Hallelujah, Praise His Name!

Its been nearly three years since Marc had the accident and totaled his prize possession! I remember the day like it was yesterday. We had not been at WABC long and it was a Sunday that I did not go to church with him. I got this strange call from my Uncle who asked if Marc was home yet, but didn't say much more then that (I found out later someone we knew had seen Marc on the side of the road and had called my uncle). I recall at the time thinking it was kind of strange so I called Marc to tell him that my uncle was looking for him. Thats when he informed me he had been in an accident. Thankfully he was ok, but we had recently paid off the car and it had just had major body work done to it after an accident with a tent in our yard (a big gust of wind had come through our area and the tent we had in the yard had literally scratched the car from one end to the other). This all happened after a time of major surgery for Marc and the last thing we wanted to do was add another bill to our name (good thing too, because a few months later he was laid off). We have had several used cars since that time all with some form of car trouble. But Marc had been continually on the look out (while saving) to purchase a "new" car (new to us, but not new right off the car lot). Well yesterday he got his wish and in the form of the same car as his dream car (just silver instead of blue). 

Look at his face! That's a happy man (even if he is too proud to admit it). :)

He would tell you its not a big deal but I know he really wanted this car. And it took a lot to get it here. Yesterday afternoon him and Nicki headed to pick up the car. Unfortunately there had been an accident on the highway and a trip that should have taken them 30 to 40 minutes took a 2 hrs! It didn't help that it was in the 90s yesterday and the air went out in Marc's work truck! When they finally reached their destination it was to late to go to the bank (the owners wanted cash). Nicki texted me to say that they were coming home without the car! Knowing my husband like I do I knew he was not a happy camper (would you be after being in traffic for hrs, in 90 degree heat). Long story short it had already been a trying couple of days and I tweeted "Yep, one of those days. But I'm going to keep reminding myself that God is in control"! I kid you not less then a minute later Nicki texted back "Wait mom, the husband is talking to his wife and I think they are going to let Dad have the car"! At that moment my tears (have I mentioned I have been doing a lot of crying this week) turned to laughter.

 Just when you think your world is out of control God reminds you who's really in control. Yes its just a car, but yesterday it became about soo much more. We (I) say over and over that we know God has our back, that he's guiding our footsteps but deep inside do we really believe that? In many cases he has proven it time and time again (like when he spared Marc from injury in that crash) that he is in control! I'm soo glad my God is a patient God because I'm not sure I would be if I was in his shoes (who amd I kidding, I know I wouldn't). I'm pretty sure next week (or even today or tomorrow) I will have doubts again....but thank goodness he is in control. So at this moment I'll just say hallelujah, praise his name! Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy!

Veronica Brown

Veronica and I "met" via twitter and Leading and Loving It. We connected over fashion and our heart for pastor wives. The fact that we are both married to a "Mark" (well Marc in my case) just adds to the list of the things we have in common (that and the fact that we are both lovers of purses)! But I especially love hearing about her boys and their daily antics. Her youngest just cracks me up. Veronica has been such an encouragement to me and even though we have not actually met in person I know when we do it will be hard to keep us from talking a mile a minute for hours on end...lol. Veronica has been married to Pastor Mark for 12 years.  Together they lead Breath of Life Worship Centre, in Austin, Texas.  They have two amazing boys.  She earned a degree in Biblical Studies and Theology in 2004, thereafter completed seminary and is currently on a journey to be an attorney (not sure how she does all this).  You can connect with her on twitter, facebook or via blog.

To the reader who is “going through”….

 First let me define “going through.”  I’m not talking about breaking a nail on the way to work.  Or the gameroom, kids room and living room looks like a mess and it’s going to take three days to clean.  Nor am I speaking about the sista who can’t decide on which Louis Vuitton to get or weather to pick a 2ct or 2.5ct ring upgrade…. I’m speaking to the person who’s house is about to be foreclosed or has been foreclosed, to the man/woman that just lost their job, to the family that just had their car repossessed, to the woman that just received that report about the illness, to the graduate who wants to go to college but doesn’t qualify for financial aid and neither has money to pay for tuition, to the daddy that just found out that’s not really his baby after five years, to the mama that just found out she has miscarried, to the pastor that was just betrayed by their right hand person, to the church planter that just lost their core team and everyone has walked out due to difficultly except your wife and kids; but you know you are still called.  To the wife that lost her husband, to the daughter who’s daddy went to be with the Lord, to the son who lost his brother, I’m talking to reader who is “going through”…

 Today I have the privilege of sharing with you from my heart.  Cyndi said I could write on whatever the Lord placed on my heart.  So with that liberty I want to take a minute to encourage you!

 There are times in life we feel the air has literally been knocked out of us.  We are not sure how we are going to go on, face tomorrow or get back on our feet.  But whatever you are going through, I want you to know you WILL make it out.  This season might be difficult to handle and walk through but you are not alone.  Jesus was clear in Matthew 28:20 where he said…. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” I Corinthians 1:9 “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”

 How is God faithful in the roughest seasons of our life?  While we experience the good, the bad and ugly in life, God does not send it all; but will use it all.  The bible teaches us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

 Have you ever heard of an Apothecary?  (Exodus 30:25) In the Old Testament, the apothecary was a pharmacist, a druggist or a perfumer.  When you study apothecaries out, they were somewhat like scientist when it came to precision of the ingredients they gathered.  If it was a tree bark, branch, root, herb, spice; the Lord would instruct them what to gather, from where to gather and exactly where to cut.  Our apothecary (Jesus) knows exactly where to cut the trees (us).  He knows how to cut at the root without destroying the foundation.  He understands the devil wishes to cut with no ability to recover; but even in those situations He (the Holy Spirit) is able to minister to our wounds.  Whichever way you shake whatever you are going through weather it be a test, trial or attack of the enemy God is faithful to use the amalgamations of our life experiences.  I want to encourage you that everything is going to be alright and God is going to work everything out.  It is painful to go through situations, allow growth to take place and know that I love you and am praying for your success!  You may feel pressed on every side, but your not crushed; persecuted but not abandoned, cast down but not destroyed.  Jesus is the way maker, he will make a river in desert places.  He can make water come out of a rock, He split the ocean wide, raised people from the dead, walked on water, made blind eyes see, withered hands whole, he’s provided money for the those in need, he’s provided comfort for those that are hurt.  He has provided strength during difficult times, He created jobs and positions for unemployed, I’ve seen him speak to a family to bless another with a vehichle, I’ve seen him supernaturally heal terminal disease, restore broken relationships and I know that I know, that if you call on him, He will SEE you through. Blessing...........Veronica Brown

Alida Sharp

I "met" Alida early on when I was first begin looking to connect with other Pastor Wives (that was nearly three yrs ago). She was actually one of the first african american pastors wife I knew of with a blog besides moi!  Over the years we have "talked" a lot, prayed for one another and I'm hoping the day will come (soon) that we will actually get to meet in person! Alida amazes me with her strength and the endurance it must take to live out the life of a missionary and wife. I'm not sure if I could do it, but through her blog I have gained a new respect and appreciation for missions and those who dedicate their life to it! Tom and Alida served for five years on the mission field in Russia. They moved there with their two sons, teenagers at the time, to work in the area of Christian Recovery. Tom was able to train prison psychologists, pastors, and lay people to work with addicts and alcoholics. He also counseled people on various things such as family life, marriage, grief, parenting and healing childhood trauma. Alida served as his translator during counseling sessions, as part of the leadership team for MOPS at their local church, ran a women's recovery support group and sang on the worship team. After five years in Russia they are currently serving in Central America in the country of Belize.

 In the early days of our life in Russia I was petrified. I was afraid of making a mistake. I was afraid of the police. We had heard such horror stories about the Russian police, corruption and the old Soviet gulags. I was afraid of something happening to one of my sons. I was afraid of offending people at church or unknowingly insulting one of our neighbors by using the wrong word or pronouncing something wrong. I was afraid of not being able to understand or of not being understood. I was afraid of being laughed at, yelled at or ridiculed or taken advantage of. I was even afraid that we had heard God wrong and that perhaps we should have stayed in California. And for a long time I was so afraid to speak.

Anything that we did or said required advanced planning. Even something as simple as asking for something at the meat counter in the supermarket required me to think. I had to think “what is the word for beef?” “How do I ask her to grind it for me?” I had to give myself reminders to use the polite form of the word ‘you’ and so on. In those early days as we were acquiring language skills and growing in our cultural awareness there was so much to process. And it wouldn’t you know it but the more we learned it actually got harder. Once I knew that there were multiple ways to ask or state my opinion I wondered which was best for reflecting me. Am I saying it in a way that truly expresses what I mean and who I am? I even remember thinking that if I struggle so much with asking for an item at the deli counter how will I ever be able to share my testimony?

Thinking before speaking was an acquired trait for me. But it was a trait worth learning… a trait worth meditating on. You know what I mean? Go ahead and ask yourself “How often do I speak words that are just off the top of my head?” “Do I make flippant comments in an attempt to be funny?” “Do I truly take the time to think about what my opinion really is?” And lastly “What is the best way to express my opinion in a godly manner?” There are many lessons that God taught me in Russia, but this one, the value of words well spoken… truly struck at the core of my being. And it continues to stretch me as I step out of my comfort zone here in Belize to give a sermon at church, or a lesson on purity in a high school or speak at a Women’s event on the spiritual needs of those who have been sexually abused or affected by commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. There is not a language barrier here but I have an American accent that makes it hard for some people to understand my words. So I have to slow down, think how best to say it and then speak. 

And I wonder… how often does God have to do this with me?

Time To Get On The Bus!

We are gearing up for VBS 2011 at WABC! Now I know that everyone has different views on whether VBS is still relevant today and for some its become not much more then a babysitting service. As a former VBS and Youth Director I get it where people are going with the arguments against it. But I also understand the importance of engaging youth in some type of activity over the summer. Many youth don't have the same opportunities that many parents take for granted. Marc and I were never in a position to send our kids away to camp and in most cases we could not even afford most of the day or week camps that so many families send their kids to each year. There was no family vacation timeshare, or summer lake house! Just being able to take a vacation was a blessing in itself. So when VBS came around each year it was a big deal in our household (granted it meant a lot of work because most of the time we were responsible in some form or the other for its planning). 

Back then it wasn't necessarily about reaching those far from Christ (or upping our numbers) but a way to engage our youth in meaningful conversations about Christ and providing a safe place for them to be when school was out. I know since that time VBS has changed quite a bit, and many today are more focused on reaching out to those in the community (good for them). For some it works, and for others its outgrown its usefulness. With the economy being what it is today I would like for people to consider a few things (especially if your trying to reach youth in an inner city setting). What alternatives are your offering as more and more programs for our youth are being slashed? Have you considered the fact that not every child has access to a youth league, summer camp, or the money to go on a youth mission trip? How many people are you not reaching because your ministry looks too slick or lacks diversity in not just your team, but your events, your music, your graphics and literature? I'm not saying you have to do VBS, but I would ask what are you doing to reach the kids and parents in our cities who may be far from Christ, but also may just need a safe place for a week that is away from abuse, gang violence, drugs, or whatever? Lets not get soo caught up in being cool that we overlook a generation of lost who don't have the same advantages that we might be able to provide for our own children. 

One last thing....if your in a position to partner with a smaller church in your area..do that. If your a smaller church in the community don't be afraid to reach out to other churches in your community for assistance. One of the things I love about my hometown community is that most of the churches are not able to substain a VBS event on their own so they have learned to partner together and for the last few years many of them have gotten together to hold one large event for the entire group of churches! How great is that! Its time to stop dragging each other under the bus in an effort to stand out, maybe its time we all got on the bus together and really start making a difference in our communities! 

Sunday Best!

Its been a while since I did a Fashion Sunday. Honestly I haven't felt that fashionable, but Nicki wanted to show off her new outfit so I caved in and here we are! Some days you just want to be comfortable! And today was that day for me. The necklace was $8.00 from Forever21! Yes, I actually shop there. Most of the time its for jewelry, and every once in a blue moon I actually find a top that I like. LOL

The watch is a gift. I have a thing for white watches. I think this is my third or fourth one! 

The top was $6.00 from Roses of all places. Its a nice, comfortable cotton top that can be worn with just about anything. And it covers up the scar on my chest (now to find a bra that you can't see...lol). I love this top soo much I got it in white, pink, yellow and lime green!

Nicki is wearing a jumpsuit from Foverer21, a blazer from a local thrift store that still had the tag on it and shoes from Aldos. She's trying to channel her inner Dulce Candy! LOL

The owl is Forever21 (can you tell the two of us need to stay out of this store?)! The skirt I am wearing is a throwback from last years cruise to Canada and if all goes as planned it will be worn again this year to the Bahamas!!!! We decided to scratch our Disney trip (pooh), but its on the agenda for next year so I'm not too bummed. Marc and Quisha just need to get passports and it will be a go. I'm excited because Marc will get two vacations in this year after a five year run without a vacation at all and this time I get him all to myself (well I'll share him with the girls) on a boat. Granted there will be thousands of folks on board. But I digress. The real benefit is He can't go anywhere (unless you count an excursion) and he can't make calls (well he could bit he wouldn't like the bill...LOL). Mostly I'm just excited that we get to spend a leisurely vacation enjoying ourselves and for just a little while we can leave all of our cares behind...ooh yeah man! So what are your summer plans?

Pam Booher

Pam and Chuck have been married for 33 years and ALL of them have been IN ministry! They have 2 sons both married, and in Pam's words......."have given us AMAZING Grand Kids"! Their youngest son, Tim, is on staff with them as their Children's Pastor. Pam recently retired from being a Professional Photographer and now heads up the Photography Ministry at Crossroads Christian Church. I'm almost positive this is what first drew me towards Pam. I loved that she had a photography ministry at her church (I look forward to the day I can share the joy of taking pictures at church with other photographers). And when we finally met in person at the retreat we had an instant connection (she is really easy to talk to and she was one of the few women in the room with grown children....LOL).. I asked Pam if she could give some insight into being in ministry for the long haul and she did not disappoint! 

I have ALWAYS LOVED the Ministry! AND being IN ministry for 34 years has been one of the LOVES of my life… we were in Youth Ministry for 26 years!!!  Now we are in the Lead Pastor role!

It has sure evolved over the years too! I didn’t grow up with Christian parents – so I knew NOTHING of what “the Ministry” really was. The only Pastor’s Wives I knew – sang in the choir, sang solo’s during the service, played the piano AND made the suits for their Pastor Husbands! I was NONE of those things…   =) and I KNEW that was just not ME =)

A few of my LIFE lessons – being IN ministry

1. Early on one of our students made a comment “Don’t you do EVERYTHING right?” – HAHAHA!  Well… it was at that moment I KNEW I had to share with her things I didn’t do right – but they were lessons learned =)  AND both Chuck (my husband) and I decided that our lives were an open book – he has always shared a LOT of our lives with the church! It helps hold us accountable too!
2. Another thing EARLY on… I realized I could NOT minister to EVERYONE =) There are some people that just require a little more time than others. For me… I can LOVE on them then lead them to another person that has the skills to help them! AND I had to learn it is OK to not feel guilty about it!
3. We have had to move quite a bit in our early years too – I think we moved once a year for the first 5 years of our marriage!  It was for various reasons… but, IF we changed churches it was because God called us away – and we ALWAYS moved to that church like we were going to be there til we died! =)  We gave it ALL we had!  We didn’t use the places we were as stepping stones til something better came along!
4. I learned too… to be content right where GOD had me! Moving, babies, working outside the home, ministry, LIFE… =)  I used to think “one day it will slow down” – I think I am still waiting for that day!!  HAHA!!
5.  Another thing… think the BEST of people – it usually is NEVER what it seems! I have learned to do that in my marriage too  - I think that is where I had to learn it first! HAHA!! If something seems off – don’t jump to a BAD conclusion!
6. When you -or your husband -or your church are attacked – and you WILL be attacked! -  LOVE! It maybe difficult during that season… but IF you love -  your reactions won’t be as harsh! Realize that Satan wants to attack where it will hurt the MOST!  I have always thought if you are getting attacked then you are doing something right! If you are not getting attacked… ENJOY the moment and then - step it up a notch!  =)
7. Don’t take it too personal when friends leave the church. This one is the most difficult for me… I pour my heart and life into people – and they feel the need to leave =(  and it hurts! I don’t think that they intentionally set out to hurt you… BUT I do think that because we are the leaders IN the church -we  take it hard! And even personally! BECAUSE we are the leaders and they still leave! I have had friends leave for different reasons – AND each one hurt!

I have learned so MUCH over the years… and GOD still uses ME while I am learning! I am in a new phase of life now… and still learning and desiring to be used by GOD to GLORIFY HIS NAME! =)

Guest Bloggers

I learned a valuable lesson last month while studying to speak before the women at WABC and especially after my experience at the Armed and Dangerous Retreat. I'm not in this thing alone! There are ladies out there who understand exactly what it means to be me! And not only have they gone through some of the same things I have, but in many cases some are going through some of the same things I'm going through right at this very moment! I also learned how important it is not to judge a book (or in this case a church) by its cover! We may come from different backgrounds, different denominations...some of us are in youth ministry, some of us senior pastor wives, some of us are campus pastor wives, some of us are transitioning churches, some of us are planting churches....but most if not all of us want the same thing. We want to see lives changed, we want to see those who are hurting healed, we want to find some type of balance when it comes to our family and ministry. We have good days and bad days just like everyone else. There are days we love our life and the ministry in which we lead and some days we don't.

I also learned the importance of connecting with women who understand you, who get who you are, and are willing to offer advice and support when and if you ask for it. I also learned how many friends I had out there when I asked nine really special women if they would be willing to be guest bloggers here. All nine ladies said yes, with very little or no hesitation! Starting tomorrow and every Tuesday and Thursday during the month of June several women, with diverse backgrounds in leadership will be featured here on my blog. I asked each of them to write whatever God placed on their hearts to speak about.,,,and I'm so excited to hear what they have to say and hope that you will enjoy it also!

Weekend Wrap Up

Its been a full weekend! Friday evening we held a Fashion Show and Baby Contest. The participants have been working on this for months and boy did they out do themselves! Four babies raised over $4,000 for our building campaign. Again...the people of WABC continue to amaze Marc and I with their dedication to this church. Its very humbling actually.

Marc didn't have to preach this weekend so he spent most of Saturday working on the cars around here. The last photo cracks me up because Nicki took this picture of him in the back of his work truck looking for a tool he needed for her car which decided to break down on Saturday morning just as she was leaving to work a booth at the local Strawberry Festival ( I find it ironic that she ended up at the Verizon Booth, being that her dad worked for them way back when and now has his own telecommunications business. At least she had the experience to answer questions....sort of).

Sunday was baptism Sunday at WABC. Marc probably enjoys baby dedications just a bit more, but this runs a close second! LOL

Marc and I went out to dinner after church, which we had not done in a while. The plan was to head home and chill in pj's, that was until I noticed that I had three 50% off coupons (two for Michaels and 1 for AC Moore). So Marc, Quisha and I got in the car and hightailed it to the store. I picked up  few cute decorating pieces from Michaels and a scallop punch from AC Moore so that I can use to create these. After that we headed to his bestfriends home so that we could wish his 15 year old son Happy Birthday.

I'm starting to realize how busy our life can get and how the first thing to usually fall by the wayside during that period is our family time. So starting Friday I'm going to start unplugging more. Fridays are suppose to be "date" day or in some cases errand day for us. I've made a commitment to Marc to do better which will mean stepping away from the computer, and especially twitter and facebook!

Speaking of being busy, life is about to become even busier as we gear up for our VBS Camp 2011. Our VBS is free to everyone who comes (and includes a great meal....not just a snack). A lot of this is done with donations from church members! I'm telling you...never let "budget restraints or the size of your church deter you from reaching out to others. God always provides a way! I'm excited about Main Street , but I'm especially excited to see my girls in character again!

We decided to scrap our plans to visit with friends in Florida (originally we would have been there for a vow renewal, but Kelli has postponed it until their 30th ) and Marc the girls and I are now looking into a cruise of some sort. Nothing is written in stone...but that's the plan so stay posted. I love Disney but with all we have going in right now the prices just don't match the pocketbook!

In the mean time I am excited to announce that several friends have agreed to be guest bloggers here over the month of June. I intentionally picked women from diverse backgrounds to feature and I'm happy to say each one them said yes!!! So please make a point to check in every Tuesday and Thursday over the next month. I promise you won't want to miss it!

Missions Ministry

Marc and I are praying for our Pastor and his wife who are on a mission trip to Ecuador right now! I can't recall a time in all our years of knowing them that they did not talk about this. Actually they were the first people I even remember speaking to about the subject of ministering to those in foreign lands with! I'm so proud of all that they do and their heart for ministry! I'm not sure I would be that brave....although at this point in my life God has been stretching me so much, I am learning to never say never (to anything...lol)! Although just in case your listening Lord....I really don't think I need to be stretched that far...yet!

The Village Has Arrived!

I'm so proud of my big cousin (our entire family has been beaming). Last month he launched the start of what I'm hoping will be a big success. He wrote a book and released it to the public! Then this week I got word that the book can now be purchased at Barnes and Noble!!!! Lowell is living his dream. As a writer there is no bigger accomplishment then seeing your words put to paper and then published!

Lowell was the big brother I never had. My first year in high school was his Senior year, but yet even in the midst of all of the changes that come with your senior year he took time out to watch over and protect his little cousin. I recall many times when we would pass each other in the hallway and he would give me that nod, and smile of his....as if to say "I got your back cuz"! It made my Freshman year just a bit better knowing he was there if I needed him. Over the years we were able to keep in contact and one point he and his wife even trusted me with the responsibility of his most precious gift from God...his son.

It would be many years before I knew of the many challenges he faced as a person with epilepsy. Of the struggles he would encounter on the job, within his own personal life, and the determination it would take for him to keep moving forward. But my cousin has a very special gift. He would probably tell you its his love of writing, but I say its his faith in God and his ability to connect with people that makes him special.

The book is a fictional account of a man who is dealing with epilepsy, the journey that he takes; and the people he comes into contact with along the way. I know I may seem a bit bias (and I am) but I promise you won't be disappointed. I suggest that you read this book whether or not  you know of someone who lives with epilepsy ( notice I did not say suffering with it) ...because as Lowell would say...."I may have epilepsy but it does not have me! We could all take a lesson from him. It doesn't matter what you are going through...it's how you handle it that counts!

Leading and Loving It!

Leading and Loving It is giving away a copy of John Acuff's book Quitter, Closing The Gap Between your Day Job and Your Dream Job (you have until Wednesday to comment for a chance to win the book)! Brandi asked the question what would qualify as your dream job? That's a easy one for me since in many ways I am doing exactly what I dreamed about doing. It was pretty apparent early in my marriage to Marc that at some point and time he would be called into ministry. I mean we met as young leaders in church! From the moment I was old enough to dream big dreams I dreamed about being a wife and mother. For a brief moment in high school I wanted to be a airline stewardess because the job looked romantic and adventurous! Of course that was before I realized I had a fear of flying!  Then after graduating from High School I went to school to study Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design. That was until TJ came along and I started my now 28 year career as a wife and mother. Which when I think about it has always been my dream job.

 I grew up during a time when having a single mom as your parent was not the norm. So in my mind...being a stay at home mom was at the top of my priority list. The only thing I love as much as being a mother and wife  (other then Disney) is party and event planning. I'm sure if you checked my pulse it would be racing when I'm in the party planning mode. Short of living in Florida and working at the Disney Wedding Pavilion I am doing exactly what I wanted to do. I'm a wife, mother, party planner and ministry leader. I don't know that I would change any of that even if I could. Over the last few months I have come to realize that not only am I living my dream, I'm Leading and Loving It!

Legends Luncheon, and the diversity of generations!

Last Saturday our women's ministry team hosted a "Legend's Luncheon for the women of WABC. I got the idea from the Legend's Luncheon that Oprah held a few years back. As you know I'm passionate about women, children and especially passionate about diversity in the church. Diversity isn't always about the color of your skin. Sometimes its about economic barriers, sometimes its generational. Having grown up in the church the one thing I can honestly say that has effected me becoming the me I am today has been the influence of women in my life. Throughout my life I have come into contact with women of every race, background, and age.

My grandmother and my aunt helped influence my love of fashion, my mom influenced my thoughts and ideas on becoming a women of strength. My daughters have influenced how I see myself as I grow older (they help keep me young), and my goddaughters have taught me too savor life. Then there is my 90 year old aunt who teaches me everyday the importance of being a woman of influence in the lives of the women you come into contact with. Over and over again I have been influenced by women from different generations (and races). That is one of the many things that I love about WABC. Each Sunday you will find women from every generation sitting in the pew together worshipping God.

So often we concentrate on one age group and we forget the importance of learning from one another. Last Saturday we had a coming together of generations (mothers, and daughters, aunts and sistas)! The seasoned "legends" of WABC, sat down and broke bread with the "youngins' and the "babies"! How much richer would our ministries be if we could bring not only the races together but bring together the generations...all for the glory of God!

Kelli's Creations

Many of you asked about the necklaces the team was wearing at the retreat. My friend Kelli from Kelli's Creations made them! Honestly I am not sure how she has the time to do this, but somehow she makes the time. Kelli and I started out as cyber buddies, but that was nearly 7 yrs ago! Kelli and her family have an amazing story of faith, strength through adversity and survival that I admire so much. Whenever I want to complain about my life I think about all that Kelli has to endure on an everyday basis. And the fact that she does it with such grace and mercy; I shut up and stop complaining about my small issues. I am hoping that one day Kelli will turn her story into a book. Even though the Armed and Dangerous necklace is not available for purchase (it was a personal gift to the team), I did want to share Kelli's info with you all.

Armed and Dangerous Part 2

Last week was life changing for me. God stuck me soo far out of my comfort zone that I'm surprised I'm still standing, let alone breathing. Not only did I get to be a part of the most exciting event I have ever had the privilege to be a part of, but I came back that weekend and spoke at WABC for only the second time in my life (three if you count the panel discussion at Armed and Dangerous). And thanks to the ladies of Leading and Loving It I came back equipped, connected, encouraged and uplifted. I came back.........Armed and Dangerous!

I loved Lori from the very first moment we connected nearly three years ago. She took me under her wings and loved on me like a mom even before she met me in person. Tiffany felt like a sister from the minute we started corresponding on each others blogs ( I probably stalked her blog so much she really just thought she had better get to know this crazy PW who commented each day...lol). Jess.......sweet Jess sent me a letter of encouragement over two years ago when she didn't know me from Eve...but she did it just because a PW on her staff and I had become friends and knew that Jessica could encourage me like no other. Lisa is just one of those girls that you know will be the girlfriend every girl wants to have in her corner. I have the feeling that once Lisa has your back, she has it for life! But I have to admit that out of all of the women on the team, Brandi intimidated me the most, in part because the image of Brandi that I had in my head was that of a woman who seemed to have it all together!

Then Brandi got up to talk last week and literally  blew me away. When she told us that speaking publicly did not come second nature to her, I was floored. I wish now we had taped those sessions because each of the ladies did such a great job, but Brandi spoke to me in a way that no one else did.

See (and I apologize in advance if this story gets a bit long. I'm sure I'm breaking a few blogging rules, but its important that I get this out even if its just for my own good) I have a secret to share. I've had a bestfriend over the years who has taken the place of my husband, my friends, my family but most especially my God! That bestfriend has been fear! Then Brandi spoke directly to my fears and said "Don’t let fear and inadequacies set the limits of your influence.  Fear builds fences that keep you from going to new territory for God. And…Jesus broke down fences so that we could have his limitless power".


I realized right then and there that I have let fear keep me from going to new territory for God! I don't know about you but that messed me up. As a young girl growing up I felt like a mistake. My mom was a single mom the first nine years of my life. I spent my first year of my birth living with my grandparents. I never knew who my biological father was. And even though I was surrounded by loving family members, I felt lost and alone. In my early years as a teen, I had a family member tell me I would never amount to anything. That no one would ever love me and that there was no purpose or plan for my life. As you can imagine, those words said at the most pivotal point of a young girls life, colored everything I thought about myself from that moment on. 


Then about nine years ago I read the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. In the opening of his book Pastor Rick quoted the scripture, Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you". Pastor Rick went on to say, "you are not an accident. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. Your birth was no mistake or mishap, and your life is no fluke of nature. He thought of you first. It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor coincidence that you are breathing at this very moment!" 


When Lori first asked me to become a part of the team, a lot of the same insecurities I felt as a child came flooding back. I grew up being the girl on the outside looking in. In my head I was being asked to be a part of the "in" crowd and I felt inadequate and ill equipped for the job. As the only PW on the team coming from a single staff church with less then 100 members, I honestly did not see what I could bring to the table among such prestigious churches as Cross Point, Peoples Church, Central Church, Bay Area Fellowship and Church by the Glades! I felt way more comfortable being the "Behind The Scenes" girl for social media. Then last summer God spoke to me at a Women of Faith Event in the form of Beth Chapman. I listened as she talked about feelings of inadequacy, about doubting the path God seemed to be taking her down despite the fact it wasn't the plan she had envisioned for her life! She had gone through struggles way bigger then anything I was experiencing and yet God was using her to speak into the lives of others. I remember sitting in the Verizon Center balling like a baby. If I really believed in my heart that God has a purpose and plan for my life, then who was I to doubt what God can do in and through me? I didn't matter how small and inconsequential I felt I was...I served a great big God, and he did know me before I was formed in my mothers womb! I had a story he wanted me to share, not because of anything I did, but because of who he was and how my testimony could benefit others. 


Any doubts I had that I could make a difference went out the window when I met you lovely ladies last week. So many of you came up to me to say how much you appreciated what I had to say ( that's most definitely a God thing and had nothing to do with me) and in many cases I was surprised at how similar some of our stories were. Never again will I assume that the grass is any greener in someone else's yard. To those of you who may be struggling with God's purpose for your life....just remember that only God knows the path you should take. Lean into him and let him be your guide. All we have to do is follow his lead and the only way to do that is by studying his word, meditating on his word and praising him for the sacrifices he has made on our behalf. 

Armed And Dangerous Part 1

Its taken me a few days to get my thoughts together about the retreat, about meeting all of the great ladies and especially getting to hang out with the Leading and Loving It Team! I'm not even sure I can put it all into words. First of all this was not your average Pastors Wives retreat! Actually, its unlike any retreat or conference I have ever been to. The fact that I had even a small part in its planning is still mind blowing to me. I have to say my favorite part of the week was meeting so many PW's from so many different places. These are a few of my favorite things, or take-away's from the retreat.

1) It doesn't matter how small or large your church is, whether you are a church planter or not... we all have the same issues and concerns!

2) Pastors' Wives are some of the coolest people around. They just need more chances to be their own authentic selves!

3) Don't get in the way of a PW on a mission to win the Amazing Race!

4) Green Tea Latte from Starbucks is going to be a must have in the morning for me from now on!

5) Cross Point has some amazing volunteers and staff! My husband does not impress easily but he went away with a new respect for the contemporary church. The worship portion was a much needed blessing in my life, and I know from the comments of others that I was not the only person blessed by it.

6) Lori's Team was just as amazing. I'm not use to being treated so special, but they poured just as much love into the L and L It Team as they did the other 150 ladies who came to be refreshed. It gave me a new appreciation for my girls at WABC and all that they do for the ministry!

7) Lisa Young is probably one of the most authentic Pastor Wives I have ever come into contact with.

8) Lori and Lisa placed me with the Youth Ministry ladies. At the time I was not sure there was anything I could add to the conversation...but those ladies made me feel like the "cool" PW at the table. Thank you ladies for being so open to this ole lady. I'm kicking myself for not taking a group picture with all of you.

9) The giveaways were off the chain! Thank you to everyone who donated to this cause. Our bags were soo full! This was the one time I was glad we drove into Nashville.

10) When we first started planning the retreat I remember the team talking about how important it was that the women who came left Armed And Dangerous! I can't speak for anyone else but in the days since the event I know it not only left the women who came equipped for ministry...but it definitely gave me a much needed boost!

I don't know of a lady there who did not leave armed and dangerous in their pursuit of God’s purpose for their lives! Watch out world, God just released some powerful sisters out there!

Ohhh. one last note. I could not finish this post without thanking Steph Thomason for connecting my husband Marc with her and Liz Reed's husbands. They did not have to let Marc tag along with them to Cross Point but the fact that they did and the fact that my husband came back with a smile on his face and a new bounce in his step was worth dragging him to Nash with me. Thank you ladies.

Church Diversity Book Winner

Congratulations scshouse ! Please email me at witfour@hotmail (.) com so we can make arrangements to get the book out to you. Thanks everyone for your participation. If you are interested in hearing more about Church Diversity or about the author Scott Williams you can go here .

Nashville Here We Come!!!!

I don't know about you but I have been counting down the days until Armed and Dangerous! Not sure that Tennessee is ready for a slew of Pastor Wives running the streets of Nashville, but oh well......here we come! LOL

Thought I would share a glimpse of what I'm packing up for the big trip ( with a little encouragement from some ladies in Florida )! Again, I can't believe that I will be headed there in just a few days. I'm soo excited I can't stand myself. I think my biggest concern has been hanging out with all of the gorgeous ladies from Leading and Loving It. The way I understand it, a pair of big earrings are a must...the bigger the better!

The bottom of my bag is filled with shoes (notice the platform heels....I figure I'm going to need a pair of high heels since I will be hanging out with Lori and Jessica....HAHA ), not that I will get to wear them all. But a gal has to be prepared just in case. I even threw in a pair of boots.... I mean I will be in Nashville! My black boots are no where to be found so I need to find them asap and finish up my packing.

I'm not really a jeans kind of gal but there are at least 4 pair in my bag along with a pair of leggings, and a comfortable sweatsuit for traveling. I even took Holly Furtick's advice and brought a pair of skinny jeans! Several ladies have asked what to pack, honestly pack what makes you comfortable. There is no set dress code and Lori, Brandi and the rest of the team really just want you to have a good time laughing, connecting, being encouraged, uplifted and leaving prayed up! See you ladies in a few days. Oh, and by the way don't forget a cute pair of pj's !

Church Diversity

It's sad to think that 40 years later Rev. Martin Luther King's words still ring true..."We must face the sad fact that at 11 o'clock on Sunday morning, when we stand to sing...we stand in the most segregated hour in America." Well my friend Scott Williams has decided to step up to the plate and confront the elephant in the room! His new book " Church Diversity-Sunday the Most Segregated Day of the Week delves into this tough issue and offers a forum for conversation. You may think this subject does not effect you, but if you take the time to read the scriptures you would know that this subject was very close to our Abba Father's heart and because of that it should matter to us. I love Scott's  quote when he says "Church diversity is not just about the color of skin, but rather the wages of sin". This is a must read for every church leader, every church goer, and anyone who truly wants to make a change in the world. Thanks to the generosity of Scott and New Leaf Publishing Group I am able to give away a copy of this book for free. If you would like a chance to receive a free copy just leave a message here, and I will randomly select a name on Friday!