Living out the words in a song.." In the Middle of it All"

Over 10 years ago I attended a women's conference in Pigeon Forge and heard Pam Thum sing in concert for the first time.  I'm not sure if she had more than a couple of Christian hit songs, but I really enjoyed her music, her style, and her presentation.  As I was looking back over some of her CD's I have, I found this song...it seems so ironic.  I never would have thought 10 years ago that I might find myself living  so real-life the the words of this song.

I'd like to share some of the words to the song by Pam Thum, Joel Lindsey, and Regie Hamm entitled

"In the Middle of It All"

2nd verse:  You say you're doing fine.  And even though you always wear a smile, deep inside your mind.you haven't been at peace for quite a while,  but then everybody leaves, and you are left to face your fear.  And the things you believe......no longer seem so clear.  And you are haunted by the failure and  the insecurity.  And the shadows fall so hard it drives you to your knees, but........
(hang on..this is the good part--the chorus!)

IN the middle of it all
In the middle of the darkest night,
Lift your head and tell your heart to walk by faith and not by sight,
And in the middle of it all
There's a loving God that is holding out his hand,
If you reach for HIM ..HE will catch you when you fall
In the middle of it all.

My(judy's) prayer--thank you God for being my ever present source of hope and strength.  Help me be your light in this world, and let them see you in me! Amen

A story from Halloween past--Would you come back?

we did this again this year at Halloween and I remembered an incident at the same event last year and thought i would share it here!  

Sal giving Halloween treats
 at the Yelen's house 2013

I just had to share this incident from Halloween 2012.  We were at some friends' house along with others from our small group from church on Halloween last year to help man their door front because they get tons of visitors through their subdivision on Halloween.  We, of course, were eating and goofing off and taking pictures inside while bunch after bunch of trick or treaters came to their door.  To some of us, this is very amusing because some of us live where few tricker treaters come.  And to the rest of us, we were just glad to not have to hand out some candy then wait until we decided no one else was coming, only to get halfway downstairs at our house and hear the doorbell ring...again.
  Our group leader Sal especially enjoys manning the door and handing out the candy to the kids at the door.  And I  am sure he was very generous with the candy.  He's just like that.  So it was getting late and things were starting to slow down.  The rest of us were hanging out near the front door around the banister where we could see the trick or treaters coming by and hear the exchange Sal had with them.  I just happened to be right behind  Sal when a girl about 7-9 years old stood there  on the porch, alone, and holding her bag out for treats..  Sal said "Hey, weren't you by here earlier?"  I saw her face ---her eyes did not move from Sal's but she paused just a second longer than you would have thought normal and then she shook her head "yes".  Sal, of course, busted out in a big laugh and asked "so what should we do? "  and we all said "give her some more treats" and I think we all kind of admired her for her daring act of returning.  But you know what I admired her most for?  It was for telling the truth.   What did she gain by telling the truth? Not much  but maybe more than if she had lied. No matter..she did seem glad that Sal didn't hold her return visit against her.

A few days after this I am now wondering "Why did that little girl come back?"  It could have been for lots of reasons.   Out of pride, I just thought she may have been curious about those people in that house who were having such a  good time inside and probably wanted to know what the deal was.  The deal was this:   we all have troubles and trials, but in our small group we got each other and most of us got God's promises to hold on to ...which by the way are ALWAYS the truth for our lives.   

Have you been wondering what it is that some people have that seems to be something familiar but you just can't put you finger on it without seeing or asking about it?  Have you had a relationship with  God and  and know what a gift that is?   Now maybe that relationship is not as new or you feel you cannot ever re-establish it.  Maybe you should return back to the door of your heart...and listen...you'll hear a knocking.  And it will be Jesus, wanting to be your hope for every day.  He doesn't bring up the crazy things you have done as long as you have asked Him to forgive you of them.   He is longing to show you kindness again.  So don't be afraid or too proud, just step up answer the door and say 'Thanks for letting me have this opportunity again!'  And God won't even have to turn around and ask the rest of heaven "so what shall I do with this one?"  He has already told us what he would do....He will welcome you back with arms wide open again.!!!  

Happy Halloween, Give Thanks next month for second chances, and then Merry Christmas-celebrate to gift of Life thru Jesus Christ who came to this world, lived in it just like us, and still wanted to give himself away so that we could be a part of His family..forever.

Some of my small group friends!! From North Ridge
 Community Church -west market str campus 

Shouting Out for Some Amazing People

I am not sure if there is an appropriate way to convey my deepest appreciation to some very special people  in our life so I'm just gonna do like the saying says and give a big Shout out to the special people below. Bill and I are have been truly blessed to be a part of of church here in Johnson City the last 3 years.  It did not take a major life event like our daughter's death to make us realize how special the leadership is at North Ridge Community Church (originally Springbrook and now we are at the West Market St. plant ) but it has made me all the more determined to support them and many others in prayer and help as I may because they have a great job but it can be a hard job many times.  Not only did the leadership at NRCC help us be strong, but many others were here just when we needed them. It was God's strength and mercy delivered via many people around us during the day of Feb. 27 2013 to now and beyond that has enabled us to make it through the hardest thing we have ever experienced.  Our only daughter, Carol Hensley Singletary, died suddenly from a fall into a glass display case in Gatlinburg TN on Feb 27, 2013.  She had married Cooper in Aug of 2012 and they were living a wonderful life together when she may have passed out from an undetermined medical condition that day.  We hope that no one has to ever endure such a tragedy but can only say with God as our anchor and so many wonderful family and friends.. we are still standing.  There is no way I can express my gratitude for the actions of many but want those I list below to know that your support, love and compassion will be a lightpost forever in my life.  I pray that I can be a similiar missionary to those who need such in the future.  From this time on, I will be thanking GOD for placing these people in our lives at this time.  And I will be asking GOD for special blessings on them as well as their families.  Their ministry of compassion, love and encouragement has helped us make it through this time.   Their support along with that from other communities in which our lives were invested created an overpouring of love that we have never seen before now.   I  would just like to say  a huge THANK YOU to  these people for their  selfless dedication to us during this life experience and for  their commitment to the communities they lead:

Jim Richmond-lead pastor at North Ridge Community Church (Springbrook Dr Johnson City TN)- Jim, you and your family have loved us and ministered to us and Cooper in so many ways the last 3 years.  Our girls have played basketball together, been on a mission trip together, and you all have loved us like you've known us much longer.   You counseled Carol & Cooper and then married them. You were not able to come to Sevierville the day of Carol's accident but had an amazing staff who did.  When I called you as we traveled home, you took my call even though you were in a leadership meeting with the deacons.  You and those men prayed for us as we made our way home to face a life without Carol.  Since that fateful day you visited us, advised us, and organized and spoke at the celebration and burial services for Carol.  Your love, compassion, and commitment to us as part of your congregation has been so uplifting to us.

The rest of the pastoral staff at NRCC--Johnny, Brad, Nathan, Jon,  Chris you guys are awesome. Some of you knew Carol well, and some of you just barely knew her, but you cried and laughed with us to help us keep hanging on to God's goodness.

Pete Tackett & wife Lori--Pastor at Antioch Church,  Johnson City where we attended until Carol was about 15.  At the same time of Carol's accident, Pete was  in middle TN with his mom who was having major surgery. But among his many communication talents and compassionate heart, he called a pastor friend in Sevierville who came and prayed for us in his stead.  I have seen Pete and Lori minister in amazing ways while as a youth pastor and now pastor.  Their family was especially gracious to allow some traveling friends to stay in their home.   Your hearts have always pointed to His in true service.  Thank you Pete and Lori,  and the many friends at Antioch, for loving us like crazy through this.

Mark Harrod and Trinity Baptist staff (Jonesboro)--our pastor friend from the church of my parents and sister's family.  Your support through this and other major family events has always been the most wonderful to know and experience. Thank you for loving and caring for us as well as dad, Karen, Joey & Steve!

And to Carol's school at home, TriCities Christian School--to all the teachers and staff, Carol's friends and their many family members...you were like a flock encircling their own to make sure we were ok.   All of your many examples of love and your stories of how Carol's life impacted yours has been a great source of comfort.

It was not long after we arrived at the hospital (100 miles from our home), that many caring folks arrived from home.  Some were in our small group from church-Jerry Day, Sal & Brenda Cicirello, Keith & Audrey Yelen,   Not far behind were these in leadership at North Ridge:   Johnny & Rachelle Byrd,  Jon & Priscilla Oakley, Chris & Kristen Miller, and Brad & Amber Olin.  Your selfless ministry to us was amazing.  Nothing better comes to mind that to say 'Thank you" over and over.  And know that I will be praying for you in the days ahead to continue strong in your ministry because I have experienced it first hand and can never fully express what it has meant to me and Bill  and our family.

To our friend Tammy Rowe, who is not officially on any staff but ours as eternal friend of the heart...thank you for being there in so many other situations, always a rock to pull us through and then give us refreshing love and encouragement.  Thank you for loving Carol like your own..how you got us to Sevierville safely and quickly I'll never know and hope to never have to do it again.  You are a blessing and your friendship is a treasure.  Words are not enough, but I hope you know....

And to everyone who sent a prayer or gave a hug ..called, emailed, texted, sent a note or just came to show your love...it was balm for the hurt. We are most blessed and pray God's will for all our lives will be made better by knowing and loving one of HIS finest, Carol Michelle Hensley Singletary.  So as you have read our story I hope you would do a favor for me?  Say a prayer of thanks and protection for your pastors and leaders in church or other closely associated groups you may be involved in.   They deal with so much more than we know about and I am sure they would appreciate your prayers and encouragement!
Much love from Carol's mom
Judy