Michael Jackson Concludes Camp

Last week I got to spend a week at Carolina Creek Camp with 250 Middle Schoolers. It has been the highlight of my summer!

The last night at camp is usually a spiritual marker in the lives of students. After the last worship service, each team gathers to discuss all God has done in their lives throughout the week. Tears are shed. Students pray for one another and truly bear the burdens of each team member.

The final service on Thursday night was amazing. As I left the service and walked to meet our team, I prayed for this last team meeting. I was so excited to hear what was on the mind of our students. We huddled in close, and two of the young men shared their hearts. I was getting excited about what God was about to do in this group of teenagers.

A third student slowly opened his mouth. I couldn’t wait to hear the spiritual insight he had gained. He quietly said, “Did ya’ll know Michael Jackson died?”
(In my head I was thinking, “WHAT?”)
Everyone piped in, “Yeah, I can’t believe it.”
“Isn’t he the one who invented the moonwalk?” (Duh! I thought.)
“It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
I was a little surprised by the direction of the conversation, and tried to regain focus.
This was supposed to be the last night of camp. A moment we would all remember.
“Yes that is sad,” I responded. “Did anyone else get something from the message tonight? I asked.
There was a brief silence when another team member began to speak.
“Here we go,” I thought, “Some wonderful spiritual thoughts.”
“How old was Michael Jackson?” the student asked.
Everyone piped in, “I don’t know.”
“He must have been really old.”
“I think he was popular in the 80s.”
“He had to be 70 something.”
“Wait it a minute now,” I jumped in. “He’s not that old.”
Michael Jackson’s life preceded all spiritual discussions, and I resigned to the fact that there would be no turning back to the spiritual depth I had hoped for. We all laughed over his songs, interesting facial changes and hairstyles, and dance moves. While we discussed Michael Jackson, a small voice placed a thought in my head. I asked the students, “What was Michael Jackson most known for?”
They discussed his music, his dance moves, and unfortunately his poor choices.
When the final vote was cast, I asked, “When we leave this camp in the morning, what will you be known for? How will each person on this team remember you?”
By the grace of God, students began to share how they would remember each other.
As the discussion died down, I asked, “When you die, what will you be most known for?” Students began to share how they wanted to be remembered. Some wanted to go down in history leaving a huge mark on the world, others wanted to be known in sports, some didn’t know. The time spent answering that question was precious and a moment I’ll never forget. We ended with the thought, “Will we be known by our love of Christ and others?” As we all pondered the question and shared our thoughts, our time together came to a close.

I learned a very valuable lesson that night. God can use whatever He wants to bring glory to himself, even Michael Jackson. Sometimes I expect God to be in the deep, spiritual things of life, but God is in everything. He meets us where we are. Even when we are concerned about the death of a pop star, He’s there. We just have to be willing to find him.

Where Are My Feet?

I heard the story recently of a father who was mowing his backyard early one Saturday morning. The dew was so thick as he pushed the mower, he left footprints in the wet, green grass. His daughter came outside to watch. She noticed the giant feetprints. She ran behind her father and began to place one of her own feet in each of the prints. She followed slowly behind the man she loved and trusted. After awhile the father noticed, his little girl. He turned off the mower and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Just following you," she replied.
"Why?" he questioned.
"Because I love you," she innocently responded.
The father was brought to tears as he was reminded of his heavenly Father. If he could love his father enough, to trust his footprints and follow where ever he leads.


Sometimes it feels like we are walking through hell on earth. Other times it seems like our feet are floating on heavenly clouds. No matter where our feet land, if they are gently placed in our father's footsteps, he will go before us protecting us and making the path smooth. We just have to love him enough, to trust him.

What To Do With a Moment

When a moment is put in motion it creates a movement.

We all experience "moments" throughout our day. Some people call them "Ahh-haa" moments and others a "divine revelation."

...the words of a song speak exactly what we needed to hear.

...a logo on a billboard shouts a slogan that captures our hearts.

... a friend answers a question without knowing it was the doubt we had pondered in our thoughts that morning.

... a scripture provides comfort for our deepest pain.

No matter what these moments are called - we must capture them. We must take hold of each moment and flesh it out. Like Nike says, "Just do it." When that moment takes action in our lives a movement occurs.

Have you ever stood at the edge of a lake when it was so still it looked like glass? You could see the reflection of each leaf on the surrounding trees and the clouds floating slowly in the sky above. What happens when someone throws a pebble into the water? First one ring of water appears, then the next, until the entire pond is affected by that one small stone.

When our "Ahh-haa" moments occur or when God whispers in our ears, we can take that pebble and toss it into the pond of our lives. As the moment lands in our thoughts, actions, and words, we will see the ripples flow from us into the lives of those we touch. A movement will begin in our hearts and spread throughout our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities.

Have you had a moment lately? If so, get movin...and watch the amazing movement that takes place!

A Hampster Stuck on the Spinning Wheel?

Have you ever felt like you have been run over by a truck?

Maybe it's not that bad, but you feel completely spent? You are emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or like a hampster running on the wheel and you can't get off?

This summer has been a little crazy for me. Taking 4 classes from the middle of May through the end of July, writing curriculum for an internship, and being a wife and mom with all the activities of summer have got me feeling a little overwhelmed. Add a sweet hubby doing a little job searching in the mix and BOOM, this hampster is running mentally, physically, and emotionally on overload.

As I walked around our church tonight at an AWESOME evening of family fun, I noticed several other critters who looked like the wheel of life and activity was spinning faster than their legs can run.

Someone challenged me today with a question: Is there balance in your life?

It seems there are seasons when the scale tips to one side or the other, but the goal is to ultimately remain balanced.

Perhaps the very best question that we can memorize and repeat, over and over, is, “What is the most valuable use of my time right now?”

We must master our lives and not become a slave to the constant flow of events and demands on our time.

After next week, this hampster is taking a cold, hard look at life, demands, and events and asking herself, "What is the most valuable use of my time, right now!"

Just a Dog Trying to Catch a Squirrel

My dog is amazing. I have recently started taking him on walks. There is a 2 mile circle around our neighborhood. The first week I took him walking he stayed right beside me and never pulled on the leash. Yesterday I decided to take him off the leash and see if he would follow my lead. BOOM, the first time out he made it all the way around the circle and only chased 2 squirrels, 1 bird, and stopped to gnaw on an old chicken bone.

I thought that was pretty good for a first try. Each time he was distracted by something, I would make this "AAAGGG" noise, and say "Nugget, come here." He came back every time and took up right where he left off. Today we repeated the same scenario and he only went after 1 bird. I was totally amazed. "What makes this dog do what he is suppose to do?"

At the moment the thought popped into my head, a voice began to whisper.
"What makes you do what you are suppose to do? What makes you obey me?"
I began to think how much I am like Nugget. I want to please my master so I do my best to walk loyally and faithfully next to him. It never fails, though, I don't get my way, something ticks me off and I'm off chasing birds or gnawing on a chicken bone.

Wouldn't it be great if we could all walk next to Christ with no distractions or temptations? How do we learn to stay focused on the way of our master? When we hear that quiet, "AAGG," continue on his path. Don't make a mad dash for the temporary things that bring no real pleasure. When he says, "Steph, come here," get back on track. When I learn what displeases him, don't look at it. Just keep walking.

Last night one of my preciouses really upset me. I heard the "AAGG." It meant don't talk about it now. You are not in the right frame of mind. Go take your bath. Think awhile. Cool off a little bit. What did I do? I chased that squirrel until I caught it. What happened? I made a small matter worse. I lost my temper. Talked louder than I should have. Brought no reconciliation to the situation. Worst of all, I think my precious child only learned one thing from the whole situation - how not to discipline your kids. If I only had on a collar, he could have yanked me back where I needed to be.

I'm learning from Nugget. We both have lots of work in the matter of distractions and temptations. The great thing is we both have a master that loves us very much and is willing to forgive when we stray off course. We both want to please our masters and with a little help we can kiss those squirrels good-bye and snub our noses at chicken bones.

Always An Opportunity

I saw the Good Samaritan last night.

I was watching kids load into their cars after VBX, when 2 boys ran towards me and hollered, "My mom's car won't start. We need jumper cables."
As I walked towards the car in the parking lot, I asked several men if they could help. It was interesting to watch each man's response. Each one had a different reason why he couldn't.
While searching for that 1 willing Samaritan, I heard, "Hey Steph, what's going on? You need some help?"
I was taken back by the willingness of 1 man to lend a helping hand. "Yeah! We need jumper cables."
"I don't have any in my car, but I'll drive home and get them if I need to. Look, there's Alex, I bet he's got a pair."
"Alex!" I yelled across the lot, "Do you have jumper cables?"
"Yes, I've got 2 pair," he responded.
"Bring your car & cables around here and help us jump this car," I told him.
"Okay!" He quickly put the car in position.
The 2 men went to work.
About that time another gentleman walked over to the car. "What's going on? You guys need help?" he asked. He instinctively began helping.
Within minutes the car was started, the lady was smiling, and everyone was on their way home.
Before we left Alex said, "There is always an opportunity to serve, you just gotta be willing."

Last night I realized there are those rare few who are willing to serve when the opportunity arises. Like the 3 good samaritans last night, I hope I will always be one of the few, the willing, the good samaritans.

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me." Jesus

Fodder for the Fire

Everything I own or possess will one day be gone.

Either I will die and own it no longer or at the end of time it will become "fodder for the fire."

There is nothing wrong with owning a nice home or car, wearing nice clothes, or buying the latest electronic gadgets. How do I know, though, when it becomes wrong? I have to ask myself simple questions:

1. Why am I buying this? ...to fill my wants, to impress someone, because I'm bored, my old one doesn't look good enough.

2. In 2 months, after the "new" is gone, will I still use it?

3. If no one else knew I was buying it, would I still buy it?

4. Will making this purchase put me in debt?

5. Will this be fodder for the fire or does it have eternal value?

6. Will I die without it?

With our job status in limbo, I have had to take a hard look at what is really necessary in life.

I realized what truly matters in life are the things we can't see. We can't see memories, love, laughter, time, a good conversation, a word of encouragement, a hug, appreciation, peace, or kindness.

I'm noticing all the things in life that won't be fodder for the fire.

...When we sat down as a family to play Sorry, I realized the game may become fodder for the fire, but the time and fun we had together will last forever.

...When my daughter and I had an indepth conversation about the tough parts of life.

...When I laughed hysterically at one of my daughter's babysitting episodes.

...When my brother called. (He told me he read in the Bible Stephen was stoned and he didn't mean marijuana.)

...When we go for a walk around the neighborhood.

When I heard the quote "fodder for the fire" it made me think. I don't want to accumulate a pile of rubbish for the fire. I want to spend my life investing in what makes an eternal difference!

Lessons from the Gran Torino

Tonight Rick and I watched "Gran Torino." What an amazing movie! The language was horrible but the message was huge! Clint Eastwood plays a widowed, cold-hearted, elderly man who lives in the neighborhood where he raised his two sons. There is one small problem. The neighborhood is overrun by people of various races, gangs, and thugs. Eastwood, Mr. Walt, mentors a teenage neighbor boy after one of the gangs tries to seduce him into joining.

I learned so much from this movie.
1. In the blink of an eye, we could live in a neighborhood of violence.
Be thankful for our subdivisons!
Remember what it takes to live in a violence free neighborhood. - God's grace, hard work, & wisdom.

2. There are people who need a mentor.
Everyone can help someone!
Look for people God has put in our lives that we are suppose to invest in. Make huge deposits of love, encouragement, & wisdom.

3. Do we understand life & death?
Live life to the fullest.
Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, be ALL there.
Know where we are going when we die.

4. Some people have had hard lives.
When faced with a grumpy person, be patient.
Recognize there is a reason for the bitterness.

5. This was an illustration of what Jesus did for me!

Mission Possible?

In business, companies have a mission statement. A mission statement is a short, concise goal that is easy to remember.

One of the first owners of Coca-Cola tasted Coke. It was so good, he said, "Every person in the world needs to taste this drink." He determined the mission of Coca-Cola was for every person in the world to taste the soda. He has succeeded in his mission.

What should my mission statement be?
Someone recently said, "I want to die a successful wife and mom."
What an amazing mission!
At this point in life, that feels like Mission Impossible. I can only imagine all the challenges Coca-Cola must have experienced to reach the world. If Coke can do it one can at a time, maybe I can slowly one day at a time become the wife and mom I am intended to be. And my prayer is one day when my time ends, it may be said, "She was a successful wife and mom."

Who's Turning this Mess?

Last year my brother read the entire Bible. I was so impressed. I thought, "If he can do it, maybe I can too." So, I set a goal to follow in his footsteps. I thought it would be really hard. Afterall, what am I going to get out of all those books in the Old Testament? Sometimes they seem so unrelated to life.

This morning I read 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam (What kind of name is that?) was the king of Israel. This other guy Jeroboam (...Oboam must have been popular back then. Like Bill, Phil, Will, I guess.) rebelled against the king and he took control over all of Israel except Judah.

How in the world does this apply to a mom at home with 3 kids during the summer?

8 words..."this turn of events was from the Lord."

It's amazing to think no matter what we are going through in life, our "turn of events"...

our losses, our successes, our failures, our illnesses, our pain, our joys

our vacations, our trips to the pool, our jobs, the NBA playoffs...

they are all turn of events FROM THE LORD.

Whatever "turn of events" we are in, we can rest in the fact that it is from the Lord.

He is in control. He loves us more than we love ourselves and he is good. He is in control and we can trust him.

However your events are turning this week, take a deep breath and know,

there is someone greater than you turning them around.

Where Will They Sleep?

The Montrose Street Reach program hosts a worship service and provides dinner for the homeless each Wed. night in a parking lot off Montrose street. Tonight we went and served dinner. Before dinner, in a corner of the parking lot we watched the children while the adults participated in the service. As I played with the kids, all I could think was, "Where will they sleep tonight?" It's an interesting fact that children don't choose their parents. Children don't choose where they will live, and they don't choose where they sleep.

As I snuggled into my soft bed after a warm bath in the cool of the air condition and the fan gently blowing, I wondered, "Where are their small heads gently resting?" Is the wind blowing on their faces? Have they had a bath? What do they hear - sirens, other people roaming the streets?

God protect the children who sleep outside tonight.
Blow a gentle breeze across their clear smooth skin.
Place a soft cushion of earth beneath their heads.
And let them feel a gentle hug as they snuggle in.

God keep them safe from harm.
Fill their minds with dreams of you.
Let their slumber be a sweet haven.
Away from all life has them do.

God bless them with a bath
And clean clothes when they arise.
Give them breakfast from some unknown place.
And a beautiful sunset when they open up their eyes.

God pull them from the life they live.
Show them a better way.
Teach them hard work and reward.
As they grow in you each day.

Most importantly, God,

Please choose them as your own.

Draw them to the cross that saves

Make your true love to them known.

So Lord I do not know where

the children sleep tonight.

But I know you see each one,

They are never from your sight.

Hold them close tonight.

Love them wherever they are.

Meet their every need.

As they dream under the stars.

Anybody Remember Enron?

I'll never forget the day my husband came home and said, "I get to bid on the Enron account."
This was two or three years before Enron crashed and my husband was in the document security and destruction business. If he landed this account, it meant huge $$$ for the Chase family. I begged and pleaded God for this account. I prayed while my husband was at the meeting selling the deal. I prayed all day long, and the days to follow until we received the final word.
The final word was like a sock in the stomach, "No thank you," they said. "We've chosen to go with someone else."
"What?" I screamed in my mind. I couldn't let my anger show in order to support my husband, but all I could think was, "Hello, God, are you up there? This was all I asked for. Was this too much?"
I never heard a response from God. I resolved to accept the fact that we lost the perfect account and lots of $$$.
As Paul Harvey would say, "The rest of the story" is known by the world. Two or three years later, Enron was busted. At the center of the controversy was document destruction and shredding. I could not believe the news when I first saw it. As I sat listening to the reporters, I got down on my knees and begged once again like I had done several years earlier. This time I begged for forgiveness. God knew what was going to happen to the person responsible for Enron's document destruction. God knew what was going to happen to the company. Most importantly, God knew He was protecting my husband and my family.

Sometimes we don't understand why God allows certain things to happen. Just like we don't give our children sodas for breakfast and cookies for dinner, God doesn't always give us what we want. God knows what is best for us. He knows what is going to happen 2 or 3 years down the road and He is willing to do what is best even when he knows it might not make us temporarily happy.

Trust God...

He knows what we need.

He knows what is best.

He knows the perfect time.

He knows what is ahead.

He is in control of it all and He loves us!

Churning Butter & Twisting Noses

"As churning milk makes butter,

As twisting the nose produces blood,

So stirring up anger produces strife."

Proverbs 30:33

Yesterday morning 2 of my 3 kiddos were churning a little milk and twisting a few noses. They weren't trying to be mean, but they were definately stirring up anger.

One was talking trash to the other so of course there had to be retaliation. Before you knew it, they were running through the house chasing one another and all you could hear was, "MOM!"

I called them both into my room and asked if they remembered making butter in preschool and kindergarten. You put that soured milk (can't remember what it's called) in a jar and simply shake the jar. It's a slow and steady process. You shake for what seems like forever, but eventually...boom... there is a little ball of butter.

I had the kids read Proverbs 30:33. When we make one small teasing comment, it's the first shake of the butter jar. We shake up a few cruel cutdowns, mix in a couple of angry punches, and the next thing you know, we have created a house full of strife.

For the rest of the day, anytime I heard a small shake of the anger jar, I would remind them, "You're churning butter!" or "Your twisting a nose!" It sounded a little strange but it was a fun way to remind us all to stop stirring the anger pot! Afterall, who wants to live in a house full of strife?

Get 'Er Done

You wanna get 'er done... you gotta write 'er down!

I'll never forget the day I first put this little tip into practice. Honestly, I thought it wouldn't work, but being the procrastinator that I am trying to juggle quiet a few things on my plate, I gave it a try. It works & it's easy! If you have never done it, you HAVE to try it!

1. Purchase a small spiral.
2. Before going to sleep, make a list of the things you want to accomplish the next day.
This helps clear your mind while sleeping.
Keep the list by your bed. If you wake up in the night, write it down quickly. You won't
stay awake mulling it over in your mind.
The simple list will get you moving in the morning.
Write down a couple of easy things that you can mark off quickly. It makes you feel good!
3. Read the list when you wake up.
4. Mark things off the list as you complete them throughout the day.

Just for fun, try an experiment. One day don't make a list and just go about your day. The following day, make the list and "check it twice." Compare the 2 and see which day is more productive. If I'm wrong, you gotta write and tell me! If I'm right, you will accomplish more in a day than you ever thought you could!

Modeling Multiplication

Someone recently shared this life goal with me...

Model what you want to multiply!

I kept thinking, if I could only multiply 3 things, what would they be?

Would it be self-discipline?

Imagine if every person in the world were self-disciplined! We would all be thin, speak only kind words, rich because we would be disciplined in our spending and saving, growing in our relationship with Jesus because we would discipline ourselves to spend time with him & in his word, and successful because we would discipline ourselves at work.

Would it be love?

Imagine if every person in the world showed love 24/7! Would there be wars, divorce, murder, grudges, bitterness? We would all get along, take turns on the road, let others go 1st in lines, love our spouses and the people that annoy us.

Would it be kindness?

Imagine if every person in the world was kind! How would sporting events, family relationships, classrooms, and neighborhoods be different? We would consistently give, share, help, and encourage each other.

The list could go on & on, but no matter what 3 things I choose, whether I like it or not...
I am modeling every moment & it is being mutiplied by the day!

Recently my kids were in a "heated discussion." Each comment was seething with sarcasm. I asked myself, "Where is this coming from? School? Friends? Teachers?"

Then that sweet, still voice whispered, "You are multiplying what you are modeling!" (OUCH!)

I never won prizes for Math in school, but 1 prize I want to win is for Model Multiplaction.

When I leave this earth & meet my Maker, I want to hear him say, "Well done good & faithful servant. You may have to multiply with your fingers & toes, but you multiplied all that I modeled for you with your whole life!"

1 out of 53 million

Both of my girls have had an AMAZING Christian health teacher at Strack, Coach Crosby.

He has made a difficult topic interesting & fun sprinkled with a nice touch of God's view on the subject.

He has a very unique way of making the kids feel special. While teaching about "reproduction," he reminds the students that out of 53 million sperm that swam for "life," you are that 1 !!! You are a winner not a looser because you were "the one" who beat out all the rest!

You are the one who made it!

So, when you are feeling down and out...remember...

you are 1 in 53 million!

You are a winner!

31 Simple Things

Can you believe there are only 3 more days until summer?

What will we do with our kids all summer long?

31 Cheap & Easy Things to Do with Your Kiddos This Summer

(things they will never forget)

1. Go for a walk.
2. Play at a park. (No sitting! You swing, slide, and see-saw. I know our buns don't fit.)
3. Color.
4. Go for a bike ride.
5. Crank up the music & dance.
6. Read a chapter book. Snuggle in bed on lazy mornings & read 1 chapter each day.
7. Play hide & seek. (You actually hide!)
8. Fix each other's hair.
9. Cook pancakes together.
10. Work a puzzle.
11. Play Simon Says.
12. Lay in the grass and watch the clouds.
13. Go for a night walk with flashlights.
14. Build a tent with blankets.
15. Play in your child's room whatever they want to play. (if teens, you'll probably sit on the bed & listen to music or talk)
16. Make something for someone. (Give it anonymously.)
17. Wash the car together.
18. Play a board game.
19. Bake cookies together.
20. Play I spy.
21. Eat watermelon. Have a seed spitting contest. Plant the seeds.
22. Play in the garage with whatever you find.
23. Draw with chalk on your sidewalk. (Be sure to have your child trace you.)
24. Put on a puppet show using old socks or paper sacks.
25. Play in the water sprinkler together or paint the driveway with old paintbrushes & water.
26. Wrestle.
27. See how long you can keep a balloon in the air without letting it touch the ground.
28. Make funny faces at each other. See who will laugh first.
29. Bird watch.
30. Write & mail letters to relatives & friends. (include a self-addressed stamped envelope)

31. Read the Bible and pray together.

If we commit to do these 31 simple things this summer, this will be the summer our children never forget!

We can give our children trips to Splashtown, rides to the mall, playdates, and movies, but the thing they will remember most is the time we spend laughing, talking, and playing together.

Let's make the most of our summer!

(Hint: When you do these things... let go of the control & enjoy them! There are no time restrictions or perfect way of doing each one. Be flexible! Let your child lead! Go with the flow, laugh, and enjoy! )