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Exceptional Everyday People
It’s been incredible for me to meet you here and read your comments. I’m amazed at the exceptional everyday people who regularly visit this site. Your sincerity, courage and faith jump off the screen every day.
I want to tell you something that you might not have thought about.
This website is more than just a way for me to tell my story. It’s a way for you to share yours as well. I believe that we each have a story to tell, and very often, the best stories include some kind of pain. We all have to deal with things we don’t like, things that hurt and disappoint us, because that’s the deal we got when sin entered the world.
But God can make something wonderful out of pain if we let Him.
The world would have us believe that we have to be perfect in order to have meaning and significance. One of the devil’s biggest lies is that our wounds are permanent and others only see the scars in us that the wounds left behind.
But God loves, fixes and uses broken people. If you are a child of God, then you’re more than someone with scars. God has a great plan for you, and YOU can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
I know we’ve all heard this a thousand times, but sometimes it’s good to just let it sink in. This has been on my heart very strongly the last few days. I’m going to be talking a lot about this at the Extra Mile, and you’ll hear it a lot when all this stuff I’m working on comes out, but for now, I think it’s worth saying again.
YOU are loved. God has a good purpose for YOU, even in the pain, and YOUR story is worth telling.
Thank you, Lauren. I have taken your encouragement to heart and am working daily on doing exactly as you have said. As usual, Satan knows and is fighting me…he might as well give up. All it’s doing is making me dig deeper, deeper than I ever have, which will only cause my walk with God and my life to go farther.
I cannot thank you enough for the encouragement. As always, you are constantly lifted up before Him. I just can’t to hear your book, your webinars, the CD. It shouldn’t surprise me but it just fits perfectly with what God is doing in my life.
You, your parents, and all those your lives touch are loved and lifted up.
I have been battling the H1N1 since Dec. 29th. It was a rough valley to c limb out of, but we know God is in control. Seeing how I have half a lung missing made matters worse. I have a breathaing test to take on Friday and when they scheduled it, they said we’ll never get you in. I said “yes, you will – God is in control.” Well, they had one opening and one opening for the doctor as well to see me. Blessed and highly favored! Thank you Jesus.
Lauren, wish you could video your conference in Pigeon Forge for those of us who can’t attend so we could order a dvd? Any thoughts on this?
Hey lauren. I have been praying for you and your parents for along time as ya’ll go around and sing. My family is a whole lot like ya’ll going around traveling, and singing in concerts. My dad J.B. Betts has been in music all of his life before 1966.
He is a great man. I just wish ya’ll just meet us in person. I just think the world of ya’ll, and how ya’ll minister by singing for the Lord, not just put on the show, but to magnify
the Lord in ya’ll’s music. I wish I could sing with ya’ll if ya’ll come to Heber Springs.
I’m on facebook I’m on there ok?
I am happy to be apart of the family of God. When I start my day, I am blessed and look forward to sharing life with those who love the Lord and who strive to live a Christ-like life. Nothing worth working for is easy. That is why it’s worth the struggles and hardships, knowing that God will be their with us every step of the way! How presious this “Life”, he has given us to live! Thank you for letting me be a part of your life!
Lauren, thanks for the encouraging word. You mentioned how we all have a story,
and I wanted to share mine with you. Back in May of 2008 I started experiencing
severe anxiety attacks. I have never felt so scared in my life and I was living in a
life of constant fear. I was mentally and physically sick, I would have panic attacks
so bad that it would physcially exhaust me. Finally one day I called my Mother
and asked her to take me to the doctor and that I needed help. By God’s grace
I was able to get help and get on medication for my anxiety. I took my
medication for awhile and then I got to feeling like myself again. Little did I
know that through that dark time in my life God was bringing me closer to Him.
I am now closer to God and I am off the medication… Praise the Lord!!
I do not have anxiety attacks anymore and I praise God for all that He has done
for me. I love Him more and more each day.
God Bless you Lauren & your family, love you guys.
Kim
That is a great story
Thanks for sharing!
Say, Lauren, how do we upload a photo for our own icon ID? Don’t see a way to do that. I’m a believer that Christians are exceptionally good looking.
Hmm…Maybe the webmaster can figure that out for us.
Thanks for the video of “How to…” on your “Colts/Saints” post, Lauren. You can see I’m not too old to learn. LOL! Hope you keep dodging the worst of the winter weather. God bless you and your family’s travels!
Your mom mentioned, on the Talley website that she had a goal for the coming year to read the Word of God more. I have been a christian for many years, and have read God’s Word a lot. And I had to memorize scripture as a child too. But it has been on my heart and mind a lot for the last 6 months or so, that we NEED Gods Word….more than ever. As I read more, I find more and more “new” things…and more than ever; new strength and power in HIS WORD!
I have a friend who is a relatively new christian, and she is getting up very early every morning before she goes to work to read Gods Word and pray. She tells me that she HAS to, to prepare for her day………where she works as a check out clerk at a food store. She is making less money there than she could make at another job, but believes God wants her there to share His Love with the people who come through her line…..and also her fellow employees. I go in the store and shop, and there are ALWAYS more people in her line. She radiates the love of God. It is MORE than just a friendly person….it is someone who MEETS with God EVERY morning to be “re-charged” to spread the Light of Jesus to the people of her little town. It is HER story, but I wanted to share it. She is an inspiration to me.
That’s so true…when I was sick and hurting more than I ever had I realized just how much I needed God’s Word. I depended on it just to be able to get out of bed and be nice
I thought the story about your friend was very interesting… how a positive attitude about what God is up to in our lives shows to others and draws them to us, whether they realize what it is or not. We never know who we affect just by our words and our attitude.
Valuable stuff there.
Lauren,
I have continually been battling with bi-polar depression. A couple of
years ago, it was so bad that I almost died from it. Like you, I knew I
daily needed God’s word, and somehow I kept up my quiet times. Some
days I was so depressed, I felt like I was going through the motions, but
I kept it up. I still struggle even today, but not as severely. Even today,
the struggle can be very hard, but I still find comfort in God’s word. I
especially find comfort in reading Job. The message in Job: where are we
in relation to God when it hurts?
I just read what Ruthie wrote about the checker. I find it so interesting, because I have my favorite checkers at Safeway.
I will deliberately wait in a longer line to go through one with a friendly checker. I have asked others if they select the line by the checker and some said “of course” and some said “of course not”!
When I am courageous and feel led, I do go through the lines of the checkers who are not particularly engaging or friendly and try to say something that will make their day brighter.
God uses us where he plants us. We all need another to lift us up when we are down.
I absolutely love your site, Lauren. I am one of “The Broken Ones.” I have Rheumatiod Arthritis and live with pain daily. More than that, I am a child of God and you’re so right about God having a plan for each of His children! When the pain gets really bad, I always try to remember the simple little song we all sang as kids…Jesus Loves Me! I also try to remember that even though I’m not very old, I will receive a new body some day that will not hurt. You are an inspiration and I fully believe that God has many purposes for you! Go Team!
You know what’s cool about all this? We’re discovering that EACH of us is one of the “Broken Ones,” in one way or another. Our pain isn’t all the same, but each person’s experience is important. It can be used to touch somebody else. Wanda, thanks for sharing your story… you are being used by God also! GO Team
Lauren,
What a joy to watch the family grow up. I remember when Roger was a young man singing at Shady Grove. My son used to go to Bible School with Wanda Cox and her children.Your mom and dad along with Kirk could set the woods on fire.
Now you and mom and dad are doing the same thing. I miss you all at my church. when will you ever get to come back? We keep looking for you.
I want to come to your Bible Study.
I hope grandma and grandpa are ok.
God Bless,
Mary
Are you still a Shady Grove member? Haven’t been there in several years but will NEVER forget it… that’s where I learned to sing harmony.
Would love to have you at Extra Mile… we’ll catch up!
Lauren,
You are so right, everybody has a story. Each one is a journey that God Himself has carried us through. I am constantly sending the devil packing about loosing a friend last year. You see she was my Best Friend and she fired me. It shook me to my core and left me in a bout of depression for over 8 months. BUT…that’s not where the story ends.
God picked up and gave me a new song to sing (actually SIGN) since I do sign language to Christian music. I actually love doing He’s Alive! He showed me that there is No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! He loves me for who I am and He is my friend that sticketh closer than a brother. The most interesting thing is God has given me many more friends than I could ever ask for. They’re wonderful people!!!!
So thank you Lauren Talley for sharing with us your story of how God has helped you! Thanks for allowing me to share a little of mine as well.
Blessings,
Alicia Roark
It is so hard when we lose a friend and can do nothing about it. I’m like you; the times that I’ve experienced that, God always placed others in my life who were even closer friends. Actually I have an essay in the book about that… “Plan A to Plan B.”
it’s a Scriptural study about how when a situation we thought was God’s will changes, God supplies us with something better. Hope you’re encouraged by it!
Yep,..we serve a awesome God,..2008 i almost lost my dad who, so fast went downhill, with a heart, kidney and liver problem. Now these are all vital organs that we need to function properly everyday. The doctors gave no hope for my dad,.. but let me tell you of another doctor that is the best physician in the entire world ,..The Lord Jesus Christ,..who healed my dad. He is 89 years young, and doing just fine now! My dad who loves the Lord with all his heart said to me,..i may be weak but ..”his grace is sufficient for me, and my strength is made perfect in weakness”… this is from 2Corinthians 12: 9. Jesus Christ is our strength in everything we do.
Thank you Lauren for this site. God Bless!
Thank you so much for your encoragment it has been of great comfort to me as we found out at Christmas my mother has pancrious cancer and will have surgery tomorrow the 19th and with your words of encoragment I have been digging very deep and I am trusting in the Lord for all things please pray for the Lord to guide the Dr. and give him the skills as we go through this time of trial once again thank you.
Brian
Brian,
If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find that you and God are growing closer during this time than you ever have before. He has some great things to teach you and this will be used for your good…we have to trust that. His grace is always enough. God bless you.
This is very true. Brian, I went through this last year when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt like I had hit a brick wall, but I held on to the promises of God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will stick closer than a brother. We have to have faith that he will do as he promised. Going through these trials does bring us closer.
I will say a prayer for you and your family.
Dear Lauren,
Thank you for this website and the opportunity to read others comments. They are all so encouraging to me as well as yourself. I have been through much in my 62 years and God has always brought me through each and every pain and trial. Right now I am facing another as my son was hit in a headon crash 2 days before Christmas. There is hardly a bone in his body that wasn’t broken and he has a closed head injury, but with much faith and prayers from all over the world he is still alive through 4 surgeries with more to come and his vital signs are good. He is in a coma but we fully believe that “this too shall pass”. This is the second time in his 39 years that he has been through this and we know that God is healing him and will bring him through it all like he did before. The trials in my life have surely brought me closer to God and given me a hunger to serve Him more. God bless you and your parents in your marvelous ministry. I just enjoy so much to listen to your CD’s and watch your DVDs, Thank you for being obedient to His calling.
Yours in Christ, Shirley
Dear Shirley,
I don’t know you personally, but God does and through your post I could feel the pain you do.
Please be assured that in my little corner of this world, I will be praying for your son and you and your entire family that God will completely heal him and that God will do it in such a way that people can say it only came from Him!
May God give you peace, comfort, and grace in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Alicia
Hi Lauren, I have to tell you this. For the past several days every time I get in my car and turn the radio on, you are there singing your little heart out. I’m so happy that Solid Gospel 105.7 is really promoting your music. I love your new project. Hope to see you soon. Come on down to North Carolina.
Glennis Hunt (aka Kenya) ha. ha.
Hey Kanye! You and the girls hop in the car and come be with us in March- we’ll have a big time
I am blessed every time I hear The trio and you sing.
My family did some singing many, many years ago, and God blessed the effort .
Do all in His name and you will be Blessed of Him.
Amen
IN Christ
Bob
Hey Lauren:
I`m the senior member of The Hagans Family. Your Dad has done tracks for us. I am thankful for your ministry. Your Mom and Dad have been a blessing to me and you are special. Life has been hard these last couple of years and I covet your prayers. Thank you so much for this web site. It truley is a blessing. Take care and God bless you.
Sincerely, Howard Hagans
Preach it sister, preach it. Okay, but you are 100% correct. There are no big I’s and little you’s in God eyes, as my dad says. Of a truth, God is no respsecter of persons, and we shouldn’t be either. When one hurts, we all hurt. Just as when part of the body hurts, the nerves send messages to the brain, and then throughout the whole body. But I’m so glad we have a loving Lord and Savior, who is always watching us and loving us, and forgives and heals us when we need it. Lord please help us ti be more like Jesus is my prayer. Blessings.
Stephen
WOW – thank you Lauren for your words of encouragement. You don’t know how much they ministered to me tonight. I have been in lowest valley I have ever been in in my life and I was praying tonight asking God – “will it always hurt like this?” I thought I would check my email before going to bed and here you are. I believe God has used you tonight to remind me how much He loves me. Two of my favorite Scriptures are Philippians 4:19 and Romans 8:28. So, yes, I know I have heard what you said a thousand times – in fact I have told people the same thing … but tonight, I really needed to hear it again. Thank you for allowing the Lord to minister through you.
I know exactly what that’s like. It feels like if we hurt for one more second we’re going to die. But I promise, God will always give us the grace to deal with whatever we have to face. Any time you need a little boost, GO Team is here!
Just remember what the Bible says Greater is he that is in you, then he that is in the world. Keep up the good work you are a ture blessing to all of us. Robert Cleveland..
Hi Lauren,
It’s good that you have your own web site, now.
I’ve heard it said,”confession is good for the soul, but bad for the reputation”; so, tonight, I’m confessing ( A little ). I have been around the world a couple of times while serving Uncle Sam in the US Army. I know it sounds like I’m bragging. I’m not…Tax payers paid for those trips. All I had to do was my job. All the talents God gave me were not always used for His glory. In spite of that fact, in His love and mercy, He has blessed me tremedously all of my life, anyway.
What is exciting is winning souls for Christ! What a way to use your talents. Some day we will have to give an account for the talents He has loaned us. May we not be lacking!
I think you and your family have used your talents well. I was blessed to hear you. How exciting it must be to witness in this way!
Wow. I really did not intend to write a book here.
Let’s remember the Hatians in their time of suffering, and also those persons working to help there, in Haiti. Let’s remember our service members and our leaders in prayer. Blessings to you and your parents, Lauren.
You are a very wise person Lauren Talley.
God Bless You !
THANK YOU for the great chat this AM! see you in a few months!
Thank you for all your encouragement through your website-I watched you “grow” up on the Gaither Homecoming show-from the church in North Carolina to watching you sing in South Africa. Each time I watched, you had a smile and I could see that one day that you yourself would be sharing God’s Word and Love! Thank you again-I also have Sirius Radio and Enlighten plays some of your great songs. My Best, Chris Croy
I want to admit something, sort of say it out loud. I fell back a few years ago. The fault was my own as I allowed my sight to be focused on the people in my church. As a new convert I tried to please everyone but in the end pleased no one, much less God. The pleasing factor became old quickly and discouragement set in. Slowly, over a couple of months I began finding reasons not to go to church until I quit. After that I still prayed and read the word but without that fellowship and teaching my habits began to change until I was back to the life I knew before, only one difference, I now had the knowledge of what it felt like to be in the palm of the Lord’s hand.
Some people sat once saved always saved. I know the Bible says that Grace is a gift but although it is a gift, I know I’ve thrown things away that people gave me, only to wish I had kept those things later. In my heart I know if He took His people away today I would remain. What I know about myself, is I don’t feel that pricking at my heart like I use to when I erred in some way. The more I am in the world, the easier it is for me to be in the world. The sad part is I am so unhappy and want to do better but there is something in me that holds me back, if that makes any sense. Perhaps it’s my flesh yearning to be in control so much.
I feel like God is speaking to me however, in a couple of different ways. One, by Lauren saying that this website is for us, thus encouraging me to tell my story and two, my Mama wanted The Trio DVD and could not find it. I went to Kirk’s website and bought it. I listened to it myself the other day, not having heard it in a few years and broke down, feeling empty and ashamed when Anthony sung with such emotion, Whatever it Takes.
I remember singing that song in church. Yeah, that was my calling, singing. I never knew I could sing until I was saved at the age of 28. Hearing that song brought back memories of God using my gift to touch others. It was always humbling to know He allowed me to bless people. Not only that, but the words of the song are so very powerful. How many of us will do whatever it takes to draw closer to God? I didn’t. At one time I would have never believed that I wouldn’t, but yet here I am.
I ask for your prayers. For whatever reason God has found something worthy enough in me that He keeps throwing things in my path, showing me that I can do better, showing me that He loves me and wants me to find that peace again. I’m also seeing that while those people in my path, who were there to encourage me, were just as human and able to err as I.
Joy,
Your story is very compelling and undoubtedly there are people reading this blog who can relate. Hope it’s ok if I share a little something with you and maybe it will help give you a little insight.
You reminded me of Romans 7. Paul says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” We all have a sinful nature which is at war with God and it doesn’t just go away once we get saved. Killing off the flesh (or sin nature) is HARD and any Christian will say amen to that
We have to choose every day to die to ourselves and our desires and choose to follow God. It doesn’t always feel good or easy, but it’s a choice we make if we love God and He gives us the grace to do it. We can’t do it all by ourselves- we need His help.
I would encourage you to really get honest with yourself and with God. Know this- He isn’t mad at you and He’s been waiting for you. You do not have to be “good enough” for Him to accept you. We have all sinned, but He is faithful to forgive us when we ask. If you aren’t absolutely sure that you’re saved, tell Him that. If you truly commit your heart and life to Him, He will give you a peace that you have never known.
It would also be a good idea for you to find a church you like, that offers good Bible teaching and a class for new believers, and really start studying the Bible. Romans 7-8 would be a good place to start.
I gotta warn you, churches are full of imperfect people, but that’s the best place for us to learn. 
We are praying for you, we are here to offer any help and encouragement we can and please keep us updated…your story is just beginning.
God bless you.
To Joy AND Lauren,
WOW! Compelling? YOU GOT IT! can i relate? You betcha! Joy, like Lauren says, your testimony really hits home with me, and.i believe with many Christians today. my, the similar battles we have each fought, and are fighting….
Lauren, what a terrific answer! the passage you shared from Romans packs a lot of punch. it fits. you have spoken with the wisdom of a Solomon and with the loving grace of our Lord. yet you have shared as one who has already experienced some of life’s tougher battles. my hat is off to both of you, as its been encouraging and uplifting to read each of your posts. keep it up! Thanks! Mike
This my testimony of God faithfullness in my life.
When I was born doctors said I would be lucky if I lived to be five years old, my family was devistated when they heard that news. My mom she was heartbroken, she was thinking I will never get to see her graduate from preschool, kindergarten, or high school, I won’t get to see her get married and have kids. My mammaw told her something very wise in my opinion, she told her treasure the days you have with her they are a gift from God, she also said no matter how much you get to see her do it will never be enough. When I turned five years old doctors were stunned they said they didn’t understand it. I understood it fully and what I said next shocked everybody in that room, I said “It’s A God Thing” they were shocked that a five year old could explain something that they could not even begin to understand.
When I was around six years old I went to see a doctor in Dallas and he wanted try me on something called IVIG treatments for my immune system. I got it through an IV. I did that every month for about three months then they told us about something called a port. They put it under the skin and there is a line that connects to the heart. I had one put in, it was wonderful in my opinion. I could use it when I got the treatments and when I was in the hospital.
A few months later, we were in Dallas just like we were every other month the only difference was my great-grandmother was with us and we were going to stay a few extra days and make a little vacation out of it. That night I got really sick my mom took my temperature and it was 106. They rushed me to the hospital by the time we got there I was pretty much out of it from my fever being so high. Doctors told them they were not sure if I would ever wake up. My mom said she cried like a baby when they told her that. When I woke up they said they did not undertand it, but I said “It’s A God Thing.”
When I was eight years old, doctors didn’t think I had much time left. They told us about The Make A Wish Foundation, we had never heard of it. They told us that they grant wishes for dying kids. They gave us forms to fill out, my wish was to go to Disney World. When my wish was granted I was shocked. My Make A Wish trip was without a doubt the most rewarding thing that I have ever experienced.
About four years later my illnesses were slowly improving. I was able to wake up in the mornings and understand what it was like to feel good. I knew with all my heart that “It Was A God Thing.” That same year my doctor told me about IVIG sub-q. I was really excited about that, I tried and it was so much better. There were ups and downs to it, the ups were I could do it myself, the downs were that I had to do it six times a month, I put the needles in my legs and my legs get really sore. A couple of months later I was doing so good on it that they said that I could have my port removed. My imune system was doing so much better on it, because it was in my system all the time and not just for a week.
Last August I went for my check-up and my doctor said I was doing better than she had ever seen me. She argued with the doctor that came in before she did, because every time I had ever seen her I was always on at least twelve medications when I saw her I was on about five or six. I asked her if there was any way to get off of the treatments, at first she said no way then she said I will draw the labs and we will go from there. She told us the results would take around one to two weeks to come back. Those were the longest weeks of my life. After three weeks the results had still not come in, and we found out that they had lost some of my blood work. In my opinion it was a blessing in disguise, because I was not emotionally ready for what the results would say and I believe God knew that. On April 27, 2009, I had the blood drawn again, I know the results were different this time because the day that they drew the labs I put it in God’s Hands and told Him to take care of it. On May 5, 2009, I found out that the results were back. The results said that my levels were on the low side of normal and to me that was fantistic news because the had never even been adequate before. My doctor said that she is willing to do a trial run off of the IVIG treatment for about three or four months, and after that time she will have the labs done again and we will go from there. The only thing about this trial run is that I will be at a greater risk of an infection, and if I get a bad infection I have to go back on the treatment no questions ask. This is something that most people thought would never happen and it has happened.
On March 14, I celebraate my birthday a day that I like to think about how many extra years God has blessed me with. I have been blessed to live many more years than doctors ever said that I would have.
On June 19, 2009, I graduated from high school with my homeschooling class. I have never met any of the kids, so it was a little scary but it was very rewarding.
July 3 2009, it will be ten years since my Make A Wish trip. Not many people who have had Make A Wish trips can say that they were blessed with ten more years.
The biggest trial yet came on Friday October 9, 2009 that is one day that I will never forget as long as I live. I had done some lab work to see if I could stay off of the IVIG. My nurse called me and said that my latest labs were back and they were very low so low that if I was to get an infection that I could possibly die. There was a part of me that wanted to go right back on it and not ever look back, but the other part of me remembered the sideaffects of the treatments and that part of me also remembered how good my health had been doing off of it. I told the nurse that I needed time to think it over and that I would call her sometime that next week. I cryed for a while that afternoon and then that night I prayed like I had never prayed before. I prayed for guidance and for wisdom because I had always thought that if the results were bad that I would go back on and not think twice about it, but when I was actually faced with the decision it was not that simple. I prayed all weekend and cried more than I ever have in my life. Finally on Wednesday morning it was as God came to me and said that you have proved doctors wrong before and you will do it again and in that moment I knew that I was going to stay off of the treatment. I saw my doctor in November and she was expecting to come in there and tell me that I had no other option except to go back on it, but she came in there and said I looked better than she had ever seen me and I seemed to be healthier than ever before. She told me that day that she thought that I would live to see Christmas but she said I proved her wrong. I am still taking it a day at a time and I know that if I don’t wake up tomorrow I lived a blessed life and that I will be meeting the man that preformed so many miracles in my life.
As long as I live I will never understand why God chose me to live this blessed life and to preform miracle after miracle in my life. I am so unworthy but He blesses me everyday.
I am thankful for everything that has happened to me. Everything I have ever faced has made me who I am today.
I am blessed beyond measures.
Kasey,
Thank-You for sharing your testimony. What a wonderful tribute to God’s grace and mercies towards us! Perhaps, some day, I could hold you close and share your joy for God’s blessings in your life. Blessings to you, my little sister in Christ.
Hey Lauren, this is a terrific site. When I met you a week and a half ago in Mobile, I mentioned to you and to your mother that I’m a new Christian. I think what I meant to say is that I want to be a Christian. I really don’t even know how to start, or where to begin, or if I can do this right, and what if I’m NOT doing it right?! I told you I’m not sure that I even deserve to call myself a Christian. I don’t think I’ve earned it yet. I really don’t even know how to read the Bible. That’s how inexperienced I am. I feel so far behind, but I want to catch up. I am gonna catch up! I think that you are SO the right person to have this uplifting, optimistic site. I have a feeling that I will learn a lot at the Extra Mile event. In those minutes we spoke in Mobile, you just reached out to me with such sincerity. I was truly touched. This is a big responsibilty you’ve taken on here. But I do think that you can handle it all in your own friendly, willing, careful, great big open hearted way. At least that’s what I feel from you. And I do think that I am going to benefit in a BIG way because of this. You are helping. Thank you.
With Love,
Lisa
(P.S. GO Saints! Lauren, we might just make it to the Super Bowl! That would be crazy!)
Girl…how bout them Saints??!! Reggie Bush is a BEAST! (And I’m a Colts fan at that)
Ok, on to more important things. Let me ask one thing before we go any further: Are you sure you’ve accepted Christ? If not, we need to take care of that first.
To paraphrase Ephesians 2:8, it is by grace that we are saved through faith and not from ourselves or our own efforts. It’s a gift from God that we accept. If you have asked Christ into your life and committed yourself to following Him, then you’re a Christian. You don’t have to do anything to earn or deserve the label. You’re in. He already did everything that needs to be done… we just have to accept that for ourselves.
Now, if you’re looking for some directions on your journey, as your entry into Bible study I’d suggest you start with the book of John, to familiarize yourself with Jesus and what He taught. The next place I’d encourage you to go would be Romans. It talks about who we are in Christ and what happens in us when we come to know Him.
I’d also recommend you find a good local church that you like, one that has good Bible teaching. Lots of churches have classes for new believers to help you get started and help you figure all this out.
That would help you tremendously and also help you meet other folks like yourself who are just starting out. Just know this- nobody ever gets it all right, and you don’t have to do it all perfectly. Being a Christian is about learning and growing our relationship with Christ. That takes time and that’s ok.
And of course, we’re here for ya
If you have any questions we’ll be glad to help however we can. If we don’t know the answers we’ll find someone who does. 
Please keep us updated…you are starting on the most wonderful adventure of your life!
I KNEW I’d forget something!
If you have difficulty understanding the Scripture you read, a study Bible would be GREAT for you to have. The Life Application Bible is one of the most popular and it has lots of explanatory notes.
Hi Lauren just wanted to say i am so proud of you for doing the job your doing ,i have watched you and your family for more years than i care to say ,my whole family listens to your music and your family music you are such a blessing ,wife and i try to sing some of the songs yow all sing but we can never do them quite like the tallys GOD bless you enjoyed your reading from your auido taping lol from oklahoma ROGER STARNES AND FAMILY
Joy, then Kasey, then Lisa. oh my! this is God’s love for us and his never-ending grace IN ACTION ! Lauren, your website is surely a tool for the Lord ~ You, and all of us, were blessed beyond measure when He planted the idea in your head to get this started. like a tasty chile, this is GOOD STUFF that only gets better each day!
Hi Lauren – I am really enjoying your site. Two of my friends were on the fall cruise with you. The 3 of us and some of our other Bible Study sisters are coming to The Extra Mile in March! We are all very excited. Don’t know how you are going to do the Miracle League concert on Friday night in Conyers, GA (just around the corner from me) and The Extra Mile on Saturday. We’re a bit older than you – OK, we’re way older than you and decided we just couldn’t pull that off. So we will be leaving around 1:00 Friday to head to Tennessee! Can’t wait to see you all – Sherri
Hey Sherri,
We are going to have our bus driver drive us home and I’ll sleep on the way!
Have y’all gotten registered yet? I’d encourage you to do that ASAP if you haven’t already.
Hi Lauren – yes we’re registered – six tickets and 3 rooms! We can’t wait. See you then!
I just want to say how much your music means to me. I am in the US Army currently serving in Iraq. I have not been a Christian for very long. I didn’t have an easy life growing up. I lived in an abusive house, where my mom killed herself when I was 15 due to my dad. I couldn’t see why God would take away my best friend or why she would leave me. When I became saved I began listening to your music, and “Orphans of God” and “the Broken Ones” have stood out to me so much. They help to show me that no matter what happens in life God is still there and He will never leave us. When I come back home I hope to be able to see you in concert. Thank you once again for the testimony and williness of you and your family to serve the Lord.
I am very touched by reading all these comments here. I am actually speechless for now but will respond sometime this weekend. Thanks Lauren and God Bless you always.
Take care,
Ron
Lauren, It is so true that we are all broken, hurt and scared at times in our lives. In those times of hurt and brokeness, God often brings back to my mind , the story of Job. Everything that happenen was no fault of his. But he trusted the WORD and knew what his God had promised. The more we hide His Word in our hearts, the more intimate & stronger our personal relationship with Him is. That’s what defines who and what we are, not these temporary circumstances we find ourselves in. I Love God’s Word and each and every Gospel Song is an anoited message from God. I often think of Squire Parson’s son “The Rose”. Sometimes we too are crushed and broken for a beautiful reason that at times only He knows. Who knows who is watching you, and it could be God’s way of bringing salvation to another.
Lauren,
I really have enjoyed your new website! It is such a blessing. I just want to say “Amen” to your newest posting. I too believe that our Lord can use our pain to our advantage if we let him. I have suffered alot of pain but now am living a blessed life. I believe he turns our test into our testimony and our mess into our ministry. Our Lord does not waste anything! What an awesome God we serve! I am coming see you in Lubbock, Tx. in a few days and I am so excited!!! Take care and God bless YOU!!!
Liz Payne
Lauren,
What you wrote here really was wonderful for me to read. Also, the comments from others were incredible. We all do have something very special inside of us and it is just a matter of finding it within our hearts.
I agree we all have to deal with things we don’t like but what happened to me back when I was 21 should never have happened to me-but it did. I blamed God for awhile until I saw it differently. I know God loves me and my scars are just that now. The big wounds that I had are now just little scars that I know I have inside of me but overall I am doing very well. My flashbacks have lessened a lot and that is great progress for me. I have come so far the last 6 years that I am very proud of myself. Thanks for saying I am loved(as everybody else is to) and God has a purpose for us all. Is my story worth telling-yeah I think it is especially since it is something that changed me forever. I am wondering should I just put it on here or not-I just don’t know. Part of me says yes and part of me says no. But I will consider it because I really like what you have done here-it is so very helpful.
Now to the comments from others-let me pick some to say something about. First Martha good for you on taking the encouragement to heart-keep at it. Sharon sorry you are battling the H1N1 but I hope you fully recover. Kim I think it is wonderful how you no longer have to take the medication for the anxiety attacks and that they are all gone now. Ruthie I really liked reading the story of your friend-she sounds like the person I would want to check out with at the food store because she is radiating the love of God. She is an inspiration to me also. Bobbie good for you on keeping it up-never give up or in to what troubles us the most. Wanda with your daily pain I send you this-you are a child of God and never lose sight of what really helps you when times get difficult for you. Alicia glad you are constantly sending the devil packing and hope your depression is much better today. Such an uplifting story Benjamin about your dad-God bless him and you. Brian my prayers are with your mother and your family-I hope she makes out alright. Shirley about your son-I pray to God he recovers totally, I believe he will and may your family stay strong through this. Mike thank you for your service to our wonderful country. Joy it is great to hear you say God is speaking to you-I truly believe he speaks to us all but it is up to us to listen to all the signs around us. Wow Kasey your testimony really is great to hear. You keep proving them wrong and I like that a lot. You keep on stunning the doctors and that is great. The Make A Wish Foundation does wonderful things for people and how great you are still fighting and living today. Congratulations on graduating from high school last year. Yes, we all live a blessed life and God is so good. Lisa I wish you much success in becoming a Christian-what Lauren told you is wonderful advice and welcome to the family.
To everyone else that commented God Bless each one of you and your families. Thank you so much Lauren for everything and many blessings sent your way.
Take care,
Ron
thank you lauren for the encoragment you have given me. some times i fell like job but there is no where to give up . thank you.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful words and suggestions.
Yep, Lauren, I have accepted Christ – already done that! And I got the Life Application Bible a couple ofmonths ago. I will let you know how things are going. Thanks for caring.
Lisa