The View from my Seat!

Honoring God! I have loved these last two messages. The first one on first fruits opened my eyes in a whole new way. The blind, crippled, stolen lamb was brought before the Lord because of Law. Gods heart is not law but love. How many times do we just try to get by? We did it because we had to, not because we loved Him and wanted to. This week he talked about authenticity. I love that God wants me to be me. He made me different and special. No one else has what I can give to this world. I am an original. And so are you! Ty spoke on 3 characters in the bible and how they were authentic. The first persons life we looked at was Jabez. Jabez received his name because of the pain his mother endured in childbirth. But he said a prayer that caught God's attention. He said Lord bless me, enlarge my territory, keep your hand on me, keep me from evil and help me to cause no pain. He started his life as a pain but his prayer was to cause no more. Ty's infamous saying, "It is not how you start but how you finish." No excuses. Don't let your past dictate your future. Jabez's prayer was original and from his deepest parts. When you talk to God, be real. You honor God when you pray from your heart. Secondly, Ty spoke about David and how he danced before the Lord. I can only imagine what his wife Michael was thinking when David's tunic flew up and he exposed himself to the world. But he did not apologize because he danced for no one but the Lord. I want to always be free to do what God is calling me to do. No fear, no regrets and no shame. Take advantage of the place you are at in life. Today is all we are promised. Listen to what God is telling you to do and do it. Don't wait another minute. This Honors God. Finally, we looked at the widow who gave everything to the Lord. That day she gave very little monetarily but to God it was more than anyone. Why, because it was an attitude of the heart. What sacrifices do you make in your life? Do you hold back certain things from God? Is there a secret place that is off limits. God wants all of you. Don't be afraid to give Him everything. When we give it all, He gives us back so much more. We serve a generous Father and He wants to bless His children. So honor God in everything you do.

Church Family

It is no secret that Ty and I believe you don't have to go to church to be a Christian. "We" are the church, not the building. We are the dwelling place for the Most High God. God can speak to us at home in the recliner, in the car while driving to work or anywhere He chooses. So why do I go to church? Some of you may say, "Well Heather has to go. She is the Pastor's wife." I would have to disagree. I grew up with a few Pastor's wives who did whatever they wanted to and they never apologized for their actions. I go to church because there is no place I would rather be. I felt real yucky last night for service. I was sitting at 5:15 on the couch in my lounge clothes. I had my glasses on and my hair was in a messy ponytail. My stomach was rolling and a bit of nausea was keeping me still. I sat there debating if I should get up and get ready or stay home and get in the bed. I never miss, so this one time wouldn't hurt. But I honestly couldn't stand the thought of not being there. Some of you I may not see for a week or more if I don't show up. I also know that when I don't feel so great, praise and worship always lifts me up. I had already heard the message on Sunday morning but Ty always says something different or I may catch something that I missed the day before. I strongly believe in the followers of Christ joining together for worship. It is a time of encouragement, growth and change. Ty's teachings always speak to my heart and challenge me. I also love people. I love to see your smiling faces. I love to pray for you when you are going through a tough time. On Saturday, I walked into the Fall Festival meeting at 3:30 for the pump up talk. The church was full of people wearing the same shirt and excited to serve others. I got a lump in my throat and I was filled with love. We came together and put on one the the most amazing events in Lea County. Together we gave to our community without expecting anything in return. We would have loved for them to join us in service the following day but no one was pressured. My friend RoAnn Whitmore said something on Sunday that spoke to my heart. "Even if the festival didn't bring one family to CJC, it brought our church together." We are a family. And together we can make an impact. I love each and everyone of you. I am blessed every time I see your face.

Pumpkin Roll!

Do you have one of those recipes that is fail proof? Every time you cook this particular dessert, casserole, etc. everyone raves about it. Well, here is one of mine. Tis' the season!

Beat 3 eggs
Add 1 c. sugar
Beat again
Add: 2/3 c. pumpkin, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. soda, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 c. flour. Beat just until combined.
Grease a cookie sheet 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Pour mixture onto wax paper and spread evenly. Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes. Toothpick comes out clean.
While baking cover a tea towel with powdered sugar. When cake is done, let it fall out on tea towel, peel off wax paper and roll up in tea towel. Put in fridge to cool.
In a small mixing bowel mix together 8 oz. cream cheese, 1 tsp. vanilla, 2 Tbs. softened butter, and 1 c. powdered sugar.
When cake has cooled completely, remove from fridge and unroll. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake. Re-roll without the tea towel. Place in foil and bake into fridge until ready to serve. Let roll stand at room temp. for 30 min. to 1 hour before serving.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!!!!

Blogging from Seattle.

Ty and I love the city of Seattle. It is full of culture, food and people. In fact, Ty has said many times that he would love to live here one day. He has called this city his favorite for more than 10 years now. But today I was reminded of something. There is no place like home. Judy Garland made this phrase famous years ago and I 100% agree. I have only been here for 2 days but I am so looking forward to driving down the Lovington Highway towards home. Today I watched a ritzy dressed lady walk into the Macy's department store probably ready to shop without even looking at the price tag. Just outside those large, double glass doors I watched another lady carry her life belongings in a single shopping bag while she searched for her next meal in the garbage can. I saw so many faces today as we walked these streets. Each of us so different from one another. I even leaned over to Ty at one time and reminded him how big God is. He shook his head and said, "I know." How can God love all of these people? How can God know the plans for each and every one of these interesting people? I had one answer come to mind. My God is BIG!!! I know this answer is so easy and obvious. But some times in the small town of Hobbs, you can forget. I don't understand it. I don't know how He does it. I can't wrap my mind around it. But that is why we call it FAITH. The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. He has called us each by name. We were all created in His image. He knows the number of hairs on each of our heads. And my favorite thing is knowing that He is big enough to carry my cares. I don't have to walk around with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can carry His yoke and it is light. From the rich lady in Macy's to the homeless woman digging in the trash, God holds us each in the very palm of His hands. Tonight we will have dinner in the city but I can't wait for pancakes tomorrow with my boys.