Square Fair has Gone

Wow! What a blast! Not only was Square Fair fun and well-organized, but our booth went so well! We took over three hundred photos throughout the day and gave away about 100 mouse pads and who knows how many pens. I don't know how God will use the events of yesterday, but I hope and pray that we touched lives for his good and glory. So many people were shocked to know that we were taking their photos for free.

Still others were delighted to be able to tell family members to be looking for a recent snapshot of themselves, family and friends on the web. But what made the whole thing worth it all was that three of the first four people to have their photo made also registered with us and indicated that they would be interested in knowing more about a relationship with God. They're teenagers, so we've let Chris know and he's assured us he'll make contact with them!

I was so pleased and proud of our volunteers, too. From Billy and Flo's tent to Debbie, Katrina, and Gem's talented artwork and decorating, we saw so many people using their skills, materials, and personalities to reach out. Damon hauled hay and took pictures. Valerie, Debbie, Tracci and Franchot snapped photos. Eddie provided a tablecloth. Julie, Judy, Ruth, Jerry, Chuck and Irene greeted folks and distributed the giveaways. Gem, Flo, Billy, Rochelle, Brittany, Chelsea, Andy and Darin encouraged people to come to the booth. Chris helped close down and load up at the end. Ryan even loaned his dog, Tipp for a couple of photos! Even though they couldn't be there on Saturday, Roy provided drinks for all the workers, Ann helped us with tent decisions, and Joey, Ann, Jennifer and Charlie provided ice for them. So many did additional things or multiple tasks that I don't have space to mention.

But the coolest thing was that in spite of some technical difficulties with the printer, everything went so smoothly. And, no one was locked down to one thing. When someone needed to take a break, someone else jumped in where they'd left off. There was no sense of "territorialism," but rather a sense of cooperative pride and ownership in the purpose behind what we doing: making a positive impression about the love of Christ through his church!

We didn't get pictures of everybody, so please forgive me if you were left out! And, by the way, that's Billy, Jennifer and myself in the 2nd photo from the top. That was early in the morning and we were still adjusting to our lighting issues!

Square Fair is Coming

For those who are new to Frankston, TX (like myself), Darin and I will soon be immersing ourselves in a local tradition that occurs each year simultaneous with the high school homecoming. Square Fair is the annual town festival in which vendors and organizations display and sell their wares, promote their activities, and make money for projects. For the first time since the early 90s, FBC will be hosting a booth, headed by yours truly.

I'm terribly excited about the opportunity we will have this Saturday for promoting the life and ministries of the church as well as hopefully exposing members of our community to the love and gospel of Christ. To do this, we'll be managing a photo booth. Digital pictures will be taken of families and friends in front of backdrops painted by some very talented church volunteers, and subjects will be invited to download the pictures for free from our church website or pay $5 to have them printed on site. As a bonus, we'll be distributing ink pens and mouse pads with the church logo and web address.

We don't have any idea what kind of response to expect, but at least we're just about ready for whomever should happen to appear. We've got a great group of volunteers to help with the day, doing everything from greeting and arranging people for the pictures, to photographing and distributing the freebies. I guess the thing that's got me so excited is seeing how many people are using their various talents and abilities to serve God and further his kingdom. I think this is what Paul meant when he wrote about the many gifts used by believers, but all by the same Spirit!

God, please use us this Saturday to be authentic rays of hope and love to everyone we encounter.

Taking Matters Into His Own Hands

The following will probably sound like something I dreamed after a bad hamburger, but it's true!

Yesterday, in Broomfield, CO, a 6-year-old boy was hungry and decided he'd go to Applebees. So he grabbed the car keys, took his booster seat from his grandmother's car, placed it in the driver's seat, then made a go of driving himself to the restaurant.

He made it about 75 feet. Unable to take the car out of reverse, he backed across the street and into a transformer and communication box, knocking out electricity and phone service to dozens of townhomes.

No one was injured, and the boy got out of the car and told his grandmother what happened. But investigators still haven't solved one mystery... How did the kid reach the accelerator?

I Don't Wannas

Darin and I have a saying around our house that we use to describe ourselves when we don't truly feel ill, but don't feel like we can take on the world, either. We call it the "I Don't Wannas." I've got a case of them today. They don't last forever, usually just a few hours. I guess it's what other people call the "Blahs." In this state, you don't really want to do anything terribly productive, but you feel lazy or guilty if you lie around on the couch. Furthermore, while your world certainly isn't crashing in on itself, perky people would do best to veer the other direction, lest their giddiness annoy you.

Don't worry, I got up and went to school this morning to tutor, and there was nothing at all to complain about there. The kids were as great as ever. But, after I came home and had some lunch, I still didn't wanna do much of anything. Especially iron, which is what I need to do. I didn't even wanna go out to the mailbox to get the 4 credit card applications that were there. (If I'd known that was all that was in there, I might have stayed inside anyway!) I summoned up the energy to shred them (whew), and now I'm ignoring the ironing board standing in the corner calling my name. Ju...lie... (Pardon me while I put it in the closet.)

I'd probably write more today, but you guessed it...I Don't Wanna.

Once Upon A Time . . .

In conclusion of my thoughts about Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul, I am reminded that in every fairy tale, there is a Hero who must save the Beauty from the Villain. The Eldridges say that each woman's life is "the story of the long and sustained assault on [her] heart by the [Villain] who knows who [she] could be" and seeks to destroy the possibility that exists within her. Ladies, you and I are the Beauty to be rescued.

But our fairy tale isn't brought to fruition until we have been rescued by our Hero, the one who passionately pursues our hearts, and ransoms and restores us to our rightful role as heir to the kingdom.

Here's something to consider: Adam was made in the image of God, right? The Eldridges suggest that just as women have three desires (believe they're beautiful; play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure; and be swept up in romance), men have three desires too: (1) have adventure, (2) have a battle to fight, and (3) have a Beauty to rescue. (If you consider these in connection with the men and boys you know well, I'll bet you'll totally agree.) Anyway, since men are also made in the image of God, isn't it possible that God desires these things, too? Think about it. Every day is an adventure for God (he just has the bummer of knowing exactly how it's going to turn out, good or bad, but still creates and acts anyway), he daily fights the spiritual forces of evil, and he has and continues to rescue his creation to salvation and relationship with himself and away from the destruction of sin. See, you have a Hero who has and will continue to rescue you, the Beauty, from the Villain (Satan).

And why does the Hero always rescue the Beauty? Because she is the one thing he cannot live without. He desires a relationship with her, not because of what she can do for him, but because of who she is. He is captivated by her.

In the same way, God desires a deep, intimate and personal relationship with you. He's not looking for what you can offer him or who you think you should be. "He wants your deep heart, that center place within that is the truest you. He is not interested in intimacy with the woman you think you are supposed to be. He wants intimacy with the real you."1

Whichever of your three needs is/are going unmet, look to him for the answer(s). Let him be your Hero. Allow him to tell you you're beautiful; take a risk and follow his calling toward your irreplaceable role in a great adventure; and be swept up in his romance of you.

The Villain seeks to steal, kill and destroy, but our Hero has come to bring you abundant life. Your fairy tale begins again today. Once upon a time . . .

Thanks, God, for being my Hero today and for eternity. The escape from sin and fears can seem so risky, but the freedom in a love relationship with you is so worth the unknown. Help me to trust your faithful character, and offer you all I am.


1. Captivating:Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul, p. 121.