ARCHIVE GALLERY
March 2007
We have taken a few days of “family vacation” this week without school or work and enjoyed some Fort Worth area attractions. We have had a great time and it certainly was a needed break after a couple of months of solid focus on people and ministry. Before I tell you about that, let me tell you about the awesome weekend at Arlington First Church of the Nazarene.
Friday and Saturday, we taught a marriage seminar in Arlington, TX, which is about 30 minutes from the River Oaks area. We moved the RV over to the brand new facility that Arlington First just built. What a gorgeous building they worship in! When we first walked in, KC said, “Is this a hotel?” We parked around the back and had wonderful privacy for the entire weekend. After a quick tour from Randy and Marci Marquis, (Randy is the Children’s Pastor and Marci is the Minister of Music) we set up for the Friday night session. They had a great kid’s program planned, so we didn’t have to worry about Kennedie and KC for the weekend! And, by the way, if you have been reading our journals regularly, you will be happy to know that both of the kids were completely healthy all weekend! Praise the Lord! This is the second Marriage Seminar that we have done that the kids were not sick! Thank you for praying for them. It was great to completely focus on the people, instead of wondering how they are feeling.
The Friday night session started with an introduction and a few love songs that we have written for one another, as well as a brief overview about God’s purpose and design for marriage. We also play a version of The Newlywed Game where we ask both spouses questions about each other. It is really fun – especially when the couples respond like this church did. They just laughed a lot and relaxed. That sets the weekend up so well, because it gives us freedom and the atmosphere is enjoyable.
Saturday went great as well, and the couples (35-40) really participated with comments and questions. Personally, the Lord showed me a few things that I hadn’t seen before and challenged me to take them to heart. That is awesome, and we like to tell people how God teaches us as we are teaching others. It honestly amazes me that God uses us in this way. Sometimes we feel like we need to move over and let someone stand in front. But, we know that is just Satan trying to stop the teaching of truth and we make a new commitment to tell others what the Bible says about the marriage vow. We love talking about the picture of Christ and the church – it is so rich with instruction for both the body and our marriages.
We went to dinner with Randy and Marci, and our kids played with their kids…and played and played…they did not want to leave! We went back to the motor home and Kennedie and KC played outside with sidewalk chalk and scooters.
Sunday morning was really unique. As Randy did some final preparations for the service, I sat in a fantastic Sunday school class that was so good! Rarely do we get to enjoy something like this in our travels and I just drank in the good teaching. After that, the service started and we had about 45 minutes for our “worship concert,” which went very well, and then we sat on panel of four and answered some questions that were submitted over the weekend. Pastor Wayne Hicks and a Christian counselor, Brenda, were our partners on the panel and they were wonderful. To me, it felt very natural and the congregation seemed to be quite responsive. There were some tough questions that do not deserve a black and white response, but I think the Lord really helped us to give a good overview of the topics.
After lunch at the church, for people who are new to the church, we were able to enjoy a few minutes with a Bichon Frise (just like our dog, Sam, who is at home with my folks) and the kids have been talking about Sam ever since. As we were loading up, a truck pulling a U-haul trailer was passing by the church. The trailer broke free from the truck and came flying towards the parking lot. Fortunately, there was no one in its path; unfortunately, it hit a car that was just picked up from being in the shop for a month! It was great to see the response of the Associate Pastor who’s car was hit…he was very gracious. Randy Marquis prayed with the two gentlemen and asked the Lord to give them a better day. That makes us proud to be related to these people. That is a wonderful way to handle a situation that could have been a real bummer.
We left Arlington and drove back to River Oaks Nazarene so the kids could practice for their upcoming Zone competition in Lubbock. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite to eat with Paul and Tammy Garcia and their daughter, Megan, whom we have just grown to love. This family has become like family to us. She is the church secretary at River Oaks and everyday KC goes in to “check on Miss Tammy.” Paul is a medical doctor and he has been so helpful when we have had colds and such. We have teased Paul because Randy had a mole on his face that was changing and looking kind of strange. It started to concern us, and without insurance, we decided to ask the “good doctor.” He looked at it and said he could freeze it off and it would be fine. I asked him if it would hurt and he replied, “not me!” After one week and no treatment from Dr. Paul, the mole fell off on its own. We told him that is the best care we have ever received and we would recommend his services to all of Fort Worth.
Well, we are now preparing to teach the second half of a marriage seminar tonight and leave for Lubbock in the morning very early. We look forward to telling you all about it next week.
Thank you for praying for us and supporting our ministry. What an honor and joy it is to serve the Lord!
March 12, 2007
We took a little time to visit some area attractions as a family. We knew that we really have no vacation time and the weeks are flying by, so we wanted to bless the kids with a little “Brown Family Fun!” We visited an animal park that you drive through…this is my favorite thing ever! We went to a movie, bowling, Chuck E. Cheese and a mega video arcade. Next week will do some more “educational things.” These couple of days were “pure fun.”
Thursday we taught the second half of our marriage seminar at East Park Nazarene Church. It was a small group who were very interactive and they really had some great questions and comments. This church split the marriage seminar, which is normally a weekend event, into two Thursday evening sessions, which worked well.
Friday, we drove to Lubbock, Texas; about 5 hours from Fort Worth, so Kennedie and Kadison could participate in the District Talent and Quizzing competition (the Nazarene church allowed us to enter the kids even though we are not “technically” with the Nazarene denomination.) They did a great job! I will let them tell you in their journal entries exactly what they did. I led a children’s ensemble and they sang “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You” and did really well. I was so nervous…a little boy in the front row thought he was going to throw up and that was all I could think about! I kept thinking that if that happened, the judges would at least have one memory of us! But, he was just fine and I was so proud of them. Randy played for several solos and duets and he added a lot to each child’s performance. Live music always makes a difference.
We stayed in a Holiday Inn with several other families and had a blast with them. They just seem like family and we all have kids around the same ages, which has been so good for us. It really has been a missing link for me, and I have really benefited from being around other families that the kids have clicked with. Kennedie and KC got to swim, play, run around and be crazy like normal kids and they really felt loved and accepted. It is so fun to watch your kids experience that.
We did not have a Sunday morning concert booked and despite Randy’s continuous efforts, nothing worked out. So, we planned to be with River Oaks Nazarene (where we are parked) and participate in their 50th Anniversary (as a church) celebration service. We just thought the Lord had planned this all along and we really were excited to be with them, as the last two months has been non-stop involvement with this church family. But, on Saturday afternoon, a pastor called from the Fort Worth area stating that his “special guest artist” from California who was scheduled for Sunday morning had just called and canceled due to the flu. He was the center theme for a visionary service, and he climbs into a bubble (a giant balloon) and does all kinds of tricks while in there for ten minutes. Then, he breaks out and is pretty much out of breath. So, the entire day was planned around this bubble man…and unfortunately, he was incapacitated! Originally, we had asked this pastor about the morning of March 11 and if we could have the service, but the bubble man was already scheduled. We now had a decision to make, because we had become so involved with the River Oaks celebration service. In the end, after much prayer, deliberation and phone calls, Randy decided to take the service and back out of River Oaks. We were excited and disappointed at the same time. We felt so bad for canceling on River Oaks, but they completely understood. All I can say is that we had no peace with saying “no” to this pastor who needed something. We felt like he needed us more than River Oaks did. The Lord kept reminding us that we are to keep ourselves available to “go” as soon as He tells us to. We are so glad we accepted the invitation. It was an awesome service with Northside Church of the Nazarene.
The testimonies we heard after the service were very specific about how God spoke individually and we were told from many people how the message could not have been more appropriate. We wish we could share so many details…but that wouldn’t necessarily be appropriate as the Lord works in such intimate and personal ways that we are careful to keep confidences. Just know that we received so much confirmation that we were supposed to be there…and the Lord blessed us incredibly!
From there we drove to Dallas Central Church of the Nazarene who we worshipped with a few weeks ago. A mostly older congregation, the pastor desired to have us back to do some of our more contemporary songs (the first time we really toned it down) as an outreach. So we did! It was really fun and they did have some younger people come, and, again, the testimonies were awesome! We ate dinner with Pastor Tim, his wife Kathy and their daughter, Beth, who we just loved. They are such sweet people with a desire to serve the Lord.
We drove back to River Oaks and fell into bed, exhausted. We slept in this morning until 10:30 and feel much better. Randy’s parents fly in tonight for a week of vacation. They have never been to Texas and thought it would be a fun time to see the grandkids. So, we have some special things planned and we are looking forward to showing them around the FWD area. We hope you have a fantastic week. Thank you for praying for us!
I am writing this journal entry from Little Rock, AR, we are parked in a Wal-Mart parking lot and everyone else is asleep. Wal-Mart allows RVs to park in their lots overnight and they have 24-hour security. We are on our way to Tennessee, but first I will fill you in on last week.
Randy’s mom and dad came to Fort Worth, TX to spend a week with us! They really needed a break from the cold Cleveland, OH winter and they really wanted to see the kids (us too, I think!) They flew in Monday night and stayed in a nearby hotel and rented a car big enough so that we could all ride together. We spent the week visiting some landmark attractions like the Stockyards, where they bring a herd of longhorn steer down the middle of the road everyday at 4:00 PM (it rained the day we went, so no longhorns!), we rode a train to Dealey Plaza in Dallas (where President Kennedy was assassinated), the Bureau of Printing and Engraving where they print currency notes (Washington D.C. and Fort Worth are the only two places in the U.S. where currency is printed) and The Fort Worth Cowgirl Museum. The kids loved it even though we made them do a little schoolwork in the mornings. Little did they know how much education they actually got all week long!
It was a great week even though it was not the wonderful sunny weather we have had in Texas for the past couple of months. It was still warm and the sun peaked through every now and again. Randy’s folks left yesterday morning and headed home to six inches of snow on their deck. It was a week that we will remember for years to come. They were even able to meet quite of few of our new Texan friends and found out why we love Texas!
Saturday was my Aunt Jeannie’s 80th birthday (she and my cousin Melody live in nearby Mansfield, TX) and we helped plan a birthday party in her honor. We had over sixty guests from churches near and far where my aunt and uncle have served as music ministers over many years. It was such a testimony to a long life dedicated to the Lord’s work! Randy and I were able to sing a little at the party, which meant the world to my aunt and cousin. After a few specials and leading everyone in my aunt’s favorite hymns, her pastor prayed a prayer of blessing over her that was so touching. Kennedie and Kadison helped to serve cake while Kadison was dressed in his cowboy boots, cowboy hat, plaid shirt, jeans and bull whip all in honor of my aunt Jeannie who is Texan through and through!
Sunday was an extremely busy day. We sang at Living Hope Nazarene Church in Waxahachie, TX. About an hour or so away, we arrived right on time and my father-in-law helped us unload and set up. It was great to have him, as Randy has had an awful week with his back. The help was very much needed and we even had time to spare. Pastor Dave Carlson and his congregation were so kind and loving to us. They introduced themselves and made us feel welcome right from the get go. Being spring break here, the Pastor was concerned that the crowd may be low as so many are on vacation, but we had a great service anyway. We noticed that they are kind of an eclectic group of believers and they seemed to worship with us, all in their own way. We felt great about the service and the response of the people was super. I wish I could share details of personal testimonies but that just doesn’t seem right to me, so you will just have to believe me that the Lord moved in people’s hearts!
We left Living Hope and dropped the kids off with my Aunt Jeannie and cousin so that they could spend the afternoon riding Melody’s horse, Misty. We had tried to fit this in for the last two months with no avail. The kids had a great time and even convinced Aunt Jeannie to ride the horse! They will never forget it and we so appreciate Mel making this happen. While they were with Misty, we went back to River Oaks Nazarene, where we have been parked for the last couple of months, and prepared to leave on Monday morning. We loaded the bikes and did some quick RV preparations and then got ready for the evening.
We went to Keith and Crystal Slinker’s home (beautiful, by the way) for a last visit with several families from River Oaks Nazarene. It was a little “Bye-bye Browns” party and the kids got to see their friends one last time. After pizza and pictures galore, we hugged everyone, prayed with Pastor Danny and Drenna, exchanged email addresses, hugged everyone again, fought back tears, said goodbye, and finally left. KC really struggled and just didn’t understand why we have to leave so soon. Explaining that our work here is done for now and that the Lord has already made plans for us to return next year, we will get to see our friends soon! It was a perfect time for a little conversation about the family of God and the ‘ties that bind’ because of Jesus. I kept thinking about the instant connection we feel with so many people around the country just because we are a part of the body of Christ. That is the key element in making us feel at home no matter where we are. I think we should write a book called, “At Home Without A House”. Honestly, it is not rare to instantly bond with people we have just met, all because of the love of the Savior. If there is one thing I pray my kids get from all of this time on the road, it is that there is a special unity among Christians that is inexplicable. Because of God, we can go most anywhere and feel at home. I love it when my kids express a desire to go somewhere and see something. It shows me that they realize there is more to this life than what they can see at the moment, even if it is something very plain and ordinary. We were in the car and KC saw a really cool looking restaurant called “Chicken Reds”. It looked like a nice fast food restaurant and he said, “Mom, someday I want to go there.” I laughed because they have seen so much and been to so many places and he wants to go get chicken. But then I started thinking that he has learned that he is able to “go” and experience new things and as crazy as it sounds, he doesn’t have to fear. That is monumental to me, because I want my kids to dream big. Okay, so it was just “Chicken Reds,” that is a good start. I want them to be open to new people and new places so that the Lord can move them easily and use them wherever He wants to. “Chicken Reds” started a great conversation with the kids about missionary work and being willing to go wherever the Lord calls us to. Today, “Chicken Reds”, tomorrow, Africa?
Monday morning we left the Fort Worth area and began our exodus towards the Nashville, TN area. We have to be in Cookeville on Wednesday, so we will have a leisurely trip, with plenty of time to get there.
What a wonderful time we have had in Texas and we see why they think it is the best place in the country. With new friends, plenty of ministry opportunities and God’s grace, we will return to encourage the churches and remind them that the Lord loves them incredibly very soon.
Have a great week.
KENNEDIE'S KORNER
This last week, my grandparents came to town to visit us and we took a week of vacation. There are two places in the United States where they print paper money (it’s actually cotton fabric), Washington D.C. and Fort Worth Texas, and we got to go there. I learned a lot about money and how it is printed. I was also hoping they would pass out free samples of one hundred dollar bills!! We also went to Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was shot. And when we would meet somebody and they would learn my name is “Kennedie”, they would say, “We will be praying for you!”
The River Oaks church had a “Bye-bye Browns” party for us and a lot of our friends were there and it was more sad than fun, if you ask me, because we were leaving and I almost cried. Those friends will always be special, but I know that I will make new friends at the next church that we will be staying at.
That’s it for now. Bye-bye!
We made our way to Cookeville, TN with no problem and a little time to spare. A nice, leisurely trip and beautiful countryside to see, it was enjoyable and a perfect time to thank the Lord for how He has moved in our lives during the past few months. That, and to ask Him to continue shaping us for the ministry He has in store for us.
We got to Cookeville on Wednesday afternoon just in time to eat dinner with my family who lives there. Joyce and Larry Robinson and Patty and Jim France attend the Cookeville Nazarene Church (Uncle Jim is actually on staff as the Associate Pastor) and made arrangements for us to take their Sunday morning service. Joyce and Patty are my father’s younger sisters and I have always enjoyed their company. So, we were excited to spend some time with all of them and for the opportunity to minister at their church.
Thursday morning Randy and I rented a car, left Kennedie and Kadison with Uncle Larry and Aunt Joyce and drove a very scenic drive to Lexington, KY. Randy’s back was out of alignment, so I drove the three hours through mountains, winding roads and small towns to Lexington and he navigated with the numerous turns. We took a back way that cut off about and hour and a half, which was breathtaking. Randy usually drives and I am taking care of the kids, so this was kind of fun for me. Randy would sleep a little and then check the map and all the while, I just sat in silence and took in the view. I kept thinking about all of the houses we were passing and wondering what these people’s lives were like. Three hours of silence does wonders for the soul. By the time we got there, I had pretty much prayed for everyone I knew and thanked the Lord for everything I could think of!
I was scheduled to speak on Saturday morning at the “Connecting and Bonding” Pastor’s wives retreat on Saturday morning. The retreat started on Friday night with a banquet and meeting, so Randy and I led a bit of worship. His back was still really bothering him, so he was walking gingerly and laying down a lot. The conference was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, so he was resting in style! What a lovely place and Jannice May, who leads the Connecting and Bonding ministry, is an incredibly lovely woman! What a fabulous job she does caring for these ladies who give of themselves and invest in the lives of other people.
My dear friend, Lorraine Pelley, from Pasadena, CA, attended the conference and helped with the organization. I was able to spend a bit of time with her and I always come away wanting more! She is just the kind of person you want to hang with and laugh with and then talk about what is really going on in your heart. That is the kind of Pastor’s wife to have! Pat Halford is a distant relative by marriage, and is just as fun and sweet as Lorraine. They are great friends and they just kind of suck you into their family. So, we had a wonderful time just catching up.
Marliyn Hontz (her husband pastors Central Wesleyan Church) from Holland, MI and Gail MacDonald from New Hampshire (she has served with Focus On The Family) were the main speakers at this conference and I had the Saturday morning slot. They were just incredible and it was an honor to serve with them. They were both so very humble and wonderful communicators that it was a pleasure to sit and listen to how the Lord has challenged them and changed them. Unfortunately, I didn’t take one picture the whole weekend! (Just forgot)
My chance to speak came on Saturday and it went really well. With an hour to tell what God has done in my life and how He has encouraged me in the area of being a Pastor’s wife, was very satisfying for me. Randy and I are in a unique position to meet many Pastors and their wives, so I had a lot to talk about. So many of these ladies have been in ministry much longer than I, and that is why they need encouragement! It was a great opportunity for me and I hope to serve this ministry again, soon.
We were planning to stay until after the Saturday evening session, but Randy’s back was so bad that we thought we should head back to Cookeville so he could get a really good night’s sleep to be prepared for two services on Sunday morning.
Both services went really well and the Cookeville Nazarene Church is quite warm and welcoming. The staff was very appreciative and hospitable to us, inviting us back as soon as we are in the area. It is very exciting to share about how God is stretching us and transforming us, and we love to watch people’s expressions as they relate to the challenges we are experiencing. I always wonder how God can use us, telling such simple stories of His faithfulness; it kind of proves that He can use anything!
In the second service, there was a beautiful girl, Candace, about 16 years old, who sat next to the wall on my left. During the first half of the concert, she listened politely without much expression and I noticed her right away because she reminded me so much of my niece, Kierstin, who lives in San Diego. Anyway, when Randy went to the grand piano to play his boogie piece, she had the best view in the entire place. As the music grew and his antics got bigger, so did her face. To watch her eyes and smile come to life was so much fun for me. I would pay a hundred bucks to have those three minutes captured on film! Her whole persona changed and this joy came pouring out of her face. What a darling girl the Lord has made with Candace. I hope you read this, Candace, and if you do, email me! I would love to keep in contact with you! After the service was over, we gave her a piano CD just to keep that smile alive. Very contagious.
After a wonderful meal with family, it was definitely time to relax. We stayed at both Aunts’ houses and took a little break from the RV. That was really nice, and we feel like we know them so much better now. How could we possibly see all of this family if we weren’t in this ministry? Oh…we are so blessed!
On Tuesday, Aunt Pat, who is a massage therapist, gave Randy and I each an hour massage! That was incredible and she definitely has a gift. Between that and two trips to a fantastic chiropractor, (thanks to Uncle Larry's referral) Randy was finally feeling better and could walk without cringing.
We left on Wednesday and headed for Columbus, Ohio to visit Randy's brother and his family and then towards Michigan. We stopped, opened the trailer and pulled out the winter jackets.
Have a blessed week.