B'LoveD Blog

The Way I See

2011-01-25T12:04:00.003-06:00

I have been participating in a bible study "Faithful Abundant True" Going Deeper Still and I wanted to share some insite into a verse that I have known practically ALL my life. I know some of you are thinking "That's a LONG time". HaHa! The verse I am talking about is Ephensians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Yeah, yeah, God's a powerful God. BUT - do you really see what this is saying??? I know through the years I have used this verse to try to encourage other believers about what they were praying for but I suddenly relized that I do not use this verse for me.

Let's reread it and apply it to me "Now to him who is able to do (for ME)immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within ME". WOW - new perspcetive. God intended for me to automatically place the "for me" in that promise. I am God's child and therefore so important to him. Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Let's not just read the words of the bible daily - but let's see the truths that God has made available to us and lay claim to those truths. I'm tired of seeing me through my eyes. I want to see me through God's eyes and see just how truly loved and important I am to him. He made each and every one of us and knew us before we were born. He loves each one and wants daily to "give us all things" as we grow daily in him.

Ask God to transform your vision and your mindset toward God's word and His promises. I know That is now my prayer.

~Debbie~

Merry Christmas!!

2010-11-30T12:00:00.002-06:00

Let me be one of the first to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!!

I hope you have all you wish for during this holiday season. Quality time with family, time to celebrate with good friends, and a calm sense of peace that only comes from keeping this time of year in perspective. Remember while the gifts are nice to give and receive it will mean more to your loved ones for you to enjoy being with them.

Please take time this December to remember why we are celebrating and it doesn't really envolve anyone in a red suit who is in much need of a good shave. The real reason is remembering that God's love was shown to us with the birth of his one and only son. Given to us so that we could be restored to God through his sacrifice.

Merry Christmas!

~Debbie~

Living a Life of Purity

2010-11-26T06:02:00.000-06:00

How do we live a life of purity? It begins with a choice. You have to choose to walk in purity after you surrender your life to Christ. Notice I said SURRENDER. Too many people today want to live for Christ but want to live like the world at the same time. You must make a choice to surrender your life, your desires, your dreams and live your life in Christ by following His desires for you and fulfilling His dreams for your life. That includes living a life of purity, which is a life free of sin or disobedience toward God.

Romans 8:7 says, “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (NIV) This sounds like there is no way for us to succeed in living a life of purity. BUT - Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” (NIV) It takes an effort and a choice daily on our part to live this way. The reward is great. It is peace of mind, living without guilt and it IS attainable. God himself will even help us if we turn to Him and lean on His understanding. Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (NIV)

Let’s choose to live a life of purity.

~Debbie~

Forgotten Virtue ~ Purity

2010-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Purity ~ freedom from sin or guilt

I love so much the freedom we have been given by the work that our Savior did on the cross. No longer do we have to carry the weight and burden sin leaves behind. Guilt we lay down and freedom we pick up.

Due to the price He paid and the value of the gift He has given, we should be highly motivated to live a life of purity. We should fight for and cherish every ounce of purity we have received. When we surrender our lives, ask our Father to come in and take over, we are set apart. Our lives are now worth so much more than just the sum of ourselves. We become a part of Him and His cause…which was to save that which was lost. Now, if some kind of change did not happen on our part, if we didn’t turn from our sin and turn toward our God then what was His sacrifice for? We are to example the beauty of His work in our lives. When we don’t turn to the things of this world to bring fulfillment, when we have peace in the midst of a storm, when our lives are running on all cylinders…people take notice. There is a natural pull toward you and people wonder what’s different? Then you have the perfect opportunity to share the love, grace and mercy of our King.

See the importance of holding your purity captive…to place high importance on preserving every ounce? Fight, resist, flee from sin and run ever so fast toward our God.

~ Terica

Living a Life of Integrity

2010-11-19T06:13:00.000-06:00

How many times is it easier in life to compromise instead of standing strong and keeping your integrity intact?

I think it is impossible to maintain your integrity without God’s help. According to Psalm 41:12, even King David knew that he needed God’s help to uphold his integrity. “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”

God accompanied David throughout his life. David recognized that on his own he was not worthy but with God’s mercy he lived a life of victory over his enemies. In Psalm 25:11, David prays “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” Realize today that on your own you will never be able to live that life of integrity and pray the same prayer that David prayed in Psalm 25. Rest assured that God will “uphold you and set you in His presence forever”(Psalm 41:12).

~Debbie~

INTEGRITY

2010-11-15T18:39:00.001-06:00

In looking for examples of INTEGRITY we can go to the book of Job and read what God says about him in Job 2:3 “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

Job is where we will read this week. Take a look at Job’s response to all the people in his life as they “try to help him”.

Proverb 11:3 says “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

Proverbs 13:6 says “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.”

Integrity is when your behavior (the way you live) matches your beliefs (or what you say you believe). It is time we stand up and become women of INTEGRITY!!!

Loyalty In Relationships

2010-11-12T06:02:00.000-06:00

It is amazing when you think about it how many relationships we go through in our lifetime. Acquaintances we make through school, work, our children’s activities, church become friends and for a while are important in our lives. While we have a common thread we are loyal to these relationships. But as you think about it, those people come and go in and out of our live. Why is that? I feel it is the common thread that holds us together for a season and then fades away. Years later we may run into them again and old feelings are stirred up within and we wonder why we lost touch. If you begin to break it down it is the common thread.

What are the common threads in your relationships today? Are they lasting or only fleeting? Do we keep them as long as we feel good about them? In today’s society everything screams for us to be happy and satisfied, so when our feelings waiver so do our relationships. I don’t think that this is good – nor can it continue and have a healthy society. God wants us to be happy but we are not to base that happiness on people or circumstances around us. We are to base that happiness and fulfillment on our relationship with God Himself. He is the common thread that our relationships can be built on. I love how the relationship between Jonathan and David was built on their pact before the Lord. Their love for each other was built on their love of the Lord. They could go for long stretches of time without seeing each other but when they came together it was to help each other, to encourage each other, to set aside circumstances and family to be loyal to each other.

Ruth is another example of loyalty in her relationship with Naomi, her Mother-in-law. All Naomi’s family was gone but two daughter-in-laws and one left to stay with her family, while Ruth remained loyal to Naomi and traveled away from her family and all that was familiar to her to support and take care of her Mother-in-law. Without knowing what the outcome would be, she remained true. Isn’t it amazing that through that loyalty to her Mother-in-law, God gave her a new wealthy husband and also sent His son, the Messiah, through her lineage.

Let us be so in tune with God that we allow relationships to be born through our Heavenly Father and not of our own selfishness. God will surround you with people that love him as much as you love Him if you build your relationship strong with God, Himself.

~Debbie~

A Closer Look At Loyalty

2010-11-10T07:46:00.002-06:00

Meaningful relationships are something I think it’s safe to say we all desire; whether it is with our spouse, friends, co-workers and most importantly our God. As I read through the passages in Samuel, there were so many relational characteristics and qualities that jumped off the page; loyalty being the key ingredient and setting the foundation. Let’s take a closer look…

“For the Lord was with David” think about those words. They imply a relationship. As believers, we know how constant our God is. He proves this over and over. The deeper you allow your relationship to go with the Lord, the more His "being with us" is evident. But, what I love is that David was loyal in return. Out of that foundation he was bestowed favor. Look how many times Saul tried to have him killed…or better yet tried to do the deed himself. Yet, all to no avail.

Let’s look at Jonathan. Scripture tells us that when he and David met, “there was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” The relationship the two of them shared is perhaps one of the deepest and closest recorded in the Bible. Why is this?

1) They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other.
2) They let nothing come between them, not even career or family.
3) They drew closer to one another when their friendship was tested.
4) They remained friends to the end.

What is the underlying foundation…loyalty. Not just to one another but also to their God. We read in scripture over and over where they repeatedly renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. I believe this is key not only for relational survival but ultimate success. What they shared was Divine. How could it not be something so much more than a simple acquaintance when the foundation was God? Two hearts surrendered to The King in loyal fellowship with one another. Beautiful…absolutely beautiful.

Now, let’s take a minute to look at Saul. Yep, there's even something we can take away from Saul. You might wonder what in the world he could have been loyal to but that’s just it, he was loyal…just happened to be to himself. And out of that, there were several qualities and characteristics he portrayed. None desirable but they were there just the same. He was selfish, envious, insecure and that’s just to name a few. Because of the favor God bestowed upon David there were many times that rocked Saul. He wasted so much of his reign trying to destroy/remove that which he was so threatened by. The sad part of it all is he could have easily had that which he envied most. Instead he allowed it to enrage and the void would consume him. All it would require…a loyalty shift from self to God.

Father God, help us continue to build upon the rock that is You. May our hearts forever be loyal to our first Love. Help us Lord when we begin to waiver. When self begins to take over allow us to recognize and repent before damage is done. Father, we thank you for all those that you have placed in our lives that we can freely share this life with. Those who strengthen, encourage and stand by us no matter the personal cost. Lord help us continue to develop deep, meaningful and loyal relationships. Hearts joined together in spirit and truth, both of which are of You, are an unstoppable force. All for Your glory and to further Your kingdom. Amen.

~ Terica

Forgotten Virtue ~ Loyalty

2010-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday, Brandon spoke on the Forgotten Virtue of Loyalty. Perhaps one of the greatest examples of this quality is found in the books of Samuel. The relationship that develops and unfolds between David and Jonathan is one that should inspire and awaken aspiration just the same. Take some time over the next couple of days to read about the strength and depth of loyalty shared by the two.

Read:

1 Samuel Chapters 18-23

2 Samuel Chapter 1

Join us back here on Wednesday as we continue our discussion.

Honor – A Lost Virtue

2010-11-05T06:02:00.002-05:00

Who do you show honor? Why do you show them honor? How can you become a person of honor? Should we even strive to live a life of honor? Is honor even necessary today?

Honor –noun
1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family.
3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.
4. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor.

–verb (used with object)
1. to hold in honor or high respect; revere: to honor one's parents.
2. to treat with honor.
3. to confer honor or distinction upon: The university honored him with its leadership award.
4. to show a courteous regard for: to honor an invitation

Today we have a mixed up idea of who deserves honor. We lift up sports figures because of their talents. Then are disappointed by the life that they lead out of the spotlight. We have become immune to the sin that is evident in their lives and wonder why there is no integrity in leadership anymore. We do not spend time honoring those around us that live a life of integrity. We use people to elevate ourself and take credit for what others have sacrificed for and expect others to honor us. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) says “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” 2 Timothy 2:19 – 21 (New King James Version) says ‘Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. (V21)Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.’ Verse 21 in The Message says Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.

Take time to evaluate your life and then make a conscious effort to become that ‘vessel for honor’, the ‘kind of container God can use’. This can only happen when we choose to live a life of integrity and respect by always showing honor to others above youself.

~Debbie~

Sending Honor Down

2010-11-03T09:59:00.001-05:00

Guest Blogger: Pastor Brandon
This past Sunday at NewLife we talked about the forgotten virtue of Honor. I love what Ben Arment had to say about this subject...

We tend to send honor up.

We turn Ps into VIPs, rooms into greenrooms, and Americans into idols.

But here's the paradigm shift with Jesus.

He sent honor down.

Those who were last became first, those who had least gave most, and those in the lowest seats got promoted.

Coach or Teammate?

2010-11-01T14:43:00.006-05:00

I just have to take today to brag on (or "honor" for those of you who were in church yesterday) our amazing Pastor's wife, and Pastor herself, Terica. It doesn't matter how close or far away you have witnessed her life, you know that this blog could go on for a long time if I was going to list all of her amazing qualities. But for today I will just share one precious lesson that she has taught me without even knowing it herself.

I think a lot of women, myself included, tend to approach their spouses like they are their husband's personal life coach. Just like our high school sports coaches during game time, we think that our jobs consist of providing minute by minute directions from the sidelines of our spouse's life. Then after each game is over making sure that we go over all of their positives and negatives with them. We tend to think that we are the sole contributor to our husband's training and future improvement.

I have to admit that I tend to lean towards these methods in how I deal with Scott...not purposefully, but it is easy to see how the summation of my actions fall into this model. The problems that arise from this are obvious: we were never meant to Coach our husbands. We can't constantly critique their lives and expect them to want to share how their day went when they get home.

The only thing that has exposed these tendencies inside my own marriage, is that I got to see an amazing example of the grace that Terica displays inside her marriage. She, more than anyone else I have ever known, has shown me how to play a different role inside your marriage: teammate. Most people will spout that our role as women in the lives of our husbands is to be their biggest fan, and while I think we should root for the home team inside our marriage, I don't like the connotation that we don't have anything personally invested in the game. We can cheer, yell at the umpires, wear our favorite t-shirt, but at the end of the day when the game is over, go on with our lives. Being a soccer player, there was something special about the bond of a teammate; these were people you sweated with, put in extra hours of practice with, and puked in trash cans with after a 7am fitness training session. We got to see each other at our best and at our worst, we were all personally invested. How does this translate? We worked together to make our victories happen, picked each other up off the ground after losses, but most importantly for our current analogy: disagreed. We often disagreed with on-field decisions that were made by our teammates, but we also knew that for the team to stay at time that there was a time, a place, and a way to discuss those frustrations. For the sake of the team, we sometimes had to sacrifice our own opinions about the way things should be done in order for the team to be unified.

I'm not saying that Terica is the perfect wife, none of us are, but I will honor her by saying that she has acted out the example of what it means to be a teammate in her marriage. She has spent countless extra hours, sweat, and tears with Brandon in making his dreams come true (I'm not aware if she has ever puked in public trash cans for the cause.) She has seen him at his best and worst, high fiving him for during his best, and giving him grace and picking him up off the floor in his worst. And of course, sometimes disagreed and been frustrated with him, though it is hard to tell because she is amazing about dealing with these frustrations appropriately. And yes, she has had to make sacrifices in the name of unity.

Thank you, Terica, for teaching me that I am not responsible for my husband's improvement. My job is to continue to jump into the trenches and fight alongside him for his dreams. No one will ever be a better example of that than you!
~Laura

Psalm 18

2010-10-29T05:04:00.002-05:00

Are you walking in defeat, everywhere you turn is more news you would rather not hear? Do you not want to get up in the morning for fear of what today might bring? I've got good news - but you have to hear it, I mean really hear it. Set down and start to read Psalm 18.

Psalm 18
1 I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
16 He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
18 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me.
19 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
28 You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.
29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection
32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.

David took time out in his battle to recognize that the Lord was his strength. Will you make a choice today to recognize that the Lord is your strength? Verse 30 says ... All the Lords's promises prove true. He is a shield for ALL who look to him for protection. Verse 32 says God arms me with strength. Just do as David did in verse 6, But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. Cry out to God and recognize that your strength comes from the Lord and then, maybe most importantly of all realize that victory over your enemies is yours!!!

Start walking in that victory. Wake up in the morning knowing you are going to battle - put on your armor and choose to walk in victory. The battle's not mine but God's.

~Debbie~

Choosing To Sing

2010-10-27T10:30:00.001-05:00

ALL of my life in EVERY season YOU are STILL GOD:
I HAVE a REASON to SING, I HAVE a REASON to WORSHIP

Father God, we don’t always understand the workings of your hand but regardless we choose to sing…we choose to worship. You are always and will always be God every season, every mountain and every valley of our lives.

~Terica

Love 'Em!

2010-10-25T14:44:00.002-05:00

This series that we are in called "the Dip" brought some memories back from when I was a high school tennis player....

One of my tennis coaches had a peculiar way of getting me to deal with lobs well. A lob in tennis is when your opponent hits the ball high in the air when you are up at the net trying to hit the ball over your head. In order to hit these lobs back you have back up and position yourself to slam it back....the payback for not hitting the lob deep enough. The thing is, it is easy to psych yourself out because you know you're supposed to be able to slam it back but it is soooo easy to choke on these shots. Well my tennis coach made me do the most embarrassing thing I have ever had to do on a tennis court...He made me scream "Love 'Em!" while the ball was in the air before I hit it back 'declaring' that I loved to hit that shot. While at first this was really embarassing since he not only made me yell this during private lessons and group lessons, but also during actual matches, later on shouting "Love 'em!" became automatic and part of my tennis routine. It changed how I thought about that shot, no longer was it an opportunity to choke, but rather a chance to shine.

Why did this come back to me during this series? Brandon talked yesterday about what to do while you are in the Dip. He told us that we are to Remember what God has done for us in the past, to Accept our current circumstances, and to Trust that God has things in control. Then he went on to explain the whole reason that we go through these 'dip cycles': so that we may go on toward maturity in Christ. In fact we are to rejoice in our trials and sufferings because we know that we are moving on to a closer relationship with God.

My tennis coach changed my way of thinking about a difficult circumstance: he had me speak out that I was rejoicing even before it was true. That even though my heart may not yet believe and my eyes may not see how any of this is going to be a good thing later, my will can be set to rejoice until the rest of my emotions and circumstances catch up. We need to make it our default setting that we rejoice in our trials and circumstances so much so that it is an automatic part of daily routine. But my tennis coach knew the key to something becoming automatic: we can never let one opportunity to rejoice slip by no matter how big or small, no matter how insignificant, or how embarrassing. We have to rejoice in the paper cut, and the broken leg, the lost $5 bill, and the loss of our household income. If we never let one struggle or disappointment pass us by without praising God for who he is, then when we really need for our rejoicing to be almost automatic, it will be.

Remember in your trials, that they are not simply an opportunity for God to fail you, but an chance for God's goodness and glory to shine through you when He moves you out of your Dip!

~Laura

Standing in Battle

2010-10-22T06:02:00.000-05:00

I thought this was fitting for today from His Pricess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shephard:

You are not called to follow others, my beloved warrior. I have appointed you to lead them to me.

Life will become a great adventure if you will step out to the front line and fight for those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Don't look back on what you have lost; look forward to the great victories that are in front of you. You don't have to hide behind your fears and insecurities any longer. I can and will turn your pain into passion to change the world around you. As you find your way to the front line, hide this truth in your heart: "This fight is not just for you, it is for all those you dearly love".

Love,
Your King who fights for you

Deuteronomy 20:3 NLT He will say to them, "Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them."

Zechariah 10:5 NIV Together they will be like mighty warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the Lord is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame.

I love how the author says that God "can and will turn your pain into passion to change the world around you." Sometimes I think we get caught up in thinking God is not asking us to do anything because our life revolves around our family, we work at home or in an "un"adventurous job but this clearly says you are called to change the world around you whatever that might be. "This fight is not just for you: it is for all those you dearly love." That puts a whole new light on everything we face.

Standing in battle,
~Debbie~

Bold As Love

2010-10-20T08:44:00.003-05:00

Awareness

2010-10-18T10:13:00.002-05:00

As a mom, I now have a new level of respect for the human ears. It is incredible how after only hearing your brand new baby cry for a few days your body can be so in tune to that particular frequency. No one else may be able to hear that your child is crying down the hall and 5 rooms away, but you can! I also remember back in high school, or college really how it was amazing how if anyone within a 1 mile radius mentioned the name of the boy that I was interested in at the time I was suddenly Superman and could hear every word! On the not so fun side, it is also amazing how when I am frustrated by something or someone, I supernaturally am able to catch any hint of someone else's frustration with the same thing, so that I can fuel my fire.

This ability to tune into certain things can often be a blessing, but I find it to be very revealing: I am tuned in to the things that are important to me, those things that are the closest to my heart. Sadly the Lord revealed this to me this morning, as I was praying for a deeper awareness of Him. He showed me that the fact that I am not as aware of Him, and his whisperings to me, shows that He is not as important to me as I wish He were. If He truly ranked at the top of my list, I would be constantly straining to hear His voice, just like I strain to hear whether or not my son has fallen off the slide in the back yard.

Lord, help me to tune my ear into You. I want You to be the closest thing to my heart, and the most important person in my life! Help me to be constantly aware of your voice, your movement, and your heart. I love you, with all of my broken peices that you are constantly mending inside me. I praise you for the joy that you are constantly returning to me as I lean my ear closer and closer to you. You are so good!

~Laura

Good News!!

2010-10-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

The “GLOW” retreat was wonderful. Time spent renewing our passion for spending time with our heavenly Father. Reinforcing truths from God’s Word for us to arm ourselves as we face our daily battles and to not back down or live a life of defeat.

Friend, if you have landed here today wondering what in the world God wants to do with your life, I want you to know one thing. Not a single thing in your life will be wasted. God will use your past and your present to prepare you for your future. He has a beautiful plan ... a call on your life. He is waiting to reveal it to you.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nation" (NLT).

Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (NLT).

God wants to remind you of a precious Truth. Hear it and never forget it...before time began, before God spoke the world into being...He had you in His heart. God chose you to be His child. God has a perfect plan for your life. No one else has your plan, your family, your gifts, your talents, your heart, your education, your past, and your present ... NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE.

He chose you. He wants to use you to do great things for His Kingdom ... things that only you can do. He is preparing you...yes, even now.

But we have to be willing to be used by God. To be used by God, you must TRUST Him with your past; BELIEVE Him for your future; BELIEVE He has a plan for you; SURRENDER your life to His Plan, and BELIEVE He will equip you to do what He has called you to do.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Don’t let the work God wants you to do go undone. Begin TODAY!!!

~Debbie~

Ask, Seek, Knock...He will be found.

2010-10-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

I am oh so thankful for all the love, thought, prayer, fasting (the list is endless)…that took place for Glow. We believed and anticipated a move from our God and girls…did He ever. I walked around in total awe and even now when I think of all God so beautifully orchestrated I’m overwhelmed. I truly believe the intent of His heart was to meet with each of us personally and that was achieved. By His hand, what at one time held us captive has been replaced by the truth that we are captivating. How sweet is that? Girls we have reclaimed our Glow, we now radiate and walk in the love and freedom He so graciously offers. I encourage us all to continue seeking after Him with all that we have. That was our focus over the events of the retreat but it doesn’t have to end there. Actually, it was just the beginning.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Enough said.

From the speakers to the behind-the-scenes workers to all those in attendance…my heart overflows. My Lord, my God and my Redeemer…I am so in love.

~ Terica

Psalm 139

2010-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was GLOW. It was amazing, spectacular, awesome, fantastic and any other adjective you can think of. This week I am going to take a blogging break to download some of the life-changing words and material I received at GLOW. But I don't want to leave you without something to meditate on. Enjoy and have a terrific Tuesday!

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. ~ Psalm 139

Love you all dearly!
~Kazia~

To You Be All the Glory

2010-10-11T09:10:00.001-05:00

I can't even begin to describe GLOW this past weekend. My heart is full of confidence that God moved. You can see it when you look into the eyes of any lady in attendance. You can hear it when you listen to the words that come out of their mouths, not even about what happened, just the way we speak has been changed. I know for me, that it is not cliche to say that I got my glow back, because I truly did. I radiate with the faith that my God can topple the fortresses inside of me and I know that He can do the same for anyone I come in contact with.

All I even know to say is that I am so honored to have been alongside these 21 ladies getting to receive what God was ready and willing to give us: Freedom!

I love you girls!
~Laura

My Hope Is In You

2010-10-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am leaving for our B’Loved “GLOW” Retreat. I am so excited. I can’t wait to see all God has in store for me as I block out everyday life and focus upon my maker. The God of the universe. The great I AM. This morning the prayer on my heart is Psalm 25.

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; 2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. 4 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. . . . .

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. 18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. 19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! 20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

~Debbie~

The Eve of Glow

2010-10-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow begins our long awaited and highly anticipated retreat…Glow. Our sole focus over the next couple of days will be to spend some one-on-one face time with the Father. We plan on exfoliating our souls and reclaiming our shine…thus, beaming with a Glow that is uncontainable and radiates for all to see.

Will you take a few moments and pray for all twenty-two of the precious women who have committed themselves to these events? Believe with me that life altering truths will be revealed and take root creating breakthroughs that will forever impact this world for Christ. Stand with me in agreement that every beautiful heart in attendance will once again fall madly, deeply, head-over-heels in love with their first Love.

~ Terica

Expect and Receive

2010-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

This week is filled with great expectation and anticipation. Glow 2010 is upon us and there is a tremendous buzz in the air. I can't help but get excited about the life change that I know we will see take place in everyone who comes expecting to see life change. I want to encourage each and every one of you, whether you are attending or not, to speak the words below over these precious ladies as they embark on something truly unbelievable. Hold on to your hats ladies, we are in for something spectacular!

Phillippians 1:3~11

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

~Kazia~

Ready for Anything

2010-10-04T14:07:00.003-05:00

As I was praying about what to write today I felt like God spoke this title into existence for me to figure out what the body of text was supposed to say about this topic. We'll see how it goes...

I started thinking about the word 'ready.' Could anything that I am possibly qualify to be described as that particular adjective? What could this phrase mean to God? I decided to do some research...

read·y
1. Prepared or available for service, action, or progress: (I am ready to work. The soup will be ready in a minute.)
2. Mentally disposed; willing: (He was ready to believe her.)
3. Likely or about to do something: (She is ready to retire.)
4. Prompt in apprehending or reacting: (a ready intelligence; a ready response.)
5. Available

Something in my spirit did a back-flip as I read this definition. So many things on this list that completely describe the ONLY thing that He is wanting from me. He wants me to be available to Him. Mentally disposed to hear Him speak. Willing for his service.

The great thing about being Ready for Anything God has for me is that it doesn't require anything from me except that I tilt my vision of my life through his eyes first.

My favorite definition on the list, that I know that God is speaking to me about, is #3. LIKELY OR ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING. I am likely to move on His behalf. I am about to do something for Him. I am about to make His name famous. I am about to be a part of taking this world on for the cause of Christ.

I am ready to be ready.

For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. - 2 Corinthians 6:2

~Laura

Father, please forgive me of my disbelief. Thank you so much that you are so powerful and all-knowing that you could find a way to make my imperfections somehow be used for your glory. I ask that you create in us a bold heart that is truly ready for anything you have for us. Teach us to tilt our vision so that our entire worlds are seen through your perfect eyes rather than our imperfect fleshly desires. I thank you that all you desire of me is that I desire you. Father, I am ready. Help me to stay ready. I love you!

Faith or Fiction??

2010-09-30T06:01:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder how someone becomes a “great person of faith”? Have you set back and wondered how come they have faith and I just seem to fumble my way along? It just doesn’t seem fair. It never seems that they have any problems or crisis to face. Well, have you ever taken a few moments and talked with them or got to know them and what goes on in their lives. Sometimes we will be surprised to find out that one reason they have faith is because they have trails that God is getting them through, one by one. The reason their faith seems great to you is because they have gone through great trails in their life. With each new conflict they go through their faith in God becomes stronger. Their courage increases. They have come to the full knowledge that only with faith in God can they face each day. Great faith in God doesn’t happen overnight, but it is a process, one trial at a time.

Each day we have a choice how we react to the trails we encounter. We can let them overwhelm us and send us into a tailspin or we can stand up and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

Great faith brings about great expectations. Think about it, do you expect great results through your prayers and faith in God? Hmmm – makes you think doesn’t it? Are we not receiving because we are really not expecting? How much time in prayer and fasting do you spend earnestly seeking great things from God? We all want to hear Jesus say about us what Matthew 15:28 (NIV) says: "Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.'" But do we pray with persistence until God moves as the woman did that Jesus was speaking to???

Please, please, please let’s really start praying to God for answers to our prayers and fervently believe Him for the answers. It is time that we stopped saying a meaningless prayer and then getting up and taking the problem to our sisters in Christ, or worse yet an unbeliever and giving them a distorted picture of our loving heavenly Father. God is NOT the reason our prayers are not answered!!! Let’s stand up and take responsibility for unanswered prayers and begin to do something about it. Ask God to help you to prayer and most importantly believe Him for the answers.

~Debbie~

Overwhelmed?

2010-09-29T07:03:00.001-05:00

Check out this definition provided by dictionary.com

o·ver·whelm
1. To be overcome completely in mind or feeling:
Has this ever happened to you?

2. To overpower or overcome, esp. with superior forces;
Have you ever been buried by insecurities, worry or doubt?

3. To cover or bury beneath a mass of something,
Ever been buried by your to-do list? How about a mountain of laundry?

4. To overthrow.
Ever been thrown off course?

Ready to overthrow whatever’s overwhelming you?

Matthew 11:28-30 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Keep this scripture at the forefront of your mind. When you begin to operate once again as a pack mule, cramming as much as you can, where you can, when you can…stop! What good are you frustrated, frazzled and ready to snap at any given moment. Remind yourself that there is someone so much stronger and wiser just waiting to be acknowledged and ever so ready to help.

Love you all,
~Terica

Jesus Is the Reason For the Season

2010-09-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." ~ Ecclessiastes 3:1

The past few days this verse has replayed countless times over and over in my head. Partly because the seasons have finally changed (can I get an AMEN) and partly because it sums up this particular period of time in my life. There are things in my life right now that were once high priority that have become less important and things that I once dreaded that have become something I actually look forward to. The more I think on this the more I understand that sometimes God places certain things, people and events in our life at certain times and then for some reason or another He removes them. It may only be for a period of time or it may be forever. Sometimes I just have to stop and ask God why He does this. Well, God's Word clearly reassures us why as we read on in Ecclessiastes that there is purpose in the ever revolving door of life.

A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

I will borrow a phrase that is generally reserved for the Christmas season, but totally fits any season of life to sum all of this up "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season!" Yes, it is cheesy, I know but it's oh so true. God has a reason for this paticular season of your life and in the end you will see that reason and glorify Him!

If you are experiencing a particularly dry season in your life than rest assured something truly beautiful is on the horizon and if you are wondering why God has placed you in this particular time and place then know that HE is on HIS way to taking you to new and exciting places that you have never been before. Celebrate this season because, it may be hard to see now,but God has something truly amazing awaiting you as the seasons change.

~Kazia~

He Knows & He is there...

2010-09-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

~Laura

What More Do I Need?

2010-09-23T06:02:00.000-05:00

Romans 5 NLT

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Here's what I see:
* I have peace through Jesus (v1)
* I have access to God's very presence (v2)
* I have joy in suffering and even become stronger, so it is not a waste (v3)
* I continue to live in God's generous love (v5)

What more do I want and more importantly what more do I NEED????

~Debbie~

A Few Words For Today

2010-09-22T08:17:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says,
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it."

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.

That's all I have to say today.

~ Terica

As You Wait

2010-09-21T07:00:00.006-05:00

Has anyone ever told you "God is never too early and He's never too late"? I've been told that so many times and have learned over the years that there is an enormous amount of truth to that statement.

I'd like to say I am a patient person, but in all reality I am not. I tell my kids to hurry up when they don't move fast enough, I get extremely irritable when I get stuck in rush hour traffic and if my computer is running just a little too slow, I lose all nerve. So when I pray about certain situations and I don't receive an answer right away I tend to feel a little like God isn't listening to anything I am saying.

Well the truth of the matter is that He is all ears and already has as answer. He just longs to hear my voice and have my full attention a little bit longer. I don't know about any of you but my relationship with God is high priority when I am waiting on something from Him. I am in constant conversation with Him, thanking Him for his answers and relying on His strength to see me through.

I have seen this play out in my own life over the past month or so. I've been praying about a few different things and waiting on God for some answers. Today as I thought about one situation in particular and the answer I received from God I got down right joyful. It would've have been so easy to take matters into my own hands, do what I thought I needed to do and spare all the waiting around. Instead I waited and received exactly what, not only I needed, but what I wanted. All the while strengthening my relationship with Him. This remindes me of something my brother-in-law told me, that his sister used to tell her kids when they got impatient - Patience means happy to wait :-) I love that statement. I am happy to wait on God for His perfect timing.

Are you waiting for something from God? Have you lost hope that you will ever receive an answer? If so, I want to encourage all of you not to lose heart. Continue to wait on Him. Wait on His timing and wait on His voice. And as you wait cling to this encouraging word.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." ~ Isaiah 40:31

Happy to Wait!
~Kazia~

It's finally over...

2010-09-20T08:23:00.003-05:00

Today my mom has gall bladder surgery....but more importantly they are removing her port. Now I know to most of you there is no understanding to what that means, I'll fill you in. 3 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, unfortunately not just your average-run-of-the-mill cancer. This cancer was the most aggressive form of breast cancer and was eating away at her body at an alarming rate. She was quickly forced to make decisions concerning how much of her body to cut away and was rushed into surgery in a matter of weeks. She then endured an especially grueling form of chemotherapy followed by radiation. The process was long and painful physically, and even longer and more painful emotionally. Part of the initial surgery was to install a port on the upper side of her chest to provide quick access into her bloodstream for all of the following treatments. From the very beginning she was informed that with this particular form of cancer she would be extremely lucky to make it one year without it coming back. What a beating...to go through the most painful year of your life knowing that in another year you will probably have to do it again! Well my mom decided to stand against the word that the doctors spoke over her and to stand on the word of her heavenly Father. She believed that our God was fully able and willing to protect her body from relapsing. Her one year checkup had her doctor in tears as she was so happy to have one of her patients make it one year as the last several with the same form of cancer hadn't. Ever since then my mom has been asking for them to remove the port as it is very uncomfortable for everyday life but the answer has been the same: "We would hate to remove the port so soon in case we were to need it again soon." In other words, there's no point. You're probably going to relapse and you will need the port again.
But as I said earlier, today they will be removing her port. Almost 3 years after surgery the doctors have finally stated with their actions what my mom has been longing for confirmation on: "It's finally over."

Now we all may not have severe life-altering medical issues that we can relate to. But I know we all have struggles and frustrations that we are desperate to be able to say, "It's finally over" about. Things that long after we have heard our Father whisper that he is calling us out of and through we want someone else to look us in the eye and confirm it. Ladies, our God doesn't desire that we dwell in emotional turmoil. He wants us to be "more than conquerors!" (Romans 8:37) His word tells us that "You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by." (Job 11:16) Ladies, soon this will pass, it will finally be OVER!

~Laura

P.S. - Those of you attending our GLOW retreat in 18 days, be thinking about what you want to be able to say "It's finally over" about. God loves it when you come into time with Him with an expectant heart! Can't wait to see you there!

Run In The Dark ~ This Saturday

2010-09-17T11:02:00.002-05:00

If you think that as a women - Mother, Wife, ETC. that you can't do anything to help out the community. Think again. There are many ways to get out in the community and help other in need. One way is the Run in the dark hosted by The Community Storehouse this Saturday night, September 18th. Make a date with your husband and get involved together to help others. Meet us at 6:15 at the volunteer tent in front of Keller Town Hall.

Visit newlifewired.com for more details.

Do You Still Have No Faith?

2010-09-16T06:02:00.000-05:00

Mark 4:40 (NIV) says, He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Jesus was asking the disciples this question. These men had been spending day and night in the presence of Jesus. They were eye witnesses to His miracles. They were first hand hearers of His teaching. Their lives were entwined with all that Jesus was doing. Yet when a storm came upon them as they were crossing the lake, with Jesus in the boat with them, they lost it. They allowed fear to take over. They questioned Jesus, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

I had to stop and think about all the times in my life when I've asked the same question - "Jesus, don't you care?" I've grown up in church, I've always believed in God. But I had to ask myself do I truly trust Him??? Hmmmm Trust means a firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing. Is that how I truly view my Lord and Savior or do I daily walk in my own strength and ability and only cry out when the storm get so bad the fear overwhelms me? The Lord has been asking me this question for a while now and I think I finally slowed down long enough to hear Him and I am really having to face some unpleasant truths about myself. I am a person of action and I jump in and take care of things but God has been whispering to me to let Him take part, let Him lead. This last couple of weeks He has been yelling at me this same thing and finally I am hearing.

For those of you who know me well, don't be surprised to see me taking action a little slower than usual. I have surrendered to my Lord that aspect of my character and will be following His lead before making a move. Please if any of you see me start to regress, please step in and lovingly remind me of Mark 4:40 because I know that in ALL things I can have faith that my Lord and Savior can be trusted and relied upon to handle any storm in my life.

Living by faith,
~Debbie~

Can you see Him?

2010-09-15T06:15:00.001-05:00

As you begin your day, I want you to be on the look out for something. Today, I want you to make a conscious effort to recognize God at work in your life. He moves in so many ways on our behalf. If only we were mindful of Him, we might be more apt to notice. But, all too often I think we become numb to His touch. Almost to the point of being desensitized to His presence. Let's decide to change that today.

You see, it is in Him that we live. Acts 17:28 says, "For in Him we live and move and have our being." So, let's not focus on the tasks at hand but instead focus on the hand of the Father who helps us achieve those tasks. Then I love what Job 12:10 has to say, "In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." So, when you feel as though you are drowning, remember He is the source of our breath. So...breathe.

It is my prayer that today you see Him at work in your life. In the great and small things, God is at work. This day, I believe you will see Him. Lovingly and tenderly, you will see Him moving on your behalf. After all, you are His beloved.

~Terica

Today Is A New Day

2010-09-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today I celebrate my 33rd birthday. Yes, that's two 3's!! My husband Brooks continues to remind me how old that sounds and that he is still 31 and that I am older than him. Which, to him I say you are only as old as you feel and today I feel, well, 33.

As we were sitting in his office talking about my birthday he said something really profound that I really had to stop and think about and share with you. He said that if you are a Christ-follower then everyday is like your birthday. Wow!!! A birthday everyday??? Yes, it's true. Each and everyday morning God pours out brand-new mercies. Yesterday's slate is wiped clean and today I am made new. It's like being reborn everyday. That is so incredible. God's faithfulness is so constant and His love is so pure that no matter what happened yesterday He has forgiven and provided us with a fresh start. And He has given us reassurance of this in His Word.

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” ~ Lamentations 3:22~24

Thank you Jesus for blessing me with another day and another year. Your unending love and glorious grace are truly amazing.

~Kazia~

Parenting in a Broken World

2010-09-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about parenting lately. What the ideals of a God-fearing parent should be....In what ways should my parenting strategies look different than those of the world? How do I teach my son to follow the narrow path? Well, soon I will share some of the thoughts I have accumulated about Godly parenting but today I found this blog post from a women's speaker I have great admiration and respect for. Her specific topic she addresses is sexting, but don't let her advice fall on deaf ears just because your children don't own a cell phone yet...She offers up some serious food for thought for anyone who's children will grow up in this broken world, ie all of us.
I hope you enjoy this youth pastor's wife as much as I do,
~Laura

Sexting

I was emailed an article from one of our parents this week and thought I would share it here on my blog to get your thoughts and perspective. The article is about “Sexting.” If you are not familiar with the term, it is a prevalent trend with young people these days. Sexting involves sending pornographic pictures and text messages via camera phones and if your child is a JH or HS student I guarantee you that they have heard about it, been exposed to it, or are actively participating in it. So what should our response be? This article explains the horrific details of this “craze” and the huge consequences involved. Did you know that teenagers passing around pornographic pictures of themselves or their girlfriends/boyfriends can actually be prosecuted for distributing child pornography and serve prison time? Check out this article for more information.

http://scribbit.blogspot.com/2010/08/sexting-one-more-thing-for-parents-to.html

This situation demands our attention and our response. What a sad and depressing state our society has come to that so many unacceptable things are considered “part of the norm.” We have to raise our voice, but what should that look like?

I saw many comments on the above article stating how they would not be allowing their teenagers to have phones, or they would never allow their children camera phones…but I’m not sure that this is the answer. To me this seems like the legalistic approach of the 80′s and 90′s that, though well-intentioned, drove many young people away from church and searching for grace.

To think that taking away cell phones or not allowing your kids and teenagers to be a part of our technologically advanced world is to protect them, I believe is naïve. Legalism has never worked. It breeds rebellion.

Consider the fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty.” You know the story. The well-intentioned parents tried to remove their daughter from society and raise her in the countryside. They destroyed every spinning wheel in the kingdom because that was the one thing that they considered a danger to their daughter. They had wonderful intentions to protect her so that she could become the beautiful young woman she was created to be but…as we all know, when she rejoined the kingdom, she stumbled upon a spinning wheel and pricked her finger.

Perhaps her parents could have taken a better approach in teaching her what a spinning wheel looks like and why it was a danger to her. Maybe, equipped with the wisdom on how to live in the kingdom she was born into, she could have made a wiser choice.

I think we have a responsiblity as parents and leaders to “train up our child in the way they should go.” I am not advocating we expose them to all the horrors of society but we cannot be naïve to think that they won’t be confronted with some of the evils of this world, such as “sexting.” I think if we began to have open, honest discussions with our young people to teach and equip them with wisdom for how to respond to the dangers that are out there, we might see a better response.

We live in a world that is devoid of morality and devoid of God. We must begin to “respond” with wisdom and not “react” with fear. We must begin to bring God back into the picture because He is the only hope for this generation. This starts personally and begins to trickle out to all of those in our sphere of influence. We are supposed to be “the salt of the earth and light of the world.” We need to provide real solution to a hurting, confused world and I believe that will come through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and not a list of rules and regulations enforced by our own strength from our own fears.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5)

When we trust in the Lord He will equip us with wisdom and knowledge for how to handle any situation we face. He will give us the words to speak and the wisdom to teach.

We must respond…we must raise our voice for what is right and be advocates for truth and justice but we must do so by bringing the truth of God’s love to the world around us and teaching our children to do the same.

XOXO

Meghan Robinson
Life Link Church in AZ

You can find out more about Meghan at meghanrobinson.wordpress.com

God Gives Me Strength

2010-09-09T06:02:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had the overwhelming feeling that you just can't keep going? Well, I have. Lately I have had so much to do and so little time to do it. I continued to spend time with God's word and I know that this has been the only way that I have accomplished the tasks before me. The other day I was in Philippians again and came to one of my all time favorite verses. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." The Message says, "Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the ONE who makes me who I am." It goes on to say, "I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me - it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me..." Many times lately I have had help to accomplish the tasks before me, and that meant so much to me and said so much about the people that I have surrounded myself with - BUT in all those times if I had just relied on my friends and family to help me, I could never had made it through everything. My joy would have turned into sorrow, my love would have turned into resentment, my peace would have disappeared if I had not embraced the fact that only through "the one who gives me strength" was I able to succeed.

My heart hurts for all the people around me that do not have that blessed assurance. They live their lives daily in a state of defeat. They have no joy, they have no true love, they definitely do not have any peace. They walk through their days with an empty hole inside that only the Son of God can fill. They try to find love in other people and are disappointed. They try to find joy in a bottle and wake up unhappy. They spend their days searching for a little peace and only uncover turmoil in all they do. What a waste of a perfectly good life when God has so many plans for them.

Please do not waste another minute of your life looking and searching, but reach out and accept the "one who gives you strength" and look to him when life gives you to much to handle.

~Debbie~

Feeling Prunish

2010-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been feeling a little prunish. God has been carefully cutting away the old & dead in order to make way for the new. It has been a very painful and difficult process, but one I know will be magnificent in the end. I hold onto one of the greatest passages in all of God's Word as I continue on my journey. Meditate on it with me as I carry on.

Jesus, the True Vine “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other." John 15:1~17

Love you all

~Kazia~

Memories

2010-09-02T06:02:00.000-05:00

Well this Mama will be watching her youngest son get married this Sunday afternoon. Don't get me wrong I love his new wife to be but this is my baby. So many emotions have been going through my mind for the last couple of weeks. I wanted to put on the brakes and make time stand still and let me catch up with all that is happening. Impossible I know. I am looking forward to see all that will take place in their lives.

I spent time gathering pictures from his life for a slideshow and relived so many special moments that I plan to take time more often to sit down with Lee and just reminisce. While the kids were home with us, we were so busy with everyday life that we missed taking time to see all the blessings in our everyday lives. Time does go by so fast and if we are not careful we may miss opportunities to make special memories with the ones we love.

Take time to thank God for your children and all the blessings(not burdens) that they bring into your life. Busy times - yes, but it would be so boring without them.

~Debbie~

Praise the Lord, Oh my soul

2010-09-01T06:26:00.000-05:00

I am completely awestruck at the continued greatness and faithfulness of our God. My heart is bursting at the seams and can hardly contain the love that runs so deep for Him…which is simply an overflow of the love He has for you and me. God is so real, true, giving, loving and oh so evident.

Read this passage of scripture. Let the words reach the inmost depths of your heart. Our God is amazing and so incredibly worthy of all praise.

~Terica

Psalm 103 (NIV)
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-

18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.

21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul

The Day Has Come

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have dreaded this day for a very long time. Pre-school is upon us. Which means my baby girl is in the care of someone other than family or very close friends. She will now have outside influence coming from places other than home or church. Someone other than Brooks or myself will be teaching her new and exciting things.

I know it's just pre-school and I know it's just twice a week, but in my mind and eyes it all begins here. Next year she will be going to kindergarten and then next thing I know she will be graduating high school and then college and then getting married.

My mind is overwhelmed with so many emotions today. Have we done a good enough job teaching her right and wrong and how to act and how to be respectful and obedient? What is she falls down on the playground and skins her knee? What if someone else is mean to her and hurts her feelings? Who will be there to comfort and protect her?

Well more than likely all of this will happen at some point in time and this is where my faith has to be so big. Her loving, heavenly Father will be with her every step of the way. He will carry her and hold her hand when I can't. He will comfort and guide her throughout her new journey. It's so hard to imagine, but He loves her even more than Brooks or I do. She is right in the palm of her hand where she should be and He will never let her go!

Pray for us as we embark on a new journey today!

"I Hap-PEE!"

2010-08-30T12:14:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to hear from my toddler's ever-growing vocabulary is "I HAP-PEE!" He has taken to randomly blurting this delightful phrase out when he is cuddled up on mine or Scott's chest holding us close. It's almost as if he is obviously more keenly aware of his own happiness when he is close to us. It is almost as if he is thanking us for letting him have this special time with us! In addition to melting my heart every time he says it, it made me think... When was the last time I told my Heavenly Father that I was happy? Do I take the time to thank Him for His presence in my life...to simply choose, for this moment to say that I am happy? It made me realize that in the midst of uncertainty, the one thing that is always constant in my life is that God is holding me close to his heart, hoping that I will realize and proclaim the joy that He has awaiting my heart. If I will just take the time to jump into my Father's lap, I too will be more keenly aware of my own happiness...something I know we all could use. Let's all decide today to say, "I HAP-PEE!"

~Laura

God Given Opportunity

2010-08-26T06:02:00.001-05:00

Is everyone ready for another school year?

Last Thursday night I was invited to go with Braden to his "Meet the Teacher Night" to see his classroom. Of course I went along with Brandon, Terica and Braden as they found their way to his classroom and met his teacher. Everything was new for all of us. New school, new classroom, new teacher, new faces everywhere. We had no idea where to go or even who his teacher was until we saw a list on the door and looked for his name in the kindergarten class. Finally we found the list with his name on it, then we found the door to the classroom his teacher was in and finally met his teacher.

We have been praying all summer that he would find favor at this new school and I don't know why we were pleasantly surprised to find out that he had the teacher we would have requested if we had know when and how to do this. Also we found that his little friend Easton from Pre-School was in his class. Everything was working out great. As we introduced ourselves to his teacher, I told her I was Mimi and would be picking up Braden from school and before I got finished, she was asking me if I could come and read to the kids from time to time. She said that she loved to have grandparents involved in her classroom. I was surprised and immediately said I would enjoy being involved.

My mind instantly started to try to fit this in my already busy schedule. Then a calming spirit came over me and I started thinking that my heavenly Father was not only answering our prays for Braden that night but was also answering unsaid prayers for me also. God knew that I would missing spending time with Braden each and every day so He already arranged for me to not only spend time with him during his school year but to also have the opportunity to spend time with all his classmates. As Brandon put it I could have more grandchildren instantly.

I am looking forward to all that this new opportunity will open up to be able to show God's love to the children in this classroom. Still so thankful that God was looking far enough ahead to see that I would need this opportunity to fill my days during the school year. So thankful to have a heavenly Father that cares about who we care about and the things that we care about.

~Debbie~

Rely

2010-08-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Rely: Depend on with full trust or confidence.

Let me just say…this is exactly the response our God wants from us. To whole-heartedly 100% full-on rely and trust. Life is then not just livable it’s full of joy and peace.

This was most recently proven, once again I might add, on Monday…my son’s first day of Kindergarten. I knew that I would have to 1. Rely on His strength to keep my emotions in check (at least until I made it to the car) and 2. To trust that He would watch over my son. As the day progressed and my dependence on Him continued my heart was overflowing with comfort. Comfort from the fact that the little boy who has such a grip on my heart was in the unyielding grip of my Heavenly Father’s hand.

Over the course of my life and journey with Christ, my confidence continues to grow. He is so faithful and true and when given the opportunity will prove just that. Monday was just one of countless examples of His reliability in my life.

Ladies, take a moment now to meditate on and thank God for His presence in your life. It won’t take long for you to zero in on a situation where He proved Himself true. As you do, love on Him as He continues to love on you.

~Terica

Truth in Love

2010-08-24T08:50:00.002-05:00

"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ..." - Ephesians 4:15

If there is one lesson that God has been trying to teach me over the last season it is this one: to speak the truth in love. Many of you don't know me well enough to know how much I struggle with my interactions with other people. I am normally one of those sweep everything under the rug kind of people. You could say something that I have some MAJOR opinions about and still walk away from the conversation with no idea that I even disagreed with you, because I wouldn't say anything. Now, many of you are thinking, "Girly not voicing her opinions, I don't believe that for a second!" But its true. When we are talking about abstract things and theology and stuff like that I have no problem telling someone I disagree with them and exactly why, but when we are talking about real people and real situations I really struggle with speaking up and saying something even when the situation directly affects me.

But I have learned something here recently. That is that God knew exactly what he was doing when he put those two words together: Truth and Love. I have found that my instincts are to do one or the other but not both together. I often go with the all love approach and stay silent. I don't intervene with correction, "why go there? This is such a minor thing! No point in unnecessary drama over this!" I think to myself. But I have learned, recently, that when I do that, not only am I hurting the other person by not sharing with them my true feelings, but I am hurting myself. I have realized that the source of so much of my frustration is walking away from these situations with my own unresolved frustration. I am now all fired up, "Can you believe she did that?" or "Why in the world would he think that was a good idea!?" When I choose to not deal with people in truth, I tend to walk away with major frustration.

On the other hand, after many interactions like above, I get myself so frustrated by a particular issue that when I do deal with it I go with the all truth no love method and completely blow up. That does nobody any good as well. The other person is frustrated and angry, of course they are, they didn't even know that every time they talked about ________ that they were feeding the frustrated animal inside me. And I am upset and emotional.

But all of this could have been avoided. If I had spoken up about the little things that are tough to say when I had the opportunity and approached them with words of truth in love, I could have A) been a good friend (wife, daughter, coworker,etc) with a real, not fake relationship, B) walked away from the interaction with peace rather than frustration, and C) avoided a build-up of frustration that causes a blow up later.

For those of you that don't work in abstract, I will give you an example of this: A couple of weeks ago I was in the car with my mom riding home from a tennis match. My mom was venting about some frustration with my dad (her husband) that he seemingly ignored her serious feelings about a sensitive issue. She was very upset with him and just couldn't understand why he didn't act on her recommendations about the situation. I had a choice to make: I could smile and nod and escape the tough conversation, or I could speak up and tell her what I really thought about the situation in LOVE! I gently spoke words to help my mom realize that sometimes she overreacts to situations, and though she wasn't overreacting this time, it would be difficult for Dad to know that. You have no idea how hard it was for me to even lightly touch on the subject of someone else's flaws, especially my moms. But to my surprise, she took it so well: she immediately stated that she could understand that and it helped her to have some clarity on the situation. And when I got in my car to drive home I could just feel the weight of frustration lift off my shoulders. This conversation, that my mom probably doesn't even remember, was a huge personal win for me. I walked away with peace rather than being frustrated and rolling around in my head my true feelings about the situation.

Now Ladies, I am not promising that every time you attempt to speak the truth in love it will go perfectly for you, but I will promise that if you are carrying around a burden of frustration over your relationships with other people that there is a way to release that burden. I also want to say that the truth I am referring to here is your true feelings, not that every word and opinion we have in this life is THE TRUTH. I think that its important to realize that sometimes we are wrong, and that's sometimes even better because when we speak up in love we get to find out that there was no reason to be frustrated in the first place. In these times I am even more thankful that I spoke in LOVE because then I don't have to be embarrassed, I can just be thankful that I didn't carry around nonexistent frustration.

Ladies, I urge you to do some serious examining of your words. Its not fun to make these speech patterns become your 'default setting,' but it is so worth it when you get the peace on the other side!

~Laura

God's Glorious Creation

2010-08-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1

Last week at this time I was sitting on my sister's back patio enjoying dinner in Denver Colorado surrounded by the mountain air and my most wonderful family. Yes, the weather was so amazing we actually got to eat outside without sweating pouring off of our forehead and into our food. It was perfect!!!!

We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation, but more than anything I was reminded how glorious God's creation truly is and how often I take it for granted. The majestic mountains, the deep canyons, the colorful foliage, the rocky terrain, the flowing rivers, the cool weather, the fresh, mountain air, the smell of pine trees and rain, the grazing animals and most importantly the beauty of family.

As I sat back and took all of it in I kept thinking about a very simple, yet profound Bible verse. One we all know and the very first verse in the Bible. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." How anyone could ever argue that there is no God is beyond me. Take a look around you and you will see how amazing God really is. He formed and shaped the entire world and everything in it with his hands in only a matter of six days. That's just unfathomable.

I hope you all take in the beauty of the Lord's creation today. Stop and take a few deep breaths. Enjoy your loved ones and tell them you love them. Realize the beauty and majesty of God. Meditate on Him today and thank Him for the incredible world around you. He has created all of this to bring glory to His name and Oh how lovely it is!

Who are you in Christ?

2010-08-19T06:02:00.002-05:00

Who are you? I'm Debbie, daughter to my parents, wife to Lee, Mom to Brandon & Terica Natalie & Clint and Brent & Stacy, Mimi to Colton Braden and soon Nolan. I am business assitant in a dental office, children's pastor, homemaker. But who am I in Christ?

In Judges God appears to Gideon and I see Gideon's responses look so familar to me. Starting in Verse 11, "Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”

Gideon was hiding as he did his work from his enemies when God came to him. As Gideon cowarded from his enemies, God called him a mighty warrior. When Gideon said he was weak, God said to go in the strength you have. When Gideon saw himself as the least in the weakest clan, God spoke of a victory over his enemies. Needless to say eventually Gideon began to see himself through God's eyes and he became the mighty warrior that God first saw him as.

What about you? Are you hiding from your enemies(sometimes we are our worst enemy)? It is time we stand up and hear God's voice calling us His mighty warrior and go in the strength we have and realize that we are not alone. God is sending us and He will be with us as we face our enemies. God is simply looking for people He can work through and be glorifed through. As we step out and realize on our own we can do nothing, but realizing that through Christ all things are possible. When God says "go, I am with you" just get up and go and let God bring the victory.

I'm so glad that my distorted view of myself is not what God sees. He sees His creation, His mighty warrior, His chosen treasure. Lord help me see a glimpse of what you see in me and let me rise up and follow your plans for my life.

~Debbie~

Aha!

2010-08-18T06:17:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had one of those “Aha” moments and then immediately following felt the weight of your revelation? This very thing happened to me while I was getting my nails done. As I sat across from the nail tech, she begins to open up about some very complex issues in her life. I’m listening intently and my heart is breaking for this petite woman whose circumstances weigh more than she does. As she is sharing these very real details of her life, I find myself wishing she knew how precious she is in my God’s eyes. How much He loves and desires her. That He fashioned her together. That these struggles she has were never meant to be faced alone. As my thoughts continue on they are abruptly halted with these simple words in my spirit…that is why you are here.

Aha! Of course! I desire so strongly for women to be set free from the hardships of this life that it is only fitting I meet Ann today. As the weight of my response lingered I asked the Lord to help me. What was I supposed to do? To say? My OCD kicks in and my mind begins completely overhauling my reaction to this overwhelming responsibility I now feel. Then…peace. I was simply told to open my mouth. Novel concept there, eh?

Ladies, you may never know the impact a few words guided by the Spirit could have on someone’s day let alone their eternity. The fear I momentarily felt is far better than the regret I could have carried letting that opportunity pass by. We are surrounded by people every day with problems that could put our issues to shame. They desperately need to know about the everlasting hope we have because of our God. We are not a part of an exclusive club but an all inclusive truth. Will you be God’s hands and feet? His voice to a world that is more eager to hear than we are willing to share.

My time with Ann is not over. You can bet I’ll be requesting her when I schedule my appointments and her name will be spoken in my prayers.

Now…go find your Ann.

~Terica

Immediate Obedience!

2010-08-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

This is a perfectly timed word for me, Ladies. Priscilla Shirer is an up and coming women's speaker and writer that is so relevant its sometimes scary. As church staff, we often get asked where to find relevant women's teaching and studies. Well here is someone I can vouch for! Pick up any of her stuff! You won't be sorry! Enjoy!

~Laura

There Ain't No Shame In My Game

2010-08-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.: Philippians 1:20-21.

I ♥ social media! Facebook, Twitter, Blogger and everything in between. It is all very intriguing to me for some reason. I actually look forward to finding out what people are up to throughout the day, where they might be going and what they are going to be doing next. Silly, I know, but as a stay at home mom this is the only contact I have with the outside world somedays.

As I was surfing the net the other day I came upon an article about a movie that was due to hit the theatres that upcoming weekend. They were promoting the hound out of this movie and I was already a little disgruntled about the subject matter of it. Then on top of that what the article was declaring infuriated me even more. So much so that I wanted to take it to my social media circle and proclaim my dislike for what I see becoming acceptable standards in the world today. But you know what? I didn't. I didn't because I was afraid I would offend someone or step on someone's toes. I had the perfect opportunity to use the social media to stand up for what I believe in and I didn't seize the moment.

Looking back at that moment now I am so disappointed in my lack of boldness to stand firm in my beliefs and what the Word of God clearly tells us is right and wrong. In my disappointment I remembered a quote I read on Twitter awhile back from one of my most favorite preachers ever, Steven Furtick. This quote is still teaching me a very powerful lesson. "Apparently it's en vogue to "apologize" for being a Christian. It's also pathetic. Never be ashamed to bear His name." I guess I fell into that catergory that day. Pathetic!!!

Standing up for what is right and turning your back on what is wrong is not always the easiest thing to do but it might be the most important thing you will ever do. Who knows? You may be the only light someone may see.

So today I make will make my own declaration & say to the world, "I proclaim HIS name, there ain't no shame in my game!" Will you join me?

~Kazia~

NewLife News

2010-08-13T09:44:00.003-05:00

New Series This Weekend

TXT

The Bible is much more than a book of stories and rules from the past. It's rich with a relevant message God has for us today.

Join us as we discover how to engage with the Bible like never before and how to apply it to our lives each and every day.

August 15, 22, and 29.

Please Register Today

Life Impact Summer Lunch Distribution

Every year The Community Storehouse provides a paper-box stocked with basic, child-friendly food items to about 150-155 families per month. This may be an entire month's worth of groceries to some of these families.

NewLife Fellowship has been given the opportunity to partner with the Community Storehouse to help distribute food boxes to families in need. Please join us on August 26th at 5:30-8:30 pm as we share God's love by pouring into the lives of those in need within our community.

To help with this LifeImpact serving opportunity please register by clicking HERE.

His Strength Sustains

2010-08-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The meaning of these verses have never been more real in my life. These last few days have been some of the most difficult I've faced yet I still stand. In my weakness He is so incredibly strong. That is the ONLY reason I still stand.

Today, we celebrate and say a temporary good-bye to a precious family member. My Dad's wife, DeAnna went home on Tuesday. This daughter's heart breaks for her father. The sense of loss he feels is at times unbearable. Yet, even through the most difficult of times we have an everlasting peace, unyielding comfort, an undeniable hope and an insurmountable amount of strength.

I am so thankful for my God. For His overwhelming presence. He has proven Himself once again. I have fallen in love with Him all over again.

Ladies, whatever you are facing DO NOT FACE IT ALONE. Our God is so true. His love so real. His strength so perfect and it sustains. Lean on and rest in Him. You will be oh so glad you did.

Much love,

~ Terica

Finish what you started in me, God

2010-08-11T06:02:00.000-05:00

We just finished an incredible week as we set aside everything else going on and took time out to minister to children ages 4 through 5th grade. It was an amazing week to see each night the kids attending hear and most importantly through age-appropriate teaching, understand characteristics that God wants us to live by. Night after night I heard about the kids and even the volunteers that received from the teaching and as I set down to reflect on the last week I turned to Psalm 138(MSG) and began to dwell on the words of David. "Thank you! Everything in me says, Thank you! Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: Thank you! Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. (v1-3)

I had my daughter ask me, the middle of the week, if I was ready for Adventure Week to be over. I think she thought I would say yes - but without hesitation I said, not really because everyone was having such a good time and was not ready for Adventure Week to end. This scripture came to mind. (v 3) "I called out, you (God) stepped in, you (God) made my life large with strength." Not my strength, believe me I got tired and my body aches, but God's strength made me happy and content. And that's the awesome part!!! On my own I'd be weary and tired and give up - but with God my prayer is(v8): "Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal - don't quit on me now."

Women let's rise up and stop living in defeat, let's make this our daily prayer: "God finish what you started in me".

~Debbie~

Stick a Fork in Me, I'm Done!

2010-08-10T00:11:00.002-05:00

One of my old high school guy friends used to say that all the time....He thought he was hilarious, and almost everybody around agreed. It was his "I surrender" statement. Tonight I struggled finding words to admit my defeat to the world around me and found no better saying than this, "Stick a fork in me....I'm done!" I feel like I have been in the frying pan for far longer than any woman can come out without being burnt to the crisp on the inside and tired, worn, and weathered on the outside. When faced with just one more thing that I have failed at, I finally broke. I am done. I surrender. I am waving the white flag. But as I continued to spout out surrendering phrases I came across one that just didn't sit well with me: "You win." Who wins? Who am I really surrendering to. I don't think that I really want to come up with an answer to that. Probably because in the pit of my stomach I already know. I know too much about who the 'ruler of the air' is, about my great enemy that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. When things are made that simple, do I really want to be THAT woman. The one who trades my passions and purposes, and willingness to live for Christ, for a little bit of peace from the constant bombardment of the enemy. No I don't. Rather I will surrender to the only one I can trust to care for me enough to provide for me. Maybe surrender was the right reaction, I had just directed it towards the world and not towards Christ. Lord I surrender my will, my frustrations, my sleep deprivation, my ever-changing emotions, my needs, my words, and my time to you, because You can do more with it than I could have ever imagined.
Lord, Stick a fork in me...I'm done. Done doing things my way. Done moving before I hear you speak. Done expecting this world to hand me the fulfillment I can only find in you. I'm done.

~Laura

Over Stressed and Under Dressed

2010-08-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

As women we often find ourselves in a constant state of stress out. The laundry, the dishes, the kids, the husband, the cooking, the cleaning, etc.... It's enough to stress anyone out. I, myself, often find myself over stressed and under dressed. I stand back and observe what's going on and realize that I haven't fully clothed myself with my armor. I have not properly prepared myself for the battles I am going to face throughout the day. God's Word instructs us very firmly to "Put on the full armor of God" so we are prepared to take a stand against anything that comes our way. So the next time you find yourself over stressed, make sure you are fully dressed!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full
armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and
after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of
truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of
peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on
all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be
alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." ~ Ephesians 6:10-18

~Kazia~

This Sunday @ NewLife

2010-08-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

This week I have had the great pleasure of helping out at Adventure Week. I have never had the chance to volunteer because in the beginning my oldest was too young at the time to participate and then when she was finally old enough to attend my youngest was only 7 months old so it never worked out age or timing wise, until now.

This year I volunteered my time in the snack room. I toted my youngest around with me, which at times has been challenging, and served the kiddos snacks and drinks. This was probably the best room to work in because I filled them up with sugar and then sent them on their way. I have made lasting memories and hopefully a few new little friends.

We wrap up Heroes of Mega City this Sunday morning with a special family service. We will give everyone a glimpse into what each evening was like for the kids attending Adventure Week. There's also rumors going around of some very special musical guests. Please come support our precious kiddos as they share what they learned about all week and see the joy and excitement on their faces as they worship our Heavenly Father. Service begins at 10:15 am. Get there early and bring your friends and family. It will be a very special morning!!!!

Let the Children Come

2010-08-05T06:02:00.005-05:00

Mark 10:14(NIV) says" ...let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "

This week at NewLife Fellowship we are holding our Adventure Week Program. We are taking this week and using it to pour into the lives of children. Everything we do this week is to show in words and actions God's love to the kids attending each night. I am surrounded by a group of teens and adults that are setting themselves and their agendas aside this week and unselfishly giving their time and talent to make a difference for eternity. They are following God's word. 2 Thessalonians 3:13(NLT) says "And as for you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good."
It is so exciting to see the smiling faces of the kids as they come in the door each night and are anxious to get started. I truly believe that this week will make a difference in lives, families, and homes. This only happens through an assortment of volunteers coming together each night with a desire to impact the lives of the children present. There is NO greater feeling than watching this happen. Whether through the dramas, songs, games or activities each night I can see the Lord's hand at work shaping and molding these precious children.

What is so amazing is that He is also working in the lives of the teen and the adult volunteers. Isn't that just like God? If we will lay down our life for others, He will raise us up to be more than we ever imagined.

~Debbie~

Think

2010-08-04T07:11:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm…think, think, think. Oh, the innocent words of one honey loving bear, Winnie the Pooh. If only our thoughts could be so juvenile, so light hearted. But all too often, our train of thought steam barrels through being contemplative, serious and downright negative. Just the other day a few of us girls were talking about some things we knew we needed to be doing but just the thought of them, UGH! that’s all I’ve got to say.

For instance, I have had this impending goal of getting my tired tail out of bed in the morning and getting into a workout routine. Obviously there are many positive outcomes to such a habit. But needless to say, when the alarm goes off positive is nowhere to be found. I’m all too eager to hit snooze. The war between my mind and body has been victoriously won by the thing I want to do some good, my flesh. So, in discussing my total lack of gumption at the crack of dawn every morning, some very wise words were said. It was mentioned that instead of waking up and dreading the workout I should wake up and thank the good Lord I have the opportunity to wake up and work out. You see, my line of thinking needed a BIG adjustment. I had to shake off the negative connotations that I associated with my goal. I have to wake up from my sweet slumber with an attitude of gratitude and see myself achieving what I so desperately desire.

Take a minute and evaluate. What path do your thoughts often travel…dread or desire? Which one is stronger?

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Lord, help us with our thoughts. Renew our minds so that we may learn and know more of you. Help us stop the freight train of negativity and focus on all that is good and pleasing and perfect in You.

Alright ladies, go and take action on what you have been putting off. Clean that house that you have so greatly been blessed with. Do that laundry that so graciously covers your body. Sit in that office chair beaming because you have purpose there. And while all is being done, meditate on the greatness of our Father.

~Terica

Today...

2010-08-03T10:18:00.003-05:00

Today is a day of rest. But not the kind in which I lay around in my pajamas and watch tv. The kind where I decide that the concerns I have in my flesh are not going to rule my day. The bills that are not yet paid, the laundry that is undone, the work that is piling up on me, and my testy almost-two year old, will get dealt with as I have time today. But more importantly, my tasks will not rule me. Today is a day that I am going to stay in constant conversation with God. I will remain peaceful. I am making the decision right now that the ever-pounding tornado of frustrations, emotions, and to-do lists is going to have to answer to the cosmic pause button that God has given me the authority to press when I choose to come into his presence. Today the constant gasping for tainted air is going to stop, and I will breathe deep and enjoy fresh eyes on the situations that God has me in. I will enjoy a new perspective in which I know that God has ordered my steps and has me exactly where I am because it is part of a perfect plan to prosper me. I will view my world only through the filter that my amazing Father has completely set me up, but not to fail, to WIN! Today is a day to win...

I don't know what your today is looking like through your normal eyes, but I offer to share my pause button with you while you take a moment to let God trade out your view for His perfect perspective. Breathe it in......Ahh.....Change can be so good sometimes.

~Laura

Fluff and..... Fluff and..... Fluff and Fold

2010-08-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Secret's out, I don't always get my laundry folded right away. Ok, I never get my laundry folded right away. It's a flaw in me that drives my hubby batty. I fluff and re-fluff and re-fluff, with every intention of getting it folded, but most of the time I don't get it done until there is a clothing emergency and we can't find what we are looking for because it's in the dryer waiting to be folded. By now I am sure you have all figured out that I strongly dislike doing laundry. Actually it's not doing laundry that I dislike, it's what I have to do with it once it's clean that I don't like at all.

All of this laundry talk makes me wonder if this is how we treat our walk with God. We don't mind all the fluff. I'll be the first to admit it, I love the fluff! We want go to church and hear a warm, fuzzy message about how God still loves us despite our short commings, receive a reassuring pat on the back that everything is A OK and go about our merry little way. Only it doesn't end there. There is so much more to it than that. James 2:14-25 says it best.

"What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works."

Being a true Christ-follower requires more than simply saying "Yeah, I'm a believer." It requires you to seek His face, talk to Him, get to know Him through His Word, listen to what He is telling you and then go and tell others about Him. Sitting around waiting for the work to be done for you is no longer satisfactory. Don't delay, do it today!. Make your faith known, not just by what you say but also by what you do.

~Kazia~

Powerful God Tools

2010-07-30T06:02:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 NIV “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 MSG “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."

WOW! I like the way the message says “we use our powerful God-tools for smashing”. Sounds like we have it made, doesn’t it? With God on our side and all His promises we don’t need to cower right??? BUT how many of us are cowering in fear at everything around us. We might loose our job and source of income. The aches and pains we feel might be something serious and life threatening. Our children may not be safe unless they are with me. The list can go on and on. We live our lives allowing circumstances and feelings to rule us and our reactions to things around us. We only turn to God occasionally when we have exhausted all our efforts.

Instead look at 2 Corinthians 10:4 “ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” How do we get those weapons of divine power? Do we go to the store and look under divine power tools? Do we go to ebay and look up divine power tools? No we are to seek God and spend time with him, learning from God’s word all he has promised us as we surrender our life to him. We STOP treating God as a genie in a bottle to be used sometimes when all else has failed.

It’s time that we sell out to God!!!! It’s time we spend time with God – morning, noon, and night. Time in prayer (not just asking for what we want), opening the lines of communication between me and God, listening to him speak through prayer and reading His word. Ladies this can take some time. You may need to skip that television show that you don’t want to miss. You may need to skip spending time shopping (most of us just aimlessly wander the stores anyway and spend money that we don’t have to spend). You may need to say “no” to a friend’s invitation. It’s time we spend time with God in order to gain those powerful God-tools for smashing the enemy and all he has in store for us. We need to gain the confidence that we belong to Christ that it talks about in 2 Corinthians 10:7. It time we become the structure of life shaped by Christ.

Seeking His face,

~Debbie~

Designed By......

2010-07-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have always been a sucker for celebrity news and the happenings of Hollywood. I may or may not be guilty of purchasing certain magazines with the latest gossip and never before seen photos. I’m not quite sure why I have such a fascination with their lives but nonetheless, I find it interesting.

One of my favorite things to do is check out the red carpet photos. Of course we all know the most important detail about the red carpet is the designer the celebrities wear. You no sooner read the individuals name and then quickly preceding is the creator of their ensemble. As if, by the name they are wearing brings greater worth to the person they are.

So here go my thoughts… How much more valuable are we because of who’s name we wear? Think about it, God’s word says that we are made in His image.

Genesis 1:27
So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.

So you see, regardless the name on the clothing you wear, you’ve been created by the Ultimate Designer. The same One who spoke this very world into existence desired and fashioned you together. A priceless display of art is what you are. And not only are you worth more than the moon and stars but life itself as well. I think our Savior Jesus Christ examples that all too well.

It doesn’t take the spotlight or an event like the red carpet to display our Designer. Walk with your head held high because regardless of how we feel from day to day, we are worth more than any surmountable amount of wealth. Let’s wear His name proudly. Ladies, let’s share with the world all that our God has designed us to be.

~ Terica

You can't take it with you!

2010-07-27T04:33:00.003-05:00

I was sitting in staff meeting last Monday night when wise words fell from Kazia's mouth..."You can't take it with you!" I think we were talking about explaining to our kids why they couldn't always have everything they wanted. Kazia mentioned that she could still hear her Dad ringing off this simple saying. Well, today as I looked around my house I certainly needed to hear that.

Ladies, if you are anything like we me, we take our house seriously. Now, I wish I could say that I kept it cleaned up, laundry always put away, and no dirty dishes piled up at the sink, unfortunately this is pretty much never the case unless you give me a 6 hour notice that you are stopping by. I just like to know that if I did get to spend the 6 hours working on it that I could make my house look nice and presentable.

Well over the past two weeks if it is possible for it to break it did: the lamp on our tv went out, the toilet thing-a-ma-bob stopped working, the other toilet was running, the valve on the tub broke, the shower backed up, the transition pieces between our wood floors and other rooms all came up (Tyler didn't help with that at all ;) ) and to top it all off Scott's car finally died. As I looked around at my house today and found tears streaming down my face, I heard Kazia's sweet voice comforting me, "You can't take it with you! You can't take it with you! You can't take it with you!"

Now ladies, I know, in my head, where my treasure lies, and that it's not on this Earth. But sometimes my head and my heart aren't always on the same page. Today my heart was broken at the disrepair of my safe place, but I had to find a way to tear my eyes away from what they see in the natural to what God sees in the supernatural. No, my house doesn't look clean to God, but more importantly that isn't what He is interested in in the first place. He is simply interested that I keep my ears in tune to His voice, and keep my spirit chasing after His. God revealed to me today that the part of me that still finds my value in the things of this world has to die, so that more of me is open to be filled up with his everlasting joy. Ladies, an old friend of mine always used to tell me, "Take care of your crap before God has to!" boy do I wish I had heeded her advice and torn my self-worth away from my house prior to my multi-stage breakdown today. Thank you, Lord, for dealing with me so gracefully! I encourage you to take stock of your value system. Is your treasure really in heaven, or do you just 'know' that it should be?

I love you ladies! I can't wait to share in the joy God has stored up for us together someday, but for now I am going to actively remind myself when I look at the things of this world that "I can't take it with me!"

~Laura

20I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. 21I don't turn my back on God's undeserved kindness.If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die.
-Galations 2:20-21

What's In A Name.....

2010-07-26T07:00:00.004-05:00

Two years ago when Brooks and I, surprisingly, found out we were going to have another baby we began mulling over what we would name our precious bundle of joy. We wanted something different, something special, the perfect name. After all you only get one shot to name your baby so you don't want to get it wrong.

It took a lot of deep thought, endless conversations and the opionions of many but we finally narrowed it down to one boy's name and one girl's name. We soon found out we were having a girl and subsequently settled on Shelby Grace. Beautiful isn't it?

I must admit names have always fascinated me. I love looking at baby name books and studying the origin and meaning of each name and I find it fascinating to hear stories of where parents got their child's name and why they named them what they named them. Did they name them after a family member, a favorite movie star or a biblical character? Did they have that name picked out for years or did they wait until after their baby was born to decide on what they would call them?

Growing up I never cared much for my name. I was called everything and anything you can imagine and it always embarrassed me. Now being older and a little wiser (emphasis on a little) I realize just how important and special your name really is. It's amazing how one name can tell an awesome story and can represent so much. I looked up the word Name in the dictionary and found the true definition is as follows:

a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a bodyor class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known;
meredesignation, as distinguished from fact; a reputation of a particular
kind given by common opinion; a distinguished, famous, or great reputation

According to this your name defines who you truly are. People associate your character with your name and to some your name might mean many different things. So a few questions you and I should be asking ourselves are "Am I representing my name in a way that would be pleasing to God?" "What do people immediately think of when they hear my name? Is it good, bad, indifferent?" "Does my name represents the same things at church as it does at work or school?" Proverbs 22:1 states:

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

Read it again! Let it fill your mind. One of the greatest things we can do for ourselves is to make certain our name symbolizes everything that would define us as Christ-Followers. I want to challenge you all, just as I have done, to take stock of your life and think about what you are representing with your name and make it a high priority to ensure that your name tells a truly remarkable story.

~Kazia~

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

A Happy Life

2010-07-23T06:02:00.000-05:00

"Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered." Psalm 105:1-5, (MSG)

How's your day going so far? How’s your week going? How’s your month going? How’s your life going?

I wonder if the weather where you are is good or if you woke to clouds and felt a little blue. I wonder if your family, friends, co-workers or boss have aggravated you recently. How is your mood? Are you thinking about an unpleasant interaction, dreading a task, or maybe unhappy about some aspect of your life?

What about people in your life, your friends and family, are they affecting your attitude? Do you let outside circumstances rule your life? Do you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop? Are you expecting bad news? Do you overlook reasons to be happy because you are so focused on what is wrong?

We have a choice in what we look for. Even when everything is going wrong and destruction is all around you there is still happiness to be found. God is in the beauty making business. Just glance outside and see what I mean. Even if it's cloudy or rainy, there is beauty to be seen. And if you choose, to be experienced.

God's beauty is everywhere. It is most clearly seen in His creation. You can hear it too, in the sound of birds as they gather on the wires every morning and every evening to sing God’s praises for the day. Have you heard it? You can also see it in the way a mother cradles her baby, or the way a woman looks adoringly at her fiancé, or the way a child splashes joyously through puddles in his rain boots. Have you seen it?

Psalm 34:8 says "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him." (MSG)

Have you opened your eyes to see how good God is? Have you run to him?
Have you created any beauty yourself today? Have you hugged someone? Planted some flowers? Smiled at a stressed looking stranger? Written someone an encouraging note? Put on some pleasant background music? Have you mulled over your blessings, allowing them to change your outlook and your attitude? Doing these things to the glory of God transforms them into worship, transforming your outlook in the process.

Try reading Psalm 105:1-5 again. NOW LIVE IT!!

~Debbie~

The Little Things

2010-07-22T06:06:00.002-05:00

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" - Matthew 6:25-27

I just have to brag on my God for a moment. He cares about the tiniest details of our lives, girls. Here is an example of how He has recently proven this to me.

Over the last few weeks, my son has been playing All-Star t-ball. This was a big achievement for him and one in which was celebrated in our house. As the season began to unfold, I found myself worrying that my work schedule would interfere with my ability to make his games. The fear of missing a game weighed heavy on this mom’s heart. The thought of it would bring me to tears. Now, my husband, being the wise man that he is, continued to tell me everything would work out. And you know what, he was right.

Somehow, someway, my work schedule would be just what I needed in order to travel to and attend my son’s games. Not one game did I miss. I was able to see every at bat and play my little #52 made. Now, this is not coincidence. This is God. I feel so loved knowing that my Heavenly Father so beautifully orchestrated my days in order that the desire of this momma’s heart could be fulfilled.

Ladies, regardless your need, desire or hope it is oh so important to our God. He loves us so. He works in our lives so beautifully. Take a moment today and reflect on how He is at work for you.

~Terica

Take it to God

2010-07-18T21:22:00.003-05:00

Pure exhaustion are two words that are at the forefront of my mind right now. The girls and I just returned from a long, long trip to see my parents. We really had a terrific time, but while we were away my girls really didn't sleep well. Not that that is anything different than the norm, but I didn't even have my own bed to crawl into after begging them to go to sleep.

After a very long drive home yesterday I was sitting on the couch reflecting on my trip and how tired I was when a scripture I have read over and over dropped into my spirit and flooded my mind.

"Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

The truth is being a wife and mother is exhausting. There are many days that I don't know which way is up or down or if I am going forwards or backwards. There are so many balls to juggle and hats to wear. There are times when I feel the weight of the world rests on my shoulders and I must fix it all. In all of the stress and chaos or life I forget sometimes that these burdens are not mine to carry. God in His graciousness has given me the freedom to take all of my weariness, worriness and burdens to His feet and leave them there. Never to pick them up again. Pretty awesome isn't it?

I hope today that you find the peace and rest you are so desperately seeking. Go to God. Leave it all at His feet cause He is there waiting for you.

~Kazia~

NewLife Kids Ministry

2010-07-16T06:02:00.001-05:00

To me one of the most important ministries at NewLife Fellowship is our children and here are some reasons why I am so passionate about NewLife Kids.

Our children are the future church. That means that in a few years, people will only hear about our loving heavenly Father from the generation that is attending children’s programs in our churches today. How important does that make our children’s ministry departments? Facts are that children are 32% more likely to embrace a relationship with Christ between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. By the time they reach 13 years old, most children have already established their spiritual identity. The kids who visit us on the weekends are in our care for an extremely short amount of time (on average 40 hours per year). That means that we must reach each and every child that enters the doors of NewLife Fellowship with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry is urgent and it is serious but at the same time it’s the most exciting and fun area of ministry. What we do each and every week directly impacts the eternity of the children in our care.

At NewLife Kids our mission is to:
• Show kids God’s love
• Help kids love to come to church

Proverbs 22:6 says “Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it.” (NIV)

We are committed to lead and teach children with age appropriate activities to learn to love God, to learn how to live for God, have FUN and want to come to NewLife Kids each and every Sunday.

One person cannot accomplish this. It takes many people working together with our own unique gifts, willing to serve our children each and every week to accomplish God’s vision for NewLife Kids. Every Sunday we have 10 to 12 adults and students working with the children of NewLife Fellowship. We have kids from birth to 5th grade in age appropriate classes learning about God and His love for them. Each summer we hold Adventure Week and we minister to the kids from NewLife and the Keller area during this week by gearing fun filled energetic services each night to make a difference in the lives of the children that attend.

If you would be interested in working with our NewLife Kids department we would love to have you join us. Rest assured you are NEEDED and would be greatly APPRECIATED!! We are expecting God to do great things in and through our Children’s department.

I’m excited to see what God has in store for us as we team up for the kids of NewLife Fellowship. Working together for a common goal: reaching Kids for Christ – one at a time.

TEAM means: Together Everyone Achieves More

Together we can!!! Ecclesiastics 4:9, 12 say “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work….Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves, a cord of three is not quickly broken.” Let’s step up and be that cord of three (a team standing strong) so NewLife Kids will make a difference for eternity in the lives of each and every child that attends each Sunday.

Come be a part of this growing ministry opportunity. To find out more or to choose to serve in NewLife Kids contact debbie@newlifewired.com.

~Debbie~

Ministry Spotlight: LifeTeams

2010-07-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever desired to feel connected ? To be a part of something that was greater than yourself? Then let me introduce you to LifeTeams.

LifeTeams are the small group ministry of NewLife. The purpose…it’s simple…we do LIFE together. People from every facet and walk of life, gather together in homes, dive into conversation with and in God’s word and grow together. Not only do we grow relationally with one another but our spiritual walks are strengthened as well.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Friendship and a sense of community are accomplished by meeting regularly with one another. LifeTeams are a safe place to share, question, pray, laugh and cry. As we take part in this ministry, our faith grows roots deep in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our everyday lives. As we begin to relate with one another we are encouraged and inspired. There are times in this life when you need a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold during a difficult situation or someone to jump, yell and scream with in celebration…your LifeTeam is always there.

God’s word in Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Find, connect and involve yourself in a LifeTeam. Our next semester will begin in September. Make up your mind now that you will get involved. Your LifeTeam will become more to you than just a simple gathering. It will become your lifeline. Those whom you get to know will become more than just acquaintances, they will become your family. I am so thankful for mine.

As iron sharpens iron, my friends, we will become an unstoppable force for the cause of Christ and NewLife.

~ Terica

Ministry Spotlight: Host Team

2010-07-14T07:00:00.003-05:00

As an adult going to church was always a little scary because I didn't grow up going to church on a regular basis and the older I got the less and less I went. I have made my fair share of mistakes, lets just say I wasn't an angel. With saying all of that, it was hard to go walk through the doors of any church because of my own guilt. On occasion when I would go to church I always felt like I was being judged or I had a sticker that said I'm new, I don't go to church, or I don't belong here. I never really experienced a time in church where I felt loved, welcomed or like they even cared if I was there or not.

It had been years since I had went to church and one day my husband and I visited New Life. Driving there I was trying to talk myself out of going, then we pull in the parking lot and I'm thinking I don't want to get out of the car, but I did. Someone opened the door to let us in, smiled and said hi. Beyond that, there was someone waiting inside with a smile and they said hi too. They were talking to us like they cared that we were there. After service they said bye and chatted for a minute with us. It was obvious we were new, but they weren't treating us like we didn't belong. It was a great, like nothing I have ever experienced before.

Now, over a year and a half later my husband and I have been saved, are partners with New Life and we both serve on the host team. Walking through those doors changed my life, I saw and understood the Love of Jesus Christ. I know there are people out there that feel like I once did and I have loved ones that feel that way. I'm very passionate about serving on the host team at New Life. We always want people to feel welcome, loved, and cared for. We want people to know the love of Jesus. You never know when that could change someones life forever.

Tiffany

Ministry Spotlight: U-Turn Students

2010-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today, I was the worst mom ever...Tyler woke up, had some milk, and I had a to-do list. First we went outside and tackled cleaning out the car, quite a feat after a week at camp with teenagers. Tyler sat in the front seat and "drove" while I worked. Then it was time to go to the bank. After that, the grocery store. We finally got home and unloaded the car around noon, and Ty was one tired toddler. So off to nap time he went. He slept for quite some time and must have been up playing in his room for a while because when it was time to leave for church staff meeting I went into his room to wake him up only to find him chilling out watching tv. So we ran off to staff meeting. At staff meeting he was full of temper-tantrums at every mention of the word "no," but I chalked it up to getting close to the 'terrible twos.' On the way home from staff meeting Tyler was starting to get to the screaming at all costs stage, and I'd had enough.......until I suddenly had a realization.....Tyler hadn't eaten anything but milk all day, he had completely missed lunch due to his nap and all he wanted for breakfast that morning was milk. HE WAS ABSOLUTELY STARVING. For those of you who are moms, you know that the single most heartbreaking cry you will ever hear from your children is one of hunger, particularly when there is nothing you can do to fix it for the moment. Don't you know that was the longest car ride home for this momma. I was almost in tears at every red light thinking about how I could have prevented this pain, listening to his hungry cries.

But the Lord spoke to me and said that we have a generation full of kids crying out in hunger in this world...our teenagers. They are hungry for love. The only love they have ever known in this world has been broken. They have come from broken homes, from homes with absent fathers and sometimes mothers, homes with parents that allow them to do what they want because who are they to decide was is right and wrong in this world. They come from homes where the expectations are so low they don't think their parents believe in them, or from homes where the expectations are so high they feel they can never live up. Yes, there are some that grow up with two parents who hold them to a biblical standard with love and responsibility, but let's face it, all kids grow up to a certain age where their parents are no longer their primary influence, their friends are. And who are their friends? The ones who come from broken homes, from homes with absent parents, etc......you see the problem? We have an entire generation that feels cut off from the previous generation like never before. What's worse, we allow the lie to continue that they don't want anything to do with us. The opposite couldn't be more true. This generation is crying out for someone to step up and show them a better way than the world has to offer. A way that doesn't require being so high off drugs you can't feel pain, or getting drunk every night so you can feel like you were the life of the party, or feeling like you have to have some sort of sex to make yourself feel like you are worth someone else's love. Believe it or not, the teenagers that live these addictive lifestyles hate it. Once they come out of it they all say the same thing: the only thing they miss is the friends that they left behind, but they hoped they would never have to feel the pain they once felt.

I have a New Living version of the bible and all throughout Acts they refer to Christians as followers of "the Way." I just love that, it is the perfect picture of what our entire lives should look like. We have found "THE Way" and now our job is to go back to the highway of life and desperately try to point others towards the narrow path. That is our call for this next generation. Let's not leave them racing towards death and destruction, let's answer their hungry cries! Let's point them towards "the Way" with everything we have.

How? What can we do to break the cycle? Well there are some simple ways, as well as some not so simple but definitely rewarding ways.

Simple: Pray, Pray, Pray! Pray not only for your kids, but for all of our amazing teens in our student ministry, pray that they stay strong to the call that God has on their lives, pray that they not give into the temptation to fall back into familiar patterns at school, pray that they would be bold in their witness for Christ, pray that they would start a movement of purity and holiness in an environment where that is unheard of and even laughed at. Pray for the schools that our kids attend (Central High School, Timber Creek, Fossil Ridge, Kell High, Glenview Christian....) Pray that the students would have a strong hunger for the Word of God. Pray that their daily walk and relationship with Christ would remain fascinating to them. Like I said, PRAY!

Semi-Simple: Engage with them! Whenever you see anyone at all from this generation, prove to them that our generation hasn't given up on them. Be encouraging, ask them what they are reading in their bible, tell them about your walk with Christ, tell them what you are currently struggling with, ask them to pray for you right then and right there. Don't let what God has done in them slip away from them. They are supposed to be the immature ones, but we are not! We have got to step up and fight with our words and our actions. Show them that they are important to you by talking to them. They may seem skeptical at first, but once you prove to them that you are really listening, they will be putty in your hands.

Not so simple: Really step up to the plate by volunteering your most precious commodity: your time. Show up to our student services and activities. Just simply be there. Our services on Wednesdays bring a lot of painful subjects to the surface, be there as a shoulder to cry on. It's ok if you don't have all the answers for them, most of them just want to be heard, (and even if you did have the answers they will probably try it their way first!) Get to know the kids and become a part of their lives. You won't regret it!

Not even a little-bit simple: Take on a mentoring role with one of our students. Agree with them to meet once a week for a coffee (for you, a monster for them.) Hold them accountable, be their sounding board for advice. Pray for them in front of them so they learn how to pray, let them pray for you, its great practice. Talk about where you are at in your bible and what you gleam from it so that they can learn how to find life inside the pages. Tell them you are proud of the person they are becoming. Help them through the rejection and hard times. Live your roller coaster life in front of them so that they know that when tough times come that if they endure they will find joy in Christ!

All in all, we need to do everything we can to point our starving children to the only One that can truly satisfy them. As our teens hungrily launch themselves at the things this world has to offer we have to choose to stand up and show them the way. You moms know I didn't leave Tyler in the car when we got home. Yet all too often, we ignore the cries of this generation. Who is going to answer their cries? Who is going to feed them?

I will.

What about you?

~Laura

Ministry Spotlight: LifeImpact

2010-07-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10.

A few months ago the staff of our church had the priviledge to read the book Servolution by Dino Rizzo. I think I can speak for everyone here, it changed our lives and renewed the vision behind LifeImpact and why we do what we do. We firmly believe that impacting the community around us is one of the greatest things we can do as a church and we are committed to sharing God's love & changing lives through simple acts of kindness.

Just recently we partnered with The Community Storehouse, right here in Keller, during their Summer Lunch Program. Every year The Community Storehouse provides paper-boxes stocked with basic, child-friendly food items to about 150-155 families per month. This may be an entire month’s worth of groceries to some of these families. These boxes provide breakfast and lunch to kids who may not otherwise have these meals during the summer months.

A few weeks ago the U-Turn students of NewLife Fellowship stepped up to the plate and went above and beyond anything any of us would have ever dreamed of by going door to door to collect food items for us to donate along with everything else we collected at the church. We even had a few students who went out on their own, in the blazing heat the very next day and collected food in their neighborhoods. As you can see, they collected an abundance of goodies. Outstanding U-Turn Students!!!! You guys are awesome!!!!

We have also hosted food, toy and school supply drives, assisted with the annual Holiday House Christmas event and helped distribute food for The Community Storehouse's annual summer lunch program.

LifeImpact not only serves the community around us but we also assist people in need in our very own church. We provide support, meals and help to those who may have recently had a child, had surgery, been ill, experienced a death in the family or just unable to perform specific tasks in their own home, like cleaning, grocery shopping, changing a lightbulb or any sort of maintenance.

Next on the agenda for LifeImpact is to help distribute food boxes at The Community Storehouse as they wind down their Summer Lunch Disbribution program. This will take place August 26th, 5:30pm - 8:30pm at their Roanoke Location. Also we have reserved a spot to help at their annual fundraiser "The Run in the Dark" September 18th. Stay tuned to newlifewired.com for more details on both of these events.

These are only a few examples of the many ways you could reach out and serve by partnering with NewLife Fellowship and LifeImpact. I urge any and all of you to somehow, someway, reach out and serve someone. I know without a shadow of a doubt that your life will be enriched in a very profound way. I know mine has and will forever be changed because I stepped outside of my bubble and reached out to those who are desperate need of help.

Please visit our website often for various serving opportunities throughout the year. You may also visit The Community Storehouse website for more information on their incredible programs and ways to volunteer directly with their organization.

Blessings and Love!

~Kazia~

"People discover personal healing through helping others." #servolution

With Mixed Emotion

2010-07-09T06:02:00.002-05:00

Have you ever looked forward to something so much and at the same time dreaded it?? I have committed to attend my 35 year high school class reunion. Yes, I said 35. That means that I graduated from high school in 1975. That was a long time ago and yet it seems like it was only yesterday. Where does the time go?

What will I find at the reunion? Will everyone be different? Will they think I am different? Will I recognize anyone? Will they recognize me? Wow, I feel like I did in high school. Each day brought a new uncertainty. Each day brought a new dilemma. Oh well, I survived before and I know I will again. I really am looking forward to be able to catch up with everyone. So ready or not Virden High School class of 1975 here I come from several miles away and with several tales to tell.

~Debbie~

Taking Inventory

2010-07-08T07:09:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, our church had the privilege of hearing from Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsong Church via his One Prayer message. His talk was about the Unstoppable Life. There were three main points he shared...

The Unstoppable Life:

1. Believes the best for the future.
2. Talks to the future.
3. Commits to the future.

Thought provoking. Over the last few days I have been taking inventory. Do I continually live an Unstoppable Life? At times I have. Say, when I'm believing for something specific. For instance, when I was hoping for my son. I believed one day I would have the child I so desired. Then I spoke health over my baby and pregnancy. Plus, I was committed to parenthood. But what about the day to day? Am I unstoppable? If you asked yourself the same...what would your answer be?

The other day, my son, was talking about what he wanted to be when he grew up. Being all of 5, his possibilities are endless. As his mom, I believe with all my heart he can succeed at anything. I don't think anything is out of his reach. As I was listening to him, admiring his innocence, the thought hit me. Just as I believe, with all that I am, in my son, my Heavenly Father believes just as much in you and me. Life doesn't have to throw us some major curve balls in order to distract us from our possibilities. So often, we just settle into life. Then occasionally, maybe we entertain the thought of our future. What does it look like? What more does God want for you and me?

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I love the beginning of that verse. "For I know the plans I have for you..." that is declared by our God. He has plans. Definite plans. Mind-blowing, life altering plans beyond our wildest dreams. Ladies, take a moment and let that sink in. Shake off the comfort of the mundane. For a moment, allow yourself to dream. Think...what if? Ask your Father above about the plans He has for you. Seek after the One who so beautifully knit you together. You were designed for this day and this time. You, my friend, can be unstoppable.

~Terica

Nothing Can Seperate Us...

2010-07-07T10:29:00.002-05:00

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Ladies whatever you are going through today lay it down at the feet of Jesus! There isn't anything that you are going through that isn't too big for our Heavenly Father! There isn't anything that you have done in the past that you should feel guilty about. Your past can't separate you from Him! Let it go, lay it down, and leave it there! Let your God fill you everyday with the greatest joy possible! He loves you with an everlasting love! Soak in it today! Love Him back with EVERYTHING that you are!

Joy

Guest Blogger: Sadye Bockhoff

2010-07-06T07:36:00.003-05:00

Well, this week I get the privilege to hang out in an atmosphere where God's presence is so thick that you can't ignore it. Yes, that's right, we're at YFN, where our students go to camp each summer! I felt it was only appropriate to hear from one of our students today about their experience from our first night's service. So here she is....Miss Sadye Bockhoff!
-girly

Tonight at YFN I walked into the building certain I wanted something to happen as far as an encounter with God but I wasn’t sure exactly what. I have always struggled no matter where I am with being so concerned with what others are doing or feeling around me that I have a hard time concentrating on what I want for myself so tonight I tried to change that. The girls and I had been talking about what we wanted out of camp and one of the leaders had said if you go into service wanting something specific you would have a better chance of God fulfilling your wants, which was ironic because the speaker was talking about the exact same thing. As soon as he started I knew that maybe if I just separate myself from the people I know well I would be able to concentrate on my relationship with God instead of everyone else. During praise and worship I started out with my youth group but then I reminded myself that I needed to separate myself from that comfort level and went to the front. As soon as I got up there I felt like I had broken through a gate and for once in my life I was having a conversation with God, just him and I. I wasn’t concerned if someone was upset beside me or if they were having a good experience, it was awesome. Overall I think I have a pretty close relationship with Christ but tonight made me take that step closer to make him my best friend I can talk to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

~Sadye~

Hope in God

2010-07-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

There are days where it seems all I hear about is how someone is in the middle of fighting the greatest battle of their lives. I see it on the news, I hear it from the grapevine and I just see it on the faces of the women I encounter day after day. My heart goes out to all of these women.

If you have been given a very harsh dose of reality ~ know today there is hope! That hope is Jesus Christ and He has given you a very powerful weapon, the very Word of God, to use in the midst of your darkest times. Take it and stand firm on it today. Write it on the tablets of your heart and let it saturate your soul.

I want to encourage those of you who are facing a very big mountain this day to seek God and find refuge in His Word. Search it and find the hope you are desperately looking for because, believe me, it's in there. Rest on His Word today and be assured God is bigger than whatever it is you are facing right now.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,for the Lord has anointed me to
bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the broken hearted and to
proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent
me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with
it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he
will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like
great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory." Isaiah 61:1~3

Blessing to you all!

~Kazia

Just Follow Me

2010-07-02T06:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had anyone say to you “Oh, it’s easy just follow me”? What happened when you followed? Did you question yourself?

Well….. my son told me he was going the way I was asking about yesterday. He said we would turn left and go around the circle towards the middle school, then pass the elementary school and we would come out by the Pizza Inn not far from home. “Follow me”, he said. So I did. We took a left and then started going around the circle… and going around the circle… and finally I caught on – he was laughing and having fun while I followed his lead. Now I must defend him and tell you that he is very good about helping me and not leading me astray most of the time – but today he thought he needed a laugh so he had some fun.

This got me to thinking, how many times are we lead astray or the long way around because we decided to “just follow me”? Sometimes we follow people who care about us and sometimes we just follow anyone trying to get where we are suppose to be going. I don’t know about you but I have found myself on more than one occasion being in the wrong place and lost because I followed the wrong person. Life is hard enough each and every day without taking the long way or taking unnecessary detours. In Deuteronomy my bible is very clear about who I should be following.

"You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him."
Deuteronomy 13:4 (NASB)

Don’t be so fast to “just follow me” next time but line up with the Lord and where he is leading you to get to your final destination!!

~Debbie~

Get Your Glow On

2010-07-01T06:18:00.001-05:00

Ladies, I cannot even begin to explain the depth of my desire for women, young and old, to know the absolute greatness of our Savior. To tangibly experience His overwhelming love and acceptance. To know within the inner most part of who they are…who they truly are. To believe without waiver that they are strong, beautiful, courageous & desired. One of a kind meant to shine.

It is out of this knowledge and conviction that I invite you to Glow. Exfoliate your soul and restore the natural beauty the love of our Savior provides. Let’s break free from the labors of this world that often dull our radiance. Girls, this is your time. Will you join us and shine?

For information, check out http://www.newlifewired.com/. This is for you, your mom, your sisters, your girlfriends. It is my burning desire that God move among the hearts of His daughters. I am believing for an army of women, supercharged by the love of their God and radiantly glowing for all the world to see.

My heart explodes with anticipation.

~Terica

A Time of Worship

2010-06-29T17:32:00.009-05:00

Around our house a time of worship is what happens pretty regularly! With a Worship Pastor for a husband and father we tend to hear a lot of music! Well the other morning Caleb and I both woke up with two different worship songs in our hearts! Caleb was awe inspiring to me! He is 6 and can already hold a tune and has such a connection to his Heavenly Father that he wakes up overflowing with his love! What a beautiful sound to hear!
Above you will find a playlist of worship songs. If you can, get in a quiet place today and just listen! Love on your Heavenly Father today! Be blessed and have an awsome day!

Love you all so much!
Joy :)

The Bacholorette

2010-06-29T07:00:00.002-05:00

First of all, I have to get this out in the open... I watch the Bachelorette....I know, I know, you expect more from me.....What can I say, its one of my numerous guilty pleasures! I can't help it, people fascinate me; I just have to know how and why they make decisions, and how they follow through on their ideas and emotions. But one thing that never ceases to amaze me on this show is that no one ever refuses the rose when they are one of that week's chosen few. I just can't get over this fact... I was single once, er...for an unbearingly long time (or so I thought then.) I just don't remember life working out like that for me. Every guy I chose automatically chose me back? I don't think so. I mean, what are the odds? Since when are relationships so one-sided? You take a girl or guy (that can't find love on their own, I might add) and put them in a room full of 30 members of the opposite sex and every single one of them falls in love with the one. That's just crazy! I'm thinking every single girl in the country has auditioned for that show! But it got me thinking... about how one sided our understanding of relationships tend to be in this world.

I think, sometimes, we spend so much time worrying about the likelihood of the uncreated God loving such frail, insignificant, and messed up women as ourselves, and forget that there is another side to the coin. We assume that if this great love could somehow be true that we have no response other to love Him back. But there's a catch....we have this thing called CHOICE. I do think that if we could ever really wrap our minds around the love that Christ has for us then we would be more likely to choose him back, but what about those days when our plight in this world hazes the clarity of our understanding? What then? Do we still choose to love Him back? Even when it doesn't seem like He loves us at all, when we view our circumstances through our earthly eyes? You may be quick to answer "Yes! Of course!" but would a reality tv show centered around your life make that decision obvious to others? Sadly, I have to say that my spoken words don't always paint the picture of my love for Christ.

My desperate plea for us is that we move past trying to simply accept that God could possibly choose us and focus with all of our efforts on choosing Him back! So as cheesy as it may sound, Yes, Father! I will accept this rose! I will accept the redeeming work Your son did on the cross and I will accept the righteousness that comes with it! Not only do I accept your love, but I choose to love you back! I will love you with my time, my energy, my words, and my actions. Thank you for choosing me first, so that I have the opportunity to choose you back!

"We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19

~Laura~

My Junk Drawer

2010-06-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

I have a drawer in my kitchen that I like to call the "junk drawer". If anyone was to ever open this particular drawer and saw what was inside I would be mortified to say the least. I keep all my coupons, many of them outdated, ads and anything else that I don't know what to do with tucked away inside. Instead of taking the time to either find a permanent home for it or just simply throw it away, I stuff it in the junk drawer. Only to have to deal with it later when either I can't open it or everything inside crinkles & tears from overstuffage.

The past few weeks I have been doing my yearly clean out of the house. This somewhat, annual event started because I decided it was time to clean out the infamous junk drawer (this lead to cleaning out every drawer, closet and room in the house). It was overstuffed and ready to explode. I found stuff I had been looking everywhere for, I found stuff my kids had been missing, I found stuff that should've been throw away a long time ago and I found stuff that was quite useful.

All this cleaning out has made me stop and reflect on my own life. Do I have an internal junk drawer? Do I have things in my life that I don't want to deal with or am afraid to face so I just throw in the drawer only to have deal with it later on down the road? Would I be mortified if anyone saw what was really on the inside of my drawer? In a moment of honesty I would have to say yes to all of these questions. I am a stuffer. Often times I cram and stuff until "my drawer" is ready to explode and I become so un-useful for all intents and purposes. I put on my best apprearance that everything is just fine and dandy. You know you can only hide your junk for so long.

While I have continue my annual clean out, I have also begun to clean out the other junk drawer in my life. I am letting God reveal new and sometimes painful things that I have stuffed, hoping they would never resurface. He has extended the borders of my comfort zone and now I am on my way to feeling refreshed and renewed. As I continue on my journey I find great refuge in one of my very favorite passages in all of God's Word.

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the
inmost place: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit
within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to
sustain me" Psalm 51:6, 10~12

Hold onto this truth and know that today God is standing there with arms wide open, waiting for you to lay all the junk you have stuffed and carried around for years at His feet. He's waiting to love on you. He's ready to restore your joy and peace. Just stop and let Him!

~Kazia~

Enough Said!

2010-06-25T06:02:00.001-05:00

This last week life seemed to be dumping only bad things on me. I started to wallow in it but God directed me to this scripture. Once again I had to shake my head and start chuckling to myself. God won't let me wallow in the muck and mire. He's got too much for me to do to get side tracked from what's important.

2 Corinthians 4(NIV)

Treasures in Jars of Clay

1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Enough said!!

~Debbie~

Ready. Set. Go.

2010-06-24T06:04:00.000-05:00

Follow these simple steps:

Take a deep breath
Place a genuine smile on your face.
Say this out loud, “Lord, I’m Yours.”
Believe with all your heart you do not face this day alone.
Declare this…

Lord, may all that I say and do be a reflection of you. Whatever this day brings, I will face it knowing that you are with me. Today, this day, I know that I am beautiful, made in your image, a daughter to the King. Father, I am so in love with you and oh so thankful for your love for me.

Now ladies… go and have a fantastic~productive~joy-filled day. Walk with your head held high and your heart surrendered to the King.

My heart overflows for each of you.
~Terica

Next Generation Leader

2010-06-23T06:02:00.011-05:00

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20 (NIV)

This verse comes to mind in my life alot! If you know anything about me at all you know that most of the time I'm not afraid to speak my mind. Growing up my thought process was "If you don't like me for who I am than that's your loss," "if you don't want to know the truth then don't come ask me." I was the one that told you the truth, sometimes even if you didn't ask for it.

Needless to say this sometimes got me in trouble. Other times it actually served a purpose. The other day Nate and I were talking about my willingness to be bold and he tells me I just need to be careful and think about things before I say them. So I thought about that and realized that more times than not I do think about things before I say them. I am more careful than I think I am. I'm just not afraid to walk in the light of Christ knowing that in the times when something truely needs to be said I know full well that He is going to speak through me. You also need to know that I have never claimed that it was Christ who spoke through me in the times when I was wrong. I don't always get it right, but I don't fear getting it wrong either. I have always been very confident in this part of me, but here's the honest part. For the past couple of years I have begun questioning this. I wonder if I hurt more than I help. I find myself on the outside looking in alot, because I seem to be the only one with this opinion or this concern. I struggle with the demon of self-doubt!

How can others not see what I see?
Why am I the only one willing to speak up?
Am I the one that is in the wrong?
Have I really not heard God on this?

So many questions! Where are the answers? I got my answer last week! I am part of the incredible staff at New Life and we are reading a book called Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. This is what I found:

"A leader is someone who has the courage to say publicly what everybody else is whispering privately. It is not his insight that sets the leader apart from the crowd. It is his courage to act on what he sees, to speak up when everyone else is silent. Next generation leaders are those who would rather challenge what needs to change and pay the price than remain silent and die on the inside."

Upon reading this I realized I truely am a NEXT GENERATION LEADER!! I do not have to keep silent! I am who God truely made me to be! Don't fear who you are! Stand firm in the one who made you!! Love on Him daily!

13-18If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

1Peter 3:13-18 (The Message)

Blessings to you all!!

Joy :)

GLOW

2010-06-22T10:08:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart for the women of NewLife and of the area we live in. I can't describe the burden I feel when I witness the effect that this world has on the spirit of any woman in my view. I'm not talking about physical appearance or aging. I'm talking about how you look at someone who puts their faith in the uncreated God, but yet something behind the exterior just doesn't glow like it used to. Sometimes we lose our glow because a loved one is in need of healing, sometimes because there is true strife in our own home, sometimes because we feel like we will never get it right or measure up. Let's take a look at some scripture that I feel applies to our situation.

In Genesis 37 we get to follow the life of Joseph, who for various reasons was strongly disliked by his 11 brothers, one of which was certainly jealousy over a special robe that their father had given Joseph because of his love for him.

18 "But they saw Joseph in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.... 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the richly ornamented robe he was wearing- 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern."

Why is it that rather than just killing him where he stood, the first thing they did was to strip him of his robe?

Because his robe was the symbol of his father's love and favor on his life. Just like our unexplainable joy is the symbol of our Father's love and favor on our lives. Satan is simply irritated and jealous for our robes of joy, so his first attack on our lives is to neutralize us by taking away the most obvious connection with our Father in heaven.

Fortunately for us, our robes of joy are not something that Satan can take away from us without our permission. Ladies, I beg of you, hold on to your robe with white knuckles! Don't let it slip away without your notice! Too often we allow the pressures and hurts of this world to affect our spiritual wardrobe in a scary way without even realizing it.

For those of you fighting to hold on to your glow, keep fighting. For those of you who feel like you can't remember the last time you saw that robe hanging in your spiritual closet, I urge you to remember your first love. Spend some time in his beautiful, life-giving, presence. When Moses spent time face to face with God, it was said that his face shone with light for some time. Trust me ladies, life doesn't seem so grim when you view it through the reflection of a little glow!

For those of you who don't know, B'LoveD is hosting something really exciting this October...GLOW, our B'LoveD retreat! We are so excited and overflowing with expectation about what this amazing time with our awe-inspiring Father is going to do in our lives. We hope you will join us October 7-9, at the NYLO Hotel in Las Colinas. You can find more information HERE. But be sure to register soon, deposits are due by July 11!

I love you ladies, and I pray for your infectious glow on the world around us!

~Laura~

He's Still Working On Me......

2010-06-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

In previous blogs I have mentioned that I have two precious little girls. They keep me on my toes daily. Brooks and I are constantly teaching them and showing them the difference between what's right and what's wrong. We have to work with them daily on things that are necessary for them to learn and grow. Things like don't touch the hot stove, don't climb on the table, don't hit, don't pull hair, don't play with scissors, don't talk to strangers, but do share your toys, be respectful, clean your room, play nice, etc.... It seems our work is never done.

Today as I was loading the dishwasher I became quite frustrated with my 18 month old. As I was carefully loading the dishwasher, she was carelessly unloading it. She grabbed everything she could get her hands on, including the knives. No matter how many times I told her no and gave her a little swat she continued to take the dishes out and play with them. My patience was growing very thin.

In the midst of this aggravation God suddenly dropped an old song that I used to sing in Sunday School in my heart. Here are the words. They are simple, but oh so true:

"He's still working on me. To make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be. He's still working on me."

Funny how God uses random things to get our attention. Today he used a silly little song I haven't heard in years to get mine. The moment I began singing that song I realized that the same holds true for me. He IS still working on me. There are things that He has been working on for years and there are things that He has only begun working on. Truth is that even though there is pain in growth, I hope He never stops. Because when He works, I learn and learning brings change and change brings growth. If I am not growing than God is not working.

I wonder where He'll take me next??? I can't wait!!! But in meantime I hold onto this truth:

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus; And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:6, 9-10

A Work In Progress

~Kazia~

Continually Pray Without Delay

2010-06-18T06:02:00.000-05:00

In NewLife Kids this week the lesson main point was Continually Pray Without Delay. If only the kids could learn this lesson at an early age. I thought back to the many times that I have heard this point taught or preached over the years. Believe me there was many more times than I can count. I’m ashamed to say that so many times in my life I have heard a sermon title and thought “Oh, I know that” or “Not again”. Why don’t I instantly think that God might be trying to tell me something I may KNOW but not be DOING????

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) says: “Never stop praying”. I remember as a young person wondering how in the world this was possible. Doesn’t God know all that I have to do in my day? Things would never get done if I never stopped praying. Oh how misinformed I was!!! I was spending too much time in busy work, most of which did not HAVE to be done, when I could have been resting in God’s peace and accomplishing so much MORE.

Colossians 4:2(NLT) says: “Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart”. My day goes so much smoother with an alert mind and a thankful heart. I don’t dwell on wrongs but I am looking for good when I keep God on my mind at all times. I see through clear eyes – not eyes filled with dismay, disgrace, and all the dirt that earthly eyes see with. As I live my life in close communion with my Father God it is amazing how differently my days go and how much more I accomplish. Don’t think that God is asking too much of you when he says “Never Stop Praying”, He is wanting what is best for us and knows that if we live in a constant state of prayer we will have more joy, peace, and accomplish so much more than when we try to live life on our own.

Let today be the day that you begin your life living in a constant attitude of prayer.

~Debbie~

LiveLaughLove

2010-06-17T06:08:00.000-05:00

Three simple words…yet the reality of them is not always so simple. When life is balanced, it’s easy to live them out. Almost effortless…they just happen. Yet, when life turns into a freight train, you can be so focused on survival that there is no time to laugh and little time to love.

So how do we acquire balance? If your life is like mine busy is an understatement. Our family theme song is “Entry of the Gladiators” the icon of circus music. There are many occasions, as we pile in and out of the truck from one stop to the next, someone finds humor in the hustle ‘n bustle and will start to sing da da dadada da da da da da. While our silly little family joke definitely lightens the mood there is something much more powerful that sustains us.

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” You see, I have found that my world can be spinning rapidly out of control but my God is the constant in the chaos. When my eyes are focused on my Father, it doesn’t matter how crazy and insane my days are. I simply have everything I need to make it through that day. But, when my eyes focus solely on the tasks ahead I’m overwhelmed. I’m defeated before I even begin. Too often we live our days that way. Girls, I don’t know about you, but I much prefer the outcome with my Father’s help.

No doubt, life can get messy. We have seasons of calm and seasons of hurricane force winds. There is a song by Hillsong titled “Desert Song” and I find myself singing these words often: All of my life, In every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship. So you see girls, regardless our current life season, we don’t have to be shaken. We can stand firm. We can find humor in the chaos and love in our Father. Balance and harmony can be achieved in any season of life when it’s a life living for their Savior. Stay focused. Laugh a little and love a lot. You are His beloved.

~Terica

Author Unknown

2010-06-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

Now that I have found You, I know what it's like to be loved fully, deeply, immeasurably. I have never been loved by someone so completely, so intensely. I am perfectly accepted, perfectly loved, perfectly understood and perfectly cherished for everything that I am.

You tell me the things that You would like me to change in my life, and You help me work on them. I never feel condemnation or criticism from You, only the most perfect love.

I don't have to cover up my faults or weaknesses, because I know You will view them with compassion. You cover them with Your love; You accept them through Your forgiveness. Then You take my hand and we move on, together.

All of these and many, many more, are the precious reasons that I love You, Jesus.

Author unknown

Read this and thought "these words are amazing!" Oh how I love my Jesus!!!!!!!!

Have a very blessed day B'LoveD!!!

Joy

Pouring In & Pouring Out

2010-06-15T11:37:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning dreadfully missing one of my favorite people on the planet. I have been so blessed over my life to have come in contact with some amazing mentors, and one in particular, that has poured so much into my personal life. I really have no idea where I would be if she hadn't been there to mold me, shape me, and challenge me. I had so many mindsets that needed to be broken, so many character flaws that needed to be balanced out, so much passion that needed to be tempered with wisdom. I praise God everyday that He saw fit to give me someone in authority over me that cared for me so much more than was required of them. Someone who carved out countless hours to ask the tough questions, to listen to stories that I'm sure made her want to quit bothering with me, and to model an amazing life and marriage before me. I knew, at the time, that I was lucky to find such a precious tool for His kingdom, but I had no understanding of just how rare of a gift God had given me.

I heard a message not long ago about this topic of mentoring that really made me think. It was about Joshua, Moses, and Caleb. Jude Fouquier, associate pastor at The City Church in Washington, shared that everyone needs a Moses or a Mentor (someone who is pouring into them), everyone needs a Joshua or a mentee, (someone they are pouring into), and everyone needs a Caleb, a best friend. I think that most of us do a great job of finding friends that are somewhat on the same level as far as their walk with Christ, however I also think that we do a great job at shying away from putting ourselves in the other two roles. We are afraid of giving someone the authority over us to be our mentor. We often want the "freedom" to do things when we want and how we want, but we also are afraid of coming up short of the expectations our mentors would surely have for us. These are normal fears but are minuscule compared with the treasures awaiting those who are brave enough to put themselves in this submissive role.

We also shy away from situations in which we could pour out into others. We are too insecure to admit that we have something worthwhile to offer someone else. And even if we do realize the what we have to give, we often hold ourselves back from speaking it out for fear that our heart would be misconstrued for criticism. Now I'm not talking about walking around giving your opinions on everybody's life in your view. I'm talking about prayerfully committing to walk someone through a stage of their life that you have been through yourself.

I feel like it is a major strategy of our great Enemy to keep us from putting ourselves in these vital roles. Refusing to seek out these people in our lives simply separates us from the body of Christ in a way that leaves us feeling alone in our battles. Ladies, I know it seems like our plates are full before we even start thinking about embarking on relationships like these, but I urge you, those that mean the most to you would greatly benefit from the personal growth that you will experience on both sides of the spectrum.

If you don't even know where to start to find relationships like these, start with prayer. God is faithful above all else. Pray that He will open your eyes to the people around you that you need to get to know a little better so that He can start to develop one of these dynamics. A simple check to identify your mentor is to think about what struggles you are currently walking through that you would like to overcome, or ministry areas you think God has put on your heart to pursue, then think about people that you know that have been through your struggle or is someone you look up to in the ministry you identified. And likewise, to narrow down someone you could pour into, identify the things in your life that you have been through, (and come out of!) or would like to go deeper in a specific interest you are already involved in. As you start to pursue God about these relationships, He will start to give you an unexplainable heart for those that you are meant to share with.

I can't wait to see how this kind of true discipleship can empower us to become the daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, friends, grandmothers, healers, leaders, teachers, and most importantly Christ-followers that we were meant to become! Be brave, Ladies! Ask God to show you who He has placed in your lives for such a time as this!

~Laura

Spoiler Alert

2010-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Are you the kind of person that likes to know the outcome of something before you begin it or are you the kind of person that gets really angry when someone spoils the ending for you? Me, I like knowing what is going to happen before I invest a whole lot of time and emotions into something that may of may not disappoint me when it's all said and done. I must know if
I am going laugh, going to cry, going to be angry or going to be excited and prepare myself accordingly. When it comes right down to it, I guess I really don't like surprises. This is why I secretly love a good spoiler alert.

I know that sometimes it is impossible to know how something is going to end, but in one case I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt what the outcome will be. You know why? Because I have read the end of the book and what I found out was incredible.

***Spoiler Alert*** If you don't want to know how it ends you may not want to keep reading. But rest assure it is all really good news!!!

We win!!!! The Enemy is defeated and destroyed and We are triumphant and victorious. If you are a Child of God you are without a shadow of doubt, 100% guaranteed a victory. Despite all of the pain, sorrow and suffering we will face, we can stand firm in knowing that in the end we are victorious. We will inherit the kingdom and live eternal life. Doesn't that make you want to do the happy dance? It does me. I win! I win! I win! Winner, winner chicken dinner!!! Hello Win Column!!! And the winner is.....ME!!! Sorry, I got a little carried away but I never win anything and I stand to inherit God's Kingdom. How marvelous is that? Truth is when you put all of your faith and trust in God and give him full control you CAN'T lose.

Know today that God loves you and He has pre-ordained you "The Winner". Now it's time to stand firm and walk in your victory! Name it and claim it! It's yours!!!

~Kazia~

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. Psalm 44:3

Blessing of Love

2010-06-12T03:23:00.003-05:00

This past Thursday was our four year anniversary. When I think back to the day of our wedding it fills my heart with joy. I couldn't wait to walk down the isle look into his eyes, see the smile on his face, and marry the man of my dreams. It brought happiness, anticipation, smiles, hugs, and love. There was so much going on that day besides the feelings and emotions. The adrenaline going through me kept a smile on my face. I wasn't nervous or scared, I never questioned if I was making a mistake, I knew he was the one. I couldn't wait to say I do!

Now 4 years later and lots of growing and changes, I still feel the same way. I can't wait for him to walk through the door after work, I look forward to his kisses and to hold his hand, it makes me smile every time he calls just to say hi, I love how we start and end everyday looking at each other, I need his hugs, and we have fun sitting on the couch watching TV or venturing out and trying something new. We laugh together, finish each others sentences, it's like we complete each other.

My husband is not only the love of my life he is my best friend. I can just sit and stare at him or watch him work and he still simply amazes me. He is so smart, handy, tough, but oh so sweet and lovable. He is an amazing man of God. He leads his family with authority and wisdom from the Lord. I could never describe how much I love him or what he means to me. I feel like the luckiest women in the world when I think of what a blessing he truly is. Sometimes, I can't believe he chose me. I thank God for Blessing me with such a wonderful man. God knew exactly what he was doing when he put us together, I don't know why we ever doubt Him.

We are about to start a new chapter in our lives. I can't wait to see what God's plan is in the years to come.

Tiffany

What's wrong with me?

2010-06-11T06:02:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought about how often you ask yourself, "What's wrong with me?" I ask myself that question when I can't find my keys, when I disagree with my husband, when I feel like I let someone down, when I'm late for an appointment or lose something I know I put in a good spot. The list just grows daily.

In thinking about this it dawned on me that each time I think this question, I am telling myself that something is wrong with me. Then I try to figure out what is lacking in me. What it is that I need to change in me. Why I don't measure up.

I truly do not believe that God wants me to think badly of myself - after all He created me. Psalm 139:14(NIV) says "... I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." I have often over the years told kids that "God does not make junk" Why then am I so ready to believe that there is something wrong with me? Why do I not accept myself for the woman that God fearfully and wonderfully made? One reason is because I have an enemy, Satan, that wants me to think so little of myself that I will not become all the God has created me to be. If he can get us to take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws; then we spend all our time trying to hide or to figure out how to correct our flaws.

The next time you begin to think something is wrong with you don't allow Satan to have his way. Instead begin to speak God's thoughts about you. They are the truth. Stand on the promise of who you are in Christ. You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Discover and embrace our God given design and accept that we are the way we are because it's all part of His plan. Are we perfect? NO WAY. All of us have strengths and weaknesses, but remember you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - Just like God planned.

Do not allow thoughts of doubt or self criticism rule your day, instead look to your creator, the one who knew you in your mother's womb and ask him what he thinks of you.

Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways O lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.

~Debbie~

Authority

2010-06-10T06:07:00.001-05:00

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

When I read this passage of scripture, taken out of the book of 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath, there is one word that resounds over and over in my spirit. Authority.

David stands against his enemy in the fullness of God’s authority. Declares it, fights with it and believes it. There is not an inkling of doubt in that passage. No army could defeat Goliath but one man, standing firm in his Lord with a few rocks and a sling shot, brought the giant down. David was a man who believed in his God and therefore stood unshakeable in His authority.

So, what level of authority do you fight with? As I have been asking myself this question over the last few weeks, I have had to take a brutally honest inventory within. I am at war. With my flesh, emotions, daily circumstances. As the battles have surfaced, I have felt a question ever so sweetly rise in my spirit, “and how big am I now?” As I have honestly searched for the answer, sadly I have come up with varying conclusions. I found that sometimes He was small, others about a medium and occasionally large.

Funny, depending on the circumstance the belief I had in my God waivered. Oddly enough, if I believe in something for someone else there is no limit to what He can do. When it’s something about or for me all of the sudden my God shrinks. This is not acceptable. So, I have found that as I determine within to believe that my God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do my belief becomes unshakable. For as long as I have trusted Him, He has never abandoned me. I will fight with full authority. I will fight to protect my belief in how absolutely humongous my Father is. I will believe my Lord and Savior over all outward and inward circumstances.

Ladies, sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves just how big our God is. And ask for His forgiveness for thinking anything less. Everything and anything that stands up against Him, becomes a tiny speck. A grain of sand compared to His vast existence. Rise up, walk, fight, and take rest in His authority.

~Terica

2010-06-09T14:47:00.001-05:00

Colossians 3:12-17 (New International Version)

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

A spoken word for myself today!!! Have a very blessed day Warrior Women!!

Joy

Past the Pain: Guest Blogger Cassi Rinehart

2010-06-08T10:01:00.001-05:00

We have been doing rotations of the leaders speaking to the students at U-Turn for the last few months. Scott has had one of the leaders share their story the first Wednesday of the month and this past week it was my turn. I have spoken to the students before and while I will always get nervous about getting up in front of people, I was not too worried about it. Little did I know what God was going to lay on my heart to share and how that was going to rock me to my very core.

When God starts to meddle in your past, it is rarely pleasant but it is always productive. I was out driving around, thinking and praying the other night when God revealed how a choice I made on a night, years ago, was affecting my life today. The area that God decided I needed to deal with that night was private and very painful, I had to face some regrets and failures that I had tried to forget. Through mercy and many tears on my part, I finally began to allow wounds from long ago heal. But healing was only the beginning of my journey.

As I began to pray about what to speak about God kept bringing that night to my mind. “Ok, I thought, what did I learn I could share with the kids?” No matter how I tried to spin it and wiggle around it, I knew simply sharing lessons learned was not what God wanted of me. God was trying to tell me that I needed to talk about that painful night many years ago, my bad choices, the consequences I experienced and most importantly how God took care of me through all of it, but I didn’t want to hear any of it. I was willing to talk about most anything but THAT! He had healed me and that was great. I would share my wisdom, my joy, but not my pain, that was private. How could God expect me to get up on stage and talk about details of my life that not even my best friend knew? I was terrified that people would judge me for my past. What if no one saw me quite the same if they knew this about me? But God wouldn’t leave me alone and finally I gave in.

Last week I stood in front of a room full of teenagers and shared the story of one of the most painful nights of my life. I was still scared but I was obedient to what God wanted me to do and something amazing happened. No one looked at me any differently, no one judged me but that wasn’t even close to the best part: lives were changed! God used my pain to change other people’s lives. Through my obedience, students reached out for healing. I hate the think about what might have happened if I kept it to myself? If I had been too scared to speak out and share?

We all have something that we don’t want anyone to know. We all fear being judged and found lacking. The thought of rejection is enough to silence most people. I think God is calling each one of us to a place where we can share that one thing in our lives we know can change the future for someone but have been too terrified to do anything about it. Regardless of what that one thing is for you, today is the day to stop letting fear keep you from sharing what you know God wants you to. You never know when your yesterday is what changes tomorrow for someone else.

Isaiah 54:4
Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed.
Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short.
You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth,
and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory.

~Cassi