Sheep To The Right

Portable God

2011-10-27T08:11:00.005-04:00

A sudden intake of air is followed by a squeal. “Mommy!!!” My baby girl calls my name and her feet do a dance on the mattress of her crib. She runs across the crib and grabs her bear, scooting back to the rail as quick as she can, lifting one arm for me to lift her.

She motions with her other arm wrapped tightly around her coveted animal. “Bear wif us,” she tells me. “Bear wif us.” She repeats herself until I assure her that bear can come “wif us” to get some breakfast downstairs...

Join me today at the Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

And would you allow me to ask for prayer? I'm preparing to go to New Mexico next week for a writer's conference. I will be taking two book proposals with me. Would you pray for the following requests:

-Baby Grace is sick today. Please pray I am able to finish all preparations for the trip.

-Pray the rest of the family, including me, will stay healthy.

-Pray for God to go before me and prepare a way.

-Pray for His will to be done.

-Pray protection for me as I travel, but also for my family back home.

-Pray for my friend Amy, who is traveling with me. Her son has epilepsy. Pray for no seizures while she is gone.

Thank you sweet friends! I love you!

The Dance of the Pepper Shaker

2011-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

When he pulled that peppershaker out of the bag I almost laughed out loud.

Fourteen years earlier we stood on separate aisles of Target – me with crossed arms and him wondering if we would ever make it. With scanner gun in hand, I stared at the rows of salt and pepper shakers. Wooden? How could I possibly season my food with wooden salt and pepper shakers?

Join me at 5 Minutes for Faith today to find out more about my pepper shaker. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

And because I LOVE a buy one get one free deal, you are getting TWO devotions today for the price of one. I am also posting today for the Presidential Prayer Team. Join me HERE to read my devotion and help pray for our president.

**As a reminder, this particular link is only good for one day. So if you read it past Sunday, you will have to select today's date (10/23/11) on this link to read my devotion.

A Glimpse of Heaven

2011-10-12T09:09:00.002-04:00

Sometimes in the midst of the mundane every day, sometimes when we least expect. Between loads of laundry, wiping the tables, picking up the same ten toys, and reading through the mail of inconsequence there is an unexpected moment.

A pinhole glimpse of astonishing light.

You find in the most ordinary of spaces a peek at Heaven.

Your breath catches in your throat, and your heart swells until you think it might break at the beauty of it all.

And all you can do is stand and bask, drinking it in, wondering how He could have come so close without fanfare and announcement. But instead of jumping up and down with a shout, you fall.

Fall to your knees and cry Holy. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Did you Inhale?

2011-10-07T09:33:00.003-04:00

I stood mesmerized by the floating and dancing in the sun’s rays. Moving my arm like I was cutting through water I stirred the air before me, then paused to watch the wake.

Tiny bits of dust twirled and hovered. The sunlight illuminated the large quantity of dust floating through my bedroom. I turned from the window to look back into the room, and the dust was gone. At least it seemed that way, but I knew it was ever present. Whether dancing in the light, or hiding in the dark, the dust remained.

As I watched the performance in front of me, my intrigue turned to disgust. All I could think was, I’m breathing that. I had no idea how much dust was in the air until the morning’s light brought it to my attention. Our air filters were just replaced, and dollar signs danced in my eyes as I thought of a home air cleaning system.

So I stood frozen, staring at the tiny invaders and said it aloud this time, “I breathing that.” The breath of my words started more spinning and movement.

Dust isn’t the only unwelcome guest in my home. When I turn on the television or radio or pick up a magazine or book, those people, those words, those situations walk right in through the front door. And I’m breathing them in. Without completely comprehending it, I invited them.

Over time, I’ve realized I decide what to inhale. I can choose a television show with an uplifting message, the transforming power of God’s Word, or Christian radio with encouraging songs. Or I can select programs with compromising situations, magazines with unrealistic photos, and I can sing along to songs with inappropriate lyrics.

When I hold things to the Light (John 9:5), I get a much better perspective.

I’m not saying I don’t ever listen to rock-n-roll, and I’ve seen my fair share of inappropriate movies and tv shows. But let’s get real. Whether you believe it or not, everything we see and hear in a day sinks down into our soul and settles there. It’s what we breathe.

Each morning now I look for them – my dust dancers. And it’s a reminder for me to inhale wisely.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

DWTS - Dancing With the Starving

2011-09-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

Yep. I watch it all right.

I’ll admit some of the outfits aren’t made with as much material as my great-grandmother’s hankies, but I can’t help but watch Dancing With the Stars. I’m drawn in each week as the ladies spin and twirl and the gentlemen dip and swagger.

With breath held, I lean towards the television set hoping no one falls or worse...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read what I learned from Dancing With the Stars. And let me know if you are sensing a theme in my devotions. Hmmm....

When I was in Prison You Visited Me...

2011-09-20T08:34:00.006-04:00

I'm headed to prison this morning.

Don't worry. I think they'll let me out by lunch time. Today is the opening ceremony for the newest (and 2nd) class of prisoners to start their seminary degree in Christian ministry with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I've been invited to attend.

I'm giddy with excitement. Pray for this new class of men that will be launching into uncharted territory in their lives.

Pray for me as I head back next week. I've been asked to teach them how writing can be a ministry. So next Thursday, I'll be heading back to prison - with a happy heart.

Today, I am also posting at The Internet Cafe. It's something you've read before, but I beg you to go visit it again. This need has not yet been filled. Click HERE to hop over to the Cafe and read.

I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately, but God has certainly been working in my life. Would you pray today to ask how you can live out Matthew 25:40 in your life?

Whatever you did for the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Would You Give $10 to Save a Neighbor's Child?

2011-08-28T13:13:00.019-04:00

Well, would you?

I posed this question to my Facebook friends last week. I asked:

“If your neighbor rang the doorbell in a panic and told you their child was in danger of dying – the ambulance was going to take them to the hospital, but the driver needed $10 (insurance co-pay) before they could go – would you give $10 to save your neighbor's child?”

People were quick to reply. Some had more questions; others gave an emphatic yes. After reading over each of the comments, I found they could be broken into three categories:

1. Those who were skeptical

2. Those who said absolutely

3. Those who were willing to do more

But the general feeling from all of the answers, whether skepticism was present or not, was, “Yes, I would help.” One of the responders put it this way, “$10 is $10. What is the value of the life of a child?”

Precisely. What is the value of a life of a child? (Or any person for that matter.) I mean, wouldn’t you give $10 to save your neighbor’s child? Or your neighbor?

What is $10?

-Lunch for me and my two-year-old at McDonalds

-Three trips to Starbucks for cappuccino

-Fifty extra texts when I go over my limit

-Not quite three gallons of gas (depending on the day)

-2 foot-long sandwiches at Subway

Would you be willing to give up any one of those things to save the life of your neighbor’s child?

Our neighbors’ children are dying by the tens of thousands.

You heard me correctly. CNN news reported, “More than 29,000 children have died over the past three months in what is the most acute food security emergency on Earth.” Children waking up each day in the horn of Africa are facing the worst drought in 60 years. Hunger is their reality, and starvation is a real threat.

Thousands of people are walking days, even weeks, to find food – many never make it. Let me put these numbers in a way you can grasp. If the average elementary school has 650 students, imagine 44 schools filled to capacity. What if every student in all 44 schools died in the course of three months? That would certainly be enough to grab the headlines of every news station in America. And wouldn’t we exhaust all costs in an effort to prevent it from happening to more schools?

This 28-year-old mother walked 8 days to get food for her 7 children.

Photo credit: Jon Warren/World Vision

As I write this post, my almost two-year-old daughter runs to me three times and asks for “Mo food.” (More food.) I watch her gobble down raisins, picking up each one with her chubby hand and grin when she sees me. I close my eyes with an uneasy inhale of the stark differences of my children and those in Somalia.

With the many stories coming out of this major crisis, the one that leaves me reeling is the one of a mother who has taken a fifteen-day journey to find food, only to have her two and four-year-old die on the way. In an effort to save her children, she lost them. I can't understand. In America, we're taught if you work hard enough for something, you can achieve it. It's the American Dream. The only dream this woman has is that of feeding her children. I look up as my daughter pokes the last raisin between her lips and runs back to her Play-doh. I crack, and tears flow. My mind can’t grasp it – the thought of losing her.

The mother who lost her two and four-year-old to starvation prays her six-year-old son won't die. He has already been vomiting so much he can't sit up alone.

Picture credit: Jon Warren/World Vision

Perhaps you’re thinking, “These people don’t live next door to me…”

“Who is my neighbor?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:29-37 NIV

So, I ask you again, “Would you give $10 to save a neighbor’s child?” What $10 item could you give up this week in order to give hope to a mother whose children are in desperate need of food?

Are you ready to go and do likewise?

World Vision is working to create change in Africa by its Famine No More campaign. To donate $10, please text the word FAMINE to 20222. The $10 will be added to your phone bill.

If you don’t text, you can click HERE to donate any amount of money to help with the food crisis.

If you give $10, I’d love to hear about it. There are also other ways you can help. If you received this post in an email, forward it to 10 friends and challenge them to give. You can link to the post on Facebook, or bloggers can write their own post about the famine. Please help to spread the word. Together we can make a difference.

Holy Lightning

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

“Lord, please strike him with a holy bolt of lightening,” I prayed. “No real damage. Just enough to scorch him a little.”

Okay, so I don’t normally pray for my husband’s ruin, but let me explain what happened...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to find out why I was praying for lightning.

How to Be Thankful When there is Poop in the Tub

2011-08-19T08:20:00.006-04:00

I could hear her pouting from across the room. “Hrmph!” My seven-year-old crossed her arms and made mad sighing noises. “But you usually let me get in the tub with Grace,” she whined.

I knelt, scrubbing my 22-month-old, listening to my daughter, Faith, list all the reasons why I wasn’t being fair. She desperately wanted to take a bath with the baby. As I stood to dry my hands, Faith swooped into my spot, leaning over the edge of the tub to play with her sister. I turned to fold the towels at the end of my bed in sight of the girls.

I listened to the sweet chatter that only a one and seven-year-old could have until I heard the gasp.

“Mommy!” Faith called me in horror, “There’s POOP in the tub!”

Grab a cup of coffee and join me today at The Internet Cafe. Click HERE to pop over and read the rest of my devotion.

What If...

2011-08-17T16:50:00.010-04:00

I couldn’t make any more excuses.

For years I had used the old money-is-just-too-tight-we-barely-have-enough-for-ourselves card. And that was true. Money was tight, and there were many months where we barely had enough to cover the bills, but we ate out every Friday night. And if we missed a Friday, we’d squeeze it in on Saturday or perhaps a Sunday lunch.

For the most part, I was content.

Content knowing at least it was on the list – at the top as a matter of fact. You know the list. The list of things you will do if you ever strike it rich. My list started with:

1. Sponsor a child through World Vision.

It was right above: 2. Buy a pair of shoes in every color of the rainbow.

Very spiritual, I know. My heart ached whenever I saw the faces of those children. I knew God was speaking to me, asking me to help, but I kept telling Him I didn’t have enough.

Then one morning, God turned on the loud speakers to my heart. My daughter, Faith, was up early. I heard her crying before I saw her. She stood in the doorway to my room. “Mommy, my tummy hurts. I’m so hungry.”

I rubbed my eyes and blinked. “Well, go grab a granola bar. I’ll be down to fix you something else in a minute,” I told her and moved to put my feet on the floor when I heard Him whisper.

“What if…?”

I stopped and listened, knowing God was trying to get my attention.

“What if you had nothing to feed them? What if your pantry was bare? What if even the nearest water was miles away? What if your children lied beside you at night and whimpered from the pain of empty? What if…?”

Taken aback, I scurried down the stairs and walked to the pantry. The door stood wide with Faith in the middle, munching a chocolate chip granola bar. She was surrounded by food.

“What if…?”

A few weeks later, I was offered the chance to actually go to Bolivia with World Vision and write about it. This was an opportunity to see first hand what a difference a sponsor could make in the life of a child. I knew it was for me. It was my chance, I thought, my chance to make a difference. But the door shut before I could walk through. Eight bloggers went to Bolivia, but none of them were me.

I vowed to follow their trip and pray for their journey. Each day, I read their entries and cried. Each day, God waited patiently.

Until finally one morning I was done making excuses. We had enough money for what was important to us – obviously Chili’s and O’ Charley’s were vital.

But what if we chose to stay home one Friday a month and saved the $35 it costs for sponsorship through World Vision, and we wrote letters that night to our child? The sacrifice of not eating out once a month didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice at all.

God did have plans for me to make a difference in Bolivia, but it wasn’t by blogging about the trip. Not this time. Instead, our family joined hands with a seven-year-old girl named Jhovana, who lives in a hut with a dirt floor and a thatched roof. She likes math and loves to play with dolls.

By staying home one Friday night a month, our family will help provide clean water, medical care, in addition to improved nutrition and hygiene. We will help support her whole community with school supplies and classrooms. Her parents will be given job skills, but most of all they will all be shown the love of God.

“What if…?”

So what if the great plan God has for feeding the hungry and filling the thirsty is ME and YOU? What if we do nothing about it?

Won’t you join me by sponsoring a child?

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 NIV

What's that Smell?

2011-07-28T08:55:00.004-04:00

The smell was so bad he was embarrassed to take friends to lunch.

My husband drove a burgundy Saturn in the early days of our marriage. And it stunk. For a male, a little stink in a car is like a trophy. What guy wants his wheels to smell of strawberries and roses?

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Firm Foundation

2011-07-21T09:21:00.006-04:00

Hours of hard work and skill were destroyed with one simple element – water. Within minutes it was over. Men and women fanned out on the beach and watched as the waves swept over sculptures crafted by hands. What once stood with beauty looking over the shore was now lumps and bumps of wet sand...

I'm posting a devotion with the Presidential Prayer Team today. Join me by clicking HERE. If you receive this devotion after today, July 21, you can read my devotion by clicking on the date roll at the top of the current devotion and scrolling down to the 21st.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Into the Sunset

2011-07-15T10:06:00.011-04:00

I painted over my son’s boyhood. With a dip and a roll, I watched with detached sorrow – as if I wasn’t the one doing it – and covered his childish fantasy with a fresh coat of paint. We stood in that exact spot, his father and I, only eight years ago with paint in hand and created a beautiful mural. A cowboy riding into the sunset.

Now it’s gone.

I stood back and took stock of what I’d done. Tears threatened. He was two then and loved cowboys. We decked his room with bandanas and horses. His bed was crafted into an old wagon, complete with red wheels. That, too, was now gone.

My child walked in, his ten-year-old frame almost as tall as me, and smiled. “Almost there,” he grinned. “Not quite,” I told him looking more at him than the wall.

My heart swelled and ached. Mothers have been raising children for thousands of years and survived. But not this mother. And not my child. I took my first-born’s face and pulled his nose to mine.

“Mama,” he squirmed. “Do you know how much I love you?” I insisted. He just smiled in return nodding between my cupped hands. I knew as he did it, that one day he’d give that smile away. Some sweet little girl would be the recipient of my son’s heart.

It’s the way of things. The ebb and flow, the giving and receiving – it’s the way God intended. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Gen. 2:24 ESV

“Hey, check it out! My old spurs!” I watched as my son clipped silver spurs to his high tops and ran out the door to find his sister.

Yes. A man shall leave his father and mother – just not today.

Lord, thank you for allowing me the privilege of raising my three children. As they grow, help me to accept the changes that take place. Prepare my heart for the day you have chosen for them to become one with another. Give me wisdom to always point them to You. Amen.

Never Let You Down

2011-07-07T07:23:00.005-04:00

“I’m not a crook.” Richard Nixon’s infamous words to the Associated Press in November 1973 were simply stated, but untrue. One of the most famous break-ins in history was pinned on the nation’s top seat – the presidency...

I'm posting for the Presidential Prayer Team today. Click HERE to read my devotion. And remember, this link is only good for today, July 7. If you haven't signed up for the Presidential Prayer Team daily devotions, you should. They will keep you informed of everything going on in our country you need to know.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

The Power of a Conjunction

2011-06-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

Have you ever thought about the power of the conjunction? A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. It builds bridges between words, pathways linking words that may have otherwise never been united. One of my favorite popular and powerful conjunctions is but. A sentence can skip along in one direction, then with the addition of one little conjunction, the meaning can stop and march the other way...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

I've been taking it easy this summer from blogging. I hope you'll forgive me. I've been spending most of my writing time on other projects. But most of all, I've been enjoying some time with my family. Some of my long time readers may recognize this post from 2008. I hope you enjoy. And don't worry. I'll be back!

Insufficient

2011-06-10T07:23:00.005-04:00

I bounced a check.

There. It’s out.

I wish I could tell you my insufficient funds were for a twenty thousand dollar super speedy motorboat with a deluxe bathroom on board. Instead I bounced a check for nineteen-dollar school pictures...

Join me today at the Internet Cafe where I get really honest. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Book Signing

2011-06-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV

Have you ever had a moment where you stop and think, "How did I get here?" I had one of those moments on Saturday. Getting into the writing and publishing world is a slow process. You don't just decide to start writing one day and get published the next. It just doesn't happen that way. (Well, not for most of us anyway.) It's a process.

For me, it has been a journey. A journey about obedience. God called me to write, and I did. Then He asked if I would be willing to give it up. Begrudgingly, I told Him I would. But it wasn't the writing He wanted me to walk away from. It was SELF. I had to remove my wishes from the situation. Once my heart was right, doors began to open.

I didn't always know where He was leading, but I tried (sometimes white knuckled) to follow Him. This past Saturday, I was at Lifeway Christian stores in Buford, GA doing a book signing for the book Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood. On the way home, I was talking to God aloud in my car, thanking Him for the opportunity.

And then it hit me. The awesomeness of God and His goodness towards me. If you'd asked me four years ago when I started pouring my heart into writing if I dreamed one day I'd be doing a book signing at Lifeway, I would have most assuredly laughed in your face.

But God...

God is so good! Please share in my joy, and enjoy the pictures of the signing. I love you all!

Why My House is Messy

2011-06-06T07:31:00.002-04:00

I’m a self-proclaimed neat freak who is drawn to the messy.

Yeah, before you say it, I know. I’m a walking dichotomy.

In college, a clean dorm room was a must. Curling iron and hair dryer cords were wrapped and put away. Makeup brushes nestled inside my Caboodle, and dresser drawers were always pushed shut...

I'm at 5 Minutes for Faith today! Seems like I've been away forever. I'd love for you to join me there. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

How Bad Do You Need It?

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

My husband needs a haircut. Sorry, honey. But you do. He was going to cut it over the weekend but the haircut place he usually frequents closed down. He walked back in the house with hair carelessly dangling over his ears.

“Why didn’t you go to the other haircut place across from the mall?” I questioned him.

“Too much trouble,” he offered while the hairs danced around his ears and stuck out their collective tongues at me.

Sunday morning as we rode to church I glanced at the handsome driver of our mini-van, but all I could see was hair. Hair needing to be cut. I sat thinking he should have gone to the trouble. He was looking wooly – in a ruggedly handsome manner of style. But he needed a haircut nonetheless.

“You really need to get your haircut,” I tossed out.

“Yeah, I know,” he said cutting his eyes at me in a daredevil kind of way.

He obviously didn’t see the need as great as I. I would have planned a babysitter, driven across town in traffic, and waited forty-five minutes reading the latest haircut magazines all in efforts to cut my locks.

Do I treat God the same way? How much effort do I put into finding time to meet with the Father? Do I pass on my time with him because my schedule didn’t line up just right? Maybe I say, “Too much trouble.”

Or do I make time with Him? Do I put aside everything else and jump through hoops to find time alone with my Maker?

I do both. Some days, I do jump through hoops, and I am always blessed and leave Him looking beautiful. And on other days I say “Too much trouble,” not with my words but with my actions. And guess what? I walk around with menacing hairs galloping around my head. They tell all the world NOT of the places I have been but of the places I haven’t.

So, if you see my husband, nonchalantly offer him a haircut coupon. If you see my Father, tell Him I’m coming I just have to get through some traffic to get there.

**This post was originally posted in November of 2008. We are busy with the last days of school before summer. Well - that and my son broke his foot on Sunday! :( Never a dull moment. In any case, I haven't been getting time to write lately. I hope you enjoy this re-run.**

Blessings,

He Knows My Name and Another Book Giveaway!!

2011-05-09T08:10:00.007-04:00

Grace’s babbling over the baby monitor drew me out of sleep. I listened, smiled, and rolled over. Her constant, incoherent chatter soon lulled me into drowsiness, until two syllables snapped me awake...

Happy Monday! You are getting another sneak peek at one of the devotions in the new book I co-authored, Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood. You are also getting another chance to win a copy of the book. Guideposts has graciously offered THREE books to give away. Click HERE to read the rest my devotion over at the Internet Cafe. You must leave your comments there in order to win!

Want more chances to win?

The contest at 5 Minutes for Faith is still running. If you haven't entered there, please go leave a comment HERE and HERE.

Pillow Prayers and a Book Giveaway!

2011-05-02T08:02:00.009-04:00

Lack of sleep can endanger lives. I listened to the news report and let out a laugh. The story was about new attempts to shorten the hours doctors work in their first year of residency. Instead of twenty-four hour shifts, it was suggested that newbies should only have to work sixteen. I tried to count the hours of sleep I’d had the night before, but didn’t have the mental capacity...

This is the beginning one of the devotions from the new book I've co-authored called Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood. You have a chance to win a copy of the book! Two chances actually.

Join me HERE to read the whole devotion and find out how to win. You can also visit HERE to read a review of the book and get one more chance to win. And if you don't win, don't be sad. On my site, there is a box in the upper right-hand corner where you can order your very own copy!

I had my first book signing yesterday. Here are a few pictures from the event. Enjoy!

When the Storm Passes By

2011-04-28T08:58:00.003-04:00

My eyes were glued to the television. The house was dark and quiet with the exception of my husband’s snores and an occasional rumble of thunder in the distance. The storm was coming.

I leaned back in my chair, my body as heavy as my lids, and listened. “Cedartown, Lindale, Euharlee please take cover. Get into an interior room or basement away from windows. Pine Log, we expect to see this headed your way in the next twenty minutes…” Tornados ripped their way through my state as I watched on TV.

I found my city and stared at the deep red streaks across the radar map leading right to me. We were right in the path of the storm. My stomach flipped and fluttered at the thought of waking the kids to bring them downstairs. With two story walls of windows at the front and back of the house and no basement, I mentally walked through each room looking for a safe spot. After finding it, I wondered at the idea of pulling the crib mattress downstairs to cover the kids.

My attention turned back to the weather forecaster as she threw out words like Viper Tornado Index and death toll. The kitchen clock blurred. 1:03 a.m. Videos of monster-wide twisters from Alabama played across the screen. I blinked my eyes shut and opened them again to see the menacing red enemy creeping closer to my town. Blink. Closer. Blink. And closer.

One more blink – and the ugly splash of red was to the east of us. One county over was taking cover while crickets chirped outside my window.

The storm had passed us by.

Sometimes you find yourself in the eye of the storm, and others it marches right by. Praise God for the passing!

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God.  

Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?  

How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.

Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”  

Let the light of your face shine on us.

Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD,  

make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4 NIV

When Friends Betray You

2011-04-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

If you dig down enough, the tender spots are still there. Betrayal runs deep.

“Every time I call, her mom says she can’t come to the phone,” I shared with my own mother, confused. I was sixteen and had been in my first wreck. I was driving with one of my best friends when I turned left in front of an on-coming car. It struck us on the passenger side where she sat and pushed us through the intersection.

When the firemen arrived on the scene, they carefully pulled open the door for my friend so the shattered window wouldn’t fall in her lap. Her head hit the window on impact. Neither of us had a scratch, but the EMT suggested we take a visit to the hospital anyway – just to be safe.

Climbing in the ambulance scared me almost as much as the crash. Questions dashed here and there, so I couldn’t get a handle on any of them. I reverted to the simple and told the paramedics again and again, “I’m diabetic. I’m insulin dependent.” And I held out my wrist with Medic Alert dangling as if to ward off the IV poles and tubing all around me.

“It’s okay.” They assured me and patted my leg. “You are fine.”

The rest of the night was a blur. My aunt and uncle coming to the hospital in place of my parents who were at the lake. The tiny room made from a curtain pulled around a bed. And the safety pins my aunt brought for the drafty hospital gown.

I don’t remember leaving the hospital, but I do remember calling the next day to check on my friend. Each time I dialed I heard the same. “She is resting.” “She can’t come to the phone.” “Can she call you back?” Only she never did.

I didn’t intend to wreck my car that night. I wasn’t trying to harm my BFF, but she turned her back to me nonetheless. I cried for weeks – maybe months. I felt betrayed.

One day we were besties, and the next day we were nothing.

Taking that into mind, I can’t even wrap my mind around what Jesus went through that night in the Garden. Jesus took three of his closest friends with him to Gethsemane. Understanding what was about to happen, Christ told them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34 NIV) He desperately needed some time alone with His Father. He asked his three buddies to keep watch while He prayed.

Instead they fell asleep. Christ was in agony, while his friends were catching some shut-eye. Ever feel like no one cares what you are going through? I’m sure Jesus felt the same. After waking the disciples, the praying/sleeping scenario happened two more times. Peter, James, and John just couldn’t keep their eyes open. I can only imagine the frustration to find them sleeping that third time. Just then, Judas approaches with an angry mob or crowd armed with swords and clubs. (v. 43)

He boldly walks right up to Jesus and betrays Him with a kiss.

As the guards began the arrest, chaos begins. Then everyone deserted him and fled. (Mark 14:50 NIV) Let that sink in a moment.

Then everyone deserted him and fled.

Betrayal hurts. Even if you are the Son of God.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 NIV

Being a Christian doesn’t mean you are immune to bad things. It doesn’t mean your friends will never betray you. Christ’s did. Why should we be any different?

Being a Christian means that disloyalty won’t keep you down. God conquered betrayal and death. Jesus was crucified as a result of Judas’ treachery. But friends, death could not keep Him in the grave. Don’t let a betrayal be the death of you.

Stand tall. It may be Friday, but Sunday’s coming.

Armor On

2011-04-21T08:06:00.005-04:00

Do you have on your armor? Join me at The Presidential Prayer Team to read my devotion there today. Click HERE.

***I will remind you again - this link is only good for my devotion today (April 21). After today it will be linked to the devotion for tomorrow. You can not reach my devotion in the archives, so you'll have to read it today. Sorry!

I encourage you to sign up for the email on the Presidential Prayer Team website. This is an incredible site that will keep you in the know about politics and those who lead our government. May I encourage you to pray for our nation's leaders?

Salad Bar Bible

2011-04-15T08:13:00.004-04:00

I treat my Bible like the salad bar at Denny’s.

No, I don’t load it up with cucumber slivers and bacon bits. The thought of blue cheese drizzling over the gold-edged pages, pooling on top of, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob,” clearly makes me cringe...

I'm over at the Internet Cafe today. Come on by to READ MORE of my devotion.

Sweet Talkin' Ken

2011-04-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wanted to program your husband to say the right things?

Imagine. You walk down the stairs for a coveted date night with the man of your life after spending hours choosing just the right outfit to disguise your left over baby weight. You’ve spent extra time putting on your “face,” even taking the time to Google some make-up tips and tricks. With your smoky nighttime eyes, you walk past your man looking down at your freshly painted toes, hoping he’ll notice your lids.

You twirl, pretending to look at the television, giving him a view of you from all angles. “Hey,” he begins, and you hold your breath –

Join me at 5 Minutes for Faith to read the rest of my devotion. Click on over to READ MORE.

Presidential Prayer Team

2011-04-07T09:16:00.005-04:00

Do you ever worry about the state of our nation? Have you taken those concerns to the Lord? Well, there is an incredible group of people that have committed to prayer for our nation's leaders - no matter who is in office - to ask God to give them wisdom and direction.

This group, called the Presidential Prayer Team, has asked me to join with them by writing devotions for our nation. The site is packed with information about what is going on in the political realm and how you, as a Christian, can pray.

I encourage you to sign up on The Presidential Prayer Team website. You will not only get devotions emailed to you daily, but you will get a regular newsletters about current events and how you can pray.

To read my devotion today. Click HERE.

This link will take you to the devotions. If you are reading this after April 7, the devotion will have changed. This isn't a direct link to my specific devotion and will only allow you to read it today.

Yours in Christ,

A Day Without Shoes?

2011-04-05T12:33:00.008-04:00

It's a never-ending source of discontent.

I'm usually an organized person, and I've tried all sorts of remedies. But my shoes are never orderly. Never.

I try to organize by style, color, seasons - you name it. Yet, they always end up jumbled up on the floor.

Today, I came across this...

And I'm still trying to process it.

I've spent the last couple of days looking for my 19 mo. old new shoes. She has outgrown her footwear so quickly. I've compared shoes for price and cuteness factor. So, thinking of the millions of children who go without shoes because they don't have a choice is upsetting to me.

And it leaves me with just one question. What am I going to do about this?

What are you?

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 NIV

How Do You Know if God is Calling You to Ministry?

2011-04-01T08:45:00.005-04:00

He told me to ignore the call of God, and it was the best advice I ever received.

I was sixteen. God had been working on me. Not like cleaning out a few cobwebs kind of work. He was knocking down walls and rearranging the basic structure of things. I knew, well I thought I knew, that He was calling me to some type of ministry.

I pictured myself in the Amazon rainforest passing out tracts and cold chills went up my spine. Each intake of breath felt heavy, like I couldn’t get enough air. How do you know?

How do you know when God is calling you to a deeper place with Him? How do you know if God is asking you to be in ministry? Or even more daunting – missions? Just the word brought to mind the tiny black and white photos of the missionaries in the back of the Open Windows devotionals we used to read at the breakfast table.

I took my shaky questions to someone I knew would have the answers. Someone wise in the ways of the Lord – my grandfather.

My Pop, as we called him, was a preacher. He retired after 50 years in the ministry, but couldn’t stay away and was doing interim pastoral work to supplement the time he spent in his garden.

Sure no one else was around, I dropped my big question and waited. “Pop, how do you know when God is calling you into the ministry?”

His hands stilled on the mail in his lap as he turned to look at me. “Ignore it.”

I’m sure my mouth hung open because those were not the words I was expecting to come out of Pop’s mouth. “Ignore…God?” I didn’t understand.

“Ignore the calling. The best way to know if God is really calling you is to ignore it. If He does really have a calling on your life, He won’t leave you alone. There will come a point where it will be obvious. You won’t question it anymore, and you’ll know with confidence God’s plan for you.”

I let that sink in a minute, the velour sticking to the backs of my sweaty legs, and took a deep breath. I didn’t have to worry about it. The ministry train wasn’t going to pass by if I was unsure about whether or not to get on board. God would make it obvious.

And guess what? He did.

Perhaps you’ve heard God whisper. And you’ve wondered. Wondered if He’s really speaking to you. Is He calling you to some kind of ministry or the mission field? Is He asking you to open your heart to adoption?

I offer the advice of a wise old preacher and tell you, “Ignore it. Just for a time, because if God’s really trying to get your attention, He will. Trust me.”

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 NIV

****Today is the day!! Today is the release of the Guideposts book I co-authored. If you received this by email, click on the link to my site. Look in the upper right-hand corner. If you are interested, you can order from there. :)

God Loves Fairies, Too

2011-03-29T09:28:00.004-04:00

When you really love God, and you believe what the Bible says, you will try to share it. Even if it's with fairies. Faith made a fairy house with Lego's, and now she is trying to lead those fairies to the Lord.

When she starts preaching on her karaoke microphone and issues the fairies an invitation to join hands with Jesus, I'm going to have to start saving for seminary.

Who are you sharing God's love with this week?

Make Room

2011-03-24T09:58:00.004-04:00

“Put this in your purse.” My husband thrust a sippy cup my way. “And this,” he tossed me a bib. As I dug and rearranged my wallet, my business card case, a few peppermints, some lip gloss, forty-eleven coupons, a tube of hand cream, a pack of tissues, and my pressed powder compact to fit the cup, he says, “We should probably take these.”

I raised my head to see a couple of diapers and a wipes box staring me in the face...

Join me today at the Internet Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

In Prison for Faith

2011-03-22T11:54:00.002-04:00

We are the same age – only I’m not in jail.

Asia Bibi is a 37-year-old Christian living in Pakistan. Like me, she loves the Lord and can’t help sharing His goodness. At the farm where Asia works, the other local women are Muslim. All of them.

On June 19, 2009 the discussion around the farm became heated. The Muslim women told Asia about Islam and Mohammad. Asia waited for her turn and told them about Christ. She shared how Jesus died on a cross for our sins, then asked what Mohammad had done for them.

“Jesus is alive,” she shared, “and Mohammad is dead.” The women were angered and began to beat Asia, until some men came and locked her in a room. Soon, they announced from the mosque’s loudspeakers that Asia would have her eyes blackened, so they could parade her through town on a donkey.

Before they could do any more harm, other Christians intervened and begged the police to save Asia. They took her into custody, but under the pressure from Muslim leaders, could not release her to her family.

Asia, like Paul and Silas, sits in her jail cell and prays. She hasn’t seen her children since December 2010. I cannot even imagine the heartbreak of being away from my babies so long.

Friends, this isn’t a story from ancient Bible times. This young woman is imprisoned today – in 2011. When we drive to church in air conditioned cars and sit on cushiony seats and spend an hour clapping and singing, it’s hard to imagine others don’t have that privilege. They can’t exclaim, “Praise the Lord,” in Wal-mart when they find the jelly they’ve been hunting.

Please be in prayer for Asia and her family. She is one of many.

Her story and others like it can be found on the website www.prisoneralert.com. Each of the prisoners on this website have been imprisoned for their faith. Sign up for their email to remind you to pray for these prisoners. You can also send encouraging letters to Asia and other prisoners. The site helps translate the letter in the native tongue of the incarcerated.

Want to be a sheep?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:39-40 NIV

Praise and Paraphrase - Author Interview

2011-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

From time to time, I like to share people and books with you that I think you'll enjoy. This is one such occasion.

I'd like to introduce you to a sweet woman of God I met at the Glorieta Christian Writer's Conference several years ago. Her name is Pamela Sonnenmoser, and she has a newly released book out called Praise & Paraphrase. Here is a little interview to help you get to know Pamela a little more.

PAMELA SONNENMOSER, AUTHOR OF PRAISE & PARAPHRASE

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into the ministry.

“My parents were evangelists and from the time I was a little girl, I thought I wanted to go into some kind of ministry. As I grew up, dreams of reaching people for God took a back seat to reaching for happiness and peace in everything the world had to offer. For six years I wondered in the wilderness of worldly pleasure. When I finally came back to the Lord, I thought he would never be able to use me because I had done too many horrible things. In 1996 God spoke to my heart in such a way that I knew He wanted me to surrender that prideful thinking and submit to His calling on my life. I finally realized it didn’t matter what I’d done before. It only mattered that I gave my life completely to the Lord.”

What was your inspiration for Praise & Paraphrase?

“I have always loved object lessons. I think having parents in ministry helped me to find examples of God’s truth in things we see every day. It seems like no matter what I am doing, the Lord uses the normal things in my life to show me what He is trying to teach me. When I speak, I use a lot of these stories and object lessons. People kept asking me to repeat the stories, so I decided to make them into devotionals. Eventually, Praise & Paraphrase was born.”

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

“Every day there are new lessons, just like every day there are new mercies. Right now I feel like the Lord is really teaching me what it means to be fully consecrated to Him. I mean, more than committed, more than surrendered, and not just saying we are His, but living that out every moment of every day.”

Now that Praise & Paraphrase is out in bookstores, do you have any projects that you're currently working on?

“It seems like I am always working on something new. I love it. Right now I am excited about the release of Pamela’s Healthy Pantry at the beginning of March; but this summer the book that is closest to my heart is being released by Beacon Hill. It’s called Beside the Empty Cradle. It’s such a personal book for me, because it’s our story of battling with infertility and the process to becoming content with God’s plan for our lives, even when it wasn’t our plan.”

God is really moving in both areas of your ministry (speaking and writing) - what projects do you have on the horizon?

“It seems like there is always something new going on. God is really opening doors for the speaking ministry right now, and I am working on two more book projects this year. More than anything, projects that I say yes to have to line up with what God is speaking into my life. I love to do a lot of different things, so I am sometimes too willing to say yes, ahead of listening for God’s direction. I used to try to plan the next thing before the current projects were even half finished. I don’t do that anymore. There are a few things I am praying about right now, but until God says, ‘Go,’ I am finishing the current stuff and speaking around the country as He provides opportunities.”

When you're not speaking and writing, what are you doing?

“I enjoy doing so many things, my favorite way to spend down time in the summertime is with my husband, John, on our boat in the Missouri, River. I am also blessed to have amazing, godly girlfriends in my life, and I love spending time with them. It’s always fun to find things we can do together that might be encouragement, support or help to someone else.”

Where can readers find your book?

“Praise & Paraphrase can be ordered directly from me at www.freshcupministries.com or on Amazon, and from your local bookstores.”

Please share an excerpt from Praise & Paraphrase.

Baked Potatoes

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.- Hebrews 12:11

I love baked potatoes. Not nuked potatoes, but baked in the oven at 350 degrees, for an hour - BAKED potatoes. If you only bake them for 10 minutes they will still be hard. The potato cannot yield to the heat of the oven in just a few minutes. It needs the full baking time to be perfectly done - crispy skin, fluffy on the inside.

Sometimes as Christians we don’t want to stay in the heat very long. We want God to perfect our faith with a microwave instead of the fire. But there is something different about a Christian that tries to take a short cut around the fire. Just like those microwaved potatoes aren’t the same as a REAL baked potato.

What I really love is a great twice-baked potato. To be twice baked the potato spends an hour in the heat, then it is taken out, cut open, its insides are scraped out and crushed. Good things are added to it and finally everything is put back into the shell. That potato has to go back into the oven at that point; back into the heat. Finally it is perfected and ready to serve.

I want to be like a twice-baked potato; perfected by the process God requires, having all of myself removed and having the extra things that come from the Holy Spirit added. I want to be yielded by His refining fire again and again. I long to be ready to serve the glory of God.

Thanks, Pamela! Friends, you have a chance to win a copy of the book over at Pamela's blog. Visit Fresh Cup Ministries to find out how to enter. I'm definitely looking forward to getting the book and reading more!

Three Minutes and Thirty Seconds

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Three minutes and thirty seconds. That was it.

You might be more understanding if this story started with a number like three hours or even thirty minutes, but no. Three minutes and thirty seconds was all I had to wait...

Hey, I'm over at 5 Minutes for Faith filling in for some of my peeps. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

And What Are You Going to Give Me?

2011-03-10T10:52:00.006-05:00

“This one’s for Colin.” My daughter mumbled through the candy in her mouth and thrust a tightly gripped root beer lollipop my way. “That’s nice of you,” I bragged and pulled her free hand through the crowded halls at church to make our way towards her brother’s classroom.

I stuck my head in the door of room E-103 and motioned for my son to come. He appeared with his own small candy bag and held out one yellow, sour Skittle for his sister. I smiled at his generosity and applauded myself for teaching my children to share with each other. No one was forced to save candy for the other.

If all children were like mine, the world would be a better place. Just as I was warming up to sing a few verses of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”...

Join me at 5 Minutes for Faith to find out what happened next. Click HERE to read the rest.

Not What I Expected

2011-03-08T12:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I received a gift. I didn’t know it was coming, and it took my breath away. A simple brown box from New York – containing two of the books I helped write.

Yep. You heard me correctly.

For those of you who know me personally, you are not surprised. I’ve talked and talked and talked….and talked about writing this devotional book for Guideposts. Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood. It’s written by me and nineteen other moms and one dad. (It’s an equal opportunity book.)

And it’s by far one of the most exciting things I’ve done thus far in my writing career. It was finished (well – my part was) last September, and I’ve waited on it like waiting for eggs to hatch.

So, I took the box and slid a knife over the packing tape to reveal the contents. The smell of cardboard wafted my way, but I dug further. Under the brown crumpled filler paper were two books. I gently reached in to hold one in my hand.

I expected to jump up and down all squealy – my normal response for super happy events. But it wasn’t in me. Not because I wasn’t excited about the book. My rapid heart beat was proof of that.

I couldn’t jump and squeal because of the power of God. It was a holy experience. In that moment, the thought that God planned this for me before my birth came whooshing in and took my breath away.

Since then, I have poured through the devotions. (Yes, of course searching for each of mine.) They are beautifully written, and I am honored to be among such talented individuals.

The book was actually written for new moms. It is a yearly devotional with stories and tidbits of wisdom to carry them through the first year. But I’ve been reading it, and I can tell you ANY mom would love it.

My devotions are all centered on the birth and first year of Grace. Rereading the story of her birth and time in the hospital has brought back many memories.

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon. Its release date is April 1, so I’m sure I’ll talk about it some more. And more and more. You get the picture. Will you praise God with me today?

Lord, I am so thankful for the opportunity you allowed to work with Guideposts to publish a book. I am also humbled you would use me. You are a mighty and awesome God. Please bless each of the mothers who read the book. Draw them close with each word. Continue to use me, Lord. Amen.

The Smell of Normal

2011-03-07T12:23:00.006-05:00

I walk in at her prompting; she’d called my name over and over like the non-stop hum of the a/c. “Mamamamamama.” My entrance stops her mid-stream, and she exchanges chatter for grins.

Her little brown eyes pool in my heart; my eyes follow with tiny puddles of their own. She hands me her bear and points at the pacifier on the floor at my feet. Handing back the paci is routine, and I wait for her to drop back in the bed feigning how she doesn’t want to leave it. She does it every day.

And I go along – inviting her to breakfast downstairs, asking if she slept well, begging for morning kisses, reaching out my arms. She babbles in reply, sometimes giggling and hiding her face in the pink blanket she loves.

As I wait for her to stand, my heart pulls and stretches to full. This is my life.

I close my eyes and breathe in deep. My nose is filled with the smell of it.

The smell of normal.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

Relish today in your own normal. Drink in each moment.

He is Faithful or Why I'm Not Buying Colin a New Coat - repost

2011-02-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

If you've been a reader of mine for a long time, you will recognize this as a repost from a few years ago. Originally posted January 4, 2008. (Because we definitely aren't wearing coats here this week. Colin has been begging to wear shorts!!)

My seven-year-old son hates cold weather, and he hates coats. Or at least he hates the coats we have for him. As our warm Georgia weather changes from fall to winter, we must trade flip-flops for fleece. My poor son has been forced to wear a heavy coat. He doesn't mind the occasional sweat jacket but cannot stand anything heavier. While shopping last week, I glanced at the jackets thinking if Colin had one he liked, I wouldn't have to hear fussing and crying on super cold mornings. We, indeed, did find one to his liking, but I didn't buy it. I told him I'd think about it.

Since then, he has begged me to go back and buy it. He has a really heavy coat but doesn't like it because he says it's too puffy, and he can't move. So, we've forcibly agreed (Me doing the forcing. Him doing the agreeing.) on wearing a too small coat from last year that is, at least, the right weight. Meanwhile...

I have been praying about a need in my life I really want God to meet. I know He could just wink in my direction and POOF! Need met. But as much as I've prayed, there has been no winking and no poofing around here. It's not like I'm asking for a golden mini-van with a home theater in the back. I'm asking about an honest need. Still, God has been silent. Until yesterday. Until I was reflecting on the coat. And God said - Yes, I could poof your need away, and to tell you honestly, I would like to. But then you wouldn't have really learned anything. Just like Colin, you would think that you always got what you wanted just for the asking. I want you to have a strong faith. Know that I will provide. I AM JEHOVAH-JIREH. The Lord will provide.

I am thankful the Lord takes time to teach one so insignificant as me. And through Him not answering my prayer, He is teaching me:

1. to fully depend on Him.

2. to be thankful for what I have - I have been blessed with so much.

3. to be humble - no one wants to learn this lesson, but we all need to sometimes.

4. to be patient.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 NIV

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV

I'm holding on to the promises; He is faithful.

Do you feel God is silent about something you have been praying about? Keep praying and keep listening. He may be telling you to wait. Write down either one or both of these verses and claim them today. Call to JEHOVAH-JIREH. He will provide.

Going Viral

2011-02-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

For some it’s a dream come true, for others a nightmare.

Going viral...

Grab a cup of coffee and join me today at the Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

I hope you take some time today to tell someone you love Happy Valentine's Day!

Use Me, Lord and Contest Winner!

2011-02-11T10:20:00.009-05:00

My grandmother changed my life. Not by teaching me to crochet, although she did do that. Not by showing me how to can fig preserves or roll up cinnamon rolls, but she did that, too.

My life wasn’t changed when she taught me the value of saving pie tins, bits of fabric scraps, Cool Whip cups, the bags from the outside of the newspaper, milk jugs, or even butter tub lids. Grandmother helped to change my life with three little words...

Want to find out what they were? Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion. For those of you who know me personally and attended my grandmother's funeral in October of 2009, you may recognize some of this as what I shared that day.

And now for the winner of the Valentine Contest!

First let me tell you why MY husband rocks! I met my husband, Alan, in high school. He was the tall, handsome, some-what quiet boy that sat next to me in Trig class. We've grown up together. My husband rocks because he has put up with all my immature and crazy antics as we've grown.

But he REALLY rocks because he is a man of God. I could never be more proud of how he has allowed God to use him. And he loves me in that same sacrificial way that Christ loves the church, which often means giving me the last bite of his cheesecake or candy bar or the last three M&M's. He lets me pick the movie or the restaurant. He always sits in the seat with the breeze so I will be warm. He lets me warm my frozen toes on his legs.

And it doesn't hurt that he is heart-stopping handsome, either. Just saying. That's why MY husband rocks!!

And before I tell you who the winner is, let me share some good news. For those of you who don't win, you can click on the picture above and go to Union 28 for some shopping, too. There is a 10% discount code on the picture. Just put it in at checkout. See? We are all winners!

Drumroll, please......the winner is comment number 15!! I used Random.org to generate the number.

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-02-11 15:42:58 UTC

Comment number 15 belongs to Jennifer King!!! Jennifer, I will contact you about getting your gift certificate. Thanks to everyone who left comments. Have a great weekend!

One and Only

2011-02-04T11:58:00.002-05:00

I moved up against the wall so she could get past. “Granny, do you want to sit there?” the lady behind her questioned pointing towards the seat I just left. Granny didn’t answer. She just rolled on by, headed straight for my chair.

“Mrs. Hatcher?” the receptionist called again. “Here. I’m here.” I called from my spot against the wall. The older woman slid her walker past and her companion followed.

I picked up my insurance card from the receptionist and found another seat while I waited for the nurse to call me back.

I was sure I was the one and only who sat waiting that long for my appointment.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the two women sit close and talk. “You look pretty. I’m glad to be here,” the companion told what I assumed was her mother. The elder leaned close. Her mouth moved, but I couldn’t hear the words. Her daughter replied with a smile. “I missed you, too. But I’ll be here the next three days. We’ll have fun. Won’t we?” And she patted her knee three times. Pat. Pat. Pat.

The younger of the two must have been in her sixties. She moved to take off her coat, and I noticed her clothes. She was wearing colorful scrubs. This woman wasn’t her daughter at all. It was her nurse. I smiled then thinking about the excellent care this woman must have been receiving.

The next fifteen minutes in my doctor’s office waiting room, I was completely intrigued as I watched the interactions between these two women. The nurse ran her hands over her patient’s hair smoothing it into just the right place. She patted her leg as they waited, and smoothed her hands over the elder’s wrinkled fingers, twisted from arthritis. She continued to talk as she dug through her purse for a nail file and smiled at the people around her as she smoothed the rough edges on the hands of one whose eyes had seen the Great Depression.

“She’s ninety-four. And sharp as a tack,” the nurse shared with the lady across from her. Then she turned to grin at me, nodding her head as if to say I’m telling the truth.

“Mrs. Hatcher?” The call drew me out of the waiting room and on with my day. As I drove home later, I couldn’t get the ladies out of my mind.

It was a visual representation of the way Christ cares for me. He draws close when I speak, not missing a word. He knows the hairs on my head and smooths my rough edges. My Lord is happy to be with me. He pours Himself over me attending my every need. He acts as if I’m the single most important one around. He whispers that I am His one and only.

But I know He whispers it to you, too.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:7 NIV

***If you haven't entered the Valentine contest, go leave me a comment on THIS post.

Valentine Contest with a Giveaway

2011-02-03T08:11:00.008-05:00

Does your husband or wife rock? Well, tell me about it and get a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Union 28. Most of you know that Alan and I teach and speak on marriage. It's something we are passionate about. Choosing to be intentional about your marriage is one of the best choices you can make.

Whether your marriage is going through a bumpy spot or whether is a strong as ever, what better time to display how much you love your spouse? I LOVE this company. It is run by a husband and wife team who think bragging on your spouse is one way to breath life into a marriage. (I love it so much I have three of their shirts and want more!!)
This is the mission statement for Union 28:

To encourage marriages and to honor the sacred covenant between a husband and his wife by communicating a positive image of marriage in a fun and stylish way.

Don't you love it? Okay, okay, you want to know how to win the gift certificate right? Well, I'm going to give you lots of ways, so you'll have more than one entry.

Each of the following are worth one entry: 1. Visit the Union 28 site and then leave me a comment telling me why your spouse rocks!
2. Sign up for my email subscription. It's in the top right corner of my website. (Just so you know how it works, you'll get an email in return and you'll have to confirm the subscription. After that, you will only get an email when I post something. And I would NEVER sell or use my subscribers addresses in any other way.) If you already have a subscription, just let me know.
3. Put a link to this post on Facebook, and then come back and leave another comment telling me.
4. Have your spouse come leave a comment with your name telling why you rock!
Well, that gives you at least four chances to enter. The contest will close at 12 a.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 10th. I will announce the winner on Friday, February 11th. You will win a $25 gift certificate to Union 28 where you can pick out your favorite item!

Lost Game System

2011-01-21T08:03:00.004-05:00

My daughter’s hand-held gaming system is lost. And yours probably is, too.

I don’t mean we can’t find it. I mean it doesn’t know Jesus. Now before you half of you send me emails telling me how gaming systems don’t have a soul, and the other half of you tell me how your gaming system was saved at an early age, let me explain myself...

Join me today at the Internet Cafe to read the rest of my devotion. Click HERE.

Don't Play with Matches

2011-01-12T10:56:00.004-05:00

“I can’t find the thing,” I spat into the phone. “Which thing?” my husband questioned me. “The thing. The thing! The thing that tightens the car seat!” My patience thin, I shouted into the phone while my husband tried to explain how to install my daughter’s car seat...

Join me at 5 Minutes for Faith for the rest of my devotion. The deep freeze in Georgia is getting to my brain. This post was actually up to read last Friday on 5 Minutes for Faith, but I'm just now remembering. Click HERE to join me there.

Prayer for the New Year

2011-01-03T12:30:00.008-05:00

The ornaments and trimmings are all packed away. The signs of Christmas no longer blinking and twinkling. All that remains is a basket of well wishes.

Each card represents a bond. A love shared between friends and family.

Piled high in the basket, they are too precious to toss away with the wrapping paper and dried out cookies. Some greetings came with faces smiling back at us, others individualized with a swirly name. Each sent with love.

I make the decision to keep them - in my heart and in this basket. And each week, we will choose one, taking turns picking the family or friend. All week, we will pray for them. That specific family or individual represented on the card will be lifted high to the Father.

We will pray for good health and peace, for a close walk and provision for the new year. My middle child slips her hand in the basket and pulls the strings connecting another family to ours.

This one is close to our heart. It's family - a forever bond.

She holds the card close and smiles at the faces looking back at her. I hear a giggle as she notices the puppy. I think of praying for good health and dog biscuits and giggle a little myself.

And so our journey of prayer begins with this one family. I've counted to know the cards will take us to the month of December 2011. A full year of prayer.

I am thankful for the many loved ones represented and realize I'm starting the year off with a gift.

I am blessed.

May God bless each of you in the coming year as well. Let's pray together.

Dear Lord, please walk close by each of us as we embark on a new year. Lord open our eyes this year to show us where You are at work and give us the boldness to join You. Please provide for our needs in the coming year; those we know of and those in which only You can be aware. Give our family health and strength. Father, let this be the year we make a difference for You. Let us be no longer content to sit by and watch. Use us, Lord! Show us where You would have us to go. Draw us closer. In the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.

I love you all!

With Privilege Comes Responsibility

2010-12-23T01:09:00.004-05:00

“Ms. Hatcher, we’d like to present you with these cross necklaces as a token of our appreciation.” I stared at the two necklaces in my hand delicately wrapped in a sheet of copy paper, then looked up at the prisoner who handed them to me and grinned...

Take a moment from your Christmas preparations, and join me today at The Internet Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

The Ultimate Gift

2010-12-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

It was Christmas morning. We sat on the floor surrounded with crumpled paper and presents watching our then one-year-old daughter squeal and clap over her gifts. The tree twinkled on and off while out of the corner of my eye, I saw our then four-year-old son, Colin, climb onto the couch wearing his coveted new gift – a Superman cape.

Before my head could even fully turn to look at him, he lifted his arms and launched his small body up and out through the air. As quick as he jumped, he fell to the floor – flat on his stomach. I gasped and moved, in motherly instinct, to check on him, but he was standing before I could reach him. With hands on his hips and his eyebrows furled, he stared at us in disbelief and said, “This thing doesn’t work.”

We still laugh over the memory of that Christmas morning. Kids and adults alike wake up Christmas morning full of expectation. We hold our breath hoping the gifts we’ve selected are the right ones. Our hearts quicken as we unwrap the ones marked for us, wondering if our loved ones heard our subtle hints for particular items.

But there is a gift that always works. It never needs batteries, and it’s one size fits all. It’s the gift of Christ. He is the ultimate gift for anyone on your list. So, as you prepare for the oohs and ahhs of Christmas morning, add just one more present under your tree. Give Christ away this Christmas.

But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

Re-Gifting: Is it Really Okay?

2010-12-06T08:10:00.005-05:00

“Oh my! You shouldn’t have!” No really, you shouldn’t. That silver plated moose walnut cracker from your Uncle Morris or perhaps it was the reindeer sweater with jingle bells on the antlers from your mother-in-law. All of us have been the recipient of a gift that was, shall we say, less than desirable...

This is a re-post. But it's one of my favorites. Re-visit it with me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of the devotion.

Thankful

2010-11-25T09:08:00.003-05:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

I'm thankful for...

1. my husband's arms.

2. my children's laughter.

3. the health of my family.

4. parents that pointed me to Christ.

5. friends that always have my back.

6. a cup that runs over.

7. the ability to praise God freely.

8. each of you.

9. time spent with the ones I love.

10. my precious Savior.

What are you thankful for today?

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Move Over and Awakened - Double Feature!

2010-11-15T11:06:00.006-05:00

“Come on!” I yelled at the computer screen, not understanding why my program wouldn’t start. I sat staring at spinning rainbows, realizing I needed computer help.

My husband sat happily at his own computer not three feet from me, frolicking in his computer goodness. His lack of spinning rainbows mocked me. “Can you help me!” I spat rather than asked...

Join me today at the Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

AND...It's a double feature! Two for the price of one!! I'm also at 5 Minutes for Faith. Here is a sneak peek.

She stirs and dark lashes flutter against rosy cheeks. Not quite ready to wake, she turns over nestling her favorite pink blanket and sighs. Eyes shut. But the light beckons her to life, and she rolls onto her back...

Click HERE to join me at 5 Minutes for Faith!

Convenient Worship

2010-11-08T15:25:00.003-05:00

He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” 1 Kings 12:28 NIV

The clock read 6:45 a.m. I hit the snooze button and rolled over. The room was dark, and I was cozy under my covers. It was too cold to get up and out of bed. Nine minutes later, I did it again, telling myself I’d get up in a minute. But thinking of getting three kids ready for church already had me exhausted and my pinky toe hadn’t even hit the floor.

I closed my eyes thinking of reasons we should stay home. 1. I’m tired. I’ve been busy all week, and I can worship God from home… I never got to number two. I fell back asleep. But instead of waking up again in nine minutes, I was awakened from the light in my room and rolled over to look at the clock. 7:45 a.m.

7:45!!! I hit the floor running and jumped in the shower. Knowing Alan and I couldn’t both shower and get the kids ready and out the door in fifteen minutes, I convinced myself it would be fine for us to just make it to the worship service. We would just have to miss Sunday school this week.

No big deal.

At least that’s what I thought until I was having my quiet time the next morning. In 1 Kings, I read about Rehoboam and Jeroboam. King Rehoboam was ruler over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. His father was Solomon. Jeroboam was the ruler over the rest of Israel. The kingdom was split.

Jeroboam knew that if the Israelites journeyed back to Jerusalem to worship at the temple there, they were likely to turn back to God and move their loyalty to Rehoboam. In order to prevent this from happening, he made two golden calves and told the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (v. 28)

The people content not to travel all the way to Jerusalem began to worship the idols and offer sacrifices on the altars Jeroboam built. Worship this way was much more convenient. And out of their selfish need for convenience, they sinned.

This story struck me as I thought about not getting up for church. It wasn’t easy to rise early and get everybody going. I revered sleep more than God. I was no different from those Israelites who worshipped the nearby golden calves.

There are those in this world who walk by foot to the nearest body of believers to fellowship and worship the Lord. Others do it in the dark of night not to be discovered. I’ve heard of some who have memorized large chunks of the Bible, in order to carry the forbidden Word of God with them wherever they go. But it wasn’t convenient for me to get up for Sunday school. It was chilly, and I was tired. My excuses sound so shallow now.

When did ease become more important than respect and devotion?

Oh, God, forgive me. I have taken for granted the freedom I have to worship. Let me remember that coming into your presence is a privilege not a weekly ritual. Please don’t let me place the idol of sleep or convenience in front of You. Use me, Lord, in spite of myself. Draw me ever nearer. Create in me a need to seek Your face, not your hand. I love you. Amen.

There is a Tree

2010-10-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

There is a tree outside my window.

It protects me from the sun. I hear the wind blow through it and watch it shake and bow. Its roots run deep and snake through the earth. Each year, they get longer, and it gets stronger.

The roots and earth cling to one another.

I hear limbs clatter as wind rushes by, and the leaves, little mothers, shhh-shhhush them. Quiet down. All is well. The gusts get stronger and the tree bows to and fro out of respect for the wind. But it does not break.

It does not break.

A crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 NIV

Buried Treasure

2010-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

We wandered in and out of the rooms searching for treasure.

Memories.

A piece of history to carry with us.

After my grandmother’s passing, the grandchildren were invited to her house to reminisce and select special items we wanted to keep. I walked on the back porch where my grandparents used to sit on summer evenings and talk. Covered in dust was their old black phone with the rotary dial...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to hear more about buried treasure.

Chicken Soup Makes Me Want to Sing

2010-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Something was out of place. I reached across my daughter’s bed to make it and caught something out of the corner of my eye. A microphone. It was stretched from her CD player to her bedside. On top of the purple quilted pillow sham beside Faith’s bed was her microphone.

I tucked her in the night before and knew the singing aid was not there then. As I waited for my daughter to brush her teeth and return to the room, I remembered the events of last night. She found a Veggitales CD in the van. “This is a new one!” she told me.

“No, we’ve had it for a while,” I assured her.

“Well, I’m listening to it tonight.” And she ran to her room to get the CD ready for bedtime music.

I smiled remembering and crossed the room to see what songs had drawn her so much she had to sing along.

I read the first two songs…Come, Now is the Time to Worship and God of Wonders.

My heart swelled and my face reflected. I know how you feel sweet girl. Sometimes, you just have to sing.

Today, I’m singing about Chicken Soup. Chicken Soup for the Soul – that is. I am so excited to announce that yesterday Chicken Soup for the Soul, Devotionals for Mothers was released. And I’m singing even louder about the story on page 141.

You guessed it. It’s me. One of my stories is published inside. I’ve been reading my copy and it’s wonderful. Every story is a delight. If you see a copy, pick it up and see if you can find my story. Be sure you turn the page at the end of my story because they even made an adorable cartoon of my devotion! Then do a little jig for me. When people stare at you funny, just say, “My friend is published in here!”

Thank you for reading and following as I walk through the steps of publication! If you read P31 Woman magazine, I also have an article in their October issue. You can get a subscription HERE.

Now you see why I’m singing? God is good!

The World is Too Big

2010-10-04T17:05:00.007-04:00

We left the restaurant hand in hand. With stomachs full, we chatted about light topics like the garlic rolls and the cool night air. We stood, toes on the edge of the curb, deciding which way to go. To venture down to the pier – our original plan before Chinatown sucked away our time with her shopping delights – or back to the hotel to snuggle in fluffy sheets and watch the night lights flicker?

The rustling behind me had me turning back...

Please join me at the The Internet Cafe today to hear why I think the world is too big. Click HERE to join me.

From Good to Great

2010-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

“Thank you Lord for the honor of coming before you to talk about whatever I want, whenever I want,” I prayed and my words trailed off. I sat, legs crossed, on my unmade bed with the rain drizzling outside. My own words sent me into a trance of sorts as I stared at the basket on the floor overflowing with sheets and towels.

My mind took me back to the Sunday school lesson I taught just the day before. “The difference between a good marriage and a great one is open communication,” I had told the class. “A good marriage overlooks things and keeps its mouth shut. A great one talks openly about things of the heart, even when the conversation isn’t easy.”

It didn’t occur to me then, but as I sat in the early morning hour spending some time in prayer, I realized the same is true with Christ. The more time I spend talking and creating an open channel for communication between us, the better our relationship.

God wants to talk to me as much as possible. He never tires of the things I say. He doesn’t fall asleep when I whisper to Him in bed. My Heavenly Father longs for me to address my insecurities, my fears, my dreams, my likes and dislikes. He is interested in the desires of my heart and wants to share His heart with me, as well.

I smiled at my epiphany and leaned back onto my pillows. “God, you are awesome,” I told Him. “Can I just tell you something I’m excited about? Well, ….”

This is the beginning of something beautiful.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 NIV

Redeemed

2010-09-13T08:55:00.003-04:00

We had traveled from Georgia to California just to eat at McDonald’s.

“Mom, I’m so thirsty,” I managed to squeak out between parched lips. I thought I was going to die. I’d heard of people dying of thirst, and I was sure it was happening to me...

Join me today at The Cafe! Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Grace

2010-09-09T11:29:00.003-04:00

"Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18 NIV

One year ago today, things didn’t go as planned. I thought I would be giving birth to my third child early that morning, and I’d spend the rest of the day sitting around holding her while family and friends trickled in and out of my hospital room.

Not so.

I remember sitting in the labor room trying to catch a glimpse of my 9 ½ lb. baby just moments after her birth. But the nurses hovered over her small floppy body trying desperately to get her to cry and breathe to expel the fluid in her lungs.

She didn’t.

I think September 9, 2009 was the first time in my life I could not pray. I wanted to pray for my baby child. But all I could muster was, “Oh, God…Oh, God…” before I would shatter with tears.

Grace stayed ten days in the NICU while her lungs dried out and she learned to slow her breathing. I spent those days learning to slow mine, as well.

But today, my baby girl is 1. It is her birthday. And I can’t celebrate her birthday without thinking back to those first hard days of her life and praising God for bringing us through. When I look in those big brown eyes or kiss her baby fat cheeks, I wonder. What did I do to deserve this? Why me? Why did you choose to bless me, Lord? Of all the women you could have picked to be the mother of this precious child, You chose me. I am unworthy of such an honor.

She is an unmerited gift. Why did You pick me? She giggles and bounces on her chubby feet, holding on to my knees, smiling up at me with tiny white teeth peeking out of her gums.

And I understand.

She is Grace.

The Importance of a Water Bottle

2010-09-02T21:14:00.004-04:00

Faith walked in the door with her arms crossed, and I knew there was a problem. “How was the second day of first grade?” I asked. “Well, we can only have our water bottles at snack time,” Faith complained...

Please join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

I Stand Amazed at the Presence

2010-08-18T18:05:00.003-04:00

The streets were full with people going this way and that. I used my phone to track my way to the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Alan told me it was close by, and I thought it’d be an interesting place to visit. I walked with purpose, following the tracking dot to my destination. And when I looked up, I saw it.

Not the Jewish museum, but the church. The church I’d been staring at the back of every day. The one whose bells woke me my first morning here. Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. It sat majestic on the street, beckoning weary souls inside. The sign said it was established in 1851, and the building looked it. It was old but not run down. History was thick in the walls. It is listed as San Francisco’s historic landmark #4.

The outer doors were open, and I was drawn inside. Not being Catholic, I walked in somewhat apprehensive, unsure what to expect. The inner doors were shut, so I laid my ear to the crack making sure I wasn’t about to interrupt a mass. I pulled the heavy wooden doors carefully, not making a sound. I had a sudden intake of breath as I marveled at the beauty within.

I glanced from the Holy water beside me to the rows of pews in front of me. I walked down the center aisle wishing to sit at the front but not wanting to draw attention to myself from the other worshippers inside. Candles were lit in bunches down the outside of each row. My girlfriend had lightheartedly asked me to light a candle for her if I found a Catholic church. I looked for unlit candles and matches, but didn’t see any. I was afraid to ask, for fear they might ask for my Catholic membership card or something.

I finally settled on sitting in a pew toward the back. I sat down and inhaled the glory of God. I was at home. Tears flooded my eyes, and all I wanted to do was fall on my face and cry “Glory! God you are so good.” At home, I closed my eyes to talk to my Almighty Father.

Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalm 99:5 NIV

God, you deserve all the glory and honor. Thank you for drawing me to You today. Thank you for placing a little piece of home in a large and busy city. I love you and stand in awe of Your presence in my life. Please continue to use me. Amen.

Church Bells

2010-08-17T11:52:00.005-04:00

There were bells ringing. Church bells. I recognized the sound immediately and rolled over from my sleep. My head ached from sleeping on a squishy pillow all night. I was excited to be in a hotel room with my husband and no kids, but as I listened to my husband in the bathroom get ready for his conference, I realized – there are no kids.

Last night, no kids meant strolling hand in hand through the streets of China Town in San Francisco. It meant eating at a table for two in a romantic little restaurant in Little Italy. But this morning, it means no hugs and kisses before the school bus. And most especially, no sweet giggles and nibbles on fat baby cheeks. I felt a twinge of sadness.

I rolled over in the bed thinking about my kids, when I noticed the bells again and wondered where they came from. Then I remembered the church I saw yesterday. When we walked in the room, it was the first thing I noticed of the view out the wall of windows. I even chuckled to myself and thought how much like God it was for Him to place a beautiful old church right outside my view. But this morning, I understood.

He placed me right in front of this church for a reason – to remind me that He is here. While my children did not travel across the nation with me to California, God did. He is here with me. He always is.

What comfort to know when you are facing an uncertain circumstance, even when it is as silly as missing your kids, God is always there.

For the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6 NIV

Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are never far away.

Sleeping in Church

2010-08-13T08:52:00.003-04:00

I was sound asleep. Our regular pastor wasn’t there, and we had a special speaker – a woman whose message I can’t even remember. Perhaps you would expect a sleeper on the back row. But my chosen seat was up front. With no shame, I stretched out right beside the speaker, up close to the pulpit. And I do mean stretched out; I was lying down...

Grab a cup of coffee and join me at the Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Entitled

2010-08-06T09:08:00.005-04:00

The look on his face said it all. “But-,” he started. My son couldn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. “You heard me,” I told him, “turn the television off.” His steps were slow and methodical. He turned again to look at my eyes before he hit the off button, just to make sure he heard correctly...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Clean Slate

2010-08-01T14:12:00.001-04:00

Every parent, at some point in the life of their child, usually sooner rather than later, will wish for two things. 1. An instruction manual and 2. An off switch. There are moments when my children do really dumb things, and as I go to discipline them, I am also frantically asking myself, What am I supposed to do? What do good parents do in a situation like this? Therein lies the need for a manual of some sort to point me in the right direction. Chapter 5, for instance, might be What to Do When Your Child Starts a Food Fight in the School Cafeteria with the Plastic Spoons and Mashed Potatoes and Peas.

And then there are moments when your children say or do things in public, such as, “Wow, Mom! These apples weigh four pounds. The scale only goes up to ten. Good thing you don’t get on it because I saw you get on the scales the other day, and you weigh…” In times such as this, you wish for an immediate off switch. No amount of scrunchy eyebrows or shushing will stop the offender quick enough.

Here is where I introduce my son Colin. He is the reason, God bless him, there are signs in public places that say, “Please don’t allow children to climb on walls.” He is constantly testing the laws of nature. And with this pushing-it-to-the-limit attitude, Colin often finds himself in trouble at school.

Last year, Colin had it rough. He continued to push the boundaries, and his teacher wasn’t amused. This teacher did not “click” with my son and tended to focus on the negative. I’ve been a teacher and I do know how frustrating a behavior problem can be. But I also know the importance of positive. When talking with parents, you should always sandwich a negative between two positives. This teacher never learned that bit of wisdom.

As the year progressed, my usually happy-go-lucky son stressed. He began the nervous habit of twisting his hair and pulled two bald spots. He hated school and began having break-downs, in which he would berate himself for being a bad child. No amount of my hugs or warm words of encouragement could counter what he faced for six hours at school each day.

Colin was broken apart piece-by-piece, day after day. And piece-by-piece, day after day, my shattered heart fell.

Summer came and with it, renewal. I began to pray for the teacher Colin would have the following school year. I knew fourth grade was hard, and we’d need someone strong. God, I’d pray, You know what Colin needs. Please send us a teacher that will see Colin through Your eyes. One that will love him for who he is.

This week, we received a call from Colin’s new teacher. Since Colin is my oldest, I knew nothing about any of the fourth grade teachers. But I have a church friend who teaches in Colin’s school. I just so happened to sit by her this morning. We chatted about school, and I asked, somewhat apprehensively, what she knew about my son’s teacher. She assured me that his teacher was kind and experienced. “I would like her for my own child,” she said.

Then, as we sang the offertory, she leaned over again. “She’s a clean slate kind of teacher,” my friend said with a smile.

I never expected to get so emotional. I guess I didn’t realized how much I had riding on it. But what she said washed over me, and I couldn’t stop the tears. A clean slate kind of teacher. With those words, God let me know that He was in charge. This year would be a fresh start. Relief made streams down my cheeks. I turned towards my husband to hide my face, when God spoke to my heart. If you are that relieved over a clean slate for your son’s new school year, think about how relieved you should be over the clean slate I provide for you.

I am just like Colin. I make bad choices sometimes and get caught up in me. But Christ wipes all that clean. He gives me a clean slate. The thought of a fresh start for both of us had me drawing slow steady breaths to inhale His goodness.

God, thank you today for a clean slate. Please be with my children as they start a new year of school. Give Alan and I the wisdom to best parent them. But most of all, help us point them to You. Amen.

P.S. And if you are reading this, sweet friend, thank you today for your words. God used you to put my fears at rest. You'll never know how much that meant to me.

Medic Alert

2010-07-30T08:43:00.002-04:00

It’s my call sign. Jingle jangle. My husband can find me just listening for it. If I reach to move clothes on a rack, jingle jangle. When I cook dinner, jingle jangle. As I apply my make-up, jingle jangle. On my left arm, right next to my watch, is the source of my music...

Join me today at the Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

I hope you are keeping cool! We are enjoying the last few days of summer! School starts back soon. Let me know what fun things you have been doing.

The Perfect Tattoo

2010-07-16T17:06:00.001-04:00

I felt her presence beside me and looked up to see my daughter with her hands together in the beg position. “Mama, can I pleeeease have this tattoo?” she asked holding out the item in question.

I glanced at the tattoo and recognized it as the cereal box prize from her breakfast. “Sure,” I told her, “Just get me a damp washcloth, and I’ll help you.” Faith disappeared only to return seconds later with a Toy Story washcloth dripping water on the carpet below.

We selected just the right spot on her arm and placed the tattoo picture side down. I squeezed water over the top and wrapped the wet cloth around her arm. As I did, I remembered the last tattoo I helped to apply. I didn’t go well. To avoid another meltdown, I gave Faith a warning.

“Okay, I am putting this tattoo on your arm following the directions exactly. But the thing with tattoos is they often don’t come out perfect – no matter how hard you try. Are you prepared for the fact this tattoo might not come out perfect?”

Her brown eyes widened, and she nodded her head seriously.

“And you promise to be happy no matter what?”

“Yes, m’am,” she assured me.

I slowly unwrapped the washcloth and peeled off the backing. Two little rock-n-roll girls playing guitars appeared on her forearm. Just as I peeled away the last corner, one little star stayed stuck to the backing.

“It’s perfect!” she squealed. “I don’t need that star anyway. Thank you, Mommy.”

Faith decided she would love it before I unveiled the picture. When the image didn’t come out perfect, it didn’t matter. She already made up her mind to be happy.

For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Women of Faith - Worship

2010-07-12T20:21:00.002-04:00

Do you know what story I love? It boils down to this one verse - David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14 NIV)

It’s the story of David bringing the ark of God back to the city of David. It was a long journey to get there. And when the men carrying the ark finally arrived in the city, David, the mighty warrior king, danced before the Lord.

2 Samuel 6:14 tells it all, we learn what David was wearing – a linen ephod. (That is right up this girl’s alley. If you are going to tell me a story, be sure to tell me what everyone was wearing.) David wasn’t putting on a show. If so, he would have been wearing his royal robes. Instead, he wore the typical clothes befitting a priest.

So David, wearing his linen ephod, is so excited the ark of the Lord has returned to the Israelites, he dances with all his might before the Lord. Don’t miss the “with all his might.” David wasn’t just bopping his head along with some trumpets, he was all out bustin’ a move.

And friends, if David had a cd boom box, I can assure you he would have been blasting Women of Faith’s new Worship cd.

I just received a copy from Women of Faith to review, and it doesn’t disappoint. I highly recommend it to everyone. There are ten songs on the cd, and each one will bring you to worship. Some will have you dancing and bustin’ a move like David (Glorious and Just Wanna Say); others will have you kneeling at the foot of the cross (Healer and Lead Me to the Cross).

All the songs are sung by the Women of Faith Worship Team. Their vocals are excellent. I love the harmonies these women share. I love to listen to worship music on my iPod and in my van with the kids. This is one we have listened to over and over.

I can’t help but crank up the volume when I hear Glorious. So, if you are at a red light, and you look over and see a thirty-something mom bustin’ a move and singing along to some worship music, honk and wave. It’s me.

You can listen to a clip of each of the tracks on iTunes, and you can also buy the whole cd HERE. But if you aren’t normally a mover and a shaker, and you find yourself dancing with all your might – don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Hose Water

2010-07-09T10:58:00.002-04:00

“Tell me all the fun things you did today?” I questioned my eight and six-year-old about Bible school. “Well,” Faith began and took a deep breath. I knew I was in for a story...

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

You are Mine

2010-06-28T17:26:00.005-04:00

I wasn’t sure what to say. I laid staring at this man I’d chosen and wanted to express everything I felt with words. I wanted to tell him how I loved the way his hand fit in the small of my back and how sometimes he would close his giant hand over mine and kiss my knuckles. Maybe I could share how irresistible he was when he would kiss the tiny clips or barrettes I wore in my hair because he said they were so cute.

Perhaps I could make him understand how my insides felt when he broke into a full-blown smile. Or how I adored the way his voice lifted ever so slightly with anticipation when he answered the phone if I called him at work.

I thought about how to make him understand the depth of my love – how I knew he was chosen for me. I listened to his steady breathing and realized even that brought me comfort.

Perhaps if I told him he was my best friend. But I’d claimed Mary Ann and Allison for years to fill that cherished role. The way I loved this man was even more than the role of a best friend. He was my partner, my lover, my shoulder, my heart.

I wiggled across the sheets close enough to breathe him in. I walked my fingers up his chest and traced his lips. With no grand poem or collection of words, I said all that was in my soul.

“You’re my favorite person,” I sighed.

“And you are mine,” he whispered as we drifted off to sleep.

I am my lover's and my lover is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3 NIV

Happy 13th Anniversary, Alan!

What Did I Ask You to Do?

2010-06-21T08:57:00.004-04:00

I’m a doer. You will usually find me folding laundry, loading the dishwasher, reorganizing the canned goods, or making sure my closet is color coded in order of the rainbow. I tell you this so you’ll know that sitting on the couch and ordering around the children isn’t normal for me...

I'm at the Cafe today. Grab a cup of coffee and join me. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

And...I'm doing double duty. I'm also at 5 Minutes for Faith today with a retro post.

Every woman fantasizes about the day her husband will say, “It’s okay, honey, I’ll clean the house for you today.” Well, friends, my dreams just came true...

Wanna hear more? Click HERE to join me at 5 Minutes for Faith. And notice our updated look!

Love you!

A Greater Plan

2010-06-15T11:53:00.003-04:00

It was a typical Saturday night two weeks from our wedding. We were counting down the days until we would become husband and wife, dreaming of how we would never have to say goodnight and part ways again. We ate at Chili’s, our favorite spot, and munched on chips and salsa while chatting about our honeymoon.

There were no shows at the theatre we wanted to see, so he suggested we drop by Blockbuster for a rental. I was driving, so I chose the route home beside the movie store, but as I came near I drove right past. Alan questioned me and I gave him a simple, “I changed my mind.” I paused thinking, “How strange. I wanted to see a movie just five minutes ago,” but drove on home.

My parents were up the street at a birthday party. The house was empty. I walked straight back to my room and put my purse down. The phone was ringing when I returned to the den.

“Hello, is this Mrs. Buell?”

“This is Carol Buell.”

“Carol, is Susan Buell your mother?”

“Yes.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-three. Can I take a message for my mom?”

“I guess you are old enough. Carol. I need you to listen. Your brother Jay Buell has been in a car accident-”

“Is he okay?”

“Well he’s a strong guy, but he is hurt pretty bad. Do you know how to contact your parents? You need to come to the hospital.”

I sank in the chair next to me and listened while she gave me the details of where we needed to go. I grabbed the closest pen and paper. My hand shook. My eyes were wet.

I hung up and knew why my desire to stop at Blockbuster left. We would have missed the call. No one would have been home.

Alan and I got back in the car to get my parents. They were laughing and opening gifts with friends and relatives. I wasn’t sure how to approach. I beckoned my mother to me and don’t even remember what I said, but we quickly left – my parents in one car and Alan and I in another.

At the hospital, we waited for an eternity before anyone would let us see my brother or even come talk to us. When the doctor finally appeared, he tried his best to prepare us for what we would see. He explained how Jay was trapped in his car after a head-on collision. The Jaws of Life had to cut him out. His car had completely crushed his lower body. His face was bruised and bloodied, and there was a large chunk missing out of his arm. I’ll never forget the doctor explaining how Jay had NO internal injuries. “It was as if someone were to have placed a hand over his middle section,” the doctor explained and placed his own hand on his chest, “and protected that part.”

Chills ran down my spine and tears fell down my cheeks because I knew someone had done just that.

Jay spent all night in surgery to fill his legs with steel rods and pins. But within a week, he was home. He could barely walk, each step caused excruciating pain, but he was home.

When my dad went to see if he could get some things out of the car before it was totaled, he was in shock. Mom said he sat down and cried, thanking God for sparing his son. The car was a mangled mess. It was a miracle my brother survived.

You won’t believe this, but my brother wore a tuxedo to my wedding just two weeks after the accident. He was in a wheelchair. We were so thankful.

Today, my brother is married to his high school sweetheart. The accident brought them back together after many years apart. She never left his side, and he knew she was a keeper. They have three children. Jay can walk, run, ride a bike, and jump on the trampoline.

And every day I have the privilege of watching. Watching God’s plan unfold for my brother’s life. Because on June 14, 1997 it became very obvious that God was not done with him yet. He had a greater plan.

Jay and his three blessings. 6/2008

Father's Day Ideas

2010-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Want an awesome Father's Day idea and a coupon to get it? Today is your day! My favorite store Union 28 has provided us with yet another great deal on some over-the-top, totally awesome, don't-wanna-miss-them tee-shirts. Wouldn't your hubby love it if you popped out of your closet on Father's Day wearing a "My Husband Rocks" tee-shirt? And then you could surprise him with the matching tee for him with "My Wife Rocks" across the chest. If you really want to go all out, you can order tees for the kids, too. They say things like "Mom is right. My Dad rocks!"

I always get lots of compliments on my shirts whenever I wear them. Alan has one, too. I just need to order the kids one now!

Union 28 has generously offered a 10% discount for Father's Day. All you have to do is add a men's tee to your shopping cart and add coupon code U28FD10. This coupon will be good through June 30.

Just click on the picture below to start shopping!

Love you!

When the Storms Come

2010-05-31T08:00:00.003-04:00

Lightening streaked across the night sky, and I counted, waiting for the low rumble that follows. One, two, three… Ten seconds later. Divide by five. The storm was approximately two miles away.

“Let’s go in. A storm is coming,” I shooed the kids in from squirting water guns as the light slowly diminished. We peeled wet clothes and shrugged into dry pajamas. As I pulled down the covers on my eight-year-old’s bed, he sighed. “I really don’t like thunder and lightening at bedtime,” he confided. He was rough and tough when it came to fighting ninjas and picking up snakes. But when storms rolled in, Colin would just as soon be tucked under your chin.

“What if lightening strikes our house, and it catches on fire, and it comes through the attic into my room and I can’t get out?” He questioned. “I don’t think you need to worry about that, Colin. The chances of that happening are slim,” I tried to convince him.

He didn’t look convinced.

“You see, you have it lucky,” I sat on his bed to comfort him. “Daddy and I are always watching out for you. If a storm comes, it is our job to make sure you are safe. We watch the news when the weather is bad, so we’ll know how to best take care of you. If there were a tornado, we would wake you up and take you downstairs. When there is a bad storm, we are watching the lightening. You can relax knowing we are always keeping an eye on things. You don’t have to worry.”

And as He often does, God spoke to my heart, too, with those very same words.

Do you hear yourself? Don’t worry so much. I am always keeping watch. It’s my job as your Parent.

God didn’t tell me the storms wouldn’t come. As a matter of fact, His Word assures me that they WILL. But He assures me when they do, He will be with me. I don’t need to worry about the what-ifs.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

So when the storm passes, I might be wet but I won’t be swept away.

Thank you Lord for bringing me through the storms. Help me trust You more and lay my worries down. Amen.

Why Are You Scrambling?

2010-05-28T08:29:00.004-04:00

*It's official! We've launched into summer vacation this week. I'm posting a re-run for you. I know it's not fair. I didn't even have a season finale. Well, the summer won't be full of re-runs. I have too much to say. LOL! Enjoy!

Have you ever been struck by the words of a child?

I rushed around the kitchen getting bagels toasted and coated with cream cheese. Pants tumbled in the dryer, the iron was heating, and my hair was wet. Just another Sunday morning at my house. It was my son’s birthday, so the regular rush shifted to ultra speed as we scrambled to fit presents and a sit-down breakfast into our already busy schedule.

“Please say a prayer,” I hastily offered as I tossed plates of bagels in front of my two children. My five-year-old cleared her throat and began, “Thank you for this food and could You help us to get to church on time so we can worship You? Amen.”

I stopped in my tracks.

Just seconds earlier, I explained how much time the kids had to finish breakfast. Eight minutes. In eight minutes we needed to be leaving the house to get to church on time. My daughter wasn’t dressed. I wasn’t dressed. My husband was in the shower. I considered how I hated walking in after the Sunday School lesson had begun. I thought about how I wanted my son to get there on time so he could tell his teachers about his birthday. I hated for my daughter to be late, just in case she had chapel this week. It’s embarrassing walking her into chapel in the middle of a “Jesus Loves Me” chorus.

I had not considered how I needed to get to church on time so I could have more time to worship God.

But isn’t that what it’s all about? Shouldn’t everything we do ultimately bring Him glory? My daughter’s prayer caused me to stop and think about my motives – not just for getting to church on time but for all of my actions.

If what I’m choosing to do doesn’t bring glory to God, it isn’t worth my time.

I’m working on how to apply that truth to my own life. How about you? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is your end result simply to glorify the Father? Take some time to ask yourself why you are scrambling. And in the words of one wise beyond her years, “Help us get to church on time so we can worship You. Amen.”

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 108:5 NIV

Timing is Everything

2010-05-21T09:21:00.006-04:00

Timing is everything. Just ask any parent. Ask your son to clean his room during an episode of a Star Wars cartoon? You’re going to be in for a battle. But even gently suggest that you would love his dresser neater close to bedtime, and he will be ready for a full-scale clean out to prolong his time awake.

When I buy clothes for my six-year-old daughter, I don’t show them to her if she’s in a bad mood. Else she’ll decide she hates every piece. Later when she is happy, it doesn’t change. If she originally said she despised the clothes, she’ll stick with it. But if I present the same clothes at a more opportune time, they are sure to be her absolute favorites.

Timing is everything.

All around us people are hurting. The economy has taken a toll on our finances, our homes, our jobs, and even our marriages. Everybody knows somebody who has lost a job or even a house. In your group of close friends, I bet you know at least two families who have really suffered. Maybe you are the one in need.

Where is God in all of this despair? Surely his people have cried out to Him. With just a simple breath, God could change the economic outlook. Why isn’t he breathing on the stock market today?

Timing is everything.

On the Israelites’ passage to the Promised Land, they traveled through the wilderness. What should have been a hop, skip, and a jump to Canaan took forty years. But on that journey something amazing happened. Three months into the trip, the Lord brought them through the desert to Mount Sinai. And there on the mountain, in the middle of the desert, God showed himself to His people.

The LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you…Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Exodus 19:10,11 NIV

The God who led them out of Egypt, who parted the waters of the Red Sea, the One who made His wishes known through His servant Moses was allowing them to see Him and hear Him.

This stop on the journey to Canaan was geographically the farthest distance from the Promised Land. But it was here that God chose to reveal Himself to them, in the desert where He drew them closer.

Perhaps our all-knowing God was aware that if He revealed himself after they arrived in the land of Canaan, His people would be so busy drinking milk and eating honey sandwiches they may not even take notice.

Timing is everything.

Sometimes it takes wandering in the desert to ready us for God to reveal Himself in all His glory. Are you on the desert road? Have you been walking for miles in the wilderness? If so, then consecrate yourself. Prepare your heart because you are about to see and hear from the Living God.

Anticipation

2010-05-17T09:31:00.007-04:00

Anticipation.

When did I lose it?

She lies beside me on the bed and kicks her feet. Her brown-green eyes sparkle as I kiss her baby soft cheeks. I raise my hand high above her body and wiggle my fingers. She giggles.

As my hand lowers towards her, she kicks and tenses her body. Then she shrieks with laughter, and I haven’t even touched her. My eight-month-old loves to be tickled. She loves it so much her peels of laughter and excitement can be heard before I even get my tickly fingers on her little body.

Anticipation.

A sense of expectancy.

When did I lose it?

I used to get out of bed every morning excited. Excited to see what God was going to do that day. Expecting Him. Just knowing God would do a great thing. My face, my heart, my attitude showed it. And I looked for Him.

When you approach life with a sense of expectancy, it makes the waiting all that much sweeter.

Lately, I’ve gotten in the way. I’m consumed with my daily routine, my list of tasks, my goals so much that I’ve forgotten to wait with expectation. My mind is focused on time and tediousness. What is going on this week? What items on my list are the most urgent? Do I have time to run errands before naptime, bus time, dinner time, bedtime? My day is crammed with to-do.

It should be less about DO and more about WHO.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 NIV

God, Please know my heart. I love you so much. Sometimes I just get so caught up in everyday living that I forget to wait in anticipation. I know that You are doing a great thing. I know that You have a grand and exciting plan for my life. Create in me the desire to see You at work. Help me to look for You in all the details. I can’t wait to see what You have planned. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Anticipating Him,

Praise Your Way to a Brand New Marriage

2010-05-13T08:08:00.004-04:00

“Ugh, my hair needs cutting, and I look fat,” I spoke to the mirror while trying to make sense of the haystack of hair floating around my head.

“Ah-hem.” My husband cleared his throat and gave me the look. You know the one that says stop what you’re doing - now...

I'm over at the Cafe today. Grab a cup of coffee and join me there to read the rest of my devotion. Click HERE.

Hanging Out By the Pool

2010-05-11T13:03:00.002-04:00

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. John 5:1-5 NIV

“Come to the pool,” he called. And one moved from the back to make his way down.

In Jesus day, there was a pool. This pool was surrounded with five large columns. In and around the columns, standing, sitting, and lying were a great number of disabled individuals. There were no super tanned bikini-clad women or hunky men wearing mirrored shades. Instead the pool was encircled by the miserable.

The idea of being healed kept them from leaving. The Bible tells us, “An angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” (John 5:4 KJV – Verse 4 is only found in certain versions of the Bible.)

So they waited. When the water stirred, people raced to be the first in the water. I imagine pushing, shoving, and fights as people were driven to find physical healing.

Jesus showed up one day and found this man who had been lying there by the pool for thirty-eight years. “Do you want to get well?” Jesus asked. The man, assuming Jesus was questioning why he wasn’t already healed after so many years of living by the pool, responded by telling Christ that he had no one to help him get in the pool when the water was stirred. Someone always beat him to it.

This was the topic of the message at the prison revival I attended. I listened as Jerome, a self-proclaimed “country preacher” who also just happens to be a convict, shared the story of the Healing Pool. He told us folks will knock each other over for a physical healing, but step back when spiritual healing is mentioned.

Jerome pointed out that often our attitude is, “I’m not worried about you as long as I’ve got Jesus. You can do your own thing.”

Jesus healed the man at the pool that day – the one who had been there for thirty-eight years. What He did for the man’s physical being, He can do for our spiritual being, Jerome shared.

And in an old country preacher style, this convict turned man-of-God called out in a mellow singing voice, “Come to the pool. Get up on your feet. Do you want to be saved?”

His voice captured me. I was locked in – mesmerized. I watched as one prisoner made his way from the back to the alter that was placed in this makeshift church. The wooden alter was old. The edges were worn from prayer. I could imagine how many pairs of hands must have gripped and rubbed the edge of that wood as their hearts cried out to God.

The man kneeled. STATE PRISONER shouted from the back of his shirt. Another prisoner joined the first and placed his arm around his fellow inmate to pray with him. Soon, the “pool” was full. The lull of deep masculine voices resonated through the room as they offered their words to the Father.

I watched as the waters stirred and people were healed. Right before my very eyes. A healing where the spiritually lame and paralyzed are gathered in one place. Just like the pool.

As I stood there in the prison that day, I wondered about my own self. I may not need a spiritual healing, but how concerned am I about people who do? Am I blocking their way? Walking on by? Or I am willing to hang out by the pool and help others into the water?

Oh Lord, help me to see the sick and lame of heart around me. Spiritual deformity is often invisible, but the most debilitating. Please give me a willing heart to stop and help lift others to You. Draw me closer. Help others to be drawn to me because they see You in me. Amen.

You Were Made For This

2010-05-10T12:02:00.002-04:00

I pulled up to the stop sign not far from my neighborhood. Music floated through the car like fog – not loud enough to be truly heard, but not quite soft enough to equate silence. The sun was shining. I turned right at the stop to meet a friend for walking at the mall in what turned out to be a Friday ritual. In the back seat was my new baby, my first-born son. No other children yet to grace the spots behind me. One year earlier, I was standing at a white board teaching phonics and double-digit subtraction with twenty-four sets of eyes on my every move. And then there was one. Just one tiny set of eyes that watched me.

This was the day it hit me.

I was made for this.

I’d dreamed of becoming a mother. From the day we first married, I prayed – God, please allow me to be a stay-at-home mom. And He did. My stop sign moment, that point in time I realized I was following God’s calling, was at the corner of Simonton and New Hope Road. Does God have the same intentions for every woman blessed enough to become a mother? No. He has different plans for each of us. But I knew God had called me there.

Fast forward eight years and two more babies. I’m up to my armpits in laundry, baby toys, and school projects. You could write your name in the dust on my dresser. My garden tub has a brightly colored boat and crew in one corner and four of Barbie’s dancing princesses in the other. My way small TV has handprints across the front and I’m pretty sure there is a Kix cereal stuck on the back of my leg.

At my desk, where I rarely find time to write, there are love notes from the kids alongside the unpaid bills coming extremely close to being due.

I’m tired, my house is dirty, and I’m in desperate need of a shower. There are days when I just want to pull my hair out – one by one. (I’ll start with the grey ones.) But then God reminds me, You were made for this. And He takes me back to that place in the car with the music and the baby, and He helps me to remember.

I was made for this.

What is it that God has called you to do? What were you made for? If you too have been plucking out your hair and wondering what you’re doing, go back to that place where you first realized it. The place you stopped because you heard your Father whispering…

You were made for this.

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 NIV

**God called me to write, as well. But my first calling is to be a wife and mother. Please understand why sometimes my devotions are few and far between. I miss you when I'm away. I hope each of you are doing well. I love you!

One More Serving - A Book Review

2010-04-27T11:40:00.003-04:00

You know how you feel when you take the last bite of Oreo cheesecake? Or maybe hot apple cobbler with ice cream on top? You wish for more. Just one more serving.

That’s the feeling I was left with after reading Kathy Brunner’s book, One More Serving. When I told Kathy I’d love to read her book and give it a review, I had no idea how touched I would become. Touched by the stories she tells of life changing moments. In her book, Kathy shares stories of people who’ve hit rock bottom and gotten back up. She draws you in with her descriptions of life changing events and how those events have shaped individuals into something more. More than ordinary.

Kathy tells the story of Bobby, who never dreamed when he kissed his wife goodnight, his life was about to change. While he slept, a drunk driver crashed his truck through the walls of Bobby’s home and ran over his sleeping wife. But Bobby didn’t let the death of his wife paralyze him. He used it as motivation to encourage others to make a difference in their own lives.

This is just one of the incredible stories in the book. Some are so astonishing, you won’t be able to put the book down. Kathy’s words and the stories she tells will inspire you. Want to see for yourself? Visit her website www.onemoreserving.com to order your own copy of the book.