Words Across Enemy Lines

Here is another poem the Lord gave me through the night last night, and I was able to get up this morning and complete it. Thanks be to God!

WORDS ACROSS ENEMY LINES

11-20-2008

Encrypted words crossed enemy lines today
As the war of the worlds proceeded
For the soldiers were in need of reinforcements
And the Commander would know just where they were needed
Encrypted words crossed enemy lines today
As fear, sickness, and famine lurked about
The soldiers knew the Commander could get those provisions
To every place needed, without any doubt
Encrypted words crossed enemy lines today
And the enemy intercepted and tried to decode them
Try as they may, no solution came their way
And they knew the battle was not theirs to win
Encrypted words crossed enemy lines today
As spirit-filled believers used their prayer language to pray
As the prayers went up, and they communed with the Lord
He sent angels, answers and revelations their way.

Encrypted words crossed enemy lines today……
I pray they were yours too
For through them the Lord will show you the way
And advance His Kingdom in and through YOU!

To God be the Glory!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Encrypted Words

Here is a poem the Lord gave me during Church Services last night:

ENCRYPTED WORDS

11-19-2008

Encrypted words of wisdom
Written on fleshy hearts of love
Full of His decrees and revelation
From God’s throne room above
These words are keys to unlock God’s mysteries
Here on the earth below
Some for now and others for later
We must pray for His timing in this to be known
Words of strategy…..words of hope
And still others to bring victory
Words of caution, words of wisdom
And still others to set the captives free
God has His words for each one of us
We must listen and be still
Study His Word, lean into Him
Empty ourselves and prepare a place for Him to fill
Fast and pray…..wait upon the Lord
Recognize His voice and obey
These words are not only for us alone
But also to help others along their way
As God writes His words upon your heart
Be quick to write them down too
For God has placed His Kingdom
Deep inside of you!
Do not hide it under a bushel
Allow His light to shine through you
Share His Word with everyone
In all you say and do
Encrypted words of wisdom
Written on fleshy hearts of love
Full of His decrees and revelation
From God’s throne room above
These words are keys to unlock God’s mysteries
Here on the earth below
Be ready to receive them
And then share them, as on your way you go

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

How to Pray for the Election

How to Pray for the Election - Testimony of Answered Prayer

Praying for the Upcoming Election

Patrick Joshua is the Director of the National Prayer Networkand a father figure to the prayer movement in India .

Because of a special burden for our nation, he visited theUnited States twice in recent months, including a trip to Houston. Patrick believes the U.S. is at a very critical timein history, the impact of which will be felt around the world.

During his visits, Patrick told the story of God'sintervention in India in 2004, in response to the fervent,united prayers of His people. At that time, political forces had mobilized with the intention of turning their nation in a direction that would make it almost impossible for Christians to share or practice their faith. Those forces had the momentum and the numbers as the Christian population in India is a minority - by some estimates representing only 6% of the 1.1 billion people in the nation.

The situation was desperate. Many thought it was impossible. So they turned to the God of the impossible and began to pray. In cities and states across their nation, a movement of united, fervent prayer arose, but with a unique focus. They weren't praying for particular candidates or political parties. Instead they were praying for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, to be elected in every elected office. Right up until the day of the election every poll and pundit predicted the election would be a landslide for those who were opposed to the gospel. When the votes were counted, however, the results revealed a different story. In district after district those candidates and political allies who opposed the gospel had been soundly defeated. At a national level they were out of power. Needless to say the press and the pundits were stunned. No one saw it coming. So what happened? It seems God heard the cries of His people and touched the hearts of the voters as they went into the voting booths. Some believe a corporate conviction came upon the people and they indeed voted for the person of righteous, the person of God's choosing. This was seen most dramatically in the states and regions where prayer was the most concentrated and fervent. In one of those states, laws that restricted the advance of the gospel were immediately repealed.While our situation is certainly different, Patrick believes we are at a critical crossroad. He has encouraged us to follow a similar pattern in prayer for our upcoming election.

Here's the pattern for prayer as we approach our election.

_____________________________

Prayer Guide for the Election

Begin with Heart Preparation:

- Come into God's Presence with Worship.

- Thank God for his great mercy and many blessings.

- Ask God to extend his mercy to us and to our nation.

-Pray for the upcoming election

-1. Those running for office nationally: Instead of praying for specific candidates or political parties

-Pray that the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, would be selected in every congressional district, every senate race and for the office of President.

- Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people.Proverbs 14:34

2. Those running for office at the state and local level: Pray that the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, would be selected in every elected office at the state and local levels.

- When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:23.

Those voting: Pray that each person voting will be convicted to vote for the person of righteousness, the person of God's choosing, in each elected office and in each ballot initiative.

Pray for God's Presence to overshadow each person as they make their decision.

- The Spirit of the Lord will be upon him

- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord

- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; Isaiah 11:2-3

4. Those involved in the election process: Pray that every official involved in the election process would serve with honesty and integrity of heart.

- The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weightsare his delight. Proverbs 11:1

5. Those praying: Pray that God would empower intercessors and people across the nation and around the world to call out to Him day and night in extraordinary prayer during this season - and beyond.

- And I will pour out on the house of David and theinhabitants of Jerusalem a Spirit of grace and supplication. Zechariah 12:10

6. The Church: Pray that the Church would be fully awakened, engaged and empowered during this critical season. Pray that we would understand the urgency and importance of this election and the implications for the advancement of God's purposes in our nation and around the world.

- The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:7

7. Our nation: Pray that God's plans and purposes for our nation would be established during this election season. Pray that we would be a nation who follows God and is a blessing to the nations of the earth.

Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Advent Conspiracy

Hey, I received the sweetest letter from our daughter, Ambs, tonight. She had been to church and her pastor, Mark Batterson, had talked about an organization that provides water to villages that don't have it, and suggested that instead of giving gifts, that people donate to this organization instead (or also). Wanted to provide the link for you. It is a GREAT idea for individuals, families and churches! ADVENT CONSPIRACY.

God's love & mine,
Lauren

P.S. ~ Pray for Clay & my traveling mercies as we travel home tomorrow (Sunday)----Clay from the deer lease, and myself from Arlington, as I have been spending some time with my step-mom, Anna. We are going to a new church tomorrow morning, The Vine Fellowship. I am really pumped up about that. Hey, don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour tonight....YEAH! an extra hour of sleep!!! (Probably, lots of folks will be EARLY for the services tomorrow. LOL!!!)

Fresh New Format for this Blog

Good Morning Everybody!

Today is a new day and we Praise God that His mercies are new every morning!!!! WOO HOO! \o/

Today I want to start a fresh and new format on this blog. I want to share a Scripture, maybe a word with you, and then a prayer. Prayer has always been a favorite part of my day and way I LOVE to spend with our Lord.

"For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, And for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and Her salvation like a torch that is burning. And the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God. It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," But you will be called, "My delight is in her," And your land, "Married"; For the LORD delights in you, And to Him your land will be married, For as a young man marries a virgin, So your sons will marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices the bride, So your God will rejoice over you. ~~~Isaiah 62:1-5 (NASB)

There is just soooooo much in that verse, and I pray that Holy Spirit bring you His Word and a revelation through it. Let's pray!

Dear Lord,
I lift up my friends & family to You. You are so awesome and Jehovah Nissi, our Banner! I pray that each and everyone of them come to a deeper understanding and wisdom about who they are in You, about the plans, purposes and destiny that You have for each one of them. I pray against every word curse that has been spoken about them, their families, their past, and we speak blessing. They are NOT forsaken and desolate, but blessed, and You delight in each and everyone of them. I plead the blood of Jesus over them and pray that You shower them with Your grace, love & mercy. Take them into the deeper things of you with a refreshing and greater level of knowledge and wisdom in You and Your ways. Help us to speak blessings over others, even those that so not look out for our best. We want to be a light in the darkness. We want to advance Your Kingdom this and everyday of our life and to bless and praise You in all circumstances. We give You this day, every minute of it. We bless You, Lord! We go now, out as You are sending us, as Your ambassadors. Help us to stand strong today for You and to be bold anc courageous. We pray this and all things in Jesus' name! AMEN!!!

Iron .Sharpens.Iron

I recently received an e-mail from Glory of Zion entitled, Listen.Alert.Watch. It was talking about the times that we are in and the necessity that it is that we keep our spiritual eyes and ears open, be alert and watch (and move when we need to). It is no revelation to anyone (I hope, anyway) that we are in a very critical and crucial time in this nation. We each need to possess the wisdom, discernment and have a spirit of Isachaar to know the times/seasons we are in and then what we need to do about that. We ALL need to listen, be alert and watch. I also would like to exhort each of you to take heed of this Scripture:
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." ~~~Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)
Can we also ascertain from this Scripture that if iron sharpens iron, that iron can also become dull, if not sharpened, or even that there could be some things out there that actually dull us (the iron that we are)???
We just had incredible services at our church this past weekend with Bishop Jerry and Dr. Sherrill Piscopo. That was definitely a time of iron sharpening iron. Other "iron sharpens iron" times are the fellowship times when we spend with each other, times we go to church, home groups or Bible Study, Sunday School, even relationships (especially Paul/Timothy ones) we have with others.
But some of those things that we must be vigilant about that could "dull" us, and make us uneffective, less effective, or even indifferent might be: addictions/dependencies, TV shows and TV time, even computer/internet; pornography, time-wasters, people that we hang around that are not good for our character, etc., and anything else that keeps us from worshipping God, spending more time with Him, etc.
Let us be soooooo careful to be in "iron sharpens iron" places in our lives, so we be ready in season and out of season.
GO GOD!

God's love & mine,
Lauren

P.S. ~ Clay's mom (Melba) and our nephew (Patrick) are currently on the last leg of their journey home after spending a few days with our daughter, Ambs. up in Washington DC. We are praying for their traveling mercies. Also, pray for Ambs, she didn't get the score on her LSAT (test to get into law school) that she wanted, and will be studying to take it again the first part of December. Pray she does well, and more importantly, that God give her peace. Thanks!

Ambs back in DC

Hey everybody!

Just a quick shout-out to let you know that Ambs made it safely back home to DC tonight. (Thanks for your prayers for her traveling mercies.) She had a great trip while she was here and we really enjoyed having her home for a few days. We all got to see some old friends this morning at HCF in Lubbock. It was a great service and then tonight, we got to fellowship with some new friends (and some old friends too) at a Home Group in Tahoka. God is doing AWESOME things and we give Him all praise, honor & glory. GO GOD! WOO HOO!!!

Hope you have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week.....I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

2nd Re-Blog (Ruin Me)

Here is the 2nd of those re-blogs. ENJOY!

~Nonnie (aka Lauren)

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Ruin Me

I think this is my eighth catalyst conference. And I have to say that today was maybe the most powerful day of speakers I've ever heard. It ministered to my mind and my heart.The last session of the day was Craig Groeschel. And his last point or last prayer was "ruin me." It comes down to this: our hearts need to break for the things that break the heart of God. And I felt ruined. In fact, we usually try to beat the traffic and be the first ones out. But our team couldn't leave. We found a conference room to talk and cry and pray.As we sat in the balcony during that last session, I felt like the Holy Spirit took me back to my initial call in college. And He said in that spirit voice: what happened to the guy that used to pace the chapel balcony for hours seeking my heart? It messed me up. Broke me. Wrecked me.I need to quit ministry and go back to calling.May God ruin us!

Great Re-Blog (Three Translations)

Here is the first of 2 re-blogs from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson. They are excellent!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Oh yeah, we are back from Ruidoso. Ambs is already on her way to L-town to visit with friends, and we put her on on a plane back to DC tomorrow. Pray for her safe traveling mercies, and that she makes the 35 minute connection in Houston to DC. Thanks!

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Three Translations

Had a thought during one of the sessions today.There are three ways to translate the Bible. You can translate it with 1) your mind 2) your heart and 3) your life.
I think a lot of us settle for the mental translation. But the end result is information. And what happens is this: we learn more, do less, and think we're growing spiritually. But not if that's the only translation.
The second translation is emotional. And the emotional translation may seem more subjective than intellectual translation. But that is when our hearts break for the things that break the heart of God. It’s not just information. It’s transformation. For the record, I think one person with one deeply held conviction will make more of a difference than someone with a hundred good ideas.
Finally, there is the life translation. That is when we become a “living epistle.” That is when the noun turns into a verb. And that is how we change the world. At the end of the day, Jesus isn't going to say, "Well thought good and faithful servant." He's going to say, "Well done good and faithful servant."
Imagine a church filled with people who are translating the Bible with their lives!

Saw 2 Good Movies 2day!

Hey everybody!
Clay & I just got in from a day in Lubbock. We saw two movies today. We saw a western called Appaloosa (sp?), that was pretty good and then an AWESOME movie called FIREPROOF. I highly recommend, especially the latter one to you. Bring Kleenex with you for the second one, too (even you guys!).
Ambs feels she did pretty good on her LSAT today. She won't know the results for 3-5 weeks or so. She is staying in Lubbock tonight with friends, and they were going out to celebrate her 24th birthday (which is tomorrow---Sunday). We are all going over to Clay's mom's house tomorrow night for a big birthday celebration for not only Ambs, but our niece, Portia, who turned 19 on Friday night, too. Happy Birthday, girlz!
Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL Lord's Day!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Ambs home (for a few days)!

Well, Ambs made it home yesterday (Friday). YEAH! She is taking her LSAT this morning. (LSAT = Law School Admision Test). She has been studying for it for quite some time now. Also, her birthday is tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 5th). She will be here about 10 days total. We are taking her out to Ruidoso to our camper there for a few days next weekend, and then she flies home on Sunday.
The llamas all seem to be doing fine, as well as the rest of the animals on Childress farm. LOL!
Not much else to tell. All is well here. Hope all is well for each and everyone of you as well.

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Perhaps (Re-Blog)

Ahhhh......... another re-blog from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson (but a really good one, too!):

PERHAPS

Here's one of my favorite phrases in Scripture. I Samuel 14:6 says, "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf." I love that modus operandi. But I honestly think many if not most Christians take the opposite approach. Perhaps the Lord WON'T act in our behalf. We let fear dictate our decisions. We have a better-safe-than-sorry mentality. We live as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.

Maybe it's time for a paradigm shift. When did we start believing that God wants to take us to safe places to do easy things? Here's a thought: the will of God is not an insurance plan. It's a daring plan.

I think we've made a false assumption that the will of God gets easier as we grow spiritually. Some dimensions do get easier with the consistent practice of spiritual disciplines. But I also think God will give us more difficult, dangerous, and daring things to do!

I love this phrase. It's so hopeful. It's so optimistic. And it's the key to living with holy anticipation. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. May God give us the spirit of Jonathan!

Napolean Dynomite

Introducing the newest, Llama addition.......

NAPOLEAN DYNOMITE

(just 24 hours old!)

Mama Llama & Baby

Here are Mama Llama, Tina, and her 24-hr old baby, Napolean Dynomite, in the pasture. Awwww! :)

Chester, the Papa Llama

Here is a pic of our Papa Llama, Chester:

*NOTE: You will note, Tina, the Mama Llama, laying down in the right background.

The Grand Canyon

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom, Thou has made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches! ~~~ Psalm 104:24

The guys praisin' God in the Canyon

Lookin' at the BIG DITCH!

Sissy & Big Al!

This is my sister, Lisa, and her hubby, Allen. We call them Sissy and Big Al!

GRAND Canyon!

Hello everybody!!!! Sorry it has been so long since I last blogged. LOTS has been going on! We are currently in Flagstaff, AZ, with my sister and her hubby (Allen & Lisa Eaker). We are having a BLAST! We went to the Grand Canyon yesterday. Clay & I have been there a couple of other times, but I am ALWAYS just totally blown away by the beauty and vastness of it. I will post some pics a little later today.
But one other thing I wanted to share, is that I finished Mark Batterson's book, "WILD GOOSE CHASE" yesterday while we were on the road. AWESOME book! (This is our daughter, Ambs' pastor in Washington DC).
I want to quote a portion of the book yesterday that I felt was really profound (pgs. 160-161):
Can I share a personal conviction? I think vision is the cure for sin. One reason many of us get entangled in sin is because we don't have enough God-ordained vision to keep us busy. The more vision you have, the less you will sin. And the less vision you have, the more you will sin. It is vision from God that keeps us playing offense spiritually.
Too often we try to stop sinning by not sinning. That is what psychologists call a double bind. It's sort of like saying, "Be spontaneous." You can't be spontaneous now that I've told you to be! The way to stop sinning is not by focusing on not sinning. The way to stop sinning is by getting a God-sized vision that consumes all your time and energy.

Wow! Chew on that one a while. You may or may not agree with the statements above, but I hope it gets you to thinking. I know it has me! What is the vision for your life? your family? your church? your ministry? Do you know? Is it something that you can do on your own gifts, talents and abilities, or is it much bigger than YOU and something that only God can do (in and through YOU!)? We live in perilous times. Things are tough........but it is also a glorious time too. We gotta get out of the boat, step out in faith and move forward. We have lived life too comfortably for a long time, gotten settled into our comfy-spot, become spectators, and just drifted from here to there. GET OUTTA THE BOAT! Live life dangerously. God has got soooooooooooo much more for us out there. Let's get going!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Chase the Goose!

I am continuing my reading of Mark Batterson's latest book, "Wild Goose Chase". It is an EXCELLENT read! I also enjoyed his other book, "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day". And I have previously shared his "Chase the Lion Manifesto". He has "tweaked" it and come up with "Chase the Goose".....so I share it with you here:

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Don't let fear dictate your decisions. Don't take the easy way out. Don't maintain the status quo. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing not to lose and start playing to win. Expand your horizons. Create some margins. Take off your sandals. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live today like it is the first day and the last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Challenge old assumptions. Blaze new trails. Don't stop making mistakes. Celebrate your failures. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Don't make a living. Make a life. Quit making excuses. Quit playing defense. And quit putting eight-foot ceilings on what God can do. CHASE THE GOOSE!

Howdy!

Hey everbody!
It has been a good call week thus far! Thanks for your prayers. Keep them going up!!!
Clay had a PSA done this week. We haven't heard the results from it yet (don't expect it to be anything but ZERO anyway). He sees the doctor for a check-up on September 5th. We are praising God NOW for His good report!!!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Wild Goose Chase

Hey everybody!!!

Well, Ambs' pastor's new book came out yesterday, and I finally got my hands on a copy of WILD GOOSE CHASE (Subtitle: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God) and have begun reading it. Oh my gosh......it will mess you up! A MUST read!!! I loved his book, IN A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY, but this newest book is awesome, too!
Here is a "zinger" from Chapter 2 (page 16-17) that I LOVE!:

"I'm not convinced that your date of death is the date carved on your tombstone. Most people die long before that. We start dying when we have nothing worth living for. And we don't really start living until we find something worth dying for. Ironically, discovering something worth dying for is what makes life worth living." ~~~ Mark Batterson

WOW! That is powerful.....just let it sink in. I truly encourage EVERYONE to read BOTH of these books!

Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL weekend! (I'm gonna!)

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Channels of Blessing

GoOD Morning everybody! Hope this finds each one of you doing well. All is great and blessed here......we are sooooooo blessed and highly favored. GO GOD!!! We have been having such incredible services at church.....I can't even begin to tell you all that is happening.....not only AT church, but within the Body of Believers in Dawson County (and beyond!!!). It is mind-boggling. God is moving miraculously and right in our midst. You definitely don't want to miss out......get your feet wet.....hop in with us and get ready for the things to come will be even MUCH greater than these things we are experiencing now. (What we are experiencing now is just the "tip of the iceberg".....the biggest part of it is yet to come, and can't even be "seen" yet).
I read a prophetic word from Dutch Sheets earlier this morning about the month of September being a month of "SUDDENLIES".......whew! I know that NONE of us wants to miss out on that, but we (this includes especially me) need to begin now to prepare for that.....to make room for Him.....and in order to "make room" we gotta get rid of the "junk" in our lives. How sad that many missed an opportunity in Bethlehem long ago, to host the birthing of our Lord Jesus Christ.....because there was "no room". Well, a new "birthing" is about to take place of His Spirit......so MAKE ROOM!!! GO GOD!
Another thing God repeatedly keeps telling me (it may just be a word for me, but I feel I need to share it also) is that we need to stop being just "reservoirs"......we go to church and conferences and just get to "filled-up" and blessed, but then we fail to become "channels" for him, so that it can overflow into others' lives and make a difference, so HIS Kingdom can be manifested in all the earth. Let that sink in.......it's a now-word (at least for me....and on a lot of different levels, too). Make us channels, Lord!!!
Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week! (I'm gonna!!!).

Also, please pray, I start a week of call at work tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/19). Pray for a "Peace be still" week, including this upcoming weekend, for me and the others that are working on-call alongside me. Thanks!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Please Pray!!!

This is straight from our local news here. and we are saddened about the passing of such young ones! Please pray for the surviving kids and ALL the families involved!

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Truck Accident Kills 2, Injures 7 In O'Donnell
Posted @ www.kcbd.com (our local NBC News Affiliate)
Aug 2, 2008 05:17 PM CDT

Truck Accident Kills 2, Injures 7 In O'Donnell
The Department of Public Safety tells NewsChannel 11 that two teens were killed, and seven others were injured early Saturday morning when a pick-up flipped three times just north of O'Donnell. The driver, 14-year-old Bobbi Brewer of O'Donnell was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities also pronounced 14-year-old April Lam of Tahoka dead at the scene.
Seven other teens were injured. DPS tells us they are: Jasmine Cano, 14 of O'Donnell, Jared Calvio, 15 of Tahoka, Sierra Rosalas, 13 of Tahoka, Joel Ortigon of Lamesa, Simon Reyna, 18 of O'Donnell, Joshua Garcia, 17 of Lamesa, and Anastacia Zepada, 15 of O'Donnell. Their conditions were not available.
The group was headed north on Doak Street, just north of O'Donnell in a Toyota pick-up around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Investigators say Brewer had been drinking and lost control. The truck hit the bar ditch, and rolled three and a quarter times, coming to rest on the passenger side.
This accident remains under investigation. DPS tells us none of the teens were wearing a seatbelt.

WOW! WOW! WOW!

WOW! WOW! WOW! is really all I can say about this past weekend. I have personally laughed.....cried.....shouted.....danced.....praised.....worshipped......and BEEN IN THE POWERFUL PRESENCE of ALMIGHTY GOD! WOO HOO!!! We have seen people dramatically and fully healed, delivered, saved, set free and restored. GO GOD! It has been nothing short of miraculous! \o/ If you are reading this and live in the West Texas area, all I can really say is that you really missed out if you didn't attend at least one of the services.
Eleven of us were licensed to minister this morning, prophesied over, anointed and prayed over. What a blessing from the Lord. Look out world......HERE WE COME! There were just so many things released this weekend, that Dawson County and the area better look out! There is no telling what this is going to birth.
Hope you have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week........mine has already started that way......and will continue.....PRAISE GOD!.......hope yours does too!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Services are fantastic!

Well, our revival services at LCF have been doing GREAT! What a fun time in the Lord we have been having, as well as LOTS of great teaching, impartation, praise & worship, dancing, etc etc etc. If you live in the area....we have ONE MORE DAY LEFT! Don't miss out on any of it!!!
Sunday Services are at 10:15 AM and 6 PM at Lamesa Christian Fellowship. There will be 11 being licensed for ministry in the morning (I have the privilege to be one of them. GO GOD!). God is just pouring out His Spirit on His people! How awesome it is!!!

Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL Lord's Day........I'm gonna!!!

God's love & mine,
Lauren

Awesome P&W!

It was sooooooo incredible to be back in the LCF house tonight with our brothers and sisters of Praise! WOW!!! What an incredible time we had in the Lord 2-nite! At the end, we were all in such harmonious unity and enveloped in worship together, that we were transported into the Throne Room of heaven. It was absolutely incredible!!! GO GOD!

If any of you live in the Lamesa / Dawson County area......we are having special services beginning tomorrow (Friday, 7/25) night at Lamesa Christian Fellowship at 7 PM, again on Saturday, 7/26 at 10 AM, 1 PM & 6 (or 7....I'm not sure) PM and then Sunday morning at 10:15 AM and Sunday night, too! Hope you can make it to some of them.......the Holy Spirit is gonna be flowin' and you don't want to miss out on ANY of it! WOO HOO!!! \o/

Hope to c-ya there!!!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

We're baaacccckkkkkk.......AGAIN!

Hey everybody! We are once again back after a long (5-day) weekend in Ruidoso. We are making lots of new friends and it is so relaxing while we are there.
Please continue to pray for my mom. She sees the eye doctor again today and they may run some more tests or send her to a different specialist. Also, they have a mobile home (that they live in during the winter months) down in Edinberg (sp?), Texas-----near Brownsville. They will be leaving Friday to go and check on that property to see how it fared with Hurricane Dolly. Please pray for their traveling mercies while they are gone. Thanks!
Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL day.........I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Back in the Saddle

Hey everybody!!! Sorry it's been a while since I have blogged here. I just got off the worst call week I have ever had....L-O-N-G hours and not much sleep.....but I survivied, and then had a long 4-day weekend up here in Ruidoso. YEAH! I will work another full week this next week, Monday through Friday and then we will have a 5-day weekend up here again. Up here they say.......Change of Altitude = Change of Attitude........and I have to whole-heartedly agree. This place up here is such a haven of peace for us. We are making new friends and getting some much needed rest. GO GOD! Clay & I are both doing really well, as all our kiddos are too. Understand that we got some rain at home while we've been gone......YEAH!......and it has rained off and on up here too, which they have really needed too. We have a covered deck, and are still able to go outside, Praise the Lord, and enjoy the beauty that God created.
Guess I better go, gotta get ready for church (we have found a church we attend when we are up here, and not with our church family, Lamesa Christian Fellowship, when we are back home).

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Please keep my mom, Kathy, in your prayers. She had some repeat eye exams this past week, and the doc told her that she has had a stroke sometime in the past. She is really worrying over this, so keep her in your prayers for healing and PEACE! Thanks!!! Also, my sis-in-law, Allison, who lives in Lubbock (married to my brother) was scheduled for a much needed hernia repair tomorrow, Monday, but another doctor reported Friday to her that "something is wrong with her blood and her immune system", and the surgery is put on hold. Keep them in your prayers while they continue testing (and that the hernia will not continue to grow). Thanks!

Nice visit with the kids

Hey everybody.......

Well, this weekend is drawing to a close....fast! We had a nice visit with our son, Britt, and his wife, Merrida. They were in West Texas for a quick visit (from Nashville, where they live). They have arrived safely back home. Wish we could have visited with them a little longer, but hopefully that will happen next time.
We had a really fun Praise Team Practice on Friday night, too. It is always fun getting together with "family" and Praising God together!!! Can't wait for services this morning......it's gonna be good! GO GOD!
We had our every 2-3 year, Review from the State at work this past week, and we passed with flying colors (NO DEFICIENCIES noted, and they cleared all the ones from the past survey). YEAH! We have such an incredible team at work. Way to go MAHHC!
Hope you have had a great week and weekend.....and an even better one to come!

Have a super-blessed Sunday...............I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

A Word for Lamesa and Dawson County

Have you ever heard that the glass is either half full......or half empty??? Well, to hear some talk right now in West Texas, you would probably have to say they think the glass is half empty. As my pastor would say, they are thinking, speaking and living within a poverty mindset. And (this part goes back to me again) when we do that, we have just shut off the glory realm of the Lord. We must get out of that trap. We (Lamesa/Dawson County and the area) are an Oasis in the Desert. GO GOD! What looks like it just can't be........is. We must continue to ask the Lord to give us spiritual eyes to see this (and He will).
Read the story about the Transformation in Brazil that I have attached. It has many parallels to what is beginning to take place in our midst. There is a move of God happening in Lamesa and Dawson County right now. I pray that each of us are a part of that move, because otherwise, it WILL happen, and move right by and past you. Get in the flow of the River of God (this is a Word from the Lord to myself as much as to anybody). The flow will not just be a trickle. It will not just be ankle deep, but be a WAY over your head, full stream, MIGHTY FLOWING RIVER OF GOD stuff. Prepare your hearts and those of our household. It will come unexpectedly......SUDDENLY......from outta no where and it will be much more and deeper than anyone could have ever imagined. GO GOD! It will touch not only your life, but will go out into and throughout the world.

What an exciting time in the Lord. Put on your prosperity mindsets........it is here......and what are you gonna do about it.....and with it. Don't try to contain it......just jump in (and yes, it will be "way over your head") and move with the flow of it. You will not be directing it......and it will take you to unexpected places......and in a hurry........how exciting. And we get to do it all together! Join in! You don't want to miss it.

WOO HOO! \o/

God's love & mine,
Lauren

BRAZIL STORY LINK

P.S. ~ Immediately after I initially posted this, I spontaneously started singing an old Gloria Estefan (I think.....) song.....only revised.......the song used to be THE RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YOU......only I was singing: "THE RIVER IS GONNA GET YOU.....THE RIVER IS GONNA GET YOU......THE RIVER IS GONNA GET YOU!"..... Just wanted to share that with you. Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL......full-flowing in the River of God day........I'm gonna!
~lc

TGIF, Y'all!

Hey everybody........

TGIF!!! It has been a HOT week (and the air conditioner is OUT on my car, and being a Home Health nurse that needs my car for my job daily & hubby, Clay, busy in the fields, I haven't been able to get it into the shop......but THIS AFTERNOON is another story.......GO GOD!!!

And to top it off, we are going to Ruidoso for a long weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday) is Clay's birthday, and we've got concert tickets to see Esteban (a flaminco (sp???) spanish guitar player) on Saturday night, and then Father's Day on Sunday. The kids are all doing great, and next week Britt & Merrida will be here.....YEAH!......we can't wait!!! Pray for traveling mercies.

The four baby elk are doing awesome......no new babies or pictures to report or show you. Sorry!

Not much else to say. Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL weekend.

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Baby Elk

Well, there are now FOUR BABY ELK on the Childress Exotic Farm. Above is a couple of pictures of one of them. Their backs stand about 3 feet tall, and between the four of them they range in age from 1-5 days old.

We had a busy weekend here at home. Hope each of you have a super-blessed and SUPERNATURAL week.

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Random Firings of the Synapses

Another AWESOME re-blog from Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church:
~Lauren

***********************************

Random Firings of the Synapses

Every once in a while I like to share what I'm reading. I love to cross-pollinate by reading books in a variety of disciplines--everything from physics to philosophy to business. Here are some learnings from It's not about the Coffee. I read this because we're looking to expand Ebenezers into a coffeehouse chain. But I think it has applications or implications for spiritual leadership as well.

"If you grow people, the people grow the business."

I think we focus too much energy on church growth. I think it's all about personal growth. It's not about growing a big church. It's about growing big people--people who serve sacrificially, give generously, dream ridiculously, and love gracefully.

"The fundamental task is to achieve smallness within a large organization."

The way to grow larger is to grow smaller via small groups. I honestly don't think God will grow us beyond our ability to disciple people. And if small groups are our primary context for discipleship, then the number of small groups we have will determine our growth potential as a church.

"Have you ever been to an art museum and stood before a great work of art? It captivates you and transports you to a new place. The mythologist Joseph Campbell used to call this epiphany an aesthetic arrest."

I love that concept. And I've always believed that aesthetics are important. Why else would a dozen chapters in Exodus be devoted to the aesthetics of the Tabernacle including the color of the curtains and the exact recipe for the incense? So we need to pay attention to aesthetics whether it's a coffeehouse or a church. But I couldn't help but think about the aesthetic arrest we'll experience when we cross the space-time threshold; get our first glimpse of heaven; and kneel at the feet of Christ. And by the way, I think a spiritually charged atmosphere that is full of faith and grace is the ultimate aesthetic! Read I Corinthians 14:25: "They will fall down on their knees and worship God, declaring, "God is really here among you." That has always been my goal for church.

"At Starbucks, all employees are called partners."

I think language defines the way we think about things. For example, pro-life and anti-abortion are two very different ways of describing the same thing. Different connotations. Do we need a new vocabulary or a new term for what many of us call volunteers?

"We started opening our stores ten minutes before the posted time as a way to say yes to customers even before they placed their order."

I love this! When I played football it was called Lombardi time. If you weren't five minutes early you were late. I think it's part of creating an extra-mile culture! By the way, imagine everyone who attends your church arriving five minutes early one Sunday. What a thought!

Happy A!

I'd like to send a shout-out to my hubby, Clay. Thanks for 26 great years together!!!! (Yes, today is our anniversary.) I am a very blessed woman---thank You, God!

Hope each one of you has an extra-special, SUPERNATURAL day!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Lion Chaser's Manifesto

I know this is a repeat, but I just feel that at this point and time in history, we can't read this enough (and do it). Read it.......Know it........Live it! EVERYDAY!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

******************************************

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Busy Weekend

Hey everybody!!!
Hope you have had a great weekend. It is has been BUSY here.......two graduations (with parties) and an AWESOME Church Service today that lasted until like 1 or 1:15. GO GOD! My niece, Jessica Eaker, in Farmington, NM, left today for Albuquerque, NM today, to start a six-week job there (she graduated from HS last week). GO JESSIE!!! So, tonight is the first "empty-nest" experience for my sis and her hubby, Allen. Pray for them, but I know that they will do fine!
Tomorrow starts a new work-week. Hope you have a great one.....draw outside the lines......don't just "play-it-safe".....but GO FOR IT! Reach for the stars!

I'm gonna!!!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

TGIF!

TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF! TGIF!

TGIF! everybody!!!!! Hope you've had a great week........I have! We had Praise Team Practice last night---it was nice to be back with the "gang" and we had a lot of fun praisin' the Lord too! GO GOD! (We missed Sylvia, too!)

Tonight (Friday) our niece, Portia, graduates from OHS, and then this weekend, our nephew, Adair, graduates from FHS. Busy times......busy people.

It never ceases to amaze me, though, in the middle of this thing we call "life", there are so many "God-moments" and times to share our faith in the day-to-day things around us----everyday! Many call this "Lifestyle Evangelism" and it will be seen and heard more (whether good or bad) so much more than the sermons in our churches on Sunday. Don't get me wrong, I do think that we need our churches, but many people just want to GO to church.......we are to BE the church. Amen. It's all about the Kingdom of God and not a church building. It's a Kingdom-thing. The revival taking place in Lakeland, FL is an outpouring, that is to be taken out into the streets.....the highways and by-ways of life and shared with all people. God is doing incredible things in these days, and we need to use the gifts, talents and abilities, as well as just pray that we have spiritual eyes to see, and a spirit of Isaachar, to know ~~~ these times and what, when and how to do what God has not only called but created us to do. It may seem "foolish", but that is okay. It may not make sense to us at the time......that is okay, too. As my pastor says, "JUST DO IT!" Go for it!!!

I challenge you to look for the opportunities today and the days ahead for times that God wants you to step-out and step-up to the plate and share Him with others, do something for others --- with every word, deed --- not only in your actions, but your re-actions. It may seem like just some little something to you, but it may mean so much more to someone else. The world is watching and waiting for us to BE the Church. JUST DO IT!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Shout out to the Graduates

Hey everybody! The week is nearly over (amazing!!!). Anyway, I want to send a shout out to two more graduates.........our niece, Portia Grant graduates on Friday night from O'Donnell High School and our nephew Adair Stoerner graduates Sunday afternoon from Frenship (Wolfforth) High School. Way to go!

Clay & I are FINALLY gonna be back "in-town" and back at our home-church this weekend. YEAH! Really excited and "pumped" about that one. It feels like it has been an eternity, because we have had several out-of-town and I have been on-call several weeks now in a row. LCF rocks!!! (our church) I think we will be in-town for the next two weeks, and then back out to Ruidoso, the weekend of the 14th for Clay's birthday.

We got 2 1/2 inches of rain at our house on Wednesday night (and some hail). THANK YOU, LORD! \o/ We still need some planting rain at Clay's parents home, though. They guys are really busy in the field. Keep the farmers lifted up for safety during these days of long work (and for continued rain, too). I think Clay's is only going to have to re-plant one field (and possibly another, but they'll give it a day or two and look at it again probably about Saturday).

My mom had a little eye surgery this week, and she seems to be doing better. PRAISE GOD! She'll stay home, here in West Texas for at least another week or so, before heading back to Ruidoso, New Mexico.

That is really about all that I know. Keep on pressing into the Lord, and living life LARGE and advancing the Kingdom! GO GOD!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

The Rebel (Re-Blog)

Here is another re-blog from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson, the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC (I LOVE THIS ONE!!!)

~God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

**********************************************

I was reading a Fast Company article about the way Microsoft is trying to re-image itself. They've hired an ad agency called Crispin Porter + Bogusky. Creative genius, Alex Bogusky, made one of those statements I can't get out of my mind: "Life conspires to beat the rebel out of you."

It's true isn't it?

One of the things I love about Jesus is that He remained the rebel his entire life. He didn't bow to the Pharisees. He didn't bow to Pilate. Truth is, He didn't bow to anyone except His Heavenly Father. That is what it means to be a spiritual rebel.

In the words of Dorothy Sayers: "To do them justice, the people who crucified Jesus did not do so because he was a bore. Quite the contrary; he was too dynamic to be safe. It is has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have declawed the Lion of Judah and made him a housecat for pale priests and pious old ladies."

Booyah!

More Deck Pics

Views of the new deck of Casa Shalom, in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico (built in just 4 days by my hubby, Clay, our brother-in-law, Bill, and Clay's sister, Kathy and myself-----mainly the guys, and Kathy pitched in a lot too).

VIEW from the forest floor, looking up (in the eastern direction):

View from on the deck, looking toward the open-sky (southern end) of the deck:

View from the entrance onto the deck, looking in the northern direction, where the table and chairs are (and this 2/3 of the deck is covered, as you can see):

One of the views from the deck, down onto the forest floor. GO GOD!!!

Have a super-blessed and SUPERNATURAL week!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

P.S. ~ In case you are wondering, the deck measures 12 feet from the trailer door out (westward) and 26 feet from north to south long. The northern end is 6ft x 10ft (so the deck is not a plain square, is what I am saying here). You get the picture, anyway......yes, a pun was intended......so laugh! LOL!!!

Gotta go to bed!

Deck Building

Well, we got the deck built this long holiday weekend. Check it out for yourself.....

BEFORE
(on Thur, 5/22/08):

& AFTER

(on Sun, 5/25/08):

Hey everybody!

Well, we made it back in from a 3-day visit to Casa Shalom (in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico). Wanted to show you (first) a few pics of the inside of our 33 foot 5th-wheel. Here they are:

THE DINING AREA:

THE LIVING ROOM:

THE BEDROOM: (w/Queen-size bed)

This is our home away from home!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Quick Post

Just a quick post to everybody! Hope you have had a very blessed and great week.........I have! (It has been busy, but good). Clay is out at Ruidoso, and I am on my way later today to join him there. WOO HOO! (Can't wait!!!). Pray for traveling mercies. Thanks!

My niece, Jessica Eaker, graduated from Farmington High School last night. I didnt' get to be there, but I am sooooo proud of her. Our other niece, Portia Grant, will graduate from O'Donnell High School next Friday, and then our nephew, Adair Stoerner, will graduate from Frenship High School next Sunday. WHEW! Lots of grads! We are soooooooo proud of them all.

A Prayer Request:
LAMESA SCHOOLS - a threat has been made that a gang from Lubbock is coming to town to “shoot up” the high school (gang wars). They were to arrive today (Thursday, 5/22/08) or tomorrow (Friday, 5/23/08). This is a valid threat. They did not come today (5/22). Please pray for protection (for all) and for God's Divine Intervention that will even further usher in the Kingdom of God into Lamesa and Dawson County. GO GOD!!! We know that with GOD .....ALL THINGS are possible! ..... and that He can take things that were intended for bad, and turn them right around into something marvelous.......even miraculous! WOO HOO! \o/

This is the town that I work in, it is my hometown AND it is the town where Clay & I go to church. Anyway, our Church (Lamesa Christian Fellowship) and Pray Dawson County have "staked claim" to the County and our schools, and satan has no place to come in there and especially to wreak havoc. God, we declare and decree that those things that have already been claimed for the Kingdom of God, will not be "invaded" by the darkness......in Jesus' name! Yesterday there were cops EVERYWHERE (Praise God! for them, and pray for their continued protection) and things in town were a little tense. Pray not only for God's protection, but His peace!

Peace to you and yours and God's richest blessings!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Sharing thoughts rollin' through my head.....

Hey everybody......

It's been a while since we just sat down and ......well......chatted.

I have a few thoughts rolling through my head (yeah, scary, huh!?! LOL!!!). I was reflecting back on the events of the last year or so that Clay and I have been through.....the good and the not-so-good. They have ALL been growing times, though and learning times. Thank You, Lord!
I was thinking about how to effectively minister to others and what has brought me comfort and been "good" and what has not. So, just from my own experiences (yes, these may or may not relate to you.....we are all created differently..........UNIQUE!)..........anyway, through those uphill times as I will call them, I had some "church-friends" as we will say, that are looked up to as mature Christians (really, that is only for God to decide, huh!?! and really doesn't matter). Anyway, they came to us and spoke some real "churchy" answers that seemed empty and compassion-less. They brought no comfort, and on some fronts, to someone going through a dark time, sometimes felt like condemnation......that somehow we (and me myself) didn't have enough faith, etc. But, there were others, and many were NOT Christians, or would be considered what we churchy-people call, "Baby Christians" that were just real, some cried with me, some held me, others just let me "vent", etc. They didn't necessarily offer any "solutions", but they were so full of compassion and this brought GREAT comfort to me and to Clay. That has brought me to the conclusion, that sometimes we let RELIGION (yes, I still hate that)----which is man's rules and regulations in their attempt to reach God---present something that has no compassion or comfort for the individual, while others, were just there and REAL. Thank You, God.
I am encouraging us ALL (myself, especially included) to show compassion to ALL our brothers and sisters, regardless of whether or not they go to church, live a lifestyle like your own, etc. When we truly learn to LOVE each other with God's unconditional love, we, just by that very lifestyle evangelism will win the world to Christ. (Many times without even uttering a single word.)
Think about it!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

NCC Re-Blog

Here is a GREAT Re-Blog from Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of NCC: (NOTE: He is at a conference with Rick Warren, Pastor of Saddleback Church & Author of the Purpose Driven Life).

Really enjoyed sitting around a round table with a group of pastors from across the country and talking with Rick Warren. Just thought I'd share a few things that made my synapses fire in new ways.
Rick is the king of one-liners! Has a unique way of saying so much with a few words.
"Every conflict is the byproduct of immaturity."
"You cannot have control and growth."
"Art needs a frame."
"Be a proponent of the new not an opponent of the old."
One of the things we talked about was the importance of decentralization. He talked about Saddleback's transition from a mid-week service where about 1000 people would attend to small groups. They have 26,000 people plugged into 3400 small groups that span a 100 mile stretch from LA to San Diego. That is the power of decentralization.
I think multi-site is another dimension of decentralization. Launching locations keeps you from becoming too centralized. Another topic that came up was criticism. Rick made some fascinating observations. We live in a day and age when anybody can say anything and the criticism is global, instant, and permanent thanks to Google. Rick shared some wise advice.
"If you wrestle with a pig you'll both get dirty."
"Define yourself or others will."
"Bless those who curse you."
"Separate fact from opinion."
"Hurt people hurt people."
"Insults are insecurities."

Now, that is GOOOOOOD Stuff. Be blessed!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Casa Shalom

Clay & I are safely back home from our weekend trips. I am including a picture of Casa Shalom in her new place, and YES we are building a deck onto the front side, so don't worry about the steep slope by the door. All is well, but thanks for your concern! LOL!!!

Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week..........I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Casa Shalom

Well, Clay got Casa Shalom moved to her new, more secluded spot up in the mountains of Ruidoso. I am having a great time with my step-mom, Anna and Aunt ReRe in Arlington, TX. I will head home sometime Sunday afternoon. Hope you and yours have a super-blessed rest of your weekend.........I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

I was reading through Ambs' pastor's blog (yeah, Mark Batterson of National Community Church), and he said something that was worth repeating:

Change of pace + change of place = change of perspective

How true dat is! That is exactly what we have been experiencing, with "Casa Shalom". I hope that you take time to experience that as well. It is vital!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

TGIF!

Hey everybody!!!

Clay & his dad made it out to Ruidoso. (They are moving our trailer.....Casa Shalom......to a different spot in the park that will be more secluded and with a BEAUTIFUL view of the forrest). YEAH!!! They will be traveling back home today......so pray for traveling mercies for them.

I made it to Arlington. My aunt (my dad's sister) is here from Tupelo, staying with my step-mom. We always have a lot of fun together. WOO HOO!

My call week last week was interesting, but "do-able". Kinda got a little crazy at the end, but I survived. Thanks for your prayers for me.

Hope you have a TGIF and a fantastic weekend. I'm gonna!!!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Keep my pastor, Gwen Aldridge, in your prayers, as she is traveling to Colorado for a week of rest.

Another New Childress Zoo Addition

Hey everybody!

Well, we now have another new addition to the Childress Zoo..........

INTRODUCING, Wylie:

Yeppers, about a 5-week old coyote pup.

Clay ran across threee of them on the farm yesterday, and caught them. His sister has one, her name is Cheyenne, and his cousin is keeping the third one. Don't know where this will go, but I think we are starting to amasse animals for the ark. LOL! (We haven't started building the ark yet, either, by the way.)

We'll keep you updated.

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Another pic of Wylie (yes, on the bear-skin rug in our living room, and NO, we aren't keeping him inside, we just bring him inside......on a leash so he can't run off and under somewhere we can't get to him).

P.S. ~ In case you are wondering, he is about the size of a little chihuahua (right now, anyway). LOL!

DREAMS

REBLOG from Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church:

If ever there was a dreamer, His name is Jesus! And when we put our faith in Christ, we become part of the greatest dream ever dreamt--the redemption of humankind. Our Heavenly Father doesn't just want to save us from our sin. He wants to turn us into kingdom dreamers! And one way He does it is via the Holy Spirit conceiving God-ordained and God-sized dreams in us.

I just love that....... "Our Heavenly Father doesn't just want to save us from our sin, He wants to turn us into Kingdom-Dreamers." What are your dreams and hopes? I shared a few of mine last week with you......what are yours??? I read another devo today from Bob Gass Ministries:
"(1) Seek wise counselors. It's the last thing you'll feel like doing because misery loves company. But when you "Refuse good advice...your plans fail" (Pr 15:22 TM). In fact, "The more wise counsel you follow, the better" (Pr 11:14 TM). (2) Stop listening to your fears and listen to God: Standing among the ruins of his life, "David found strength in the Lord" (1Sa 30:6 NIV), and you will too!

Think about it! Find wise (and Godly) counselors and seek counsel and then STOP listening to your fears and listen to God. He will strengthen you. GO GOD!

You know, since we have started taking a few breaks here and there from "the normal routine and racing pace" and going to "Casa Shalom" in Ruidoso (read below, to find out what I'm talking about....LOL!).......I have to admit that my mind is clearer, and it strengthens me. I encourage you to find that place in your life, as well. I have heard a lot that Satan's biggest way to "wear us down" is keeping us busy! (BUSY = Being Under Satan's Yoke). We get distracted, discouraged, and depressed soooooooo easily when we are just busy-busy-busy AND we miss out on so many "surprises" in life that God has for us.....we just pass them by and don't even realize it (and others miss out, because we just pass them by).

SO, right now, wherever you are.....whoever you are.........take a couple of deep breaths. AAHHHH.......a couple of more..........LOOK for those special God-moments that He has all around you.......really seek HIS counsel and the counsel of other wise and Godly counselors......DREAM BIG! We miss out on so many things that God has for us and others because we don't dream big enough.......and take time to smell the roses all around you........and then finally, stop listening to your fears and listen to God. He will guide you, strengthen you, direct you and provide all you need to see those dreams turn into Truth.

WOO HOO! Have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week! I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

G'Day!!!

\o/

Video of Britt getting ready for his party!

Quatro de Mayo

Last weekend, Ambs (our 23 year old daughter who lives in Washington DC) flew into Nashville (where our son and dtr-in-love live), for Britt's "Quatro de Mayo" party (they celebrated on Sunday instead of Monday). They had a ball, and I am attaching a picture of our son, Britt, they took.

Ideas & Wishes

Just wanted to share some of my ideas that I have.....
Kinda as a form of a prayer request, I guess.....

Anyway, I truly want to learn how to design websites......from start to finish, but have been unable to locate the right classes or person to sit down and help me, one-on-one. I am REALLY interested in learning Computer Graphic Design, but don't know where to go to get the help I need with this.

Please pray that God opens up the doors, and leads me to the folks that can help me with this.

I looked at some on-line classes, but they are expensive, and include a lot of stuff that I really don't need (and don't need to pay for). I really want to find SOMEONE that can sit down with me one-on-one and teach me. I am a fast learner, and very passionate about this. Thanks for your prayers!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ My call-week is going GREAT! Keep up your prayers for a quiet call week (and weekend). PEACE BE STILL!

GO GOD!

REBLOG: Aesthetics

Aesthetics

By Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church

Washington DC

I was reading the latest issue of Fast Company and came across an article that inspired me. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide are known for their extraordinary customer service. upscale hotels. Here are some of the ways they serve their guests and create a unique hotel experience.

They recently hired French Composer, Henri Scars Struck, to orchestrate a 24-hour soundtrack for their hotels so that their guests would be greeted by a melange of sounds. Sorry, couldn't resist using the word melange. Don't really know what it means or how to pronounce it. But I like it.

Their goal is to catch customers off guard. They want to surprise them. They actually hired a cultural curator whose job description is "to create unique experiences for the guest that stimulate all five senses."

One way they do that is with limited-edition key cards designed by artists such as Michael Lin and Sam Samore. The key cards double as free passes to a local art institution. Guests also get a complimentary copy of adult fairy tale book as a take-home souvenir. By the way, all employees from desk clerks to housekeepers are required to visit the art institution they send people to and familiarize themselves with the variety of artists partnering with Starwood.

Starwood has partnered with a perfume design team to create a unique scent for their lobby. And they have partnered with master chefs to create a unique menu.

Listen, that may sound extravagant. But what if we put half that effort in welcoming people into our worship environments? What I'm trying to say is this: aesthetics are important. If you don't believe me, then why are a dozen chapters in Exodus devoted to the aesthetics of the tabernacle. God is in the details. He details everything from the color of the curtains to the recipe for the incense!

I'm always trying to find ways to rethink everything we do at NCC. Articles like this help my synapses fire in new ways. Are we doing everything we can to create an optimal environment for worship and fellowship?

Dinner and a "Deer"

This is from our campsite in Ruidoso on Sunday night. As you can see the deer come right up to it, and we can sit outside, enjoy the beauty of the scenery and creatures. GO GOD! AWESOME!!!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie (aka Lauren)

Back home (again!)

Hey everybody!

Clay & I made it home (again) today from Ruidoso. We LOVE it up there! It is sooooooooooo peaceful and relaxing (and beautiful!!!). Attended Grace Harvest Church. It is a really nice church. They had a great service yesterday. We had 12 deer come right up to the trailer to eat last night. I will try & post a pic(s) soon. We are making new friends there and God is really opening up and even doing some "God-things", just like He always does. GO GOD!

Please pray PEACE BE STILL over my call week that starts tomorrow (Tuesday, 5/6). Thanks! God has already begun to work prayer out about my call week and I am so thankful for that. My mom, Kathy, sees an opthalmologist in Lubbock tomorrow about a problem she is having with one of her eyes. Pray for complete and DIVINE healing for her (and her foot that is giving her problems, too). Thanks!

We missed being at our home church this past weekend. Clay will be back with them this week, but I will be working. :(

Hope you all have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week. I'm gonna!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Ambs (our daughter) had flown to Nashville to be with our son, Britt, this weekend, and she too has made it home safely. THANK YOU, LORD!

Happy Middle-of-the-Week Day!!!

Hope this finds you all doing well. All is well here. I can't believe that today is the last day of April! WOW!

Please pray for RAIN for our crops. Most of the farmers in this area really need rain in the next week or so, so they can get the cotton (and other crops) planted. GO GOD!

God's love & mine,

Nonnie (aka Lauren)

Joyous Monday to ya!

Good Monday Morning, everybody!!!

How are you doing??? We are GREAT! Clay and I made it back from our weekend. (Clay led worship at a Men's Retreat in Slaton, and I went to Ruidoso to spend some time with my mom and step-dad. AWESOME!!!). Clay had a GREAT time and God worked (as usual.......GO GOD!). I had a very nice visit with my family. It is so peaceful and a place of rest at our place in Ruidoso. I now call our 5th wheel, "Casa Shalom". LOL!!! :) \o/ I also visited a Ruidoso church on Sunday: Grace Harvest Church. Great to see things that are going on in your community and church, at another church......just God, huh!?! He is sooooooooooo AMAZING! Hey, they also had a dance team (of 4 very talented women) that danced an interpretive dance to Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace" VERY POWERFUL and beautiful. The people there were very friendly and loving, and I got to hear one of their lay-men preach a straight-from-the-heart, VERY moving message. Simple, but so awesome!

Clay & I (along with the Worship Team he led this past weekend) will be leading the Llano Estacado Emmaus Community Meeting Worship this Thursday, in Lubbock. WOO HOO! It is such an honor and privilege to get to lead others into the presence of the Lord.

I pray that you have a super-blessed, SUPERNATURAL week! I'm gonna!!!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

Chester & Tina (Llamas)

Hey everybody!

Well, Kathy (Clay's sister) went out yesterday and got a picture of both llamas together. They are Chester (the one in the foreground) and Tina (the one on the right). ENJOY!

Please keep Clay in your prayers. He leaves today to lead worship through the weekend in Slaton for a Men's Walk to Emmaus. GO GOD!

I will be leaving tomorrow (Friday) to go to Ruidoso and see my mom. She is having trouble with her feet and hips, and is seeing a doctor tomorrow (Friday) about that. Also, my sister and her hubby (Allen & Lisa Eaker) are heading to West Texas today (Thursday) to see his mom and do a little business. Pray for traveling mercies for them. (BTW...Allen's mom, Ann Eaker, is doing MUCH better.....thanks for your prayers----keep them up!)

God's love & mine,

Nonnie

aka Lauren

Llamas!

Hey everybody!

I forgot to mention the very exciting news from the Childress Zoo (LOL!). As you may know, Clay's dad recently got 6 cow elks, 3 black Hawaiian sheep and 4 fallow deer (and there are 10 more cow elks on the way) (They are are at Clay's dad's behind a high fence). Well, his sister is raising laying hens at her house (and getting about 30 eggs a day). Well, last night, Clay's sister got 2 llamas, a female, we've named "Tina" (from the movie, Napoleon Dynamite----mine and Ambs' dream-come-true, to have a llama named "Tina") and a huge male, named "Chester" (he is 8 or 9 years old and already had the name---that is his picture at the top they took yesterday before they loaded him in the trailer to come to Kathy's). He is beautiful! So we are now Llama Mamas! Kathy (Clay's sis) is keeping them in some pens near her home. We're all soooooooooo excited!

Out-of-the-Box 3

Hey everybody!

For those of you that are missing Cindy Jacobs' OUT-OF-THE-BOX 3 Conference, you can free download the podcasts at I-Tunes through May 24th. I was unable to successfully get logged on last night to see Chuck Pierce or Jerry Tuma (some kind of glitch), but they should be available later today for download. I HIGHLY encourage you to do this. You don't have to have an i-pod to download, you can watch them right there on your computer. Just do it!

Have a super-blessed HUMP Day (hey, it's the middle of the week----that means it's all downhill from here). GO GOD! \o/

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Thanks for your prayers for me! I was able to get a huge chunk of paperwork completed yesterday and last night! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is NOT a train! WOO HOO! (NOT! CHOO CHOO!!!).

Biz Update

Please read the update on Biz' blog (see link to right). Biz & the Daniels' family need our prayers! GO GOD!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

EXPELLED

Another re-blog from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson.....READ ON!

(I really want to see this movie!!!!~~~~Lauren)

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This weekend I took Parker to see Expelled. I thought it was fascinating and funny. Parker and I kept turning to each other and saying "that was random" because of some of the old movie clips they splice in.Man, this documentary is going to get some people pretty fired up. It took me back to my University of Chicago days where I felt like such an intellectual minority because of my views on the origin of the earth. I was made to feel like a fool for believing in an Intelligent Designer. But listen, everybody has to account for the first cause. How in the world did organic life come from inorganic primordial soup? And where did the soup come from? Honestly, I don't know how you can look at a strand of DNA and doubt an Intelligent Designer. Random chance or Intelligent Design? Ironically, I think it takes more faith to believe in Random Chance.

Week is goin'

Hey everybody!

Well the week has started and is just goin'. Whew! Pray that I get all my paperwork caught up at work......it is never ending and LOTS! Thanks! Please keep Biz (see link to right) and her family in your prayers. The doctor's report says that the cancer is back. They see the oncologist at 3:15PM today (Wed---PST) to get the results of the PET Scan and what they docs feel needs to be done now. Her dad is a Pastor. Thanks for your prayers for them. You can catch the updates, just like I do, by following the link on the right to her parent's blog.

I "attended" Cindy Jacobs on-line OUT-OF-THE-BOX 3 Conference last night (Monday). WOW! It was really good. She mixes it up with worship and "announcements" and/or breaks about every 20-30 minutes, which is good, because you just can't keep someone's attention much more than that (that is a proven fact). She has hand-outs you can pre-print to follow along with, and it is FREE! WOW! You can't get much better than that. It is geared for the working folks, it is from 6-9 PM nightly through Thursday night---and you can view from your home......even in your jammies, if you wish! Awesome concept!!! (Very out-of-the-box.....imagine that! LOL!!!)

Clay is leading worship starting Thursday night for a Men's Walk to Emmaus in Slaton. I will be leaving Friday afternoon to go and see my mom in Ruidoso, NM. God is opening a huge door/window for me to develop a deep relationship with my mom, and I am very grateful for that. GO GOD! It is really exciting. I just stand in awe of all the "Redemption Moments" that God continues to bring Clay & I. It is totally amazing! Words cannot even begin to tell you about it. \o/

Have a super-blessed, supernatural week..........I'M GONNA!

God's love & mine,
Nonnie
aka Lauren

P.S. ~ Please be in prayer for Lamesa & Dawson County this week. God knows! Keep the entire community and area saturated in prayer and God's awesome presence, love & peace.....and even covered in the blood of Jesus. GO GOD!