Both are growing too fast!

Some days the difference in age between my oldest and youngest is difficult. A toddler and a teenager, need I say more. They both have very demanding needs, one physical, the other more mental.



But then there are those days, like today, and this day in the snow several weeks ago, that their age difference is a beautiful thing to behold. In the picture above my oldest followed my toddler around the yard and stopped at every point he did to look at whatever he wanted to. He led, she followed.



Today, she was home from school. He stayed with her for several hours while I was away. I came home to a plate of chocalate chip cookies that she helped him make (wink) and the two of them curled up on the couch, his legs tucked between hers asleep.

Both are growing too fast!

He Has Not Forgotten

Early in January before my father passed away and before the many trials and struggles that the last few months would hold, I was contacted by the National Women's Ministries Department of the Assemblies of God asking permission to reprint one of my devotions written for CWO back in November for their March issue of WTOnline.

Little did I know how my own words would come back to minister to my heart. I needed them again today, just as much as I did back in November 2007, when I first wrote this post.

So, would you bless my heart and go here to read the article, He Has Not Forgotten and while you are there, take a few moments and look around. Their theme for the month of March is "Waiting for a Miracle" and there are many encouraging articles.

And the winner is.....

The winner of the book Feminine Appeal is Sarah at Life in the Parsonage. (I used a free download of Random Number Generator and number 1 was chosen)



One of my favorite quotes in the book is this one from Charles Spurgeon:

He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more. He overlooks ten thousand of their faults, because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and, therefore, he is not disappointed when he does not find it. (Charles Spurgeon)

When we see our husbands as sinners like ourselves-sinners in need of God's grace and mercy-it strips away any intolerant, critical, or demanding attitude we may be tempted to have.

pg. 39

Congratulations Sarah. I hope you enjoy the book. Email me your address at cometothetable@msn.com and I will get the book to you right away.

Praying for our Husbands - Day 13

Today I am praying that I would build-up my husband through my words, actions, and even in my thoughts.

I was having lunch with a friend the other day at our local fast food restaurant. While our two little tykes ran up and down the play area, we spent the majority of our conversation on the topic of our husband's love languages. We quickly discovered that both men had the same primary and secondary language. I think we spent the remainder of our visit laughing at all the similarities in the things that minister to our husbands and speak love to them.

It is important that I pray for my husband daily, but it is also important that I build him up (or speak his language). Proverbs 31:11-12 says, "The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

I know that I am doing him good when I pray for him, but am I doing him harm in other ways?

This is the question that I often ask myself. As a result I came up with a short list of things "to do him good."

1. Send or email him a note, just because. Before the days of email, I would occasionally mail him a fun card to his office. He loved displaying them.

2. Listen to him without interrupting

3. Call him at his place of work just to say, “I love you!”

4. Let him know that you are proud of him. We are good at complimenting our husbands to others, but fail to tell them directly.

5. Tell him you are going to rub his back, or whatever…and then do it as planned

6. Buy his favorite snack, or drink and have it ready for him when he comes home. My husband loves a cold coffee drink. I don't buy them all the time, but occasionally I'll surprise him.

7. Do the one chore you always ask him to do for you without saying anything, maybe several times. Just because! For example: take the trash out, get the
car washed, or return the movies.

8. Provide a peaceful place of rest for him by encouraging him to relax and watch his favorite movie or provide a quiet place for him to finish a book.

9. Keep his trust. In other words, never say anything about him to others that would make him uncomfortable or embarrassed.

10. Build him up with your words. When he comes home, greet him! Thank him for all that he does for your family.

The Cafe

If you're looking for the blog party go here or just scroll down.

I posted this again over here today...even if you read it already...maybe you forgot to make the list. Join me today!

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to the Ultimate Blogging Party.

Thank you to 5 Minutes4Mom for making this party possible.

There are some really cool prizes to be won! My favorites are #1, #24, & #70.

I am glad you are here!

Don't you love it when someone shows up at your door for a visit?

I do!

Especially if it is planned. Unexpected visitors beware...who knows what you may find.

If you are an old friend, come on in, take your shoes off, and make yourself at home. If this is your first time, Welcome! Go ahead and look around and please introduce yourself. And of course if you have questions for me, go ahead and ask.


I hope to be a wonderful hostess over the next week and meet up with some old friends and make a few new ones. It should be fun!




And because I appreciate your visit, I am going to give away a copy of one of my favorite books, Feminine Appeal Seven Virtures of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney.




Just leave me a comment to this post and let me know if you would like to be in on the giveaway and on Friday the 14th I'll choose one winner. (I will ship to the US and Canada residents only)

Thanks for stopping by!

The Ultimate Blog Party!

I am ready for a party!

I really want to host a party at my home with a few friends, a pot of freshly made coffee, some of our favorite goodies and encouraging conversation.

But in the meantime, you're invited to join me here tomorrow and all next week for some blogging party fun. Bring along a cup of something warm and hopefully I'll have something fun or encouraging to post.

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting The Ultimate Blog Party!

Prayer is so simple...

Prayer is so simple;

It is like quietly opening a door

And slipping into the very presence of God,

There is the stillness

to listen to His voice;

Perhaps to petition,

Or only to listen:

It matters not.

Just to be there

In His presence

Is prayer

pg 37 A Young Woman's Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George(Eleanor Doan, Speaker's Sourcebook)

My twelve year old daughter read this to me tonight from this book. I thought I would share.

Praying for our Husbands - Day 3

It is so easy to be blinded to the blessing we have in our husbands. I am easily bogged down at times with the little things, even when it comes to praying for him. I am tempted to look at only those areas which "I" want changed.

Many years ago I was confronted head on with this issue. One afternoon I was minding my own busines sitting quietly at my dining room table preparing for a bible study I was teaching when God revealed a deep issue in my own life. There were several things in my heart concerning my husband and as I sat there distracted by my thoughts, I asked the Lord to reveal to me how I should pray for him.

And this is the question (verse) God asked me that day.

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Luke 6:41

Even as I write that verse out, the memory and the reality of that moment is still very fresh in my mind. I knew that I had spent too much time being irritated by the little specks in my husband's life, while I sat there with this HUGE log in my own eye.

It was a defining moment for me. A deep revelation of the condition of my own heart and life. God began to reveal to me all the things that I had held onto and all the places I had not allowed him to work through because I was too busy noticing all the little things in my husband's life.

Gary Thomas in his book, Sacred Influence shares a story that is a very visual reminder to us all that we should not let the little things that can irritate weigh us down, but instead be thankful for the husband God has blessed us with.

On the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Lisa and I watched several interviews with women widowed as a result of those attacks. "What has changed most about your perspective in the past year?" one interviewer asked. The first widow to respond said, "The thing I can't stand is when I hear wives complain about their husbands." Every woman nodded her head,
and then another widow added, "It would make my day if I walked into the master bathroom and saw the toilet seat left up."

Their words have a profound ring. The little things we allow to annoy us seem trivial compared to the loss of blessings once taken for granted. In the face of their enormous loss, these women no longer cared about the little irritations; instead, they had to face the big, black hole of all that their husbands had done for them, suddenly sucked out of their lives forever. (pg. 49 Sacred Influence)

This morning as I prayed for my husband, I listed all those things that I am so thankful for. I want to focus my heart on these things. I made a list to remind myself. It is amazing how many good things there are if we only would choose to focus our thoughts there.

Praying for our Husbands - Day 1

I am so happy that March is here. I am not sure completely why, I just am. It may be because spring is just around the corner.


The last two months have been very hard. For one it is winter and cold. The kids have been in and out and then in and out of school. It makes for some very interesting weeks.


The loss of my biological dad in January still finds me asking many questions and I find tears surfacing at the strangest and most inconvenient times.


Our church is in the middle of 40 days of prayer and fasting. Today is the 20th day. Tonight we prayed together as a family for our community, our church, and our home. Our church family has filled a board with their names so that everyday some one is praying and fasting. It has been a sweet time of hearing testimonies of God's grace and power.


I too have enjoyed the time. But, I have also been extremely challenged by it as well. The flesh screams very loud for attention!


Over the next 20 days I am adding my husband to my list. Yes, I pray for him regularly, but the Lord has reminded me of a devotion I read recently that convicts my heart deeply. It is this devotion by Lisa Ryken in the book Devotions for Ministry Wives that reminds me of the privilege I have to pray for him faithfully. I pray you would join me in praying not only for your own husband, but also for your Pastor as well.


Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20

One of the most challenging sermons I've ever heard was based on this text from Ephesians, urging believers to pray for their preachers. The apostle Paul was a brilliant preacher and a bold evangelist, yet he recognized that, in order for his ministry to be effective, he needed people to pray for him. Preaching the gospel is a solemn task. To proclaim the Word of God a
preacher needs words from God, so that he will depend on God's Word and not on his own skill. he needs the freedom and boldness to proclaim the gospel fearlessly, not telling people what they want to hear but what God wants them to hear. A preacher must proclaim the mystery of the gospel, not a carefully calculated plan for moral improvement. He must make sinners uncomfortable with their sin and point them to Jesus Christ. Finally, ministers need endurance in tribulation. They need to bear the burdens of their congregation as they stay tender to the pain of sin.

By the end of the sermon I was in tears. I realized how much I need to pray for my husband and how little I actually did pray for him. Even more than that, I felt the weight of his burden to preach the gospel. As his wife I must bear that burden with him and pray for him faithfully.

Lord, thank you for the faithful preachers who open your Word to us plainly. Thank you for my husband and his gift for proclaiming the gospel. Please give him boldness and endurance. Please forgive me for praying infrequently and weakly. Equip me to be his constant prayer warrior. Amen.

I'm at the Cafe today

Do you have a quiet place?

Come find out why I am asking by joining me here today.

Can we please have Bible Study?

Those of you IRL (in real life) who attend Tuesday morning Bible Study at church and maybe stop by here occasionally...I am so sorry!


The weather is just not cooperating. This morning I was hopeful that school would be on the normal schedule, but no not today, we had a two hour delay. hey, that rhymes

I was sooooooo looking forward to getting together this morning. I wanted to stomp my foot like a little child and scream, "nooooo, it's not fair!"

So, here I sit with my homework completed for two weeks in a row, hungry to feed on His word in the presence of the sweet ladies who are so faithful to attend.

This is our fourth cancellation since we started in January. We had hoped to finish this study before Easter, but we laughingly said after the second cancellation, "we will be happy to finish by Summer".

This isn't funny!

I am working on some make-up class times.

Soup & Speech update

This morning I placed the ingredients for Italian Sausage Soup in my crock pot, and through out the day it filled my home with the smells of my favorite Italian restaurant.

All five of my kids love this soup and it is a nice change from your more traditional soups. It is great on a cold snowy day (like today), and also the recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd.

Makes 8 servings

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage

1 onion, chopped finely

1/2 tsp bottled minced garlic

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 bay leaf

1 tsp dried oregano, crushed

1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed

1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp fennel seeds, crushed

3 14-oz. cans chicken broth

1 cup dried orzo pasta

finely shredded Parmesan cheese for serving

In a skillet, cook sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until sausage is brown. Drain off fat.

In crock pot, combine carrots and celery. Add sausage mixture. In bowl, combine tomatoes, sauce, and spices. Pour mixture and chicken broth over sausage mixture.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in pasta. Cover and cook for 20 minutes more. Discard bay leaf. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Add some garlic cheese bread and enjoy!


Update on my daughter's speech competition since so many of you asked (thank you!):

Before I dropped Lauren off at the high school early Saturday morning, she told me she was nervous. As I drove down the street the couple blocks to the school, I told her that she had already done a really great thing as far as we were concerned. But, I grabbed her hand and we prayed for her day.

Lauren was scheduled to perform the first speech (the one she agreed to do the night before) at 9 am. It was in the story-telling category. She called us shortly after she had received her score and shared with us that she had received the highest possible score, a "1". We all shouted with joy for her and at that point it didn't matter to her how the rest of the day went.

But, later that afternoon shortly after she gave her speech in the acting category, she called again to tell us she had received another score of "1". We were all so happy for her. She had worked very hard on this speech using an accent throughout the entire speech and having to break out in song at what point, and tears in the next.

She will now compete in two weeks at state.

Parenting thoughts...

We all know that being a parent is one of the most exhausting roles we can have. We pray for a little one to fill our arms, only to be totally amazed that such a little person can go through a room that has just been picked up and make you feel as if you have never lifted a finger. We tearfully watch as they turn school age and slowly gain more independence and for the most part the approaching years seem to provide a small amount of relief as we watch them grow and learn. And then one day the child that seemed to move from one clothing size to another year after year suddenly has an unbelievable growth spurt in which you now wonder if it is your destiny to give away perfectly good clothing. And before you know it, what is standing before you is the shape and size of an adult, but is still growing in wisdom.



This is where I am at with my oldest daughter.


Oh, how I would love to share about some of our conversations. They are so precious and I am trying to take mental notes, listen well, and jot down some of things she is sharing. I would never want to embarrass her, so I will have to keep these to myself for now.



Today when I picked her up after speech practice, we had one such conversation. I saw a small growth in maturity and was so thankful for the way she was trusting the Lord for things to take place in her life. (you may be thinking this has to do with boys, but it didn't) I don't take these little things for granted, and I am thankful to the Lord each time she expresses her desire to walk in His ways.



Often times when our kids are teens, we are so concerned about what they might be doing, that we miss what they are not doing. I often find myself wanting to focus only on those areas that lack wisdom and understanding, and sometimes fail to acknowledge so much of the good stuff.



Tomorrow she is participating in her High School's individual speech competition. She was originally set up to perform one speech in the acting category, but today fifteen minutes before their practice concluded, her speech coach (while looking directly at her) told the group that one of the students had dropped out in the story telling category and she was hoping someone would be willing to take her place. My daughter responded to her direct eye contact and agreed to pick up a second speech. So, here it is Friday night and she is upstairs rehearsing for this second speech. She told me in the car that her coach was elated that she would be willing to do this.



I am so proud of her. Not because she has another opportunity to win a competition, oh no, but for her willingness to be inconvenienced to help her coach out and even the rest of the team. If anything, her first speech (which is amazing), now will have to share the energy and effort with this last minute addition and will not get all of her attention on this eve of the competition.

Often times in our self centered culture, most of us would never take on something so last minute unless we had something to gain. I know that her intentions for doing this has nothing to do with herself, but has everything to do with what someone else needed at the moment.

I can't help but think...Wisdom.

What Day is it?

Those were my exact thoughts this morning as I awoke. This week has me totally confused. Yesterday I thought it was Thursday all day, except I knew I had church, but I kept thinking tomorrow was Friday, even though it was going to be Thursday, which is today, right? I told you I am confused!

This week our life has been centered around the school's website. In fact, If traffic to their site was something they were trying to build, we contributed this week in a big way and they must have huge smiles on their faces.

Will there be school today? Will there be a late start? Some were standing in front of the computer refreshing the page over and over praying for the words, "school canceled today" while others were just hoping for the words, "2 hour delay today" so that they could continue to sleep in again for the who knows how many days in a row.

But, this morning the website read, "regular class schedule today." As I went from room to room gently nudging each of my sleeping kiddos, all snuggled in the warmth of their beds, there was a long sigh as I told them we had a regular schedule today.

Everyone slowly crept out of bed and began their normal morning routine for the first time in over a week. We all enjoyed waffles and the morning chaos was at a minimum.

As I drove up to the three different schools, I blessed each of my kids as I do every morning with the words, "the Lord be with you today, may His face shine upon you, and may you learn to the glory of God. I love you! and don't slip on the ice! "

As I drove away from the middle school, my eleven year old son turned the corner on the sidewalk and you guessed it, slide down the sidewalk a few inches on the ice managing of course to stay on his feet, turned around and smiled at me. All I have to say is, "What day is it?"

Lies Young Women Believe

About a month ago, I pre-ordered a copy of Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. The book arrived about a week ago and I have been skimming through it for the past few days and oh, I am so excited that these two ladies have written this book that I had to post something.

Lies Women Believe is a book I highly recommend every woman to read. Nancy addresses so many lies and strongholds that have gripped my own life and she combats them directly with the truth of God's Word. She addresses the areas of our priorities, marriage, children, emotions, and many more. It was amazing for me to discover how much I had bought into the enemy's deception or had accepted the world's standard rather than God's truth.

It is a book on my list to read again this year as well as work through her Companion Guide.

About two years ago while browsing through a christian book store I came across Dannah Gresh's book , And the Bride Wore White. At first I thought it would be something for a young woman who was engaged to be married. But to my delight, the book was suited for older teenage or college age girls. Dannah shares seven secrets to sexual purity intermingled with her own testimony and how God brought her to be married to her husband. It is a beautiful love story packed with powerful spiritual truths. I read the book in about a week and the Lord graciously opened some doors and the teenage girls in our church have been able to participate in a purity retreat based on this book for two years in a row.

So, you can imagine how giddy I was when I was asked if I would like to pre-order this book. It looks fun and inviting to a young woman (I've already caught both of my girls thumbing through it and asking if they could read it) and it addresses areas such as myself, guys, relationships, sin, and the media.

I've only read the introduction and all I can say is WOW and thank you Nancy, Dannah and Moody Publishing for a great resource for our daughters. I will share more as I read.

For more information about this book you can go here.

Red + Blood = Love

I love the color red!

I love it’s boldness!

I love that it is uninhibited!

I love that it makes a statement!

I love that it is romantic!

I am usually drawn to the red sofas in the furniture store. (someday) I love red roses, red poppies, and red tulips. I have some red plates, a red can opener, and I have been admiring a friends red pots and pans hanging in her kitchen for weeks.


Red is such a fun color! It is beautiful and bold at Christmas and soft and romantic on Valentine’s Day. It is patriotic and heart-felt on the 4th of July and oh so breathtaking when the leaves turn a deep rich shade of it in the fall.


But red represents something else for those who are believers in Jesus Christ. It represents His blood. Not just any blood. It is the blood that was shed on a cross for my sins and for yours too!

It is rich, bold, uninhibited, romantic, and has made such a huge statement in my life. I can barely sing about it in church without the tears streaming down my face. I know of its power personally!

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesian 1:7

Today red will be used in many ways. It will be the primary color in cards and notes exchanged between lovers, friends, and kids at school. Red roses will be sent to sweethearts from florists on every corner. Red heart shaped boxes will appear from behind someone’s back into the hands of another filled with something sweet. All of which are expressions of love!

But I want to be reminded of another expression of love. There is absolutely nothing I can do to earn this love or change this love, or even repay this love.

It is perfect love shown to me when Jesus opened his arms and allowed his very own flesh to be nailed to a cross. RED, rich life giving blood had already been shared in amounts beyond what is imaginable even before one strike of the nail.

Yet he continued, went to the cross and shed His blood for me and for you.

We have been given the greatest gift of love!

The red blood of Jesus Christ!

Best Friends Forever

While driving to the store tonight with only Hunter (7) in the car, he called out from the back seat and asked me if I knew what BFF stood for?


I told him in a very excited tone that I did!

He then proceeded to tell me that I was his BFF!

If only I could bottle this seven year old boy who will still hold my hand as we walk into a store together?

...the rest of our snow day in pictures

after they cleaned their rooms, this is what the rest of our day looked like...






boys working on a snow fort...




a three year old enjoying the path he was carving in the un-touched snow and looking back at his foot prints....


















sitting down to warm up on pizza and hot cocoa for lunch....








listening to a sixteen year old share about her speech competition over the weekend...

peeking into the room where a eleven and twelve year old enjoyed playing together...

observing little hands making play dough creatures...






and guess what two giggling boys came up with all on their own, "daddy and mommy"
Yes, here we are...






And to end our day...my seven year old prepared a box of brownies for dessert while I made dinner. He did everything on his own. I only set the oven temp and of course put the brownies in the oven and took them out.

They turned out delicious! He's quite the little chef.

It was a great day!

It's Official

And here is how you can tell besides my daughter putting her hand print in the snow on our front porch:

loud praise music and the smell of pancakes fills the house. Our official snow day breakfast. My twelve year old has been busy this morning.

The kids are hoping for a fun day! (shhh...they will be cleaning their rooms and helping me complete some much needed work in the house. I can no longer over look the winter storm that has struck in each of their rooms.)

But don't worry, it can't be a snow day without building a snow man and hot cocoa.

Snow Day?

Will tomorrow be a snow day?

This was the question that each of my children asked as I tucked them into bed tonight.

Super Bowl Sunday

We just finished watching the big game and was that exciting or what!! About fourteen years ago I became a serious football watcher with my husband. I decided since it was something that he enjoyed so much, I would join in. He loved it. And believe it or not I have stuck with it even though in recent years neither one of us have had much time to watch many games during the regular season.

This was the first year in many that we haven't had a house full of people all crowded in front of our televsion, kids running from room to room and a truck load of food spread throughout the kitchen. Earlier this week my husband and I discussed our plans for today and agreed we both were tired from various things that have taken place over the past several weeks and decided to just be home alone with our own kids.

So, we all put our sweats/pajamas on about 3 o'clock. I made a huge pot of White Bean and Chicken Chili. I put out the chips, dips, little smokies rolled in a blanket (because my husband requested those in front of the whole congregration this morning, both services) and for dessert I completly out did myself by serving up two flavors of Oreo cookies with milk for dessert. We all had a blanket or two, some pillows and enjoyed the big game.

Of course, I had to cheer on the New York Giants because 1) I love New York and 2) they were not expected to win and I am usually always for the under dog in everything, even though the Patriots were undefeated and this would of been a huge victory for them as well. Sorry New England fans! Mostly, it was a fun day even without the huge crowd.

Now back to the real reason I sat down at the computer, to finish my bible study for Tuesday morning.

For You - Not Me

For five years my husband served as Pastor for a small church along Highway 49 in the foothills of the Sierras. It was a beautiful place to live! The view from our home was breathtaking. We lived on nearly two acres of hillside surrounded by towering pine and oak trees. Most days we were guaranteed the most beautiful blue skies. And for a girl who had spent every day before this with both the gray overcast mornings of the Southern California basin and the smog that would sit just above us except when the winds would blow through, the pure blue sky was a gift to be enjoyed.

Although our surroundings were beautiful, these were five of the most difficult, grueling, life transforming, growing, heart-wrenching, painful, very difficult (I can’t think of anymore adjectives to use to describe what I am trying to convey) years we have yet to experience both in life and ministry.

I remember one day in particular. I was complaining to God about all the chairs and tables my husband and I had to set up, the coffeepots we had to clean, the vacuuming, the errands, the toilets we scrubbed and the floors we mopped – the servant’s work. I was trying to explain to God that he was wasting all our experience and education by having us do so much menial work.

For the rest of this post please follow me over to the Cafe.

Check out my new Crocs ~ My toes are warm!

She Speaks '08

Today Lysa TerKeurst announced on her blog that she is providing an opportunity for someone to win a scholarship that would cover the cost of registration to the She Speaks Conference June 20-22 in Concord, North Carolina.

This is so exciting and interesting because just yesterday, one of the ladies who works very closely with me, and I were discussing our desire to attend some type of leadership training conference this year. She had sent me a link or two over the past couple of months and just yesterday she mentioned this conference. I told her that of all the things I had looked at this seemed to be the most relevant for where we were at and what we desire God to do in us and through us and the best part was that I had already been reading Lysa's blog and several others on the team.

Proverbs 31 Ministries has put together a wonderful weekend which includes something for every woman who desires to be more effective for the body of Christ.

Whether you speak regularly already and are looking to increase your opportunity to be used in this area or sense the Lord leading you to begin teaching a Bible Study for a group of ladies in your church, learning how to effectively put together a message and deliver it so that your audience not only hears your heart but can walk away changed through the power of God's Word is something that is developed and trained. I know that every time I speak in front of the ladies in our church or just pray in front of a group, I first and foremost want to do it all for Glory of God, but I also want to be effective in what I am doing. She Speaks will provide the tools to strengthen or just develop those skills as well as show you how to increase your sphere of influence through speaking.


If you are an aspiring writer, She Speaks offers an amazing opportunity to sit and listen to Christian publishers share how to get started with the publication process. There is also a place for bloggers to hear from three very popular and widely read bloggers to share how to "more effectively connect with your readers and increase the impact of your blog." Recently, I was contacted for permission by an organization to publish a blog post I had written. I was completely humbled, but more importantly I recognized that the post they had selected was one that was written from the depths of my heart. I would love to continue to sharpen my ability to reach within and write with honesty and vulnerability. I have a long ways to go.


If you lead a women's ministry in your church you give out and serve the ladies continually. But often times we forget that we too need to be encouraged (especially if you are a Pastor's wife) and be on the receiving end. They have provided for this as well as a time to learn and grow in your effectiveness as a leader.


And finally they have something for The Next Generation which is for girls in middle school and high school who have a desire to speak or write and be a leader for Christ to their generation. I have both and would love for my (almost) 13 year old and 16 year old daughters to attend. WOW!


Just writing this post and reading through the She Speaks site today has not only confirmed my desire to attend but now it is my prayer.


Throughout the past six months I have sought the Lord and asked "What's next?" with regards to ministering to the women in our church and community. We currently have regular weekly bible studies, but I have been praying, seeking, and asking the Lord what He would have us to do. I know how to put together programs which would be well attended, look really pretty and even be fun and effective, but I have sensed that I can no longer do just that. (nothing wrong with programs) And not only that, but I see a new generation of young women who are hungry themselves for someone to be willing to stand up and teach the truths of God's Word as it relates to their roles as wives, mothers, and women and to do it with honest passion. They desire someone to be real!! They desire someone they can relate to!! They need to know I love Jesus and have sticky dirty floors and smudges on my walls and the unending laundry pile. As a Pastor's wife I have sensed the image that we either have created for ourselves or have let others create for us will no longer carry us in reaching the women God has placed before us.

I have a strong desire to effectively communicate biblical truths through speaking and writing. But more than that, I desire to serve the ladies of our church and community with greater purpose and clear direction from the Lord. It has been several years since I have attended a leadership conference for women. I am hungry for greater tools, a fresh perspective for leadership, an opportunity to hear what God would speak to my own heart with regards to writing and speaking.

Thank you Lysa for this opportunity to share my heart. I would love to attend She Speaks and hopefully bring a few friends too!!


And a weekend away from kids, cooking, and laundry and spent with sisters all seeking and desiring to be used of God may cause me to just drool...just a little!

A Daughter's Heart

sigh...Thank you to those of you who have prayed for me over the past week and have sent cards and emails with thoughtful words and sympathy. They have blessed me so much.



On January 11, 2008 my dad died. I received a phone call on Wednesday January 16th from the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. He lived alone and was not married. His neighbor found him in his apartment. He had only been married to my mother for a very short time when they were very young. I was his only child. My mom re-married when I was still a baby and my step-dad became my father and I thank the Lord for him.

There is so much about his life that I could say, so many things that are difficult, so many things that are very sad. When the young woman from the coroner's office asked me the question, "do you know a insert here the first, middle and last name of my father?" I knew before she said her next sentence and even though everything in me knew that this moment was long over due, that he was gone. I wanted to scream "no!" "not yet" "I have questions I need to ask and things I would like to know." The kind young woman was patient and understanding of my place. I took deep breaths and tried hard to keep my composure but it was impossible. She gently walked me through the steps and carefully answered my questions between my own moments of weeping and wishing I had one more moment with him. I remember when my mom lost her mother. The crying coming from the other room that seemed to resonate from somewhere deep within her soul. I understood. But the sorrow was different. I cried for what I never had and what I always longed to know. I cried at the very thought of him being all alone in death. I cried as I thought that no one should die, leaving it in the hands of a county employee to search for your next of kin. I cried because through the choices he made throughout his life left him with no one and nothing. I cried because I did not know where he will spend eternity.

Over the next few days I prepared to make a trip to California. I wanted to go. I knew I needed to. I wanted to go to his apartment. I wanted to go to the coroner's and pick up his things.

My flight landed in Los Angeles early Sunday evening. I stayed with my in-laws in Orange County. Monday morning I drove to my brother's house and was welcomed by my two month old niece at the front door with a sign that read, "Welcome, Aunt Chris". It made me cry. She is beautiful and it was wonderful to see my brother and his wife with their first little bundle of joy.

My brother accompanied me to my father's apartment. There are so many details that I will not write here. There are so many things that I experienced that have changed me deeply within. All of my life I have longed to know this man. I walked through this tiny apartment with everything just as it was when he died, looking, searching for anything, something that would give a glimpse of what he thought or why he chose to live this way. I wish I could say that I found something. But I did not. Over the next two days I learned things that were hard to hear. I was thankful that most of what I did know was true. Some of it was still scene through some hopeful rosy colored lens of a young girl still dreaming that her daddy would call or come to see here. I walked down a street that others wouldn't dare, I went into a few places that others would have considered unsafe, I went to the post office just blocks from his apartment and stood in amazement at the two inch thick plexiglass that separated me from the U.S. postal worker. I sat in a small room behind more plexiglass at the coroner's building in downtown Los Angeles to receive his wallet, watch, keys and other personal items. I hugged the neighbor who found him. I took in everything I saw and experienced in some quiet hope of knowing just a little bit more about this man who I knew as "Daddy Jim." I returned to his apartment a second time in hopes of finding something before returning his keys to the apartment manager. I looked up at the three story apartment building in the bright California sun one last time before pulling away and driving off for the last time with tears streaming down my face.

He lived a life thankfully I have never known. He did things I will never fully know. Most would consider his life a waste. And in some ways it was, except that God chose him to be my father. And although I longed to know him, he made the choice to leave me alone. Alone to live what he never had. Alone to not see what he was or experience who he was. I do know it was intentional. I do know that he loved me.

Two Reflections ~ One Life

This was originally posted in April 2007

As I gaze at my husband’s face, I see the reflection of my mother in law in his life, her gentle touch, her warm embrace and her love for God and His word. But I also see the smile of another woman who laid her hands on her belly and thanked God for her unborn child.
Over forty one years ago, two sisters living not far from each other, both pregnant with their third child, but their lives and circumstances were miles apart. The older sister in her mid twenties was happily married and a new Christian. The younger sister was in her early twenties, separated from her estranged husband and expecting a baby from a man who was not her husband. Both were confronted with a very difficult and heart wrenching choice. A choice made by two women that only God could orchestrate. A choice made by each mother that no matter which way you looked at it, hearts would rejoice and hearts would feel pain.
The choice of a younger sister to give her baby to be adopted by her older sister was one in which she made knowing fully that her own future would not prove to be the best for this unborn child she carried in her womb. Her older sister by only a few years, also carrying new life in her womb, along with the love and support of her husband made the choice to adopt this child as their own. A decision, I am sure was done by the leading of the Holy Spirit for this young couple, but also filled with questions by curious on lookers.
Over forty years later this baby, whose life was forever changed by the loving choice of two women, is now sharing the gospel every week to hundreds of people, a husband to his wife for over twenty years and a loving father to five children. Both women sacrificed a great deal in order that he may experience life and the salvation of Jesus Christ.
My mother in law, the older sister, has reflected Christ to me through her love and willingness to give freely of herself and adopt a baby boy and bring new life not only to him but to his future all while expecting her own child. She was willing to put herself aside and become a living sacrifice unto the Lord. My mother and father in law proudly share that they were there at his birth and carefully swaddled this new bundle and took him home from the hospital. His younger sister was born just five weeks later.
Every year, as I celebrate the death and resurrection of my Lord and Savior and his willingness to go to the cross for me in order that I may have new life, I can't help but think of these two women. No they would never want to be compared to Christ in any way, for they both know from where their hope comes from, but I am so grateful that they were willing to put their fears aside and follow the plan that God had laid before them. Thank you Sara, my beautiful mother in law, for being a reflection of Him; And thank you Jessie, for trusting God with his life.

Wordless ~ Go ahead give it your best shot...

Books...Books...and more Books

Melissa tagged me for this book meme. I thought this might be fun especially since I have been looking at this stack for the past two weeks. Most have to do with being a wife and mom. Many I have read before and I am drawn back to them for some reason this year.

So here it goes...


BOOKS THAT HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE:~

The Bible


BOOKS I'VE READ MORE THAN ONCE:~

(starting with the most recent)
Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow
Just Enough Light for the Step I'm on by Stormie Omartian
Finding Peace in Life's Storms by C.H. Spurgeon
Pursuing the Will of God by Jack Hayford
Praying God's Word by Beth Moore
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian
The Way of Agape by Nancy Missler
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom


BOOKS I'D WANT ON A DESERT ISLAND:~

My Bible and an empty notebook


BOOKS THAT MADE ME LAUGH:~

How do Dinosaurs say Goodnight by Jane Yolen (my three year old loves this)


BOOKS THAT MADE ME CRY:~

The Lost Boy by David Pelzer
(It made me weep!)

BOOKS I WISH HAD BEEN WRITTEN:~

How to potty train your 5th child with ease....

BOOKS I WISH HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN:

???


BOOKS I'M CURRENTLY READING:~

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Emotionally Healthy Spiritually by Peter Scazzero
(I've been muddling my way through this one for months)
Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss (for the 2nd time)


BOOKS I'VE BEEN MEANING TO READ:~

Having a Mary's Heart in a Martha's World by Joanna Weaver
Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas
Holding on to Hope by Nancy Guthrie
Amazing Grace in the life of William Wilberforce by John Piper
Renewal on the Run by Jill Briscoe
Be Still My Soul by Elizabeth Elliot
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies and John MacArthur
Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp
(I have high hopes and a huge wish list at Amazon.com)

This was a lot of fun. The only thing missing is a list of books I've read recently and would highly recommend. If you want to participate go ahead and let me know so that I can come and read yours too! I read mostly for greater understanding and knowledge of the Word of God and Christian living at this season of my life and anything fun is usually read to me by one of my kids.

Cleaning up the "real" messes

Last night I was able to sneak away for a few moments. It wasn't far just a few steps from the rest of the house to the comforts of my bedroom. Everyone seemed occupied doing something (or so I thought) and I was hoping to grab a few moments to spend quietly. I put my pajamas on, pulled back the comforter on my bed, gathered my notebook, bible, prayer journal, and a large stack of books. It wasn't long before my time was interrupted by a curious child or two.


Of course, I still didn't get much written down on paper but again had another opportunity to think about what I want my home to reflect. My home is in motion, continually changing with constant activity. Like so many other women, I feel some days like I have reduced myself to nothing more than a maid, chef, administrator of the family calendar, bookkeeper to the family budget, organizer of all things big and small, and the official chauffeur. The world would have me believe my work at home is monotonous and something anyone could manage. After all, it doesn't take brains to wash dishes, vacuum floors, and fold laundry. But this view of homemaking presents us with the physical structure alone and leaves out the heart of what takes place within its walls.

Too often I have reduced the meaning of my home to a chore list. I fail to see the incredible role and the influence I have been given and the value of my own work.

Much of the noise and craziness of daily life in our house does come from the banging of dishes in the sink or the hum of the washing machine. But there is more going on than meets the eye. Why are the dishes dirty to begin with? Because our family has just finished a meal together, discussing and laughing over the day's happenings. Jennie Chancey in an article from 2004 titled, The Labor of the Home says this:


"The day to day cleaning, scrubbing, washing and putting away come because there is life in our house. People live here, learning, growing, and praying together. More to the point, sinners live here, all of them in need of daily grace, instruction, exhortation, and encouragement. Sinners make messes, and I don't just mean the Cheerios on the floor or the muddy prints on the wall. I mean the messes of hurt feelings, broken promises, "forgotten" tasks, words spoken in anger. Here is where the real labor of the home is found - the labor we cannot afford to neglect. Unwashed dishes aren't going to rise up in revolt by nightfall, but a fool left in his folly can do damage for generations."

I am often distracted by so many of the things that are needed to be done in order to keep my home in motion, that I don't always take adequate time to look at the "real" messes around me. So, I ask myself where are the biggest messes? What child needs instruction in what areas? Who needs encouragement? How can I more effectively point them to Christ? It is not a monumental task that takes deep theology and articulate speech. It comes through the simple daily things we encounter as we go about our day.

My 2008 pages are still blank

I have been thinking about writing this post now for over a week. It was supposed to be my New Year's Post. You know the one where I lay out all the things that I hope to change, accomplish, dream about doing etc. etc. over the next year. But the problem is I am not finished yet and it is already January 8th. I have wanted a block of time to just sit, pray, reflect, write some thoughts, think some more, pray a lot, all while sipping on something really good and warm. I like to write out plans for my own growth in godliness, how I can better love and serve my husband, prayers for each child, what things I would like to do different in my home, things I sense the Lord is leading me to do for the church, and a list of those I want to commit to praying for over the next year.

Unfortunately, the block of time hasn't come. Instead I have been given snippets of time here and there while trying to get everything put away and caught up, help with homework, go to two doctor's appointments, and we still have two dentist appointments and one ortho appointment this week. This is life!

I have a brand new prayer journal which I so desperately want to crack open and begin writing in. I have blank pieces of paper in my notebook which are waiting for my thoughts and plans. I even have a verse written down at the top of the paper which reflects my heart and where I want to begin:

I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:147

So far this is all I have written down, "In the morning I will direct it to You." I know as the days and weeks go by I will have time to write some things down. I will be able to sit and write out my prayers for my family, my home, the church, and for those who do not know Christ. I have sensed myself getting anxious. I love lists. I love to write down my plans. I have things I want to change and do. But God is speaking to my heart in the midst of life as I wait for an opportunity.

I am "somebody" to Him

I have this quote by Carol Kent neatly tucked away along with scriptures that speak to me about my significance in Christ and His unconditional love for me.


Our deepest passion for significance is finally satisfied when we realize He is all we need and we are "somebody" to Him.

I have struggled with feeling significant most of my life......to read the rest of this post come visit me at The Cafe. (click on the button below)

There are some exciting new changes going on at CWO's Internet Cafe which includes this fun new button to remind us to spend time in God's Word everyday! They are also having a giveaway this month which you can read about by clicking on the button below. It includes the John MacArthur Study Bible along with a copy of his book Twelve Extraordinary Women which I have read and is a really great resource. All you have to do is stop by and leave a comment on any post. But the fun part is that you can leave a comment everyday which will only increase your chance of receiving these great gifts. You do not have to have a blog to comment, just leave your name and an email address so that you can be contacted if you are selected.

The end of the Year..oops I mean hair

Once upon a time my youngest son had a head full of cute blonde curls.









But then he discovered the scissors in his sister's new sewing basket she received for Christmas....



















and yep you guessed it, he did this. It was hard to be upset, because after all it was only hair and he isn't the first child in my household to do this. I was mostly thankful that he did not hurt himself or cut anything that doesn't grow back. :)

So without further delay I would like to introduce you to the new Coleman. He had to call his dad in California and fill him in on his new look.

Happy 75th Birthday!

(Big Ted and baby Ted as his grandpa would so fondly refer to him when he was born)

My father-in-law turned 75 today! He is a wonderful Godly man who has loved his wife, cared for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with grace and compassion and served the Lord with humility throughout the twenty five plus years that I have been priviledged to know him.
My husband took a flight to Southern California Sunday afternoon to surprise his dad for his birthday. He wanted to honor his father and express his love by being there on this very special day. We wished the whole crew could have gone, but he was extremely grateful and overcome with gratitiude when my husband walked through the door.
We love you Grandpa Ted and miss you very much! May God grant you many more years of life! Thank you for always being there for us and living your life as a man of great faith!

Happy Birthday Ted!

The 2007 "Come to the Table" Highlights

Here is one of my favorite posts from each month in 2007. It was good to look back over the past year and read what I had been thinking and experiencing. I am so thankful to the Lord for His goodness and grace in my life.

January Too often I find myself relating to the mother in this cute yet smelly story:...

February I have felt a bit weepy this past week. It is both a physical weariness and a heaviness I have on my heart over many things. Some of the heaviness is for others and what they are facing and the rest is my mother's heart...

March As a young bride at twenty two, married to the man who had prayed for me at the tender age of fifteen, I had a very limited understanding of what God's design for marriage was. I knew I was to "leave" and "cleave" and that we were "one flesh", but beyond this, I began a life hoping to find joy and fulfilment only to discover that I struggled deeply within myself....

April As I gaze at my husband’s face, I see the reflection of my mother in law in his life, her gentle touch, her warm embrace and her love for God and His word. But I also see the smile of another woman who laid her hands on her belly and thanked God for her unborn child...

May As a newly married twenty two year old young woman never did I imagine those two things happening at the same time in my life or better yet on the same day. Never!...


June It was a wonderfully overcast Southern California June morning in 1986 when we took our vows to love and cherish each other....


July A dear friend sent me an email yesterday and this was the final paragraph. It was like she was standing in my home watching. Her words described the scene so well....


August The first day of school is slowly ticking away and I am trying real hard to think about what our new routine will look like since I admitted that I was sooo ready for one. But even though, I must say that first day of school good-byes always leave a lump in my throat. They did eleven years ago when my oldest started school and this morning was no different....


September I give thanks to the Lord when life is a bit uneventful. Today in the midst of my laundry folding, dust bunny chasing, and bathroom scrubbing, I pause to praise God for redemption....


October For six or seven years, this was entirely true of me. Then one day, when I found myself on the couch in the middle of the day (for the second week in a row) and I wasn't sick, just exhausted, it was time to take inventory...


November This morning I woke up early. Earlier than I would have liked. I couldn't sleep any longer....


December We have lots of snow!! It makes this Christmas season so sweet. This is a picture taken from my back door. The kids have been out playing in it almost everyday after school. My favorite is the untouched snow. I did not grow up with snow, so it is still very fun for me....


Happy New Year!

From Our House to Yours

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World

Please stop by over at the cafe today and shout with me "JOY TO THE WORLD!" We have a great reason to celebrate!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Monday morning we were greeted with "frosted" trees. They are so beautiful. I couldn't help myself but go out and take some photos in my neighborhood.

Snow

We have lots of snow!! It makes this Christmas season so sweet. This is a picture taken from my back door. The kids have been out playing in it almost everyday after school. My favorite is the untouched snow. I did not grow up with snow, so it is still very fun for me.

Snow reminds me of forgiveness. Christmas time is one of those places or seasons in our life where expectations can literally drive us from thing to thing or place to place. Often times how we approach this time of year and what we do is based on what others expect rather than on what we know we should be doing or shouldn't be doing. We place unnecessary demands on ourselves!! Maybe even our good intentions are a bit unrealistic and ideal. Because in the midst of planning and making Christmas memories, we still have everyday life happening all around us.

I am doing a little self-talk to myself this morning. I have had some good intentions and great ideas, but have yet to accomplish everything. The last couple of nights there have been interruptions, others who have needed things, kids not feeling 100 percent etc.. But what message do I want to communicate to others and especially my children. The message is that God became flesh, left his heavenly throne to become a living sacrifice for our sins. There is so much about the Christmas message that I desire for my kids to understand. Not the pretty decorations, gifts, baking, parties and so on. The message of love is what I want them to see. God loved them so much that He was was willing to give up so much in order for us to be reconciled unto Himself.

My kids won't remember in a few years whether or not the cookies were decorated just so or even if there were bows on their gifts, but they will remember if mom was a little uptight and short with them in the midst of the Christmas season. Like yesterday!! I was trying to finish something and all (it couldn't of been just one) of my children were in the room and I used a tone that I was not proud of to express my frustration. It wasn't just the tone but the body language and everything that comes with it. And the worse part was that the offense did not deserve it or even come close to this type of reaction. Immediately, the Lord convicted me and as I looked about the room filled with Christmas decorations and the sight of Christmas planning all around me, it made me want to take back my tone and everything that went with it, in lieu of everything around me. No amount of physical beauty in the home can replace the atmosphere that a mother or father brings.

Last night I asked for forgiveness and then I went to bed. I knew I was tired! Today, I am looking at the beauty of the untouched snow and the picture of God 's love and forgiveness it reflects for my own life and I am more and more thankful for Christmas.

Join me at the Cafe today....

This morning as I sat quietly in my favorite chair with only the light from a lamp on the table and a little bit of sunrise peering in through the window, I read Luke Chapter One from beginning to end and as usual I always have to stop at verse 38 and think about Mary's amazing response to the angel of the Lord, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." .......To hear my thoughts about this amazing verse, please join me at CWO's Internet Cafe today.

Soup's On!

I love soup. No, I really LOOOOVE soup! My all time favorite is a really good Clam Chowder. I have yet to find a good recipe for one, so if you have one please let me know. Another favorite is TORTILLA SOUP This is a favorite with my family and friends.

Tortilla Soup

1 Tbs. butter
1 yellow onion chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small can green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes
(I puree the tomatoes in the blender since my husband doesn't care for pieces of tomatoes in his soup)
1 can black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups shredded chicken
2 Tbs. Taco seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:
sour cream
shredeed jack and or mild cheddar cheese
sour cream

Saute onions and garlic in butter in a large pot over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add chilies, tomatoes, beans, corn, chicken stock, chicken, and taco seasoning. Stir through on high heat until soup boils. Reduce to low. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer one hour.

Serve with sour cream, a handful of cheese, and place broken pieces of tortilla strips on top. Makes eight servings.

Three!

Today you are three! You brighten my day each and every day. Two wasn't so bad. I have to admit, I wish it wasn't over. Between legos and cars, you are forever by my side. Somewhere within my mother's heart I want to keep you little and snuggle you in my arms for many days to come. That is probably why I am accepting of your babbling and simple vocabulary. You have given me a complete lecture in some unknown language. I am not worried in the least. I know once the words start flowing they usually don't stop.

So, today I look forward to your smile when we sing, the bounce in your step, the moment when we sit down to pray and you insist that you pray (every time, every meal, every night) and the big "amen" at the end. It is a good thing that your sisters and brothers are so understanding.

Some things I don't want to forget. The joy in your voice and body when daddy walks through the door. Eee-o! The name you so affectionately call your brother (Theo). The way you walk and the wiggle when you run.

Happy 3rd Birthday Coleman!