Crab Cakes and Conviction

I don't really know where to begin this post.  However, I feel like it's something God has placed on my heart to share, so here it goes.  I actually began writing this post the night we arrived home from our trip to Baltimore for he annual Southern Baptist Convention.  This trip was work for Greg.  So, I thought since I'd never been to Baltimore, I would tag along.  My plan was to enjoy some good preaching/teaching, connect with old friends from seminary, explore the area....and, you know me - search for the best crab cakes Baltimore has to offer.  Well, here's the thing - I did all of that and more.  However, God had more in store for this foodie. 

One afternoon during the Pastor's Wives' session - I had the opportunity to hear Priscilla Shirer (Pastor Tony Evans' daughter) share how her family's Christian legacy began in Baltimore.  You see, someone shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Priscilla's grandfather (let's call him Mr. Evans) during a rough patch in his life.  While on the edge of divorce, ONE MAN shared the truth that God loved him and sent Christ to die for him.  Mr. Evans was compelled to change his life when he heard the message.  He turned away from his sin, took hold of the truth available through Christ and was CHANGED.  Of course, the hardship with his wife wasn't over by any means.  But, through prayer, demonstrating God's love in the home, and heaping buckets of grace upon his estranged wife, the tide turned.  Mr. Evans' life-journey now includes leading his wife to Christ as well as each of his children.  ONE MAN introduced ONE MAN to Christ.  Then that ONE MAN led each of his family members to Christ.  What a story!  Interestingly, Mr. Evans - now 85 years young - still pastors the same small church he began 50 years ago.  And, his son - Dr. Tony Evans - impacts thousands each week as he shepherds a dynamic multicultural church in Dallas, TX and broadcasts the gospel across the globe.  I pray my family's legacy could echo the same passion of Grandpa Evans.

On the morning of our departure from Baltimore, Greg and I were discussing how much fun we had the previous night on our date (it was quite romantic and filled with crazy stories for another day). But, as we were talking, I had this huge wave of conviction flood my heart.  You see, the week prior to our trip, our church hosted VBS (i.e. Vacation Bible School for those not in 'the know'). Every day, myself and 500 others sang a couple theme songs entitled "Always Be Ready" and "Tell Everybody" at the top of our lungs throughout our week together.  Each of these songs speak of being ready (and willing) to share Christ at any time (i.e. in the moment).  But, when the perfect opportunity to share stared me in the face, I CAVED!  I genuinely felt the leading of the Holy Spirit and didn't follow through!  Have you been there?  Sure, I had some basic non-offensive religious conversation with this person.  But, truthfully - that just doesn't cut it.  No matter how limited the amount of time I had, I should have "been ready" to "tell everybody".  It's a little bit of a gut check, you know.  Sure, we sing that we love Jesus.  But, I feel that sometimes my life is singing a different tune - my own.  A tune centered on my agenda - not God's agenda.  That's exactly where I found myself in Baltimore.  And, as a I looked around at the thousands of pastors and wives and extended ministries represented in Crab Cake City, I wonder if they were singing the same tune as me?  The sad answer is, 'Yes'.  And, if you're reading this, you've probably found yourself singing it too. 

As I reflect back on this trip, my heart's call (i.e. Spirit's leading) is that I've got to get in line and share the most important conversation with which I can engage someone - one that brings Christ into the dialogue.  If you're reading this, maybe you feel the same emotional tug.  Let me encourage you to act on it.  So many times, we sidestep the only conversation with eternal significance.  Truthfully, it's selfish.  It's the best news that any individual can hear.  And, we should never be ashamed of the Gospel.  But, I wonder how many times our actions show we really are ashamed?    

I'm convicted of this:  If my prayer for my children is for them to live for Christ, I must model what that looks like.  Telling them what they should do and how they should live is just not enough.  It's a false dichotomy, a mirage, a lie...especially, if I do not do it.  If I'm not living out my faith, then how in the world can I expect my children to do so?  Christ must be my 'agenda'. 

By "living for Christ" I mean something MORE than just doing "good" things.  "Jaime, what are you talking about - aren't Christians supposed to do good things?"  Of course, but I'm talking about something more than a 'social gospel' or  'Cultural Christianity'.  So many times we define 'living for Christ' as going to church, gathering in 'holy huddles' and hanging out with other believers, or even helping the poor and oppressed.  The list goes on-and-on.  All of these things are great.  But, if we fail to share the REASON why we do all of these things, we choose to ignore God's command to share and, in the end, rob ourselves of the blessing.  I've often heard this, "Jaime, I don't have the gift of evangelism."  What a cop-out!  Let me set the record straight.  All believers in Christ are to share His message.  Sure, there are people more talented at doing so.  But, have you ever thought that the reason they are more talented may be because they do it regularly?...I'm just saying. 

As I reflect on my conversations, I'd like to go back and ask, "(INSERT NAME HERE), do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?  BOOM!  Yes, that one question!  Often, we try to ease into it, focus too hard on just the right words to say, attempt to avoid confrontation, yada yada yada.  And, yes, there is probably someone reading this saying we have to build some long-term relationship before we share.  That's all great, but if that person took their last breath, they may miss the most important conversation of their life.  We've just got to put ourselves out there and ask Christ to speak through us.  Dr.Stephen Rummage, Pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Florida, states, "Evangelism is always confrontational......if you're avoiding confrontation, you'll never share."  Fear of rejection, confrontation, worry, insecurity, embarrassment - yep, those are all emotions I experience.  But, I must remember that I am not the one being rejected.  If you and I are to surrender fully to Christ, we must stop worrying about offending someone and get busy representing Jesus well. 

As I get ready to wrap up, I think back to leaving the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore.  I shut the door to my hotel room and made my way to the elevator.  My heart continued to be grieved with conviction - so much so, I just had to ask/tell someone about Jesus.  I saw one of the cleaning ladies in the hallway - the same lady I'd politely acknowledged each morning in Baltimore.  I made up my mind to approach her intentionally - full of nervous energy.  I introduced myself, gave her some material that I received from Lifeway and asked this precious lady if she knew Jesus.  She shared with me that she trusted Jesus, had given up smoking five weeks prior, and gave all the credit to God.  Pretty amazing!  Although she spoke very little English, this jewel conveyed her happiness in Jesus and desire for her grandchildren to know Christ one day.  That's absolutely incredible - ONE person sharing with ONE person.  That's what we need to be in the business of doing. 

Will you join me in sharing with ONE this week?  .

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and as the Lord places me on your mind, I ask that you pray that I will have the boldness to share Christ with those He places along my path.
    

JP Turns 4

In my Jesus Calling devotional, it says the following:

           "When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through.  Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving." 

Today, I am thankful and praise the Lord for the blessing of motherhood.  With today being JP's 4th birthday, waves of emotion flood my soul.  I remember being so excited upon finding out I was pregnant with John Parker, but also scared "to death" after experiencing the loss of our first son, Joshua.  Fear overcame me when an ultrasound appointment, while pregnant with JP, showed choroid plexus cysts.  I will never forget sitting in that room, waiting on Dr. Seligman to come and check the ultrasound.  That silence, waiting to hear the worst.  We left that day, with the understanding that these cysts are very common and could be just part of normal brain development, but with our history, we were still terrified.  Once again, along with our friends and family, we petitioned the Lord for this baby.  We later saw a specialist for a high density ultrasound, which showed that the cysts were diminishing, and eventually were no longer there, praise be to God! 

April 6th came, and by the grace of God, so did John Parker.  A healthy, beautiful little boy, who would help heal this mommy's heart.  This little boy had such a sweet spirit, and never meets a stranger.  He loves introducing his family to others, loves singing and dancing, and loves trains.  JP is a true Texan, eating guacamole pretty much daily.  He loves swimming and going to "Bible Class" every Wednesday (BSF).  We are very proud of our little man, and pray that he comes to have a personal relationship with Christ, at an early age.  We pray that he will love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength, and serve Him all the days of his life. 

"I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.  So now I give him to the Lord, for his whole life he will be given to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Empire State of Mind: Part 1

In just a few days, I will once again head north of the Mason Dixon Line.  This is a big thing for a "little ole southern girl" like me! I feel so unprepared, compared to my NYC trip.  It really feels like just yesterday I was embarking on my journey to a land I thought I may never have the opportunity to experience.  Ernest Hemingway said of New York, "It's a town you come to for a short time", and so was my trip, short.  I hope I have many, many more "short" trips, to such a magical place.

Greg and I considered this trip to be our big 10th year anniversary present to each other, even though we are approaching the 12 year mark.  It was our first trip together, without our little "Lovelies". 

Upon arrival at LaGuardia, we met up with Moe, our driver, who escorted us to our "home away from home", The Waldorf=Astoria.  We were so blessed to have the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful hotel.  Minus the fact she was a prostitute, I did feel like "Vivian" in Pretty Woman, for the majority of the trip.  Once we settled in, we hailed a taxi down to the Flatiron District, where we had brunch reservations at Mesa Grill.  Since anything goes when you're "brunching", we ordered the Goat Cheese "Queso Fundido" to start, followed by the Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash and a Mesa Burger.  And since we are good Southerners, we couldn't resist sampling Bobby's "housemade grits".  These were not your typical grits, y'all, but they were amazing!  It's funny how our southern staples keep showing up on the menus of famous Yankee chefs. 

After that incredibly rich and "full of everything bad for you" meal, we decided it was time to "hit the streets".  We walked around the Flatiron District and happened upon Mario Batali's Italian Emporium, Eataly.  Since we were stuffed to the gills, there were no tastings, but it was neat to explore.  Next, we strolled through Union Square, where a Farmer's Market was underway.  Here, we witnessed real New Yorkers in action.  I won't go into detail about what we witnessed, since it did involve a good bit of cursing, or "cussing" if you prefer.

Later that night, we attended a welcome reception where we reconnected with several of Greg's coworkers and spouses, and also had the pleasure of meeting a few new friends.  After the reception we headed across the street to The National for dessert.  It was here, where my "foodie crush" on Iron Chef Zakarian, launched to a whole new level.  And it wasn't from the pot of yummy, chocolate mocha "whatever" I ate.

On Sunday, I really wanted to worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle, but since I would be forced to journey that on my own, I decided to join the "tour of day" around Midtown.  Our stops included Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and Top of the Rock. 

 After Greg's morning meeting, we headed to Chelsea Market, where if I lived in NYC, it would be a must to live in walking distance.  I LOVE this place!!!  It's a foodie's dream come true.  There's everything here, including the Food Network!  Need I say more?

 

 

 After some sushi from the Green Roll and a little chocolate from Jacques Torres, we headed to Chinatown and Little Italy, then back to rest and spruce up for dinner.  After watching the Food Network for years, one begins to favor certain chefs or personalities.  On top of my list are Iron Chefs and Chopped judges, Alex Guarnaschelli and Geoffrey Zakarian, who both have restaurants in NYC.  Butter, Chef G's place is closed on Sundays, so we opted for Chef Z's, The Lamb's Club, which did not disappoint.  I called and spoke with the maître d about a week earlier to set our reservations and to also inquire about the odds of meeting the famed chef, to which I was told "slim to none" on a Sunday night.  Although I did not get the chance to meet him, the food was astronomically "out of this world"!  Can I say that, or is that redundant?  Since moving to Huntsville, I feel the need to use a lot of space idioms.  Really, I can't even begin to describe how great this food was.  Once again, channeling "Vivian".  Just as she probably never imagined herself eating escargot, I never imagined I would find myself eating duck rillette and loving every single morsel!  I mean, what is duck rillette?  I still don't really know, and don't care, but I would highly recommend it.  No one knew that night, that I was pretending to be a Iron Chef judge the entire time I was there, except maybe my husband! 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the next blog post, when things get a little Wicked! ;)





 

 





 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Joshua

 

 

 

God has given me the ability to speak freely to others, about our first baby, without crying, but whenever I feel like he's leading me to share this situation on "paper", I struggle getting through it, so this post will be short.  I do want to follow it with more about how God was Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider) and Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer) in my next post.  I am only putting this "out there" because I know there are so many men and women hurting and are desperate for answers to why they are going through difficult, heart-wrenching situations.  This is the beginning of me becoming more transparent, as to honor the Lord and to help the brokenhearted. 

 

 

The letter below was written by my incredibly thoughtful husband, who actually buried our son 7 years ago.

 

August 28, 2006

To Mommy,

 

There were a few things that I thought you needed to hear from your baby boy today ... as I know that today and each of the days to come will be challenging.

 

First and foremost, I wanted to be sure to tell you how much I love you mommy! You've told me so many times ... so I wanted to tell you today.

 

I can remember hearing all of your prayers as you and daddy would talk to Jesus about me. I wanted to say thank-you for praying for me. It's great to have a mommy and daddy who love Jesus so much and talk to Him about me.

I know that you and daddy found out early on that I was sick and knew this for quite

some time. This had to be hard for you. I can remember how concerned you were when

you and daddy first found out at St. Vincent's Hospital. I recall the two of you

embracing, crying, and praying in the parking deck for me. I even remember daddy asking God to take His life instead of mine, if my sickness was occurring for anything that he had done. It was so difficult for both of you and I'm sorry you had to receive the

bad news.

 

But, you never gave up mommy. You kept fighting for me. I remember all of the things

the medical professionals said, but you kept praying and talking to Jesus as you had to

undergo all of those tests and doctors' appointments. This had to be terrible for you ... but you kept asking Jesus for a miraculous healing up until the last minute Thursday (August 24th) when you delivered me. Yet, when I was born ... .it seemed that the miracle didn't come ..... that your prayers weren't heard.

 

But mommy, I want you to know that Jesus did heal me. Your prayers were answered. I might not have been healed to be with you and daddy .... but I received the best healing ever .... the ultimate healing. As you know, my eyes never opened to see daylight, but the first thing I did see is what the Bible calls the "Light of the World" in John chapter 8.

                         

Mommy, I'm with Jesus now. I want you to know that it's better here than you could

ever imagine. I'm not sick anymore. I have no infirmities. I've been made well. Just as Jesus asked for the children to come to Him in Mark 10, Jesus has called me to be with Him. I'm here in heaven with Jesus. I wish you and daddy could see me now.

Mommy, always know that I love you and daddy. I look forward to the day that we will get to see each other again. Meanwhile, I'll worship Jesus here while you worship Him there.

 

Until Then .... always know I love you!

 

Your Son,

Joshua

 



 

Mother's Day May Not Be Merry

Tonight, I have such a heavy heart for those who struggle every year on Mother's Day.  My own hatred for the day, began seven years ago.  That same hatred doesn't exist anymore, but my heart grieves for those who want to be called "mommy" and may never hear those words.  My heart grieves for those who have lost a child and for those who are missing their moms.  I've been there.  Sitting in the pew, trying to choke back the tears, while all of the mothers are honored and given their token church gift, while I left empty-handed.  Do I think it's wrong or a sin to honor mothers on Mother's Day?  That's not what I am saying, but I do know that it is a very hard day for many, and we should reach out to those we know are hurting.  Below is a letter that Greg and I had read to our church family seven years ago on Mother's Day.  This was my first Mother's Day of several, where I just could not sit in a church pew.  

May 14, 2006

Dear FBC Family,

 Let us first say Happy Mother’s Day to all of you here today who have been mothers for many years or only a few short weeks or months.  Without question, Godly moms are a blessing from above.  Our hope is that this is a most special day for you. 

The reason for this brief announcement is to make our church family aware of a valley that Jaime and I have been walking through for the past 5-6 weeks.  As many of you know, we are now more than 21 weeks into our pregnancy.  However, at the regular 16 week appointment, the OB/GYN, Dr. Lori Smith, and her staff noticed an irregularity with our baby via ultrasound.  This finding mandated referral to UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and their specialty division of obstetrics and gynecology.  After two subsequent meetings with the Chief of Staff for Obstetrics and Prenatal Development, a tragic conclusion was reached. 

Two lethal anomalies, hydrocephalus (water covering the brain) and kidney malformation were discovered.  These are severe birth defects that render a child without hope for life as amniotic fluid is not produced by the fetus nor will the fetus have substantial brain or lung development.  With this being said, in a few short weeks, our baby’s physical life could cease.   

As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for our family…the thoughts that ravage the mind, the sleepless nights, and the countless prayers offered in hope.  Yet, our faith is not shaken.  God is still God.  He’s still on His throne.  Our prayers from the first moment of notification were for God to heal this child completely.  Our prayers are being answered as this precious bundle is receiving the best healing of all.

 May God Bless You Today,

Greg and Jaime Love

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

One of my favorite songs, is "Even If" by Kutless.  It sums up how we felt through our "hurricane" and how we still feel now.  If you are one that is hurting and maybe hating Mother's Day, look for refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is God, He is Good, the Forever Faithful One.

 

Just Another Boring SAHM Kinda Day!

"I would just be so bored at home, I just could not do it."  I know you've heard this before, right?  Well, I won't "bore" you with ALL of the reasons I am grateful for the opportunity to stay home with my cuties....but,  I'll give you a peek by sharing the adventure we had yesterday. 

First, let's travel back to Father's Day nearly two years ago.  You'll remember JP was rescued by the Fort Worth Fire Department after he was locked in the Altima.  Remember?  No...well I'll never forget it!

 

 

Today, JP - my opportunistic son - took a moment to "pay" me back.  Here lately, when I take Stormie out for a little "break", I'll go out the front and the kiddos watch me from the glass storm door.  Today was no different.  However, when I returned to the door, JP had locked it!  So, I pleaded with him to reverse the lock by using bribery, songs, etc.  Really, I tried everything including making our escapade into a fun game.  But, NO LUCK!  Put yourself in my shoes for a moment.  By this time, I'm a little frantic - praying, thinking, trying to hold onto our crazed Golden Retriever Stormie...IN THE COLD AND RAIN! 

 

What's a mom to do?  This mommy of two ran quickly (with Stormie in tow) to determine if another door may be unlocked.  Surely one door on this house would be open.  Ummmm...NOPE!  So, I run back to the front door and check on my babies.  Of course, JP - my little locksmith - is just fine...sitting on the couch watching Tangled...certainly not worried about his poor mama.  But, Georgia began to show her worry - tuning up with whimpers.  I ran next door to get help...surely my neighbor would be home.  NOPE!  All I could think about was how great it would be to have my cell phone.  One call to Mrs. Joan at Mt. Zion and I'd be in the house in no-time.  After all, this great lady knows how to make things happen - she's a miracle worker.  If Mrs. Joan isn't available, I could call 911 - but, when you compare their speed to Mrs. Joan...Mrs. Joan smokes 'em.  If those don't work out, Beth Jensen is just down the street - she'd be a huge help.  But, I was scared to leave the kids alone even for two minutes.  Of course, JP was loving it - I think he gets his love of mischief from Greg!  

But, you know that Scripture tells us not to worry.  So, I began to pray, "Lord, please send someone to help me."  And, yes - my prayers were not mild, calm prayers...it was the 'let's get with it Lord kinda praying'.  Within a few seconds, I saw a big black truck pull into the neighborhood...so, I flagged it down.  When this military hero saw me, I'm sure his first thought was, "Wow, another desperate housewife!"  Seriously, I was desperate!  And, I certainly wasn't dressed as those on Wisteria Lane.  This mommy was 'rocking it' with an old Dallas Cowboys maternity shirt (no I'm not pregnant - but, you don't just throw away with a perfectly good Cowboys shirt), hair pulled back in a ponytail, and rain-covered glasses.  Thankfully, I did have a bra on!  I digress. 

 

The last scene of this story ends with a God-sent hero breaking into my house (with no damage), a rain-soaked mommy crawling through a window, and finally - reunited with two kiddos perfectly unscathed.  Thanks JP for a wild adventure and fun story to share! 

 

Yep, just another boring day at the LoveShack

Lovebug Lessons #2

Today's Book of Choice is none other than "From Head to Toe" by one of my favorite author/illustrators, Eric Carle.  When thinking of a book for either your own child or maybe a baby shower or birthday present, you just can't go wrong with Eric Carle.  In this particualr book, Carle begins from the head of a penguin and ends with the toe of a human. With each page, the reader learns of a movement that is characteristic of a certain animal, while being asked, "Can you do it?".  This book has easily become a favorite at the LoveShack, because it is one that JP has been able to memorize and now "reads" on his own.  He loves to imitate the movement each particular animal makes and beams with pride when he can say, "The End".  There are so many benefits of reading with your kids and providing a literature-rich environment for them.  Make sure you are taking a few minutes every day to nurture their love for reading.