New Adventures and A New Year

First of all, I pray that this New Year brings nothing but, joy, love, adventure and happiness to all of you! I personally am not very sad to see 2009 come to an end. Although it has banged me around a bit, I am glad for the growth and learning I have experienced, but once again, not sad to see it go.

I am embarking on a project that I have been knocking around for about a year and am doing most of my research through contacts on Facebook. But the gist is this, I am going to be collecting information from women of all ages regarding the following (message as it appears on Facebook):

#1 - What is the biggest challenge you face as a woman at this time in your life? (this can be spiritually, mentally, physically, maritally).

#2 - Do you deal with past issues of regret or feelings of failure in any areas that hold you back from being the woman that you want to be?

I think that if we could all share, we might see that there is a underlying common thread between many of us and our feelings.I am just starting this journey so please be patient with me, but know that I value you input and please have any of your friends add me as a friend and participate in this also. Also, feel free to tag any of your FB friends on this note and share it with them. This is the beginning of some writing on women's issues that I feel prompted to start. I covet your prayers. Love to each and everyone of you!!!

I am absolutely OVERWHELMED with the responses I have received. Obviously, we all struggle, all have issues we deal with on a daily basis and ultimately I believe need to be able to open up about those issues and connect with each other. I do not know where the Lord is leading on this, but I do know that He is leading.....please be in prayer as I gather information and begin to write what the Lord puts upon my heart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas to all our family and friends

The kids are in bed (believe it or not), packages are wrapped, the baking is done and time has been spent with family and friends. We attended our Christmas Eve Service this evening and just like every year I was overcome with emotion that God, the Creator, chose to send his Son as a savior for us - Emmanuel - God with us. I pray that you all enjoy a wonderful Christmas and I pray that we all keep in mind those who have lost loved ones this year or who may be spending this Christmas alone. Love to all - Melissa

God With Us

God With Us

What, then, is the God I worship? ... You are the most hidden from us and yet the most present among us, the most beautiful and yet the most strong, ever enduring; and yet we cannot comprehend you." -St. Augustine

"All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us')." Isaiah 7:14

Football at Chris' mom's house on Thanksgiving weekend.

There’s an old saying that “We tend to judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions.” The truth is, we cannot rightly judge anyone else, because we do not know the contents of their heart. We should be content to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in alignment with God’s Word (1 Cor. 11:31).

This was part of a devotion I read today and boy is that the truth! I think we could all spend more time judging ourselves and our own hearts - I know I could (and should) and will.......

Praying everyone has a safe and happy weekend! Love - Melissa

Charity: Water

If you have time, please watch the video below and definitely donate some money to Charity: Water. You can text 85944 from your phone and $10 will be donated to help drill a well for a village in Sub-saharan Africa. The money will be added to your phone bill at the end of the month.

Drops Like Stars Tour

So I got to meet Rob Bell last night and most importantly got to hear him speak on his Drops Like Stars tour. AMAZING. Still trying to digest everything I heard him speak about. He spoke about suffering and the art of agony and how suffering is purposeful and necessary in our lives in order to fulfill who God is shaping us to be. He gives a whole new perspective on suffering and I encourage anyone who can go see him on this tour to do so. I know it was lifechanging for me. I have a whole new desire to use the suffering I have endured for the good of others and to really give some long hard thought as to what I am doing here during this very short span of time called "life".

I want to help be a Repairer of Broken Walls

Isaiah 58:6-12 (New International Version)

6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Well, life is good and God is good and the Browns are doing great! Busy, but great. We just found out the dates for our 2010 trip to Pine Ridge Reservation and we can't wait. We will be serving on the Reservation June 13th through June 18th, 2010.

On the homefront, all is well and we have somehow managed not to have any sickness at our house so far. the kids were H1N1 vacinnated and had their regular flu vacinnes, so hopefully we will be stay healthy over the winter. The sunshine, the falling leaves and the the cool breeze are making for beautiful days here in Tennessee and I am trying to enjoy them before the cold sets in. We are going to try to get out and hike some this Sunday while we still can. Blessings to all!

Isaiah 64:4
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, and no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

Halloween 2009

Blog from Beth Moore

I am posting a blog post from Beth Moore today. After reading this, I encourage each and everyone to think of those things that tiny masters over us. It could be shopping, food, emailing, Facebooking, etc. A wide array of many things can be tiny masters over us. Read on.....

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/10/like-slaves-in-search-of-little-masters.html

Well, it seems that I have been called into a season of "work my butt off"! I am working three jobs right now and whew, boy, am I tired. Exciting news is that I get to spend the weekend with Abby and Emma in Nashville dog-sitting for my sister. It will be a very nice break from the madness.

On another note, we are still trying to sell the house and make a decision as to what to do as far as moving. Chris' territory is now Knoxville, TN and he is driving endless hours back and forth. Yes, he still has the Chattanooga stores, but the ones in Knoxville and Virginia are very hard for him to travel back and forth to and he is wearing himself out. We are reducing the price on our house in order to just get out of it and hopefully it will sell soon. I am trying to keep a positive attitude and woke up this morning counting my blessings for all the good things in my life!

Wishing everyone a great weekend! Love and hugs to all! Melissa

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Casey has a new album coming out soon!

Here's a video clip of one of the songs on the album (is that even a word anymore? album?) ....

See You At the Pole

See You At the Pole had a huge turn-out this morning at South Middle School. It was so encouraging to see so many kids show up early to pray for our community and their school. Definitely made having to get up so early worth it!

We, as usual, have a crazy busy week and honestly I will be glad when soccer season is over and we can spend evenings hanging out as a family. This will be the first year in a a few years that we haven't had someone playing basketball and BOY am I thankful. Speaking of thankful, we have not been hit with the flu yet at our house, but North Middle School in our County was closed down for the week because of H1N1. There just weren't enough kids there to justify opening the school. South hasn't been hit that hard yet and I spend every night praying that it won't. This is a nasty flu and I nor my kids want it!

I have made a committment to start nightly devotionals again with the kids and the first thing we are going to be focusing on is our "speech". I know that this is something I can use lots of work on and so we are going to be searching the Bible for scriptures about how we are to speak. The one thing I do know is that we are to speak sords of encouragement to each other and build each other up! And, trust me, we don't realize how often we speak words of discouragement or criticism to others in our families. I pray that God will work in our family and help us to build each other up from here on out - the Lord knows we don't get it out in the world, so let's definitely give it to those whom we hold dear.

Praying that anyone reading this post be blessed and protected this week! Love to you each and everyon!

Do Everything without Arguing and Complaining.

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/wednesdays_with_beth/20090916/

Vols vs. Gators, Polly Crockett and cleaning galore!

Well, I am staring down a Saturday of cleaning vs. watching the Vols play in the Swamp. Hmmm........undecided.

We also have the Polly Crockett Festival here in Cowan, Tennessee which should be a lot of fun!

But, ultimately the house is a wreck and although the older I get the more I realize that this is the least of things to be worried about, it really has to be done - yuck......

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I want to share with you the Psalm that I started my day off with today - remember that he is an AWESOME God!

Psalm 96

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
13 they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.

Glad I serve a forgiving God!

Aren't you glad we serve a loving and forgiving God? I know I am! I have allowed myself over the past week to get tired and down, and I know in my life that means I am less likely to be an obedient child of God. And trust me I haven't been. But thank goodness I serve an ever-loving, faithful and compassionate Father who tells me to get up and get back about my business of serving him, even after I have grieved Him. And that is exactly what I keep on doing and I am pretty sure that is called life........

Brown House update - we are anxiously awaiting Student Council elections tomorrow. I am praying that no matter what the outcome, we will have happy hearts in our house tomorrow evening.

Jacob is still plugging along with school and doing great - we are enjoying our time together!

Please keep my Dad in prayer - he is being transferred from his regular physician to a pain management clinic and in the interim is going through some major withdrawals from a morphine medication he has been on for 2 years. He is VERY sick this week, so please keep him in your prayers.

Love to all! Melissa

DEFINITELY, check out The Hudson Effect blog that I have listed over to the right. Cutest boy in the world doing the cutest little dance! :)

Update

Well the update at the Brown House is that Abby and Emma are running for Student Council. And, YES, there is a good chance one will make it and one won't. Abby served last year, but is re-running and Emma is running for the first time. Should make for an interesting day when the results come in. :0

Other than that things are going well for us. Jacob is continuing to do well homeschooling this year and we are staying busy with soccer and football season (band) as well as lots of church functions.

I have been reading another good book lately called The Organic God which I highly recommend. It is a great read.

I have really been mulling over my faith lately and challenging myself to really live as Christ would have me to live - mainly to LOVE PEOPLE. All people, not just some people, not just my family and friends, not just the people who look nice and clean up well and say all the right things, but ALL people. I have been looking more closely at Christ's life and realizing that he hung out with people that were looked down upon, treated badly and led sinful lives. Shouldn't we be doing the same? Can we really call ourselves Christians if we only hang around our "church" crowd or better yet - hold grudges against people or not showing grace to people, when that is what we are saved by! It is not an easy road, actually it is a very hard and narrow road. Is is definitely a journey..........

The Ragamuffin Gospel - page 52.
Today at 8:58am Edit Note Delete

Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter when he sets the child on his knee. The child is unself-conscious, incapable of pretense. I am reminded of the night little John Dyer, three years old, knocked on our door flanked by his parents. I looked down and said "Hi, John, I am delighted to ese you." He looked neither to the right nor the left. His face was set like flint. He narrowed his eyes with the apocalyptic glint of an aimed gun. "Where are the cookies?", he demaned. The kingdom belongs to people who aren't trying to look good or impresss anybody, even themselves. They are not plotting on how they can call attention to themselves, worrying about how their actions will be interpreted or wondering if they will get gold stars for their behavior. Twenty centuries later Jesus speaks poitedly to the preening ascetic trapped in the fatal narcissism of spiritual perfectionism, to those of us caught up in the boasting of our victories in the vineyard, to those of us fretting and flapping about our human weakness and character defects. The child doesn't have to struggle to get himself in a good position for having a relationship with God; he doesn't have to craft ingenious ways of explaining his position to Jesus; he doesn't have to create a pretty face for himself; he doesn't have to achieve any state of spiritual feeling or intellectual understanding. All he has to do is happily accept the cookies: the gift of the kingdom

Brennan Manning on God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQi_IDV2bgM

"Unlike Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame, we need not hide all that is ugly and repulsive in us. Jesus comes not for the super-spiritual but for the wobbly and the weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together, and who are not too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.” - The Raggamuffin Gospel

Happy Birthday Melanie!!!

Shout out to my big sis' Melanie today! Hoping she has a wonderful, spectacular, superdiduperdy day!!! I love you more than you could ever know!

That's My Girl's!

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.

That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. A

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. People, it can't be any simpler than that!

There is a bit of addict in all of us. At the core, the battle is the same, "What competes with Christ for our affections?" What do you worship? Who do you worship? The battle is for the heart. God wants worshippers wholly devoted to Him. Who or what controls you, compels you? Shopping, food, smoking, drugs, alcohol, need for approval, staying busy, etc. - Who or what controls you?

Pictures from the Weekend

The Brown Family is headed out to Franklin, N.C. this weekend to do a little hiking and maybe some fishing and we are very excited. We were able to use Chris' free hotel points and we are packing our own food to take, so we are able to enjoy something fun as a family at relatively little expense before school starts back! We are praying that the weather clears up, for sure. We have had rain here all week long (for which I am greatful for). I am going to post pics when we get back. Please pray for our travel and that we enjoy spending time together as a family! Love,

Me

WOW - Long Time No Blog

Well, needless to say we have been very busy at the Brown House with kids going to camp and also the general getting ready for back-to-school mayhem. We decided to close the skate shop in order for us to spend more time as a family and we have been busy with that also. It may cut out some much needed money, but we will be able to spend weekends together again and that is worth much, much more to me. It has become all the more clear to me lately how very few years we have left with them at home. ;(

We have also made the decision for Jacob to start high school back at home doing school online through Liberty University and I think this was one of the best decisions we have made in quite a while. I am so happy about him being back home and we will plan on schooling the girls during high school at home also if this works out well and finances permit.

Lastly, if you get the chance to read a book "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller, I highly recommend reading it! This book has been lifechanging for me and it was refreshing to read a book by someone whose Christian beliefs are so much like my own and so many others out there. Basically, that we need to follow Christ and not so much what "Christianity" has become in America, drop our judgmental attitudes and stop following a so-called "Christian" agenda. But, that we should "be the church", know that we are ALL sinners and go be with non-believers, hang out with them and show them the grace and love of Jesus Christ. This is something that is very dear to my heart, because I have never understood people who think of Christianity as a list of rights vs. wrongs and doing the exact right thing (i.e. legalism, i.e. Pharisees). Anyways, it is just such a great book and I hope if you get the chance you can sit down and enjoy it.

So, here's to a new school year (can you believe it?)!

Melissa

Glad I have a different King

I have been waiting quite awhile to post anything because I have been not really happy about all the Michael Jackson video coverage, but also didn't want to sound crass about it either. I LOVED Michael Jackson - I grew up on him, but I really think it has been just a little much. I sure wish the 7 United States soldiers who died this past week would have gotten so much attention.

Update

Not much to update lately - FINALLY Chris is going to the doctor this morning to have himself checked out and for that I am very grateful. I am in prayer this morning that it will be nothing serious and just anxiety. I know that we have a lot of that right now with three kids to raise and the times being so tough economically, but I choose to praise God for what we have and to be thankful in ALL circumstances. We are so blessed on so many levels and I know that God will provide. I hope everyone we know and love are enjoying their summer and spending time with their kids and families. Love to each and everyone one of you who read this blog.......

Who Made the Sun Shine?
by: Bayless Conley

Look at Luke 12:16-21:

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying:

"The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Take a look at the few words that this man spoke. In his short declaration, he uses the word I six times and the word my five times! His perspective was a very selfish one. Here are a few questions to ponder:

-Who gave the rain that made his crops grow?
-Who made the soil out of which his crops grew?
-Who made the seed he planted?
-Who caused the sun to shine?
-Who gave him the physical strength to work the field?
-Who gave him his soul?

The answer to all of those is God. Yet he makes no acknowledgement of God in his speech, planning, or giving. He should have been thanking God for all His blessings and asking the Lord what He wanted done with His things. Be faithful to acknowledge God and to ask Him what to do with His resources over which you are a steward.

More Drama - Imagine that!

Well, the hubby woke me up at 2 a.m. Monday morning and asked me take him to the hospital because he was having chest pain and felt like he couldn't breathe. SO, we made the trip to the E.R. and subsequently Chris had to spend the next 24 hours in the hospital being monitored. Come to find out, the doctors believe the pain and shortness of breath was brought on by anxiety and stress and he is back home. Well, actually he is back at work in Tacoa, Georgia today and won't be home until tomorrow evening. So, PLEASE be in prayer for the Brown Family (as usual). The blessing in all this, because there always is, is that we were reminded again how short life can be and how much we need to love and forgive and live each day as if it is our last!

Well, Bonnaroo is in full swing and if you listen very quietly you can hear the sound of chanting and the smell of all the smoke rising in the distance... :)

We are headed to Chattanooga this evening to get the kids, see a friend who is swimming 4.5 miles tomorrow in the Tennessee River Rat Race and spend some time with my Dad tomorrow. All in all, a good weekend.

Be patient Melissa.....

Well, if anything right now the Lord is teaching me patience. The first home we put on the market sold within 24 hours so I haven't had much experience with listing a home and it actually sitting on the market. We have had several showings, but no offers. Please pray that God's will be done for our family. We really need to downsize financially and I pray that the Lord will send a buyer.

http://www.trulia.com/property/1079335259-406-3rd-Ave-NW-Winchester-TN-37398

Two Quick Things To Share

First of all God gave me this verse last night and YES I mean gave it to me. It literally came to my head and I went and looked it up:

John 14:12-14 (New International Version - UK)
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Isn't that great news!

Secondly, our fears about Hudson not being a true beach-bum like the rest of us have been eased as you can see from above pic! :)

summer!

First week of summer break for the kids and I am giving them about 2 days before they are bored to tears. :)

We were blessed with such a wonderful weekend this past weekend - the kids' cousins Levi and Micah came for a visit on Friday and then Levi ended up staying with us until this morning. We had a wonderful visit from the Beathard family on Sunday and basically just celebrated the first weekend out of school.

I have been feeling a little sorry for myself today because I won't get to spend much time with the kids this summer while working two jobs, but have decided to be thankful for the jobs I have and make the most of the time I do have with them! Chris and I are still praying about the house and his traveling situation and other than that life is just simple and good. HAPPY SUMMER BREAK EVERYONE!!!!

Hudson't first beach trip - he didn't dig the sand (pardon the pun!)

Hudson's First B'day

Abby - Band Concert

Well, the good news is that God is in control and I am not! (Aren't you glad?) :)

The bad news is that we will not going to be going to South Dakota this year to work on the Pine Ridge Reservation. There were several factors involved, but needless to say funding was one of them. But, God is good and I know that whether or not we are there, the Lakotas will be served well by John Lovelace's mission team.

Jacob got his stitches out on Friday, but still may not actively move his hand for 12 weeks from his injury date, which means he is pretty much incapacitated for his entire summer. I feel so badly for him, but once again I am looking for God's providence in this situation and I know that, once again, there is a purpose in this happening.

We had a great time at my GREAT-nephew's birthday party yesterday and hopefully I can get some pics posted soon. Love to all! Melissa

Pine Ridge 2009

I have had several people ask me how they can contribute to our mission trip again this year. We are going to have to raise around $1500 this year for our entire family to go. If you feel led to contribute, please send a check to:

Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church

200 2nd Avenue NW

Winchester, Tennessee 37398

Notate "Brown Mission Trip" on your check so that you can receive credit on your taxes. Thanks again to everyone who wants to help out again this year!

Well, I have misplaced my camera sometime within the last week and haven't had a chance to get any pics of the kids recently. Mother's Day was good and I wish I had some pics to show you. Chris took the kids fishing and I stayed at home and worked on the house (which is what I wanted to do, believe it or not). Then we all sat down and watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Very sad and strange movie. Good, but sad. The school year is coming to a close and we are VERY busy getting projects done and fields trips taken, etc. Keeping up with it all while working two (sometimes three) jobs and trying to sell the house is a little tiring to say the least, but such is life and I know I am blessed. Just gotta keep on keeping on! With that in mind I thought I would share this devotional I received this morning via email - enjoy.....

The Snare of Fear

Proverbs 29:25 tells us, The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

A snare is a noose used for catching an animal. Fear will cause you to be snared or trapped, just like an animal. I have a friend in the church who has a very large nut tree in his yard, which the squirrels regularly raid. He put this big net over the tree, but it did not seem to deter the squirrels at all. So he finally got a trap and set it up on the roof right next to the nut tree. To date, he has caught about 120 squirrels. When the squirrel is in the trap, it is totally at his mercy. It can't go anywhere. He happens to be a fairly merciful gentleman, so he takes them over to a local park and lets them go. When fear gets a hold of your life, you become like one of those trapped squirrels--you are not going anywhere. You are at its mercy. You will not progress spiritually. It keeps you bound. The fear of man can keep you from obeying God; it will keep you from pleasing God. It will keep you from the joy you would experience when you trust God. In fact, there is a contrast in our verse today. The man or woman who is bound by the fear of man, will not be trusting God in some area of his life. Look at the two parts of the verse together: The fear of man brings a snare, but... in contrast ...whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.Do not allow the fear of man to control your life. Instead, trust in the Lord.

Yard Sale!

My sister and I are having a yard sale tomorrow rain or shine!

406 Third Avenue NW
Winchester, TN 37398

C-ya there!

Relocating to Winchester, Tennessee?

Well, we have the coolest house for you!

http://www.realtracs.com/MediaDisplay.aspx?PropertyClass=RES&DMQL=(AreaID%3d%7c41)%2c(StreetNumber%3d406)%2c(City%3d*Winchester*)%2c(ZipCode%3d37398)%2c(ListingStatusID%3d1)%2c(OfficeListIsActive%3d1)%2c(OfficeListIsIDX%3d1)%2c(IsListedOnInternet%3d1)&AreaID=41&MlsNum=1079335&Digest=ISc7Ixs2/pn8BRIWaWHGdg

Update from the front lines.

Drama of the week: Monday - Jacob wakes up with 102 temp. We spend the entire day at the E.R. and then Vandy Hand Clinic. Tuesday - Mom has minor nervous breakdown - no biggie. Wednesday - mom is on the verge of full-fledged nervous breakdown. Our house is officially on the market and have a ton of work to do on it along with trying to keep it clean. Jacob starts hand therapy today that I have no idea how I am going to get him to and Chris is out of town. God never gives us more than we can handle, right? RIGHT???

Oh and I am having a yard sale on Saturday. :)

Well, the latest drama unfolds at the Brown House.......

Jacob was playing with some kids Saturday afternoon and put his hand through a plate glass window. He sustained a VERY BAD injury to his left hand and was transported from here to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. After undergoing some extensive hand surgery he is home and doing well. He will be out of school for a bit and then will undergo therapy to try and regain movement and feeling in his middle finger and feeling in his index finger. The good thing is that they were able to save his fingers! We are thankful to God for being merciful to us......

Please be in prayer for our family as we put our house on the market. I am ever sure that God is leading us to sell our home, so I know that I need to have faith that He will make that happen, but I am very anxious about it. I am really in need of prayer in this area.

Thanks and love to all!

Melissa

Random Pics of the Day

Easter 2009

Just a few pics from one of the most enjoyable Easter Sundays I remember having in a LONG time. I miss my family and when they are in town I relish every moment I have with them. Enjoy.....

Not much going on the Brown House lately. I guess the biggest news is that I am going to be typing from home again in the afternoons after I work at the church in the mornings. This will allow me to make some much-needed extra money and be at home with the kids at the same time. I have basically concluded that I am never going to have a "career" or figure out what to "do with my life". Just doesn't seem in the cards for me. I would much rather be at home with my kids as much as I can. Money just doesn't compare to being able to be with them while they are still at home.

We are preparing for Easter at our house and I am excited that my family is going to be able to come spend the day at our house. If there was one thing I could change, it would be to love closer to my Dad, sister and nieces. I am so blessed to have them. Sunday will consist of church and then eating some ham, rolls, green beans, potato casserole and macaroni and cheese (our traditional Easter meal). I can't wait!

Pine Ridge Mission Trip 2009

Well, we are gearing up for our 2009 trip to Pine Ridge Reservation. This year we will be gone June 7-12 to Oglala Recreation Center on Pine Ridge. While there we will help with Vacation Bible School and also with some manual labor needed in that area. If you feel led this year to make a contribution to help us with our trip ($1500.00 approximately), you can make a check to Winchester Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 200 2nd Ave, NW, Winchester, TN 37398. You can notate "Brown Mission Trip" on the memo line and you will receive credit for it for your 2009 tax return.

This year we know what we are getting into and although we know it is going to be an absolutely exhausting trip, we also already know the blessings we are going to receive while we are there. Love to all! Melissa

The Proctors

Please check out the new website link that I have posted to the right. It is called proctorpassages.org and highlights the African ministry of some dear friends of ours. Meredith and Philip were friends of ours when we lived in Chattanooga and we have had the wonderful opportunity of watching them move on to ministry in Africa (which is where their heart lies). They are doing wonderful things for the kingdom of God. Visit their site at:

www.proctorpassages.org

Spring is in the Air!

Pics of the flox in the front of our house.......love it!

Inspiration from a friend on Facebook

This is an inspirational note that a friend of mine posted to her Facebook Wall. I found it so true in my own life right now. We have to stop fighting and just let go. Start truly loving others and ourselves. This is not a "Christian" devotional, but has such words of wisdom for all of us......


I am at a time in my life/journey that I can say I finally get it... When in the midst of all my fears and insanity I stopped dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on.There are times when I compare myself to a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, wait I still have those today so I guess I am still a child :-) my sobs then begin to subside, I blink back tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is my awakening. I am learning the importance of loving and championing myself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. I stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and I have learned that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. I am learning that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, I am learning to stand on my own and to take care of ME and in the process a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance.For me today it is all about opening up to new worlds and different points of view. Learning the difference between wanting and needing is something that I am really looking closely at. I will be the first to admit that I don't know everything, it's not my job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. Distinguishing between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO are actions that are right in front of my face today. I am also learning about about love. Romantic love and family love, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings into a relationship.The one important thing that I am finally understanding is to look at relationships as they really are and not as I would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change so it is with love.... and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms... just to make you happy. And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely...You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. I am learning that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. Admitting when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.Slowly, I will begin to take responsibility for myselff by myself and make myself a promise to never betray myself and to never ever to settle for less than my heart desires. When I hang a wind chime outside my window, I listen to the wind. And I make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

When Your Hut is on Fire

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story:It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Bouncing Back
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.
— Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)


As a junior in high school, I was devastated when I was cut from the top volleyball team and sent to the second team. I felt disappointed, embarrassed and dejected. That evening, I spoke with a friend who passed on these words of wisdom, “It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce back that matters.” I wrote the quote on my mirror and committed to doing my best for this new team, instead of sulking over my personal loss. Instead of continuing to fall and spiral, I committed to bounce back.

What I learned that day is that what happens to me in life doesn’t count as much as how I react to those things. I had a choice the day I was cut from the team: I could wallow in misery and quit the team, or I could choose to fight through my circumstances and work hard to improve. Each day, choices like these present themselves. When people are cruel, I can choose to accept their apology or let my bitterness grow. When I am treated unfairly, I can vengefully plot a way to get even, or I can seek the Lord’s wisdom and demonstrate patience as He shows me what to do. When I am fired from a job, I can learn from why things did not work or I can blame everyone else around me for my misfortune and never learn, grow or change. When I am congratulated for a job well done, I can either pat myself on the back or thank the Lord for providing me with the skills to succeed.

Life throws different circumstances our way every day, both good and bad. Wherever you are in your life, it is important to remember that people are watching and looking to see how you are living your life. You will long be remembered, not only for what happened to you in your life, but for how you handled life’s circumstances. When those circumstances cause you to fall, I challenge you to bounce back!

From every corner of society, voices tell us to identify our deepest desires and then to pursue them with tireless determination. This mind-set has so influenced our way of life that many of us — followers of Christ included — are left weary and frustrated. Even when a milestone is reached or a desire is met, moments of satisfaction are short lived. “Keep reaching,” the voices insist, so we press forward.

As the pattern repeats, pursuing our heart’s desire becomes an arduous chase: striving to be the perfect spouse or parent; seeking a well-paying, fulfilling career; pursuing a position on a prestigious board or on an influential committee within the church. After a time, the pursuit of desires becomes in itself an unexpected crosswind. Its relentless gusts damage relationships and shove peace of mind beyond reach. What we identified as our deepest personal desire becomes a blur.

Through the author of Psalm 37, the Lord invites us to hear a different voice, the Divine Voice. “Delight yourself in the Lord,” the psalmist writes, “and he will give you the desires of your heart.” I’ve often wondered what the psalmist intended by the words “delight yourself in the Lord.” How does a person go about that? The answer could be as straightforward as Webster’s definition of the verb. Delight: to take great pleasure in something or someone. If true, our Creator invites us to look to him not just for help in a crisis or forgiveness when we sin, but also for the pleasure of a soul-satisfying relationship.

It has been my experience, and probably yours, that when I seek satisfaction in things of the spirit, my desires seem to change. Some slip quietly into the background; others disappear entirely. My lasting desires, though, seem to fall nicely into place over time. God doesn’t promise to gratify all our whims or appetites, but he can be trusted to give us the desires of our heart. I like to think that when my heart is open the Lord puts those desires there in the first place.

Just Stuff....

Well, first of all I am up very late, but that is because I am completely burning the candle at both ends this week. Today was the usual work and orthodondist appointment and dealing with finances and just doing life. Tomorrow is a day in Nashville at the Capitol for my last day of Leadership Franklin County before I graduate. Wednesday - close on my brother's house and also close out his probate - finally! This is such closure for me and as I have thought about it tonight will be a relief, but also sorrowful at the same time. I will never be at his house again and I think, in some way, it will be a grieving process all over again. Thursday - work both jobs and Friday - work and then chaperone our youth at Acquire the Fire in Nashville. I know that God is setting me up this week to rely on Him and also I am praying that He is setting me up to hear a word from Him this weekend. I pray that all is well with those I love and that this week will go quickly - something I normally don't wish.......Lord knows life goes to quickly as it is.

Go Light Your Candle!

Diaroma Night at the Brown House

Abby worked her little hiney off tonight making a diaroma of the Tuck's House from the book Tuck Everlasting. It was fun to help her out with the spray painting and just to sit back and watch her use her creativity. I love that little thing! I am, of course, sure she will worry about it in her dreams and all day tomorrow. She puts a lot of worry into this class........God bless her.

Snow!

WOW! I am so grateful for warmer weather today. Boy, would I love to be on a beach somewhere warm with my toes dug into the sand! We had a great Ash Wednesday service for the youth last night and now we are in the season of Lent. Chris has given up red meat, I have given up any frivilous spending, no eating out, etc., Abby has given up complaining, Emma has given up "giving up to easily" and Jacob is still undecided - imagine that. He said he was thinking about not arguing during Lent - but that would just flat out be a miracle from God! Bless him....

Famine Video

The best I could do after hours of sleep deprivation.

Famine Over!

What a great success we had with our Famine. Praise to God and to all the hard work from our youth, we raised $4334.00! We also were able to get 7 kids sponsored by families in our church this past Sunday! How exciting! I will be posting pics of the Famine later this afternoon. I am always blessed when I just pour everything of myself out to service and this was no different! I will share soon! Love, Melissa

I am greatly saddened......

for Satin - I don't think she is enjoying wearing American Girl Pajamas.......

Well, the Famine is quickly approaching and I covet your prayers that I will have everything ready in time! Things have actually gone fairly smoothly, but there are always those last minute things that crop up and make ya' go "Oops, completely forgot about that!". (smile).

Also, I would ask that you be in prayer for me this weekend as I fast. I am using this time to seek the Lord's will in several areas. This has been something that I have been really dealing with for well over 2 years now and I am praying that the Lord will reveal to me exactly what I am to be doing for His kingdom. I have always known that I have a call to missions, but there have always been things (mostly a thing called "doing life") that have distracted me or gotten in the way of that. Also, when Chris and I married we were Christians, but not living for Christ, so things like "what do you want to do to serve the kingdom of Christ?" never quite came up in conversation. (big smile). Now that we have grown up (that is debatable to some people, I know!) and both committed our lives fully to Christ, we are both using this weekend as a time of prayer and meditation (listening to the Lord) and asking the Lord to show us where we are supposed to be (as in city, work, i.e. all areas of life) and what He is calling us to do for Him. So, please be in prayer for us that we will see clearly God's vision for our lives and also that we will have the courage and willingness to follow that calling. Also, most importantly, be in prayer for our stomachs!!! :)

Starving for children all over the world,

Melissa

Hmmm......

Where to start? Well, first of all, this is a very exciting week for me because our church is participating in the 30-Hour Famine this weekend. Our youth will be fasting for 30 hours while simultaneoulsy raising money for World Vision and also holding a community food drive for the Good Samaritan Center here in Winchester. I love helping out with this project and can't wait to see how God works in all of our lives during the Famine.

Secondly, I have been really relying on the Lord to help me through the 1st year anniversary of my brother's death and He has been so good. Sunday during church I became overwhelmed with grief, but could feel the Lord's comfort and peace surround me. And our pastor talked about the compassion of Christ during the service and how sometimes death is a gift - to ease the pain and suffering. Very timely words!

Also, other news is that I have started participating in a new Bible study on the book of Esther by Beth Moore with 6 other women and it is SO good - I highly encourage you to do this study if you have the opportunity.

Other than that, just doing life and taking it day by day. Working two jobs and loving it! Chris and the kids are good and we are juggling everything fairly well. If you know me, you know that is just how I like it! Peace and love to all! Melissa

So ready for spring

Well, it is windy in the 'Chester today and it is looking like rain. Seems like spring might be heading our way......

Spring has always been my favorite time of year since as far back as I can remember and let me tell you that this year I am chomping at the bit for it to get here! A few of my

Favorite things:

the plants starting to pop up through the dirt

digging in the dirt with my fingers and toes

the smell of flowers and tree blooming

the first little blooms showing on the dogwood trees

I hope today finds you anticipating springtime and enjoying the day God has given us. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Valentine's Day

Here is my menu for Chris and the kids on Saturday night. Let's hope I can pull it off:

Maple-Glazed Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Heart-Shaped Polenta
Baby Spinach and Red Onion Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cake

Yummo! Can't wait!

Abby Alert!

Abby wore her hair down today and actually put mousse in it and scrunched it!!!!! This is big happenings on the Brown front!! I will try to sneak up on her and get a pic sometime tonight and post! Hee....hee....

Hello all! I haven't had time to blog lately, nor time to relax, take a hot bubble bath, catch up on my reading (my favorite past-time of all)! I am busy working two part-time jobs now and am loving it believe it or not. I also am gearing up for our 30-Hour Famine at church - trying to get things organized and media releases done, etc. On top of all that I think we need to do a small little thing called OUR TAXES! Oh well, no one in administration seems to be able to pay them either, so maybe Uncle Sam will be forgiving if we are late this year. :)

Hope all is well with everyone and remember God loves you!

Great Book!

I have met so many wonderful people over the internet and especially through Facebook! I met one especially sweet girl through Facebook named Tammy Maltby. She lives in Colorado and has a great life story and also has written an incredible book called "Confessions of a Good Christian Girl." She sent me an autographed copy in the mail this week as a surprise and I am spending the day reading it while making hot wings for the Middle School SuperBowl Party at church. I feel like the book was written for me - or could have been written by me! If you get a chance to pick it up, I encourage you to read it. Here is a review:

"Beautifully tender and scorchingly honest. Confessions refuses to waste time on either judgment or sentiment. This book, like its author, speaks with a voice of deep understanding, aching transparency, and fierce reliance on the Grace of God."

I personally thank Tammy for being REAL. Something so many people have trouble being either due to fear or pride. She uses her life story as a witness to others and to give us all hope in our present circumstances. Melissa

I just heard the most interesting thing by Beth Moore -

People normally turn to legalism (the "rules" of Christianity) when they are empty and have not had a fresh Word from God or God is not priority in their lives. When they are not holding onto God fully then they have to have something to hold onto and that usually becomes the "rules of men" because it makes them feel safe.

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.

I Peter 3:8

Ready for the Weekend!

Whew, I am ready for the weekend! Big plans for the weekend! The girls may go down to visit their grandmother in Chattanooga and Jacob and Chris will run the shop and I think I am going to paint a bathroom! Doesn't that sound super fun? I think you know you are officially old when you actually look forward to such things! OR I may just do nothing this weekend - wouldn't that be a thought!?

One thing I do know for sure is that I am ready for warmer weather. Bring on the flip flops!!!

God Is So Good!!!

I received a phone call late last night and it was such a blessing to our family! I was offered another part-time job that allows me to work around my current hours for the church! This is such a blessing to our family as it also does not interfere much with my time with the kids - the most important thing after all. So, starting this week I will be working two part-time jobs and I feel so blessed and loved by God.

One thing I have learned is that there will be times of great rejoicing and times of great sorrow in life (sometimes all at once, like this week), but we are called to do is to praise God in ALL circumstances. I am praising Him for this new opportunity but I also should be praising Him in all situations in my life - this call is for us not to have a complaining spirit about us, but to be thankful all the time.

A dear friend of mine had her parents staying with her this weekend and while they were her their house burned to the ground in East Tennessee. The first thing that their family did was praise God for their parents being alive and then have continued to praise God! Let us learn from that. God is in control and even if bad things happen to us or those we love we can have complete faith that God is working out a good and perfect work. He never means harm to us. Sometimes we just don't see the big picture. Well, most of the time we don't, right? Encouraging you to praise God today for whatever you are going through, even if that something isn't something you feel like praising Him for. Love to all!

Cadoo

This is a good family game for game night. Lots of fun, very easy and can be played in about 30 minutes. It is also put out by Cranium and we all know that the Cranium games are great! Definitely a game I would invest in for the kids.