A few words of truth for today...

Ephesians 4:31- Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil-speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And BE KIND to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (emphasis mine)

1 Corinthians 14:33- For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

Galatians 5:22-23- But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW. (emphasis mine)

Romans 12:9- Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Romans 13:1- Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
13:3- Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good and you will have approval of the same.

1 Corinthians 7:19 Keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

1 Corinthians 13:5- (Love,) does not behave rudely.

And finally, from Romans 3:23- for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Not Only Mine

I wonder, is it only me? No, it's really not.

2016 has taken so many that we love.

We've mourned music greats from David Bowie, to Prince, to Glen Frey, among others. And actors from Alan Rickman to Abe Vigoda (for real this time!). And other beloved figures like Nancy Reagan, Harper Lee, Pat Conroy, and more.

Point being, it's been a year of national mourning. But not just in the public arena either.

Many of my friends have lost beloved pets. Missing our furry friends is heart-breaking. They fill a 'comforter' role in our lives that other things just can't fill.

But this is the thing:

To date, including myself, there are 11 women in my life that have lost our fathers this year.

Let that sink in, would you?

E.L.E.V.E.N.

Simple math, y'all. It's averaging one beloved daddy a month. Women from all stages of my life: elementary school, high school, college, blogging. And every time I open my computer, or answer the phone to hear of another one, my heart breaks all over again. For them, certainly, but for my other friends and also myself, all over again.

That's not counting the moms that have gone, darn it. Or the men that I know that have lost beloved parents.

If you've lost someone close to you, I am so so sorry. 2016 has been hard on you, too. Like I said yesterday, It's just such a heavy burden to bear. But please know that you are not alone. There are others out here that are bearing that burden, too, and would love to talk about it. We're going through the same things. Reach out when you need to. Pray. God knows how heavy this is.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" Matthew 5:4

It isn't just some mystical comfort that magically comes down from the clouds. God sends us people! Others that are going through just what we are can be such a comfort. One of my friends from high school lost her father not long after mine. I reached out to her privately and we have begun a months long conversation about this grieving process that ebbs and flows. In September we had a good cry over the beginning of the NFL season. Girls crying over football? Yup. We both would call and text our dads on Bronco's game days and their death leaves a 16+ week gap in our year of connecting with our dads.

God sent her to me because she knew EXACTLY how I would feel, when few others would. That is how God comforts the mourning.

Would you let Him comfort you? Cry out to Him. He understands and will send you what you need.

Edited to add: 12. 12 daddies. I just can't. But He can.

The First that I Forgot

 I knew that I had forgotten something on my list of firsts. You know how you write a post in your head for months and then it doesn't come out at all how you imagined it? Yeah, that.

(Side note: I am having a really tough time with my 'voice' this year. I think that it is a combination of being out of practice and that I have changed. It's bugging me but I hope it's not bugging you!)

The most important 'first' was left off my list. It was actually something that I started a couple of years ago but finished for the first time this fall. This thing that I did has had a huge impact on me, and by default, I also hope that it has impacted those around me.

This fall, for the first time ever in my life, I completed reading the Bible from cover to cover. It took way too long to do but time wasn't the important part. There were gaps of time that I didn't do it for various reasons but I never stopped. I kept that bookmark in my spot and picked up where I had left off and I kept going.

I know that some of you will roll your eyes but this is something that I've been wanting to do since I was a teenager. Yes, in many ways it was a simple goal, but a book of this magnitude, this importance should actually not be missed. All human history is here. Every emotion, desire, heartbreak. And yes, even redemption.

What is that thing that you've always wanted to do? What desire has God given you from your youth? It's still there, isn't it? It's not too late. Take that first step. Keep going. The end, the finishing, is a beautiful prize.

Do you know who you are?

Last winter my husband and I embarked on a journey. We weren't aware of it at the time that we signed up for it, but this class has changed our whole life.

Our church offers a series of classes about getting into Spiritual "SHAPE". The first class is about Strengthening your faith and learning your identity in Christ. It is a very structured class. For 3 weeks you attend a class once a week, listen to sermons, read scripture, journal about the things that you are learning, and participate in other 'exercises' that strengthen your relationship with God. You have an accountability coach that is there to help you, pray with you, and help you understand things that you might not understand, (although it is pretty straightforward information.)

Among other things, you learn that:

• Christ went to the cross for YOU/ME.
• You/I are cherished by God.
• We are co-heirs with Christ, adopted into His holy family.
• We are, because of the blood of Christ, made holy and blameless in God's sight.
• Forgiven.
• Have the same power as Christ, because we are given the Holy Spirit to live in us.

For so much of my life I had heard these things, read them, and even said them, but in the context of this class I finally LEARNED them. I finally BELIEVED them. And once I believed them, I have no choice than to live them. The love of God, and what He sent His son to do for ME, compels me to live differently than I did before. I'm no where near the perfection that He desires for us but I hope that by prayer, reading my bible every day, listening to good bible teaching, and the like, that I will draw closer to the ideal life that God has for me.

It changed our life and our home because I understand now that God wants us to be with Him every single day. In our thoughts, our speech, in helping one another in large and minute ways. It has drastically changed my daily pattern of life! Rather than check F*cebok or email, the first thing that I do every morning is grab my cup of coffee and sit down with my Bible and my journal. I read the word of God and use the journal to jot down what I learn while reading, or consciously pray for people in my life or situations that other's face, our country, the entertainment business, or any number of other things that the Holy Spirit puts on my heart. Some days, this time in my Bible and journaling is what brings me, literally, to my knees in my living room, giving it ALL to God in prayer and asking for His guidance. 

I know that I am a beloved child of God. Who are you?

Because of copyright laws, please understand that this is a small overview of what this class entails. If you wish to learn more about this class, or others offered at my church please go to the New Life Pomona website. All Spiritual SHAPE materials are written and compiled by Billy Doray, copyright 2015.

No Apologies

I am blessed, and I know it.

I have an amazing husband who works his tail off to provide me and our children with everything that we need and more. Much more. He adores me, and shows me. Is our marriage perfect? Absolutely not. We both make mistakes but in the end we both CHOOSE to love, honor, and respect one another.

Our children are successful. Our daughter married the man of her dreams and they are building a wonderful life together-on their own. Our sons are successful students and excel in their chosen extra-curricular activities. All 4 of these young adults work so incredibly hard for their success. Do they stumble and make mistakes? Of course. They are young. Still growing and developing. Learning. They do their best to correct their mistakes when they can.

I may not be the perfect mother or wife, in anyone's eyes, but I rise before the sun and retire after my family. I strive every single day to ensure that the people that live under my roof are fed well, have a clean environment, have clean clothes, and are 'fed' spiritually.

There is a war going on in our world and our culture. Sometimes the attack is obvious and loud; sometimes subtle. Covert, even. Make no mistake, Evil attacks from many directions, mostly when we're not looking. Taking a stand for what is True and Right is, amazingly frowned upon in our country. But Evil will not win.

I am on my knees daily for those I love, sometimes literally. (Some days my knees can't handle it, but that's ok.) I serve a Big God, whose Son, Jesus died that I might have life. Do I still sin and make mistakes? Sure. We all do, but I don't try to. I will not apologize for the blessings that we have, for every Good Thing comes from our Father above. We love the Lord and he blesses us. Full Stop. My heart is full and overflowing with gratitude every day that He has chosen to bless us. If those blessings are taken from us tomorrow, we will still serve Him.

Let me repeat: We are blessed. We know it, and know where our blessings come from. There will be no apologies for that. You can hate us if you want, or be jealous of what we have, or stop following our story. Fine. I still won't apologize.

The 'Right to Die': My Thoughts on Brittany Maynard

My friend Jen wrote her thoughts about Brittany Maynard and I suggested that I had a few 'thoughts' on the subject. I guess now is as good of a time as any. If you're not sure who Brittany Maynard is, Jen included links to her story. In a nutshell, she was the young woman with an incurable brain tumor that established residency in Oregon to make use of the 'Right to Die' law.

I will say to start that I do not mean this to be argumentative to Jen's post. I have an opposite view, that's all. I respect Jen and her position and hope my opinion adds to the dialogue about this issue and does not polarize or jeopardize any friendships in the process.

*****

I remember when the Oregon law was passed amidst the Dr. Kevorkian controversy. At the time, I was a college student with only a mustard seed of faith and even less knowledge of my chosen religion. I believed that the law was a good one. With certain diagnoses, I understood the desire to end the pain for one's self and the others around them. Now, with a few years and a little more knowledge I disagree for 2 reasons.

First, as a Christian, I am asked by God to fully and completely trust in Him. By choosing to die in this manner, Doctor Assisted Death, one is putting trust in another human being and elevating them to God's status.

¹¹ 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. from Bible Gateway

To make this choice, one would have to believe that God was trying to harm you, and had no plans for your future, and thus no hope. God's plans are always bigger than mine. My life, even if I had a debilitating brain tumor, will always be used as part of His great plan. Yes, this is a struggle to believe, even on the best of days, but I do.

Secondly, I believe that God has timing for a reason. Only God knows when our time is up, and by taking your own life to shorten your suffering or for the people around you, you don't give God a chance to do His work. What if God was waiting to give you the miracle of life? What if there was some insanely unlikely cure that worked in your case? What if ending your own life ended up haunting your loved ones rather than shielding them from pain? What if ending your own life denied someone that you love the chance to care for you or say goodbye? I believe in God's timing. I believe that regardless of our fear of pain, that we should trust in Him, and if we do then all things work together for good. (Even when that good is buried in a lot of not-so-good things.)

I fully trust in God. I believe his promises for my life and our world. While I may not live it perfectly, I have a Savior that has paid for it already, and I have given Him my life. It is His to do with as he pleases, including my time of death.

*****

All of this said, I also believe in Ms. Maynard's right to end her life in this manner. My standards as a Christian, are for me and for those who believe like me. If you don't believe in my Bible or my God then you have the right to end your life as you so choose. The law in Oregon allows for someone with different views on illness and death to do what they think is right, and I respect that difference. Even if I don't agree.

Rare Bird, Indeed

I first met Anna many years ago online when we started following each others blogs. I loved her posts on refinishing furniture and her sweet children, who were very close in age to my own. In 2010 I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at BlogHer in New York City. On the first evening I saw her walking in registration looking a little lost. Luckily I knew the ropes and was able to help her. That weekend that we realized that we were members of the same college sorority. She introduced me to Jill and Kate. We spent the better part of that conference finding each other in the crowd and continued to cheer one another on from afar. I felt like I had another close blogging friend, even if we were on separate coasts.

Me, Jill, and Anna. BlogHer '10

*****

I wish I could remember what I was doing that September day. I was probably stressed out, (headless, remember?), trying to get a kid ready for football, cooking dinner, ushering kids to shower and Go to bed, already! I had seen Anna's post on An Inch of Gray the day before about their first day of school, Jack and Margaret starting to look so grown up. In my head now, it's a blur of links and sympathy, and shock. What happened? That's not possible! I was confused and bewildered.  This news can't be true.

My friend Anna had lost her dear son Jack in freak flooding incident behind their neighborhood on September 8, 2011. Jack, who was the same age as my son. Jack who was standing next to his sister Margaret on their first day of school.  I was paralyzed. I scanned Facebook for news with tears streaming down my face for about 3 days. In these types of situations in my offline life I'm usually a Doer. I take meals and extra toilet paper. I call. But from California all I could do was watch Facebook for more news and weep. I spoke with other blogging friends who attended the funeral, I read Anna's posts on her blog, but I hated not being able to be there for her. To sit in her living room and cry with her.

My heart wanted to be broken in Virginia, not in California.

*****

Yesterday, Anna's memoir about Jack was released. Rare Bird is rare, indeed. It is a look into a family whose love and loss is bigger than I can imagine, and whose hope and healing is more Divine than I've ever seen. This book is the most well-written non-fiction book I have ever read. While devastating, it is not a sad story-I honestly did not cry while I read. (I saved the tears for after the last page.) Rare Bird is a story that gives you hope and courage and faith.

Rare Bird is the conversation that I wish I could have had with Anna in the weeks and months following Jack's death. In reading about Anna's journey through her grief, I was able to live it in my heart with her. Like I wanted to in 2011.

There is so much more that I could say but my words would never do hers justice. You must read them for yourself to believe how beautiful Jack's story is.

*****

"I mean, why are we so ready to give God the credit for every good thing in our lives, [...] yet we let him off the hook for all the bad stuff? That seems ridiculous. Isn't He  powerful enough to command our destiny? Because that's the God I want to worship not some good-luck charm we call upon tho help us find a parking space when we're running late. I want a powerful God who is willing to make the hard, unpopular choices because He sees the big picture and knows what's best. Sure He wants our worship, but He doesn't need our approval." from Rare Bird by Anna Whitson-Donaldson

 *****

I want more of the story. I want to read Tim's story because we only get glimpses of it and his story is just as powerful as Anna's.

"I remember reading that sex can be one of the greatest comforts to a man. So I say yes. We make it through. And it is good. I'm proud of us, but I wonder how long it will be before we can do it without both of us crying." from Rare Bird by Anna Whitson-Donaldson

*****

I have learned from Anna that friendships can blossom in tragedy.

"I want to hear how Jack's death has affected my friends....I want us to look at one another's faces and cry. To say the F word. To question God. To hear that Jack meant something. It is in the telling and retelling that we work our way through painful territory and gain insight." from Rare Bird by Anna Whitson-Donaldson

*****

"Margaret needs an outlet too. I'm proud of her for knowing she's angry and finding a way to deal with it.  For opening that cabinet door and getting out a bowl. And a cheap one too. She may not yet be able to put voice to her feelings, but instead of yelling at me right now, she's finding a constructive way to express them.

She comes back in five minutes later, her face red from crying.

Damn bowl wouldn't break." from Rare Bird by Anna Whitson-Donaldson

I hope to someday read a book by Margaret Donaldson about how her brother Jack taught her to fly.

*****

Please treat yourself to this book. It is powerful. I will be buying an extra copy to have on hand to give away when the moment is right. Buy Rare Bird on Amazon. Buy it at your local bookstore. Get a copy of this book into the hands of someone who might need a message of hope and love in loss.

*****
And to Anna, I am so honored that you asked me to help share your hopeful and magical story. On this 3rd year Crapiversary I hope you, Tim, and Margaret can feel the collective love that is surrounding you from near and far this week. I love you and hope we meet again someday. xo

Thankful and Blessed

On Monday as I was racing around the grocery store I got a text message. I was half tempted not to  read it since it seemed that I had hit the store at just the right moment when it wasn't a madhouse. I glanced down and saw that it was from my mother, so I slid the message open.

Hey, good news! No sign of cancer. Bad news, gallstones. Oh well. Nothing to do about that til there's a problem.

I dropped my phone and sobbed into my hands. No sign of cancer. Months of prayer, months of worry. No sign of cancer.

*****

I am so thankful for my dad beating this. For him staying strong and not giving up.
I am thankful for my mother, who is way more badass than she gives herself credit for. She has gotten through these last 11 months, rarely asking for help, and supporting my dad all the way. And with a grace that I'm not sure that she thinks she had.
I am thankful for my aunt, who in moving to Colorado, has brought new life into the home that they all share. Some of that life is four-foooted and furry, and it is good.
I am thankful for my daughter and her new husband being there and the new relationships that are forming, away from the relationships in the shadow of us, the parents. I am thankful for their faithfulness to God and how he is blessing them, abundantly, as they start their new life together.
I am thankful for my brother and his family who have been so supportive of our parents. And my nieces that bring  smiles to faces when they enter a room.

*****

I am thankful for my amazing husband. He works so hard for us and is so generous. I'm thankful that he loves me beyond measure, faults and all.
I am thankful for my #1 son. He is 14 today. He challenges me every day and I am a better human for those trials. He is musical and artistic and gentle and kind.
I am thankful for my #2 son. He makes me laugh and despite his stature is also gentle and kind.

*****

I am thankful for my husband's family. They have given me so much and stretched me to grow in places that I didn't know I needed growth. I'm thankful for the babies that we get to smooch on when we're together. Thankful for being able to guide nieces in some small way, sister-in-laws that welcome me in, and a brother-in-law that can be counted on.

*****

I am thankful for friends. Friends who, despite our busy schedules, can pick up right where we left off. Friends that open their homes to us. Friends that let me vent, knowing that I'm being irrational, and let me get it out anyway. Friends who I can let my guard down with. Friends who don't judge me for my foul mouth. Friends that know when a glass of wine isn't just a nice way to end the day, it's a necessity. Friends who trust me with the hard stuff. Friends who, despite the miles between us, answer text messages and will spill it to me by text so we remain relevant to each other. Friends who make coffee dates a priority, weekly. Friends that live in my computer yet still support me and my family every day.

And for you. You, the friends that come here, to read about my crazy yet average life. I am thankful for you too. Even the ones that don't often comment. Thank you for letting me tell my story to you.

*****

And last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for a God that sent his Son that we might have abundant life, beyond measure. Because without Jesus, none of this would be possible.

I wish for all of you to have such a full and happy and rich life. xoxo

My Favorite Worship Song

On Marriage: What Others Have to Say

I find it fascinating when a topic swirls in my head for a while and right as it is about to bubble up and out of my finger tips- BAM! There it is on everyone else's blogs. These are some of the best articles on marriage that I have seen in the last week or so:

 

• Craig usually writes about money but on the occasion of his 10th anniversary he wrote 10 Marriage Lessons that he has learned. Straightforward; it's a great check list to gauge where you're marriage is.
• Robin is one of my favorite bloggers, and she is right on the money with her post For Married Women Only. And yes, she talks about sex.
• Mary linked to this last week and it has had a lasting and profound effect on me. You won't be the same after reading it. And hopefully, neither will your marriage.
  
  

  "Jennie put coffee and bacon on the stove, and then, catching up a pail from the porch, went after John. A golden red disk broke the misty blue of the morning above the cow pasture. A sweet, fragrant breath blew from the orchard. But Jennie neither saw nor felt the beauty about her." from When Queens Ride By written by Agnes Slight Turnbull on ThePrudentHomemaker.com 

  Last, but not least, something funny from Karen!
  
  

Enjoy your weekend reading!
photo

OK, Universe

....I give.

First, Maddie.

Then, Shannon's cancer came back.

Michele's son is in an awful situation.

This week, Anissa.

And today, Liz's brother has cancer, too.

³Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ⁶If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Cor 1:3-7 Bible Gateway, NIV)

God, comfort these families tonight, comfort those around them to give them great strength in the days ahead. May your mercies be great, Father. I ask in the name of Jesus that you bring supernatural healing to the sick bodies and hurting hearts represented by the names above. Touch the doctors involved, that they may have knowledge beyond understanding to touch and heal. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Universe, I give these things to my God, who is all powerful. He is Mighty to Save. I believe that He is the one that can bring healing.

Will you pray with me?

Quick Links

I've been starring posts that you need to read. Go forth and enjoy!

• If you're a Beatles fan, or my mother this is a must see: Hey Jude on LoveAllThis
• Every day life, as captured by Schmutzie: Who Will Speak for the Glittens?
• A post on parenting that I've gone back to a few times, nodding my head: Confession by She Laughs At The Days (Hat tip to Owlhaven for this one.)
• Do you want to walk? Angie serves up a powerful post in facing her pregnancy. Lord, help me to say "Yes" to you every day!
• If you read here often you know that I struggle with balance (don't we all?!) Jennifer writes about Balance and Sacrifice, another post that I need tattooed to my forehead.
• Mocha Momma's Tiny Purses, Big Hearts program is ready to roll beginning this Thursday. Click on that post for the details if you want to help a teenage girl in need of a new purse, Kelly has all of the details over there, but man is that a great way to help!
• I'm begging for more entries in my Oroweat giveaway. Pretty please go enter?!

OK, I think that's enough for today. I need to save some just in case. November is a long month, you know.

Not Just For Fathers

Choices and Discipline

Sweet mercy, Lysa has got it goin' on today.

Go forth and see what she has to say today about choices and the discipline to make things happen.

And the very best quote? Is this:

A very wise man once challenged me with the reality of God’s holiness. “God tells us to be holy. So, be holy. He wouldn't have said it, if it wasn't possible.”

Can you say convicted?

Joy

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

I am sitting right here in James this week, and I don't have to read very far into it to feel like I need to linger here for a long, long time.

If you've been reading me very long you'll now that joy is one of the hardest things to have. Finding it? It's elusive. Keeping it? It's slippery. I struggle with joy.

I do love my family more than my underlying lack of joy would have you believe. My husband is a wonderful man that routinely does the most amazing things for me just to bring a smile to my face. My children are happy and healthy. We have a great extended family.

Trials-I used to think of them as the BIG STUFF. You know what I'm talking about without even having to say it. I am so blessed to not have big stuff (so far) in my life. I have made so many friends through church, school, even this blog, that have had to step up to the plate for the big stuff, that I, in many ways cannot even comprehend what they have gone through. What they go through on a daily basis. What is my problem when compared to what other's do every day?

But that's the mistake when reading this passage. My mistake. My trials are not your trials. My internal trials are hard-for me. I really need to find- count! the joy in every frustration that I have, every day.

Dirty socks that don't hit the basket? At least I'm blessed to have socks and a basket. AND a floor for them to hit.

Dinner is later than I would have wanted? I am so thankful that we have food on our table, in abundance, when there are many others that have less... or none.

Whining during homework? I have children. They are healthy.

I want the joy. I want it deep in my soul. I want the trials that I face to end up reflecting the joy that God has for all of us when we believe and linger in Him. I don't want to miss one moment on this earth that could be- no, CAN BE joy.

So I'm going to read James this week, this month. Soak it into my soul. And find the joy.

Compassion Bloggers Leave for India

You may have noticed a new widget in my sidebar that directs you to the Compassion International site. Compassion is taking a new group of bloggers to India, tomorrow!, and I have a word for my dear friend Robin of Pensieve.

Robin,

I hope that you don't mind me putting this out here for all to see. The work of our Lord is for all, for all have been chosen.

You are a valuable part of this team. Your gifts are different than the others', but valuable to the team. You were chosen to compliment the others, and them to compliment you.

4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Cor 12:4-6

I also have a single word. Let me know how it pans out, won't you? The word is "Red". It has come to mind, literally, every time that I've thought of you and this trip.

Go with confidence, dear Robin. You are chosen. And remember this:

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you, what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Heb 13:20-21

With much love,
HM


Now, for the rest of you...Would you consider sponsoring a child through Compassion? They also have ways to give a one-time donation, as well, just click on the image below and you can find all of the ways that you can help a child in poverty feel loved in Jesus.



Follow all of the Compassion Bloggers here on their amazing trip, and be ready to be blown away by God and His amazing provision and grace. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Celebrate

"He has risen!"

Missions Sunday

On the fifth Sunday of the month (well, those that have them anyway,) our church does a little thing called Missions Sunday. It is a day to highlight places around the globe that are being touched by God, and the people that He has sent to do His work. I want to share a couple of these with you today.

TEAM International- From their website:

TEAM International maintains five priorities:

1. PROMOTE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL in America and around the world, believing that an outpouring of the Holy Spirit will awaken the church to become "the church in all her glory."
2. TARGET STRATEGIC CENTERS OF HARVEST for short and long-term missions.
3. SEND TRAINED AND EQUIPPED HARVESTERS to unreached cities of the world who will nurture church planting movements in 100 cities through strategies that God gives TEAM and our international partners.
4. PROVIDE TRAINING IN EVANGELISM, DISCIPLESHIP AND CHURCH PLANTING. We believe that, having prayed for revival, we can pull the trigger on mighty outpourings of the Holy Spirit by uniting His people to love the King and lead in the advance of the Kingdom.
5. PLANT REPRODUCING CHURCHES that are committed to multiplying church planting movements.

The Clark family has a true passion for Thailand and have spent the better part of the last 3 decades there raising up true disciples of Christ, who in turn raise up more disciples. We are blessed to be partnered with them in their work- this is a mission that we, personally, support in prayer and in finance. Their ultimate goal is to reach 100 cities for Christ all across the globe. Visit the following links if you are interested in joining them on one of their trips, or contributing to their cause, or contact them for more information.

Middle East Gospel Outreach (or MEGO)- Dr. Elias Malki has spent over 50 years in ministry. He is the host of his own satellite television show "The Good News Program" that reaches 180 countries each day-in English and in Arabic. He also trains new ministers of the gospel at his training site in Cyprus, and leads tours of Israel. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Malki many times, as well as the privilege of learning from this mighty man of God on Sunday visits to our church. From their website:

Middle East Gospel Outreach is a Christian organization committed to fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus gave his disciples and followers. “All power is given unto me (Jesus) in heaven and in earth. GO ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (St. Matthew 28:20)

Just check out these testimonies! If this is a ministry that you would like to know more about, or if you would like to partner with them you can contact them here. Dr. Malki literally helps to reach millions of Muslims each year. We here at the Headless household have supported this ministry for years and delight in hearing Dr Malki's praise reports each time he visits our church.

I hope you enjoy reading about these great organizations as much as I enjoy being a part of them. God Bless You this week!

(I was not compensated in any way for this post. These are organizations that I contribute to, believe in, and hope that you will, at the very least, keep them and their missions in your prayers.)

Are We So Different?

(This is an entry to win a scholarship to the SheSpeaks Conference. Please read all the way through for your opportunity to win, too!)

Much has been said about what Pastor Joel Osteen said on Larry King. From what I can find, it was about 2 years ago, and in a nutshell, when asked about whether Jews and Muslims will go to heaven he danced around the issue. (You can see the clip here.)

In direct response to the clip he was pointing to the fact that the Bible says that we are to have a personal relationship with Christ. He also didn't directly answer the question either. It is abundantly clear in the Bible that there is One Way.

⁶Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

I wonder. How often do we, as Christians, do the same dance? Thinking that if we soften the message we'll win more people? Or we shrink away from the whole truth to be "politically correct"?

I know that I'm guilty. Even here on this blog. Especially here. So I am here to repent today and step out boldly for Christ. To ask for your forgiveness, and God's forgiveness for not using this space for it's full potential. For God's purpose and kingdom. In my heart I want everything I do to point to Him- His power, His grace, His authority, His love.

My prayer today is that God will use my fingers as I type on this keyboard for the glory of His kingdom. I don't have all the answers, I don't know all there is to know about the Bible, but I know that by surrendering to God, and giving ourselves (and our fingers!) for His will and His purposes HE WILL MOVE. I ask God to use me, in all my imperfections, to reach someone today. I want to speak boldly for the Lord.

²⁹Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (Acts 4:29)

*****

Twice now I have been prophesied over and the word was the same. I am called to be a women's speaker, to take God's message of love and acceptance to women to help strengthen families and marriages. My heart is for families to be strong, for marriages to be full and blessed. I have never shared this publicly before because I was afraid. The enemy did good work in me-he led me to believe that I didn't know enough, wasn't good enough, didn't read the Bible enough, didn't have a good enough story to share. Who would want to listen to me?

God has done a better work though. Although I have questioned Him over and over, the answer has always been the same. I argued that I didn't know apologetics well enough, know the Bible well enough, or pray good enough. Instead of not being enough, I want to live the humility of this:

⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:8-10)

Did you see that ? "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Amen. I need Christ's power because becoming a speaker is way bigger than I am capable of on my own. I can't get there on my own understanding or my own works. I need God's help. He has given me this space, this sphere of influence to go boldly and speak of His grace and mercy. I never want to waste that again.

*****

SheSpeaks is a conference for women speakers, leaders and writers to learn how to better serve the Lord in their calling. These can be daunting tasks but Lysa TerKeurst and the Proverbs 31 Ministries team are here to help. From July 31-August 2 Proverbs 31 leaders will gather in Charlotte, North Carolina to help women like you and me find our unique voice, and write and deliver a clear message.

I desperately want to learn how to better use my calling, my voice, and my influence to expand God's kingdom, and to guide women to their God given talents in being uplifting to their families and communities. I desperately want to say "Yes" to all that God has called me to do in His name, and I feel that this conference is a perfect way for me to step out in faith that He knows what He's doing in calling little ol' me. I'm not perfect, but I will follow where He leads. I have often asked God to show me how to begin the process of becoming a speaker and a better blogger for Him. I hope that He is leading me to Charlotte!

If you would like to join them you can register here, or visit the SheSpeaks home page for more information. If you would like an opportunity to win a scholarship to this years' conference go to Lysa's blog and get all of the information that you need-there is still enough time to enter!

So, are we so different? Am I so different from Mr. Osteen, that when asked directly about what the Bible says I shrink from the truth? I hope through this conference that I am able to say that I don't back down when it comes to my faith. I hope I learn how to better write what God has put on my heart. I hope I learn how to be bold when it comes to Jesus and all that He has called me to. I hope that I can say "Yes, I am different, because Christ made me different."

Love, Hope, and Football

It is no secret around here that I looooove me some sports. (That would be my English degree talkin', folks.) Football, baseball, whatever, I love them all. I especially love a great sports story that is inspiring, a story that is really about the human condition and compassion.

This fits the bill perfectly.

You must go read about the Gainesville State vs. Grapevine Faith football game. It's ok. I'll wait.

Back? OK.

What those coaches, parents and players did is tremendous. Those boys from State will remember that love for the rest of their lives. Issiah really said it all when he prayed this prayer:

"Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

That is the great commission. To love, to give hope. That is what Jesus would do. That is the definition of love.

Special thanks to Sophie for leading me to this link. AWE-SOME!
image courtesy google images and www.art.com

Ironically, our pastor had a lot to say about this subject today, and I had to update this. Actually, it's not ironic at all but me really trying to listen to the Holy Spirit, and use this space for what He wants me to use it for.

What do you think you would have done if you'd have seen one of the kids from the above article walking down the street? You probably would have pulled your child closer, or held your purse a little tighter under your arm. Would you have gone up to them? Offered them food? Money? Your coat? What about asking that kid what you could pray for him? Would you pray a blessing right there, right then, for God to bless him? Richly, abundantly, above all? Are we really living what Jesus commissioned us, or have we fallen into the 'American' way? Living is more than just the Golden Rule, but it is really reaching out, helping, loving, lifting up, forgiving. If you don't believe me, believe the one who said it. Read Luke 6:27-38. We are commanded to give-our life, our money, our clothing, our hearts to those who are marginalized, help those around us, pray for them, do what we can to lift them up. That's when we get our reward.