Sunday Worship Do You?

Do you worship on Sunday?
Or do you go to a church that has a service on Saturday night.

Does your church look like a 'normal' church.

Do the people you worship with dress the way that you were brought up dressing for church?

I don't know about you but when I was growing up church was on Sunday. And, we dressed in our Sunday best.

But, things have changed. And, I wonder  do you think it is for the better? Some people would probably not be able to agree with that statement when it is about how people dress to go to church.

But, I have to stop and think about that.

You see I was talking to the owner of the company where I worked during this spring and summer. He and his family go to a local mega-church that offers Saturday night and Sunday services. His family because they live over an hour from church go on Saturday afternoon usually after a day of soccer or baseball. And so sometimes they are not 'dressed' for church.

It makes me wonder what is worship? What is worship to you?

For us me and my Cowboy worship is something like this . . .

I know that this photo is usually used to represent a precense of God in the homes where we live.
But for us it represents where we worship because we worship in a halfway house for teenage boys. It is actualy a prison unit. It is called 'The House or The Ranch' .   All of our congregation have committed felonies.   They are all dressed the same.  There are not shorts or flip flops.  There is no "Sunday Best". 

But there is a heart of . . .

Worship.

Every Sunday when they walk into the room they shake Cowboys hand and they have smiles on thier faces.  If I am sitting at the computer they will set their chairs done and walk over and say hello to me and shake my hand.  They are happy to be 'in' church.  

It wasn't always that way; when we first began providing services almost 3 years ago the boys came I think to 'check it out'.  There had never been a real service provided for the boys.  I think they were 'checking out' what church would be like.  The first Sunday we were a little worried that only 1 boy would  come.  But, God had gone before us and brought 10 boys.  And all 10 of those boys listened with yearning hearts.  They were seeking God they were looking for something.  They really weren't sure exactly what but they knew that they needed something.

Knowing that music is a huge part of a 'normal' service we knew we had our work cut out for us. 

We knew 'opening a hymnal' would not speak to them.  We began searching the internet and Youtube for music that would 'speak' in their language.  And I have to say it had to be God because we stumbled onto Walk on Water a song by a Christian Rap Singer from Georgia.  And, he posted on the discription on Youtube to use and share his videos.   This over 50 believer has become a fan of Christian Rap (at least a fan of B-Shocs work).    And, we have learned to listen to the lyrics of a few other artists that share their faith this way. 

                                                                 B-Shoc and LaCrae

Today I am thankful for Christian Rap and Hip Hop not that I am a huge fan.  I am one of those people that lean toward Sunday worship.  And, I still wear 'Sunday Best' when I go to a 'regular' service but God has changed my heart.  Because he has put me in a place to Praise and Worship with a group of people that worship differently from me. 

After almost 3 years along with the music that meets them 'where they are' we 'sneak in' some Praise and Worship songs.  And today while we played Revelation Song by Kari Jobe three boys on the back row began waving thier arms.  It took me a moment to realize they wren't raising their arms in Praise they were trying to get my attention.  When I made eye contact one held his hands up like he was writing.  He wanted me to write down the name of the song.  They were Blessed by the song.  I was Blessed because 'they get it'. 

Today God Blessed me by showing me that they are connecting with Him.  They are beginning to worship outside their comfort zones.  They are moving away from music that speaks to them but learning to appreciate other forms of worship. 

But, as different as they are we are all the same.   They sing and they worship and  . . .

they take their needs to Our Father.  And, they are beginning to see past their own little worlds and their own hurts and needs and they are beggining to care about each other.  This is a prayer request we received today . . . Lord, please go into these young men's lifes and touch them like you've touched me.  Show them the better way.

And even though they are still a little shy, they are still hurting and they  . . .

. . . feel alone but when they see their prayers answered they say things like this  God all I want to say is thank you, for everything that is happening.  I'm getting my GED and goin home in December.  Thank you God.   They come to God like little children . . .

. . . as tough and worldly as they are they are just hurting humans like the rest of us.  They are searching and seeking just like the rest of us.  The only difference is their hurts are different.  They are seeking God just like you and I and they worship and they praise and they thank God for hearing their prayers. 

And I thank God that I get to worship on Sunday.  

Do You Have

 The key? I am searching for the key.   For me the key is making it through the work week.  The key to going from a stay at home mom/wife to full-time provider. 

And the only way I manage is by trusting . . .

I am tusting in Jesus.  And I am leaning on faith and his word.  I miss the things that make me smile.  I miss sewing and making quilts.  I miss being able to post everyday and visiting other blogs. 
And I know that God will give me the strength I need to do what I have to do and that he will make my dreams come true. 

I am leaning on God and I am finding that he is the key. 

Tonight if your searching for The Key I am praying for you.  I am
praying that if there are things dragging you down and keeping you from trusting God that you will seek him.  That you can find strength in His Word and that through His Word you will find the key. 

And like me you will know that if you Delight yourself in the Lord he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Finding the Key to the Journey . . .

Welcome
Writing with Gypsy Mama on the topic of Welcome . . .
Welcome is what I want my home to be. Welcome is what I want my life to be.  Welcome is what I strive for my blog to be.  I want my heart to be honest and pure and welcoming. 
To show you and share with you how welcoming God is.  And how His love is what makes everything right. When I think of God and Welcome I think of the little figures from a few years ago of a person holding their arms outstretched.  The caption read . . . I Love You This Much.  That is what God's love is
like. 


               His arms are outstretched and Welcoming. 

 I am thankful he has welcomed me.  And how He has changed my heart even when I was being rebellious and didn't even really want to change in some areas. 
Here at this place in bloggy land I hope you'll feel Welcome to come and visit.  And I hope that I'll write words and thoughts that draw you to return.  To share with me what is on my heart and I hope your share what is on yours.  

Your welcome here. 

Please join Lisa Jo and visit her blog to see the other 5 minute friday post written today. 

Click Here to Join

Thank you for joining me on the Journey today.  Praying your weekend is a Blessed  and Welcome Journey . . .

Graceful . . .
  Today I am sad to say that I think grace filled when I see this word. I think selfish.  I think I am selfish because what I want to think and write about is who I know that is Graceful.  But I I need to be filled with God's grace.  Today I am sad and angry.  I need to show Grace.  But without being filled with God's strength and power I cannot give Grace where it is needed.  And so I pray that God will help me to be Graceful.  To be like his son and be filled by his power.  Tonight I am sad because my husbands motorcycle was stolen this afternoon.  I am frustrated and angry.  I want to pray for the person that stole it.  But I can't. 
I want be beautiful on the inside and on the outside.  I wish I was charming and graceful in appearance and in stature but when your heart is heavy you don't feel charming or beautiful or graceful.  I am sad because of the fight and struggle we are having with our son in law over custody and visitation.  I need to give Grace.  But I can't.  

Looking for Grace

Please visit Lisa Jo for 5 Minuite Friday.  Click Here

5 Minute Friday--Connect

 Joining 5 Minute Friday writing for 5 Minutes . . .

Start . . .
I think of people.  People groups that I want to connect with. I think of God and my desire to be closer to Him and connect.  And it is because of the desire that is in my heart that I want to connect with people.

. . . I want to connect with my new coworkers.  I want them to see Jesus shine through me.

. . . I want to (re)connect with my daughter. I wish things could be back to they were before she got married.  I wish that she had not had to suffer through an abusive marriage.  I see her old self peaking through sometimes and I can't wait till she is back and we can connect.

. . . I want both me and Cowboy to connect to the boys that we minister to.  I want to help them connect with God.

. . . I want to connect with you.  I pray that the things that I write here make you smile. I hope that the things I write here encourage you.  And I hope that the things I write here make you

Connect with God
Stop

Join Lisa-Jo today and connect.  Click here.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome To . . .

Do you have a Thankful list today? 

Here's just a few of the things on my list today  . . .

I am Thankful for the trees on  our apartment property.  Surprisingly there are some really neat trees on our property.  There are sweet gum maples, pines and willow trees.  They are so pretty to look at.  The landscaping is really pretty.  It is nice to see all the  beautiful trees and plants while I walk Daisy.  Most of my neighbors patios are filled with pretty flowers.

I am Thankful that it is 8:30 and my kitchen is clean (well almost one pot to wash).  The dishwasher is filled.  The sink is clean!

I am Thankful that I get off work at 4:40.  I worked evenings at my last job so it is a blessing to be working days now! 

And I am thankful for . . .

 . . . my grandkids.  I think this is a sweet photo.  I am thankful for my job because Cowboy and I are saving 80% of my paycheck for a family vacation.  We are planning on giving the kids and grandkids an all expenses paid trip to South Dakota next summer.  We are planning on renting a bus and driving together.   We took our son and daughter there when they were in middle school.  It was one of our favorite trips.  For Christmas we are going to surprise them! 

So that is my Thankful list for today.  How about you did you link up to Thankful Thursday today?

Also linking to . . .

Click here to visit and join the linky. 

Click here to visit and join the linky.

Click here to visit and join the linky.


I am  Thankful for the Journey . . .

Do You Feel Inadequate?

That is a question I can say Yes to.  I feel inadequate  and I  feel like a  failure.    I wrote about it last week in my Titus Tuesday post.   And I had some amazing and sweet emails and facebook messages.  Yes I do feel like a failure because memorizing scripture is just a huge challenge to me! 

I wish this was me.  I wish I spent much more time reading my Bible.  I really wish I was or I am better at memorizing scripture. 

But most of the time this is what my Bible looks like.  I wish that I could . . .

. . . raise my hands and Praise God that I memorized another verse. 

But it is a challenge to me.  I have been thinking alot about it this week.  And the comments and emails I got from friends when I brought the subject up made me even think more. 

And, I had this idea. 

I thought wouldn't it be cool if I challenged some bloggers to write about memorizing scripture? 

And so this is your invitation.  Would you could consider writing a guest post?  I would love to hear about how you memorize.  Or maybe about your challenges.  What works for you.  And what doesn't.  How you feel when you've accomplished memorizing a new scripture.  Or how you feel when your like me and you realize it is Monday at the scripture you started last week needs to be repeated again this week. 

I would love to hear from you.  I would love to share your thoughts.  Please consider writing a post that I'll share here.   Please email me if you would like to join me and share with other ladies on this subject. 

Here's the email Slegan@yahoo.com and please put in the subject line: Scripture Memory.

If you know of another blogger that has written a post on the subject please send me the link and I'll send an invite to join us here.  

I know that we can all encourage each other on this subject.   And, for more encouraging posts join the others at Titus Tuesday.  Click here. 

Join Me On The Journey to . . . Memorizing Scripture 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever believes in me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. "
John 8:12                                                      

Tonight I wanted to share with you a prayer request from one of the young men at the dention center  where we minister. 

The above phote is of one of my drama teams during one of our practises.  One particular song ends with them bowing before the cross. 

I thought this photo and verse fitted with the following prayer request . . .

Lord, I am not exactly sure how to give my life to you.  Or how to let you take control.  But please Lord show me the right way and take control of me.  So I can get back to my family and show them I can be someone.  Lord, please help me down the right path .  I give you my soul
Amen. 

These words and many others make it worth it all.  Even though I am hot and tired tonight.  Even though it has been a tough summer.  Even though I am having to work so many long hours right now.  I am Blessed to be able to minister to these kids on Sunday and on Wednesday. 

I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.  To be able to share Christ with them and helping them to Fully Rely On God.

Loving This Journey . . .

Book Review--Saving Hope--Margaret Daley

Last Sunday I had about 5 minutes to grab a couple of books at the library.  I had nothing to read for the week.  I was drawn to the Inspiration section of my library.  I tend to enjoy suspense and inspiration.  And usually am able to find something in the new release section. 

I quickly read the back cover.  Noticed it took place in Texas and added it to my pile.  During the week as I read it there were times that I was glad I picked it up.

But for me there were times that I experienced other emotions.   Because, it hit way too close to home. 

The story is about Kate who is the Director and founder of a home for girls called Beacon of Hope. 
Beacon of Hope is a safe place for young girls that have been caught up in prostitution. 

Folks even though this is a work of fiction.  It's topic is true and is happening,  If your a regular reader of my blog you'll know that I have worked  with teenagers in trouble for the last 10 years.  We have seen many young people that have been  through and live in unspeakable situations. 

As I read Saving Hope I was touched by the authors accuracy in telling the story.  Down to the struggles that Kate faces trying to maintain funding for Beacon of Hope. 

Miss Daley did an amazing job of focusing on a real problem but also in telling a story that draws you in.  I enjoyed the characters.  I was kept on the edge of my seat.  And I have to say that this story was not predictable.  Except that Kate does end up with the Texas Ranger.  But the story has twists and turns that kept me interested. 

Here's a little more about the story from the back cover . . .
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped. Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.


I visited the authors site and found a link to an excerpt.  Click here to go directly there and read part of the story. 

Miss Daley has definitely found a new fan in this reader.  I'll be looking for another chance to read the works of Margaret Daley. 

I was not asked to write a positive review of  Saving Hope.   The copy I read was borrowed from my local library. 

Reading on the Journey . . .

Please visit me next Friday for my new feature "Fiction Friday".
Each Friday I will write a review/post of a book that I have read during the week. 

Here's the verse I am memorizing this week . . .

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."  John 8:12

5 Minute Friday -- Here

Joining JoBeth today for . . .

I got JoBeths email alert today about today's assignment.  In case you have not visited for 5 Minute Friday here is how it works.  JoBeth gives us a topic and we write for exactly (at least we try) 5 minutes about the topic.  No over thinking.  No analyzing how it sounds.  Nothing but spell check. 

When I read today's topic  this morning at 6:30 before I left for work I knew exactly what I would write.  I have been waiting all day to get home to write my post. 

Today's topic Here

Start . . . .     Here I am to worship.

  

Here I am to bow down. 

Here I am to say that your my God.

Your altogether lovely; all together worthy all together wonderful to me.  Do you recognize these words?  I have no idea who sings the song but these words just jumped into my mind.  And as I pondered them I wish I could say that I worship.  I bow down.  And I honor God.  I try.  But so many days I feel like I fall short.  I want to worship.  I want to bow down.  I want to say Here I am use me.  I pray that my feeble attempts do please God. 

I pray that he sees my heart my desire to please Him.  I pray that tomorrow I do a better job.  That I am able to say Here I am.  That I remember that I am Here to worship.  I am Here serve. 

I am Here . . .  stop

Click Here to join 5 Minute Friday.  And here is the Bible verse I am learning this week. 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."  John 8:16

On a Journey to Worship . . .

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful that . . .

. . . Our family had 23 years with Pal.  And that my grandson got to ride and enjoy him.  It was very, very sad for all of us last week when we lost him.  We are thankful that we had many years and many memories.  Pal spent the last 2 years living at a Children's Home and even became a therapy hose for disabled children.  

I am also thankful that . . .

I get to punch a time clock.  Cowboy and I made the decision in the early spring that I would need to get a full-time job.  I spent a little over a month looking.   I became a little anxious and really had to lean on scripture and trust God.   I really wanted to find a job by August.  I started on July 25th!  Thank you God for directing me to the right job. 

Cowboy and I are both very thankful for Pal and for my job but we are really, really thankful for . . .

. . . a swimming pool!  The pool in our apartment doesn't look like this (isn't this a cool pool?)  But it is full of beautiful cool water.  It feels great in this 105 plus weather. 

And we're thankful for . . .

We are thankful that God directed us to find this amazing Christian artist.  We just stumbled onto his first video on YouTube 3 years ago.   Yesterday B-shoc's mom posted a photo on facebook congratulating him on 3 years of ministry.  If you have teenagers direct them to B-shoc.com  he is an amazing artist and has a heart dedicated to sharing the gospel.  He encourages use of his videos and puts lots of videos on You Tube.  B-shoc has been very encouraging to us and has sent video 'shout outs' to us to use on Sunday at our chapel services.   Thank you God for B-Shoc.

And I am thankful for friends I have met through blogging.  I am thankful for my old friends and new and friends I'll be meeting.   I love meeting other bloggers.  This Saturday will be my second Sleepover post.  Come by and meet one of my friends. 

And, one last thing.  I am thankful that God is patient with me.  I really am trying hard to memorize scripture. 

My verse this week. 

When Jesus spoke to the people he said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light." John 8:12

Update on this weeks verse.  I have mentioned before that the hardest part for me in memorizing is remembering the reference.  Well this week I seem to remember it better than the verse! 


Do you memorize verses?  What method do you use? 

Journeying with Jesus . . .

Wordfilled Wednesday--John 8:12

                                                                        John 8:12
I am Blessed to be able to walk in the light.  And thankful for
what Christ did for me. 

Today I am sharing the verse that I am working on this week. I am challenging myself to really work hard on memorizing scripture and hiding God's word in my heart.  Or at least filling my heart with God's word.  I really don't want to hide it.  I want to share it with you!

I am linking with Word Filled Wednesday . . .
WFW is a love offering to Christ. Our art, our photography, our verses, our prayers. WFW is a way of remembering HIS word. IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM.

WFW is to share the word of God – Jesus Christ
For more great illustrations of God's word visit the linky. 
Click  here . 

Blessed to be on the Journey . . .

When Jesus spoke to the people, he said "I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows me
will never walk in the darkness but will have the light.  John 8:12

Titus Tuesday--Scripture Memory

Welcome to Titus Tuesday

I love to join the linky for Titus Tuesday which is all about us women sharing and helping each other as Titus women are directed to. 

Today instead of offering a how to, or a little wisdom or encouragement I am asking you to help me . . .

If your a regular visitor (and I hope you are) you know that I have been trying to memorize scripture.  Memorizing scripture has been a big challenge for me.

I have tried different methods.  I have purchased software.  I have downloaded free software.  But I am still struggling.  One of my biggest struggles is remembering the reference for the verses that I do manage to memorize. 

I am wondering if you would share with me how you memorize scripture.  Maybe you could write a post and then come by and share the link with me. 

Have you joined Titus Tuesday?  Click here to link up or visit.

This week I am memorizing

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Following Him on The Journey . . .

Blue Monday . . . Let's Take a Dip

In a cool Blue Pool. Here in Texas we are in triple digits. And this summer I am thankful that we have a pool and a hot tub! I was thinking how nice it is too cool off in the pool so I thought I would share a few cool Blue pools! Enjoy!

I've always been facsinated by these pools that just seem to have no edge.

For all the cat lovers out there!

 I just thought wow when I saw this one. 

Hope your Blue Monday is Cool!

Hear It On Sunday . . .

Use it on Monday . . . I love the above photo because it reminds me of the young men that we minister to every week.

Today I wanted to share with you a glimpse of our service.  The message title was . . . Jesus is real.  The message scripture was
John 1:14.  We used this video . . .


One of our favorite bands is 7th Day Slumber.  Jamie the drummer posts on facebook on Sunday and asks everyone what their pastor preached on Sunday and how they can use it. 

It caused me to wonder how can I use this topic.  How can I use this verse this week. 

Will I run into people at my new job that don't know Christ?  I just started last Tuesday.  Am I ready to share my faith with my co-workers?

'My coworkers' a phrase that I have not used in over 30 years.  This is a new experience for me.  Being in the work place.  Being around and with people that may not have the same beliefs that I do.  Or that may not have the same relationship with Christ that I have.  Or maybe that don't have the heart or desire to share their faith.  To really walk with Christ. 

I am at a cross roads.  A new adventure lies ahead of me.  For the last over 8 years I have managed a faith based non-profit.  It wasn't difficult to share my faith.  Anyone that walked through our doors knew where we stood.  It was easy. (in some ways)

The thing that wasn't easy was keeping it going.  To raise funds to keep the programs alive and working.  It's been almost 2 years and I still miss it.  I still miss working with the volunteers.  I miss the kids.  I miss seeing the smiles on the faces of the girls that I/we taught to sew.  I miss seeing volunteers share God's love with kids that hadn't really understood his love for them before. 

Today I am wondering where God wants me to go.  Today I wait for his direction.  I continue to minister weekly to boys in a prison unit.  I am Blessed.  I am awed.  I am saddened by the hurt and the saddness that these boys live with. 

Today as I prayed with a young man that is so confused.  As he prayed and asked God to give him strength and to guide him.  I prayed with him.  And then I prayed for him.  There is so much more that I could say about this young man.  He needs Jesus.  He needs Jesus' strength and comfort. 

And tonight I wonder where my place is.  I wonder how I use what I heard today. 

I know that doors open.  And doors close.  I know that God provides direction, guidiance and strength for us. 

I know. I trust.  I depend on Him. 

Today if you are a believer I pray that you'll open your heart to Jesus and ask him how you can use these words.  Or how you can use the words you heard today or this weekend at your church service. 

Today if you are struggling I hope that you'll believe and trust in Jesus.  That you will believe that . . . The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory
of the One and Only who came from the father full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

May your Journey be filled with Jesus, may you see his Glory . . .