Easter EGGStravaganza Testimony

At the Easter EGGStravaganza, as Chris and the team were worshiping in the auditorium, I left the platform and was stopped by a woman who was sitting on the second row. In the midst of the joy of balls flying, upbeat music, and candy everywhere, this woman was sitting with tears in her eyes. I bent down to talk to her and she asked me how old the boy singing was.

“I’m a bit partial to that boy”, I replied, with the proud look of a mama on my face and my buttons just a-bursting, but I noticed her eyes never left my Christopher. I then told her he was 18, and he was my son. It was then that she looked at me, and the tears began to slide down her cheeks.

She went on to share that she had a son who was 23. He had passed away the year prior and that Chris reminded her of her son. I listened intently, all the while trying to avoid the 48" beach balls from boinging us in the heads. I knew this was a divine moment.

As she finished her story, we were both crying. It was then that I shared a portion of our lives from past few months. I shared about how that 18-year old boy on the platform, singing his guts out for the Lord, had just lost his father 4 months prior. She asked how he could be so happy, and I told her about the JOY that comes from knowing the Lord. She shared over and over again how thankful she was that she came to the event and that she would find a ride back to church the next day and the weeks to come.



The band finished their song, I hugged her neck and dried my tears. This woman’s story touched my heart in such a way that words fail to express. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that ministry happened that day, regardless if no message was preached from the platform. Easter eggs, wrapped in love, can definately change lives. They did mine. AMEN!!

The Little Ones

I've been wrestling. If being passionate about something means you are 'awake dreaming' (oxymoron? YES!) at 3:00 AM, then I'd say I've been gifted passion. But why? Why me? Why now? God and I have been having some heart to hearts in the wee small hours of the morning. Needless to say, I've been remembering...

I remember back to the days when my boys were small. I worked as a waitress, mostly nights and weekends. I was a new believer. When I did get a Sunday off from work (usually once a month), it was such a treat. I would try to dress my boys to the 9s, in their little velvet hats, tall socks and patton leather shoes.

I remember one Sunday in particular, bringing my boys into the nursery and being told that if I didn't sign up for my turn in the nursery, I wasn't allowed to drop them off that day, or any day thereafter. My heart sank. Not knowing when I would make it to church again, and really not wanting to spend the one sunday a month I got off from work in the nursery, I took a deep breath and hung my head. Fighting back tears I took my boys into church with me that day.

I will never forget what happened next. A woman who I admire to this VERY DAY, came up to me. She had heard what had happened in the nursery. She told me she would work my shift. This woman had grown children of her own. In my mind, she had done her 'nursery duty.' However, I recognized that through her eyes, she was speaking through her heart...and it was God's heart. (that's exactly what Jesus did, He took our place!)

The boys and I continued to come to church. This beautiful woman continued to work my shift in the nursery. Eventually my schedule changed. My job changed. My life changed. I grew. My boys grew.

So, now, the tables have turned, the Lord reminded me, at 3:00 AM. God has blessed, and birthed, and stoked, a passion in me for the children of our next generation. I am honored. I am more than able to give back.

Big News!!

I just have to write. I'm not too good at keeping things quiet, especially subjects this exciting ....

I'M AN AUNT!!!

I have always known that I was adopted. I found my birth mother a few years ago, and that was a amazing, joyful reunion. At that time, I also learned I had a brother. I have yet to met him face to face, although we have spoken on the telephone on one occasion. As siblings, we share a bond unlike any other person. I never knew about him growing up ... but I often wonder if he knew about me ...

As an only child, I grew up thinking how would the whole 'Aunt Jody' thing work. When I married Andy and he had a brother, who had a child, I became an instant Aunt, and I love that!! But now, I am an Aunt ... by heredity!! The thought brings tears to my eyes. God has indeed woven a beautiful tapestry of beauty from ashes!

I don't know if this precious family will ever know mine or if our lives will ever entwine. Nonetheless, I love them. I have loved my brother from the day I found out he existed. I love his wife and child although I do not know if I will meet them in person. I TREASURE the distance I am invited and consider it an absolute HONOR to sign my name this day:

Aunt Jody