I am loving Pinterest these days. I love pinning recipes for future meals, things I want to learn like knitting a fall sweater & making Pottery Barn like pots with moss, the flower garden I want around all four sides of my home and that will bloom without fail, the hand-made Christmas gifts wrapped in ribbons and bows for friends and family, the laundry room that will inspire me to make my own laundry detergent, stain remover and fabric softener and as a bonus make me love sorting, washing, drying and folding clothes. I pin the places I want to go, the parties I want to plan and things to do with my grandkids. I keep waiting for "all us girls" to show up at church in the same crisp white shirt, caramel colored skirt with the brown looped belt, drop turquoise beaded necklace and brown platform pumps. Pinterest has almost replaced my love of magazines but to be loyal, I even have a Pinterest Board for you got it...MAGAZINES!
This morning began like every other weekday morning. Up at 5:40, out the kitchen door, raise the garage door, put on a fleece jacket because I don't want to lose the warmth of my bed then outside where the darkness of night is not quite gone. I stomp loudly on the ground to lessen the chance of meeting a lingering nocturnal creature. This early morning routine is to water the plants and flowers that I know will not survive the heat of summer without an early morning drink. Then it is on to shower, dress, make a glass of iced coffee and in the car for the 40 minute ride to Murfreesboro. At first opportunity, I open my personal email to automatically delete the junk and read one or sometimes two of the online devotionals that I subscribe to. This is the devotional for today.
Uncomfortable Hospitality
I have a friend named Serenity who lives out hospitality in an incredibly selfless way. Along with her husband and four kids, this suburban family in the northwest started a food pantry out of their garage. They saw needs in their community and simply decided to do something. Serenity hosts meals inside the house too. At first, almost all the guests were complete strangers, spoke a different language, and were folks who most of us may feel a bit uncomfortable entertaining within our personal space or having around our children. But now they have become friends and Serenity tells me, "It is heartbreaking at times as Jesus shows lies, preconceived ideas, ignorance, and just plain fear in me. Being intimately involved in the lives of our neighbors has been one of the biggest blessings to my life with Jesus. They give me kisses, hugs, and endearing words as they leave our house that sometimes make me fall to pieces. I really don’t know how I get to be loved like this."
Serenity is honest about the struggles and the refinement in this journey of hospitality for their family. It is not always easy or pretty, but they are taking serious the Bible's call to care for people, whether it makes them feel comfortable or not. She says, "No matter how your house looks, the way you treat others overrides even the most immaculate, beautiful house. Hospitality is not about impression, it is about loving others."
Don't Fool Yourself
The most moving gestures of hospitality I have experienced have not necessarily been within large, pristine homes. They've not had manicured lawns and a table filled with endless delicacies.
So why do I, time and time again, fool myself into thinking I need those things to show hospitality towards others? Why do I allow insecurities of my housekeeping skills, my decorating budget, or my lack of nice shrubbery rob me of the joy? The most gracious gestures of hospitality have been from friends, family, and strangers opening up their homes and lives to us, especially in times of need. Their genuine love has trumped pretenses.
Biblical hospitality reflects a genuine heart, a focus on others rather than one's own appearance, and in those days there was often an element of danger, and definitely discomfort.
It meant providing lodging for strangers when the alternative was too expensive or too dangerous. It took vulnerable courage for the Christians in Rome to live out what Paul asked them to do when he said, "I appeal to you, by the mercies of God... do not be conformed to this world... Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12)
Do you, like me, aspire towards greater measures of hospitality in your home? Here are a few more thoughts:
- Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit. Be open to adjustments in your perception of hospitality.
Serenity talks about the ways their family has had to adjust to, and revise their expectations. They are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of their own children. For example, recently they began closing off their children's rooms while visitors were over because of the stress the mess was putting on their kids with people constantly in their home.
- Tidiness is a good thing, but not at the expense of relationship.
My husband and I decided years ago that if arguments started to boil up between the two of us in the mad dash to prepare for guests we would halt the clean-up and let our guests see the house as-is, an obvious humbling consequence. Our family relationships are more important than the appearance of a well-kept house. And what could be more nauseating to my family than to hear me snap at them, then instantly turn on a happy face when guests walk through the door.
This has resulted in an attempt to stay on top of chores consistently throughout the week so that last-minute visitors are always welcome. Try leaving that pile of laundry out instead of stuffing it in a closet; it might just make your guest feel even more at home.
- Imitate the example of the ultimate act of hospitality
If you are a believer in Christ, you have experienced the ultimate act of hospitality from your Savior: adoption into His family as a son or daughter, and permanent residency in his home. Allow this deep gospel confidence to influence the way you display hospitality towards others.
So what does this devotional have to do with Pinterest? For me...lots! Pinterest is the perfect home, the beautifully prepared and presented food and the perfect outfit for the day. And if it weren't about these things I probably wouldn't be interested. After all, who wants to look at what we deal with in our homes like a laundry room with dirty clothes and muddy shoes and the pot of stew that just spilled over on the stove top.
As a follower of Christ it is my desire to be used by Him whether that looks like opening my home to friends, neighbors and I would need help with this one...STRANGERS or sacrificial giving to leave a legacy to those behind me.
I will continue to love the beauty of a garden and a beautiful home but I pray daily to keep my love for all things beautiful in perspective. I pray and ask for heavenly guidance in keeping my heart close to His so that I see those around me through His eyes.
1 Samuel 16:7 "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearnce, but the LORD looks on the heart."
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for for Thee
Ready my God, Thy will to see
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit divine.
Love you!
Joanie
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Message from Tanya Thompson
BCN Ladies,
About a month ago our Women's Ministries Director, Joanie Walker, sadly informed us that she needs to take a break from leading us. After much prayer (and some encouraging words from a few of you), I've decided that I would be honored to take this position. I have served on the Women's Ministry Council for several years and have helped planned our events and retreats, all under Joanie and Jo Ann Glover's leadership, and I have learned so much from these ladies. So with your help and participation, I am every excited about our future as the women of BCN.
Soon I will be sharing our goals with you and asking for your input. In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that our Wednesday Night Bible Study will begin NEXT WED, Sept. 5 at 6:30 PM in the back triangle room (room next to kids Faith Factory). We will be studying the book of James under the leadership of Lisa Unger. There is no book to buy and no homework for this study, so please join us!
One last thing . . . because of my decision to do this, I've had to let go of one of my other duties - teaching the preschoolers on Wednesday nights. After talking with Lisa Newman, our Children's Director, we agreed that if we have 4-5 committed volunteers, teaching this sweet class could be a shared job. This way no one woman would have to miss the Wed night activities. If you feel you may want to teach or help with these children once a month (they are a really fun group!) please let Lisa know (lisakaynewman@comcast.net). There are also nursery positions available.
Sincerely,
Tanya Thompson
tanyajt@bellsouth.net
615-579-9692
About a month ago our Women's Ministries Director, Joanie Walker, sadly informed us that she needs to take a break from leading us. After much prayer (and some encouraging words from a few of you), I've decided that I would be honored to take this position. I have served on the Women's Ministry Council for several years and have helped planned our events and retreats, all under Joanie and Jo Ann Glover's leadership, and I have learned so much from these ladies. So with your help and participation, I am every excited about our future as the women of BCN.
Soon I will be sharing our goals with you and asking for your input. In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that our Wednesday Night Bible Study will begin NEXT WED, Sept. 5 at 6:30 PM in the back triangle room (room next to kids Faith Factory). We will be studying the book of James under the leadership of Lisa Unger. There is no book to buy and no homework for this study, so please join us!
One last thing . . . because of my decision to do this, I've had to let go of one of my other duties - teaching the preschoolers on Wednesday nights. After talking with Lisa Newman, our Children's Director, we agreed that if we have 4-5 committed volunteers, teaching this sweet class could be a shared job. This way no one woman would have to miss the Wed night activities. If you feel you may want to teach or help with these children once a month (they are a really fun group!) please let Lisa know (lisakaynewman@comcast.net). There are also nursery positions available.
Sincerely,
Tanya Thompson
tanyajt@bellsouth.net
615-579-9692
A Mom's Back-to-School Blues
Daily Devotion for August 27, 2012 A Mom's Back-to-School Blues
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV)
The first day of school has always been difficult for me. Even as a child I cried every first day until I was really too old to cry. I thought I was past the first-day-of-school blues once I became a mother. But, I was wrong. It got worse.
Kindergarten, first grade, junior high and high school beginnings usually left me standing on the street, holding back tears and waving with a pasted on smile - all while someone I loved ran off happily - without looking back.
But nothing prepared me for last year ... when my son Dylan started college. He's the first one to leave the nest and I was feeling shaky about the whole thing all summer. Oh I put on a good face and celebrated every moment with him. But when I got alone, the mascara started running.
The day we moved him in to the dorm was the worst. Every time we carried a load of clothes or supplies into his room I could feel my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I blinked furiously and thought of cute kittens playing with string ... anything to stop me from embarrassing both of us.
Thankfully I held it together in front of him. But when I got in the car to head home, I sobbed.
I decided I needed a really big, sweet coffee drink and pulled into a drive through. Only once I heard the girl's voice through the little speaker, I pictured her as a cute college student and started crying harder. She repeated her question about my drink and I just hung my head, unable to speak through my tears.
My younger son Robbie was with me, and thankfully he took over. He leaned around me and explained in a loud voice: "We just dropped my brother off at college and my mom is crying too hard to order. But she'd like an iced venti caramel macchiato."
For months I had stuffed down my emotions trying to get them under control. But I knew I needed to explore why I was so sad. Once I allowed myself to go there, it didn't take long to realize I was grieving the changes in my relationships with my children. Every year they need me a little less. Every year I have to release some measure of control. And their everyday lives don't revolve around me quite as much. That's a very good and healthy thing. But it's still hard.
There is so much I have to be thankful for, but I can't deny the grief of moving past a stage of parenting that was precious to me, and realizing my children don't need me as much. So I've spent many hours going to God with my sadness. And He has not disappointed me with His response.
He hears my cries and He reminds me of an important truth: My identity is not found in being a mother, but in being a daughter of the King – and that relationship will never change. God never needs to pull away from me to become independent, rather He prefers that I become more dependent.
So as I learn to accept the natural way of raising a child and the inherent healthy separation, that concept does not apply to God and me. God wants more of my time, He wants me to come to Him for advice, and He wants to talk with me. This is a relationship that will never change, except to become stronger.
God is using these separation moments to grow my children and me. They are learning to stand on their own, and I'm learning to become more dependent on God. I'm not saying I've got this thing whipped. I've got a few more first days to go. But I do know where to go for reassurance.
Dear Lord, thank You for never changing, never pulling away and never needing to be independent from me. Help me to accept this natural way of things in my children's lives and to turn to You for support when I'm feeling alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The first day of school has always been difficult for me. Even as a child I cried every first day until I was really too old to cry. I thought I was past the first-day-of-school blues once I became a mother. But, I was wrong. It got worse.
Kindergarten, first grade, junior high and high school beginnings usually left me standing on the street, holding back tears and waving with a pasted on smile - all while someone I loved ran off happily - without looking back.
But nothing prepared me for last year ... when my son Dylan started college. He's the first one to leave the nest and I was feeling shaky about the whole thing all summer. Oh I put on a good face and celebrated every moment with him. But when I got alone, the mascara started running.
The day we moved him in to the dorm was the worst. Every time we carried a load of clothes or supplies into his room I could feel my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I blinked furiously and thought of cute kittens playing with string ... anything to stop me from embarrassing both of us.
Thankfully I held it together in front of him. But when I got in the car to head home, I sobbed.
I decided I needed a really big, sweet coffee drink and pulled into a drive through. Only once I heard the girl's voice through the little speaker, I pictured her as a cute college student and started crying harder. She repeated her question about my drink and I just hung my head, unable to speak through my tears.
My younger son Robbie was with me, and thankfully he took over. He leaned around me and explained in a loud voice: "We just dropped my brother off at college and my mom is crying too hard to order. But she'd like an iced venti caramel macchiato."
For months I had stuffed down my emotions trying to get them under control. But I knew I needed to explore why I was so sad. Once I allowed myself to go there, it didn't take long to realize I was grieving the changes in my relationships with my children. Every year they need me a little less. Every year I have to release some measure of control. And their everyday lives don't revolve around me quite as much. That's a very good and healthy thing. But it's still hard.
There is so much I have to be thankful for, but I can't deny the grief of moving past a stage of parenting that was precious to me, and realizing my children don't need me as much. So I've spent many hours going to God with my sadness. And He has not disappointed me with His response.
He hears my cries and He reminds me of an important truth: My identity is not found in being a mother, but in being a daughter of the King – and that relationship will never change. God never needs to pull away from me to become independent, rather He prefers that I become more dependent.
So as I learn to accept the natural way of raising a child and the inherent healthy separation, that concept does not apply to God and me. God wants more of my time, He wants me to come to Him for advice, and He wants to talk with me. This is a relationship that will never change, except to become stronger.
God is using these separation moments to grow my children and me. They are learning to stand on their own, and I'm learning to become more dependent on God. I'm not saying I've got this thing whipped. I've got a few more first days to go. But I do know where to go for reassurance.
Dear Lord, thank You for never changing, never pulling away and never needing to be independent from me. Help me to accept this natural way of things in my children's lives and to turn to You for support when I'm feeling alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Partnering with Hope Clinic
I am so excited about BCN Women and Ministries in May. This Wednesday evening, Beverly Rogers from Hope Clinic will visit with our women to kick-off our Baby Bottle Campaign and our partnership with Hope Clinic. The baby bottle campaign is simple in that baby bottles will be available in the church foyer this Sunday for people to pick-up and take home with them. Families can fill the bottles with change, cash or a check and return them in 2-3 for pick-up. I hope this is our first baby step in long-term partnership with Hope Clinic!
Hope Clinic video: http://vimeo.com/26348910
THANKS and see you on Wednesday!
Joanie
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Ministries in May
Today, I woke up grateful. Grateful for you. Grateful that you give. Over and over and over again. Your gifts of goodies, magazines and food blessed four families last night. What fun it was to knock on doors to say "We love you" and leave your gift behind. Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
"Ministries in May" will continue next Wednesday, May 16th, 6:30pm, when Beverly Rogers/Director of Development for Hope Clinic will join us to kick-off our partnership with Hope Clinic and our Baby Bottle Campaign. Please watch this Hope Clinic story. http://vimeo.com/40180482.
Loving our "Ministries in May!"
Joanie
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Prayer of Blessing
On my morning drive to work, I listened as I do most mornings to Focus on the Family. The guest was Michael W. Smith who shared his life, his music and how he discovered the power of praying blessing over those we love. The prayer was powerful and I wanted to share it with you, pray it over you and hope that you will share it with others. Joanie
The Prayer of Blessing
In the name of Jesus Christ,
I bless you with the promises of God,
which are “yes” and “amen.”
May the Holy Spirit make you healthy
and strong in body, mind, and spirit
to move in faith and expectancy.
May God’s angels be with you to
protect and keep you.
Be blessed with supernatural strength
to turn your eyes from
foolish, worthless, and evil things, and to shut out
the demeaning and the negative.
Instead may you behold the beauty of things
that God has planned for you
as you obey his Word.
May God bless your ears to hear the lovely,
the uplifting, and the encouraging.
May your mind be strong, disciplined,
balanced, and faith-filled.
May your feet walk in holiness and
your steps be ordered by the Lord.
May your hands be tender and helping,
blessing those in need.
May your heart be humble and
receptive to one another
and to the things of God, not to the world.
God’s grace be upon your home,
that it may be a sanctuary of rest and renewal,
a haven of peace where sounds of joy
and laughter grace its walls,
where love and unconditional acceptance
of one another is the constant rule.
May God give you the spiritual strength to
overcome the evil one
and avoid temptation.
May God’s grace be upon you to
fulfill your dreams and visions.
May goodness and mercy follow you
all the days of your long life.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Pastor Alan & Kim Adoption News!
We got a court date! May 4th is our day in Russia. The agency says that we can tell our girls so we are anxiously awaiting their next call. We will go to Moscow for a few days first and spend some time at a Russian clinic where they will look over our medical documents and check out the gun show. Then we will go to Chita where we will meet with the judge and our girls. Kim has awesome outfits for all of us. If the judge forgives the 30 day waiting period we will fly to Moscow with our whole family and spend three glorious fun filled days in Moscow seeing the sights and meeting with the American embassy. After that we will head for Washington DC and then home to Nashville! If the judge does not forgive the 30 day waiting period we will come home without our whole family and return to get them on June 4th. The important thing is that they will be home for Father's Day and I am asking for golf lessons.
Alan and Kim
Alan and Kim
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