Saturday morning update: OH MY WORD, YOU GUYS! THIS TURNED OUT TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS EVER ON THIS BLOG! SO MUCH FUN! You guys are incredibly interesting. I am knocked out right now with a sense of awe that God would allow me to interact with you. I have tons of respect for you guys. Keep doing the thing and keep resisting the cookie cutter despite the (Christian??) social pressure. You are much more interesting this way. Just hold close to Jesus and don’t let being different become it’s own pretense or attention-getter. Keep that gorgeous authenticity that makes this community my favorite cyber spot on earth. Good grief, I am so thankful for y’all.
Hey, everybody! It’s been a long time since we’ve done a survey to see who God has brought together to form this sisterhood. It’s a blast not only to behold our common bonds in Christ but to revel in our diversity as a community of very different people committed to one glorious Savior. We’d be bored stiff if we only opened our hearts and lives to those who are just like us. If we have to line up exactly on about 100 points of doctrine, we are liable to get pretty lonely. We don’t even necessarily have to work out a difference to our mutual satisfaction to treat one another with mutual esteem and to honestly love one another. Always preferring someone remarkably similar across the table from us still smells a lot like Narcissus. We may even be fooling ourselves but, at the end of the day, it’s just another form of mirror gazing. Gross.
When I get to see a group of you out there after a Living Proof Live, I always wish I could freeze the moment and stare at each of you one by one. It is the most incredibly refreshing sight. You cannot fathom how different we look in person, all banded together in a holy huddle. It makes me so dang happy. It is clear in that context that we were drawn together by something so far removed from packaging. You and I know that is Jesus. Oh, how I pray that God smiles when He drops in on this community, holds time tightly in His hand, and stares at each of us one by one.
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:11-12
OK! What do you say we do a survey? Complete each of the following as succinctly as possible. Lindsee and I will LOVE bringing these in. Let’s do this today for the pure Jesus-joy of celebrating community!
1. Your name and where you live.
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if you’re in school, tell us where and what line of work you’re steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us you’re a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
5. What is your #1 hobby?
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am ___________________________________________________________________.
1. Jackie
2. South-western Ontario, Canada
3. At the age of eight, at the tent of a travelling evangelist.
4. I work in community mental health, providing support and resource linking for people with schizophrenia or bipolar.
5. Reading
6. No formal church
7. No pets
8. A broken heart caused by torturous child abuse/realising the Lord is opening and healing my truest heart, and that it matters to him
9. Jammies and a good book or fun DVD in my comfy chair while it rains or snows outside
10. A full-on, hard-core Jesus girl
1. Debbie Rhodus, Hickory NC
2. 57
3. Age 7 at a church revival
4. Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Christian practice (only one in western NC that advertises as a Christian counseling center)
5. Riding motorcycles, game night with my girlfriends, reading
6. Christ Alive Church, Newton NC
7. No
8. Discovered my oldest son had been using pain pills and even arrested for forging a prescription for which he was arrested. He is through with probation and drug free now. Good wake ip call for him. / The birth of my first grandchild!!!!
9. Riding through the NC mountains on my motorcycle with the fall temps and fall colors!
10. Only people who really know me know that I get easily exasperated with stupid people!
Sonja Wood, Rockford, TN.
Age:54
1997, sitting outside alone looking up at the night sky, realizing that one day I would stand alone before God accountable with what I had done with Jesus. I confessed, repented and followed right then and there!
College coordinator for a local high school
Speaking to women (not so much a hobby as a passion)
FBC Andersonville, TN
The Princess Dog, Maddie (boxer)
Disappointment: that my only daughter, who with all her heart wants to be married, can’t even get a date; elation: that all of my children walk with God. 3 John 1:4
Dollywood (or anywhere) with my man! (Nearly 35 years; still love being with him)
I’m an open book; if you know me AT all,you know ALL.
1. Kelly- Florida (But I grew up in South Georgia and that’s how I think of myself!)
2. 44 on 10/12
3. Accepted Jesus when I was in 5th grade, at a revival.
4. 3rd grade teacher
5. Reading, when I have time
6. Avon Park Lakes Baptist- Avon Park, FL. I love our church!
7. No- we tried to have a dog, but we just aren’t home enough.
8. Disappointment: had the biggest fight with my 9-year-old daughter this week. So disappointed in myself. I mean, really- who’s the grown-up here?? Elation: Out of the blue, she said “Mom, I love you!” Such a small thing, but priceless after the week we’ve had.
9. Sleeping in,then sitting on my deck with a book. Maybe a little shopping. And eating out!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am incredibly insecure!
Dean
Barbourville,Ky
40!!!!
I was 8yrs old in a small country church where a weinee roast was an annual event, woke up that morning smiling told my mom today was going to be a great day. I can remember what I wore from head to toe. I was later baptized in the creek that runs along side the church.:)
I am a first grade teacher of 15 years.
I love to craft!!!
First Baptist Church
2 dogs –Ruthie, mixed breed Boston Terrier and part reindeer–she prances proudly (I raised her from C-Section feeding her by a teeny, tiny tube), Buddy, sheltie
dealing with the loss of my dad in May/my husband stepping up in a godly direction
sleeping in, drinking coffee while everyone sleeps, having a big breakfast at home, spending the day with my family at a park, festival or just oustside, grilling out
Only people who really know me know that I struggle with depression.
Wendy from round rock tx (currently )
Just turned 46
Realized who Jesus was and what he did for me at age 26. My husband was in Saudi Arabia in desert storm, I was home with 2 babies. In a Protestant service on the military base in ft Monmouth NJ.
I’m a Labor and Delivery nurse 🙂
We have a chihuahua/rat terrior mix named Rosa. A cat who found us 6 years ago and 4 moves later, still with us. Named kitty or keekee.
Perfect Saturday, TODAY,, cool weather, work out, go for a drive, coffee/lunch, then home for football and chicken with the hubby.
Disappointments- thank God I have forgotten
Elation- every time I get to see my daughters, youngest is in Ireland.
Only people who know me know I was in army and can pump out push-ups and pull-ups. I don’t look beastly.
I love knowing we have an army girl, Wendy!
1. Nicki–Bowling Green, KY
2. 32 this month
3. I received Jesus as a child–I think we were born in Sunday School!
4. I am a stay-at-home, homeschool mother of 4
5. worship violin and what my kids call yarnin’ (that’s knitting and crochet)
6. Vineyard Workers Church
7. a cat–Caramel
8. praying for something, getting an answer in the Spirit and then you’re like…really God? nothing. did i hear right? we’re talking long term here. thankfully this happened with the birth of my son. God gave me his name then I had to wait to see it. so I know when He said “the sons go free” that the sons will go free!/ we are comin’ up on 10 yrs. and my husband has just out of the blue (yes, I was praying) hit this working -with- me kick. communication is a wonderful thing!
9. kids sleeping, early morning coffee and Bible time, special breakfast fixed with the little people, play and do crafts til my husband gets home from work at midday, then everybody hit the Library or Jackson’s Orchard and end the day with pizza and family game night before baths and getting church clothes ready.
10. i always expressed it as an “intense” person…a friend of mine said no, you have “intense desire”…if nothing else goes right i want to know that all my kids are in the Lord (because I’m still praying my baby brother in). I just don’t care anymore what people think. At my house (ok, yes, and maybe at church) we sing praise the loudest, pray the loudest, and get excited about the Word! Sometimes I think about the day in day out “have to” stuff, and I don’t want to let the day go by without Him–intense about that relationship.
1. Michelle, Mason, OH
2. 32
3. accepted Christ around 5 in the shower :), dad was/is a pastor and I grew up in a godly home
4. write for my blog, work a bit for Ohio Writing Project, getting ready to welcome first baby (34.5 wks currently)
5. write, shop, sew, fellowship with women
6. yes, just moved back to Cincinnati and joined Rivers Crossing Community Church
7. nope. 🙂
8. don’t really have a big disappointment recently but definitely been overwhelmed with moving and getting ready to have a baby. I also am 3 yrs out from a rare ovarian tumor so also working through fears of reoccurence esp now that I am bringing a baby into the world. My biggest joy is being pregnant when they didn’t think it was possible and just feeling such gratitude toward God’s kindness to me.
9. Perfect day…sleep in with husband, get coffee, sit out in the sun and read with husband, be outside in some way in the afternoon, have dinner with friends
10. struggle with anxiety (although I’ve been trying to be more authentic about my struggles in the recent years)
1. Your name and where you live: Deb Weaver, Pelzer, SC
2. Your age: 49
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? As a freshman in a secular college, in my dorm room Labor Day Weekend 1981
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if you’re in school, tell us where and what line of work you’re steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us you’re a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.) I work part-time in the funeral home business (office work & greeter at visitations)
5. What is your #1 hobby? Reading
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? Mosaic Community Fellowship
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind. Fish, guinea pig named Ember
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation. Concerns over kids/Time with kids
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Sleeping in, walking and savoring creation, reading, napping, eating out!
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am really an introvert or that I consciously have to choose to be positive and joyful. (People who don’t know me well assume that I’m outgoing and that I am always upbeat, encouraging, and happy. They do not realize it’s a choice.)
Karen Edwards, Dover, New Hampshire
I’ll be 47 on Nov. 2 listening to Beth Moore in Lewiston, Maine! Great birthday gift to myself!
Christian music camp in upstate Maine.
Administrative Assistant
Reading
Bethany Church, Greenland New Hampshire
One cat
My recent disappointment was only having two people attend the Introduction to the Bible class I teach at my church, but my elation is that both are very interested and we’re having great discussions!
Hanging around the house and not having to go anywhere or talk to anyone (I’m an introvert with a very people intensive job!)
Only people who really know me realize that I have a good sense of humor.
1. Terry in central Virginia
2. 56
3. 11 years old in Vacation Bible School
4. I work outside the home part-time during tax season as a receptionist/office assistant. I am a board member/treasurer for a local non-profit, which is like a part-time job. And I manage my in-laws’ affairs as they are both in their nineties and live in an Assisted Living facility, and that is also like a part-time job. 🙂
5. Yard work/flower gardening and memorizing Scripture
6. No. We are members of a Presbyterian (PCA) church but have not attended for over a year.
7. We lost our Golden Retriever several years ago, but are blessed to have a grand-dog named Harley, also a Golden.
8. My son and daughter-in-law’s divorce/my son’s salvation
9. Wake up to Sunshine. PJ’s until noon. VA Tech football on TV. Baking.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a whiner. 😉
1. Michelle, Warsaw Indiana
2. 41
3. When I was 3, sitting on my bunk bed with my twin brother and our parents. We both accepted Him the same day. And yes, I remember it. 🙂
4. COO of our home – we have three boys. Stay at home mom.
5. Baking
6. Yes, Warsaw Community Church
7. No… Long story
8. Gods loving care over me – so personal and detailed.
9. Sleep in till Atleast 8 :), quiet time with God and my cup of coffee, a beautiful sunny day where the choices are enjoying nature by working outside or just being out with my family. A little shopping is always fun too and a football game (or baseball).
10. Extremely loyal and sensitive.
1. Janie Southard, Pasadena, TX
2. 59 3/4
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? On the job I was witnessed to by a newly saved co-worker at age 27
4. Writer by trade, stay at home mom for 33 years, down to last one who flies the nest at graduation in spring. Finally my time to write!
5. creative things: painting, decorating, writing
6. Sagemont Church, Houston
7.My sweet doggie Brownie
8.Not getting to see my son Ian grow to be a man/marrying my wild husband
9. antiquing in Round Top with my man
10.Only people who really know me realize that God and I still sometimes battle insecurity.
1)Nancy-Charleston, SC
2)Fifties
3)Accepted Christ as my Savior at age 27, sitting on the floor next to the piano bench of my (now)dearest friend as she was worshiping. (wasn’t brought up in the church)
4)RN-I deliver babies….. Ministers wife
5)Running, biking
6)The Anglican church
7)Golden retriever–Beckham Tabby cat–Tigger
8)My son’s mother-in-law dying suddenly a month after my son was married/ Charleston LPL city coordinator
9)Running the Charleston big bridge, followed by a nap.
10)Always really hard on myself
1. Linda, Jefferson City, MO
2. 54
3. 9 yrs; Associational Childrens Summer Camp
4. Retiring in 2013! Wahoo!! But, for now, V.A. Central office in D.C. (work virtually) supporting software used by all V.A. hospital and clinic [put simply, I help people, problem solve and teach all day]
5. cooking currently; love to study, be outdoors…
6. Yes, husband pastors Lupus Baptist Church (yes… that is the name…)
7. Lost my 13 yr old toy poodle Pepper in May. Found an adorable new puppy last month – “Biscuit”
8. Disappointment – discovering husband has leukemia in June. Elation – watching my 2-yr-old granddaughter Bella grow and change.
9. Combination of cooking something over-the-top new combined with being outdoors (walking, hiking) enjoying God’s beautiful world or spending time with Bella. (I grew up on a farm, and being outdoors still restores me.)
10. …I’m deep down very shy; and that women who are very put-together are quite intimidating to me. (No matter what I’m wearing, deep down I still am the shy little farm girl, I suppose, wearing hand-me-downs and clothes Mom made. Or having an old piano instead of a new one with white keys like my friends. Amazing how things stick with us so!)
God’s best blessing to ya!
1. Melissa Paducah, Ky
2. 35
3. 8 At revival. 16 recomitted.
4. Csr and a Mom
5. Mt Zion Baptist Church West Paducah, Ky
6. 1 cat named stormy, 3 hens (noodle blacky and red) 1rooster (bubba), 4 dogs (schanusser-buddy, chiauhha-cadie, cockapoo-minnie, lab-ari) 5 puppies (ari’s) ( kermit, paisley, other 3 need homes and names) 1 turtle ( yertle). 10 gold fish. 1 angel fish.
8. Losing my grandmother to cancer. being able to take care of her and love her.
9. Being with my family.
10. They know I am soft hearted.
Marney-Aurora, Colorado
62
I asked Jesus into my heart at 5 because of a poem that I learned for a Christmas program at school.
I am a homemaker
Hobby-reading
Member of Gateway Christian Church
No pets
Biggest disappointment right now, my grandson
and his pregnant girlfriend being homeless-biggest elation seeing their baby in the ultrasound this week, finding out it is a girl, Samantha Rose,she is 11 ounces and very active
A perfect Saturday would be no pain, snuggling with a good book
Only people who really know me realize how weary and ill, I truly am.
Oh, Jesus, please restore my sister. Lift the burden from her shoulders and take complete authority over her spirit, soul and body.
1. Chrystie, Piedmont SC
2. Hard to believe, but about to turn the big 40
3. I was 30 and a very reluctant convert. The last thing I wanted to be was a Christian, but Jesus was too sweet to refuse.
4. Research and Curriculum Development at Grace Church (ironic, I know)
5. It used to be reading and studying, but now that’s my job, so now I am trying to find another “hobby”
6. Yes, I love the local church. Grace Church, Greenville SC
7. One 13 yr old Golden Retriever named Cooper and a 9 mos Cavapoo named Simah
8. Disappointment, superficial but probably when my football team lost. Elation, seeing God move in the life of a young woman whose old life parallels my own past.
9. Hanging with my family, regardless of what we do
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am the biggest dork and I am completely ok with it.
Ila Simmons
Weatherford, TX
57 for a couple more weeks
Sitting in my den at the age of 12 watching Billy Graham on TV. Mom was doing the dishes and Dad was outside. All I had learned mostly through hymns ( we didn’t consistently go to church) clicked at that moment! I asked Jesus into my heart.
I am a homemaker. My husband is a minister…so I co-labor with him.
Don’t really have what I would call a “hobby”…like to read, work on the computer, cook
Yes..FBC Weatherford, TX
We have one cat
My son and wife and granddaughter moving from 1 hour away to 11 hours away/both sons and wives serve the Lord in various ways, blessed with wonderful daughters-in-law and of course any time we get to see our granddaughter!
Cool breeze coming through the window/ drinking coffee/ NO agenda for the day/ watching football
Only people who really know me realize that I am open book…actually anyone who is around me knows that..so I had trouble answering that question. ___________________________________________________________________.
1) Debbie, Jacksonville FL
1. Angie from Athens, AL
2. 47
3. I was 9 or 10 years old when I accepted Christ at my
Grandmother’s kitchen counter. A little chicken was
rejected and pecked almost to death by its mother and
I asked about heaven and knowing if I would go there.
My sweet Grandmother led me to the Lord.
4. I am a stay at home wife and mom of 23 1/2 years.
5. Baking/Reading
6. Clements Baptist Church
7. English/American bulldog named Buddy
Gray cat (who thinks he’s human) named Oliver, we call
him Ollie.
8. Disappointment: I’m getting old and Old Arthur has set
up residence in my knee.
9. Spending it with my family: Morning with hubby and
girls and an afternoon date with my man!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am
REALLY picky/obsessed about my hair. Why, I honestly
don’t know.
7. I got side tracked and left off Ginger our Arabian horse and a whole herd of cows. 🙂
1. Emi. Stillwater, Oklahoma.
2. 17
3. 16, when my dad had to move for work, while i had to stay here for collage. Living without him made me realize that i cannot keep living without god in my life.
4. Student. I want to be a teacher.
5. Watching Star Trek! ^-^
6. countryside baptist church.
7. Yes, a pomeranian named Garth.. but i like to call him Neelix.
8. My best friend is having problems at home/Me and my best friend are planning to go to Fright Fest in a few weeks 😀
9. On my couch, eating a large bowl of popcorn, watching Star Trek with Neelix snoozing right next to me, and not having to worry about school.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a very kind and a giving person even though i like piercings, dark makeup, and dark clothes.
Emi, I am so glad you’re on here that I can hardly stand it. Stay with us here. We need you more than you need us.
Emi, across the board, the very nicest people I met in college liked piercings, dark clothes, and dark makeup. Glad you’re here!
1. Cheri Wine in Cleveland, TN
(whoever thinks God doesn’t have a sense of humor hasn’t met me yet! Wine is my married name and it gets a lot of attention when people think about “cheri wine” LOL)
2. I am 44
3. I was saved when I was in 5th grade. My Dad and my Grampa prayed with me at church
4. Tues & Thurs I work in the nursery of a Mom’s Day Out program at a United Methodist Church. Only 5 hours, but some days that’s 6 hours too many! I love my job and am still connected to a family that has 2 of “my” babies!
5. I read whenever I have free time. I have a Kindle application on my phone so I always have a book. I still love a REAL book, though.
6. I am a 10 year member of Waterville Baptist Church. We recently built new facilities, due to the widening of the highway. The old church was demolished in the past few weeks and it was very disturbing. My Dad texted me this scripture when I sent them a picture of the destroyed church “Isa 43:18-19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall bring forth; shall you not know it?”
7. We have a l-a-r-g-e cat named Wall-e. We call him a heffalump because when he is wound up and running around the house he sounds like he weighs around 100lbs! He is about 18lbs and on a diet – which he does not like
8. Biggest disappointment? Having my precious Grampa’s funeral on my birthday this year and having to take his name off my Christmas card list. He would have been 95 next week. He is celebrating in Heaven with my Gramma and my Uncle (his son) and my daughter (his first Great Grandchild) but i/we really miss him
9. No where to go. Very little house cleaning to do. Nebraska Cornhusker game on tv. LOVE it!
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am not as tough/hard hearted as I pretend to be
1. Lynne – New Milford, CT
2. 49
3. 14 years old at a youth retreat
4. Independent Bookkeeping consultant and part-time receptionist at my church
5. crocheting
6. Yes – Walnut Hill Community Church – non denominational
7. Had – daughter moved out and took her with her – Australian Cattle dog
8. Heartache from family/Book I’ve written is being self-piblished!
9. Quiet mornings, sitting outside (weather permitting), spending time at the beach, going for walks, shopping, being with family
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am funny.
Your #10 made me laugh. Hope that’s confirmation. Giggling.
Kate Hawk, Charlottesville Virginia
37 years young
I was 5 years old when I gave Jesus my heart. I was in the back of a florist’s shop. I had just come from VBS!
I am a stay-at-home-school mommy of two.
I only have minutes to spare, but when I do, I READ!!!!!
We are not currently involved in a local body of believers, we are taking time away to heal.
We had a pet, our beloved yellow lab, Max. He’s now running in the fields of Heaven!
Sadly, my biggest disappointment is in the leadership of our former church home. My biggest elation!!, is seeing the healing He is doing in my little boy!
My perfect Saturday would be a nice big mug of coffee, with a great book, all curled up in my favorite striped chair. Reading….until the sun sets!!!
Only people who really know me, realize…I have no earthly idea what to write here!!!
Love you Siesta Mama!
Jessica Brown
Florence, SC
33
I accepted Jesus as a 10 year old girl in a precious Methodist church, but after following my own way in high school and college, I decided at the age of 25 that He really is the way and the truth and the Life, so I recommitted my life to Him. And I have been enjoying our relationship and my walk on the narrow path ever since.
I am in Marketing and Public Relations at a hospital in my community.
My #1 hobby is reading and blogging.
I am actively involved in my church, Ebenezer Baptist, and I have the best group of ladies that I do Bible study with, the Beloved Beauties.
No pets for this full time working new mama;). Although I have the sweetest baby girl asking for. Puppy.
My biggest elation recently is the fact that our Bible study group has grown from 5 to 27 in just a few years.
A perfect Saturday is spent with my family.
Only people that really know me know that I have a dream of starting a women’s ministry.
May God do something powerful in the early part of 2013 to start bringing that vision to reality.
I’m praying that your dream bears much fruit and that your heart’s desires are fulfilled to God’s eternal Glory. I have a radio show that is all about helping people along the journey of living their dreams. 🙂 I love your heart. Praying… Praying… Praying…
On my radio show I say, “Blooming where you’re planted is the first step to living your wildest dreams!” 🙂 Be blessed.
1. Sally, suburb of Columbus, OH
2. 55 ( how did this happen ????)
3. Accepted Jesus in September of 1973, the beginning of my junior year in high school. Billy Graham swept through Cleveland ( where I was living) with a crusade in the summer of ’73. I did not go to the crusade, but some high school acquaintances went, met Jesus and became new, changed people. The changes in their lives drew me to Him, and I turned my life over to Him.
4. Have my RN, but not currently working as a nurse. Have a real estate business with my husband, and also involved as a volunteer with a mission organization that welcomes international students to Ohio State.
5. Play Words With Friends a lot
6. Member of Heritage Christian Church, a large non- denominational church
7. Have a wonderful 3 year old mutt named Dakota
8. Biggest recent disappointment: Over the past 14 months, our family had a roommate from China. He graduated in June of 2011 with a masters in social work, and became a follower of Jesus at the same time. Due to visa errors made by his employer, he had to return to China last Tuesday, with little hope of continuing his social work career. We all loved having him live with us, and are devistated by this. But, we are also ( sniff) confident that God is good and sovereign over all of this. Biggest recent elation: Our roommate’s baptism on September 28 th. Because he never met a stranger, people came by the droves to see his baptism and hear his testimony which was impactful and well articulated.
9. Sleep in until 7:30-8, out to breakfast with my husband , lots of coffee and time to organize our task lists, getting a task done, dinner with friends.
10. I deal with fear more than most people realize.
1. Paula Halcom, Madison Heights, MI (a suburb about 20 minutes north of Detroit)
2. 40 (I think I blinked when I was twenty!)
3. I was five years old, attending a VBS.
4. I am currently a stay at home mom of a wondrous two year old. I was a photojournalist/graphic artist who is changing careers to nursing.
5. Any kind of Graphics work. I could spend all day in front of the computer working on graphics projects (photography/book design, etc..) and be blissfully happy.
6. Freedom Christian Assembly of God. Love my church! After lots of damaging church stuff, it is the first time I have loved church like this since my childhood church home!
7. A cat who has a name, but is called Beubie (the Yiddish word for Grandma). My dad calls her the Phantom Cat because she hides from everyone save me, my husband, and my daughter.
8. Not getting into my nursing program…again…sigh/Every day spent with my daughter is joy perfected (hmm…wonder if there is a God timing/thing apparent in those two seemingly unrelated facts…)
9. A nap on my terms (see above facts outlining existence of 2 yr. old 😉 ),time to work on creative projects, and family time doing something that my daughter loves.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am deeply sentimental.
1. My name is Cathy Robertson and I live in Houston Texas
2. My age is 58 years
3. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in high school. I accepted him as Lord as an adult.
4. I am a nurse by trade, currently partnered with the doctors that created Proactiv, working as an independent consultant helping others who want to work from home either part time or full-time. (see website!) )
5. Creating memories through photo books is my hobby
6. We enjoy our Sunday School class “Boomers” at First Presbyterian Church and worship at Ecclesia Church at 1100 Elder
7. We have a schitzu = Vince
8. My most recent disappointment was yesterday when I was blocked in my effort to take my Mom to California and my most recent elation was minutes ago watching my son’s you tube production in memory of his wife’s grandmother who will be put to rest today.
9. The perfect Saturday – sleep in, meeting up for a family event doing anything.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am struggling with this question.
Smiling.
1. Connie – Greene, IA
2. 50
3. I was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ into my life as a very young child. I made him LORD of my life after years of walking my own way when Jesus showed me without a shadow of a doubt that He would never leave me!!!
4. I am an office manager/ legal secretary/tax preparer at a small law firm in Greene.
5. I LOVE to read mysteries and study God’s Word!!!
6. We belong to the Evangelical Free Church of Charles City, IA
7. We farm so we have farm cats and a golden lab named Tink
8. Leading a group of seeking women in our little community to grasp the personal nature of God and His desire for them has been my excitement this fall!!!
9. Sitting in the hot tub with my man, baking and reading (no place to HAVE to go). Then a great glass of wine and delicious supper with good friends.
1. Tina, Atlanta, Ga
2. 44
3. at church
4. Stay-at-home-mom
5. TENNIS!
6. I’m a member of Northpoint Community Church-Andy Stanley
7. 2 cats, 1 dog
8. biggest disappointment-my husband had to close his business and file bankruptcy 4 years ago. Elation-that God is with me daily!
9. Working in the yard, attending my kids activities, family time and alone time to work on bible study. Maybe some personal shopping! 😉
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a truly faithful friend who will always be there when needed.
1. Thibodaux, La
2. 26
3. In 4th grade in my pastor’s office.
4. Teacher
5. Blogging
6. FBC Thibodaux
7. 2 weenie dogs, Ellie and Maddie
8. Difficult kids at work/ taking our youth group to an event last night, so neat to see my hubby as a youth minister and what God is doing.
9. Just me and the hubs doing what we want with no real plans, coffee is always involved.
10. Only people that really know me appreciate my sense of humor and know that I always mean well.
1.Hannah Frazier, Lynchburg, Va
2. 17
3. March 1, 2012. With My church High School band and tech small group.
4. Chemistry Major
5.Playing Guitar
6. Yes. Blue Ridge Community Church
7. 1 Cat ( Callico) and 1 Hamster
8. Putting my 15 year old dog to sleep. Learning what it looks like to trust God.
9.Attending a soccer game and cross country meet along with some free time to jam on my acoustic guitar.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am not a good talker
Hey Hannah, I lived in Lynchburg for almost 27 years before moving out here to hot, dry, windy, practically treeless, west Texas. I attended Blue Ridge CC and have a dear friend who goes there. Do you know Bob and Robin Caughey? If not, you need to. Wonderful people! Enjoyed reading your post. Glad you’re here!
1. I’m Candi. I live in Springfield, VA.
2. I’m 46 years old, and I’ve earned every one of these gray hairs!
3. When I was 4 years old, I knew I wanted to live with Jesus forever, especially in heaven when I died. I also knew the only way to do that was to ask Jesus to come live in my heart. So I walked down the aisle where my pastor welcomed me and prayed with me. Thank You, Jesus, for pastors who accept little children trying to get to Jesus.
4. I am a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher for my 12-yr-old girl with “hidden disabilities.” I also write for chosenfamilies.org, which I first heard about here on the LPM blog.
5. I love to garden and research my genealogy. I guess that makes my #1 hobby roots.
6. I’m a member of Burke Community Church in Burke, VA.
7. We have a precious Cairn Terrier named Roscoe.
8. My biggest disappointment lately is a falling out with my friend of 25+ years. My biggest elation lately is to find a tomato on a tomato plant I’ve been nursing.
9. My idea of a perfect Saturday is a temperature in the 60s and a rock to sit on in the middle of the woods where I can’t hear traffic. Then I’d just sit and listen to the sounds of the forest.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am constantly struggling with low self-esteem and insecurity.
10. SPACEY!!! (I forgot this question!)
Patti, Clemmons, NC
64
I was 33. Saved at home.
retired educator
love to play golf
Assembly of God
No pets. Recently lost our Yorkies after 14 years.
Husband left fellowship w/the Lord for 10 years. He’s back, Praise God
Being in a great service where the Presence of God is evident, having a great meal with my husband (seafood in lemon butter) and relaxing at home watching a great football team, like Dallas, or the Giants.
Only people who know me well know that i am insecure.
1. Christy Ihnen, Rantoul, IL
2. 57 yrs old
3. at my church
4. Independent Consultant for Rodan + Fields
5. Quilting, sewing
6. St Pauls Gifford Church, AFLC Gifford, Illinois
7. Dog named “Cash”, Donkey named Violet, Cat named Princess Girl, Angus cattle, to many name.
8. Gossip within friends
9. Spending it with my husband, kids, and grandkids
10 I always have it together
1. Your name and where you live.
Theresa (aka TJ) Weeden Myrtle Beach, SC
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
45 ish 🙂
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
Age 13 at the beach is where I met Him. When I was 27, realized that I wasn’t following Him, and was in fact running in my own directions. So in 1993, chose that day whom I would serve. Nothing has been the same since.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if you’re in school, tell us where and what line of work you’re steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us you’re a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
Help husband with a cleaning company that we own. I also substitute teach at my children’s private school. I also homeschool our 15 year old adopted Latvian daughter.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Writing, singing, going to the beach. Recently wanting to draw more.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
We attend Newspring, a satellite church based out of Anderson, SC. We serve there and worship there. We also have a group of believers that come to our home every Wednesday night. All attend different churches. I also help lead a young girls group on Tuesday nights.
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind.
A sulcatta tortoise named Spike. A black lab named Cooper. A lab beagle mix who acts like a cat named Carly
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation.
My daughter informing me she no longer believes in God!!! After years of loving Him. And then she walked away from our family. She hasn’t spoken to us in over three years.
Slash- hasn’t happened yet but will when her story takes a turn into the arms of Jesus.
But there are other high points. We are in the process of adopting a 15 year old Latvian orphan. We have now 8 beautiful children. I get to live by the ocean. I have a husband who puts up with a hard to live with wife.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Beach, books, hanging with family.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am a passionate child at heart. And that I still cuddle my purple bunny at night. Oops, now you all know!!!
1. Amanda North Charleston, South Carolina
2. 33
3. I accepted Jesus when I was 17 at a Youth Conference
4. Stay-at-home-Mom
5. Decorating anything
6. East Cooper Baptist Church
7. We have 2 Dogs, Miniature Schnauzer and the sweetest Mixed-Breed you could ever meet
8. Biggest recent disappointment – Coming to the realization that my mom will never be who I need her to be. Biggest recent elation – My son taking some of his first steps to get to me.
9. Fall at a cabin in the Smokey Mountains sitting on a swing with a warm cup of coffee/tea/cider in hand and wrapped in a soft fluffy blanket with nothing to do but look at the beautiful view and watch my husband and son play.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a severe critic of myself and a perfectionist.
1. My name is Laurie and I live in Richmond, Maine.
2. I am 39…will be 40 in January.
3. I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior when I was 6, in a little Foursquare Church in Bath, Maine. But my real commitment to the Lord came when I was 16 and went on my first missions trip.
4. I am a stay at home mom and my husband and I have 3 kids, we also do therapeutic foster care for an 8 yr old boy. He is our first placement and has turned our lives upside down and inside out!!
5. My #1 hobby is home improvement…and I am a “handywoman” to my friends.
6. We attend the local Nazarene Church in our town…have been there for just over a year and LOVE it. We left our other church after being there for over 30 years…I knew a change was coming, but I couldn’t imagine actually leaving the place that was so dear to my heart. God set up a series of events that literally almost forced this change…and I have perfect peace 🙂
7. We have one cat, her name is Frejya…she is fat and bossy and thinks it is her calling in life to bring us every creature that she catches…the best one was a chipmunk in our bedroom…
8. My biggest disappointment is my marriage…and all I can do is trust and seek God to bring healing and to take away my anger. My biggest recent elation would be knowing that God has entrusted our family to care for a child that has been neglected. Before he came we had painted the extra bedroom orange. I am an earth tones lady and the bright orange was not my choice…my kids picked the color. In the weeks after he came I was asking myself “what in the world we had gotten ourselves into?”, and God clearly showed me that we had painted the room orange for the little boy who showed up on our doorstep, dirty and smelly and covered in fleas, with bright orange hair 🙂
9. A perfect Saturday is sleeping in, waking up to a clean house, time with my family, and time with my (Maine) best friend.
10. Only people that really know me realize that I am crazy and goofy and love to make people smile and laugh…and I am fiercely loyal to the ones I love. I am a hard nut to crack, but once you’ve cracked me, if you can, you will appreciate what’s inside…because Jesus is inside 🙂
1. Leslie Benson, Parkville, Mo
2. Fabulous 50!
3. 1974 at Youth Camp
4. Currently a homemaker trying to find out what I want to be when I grow up!
5. Paper crafting.
6. Yes, Northland Cathedral.
7. Yes, an adorable little teddy bear schnoodle named Maggie.
8. Helping my aging parents struggle through some legal issues and seeming like we’re losing every battle./Finding out I’m going to be a grandma for the first time!
9. Sleeping in, late breakfast with my man at the I-Hop or Cracker Barrel then meandering around a cute little place with cute little shops.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am a closet crafter!
1. Alexandra “Ali” Key – Clearwater, FL
2. 42 and hanging on with all ten
3. At the age of eight at Pilgrim Camp in Lake George, NY during chapel time
4. I’m a stay-at-home wrangler of two boys and an awesome husband
5. I love writing and “flying” by the beach on my road bike
6. I attend Calvary Baptist Church in CL and am part of an incredible women’s study group as well.
7. We have an Aussie Poo – “Lollie” – as in lollipop. The boys have fish and thank goodness we are recently a lighter load since our guinea pigs Starsky and Hutch have found a new home. (Seriously a praise!)
8. Biggest disappointment is family discord between my sibling and parents. The trickle down effect can be paralyzing to me. My biggest elation is a non-believer who is coming to our women’s bible study and hungry for Christ!! God is revealing Himself in mighty ways though these women!!
9. A HUGE family breakfast – the kind with hash browns and cinnamon rolls with all the trimmings where everyone hangs out at the table forever talking and laughing. Family sports game or outside activity of some sort under the Florida sun. Down time hanging out with everyone in the afternoon. Big finish with a living room dance party and yummy dinner.
10. Only people who REALLY know me realize that all my crazy family stories are NOT ONLY true – I tame them down.
1. Ashley Jackson, Denver
2. 31
3. I was 6, my mom read the crucifixion story to me in bed and I realized it was my sin that put Him on the cross and accepted Him into my life that night.
4. Stay-at-home mommy
5. Blogging
6. Yes, Denver United…AWESOME!
7. Sadly no, still apartment living
8. My husband not getting a job that would help us meet our financial needs/God speaking to my heart again after a couple year dry and depressive season and remembering his faithfulness to me and who He has made me.
9. Lazy morning, spending time with my husband and son, get together with friends or family for a meal
10. Only people who really know me realize that I used to want to be a stand up comedian. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to laugh. I think we will do a lot of belly laughing till it hurts in heaven, it has to be from God!
Ashley,
What a small world! My brother attends Denver United. I’ve visited a couple of times (I live in AZ). I agree. It’s AWESOME!
Susan Flynn
Nashville, Indiana
57
I accepted Jesus as my personal savior on October 13, 2000. I was in my car and had just finished a book called “The Case for Christ” and said out loud, OK, I believe, Jesus please come into my heart. I went inside to my work (in a church) and got out a Bible and opened it randomly and it opened to the exact place where Jesus says that he is the Son of God. Which is the part at the end of the book that finally convinced me to accept Jesus as my savior and not just as a prophet. Right after that, a friend walked into the office and looked at me and said “You believe now don’t you?” and I hadn’t even told her I was searching or that I had just accepted Christ.
My line of work used to be as administrative assistant to the Pastor of a Methodist Church. But because of a severe back injury (three herniated discs in low back), I am now unemployed. But God has blessed me to now be available to be full time childcare for my first grandchild expected in January!
My number one hobby right now is as an administrator for two Facebook groups. I am also a voracious reader and will read anything I can get my hands on. I have books around me everywhere I go.
I am not now invested in a body of believers as my church turned on me when I had to quit as their admin asst. And since I am not consistently able to attend anywhere, I am waiting to see where God wants me to be.
I don’t have any pets now as I’m allergic to them. Makes me sad as I’ve always had cats and dogs around, but discovered about 5 years ago that they were the reason I was always sick with something.
My biggest recent disappointment was my church and church friends turning their back on me and actually being mean to me just because I couldn’t do my job for them anymore and am not able to attend everything right now because of my severe back pain. My most recent joy is that I will be a first time grandma in January and that my daughter and son-in-law asked me to be full time childcare (with my retired husband) and that she is so completely happy to have me help raise her children! And I have one other amazing joy that recently happened: my other daughter who lives with her husband in Phoenix will be moving back next summer so I will have BOTH of my lovely daughters close to me!
The perfect Saturday: Sleep late, time with God, take a drive through the country with my husband, do whatever we want.
Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am very much an introvert.
1. Sue, in Grapevine, TX
2. 53 & glad to be alive.
3. 10th grade, a Baptist boy challenged me that just attending the church of my birth, did not make me a Christian — it had to be a personal decision. I realized that I believed the whole Gospel, but could say then, that I had made the decision for myself. I bless Max McBeth for caring enough to question me — I believe he is in Heaven & I look forward to the reunion.
4. I have a BS in Nursing, but am retired as a full-time mom. Enjoying the empty nest w/my work-at-home husband.
5. Cardmaking
6. Wellspring Church, N. Richland Hills, TX
7. 2, big, boy cats – Larry & Mason
8. My daughter, who has only ever excelled in her academics, failed the exam that would allow her to start her dissertation & continue in the PhD program. She is angry & bitter & now has to find a real job.
9. No where we have to go. Mexican restaurant for lunch. Lots of laughs w/my man. Grown up kids home for a visit.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am extremely critical of myself.
1) Debbie; Jacksonville, FL
2) 59 years
3) 17 years, invited to a revival by a friend! This same church continued to love on us and saw my whole family come to Jesus over the next few months!
4) Stay at home mom and grandma for a total of 34 years, just started working part-time in the office for a friend who owns her own business. A wonderful environment of Christian co-workers … women who are running to Jesus from all kinds of faith backgrounds!
5) I make bobbin lace…and I spin. Learned lacemaking while I lived in England for 6 years, and spinning when I lived in Georgia.
6) Yes! Back at the church where I first met Jesus and later my husband! FBC (Jax Fl)
7) We did have a blue parakeet that used to sit on our shoulders, fly to us when we called, and helped sort the branches on our Christmas tree…named Fancy.
8) An injustice, and an unbelievable miracle – completely unrelated to each other…
9) Waking up in my sweetheart’s (and husband of almost 38 years) arms…by a grandchild who wants me to read more of the exploits of Calvin and his often very wise tiger, just because I did that with his mom and uncle!
10) I am the third great granddaughter of Cinderella! This has always fascinated me, because her mother was a pioneer into an unknown land…yet she named her daughter Cinderella! While she lived a life much harder than the one I have known, what kind of dreams did she have?
Kristi Hensley, Charleston, WV
42
Saved on Easter Sunday at age 12
Family Practice Physician
#1 hobby – TRX (exercise class) because it is changing my lifestyle
Attend Southridge Church of God (Anderson) for the past year. Was at Southwest Church of God for the prior 38 years
Pets – Alley Cat (age 15), Toby Mac Cat (age 5), and Baxter (Miniature Austrailian Shepherd age 1)
Biggest disappointment – 3 miscarriages followed by my greatest elation – 2 beautiful children Miss Jordan age 8 and Mister Evan age 5
My perfect Saturday includes my husband and kids traveling anywhere.
Only people who really know me know that I am a bit insecure!
1. Carol from Coopersburg, PA
2. 54
3. Life threatening car accident, 1980, is when I knew, after seeing Jesus’ face just before impact, that He had me. 10 months later at Nana’s 75th birthday, saw cousin for first time in yrs-knew she a believer-told her I was, and shazam! received Holy Spirit….
4.stay at home wife, mother
5. this year, reading through Bible 4x
6.East Swamp Church, Quakertown, PA and facilitate Bible study w/small group in Bethlehem, Pa
7. no pets
8.Dad’s health failing now and seems like he should be able to fight harder but he just wants to die/husband home safe from west coast business trip.
9. sleep in, have quiet time all morning, spend time with loved ones.
10. I have a mild case of Aspergers.
I bet you are one of the coolest people ever. Thank you for #10.
1. Adele, Chiang Mai, Thailand
2. 44
3. Though I was raised in a wonderful Christian home, I remember making a personal commitment at 9, in Sunday school class, back in South Africa.
4. I work for Compassion International, overseeing the Leadership Development Program in Asia.
5. Reading
6. Chiang Mai Community Church
7. Wish I could have a cat, but my travel schedule is crazy, so having a pet would make it tough finding a sitter 2 weeks of every month.
8. Biggest elation: Landing my dream job after 10 years of trusting that I am hearing God right, doing the next thing…
9. Breakfast with friends, some exploring, a nap, dinner with friends.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am … an introvert.
1. Stephanie Hollingsworth, Ontario Canada
2. 43
3. Age 5 – at home with my mom in the kitchen – knelt by the chair in the dining room and prayed with her
4. Elementary schoolteacher – I have chosen to make a career out of substitute teaching – we find it works so well with our family life (for 19 years now)
5. Writing/Reading/Teaching
6. Yes, Bluewater Baptist Church in Sarnia, Ontario
7. Two dogs (Toby the Wheaten Terrier, Lulu the Shipoo), one leopard ghecko (Scout), one rainbow boa (Atticus)
8. Disappointment – walking through marriage crises with several close family members/friends – heartbreaking
Elation – God speaking to me through Beth’s message at the simulcast in such a personal way
9. Cleaning my house to a sparkle in the morning, then heading off with the family for an afternoon of hiking and picnicking at a nearby conservation area. BBQ for supper!
10. Only people who really know me well realize that I have struggled with fear for most of my life. Most people seem to think I am super confident.