The Beauty of Open Hearts - John, the Taiwanese Princess, and Stella Bella

" Hi Clayton.. sorry we missed you when you guys were in FT Lauderdale in October..we have a few days off after thanksgiving..so we are considering going to Atlanta...Will you guys be in town? Where do you go dancing ? Would be lovely to meet you..."

That's all it took... the Taiwanese Dancing Princess captured my heart..and the heart of my beautiful Samba Queen...

John and Sandra are part of the "Gina crew" who opened the door of dancing JOY for Maria and me four years ago.. but we had not been blessed to meet them in person...so..of course..we plotted and planned and worked out the details.. " IT WAS GONNA HAPPEN.. and the bonus blessing?? Another beautiful Florida dance Amiga would join us as well.. the BEAUTIFUL Columbian Dancing Queen Stella..

Our beautiful dance friends came bearing gifts... Sweet Stella... thank you for showing up at Nemoes Hustle night with your beautiful Ingrid... thank you for blessing me with your sweetness and those awesome fun hustles...

Thank you for....

Putting up with my southern flavored red neck Spanish

Thank you for your encouragement in my dancing

Thank you for opening up your kind humble heart to us..and offering a room for Maria and me next time we make it to Florida.. thank you for the beautiful flower you gave Maria.... such a fitting gift.. usted es un Hermosa flor

John and Sandra.. Thank you for...

Driving the down to the Callaway Farm so Y'ALL ( plural.. you two..and Bella Stella) could hang out with us..

Thank you for the chocolates..the fruit.. the sangria..

Thank you for the AWESOME fun Bachata lesson in our living room.. too fun.. 

And...Princess Sandra... you gave me such beautiful pearls of great price.. your warm heart exudes sweetness and love and light.. here's a few TREASURES YOU GAVE ME that Sunday night in our home:

The way you asked for a SECOND plate of clays famous enchilada casserole.

The beautiful hustle that you and I shared to that killer NUCLEAR ELECTRIC Bruno Mars Song.. and may I remind you?? What's the NAME OF THAT SONG?? Yes.." TREASURE".. yes..yes. yes.. you ARE..

And I will always remember this ..

Sandra said " CLAY -will you play the guitar for us before we leave tonight..? "

Clay replied " AWW. You are so sweet to want me to do that?"

Sandra said " well... I know what kind of things are important ...."

Yes Sandra.. I also am blessed to know what things are important..and I know what is beautiful....I know WHO is beautiful..

The JOY of a simple BOX-STEP ( Lessons from Ballroom 1)

My bride and I have been "learning" how to ballroom dance for almost 4 years now.. It has been a serendipitous adventure to say the least... "Magic", " Joy" , " Fun" and " Merriment" are just a few of the words that I use to describe the evenings we spend at the Ballroom with all our friends.Like many people, Maria and I had no idea what " Ballroom Dancing" was all about.. we thought all dancing was like " BAR-ROOM " dancing.. you know.. people who overindulged in adult beverages, leaning close against each other, swaying to ( and most of the TIME NOT TO) the music... boy were we wrong......

       " There are shortcuts to happiness- and dancing is one of them"


   after taking lessons, and practicing a lot at home... and watching a gazillion DVDs and YOUTUBE videos on " DANCING" , we have pretty much learned the basic steps of lots of dances... its a HUGE part of our lives.. we have learned that Ballroom is REAL ladies and REAL gentlemen , fellowshipping together, learning proper dance frame and form - YES.. YES ...YES.. yes.. but.. THE MOST IMPORTANT thing about Ballroom is not the "complicated " intricate steps" that you feel "pressured" to "nail" every time... it's about "connecting" with your partner ... in time with the music.. and you can do that with a simple box step...

       after no formal lessons for almost 3 and a half years, I recently began taking Ballroom 1 with a GREAT instructor named Warren- He and His team have an awesome program, They teach people how to dance... yes... but they also teach people that Ballroom is about " FELLOWSHIP" and "community" - connecting with REAL friends, getting to know people- and that can Happen with a SIMPLE BOX STEP- Now My Samba Queen and I learned the basics of the Rumba Box step about four years ago- but.. as with any passion, you can ALWAYS learn when you review. I am learning SO MUCH in Ballroom 1- being reminded of proper form, being reminded of how to be a good leader in the dance, how to focus on being a gentleman at the Ballroom- thank you warren. this is all such a huge blessing for me.

      One of the special blessings of being a part of Warren's program is being able to dance with ladies who are REALLY REALLY BEGINNERS.. and to see the JOY on THEIR FACES when they are able to do a SIMPLE BOX step- their eyes LIGHT UP and the frown that they walked in with DISAPPEARS and a sunshiny joyfilled smile appears- they feel the magic... they appreciate someone who will do that basic box step with them over and over... just "connecting".. just enjoying the music.. and the fellowship.. yes... BEGINNING LADIES APPRECIATE a gentleman who will dance with them in a simple basic box step- you see.. THEY "get it" ... and that's why the JOY they experience is so infectious and inspiring-


                            our beautiful friend Sherry- doing an awesome job learning ballroom- her heart of joy and love inspires everyone at the ballroom
                      

 

 

our beautiful daughter Hannah- a BEGINING BALLROOM DANCER who is having fun and enjoying the fellowship and community of this FAMILY FRIENDLY world of BALLROOM

   I love dancing with NEW DANCERS - they understand... its about fun, fellowship, community, being with friends.. there are some people who are skilled , accomplished, polished dancers, - dancing with beginners  for them  is a "chore" a "burden" " it's boring" . SOME people don't get it... and that is so sad... so very sad..

     looking forward TO MY BALLROOM 1 LESSSON THIS WEEK AT Jonesboro First Baptist..

     looking forward to community.. to fellowship... to fun...

   

Messy Kitchens and Refrigerator Magnets

Today I finished cleaning the school and the goatbarn a little early... so I figured I better stay in a "productive mode".. and tackle cleaning my kitchen..it was a bit of a challenge.. it was a lot messier than the school OR the goat barn... so yeah.. I needed lots of encouragement.. and not just cuz my kitchen was really messy...

but because " LIFE " can be "so messy " sometimes... especially these days...

friends and family suffering with terrible illness... hurting for loved ones who are struggling in their search for employment... lots of struggles, trials and tribulations..  My Bride and I have a LONG prayer list.... and it is getting longer every day.. our God is a Faithful Savior... and we are seeing HIM work miracles... He is strengthening those who are hurting...He is showing Himself to be a Mighty Shield and defender..

BUT...... it's EASY to forget.... we ALL get distracted.....

 my heart and my will were bowing to my old companions" discouragement" and "doubt"

and then......

I SAW " IT"....

right there on my fridge... hiding behind a gazillion refrigerator magnets.. next to coupons and Dr. Appointment reminders...

encouragement comes from the strangest places..

" It " was a prayer letter from a young Lady named " Anna"... she invited the Samba Queen and me to be part of her prayer team as she begins her ministry to college students... the Lord has given her a passion to share the Good News of The Father's Love with young people.. to remind them that The Lord Jesus came to earth to rescue us from sin and death... yep.. its the Gospel... we are HONORED to be part of her prayer/support team...

Anna's prayer letter encouraged me for many reasons...

it reminded me what " LIFE is REALLY about".....

its about Knowing the One who made us.. trusting in Him as our only Savior.. so that we can know the peace and comfort  that only He can give... its going to be awesome to see the Lord use Anna to spread that beautiful news.....

I don't really know a LOT about Anna... but... I did a little investigating,.... and I found out that her PASSION for College ministry, her love for lost souls, her desire to serve our Lord was "fanned into  flame" by her time as a college student involved in Campus Ministry...  Anna was discipled by a young lady named Hannah.. who reminded her of God's amazing GRACE... Hannah reminded Anna that our Loving Father is always with us... and He never stops loving us...Two young ladies spent time reminding each other of GRACE... and the Father called Anna to be a MESSENGER of that Grace...

 Yep.. its true... I don't know a lot about ANNA... but I do know a LOT about " Hannah"

Hannah used to eat cupcakes in that kitchen I was cleaning this morning

and I used to take her fishing with me......

  I am so Thankful for the Lord's faithfulness... that He has worked his Grace in HANNAH'S life... and called her to be HIS servant...


I look forward to hearing of Anna's journey of Ministry.... and how she will be used to share God's Love....

I am thankful for Messy kitchens, refrigerator magnets... and prayer letters.... thank you Lord Jesus.. oh no.. the FLOOR GOT WET... How did THAT happen...???.. .

Cleopas, Why the Sad Face? ( The Very First Easter Sermon)

                                   Easter is a GREAT DAY to be a Church....

                                           you know.. lots of people show up-people you haven't seen since Christmas... or since cousin Betsy's wedding a few months ago... or Uncle Harry's funeral. Lots of "CYNICS" like to make jokes about people who show up for Church only  on Easter and Christmas..Some "church folks" think it's sad that SOME people show up for church only on certain days...ok.... THINK ABOUT THAT ONE FOR A MOMENT.. REALLY???????

.. the truth is..

 it's not a "joking" matter..

it's not "sad"

its a GLORIOUS wonderful day WHENEVER people gather together to sing Praises and Hear the Word preached...

it's a BEAUTIFUL BLESSING... cuz.....

  It's one of those Sundays when the "church people" go the extra mile... to make sure there's plenty of parking...to make sure all the greeters and "welcomer's" are at the top of their game... it's the day when Pastors , Sunday School teachers, and Children's Church leaders make sure that the Gospel is presented... that the Good News of God's Love for sinners is proclaimed loudly and boldly . We want to share the encouragement of God's Word with those who are hurting... We want to remind them that the God who created them came to earth as a Man, He kept the whole law for His people- He suffered the punishment for our sins.. yes.. ON EASTER.. THE CHURCH GETS TO BE THE CHURCH...

we are blessed to PROCLAIM BOLDLY... this Man Jesus.. the Jesus of the Bible.. WAS EITHER  a LIAR, a Lunatic, A Legend, or .. HE WAS.... and IS LORD( thank you C.S. Lewis) ...

and if HE was and IS LORD.. then HIS resurrection gives US HOPE.... He has conquered Sin and Death... through Him... we can KNOW the creator of the Universe,,, and we can take comfort in the fact that whatever is going on in the WORLD,, around us... and in our lives.. HE IS IN CONTROL.. He never leaves us nor forsakes us...

our Message EVERY Easter( YES.. EVERY DAY) should be like the one that Jesus preached on the very First Easter...

on the VERY FIRST EASTER .. Jesus burst forth from the grave... and whats the FIRST THING HE DID?? He decided to Take a WALK ( LUKE 24).

he came alongside two of His disciples who were feeling QUITE HOPELESS... they didn't recognize Jesus.. He asked them , " what are you discussing while you walk along??  One of the disciples named Cleopas said" You must be a stranger to Jerusalem?? haven't you heard about Jesus of Nazareth?? what happened to Him?? we had HOPED that He was the one who would redeem us.. but.. they crucified Him... and His body is gone from the tomb...

Cleopas was disappointed... feeling Hopeless.. He looked  at what was happening ALL around HIM.. Fellow disciples denying Jesus.. many of them Running in fear,,- sadness and confusion EVERYWHERE.. Jerusalem was not a great place to have an " Optimist Convention"... No reason for" HOPE..."

Then Jesus preached the FIRST EASTER SERMON......He encouraged them from Moses and the Prophets( the Old Testament Scripture).. He reminded them that the Savior had to suffer these things for His people,.... yep.. Friday sure didn't LOOK LIKE A GOOD FRIDAY.. it seemed like a TERRIBLE FRIDAY.. but. Friday made Sunday possible... God is TOTALLY IN CONTROL... No matter what the NEWS IS in town... no matter the disappointments,.. the hopelessness that those disciples felt could not compare to the GLORIOUS HOPE of The Resurrection.. and ALL the events that surrounded it were part of God's plan....THERE IS HOPE....

no matter what is going on in the world.... around you.. or in your life...  because  Jesus rose from the Dead.... THERE IS HOPE....

                                   Happy Easter from Mr. Callaway's Little Presbyterians
                                         

ADRIAN'S HUNGER- Reflections on the Monterrey Vision Trip

He looked like "just a boy"  ..this humble handsome young man of God-. his hair neatly styled,,, his suit.. his tie.. the shine of his shoes almost mirror-like. Yes, His entire appearance spoke professionalism, order, and determination. His young beautiful smiling wife stood by his side at the Lectern. All of us seated at the conference table were ready to hear about their ministry- and how we might be a part of the work that the Lord is doing in Mexico. The Power Point presentation began.. the binders were filled with information on Church plants, training opportunities, ministry partners, and statistics. There was no question in my mind- the people who welcomed us to Monterrey are seeing TRANSFORMATION.. they are on a mission,,.. a RESCUE MISSION.. they are living their lives in a special way..

Adrian told us about hearts filled with fear, frustration, and futility. He told us a little of his story- how that just six years ago, he existed in a world of drugs and "cutting".. his soul hungered for fulfillment, his body screamed for healing- he had run from HOPE and Healing for so many years...then.. in a treatment facility, he remembered the Good News of the Gospel.. that Jesus Christ came to this earth to forgive us of our sins... to heal us... and to set the captives free.. He realized HE NEEDED the FREEDOM that Christ can give... He remembered the promise of Jesus," Come unto me.. and I will give you rest.."Jesus came to Adrian.. rescued him... and recruited him FOR THE RESCUE MISSION- that's how " Proyecto Alfa" began

later that evening, Pastor Andres hosted us in his home- and shared with us the way his ministry trains and mentors church planters and leaders. His vision is one of TRANSFORMATION- partnering with people like Adrian and Michelle .. the little stream that flows from the threshold of the Temple is becoming a deep and wide river, the leaves of the trees that line it's banks are for the HEALING of the NATIONS... the leaven of the Gospel is traveling throughout the culture of DEATH bringing LIFE to EVERYTHING it touches.. the Mustard seed is growing into a strong and mighty tree.. the largest in the Garden... providing refuge for all those who seek forgiveness and healing in the Savior... CPI is sowing the Seeds of Good News...

as we sat at the table, a delicious meal was served to us- and Pastor Dale, Spenser Gray and Maria and I were blessed to be at the table with Adrian and Michelle.. we heard MORE of His story.. he said,
" when I was living in the prison of darkness and pain.. I NEVER DREAMED I would be set free... I never dreamed that God would give me a life filled with such LOVELY blessings.. my beautiful wife.. my lovely children.. this joy and peace that Jesus gives... this healing... my ONLY desire is to see others cry out to the Lord for forgiveness of their sin.. and to be healed,....to come to know the one true God...
                      after we finished dinner.. we continued talking and visiting with ministry leaders and friends- Adrian told me that the REHAB center where he was staying when He came to Christ DISCOURAGED HIM from talking about JESUS healing HIM and saving HIM...at one point.. threatening to take away his food if he didn't stop sharing,,,, he didn't stop sharing Jesus... he went HUNGRY... they dismissed him from the center,,, and God began equipping him for the rescue mission

            Adrian is NEVER HUNGRY THESE DAYS.. he is feasting on the Bread of Life.. the thirst in His heart has been quenched with the Life giving WATER of God's Spirit.." Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after Righteousness.. for they shall be filled"
          Pray for the Ministry of CPI.. as they train Church leaders.. plant churches... and partner with those like Adrian and Michelle. sharing the Saving , Healing, transforming power of Jesus Christ