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. Mary Margaret – Franklin, TN
2. 28
3. At youth camp the summer before my junior year of high school.
4. I’m an Event Project Coordinator at LifeWay
5. cooking
6. I just moved to a new city, so I’m still looking and visiting
7. not right now!
8. my new job isn’t what I thought I’d be doing // my new job has blown. me. away. it’s more than I could have ever asked for, and I’m so grateful God didn’t let me be in charge!
9. breakfast tacos and a cup of coffee, fall weather, football, and a good book!
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am — way more emotional than I let on… in every way, sadness, excitement, etc.
This is fun!
1. Katie- Tempe, AZ!
2. 25 years old.
3. It was a journey for me- mostly through a process my freshman year of college is when I started really walking with the Lord.
4. I work with a campus ministry at Arizona State! I love it!
5. Blogging?
6. I go to the fabulous VLife church in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s a young church but growing! I love it! We have great pastors.
7. Negative! But the family I live with has 2 dogs. So that kind of counts?
8. i can’t think of a disappointment…persay/seeing people get behind what I’m doing on campus!
9. Up early to garage sale, brunch, time at the pool, and a nap while watching a movie. 🙂
10 Only people who really know me realize that I have a tendency to isolate even though I love people!
1. Jane, Missouri
2. 53…but tomorrow is my birthday
3. My bedroom, age 7
4. Restaurant manager
5. Coffee and Bible Study (I go to bed… so I can get up and have my coffee with the Lord)
6. First Baptist Women’s Study group (I work on Sunday so I only get to the weekday stuff)
7. Big black lab mix/mut named Buddy.
8. Not enough time with my grandchildren(ages 3yr & 4 months/birth of new grandson.
9. Having those grandbabies at my house.
10. I really want a new job.
Hope you had a great birthday!! 😀
1. Tammy Bellinger, Ingleside, Texas (near Corpus Christi)
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? I was 8 years old and prayed with my mother at our home.
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 teach 4th grade in a public school.
5. What is your #1 hobby? My granddaughters! Then, reading.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? Yes, Oakridge Baptist Church in Portland, Texas, about 8 miles from my home.
7. Do you have pets? Not right now. I’m just not home enough.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation. Disappointment – my sister who has lived next door for the last several years is building a home and moving down the road about 4 miles. That doesn’t sound like much, but I am so used to just popping out my door and into her’s, or walking dogs with her in the evening, that I am going to feel lost now. Hmm, Elation – Grandbaby #3 will be here in November! Another girl!
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Sleeping until at least 9, and then playing with my granddaughters all morning. Of course if they are over, the sleeping in doesn’t happen! They are 4 and 2, and sleeping in for them is anytime after 7.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am actually pretty insecure. Beth, you have helped me over come a lot of that through your Bible studies and books.
1. Erin, WA state
2. 30
3. Sept 2008
4. Stay at home momma
5. Scrapbooking, but never get to do it during this season of life with two kiddos!
6. I love my church. Mars Hill
7. No pets
8. Jesus has been working on me and convicting me of so much. It’s painful, but freeing at the same time.
9. Spending the day with my husband and two daughters.
10. I met my husband on the Internet!
Hello, everybody! 😀
1. My name is Amaris (pronounced: ă-mŭ-rĭs)… I’m currently in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
2. I just turned 36!
3. I accepted Christ as my Savior at age 5, but recommitted my life in its entirety (if that makes sense) at 24.
4. I am an ESL teacher who is currently on hiatus…
5. In this stage of my life, photography is my hobby.
6. I SO wish i was currently plugged into a local body of believers! I’ve been looking for a good church here for 5 years. I miss the fellowship of a good Bible study group, as well as my church family.
7. KiKi is my 15yr old feline daughter. She’s a tortie!
=^,^= Sadly, we just discovered a tumor in her throat. 🙁
8. My [ongoing] most heart-breaking moment came shortly after my 10th anniversary… My husband & i are separating. :(** / The blessing: that i’ll soon be able to reunite with my sweet nieces & nephews that are waiting for me back home… I can’t wait to hold them in my arms.
9. Doing a project with my entire family: my sisters, nieces, nephews, brothers, & mom… alongside some furry, four-legged creatures.
10. Only people who really know me realize that my nerdiness is only overshadowed by my klutziness. I’m a magnet of destruction & general mayhem. It’s embarrassing, really.
3. The setting was… after playing with & singing to Jesus for all of my young life, i went in & told my mom that i wanted to be sure i was saved. She called our pastor. On that sunny afternoon in my mom’s bedroom, on the telephone with my pastor, i asked Jesus into my heart.
At 24 i was a helper with our church youth group. In an evening service on a church building missions trip to a small town outside of Monterrey, Mexico… i realized that there was no other thing for me in this life, and i recommitted my life to Jesus.
1. Your name and where you live: Dawn – Wausau, Wisconsin
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin): 45 – with NO SHAME!!!
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting? Talking with a friend on the phone in 1995.
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.) Medical Transcription
5. What is your #1 hobby? Reading
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one? Yes – Highland Community Church
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind. 2 dogs – Chow/Lab mixes, 3 cats – all mutts
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation. I cannot write the disappointment/spending time with my soon-to-be 19-year-old daughter. Too much fun.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday. Sleeping in.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am profoundly insecure.
1. Kim, Knoxville, Tenn.
2. Early 30s
3. When I was 8, in church
4. Tourism Industry, Marketing and Communications Dir.
5. Blogging
6. Yes, I am a member at NorthStar Church in Knoxville, Tenn.
7. Yes, we have cats!
8. My mom being diagnosed with cancer this spring/mom’s cancer was completely removed and she is CANCER FREE!!!
9. A day in the Mountains with friends, relazing and enjoying the wknd. (Also a little shopping too 🙂
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a person who doesn’t trust very easy.
1. Robyn, Birmingham AL
2. 37. Still claiming mid-thirties. Even though I’ll be 38 in 2 weeks and will have to claim “late thirties.”
3. Age 5, in my daddy’s lap.
4. Taught 3rd grade for 6 years. Have been a stay at home mom to my 3 girls for 9 years. Baby went to kindergarten this year (sniff) & I am back at work part time at a MDO in my neighborhood. I’m in the 6-12 month old class, which means I get to rock babies all day. I couldn’t be happier.
5. I love spending time with friends, and my husband and I ADORE watching our girls play softball. The oldest plays very competitive softball & we spend a LOT of time at the ballpark. Love it.
6. Yes! Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Love it.
7. I have an 8lb ball of happiness named Piper. She’s a Shih Tzu. We have always had big dogs, but my middle daughter has allergies. So we decided on a hypoallergenic lap dog & couldn’t love her more.
8. Don’t really have a disappointing moment, but life with a tween lends itself to so many emotional roller coasters. It is the most fun I’ve ever had as a mom and is also the most scared I’ve ever been. Middle schoolers are bizarre creatures. 🙂
9. The perfect Saturday is either a softball tournament or a cold, sunny, fall day full of college football – War Eagle!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am a great big dork. Zero cool here. Straight up dorkiness – and very proud of it. 🙂
1. Rebecca, Owasso OK
2. 43
3. Grew up in a pretty conservative church and have known about Jesus all my life, but didn’t have a clue how to make Him real in my life. Wasn’t until I was in my 30’s (and fallen flat on my face, spiritually speaking) that I really met my Lord and Savior, My Hero!
4. Stay at home mom, although my kids are all pretty much grown. I volunteer every day at The Little Lighthouse, a preschool for children with special needs. No monetary compensation there, but the pay is PRICELESS in precious-ness.
5. Baking!!
6. First Christian Church of Owasso OK
7. My lab (pictured!), named Reagan. A Golden Retriever named Lollie. A black cat named Felix. And a peach tabby cat named Hobbes. Yes, I Swiffer daily…..
8. Disappointment: my minister husband getting treated so poorly at our previous church. Elation: finding our new church family! I have such hope for the body of Christ again!
9. A good cup of coffee, a good time with Jesus in the Word, a good walk with the dogs and then spending the day with my husband…doing whatever.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I can carry on whole conversations in movie quotes! Clean ones, though. 🙂
I would love to carry on a conversation with you per #10! So fun!
You would fit right in around our house! My girls and I can carry on a #10 conversation in a similar fashion complete with accents! WOO HOO! 🙂 So Fun! 🙂
1. Clarice Clayton, Arlington, TX
2. Just ahead of you, Beth!!! 56
3. Elementary school age. Not exactly sure. Altar of my church in Durand, Michigan. Assurance through Holy Spirit at age 41 beside my bed in Arlington, TX.
4. Administrative Assistant – LIFE Outreach International Euless, TX (Smile!)
5. Time in the Word.
6. Yes. Irving Bible Church.
7. LOVE dogs. Don’t have one right now. Broke my heart when I lost them.
8. That my precious mother had to suffer Dementia for 2 years before she went to be with Jesus last year / The Lord confirmed a word to me by having it repeated through different resources/messengers. LOVE when He does that!!!
9. On a runaway weekend with my husband of 33 years to our favorite local resort. Escape the routine and have FUN!!!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am very much an introvert.
1. Lynne ~ I live in Eugene OR right now – moving to Denver CO early next year to begin in person grandmothering and my retirement!
2. 64
3. I have always had a strong sense of HIM in my life but through the past dozen years have, through the crucible of divorce, come to really hold TIGHT to HIM!
4. I was an RN for 20+ yrs, went to law school and have been an attorney now for 15 years – gracious! Isn’t it amazing how the years fly by!
5. My #1 hobby is anything that takes me outdoors (hiking, gardening) but, my #1 interest is my 5 grandchildren who range in age from 8 yrs to 20 months old.
6. Yes, First Baptist Church Eugene is my church home and where most of my life group members attend church.
7. I do have pets – 2 Siamese cats (who are really monkeys wearing cat suits) and a sweet 12 year-old German Shepherd.
8. Biggest recent disappointment = my divorce 2 years ago. Biggest recent elation (more gratitude than elation but . . ) = reconciling with and forgiving my 90 yr old mother (many many thanks to your studies for helping me along this road Beth!)
9. A perfect Saturday morning consists of sitting with a steaming mug of creamy coffee reading my newspaper on my sunny back patio with absolutely nowhere else I have to be . . . .
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am subject to gales of uncontrolled laughter while enjoying vintage British sitcoms.
1. Sarah Legaspi Riverside, CA
2. 34
3. When I was 5 years on in my Aunt Debbia’s beadroom with my parents, grandparents, and aunt 🙂
4. I am a Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher
5. Does shopping count?
6. Yes at Sandals Church
7. Yes a chihuahua name Boo
8. Realizing just how big of a perfectionist I am – Seeing my two youngest children being baptized. You should have seen the smiles on their faces as they came out of the water!
9. My perfect Saturday would have to include a trip to the beach, to a mall, and my favorite nail salon HB Top Nails.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am always willing to be there and help them in anyway I can.
1. Sherry Macy, Newberg, Oregon
2. 67
3. As a preschooler in Sunday school
4. full-time office administrator / publications person at our church
5. Finding creative ways to share my many many pictures – both old and new
6. Yes! Newberg Friends Church (Quaker)
7. We have a dog, but only because my husband needs one. She’s a very sweet English setter.
8. MRI of my back shows the need for surgery. / My 36-year-old son just proposed to the woman he’s been waiting his entire adult life to come along.
9. No need to get dressed.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I … (I’m a blogger, which makes my life an open book)
1. Shelia Fleenor
2. I’m 25-50…lol, Nah, I’m proud to be 43!
3. 15 on the back of my granddads truck. The preacher
chased me down…glad he did!
4. I take 3 online classes. Work part-time at a small
Christian school. Online work on the side. Mother 4
wonderful children and there followers.
5. Internet, internet, internet…
6. Yes! Well of Life Church…love those guys!
7. 3 dogs, 2 gerbils and a fish…a soon to be guinea pig!
8. Watching my daughter cry over an accomplishment she
almost achieved. Watching God work awesomely in it.
9. No work, family, friends and a stolen moment with Him.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am
a bit of a stinker.
4. *their
9. I have to fix this. No work, spending time with
family and friends, and a stolen moment with him.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a
grammar Nazi at times.
Dawn, wisconsin
40 something 🙂
Standing in a open field chasing cattle
Agriculture
Stained glass and wood
Just with a few friends
2 black lab mixes, Mickey and Jenny
Dealing with my father, loving my dogs
Waking up to a smiling Jenny, walking in pasture with my dogs and going fishing with my nephews
only people who really know me know I’m trying real hard, but am struggling
1. Jill Winter, Danville, KY (check us out during the VP debate!)
2. 45
3. I grew up in church and I’ve always loved everything about church. I don’t remember a time that I haven’t prayed. The most growth I’ve experienced is during a Beth Moore study with a bunch of wonderful ladies. Sounds too good to be true, but it is!
4. I’m the Director of Children’s Ministries (part-time – ha!) at my church.
5. I like to run.
6. Centenary United Methodist Church, Danville, KY
7. We have two dogs: a “planned” dog, Sam (a Westie) and our “unplanned” dog, Raylan (a mix of several kinds of dog). He’s unplanned because we took him home from a picnic. They are a joy.
8. Elation – we’ve just finished a new sanctuary and children’s wing at church – the kids’ rooms are ready, but my office is a wreck!
9. Sleeping in, snuggling with the dogs, going on a walk or run, reading, then a firepit at night.
10. I am a complete dork. 🙂 I lose things all the time. I read more than one book at a time. I kiss my dogs on the mouth.
1. Emily Topeka, Kansas
2. 27 years old
3. I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior the year I was baptized (when I was 10 years old). I grew up in the church, but that was the year I realized that I needed Jesus in my life.
4. I work at a bank.
5. I really like watching old movies from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Some of my favorites are “Notorious,” “Gaslight” and “Casablanca.”
6. Town and Country Christian Church
7. I don’t have any pets.
8. My biggest recent elation happened at work this week. I had the opportunity to share a little bit of my faith life with one of my co-workers, and I’m praying that this person comes to know Christ in a very real, personal way.
9. My perfect Saturday would be relaxing somewhere outdoors, whether that be floating down the Kansas River in a kayak with friends or walking on the Shunga Trail or sitting on the back porch with my family.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am not a fan of marshmallows. (When my mom makes sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner, she always puts marshmallows on half them and leaves the other half marshmallow – free for me. I love my mom!)
1. Katie – Brentwood, TN
2. 32 (life only gets better every year, so I love my age!)
3. 10 years old…I was in my seventh foster home in 2 years, which ended up being my last foster home. The family I lived with was a great Christian family, and their pastor would visit every new foster kid that came to live with them. Super angry 10yr old, but the pastor was as stubborn as I was…and I thank God for using Him every day. Never been the same since 🙂
4. Christian Music booking
5. Reading & Music…they truly go hand and hand for me
6. Struggling to connect in my new area…deeply connected back home working with the youth at Lawndale Baptist – Greensboro, NC
7. The most precious 6 year old mutt with an under bite…Rilee Ann
8. Fear that I’ve misheard a calling / My precious new nephew Max
9. Up early in the country with a book, cup of coffee, and a blanket, then going to see many of my youth playing in their different sports, & ending with a campfire (music & smores)
10 Yikes…that I really don’t have it all together.
1) Maryellen, Red Bank NJ
2) 53
3) March 1987 I always went to church but a co-worker invited me to her home for a bible study and she explained that I need to receive Jesus as my personal Savior.
4) Customer Service Supervisor at a Fire Alarm Signal Co
5) Blogging
6) Maranatha Church of The Nazarene in Paramus NJ
7) I have a sweet pet in Heaven.
Solomon David – a Westie – he has my heart
8) Frustration with myself and being unkind or impatient at work/making improvement in the same area – joy !
9) Early breakfast with my hubby, spending the day with him, shopping, traveling, just being together.
10) Only people who really know me realize that I am
shy when until I get to know you.
1. Cindy, Wisconsin.
2. 57 years old
3. At 33 years old. In my living room.
4. Executive Assistant.
5. Reading.
6. Local Christian Church.
7. 2 dogs – Peanut & Puglet. 2 cats – Abby & Jezzabel.
8. Constant struggle to lose weight/today’s Friday and I get to sleep late tomorrow.
9. Sleeping in. Shopping day with my daughter or friend.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am a mother of three adult children and have been married 36 years.
1. Terry Petty, Akron, Ohio
2. 55
3. Too young to remember; baptized in 3rd grade.
4. Executive Secretary
5. My hobby would have to be my hubby, daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren!
6. We have attended Akron-Springfield Assembly of God for the entire 35+ years we have been married.
7. We have a granddog….a Yorkie named Roscoe and two grandgoldfish…Thing One and Thing Two
8. Biggest RECENT disappointment would be not getting a pay raise for the 4th year in a row after working 10+ hours a day for three very busy Directors and their 13 direct reports.
Recent elation – my little grandson’s arms reaching for me to pick him up and watching my little granddaughter dress up like Cinderella as she watched the movie…she wishes she had some little birds to help her make her bed too!
9. The perfect Saturday is getting up before my husband and sitting in my rocker with my coffee and my Bible and spending time with the Lord without having to watch the clock to leave for work on time. Then I would take my time getting myself dressed and head out shopping or out to lunch with my daughter, sister or a friend. Lastly, I would end the day having dinner and watching TV or going out with my husband. (Sounds like I eat a lot! Grin!)
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am very committed to the Lord and I try very hard to keep everyone happy!!
1. Velma Winnett, Colbert, OK
2. 48
3. 16, my bedroom
4. 4th grade public school teacher
5. What is your #1 hobby?
6. Yes, Victory LIfe
7. One dog, Madge, 1/2 Great Pyrenees & 1/2 Lab; 12 hens, 1 rooster, various breeds
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation.
9. Nothing on the agenda, jus
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am
Velma, Colbert, OK
2. 48
3. 16, my bedroom
4. 4th grade public school teacher
5. reading/raising my chickens
6. Yes, Victory LIfe
7. One dog, Madge, 1/2 Great Pyrenees & 1/2 Lab; 12 hens, 1 rooster
8.
9. Nothing on the agenda, just spending time with family and friends
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am not quiet
1.Shelly from Portland, Oregon
2. 47
3. When I was about 10 at church camp
4. RN but presently a stay-at-home Mom
5. Love interior decorating/organizing
6. Yes; my church (St. Matthew Lutheran)
7. We have a Labradoodle named Coco and are in love with our pooch!
8. Disappointment… My Father-inlaw’s brain tumor struggles
Elation…My son’s school progress
9. My idea of the perfect Sunday is church (and getting out the door without any fights), a nap, watching a movie or reading a book, something yummy simmering in the crock pot, and a cozy night with the family.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am easily hurt and don’t have very thick skin. I’m pretty sensitive and often feel others’ pain, almost to a fault. It hurts my feelings when others can be kind of cruel.
1. Marissa Burt – Kirkland Washington
2. 33
3. When I was five, I went to a movie theater where a Billy Graham Gospel cartoon was playing, and afterwards I came home and told my mom I wanted to pray to Jesus.
4. I stay at home with my 3 young boys, and I am an author.
5. Reading. 🙂
6. My husband is an Anglican priest church planting in the northwest, and we attend Advent Anglican.
7. No pets right now. I wish I had cats, though, and I think with 3 boys a dog is inevitable
8. Biggest recent disappointment: challenging news when we had hoped for good. Biggest recent elation: recent move to a house with outside beauty.
9. Autumn walk on Lake Washington, big breakfast with eggs and bacon and all the works, long afternoon reading a new good book, playing with my boys on the beach, and dessert and coffee with goodd friends.
10. Quite introverted.
Rebecca from Barboursville, WV, age 38.
Accepted Jesus at age 5 at home with my mom following a chapel story at school that had caused me much thought throughout the afternoon.
I’m a speech therapist, working with infants and toddlers with disabilities in their homes.
#1 hobby is Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I go to River Cities Community Church.
I have a black and white Holland lop rabbit named Sawyer. (No cage. He just hops around the house.)
Disappointment: Truly so blessed right now nothing is coming to mind
Elation: In two weeks, my youngest foster baby will be legally free for adoption! I adopted my older two foster kids in July! Happy year! :o)
Perfect Saturday: This sounds lame, but as a single parent of three children under 5, my idea of a perfect Saturday is one in which I get the house clean. Because it never happens!
Only people who really know me realize that I am… broken-hearted for the baby’s birth mother in the midst of my own joy at getting to make her mine forever.
Leslie Morgan, Spartanburg, SC
28
14 years old in a Church of Christ where my dear friend’s dad was the pastor
Speech Language Pathologist working with Geriatrics
Reading and Spending time with my wonderful Mr.
Restoration Church, Spartanburg, SC
We have a Betta Fish named Splenden. We would LOVE to have a dog one day not today
family issues that just keep going/We found a rental house rented to us by an elderly lady for $130 less than our apt was!!!
My perfect Saturday would be to be at home with my love eating homemade snack foods, soup and watching college football
Only people who really know me realize that I am one to go against the flow of certain things especially if someone is forcing me to do them 🙂
1. Ginny, Cape May, NJ
2. 56
3. When I was 30, in a church service when the Pastor read Matthew 11:28.
4. High School Media Arts Teacher
5. Beach walking
6. Lighthouse Church of Cape May County
7. A rescued beagle, a crazy stray cat who thinks he’s a dog, a thoroughbred horse who retired from the track and my brother’s extremely large Lab who is living with us temporarily/indefinitely.
8. Disappointment: the discovery that several old “friends” were never really friends at all/Elation:the discovery that God “sees” and provides opportunities for new relationships. He knows better than we do what is best for us.
9. Early morning walk on the beach with God followed by time in His Word. A strong cup of coffee and breakfast with a loved one. Several hours digging in the garden and a ride through the woods on a horse. A good book after lunch followed by a nap. Late afternoon tea and talks. A bike ride. Dinner on the grill with family. A fire outside and Reese’s s’mores. Early bed time.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am tenacious.
1. Your name and where you live.
Danielle in Evansville, IN
2. Your age or general age grouping (grin)
(You should know better than to ask a lady her age. 😉 39 — I’m not afraid to admit it.
3. When did you accept Jesus as your personal Savior and, in briefest possible terms, what was the setting?
Paster’s grandchild, so I always knew He was my Savior. But I was led by the Spirit when I was about 22 to get baptized; I was at my sister’s church and other people were getting baptized and the Spirit got me to my feet when the pastor called for anyone else who wanted to be baptized.
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 librarian at the University of Evansville.
5. What is your #1 hobby?
I used to knit all the time, but carpel tunnel syndrome put a stop to that for a while. But I’ve gone back to cross stitching until after my surgery.
6. Are you currently invested in a local body of believers? If so, which one?
I attend Crossroads Christian Church and I’m a part of a small group that meets there and a group of ladies that meet every week in one or our homes.
7. Do you have pets? If so, you surely know we’ve got to know what kind.
No pet, but I would love to have a cat.
8. Your biggest recent disappointment – slash – your biggest recent elation.
biggest disappointment: being turned down for a mortgage. elation: it’s been a tough couple of years. I can’t think of any recent elation.
9. Describe your idea of the perfect Saturday.
Getting my errands done early and then spending the rest of the day reading.
10 Complete this sentence: Only people who really know me realize that I am
… I don’t think I can answer this question. I don’t think anyone really knows me.
1. Anita Workman
2. 58
3. born singing “Jesus Loves Me”
4. Pastor’s wife and volunteer Women’s Director
5. hobby-enjoying all things beautiful
6. Vineyard Cincinnati
7. Jack the Goldendoodle grand-dog
8. I know too many people with cancer right now/God has touched a lot of people at church with healing and answers to prayer lately.
9. breakfast crepes,quiet time in the garden, cooking lunch with daughters, afternoon walk in the woods with sunny blue skies peeking through, deep conversation with family and friends around a campfire, pillowtalk with husband, kisses goodnight.
10. struggling with tinnitus
1. Debbie Watson – Birmingham, Alabama – Vestavia Hills to be exact.
2. 56
3. About 12 years old one Sunday night in our church worship service. But really felt like I ‘got’ it at 40! Praise the Lord!
4. Stay at home mom/grandmother – but dearly love doing volunteer work with inner city women.
5. Hum…lately it’s been helping my two daughters decorate their homes and nurseries. Fun times.
6. I attend The Church at Brook Hills
7. No pets
8. Disappointment – seeing my brothers family self destruct because of his alcoholism. Biggest elation – 4 weeks ago he agreed to go to a facility for help! Several more weeks to go before he’s home. Today he’s doing great – one day at a time.
9. Perfect Saturday – breakfast out with my husband, shopping and lunch with my girls, watching a movie at home that night.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am struggling with how to share the Gospel with 3 close people in my life.
This was fun!
1. Maria Hanson, North Liberty, IA
2. 34
3. 4 years old in my mothers bedroom. Walked away in my late teens but God re-rescued me from myself when I was 28, praise the LORD!
4. Stay at home mom
5. Decorating and gardening
6. Yes, Parkview E-Free, Iowa City, IA
7. “Harry” our two year old white goldendoodle. LOVE HIM.
8. Having my sad childhood, that the Lord and I already dealt with, creep back up and give me panic attacks/having friends pray me through those panic attacks. Feeling great again but I would love to stop fearing Satan. God is bigger. I know this. I just feel so weak some days.
9.Early morning time with the Lord, a great breakfast followed by a long walk, some gardening, college football with friends/family, snuggling my little ones and my husband till we are all asleep.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am really a loner. I love to be alone or home with my husband and kids. ________________________________________________________
1. Jen Smith – Clearwater, FL
2. 35 (but I feel like I’m 25) 🙂
3. I think I was 7, but I remember being in love with Jesus even before then.
4. I am the VP/Director of Sales for a Cloud Company, but it is VERY EVIDENT that God has something else in mind that He is getting me ready for, as He has been confirming this over and over again. I am also a part-time Worship Leader, but God seems to be preparing me for a ministry that involves speaking (gulp) instead of just singing. God sure does have a sense of humor. 🙂
5. Singing and being out in God’s creation! I LOVE the mountains, watching dolphins play in the ocean, Florida sunsets, anything beautiful God has created takes my breath away!
6. Yes! Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, FL (the church I grew up in, and still love serving at today).
7. Sadly, I had to give my cat, Chloe away because I became so allergic to her. 🙁
8. Biggest recent disappointment was a broken relationship / Biggest recent elation (one of them) was after climbing to the top of a mountain in Colorado I was singing the words, “How I love You” to Jesus when all of a sudden I saw that the rock formation on the mountain across from me was in the perfect shape of a HUGE heart! I felt so loved by God in that moment!
9. Sleep in, study the Word, stay in my pj’s and read for half the day, go for a walk somewhere beautiful, meet up with a loved one for some heart to heart conversation, end the day with a family cookout where I can play with my nephews and niece.
10. Only the people who really know me know that I have never had a boyfriend, and have never been kissed (GASP!!!). Did I just actually tell y’all that? Yep it’s true!
Well, let me tell you, when you’re as messed up as I was (and you’re NOT), a lot of boyfriends and a lot of kissing is about the most dangerous thing that can happen to you. I bet my memories are decidedly more horrifying than yours. Thank you for being part of this world, Sister! You are gorgeous and intriguing.
1) Elizabeth Stewart Portland, Oregon
2) 55!
3) So young I can’t remember but came to a fuller knowledge of salvation by grace at age 16
4)Pastor’s wife
5)writing, blogging, decorating, painting, thrifting, antiquing
6)Truelife Church, Vancouver, Washington
7)no pets
8) dedicating our new church building is a huge blessing, walking through a huge family issue someone in our church is a deep sadness
9) Maybe a daytrip to the beach or Seattle, or trifting or antiquing with a friend
10) I’m not sure even those I’m close to know how lonely my life can be
1. Pam
2. 50+ (grin)
3. I don’t remember a certain moment. Just always knew He was there with me and for me.
4. On church staff
5. Reading
6. Yes
7. I have granddogs that I adore
8. People high in ministry that disappoint. We forget that they are only human but still hurts when they are. Greatest elation – seeing God’s miracles when you have witnessed struggles.
9. Beach, book, Jesus.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I have a passion for women’s ministry but am not in the place to pursue it. One day but not in this season or place.
1. Clarice Clayton, Arlington, TX
2. Just ahead of you, Beth!!! 56
3. Elementary school age. Not exactly sure. Altar of my church in Durand, Michigan. Assurance through Holy Spirit at age 43 beside my bed in Arlington, TX.
4. Administrative Assistant – LIFE Outreach International Euless, TX.
5. Time in the Word.
6. Yes. Irving Bible Church.
7. LOVE dogs. Don’t have one right now. Broke my heart when I lost them.
8. That my precious mother had to suffer Dementia for 2 years before she went to be with Jesus last year / The Lord confirmed a word to me by having it repeated through different resources/messengers. LOVE when He does that!!!
9. On a runaway weekend with my husband of 33 years to our favorite local resort. Escape the routine and have FUN!!!
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am very much an introvert.
1. Michelle Tabb, Hendersonville, TN
2. 43
3. 1990, I was 20, late at night reading the bible (Matthew 11:28). I decided to believe and became His.
4. I am a broker’s asst. I was a SAHM. I would love to be in book publishing.
5. Reading
6. no
7. no pets
8. continuing financial difficulties after 4 yrs./in spite of that getting to travel to Paris for the first time
9. hanging with my family
10. …that I can be really silly sometimes. Goofy is probably a better word 🙂
1. Shelly Griffin, Nashville, TN (until January)
2. 29 (until January) – theme here?
3. 9 years old; invited to vacation bible school by a friend. I remember every detail, even what I was wearing
4. Analyst, Project Manager, Biblical Research
5. Quality time with those I love
6. Yep. Journey Church, Franklin TN
7. Absolutely. 63-lb boxer-mix whose name is Hudson. Spoiled and we’re unashamed about it
8. Being slandered, lied to and not supported by someone who I so dearly wished could respond otherwise/Finding out that my man is returning in four weeks!
9. Sleeping in, extended time with the LORD, hitting the gym, cooking my own brunch, relaxation time with my man (aka – a walk. Grin), dinner date, no phones!
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am extremely tenderhearted, lover of the Cosby show, intrigued and in love with the God of and the OT itself, less put together than my exterior actions exhibit, and going sky-diving with one of our favorite couples in 3 weekends. Grin.
1. Tami, Louisiana
2. 45
3. At 17, the first time I visited a Baptist church.
4. My husband and I own a pest control company. But my heart’s desire has always been to be a stay at home mom.
5. I love to read.
6. Visiting a local church, but my heart is with fellow believers who are hurt/disillusioned by the politics of institutionalized church, and who also long for more of Jesus and less of programs.
7. A beagle named Jack.
8. Biggest recent disappointment, family strife. Biggest elation, recent family reunion.
9. Perfect Saturday is one without a lot to do other than hang out with my family and rest.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am determined to learn Hebrew!
1.Pam Hendersonville, NC
2.Age 61
3.1973 Charleston, SC
4 Primary caretaker for my mother
5.Reading
6. East Hendersonville Baptist Church
7.An 11-year old Jack Russell named Ranger
8.Finally getting a piano.:)
9.Getting up early, having a hot cup of coffee while everyone else is asleep, later having a leisurely breakfast with family, and getting outdoors.
10.Only those who really know me know I am dying to go ziplining!
1. Autumn
2. Grand Island
3. 10 at kids camp on the stage side right stairs
4. Physical Therapist Assistant
5. Baking and playing drums
6. North Ridge Assembly of God
7. Guinea Pig named Andy
8. Biggest disappointment is when I looked in the mirror as a young teenage girl and couldn’t see the beauty God created and that I could never live up to the magazine cover and no boy would ever find me pretty. Elation when I look in the mirror today and see a beautiful young lady God has created who is daily growing in who she is in Christ.
9. Perfect Saturday- As a little girl it was pancakes at grandma’s and spending time with my family. Now, it’s traveling down the road with a group of girls and their dad going to a different church to minister to people through music. It is amazing what God has done.
10. Only people who really know me know that I am a girlie girlie and love sparkle
1. Katey, Kingsland Ga.
2. 28…29 next month for the first year 😉
3.I was 13 the first time, but backslid-den so just recently re gave my life to Jesus
4. Stay at home mom of 3, 7 yr old girl, 5 yr old boy with special needs and 3 yr old boy….
5. Cross stitching and quiliting
6. Evangle Temple Assembly of God in Jacksonville Fl.
7. 2 dogs, Conan boxer pit and Clover lab pit…biggest babies in the world.
8. Having doctors tell me that my son would not make it past one and he will be 6 this month. Watching Jesus do many miracles in his life and seeing him never give up.
9. Family time…any way possible
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am: A complete neat freak who flips at the sight of mess and germs, but the first to clean it up, and always there to lend a hand and uplift.
1.Mary Gegare
2.48 years old
3. 15 yrs old in an Assembly of God Church Wednesday Night Youth Group Meeting.
4.Pediatric Intensive Care
5. Reading
6.Recently started attending Bethlehem Baptist Church under the amazing teaching of John Piper who will soon be retiring. Boo-hoo.
7.1 cat
8.Burying the love of my life yesterday. Hearing the news that a dear friend who is a breast cancer survivor is still cancer free.
9.Walking through Minnehaha Falls on a crisp fall day swishing my legs through the fall leaves and then sitting down in view of the big beautiful crashing waterfall with a good book.
10.Only people who really know me realize that I’m not as quiet and shy as I seem.
1. Lynn live in Rock Hill, SC
2. 47 (still cannot believe that number!)
3. I was saved at 25 years old. Had been thru some very painful loss… and God led me to church with a friend.
4. I am an X-ray tech at a hospital
5. Hobby? Does loving and encouraging others count? IF not, then being crafty maybe??
6. Serving the Lord at Calvary Baptist Church.
7. Two dogs, One fat weenie dog named Oppie, and a big ole’ goofy boxer named Tyson.
8. Was recently so disappointed to find out someone I love had left home again because of an addiction. BUT… oh so elated at the way God allowed me to minister to a group of teen girls, that I was so sure I wouldn’t like… but fell in love with them instead. Especially when my own teen girl doesn’t want to be ministered to at all.
9. A perfect saturday would begin with being off 3rd shift on Friday night so that I could sleep in and wake up with the rest of my family. And then do… not much of anything… unless I wanted to, of course.
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am one of the freakiest OCD people on the planet… about paper. AND the need to not see any skin hanging out of other people’s clothing. 🙂 Or mine either for that matter.
1. Mary H from Ardmore, AL
2. I just turned 40.
3. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 8 on a Tuesday night in a Revival at my church.
4. I am a 7th Grade Computer Technology School at a 6-8 grade Middle School in Hazel Green, AL
5. Reading
6. Been going to the same church since the womb…Piney Grove Baptist Church in Ardmore, AL
7. My husband has Beagle Hounds and I have a cat. My favorite is a blue tick beagle name Grady.
8. Going to New York City this weekend to celebrate 40th birthday…it is going to rain and be cold. 🙁
I know…it isn’t that big of a deal. Praying the Lord improves the weather.
9. Perfect Saturday…home in pjs all day…watching the Crimson Tide play football.
10. Only people that know me realize that I try to be tough but on the inside I’m mushy.
Sorry I missed one.
Mary from St. Paul, MN.
1. Kristin Apex, NC
2.41
3. 8th grade school retreat. I “went forward” with friends at camp in 3rd grade but it was just a crowd thing and not a genuine decision.
4. Campus ministry for the last 17 years.
5. #1. Really??? Time with friends. Outside in the woods or over coffee or both!
6. Yes. Colonial Baptist Church – Cary, NC
7. Oh, no.
8. 23 weeks of achilles tendonitis in both legs – most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life/time in the mountains with girlfriends
9. Perfect Saturday would include a run/hike in pretty woods/mountains. Time with Jesus in a rocker on a balcony wrapped in a blanket with unlimited coffee and a stunning mountain view. End the day with my besties at an amazing dinner.
10 Only people who really know me realize that I am really lonely and wrestle with the Lord about the fact that it is His best that I’m 41 and single and not a mom. I live in constant tension (like Paul) of contentment and dreams.
1. Dianne, Florida
2. 40’s
3. 11 years ago, I got a job in an office that consisted mostly of Christians. One day I ask, “what does it mean to be saved?”
4. Funny enough, after being laid off in 2008, I am back working (for about 3 months now) in the same department, with mostly the same group of believers I was before.
5. Knitting
6. No, wanting to get back though, and I know I should.
7. Nope
8. Not sure/starting to feel my calling being revealed to me
9. Bible study, knitting, art, guitar practice, naps, reading
10. Only people who really know me realize that I am praying to go into the missionary field to Zambia.
1. Dawn, Mt. Olive NC
2. 39
3. 2006…I jsut started going to what is now my home church and I just fell in love with Jesus!
4. Customer Service Mgr @ a grocery store at which I wear many hats as well as at home:)
5. Reading the Word and now blogging.
6. Mt. Olive FPH Church, Mt. Olive, NC
7.1 cat, Lucy..the new love of my life.
8.My neighbor’s cancer is back/ the police caught the guys that robbed a place where my daughter was working at the time of the robbery! Praise God!
9.Since I work every other Saturday…it would be the day off just hanging out with my husband and kids;if they are home from College.
10. The people that really know me realize I can be a drama queen. I can take the smallest thing and make it HUGE!
This was so much fun:)
1. Stacey, Magnolia
2. One year from a new “0” and a 5
3. Age 11, song playing “I surrender All”, Fairbanks Baptist Church.
4.Retired Pediatric Physician Assistant, retired early 40’s to take care of my mom, Ovarian CA, stayed retired to raise my two girls, now looking to go back into the work force but I want to do something fun.
5.Creating anything, VBS volcano, someones dream wedding, a wreath for my door, Christmas decorations, anything crafty, Pinterest addicted
6.Our Church just fell apart, a bit heart broken, trying to get back to it but struggling
7.114 lb Golden that does not know he is a dog.We spent good money on a bed for him but once we are asleep he stands on his hind legs and gently crawls up. sometimes I find him in my youngest’s room laying on his side with my daughters arm or leg draped over him. He eats dog food but I’m sure doesnt understand why.
8.Did back flips to arrange a Bible Study for a small group of women,arranged it around one woman’s schedule in particular just so she would come, after several weeks of talking about it and moving things around so she would be able to be part of it, she texted me 2 hours before and said she wouldnt make it to the first night but that she would catch us later—crushed/ elation–recognized that God had orchestrated it perfectly, had i not organized the study to fit this one persons schedule one of the ladies that came, had never particiapated in a study before came because this was the only time she had available and every other study she had tried to be a part of always met too early. Love how he does that. He is God and I am not
9.Perfect Saturday, Coffee on the back porch, a walk through the woods with my sweety, accomplishing a project in the yard with my family, playing games with my family, reading, working a puzzle or watching a movie with my family
10. Only people who really know me, know that I am shy, and in total awe of God and as each day passes am overwhelmed by his mercy on my life.