The subject of courage has been on my mind for a few days now and I just want to share an experience that a very courageous young lady went through recently.  She has been tossed into the arena of having to face fears that would cause most folks to shrink in terror and give up.  She is being brave and learning what John Wayne meant in his quote, "Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyways."  How many of us have been going about our daily routines and suddenly the situation changes in an instant?  You are shaken to your very core and placed in a life or death situation due to no fault of your own.  I would dare say most of us have never had to face this type of fear ever.  If you have, I would love to hear your story.

When I heard this young lady share her story, I was drawn to her and wanted to help in any way that I could because I too had someone try to steal my courage at one time.  Sometimes when we go through "scarey" times, we need to realize that there may come a time when someone else will face something and we can help them. 

She was at her job doing what she has been trained to do...help people.  She is alone taking payment for  rental storage units and moving trucks, when the unthinkable happens.  Out of her peripheral vision she notices that someone is coming around the building with a hoodie up and a bandana covering his face.  In that moment she knew this was not going to be good...she had no time to think before he was in her face and threatening her.  He pulled the phone cord out of the wall and tied her up while he ransacked the money drawer leaving her in a puddle of tears and fear.  Once he left, she was able to slowly take that first step of courage and go next door to call 911. 

Knowing that God is with you during every moment that you face, is amazing.  I know that when I faced my fear that night inside my apartment (caught someone trying to break in on me...looked them straight in the eye)...the first thing that I reached for in my mind was scripture (of course this was after I screamed at the top of my lungs for him to get out).  I called 911 and then had to little by little learn to turn it all over to God.  I was shaking with fear and immediately so angry at the intruder for putting me in this position. 

If you have never faced this kind of fear, it is hard for you to understand why I say "little by little".  We know our God is able, but we need to process what has happened and bring comfort and courage to our heart.  What is so wonderful, God understands...that is why He gives us so many promises in the Bible to help us with that.  What I went through late that night was awful, but when I think of the terror of being tied up and robbed...that had to be unbelievable. 

The young lady that faced that fear of being tied up and robbed at gunpoint, had to go back to that same place of employment with courage that could only come from God and the prayers of those that love her.  They have made some changes in some things that will make it a little safer for her...but basically she needs the courage that comes from knowing God is with her.  It will be a process and she needs your prayers that the terror that she still deals with on a daily basis will fade away and be replaced with courage and strength.

This picture was taken this weekend at a Labor Day Reunion Retreat at the Appalachian Christian Camp.  My husband, Bobby, was a part of the faculty there during youth camp for several years.  You are just seeing a portion of the beauty that was there this weekend.  I am not just referring to the beautiful creek behind us, I am referring to the beautiful people that we were privileged to fellowship with throughout the weekend. 

When Bobby first mentioned that this was something that he really wanted to be a part of, I was like, "sure let's do it!"  Then as the weekend neared, I became a little anxious about going to an unfamiliar place and being around unfamiliar people.  From the moment we walked into the roomful of former campers and faculty...I just knew this was going to be good.  They were watching old video footage of previous camps and laughing...just having a great time.  The lights were low when Bobby opened the back door and we walked in...everyone turned and hollered,  "Bobby Maupin!!!!!!!!"  They were all so excited to see him...I was excited for him.  I've heard so much about these folks over the years, I felt in some ways, I already knew them.  Bobby's friends that he has loved for so many years became my friends by the time the weekend came to a close.  There is not enough room in this post to share how warm and loving everyone was and how they reached out to the "new kid on campus."  This weekend gave me a glimpse into why their camps over the years were such a success...they are Good People.

When I think about the highlights of the weekend, one theme comes to mind throughout...appreciation!  The campers and those that had been responsible for them had a heart full of love and appreciation for each other.  One after another would stand and testify to how being a part of a loving group of campers had changed their lives and the lives of their children.  They shared their successes, their struggles and funny stories galore.  There was not a shortage of laughter, especially with Bob Robinson sharing his funny anecdotes and Tommy Oaks egging him on.  Tommy would say..."tell them this...", and Bob would stand and in only the way that Bob could...share the information (most in jest). 

I laughed and cried a lot this weekend...what a talent and blessing to be able to keep us both in tears and laughter.  There were a lot of "inside" jokes or humor that I knew because I was married to Bobby Maupin.  At one point, Bobby came running in the room with a woman's bathing suit on ready for a shaving cream fight taking everyone back to that time at camp when recreation involved mud, water balloons and shaving cream.

Tommy and his wife Pat (known to Bobby as Trixie), have been such an amazing influence on so many over the years.  The continuation of love was displayed as we worshiped together too.  When you add Bob and his wife Jackie to the mix, it is such a dynamic combination.  They have been blessed with a God given talent of relating to others through stories, humor and worship.

During our worship times this weekend, someone would share a verse in the Bible that meant something to them or share a story and it would remind Tommy of a song...he would look at his son, John Thomas at the keyboard and say a few of the words and John Thomas would begin to play and everyone would sing.  The open air chapel was the scene of dancing, singing, sharing and just loving on each other.  The night ended with fireworks and the movie, "The Scream of Fear"...an old black and white movie that I had never seen, but thoroughly enjoyed every "cheesy" moment.

The worship on Sunday ended with communion and a jazzy version of "This Little Light of Mine".  We said our goodbyes and again told each other how much we appreciated them.  Everyone that was at the meeting lived out this verse from Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor giving preference to one another" - appreciation at it's finest.

Below are some pictures that I took from the weekend.  Thanks for letting me share about my experience at the Appalachian Christian Camp Reunion.

Here are a couple of videos of Bobby acting the fool :-)

Some examples of story telling...

Generosity does not always appear in the form of money.  There are other ways to be generous...such as...with your time and with your talent.  Sometimes being generous could be really listening to someone when they are going through a rough spot in their life.  In my previous post I spoke about the character of responsibility, but one of the focal points that I wrote about was how a lady took the time out of her busy day to follow the leading of God in her life and spend some QUALITY listening time with me.  Her generosity was amazing and I will forever be changed because of her.  If she had not spent that time with me, I just don't know how much longer it would have taken me to "come around" and get better.  But she did, and I am! 

In thinking about what to write in today's post, I came across this picture about "real generosity" and believe it to be pretty profound.  Being willing to do something nice for someone anonymously should be a real joy for people.  So often so many want that "joy" for the moment and will take away their reward by being all blabby. (is that a word?)  Their being generous does not go unnoticed, because they make sure the right people know that "they" are the person that blessed "so n so".  How much sweeter the joy and reward when you see a need and fill it, no questions asked.  Totally out of the goodness and love in your heart you help...and only you and God know.  Pretty awesome, huh? 

The thing about it is....what you do for others, God will make sure it comes back to you.  God gives good gifts to those that love Him and seek Him.  Be generous and generosity will come back to you...it's just the way it is!  Try it!

Responsibility....Holding yourself accountable for your choices and your actions.  Being a grown up means that you have to learn how to be responsible for what happens in your life.  Being a parent means that you should want to teach this character to your children so that as they grow into adulthood, their life can be better.  It seems as though some parents are raising a bunch of kids that don't really understand what it means to take responsibility for things...big and little.  Kids are being rewarded with a trophy for just being participants in a sport, because they don't want anyone to feel left out.  What happened to the winners getting trophies and the other team feeling good about themselves because they played hard and tried their best. 

Then there are parents that have never learned what it means to take responsibility for their actions. 

I am gonna get gut honest with you here.  I raised my children to be good responsible kids, so that they would grow into the young adults that God wanted them to be.  Somewhere along the way...they got it and were doing good.  I, on the other hand took a step backwards and became irresponsible causing me to make some very stupid decisions.  The consequences of those decisions, follow me even to this day.  Being irresponsible hurt me and all those that loved me.  When I realized just how far these choices had taken me, I was a wreck and didn't know how to get back on track.  I know that sounds weird coming from someone that was a leader in the church, sang in a gospel trio and was very respected by her friends and family...but nonetheless true.  I knew God loved me, but I was so far away from His purpose in my life...I had trouble seeing the end because I was relying on my feelings instead of God's promises.

I take full responsibility for my actions during this dark time in my life and hope that by writing this it will help someone else know that nobody is immune to the attacks of the devil.  You have to understand that if you give him even a small opening, he will come in and kill and destroy your very life.  I believe with all my heart that there are times in everyone's life when there are crossroads in your life.   How you react can be a game changer.  I want more than anything for your game changer to be that you become fully committed to God.  When you allow the game changer to be you giving in to temptations contrary to what you know to be right...look out!  Your life is about to change...and you won't like what you see.

After 2 or 3 years of trying to figure it all out...I was approached by what I believe to be an "angel".  I was now remarried, but just couldn't shake the guilt and regret that was keeping me awake nights.  Bobby, my husband, and I had been invited to a picnic with a church group and decided we should go.  The game they played was a penny game where you looked at the date on the coin and share what you were doing during this particular year.  As we went around and everyone shared, I was dreading my turn because I just knew I'd break out in tears.  Almost every single person had something to share about their family and I knew my family was a mess.  My turn came and I was able to get through it because my coin date was 2001, so tears were appropriate because I shared about the shock of 9-11.

Toward the end of the picnic time, an older lady came driving up in her red pick up truck.  Right away she came up to me and looked me in the eyes and said..."Are you alright?"  My eyes filled with tears, someone really cared enough to ask me...she told me she felt that God had told her to come to this picnic because someone needed help, and she said I know that person is you.  I shared my story with her...the good, the bad and the ugly.  She told me that I needed to quit worrying about the things and people that I could not change...to allow God to do that.  She told me when I go to bed in the evening to just start praising God for all the blessings I had and let God do His perfect work in everything else.  I know this is not something new, but this came from God directly to me...so I took notice. 

Things didn't change overnight, but with each night sleep came easier and rest became sweeter.  I was not alone, God still loved me enough to care about what happens to me.  My life changed that day at a picnic in a park in Cape Girardeau, MO.  I made a commitment to be responsible for my failures, but accept God's forgiveness for these failures and learn how to live in the life that is the here and now.  I asked those that I hurt to forgive me and forgave everyone that I could think of....did I still have moments when I let my hurt rule?  I regret to say yes I did...but as I learned more about what God expected of me...I realized that He had forgiven me of much, so I should forgive others in like manner. 

I am not perfect, therefore I make mistakes every single day of my life.  I sometimes let my mouth say way more than I should ever say and regret it as soon as I step back from the situation.  I am definitely a work in progress, learning to submit my will, mind and emotions to Him on a daily basis.  I ask forgiveness when I fail and learn from my mistakes.  I learn everyday and agree with God everyday that I will see His goodness in my life.  I will see relationships restored and lives changed for the better. 

I am so thankful for my family and friends that love me even in my weakness and lift me up in prayer because they care.  If you are one of those people that have prayed for me and continue to pray for me, I can't tell you how important those prayers are.  In my heart of hearts, I want to love others the way God loves them and forgive as I have been forgiven.

This is such an important character to have in your daily life!  It is how people see you in a given situation...whether they know they can "depend" on you or whether they are just not sure what you will do.  Wow!  Think about that for a minute. 

In this picture you are seeing the importance of having a goalie you can depend on to try his very best to block every shot that comes his way.  First off, that is why he is in that position...he can be depended on...he is not lackadaisical in his defense of the goal. Why would you ever put someone in that important position that can't be depended upon every single time to defend against the onslaught of pucks?  You wouldn't...that's my point.  In your daily life you should be that type of person...a dependable protector and team player with those your work with, live with and do life with.

Now in other sports news...do you remember this scene where Lucy is put in the position of holding the football for Charlie Brown to kick?  I kind of think that by now Charlie Brown had to know that he could not "depend" on Lucy to do the "right" thing and actually keep the football in place until he could have a go of it.  Instead, filled with gullibility, Charlie Brown would look at Lucy and think to himself..."she will surely hold this football in place for me this time."  And lo and behold right when he makes his move...she again jerks that football away and he falls flat on his back with an "AAUGH!" 

Hopefully you are known as the type of person that is trustworthy by protecting and defending as your mode of dependability instead of someone who promises and assures but disappoints by not following through.

One of the most dependable characters in the Old Testament was Noah.  Imagine being thought of as so dependable that God would pick you to both build an ark for your family and animal survival, but also completely trust you to do it right.  Genesis 7:1-5  "The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. 2 Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, 3 and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. 4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made. ” 5 And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him."

Verse 5 says it all, and gives you a little insight as to why Noah was the man for the job.  "Noah did all that the Lord commanded him."  He had a history of being dependable and God KNEW he could count on him to be and do the right thing.  I encourage you AND myself to be the kind of person Noah was...dependable both in the eyes of God and those that need us every day.

A lady friend, that I used to work with, just put this as her status on Facebook,  "Ugh why am I amazed that friends are not really friends! Family talks worse about you than a stranger and the person who says they "love" you is a liar! SMH thank goodness for my boys and strangers! OH and my DOG :) I ❤ them!!" 

When I read this status, it made me sad that she was feeling this way.  Since we no longer work together, I never see her anymore, but try to keep up with her via the social media.  We were never "close" friends, but nonetheless, friends in the sense that I care about what happens to her.  I posted some encouraging words to her that I hope helped.

Isn't it amazing that the ones we care the most about, are the ones that tend to hurt us the most?  I think that is what she was trying to say and the fact that it made her feel used and alone.  Speaking of being used...look at the comic below.

This picture depicts a dog "man's best friend" as a little put out with his owner for wanting him to fetch his stinky ole slippers.  Let's think about how this would play out in how you treat your friends (other than your dog).  Are you the kind of friend that is there for your "besty" when they need you?  Or are you a "fair weather" friend that only wants to share in the good times?  Worst yet, are you the type of friend that is demanding on your friends and feels "above" them?  Maybe you don't even realize that you are treating them with disrespect, but you are when you don't really put yourself into the giving side of the relationship...you only take!  What exactly is true friendship?

Friendship is the companionship and closeness we are to have with one another. It is the commitment to build relationships by getting to know others and help them form good character, and in turn help you. Relationships are essential to life...we need others and they need us. 

"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Well, it's that time of year again...football season!  I never used to be a football fan until I moved from Missouri to Tennessee.  Something just came over me when I started watching the Titans play.  I thought Jeff Fisher (who ironically is now coaching the St. Louis Rams now) was the coolest thing since watermelon and even though we weren't the "winningest" team out there, we were definitely scrappy.  It didn't hurt either that, due to my position with FOX17, I was privileged to watch several games either in great club seats or in the FOX17 Suite, giving me that wonderful feeling of excitement of "being there".  I was able to enjoy not only the game but all the sights and sounds that go with it.

One thing for sure in becoming a "fan" of football is learning how important the word "fair" becomes.  You never want to come to the end of that final few minutes of the game and feel as though you could have won if the other team hadn't had an unfair advantage (whatever that may be).   I'm not naive enough to believe that all is fair in the very physical game of football, but I like to believe that my team always has a "fair" shot at winning.

Now lets' take the focus away from football and look at how fairness plays out in families.  Do you remember when you were a child and things didn't go the way you wanted - these words came out of your mouth, "That's not fair!"  In your little world at that very moment, you thought everyone was against you and partiality was being shown to the person on the opposite side.  Of course, most of this was in your mind because your feelings were hurt, but nonetheless very real at the moment.

I dare say now that you are a parent yourself, you've heard your own children say that phrase and think you like their sibling more than them.  Go back to that moment in time and remember how you felt when you thought you were being treated unfairly.  How you react to your little one will be remembered.  Depending on your child's age...this could be a great time for a lesson on how there are times when it seems life isn't fair, but they are responsible in how they react in these situations.   Let them know that you understand how they feel, because as a child you felt that way at times too.  Just keep in mind as you teach this, they know you love them and you are always "on their side" as your child...but not always in agreement with what they do.  Help them to see how important it is to treat others fairly, because that is what they want for themselves. 

The scripture in Matthew 7:12 sums it up.   " So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."  Treat others with fairness because it is the right thing to do and because that is the way you would want to be treated.

Flexibility is a willingness to adapt to new (and perhaps uncomfortable) situations, and to do so with enthusiasm. 

This can be a difficult thing to do if you are someone that always insists on his or her own way all the time. You should be aware that there are times when "your way" is not the "right way"!  What?  You mean there are times when I could be wrong?  Surely not! 

Think about it for a second...has there been times in your life when you made a decision that after it played out, you realized that you should have done things differently?  I would venture to say this is true in most everyone's life.  If you say that has never happened, I would have to say you are more than likely fibbing to me right now.

Being flexible can also be difficult if you react poorly when plans change.  You have your heart set on your weekly date with your husband, yet your baby starts running a temperature and your plans must change because your child needs you more than you "need" to go to the movies.  How do you react when this type of scenario happens?  How you react depends on how well you use the character of flexibility in your daily life.

Being a stubborn person can cause havoc in your life...put that stubbornness aside and learn the peace that comes from being flexible.  Something that one of my friends used to say when we were tying to decide where to go to eat dinner..."You decide, I'm flex!"  Try to incorporate that saying "I'm flex"! into your life and really mean it and watch your life  become less complicated.

A verse to keep in mind when trying to implement this in your life is...Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2  Set your mind on the things of God and the earthly things will become less important.

Being someone who cares about others will in turn mean that you want good for them.  We live in a society where in most cases it is "every man for himself."  Selfishness abounds and therefore living out the character of caring may seem next to extinct.  Caring encompasses so many things...but if you strive to be someone who genuinely cares for others...you WILL be a better person and you will be on the path to helping make the world a better place.

What are some traits of a caring person?

1. Putting the needs of others before their own
2. That person friends come to when they need help
3. Listening to others even when you want to talk yourself
4. Dropping everything to help someone who is in trouble
   
5. Making other people feel good
6. Really listening so that you know how to help
7. Concerned for the future of others
8. Having a natural empathy for others
9. Forgiving easily
10. Being willing to have someone's back even if it's tough
    

Patriotism begins early in a person's life!  It is our responsibility before God to be patriotic and teach our children to have a love of their country.  The words of the pledge are... "I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America.  And to the Republic, for which it stands...One Nation, under God indivisible...with Liberty and Justice for all."  As a child, I didn't just automatically know the words of this pledge, and I didn't automatically know to put my hand over my heart as I said it.  I was taught how to say the pledge and was taught to respect our country and show reverence by placing my hand over my heart. 

Fast forward to 2012 with Paula as an adult.  I learned to love my country early on and as an adult still love my country and want good things for her.  I realize that the political decisions we make now will affect my children and grandchildren in the years to come.  Politicians that were voted in during my parents and grandparents lives have had an affect on me.  During those years, the politicians of the day decided that the welfare program was a good idea.  I think their original intent was probably good, but it has become something that so many are dependent on now.  It has become a way of life for way too many.  I don't pretend to know the answer, but there has to be a better way for these millions of people.  That is just an example of how decisions can be carried down through generations.

We are in an election year that is crucial for the future of our country.  My purpose in touching on the character of patriotism is not to try to sway you to my way of thinking, but is to remind you of how important it is to love your country.  Think about the country that you want for those you love.  Think about the direction that our country is going.  Think about who you can trust to tell you the truth.  Think about the character of those running ...are they of good character or as the Bible suggests ... good report?  Phil 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."  After you think about who would be best suited to run our country, then stop thinking and "do".  Study the candidates and hold them to a high standard and then "vote".  Don't just talk a good game and stir up stuff...but remember that "knowledge is power" - so learn all you can while you can so that when November 2012 is here, you will be able to make the "right" decision.

Character of Patriotism...love your country!  Pledge to study and learn who best can lead our country to have liberty and justice for all.  We want a country that is stable, safe and strong now and for generations to come.