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. Cheryl, Coffeyville, KS
2. 57
3. Accepted Jesus at age 7 at church during the invitation at one of our Sunday morning services.
4. I’m a writer.
5. photography — which has led to an interest in birds
6. Am a member of our local First Southern Baptist Church
7. No pets now.
8. Biggest recent disappointment â a tough move for my parents, needing to downsize due to age; recent elation –
some of my work published
9. The perfect Saturday – a day spent with our kids
10 Only people who really know me realize that I work very hard even though I work from home.
Hi Cheryl,
Congratulations on having some of your work published. I am also a writer who works from home, so I just wanted to tell you that your answer to #10 resonated with me and you will be in my prayers. May I, as humbly as I know how, ask for your prayers. We can be writing prayer partners – my email address is [email protected] My comment is on page 6 – #268 in case you are more comfortable replying to a comment than emailing someone you’ve not met. I hope your day and your writing is blessed.
Patti Hayes
1. Your name and where you live.
Terry Felix. I live in Washington, IL
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
54 (at the end of October)
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
I was blessed to grow up in an awesome Christian home. I made my decision to accept Jesus and be baptized on january 14, 1968 when I was 10 years old. I was so small as a child they had to let half the water out of the baptistery so I wouldn’t be underwater the whole time đ
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.).
I am the secretary and do the women’s ministry at our church for 30 hours in the middle of each week. Then the best part of my job…watching my granddaughters on Monday and Friday.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
I like to scrapbook ans make cards
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Very much…Highview Christian Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
We have a 12 year old little Maltese poodle mix named Annie. My hubby has inside fish and outside fish that he hand feeds in his pond and has built a beautiful aviary that houses many pretty birds.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
My dear friend (age 54) was recently diagnosed with serious dementia
Got to spend yesterday at grandparents day with my oldest granddaughter
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Sleeping in/breakfast out with my hubby. Then nothing else I have to do all day đ
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am
Very insecure
1. Kai – Canada
2. early 40s
3. 7 at summer camp
4. ministry
5. cycling
6. yes! Home church and LifeGroup
7. Pets? Sadly no.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â when a friend left our LifeGroup â your biggest recent elation – Ride for Refuge!
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday – early morning coffee, read the newspaper cover to cover, long walk with a friend, picnic lunch with the family in the park, dinner out with friends
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am: not as brave as I appear.
1. MK, Puget Sound Washington
2. Let’s just say I could order off the senior’s menu!
3. As a child, I sensed His presence, in my tumultous life, but it was in my early twenties when I cried out to Him. (had never heard before that I needed to be ‘born-again)
4. Amazingly, because of God’s humor & love, I am still a homeschooling mom! (Started out a systems analyst & now need my daughters to tell me how to use my ‘smart’ phone!)
5. Reading.
6. Yes. Community Bible Fellowship
7. A fat tabby named Daffodil, and 13 yr. old german shepherd mix mutt, named Fluffers. Praying for a puppy!
8. Disappointment: an hurtful ommision from one closest to me. Elation: watching my girls walk in the ways of the Lord.
9. All the family together, spending time in the sun, laughing and guffawing.
10. I am very insecure and full of doubts.
Grateful we had coffee together before I moved!
MK!
No Cinder đ Glad you still have Daffodil though!
1. Your name and where you live. Denise – New Palestine, IN
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)- 42
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? When I was 11 in a small Southern Baptist Church. My best friend went forward with me because she thought I was scared and wouldn’t do it!
4. What line of work are you in? I am a database manager for a school system.
5. What is your #1 hobby? I wish I had time for it, but I love to scrapbook.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? Yes, Water’s Edge Church in New Palestine, IN
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind. We have a Cockapoo named Abby and a Rabbit named Puddin’
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation. Not meeting my weight loss goal for the year/planning some family time away in the near future
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Football, chili, family and friends. Lots and lots of laughter.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am. Sensitive
1. Ireland.
2. 30s
3. In 2000, in the middle of a beautiful forest on hearing His voice.
4. I’m a teacher.
5. Studying French.
6. Yes! A wonderful fellowship.
7. The most gorgeous golden retriever in the world!
8. Marriage struggles/a wonderful group of friends meeting for regular dinners that feels orchestrated by God!
9. Having been surprised the night before by my husband with a trip to France, waking up in a gorgeous comfy bed in a beautiful hotel room, going for a big buffet breakfast, walking around and enjoying the sights, spending some time alone with the Lord in a stunning setting, spending a few hours somewhere with some golden retriever puppies, and going for a beautiful dinner with my husband and a concert in the evening. Mmmm!
10 Only people who really know me realise that I am ‘very funny’ (so my husband tells me!). I think people think I’m more serious than I am!
1. Bailey. Knoxville, TN
2. 20
3. 02.11.09. I was sixteen and attended a youth function at an area church.
4. I am a college student majoring in Psychology and Religion. Initially I was trying to get my MRS. degree, but God had different plans. Now, Christian clinical psychology. I am so waiting for the call to be a housewife though đ
5. Oh how I love a good book or a good conversation or a good destination!
6. I am! I love my church in a deep way. Second Baptist Clinton, TN.
7. One little old pup! Jack-russel terrier.
8. Oh goodness: no big disappointments to speak of. Biggest elation: I was reading in Matthew when Jesus sent the demons out of the men and into the pigs. I read how the town begged Jesus to leave. I couldn’t figure it out and I let it sit on my mind for a few days. Then, the Holy Spirit fell. He fell in that way where we had a flat out conversation. That was awesome. (understatement). I learned that when Jesus heals people, the sins of other people are exposed–and that makes them pretty uncomfortable. People are afraid to be known. Ah, sweet elation.
9. I love Saturday–but especially Saturdays in the fall and winter. I think way back in the beginning God had very specific reasons for those days: oversized sweatshirts, soup, books, and naps. Amen for Saturdays.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a mess, but I am God’s mess and I am fine with that!
1. Billie Buchanan Galyen, Greenville, Kentucky
2. 40
3. 14. Beechmont Missionary Baptist Church, our pastor reached out to my familyâMark Johnson, who is now a full time missionary in Brazil. I held onto Jesus for dear life. My home was affected by alcoholism and I held onto the hope that Jesus loved me and wanted for me to be his. I felt safe with Jesus.
4. Pediatrician. Stepmom to four boys all of whom are teens!
5. ReadingâI love and almost obsessed with books and am surrounded by them. I LOVE going to bookstores. I could spend all day in Lifeway.
6. Yes. Leighâs Chapel General Baptist Church. My husband is the pastor. So, my third job (question 4) is ministerâs wife and Sunday school teacher of young adults! God has a sense of humor! (need more time for my testimony, but believe me God is full of surprises!)
7. Yes! I love my âgirlsâ: Donna and Flower (they were named by the teen young lady who raised the puppies). They are 2 year old Labradoodle sisters! They are 70 lb lap dogs! I have to say Iâm in love with my âbabiesâ! Pray for us because they have to be in the kennel for two large mission trips we are taking this year (Niger first Oct. 25 two weeks medical trip, then Kenya/Uganda with Visiting Orphans). It hurts my heart when we have to leave them.
8. My 25 lb weight gain this year (what happened? Is it because I turned 40?)/elation: memorizing James this year! Yeehah! Lord, cleanse my soul with your Breathing Word!
9. Sleep in, coffee, cooked breakfast, walk the âgirlsâ (our 2 yo âpuppiesâ) on the nature trail, read a good book, movie and dinner with my husband. The boys are content on this perfect day and no one asks âwhatâs for dinnerâ. (my most dreaded question as a stepmom, because I never know until the last minute!)
10. in need of time alone. I’m fun and love to dance, but I need a tiny bit of time alone each day–secret introvert.
Laura , Atlanta , GA
26 and proud of it! đ
I asked the Jesus into my heart when I was 5 years old, I remember having the conversation with my earthly Daddy and he told me all about what Jesus did and I knew I needed Jesus in my life.
4. I work at Georgia Tech College ! So blessed to go to a job that I love. I work with Student Events!
5. Couponing. Being faithful with my money that He has given me.
6. Yes! Passion City Church! Have been there for almost 2 years! Right where the Lord wants me!
7. Two cats and a two dogs.
8. I had a close friend of mine who is a wonderful and great person and completely on fire for Jesus make a terrible choice about something which ended up having some strong results. My heart has been broken over this. Watching someone go through these when they know the truth is the hardest thing.
9. Coffee, fall weather, with the WORD in hand on my back porch, followed by shopping and girl time with my wonderful sisters!
10 I am not like all the others. I am different.
1. My name is Donna Schultz and Iâm from Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
2. I am 55 years old.
3. I was raised Catholic, but I was never taught that I could have a personal relationship with Christ. In my early thirties, I began attending an Assemblies of God church, where I learned about salvation. I truly embraced what Jesus did for me on the Cross. I was changed, overtaken, and in love with Him, from that day forward.
4. I was a Registered Nurse for about 15 years, until I decided to stay home after my third child was born. Been at home for 25 years. Now Iâm a wife, mom, and proud, proud, did I say âProudâ, grandmother to 3 lovely little girls (4, 2 and 3 weeks old).
5. Hobby? Not a clue.
6. Yes. Grace Community Church in Detroit, MI
7. Do adult sons still living at home count? Just kidding. No pets. Humans are enough for me to handle.
8. Not being able to purchase a home we fell in love with/The birth of my absolutely perfect third granddaughter.
9. Quiet time with the Lord on a warm Saturday morning, out on my patio, drinking a good cup of coffee, followed by a day of catching up on TV shows, or reading a good book. Topped off by a nice dinner alone with my man. Maybe a sneak visit with one of my daughters and their girls.
10. âŠdaily fighting a battle between the curses of the generations before me, and Satanâs attempts to steal, kill, and destroy the generation coming after me.
Your answer to #10 hit me hard. You must have access to my journals! As you know it is a process but it is also a promise that The Lord has good plans for,you and He knows those deep, deep desires of our heart that we sometimes cannot articulate. Jack Frost has written several books on embracing Father’s love and reclaiming our “daughtership”….instead of walking around saved but feeling orphaned. I don’t know but maybe it will bring you into a richer place with Jesus….family dynamics tug so much at our heart and our flesh. I am praying for you today.
1. Amy – Cherry Hill, NJ
2. 33
3. 5 day club – 5 years old
4. I am a stay-at-home mom, retired lawyer đ
5. I don’t feel like I have any hobbies right now… maybe shopping? Whenever I get a free moment that’s what I seem to do.
6. Bethel Baptist Church- Cherry Hill, NJ
7. Two crazy dogs – Labradoodle and Cockapoo
8. Discouraged over some things that recently happened/cheesy but – my friend’s dog being featured in last week’s edition of InTouch magazine because the dog seriously looks like Richard Gere (I was the one who submitted his picture – lol)
9. Up before the sun with the Lord, coffee, breakfast with my hubby and girls, workout at the gym, shower, making everyone lunch, fun day with my family, someone else cooking dinner, resisting temptation to waste time and actually getting to bed early – reading a good book in bed.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am constantly fighting the urge to withdrawal from people altogether. I might be the most introverted extrovert alive. But only people who really know me know this đ
1. Donna, Jacksonville FL
2. 41
3. age 9, bible day-camp
4. God blessed me with being a stay-at-home Mom for 13 years. Now I work part-time as a secretary.
5. Cooking, serving others
6. I am a pastor’s wife, at Jones Road Baptist Church
7. No pets at this time….just four teenagers haha
8. Disappointment: the lack of respect and love from church members for my husband, who is the Pastor). Elation – seeing my children beginning to understand the true meaning of service.
9. My perfect Saturday would involve sleeping late and then spending the whole day with my husband and children just relaxing doing whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am…shy and struggle with my self-worth.
I live not far from you….I have a friend who is a pastors wife and I have seen thru her eyes how her husband has been treated by ” church people” and its very discouraging at times…
1. Valerie from West Texas.
2. 41
3. I was 15 and in the 9th grade. My boyfriend (who grew up in a Christian home while I didn’t) got saved and invited me to church with him. At the end of service, EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE CHURCH went to the front to pray, so I did too. BF’s mom asked me if I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart, and I did!
4. I’m a CPA working at a hospital. And have prayed for years to be able to be a stay-at-home mom.
5. Whew, who has time? I like to scrapbook once in a while. đ
6. Yes, I’ve attended the same local non-denominational church for 23 years.
7. Our sweet, much-loved 16 year-old dog died last month. We are heartbroken. We now have a Beta. đ
8. My biggest recent elation was travelling to Uganda and Ethiopia in June!
9. Sleep late, wake up to yummy coffee and biscuits, gravy, and hash browns. Do something productive (so I don’t feel like the day was completely wasted). Play something fun or go somewhere fun with my family. End with dinner out and a movie in. đ
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am actually VERY introverted!!
Paige- Burlington nc
41
I accepted Christ when I was first in middle school at a youth camp. However, I strayed so far away, that god lovingly hunted me down and rescued me on June 27th in a hospital room. Bathed in grace Ithe only w thing I could do was to repent and return to my first love…Christ.
I am not working right now. I was an occupational therapist which was rewarding. However, I lost both of my parents a. Most recent was my mother last December to a stroke. So, it is a little too fresh to return to at this time.so I have been doing some soul searching about what God wants me to do w the second have of my life.
Number one hobby right now is reading the word. I am reminded every day how many snares I could have avoideD or how many people I would have treated differently if i only would have known the word. So I am having a love affair with the word right now đ
St marks in Burlington, nc
I have one yellow lab named hope. She is six. Complete joy . I am taking her to training to be a therapy dog. She brings a smile to anyone she meets so I am taking her thru training to see where it may lead. I love watching her learn and oh the lessons I learn from her!
BiggEst disappointment…surveying the past..biggest elation…hope perseveres.
The people that know me the best…know how big of a mess my life has been ,im shy but have a sense of humor , still learning to accept who I am, my heart is generous to a fault, observant to everything !, my tongue can get me in trouble so much that you would think that it was connected to my knees, anD I need to let go and let God.
1. Eva, Knoxville, Tennessee
2. 51
3. 12, at GA Camp
4. SAHM (4 boys, twin teens and 2 college age)
5. Blog (Reedersreads.blogspot.com) started 3 years ago, almost 100 posts!
6. Yes, Cokesbury UMC
7. Bailey- shepherd mix, Casey- border collie mix, Zelda – pb australian shepherd,
Roxy and Zoe – diluted torti cats
8. Teenage son (twin) lack of school effort , college son’s success
9. sleep til 9am, walking with hubs, watching sons sports or UT bball or Braves, dinner
OUT, fire on patio in evening.
10. write poetry and struggle with living in a house full of males!
Oh no, another quiz! Haha
1. Michele, Liverpool, NY (although my heart is in the south!!)
2. 43
3. Don’t know one specific day. Around 2004?
4. Ugh. Don’t know how to answer that.
5. ?
6. Yes, so thankful for my church – Northside Baptist, been there about 1 year & love it.
7. No đ
8. Disappointment – not finishing my book yet. Elation – encouragements about my book including Beth teaching straight from it last month & I just received an endorsement from the president of my seminary.
9. Jesus coming to get us. Second would include college football and Mexican food.
10. Good night, why do Beth’s questions like this always get me? Can we go back to Bible trivia? Struggling with those issues of identity, calling, and bonding (or lack thereof).
I would so appreciate any prayers. This book (on Scripture memory) must be important because I have been getting beat up – today feeling very oppressed and confused along with powerful anxiety. Just put on some angry praise. #pushback
i love that you said your heart is in the south. i feel the same way. it feels like lpm and so many of my favorites are located in the buckle of the bible belt, and meanwhile i’m living alone on the cufflink đ lol
Michele,
I’m praying for you tonight and the book project. I know what it is like to experience extreme oppression in those areas we are called to for bringing the most glory to God.
In the meantime, the South loves you, too. Come on back now, ya’ hear?
Love you, friend,
Michelle
1. Andrea – Roscoe, IL
2. Age – 50
3. I don’t remember one specific date, always growing in faith
4. Customer Care Rep.
5. Cooking
6. Yes, Trinity Lutheran Church
7. My granddog is a German Shorthair Pointer
8. Biggest disappoint – the economy. Elation – everyday is a blessing
9. Being with Family or Friends
10. I’m pretty much an open book
Becky Jo – Chesterfield MI
43yrs
19yrs old at a Billy Graham crusade in Denver Co. (WOW, still get glory bumps when I think of that day!)
I’m a mama / babysitter / photographer
music, running, reading, hanging out with friends
Macomb Christian Church (LOVE!!!)
Cali-Cat and about 20 fish all named Nemo
Disappointment – it’s a little personal but a HUGE prayer need so, please pray for … well, we’ll just say “us”. Y’all, it is major and I cannot talk to ANYONE but Him about it. Please pray!!!
Elation – God healed my baby girl in our 3rd Emergency Room of the week, miraculously and without any plausable reason. Even the doc called it a miracle. HOLLA!
Saturday – early morning run, sweats/pajamas with my girlies all day, nice LONG romantic date (i.e. no Home Depot involved!!) with my man in the evening and coming home to a clean house … oh wait, is that too much to ask?
Only people that really know me know that … I have one very serious phobia and it haunts me every single day of my life (see also the prayer request above … ouch). I am trying with all that I am – and all that He is through me – to forsake my ashes and take His beauty. Lord, let it be!!!
I know what it is! … Unless it’s something other than the birds.
nope … not the birds. That is a silly phobia … this is a serious one. OY!
Also, I love ya!
Praying!
1. Olivia- currently Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
2. 22
3. Age 12 at cheerleading camp
4. Army wife, studying elementary education
5. Reading
6. Yes, on post church
7. No… but getting a puppy in January hopefully! Black lab
8. I knew being married would not be easy, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be. This is both my disappointment and my elation, because though it’s hard and even painful at times, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced (got married in May 2012)
9. Sleeping in, college football, going on a date
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am not as independent as I like to seem đ
1. Crystal, I live in Central Alabama
2. 19!
3. This past summer at revival at my church.
4. I am a student at Jacksonville State University and I’m majoring in Secondary Education-English!
5. BAKING!!! or cooking of any kind! It’s a passion!
6. Mountain Brook Baptist Church
7. I have a horse! I love to ride! đ Also, two pygmy goats!
8. Sleeping late and missing my French class for the 2nd time this week.. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but working hard in school is something that I strive to do, and I’ve been slacking lately. /// Making the Student Alumni Ambassadors at school!
9. Waking up to a caramel latte, the weather being warm but with a breeze(Spring or Fall). Spending the whole day with my family and friends outside just having a wonderful time together!
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a perfectionist with a bossy side, but I worry too much and am stressed just about everyday.
*God gives me PEACE!!!
<3
Kimberly, Canby Oregon…age 45 (!) I’ve known Jesus most all my life. Raised in a “God-fearing” (BIG EMPHASIS on the fearing part) family of 6 kids…dad a Baptist minister…so bible memory and such a daily event. I started a club when I was around 11 called…brace yourself…God’s Happy Daisey’s Club! Punkin Head!! đ I am a home maker at present with “irons” in the fire praying about what/where/how/when God wants to expand my territory. I love to entertain, eat and laugh…I love to journal. I am going to Bedside Baptist at this moment BUT….missing me a body to worship with so…looking for a church. We have 2 dogs, 3 pigs, 22 chickens and 3 cows. I am not an animal lover so this is hysterical/frustrating at times and all I can say is…the things we do for love! Next question…latest disappointment…being disrespected by my fella. đ Latest elation…watching my adorable curly, blond headed son peek out the window at me to say goodbye. đ Would love me a Saturday Spa day with my little sister, good food, great conversation and much laughter. Only people who really know me realize that I am….lonely~
1. Lindsey Claire… Jenks, Oklahoma
2. 28
3. Age 7, Mom led me to Christ in our old living room
4. I’m a court reporter (stenographer) now, but in school at SNU for Psychology/Counseling! đ
5. Movies/TV or reading
6. Yes, LifeChurch Tulsa and my Lifegroup Bible study
7. No, but I want an adorable Pomeranian
8. Disappointed in my own failures / Excited that I’ll be able to go through grad school debt-free!
9. Winter!! Sleeping in, road trip to OKC, Italian food lunch with the fam, hanging out with my nephews/working on a fun craft project with mom, then dinner + a great romantic comedy movie + a heart-to-heart talk with my best friend!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am actually a much healthier person today than I was 3 years ago.
1. Natalie – Tennessee
2. 31
3. I asked Jesus to be my savior when I was ten. Thankfully, my church experience was very positive when I was little; Jesus was my hero and my friend and so I started asking questions about salvation very early on. I saw an older boy get baptized and asked my mom to explain what that meant. She prayed with me when I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. My understanding of grace has deepened as I’ve grown; God’s Grace simultaneously makes me want to celebrate and it makes me want to fall on my face, overwhelmed. I’ve made some stupid mistakes. The weight of His Grace was the only thing that kept me from falling to pieces. In the words of one of my favorite Avalon songs, “He saved me once. He saves me still.”
4. I’m a writer. I write freelance, but I also write novels for kids. I love my career, and I’m grateful for it every day.
5. Reading. I could lose hours in a good book. Good stories turn my heart inside out.
6. I attend Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN.
7. My dog is a wire-haired fox terrier. She’s a fuzzy cuddle-monster with a huge personality and the most kissable, floppy ears ever. I’m nuts about her.
8. I know this sounds cliche, but I’m 31 and – like many other sisters out there – I hoped I’d be married by now. Every time my birthday gets closer (or Christmas … or Thanksgiving … or Columbus Day – ha :), there’s this awful little prickle of sadness I can’t seem to chase away (and, of course, a hiss in my ear that tries to convince me I don’t deserve a great guy). I’m still praying, believing, and trusting that there’s a godly, funny, kind man I’ll meet soon. My greatest elation is that, this month, I’ll have walked in three years of victory over an addiction to food (I lost 60 pounds through Breaking Free!). I also recently moved into a new place in my career that I love and am overwhelmed by. I’m praying God will show me how to be faithful with this. This is a promised land for me; and I desperately want to keep my feet planted here.
9. I’d have my quiet time, then meet my mom, sister, and niece for brunch (banana bread french toast!), go explore a quirky bookstore downtown (I nearly spelled that as “downton” – like the Abbey. Ha :), spend the afternoon with some friends, and end the night snuggling my dog and reading a good book.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am sometimes overcome by paralyzing, unfounded fear. Since the simulcast, I’ve been praying for complete freedom from fear and anxiety, and I believe God’s delivering me.
Your ministry means so much to me. Grateful for everything you all do!!
1. Linda Baron, Bend, Oregon
2. 60 yrs. yikes!
3. After attending church all my life, I realized I didn’t have a personal relations. At 23, I gave my life to Jesus after I spoke to my pastor.
4. Purchasing specialist at a hospital. I used to be a teacher, high school and college business education.
5. Reading
6. Eastmont Church (CBA)
7. no pets
8. My father passed away 4 months ago.
My son and his wife came to visit this summer.
9. Family time…church and then dinner and spending time together.
10.In a marriage with a verbal abuser for 41 years.
1. Your name and where you live.
Rana Crow
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
24
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
I was about 12 years old. I was in Sunday School.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
Web Designer
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Making old furniture new again! đ
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Yes, Faith Christian Family Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
We have a beautiful hyperactive Red Border Collie/Australian Sheppard. Her name is Marlie. (I am afraid she does have tendency of “Marley” off of Marley and Me)
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
Family turmoil. Big family vacation in November!
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Cuddle up on the couch cat napping and watching movies!
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am not as reserved as I may seem.
1. Shirleen, Greenville, SC
2. 52
3. Accepted Jesus during a dorm bible study at University of Nebraska
4. Part-time house cleaner
5. Love to read!
6. Brookwood Church, Simpsonville, SC
7. Sweetest golden retriever – Maisy
8. My son (in the Army in Germany) was unable to attend his sister’s wedding/our daughter getting married 9/29/12 with a lovely ceremony-reception
9. Sleeping in late, then taking a drive in the mountains enjoying the fall leaves with my husband
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am more of a talker than I let on.
1. Your name and where you live.
Ann Marie – Bethlehem, PA
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
50!
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
I accepted Jesus as my savior as a 16 year old girl at a youth retreat.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
I am the Registrar for a Performing Arts High School.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Scrapbooking and Card Making
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
YES! Calvary Baptist Church, Bethlehem, PA
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
Sadie – our ten year old beagle
Cookie – our seven year old dachshund.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
To find out a close friend’s husband has left her./our newly appointed police officer son has accepted Christ as his Savior!
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Just had one — wake up without the alarm, coffee in bed, hang out with my husband and my beautiful daughter. Maybe a trip to the store? Maybe not! No set schedule at all. Dinner at home and a movie!!
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am very very sensitive!
1. Your name and where you live. Dawn – Southwest Missouri
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)47
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? In second grade when the Easter story became real to me.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
I am a stay at home Mom who also is daycare for two nephews.
5. What is your #1 hobby? quilting
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Yes, New Site Baptist Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind. Two cats
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation. medical diagnosis/seeing kids face light up as they recite scripture to me at AWANA
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Right now it is supporting my boys at a cross country meet or marching band competition. (spending time with family and friends!)
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I feel pain every day.
1. Brittany. Columbia, SC
2. 25
3. I was 23, sitting in a good friends car at 2 in the morning when it all just clicked for me
4. I’m a full time nanny to two children. A 2 1/2 year old little girl and an 8 month old boy. They are my life.
5. Reading and writing.
6. After a painful breakup from a church I was with for two years, I just found a body of believers that have accepted me (as well as my suspicions and questions) called Hill of The Lord. It’s kind of like a house church, but slightly larger
7. I have a cat named gizmo who thinks he’s a dog. He sits, comes, begs, and fetches.
8. Disappointment- more so a cause of sadness and heartache but a dear friend relapsed again and is back in treatment. Excitement- this weekend I have off of work and I have planned nothing except to sit at a coffee shop with coffee and my bible and letters to write
9. Sitting on the beach listening to the ocean with a good book.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am: a softie once you break past my harden walls.
1. Becky, TN.
2. 28
3. At the age of 9. It was Halloween time and I was in GAs at church and my teacher shared the gospel using a lit Jackolantern, explaining when we have Jesus in our heart our lives are lit up like the pumpkin. But without him, they were dark (and she blew the candle out). I knew immediately I wanted that light in my life, not darkness.
4. I have worked in Human Resources for 7 years. I love HR.
5. Exercising. Reading is a close second.
6. Yes ma’am, a Baptist church in our town. Hubby has been a Deacon for 5 years, I’ve taught a High School girls class for 7 years and served on our Personnel Team for 2 years, and Hubby serves in the College Ministry. We love our church home!
7. Yes. We have a 5 year old dog named Chloe. She’s a mutt. We think a mix of boxer and pit bull. Who knows. She changed this former girl who was scared of dogs into a huge dog lover. đ
8. Disappointment: Getting some bad news on a young friend’s mother’s cancer battle. Elation: I’m 19 weeks pregnant and my hubby felt the baby kick for the first time last week. Special moment for sure!!
9. Church and then my 2:00 Body Pump class. Then relaxing at home (maybe a little nap) and a good supper at home. And in the Fall/Spring a nice fire and smores in the outside firepit!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am… always fighting the legalistic mindset I’m prone to.
sorry pregnancy brain…realized you asked about perfect Saturday…not Sunday.
It’d be sleeping in with no alarm to wake me. Taking my time drinking my coffee and watching the news with Hubby. Then heading out to Body Pump class at 9:00 and spending the rest of the day relaxing at home (no chores!) and a nice dinner at home. And I’d still do the smores if it was nice out! đ
1. Jillian, just moved from Wyoming to Fort Collins, Co
Praise the LORD!
2. Fifty. Or as I like to say “The NEW Thirty.
3. In college. After asking questions for 7 months, I made the decision. Kind of a “Jesus take the wheel” thing. I was 21. I was walking home from study group. It was a brilliantly lit December night. The softest snow was falling, and I was walking across a field. Very special memory.
4.I am an Elementary Teacher, currently on ‘sabbatical’ (unemployed). Looking for a new carreer, after the boxes get unpacked, the pictures hung, the new doctor/dentist/bank/mechanic/etc. are found!
5. Toss up between reading/shopping/cooking.
6. SouthGate Church. Found a church already, and we are THRILLED!
7. Leo, my designer designer dog. He is Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu/Toy Poodle/Yorkshire Terrier. Yep! He’s a ‘party’ dog, and truely has the best of every one of those dogs. He’s my shadow. đ
8. My son went to college FAR AWAY and is now an evangelical atheist. (Yes, you heard correctly)///We finally moved out of Wyoming!
9. Late morning breakfast; exploring the beautiful Colorado landscape with my hubby and 2 sons; dinner with good friends; movie at home w/ friends & family; fire in the fireplace; staying up late talking about it (and other stuff) until our eyes droop.
10. Well versed in the Word of God.
1. Mary – Alabama
2. 49 — oh my word! Loving my last year of my 40s!
3. Accepted Jesus at 12 yrs old at an August revival
4. I’m a writer, speaker and I work developing cruises for a Christian cruise company — and I’m very blessed to get to do this work!
5. Hobby? — goodness, does shopping online count? If not, then reading good fiction!
6. First Baptist Church Pinson — love my church family!
7. Dog (half Jack Russell & half ??) Max; Three cats — Big kitty, Little Kitty and Pip (yes, we got all creative with that last one)
8. Told my position w/ the company was going away, I was crushed and so sad. Three months later I was asked to start developing cruise concepts — to say I’m thrilled would be a HUGE understatement. Only God!!
9. curled up on the sofa reading a good book
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am …
insecure. I struggle with this but keep it so very WELL hidden.
Oh Mary!
How I’d love to get a cup of something warm and sit and talk with you a while! đ As I’m reading your answers I’m thinking… Relate, Relate, Relate. God’s unexpected detours often turn into our most delightful excursions. đ
Your #10 is similar to mine. Bless you dear sister… And I pray the Lord would set us both completely free in this area. đ
Blessings,
Michelle
1. Angela W. Moreland, GA
2. 50
3. I was 11 years old and Ms. Morgan, my 85 yr old neighbor led me to the Lord while sitting in her living room.
4. County Government Administration
5. Music
6. Yes, First Baptist Church of Newnan, GA
7. Yes, 2 cats Charlie & Blacky. Just buried my 14 yrs old collie, Lucy.
8. Struggles in college I see my son dealing with/Power of prayer shown so evident to me in so many ways!
9. Early morning newspaper read, laying/swimming at our pool, college football game and spending time with my kids!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a very happy together person, held together by the grace of God and is present along each step I take.
1. Susie, Beautiful Western Michigan
2. 48
3. 14 at a youth group activity
4. I work in customer service at a marashino cherry company.
5. Dancing or doing puzzles
6. I go to New Beginnings church
7. I have a dog, Nitschke, a rescue mut.
8. Biggest recent disappoinment is our varsity highschool football team lost to a rival team last week in overtime…how pathetic am I. Most recent elation was my daughter writing to me from Qatar and telling me how much she misses me.
9. Perfect Saturday is sleeping in…chores done by noon. Football, shopping, eatting out. Fun time with family or friends in the evening.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am so unorganized!
1. Your name and where you live.
Bonnie Joy Crocker â Chico, CA
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
54
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
Valentineâs Day, 1974 at the 1st Baptist Church, San Jose, CA.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
Clerical; downsized out of a job almost 4 years ago, still seeking permanent employment. Currently work for a temp agency.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Baking!
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Yes, the Evangelical Free Church in Chico, CA
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
The most adorable miniature dachshund, in all the land: Miss Harper Anne
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
Biggest disappointment: learning the job I thought was going to be created for me was not going to happen.
Biggest elation: moving to within a mile of my parents to help care for them.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Not setting an alarm, baking, and reading, taking the dog for a walk along the creek, working on a quilt to give to wounded warriors, a foster child or one aging out of the system, someone in the hospital or hospice.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am
lonely, afraid and sad I never had a family of my own.
_______________________________________________________
1. Arielle – Chesapeake, Virginia
2. 17
3. When I was 6 years old in my parents’ bed.
4. I’m in school at Tidewater Community College and I am working towards my certificate in American Sign Language (finished in December!) and a degree in photography. I currently teach piano as well.
5. ~Photography. I love capturing little bits of life and creation in a picture. đ
6. ~Yes. Greenbrier Church.
7. ~No pets at this moment.
8. ~Learning that my brother wouldn’t be able to visit for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. – Being asked to take pictures for The Heart Gallery for the second year in a row!
9. ~Hmm… Absolutely no homework, a few video games with my siblings, and a nice long book to curl up with.
10 ~passionate about a few select things, but that I go full force when I am passionate about something.
1. Mrs. Ritz in Cedarville, OH
2. I turned 38 this week!
3. Sunday night service at a small baptist church on the Navajo Indian reservation in AZ
4. I work from home as a virtual executive assistant for clients in TX and IL.
5. Writing
6. Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, OH
7. Two mutts – Abbie (Great Pyrenees mix) and Trixie (Black Lab mix)
8. Disappointment: Husband losing his job/Blessing: God’s provision as we search for what is next.
9. A hike, coffee with a friend, time to write, late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, movie night with my family
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a complete goofball.
1. Your name and where you live. Kristi and I live in Nashville, Tennessee
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin) I’m 49 but everyone thinks I’m much younger. đ
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? I Grew up in church but came to know Jesus personally around 11 years of age. It was during a church/revival service that I became convicted and talked with my Mom afterward.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.) I work for a Christian-based children’s book publisher. I work in editorial and manage the business Facebook page.
5. What is your #1 hobby? Blogging is my hobby. I love to blog about what God’s been teaching me.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? Yes. I attend a small body of believers in Franklin, TN called Christ Fellowship. I love my church family and we have a wonderful women’s ministry.
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind. I have a cat named Bandit.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation. My biggest disappointment is never being married, meeting a wonderful guy this year which ended up in a breakup. Still hurts. Elation: Getting the opportunity to do something I’ve wanted to do for years which is attend a baseball game in St. Louis this summer. (I’m a big fan.)
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. About two hours to putz around in the morning, drink coffee, and read emails. Do a little yardwork in the sunshine and end the day having dinner with friends.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am really funny.
1. My name is Ashley Phelps and I live in Chesapeake, VA.
2. I am 31 years old. {When can we say âyears youngâ without sounding like a booger?}
3. I was 25 years old when Jesus took over my life for real. I walked the isle and was even baptized when I was a little girl but it never really clicked until then. A huge issue was refusing to believe that I was actually unsaved all of those yearsâŠthatâs a scary thought. I called my mother-in-love and wanted to KNOW I would meet Jesus in heaven one day. On my apartment balcony that evening, face to the floor and tears abundantâŠJesus was accepted as King of my Life.
4. I am an office manager at a recycled plastic furniture store in Moyock, NC {www.built-to-last.com}. My heart is to one day be a teacher so that I can have the same school schedule as my children {6 & 3}, Iâd love to teach high school psychology or historyâŠbut for now the Lord has placed me here. I was blessed to be able to bring both of my children to work with me for over a year as babies, and that was priceless. {Yet a recent monkey wrenchâŠI was honored to serve in Haiti this past August and would lead if called to go back! Ultimately, I just want to please Him in ALL I do.}
5. I love to find time to photograph, do any activity at the beach, or craftâŠbut my realistic hobby is anything my children enjoy at the moment. đ
6. Yes, we are members at Great Bridge Baptist Church, also in Chesapeake, VA. We love the direction our church is taking, our Pastor Will is awesome, we enjoy our Sunday School class and have recently started working with the youth there as well, which has been such a huge unexpected blessing.
7. We have a Neapolitan Mastiff, Elijah Blue. We call him Eli for short and he is nearly 200 pounds of sweetness & dumb all rolled into one. {The truth in love, of course.} Heâs a rockstar in our hearts.
8. Disappointment: My mother-in-love has recently been given a scary health prognosis. / Elation: Seeing my mother-in-law cling to Jesus and serve as an amazing example to us, as a family, during this time. {We like to refer to ourselves as a current day Ruth & Naomi.}
9. AhhhâŠsleeping in, a family fun activity, a date with my hubby…{and good food throughout.}
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am not who I should be. By the cards I was dealt, by the way I acted out, I deserve to be thrown out with the trash BUT because I am saved & loved by a living, breathing Jesus Christ, I am fully redeemed and learning daily how to proclaim His glory through my storyâŠthe whole story.
First, I love you and have been missing you!
1. Vickie – Current River, Doniphan, Missouri
2. 47
3. In my home, July 26, 2008. Wee hours of the morning,
He placed His spirit in my heart.
4. Beloved daughter of THE King & domestic goddess.
5. The King, seriously! Reading is boring but I would
almost rather read than eat….almost! I like to
write too.
6. Yes, Baptist but personally, non-denom.
7. A cat named Hemi, short for hemorrhoid, sometimes,
she’s a pain…sorry! Upon my conversion, now she is
known as Hemi, short for Hymnal.
8. Part A: Personally, this menopause thing.
Honestly, is it so necessary? Hopefully,
someday Jesus will give me clarity on it!
Part B: Realizing He means what He says, “I will
never leave you nor forsake you.” Makes me
weep. (Hope that’s not just the menopause).
9. Rise, meet w/you know who, sense His presence & be
ruined for weeks over that moment in time. Then,
cook a feast for my man and grown kids that no
longer live anywhere close. They’d wake up to the
smell of biscuits, gravy, bacon, sausage, tators,
etc… Then, we would sit around all day in our pjs
and talk about Jesus. Maybe cook some more food….
watch a good movie, play some card games and bask in
each other and the prayerfully slow Saturday with
Him.
10. completely in love with my Lord and Savior. This
realization kinda makes me want to barf. Strangers
should know it also. But Jesus…..He’s not
finished with me yet!!! So, this was fun.
Lastly, I just burned 15 copies of your message from Passion 2012…..stinkin awesome! He is bigger/larger/greater than anything this side of the cross….Oh praise Him!!!
Vickie,
I love your answers! đ Your honesty and transparency make me think you’d be fun to have a nice long chat with about life, God and just learning more about who God created you to be.
The thing about your cat’s name … Very funny! đ Totally redeemed.
Blessings,
Michelle
1. Your name and where you live. Kim – Salem, Oregon
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin) – 30
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? – When I was around five, one night after church (Awana maybe?) I told my mom and dad and they sat and prayed with me in my brother’s room.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.) – Was a paralegal for a law firm but now stay home with my sweet two year old đ
5. What is your #1 hobby? Can chatting be a hobby? đ
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? Yes – New Hope Foursquare Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation. – Finding out I wasn’t pregnant and then finding out my sister in law is.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Getting up early to a quiet house, sitting by myself with coffee or hot chocolate, curled up reading my bible. Then maybe baking something and going and doing something fun as a family.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am a little shy in big groups but love one on one time! Quality time is definitely my love language.
1. Kristi Walker/ Inman, SC
2. 41
3. When I was around 9 at church. I recommitted my life when I was in my early 30’s…just me and Jesus sitting around together at my house.
4. I’m a homeschooling mom and part-time Realtor/Broker.
5. Reading/writing/traveling
6. Lake Bowen Baptist Church (LOVE these people!!)
7. We have two fur people. Paw is a Boston Terrier and Loki is a Pug. I’m in love with them. …grin…
8. Going through therapy and learning about my co-dependency and going through therapy and learning about my co-dependency. It’s been so hard(scary) and at the same time very fulfilling. (disappointment AND elation)
9. Traveling anywhere new and adventurous is a perfect day to me…preferably in the fall or spring…with a good book as company during the ride.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am very uncomfortable surrounded by large groups of people. I feel lost and completely out of sorts. But, as a speaker in our local homeschooling community, I’ve had to learn to deal with it. My husband always comes with me as my quiet support to focus on in the back of the room. đ
1. Debby – Akron, Ohio
2. 41-11/12
3. My mom led me to the Lord in our living room when I was 7 or 8. I could not sleep (the Spirit was telling me I had been lying to my mom about having accepted Christ)
4. Stay at home homeschool mom
5. Cross-stitch, racquetball, swimming
6. The Chapel
7. Yellow lab mix named Ginger
8. Medical issues with the family – God led me to a Christian chiropractor and my 3 month headache is pretty much gone!
9. Spending it outside with the family and relaxing
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am …no one really knows me
1. Andrea from New Brunswick, Canada.
2. 34
3. When I was 16, in response to a tract I had been handed on a street corner. A personal relationship with Jesus was definitely not mentioned in the church I grew up in, but I knew it was what I needed!
4. I am a kindergarten teacher part-time, a homeschool tutor to my friend’s kiddos, and a sewing artist who brings children’s drawings to life!
5. I couldn’t choose just one. I sew, quilt, write, read, make music and enjoy the great outdoors with equal enthusiasm.
6. My husband and I have just recently joined our local Baptist church. I have been blessed to be a part of the music ministry there. I love our new church!
7. I have two sweet guinea pigs who keep me smiling!
8. My husband and I have been told we will not be able to have children of our own (although I still believe in miracles!)/I have just taken a a huge order for my custom stuffed animals!
9. Quiet time alone in the morning before my husband wakes up, a beautiful sunny day with time to garden, to sew, to write, to take photos, to cook something special (but someone else does the dishes.) An evening paddle on the river when the water is as smooth as glass, and then a games night with friends.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am really a very fearful person. (All of the giant leaps of faith I seem to be always taking has some people fooled into thinking I am fearless!)
1. Your name and where you live.
Amanda Charlotte,NC
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
29
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? I accepted Jesus when I was 14 at a summer youth camp!
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
I am a PreK teacher assistant, finishing up getting my graduate certificate in teaching and will student teach next semester! Praise Him!
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Running or training for something!
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
Yes! Ephesus Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
I don’t have any pets.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
Disappointment: having one of my best friends move to CO to pastor a church, I miss her presence. Elation: I just finished my first triathlon!
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Worshiping with my church family, connecting over lunch with friends and a nice long Sunday afternoon nap!
10 Complete this sentence:
Only people who really know me realize that I am a dreamer of big dreams who sometimes struggles from irrational fears and deep insecurity. _________________________________________________________________.
Way to go on finishing your triathlon, Amanda! That is no small feat! Keep it up, girl.
1. Selena – Cordele, GA
2. 35
3. Age 7, in 2nd grade at school during our Bible class. (I went to a Christian school.)
4. Medical Coder in a hospital
5. Reading
6. Yes, 2 actually. Beacon Baptist Church, my home church in Albany, GA and Pinecrest Baptist Church, in Cordele, GA.
7. No pets.
8. Can’t think of anything lately that I’ve gotten really disappointed or really excited over.
9. Sleep until I get ready to get up and then just relax, maybe read some.
10. Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am not as shy or quiet as I may seem to be.
Forgot to say that we have two dogs. Both golden retrievers and one is absolutely crazy (I wish I was kidding) and drives me insane. I love the other one đ
1. Anita Siecker, Purcellville,VA
2. 42
3. When I was 11 in a small Southern Baptist Church, after hearing the gospel from our Pastor taught in a group session during Vacation Bible School.
4. I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling Mama first and foremost; I sell Thirty-One products on the side (direct sales)
5. Watching NFL with my husband.
6. Member of Blue Ridge Bible Church, Purcellville, VA.
7. We have a 7yr old Border Collie mix; she’s named Waverly. We have a 3yr old grey cat; he’s named Isaiah (yes, after the prophet in the Bible!).
8. My recent biggest elation was being a part of my sister’s wedding on September 22!!! I was Matron of Honor, and I read Scripture for the ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fabulous reception!!!
9. Perfect Saturday starts with wrestling with the kids in our bed! Then lounging around together while doing chores off & on; or better yet, a day trip – I love road trips!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am struggling with anxiety.
1. Your name and where you live.
Rebecca, Pineville, LA
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
36
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
I met Jesus when I was 13 years old in my parents’ living room.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
Stay-at-home mom
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Scrapbooking
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
I’m the pastor’s wife at FBC, Pineville, LA
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
A large, black cat named Jag
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
My recent disappointment has been with people who were supposed to be supporters and have turned out not to be. My recent elation was watching dolphins swim right under the pier on which we were standing while on vacation.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Beautiful weather, time to play and rest with my precious family
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am totally and completely addicted to football – more so than my husband, who really could care less!
1. Your name and where you live.
Tanisha, Maryland
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
Just turned 40!!!!!
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
Always knew of God, went to church, etc. But I really got to know him one Sunday at age 27. I was sitting in service and suddenly started crying because I realized that GOD REALLY LOVES ME! What a wonderful journey since that day.
4. What line of work are you in? Or, if youâre in school, tell us where and what line of work youâre steering toward. (Do not hesitate to tell us youâre a stay-at-home-mom. No harder work exists nor longer hours.)
Stay at home wife, mom, student, budding freelance writer
5. What is your #1 hobby?
Cooking & baking for a crowd. I love to entertain.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? New Beginning Covenant Ministries. Been there for 8.5 years. Has saved my marriage, my family, my life.
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know weâve got to know what kind.
Nope but kids are begging for a dog. SMH
8. Your biggest recent disappointment â slash â your biggest recent elation.
Recent disappointment – dropping a class that I though would delay my graduation. (It’s not. Thx Jesus)
Recent elation – being asked to join the team on http://www.ThePrayingWoman.com
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Fall. Crisp air. Something baking. Something cooking. Kids and husband around. Friends coming over for dinner. Joy!
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am pretty introverted about my deepest feelings.
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