Whatever My Lot...

"...thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

- Isaiah 43:1-2

We all have situations in our lives that we don’t understand.  Whether it be a sickness or the loss of a loved one or an unexpected job loss or loneliness – someone at some time is faced with one or more of these situations and cannot for the life of them understand how they ended up there.  

I was struck by this thought recently as I sang the song “It Is Well with My Soul,” especially the line “whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say…”  As I sang that particular line, I was keenly aware of how strong those words are and how difficult it can be to mean them.  The Bible is full of God’s promises to order our steps and plan out our lives.  I don’t understand why difficult times happen.  It doesn’t make sense to me why one of my friends who is my age was recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemo.  I can’t understand why jobs are terminated with no explanation and families left with nowhere to turn.  The feeling of loneliness is one that is very easy to get people down and discouraged because they feel like they don’t matter to anyone.  

Life is hard and it doesn’t always make sense … to us.  Notice that qualifier.  Who does it make sense to? God. He’s got everything all planned out (Jeremiah 29:11) and will work it for good (Romans 8:28) – not necessarily our good, but His.  What He asks of us is our patience (Romans 12:12) and our trust (Proverbs 3:5).  Those two words are easier said than done, but it’s what He requires.  We won’t, however, have to go it alone – He says in Isaiah that when we go through the hard, difficult, and confusing times that He will be with us (43:1-6).  

So when you go through hard and confusing times in life, don’t just ask God for His help in your situation, also thank God for His presence and praise Him for His promises.  He will give you the strength and wisdom in your situation; it just may take a little time.  “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.” May it be so.

America Voted...and the World Fell Apart

"If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18

Disclaimer: This post is not supportive of any political candidate or my viewpoints on the election.  It is about the aftermath of Election Day.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, America voted....and then the world started falling apart.

I have refrained from sharing anything about the election on social media because I just really feel like it does more harm than good to post about my views/feelings concerning politics as so much can be taken out of context when you aren't talking face-to-face with someone.  Think about it.  How many things have you read on Facebook or Twitter and believed AND shared, just to later find out that it wasn't true or that you interpreted it the wrong way?  How many times have you read something that someone else wrote, and judged them based on what they said only later to find out that the way they formed their post didn't really or appropriately express the thoughts they truly had?  Give me a human being to talk to any day.

Admission: I am over it.  Over the negative posts about the candidates and about other people.  Over the name-calling of one another.  Over the bullying from both sides.  Over the hatred of someone believing differently than another.  It was old months ago during the election season and it most certainly is old now.  This isn't about Republicans or Democrats.  This isn't about particular candidates or supporters.  It's about everyone...all of it.

Ya'll it's bleeding into our children's lives.  In the past two nights since the election results, I have had to personally deal with kids bringing up to me the election and their fears and anger about it.  And honestly, it hasn't been just a certain race that's talked about it; it's actually been all races.  Some of them are on Facebook (yes, 13 year olds are still children).  Some of them hear it from their parents at home.  Some of them have television or internet access.  Children learn their behavior from adults and I can speak from personal experience, they certainly are watching.

I'm fairly certain that those of you who read my blog are followers of Christ.  I'm speaking to you.  A number of Christians have been just as yucky about political posts as non-Christians.  So take a minute to hear me out.

Jesus commands us to "love one another" (John 13:34) ... that includes people we don't like or have strong disagreements with (aka: enemies) (Matthew 5:44).  People are gonna disagree...we're all different, God made us that way.  Accept those differences; love them through those differences; show them the grace and mercy of Jesus.  And if you feel as though you need to speak truth, then speak it in love.  Ephesians 4:15 says, "But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head - Christ."  Let me just stop right here and say, a bunch of posts have not been very loving - instead they've been insulting and harsh; and again, I'm not speaking to one particular side...I'm talking to all sides.

No matter what the outcome on Tuesday night had been, God was in control.  And He still is...He really is.  He knew the outcome before the world even began.  It's not a cliche or a "Bible phrase."  It's truth.  Now it's up to us to carry this truth to the world.  We are the light in the dark world (Matthew 5:14).  We are to do unto others as we would want them to do unto us (Luke 6:31).  We are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).  **side note: Jesus - the Savior of the World...the man who died on the cross for you - said all of those things.  Just FYI.

So friends, as you are posting on social media or encountering someone who has differing opinions than you do, remember these things.  Be gracious in your speech to one another (Colossians 4:6).  Encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  And love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).  

Finally, I leave you with the words of Paul in Romans 12.  Here was a man who encountered a lot of differing opinions in his lifetime.  He had, in fact, been a man who believed differently in his earlier life - I mean he was so dead-set against Christians that He tried to kill them.  But after his conversion experience and after his experience of many hardships and people who didn't agree with him, he found a way to learn how to get along with others without being hateful.  I think Romans 12 is a glimpse into his mindset about that.  I hope you will take a few minutes to read, reflect, and apply to your own life.

God is in control, people.  Don't freak out. 

Romans 12 (HCSB)

A Living Sacrifice

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.[fn] 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Many Gifts but One Body

3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:

If prophecy,

use it according to the standard of one’s[fn] faith;

7 if service, in service;

if teaching, in teaching;

8 if exhorting, in exhortation;

giving, with generosity;

leading, with diligence;

showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Christian Ethics

9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His[fn] wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,says the Lord. 20 But

If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

For in so doing

you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

New Beginnings

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you a future and hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

 

Tomorrow is a momentous day.  Tomorrow life changes.  As I stand at the tail end of a beautiful 9 year chapter of my life, I reflect on sweet friends I have made, amazing experiences I’ve been a part of, and memories upon memories to last a lifetime.  Corrie Ten Boom said, “Every experience God gives us is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”  I most definitely believe that.  God has blessed me immensely these past 9 years and tomorrow He blesses me with a new beginning as He picks up His pen and begins to write this new chapter in the story of my life.

New beginnings can be very exciting as they mean new and exciting experiences and opportunities.  New beginnings can also be a little scary, though, as you face a future where you are unsure of how things will happen.  No matter what your feelings about new beginnings may be, there is one constant – God the Father.  He stands with you to face your new beginning and there’s only one thing He asks for in return…trust. 

Let me stop here and say, when Proverbs said to “trust in the Lord with all your heart,” it meant ALL.  Every single bit.  If you don’t give God every minuscule of trust you have, you are going to be miserable about your new beginning (believe me, I speak from personal experience).  However when you give control of your whole life and future to God and trust Him with all of it – He will take your fears and cover them (and in Waffle House terms…smother them) with an overwhelming peace.  Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  Peace in the midst of uncertainty is a strange feeling but it’s then that you know you’re right where God wants you to be and that your new beginning is in the best possible hands.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you a future and hope.”  What a sweet promise we can take with us into a new beginning as we are promised by our Father that His plans are for our good. 

I’m in awe (and will probably forever be in awe) at how God has orchestrated this new opportunity for me in Nashville.  To take the dream of my heart – to work for the Southern Baptist Convention – and turn it into reality without me even pursuing it is literally unbelievable.  In an excerpt from this blog circa June 16, 2011, I said: “I love the Southern Baptist Convention...I love being a Southern Baptist, I love what the SBC stands for, & I love being able to work for the people who are the face of Southern Baptists.  If I could be a life-long page or a life-long convention worker, I would do it in a heart-beat.  Who knows, maybe I can?!?”  Providential, huh?

God says in Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth…”  I’ve heard and read that verse over and over, but tomorrow I live it.  It’s crazy, it’s scary, and it’s a huge big step…but I’m at peace and ready to trust God with this new beginning and step out in faith to see where He takes me.

Francesca Battestelli’s “Write Your Story” says what my heart sings right at this moment, “I’m an empty page, I’m an open book, write Your story on my heart, go on and make your mark.  Author of my hope, Maker of the stars let me be Your work of art, won’t You write Your story on my heart.”  

His pen is ready and now it's time to start this new chapter...

2014 in Retrospect

 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”
– Luke 1:45

It’s the last day of 2014.  365 days ago I looked upon this new year with a prayer for peace (see last year’s retrospect blog post).  Peace of heart, peace of mind, and just peace in life.  365 days ago there were uncertainties I was facing and I needed God's peace to guide me through them; I knew God would act and that He would provide, but I didn’t have any idea of when.  I knew God’s promises, I petitioned to Him to hear the desires of my heart, and I waited patiently.  One day this year while I was on Pinterest, I found and pinned a scripture from Luke 1:45.  It said, “Blessed is she who has believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”  While Elizabeth is speaking of Mary and her belief in the Lord to care for her as the mother of His Son, I saw myself in this short little verse and decided then and there to never forget it.  A friend even printed the verse and put it in a frame and gave to me for my birthday.  It was like God wrote the verse for me!  “Believe (and trust) in me Allison, I will fulfill all of My promises in time and you will be blessed.”  Boy was He right.  Join me in taking a step back into 2014 to see just what God has done…and don’t miss the end because that’s where God unexpectedly acted in a way I never saw coming.

Family Challenges and Changes

CHALLENGES - If you recall, this time last year, my family was faced with uncertainties about my dad’s health.  We found out at the end of 2013 that my dad had an early-stage tumor in his small intestine and would require surgery to remove it.  There was a question as to whether or not he would have to undergo chemo after the surgery and if there were other tumors in his body, but those things wouldn’t be determined until they removed the tumor.  In February of this year, he had the surgery and came through it with FLYING colors!  The surgeon was able to remove the entire tumor, there was no indication of any other tumors or cancer in his body, and the oncologist cleared him from having to do chemo based on the tumor’s pathology report.  Praise God!  We were overwhelmed by the love and prayers shown to us during that time.  Our church family went over and beyond in taking care of us, taking care of things at church, and so on.  I blogged about it in, "God is So Good!"  It was truly a time where we knew God was in control and would take care of all things.  And He did.  I knew God would heal my dad and HE fulfilled that promise to me!

CHANGES – This year two little birdies left the Young nest.  First was my younger sister Meredith.  She graduated in June with her Masters of Accountancy and in September moved to Atlanta to begin her first full-time job.  She works for Ernst & Young Accounting Firm.  She joined Johnsons Ferry Baptist Church and is becoming involved there.  It’s been a big change, but she’s adjusting great and learning a lot in the process.  Change also came for my baby sister, Lauren.  After spending the summer as a Girls Club teacher (which she was excellent at, by the way), in the fall, she moved to Lynchburg, Virginia to begin school at Liberty University.  Lauren LOVES it at Liberty.  She has made a trillion friends and has adjusted to life away from home better than anyone else I know.  Was there ever a doubt? :) Now that they have made these big changes, I look forward to seeing what God accomplishes in both of my sisters’ lives and how He uses their gifts and talents for His Kingdom.

Visiting Meredith in ATL and Lauren at LU

Summer 2014

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION - I attended and paged, yet again, for the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting this past summer.  For more information on what exactly a page is, read this 2012 blog post “Serving Him Through the SBC.”  I’ve really lost count on how many annual meetings I have paged for, but it’s either seven or eight.  This year’s meeting was in Baltimore.  I’d never been there before, and it was definitely different, but I really enjoyed my time there.  The paging was a little different this year in that the other pages were seminary students who were doing it as part of a class.  Once again, I was blessed to work with our SBC Recording Secretary and his wife in helping to make copies of and distribute motions to the SBC leadership.  Every year I pretty much pinch myself because I can’t believe I’m doing what I’m doing where I’m doing it.  Although it’s volunteer, I don’t take the job, and the faith these individuals have in me, lightly.  The experience of paging is so humbling and rewarding…the only thing I would change is the ability to wear roller skates or ride one of those Segways because my feet scream at me by the end of the week.  :)  Every summer I look forward to working one week a year for the SBC…little did I know what was coming next (keep reading).

Momentos from the SBC Annual Meeting

HONG KONG FRIEND – Following the SBC annual meeting, a family friend from Hong Kong came and stayed with us for about three weeks this summer.  It was her first time in America and she was visiting different people she knew in different parts of the country.  We enjoyed catching up with her and also teaching her new things (especially American history…Davy Crockett, Dolly Parton, politics, etc.)  Seeing Tennessee and our area through her eyes was so fun because we did things we’d never done and things that we hadn’t done in a long time.  It was a time full of great memories, laughs and culture sharing.  My favorite story is taking her to KFC and listening to her place an order for mashed potatoes…however she called them “potatoes mashed.”  The cashier looked at her oddly and so did I, until I realized what she was trying to say.  We all had a big laugh about it!  When it was time for her to leave to her next destination, she hugged us goodbye with tears in her eyes; it was heart-warming to see truly how much she enjoyed her time here.  

My family with our sweet friend

*And in mentioning Hong Kong, please continue to pray for this city as there is continued unrest between HK citizens and mainland China.  I love my heart city and pray God's blessings to continue reaching the HK people.*

Work

My job at First Baptist Morristown has gone great this year – although part-time, I took on more responsibility with things and was able to accomplish a lot.  A few big projects this year included designing the informational pages for our church business directory, designing and coordinating a shirt/lapel pin campaign to help raise money for persecuted Christians in Iraq, as well as coordinate all screen things for our special event presentations (Night of Praise, Living Christmas Tree, etc).  All of that also combined with my normal duties of bulletin, newsletter, screen announcements, sermon slides, and the list could go on and on until 2016!  Working where I go to church is so rewarding because I get to see the fruits of my labor and watch what I do come to fruition on Sundays or event days.  It's truly a blessing to work where I worship.

While I was still on staff at Megan’s Corner Catering this year, I didn’t work as many events as I have in previous years.  This was mainly due to the fact that so many events happened at times I was working my other job at First Baptist.  The events I was able to work, and sometimes be in charge of, however were VERY fun and beautiful all at the same time!  One of my favorite 2014 memories at Megan’s Corner is the reception I was in charge of for Broadway actress Megan Hilty.  I arrived at the location, ready to set up the food, and all of the sudden heard water running.  It had been raining all day and when I walked into the room where the reception was to be held, saw that the ceiling was leaking heavily!  At one point when I stood underneath the area that was leaking, part of the ceiling collapsed on to the floor.  We grabbed as many trash cans as we could find and stuck them under the running water.  The event went well, but the “preshow excitement” made for a memorable night!  I was also able to update the Megan’s Corner website this year, adding new pictures and menus to make the business stand out even better!  Visit www.megans-corner.com!

Me and Megan Hilty

Ministry

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – the ministry of my heart is children’s missions.  In 2014, I saw the Lord accomplish great things through this ministry.  I really enjoyed planning for and teaching missions lessons throughout the year, two of my favorites included teaching about missions and the Winter Olympics in Sochi as well as teaching missions for our Vacation Bible School (which also involved missions challenges that kids participated in at home...it was great to hear their stories).  This year also I watched some kids who have grown up through this “ministry” teach their peers about missions places or people they had learned about.  That was really rewarding because I could see the influence of missions on their lives.  In the middle of the year, I took my summer missions class on their first “mission trip.”  We went to Food on Foot and packed bags for the hungry.  The kids LOVED this and felt very important on their mission trip!  In the fall, I once again helped coordinate the East TN Children’s Missions Conference at the church and we saw 300+ kids come and learn about how missions is possible!  My heart jumps for joy when I hear kids tell me stories about how they are making a difference and sharing Jesus with others.  I’m inspired by those kids who put others before themselves.  My favorite phrase to hear is “Is it Missions Night?” because I know the kids are ready and wanting to hear about missions experiences around the world.  I know God has great things planned for each child that I have had the opportunity to teach about missions and I know that they will change the world for Jesus…HE will fulfill His promises in their lives!

Summer Missions Class Mission Trip to Food on Foot

Media Ministry is also an important ministry in my life at First Baptist.  I enjoy volunteering on Sundays and at special events because I am able to use my gifts and talents in computer/design to help others worship and praise the Lord.  I even got to direct my first solo broadcast this year...it was fun and nerve-wracking all at the same time!  It was neat to be a part of, through the media ministry, the Gospel Music Hymn Sing this past summer.  This was an event that was recorded and our church and that featured current Southern Gospel singers.  The taping is now available for purchase and you can enjoy what I got to experience in person!  And believe me…you DON’T want to miss it!

My view from the director's chair!

Singing is another ministry I enjoy and it has been a blessing this year to continue to use that talent for the Lord and to minister to others.  One particular song, “In the End,” is quite memorable around First Baptist because it was the first song sung here in a while to feature a banjo AND a tambourine.  If you want to see it, click here.  Gosh, that was a fun song to sing!  I also got to be a part backup choir for the Keith & Krysten Getty Christmas Concert in Knoxville this year, along with other members from our choir as well as the University of TN and Carson-Newman University choirs.  This event happened recently and it was definitely a night I will never forget!  It wasn't a Christmas concert, it was a Christmas worship service!

The Unexpected

Ever since I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I have looked, prayed, and waited for a full-time ministry job.  This has been 4 years in the waiting.  There were a couple of times that I have become upset that “THE” job hadn’t come yet, but for the most part I’ve had a sweet peace that God would take care of it and give me the desires of my heart.  Many people feel called to ministry work, but I feel like I was born into ministry work.  It’s never been a burning-bush calling for me because ministry work is all I’ve ever known.  I knew 4 years ago that I wanted to work for the Southern Baptist Convention or one of its entities (Lifeway, WMU, IMB, NAMB).  I also knew that if I was going to get a job with the SBC, it would be an entity because the Convention itself rarely ever has job openings (God must’ve chuckled about this thought).

Near the tail-end of 2014 (meaning three weeks ago) I received a phone call out of the blue from an administrative assistant with the Southern Baptist Convention headquarters.  She said that one of the SBC Vice Presidents had my resume (which I had given to someone else when I paged over the summer) and was interested in talking to me about a position with their office.  Two hours later I had a phone interview and one week after that I was at their headquarters in Nashville for a face-to-face interview.  A week later they offered me the job and I accepted.  Here I had spent 4 years applying to dozens upon dozens of jobs, getting rejection letters or even getting nothing back, and within two weeks near the end of 2014, a job I didn’t even know existed and I didn’t even apply for pops right into my lap.  It’s literally unbelievable and completely unexpected.  There’s no other explanation for this except for God.  Only He can take the dreams of your heart and turn them into reality…and by George, I am a living example.

My new job will be Publications Specialist for the Southern Baptist Convention and I will be coordinating and compiling information to be published for our entire Convention body (which includes all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico).  Many of these publications will be distributed at the annual meetings each year.  The hope is that I will also be a part of helping with screen media for meetings at the headquarters as well as possibly some design work for the SBC website.  They even want me to continue in my duties at the annual meetings that I was a part of as a page…but now will be a part of as a full-time employee.  Again, dream becoming reality. 

My new office building.  My office will be on the top floor!

It’s been a crazy, emotional journey so far and I have been on a roller coaster for most of December.  I plan to spend another blog post or posts discussing all of that, but I wanted to explain a little bit more of the story that many haven’t had the opportunity to hear yet.

----------------------

Each year I try to encapsulate the year in one word.  When all of this new job craziness came up, I really didn’t have a clue what my word for this year would be.  Yesterday, however, the word came to me.  Blessed.  In 2014 I have been oh, so blessed - blessed with good health for my dad, blessed with fun memories and experiences over the summer, blessed by sweet kids who love missions, blessed in the church events I have been a part of, blessed by my two jobs with great co-workers, and now blessed by a new full-time job that I never saw coming.  When I stop and think about it, though, I have been blessed more than just this year…I have been blessed all throughout my life, and especially these last 9 ½ years in Morristown.  I’ve been blessed to be a part of and grow in my faith in a church that has truly been like my family.  I’ve been blessed to continue my education here.  I've been blessed to watch little babies grow up to be little kid missionaries.  I’ve even been blessed by the time I have spent with my family here – not just my parents and sister, but also the couple of years my grandfather lived here.  Morristown will always hold a special place in my heart and will always be a blessing to me.

2015 is going to, for sure, be a year of insane changes for me.  A new chapter is beginning and while that is exciting, it also scares the heebie-jeebies out of me.  I’m not a fan of the unknown (and really who is), but I know who holds the unknown and I know who will walk with me through it.  I covet your prayers for me as I move, get acclimated, and start my new life in Nashville.  Specifically I ask that you pray for me to find a permanent place to live, that I find a church to get involved in (‘cause if you know me, you know I can’t sit still at church), and that I adjust well to my new job.  There will also be new things that I will learn this year that I’m not familiar with now – pray that God will give me understanding and wisdom. 

Remember the verse I pinned earlier this year? Luke 1:45 - “Blessed is she who has believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”  I knew that God would hear the desires of my heart and, while it did take a bit of time, He did.  And now I am blessed….blessed beyond measure.  Just like He promised. 

Luke 1:45

2013 in Retrospect

“For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” – Luke 1:49

One of my favorite blog postings each year is this one – the year in retrospect.  I’ve said in previous “year in retrospect”(s) that these are some of the longest blog posts all year, and that is 400% true.  Each year I try not to make them long, but when I write I am long-winded…so I’m not promising anything!  :)

Seriously, though, it is so humbling to sit and reflect on the year and see the successes, challenges, and changes that have happened and how God brought me (and us) through them all.  I love the verse that I opened this blog post with – it is from Mary’s Magnificant and I think this portion especially speaks to my feelings as we close out 2013.  “He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:49).  No matter the challenges and changes…He was, is, and will continue to be mighty and HOLY is HIS NAME!  Join me in seeing the mighty things he has done in my life this year…

What Do You Mean “No School”???!!!

This is the first year I have nothing to post about school.  How weird is that?!  Aside from a April Fool’s joke on Facebook that got out of hand (I said I was going to pursue a doctorate…and a bunch of people believed me…oops), there hasn’t been much mention of school from me this year.  You know what, though?  I miss it!  Especially writing papers….I know, I know, I’m cRaZy!  I guess that’s what keeps me on this blog – the fact I get to write and share my thoughts about things.  Writing papers in seminary, though, was a lot of fun and I miss doing that.  Well, there IS always that doctorate…. :)

Pomp and Circumstance

I heard this tune so much this spring I’m surprised I don’t hum it to this day!  Both of my sisters graduated this year!  Meredith graduated from college at Liberty University and Lauren graduated from high school in Morristown. 

Meredith graduated on my birthday in May and it wasn’t long before she was off to a summer-long internship in the heart of Washington, DC.  It was definitely a memorable experience for her (as far as living & working in the heart of the city­) and we even got to visit her the week of July 4 where we celebrated the nation’s birthday in the nation’s capital…on top of a high rise overlooking the Washington Monument & White House!  Talk about memorable!  This fall she moved back to East TN and is getting her Masters in Accountancy at UTK and has already been offered a job with an accounting firm in Atlanta when she graduates in June.  God is good!

Lauren graduated the week after Meredith and she has spent this semester and next at the local community college in town (following after her sister’s…mine…footsteps).  She even got a job with a local business in town, filing, running errands, answering phones, etc. and loves it.  Next school-year, though, she is off to Liberty University (following after her other sister’s footsteps)!  I’m excited to see how God uses her at Liberty and takes that huge heart of hers and love for those with special needs to make an impact on the world in the name of Christ.  It’s hard to believe that my baby sister is now a high-school graduate, but that’s life!

Graduations all around!

Ministry Life

If you know me, you know my heart-ministry is children’s missions.  I absolutely love teaching the kids about missions and how they can be missionaries in their own lives.  We’ve had fun learning this year about football missionaries, mission trips from our church, and we even created a Lottie Moon Christmas tree!  During the fall, I was privileged to help organize, on the FBC Morristown end, the East TN Children’s Missions Conference.  We had over 300 kids from the area come and we all enjoyed learning more about the journey our missionaries take around the world.  This year, I have heard testimonies from kids of how they have ministered to their peers in times of need and even gone on mission trips themselves!  It’s so rewarding to watch them apply what they are learning in their own lives.  I can’t wait to see how God uses them as they grow!

FBC Kids who attended the Fall Children's Missions Conference

I have also gotten more involved this year with my church’s Mobile Bus Ministry which is basically like a six-week Backyard Bible Club in the Projects area of our town.  I started off a year or so ago as music leader, which is little out of my element as I’m not exactly a leader of music.  I like to sing, but leading singing is somewhat strange for me…basically because I don’t read music.  However this year, I took on an additional responsibility as teacher for the PreK-2^nd graders.  I’ve had SO much fun planning lessons and activities around Bible stories for these little ones.  I truly believe that activities are what help drive home the lessons because those are the things that the kids will go home and talk about.  For instance, when we talked about Jonah, we went “fishing” for words in our story and we were able to remember the story of Jonah by looking at the fish we caught.  These are kids who, without possibly our intervention, will never hear the stories of Jesus & the Bible because they’re parents won’t send them to church.  Our team doesn’t take that lightly and we always strive to show them Jesus each time we come to their neighborhood.

Leading the kids at our Mobile Bus/Backyard Bible Club

Church-wide, we had a lot going on this year in terms of special events.  Our church opened the long-awaited children's building and kids are LOVING it.  We celebrated our 210 anniversary.  We remodeled our Harrell Park property and have a beautiful Pavilion.  Our Operation Christmas Child goal was surpassed exponentially...our goal of 1,000 shoeboxes shot straight up to 1,300!  Even the people at OCC headquarters were shocked when I told them!  God is just blessing FBC Morristown and it's so humbling to be a part of that.

Entrance of new Children's Building at FBC Morristown

Another area of ministry I am involved in at church is the media ministry, specifically in the area of multimedia screens.  It’s interesting to observe how strongly screens are used and depended upon within a worship service.  We’ve done so much more in that area this year and our services have really benefited from that.  Our Living Christmas Tree, Spring musical presentation, community-wide Disciple Now, and the inclusion of our new contemporary worship service – each has come with it new opportunities for screens as well as the media ministry.  This ministry is another part of my heart and I have enjoyed growing in this ministry and helping people worship through media.  I could spend a lot more time right here, but I think I’ll save those thoughts for a 2014 blog post!

Work, Work, Work

Aside from ministry-work, my job keeps me very busy.  It just so happens, though, that my job is the same place where I do my ministry work!  Yeah…makes for an interesting life, that’s for sure!  BUT, it’s work for the kingdom and for making sure our congregation is well-informed and understands what is going on.  I do the graphic design for the church-wide publications as well as prepare all the screen stuff for my volunteer-self and workers on Sunday.  While I am part-time, this job keeps me pretty busy and most of you know that because the place where you see me most often is at the church!

As far as catering, I haven’t done as much of that this year as compared to previous years as the catering company now runs the local community college’s campus café during the week.  I have, however, been a part of helping to cater various special events and weddings which are always fun.  Although, it is work, it is fun work and I really enjoy being around the people I work with.

The Legacy of “Mighty” Joe Young

“We’re not put here to stay, we’re just passin’ through!”  I can’t tell you how many times I heard my grandpa say this over my 26 years of life.  In May his health declined very quickly and in June, my sweet grandpa (or as I call him “Pa”) passed through this life into the joy of heaven.  There’s really not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him or some funny saying of his.  I miss him, but I know that I will see him again and I have all hope and trust in that.  Pa was a unique character…he definitely was a jokester and loved to laugh…and make us laugh.  He also loved his family and over his 96 years of life, watched many of his family and friends pass into heaven.  I know when he entered heaven, there was a huge group of people waiting there for him…and I’m sure the smile on his face was gigantic!   I’m so grateful for these past five/six years that he lived in the same town as my family.  He wasn’t sold on the idea initially, but I know over time he was grateful for the move too as he realized he could spend more time with us.  The memories we made these past years are so sweet and precious and I will never forget them. 

Many of you know that he and I shared a special connection in that we celebrated our birthdays together as I was born on his 70^th birthday.  Now, he and Lauren have a special connection in that on her birthday, he celebrated his heavenly birth.   How poignant it is that he was born and died on his granddaughter’s birthdays.  These will be days that we will celebrate not only our lives, but also his life & legacy and now his ETERNAL life!

Me and my grand"Pa"

Prayers, Please

As with every year, pray for me as I continue to seek God’s direction for my life.  He has great plans for me, that I know, and I await Him to reveal those plans to me. It's been exciting to watch God piece together my life so far and I can only dream of the masterpiece He has planned.

Also, we recently found out that my dad has an early-stage tumor in his small intestine.  He will have a scan soon to determine if there are any more tumors in his body and then surgery to remove the one in his small intestine.  Please pray that the scan will show nothing and, should he have to have surgery, that it will go well and the recovery will be quick.

And the Word of the Year Is…

For the past few years I have tried to encapsulate the year with a word and over the past few weeks, I have really been trying to think of a word that I would associate with this year…and a couple of days ago it came to me.  PEACE.  Throughout this past year, I have had questions and uncertainties and even loss which should cause me to go into complete meltdown and anger because to this day there are still uncertainties and questions and the loss of my grandpa as he isn’t here anymore.  But through it ALL, there has been peace.  Not peace in the form of rest & relaxation, but peace in the form of the feeling that everything is going to be okay.  That only comes from one person…Jesus.  And He promised that, “My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  I am so undeserving of His gift of peace, but He gives it and He loves me and He has everything under control.  I’ve just got to continue to have faith and trust and always remember that He is working everything out for my good.

I’m taking peace with me into 2014 and praying you will take it with you too.  Have a blessed 2014 and may your resolution for this New Year be what mine is every year...living each day for Jesus with a servant’s heart.

A Sweet Peace

“…Have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." – John 16:33

Fear and nerves can be powerful emotions.  They can grip our minds and make us feel edgy, tense, depressed, and sometimes even angry.  How do we push these negative emotions away?  How do we find a way to be calm?  How do we find a sweet peace?

Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “My peace I give to you.”  That simple phrase alone should cut down all fear and anxiety.  He GIVES us His peace.  We don’t have to win a contest for it.  We don’t have to take a number and He’ll get back to us.  We don’t even have to pay for it.  He just gives it to us.  If you ask me, that’s mind-blowing! 

When we need peace, we simply ask Him for it.  Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  He’s ready, waiting, and willing to take all our fears, worries, anger, and frustration and in return give us a calm and peaceful heart.  All we have to do is tell Him.  Again, mind-blowing!

I can’t tell you how many times I have called to my Jesus for peace, and time after time He has given it to me…no matter the place or the occasion.  It’s a crazy feeling because while I should be scared out of my skin, my heart instead feels calm, cool, and collected.  And just like Paul says, that TOTALLY surpasses all my understanding.  It is then I know, however, that He has heard my prayers and petitions and has given me that sweet peace I need. 

Unfortunately, trials and sorrows will find their way into our lives, Jesus said so in John 16:33; however, He promises to be there to give us His peace.  So…if you’re in a scary or frustrating situation, coming out of one, or are about to enter one, I want to leave you in this post by echoing the words of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!”

To the Class of 2013....

“For I know the plans I have for you…” – Jeremiah 29:11

Pomp and Circumstance….times two!!!  Yesterday marked the second time I had heard this song within the past week.  Granted yesterday’s version was much, much shorter than the almost 2 hour one I listened to last week…but I digress. J  If you didn’t already know, I have had the distinct blessing to witness two very special graduations in the past week!  One of my sisters graduated from Liberty University while the other graduated from East High School in Morristown, TN.  It’s definitely made for a long and tiring week, but it’s also made for a very proud and exciting one too!

As my sisters…and all of you other 2013 graduates…step out into this new world of career, college, etc., my one piece of advice is to always remember that God knows the plans He has for you and you have to trust Him - always.  Trust Him that He is providing and will provide for your needs.  Sometimes that can be oh so hard, but those are the “testing” times…those are the times you need to trust Him the most.  When I graduated high school, Jeremiah 29:11 was definitely a strong verse that I clinged (and still cling) to in my life.  Since gradation, however, Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a verse that has carried me through every high and low.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”  Psalm 37:4-5 speaks to this too, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.  Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust Him, and He will help you.”  God will help you…He promises to…there’s only one thing you must do.  Trust.

Trusting God isn’t something that will just go away, either.  You will need to place your trust in God and His Son, Jesus, every single day from here to heaven.  Even though I graduated with my Masters a year ago, I’m still trusting God for His plans for me…and I have no clue what they are.  The fear of the unknown should evoke feelings of fear or worry…but you know what I have?  Peace.  I know the plans God has for me are to give me a future and hope…and I also know that when I trust Him with all my heart He will direct me to those plans…in His time.  I’m trusting Him…daily…and it’s hard, but it’s oh so worth it.

Now that you’ve graduated, don’t run from God.  Run to Him.  You need Him now more than you ever have before.  Get involved in a church that teaches you and helps you grow in your walk with Him.  So many college students don’t go to church and it is 1,000x harder for them to grow in their walk with Christ as adults.  Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference in the name of Christ.  Reach others for the gospel.  Be a light in a dark world…even as it gets darker by the day.

My sisters have exciting futures awaiting them, as am sure the rest of the class of 2013 does as well.  One will be interning with an accounting firm while the other pursues her dreams at college.  I can’t wait to see how God uses them for His kingdom.  They are extra-special and I am so proud to be their sister.

Congrats Class of 2013!!! J