Knowing.

Many of you know that my dad recently passed away.
He was buried on my 59th birthday.
Not what a "daddy's girl" would want to remember about her birthday... or is it?

The last month of his life he came face to face with the reality that his death could come at any time.

He first entered the hospital on June 26th. During the few days he was there he told me that he was ready to go, that he had lived a good life and his only regret was leaving my mom and me. That continued to be his story through his last days.

It was an honor to sit on the sidelines and watch these two sweethearts of almost 60 years make final plans. What songs did he want? Who would sing? That was pretty much all that was left to take care of because for the past year daddy had made sure that things were all in order. He had made a list of everything mama would need to know about their finances and other things.

Daddy always led a quiet, simple life,  becoming a volunteer fireman in 1977.
He volunteered with the City of Greer Fire Department for 36 years before retiring several years ago. Even in retirement he was no stranger to his GFD brothers. That became evident during the weeks between hospitals and hospices. One day a whole shift came to visit resulting in two fire trucks and numerous other vehicles. It was a good day. There was laughter, there was peace.

During the last of his days here on earth I knew what God had called me to do as daddy's sister-in-Christ... worship with him on this side of heaven. With mom on one side and me on the other, I read several scriptures from Revelation to remind daddy of the sights and sounds that he would soon be privy to. After the scriptures came the hard part. I told him as his sister-in-Christ I could not send him off unprepared for what he was about to encounter. I knew he liked the old hymns, but am highly suspect that on that side of glory they might not just be singing the old standards. 

 With that said, Hezekiah Walker began singing "Every Praise".

I held daddy's hand up as a praise offering to our Lord. I have often done that as a kind of "standing in the gap" for those who weren't able to worship for themselves. At one point during the song I asked if he could say hallelujah. Of course he could. He had been rather non verbal that day so it was sweet to hear.
We then prayed and thanked God for everything. I think that was Thursday, daddy headed home to glory around 8:30 Saturday night...

Even though daddy was a always a quiet, soft spoken man, apparently he had made an impact on the men he called brothers at the GFD. They pretty much took care of the service. Daddy took his last ride on the back of Engine #5 which made it's way through the city of Greer. They provided police escorts at every intersection, and when we arrived at the cemetery, there were two ladder trucks extended to the sky with the largest American flag that I have ever seen. It was awesome. We were all so humbled by their display of love toward this simple man.

I guess all he ever did was love well.

Isn't that what we are all called to do?

The hardest part of the day was what's known as "the final call" issued by the dispatcher to the shift commander who stood by the graveside.

#86.

#86.

#86.

Last call for fireman #86, Donald W. Lister.

Fireman #86 has reached his eternal home, safe and sound.

Thank you Don for 36 years of faithful service.

Daddy knew peace.
Daddy knew Father God, Son Jesus and the sweet Holy Spirit.
Thankfully so do those of us who remain here.

Daddy was ready for his final call when it came on July 18th.

I don't know when my time will come, none of us do.

It is our prayer at Wellspring Living|SC and Wellspring Treasures Thrift Store that you know peace because you know Jesus, ready for your final call too.

If you don't... get in touch with me, my phone number or email can be found on our website under contacts, I will gladly share how you too can know peace and have peace through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you do know Christ as your Lord & Savior, but still don't have peace because of situations in your life, respond and say that you would like an appointment with our Director of Ministry, Madonna Hines and we will set that up for you too.

Maybe it's Your Turn!

Do you feel like God’s up to something but not sure what? 

Then why not go ahead and order you a ticket to Living Proof Live with BethMoore and Travis Cottrell… but only if you dare be so adventurous.

You see, back in the spring of 2003, I knew God was calling me to a fast. Not one, three or seven days, but it seemed like it was destined to be forty days.  Call me crazy, but I agreed.  I talked with my husband, Ray, who insisted I talk to our family physician about it too. 

So off I went into the wild blue yonder of fasting and praying.  I had asked a handful of people to pray for me during the fast; did they ever.  It was easier than I imagined it would be. Even preparing meals for my family to eat wasn’t a problem. I made it all the way to day twenty-one and all of a sudden I was hungry and sensed God was saying it was long enough. I was almost scared to eat that day.  I set a place for me at the table and asked for forgiveness if I had totally missed what was going on.  As I placed that first bite in my mouth, Jaci Valesquez started singing “God So Loved” on the radio and I knew it was indeed what He had asked me to do; so ended my twenty-one days with water and juice.

I had fasted before, but it was always a fast I had gone into over something specific.  I had no idea what this fast was about.  I think God just wanted to see if my heart and ears were in tune.

Fast forward to the summer of 2003…God put a prayer on my heart. 

Out of the blue with no prior warning; there He was spilling words out of my mouth and tendering my heart for a certain people group.

The infamous phone call in late September… 

“We have three extra tickets to Beth Moore this weekend if you know anyone who might be interested.”  Did I know anyone?  Yes, me!  

So off Christine, Madonna and I went, clueless that anything out of the ordinary awaited us.

But then Saturday morning happened.  

Before the morning session started a group of ladies came out and danced to “Shackles” by Mary Mary.  After they danced, Beth Moore shared  how to become a Christ follower.  

While Beth was in the back of the auditorium with those who had said “yes” to Christ that morning, my friends went to the book store and left me there unattended.  

I looked over to my left and there sat the only person I knew in Atlanta, Brenda Kelling; she and her family had recently moved to Atlanta.  In conversation I asked if they had found a church home. 

She replied that they had and that she was her church’s representative to Wellspring Living.  

The only thing I knew about Wellspring was the ladies that danced were from Wellspring.  

So it seemed like a sensible question to ask if Brenda’s church was going to have a dance ministry. Right?

Watch out, here it comes… (the God set up)…

“Oh no” said Brenda.

 

“Those ladies that danced onstage this morning used to dance in strip clubs and now they are dancing for the Lord.”

 Did she say strip club? 

Yes she did.

I didn’t say another word to Brenda.  

I just began to cry and went back to my seat.  

My only response, “Lord if that’s why you put that prayer in my mouth and those ladies in my heart, I’ll do whatever it is you are calling me to do.  I don’t know what it is; I don’t have the experience, the money or anything else to do it with.” 

“I do have two hands and two feet to follow, so where ever you lead, I will go.”

So here I am years later, still following and still believing. 

He is still leading and it’s been an amazing faith walk.

And do you know what?  

It really didn’t have a thing to do with Beth Moore.  

It wasn’t about anything she said or did. 

It was about the presence of a mighty God.

So go ahead and order that ticket… He’ll be waiting there for you!

And by the way, Beth and Travis might just have a word for you too!

Beth & Travis will be in Greenville, July 10th & 11th... and so will I!

 Take a walk on the wild side and join us there, God has something in store for you!

Flying Pigs and Frozen Hells… Don’t grow weary in praying or believing.

We've all had things in our lives to which we respond, “Yeah right when pigs fly or hell freezes over”.  This morning at Milestones Church I had a sweet reminder that I have actually experienced flying pigs and a frozen hell.  It happened so far back I cannot even tell you what year it was…somewhere between 1998 and Y2K.

I had hurt a friend so badly and I knew she was not the forgiving or the forgetting kind.  What I said to her may or may not have been true, but it wasn't really necessary. She was one of those rare friends that you feel like you have known forever at your first meeting and even if months or years passed since seeing each other, it was like no time at all. 

It was during what we referred to as II John at Wellford Baptist Church.  John Moore was making his second appearance as our pastor. He had preached about prayer on a particular Sunday with a suggested way for keeping it real.  So I devised the 2 @ 1:00 approach.  Every day at 1:00, I would go stand next to the mailbox at MTCC and pray for the same two things.  One shall remain nameless (although God answered that one too!) One was that my dear friend would forgive me.  I called her one day to ask for her forgiveness, she said she did, but I knew her words meant nothing.  

She probably said yes so I wouldn't call back.

At some point during all of this, Beth Moore was making her way to First Baptist Columbia for a weekend conference. We loaded the church van and off we went.  We found great seats on the right hand side of the balcony.  Once we all got settled and Travis and Beth welcomed us, imagine my discomfort as I looked across the sanctuary, and there she sat, directly in front of me on the left hand side of the balcony; she had gone as a guest of her mother-in-law.  Friday night, Saturday morning came and went... then Saturday afternoon happened. Travis started singing “Thank You”. My friend Christine was praying, but I didn't know it at the time.  The song started the second chorus; I jumped over two rows of seats to get out.  My heart was pounding so hard; I was going to ask her one more time to forgive me.  As I rounded the last corner of the balcony hallway, I looked up and she was running to me.  We hugged each other and were crying like the two crazy people we are.  

That day pigs flew.

What a reminder to me this morning as we sang that song, not once, BUT TWICE! 

For flying pigs and a frozen hell!  

I knew God was reminding me; don’t give up believing the things that I have told you were coming.  Hold on keep praying.  I thought of all the things written in the back of my Bible that were written by promptings of the Holy Spirit. All the promises of God will come in God’s time and for that my heart is grateful.

So don’t you grow weary in whatever you've been praying for, remember those sweet WORDS in     2 Peter 3:9…The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness. 

He's always an ON TIME GOD.

Since Travis sang it before "social media" was even in our vocabulary, I couldn't find his version, but Hillsong does a great job too!

Moods Don't Matter

How often have I missed a blessing from the Lord because my mood has been altered by one situation or another?  Knowing there were things that I needed to do, but my heart had turned sour over some silly something that didn't really matter.  

Sunday was one of those days. Ray and I had planned to go to his hunt club after church.  We had most of our things ready before going to church so we could come home throw it all in the truck and take off.

As we were standing to sing the last song as our benediction, it was clear as a bell that the Lord wanted me to anoint the hunt club.  Funny, the thought had never crossed my mind before, but there was no doubt that those were my instructions.  When we got home I grabbed the EVO, my ipod and ear buds and was ready to roll.  

Did someone say “roll”?  Not calling any names, but the other person that lives in our house had been on one since Saturday evening when I had undercooked his hamburger, it then “rolled” on over to Sunday morning because then the eggs were too overcooked!  As he was working to get his target set up to sight in his rifle, the “roll” began to “roll” again.  I climbed back into the truck while the shooting was taking place, thinking that maybe he could anoint his own little hunt club.

After we had our rifle in order we began to drive back to the house where the guys spend their weekends hunting.  I guess the Lord had to speak really loud to get this point across to me.  “Susan, does it really matter if your mood has changed?  Did I ask you to do something for Me if you felt like it or were in the mood?”  Wow, my mood didn’t matter, maybe it did to me, but was I willing to let my mood affect my obedience to something that I knew I had been summoned to do?  I decided that I’d be glad to anoint that little hunt club house. 

 I made my way around the entire perimeter of the house before going in, covering every doorway and bed while worshiping and praying.  When I finished inside, Ray had the hose pipe washing off the deck.  I knew that I had to find a no fire ant piece of ground to stand because I instinctively knew the shoes were about to come off.  As I found the spot and got down to the bare feet, the next song began to play the notes were so soft I couldn't recognize the tune.  But then the music began to get a little faster and louder and I almost started crying because then I did recognize the song.

 Days of Elijah. 

As the words filled my mind and heart I was so elated because it was the very first week of the Jewish New Year. What I had also learned last week is that it is in fact a year of Jubilee!  Only God could have orchestrated the time I spent on that property last Sunday.  In true fashion, as the last notes of the song began to fade, the wind began to blow, and blow and then blow a little harder.   

It was one of those moments for the record books. 

Every time I caught a glimpse of Ray, he had his back turned and was spraying the hose pipe.  After we loaded up and started down the road his only comment was actually a quote from “Dances with Wolves”… “you turned Injun didn’t ya?” He may or may not admit it, but he was glad about it all, well except for me singing so loud!

I only hope that memories of this day will always remind me that I shouldn't let my mood stand in the way of my obedience!

Days of Elijah by Robin Mark

These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant Moses
Righteousness being restored

And though these are days of great trials
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still we are the voice in the desert crying
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord!"

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call
Lift your voice, it's the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion's Hill salvation comes

And these are the days of Ezekiel
The dry bones becoming flesh
And these are the days of Your servant David
Rebuilding a temple of praise

And these are the days of the harvest
Oh the fields are as white in Your world
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard
Declaring the Word of the Lord

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call
Lift your voice, it's the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion's Hill salvation comes

There's no God like Jehovah!
There's no God like Jehovah!
There's no God like Jehovah!

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call
Lift your voice, it's the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion's Hill salvation comes

Lift your voice, it's the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion's Hill salvation comes

We Are ALL DOING IT!

You know you are.  I am, and always hope to be...

BELIEVING GOD for SOMETHING... 

or lots of somethings!

There are so many things that I could share that I am believing God for, and it seems the list keeps getting longer.  Yes, there are many things that have been checked off the list, smaller things, but still appreciated things.  Then there are several whopper-sized hopes, dreams and plans that are still in the count-down mode.

Do I get tired?

Do I get discouraged?

Do I wonder if I'm on the wrong road?

Yes!  Yes!  and Yes!

But then I have moments like I had this week.  My daughter, Jenn, made a trip south to visit her new nephew, Wyatt.  As part of that visit, I received my Mother's Day gift from her.  Encouragement from God's word to hold on, reminding me that HE HAS NOT FORGOTTEN His promises to me or all those that are dear to me. Girls... I AM STILL BELIEVING!

That was Tuesday.

Then came Wednesday... it was a day I had been anticipating for a few weeks.  Jesus Culture was coming to town and I had a ticket... a premium ticket!

As I made my way to the event, a sweet reminder from above.  Remember the name of the event...

 "I Still Believe Tour" 

One more sweet encouragement to do just that.

All that to lead up to the sharing of this video... If it doesn't make your spirit soar... better dial 911!

Jesus Culture... I Still Believe

I hope this encourages you to hold one and keep believing.  

He is SO trustworthy.

 

Indentions in my Heart

On a drive home from Myrtle Beach many years ago, my youngest daughter Sarah, asked if she could wear my necklace; it was a “puffy heart” given to me by my husband for Valentine’s Day.  She didn’t wear it long and returned it.  As I was driving, I reached up to hold the heart.  My fingers rubbed across the surface and I noticed that it felt a little different.  Where it had once felt smooth, it now felt lumpy.  When I was able to do an inspection I realized the lumps were caused by Sarah’s teeth.  I guess she must have been doing a hardness test and when it proved not to be too hard she gave it back, probably hoping it would go unnoticed.

Isn't that the way our battered and broken hearts are.  

We all carry scars of some sort or another. 

What makes the difference how we respond to the brokenness.

 As much as I loved the smooth shiny puffy heart, I wouldn't trade the visible scars it carries for anything.  Strange that with its flaws and imperfections it means more now than when it was smooth and shiny.

One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 4:23…

 “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  

We can’t keep our hearts from being broken, but we are the ones who have to make the choice on how to handle the after effects. 

We can hold bitterness and resentment against the ones who inflicted the scars, or we can surrender the hurt to our sweet Savior and let Him do what only He can.  He can turn them into precious treasures.  It's only  through His grace that allows us to turn the broken things into beautiful things.

And wouldn't you know there's a song that says just that!

Much ado about nothing... or was it?

If you have visited our website in the past, you may have seen our pictures and read about those thirty- something crazy people marching around a house seven times because it seemed like they were supposed to.

Feeling like God had led us to the house back on 2007 as what would become the Wellspring Living|SC residential home.  We have prayed, hoped, dreamed, prayed and then we marched.  It really seemed like the natural thing to do after reading The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

So last week we found out that our "dream house" SOLD.  

Sigh. 

Or not.

You see, it's not over 'til God says it's over.  As Mark Batterson says... "God always has a holy surprise up His sovereign sleeve."  So to me, it may look like it's a done deal, and maybe it is.  But I'll wait until I get the official WORD from above.

Why would you be so silly, you may ask.  As I thought about not always knowing the end of the story, I am reminded of a time back in the early days of 2003.

I wasn't sure why, but  I really felt led to fast for forty days.  Prayed about it, talked to Ray (my husband) about it. He insisted that I go talk to *Dr. Johnson about it.  I did and he encouraged me to be smart and listen to my body.  So it began, and it was something I am so glad I did.  On Day 21, I felt a very strong sense that I was supposed to end my fast.  As I set the table for my family, I set a plate for me too.  I looked at the meal and realized it was an exact duplicate of the last meal I had eaten before I began the fast.  Country style steak, black-eyed peas, cole-slaw, rice and corn bread.  

As I lifted the fork to my mouth, I stopped and said "Lord are you sure?" We always had His Radio playing in the kitchen and dining area and as I placed the first bite on my tongue, Jaci Velasquez began singing "God So Loved the World" and I knew I had heard and I had obeyed.  God and I had had many a moment with that song.  I had even asked Him a very personal question about that song.  I knew He had heard and had lovingly answered.

It wasn't my first fast.  It was my longest.  When I had fasted before, I had fasted for specific reasons.

This time was different.  After it ended I still had no idea why.

In the fall of 2003 I received three last minute tickets to see Beth Moore in Atlanta (surely you've heard that story!)

It was probably sometime in 2005 when I was cleaning out some things and I came across several journal entries and notes of encouragement from a few friends who knew I was fasting that I realized that the fast came (the obedience) and then the call came... all in the same year.  I can only surmise that God was wondering, or maybe He wanted me to know that I was willing to do whatever He asked.

So ya' see, I thought the fast was the end of the story.  Who knew it was the beginning!

So the sign might say "SOLD", and their may be a new owner in town... 

BUT (God is sovereign) God hasn't said "GIVE IT UP GIRLFRIEND!"

*It was Dr. J's house!  How funny is God?!

Ooops!

Here it is the 6th day of October and we have a watermelon plant that decided to take root in our front yard right next to the azaleas and the monkey grass (liriope).  This morning was the first day I have seen the bloom.  If we had planted a watermelon in our little garden spot, I dare say it probably would not have fared so well.

Isn't that so true of many things in life?  We want to sew joy, hope, peace and all good things. Try as we may, many times we end up with something we never meant to plant , something that we didn't know had been planted.

In the past two days I have met two people who I'm sure intended to plant a good life, but ended up with something flourishng that they would never intentionally plant... depression.  It hurt my feelings to see the sadness in their eyes, to see the emptiness and despair within screaming from eyes that had lost their spark.

Maybe I was more aware of it today because of something that I read the other day... a 31 day blog experience that over 1200 people are participating in.  As I was scrolling through the list of topics, one written by someone who calls herself A Holy Fool really caught my attention. Mostly I geuss because that is sometimes how I feel, like a holy fool!!  It is the story of someone who loves the Lord and is a devoted disciple and her honest struggle with depression.

I encourage you to take time to read her words.  Perhaps you, someone you know or someone you love could be encouraged by one woman's courage.  You may be like me, I was more or less unaware and gave little thought to depression, and there was a time when I was sure that you could praise yourself out of it. If nothing else, this has certainly tendered my heart toward those precious sisters and brothers who have something growing, something flourishing that they never planted.

If you would like to see the entire 31 day blogs...

Visit The NESTER 31 Dayers 2012.

 

Of course some of my true favorites are from my own

Jenn and our good friend Meredith.

Blessings to you!
Suz

Don't be shy!

Many of us are in the midst of or have finished "James, Mercy Triumphs" by Beth Moore.

One of my favorite scriptures has to be James 5:13 & 14.

"Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.

Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.

Is anyone sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."

If you are suffering, have you prayed?

Suffering of any kind will more than likely bring us to our knees.

But, if it hasn't, don't be shy... just do it!

If you are cheerful, have you sung praises?

That's my favorite. A friend used to say that prising was the most underused weapon in our spiritual arsenal. If you are cheerful, stop and praise Him that you aren't suffering or sick.

That's usually what I do even during the suffering too.

One of my favorite memories of praising during a sick and suffering time was in 2007 while my dad was in the hospital because of his Stage 4, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Daddy had taken a trip down the hall for some sort of test. Perfect time to pull out the ipod and set it to shuffle. That way I let God take charge of our song selection. I was hoping no one would open the door.

They didn't.

We were good to go.

With shoes off and volume wide open, I worshipped with complete abandon. As the music played, I also prayed for all those who were and had been occupying the rooms all over the hospital, for doctors, for grace, for those who had no hope to discover the giver of hope, for healing. I danced around the room pointing and declaring. It was a time I'll never forget. Don't know if it made a difference, but my dad recently had a PET scan and all is well.

But as far as being cheerful and praising, have you ever had to pull over on the side of the road when you saw something so beautiful, you felt like it was something God had planned just for you?

Or have you ever performed a ballet number for him right in the middle of your kitchen, maybe under the stars on your back porch? You don't know what you are missing if you haven't. And I have the perfect song for such.

http://http://youtu.be/kc89RsnAuyw

So, don't be shy... just do it! ( I dare you!)

Happy Valentines Day to You!

Happy Almost Valentine’s Day!

I hope you know that you are loved.

Sure we love you, but mostly Jesus loves you; a love like no other.

We hope you know Him, we hope you love Him too!

If you come by Wellspring Treasures on Tuesday, February 14^th, we will have a special surprise for you.

We will also have a special request for you… A few weeks ago at our Wellspring Living/SC Board Retreat, one of the topics we discussed was prayer and the role it plays in all that we do. We have come a long way from the time God first whispered to my heart “come join me in this adventure” (not His exact words, but I took the bait) to the place where we long to be.

God has blessed the store financially, He has sent some wonderful volunteers, and many great donors too, wouldn’t you agree? We also received some pretty nice gifts over Christmas and the New Year. We are still missing a few key things before we will be able to open the Wellspring Residential Home.

Since you feel like “family”, we’d love to treat you just like that. We want you to put us on your prayer list (if we aren’t already there). That’s our special request… to pray.

We are taking God at His word from Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. “

Starting on the 14^th, we will have little reminder cards that you can take home… if you are willing!

We will also add a new “prayer square” in the store, so while you are shopping; you can stop on the square and say a prayer for the house. It will be similar to the one we have now where we stop and pray for you each day.

Much love…

Wellspring Treasure Volunteers & Wellspring Living/SC Board and Staff

We love because he first loved us. I John 4:19

To Know HIM is to Trust HIM

One of the greatest pleasures I have had in my life is time spent with the girls in my prayer group. A few years ago, God wanted to expand my horizons and introduce me to a new group of friends. I accepted His invitation… kicking and screaming all the way. I really only went because I knew He would be there.


My old prayer group was like a favorite pair of jeans… comfy. A new set of prayer friends meant a whole new pair of jeans. I imagined they would be a little stiff when I first tried them on. They weren’t. They were like old friends, and praying with them gave me the same comfort and feelings of warmth and assurance that comes from joining my heart and hands with my sisters in Christ.


So whether it’s the old or the new, the Spirit of God is the common bond that we so look forward to. One year God allowed the old and the new to come together in what turned out to be my ordination ceremony as director of Wellspring LivingSC. It was so personal; God didn’t leave out one little detail.


Since the beginning of the New Year, I have had the opportunity to be with both groups in prayer. Most recently was spent on what we refer to as The Holy Mountain of the Lord (The Cove) with the New Jeans, which by the way are really comfy now too! We had a grand old time on the Mountain and I think we were really the envy of all the other women there. After all, we were adorned with crowns, sashes and feathers in our hair. That was just what you could see as we walked back and forth to the dining hall.


What they didn’t know is that within the walls of our meeting room we also had our own set of pom-poms that we used during our worship along with various other items for our wave offering. Celebrate His glory on the mountain we did! As we were in worship on Saturday morning, singing along with Travis Cottrell to “In Your presence O God” I got a little caught up in the truth of this song. Please listen if you haven’t already.

It was smack dab in the middle of it that I had to lay the pom-poms down and take a seat.

I had to stop and write down what I knew the Lord was saying to me.

“Susan, you know those areas in your life where you are not trusting Me yet? It’s because you don’t really know Me… because if you really knew Me… there is no way you wouldn’t trust Me.”


You had better believe me; I have delved into His Word and hopefully into His presence since I came down off of the mountain. I have refused not to believe Him in several areas of my life.

One particular area I had worked out in my head… but instead I have decided to trust Him to work it out. I will be still and know that HE IS GOD!

Join me, dive deep heart first into believing Him for every good and perfect gift!

After all I do have a new blue bracelet and isn’t that why I have it in the first place?

Small Beginnings

A year ago November 20th, we opened the door to Wellspring Treasures Thrift Store hoping and praying that things would work out, that people would donate, that people would shop and that people would volunteer. As you well know, it did work out. The one thing that has happened that we really didn’t anticipate is that we collected a lot of friends along the way. Thanks to God answering all those prayers, the store has been successful in many ways.


You may be familiar with the Scripture that says… “if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself…” We have discovered that is true even if it’s a thrift store that is lifting Him up. I would like to share one of our favorite stories of the year…


We had a wedding gown that we were holding for a bride. Se had paid $75 down and still owed $75. She came by and told us that she wasn’t going to be able to get the dress. We weren’t sure if the wedding had been called off or she just couldn’t afford the dress. We all knew what was coming next. A phone call was made the next day and the question asked… “do you still need a wedding dress?” After we heard the answer, we told her that she needed to come by and pick up her dress, that it was here waiting on her - No Charge. We then told her that everything in the store belonged to the Lord and that we knew that if she were in need and He had put us in a position to meet that need, that He would want us to do so. It Didn’t take long for the bride and her mom to get to the store. We handed her the dress and wished her well. No lie, she stood stone still in the same spot for no less than ten minutes… crying. Each time she would try to say a heartfelt thank-you, the tears would flow harder. We told her “no need to thank us, just thank Jesus, it was a gift from Him because He loves you so!” (yes, we were all crying too!)

We had no idea what she knew about Him before that day. We did know that when she was finally able to walk, she had a fresh revelation of His love for her.

There are many more stories that we could share, each volunteer has had a divine appointment and shared tears or a prayer with our shopper friends.


As we look past the store and toward the ministry of Wellspring LivingSC, I would like to share a scripture with you…

“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… “
Zechariah 4:10

Small beginnings… that kind of reminded me of our journey here. It was reassuring to hear God say not to despise those small beginnings. Many might say that not only have we started small, but that we are awfully slow getting out of the gate. It has and is taking longer than I would have thought. Each unveiling of God’s provision has reminded us that He is our supply, He is our portion, He is our everything.


　
He has placed many of you in positions to do good too. It’s our hope that you also respond as He nudges you just as He did all of us that were in the store that day. God puts us right where He needs us, when He needs us, in the place designed for us to do His good works.


An all time favorite Bib le Study would have to be Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”. If you aren’t familiar with it, be sure to check it out, if you are, you should remember this one … “look to see where God is working and join Him there..”


We at Wellspring Living SC hope that you have looked and seen that He is here, working. If you believe in your heart of hearts that to be true, would you consider becoming a partner with Wellspring Living SC to allow us to take the next step?

A one-time gift or a monthly donation will enable us to get one step closer to opening the doors of the residential home.

How exciting to join God in the good work!

Blue.

Heaven help, because I cannot even remember how long ago it was that I first participated in“Believing God” written by Beth Moore. The first time I did it, it was only available on line (and still is). We didn't even have a computer at home. So when I finished a lesson, I would go to an unnamed location (don't want to incriminate the guilty party here) and listen on line to the video.

It was several years later that Stacy Stokes led a Believing God study at Wellford Baptist. It was one that I loved so much, I did it again.

One assignment we had during the study was to have some sort of blue bracelet on our right arm. The scripture reference for the bracelet comes from Numbers 15:37-39.

The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'Throughout
the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments,
with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so
you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.

I’m not really sure what my first bracelet looked like. Stacy made my second bracelet. It was a blue cord with some blue beads on it. I bet if I looked hard enough I could find my first one. I know for sure where No. 2 is. I also remember wearing it until it broke off my arm.

So there went my blue bracelets.

In 2007 I met Betty at The Cove. She’s part of the Sista Group that makes a yearly pilgrimage to the Cove in January. It’s a very small and intimate group. The first year that I was invited to go, I barely knew any of the women and have to say I went kicking and screaming. I kept telling the Lord that I had enough girlfriends and didn’t need any new ones. Then I realized that it wasn’t about the girlfriends as much as it was about me and Him… the girlfriends were like the dessert with the main course.

I was impressed that Betty had a blue bracelet on. It had been several years since the study had made it’s rounds, so I knew she had worn it for a while.

Year two, Betty still had on her blue bracelet.

Year three, Betty still had on her blue bracelet.

Year four, I was not able to go to The Cove.

Betty and me year one... snowing!

I did recently see Betty. It was two days before her faith became her sight. Two days before she came face to face with her sweet Savior. Her days of believing were over.
She believed in Him and believed Him until her dying day.

I couldn't see her bracelet when I visited her in the ICU. They had what appeared to be boxing gloves over her hands to keep her from disturbing all the vital accessories that she was now adorned with.

But I knew it was there. They had tried to take it off of her wrist when she was admitted.
It didn't work. She refused. I am thankful.

Betty was an inspiration to anyone who ever met her. She had health problems, but that never quenched her irrepressible spirit. I only, ever spent four weekends with her. But knowing her has changed my life.

So for today and all of my tomorrows I plan on having some sort of blue something or other on my right wrist. Why? Because I was believing God then for some mighty big things. I still am.

How about you.
Did you believe God for something and give up or decide it wasn't coming your way?

Or… did your bracelet just break?

Ray and I were in Charleston when I received the news about Betty. From then on, I knew that before we came home I would have me a new bracelet.

God IS Who He says HE IS

God can do what HE says HE will do

I am who God says I am

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

God's WORD is alive and active in me

I AM BELIEVING GOD

It's not a four letter word...

We often need to slow down and yield to oncoming traffic.

Mostly we need to slow down and yield to the Holy Spirit.

It is in our own best interest to do both.

Missing the Mark

How many sermons have we heard about that very subject? Lots would be my guess. And through those we understand that is what sin is... missing the mark.

After reading the book Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan, I feel that is exactly what we as Christ followers and churches have done. Most of us have read the great commission in Matthew 28.

We often refer to it as the Good News...

In Christianity, the Gospel, good news, Evangelion, or Evangelium (from Koine
Greek euangélion — also translated as "gospel", "glad tidings" and variants) is
the message of Jesus, the Christ (the Messiah), specifically the coming Kingdom
of God, his atoning death on the cross and resurrection, the descent of the Holy
Spirit at Pentecost as "helper" (paraclete), and the resulting promise and hope
of salvation for the faithful.

How many sermons have been spent on anything but the message of the cross?

No wonder Billy Graham is so famous. That's all he does is preach that message. Yes, i know he's an evangelist and that's what they do. So, if Billy's not able to do it anymore, who will take up his mantle and evangelize. According to Matthew, it comes down to you and to me.

So, if you have found yourself reading this post... would you order the free book, read it and allow so many truths speak to your heart?

If you are not moved to action in your own personal life, ask God why.

If you don't find yourself questioning certain things about your own life and subtle lies that have woven themselves into your very being, ask God why.

If you find yourself moved to action, convicted about those subtle lies.... celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit and make some changes.

It is after all the Good News and deserves to be shared!

Simple but true.

Many years ago… many I say. I was listening to Mickey Bonner preach on a cassette tape. I cannot tell you exactly what his subject was, but I do remember thinking how sad that I would believe the lies of the devil over the promises of my Savior. Now, that my fiends is a sad state to be in. But don’t we most often live our lives that way? Fearful, scared and defeated because we’ve been tricked into believing that we aren’t worthy or because of something we’ve done that surely God wouldn’t do what we need Him to.

You may know that smack dab in the middle of all that has been going on with Wellspring that I also had a daughter getting married. I remember exactly where I was when I prayed a prayer of provision over Jennifer’s (daughter #1 to get married, no, I did not say #1 daughter ) wedding. It was the day Tim was going to propose, and I asked God to allow us to give her a very nice wedding that we could afford. He did. I was working full time and Ray worked more over time that year than ever before, or since.

Fast forward to 2010. I work six days a week. Five volunteering for Wellspring and one paid at Middle Tyger (THANK YOU WANDA!). Ray has a great job that he loves, but it’s less pay and absolutely no overtime.
So I prayed the same prayer again.

For many weeks, there were a lot of tossing and turning during the night because I would wake up trying to figure out how something would be accomplished be it wedding or Wellspring. I’d be so worried, my stomach would be on fire. Every time I would wake up fearful, I would get the sweetest assurance that God had it all covered and would be able to go back to sleep.

During the middle of all of this Milestones Church started an inter-active series on prayer. Week one, we wrote down our greatest need and placed it on the alter. Week one was especially sweet because the focus of the sermon was the first miracle of Christ, which of course took place at a wedding.

Week two, Doc preached and during the service we wrote a letter to the Lord. People around me during this series must have thought I was either most sinful or dying. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much during a church service.

I had several options going on here… one, I could get a second job. I guess it would have had to have been from midnight on to squeeze it in. Two, we could ask our parents for a loan, or three, we could charge a lot of it. I could work it out. But I knew that would not be me allowing Jesus to answer my prayers. So I decided to be still and hopefully see the salvation of the Lord over this great need in our life.

By the time week three rolled around, I had once again looked at the savings account balance. Gripped by fear and doubt as I was ironing my clothes for church I confessed these words out loud to the Lord… “Jesus, I don’t see how YOU are going to make this work. I just don’t see it happening. But thankfully, I cannot see all that YOU can. Not only do I believe You can do this great thing in our life… I BELIEVE YOU WILL!” Off to church we went. I could not wait to get there to see what our inter-activity would be today. Surely I was not to be disappointed. Hub had a variety of subjects that were written down during week one. When he called one of them out we were asked to stand if God had answered a prayer for us concerning that subject. Then if you had a need in that area, those standing were asked to go and surround those in need and pray. It may have been my favorite church experience to date.

As the week progressed and I looked at our savings balance again, I cried, I jumped up and down and called a friend. I vowed to her that if He did what it looked like He was going to do, I would take my extra-large white worship flag and wave it at the reception as a way of giving credit where credit is due.

Well…. HE DID IT!!

It was the day before the wedding when I realized what the song choice was to be.

I Bless Your Name by Selah. It was these words which I could relate to so well…

In prisoner’s chains with bleeding stripes
Paul and Silas prayed that night
And in their pain began to see
Their chains were loosed and they were free

I bless your name
I bless your name
I give you honor, give you praise
You are the life, the truth, the way
I bless your name

Some midnight hour if you should find
You’re in a prison of your mind
Reach out praise, defy those chains
And they will fall in Jesus’ name

I bless your name
I bless your name
I give you honor, give you praise
You are the life, the truth, the way
I bless your name


I was a little worried about stealing any thunder from the newly wed couple. It turned out they decided to leave the reception a little early. As we all made our way back in after seeing the happy couple off, I grabbed the mike and said since the bride had left the building it was now my party and I would like to thank the Lord for making it all possible. Not exactly the speech I had planned, but I think they all understood when the flag unfurled. Jennifer said one time while this was going on Jarrad (our wedding photographer) was laying on the floor to get the best shot of the flag. Thank goodness he has known me all his life, so he may have not been too surprised.

By the next afternoon Sarah called to inquire about this grand display… “what are you talking about?” Her friends that were still there had posted a few pics on Facebook. Well, I guess that would be better than seeing them pop up without warning on the wedding photo site!

Mickey Bonner, I think I got it this time. As my friend Samuel said…
“thus far God has helped us”.

Just Say IT For Pete's Sake!

We started a new series at Milestones yesterday called "SAY". It's a three week series about the power our words hold. Some for good, some for bad.

Before the service started we were treated to Jeremy Haines' rendition of "Say" by John Mayer.

Nice.

Our pastor's wife, Brenda, started week one with a very transparent message about a missed opportunity or two to say the right thing. You can see for yourself. (click on Milestones above) But be fore-warned, grab a Kleenex or two.

I could really appreciate all of what Brenda spoke about, especially after watching Secretariat.

We watched it Saturday night, before "SAY" started the following day.

As Ray and I watched the movie, we were at the part where you could tell that Jack Tweedy finally understood and appreciated all that his wife, Penny, had been working toward. I guess you could say "he saw the light". It was right about that time that someone did see the light. Not on the screen but in real life. Mine. Ray said, "you know, I don't think I've ever told you how proud I am of you and all that you are doing and have done over the past few years."

It was right about then that I couldn't tell you what was happening with the Tweedy's and the Chennery's. All I knew was that my man had just hit a home run! I was well aware of how he's not real fond of other things associated with starting a ministry and going here and there to speak. But proud of me... I had no idea.

So when Brenda spoke about not with holding good that others need to hear... AMEN!

Is there someone in your life that you need to say a good word to?

Well, for Pete's sake... SAY IT!
It will make their day, and you might be surprised how good it will make you feel too!

State of the Way Things Are Address

Here it is another new year, another chance to look back and reflect on any progress since this time last year. Great strides were made! Great strides indeed. On one hand.

On the other... a reminder of how far we still have to go.

Nothing has reminded me of that or shown me the urgency to do this thing like recent events.

Let's go back to the summer of 2010. You may remember that we had a fun time with the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Quilt". The ladies from the Lyman Quilters donated a beautiful quilt that traveled to various churches throughout the summer with the drawing held during the Beth Moore Simulcast in the fall.

The name was drawn and I knew without a shadow of doubt that God had chosen our winner. We had our pictures taken together and I had every intention of posting the picture and the name of our winner on our blog and website. It was right in the middle of working on the store and it was one of those things I never got around to.

This was what our winner shared in an email...
I would like you to know that I have been praying for awhile for the Lord to lead me in the right direction of the ministry that I would be the most effective in leading people to Christ. I know, without a doubt, that He spoke to me yesterday. I prayed throughout the day yesterday as well as today, and I know this is the direction he is leading me in . I know if it wasn't for the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ picking me up out of the mire and muck I was in for years of my life I would probably be dead. I am a recovering drug addict. I come from a past of sexual abuse, and I was on drugs for years as well as prostitution. I had one thing going for me... I had an aunt who was a praying Christian. God heard her prayers and showed me mercy. I have been through it all, I have even done prison time, but God delivered me from a life of bondage and sin. I have quiet a story to tell and God wants me to use my testimony to reach others. I am grateful that I am not another statistic today. All the glory goes to God .

Even though I didn't post her name or picture anywhere, I remembered her name and had her name and number om my volunteer "to call" list. While sitting here sipping coffee early one morning, I heard her name and then saw her face on the news.

If only I had taken time to call her... if only the Wellspring residential home was already here...

...if only

Praise be to the Lord of all Creation who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all my missed opportunities, my too busy schedule and what seem to me to be insurmountable odds on many fronts. Hallelujah You can see what I cannot!

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