Family

This entire week my children have been gone to Camp Allstar from 9am to 3pm. My oh my. I have spent some great time with God in peace and quiet. I have been able to grocery shop with sanity and no surprises in my cart. I have been able to keep a very clean house. I have been able to write so much stuff. It has been so peaceful and so good yet there is just a piece missing.

I can hardly stand not being with these little bundles of joy. Even through the insane grocery store trips, the messy house, and the noisiness I have found I miss them so much. I am so ready for them to be home again. I love them so much. This time has been nice but it is not real life.

I have learned to be content with both things. I can still be in the presence of God in all the noise as I can in the peace and quiet. It is called practicing the presence of God. It is interesting because it is the same thing that Brother Lawrence talked about in his book with the same title. He said his quiet time devoted to prayer and his work time in a noisy kitchen were both the same. God is with us at all times and the lines of communication can remain open in all things.

Girls-mama loves you to pieces. You are God's precious gift to me and you bring me such joy. I sure hope I remember this next week when I am breaking up fight number 100 or washing ink off the wall or cleaning up several spills. No matter what I LOVE YOU! Isn't precious to know that God loves you even more.

Thoughts on So You Think You Can Dance

Well, I am completely bummed because I just realized this show has been on Wednesday and Thursday. I have only seen the Thursday evenings so far. I do however want to point out a favorite of mine. There was a guy named Brandon who was 18 and complete muscle. He was a power house and I am so interested in watching him. An added bonus was he dressed normal! He is the real thing. He is one of the reasons that I enjoy the art of dance.

Unfortunately there were a lot of poll dancing looking numbers. Seriously what is the deal?! That is not dancing people. Dancing is an art and a strong and difficult discipline at that. Please quit ruining it! If I see another poll dance booty shaker I am going to scream!

Also, that guy dressed up like a woman-come on-Simon had it completely right when he said he is the reason why fathers do not like to see their sons dancing. Men dancers are my favorite because they are so strong and solid. It really gets under my skin when men are not masculine on there. I danced with some great male dancers and as we were growing up they were given such a hard time. I hope to see some of them on this show because they were so good. When we were at National Competitions they racked up awards. Ah, I digress.

I am not really recalling any females I am keeping my eyes on yet. At least none so rememberable so far. Okay-LONG update. So, what about you? Share your thoughts.

One Girl's Journey

Among the constant turmoil and dysfunction she realized she had only one solid companion. Yet she could not see Him with her eyes. He was invisible. She was so young that it did not matter. She possessed that childlike faith. She just needed someone who would let her know things would be alright. So off they went again to talk. The fighting had gotten to a higher decibel level than she was okay with. This was her common practice, retreating with her best friend. They had things to talk about and the dysfunction was too much for her to handle.

As time went on she really got a hands on grasp of Him. She experienced Him tangibly firsthand in a dream. At her church there was discussion of her Jesus coming and dying for her sins. This was incredibly hard to swallow. Her best friend whom she had always talked with dying on the cross because of her sins. Such torture. Such pain. She didn’t think she was worthy of this act. It just was not fair. She could not receive it. It was too hard. She had experienced so much pain she could not bear for Him to receive excruciating pain on her behalf. Yet unknown to her, in His great love for her, He had different plans. Plans she could not refute. He willingly laid down His life for her so she could truly live.

Hurt and confused she went to sleep and that is when it happened. He came again to her in a magnificent dream. She was at a giant waterfall with many others. They were all clothed in wooden barrels. The sound of the rushing waters was deafening to her ears. All she could feel was cool winds and the freezing water drops hitting her cold body. Each person in their barrel went over the waterfall one by one. Then it was her turn. There was no stopping it. She was terrified and there was no one to save her or at least that is what she thought. Over she went along with all the others to her impending death. For every other barrel shattered on the rocks so far below them.

Then that is when the most wonderful moment of her life occurred! In a flash, a huge bright hand stretched across the vastness of that waterfall and caught her. He lifted her up gently and simply said to her, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” At that she woke up from her dream and knew it was Him, her very best friend. So she accepted His sacrifice for her unworthy as she felt. Her life would never be the same.

Do Not Forget to Register

Hey all! Just wanted to remind you to register for the homeschool conference coming up at the end of July. There is a early bird special going on if you are interested.

This CD ROCKS!

Oh my, I just had to let you know that this is the best CD that I have heard in a long time. You must check it out! Here is his website.

AND....................
The Refresh My Soul Weekly Devotional is up Here.

Memorial Day Whirlwind!

Hey all we have been busy, busy, busy!!! I had the great fun of having some wonderful visitors this weekend. My parents came in for several days and we had a great time! Saturday my wonderful aunt and uncle and baby-a BIG dog named Savannah who was sweet as pie-came in and spent the day with us. My favorite part was finding out my aunt was as much of a Starbucks lover as me! Good times. She even had a fancy drink of choice too! Good blood I tell you! :) And another favorite part was this was the very first time I got to meet my uncle. They lived out west for most of my life so we never did get to meet until this weekend. It was well worth the wait. He was my God father so it was about time we met! We had a good time. Of course I forgot to get a picture but I will see them again soon and will try to remember to get one then. I love my family and will get a pic of our mini family reunion.

Sunday we went to church and it is always good because my parents really enjoy our church. We then had some down time because my mom and dad went to visit my other aunt who lives near but does not talk to me. Dysfunctional, I know. Not a good story to share. Love covers.

Then Monday we took on a huge remodeling project. When we bought our house we took on a big project! To give you just a quick idea about it you have to know that our home came equipped with three toilets. Not just normal toilets I tell you but in interesting colors. They were pink, yellow, and blue. We finally let go of the blue toilet in our master bath. It was the last room we had to complete. I sure wish I had taken before and after pics! There was pink wallpaper and a red brick flooring-not sure who was the designer but I am glad it now looks modern.

Today my parents left. My girls started a church sports camp. I was alone for a long time. Boy is that rare! I felt like a piece of me was missing. I had a great time with God. I am hoping to use my time to continue to write and re-write my projects for She Speaks. Please lift a prayer if you think of it. Well, how was your weekend?

Season 4 is here!

I was so excited to find out that tonight was the first episode of So You Think You Can Dance! This is one of my absolute favorite shows. There are two of my favorite choreographers on the show too. Brilliant pieces they create. I just love the art of dance and this show is so versatile. All forms of dance are a part of it. The point is to see who can be the most well rounded dancer. There are some sick b-boys and poppers this year and great jazz and amazing ballroom. Please let me know if you are following this. I know it doesn't get as popular as American Idol but it is just as good. Especially to a former dancer. I am telling you this is the show to watch!!!
*****My disclaimer is that with all shows I cannot say I would approve of all wardrobe selections.

She Speaks

Hey all! Just wanted to say hi! I am in an intense season of learning and really in the middle of it there are so many things I want to write and share but it is not the proper time. In due time I am hoping to share some with you. For some reason my life seems to have these seasons. I usually go into an intense study season right before an intense writing season takes place and when that happens I seem to be away from everything else. So, that is where I am at right now.
The seasons last as long as God leads so I am just enjoying sitting at His feet and taking it all in. I love that grace before the great labor of writing. :) God allows it to just flow out of me but then the editing phase is discipline! Tough indeed!

So with that, is anyone out there going to She Speaks? They have started a blog so blog siestas can talk and plan. I would love to meet any of you blog siestas going. It was so fun last year. Just let me know if you are going. Here is that link.
I am lifting a prayer for each of you! Much love!

More Ponderings

From the books I have been reading there are some great thoughts.

"Our gifts and talents should also be turned over to Him. They should be recognized for what they are, God's loan to us, and should never be considered in any sense our own. We have no more right to claim credit for special abilities than for blue eyes or strong muscles."
~The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer

"If I am something, then God is not everything; but when I become nothing, God can become all."
~Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

"If you are young, my brother or sister, profit I beseech you from my confession, that I cared too little to employ my early years for God. Consecrate all yours to His love. If I had only known Him sooner, if I had only had someone to tell me then what I am telling you, I would not have delayed so long in loving Him. Believe me, count as lost each day you have not used in loving God."
~The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence

Refresh My Soul Weekly Devotional

This week's devotional can be found here.

Just Some Random Ponderings

You search the depths of my heart and You love me the same....You are amazing God.
~Chris Tomlin, Amazing God

This song just struck a cord with me today. I love it and love to praise God with it but I never really let that verse really sink in until today. I was just marveling at how magnificent our God is who does love us the same. No matter what our hearts look like. Even when we are throwing a big girl temper tantrum He still loves us the same. Now that is amazing.

It is amazing to me that He is even mindful of us. I have been doing a study on the Beatitudes. Boy it is so convicting. All I want and all my heart desires is to be what God wants me to be in those chapters. I know there is nothing I can do to obtain it but surrender my all to Him. I am His and with that I want to do every moment what He desires me to do.

I have also been studying the classics. Boy do those writers have an interesting yearning for God. I feel like they are speaking about my very heart. It is so refreshing to me. It is something that I feel like is not observed much or shared much these days. I may write more about it but right now God has me with Andrew Murray, Brother Lawrence, and A.W. Tozer.

What about you? What have you been pondering lately?

Happy Mother's Day-Refresh My Soul Devotional

The weekly devotional can be found here.

Imprisoned-Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Today I got to go to jail with Kara.
I was scared and anxious yet a peace that was beyond understanding was overwhelming me. That indescribable peace kept moving me forward and suddenly I realized I was in. Behind those bars that were so visible and concrete. Locked in another world. Yet that peace kept me moving forward with the courage to take the next step. I knew God had something amazing in store.

Isn't that how God usually wows us? First we must step out on faith. I knew I walked into this situation out of obedience to God. It was His plan not my own.

Soon I was surrounded by a group of inmates. There was nothing different between us except these cold bars. Yet, it could have been me behind them. I have made my share of poor choices in life. I have also been behind some self-imposed invisible bars of my own. We were the same. Women created in God's image. Women who wanted more of God in our lives. Women who wanted the chains to be broken so we could start walking in complete freedom from our previous poor choices.

Each woman who attended was precious. They all desired to learn and study the word for themselves. I was so encouraged and blessed as we shared and discussed God's word together. It was like a precious gift from God to me.

So I thought it would be appropriate to post for Then Sings My Soul Saturday at Amy's the song "Shackles". I liked this video. It is for Freedom that Christ set us free. We worshiped together today with this song. It was so great to see them truly worshiping even in their present circumstances. Now that is true worship.

Live Love Laugh Conference

First I have to say I am so very sorry to report I have NO pictures from this weekend. :( I tried to take some during the event and they would not come out. I think the lighting was a problem or perhaps the camera operator! Then I was so busy with other things I forgot to get them outside the sanctuary. Stephanie did not get any either! Yikes, what's that about?

Can I just tell you that Stephanie has been gifted with the sweetest gift of leading worship that I have ever seen. Girls, if you need a great worship leader who can really usher the people into the presence of the Lord she is it!

We had a super fun weekend. Micca Campbell and Amy Carroll from Proverbs 31 were our speakers and were so good. So many great comments from the women. The best part is that many women made new commitments to the Lord this weekend. That is exactly why we do what we do-to help draw women closer to God. God alone can do that but He lets us partner with Him in this work and that is just AMAZING to me. What a blessing.

Saturday we had young girls from 11-17 years old. I taught them on "Getting Through to God in a Text Message Sort of World" and they really got it. These were girls who loved God. It is so rare to get such a wonderful group like this and I was extremely blessed. As a gift we gave each one a really neat prayer journal that I even use. It can be found here.

Kara taught the second session on "The Call." She talked about the call that God has on each one of their lives. I just love how God brought both of our sessions completely together and we did not even plan it that way. We only knew the topic that each was talking on. I just love how God works like that.

I had so much fun with these girlfriends. The sweet fellowship was a HUGE blessing to me. I love each one dearly.

The Crazy Way We Met-Marriage Monday

They were from different sides of the tracks. She just received her driver's license. Though mostly a "good kid" the temptation of the new freedom that came with that little card and some car keys was too much for her to handle.

A blind date was set up. Her best friend and His best friend were dating. They thought it would be perfect to set us up together. A perfect deal.

With an anxious heart she and her best friend set out for our meeting point-The local McDonalds. Then we took off to a party. My man and I instantly hit it off. We had many things in common despite our differences of upbringing and friends.

As time went by three years later we married and now here we are thirteen more years later despite all the odds that were against us. We are definitely not who we were then and we praise God for that! It is only by God's grace. It is fun to be with someone you have known for more than half of your life. Over these 19 years, though many difficulties have been there, we have seen each other not only grow up physically but also grow up in the Lord. That has been the greatest blessing of my life. I would not trade a moment of the pain it took to get where we are now. The journey that is the hardest proves to have the greatest blessings. And that is what we are BLESSED.

To read more go over to Chrysalis.