Monday Moment

If you were at Fairview Sunday, you know we had great worship and a great word from our pastor. 

My husband has always been amazing at taking a subject, that has a lot of emotion attached to it and can be a reason people find fault and hate, and preaching from a standpoint of love and grace that brings forth unity and compassion. It was sanctity of life Sunday for us and we were blessed to have representatives from Piedmont Women's Center with us. So thankful for all that they do and excited to get our people more involved!

As Eddie said, let's be quick to show love, grace and compassion to all for we are ALL sinners. God forgives sin when we ask, many times we just need to forgive ourselves.

After some amazing worship at Rise, John brought a great message from John 2. We find Jesus at a wedding when the wine runs out. Yes, we see the miracle,  but we also find some sweet truth about Jesus here. We see that everything Jesus does is the best. It wasn't the cheap stuff. 

We also see the truth that Jesus could've created wine from nothing or created water right there and then wine. However, Jesus told them to bring the water. Jesus makes us a part of it. He asks us to bring Him what we have, what He's already made available, and He creates a masterpiece. He creates out of His essence and that's always good. If we bring our best self to the table every day, others will want to know the source. Let's not settle for average.

Friday FAVORites

I have three favorites that all kinda go together. 

First favorite is family and my favorite family night. We finally got that family night downtown Greenville. We usually do it at Christmas, but as noted in previous posts it didn't happen this year. Thankfully all the Christmas lights were still up and it was a very cold night so felt like Christmas. 

Second, coffee shops! I love them. Fun to sit, read, and study in. Fun place for meetings and friend catch-ups. And yes, all kinds of coffee and coffee related drinks. I love Bella Latte, still hoping at some point they'll put one closer to Greer!! They have the BEST chai, hot or cold, anywhere! And Due South is another favorite one. Such a cool atmosphere. Soon I'll be sharing another favorite one with you ;)! 

And last but not least. What separates a good coffee shop from a great one? The barista of course. And my two faves are my own two boys. Perhaps because they see it as more than a job, but I also love knowing that they love what they do. Life on mission, even in a coffee shop. 

Monday Moment

It was a day of celebrating 2016 as well as looking forward for Fairview as Eddie shared the State of the Church Sunday! From surpassing a challenging, faith-based budget goal, giving to special offerings, missions giving and going, record number of baptisms and much more, it was a year that we saw God do much in and through the life of His church. 

It's always good to look back and celebrate, but it's even more exciting to look forward to what He has planned for us in this new year. As we prepare for what's ahead as a church, we are looking forward to new life groups, new and continual mission partnerships in the upstate and around the world, planting churches and helping plants, taking advantage of available technology and believing God for even better days ahead. May we walk forward together trusting that His plans for us are always for our good and His glory.  

Many thanks to Vince Dacus, our media guy, for making sure we all stay in the loop through communication means in every way. Text messaging is an easy and great way to stay in the loop and be encouraged. 

I admit it. There was great temptation to stay home Sunday night. It was raining. They were calling for torrential rain and storms. The playoff games were on. I was tired. It would've been easy to get in pjs and curl up under a blanket in my favorite chair. But easy isn't always best. And it's rarely what Jesus calls us to. So I didn't stay home. I went to our evening service we call Rise and I am SO glad I did.  Besides this Rise crowd is never scared away by rain or weariness. And I would've missed blessing after blessing. I got to hug necks I haven't seen in a while. I got to hear stories that made me happy. I got an escort from my car from one of our sweetest and most faithful volunteers who kept me from getting soaked. I got to experience some of the best worship music by some of the most talented young things on the planet that allowed me to know His presence was there and it was real. I got a great word from Nathan Brannon who didn't hold back on giving us a fresh word. He spoke of a perspective that needed to take a shift from ourselves to God. It was a reminder that when our mind is set and we get wrapped up in what we want and doing it our way with our own systems, we end up in a drought. As Deuteronomy 11:12 tells us, He is faithful from the beginning to the end. Our part is loving and serving the Lord and trusting Him to bring the rain. The dry seasons we pass through make us appreciate the rain that much more. The laborers are few people. Let's get to work loving and serving.  

 

Friday FAVORites

Anyone remember these pencils? Maybe they've been around, but I haven't seen them in a while. I love them! So much better than regular lead pencils that break on me and I've never had an eraser on one that held up. Maybe it's just me but these are worth a trip to the store to buy. 

And another favorite thing...when the kids move back home, even if it's just a few days, or weeks. Stephen and Kaylin are moving in while they wait for their new apartment to be ready where they will again serve through Apartment Life. Just little treasures along the journey God gives, maybe not for them but certainly for their mom!

Monday Moment

And just like that we are back in Philippians and the timing is perfect. It seemed to be a good Sunday for a message on peace and joy in the midst of circumstances as we heard from many of you. 

Has there ever been a time we needed the peace of God more?! Probably so. We always need that right? 

As Eddie pointed out there's a big difference between peace with God, which we can only have if we've received Jesus as Savior, and peace of God. 

I love that Eddie defined peace as contentment in spite of less than desirable circumstances not the absence of them. Philippians 4:4-9 gives us the perfect plan for pursuing peace. The scripture outlines itself. 

I loved Eddies closing point that we have to put it into practice. We preach a lot. We talk a lot. We just don't practice it a lot. Let's do what we know we should do. 

After a few weeks planned break, then the unplanned break of snow, Rise was back. So much energy and expectancy when we gather. And it was so good to get back to it. Worship was phenomenal, always is when the Spirit isn't quenched and allowed to move freely. Justin Broome brought a great word from Gen 20. After giving a summary of the ups and downs of Abraham's life and his journey of faith, he challenged us to trust God and do things His way. 

Some great statements Justin made...

We justify what we do wrong by making sure there's some truth to it. 

God said He would, but He hasn't, so we will. 

God is gracious, but sin will cost us a lot of years. 

God's declaration of who we are says more about Him than it does about us.  

When we give away what we have, we get what we need. 

Another great Sunday spent with the church family. 

Friday FAVORites

Those who know me know I'm a summer girl through and through. It's rarely too hot for me. My favorite uniform is shorts, t-shirt and sandals/flip flops. BUT, in total contradiction, I LOVE snow!! I love it cold from thanksgiving until New Years just because it makes it seem more like the holiday season. However, since January and February are cold anyway, it might as well snow. Because really what's the use of cold without snow?! I really don't mind being "stuck" at home. I guess being a stay-at-home mom got me used to that. And "stuck" isn't a bad word to me. I admit last January it annoyed me a bit, ok a whole lot, as it caused stress to our family wedding, but we got there and have the most beautiful pictures to show for it. 

I love that snow days have a way of slowing us all down and who doesn't need that after a busy holiday season. I love having as many as can come, pile in the house with us. I love getting out in it to walk or do some sledding. I love watching ball games, playing games, watching movies. I love all the food and coffee and hot chocolate and cider. 

I love staying up late, so late in fact that we all get the tired sillies, and getting up early. I love having some extras doing their bible study time at my table at the same time. I love watching the sibs have fun together. And I love doing surprise visits to the fam members who stay home with the little ones to keep from moving an entire house of stuff. On our recent snow day we did all of that and had so much fun doing it. And almost as good is the anticipation itself of what's to come and watching it fall. 

So, yes, SNOW is one of my favorite things!

Snow Day Message

In case you missed it... https://youtu.be/DV44K4yH6nA

Friday FAVORites

https://youtu.be/YW6PS8qNMeA

This video explains one of my most favorite things, scripture reading and studying! 

Also another favorite thing that enables my scripture reading is a certain pack of pens...

I use a color coding system as I read and study. 

Pink is for promises

Blue is for thoughts of others 

Red for my thoughts 

Black for basics and repetitive things

Green for indepth

You can get these at target! 

SNOW is an all time favorite and I'm praying tons of it on us in the upstate and friends elsewhere who want some too!!

Monday Moment

No better way to begin the new year of 2017 than with the church family. We had a great day of worship as the Alive band led and our pastor gave a great message from Joshua 1:1-9. 

Thank you to this group for your faithfulness and energy as you lead. You are forever loved and greatly respected. 

As many new year resolutions/goals that we all set, let this be a time we set some spiritual goals for ourselves. Eddie challenged us to spend time in studying scripture and praying. The question and challenge is, do we have what it takes, in terms of commitment and courage. Are our goals, individually and as a church, things we can accomplish on our own or are they big enough that God must show up to bring to pass? He reminded us that whatever God appoints, He anoints. That should give us the courage to pursue and step into our calling. 

We must also remember that we can have the knowledge and the resources, but there will come a time we must stand strong. There will be battles. It's not always easy. But we have God fighting for us and through us. 

I love the illustration Eddie closed with that brought home the fact that we can be in darkness, but we are never alone. Check it out online this week and get your year started off right. 

Happy New Year!

Monday Moment

It's Christmas week! Can you believe it?! I sorta can but then not really! It sure has been cold so that's helped me get in the spirit of things. But weather can only do so much. As well as all of my decorations that have been up for a while now along with presents underneath the tree. Yesterday was a Christmas celebration at Fairview and that is what ultimately put me over the top and makes it truly feel like Christmas. Because a focus on Jesus is what makes Christmas Christmas. Right? 

I won't dissect everything or this will turn into a book but there were so many highlights I'll just share those and then you can kick back and watch online when it gets up. Trust me, it'll be worth it. 

The past month worship at 11 has been next level. I've loved the mixture of Christmas and worship songs. I say all the time, church is about the scripture being preached. It's the focal and most important part of worship. It just is. But Eddie will tell you, it's easy to preach behind great worship music. It sets a tone (I also think lighting does that and I'm a fan of dark) and sets the table so to speak. Thank you to Cross Talk for doing what you do. 

We are loaded with musicians and we had the privilege of hearing from Marnie Daniel yesterday. She flat out killed it. She sings beautifully but for stage presence, she gets a perfect score as well. By the end of that I could've run a few laps. But I didn't...everyone calm down. =)

This guy. Well you probably think I brag too much. I'd say I don't brag enough. Wilson Nelson was right. It was one of the best Christmas messages I've heard. With a Christmas tree and a cross set before us, Eddie gave us thoughts on the tree, the lights, the star or angel on top, and the presents. 

We were encouraged to shine our light as believers. Light dispels darkness, not shouting. It gives direction. 

The wise men saw the star and followed. Many today know, but choose not to follow. 

Like angels we are called to be messengers of the good news. 

And then the presents. The perfect gift reflects the nature of the giver and it meets the need of the recipient. Salvation reflects how much God loves us and it meets our every need. None of us deserve it but we are all desperate for it. Salvation is eternal. It won't wear out, go out of style or break. 

Our service ended with the father/son team Tom and Ryan Burns singing O Holy Night! It was incredible!! Also a favorite at Christmas time. 

Rise did a Christmas Night of Worship! Morgan Bryant, Kieffer Mendoza, Cale Gray, and Caleb Massey were on fire!  

It's not easy to put into words what that service was like. I can just tell you that I was sobbing at times, couldn't stop smiling at times, had glory bumps start to finish and was overwhelmed by the presence of the Spirit that was undeniable. Eddie and I were slack jawed. Yes at their giftedness, but mainly at how 4 leaders who rarely lead together just come together and do what they do. It was simply beautiful, like watching art created. I doubt the room or the people will ever be the same. 

We are just astounded and believing God for what He has in store for this group. We broke into groups to pray and to hear prayers going up as they yielded what they want for what God wants and just praying for the reminder of why they do what they do and God's will was just powerful. Honestly just never been part of anything quite like this and it's precious and dear. The humility of all of them, from leaders to volunteers, is worth celebrating in a day where ego and pride is the norm. 

Friday FAVORites

So Christmas is 9 days away! What?! So hard to believe even though the weather definitely makes it feel that way. And me, being the summer weather loving girl that I am, actually LOVES cold Christmas weather. So there's one FAVORite thing for you, cold weather at Christmas time. 

 

Another FAVORite thing is family group text! Most hate group text. I know sometimes they get annoying, but they can be helpful and even fun!

Our family group texts, other than those where we try to figure out how to get all of us in the same place at the same time for something, can look like someone throwing out a need for some prayer coverage or sharing how God has answered in a big way. Trust me, a fam our size, requires much prayer. There's always stuff going on and it's usually stuff that we recognize being beyond our ability to deal with, handle, whatever. Lives get busy and we don't always have time to sit together and just dissect everything (when we can we do because I'm a dissector at heart) but we can always throw out a text to everyone. And there's nothing a 

Leopard, Hux, or Broome like more than an opportunity to pray. 

Let me tell you the good stuff happens when someone gets an answer and we all get to celebrate! Those emojis start pouring in along with those hilarious dance videos. We love a good happy dance around here. 

In case you haven't guessed, praying and celebrating answers is my all time, nothing better, FAVORite thing!

Maybe 2017 is the year you do something like this if you don't already. Do it with your family or some of your church family. Maybe you have a strong group of friends to share with. Just make a habit of praying with and for others and then celebrating with one another. It'll change your life. 

And by the way, we welcome anyone who wants to add us to their text or email or whatever. It's pure joy and an honor to join with others to pray and celebrate! Plus it gets us all out of our tiny bubbles to see the needs of others. God gives us a reason every day to break into a happy dance no matter what is going on around us. Many times I miss the opportunity because I'm focused on things that don't matter or the problem itself. But with those new mercies every morning, is an opportunity to dance! So DANCE people!! Life is hard but God is good!!

I love you all! This may, possibly, but not positive yet, be the last Friday FAVORites for 2016. We'll see how busy things are the next two weeks! Merry Christmas to all and blessings galore for 2017! 

Monday Moment

What a great service this morning with Crosstalk leading some great worship and mixing in Christmas carols.  We welcome Bob and Sylvia Atwell to our staff team. Bob will serve as missions/discipleship and eventually senior adults when Wilson and Mary Winn head to Florida to enjoy retirement. 

There was no holding back today as my husband brought a great word from Phil 4:1-3. 

Eddie told us right from the start not to look beside us during this message. Most of us could say we need to look in the mirror. 

This passage reminds us that a small problem has potential to cause a huge stink. 

Paul encourages the readers to stand firm. Too many retreat and too many stand on opinions and personal preferences but we are to stand firm in the Lord. 

In verse 2 Paul calls out names, not of those outside the church causing problems, but of fellow believers, co-laborers. Eddie mentions that had the problem been doctrine or theology or moral, Paul would probably have detailed the problem. But he didn't, which probably means it was trivial. Eddie said they should've been back to back but they couldn't see eye to eye so they went toe to toe. 

How often do we pull others into our conflict, talk behind backs, and exaggerate things. Paul and Eddie both tell us, agree in the Lord and just get along! 

Even Christians at times get sideways with one another and it's important to understand how it affects the entire body. More is always accomplished together as a team, as a body. 

We have much to rejoice over at Fairview as Michael shared in the welcome. What a generous body of believers! We have given much and we have done much in 2016. Just remember, going is as important as giving. Let's be a body that does both well. Let's finish strong! 

On a cold, damp Sunday night, Rise was a great place to be. The coffee was hot and the Spirit hotter. It's always a glory bump service and for reasons I know not of, and don't even care to know, it's always a service that brings me to tears. Don't want to figure it out for fear if I do it may stop. I'm just gonna go with it. 

Worship was special as always and had all of us in a receptive spirit for the word Nathan Brannon would bring. From Phil 3:12-22, Nathan preached on vision and the need for it in moving forward. He spoke on forgetting what is behind, not only the bad things that we need to let go of, but also the good things so that we don't get complacent and rest in past successes. There's validity in remembering but you can't get stuck there. He spoke of the need for mentorship for all believers, its that step beyond the small group discipleship. 

The reminder that Greer is not our home but we are citizens of heaven keeps us from being so earthly minded. 

Nathan quoted a saying that says, things seen are temporary but things unseen are eternal. He challenged us to stop spending time, energy and money on the seen which is passing away but the unseen things are the things that shape, or should shape, our vision.  What an incredible message by one of our young men with a heart for Jesus. 

And thank you Nathan for offering the opportunity to put our word for the year on a piece of wood as a reminder throughout the year. I had chosen my word earlier. I love doing that every year. But thanks to Nathan I have a visual to keep in front of me all of 2017.

Anyone else choose a word for the year? I don't always but most years I do and I love it! You may be hearing more about that from me very soon! 

Friday FAVORites

I hope this is a favorite time of year for you all. It sure is mine. I love the lights of the city and our neighborhood. Honestly, it has been a bit too busy for me. Seems like the calendar has been too full for my liking. My idea of a good night is dinner at our kitchen table and Christmas shows and movies on the tv and turning in to bed early. It's been so busy for all of us with crazy work schedules and parties on top of parties that we haven't been able to work in my favorite night of the year, but I'm not giving up. There's still time. Hopefully it will happen then it can be a FAVORite post. Actually two things yet to come. We'll see. 

Here's a few beauty favorites for your Friday I'm happy to share. They could be great stocking stuffers or a gift to yourself.

This is my favorite eye liner, at least for now. I have a mac pencil that I like and a cover girl I use too and I like it. But I LOVE my elf, which is appropriate this time of year don't you think?! It stays on ALL DAY and doesn't smudge! It's a keeper. 

I also love this stuff. You can see it's uses on the tube but it's my year round go to for my lips. I use it throughout the day, summer through winter! 

Favorite blush ever!

And you know I've told some of you before the love relationship I have with this...

Do yourself a favor and go get you some! 

And this. Well, you're welcome! I have some in the shower and by my sink. If you have itchy winter skin, this is your skin salvation. It's new to me, but I will never be caught without it. 

Have a fabulous weekend! Do some of your favorite things with your favorite people in this favorite season!

Monday Moment

Sunday morning was cold and rainy, but who cares about the weather when you're excited to get to go to church and be with the community you love. The community at Fairview has a way of warming me up and making me glad it's Sunday, rain or shine. 

I LOVE the Christmas music Crosstalk is kicking off worship with each week. I love all Christmas music but I especially love the new music that fits so well with modern worship. Super good stuff! 

The message Eddie shared from Philippians 3:17-22 warmed me up better than the coffee I had already enjoyed. It was a word of warning and encouragement. We were warned to not be earthly minded. Many profess but do not possess. Paul says their god is their stomach, meaning any carnal appetite that controls us. They are those whose philosophy is what can they get out of life. 

Eddie encouraged self inventory to assess what our own mindset is and make sure we aren't included in the enemies of the cross. 

He encouraged us, rather, to be heavenly minded. C.S. Lewis said that Christians who do the most for the world, think the most of the next world. Most of us don't run the risk of being too heavenly minded. 

Questions we were left to ask ourself...

Do we live in anticipation of Jesus return? Do we live like He may return today? Are we looking, but also, living like we are ready? 

People should look at us and say "you're not from around here, are you?"  

Rise closed out my Sunday on a high note. This service is accomplishing Eddie's vision which is 3-fold. 1)to provide an alternative service for those who can't come on Sunday morning because of work, sports commitments,  travel, etc. 2) to provide an opportunity for the next generation called to ministry to get hands on experience in a safe environment to learn and grow. 3) to send out individuals or groups ready for ministry in different areas for different purposes. 

One and two are being accomplished every week and number three will come in time. I think they would tell you they are learning a lot and Eddie and I talk a lot about how we see improvement all the time, not only in what they do, but how they're problem solving and learning about people and working as a team. It's not always easy, but ministry rarely is! 

One of my FAVORite Friday posts will share soon on things that make this a favorite for me. But for now, suffice it to say, I love seeing young ones rise up and take their place not waiting til they "grow up" and I love that some come from my gen and older because they love the service atmosphere, but also just to offer support and needless to say I love that my husband has a passion to raise up the next gen ready to take their place. That's a calling for all believers, to be pouring into others and discipling  them in scripture and ministry. 

Having said all of that, we got the true delight to hear another young one bring the word this week. Stephen Leopard, from Origens church downtown, came with a message from Mark 6:45-52. Jesus had sent his disciples to Bethsaida and told them he'd meet them there. Bethsaida was their destination. We all have a Bethsaida but the problem is many times we think what's waiting for us is better than our present circumstances. 

Stephen pointed out how they didn't recognize Jesus. They thought he was on the other side so they weren't looking for him or a miracle. If we aren't looking for Jesus, we may miss him and the miracle he does. 

Interesting that of 37 miracles, only 3 were performed in a church setting. They were in homes, weddings, or on the journey. 

The life of a believer  isn't so much where we are going as who we are going with. We miss so much on the journey. Even when that journey includes a storm. God is busy NOW where we are NOW! 

Stephen left us with 4 questions to ask ourself...

1)how can I make the most of where I am now?

2)what would happen if we took the journey seriously? If we didn't see time as wasted. 

3)what does God want to show me about myself?

4)what does God want to show me about Himself?

Mark doesn't include the part about Peter walking on the water. Maybe he knew the story was about Jesus. 

As Oswald Chambers said "it's the process not the outcome that Jesus is about". 

In conclusion, let's embrace our place. 

Thank you Stephen for sharing a much needed word peppered with personal insight on making the most of our journeys. 

Friday FAVORites

Time for another Friday FAVORite post. As promised, I'll try and give a few man gift ideas since shopping is still on everyone's brain even though Black Friday and cyber Monday has passed. I will say, I've heard, deals on clothing items are best the closer we get to Christmas. 

This may not be extremely helpful, but the word from the guys I've heard from for gifts is books, shoes/boots, thick boot socks, video games, fire pits, and clothes. Cash is good but I enjoy giving that about as much as I enjoy giving bad news. I always want details, and links are preferred, so everyone gets exactly what they want. That goes for guys and gals I'm shopping for. You may enjoy more the surprise gift giving, I used to as well! 

Happy FRIYAY to all!

Monday Moment

I love the first Sunday after thanksgiving! Fairview was dressed in her Christmas attire and ever so lovely! It makes Christmas seem so close and actually I guess it is. No panic though! Loving the season and refusing to miss it in what can quickly turn to chaos and busyness. 

How appropriate that my husband has been leading us through a study in Philippians on joy. Christmas brings so much joy if we focus on the true meaning. 

In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul speaks to us using athletic imagery. As we run the race of the Christian life, we want to be at a certain place at a particular stage of life. We need to be growing and developing. 

The first and most important part is starting the race. Salvation is where we start, it's what qualifies us for the race. Paul had a holy dissatisfaction, meaning he was always wanting to know Jesus more. That should be our goal as well. 

Eddie challenged us with the art of being focused. To stop dabbling in so many things and focus on that one thing we are called to. As Jesus told the rich young ruler "one thing you lack". As he told Martha "you are bothered by so many things". 

Paul was obsessed with Jesus. Not with sports. We pour our money into worldly stuff, our energy into worldly pleasures, load our cars to go all kinds of places...what do we do for Jesus? What is our obsession? 

As we raised our children, we would tell them be concerned with what you're supposed to do, not others. I've heard Eddie challenge staff to focus on your ministry and what you're called to do. Let's agree to focus on our calling and run our own race well. Let's not dabble in too much. Let's invest time, money, and energy into kingdom causes, things that will last. 

Let's be obsessed with Jesus only. 

       Loving that Christmas tree

Rise happened at 6:00. It was the normal, a tremendously great kind of normal, Rise gathering...the Holy Spirit was thick, there were tears, glory bumps, intense worship, great preaching. 

When the young man leading worship begins by sharing his heart in such a transparent way including struggles and desire to follow Jesus more closely, you just know it's gonna be good. And it always is. 

My son John preached from Acts 20:17-24, Symptoms of the Sent. It was challenging for all of us. I know it will cause me to continue examining myself to see how I line up with all Paul preached in those few verses.  

John shared 5 symptoms, what it looks like to be one who is sent. 1)they're servants, 2) they're givers, 3) they're unashamed of the gospel, 4) they have a mandate, a sense of "I have to" not just "I want to", 5) they live to make much of Jesus. Jesus is their obsession. 

Paul served with humility. Pride says serve me. Kingdom culture celebrates humility and making the kingdom priority will always be inconvenient. 

From church folk and those so steeped in religion they need to be freed by grace to the lowest of the low, we all need Jesus. 

Paul's "have to" was proclaiming Jesus. What is our "have to"? We are right here, placed here by God, at this particular time for a purpose, for such a time as this. What we do and where we are is our vehicle.