Sweet tea by Lori Frank

How To Choose Your Church

    How does one go about choosing a church?  The pat answer most would give is, "I chose this church because I felt this was the one God called me to."  Well, great.  I can't argue with that.  But actually, most church members made their choice on a practical level as well.  

 Most people actually choose their church based on factors such as:

Traditional upbringing- Your family has been in this church/denomination for 6 generations.  

Worship asthetic preference- You like this type of Music, architecture/decor, litergy, lighting, length...etc.

Programming- They have specific ministries for kids, Teens, or mission emphasis, arts

Preaching style- You prefer the pastor to be Teaching topically, expositorially, "Hell, Fire, & Brimstone"...Etc.

Leadership style- You desire your pastor to be available to me and my needs as opposed to other staff care-givers.  

Proximity to home- You need to be in your neighborhood, I don't mind driving a ways...

Size- You like a church to be big, small, in-between, multi-campus

Peers- You like a church to be similar to me in ethnicity, socio-economically, age, or education level

Feel-  You like a welcoming friendly church, or You like a casual come as you are feel, Maybe you like a formal style

All these are extremely valid as far as comfort level goes.  They should be factored in for sure!  But they are, in my opinion, secondary to more foundational concerns.  Here are some real big issues to examine when looking for a church that will feed you, challenge you, and help fulfill your calling:

1.  Look at the doctrine-  Is it Biblical?  Carefully go through the doctrinal statement most churches post on their website.  Are there small groups for all ages that meet to study the word of God and live in community? This goes beyond the label and brand.  

2.  Is the worship vertical?-  Whatever the worship style, the focus should be on addressing God personally.  It should lean away from performance/observation and toward engagement of the congregation in authentic expressions that glorify God.  

3.  Is it growing?  How?-  All things that are healthy grow.  A church that is stagnated or declining is a bad sign.  Is the congregation and is the leadership commited to remaining culturally relevant or are they refusing to change?  Do they welcome new folks?  Are the believers that go there changing to be more and more like Jesus everyday? Life change is constant in a healthy church.  Are they reaching new people?  Is the numerical growth due to winning new believers or just swapping sheep that got mad at the church down the road?  

4.  What is the Baptism to Budget ratio?-  How many souls were won compared to membership and dollars is a good indicator of health.  I recently saw a report on a church with 1000 members and a 9 million dollar budget that only baptized 7 people in one year!  That is not a Biblical model.

5.  Is there a well defined mission?-  The whole body should be able to enunciate the vision of the church.  All programming  should revolve around this central purpose.  Are the people being equipped to serve?  Why do they exist?  What are they doing with the edification they receive there?  If the church disappeared tomorrow would the community even miss it?  

Choosing a church is a highly personal decision and should not be taken lightly.  Once you do find one, though, you need to go ahead and join.  Get plugged in with a small group.  Find a place of service.  Support it with your resources.  Build the kingdom there.  Don't just consume, contribute.  There is nothing more fulfilling and edifying that joining ranks with others who have found grace.  

How did you know your church was "the one"?  Are there other factors to consider that I did not cover?  What do you think? I'd love to hear from you in the comments of this blog.  Feel free to share this artical with others, especially ones still looking for a place to call home.  

 

 

 

 

 

Revelation's River and Redemption

     I took this photo of Cane Creek with my phone this morning on my run.  I could gaze at the gentle flow of this cool clear creek and watch the little speckled trout darting about for hours.  But instead it has become just a moment to pause, catch my breath and find the courage to keep running, just a little longer.  

     Revelation 22 and Ezekiel 47 both are visions describing New Jerusalem, or Heaven.  Heavily featured in both is a crystal clear river, flowing from the Throne.  "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the middle of it's street, and on either side of the river was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.  The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  They shall see His face, and His Name shall be on their foreheads." 

     One day, if you are saved by grace through faith, you will see Him and serve Him and be free...forever.  You will stand by this river and eat the fruit and taste the healing leaves.  But Paul encourages us to earn a crown of righteousness that is awarded to those who "Love His appearing".  There is a prize for longing for Christ's return.  Of course this crown will immediately be tossed at Jesus' feet in worship.  But it is good to remember this earth is not our final destination.  

     I want to encourage you today.  In all the swirl of duty and demands of life in general, in the midst of great pain or sickness, in the storms of war and violence, in the grip of fear or grief... would you take 5 minutes and ponder the city of God, the light of His face, the release of the grip of your sinful flesh?  Would you be willing to put on your headphones, close your eyes and meditate and long for His appearing?  As you visualize that beautiful day, that shining river, that glorious throne, that enthrawling Presence, your mind will be renewed and your strength and focus restored... just like my wind as I panted on that bridge and gazed out over that earthly river.  Hit play, lean back, disconnect and let the worship sweep you away in the current of the river of life. Then rise up and finish the race. 

YOU HOLD ME NOW: HILLSONG

On the day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
and forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone

No weeping
No hurt or pain
No suffering
You hold me now, You hold me now
No darkness
No sick or lame
No hiding
You hold me now, You hold me now

In this life I would stand
through my joy and my pain
Knowing there is a greater day
There's a Hope that never fades

Where Your name is lifted high
and forever praises rise
For the glory of Your name
I'm believing for the day

Where the wars and violence cease
All creation lives in peace
Let the songs of heaven rise to You alone

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your Name 

 

Don't Mess With The Bride

Today was one of those days where I should not have clicked on certain blogs.  I get so frustrated sometimes with the growing trend of angsty young bloggers spewing liberal theology and agenda skewed, faulty hermeneutics claiming to speak for an entire generation of believers. In the name of Google Analytics numbers and dollars signs they erect straw men and toss grenades into the twittersphere that explode onto the minds of the impressionable, the worldy, or the bitter.  Their books make a mockery of the biblical framework and family values of the mainstream evangelical body of believers, but do little to point the reader toward the saving Grace of Jesus.

I challenge, with everything in me, one of these mud-slingers on the Bride of Christ to show me how their criticism is helping anything but their bank account or Klout score.  Instead, I'd rather focus on the brothers and sisters who are working from within the body to keep us grounded in grace and love for each other and our world.  Yes, we need to focus.  Yes, we need to do better at extending this love and grace to those less fortunate, those of all races, and those whose sins and struggles may look different than ours but are not more of  an abomination to our Holy God.  Yes, we need to point the finger demanding sexual purity right back at our own divorcing, fornicating, adulterating selves.  Yes, we need to be authentic.  Yes, we need to rebuke, from within, those who beat the drum of legalism and spout unbiblical, ungodly paradigms ...but my point is, it's from WITHIN.

The church these folks are throwing rocks at is people.  It's people like me and you, churches like mine and yours.  And, as humbly as I can, I would ask them to look closer.  If they did they would see men and women loving, serving, sacrificing financially, going and sending.  They'd see them washing the feet of prisoners, digging wells in Africa, building orphanages in Guatemala, adopting foster kids, serving meals at shelters, cleaning up schools, sponsoring classrooms,  rebuilding homes in disaster areas, rescuing trafficked girls, rehabbing addicts, providing free dental care and mammograms, reaching out to other races, and welcoming all who struggle with sexual sin of any kind to the throne of grace.  They'd see authentic God-centered worship, sound doctrine being taught, and biblical community happening.  They'd see our blood, sweat, and tears.  They'd see us poured out and emptied for the sake of the good news of salvation for all mankind.  Not haters.  Not folks who are backward, ignorant, arrogant, show-offs, sexist,biggoted, manipulative or rude.  Just sinners who found Hope and want to shine the Light.  

 

So... If you plan to sling mud on the Bride of Christ, and air our dirty laundry out in the world for your own fame, you'd better be ready for her Groom to defend her.  She's not perfect.  Her dress may be smudged, her face dirty at times, but she is His.  She will endure.  She will be on the side of her returning King.  Be sure you're fighting for the right side on that day.  

So let me end this post with some more positives.  I'm bragging on the church I serve.  We are in the middle of a series called "Pillars", a teaching series by our pastor Dr. Bruce Frank on the non-negotiables of our faith.  We also have many ways we are seeking to serve our world and our local community through our "Love Loud" projects of hands on ministry outside the walls of our church.

I hope you have a church where you can pour out your soul in worship and have it filled back up with sound teaching and encouragement.  I pray you are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  I pray you are able to spot impure motives and selfish narcissistic  agendas when you see them.  I pray you will humbly work to make Christ known.  I also pray you will defend Jesus' bride even as you call her out on her complacency, and work to make her ready for the King's return.  Our time is growing short and the fields are riper than ever for a harvest.  

Oh yes, friends.  Jesus is the Cornerstone.  And upon this Rock, God will build His kingdom.  It will stand forever and the gates of Hell itself will not prevail against it!  Here's a video look, below, of  what we at Biltmore Baptist Church are all about: Reaching up, Reaching in, and Reaching out!  If you don't have a church home, find one that is doing these three things.  We have a lot to do!  Show us Your Glory. Lord!   

Biltmore Passion from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.

 

 

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”  Matthew 16:15-19

 

Women's Ministry and the day I forgot my Bible and my Baby

It was a long time ago, but I remember being a young wife of 27, with 2 preschool aged boys to raise and trying to find my nitch in ministry.  I had been so blessed to have found salvation and true love.  But now I was trying to find friends.  I showed up at our church's women's Bible study.  It was harried trying to get the kids packed, fed and dressed for the morning and then dropped off in their respective classrooms, but I was grateful for the chance.  

I walked into the church meeting hall wondering if my jeans and t-shirt were going to be ok.  I wondered if the friend I was meeting there would already be seated.  Would she have saved me a seat?  I had the first day of school jitters.  I felt silly and I'm a pastor's wife.  Church is my life.  I muttered to myself to get a grip and smile...then I noticed I had forgotten my Bible.  Groan!  I felt so embarrassed, inadequate.  And at that point there was no such thing as a cell phone, so I couldn't even pull it up on that.;)  

But I persevered.  I found my friend.  Her table was full.  But I gratefully saw another pastor's wife, my sister-in-law Margie waving me over to her table.  We drank coffee and ate muffins.  It was heaven.  It was the first time in 3 years I had shared a coffee with another woman without one of our babies crying, nursing or climbing up one of us.  Then we sang our lungs out in worship as one of our own led us and another one rapidly flipped the hand-written transparancies on the over-head projector.  I felt my neck muscles release. We were each given copies of the notes and the homework freshly hand cranked from the mimeo-graph purchased by the women's ministry bake-sale money.  (I would later be given my first position in women's minsitry as chief mimeo-graph cranker as a then unknown teacher and friend of our leader  named Beth Moore would write our studies on a type-writter and give them to us to crank out.  The smell of these wet shiny pages still lingers in my mind.)  

I remember listening to women's ministry director Johnnie Haines teach about Joy as we began our study that day in Philippians.  And, I remember falling in love with Jesus and His Word all over again that day.  I remember feeling Joy and Hope as a lonely young woman who needed a mentor and a sister.  I also remember thinking to myself, "This is what I would love to do when I grow up."   

As the session ended I thought, "Oh no, it's over!  Not yet, please.  I'm not ready to go home and face naptime and diapers and my dirty house!"  And then I remembered the small groups.  Sadly, I did not even think about my kids in the nursery even though I did not even know the workers there.  I was that burned out.  I followed the crowd down the hall to a little Sunday School room where we took roll, introduced ourselves and began discussing our lesson.  

Toward the end of our small group time, our leader asked us to share prayer requests and told us she wanted us to be transparent with each other.  She told us that to encourage us to be real, she wanted us to all confess an area where we needed extra grace and where we needed a miracle.  There were about 15 of us in the group and one by one they confessed sins like: My quiet times are just too short, I only memorized 12 Bible verses over the summer, I only read the Bible through once last year, I had an unkind thought about my neighbor's cat last week... I'm kidding about the cat one, but you see what I mean.  I felt like the most evil, selfish, faithless, undisciplined soul on the planet.  I was a complete heathen if these were their most transparent confessions!  

Then when the circle of confessions was just about 2 perfect little saints away from being my turn, it happended.  One brave, or reckless, or desperately honest soul told the truth... In a quivering voice she stated that she had just sent her last child to college and with him had gone the only glue holding her marriage together.  she told about her feelings of emptiness and loneliness and regret.  She told us she came that day because her neighbor brought her, and that she had never been to church since she was married 22 years before.  She told us she was saved as a child and raised in church but hadn't really walked with Jesus as a friend, ever.  The mirage of perfection evaporated in that momment.  We all cried with her that day.  Our leader led us in prayer and we hugged her and promised to pray all week.  The time was up by then, and I got out of sharing my confession.  But it wouldn't have been about how few verses I had down pat that day.  It would have been more like:   I yell at my kids, I nag my husband, my prayers are mostly emergency flares and thank you for my food, or my heart is so dry right now that I don't know how to bring my walk with Jesus back to life.  

For 5+ years I met with these ladies.  We had lunch.  We went on retreats and to conferences.  We prayed.  We studied.  We laughed.  We cried.  We saw many answered prayers.  We learned a ton about the Bible and how to study and apply it.  They helped me learn about mothering, and wife-ing, and taught me to share my faith.  We took turns watching each other's kids and took meals when one was sick or giving birth.  In essence, they were the mother I was living so far from at the time.  They were the sisters I never had.  They were my lifeline and my liferaft.  

I learned the value of Women's ministry at that church, The Met, in Houston, Texas.  I learned that women need each other.  I learned that younger women need older women to teach them and that older women need to feel they are leaving a legacy.  Then God sent us to our next church and I learned how to start a women's group, mostly by mistakes and figuring out how NOT to do things, a little too late.  Johnnie had made it look easy.  But God blessed it in spite of me.  And I still get to serve God by loving and teaching women today.  I cherish getting to mentor and nurture other gals who might be feeling overwhelmed and underfed.  I love that we are taking our mission outside the walls of the church and making a difference for women here in our city and around the world.  I love inspiring and training future leaders.  Now there are no mimeo-graphs and the Nursery workers give you an electronic claim-check for security!  And, Mama Beth is famous and doesn't use a typewritter anymore.  But The Word of God is as fresh, restorative, applicable and delicious as ever!  And, the friendships are forever;)

If you are not in a Women's Group, why not?  You NEED it.  Other Women NEED you.  Wherever you live, whatever your schedule, whatever your spiritual condition...make it happen.  If you live near Asheville North Carolina, we'd love to have you this fall in either our morning or evening group.  Childcare is provided free of charge.  You can visit our website for more info on what is offered through Biltmore Baptist Church's Woman to Woman under the loving leadership of Kelly Williams and her team.  Hope to see you there!  

 

 

YouTube Beauty "Gurus" I Love To Watch

    One of my favorite frivolous ways to spend a few minutes is to watch videos on YouTube about beauty, makeup, skincare, and shopping.  I find it to be informative as well as entertaining.  I have discovered some wonderful gals out there in YouTube land that I have come to think of as my friends.

    You can create a Youtube account and subscribe to the channels you enjoy and then you will be able to click on "Subscriptions" and see all of the new videos posted by your favorites.  You will be able to comment and ask question.  Also, they will post links and information for you in the description bar below the viewing window.  You just need to click the "About" tab.  I have chosen 15 of my most watched YouTubers (In random order) to share with you today.  Check out their channels by typing the channel names I have in BOLD if this is something you are interested in.  I know you will love it as much as I do.  I almost never even watch TV anymore because I'd rather be on YouTube.  It's my favorite way to unwind for a few minutes at the end of the day.  

1.   EmilyNoel83:  Emily  is a professional broadcaster so her production quality is fantastic.  She does series like Makeup tutorials featuring all one brand, or top 10s and reviews.  You will love her down to earth perspectives.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  This is Angie of HotandFlashy.  Don't you just love that name?  She is beautiful and perky and over 50.  Her videos are filmed in her bedroom or bathroom and are homey.  She features products and techniques perfect for aging or anti-aging skin.  I love her honest product reviews and her skincare routine information.  

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Jaclyn Hill is a young beautiful professional makeup artist.  She films her videos at her kitchen table.  She is such a great teacher.  My favorite videos of hers are ones where she does her makeup and talks you through her techniques and teaches you what each one does for your look.  She recommends products too.  

 

4.  Jessi Nagy is a 40+ mom who is a freelance makeup artist.  She films in her bedroom.  Jessi is incredible at reviewing products.  My favorites of hers are "top ten" videos.  She is so sweet and she gives tons of info.  I adored her videos about her favorite corral lipsticks and blushes.  She is careful to include drugstore and high-end products.  

 

5.  KristinGehm is super sweet and I love to hear her accent.  She does reviews and demos and tutorials.  She features a video every Tuesday and calls it "Topic Tuesday".  She will talk all about a certain beauty topic and always smile through the whole thing.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Lisa Eldridge is a makeup artist to the stars.  Her work is featured in magazine covers and on runways and red carpets around the world.  She is personal makeup artist to Kate Winslet and Kiera Knightly.  Her videos are always tutorials and they are amazing.  She works on her own face some but often brings in models.  She has some great tutorials on vintage looks too.  

 

7.  Lisa of LisaLisaD1 is an over 40 beauty too.  She does long rambling videos at her dining room table, where she talks girl talk and does occasional tutorials too.  She puts out videos on Fridays usually and always says, "Hi its Lisa, Happy Friday to ya!"  She is from North Carolina and her accent is cute.  She is the queen of the "Haul".  A haul is where the person will go shopping and them to a little show and tell about what they got.  She is a shopper!!!!  She also will do her face of the day (FOTD) or Outfit of the day (OOTD) for you.  

 

 

 

8. This is Tiffany from MakeupByTiffanyD-  She is a former school teacher from Atlanta.  She films her videos in her fabulous walk in closet!  Tiffany is a super teacher too.  She has a million tips and tricks as well as reviews and demos.  Her style is so classy and lady-like.  She also does OOTDs.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Meet Marlena from MakeupGeekTV.  She is an incredible makeup artist and has her own line of Makeup.  She does looks on models and on herself.  She uses a wide range of products too.  She is super sweet.  She also talks about her journey to get healthy and shares her tips for diet, exercise, and dressing for a curvy figure.  

 

 

 

 

 

10.  This is Melissa from "Melmphs".  She is a hoot!  She is also a christian and shares scripture in her description box.  She puts out a ton of videos.  Each one makes me love her more.  She totally cracks me up with her personality PLUS.  She does tutorials and reviews.  I also love that she does "DUPE" videos a lot.  A Dupe (short for duplicate) is a drugstore knockoff of a high-end product.  She also has a couple of videos where she tells her story of addiction and how she found Jesus and He changed her life, saved her marriage and gave her a new start.  

 

 

 

11.  This little bombshell is Sanni from the channel Missmai27.  She is so pretty is hurts my eyes!  She is a Finnish gal living in Paris and a working makeup artist.  She does a ton of looks that are amazing.  Her sweetness and accent are addictive.  She does modern as well as vintage looks.  I especially love her tutorials dealing with hooded eyes since I have them too.  

 

 

 

 

 

12. Here is Marnie from MsGoldGirl.  She is a Mom, a retired teacher and lives in Texas.  She does videos in her living room.  She does hauls, tutorials, reviews, and I just love her little chats.  She tells about her life.  She is a reader too so recommends books and she travels a lot and tells about that.  Her beauty looks are very down to earth and wearable.  She is cute, self-deprecating, and funny!

 

 

 

 

13.  Here are Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo.  They are British and are amazing!  They are sisters and they do pro-quality videos from their studios.  Sam is the designer of the Real Techniques makeup brushes sold at Ulta.  They do all kinds of tutorials and looks, mostly celebrity type makeup looks.  You will love them.  When I discovered them, I watched videos until I nearly died.  Ha!  

 

 

 

 

14.  Kassie from ShadesofKassie is a cali-mom and she is a ton of fun.  She films in her home and does great tutorials and reviews.  She also does hair videos.  She does an occasional Haul too.  I love her style and I love the series she is doing right now called Drugstore July.  She is doing tutorials using ONLY products found at the drugstore.  She is a really good teacher too. 

 

 

 

 

15.  And finally, meet Tammy form Uppiesbeads59.  She is another 50+ beauty.  She gives tons of tutorials and reviews and hauls with products related to beauty, skin care  and anti-aging. She calls herself CMT which stands for Crazy Mrs. Tammy!  She films in her bathroom in front of her tub.  I adore her wit, her loving personae and her information.  She does high-end products, drugstore products and homemade products.  She has a funny side and occasionally breaks into a fake accent or two.  She is often seen with goopy masks and such on her beautiful face.  You will love her!   

10 Retro Styles I'm Glad To Welcome Back

Welcome to FASHION FRIDAY! I'm not super trendy, but I try to keep up... Anyway, thanks to modern tools like pinterest, I'm able spot trends that I like.  I'm happy to say that there are a few trends I'm picking up on that I am LOVING!  I'm loving the retro leaning styles for this summer that look to me to be a blend of 40's and 70's.  I've selected my top 10.  I chose them because I think they would be universally flattering, modest, ladylike, and affordable.  

Here's what made my list:

1.  Aprons-  I'm see cute little aprons everywhere I go!  Is there anything more comforting and feminine than an apron?  These are awesome, an pretty practical too?

2.  Sun Hats- Speaking of practical, you can keep the sun off your face, peep flirtilly up at your man, and hide your after swim frizz with a pretty little floppy hat!  Just add some bright corral waterproof lipstick and you're good to go!  Kinda Jackie Kennedy. 

3. Buns-  This 'do is not just for librarians anymore!  Whether you are going for a messy tousled bun or the prim and proper kind, you will accent your cheekbones and be ready to go in a minimal time.  

4.  Cat-eye Sunglasses-  This trend is a real FAV!  You don't have to invest a bunch of moolah, these are everywhere and will flatter every facial structure.  Look for some with a little bling too.

5. Maxidresses- This trend makes me happy.  They are cool, comfy and colorful!  They're perfect for date night, running errand, or sitting at a ballgame...even for church.   Just add a jean jacket, denim vest or a shrug to the strapless or sundress kind, to keep it modest. Pair with a flipflop or between the toes sandal.

6.  Jumpsuits-  Other than inconvenient trips to the ladies room, I can't think of a trend I'm more excited about.  I had a favorite jumper in junior high and this really takes me back to how much I loved it.  Add a heel and a long necklace and Boom!

7. Winged Eyeliner-  We are talking Brigitte Bardot Boldness.  It looks best with lots of mascara or false lashes, neutral shadow and blush and a nude lip.  It takes practice but the payoff is dramatic.  Notice watches are back too... I guess we all got tired of looking at our phones for the time of day.

8. The Clutch Bag-  I guess we have the Duchess of Cambridge to thank for this one but I love it.  I'm kinda tired of those big bulky shoulder bags.  But this one wil take some discipline to pair down my stash of goodies I lug around all day in my current bag.  PS- notice her glasses... told you.

9.  "Pinup"style swimwear-  The greatest generation new how to be beautiful without giving away respect.  I'm not advocating posing provocatively like a pinup girl.  But, the swimsuits are the most modest and cute ones I've seen in a long time.  They are feminine, edgy and flattering for all figures.

 

10.  Full Natural Brows- It looks like we might be getting a break from all the painful plucking, waxing and threading!  Brows are looking much more natural and full.  they are still groomed but not overly arched, just filled in and strays plucked.  I'm currently trying to let mine grow back...hopefully it will be more Audry Hepburn than Groucho Marx!  This beautiful child reminds me of Brook Shields back in the day. 

I love that styles seem to be turning back to more femininity and demure adornment.  Of course, there will always be fashion pitfalls to avoid but I'm loving the retro chic ladylike trends I'm seeing now.  What are some of your loves?  Do you like these trends?  Do you others?  I'd love to hear your ideas.  It's fun being female!  

Making up: Emphasize the Positives

Hi friends!  I wanted to do a quick post today that is another (Kind of) tutorial about my makeup routine.  I'm focusing particularly on the contour and highlight portion because I've had quite a few friends ask about it.  Please excuse the Bun-Head!  It's Day 3.  I've listed the products I use and the colors below.  You will need to choose the items that fit your coloring and skin tone of course.  Also, you can find excellent dupes for the products I use at any drugstore if you wanted to try it without investing a ton.  Just look for a bronzer with no shimmer and kind of a neutral or grayish tint in order to avoid looking like a glittery oompa-loompa.  Ha!  

The photo above is me with no makeup, only moisturizer.  The photo to the right is me with my eyes done and concealer and foundation applied.  You can see in the second photo that wearing just foundation with no contour actually looks worse!  It removes all the natural hue and planes from my face and it emphasizes the bags and sags.  There is no dimention to the skin so it makes the makeup look like a mask.  Yuck!  Before discovering this technique I would have just brushed on some blush, lipstick and gone on.  But, Contouring and Hilighting give me the abilty to shade the areas I want to receed from the eye and to brighten the areas I want to bring forth in the visual field.  And, I'm able to do all this without looking cakey or overly made up when I blend well. It takes me just a couple extra minutes but makes a huge improvement.  

This is the exact diagram of where I apply the contour and highlights for my round face.  Of course these areas are blended to avoid any harsh lines on the face.  

The photo below is what my face looks like after the process.  It is subtle but makes a huge difference.  

I think it makes me look more rested, less puffy, smoother, and more glowing.

 The only additional products on my face are:

1. Benefit's Hoola bronzer- used brush it came with. Under the cheekbones in a triangle from top of ear toward the lip stopping about the middle of the eye.  Also in a U around my nose done softly with an eyeshadow brush.

2. Mac highlighting pen in radiant rose blended with fingers.  Used on middle of forehead, cheeks right under the eyes, in "comma" shaped lines around my mouth, and on my brow bone.  This product contains no shimmer.

3.  Milani blush in Dolce Pink just on the tops of cheek bones above the bronzer. Contains a tiny amout of shimmer that catches the light but NOT glittery.

4.  Bobbie Brown Bronzer in Dark 3 with a powder brush all the way  around my hairline and on my neck and under my collar bones.  This is a very cinnamon-y color. The counter girl matched it to the color in my freckles.;))  It removes that flat, fake look of full coverage foundation and adds dimention and warmth. 

5.  MAC fix plus finishing spray- spritzed on it takes away the powdery look and helps all the colors just meld into each other and into my skin.

6.  MAC lipstick in Angel with a touch of MAC lipgloss in Spirited

So here is the final result:

Remember your most important beauty secret is a smile and a sincere loving sparkle in your  eye.  Guard your hearts and be joyful in Jesus, because:

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful..." Prov. 15:13

The Voices: an orginal Easter Short Story

The following is a fictional story.  But the message is as real as life and death:

I was sitting in my car in the parking lot of my longtime salon letting the monotonous mechanical hum of the engine meld with the throb in my ears, waiting for my racing heartbeat to slow.  I was willing my fingers to release their death grip on the wheel, concentrating on taking slow deep breaths. 

This is what it feels like to go crazy.  I never knew that the insane would be so keenly aware of the unreality of their thoughts.  I closed my eyes, laid my head back and let the tears fall on my sweaty pale cheeks while the ache in the pit of my stomach bloomed with grief that was not mine to bear.

I gathered my wits and called my friend.  As soon as she answered, I blurted out, "It happened again.”. 

“Where?”, she asked.

 “At the salon. I was getting my hair done for Sunday”

 “What did it say this time?” 

“An abortion… and a rape, I gulped.  The agony and shame, it’s unbearable.  It’s like a gut punch and I don’t think I can go another day in my skin.  I’m really losing it!” 

“A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief”.   I heard a beautiful voice, full of love but tired, whisper in my soul.  I knew she didn’t hear it.  Only me…It’s only ever me.

“Please get some help.  You need counseling.  I’m so unqualified to help you with this.  I’m here to listen but you need a pro.  Please?”

“OK… I appreciate you being there.  Please don’t tell anyone?"  

“Of course not honey, I’m praying for you.  But seriously, make the call…”

“Thanks, I’m sorry…hey?”

“Yes?”

“I’m scared.”

“I know... Me too.  Be careful getting home.”

“Ok, love ya, Talk to you later, Bye”

I drove home numb and shaken.  The voices had been coming stronger and steadier since the first day one year ago.  The first time I heard it I was making small talk with the owner of a pet-grooming salon while another employee went to fetch my schnauzer from the back.   As the conversation waned, I turned and began looking at my phone when I heard her tell me that she suffers from feelings that God had failed her and rejected her because of her lifelong same sex attraction.  The emptiness, shame and despair in her words crashed in my throat like a punch. I nearly dropped my purse. I looked up, searching for a way to reassure her and to offer some encouragement.  Honestly, I was very uncomfortable with this kind of exchange with a relative stranger.  I was irritated and looking for a way to shut it down.  She saw me looking at her, read my face. 

“Are you OK?” she asked.

“Well, yes, but God loves everyone.  He just has rules.  You know?  It’s not personal.  We are all sinners to Him. Wow, I feel so uncomfortable but nothing I can think of to say seems helpful.”  How can I defend God without seeming closed-minded, unloving?

“If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray…”

“Excuse ME?!?”  She seemed like she couldn't remember sharing her secret with me.  

"Well, I mean, what you said...God doesn’t hate YOU.” , I stammered defensively.  I  was thinking, Sheesh!  You brought it up! Don't act so shocked.  

“Look”, She said, “I appreciate your business but we don’t tolerate hate in this establishment. You need to mind your own business, ok?”

"But you told me!  About your struggle and your feelings!”

"Ok,  here’s your dog, I need you to leave.”  The tattooed and pierced employee noticed the lady was upset and came over and placed her arm protectively on the lady’s shoulder.  So I left.  I was bewildered and confused.  I felt tricked and manipulated.  I was just trying to respond with love, not judgment, but she was giving off a very godless vibe.  As I was processing this entire experience, a voice cut through the silence in my car and washed over me like a flood of light, intense and piercing…

“One who was tempted in every respect, just as we are, yet without sin…”  The voice was burdened and weary yet gentle and patient.  It made me think of a father to a stubborn child.  I was not afraid of this voice.

As the year went by I began to get wise to what was happening in my head.  As I interacted with my community, my non-church friends, and strangers, I began to feel my soul connect in some way to their inner world.  No matter what the person was projecting on the outside, their voice rang in my head with the truest version of their world.  The pain, injustice, victimization, betrayal, demented wickedness, and darkness from within was speaking into my thoughts even as it hid, behind their eyes and beyond the façade they projected for public consumption.  Whatever the scar that sin had left, whatever the evil demonic imprint, whatever the hopelessness of purpose, their souls spoke…and told the ugly truth.  And my heart broke, and flooded and no matter how revolting, I could never turn it off. 

There was embezzlement, and adultery, and abuse, and secret lust.   There was depression, loneliness, addiction and deep self-hatred.  There was seething rage, terror, bigoted pride, and every perversion, every assault on the value of life.  And I began to despair.  I feared for my own sanity.  I dreaded the next voice, the next proof that my “religion” had failed these people.  It all seemed too messed-up for the packaged and pretty Christianity I was immersed in. 

And there was the other voice… It did not scare me, but it did fill me with dread, and it made me sick…of myself…

“I have come that they might have life…”

“There is now therefore, no condemnation…”

“And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

My God, My God.  Why have You forsaken me?”

He who knew no sin, became sin…”

The thief comes to steal kill and destroy…”

“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

“Broad is the road that leads to destruction…”

“Behold I stand at the door and knock..”

“Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of Heaven…”

“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden…”

“Call to Me and I will answer, and show you great and mighty things you do not know.”

How can I bear it?!?  I came to myself once more as I was driving.  I had no idea how I had made it almost home.  I was spent.  Yet I had so much to do.  Dresses to buy for the girls, I needed to see if my son can wear last year’s pants still, and I need to finish grocery shopping or there won’t be any feast this Easter, nor a basket from a bunny or eggs to hide.  Unless I completely lose my mind before Sunday…Then they can all just hide eggs while I drool in the corner after church.  I hope the service ends on time!  Wait!  Did I hear something?

“I did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to save it”

“No man comes to the Father but by Me.”

“I am the way…”

“Be Holy as I am Holy…”

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?”

It was too much!   I pulled over into the first parking lot I could find.  Tears stung my eyes and I felt a screech rising in my throat.  I was coming undone.  I lifted my eyes from the steering wheel’s surface and they came to rest on rugged wooden stretch of beam.  It was run-through by a wicked looking metal spike.  But it was draped in fine purple silk fluttering in the spring breeze.  I realized my car had come to stop at a little white church.  The scent of lilies clung to the air.  A tiny bird ecstatically sung in the stream of sunshine that caused the shadow of the cross to splay across my crumpled face. 

“Come follow me.”

“Peace, be still.”

“Go and sin no more”

“I have overcome the world”

“ Lord, it hurts.”  “There’s so much pain and no one sees the truth.” 

“I know.  But I love them.  I made a way out.  I defeated sin and conquered death and rose to bring new life.”

From that moment on, I never heard another voice that wasn’t real.  I didn’t need to.  I never forgot what it felt like to be lost again.  I never got over that fact that sin is costly, but salvation is free.  I never slipped into complacent acceptance that this world is cursed so why fight the inevitable. I lost that urge to hunker down with my church friends and wait it out till Jesus comes, avoiding the filth of “sinners”.  I never believed the act of the ones too scared to speak about the enveloping cloud of desperation in their homes or schools or jobs.    You see, what I needed to turn off the voices, was to repent of the fact that my voice was silent.  I needed to fall at that cross and feel the hammer in my hand.  I needed to let the blood drip on my new Easter shoes and let tears of gratitude wreck my Sunday makeup.  And I needed to speak up about the hope that is in me.  The world is slowly passing away, and death hurts.  But we have the antidote, Amazing Grace.  And I needed to share it and live it everyday.   That was the Easter that changed everything. 

 

Hallelujah!  He Is Risen! 

My Over 40 Beauty Routine

    I admit it.  I'm not low-maintenance.  At least not physically speaking... I require a lot of, uh-hum, assistance with my appearance.  I have recently made some changes with many of the products I had used for years.  Mainly because my needs have changed as I've aged...and styles have evolved.  So as things have been used up, I've moved on.  But I'm in a good pattern now and pleased with my products and routine. 

     I use a blend of things including drug-store, high-end, direct market, and homemade items.  I've tried to organize them in my 2/3s of the family bathroom. (hubby needs very little aside from a razor and a comb).  Your skin and hair will be different than mine so just join me as I share what works for me.  Today I'm going to take you through my AM and PM routine and share my products and how I use them.  The whole thing including a shower takes me about 30 minutes in the morning.  At night it's about 3.  

Note** I only wash my hair on Tuesday and Saturday so the other days I start with just needing to brush and retouch my hair.  This post is based on hair washing day routines.  

 

Nothing earth shaking here.  Just showing that my day starts with tooth brushing.  I use Arm & Hammer advanced white with baking soda and peroxide.

Then , I jump into the shower.  I wash my face with Cetafil cleanser.  I use The Redkin Extreme line of moisturizing shampoo and conditioners.  While the conditioner soaks I shave with my venus razor, wash with this long scrubby exfoliator cloth and lever 2000 soap.  Then I'm out drying off under the ceiling fan.

I get back into my dressing gown and sit at my vanity.  In the lap drawer of this area are the things I need for the next step.

I massage the Redkin Extreme leave-in conditioner into my towel dried hair and comb it through.  I apply deoderant, and moisturize my body skin with the CeraVe cream.  This stuff is miraculous.  I contains Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides.  It smoothes and plumps and moisturizes.  Then I apply my Mario Badescu daytime Facial products.  I use The Moisture Magnet spf 15 and the Hyaluronic Eye Cream.  I then apply the Eos lip balm in the little egg in Mint flavor.  I let all this set and be absorbed while I do my hair.  

Right bottom drawer contains my heat styling tools.  Some days I just let my hair air dry if I'm looking to let it go curly and natural.  But most days I do a blow out.  I also choose either to straighten it or curl it.  So I'll plug in the tool I want and let it heat up while I blow dry.

Next drawer up contains the styling products I need to put in my hair to create the style I have chosen.  I always start with the Organix Moroccan Argan oil to heat protect and smooth.  So I have Redkin products like the green gel I use to airdry my curls without friz.  I have volume mousse for my thin fine hair, root lift that I use around my crown.  Or Kenra products I use for straight styles such as the straightening glaze.  I never use more than 1 or 2 at a time so they last for a very long time.

Top drawer has my brushes and combs, my clips and claws for sectioning the hair, hair ties, and a magnet for keeping bobbie pins from scattering.  I also have texture putty for taming fly-aways, hairspray, and shine spray.  I switched to this pump hairspray because my hubby complained about the aerosol one coating the room with residue.  I really like it too.  

Once my hair is done I pin over my bangs and tackle some spackle!  This is my makeup and brush collection that I use daily, if I wear makeup.  I have other stuff in the lap drawer but I use it only on special occasions.  I grab a makeup removing towelette and spread it out to clean brushes or hands during the process.  (I shampoo my brushes every Saturday and let them air dry over night) 

I store the brushes in this container standing up in some Quinoa.  

The little metal cup holds my Mascara, pencils, highlighters, and glosses. 

The last little pedistal bowl has the bulkier cosmetics and lip sticks.  I plan to post a separate vlog in which I will do my simple everyday makeup routine and post the brands and colors I use daily.  

So that's it.  I'm out the door or down the stairs for whatever my day holds.  This kit is what I use at night to complete my day.  On top of the kit is the Mary Kay vanilla hand scrub I use and the hand lotion I adore.  The lotion was a gift but it is so good!  It smells divine too.  

These are the items in my night time kit.  I put on the headband and clip just to keep my hair back and out of the way of the washing and toothbrushing/flossing process.  I start by removing my eye makeup with a cotton pad and the Mary Kay oil free remover.  I use the cleanser, toner, and caviar night cream by Mario Badescu.  My 45 year old, dry skin loves these products! And more Eos lip balm.  I keep my baking soda here because once a week I make a paste out of it with water and use it as an exfoliating scrub for my face.  

2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV 

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

I'm no beauty expert.  So please don't take this post as advice.  I'm just sharing my world.  My greatest interest lies in helping develop the inner beauty.  But the outer needs care too.  I love seeing what others my age do and learning from it.  So I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my stuff.  I plan to do more posts like this including my closet, my purse etc...I find pinterest and youtube full of this kind of thing for very young women but not much for us seasoned ladies:)  Keep an eye out for the makeup routine post coming soon!  

Jumping For Joy: Worship in Kenya

It is such a privilege to see my boys enjoying worship in Kijabe Town, Kenya today.  You will have no trouble picking them out of the group... Tall, lanky, and fair.   But the universal Joy of Jesus will capture your hearts as it has ours.  Hope it makes you smile, like it did me. 

 

New Biltmore Worship CD Release: Love Compels

I am so excited about the new worship CD being released by Biltmore Baptist Church.  Our worship ministry is rolling it out for pre-orders right now.  Every one of the 9+ original songs was written or arranged by men and women on our staff or serving in our worship ministry.  The recording features the worship leaders who bring us before the throne every week at Biltmore as well as our Exalt Choir. 

The first time I heard these songs I loved them.  I felt as if they were perfectly expressing the thoughts and intentions of my own heart.  They are powerful, scriptural, and to be honest...just plain singable.  The songs are a great mix of styles.  Something for everyone!  

The first time I heard these songs was when the team of composers and singers was teaching the music to the choir.  I was so struck by the magnitude of the moment that I snapped this picture with my phone.  I instantly knew in my spirit that I was hearing something that God smiled at.  

I believe God wants to do something "God-sized" through the vehicle of this CD and through the talented and godly team at Biltmore worship.  There is just too much giftedness among them for Him not to.  I am praying intensely for God to take the offering of this  music and use it for His Glory and bring the hearts of men and women all over the world to His throne in praise.  

One of the best things about this project is that all the proceeds will go to fund our Biltmore Baptist Church Compelled missions projects around the world.  I am awed by the selflessness of this.  The music on the CD is as good as anything I've heard on a for profit CD.   Yet the musicians on it have given their time, effort and intellectual property to be used to further the gospel and meet needs all over the world.  I adore that!  

I know the individuals who sang, wrote and played on this project.  I see them living and serving in my home church.  I get to watch them raise their children and run their homes.  I get to be led in worship each week by them.  I see them investing and working in our community.  They are real.  They are not interested in self promotion or name building.  They simply want to lift Jesus' Name and proclaim that He is the Way.  The CD title, Love Compels, come from this verse:

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

^"14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

Christ's love compels all of us in God's family to share the good news and to live for our redeemer.  I pray this new CD project will be another tool for us as we seek to love people the way Jesus does. 

If you would like more information on how you can pre-order this CD you can click on this link.  Please pray for this project.  I am praying for God to shine His favor and blessing on it and that is would go before us to change the world.  Help us spread the word about this project.  They are coming out just in time to be perfect Christmas gifts!  And if you are in our area, please join us for a live presentation of this project in a "Love Compels" Night of Praise at Bitmore Baptist Church in Arden, NC on Novemeber 14th.  To God be the Glory!

By the way, if you share this blog with at least one person and leave a comment on this post about it, you will be entered in a drawing to win a free copy of the CD when they come in.  I will close comments and announce the winner on October 1st on this blog.  Have a great week!

 

 

Come Home, God is Bigger

   

    This week at our church my husband kicked off a new teaching series entitled "God is Bigger".  You can listen to his messages by clicking here.  As the staff and worship leadership designed the service, it all flowed perfectly as he presented the Bible story of the son who rejected The Father and squandered his gift in selfish living.   We learned that guilt, hitting rock bottom, and conviction are a blessing from God to bring us home.  We learned God is bigger than our sin.  We learned that God would meet us with mercy and grace if we would repent, confess, and step out in faith.  

    Many hundreds took that step.  The work of the gospel miracle brought glory to God.  Lives were changed, including mine.  But I have not been able to get a passage of scripture out of my mind that my friend Susanna shared with our worship team as we prepared musically and spiritually for this series.  She read to us from Romans 6.  It has been many years since I got up out of my pig sty and came home to God.  But I still let sin separate me from the intimate life with God that Jesus bought for me.  I still sometimes believe the lies my enemy tells me about my past.   I still sometimes walk like a victim who has no power to live supernaturally righteous.  The verse that the Spirit is ministering to me with is Romans 6:11, " Likewise, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." 

    That's the key...I'm alive to God in Christ.  The part of me that God was displeased with was absorbed into Christ and covered forever.  I'm not guilty anymore.  But even more, I'm dead to sin.  I have the power to live above my own abilities.  I've been practicing claiming this verse out loud this week.  Letting my emotions rule me?  I'm dead to that.  Thinking about giving in to that habitual sin?  I'm dead to that.  Acting foolish by believing a lie?  I'm dead to that.  Focusing on and indulging my pride or selfish nature?  I'm dead to that!  And if you are in Christ, so are you!  Dead. To. That.  Alive. To. God.  You can be clean, free, holy, and useful to God.

     If you would like to know how you can experience the life changing mercy and grace God offers through Jesus, please comment on this post and I would be honored to contact you and walk you through that decision.  I have encouraging and helpful resources I can give you to help you along the path.  Please don't push this off.  Come home...

    Sunday, Susanna Kirksey, who had shared the scripture with us earlier, sang a precious and prophetic word over our people.  The song is straight out of scripture.  She proclaimed the truth that we can be a new creation, through Jesus.  Not guilty, through Jesus.  Please listen to it and let the message of love, hope, and redemption wash over you and give you the courage to get free.  No one, not even Jesus condemns you.  Just come to Him.  He loves you.  I look forward to hearing from you.  (Comment below or message me via facebook or twitter)  

 

 

The Gathering: Women's Conference 2012

The Gathering 2012 from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Please take a moment to watch the above video:

  I'm so excited about this event this year!  I hope you ALL can join us!  We will be filling our worship center with women of all walks of life and we will be raising the roof with worship and teaching.  Things will be a little different this year but, as usual, it will be over the top fun!  Our team made the decision to do away with the tables and have open seating in order to open up the room's capacity to fit thousands. Here are a few things you can expect for your $5 ticket:

*New York style cheesecake and coffee

*New York Themed Decor 

*Goodie bags

*Worship leader Susanna Kirksey with the Full Biltmore Band and Worship team supporting

*Speakers Leah Gillen, Jackie Oerther, and Me

*Opportunities to make decisions for Christ

* Opportunities to give to the women of WNC and meet needs

*Fellowship with other women in a refreshing, informal and encouraging setting

Please think about who God would have you invite.  Plan to bring your friends, family and co-workers to this event.  Include both your believing friends and your friends that don't know Christ.  Include students.  This is meant to be a true community event!  Bring them all!  

I can't wait for all the great surprises and inspiration our team has worked into this night.  I look forward to seeing you there.  Get your tickets today, they are going fast!  Click here for tickets online

Start spreading the news!!!!! 

Hug a Worship Leader Today

    I'm betting that Mondays are a recovery day for most Worship leaders around Christian circles.  I know they are for Preachers. ;)  I wanted to post today to give a verbal nod of respect toward those who lead God's people to exalt Him each week.

     I Chronicles 15: 22 says, "Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of music, because he was skillful.".  Being a leader of worship is a gift and a calling.  It requires so much besides mad vocals and crazy instrumental riffs.  It is so much more than those not involved in the process could ever know.  

    As the daughter of a Minister of Music and member of our church's worship team I have a front row seat to see all the ways the Spirit uses our Worship leaders.  Here are some observations:

    They are prepared:  They work weeks ahead to design a worship set that is Biblically accurate, provides continuity with the message, and is built to draw the congregation into expression.   There are so many elements and technical issues that must flow or they become a distraction.  All this has to be coordinated behind the scenes.  The team has to stay current on the trends and new music.  They write or arrange with great giftedness.  They work their craft.  

    They are gifted:  Each week I can't believe how blessed we are to be led by musicians who are on a par with ANY of the best professional musician, secular or sacred, period.  They are being obedient to a calling and the results are glorious.  

    They are leaders:  They see the music being produced as a mere conduit for creating an environment in which the body can give wings to their love and adoration for God.  They know the goal is participation, not performance.  They use their gift of exhortation to cheer the body on as they engage in the worship instead of spectate.

    They have a ministry:  No drama, no egos, no temperamental creative tantrums.  No divas, no rock stars, no peacocks, no agendas for stardom.  They are fully committed to pastoring the hearts of our local body.  They are committed to the overall vision and are team players.  It's not uncommon to see them visiting hospitals and deathbeds and serving on mission outings.  They are not building their platforms, they are building God's Kingdom.  

    They are servants:  They arrive early and stay late.  They embrace the relentlessness of the fact that Sunday is always coming.  They leave their blood, sweat and tears on the altar every week.  Their families are on-board with that sacrifice and share that burden.  

    They are vulnerable:  As the "faces" of our worship services they are transparently laying out the tenderest and most intimate of their moments with God for all of us to witness.  They deal with nasty  criticism, they have to make hard decisions, they have to battle weekly with the fear of man.  They struggle with stage-fright, introversion, and sore throats, fussy/sick  kids, and spiritual dryness, and heartbreak and wardrobe malfunctions and do it all in a spotlight with a camera in their face...very humbling.

    They are legit:  They really do love Jesus.  They walk with Him.  They press on to know Him.  They are students of His word.   They take what they do as seriously as if they were heart surgeons or airline pilots or the secret service.  And I guess in many ways, they are all those things.  I get to see them on their faces in prayer, before God, for their people.  I see them weeping over the lost and begging God to move.  They are the real thing.

I know this is true of so many faithful and talented worship folks all over the world.  I also know they are quick to give glory to God.  But it never hurts to hear that you are appreciated, respected, and loved.  Have you told your worship, production, technical, and media leaders thank you?  Are you following their leadership with a loving and joyful heart?  Do you support them in prayer?  Let them hear from you and most of all, next sunday, let them hear you singing your guts out!  

 

 

Easter Sunday Would Be Fun Except for All The Grumpy Christians

    I am so crazy excited to celebrate the resurrection of the Savior this weekend!  One of the things that I love about it is seeing people get excited about the "new life" symbolism behind "new things"... Baby chicks, baby bunnies, a basket of sweet treats, colorful eggs, pretty dresses, and smart new suits, and for many a trip to church for the first time this year.  

    For those of us who are lovingly engrafted already into a church home the crowds there may seem inconvenient.  We may even resent some of the "commercialism" of this sacred and reverent holy day.  But let us not miss out on the openness that this holiday creates in peoples hearts to spiritual truth.  Here are some ways we can "make room" for the Holy Spirit to invade the lives of those who thought they were just dressing up and coming to church to make Grandma happy...

1.  Go to a less popular service time if it works out OK for your family.  You will have fewer worries about the crowd and there will be more seats available for others in the prime-time services.

2.   If you will be expected to host a meal or plan an egg hunt, try to get as much done as possible ahead of time so you will not be distracted or stressed during the worship time.  You'll want to be focused on the true meaning of the day.  

3.  Park in the back of the lot.  This lets the guests who might even be rushing in late have the most convenient access.  I'm sure your sweet male family members would not mind dropping you and the kids off first.  

4.  Don't get too stressed about clothes.  No need to put that added financial or time pressure on yourself.  It's best to be there and be comfortable.  You may also want to prepare yourself to see some clothing that may be more revealing than should be.  Give these folks extra grace, not judgement.  Let the Holy Spirit bring them along in this area as they meet Him and grow.

5.  Prepare your heart.  Get to bed at a decent hour.  Prepare as much as possible overnight.  Eat breakfast so you won't be grumpy or impatient.  Give yourself extra time to get there and take the kids to the restroom.  When you arrive, be pleasant and courteous.  Smile and make friends feel welcome.  Be ready to share your row or your seat.  Pray for those who will meet Christ and His Bride for the first time.  Pray that the eyes of needy hearts will be unveiled and will be opened to Jesus and His New Life.  Pray that you would be able to worship with a fresh sense of the victory Easter brings.

    80% of people who don't go to church or call themselves believers say that would come to church on Easter if they were invited by a friend.  Take this chance to extend love and grace to someone this weekend.  Let them know that new or dressy clothes are not required.  Be sure to invite their children to attend the special children's services.  After all, precious souls are why He died.  Let's celebrate the Hope of New Life together with happy hearts!

 

Didn't win the lottery/Got rich anyway!

    I did not win the mega-millions in the lottery.  But I am rich...

I'm thinking back a couple thousand years ago to the events of the last week of Jesus' earthly life.  Preparing to celebrate the new life of the resurrection with my church family has my heart leaping with praise and gratitude.  But it also has me thinking about the spiritual implications of what Christ has accomplished on my behalf and yours.  I think one day when we enter into our eternal home we will be amazed at all the cross has secured for us that our limited understanding could never grasp this side of eternity.

     I am struggling today to understand the immense riches that are mine through Christ's completed work.  

    You see, Easter promises so much more than bunnies, eggs, new clothes and candy or even Heaven as my home.  It promises status, access, privilege, and riches... starting here on Earth.  It's time to stop surviving the christian life and start luxuriating in it.  Look with me at Ephesians Chapter One and let us count the ways God has poured out His blessings on believers, in Christ.  Let it sink in like it was the first time you've heard it.  

1. We are Saints.  This status is based on the great exchange of Christ's life for ours.  v.1

2.  Grace and Peace are ours.  The grace that saves us and empowers us makes peace with God and ends the war on His holiness that our sin created.  v.2

3.  We have received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.  EVERY ONE!  God is not a God of the bare minimum.  Christ has secured our access to everything that could possibly benefit us in the unseen but very real realm.v.3

4.  We were chosen for being made holy and blameless.  He chose to buy us back  even before the world was created. We shouldn't live like sin is our master.  v.4

5. God planned our adoptions.  We have all the privileges of sons and daughters of a King.  He did this because of the kind intentions of His heart. v. 5

6.  Our sins are forgiven.  We are redeemed through Jesus' blood and the penalty of our sin fell on Him.  v. 7

7.  He has lavished us with all wisdom and insight.  We have the guidance we need to live our lives according to His plan.  v.  8

8.  He has made the mysteries of His will accessible to our minds.  Our eyes have been opened to things that are spiritually discerned and veiled to unbelievers.  v. 9

9.  We have an inheritance of riches that is in keeping with the vastness of God's loving character.  No child of God is a pauper.  v. 11

10.  We have hope.  In Christ, there is no fear for the future because God is on our side.  v. 12

11.  We are sealed forever by the Holy Spirit.   We are secure in salvation and in victory.  v. 13

12.  We are God's treasured possession.  We are cherished.  v.  14

13.  Wisdom, revelation, and knowledge are our gift.  We can know, understand and apply God's word and thereby please Him and edify our spirits.  v. 17

14.  We have a calling.  Our destiny is so much more than for an earthly impact.  Our lives can now bear fruit that impacts eternity.  We have a reason for living.  v. 18

15.  Power is ours that we do not have as humans in our sin.  We now have power in accordance with the power of His might.  In other words limitless power... The same as the power that raised Christ from the dead.  v. 19

This mind blowing chapter ends with the information that Christ has accomplished His mission of providing reconciliation for us and been "seated" on God's right hand and, from there, He is ruling all things seen and unseen forever more.  

So how could I be heir to all these riches and still be blue or discontented or cowardly or lazy or intimidated or prideful or fearful or defeated or apathetic to our world's lostness?  How can Easter be over in just one day?  How can I nod and smile and say "that's cool" about the truths in this chapter and move on to live a life of drudgery and obligation?

  My Easter basket is overflowing with all the riches of Heaven and my heart is singing with the praise of a slave set free!  He is alive!  Let His children rejoice!  

Happy Resurrection Day!

 

The Cure for Loneliness

    I recently was visiting with an acquaintance who came to me for advice.  She was on a path in a relationship that I could see was going to lead her into heartache.  I tried to plead with her to wait, to deny herself for the moment in order to gain a greater joy in obedience later.  Her response to my counsel pulled me up short.  She said bluntly, "What would you know about loneliness?"

    I wanted to cry.  I wanted to make her a list of the ways I've know loneliness.  Anyone who's ever been a leader or married one knows the isolation that comes with it at times.  Many things cause loneliness.  We can even feel alone surrounded by a crowd.  I think of the widow, the orphan, the divorced, the shunned, the betrayed, the ill, the poor, the rich, the famous, the obscured, the new kid, the grieving, the exhausted, the misunderstood.  Who is there who has never tasted the bitterness of loneliness?  

    Even the Lord Jesus was no stranger to this feeling.  He felt it fasting in the wilderness, praying in the garden, and hanging on the cross.  My word to you today is the same one I had for her that day.  You may feel alone.  You may think the darkness will swallow you at times.  You may hear the voice of the enemy in the silence.  But you are NOT alone.  Refuse to let it overwhelm you.  Refuse to fill the void with despair or sin or cheap substitutes.  Run to the Lover of you soul.  Listen to the words of David:  "Nevertheless, I am continually with You;  You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."(Psalm 73:23-28 ESV)

    Loneliness is part of life on this fallen planet.  It is a reminder that this is not our home or our final destination.  It stimulates us to long for glory and completion.  I'll close with a link to a song that has come to be such a hiding place for me.  It is a prayer of faith and ends with the singer placing her heart in a position of worship, looking away from the troubles of this life and into the throneroom.  Look to the God who loves you and will never leave you.  

 

Are You an Introvert In Leadership?

    Here's something you may not know about me.  Each time I am at a worship service or event at my church I have to pray for courage.  I know that may seem surprising.  Although I am not shy, I am an introvert.  I am fine on the platform to sing or to speak although some nerves there are good and keep me humbled.  But put me in the lobby trying to make conversation with 1000 acquaintances and I will be sweating and trying not to pass out from sheer terror.  

    There are times I feel like I might start crying.  My heart is pounding faster than it should be and I'm praying just to keep from running out.  In fact, sometimes I do run...even after all these years.  And that grieves me.  I love these people more than my own life.  I pray for them and prepare like crazy to lead and teach them.  I hurt when they hurt. I rejoice when they are blessed and happy.  I have left my home and my family and moved here to make a life with them.  I have made serving them my life's work.  How can I be too socially inept to mingle with them in the hallway?!?  Why do I get so insecure when they want to approach me?  Why do I feel like every eye is on me, wondering why I'm wearing this or why my posture is bad?  It's like I've lost my mind sometimes.  It feels like I've run a marathon when all I've really done is shake a few hundred hands and try to make these precious people feel loved and valued as individuals.

     That's part of it.  I'm also a bit of a closet perfectionist.  It wrankles me if I forget their names or ask how a sick parent is doing only to find they passed away last week. :(  I feel like they will be judging their whole church experience on the 30 seconds I have to make them feel special.  And I feel like I'm not that good at carrying the conversation in a way that is not shallow or rote.  Also, some folks think the fact that they have bumped into me in the hallway is a sign from God that now is the time to confront something they don't like about the way the church is being run or even about me personally or something I've said or done.  Those kinds of encounters really make me want to hide.

    So I've learned.   I have to pray.  I have to self-coach, "All you are doing is walking to the coffee counter, Lori.  Just smile and say hi and make eye-contact."  I have to remember this is my ministry.  This is my time to lead and nurture simply by my presence.  I need to dwell on the fact that mingling builds my ministry platform for times when I am asking people to engage in worship, or obey a scripture, or join me in prayer.  Because they feel like they know me and I'm one of them.  And I pray that God would guide me to some one who needs to be loved on, to receive grace, or feel included.  I need to remember that these people MATTER.  They are worth my discomfort.  They deserve access to me and my family.  Jesus has trusted me with His "kids" as a care-giver.  I don't just want to be an "Up front" person.  I want to know and be known.  I want to share my life.  

    So I do it.  It's sloppy.  It's awkward at times.  It's exhausting.  But it's right.  It's good.  It's my job.  If I had it my way, I would stay at home every day and read.  If I were the boss of my life, I would be happy to sit in the back and sneak out of church during the prayer.  But God has called me and empowered me to lead and to serve.  To do that I must be visible and reachable.  And, I can do it through His grace.  

    Are you an introvert called to lead?  Is it hard for you to lower the barriers and be approachable?  Remember we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength and is strong when we are weak.  I find these verses so helpful to cling to:

I Tim. 4:11-16, 

^11-14Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

 ^15-16Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

Invitation for Christmas Weekend

    I'm so excited to be spending time with my family for the next few days.  But I also look forward to worshipping and celebrating The Savior's birth with my church all weekend.  Here is a little Christmas message from my husband and me.  I hope to see you.  I'm praying you find the greatest gifts from God through Jesus... Love, Joy, Peace, and Hope... Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

A Candlelight Christmas at Biltmore Baptist from Biltmore Baptist Church on Vimeo.

 

Begging You to Pray

I've got such a heavy heart today.  I really just want to plead with anyone I know, who knows Christ, to join me in prayer for the Cody Whittaker family.  Cody and Maria and their two daughters are missionaries to Haiti.  And right now they are making a journey that is every parent's nightmare.  

Their little daughter Susanna is very sick.  In fact if Jesus does not intervene, she will leave her little body soon to fly to Him.  All through this journey, Cody has blogged and through his incredible writing I've felt as if he were explaining it all straight to me.  And I've also seen Cody and Maria display unshakable faith, and all-surrendering love in the face of unbearable anguish.  

In his blog he refers to this process as similar to the journey Abraham made in worship as he climbed Mt. Moriah to lay his son on the altar.  So with all my heart I'm asking...visit their site, fervently pray, and hug your little ones close in their honor.  Here is their story.  Please click and read Cody's Blog.

Last night I joined my worship family from church in their front yard.  We huddled around them by candle light and worshipped in song.  As we did Cody and Maria wept and sobbed.  Then Cody spoke.  He boldly declared His love for God and their complete surrender to God's will.  And we felt  the Holy Spirit descend and minister to our collective grief.  

There will be many days ahead where waves of grief will decimate our composure and crush our hearts.  Cody and Maria, you will not grieve alone.  Nor will you make that climb up Mt. Moriah alone.  We are with you.  We'll pray you through, in awe of Him and amazed by His power in you to stand.  People of God... PRAY.