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 ___________________________________________________________________.
Cindi, Round Hill VA
2) a tad over 50
3)when I was 33- My best friend showed me who Jesus was for over 15 years ;
4)I manage a hotel and mom to 3 boys and step mom to a wonderful daughter
5)reading
6) I attend a baptist church – facilitate a weekly bible study
7) I have a Lhasa apso- Mardi Gras, she is 15 and 2 cats
8)I have a son that struggles with addiction
9) a perfect Saturday would be sitting under a tree reading a good, make that great, book
10) I don’t have it all together and my heart is broken
1. Amanda, North Carolina.
2. 24.
3. 16, during a youth meeting at my church, my pastor preached a sermon that spoke to my hardened heart and I accepted the Lord as my savior.
4. I’m a student, I plan to be a history teacher. I also work part-time at a daycare which I love.
5. Shopping, when I have money!
6. I attend a Baptist Church.
7. My family has several cats (outside) and an Australian Shepherd.
8. My niece who was born at 6 months was recently able to come home :).
9. Spending the day with the people that I love most, members of my family and great friends, and go shopping or hiking.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a complete nerd. I guess it’s really obvious that I am a nerd being that I want to teach history.
community!
1. Adrienne – Jasper, TN
2. 51
3. At 24, during the invitation at church. I KNEW the invitation was for me, it was like being smacked in the heart with a baseball bat, and I STILL waited one more week to come forward, because I am (was) so shy!
4. Quality Management for an engineering company that does engineering work for power plants. Also do statistics and data analysis, which I LOVE!
5. Reading
6. Yes ma’am! First Baptist Church of Jasper, TN
7. 6 dogs and 5 cats, and of the 11, we have only acquired 1 of them intentionally. Also have 5 cows, and a whole bunch of chickens. I wouldn’t say the cows and chickens are exactly pets….
8. Disappointed that it didn’t work out for my son to be able to play on a basketball team. He was crushed. Biggest elation was finding out that the growth on my dad’s lung was not cancer, but rather an infection.
9. Sleep in, then coffee, breakfast, and a day trip with my family.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am … no idea on this one!
This was fun!
1. April Jackson currently living in Atlanta, GA – moving next week to Pittsburgh, PA
2. 42 years of age
3. Accepted Christ as a child
4. Stay Home Mom (group fitness instructor as a side gig)
5. reading/working out
6. Not currently in church
7. No pets
8. moving, after 12 years here in GA (buying a home in PA, selling in GA, staying with 3 boys while hubby is in PA HARD – moving to PA for hubby’s AMAZING job transfer- seeing our community of friends, acquaintances,etc. has been such a blessing!
9.having entire family together, happy and at peace with each other is a perfect Saturday.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am
sometimes not so optimistic!
April, you’re going to love Pittsburgh. I grew up there (moved away 30 years ago but miss it still) and you will find the most genuine, generous, unpretentious folks on the planet there. They do talk funny, though. 🙂 Blessings on your new adventure!
I totally agree with Wendy! I was born here, moved away for 25 years and came back. WELCOME TO PITTSBURGH! I worship at North Way Christian Community in Wexford; it’s a big church with amazing worship. Come visit! And by all means, have yourself a Primanti Bros. sandwich and learn to cheer for the Steelers. God bless you 🙂
1. Sherri from Villa Rica, GA
2. 48
3. age 10 at sou bap church
4. SAHM
5. sleep when I can
6. Passion City Church 🙂
7. Dogs = Shugah Boogah & Bella. Also a Hamster
8. disingenuous close friend / the JONAH bible study is meaty
9. SEC Football – Welcome Aggies
10. i’m too serious most of the time
1. Sue Meyering in Grand Rapids, Michigan
2. Age — big year, turned 60, married 40 years last week!
3. Invited Jesus into my heart and life at age 19 while attending my boyfriend’s (now husband) church where the gospel was shared every week.
4. I am a stay-at-home nana and very involved in supporting my husband, children and grandchildren, as well as elderly parents.
5. Gardening would be my #1 hobby — at least for about five or six months of the year! Also enjoy golfing, although not very good at it — yet!
6. The Lord recently moved us to a new body of believers — Resurrection Life Church. We love it. My husband ad I were baptized as infants and were thrilled to experience believer’s baptism this past summer.
7. No pets here. We enjoy other people’s animals (mostly). 🙂
8. Recent disappointment — frustration with decisions and actions of others close to us. Elation — hugs from the grand babies! Also, meeting a siesta at a recent out-of-town function and making a new friend!
9. Perfect Saturday — actually our anniversary Saturday. Couldn’t decide what to do or where to go so we stayed home. Because we purchased new golf clubs for each other for our big year — we played golf on a beautiful golf course with gorgeous fall colors. It was a very leisurely Saturday — no home chores allowed (i.e. projects, lawn work, etc).
10. I really love a good laugh and can have a lot of fun. And not a natural brunette. 🙂
1.Caitlin, Milford, OH
2.20 yrs. old
3. When I was 6, at my house with one of my older friends who was already saved.
4. Pharmacy Technician for now while I wait for God’s guidance. I know I will for sure go in the ministry, and most likely teaching of some sort. But I can see every day how God is using my job now to prepare me for the mission field!
5. A tie between Singing/playing the piano and Reading
6. For the past few years, my family and I helped plant a church, and now we are searching for a place that God wants us to serve at
7. The cutest border collie named Andy who is about 1 and a half years old 🙂
8. getting in trouble at work for something I honestly didn’t do, but had to take it anyway/ seeing God move in my life daily!!
9. waking up a little later, making breakfast for my family, spending time with my family, and most importantly, spending time with God!
10. Only people who really know me know that I am crazy, dramatic, and know how to have a blast without any alcohol or drugs!!! 🙂
♥
1. Darlene Johnson, Yonges Island near Charleston, SC
2. 58
3. As a little child growing up in the Greek Orthodox Church…the ornateness of the church gave my little eyes a picture of what heaven must be like (because nowhere else I had been, look as glorious!) and the words of the Divine Liturgy are still music to my heart… “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost…now and forever , from age to age, Amen. (in Greek, of course!)
4. Administrator in family business and keeping grandchildren 3 days a week
5. Designing projects, Bible Studies, Tea parties
6. Yes, The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island
7. Yes, My dog, a black lab, Josie , is my constant companion. We live on a farm, so we have chickens(fresh eggs!), goats, geese, ducks and a mule!
8. Hearing that my daughter and her family won’t be here during the holidays this year/LPL Charleston Aug 2012 and a recent trip of flying to Seattle, WA for my granddaughter’s 6th birthday party!
9. Either down the river fishing or shrimping with my husband or watching some football!
10. I feel so blessed, that I want to be a blessing
1. Rachel ~ Athens, GA
2. 26
3. Grew up in church. Was saved when I was twelve–summer between 6th and 7th grade. Best decision ever! Still trying to figure out this life–but loving the learning! Falling in love with Jesus more and more!
4. Registered Nurse–dream come true!
5. I absolutely LOVE reading. Sadly, don’t have a lot of time for it, so when I go on vacation I make sure I have at least four books so I can make up for lost time!
6. Attend Prince Avenue Baptist Church. Am in the choir, help out in nursery, and am loving my young adult sunday school class!
7. Grew up with Boxers. Now that I’m on my own my schedule (work night-shift at the hospital) doesn’t allow for a dog. But I’m moving to dayshift so hopefully that will change!?!
8. Friend who is involved in an unhealthy relationship–pryaing she makes the right decision to leave/Annual Family Camping trip–bring on Smores, Cornhole, and late night chats around the campfire!
9. No alarm clock. Late morning brunch with my sisters. Reading or movie marathon. Dinner with good friends or family. Perhaps a football game thrown in.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am actually really funny and have a dry sense of humor. I love making other people laugh!
1. Sharon Wildman, South Charleston, Ohio
2. 53 and I can’t believe it sometimes.
3. I was just 14 years old in 1973 and had been going to a Fri/Sat night gathering of college and high school age people called “The One Way House” in Springfield, Ohio. We morphed into a “church” in 1986 and I’m still with the 800 strong attending what is now Fellowship Christian Church.
4. I have been in newspaper publishing, graphics art, and bookkeeping and am now a stay-at-home empty-nester. My husband and I have a farm and I find myself on the planter and in the field again since the kids have grown up. I’m also bookkeeping for the farm.
5. READING!!!!
6. As I said in #3 I’m at Fellowship Christian Church in Springfield, Ohio.
7. I used to have an Australian shepherd mix but he died 3 years ago. Because we are starting to travel alot, we haven’t replaced him. 🙁
8. Disappointment? My mom is not doing well physically or mentally anymore. Elation? My son got to come home over Labor Day weekend for six days!
9. Sleeping in, a pumpkin spice latte, college football, chili and cornbread to eat, and a fire in the firepit on a chilly evening.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am more insecure than I come across, but that I am learning to be courageous in God.
Kristi Knoxville, tn
40
20 yrs old….wasnt raised in church but started “dating” a minister
Right now I’m doing several things…5 kids at home(22, 20, 17, 15, 13), cook at a tea room a couple days a week, run a ministry at our church called Kids Hope USA where we get mentors in our church to go in and mentor kids at an inner city school.
Baking
Grace Baptist Church Knoxville tn
No pets…too many people mouths to feed! Did have a dog when kids were younger.
My moms death in August (only 61yrs old) / my 20th wedding anniversary is in 2 weeks and we are going on a week long vaca!! No kids!!
Going to church on a bright sunny day. Coming home and eating a big homecooked meal with lots of people over then taking a nap while watching golf.
I’m not as strong as I put on to be….
1. Tamlyn Currin, Surrey, United Kingdom
2. 38
3. I accepted Jesus as a child growing up in a Christian home, but then again after many years’ rebellion, in Olso (Norway) on a 20-km run, at age 33.
4. I’m a wine writer.
5. Wine and food.
6. No.
7. I wish! We’d LOVE a dog but our flat is too small :(.
8. Biggest elation: meeting my beautiful niece and nephew for the first time and spending time with them.
9. Freshly made rich smelling coffee in bed with my husband, a long run in the beautiful Surrey hills, late lunch at a good pub, getting something useful done in the afternoon, then a bubble bath with that same gorgeous man and a glass of champagne.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a mess.
1. Rinday Barrett from Hiawassee, GA
2. 33
3. Bible camp at around age 10 and many many times in prayer since!!
4. I am a small-animal veterinarian!! I spend lots of time with the furry critters….
5. Knitting!
6. Union Hill United Methodist Church
7. Or yes, being a vet; I and my family have many pets but those I claim as my own are 13 year old Fiest Shakespeare, 7 year old male cat Hamlet and 2 year old bundle of energy Boston Terrier named Lulu:)
8. Recent disappointment- My struggles with my career; not being able to find a full time associate doctor positon and trying to determine if I should open my own private practice and my confidence in my surgical skills.
Recent elation-The closeness with Christ I have experienced lately in attended LPL events and in private quiet time and Bible study.
9. Perfect Saturday…good food and long bath and lots of time for knitting and watching TV!!
10. Only people who really know me know I am…still struggling over a heartbreak that happened about 2 1/2 years ago. The only dear sister in Christ who I considered my best friend, ended our friendship in an email and hasn’t spoken to me since. BIGGEST spiritual attack of my life right now..prayers please?
1. Debbie, Los Angeles area
2. 38 years old
3. accepted Christ in pre-school at a VBS
4. mom of 2 girls (former elem. teacher)
5. baking, cooking
6. Yes, Christian Assembly
7. Yes, a bulldog that has currently blown out his knee twice in the past 6 months!
8. lost a daughter at 4 days old, just had another daughter who is truly a miracle (story too long but know she is a true miracle from God)
9. love family time on a Saturday
10. only people who know me realize that I am deep
1. Sarah Morgantown,WV
2. 40s
3. Late 20s, in my living room
4. Admin asst and mom of 2 boys, ages 18 and 11
5. Reading
6. Chestnut Ridge Church
7. Dog – part shitzu and bichon
8. Disappointment and hurt from the church community and it devestating my husband and our family
9. Sleeping late, coffee with a friend, reading and end with family dinner
10. Am insecure with low self esteem
1. Pat Schuessler, Valley Center , Ks
2. 48
3. As a child but grew uncertain as a teen so ‘made sure’ at an Easter retreat at age 15
4. I’m a nurse and Awana Missionary with my husband
5. I love to read but it seems I haven’t had much time lately.
6. Faith Church; Valley Center
7. No pets but just spent the last year ‘babysitting’ my kids boxer- Miley. I am missing her today.
8. Felt slighted by a friend/ Spending a morning at a Barn Sale and getting 2 great deals!
9. breakfast out, going to the farmers market and then flower shopping and not worrying about how much I can spend, then to Barnes and Nobles to read magazines that I won’t buy myself, then home to watch football and eat snacks
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a dreamer_______________________________
1. Jill/Atlanta.
2. 45-50 (deep sigh – how did THAT happen?!?.)
3. 19 🙂 I sold my soul to God for $20.00 and He threw in an extra fifty cents just because.
4. Real estate, writer, photographer, audio technician.
5. People.
6. Yes and no – it’s complicated.
7. Not at this time.
8. Biggest disapointment: Not being asked to join a team I really want to work with. Biggest elation: Having the house to myself for the WHOLE WEEKEND!
9. Oh, there are so many…football, county fairs, hiking, spending time with my nieces and nephews, baking, photography, reading, showing houses and writing contracts…
10. Only people who really know me know that although I come across as shy, reserved, sweet and laid back I am actually outspoken, hysterically funny, with a gift for seeing through the lies that people tell themselves.
1. Lindsey – Madisonville, TN
2. 29
3. 13 out of desperation to have the feeling that someone “gets” me. I was sitting at home on the roof looking at the night sky
4. Genetics, at private lab processing and analyzing a person’s chromosomes
5. Sewing, knitting, reading, gardening, creating really
6. Not at the moment
7. We have four- 2 Danes, a Labrador, and a cat who runs them all
8. Still struggling with being a healthy weight/ I am not alone in this struggle and will overcome
9. Cool enough outside that drinking hot tea or coffee is satisfying and then taking the dogs on a hike to get lost. Coming home and eating something great with family and or friends over good conversation
10 Only people who really know me Realize how much I love puzzles and numbers
1. Kellye Coleman. Knoxville, TN
2. 22
3. I was 12 or so. It was at church.
4. I’m currently in a graduate seminary program called, The Knoxvilel Fellows. As part of that, I have an internship in digital marketing. However, I’m thinking about ministry, particularly with young women.
5. Reading!
6. Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN
7. Nope!
8. Biggest recent disappointment: Painful discovery of the fact that I can’t do anything to earn God’s love or remove His love.
Biggest recent elation: The discovery of the fact that I can’t do anything to earn God’s love or remove His love. 🙂
9. Steaming cup of coffee. Quiet house. Warm slippers. Reading my bible, journaling or talking about Jesus with a dear friend. There’s nothing better, really!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I’m someone who dreams big dreams for the Kingdom – particularly about revival within the hearts young women across the world – but is scared to share them and unsure of how they will be realized. I just have to seek Him first 🙂
1. Your name and where you live.
My name is Kate Long and I live in Lynchburg Virginia
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
I turn 21 next Saturday
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
I was 10 when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I was sitting in my dad’s pick-up truck in our driveway after a father/daughter date. I didn’t get serious about my walk with the Lord until I was 14 and heard Beth Moore speak at a women of faith conference in NC.
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 am a student at Liberty University where I am majoring in women’s ministry, but I also work part time for Lifeway Christian Bookstore.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Photography. I love taking and editing pictures.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Yes, I go to Hyland Heights Baptist Church.
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind.
My housemates have 2 dogs, Tigger and Brindy.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation.
I failed my math test on Friday, but I got to see my family yesterday because they came to Lynchburg for the day.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Hiking and hanging out with my boyfriend
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am
not good at describing myself =)
1. Jerrianne Pyles
2. 55 years old
3. Accepted Christ in church when I was 15 years old.
4. I am the Director of Christian Education in my church.
5. I love to read and do crafts
6. I am a member of First United Methodist Church, Mt. Holly, North Carolina
7. We have 2 labs: Marleigh and Laci. 2 inside cats: Tigger and Azure, and 3 feral cats I trapped and had spayed and given rabies shot: Shadow, AngelBug and Princess. I love animals!
8.I did not pass the Board of Ordained Ministry this past spring. I am rewriting my papers to appear again this coming March to hopefully pass and be commissioned as a United Methodist Deacon.
9 Yesterday was perfect-We went to Wingate University to tailgate with my daughters sorerity and watch the football game. It was family weekend and so great to spend time with her.
10. I am insecure and full of self-doubt.
1. Jo Ann Julia, Columbia, Missouri
2. Bio years = 62, baby girl Christian = 18 mos
3. Early March 2011: I was recovering from a shattered upper right arm, mostly camping on my sofa. I was pondering my life but kept saying, “Here I am”. God was calling, I knew it was Jesus. Got out my old KJV from high school and sltarted reading 1 Samuel. Haven’t put my (new) Bible down yet, He drives me to it and I love that.
4. Retired, relocated, strange time of life, don’t know when I had time to work, rarely have time alone anymore.
5. Family archives, I can’t do much for my family but be salt and light. Getting our physical artifacts will be a way to leave a legacy.
6. The Crossing, Columbia, Missouri, I thank you, God, that church has changed!
7. June Bug, the Cairn Terrier, is the best girl in the whie wide world!
8. Retiring AND relocating at the same time. Very interesting!
9. Praise team, worship at The Crossing, great sermons, Bible-based, thought provoking. Home, a long walk with the Bug, a good dinner in the evening.
10. My family knows I am profoundly changed, they wait for me to snap back to the old me but I cannot and I PRAY He grows me, crafts me. I know He is, can, and will. And He is, there is NOTHING like it. My heart soars… !!
Survey
1.Lyndia Sue, Kona, Hawaii
2. 61
3. 16, college campus
4. property management
5. journaling/writing
6. non-demoninational church
7. a german roller/glouster mix canary named Bob
8. God not healing my middle brother of cancer/my middle brother receiving Christ as his Savior before he died
9. This is a toss up between sitting on my lanai listening to the birds and journaling or sitting on the beach at my favorite spot and watching the waves.
10. That I am running amuck!!
1. Katie Rosebraugh – Dallas, TX
2. 51
3. I was 46 and I was on session 9 I believe of the Daniel Bible study
4. Freelance graphic and web design.
5. Reading
6. Watermark Community Church and Al-Anon
7. I have a Yorkie named Yogi
8. Losing my job/Gaining my freedom!
9. Sleeping late, drinking coffee, reading from my Life Recovery Bible, going to an Al-Anon meeting, having 2nd breakfast, doing some web design work, walking the dog, reading, have my hair done and shopping!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am NOT crazy.
1. Kim, Canton, MI
2. 45, but feel 25
3. I’ve been a Christian for as long as I can remember but my most recent dedication was about 10 years ago.
4. I am in development – in easier terms I plan events!
5. tough – I have lots. Biking and reading would be tied though.
6. NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, MI
7. 2 cats names Louie and Lucy. Can’t have dogs in my apartment.
8. Hmm – this one is an elation and disappointment all at the same time. Long story but I’m learning to love (disappointed cuz I’ve missed so much in life but elated that I’m getting caught up)!
9. Taking a long bike ride in the morning, scrapbooking or reading, getting some errands done and ending the day with my peeps at church serving.
10. Only people who know me well realize that I will never ever become a girly girl (Lord knows so many have tried and failed at this!).
1. Carrie Smith, Guinea, West Africa
2. 36
3. As a 6 year old sitting on my bed with my beautiful preacher Daddy <3
4. I stay at home and homeschool in the mornings and then =all my kids come with me to the place where my husband and I both work. Fun life!!
5. hmmm….breathing?
6. I am! I'm part of a small fellowship of missionaries from different denominations who come together to worship JESUS a couple times a week. How crazy cool is that?!
7. Yes! A golden retriever named Sara.
8. A couple of wild JESUS lovers and I met for prayer last Thursday and just let GOD decide the topics we covered. We began praying that GOD would bring justice and a cleansing would occur in the government from many still left in positions of authority who have been involved in corruption. The next morning we woke up to a news article that the President of the country had, in a surprise move to everyone, just removed 11 ministers in the government who were tied to corruption and the old military junta. AMAZING!!!!!!! GOD is sooo crazy!!!
9. not really sure…but I know it would involve chocolate and Mexican food.
10. a scaredy cat!!
1. Sarah, McKinney, TX
2. 43 as of 3 weeks ago
3. 11 years old on the 3rd pew at church. Had to claim him in baptism. HAD. TO.
4. Recently went to work for a marketing company, prefer freelance writing.
5. Watching my kids “do their thing/ sport/ whatever” — then fitness, reading, whatever
6. I happily attend and consider family the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen, TX — we have only lived in this area over a year, but they have loved us and our children. A precious group.
7. I have a beloved, geriatric chocolate lab. Crippled with arthritis and needs a rear lift to stand up. The vet has said she is not long for this world (see: biggest recent disappointment).
8. My puppy will soon be playing in Jesus’ sunshine patch — big disappointment. Elation: that my kids have felt at home in our new church home, and watching them continue to grow into who God has called them to be.
9. Weather like yesterday: cool, cloudy, but not drizzly.A run in the morning (after sleeping in a bit), shower, then rest and relax with my man: reading,cleaning off the DVR. Then firing up the grill for a yummy dinner and movies at home. A true Sabbath. Love them.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am (my son saw this left up on my laptop and typed “on migraine pills” — which usually means a little loopy, too. There is truth in that, too 🙂 )
Only people who really know me realize that I am truly fearful and insecure. I talk easily to others and am generally comfortable around people, but Satan knows where my achilles is, and digs at me about it every opportunity.
This is the outright truth – I tried three times this morning to send this b4 for church, and had to just leave it thinking I should go back and make sure I had not said anything not appropriate…..The last time I was in a church service that served communion/Lord’s supper, was the night I gave every fiber of my broken life to God. This very morning is the first morning I knew my motives to sing where anyone but God could hear me. So I went back to choir rehearsal Wednesday. This morning I walked out with the choir and saw a table ready for me to come to the with a pure heart, and pure motives for the first time. I WORSHIPED sobbing almost not singing a single note. I didn’t want to disrupt anyones worship. But this day, my heart knew today, my husband and I needed to take the bread and wine in the form of juice, we are both so so grateful. When God’s hands are mending your broken life there is no such thing. So if this goes through this time, I’ll know.
1. Your name and where you live.
My name is Kimberly, and I live in Milton, FL
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
41
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
Wow! To Keep that brief, I am going to have to cut the bull – ony and get real, which I would do if you were look at my face, so here goes I was fake and bound up in shame and sin and addiction, Emotionally abused by a father who told me I was a disappointment many many times. Very similar to so, so many women who had fallen victim to sexual abuse, that later turned into an addiction in and of itself. assulted which resulted in pregnancy and 100 % truthful, made the decision to terminate my pregnancy even though the assault was fact, the reason was I did not want to disappoint my parents ever again. There is no shame whatsoever in telling that because I know what God can do. continuously switched addictions. When I ran into the UPS man, my husband gave me one last chance. I went to Pensacola, FL to a ministry sponsored by an incredibly grace filled Baptist church. the director did not want to take me, as 1. I was a felony probation officer, and 2. I am married to a minister. That combination is lethal. The result is a pistol packin’ preachers wife. but God told her to take me becuase IT WAS TIME! He promised her he was going to set me free. I am red headed with the attitude to go with it. and so calloused I didn’t love anyone, hated my husband, myself and a GOD i was not even sure existed. I had been there 1 month and in an evening service a volunteer sat next to me and called me on my bull-ony. She proceeded to tell me that when she saw me, she knew that God has something planned for me. and the problem was my perspective, not that God had gone anywhere, and i would find him if I would seek him with every fiber of my being. When I looked up and looked at the most beautiful stained glass in my life, and I could hear somewhere in me a voice I trusted as a child, too young to understand it b4 my body began to be defiled. The voice of God, through the holy spirit. promising me if I would surrender my brokeness to him, he would create a Masterpiece more beautiful than a man could with 1000s of pieces of broken glass. He was there when I was a child, He does have a future for me, and still God in my present state, and right now if I wanted life, and have an abundance of it I had to surrender my brokeness to him. so, I did. spent the whole night sobbing in my bunk bed and gave him every last piece including the hate I felt for my abusers. and spent 5 more months being loved until I could love myself, modeled by amazing people what demonstrating my devotion to God, and how much he really does love me. And when I went home to Louisiana God gave me two truly amazing women, a pastor’s wife who instilled in me a hunger for the word, and a mentor who loved me, but was also not afraid to call me on my bull-ony for the next three years. …that is about 2% of who I was and who I am. after 4 years I am walking in freedom every day I choose to surrender to God my broken pieces. Have I done it perfectly? nope, Have I fallen? Yep, but I was honest, not secretive that turned to shame. Once I realized freedom is an every day choice, I know, it up to me with the power of God over my life to stay free.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if you
Love your redemption story! So glad you were able to share it!
1. Debbie, Jacksonville, FL
2. 57
3. 9years old by myself, in my backyard
4. teacher
5. reading, walking on the beach
6. First Baptist, Jax
7. a sweet loving black and white cat, Tommy my son, and a feisty grandcat, Mia
8. a lot of anxiety, pressure and dislike for my present job
9. going to the beach very early in morning, walking for miles, picking up sharks’ teeth, reading a book, eating fast food or any food I didn’t fix, baking a cake, being with my husband and daughters
10. melancholy
9.
1. Betsy Hockaday – Cary, NC
2. 47 (this week!)
3. My parents became Christians when I was very young. I consider 9th grade the year I accepted Christ as my own.
4. Group Fitness Instructor/Coach. I also homeschool my youngest daughter (9th grade)
5. I love to workout :)!
6.Cary Church of God. Also lead bible studies out of my home (getting ready to start One in a Million!)
7. No
8. There are disappointments from time to time but my biggest elations are most from the joy I see in the great things my two girls do and their passion for Jesus (9th grade and sophomore in college)
9. Workout, go to Morning Times, hang out with family
10. that I am……..woo hoo and extrovert but also really love and need my downtime.
1. Lacrecia, Nashville, TN
2. 45 close to 46
3. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior at age 12 during a revival.
4. By profession I am a Counselor along with other duties and interest.
5. My favorite hobby is reading a page turning book.
6. Yes, Mt. Zion Baptist Church
7. No pets
8. My mom not getting the kidney but the satisfaction that God has her on His mind and she will have the one that He has perfectly selected for her.
9. A perfect Saturday, is being at the beach listening to the waves while reading a great book.
10. Only people who know me realize that I am an introvert.
1. Mindy Castillo, McDonough, GA
2. 38
3. At home after church when I was about 11 years old (I was too shy to go in front of the church even though I felt God calling me.)
4. I am a stay-at-home mom, finally! It has always been my heart’s desire and this year it came true! We have three girls 18, 13, and 4. I love being more available to them.
5. Watching movies with my family
6. Yes, Passion City Church – Atlanta, GA
7. One cat, Coco, but the girls are begging for a puppy!
8. Realizing that I can’t afford to be home full time and I have to find a part time job!/Knowing that God provides and He directs my path!
9. Up early for coffee and coffee cake or something sweet on the balcony overlooking the ocean then spending the rest of the day between the beach and the pool! Of course this is on vacation!
10. I am a dreamer/hopeless romantic.
1. Current geographic location, Eden Prairie, MN
2. 34 years
3. 5 years ago upon our move to Franklin, TN
4. wife, mother of four and part time preschool sports teacher
5. baking, reading…books, just love them!, running, laughing with my family, antyhing relating to proper football (soccer)
6. Grace Church, Eden Prairie, MN
7. Rescue dog, part boxer, part briard terrier named Polo
8. Being in the wilderness for longer than expected – the lessons taught while in the midst have been jaw dropping, awe inspiring and so full of grace
9. Any Saturday with my Man and all four kiddos at home, we’re always ready for adventure when together
10. Only people that know me realize that I am…more of an introvert than I claim to be.
1. Charlotte
2. 71
3. I was a sweet little girl of 10 living in Georgia. Had a wonderful Mom who took all of us to a Baptist Church every time doors opened. Walked the aisle to accept Him and really meant it. Grew up, made a bad choice in marriage partner, lost my way, got involved in new age philosophies, divorced and really found the Lord at 35 visiting a new Church in Alabama where everyone seemed to know the Lord intimately. Really became a believer — it became my life and still is today. God never lets us go and never gives up on us.
4. Retired
5. If you can call studying the Bible a hobby.
6. Yes non-denominational church.
7. 3, Chow/Sheltie mix (calm, beautiful and sweet). Shih Tzu (beautiful, smart and my shadow) and Parsons Russell Terrier (cute as can be, energetic and so much fun).
8. Life is more calm at my age — had many ups and downs when younger.
9. Walking my dogs, having lunch with my husband and taking the dogs and going on a day trip somewhere. They are veteran travelers and get on elevators, turn around and face the door just like adults. They are so much fun for both of us.
10. rescued by a God who came after me and made me His through His grace and mercy and that I haven’t always been the believer I am today.
1. Sara Herter – Columbus, Indiana
2. 33
3. 26 – lonely, unhappy, empty
4. Stay at home mama for the last 5 years and loving it!
5. Cooking
6. Yes, First Christian Church
7. Yes, our adorable 7 year-old lab/chow/shepherd mix – Tiller.
8. Disappointment = continued health problems. Elation – embracing my calling, teaching!
9. Perfect Saturday – cooking homemade buttermilk pancakes & bacon with my babies & hubby, a good 3-mile run,family-n-friends over for dinner, bedtime cuddles with my babies, and a movie with the hubs 🙂
10 Only people who know me….believe that I have moments of intense insecurity.
1. Melonie, Denver
2. 42
3. 5 years old at church
4. Social Work/presently caring for my mother-in-law–elder care
5. Reading
6. WaterStone Community Church (undercover Baptist)
7. Wish I had one. Only have a beta fish right now.
8. Biggest disappointment—our roofing project and how I reacted to it all. Greatest elation—not sure
9. Sleep late (usually am up at 5 am), so that would be 6:30. Have time with the Lord not interrupted by people needing something. Take a hot bath. Take a nap. Do some type of exercise. Meet a friend, maybe two for some girl time over a hot meal that I did not cook or clean up afterwards. Go to the beach (we do not have one of those in Denver). A date night with my husband with childcare arranged by someone else.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am struggling with many issues right now.
1. Erin, Chippewa Falls WI
2. 33, just for a couple more weeks 🙂
3. I grew up going to church, but professed my faith in Christ at 13
4. I’m a stay at home mom :}
5. I love shopping, and reading. I’m just starting to get into repurposing old furniture.
6. Yes! We love our church – Jacob’s Well in Eau Claire.
7. We have no pets despite my husband being a vet. He’s a vet without a pet.
8. My biggest recent disappointment: my sister not being able to visit for my birthday 🙁
My biggest recent elation: that my parents could come visit and spend ten days with us instead 🙂
9. Coffee out on the porch with crisp (not cold) air, spending some time doing something outside with my boys (hiking, biking, or watching them play). A GIANT nap for the boys, more peaceful time for me :). Supper at a delicious restaurant with my husband. Not too extravagant. If I could I would do all of this in Europe 🙂
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am a crier. A happy crier :). ___________________________________________________________________.
1. My name is Laura Dare Morgan. I live in Lewisburg, W.V.
2. I am 34.
3.I am so grateful that a loving Savior visited a small church camp up a hollow in WV, and won the heart of an ugly-feeling 11-year-old little girl.
4.I am a teacher at Seneca Trail Christian Academy.
5.Pinterest.
6.We serve at Graystone Baptist Church.
7.We have two cats (Boots & Pheobe) and one Pomeranian/Chihuahua dog (Tilley).
8.My biggest, most recent disappointment was seeing someone I love very hurt and discouraged by someone they trusted. My most recent elation was returning to teaching after ten years of being a stay-at-home mom.
9.My idea of a perfect Saturday morning is coffee alone on my porch in my jammies before the rest of my family is out of bed.
10.…insecure.
1. Shannon, Kissimmee, Florida
2. 36 (gasp)
3. I was saved @ 13
4. Nurse
5. Love to scrapbook
6. Poinciana Christian Church
7. I have a black & white fat tabby cat named Soprano
8. I am disappointed in a fellow sister but elated on how God hears our cries. I’m elated that I have a God fearing, God loving husband!
9. Sunday is worship at church. Fellowship with my church family & Football.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I desire to start a Women’s Ministry at our church because it is lacking.
HUGS Siestas
Shannon
1. Amy K. Jones from Fayetteville, GA
2. 38
3. Baptized when I was 12 after attending a tiny church with my neighbors (adopted grandparents) for several years (my parents have never attended church). By tiny – I mean that my sister and I were usually the only children in the sunday school class.
4. I am a CPA in Internal Audit for a public company that owns clothing stores
5. travel (just returning from London & Ireland) & scrapbooking
6. member & 3rd grade SS teacher at Harps Crossing Baptist Church, F’ville, GA
7. I have two dogs – Irish Wolfhound, Lander & small mix who picked us and answers to ‘Girl’ (aka mutt & jeff); turtle-Oobie, hermit crab-Tink, bunny-Flutter, two goldfish-Thing 1 & 2. Basically a small petting zoo.
8. my best friend just moved to a new state/trip to Ireland
9. A perfect Saturday would be to sleep until 10, a nice cool & sunny walk with the dogs and/or neighbors, lunch outside on the deck with my husband manning the grill, naptime, rocking chair on the front porch with my bible study, cuddle time with my 8 year old reading to me, night night…
10. hilarious, bull-headed & loyal
Oh, Beth!!!
I was soooo surprised to see the wealth of young women who responded I would not have thought that. I still feel very young most days in my mind at least even though I was easily the oldest one who responded to your survey and the most diverse in church afiliation as well. I will always have a fondness for your ministry becuz you stirred up a passion for me to GET INTO THE WORD MORE!!! Actually once I got started doing the in depth Bible studies it was not you at all it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit! It got me going teaching SS to 4 preschoolers, leading Bible studies and beginning a book of all the rich experiences God has allowed to transpire in my life cuz mostly I have “been there done that” as far as alot of things life throws our way.
Bless you and your ministry!
From the plains of ND!
Betty M
1. Sarah Tipton Carlsbad, San Diego, CA
2. 59 years young
3. Raised in baptist family acceped Jesus In baptist church in early elem .)
3. Infusion pharmacist 2 days a week
Certified life purpose coach
Church women’s ministry leader
5. Deep conversation with friends
Reading
6. Generation Church, South Oceanside CA
gotogeneration.com
sarahgtipton.wordpress.com/
7. Dog: Charlee girl -6 year old Golden Doodle
Zeva- 6 month old tabby cat
8. biggest recent elation.
My testimony published online at:
www. Storiesfromthevine.com
http://storiesfromthevine.com/finding-my-strong-tower/
9. perfect Saturday:
Sleep in
Brunch with 22 year old daughter,
Walk dog with husband by the beach
Relax, read in the back yard in afternoon
Dinner with friends
Watch a good movie
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am _______
_at my wits end because a family member is currently not speaking to me. I’ve apologized and done all I know how to make amends. I know the rest is in God’s hands. And it still makes me sad sometimes.
1. Your name and where you live. QP Louisville Kentucky
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin) 50ish
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? age 4
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.) Health Insurance
5. What is your #1 hobby? Rubber Stamping
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? St Stephens
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind. No
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation. Need more hand surgery. Took a class I had been attempting for years.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Sleeping late and then a big breakfast
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am shy
Mary in Oceanside, CA
37 (umm, how did that happen, grin)
I accepted Christ as a 12 year old at summer camp (Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, GA)
I am a homeschooling mama of 3.
#1 hobby is hanging with my family
We attend Coastline Baptist Church in Oceanside, CA
No pets
Having to say goodbye to friends in VA when we moved to CA over the summer. Such is the life of a Marine wife.
Perfect Saturday… a cool, crisp fall day with chili on the stove and mac and cheese in the oven. And of course, my DAWGS (Go Georgia) playing football on TV. Cuddled up with my husband and kiddos. Perfection.
only people who really know me know that I once was a magician’s assistant. really.
See you next weekend in Long Beach, CA siesta Mama! Can’t wait!
1.Tammy Brinkley Monroe,GA
2.46
3.
1. Kelli, nashville, tn
2. 25
3. As a 9 yo at “girls in action”
4.pregnancy counselor at an adoption agency ( my dream job,)
5. Reading
6. Yes, hermitage hills baptist
7. Wilbur the cat
8. Two broken friendships / being a newlywed
9. Sleeping in, coffee, shopping w my mama, date night with my hubby
10. I am broken yet healed
1.Tammy Brinkley Monroe,GA.
2.46
3.At age 24(newlywed)watching Billy Graham Crusade on t.v.
4.former teacher now stay-at-home mom
5.Reading
6.Grace Fellowship Church
7.dog Maggie (cockapoo)
8.raising teenagers/all God is teaching me presently
9.coffee on backporch w/hubby and watching college football together as a family
10.a person that hates to be late anywhere
1. Natalie Malec, Grand Prairie, TX
2. 40
3. 14, in a Methodist church
4. Physical Therapy Asst
5. Enjoying my family
6. Yes, Crosspoint Church of Christ, Grand Prairie
7. Black lab, Misty and a black cat, Hannah
8. Disappointment-death of our minister Elation-my husband’s courage to step out in faith and follow his dreams of working for himself
9. Cool or rainy day with a cup of coffee, a book and family
10 Only people who really know me realize my greatest fulfillment comes from being able to counsel people using God’s word ___________________________________________________________________.
1. Jane Litchfield Grafton NSW Australia
2. 40
3. listening to Amy Grant cassette in 1987
4. hairdresser
5. bible study
6. New life four square denomination
7. no pets
8. very excited to have opened my own shop in town
9. too many options for the perfect saturday, perhaps to be raptured straight out of bed !!!!
10. Only people who really know me realise I am your number one fan Beth! xx
Sherry: Indianapolis, IN
49
3. Accepted Jesus at age 6 at a Fall party at church
4. Work in a hospital system serving the uninsured and underinsured…totally blessed to be able to do so!
5. Reading and hanging out with friends being goofy
6. Heartland church…AND an awseome women’s Bible study called the “Dear John’s”
7. My dog just recently died and it’s still really hard. My godson’s called him “Jesus with fur on”
8. Being hurt by another believer in a very devastating way.
9. Sleeping in, breakfast with the peeps, reading some, a nap, and a movie or dinner with peeps
10. “Only people who really know me realize that I am”…sometimes incredibly anxious…and it rarely shows on the outside!