My Thirsty Soul

In my devotional this week, from the book, “Satisfy My Thirsty Soul,” I was asked to read Matthew 22:37-39. Summed up it reads, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” THEN “you shall love your neighbor as you do yourself.” The point was to ask yourself, “Do you mix up these two commandments?”

As I strive to be more intimate with God and to really know him, I found myself answering “YES” to that question. I also believe that I am not the only person, especially not the only woman, who finds myself putting service to God first and then time with God second.

In my journal I wrote my response to this and I want to share it with each of you. We are all in service to God together, and it is my prayer that we all, ME INCLUDED, remember our priorities.

“Women were created as helpers and we can sometimes take this to extremes even with the best of intentions – church service, family service, friends, etc… We get so caught up in serving because that’s what God wants us to do, to serve in the house of the Lord, that we all too often forget to worship and serve the One who created us. I can honestly say that I am very guilty of mixing those two commandments up. Isn’t it true that we all too often equate service as worship? I wish that I could say that I am first and foremost a lover of God, not primarily a worker for God. But I can’t. Although my heart and soul does wholeheartedly love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, I have not made the appropriate time to worship Him in honor of that love.”

This book is really, really good.

So, do you thirst for more? Does your heart cry out for something- is there an empty space in your spirit that is waiting to be filled? My heart, spirit, and soul finds that I need to meet with Jesus – one on one – in a great time of worship.

Especially for those of you that I am privileged to work with in nursery/preschool, I challenge and encourage you to answer the following questions. What do you do to put God first before serving others? What does worship look like to you?

Share you thoughts with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

XOXO,
Gail

What's More Powerful......

At the beginning of church services tonight, as our middle school and high school youth flooded the stage with hands held high, praising Jesus and jumping and dancing in worship to our Lord, I thought to myself, "What could be more powerful than to see our youth praising and worshiping Jesus?"

Every week for the past few weeks, God has been reminding me of the awesome things He has in store for the youth in our church, and around the world. I am so humbly honored to be trusted with mentoring to these young people.

Last week, I stood aside in amazement as our middle school pastor opened the alter for the middle school youth to come and meet with God. I wondered to myself, "how many of these children will actually get up and go?" God AMAZED my heart that night. I could hardly move to go pray over the youth because I was so struck by the many that actually came forward. I don't know how many were up there, but there was too many to count and that was awesome!!!

Not only does God have some awesome things in store for the youth that attend our services, but HE has even Greater things planned for His leaders. It's only the beginning and the Spirit is about to overflow!

So, back to my question, "what could be more powerful than seeing youth praising God?" At the end of service tonight, Pastor Corey asked that all of the youth, middle school and high school, to come forward. Then, he asked that anyone who was a parent of one of the children to come forward and find your kid in the group, if not, surround the kids with parents. Then, with the rest of the congregation standing, raising their hands in agreement, parents prayed for their children. How wonderful and powerful to actually get to see parents praying over children, believing for their future and starting their school year off with a mission, to make a difference. I wish that I could have taken a picture of those moments of prayer (as I peeked out the corner of my eye). Youth with their hands raised to the heavens, parents raising their hands to pray over their children, and a large congregation raising their hands in prayer and agreement.

No picture or words would have done that moment justice. (Just tears, as I admit I wiped a few away.)

Thank you, Jesus, for this wonderful day and message tonight. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your mission and allowing me the honor to serve your children. There is power in agreement and when you are among your people. You were there tonight, Father, your Spirit was loud and clear and on the hearts of so many. In Jesus name, I praise thee, Amen.


****The special message for today, "Inconvenience IS Opportunity!" What a new concept for each of us. (Thanks Racheal for re-emphasizing this to me. I almost missed it, but God must have used you again to speak to my heart.) xoxoxoxo

Ahhh....a breathe of fresh air!

Can I just begin by saying that the last 7 weeks have been very stressful and trying! I have finally finished my 3rd course at Regent University, Cultural Diversity. I finished the last of the course work last night at about 1030pm. I am praying for an A!!! After 3 back to back classes, my mind is in need of relaxation so I am taking the fall semester off with hopes of returning in January for the Spring term.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my confidant during this semester. Thank you for providing me with the drive to finish strong.

Dear Mom,

Mom,

God has revealed to my heart a little while back something that He wanted me to share with you, a revelation of what He had planned for me. I’m sorry that it has taken me this long to say it, but as you can understand, “swallowing one’s pride is never fun nor is it easy.” I pray that you don’t mind me sharing this publicly, but it’s a humbling moment for me that I feel others would benefit from hearing.

Growing up, I was always the helper, the “little mommy,” and the one left in charge not just to Brett and Josh, but to some of my cousins as well. Although I loved children and babies, I grew to resent the fact that it was always me who had to babysit or help with the children, always me who was left in charge. This led to me never wanting children of my own. In my mind, “I had helped to raise enough of them already.”

I believe that part of the resentment I felt with regards to that situation was what led me to move out so quickly, carry on my own life and to be the only one to control me. I honestly have to laugh sometimes about what God could’ve been thinking when He allowed me to control my own life. Boy did He have a few surprises in store for me when He felt that I had had enough. I went from being under your control to being under mine, and then God said, “That’s enough, I’m taking over now.”

When God revealed to me that it was His plan for me to be the helper, not just you making me do it, the resentment I felt was unwarranted and needed to be released. As a daughter of the Almighty, I have been called to be a helper, not just to my family, but to the body of Christ. So, I guess what I am trying to say is, “I am sorry, mom, for the resentment and anger that I held against you for so many years!” I realize now, looking back, that God was preparing me and that you were His helper in that training process. Thank you for doing your part! You did a great job with me, even if I do say so myself.

Not to mention, I was more than prepared to care for my own child, Alyssa, when the time came for her to grace us with her presence. Thanks for the preparation and the ongoing help.

I love you, Mom!

XOXOXO,
Gail

Third Day---What a concert!!!!

We went to Wild Adventures this past Saturday specifically to see Third Day in concert. Words can't describe how awesome they are. I love their music and they were great performers. It was the coolest thing ever to see so many Christians in a Theme Park!!! And I saw some of the coolest Christian tees!

My favorite part at the concert was looking over to see Will holding Alyssa up with the two of them clapping along and raising their hands in worship of Jesus! I am so Blessed to have been able to share that with them.

The opening act was "House of Thomas." They are from Georgia and have only been together as a group for about 6 months, but you would never be able to tell. They performed like pros! They played a few songs and a very Rock-n-Roll feel to their music. It was a bit too hard for me, but that my have been because we were very close to the speakers. But they sang one song about "Tiny Hearts;" it was a very touching song about the hearts of the three babies that the lead singer and his wife had lost to miscarriage and the three children that are still alive.

Wild Adventures-Valdosta, Ga- and Cyrpess Gardens-Winter Have, FL have been two pleasant experiences. They are much smaller than Disney and all of the "popular" theme parks, but I have had more fun at them than at any other. The lines are NOT terribly long and they weren't over packed....most of all, their concert series are awesome! Check out the website to see who will be in concert soon.... http://wildadventures.net/events/2007/06/shoutfest_featuring_pillar_superchick_and_many_more.php

September 15th, 2007 at Wild Adventures will be the FIRST EVER, SHOUTFEST---an all out Christian event with lots of Christian Artists....if I can help it, I will SO be there!!!

By the way, check out Third Day's website....they have their own "radio station" that you can listen to all of their already released CD's online for Free!! It's great.
http://www.thirdday.com/tdmusic.htm

I had a blast....

Gail

My Spitting Image

Wow!!!! Isn't that scary??? You always know your children take on your traits, but somtimes, it's just plain scary. :)

This past weekend, Alyssa and I got our hair cut. She loves her new do and she is absolutely adorable, even if I do say so myself. She was so looking forward to going to summer camp on Monday to show her friends her hair. So, we got moving and made sure we had plenty of time to flat iron her hair to straighten the natural curls, and in her terms, "make it not so bumpy!"

Unfortunately, there were some children at camp that decided to tell Alyssa they didn't like her hair and made fun of her. She was so sad when I picked her up that I wanted to cry. She said, "that's why I wanted to wear a hat, mom, so no one can make fun of me." HEARTBREAKING!

She is ONLY 6 and is already experiencing the rejection that comes along with other children who are not taught, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." We were graciously given another chance to step in for God and help His little Princess feel as beautiful He thinks she is.

So we had the typical responses for her:

• "If they were really your friends, then they wouldn't make fun of you."
• "Do you like you hair?" "Does mommy and daddy like your hair?" "Didn't everyone at church like your hair?" Yes...yes...yes......"Well, then that is all that matters."
• "If the kids keep on saying it, then tell them to just stop looking at you."
• "Sometimes, hunny, people say mean things when they are jealous." (Of course, we had to explain the term, "jealous.")

Her Tuesday went much better and we are past that moment. But it was just a small reminder, of the hurts that are still yet to come.

Lord Jesus, please help us to seek out your ways of preparing our daughter for the difficult and trying times ahead. Father, provide us with the tools that we will need to guide her and the tools that she will need to stay strong through the trials. AMEN

(Please share your thoughts on the subject; I would love to hear from you.)

"It's the pain of jealous people-sometimes our closest friends and co-workers- that hold us back from seaking our dreams and really being who we are called to be in Christ."

When a Husband is respected...

While I was walking around at church yesterday morning, a thought came to me - "My husband is known among the elders and respected by those he serves with." I have to admit that this was a rather odd thought at the time it came to me not to mention that it brought up a reminder of a moment of "jealousy" about a year ago.

You see, I began serving at Celebration church many months before Will even considered it and the only people I knew were the few that were in the room I served in and the nursery coordinator. Other than those few people, no body in the church "knew" me. It didn't bother me too much until Will started serving with the Ushers/Security and then he knew a lot of the pastors, staff, ect. After Will had been serving a short while, I began to meet all of the people that he met, but I also became know as "Will's wife" or just "Mrs. Huggins."

WHAT ABOUT ME, YOU KNOW, MY NAME IS GAIL!

Well, I obviously got over it and over time, people began to know my first name, not just my last. I can't remember if I ever told Will about my jealousy, but I covered it pretty well from others.

I got over it, realizing that it's not now nor was then about--yeah, you guessed it, ME. Ok, so back to the original thought....God convicted my heart with that thought, "My husband is known among the elders and respected by those he serves with." At that very moment, I realized that I would much rather be known by the respect my husband has gained than by someone just simply knowing my name. It was a proud moment...I realized and looked back over the past couple of years and I see and love the progress that God has made in my life.But what is more exciting is that progress that HE has made in Will's life. I am honored to be the wife of such a wonderful man, a man who has loved me through a lot, is the best father in the world to Alyssa, but most of all for realizing the potential he has in God.

"It brings honor and glory to a wife when her husband has gained honest respect for the service he has done. And a husband won't be respected until his wife respects him first."

Thank you, Jesus, for being a part of our lives. The work that You did on Calvary was only the beginning. The work You do in our hearts is the saving grace of this world. Thank you, Father for knowing my needs beyond the flesh and filling my life with the best Blessings You could have given, Will and Alyssa. Amen!!!

Finally.....

I have finally finished my 2nd course at Regent - Worldviews. Monday starts course number 3, Cultural Diversity. Although the next course should be a bit more interesting, it is also only 7 weeks long and not 8. More work, one less week, and different deadlines. My schedule will be changing, but as it appears, it's for the better. I am eager to know what my final grade will be and the grades for the group debates and my final paper.

I am looking forward to a restful weekend- Alyssa will be going to Grandmama's house!!! :0)

Sorry, there's not too much to say, but I am mentally done for now and really need some sleep.

XOXOXOXO,

Gail

PS...I will leave you all with this picture.

Can we say, "Peek-A-Boo!"

What a Surprisingly God Weekend Vacation

It's Monday and we're off to the races again - racing for chores, work, homework, family time, and Jesus! But for a few days, everything, except Jesus, was put on hold as we took a big family vacation to Orlando/Winter Haven.
We got to the hotel friday late afternoon, just in time for the rain clouds to pass and to go swimming...Alyssa quickly learned how to swim when we told her she was going to a waterpark. She was happy to practice her swimming skills in the hotel pool and she loved the slide.
We went to Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven on Saturday and I must say that we were all extremely pleased!!!! It's not the big, rough and tough rides at the Disney/Orlando theme parks, but the waiting lines were never more than 5-10 minutes for any ride, even the roller coasters. And there were LOTS of kid rides for the younger children. The Splash Island waterpark inside of Cypress Gardens was the perfect thing to end several miles of walking and sweating. It was well worth the money we spent on annual passes.

Sunday, we got up early and went to Wet-N-Wild in Orlando. We got there earlier enough to ride down some really cool slides without long lines. It was nice too....and of course, Alyssa got to swim again. She loves to swim. (She was ecstatic when she realized that after a whole 3 days worth of swimming and fun, she got to go swimming at the UNF pool today at Summer Camp.)

Here's a few more pictures.....

Love you all....

Gail

Public Confession

So, picture this...the my dogs, Trinity and Rocky (as seen at the bottom of the page) and me outside near the pond on a "potty break." They are both at least 50 pounds each. Usually, they aren't too bad to walk at the same time; we're working on it. So, we are walking, they complete their business and then hear a lady a bit away with her dog - by the way, she's on the cell phone walking her dog. Ok, so my two start pulling and barking "protecting their territory and their mom," when the lady just completely ignores the fact that my two are trying to get at her dog and keeps talking on the cell phone and walks right in front of them. WHY DO PEOPLE DO THAT - why do they test other people's dogs like that???? Well, Trinity and Rocky, pulled me so hard on the grass that I lost my footing and fell to my rear in the grass sliding about a foot or two before they stopped. All I could pray at that moment was that I didn't land in poop. AND she still paid NO ATTENTION, she just kept chatting and walking!!! I didn't yell at her, curse, or speak directly to her, but I mumbled a few words (nothing obscene) to myself...but I certainly wasn't whispering.

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't respect the boundaries of other people's dog's - whether on a leash or not. If I hadn't had a grip on my two, there is no telling what they would've or could've done to that other dog.

What a test, and I did NOT pass, certainly not with flying colors. I imagine that God has a re-take in mind as I type this out. As i came back into the house and "cooled down" and really voiced my anger to God over the ignorance of other people, He took the chance to convict my heart. Isn't that just like our Father? He lets you vent and then gives you perspective.

So, my lesson for this afternoon, God tells me "that it's okay to feel angry if it's something that HE would've been angry over." I got the hint that i was more angry than I should have been, especially knowing that if she heard what i said, even to myself, I would've ruined any chances of showing the heart of Jesus should I ever meet her again.

So, I'm not perfect - my response was anger and I could have responded in a different way.

Thanks for reading my confession. Please pray for me. :)

XOXO,

Gail

Father forgive me for how I reacted. Please help me to choose my words and actions carefully and to respond in a way that is pleasing to you, Jesus.

Amen

Guiding 'Alyssa'

What is God wanting us to teach Alyssa right now. She has run into some issues with learning some not so appropriate things from her older friends in summer camp. When she learns these things, she will share them with Will and I, and then we turn around and ask her, "Do you think that Jesus would like to hear you say that?" Of course, she answers "No" and it's left at that. But this same situation comes up over and over. More importantly, we are teaching her that it's ok not to participate with children who are doing or saying appropriate things and to walk away to do something else. Will and I both realized that as we teach Alyssa how to take a stand against things not pleasing in God's eyes, we haven't really begun to prepare her for opposition that will one day come against her. Alyssa and I played a new Bible game - we made it up. I take out the Bible and my big concordance. I ask Alyssa to pick a word, then we will look it up in the concordance to see how many times God uses that word in the Bible. She first picked, "nice," but there was no listing for that. So, next was "good"...wow- let's just say that there are a lot.
The verse she picked out happened to be Psalm 119:65:72, read below:

65 You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. 66 I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. 67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. 68 You are good and do only good;teach me your decrees. 69 Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. 70 Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. 71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. 72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

The Universe Next Door

So, how many of you have ever heard of the following terms: Theism, Deism, Naturalism, Nihilism, Existentialism, Eastern Pantheistic Monism, and The New Age? Now, if that question wasn't enough to boggle your brain, trying reading and walking away with somewhat of an understanding of each of those in the last 6 weeks, with only two more weeks of school left. (Yes, my brain hurts too!!! No, Seriously, it does!)

This is what I have been reading for my class, Worldviews, at Regent. Talk about learning a lot. But I have to admit that without having taken this course, I would not be able to intelligently (or with some understanding) speak against the ones that aren't Christian Theism...Christianity. As, I mentioned in one of my debate posts, it is really intriguing the concepts humans have come up with over the last 2000 yrs or so just to dis-prove the existence of an "all knowing, personal, ever-present, Creator" and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Well, my brain can't handle much more tonight. But I'll leave you with this last thought:

"God does not present us with confusion but with clarity." (Sire, p,30)

Isaiah 45:18-19 clarifies some basic questions about creation for us:

For this is what the Lord says -

he who created the heavens, he is God.

he who fashioned and made the earth,

he founded it;

he did not create it to be empty,

but formed it to be inhabited -

he says:

"I am the Lord,

and there is no other.

I have not spoken in secret,

from somewhere in a land of darkness;

I have not said to Jacob's descendants,

'Seek me in vain.'

I, the LORD, speak the truth;

I declare what is right."

Free Starbucks.....Is there such luck?

Did you all know that if you take your vehicle to the service department at Coggin Toyota at the Avenues, you can help yourself to a cup of Starbucks coffee for FREE??? Will likes to rub it in when he goes to get his truck worked on that he gets Starbucks and I don't. But he is kind enough to send pictures of the sign.

I finally found "My Space" online!!!

Welcome to my new online home....I'm testing this out, so bare with me. I've never been to fond of myspace, honestly, I am afraid of what images might pop up should I log in or look for someone. This place seems safe for now.