God's Plans

Today in my bible reading time, I read the short book of Jonah. I noticed something that I had never noticed before. The word "arranged" was used 3 times. God "arranged" for a great fish to swallow Jonah up. He "arranged" for a leafy plant to grow and provide shade for Jonah. He also "arranged" for a worm to eat the plant. Arrange means: To put into a specific order, to plan or prepare for. The three arrangements that God made were after Jonah had disobeyed God. Isn't it comforting to know that even when we are walking in the wrong direction, God still has a plan for our life. He is making arrangements on our behalf. I love the scripture in Proverbs, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." We have all sorts of plans for our life but it is God who makes the way. I want to encourage you to let God lead you. Notice that He is providing for you in every area of your life. He cares about your present and you future. He has forgotten your past. If you are on the wrong road, STOP MOVING! This blog was "arranged" by a loving Father who is using His daughter. It is like a spiritual U-Turn sign on the road you are traveling. It is never too late to turn back. If God is asking something of you, DO IT! Don't wait because God's plan is so much better than your own. I promise!! Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." I love you all and I believe you have a bright future ahead of you.

All Hail...

Have you ever heard of the hymn, "All Hail King Jesus?" I remember learning this song from my grandmother when I was a little girl. We visited my grandparents in Louisiana every few months for 8 years. My grandparents taught me lots of scripture and old-time hymns. I made a little money when I was able to recite what I had memorized. They were proud of their little granddaughter for knowing God's Word and I was proud of the wad of money stuffed in my pocket. This certain hymn has come to my mind in recent days. Due to an overwhelming amount of frustrations, I turned to Ty and said, "All Hell is breaking loose." In the last week, we have noticed that the pumpkins are not growing. The 6" of rain has smothered the seeds. Out of 2,000 seeds planted, approx. 300 have survived. Not worthy of a community wide Fall Festival. Which happens to be our biggest outreach. The John Deere tractor broke while mowing the church grounds. The hotel facade of the old west town blew over during the lightening storm Wednesday night. Our well has been tested by the water department and things are not going as we had hoped. All in one week we felt like so many things had fallen on top of us. It didn't stop there but I will spare you the drama. It has been tough to say the least. Ty and I found ourselves sitting in our walk-in closet floor broken. What do we do? Where do we start? Have you ever felt that way? Sometimes it pours during a rain storm. But right in the middle of our sadness the Lord speaks to my heart another scripture. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

It is only when we go through the fire do we become like pure gold. Whatever you and I go through, God will be there. He will not let go of His children. I am comforted by these words. I don't understand why things happen the way that they do but I am confident in this; My God is in control. I am trusting in Him and believing that He will make my path straight. Don't give up because of circumstances but keep going because you know God has a plan and He has not finished what He started. So instead of All Hell let your words be All Hail!

"All Hail King Jesus, All Hail Immanuel. King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Bright Morning Star. And throughout Eternity I'm going to praise Him. And forevermore I will reign with Him."

Ladies Retreat

What a wonderful weekend the ladies had in Ruidoso. We built lots of new relationships as well as re-established old ones. We relaxed, laughed and ATE. And boy did we eat. You know that food is important when you take as many pictures of the food as you take of the people eating it. I think these types of get-a-ways are so important for women and men alike. It is necessary for us to let our hair down and refresh. It is fun to act like a silly school girl again. This weekend we talked about seeing our self as God sees us. Not letting the mirror or anothers view of us dictate how we feel about ourselves. We talked about overcoming insecurities and believing that God has a purpose for our lives. It doesn't matter your race, age, sex or social status, God has a plan for your life. If you are breathing, the best is yet to come. Ladies, I pray you will join us next year for our retreat to the mountains. Men, let Ty know that you are ready for a get a way. You deserve it as much as we do.

Here are a couple of recipes from the trip. More to come in the near future. I know you all want the gingerbread cookie recipe. So as soon as I get it I will post. Love you all!


Chicken Salad

1 bag of frozen boneless chicken tenders boiled and shredded
1/2 purple onion diced
2 small apples diced
1/4 c. dill relish or a bit more if you desire
1 c. of pecan pieces
start with 1/2 c of real mayo and continue to add until desired wetness
salt and pepper to taste

(I sometimes add dried cranberries or diced dried apricots)


Strawberry Salad

2 bags of salad (I prefer spring mix or European)
1/2 pint of sliced strawberries
1 container of feta cheese crumbles
1/2 bottle of Brianna's blush wine dressing. It has a large strawberry on the front.

(I added blueberry's the last time I made it)

More recipes to come!

A Lot Can Happen!

I always complain that my boys don't ever let me sleep late. I am a night owl and no matter how early I know I will wake up, I can't make myself go to bed early. This morning my eyes popped open and I just knew it had to be 9:00. "What, Brady and Hud are still asleep?" Then I turned to look at the clock. It was 7:00 a.m. Now many of you may say, "That is sleeping in for me." I agree unless you go to bed at 1:00 a.m. I require a bit more sleep than that. So the house was quiet and I laid in my bed thinking. I started off thinking of this Ladies Retreat that is coming up on Thursday. I am so excited and I am trying to finalize the last few details. My thoughts began to take me back in time. Memories flooded my mind and a sense of pride filled my heart. We have come so far. Ty and I beat ourselves up so often. "Are we achieving our goals? Are we making a difference?" And then it came to me in waves. In June of 2003, CJC purchased this land and facilities from Connie Crow. We started here with a tin building, a house and horse stalls. In seven years our facilities have for the most part remained the same. We still meet in the same tin building but beautifully remodeled. There is still a beautiful house on the property but we have made it a home. And the horse stalls remain but they are no longer empty. The only structures we have added is the old west town, the brick entrance way and the fence. Ty and our secretary were the only ones on payroll. Ty has prayed fervently for a staff and volunteers. He continues to pray for this today. I INTERRUPT THIS BLOG FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT...... This blog could be one of my longest so I decided to make a list instead of writing in book form. So here it goes.

Here is what happened in ONLY seven years:

*We have met in our building over 500 times for services.

*We added a Sunday service

*We hired a youth pastor, a children's pastor and worship leaders

*We have seen hundreds of people accept Christ as their Savior

*We started a school for our community-Crill

*We have a ministry called Blessings that works with children with special needs-Corrina

*We have given thousands of dollars to Missions

*We have given thousands of dollars to the Gideons

*We help with community outreach

*We put on a summer youth camp-Cigi and Clay

*We grow a couple thousand pumpkins for a few thousand people at an event called Fall Fest

*We put on other big days (New years' dance, 4th of July Celebration, and Super Bowl parties)-Starla

*We have an amazing women's ministry that has been on 4 retreats. We had 75 women attend the Christmas Progressive dinner last year

*We have brought our men together for softball, bow shoots, ropings and more

*We started ministries like Home groups and Parent's Night Out

*We have fed those who were sick or just had a baby

* We started a prayer ministry- Marie

*We are $24,000 away from canceling a $300,000 debt in ONLY 7 years

*We have had hundreds volunteer their time

*We have paid every bill on time and never missed a payroll check

I say "We" but I should really say "He". Look what God has done in just 7 years. And most of what I listed has happened in the last 3 years. If He can do this in 7, what can He do in 7 more. With God, we have laid a solid foundation to build upon. There are more souls to win, more ministries to begin and more lives to be touched. No matter where you are in your own life it is only a matter of time. So much can change in a moment. We haven't achieved all of our dreams but what a great start. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you won't believe what all He can do with just a little. Don't give up. Hold on to what God has promised you. Focus on what has been done and not what hasn't. I believe in each of you and I am excited to see what OUR futures hold.