God Loving Ordinary Women

Hello Again!

2011-04-12T09:46:00.003-04:00

Dear Ladies- I am so sorry about the blog drought going on around here at GLOW. I truly have missed writing each week, but have had way to much on my plate right now. Some of you many know that my family is the midst of big changes! My husband and I purchased a cute little pizza/cafe near the beach in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida! It has been a long process. We have been talking for a few years about making a change and praying about where God wants us. After a few false starts and closed doors, God led us to Pizza by the Sea. We are both so excited about this great little place, and the fact that we are both going to be taking part in running the business. I had been stressing a bit about what I was going to do once both of my kids were in school full time (next year). I felt in my heart that going back to teaching full time was not answer, but didn't really know what to do. Well, God has answered this prayer for me-- I am going to be in charge of all marketing and advertising for our new business-- that means I get to use the writing/blogging that I love to do, and still have the flexibility I feel is so important when raising our kids. Speaking of kids, ours are doing great with the change. We started talking to them about the possibility of a move back in the summer, so they were prepared. They have expressed some sadness regarding leaving their house and friends, but are excited to live in Florida and close to my parents' part time home. I think one of the biggest changes for them will be not being able to see Jason's parents so often. They have been such a big part of the kids' lives for the 8 years we have lived here. We are hoping that we can talk them into getting a condo down our way. Anyway, I will update more soon about our big move. We will not be leaving our current home until the kids are finished with school in June. Until then, we are praying for our home to sell, and for a smooth transition to our new home in Florida. Saying goodbye to our friends and church family here will not be easy-- Thinking about not being with some of the folks that we love here makes me teary-eyed, but the reassurance we have in the life that God has planned for us helps us get through the tough changes. Plus, we are expecting lots of visitors! For those of you who are interested, Pizza by the Sea's blog is http://www.pizzabythesea.com/ Have a great week, friends, and thank you for keeping my family in your prayers.

It's a GIRL!

2011-03-31T21:26:00.002-04:00

We knew it was going to be a girl but the great news is they are home with the baby! All is going well for mama, daddy, and baby E. I am thrilled for them. I was hoping to visit them while I was in Michigan this week but some runny noses and coughs kept that from happening. I'll ask her about a pic, but just know that your prayers were answered. Thanks!

Praise Him!

2011-03-22T22:06:00.002-04:00

My cousin and her husband have wanted to be parents for a long, long, time and tomorrow it looks like it's going to be the day! They have an adoptive mom who has chosen them and is going to be induced tomorrow. I broke my no blog rule and checked hers for updates and found out that tomorrow is the day!

I remember not being able to sleep the night before we went in to have Grace. I remember being so stinking excited, but also nervous, but mostly excited and I know that C and M are going through the same emotions. I'm sure it's motherhood (hormones) but I cannot help but tear up at this joyous news for them. I have believe with them for a long time that God would answer their prayers to be parents. Praise the Lord for answered prayers. They don't happen in our time, but they are always, always good.

I immediately thought of Psalm 139 when I read her post. God knows our thoughts, he knows our hearts, and he knew us when he knit us together. He has such a special plan for this precious little being and I am so thankful that He's included my cousin in this plan.

Please pray for them tomorrow. (wednesday)I know you don't know them (well some of you do!) but our prayers are always heard! Pray for this birth mom that is making a brave, tough choice- Give her strength, courage, and peace. Thanks!

Psalm 139:13-14 (New International Version, ©2011)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Spirit of Power

2011-03-16T20:30:00.002-04:00

Hi there! Sorry I am a day late on my post.... I was out '"late" last night with some girlfriends at a swap party. So much fun, and a great idea! Basically, for those of you who may be wondering what a swap party is-each person brings 3-4 items that you don't want anymore (last night it was a purse and jewelry swap), and you come home with the same number of items you came with! So I brought 2 purses that I did not want anymore, and left with a cute bag and a necklace! You can also do it with books, homegoods, whatever!

Anyway, I was tuckered out when I got home, so my post is a day late. I just wanted to encourage you all who are memorizing scripture with us. It is definitely becoming more of a challenge now, isn't it? The other day when I was at the dentist, I was trying to go through all of them in my head-- not an easy task! But keep at it, and you will reap the rewards of the Word!

My verse for the end of this month is from 2 Timothy 1, verse 2:

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

I love this verse and how it reassures me that God did not create me to be a wimp! So many times I get that feeling of fear rising up in me as I approach a hard task or face a challenge. I fiercely dislike change and confrontation, especially. This verse, I know, will be one that I can access to help cut down those feelings of fear and insecurity. God's word is mighty like a sword, and it can strike those negative feelings out of our hearts and minds.

Keep up the good work ladies! Don't get discouraged, don't be timid in your studies! Even if you "fell down" and got behind, get back up and go for it!!!

The Journey

2011-03-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

My sweet little man is 6 months old. He is so much fun. Tonight he sat on his dad's lap and couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I kept making silly faces at him just to hear his deep chuckle over and over. I do believe I have emerged from the "new baby" stage. What does that mean? Well, for one it means that I can no longer say I'm exhausted from my "new baby". He's pretty close to sleeping through the night and he is on a fairly consistent schedule. It also means that I have no more excuses not to exercise. No more, when the baby sleeps through the night or when I'm rested, or ... you name it, I've probably said it.

Let me give you a little big of background. I have never been much of an exerciser. I played sports in high school. but I really use the word "played" loosely. I was on the volleyball and basketball team, but I was not good. (and I'm not just saying that!!!) In college I had a short time of losing weight in an unhealthy way and then exercising in an unhealthy manner. Thankfully God worked in some mighty ways and that was straightened out before it became habitual. When I lived in Haiti after college, I exercised sporadically, but let's be honest. When it was always 90+ degrees- I mostly just came home from teaching and crashed in front of a fan.

It wasn't until I moved back to the states that I decided to do something about my health. I was pretty quickly adding on the lbs because of all of the great food that was suddenly available to me (no Micky D's in Haiti people). I started watching what I ate and for the first time in my life I started running. I was so blessed to have a dear friend be my running partner and for 3 years we met each morning before work and hit the pavement. I never felt better.

Then I - met my husband, and was married and moved to his town within a year. I quickly realized that running by myself was not my favorite. Not at all. And besides, that about 3 months after saying I do, we were expecting our first baby! And then to sum up the last 3 plus years-exercise=not so much, pregnant, baby weight, slimmed down, pregnant, baby weight, and.. that's where we are now. With lots of baby weight still sticking around.. and remember? My "new" baby- not so new.

I know that some of you have heard of Lysa Terkeurst and her new book Made To Crave. I had a sweet friend give me this book a few weeks back and I just started it this weekend. LOVE. that's all I can say. Another friend told me that she thought that if she could have written it, she would have said the exact same thing. I am only a few chapters in and I already am excited for the journey that God is going to take me on in my desire to be healthy and live a life that pleases Him.

This book isn't a diet book. It's not meant to tell you how to lose weight. It's actually meant to go along with whatever you (I) choose to do to lose weight and be healthy by a Bible study that will help us "want" to.

I am excited about this journey. I've made some steps to start it, like exercising 5 days a week, keeping track of what I eat, but the big part was missing. God needs to be the center of why I do what I do. Without Him, I cannot succeed.

I'm going to take the next few weeks to share what I am learning with you. Please feel free to share any insights with me. And, if you don't mind, would you please pray for me? I can use all the help/support I can get!

Love,

Shan

(PS- I do know that Graham is technically still "new" and that it hasn't been all that long- it's really not about that weight and what the scale says, but feeling good with myself and being happy with my body- you know?)

40 days

2011-03-08T19:16:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season (the 40 days leading up to Easter). Many churches, including the one we attend, celebrate Ash Wednesday with a service and the imposition of the ashes on the forehead. As we were sitting around the dinner table tonight talking with the kids, we reminded them that tomorrow was Ash Wednesday. They were both excited about getting the ashes because they think it's cool to have dirt in the shape of a cross on your forehead. And they are SO sad four days later when those ashes have finally disappeared from sleeping, baths, hats, etc.

They asked me what the ashes mean, and I gave an general answer that satisfied their curiosity. Later though, I did a little research into Lent and the meaning of the ashes. I thought I would share a little excerpt of what I found:

*Ashes are referred to many times in the Old Testament as a sign of sorrow, repentance, and mortality. The ashes on our foreheads reminds us that we will die because death is the penalty for our sin. The sign of the cross is a reminder that it is only through Christ that we will gain salvation and eternal life.

Also, in our family we have often committed to 40 days of fasting in some way, whether it be giving up sweets, a video game, or other pleasureable thing. I think fasting and doing things like this can be beneficial, as long as they are done for the right reasons. Sometimes we tend to get legalistic and it becomes about "following the rules" instead of focusing on Christ and his gift. We can never do enough good works, or earn His forgiveness. We can never repay Him. Lent is not about giving up something to please God-- it's about what He gave to us by dying on the cross. He gave his perfect, sinless life to repay the debt of the sins of the world.

Lent is a time of reflecting on all of this. I have thought about how we can make this real to our kids as well. Maybe a nightly devotion reading together with a candle? I don't know. But I want these 40 days to be not just any ordinary 40 days. How do you set apart Lent as a special time of fellowship with the Lord?

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-03T20:18:00.002-05:00

today I am thankful for-

* a lived in living room. Children live here and they fill this house with so much joy. Lots of stuff too, but mostly joy

* good friends- I have many and God seems to bring each one in for a specific time. I am blessed

* a great church family. We had a carry in last night for the kick off our our WNNW (Wednesday Nights at North Webster) If you didn't go, please come next week! It was great and I'm excited about the community we are continuing to build

* memorizing scripture- Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life which Son of Man will give you, for on him God the father has placed his seal of approval" John 6:27

* time away. Going with some girlfriends this weekend to do some shopping. I can't wait!

How about you? What are you thankful for? :)

The Hands of Comfort

2011-03-01T19:19:00.002-05:00

For the past 24 hours, I have been the hands of comfort to my children. First, my daughter who woke up with an excruciating earache last night, then a few hours later, my son with the flu. I was the lone ranger too, as Jason was gone for the evening on business. As I went through the sleep-dazed motions of handing out medicines, tucking in blankets, rubbing backs, and holding up heads for drinks of water, I looked into their weary eyes and saw peace as they were comforted by my tending.

Of course, we love our children unconditionally and yearn to comfort them in their illness, weakness, or sadness. If we love our children this much, can we even imagine how much our Father loves us? And don't we all crave the tending of our Father? The comfort of being in His presence, His peace, His security?

Just as my children rested in peace knowing that their mother was there to care for them, we should also rest in peace knowing our Father is caring for us-- that He can comfort us in any situation. His medicine is His word--healing for our weary souls. He holds us in arms that are stronger than any rock, but gentle enough to soothe. His water-- the Living water that never runs dry. Let us drink and never be thirsty.....

He is the God of all comfort..... rest and know you are loved.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

uugghh

2011-02-27T11:37:00.002-05:00

to whomever reads this.. I am sorry I cannot get my act together to post more regularly!

Anway...

Finished 1000 Gifts this past week. Have you bought it yet? GO NOW. Go to amazon or wherever and buy it. It's so so good. I know it will be good for anyone but for me, it was like.. "YES! This is what I need!" I need to be reminded to practice being thankful for all things. I love how Ann Voskamp writes so honestly and so .. real. She is a mom, a wife, a teacher, and a child of God. She shares her honest struggles with finding thanks in daily life. What I appreciated was her admitting that is it a daily struggle. To have an attitude of being happy/content/thankful with where God has placed you. Sometimes we have to stop and refocus.

I started my own thankful journal, like Kristi did and it's been neat! Getting up at all hours of the night with a baby that should be sleeping and I sit there and thank the Lord for moments of holding a precious little guy that will fade fast. For little fingers that wrap around mine. When I look at the piles of laundry sitting my floor that should have been folded on Friday and it's now Sunday and it won't happen today either and I thank Him that we have such abundance that I can have extra clothes sitting around and a washing machine and a dryer and even the space to stick them. When I put on those jeans that are just washed and want to have a little hissy fit that the weight isn't coming off and why not and can't it happen faster I have thanked him that he gave me a body that can carry a baby and that I can exercise and move it and thank him that jeans now have stretch to them.

Today we are celebrating the end of a fantastic Upward basketball season. It's been another awesome journey to see God at work. So many times this season I have teared up. God is so good. In the craziness of planning and finding time to get it all done I have thanked him for extra help for the kids, encouraging texts, extra hands that step in and do the little jobs that do add up, kids who cannot help but smile as their names are announced, and cannot help but jump up and down as a basket is made or a cheer is finished.

God is good. I will keep this journal up and hopefully like Ann start my journey into true thankfulness. :)

My Prayer For You

2011-02-22T19:25:00.003-05:00

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ Jesus- to the glory and praise of God. (Phillipians 1:3-6, 9-11)

Thank you, faithful readers of GLOW, for traveling with us on this journey to know Christ in our lives! We hope that our musings each week in some way touch you and spur you on toward the finish line in this race-- the race to the arms of our Lord. Have a fantastic week!

Success

2011-02-18T19:51:00.002-05:00

Kristi's post came at the best time... I feel like I'm letting myself get busy. So busy that I didn't even post last week! (I've been reading A Thousand Gifts and I have lots to share but need to put my thoughts together and that hasn't happened yet!)

Staying on the vine... I am running at about 50% with staying on the vine by time with the Lord, memory verses, and some quiet time. BUT I did want to share with you a success story I had! Not one you'd have seen. Some of our struggles are so personal and private that people don't ever see them. But I'd like to share this with you.

I know I've shared on here before about some of my struggles with being confident in who I am in Christ. This past week a bit of that was put to the test. Last week was rough for me. I was getting to a place where I was feeling low, letting words hurt me, and also hurting with my words. The details don't matter as much as the end. I was feeling sorry for myself and getting ready to have a good cry. Honestly, it made me mad! I am so tired of the cycle of feeling good, feeling bad, feeling good, feeling bad... I had a short talk with God that went something like this God, you are the healer. You can heal this situation, and you can heal me. Do your work God and please, do it quickly.

I decided NOT to go my usual feel sorry route. Instead I pulled out something that some of you will remember-

God is who he says he is
God can do what he says he'll do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
God's word is alive and active in me.

(from Beth Moore's Bible Study- Believing God)

It WORKED! God is so good. I NEVER thought I would ever get over some of those strongholds that Satan had over me. I have for so long beat myself up when I got to that point. Let myself feel bad, and then I'd add some salt to the wounds with some personal insults. Oh, it felt so good not to flood my heart with hurt. Yes, I did have to repeat it many times and even quite a bit the next day, but my outlook was changed. I am not the warped vision I have of me. I AM who GOD says I am.

There you have it. A personal success story. :) God is good friends.

Take a Deep Breath

2011-02-15T20:33:00.002-05:00

Busy times at our house.....busy for Dad, Mom, and kids! As I was searching Scripture for my memory verse for the last half of this month, I came across this familiar one in John, one of my favorite books of the Bible.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

You know when passages literally jump off of the page at you? Well, this one hit me right between the eyes. What a great reminder that I need to stay centered in Christ in all of my busyness. None of the efforts I make will bear fruit for the kingdom of God if I try to go it alone.

It is so easy, isn't it, to rely on our own actions, thoughts, plans-- and leave God on the outskirts of it all. Where does that plan put me? Ready to go off of the edge! You know the feelings ... anxiety, stress, frustration.

However, when God stays at the center of my world, I stay centered... emotionally, physically, spiritually. I am a better wife, mother, and friend when I remain in Him, and not on my own.

How do you remain part of the vine? Stay connected with God throughout your busy days?

Resentment or Gratitude?

2011-02-08T19:46:00.004-05:00

Well, I have made it through about 4 chapters of One Thousand Gifts. Those of you reading this book right now as well, know that sometimes you just have to stop yourself from going too fast. There is so much in this book to think about-- it really challenges you to look at your life in a different way.

I had a hard time choosing a topic for this post because there were so many points I wanted to open for discussion. But one of the ones that jumped out at me was the choice of resentment or gratitude: When life does not go the way that we had hoped, and we experience tragedy or a difficult circumstance, do we choose resentment or gratitude?

It is a difficult question to answer. As Ann states in her book, I feel like I also live the "no" at times. I have said yes to God, said yes to being a Christian, but when God closes a door that I thought should be open, or takes a way a person tragically, or does something that doesn't make sense, my initial reaction sometimes is "How could you do this? Don't you love me? Don't you want me to be happy?"

How do we find joy in God in those situations? How do we let God use us through our difficult circumstances? How do trust that He knows the end of the story when we don't? How do we choose gratitude over resentment?

I can't wait to continue reading. I have started a "gratitude" list of my own, and I have been surprised how the discipline of writing down 3 or 4 things a day that I find joy in, has really changed my focus from the negative to the positive-- appreciating all of God's gifts to us.

Here are a few on my list:
*a warm bed on a snowy day *a toothless smile *tight hugs from little arms *a long dinner with good friends *full cupboards *baby's fuzzy head *warm laundry *4 people and 1 cat in bed

If you haven't gotten a hold of a copy of One Thousand Gifts, I really recommend it. If you would like to see more discussion on Chapter 1 with the author Ann Voskamp, click here.

What did you think of the book so far? What was your favorite part?

I Don't Think I Could Have Done It...

2011-02-07T06:39:00.003-05:00

I'm reading through the Bible. I have finished the first 3 books. Yesterday I finished Leviticus. If you have never read it, you should, over the course of a week or so. It is a lot to digest! The book is God's instructions for social and religious life for the Israelites.

As I was finishing the last 3 chapters I thought to myself, "I don't think I could have done this!" I am pretty sure I would either have been sacrificing more animals than I could afford OR I would have given up on trying to please God. Honestly I was leaning more toward the second choice. Knowing at this time in history that most people couldn't read or write, I can't imagine being able to remember what I needed to sacrifice for which things. Nor could I remember all of the social rules. And, even if I could remember it all, keeping up with everything would have been a whole other story!

Then a peace came over me. I don't have to remember the rituals, the different sacrifices, the regulations. I don't have to remember them because Jesus came. He paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice, once for all. I don't have to remember if my sin requires a sacrifice of a goat or dove. My sin has been paid for....in full. I have a direct line to God. I can go to Him anytime, any day, anywhere!

God doesn't expect that I will be perfect, that I will remember every sacrifice, every rule and regulation. All that He expects is for my life to be entrusted to Him. Every day. Every minute. In every situation.

Thank you Jesus, for your life.

Snow Days

2011-02-03T21:04:00.002-05:00

Three days of being snowed in.

A mama, a toddler, and a baby.

A daddy gone all week.

What did I learn? I learned how to shovel our driveway so as not to hurt my back. I learned that the news doesn't have to be on 24/7. They say the same things after a while. I learned that Martha (Martha Speaks on PBS) can always save the day. I learned that bedtime for Jr. should come earlier than 8pm. I learned that I am not good with willpower- staying out of the kitchen. I learned that I MUST follow a schedule or else I will get sucked in to the internet, or Oprah or whatever. I learned that we are born to need community and that God gave us community so we can encourage each other. I've learned that I need that community!

Last Sunday I was sitting at our kitchen table, my hands holding up my head. I had been up with Graham many many times the night before. I was tired. My sweet mother in law, who was visiting, encouraged me to just stay home from church that morning and rest. (My MIL LOVES Jesus- she was just looking out for me, knowing it would be a busy week). She reminded me I could worship at home through a video, internet, or ipod message. I was so tempted. A day home with my hubby and yoga pants? Lovely. But.. there was something else. Yes I could have listened to a sermon at home. I could have played some amazing worship music but I needed more. I needed that community. I wanted to share smiles with others, to greet my church family and to worship together. There is something so .. I don't know.. uplifting? about it. Anyway, just wanted to share that. If you don't have a community where you can worship together... go find it!

And here is my 3rd verse :)

Shout for Joy to the Lord, all the earth

Worship the Lord with gladness

And come before him with joyful songs

Know that the Lord is good. It is He who made us and we are His.

Psalm 100:1-3a

The Great Commission

2011-02-01T18:40:00.003-05:00

Being involved in the Upward ministry, I have an awesome opportunity to share my faith with others almost on a daily basis. The questions I have been struggling with lately are, "How do I approach the topic? How do I share my testimony ? How do I invite this person to church without sounding pushy? What if I open my mouth and something really stupid comes out?

By nature, I am not an "evangelist". Evangelist (In Greek) means "good-news" bearer--and some of us were created to be gifted, naturally talented evangelists, and the rest of us have to work REALLY hard at it.

But as a Christian, I am commanded by God to share my faith with others.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded (Matthew 28:19-20)

Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15)

The Bible does not say "If you feel like it, share your faith" or "If it's not too uncomfortable for you, share your faith".

So it is an obedience thing. And it is my desire to follow Jesus.

I do share my faith on this blog but somehow writing it online is different than face-to-face interactions.

After some thought, prayer, and a little research, I came to the conclusion that my problem is simply "me". I am relying on my own abilities to accomplish this, and not trusting God to lead me and give me the words at the right time. When you accept Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. What a gift to have the power of the Holy Spirit inside of me! Have I been calling on the Holy Spirit to help me share my faith? No.

So here is my plan:

1. Pray and ask God to lead me in my interactions with people.
2. Know that the Holy Spirit will enable me to say the right things when they need to be said.
3. Act on the nudges I get from God. Share my faith-- invite that friend to church.
4. Leave the results of those actions to God-- it is in His hands!

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Philemon 1:6

I would love to hear stories of how you have shared your faith with others. How did someone share their faith with you? How did sharing your faith help you in your own understanding of Christ?

30 Days and Counting....

2011-01-30T18:59:00.002-05:00

I have done it! I have stuck to a commitment for 30 days straight! I just wanted to share that with you all in hopes that it will encourage you.

30 days is a long time.......kind of.

I had 2 resolutions for this year. 1. read the Bible in a year, following the plan that my Bible lays out. 2. Take at least 1 picture every day. I have done it....for 30 days! You can read about it here. I needed a way to keep me accountable, so I started a blog about it.

It has turned into a pretty great routine too. Every day I get up early, let Linus out, make coffee, turn on Pandora.com (internet radio), and read my Bible! I have finished Genesis and Exodus. I am almost half way through Leviticus.

I AM LEARNING SO MUCH! I didn't grow up in the church or really do much of anything church-related until highschool. There are so many stories in the Bible that I have heard mentioned and know nothing about. I am diving into all of them. It is awesome! I am learning history, struggle, the fight for power, submission, obedience, and most importantly how necessary DAILY time with God is to my life.

I am also having a blast taking pictures. Some days I take one picture. Some days I take several. I am saving them all on my computer. The "picture of the day" gets renamed with the day's date. It is so fun! I have always been great about taking my camera places, but I forget to actually use it. Hence, taking a picture a day.

That's what I wanted to share with you. I would love to know if any of you made resolutions. If so, how are they going? Can I pray for you? Encourage you? Please share....

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-27T20:11:00.002-05:00

Ok.. without looking

"Many O Lord are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us, no one can imagine. Were I to tell and recount them they would be too many to declare" Psalm 40:5

ok. a bit of work to do.. but I definitely go the point. I have my verse in the kitchen since I'm in there so often! :)

Today I wanted to share a thankful list. I'm thankful for:

apples with peanut butter- (still trying to eat better!)
a great Upward meeting today. We are a part of such an awesome ministry
a good book. I started One Thousand Gifts the other day. I seriously don't have enough reading time in my life right now.

What are you thankful for? Working on some verses? Keep it up!

And... I have a question for you... I'd love to know among our readers how many attend our church (NWUMC) and who goes elsewhere. I'll enable posts so you all can comment even anonymously. Come on you lurkers... just give us a shout out! I have a few thoughts rolling around in my head but want to know where our readers are coming from.

Thanks Ladies!

A Little of This and That

2011-01-25T10:02:00.003-05:00

First of all, I started reading One Thousand Gifts last night, and oh. my. goodness. Let's just say that I have been saving it until I can really focus on reading every word, because if you have ever read Ann Voskamp, you know that her writing is poetic, like candy for your brain. You have to read it Slowly and savor every morsel.

I wasn't let down when I read chapter 1 last night. I had to keep shushing my husband it was THAT good. Please order her book. I can't wait to blog about it in a few weeks. I guarantee you will LOVE it. Go Here to read more about the book club, the book, and the author.

Also, I wanted to share with you my Siesta Scripture Memory Verse for the second half of this month. I have been doing well so far, but it is just the beginning. The real test will be this summer. Will I have the stamina to push through and continue to memorize two Scripture passages a month? I am praying that I do. Some of you may wonder: "Why memorize Scripture? Why is it so important?" Great question and one I did not fully know the answer to until the past year or two. Here is a great post from one of my favorite Bible teachers about why we should memorize Scripture.

It is something that is hard for me to do, so this is the first time I have committed to a long-term Scripture memory project. You know all that about avoiding things that are difficult:) Well, memorizing Scripture is not my forte, but even after this first month of working at it, it has been working in my heart. So without further ado, I would like to share my verse for this month by memory (no peeking!):

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to perservere so you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

How did I do? Well, I was off about six words...... but they were not important words, you know.. like pronouns and stuff:) Anyways, I think I did pretty well. And I love this verse. I can always have confidence in my Lord, and that trust and faith will not go unnoticed from Him! God is who He says He is, and He does what He says He will do. I have no reason to throw that truth away.

Two questions for you: Have you started One Thousand Gifts? Without giving too much away, what was your first impression? Also, what verse are you memorizing or which verse is speaking to you these days?

How perfectly fitting

2011-01-20T13:52:00.005-05:00

Spaghetti noodles all over the floor.

Dust bunnies under the bar stools

A teacup, a stuffed puppy, a sock, pacifier, and some forgotten cheerios across the living room

The sound of the dryer humming, a snap or button hitting the side over and over

Three piles sitting in baskets to be folded

Last nights dishes waiting to be squeezed into the dishwasher

Cookie cutters needing rinsed

The last three days mail sitting in a pile

Abandoned coats and gloves by the door

This is my house right now. I'm getting ready to do a mad rush of cleaning while the littles sleep and before my hubby gets back from his trip. I was feeling a bit down about all that there is to do but then I read this. If you have not gone to Kristi's link and read Ann Voskamp A Holy Experience, please do. I needed this today. After reading this, I'm so glad He has honored me this gift of my life. To take care of my babies and my husband. No need to feel sorry for myself. Thank you Lord!

“To lift up the hands in prayer gives God glory,
but a man with a dungfork in his hand,
a woman with a slop pail,
give Him glory
too.

God is so great that all things give Him glory – if you mean that they should.”

~Ignatius Loyola

Looking for a Book?

2011-01-18T19:53:00.003-05:00

I am always in search of a good read. So when I found out that the author of one of the blogs I read just released a book, and another author of another blog I read is doing a book study of this book, I was so excited!

The title of the book is A Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. I have been reading her blog, and her posts on a blog called (In) Courage, for awhile now, and she is a beautiful writer. The way that she puts words together to create an image in your mind is amazing. I can't wait to read it!

So if you are ready for a challenge, will you join me in reading this book? I will be posting my thoughts on it starting in a few weeks. Also, if you head over to here, they will also be having video chats with Ann herself starting Feb. 6th!!! I can't wait!

This week only, Dayspring, which is the sponsor of In(Courage), is selling the book for $10. So go here.

( I think I am starting to sound a little like a bossy advertisement, don't you? Ha!!!)

I think it would be fun to do a little online book chat, don't you? I know you will LOVE this book, and I know it will very thought-provoking and worthy of a little discussion! If you could comment on this post if you are reading this book with me (and Shannon, I think!), that would be fabulous.

Happy Reading!!

Our Stories

2011-01-13T19:56:00.002-05:00

Upward kicked off last week. It was amazing! Now I know that I am a woman, therefore emotional, but when those first teams ran out and huddled around for the opening prayer I got completely choked up. Like had to pause before praying and I made it quick then I rushed into the youth room to finish the cry! Ha!

God is so good. He takes our work which sometimes feels small, and not enough and crazy and then He makes it into something completely amazing. He is going to move in amazing ways this season. I cannot wait to see what all he does. And what I love most (but it's also a hard part) is that His work will continue through Upward long past this season.

So, I think Kristi talked about this last week maybe? (I could go back and look but hey, it's Thursday and I'm posting, just be happy with that!) Anyway, our theme for this season is What's Your Story? We kicked off the season with this amazing video I love it. I love how all of our stories are so unique and yet we are all in this journey together. We're going to explore this during the season and hopefully share some more of our stories together. Ultimately we want our fans to know that Jesus is the author of our lives and that no matter what our stories are He can rewrite them. And we will walk this great story TOGETHER!

Please continue to pray for this ministry. It is really such a blessing to be a part of. And if you know of anyone who would like to share parts of theri story with us please let us know!

Starting Fresh

2011-01-11T08:40:00.004-05:00

I just finished exercising for 3o minutes. It seemed like 300 minutes, actually. I have a love/hate relationship with working out. I love how it makes me feel afterwards, and I love the energy I have through the rest of the day.

I hate actually taking the time to do it. I can think of about a thousand other things I should and could be doing right now with these 3o minutes, like showering, cleaning the clutter of my desk, tackling the pile of laundry, maybe finish reading that book I am really into.

But I know that I have neglected my physical fitness in the past year and a half. And I need to get back in shape for my current and future health. I was in the best shape of my life about two years ago when I was training for the Indy 500 mini marathon. I trained 6 days a week. I could go 8 miles without much effort. Now I jump rope for 30 seconds and collapse. Not good.

My problem is that I go gangbusters for a few weeks, and then fizzle out. I need to remember that this exercise commitment is a marathon, not a sprint to the finish. It takes commitment, self-control, and perserverance. Once I get going, I feel great. It is just taking that step every day to make it happen.

I think this same idea carries over to other areas of our lives--- like going to church, or taking time to pray and read God's word, or sticking to a budget or a diet. It takes a daily recommitment to our goal.

I am going to try this and maybe you can, too. Every morning lift your goals for that day up to the Lord, and ask for His help in keeping them. For me, it is consistently spending time with Him every day, memorizing two Scriptures a month, and exercising 30 minutes 4-5 days a week. Thankfully, we serve a God that gives us a fresh start each day. I can't erase all of my bad habits of the past few years, but I can change what comes next!!!

As it says in Phillipians chapter 4, Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds (6-7).

I can do anything through Him who gives me strength, and God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches. (13,19)

What are you starting fresh this January?

Good Morning

2011-01-09T20:29:00.003-05:00

I have been taking at least 1 picture each day (and planning on doing so for this WHOLE year). I am posting them in a blog that you can view here. As I was driving to church, I was just overwhelmed with the hoarfrost covering everything. It was just absolutely stunning. I stopped several times and took pictures. I thought it was a great way for God to say, "Good morning!"

Things

2011-01-07T07:51:00.004-05:00

ok, this will show us who really reads this blog! Did you all read this before and the title said "things to do on vacation by Gracie"? Well the title area has an automatic fill in and while I just meant to type things ( unique I know) it came up that and I never noticed. HA!

Good Morning! I'm supposed to post on Thursday. Why can't I ever seem to get my act together to do just that? Not sure. Anyhow I'm sitting here typing with 4 stuffed animals and a lively two year old in our chair.. Happy Friday. :)

Did you pick a verse to memorize for the first half of January? I really want to encourage you to work on Scripture memorization this year. How can we go wrong hiding His word in our heart? Why would we not want to do that?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self control" 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

I picked that verse to start the year because self control seems to speak to me right now. I need self control to continue this memorization path, to eat healthy and to continue to track our spending. All three of the things I want to work on. I wrote this verse on a thankful sign we have in our kitchen and I like looking at it every day (as I go for the leftover Christmas candy!)

Again, if you haven't shared but are going to memorize scripture please leave us a comment and let us know. We'd love to take this journey with you!

Big stuff happening this weekend... UPWARD BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING! We kick off our season tomorrow at 9 am at NWUMC. We would LOVE for you to come and support our athletes. If you attend our church, this is the chance for us to show our love to our neighbors, many who may not have a church home and may be in need of a church family. If you don't attend our church but are involved in Upward, please come and enjoy!

ok, I'm off. For some reason my 4 month old didn't get the memo that he should start sleeping through the night and is regressing (8 times of crying last night!) I also have a 2 1/2 year old who needs some attention. Apparently her "puppies" need breakfast. Happy Friday everyone!

Top 10 Things I Learned Over Christmas Break

2011-01-04T19:14:00.004-05:00

It has been a busy start to the new year and getting used to the routine again..... well, you know how that goes! So I thought I would do a funny recap of some memorable moments over our break. Enjoy!

Top 10 Things I Learned Over Christmas Break

10. It IS physically possible for three girls age 7 and under to spread out every single, tiny Polly Pocket shoe, Princess crown, Barbie silverware, littlest pet shop accessory etc all over the play room floor to create a sort of "girl -toy carpet". Nice on the bare feet and the vacuum.

9. Immediately throw away all cookie sprinkles in the form of a small sphere. You will never find them all after your daughter spills half a jar on your wood floor, and will continue to step on them for years.

8. You can make several good meals out of hot chocolate, leftover ham, fruit from a gift basket, and cookies.

7. Even though there is no reason to get up at 6:30, my children will still get up at 6:30. They might even proceed to play their electronic keyboard quite loudly until you roll out of bed to make breakfast.

6. It is possible to sled down hills with almost no snow, and tying a rope with a sled to your brother-in-law while he ice skates is great fun for the kids, and a good workout for said brother-in-law.

5. Never give free reign of the candles at the Christmas Eve candlelight service to your 9 year old son. It will quickly end up being a light saber instead of a candle and will be used to taunt 6 year old sister.

4. My husband should have been an engineer because he put together a six-foot-tall marble maze without directions. And he and my son lived to tell about it. Barely.

3. Letting the kids stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve sounds like a great idea until you actually experience it, and the aftermath.

2. Playing Just Dance Kids on the Wii is a legitimate form of exercise for me. If I can get through "Everybody Dance Now" without keeling over, I am making progress.

And the number 1 thing I learned over Christmas break:

Hanging out the with kids, the husband, and family and friends is the best way to spend it. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life.

Ever-Changing

2011-01-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

I recently read an article in Relevant Magazine called "A Vanishing God" (click to read full article on page 40).

I found this quote interesting "You cannot cling to the Christ you know today. He will vanish from your midst. Jesus Christ is an elusive Lover. Seeking Him is a progressive engagement that never ends. He doesn't dance to our music. He doesn't sing to our tune."

I don't know about you, but I am grateful that God doesn't allow me to be stagnant in my faith. It almost seems that when I get a grasp on God, He moves. He causes me to dig deeper, to take another step of faith, to make a change in me. He teaches me more. He opens my eyes in new ways to familiar scripture, allowing me to see more of Him.

I was recently reading in Isaiah 55 and found the above writer's statement to be so true in verses 6 and 8-9, respectively.

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near."

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"

We cannot claim to have grasped God because He cannot be grasped, entirely. Yes, we get glimpses of God and his splendor and majesty. He allows us to see what He deems we can handle. But, we cannot put God in a box or bag or purse or pocket and tote him around. Our God cannot be contained!

I'm challenging myself (and you, reader) to seek God out. And when it seems He has left you, seek Him MORE! I guarantee God has more to be found.

New Years Resolutions....

2010-12-30T06:24:00.005-05:00

Do you make em? If so, do you keep em? :)

I am not much of a New Years Resolutions girl, but I do like to have goals and I LOVE (yes, all caps LOVE) to make lists.

The Hartmans are busy. We like to be busy, and when we are not busy we soon find ourselves something to add to the mix to stay that way! (ok, so maybe my hubby doesn't like to be busy all the time but I enjoy having things to do and prepare for!) I have a few things I'm going to try starting this year that I hope will help keep us organized and on top of life and be helpful. But I am not going to make them my resolutions. Nor am I going to "resolve" to lose all this baby weight. Not that I don't want to, not that I am not going to. I just don't want to make it a "resolution"- I'm protesting I guess. :)

Here is what I am going to be diligent at this next year though. Three things- I'm keeping it simple with three.

1)exercise 2-3 times a week, at home or the gym, or even walking
2)keeping track of our family budget, specifically groceries. Try to keep under the grocery budget
3)Memorize 2 Scriptures a month. It's hard to find good quiet time having two little ones and still getting up 2-3 times a night. I'm going to work on memorizing Scripture as my main study.

Now, because I love reading blogs and because I think they are great and I like to share I'm going to give you both websites that I hope to help me with my ~~resolutions,~~ er I mean ~~goals,~~ I mean things. :)

I read Money Saving Mom on a regular basis. She gives great help at deals for shopping, how to use coupons the best, and how to save save save. She and her husband saved and paid CASH for their house. That is no type-o friends. c.a.s.h. One way to help her readers was to share a link to a 2011 Savings Tracker. She did all the work so you just copy it, save it, then put your receipts and budget in and it adds up your spending, your savings, and helps you see if you are on budget. Go here to check it out. If you end up trying it please let me know. I saved it on my desktop so I will stay on top of it each month.

Next is Scripture Memory. Do you all read Beth Moore's blog? If you don't, stop reading this... go to her link on the right, read it a while, then come back here. Ok, now that you are all caught up..Isn't that great blog? Anyway, she wrote a few days ago about her 2011 Scripture Memory Challenge. Go here to read it.

I am very very excited about this. I really want to get some scripture in my heart- so it starts flowing out towards of me and will give me daily perspective as well as help my family. Like she says you can never go wrong in memorizing Scripture. Ever. So I ordered her memory book and I'm ready to go. I am even dreaming of a trip to Houston in Jan. 2012 to celebrate memorizing for the year! (my hubby doesn't read this so I can do just that.. dream!)

Go here to order your own memory book. It's very affordable! Don't worry if they are still on backorder (can you believe that over 6,000 ladies have committed to memorize?- how powerful!) you could buy a little spiral one from cvs or walmart and still do it with the team. Think of how awesome it will be in a year from now to have 24 Scriptures captured on your heart!!!!

Ok, so if any of you lovely ladies try either of these two things, please let me know, I'd love to encourage each other!

The Ups and Downs of Ministry

2010-12-28T19:24:00.002-05:00

Shannon and I are knee-deep in preparing for the first Saturday of games coming up Jan. 8th for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading. We met today for a few hours to prepare the devotion part of the season. This part, even though it should be a joy to work on, has in all honesty, been the most difficult and frustrating part of the ministry.

Originally, we sought out a devotion commissioner to take on this responsiblity. At each half time of each game, some sort of devotion is presented to the players' family and friends watching. Last year, we could not find a devotion commissioner so we threw something together, and by God's grace, it ended up coming together perfectly. We tried again this year to come up with a devotion commissioner, but again, no success.

So Shannon and I came up with idea for this season: "What's Your Story?" I got the idea from the contemporary Christian artist Matthew West, who wrote an entire album based on his fans' letters and their stories. I love the idea of sharing our life stories with others. But we were stuck on how to convey this to the audience.

So today, Shannon comes up with this great idea of making a short introductory video to show at the first game, with clips from coaches and other leadership sharing where they are in their lives now, and then encouraging our Upward families to share their stories throughout the season.
Talk about God providing at the time of need! We were about ready to throw up our hands in defeat and frustration. But God provided some needed encouragement for us. We are so excited to see where this theme leads us this season.

God can use our "stories"-- our struggles, our victories, our lives--- to help others in their time of need. I can't wait to hear some of the stories in our community... and to hear how God worked to use their circumstances to further His kingdom.

Will you pray for the Upward ministry? I know that God can work in the hearts of those families, especially those who have not accepted Him as Lord of their lives. And any prayers for Shannon and me would not go to waste either!!! To keep our eyes on the reason for this ministry, to perservere, even when we are tired, frustrated, and have to drag our kids to the Upward office at church time and time again so we can do some work.

Thank you, friends! We will keep you updated on how God is working through Upward in our community!

"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal ." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

THE Prayer

2010-12-25T07:58:00.001-05:00

It usually starts like this:

"If there is anyone here today that doesn't know Jesus, I want you to pray this simple prayer with me." -pastor

I will admit, I have prayed that prayer EVERY time I hear those words at the end of a message. I gave my heart to Jesus over 13 years ago! But I never fail to pray that prayer. And I always wonder WHY I feel the need to pray it. I know where I am with Jesus. I know that I have personal relationship. And I KNOW him. But I just can't stop myself.

Yesterday morning I was catching up on the sermon series "REBEL" from Grace Community Church. I was in tears the entire time. At the end of the message, during prayer, Pastor Jim said those words from the beginning of this post. I found myself sitting at my desk, tears falling to the desktop, arms wide open, praying that prayer. The prayer of salvation.

Why do we....maybe it's just me....but why do I do this? Is it uncertainty in my salvation? Is it support for those who are praying for the FIRST time? Is it so that those around me hear me?

No.
No.
No.

I'll tell you why I do this.

Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

Luke 9:23 "Then he said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, eh must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"

John 12:25-26 "'The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.'"

We are called to DAILY surrender ourselves to God and HIS good, pleasing, and perfect will. THE PRAYER should be a daily prayer for believers; confessing our sin, acknowledging the need for Jesus to intercede in our lives, humbling ourselves before the Creator of all that is.

Pastor Jim's message made me look at things a little bit different, see things in a new way. Be blessed this day, the day of Jesus's birth. Not because a precious, cute baby was born but because the Savior of the world was delivered to earth. He was born and had a mission...a mission to live, minister, love, proclaim God, be an example, serve, die, and rise to live FOREVER.

Christmas Carols

2010-12-22T19:52:00.002-05:00

I just finished singing what my youngest calls "Godly Christmas carols" with her before bed. It cracks me up that she used this term "Godly Christmas carols". It also makes my heart happy to know that she knows the difference between any old song vs. a true carol celebrating our king. At the end, she asked if we could sing "Deck the Halls" just for fun..... so we did!

My prayer for you these next few days is that you enjoy these special moments with your family, friends and loved ones. Relax, be present in mind and body, and take in all that our Savior has given to you. Prepare your heart for the coming of Christ!

Merry Christmas, my friends!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on eath peace to men on whom his favor rests". (Luke 2:13-14)

On the Hunt

2010-12-20T17:49:00.002-05:00

I love and hate new seasons in life. They are exciting and scary and make me anxious all at the same time. I have entered into a new season of life.....

Church Hunting

I have attended NW UMC for the past 3 years and am sad to leave. But the time has come. I am 30, single, working, and in dire need of community that I can relate with. The hardest part is that I am not leaving on a "sour note" or "put off" by something from the N-dub. I am leaving because God is moving me.

I stepped down from some ministries and thought that was it. But in my time with the Lord it has become clear that it is time to move on. I am in a place in life right now where I need to meet people who are in the same place in life...working and single. And, I honestly am in need of a jolt to step out of my comforts. I don't really know how else to verbalize all that I have learned, I just know that it is time to move on.

This is tough for me. I have never looked for a church for me. I have always gone to church because of friends or youth or ministry. God has made it clear to me that I need to keep those things in mind, but also seek out a church that provides community with people in similar places.

And the toughest part in all of this....telling those who I have come to know and love at N-dub. People, including myself, don't take to change too well. But, I cannot deny what God has placed on my heart and the direction He is taking me.

So, I am on the hunt. I am anxious for this new season. I am praying that I will be mindful of God's guidance and trusting that HE has the perfect place for me. I am thankful to have lasting relationships from N-dub. I am grateful for the person I have become over the past 3 years. And I am excited!

25 Questions for Mary

2010-12-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

I love that song that Kristi posted yesterday. Did you all listen to it? It reminded me of a Max Lucado book I read years ago- God Came Near. If you haven't read it - find it and put it on your reading list. These are from his book form a chapter called 25 Questions for Mary. I'd love to know which one you find the most compelling/interesting!

1. What was it like watching him pray?
2. How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue?
3. When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?
4. Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?
5. When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently?
6. Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn't hear?
7. How did he act at funerals?
8. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?
9. Did you ever try to count the stars with him....and succeed?
10. Did he ever come home with a black eye?
11. How did he act when he got his first haircut?
12. Did he have any friend by the name of Judas?
13. Did he do well in school?
14. Did you ever scold him?
15. Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture?
16. What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made?
17. Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him?
18. did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt?
19. Did he ever wake up afraid?
20. Who was hi best friend?
21. When someone referred to Satan, how did he act?
22. Did you ever accidentally call him Father?
23. What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids?
24. Did his brothers and sisters understand what was happening?
25. Did you ever think, That's God eating my soup?

You're Here Francesca Battistelli - Mary & Jesus Christmas Music Video

2010-12-14T20:21:00.001-05:00

A Mother's Perspective

2010-12-14T19:57:00.004-05:00

The kids were out of school Monday for a snow day, and we had a great day together. When the schools get closed, I know that the day could go either way-- it will be fun and enjoyable for all, or the kids will be really happy to get back to school so they can come out of their rooms.....

Anyway, God blessed us with a day of listening ears, good spirits, a patient Mom, and fluffy white snow. I tried to relish the moments because I know soon enough, they will be too cool to go sledding with Mom. They will be more interested in their friends and not what game we can play together. They won't carry on conversations such as this:

Me: I distinctly remember telling you to put away your Legos, Caroline.

Caroline: Stinkley! Who's Stinkley????

Me: Nevermind. Just put them away please.

These little snippets of time I will remember always. I tuck them away in my heart to cherish and look back on.

This time of year, I think about how Mary must have felt giving birth to Jesus. Loving Him as a son, but knowing that He was the Son of Man, the savior of the World. How amazing! I wonder what it was like watching Him grow up, live a sinless life, minister to the lost, and die on the cross.

I heard this song on the radio today, and I wanted to share it with you. It brought me joy listening to it, and then watching the video someone made on Youtube. Mary's perspective.....All part of God's great gift to the world.

(Go to the next blog entry to see the video! I couldn't figure out how to link it to this post!!)

Tradition!

2010-12-09T21:03:00.002-05:00

Today I sat with my daughter on our bed. She was playing and I was folding clothes. It was one of those moments I want to remember forever. She was playing "Santa". Now let me first of all say that some of you don't believe in playing Santa with your kids. I totally respect that. We haven't officially decided what all we'll do but as of now we have Santa at our house.

So anyway she said she was santa and that I should sit on her lap (HA!). We chatted for a bit and I asked her what santa says and she said "say cheese". That is hilarious to me because last week we took her to say Santa and I told her he'd say "ho ho ho" and instead he said "say cheese" because they were taking their picture!

Anyway, we played Santa for a few minutes and then I asked her why we celebrate Christmas. She said "have partys". Well yes, we do have parties but it's more than that. I explained that Christmas is the birthday of Baby Jesus. We still have some more work to do on that one but it's a start. :)

I'm telling you this because 1) it's a cute story and 2) it was a reminder to me that we need to constantly be talking to Grace and soon Graham about the real reason we celebrate. It's so important to me that we don't get caught up in the gifts and parties and such that my kids do not see the reason we do those things. HE CAME. This is perhaps the most important thing in the life of a Christian. The coming of Christ.

I want to start traditions with my family over the holidays.. how we set up the tree, how we do presents etc, but I also want to set up traditions of how we celebrate the coming of our Messiah. I haven't figured it all out yet but when my kids are older and sharing stories I want there to definitely be a bit of fun holiday tradition as well as memories of the child born on that day so long ago...

What family traditions surround your house at Christmas? (about the presents, etc, or about Jesus!)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Beyond the Craziness

2010-12-07T11:10:00.003-05:00

18 more days left until Christmas.... Are you ready?

I am like most of you out there. This time of year is crazy busy. Christmas programs to go to, shopping to do, Christmas cards to send, baking to accomplish, piano concerts to attend......This week seems the busiest of all; plus with the snow, even more planning ahead has to occur.

I was so grateful for last night, when because of the bad weather, all evening activities were canceled. I savored the quiet time cooking dinner, eating slowly, laughing with the kids, doing spelling words at leisure, treasuring bed time stories and prayers. After the kids were tucked in, my husband went out to meet a friend and I got my jammies on and had some uninterrupted quiet time. Then I got to catch up with a friend on the phone and tackled those Christmas cards that have been sitting on my bedside table. I ate some peppermint ice cream. It was a needed reminder that we must stop and enjoy the moments God gives us every day.

My friend who I caught up with last night lamented about how busy her week was shaping up to be, and she went on and on about the commitments she had to fulfill, spending so much time in her car shuffling her three kids from activity to activity. My head was spinning just listening to her! To be honest I found myself thinking to myself, "I don't want that life." Am I traveling down that road already?

I gently asked her, "Could you say no to some of those birthday parties? It would make your life a bit less crazy...."

It is hard to say no, isn't it? Especially to fun things. Especially at Christmas. I am as guilty as anyone. I am a "yes" person who is trying to say "no" more often.

What comes first on our list of priorities? Time with our Lord? Family? Church commitments? Work? Fun? A certain t.v. show? Our to -do list?

I challenge you (and I challenge me!) to go beyond the craziness of Christmas to find the peace and calm that Christ can bring if we let him. Eliminate one thing from your schedule. Spend it doing something quiet- prayer, study, reading, quiet time with your husband or kids. Relish in the tranquility that God wants us to experience as we prepare our hearts for this season of joy.

"Be Still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"After the earthquake came the fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire came a gentle whisper. " I Kings 19:12

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business ...." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests,prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our savior." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Time Away

2010-12-06T07:18:00.002-05:00

I'm back.....for now :)

I had to take some time away from the routine. I was getting so wrapped up in "doing" that my heart really wasn't into much of anything; teaching, studying, praying, blogging, etc. When I get that way I am so easily drained and exhausted.

So, I took some time away from some things. I didn't want to DO things because it was there. I wanted to invest in the things I was doing, with my heart and passions behind them. I blame our women's Bible study, in a good way.

As we were studying the life of David, it was brought to my attention that I was not giving God my best. That then lead me to realize that because I wasn't giving God my best, nothing else was getting my best either. I had lost focus. I was going into my day in an exhausted rush of "do this, do that, have to get this done" rather than realizing that each day is a gift for God!

I started getting up 30-45 minutes earlier and having quiet time. Some mornings I would read my Bible, some mornings I dig into a chunk of scripture, some mornings I just lay still on the couch with my dog, some mornings I just spend time in my home. Amazing what being quiet can do for a person. I have been starting my day out quiet and reflective and seeking God and being grateful for a new day.

It is refreshing. And God is leading me in new directions, but that is for a different post.

If you find yourself stuck in the "doing" phase of life, take some time away. Praying for you friends!

Advent

2010-12-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

Kristi's last post inspired me. God is enough, but when I get to those moments .. those awfully hard moments... will I be ready to lean on those simple words? Hmmm,

In that light, I'm working on preparing my heart for Christmas. I LOVE LOVE Christmas. I love the lights, Christmas trees, warm drinks, you name it. I spend lots of time preparing for Christmas. We put up the tree weeks in advance. I make presents lists that I want to buy others, I make grocery lists, I bake lots of goodies and I plan out our family celebrations.

But I have never (and I'm not proud of this) prepared my heart for Christmas. I've never walked myself toward the birth of Christ. One of my priorities these past few weeks has been to spend consistent time with God. It's been very good.

I'm reading an Advent Devotional by Ann Voskamp this season. Todays reading was about Noah, specifically the Lord destroying the earth because of the wickedness of man. What I love about these readings is that they are going to walk us from the beginning of man to the birth of Christ. In today's reading she shares about God having such a tender heart that we can imagine the flood being his tears of sorrow at such a sinful world his loved children were living in. Noah and his family had to cling to the ark for life. "God the Father was sending His Son Jesus on another piece of wood and we cling to that Son for dear life".

I'm so thrilled that God is opening up some new thoughts on his love to me. I'm happy that I'm finally preparing myself for Christmas fully.

What is a tradition, or something that you do to prepare yourself for the birth of our Savior?

Let the countdown begin!

He is Enough

2010-11-30T19:49:00.003-05:00

Last week I posted a lot of questions on what it means to be thankful and how we show God that we are thankful. After praying about it and reading the Bible and looking up verses with "thankful" in them, I came to a conclusion: God is worthy of our praise and thankfulness in all circumstances.

Do I just enjoy God because of the blessings He has bestowed upon me? I definitely have a lot of blessings--- a great husband, two wonderful children, good friends, good health, a nice house, a car, plenty of food to eat, a great church family. I love and enjoy those blessings.

Here is the question, though: Could I enjoy God apart from His blessings? What if I lost my entire family? Had to move far away from my friends and church home? Lost my house and car? Suffered an illness? Would I still be faithful to my God and praise Him? Or is my love dependent on His blessings? Would He be enough for me?

I like to think that He would be. I absolutely know that He is all I need. That the one gift He gave me, salvation through His Son, is enough to sustain me. That one blessing is enough- No others needed. That His love is the only thing that matters. I have known people who have demonstrated this through their suffering--yet praised the Lord during their trials. How do we get to that level of faithfulness?

A true relationship with Him, I believe, is the answer. Not just a prayer a day. Or an occasional thank you, or please do this. A continual reliance, a love, a dependence, a giving over our lives to His plan. He is enough.

Enough by Chris Tomlin

All of you is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need. You satisfy me with your love, and all I have in you is more than enough.

You are my supply, my breath of life, and still more awesome than I know. You are my reward worth living for, and still more awesome than I know.

You're my sacrifice of greatest price, and still more awesome than I know. You're the coming King, You are everything, and still more awesome than I know.

More than all I want, More than all I need, You are more than enough for me. More than all I know, more than all I can say,

You are more than enough for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T18:19:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Kristi's post was great this week. If you haven't read it please take some time and go back and think about her writings.

We are home today... no major plans, which ended up being good because Grace got the flu! Praising God for quick healing (that I know is coming) and for a quiet day to rest- and for tacos! (what we ate today!)

I'm also thankful for you. God has taken me on a great journey these past three years- with marriage, kids and a new church. Many of you who read this blog are a part of that and I'm so grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS- any of you braving the stores tomorrow? If you are, please leave a comment, or if you read this afterward tell us where you went and how it went. I'm headed out sans children with a few girlfriends and can't wait!!!

What is Thanksgiving? Some Questions......

2010-11-23T19:42:00.003-05:00

What is your definition of Thankgiving?

Is it a good excuse to eat a lot of food? Is it a day of rest and relaxation? Is it a holiday to spend with family? Maybe a time for football, shopping, or putting up Christmas decorations?

How does a Christian celebrate Thanksgiving differently from a nonbeliever? Are we thankful to God for just our material possessions? Our house, food on the table, clothes, car? Are we thankful for our families, our circumstances, our churches, our friends? Could we be thankful in any circumstance? How do we put our "thanksgiving" into action? How do we go beyond just being "thankful"?

How do we show God our thanks? How long do we stop and think about our spiritual blessings? God's saving grace? His son's death for our sins? His constant presence? His wonderful creation? His neverending love? How do we thank Him? How could we ever thank Him enough? Is it possible to be truly thankful? What does that look like?

How do I show my thankfulness every single day? Not on just this one day........

I am full of questions but not many answers. What do you think? Hope this post caused you to pause and contemplate the meaning of Thanksgiving in your life.

Enter the Lord's gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. - Psalm 100:4-5

We're Back!!!!!

2010-11-16T19:35:00.002-05:00

Hi blog friends! So sorry for the blog drought over the last few weeks. Our blog team has been quite busy with life.... sometimes blogging has to take a back seat to things like family, new babies, kids' activities, teaching, and just life in general. My family enjoyed some great time together at Disney over Fall Break, and then I jumped right into Upward season in full throttle. But I am so happy to be back and into a semi-normal routine again.

One thing that I noticed when I came back is how much my kids thrive on routine. Overall, they are pretty flexible and can adjust to changes-- but they get cranky and tired. And 5 days with the Big Mouse can do that to all of us! Once we got back into our groove of good bedtimes, eating habits, church, piano practice, and studying, the behavior improved immensely! I did have to tighten the belt, so to speak, to get the kids back into our household expectations and routine, but it's coming along.

It reminds me that I thrive on a spiritual routine as well. If I fall out of my church time, fellowship time, and quiet time, I get cranky and lose focus on God. And sometimes He has to get my attention, get in my face a little, to steer me in the right direction to get back into His presence. I am so thankful to serve a loving and grace-filled God who never leaves me. Hallelujah for that !!!!! Can I get an "Amen" from any of you out there? I know you all can relate.

I hope you all have a great week and find some time to just sit at the feet of our Lord and praise Him for who is.

"My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever." Psalm 145:21

God is...

2010-11-16T18:48:00.002-05:00

God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Christ. God's word is alive & active in me.

A needed reminder for me today.

2010-11-04T20:57:00.003-04:00

Our sermon on Sunday was from Luke 19: 1-10. I'm sure you know the story, Zacchaeus the tax collector who was hated by so many climbed up in a tree to see Jesus pass by. I wanted to share a few of my thoughts about this. First of all, it was a great message. We also had a wonderful dramatic reading. I loved it! If you'd like to hear the sermon go to www.northwebsterumc.org . It's worth a listen!

I wrote down a ton of notes, but of course, cannot find them... Anyway, here is what stuck out to me. Jesus was walking by... it was no accident he looked up in the tree. He knew that Zacchaeus would be up there. So, he looked for him and called him down. Now read the words from the Bible.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Notice anything special? I didn't at first. Until our Pastor pointed out that Jesus specifically called out Zacchaeus by name. He didn't just look up and smile, point to the man and say "come on down". He didn't say "hey you", or even "buddy... you up there"... He said Zacchaeus.

I have some friends and have known people in my life who are very good at using names in conversation. Now by this I don't just mean like once or twice, I mean like regularly. Let me give you an example

Friend : Hey Shannon! How are you?

Me: Good, how are you? We've missed you!

Friend: Shannon, I know. It's been so busy. But... (conversation continues)

Me: well, it was great to see you! Let's get together soon!

Friend: It was good to see you too Shannon. Have a great day!

Can you see how they do it? At first, it's a bit odd, maybe even weird, but then you like it. Why? Because it's personal and makes one feel loved and "known" you follow? I wish I was someone who did this. I have to work hard at remembering names and even use them once in conversation.

So, why is it so important that Jesus called Zacchaeus by name? Think about it... here was someone who was so hated by so many... and the person that everyone was waiting to see was walking by. And he calls out his name. It was no accident. Jesus did it for Zacchaeus himself and also for all those around. He wanted them to see that he was seeking not only the good, the rule followers, the loveable, but also the cheaters, liars, and the hated.

Jesus planned to call out Zacchaeus that day. He was specifically searching for him. And he's doing the same for us now. It doesn't matter if you are the good rule follower standing on the sides waiting for him, or if you are the lost who have to climb up in a tree because there's no place for you anywhere else. He came to seek and save us all. And the best part? He knows your name. He totally does. He came for you and me. And when he sees me, he'll say "Shannon, come on with me." He's going to say my name. And if I feel loved and accepted now by friends who use my name so well in conversation, I can't wait for when Jesus calls it out!. And you? He'll say yours too. He knows it already. He won't need reminded and he won't forget. You just wait and see.

Generations ....

2010-10-28T21:45:00.002-04:00

Remind me of this with every decision. Generations will reap what I sow. I can pass on a curse or a blessing to those I will never know. Sara Groves "Generations"

I love Sara Groves. In fact, I need to get some of her music on my new ipod. Anyway.. I chose this chorus from one of her songs because I was reminded today about how my actions and words WILL affect my children. They are watching me. ( ok, Grace is, Graham will be soon!) Grace is even starting to copy me. The other day she was in the car playing a game that we play and I saw her take her fingers and wag them in the way I do when we play the game. She also told her 8 week old baby brother not to be bossy (wonder who tells her that often?!). Those are things she gets from me. That's ok..... I'd love her to learn to love to read from me, to get a sense of adventure, a love of traveling, even to share! Those are all great things.

There is something I hope and pray she doesn't get from me.... I desperately want her to have confidence in herself as a child of God, who was created by him exactly how he wanted her. I did not grow up with a lot of confidence. In fact just the opposite. I was so insecure and worried about my looks. I worried that my freckles were too many, my smile too gummy, my thighs... you get the picture. And of course, I'm guessing you could probably fill in one or two of your own... why are we like this?

The last thing in the world I want is for my daughter and/or my son to see me picking apart the body Christ gave me with insecurity. I want them to know that we were fearfully and wonderfully made. I want to pass along a confidence that I know whose I am. I want that to pass for many generations. So.. I need to start sowing now.. I'm going to do that by taking care of my body but not picking it apart piece by unlikeable piece, out loud or to myself.. I'm going to tell my children every day that they are loved by me and by God. I'm going to tell them that our Creator takes great delight in them, just as they are....

What about you? What do you hope to sow for future generations?

Pumpkins, Hats, MarioKart, Leaves

2010-10-24T08:27:00.004-04:00

I decided to share one of my favorite parts of my life....being an Aunt! I am an "aunt" to several little peeps, but there is one who ranks higher than all of the rest.

Jackson...aka "Dude"

Dude is my brother's son and we have WAY TOO MUCH fun together. He is 8 and loves loves loves his Aunt Dina. Last Saturday we spent the whole day together. It was seriously one of the best days I can remember, very dear to my heart! We went out for breakfast, made Mariokart hats, played Mariokart, went to the Pumpkin Farm, and played in the leaves! I wanted to share some pics with you all....

Jackson in his "Wild Wing" hat (his favorite car in Mariokart)

The hat adds some height!

How tall is Aunt Dina?

Getting ready to go on a hayride!

Playing in the leaves!

God, thank you for this awesome nephew that I get to share life with. He reminds me often that I am loved and that I need to just be a kid sometimes.

Get Out of God's Way!

2010-10-19T21:12:00.003-04:00

Hello friends! Just popping on the post a quick thought. At our house, we are preparing for a big week of activity, including a piano book graduation by Alex, Trunk or Treat at church, a karate tournament, Upward evaluations, and a trip to Disney World! whew! Lots of good things going on, but Mom is on overdrive trying to get things done. It's only by the grace of God that I am accomplishing this with little stress so far!

Anyway, something poignant from Bible Study this week--- Sometimes we get in God's way. We literally stand in His way of doing great things in our lives and our family's lives because we continue to live in '"the world" or according to what we want. Our own agenda, per se. Whether it's worry, sadness, disobedience, control issues, holding a grudge... whatever it is we are holding onto... it is blocking God's blessings. We need to have the courage to GET OUT OF THE WAY and accept God's plan for blessing our lives. Not dig in our heels and pout. He will forgive, He will bless, and He will be Himself-- utter greatness like no other.

Believe it, ladies. He will do it if you let Him.

"Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in Your sight, for You, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken." (2 Samuel 7:29)

It's A Girl!!!!

2010-10-18T12:43:00.002-04:00

Our family has grown! A little over two weeks ago we adopted a great girl! Jet black hair, beautiful brown eyes, and a sweet personality to match! She is curled up on my lab as it type! So under one roof we now now have two happy parents, one 6 year old girl, twin boy/girl that are three, six year old cat, eight month old rabbit, and now a five year old Border Collie. Oh did you think I meant a child... Ha! I was trying to be a little tricky. Yes, we adopted a dog.

Zoe and I were headed to the store for birthday party decor and favors. When I got this feeling we should stop by the local animal welfare league. I had see a dog who could have been our previous dogs twin on their website. I quickly changed course and pulled in to the AWL. We walked in and located the first caregiver. They walked us back to the runs of dogs. Tails wagging, wiggly bottoms, and happy faces. The particular dog we requested to see wasn't in their run and the caregiver didn't work the day before so she wasn't sure if had been adopted. Before she want to learn more about the missing dog she asked us to walk another dog because the dog was potty trained and needed let out. How do you say no to that?! I couldn't! Make me think of all of those times I reallllly had to use the bathroom but for some reason or another had to wait. Well I wasn't about to be this dogs reason!

Zoe and I ventured outside with this dog named Glory. She went potty as soon as she touched grass. Poor thing really had to go! We then walked her around a bit. Then we saw a fenced in area with doggie toys. We went in and let her run. We had fun chasing her, her chasing us, and playing fetch. I ran through some simple commands with her. She knew all of them. I was perplexed. How is it a potty trained smart dog is at the animal welfare league. I leashed Glory back up and headed inside. By this time the dog we came to see never entered my head again.

I asked the caregivers about Glory and what they knew about her backround. Like so many of the animals they knew nothing. Glory was found with another dog. Both roaming the country. Both potty trained, spayed, and knowing commands. The caregiver explained it's getting more common to find these sweet dogs alone wandering. People are letting dog go free in the country. For many reasons I am sure, lost jobs, lost homes, etc.. All I could say is WOW. My heart broke for both dog and owner. You could you imagine... Openning up the door letting you dog jump out and watching it run as you pull away. Make my heart heavy just thinking about it!

The caregiver informs us the other dog has been adopted. As she reaches for Glory's leash I can't bare the thought of her being "locked up" again. I snap a few pictures with my phone, quickly send them to my husband, and call him. I don't like making quick decissions. I like to think thing through especially life changing ones like bringing home a dog. My husband didn't see a problem with adopting her. I explained to the caregivers and Zoe we would go to the store to do our shopping, then I would decide.

Zoe talked about Glory the whole way to the store and the whole time at the store. I finally gave in and went to the pet store. While we were there I call the animal welfare league and told them my decision. We pick out all of her things and headed to pick her up. We did some quick paper work and she was ours.

She has fit right in! We changed her name to Maggie. I feel very blessed to have her in our lives. We have thought about getting a dog for about four years but knew we didn't have the time to train one. We have been blessed with a dog that fit everything we wanted. I also feel she was blessed to receive a new home!

Quiet Time Plans Foiled

2010-10-12T20:41:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I just had to pop on and share something funny that has happened to me. Last week on my blog post you may remember me complaining about needing an extra hour in the day for some quiet time with God. Well, I decided to be obedient to God's calling and MAKE some extra time in my day. Instead of sleeping those extra minutes, my new wake up time Monday morning was 6:15. Plan was set, ready to go. So I get up, shower to wake myself up, and sit down at about 6:40 for about 15 minutes of focused prayer time before breakfast. But what is that, you say? Two little pairs of feet running up the stairs? Okay, so much for quiet time. Back to the drawing board.

I thought, okay, I will get up at 6:00. So today, alarm goes off at 6, husband and I stumble into the bathroom, he gets on the treadmill, I hop in the shower. As I am walking to the table with my bible in hand at 6:30, what appears in front of me? A huddled mass in blue blanket. aka my 9 year old son. So a new rule was formed in my house: No kids upstairs until 6:45!!! I am determined to have 15 minutes of prayer time to get my day started in the right way.

I will keep you updated on my progress. I know as the winter months come upon us, it will be more and more tempting to stay snuggled under the warm covers. But I am choosing to obey my God, and He will reward me. I can't wait to see the fruits!!

Music Heals

2010-10-11T05:34:00.002-04:00

I have missed blogging! Sometimes I just get so caught up in the busy-ness of life that things get pushed to the wayside, this being one of those things. For the past three weeks I have been working through some personal stuff and learning SO MUCH about the Lord and myself! It has been healing and revealing and tough all at the same time.

Over the past month I have immersed myself in music. I don't know about anyone else, but music helps me release and heal. There have been a few songs that have really spoken to my heart. I'm wanting to share them with you. Please don't feel like you need to listen to them all, but they are good.....and you might just want them. I have included title and artist (and hopefully a link) for each of them.

I truly believe that God has gifted musicians to display HIS word in a way that reaches into the soul. My soul has been touched and I hope yours is too.

(Directions: copy and paste the link in your browser)

"I Need You to Love Me" -Barlow Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOyNOzCGZ1c&feature=related

"Sweetly Broken" -Jeremy Riddle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5_Z3ZZYLDc

"Rescue" -Desperation Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEO12GqfKPM&feature=related

"Your Love is a Song" -Switchfoot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH6tXZxFaWA

"Our God" -Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc

"He Loves Us" -David Crowder Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ

Hurts.....

2010-10-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

I had a great week. It was busy and full of travel, cleaning, packing, feeding, bathing, diapering... you get the idea. But it was great. In the midst of the great though.. two things... I spent time with a friend who lost his wife of close to 50 years a few weeks back. I also checked in on a blog I read about a family who had a baby 2 weeks before I did and were going through a tough time as their little guy was born with a congenital heart defect. He died on Wednesday.

So, so much sadness... The first friend- he's so hurt right now and is having such a hard time picking himself up. He sees his sweet wife everywhere. He misses her so. My internet friend is just as heartbroken. She doesn't know how she'll go on. She sees all the places her little guy will never be.

I held Graham a little longer as I nursed him to sleep that night. I kissed Gracie a few more times and I snuggled up to Shane's back a little tighter when I got back to bed. In the blink of an eye, things can change. It's so very hard in times like that to see God's plan. I kept thinking of the song.. "he gives and takes away... he gives and takes away, but my heart will chose to say, blessed be His name" This man who lost his partner, this mama who lost her baby... it's too hard to take... too sad, but in this midst of all this, I'm encouraged. God is still God and He's still on the throne and He's still good. I'm going to quote from this mama's blog...

____

I know that God's love runs deep. I know that He will give me strength. I know that He grieves right along with my broken heart. I know this is all part of his plan for our lives. But I can't FEEL it. I can't feel much of anything except for this unbearable, unspeakable pain.

Please God, give me strength. I have none left.

______

While tears fill my eyes for her pain, I'm so grateful that she knows that her God WILL see this mama through this. When she feels that she can't even breath, each breath will be led by him, When the husband doesn't think he can get out of bed because she's not beside him, God will give him the strength.

We all have a story. Each one has ups and downs, happys and sads.... But praise God that he's in each one and that he walks with us, cries with us, laughs with us... He IS our King.

Be encouraged friends.

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in My name...Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:22-24

The Word of God is for Life!

2010-10-05T20:41:00.003-04:00

I am so fortunate to be a part of a great women's bible study at church. I love the ladies in it with me, and in my small discussion group. Just sharing our lives and struggles as we journey with God is so encouraging. We are studying "Annointed, Transformed and Redeemed" (A study of David) featuring the teaching of Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. It is amazing. We did two weeks with Priscilla and just started Beth tonight. I tell you, when I need a word from God (which is all the time!), these ladies deliver it!

I cannot imagine what I would be like if I did not have this Bible Study right now. I am crazy busy with stuff going on-- all good things like taking care of my family, church commitments and ministry, (okay, maybe cleaning the house would not qualify as "good"). I was just telling a friend today that if I just had one more hour in my day......I really need to start my day off with some alone time with God, instead of waiting until the end of my day. I would love to transport myself to a quiet beach for an hour, sit on my yoga mat, drink a cup of coffee and have a good chat with the Lord. Instead, I have a quick word or two while I am hopping in the shower, fixing breakfast, doing hair, loading laundry, packing backpacks, and packing lunches. Not optimal for having some meaningful words with God.

If I did not have this Bible study to keep me in the Word, I would be a ball of stress and anxiety. I would let it rule over me. I would let it dictate my moods, instead of God's promises and truths. God gave us His word for life, to use in life! It's not just some old history that doesn't apply to us now. It is unreal how it can change your life.

I encourage you to find a bible study to do, either with a group or on your own. Reading the Bible is great, but finding a teacher who helps you make sense of it can really open your eyes to the life-changing power held in those pages. I am so thankful for God's word in my life and the freedom He has given me by the power of His Spirit.

I leave you with one of my favorite verses from the book of Hebrews:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. (Hebrews 4:12)

Kidnapping!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-04T14:15:00.003-04:00

So last week at MOPS (for those of you who don't know its an amazing time mothers of preschoolers to get together and socialize, craft, learn, and become closer to God. It is a BLESSING!!!)anyways... we had our whole meeting dedicated to safety. We made emergency kits for our kids which was very extensive including fingerprints, hair samples, and even saving the child's old tooth brush for DNA. There was a detective there speaking to us about different dangerous things children and teens are doing now and what signs to watch out for. He talked about the Internet, child predators, older children being predators, scams, and on and on and on. Those of you that were there know what I mean. Don't get me wrong he was very helpful and knowledge able.

As I left my MOPS meeting I talked with other moms and my close mom friends. We said our Goodbyes and I was off to pick up my little ones at preschool. The preschool is only a few minutes away, located in my home church, where my oldest went for two years, and I am the vice-chair of the preschool board (I know fancy title, right?! Ha!). All the parents pull their vehicles into a line and the teacher brings the kids out one by one for safety reasons. I pulled my truck into the line. In front of me is a burgundy car I had never seen at pick up, I saw the yellow safety pick up tag clearly, and a man inside. As the parents are collecting their children they pull away and the next car pulls up. Pretty soon it is the burgundy cars turn to collect their child all of a sudden one of my closest and dearest friends daughter starts to head out to the car with the teacher. I am thinking...NO!!! I just left and her mom was still at MOPS!! I am STRESSING!!! I think surly this is a mistake the teacher will reread the name tag and realize its a different name!!!! The teacher opens the car door. At this point I have my hand on my door to open it!! I have a plan I am going to grab a big rock form the flower garden and hit this guy in the head with it. Your not kidnapping that baby right in front of me and get away with it!!! Just as start to open my door I see it! Or should I say him... A reflection in the rear view mirror... it was... HER DAD!!!! He was driving a company car. I was sooo happy but boy was my heart racing!!!! Its racing now just writing about it! I collected my kids with out a word to the teacher of my thoughts. My first opportunity I called the little girls mother and explain how I almost bashed her husband in the head with a large rock. We both apologized and laughed!

Later I realized I got so overwhelmed with afraid and careful during our MOPS meeting that I over reacted. Well, thankfully I didn't get a chance to reacted or "could've been embarrassing for a lot of people." So said the girls father!

In that short window I forgot God! Seriously! I wasn't trusting in Him, if I would have been more focused on God and trusting his plan I would have know who the man in the car was when I pulled my car into the pick up line!!!

So now that I am refocused, and calmed down... You may laugh!

They are....

2010-09-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

Ok, I've been MIA because I've been sitting in a rocking chair nursing a little monkey! Graham is doing great and is now 10 1/2 lbs!!!

As I sit in the nursery in the middle of the night... I have lots of time to think and pray. I know without a doubt that I am much more emotional at night. But I thought of this and want to share.

I am incredibly blessed. I can do a post a day for months on end and never get to the end of my blessings. But one great one that I want to share about today is the ladies who write on this blog. When I moved here I never imagined having such loving, satisfying friendships. But I do. So ladies of Glow... get ready to be embarrassed. :) I want everyone else to know how great you are.

First.... Shannon Y. I met Shannon at church one Sunday when she was sitting by Kristi. She and her family had just started coming to church and they jumped right in. Shannon attended our first women's retreat and has been involved in almost everything else at church ever since! I've seen Shannon give and give and give. She puts her family first and does all she can to make sure that her kids are growing up to be thoughtful, loving, adults. She and her husband have made themselves vulnerable as we shared in our small groups getting to know each other better. I know without a doubt that she's there for me whenever I need her. And she's super creative!!

Kristi.- I met Kristi when I was helping with Upward 3 years ago. I remember "cold calling" the Beer family to ask her to help with concessions. Then a few Saturdays later we were both working the stand and tentatively asking each other get to know you questions. What came from that was a commitment to do ministry together- through Bible Studies, retreats, and Upward. Kristi has become a kindred spirit, (to borrow from my favorite Anne of Green Gables!) and wonderful friend.. She will always remember an event in my life and make sure to text me or call to check on me. She has great advice for a new mom (and I needs lots!) and has even blessed us with some great hand me down clothes from her kids. Kristi is a great example of a mom trying to raise her kids to love Jesus with all their heart and I love watching her go through the process.

Judy- I met Judy through Monica and let me tell you that both of them have provided much laughter and smiles in my life. The Wilsons are a loving family and if you don't know them- you should. Judy is one of the hardest working ladies I know. She gives 100% in all she does and even goes beyond. She's creative (ever seen one of her vignettes?!) and she cares about women and children's ministries. I know from watching her with her family that they are number one in her life - another good example for me.

Dina- I met Dina through church and Upward- but when I was dating Shane they were both coaching MS girls basketball so I actually remember seeing her at games! :) Dina is real, honest, open, and awesome. She wears her relationship to Christ out so everyone can see. I love her honesty. She's not afraid to admit when things are bad, hard, or just plain stinky. But she's also the first to praise God when things go right. Her hugs are universally known (if not that, then definitely nationally!) and she's got a great voice that praises His name. Her love of kids again, is an example to me. I watched her coach Upward last year and was taught about how to love all kids through her actions.

Ok... I hope you learned something today about my friends. They've been on my mind these last few weeks as I've been a night owl. I'm so very thankful for them and for others that the Lord has placed in my life. I think we all have friends like this- sometimes it just takes stopping to think, reflect and realize who they are.

Sitting around the Table

2010-09-28T20:34:00.002-04:00

Dinner time is sacred in our household. I firmly believe in the practice of sitting down at the table with your family and discussing the day's events. There are days, of course, where the kids sit at the bar and Jason and I stand at the bar and throw something on the table to eat. But most days, we gather around our kitchen table to thank God for his blessings and enjoy each other's company for thirty minutes.

Oh believe me, it gets harder as the kids get older. More and more activities and meetings and technology pull at our time together. But I am sticking to my guns on this one-- studies show that families that eat dinner together regularly are happier, have kids who get better grades and are less likely to use drugs, have parents who have stronger marriages, and in general have better eating habits. And if you start this habit early in a child's life, it just becomes part of the expected routine!

I got some good dinnertime conversation ideas from "Mealtime Moments" from Focus on the Family (I just love them!) This little flip book stirs up great discussions and teaches important things about Christian life as well. The kids love when I pull out the book!

So turn off the t.v. and the cell phones, dust off your pots and pans, say no to those activities during dinner time. It is so much more than just sharing a meal--- it's sharing our lives.

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Go Be Jesus

2010-09-20T21:18:00.004-04:00

Hey Ladies! I had this great blog on my mind all day and now I have something weighing on my heart.

I just have to say I really missed not blogging last week. I am sorry I didn't but I was feeling emotionally vulnerable. A week ago last Sunday was the one year anniversary of my dear Mother-in-law's death. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since she lost her fight against cancer. I feel extremely blessed to have had her in my life. Over the years I came to understand how lucky I was to have a mother-in-law who I cherished and she feel the same for me.

Kim was many things and love was probably the greatest! She loved many and was loved by many. That is something I want for myself...I want people to know I love and cherish them. I never want people to walk away from a conversation with me and not know that I valued them. A lot of times I don't know what to say or how to start the conversation but I am working on it. There is so much hate and negativity in the world why not be someones sunshine in all of the rain?? One smile at a stranger in the supermarket could change their whole mood! I like to set personal goals when entering stores...I am going to smile at ten people and see how many I can get to smile back. I have some friends that tell the youth at church "to go out there and be Jesus today." In short that is what I am challenging you to do! Go out let people know they are special even if it is just a smile to a stranger.

God Bless!!!

Answering the Call!

2010-09-16T11:44:00.000-04:00

Ladies, ladies, we are at Henderson Settlement right now, as I speak. (or type!) There are six of us here - three are going to work in the beauty salon and three of us are going to the worksite. We had a flat tire on the way down which turned out pretty good, considering. We sat on the highway for a little more than an hour. Luckily, we had roadside assistance so we just had to call and they got someone to come help us. Funnie thing is, it was a woman that came to change our tire and we then went to a Walmart and bought a new one! We made it in time for the evening program which starts out the week right. There is a guy here named Jerry that is in charge of the workcamps and the projects that is so much fun to work with. He is very entertaining and makes it fun to come here to work.

Every evening they have some sort of program. Monday night they talk about the settlement and all the different programs available. They also talk some about the poverty level of the area and try to give you an idea of what the local people are up against. Well, someone asked Jerry how long he had been at the settlement and he kinda got serious. He told about growing up coming to many of the same programs when he was a kid, working here as a teenager, and then in college having a plan to do something else but that God had another plan. It was just so moving to hear his testimony and he had to stop a minute so he didn't cry himself. He is just such a neat guy. He tells us each time we have a meeting that the workcampers are really appreciated. But this night, he got very serious. He talked more about the impact of the workcampers on the community and how much it meant to the staff at Henderson, too, since most of them are local people that are struggling also.

I'd imagine you might have realized by now that I love this place. This is our 5th year coming as a ladies group and I've come with a few other groups different times. We are having fun and also getting work done. The gals are busy in the beauty salon. Kathy is cutting hair, (She thinks about 50 so far, in two days!!) Sara is giving manicures and wax treatments, and Cookie is washing hair, and laundering the towels, etc. Kris, Shirley, and I had three sides done siding a 12 x12 shed, and worked on the front this morning. Now we're at the more difficult part but we have two more days so I'm sure we'll get done. It is neat to hear about all the other groups work also!!

It all makes for an interesting week. Lots of times you realize that you receive more than you can possibly give. I think ultimately that God has His plan for each of us and that's why we are here!! Maybe you'll come with us sometime!!?

Hope

2010-09-15T08:48:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! One of the bloggers I follow traveled to Guatemala recently in conjunction with Compassion International, and she wrote about her experiences there. I want to encourage you to read her posts, especially the one titled, "A Whole New World". As I sat at my computer yesterday and read the post, tears were flowing.... and I am not an emotional person. And then I signed up to sponsor a child, a little girl, in Guatemala.

It is so easy to insulate ourselves from what goes on around the world-- heck, who wouldn't want to? It is agonizing to see pictures of families living in a garbage dump. But Jesus wants us to feel that pain, let it soak in, and then do something to help. Giving them hope....

We sponsor a little boy, William, in the Dominican Republic, and now Glendy, age 6, in Guatemala. It is such a rewarding experience to not only write the letters to our sponsored children, but also to receive their letters back to us. And my children love writing to them and drawing pictures for them. And praying for them.

Here is the link to Amanda's blog through Compassion. Will you please read it and then prayerfully consider sponsoring a child? Offering that hope for a better life, and a life following Jesus... There is no better gift you can offer a child living in poverty and desperation.

www.babybangs.blogspot.com, or www.aholyexperience.com

or Compassion blogger website: www.compassionbloggers.com/trips

My hope for you is that these stories touch your heart like they did mine.

Needing Church

2010-09-12T21:06:00.003-04:00

I went to church for the first time in 3 weeks. I missed one weekend hangin with my family and I missed last weekend because I went to a car show. At the time I didn't think it was any big deal, but it was.

I don't know about you all, but when I miss church my weeks don't seem to go just right. I am emotional and can get crabby and find myself trying to fill a void with stuff. And at the moment that I am missing church I don't ever think it will be that big of a deal to miss.....but I am always proven wrong.

Today was refreshing. It was a reminder of the need that I have for fellowship and community worship and hearing the Word preached. And it was sooooooooooo good. I am fired up. I am excited to open my Bible. I am reminded of the need for God in my every day (and He was kinda put on the backburner, not totally out of mind, but back of the mind). And I am filled with joy.

Yeah, I was needing church. I missed it. I'm so glad I went. And I'm already excited for next Sunday :)

Blessings

2010-09-09T08:13:00.004-04:00

Hello! I am emerging from my baby world to say hi and tell you that we have been so thankful for your prayers. Although he had a tough first week with jaundice that would not go away, resulting in another hospital stay, Graham's doing great now and we are home and learning how to be a family of 4.

My week with Graham at the hospital was interesting. It went from a super long labor in which I was so tired to me just being the mama watching him in the room, still being so tired! I had Shane bring me my Bible up but my brain was/is not into reading right now. Instead I found myself shooting up short little one liners to God. I know that He heard those just as much as he would have heard a formal, fancy, scripture filled prayer. I have a new found empathy for parents of sick babies/kids. I had just the slightest glimpse of that world and it's not easy. In fact, being sick or in the hospital at all is hard- no matter what the age.

So- I'm counting my blessings today- I am thankful for

- my family- a healthy baby boy, a super supportive husband, and an inquisitive loving daughter (who has found her way of adjusting is being bossy!!!)

- a wonderful support group. Friends bring meals, praying for us, checking in on us, you name it. We are blessed.

-wonderful hospital care- Graham was so loved on while he was in the hospital. It made me so happy to see him doted on by all.

And, I know you are anxious for these so here you go!

Praying With My Man

2010-09-07T20:28:00.002-04:00

I have never really been one of those people who pray out loud well--you know, the ones who seemed to be blessed with giftedness of the spoken word? Well, that's not me! My mind always goes blank or I stutter or make some ridiculous grammatical error.

When I first became a Christian, I avoided praying aloud -- always looking down or away when the leader of sunday school asked if someone would like to close in prayer. Now if you wanted me to stand up and recite "The Lord's Prayer" or "The Apostle's Creed", I'm your gal. I've got the entire Catholic mass memorized. But spontaneous prayer, not easy for me! Through the years, I have realized that God wants me to vocalize my prayers to Him, even if it makes me uncomfortable. So I do it, and I am getting a little more eloquent now. A friend gave me good advice-she said just speak from your heart and God will make the words come. Maybe not in any order that makes perfect sense, but God loves you and your prayer regardless.

So when it came to praying with my family, I was determined to start out on the right foot. "God, I am going to teach the kids to pray before they eat and before they go to bed. I want them to grow up praying out loud so they feel confident in their prayers." As I continued on my spiritual walk over the past few years, I came to understand that it is important to teach my kids that we should pray not just before meals and bed, but anytime (before school, after getting disciplined, when sad about something)-Relying on God in our everyday routines and activities.

This brings me to praying with my husband---Over the past 14 years we have both grown a great deal in our relationship with our Lord. It has been an awesome experience to see him morph into a real disciple of Christ. But we have not often prayed together just as a couple.

A few weeks ago, God spoke to me in His quiet way during my study time. I knew that it was time for Jason and me to routinely pray together, and our relationship, as good as it is now, would only get better. We have some family decisions to make over the next year or so that will require faith, and I am sure that our prayer time will give us insight and peace as we follow God's will for our lives.

So two days ago, right after we turned the lights out, I suggested that we pray together every night. So we started that night. And it was great! I just let my thoughts flow naturally and spoke what was on my heart. And so did he. It really gave me a peek into what he is feeling and his concerns that otherwise I may not know.

I will keep you updated on how this "couple's prayer" time is working for us. I encourage you to pray with your spouse, signifcant other, or even a good friend. I believe that when "two or more are gathered in His name", God will bless us with feeling His presence and peace.

God's Wonders

2010-09-06T21:06:00.004-04:00

Well Ladies I am TIRED!!!!

It is Labor Day and boy did I Labor! My husband and I have a list and we are attacking all of the left over home improvements that need to be done before it gets chilly out. I know who wants to talk about it getting cold out right?! I have been so busy the last three day I haven't had a change to step back and see the Captivating World we live in.

My brother, Jason, was on a fly fishing camping trip that he does with some buddies every year. I love getting text messages from him especially beautiful pictures. Jason has a talent for photography. Some of the pictures he send just take my breath away. This weekend I was knee deep in sawdust and paint an he sent me a few pictures I thought I would share with you.

I looked at these picture and thought...Wow God is Amazing! I was so driven to get everything done on my list and through my wonderful brother I got God's reminder to stop and enjoy the wonders of His world!

I pray all of you have had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. I also hope you had a chance to soak in the beautiful environment that God made.

Some funnie stories.....

2010-09-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

First of all, I was having a hard time thinking about something to blog about. I wanted to blog this week for sure. My husband said to blog that I was not able to think of anything, that I've been working all week, and I'm also trying to get stuff around for the mission trip, and that I would 'blog' you later, kinda like 'see' you later. Sorry about that.

Anyway, something did come to me finally, that I hope you will enjoy. Like I said I've been getting things 'round for the ladies mission trip. I try to have a theme and have bible verses to go along with it and figure out some fun things, too. So I had gotten lots of christian stories and quotes off the internet. Some of them are neat so I thought I would put a couple on the blog.

First one...a grandfather overheard his granddaughter repeating the alphabet in reverent, hushed tones.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm praying, grandpa," she said. "I can't think of the right words, so I just say all the letters. God will put them together for me, 'cause He knows what I'm thinking."

Second.....Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. "Fine," said the pleased mother. "If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you."

"Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me not misbehave," said Johnny. "I asked Him to help you put up with me."

And last.....Many believers don't see the importance of regular church attendance. Members of Northend Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle received a special announcement in the mail, listing the many things that will be done for them at church on the following "no-excuse-to-stay-home-Sunday."

According to the pastor, cots will be available for those who say Sunday is their only day to sleep in. Eye drops will be supplied for those who have red eyes from watching late Saturday night TV shows. There will be steel helmets for those who say the roof would cave in if they ever went to church, blankets for persons who think the church is too cold, fans for those who say it is too hot, scorecards for those wishing to list all the hypocrites present, TV dinners for those who can't go to to church and also cook dinner. Finally, the sanctuary would be decorated with Christmas poinsettias and Easter lillies for those who have never seen the church without them.

Hope you had a little chuckle. Have a great week and remember god loves a 'cheerful giver'!

Dear God, I thank you for the people in our lives that make it worth living - people that help us to see your joy and love then help us to pass it on. Help us all to be a cheerful giver. In your precious name we pray. AMEN.

God's Power In Your Life

2010-08-31T20:37:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I do not have anything much to write tonight, but I want to encourage you, if you haven't already, to read yesterday (Monday's) post. A friend and fellow church member wrote her testimony, and it is amazing! To acknowledge God's sovereign power in your life is truly humbling, and witnessing His work in other people's life is just as powerful.

Sharing our testimony is so crucial in our walk with our Lord--- When others hear how God changes someone's life for the better, they can't help but want to find out more!

We would love to hear about how God has worked in your life, recently or in the past. Post a comment with your testimony of God's love and grace!

Amy's Storm

2010-08-30T21:35:00.003-04:00

Hello Ladies! I am posting my beautiful friends testimony she gave last Sunday in church! I hope you are moved by this as much as I am!

My major storm rolled in on October 2, 2009. My husband of 14 years decided he wanted to be single and moved out of our house. I was enrolled in school full time and working a part time job here at the church. I was completely shocked and blown away. In 68 days, my divorce was final, I no longer had health insurance. and I was on my own with two teen boys. This shock set my world into a thunder storm.
That same October, my mom had a horrible kidney infection she didn't know she had for three months. She ended up in the hospital with a septic infection that invaded her brain. She was having episodes of delirium and was extremely sick. My mother is my best friend and this was another blast of thunder in my storm. I couldn’t imagine losing her after just losing my husband.

In February, I had to give up my job here at the church to finish my schooling with full time externships. Living on my tax return and child support, I knew I had just a certain amount of time to get things done and get a job. I am a good with money, so I knew I could do it and just how much time I had to do it in. I was confident I had it all figured out.

Since now I was certain God was not on my side any longer, I gave into Satan’s grasp and lived a life of self destructive behavior for a while. I became a daily purposeful sinner, almost mocking God with my behavior. I was still attending church during this time, just not ready to give up the new supportive friends I found here. I also wanted to keep my boys active in the church but I was not getting much out of it.

THEN, Pastor Dave started preaching on the Fruits of the Spirit. He was speaking directly to me, he was telling me how to get my life back on track. I listened and each week thought, yep, I need to do that. But each week I didn't. Finally after hearing a few things, one, something my brother said and two, the sermon on Self Control, I realized it was TIME to get back in God’s will.

My brother told my mom I was a hypocrite for being a purposeful sinner and still going to church, and my mom told him, "That’s exactly where Amy--and all sinners--belong." I also realized I was not being a good example to my children, my family, and everyone else I came in contact with. I needed help and I realized that only God could bring me back from this mess.

I made a promise to myself that I would stop my self-destructive behavior and had a great new Christian friend who helped me daily by checking on me and making sure I was still being true to myself.

Things were going well for me, I thought the storm was lifting some. I was wrong, Satan was still at me. Thunder and lightning were still in the storm. Although I am going to thoroughly enjoy being in the medical field, the main reason I chose it was the promises of always having a job. But I graduated from school and couldn’t find a job! I sent out over 100 applications and resumes for jobs from South Bend to Fort Wayne. Early on in my job search, I was offered a job at just above minimum wage but the hours would've kept me away from my sons at night. As much as I wanted and needed a job, my job of being a good mother comes first.

I had a few interviews, even second and third interviews. Each time, I would get my hopes up only to be crashed down in the rocks by the huge waves of the storm. Two or three of those jobs I wanted sooo badly! I In desperation, I claimed Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you." I boldly prayed that scripture, asking Jesus to give me the job I wanted that week. And then another disappointment--still no job, money running lower and lower, panic getting worse. I just couldn't understand why God wasn't answering my prayers! About the same time, I realized I was still being a purposeful sinner and I was so very unhappy with my entire life. So I knew it was time--time for me to give my life back to God, time to work hard at seeking God's will for my life and living within God's law. The first few days were extremely hard! Obviously the devil wanted me back. (GRIN!) But each day it got a little easier to be in God's will.

Ten days ago my money ran out, my house payment was due and my car needed repairs--I had to jump start it every other day for weeks if I needed to go somewhere. I had to get government help with food, I had to get some paper supplies from the food pantry. I felt I had fallen about as low as I could go. Then my tire completely blew out and with no money, all I could do was drive on the little donut tire. I didn't know how I would get out of town safely if I actually did get an interview. All I could do was pray. And then great friends came forward and put two new tires on my car. My mom loaned money for the mortgage and to fix my car. She even gave me her car to drive for the week or so mine is in the shop.

I am not a good receiver.

It is much easier to give than to receive, that is just such a TRUE statement! My mom kept telling me I had to let these people help and that really humbled me. She said I was cheating them out of the joy of helping. I still don't like receiving the help, but I think I have a little less pride now!

Every single day for two months I was calling and checking on all my applications, going on interviews, putting in apps for new job listings, even at Menards! Here I was, with two college degrees and I couldn’t get a job, not even at Menards! What a loser I was!

Then last Sunday at church, after another great sermon on Storms, about 40 people gathered around me to pray for me. With hands laid on me, prayers being raised high, and tears streaming, I let these people love on me and send an appeal to God to take the storm cloud off of my head and open up the skies and let the Son shine down.

Within 24 hours, I had a new interview. Then two days later, a second one...and a third, all with the same company. The district manager wanted to interview me and she was going to be out of town for two weeks so they hurried things through so I could meet with her before she left town. Two hours after that interview I was offered the job! It's not just a job, either. It's something I love doing, the pay is way better than anything else I was ever offered and it comes with great insurance. I believe this is the power of prayer in action! This was not a coincidence, this is GOD at work!

It took me getting my life in God’s will, lots and lots of prayer, being humble, losing my pride, and allowing others to help and pray for me before God could see his reflection in me and pull me out of the fire. ALL PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Baby Hartman!!!

2010-08-30T08:50:00.003-04:00

Graham Bradley Hartman was born at 11:29pm on August 29th. He is 8 lbs 6 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. It was a long 33.5 hours of labor but both Mother and Son are doing well! Like many of you, I can't wait to meet this sweet gift from God!

Waiting

2010-08-26T21:02:00.005-04:00

Today is my birthday. I had a wonderful day. My daughter proudly gave me a card first thing this morning. My husband and mother in law and daughter and I spent the day in Ft. Wayne shopping our hearts out. I had a free birthday lunch and free ice cream (I love signing up for freebies!). It was wonderful. I have also been so blessed this week by dear friends who have loved on me with food, cards, treats, and sweet kind words.

I've alternated these last few days between being so happy about my life and so very anxious to have this baby! A friend told me on Sunday to just enjoy this time because once they are out, they are out! (thanks Cheryl!) I think that I have felt a pressure (from me only, not from anyone else!!!) to have this baby earlier than his due date because my MIL is here and she can help us. I want to have him so I don't feel so big and blah (full well knowing how I'll feel AFTER he's born!), and I just want to see him, see what he looks like and kiss his sweet little face.

So, yes, I'm anxious. I'm about ready to try anything... but I also switch back to the fact that our loving God who has blessed me with him, KNOWS the day he'll be born. He already KNOWS everything about him! Why should I be so anxious when that's the case? :) So I spent some time tonight and found two verses that I'm going to put on my fridge this week. Two verses that remind me that God is leading me on this path and he's guiding me and it's HIS timing.

Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

I know I'm not the only one struggling with God's timing and with waiting on him. Praying for you ladies... that you'll find rest in the fact that He has laid out the path ahead of us. AMEN!

The Power of Friendship

2010-08-24T20:10:00.002-04:00

I am so thankful for my friends. Old and new, young and old, similar to me and as different as night and day. What a wonderful God we serve who knows us so well, that He places just the right people in our lives at the perfect time. A friend who teaches, a friend who guides, a friend who listens, and friend who challenges us to be better. Each friendship is unique, and I love that.

A friend of mine shared a story with me today that moved me, and I would like to share it with you. It really shows how powerful friendship can be if we allow it to.

My friend "Ann" has a friend "Kay" who is terminally ill. She has pancreatic cancer. She is only in her mid-forties. She has three children, the youngest who is in high school. Ann has been visiting Kay regularly, just sitting with her and loving her. Kay's oldest son is engaged to be married on Sunday. A while ago, Kay shared her concern about not being able to put together the rehearsal dinner for her son and his fiancee, whose family lives in Illinois. Kay's health is failing fast. After talking about it, Ann offers to go to Illinois this weekend and organize the rehearsal dinner for her friend Kay. She knows none of the fiancee's family. She is not familiar with the area. But what she does know is that she loves her friend, and she wants to do this act of kindness for her and her family.

Ann told me today that she visited Kay, and with tears in her eyes, shared with me that she would be surprised if she lived until this weekend. And even though doing this task for Kay really puts her out of her comfort zone, her love for her sister in Christ outweighs her discomfort of traveling to an unknown place and basically being around a bunch of people she doesn't know.

This story of the power of friendship has been on my mind all day. What a servant's heart Ann has. I thought about if I was in the same situation, would I have the courage to do the same? Would my selfish desires or discomfort win over? Would I put myself out there to love as freely and openly as Ann does?

When God created us, He created a part of us that needs relationships and friendships. God wants us to have a body of believers we surround ourselves with to love, laugh, support, and hold each other accountable. He sometimes works through our friends to serve his purposes here on earth. I know He put Ann in Kay's life for a reason, too.

How can you be a better friend? How can you let your friends know you appreciate them? I know that I sometime take my friends for granted. I am planning on letting them know how much I love them for who they are!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

** Kay did get to see her son say his vows a few weeks ago. Her son and fiancee made a special trip to see her, dress and all, to get married before the official wedding, knowing that she would not be able to go.

Faithfulness

2010-08-23T21:11:00.005-04:00

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

This is my favorite bible verse right now and I am trying to "drill" it into my head as my dad would say. As a lot of you know last week was my oldest daughter, Zoe's first day of kindergarten. Soon my youngest, Hank and Ella, will be going to preschool. It is hard for me to let go of their little hands and let them "walk alone." I know that God is always with them and I need to have faith that when my hand is letting go His hand is still holding on!

What is it that makes it so hard to just believe that God has it all under control? Is it because God isn't a physical being walking around saving the world like superman? When I was a child I knew my parents had everything under control because I could see them fixing and doing things. Now as an adult I am learning everyday to let go and my Father has it under control. I can pray all I want but in the end He knows what is best.

I want my children to learn at a young age that God has a plan for them and that He is with them at ALL times. My husband and I wanted Zoe to have a reminder that God is with her on the school bus when she hears conversations that are to old for her ears. When she meets other children from different walks of life and when she is faced with trying times. We chose a necklace, a beautiful cross with a small heart on the bottom of the cross. Zoe was very excited the first day of school after she was all ready for the bus we gave her the necklace. We explained to her that God was with her now, God is with her when she rides the bus, and God is with her at all times. The necklace is a reminder that when you need the strength to say no or walk away God is with you!

I walked Zoe out to the bus and away she went. When I picked her up from school. I asked her how her day was and of course she had a million 'n one things to tell me. I told Zoe I was relieved because I was nervous. Zoe said I was nevous too but Jesus was with me. She was right! God is with us ALL!

I hope you all feel that God is with you no matter what storm you are going through in your life! We may not understand the storm today but someday those clouds will disappear. We will look to the sky the sun will beam down on our faces and we will understand the purpose of the storm.

I am a C...

2010-08-22T07:27:00.005-04:00

I am a C-H
I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N
and I have C-H-R-I-S-T in my H-E-A-R-T
and I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y!

If you know this song, I'm sure you sang it. Hahaha! I learned this song from 2 of my dear friends in college. I just had dinner with them and I can't help but hear thier voices, singing in twin unison, every time I see them. The song has been stuck in my head all week! So, needless to say I began thinking about it.

You see, the song talks about living eternally with Christ in our hearts. But lines 3 and 4 mean so much more than eternal life. It is a standard that we need to live by. It is a lifestyle, a choice, that we must devote ourselves to every day.

I have been reading through Acts. I was having some personal struggles with church (in general) and what the purpose of the church body is. I was trying to work through things on my own and found myself getting more and more perturbed with things. Finally, while teaching a Bible study with middle school girls, I was reminded that the Bible is the place to look for answers. I chose Acts because it is where the Church started.

And I am learning so much. The biggest thing that I am learning is exactly what the song says....I have CHRIST in my HEART! With that comes power for the kingdom of God!

In 5 chapters, there has been one account after another of the power of Christ living in people. Peter and John speak with passion and confidence and fearlessness. I find myself asking how are they doing this? Then I realize it is the power of Christ in their heart. The Holy Spirit working in and through them. And I ask myself if I really believe that this power is possible for all who believe.

I truly believe it is. Because we can overcome death with Christ in our hearts and live E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y! There is power in that. There is power in Christ. And Christ's power is in us!

An interesting perspective

2010-08-19T21:20:00.004-04:00

I was reading a blog the other day and came across this post about gossip. It hit home for me. I am not going to assume that gossip is a problem for you, but I do know that I struggle with this area and that some may too.

Elizabeth Writes-

So I know that she's specifically talking about gossiping about her child- that was the part that spoke to me- I don't want to gossip about my little one. I need to be careful about my words and think about how they will affect her. Even if I were to try to hide it, she'd see (they always do!) And I also feel like I need to be more careful to watch my words in general- often times I think we as Christian (an maybe more ladies!?) will use- a "pray for so and so because of...." to spread gossip.

Here are some tidbits of info about gossip- (taken from a question and answer website-)

The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways:

1. Intent. Gossipers often have the goal of building themselves up by making others look bad and exalting themselves as some kind of repositories of knowledge.

2. The type of information shared. Gossipers speak of the faults and failings of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. Even if they mean no harm, it is still gossip.

And finally, I did some looking up of verses about gossip. OUCH! I'm going to copy a few of these down as reminders for me. Is this hitting home for anyone else? I'd love to hear some feedback- Thank you Lord for this time of conviction- may my words be pleasing to you in all I say.

LEV 19:16  "'Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "'Do not  do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.

PSA 34:13  keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

101:5  Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence;  whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.

PRO 6:19  a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up  dissension among brothers.

10:18  He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads  slander is a fool.

11:9  With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through  knowledge the righteous escape.

13  A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Psalm 16

2010-08-17T19:55:00.002-04:00

I was reading a book the other night (I know, big surprise there...) and the main character has trouble sleeping at night because of the issues that are going on in her life. Can you relate? I sure can. Sometimes my mind will not allow my body to rest! Anyway, her sister tells her to read Psalm 16. So I put down the book, picked up my Bible, and read Psalm 16.

If you have a Bible handy, read it right now. If not, here is the last part of it that really spoke to me.

I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body will also rest secure. NIV

I would also like to share with you another translation of the same passage. It is always fun to read "The Message" for a more modern-day interpretation.

The wise counsel God gives me when I am awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I will stick with God.
I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go!
I am happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.

Because of Christ, we can rest secure in His arms. No problems or issues or illness or change can take away the future we have with Him. He took care of that on the cross. The next time I have trouble sleeping because I am worried or upset or stressed, I am going to read Psalm 16 and remember that I am always safe with my Lord. What joy we can have in that total security!

What other passages help calm your restless heart and mind?

First Day

2010-08-17T08:32:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day for our community school. Let's be in prayer for our kids and teachers- that they will have a great year and let's also be in prayer for our two mama bloggers who sent kindergartners off today- love you Shannon Y. and Kristi!

Thankful Thursday

2010-08-12T20:45:00.003-04:00

Just sitting around today... it's the countdown to baby time so just know the posts these next few weeks may not be very meaty... it's all I've got. But today I am thankful for:

Friends who are willing to listen and pray with me/for me. There really is nothing like having friends who are sisters in Christ. I am very blessed to have quite a handful of these. I know that my going on my knees before Christ is priority but I'm so glad I have others to do it on my behalf too.
My hubby- we have a beautiful new bookshelf that looks like a dollhouse in our garage from Grace's grandpa. It was just needing paint. Well, has anyone forgotten how hot it is outside? Tonight he opened the kitchen door so the air would move in there and then put a fan in the garage and helped me get the first coat done. Not his favorite thing to do by any means but I think he knew I wouldn't get to it by myself!
God's leadership in my life. He has led me in a great summer Bible study, led me to spend some quality time with Him, and also led me in making sure I'm spending quality time with my little one before there are two.
Ice cream with magic shell. It's a count down people. There is only so long I can play the pregnancy card.

What are you thankful for?

2010-08-11T17:55:00.002-04:00

Well, just finished a busy week at VBS which turned out AWESOME! We had the usual craziness but that's to be expected and actually, kind of enjoyed. Did I say 'enjoyed'?! YES! It has to be a little crazy with so many kids running around. (big and little!) We showed God's love and got alot of it in return! Planted lots of seeds for God! Learned right along with them. I think that's why I like VBS so much - we get reminded of what an UNBELIEVABLE GOD we serve. HE LOVES US UNCONDITIONALLY!! AMEN!! HE has given us so many things that are here for us to enjoy! Like KIDS, for instance!

I got to thinking about that...what else I enjoyed at VBS...

At VBS, it is always fun to see how things all go together. How many people doing small tasks change the church into whatever it needs to be. We had some cool trees, used grass skirting all over the place, I mean, grass skirting on something is just plain fun!! We had ants made out of styrofoam balls painted black with florescent antenna. We had two plants with florescent stems, flowers, and leaves!! We had a monkey hangin' from a vine!! And two kinda lame waterfalls!!

Then we had neat people to lead the classes and each group. The teachers that spent their time after finishing one day getting ready for the next. There's so much, I know I can't tell about it all and will pro'bly forget something really awesome. It is also neat to watch the kids cause so many of them are sharing God's love with others and are so happy to be there and then to tell others what they are learning.

I was also thinking about some random things that I'm thankful for and think are awesome about VBS.....
youth helpers!!
adult helpers that have helped for years - also, the new ones!!
Mildred Gray's sugar cookies - with or without icing!!
our church janitors - that come to the church to sweep and clean extra!!
anything florescent - paper, pipe cleaners, pom poms!!
little kids and glue- well, maybe not!!
kids remembering their bible verses - from all week!!
Joyce, in the office, doing whatever needed - pro'bly on short notice!!
making toucans and capuchin monkeys!!
all the people helping to make the end of the week party extra fun!!
seeing willing youth helping knowing they were the kids a few short years ago!!
remembering past VBS weeks - all the people, themes, and fun!!

It's over til next year but not forgotten. Also reminds me that life can be like VBS if we let it. I need to just remember that when I get too busy or let adult things in life get to me. God wants us to have the faith of a child so remember your favorite VBS and smile!

Surprise!!!

2010-08-10T21:03:00.002-04:00

Our family had an unexpected addition to it last week. Our rabbit, Ella, had babies! You might ask how we did not know she was expecting; well, that is a story too long for this post, but regardless, we found out she was pregnant on Monday, and she had the babies that night.

Let's just say the kids were thrilled, I was shocked, and my husband was dismayed. We already have a dog, a cat, a rabbit, and a goldfish. I love animals, but we have more than enough time and energy spent in pet care. So to find out that more were on the way put a little wrench in my week. A very busy week. A week of VBS and working on Upward. Not taking care of baby bunnies.

I thought, "God, please let the litter be small. Like, just a few. Not 6 or 8. " Then I started worrying about finding them homes. "God, could you just put it in the hearts of a few special people to adopt the bunnies. I want them to find good homes and not have to sell them to the pet store." And on and on it went.

I know God had a lesson in all of this for me. I am still not sure what it is. Maybe patience? Maybe taking an unexpected "surprise" and turning it into a learning experience for my kids? Maybe blessing someone with the love of a good pet.

Whatever the case, in whatever the "surprise" situation we may be in, God can make good come from it. We just have to be open to his teaching, and then his blessing.

By the way, Ella had five babies (three healthy, two did not make it). She is a great mom and is taking care of her babies. They are a week old and just starting to open their eyes. So adorable!

Proud Mom

Babies at one week

Through Her Pain She Taught

2010-08-09T21:38:00.006-04:00

Last September we lost my mother-in-law to cancer. It was very aggressive and we only knew she had cancer for almost 6 months prior to her death. Her death has impacted us all! There isn't a day that my sweet 5 year old doesn't talk about her. Zoe was only 4 at the time and full of questions. Due to Kim's treatments her hair had fallen out. Zoe and Kim had a long talk about cancer patients losing their hair. Zoe was stunned to find out that children loose their hair too. You could see it in her face. Grandma Kim explained to her that some people grow their hair and when it gets long enough they cut it and donate it to people who make wigs. Now if you know Zoe you know her hair is everything to her!!! She is always twirling it, combing her fingers though it, or picking out some hair piece to put in it. Zoe just couldn't imagine not having hair to do all of those thing.

From time to time Zoe would mention how sad it is that little girls with cancer don't have hair. One day last spring during one of these conversations I brought up the idea of her donating her hair. Zoe was interested so we did some research on the internet and calling our hair stylist, Kathy. Kathy explained how many inches that would be needed for a wig. Zoe ran and got a ruler. When she returned I measured and showed her how much hair would be cut off. "NO!" Zoe shouted. "I can't cut my hair that short." We decided that Zoe wouldn't get another hair cut until it was time to start school. Maybe just maybe by then she would be comfortable with the length. Every once in a while Zoe would bring the ruler to me and ask for her hair to be measured. You could see the amount need to be cut made her nervous. I would hand back the ruler without a word and she would slowly walk away. Soon enough Zoe didn't look so nervous and she would walk away with her head high. I knew my baby girl was growing up before my very eyes.

Soon Zoe said, "Mom will you call Kathy I'm ready to get my hair cut." Well of course my heart broke and filled with joy at the same time. This was a moment I was waiting for. I was so proud but sad. I'm sure a lot of you can relate. I called and wouldn't you know it.... someone had canceled! I told Zoe, "Kathy will cut your hair today." Zoe just beamed, "TODAY!"

We arrived and had the normal small talk with Kathy until it was Zoe's turn to jump in the chair. Kathy spins Zoe around and says. "what are we doing today." I mentioned about doing the donation. Kathy decide to measure one more time to make sure Zoe was ready. We gave her all sorts of chances to change her mind. Not that we wanted her to but I think both Kathy and I wanted her to make sure this was her decision. Zoe was pumped up and ready for those scissors to come out! She didn't hesitate one bit, "YES!" Kathy started cutting and Zoe started smiling. At one point Zoe was tell us what she was going to tell her friends about her hair and how it was going to be a wig for another girl.

Kathy would carefully lay out the hair to be bundled as she told Zoe how happy the little girl would be when she received the wig. Zoe never looked back! She was so excited to run her fingers though it and Kathy told her it might grown even faster because of most of Zoe's hair was adult hair now. On our way home Zoe talked about this little girl who would receive a beautiful wig and how excited she will be to have hair again. Cue the tears! My heart warmed just thinking of a how happy they both are/will be. Zoe got quite and says, "Mommy do you think Grandma Kim is excited too." "Of course she is Zoe and so am I."

Ladies I can not express how proud I am today! Some days as a parent you don't think your doing it "right" and then they surprise you. I don't think Zoe really understands how much her donation will impact the child that receives her hair. We will be praying for the child and all the other children waiting to receive their own wig.

Dear Lord! Thank You for this beautiful day that I will treasure forever. Thank you for blessing me with a daughter with such a big heart. Please watch over the children and adults that are going though cancer treatments. Please bless them with happy days no matter what plan You have for them!

And Thank You so much for my Mother-in-law Kim.

Through her pain she taught!

Amen!

I want to SCREAM!

2010-08-08T21:30:00.002-04:00

What keeps us from shouting about God?
What does a life led by the Spirit look like?
What should the church look like?

Welcome to my big thoughts of the summer (and they are still continuing). Through camp, a music festival, jr high girls, discipling a young woman, a new dating relationship, and daily life these questions have been heavy on my heart and mind. I am learning so much. I am being challenged in my walk and my life!

This title is the best way I could verbalize what I'm feeling on the inside. With all that I am learning and seeing, I just want to scream. How can I be so blinded by the world? How can I not see the need in the community I live, work, and worship in? How can I continue every day not wanting to pour out the love of Jesus on every single person that I come in contact with? How can I begin to live more intentionally, with integrity?

I believe, with all that I am, that we go through seasons. I am definitely in a season of fire. I am fired up for God. I am fired to no longer be content. I am fired up to reach people for Jesus. I am fired up to continue in this season and meet Jesus, face-to-face, in my everyday!

It's not about me...

2010-08-05T14:30:00.004-04:00

Last night something awesome happened. I heard my daughter pray for the first time. Her prayer was short and filled with lots of toddler babble, but make no mistake, she was talking to Jesus. I heard... "Jesus, thank you, day"... (lots of babble) and then "Amen". Tears instantly filled my eyes... Nothing will bring me more joy than knowing Grace has a personal relationship with God. I'm so thankful to be a part of her story and to be able to witness her first interactions with our Creator.

What an awesome and a bit daunting responsibility- to be an example of Jesus to my daughter. To be in charge of her care and upbringing and ensure that she sees/hears/feels the love, grace, and mercy of God on a regular basis. As I was thinking about that last night I also realized that it fits with two other jobs I'm doing this week.

We are in full swing, actually nearing the end of VBS at our church. Eighty plus children have entered our doors eager to have fun and also soak up info about the love of God. After helping register the kids, Kristi and I head upstairs to work on the upcoming Upward Basketball and Cheerleading season where, Lord willing, about 150 children will be coming to have fun, play ball, and hear about what walking with Jesus means for them and for their lives.

Three things I'm doing....three fun things that involve little ones... all with big responsibilities. It's a bit frightening if you ask me... why? Because in order to do these jobs to the very best of my ability and do what I know God is calling me to do I have to realize one thing... It's not about me.

Ha! We all probably know that but seriously... aren't there times when we do want it to be about us? When we don't want to think of others or what's best? There are times when my little one wants a book read to hear, or when she needs something from me and all I want to do is veg out and sneak cookies. :) Or when a ministry opportunityBut again, it's not about me. It's about the fact that I already have a solid relationship with God and I have chosen a path that I believe pleases Him (when I follow it!)

ok, I'm challenging you today. Here it is... find one thing (at least, I have found a handful!) of things going on in your life where you are working on making a difference but sometimes your sweet little self wants to intercede and then say It's NOT about me. It's about changing lives. It's about that amazing feeling of knowing that we are His and that we have security about our future. It's about putting others first no matter how awkward, uncomfortable, hard, or unpleasant it may be. If God is calling you to do something, get over yourself and get on with his business.

Love you ladies!

A Giving Heart

2010-08-03T20:17:00.003-04:00

As a parent, it's hard to know exactly how to teach my children how to develop certain characteristics my husband and I would like to see in them...... honesty, courage, compassion, dedication, (to name just a few.) When I came across an article in the Focus on the Family publication "Clubhouse Jr." for kids, I had a feeling that this mission project was something I needed to do to help my kids develop a giving heart.

Over the span of a month, my children collected shoes for an organization named "Shoes 2 Share", which sends new and used shoes to Haiti and other countries. They helped me write a letter to our church, make a box to collect the shoes in, empty the box every week, match the shoes and rubber-band them, count them, and then put them in the box to ship. We prayed almost every night that someone special would receive a pair of shoes just for them. It was so exciting to see the kids run to the shoe box each week and look in to see how many shoes we had collected. With help of our church, friends, and the local library, they collected over 300 pairs of shoes to send to this ministry!

My hope is that God instills in their hearts a giving spirit, compassion for the poor, and a sense that they can do something to help, even as a child. I pray that they feel that God used them to do something for his kingdom, and that He can use each and every one of us, no matter our age, race, or economic status. How can God use you today? How have you taught your children to have giving hearts? I would love to hear your ideas!

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth. ( 1 John 3:17-18)

Sing for Joy

2010-08-02T14:04:00.003-04:00

I am having one of those days were I am constantly on the go, children are crying or giving attitudes, and I am so busy but nothing is getting done! I decided to take some me time while the little ones nap and check the GLOW blog to only realize it was my day to blog! I feel a little like a dog chasing it own tail. Do you know the feeling ladies?

I don't enjoy my day just being a blur so I pulled out my Bible. I opened to Psalm and found a verse that relaxed me . Psalm 90:14 says... Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

This speaks volumes to me! I have my quite time in the morning before the kids get up. This morning they woke up early with much excitement about vacation bible school and we have been running ever since. I feel guilty for not even thinking about my time with God! I am so thankful God doesn't treat us like we treat Him! So now that I have gotten my God time I feel satisfied with His unfailing love, ready to sing for joy and be glad in my day!

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perserance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Sabbath

2010-07-31T07:22:00.000-04:00

What a day! We had NO plans for this day.... it was WONDERFUL! We ended up doing things around the house and getting ready for baby. Gracie had a bit of a tough time adjusting to baby things not being hers but she ended her night well with lots of smiles.

I was excited for this weekend. My family all home and just being together. It's been nice even though we've been working on stuff. The weather even cooperated! Now on to my next task.... to have a Sabbath. I've been caught up lately, as I've written, in being busy and doing things and now that is starting to slow down, I need a Sabbath. By that, I don't necessarily mean a day of total rest, but I do mean a day with my Lord. I need a day where I don't pick up a novel, but instead my Bible. I need a day where I turn on the praise music instead of Elmo.

I'm feeling the need to nest and clean and get ready for this little man coming but I'm also feeling the need to refocus on God and my relationship with him. So... my Sabbath starts in just a few. I'm gonna go to bed and take my Bible and journal and go to town. I love writing down my thoughts/ prayers to God. It just seems to flow so much better and also helps me focus.

Praying you all get a Sabbath this weekend or if not, that you'll take one soon!

Love,

Shan

Fruit of the Spirit continued

2010-07-29T07:05:00.002-04:00

I wanted to post this last night but ran out of time. Still trying to finish up the many little things that need to be done for bible school next week and ended up coming to visit our son for a couple days so I've been busy trying to be a granma, too!! (I'm sure my daughter in law will be glad to see all my 'stuff' go when we leave today! I've been cutting out felt arms and legs, etc all week!!)

So our church has continued to study the Fruit of the Spirit. I think I've missed one week maybe. Lots to think about! Many things we can all do better, right. Some harder than others! Reminds me of the Beth Moore study we did awhile back. Well, as many of you know my daughter, Monica, is back into doing children's ministry and they also have been studying the same 'fruit'. Cool and funnie story.....

I just happened to be talking to a granma that goes to our church and she mentioned that her grandchildren have been going to Monica's church and what they were learning. She said she mentioned to her grandchildren that we also have been learning the fruit of the Spirit and the youngest who is three could recite them in order which amazed the granma!! The granma said she couldn't do that herself and I know that I can't.

I can remember when Monica was teaching at our church and I was helping with a craft during children's church. The children were making a bracelet that had nine colors which was to remind them of the nine fruit of the Spirit. As they were making their bracelets, they were reciting the nine fruit and most of the children knew them all. They even had little motions or signs for each one. I remember being surprised that they all knew them, in order. Which made me think, first of all, I should be able to memorize them so that I could constantly be reminded how to follow Jesus and let the Spirit influence my life and reactions to it. (and not the world so much!) Also, that we as adults let so many things in our minds crowd out the things that God gives us that will help us to live as Jesus showed us.

So let us all be as children and follow Jesus, memorize the nine fruit of the Spirit (every time I spell the word s-p-i-r-i-t, out it makes me think of a cheer!!! from school. We need to act like we have the SPIRIT!!!!!!) and let them guide us.

" the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

Dear God, Help me today to clear my mind of the busyness of life so that I might be able to better to show your love and serve those around me. Help me to be mindful of the fruit of the Spirit that you have given us in your Word that will direct us as we go. AMEN.

What I Love About Summer...... take 2

2010-07-27T20:13:00.002-04:00

Last summer I wrote a post about all of my favorite summertime things... and since school is starting very soon, I am starting to feel nostalgic about summer again. So I thought I would do a yearly post of my favs of summer. So here it goes.......... (and some of these may be repeats from last year!)

*the smell of sunscreen
*my kids' rosy cheeks and brown arms
*driving down a road surrounded by corn
*fresh corn on the cob
*flip flops
*skirts
*getting everyone out the door without worrying about coats, hats, and boots
*floating on a boat in the lake watching the kids jump off the side
*summer camp!
*bonfires
*the smell of cut grass
*elephant ears
*lemon shake ups
*grilling and not having to use my oven
*goggle eyes
*flip flops (oh wait, I already said that! I love flip flops!)
*driving my family around the golf course
*never being cold
*ice cream
*spending more time with my kids
*lazy mornings in pajamas

I am thankful for every season that I get to experience on this beautiful Earth God created for us. But I am especially thankful for summertime. What are your summer favs?

Here It Goes!

2010-07-26T23:11:00.003-04:00

Hello All!

I am excited to be back! I have been asked to blog on a regular basis and I am so honored!

I know in previous posts I have told you a little about myself but let me tell you a bit more. I went to a "farm" school and I am sure that is why I LOVE LOVE LOVE FARMS! Anything to do with them! I am amazed how much work farming is and how some people have never seen a cornfield. Cornfields are my favorite, I love to watch them grow. I have fond memories of playing in cornfields.

I love for the past two years how interested my 5 year old has been about the farming. We have talked about the very first job God gave to Adam was farming and how Noah was a greatest farmer of them all. He had to be! Seriously think about it! Noah had to build a floating farm! Most important our Good Shepherd.

One story she and I both enjoy is of a beautiful stock of corn. How it grows from a little seed, thrives during the heat and storms. All the while it stands tall and beautiful growing toward the sun.

Does that sound familiar? I identify a lot with it. God has planted us, His seed and no matter how many storms we battle in the end we are still growing tall toward the Son.

I pray all of you are growing tall toward the Son today!

A Time for Everything

2010-07-20T20:08:00.002-04:00

"We may have a code red."

As soon as the words left my husband's mouth, his eyes diverted over to the fishbowl. Mine followed, quickly observing our largest and oldest goldfish exhibiting the infamous side-tilt float of a fish soon to be no more.

Great. Three goldfish dead in a week. A very tender-hearted son with a love for all animals. It was shaping up to be an interesting evening...

I am sad to report that Goldie, the longest living goldfish in the history of the Beer household, is resting in his watery grave tonight. We had hopes that he might snap out of it, but after an hour of observation, holding and hugging our crying son (our daughter, after a brief emotional display of sadness, quickly moved on with her evening), we determined that Goldie had gulped her last.

Our son just could not move past this sudden demise of his "favorite" pet. We told him how lucky he was to have had over a year with the fish, that fish usually don't live that long, that God didn't create fish like people, that God wanted him to be sad for a little while, but it was time to move on.....But nothing seemed to help. He wallowed, yes wallowed in his grief all evening, sniffing and snorting and blowing and flopping down. It was quite a show. I was very sympathetic for a long while. I really do appreciate the fact that he is so sensitive to our pets. But an hour later, my mind was screaming, "GET OVER IT! IT WAS JUST A FISH! MOVE ON! " But I held it together.

It got me thinking about how we must appear to God at times when we can't move past our grief, our sorrows, and our worries. How we can let those things consume us. I also thought about and tried to explain to Alex about how there is a time for everything.... a time to be born, and a time to die, that everything works together in God's plan. That God didn't make his fish die, but God can use this pain for good to help us learn or to lead us to help others. That moving on from the pain of a loss or disappointment, as difficult as it may be, is part of God' plan too. He doesn't want us to remain bogged down by our sadness or anger or guilt. His plan is for our good!

I told Alex that we can't help God further his kingdom here if we pout and carry on. We can't do His work with that attitude. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. But we need to know when to move on from those sad times to the plans that God has in store for us.

I love it when I give a little sermon to my children, then realize I need to take my own advice....:)
I have wallowed in my own little pity-party a time or two. How about you? How can you move on from something that is bogging you down in your walk with Christ?

Bear With Me....

2010-07-16T08:29:00.004-04:00

Bear with me... that seems to be my motto as of late. Bear with me as I'm waddling behind you trying to catch up, bear with me as I have little (or no) patience with my family. Bear with me as I get winded bending down to pick up a forgotten toy. Bear with me as I have to make yet another bathroom stop. And bear with me as my "to do" list is growing and yet nothing seems to be ending. :)

I got a good glimpse of this "bear with me" when camping with my extended family last weekend. We were about an hour into everyone being there and I was barking out orders and directions and telling the kids to stop this and that... My sweet husband looked at me and kindly said "hey pregnant lady, why don't you calm down a bit". After a self imposed time out, I had an attitude adjustment and enjoyed the rest of my weekend.

All of this to say, please bear with me! I realized last night I needed to post but after a full day, I had nothing... then today... well, let's just say my two year old tested her limits today. They had to do with a pen in the car (think dash board and seats AND door) and a package of beer bread mix all over my living room.

I do know what I need- some good ole quiet time! I'm so looking forward to church on Sunday to worship and get some time with my Lord. I can't wait. And while I do wait, thanks for bearing with me friends.

P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E

2010-07-13T16:07:00.003-04:00

Mom, if you are reading this, I know you are laughing because you know what story I am going to tell regarding my patience, or lack thereof.!:)

During one Christmas break when I was in middle school, I was helping my mom make cut-out butter cookies. My mom rolled out the dough, and my job was to use the cookie cutters to make the cute candy canes, bells, and stars. Well, let's just say I was a bit too anxious to finish up these cookies because I kept reaching in to use my cookie cutter before my mom was finished rolling them to the correct thickness. Then, I got very irrate when they would not come out of the cutter, so I started banging the cutter on the counter to get them to come out. And when they did, they did not look so good. After enduring a few rounds of this, my mom had reached the end of her rope. "Kristi, you know what you lack? Patience! P-a-t-i-e-n-c-e."

All the while, my sister was cracking up and caught it on video tape. To this day, we laugh about my impatience, and my mom's spelling out the word for me, like that would help me understand that I had a major defiency in that area!!

Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit, along with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Out of all of those, patience is definitely where I need the most help from God. Last year our women's group did a Beth Moore study on the Fruit of the Spirit. It really helped me to understand that it is only through God's gift of the Holy Spirit in us that we can truly exhibit these qualities in their fullest sense. As soon as we accept Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirits dwells in us. What exactly does the Holy Spirit do? I would like to use Beth's words from "Living Beyond Yourself":

He works to bring us to salvation. He seals us as members of God's family. He leads us as we seek to know and grow in God. The Spirit empowers us to fight life's inevitable battles with the world, flesh, and the devil. In every way and at every turn we are utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit of God.

I love that passage! It makes me feel the closeness of God and the love He has for us. What an amazing gift the Holy Spirit is! If only I could remember to call on it for help when I need it! I know you all struggle in one area or another so you can relate. There are several things I have been praying for and about for a few years now and no answer has come. Do I get impatient for God's answer? Oh yes! I think, "God, I am asking for a person's salvation. That is a good thing! Why are you not making it happen?" And that voice inside me says, My ways are not your ways.

Okay. I will wait. Then I pray some more, lose patience and have the same conversation again, a few months later! I cannot imagine my frustration level if I did not call on the Holy Spirit to help me understand that God's plan for this person or my life or my family's future is perfect. "All things work together for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

It is so hard when God's answer to a prayer is no answer....But by spending time in the Word, asking the Holy Spirit to fill me with patience, and seeking guidance from Him, it is clear that God has my best interests in mind. After all, I owe my own salvation to His patience with me!

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Where's My Routine?

2010-07-12T08:31:00.002-04:00

I am such a routine-oriented person! It is probably the toughest part of summer for me (being that I am a teacher and have the summer "off"). I like having more freedom to do stuff, but I miss my routine. It is rather sporadic in the summer. There are a few things that are routine: Monday and Wednesday I work for my dad, Monday afternoon I lead a girls' Bible study, Tuesday morning I meet for breakfast with a former youth, Wednesday morning I have women's Bible study. Those are the routine things for me.

I noticed this morning, as I checked Facebook and updated my status, that I also try to make a daily nap part of my routine. I love naps, thus I squeeze them in wherever I can. I also know that I make time every day to see the guy I am dating. Also I am trying to fit in prep for my Bible studies, reading time, school work (which has yet to happen), and sun time.

This morning I realized something. Do you see what is missing from my routine? It can creep right past me, but you may have caught it.....

QUIET TIME

Where is the world is it? Oh I spend time in the Word, for Bible study. I meet with peeps and talk about God and what he is doing in my life. But, I struggle to take time to be STILL. I don't make one-on-one time with God part of my routine. If you ask me, how does this happen? How does a routine person not make time alone with God part of that routine? Why is God the last thing on the list?

What am I going to do about this you ask? First, I get mad at myself for not making quiet time the first thing on my "to do" list. Second, I go completely on hold with God. Finally, I come crawling to him, desperate for HIM!

However, this time will be different. This time I am going to go directly to HIM! I am going to begin putting God in my routine, just me and HIM.

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-08T20:51:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for:

air conditioning. Do I really have to say more? :)
my copycat- she's repeating everything we say! Today she grabbed Shane's credit card and brought it to me. We read it together and I told her it said Brandon Hartman- She took it to her daddy and said "Bando Haaamaaannn" :)
time away. We are headed for a fun camping trip- the weather is supposed to be cooler and it's close enough for me to stay at my parents each night instead of a tent!
Ministry- A few of my ministry obligations are coming to an end and I'm so thankful for having them- I've also been blessed to share each week of senior high camp about missions and I am loving talking about missions and Haiti. About 10 students each time have said they have felt a call to missions- how awesome is that?!
kicks- I'm so thankful to be growing a new person inside me. The little kicks I feel each day are a reminder that he is healthy and strong and soon we'll meet him!

What are you thankful for? :)

Our God is an Awesome God

2010-07-05T20:03:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had an encounter with nature that brought tears to your eyes? That so greatly demonstrated God's majestic creation? That made you feel like a speck of sand in a vast desert?

I had two of these experiences over the past week. I would like to share with you one of them. It really hit home because it made me think that as humans, we all get so involved in our own little worlds, feeling like the "big man" in control of our surroundings, that we forget how incomprehensible God's creation is and how much He is in control of it.

Last week, I got the opportunity to go kayaking in the ocean with Jason off of the coast of Florida. My parents own an ocean kayak, and we all took turns taking it out off of the beach near my parent's house. Everyone, (my sisters, my nieces, my nephews, my own children) had gone out, and it was down to me. Let's just say I am not an ocean person. Yes, I love sitting on the beach and looking at the ocean, but swimming in it, not so much. Lots of critters in there. But I knew it would be awesome once I got out there past the breaking waves. So I took a deep breath, grabbed the side of the kayak, and pushed it out to sea, only getting slightly pummeled by the waves. Once we got past the break, I hopped on, had a slight panic attack, and focused on using my paddle to get us out to the second sand bar. Jason said there was a pod of dolphins just ahead of us, so we quickly made our way out to where they were playing. It was such an awesome sight to see the dolphins up close in the wild.

After they took off further in the ocean, I took a moment to look back to the shore. We were only about a quarter mile off shore, but it was completely quiet other than the lapping of the water on the kayak. The ocean surrounded me. The people on the beach looked like miniature dolls and the waves rolling in looked so far away. It is hard to describe how I felt--- small, insignificant, at the will of nature, not in control. Yikes! It was beautiful, yet scary. To comprehend how big God's creation is compared to an individual is mind-boggling. I had never felt this overwhelmed by it all. I took a few moments to soak it all in before we headed back to shore. ( and totally got wiped out by the waves coming in, providing entertainment for all on the beach).

I couldn't stop thinking about it for days, how that made me feel, and how much I do not appreciate the creation God made for me. The fact that He perfectly created our planet at just the right temperature, tilted exactly right, just the right distance from the sun. How he created each season, each animal, each human for His purpose. How He provides for all of our needs. How the mountains and the stars and the rivers answer to Him. I am so thankful that God allowed me to experience this in order to feel the power of Him through his creation.

Have you had any close encounters with nature?

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him? You made him ruler over the works of your hands, you put everything under his feet, all flocks and herds and beasts in the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth? Taken from Psalm 8

TWO

2010-07-01T19:41:00.003-04:00

Grace turned two a few weeks ago. We had always heard about the "terrible twos" and I've even had friends who have said theirs hit the terrible twos before they turned that magic age. But us? We were rolling along full tilt, having a great time and there was no "terrible" in sight! I thought to myself- She's such a good girl, we won't have those issues. She is going to be such a good listener like she is now and we'll have no worries.

Wrong.

Two came in roaring like a lion. We have whining, we have crying, we have flailing and limp noodling. There are "NOs" to be heard and also "I not do that" and "Mom, I not go with you" to accompany the nos. She fusses when we change diapers, when we take baths, when we go to bed, and the worst of all- when we leave friends. She cannot stand the sadness of leaving her friends, two of which are living next door to us for the camping season. It's so hard for her and she cries, and kicks and screams and falls to the ground. Have I mentioned that I'm about 8 months pregnant and it's hot and she's TWO (not so little to carry home anymore!) *

So discipline has come in right behind the little lion and it's hitting hard at our house. Our voices have gotten firmer and we are working as team to decide the most appropriate discipline for each example. Most importantly we are working on being consistent and letting her know that disobedience is not acceptable and when she does decide not obey there will be consequences.

I was explaining this to someone at lunch the other day and I realized that I have a small ( and I'm not trying to take it lightly or compare myself to Him) glimpse of what God feels like when we disobey. Just as I know that it's right for Grace to leave her friends and head home to bed, God knows what's right in my life. Unfortunately I'm ashamed to admit that I have been known to act out my terrible twos before Him as well. I've kicked, stalled my feet, yelled, even just outright turned around and headed in the opposite direction before.

And I've been disciplined. Ouch. Anyone else see the comparison? I can get so frustrated when my daughter for the bazillionth time tells me "no" but don't I often do the same thing to my heavenly father? I can imagine his frustration!

Deuteronomy 8:5
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

I'm comforted to know that as many times as I'll work on teaching Grace over and over how to respond and act appropriately - He will do the same for me, in fact, a million times more. Praise the Lord that our heavenly Father does not grow too tired of our misbehaving that he just gives up on us. Let's work on our spiritual discipline this week. Love you ladies.

* please note that there ARE good times tucked in there between the flailing and whining as well- she is a joy to be around... she's just... two. :)

GOD IS GOOD!

2010-06-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

Life is a series of ups and downs. I'm reminded of a song by a gal named Pam Thum called 'Life Is Hard...But God Is Good'. It talks about different times in ones life when you feel like you can't go on and how no matter what, God is there to understand. My favorite words - "You try to pray but there's nothing left to say, So you just quietly kneel. In the silence of all that you face, God will give you His mercy and grace. Jesus never said it was an easy road to travel, He only said that you would never be alone. So when your last thread of hope begins to come unraveled, Don't give up, He walks beside you on this journey home and He knows...Life is hard, the world is cold. We're barely young and then we're old but every falling tear is always understood. Yes, life is hard but God Is Good!"

As I think about what is happening in my life, there is much good and some not so good. I think of people in my life that are hurting. Some that have lost a very close loved one and some facing serious surgery. You wish you could do something to help things not hurt so much, to make things better. Sometimes there just isn't anything to say or do but cry with them and then keep them in your prayers.

Sometimes I wonder what people do that don't believe in God, that don't have the assurance that they are never alone. I have so many times relied on the thought that God is always available. It says in Deuteronomy and in 1 Chronicles that God will not leave or forsake us. Halleluyah!! Life is hard.....But don't ever forget.....GOD IS GOOD!!!!! Amen.

They are just Things!

2010-06-29T21:37:00.003-04:00

Hi All, Shannon Y. here! I am going to be posting in Kristi's place today.

Something has been weighing on my heart for awhile now. My dad likes to call it Materialism. According to an online dictionary Materialism is a theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life. This really speaks volumes to me.

Luke 12:15 says ~ Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

I find it very sad people value their worth in possessions. So my husband and I have really been evaluating "our" possessions and detaching from things to focus more onto God. My husband and I have gone through nearly every cabinet, drawer and closet in our home. Finding items that we can live without. My wonderful husband and children did a great job going though everything! At times it was hard to really detach from those "things" but we just keep focusing.

I had a mental picture of God so far away I had to squint to see him and garbage in between us. Every time we added items to the garage sale, charity, or trash piles I felt like some of the garbage between us disappeared and I got closer to God. This weekend we are having a garage sale and my children are so excited! They haven't even asked about the money they might make because they are doing it for Jesus.

Dear Lord thank you so much for the "things" you provide for us but even more thank you for your unending love that we don't deserve!

Live Each Day

2010-06-27T16:29:00.004-04:00

In case any of you were wondering, YES I am still alive! Needless to say I have had a crazy past few months and some things just had to be put on hold. But I am back, refreshed, and have posts ready to go!

God has been doing a mighty work in me lately. I seem to have a recurring theme in my study and conversation and time with the Lord. Live each day. I'm sure you are reading this and thinking "duh". I sometimes catch myself thinking the same thing. But those 3 words are more than a "duh" statement. They are straight from scripture. They are a command that I am learning a lot about.

"Live each day" means so much more than just being alive to me. It means be intentional. LIVE out my testimony with every breath that I have every day that I have breath. Stop being so concerned with the week, month, or year ahead. God doesn't guarantee us those. What he does guarantee is the present.

I am a planner. I like to know exactly what is going on every minute of every day. I like to have a plan. Now, if something comes up I can adjust the plan. I was the girl with a 5 year plan when I graduated highschool and a 10 year plan when I graduated college. Needless to say, neither went as I had planned. And I am eternally grateful for that because God's plan has been way better.

So, I am living each day. One day at a time. Not stressing over the what ifs or when or buts. Just focusing on being blessed with the present that God has given me. And as a thanks to HIM, trying to live each day for HIM. If you find yourself getting too caught up in the days, weeks, or months ahead you miss out on the moment you have.

I challenge you to look up what God has to say about living each day. I am going to list some scripture references, but not the verses. I challenge you to look them up even if you know them. Pray before you read. Take time RIGHT NOW to listen to what God is trying to tell you. Live each day!

Colossians 3:23-24
Matthew 6:25-34
Luke 12:35-40
Revelation 3:3
Matthew 25:1-13

Precious Jesus, Thank you for today. Help me to focus each day on living for you and you alone. AMEN

Love

2010-06-25T22:52:00.003-04:00

Love is hard sometimes isn't it?

I think it can be. Yes, it can be so great. It is the best thing ever... but man can it also be hard! I spent the day with a dear friend who is working on loving. Loving herself and loving others. We spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and even crying a bit. I shared my joys and struggles and most importantly I wanted her to know that God is our best example of love. He is constantly forgiving and full of grace. She knows that I am confident. I am so proud of her right now and for her hunger for God. It's exciting and encouraging.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I am guessing that someone out there needs to know that they are loved. Or someone out there is struggling with a relationship- how to love in the right way. It's work. It gives the best results but it is work for sure. God gave us hearts to love others and with that also comes some pain but in the end I'd take that any day over never having my life overflowing with friends, family and joy.

I had quite a long "to do" list today. I accomplished some of my list, but more importantly I spent the day with a dear friend and was able to listen to her heart (what a privilege!) and walk with her on her amazing journey. That beats folding laundry my friends. For sure.

I'm praying for you right now, that you have someone you can talk to... that you have a friend whom you can turn to and tell your struggles. God didn't make us to be alone and he made us to love. I'm so grateful for that!

Forgive my rambling.... my heart is full tonight and I wanted to share with you!

A Long Obedience

2010-06-22T21:24:00.002-04:00

I just finished up day 4 of my first week of my new summer Bible Study on the Book of Ruth. Tonight's topic was long-term obedience to God. Wow. What a fresh perspective on Ruth's decision to follow her MIL Naomi back to the land of Judah. What I love about doing studies like this is that I learn things I would have never picked up on just by reading the Scripture by myself. God truly speaks to each of us in a different way when we are in His word.

If you get a chance, read the first chapter of Ruth (it's short). Basically, Naomi tells Ruth three different times to go back to her people (the Moabites, who worshipped false gods). Ruth responds with dedication to Naomi, and most importantly, dedication to God. "Your people will be my people, and your God my God." Despite Naomi's urging to turn back, Ruth stands firm in obedience to God (more than one time too!)

As the author points out, it takes more than sheer will-power to obey God. Sometimes I know that I think that it is my own inner strength that allows me to stick to my guns when it comes to obedience. How many times do we give ourselves the credit for standing up to temptation, when it is really the power of Christ working in us? I love thinking about the power that God gives to us through his Holy Spirit--- if only I relied on it more than I rely on myself!! How much umph I would have to fight against those roadblocks to obedience.

Thank you Lord for the story of Ruth and her dedication and love to you and to Naomi. Help me to make you my anchor, the source of my strength and obedience. Show me the ways to walk on the path you have prepared for me, not the one I would choose for myself. Amen.

FLYING!

2010-06-20T21:07:00.003-04:00

Ok, I had the busiest, craziest week but it was wonderful! We started our weekend with a trip to Mackinaw (hubby and I) and then when we drove down to get my daughter from my parents, we also brought back my niece and nephew for the week. After getting home and unpacking, some dear friends who are missionaries in Haiti came for the night on their way through town with their 5 children! We had a wonderful visit with them. I love catching up with friends from Haiti. We could have picked a better day, when we weren't just getting home, or when we didn't have family visiting, but for me, any of my friends from Haiti are family and I'll always make time for them.

Yesterday when our company left yesterday... we CRASHED! It was great to have family and friends visiting but it's also great to just be home... just us. I worked hard all week with extra people in the house and found that I didn't take any time for myself- or time for God. I'm starting a new Bible study this week (can't wait to share what I'm learning!) but I'm starting off on the wrong foot... playing catch up. that's not how God meant/means for us to study his word. So I will commit to you on this blog to stay on top of my time with Him this summer and to report back to you what I'm learning.

A little of This and That

2010-06-14T20:19:00.002-04:00

Whew! I am back for a week, and then gone again. Summer, where are you going? I guess this is how it goes when your kids get older and involved in lots of activities. This week is dance rehearsals, dance recital, golf camp, tennis lesson, karate, piano, and off to camp for Alex for five days!! (that is a whole other blog post--sending your firstborn off to sleepover camp for the first time!) Then off to vacation with my entire family! Then it is July, yikes!

I love being busy and involved in lots of stuff, but I also like to just relax and enjoy time as a family. It is definitely a struggle to find that balance. Busy enough to stay out of trouble, but not so busy the kids do not have down time just to play and be kids.....

Also, to remember to put God first in worship, prayer and devotion time. I know how I get, especially during the summer, so I deliberately set up a Bible Study to do to keep me on the right path with my Lord! My friend and co-blogger Shannon H. shares my same issues, so we organized a summer Bible study by Kelly Minter entitled "Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy". We did her study called "No Other Gods" last summer and it was so much fun. It is called the Living Room Series and she writes in the perspective of chatting with her girlfriends in her living room, sharing good food and good music, along with studying the Word. I can't wait to start!

I pulled out some of my memory verse notecards the other day and this is the one that has been sitting open for the last few weeks. I feel it is very appropriate given my tendency to fill my time with "busyness".

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge." Isaiah 33:6

I love that verse because it reminds me the He is the source of all the good things in my life. All of those other activities are great, but my life is nothing without Him. He is it!!! Without that solid foundation, life can crumble so easily around us if the going gets tough. I thank the Lord for that reminder in Isaiah.

I hope you all are having a fantastic summer, and pray that you have a way to stay grounded in the love of Jesus!