DAY 40: There's a Better Party Yet to Come by Kevin Wood

DAY FORTY: "There’s a Better Party Yet to Come" by Kevin Wood

The date was Saturday, November 2, 1985. I turned 9 years old. Sitting around the kitchen table in our modest Southwest Texas home were two friends from across the street. My birthday cake sat in the midst of us, nine candles flickering, the wax drizzling down from the wick. The two birthday gifts I had received were sitting at my side. The first gift – and unfortunately the best gift - was a Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt given to me by one of the two friends. I didn’t even like the Cowboys. I was a Bears fan. I can’t remember now what the other gift was. Prior birthday parties had been better attended and more exciting. This party was to be the worst party I had ever had to that point in my life. This was certainly not the way I intended to celebrate my big day.

The birthday of November 2^nd was somber because of the deathday of November 1^st. On Friday, November 1, 1985, my mother traveled 180 miles east to a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. There she gave birth to a little boy named Joshua Micah Wood. He was to be my fifth brother, but I never had the chance to meet him because he died at birth. Complications with the umbilical cord turned what should have been a happy moment to a dreadful one. Tears of joy were replaced by tears of grief. The events of November 1^st cast a shadow over the events of November 2^nd, as a day of death eclipsed the memory of my day of birth.

In my self-focused nine-year-old mind, I struggled to understand why my day couldn’t be bigger. From my perspective, there was still reason to be happy. I have to admit that as a child I had a tendency to be selfish, though I very rarely voiced it. But as I sat there with the handful of family and friends who made it to my party, one thought kept rolling in the back of my mind. I may not have termed it exactly like this, but this is what I felt: There’s a better party yet to come.

I wasn’t sure when it was going to happen. I had no idea what family and friends would come. But I just knew that my 10^th birthday or 12^th birthday or 16^th birthday would be a far grander gala than my 9^th birthday had been. Surely, a better party was on the horizon. I just had to wait for the grief of November 1, 1985 to subside. We’d never forget what happened that day, but it would not always overshadow what had been a special day to me the eight years before.

If I could share one thought with, Trace Crossing, as we celebrate tonight our 2^nd birthday, it would be this. There’s a better party yet to come. Sure the cupcakes we handed out last night were delicious – just ask the kids. And the white footballs flying all over the Ballard Park night sky were exciting. And nothing beats being with my faith family on October 1^st of any year. But the parties we hold here pale in comparison to the true celebration that will take place when we are with Christ. There’s a better party – a much better party – yet to come.

Our world still lives in the shadows of the deathday, when Christ hung on a cross to pay for our sin. Yes, he did rise and in so doing defeated death, and that is certainly something worth celebrating. But the celebration I am speaking of is so much bigger and so much better than anything we could ever organize or orchestrate here on earth. For one day, it won’t be the Ballard Park sky alive with footballs – it will be the global sky splitting wide open, the “clouds rolling back as a scroll”, and Christ Himself will descend. And we won’t be handing out cupcakes or passing out fliers saying “Come to the party”. For in that day, the party will come to us. And unlike my 9^th birthday, there will be absolutely no disappointment with the gifts. For we will receive in that moment the single greatest gift anyone could ever receive. To be with the one who gave Himself for us. He will come to us so we can come to Him.

There’s a Better Party Yet to Come… Let’s Celebrate with That in Mind!

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to live with the expectant hope of a greater life with You. In Your house, Father, are many mansions - and You have gone to prepare a place for us so that where You are we might also be. Give us the absolute assurance of knowing our hope is secure in You. But in the time we have here in this world, give us the disciplined compassion of Christ necessary to reach out to all people for You. Break our hearts for those who have yet to accept Your invitation. In Your Name we ask this... Amen.

DAY 39: "First Love" by Glennis Williams

DAY THIRTY-NINE: "First Love" by Glennis Williams

“We love because He first loved us.” I John 4:19
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Rev. 2:4

I called their home yesterday never dreaming I’d reach Hazel. After all, she has spent the past 3 to 4 years at the nursing home, day and night, sitting beside the bed of her beloved husband, Prather. Before she took a little cot to put beside his bed so she could spend every night with him, you might walk in and find her sleeping, cuddled in his arms in his hospital-type bed. I only reached her at home today because she had hurried home to cook him some bacon and homemade biscuits. She makes sure her first love is never neglected.

Hazel, now almost 91 years old, and Prather, who will be 93 in October, never left their “first love”. They are more in love today than they were the day they met. They can tell you every detail of that meeting. Hazel still has the dress she was wearing that day! They spend their days listening to their old love songs on a cassette player, or reading the love letters they wrote each other during the war. They saved every one of them.

What a love story! I have to ask myself, “Am I capable and unselfish enough to show that kind of love and devotion to anyone?” I don’t know how many times I’ve told Hazel and Prather that they are the greatest of all love stories. In the human realm, I really don’t know of another couple that is more devoted and in love than they are. As I watch them, I am convicted, not only in my relationships with others, but even more so in my relationship with God.

I awoke last night, and as I lay in bed I felt God asking me to search my heart and answer these questions:

“Am I still your “First Love”?

“Do you stay near Me, paying close attention to all the details of our relationship?”

“Do you rest in My arms when times are difficult?”

“Do your “love songs” to me come from a heart that is truly devoted to Me and Me alone?”

“How often do you read the “love letters” that I have sent you?”

“Has your love grown deeper for me through the years?”

God, as He often does, teaches us lessons through people who come into our lives. Hazel and Prather have shown me what true love looks like. Now I am left to ask myself some serious questions.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Heavenly Father, I really cannot understand your love for mankind. How we must break your heart being so unfaithful at times in our love for You. May I, and The Church at Trace Crossing never forsake You – our “First Love.” May our relationship grow stronger and sweeter through the years.

DAY 38: "Sunday Afternoon Kevin" by Kevin Wood

DAY THIRTY-EIGHT: "Sunday Afternoon Kevin" by Kevin Wood


"Sometimes a nap is an act of pure laziness. Sometimes it is an act of worship."
- Allen Levi, folksinger from Columbus, Georgia


Sunday afternoons are usually "crash time" for me. Regardless of whether the sermon that Sunday was a good one or quite honestly one I'd just rather not repeat anytime soon, Sunday afternoons are my Sabbath - a time to just come home and be with my family. On Sunday afternoons I leave church at church, take off the "Pastor" hat and just slip into being "Dad" for the rest of the day. I might take a nap, one of my kids or Traci tucked right by my side. I might go out and toss the football with Graham, jump on the trampoline with Lydia, or roll on the floor with Fisher. I don't pick up a commentary and I don't touch any of my sermon help books. It's time that I value more than almost any other time during the week because for a full afternoon I feel like a good husband, a good father, and a good man. And that feels good.

I've learned something about Sunday Afternoon Kevin. My kids like him better than Tuesday Afternoon Kevin or Wednesday Morning Kevin. Sunday Afternoon Kevin is more relaxed. His mind has let go of church concerns and he is fully focused on his kids. Graham, Lydia, and Fisher love that. So do I. I believe God does, too.

As I was preparing for this week's message, I had to look at the Ten Commandments again. I was reminded as I read them that the fourth commandment that God gives is to "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy". That's funny. God commanded us to rest. It's like He is saying, "You must take some time off each week and let everything else in the world go undone for a full 24 hours." And this command isn't tenth of the Ten Commandments. It is fourth. Before adultery. Before coveting. Before killing. Rest is important to God. He is serious about His Sabbath.

Now here is what really made me think. When did God give Israel the Ten Commandments? While they were wandering through the desert. When they had left Egypt and were trying to make their way to the Promised Land. Maybe you're thinking, "So what?" Why is that such a big deal? Here's why. Because each day they took off from traveling - from making progress in their journey from Egypt to Canaan - was a day they lost in getting there. How many of us if we were traveling to Florida for a family vacation would just pull the car over and check into a random hotel for a day of rest, pushing our final destination back by another full day. Yet that is exactly what God was commanding them to do.

There are theological reasons for the fourth commandment, but I want to stay in the neighborhood of the practical reasons. Actually, I want to stick on just one practical reason. I think one practical reason God commands us to rest is because our relationship with those we love most benefits from it. So does our relationship with God. Simply put, I am a better father when I am obeying Gods' command to rest because I am more available to my kids. I rest from my work and I rest from my worries. The word that is used in Exodus 20:11 for "rested" means to "settle down" or "be quiet". You can almost here Psalm 46:10 echoing in the background, "Be still and know that I am God."

At the beginning of this article I said I think my kids like Sunday Afternoon Kevin best of all. I think God does, too. Because for one afternoon, I actually obey the fourth commandment. I rest. And here is what I learn from that simple act of obedience. When my mind isn't filled with all of life's worries I am a better father to my children. And when my mind isn't filled with all of life's worries, I am a better child to My Father.

Alright, that's enough for now. It's getting late and I need to... rest.

My Prayer For Trace Crossing:
God, help fathers spend more time with their daughters. Help mothers spend more time with their sons. Give husbands and wives just a little more time to enjoy one another with nothing to distract. Help us to see the wisdom in your command to rest. And help us to do it.

DAY 37: Don’t Stand Around the Edge of your Life by Mary Pat Palmer

DAY THIRTY-SEVEN: Don’t Stand Around the Edge of your Life by Mary Pat Palmer

Not long ago I heard something profound that I had never been able to put into words. It was in reference to people who stand around the edge of their lives. Wow! I have always been unable to put that feeling into words, but have been guilty of standing around the edge of my own life. I looked into the experiences of my life, but tried to not feel them.

I got up, went to work, helped with homework, cooked supper, attended ballgames, and got in bed only to start it all back up the next day. I was numb. It was easier to be numb than to have feelings about anything. I was afraid to be happy because that could be easily taken away. I was afraid to be excited about anything because that could be jeopardized. I was even afraid to be angry because that hurt too much.

Looking back at that time of my life, I realize that I was broken. I was going through an unwanted divorce, trying to raise a child, and feeling internal conflict at my home church. Satan was talking to my heart and mind saying, “Just stay here on the outside because no one really needs a broken, hurting woman for anything.” I went through the motions of my life, but wouldn’t or couldn’t jump in.

With the benefit of hindsight, I realize that God led me to The Church at Trace Crossing. The people at Trace Crossing don’t mind the baggage you bring in that door with you. In fact, they will help you carry it in the front door (and with an umbrella over your head if it is raining.) It is at Trace Crossing that I figured out what baggage I need to keep and what I need to let go of and give to God to handle.

At Trace Crossing, I have learned how to get back into my life. I don’t stand around the edge wondering what great things my life has to offer. I feel it all now…the good, the bad, and the ugly. The people at Trace helped me realize that I can give all the junk in my life to God and I get back something beautiful. Trace Crossing is definitely a “whosoever church.” In my case, whosoever is broken and afraid to enjoy all the happiness of a life in Christ.

Didn’t Jesus spend most of his time with people who were broken in one way or another?

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:

Dear Father in Heaven,

Continue to be first in the hearts and minds of the people at Trace Crossing. Help us to be persistent and positive as we touch the lives of the hurt and broken. Help us realize that someone walking in those front doors may be carrying some painful baggage. Help us to help them carry it in and give it to God. Help us to be a shining light that is consistently present in the lives of the people we touch each day. We want others to see Christ in us. We want to be that “whosoever church.” In Jesus Name, Amen

DAY 36: "Lessons from an Unusual Relationship" by Tim Williams

DAY THIRTY-SIX: "Lessons from an Unusual Relationship" by Tim Williams

I’m an early-riser and enjoy getting my exercise taking early morning walks. I not only get the physical benefits of walking, but I also enjoy what seems to be a more peaceful and serene part of the day…..Not so much noise, a more relaxed pace, and some pretty awesome morning scenery.

A few weeks ago while walking around a small lake located in the heart of our neighborhood, I noticed a white duck swimming with a Canadian gosling…..The white duck has been around for a while, but the young gosling was a new sight for me; especially in light of the fact I hadn’t seen any Canadian geese around our area for a long time. The young gosling was swimming in the wake of the larger white duck who was leading him around and quacking out instructions of some sort the whole time.

Over the next few weeks, I watched this strange and unlikely relationship unfold between the white duck and the young gosling. I also would often see residents in our neighborhood at the lake feeding them bread crumbs or crackers. On several occasions, I took our grandchildren down to the lake and would enjoy watching the interaction of the kids with the duck and gosling that had now become comfortable enough to come up on the lake’s bank and take bread right out of your hand; however, the white duck was the obvious protector of the gosling and would always take the lead in any human transactions, quacking all the while and placing himself in between his human visitors and what I now had come to understand was his adopted orphan gosling who had no other leadership other than his fluffy white feathered counterpart……It was really an interesting scenario that I enjoyed watching over the next few weeks.

Each morning as I would go walking, I would find myself on the lookout by the time I got to the lake to see how that “soap-opera” was playing itself out……..I watched the gosling as he grew even larger than his overseer, and becoming ever more bold as he would waddle up alone on the shore, and on some occasions, out into the street, flapping his wings in some sort of morning stretch and exercise……but the white duck was never far away quacking out his instructions and orders in an obvious desire to protect his young charge.

I never figured out how that gosling got to our community lake….Doesn’t really make any difference…..The Lord got him where he needed to be during the time he needed a friend……I was walking one morning and thinking about a funeral service that I would be leading for a 36 year old young mother who had been a member of the youth group in a church I had pastored for 12 years……Another circumstance where I couldn’t quite figure out God’s purpose…….As I was making my way around the streets and cul de sacs in our neighborhood, I heard in that early morning walk the distinct “honking” of a group of Canadian geese……I looked over some rooftops of homes on the lake and saw a flight of geese lifting up into the sky, and I thought, “Gosh, I haven’t seen any Canadian geese flying over this stretch of sky in a long, long time….What are they doing here?”……….And of course, it hit me like a rock: “Could they possibly have stopped and picked-up this lone goose and taken him with them to wherever it is they go?”

I jogged to the lake to see if I would find the strange duo that I had grown so accustomed to seeing over the last few weeks floating together through the water..………But there it was…………one lone white duck ………”Very sad” is what I thought and what I felt…..He’s all alone……..I watched him for a few minutes as he paddled around, seemingly undisturbed by the fact that his buddy was no longer around……….I walked around the lake that morning just to be sure that what I thought had happened had actually happened……….No Canadian goose was anywhere in sight…

That morning, I felt as though the Lord taught me several lessons and provided me with the thoughts I needed to get through the funeral service I would be preaching in a few hours:

First of all, we’re never alone……..God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us…….Wherever our travels in life may take us, the love of a heavenly Father can be experienced in our acts of love to others, and in receiving the acts of love that the Lord provides to us through others.

Secondly……God has a “place” for us in this world……..We are not here by accident or coincidence, but by divine appointment and providence……For those in Christ, we understand that we are on mission as ambassadors in His Kingdom to bring Him glory……..He gives us a “place” to accomplish that…….Glennis and I are thankful that one of the “places” the Lord has sent us is to Trace Crossing to join hands with other believers in the many facets of growing in His grace and knowledge and in serving in His community.

Thirdly……..While God indeed has a “place” for us while we are “in” this world……we should never forget that we are not “of” this world……..God has created us to be “lifted up” into His likeness and into eternal fellowship with Him and to those that belong to Him……..There is a day when everything in this life is over…….God has ordered our steps and numbered our days in this world; but a time will come for all of us when we hear our Master call us to come home. In the meantime, take your place at the table of fellowship and celebrate LIFE.

By the way……..my little buddy at the lake has a new friend……a white feathered fluffy duck just like him…………quacking, waddling, and swimming together…….I have no idea how that duck got there, but I know that the Lord has provided……He always does……because He cares for us.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father, help us to see in the world around us the lessons You are teaching. Remind us of Your constant presence, help us see our mission in the environments in which you have placed us, and remind us of our heavenly identity. Also, help us to be unlikely friends to whosoever. Amen.

DAY 35: "Mini People, One Passion" by Kevin Wood

DAY THIRTY-FIVE:

“Mini People, One Passion” by Kevin Wood

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:5

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

I’ve seen it a thousand times – literally – the face of a little boy or little girl left behind in a Ukrainian orphanage. I made my first trip to Ukraine in May 2004 and fell in love with a little girl named Julia and her brother Costya who were living at a small orphanage in a tiny village. I wanted to adopt them but I was too young according to government standards. My heart broke – literally – as I left them behind in their overcrowded conditions wanting so badly to rescue them from that place.

Since that first trip in 2004, I have returned four other times. The most recent trip was just last week when eight of us went from Trace Crossing. I think I can speak for the group when I say this, but all of us were moved beyond belief at what we experienced. There is just no way to put into words what your eyes see and what your heart feels when you are surrounded by such incredible need. When you look in the face of a child who has been abandoned by a mother or forgotten by a father, it simply breaks your heart. You want to hold them. You want to love them. You want to adopt them. All of them. But you simply can’t. And that’s the paralysis your spirit feels – hopelessness and helplessness to change these children’s lives for the long term. So you simply do what you can – you love them as strongly as possible for the time that you do have, and try to block out the thought of the time that you won’t have.

I have a dozen pictures of Trace Crossing folks doing just that. Stephanie Foreman with her arms wrapped around a precious little girl who’d been abandoned just a few weeks before. Her daughter Katherine cheek to cheek with another little girl whose head had been shaved recently to make sure she didn’t have any lice. Michelle Taylor and Kirksey Taylor, another mother and daughter team, smiling and embracing girls and boys as if they had always been a part of the Taylor family. Even Drew Love and Kevin Fulgham got into the action, thumb-wrestling boy after boy after boy because in the language of an orphan, thumb-wrestling is still a deep form of affection. And I will never forget Daniel Monaghan’s tear-filled eyes as we gathered to pray one night and he asked, “Why? Why God does this happen to these kids?”

As we finished our final orphanage visit on Thursday, I looked at the room packed with 70 children ages 3 to 13. There were some beautiful kids in that room. About halfway through our program, a couple from Texas walked in and sat down next to a little boy. They had been trying to adopt him for 11 months and were approaching the final steps of the process. You could see the joy on their face. You could feel the joy in his heart. I wish I had taken a picture. One child rescued from that orphanage. 69 to go.

The reason I wrote this is just to say, I pray our church has a passion for these little kids – these “mini people”. Every week our worship guide has a phrase on the front that says, “Many People, One Passion.” I want to change that just a bit for today to “Mini People, One Passion”. That passion is to remember those forgotten by earthly fathers & families and let them know about a Heavenly Father & a faith family who longs to love them deeply. I look forward to leading more trips of Trace Crossing people to do exactly what we did this past week – to show “mini people” that we have “one passion” – knowing Christ’s love and showing Christ’s love to little kids who desperately need it.

I could write a 100 more pages but I don't want to be known as the longest blogger on here. I will leave that honor to Wayne Foreman and Shane Robbins.

Read Psalm 68:5, Psalm 82:3, and James 1:27. That explains it. Let’s do that.

If you want to see more pictures of the Ukraine trip, then please visit our website at http://www.tracecrossing.org/default.aspx?pid=98.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:

Father of the Fatherless, make us a people whose hearts break when we see the needs of the poor both at home and around the world. Let us be a people who weep deeply for widows and orphans. Let us never grow tired of taking up the cause of this world's fatherless children, teaching them and showing them that there is a Heavenly Father who will never abandon them. We were all orphans once, until you came and rescued us by the work of your only Son on the cross. And by his blood we are forgiven, we are free, and we are family - adopted by grace. Help us to never forget that. Help us to never forget them. Keep us from wasting our lives on useless pleasures. Keep us from wasting your resources on useless treasures. Make it our pleasure to spread your treasure to those who need it most in this world. Never let us hoard it for ourselves. Show us how to be as extravagantly gracious and giving as you are. By Your Grace. For Your Glory. Amen.

DAY 34: STRAIGHT TO THE THRONE by Susan Bouchillon

DAY THIRTY-FOUR: STRAIGHT TO THE THRONE by Susan Bouchillon

It's been almost 2 years ago now since I sat at Harvey's having lunch with my friend, Emma Kate. Most of our conversation revolved around Trace Crossing, this "new church" that was starting in Tupelo. I had somewhat followed the birth of Trace and even prayed for the families involved in the early stages, but was eager to hear so much more about it.

I asked question after question and Emma Kate patiently responded. Where are you meeting? Do you guys have a pastor? Being part of music programs in the previous churches I had attended, one of my questions was, "Who is leading the music?" (I think I really asked who the choir director was!) She told me his name was Kevin Williams. She also told me that the lucky folks who'd witnessed Kevin leading worship said, "Kevin Williams will lead you straight to the Throne." After our lunch I couldn't wait to visit this Church at Trace Crossing. I do say visit because that is what we intended to do. After that very first visit we knew that this place was where we wanted to call home.

As I said, that was almost 2 years ago. Each and every Sunday we attend church and gather with wonderful friends. We pray with those in need. We receive prayers, hugs and comfort when we are the ones in need. We hear an awesome Biblically based sermon from an anointed pastor sent from God. And... our hearts are prepared for worship by Kevin Williams. I have been moved to tears by his passion for Christ and the way it comes out in his prayers and music. I am so thankful that my family---especially my children--- are learning to truly worship Christ under Kevin's leadership.

I'm not sure who said it but they were indeed right...thanks Kevin for leading us to the throne.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so thankful for The Church at Trace Crossing. Thank you so much for blessing us with such wonderful staff and leaders who never seem to tire from doing your work. We feel so fortunate to be a part of a congregation who truly loves you and others. Thanks for allowing us to be in a place that lets us worship you so freely. May we always realize that it is indeed all about you. We love you Father. Amen

DAY 33: “The Stars” by Michael Campbell

DAY THIRTY-THREE: “The Stars” by Michael Campbell

James 4:8- Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

I love the amazing beauty the sky beholds, especially the stars. They are so amazing to me, to think that God placed each one exactly where it is and He knows exactly how many there are, how they are truly so big, but we see them as so small. As a kid, I remember being outside at night just staring at God’s awesome creation, but a time I will never forget is when I saw the stars over Wyoming. I was with a group that was learning how to be cowboys: we rode horses, cooked over an open fire, and slept under the stars. I remember finally lying down from a long day of riding and taking care of the horses, and seeing the most beautiful night sky I ever laid eyes on. I made the comment to our trail boss (who was a lot like Curly from the movie City Slickers), “Man, I sure wish we had stars like this back in Mississippi.” In a very simple way he said something that was so profound to me “Boy, you got the same exact stars as anyone else does. You just got more stuff between you and them stars.” His words were so true that night and are so true for many of us believers.

James 4:8 tells us that if we simply draw near to God, He will likewise draw near to us. God is a lot like those stars. He is always there and He is the same today as He was yesterday and as He will be tomorrow. God wants to have a relationship with us, a relationship that is more amazing than the stars themselves, but instead we choose to fill our lives with distractions and put up barriers that keep us from seeing God for who He truly is. We hurry through life and don’t take the time we need to truly seek after Him. In my own life, I battle with FOCUSING ON GOD. I, like many of us, live life in the fast lane and have many irons in the fire, which cause my spiritual eyes to be blinded to what God has for me and my life. God comforts us with this promise by saying that if we will stop being distracted by our jobs, our hobbies, our worries, our wants, our fears, our desires, and just simply seek after Him, then He will be faithful to meet with us, show Himself to us and allow us to see what He has for us. God cannot tell a lie which means that my God means business when He says this.

To truly see the stars the way God intended takes a little work on our part as well. You can’t see them just anywhere… You have to find a place that doesn’t have distractions in the way, blocking them out. It also takes a little work on our part to receive this promise. We have to get to a place in our own lives that is cleansed and purified. James tells us that for us to draw near to God, we must first cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. For us to approach God, we must recognize our sins and distractions, confess them and lay them to the side. So I ask you, are you able to see “The Star” in your life, or is there too much “stuff” in the way?

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father God, I thank you for your beauty and amazing power that is displayed in Your creation. And Lord, You are our Creator and I pray that as believers and members of this faith family, we are striving each and every day to meet with You and draw near to You. Lord, it is my plea that you remove any distractions or barriers that we have as individuals or as a faith family that would keep us from seeing You and drawing near to You. And God, I pray that You would cleanse us and purify us so we can step boldly into Your presence and that the world around us would see You through us. Amen.

DAY 32: "The Weakest Link" by Tami Scott

DAY THIRTY-TWO: “The Weakest Link” by Tami Scott

I’ve done a number of Bible studies over the years ~ some with just ladies and some with my husband in a life group, but most of them only partially completed. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve attended every meeting ever scheduled.

Once we become believers, we find that walking with God takes quite a bit of work. Starting a new Bible study is easy and exciting. It’s sticking with it and finishing that’s the hard part.

God desires to have a relationship with us. I’ll be honest with you ~ if given the chance, I’ll take the easy way out on just about anything. I’ll be the first to admit I have a tendency to spread myself too thin and in the end my study time and prayer time with God are greatly affected because of the choices I’ve made. I’ve come to the realization though, that the only path to true fulfillment is to be completely His. If I truly want that relationship with God, then why wouldn’t I do all I can to learn more about Him?

This past Sunday, Kevin made reference to two things in his sermon. One was, “It’s time to step it up!” I highly doubt he was talking to me, but he does have this way about him that makes you feel that way. The second thing he mentioned was about not being passive. I have taught elementary school for 16 years and that’s the one thing you will constantly hear me say in my classroom, “Be active, not passive.” It’s amazing that I can go over this day in and day out with my students yet find difficulty in following through with it myself. I’m always encouraging my students to be active learners and search for the answers instead of allowing the same ones to always do all the work. In the end when I come to lifegroup without the lessons read or my homework done, isn’t that exactly what I’m doing? Being passive.

I praise God each day for bringing my family to Trace Crossing a year and a half ago. I am so thankful for the friendships that were redeveloped and for the new ones that have been and are still being formed.

We are all on the same team, His team. Thank you to my lifegroup for always being an encourager to me as well as others. Susan B. I appreciate you looking me in the eye and saying, “You’ll only get out of this study what you put into it.” I love you girl! Thank you to my dear friend, Jennie Lee, who will keep me straight when Babylon has me so confused!

As Beth Moore stated at the beginning of this study . . . Continually ask God to grant you “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” Ephesians 1:17

Alright friends, it’s time to step it up. I refuse to be the weakest link! How about you?

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Dear Father God, I thank you for this awesome faith family at Trace Crossing. Please continue to guide us so that we may be encouragers to others. I ask that you grant us depth of wisdom and understanding so that we can build that relationship that you long for us to have with you. In Your name I pray, Amen

DAY 31: McKinley Can Come to My Church by Paul Bouchillon

DAY THIRTY-ONE: McKinley Can Come To My Church by Paul Bouchillon

As a young boy growing up in the 1960's, I witnessed quite a bit of change. Many events rocked our society and our nation. Churches were in the forefront of these sweeping changes. Some churches were used as tools for change. Meanwhile other churches stood as barriers to change. One incident that sticks in my mind to this day took place when I was 4 or 5 years old.

An older black man named McKinley Walker used to trim our hedges and do general odd jobs around the house. He was one of the finest people God ever put on the face of this earth. He was gentle and always had time for me. I would always look to see when McKinley was taking a break so I could join him. On this occasion, I invited McKinley to go to church with me. He did not answer me the first few times I asked him. But I persisted to the point where he could tell that my feelings were hurt. In his gentle manner, he placed his hand on my shoulder and told me, "Son, that's nice of you - but I can't go to your church. I have to go to mine." It dawned on me then that even though we were taught that God loves us all, "man" had decided otherwise. From that point forward, I saw the inconsistencies in the church and felt largely that people belonged to the church often times for social or business reasons. The church as I saw it was not the one that Christ established. He turned society and its rules upside down, then paid the price we could not pay by dying on the cross.

Church became an "obligation" as I became a family man - kind of like part of a job description. I began hearing about God planting a hunger in the hearts of a few families in the community to begin a new church. Many of these people I knew. I also knew of their convictions and their passions. But, their preacher was only 28 years old! I did not verbalize this but thought it to myself: "Here's a new guy - a kid - who is full of passion about changing the world but really has no idea about the 'real world' ".

I had the pleasure of going to lunch with Kevin Wood. It did not take long to disspell my prejudice. He was level-headed but passionate. Immediately I felt a bond of trust as we shared who we were. In November 2006 we went to visit and have not looked back. My life and those of my family have never been the same. In fact, during the last year or more, my family and I have gone through some difficult times. Not once did our faith family at Trace Crossing waiver in their genuine love and support. We have never seen such an outpouring of love - that agape love that can only come from our Master. But more importantly, as I see the vision of our church come to fruition, I am witnessing those old, man-made barriers being destroyed. It is a vision that has resonated with me since I was a young boy asking a simple question to an old friend. I thank God that now McKinley can come to my church.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing
Heavenly Father, thank you for inspiring the vision of Trace Crossing, stirring our hearts to live as Christ did, tearing down the barriers, seeking the broken for your Kingdom. Father, may we never lose that original passion you placed in our hearts. For it is in the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

DAY 30: "I'm Not Handicapped" by Christian Williams

DAY THIRTY: "I'm Not Handicapped" by Christian Williams

Today, as Rob Sevilla read the scriptures, I found myself feeling sorry for the crippled lamb, mainly because he wasn’t the “right” kind of sacrifice. A crippled lamb should not be considered a good offering. I know that, but it doesn’t seem fair. I thought, “Hey, he can’t help that he can’t walk!” I know most people feel sorry for the spotless one that is sacrificed. I, however, can relate to the cripple.

Many of you know that I was diagnosed with a rare eye disease at age 19. Prior to that time, I did things just like everyone else. I really struggled with the “handicapped” label. The truth is, I needed some help because I was a sophomore in college and my detail vision had diminished greatly. As a result, I had trouble reading small print. Student services let me take tests in a nice quiet room. They would enlarge the print for me and give me unlimited time to finish. Richard Carley, my case worker, looked me in the eye one day and said “I know you don’t like it, but you are going to have to face the fact that you are handicapped.” I was so upset that I couldn’t stop shaking. Sometimes truth not only hurts, it makes you angry.

The truth is we are all handicapped, broken. I am broken physically, but my mind and heart are broken as well. I have prideful, selfish tendencies that God cannot fix in me because I don’t really want Him to. I don’t really want to see these imperfections. Talk about blind! Honestly, it would be easier for God to fix my physical blindness than my spiritual blindness. I get in the way of the latter. God calls us to be “living sacrifices” but we aren’t worthy of that fate.

Our brokenness makes us just like that lamb, limping along trying to keep up with the Master’s voice. He would carry us if we really wanted Him to. But sometimes we’d rather cross our arms and say, “I’ve got this. I’m not handicapped!”

I have come to realize that the “h” word is not so bad. It just means that I need some help once in a while. God has used this in my life to teach me dependence on Him and others. We have this miracle called the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of our bodies. He has set up residence in very close proximity, so close that we could easily fall in sync with Him.

When God shows us the truth about ourselves, it is as if the scales fall from our eyes. He gives us true sight. But the Spirit cannot do what we will not allow. So let’s get real with ourselves. Let’s be real with one another. Let’s thank God for grace that loves us beyond our imperfections!

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Holy Spirit show me the truth. Help us all see the truth. And then help us move with perspective and passion for you. Remind us that we are truly handicapped without your help. Amen.

DAY 29: "Trace Crossing Through a Student's Eyes" by Mary Jennings Bouchillon

DAY TWENTY-NINE: "Trace Crossing Through a Student's Eyes" by Mary Jennings Bouchillon

My first day at Trace Crossing I can remember so well. I can remember pulling up into the parking lot of the Hancock Leadership Center and thinking...could people really want to start an actual church here?
In the past, it had seemed like church had always been a chore to me. There was absolutely no excitement or passion for me to be at church every Sunday. I would literally wake up and think of ways that I could skip church!
When church began the morning I visited Trace, I watched as Kevin Williams started to lead worship. I had always been a part of a church where there were huge choirs and organs. Everything was so simple here but it kept me into the music and into the awesome words of the songs. Kevin Wood got up to preach and I remember hanging on to each word he was saying. He was so young and I could understand what he was saying and could relate in some ways. I instantly felt apart of what was going on at the Hancock Leadership Center in November of 2006.
I got in the car and I was already excited about coming again the next Sunday. I can even remember my brother, Austin, getting in the car and saying, "Mom and Dad, please don't ever make me go anywhere else but here to church."
Trace Crossing is such a special place where people love to love people. This church has been there for me in SO many things that I have gone through and I am so thankful to be a part of this group of people. This is not only a church, but an extended family.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father God, I thank you for the people of Trace Crossing and how they are so willing to serve each other. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of what you are doing here. In your name I pray...Amen.

DAY 28: "Ravens" by Drew Love

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT: "Ravens" by Drew Love

This is a blog from one of our team members on the mission field in Ukraine. The blog was taken from Drew & Jennifer Love's personal site, http://www.thelovesinms.blogspot.com/. Be sure and check out the others.

The first word to describe today for me is "paralyzing". So much hurt, so much pain, but so few of us - 8 to be exact. It is almost overwhelming. I question myself, are we making an impact?, will they remember?, the list goes on. I overheard Ian telling a story today about how several years ago someone commented on his ministry as that of a "Raven", meaning a little bit here and a little bit there. In fact, we are all "Ravens" or are called to be "Ravens", doing what we can here and there to spread and point to His name. It may not look like much now, but it will add up over time. And if you add up all the "Ravens"? I think you get the picture. I am also reminded of Gal 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Today was a very rainy, grey and cool day. This morning we went to a boy's correctional home. There were about twenty boys there today. The ages ranged from 10 - 12. The boys are sent there from the courts as a result of some wrong doing. During there time there they will study, learn a trade and maybe enter society again. They have about 70 acres they farm. We were very impressed with the director. He has been there for 33 yrs and really acts as a father to the boys. Their number also fluctuates from month to month. Before our program they performed several songs for us. They were very talented and had boy that could really sing. We had pizza for lunch and headed out for our afternoon stop. The afternoon was spent at a orphanage that housed those that are physically handicapped. Some of the ailments were obvious while others were not. The program seemed to be well received again. Each program we close with the Gospel in a way they can understand and visualize. Ian had done the last couple of stops but Kevin W did it this time. I think a number of the kids got it, listened and responded. (Got a picture of it that I will show you later.) It is such a difficult message to convey that what has happened to them is not by God's design, but that He actually intended for something else. That where they are at in most cases is not their fault. They had no control over it. Yet, we are all in bondage and need Jesus Christ to set us free. I shared the following quote in my sermon earlier in the week about explaining the new heavens to kids, "There will be a day when you will run with cheetahs and swim with dolphins." (I sound like a preacher and couldn't be further from that.) I can't even fathom what these kids will be doing and experiencing in Heaven some day. And that is the hope we carry around with us each day.

We closed the day with dinner. Believe or not we found a place with french fries and steak. The steak was more like "minute steak". Can't remember if I have mentioned this or not, but we try to close each evening with a time of prayer as well as to process what we each experienced that particular day. There was a lot of thoughts, emotions and feelings expressed. Very good stuff. God has knitted together this team so neatly. Everyone compliments each other so well. I have rambled way to much. We are scheduled for two more orphanages tomorrow. One will be for the mentally handicapped. Then on Thur we are scheduled for three different stops. We will head out for Kiev on Fri morning to start the journey back home and fly out on Sat for home.

Good Night, - Drew

DAY 27: "Why Trace Crossing is so Special" by George Vinson

DAY TWENTY-SEVEN: "Why Trace Crossing is so Special" by George Vinson

George Vinson here, writing from the Nashville area. You may or may not know me, but I'm the guitar player that gets to come play at Trace Crossings every now and again. When Kevin Williams invited me to contribute an entry to this blog, I was both honored and excited. I've known K. Williams for many, many years and we are fast friends. And I have been a fan of the 'other Kevin' since serving with him at the Church at Brook Hills.

Two years of the Trace... wow. I have followed your journey since Day One and have had the privilege of being with you folks in worship several times. From the first time way back in the Hancock Building, to recent services in your current home, I have always felt Holy Spirit's presence and have seen firsthand how God is moving in your Faith Family.

I have often wondered what makes Trace Crossing so special. As a traveling musician, I get to play at all sorts of fellowships... big Baptist boxes, small 100-seaters, churches in homes, churches in Jesus-Domes... heck, I've even played churches from Japan to the Middle East and points between. I know and believe that God's presence in there in all of those places, from the promise that where two or more believers are gathered, He's there in their midst.

But I have run across a few places that just seem extra special. And The Church at Trace Crossing is one of those for me.

So what makes it special? Is it your two Kevins? Both incredibly gifted and anointed men for sure. Is it the story of how your church was born? Maybe it's the fact that you have eschewed a traditional approach to worship and facilities. I'm almost certain that it could be the musicians you allow to join you from time to time (lol).

As much as all those things are important, I think what makes TC so special might possibly be the concept of 'many people... one passion'. Not that a clever catch-phrase a cool church makes. On the contrary; clever and cool never brought new life to a dying soul.

No... the more I think about it, what makes Trace Crossing so special is you!

Before I wrote this blog, I went and read all the journal entries. I was amazed by the stories of grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and all the words and prayers that point back to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. These stories represent God's hand truly at work. It's great that you have gifted and inspired leadership, and that God has blessed you with tools and resources. But that special quality I sense every time I'm with you is the fact you are committed to Christ... to follow His commands... to live out His story for all to see.

So congrats on the two years... you're now a toddler! I pray that as you grow, you keep your sight firmly set on the Father. Don't try to be anything other than what you are today... 'many people... with one passion'.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
So thank God for His marvelous love,
for His miracle mercy to the children He loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,
shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!
Psalm 107: 31-32 (The Message)

George Vinson
Thompson’s Station, TN

DAY 26: "Stepping Out" by Michael Ritter

DAY TWENTY-SIX: "Stepping Out" by Michael Ritter

I remember the first time we stepped out and met with a group of people who wanted to do more than just play church. I remember meeting in homes, forming a bond with one another and trying to see how God wanted us to step out in faith. God was showing us His plan that we could not certainly see. We decided as a group to step out. Not knowing what was next or where we were going. Moving in faith and just doing what God led us to do. Stepping out became the best decision that we could have made. To think that the only one who knew this was God and through obedience we get to share in the reward.

However, we are not the first in history to step out in faith. Look at the lives of Moses, John, and Paul to name a few. Those written about in the Bible are people who had to step out and follow God. The main one I think of when it comes to stepping out is Jesus. He stepped out from Heaven and came to Earth. Nothing He did was the norm with the religious leaders of that day and time. He showed us in His daily walk exactly how we should all step out and follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God knew from the beginning that there was no better way to show mankind what to do and how to do it than to come and show us Himself through Jesus Christ, Himself.

As time moved on, we had a place of meeting and had a name for our church family. We stepped out again by placing signs. Stepping out in faith we continued to do it believing that God would lead “whosoever” to step out and join us. In time, God did just that. He sent Joe and Becky Mebane to be with us at Trace Crossing. What a blessing they are to us. God moved other peoples’ hearts and they stepped out from their comfort zone as well.

We finally moved locations, from the Hancock Center to the West Main Shopping Center, where we are currently located. The church family took another step of faith when we decided to work together to build walls and classrooms in our new location. We spent precious moments together, bonding through painting, cleaning, praying over the empty chairs in the room that God would move “whosoever” to step out and join us. Today, those same empty chairs are filled with people that stepped out to see what God was doing at Trace Crossing. What blessings God pours out when we are obedient in stepping out and following Him in faith!

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
I pray, as time goes on, we continue to be obedient in our faith by stepping out and making a difference in the World. May each one of us step out daily from our content lives and follow Jesus Christ in loving “whosoever”. Teaching them how to live for Christ and leading them to serve Him.

DAY 25: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell

DAY TWENTY-FIVE: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell

But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be hearers of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of this work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:22-27 (KJV)

We discussed this passage of Scripture at Wednesday night’s prayer meeting. Kevin asked all of us 3 questions pertaining to this passage:

*Where do you see yourself in terms of being a hearer AND a doer of the Word?

*Who at The Church at Trace Crossing do you think of as a doer of the Word?

*What do you think stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows?

These questions caused me to evaluate myself in a deep way. It’s absolutely crazy to think that I could look at myself in a mirror and forget what I looked like as I walk away! How often do I hear the Word and know what is expected of me but then keep silent and take no action at the very next opportunity placed before me? Being afraid or uncomfortable is no excuse for inaction. How often do I justify this behavior due to these emotions? I think about Malachi 1:13 which says, “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

While I don’t like to think that I turn up my nose to the LORD’s commands, is that not what I’m doing when I don’t trust Him in ALL circumstances? I’ve realized that I don’t want to be real with myself in terms of going the extra mile for the Lord because it’s just too hard. It costs too much. Look at the situations I’d be in and the time I would have to put in if I chose to do what the Word says. I just can’t do it! And yet, this is exactly the moment that I must put feet to my faith if I really want to follow Jesus. I’ve let myself get complacent in my walk with Him. I’ve told myself that I’ve already given up a lot since being saved. Isn’t that enough?

I’m so thankful that Jesus wasn’t like me while He was on the earth. What if He would’ve said, “It’s just too hard to do what You’ve asked of me God. It costs too much! I’m scared and uncomfortable so I’m just going to quit. I’ve already done a lot for these people. Isn’t that enough?” Thankfully, Jesus knew that it wasn’t enough. We know He was scared and uncomfortable because He prayed three times for the cup to be taken from Him, however, His love for us kept Him on task in the ministry His Father had given Him.

As believers, we have all been given a ministry, but it’s our choice to be a hearer AND a doer of that work. My husband and I have only been living in this area for about two months now and Trace Crossing was the very first church we visited. We planned on visiting several others before we settled into a new church home but within the first few minutes of walking through the doors, we both felt that we were already home. Kevin asked us on Wednesday night to think of who at Trace Crossing was a doer of the Word. I couldn’t think of anyone who wasn’t demonstrating this quality!

I remember our first visit to Trace Crossing. So many came and introduced themselves to us with big smiles on their faces and open arms. We felt so welcome and loved by people we had never laid eyes on until that moment. It was incredible. The longer we attend, the more we see and hear of the great works being done by this congregation. Everyone is so passionate about meeting others needs (even to the point of donating an organ to save another member’s life). Wow!

I think the thing that stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows is that they are helpless and hopeless without someone to come along and meet their needs. We are all eternally helpless and hopeless except that Jesus loved us enough to do His Father’s will, no matter what He had to do, no matter how much it cost Him. The people at The Church at Trace Crossing have this kind of love for one another. They serve not out of obligation, but from a passion within to show God’s love to all who walk through the doors. They have challenged me to begin a new journey in my walk with the Lord, and for that I am so grateful.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father, I thank you for bringing Michael and I to this body of believers. You have used them to stir my heart to be a better doer of Your Word and to be about Your business. I’m so thankful that You have allowed me to be a part of this wonderful faith family! I pray that You would help us all to be doers of Your Word without counting the cost. Help us to have a never-ending passion to serve people in Your name to bring You glory.

DAY 24: "Grateful People" by Emma Kate Mikels

DAY TWENTY-FOUR: "Grateful People" by Emma Kate Mikels

Grateful People

It is time that we give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve
Yes, it's time to give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve

A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people
A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people

Have we waited far too long to surrender
Forgive us Oh God the years
We failed to seek your face
Oh Lord, your mercy turns us into
Grateful people
We can't seem to find the words
So take our lives that there might be enough
To tell you how grateful
Lord, we are grateful

lyrics by: Watermark

Grateful. That is what I am. Grateful. Incredibly grateful to worship every week with passionate followers of Jesus Christ. My gratefulness began though when our Lord gave us His man. Back when we were praying for this church that may be one day – we knew that we had to be patient and wait on a pastor sent from our Father above. We prayed that God would give him a burden for Tupelo – the Lord heard our cries and answered our prayer.

Sophie referred to the first encounter several of us had with Kevin Wood, our pastor. We heard a humble man, crying out to God on behalf of sooooooo many. It moved me to tears. We all walked away with hearts full of excitement. What if? God, would you really send us Kevin and Traci? They don’t even know who we are!

I remember when we went to Brook Hills to hear him preach in person. They announced he was preaching that day and over 2,000 people stood up to cheer. Just so thrilled to have Kevin “in the house.” I remember thinking – there is NO WAY they’ll ever leave all of this to come to a no name church in Tupelo. They did -- because they were obedient to the extraordinary call God placed on their lives.

My journal in June 2006 reads “God, may we, in your perfect time, walk into that church we dream of. A place where your man stands with a heart for you alone and you MOVE like mighty rushing water through him. Lord - may ‘water gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert’”(obviously I was studying Isaiah at the time). Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, thank you for a humble leader and pastor whose heart is tender and whose compassion runs deep. Thank you for Traci, whose giftedness runs deep and wide. Thank you for their servant hearts and gentle spirits. We love them so much!! If you haven’t had the opportunity to get to know them PLEASE reach out to them. They are fun lovin, hilarious, REAL, authentic, and bold believers!

Trace Crossing, my prayer is that we would be a grateful people, that we would never run short of expressing our gratefulness to our staff who all do more behind the scenes than we’ll ever know. We always want to be a body that prays for God to MOVE - to remove our “me” attitudes so that he can – and that thanks him in gratefulness with our praise.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Lord, thank you for Trace Crossing. Thank you for Kevin. Lord, we pray that you would protect his heart and pour out your blessings on him. May we be a body that expresses our gratefulness to your love and mercy with our very lives. Lord, you have richly blessed our faith family again and again and again. Forgive us Lord where we fall short daily and have mercy on us Father. May we be a grateful people who serves and loves you passionately.

DAY 23: "Amazing, Actually" by Daniel Monaghan

DAY TWENTY-THREE: "Amazing, Actually" by Daniel Monaghan

Amazing. A word that we throw around quite casually and carelessly. During the recent Olympics it was used almost incessantly. Michael Phelps! Amazing! Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin! Amazing! Usain Bolt! Amazing! That Opening Ceremony! Amazing! Perhaps that casualness is why I am reluctant to use the word ‘Amazing’ in describing the birth and growth of The Church at Trace Crossing or especially my own involvement in TC2. But I find myself using that word over and over again.

It was two years ago (Wednesday, September 20, 2006 to be exact), that I acted on a decision (a commitment, actually, more to myself than to God) to show up at the furniture market to see if I could find a group of people (of whom I knew a total of one) who, over the past few months I had discovered, were in the process of beginning a new church. Amazing. I had first heard in the early spring that there were a few folks meeting and praying about starting this new church, but what lead me to make this decision?

In early summer I had received a message on CD that someone close to me thought I ought to hear. I listened and was positively impacted. Amazing. (I have heard LOTS of messages on CD) But I took no further action at that time. On August 29, I received an email containing a link to a blog by an unknown (at least to me) blogger – “coincidentally” the same person whose message was on the CD. The sender HIGHLY suggested I read the blog (Ancient Road, Modern World). I did so immediately. Amazing. (If you have not read it, you must!) I was overwhelmed, although my response to the sender was a quite-understated “got it fine…good read…who is this guy?” The sender responded with “This is the pastor the people … have called for their pastor. This is the new church name. The Church at Trace Crossing. He will be here Sept 24th.” Amazing.

This immediately sent me off on a series of ‘Google searches’ over several days, which led me to Brook Hills’s website and to Sophie’s blogspot – BooMama! After reading all that I could and exchanging a coupla emails with Sophie on September 15, I got an email from Kevin Wood and from Brad Mikels. With what I had read and heard I told Sophie and Kevin that I intended to show up the following Wednesday at the furniture market. I did. Amazing.

As I drove around the building a coupla times, just about deciding to leave, I finally saw a few cars. I told the lady that I saw as I pulled into a parking spot that I was looking for some folks starting a new church, to which she said “you’re in the right place”. Amazing. Michelle Taylor could not have spoken more accurately (perhaps even prophetically). The next person I met was a ‘big, burly’ young man, I guessed of about 30 years, who was keeping several young children, outside at that moment. Amazing. (Michael, I don't think I have ever told ya just how much that impressed me, but it really did!)

Going into the room where we were to gather, I met several more folks – with none of whom I had any previous direct connection, strangers you might say, but somehow they really weren’t. The first clue I really had of ‘something happening here’ (any ‘70’s kids out there?) was when a couple of the couples were talking about a single mother that the group had been helping with basic needs – yes, including school supplies! (I seem to recall saying to myself – YES!!) I think there were probably approaching 20 people that night – I didn’t meet everyone.

As I sat there listening, not saying a word, quite naturally, I was totally overwhelmed. I just sat there, and coming as close to actually hearing the Voice of God as I ever have, heard Him say, “I am doing a work here – in, with and thru these people!” Amazing. AND, on the drive home that night, “YOU are to be a part of this!” What? I don't know any of these people – the only one I knew was not there! But He was clear. Me, THE stranger part of this new work? Amazing.

You see, God had been providing me a ‘divine discontent’ for several years. I had told my pastor a coupla years earlier that I was just so tired of “playing church” (a phrase that would resonate much more as time went by) Later I would tell him I just could NOT play church any longer, and had been telling close friends for the same few years that I was feeling that God wanted me in a new work - didn’t have a clue what that meant. That night, I got the Clue! Amazing.

Now, two years later, to see what God continues to do in that new work is, well yeh – Amazing. So many people having been drawn by God to this new work. So many people NOT ‘playing church’. Not even ‘doing church’. But BEING THE CHURCH. Being Jesus to people. So many people with the freedom to worship God so passionately (Loving God). So many people reaching out to those in need – spiritually, emotionally and yes, physically and materially (Loving People). Not with condemnation. But in Grace. In Love. And not just to those who look like them, or dress like them or live by them, but to all. To all. Wherever, Whenever, and yes Whosoever! Loving, Living, Leading…’So many people, One passion’ is not just a slogan, it is fact and mission and well…

Amazing, Actually

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Gracious Father, Enduring Friend, would you allow us always to be amazed by your Grace and that you would use us as instruments of that Grace to those around us, never condemning but always reaching out. And would you allow us to be continually amazed by your Love. Make us channels of that Love and never allow us to become complacent, apathetic or passive… Continue to help us recognize your Great and Awesome Being, to worship you appropriately and passionately…Continue to make us always sensitive to your voice, and make us bold always to follow your lead up close…wherever, whenever to whomever…

DAY 22: "Give Me The Simple Life" by Julie Halbert

DAY TWENTY-TWO: "Give Me The Simple Life" by Julie Halbert

I don’t pay a lot of attention to detail. Once I was standing in front of one of my best friends and I commented to her how good her teeth looked and asked when did she get her braces taken off. She looked at me puzzled and said I got them taken off two years ago.

Perhaps as a result, I try to keep most things in my life simple without much detail. I only wear make-up enough to purchase maybe once a year, I have a coat size closet for my clothes, and best of all I don’t carry a purse. Yes, I said it right, I don’t carry a purse. I have a credit card size wallet for my drivers license, insurance card, and debit card.

Although I try to live a simple life, my spiritual life has not always been so simple. For the first ten years of my Christian life, I spent most of it in constant prayer begging God to forgive me of my sins. I thought if I did not say that prayer at the moment before I died I would be lost. The details of doing the things I needed to do to be saved and the details of how to stay saved seemed unattainable. I had no concept of grace.

It wasn’t until Mark and I started attending Chenal Valley Church in Little Rock that changed my relationship with God from a doomed one to a loving one. From an unattainable relationship with lots of details to an attainable one that was simple.

The decision to move to Tupelo was difficult because it meant leaving a church family who was so responsible for opening our eyes. But we wanted in Tupelo what we had in Little Rock. After years of dwelling on details once again, we discovered simplicity at Trace. A place open to "whosoever" and extending God's grace to all comers. Simple, yet full of depth.

Maybe that is why we have been so attracted to Kevin 's gifted preaching. He challenges and, like last Sunday, goes deep in scripture. Yet he honors simplicity such that my twelve year old son "gets it".

My prayer for Trace is to stay that simple church. Love God - Love People. Don’t get bogged down with details. Especially if that means I don’t have to carry a purse.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:
Dear Lord and Father, thank you for the church at Trace Crossing. Thank you for the simplicity of your message that takes a child like heart to understand. Your word says unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. I pray we keep things simple. In Jesus name…..Amen.

DAY 21: "50" by Wayne Foreman

DAY TWENTY-ONE: “50” by Wayne Foreman

About 4 weeks ago Stephanie and I were in Louisville visiting her parents. We had planned this weekend because Beth Moore was speaking at their church. Stephanie’s parents purchased 4 tickets about a year ago for us to go with them. I’ll have to say I was a little skeptical about it because these events are for women, but they insisted more and more men were coming to listen to her. I knew I needed to here a word of some sort after the issues I had been dealing with at my work so I was on my way. Once we got there I began looking for all the men they were talking about. I couldn’t count John, Stephanie’s dad, because he was working as an usher. After I discounted all the men ushers and Beth Moore’s bodyguard I realized that instead of 50 there were only 3 and one of them was her brother.

I did however know the other man besides myself, his name is Roy. Roy is a good friend of John and Jan’s and I was very glad to see him there. The church that Beth was speaking at holds about 9,000 and the fellowship hall area holds another 1,000 and it was 100% sold-out. If you are counting, like I was, you will notice there were about 9,950 WOMEN and about 50 men and 47 of them were working. Roy had already been to one of her conferences so he was over the low testosterone levels and worshipping away. After the first night Stephanie and I got back to our room and began talking about the material we had covered. We both enjoyed the music and she had some good scripture but I still wasn’t getting it like Stephanie was. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed that night but I was ready for something life changing and I left that night still feeling a little empty.

When we got up the next morning Stephanie and I reviewed our notes again and prayed that God would give us a word about my job. Once we got back to the church we started listening to the praise band and worshipping God in such an awesome way. You could feel God’s presence in the room. After the music Beth got up and began teaching again and pulling the points from the night before and tying them in with new points. After a little while I realized why all of our wives have been so excited to listen to her for all these years. God anointed Beth that morning and she gave us a word that hit us directly between the eyes. Her message was in Luke chapter 8 about the parable of the sower. The points she gave us that day are as follows with some scripture:

1. Treasure the Wonder
2 Tim 3:16-17
Hosea 10:12
She talked about being “Thoroughly Equipped” and “Competently Competent”

2. Protect your Heart
John 10:10
Psalm 119:10-11

3. Expect the Test
Psalms 126:5-6
1 Cor 10:13
God will take you through trails to make you stand.
Satan will send temptations to make you fall.

4. Dig the roots
2 Kings 19:29-31
Eph 3:17
We need to take root below and bear fruit above

5. Stop the Choke
Phil 4:6-7
Speak scripture, pray scripture, and ask for release from anxiety
Ecclesiastes 11:6

6. Retain the word
Luke 8:14

7. Press forth to your 100-Fold
Finish what you started
Harvest will come with perseverance
Gal 6:9 - do not quit before the harvest comes.

When we left that day we felt God telling us to stand firm, don’t give up. No matter how bad it was at work I needed to finish what I started and not give up before the harvest time. Four days later I was released from work, but can I tell you we never doubted God. We never thought this would be the outcome but we knew God was going to do something big and something special.

Everyday since the Beth Moore conference Stephanie and I have been soaking in God’s word. We have had the best quiet times and prayer times together since then. When she has been down, I have been there to lift her up and when I have been down she has been there for me. We have been memorizing one scripture verse after another. God has brought us so close together these past weeks I get excited thinking about it. We never doubted that God would take care of us. In the past 4 weeks I went only 1 week without work and I had a dear brother who let me come to work with him a couple of days of that week. We have been able to see our children come and join us in our quiet times as well as pray with us and for us. Thank you God!

Today I was thinking about what to write and where to start, if any of you know me you know that I don’t read much and I never write but God told me to start from the beginning and He would finish the story. After my quiet time this morning in a hotel room I called Stephanie and God gave her some scripture that she shared with me and I want to share with you. It brings our journey that we have been on to full light now. Mark 10:29-30 says that God will bless us 100 times for our persecutions and leaving our family for His sake.

Today, Stephanie and Katherine, my oldest daughter, leave to the Ukraine for 10 days on a mission trip. Thank you God for the past 4 weeks and their faithfulness to stay focused on going instead of our circumstances. The harvest was never about my job but about God’s kingdom. What some may have looked as being bad, God made it good. My prayer is that we would continue to keep our eyes on God even when things get better. I would love to tell you about the great friends we have that came beside us when things were down and how my brother Roy called me to lift me up when he is fighting as well. God you are so good and so faithful. Thank you. To the other 49 men there that day my prayer is that God will bless you 100 fold as well.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:
God I pray that you would bless our faith family 100 fold times 100, that we would reach out and bless 100 and they 100 and so on. I pray that we would plant in the good soil and dig roots with scripture and bear fruit serving and ministering others around our city and reaching our world.

DAY 20: "Jehovah Jireh" by Stephanie Foreman

DAY TWENTY: "JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord Will Provide" by Stephanie Foreman

I really can’t begin to tell you the infinite ways God has provided for me and my family. He has abundantly provided for our faith family as well. He blows my mind with His faithfulness to us even when we are not always so faithful to Him!

Katherine and I leave tomorrow to go to Ukraine on the very first global mission trip with Trace Crossing. What a tremendous privilege! It is only through God’s provision that we are going. We feel so blessed that so many in our faith family are so willing to be used by God to fulfill that provision!

He has blessed our church with a Godly, Holy-Spirit inspired Pastor; with a dynamic, faith-filled worship leader, and family after family of God- gifted people ready and willing to reach out to a lost and dying people. GOD’S PROVISION - What a glorious gift! There are no limits to what He can do! We see story after story in the Bible of how God provided for His children. He does the very same for us today!

Let’s not be so preoccupied today with what IS so that we lose sight of what CAN BE! Let’s step back and see the bigger picture. Greater things are yet to come! Let’s praise Him for His provision and believe Him for the BEST! He is so able!

My prayer for our faith family:

Gracious Lord, You are truly amazing! I stand in awe of You! Please help us to never lose sight of Your Greatness. Help us to be ever aware of Your daily provision in our personal lives as well as in our church. Thank You that You know what we need before we even know we need it! Thank You that You care about every detail of our lives! Help us to be faithful to You, Lord as You are so faithful to us! In Jesus Name I Pray… Amen

DAY 19: "Mustard Seed Faith" by Cindi Thornton

DAY NINETEEN: “Mustard Seed Faith” by Cindi Thornton

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out [a demon]?"

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:19-20

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Luke 17:5-6

Have you ever seen a mustard seed? If you haven’t it is a teeny, tiny, wrinkled brown ball. But, when that seed is planted it grows into a huge tree. Jesus told his disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed they could look at a mountain and tell it to move. He also stated in the book of Luke that if they had that little amount of faith they could say to a mulberry bush to uproot and plant itself in the sea. Imagine if we had faith the size of a pumpkin seed or even a watermelon seed! Even though those are small they are still larger than the mustard seed. Think of the spiritual power and strength that we could have if we just increased our faith a tiny bit.

I am amazed at how satisfied I am with my little bitsy faith. How I can be satisfied with so little when I know how much more my life could be enriched with more faith? Satan really is doing a number on Christians by lying to us and convincing us not to believe how powerful our Father is. I wonder if we are afraid of what we will have to give up or how much we will have to put in to be more faithful. Why am I satisfied with mustard seed faith? What am I afraid of? Is it confessing a sin in my life I don’t want to give up? Or maybe having to come to church when I’m supposed to? Why can’t I just trust in Him and not worry about what I can or can’t do? It would be so much easier to put my setbacks in his hands and trust that he will fix it - to trust, with absolute faith and total belief - that He is able.

Is there a reason your faith is lacking? Is there something keeping you content with your small faith? I know that I definitely have some huge areas in my life I need to change. God is all powerful and I am robbing myself of so much more for not having faith. God is all powerful. Let us all plant that little seed and see what huge rewards we will reap!

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:

I pray that the members of Trace Crossing can grow in their faith. Think of what our church could accomplish with greater faith in our Father! Holy Spirit, pray for me and what I am struggling with that limits me as I learn to be dissatisfied with “little bitsy faith”.

*I would like to ask that you pray for me and what I am struggling with that limits me in my faith – Thank you!