. Many of the ladies stayed after the retreat to share how God had spoken a clear word to them during our teaching sessions. Thank you Lord!

I want to share with you Friday night's focal verse--- "My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15. This verse challenges us to place our focus on the Lord. As we do, we can know that He will deliver us from all the traps in our lives. On Friday night, I shared that one of the traps that many women face is the desire to be a better you. This trap keeps many women bound up thinking that they need to pull themselves together and just be a better person.

Friend, if I just described you, surrender to the fact that you cannot make yourself a better person. Any attempt to make yourself better will only cause you to further dig yourself into a trap. So what can you do? The answer to this question is found in Psalm 25:15--- place your eyes on the Lord. As you focus on Him, you will become more like Him. The end result--- it will be a new year and you will be a new you.

Blessings!

Free To Thrive! Day 13 (finally)--- A Limit Free Life

2009-10-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17

I love boxes, cubbies, containers, and organizers. Basically, anything that has a compartment. The reason is simple. Compartments make me feel like I am in control. Thinking, “this goes here or that goes there.” Unfortunately, things are not the only area I have tried to contain. God has also fit into this category during my life. This occurred anytime I said, “Lord, you can go here but you are not invited to go there.” Naturally, God did not subscribe to my way of thinking and graciously took the necessary steps in order to straighten me out.

A limit free life recognizes the truth that freedom occurs when all barriers and compartments in your relationship with Christ are removed. Paul states it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” This truth represents an amazing paradox found in scripture. Freedom is not controlling your own life. Rather, freedom occurs when you are controlled by Christ. The world we live in as well as our sinful flesh often baulks at this definition of freedom. However, scripture makes it clear--- freedom is found in living a compartment free, Christ controlled life!

Each day you need to subscribe to Christ’s definition of freedom. When you wake up in the morning recognize that God is God and you are not. Start your day by establishing His authority over your life. Then invite Jesus into every area of your life. This daily routine provides a tangible way to live a limit free life in Jesus Christ.

Question---
What area(s) in your life do you keep off limits from God?

Free To Thrive! Day 12--- A Deadly Weapon

2009-10-16T10:13:00.002-05:00

“Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.” Psalm 142:7

God’s Word can and should be used as a deadly weapon in your life. The Apostle Paul described the Bible as the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. In order to be free, you must fight the sin in your life using God’s Word.

Sin results in spiritual prisons. Spiritual prisons come in many different forms. Often spiritual prisons fall in to one of the following categories:
•An unknown fear.
•A vicious sin cycle.
•A nagging past.
Prisons like these keep women lying awake at night wondering, “What will happen next?” “Will I ever be free?” “Can God use someone like me?”

The thing I hate most about spiritual prisons is that they keep me bound up and focused on myself. Have you ever noticed that before? Spiritual prisons cause you to spend more time thinking about yourself and what you need rather than the Lord and His desires for your life.

David recognized this tendency as he penned Psalm 142:7. Note the reason David wanted to be free from his spiritual prison--- “that I may praise your name.” David knew his prison was keeping him for fully praising the Name of the Lord. Therefore, David wanted freedom so that nothing would stand in the way of his ability to worship. What a great perspective to have in life!

If you and I gain the same perspective as David, we too will begin to hate our prisons. As a result, we will begin to fight for freedom. The reason why is clear. Our spiritual prisons keep us from fully and completely praising the Lord. I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to get up and fight! Once freedom came in David’s life, he knew he would have the opportunity and responsibility to testify about the goodness of His God.

Today, do you need to fight some spiritual prisons in your life? If so, begin by getting a vision of freedom. Imagine your life free from the chains that currently bind. Next, fight with all your might. Use the Word of God, which is your sword and fight, fight, fight. Find passages of scripture that speak to the prison you currently face. Once you find a passage, begin to memorize the passage. Speak it all day long. Write the passage on a notecard and carry the passage with you. Tape the passage to your mirror, refrigerator door, or the rearview mirror in your car. Whatever you do fight well armed with God’s holy Word. Know that freedom will come as you apply God’s Word to every area of your life.

Challenge---
On a piece of paper, list your spiritual prison(s)--- areas of fear, vicious sin cycles, or issues from the past.

Find a passage of scripture that speaks to each prison and begin the fight!

Free To Thrive! Day 11--- A Love For God's Word

2009-10-15T16:36:00.001-05:00

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

We all know what it is like to want freedom. We long for freedom. We ask for freedom. Yet, we often fail to do the one thing that leads to freedom! Jesus said freedom comes as you hold to “My teachings.”

I love the simplicity of this verse. Jesus does not give ten steps to freedom. He gives one. We can summarize this step in the following way. “If you want freedom--- follow my instruction Book!” Following Jesus’ instruction Book involves two steps--- knowing the Book and obeying the Book. In light of this, two questions must be asked.

1. Do you know the Book?

Knowing the teachings in God’s holy Book becomes the first step to freedom. The teachings recorded in God’s Book provide freedom because they express the heart of God on big and small issues of life. Knowing the Book occurs as you daily interact with the Book. Your daily interaction must be personal. You must know the Book so well that even when the Book is not in front of you, the truths of the Book ring in your heart. How much of God’s Holy Word do you have access to in your heart? God has given His Book to be a source of light in a very dark world. Believers must take the light and allow it to shine bright in their lives. This occurs as you read God’s Word and allow it to change the way you live. The outcome of this process will be truth taking the place of lies resulting in freedom!

2. Do you hold to the teachings in the Book?

Knowing the Book is the first step to freedom. The second step is holding to the teachings found in the Book. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples.” Think about this. Holding on to an object requires two steps. The first step involves making the choice to grab the object. The second step involves displaying an active determination not to let go of the object. Holding on to Jesus’ teachings occurs in the same way. First, you must daily make the choice to grab His Holy thoughts regarding your life. Second, you must display an active determination to hold onto His thoughts by allowing them to change the way you live on a very practical level. This means, the teachings found in His Book impact the way you interact with your husband, children, coworkers, and friends. As you hold on to Jesus’ teachings, freedom flows into your life and through your life as you learn to live by His holy Book.

Freedom can and will come in your life as you seek God’s direction in His Holy Word and surrender to it no matter the cost. Today, I challenge you to grab onto Jesus’ teachings and hold on for dear life!

Questions---
Think of area(s) in your life where you need to grab on to Jesus’ teachings and hold on for life.

Are you willing to allow God’s Word to set you free by changing the way you think and live in the area(s) listed above?

Free To Thrive! Day 10--- A Tamed Tongue

2009-10-13T22:01:00.002-05:00

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3

How often do your lips get you in trouble? Have you ever walked away from a conversation and asked yourself, “Why did I say that?” I will confess. I have! Anytime I find my lips getting me in trouble, I breathe a quick prayer asking the Lord to guard my mouth and watch over my lips.

Words are powerful--- not because they hold power in and of themselves but because they reveal the state of your heart. Jesus said, “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart.” (Matthew 5:18) This truth makes words very powerful.

The mouth provides an abundance of opportunity to sin. Critical words, harsh words, gossip, exaggeration, foul words, and words meant to put someone in their place are just a few examples. These words are not in line with God’s desires for your life and often become a form of self-preservation.

Each day you need to evaluate your words. Examining the way you talk to your husband, children, friends, coworkers, and self. Any time you sin with your mouth stop and confess the sin to God. Once you have confessed the sin, go to the person you sinned against and ask for their forgiveness. I can tell you; this more than any other practice, will cut down on harmful words flowing from your mouth.

Not long ago, I was on the phone with a friend. I was telling a story and exaggerated some of the details. After I hung up, I sensed the Lord’s conviction. I knew I had to pick up the phone and call my friend. My friend was gracious as I apologized for exaggerating the details of the story. Trust me. If you make very many of these phone calls you will think twice before you allow your mouth to sin.

Freedom comes when you speak God’s words not your own. This requires discipline and a sensitive spirit. The discipline becomes knowing when you are going into a potentially dangerous conversation and bathing that conversation in prayer. As you pray, ask the Lord to stop you when you begin to journey down a dangerous path. Then, when you are in the midst of the conversation, display a sensitive spirit and listen to the Holy Spirit. Stop the conversation when He says stop.

Imagine this--- no longer walking away from a conversation saying, “Why did I say that?” Now that’s freedom!

Questions---
Do you need to confess to a person in your life and tell them you sinned against them with your words?

If so, are you willing to take this step of obedience?

Free To Thrive! Day 9--- A Christ Honoring Temple

2009-10-12T15:53:00.001-05:00

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

When visiting someone else’s home, I often tell my children, “You are a guest--- be on your best behavior.” In mom talk this means--- be extra careful, do not mess up, and make mom proud!

Paul communicated similar thoughts in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Paul told the believers in Corinth--- your body does not belong to you. As a result, you need to be on your best behavior--- be extra careful, do not mess up, and make God proud.

Nothing displeases God more than sin. All sin occurs in and through the body. Vicious sin cycles like cutting, drinking, binging/purging, overeating, smoking, addiction, sexual misbehavior, stealing, and the like occur via the body. Spiritual bondage results from each of these sin cycles as the body provides the primary tool.

Freedom comes when you recognize that your body does not belong to you. You are a guest in someone else’s home. Your body is the dwelling or resting place for God’s Holy Spirit. The proper response to this becomes purposefully engaging in activities that please and honor the Lord.

Everyone struggles with some kind of sin. Often, believers act as if they do not. But, who are we kidding? Not God. Getting real about sin actually provides freedom. Think about this. The effort to maintain sin and conceal sin keeps many believers tired and on the verge of defeat.

Freedom occurs when sin cycles are broken in Jesus’ Name. In verse 20, Paul says, “honor God with your body.” The word honor means recognize and provides a clear path to breaking sin cycles. Every day you need to wake up and use your hands, feet, arms, legs, mouth, mind and heart to recognize the Lord. As you do, your body becomes a dwelling or resting place that is pleasing to the Lord. When this occurs you can know that He is in the house and that He is very proud!

Questions---
Do you engage in a sin cycle with your body that displeases the Lord?
As a result of the sin cycle are you tired and defeated?
Do you long for freedom?

Free To Thrive! Day 8--- A Christ Centered Approval Process

2009-10-10T18:28:00.001-05:00

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

This verse is near and dear to my heart because I have struggled with trying to please people for most of my life. As a pleaser, I wanted everyone to like me and affirm the direction of my life. When it came time to make a tough decision, I often went to people around me for advice. Instead of filtering the advice through God’s Holy Word, I often felt trapped by the advice thinking I had to follow it or risk hurting someone’s feelings. This trap was tangible and often produced anxiety. Freedom came as I began to value Christ’s opinion over the opinions of others.

In Galatians, Paul draws a clear line in the sand. A servant of Christ will focus on winning the approval of Christ--- not winning the approval of others. Often the people we long to please are close to our hearts. People like our parents, spouse, friends, coworkers, children, church leaders, and boss. Freedom occurs in your life when your desire to please Christ supersedes your desire to please others.

If you struggle with pleasing people instead of pleasing Christ consider the steps below.
•Fast from others advice. Take a break from asking other people what you should do. Instead, use your time to talk to God.
•Saturate yourself in God’s Holy Word. Know His Word and allow the Bible to guide your decisions.
•Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable. Share your struggle with a close friend or family member. Be honest with them and let them know you long for freedom in this area of life. When you go to them for advice, ask them to ask you, “Have you prayed about this or what does God’s Word have to say?” If you have not prayed about the decision or if you do not know what the Bible has to say. Stop talking and start praying.

I can promise you that there is nothing quite like freedom in this area of life. Allowing the Word of God to become your standard frees you up as clear instruction takes the place of unclear opinions. No longer will you be bound up by an ever-changing system of thought that is dictated by the desires of others. Rather, freedom will become Jesus’ thoughts regarding your life.

The benefit of a Christ centered approval process is fellowship. As you turn to the Lord and ask Him what you should do you will experience a new kind of fellowship with the Lord as He becomes your best friend. Dear friend, if you are caught up in a people centered approval process, know freedom is available today!

Questions---
In all honesty, whom do you strive to please--- people, God, or both?

Do you believe you value people’s opinions over God’s opinion? Yes No

If so, please explain how this tendency has compromised spiritual freedom in your life.

Free To Thrive! Day 7--- A Clean Thought Life

2009-10-08T16:33:00.002-05:00

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Getting real about sin involves examining your thought process. Questions like, “What do I think about on a daily basis and how are these thoughts leading me towards freedom?” are crucial to ask. Overlooking your thought process is easy to do. This occurs anytime you give little consideration to the constant stream of thoughts flowing through your heart and mind.

The Apostle Paul recognized the importance of a clean thought life. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul provides two instructions for reaching and maintaining a clean thought life.
•Demolish: The first step to a clean thought life involves demolishing arguments and pretensions. Three key words are crucial to understand.
oDemolish means to crush or destroy.
oArguments means reflections, considerations, and in some translations is rendered imaginations.
oPretension gives the idea of an aspiration that has yet to be reached.
A good summary of Paul’s instructions becomes--- destroy or crush reflections, considerations, imaginations, or aspirations in your life that are false according to God’s standard of truth.

•Take captive: The second step to a clean though life involves taking captive every thought that goes through your mind. This involves one crucial step.
oTake captive means to overcome or overpower.
A good summary of Paul’s instruction becomes--- overcome or overpower every thought that goes on in your heart and mind and make those thoughts obedient to Jesus Christ.

Wow! What an overwhelming task lies ahead. However, for women, this is an important task. Women need to demolish and take captive impure thoughts because women struggle with allowing their minds to be a cesspool for sin. This occurs when women allow their minds to go unchecked thus creating an unfiltered mind.

An unfiltered mind is a dangerous trap that always leads to captivity. An unfiltered mind provides countless hours of daydreaming, imagining, and wondering what it might be like if. Women often daydream, imagine, or wonder about a life that is not their own. The daydream might involve a different husband, a past boyfriend, an unfulfilled dream, or a different set of life circumstances.

Freedom occurs when you regularly demolish and take captive these thoughts and make them obedient to Jesus Christ. In a sense, when you turn on the filter of Jesus Christ and allow Him to say what thoughts can stay and what thoughts must go! The process of demolishing and taking captive is a life-long process. You will never be able to check this one off your list. As you demolish and take captive your thoughts, you will experience freedom as you rid your life of wrong thoughts and replace them with right thoughts.

Question--- Do you daydream about a life that is not your own?

Free To Thrive! Day 6--- A Serious View of Sin

2009-10-07T08:19:00.001-05:00

Sin--- just the mention of the word makes my skin crawl. I hate sin and I hate the effect sin has on my life. Unfortunately, sin has not always been on my “bad” list. There was a time when sin produced a thrill inside of me. Little did I know, the effect sin was having on my walk with the Lord. Sin was keeping me from living a free life in Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament details the effect sin had on the Nation of Israel. In short, sin led to captivity. The lack of spiritual sensitivity on the part of the prophets produced a level of comfort in God’s people when it came to sin. This comfort led the Nation of Israel to conceal sin rather than expose it.

Today, you and I can fall into the same trap. This occurs anytime you conceal sin rather than expose it in your life. The result becomes captivity to that sin. Concealing sin occurs in a number of ways. Often concealing sin occurs when a believer tries to justify sin by saying:
•“It’s not really that bad.”
•“I will just do it this one time.”
•“Everyone else is doing it.”
•“It’s how I was raised.”
•“Compared to _____, I am not that bad.”
•“I am not hurting anyone, so it does not really matter.”
If you use one or more of these excuses to justify sin in your life, you can know that you are concealing sin. Thus, spiritual freedom is not evident in you.

Freedom requires that you deal with sin every single day. Exposing sin becomes one of the key steps to gaining freedom in your spiritual life. A prayer that I often pray in regards to exposing sin states, “Lord, shine your bright light into every dark corner of my soul. Please expose the sin hidden in my life.” I pray this prayer anytime I sense unconfessed sin in my heart. I then wait and watch for God to reveal the hidden areas of sin. I can assure you. God answers this prayer. The reason is simple. God longs for you to have freedom--- freedom that comes from having a proper view of sin. Today, I want to ask you, do you have a proper view of sin in your life? If so, do you daily take on the job of exposing sin rather than concealing it?

Free To Thrive! Day 5--- A Willingness to be Rejected

2009-10-05T13:10:00.002-05:00

“So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Act 13:51-52

Acts 13:51-52 seems strange when read outside the original context. However, an important principal resides in these two verses. A principal that helps define freedom from God’s perspective. The principal states Godly freedom willingly accepts rejection. For women, this is a hard concept to accept. We are pleasers. We love to be loved. We love to be accepted. Often, we go to great lengths to try and make everyone happy and maintain peace no matter the cost.

In Acts 13, we see the disciples of Jesus Christ taking a different approach to rejection. The disciples learned early in their ministry that living for the Name of Jesus Christ would produce rejection. The disciples embraced this truth and as a result experienced the freedom to be rejected.

We see this freedom first hand in the account of Acts 13. Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey. They traveled to a place called Pisidian Antioch. Once there, Paul and Barnabas spoke in the Jewish Synagogue. Paul shared God’s story of redemption tracing the story from the time of Israel’s slavery in Egypt to the time of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Initially, Paul and Barnabas received acceptance; and they were invited to speak the following week. The next week the entire town arrived to hear the message Paul brought. The Jewish leaders became enraged with jealousy. Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles and shared the gospel message. Many Gentiles believed. In the end, Paul and Barnabas were persecuted and expelled from the region.

If you are wondering how Paul and Barnabas handled this rejection, read today’s focal passage. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and headed to the next town with joy in their hearts. How could the disciples respond to rejection in this way? Paul and Barnabas recognized the rejection was not personal. The Jewish leaders were not rejecting Paul and Barnabas. They were rejecting Christ.

Freedom came in Paul and Barnabas’ lives when they embraced the truth that following Jesus would cost them. It would cost them their reputation. It would cost them their comfort. And in the end, it would cost them their lives. Although the cost was great, the reward was even greater. The reward became freedom on this earth to live a radical life for Jesus Christ no matter what!

Today, do you need to hear that it is okay to be rejected for Jesus’ sake? If so, look to God’s Word and allow His Word to set you free. You can be rejected and still thrive. You can shake the dust off your feet and move on to the next stage in your life. You can experience rejection and still have a heart that is filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. The choice you face is this--- will you accept the rejection that comes from living for Jesus Christ or will you give in to the voices around you telling you to live for this world? May I encourage you to experience a little rejection? Then, shake the dust off your feet and move on!

Questions---
What scares you most about rejection?
Are you willing to risk rejection for the cause of Christ?

Free To Thrive!! Day 4--- An Abiding Heart

2009-10-03T13:57:00.002-05:00

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

John 15:5 is one of my favorite verses in scripture. In fact, this verse serves as the key verse for True Vine Ministry. Everything about True Vine Ministry is wrapped up in the truths taught in this verse. Jesus is my vine. Therefore, I find my nourishment and support in Him. There is nothing that I can do on my own. There is no good thing in me. I am the branch. My job is to respond to the vine. Anything that results from me or the ministry God has called me to take part in occurs as I abide in Him. This means my focus each day must be to remain connected to Jesus Christ. Spiritual fruit results from this type of focus. Without this focus, the overarching result of my life will be nothing! What a powerful Word from God’s Word.

One of the most challenging times to abide occurs when things are going well or things seem to be status quo or when you feel like you have a handle on life. These are times when believers easily fall into the trap of mediocre living. Mediocre living occurs when life becomes routine. As a result, little or no focus is required. Freedom is compromised when you live a mediocre life because a sense of accomplishment comes from completing your daily tasks. Naturally, this kind of life produces self-sufficiency and undercuts the abiding process. Mediocre living leads to a vicious sin cycle. Abiding only occurs when times are tough and you feel like you cannot make it on your own.

John 15:5 provides help in times of mediocrity. To break the cycle of mediocre living, an intense inspection of one’s life is required. You must determine the areas of life where you have relied on your strength and in the process forsaken your vine. Once you have identified these areas, prayerfully consider how God wants you to reconnect with the vine. Perhaps you need to step out of your comfort zone and in the process relearn how to live out of His strength not your own. Or, you may need to daily ask the Lord to help you abide in the areas where you tend to live independently. Whatever God leads you to do, abide in that direction and know that freedom is on the way.

Questions---
Do you find yourself living a mediocre life?

What is God calling you to do in order to break the sin cycle of mediocre living?

Free To Thrive Day 3--- A Passionate Trust

2009-10-02T10:28:00.002-05:00

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and more; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3 (emphasis added)

"Have you ever been so unsure of your next step that all you know to do is hang on to Jesus for dear life? In times like these, you know that if God does not get you through, you will not make it. Truly, this type of life displays a picture of passionate trust. And, contrary to every feeling inside your body, passionate trust produces freedom.

King David knew about passionate trust. He knew about being in the depths of despair and God graciously saving him. David knew what it was like to have a target on his back and experience God’s deliverance time and time again. David also knew about falling into sin and reaping God’s holy consequences. Throughout David’s life, his experiences brought him to a place of passionate trust and humble transparency.

In our focal passage, we find David on the other side of his life altering situation. David made it through. How did David make it through? Psalm 40:1-3 provides the answer. David had passionate trust in the Lord.

For you, you may be in the midst of your life altering situation. As a result, you may feel bound up by the uncertainty of life not knowing what will happen next. Today, you can find freedom in God’s Word. Wait on the Lord. Hold onto the Lord. Know that the Lord will deliver you. Even if you are in the depths of despair, God is with you. Even if nothing in your life makes sense and by all earthly accounts all hope is gone, hang on to Jesus!

Certainly passionate trust does not happen in your strength or as a result of anything good in you. Passionate trust occurs as you dig deep in your faith and know that just like God delivered David, He will deliver you!"

Questions---

Are you currently in a life altering situation? If so, is passionate trust apart of your life--- meaning, are you holding on to Jesus for dear life?

Free To Thrive! Day 2--- Kingdom Focus

2009-10-01T10:22:00.002-05:00

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33

"Freedom requires a kingdom focus. When you have a kingdom focus you take a step back and make the choice to see life from a big picture perspective. A big picture perspective involves seeing the events of your life from the context of eternity as opposed to your days here on earth. When you live your life with kingdom focus, your goals change. Your life is no longer about living happily ever after as seen in the world’s definition of freedom. Rather, your life becomes a passionate pursuit of righteous living. This occurs when you live your life for Jesus Christ no matter what. The result of living with kingdom focus is found in one word---- freedom!

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus provided His followers with a clear instruction--- seek me. This verse, nestled beautifully within the Sermon on the Mount, draws a line in the sand when it comes to kingdom focus. This verse teaches that you cannot focus on two kingdoms. Either you will live your life for God’s eternal Kingdom or you will live your life for the world’s earthly kingdom. In God’s eyes, you cannot live for both.

Living for God’s eternal Kingdom produces freedom because it challenges you to see life from God’s perspective. As you see life from God’s perspective, you realize God promises to take care of you. Matthew 6:33 communicates this truth. When you seek Him, and live your life for Him, you receive everything God deems necessary for your time on this earth. Therefore, you do not have to worry about tomorrow or the day after that or the day after that or the day after that. Instead, each day of your life you are free to faithfully seek the Lord. This seeking process becomes the very heart of your life as you experience His freedom and forsake the world’s bondage."

Today, may I ask you a question? Are you living for God's eternal Kingdom or this world's temporary kingdom. Your answer will determine your level of freedom!!

Free to Thrive! Day 1--- A Biblical Introduction to Freedom

2009-09-30T09:24:00.005-05:00

Over the next forty days, I will post excerpts from a devotional I am writing called "Free to Thrive!" This devotional is designed for women on the go. I invite you to join in the study via this blog and learn how biblical freedom can be a reality in your life.

Key Verse:
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19

"Today’s culture needs a new definition of freedom--- a definition based on biblical truth. Often, believers in Jesus Christ, grossly misunderstand freedom by thinking freedom occurs when I do what I want to do and have the resources available to do it. According to the Bible, freedom has nothing to do with earthly things. The Bible teaches that freedom is found in Jesus Christ. Your freedom does not hinge on comfortable situations or circumstances. Nor does your freedom hinge on available resources such as money, power, or influence. Your freedom was bought with the precious blood of Christ. The choice you now face is this--- will you embrace the freedom Christ provides? I hope your answer is “YES!"

In order to live in the freedom Christ provides, you must surrender to Christ’s plans and live His way, not your own. You must have ardent loyalty to truth and look to heaven as your home. Simply put, your freedom is found in the spotless lamb of Jesus Christ. Dear sister, forsake the things of this world. Forsake the world’s definition of freedom and embrace the freedom that comes in Jesus Christ!"

Questions:
Have you bought into the world’s definition of freedom?

Do you long to live in the freedom Christ provides?

Free To Thrive!!

2009-09-28T21:33:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the kick off day for my new Bible Study called Free to Thrive! I am really excited about the new study! The Lord has brought a good group of ladies and we are going to dig deep into His Word.

Galatians 5:1 sets the tone for the study. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Based on this verse the battle cry for every believer in Jesus Christ should be--- "I will not merely survive--- I will thrive!" Think how often you go into "survival mode." This occurs each time you do your best just to make it through the day. For what purpose---- so you can wake up the next day and do it all over again. Dear sister, Christ offers you so much more than a life of survival! He offers you a life that is full of His wonderful adventure.

Today, will you embrace a life that thrives? If so, you will have to forsake the world's definition of freedom (doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, and having the resources necessary to make it all happen) and embrace Christ's definition of freedom. His definition becomes a life that is totally surrendered to His plans for you. I can promise you that once you surrender every part of your life to Christ, you will no longer be in "survival mode." You will thrive!!

Friends!

2009-09-18T10:29:00.003-05:00

Last night I spoke at Hot Springs Baptist Church. What a wonderful evening!! The tables were beautiful. The food was delicious. God's presence was tangible. The theme for the evening was "Friends... rejoice with me." We talked about friendships and the fact that God places different people in our lives for different purposes. Rejoicing takes place, in heaven and on earth, when we surrender to this truth.

In God's Word we see four types of friendships.
1. Covenant Friend as seen in David and Jonathan. These friends hold you accountable in life. God's Word plays central focus in the friendship.
2. Close Friend as seen in the early church. The purpose of this friendship is to love and encourage one another in the Lord.
3. Casual Friend as seen demonstrated in the life of Job. Caution must be used in this friendship. You are in their life to set an example of Godly living.
4. Confused Friend as seen in Jesus' heart for people who do not know the Lord.

Below you will find a list of characteristics that are true for each type of friendship.

Covenant: 1 Samuel 18-20
~The Lord is the central focus of the friendship.
~There is a willingness to do anything for one another.
~Both parties recognize the authority of the Lord and as a result have a proper fear of God. This fear becomes the motivating factor for treating one another with Christ-like love.
~Comfort level exists between friends allowing them to call on one another day or night.
~The Word of God becomes the standard by which each party lives.
~Even in times of disagreement or tension, covenant friends ask tough and seek truth. Once the truth is found, decisions are made based on God’s desire not human desire.
~Accountability plays a paramount role in this type of friendship.

Close: Acts 2:42-46
~Both people possess a passionate love for God.
~Both friends obey the Word of God and hold the Word of God as their standard for how to live.
~The friends share more things in common than not in common.
~Both parties are willing to give to one another in times of need.
~Close friends genuinely enjoy being around one another and always feel edified after their time together.
~Both parties feel a freedom to be sincere or real with one another. As a result, close friends do not feel the need to be superficial or to try to be someone they are not.
~Close friends are fun friends and available in times of need.

Casual: Job 1 (Job had lots of friends when things were going well; Job 19 his "friends" took off when things went bad)
~Friendship based on mutual interests or similar life stage.
~Foundational beliefs about God, Bible, and moral excellence are not shared.
~The friendship functions at a superficial level. As a result, the goal of this friendship involves allowing this person to see that Jesus makes a real difference in your life.
~As you are friends with this person, you look for spiritual opportunities to share the love and grace of Christ.
~Boundaries are imperative so that you do not lose your spiritual focus as you interact with this friendship level. If boundaries are not set, this person will influence you towards ungodliness.

Confused: Matthew 9:35-38
~Lost or not attending Church
~Placed in your life for the purpose of evangelism and discipleship.
~Suffering from a mental, emotional, or psychological hurt.

Ask yourself this question--- "Do I have different types of friendships in my life?" "Are my covenant friends and close friends the primary influencers in my life?" "Do I guard my casual friendship so that I am influencing them towards Godliness instead of them influencing me towards worldliness?" "Am I open to confused friends knowing that God places them in my life so they can see the love of Jesus in me?"

As you are open to different types of friendships, God is honored.

Temporary Focus vs. Eternal Focus

2009-09-14T13:55:00.004-05:00

As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you live with a temporary focus or do you live with an eternal focus? Your answer to this question determines so much in your life. I ask you to prayerfully consider the following lists.

Living with a temporary focus involves:
~ A concern for status and possessions.
~ A desire to live a problem free life.
~ A longing for security that comes from earthly resources.
~ A focus on gaining experiences that supposedly lead to a full life.

Living with an eternal focus:
~ Forsaking the things of this world for the glory of Jesus Christ.
~ Having no regard for your own name.
~ Embracing risk in order to share the love of Jesus Christ.
~ Living from a place of surrender that responds to Jesus in every area of life.
~ Cultivating a sense of urgency to share God's Word and hope with others.
~ The longing for your ultimate home in Heaven.
~ A daily dying to self.

I invite you to take stock of your life and embrace the call to risk everything for God's plan. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are here to point others to Him. That is your mission. As you focus on eternity, you will find yourself naturally concerned with eternal things instead of temporary things. The Bible teaches that a day is coming when the temporary things of this world will pass away. At that moment, all that will matter are the eternal things of God. Today, I encourage you to begin living with an eternal focus. A day is coming when you will be glad you did!!!

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God." He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:1-4

Scripture Memory

2009-08-27T13:42:00.002-05:00

Hey Friends!!

I hope your week is going great!! Today I want to encourage you to train your mind with God's Word. I have been challenged in my personal walk to begin memorizing large sections of Scripture. At first, I was overwhelmed by this call. Now, I embrace this call with all my heart. You see, as I take God's Word into my life, I am changed. I am changed by the living active Words of God. These Words point out sin in my life and spotlight areas where my theology is weak or just plain wrong.

Not too many years ago, I would have been afraid of this process in my life. In those days, it was all about being right in my own eyes. Not anymore!! Now, I want to be right in God's eyes. As a result, I pray, "Lord, show me my sin and reveal my shallow views of You!" I welcome the work of the Spirit in my life because I want to know Christ and I want to live my life for Christ. Sin and shallow views simply must go and I must cling to God's Words every single day.

As you and I memorize God's Word, we are equipped. We are readied to face the decisions, tasks, and difficult circumstances that come our way. When split second decisions are required, we can draw on God's Word, which is hidden in our hearts, to guide us in His way.

I am currently working on memorizing the book of 1 Peter. I have the first ten verses of chapter one down. I know that is not a lot of progress, but I am thankful. Within the first ten verses, there are many deep truths taught. God's Word is rich and will change the way you and I live our lives.

I challenge you to pick a passage of scripture and memorize it. Quote the passage through out your day. When you feel anxious--- speak God's Word and experience His peace. When you feel your heart wandering--- challenge your focus with God's Holy Word. When you feel confused, heartbroken, or filled with joy, proclaim God's Word and know He is more than enough for whatever circumstance you face.

The motto for my life has become--- know truth; live truth; share truth. Step one: we have to know truth! I invite you to join me in knowing truth. Hide His holy Word in your heart and know you will be ready to face your day. And, along the way, you will know Him more!

AM and Wives Mid Year Retreat

2009-08-20T18:39:00.002-05:00

So are you asking, "What in the world is an AM?" If so, great question!! In Baptist lingo, an AM is an Associational Missionary. These are men who serve as leaders for the various associations in the state of Arkansas. These men provide, support, training, and encouragement for the pastors who live and serve in their area of the state.

Tomorrow I will spend the day with the AM's and have the honor of leading their wives in the study of God's holy Word. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and catching up on what has taken place over the last year.

The teaching schedule will allow for an extended period of time in God's Word. In fact, one session is two hours in length!! I am really looking forward to the day. It will be fun to see what God has in store for us. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for me to listen carefully and speak wisely.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

2009-08-18T13:11:00.004-05:00

Summer 2009 has been great! I had so much fun with my family. Jay and I enjoyed a trip to Germany. Throughout the summer, Jay and I took the boys to do several day/weekend trips. These trips included: Silver Dollar City in Branson, the Memphis Zoo, a day at the RiverMarket in Little Rock, exploring several caves in NW Arkansas, lots of hiking, and swimming at the pool/ Wild River Country. Without a doubt, it was a great summer!!

Now, it is time to look ahead as we enter the next chapter of our lives. Tomorrow school begins and for the first time in 9 years, I will be home alone! I have mixed feelings about this new stage of life. I am excited because the boys are growing up and they are ready to tackle 3rd grade and Kindergarten. The free time will also be wonderful for me on a personal/ministry level. However, I feel a tinge of sadness because things will never be the same. That is okay, it will just take some time to adjust.

I have big plans for my new found free time. I am going to get focused. In fact, God has challenged me to get hyper focused. Each day I will have three tasks to complete. First, I will focus on loving God and His holy Word. Second, I will focus on serving my family and close friends. Third, I will focus on ministering to the people God places in my life. It is my hope that each day my activities will fall into one of these three categories. Of course, I am sure I will make an occasional trip to TJ MAXX :)

I sense that the next year will be crucial for the development of True Vine Ministry. Specifically, the year 2010. I plan to devote much of my time to this part of my life. I have a long list of books and material that I need to work through in order to challenge my current knowledge of God and His Word. I also need to complete a second Bible Study called Free To Thrive! (I started on this project earlier this year and look forward to returning to it.) Lord willing, Reflecting His Glory will be published by the end of this year or the first of next year. The Lord has opened up doors for me to begin doing some web based teaching as well. Scripture memory will also be on the top of my to do list. I am currently working on the first chapter of 1 Peter and hope to memorize the entire book. Regularly updating this blog will also be on my new to do list. I am committed to making this blog a helpful tool for women to access.

All in all, I am very excited about the future. God is so good and I want to spend every single day of my life telling those around me about His goodness and grace. Of course, I cannot do this based on my own strength and power. It will only happen as God works in me for His glory. Paul says it best in Colossians 1:28-29, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." Amen to that!!

Home Sweet Home!!

2009-08-11T08:30:00.002-05:00

Jay and I are so thankful to be home. We had a great trip to Germany and want to thank you for your faithful prayers. Here is a quick recap of our trip followed by a few personal thoughts. Just a reminder--- Jay and I traveled to Germany to take part in the Western Europe AGM. This meeting was designed to encourage and equip the 400-500 people who serve in Western Europe.

~ Saturday: We arrived and settled into our spacious room at the Allgau Stern Hotel in Sonthofen, Germany. The view outside our balcony was fabulous. The Bavarian Alps Alps greeted us each morning and reminded us that all of creation cries out to Him!

~ Sunday: The meeting moved into full swing with powerful worship led by Chuck Sullivan and preaching by Mac Brunson. Mac is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Each morning Mac taught a portion of Psalm 23. The teachings were powerful. God used Mac's messages to remind me about my great need for Jesus the Shepherd. Following each morning session, breakout workshops were provided. I taught each of my sessions during this time. On the first day, I taught a session on Mary from Bethany. The session title was "A Picture of Reflecting." The session went pretty good but I struggled to pull all of my thoughts together. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit spoke truth no matter how I felt about the session. On Sunday afternoon, Jay and I took a Taxi to the local shopping area. We purchased Lego's and candy for the boys. That evening David Platt, Pastor of The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, brought a powerful message from Exodus 33. If you are familiar with David's preaching, you know he is an anointed teacher who loves God's Word and recognizes the importance of living life based on the standards set forth in the Bible. Throughout the week, Jay and I were blessed, challenged, convicted, and inspired as David taught God's Word.

~ Monday: Same schedule as the day before. Mac preached in the morning. My breakout session went great!! I taught a session called "The Anything and Everything of Life." I shared with the women how I struggled with the Lord about teaching that session. However, God would not release me from teaching it. Later I found out that God used that session to minister to several of the women. Thank you Lord! In the afternoon, Jay and I went on a hike. We got caught in the rain but it was so much fun! That night David preached out of Romans. David quoted Romans chapters 1-8 by memory. God moved in such a mighty way that when the preaching was over, no one left the room. We just stood in the Lord's presence. Very Cool!!

~ Tuesday: Mac preached in the morning. I led a session called, "A Prompted Heart." The session went really well. The Lord took the session in a little different direction than I intended, but that was fine with me! Jay and I took a three hour bike ride and watched some local extreme sports. We then rode back into town and ate at a local German restaurant. Very good!! That night David preached from the book of Job. The sovereignty of God was the theme of the message.

~ Wednesday: Mac preached in the morning. I led a session called, "The Nothingness of God." (One of my favorite sessions!!) That afternoon, several hundred people took an excursion to explore a castle. The castle was the inspiration for the castle at Disney. That evening we did not have a group session. Instead, God allowed me to meet with an editor from Thomas Nelson. The meeting was informal and the Lord used this precious sister to affirm the direction I am currently taking in regards to the publication of Reflecting His Glory. Thank You Lord!

~ Thursday: Final day--- bittersweet feelings all day long! Mac preached in the morning. I led a session called, "Rejoicing All The Way Home." This session was probably the best session of the week for me. God's presence was tangible in the room. At the end of the session, I quoted 32 verses of Scripture. This was my first time to quote a lengthy passage of Scripture by memory. I enjoyed allowing God’s Word to flow from deep within my heart. It was a powerful moment and one that helped to define the kind of teaching God is calling me to be. In the afternoon, Jay and I went on another hike to a village not far away from our hotel. It was awesome. Our hike ended at a beautiful river just below our hotel. We took our shoes off and allowed our feet to soak in the cold water. Let me tell you, the Bavarian Alp water is cold!! That evening, everyone in our group took a hike to a huge building on top of a near-by mountain. At that place, we had a German style BBQ, an inspirational message from David, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. It was a great way to end our amazing week!

~ Friday: We left the hotel at 2:00am and arrived home 26 hours later! It was a great trip.

A few personal thoughts:
~ The men and women who serve on the field are amazing. They are the real deal. Each of them faces the same fears we face in America. They have problems with their kids, struggles in their marriages, and fears regarding the future. We need to pray for them and let them know they are not alone!

~ God will not share His glory with another. We can think we are about Him and really be about ourselves. God faithfully redirects us anytime we make it about our name instead of His.

~ The fork in the road between living the comfortable, easy Christian life and the sold out Christian life that will stop at nothing to be a part of God's fame spreading around this earth, is always before us. Daily we must forsake that which is easy and comfortable and willingly surrender to God’s Word as we embrace the person He calls us to be.

~ Right theology produces freedom in our lives. God’s Word is our sure foundation. We can try to build our life on other things but only His Word will remain.

~ I must daily fight the tendency to think small. God is big. He is bigger than my small world and I need to stop thinking about myself. When I view life from His holy perspective, I immediately break the habit of thinking about my life as the focal point of the universe.

~ Sharing the Words of Christ is a privilege. We need to be open to Him at all times. Our hearts should desire to share His life changing truths with the people we meet every single day.

~ God is gracious and I love Him more, know Him more, and praise Him more than I did before I left on this trip. Thank you Lord for spiritual progress. May that always be the goal of my life

Germany!!!

2009-07-24T10:41:00.002-05:00

I leave in one week for Sonthofen, Germany. I have the great honor of leading Women’s Bible Study at the 2009 Western Europe Cluster Meeting. This is a week long event for missionaries who serve in Western Europe. Please pray for all aspects of this week--- safety, health, renewal and encouragement. I will lead five conferences. Each conference is taken from my Bible Study called Reflecting His Glory. I am so excited about this event. I know the Lord is sending me to Germany with His Word and a great desire to love on these ladies. I really believe that many of them feel alone. I trust the Lord will allow me the opportunity to let them know they are not alone! Please check the blog next week. I am going to try and post daily updates. Of course, that will depend on computer access. Even if I am not able to post updates, I value your prayers July 31 to August 9.

Big News!!!

2009-06-10T13:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has been a few weeks since my last update. I promise things have been happening at True Vine Ministry. Last week I signed a contract with an on demand publishing company called Missional Press. I am so excited about this opportunity to publish Reflecting His Glory. I am currently working with an editor and illustrator. If all goes well, Reflecting His Glory will be available around October of this year. Please join me in praying for this project.

I continue to write Free To Thrive! Yesterday I passed the half way point. I hope to complete this devotion by the end of the summer.

Stay Tuned--- God size things are happening.

Facebook

2009-05-26T15:29:00.003-05:00

Well, I did it. I joined the rest of the world by creating a Facebook account. I think it is goign to take some time but so far I like it. I can see how easy it is to get sucked into the Facebook world and spend way too much time reading other peoples thoughts. So, I am going to try to remain balanced by checking my Wall once or twice a day. We will see!

This is the last week of school. Can you believe it? Summer will be here soon and we will be doing all the great things summer has to offer. I look forward to swimming at the pool, cooking on the grill, and taking a family vacation. Due to the rain, we will be playing a lot of make up baseball. I hope we can get it all in before it is too hot.

Have a great week!

Summer Plans

2009-05-19T08:08:00.003-05:00

Well, I set a pretty bold deadline for Free To Thrive! If you remember, I planned to have this new 40 day devotional for women on the go complete by the end of may. Let me just go ahead and say--- I have let myself off the hook. There is no way I can do a good job and complete Free To Thrive! by the end of this month. So, I am giving myself this summer (I hope by the end of June) to complete this new project.

I am really looking forward to the summer. The boys are older and I can take them to do more activities. Silver Dollar City, Wild River Country, and a local swimming pool are on the top of our summer "to do" list. I think we will have a fun summer.

Speaking of summertime fun---- I am writing my July column for Women's Inc. The July theme is Summertime Fun. This theme made me think how easy it is to plan all kinds of fun summer events and leave God out of the mix. Therefore, the article will challenge women to add a passion to know Jesus Christ to the top of their summertime "to do" list. I pray this article challenges women in their summer routine. I know I have been challenged by the concept.

Yesterday I had a phone conversation with Ron M from Brussels, Belgium. Ron is my point person for the mission trip I will be taking in July/August. Jay and I will be traveling to Germany in order to minister to missionaries who serve in Western Europe. I will be teaching the women's Bible Study for the week. Can I just say---- I am very excited about this trip.

As I talked to Ron, the Lord confirmed in my heart the primary reason I am going. I am going to let these ladies know that I love them and that they are not alone in their work. As I spoke these words to Ron, I could tell he appreciated them. At the same time, I knew the Lord was giving me a clear call--- "Andrea, go and love them." I will do just that. I will also trust that the Lord will give us an amazing week in His Word.

I pray that you are having an amazing week in God's Holy Word. Don't let the busyiness of life stand in the way of digging into God's Word and finding everything you need in order to make it through your day!

Weekend Review

2009-05-12T09:51:00.002-05:00

This last weekend was great! Friday night I traveled to the small town of Oden, Arkansas. Oden Baptist Church invited me to speak at a banquet honoring the women of their church. I had a wonderful time with the women. I was inspired by the people who attend this small church. Not too long ago, they were running 16 people on a Sunday morning. Now, they are up to 50! Praise the Lord. This summer they will host a VBS that reaches over 120 children.

Often we think small churches do not have a chance to make an impact. I do not believe that is the case. Small churches have a unique opportunity to meet the needs of the people in their community. I am thankful for Oden and their desire to reach men, women, and children with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Saturday morning, I spoke at a Mother's Day Brunch at Beryl Baptist in Vilonia. The crowd was huge and they were ready for a Word. I love it when I walk into a building and I can "feel" the presence of the Lord. As I got up to speak, the Lord laid a clear Word on my heart for the women. It was not the Word I had planned to share. Yes, it was similar but I was surprised by the Lord's direction. As I was sharing the Word I was trusting the Lord to make it all come together in the end. And of course, He did!

This weekend wrapped up my speaking schedule for the first half of the year. I will have the next month and a half off and then return to speaking in July. In the mean time, I am working hard on the new devotional called Free To Thrive! I am loving every minute of this project and cannot wait to see the final copy. God is speaking a clear Word to women and I am grateful He is allowing me to be a part of the process.

I promise I will update the blog soon! Check back over the summer and I will share some of the family happenings.

A New Project!

2009-05-07T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce that I am working on a new project!

The new project is called Free To Thrive! I am so excited to tell you all about this new resource. Free To Thrive! is a 40 day devotion designed for women on the go. Each devotion provides spiritual meat for women who long to grow spiritually but only have a few minutes to spend in the Word. In fact, each devotion is designed to take 8 minutes or less!

Here is a portion of the intro page: (This is still in rough draft form!)

"The formula for this devotion is simple. Each day you will be asked to Read It!, Think About It!, and Respond To It! This simple approach allows you to take a close look at a spiritual truth and then respond to that truth in your life. The 40 devotions are power packed and designed to speak to the heart of those who long to have freedom in their lives. Galatians 5:1 provides the key point for this study. It states, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1 teaches that freedom is available today! In fact, Jesus valued your freedom so much that He gave His life in order to secure it. This truth should cause you to stop and think. No longer do you have to remain bound up in slavery. Freedom has been purchased and is offered to you.

In your walk with Christ, the choice between slavery and freedom is yours. Will you apply the freedom that Christ offers or will you remain in the slavery the world creates? Free to Thrive! invites you to choose freedom every single day of the week."

I hope to have this devotion finished by the end of May. (YIKES that is soon!) If you would like to be a part of the test group, please let me know. I will need around 5-7 ladies to work through each devotion and provide feedback.

On another note, I want you to know that I love you and I am praying for you today. Allow me to share a verse of scripture with you--- "He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty." Psalm 91:1. You know what I love about this verse? Dwelling leads to rest. So today, if you need a little rest in your heart and in your life, dwell in the presence of our Almighty God!

A bad day turns good!

2009-04-29T15:04:00.004-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days when you need a little encouragement? I was having one of those days yesterday. Let me just go on record and say that yesterday was an all around "blah" kind of day! I did not feel well, I was exhausted because I not gotten much sleep the previous night, and the new Women's Inc Magazine hit the stands and I felt like my article made no sense! (Great time to do a last minute check!) It was just one of those days! I was grumpy, tired, anxious, and generally in a bad mood.

To make things worse, I was suppose to spend yesterday preparing for a speaking engagement that is coming up this Saturday. As I sat at my computer, I could not get focused. I tried everything---prayer, praise and worship, even extra Bible reading. But on a day like yesterday, nothing seemed to work. All day I wanted to throw my hands in the air and yell, "I quit!"

Then in the afternoon I received an email from a friend. The email was totally out of the blue and certainly unexpected. The email simply read--- "I just love your blog and am so glad God laid it upon your heart to create it. I love the Romans 8:28 blog on April 20th. I’ve been feeling down lately... and I know I shouldn’t. I’ve certainly let Satan slip in several times down this road we’re traveling and I know in my heart that God has a purpose. I keep seeing little “pick-me-ups” here and there and know that God is saying everything will be fine if we just trust in Him. Your blog on this verse was a great uplift!! Thanks for all you do with your ministry."

Wow! I really needed an electronic hug and I got one. I also needed the reminder that Romans 8:28 provides, All things work together for good--- even bad days!

Today has been a much better day. I was able to get a good start on the speaking outline for this weekend. More importantly, the Lord kept my eyes focused on Him not my feelings. Thank you Lord for that!

I do have one funny thing to tell you--- I picked Andrew up from pre-school this morning and he looked at me and said, "mom, you need to shave your whiskers." hmmmmm, I will have to check on that!

I hope you are having a good day!

Boys and Baseball!

2009-04-24T10:09:00.004-05:00

Baseball season is in full swing and I love it! I love everything about baseball--- the boys learning how to work together as a team, the parents cheering them on, and the thrill of a win. Speaking of a win, Jake's team got their first "W" last night. It was so much fun!

Jake plays catcher and he did a great job defending home plate. He also had three great hits. One hit went to the fence and he made it all the way to third base. I believe they call that a triple in baseball lingo. I do not know who was more excited, Jake or me! In fact, when I was putting Jake to bed, he mentioned how I was jumping up and down while he was running the bases. I guess I do get a little excited but I think of it as a good work out plan!

Andrew kicks off his baseball career next weekend. Of course, he is playing the kinder gentler T Ball but it will still be fun to cheer him on.

As I think about boys and baseball, I want to share a thought from the Women's Inc article that I am currently working on. The topic of the magazine is men and I wrote about the importance of lifting up our men with the words we use.

This article was challenging for me to write because it called for me to be very honest. Why is it so hard for us to lift up the men in our lives? Perhaps pride plays a key role in the interfering process. Pride keeps our eyes on ourselves and our perceived needs.

In contrast to pride, we find humility. Humility focuses on the other person in the process and challenges us to first think about their needs. Philippians 2:3-4 states, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others." Looking to the interest of others is hard. Why? As sinful fallen people, we look out for number one. This is true even in our marriages and our parenting routine. Often women dig in their heals and refuse to meet another persons needs until they perceive that their needs have been met. Scripture confronts this type of living and calls it sinful.

How can we meet the needs of the men in our lives? Allow me to share a few thoughts that have been helpful to me:

Pray for Them!: Pray daily for the men in your life. Pray for your husband to love Jesus with all of his heart. Pray for your son to be a man of integrity.
Brag about Them!: Brag about your guys to the important people in their lives. A few examples include your husbands parents and your sons close friends. Don’t forget to brag to your close friends and family members too.
Support Them!: Support the decisions your husband makes. Do not undermine your husband in front of your children or wait for the chance to tell your husband, “I told you so.” Give your son space to make decisions in his life. Encourage your son in the decisions he has made even if they do not work out.
Respect Them!: Men’s number one need is respect. Respect involves giving special attention to someone or holding a person in high regard. One way to respect your husband involves making a special effort to meet his needs. As you make this effort, do not tell him what you are doing. Instead, make the effort not expecting anything in return. For your son, respect him by granting him the opportunity to be the person God has called him to be. Do not force your plans, dreams, and desires onto his life. Rather, allow your son the chance to follow the Lord’s leading in his life.

This week I am praying and asking the Lord to help me function out of humility. I invite you to join me in this process. As you do, feel free to post about your experience. I will be praying for you!

God's Good Will

2009-04-20T09:34:00.004-05:00

This morning during my quiet time I was reminded about the goodness of our God. I was studying Romans chapters 7 and 8. I came to Romans 8:28 and this familiar verse fell on me with a freshness that I found surprising. Romans 8:28 states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

If you are like me, you have heard this verse so many times that it tends to become routine. But today, I want to challenge you to hear this verse with a new resolve. Allow me to share a few thoughts about this verse.

"And we know"--- The fact that we can know that God is real, that He loves us, and that He has a clear plan for our lives, should bring a level of peace into our hearts and minds as we face unknown situations and circumstances in our lives. This fact brings peace to my heart as I currently face my own set of unknowns. If I can be very honest, and I know that I can, unknowns can bring a sense of stress, anxiety, and apprehension into my walk with the Lord. I will admit that I know what it is like to lay awake at night and think about all the "what ifs." Today, I choose to stand against this sinful habit and know that God is real, that He loves me, and that He has a plan for my life.
"that in all things"--- The next phrase brings a deep sigh of relief in my heart. The concept of all things working together for a bigger purpose is truly amazing. Simply put, God is not limited by you or by me. Praise His holy name! God is in control and there is nothing you or I can do to mess Him up. If so, He would be dependent upon us rather than us being dependent up on Him. I love the fact that God is big. Look at the picture of God in the garden with Adam and Eve. Even though Adam and Eve messed up, who was in control??? God. You see, from the beginning, God had a plan. God was in control of every detail. As I think and wonder about the unknowns in my life, I can know that in all things God is working and moving. There is no area in my life where God is not attentive and aware of the things going on in my life.
"God works"---Not only is God aware of the things going on in life, He is working and moving in our lives. Yes, even the unknowns that keep us uncomfortable and in desperate need for Him, God is moving. Allow this concept to bring peace into your questioning heart. God is at work in your life and He is at work right now. Why don't you take a few moments and thank Him for the work He is doing in your life. If you are facing an unknown situation, take that situation to the Lord and ask Him to help you see it from His perspective not your own.
"for the good"--- When God works He works for good. This is a Biblical concept that we can stake our claim on. No matter what is going on in life, in God's eyes, it can and will be for a good purpose. This truth is written all over the pages of God's Holy Word. Even in the most desperate of times, God is working for good. The good will of God is often seen in our lives as we walk through unknown situations and circumstances, claiming a promise from God's Word, and as a result coming to a deeper abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. You see, the very purpose of our time on earth is not to make a name for ourselves or experience all that the world has to offer. Rather, our time on this earth is designed to bring us to the place where we are conformed to the very image of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:29) Therefore, every situation that we face becomes a good work of God as we recognize that God is calling us to look more like to Him, act more like Him, and reflect His very work in our lives.
"of those who love and have been called according to his purpose"---The final phrase from Romans 8:28, represents our part in the puzzle. We are the called of God. We have been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ and as a result we are loved and used for His glory alone. In the face of unknown situations and circumstances, this truth should ring in our ears. We are the loved of God. We are the called of God. As a result, we need to make our lives about the unfolding story of God. This focus changes everything as we begin to seek Him in a way that causes us to abandon our very selves. As we seek His name and His story, we find complete freedom to live our lives with a new sense of focus as we make everything about Him. When this occurs, the way we pray changes---"Lord, not my will, but Thy will be done." When this occurs, the way we look at people changes--- "Lord, use me to teach them about You." When this occurs, the way we look at the unknowns in our lives changes. In fact, the unkowns are no longer in control of our lives as we see everything through God's perspective--- "Lord, whether you move this way or that way, I praise Your Name!"

So today, as you go about your day, hear the words of the Lord, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose." Dear sister, please know that I am praying for you this day.

As I close this post, I want to invite you to leave your thoughts about Romans 8:28.

McPherson Prison

2009-04-08T11:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I spent the day at McPherson Prison in Newport, Arkansas. The day began very early. I left my home around 4:45am and picked up my friend Tammy Fletcher in Beebe. We arrived at the prison at 6:45. We entered the prison and went through the process of checking in. Once cleared, we made our way to the P.A.L. barrack.

As we entered the barrack, the lights were out but the Spirit of God was bright. The women were singing praise and worship songs and I instantly felt at home. As I watched the women worshiping the Lord, I felt tears gather in my eyes. I was overwhelmed because I saw and heard genuine worship. Not the kind of worship that I often see in the free world but worship that is born out of desperation. Women were on their knees with their faces to the ground. Others were lifting up their hands and crying out to God. What a moving sight!

The morning went by quickly with teaching by Chaplin Dewitt. Around 11:30 the women lined up to go to lunch. Tammy and I were in for the full experience as we took our place in line and headed to the lunch room. If I can be very honest, the food was truly awful. What amazed me was that several of the women said it was a "good day" regarding the food. My my, I am spoiled.

Following lunch, Tammy and I had the great honor of visiting other areas of the prison and ministering to the women through prayer. God ordained some incredible visits and I was just in awe of the women He brought across our paths. One area we went in was called the in take area. This is the area where new prisoners are housed until they are placed in a more permanent location. The women in this area were open for prayer because they were still trying to grasp their current situation in life. We prayed with two women but soon had to leave.

In the afternoon, Tammy and I had the chance to teach God's Word. The women were open and hungry for spiritual food. I spoke on Psalm 25:15. This verse states, "My eyes are ever on the Lord for only He will release my feet from the snare." This verse, penned by David, challenges believers to examine their focus in life. In a sense--- asking the questions, "What are we looking to?" and "What are we looking for?" Scripture taught that the answer to these questions should be--- THE LORD! As I spoke, the Lord gave me a clear challenge for the ladies--- "If you are looking forward to your physical freedom more than you are looking to the Lord, you are missing the great opportunity to experience spiritual freedom right here behind bars." The women received this strong Word with an open heart!

Soon Tammy and I left the prison and headed home. I will confess that Sonic was our first stop following our departure. A cheeseburger and coke hit the spot after our long day!

Today, as I think back on the day, my heart breaks for many of the women I met. I think about the young women who are going to be in prison for the rest of their lives. Oh, how, I want to just wave my hand over their situations and make things better. I think about the mothers who are missing valuable years in their children's lives and I want to jump in the middle of each situation and make the hurt go away. I think about the women who still do not "get it" and I want to grab each of them and force them to understand God's amazing grace. I think about the precious lady who is spending the next 5 years of her life in prison instead of sitting in her Bible Study class at her home church and I want to ask, "why Lord--- why did this have to happen to her?"

Even as these thoughts run through my mind, I hear the precious truth of God's Holy Word deep inside my heart. For many of these women, prison will be the best thing that ever happened to them. The reason why--- prison will be the avenue God uses to bring them into a deeper abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Because of this fact, we can know that prison becomes a place of hope and rescue for many women. What an amazing paradox we see in this thought--- physical bondage which ultimately brings spiritual freedom. Lord may it be!

Today as I sit at my computer and ask, "What can I learn from my prison experience?" The answer is found in the same truth--- often the difficult situations in my life provide an avenue for God to bring me into a deeper abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. This occurs in my life as I look to the Lord every single day. As I surrender to the teaching found in Psalm 25:15, "My eyes are ever on the Lord for only He will release my feet from the snare."

Dear sister, as you read this blog, the same truth is available in your life. As you fix your eyes on the Lord, you too can experience freedom no matter how bound your circumstances make you feel. In short, spiritual freedom is available and it is available right now. If you want that freedom, follow the teachings of God's Holy Word. Fix your eyes on the Lord Jesus and know that He longs to deliver you from any snare or trap that you have fallen in to.

Heber Springs Baptist Church

2009-04-06T10:40:00.005-05:00

WOW! Is the word that comes to mind as I reflect on this past weekend. I had the great privilege to travel to Heber Springs, AR and lead a womens conference for Heber Springs Baptist Church. I say WOW for many reasons. Allow me to share a few--

~ Over 100 women came to the conference!
~ For several of the women, this was the first womens conference they had attended.
~ When I arrived at the church on Friday night, the womens leadership team was prayer walking every inch of the building. As soon as I walked in the door, the women laid their hands on me and began to pray. I felt so covered by the Lord's presence.
~ Jay and the boys came with me and we enjoyed time with our close friends Casey and Felicia Stone.
~ My family was invited to spend the night at Lindsey's Resort. Imagine a cabin on the river it was amazing!
~ The women arrived at the church on Saturday morning with open hearts to God's Word.
~ I sensed a real freedom to share the Word God had placed on my heart.
~ The Holy Spirit spoke life changing lessons to the women. I know because many of the women grabbed me and shared what God was teaching them through out the day.
~ The day ended with all 100 women taking part in a time of prayer. It was truly moving to see and hear the women praying to the Lord.
~ I was overwhelmed with love from the women. In fact, Glenda Turley, a famous artist and member of HSBC, provided a picture for me to bring home and place on my wall. The picture is beautiful and will always be a reminder of my time at HSBC.

I praise the Lord for the weekend and give Him all the glory.

Tomorrow morning I will be heading to Newport, Arkansas to minister to the women of McPherson Prison. My good friend, Tammy will be joining me. Please pray for Tammy and myself. Pray for the love of our Lord to extend through us to the women of McPherson. Pray for instant rapport and a God size day. To Him be all the glory!

Thank you for your love for the Lord. May you be filled with His mercy and grace as you live your life for Him!

Jet Lag!!

2009-03-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

If you have taken part in international travel, you know about jet lag. I relate jet lag to a fuzzy cloud that hangs around for a couple of days. You long to come out of the clouds but you do not know how. Thankfully, the clouds are starting to lift in my life and my body is responding to central standard time. PTL!

Last week I had the amazing chance to travel across the world and take part in another culture. My life was changed from this experience. Words escape me as I try to assign value to this experience. I was completely changed by the people I met, the things I learned, and the hand of God moving in me and around me. The Spirit of God fanned a flame inside of my heart that keeps me longing for the time when I can return to that place and teach more and more people about Jesus.

During my visit to this far off place, I sat in a church service that was not my own. As I sat, I felt tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. As these dear people sang the song At The Cross, in a language I could not begin to speak, clarity made its way into my heart. All believers in Jesus Christ serve the same God. All believers in Jesus Christ place their hope in His death and resurrection from the grave. And as a result, all of us find our great need for Him at the foot of the cross. Listen to these words--- "At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day!" Thank You Lord.

Truly my life was changed. I thank you for your prayers and kind support. The body of Christ is an amazing thing and we need to know that it is much larger than what we can see or measure. I can testify that God is at work around this world. As Americans we need to know this truth--- even when we think things are falling apart, He is in control. Today, I want to challenge you to join me in living every single day of your life for His glory, His Name, and His Kingdom alone. Let's pray.

Father,
Grant each of your children a heart that beats to the sound of Your voice. May we know that You are big and that You are in control. Lord, give each of us a heart that desires to go in Your name--- whether that is in our neighborhoods or around our world. May our lives be about You and You alone. Lord, take us to the next level in our love and devotion to You. Lord, make us effective in the mighty name of Jesus! AMEN.

Upcoming Week

2009-03-14T21:22:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Please pray for me this week. I will be traveling and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ! Pray for safety, good health, and God's amazing presence every step of the way. Thank you so much for being a part of True Vine Ministry!

Weekend Retreat

2009-03-05T15:58:00.002-06:00

This weekend I will be leading a retreat for Red River Baptist Association. The theme for the retreat will be, "Walking With God." In this retreat, the ladies are challenged to view their lives as a journey--- a journey home. Please pray for the ladies to have an open heart to the Word of God. Please pray for me to remain sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.

The prep for this retreat has been a challenge. That is okay. I know God will get all the glory as He has faithfully reminded me that it is never about my ability but always about His mighty power accomplishing His mighty work.

As the Lord leads, please ask the Lord to speak through each session. The titles include--- A Prompted Heart, The Anything and Everything of Life, and Rejoicing All The Way Home.

Last Week

2009-03-05T15:07:00.002-06:00

Hey!

I thought I would take a minute and catch everyone up on happenings from last week!

On Thursday night, I attended the fifth anniversary party for Women's Inc. I have not taken the time to blog about Women's Inc, so I will do so now. Almost a year ago, I received an email from Lori Quinn, editor of Women's Inc. Lori had received my name from her mother, Kathy Windle, as a possible candidate to write the magazines spiritual column. I was truly honored by the request. Before I accepted, I knew I wanted to talk to Marilyn Mathis. Marilyn had written the column in the past and out of respect for our friendship, I wanted to run the idea past her. I decided I would talk to Marilyn and then get back in touch with Lori. About an hour after that decision, I ran to Target to pick up a few items. I pulled into a parking space and right in front of me sat Marilyn Mathis. I jumped out of the car and talked to Marilyn. Marilyn was so very supportive of me writing for the magazine. With that conversation behind me, I accepted the offer from Lori.

Over the last year, I have loved every opportunity Women's Inc. has provided. I have talked to women I might never have talked to. The Lord has allowed me to share His Word with women who might not read the Bible for themselves. I am always amazed by the fact that women actually read the column! It is not uncommon for me to receive a phone call, email, note, or encouraging word from a reader. I am so thankful for Women's Inc. and the commitment the magazine displays to have a spiritual column.

On Sunday night, I had the great opportunity to return to Second Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Arkansas for another celebration. Joe Francis, the minister of music at SBC, celebrated 25 years in ministry. Joe is a dear friend and a wonderful servant leader. I have many fond memories of working on staff with Joe.

As I walked around the fellowship hall greeting dear friends, I was reminded how much I love and miss the Second Jacksonville Family. SBC Jaxs will always be dear to me. My heart was changed in so many ways while I served the Lord at that place. The people were so gracious to me and loved me even when I made mistakes. I am glad that I am close enough to visit the dear people of SBC Jacksonville. May God continue to bless that Church for His Glory alone.

That wraps up my week in review. I pray you had a wonderful week too!

What A Day! Part 3

2009-02-21T20:57:00.002-06:00

Last night Jay's dad came down and offered to watch the boys while Jay and I went out to dinner. (You can guess how long it took us to jump at that offer!) Jay and I had dinner with some very close friends--- Todd and Tammy Fletcher. Allow me to share a little about my friend Tammy.

Tammy and I had a "chance" meeting about 7 years ago. We were at a women's retreat at Camp Paron, Arkansas. I remember meeting Tammy and thinking that she was very sharp. We met again a year later at a scrapbook party. It was then that I realized that Tammy was also crafty. Little did I know the importance Tammy would play in my life.

Fast forward about 5 years. Tammy and I met again while I served as interim Minister of Education at Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville, AR. I remember my first official day on the job. Jimmie Sheffield, my good friend/mentor, had hired me to serve as his right hand "gal" during the interim process. (Let me say, God was so in all of that. My life has been so blessed by my friendship with Jimmie!) As Jimmie was showing me the church, Tammy was in the fellowship hall setting up for an event. As Jimmie introduced us, I instantly remembered Tammy. Over the next two years, Tammy and I became very close friends.

What I love about my friendship with Tammy is our common bond in serving God's people and soaking up God's Word. Tammy has an incredible call on her life to teach women the Word of God.

Tammy has written and is in the process of refining a Bible Study called Exposing The Heart. This study deals with the emotions of the flesh and how we can crucify these emotions in order to have a Christ-like response. (this is a major paraphrase) Tammy is currently teaching this study at her home church and will be leading a women's conference in October on this topic. If you would like more info on Tammy and her ministry, let me know and I will put you in touch with her.

Last night as we ate dinner, we enjoyed incredible friendship and fun. We laughed till our sides hurt. I know Jay and I left the night feeling so thankful for wonderful friends. Oh, and the food, it was fabulous. Of course, we will have to eat PB&J for the rest of the week. That's okay, it was worth it for the wonderful food at Brave New Restaurant.

What a day! Part 2

2009-02-21T16:53:00.002-06:00

Yesterday for lunch, I met the most amazing woman. Her name is Stacey Smith. Stacey is the Program Coordinator for Prison to Purpose. Prison to Purpose is a Bible based program for women who serve time at McPherson Prison in Newport, Ar. What I love about Stacey and her story is the fact that she was an inmate at McPherson Prison. While serving a 60 year sentence, Stacey met Jesus and soon her life was radically transformed. God allowed Stacey to parole after serving 12 years.

As Stacey shared her story with me, I was struck by her wisdom and her willingness to go anywhere and share the Good News. Today, Stacey travels and speaks to women both inside the prison and outside the prison. Her testimony for Christ is truly powerful. I was so blessed to meet her and pray with her. Please pray for Stacey as she continues to serve the Lord. If you would like more info about Stacey and her ministry, let me know.

While Stacey and I were having lunch, she invited me to speak at the prison. I was so excited I would have gone with her yesterday! However, April 9th appears to be a better date. I cannot wait! "Thank you Lord for the amazing opportunity to teach Your Holy Word to women who are ready to hear about Your love, grace, forgiveness, and restoration."

I will keep you posted on this!

What a day! Part 1

2009-02-21T15:40:00.003-06:00

I just have to share about my day yesterday--- it was amazing! It was so amazing that I am going to deal with the day in two different posts.

Yesterday morning began with a meeting at First Baptist Church in Mayflower. My dear friend and mentor, Jimmie Sheffield, serves as interim pastor at FBC Mayflower. Jimmie and I met to go over the final revisions for Reflecting His Glory.

Reflecting His Glory is a Bible study that I have written for women. The study is 8weeks in length and covers Romans 12:2. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--- his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

I am so excited about this study. I finished the majority of the writing over the summer. Since that time, friends and family members have graciously worked through the study and provided much needed feedback. Jimmie has read through the study at least 5 times and served as my first round editor. (Thank you Jimmie!)

I cannot even begin to describe the journey this study represents in my life. I remember the day the Lord called me to write the study. I was sitting at my computer and thinking about a comment a friend had made to me following a retreat. My friend had said, "Andrea you should develop session 2 (which was the study on Romans 12:2) into a Bible study for women." As I sat at the computer a few days later, I asked the Lord what He thought about the idea. As I was seeking the Lord, I started to type. In 30 short minutes, I had an outline for the entire Bible study with names for each day's homework. I knew the Lord was up to something so I quickly fell on my knees and put my face to the ground. As I laid with my face to the ground, I surrendered to an unknown process that was bigger than myself.

Over the next two years, the workbook became my number 1 ministry call. Of course, I had retreats and conferences, but the workbook was my main focus. I worked hard every single day. There were ups and downs. I wanted to quit but the Lord said, "keep on going." During this time, I never sensed that I was in it alone. God's Word was so alive and so clear.

The day I completed the Bible study I sat and cried. I thought about the journey and the fact that God had graciously and lovingly changed me through the process. It wasn't that I did not expect Him to change me, I did. I just never imagined the lengths and the depths of the change that His Word and Spirit would bring into my life. What a sweet Savior we serve. A Savior who longs to be in every single part of our lives. A Savior who loves us and calls us to be more and more like Him every single day. Thank you Lord!

As I sat and cried at my computer following the completion of the Bible Study, I once again fell to my knees and placed my face to the ground. While on my face, I gave the study to the Lord in a whole new way. Reflecting His Glory is the Lord's study. Even as I type this sentence, I find a sense of peace and rest knowing that God is in control. I do not know when or how the study will be published, but God knows. I do not know the steps that will lead to that place, but God does. With these truths in my heart, I find my place of rest in Christ alone.

Please join me in asking and expecting God to do more than we can ask or imagine with this study. Please pray for me as well. Pray that I will daily trust the Lord to work and move in the lives of His people for His Glory alone.

A quick hello!

2009-02-18T13:48:00.002-06:00

Hey friends,
I hope this entry finds you doing well! Allow me to give you a quick update regarding the happenings at True Vine Ministry. On Monday, I spoke at the W.I.S.E. luncheon hosted by Conway Christian School. I had a great time speaking to the women (and three men) who attended the event. Mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and staff members made up the crowd and everyone was great! We looked at Psalm 33:20-21,"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name." This passage challenged each us to wait with a since of expectation knowing God will work in our lives, hide behind the Lord instead of trying to make things work on our own, rejoice no matter the situation we face, and trust God's ability and desire to work on our behalf. Thanks to everyone at CCS!

The rest of the week I have been busy preparing handouts for upcoming retreats, writing an article for Women's Inc., and talking with Pastor's/staff members about upcoming ministry opportunities. It has been neat to see how my phone and email have been very busy over the last few days. You know, I never want to take the opportunities that the Lord provides for granted. I also never want to think that I some how made any of them happen. This ministry is the Lord's and I thank Him for the time He allows me to live on this earth and teach His Word.

With all of these thoughts on my mind, this morning I was overcome with a sense of deep gratitude to the Lord. Even though I was a bit stressed out with all my "to do's," I had to stop and praise the Lord. Often, I allow the busyness of my day to get in the way of worshiping my Lord. Today, I did not want that to happen. As I took time to worship, I was reminded that spontaneous times of praise are the best! "Lord, may I praise you more and more as I focus less and less on myself."

Today, as you read this post, I hope the same desire is on your heart--- to focus on Him more and more and your desires less and less.

I love you!

Moving On

2009-02-10T15:44:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it is almost the middle of February? Time is really moving forward. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me last night. I had a meaningful time in Arkaldelphia, Arkansas. The weather was yucky but God's presence was good! A special thanks to all the ladies who braved the storm in order to study God's Holy Word.

This week I have been reminded about the sovereignty of God. Aren't you glad that God is in control? I am. I am glad that God is faithful to open doors and close doors. In both cases, God's sovereign control is evident. Today, I bow my head and my heart in order to follow His plan not my own.

Next Monday, I have the great privilege of speaking at the W.I.S.E. Luncheon here in Conway. The luncheon is for women who support Conway Christian School. I am looking forward to this luncheon as we examine our hearts.

Update

2009-02-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends! Thank you so much for your prayers. I sensed several of you praying for me as I spoke last Wednesday at Ladies' Lunch Break. The crowd was great. I think we had around 130 ladies. More importantly, God's Spirit was present. I am so thankful. Women's Inc came and covered the event. The photographer was very gracious and took several pictures. Lori Quinn, the editor of Women's Inc, provided copies of the magazine for all the ladies. I enjoyed talking to several of the ladies after the event and look forward to seeing them again.

Tonight I have a speaking engagement in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. This event is provided by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church. Tonight will be extra special because I will have the chance to meet several women who are planning a retreat that I will be leading in early March.

Of course, the best part of tonight will be opening God's Holy Word with a new group of ladies. We will be studying how to maintain a passionate love relationship with Jesus while living in our busy worlds. This is a session I always need to heart! Please keep tonight's event in your prayers.

I love you!

Wednesday Lunch Break

2009-02-02T09:38:00.003-06:00

This Wednesday I have the great honor of filling in for Marilyn Mathis. As many of you know, Marilyn has led a community wide Bible Study for 20 years. The study is held on the first Wednesday of each month. Around 150 ladies attend and lunch is served. I am always amazed at how much teaching the Lord allows Marilyn to accomplish in a short amount of time.

This Wednesday we will look at the topic, "Matters of the Heart." I invite you to come and take part in the study of God's Holy Word. The cost is $5.00 and you can pay at the door.

Please pray for me as I finish the lesson preparation. Pray for God to send ladies who have serious matters on their heart. Pray for God to be honored and for the ladies to have an openness to the moving of His Holy Spirit.

Weekend Review

2009-01-26T09:44:00.002-06:00

What a weekend! A big thank you to the women of Lake Hamilton Baptist Church. God moved in such a mighty way. I am still praising the Lord this morning. The women at the retreat were incredible. The Ladies of Lake Hamilton had reached out to other churches in the community and invited them to take part in the retreat. At least six churches were represented!

Friday night was a "tough" session but good. God had clearly instructed me to talk about sin and the effect sin has on our walks with Him. The story of David counting the fighting men provided the opportunity for us to delve deep into our hearts and examine ways we allow self-sufficiency to reign instead of God-sufficiency. The ladies were so open to this strong word from the Lord. Many of them shared specific ways the Holy Spirit had spoken to their hearts. I told the ladies that I also heard a strong word from the Lord. In fact, I had trouble going to sleep on Friday night because I was processing all the ways that I had turned from God and relied on myself during the prior week.

Saturday morning, the Lord woke me up with a strong passion to teach His Word. I was so thankful for that. Each retreat is different. Sometimes I wake up and think, "Lord I can't do this." (which is true!) Other times I wake up and can't wait to get back to the church and open God's Word. This weekend I was glad that I had the latter response. I was also thankful to see the women had returned with the same excitement. After Friday night, I prayed God would give the women a desire to keep digging into His Word.

The first session on Saturday dealt with practical ways to remain focused on the Lord during our daily lives. We studied Psalm 101:2-4 and found the call to live a careful life. The goal God had laid on my heart for this session was to provide tangible ways to renew. I shared many of the disciplines God has called me to practice in my life.

The final session on Saturday was so very special. The Holy Spirit was clearly working as we opened God's Word to the book of Ezra. In this session we studied the call God had placed on the heart of Ezra and Ezra's response to this call. In short, we found that we must answer the calls in our lives not out of our strength but out of God's courage.

I continue to pray for the women of Lake Hamilton and thank God for their friendship, love, support, and encouragement. I will be returning to this precious Church in December. However, I will see many of the ladies before December. God in His goodness and grace has opened up other doors for me to minister in the Hot Springs area. All I can say is, "thank you Lord."

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-01-20T22:37:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I have already blown my goal of posting twice a week. At least that pressure has been lifted!

Seriously, things are busy at True Vine Ministry. This weekend I will lead a retreat at Lake Hamilton Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I am very excited about this retreat. I will be teaching three sessions. Each session will provide practical ways to have a fresh faith in 2009. The theme of the retreat is “New Year; New You!” Please pray for my focus as well as the ladies in attendance. I always pray that I will have a genuine sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit. I also pray that the ladies will be open to the moving of the Spirit in their lives.

Today, I also received an email regarding my upcoming mission trip. I cannot disclose the location but I can share that I will be traveling in March with four Pastors to lead a Pastors/Pastor's wives retreat. (I have the privilege to lead the wives in the study of God's Word) Please begin to pray for safety as well as the many details regarding lesson preparation, working with translators, and possible cultural barriers. My desire is that we will have a wonderful time worshiping the Lord as we study His Holy Word. I will keep you posted on this trip.

A Step Forward

2009-01-15T17:12:00.002-06:00

Today I will be posting an updated bio on the TVM website. This posting represents a big step in my personal walk with the Lord. Allow me to share.

Around 10:00 p.m. last night, I was on the TVM website looking around and seeing if anything needed to be updated. I saw a few things but nothing major. Then I decided to click on my bio and read the content. For the first time, I was aware that the bottom portion of my bio shared more information about my experiences serving in the local church than my passion to teach women the Word of God. I thought about that for a few minutes and knew it was time to make a change.

When I wrote the first bio and placed it on the website, my heart was torn between two ministry calls--- local church work and teaching women the Word. My bio reflected this struggle. At the time, my love for local church work was fresh and my longing to return was real. In those first days of official women’s ministry, my heart desperately wanted to return to familiar ground. However, I was determined to follow the Lord no matter how uncomfortable I had to be.

Today, by God’s grace, I am in a different place. I no longer feel the struggle. My heart is planted completely in teaching women God’s Word. I do not long to return to the former comforts of my life. I long to move forward and serve God no matter what.

Things I will always miss about local church work:

Ministering within a team of people. I miss serving with a staff. Some of my most cherished memories occurred with fellow servants called by God to equip God’s people for His service.
Serving the same group of people each week and watching their faith grow. For the most part, the women I teach changes weekly. New faces can be a blessing but I miss seeing the effect of the Word of God as it takes root in lives.
Putting together a ministry plan and watching the pieces fall into place. I loved hearing from the Lord regarding the ministry direction of the church. Whether it was a discipleship plan or an evangelism emphasis, I found this fun!

Things I love about teaching women the Word of God:
The peace in knowing I am where God has called me to be.
The frequent moments when I cannot but I know He can (and will!)
The quiet times of study when the Lord allows me to receive His Word for a group of ladies.
Meeting so many neat ladies and seeing the Body of Christ from a larger perspective.
Freedom that comes from knowing I am in over my head!

Weekend Review

2009-01-12T13:18:00.004-06:00

Thank you for your prayers regarding the retreat! The ladies from Mt. Zion Baptist Church were awesome. The genuine love and care within the group blessed and encouraged my heart. Thanks ladies. I will continue to pray for you and look forward to the time when we can get together again and study God's amazing, life changing Word!

With this retreat complete, I am officially back in the swing of ministry. November and December provided a much-needed time of rest as well as an opportunity to focus on my family. While I am always thankful for rest and family interaction, the transition back to a more normal ministry routine proves challenging. Without a doubt, this transition back has been difficult.

Have you ever been there? Wanting desperately to focus on the God size task ahead, yet lacking the ability to do so? I think we all have. God in His grace meets us at places like these and reminds each of us to look to Him. While the choice is ours, the invitation remains clear, "Come to me and I will give you rest."

Throughout my crazy week last week, I had the choice to go to the Lord and lay my divided heart before Him. Unfortunately, it took most of my week to come to a place of desperation. Oh, don't get me wrong, early in the week I was desperate. Just desperate for the wrong thing. On Monday and Tuesday, I was desperate to fix my lack of focus. By Wednesday, I was trying everything to pull myself together so I could feel ready to do the work God had called me to do. Thursday was pretty much a blur spiritually. On Friday, I came to the point of knowing that I would never be ready if it was based on my abilities. Thankfully, the Lord in His grace, reminded me that I will never be able to ready myself for His work, only He can make me ready. Suddenly, my choice became clear, I had to recognize my inability and rest in His great ability. Thank You Lord!

This week if you feel divided become desperate for Him. I know of no better cure for a divided heart and a scattered mind than a desperate desire for the Lord.

I am praying for you!

Weekend Retreat

2009-01-07T09:24:00.003-06:00

This weekend I will be leading a retreat for Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Walcott, Arkansas. The retreat will be held at Ceder Glades Retreat Center in Imboden, Arkansas.

I am really excited about this retreat because I am teaching three lessons from the study Reflecting His Glory. (To catch some of you up, I have written an eight week study for women called Reflecting His Glory. The study is not published. Several friends are working through the study to help me refine the lessons. Please join me in praying that God will open the door for publication in His time and His way! "Lord, I thank you in advance that You are faithful to accomplish Your work. Lord, I rest in You!") Back to the retreat, two of the lessons I will be leading this weekend are "favorites." The other lesson has been more of a struggle. The Lord has graciously encouraged me to stick with the lesson. Please pray for the retreat and for the lesson called "Living In Two Worlds." I will share more about this lesson soon.

I love my husband!

2009-01-06T22:33:00.002-06:00

Thanks Jay for creating this blog. I love you!

I am so glad you stopped by! I hope you will check the TVM blog each week. I will post prayer requests and detail upcoming events. Please feel free to leave a message. Talk to you soon!

Andrea