Heart and Soul Reflections

God Restores Brokenness

2012-02-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Seventeen years ago my world fell apart and I thought my life was over. My then husband walked out on my daughter and I, choosing another woman.

It was a year of heartache, change, and new beginnings. It wasn't easy, but we survived.

Because of Jesus.

He brought me back to life, gave me a life, and hasn't stopped since.

It's hard to explain that now as I look back, God had a plan for me. I couldn't believe it then, as it felt like He had forgotten me. Hardship can be like that sometimes. But He was refining me through the fire, and my life could not be what it is today without having walked through that fire.

I've been remarried now for 15 years, to a man that exceeds my every dream in a husband. God brought me to this town to meet him, knowing we were a perfect match. I had no idea how beautiful marriage could and should be, but now I'm living it.

So if you are in the valley, and you can't see where God is taking you, would you trust Him? He will take care of you, He promises in his Word that He will.

If you are struggling today, would you allow me to pray for you? Just leave a comment and I will lift you to the Throne of God over the next several days.

James: Mercy Triumphs Week 2

2012-02-15T06:30:00.000-06:00

We've made it through two weeks, and already I can't believe how much I have learned! I hope you are all keeping up with your reading and homework. If you get behind, it is super easy to do two studies in one day if needed.

Today we'll head over to Natalie's place at Mommy on Fire for her Week 2 discussion. I'll meet you over there!

Ten Reasons I Love My Kindle Fire

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Husband and I bought a Kindle Fire with some Christmas money this year. I wasn't even sure of everything it could do, but Husband thought this would be a great fit for our family. Boy, was he ever right! We are all enjoying it so much that we fight for our turn! Here are ten things I love about the Kindle.

1. It is small and lightweight and easily fits in my purse. {bonus}

2. I added all the music from my computer and could even transfer my playlist of Worship songs. That means the Kindle can travel from room to room with me when I am cleaning to keep me company!

3. I have found some awesome books for only 99 cents! I love finding a bargain!!

4. I love being able to check my email and twitter without having to tote my laptop around the house with me. {or steal it from a game-playing child}

5. All those ebooks I've purchased from friends can load right up on the Kindle. Managing my Kindle is super easy from the Amazon site as well.

6. So many fun {FREE} games! Little A and I have been tending to a zoo app and are having a great time taking care of our animals. Husband loves Scrabble!

7. Educational games make waiting so much easier for the little ones!

8. The long lasting battery is such a nice change!

9. Deleting an app that just isn't right for our family is super easy with the touch of a button.

10. There is something for everyone! We all have our favorite things on the Kindle, but the problem is we only have one!!

Yep, we love it, and we would highly recommend one for your family. And I don't even get a commission for telling you that!

Sharing Our Grief Can Help

2012-02-13T08:39:00.001-06:00

I was sitting in a room with over 200 other women waiting for the conference speaker to take her place on stage. Along with those around me, I settled into my seat, ready with my pen and paper for anything that was note worthy. I grabbed a kleenex out of my bag, just in case. I knew the speaker had a difficult testimony to share, and I wanted to be prepared for the emotions that may creep up without any notice.

As she began her presentation, it was only minutes when I needed to reach for that kleenex. She'd lost a baby just a few short hours after she was born. It was more than any momma's heart should have to bare. After sharing her story, she did the unexpected. She asked women to stand if they had ever suffered a miscarriage, a still birth, or lost a newborn baby. I hesitated only a moment before moving to my feet, chin quivering and tears rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't bring myself to turn around to see how many were standing, but I could tell by the rustle of chairs and see from my peripheral vision that over half the audience was standing in still silence.

As those who stood took their seats again, I had to leave the room. The unexpected stirring and longing in my heart was so strong, I was sure it would overtake me. I hurried to my hotel room where I could release the pressure to my throat and chest, and grieve my losses with an ugly gut retching cry as if my two babes were lost just yesterday.

Grief seems to abide by no time-table. Whether a loss is suffered weeks or years ago makes no difference. We all feel the void in our hearts and in our lives when someone is missing.

We do our best to manage the grief, as our human minds are incapable of understanding why these things happen. God's sovereignty is far above our ability to grasp His plan. But He does offer us comfort. Through many hardships I have faced, I always fall back to 2 Corinthians 1:3:

"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."

Though I don't understand God's plan in miscarriage, premature death, cancer, or depression, I do know that he has commanded me to comfort others who are experiencing the same things that I have endured. I am to share the comfort I received from God with others.

Sisters, your heartache is real. But can I encourage you to share it with others? Talking it out can also be very therapeutic in itself. Part of sisterhood is not only sharing the good times of celebration but also sharing the hard times of grief and loss. This allows others to pray for you, comfort you, and love on you. Sometimes it even gives more meaning to their own loss, as they carry out God's command to "love one another".

YOU are not alone.

Sweet Jesus, you are our Great Physician who can heal all our wounds, both physical and emotional. Please come lay your hand of healing on any grieving mother who visits here today. May she experience your peace that passes understanding. Amen.

Rebuilding Mitumba in Nairobi, Kenya

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

November 19, 2011 was a horrific day for those 30,000 people living in the Mitumba slum of Nairobi, Kenya. Everything they had was bulldozed to the ground by the government that day. What little they had, was now gone.

The Demolition of Mitumba - Eastviews Response Video from GOYA Ministries on Vimeo.

Amongst the ruins lay the remains of a Christian school, orphanage, and clinic. Pastor Shadrack and his wife Violet were devastated. Their years and years of work were gone in an instant. The families and children were scattered to the wind. After several weeks of searching and very little sleep, they were able to find all of the children and brought them into their own home, 30 sweet souls without parents.

Just months before this tragedy, the ministry of GOYA teamed up with Eastview Christian Church to support the work that Pastor Shadrack was doing in Mitumba. A visit to the United States was planned, to visit the GOYA offices and the new church partnership with Eastview.

Last weekend Pastor Shadrack and Violet came to visit Eastview, my home church. Our Senior Pastor asked for a special offering to be taken that could buy some land to rebuild the school, orphanage and clinic. We had high hopes of trying to raise $40,000. That Sunday evening they gave a presentation updating us on how things stand now in Mitumba. Our Pastor of Outreach stood to give an update on the special offering taken that morning. We didn't get the $40,000 we were hoping. Instead we gave $206,000!!! The place erupted with laughter, applause, crying and overwhelming praise for what God can do!

All of the glory belongs to God alone, as he stirred the hearts of his church to give. The doors are wide open for the school to be rebuilt and expanded to include high school! A much larger church can now be built to accommodate all those who have been coming. God has big plans in mind for Mitumba and it was an honor for this church to be a part of that movement!!

Mitumba Response-Vimeo from Eastview Christian Church on Vimeo.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Does A Spirit of Unbelief Undermine Your Faith?

2012-02-08T06:30:00.000-06:00

"For even his own brothers did not believe in him."

John 7:5

As I read and studied this week the lessons for James, I kept coming back to the unbelieving household of Jesus family. I sense that we may all be like Beth Moore, in wanting to know more! Tell us what it was like in their house. What did they do for fun? Did they fight like normal brothers and sisters? How did Jesus act when he was in a quarrel with family members? Did his mother not sit the family down around the dinner table and explain to them who Jesus was? Yet, we're told in several places that his brothers did not believe. They even scoffed and made fun of him, inferring that he was crazy. The whole scenario just does not make any sense to me! Can anyone else agree?

So if the people closest to Jesus did not believe he was the Son of God, does it surprise us that we have trouble going "all in" with our faith? Because we can believe in some of those big promises from God, but do we really believe all of them? Does our life reflect a person who chooses to go "all in" with God, placing our entire trust, well being, decisions, and life in the hands of the Almighty Father? Or is easier to hand over only those things in life that we feel we can't handle? Do we run to the Father only in those instances when life has gotten over our head and we need a hand out of the hole we have dug for ourselves?

Let's decide to be like Abraham. He set a high example for all of us:

"Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20

I am guilty. Some promises I can repeat over and over in my head and truly believe them, like Jeremiah 29:11, but others I can read and not truly take them to heart, like Ephesians 3:20,

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations."

More than we ask or imagine.

Are you "all in"?

What would it take for you this week to be "all in"? How different would life look if we pushed every area of our life into the Father, and said, YES, I am all in!

Would you share with us today an area of your life that you need to turn over to Jesus that you have been in unbelief?

We'd love to know how God has been stirring your soul this week through the study!

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

Ten Reasons to Boycott Offensive Advertising

2012-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our family looks forward to the Super Bowl each year for the fun of hanging out with family and friends, eating great food, watching superb football, and being entertained by fun commercials.

This year when I saw that GoDaddy.com was featuring a Super Bowl ad, I was immediately apprehensive because they haven't always shown the best taste in the past. Unfortunately, they proved me correct again this year. I won't send you to their website to see the commercial because I don't want to give them any traffic, but the commercial was essentially two guys dreaming of half naked women telling them about web hosting. Trust me when I say you paid very little attention to the information, because the women were in high "Victory Secret" regalia of very little clothing.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons to Boycott GoDaddy.com:

1. Super Bowl time is family time-still in prime time. My children don't need to see this kind of low advertising.
2. The commercials were a simple means to peddle soft p*rn through my living room.
3. The marketing approach was obviously created by men for men.
4. I didn't appreciate the 90% naked women being flaunted in front of my husband.
5. What are you selling? It certainly wasn't clear from that commercial.
6. Using sex to sell is entirely degrading to women.
7. They offended 50% of their target market and especially the powerful mommy bloggers.
8. The $3 million spent on that commercial could have provided clean water for thousands of people, or food and shelter for those without.
9. Using sex to bring attention to yourselves is insulting to our intelligence.

10. It's time to send a message to advertisers that we are tired of smut being displayed in the name of advertising. Let them know how you feel -- don't use their services.

...stepping down from soap box.....

What do you think? Was I the only one offended??

Need an alternative? Go check out www.puritynames.com. They've got it going on! Purity Names was founded to give individuals and organizations a chance to establish their presence on the internet without having to patronize companies who enable and profit from the spread of pornography. As the world's first and only family friendly domain name registrar, we ensure that the domains we sell and the websites we host are not used for pornography. Unlike other companies, we turn away those who want to engage in the distribution of obscene material because we don't want to be associated with such activity.

Now that is a company I can stand behind and support!!

A Prayer Life that Alludes

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

"Today He sits on the throne of His Majesty on high, and He holds out to us the sceptre of His power. Shall we touch it and tell Him our desires? He bids us take of His treasures. He yearns to grant us "according to the riches of His glory," that we may "be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man." He tells us that our strength and our fruitfulness depend upon our prayers. He reminds us that our very joy depends upon answered prayer.

And yet we allow the devil to persuade us to neglect prayer! He makes us believe that we can do more by our own efforts than by our prayers--by our intercourse with men than by our intercession with God."

"Shall we begin today to be (wo)men of prayer, if we have never done so before? Let us not put it off till a more convenient season. God wants me to pray. The dear Savior wants me to pray. He needs my prayers. So much--in fact, everything--depends upon prayer. How dare we hold back?"

"Do we spend ten minutes a day in prayer? Do we consider it important enough for that? Ten minutes a day on our knees in prayer--when the Kingdom of Heaven can be had for the asking? Ten minutes? It seems a very inadequate portion of our time to spend in taking hold of God! If God were to answer the words we repeated on our knees this morning should we know it? Should we recognize the answer? Do we even remember what we asked for?"

"He does answer. He has given us His word for it. He always answers every real prayer of faith."

The Kneeling Christian, author unknown

Oh Lord Jesus, will you teach us to pray? Will you give us the unquenchable desire to come before you each and every day and lay our lives down before your Throne, asking for your will be done, seeking your desire, aching as your heart aches? Father, will you beckon us to your Throne room, kneeling at your feet, soaking in your Radiance, bowing before your Glory. Show us your heart, Lord, so that our prayers may be in step with the Spirit. Draw us close, Jesus. In your name, Amen.

It's Super Bowl Weekend - Are You Ready to Support Your Husband?

2012-02-03T10:55:00.001-06:00

Unless you are living under a rock, you are aware that this weekend is the Super Bowl. (at least I HOPE you are aware!) I know as women sometimes it may be hard for us to get all excited about sports, but what is important is that we support our husband if he is excited for this weekend!

Wouldn't your husband just love if you whipped up some fun snacks and sat with him during the game? Better yet, what if you had a little football information under your belt that you could blow him away with your knowledge?

Here is a quick Cliff Notes version for you to be prepared!

It is Super Bowl 46, happening in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

Kick off is 6:30 ET.

The game features the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.

Tom Brady is the very famous and talented quarterback for the Patriots. This is his 5th Super Bowl, having already won 3.

Eli Manning is the Giants quarterback. No slouch himself, he has also had an impressive career. This is his second appearance at the Super Bowl, having won the first appearance.

This game is a rematch of Super Bowl XLII in 2008, which the Giants won 17-14.

Madonna is the half-time performer and has promised no wardrobe malfunctions!

So there you have it! Hopefully you can go impress your husband, enjoy some tasty treats and enjoy those ridiculously priced commercials.

Angels in the Battlefield

2012-02-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

In some reading I was doing this week in the book of Daniel, Chapter 10, I came across a passage of scripture that got me to thinking:

10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you." And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."

I was given a strange comfort in knowing that there are times God has sent his angels to us in answer to our prayer requests, and sometimes even the angels encounter battles with Satan that keep them from administering to us right away.

In the previous parts of Daniel we learn that he had been fasting and praying for 21 days, the exact amount of time that the Angel was battling the demons of Satan.

If we had x-ray vision, I wonder what kind of spiritual wars we would witness going on all around the world each day as Angels are dispensed to go to battle on our behalf.

Just something to think about.....

The James Study Introduction

2012-02-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE STUDY

"JAMES: MERCY TRIUMPHS"

BY BETH MOORE

Natalie and I are so excited to get this study started! We have both been through the first week and the first video of the study, and in true Beth Moore fashion, she has knocked it out of the park! Each day's homework will only take you about 15 minutes to complete, so I think we can all handle that!

Let me introduce myself to any of you who may be here for the first time or are visiting from Natalie's blog. My name is Cherie and I have been blogging for about 2 years. I've been a Christian since childhood, although I've had my share of difficult times throughout my life. But above all else, Christ has always been my Rock! I've been married for 15 years to my fantastic Husband, and we have 3 girls, ages 21, 11 and 10. I work part time as an Administrative Assistant, and I do some Virtual Assistant work on the side from home.

Now let me introduce you to Natalie! You are going to absolutely love her heart and her encouragement! I met Natalie through blogging (it turns out we only live a few hours from one another), and then had the pleasure of meeting her in person at The Relevant Conference and the Hearts at Home Conference. Natalie is the real deal! She is a momma and wife, and is one busy woman!

Shall we get into the details of our study? Each week you'll have some daily(5 days) homework to complete, which includes some reading and answering of questions. Then on Wednesdays you'll come check in here for our discussion questions. I will host the odd weeks and Natalie will host the even weeks, so week one will be back here at my blog. We have also set up a private Facebook group, so if you feel you want to share prayer requests or something personal, you can feel comfortable sharing there. We'll work very hard to get everyone friend requested and added to the group quickly.

You also have the option of heading over to the Lifeway site to purchase and download each week of Beth's sermons prior to that weeks homework. We want to be sure that you know that this is OPTIONAL! You will have a very enriching study with or without the videos, so please feel no pressure to have to purchase the videos.

Our schedule is as follows – facilitator listed in parenthesis!

February 8: Discuss Week One and Video One (Cherie)

February 15: Discuss Week Two and Video Two (Natalie)

February 22: Discuss Week Three and Video Three (Cherie)

February 29: Discuss Week Four and Video Four (Natalie)

March 7: Discuss Week Five and Video Five (Cherie)

March 14: Discuss Week Six and Video Six (Natalie)

March 21: Discuss Week Seven and Video Seven (Cherie)

March 28: Concluding Thoughts and Wrap-Up (Natalie)

So there you have it! If you plan to follow along with us, be sure to contact either myself or Natalie so we can get you hooked up with the Facebook page. Other than that, start your study today and we'll see you back here next Wednesday for some fellowship and questions!

Now, let's start with some chit-chat! Introduce yourself in the comments below!!

LifeWay Women's Newest Study - Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break

2012-01-31T06:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you guys are familiar with LifeWay Women, but they have some incredible bible studies over there! I am really excited that their newest study, Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break, by Kelly Minter, will be kicked off tomorrow with a live webcast and Facebook party at 11 a.m. (CST) Feb. 1, 2012!

The party will get started with live segments and online guests participation with special guests Beth Moore and Lisa Harper. Oh and did I mentioned giveaways? The “Nehemiah” Facebook party giveaways include:

● Kindle Fire
● $100 LifeWay Gift Card
● Bundle of other LifeWay Women products, such as No Other Gods Bible study,
Ruth Bible study, Loss, Love & Legacy CD, and a Nehemiah kit
● Nehemiah kit
● Tickets to LifeWay’s new Abundance event

Here is what the author, Kelly Minter had to say about the study, “My goal in this study is not to uncover every word [in Nehemiah], but to follow missional themes about service, Kingdom work, tender hearts, prayer, love of the poor and the sacredness of Scripture,” said Minter.

WOW! I don't know about you, but that sounds like an amazing study to me! I can't wait to get my hands on this book!!

I hope to see you over at the party tomorrow!

No Matter What - OUR GOD REIGNS

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

OUR GOD REIGNS

nation wars against nation

OUR GOD REIGNS

famine wars against innocence

OUR GOD REIGNS

disease wars against flesh

OUR GOD REIGNS

Satan wars against souls

OUR GOD REIGNS

children war against parents

OUR GOD REIGNS

peoples war against governments

OUR GOD REIGNS

evil wars against good

OUR GOD REIGNS

"God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne."
Psalm 47:8

Are You Confused about God's Jealousy?

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000-06:00

I was never an Oprah Winfrey fan. I did not watch her show, but would catch occasional glimpses of her through other media. Just the other day a video was being shared around Facebook of Oprah denouncing Jesus.

I felt it was a sad day. Unfortunately, I had believed all along that Jesus was not her Savior, but this really was the final confirmation. Often times she would mention things in passing that were vague and left all of us wondering. Well now we know.

But what I found most disturbing about this video was the fact that she said when she was a young adult she heard a sermon that stated that God was a jealous God, and she decided right then that she couldn't believe in Him if he were jealous of her.

jealous of her

I grieve the fact that she totally misunderstood how God is jealous. If this is something that you don't understand, I encourage you to look deeper.

God has never stated that he is jealous of us. God is jealous for us. There is a big difference.

"Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

Exodus 34:14

Because of His great love for us, He hates when we put other things before Him. When something else becomes an idol, or as in the Old Testament, when the people were worshipping other gods, He became very jealous because our affection is misplaced. As Creator of the Universe, He deserves our undying devotion and attention.

He is also saddened when His power has made something happen, and human beings take the credit. His glory has been stolen right out from under Him. All praise and honor belongs to the Lord, not to us.

The Bible is certainly a complex, and sometimes frustrating book! But God has provided many scholarly individuals who can help us understand those things that don't quite make sense to us. Please, if there is something you don't understand, talk to someone about it. Don't let it shape your faith, or worse, turn you away from faith.

In the meantime, praise God that he loves YOU so much that he wants ALL of you!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Don't forget our online book study of "James: Mercy Triumphs" by Beth Moore begins next Wednesday, February 1st right here! Check out this post for more info!

Life as an Uphill Battle

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel like the life you are living is a daily uphill battle? Nothing comes easy and every decision is hard?

I think sometimes we slowly wander away from God's direction in our life. When we are no longer walking in the Spirit, life becomes hard. It happens before we know it, and suddenly we are struggling to squeeze any joy out of life.

If you are a bible believer, and I sure hope that you are, we know that the bible is a complete story from beginning to end. We've lived much of it and are waiting for the remainder to happen. Do you realize that your life is within that story? Your life is happening right now between the books of the bible preceeding Revelation. We know that part of history has not happened yet.

And so I wonder......

If we looked at this story, your story a little differently, would it reshape our thinking? Because before you were born, God knew you. He also knew where you fit into HIS story. Before you were born He had plans all laid out for you. Is life a battle because we have abandoned those plans that God has already prescribed? We, you and I, have been chosen to do something important that God is doing within the story.

God is saving, rescuing and blessing.
He is providing, judging and healing.

A war is in progress;

evil vs good
unhappiness vs joy
pain vs healing
ignorance vs wisdom
life vs death
hope vs despair
heaven vs hell

Which side of the story will you choose? We either choose God's side or we defect from it.

Life is a battlefield, and unless we choose to play on the winning side, it will be an uphill battle of frustration, pain, and heartache.

God chose you for HIS side. Come back and join Him on the winning team! The Battle is the Lord's!

A Hole in the Gospel - Just One CAN Make a Difference

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-06:00

The book laid in my "to do" pile for months on end. I was sure it was good, it had gotten all kinds of attention and book reviews. I just knew I wasn't ready to be convicted or shamed for not doing my part. And so it sat. On my bookshelf, unread...where it couldn't reach me.

Then I ran into a friend at church just before my trip to Haiti. He asked if I'd ever read The Hole in the Gospel - if not, I really needed to read it before I go. I smiled-nope, hadn't read it. Still sitting on my bookshelf at home...where it couldn't reach me.

My heart was sufficiently nudged. After all, I did want to be as prepared as I could be for my trip to Haiti. If this book was going to help, then I better read it. So I reached for the book, sat down, began reading, and couldn't stop!

Yes, it reached right into my heart.

Richard Stearns, the current President of World Vision (which I love) tells the wonderful story of how he became President. It certainly is not what you would expect, and it was entertaining, funny and poignant.

Even more so are the stories he tells of his many encounters with the recipients of World Vision's services. I was moved beyond words at what he has witnessed first hand in some of the poorest nations on earth. I was able to move beyond the common misconception that one person cannot make a difference.

"What if there are children who will suffer somehow because I failed to obey God? What if my cowardice costs even one child somewhere in the world his or her life?"

I began seeing God's command to care for the sick, the lame, the orphans, the homeless, the poor, and the widows in a completely differently light. What if we took the Bible literally? Wouldn't this be it's message?

"For I was hungry, while you had all you needed and more. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved."

God does not have different levels of compassion on his children based on their geographic location, their nationality, or their language. God loves EVERY one of his children, and we are to do the same. This is where Stearns proclaims that our gospel has a hole in it. We as Christians have accepted salvation, but stopped there. We have forgotten that faith requires work.

My eyes were opened when I read that if we were to poll the world's populations and gather them into 100 people, this is what the group would look like:

60 would be Asian

14 would be African

12 would be European

8 would be Latin American

5 would be American or Canadian

We are the MINORITY! The disparity is astounding! The gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to grow. What is the answer?

If the American church (not even the whole world) would tithe at the biblical 10% we could bring an end to world hunger AND the clean water crisis. Seriously-$168 billion. (Americans spend $31 billion each year on pets alone!)

So I read the book, and as you can see, it has had quite an impact on me. Fast forward two weeks when I landed in Haiti on a mission trip.Our host for the week was Pastor Manno, who heads up Haitian Christian Ministries. When he was a teenager an American missionary decided to pay for his college education and sent him to the United States. He earned his Seminary degree and returned to Haiti. He is now running a ministry that feeds 1000 kids every day! Children are receiving an education and a hot meal every day because ONE PERSON decided to do something. ONE PERSON made an investment. Stearns was right.

YOU may be that ONE person that makes a huge impact and begins a domino effect that could change thousands of lives every day.

I bet God has just the place He wants you to make a difference. Listen, just listen, and He will whisper it in your ear.

Then....go stand in the gap. Plug that hole in the gospel and watch our world change right before your very eyes!!

But before you go.....read this book! You'll be glad you did!

Sisters in Bloom - A New Collaboration

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

Sisterhood - congenial relationship or companionship among women;

mutual female esteem, concern, support.

An organization of women with a common interest.

Every now and then an opportunity presents itself, an opportunity to focus on something near and dear to your heart, and you just can't help but jump up and down with excitement.

As women we long to belong. We long to have friendships that are deep and real. We have insatiable appetites for community. We need to be encouraged, but we also love to come alongside others to encourage them as well.

I have the privilege of introducing you to a brand new site that will help us all do just that. Today is the official launch day of Sisters in Bloom.

Thirty three women have come together with the vision and desire to create a Godly community of women who desire to walk alongside one another, in grace and truth, as we all do life together.

I sure hope you will join us! Grab a cup of coffee, curl up on the sofa, and stop on by Sisters in Bloom to get to know us. We can't wait to meet you!

Online Book Study - James with Beth Moore

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting several weeks to be able to share this announce with all of you! Mark your calendars for February 1st for week one of the online bible study, "James: Mercy Triumphs" by Beth Moore! I am very excited to be co-leading this study with my great friend Natalie from Mommy on Fire. She's has a huge heart for the Lord and I guarantee you will just love her!

We'll do an 8 week study, with week one being an introduction. Each Wednesday, Natalie or myself will post thoughts and reflections as well as welcome discussion among participants in the comment section. For those of you on Facebook, we will also start a group where we can keep up with one another with thoughts that come to mind or questions that you want to raise for discussion. Depending on how many participants also have a blog, we might even host a link-up for your own posts.

All you have to do is head over to Lifeway to grab your copy of the workbook. You'll have several levels of participation to choose from. You can choose which level fits your season of life right now!

Watch Videos: Participating in the video sessions only
Complete Homework: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments
Hand write James: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James
Read Articles: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James + reading “The Next Level with Melissa”
Memorize James: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James + reading “The Next Level with Melissa” + memorizing the Book of James

So you have lots of options! I can't wait to dig into this book with Beth Moore, along with her daughter Melissa, who gives some fantastic church history information at the end of each week of study.

So there you have it! Are you ready?

If you are in, would you please let us know via the comment section? We would love to know who's studying with us!

Bibles of Old - Hidden Treasures

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

If these bibles could talk

what would they say of the one

who read it's pages?

Each one over 140 years old

discarded at a library sale-

but found a new home here,

in wonderment.

Were the lives that owned

them richer for this possession?

Were they counseled,

comforted,

challenged,

guided?

Treasures, I think.

My Talented Lego Artist

2012-01-15T22:09:00.000-06:00

I know this totally gives away my age, but I just had to boast about the creativity and ingenuity of my 11 year old. She created this birthday card for me from legos!

Now that is amazing!

Birthday Bash Winners

2012-01-14T10:08:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to our winners for the week:

Karen from Faith, Family & Fibro has won the Prayer Journal.

Sharon from Thoughts for the Day has won the Note Cards.

Ladies, send me your shipping info!!

Birthday Bash Wrapup

2012-01-13T08:06:00.000-06:00

Well it's been a fun week here, giving away some goodies. I hope you've had fun. Be sure to check out all the entries you can still make. I'll be drawing winners tonight and posting tomorrow.

Don't forget to stop over at Monday's post to enter to win a Prayer Journal!

My favorite Digital Scrapbook Designer, Jennifer Labre, is also giving a 25% off discount code to her store. Use code CherieBday.

Leave a comment on yesterday's post to enter to win some of my photography note cards.

Thanks everyone! Have a great weekend.

Birthday Bash and a Giveaway of Note Cards

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

The celebration continues today with another giveaway of two sets of my photography note cards. One pack is of roses and the other is butterflies. The photos were all taken by me in my backyard garden.

Simple entry: just leave me a comment! Drawing will be held Friday and the winner announced on Saturday.

Don't forget to stop over at Monday's post to enter to win a Prayer Journal!

My favorite Digital Scrapbook Designer, Jennifer Labre, is also giving a 25% off discount code to her store. Use code CherieBday.

TODAY is the last day to use this coupon code for something beautiful!

Thanks for joining me for all the fun!

Birthday Bash and a Freebie!

2012-01-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

I hope you are having fun this week at Heart and Soul Reflections with my Birthday Bash! I have another fun freebie for you today!

While in Haiti in December I was able to take lots of photos, nearly 1000! One of my favorites of the scenery and beauty of the island is this photo that I have made into a desktop background. The boats are handmade from mahogany. Fishermen were on the shore repairing their nets, and I was instantly transported back to Jesus day when he told the disciples that he would make them fishers of men!

I hope you like it as much as I do. It is my current background on my laptop! Simply right click on your mouse and you should see the option "set as desktop background". Choose that option and it will automatically pop up on your desktop! Easy!!

Don't forget to stop over at Monday's post to enter to win a Prayer Journal!

Thursday is the last day to use this coupon code for something beautiful!

Birthday Bash and Shop to Stop Slavery

2012-01-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

I was recently introduced to an organization called Shop to Stop Slavery. Their one mission is to provide credible business opportunities for women who have been subjected to slavery and prostitution. From their website:

"By purchasing products that eliminate poverty, provide fair wages, and restore former slaves you are empowered to stop slavery worldwide. Shop with confidence knowing that your purchases contribute towards eradicating modern day slavery."

One of the many shops that support Shop to Stop Slavery is Delicate Fortress Creations. Karyn and I have had an ongoing email conversation, and we both have a soft spot for Haiti! She has absolutely beautiful things in her shop! I can't wait for you to see them.

Right before Christmas I ordered a bracelet from her. I don't usually wear bangles because they are typically too big for my arms, but I thought I would take a chance because the description said it was bendable. Look what I got!

I know! Isn't it gorgeous??!! This beautiful Metal Impression Cuff was only $22! Can you believe it? And I could not be happier with it. The description is perfect and I can squeeze it smaller once it is on my wrist and it stays in place. I've waited so long for a bangle that would do that!

The detail is exquisite and it can be worn alongside any of your silver jewelry. I have had so many compliments!

Ready for your gift? Karyn is offering everyone a 10% discount code for anything in her store, today through Thursday, with the code BDAY!

I'm so excited! I hope you can go over and spend some time looking around, finding something to purchase for yourself or as a gift, knowing you will be changing someone's life in the process!!

Happy Shopping!

Birthday Bash and a Prayer Journal Giveaway

2012-01-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my Birthday Bash!

Honestly I don't typically celebrate my birthday by throwing myself a party, but as I have been cleaning my office I found several things that I had intended to giveaway on the blog, so what better way than just declaring the whole week a giveaway celebration?

So let's get the party started! Each day this week I'll feature something fun and have something to giveaway. Entries will be accepted all week and I'll draw for winners on Friday, to be announced Saturday, on my birthday!! Don't worry...entering will be easy with just a comment.

Today I have TWO great things for you!

Since it is the season of fresh starts, I thought featuring a very cool Prayer Journal would be in order.

This journal is from Hearts at Home, and I just happened to help design it! Here is a description from the Hearts at Home site:

"If you are new to journaling or even if you are journal savvy, this new Prayer Journal is for you. We at Hearts at Home know that prayer is the most powerful way to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Our prayer is that as you use this journal, God will speak to you in wonderful ways." (head over to their site with the link up to see a more detailed description)

Hearts at Home has a fabulous lineup of speakers this year for their annual conference for moms, including featured speakers Michelle Duggar and the Fly Lady, Marla Cilley! Hearts at Home’s mission is to encourage, educate, and equip every mom in every season of motherhood using Christian values to strengthen families. I highly encourage you to check out this fantastic organization. They host conferences in different areas of the country, so chances are, they may be in a city near you!

Secondly.....

Did you notice my fun Birthday Bash banner at the top of the page? All of those elements and paper is from one of my favorite Digital Scrapbook Designers, Jennifer Labre, from her kit Shabby Garden.

Jennifer is offering a 25% off discount code for any single item in her store with the code CherieBday. (you must be logged in before entering the code, good through 2/15) Please be sure to thank Jennifer for her gift to you! You will LOVE her shop!!

So that's it for today! Leave a quick comment to be entered to win the Prayer Journal and check back on Saturday for a list of winners for the week.

Preparing for a Party

2012-01-06T08:05:00.002-06:00

Next week on January 14th I'll be celebrating my birthday..... never mind which one!

Starting Monday I'll be giving away some freebies and fun, so be sure to check in each day next week. You don't want to miss it!

Join me all week for the Birthday Bash!!

More Than One Kind of Poverty

2012-01-04T06:30:00.000-06:00

Poverty, destitution, need, want

imply a state of privation

and lack of necessities.

Poverty denotes serious lack

of the means for proper existence.

We usually think of poverty as being one dimensional - having no money. But in our world, it means more than the lack of money; it means that over 340 million people lack for the means of proper existence....they have no bible in their language.

Bible Poverty.

It's when millions of people all over the world have

no access to the most published book of all time in their native language.

It's when those same people think that our God is not their God because

He hasn't spoken to them in their language.

It's when countless people groups perform rituals, idol worship,

and human sacrifices because they don't know any other way.....

...THE WAY, Jesus Christ.

It's when bible translators around the world are risking their

lives to bring the bible to their people in a language they can understand.

"The December 18, 2006 issue of New Yorker magazine has a great article entitled, The Good Book Business: Why Publishers Love the Bible. The familiar observation that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time obscures a more startling fact: the Bible is the best-selling book of the year, every year. Calculating how many Bibles are sold in the United States is a virtually impossible task, but a conservative estimate is that in 2005 Americans purchased some twenty-five million Bibles—twice as many as the most recent Harry Potter book. The amount spent annually on Bibles has been put at more than half a billion dollars." -Michael Hyatt.com

Americans live in ridiculous abundance while others simply go without....

Without the life saving words of God our Father, God their Father,

God our Creator, God their Creator.

Without the means for a proper existence.... in the hope, grace, and presence of the Living God.

I'm Not OK With That

So how do we change it? We take action! We refuse to be reserved. We stand up and proclaim: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16

Join me, along with 29 other fabulous Christian bloggers, to bring Bible poverty to an end. We have chosen to sponsor the Vidunda people in the East African country of Tanzania.

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! It will take 250 monthly partners to complete our goal of translating the entire New Testament by 2014! That is just 2 short years!!

Your sponsorship gift of $26 per month provides the resources required for national translators to translate one verse of Scripture into their own language. Through OneVerse, you join a team of prayer and financial partners to make this possible.

Our world is saturated with calls for help from many worthy organizations asking for your donations. I pray that you will seriously consider joining THIS call to bring the Word of God to generations of people, making an eternal impact in the lives of the Vidunda people and beyond.

Join me by clicking on the banner above. It will take you to a very simple sign up process. Each month you'll receive a notification with the scripture verse that was translated in your name.

If you decide to participate, would you let me know by sending me a quick note at clfroelich at yahoo dot com? I'd love to celebrate with you and send you a free screensaver that I have created just for this event! If you decide to keep it private, let me just say thank you!!

Let's join together and put an end to Bible poverty One Verse at a time!!

"And we also thank God continually because,

when you received the word of God, which you heard from us,

you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God,

which is at work in you who believe."

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Top Ten Ways My Life Will Change This Year

2012-01-03T06:30:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed that things have been a bit different around here lately, at least I hope you noticed...you were reading...weren't you? Since the beginning of December, life has been anything but normal here at our house. It is amazing how a mission trip can impact the family!

As with many life changing experiences, I came home from Haiti with a completely different view of life, not just theirs, buy my own as well. I thought a list may be in order of ways I think my life will change as a result, so here we go!

TOP TEN WAYS MY LIFE WILL CHANGE THIS YEAR

Although I love me some alone time (no more hiding at home), I also love hanging out. This year I'm going to spend more intentional time with friends.
While we're spending time together, I want our relationships to be deep and meaningful. No more shallowness or fear of asking deeper questions.
Although I love my time blogging, I have realized that it has overtaken other things that are more important...it is time to gain some perspective.
My eyes have been opened to many new social issues that I find appalling. I hope to find a couple that really click with me and lend my support through exposure and support here on my blog.
I want to do more reading and studying God's word.
Haiti has now taken up residence in my heart. There is not a day that has passed that my mind hasn't wondered to the people living there. I will be finding ways to continue helping the Pillatre Christian Center and community.
God really showed me how He takes care of me, even in the smallest of ways, during my trip. I can't wait to trust Him with more of my every day!
I've seen unbelievable poverty up close and personal. It has left a large hole of conviction about how I steward my resources. Big changes are coming.
Witnessing God's love in action through others has changed me. I want to be his hands and feet everyday, not just on a mission trip. I'm praying about where I can love others who may not know the Lord.
GIVE. I want to give more! Not just my belongs and financial support, but of myself to my friends and family. Selfishness of my time needs to take a backseat.

It may look like I just typed out a list of New Year's Resolutions.....but I didn't. I don't believe in those. This is a list of ways that I know God has already been working and wants to see a continued difference in me as a result of serving Him in Haiti. Did I know some of these things before going on a mission trip? YES. But upon returning home, God's purposes were even more clear to me. I can no longer ignore that still small voice asking me to do more, and be more.

Yes, Lord.

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Thursday has finally arrived! It's our day to dedicate the house and turn it over officially to Darlene, Yves and Eveon!!

We had packed a crate full of household items way back in October that had been shipped by sea to Haiti! We went to the Christian Center to pack up all those items to take to the house. We had sheets, pillows, toilet paper, shampoos, soaps, chairs, rugs, kitchen utensils, pots & pans, plates, silverware, bowls, and towels.

When Darlene saw us coming, she could hardly believe her eyes! I can't describe how it felt to watch them as we loaded up their house with all of these things that we as Americans couldn't fathom living without. Darlene immediately sat in one of the chairs and curled her toes into the carpet rug.

Her table was loaded with all kinds of things, even vitamins for the family!

And that little boy who would not come near us all week, put on the biggest smiles I have ever seen when a soccer ball was handed to him!

Our new Haitian friends now have not only a concrete home, shelter from the bugs, rains and high winds, but a door that locks and a key!!

Once we had everything set up, Pastor Manno, his wife Prisca, and Darlene's sister (L) came and we gathered in their living room to dedicate the house. We sang worship songs and prayed over the house and this beautiful little family. It was one of the coolest things of which I have ever been a part.

And it was the most amazing experience because of the fabulous teamwork among the members of this team....dedicated to raising not just $10,000 to build the home, but far above and beyond to afford travel for everyone and all the expenses that came with it.

In the tiny village of Pillatre this Christmas, a little family has a home built by the love of Christ.

...and I can't wait to go back and do it all over again!

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our activity for Wednesday afternoon was slated as a walk to the bay. Sounds fun, beautiful, and relaxing after many days of work.

But my heart was torn in two on that unassuming walk.

You see as we walked through their neighborhood toward the sea, curious children began to gather and join our walking group. These weren't the children we had seen all week in their brightly colored uniforms, these are children who don't go to school.

Children who don't own any shoes.

Children who were wearing only t-shirts with no underwear or pants.

Children's whose first words to me were "I'm hungry."

Quickly our small group of walkers became a crowd, all curious with one another, sharing in the beauty before us, and around us.

My mind could not comprehend this very small child, accompanied only by her big brother, all of about 10 years old, in charge of her. He knowingly scooped her up and she quickly fell asleep in his arms.

And another piece of my heart chipped off, falling to the beach in Haiti.

But in the next instant, as I turned my camera, children were yelling "photo", "photo", one of their only English words. Oh how they loved the camera, this brick around my neck that's value could feed an entire village for a year. As quickly as my heart was wounded, it was lifted sky high again with the silly antics of children and adults alike having fun on a beach in Haiti, without the luxury of the same language.

...and oh how we all laughed at that silly last minute foot insertion into the photo, good for the soul when the heart has taken on more than it can bear.

As we began to walk back our 30 minute trek to the center, my heart could not hold any more.

The difference in our realities, as stark as the contrast of our skin, hurts in the deepest of places. I have everything I ever need....................she is lucky to get a few meals a week. We emptied our backpacks of any food we had along and distributed it amongst the children. My animal cookies would be the closest thing to her meal for the day.

I separated myself from the pack as the beautiful children who had joined us eventually found their way back to their homes along the way. They smiled and waved, and my tears were unstoppable.

THIS was not God's intention for His people, His creation. Sin ruined it, and these precious souls carry the burden of others sins....of the leader of this nation once dedicating it to Satan. And they hunger....for food AND the salvation of Christ.

As I've returned home, I continue to praise God for the man he has lifted up in Haiti to make a difference. Won't you join me in supporting Pastor Manno in his ministry? Give as you can to the Haitian Christian Ministries. I promise you, it is an eternal investment!

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-27T13:23:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned the wonders of God's mercy? Every evening after we returned from the work site, it would begin pouring rain. Each morning upon awakening, bright beautiful sunshine and brilliant blue skies!

And so Wednesday was scheduled to be yet another work day, finishing the painting and making furniture for the family. On our crazy tap-tap ride we again enjoyed beautiful scenery and beautiful school children dressed in their absolute best!

We were excited that we would be able to help the family move their things into the house today. Upon arriving at the house, we discovered that they had already moved in.....and our hearts broke as we realized that this small pile of things were their only possessions. Imagine how my mind raced back to the things filling my home....the things I clutch and hold dear, yet unnecessary in comparison to what our friends in Haiti have as their own.

As the table was near completion, our guys decided to let Yves drill in the last screw in HIS new table! Of course, he had never held an automatic drill in his hands before, so when he finally got it all the way in, we all cheered...

...and he grinned from ear to ear! Such delight in taking part in this amazing process with us.

We headed back to lunch over at the school, getting there just in time for the smallest of the children to be going home, while the older children were on their way in. It was a very busy and lively place!

Little did I know that our afternoon would bring some of the hardest emotions to date on our trip.

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to read the rest of the story!

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-22T12:55:00.001-06:00

Tuesday morning brought much emotion, exhaustion and home-sickness. I began to question why I thought that I could handle this trip. How could I think that I could survive 8 days away from my family, my husband? Why was I putting myself in a situation of emotional turmoil, while already medicated for depression? My mind and heart were a mess. I retreated back to my room to listen to some praise music in an effort to bring myself out of this funk. I reached into my suitcase to retrieve the notebook that Husband had written notes in for me, and as I turned to Tuesday's message, I began to cry all over again:

"Rely on God for all your strength and all your energy. Let God work and celebrate the challenges."

Why had I doubted? God had gone before me, knowing when my moment of weakness would occur, and placed these words of encouragement in my hands. "Let God work".....it was not meant to be in my strength, but God's.

It was also a quick reminder that this trip was not about me, but about blessing others with the unfathomable love of Christ.

Our mission saw those we came to serve, serving us with smiles and joy.

It was about the children who are in desperate need of even the most basic of items.

It was about loving this boy and his parents, who live everyday without electricity, washing clothes by hand, living on one meal a day.

It was about learning JOY from a beautiful young man Casey, an orphan himself, greeting us each and every day with smiles and hugs, working side by side with us as we painted his neighbor's new home.

It was about seeing the incredible hardships that our Haitian friends live with every day.

It was about blessing a family with a home to call their own, their first bed, a table for fellowship, eating and celebrating, and security.

It was about celebrating over 1000 children sponsored and enrolled at the Pillatre Christian Center school, receiving a hot meal every day, learning, reading and writing.

God is doing incredible work through the Haitian Christian Ministries. And these precious children are receiving the opportunity to change their lives and their country. Sponsoring one of these beautiful children is only $25 per month. Would you consider investing in one little life? You will both be forever changed and blessed!

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Monday finally arrived and we were ready to paint! We all climbed on to the tap-tap in preparation of a full day of work, awaiting our very bumpy ride out to the Christian center.

This was really our first clear look at the community in which we were working. Nothing could prepare us for what we were to experience and see along the way. I have never seen poverty in this way; cardboard homes, shanty store fronts, refuse everywhere, surrounded by chaos.

But somehow out of the poverty and hopelessness rises beauty; beauty in the people, and beauty across the landscape.

When we arrived at the work site, we were so THRILLED to finally meet Darlene, the recipient of this home we built! She is pictured on the left with her son Eveon. On the right is one of her sisters, and her children.

The house is built with cinder blocks and then concrete over the top. It had just been finished DAYS before we arrived, so some of the cement was not even dry yet. We began to worry when the first coat was being soaked up like a sponge! But we just kept painting away!

Each day when we broke for lunch, we walked a short distance back to the christian center to eat. This became one of my favorite parts of the day because each day we were greeted with this:

......beautiful, fun, joyful, smiling children swarmed us every day! Warming my heart was the fact that some things have a universal language: smiles, giggles, hand-holding, tickling, races and games of all kinds need no words to communicate! I was of particular interest because I had the camera! What a joy to take hundreds of photos of the kids and being able to turn the screen around for them to see themselves! Oh how they laughed and pointed at one another, and giggled some more! Simeone, pictured with me above, found me each day we were there, grabbed my hand, and didn't let go until it was time for us to leave.....

...and each day that I had to leave and say goodbye, I walked backed to that work site crying, asking, pleading with my Lord to change the heart of Haiti, drawing them to Himself so that real change could occur for these beautiful, innocent children.

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-20T08:20:00.000-06:00

Sunday morning brought about great anticipation as we got ready to head to church at the Pillatre Christian Center. We awoke at 6 am to prepare for church. I hopped into the shower, which was to be military style: get wet, turn water off, soap up, turn water on, rinse. Did I forget to mention no hot water? Bad decision at 6 am.

Pastor Manno instructed us we were to walk to the end of the lane to catch a bus to church. The room was filled with trepidation. We need to walk where? Thankfully a young lady was to accompany us so we didn’t get on the wrong bus! An old yellow school bus stopped for us and we boarded, amongst curious glances. Our ride would take us 20 minutes to the south over terrain I have never experienced before in any motor vehicle. As we made each stop along the way, more beautiful people would board the bus. Smiles were shared, Bonjour greetings to strangers, yet brother and sisters in Christ, headed to the same gathering place to worship the same God.

We arrived at one of the most beautiful churches I had ever seen, tucked behind a gate, as an oasis to every soul who entered. Beautiful iron work adorned the open style windows. Mosaic tiles graced the front steps, and as we entered, that universal symbol that we all cling to for hope, forgiveness and grace, the cross, awaited us high above the pulpit. Are any of us really any different, one from another? We sat among fellow believers in Christ, worshipping with hands raised, voices joined and hearts aligned to honor the One True God. The first song began to play, our Haitian friends began to sing in Creole, and immediately we began to smile at one another, we knew this song. Our voices joined with theirs to sing the same song in different languages. Lifting OUR God’s name on high. Incredible.

The women were dressed in their very best, along with the men in their suits and ties. The children were dressed to perfection, with the little girls adorned with beautiful hair bows and lacey socks. The image was like nothing I had ever seen in a place so desolate. The images did not balance. The church stood in that place as an island of safety, plucked from the poverty around it, among the most beautiful people.

At the end of service, we got back on that bus, intended for 80 passengers, yet carrying nearly 125, headed to Pastor Manno's. With incredible joy our new friends, talked, laughed and visited along this crazy dirt, pot-holed path they called a road. We finally arrived at our destination, spending the remainder of the day team building and resting.

I reminisced about our day, trying to comprehend all I had seen and encountered. Monday would bring us another early day and a big day of painting and work.

Letters from Haiti

2011-12-19T06:30:00.000-06:00

As our plane descended down through the clouds and into the rain early Saturday morning, I got my first glimpse of Haiti below. Asmy eyes focused on what I began to see, the emotions were intense andimmediate. I hadn't set foot on Haitian ground, and tears were already on my face. The coastline is littered in trash of all kinds, houses are in shambles, and the rain has created water holes everywhere. We land on the one landing strip, and quickly head into the two room airport, dodging the rain.

We awaited processing through the line with another mission group ontheir way to work in an orphanage. Ourpassports stamped, we were scooted to the side and told to wait. As we tried to find places to stand where theroof wasn’t leaking, we awaited our luggage. A personal paradigm shift occurred immediately-I was frightened by myinability to understand the language, and of the unknown facing me in thatmoment. Never before had I been such anobvious outsider. My eyes never left our luggage, as I was in fear of itdisappearing. Thankfully Pastor Mannoarrived and began speaking with the men who had told us to wait. After he convinced them to let us passwithout inspection, we were escorted through crowds of people, out the frontdoor and to Pastor’s waiting truck and tap tap. I was so concentratingon watching our leader Connie ahead of me telling me where to go that I did not take timeto look around me. Noise and activitywere everywhere, but my eyes would not stray from my destination of the safetyof that truck.

Through the rain we made our way through Cap Haitian. Whatmy eyes were seeing, my heart could not understand. It looked like a war zone that the peoplewere forced to live in. Buildingscrumbled, hillsides were wasting away beneath homes seemingly ready to washaway at any moment, trash floating in every water source, and people, thepeople…..everywhere. The streets werealive with cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles, all seemingly going inevery direction, but without order. Chaos. Everywhere I looked, trash and debris were beneath. It was beyond anything I could have imagined,and worse. How could this be real?

We soon found ourselves very quickly at Pastor Manno’s home. His wife, Prissca was there to greet us and welcomeus. It felt good shutting that heavygate and closing out of my mind what I had just seen. As we entered their home, we were greetedwith the most amazing smells of lunch that had been prepared and was waitingfor us. We quickly settled our suitcasesin our rooms and went down to eat a wonderful soup, bread and vegetables.

Because of the rain, our trip to the Welcome Home Haiti landwhere the house is being built would have to be postponed, as it would be toomuddy. After unpacking our gifts for thechildren at the school, along with our painting supplies and donations, we settledin for some rest before our journey continues.

Ten Traditions of Christmas - Mistletoe

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

Mistletoe

In ancient times, mistletoe was viewed with awe and was considered a miracle plant. This strange plant, almost rootless, would survive the worst conditions, in the treetops. Many believed it sacred, representing life, hope and security. Because of this legend, many would cut it out of trees to hang on their doorposts or barns to ward off evil spirits.

As the legend grew in popularity, mistletoe became know as the symbol of love, bring everlasting love to whomever might pass under it. And so couples would stop and kiss under the mistletoe hung in the doorway.

The French were responsible for adding the symbol to the christian Christmas celebrations. Legend states that a sprig of mistletoe was on the cross that held Jesus at his crucifixion and that it represents the undying love God has for the world, a love that would not die.

Do you hang mistletoe in your home at Christmas time?

Ten Traditions of Christmas - The Candy Cane

2011-12-15T06:30:00.000-06:00

The Candy Cane

Church history records show that a choirmaster at German's Cologne Cathedral was faced with the problem of keeping the children quiet during the services in which they had performed. He thought of a brilliant plan to provide candy to the children to keep them quiet and busy during the rest of the church service. He sought out a local candy maker with his proposal.

The white candy became a teaching tool, having asked the candy maker to bend the sticks into a crook at the top. He took the opportunity to teach the children about the shepherds keeping watch over their sheep, coming to visit the baby Jesus with their canes in hand.

Legend has it that the stripes were added by the English as a way to identify each other during the Puritan's ban on Christmas celebrations. The stripes supposedly added to represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The timing may not be correct for this legend, as the ability to color and produce the stripes didn't happen until much later.

The popular tradition didn't take resident in America until several decades before the Civil War when they were used as ornaments on trees. It wasn't until the 1920's that the upside candy was associated with the letter J for Jesus.

Does your family decorate with candy canes?

Ten Traditions of Christmas - Christmas Gifts

2011-12-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas Gifts

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

Matthew 2:11

the gold: a gift given only to a King

the incense: a symbol of worship

the myrrh: a resin used in burial ceremonies, rare and costly

The wise men were very aware of who this child was to become and how he would die for all.

Ten Traditions of Christmas - Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

The Christmas Tree

As with many traditions, the evergreen tree's symbol of Christmas started hundreds of years ago in a far away land. Vikings were said to have found great strength and comfort in the evergreen tree's ability to survive any weather conditions. They would chop down a tree and bring it into their homes to bring good fortune during those bleak days of winter.

In the seventeenth century a monk from England explained the symbol of the tree to represent the Tree of Life. He shared with them that the tree that would not die represents the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. He likened the triangular shape of the tree, noting the three points stood for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

However, legend has it that Martin Luther was responsible for bringing the evergreen tree into homes and adding lights. He witnessed the beauty of the light shining through the tree on a walk in his neighborhood, likening it to the light that Christ shines into dark places. He cut down a tree, brought it into his home and added candles to the branches. The first lighted Christmas tree was born, and his neighbors followed suit with the tradition.

The tradition did not spread across the United States until well after the Civil War. It seemed the Christmas Tree was one of the few things that every American could afford. It is now a universal representation of the Christmas season.

What kind of tree do you put up in your home? Traditional, formal, childrens, themed?

Ten Traditions of Christmas - Advent Wreath

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000-06:00

ad·vent -- the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas,

observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.

Advent was established in the sixth century as a means to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and was a time that new believers would prepare themselves for baptism. It was four weeks set aside to ponder and contemplate personally what the coming of Christ meant to every believer. To early Christians, three things were the focus of the Advent season:

The coming of the Son of God to earth in humanly form as a babe in the manger.
The coming of Jesus into the hearts of those who would accept him as Savior.
The future coming of Christ to reign his kingdom.

The wreath began as a symbol of faith for believers in northern Europe who were forced to endure harsh winters. They saw the evergreen in it's ever-living form and believed it was a great representation of sustaining faith. They would bring limbs in during the season of Advent and would lite candles to mark the weeks of the season. The light represents the light that Christ brings to the world.

Haiti

2011-12-05T17:12:00.001-06:00

Bonjour!

Our trip to Haiti is more than I could have ever imagined, in more ways than I can possible explain! Time is short that I can share with you now, but please know that your prayers are felt! Thank you so much, and please continue in those prayers. We have many days of hard word ahead of us. We are all well and really enjoying getting to know one another here.

I promise to give you more details when I arrive home, but for now, know that all is going well and God is amazing! Worship on Sunday with our Haitian friends was phenomenal.

All has been beyond words. It may take me years to unravel what my eyes have seen and heart has held.

I wish I could show you some photos, but our internet connect here is not what we had hoped. I will update when I can, but it may be sketchy! My apologies!

To my family, I miss you like CRAZY! I love you so dearly and can't wait to get back home to you. Thank you for giving me the courage to take this trip of a lifetime and to be the workman of Christ.

Husband, I adore you!

Much love,

E

I'm Off To Haiti - A Letter to My Family

2011-12-02T09:25:00.001-06:00

The time has finally arrived and I am leaving for the airport within minutes. Hopefully I have not forgotten anything!

To My Beautiful Family:

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to step out of my role in our family as wife and mom, to step into the most important role of my life, that of faithful believer, serving my Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart.

I know that while Jesus is taking care of me, He will also be taking care of you!

I love you all so much.

Love,

Momma

Quiet

2011-12-01T11:10:00.001-06:00

It is purposefully quiet here today as I prepare my mind and spirit for my trip to Haiti.

I stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand
My soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours

Becoming Agents of God's Love

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

Since the middle of November, my church family has collected toys, coats (around 2700!), and food to be distributed to the most needy in our community. Volunteers worked tirelessly to organize and sort everything by sizes and age appropriateness. (I take terrible photos with my phone, but I forgot the camera!)

Then over the course of several weeks, our members went out into the community and met with people in our community centers and homeless shelters to personally meet with individuals who needed these items to collect their family's coat sizes, food and toy needs. Over 650 families were preregistered. But countless more will also come on the day of distribution with a list of their needs as well.

This yearly effort is called Imagine. Just Imagine if no one was without a coat, or food, or a present on Christmas morning. Imagine if we offered the love of Christ to our guests, every person who enters our doors to collect these items.

Tuesday evening our family joined the effort, along with hundreds of other volunteers, to begin assembling each family's list so that when they come to our church this Saturday, everything they need is already bundled and ready for them to pick up!

We had an amazing time gathering gifts for friends we haven't even met yet, and probably never will. But hopefully, when they walk in the doors of our church on Saturday, they'll meet Jesus.

Ten Prayers For My Mission Trip To Haiti

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000-06:00

Top Ten Prayers For My Mission Trip to Haiti

1. Above all else, that God's name is glorified on earth as it is in heaven.

"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."

Psalm 86:12

2. As God's kingdom advances, Satan's hold on Haiti will be destroyed and demolished by the power of God.

"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

Revelation 20:10

3. Corruption in the Haitian government will cease and it's people will prevail.

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed."

Psalm 82:3

4. May this team of 8-Tom, Connie, Gary, Miriam, Michael, Joe, Erin and myself, be the hands and feet of Jesus to whomever we encounter.

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

James 2:15-17

5. That every deed, every act, every smile, every encounter, every service be rooted in love.

"Love never fails."

I Corinthians 13:8

6. May the strength and power of Jesus Christ rest on Pastor Manno as he shepherds and leads at the Pillatre Christian Ministries.

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

I Peter 4:11

7. May those who hear the gospel believe and be saved.

"..and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped."

Exodus 4:31

8. May spiritual revival spread and ignite the people of Haiti.

"The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord."

Acts 4:21

9. May the Lord comfort and protect the families of those going out.

"The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Psalm 121:8

10. Not my will, but Yours be done. I surrender all.

"..your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Matthew 6:10

Giving a Bible Verse for Christmas To Those Without

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000-06:00

Would you like to give a unique and inspiring gift this season? How about the gift of a bible verse to a people group who don't have the bible in their own native tongue? You can Gift-A-Verse at OneVerse, choose what people group you would like to bless, and then send one of the beautiful cards shown above to someone you love, explaining the gift has been given in their name.

"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

I can think of no greater gift than the gift of God's Word to nations of people with no bible at all.

****************

340 million people in our world today do not have one verse of scripture in their native tongue.

I'm not ok with that.

Are you a Black Friday Shopping Ninja?

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't resist! If that doesn't make you chuckle.....

I hope you survive the weekend of shopping...I'll be out there!!

Don't forget...What's in the Bible DVD series makes a great gift for the kiddos this season.
My kids absolutely love it, and we've learned so much as a family! I can guarantee you'll love it!

HappyThanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite days of the year!

I absolutely love a day of eating homemade-with-love

dinner and desserts!

Spending the day hanging out with the family I love

.... it just doesn't get any better.

I praise God for the blessings

He has poured out on me.

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

Psalm 69:30

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

Psalm 100:4

God's Stirring Spirit

2011-11-23T06:30:00.000-06:00

Some days a small voice in the back of my mind likes to take notice of how many things in my life could be better....if......

But as God has been stirring my heart, awakening my soul to the desperate needs of others, I've talked back to quiet that complaining, nagging voice....

I hate the noise our cheap shower head makes in the morning, annoying me awake

but many in our world walk for hours to collect water for their family,

and many times it is contaminated with bacteria

I'd love a new bedspread for Christmas, something beautiful, colorful

but many are sleeping every night on dirt floors,

without blankets or pillows

My family is not fond of left overs, those nights we eat what's left in the frig

but in destitute countries, some are willing to eat mud pies,

just to quiet their stomachs

Our thread bare couches should really be replaced

$2000 could provide 28 farm animals to a hungry family thru World Vision

I'd love to spoil my girls for Christmas, buying them everything on their list

but $300 can feed a Haitian family for an entire year

In this season of Thanksgiving,

may we spread our blessings across the globe to bless others.

Prayer Helps for the Memory Challenged!

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-06:00

As a mom, do you feel overwhelmed by the ways we should be lifting our children before the Throne of God?

As a wife, do you find yourself frustrated that you haven't covered your husband in prayer?

As a friend, are you embarrassed when you realize you promised a friend you would pray, but you forgot?

me too

I finally gave up trying to remember all that I wanted to pray about and journaling isn't really my style, so I decided that I needed a new system. A colored coded system was in order! I found a set of 3x5 index cards in three colors; pink, blue and green. This would work perfectly for my plan. All prayers that are for my girls are on the pink cards, prayer for my husband are on green cards, prayers for myself are on blue cards, and prayers for others will be plain white cards.

I then sat down with some of my favorite authors prayer books and copied onto the cards many of those things that I wanted to be more intentional about praying, including scripture that applied to each prayer. I chose the small cards because I want them to fit in my purse and be portable. Then when I am out and have a few minutes of down or waiting time, I can take my cards out and say a few prayers in my extra moments of quiet.

I've also kept in my packet, simply kept together with a rubber band, blank white cards so when a friend mentions something they could use prayer over, I can simply write it down, then and there, so I won't forget!

I'm going to be using this same method for things that I want to be praying on my trip to Haiti on December 2-9. I can easily jot down prayers and have them easily tucked away in my pocket for those moments of waiting. I'll also be recording some scripture to include in this packet that I can be memorizing and referencing when our team needs encouragement.

Have you come up with a system that works for you? Would you share it with us?

Can One Person Make a Difference?

2011-11-21T08:24:00.001-06:00

A homeless man was awaiting the cars at the stop sign from the off ramp of the interstate. His tattered cardboard sign reported his situation: hungry.

The Lord nudged me that day to hand him some money. I reached into my wallet and pulled out a $5 bill. It wasn't much, but it would buy a fast food meal.

Did anyone else give help that day to this stranger? I'll never know. But I hope my $5 made a difference.

Can $5 make a difference elsewhere? Will it buy a village a clean water supply? Will it bring food to a feeding center? Will it buy vaccinations for children?

My $5 alone? No. But added to your $5, and someone elses $5, and others $5, soon we have accumulated hundreds of dollars.

But if we don't start to give, one at a time, nothing happens.

and the poor remain hungry

and the poor remain naked

and the poor remain ravaged by disease

"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."

I John 3:17-18

Would you take action today?

Would you add your $5 or $10 to mine and others to make a difference?

World Vision has the most amazing gift catalog available for Christmas. Your family can buy livestock, clean water, school supplies or food to hurting families.

2 chickens $25

5 ducks $30

5 rabbits $80

1 sheep $105

1 pig $195

1 cow $500

Livestock brings food and nourishment to the family, but also provides an income for them as they sell the eggs, milk, and babies to others.

Can one person make a difference?

YES!

"More than 26,500 children died yesterday of preventable causes related to their poverty, and it will happen again today and tomorrow and the day after that." Richard Stearns, CEO World Vision

Friday Funnies

2011-11-18T06:30:00.000-06:00

Growing up as a child of one of the Apostles must have been tough.

Like being a preacher's kid x1000.

And without the internet to blog about your feelings.

Brutal

*from A Laugh A Day Daily Dose of Heavenly Humor

A Snake in Indonesia Opens My Heart

2011-11-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

These children are growing up in Indonesia where their parents are missionaries. Look at those smiles! Oh, and did you see the snake? It's kinda hard to see 'cause it's so small.......in their back yard!

When I had the pleasure of hearing Joy speak at the Relevant Conference, she completely blew me away. Her husband is a pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship and flies missionaries in and out of the field.

Joy told several beautiful stories about the way she had been blessed by the Indonesians that she is serving. It was a powerful testimony of the way that God works. I was in awe of her unselfish, servant heart...serving the Lord in a foreign country, in the jungles no less, and raising her 5 children.

Do you know what stuck with me weeks after hearing Joy speak? The snake.

I live in a community of about 100,000 people, with 2 universities, and a very white collar work force. Several large companies call our community home, so we are very blessed with a stable lifestyle. My husband is a teacher, I'm an administrative assistant, we have one daughter in college, one in junior high and one in grade school. We attend a growing church of about 4,000 people, where we serve regularly.

Is that enough?

This ain't no jungle.

Somehow after meeting Joy and hearing about her life's work, my church's mission statement jumps off the page and speaks loudly to me, no longer able to be read over without conviction:

"A fearless church of Christ followers whose ridiculous love and dangerous witness are irresistible."

The snake in Joy's backyard is proof.

She answered the call to give ridiculous love in order to be a dangerous witness.

And it is irresistible.

God is moving

My heart is stirring

My mind cannot yet comprehend

So I'll wait

watch

pray

and say "Yes, Lord."

Will you answer the call with me?

Is He calling you?

Can I Be The Change?

2011-11-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

I walked up behind her in the airport in Detroit, knowing instantly who she was from the tiny avatar on my screen everyday. We'd started a 140 character friendship months before, having instantly connected on twitter. I tapped her on the shoulder, she turned, recognized me and immediately threw her arms around me for that first IRL meet up!

Teri Johnson and I at Relevant

She's a life giver of words and wisdom, this new friend of mine. When we had a few moments to steal away in the stratosphere of Relevant, we found a couch and began an easy conversation. I spent some time explaining a situation that was frustrating me. Without even a moments hesitation she said to me,

"be the change you want to see".

*pause*

Dumbfounded.

How could such a simple concept have escaped me?

Why is it my first nature to complain, quit, withdraw?

I came home pondering how I could be the change that I wanted desperately to see in several situations in my life.

Thank you, Teri for being bold enough to speak truth!

******************************************************

Teri comes by this gift naturally and has recently written a book about overcoming. She is a life coach and a natural encourager! Be sure to check out her new book, Overcoming the Nevers, which addresses how we can overcome those things in our lives that we never had expected to happen to us.

Ten Ways to Protect Your Marriage

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ten Ways to Protect Your Marriage

Discuss and set boundaries and expectations. For instance, you may agree that neither of you will meet individually with a member of the opposite sex over a meal. Talk issues out before something happens to cause conflict.
Keep confidences. Our girlfriends do not need to know every detail of our marriage conversations. Keeping your husband's conversations confident shows a great deal of respect and honor to him.
Be sure that you know each others Love Languages. It is crucial that you know how your husband receives love from you!
Carve out time for just the two of you. If it is difficult to get a sitter, just stay in! Play a game of scrabble or choose a movie together, pop some popcorn, pull a mattress onto the living room floor, grab some pillows and blankets to snuggle under, and enjoy a great evening together!
Go to bed at the same time each night! This creates an easy way to have conversations, talk about your day, and connect.
Stay connected every day. You should never have gone through a day without having kissed and hugged your husband several times!
Find recreation that you both enjoy. It doesn't have to be anything fancy: going to movies, a favorite TV show, walking the dog, etc. Just find things you can enjoy together.
Keep it fun! You most likely married your best friend, right? Laughter and silliness together is good for the soul and your relationship!
Encourage his time to find and cultivate friendships. Allow him "space" for down time and friends.
Pray together. Nothing will bring you closer than spending time with Christ in the center of your relationship.

Having had my first marriage crash and burn and disintegrate into pieces, I have learned the hard way that our marriages cannot survive without the proper time and attention given to keep them alive. Don't just aim to keep your marriage good, strive to make it great!

Greet your husband at the door tonight like he's been gone for a week!

Jesus Covers It All

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Time has passed quickly for this mother of a 21 year old daughter
in college
on her own
without the need of her mama.

But this mom still needs the comfort of checking in, being able to look her in the eyes
gauge her well being
see her smile
hear her laugh
listen to her heart.

She met me, this beautiful girl of mine, half way between home and college
to share a plate of cheesy fries
and a piece of French Silk pie.

We chatted
laughed
talked
smiled.

I began telling her of those things that are beginning to worry me about my upcoming trip to Haiti-
lack of sleep
early morning rising
barking guard dogs
and noisy middle-of-the-night generators.

And this girl, my girl who I can't convince to go to church
who has walked away
from God for this time....

.....she speaks truth to my heart......

"Maybe God wants you to have to depend on Him for

absolutely everything

while you are there, even the little things."

My jaw may have fallen into the french silk pie.

I smile at her, completely amazed

and I wonder at the unexpected avenue that God has chosen to remind me of His

unfailing love

and provision of truth.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"

Philippians 4:13

all things

Jesus covers it all

An Interview With Buck Denver from What's In The Bible!

2011-11-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

I have a very special guest visiting here today! It is my great pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Buck Denver, a prominent newscaster over at JellyTelly Labs!

Hi Buck, thank you for joining us today!

Buck: Thank you for that warm welcome, Cherie. It is a pleasure to be here!

I've heard there is a lot of excitement about a new Christmas video you've put together. Can you tell us about this new What's In The Bible DVD bundle?

Buck: I'm very excited about it! I brought along a video that tells you all about the DVDs AND our new Christmas release! Watch!

That was fantastic! You mean for just $39.95 I can order all 5 DVDs and also get the new Christmas DVD?

Buck: Yessirree!! Phil Vischer, he's our creator you know, wants all the kiddos out there to have the chance to own this great series that teaches them all about bible history and cool bible stories.

My kids love your videos, Buck. We own all of them and the whole family enjoys watching you and your friends. Clive and Ian are pretty funny fellows!

Buck: I'm so glad you like our videos! We've worked very hard to bring you lots of bible facts in a fun and entertaining way.

Well, you've done a great job! Buck, thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and sharing this great deal with us!

Buck: Oh I was happy to be here. And don't forget, this is the BEST EVER Christmas gift for kids of all ages!! Bye!

Wasn't that nice of Buck to stop in to visit with us today? What a great deal those What's In The Bible folks are offering, huh? Not only do they offer this great series, but their website is full of all kinds of printables, games, videos and even church curriculum!

Want in on the savings? Just click the banner below and you can order this specially priced set for your family! Because where else can you find a pirate teaching you about church history?

{Please know that this interview was entirely made up in my own mind. Buck was booked for the day}

If you choose to purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!

A OneVerse Movement for Every Language On Earth

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-06:00

weave: to form by combining various elements or details into a connected whole:

to weave a tale; to weave a plan.

God, in his infinite wisdom, weaves

usually we are unaware of His handiwork

then, slowly a picture starts to emerge

we catch a glimpse of color,

of people we've never met who need our help.

we stop short, squint to see the whole

previously unaware, we become transfixed

on the new

fresh

idea.

He begins weaving once-strangers together

whispering a calling

one voice

one vision

one task:

Translate My Word, THE word into every tongue for every nation.

***************************************

A movement of OneVerse bloggers has begun, and my heart screams YES!

YES Lord, use us, mold us, stir us to make a difference for YOU!

Will you join me?

It doesn't get any more real than this!

We all can make a difference, even if it is only one verse at a time!

We are in a unique time in history - for the first time the number of languages that need Scripture are decreasing. Every language will have some portion of Scripture started in translation in this generation.”
~ Roy Peterson, President, The Seed Company

Will you join us?

On The Run

2011-11-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

Hi friends. Life has had me on the run since I returned home from the Relevant Conference last weekend. The first Monday of the month I usually feature UpScale This, but it just isn't done for this month! I hope you'll forgive my lack of time for crafting!

If you've upscaled your piece of art work and want to share, please leave me a comment with a link and I will gladly come swoon over your creation!

A Virtual Day at the Beach With a Friend

2011-11-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

Dreary, cold, rainy days are the hardest days for me to get myself out of my pajamas. How I would love to spend my entire day online, chatting with friends, ignoring all responsibilities. My sweet friend Stef, was packing her family to go to the beach. I asked if I could go too, and she was sooo nice and said YES! Woohoo!!!

So I stowed away in her beautiful Dayspring bag until we arrived at the beach!

When I climbed out, my eyes beheld the most beautiful ocean scene, with rolling waves, clapping like thunder upon their arrival at the beach. The seagulls were sqwuaking and flying over head. The sand felt so warm and comforting between my toes. It was magical.

Lunch time came so quickly, and Stef saved me a seat facing the ocean {she's kind like that because she knows how much I love it!}

She decided to take our fun to the pool. It is nice to just lay in a lounge chair and watch the kids swim. Her boys were so nice and didn't splash me once!

And of course, if there is a hot tub available, who isn't getting in? The boys were so nice to leave me some room! They tested the temperature first for me!

What a wonderful day at the beach with my friend Stef and her boys!

OK-Seriously, I was in Illinois and Stef was in Florida, but isn't this a beautiful picture of encouraging a friend? We live thousands of miles apart, but yet through the magic of Twitter, it felt like we were kindred spirits enjoying a day at the beach (when I wasn't cowering under my umbrella, that is).

She took time for me, encouraged me with her photos, and we had a great time sending 140 characters back and forth across the miles.

Sisters, can you find someone who needs some encouragement? Reach out, let them know they are loved and thought of often. It may just be what helps them get through a really dreary day!

I love you Stef! You make me smile!

Dripping Faucet or Wellspring of Life?

2011-11-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

As I found my seat on the plane and settled in, others around me were doing the same. My attention was immediately drawn to a married couple who sat in the row in front of me.

The words toward her husband were like sandpaper to the soul.

When she responded to him, the tone was abrasive, disrespectful, and harsh...the words combative and hurtful.

drip, drip, drip

The obvious meaning behind the tone and words was uncaring, caustic and cutting.

drip, drip, drip

"a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping"
Proverbs 19:13b

"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife."
Proverbs 21:19

He did not respond with malice or anger, but just took the brunt of her words.
Soaking them into his heart as wounds.

They became quiet as the flight got underway, but my thoughts returned over and over again to this couple. I couldn't help but examine my own delivery of words to my husband. Are they sweet, loving and respectful, or caustic, biting and hurtful?

Do I want to be an ill-tempered, constantly dripping wife,
or one of noble character?

Lord Jesus, may you guard our lips and only allow words of encouragement, affirmation and respect to exit. May our words build up and not tear down.

Fully Loved, Fully Known

2011-11-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

Heather, me, and Stefanie

As I stood in the lobby of the Relevant hotel, visiting with friends I'd met last year, I caught the eye of one of my soon-to-be-roommates-I-had-not-yet-met. A smile quickly emerged from both of us and we headed across the lobby to greet and hug one another. In that instant, I met a forever friend. As we embraced, my second roommate noticed our hug and joined in as well. Kindred spirits, meeting for the first time, honoring God in His work for us.

Time was short, this gift of a weekend, never enough sand in the hourglass. How we wish we could have turned it over and over, to have heart conversations, tears and laughter together.

Having walked through many life experiences, I am no longer as slow in removing the mask that I used to hide behind. This former wall flower has finally had the courage to join the bouquet of community.

This I have learned

I cannot be fulled loved unless I am fully known.

Unless I reveal with transparency my true self to those who wish to know me, they never truly will. The freedom in being real is amazing, freeing, refreshing.

Lower the mask, sweet friend. God doesn't make mistakes, so you've been made to His specifications.

lovely

beautiful

sensitive

amazing

HIS

Relevant is all kinds of AMAZING!

2011-11-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

Yes!

When I find words for the experienceand the friendships.

Deep Breath

2011-10-31T09:01:00.002-05:00

Today I'm making time for deep breaths and ponderings after a very busy weekend at the Relevant Conference and an incredible evening of live theatre at Wicked last night with my family.

Will you join me back here tomorrow so we can catch up?

My Journey to Haiti

2011-10-26T09:54:00.002-05:00

This photo may not seem very impressive on first glance, but one must know the history behind it to truly appreciate the love packed into this small crate bound for Haiti.

You see, within this plain board box, supplies have been packed and shipped to a family in Haiti that has virtually nothing. This box is full of dishes, rugs, towels, chairs, toilet paper, a toilet seat, pillows, sheets, mattress pads, a laundry wire system, pots and pans. All things we take for granted.

But for Darlene and her family, this box will contain a new life that goes with their new house. They will transition from a tin and stick dirt house into a concrete block, strong, dry house. A house with a roof that doesn't leak, a concrete floor, windows and a door. A house that will withstand the rainy season and hurricane season.

The crate has been shipped, the workmen are building the house, and on December 2nd I will leave to meet and serve this family, smothering them with the love of Christ.

As with any mission trip, I must raise $1500 for my portion of the expenses for the trip before November 2nd. In addition, I need $500 for the many immunizations that are necessary to remain healthy throughout the trip. Would you consider donating?

I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to prepare for this mission trip.

I can't wait to watch God work!

Unveiling the Kings of Israel Book Review

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have recently discovered a fascination with Biblical Archaeology. I am intrigued by the ancient finds that archaeologists are finding when they dig deep into the earth's surface in search of answers to lost civilizations. The amount of information they are able to garner from the articles they find is astounding.

When I saw that MasterBooks had a new book out about archaeological bible history, I knew I had to get my hands on it! It is beautifully written, with great photos of the artifacts that have been found. I love that they are able to fit those into the history and timeline of the bible. What I love seeing are the photos of excavations that have unearthed entire cities, palaces, and burial sites. Archaeology has helped give answers and evidence to many questions surrounding the great flood, the fall of Jericho, and the Israelites move into the promised land.

This book is a great addition to any bible library.

*My thanks to MasterBooks for my complimentary review copy of the book. All opinions are expressly my own.

Where Has The Time Gone?

2011-10-24T08:55:00.003-05:00

This weekend my youngest daughter celebrated her 10th birthday. How did we get here so fast? Wasn't it just last year that I held her in my arms for snuggles and slobbery kisses?

My little Tinkerbell had a few friends over to celebrate with a dress up party. We had beautiful weather and fun times.

But I'm not sure how we got from here

to here so fast!

I'm soaking in every hug, snuggle, and giggle that I can before they are ALL in college!

31 Days of Autumn Goodness with Denise In Bloom

2011-10-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am excited to be guest posting over at Denise's place for her 31 Days of Autumn Goodness series. Come check out a quick, easy and cheap craft for your home. You can make it for any season!

Please Don't Just Walk Away

2011-10-20T08:40:00.002-05:00

What do you see?

Children of the Most High King

the least of these

desperate for love

an angel in disguise?

desperate for respect

Before you turn and walk away, won't you offer some words of encouragement? a warm meal? a prayer of comfort? Because for many living the American "dream", we all could be two paychecks away from the same fate.

When God Says No to Our Dreams

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

Only a few days after I made the announcement to some friends that I was looking for a part-time job I received an email that an Administrative Assistant position was going to be open in the Outreach department of my church. I quickly emailed the Director of the department to let him know I was interested.

Over a month, and three interviews later, I was contacted and told that they had chosen someone else for the position. My heart was broken.

I had prayed

I had fasted

Many friends had prayed

Others had spoken on my behalf

.....but God said no.

Tears were immediate after the phone call, the disappointment running deep. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that I couldn't put words to, even for my husband. He knows the disappointment, and he's patiently waiting for the words to come from within.

Yesterday was a day of reflection, an inventory of my emotions.

How do we react when God says no to our dreams?

I've wanted to work for my church for a long time now. It is an amazing place with God sized dreams. The Holy Spirit is alive within and I want to be a part of that movement! Do I allow myself to be mad at God? Do I build up resentment for those I interviewed with? Do I quit going to that church? Do I hide whenever I encounter the staff that know I had interviewed for the position?

What would it say of my faith if I rebelled

against my God

because

He.

said.

no.?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

I don't know God's reasons, but I do know that I must trust Him with the answer, even when it is no. Faith isn't grown only from the yes's and the blessings God bestows, but is also grown from the pain and disappointment in the denials.

So today

I praise HIM

Because He is the I AM

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

10 Things My Relevant Roommates Should Know About Me

2011-10-17T08:41:00.002-05:00

The days are ticking by quickly and the Relevant Conference will be here in no time! To say I am excited is an understatement! (If you haven't read how God worked out the details for me to go, read that here!)

It is a long standing tradition of this conference (teehee, it is only 2 years old) to do a fun post about random things that your roommates should ~~be warned~~ know about you before arriving. I've read my roommates posts, Stefanie and Heather, and it is remarkable how much we have in common!

Ready or not, here's what you need to know!

I'm an introvert until I feel safe, then I'll come out of my shell once I know where I fit in.
I sleep with my adorable companion, Mr. Brambles the Bear, who loves traveling with me! Occasionally my soft yellow blanket sneaks into the suitcase too.
I am NOT a morning person nor am I a night owl (talk to me about 10 am and I'll be fully engaged!)
I've been addicted to Mountain Dew since high school. Nothing else comes close!!
I don't drink coffee. While you're looking for coffee, I'm looking for Mt Dew...in a can.
I've been through several bouts of depression. I talk openly about it because I want to encourage women who feel shame and fear about this issue.
I love reading about biblical archaeology.
I'm a people pleaser. Sometimes that is good. Sometimes that is bad. :)
My Husband and I have been married going on 15 years and still feel like we are on our honeymoon. I'll be sneaking away to make a few phone calls during the weekend!
I crave deep meaningful friendships with women who "get" me.

So there you have it. A few random things about me. Thanks Brooke, for hosting this fun linky party!

Are You Living the Best Version of You?

2011-10-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

I love sleep. I mean I REALLY love sleep. It is almost one of my favorite things to do! My bed is extra comfy. My pillows are stacked just right. My snuggly soft yellow blanket travels with me wherever I go in my suitcase and I have a cute little bear that I have slept with for over 15 years. (long story)

{Don't be shy, say hello to our guests, Mr. Brambles!}

When I was a teenager I often slept until noon. Can anyone relate? So by now you're thinking, "yeah, so what, you love sleep".

Recently God has revealed to me a major weakness in my life. SLEEP! I know I've confessed to y'all before about liking my sleep. I think I've even explored the idea that my addiction to sleep is a sin for me. Did you know that addiction is just a fancy, easier to swallow name for idol?

IDOL: any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion.

My devotion and adoration of sleep has kept me from devotion to other more important things. It has kept me from being the best version of me. For example, if I head back to bed each day this week after my kids go to school (don't laugh--it happens), I've lost over 7-8 hours of productive work time for my home and family. Even worse, if my house is in order, I've stolen time away from God as well....time I could have been in communion with him in study or service.

"We must identify and understand that which threatens our ability to flourish, and only sin can keep us from becoming the person God wants us to become."

John Ortberg, The Me I Want To Be

I've battled this beast for a long time now. I've always known that sleep wasn't the best use of my time, but never did I see it as a roadblock for God making me into the best person I can be.

To make matters worse, Satan can't keep his stinkin' nose out of it. He'll whisper in my ear every morning how nice and comfy warm my bed is, how it's only an hour, how I have the rest of the day to be productive, how I didn't sleep well during the night and I deserve it. THEN...when I get up from my comfy nap...He makes fun of me! He accuses me of being lazy, points out all that I have to get done, and laughs at my weakness.

Have you been in this battle? It might not be against sleep. It may be against something far more serious; alcohol, p0rn0graphy, shopping, eating, gambling, gossip.....the list could go on forever. Is there something in your life that needs to be tackled head on so that you can be the BEST version of YOU that God intended?

He doesn't love you any less for where you are right now. His love for you never changes. But He has great things in store for you.

Will you join me in this SEARCH AND DESTROY mission? Find what keeps you from thriving. If it isn't obvious to you, pray about it. God will show you. Once you know what is keeping you from flourishing, team up with God to knock down that stronghold!!

Would you be transparent with us today? What keeps you from being the BEST version of YOU?

The Kingdom of God: All Consuming

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was reminded and convicted in Sunday's sermon that Paul's missionary journeys were all consuming kingdom work. Rarely did he sit back, relax, and take in the view. Neither did he leave the work for other's to do.

So I thought, am I living my life as all consuming kingdom work? Although I may not be serving in Africa or China, I have been given my missionary field right here in my home and local community.

Lord, give me new eyes to see that the work of my hands and feet every day should be in honor of your Kingdom.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.

Colossians 3:23

My Top Ten Greatest Fears of a Mission Trip to Haiti

2011-10-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

As I begin mentally preparing for my trip to Haiti, I can't help but find my mind wondering to all of the unknowns that will accompany me!

Am I truly equipped to be a blessing?
I've never left my family for this long before - 8 days
Foreign foods! Can my stomach handle things I am not used to eating?
Language barriers-Can I translate love without the use of words?
Satan's attacks-When the kingdom advances, Satan throws up road blocks
I never expected that on my first mission trip I would be going without my husband!
Can I control the emotions that will inevitably find me as I witness abject poverty?
Raising $1500-God knows where it is coming from, 'cause I sure don't!
Surrendering to God's work
Sleeping-Yes I worry about this. I am a big sleeper and I already know the compound where we stay is surrounded at night by barking guard dogs.

But above all, I know my God holds all the answers. If my name happens to cross your mind in the coming months as I prepare, will you pray for these items? Thank you SO much!

Would you like to partner with me financially? If you would like to contribute directly to my church, they can send you a receipt. Simply send a check(with my name on the memo line) to:

Eastview Christian Church

Attn: December Haiti Trip

1500 N Airport Rd

Normal IL 61761

Please be sure to enclose your contact information.

If you would like to help with the extra expenses, you can contribute directly to my paypal account.

Two Beautiful Girls

2011-10-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

We've been soaking in every bit of beautiful October sunshine that we can before the cold weather hits.

It was a fun Sunday afternoon in the back yard!

Relevant '11 Here I Come!

2011-10-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

I'm really, really going!

Many of my blog friends were very aware that I desperately wanted to go to Relevant again this year, but our family just couldn't swing it financially. I left it in God's hands, different friends were praying with me, and I was resolved that I would not be able to attend.

Out of the blue last week a friend of mine contacted me on twitter and said that she had won a ticket but was not going to be able to go. She offered me her ticket......FREE! I was blown away by her generosity, knowing that not being able to attend was a big disappointment to her too.

But finding a ticket was only part of the equation. Since our family already knew this was out of our reach financially, we knew to make this happen I needed a sponsor for my travel expenses. Have you met my sponsor?!!

I am absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Family Matters! You may remember this summer I did a series on the book "Why Christian Kids Rebel". This was a great book written by Dr. Tim Kimmel of Family Matters. They have a library stocked with awesome titles and amazing family helps. I am honored to be working with them for the coming months to bring you more great resources for your family!

But let me be very clear here......GOD gets all the glory!! I left this trip in HIS hands -- He has blessed me with a resounding "yes" and has provided the way. Hallelujah Lord Jesus!

I can't wait to see all my bloggy friends!

Mission Trip to Haiti

2011-10-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

I have been given the distinct honor of traveling to Haiti in December on a mission trip with my church!

Whew! It feels good to finally let you in on this news!

We are working with an amazing organization, Welcome Home Haiti, to build a new home for a very deserving Haitian family. Two small groups from my church have been diligently raising money through fundraisers since June in an effort to raise $10,000 to build the home. God was faithful and our money was raised in less than 60 days! Now that is God at work!

Many families in Haiti live in a home that looks like this, totally exposed to the elements.

After the money was raised, it was sent to Haiti for the home to be built by local workmen. Now our wonderful family will live in a home that will keep them dry and clean.

When our team of eight arrives in December, we will help finish the roof, build furniture, present household items and gifts, and dedicate the home. It is going to be an amazing testimony of God's work in the city of Pillatre through Haitian Christian Ministries where the homes are being built.

Haitian Christian Ministries has been a driving force of change in Pillatre for many years. I can't wait to be a participant in that change! Our church has had a relationship with them for over 20 years!

I'm not sure how you may have felt watching this video, but I get chills and overwhelming feelings rise up in my heart and soul. This is when I know the Holy Spirit is speaking and moving within me.

My heart is stirred to do more, be more.

"Here I am Lord, send me."

So I step out in faith and say "Yes Lord".

There is still much to be done.

As with any mission trip, I must raise $1500 for my portion of the expenses for the trip before November 2nd. In addition, I need $500 for the many immunizations that are necessary to remain healthy throughout the trip.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting me financially? If you would like to contribute directly to my church, they can send you a receipt. Simply send a check(with my name on the memo line) to:

Eastview Christian Church

Attn: December Haiti Trip

1500 N Airport Rd

Normal IL 61761

Please be sure to enclose your contact information.

If you would like to help with the extra expenses, you can contribute directly to my paypal account.

The Lord has already been stretching me through this process. As we continue to prepare, I will be updating you all on our progress. I would sincerely appreciate your prayers.

A New Adventure

2011-10-04T10:32:00.001-05:00

Will you join me here again tomorrow as I announce a new adventure?

You won't believe where I am going in December!

UpScale This Thrift Store Challenge - Pumpkins!

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited that it is finally the first Monday of the month for the UpScale This Challenge! I can't wait to see all of your cool upscaled creations from fabulous pumpkins you found at your local thrift store!! I gave you a sneak peak last week of one of the small pumpkins I found, but this one is really my favorite. Are you ready?

Isn't it just gorgeous? I used a soft cover dictionary. I must give credit to Craftberry Bush for this tremendous idea. You can head over there for instructions and more ideas. I found her through Pinterest, of course!

The only difference in my pumpkin is that I inked the edges with stamping ink instead of using tea bags.

We'd love to have you participate!! Once again, here are our guidelines:

At least one item of your project must be made with something you bought at a thrift store or garage sale.
You must provide a before photo of the item you are refurbishing.
Just for fun, you can include the price you paid for your thrift item.
You are encouraged to use supplies that you already have on hand at home. The fun of the challenge is to do it as cheaply as possible!
If your idea came from Pinterest, please give credit back to the originator.
You may include a tutorial or just the photos, whatever you would like.
The link party will open on Monday mornings and remain open until Saturday evening. This should hopefully give you enough time to create!

May I please request that you post the UpScale This logo in your post so others can find us?

Just as a reminder, our coming months schedule:

November - Framed Art. Pick up a piece of framed art that you can rehab and create something marvelous!
December -Decoupage. Choose anything that you can decoupage to breath new life into. Want an extra challenge? Make it gift worthy!!

Now let's get this linky party started!

More DIY Projects in My Kitchen

2011-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have a spot in your home that just drives you crazy? Me. too!!

Enter the corner of my kitchen counter. My husband is a TV fanatic. Yes, that means we have one in almost every room {except my bedroom, which I won't allow...don't get me started!}Anyhoo...the corner the TV sits on always drives me nuts because it is messy and blah.

So I thought a trip to the Habitat for Humanity Restore was in order to see if I could come up with a solution. This is what I came home with:

The dark wood on the left, no one seemed to even know what they were! So I brought home two of them really cheap because of their unknown use!

The crate came from the thrift store, and is a wine crate. I removed the dowel rods with a jigsaw and then covered the bottom in felt so it doesn't scratch the counter.

I was lucky enough to have some red paint left over from some other areas of the kitchen. So three coats of paint went on the inside and outside of the box. I then spray painted a cheap copper handle black to add to the front.

I was super excited with the result, because this will be where we store all our bread and baked goods. Since we have an old house, cupboards in the kitchen are at a minimum for that kind of stuff!

So I forgot to take pictures of the building part, but I sawed one of the wooden pieces in half with the circular saw, and then used them to create the sides.

I am so pleased with how it turned out!

What have you been building?

Designed to Flourish

2011-09-28T09:31:00.002-05:00

God made you, and He loves you just as you are at this very moment.

He designed you to flourish.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

and who satisfies your desires with good things."

Psalm 103:2-5