Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Ahhhmazing Day!

2 Chronicles 30:27
"... and God heard their prayer from His holy dwelling in heaven."

I cannot begin to tell you what an amazing day God gave us Monday for our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament.  It was an over the moon, awesome, God ordained day!!!

For starters, remember I asked you to pray for the weather???

Despite the forecast of 93 degrees, sunny and humid -  it was a sunny, breezy, low humidity, comfortable weather day that felt more like late spring rather than mid summer!




The Lord heard our prayers from His Throne room.  The breezes kept the summer temperatures feeling VERY COMFORTABLE.   Thank you for praying!





And thanks to so many people, our golf tournament fundraiser was a huge success!  Many of you provided donations, beverages for our players, goodies for the Goody Bag, prizes for the raffle, and Tee sponsorships.

Therefore, since you were not able to be there, I'll give you a glimpse through Fuller's lens.  (To see all the pics, click HERE)



Huge thanks to my Dad, Charles Early who does a tremendous amount to help us.  It's become an annual project that we really enjoy working on together.

Not only my Dad, but this tournament becomes a family effort as not only immediate family being involved, but extended as well.  I have aunts, uncles, in laws, my sister and sister in law - coming together to help.

I also have a Board Member, whose husband is a HUGE help.  Shout out to the Hester family!  Thank you for the privilege of doing ministry with you.



This was registration - a busy, busy time from 7:30-9:00am.  I call this GO TIME.



Look at the beverages that were donated.  (This isn't even all of it.)   ALL but ~10 Cokes were consumed.  Had you not donated these drinks - we would have spent a fortune on beverages.
Thank you.  Such answered prayer.




These were the Goody Bags.  We made 76 of them.

In these goody bags were a sleeve of golf balls, snacks, pen/pad of paper, golf tees, Outback Coupon for free Appetizer, Golden Corral Coupon for a free buffet and drink.  (Donated by the Fuquay Varina restaurant.)

We also placed a salvation card in each bag that gave, "Steps for Being Right with God?" 


This was taken after the morning welcome and prayer.  So happy Phase 1 of 3 was complete!





A few missing team members - but it was a TEAM EFFORT.  We could not have done it without the selfless volunteers that serve Jesus in this ministry.



The Beaver Creek Chick-fil-A, in Apex is our favorite CFA.  They partner with us not only for golf, but for our Women's Conference as well.  I'll often go out of my way to go to THAT CFA.   Bless them by doing the same!



We had 19 teams this year.  This was our only all women's team!  So awesome!  They are big luncheon supporters - so grateful for their willingness to come out and play.

Then comes lunch and the awards ceremony...



The food was fantastic!



These are the prizes YOU donated.  THANK YOU!  (Not all prizes seen.)



The luncheon is always the most nerve wracking time for me.

This year, I shared my testimony; I shared the gospel message and I shared what KGM is doing - all within 8 minutes.  Whew!



These guys are looking attentive - actually they were!  However, there are some tables looking at you like you have 3 heads; others ignoring you; yet others very engaged.

I've learned that I'm not responsible for what happens to the seed, HOWEVER, I am responsible to my Employer, Jesus, to sow the seed.

Can I tell you, between the morning prayer and this segment - it takes EVERY MICRO OUNCE OF COURAGE that I can summon.  I'm often so nervous, I'm almost sick.





Yet I often find great strength in the knowledge that these women have prayed.  (Ellen and Melody (picture above at the Putting Contest)  in specific - find a quiet spot in the dining room while all are golfing and spend no less than hour in prayer for the luncheon segment.)

KNOWING they have prayed, makes a big difference.



Then comes the raffle - which is lots of fun!  MANY complimented us on the quality of the prizes and the money that was given for 1st and 2nd place.  THIS IS BECAUSE OF MANY OF YOU!!!

Some of you may ask, why is this important?  Well, it'll hopefully bring them back each year to grow God's work in this corner of the world.  Secondly, it brings credibility to Kingdom Work and therefore to our amazing God.  (Often Kingdom Work is often portrayed by the world as being cheap or second rate.)

I want everything we do to be a reflection of how GREAT our God is - even down to giving HIM CREDIT for the weather.

My prayer is for us to always represent Jesus in such a way - that others will want to know Him personally because of our walk with Him.



And because we want things of eternal significance happening at our golf tournament, my team prayed for months.

Two weeks prior, Fuller, our photographer, spear headed prayer conference calls at 6:30 am each Monday.  I would send my list to Fuller, she sent it out and lead the calls.  They lasted no longer than an hour.

What a DIFFERENCE PRAYER MAKES when doing any kind of ministry - in the church or on the golf course.

I know that I know  - God heard our prayers from His heavenly throne room.  He heard and He answered.  He made it an over the top awesome day.   Thank you for helping us.

May the Lord be glorified in and through it.



Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Do you Underestimate God's Power?

Isaiah 40:25-27 NLT
"To whom will you come me?  Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One.
Look up into the heavens.  Who created all the stars?  He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name.

Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?


A few weeks ago, my Mom and I took Caroline and my nieces to the Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill, NC for a show.  Although it was an elementary age show, I loved it.  I learned so much about the solar system!


We went to lunch on Franklin Street afterwards 
and did some shopping!  Fun day with my girls.

Did you know...
  • The naked eye on a dark night can MAYBE see 2000 stars?
  • But in reality - scientists believe there are 2 Billion?



2 Billion stars...   Now comprehend what the Word says about those 2 billion + stars:

God created every single star...  But not only did He create them, He CALLS EACH BY NAME.  The Word tells us that because of His great strength, not one of them is missing.  Think about that:  Not one of the 2 billion stars are missing!  (I do well just to keep up with my one pair of sunglasses.)

Therefore, how could we ever think that:
  • God has forgotten us?
  • Or that He's unaware of our circumstances?
  • Or that He's unable to fix our circumstances?
  • Or sustain our finances?  
  • Or think He's too busy to help or listen to us when we pray?
The same God Who counts the stars and knows them by name - KNOWS YOU TOO.  And if you are in one of life's storms - be encouraged as you look at the stars each night.   May they remind you of how personal God is and His incomparable power to sustain or fix the circumstances that shake us to the core.


Is your Soul Thirsty?


We're excited to partner with Encouragement Cafe and to offer you an online Bible study!   I've never done an online Bible study!


Intimacy with God just began!  This study is changing people's lives as they are awakened afresh from religion to the relationship we can all have with our God.  Join us!
Click this link to get started!  


Will you Pray for us?     

We are in the final stages of preparation for our golf tournament next Monday, July 28th.
A big thank you to all of you how have so generously helped us.  I can't wait to share the praise report!

But will you join us in praying for the weather next Monday?  I'm asking the Lord for a beautiful, sunny, (no rain) unseasonably comfortable summer day.

Nothing is impossible with the Lord:)




Thursday, July 17, 2014

Life's Storms

Joshua 1:9
"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  
Fifteen years ago as I found myself in cold and lonely operating room.  My husband and parents no longer with me, but in the waiting room.  Alone, scared and devastated for the reason of being there... I had had a miscarriage and was now having a D&C.

As I laid there, I could hear the voices of the anesthesiologist and others around.  They could have cared less about me.  This was their job.  I was merely a number; another case.  I remember feeling very isolated, though many were around me.

Suddenly, out of no where, I heard a voice in my head saying, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)

It was as if Jesus were standing right beside me saying, "Tara, don't be terrified or discouraged.  I going to be with you, even as you pass into lala land from this anesthesia.  I will be there, Tara.  And don't you be discouraged.  I have a good plan for your life."   

His Words enveloped me like a warm blanket.  Suddenly, I didn't feel fear.

NOTHING substitutes from the comforting, encouraging Word of God during the trials and storms of life.

Today's post is dedicated to the people in my life - people I adore - going through major storms. Storms that NONE of us would wish on our worst enemies.  Storms that threaten to leave devastation for years to come.  Storms that came out of know where - storms you didn't see coming and then - WHAM.

If you are in a storm or in life's dark seasons,  I pray that the Scriptures below will give you some encouragement.

Now here's the deal:

  1. If one of these passages resonates in your heart, write it on an index card.  Put it on your refrigerator; your mirror; carry it in your pocket.  These words can serve mightily as they are the Words of God - comforting you at just the right time.  Often, when we are feeling the worst.
  2. Share a verse that carried you through life's dark storms.  Over the weekend - refer back to see encouragement from other people.
(Note:  To leave a comment:  Double click on the title of the post.  (This carries to the site).  Scroll down and leave a comment.)  


2 Chronicles 20:1-30, 
:3, "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord...
:12, "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
:15, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's.

Psalm 27

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 41:10"So do not fear, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweet over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned up; the flames will not set you ablaze."

:5, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, Who summons you by name."

Isaiah 50:10, "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?  Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."

Zechariah 9:12, "Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you."

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Romans 8:37, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us."

John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

2 Corinthians 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Be encouraged, sweet friend.  Your God sees you and loves you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5)

Is your Soul Thirsty?


We're excited to partner with Encouragement Cafe and to offer you an online Bible study!   I've never done an online Bible study!  I can hardly wait:)

The really cool thing about an online Bible study -  You can do it from the comfort of your own home!


Intimacy with God begins Monday morning!  Click to this link to get started!  This study will help you:
  • Know God more intimately and personally -
  • Learn to hear His voice speaking tenderly to you - 
  • This study is LIFE CHANGING.
Join us Monday morning at Encouragement Cafe!





Tuesday, July 15, 2014

What does Knowing God REALLY Mean?

Thank you blog readers for helping us with our golf tournament fundraiser.  You have helped tremendously!  We are grateful for your generosity.     The final things needed are:

1.  Tee Sponsorships -  This is a great and inexpensive way to advertise your business.  (I just need 3!)
2.  Prizes for our raffle - Restaurant certificates; manicure/pedicure certificate; car washes; family fun centers; art work; books, coolers, Starbucks Gift Card, Gas Gift Card -   Thank you so much for your help:)

Psalm 63:5
"My soul will be satisfied with the richest of foods."

One of you sent me a note with your golf donation recently that contained one of the most poignant thoughts.  You said, "Knowing God is what life is all about."  

Girlfriend...  Well said!  That about sums it up!

Knowing God... is what life is about.  It's not just a one time occurrence that garners "fire insurance" and ends with a dunking or a sprinkling.

It's SO much more.

If this is all knowing God is to you - you're selling yourself short on all God desires to give you. Do you realize that knowing God is knowing: 
  • the Creator and Founder of all life? 
  • It's knowing your final destination when you breathe your last -
  • it's knowing your sins are forgiven - all of them.  Even the stupid things you've done -
  • it's knowing you don't have to live with guilt and condemnation for those stupid things - 
  • it's knowing Security when circumstances in your life breed insecurity;
  • it's standing in courage instead of fear because you KNOW the One Who holds you.
  • it's knowing deep down joy and contentment when life is far from "fun";
  • it's having soul peace when your circumstances scream chaos;
  • it's a life of purpose and meaning - 
God is knowable.  He's not far away or distant.  He's really close.  In fact, I can tell you with great certainty:  He's as close to you as YOU want Him to be.  

If you want Him to be far - DONE.  He'll stand back and not interfere.

If you want Him to be close -  Giddy up!  He longs to draw near to you.

But hear me -  when we come to Him, we can't come to the God we want Him to be or the God we think He is...  Otherwise, He would be a little "g" god.  We must come to the God of the Bible. And we must come on His terms.


I remember when God was the button I pressed when trouble came.   True peace and joy?   I didn't have deep down in your soul peace. I lived with insecurity, guilt and condemnation.   Fear and worry often dominated my thoughts and I was addicted to the approval of others.  
Because of KNOWING GOD, I rarely battle these issues anymore.  God is not the button I press - 
He's my life.  He's my everything.   I've learned to do life through the effective, results oriented prism of His Word. 

Do you know Him?   Girlfriend, He's knowable.  Don't cut yourself short.   Knowing God IS what life is all about.  

Something different today - 
I encourage you, to take your Bible and meditate on these Scriptures.  These passages will open your eyes to what you may be missing if God is your button.
  • Psalm 63:1-5
  • Acts 17:28
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9
  • John 1: 1-12
Click HERE to learn more about Knowing God.


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Seizing the TIME While We Can

Golf  - Thank you to everyone who responded to last week - Your help is SO APPRECIATED.  (See below)



Exodus 18:20
"You must instruct them in the laws and the teachings,
show them how to live and tell them what to do."


I am fortunate enough to drive my teenage boys to school every morning.  But last January, I had an epiphany:

My son will be driving himself to school in the very near future.  

PANIC!!!! 

It’s a blessing and a curse.

On the one hand, I will have an ENORMOUS amount of time to clean my house (NOT!!!!) 
On the other, it will END some cherished quality time with my boys. I mean, they are FORCED to listen to me for 45 minutes now.  It’s my own little dictatorship!

And then there's graduation!  I only have four short years before the oldest graduates. There are still many important lessons to instill.

Yeah, that's easy when the kids are young, but teenagers are a different breed:  technology is drawing them, and friends become the focus. 

Let’s see...(thinking to myself): How can I make this happen without sounding preachy? 

(PREACHY is the kiss of death for a teenage parent; it’s like the kids have a "preachy radar", and once anything NEAR "preachy" is detected - they’re GONE mentally.) 

The Lord clearly impressed the idea of a SHORT devotional for the drive to school.

Nothing too long. 

SHORT.  

I knew I’d lose them with a drawn out sermon. I just wanted something to get the conversation rolling. So, I bought a devotional and the boys took turns reading each day.

I'll be honest, this went over like a ton of bricks….. 



But I stuck with it. 

Topics have included:
  • strength, 
  • insecurity, 
  • sound mind, 
  • anxiety, 
  • worry, 
  • bullying, 
  • celebrating, 
  • temptation. 
I usually try to tell a story about my life as it relates to the devotion. 

About three, long weeks in, something miraculous happened:  my older boy, who by all outward appearances looked completely detached said -

“That was a good one Mom.”          !

Meaning, SOMETHING RESONATED with what was HAPPENING IN HIS LIFE…..Success!  

Before I knew it - we were laughing about some crazy situation at school and making up funny scenarios for it. (Most were not appropriate solutions, but sometimes it’s good to voice the ridiculous!) 

Now - the devotions are a given. The boys do not pull out their phones until the devotion is done.  Many times we share them at dinner with their Dad. 

The Bible is CHOCK FULL of wisdom.  We must remember:

  • Instagram™ will not teach them, 
  • Facebook™ will not teach them, and
  • texting most definitely will not teach them. 

These are great fillers if used appropriately. (Truly:  I would not know what was happening in my nieces and nephews lives, if not for social media)  - but NOTHING can replace the time we spend FACE TO FACE with our kids.  Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

In the teen years, it's hard to tell what's going in and what's filtered out. Regardless, we can NEVER STOP DROPPING NUGGETS OF TRUTH.

One day, in the not so far future, they will hear HIS voice, because of your influence. There's no greater gift we can give our children!

Happy driving!




Golf needs:  

We need ten - 24 packs of water.  
Can you commit to one? two?  five?

5 pacakges of Lance Crackers  or Trail mix or   Planters Peanuts - This is the perfect size!

 











Thank you!  For more information