A Prepared Vessel vs. A Prepared Ministry

Last evening Kent preached a most powerful convicting message. Many times I’ve heard messages on the 10 Virgins. Last night however, Kent took it to a different level. He compared the Prepared Ministry to the 5 Foolish Virgins and the Prepared Vessel to the 5 Wise Virgins.

Our church strives to pay attention to the smallest of details. We never have dead space in a service. Our music is carefully planned out and rehearsed. Our hospitality department stands and greets with the most professional yet warm and friendly smiles, words, and handshakes. A visitor never touches a door from the front door to the sanctuary doors. Our announcements slides are beautiful, informing, and professional. Our secretaries answer the phones during the day with a smile and assist our callers professionally. Our accounting system is audit proof. Our Sunday School department utilizes the depth of men, ladies, and teens in most classes allowing for mentoring as well as excellence in our teaching staff. Our infants are attended by loving and nurturing persons. Our lighting and sound is diligently and carefully approached. Our bus drivers drive with a burden and love and smile at the children. Our bus crews love and interact with the children in a very positive manner. Our Bible Quizzers do a remarkable job. Our Christian school exceeds 80 in enrollment and our high school students are receiving dual credit with college taught on OUR campus. Our youth and college and career teams carefully plan out each event. Our maintenance crews both vehicles and buildings & grounds carefully take care of their responsibilities. The homeless are offered transportation to services and fed lunch each Sunday. All of our printing and graphics is above and beyond most expectations. CUPC realizes MORE is possible through teamwork and we work well as a team supporting one another and different departments or ministries within the church. All of this is our attempt to have a Prepared Ministry.

A Prepared Vessel however goes much deeper than the ministries of the church and reaches into each of us as individuals. Before ever attaching ourselves to a particular ministry we are an individual. Though we can prepare for a particular job or lend our talents to complete a particular job in the church nothing will ever compare to spiritually preparing ourselves. One thing for certain 5 foolish and the 5 wise were all Christian or religious ladies as we would call them today. In fact by virtue they were called virgins some may even call them holy or refer to them as set apart. None the less 5 were not ready for the bridegroom. It isn’t enough that I am prepared to carry out my various responsibilities within the church I must be prepared to meet the Lord. Furthermore if I will make sure the oil (representing anointing) is in my vessel the ministries I am associated will be more anointed. A church can have both anointing and a carefully planned organizational structure. A prepared vessel does not have to be sacrificed for a prepared ministry.

Matt 25:1-13 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Most assuredly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Enough Said?

During the course of my day yesterday while sitting quietly at my desk working my husband's phone rang numerous times. People were trying to learn information about an acquaintance of Kent's who recently experienced failure. I listened as Kent gracefully communicated without giving information. He discussed what was public knowledge and then stated he had been apart of making the knowledge not so 'public' to protect dignity of those involved. After leaving the office for lunch I expressed frustration to Kent. It frustrated me that people were calling trying to find information about someone in trouble. Trust me one of the callers would go CRAZY if anyone spoke a negative word about him or anyone remotely close to him.

Later I saw a pic of someone that made me cry. The person has changed to be something she really is not. Oh sure the person 'looks a mess' and even 'acts a mess' but I KNOW this is not the real person and soon she will wake up. Later, someone began to cast off with great emotion about this person and rightfully so. Quickly it occurred to me that with the 'casting off' was really a 'catching' of some one's dirty thoughts, attitudes, and even sin nature. I quickly suggested the person not even discuss the other person. Discussing the issues of the other person with such feeling will just dirty or clutter the mind and spirit,. I would prefer crying and not being able to talk with the person for fear of crying than experincing the filth the person is involved. I prefer loving the sinner yet hating the sin. I'm afraid discussion may cause me lose sight of hope for the grace and mercy of God available to the person.

This morning the first email I received was in regards to the troubling things of yesterday. The email came from a Christian man yet written to his secular colleagues. It shared the following quotes:

Earl Wilson, the first black American Leaguer to throw a no-hitter, once said, "If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it."

"If you think little of a person, you ought to say as little as you think." - Ben Franklin

Lord, help me to be able to write and sign everything I say. When others have real issues that trouble, harm, or work against me help me say as little as I may feel about the person rather than belittle myself. My title is borrowed from Terry Davidson, Superintendent of Public School Comanche, OK. Mr. Davidson posed the question, "Enough Said?" as subject of his email written to challenge those he leads to a higher manner of conversation.

Today I ask of each of us, "Enough said?"

Instant is not the Same

Tonight we will be honoring the Servant of the Year nominated by our church members. Additionally we will honor those persons who receive 2nd and 3rd place. Our entire congregation is asked to nominate one person who goes above and beyond the 'call of duty', job description in our local church. This really has my thoughts turning. If we endeavor to recognize those who go above and beyond, I to want to go above and beyond what is expected of me.


We are living in a world that thrives on 'instant' things. Somethings just should not be 'instant'! I'm thankful for those who realize some things require WORK and EFFORT. The more we put into something the more we get out of it.....

I don't like instant potatoes. I can always tell when they are 'seasoned'. While the 'seasoned' instant potatoes taste better than those made simply by the package direction they still do not taste the same. They are lacking in flavor and the texture (feeling) is not the same.

What do people think when things in my area of responsibility are treated as instant and not real? Sure my areas of responsibility can be carried out and even at times reap successful rewards in an instant but I KNOW the difference when they are prayerfully carried out with love, devotion, and dedication. The rewards are very different when I do not live with an 'instant' mentality.

Instant really is not the same as the real....

Frustrated with Facebook

Facebooking as messed up blogging! Blogging requires my brain and time and Facebook doesn't. I can jump on and off of FB and it doesn't require me to slow down and think yet I can give brief one liners about my day. I can also communicate and keep up with others and I LOVE it!!!

So let me race thru what's been going on since my last post...

• Briefly went to check out the church in a day project! Yay Karen & Kenny Prince
• Texas District Minister's & Wives Retreat - Hillsboro, Texas
• Had an MOST incredible Family Revival with our dear friends, Ron & Jerry Ann Guidroz
• Attended the funeral of a dear Texas Pastor & Presbyter, Rev. Carlton Watkins
• Purchased a new church bus!!! Yay...2 busses and 1 van now...
• Went on a special date with my husband. Went to Mary Poppins, dinner @ Artista, and stayed the night at the Inn @ the Ball Park. All provided by Pastor Appreciation gifts and gift cards. Thanks CUPC....we love each of you!!!
• Went Trick or Treating today with a bunch of church kids. We took both busses and the kids loved it!!!
• Calah put up her Christmas tree today - - too early for me but went by to see the kids. She did a wonderful job!
• Kept Mallorie for an hour or so this evening. She's adorable.

Looking forward to WONDERFUL services tomorrow! CUPC is such an amazing church. I'm thankful for the MANY good things that are happening.

A Night of Fun Memories

This evening my sister in law, Courtney, called and asked if I was busy. Monday nights are normally a bit of a rest night. I had decided we were having hot dogs for dinner because it's easy. I told her our plans for the evening. She asked if I could keep Kyleigh for a couple of hours.

Kyleigh is recovering from H1N1 and I knew she didn't need to run up and down the stairs like she normally enjoys. So I tried to think of something to occupy her. Madeline and I enjoy baking cookies together so I decided Kyleigh may be old enough to give it a try. Much to my surprise she LOVED baking the cookies and did an awesome job decorating them, too.

We made sugar cookies. I purchased a can of white frosting. I divided the frosting into smaller containers. Kyleigh loved adding red and yellow food coloring to one dish and watching it turn orange. The other bowl we opted to add yellow food coloring only.

After the cookies were baked she enjoyed spreading the frosting on the warm cookies. Then she added orange, green, and yellow sugars. She decorated the cookies with candy corn and mellow cream pumpkins.

Kyleigh and I decided we needed to share the cookies. We prepared a platter for Grammy and Popsie, one for her Papa, and one for her to take home. Just as were finishing Grammy brought Mallorie over to see our candle-lit pumpkins and cookies. Kyleigh was so excited that Mallorie enjoyed a cookie.

Courtney and I enjoyed a warm cup of carmel apple cider with cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream with a fresh baked cookie decorated by Kyleigh. I love spending time with my family. Making memories with them is a very valuable part of my life.

I hope you enjoyed the slide show....

Happy Fall!!!!

Family Fun Night

Rev. & Mrs. R. Trent Smith

(Thanks Sis. Elms for taking the pic of them @ the Dist Ofc and sending it to me!)

When Trent was 7 years of age he told me he felt the call to preach and said one day he wants to pastor. I don't recall the discussion that prompted the outburst from Trent but I do well remember the day and location. When Trent was only three years of age he began sitting on the front pew in church alone in Conroe. Redonia and I sat on the second pew behind him. Trent was a worshipper. At age five he went to Texas District Crusaders Camp in Lufkin with our friends David and Gena Caruthers. Trent received the Holy Ghost during one of the night services. He was the first person baptized in our church baptistery.

Trent has been very involved in every part of CUPC since our moving to Conroe in March, 1991. He has been apart of Bible Studies, music, youth, Sunday School, outreach, maintenance, and Conroe Christian School. For the first years of his life he was a volunteer. However, the past 2 years he has been a full-time on the ministry staff. Fifteen months ago Trent married Calah Denise Hicks. She has worked right beside him the past 15 months as a strong supporter of his ministry.

Yesterday Trent and Calah travelled to Lufkin to meet the United Pentecostal Church International, Texas District Board seeking to be credentialed with the organization. Kent and I sat in our church office filled with many emotions. We were grateful for the accomplishments in the kids life. We were nervous knowing he had to pass a test and the scrutiny of the board. We were confident knowing he had studied and was prepared. We were proud knowing he had reached a life long goal. We wept thankful though he wasn't a perfect child he reached this place of ministry. I was sad knowing my Dad nor Calah's was present to share our celebration.

Today ministry continues as both Trent and Calah are working at the church. He's teaching classes today and preparing for his weekly sermon to our youth. Calah's working in the school office and carrying out her duties and plans for the music ministry of the church. Last evening when returning home tickets were in their mailbox for their upcoming missions trip to Africa. They are ministering at the National Youth Conference in Zimbabwe. Tonight after service they will enjoy many pies thrown in their face to raise money for some upcoming youth events at the church. Sunday Trent baptized a new youth convert he is discipling. Ministry is a myriad of events and activities.

I am thankful for the call of God on our children. When you dedicate a child to God you just never know where the dedication will lead. Congratulations, Rev. & Mrs. R. Trent Smith.

October :: Pastor's Appreciation Month

This morning I would like to give honor to my pastor, R. Kent Smith. For over 18 years now he has served as my pastor. I'm certain the road has not always been easy. I know there have been many pressures associated with his calling. I've watched as he has juggled responsibilities of the office and the parsonage. This morning I will not enumerate the many accomplishments of my pastor though they be GREAT nor will I enumerate the battles though they be great. I simply want to state I APPRECIATE my pastor. I love you babe!

CUPC honored us as a ministry couple Sunday night. We received many beautiful cards and some had very heartfelt words personally inscribed. We were given cookies, candies, magazines, cash, checks, and even hundreds of dollars in gift cards. Also included in the basket were envelopes for our children with money from a very thoughtful family. Each kind word and gift means so much.

Today I would like to honor each of my friends who serve in ministry. I know the battle hasn't always been easy but the battle isn't ours to fight. While some may be enjoying harvest others are no doubt in the dead of winter. Regardless the season I APPRECIATE each of you my dear friends.

If you are not a Pastor or Pastor's wife reading today find a way to show your pastor's family your appreciation. In fact heartfelt gratitude through out the year will help your leader be able to serve in a better way. It's amazing what a simple kind word or thank you means. Little things really do mean so much. Bake their favorite dessert, give them a gift card to a restaurant, send a bouquet of flowers, or pay for their meal when in a group. If they have small children buy a little prize for their children. If they have older children give them a gift card to a fast food restaurant. Buy them a book, a magazine or even a candle. You never know when the battle may be tough and your kind deed helps them push to victory.

I'm thankful CUPC is filled with CARING people who don't just show us their love and support in October but through out the year I feel many of their prayers strengthen me. I hope today I can encourage someone else to do the same for your pastor's family.

Pastor's wife, if your church doesn't show CARE just hang on God will send someone your way to teach them. I am truly a believer in we reap what we sow. Show your congregation you care and it will not be long and they will support you when you need it the most!

Happy Pastor's Appreciation Month!!! It is with joy I serve and my honor to be connected to so many wonderful friends in ministry....

Is This True Today?

Jeremiah 7:8-11 The Message Translation:

Get smart! Your leaders are handing you a pack of lies, and you're swallowing them! Use your heads! Do you think you can rob and murder, have sex with the neighborhood wives, tell lies nonstop, worship the local gods, and buy every novel religious commodity on the market—and then march into this Temple, set apart for my worship, and say, "We're safe!" thinking that the place itself gives you a license to go on with all this outrageous sacrilege? A cave full of criminals! Do you think you can turn this Temple, set apart for my worship, into something like that? Well, think again. I've got eyes in my head. I can see what's going on.'" God's Decree!

What a thought provoking decree! We can not allow the accepted ideals of our society into the church. Just because it's tolerated in our generation doesn't mean it's SAFE.

Open Letter to Ladies of CUPC

Ladies,

I hope each of you are enjoying a wonderful week. I have been busy catching up from a few days of being in Saint Louis. I am looking forward to Mid.point tonight and hope to see each of you! Sunday night I spoke of some alarming details given at our Minister’s Wives Breakfast. We were warned that children are being targeted by the enemy. They are being targeted by media, books, etc. While I realize each family is busy trying to meet budgets, homework demands, work schedules, etc I feel to warn each of you to not be too busy for God and church. These times demand more of God and the influence of church and not less.

I mentioned Sunday night I would be contacting the Montgomery County Library Central located in Conroe. Thankfully our library does not allow children to take any books from the library without using the standard checkout procedure. Sis. Nunez went to the public school where one of her children attend. She got some frustrating news. The counselor has been fighting some of the books but has not been successful due to the power the librarian possesses. This confirms one of the points given in the meeting I attended. I have not visited Barnes and Noble nor Hastings at this point.

Yesterday, Bro. Smith and I spent a considerable amount of time with a family not members of CUPC. They had just left a counseling center a block away from CUPC. This family is dealing with serious issues with their children. Immediately I remembered points discussed at the breakfast in St. Louis.

Last evening while catching up on the news I visited Click 2 Houston.com I read a very alarming story about an attempt to abduct a 13 yr old girl http://www.click2houston.com/news/21218304/detail.html This troubled me and I was reminded of my commitment to more prayer for children. This morning my sister, Vicki, sent me a MOST alarming news article from Conroe. Vicki didn’t attend conference and knew nothing of my increased awareness of the need for prayer for children. The article was similar to the one I read about the 13 yr old in Houston but this time it involves a 10 year old girl on Ave J in Conroe. This is in our outreach area. The little girl is a student @ Travis, a school many of our outreach children attend.

I am asking each of you to join me in praying for children both within and out of the church. I am also asking that we become more committed to prayer, Bible reading, and faithfulness to church. Notice the order I listed the previous items (prayer, Bible, faithfulness to church) while I believe their importance is in that order I KNOW that they begin in the reverse order. For the most part people with inconsistent in church attendance do not read their Bibles or pray. Girls, services and things of the church are important to your spiritual lives. I love each of you and desire nothing more than God’s protection and best for each of you and your families.

Much love,
Sis. Smith