From Hillbilly To Heiress

From Hillbilly to Heiress
"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."

Psalms 16:5-6

For those who don't know - I went to the Beth Moore Conference in San Antonio, TX and I am over loaded with information and could write for days, but I promise - I will not!

Before leaving for my trip I was pretty bummed. My ministry partner, Leigh Gray, had nearly broken both ankles just a few days before she was to drive to my house so that we could fly out together and head to Texas. But, that's a little hard to do when both of your feet are in boots! You see -- we just knew that God was going to tell us great and mighty things about ourselves and ministry as we worshiped and prayed together during the course of the weekend. Now, she wasn't coming.

So - thankfully, I had two other ladies on our ministry teams going to the same conference. I had talked to them by phone, e-mail, heard their messages on tape, etc.... but NEVER officially met them. Also, right before leaving - I recognized a name on a list of ladies attending a special event offered during the course of the conference. Ends up - it was a Mom I know from Nashville. So long story short here (this isn't my main message for today) ---- God worked out all the details. I left Nashville not really knowing a soul and came back with a slew of new friends!!

OK - now for the main thing ---- the point is, I was determined that I was going to hear from God this weekend. I mean I wanted the Alamo Dome to part wide open and have rays of sun light shining down on me with angels singing and my face glowing like Moses in the Old Testament!

Beth's message was right on. I took pages, upon pages of notes. And I can't wait to share what I've learned with all my "peeps". It was GREAT stuff and Beth was very anointed and profound in her speaking.
But, for me - the Alamo Dome didn't open. The rays of sun didn't fall on me. And I was definitely not glowing. As a matter of fact - I was caught blocks away from the hotel when a rain storm hit and have never been so soaked in my life --- we are talking wringing your clothes out bone chilling soaked.

Nope. Instead, I heard the Lord say these words to me. "You are a Hillbilly Heiress." WHAT! Does the Lord even use the word Hillbilly in His vocabulary?! That is nuts --- I have no doubts that you are agreeing with me at this point. As strange as I thought it was - it kept coming back to me.

You see, Beth's theme was that "we" are an "Heiress of God." She had 8 points and they all started with "I am an Heir of God ........." and then another point would be stated. She laid the foundation for this on Friday night and then hit the ground running on Saturday with two sessions. Very early into the first session on Saturday, she talked about our past and how God's inheritance trumps anything else that we've inherited. This got me thinking .......

My family has no literal inheritance. I lived in a trailer park in Tennessee when I was young. I remember taking a bath in a tin tub in the front yard at my grandparents house --- they also had an out house! I remember at Russ' first Thanksgiving with my family, my relatives just busted out the instruments (including a canjo -- that is a literal can of food that has been turned into a musical instrument) and started sangin'. No,that is not a typo - they seriously talk that country. So --- they do not sing - they sang. At that time they were in a gospel "sangin' group". Russ also learned other vocabulary words he had never heard that weekend!!! I come from a line of Lilly Mae's and Clementine's. Until this weekend I was aware of all of this about my family, but never realized one thing. Yes, it is true - I am a Hillbilly.

You see - in my talking with God during the weekend (in addition to begging Him to part the skies for me to receive "my Word") --- I asked Him for a title. A title for my blog or for my book that would be cute, catchy and draw ladies in so that they could learn about Him. He was so faithful this weekend. He didn't speak to me the way I wanted Him too, but He spoke to me in the way I needed Him to. Soft and gently - very casually during the course of my day.

When I got back and was sharing everything with Leigh about the conference, she said to me, "You know, I've learned that conferences are great. But I don't need to go to a big conference to hear from God." AMEN! And I think that precious Beth Moore would agree with that. YES - God moved at her conference. AND, I'm confident that for someone there --- the Alamo Dome did part and the rays came down and the whole nine yards! But, not for me – this time. And that's OK. God desires a personal relationship where we can talk daily - just not one powerful time. And a relationship where He can be a little funny and say words like Hillbilly!!

So, ---- it looks like I'm on my way as being known as the Hillbilly Heiress from Tennessee. Sharing how God can take anyone and forgive their sins, give them worth and make them an Heir (even if they’ve used an out house and taken a bath in a tin tube in the front yard!).

Earthly Knowledge and Godly Wisdom

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10

Yes - I've taken yet another LONG blogging break. And - AGAIN, much to my personal dismay. Since I've helped in starting Speaking Thru Me Ministries, I have managed to go through two, yes two laptops. My ministry partner was so gracious to help me out in getting my last one (just a few months ago) and somehow I've managed to do something to it that only I could do!!! So - I've been computer less AGAIN. Please pray that that will change ASAP! I need to write!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK - very quickly before hubby needs this computer to get back to work!

Sometimes for my alone time with God - if I'm in between Bible Study's, I will turn to the book of Psalms. I usually look at the date or time and then turn to a passage in Psalms that relates. For example, the girls started school on August, 11. So, I decided to turn to Psalms 11 and 111. That morning the above verse really spoke to me.

You see, here I was sending off my girls (Cassidy for the first time! She just started Kindergarten.) to gain all of this earthly knowledge and wisdom so that they can "make it in this world". With Cassidy's anxiety and depression I was VERY nervous wondering, "Will she be able to learn??" And, with Savannah - I was also rather stressed because I have always heard how hard 3rd grade can be. She can put a lot of pressure on herself for a kid - she wants to be the best at EVERYTHING and I could see us having many meltdowns over multiplication and cursive writing (new skills for a third grader!).

But God's Word, as ALWAYS, is so faithful. What a wonderful reminder I needed that morning that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, ALL who follow his precepts have GOOD UNDERSTANDING."

Yes - earthly knowledge is important and I'm not some nut that's going to pull my kids of out school because they are learning "earthly concepts", but boy! What a great way to look at things --- we could have all the knowledge in this world, but what does that matter? Yes, I want my kids to do their best in school - but is that all that's important? How are your kids, as young as they may be, understanding Goldy precepts? Are you teaching them Godly precepts? Is earthly knowledge, A's & B's, more important in your family than learning the ways of God?

I remember when Savannah was a baby having the make myself say, "Look at the trees God made." It seemed so weird to be honest! It was like Satan didn't even want me to get the words out! I mean, here I am with a newborn talking out loud about God and His creation!! However, I praise Him that over time it did get easier.

If this is a new concept to you, I encourage you to just start small. It will be weird, no doubt about it. But as you continue to share the things of God with your child(ren), you will see not just them - but you too - grow in understanding if His precepts!

Here's the first day of school. How do you like those pearls???

From Hillbilly to Heiress

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."

Psalms 16:5-6

It's so good to get back to writing! I've missed it these last few days. For those who don't know - I went to the Beth Moore Conference in San Antonio, TX last week. I am over loaded with information and could write for days, but I promise - I will not! However, I'm sure I will be referencing the conference in my posts for days to come:)

Before leaving for my trip I was pretty bummed. My ministry partner, Leigh had nearly broken both ankles on Monday and she was to drive to my house on Thursday and us fly out to San Antonio on Friday. But, that's a little hard to do when both of your feet are in boots! (you will have to go to her blog and see the pics she has of her feet - YIKES!) You see -- we just knew that God was going to tell us great and mighty things about ourselves and ministry as we worshiped and prayed together during the course of the weekend. Now, she wasn't coming.

So - thankfully, I had two other ladies on our ministry teams going to the same conference. I had talked to them by phone, e-mail, heard their messages on tape, etc.... but NEVER officially met them. Also, right before leaving - I recognized a name on a list of ladies attending a special event offered during the course of the conference. Ends up - it was a Mom I know from Nashville. So long story short here (this isn't my main message for today) ---- God worked out all the details. I left Nashville not really knowing a soul and came back with a slew of new friends!!

OK - now for the main thing ---- the point is, I was determined that I was going to hear from God this weekend. I mean I wanted the Alamo Dome to part wide open and have rays of sun light shining down on me with angels singing and my face glowing like Moses in the Old Testament!

Beth's message was right on. I took pages, upon pages of notes. And I can't wait to share what I've learned with all my "peeps" (Beth, Amanda, Melissa - I said that just for you - ha!). Seriously, I've already called several girlfriends back home and we have gone over note by note what was shared at the conference. It was GREAT stuff and Beth was very anointed and profound in her speaking.

But, for me - the Alamo Dome didn't open. The rays on sun didn't fall on me. And I was definitely not glowing. As a matter of fact - I was caught blocks away from the hotel when a rain storm hit and have never been so soaked in my life --- we are talking wringing your clothes out bone chilling soaked.

Nope. Instead, I heard the Lord say these words to me. "You are a Hillbilly Heiress." WHAT! Does the Lord even use the word Hillbilly in His vocabulary?! That is nuts --- I have no doubts that you are agreeing with me at this point. As strange as I thought it was - it kept coming back to me.

You see, Beth's theme was that "we" are an "Heiress of God." She had 8 points and they all started with "I am an Heir of God ........." and then another point would be stated. She laid the foundation for this on Friday night and then hit the ground running on Saturday with two sessions. Very early into the first session on Saturday, she talked about our past and how God's inheritance trumps anything else that we've inherited. This got me thinking .......

My family has no literal inheritance. I lived in a trailer park in Tennessee when I was young. I remember taking a bath in a tin tub in the front yard at my grandparents house --- they also had an out house! I remember at Russ' first Thanksgiving with my family, my relatives just busted out the instruments (including a canjo -- that is a literal can of food that has been turned into a musical instrument) and started sangin'. No,that is not a typo - they seriously talk that country. So --- they do not sing - they sang. At that time they were in a gospel "sangin' group". Russ also learned other vocabulary words he had never heard in his life that weekend!!! I come from a line of Lilly Mae's and Clementine's. Until this weekend I was aware of all of this about my family, but never realized one thing. Yes, it is true - I am a Hillbilly.

You see - in my talking with God during the weekend (in addition to begging Him to part the skies for me to receive "my Word") --- I asked Him for a title. A title for my blog or for my book that would be cute, catchy and draw ladies in so that they could learn about Him. He was so faithful this weekend. He didn't speak to me the way I wanted Him too, but He spoke to me in the way I needed Him to. Soft and gently - very casually during the course of my day.

When I got back and was sharing everything with Leigh about the conference, she said to me .... "You know, I've learned that conferences are great. But I don't need to go to a big conference to hear from God." AMEN! And I think that precious Beth Moore would agree with that. YES - God moved at her conference. AND, I'm confident that for someone there --- the Alamo Dome did part and the rays came down and the whole nine yards! But, not for me. And that's OK. God desires a personal relationship where we can talk daily - just not one powerful time. And a relationship where He can be a little funny and say words like Hillbilly!!

So, with ALL OF THIS long post being said ---- it looks like I'm on my way as being known as the Hillbilly Heiress from Tennessee. Sharing how God can take anyone and forgive their sins, give them worth and make them an Heir.

In The World But Not Of The World

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

I John 2:15

So, as a parent --- how in the world do you guide your kids in living in this world, but not loving the world??? They are surround by various media's making suggestions to them on how to dress, think and feel.

Now - I am NO EXPERT! For heaven's sake, my oldest is only 8! But, I really feel that this is where every family has to hash out with God what kind of boundaries to set for their children. The Bible gives us clear directions regarding right and wrong. However, how do we handle "gray" areas? Like TV for example. Is the "TV" sin? No, it's just an object. Is owning a TV sin? Is watching TV sin? It depends on how the TV is used. Are sinful things shown on TV? YES!!!!! So, for my family. We do not allow a TV in our kids rooms. Yes, would could use the parental controls and all that stuff which is great - but we just aren't even going to go that route. We watch TV shows as a family.

One show we watched for the first time last season was American Idol. My oldest, Savannah REALLY got into it! She loved the horrible singers and would latch on quickly to several favorites. We had a great time watching this together.

So, when tickets for the concert went on sale ---- I thought what a fun family trip! Well, the closest concert was about 3 hours away from here and luckily - it was on a weekend. I got some details worked out and purchased our tickets.

We didn't tell the girls until Friday and the concert was on Saturday. Friday morning we told Cassidy. Then, Russ went all out and made a scavenger hunt for Savannah with a little help from Cassidy. When Savannah came home from school it started with a trip to the mail box, then all around the house and yard and ended up finding her "surprise" in a treasure box. It was all very cute!

So - after lots of screaming and a little packing we were off to a concert. By doing that - does that mean that we love the world? Well, let me say this......

On Monday, it was Savannah's turn to take something to school to tell about "her". She didn't bring anything about American Idol --- you know what she packed? Her prayer journal. She did this all on her own, without any suggestions from me.

Yes, it's possible to raise children to live in the world, but LOVE the things of God.

Enjoy our concert pics!

Savannah holding up her last clue

Savannah, Cassidy and Savannah's BF, Makenzie, at the concert

Jason

Brooke White



Christy Cook, Cassidy's favorite -- singing one of Cassidy's favorites - "God Bless the USA"

Cassidy's personality doesn't show much excitement (God gave her portion to her sister!), but would wave to the "Idols" once in a while

Carly

David A.

Savannah seeing her personal favorite, David Cook, for the first time (my response was similar ------ it's OK - Russ is aware!)

David Cook!!!! We were about 20 rows from the stage and dead center:)

More David Cook

And more David Cook

And one happy family:)

The Oppressed, The Orphan and The Widow

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."

Deuteronomy 10:18

When I was only 14 years old I went on a Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA. That one trip forever changed my life. I worked in a project area with kids who were afraid to go home. They talked freely about the gun fire and various family members who had been killed. During that week I met a 12 year old who was pregnant and I also held a "crack baby" in my arms. This baby was nearly 2 years old, but was still very much like an infant. I made two special friends, Jamal who was about 3 and then Devon who was 8. I have some great pictures of that trip. And still have some of the letters that Devon wrote to me after leaving. On our last day - so many of the kids we met were begging us to take them home. When I say begging - I'm talking about crying, screaming at the top of their lungs holding on to your leg kind of begging. Some of the kids kept trying to get on our bus and hide down in the seats or in the luggage area under the bus. I cried from New Orleans, LA all the way home to Cleveland, TN. To this day, I still tear up thinking about all I experienced.

After that experience, I've taken many mission trips and continued working with kids in project areas up until I was pregnant with my first child. My heart has always been tender to children, especially those who are born in poverty areas and without much hope. Believe me - Russ does not want me to take any more Mission Trips for fear of us needing to purchase a second mini-van to hold all the kids I would likely bring home!!

During the last few years, I have been connected with many people who have adopted. Their stories vary, but almost always come back to these statements: 1) We are all orphans, by His grace, Christ adopted us into His family. I felt His calling to extend that grace by adopting a child. 2) Christ says that we are to defend and feed the fatherless - He has called my family to live that out.

My heart is breaking today for two special friends. Both have other children, but were feeling called to adopt. Near the ending point - both adoptions have fallen through. One from Russia. The other twins from Liberia. You can read about Lori's story regarding her twins at her blog http://lorienewmanblog.typepad.com/perfumedpresent/.

I can not image the devastation. Just recently, I've wanted to work with Compassion International and "adopt a child" where you pay X amount a month to help feed them and get them items they need. It was so hard to look at all those children and pick one. But one stood out above all others. As I continued to pray - I went back a few days later excited to her adopt her. Her picture was gone. Had someone else adopted her? Had something terrible happened to her??? I couldn't believe it! That was my child --- who in the world took her and what happened??? As I've continued to review the sight - I'm again, overwhelmed by the great need of these children, but "my child" is not standing out this time. And every time I look, I say a prayer for little Doreen from Uganda and continue to sort over which child to pick now. But with so many children - does one really matter? Do you think that "one" matters to Christ? Yes, "one" does matter. And, I can't wait to help make a difference in the life of just "one".

I can no way compare my situation with what has happened to these other families. But in Lorie's story - she mentions how she truly felt God leading her to these twins. It was no mistake. So why did the adoption not work out? Little details like that will not be answered on this earth. All Lorie knows now is that she will forever be praying for two little twins in Liberia and she will continue the search for the child God wants to bring to their home.

We are not all called to literally adopt children into our families, just as we are not all called to have widow/widower move into our homes (like a parent or in law). But, as a Christian we are to do our part. I'm amazed at how many references in scripture talk about how "we" are to take care of the orphan and the widow. Ps. 10:14, Ps. 68:5, Ps. 146:9, Is. 1:17, Jer. 22:3 -- just as some examples.

My father in law passed away last November. Every time we got out to eat with my mother in law, my husband pays for her meal. It's not a huge thing, but it's one way that my family can "care for the widow".

So what are you doing about the scripture listed above to be a "defender"? Have you asked God what should be your role in caring for the oppressed, the orphan and the widow? If you ask - I have no doubts that he will tell you. Then, let me know. I can't wait to hear from you!

Think BIG

Well gang, my ministry partner Leigh had an awesome post this week. Some of you read her stuff as well, but to many this will be new. I was going to put it in my own words, but why fix something that's not broke (or is it broken?). Anyway, you know what I mean! We have exciting times ahead of us at Speaking Thru Me Ministries. I'll be talking more about that as well. But for now, read this and enjoy hearing from Leigh:)

What is God asking you to do right now? I don't mean if God has ever asked you to do something, I mean right now He is asking something of you - Are you listening? God always wants to engage us in things that He is involved in. Are you willing to respond and think big?


The line of questioning above reminds me of the time Jesus asked the disciples to feed the 5000. On this occasion Jesus and his guys had been ministering all day and were ready to retreat. They asked Jesus to make the crowd go away. Jesus replied with an odd statement and probably very frustrating to the the disciples, "You give them something to eat." Jesus was not solving the problem, but giving the disciples even more to do. He was engaging them - big time!

Coming from Charlotte, NC we had every conference under the sun not only come to the city, but most of the conferences came to my big church. It was not uncommon at all for me to go to each and every event - I LOVED it. I would always come home with so much excitement and energy. But it was one of those things that unless you are there it was too difficult to explain. No matter how dramatic I got with Clay he just didn't feel it the way I did at that time. Bummer!


It was not long after moving to Southern Illinois that I began to thirst and starve for that kind of ministering again. And then the Lord asked something of me. I was at a Mark Schultz concert down in Marion and as I stood up to look around the Lord whispered in my heart, "Bring it here - men and women alike." Over time He revealed not just a music concert, but speakers and worship for both the man and woman at the same time. Not a marriage conference at all, but a worship/ministering conference for both of all ages. Something for the area of Southern Illinois that doesn't make us drive to St. Louis, Indy, Chicago, or Louisville. The impulse girl that I am said, "Sure thing Lord, I would love to do that." Then the fear began to set in.

As the disciples began to pass out all they had, 5 loaves and 2 fishes, I am sure the fear began to set in. "What happens when we get to the sixth person? What happens when I can not feed a baby? What happens when i run out? What if more people come up?" I think there was fear there as well even though they had seen Jesus work all the miracles not only that day, but throughout His ministry.

In verse 16 of Luke 9 Jesus gave thanks and then gave the food to the disciples to let them be engaged in the miracle happening. Jesus could have multiplied the food immediately, but instead He gave the food to them to see and feel with their own eyes and hands all He was doing. It was if He was saying, "Come on guys, take part, be engaged, think bigger, and trust Me." After feeding everyone I believe it to be no coincidence that there was 12 baskets leftover for each of the disciple. When we give of everything, even a heart lacking in faith, He still faithfully provides filling us in unimaginable ways!


Speaking Thru Me Ministries has just been granted 501(c) tax exempt status. That means that we are able to take donations and give the donor a tax benefit. Yeah!! But having said that we have little to nothing in the pot to speak of. If you remember correctly our speakers take no kind of speaking fee. I would say we have even less than 5 loaves and 2 fish. Nevertheless God has given me this story today to encourage me that He will provide in abundance.

September 2009 I have rented the Marion Civic Center for a conference for men and women. I have already booked Curtis Jones, Beth Moore's son in law, to speak. I am working on the worship leader and a few more speakers. Priscilla Shirer has already gracefully declined. So i continue to reach my hand in the basket to pull out more and more loaves and fishes. Every time I begin to panic - will anyone show up - how will i ever pay for all this - what if my speakers cancel at the last minute - how is this different than anything else - I reach my hand once again in the basket and He provides...scripture, cards from friends, emails from family, holy nudges!!

So, what is it for you today? What is He calling for in your life to be engaged and think bigger? Can you hear Him today? Have you taken the time to sit before Him today? Listen to the voice of the Savior! Keep digging for more loaves and fish!! It is there!!! He is there!

Do you pick and choose your sin?

Hey gang! I have something really quick today as a follow up from my last post. We are wrapping up summer around here (school starts in about two weeks!) so, you might want to sign up to receive e-mails on my blog updates instead of just checking the site here and there. I might be a little scattered on writing between now and school:) But, I promise I will try to write at least once a week.

OK - I was getting my nails done the other day and I had a new gal this time. She was very chatty and told me all kinds of details about herself. She was young, only 19 and talked a lot about her friends and starting college. She went on to tell me how a group of friends were going down to Atlanta before school started to hit some clubs and party for the weekend. She proudly told me that she wasn't into that. And, she didn't want to risk getting caught with a fake ID. She said that she had accomplished to much to get hauled off to jail for something silly like that. Then, her next sentence was this. "So instead, I'm just going to go with my boyfriend on a weekend trip." Now, this was the first time I had ever spoken to this young girl. No, I don't know if she considers herself a Christian or not. And, yes - some of you will think I'm judging her - but just hang in there and hear me out:)

So - we have, for the sake of our example, a young girl who doesn't drink under age - because that is wrong. But, she is willing to spend the weekend with her boyfriend. Now, come on guys. Do you really think that two 19 years olds of the opposite sex are going to stay in a hotel room for the weekend and nothing is going to happen? If so, I will just tell you straight up that you are nuts!

Now, to get away from someone else's example and turn this on myself (YIKES!). Do I pick and choose my sin? Wow, what a question! Think about it. Do I rank sin and think to myself -- I will never murder that's terrible! But, an occasional lie or exaggeration of the truth is OK. I won't gossip with this person over here because I know they think it's bad, BUT - I know this person doesn't mind so it's OK when I talk to them. You know that I could go on and on with things that we consider petty, but God still calls them sin.

If you have some time, I've listed below some scripture references about sin. If you have a certain area in your life where you are feeling defeated - talk to God about that today. Satan wants us to feel defeated in our sin. He wants us to think that the occasional sin is OK. No, Christians are not perfect and as long as we are alive - we will sin. BUT, does your sin break your heart? Does the sin of our nation break your heart? Have you grown so accustomed to certain sins, probably "petty" sins, that you don't even feel guilty anymore? Or if you see a sin in someone else - you don't grieve for them. You just consider it their personal choice. If we want to live a radical life for Christ, when we sin - it MUST break our hearts. Pray today for true conviction of sin. Not just for your life personally, but also for our nation.

Sin steals joy (Psalm 51:12)

Sin removes confidence (I John 3:19-21)

Sin quenches God's Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19)

Sin brings physical damage (Psalm 38:1-11; 31:10)

Sin breaks God's heart (Ephesians 4:30)

Sin opens the door to other sins (Isaiah 30:1)

Sin breaks fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Sin desires to control my life (John 8:34; Romans 6:16)