Have a nice day!

Could this be God's way of saying, "Have a nice day?"

The Sisterhood Posse

Here we are at one of our literary (ahem) hangouts (aka, Claimjumpers).

(Sue, Beth, Diane, Stephanie, Joycey [L to R])

(Jen is not pictured...she is unable to make the West coast meetings.)

Home Again

We made it home yesterday, incident-free by God's grace (except for a near collision with a pick-up truck that changed lanes without looking...thankfully, my husband is a good defensive driver.)

We had a wonderful week, drove about 1,550 miles, spent about 24 hours in the car alone together (...conflict-free, I might add :-), and enjoyed our time visiting family and friends.

A highlight of the trip was the chance to stop briefly at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville; it was the place where we became engaged on March 4, 2000! We took pictures of the very place where Tim proposed to me and the loveseat (aptly named!) off one of the lobbies where we sat and talked after he proposed, talking of our future together (...you know, the future we assumed would be in California.) We also bought a magnet of the hotel, thereby filling in the most notable hole in our magnet collection; when we got engaged, we had no idea that collecting magnets of places would become a memorable thing for us.

Back in Kansas, we picked the puppies up from their kennel; they were glad to see us but were obviously well cared for in our absence; each of them seemed to weigh a couple of pounds more than they did when we dropped them off!

(But, then--so do we.)

And then we watched Kansas get beat by Missouri in one of college football's longest-running rivalries. (...but that's too depressing to talk about.)

Two more trips to Saint Louis for me and the Bible study I've been leading will be over.

I don't think we'll ever get all the leaves raked.

Have a great week!

Position Yourself

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2007
ISAIAH 6:8

My football career was less than impressive. I don't think I ever actually started a game, but I did learn a secret about getting to play. The coach will sometimes send in the guy standing closest to him. It happens, for example, when someone has just been dragged off the field and he needs someone -- anyone -- to fill a spot.

I learned that if I was close enough at that moment, he just might choose me. It worked sometimes -- certainly more often than sulking on the bench would have. This is why, during the course of my single season of play, I entered the game as an offensive lineman, a wide receiver and a safety -- even though I never practiced in these positions. I usually didn't know exactly what I was expected to do, but at least I was on the field.

There's a principle here to remember: As Dwight L. Moody once said, "God always uses the man closest to him." Unlike my junior high coach, God isn't easily distracted and he doesn't send us anywhere unprepared. But he does use those who are eager to get into the game.

That's why I want to make a habit of "getting in God's way" so to speak, so that when he's ready to use someone, he sees me first. I want always to be in a position where God can do something with my life.

Isaiah heard God say, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And Isaiah responded, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

God is asking the same question today. He's looking for those who are to ready to be used in a great way. When he's searching the sidelines for someone to take the field, I want to be standing close to him.

--Steve May

About the Monday Memo
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Thanksgiving Greetings

Yes, it's true that Thanksgiving is still 6 days away, but I wanted to wish you all a blessed and joyous holiday time.

We're leaving on Sunday morning for parts unknown (...well, actually, parts known) to visit family. In 6 days we'll cover over 1400 miles and spend roughly 21.6 hours together in the car traveling through 7 states.

The dogs will be pampered at a kennel that has an indoor rock fountain and waterfall for their viewing pleasure. (It's better-appointed than some hotels I've stayed in...)

And The Husband shouldn't get any calls from work. (We'll see if this one holds up.)

We'll get to visit 1 grandparent (Cornelia, aged 101), 4 parents, 1 daughter, 8 siblings, 8 siblings-in-law, 22 nieces and nephews, and 3 close family friends.

And hopefully during this week we will reflect much on the kindness of The One Great God.

Blessings to you as you give thanks this week with those you love.

I'm getting that "give up" feeling

What should I do? I should look at the cross and not myself. I should preach the gospel to myself daily. That means right now! I should thank God for His immeasurable grace. I should thank Him that I am doing far better than I deserve. Now all that brings biblical perspective. It doesn't make problems and discomfort go away but it shines gospel light so I can really see what's going on in my heart. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

One Minute Uplift

Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
11-15-07

Don't Give Up
By Rick Ezell

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised."
(Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

Effective people never buckle under. Despite mounting criticism and intensity of opposition and overwhelming obstacles they persevere with determined resolve. They refuse to throw in the towel. They accomplish the seemingly impossible task because they never give up.

Often, the easiest thing is quitting, giving up. Return to the comfort and convenience of mediocrity. Forget about one's dream, one's passion, and one's goal. Give in to the words of the critics, give up to the opposition, and give way to the obstacles. Simply, tuck tail and run away.

Great power is embodied in perseverance. The race is not always won by the fastest. The game is not always won by the strongest. But rather victory comes to the one who does the will of God, who keeps on keeping on, who refuses to give up. Doing the will of God is that important.

Consider the postage stamp. Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Race car driver Rick Mears said, "To finish first, you must first finish."

When you are tempted to quit, resist. We must endure in the battle until the evil day is over. We must press on in the face of the temptation to quit. Until the war is over, we must fight to the end. Until the race is finished, we must keep running. Never give up. Never. The promises of God are always at the end. So, don't quit. Don't give up.

About the Author

Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

Some good ideas

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. Then, genuinely ask for forgiveness.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. How about three?

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. This will serve you well.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "God bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Transition(s) / Update(s)

Early this morning, Chris' mom (Sue's mom-in-law) left this life for her heavenly home. Words are never enough at these times. We mourn with you. We're praying for you.

We cried and waved goodbye to dear friend Diane and her family as they relocated to Spokane two weeks ago. Gone, never forgotten. Your place at the posse table never to be replaced. Hugs.

Posse member in the midwest, Jennie -- thank you for a wonderful visit. So far you've had a virtual seat at the posse table. Won't it be fun when we can all be together? (Hmm... perhaps Secret Travel Agent Joycey will be able to help us out sometime in the future.) You are a great example of what it means to serve your husband and the body. Thank you for serving Memorial so faithfully. Much fruit will be reaped.

Joycey, you have 5 teenagers (youth is a better biblical term) in your house. Whew. May God continue to give you grace, strength, wisdom and energy. Jerry chose well when he chose you. I am provoked at how well you speak of him, submit to him, encourage him, and look to him. Way to go, girl.

Steffer, you're doing well. From a preschooler to an eleventh-grader and points in-between, there's always something going on at your house. It is definitely the place to be! You receive counsel well and promise to think on counsel given. You are to be commended. Plus the fact that you are a much sought-after friend, you are greatly treasured!

And then there's me. We are praising God for Coy's job -- five months now. It's a virtual lovefest. We are so grateful. We have one youth and a 'tween. Please pray for us as we have entered in to the waters of leading and mentoring boys to young men. Additionally, many of you know my dad has Alzheimers; he requires 24/7 care. Mom is doing her best to provide care for him but she is losing ground physically trying to keep up. We would appreciate your prayers when they come to mind.

Thank you for the fellowship we share together around the cross of Christ. It is all because of Him. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Savior, help us, as we start this new week!

The most effective eloquence!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

What unspeakable injury has been done to the cause of Christ, by the inconsistent lives of many professors of religion! To unholy lives, must be ascribed the comparatively little progress which Christianity has hitherto made. It is this . . .

which emboldens the scoffer,
which encourages the profligate,
which strengthens the hands of the infidel,
which seals the eyes of the impenitent

in death-like slumber!

Those who bear the name of Jesus should ever remember--that the eyes of an ungodly world are upon them, and that their impression of the gospel, both in its nature and results--is derived from what they witness in the conduct of those who are identified with it!

"The Bible," as one observes, "is God's revelation to Christians; and Christians are God's revelation to the world." The sacred Scriptures are not read by the careless and ungodly multitude--but they are eager in reading the character of the followers of Christ!

How important is it, then, that they should give, by their spirit and deportment--a correct representation of our holy religion!

Great is the power of impassioned oratory, as embodied in burning words, dramatic gestures, and flowing tears. But, after all, the most effective eloquence--is that of a pure, upright, consistent life! This shames the accusers of our holy faith; and puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Christian, let it be your earnest prayer and daily endeavor, to adorn the doctrine of your Savior, not in some things--but in all things. Adorn it . . .

by the purity of your conversation,
by the blamelessness of your life,
by the integrity of your dealings,
by your abhorrence of all which is base or
impure.

Adorn it in the various conditions in which you may be placed--

in prosperity or adversity;
in obscurity or eminence;
in health or sickness;
in joy or sorrow;
in youth or old age;
in life or death.

"For this very reason, make every effort to

add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

(John MacDuff, "The Precepts of Jesus" A guide through life to immortality!)

I'm back from KC

Now that I'm back from Kansas City, I need to jump back into my life here with both feet -- as opposed to one foot or maybe just one foot at a time, I guess. Regardless, dearest husband, bless his heart, cleaned the house and shaped up the area around my assigned place at the family work table which, believe me when I say this, I am most grateful. There was a time when I would not have been... Out in the work-a-day world (I hardly remember!), it bugged me tremendously when the receptionist would bring all the mail and school stuff in and put it on my desk. So, what I am obliquely getting to is the insidious enemy named clutter. Real or imagined, physical, emotional, spiritual, it truly is a vicious enemy. It bogs one down. It robs one of energy. It consumes one's attention as a prostitute searches for her prey. Too much? Not for me, because I too easily run, falling into the ratpack nest of comfort, content to take residence there unchallenged to remain.

So, on that note, here goes:

A Cluttered Desk Is...

About a week ago, I came across an Internet advice column that told me how to eliminate the paper work clutter on my desk.

GREAT! So I printed out the five pages of how-to instructions and placed them on top of the rest of the stuff on my desk.

Now I can't find them.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

--Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20071105

Timely Clarification

One Minute Uplift
Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
11-01-07

Compass or Clock?
By Rick Ezell

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands" (Psalms 31:14-15 NIV).

A friend said, "My problem is that I have surrendered my time to work, to other people, and to bad habits."

Then truly that is the problem. We should first surrender our time to God. God owns it anyway. Our task is to manage properly what has been entrusted to us until he returns or wants it back, including our time.

Think about a compass and a clock. Two very important tools, but two very different instruments. One would be wise not to confuse the two. To surrender our time to God is to be governed by a compass rather than to be controlled by a clock. A compass provides a sense of direction, purpose, vision, perspective, and balance. A clock measures duration, the expenditure of time. A compass determines effectiveness-doing the right tasks. A clock determines efficiency-how long it takes to accomplish a task. Both have their place. But, the compass must come before the clock, therefore, effectiveness before efficiency. The "mega priorities" of the compass subordinate the "mini priorities" of the clock.

A compass, therefore, becomes a symbol of an internal guidance system that provides us with our values and convictions based on God's Word. This non-negotiable governs our lives. In the same manner that the gravitational force pulls the compass needle; it is God that governs the drive of our lives. We surrender to his force.

Our time should be surrendered to God daily. I asked a friend who is engaged in many pursuits successfully, how he managed it all. He said, "I give my first minutes to God, then I commit the remainder of the day to his Lordship. And amazingly I work more effectively and efficiently."

Have you surrendered your time to God? Is your time in his hands?

About the Author
Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

A Continual Supply of Grace, Comfort, and Strength

(William Mason, "The Believers Pocket Companion")

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20

That the believer may live cheerfully and comfortably, he is exhorted to the free and constant use of Christ.

O consider—Christ is given to us—to be enjoyed by us!

He is the bread of life. We are to feed upon Him daily.

He is the water of life, which our souls are to drink of constantly.

He is our righteousness. We are to put Him on continually.

So then, we not only have a precious Christ—but we are also to use Him—and enjoy His preciousness! He is not only a well of salvation—but we must draw water out of it with joy—and drink of it to the refreshing of our souls!

Deeply consider, that without this inward enjoyment of Christ—you cannot be . . .

happy in your soul,
comfortable in your walk,
nor holy in your life.

We must live by faith upon Christ—so as to derive a continual supply of grace, comfort, and strength from Him! "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" Galatians 2:20