But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.  Mark 16:4-5

I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep. On my way to get a calming peanut butter and jelly sandwich (my answer to every crisis), I checked in on DJ my eight year old. He wasn’t in his bed. He wasn’t in my bed. I walked downstairs to the family room thinking he tuned in for a late night episode of SpongeBob. He wasn’t there either. Panic. I could feel it crawling up the back of my neck like a spider. A wave of nausea hit my tummy. And for a few minutes, I couldn’t catch my breath. After a few seconds, I walked out to our attached garage. There was DJ sleeping with Toodles our 3-pound Chi-weenie!  DJ thought he was lonely. When I told him that he scared me to death – He said, “Mom, I’m like Jesus I have risen!” While I appreciate the fact that he did listen in Sunday School, at 3 a.m. the humor was lost on me!

 I can only imagine what Mary and the disciples must have felt like when the body of Jesus was missing. And then to have it completely rectified by an angel saying “Don’t be alarmed!” Wow! Over the years, I have been in many situations where I felt the pricklies climb the back of my neck, and my mind quickly hits the panic button. The only answer to that kind of panic is to remember Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is risen and He can handle my panic. He can handle the attack to my nerves.

 If my God can and did conquer death, he can conquer any fear I have. He traveled through death for me. In John 14:12, He promises me that I can go where He has been and do what He has been doing with great success.

 

So what are you panicking about? Don’t be alarmed! Jesus is out of the tomb. He can help you! Push His button!

Well, folks, I have big news. My new beau and I took the big trip to KY. Larry (yeah, I’m trying to get it legally changed – that’s my Dad and brothers name) is a great guy that I have been seeing for few weeks. We have become great friends and it seems like God is leading us together. With my sister extremely ill from being pregnant with twins, I received the call to come and pick up Gabriel (her 18 month old) to help lighten the load. And with that call, the wheels were turning and Larry and I made plans to take a roadtrip home to KY. Friday we took DJ out of school took and embarked on the trek to meet the parents.

And you know… I was actually nervous and so was Larry! As stated in previous blogs, this year has been full of new beginnings and taking your boyfriend to meet Ma and Pa definitely qualifies. Overall I think the folks were impressed…but most importantly, I was overwhelmed with Larry’s willingness to take off work, make the drive, and give up his time to get to know my family and see what really makes this KY girl tick.

And truly, family makes me tick (and can tick me off as well). I am thankful for my heritage of faith and the work of my parents, brothers, and sister. I often think the measure of man and woman can be summed up by the relationship they have with their family. Many times things happen that can not be helped among families, but I truly appreciate the family that grows Spiritually as the children grow up. I am leary of folks who have no relationship with the generation before them or the generation they created. The Bible speaks about the responsibility we have to our families: If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. I Tim 5:8  I think we always forget this verse. We are so excited to get away from our families that we love to tout Matthew 19:5 where it says we must leave our father and mother to be united with our spouse. Yet, even in leaving our parents for our beloved, we still must realize the Spiritual responsibility to provide for our relatives. Proverbs 11:29 really makes it clear: “He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.” I don’t think this verse is referring to young sons and daughters…I think it is for grown up sons and daughters too!  There is a Spiritual responsibility to care for our families in supportive measures whether it is emotional, spiritual, and sometimes just plain old physical help like running their clothes through your washer til their’s gets fixed, picking up your nephew until his Momma is well, or even… practicing tough love and forcing issues that are easier to sweep under the carpet. In this world we have relegated our family responsibilities to merely financial. But there is nothing like the gift of time when it comes to family. It’s the hardest thing to give and sometimes it’s the hardest thing to receive

Over the last few weeks, there have been changes in the Trousdale household. I can say that we stand at the brink of a new beginning and I am once again excited about what the future holds for me and my son. I thought I would just share with you a habit we have changed and hope that this will help you too experience a new beginning and even healing in areas of your life that have once bound you.

My prayer life has changed. Since the beginning of the year, my prayer time has not been merely cerebral but it has become a very physical exercise of faith and diligence. I am the girl that can honestly say I have fallen asleep on Jesus before. I’m not proud of it. Some people actually brag about waking up through the night off and on and saying a few words to God and then drifting off. And… while I’m sure there is some merit to that… I think it is probably like carrying on a phone conversation with someone who falls asleep. Just when you think you are really getting to the good stuff they are snoring…so you wait until they wake up to finish the conversation but you have to back track a bit and again when you think you are right there – BOOM! Snoresville.  Actually I don’t remember Jesus being too keen on the disciples falling asleep on him when they were supposed to be praying with him when he went he went to pray before his death.

My earthly father actually encouraged me to take on a new posture when I pray. And while, it can be tough to admit at times when old Dad is right. He has been right on the money when it comes to this. For a few years my Dad has been kneeling in prayer often with my Mother before they begin their day and sometimes at night before the go to bed. Dad has been doing it so much he has worn out his tired old knees…and yet he still kneels every morning.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been kneeling by my bed and giving my day back to the Father before I selfishly take it for myself. It is on my knees I have found great power, security, and comfort. This posture of prayer has become like aerobics for my soul as each day I build up time with my Lord in this Spiritual work out. And believe me, it is a physical work out too. If you have ever knelt for very long you will find it can be painful. Yet, as with any new exercise I have found it to be easier everyday and yield even greater healing as the days progress. When I kneel I can guarantee I don’t fall asleep on my Lord. With my knees bent, and my heart humbled, I pretty much pour myself out to the Father.

Honestly, being a Christian all my life, you would think that I would have been doing this longer than just this year. But as with most Christians we often read about, sing about, and talk about things that we rarely do in practice. I wonder why is that? This year our little Christian church actually made kneelers for our church. And as much as it was exciting to put those in place for our special Christmas service, I can tell you most of our folks had no clue what to do. The service was beautiful even with the confusion of using the kneelers and my prayer is that kneeling will become more and more a part of our worship both at church and home. I think it is like the lifting of hands in praise and worship. We read Scripture and we sing songs at least once or twice a month that talk about lifting our hands in worship to the Father and to see folks be able to relinquish themselves to worship the Father in that manner is a complete joy. How is this happening in our corporate worship? I think it is purely a result of this kind of worship happening in one’s personal worship practice. Nehemiah 8 talks about how the worshippers lifted their hands and then fell to the ground in prayer when the book of Law was opened by Ezra.Can you imagine if that happened today?It’s like public speaking, race car driving, piano playing and anything else… the folks who do things well have practiced. I’m sure Kurt Bush didn’t just jump behind the wheel of his Toyota and say today I’m gonna win a NASCAR race. No he had to practice. He had to do it so much it became his second nature to be behind the wheel. And today, actually it paid off.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Tim. 4:7

In my life, I am in a completely different kind of race. I am trying to finish the race of as a good and faithful servant. And I can’t help but believe that just like the winning a NASCAR race takes private practice as well as public performance, that my faith has to have that same kind of discipline. As a praise and worship leader, I am always telling my other singers to practice their worship. To raise their hands in worship in private so that it is easier to do it in corporate worship. And I truly believe that I can’t fake a prayer life in public if I haven’t been active in my private prayer life. I know how I want to finish my race. I want to be known as a true worshipper of my Lord. I want to be a Nehemiah 8 worshipper. I want to do Jesus aerobics til Jesus comes and be more than a cerebral sponge. So my challenge to all Christians as you March into March – air out your faith! Put some activity into it. If you are too timid in public begin in private. Be active in Him and watch Him become active in You!

Over the last month things got pretty crazy around the Trousdale household. We have survived a couple of really good snowstorms, a cancer scare for me (it’s all ok now), pipes freezing, my sister coming out from Haiti due to trouble with her pregnancy (o yeah she’s having twins), and a plethora of other stuff. So during this time, I’ve just been quiet. It’s been a month of endings and beginnings. It’s been a month of prayer and praise. It’s been a month of mourning and believe me there has been dancing! It’s been an exhausting month!

We are looking forward to February. But as I go into February and put January neatly in its place, I wanted to share with you a passage that has been playing out in the lives of me and Deej. It’s John 10:1-18, I clipped it in here for you from the Message Bible ( in bold):

1-5 “Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”

When I first read this passage, I started thinking of how easy it is to think that just because there is someone in your pen that he is actually your shepherd! I think of the times I have followed what I thought was a wise Christian and realized they were not leading ethically as my true shepherd leads me. My shepherd leads me by going through the front door. He approaches his sheep directly. He calls me by name and leads me. However, when a stranger comes into the pen, he has to do the sneak approach. I think sometimes we as Christians need to put this story in reverse too. If you are following the instructions of the good shepherd then you should be able to enter through the gate and be direct…not jump the fence.

6-10Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. 11-13″I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He’s only in it for the money. The sheep don’t matter to him.

My shepherd cares for me enough to die for me. He would lay down his life before he would see that I would be hurt. Do a quick check right now. Are you truly allowing your life to be lead by the Good Shepherd? Are you convinced that your Shepherd would die for you? And in reverse, if you are working on behalf of the Shepherd, are you willing to die to protect your sheep?

14-18″I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”

Since I began taking Square Dance Lessons, I have really identified with this passage. Our square dance class is taught by a very good caller, Dave Stuthard. He is a directional caller. He almost over explains the calls to his students. He also calls out instructions as he calls for dances as well. You don’t really mess around with Dave. There is a mutual respect for him as an instructor among all of the dancers in my particular dance club. My friends and I have now learned enough calls to attend dances in the community. These dances are not always called by Dave.

Apparently the world of square dancing is just about as complicated as the world of church… the argument over denominations have just been replaced with clubs and the argument over preaching styles have been replaced with caller styles. However, just like church if you really love what you do, you will overlook the complications and really have a great time. I can’t tell you what it was like going to that first dance with my friends. The caller was not Dave and it was so hard to follow him. His voice had a different tempo. His style was almost foreign. Most of the time, me and my square just looked at each other in total confusion. Very few times did we end up back in the positions we started in.

However, New Year’s Eve we went dancing when Dave was calling. The experience was completely different. We didn’t get lost. We made the swings, steps, and partner trades without fail. It was a great experience. Why? Because we knew the voice of our caller and he knew us. First of all, Dave kept an eye on the students when he called. Why? Because he knew us. He already knew what we could do and what would be too much for us.

The same is true of our Heavenly Father, Our Good Shepherd. The Lord is not just up there in Heaven calling out plays with His eyes shut. He sees us. He knows us. He protects us. He stands between us and the wolves. And because we have been in His presence, we know His voice. In the same way  a dancer listens to a caller, the longer you listen to Christ, the better you are at knowing His voice, His directional cues, and how He resolves your conflicts. This has been a month of listening to the Good Shepherd for me and my family. We have been silent in blogging but not dormant in our Spiritual growth. I thank you all for your many requests for me to take up the computer again. Stay tuned for more. God bless you, Lori

Oh yeah… he’s been telling everyone that he has a new son. Please meet the newest member of the Trousdale home… This is Toodles! And with that, I guess I am now… a grandma!!!

Proud Papa DJ

Twas the night before Christmas and our holiday had begun

With lots of crazy tradition, we celebrate God’s son.

First its off to the church for the holiday service

The music was beautiful but all the lit candles made me nervous.

From that point on, it was off to the Waffle House for a chocolate waffle treat

Then to Pictown lights, they just can’t be beat.

When we arrived home, we made cookies and cocoa.

DJ got ready for bed and to see Ho Ho!

About 2 a.m., Ho Ho came but DJ wouldn’t wake it up!

It was morning before he came downstairs with his new little pup.

The paper was flying as he opened football jerseys and toys…

He had enough gifts for twenty little boys!

We then headed to town for lunch with friends and a movie…

I think you could say our Christmas really was groovy.

Merry Christmas Folks!

We love you!

How we did Thanksgiving… Not pictured my brother Bud and his family who stayed in Kentucky for a peaceful family meal! After doing all the dishes (by hand) I think they may have had the right idea Since we don’t get to see Jody and Janeil ’s families over the holidays we actually had a little Christmas with our Thanksgiving! What a whirlwind week!

As I try to get myself out there with folks, I am approaching my next big event with a mixture of emotions. I am going to a Christmas Square Dance Party and I haven’t a thing to wear! Oh yes, I have just enough lessons to not kill people in my square. (Although, at my last lesson I did manage to plow into my friend Charlotte and thank God she stayed on her feet.)

So I go to the foreign world of the Tractor Supply Company. I am immediately transported to a land of John Deere tractors and pigs ears. Even the piped in Alabama Christmas album was unique. It’s quite the culture shock – who knew they make pink Carharts? As this is the only western shop readily available, I go looking for a ladies shirt for the dance. Once I pass all the t-shirts that say “my other car is a John Deere”, I do manage to find a sparkly western shirt. Only problem is that it is not the right size. I have to admit by the time I left the store I was starting to see the appeal. I found cute little horse and cow toys and I did find some puppy treats made of sweet potatoes. I don’t have a puppy and I don’t have a kid that would play with a cow but still it was fun.

This reminds me of when I was a kid and Dad would take us to the “Big Blue Store”. It was kind of the same thing. Lots of different kind of toys and out door stuff. I have to admit, the nostalgia did me good. So now, I am headed to the Cracker Barrell. I figure if I don’t find a shirt there, at least I can have some chicken and dumplings! Today, right now, life is good. And always, my God is good!

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  2 Thess. 2:16-17 NIV

 

 

This has actually been the most sane thing I have read over the last few weeks:

This is actually spoken by Christ.  “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish

it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until

it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against

two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against

father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against

daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53 NIV

The rest of the passage is good because it tells you to not worry, which if you are in the middle of any kind of conflict (even if it is God-ordained) there is still plenty of worry.

This definitely shows that the ONLY relationship that is not to be divided is husband and wife. But the main thing is that we always think that God is here to promote a peace among our families… but that peace truly only comes when everyone is a believer in Him. If they are not a believer, this Scripture actually confirms it will be nearly impossible to have peace. You just can’t keep things together if you follow Jesus and those around you do not.

I think as Christians we tend to water down the Word to be a Sunday School lesson of peace, love, and joy. And true, it is all of those things. But being a Christian is also about accountability, Spiritual growth, and living a life like Christ. Well, if you think everyone liked Christ, you missed that whole crucifixion thing!

And, if you think that Spiritual growth doesn’t come with growing pains, you’ve also missed the boat. As with any type of growth, there is a dying process involved.

Short science lesson: did you know that as your cells grow there are specific cells that will die along the way-called “apoptosis”? If they didn’t die, then your body would actually have an overabundance of cells which could lead to cancer. I think science was created by THE CREATOR as a means to learn about the Divine. This definitely shows that to mature there are things that must die off. Spiritual growth is not a skip through the poppies. It sometimes is painful. But is it worth? Definitely. And for those of you who think I’m a holier-than-thou kind of girl, I’m actually typing this going through one of the most painful times of my life. But I have to believe that the growth that will blossom will give me a joy unspeakable…some day…probably not tomorrow…or next week…maybe not next year… But, if I keep my head straight and my eyes on Christ, I will see it. I will have it. And believe me, you will know it!!!