Be Gracious

Attitude of Gratitude

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with good health you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle unfolding all around you, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of persecution, harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas Friends!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
To the Family and Friends of the Brown House:

Dear Two Legged Friends & Family of the Brown House,
My family seems to be doing well. They began feeding me this past March and I have managed to con the girl into letting me sleep in the house at night. I sleep in the guest bedroom where I stay warm and cozy. Recently, I have thoroughly enjoyed sleeping under the sparkling Christmas tree.

I have been given several names--the first and foremost which was given because of my propensity to show up and immediately begin demanding food with a sense of entitlement. For this reason, the largest creature in the family began calling me “Demo-cat.”

The largest creature in the house greets me first on most mornings and then conveniently pushes me outside. The girl in the house loves on me and gives me my medicine when I am sick. She took me to the Animal Clinic a couple weeks ago. She was scared of the snakes and ferrets in the waiting room. I thought it was really funny.

When I am hungry or thirsty, the smallest creature in the house makes sure my tummy is full. The loudest creature in the house scares me because he chases me and throws small footballs at me. This family is strange. All the boys in the family apparently want a girl in the family. Until recently, they would talk to me like I was a little baby girl. They treated me like a girl for a while until I was taken to the Animal Clinic. To the girl’s surprise, she discovered that I was a neutered male. I don’t think they know anything about animals.

This summer I almost starved to death because no one fed me for three different weeks. I was really sad that they didn’t take me to see Mickey & Minnie Mouse. I’d love to have gotten a hold of Minnie Mouse. The two biggest creatures had fun with their family at St. Matthews Baptist Church on their mission trips to Arizona and Costa Rica. Their road trip to Passport Camp in North Carolina proved to be winner too. The two smallest creatures wanted to take me with them to stay a couple of weeks at their grandparent’s house but that never happened. Bummer!

I don’t believe the girl in the house currently has a full-time job but she is always on the move. She still enjoys her cycling from her Ride To Victory. She also enjoyed hosting some of her high school friends this year. She walks around the house and asks herself, “Why can’t anyone in this house pick up after themselves?” It’s funny. I believe she plans to begin a CPE Chaplain Internship with Norton Hospital in January.

The boys love their sports. They enjoyed their soccer season and they are looking forward to their basketball season. The little guy also enjoys being a Cub Scout.

Do you remember me telling you about the loudest creature in the house? Yeah, he scares me even more when he practices his saxophone. He has improved greatly since August. When he first starting playing, it sounded like a car continuously honking its horn. Annoying. But now, I enjoy laying under the Christmas tree while listening to him play “Jingle Bells.”

Merry Christmas from all of us! El Gato (that’s my official name)

Character Sketch of Esther

I just finished my third week of Beth Moore's Bible Study on Esther. It is indeed tough being a woman but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! God has blessed me with 9 other beautiful women with whom I study the book of Esther every Sunday evening for two hours. The character sketch of Esther that we created last week has stuck in my mind. Of all the characteristics Esther possessed, I am most impressed by her wisdom.

Esther was WISE.

1 Corinthians 1:30 - It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Remember that Esther was orphaned and she was brought up by her male cousin. Can you imagine not having a mom or dad? I am sure she thought that it was tough being a woman but she relied on the wisdom God gave her to be the Queen God desired her to be. I wonder if she ever asked herself "am I being a good role model?" Or I wonder if she ever thought, "it's hard just trying to be a young lady."

I hope we as women allow God to truly be "wisdom" for us!

Peace - Celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent

Go in peace, love and care for one another in Christ's name.
And may the Prince of Peace dwell within your hearts
and bless you with the mercy that he died to give you.
May his love and resurrection power fill you
and make your lives new and whole
And May his everlasting peace shine forth from you
and bring blessings to all who are around you,
- this both now and forevermore. Amen

The Wonder of Advent

If our hope is only in our circumstances, as we define them to be good or as we want them to be to make us happy, we will always be disappointed. That is why we hope, not in circumstances, but in God. He has continually, over the span of four thousand years, revealed himself to be a God of newness, of possibility, and of redemption.

Yet, it all begins in the hope that God will come and come again into our world to reveal himself as a God of newness, of possibility, a God of new things. This time of year we contemplate that hope embodied, incarnated, in a newborn baby, the perfect example of newness, potential, and possibility. During Advent, we groan and long for that newness with the hope, the expectation, indeed the faith, that God will once again be faithful to see our circumstances, to hear our cries, to know our longings for a better world and a whole life (Ex 3:7). And we hope that as he first came as an infant, so he will come again as King!

My experience tells me that those who have suffered and still hope understand far more about God and about life than those who have not. Maybe that is what hope is about: a way to live, not just to survive, but to live authentically amidst all the problems of life with a Faith that continues to see possibility when there is no present evidence of it, just because God is God. This is the wonder of Advent.

BE THANKFUL!

The Lord has done great things for us! During this season of Thanksgiving, take time to do one of the following!


Option 1 – Write Bible verses that name the attributes of God on fruit-shaped cut-outs. Place them in a basket or cornucopia. During a time of family devotions or at a meal, have each family member select a fruit from the basket and read the verse aloud. Then discuss ways your family has experienced each of God's qualities.

Option 2 – Think about reasons for ingratitude. Most of us are incredibly blessed, yet we find reasons to complain. This week, any time family members complain about something, have them place money in a jar. Your family can decide the amount. Then at the end of the week, donate the money to the soup kitchen or mobile meals to help with Thanksgiving meals.

Option 3 – Think of someone you love and appreciate, but rarely see. Make plans to call, send a card, or visit that person. Find out if there is a special need, pray with the person, and provide materially or with an act of service.

Option 4 – Focus on praising God. Let each family member select a praise chorus or hymn. Sing a different one at each meal instead of saying a blessing. Thank God for material provision, physical health, spiritual blessings, our country, our church, and family.

Note from a friend

I'd like to share with you a note I received from a friend tonight in Bible Study...

Keep your eyes and heart open in the days ahead.

Pay attention to what God is saying to you at this time in your life.

Tune out the negative, corrupt voices of this confused culture we live in.

Live your life convicted in the knowledge of this unshakable truth...that God's Spirit, Plan and Purpose is alive in you...even when you may not readily see it.

Remember that you were born into this time to shine like a star! Be generous with your LIFE.

May God's Word renew, re-energize and re-purpose you.

Jesus still talks to us today!

Sunrise in Arizona

Psalm 19 “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of his hands.”

Give to your local church!

God desires that we as Christ followers give our tithe to the local church. Wally and I are trying to teach Elliott and Max the importance of giving 10% to the local church for the purpose of building God's kingdom. Even when we want to hold onto the money to buy something we like (but don't need), we trust that God will provide all of our needs. God proved for his people over and over in the stories of the Old Testament. God cares about people when they are faced with economic hardship but he wants us to be faithful in our stewardship! - Malachi 3:10

Generosity does not depend on our being rich, but on our being willing to give what we have. Generosity reveals how much we really trust God.

FInd Your Challenge

Numbers 13:30 - 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.

Have you ever been challenged to do something that seemed impossible? Truthfully, I don't think most of us have. Our appetites for God have become small; therefore, we have stopped asking God to do the impossible through us. The story of Caleb reminds me that we need to ask God for mountains. God will give us those mountains and with God's help - we can certainly climb the mountains. It is in working to solve problems and overcome challenges that we become the people God wants us to be.

Our challenge today as Christ followers is to do the following:

Don't ask for comfort...
Don't ask for ease...
Don't ask for manageability...

CONSUMING FIRE

Hebrews 12:28-29

I love candles! I especially love Yankee Candles but can't always afford as many as I would like to have. The Christmas Cookie Yankee Candle is one of my favorites! There is a big difference between the flame of a candle and a roaring fire. Even with sophisticated fire-fighting equipment, a consuming fire is often beyond human control. God is not within our control either and he cannot be contained. When I think I have everything under control, God often whispers "You are not in control, I am." His whisper to me causes my heart to be filled with reverence and awe for my Lord and Savior.

Favorite Halloween Jokes

Halloween was very fun for the boys. They now have more candy than they will ever eat! We would like to share some of our favorite Belated Halloween Jokes!

Why don't angry witches ride their brooms?
They're afraid of flying off the handle


Who won the skeleton beauty contest?
No body


What do skeletons say before they begin dining?
Bone appetit !


Where do baby ghosts go during the day?
Dayscare centers


Who did Frankenstein take to the prom?
His ghoul friend

Proverbs 14:12

By: Charles Swindoll

Solomon's life reminds me of the swing of a pendulum. Smooth and graceful . . . silent and elegant . . . yet periodically given to extremes.

Wisdom, loyalty, diplomacy, and efficiency marked his attitude and acts during the early years of his reign. Best of all, "Solomon loved the LORD" (1 Kings 3:3). His achievements could not be listed on ten pages this size. When visited by surrounding magistrates, he was viewed with awe. And rich? Multiplied millions annually. And creative? He was an architect, songwriter, artist, author, and inventor of unparalleled ability.

Things slowly began to change, however, as the pendulum began its tragic swing. Farther and farther . . . and farther.

Solomon seized the reins of wrong and drove his glistening chariot of gold onto the misty flats of licentiousness, pride, lust, profanity, and paganism. Silently, gradually, like eroding soil near the banks of a deep, angry river, he began to believe the lie that has captured many a top executive . . . or super salesperson . . . or successful physician . . . or athletic prima donna . . . or film star . . . or TV celebrity.

Materialism, polygamy, brutality, and idolatry now crippled his steps. Revolts fractured his nation, and irrational decisions characterized his rule. All to him became "vanity and striving after wind" (Eccles. 2:26). Nothing satisfied him any longer. The normal, God-given drives lost their appeal as deterioration took its final toll. And when death finally came, Solomon left in his wake a confused following and a broken, rebellious family.

Deterioration is never loud. Never obvious. Seldom even noticed. Like tiny cracks in a stucco wall, it hardly seems worth our time and attention. Never sudden.

Character threads don't "suddenly" snap. As the British expositor of yesteryear, F. B. Meyer, once put it, "No man suddenly becomes base."

Slowly, silently, subtly, things are tolerated that once were rejected. At the outset everything appears harmless, maybe even a bit exciting. But with it comes an "insignificant" wedge, a gap that grows wider as moral erosion joins hands with spiritual decay.

Be on guard! Those of us who stand must take heed lest we fall.

The pitfalls are still present. Still real. As unobtrusive as the ticking of a clock. As attractive as the swinging of a pendulum . . . until . . .

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Solomon, Prov. 14:12)

Silent Before God

Being Useless and Silent
Henri J. M. Nouwen


We need quiet time in the presence of God. Although we want to make all our time - time for God, we will never succeed if we do not reserve a minute, an hour, a morning, a day, a week, a month, or whatever period of time, for God and God alone.

This asks for much discipline and risk taking because we always seem to have something more urgent to do and "just sitting there" and "doing nothing" often disturbs us more than it helps. But there is no way around this. Being useless and silent in the presence of our God belongs to the core of all prayer.

In the beginning we often hear our own unruly inner noises more loudly than God's voice. This is at times very hard to tolerate. But slowly, very slowly, we discover that the silent time makes us quiet and deepens our awareness of ourselves and God.

Then, very soon, we start missing these moments when we are deprived of them, and before we are fully aware of it an inner momentum has developed that draws us more and more into silence and closer to that still point where God speaks to us.

A Noe-ticeable Difference in Education!

We will be visiting Noe Middle School tonight as Elliott searches for a middle school. He has considered several schools but I believe Noe will be his choice.

A song that echos today's Verse of the Day - Romans 5:9

I’m forgiven because you were forsaken.
I’m accepted. You were condemned.
I’m alive and well, your spirit lives within me.
Because you died and rose again.
Amazing Love, how can it be,
That you my king would die for me.
Amazing love, I know it’s true,
And it’s my joy to honor you.
In all I do, I honor you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dooif2-yAoI&feature=related

Show me Your Glory!

Exodus 34:6 - Moses was a person like us. There were times when he was very close to God and very sure of God. And, there were also times when he felt uncertain and spiritually dry. Moses had been on a mountain top with God and in the valley with God.

You can relate, right? One day is great and another is not so great. I believe that one day Moses decided that he could not live with these ups and downs anymore. He wanted to be done with his questions and uncertainties. He wanted God to come out of hiding. He wanted to see all there is of God and to see it now. "Now show me your glory," Moses said to God (Ex 33:18). "Show me your face; show me Yourself in all Your glory, power, might, wisdom, honor, and blessing. Let me see You, God.

Are you willing to make the same request? Show me Your Glory!

Trust

I have been asked many times, "How do I know I am trusting God?" When asked this question, I share the verse Proverbs 3:5-6!

I don't want to make it sound so simple but trusting God means that I don't lean on my own understanding...I don't lean on my own knowledge...I don't lean on my own abilities!

Mighty to Save

I'd like to challenge each of you to begin finding the Biblical Inspiration for the songs that many of us sing on Sunday mornings and at other times throughout the week. Here are the lyrics from a popular song - "Mighty to Save" based on Zephaniah 3:17.

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)


Christian lyrics - MIGHTY TO SAVE LYRICS - HILLSONG AUSTRALIA

WHY DO PEOPLE FOLLOW?

According to the book Strengths Based Leadership, a Followers' Four Basic Needs are Trust, Compassion, Stability and Hope. What has happened to the usual list of wisdom, humor and humility? According to 10,000 followers, these are still important but they are not the top needs of a follower. If you consider yourself a leader, then you need to embody trust, compassion, stability and hope.

-TRUST: At any level of leadership (church, organizational, school, etc.), the words you say hold power. Respect, integrity and honesty are the outcomes of strong relationships built on trust.

-COMPASSION: Caring, friendship, happiness and love were other frequently mentioned words followers used when asked what leaders contribute to their lives. Each leader has to have a heart. People who feel cared for are much more engaged and offer more to the group or organization.

-STABILITY: Followers want a leader to provide a solid foundation. Followers count on their leaders in times of need. Stability increases the security of any follower.

-HOPE: Followers also mentioned words like faith and guidance. They want to know a great future lies ahead. Give followers something to look forward to in the midst of chaos and complexity.

Be a champion of others!

ASK GOD FOR A MOUNTAIN

Excerpts in my own words from John Ortberg's book "The Me I Want To Be."

Millions are spent by companies each year to find the right "Logo." My favorite "logo" is the swoosh by Nike. It's classic and never goes out of style. If you were to choose a logo for your life, what would it be?

Luke 9:23 "Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me"

Would anyone choose a means of execution as their logo? Really? A Cross? A means of execution? Crosses were a means for killing people. Devised by the Persians and popularized by Alexander the Great, the cross was perfected by the Romans as a means of deterring rebellion. How about choosing a logo that represents power and knowledge instead of something that represents death?

Think about a "logo" for your life. When Jesus invited his followers "to take up the cross and follow him" - it was a call to spiritual greatness in the mysteries of sacrificial love.

Now that you have your logo, think about asking God for a mountain. Ask him for a challenge bigger than yourself.

I'm asking for a challenge that can keep me growing, learning and uncomfortable and hungry.

RIDE TO VICTORY - Philippians 4:13

The Ride To Conquer Cancer was a memorable experience for me. At the last hours, I raised my $2500.00 so I could participate in the two day course ride totaling around 140 miles. I sincerely appreciate all of my friends and family who donated money to raise money for cancer screenings.

Ron and Nelson Oliver (friends from church pictured above) also participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer!

Matthew 6:21

This year at our 7th and 8th Grade Retreat, we discussed a passage from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 6:21. Students had a fun time worshiping, participating in Bible Study, playing Bazooka Ball, eating, playing football/basketball and trying to uncover the "Super Spy" on the Spy Hunt.

On Saturday night, we studied the story of Achan in the Old Testament. I was very impressed with the depth of "thought" concerning possessions and money from our 7th and 8th graders! God is good!

...more than an emergency backup...

Each of these passages below provide a different slant on God's strength: who he gives it to, when he gives it and what happens as the result!



Isaiah 40:28-31 - "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."



Philippians 4:12-13 - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."



1 Timothy 1:12 - "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service."



1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

ACCEPTANCE

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Today, if you feel like much of your acceptance in life is based on performance, take a few moments to be comforted by the truth that there is One whose love is not based on what you do or don’t do. Jesus loves you for who you are at this very moment. This is perhaps one of life’s most important lessons to learn!

A New School Year

PSALM 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God!

As my boys have begun a new school year, they have also begun soccer, basketball, boy scouts and flag football. Not to mention, Max learned how to ride his bike without the training wheels last week. He has a few scratches on his knees to prove it. Busy is the name of the game. Through all these new beginnings, God has constantly reminded our family that He is in control! He cares, he sees, he hears, he listens and he constantly yearns for our complete devotion to Him.

The biggest transition I've gone through during the beginning of a new school year is realizing that Elliott will be in middle school this time next year. I didn't cry when Elliott, my oldest, started Kindergarten. I was actually really happy and so was he! But now, I am a little anxious that Elliott will soon no longer be in "elementary" grade school. Elliott, however, is already looking towards middle school with excitement!

As I abide by Psalm 46:10 - Jesus gently whispers "I got it covered." Look towards the future with excitement!

Verses for Meditation from the book of Psalm

Psalm 34:1 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.

Psalm 103:2-5 - Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 98:1 - Sing a new song to the Lord telling about his mighty deeds! For he has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness.

Psalm 141:8 - My eyes are upon You, O God the Lord, In You I take refuge.

Psalm 138:1 - I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. When I called, you answered; you made me bold and stouthearted.

Psalm 100:1,2 - Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.

ARIZONA MISSION TRIP

"We don't just expose our children to things that matter. Can you imagine the disaster we'd have if we simply 'exposed' teenagers to driving?" - Kendra Dean

As a youth worker and a youth minister, I long for teenagers to develop a consequential faith that impacts every facet of their lives. Yet, in a world where church seems less relevant to many people, it's a struggle to pass on a transformational faith to our teens.

I believe students want to make a difference in the world. Mission Trips are definitely a part of helping students develop a transformational faith. This past week, SMBC students truly touched the hearts of those working at the Naomi House, the children living at the Naomi House and the children on the Navajo Reservation. I was so blessed during our last worship service in Arizona as students shared what God had taught them during the mission trip. Christopher Basham quoted Colossians 3:23 and said that he truly understood that as he was working hard building a fence for Naomi's House, he was working for the Lord.

Update on MissionTrip in Arizona

We've had a great two days! We are about to leave Flagstaff and continue God's ministry in Joseph City, AZ. We've already seen God at work in creation and within each other! The power of connectedness is truly a blessing. We focused our devotion this morning on Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

We want to work out what God has worked in us! A group of us watched the sun set last night at the Grand Canyon and it was amazing. We asked God to simply move through us this week as we empty ourselves of materialism, greed, pride, anger and selfishness.

Our time at Slide Rock State Park was a blast. I am just thankful we are all safe after spending a day jumping off rocks at Slide Rock and walking/hiking parts of the Grand Canyon.

TO LOVE IS TO SERVE - WE are off to Arizona on Friday!

Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst after righteousness – for they will be filled!

Prayer

Lord, we are ready. We are ready to be your servants. We want to serve one another and serve those in Arizona. Some of us are new to mission trips and some of us have done this many times before now. We enter this week looking to please you. Help us to love one another without condition. We will tell the world about your eternal love this week!

Help us, Lord, to Hunger & Thirst after your righteousness! To be filled means we have to be emptied. Help our lives to be poured out this week!

Adversity deepens relationships...

Thomas Merton - "As long as we are on earth, the love that unites us will bring us suffering by our very contact with one another, because this love is the resetting of a Body of broken bones."

Soren Kierkegaard - "Affliction is able to drown out every earthly voice...but the voice of eternity deep in the soul it cannot drown."

Need Answers? Ask God - James 1:5

Our youth getting soaked in recreation at Saddle Ridge Ranch. Good job SMBC students on leading VBS Recreation!

Baptist Fellowship Center

I'm so proud of our SMBC students who have ministered to the boys and girls at the Baptist Fellowship Center in the west end of Louisville!

The Reason For God by Timothy Keller

I've been reading an excellent book - The Reason For God by Timothy Keller. Today I came across a couple of paragraphs illustrating "faith" that I would like to share with you.

The faith that changes the life and connects to God is best conveyed by the word TRUST. Imagine you are on a high cliff and you lose your footing and begin to fall. Just beside you, as you fall, is a branch sticking out of the very edge of the cliff. It is your only hope and is more than strong enough to support your weight. How can it save you? If your mind is filled with intellectual certainty that the branch can support you but you don't actually reach out and grab it - you are lost. If your mind is instead filled with doubts and uncertainty that the branch can hold you, but you reach out and grab it anyway you will be saved. Why? It is not the strength of your faith but the object of your faith that actually saves you. Strong faith in a weak branch is fatally inferior to weak faith in a strong branch.

This means you don't have to wait for all the doubts and fears to go away to take hold of Christ. Faith, then, begins as you recognize and reject your alternative trusts and gods and turn instead to the Father, asking for a relationship to Him on the basis of what Jesus has done - not on the basis of your moral effort or achievements.

You can make your move to faith this way....

Father, I've always believed in you and Jesus Christ, but my heart's most fundamental trust was elsewhere - in my own competence and decency. This has gotten in into trouble. As far as I know my own heart - today I give it to you. I transfer my trust to you and ask that you would receive and accept me not for anything I have done but because of everything Christ has done for me.

RIDE TO VICTORY

On September 25-26, I will be participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Norton Cancer Institute. I will join thousands of other men and women in a history-making ride from Louisville to Lexington. Bike Riders will travel over 150 miles through the Kentucky Bluegrass Region. Funds raised from this epic event will support breakthrough cancer research, treatment and the discovery of new therapies.

With one in four U.S. deaths attributed to cancer, I am rallying for the cause and cycling in the "Ride to Victory." My ride will be in memory of my father, Roy Fox, who lost the battle with pancreatic cancer in his early thirties. I am also riding in honor of friends who are currently battling cancer.

You can donate on line at www.ridetovictory.org by clicking on Kentucky 2010 and then on Donate Now. You can find my page by entering my name - Tomara Brown or by entering my ID # which is 440131-7. My personal fundraising goal is $2500.00 I would be honored if you would help me raise this amount by donating $5, $25, $50, $100 or even more! Any amount will be greatly appreciated. You can also call to make a donation at 877-688-2452 (2453). You can also mail me a check and I will make the deposit for you - 1210 Quaker Court, Louisville KY 40214.

Please email me at tomarafoxbrown@gmail.com with any questions or give me a call at 502-727-5738.

Blessings to All of You!

Tomara Brown

WALT DISNEY WORLD

DISNEY WAS GREAT! THANK YOU LORD FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

We visited Hollywood Studios for two days...Magic Kingdom for two days...Animal Kingdom for one day...and Epcot for one day. Elliott said his favorite park was Epcot. Max was just a half inch tall enough to ride most of the roller coasters.
The Star Wars characters were at Hollywood Studios and we enjoyed seeing them. We visited with many of the Disney characters at all of the parks and saw a lot of great shows including the stunt car show and the Festival of the Lion King.

Max can read!

Praise the Lord! Max is finishing Kindergarten and he can read. Tonight he read MY NEST IS BEST! I am so proud of him! I'm also very proud of Elliott who received Academic Excellence in all areas!

Today, we enjoyed a nice day at a friend's house - swimming in their pool and playing football and basketball!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

I just finished reading What to Do WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW What to Do by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. The book gives 8 principles for Finding God's Way. Principle 1 is "Begin Your Journey with God." Sounds simple, right? I don't think it's as simple as it sounds. To begin our journey with God means that we should be able to relate to Abraham. The story of Abraham found in the Bible is the perfect example, in my opinion, of what it means to begin your journey with God. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland, Abraham had no idea where he was headed. He believed God knew where he was headed, so he packed up and left all that he possessed.

Maybe you have already begun your journey with God. Our "yes" is all God needs for us to have an abundant life. The journey I am currently on involves a lot of work, growth and change on my part. Take time to evaluate where you are on your journey with God.

SURRENDER

The word "surrender" has recently invaded my heart. As I am getting older, I am realizing that surrender is not something I do once. Surrender is always seeking to obey the best I can. I may lose a life but I gain a life. For many of us, we see in the end that nothing we lost was really worth keeping anyway.

I remind myself that Jesus prayed, "Not my will - but yours be done." And just as surrender led to the resurrection for Jesus, so it does for his followers.

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live but Christ lives in me.

Friends

Please meet my friends from the Ohio County High School Class of 1991 - Moose (Jason), Tennya, and Thomas (German boy). Could it really be almost 20 years? While sitting at the dining room table last night at my house, we all summed up our lives in the past 20 years. Tennya was the funny one. She started the whole conversation by telling us she was on American Idol a few years ago. I think Thomas almost believed her for a moment. I simply shared my life's journeys but summed it up by saying that I am blessed by God. I have so many things for which to be thankful!

Thank you God for friendships that have lasted nearly two decades!

"Where you Go Says a Lot About Who You Are" - Bruce Main.

Meet Lapiz and Maykol - two bright young men from Costa Rica. Their homes are made of corrugated tin metal and they are happy. They have limited possessions but a bond where you stick close together. They love La Carpio, despite the fact that most Ticos (true Costa Ricans) think La Carpio is one of the most dangerous parts of San Jose.

My spiritual life changed the fist time I saw these two boys in January of 2007. I met them along a dirt path in La Carpio as I walked with Steve Edwards, the missionary from Texas serving in La Carpio. Although I have seen poverty, I had no idea how meeting these two young boys would change my worldviews.

You see, the people and places we visit reveal more about our commitments and convictions than what we espouse with our lips. Our travel plans make a moral and spiritual statement; they reveal how we spend our most sacred gifts - time, energy, and resources. They also reveal an attitude of the heart.

The Jesus-following life is a life committed to entering the lives and stories of all kinds of people. Jesus was audacious enough to cross into "unsafe" territory and we should do the same. Maybe each of us should give up a family vacation in order to journey on a mission trip where we spend a week with others who are different than ourselves.

Prayer from the Presbyterian Prayer of Confession:
Loving God, we admit to attitudes that exclude rather than embrace. We prefer to associate with others who think and act as we do....Awaken us to the limits of our understanding and narrowness of our dealings.

RATS

I am so proud of Elliott. He was the MAYOR in his school play - RATS. He enjoyes his friendships at St. Matthews Elementary. Mr. Siebert, his music teacher, was Teacher of the Year! Elliott had his first solo in this play. Great memories!

YOUTH SUNDAY

WOW! Our students did a great job leading worship today. The message that Jill and Kevin delivered on Jeremiah 18:1-6 and Romans 12:1-2 was inspiring.

"THANK YOU" to everyone who works with a student ministry in a church. The thing that is valued most by SMBC'S 2010 Graduating Seniors are the relationships that they have made!

"THANK YOU" to our church family for supporting our students. Studies show that when students are able to share in the leadership of the church; their faithfulness to the church while in college increases.

We also had a great senior luncheon. Pictured above is one of my students who used to have these really chubby cheeks. But since he is all grown up, the chubby cheeks are gone.

Mothers Day

Mothers Day was a great day! I enjoyed it because it was just another normal Sunday. We went to church. Elliott had a soccer tournament in the afternoon. The youth and I worked on their preparations to lead worship this Sunday. Through this normal day, I was reminded that just spending time with my family, friends and church makes life fun!

Last Friday Max brought home this piece of paper that had listed all the reasons he and his friends in Kindergarten loved their moms. Most kids had "I love mom because she gives me hugs and kisses and takes care of me when I'm sick." Max wrote "I love mom because she helps me take down the recycling when it is dark." Precious! Max loves doing his chores!

YOUTH LEAD WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

Jeremiah 18:6 - "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

Like clay in the Potter’s hands, God has a purpose for each of our lives. It is on the wheel that our lives are shaped and re-shaped for God’s Kingdom Work. It is on the wheel of life’s circumstances that God builds character in our lives; thus, we are shaped for the Master Potter’s use. In order for our lives to be shaped for God’s divine purpose, we must remain pliable in the Potter’s hands. We must submit and not resist. God offered Israel a fresh start and today God offers you a fresh start.

Worthy Is The Lamb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8

Great Video

Valley of Decision

Decisions...Decisions...

They are hard to make and hard to discern. I recently read an old article on prayer that I had filed away a few years ago. The article encouraged people who are making hard decisions to ask themselves the following questions:

Is there any reason God wouldn't want you to do this?
Do you feel a conviction of "rightness?"
Does this decision help you get to your professional life goals?
Have you spent intimate time with God regarding this decision?
How has God spoken to you through other people regarding this decision?

Determining God's will for our lives is difficult but I believe we can find it through intimacy with God. I'm reminded of Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)

9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps

May I allow the Lord to always determine my steps.

All Christians are in full-time Christian Ministry!

Excerpt from April 18, 2010 edition of "THE LOOKOUT"

"Christian young adults need to understand they will have a full-time ministry regardless of their profession--to be ambassadors for Christ. They need to know this type of ministry is valued by the church as vocational ministry. The church can help by connecting them with a campus ministry at the school they are planning to attend (Or with a local church if it has a similar vision for students). Through involvement in a campus ministry, they will receive further training and experience for their life long ministries."

I am extremely thankful for my experience in campus ministry at the University of Kentucky. I had the opportunity to spend 8 weeks in Russia as a summer missionary and lead church camps for students in grades 7-12. A "shout out" goes to my awesome campus minister "H.K. Kingkade" and his wife Betty for their dynamic leadership and friendship throughout the years.

GRADUATION

I am so proud of my students who are graduating college and high school! Student Ministry is so rewarding because I get to see so many students mature in their faith.

As I reflect on the privilege I've had to influence the lives of these students, I'm brought to my knees. Christlikeness is a journey, not a destination. I pray that as these students graduate; I hope these students choose an attitude of Optimism...Excellence...Confidence...Joy...Integrity...Enthusiasm...Perseverance...Humilty...Generosity. The following quotes by Charles Swindoll help us understand why attitude is very important.

Choose an Attitude of Optimism:
Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.
Refuse to let your situation determine your attitude.
People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets.

Choose an Attitude of Excellence:
Those who achieve excellence are faithful in the details of life.
Only by letting God reign in your life can you experience true excellence.

Choose an Attitude of Confidence:
God has not only created each of us as distinct individuals, He also uses us in significant ways.

Choose an Attitude of Joy:
Every day you can find at least one thing to laugh about.

Choose an Attitude of Integrity:
The marks of integrity include an excellent attitude; faithfulness and diligence at work; personal purity of the highest caliber & a consistency in your walk with God.

Choose an Attitude of Enthusiasm:
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Choose an Attitude of Perseverance:
When I have a wrong attitude, I look at life humanly. When I have a right attitude, I look at life divinely.

Choose an Attitude of Humility:
Humility is the discipline of putting others ahead of self, the choice to value others above self--is, at its core, a matter of faith.

Choose an Attitude of Generosity:
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy companionship, but not friends.
Money can buy entertainment, but not happiness.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy the good life, but not eternal life.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

Jeremiah 29:11

Galatians 2:20

Joshua 1:9

Zephaniah 3:17

Micah 6:8

and lots more.

These have been on my mind lately!

PROUD OF MY BOYS

I'm so proud of my boys! They have great report cards! I'm so glad they got their Dad's smart gene.

Indianapolis Children's Museum

The boys and I went to the Indianapolis Children's Museum yesterday and we had a blast! We loved the Take Me To Egypt Exhibit! I would recommend going to visit if you've never been!

Where do you find authentic community?

How do we enjoy Authentic Community?

Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20

In this fragmented and individualistic culture, my suspicion is that the deep longing of a majority of people - whether they know it or not - is to experience authentic community. But, where is this authentic community to be found? As a follower of Christ, I would love to say that this community can only be found in the church, for such is the ideal that is presented in our Scriptures. Too often, however, this is not the case.

What is more often the case, in my limited experience, is that church is a "place" people go because it has become "the thing they do on Sunday morning." They trickle in, find their normal seats amongst others of the same color, listen or watch the show and go home, without uttering more words than the proverbial "good morning" to an usher or the collective "amen." In bigger congregations - the so called mega churches - the sanctuaries are more like movie theaters. You come in and take your seat near the aisle, making sure that you leave several seats between you and the nearest fellow worshipper, without realizing how foreign this mentality is to the historic People of God. My friends, this is not authentic community.

Although I have seen true authentic community take place at St. Matthews, I wish I could see more of it. I say this because I see just as much authentic community taking place at Panera on Dutchmans Lane. A precious lady named Rosemary usually checks me out and gets me a cup of coffee and my normal Blueberry Bagel extra toasted with butter. One day I heard a business man asking Rosemary how her treatments were going and she said, "fine, thank you" and then they chatted a bit. So, when I got to the counter I asked her "what" her story was about. She told me she had breast cancer and was on chemotherapy. She is very gracious for all those who ask about her because she clearly doesn't always feel like coming to work. At Panera, it is clear that people know each other. Most people who come through the door are greeted warmly, not only by the employees but by several patrons. The employee hands them their favorite drink and asks how they are doing, genuinely interested in the answer. There are people of all races, and diverse languages can be heard spoken in adjoining tables. For many, it is like coming home to family. Shouldn't church always be like this?

ABOUT ME...

Full Name: Tomara Fox Brown (use to be Tomara Dawn Fox)

Birthday: December 29

Husband: Wallace Sean Brown

Kids: Elliott (born 1999) and Max (born 2004)

Hobbies: Chauffer for Elliott and Max, University of Kentucky Basketball, University of Alabama Football, Biking, Aerobics (yes…to 80s music..haha), Hanging out at Panera with Students and Friends, Reading, Eating Chocolate

Favorite Food: Authentic Mexican Food – Qdoba is pretty close…

Pets? Elliott and Max really want a dog – maybe one day

Loved Sports Teams: University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, University of Texas, SEC

Disliked Sports Teams: Duke Puke…yeah that’s about it…

If you could hang out with anyone alive today: Rob Bell, Billy Graham, David Crowder, Steve Martin or Carrie Underwood

Favorite person in the Bible (other than Jesus): Moses and Stephen

Weapon of Choice: Pepper Spray

If you had to change your first name right now, what name would you choose for yourself? Yesterday…haha

Favorite Books: Bible, Pilgrims Progress, Prayer by Philip Yancey, Ragamuffin Gospel, Desiring God, Holy Discontent, To Kill A Mockingbird

Recently Read Books: The Narcissism Epedemic, The Reason for God, Know Your Worldviews

What was the last song you sang when no one else was around? Thriller

Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon bits baby…

What is your preferred ice cream? Mocha from Graeters…

Which single store would you choose to max out your credit cards? Macys, Ashley
Furniture and Home Depot

Favorite Movie(s): Legally Blond, Braveheart, Sound of Music

What is your favorite Holiday other than Christmas? Thanksgiving

If you could travel to any country in the world where would you go? Tanzania…to see my Compassion Child

What is your biggest pet peeve? When people are passive aggressive…

What is your favorite Bible verse? “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

WORSHIP THE LORD

I tremendously admire this man named Steve Edwards. A normal guy, from Houston, decides to take a mission trip to Costa Rica. And just monts later, he found himself as a wonderful minister of the gospel in the ghetto of La Carpio. Times have been hard but he has done wonderful works of God through the Holy Spirit in this place. The picture above are souls saved because of Steve's willingness to be a vessel. Praise be to God!

SPONSOR A CHILD WITH COMPASSION

Tomara Brown Sponsor a Child with Compassion - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW0uTKblmN4&feature=player_embedded#

Last October I had the privilege of attending the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, GA. I saw this video clip featured above LIVE and it was really cool!

A LIFE LIVED FOR GOD WILL NEVER STOP PRODUCING FRUIT

MacKenzie is pictured top row far right.

Last year Mackenzie Farris went on our mission trip - "Voices in the Ville." She was a friend of many of our high school students at Louisville Male. On the trip, our group was inspired as we learned of her mother's battle with cancer. Martha, MacKenzie's mom, was determined to give God glory through her struggle with this thing called cancer. Within the last couple of weeks, hospice has been called to the Farris's home. I have been inspired through the emails from Kevin, Martha's husband. His emails have explained how Martha is continuing to give God praise; even in her last days.

As I have been praying for the Farris family, God has brought to my mind Jeremiah 17:7-8 which reads as follows:

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit

I am so thankful that Martha has put her trust in the Lord. Her roots go deep and her life will never stop producing fruit! Praise be to God.

JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH GOD

Luke 2:52 - And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God.

Don't you find it very interesting that Jesus, a perfect man, grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God?

If you are a parent then you probably understand the roller coaster of emotions that can come upon you when your child does something that really makes you proud or when your child does something that really disappoints you. Yes, we have all made others proud and we all have disappointed someone - except for Jesus. Jesus never disappoints! God must have smiled so many times as he saw Jesus treating women with respect; when he saw Jesus heal the sick and when he saw Jesus love children.

May each of us grow in wisdom and in favor with God!

WORSHIP

1 Chronicles 16:29 - Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness!

I must say that I don't like to hear people say, "I didn't get anything out of that worship service." Worship is the acknowledgment and response to that which is worthy. Right? So, why do people worship "worship?" I understand that lighting and the setting help us focus in worship and I'm ok with that. But, our worship should not be defined by music or the setting/location of the worship service.

Consider these Bible Verses on Worship:

Psalm 19:1 - All creation declares God's glory
Psalm 95:6-7 - Come worship and bow down
Matthew 25:45 - Caring for the needy
Romans 15:16 - Proclaiming God
2 Corinthians 9:12 - Charitable giving
Philippians 2:17 - Dedicating lives
Philippians 2:25 - Sharing fellowship
Hebrews 13:15 - Praising God
James 1:27 - Acting justly
Revelation 22:6-9 - God alone deserves our worship

Think and comment please....What is the purpose of corporate worship?

OFFICIALLY REGISTERED FOR THE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER

It was a cold morning. My brother and I were snuggled in my mom and dad's bed. Brother Boyd, my pastor, knelt beside the bed and tried to awake my brother and me. My mom was standing by his side as he told us that my father had gone to be with the Lord. My dad fought pancreatic cancer a few months before dying. This September, I will enter The Ride To Conquer Cancer in honor of my dad.

OVER $9000.00 WAS RAISED FOR YOUTH MISSIONS TO THE NAVAJO NATION

As folks started coming into the Fellowship Hall on Sunday after Celebration Worship at St. Matthews Baptist Church, I started to get a little nervous about where everyone would sit. I grabbed a few of the sophomore guys and asked them to locate tables and chairs to accommodate our large crowd. After a great lunch prepared by Bobbie Whitten and crew, people started placing their silent auction bids on over 100 items. Steve Kirkland and Tim Galyon encouraged everyone to keep raising their bids. At the close of the silent auction we were proud to announce that over $9000.00 was raised. Our buyers stood patiently in line as we prepared for check-out.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped make this Auction 4 Missions be successful. Our goal was $8000.00 and we raised over $9000.00. A special “thank you” is extended to our donors, our cooks, the Sunday School classes for donating some great baskets, our youth and parents for donating desserts & doing set up/clean up, our emcees and to Suzette Johnson for organizing this event.

EMILY MIZE IS THE BEST!

Getting ready for the Youth Auction has been so much easier this year because of my great assistant - Emily Mize! She is efficient and friendly! Don't you love those people who will do what it takes to make your life a little easier! :)

MONEY FOR HAITI

Today I had the privilege to deliver a check to my good friend Mark Hogg at EDGE MINISTRIES. St. Matthews Baptist collected $1500.00 to give to EDGE for water purification in Haiti. Wally, my husband, is pictured above partnering with EDGE in Costa Rica.

PASSPORT CAMP

PASSPORT CAMP FOR YOUTH IN GRADES 7-12 COMING JULY 24-30! Registration is past due but we can take you for the waiting list!

A Beautiful Day

I enjoyed the day with my boys. We spent nearly 4 hours at the Louisville Zoo today! We saw the baby gorilla!

YOUTH AUCTION & LUNCHEON

YOUTH AUCTION & LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, MARCH 14th immediately following Celebration Worship
MENU: BAKED SPAGHETTI, SALAD, ROLLS & ASSORTED DESSERTS
Our SMBC students need your support at the annual Youth Auction & Luncheon. Your financial support and your prayer support will make their mission trip to the Navajo Nation this summer a success. All proceeds from the youth auction will benefit our students and adults as they minister in Joseph City, Arizona. Some of the mission projects on the Navajo reservation will include home repair, leading Vacation Bible Schools & participating in evangelism. Donations will be accepted for lunch.
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12 (NRSV)
I don’t know about you, but this verse has always challenged me in my faith journey. Perhaps you’re like me. When I read this statement by Jesus, I keep coming back to the same questions, “Is He really saying what it appears He is saying? Are we really going to participate in doing greater works than Jesus did while He was on earth? It just seems impossible, doesn’t it? Are we supposed to heal all kinds of sickness, cast out demons and raise people from the dead? Is Jesus really serious?”
Yes. Jesus is serious. These greater works are really possible through our belief and obedience to Jesus. What Jesus proclaims in John 14:12 is not that the disciples would do something better or more meaningful than Jesus did but he was inviting them to be involved in something “greater,” more expansive. The disciples’ work will therefore be greater because they will reveal the completed story of the Word made flesh and the fullness of God’s love.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus was opening the door wide for the kingdom to invade earth. The kingdom was breaking into the disciple’s midst. Jesus was and is still inviting people to get involved in this unshakeable kingdom kind of life. Jesus came proclaiming that a new and different kind of kingdom was here. The kingdom He was proclaiming was foundationally different than the Roman Empire which was the dominant kingdom of the day. Rather than a kingdom built with power and oppression, this new kingdom was built upon love, grace, generosity, compassion and peace.
This was the kingdom of God. The disciples were being invited to be a part of nothing less than a movement. And so are we.
In your life, do you have a sense that you are a part of something “greater”? The invitation was not merely for the disciples; it is for you. Help our students continue the greater works!

How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?

The problem of tragedy, suffering and injustice is a big hindrance for belief in God. Many people, however, have admitted to me that most of what they really needed for success in life came to them through their most difficult and painful experiences. Though none of the people that I know who have suffered are grateful for the tragedies themselves, they would not trade the insight, character, and strength they had received from them for anything. With time and perspective, most of us can see good s for at least some of the tragedy and pain that occurs in life.

Why couldn't it be possible that, from God's vantage point, there are good reasons for all of them?

Thoughts from Rob Bell in Drops Like Stars...We are all going to suffer. And the suffering will shape us. We have the potential to become better people because of suffering. Suffering compels us to eliminate the unnecessary, the trivial and the superficial.

Friendship

Elliott and I had a long talk today about friendship. He asked me why some of his "friends" are not really nice to him. I tried to explain that friendships come in different shapes and sizes. Chuck Swindoll reminds us of four crucial truths pertaining to friendships.

...Friends are essential, not optional.
...Friends must be cultivated; they are not automatic.
...Friends impact our lives; they're not neutral.
...Friends come in four classifications, not one (acquaintances, casual friends, close friends and intimate friends.)

I told Elliott that even when his friends talked "smack" to him and weren't very nice to him that he should still act as Jesus would act.

Finally I told Elliott, "Your friends are like buttons on an elevator. They will either take you up or take you down. Choose the ones that take you up."

American Idol

Why in the world do all of the judges on American Idol say the same thing? We need Paula back!

Don't Be Deceived

Galatians tells us to not be deceived; a man reaps what he sows. Tonight in Bible study I wrote the following statement on a white board: What you are today is what you will be 20 years from now.

Do you disagree or agree with this statement? I think it is another way to say, "a man reaps what he sows." Students must realize that the decisions they make now will affect them the rest of their lives.

Make Godly choices!

Losing to save, Giving to get

"If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? Luke 9:24-25

Life magazine wrote about their mission and their deaths. Some called them fools, but their courage and martyrdom paved the way for a new wave of missionary work during the second half of the twentieth century.

What gives a man such a sense of purpose that the possibility of death does not dissuade him from his efforts? For Jim Elliot, it was faith and a sense of mission. He studied God's Word, read the writings of people like Hudson Taylor and Amy Carmichael and enthusiastically hung on the words of speakers and preachers at mission conferences. Jim Elliot was a man who caught God's vision for his life.

Jim Elliot (1927-1956) - missionary pilot in Ecuador and husband to Elisabeth, was martyred at the hands of Waorani tribesmen.

10/10/10 STUDY

This study is done best with a small group of people you trust. If you don't have a group - ask about 5 people to be in your group! Each group member simply reads the bible, on their own, for ten minutes. (Tomara has a suggested list of passages to use for this study.) For the next 10 minutes everyone writes any thoughts that came to mind while they were reading. For the last ten minutes each person in the group shares what they read and wrote. This is a great way to learn about the Bible. Through this study you can also get to really know the people in your small group!

PRAYER DURING THE SEASON OF LENT...

Go now, a child of God.
Choose well the road you take,
And the decisions you make.
Keep in mind always that
The God you serve
Continues to call to you,
Making you more and more every day
Into the faithful one
God wants you to be.
From: d365

GOD SPECIALIZES IN SECOND CHANCES

During this season of Lent, let us remember that God specializes in second chances. We are invited to look carefully at ourselves. We are invited to repent.

In Luke 13:1-9 Jesus tells the story of a fruitless fig tree. The owner expected figs; after all, that's what fig trees produce; but no fruit was there. He commanded a servant to cut it down. Instead, the servant pleaded for mercy and was given another season to produce. When God calls for the fruit of repentance, he expects repentance. If he doesn't get response the first time, he seems open to give us another chance; but it's a second chance, not necessarily an unlimited chance. Is He giving you another season?

THE CHEESEBURGER BILL

Do you agree that people should take responsibility for their own actions? I do! This morning I fixed Max eggs, bacon and toast. I let him eat it in my room so he could watch PBS kids. We are out of school today because of SNOW. A few minutes later I heard Elliott say, "Moms never gonna let you eat in here again." I walked back to my bedroom and there was egg, toast, jelly and bacon all over the floor. I asked Max, "what happened?" He said, "I didn't do anything, my plate just jumped off." Although it was a mistake, Max didn't want to take responsibility for the food being on the floor. I told him it was okay and asked him again what happened and he told me the same thing. Then we had a talk about lying.

In late June 2002, Caesar Barber and other children/teenagers filed lawsuits against McDonald's Corp. They claimed that they sold them food that made them obese. One of the teenagers, Ceaser Barber, claimed that they should be held accountable for "wrecking his life."

According to a January 2003 article in Capitalism Magazine, "The lawyer acting on behalf of these outsized teens is Samuel Hirsch. He says people are too dumb to know what's good for them and that McDonalds has an obligation to make known their food is unhealthy, just like they should have warned old Stella Liebeck it's not a good idea to get in a car and stick a cup of hot coffee between your legs while you're trying to get the lid off."

Because of such lawsuits, in 2004 and 2005 the "Cheeseburger Bill" was passed through congressmen by the House of Representatives. The bill, however, couldn't get past the Senate. Although the bill did not get past the senate, I think we all agree that people should take responsibility for their own actions. Right? We cannot keep blaming others for the choices we make.

These stories illustrate a spiritual rule for all of us - God expects people to take responsibility for their actions. Jesus says so in Luke 13:1-9.

In this Lenten season, we are invited to look carefully at ourselves. We are invited to repent and be honest with God! If we want to produce fruit in our lives, we must take responsibility for our actions!

BUILDING A WINNING TEAM

I love my Youth Workers at SMBC! I have especially enjoyed seeing our UofL college students engaged as leaders in the youth ministry. They were just students one to two years ago. How is it that you build a winning team? Stan Toyler gives us 6 ways to do this in the Preaching journal for Jan/Feb 2010.

DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY - Provide direction...set expectations...allow for creativity...check on the results...reward performance...

AFFIRM OTHERS - You can empower by your applause.

PROVIDE SUPPORT - Offer training and resources. Ask "What do you need?"

MOTIVATE TEAMMATES - Motivate by reminding them of the eternal value of their leadership.

EVALUATE RESULTS - Ask...Did we reach our goal? What could we have done better? What did we do great?

REWARD PERFORMANCE - Celebrate the victories!

Remember that Great Teams don't just happen. They are shaped by a great leader. Pour your energy into others, and they'll pour their energy into the mission!

BELIEVE CONFERENCE

The Junior High Believe Conference was one of the greatest conferences I've ever experienced. Great Job CIY (Christ In Youth). We experienced God in art, skateboarding, Church Group Take Out, Worship, Improv and in the Hearing of God's Word. The Big Idea from the weekend was that God wants Junior Highers to be WORKERS IN HIS KINGDOM!

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW...

LITTLE LEAGUE

It's that time of year again. Can we say "batter up?" I just signed up Max for Tee Ball and I was reminded of my little league days in White Plains, Kentucky.

Prayer of Benedict of Nursia

O GRACIOUS AND HOLY FATHER

O gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive Thee,
intelligence to understand Thee,
diligence to seek Thee,
Patience to wait for Thee,
eyes to behold Thee,
a heart to meditate upon Thee,
and a life to proclaim Thee;
through the power of the Spirit
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Saving the Children

“They were missionaries who came to help,” he said.

According to Daily Dispatch Online, this is what the American's lawyer has said in response to the Southern Baptist missionaries who tried to 'kidnap' the Haitian children from their home.

What do you think about the arrest and jailing of the 10 Southern Baptist missionaries who tried to gather 100 orphans from the streets and take them to the Dominican Republic?

Read the Opinion from Fritz Gutwein at http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/4816/9/.

This article and the comments on the article are very interesting. Take a look.

Will teenagers give their virginity up as easily as they would their cell phone?

Good Article from CPYU


"Above all things guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Prov. 4:23).

Her hands shook and her eyes roamed restlessly about the bus. I could tell she was agitated about something. I walked up the aisle of the bus and met the eager eyes of many teens as we turned the corner just one block away from arriving back at the church from a weekend retreat.

This particular girl asked me with a look of frustration and desperation, "Can I have my cell phone back now?"

Most youth workers can relate to the battle against cell phone dependency and the symptoms of withdrawal that come when we limit or ban cell phone use during a weekend youth retreat or mission trip.

For years and years, teens have been signing off on parent permission slips and trip expectation forms banning the possession of such contraband as drugs, alcohol and weapons. Few ever dared protest the ban on these. I mean, come on! Why would drugs, alcohol and weapons ever be appropriate on a spiritual retreat?

However, youth pastors recently have been so bold as to add another item to the list: cell phones.

The first time I enforced the "No Cell Phones" rule on a retreat, I was met with a good amount of protest, complaints, crusty looks and outright defiance.

"It's for your own good," I told them.

"Disconnect from life back home in order to reconnect with God."

"Why not engage the 50 people sitting around you on the bus instead of the one person you're texting?" And so on…

Most of us know that disconnecting and giving ourselves a true escape from the people, projects and worries of home is good and healthy for the soul. Even our students get it and know deep down that this is true and good.

By the way, our youth group has adapted well to this policy, and I'm proud to say it wasn't even an issue on our most recent trip.

I was having lunch with a pastor friend of mine the other day. He told me of his recent enforcement of the "No Cell Phones" policy at a mission camp this summer. He said many students were absolutely furious. Many gave their phones up reluctantly and then had a negative attitude the rest of the week.

What makes teens guard these little devices so ferociously? Why is it such a violation to ask them to give up a small piece of personal property for a weekend retreat or weeklong mission trip?

What do cell phones represent to teens that make them such personal treasures worth guarding and protecting like a mama bear protects her cubs?

With these thoughts floating around in my head, I blurted out a provocative statement to my pastor friend across the table that struck us both as...well...something worth pondering. I said: "Many teens will give up their virginity easier than they'll give up their cell phone."

Put another way: "Many teens seem to guard their cell phone with more care and determination than they guard their virginity."

I know this is probably an overstatement, even offensive to some; but is it completely off track? Is there any degree of truth to this shocking comparison?

If we're honest, we'll admit the things we guard and protect are the things we value and treasure most. The things we protect less and give up without a fight are the things we value less. So, why do teens guard their cell phones so carefully and often play around so casually and recreationally with their sexuality? This is a lamentable reality that all youth workers must be vigilant to address continuously with our teens.

I believe a part of that message must be: You can toss your cell phone out the window and simply purchase a new one the next day. Sure, you'll have to spend some time gathering all your contacts and numbers to reprogram. Conversely, if you give up your virginity in the heat of the moment this Friday night, you'll never get it back. That particular personal contact always will be programmed into your memory, and you'll never be able to erase it completely.

So, let's loosen our grip on our cell phones and tighten our grip on our God-given gift of sexual purity. That's a treasure truly worth guarding!

Investing Your Talents

1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

"I'm just not good at anything." Have you ever heard someone say that phrase? How often have you felt like saying it? Discovering your talents and how to use them can be a tough process. In the book of Corinthians, Paul instructs the churches in and around Corinth to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord. I believe in order to give ourselves fully to the Lord, we must know our spiritual gifts and strengths.

If you are at a place where you would like to seriously give yourself wholly to the Lord, I encourage you to buy the book Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. I also encourage you to contact a minister at your church about taking a Spiritual Gifts Survey. Once you have taken those tests, make an appointment with an organization about how you could use your gifts in honor of our Lord.

You may have a full-time job but choose to volunteer your time and use your strengths to honor God.

THE SIMPLE LIFE - Really?

Recently, I read a book by Thom Rainer and Art Rainer entitled "simple life." The book focuses on how to make your time really count...how to create and keep healthy relationships...how to simplify and build healthy finances and how to get closer to God.

Although the book was encouraging, there was nothing in the book that gave me an "ah hah" moment. The most important thing that matters in life is our relationship with Jesus and the second most important thing that matters is our relationships with others (including our families.)

Is life really simple? I don't think it is. I'm constantly asking myself...How can I be a better wife...a better mom...a better friend? I don't think there is anything simple about accepting our humanity. We are imperfect. Our children are imperfect. Our churches are imperfect. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23.) But if you are like me, then you would like to be the perfect wife, the perfect mom and the perfect friend. I must constantly remind myself of 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins; he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

CHRIST BE WITH ME by St. Patrick

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie,
Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

DO YOU FOLLOW THIS GUY ON TWITTER?

"Lord...first let me go bury my father." And Jesus said, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Tonight I asked our High School students, "Who do people in our culture follow?" The answers ranged from athletic superstars such as Tiger Woods to Hollywood superstar Ashton Kutcher. Then I asked, "how is it that these superstars are followed?" One of the seniors said that people follow Ashton Kutcher on twitter. Another student said that people follow Tiger Woods by walking the golf courses to see him shoot a double eagle.


After further discussion, I asked "how is it that we follow Jesus?" According to Matthew 8, Jesus instructs a young man to Follow Him. But what does that really look like? Bible Scholars have a few different takes on what happened that day. It's possible that the young man put off following Jesus until his father died. Maybe his father was sick and the young man was just waiting until that moment. Or maybe he didn't want to follow Jesus because he wanted to ensure he received his father's inheritance.

Why do you think the man asked to bury his father? What's wrong with his request? It seems reasonable and responsible for this young man to look out for his family and bury his father.

Here's my take: I think the young man was doing what many of us do. He turned responsibility into an excuse. The young man was allowing an arguably legitimate responsibility - burying his father - to get in the way of embracing his greatest responsibility - following Christ.

I pray that students can stop making excuses for not following Jesus. Following Jesus means that we put him first and obey his commands. Following Jesus means that we leave the world a better place than we found it. Following Jesus means that we know Jesus' voice so well that when he calls us; we listen and are able to hear his voice.

Next week our students will talk about "Why" people followed Jesus. We'll be using 3 or 4 clips from the movie Braveheart to jumpstart our discussion.

Radical Prayer needed for Haiti

Acts 10:34b-35

"God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."

~Radical Prayer goes to the root, the heart, the center. The word radical itself comes from the Latin radix, which means root. Radical Prayer refuses to let us stay on the fringes of life's great issues. It dares to believe that things can be different. Its aim is the total transformation of persons, institutions, and societies. Radical Prayer, you see, is prophetic.~

-from Richard J. Foster