Jarod's Open Door...

This post is a bit of a "way to go" for my youngest son Jarod.  He's 14 and a freshman in High School.  As a minister's kid, he was practically born in church.  He gave his heart to Jesus when he was 4 1/2 years old.  He's always been a little bit ahead of the usual milestones.  I think this is because he's the youngest, and always wanted to be like his older brothers, so he's always been in a hurry to grow up.  He has grown into a fine young man, and we are very proud of him.  Not long ago, we had the opportunity to go out to eat with just Jarod.  The other two boys were busy.  As we had dinner, Jarod told us about his History class.  They had been discussing religions in history and his teacher was trying to describe the different beliefs.  He started out by saying that "Christians believe that if you're good enough, you'll get into heaven."  Jarod started shaking his head and raised his hand and told the teacher that wasn't right at all.  So, the teacher then said, "Ok, explain."  And Jarod.....walked right through that open door without hesitation.  He was able to explain what Christians believe, and share what salvation is with his entire class (and the astonished teacher).  Moving on, the teacher then stated that it was Christians in the Middle Ages that persecuted and put people to death for not believing as they did.  Once again, Jarod raised his hand and the teacher called on him.  Jarod told him that those were not Christians, but rather people who were twisting God's word for their own purposes, calling themselves Christians doesn't make them Christians.  True Christians would never do such a thing.  It was then that the teacher moved his discussion to Catholicism in history, ha ha!  His story really spoke to me, and so I thought it might speak to you as well.  Doors like that get opened to each of us every day.  How many times have we stood there staring at that open door, afraid to even approach it, much less walk through it.  Sometimes we get brave enough to walk up to it and peek in, but rarely walk on through.  I want to be someone that sees that open door, and boldly walks right through it as quickly as I can before it shuts again, because we never know when a door could slam shut and never open again.  Heaven forbid we should miss the last opportunity we ever have to share Jesus with someone.  Even if you walk through it and get thrown right back out, at least you have planted that seed, and can say you tried.  So way to go Jarod!  I pray that you get many more opportunities to share God's word through the way you live your life, your music and by walking bravely through those doors of opportunity when they swing wide open!

Matthew 5:14-16

Good News Translation (GNT)

¹⁴ “You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

THINK before you speak...

Satan loves to use this time of year to cause as much pain as possible.  He uses us against each other, stirring up selfish thoughts, past hurts, or presumed wrongs.  The bible says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”, 1 Peter 5:8.  He loves to turn our thoughts selfishly inwards, and away from being thankful for the loved ones God has placed in our lives, whether by blood or by friendship.  Remember that this season, as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  Make a list of all the things about each member of your family that you are thankful for.  Remind yourself that carrying around a grudge or a hurt from the past only makes YOU miserable.  When you lash out at the ones you love over past hurts, it makes you look like a fool, and makes Satan laugh with delight.  The word of God says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”  This is how we are to love each other.  So remember this at Thanksgiving and Christmas when you get together with your family and friends, even the ones who get on your nerves sometimes, to love them the way God says to love them.  No, it’s not always easy, but I would much rather bite my tongue and keep from hurting someone, than cause them pain and in the process, Satan joy.  The acrostic below is something I keep in mind when I am hurt or angry, and honestly you can’t get very far down this list when you’re thinking selfishly.  What you want to say might be true...but words spoken in anger are seldom ever helpful, inspiring, necessary or kind.

THINK before you speak.
T - is it true
H - is it helpful
I - is it inspiring
N - is it necessary
K - is it kind

The Message - Ephesians 4:31b
“Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”

Advice...

My Advice...

If I were to give advice to the young folks in my life

I'd have to start by saying that this life is filled with strife.

It is not always easy, it is not always fair,

and there are times you really wonder, does anyone out there care?

You will fall down, you will get hurt, you will get angry too.

But everything that happens, well, that helps to make you, you!

They say what doesn't kill you, can only make you stronger.

And sometimes you will think that you can't go on any longer.

But listen child, I've been where you are, and there is always hope.

Keep looking up, keep moving on, don't waste your time and mope.

For if you place your hope and trust in God's unfailing hand,

you will get up, you will go on, and once again you'll stand.

The secret to this life you see, is not a secret at all.

It's simply trusting God because He will not let you fall.

There's so much more to life than what you see with your two eyes.

And you might find that what you see will fill you with surprise.

In order to be happy, and fill your heart with joy,

Share the love God gave to you, with every girl and boy.

Giving, caring, loving, sharing, and making someone's day,

will fill your heart to overflowing and that's all I have to say!  

By:  Amy York

He KNOWS me - Do you KNOW Him?

But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: "The Lords knows those who are His..."


Think about that for just a minute...let it sink in.  He KNOWS me.  The creator of the universe KNOWS me.  The One who hung the stars KNOWS me, and cares about me.  He knows me better than any person ever could.  He knows my every, single thought.  He knows my true nature.  He knows every thing I've ever done, and yet, He loves me anyway.  As hard as it is for a mother to imagine...He loves me even more than I love my own children.  The knowledge that God, Himself, knows me, loves me, cares about every detail of my life, gives enormous hope and peace.  I do forget sometimes and start worrying about things, but then I remember....He knows my name.  No matter what you are going through, whether it be the best times of your life, or the worst, the God of the universe wants you to know that He knows you by heart, that He loves you unconditionally, and His love for you cannot be shaken.  He's always with you...whisper His name...He's as close as the air you breathe...and He loves YOU. 

There is only one way to get to heaven.  ONE.  I'm not being racist, judgmental or narrow-minded.  The bible puts it very simply... "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus, so that whomever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."  John 3:16 
Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father but by me."  John 14:6
 

Goodbyes...

As a family that has been in the ministry together for 25 years, we’ve said a lot of goodbyes over the years.  They’ve never been easy.  When it’s you that’s leaving, often it’s a little easier simply because it’s tempered by the excitement of a new adventure, a new challenge, and a chance to start fresh and new.  It’s a weird combination of sadness, happiness, excitement and nervousness, all rolled up together.  When you are the one sending someone else off, saying goodbye is a little harder.  It’s not that you feel like you’re being left behind, it’s more the feeling of losing something that you’ve come to take for granted, something that was warm and comfortable and always there.  Now we must get ready to say goodbye to our Youth Minister, James Strickland, and his beautiful wife, Donna, and send them off on a new adventure.  They’ve become more than just friends...they’re family.  I’m at a loss for words when it comes to trying to find a way to say thank you for the friendship, support, love and Godly teaching they have given my family, especially my three boys.  The impact James has had on their lives has changed them for the better, forever.  There are no words to explain to you the blessing of having someone you can completely entrust your children to like James.  When Donna and I first became friends, I shared with her that each time we’d moved to a new church, I prayed that God would send me a “heart” friend, someone I could open up my heart to, and trust.  I have someone like this in nearly every state we’ve lived in, and they have remained my heart friends no matter the miles between us or the time that has passed.  This will be true of Donna and I as well.  I am so very thankful for her friendship, encouragement and trust.  James & Donna, as you set out on this new adventure in life we want you to know that we love you, we are blessed to call you friends, we think of you as family, and there is no distance between us that will ever change that!    

Blessings & Love,
Amy, Scott, Alex, Taylor & Jarod York

Friends by Michael W. Smith

Packing up the dreams God planted,
in the fertile soil of you.
I can’t believe the hopes He’s granted,
means a chapter in your life is through.
But we’ll keep you close, as always.
It won’t even seem you’ve gone.
Cause our hearts, in big and small ways,
will keep the love that keeps us strong.

And friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end.
Though it’s hard to let you go, in the Father’s hands we know,
that a lifetime’s not too long, to live as friends.

Endurance

The last few months have been a struggle.  I've really been feeling ragged.  The journey God has laid out for me, and for my husband and children, has never been an easy one.  Don't get me wrong, we are indeed, very blessed in so many ways.  But I'm not gonna lie....the life of a Minister's family is not for wimps.  You have to be very tough, and at the same time very sensitive, keep your anger under control, but not be a push-over....balancing life in a "fish bowl" is never easy.  Sometimes I just want to run up to the glass and stick out my tongue at the world, haha!  But, I know that no matter what I'm feeling, be it exhausted or energized, depressed or encouraged, happy or sad...that I'm not doing it alone.  I have the One who placed every star in the sky walking with me, and if I fall down, He is right there to pick me back up every time.  Sometimes, you go through something that you simply don't know how to handle.  Just remember, if you place your trust in God, He will never leave you and with Him by your side, you can....Endure.

Endurance by: Amy Hartman York

This life sometimes throws things at me I think I can’t endure.
I think I can, I think I can, and then...I’m not so sure.
I try and try and try again, and fall down every time.
I long to just sit down and rest, yes that would be sublime.
But I can’t give up, I must press on, I need to run this race.
Because I know when all is done, I’ll see His precious face.
Yes, when I cross the finish line and my time here is done,
Into His precious arms I’ll walk, the race here, finally, won.


Hebrews 12:1-3

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because He knew that later on He would be glad He did. Now He is seated at the right side of God’s throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.

Forever...

This life is but a vapor, you blink and then it's gone. Treat every moment as a gift. Do your best to show love to others, so that when you're gone and they think of you, the memories make their hearts smile.


Forever - by: Amy Hartman York

I’m tempted to be sad and blue
every time I think of you.
Because time swiftly moves along
and soon, I fear, you will be gone.
I find my heart so filled with grief
on thinking you, too soon, shall leave
this earth behind and so me too.
I just can’t fathom losing you.
But then my heart doth smile again
when memories of you begin
to flood my heart and mind, and then...
I realize tho time is swift
I need to treat it as a gift.
And you, indeed, a gift of love
sent straight to me from up above.
So when my heart starts feeling blue,
I’ll simply smile and think of you,
and how your smile lights up my day,
and all my blues will melt away.  
Yes, tho I hope you’ll leave me never,
one day these earthly ties you’ll sever,
Yet within my heart... you’ll live, forever.

Facing a Giant?

Have you ever had to face a giant?   I’ve been there, and I wish I could say that I didn’t run away, but I did for a while.  It was just better, I thought, to run away and not deal with it.  After all, I hadn’t caused it....so why should I be the one to deal with it, to “get over it” and move on?  Yes, it was much more comfortable to avoid dealing with it.  But, the fact was....it was STILL there.  It never left.  Always nagging at the back of my mind as something unfinished, something that should have been fixed.  Maybe not now, but eventually you get to a point where you long for resolution.  You NEED it, even if the result is not what you expected.  I did eventually face that giant head on because I couldn’t stand to be thought of as the one who ran away....the weak, scared one....because I’m not that at all.  I faced it determined that what I needed to do was to simply forgive, because I knew without a doubt that is what God wanted me to do.  It’s a life lesson our children need to learn early.  Face that giant, don’t run from it.  You are a child of the MOST HIGH GOD.  You are not insignificant.  You are not weak.  You are immeasurably important to God and He will never leave your side, even when the going gets tough and you feel like running away.  It’s something I’ve tried to teach my children, and definitely something to think about, no matter how old you are.  Facing a giant brings about character, wisdom, and most importantly of all dependence on God.

Noah could have run away when God told him to build the ark.  But he didn’t.
Abraham could have run away when God asked him to sacrifice his only son.  But he didn’t.
David could have run away when he saw the giant.  But he didn’t.
Joshua could have run away when God told him to march around Jericho 7 times.  But he didn’t.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego could have just bowed down.  But they didn’t.

Jesus could have given up, and refused to take the punishment for our sins on the cross.

But He didn’t.   



"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV).


By: Amy York

Handwriting on the Wall...

  Several years ago I was involved in a Beth Moore Study about Daniel. Of course the study talked about Daniel's faith and trust in God, and that even when he was in the Lion's Den, he still believed that God would keep him safe.  At this time in my life I was in a Lion's Den.  It was an intensely difficult time in my life and I really, to this day, don't think I have ever experienced such spiritual warfare, or such turmoil and angst.  I don't feel the need to go into detail about it, other than to say that I had been horribly betrayed and mistreated by someone who had claimed to be my closest friend.  During this time, I was given a verse by a friend, who was in the bible study with me, but didn't know what I was going through.  She just came up to me one Sunday and said, "God laid it on my heart to give you this passage.  I don't know why, and it kind of worried me.  I hope you're ok."  I assured her I was doing ok, and took the passage from her.  I didn't read it until I got home.  The passage was Psalm 55.  I won't write it all here, you can go look it up, but it was exactly what I was dealing with and I was floored.  I shouldn't have been, because God has promised to never leave me.  Then, later in the week, when I was at my Beth Moore bible study we read some verses in Daniel 5 which talks about a hand suddenly appearing and actually writing a message from God for the King on the plaster walls.   I commented to the lady sitting next to me that I so wished sometimes, especially at that moment in my life, that God's hand would appear and write on the walls to tell me everything was going to be alright.  Our class then went to the sanctuary to watch the video that always comes with a Beth Moore study.  As the video began, she looked right into the camera and said (and I'm paraphrasing), "Listen beloved sisters, I have a message for you from the most high God.  You may be in the Lion's Den but God is not going to leave your side"....and up there...ON THE WALL of that sanctuary....was Psalm 55!!  My mouth fell open, I came out of my seat and onto my knees, and the tears started streaming down my face.  It was a moment I will NEVER forget, and one I have shared with very few people, mostly because it was so very emotional then, and even now I get teary thinking about it.  Due to circumstances beyond my control that was the last night I was able to attend that particular bible study, but I had heard what God needed me to hear loud and clear.  And you know what?  He did get me through it, and although it was one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with, it made me a much stronger person.  It also solidified my trust in God's provision.  So let me just tell you, like my sister in Christ, Beth Moore, told me that day.....Listen to me beloved brothers and sisters, I have a message for you from the Most High God!  He loves you unconditionally, and He will not forsake you.  He will place your sins as far as the East is from the West and remember them no more.  He will write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life...forever sealed as a child of God.  The life we have on this earth is but a vapor, and then we will enter into eternity.  If you don't know that you know that you know where you will be spending that eternity...don't wait another minute.  If I'm wrong...I've got nothing to lose.  If you're wrong...you've got everything to lose.

By: Amy York

Psalm 55

Who am I?

I was just thinking today about my next birthday, coming up on September 3rd.  I will be turning 45!  I remember thinking (when I was 20 something) how old that sounded, and that it would be forever before I got there, and yet...there it is.  The funny thing is, it doesn't bother me at all!  I have arrived at a point in life where, I am truly happy.  Trying to find the words to explain it, I am at a loss.  I'm confident in who I am, and although I could stand to lose several pounds, I think I look pretty good for my age.  I am truly, extremely blessed with a husband whom I love with all my heart, and with whom I will celebrate 25 years of marriage to this January.  I'm blessed with three of the most amazing, talented sons a mom could ever ask for.  I have an amazing family, wonderful friends, and a job that I love (most of the time, haha!).  It's not been the easiest of roads to get to who I am today.  There have been things along the way that brought me to my knees, to the very depths of the valley.  But God has been with me through it all.  I know there will be even more good times, and bad times, in the next 45 years, but I also know that God will never leave my side.  How anyone could get through life without Him, I cannot fathom.  So as I celebrate being "middle-aged", I want to thank each of you that have had a part in my life, because it is you who have helped make me who I am today.

Who am I?


I've often asked myself
who are you really now?
Can you describe in words
the who, what, when and how?

Of how you came to be
the one you are today.
This person I call ME,
Can I find the words to say?

Well I will certainly try
and start with just a few
words that tell you why
and perhaps give you a clue.

I'm happy, sparkly, sunshine.
I'm pink, and black and white.
I'm peanut butter cracker time.
I'm music, bright and light.

I'm tom boy, and I'm girly.
I'm barefoot all summer long.
I'm quiet, peaceful, joyful, curly.
I'm a quiet thoughtful song.

I'm laughing deep and hearty.
I'm camping, painting, fun.
I'm not the life of the party.
I'm the shy and quiet one.

I'm decent, patient, caring,
I'm polite, and calm and kind.
I'm strong and sometimes daring.
I'm a Christian, by Him designed.

I do not drink, or smoke or...well,
I do my very best
to be a good example
whenever I'm put to the test.

So that is about the gist of it
I've done the best I can do
I hope that explains me a bit
and makes you smile some too!  :)

By:  Amy York


Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

Just Keep Smiling

Just Keep Smiling

When I was in Jr. High School, I was skinny, had crooked teeth, and very frizzy, curly hair.  I was teased a lot.  Whenever someone would tease me, I would just smile because I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of knowing they’d hurt me.  Because I was teased a lot...I smiled a LOT!  Thus I was given the nick-name “Smiley” by a girl who eventually became my friend.  Because of my experience, I have always done my best to be kind and decent to everyone whenever possible and “Just Keep Smiling”.  Those words have become my motto, and gotten me through some difficult times.  So, keep on smiling, even when you’re feeling blue, cause somewhere someone’s tired of trying, and your smile could help them through.  ;)  

People ask me why I smile a lot
Well it’s not that hard to explain.
I simply ask them well, why not?
Why frown, or sulk & complain?
I’ve always tried to be someone
Who brightened another’s day.
And when it’s all been said and done.
I hope I’m remembered that way.
So I’m gonna keep on smiling,
Even if I’m feeling blue.
Cause somewhere, someone’s tired of trying
And my smile could help them through.




By: Amy Hartman York


Proverbs 15:13
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."

My Mountains...

My family has always loved being out in nature.  
When I was little my playground was the forest.
I grew up camping with my entire family; 

grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles 

in the Great Smoky Mountains, in Elkmont Campground.
It’s a heavenly place and one of the few places on earth where I
am truly at peace.  It is inside of me, a part of my soul.  

They are, and forever will be....My Mountains.

My Mountains

Come with me to my mountains so lofty and high.
Listen to the trees and the winds as they sigh.
Feel the damp earth beneath your own two feet.
Never was there a more glorious retreat.
The creek how it laughs as it leaps over stones.
How I love to walk down to the water alone.
The sunlight it splashes into brilliant pools of light.
There simply is not a more beautiful site.
I’ve grown up here in these mountains you see.
My soul is a part of every stone, every tree.
Come with me to my mountains so green, so deep.
Listen to the mountain as it lulls you to sleep.
The sun as it rises through the trees evergreen
A more glorious sight has never been seen.
Come with me to my mountains and see,
What God has created for you, and for me.

By: Amy Hartman York

Psalm 95:1‑7

   Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.

How many times I’ve thought, if I just had this or I just owned that, if I just had lots of money I’d be so much happier. If I was just as beautiful as her, or had his talents, my life would be so much better. But then I take a look around me, at my wonderful husband and my incredible children, and the loving, Christian family I was raised in, and I can see clearly how very blessed I am, and I wouldn’t change any of it for all the money, possessions or talents in the world! Sonnet 29 says it perfectly. It has always been one of my favorites by Shakespeare.  ~  Amy




SONNET 29

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

~ Shakespeare

I Wore My Body Out Too Soon

I wore my body out too soon,
My knees they moan and creak.
My ankles swell, my elbows ache,
My hips and legs are weak.

I guess I should have been more girly,
And had more cups of tea.
But what kind of fun would that have been?
That certainly isn’t me!

I do enjoy a cup of tea,
Though coffee I prefer.
But sitting pretty all in pink,
No that, I must defer.

I used my body up to soon
And now I’m middle-aged.
But oh what fun I’ve had you see
And my advice is sage.

Have fun, romp, jump and tumble,
Slide and run and play!
For one day you’ll be middle-aged,
And have to sit all day!

By: Amy York
© 2012 York, Inc.

As I have loved you, love one another...

If I disagree with you it doesn't mean I hate you. If I don't approve of your behavior, your choices or your particular lifestyle, it doesn't mean I'm prejudiced. It means I have an opinion. We all have our vices, our private and public sins. We all fall short of what our creator wants for us. God gives us guidelines on how to live in a way that is best for our own good, and in multitudes of ways we each choose to go against His wishes. I'm not condoning sin, so please don't think that's my message here. Just because we all sin doesn't make it ok. But we are also called to love sinners, which in all cases is everyone of us, and despise the sin. So, no matter what the sin is, the one who sins, again all of us, is to be loved with a Christ-like love.  Nowhere does God say that cruelty, meanness, or disrespect is ok. Nowhere does God say its ok to bully, tease or hate someone who is different than you are. We are simply to love them as Christ loves us. So no matter how you feel about a particular sin, remember that God loves us sinners unconditionally. It is possible to disagree with a lifestyle choice yet still treat the person with decency, love and understanding. The bible is very clear, purposefully, about the definition of marriage, and it is also clear about loving your neighbor as yourself. When deciding what's right or wrong, the bible is the final authority in my life, period. But also understand this, we are all created by God, loved by God, and each human being deserves to be treated with basic, human decency. Whether you are a drunkard, a liar, a thief, whether you curse every other word, cheat on your taxes, gossip about your neighbor, ignore the presence of your creator, or you're a drug addict. Whether your mean, nasty, rude or crude, sexually immoral or kill, God still loves you and expects us to love each other. So, I say all that to say this, I believe in marriage as defined by the bible, and if you don't, we'll that's between you and God. But this I promise, I may disagree with your choices but I will still treat you with human kindness, decency and love. Because God loves me, even with all my faults and sins,  I will show you love.  What kind of hypocritical biggot would I be if I judged myself better than, or more deserving of that, than you?     John 13:34 A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

Burnt Taco Lessons

So, the other day I nearly set my house on fire while trying to warm up some Taco shells.  Seriously.  It all seems so funny now, but in the “heat” of the moment it was terrifying.  I had just finished preparing the taco meat, got the shells arranged on the cookie sheet, turned on the stove (which I admit I rarely use) and set it to broil.  I’ve never used the broil setting on this oven before, but I figured it would warm them up a little quicker.  I shoved the cookie sheet in the oven and shut the door.  My husband was sitting at his computer on the other side of the kitchen, so I turned to say something to him.  After about 60 seconds of talking, I smelled something.  I turned around and saw smoke billowing out of the oven and thought, “Oh great, I burned them!”  Boy was I right!  I opened the oven door and flames leapt out at me!  “It’s one fire!”, I yelled and Scott jumped up from his seat.  I quickly tried to think of a way to get the fire to go out....”grab the box of salt!” I yelled.  Scott reached into the pantry and pulled out a salt shaker.  “No!  Not that!”, I yelled and reached past him to grab the Morton’s Salt container.  I “feverishly” tried to pour the salt out onto the flames and smother them....but the stream of salt was nothing compared to the flames that roared in my oven.  My youngest son Jarod ran in and yelled, “Oh my gosh, what’s going on?!”  “The fire extinguisher!”, I thought, and jerked open the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink.  I pointed it at the fire and pressed the lever for all I was worth....nothing.  “Read the directions!”, Jarod yelled.  It was at this moment that I thought to myself, “Why on earth have I not read the directions on this thing BEFORE?!  I have no idea how to operate it!”  I was beginning to panic as the flames leapt higher and higher out of the oven.  I tried to read the directions, but in the panicked state I was in, I could read NOTHING!  Jarod grabbed a large pot from under the counter and ran to the sink to fill it with water.  “NO!  I yelled, that will make it worse!!”  Abandoning the pot, he yelled, “What do we do??!!”  Out of the corner of my eye I spied a beach towel that one of my boys had brought in and thrown in the floor and for once I was so very glad that they are slobs!  I grabbed it and handed it to my husband and said, “Here, beat it with this!”  So, Scott commenced to slapping at the fire over and over, and in between calling out, “Call 911!! Call 911!!”  I had no intentions of calling 911 unless the fire successfully escaped the oven.  I’d never live it down!  I could see it in the headlines, “Woman burns house down with Taco shells!”  Finally, after great effort with the beach towel, the fire died down, the taco shells reduced to ashes and a few tiny flames I put out with the spatula.  Coughing, exhausted and completely rattled to the core, the three of us slumped against the kitchen counter.  “WOW!”, I said.  That was exciting!  Having calmed down a bit, I looked at the fire extinguisher again, and it said “empty” on the gauge!  We’d never used it before, but it was old and evidently all the pressure had leaked out over the years.  Thankfully, the oven still works, nothing was damaged, no one was burned and the only casualty was my trusty old cookie sheet.  

Believe it or not, all that chaos took only maybe 5 minutes to play out.  Seemed like hours while we were in the midst of it.  I tell you all this because it made me think.  How many times have we neglected to read God’s word, to prepare ourselves, our hearts, for when difficulties come, so that we know how to handle them, know where to turn and what to do?  If we’re prepared for troubles, when they come knocking we have the perfect tool to “extinguish” them.  If we’re not, and we try to find a way to do it on our own, in a state of panic, we’re just gonna run in circles and our troubles are gonna get the best of us.  God left us perfect directions.  He’s given us all the tools we need.  But if we never pick up His word and read what He has to say, and we just flounder around trying to do it our way, we’re gonna get burned.  




"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." ~ Joshua 1:8

Local Teen's Senior Project to Benefit Stop-Human Trafficking Organization

Posting for my son, Taylor...

Taylor York, a senior at J.T. Hoggard High School, is doing his senior project on Human Trafficking. After attending The Passion Conference 2012 (a Christian-based conference attended by approx. 45,000 college aged young adults) in Atlanta, GA, this past January, Taylor was inspired to do his senior project on this over-looked issue. North Carolina ranks #10 in the nation for Human Trafficking! As part of his project, Taylor, along with his family & friends, will be using their musical talents (Taylor's dad in the Minister of Music at Pine Valley Baptist Church) to raise money to donate to a NC Stop Human Trafficking Charity. "We're hoping for a big turnout", Taylor says, "the more money we raise, the more we can give to help free those trapped in the modern-day slave trade." The concert will feature several local talents, including Kathy Snow (Williston Vocal Music Director), Kim Furtado (teacher at Myrtle Grove Christian), James & Donna Strickland (Pine Valley's Youth pastor & wife), the PVBC Youth Praise Band, College Praise Band, Derwin Hinson Ministries and last but not least Yorktown, which features Taylor's older brother Alex on lead guitar, younger brother Jarod on drums, Taylor on vocals & fiddle, his Mom, Amy, on vocals & his Dad, Scott, on auxiliary percussion. There will be music for every taste, from Gospel to Rock, so come on out, support a worthy cause, and enjoy a great night of music at Pine Valley Baptist Church, Easter Sunday night at 6:30pm. Donations taken at the door. Come early to get a good seat!!

JUST DO IT!

What has God entrusted you with and what are you doing with it? It's terrible to see someone who has a gift, just sit on it and never use it. To me, not using the gifts God has given you, is like shoving that gift back in His face and saying, "No Thanks"! Think about it. What are you good at? Do you think that's an accident? Do you think you found those things your good at by accident? It wasn't by chance you were born in this generation. It wasn't by chance that you excelled at what you do best. Your life is not "chance", your life is on "purpose"! If you can sing well, you were given that gift to USE it. If you can play an instrument well, you were given that gift to USE it. If you can teach well, you were given that gift to USE it. Don't sit on it and never use it! It is a GIFT from God Himself! Don't make excuses why you can't, or why you WON'T use it. Spring is coming....a new season is being born! What a perfect time to start a new adventure, let go of all your lame excuses, and actually USE those gifts God has given to you! Just imagine what our church could accomplish if everyone was using the gifts God has given them! Our choir would be busting at the seams, our sanctuary would be so full of people that are so busy encouraging, teaching, giving, witnessing and serving that we'd have to build new buildings to hold them all! GET UP and START USING those precious gifts!! God's not interested in your excuses.


Romans 12:6-8


6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Praying without Ceasing

In 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 is says to “Pray without ceasing”. I remember the first time I heard a pastor preach on that verse. I thought, “How is that even possible? I have to sleep some time!” That was before I had children! They say “with age comes wisdom”, and although I can think of a few exceptions to that rule, I’d say that’s true for most of us. I think the first time I really began to realize that it was possible to “pray without ceasing” was when I had a child. It all started the day I knew I was expecting. That day I set in motion something in my soul that hasn’t stopped since, a sort of unconscious, constant prayer. I imagine it as a button that I finally pushed, and the gears starting spinning, and this amazing prayer machine groaned to life. It was constantly working, even when I slept. I even sometimes dreamed my prayers. I no longer felt like I had to find a quiet spot & assume a position of prayer in order for God to hear me. I came to realize that He is always with me, always listening, always there no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I talk to Him all day long, about everything. I think a lot of people avoid praying because they feel like they have to be alone, in a quiet place, with time to spare. That’s not true at all. There is no rule that says you must pray in a specific place and in a specific posture.  In the Bible people prayed on their knees, while bowing, on their faces before God, while sitting down and standing.  They prayed while crying, while rejoicing, while scared, even when they were sleepy.  You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud, at any time and at any place.  You can talk to God every minute of every day. Once I realized that, my prayer life was never the same. He’s only a whisper, a thought away, any time, any place. That my friends, is how you “pray without ceasing”.

Matthew 26:41

"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

Excuses, excuses...

Excuses. We all make them. Some of them are legitimate, some convenient, and some just plain silly. What have you been making excuses for this past year? I’ve made excuses for being late (more times than I can count), written many excuses for my boys when they were home sick, and a million other things I’m certain. I have to admit, I have said to my children before, “Don’t try and make an excuse for dumbness.” When they’ve tried to give me one for why they didn’t turn in an assignment. Probably not the “Mother of the Year” response, but still, it’s true! Getting a bad grade because you didn’t turn something in, is well…dumb! How many times have you made an excuse to God for your own “dumbness”?

 

“God, I’m sorry I didn’t pray today but I just didn’t know what to say.”

Romans 8:26 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
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“God, I’m sorry I stopped going to church, but you see, I just like to sleep in, and besides sometimes, they sing songs I don’t like.”

Proverbs 20:13 – “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.”

Psalm 96:1 – ”Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.”

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“God, I know You said to be careful about who I hang out with, but You don’t understand, we have so much fun and besides, we’re not hurting anybody, and I really don’t care what other people think.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Proverbs 13:20 – ” Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

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Make it your New Year’s Resolution to stop making excuses for “dumbness”. It covers a multitude of things you’d normally make a resolution to do, like stop smoking, eat less, exercise more, stop drinking, go to church, etc. Let’s face it, we ALL have a lot of “dumbness” going on!  :)

Ephesians 5:15-17- “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

CHANGE

When something we’ve been used to changes, we often get upset. We say things like, “Well, we’ve never done it THAT way before” or “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”. Why do you suppose it is that we are so against things changing? Is it fear of the unknown? Is it that we’ve gotten comfortable the way things are? Is it that we are afraid something important to us will be forgotten? Is it that we are just plain ol’ stubborn? Change can be good, but it can also be bad. (Avoiding all political associations) We have all seen changes that didn’t work out quite like we thought they might. Sometimes they work out even better, sometimes they are worse, and a lot of times it all hinges on if we were actually seeking God’s will in that change to begin with. Sometimes the changes we face are downright painfull, like getting used to living without a loved one, or recovering from a terrible illness or learning to live with a disability. But we cannot let past failures predict or determine our future successes. So, what does the Bible say about change? There are some things the Bible says will NEVER change. God will never change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love for you will never, ever change. Once you belong to Him, that will never, ever change. Then there are things that the Bible says should change. How many times does the Bible say for you to TURN from your wicked ways and become NEW? I’ve not counted, but I know it’s a lot! We are to become new creations in Him, turning from what we once did, what we were once comfortable with, and walk in a new direction, in His will. My favorite verse about change is also about music; “Sing to the Lord a NEW song!” It makes me think, “Well, I guess even God gets bored with the same old stuff.” Even God likes a new song every now and then!! That makes me smile!!  The truth of the matter is, no matter how hard we try to stop things from changing….they STILL change. Our children grow up, our loved ones die, we get older, we move, we get new jobs, we have grandchildren, we make new friends, good friends move away, we buy new cars, seasons change…do I need to go on? Our ENTIRE life is about changing. YOU get to decide if you are going to change for the better, or for the worse. YOU get to decide if you are going to accept changes gracefully, KNOWING that what Joshua 1:9 says is true “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” God has told us, over and over, to be STRONG and COURAGEOUS and to HAVE NO FEAR…and yet sometimes we still dig our heels in like a stubborn donkey and refuse to move forward because we are either too weak to stand up for what we believe in, don’t have enough guts to learn something new, and are too afraid of what “might” happen, so we sit in our comfortable complacency and do nothing. We can very easily avoid taking any risks and just maintain, but life was never about just maintaining, we were made for an abundant life! In the Parable of the Ten Talents, Jesus tells us not to hold back what he has given us. We are to use what He has given us to the fullest, not store it all away out of fear. He WANTS us to CHANGE! To be better, more faithful, more willing to serve, more willing to share, more willing to do whatever it takes to reach the lost! Jesus was NEVER in the business of maintaining the status quo. If He was, He would have stopped with the Disciples. He would have just maintained His relationship with them, never seeking out anyone else to teach, never healing, and certainly never dying on the cross for US! Change. How does that word make you feel? Apprehensive? Angry? Excited? Jesus was EXCITED! David was so excited he DANCED before the Lord! The wisemen were excited! The angels were excited! Change was coming….BIG change. When you look at things changing in your church, before you judge, before you get angry, before you get scared, measure it under God’s microscope. Are we trying something new to reach more lost people for Christ? Are we trying to improve something to make it even more effective for reaching others for Jesus Christ? Am I just acting this way because of MY feelings, MY comfort, MY fear, MY stubbornness? If you answer yes to any of those things, then you need to re-evaluate the situation. God doesn’t want us to tuck ourselves down in the ground and hide away in our comfort while the world dies and goes to Hell. That was not what he commanded us to do. “Go ye therefore, and teach ALL nations, GO.” You cannot GO anywhere, without changing were you ARE.  I hope you read this and it CHANGES your perspective on change.

I Will Never Forget...

I was standing in the kitchen of my house in Tampa, Florida the morning of September 11th with my mom.  Mom and Dad had been visiting for the week.  Scott had been called to a church in Tennessee and Mom and I were packing my crystal.  We were all smiles, excited that we would be moving closer to home.  Alex & Taylor had just left for school and Jarod, still a baby, was playing on the livingroom floor near his Papaw who was watching the morning news. They had been talking about George and Laura Bush being in Florida that morning reading to school children at a local school.  Mom and I weren't paying attention to the TV though, we were busy chatting about the flight we would be making in a couple days up to TN to finalize our housing and such when my Dad interrupted us.  We walked into the living room and I didn't understand what I was seeing.  He said, it's the World Trade Center.  I said, what happened?  Did something blow up?  He said, a plane has flown into it!  I was still confused.  I was still thinking it must have been a small plane, but how could they not see the Tower?  Then I heard them say, it was a 767, a large passenger plane, with at least 92 people on board.  I said, "how could this happen?" and my Dad just said, "Terrorists".  As we sat there staring in disbelief at the smoke and flames, suddenly another plane appeared and smashed into the other tower.  My knees buckled, and I sank into my chair, thinking to myself, "oh my God, what just happened....what just happened??  How many people where on that plane?  What is happening?!"  The news came shortly after that, that there were more planes that had been hijacked and they didn't know where they were going.  The only thing I could think of at that point was, I want my boys.  I want them here with me now!  I don't remember now if I went to get them or if I told Scott to go get them.  I was in such shock.  We weren't far from an airbase and the jets had been scrambled.  We would hear them overhead.  Then news came of the Pentagon being hit, and another plane crashing into a field in Pennsylvania.  My world changed that day.  It went from one of feeling safe, to feeling terrified, unsure of the future, extreme sorrow for the ones that lost their lives, and extreme anger at the ones that caused it.  Watching those towers burn, seeing people jumping or falling from windows, and then seeing them come crashing down on live TV is something I can never erase from my memory.  Trying to comprehend the evil behind the attacks was more than I could ever wrap my mind around.  So many people gone in an instant.   But I will also never forget the next morning.  It was a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky, nor a plane.  Quiet.  Pictures from New York showing black smoke still pouring from the holes where the towers had been, ash covered rescue workers trying desperately to find survivors, and seeing that picture of the Fire Fighters at ground zero, raising that flag.  After that, there were flags everywhere, every house, every store, every car.  And I will never forget President Bush asking for us to pray for the families and quoting the Psalms.  He reminded us that our God is stronger than any terrorist attack, stronger than anything we might ever face.  It was so very comforting to know that our country was being led by a man of God.  Americans came together like never before after 9/11.  Yes, we had been shaken, but we would not be defeated.  That day changed us all in many ways.  But I don't think it did what the terrorists had hoped.  It brought us closer together, brought us to our knees in prayer, brought more of us to Christ.  I will never forget that day.  What about you?

"If you've knelt beside the rubble of an aching, broken heart,
When the things you gave your life to fell apart;
You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain,
But the Master promised sunshine after the rain.

Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.

To invest your seed of trust in God in mountains you can't move,
You have risked your life on things you cannot prove;
But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose,
Is the way to find the joy God has for you.

Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
Weeping only lasts for the night;
Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning,
The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.
Just in sight!"

Smoky Mountain Memories

We just returned from a fabulous vacation in the mountains.  It wasn’t to some fancy resort, or 5 star hotel though….it was a camping trip!  Yes, we slept in a tent.  We do every year!  I have been going to this same campground nearly every summer my entire life.  I learned how to ride my bike in that campground after my Dad and Granddaddy tricked me and raised my training wheels off the ground when I wasn’t looking.  Boy was I mad, LOL!  I’ve skinned my knees, climbed trees, tubed down the Little Pigeon River, seen bears, snakes, coyotes, skunks, deer and bugs of every shape and sort.  I’ve probably camped in nearly every campsite in the place in my life time.  I’ve fished, hiked trails, walked through the Ghost Town, and walked down the camp road in pitch black to see the most amazing light show of synchronous fireflies on the planet!  I’ve huddled under tarps while it thundered so loud and rained so hard that it felt like we were actually IN the midst of the storm clouds.  I know the smell of that place by heart.  It’s indescribably fantastic.  Pine needles, camp fires, the smell of rain in the air, sunshine on fallen leaves, green moss, black dirt, pure, cold water,  mountain laurel blooming and marshmallows.  It’s hard to say what is my favorite time of day there.  The mornings are so crisp, even in the summer and full of the smell of eggs and bacon and coffee.  The birds sing the sun up every morning with every ounce of strength they have.  It’s like they believe it won’t rise without them singing it up.  I think it’s how they worship and thank God for the new day, and they do it will all their hearts!  The afternoons are lazy, and warm, and filled with happy laughter and children squealing as they tube down the creek.  The evenings are filled with wonderful campfire smells and delicious food cooking.  The sound of Hoot Owls, bull frogs, crickets, the rushing water of the creek, and mountain music loft through the air.  There are no phones.  There’s no cell tower close enough to get a signal.  No TV.  No Internet.  No electricity.  Just people, the ones we love the most, to spend time with, play with, talk with, or just sit and listen to the sounds of the forest with.  When I’m there in that campground I remember my Granddaddy’s hugs, my Grandmother’s laughter, and the Hartman Brother’s cowboy songs.  This is as close to heaven as I can imagine.  We get so busy in our modern world.  So caught up in our man-made mess, that we forget the wonderful things God put on this planet for us!  Why did God give birds a song to sing?  Why did he paint beautiful, iridescent wings on butterflies?  Why did he make pine trees smell so good?  Why did he give us cool, refreshing water to drink and to play in?  Why did he make fireflies glow in the dark?  He could have made this world dull, and gray, and boring….but instead He was thinking of us.  He thought, “how much my children will love the colors in this rainbow and just wait til they see the sunset I’ve painted tonight!  I think they will love the smell of pine trees, and these flowers…..they won’t be able to resist the lovely smell!”  I feel closer to God in those mountains than anywhere on earth because all I have to do is look around to see what He has created for me….just to make me smile. 

The Waiter Theory

     I read an article about "The Waiter Theory" that some CEOs use to evaluate potential employees. They take them out to eat at a fancy restaurant and then watch how they treat the waiter. If they're rude, condescending and impatient with the wait staff, then they usually don't get hired. Sometimes they will also ask their receptionist or secretary how the potential employee treated them. It makes you think doesn't it? How do YOU treat the waiter?

     The world likes to make us think that we are "better" than other people; that if we are highly educated, skilled, talented or well-off that makes us better than those who are not. The world tells us we have "earned the right" because of the degrees hanging on our walls, the way we look or dress, the neighborhood we live in, the cars we drive or the friends we have, to treat those we feel are "beneath us" like they are less important.  I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes from, Horton Hears a Who; "A person's a person, no matter how small."
     God made ALL of us, not a select few. He loves ALL of us the same, not a select few. We are ALL God's favorite, not a select few. I am just as much a child of the King, as the homeless man who has Jesus in his heart but no food in his stomach. I am just as much a child of the King, as the Dr. with multiple degrees hanging on his wall wondering why all that education didn't make him happy, desperately needing someone to tell Him about Jesus. I am just as much a child of the King, as the prodigal, who has left his family for drugs & alcohol and is still searching for something or someone to fill the emptiness.
     Whether we are Christains, or not, we are ALL His children and He loves us ALL beyond measure....the only difference is some of us have come home to our Father, and some of us have not. For the ones who are still wandering around looking for home....how will they find it if we treat them like dirt? The Father doesn't want ANY of His Children to perish, but without Him...they surely will. We are His hands, His feet, His voice, His patience, His compassion, His love to this world. How will they find Him if we are a terrible example of God's love? How will they see Jesus...if they don't see Him in you and me??

1 Corinthians 13:2:

"If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing."

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"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them."