Guest Blogger: The hubba hubba hubster

Mothers! Housewives! Titanesses of Industry(?) Lend me your eyes!

Danielle asked me a while back if I would be willing to do a "guest" post on her blog about how to think through Evangelism. I quickly resigned to saying, "But honey, I already have a blog!" She reminded me that one book review on a blog does not a blogger make. Touche' lover, touche'. Clearly, I took her advice and here I sit pecking away at a post for a blog filled with polka dots and baby pictures (I love both by the way).

Why Evangelism? Good question. Is this not an old hat? Yes...and no. What can be said that hasn't already been said? Well, nothing really (Ecc 1:9).

Nevertheless, I hope to encourage you in your understanding of the outer-workings of Evangelizing those who do not know Christ, a sort of "putting on the skin" of the skeleton of Evangelism. If nothing else, I hope to at least point you toward some resources that have helped me in my thinking through this subject.

Let's assume for a moment the following scenario: You have known "Jane" for about 2 minutes. It is one of those encounters that is actually quite pleasant and you up in a conversation with this person. You, being the intentional believer you are, find a good and non-awkward way of bringing up that you're a Christian. "Jane" then goes on to say some form of "that's great, I really respect that you believe that, it's just not for me."

What do you do? What should you do?

A few quick pointers:

First--and I cannot stress this point enough--LISTEN to the person you're trying to reach. Do not forget that you are trying to win a person over to Christ, not a number or notch in your evangelism belt. They have real lives, real hopes, real feelings. They are not on your path as a sort of cardboard cut-out for you to train your evangelism pitches on so that you're ready for the "real thing."

Second: Listening gives you two opportunities: (1) To show you really do care about what that person is saying (because, remember, you REALLY do). (2) It gives you an opportunity to see Romans 1:18-22 in action as they will answer life's big questions (Where did I come from? What went wrong? How is it fixed? Where is it all going?) in such a cockamamied way that it allows for more conversation that can move into the Gospel.

Thirdly, Evangelism is much more than just a presentation, it is a lifestyle. Evangelism opportunities are everywhere. For example, I have a customer who comes in to Starbucks almost every day. He loves Chess--no, take that back--he is obsessed with Chess. I don't know how to play Chess. So, starting this Summer he is teaching me how to play Chess. Now, do I want to learn how to play Chess? Yes! I've always wanted to learn. But, more importantly, I know that this man will talk about anything while playing Chess and it gives me a wonderful opportunity to share my life with him and what Christ has done for Him.

Spurgeon once said that it is not as if the Elect are walking around with bulls eyes on their backs so we can know who to talk to about Christ. We don't know who will come to Christ and who won't, that is God's to know (Deut 29:29). Our JOY is to share this love with those who live their lives each and every day as if Christ never suffered death or rose from the dead in order to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18).

I could keep going, but I'll stop there. I'll list a couple of resources for you that I've found helpful as I've thought through this:

For skeptics: I've found Tim Keller's Reason For God to be the best book for a skeptic. It's clear, concise and worthy of giving to someone.

Will Metzger's Tell the Truth is the best book on Evangelism that I've read so far. Excellent, excellent resource.

That's it! Thanks everyone!

How cute are.......

these two?

Cousins...11 weeks apart.

And I love them so!

Proud Aunt

He's the best snuggle buddy.

The sister-in-laws, who were really meant to be sisters.

Aren't our kiddos cute?

Missing in action is my other adorable nephew who was napping at the time :)

Its been awhile....

So I realize that I haven't written in quite sometime. I don't really have a good reason for it, I just haven't. Life seems to be going much faster these days. Spring has sprung and that means I have too. Literally, SPRUNG out of our "cave", also known as a house and proceeded to get a little "UV Therapy", as I like to call it.

What is it about a beautiful, sunny day that just makes me feel like I can do anything and that everything is going to be ok? I wake up with a new sense of purpose and possibilities for the day seem endless. Which is probably the reason for my absence in writing; we've taken every advantage of these gorgeous days by spending them outdoors!!

SIDE NOTE: I laughed as Bryan's facebook status one day said something like: "Mental note: Must move wife to warmer climates, she is a different person!!" Ohh, how this made me smile and hurt all at the same time. I feel a little shamed at my obvious seasonal affective disorder (I don't really have this) and how its had its effects on my poor hubby! Sorry babe!

If you don't find us at Seneca Park walking the track, you can find us sitting on our front steps watching the people pass by as they walk to the park. Did I mention I love living "on the strip". That's what I am going to start calling it. Mainly because a MILLION people (maybe not quite that many) walk by our house everyday. Our street is a good cut through to a great park. So we like to sit out front and watch them go by. Calvin particularly enjoys watching the action from our glass storm door. I kind of equate this to being at the beach and sitting on a balcony on the boardwalk. People watching at its best!

I will have to say that that is one of my absolute favorite things in the entire world to do. Not the people watching part, but sitting on a balcony, ocean front! There is NOTHING better than waking early with my bible, some good worship music, coffee in hand sitting on my balcony watching the waves crash as I praise God for His creation. My thoughts and meditations, about God, are so much clearer when all that sets in front of me is the wide expanse of His created beauty. I swear my heart beats to the rhythm of the ocean. I am a beach-baby. Growing up only 3 hours away from one for the better part of my life made it possible to be there every summer, sometimes up to three times a season! Its been almost two years since I've been to the beach. The closest we've gotten to a large body of water was in Chicago at Navy Pier. Or the other day when I was at my friend's wedding rehearsal which was at Captains Quarters on the Ohio River. Yes, its sad when you "liken" the Ohio River to an Ocean.....but its something about the movement of large bodies of water that just make my insides get that feeling you get as your about to go down a really big hill on a roller coaster ride. I just love it. And I miss it.

Lately, I've gotten this same feeling as I've driven through our city; the actual inner-city. Or thought about being in a city. Another thing I've loved since childhood is BIG BUILDINGS, LOTS OF COMMOTION, HUSTLE and BUSTLE; CITY LIFE! I remember telling my dad as a kid that I wanted to live where the Cosby's lived in NYC. I imagined what life would be like spent on the steps of a rather nice (at least the Cosby's was on TV) town house in Brooklyn. I think this view was also ingrained in my mind from watching Sesame Street as a child too. They used to have many-a segment spent on the steps of their town house located in some city on Sesame Street. I always told my mom "one day, I'm going to live in New York City". That day may come sooner than we think. Stay tuned to the blog for details. Pray for us and our hearts for city ministry.

Well...all that to say: Life is happening, daily. I am so in love with my daughter. She is precious. I confess that the Lord has showed me that I can (and do quite frequently) put her before Him. I have allowed her to be an idol. I have worshiped her, rather than my Creator; when instead I should have been worshiping Him who created her and entrusted me with this gift. He gives and takes away. I can fathom the giving part, but the taking away part would be the dread of my soul. Why don't I have that same dread in my soul when I neglect worshiping my Heavenly Father? See the problem? Idolatry. Ewww its a nasty monster and it all too often captivates and wins the hearts of mothers every where.

Another reason I have not blogged (with written words) in quite sometime has been my serious struggle with apathy towards God and doubt. He has me on a journey that I do not quite understand fully yet, but He is beginning to help me see. The biggest problem was realizing I was idolizing Mady before my Savior. The next revelation came today:

Even if God never takes me out of this "spiritual funk" I still must praise Him. My feelings change like the wind, but my God is a rock and remains the same. He deserves glory, honor and praise; regardless of how I am feeling. He is good. He has saved me. Brought me from death to life. Eternal life. Which is ten thousand times better than any balcony on the beach!

My encouragement has been:

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ. " Romans 15: 4-6

Mady's Men

Mady's newest boyfriend...

Jonah Samuel Meacham

Jonah's Mommy and I go waaay back. We were college roomates and sorority sisters.

Luckily, The Mechams moved to Louisville around the same time we did.

We enjoy worshipping together at Immanuel Baptist Church. Our kids will get to grow up together, kind of like Bethany and I did.

They are a little over four months apart.

This is "T-Man", as we like to call him.

Also known as Timothy. He's Mady's protector he's always got her back.

Timothy's sister, Marley has four legs just like Mady's brother, Calvin.

Marley and Calvin have a good time together, especially since they are both Boxers.

Mady and T are only 6 days apart!

This is Truett.

Mady and Truett get together a lot. Mady and Truett we're neighbors in their Mommy's bellies. Shana, Truett's mom and I are really good friends. She is like my "go-to"for all things mommy here in Louisville. She is my sister away from my sister who lives in Bowling Green.

Truett puts the moves on Mady and just LOVES her! He's a wiser older man.

This picture was taken about three months ago. They are both much bigger now!

Mady and Truett are 10 weeks apart.

Face of Love

Another Ya Ya Wedding

On 4.10.2010, I was able to witness another Ya Ya Sister get married!

Her wedding was almost a beautiful as she looked!

And almost as cute as Bryan and Mady! I was in the wedding so Bryan, being the great dad that he is had to take care of Boodels. Get her dressed in her dress, socks, shoes...the whole 'kit and caboodel', for Baby Boodels. I think he did a great job!

The Ya Ya's, minus Kel (and adding an original Ya Ya, Liz).

Daddy and Daughter.

The happy couple in wedded bliss.

Congratulations Kelly and Tim!

It was Mady's first wedding and she did wonderful! She even skipped a nap, but partied on like a champion.

Firsts....

A week of firsts...
My first big-girl chair.

I like it....

a lot!

My first time sleeping all by myself in my own big girl room and in my own big girl crib.
My mommy and daddy said its finally warm enough for me to sleep here by myself.
(Note: Living in an old house, heated by gas makes for super high electric bills and super low temperatures, that is if you don't want to go poor).

I did great!

First time eating rice cereal, or any solids for that matter!
Not too sure at first...

Initially, I liked chewing on the spoon more than the cereal.

Then I tasted it....
and...

I liked it!

Yummy...

It was a week of firsts in our household. Mainly just for Mady. She did wonderful with all the new changes, however Mommy had some difficulties.
I couldn't help but think about how this opens the door to so many changes and milestones that Mady will go through in life. I am thankful for growth and development, but still a little sad that time is passing ever so quickly. I feel like yesterday she was born and its now been almost 6 months ago!
If I blink too long I might be sending her off to college, fixing her veil on her wedding dress or watching her give birth to her own babies. Time will tell, I just hope it slows down a bit.

Happy Easter

Happy Birthday Buck-Buck!

Our oldest, Calvin Bucka Baise turned 3 years old yesterday!!!

Here he is as a pup, our first day together....

Here he is as a crazy "toddler"....Playing with Mr. Squeakers, may he rest in peace....

All tuckered out...

My handsome boy....

His favorite activity in the entire world, napping with Bryan. I am pretty sure its Bryan's favorite activity too.

We love you Calvin, you've been a good dog for three years! You're a great Big Brother to Mady and we are so happy you joined our family.