"I CHOOSE TO BE A WORSHIPER"

This couple adopted... EMBRYOS!!

2010-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

This GREAT Blog, "3,2,1" is dedicated to embryo adoption. For more information... visit it!

Its been a while

2010-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hello all! This is my post (like many a post on other blogs) that is to say... I haven't disappeared. I'm actually still here. Surprise!

Let's see: TWITTER is a good thing. Maybe its due to my short attention span, but I LOVE the quickness of Twitter! That's the avenue my kids' hilarity, the link to my favorite item of the moment, an urgent prayer request or just random thoughts are most often shared.

However, I just signed up in a Blogfrog community and put my blog address... how sad that I couldn't even remembered the last time I posted. Way back when, there are actually some great posts lurking beneath the surface of these last ones. You know the kind... ones that were actually from me/ my heart/ original thoughts... not just replications of someones else's good thoughts.

Time to return to that. Hooray for all! JoAnna is returning to blogging!

In the midst of dealing with deaths, in the midst of pain, in the midst of confusion: God is good and I choose to be a worshiper.

HP TouchSmart 600 - FOR FREE??!!

2009-12-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Actually, kind of the same one! There are in fact a total of FIVE HP TouchSmart 600 PCs being given away in blog land.

Kelly's Korner is giving one away!

BooMama is giving one away!

Nie Nie Dialogues is give one away!

MckMama is giving one away!

A Year of Slow Cooking is giving one away!

Check out the links and enter away!! :)

and now a little something about a MckContest!

2009-12-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

It seems that MckMama is having a little contest right here for a SWEET touch computer. And, seeing as how Zack and just happen to be in crazy need of a computer right now... this would be perfect timing to win! Isn't it nice how the timing works out? I thought so too. :)

This little post is my 3rd and final way to enter the contest. You may enter too, just follow the little link above and then give the computer to me when you win. There, now we're all happy.

The Call Crisis from Lou Engle:

2009-11-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Urgent Call to Prayer & Conference Call:

TONIGHT November 6, 2009 8:00pm EST

We have entered into a time in American history where the Church no longer has the luxury of peace after great victories. Today we celebrate, with humility, the stand for traditional marriage that the people of Maine made. We believe the prayers of the saints and the votes of conscience helped turn the tide. ABC news made this statement “The tide of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples - which has swept across New England in recent months - has stopped at Maine.”

We Face a Crisis

But now, two days after this moral victory, we face a crisis that many believe could be the turning point from a society of free men and women to a society under the economic and moral control of a government hostile to Christian values. Nancy Pelosi’s healthcare bill, according to Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, “Is a 1,990 page monstrosity that will mandate healthcare coverage penalizing those who choose no coverage, pay for abortion change the tax laws giving benefits for same sex partners and create more than 111 new boards, bureaucracies, commissions, and programs. This will cost at least 1.3 trillion dollars.”

Monthly Abortion Premium

Yesterday, U.S. House of Representatives Minority leader, John Boenher, presented a clear statement on abortion being federally funded in this healthcare bill – Section 213
“A monthly abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run plan, as well those who select plans that have abortion coverage through the Exchange. The premium will be paid into an U.S. Treasury account and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion services.”

Pro-Choice to Pro-Life

At the same time, a Planned Parenthood Director in Texas has experienced a radical conversion from pro-choice to pro-life and her story is being heralded all across the nation on the news. In addition, the national public opinion has shifted dramatically across the board to pro-life. It seems ironic that this administration is preparing to inject abortion into the very veins of our whole economic and healthcare system.

Contact Congressman and Senators

Nancy Pelosi is seeking to drive this bill to a vote on Saturday. What can we do? Planned Parenthood Action Fund President, Cecile Richards wrote to her supporters rejoicing that, “every version of the bills out there right now is free of the dangerous amendments anti-choice members of congress tried to attach to healthcare reform.” She claimed, “more than 18,000 phone calls” for Planned Parenthood contacted Congress. EVERYONE MUST CONTACT THEIR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS IMMEDIATELY AND VOICE THEIR CONCERNS TO THIS PROPOSED HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION.

Divine Intervention

This crisis demands divine intervention. We must pray and fast. Esther’s fast gave a king a sleepless night and the Persian death decree was changed in three days. People across America fasted in some measure for twenty-one (21) days for the vote in Maine. Was God involved in the victory in Maine? With all our hearts we believe the answer is yes. Some reporters in Maine were saying in the last moments that same-sex marriage was upheld, but a “sudden change” took place. If we pray, God could give wavering pro-life Democrats and Republicans a sleepless night or a dream and turn their hearts for LIFE.

Night of Petition

The Bible shouts to us across the ages “we have not because we ask not”. Therefore, on November 6th, we are calling a Friday “Night of Petition” prior to the potential vote on Saturday November 7th. Join Mat Staver, Ron Luce, Tony Perkins, Lou Engle, and other key leaders at 8:00pm EST with thousands of concerned believing citizens for a national prayer conference call to cry out to God for mercy and ask for the restraining of this unrighteous legislation.

Conference Call Dial in number: 218-486-1400 218-486-1400

Participant Pass code: 67107#

Time zones:
8:00pm EST
7:00pm CST
6:00pm MST
5:00pm PST

Lou Engle
The Call, Inc.

65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked (From Facebook)

2009-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

But before I get to that... While I haven't exactly been faithful to update this blog lately, my Preserving a Generation blog rarely misses a beat! Go ahead and CHECK IT OUT!

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Face

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
tan sweater

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Um.. yeah! And again, and again, and again...

4. Do you plan outfits?
You mean, BEFORE I'm already late for whatever event I'm going to?

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Intrigued

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
coctail ring

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
The one that springs to mind was about how most of the major christian leaders are UTTERLY ignoring the CRISIS number of children needing to be adopted and cared for AND God's very clear mandate to do so! The result in the dream was that the children died, and did NOT get saved... thus implying that by NOT CARING FOR THE ORPHAN (again, as VERY clearly mandated in scripture), many of them will go to Hell.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Not yet.

9. What are you craving right now?
nope, full.

10. Do you floss?
yep, but then have to brush again.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
green & purple

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Golleee! Wouldn't biting it hurt YOUR teeth?? LICK.

15. Do you like your hair?
Post 2 pregnancies: its curly. FUN!

16. Do you like yourself?
Yeah. Why not? (before God did MAJOR things with my heart, I hated myself though)

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Sure. Unless I would be in eminent danger, I would love to a chance to get to know anyone!

18. What are you listening to right now?
Link & his friend playing with the puppy

19. Are your parents strict?
YES, they were, but I am very grateful!

20. Would you go sky diving?
Maybe. - not while my kids are so little, though

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
its okay

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
depends on who you count as celebrity. Misty Edwards is about the biggest in my eyes, and yes.

23. Do you rent movies often?
rent- when checking them out from the library is FREE???

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
my wedding ring! and a bracelet

25. How many countries have you visited?
i'm thinking 4?

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
yeah.. in 6th grade

27. Ever been on a train?
yep

28. Brown or white eggs?
don't care

29. Do you have a cell phone?
only

30. Do you use chap stick?
no, nuetregena lip gloss is WAY more moisturizing than any chap stick I've ever used... and I've used a lot!

31. Do you own a gun?
water

32. Can you use chop sticks?
yeah

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
who ever shows up at church

34. Are you too forgiving?
can you really be TOO forgiving??

35. Ever been in love?
many times over if you count husband, children, friends... and how many times I've fallen in love with my Savior

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
prophetically mothering, interceding & being an amazing wife (Christy)/ encountering God & introducing Him to everyone she meets (Carrie)

37. Ever have cream puffs?
yep - and they're the best when dipped in warm chocolate!

38. Last time you cried?
last time I begged God to do what He said and turn the hearts of the fathers toward the hearts of the children & raise up Godly parents to adopt these hurting little ones!! (that would be daily)

39. What was the last question you asked?
Where the "IHOP friendly" churches are that she knows of in my state - @Tracie Loux

40. Favorite time of the year?
um- is "all of them" an appropriate answer?

41. Do you have any tattoos?
nope. nose ring, though

42. Are you sarcastic?
sometimes, but only my mom and a couple of good friends recognize it and think I'm funny

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
i think.. maybe pieces of it? wasn't impressed.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
sadly, often

45. Favorite color?
green or red (they have to be the right shades on the right objects though)

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
yes.

47. Is your hair curly?
before children? stick straight. curlier with each pregnancy though...

48. What was the last CD you bought?
uh? you mean album on itunes? Cory Asbury's "Let Me See Your Eyes"

49. Do looks matter?
I haven't met a person that wasn't beautiful in some way.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
yeah.. after forgiving though... then what?

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
no, its exactly what it should be

52. Do you like your life right now?
heck ya!!

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
the TV comes on?

54. Can you handle the truth?
yes, and I expect it.

55. Do you have good vision?
sure - just not if i'm looking far away.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
no

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
as often as i need to.

58. The last person you held hands with?
Zack

59. What are you wearing?
gouchos & a tshirt

60.What is your favorite animal?
probably an iguana

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
blogger - bathroom, facebook - dining room, everything else - Bodega Bay, CA

62. Can you hula hoop?
for a little while

63. Do you have a job?
several

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
spray paint

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?yes!!!

Flying with Kids

2009-09-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

A few tips learned while flying (alone) with young children:

(While its still fresh on my mind... just got home this morning, at 1:30am)

- Pack snacks, some fun & some with protein

- Take EMPTY sippy cups

- Put all metal objects they (and you) would normally wear (jewelry, watches, belts, etc..) in one of the carry ons. Let them put objects on AFTER going through security... Same with jackets.

- Go through security at YOUR pace. You can only do so much. After all, a mom and two children is THREE people... not just one with a lot to do.

- DON'T sit and wait calmly at the gate for your plane to arrive! This is the perfect time to find an empy row (or gate, or spot) and have the children race to see who can do 20 jumping jacks first, run in place, spin, stand on one foot, etc. The other waiting passengers may give you strange looks now, but they will be exceedingly greatful when your children are happily sitting still for the 3+ hours on a plane!

- Bring entertainment: coloring, small quiet toys, a game, soccer ball (for those empty spaces at the gate), homework, game boys, etc...

- Bring favorite sleepy toy (teddy bear) and blanket - those planes get cold & these give extra comfort.... and help with naps! :)

- 15 minutes before bording time is not the time to stand in line. Its time for a bathroom break! Avoiding using the plane bathroom is a good, good thing.

- Unless you can find a family bathroom, go a head and use the handicap stall. Its not worth the risk of something happening to your children because you can't get right to them. Not to mention the speed of having everyone close together taking turns with the toilet. (And, it is perfectly acceptable to keep taking your boy with you in the ladies' room even after he turns 4 or 5 or in my case 6!

- As soon as you get through security, buy the biggest bottle of water you can find and fill up those sippy cups.

- Offer snacks and drinks as plan is taxiing to take off. (Swallowing will help with the ear pressure as you take off & and again while landing.)

- You might want to prepare your children for the differences in people that they will see & hear... so they don't giggle and point it out loudly like mine! "Look! Look at the little adult!" -The man, just a head taller than my six year old was standing directly behind us in line. Keylor wasn't making fun - she was delighted... but still, the incident was embarassing. Thankfully, the gentleman was wonderful and just laughed & talked to the kids!

- Explain, explain, explain. Children do MUCH better (in any circumstance) when they know what to expect and what you expect of them. Be matter of fact, answer questions and keep your cool. Kids look to us and take their emotional cues from us. If you show you are scared or insecure - they will act that way. If you remain calm and smiling - so they will be... mostly. ;)

- Understand that traveling is hard on them. Give grace for yucky behavior, reminding them gently of what you expect, while maintaining consitancy with discipline when needed.

- Don't forget coffee & entertainment for mom!

- If child is congested in the least, bring out the sudafed! Take off and landing pressure is miserable (and instant screaming kid recipe) when you already have a stuffy nose!

And last, but not least:

- DO NOT get on the plane as soon as possible. I don't know who came up with the "parents with young children bording first" idea, but I'm guessing it was NOT a parent of young children! Wait until they do final bording for all passengers, then get in the end of the line. You will have plenty of time to find your seats and get settled... and your children have that much less time on the plane to be bored!

------------------------------------

Having flown with babies when they were 8 & 10 months, respectively (only one at a time though) and small children at ages 3,4,5 &6 (two at a time) - I can tell you these things work. We have experienced scary plane rides, major delays in schedule and other things. My kids still love to travel... and even more remarkably: so do I!

SWEET CD! (just a little promo)

2009-08-20T12:19:00.001-07:00

EXCELLENT.

Find it at itunes, IHOP or check out his myspace page.

Watch Cory share his thoughts:

fun DESIGN quiz!

2009-07-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sooo.... go check this quiz out and find out what they say your interior style is.

Mine?

LOVE IT!

This is what it had to say:

your style personality is:

eastern boho
your home is a gallery – every wall tells a story
not concerned with what your neighbors homes are like
you are true to your own style
well rounded, you enjoy spending time at home as much as you enjoy going out
you are confident and authentic
your home is rich with many details and textures

SO TRUE... that is, if I actually decorated my home! How terrible! I have very blank walls (except for the bedrooms, but even those aren't terribly creative). I have always wanted to know what I liked te best... can't ever decide. I love so many beautiful things! Not ever having money to decorate, and always relying on hand-me-downs, yard sale finds and gifts... its a little difficult. However..... NOW I'm on to something! Personality tests usually peg me pretty well, but I can't get over how much I loooooove the items in this picture... and I super loved the way the test has you answer the questions.

Is it weird that I just totally gushed over a silly two minute test?? Have fun!

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED!

2009-07-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

My friend, Enid, that guest writes for Preserving a Generation has made me aware of the following urgent request:

"The Monk family adopted a baby named Hannah from Honduras 2 1/2 years ago when she was 6 months. The country still has not allowed her to leave even though the adoption has been final for all this time. This Friday, July 10th her case goes to court again. All they need is for a judge to sign a piece of paper releasing her, but every other time her case came up something went wrong, costing this family thousands of dollars and months and months more of waiting, with this poor child living in an orphanage instead of with her loving family during her formative years. I'm asking for prayer like the widow to the unjust judge, except we, the elect...to the righteous judge of the universe who LOVES to bring forth justice speedily to us when we cry out to Him for it! I want to see Hannah come home, speedily!

"The next hearing is TOMORROW!! Please PRAY for little Hannah to be released and connected with her forever family!!

Guess what!?

2009-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lincoln has had three LOUD prayers for well over a year now, maybe even two:

1. 30 brothers & sisters (not a typo - the kid really prays for thirty!)
2. trampoline
3. swimming pool (aparently, little kid ones don't count)

According to him, its "one down, two more to go"!!

I'll give you a hint:

Not sure? Here's another looksie:

(photography by Keylor)

yep! That's right!! A Trampoline! (YES, it has a net... they were just to stinkin' excited to wait for it. Its up now, they are safe - uh except from the mosquitos)

This is how we got it the whole ONE block home. Zack drove with our friend Justin perched and hanging on... the kids and I just walked.

And THIS is how it got in our back yard! The boys (Zack, Justin & the sweet man we bought it from) took turns holding the thing and jumping over the fence.

Recommendation

2009-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

A book:

THE BRIDE, by Rhonda Calhoun

excellent!!

An allegory of the Song of Solomon. This book is very well written, in novel form and is actually comprised of mostly scripture! Unless you know the Bible well enough, you wouldn't even know that's what the book is full of. The verses aren't necessarily in quote format... just the story is taken from it over and over... not just the Song of Solomon... pieces of most of the 66 books in the Bible!

This book helped me see Jesus in the light of King, Bridegroom, Brother, Friend. It helped me see myself as child of God, servant & bride. In general, it helped open scripture to me in a way I can understand...

THE BRIDE is an easy read and hard to put down!

A New Season...

2009-06-05T21:37:00.001-07:00

Remember this post about God fixin' to do something crazy and exciting with my life??

Remember this post about upcoming adoption type things??

Well.....

(no, we're not adopting .... BUT~ something awesome nonetheless!)

I am working with The CALL in Arkansas!!!! (Children Loved for a Lifetime)

Not just working with, but advocating & recruiting other families to foster & adopt waiting children! Whooo-hooooooo!!!!!!!! I can seriously not think of a better job!

Really, right now in my life, this is even better than just hanging out in the prayer room all day. Now, for me, that is really saying something! :) I looooove me some prayer room time. I still get plenty, of course. I also use my prayer room time to pray for adoption. :) Waiting children have taken over my whole heart. I simply can not get away from the issue... its on God's heart. Jesus is one with His Father. Jesus is the mighty Intercessor. He also wants a bride that will partner with Him in intercession and action. I choose to say, "yes" and run with Him!

For all the "winter" I have gone through... this is definately "SPRING"!! I am scared and excited all at the same time. I am actually coordinating/ directing The CALL in my county. This is SO much bigger than I can pull off, and I am reminded of that several times a day. In this endeavor, I am completely dependant on the Lord for strength, endurance and just plain "making it work"!

Too Much Echo?

2009-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

I kinda miss this place:

Its been about a year since we shut the doors and later moved. It was totally not what we expected, but God's perfect timing all the same. Good times were had here. Good friends made. Many went deep in the knowledge & experience of the Lord here.

Cute, huh? The decorations are made out of cut carpet squares. Zack and I started to grab some random carpet squares one day thinking it would be great to have little "spots" the toddlers could sit on for story time. Turns out the place was wanting to get rid of ALL the squares... they made us a deal we couldn't resist.

When the accoustics in the kids church forced me to bring every blanket and pillow we owned to help muffle some of the echos... something had to be done!

Several of us (thank you, RONNIE!!) spent many an hour at the church with Sharpies, box cutters and small blow torches. Then it was time to re-assemble on the walls. :)

Zack did a great job putting everything back together... he had lots of help, of course!

Napo's Joshua tree, of sorts, was a huge hit...

And the dull-ish rainbow (hey I call it being creative with leftovers!) finished it all off.

There. Too much echo? Try carpet on the walls. :)

CALL 2 FALL

2009-06-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

From Lou Engle:

Friends of TheCall,

I am writing 2 days after the killing of Dr. George Tiller, the infamous abortion doctor of Wichita, Kansas, who has been responsible for up to 80,000 abortions. Many of those were late term abortions. We condemn this terrible killing and the use of violence as a means to ending the great injustice of abortion. There will be extremists and extremist groups, but we know that millions of pro-life people and activists in America are peace-loving, and this killing does not represent them in the least.

Justice belongs to the Lord

The Bible says that we are to forgive and even bless our enemies. We are never to take vengeance into our own hands, for ultimate judgment belongs to God. Violence reaps violence, and the shedding of blood reaps the shedding of blood. We urge the pro-life community to continue to stand for truth and to extend forgiveness to those who may use this sad and terrible event to hinder and possibly persecute wrongly those who pray and work peacefully to care for mothers in crisis, adopt children, and end the killing of pre-born infants.

Hope Beyond Politics

Once again America is reeling under the repercussions of its turning away from God and His benevolent rule. The economy is still on the verge of collapse. The upholding of Proposition 8 will further galvanize those who stand against the foundations of marriage between a man and a woman. There is no hope to be found in the political realm. America has one recourse – the church must turn to God in repentance and humility, by confessing her sins and the sins of her nation. Perhaps never before in American history has the moment been more pregnant with the need for the heartfelt enactment of the divine remedy for the crisis at hand.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Will you answer the call to restore HOPE?

TheCall is fervently joining the burden and vision of Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. On July 5th, the day after Independence Day, we are calling churches, houses of prayer, and families around the nation to literally get on there knees before the Lord expressing not just in posture, but in desperation our need to return to God. Millions of Muslims bow every day in reverence to their god. Maybe we have lost the deep, reverential fear of the Judge of nations and individuals. This could be a step leading to a lifestyle of humility that alone could magnetize God’s heart to save a nation in her blatant rebellion.

We encourage everyone in TheCall family to go to http://www.call2fall.com/ for the details and heartbeat of this national mobilization.

I will never forget the statement I read soon after 9-11 which said on September 11th America was brought to her knees, but the next day she stood up again. Brothers and sisters, that is my fear. On 9-11 millions of people fell to there knees to pray, and then we got back up again forgetting our national calamity. It’s time for America to fall on her knees in prayer and never lose that posture. On July 5th we join The Call to Fall.

Lou Engle

Just The Girls

2009-06-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Pictures taken by Lincoln.

Uh... little higher, Link.

Very nice. THANK YOU, Link!

My Sweet Grandma

2009-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't she beautiful?

Oldies but Goodies

2009-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

These are from vacation last year... but some of my favorites, none the less...

Beautiful

hehehe.... I do!

This little boy, I love!

And this little girl, too! Sleeping Beauty

Mama & her boy - picking up shells

Grandad & his only grandson hanging out on a jetty

that his father built long ago..

Link was fascinated by the boy in the sand... that we didn't know.

Glad the kid was so good natured!

Sunscreen break

Love this seaweedy, cactusy plant... whatever it is.

Um.. he got a little dirty.

The crew... grrrr-ing. Its tradition.

From back left: Me, Grandad, Gram, Mom, Keylor & Lincoln

** This was their first time to the ocean, that they will remember. They LOVED it, although they have requested a warmer ocean next time. Bodega Bay in the beginning of July is C.O.L.D. Thanks Grandad, Gram & Mom for such fun times!! :)

Why IHOP?

2009-05-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

Last Day of School

2009-05-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Lincoln with his teacher, Mrs. Forrest

Yesterday was my baby boy's last day of kindergarten. A fun-filled, exciting day for him. A hard day for me.

I didn't want to hand him off the first day. He couldn't wait to start, for me to leave and for him to do everything "just like the big kids"... like be dropped off at the front door and walk to his classroom ALONE. I had nearly a hundred questions. It was hard to leave. I wondered and prayed much for his care, safety, happiness and compatibility. Every time I have driven by his school, pray for his sister or am reminded any other way, I have stopped and prayed for my baby boy.

"Lord," I would pray, "PLEASE keep Lincoln safe today! Filter everything that he comes in contact with through Your Holy Spirit. Let nothing be implanted in his little spirit that You don't ordain. Guard his mind, heart and emotions. Father, help him encounter You today. Let his love and understanding grow for You, and help Him show Your love to everyone he meets. Protect him, Lord!"

But today... today is different. It's hard. I didn't expect it to be. I should feel so relieved to be back on duty and 100% responsible for everything he encounters. But I don't. I am sad. Why? Oh why would I be sad today? I ask myself...

It appears that only just now I have I truly realized how fast the year has gone... in a blink it will be time to start a new year, another grade. Then another, and my youngest will start with him. Yes, I know children grow up quickly. I have been well- advised, and have heeded the wisdom handed down to me. I have held my baby boy at every chance. I have stopped and smelled his hair. I have just watched his little face as he takes in the world. I have enjoyed him in every stage. But, still. Today, I smile a sweetly-sad smile and resist the urge to scoop him up and never let him go again.

I have a new prayer: "Father, help us realize every moment with our children. Teach us to be Godly parents. Let our children be rooted and grounded in Your love, fully understanding what is the height, depth, length and width. Let us raise our children to know the urgency of the hour in which we live. Let them be fully prepared for everything they will encounter. Lead them to Your heart, teach them to build their foundation upon the very Cornerstone of Jesus. Thank You for Lincoln & Keylor. Please don't ever let us take them for granted!"

I Need Someone

2009-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

A Dream About Orphans

2009-05-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

I had a dream.

In it, I was on a mission trip with my husband, parents and many high ranking Christian leaders in this country. We were in Mexico, and were there to rescue 4 infant boys. They appeared to be quadruplets. While there, we all became preoccupied with readying ourselves for a wedding that was going to take place during our trip.

Every time I would inquire about the well being of the babies we were there to rescue, I was told by the others on the trip that they would take care of it. I was told over and over to just 'worry about my ownself'.

I pressed in and asked who was feeding them, who had fed them through the night. All my questions were met with blank faces. One of the leaders finally told me the babies were safe in the trunk of the car outside. I started yelling to get them out and that babies have to be fed during the night... they can't just be left alone and expected to survive! The attitude of the leaders was that eventually we learn to go all night without eating. Those babies needed to learn.

I tried to exit the room we were in and go to the babies. My family stood in between myself and the door telling me again that the babies would be taken care of and I was just to worry about getting my own self ready.

I became adamant that I would care for them MYSELF, and started impatiently looking through the suitcase that had been packed specifically for the babies, looking for clothing appropriate for the wedding. After all, we were supposed to rescue the babies and take them with us to the wedding. Though the suitcase was dedicated only for the use of those babies, all I could find was one baby boy shirt and four pairs of girly doll socks. That was IT! I gave up, grabbed all I could find and busted through everyone blocking my way to find the babies. I was told they would be fed and ready for me.

As I went out of the room, I still couldn't locate them or find the person that was supposed to finally have fed them. Again, I was met only with blank stares. When I demanded to know details, the response was: "uh... I guess they're still in the trunk." The leaders had forgotten AGAIN to go and get them.

By this time, the babies had been in the trunk all night, all morning and most of the afternoon... in the summer... in Mexico. Upon realizing this, I woke up.

Those babies could NOT have survived the heat and gross neglect.

Though they were the reason we were all sent on that trip, they died and never made it to the wedding.

---------------------------------

Friends, I believe with all my heart that dream was a wake up call from the Lord. The body of Christ has been commissioned with a task to care for the orphans in their distress, and we have severely failed. Yes, there is a coming wedding between Jesus and His church. Yes, we are to prepare ourselves. But we are ALSO supposed to bring as many others as possible. There are an estimated 143 million orphans in this world right now. How many of those will die before having a chance to know Jesus... thus never making it to the wedding?? What, as leaders, are we doing about it? As individuals what are we doing about it?

THE MARCHING ARMY

2009-05-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

by: zack hale

Amidst the chaos and the confusion

I practice my swordsmanship

In spite of the busyness of life

I polish and shine my shield

Some think I am crazy while others just ignore

But over the noise I soon hear a sound

It is far off in the distance but still there it is

Not many can hear it but I know what I hear

It is a quiet thud but I faintly hear it

It is a monotonous and dull sound

But it has a certain beat and rhythm to it

It is the sound of marching

Not like the sound of a marching band

And not even the sound of a company soldiers

But this is the sound of a mighty army marching

The marching slowly grows louder and louder

And now no one can deny that they hear it

It keeps getting closer and closer with every moment

Soon it drowns out all the chaos and noise

Many are afraid and some are confused

But my hope rises up and my faith is stirred

For I am ready with sword and shield in hand

For this is the day I have lived my entire life for

The day of the great army marching to battle

Many stay behind and they try to discourage others

But I am not deterred nor is does my resolve waiver

I was born for this moment…

I was created for this

To join the army for the Battle of the Ages

SCARED, A Novel

2009-05-23T12:46:00.001-07:00

Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the World from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

Mom-mom

2009-05-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Still can't make the video/ email thing to work:

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM-MOM!

Part 1

Part 2

Meemaw

2009-05-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MEEMAW!!

Because I can't seem to figure out how to email videos:

Part 1

Part 2

FREE MUSIC

2009-05-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

This album is FREE and has excellent music.

Click here to download.

His Blood is Crying Out

2009-05-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

This dance is from the Onthing08 Conference.

Song sung by Nina Landis.

Bed Time Stalling

2009-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Keylor is the bed-time stall PRO. Because her mama is a smart one, I have started putting her in bed while simultaneously going down the checklist.

We have already:

brushed teeth

read

gone to the bathroom

gotten a drink

eaten

hugged and kissed dad & Link

turned night light on

tucked animals (stuffed) into bed

etc...

I transition quickly by announcing, "Your turn to pray". .. and she starts. I follow, then sing whatever she asks for. Kiss, hug... instructions to STAY IN THE BED UNTIL IT IS V.E.R.Y. LIGHT OUTSIDE IN THE MORNING (don't think she's ever actually managed this one, but hey.. A girl can hope!) "I love you" and "goodnight".

Tonight's stall?? After the whole routine, she says, "but I didn't pray"... Um, "Yes you did. You prayed first." Keylor: "But I didn't hear me." "God, thank You for.........................."

What? I let her pray. I can't stop a child from praying! (Just hope she doesn't catch on to that!)

HAPPY EASTER! (good story)

2009-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

(A friend of mine sent this via e-mail, but I love the story!)

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio , Texas . Shewas the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips... Dr. Phillips was agentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was EdithBurns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because ofEdith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with herbig black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sittingbeside her..

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, myname is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain themeaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse,Beverly . Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, anddressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Areyou reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, "Your lab report came back and it saysyou have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long.." Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do youthink God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my preciousLord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I amgoing to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty givingme my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not showup. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr.. Phillips and said she would haveto be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home,so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room whoneed to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff topatients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her EdithEaster; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because shewas a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital.. She hadseen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had beenmarried three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book..

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edithhad the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When shewalked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God lovesyou and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'mnot interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go homeuntil you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will neverhappen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "Godloves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like amagnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so gladyou have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question," Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to waituntil you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bibleand shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial andresurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe inEaster? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to livein your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and Ido want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invitedJesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walkout of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know whatday it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did someof her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easterlilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easterlilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Biblewas on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on herface. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edithwas dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are manymansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive youto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was onRevelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, thereshall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no morepain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her facetoward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "HappyEaster, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to atable where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is PhyllisCross. Do you believe in Easter?"

a famous family game:

2009-04-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

We are currently, this minute, in the middle of a great game that our little family plays often. The kids come to me and say, "tell me something to do to Dad". I, being the ever so loving and compatible mother, gladly oblige and tell them to tickle him. They run off giggling only to come right back and ask for something else to do. This brings about much yelling and laughter from Zack's end of things, and most of the time all is well on my end. I am usually in another room laughing at Zack's torture all in the brilliant guise of fun (the kids made up this game, I swear!) However, about two sentences ago, Lincoln came back my direction laughing and headed straight for a cup of water. I just ignored him and kept happily typing this post, only to have water THROWN AT MY HEAD!!! Aaaaauuuuchhhhggggg...... Zack was having serious trouble standing up while he was laughing so hard.

Yeah.. very funny. Someone should have told him that I was writing this post about how much fun it was to "get" him!!

My Current Slice of Life

2009-04-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

What am I doing?

Loving being a wife to Zack
Keeping up with the housework
Dropping and picking Lincoln up from school each day
Working on homework/ reading practice with Link
Supervising outside play each afternoon (for the whole neighborhood, it seems)
Regular days of being a Momma
Babysitting a precious little boy 2 days a week
Singing on 2 worship teams in the prayer room each week
Attending as many other sets as I can each week
Singing at The BURN once a month
Filling in at the church when needed: nursery, sound board & prayer team
Talking to my bestest at least 1 hour each week

And now...

Actively advocating adoption!!! More official news about that to come soon, but unofficially, I have been working to create something (organization, agency, foundation, etc...) that will encompass the following, ALL PERTAINING TO ADOPTION:

*bringing awareness to the body of Christ *walking future adoptive parents through the process *supporting adoptive families *creating adoption funds in local churches
*networking area professionals together

Whooo-hooo! I love my life!!

FREE Adoptions!!!

2009-04-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Breaking news:

In the WONDERFUL state of Arkansas, if a current resident of said state adopts a baby/ child in foster care in the same state.... the entire process is FREE!

What to do:

1. Contact your local CALL office, or DHS office (if the CALL is not yet set up in your county).

2. File a background check and begin filling out the adoption/ foster packet, completing all tasks listed.

3. Attend Foster/ Adopt Pride classes through local CALL (2 weekends) or DHS (1x per week for 10 weeks).

4. Attend CPR/ First Aide training class. (1 Saturday)

5. Let your local CALL or DHS know you are ready for your homestudy.

Now you are ready for DHS to match you with a waiting child!!

There are approximately 500 children in Arkansas foster care (all range of races and ages) right now, ready for adoption. I'm soooooo excited!!!! This little bit of info (FREE adoptions) just made my job SOOO much easier!!

My goal is to have 100 children placed in forever homes in the next year. Do you think we could do it in six months??

5 year old take on coffee

2009-04-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

This morning, as I was fixing my coffee (read: adding white chocolate cocoa & hershey's syrop to gourmet coffee), Lincoln asks WHY I am making coffee. He proceeded to tell me that you aren't supposed to drink coffee unless you haven't had enough sleep at night and you have to drive a car. Because, he said, "I know alllll about these things, Mom."

Nice. Apparently, my new habit does not suit my 5 year old's definitions of when and why to drink coffee.

p.s. please don't tell my brother that I *kill* the amazing coffee beans he hand carried to me from Honduras!

Good Gifts

2009-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

They're from the Lord. Those good gifts, that is. He is good. My BESTEST ever wrote this... for the whole world to see. While that isn't terribly shocking, the amazing friendship that has withstood the test of time, is. God is so good. He truly gives good gifts, and I am thankful. Missing my friend, but very thankful for her!!

By the way, Christy is the one that started these amazing blogs:

Preserving a Generation
&
Safe Haven

Yep, she's one of a kind, and I love her. Thank You, Lord, for a friend that listens to and obeys You, loves You more than life and loves others more than herself.

Spring Breaking

2009-03-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Zack and I took our kiddos to Kansas City to visit the International House of Prayer. We had a BLAST!! On the way, we stopped at both sets of parents and were fed our favorite meals! We hung out a little in the giant prayer room that has had live worship and prayer going 24 hours a day for the last 10 or so years. We splurged a little on a hotel with a (supposedly) heated indoor pool. We ate at the kids' favorite restaurants (McD's - ewe!, that Taco place - YUM!, authentic Mexican food - SUPER YUM!, inside picnic in the room - fun. & outside at the cafe associate with IHOP - love it!) The adults went to EGS service and heard David Pawson speak while the miniatures went to the CEC and loved every second. All four of us were ministered to prophetically and have two out of the four tapes to prove it. After all that, we left the kids with one set of grandparents to be transferred to the other set (gotta share the love) for us to pick up again after we spend an adult weekend at IHOP. Now that's my idea of spring break!!

The best part of all?? Everything God spoke, through a couple of people that had inclined their ears, lined up exactly with what we have prayed and spoken over Lincoln and Keylor thus far at home. Talk about encouraging a couple of parents that mostly feel as though they're drifting in the wind! God is good!!

Global Warming, eh??

2009-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Then, you should read this: UW-Milwaukee Study

I don't think we should go out of our way to poison ourselves, but using up precious time, money and energy to stop global warming is useless... Instead, we need to be using those resources on more urgent matters like seeing lost people saved!

A God Fearing Woman - by zack hale

2009-03-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

My AMAZING husband wrote this. I MUST share:

We have called the woman in Proverbs 31 a virtuous woman because that is what religion has called her for many years, when all this does is sell that woman short. A virtuous woman is defined by what she does not who she is. A God fearing woman is a woman that is defined by who she is not what she does. A God fearing woamn has virtuous outward characteristics as a result of being the bride of Christ. A God fearing woman is woman with a heart for God. This is the Proverbs 31 woman. God is about starting on the inside and working outward; not starting outward and working in. Jesus said it best when he said that no one puts a new patch on an old garment. We try to patch our lives with new habits and characteristics when in fact we are still the old person on the inside. All this will do is tear us apart like a new unshrunk patch on an old garment. The woman in Proverbs is a woman that has the characteristics that we read about only because she is a woman after the heart of God; and not a woman that has patched her outward self together to make herself try to look good.

I believe this woman is the same woman that Solomon is chasing after and wooing in Song of Solomon. He had hundreds of other women that he could have fallen in love with but he chose her. He chose her because she was beautiful from the inside out (God fearing) instead of her beauty that is on the outside that is trying to cover up the inside. In short her love for God is what made her beautiful to him. In Song of Solomon, the king is only able to see the beauty of his true love and describe her outward beauty because her inward self was not mucking it up.

Proverbs begins with a seven-verse prologue that tells us the purpose of these writings. And in chapter one verse seven we get the theme of the entire book, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge and wisdom.” Throughout the rest of the book we get snippets of what it means to fear the Lord. We are even told throughout what a God fearing woman looks like. In chapter seven we are shown her antithesis. We are shown the attributes and characteristics of what a woman that does not fear God looks like and the effect this type of woman will have on others. Many times her outward beauty and her positive attributes will cover up the lack of her love for God but in the end this is always revealed.

Finally in chapter 31 we have the culmination of what outward effects and characteristics of a woman that fears God looks like. The writings in Proverbs end where they started. Chapter one verse seven gives us the command to fear the Lord and the last chapter shows a picture of a woman who fulfills this command. Chapter 31, verse 30 shows us this and also stresses the point again about it being a matter of the heart and not a matter of outward characteristics. No woman can live every day fulfilling the descriptions set forth in chapter 31. That is why the writer of Proverbs begins and ends with showing us that it is a heart for God that in turn is reflected in our lifestyle and not a lifestyle that is trying (but failing) to please God. This type of lifestyle (chapter seven woman) will never be able to convince or force that person’s heart to desire God.

Proverbs 31

Verse 10 Cannot be bought out
Verse 11 Trustworthy/Dependable
Verse 12 Consistent
Verse 13 Hard worker/Does not complain
Verse 14 Others are always glad to see her
Verse 15 Does not waste time
Verse 16 Thrifty/good steward
Verse 17 Improves herself
Verse 18 Insightful
Verse 19 Utilizes her talents
Verse 20 Giving/Generous
Verse 21 Prepared
Verse 22 Modest/Respectful
Verse 23 Makes a good name for her family/allows husband to be her leader
Verse 24 Ministers to others not just her family
Verse 25 Happy with her life
Verse 26 Quick to listen/Slow to speak
Verse 27 Rears Godly children
Verse 28 Encouraging
Verse 29 Separates her lifestyle unto God (not just her heart)
Verse 30 Not vain
Verse 31 Does good in secret

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You can find more at his blog, Upside Down World.

that kinda woman

2009-03-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a beloved blog this morning, and I love it! This is who I want to be!!

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP!""

Culture & Climate

2009-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Six months ago, we picked up our little family and moved south. Still in the same state, but VERY different culture and climate. At this point, I'm not sure what is harder to adapt too.

The culture is scary. We have two extremes. 1. serious redneck 2. gang ridden ghetto Really. Zack works primarily with the second. Lincoln goes to school with the first. Keylor and I live in our own little world inside our house. Our church is a crazy mix up of all of it.

The climate is sticky. It doesn't matter what the temperature is or barromiter reading is, outside it is sticky. While much of the country is piled under a bunch of snow, we are batting away mosquitos. They are pathetically skinny, but don't let that fool you. They are HUNGRY. The good thing is, our family doesn't have to worry about the horrible clash of perfume vs. cologne when you get in the car that other families do. We all wear the same stuff, NATURAPEL! Ha! Take that you little blood suckers.

Oooohhhhh!! That sooo reminds me of a song that a dear, very innocent & sweet friend taught me long ago. It may appear a little less than upright, but I assure you, based on the the Godliness of the person that taught me, it simply can not be. She obviously has a little brother named Peter, that I've never met.. or something.

"There's a skeeter on my peter... uh uh uh..
There's another on my brother... uh uh uh..
There's dozen on my cousin.
Can't you hear them suckers buzzin?
There's a skeeter on my peter... uh uh uh.."

Well. I think I succeeded. A post straight from little ole me... although it doesn't really have any sustainability... or point...

New Blogs

2009-02-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

An amazing friend of mine started a couple of new blogs, and I have the priveledge to be working with them directly and indirectly..

1. Preserving a Generation

and

2. Safe Haven

These were started because, "We believe that this is a crucial time in history, and the enemy knows it. The end of the age is swiftly approaching and Satan is doing everything he can to thwart the plans of God's Kingdom. One of the biggest ways is by hindering, and even eliminating the next generation of godly forerunners: our children. It is our responsibility as believers to take a stand for these innocent babies and children. To bring awareness of the issues at hand. To stand up against abortion. To step up and adopt these children who have been abandoned and have no hope. To help bring children home who have been taken and used in the human trafficking industry. To sponsor ones overseas who have no food, medicine, or clothing. To help fund the ministries that make these things possible. To intercede for our nation. To cry out to God for justice for our babies! The Lord is calling for someone to stand in the gap. Will you?"

Safe Haven is along the same vein while ministering to the mommas dealing with infant loss, infertility, still birth, waiting on an adopted child, and sick babies still in utero. Because we fight for these babies lives as well, we are determined to stand alongside the families, in prayer and support, and watch their inner being strengthened!

One for me - One for you

2009-02-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

"For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for one."

FUN shoes for men, women & kiddos! I shall save my money... I have my eyes on a (few) pair! :)

Pray Against: HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2009-02-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

Realities of Human Trafficking by Exodus Cry

Exodus Cry:The Mission Briefing from Exodus Cry on Vimeo.

(REASON 1 OF many FOR A HOUSE OF PRAYER - Ending of Human Trafficking):

Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

BURN with us THIS WEEKEND!

2009-02-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

.
Visit the Official BURN Site for a short preview video!
.

Contend. Worship. Blaze.
24 straight hours of worshiping God and praying for our city & nation.
.
8 pm Friday, February 20th - 8 pm Saturday, February 21st
.
Centennial Fellowship
1400 Centennial Lane
White Hall, AR
Exit 32 off of Highway 530 South

Dying cat? You decide.

2009-02-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

There has been a scientific attempt to create most annoying song ever. Komar & Melamid and David Solier may just have attained the title hoped for.

If you dare, listen here.

.

Lincoln's Prayer

2009-02-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

While tucking him in bed, this is what Lincoln said:

"Dear Jesus and God, I love you God and Jesus and Holy Spirit... more than I love my mom.... and more than I love school where I do all the dumb things that.... I don't like."

Well.. that just thrills my heart!

what's in a name, anyway?

2009-02-08T20:41:00.001-08:00

Keylor has a white teddy bear she calls: "Kitty Cat".

She also has a small, pink rainbow carebear with easter bunny ears on that she has now named: "Wally the Rabit".

HELLO GOODBYE by: Christy Fast

2009-02-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hello
Jesus told me all about you
Can you feel me?
I can feel you.
I can hear your heartbeat
It’s in perfect rhythm with mine.
When I hear your voice
I always stop to listen
I can’t wait to hold you!
You may not be ready for me,
But I’m ready for you.
Can’t you see,
what I was meant to be?
I know you're not sure,
But I was meant to be yours.
All I have to give you is my love.
It’s not much, but it’s mine.
I know we can make it,
Just you and me.
Give me a chance,
I promise, you’ll see!
Please, don’t ever let me go.
Take care of me,
I’ll grow up, big and strong,
And I’ll take care of you.
But….I guess this is goodbye
To all my hopes and dreams.
I won’t ever get to see your face.
But, I guess I’m going to a better place.
Knowing that, even still, I’m missing you.
I don’t want to say goodbye.
I won’t ever feel your touch,
Or look into your eyes.
My heart is breaking
Mommy, please fix it.
Make the hurt go away!
I need you, don’t you need me?
But….I guess this is goodbye
To what could have been
A beautiful thing,
No matter what they told you,
And no matter what they made you believe.
It may have been hard,
But it would have been perfect.
You thought it was chance,
Just a random thing.
But Jesus knew better.
He made me for you,
And you for me.
But I guess we’ll never know…..
…..so goodbye.
Hold me Jesus
For the one I love, never will.

because this much work deserves more exposure..

2009-02-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

This facebook phenominon has been entertaining, at the least. The idea is that I list 25 random things about myself and tag you (the reader) to do the same. Consider yourself tagged. Make a post on your blog and leave a link in the comments; or if you don't have a blog, just post some fun random things in the comments!

1. My life's goal is to love God with all of my heart, mind and strength.

2. I have 3 transplanted teeth.

3. I worked at Burger King when I was 15 to pay for camp and buy a CD player. The CD player cost $400 and it was only a single disc player!

4. I can mix and pour cement floors by hand.

5. As a teenager, I could put my entire fist in my mouth up to my wrist. Haven't tried since being married.

6. I once had an unidentifiable infection in my jaw that made my skin under my chin swell and touch my collar bone while being black and green.

7. I would love to be a homeschooling mom of 12 and raise them in the prayer room.

8. I can make cookies out of any ingredients on hand, while hiding any number of healthy things inside.. and they ALWAYS taste great.

9. After knowing Zack for about 3 weeks, I agreed to marry him... not having dated even once. I do NOT regret that.

10. I am married to the funniest man in the world, and every great once in a while can make HIM laugh. It makes me feel so smart. :)

11. I can be quite the leader and effectively manage a hoard of people, but desperately need somone to take care of me.

12. I am a recovering people pleaser.

13. I had quite the talent of embelishment (as in lying) until sometime in highschool.

14. The prayer room (worship going on and freedom to pray, read, study, etc...) is my favorite place to be!

15. Both of my children have last names for first names and 2 middle names... all of which are prophetic delarations of who the Lord says they are.

16. I have taken many, many showers with a "widow maker". - let those who have lived in Honduras understand.

17. I have the bestest of bestest of all friends in one person, and still feel like I am only functioning at %50 without her close by.

18. I can't pray for anything for more than a few minutes without praying for restoration and orphans to be adopted!

19. Lincoln was a Christmas present and Keylor a birthday present.

20. I have taught children in some capacity since I was 10.

21. God radically delivered me from major fear... of everything, especially singing.

22. It took me 28 years to figure out who I am, while others saw it all along.

23. I love making up silly songs for my kids and singing made-up songs from my heart to my God and Bridegroom King!

24. I had 2 auto-immune diseases that God healed me from right after I realized how much I hated myself, chose to like how He made me and chose to forgive myself for past things. I strongly believe the correlation there and would love to share with anyone interested...

25. I have a love/ hate relationship with fasting... see #8.

25. I lived in a pregnancy house in college, I was NOT pregnant.

25. I want to be found faithful until the end.

God heard me!

2009-02-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

1. The Loux family will officially be bringing TWO little ones later this month! The very day that I posted the last entry, they received and email saying, "the check's in the mail!"!!! Yay!! Whatever money they receive past that will go toward a bed and other needs for child #6 and a vehicle that will hold all of them. THANK YOU for praying and interceding to rescue one more!

2. My sweet parents gave me some money and declared it to be for clothes for me... only. I suppose that had something to do with a conversation I had with my momma earlier in the weekend about resources always going toward kiddos once you have them (kids, that is)... anyway, I started shopping at our local Goodwill store (gotta love thrift shops!). At that one place, I spent just under $40 and brought home: 2 skirts, 7 shirts, 3 undershirts, 2 pair of shoes & 1 dress. Gotta love thrift shops! Everything is in excellent condition and some even had original tags on. :)

3. We ran into a super fun friend of Zack's from highschool, who incidentally just moved to the same town we did! Her family is coming over this weekend for some good ole, gaming fun!

All in all: another child rescued, fun new clothes, and new friends. Can't beat a day like that!

No! I didn't plan this... but here it is.

2009-01-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

I truly had no inkling of this yesterday when I posted the article directly below, but in light of their recent post, I must give a plea:

If you are looking for a way to physically "stand in the gap" (see Joel, if you don't know what I keep referring to..) for a fellow beloved person, here's your grand opportunity:

John and Tracie have been working for months to adopt little Aiden out of an orphanage in Europe. While in process, they were approved to rescue not one, but TWO little ones... if they should have the funds in time. They need most of the remaining $4,680 by February 1st to make the second adoption happen. That is one more CHILD to be saved! (Though not in the brightest of situations now, these little ones will face tragic circumstances when they "age out" of the current orphanage in just a couple of years.)

I'm reminded of this clip in Schindler's List:

John and Tracie (and family) serve as intercessory missionaries at the International House of Prayer, and just happen to be family of a wonderful friend of mine. They are the cream of the crop... amazing parents... all around good soil to be sown into.

To donate: go to paypal here. If you need a tax deductible receipt, leave me a comment and I will email instructions to you.

What can you do to save one more??

James 1:
"22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you[b] thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

True Intercession

2009-01-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Intercession = hard core prayer. Doesn't it??

I know lots of people that would consider themselves intercessors (ones that give of themselves in prayer on the behalf of others) and rightly so. But lately, I have been thinking a lot about that word. There are many, many that pray for the plight of the orphan. We are interceding for them, aren't we?

A friend was struggling to carry her newborn's car seat, diaper bag, purse and bible into church one evening. I ran up and started to say, "Here! Let me (help) you", but instead the word 'help' caught in my throat and the word 'intercede' popped out.

As believers of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we are mandated to "stand in the gap" and "intercede" for those not yet in His kingdom.. for the widows, orphans and oppressed. I wonder, how often are we physically throwing ourselves in said "gap" and "interceding" on their behalf??
Being reminded that faith without works dead.. I've been pondering this for weeks, I have been asking the Lord how I could RIGHT NOW intercede for those that need it, both in prayer and in the physical sense.

Very good friends of mine, JP & Shakel, just had their second child - a girl: Dazzle-lin. She is beautiful and loved much by God, though she was born at 27 weeks gestation. For the math wizards, that's 13 weeks too early. She is quite the fighter and is doing remarkably well, but big brother isn't quite 18 months old. He's not old enough to go in the NICU with his parents. They are in a desperate situation for a lot of reasons. As of last night, little Tre-J is staying with my family. Overnight, we have (for the better part of the next 3 or 4 months) become a bi-racial family. :) Lincoln and Keylor are having the time of their lives!!

I am counting myself very fortunate this morning to be able to intercede for people that need it, both in prayer for their baby's health, family's strength, finances, etc... but to step in and do something. Thank You, Lord, for this fun opportunity to serve YOU!!

Onething.. still!

2009-01-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

Because I can't say it any better:

"This . . .
The 2008 Onething Conference gets better each year. By better I mean it's impact on the hearts of believers is more critically overwhelming and mind wrenching combined with relative wisdom and revelation that crunches your body, soul and spirit causing a rending of hearts that sets fire to the urgency of the days we are living in.
In other words . . . I can't quite express it..

That . . .
This years focus was the book of Revelation and the return of Jesus.
When God created the heavens and the earth,that was a big deal.
When God made a covenant with Abraham,that was a big deal.
When Moses delivered God's people out of Egypt,that was a big deal.
When John the Baptist said, "Prepare the way",that was a big deal.
When Jesus was born, when Jesus shed His blood for our sins, when Jesus was resurrected,that was a big, big deal.
When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost,that was a big deal.
When Jesus comes again to remove sin from the earth and rule and reign forever with his bride,Oh, my goodness . . . I can't quite express it..

This is That . . .
You can watch the archives of the conference here:
Onething Conference
You Want To Know This Stuff!"

(style and words from: This is That)

onething is FREE

2008-12-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

The absolute conference streaming video is now available FREE. All main sessions are live. Mike Bickle has stressed the importance of what God is saying right now, and the critical hour in which we live.

You should SOOO rearrange your schedule and WATCH THEM!! I will be there, you can even look for me. ;)

get a sneak peak:

then:

CLICK HERE to register, and receive a link to the live webcast.

.
.

finders keepers

2008-12-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Seek and you WILL find. If we search for Him with all of our hearts, He WILL reveal Himself to us. Straight Bible talking there.

God is such a personal, unrelenting God. He is love, joy giving, peace bringing, longsuffering, gentle, good, meek, temperance building and faithful. At this moment, I am truly blown away by Him.

Even though I long to know Him intimately, hear His words and obey them without question, I debate myself endlessly. It goes like this: God speaks. I catch a bit. I then proceed to question myself and look at every possible angle until I have successfully talked myself out of that good thing being about me/ for me. Then, God speaks again. Same song, different notes. I repeat my process. We typically do this dance dozens of times over each thing He tries to teach me. In God's ultimate mercy and kindness towards me, He keeps telling me. Over and over.

Case in point, I have been seeking God's thoughts toward a certain subject in my life for years. Lately though, in my heart, the subject has been rapidly growing with intensity. Despite the desire itself (see Psalm 37:4&5), God really has spoken many different ways. Yet, in my stubborn immaturity, I still question. In the past couple of months, God has 1/ put me in a prophecy room by myself with two ministering people, 2/ used the pastor speaking from the pulpit, 3/ given a dream with interpretation, 4/ given the leader a NEW song (on topic) with no one in the room except the worship team, 5/ had a new friend call with specific words of encouragement, 6/ shown me the scriptural mandate. 7/ TODAY, He gave the worship leader another NEW song (more specifically on topic) & 8/ had same leader point out further scripture... all with only the leader on stage and Keylor and I in the audience. (Typical to the scenario, even as I accepted God's words sung straight into my heart, I was thinking it may not be for me... it could be for the leader himself or the whole city - THAT's when said leader gets down from the stage and reads the scripture to me.)

Talk about fulfilling the scriptures written out above! With my heart set on loving God- even with my stinking stubborness- God is faithful to continue on until He is found by me.

I love Him!

For real, our Creator, King and Judge loves each and every one of us and desires intimate relationships with all. If you don't know Him intimately, seek Him. Get to know what He says in His Word. Ask Him to reveal Himself.... and don't stop seeking!

(as my sweet friend Carrie just pointed out to me, this annoying [has to be to God, don't you think?!] dance is only carried out when its something I percieve as good - as in 'too good to be true'. when it is a correctional word, i usually accept and act right away. ugh. that's not such a pleasant realization. looks like i have some more praying to do. !)

ever wonder what an almost-four-year-old girl thinks about??

2008-12-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

While I was in the laundry room, Keylor walked by and shut the door. Two minutes later, she reappeared telling me to put the small eggs under the small chickens and the big eggs under the big chickens. Just as I was wondering what on earth she was talking about, she opens the door a final time and throws a rubber egg in the small room and shuts the door again.

Of course. Now I understand. What?!?

Battle Plan: ADOPTION

2008-12-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

To borrow a friend's unique style of writing found in the excellent THIS IS THAT):

.

THIS:

The revival of 1857-1859 in DC, New York, Philly and others spread that spread to the world was, in part, fueled by a HUGE adoption movement. As read about at the orphanJUSTICEcenter, Charles Loring Brace organized "The Orphan Train" to answer the desperate needs of that time: 35,000 orphans ran the streets in New York City alone. He sent children to churches throughout the country where the local pastor would call the congregation together and the children would be adopted into families. Three years after The Orphan Train began, thousands were gathering in prayer meetings in various cities. 50,000 of NYC's 800,000 population made decisions to follow the Lord for the first time.

THAT:

Right now, there are roughly 173 million orphans worldwide, and 127 thousand in the U.S. foster care system waiting to be adopted.

THIS IS THAT:

The adoption movement in the 1850's was not just people willing to do something nice and sacrificial for someone in need. It was WHOLE CHURCHES standing up and taking on a passel of children. James 1:27 says, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." Was it because they stood for God's heart and fulfilled His mandate that He granted mercy and poured our His Spirit so that thousands became saved?

Could it be that the adoption issue is so strong on my heart (an others like minded) BECAUSE that is God's battle plan of this age?? Is that one way that He is readying His church and transforming her into the bride for His coming Son? Jesus will return to His pure and spotless bride. We will not be made perfect yet - until we are caught up with Him, but we will be pure and spotless.

If PURE religion is to care for the orphans, can that transformation be complete without adoption??

Happy Birthday

2008-12-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

To my husband,

The Godly man, father, pastor, prayer leader, friend, & counselor guy,

The always early, eager to help, no task is beneath him guy,

The funniest man in the world guy,

The writer, disc golf thrower, sports enthusiast guy,

The first one to volunteer, give, & help others in need guy,

The 100% obedience guy,

The kind & gentle, rough & tumble guy,

The card-counting, scrabble beating, competitive guy,

My guy,

Zack:

I love you, and respect you for who you are and how you follow the Lord.

The Nature of Life on the Edge: Randy Bohlender

2008-12-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

I will eventually write a real post, all on my own... but that time is not yet. Until then, enjoy this amazing article written by this forerunner.

I think everyone likes the idea of being a little edgy. At least, I don’t find many people who glory in being centrists. The glory is out there on the outside. That’s where the limelight is. No one in the middle of a movement writes the books, preaches the sermons or gets invited to all the good conferences. It’s always the edgy ones - the ones who are charting the course for the movement…so we all like to think of life on the edge.

John the Baptist lived life on the edge. I don’t think he actually chose it. I’m not sure he was event cognizant of it at the moment, what with the conference circuit being so poorly developed in those days.

If we use John as the pattern, life on the edge loses some of it’s appeal. Yes, he could draw a crowd. He managed to irritate them almost every time though. Yes, he came from a rich heritage of ministry…of course, he turned his back on most all the benefits of it. No snazzy ephod for John, though, and no roasted meat from the offerings. Itchy camels’ hair toga with a side of bugs, served animal style, no doubt.

John wasn’t trying to be edgy. He just found himself out there because there was no room for someone like him in the crowd. Misfits of the world, rejoice. The edge belongs to you. Granted it’s lonely, but it’s there, and no one is fighting you for it.

Even in the raging face of adversity, the appeal of the edge is undeniable….
To hear what God is saying to a generation and to serve as a trumpet for that message.
To stand with one foot on what is and another planted on what will be, reaching to pull others across the gap and into the fullness of God.

To know it will probably cost you your head, but you’ll be screaming truth when the blade drops, and the powers that be will have unwittingly helped to unleashed a revolution of love that culminates in Jesus Himself vindicating all you’ve given yourself to.

Life in the center of the pack seems more distasteful every day. Fight to make a path away from the center and head to the edge at any cost.

"SLEEPERS" by: Christy Fast

2008-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

There are those who sleep
so deep
they cannot hear
they cannot see.
If you ask them to speak
they open their mouths
but nothing comes out.
Like a dream
when you scream
but there is no sound.
Give them something to read
and ask
"what does this say?"
it's just markings on a page.
Oh, sleepers
wake up!
Don't you see?
There is so much more
than empty words
and lifeless rituals
enforced by mere men.
Who you worship
is so far
from where you really are.
Again I say
sleepers, wake up!
The Bridegroom
is coming.
Do you want to be asleep
when He comes for you?
If you don't arise
He will pass you by.
What then?
For He longs to be seen
to be loved
for who He really is
by who you really are.

Thank you, Christy, for that WAKE UP call! Oh, Lord! Wake us up!! Let us hear the sound, hear the sound of the coming King. Awaken love in our hearts. Make us ready for you. Open the eyes of our understanding, give us wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of YOU!!

and we think....

2008-12-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Do you believe that the events in the book of Revelation (in the Bible) are literal and will actually take place on earth? ( surveys)

wreck, no power = God's goodness :)

2008-12-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving weekend went a little something like this:

Two hours after heading north to be with family, we were involved in a wreck. My pretty silver box of a car is very injured. We are fine. Well, mostly fine. Zack and I have soreness and back/ neck issues, but compared to what it could've been - we're great! The kids are just fine. After having the rental place come get Zack and promise the last car to us, they gave it away just ahead of him. Ugh. After hanging out at a gas station for an hour and walking to Hobby Lobby to kill some more time, my sweet dad picked us up a short 4 hours after the wreck.

God's goodness:
* safety of people in vehicles
* no ticket (its likely that insurance will not go up as a result)
* very kind police & other people involved
* calm children
* tow company/ body shop that will work with us on our deductible & deliver the car back to us!
* both sets of parents loaning us their cars

We had an excellent visit with both sets of parents!

THEN, we arrive home at 10:30pm to find our house a lovely 30 something degrees with no electricity. We were convinced that all food was lost and fish would be dead. Sleeping at a hotel down the road, we had to drive back and forth to our house four times getting everything situated and getting ready for church yesterday morning.

God's goodness:
* food somehow was fine - all still frozen after 4 days of no electricity
* fish tank somehow fine - water below 70 degrees can kill them...???
* electricity was restored yesterday
* Zack's patience and skill in dealing with house issues

what we've been doing...

2008-11-26T08:06:00.001-08:00

The kiddos had quite an adventure with the box of scarves they found. They had no help from me in the choosing and decorating of themselves!

The second set of outfits.

I know the leaves are dead.. and not pretty fall colors, but we still had a blast diving into them!

Daddy and kiddos playing "Go Fish" - Dora style.

a Jesus follower - not a phsychic

2008-11-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was spent at the local BURN, on stage with an awesome worship team. A few times, I heard specific words and melodies floating around in my spirit, and when the time was right, sang them right out. After our 3! hour set was over (we had a no-show for the last hour.. so we just kept going), a couple of fun things happened!

1. A new friend told me that while she was worshiping, she had an overwhelming desire to HEAR the song the Lord was singing over her (see Zephaniah 3:17). She began to ask the God to let her hear it, and right at the point of desperation and tears, I begin to sing, "I hear the Lord singing over you and He says...." I don't really remember what all I sang except, "I love you, I love you, I love you..." She was overjoyed!

2. I have been reading a fun blog called This is That for a few months now.. jumped over from this great one and stayed. Though I have never commented to make myself known, I have felt that at some point I would connect with the author in person.. you see he loves house of prayer stuff and from his writing, I could tell that he was close in proximity to the new ministry we are a part of. I had wanted to leave a comment, but couldn't figure out how to word it without coming off stalkerish.. After coming off stage, there was a gentleman waiting to ask me a question. As soon as he spoke, I knew that he was the author of this particular blog! I just looked at him and asked if he had a blog, asked the name and then informed him that I had been reading it... He and I were both astounded that I knew it was him before he even spoke.

Folks, God is real. He loves us. He is speaking to us constantly. All we have to do is incline our ears to listen. Go ahead. Ask Him what He is saying right now. In this topsy-turvy world there is only one source of truth. I choose to listen and obey wholeheartedly!

FREE MUSIC

2008-11-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

Phil Wickham is giving away a free CD on his site. I saw this guy in concert a few weeks ago. Good music, great heart! http://www.philwickham.com/ Enjoy! FYI: "Beautiful" is a phenominal song... and is popping up everywhere...

Fight FOCA

2008-11-13T13:12:00.001-08:00

Stand against the injustice of abortion. Sign the petition here: www.fightfoca.com, and pray.

my innovative morning

2008-11-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Usually, I either listen to the prayer room or teaching podcasts while I'm doing chores. Today, Keylor was happily playing at my desk. Wanting to preserve her eardrums, I had to come up with an alternative. I wanted to sing and meditate on scripture, but had to put the iron up every time I wanted to look at a particular verse. Have music stand, will travel. :) In an effort to save time (and my sanity at the high-stress time of the day) with dinner prep, I pre-cooked several pounds of chicken. This chicken has been boiled, cubed or shredded and stored in containers for freezing. I was even able to freeze healthy, low sodium chicken broth for later use!

The next picture is another time & money saver. The kids love those individual fruit cups. Link, especially loves them in his lunchbox. This morning, I split up a large containers of applesauce and manderin oranges into small, single serving rubbermaid cups. They now line a little shelf in the fridge and will be used up in a week's time. :)

A couple of other penny-pinching ideas I've run accross:

* ground turkey instead of ground beef (healthier, too!)

* using 3/4 of a pound of ground meat instead of the whole 1 lb requested

* keeping the juice (not syrop) fruit comes packed in and adding water

* cutting each slice of texas toast in two pieces for sandwiches (only because I had some given to me, and needed sandwich bread)

The Best I've Heard

2008-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

This guy wrote the following:

For those Christians who have placed their faith in God’s leadership over the planet, and have been crying out for revival in the US: today is no different than yesterday.

Our job description yesterday: Joel 2:12-14.

Our job description today: Joel 2:12-14.

Lest we grow weary and lose heart.

Jesus is coming back. Let’s keep our fixed on Jesus and our hearts steadfast in His love. Let’s cry out for wisdom and revelation for our leaders and revival in their hearts.

If I do say so, myself

2008-11-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

An ingenious idea:

We just moved and our extra freezer won't fit in our house. We have it outside, plugged into the outdoor outlet. No big deal, until it started randomly thawing all the food inside. Thinking we may have fixed the issue, but not wanting to waste a bunch of food if it doesn't work, we came up with a sure-fire freezer test!

We stuck a bunch of ice cubes on the wire rack and closed the door. Now, in a few days, we can check... and will know if the freezer has worked the whole time or if it thawed out and refroze. :}

SWEET PROGRAMMING

2008-11-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share one of my favorite "programs".. THE CALL - San Diego is today. Tune in to Direct TV - channel 365 (GodTV) today or just watch it live here on God.tv from 10am-10pm (pacific time)

Dreams concerning the election

2008-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

I feel like the Lord has been speaking in dreams, among other ways, and I am responsible for what I know. I must get the word out.

Concerning the coming elections, there are many many people 17 and younger that can't vote - but I tell you - you CAN sway the vote!! You have the power, through prayer, to shift things in the heavenlies that will in turn shift things in the natural. Whether you are of voting age or not, please take this very seriously and do your part!!!! I'm reminded of "Horton Hears A Who" where the very last, small "YOPP!" made the overall cry loud enough that saved the entire world of Whoville. Let the cry for "MERCY" be louder than the cry for "change". I agree, major change is needed... and I assure you whatever party we elect will bring change in one form or another. What cannot, indeed, must not happen is the cry for "change" snuff out LIFE. Please join me in praying to the Creator, King, and Judge for MERCY!!

Please take a moment to watch this short video.

The rest of this is lengthy. However, in this day and age, it is no longer time for business as usual. The future of our country, and possibly life as we know it, is at stake. Please take the time to read and respond in prayer!!

I had a dream. My best friend had another. I fully believe that the two dreams go together in an “either/ or” scenario. We are being given a choice. Our countries future will either resemble a likeness of mine or hers.

My dream:
Obama was not a politician. I knew him well enough to be very familiar with his house, but was not a friend. He was married and had two children. Arriving shortly, by bus, was another woman that Obama was going to ditch his first wife for. How I knew this in the dream, I don’t know, but I did know that because of the information I held, I was in grave danger. The two wives held complete animosity for one another. The first was attractive, the norm, the socially accepted one. The second, I would describe as older, frumpy and having a mean countenance.

Then, the dream shifted to a large room inside Obama’s house that was filled with tubes – MacDonald’s playland type tubes. Obama forced his two children in the tubes. I entered right after. Inside the tubes, there was a team of young-ish people strategically stationed. Though primarily interceding, as each person approached, that particular intercessor would point out the correct way to go next. The tubes were very confusing, causing emotional panic. The tubes turned into water slides at the end. The only way out, once entered, was to come out completely soaked.

When the dream shifted again, I was sitting in yet another very large room his house awaiting the celebration ceremony where Obama would introduce his second wife to the public. Up to this point, I had been encouraging both women to present themselves at the same time in order to “oust” the man that had seemingly played them both. As the ceremony began, the second wife entered. Right behind her, was the first wife. They were both dressed in bridal attire. Just behind the first wife (the second to enter), came about eighteen more people (some of them were men) also dressed in bridal attire. They were clearly from other world religions; hindu, buddhism, islamic, etc… Obama had betrothal ties to each one. Instead of the “brides” being angry with one another or even Obama, everyone (including the first two wives) sat down together in harmony and gave Obama the floor.

Christy’s dream:
She was sitting in a room with a tarp ceiling, watching the weather which was announcing storm systems about to hit the entire country. When they showed the radar, it looked like a Light Bright screen with small white dots all over, some brighter and some dull. It began to rain in torrents. No storm, just rain – hard rain. Rain came in the building.

When the dream shifted, she was again watching the news. This time the anchor was telling how time had stopped. The program showed watches and clocks everywhere, everything had stopped. She panicked, asking herself how she was supposed to continue with her life when there was “no more time”.

Again, the dream shifted and it was dark. Christy could hear a roaring sound that was growing in volume. All at once, she realized that she was in a wildly cheering crowd, and at the center were McCain and Palin standing on a stage. The spotlight was on Palin. McCain was more of a bystander. Palin was humbly trying to quiet the crowd when Christy also noticed that Palin was, at the same time, in the crowd with arms outstretched and loving on people.

The final section of the dream had Christy walking through a field holding a crying baby wrapped in a blanket.

Friends, I believe with all my heart that we are truly in a Joel 2 moment. The future of our country is at possibly the greatest crossroads in history. Based on our actions right now, we will either know MERCY (God will wash our land from all the blood spilt from the killing of unborn babies, momentarily stopping the timeline leading to the end of the age, and put those in office that will bring about the ending of abortion.) OR we will know CHANGE (One world order, one world domination, Christians being martyred – all brought on with an introduction of an older, more sinister governing regime to our nation).

Joel 2: 12 “ Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him— A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?”

After recieving my dream and having heard Christy’s, I also received an email passed from Julie Meyer out of IHOP (International House of Prayer, in KC). She is a known and trusted worship leader that hears and declares the word of the Lord. She had four dreams pertaining to the election… they also confirm the dreams I’ve just shared.

Right now, in this moment, we are -a very short- five days away from election day. Folks, I’m with a lot of people out there, I don’t care much for one of the candidates, and really don’t like the other one. But, the issue is: LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE, PERIOD. I am fully aware that there are numerous important issues at stake, but NONE compare to human life. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I must line up the issues according to God’s priorities, and vote – even contend in prayer for – LIFE!!

It is time for the “ESTHER”s in our generation to rise up, call for fasting and prayer and save those in our nation (the unborn) that have been sentenced to die. Please join me!

Dutch Sheets (A pastor from Colorado) sent out the following excerpt in a letter:
“Don’t be deceived and don’t lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don’t need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!

Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!”

For a full rendition of Dutch Sheet's letter or Julie Meyer's dreams, just leave me your email in the comments, and I will get them to you ASAP. :)

Catching up

2008-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have been gone at a women's summit at IHOP (International House of Prayer - in KC). Good times. I'm not sure what I was more excited about going into the weekend, being in the prayer room as much as wanted with my mom, hanging out with my most wonderful friends Kim and Christy (now that I live far away, that was a REAL treat!), or the prospect of going to the prophecy rooms! :) FUN times! Looking back at the trip from this point, I'm still not sure what was enjoyed more. Maybe the hour of trying to decipher my prophecy tape that was somehow stuck on slow speed. When the guy tried to excitedly exclaim that "God is fixing to blow my doors off", it came out sounding like we were listening to Edgar from Men in Black. Histerical. Really. After having lost my last tape, I was determined to write all that the two ministers had said down before anything further happened to this tape. I was a playing and rewinding mad man and the girls in my room were just gaffawing. How rude. :)

All in all, prophecy used to scare the heebie jeebies out of me... me having grown up Assemblies of God/ non-denominational. About three years ago, God started dealing heavily with my heart and perception of Him. Either I was to accept all of what the Bible says or none of it. I chose all. Now I understand that prophecy is merely inclining your ear to hear what God is saying and speaking it. Simple as that. In a loose sort of translation, that random feeling that you should go give a person a hug or tell a person that "God loves them" - when acted upon, is prophecy.

Having said all that, I LOVE to go in the prophecy rooms at IHOP. It is soooo not scary. In accordance to Scripture, they just speak kind and encouraging things to you. You go in a little room with two or three believers that have inclined their ears. They explain a the biblicalitites of prophecy, pray and wait on the Lord, asking Him what He says over you. Then they speak it out. Every single time I have been in that scenario, their words have been spot-on. Every. Single. Time. Some are more of an overview and some are specific, but always answering a question that I had raised to the Lord in my private prayers... always in specific words that told me not only were they hearing from God, but He has to be real and always listening to me!! No one else could possibly know the things I have been told.

Well, that was not the intention of this post, but so be it. Ultimately, God was saying that He's fixing to do (like my southern grammar?) some crazy exciting things in my life.... Whoo-hooo! I'm ready! Lord, have Your way in me - whatever You choose for me. Your leadership is right and Your government is perfect. I know that You have plans for me to prosper me, to give me a hope and a future and never fail me. Go God go!

Alfred Hitchcock, anyone?

2008-10-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Since I have been a little (WAY) lax in keeping up my blog, I shall have to do a little catching up. Consider this post, catching up - installment A.

This summer, the kids and I made an unexpected trip to California to visit family and my grandma who was very sick at the time. During our little jaunt, we took a side vacation to Bodega Bay... the place THE BIRDS was filmed. And let me tell you, after visiting the bay, I know exactly why it was filmed there and where good ole Alfred got his inspiration. Those blasted birds are e.v.e.r.y. w.h.e.r.e. Mostly, not attacking humans though. Mostly.

My fun grandparents took us to a great water-side restaurant that encourages you to feed the wildlife - your french fries! You'll have to watch both videos to get the full effect. :)

our new life

2008-10-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Working as an MHPP (Mental Health Para Professional), Zack is loving his job. He works with adolescent and teenage boys. The troubled youth comes in, sees the main therapist and then sees Zack for prescribed hours each week to work on whatever the therapist deems most necessary. The office is super close, so its common to see him pop in at the house from time to time. Keylor and I LOVE the surprises!

Lincoln is doing great in kindergarten. Well... great... if you count most of his work coming home perfect, with the small exception that EVERY sheet that has coloring on it says "neater please". I don't know what it is about this boy that must say hi to every office attendant and teacher on his way to class, knows every letter, number and sounds, recognizes several words, aces matching and pattern stuff.... but can't stay in the lines if his little life really depended on it! Really, the kid is quite amazing.. he just can't color. Probably has something to do with his idea of life as one giant race to be completed as fast as possible. Any ideas how to slow a newly 5 year old boy down a little??

Keylor is loving being home and/or in the prayer room with me... except she constantly asks when she can go somewhere all by herself. What the?! She's 3. She needs her own outings now? I'm guessing she's referring to our former town where she went to my amazing mom's house twice a week. I'm overjoyed that I get to finally stay home and all she can think about is leaving!

That brings me to me. Um.. more on the attitude later, but lets just suffice it to say before the move I had more responsibility and things on my schedule that 3 people could accomplish well. Now... uh... I am at home (with kids). Or in the prayer room (with kids). Or. Or. Sorry, can't come up with anything else. That's it. God definately has stuck me in a new season of life! Parts are great, the others... I'll let you know after I get my attitude adjusted back to a godly one. ;)

Just Overheard

2008-10-12T05:07:00.000-07:00

(K) Mean, insistant voice: NO! Lincoln, PICK THAT UP!!

(K) Instant, sweet as sacharin voice: Why, thank you, sir!

(L) A little too loud, mock athoritative voice: Just doin' my job, kid.

Honestly, where do they come up with that stuff??

(pics: playing detective - last winter)

GUESS WHAT?!

2008-10-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry, its so dark... but you get the idea. :) I'm proud. Very proud.

Yeah.. its short. Watch it again and keep your eye on the kid with the blue shirt and yellow bike. That would be Link... after twenty minutes sans training wheels. Kid's a genius, I tell you! This video is also a great depiction of a typical evening in our culdesac: kids all around and the oldest two are 5. Just perfect. :)

Hello blogland!

2008-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello/ hola! Having a three year old that is in LOVE with Dora the Explorer makes me kind of crazy sometimes. Ella tiene tres anos. That, and I just went to San Luis Potosi (Mexico) for my brother's wedding. FUN! Me gusta las tiendas en el airopuerto! My spanish has improved just enough to find the outside bathroom I had to pay for (and luckily, was tipped off before I went so I knew to take the four squares of toilet paper offered OUTSIDE the building!). Ooooh, I can also argue about the price of pretty silver jewelry. Solo quieres 20 pesos para este plata pura, verdad?

And in other news... After being in bed for two+ hours for nap, I went to "wake" Keylor to get on the road. She was in her bed... playing. With a pig. That makes sounds. And walks. When I asked her if she had slept at all, her reply was, "No, but I like noisey sleepy stuff!" I'm sure she does.

URGENT PRAYER POINT FOR AMERICA!

2008-10-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Its short. Click on the image and read what Lou Engle has to say about tonight's Vice-presidential debate.... and please PRAY!

BIG Changes

2008-08-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

We are moving. After The Gathering Place closed, Zack and I (naively) thought we would just be hanging out at home for a year or so... because God has been very specific in showing us this new season is one of 1. rest, 2. restoration & 3. developing those pesky things that keep us from fully walking out who He created us to be in the first place. In our very natural way of thinking, that must all take place at home. Apparently God has other plans for us. Rest, restoration, develpment - yes, but a little differently than first thought.

We are moving our happy little family 4 hours away - to the southeastern part of our state. Neither set of our parents are overjoyed right now. Both sets have accepted it. They are all believers thus recognizing and ultimately wanting whatever God has in store. God's plans alone will yeild the dramatic results of our hearts being softened by His. He alone knows what it will take to mold our hearts into adoring submission, and we are in the business of saying "yes" to His leading. Some of those "yes's" come a little easier than others, but hey... we're working on it!

Tomorrow is the big day. Zack and I both had our last day of work yesterday, we are loading the UHaul today and will pull out early tomorrow, hoping to be in our new town with kids's beds unpacked before nap-time. Its a nice thought - hopefully it will work.

This is all very GOOD...

"The Lord gracious

and slow to anger.

He is rich in love.

He is good to all!!"

god.tv NOW!

2008-08-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

The CALL is going on NOW!! God to www.god.tv join in with thousands of believers of Jesus Christ worshiping Him and praying for our nation!!

If you have Direct TV, its on channel 365. If not, from 10am - 10pm (ET) catch it live on www.god.tv.... or go to the God on Demand part of www.god.tv and click The CALL and watch it... even if its not live, join in and pray!

This is war against the complacency of our hearts, war against the enemy's plans of cutting out 'even the elect if possible' from the place of God.

The Lord is raising up worship and prayer in this nation - and all over the world - that is LOUDER than the cry of sin in this generation! Join us. Seek the Lord with all of your heart and you WILL find Him!! That's His promise to you.

Link-ed to China

2008-08-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Lincoln came to me and held out his grey arm band he got at a church we visited yesterday. He said, "Mom, let's do this." Then he asked me what it said. "Pray for China." He insisted that right then we pray for China, and that he would pray first. His prayer?

"God, for all the people in China that don't know Jesus, God and Holy Spirit, help them know Jesus, God and Holy Spirit and love Jesus with all their hearts, and love God with all their hearts and love Holy Spirit with all their hearts. Amen."

Then, "Your turn, Mom." Man, I love that kid!!

Have you seen those wristband things? I have seen them advertised, with the idea that we pray for the oppressed people, and persecuted church in China during the Olympics. I noticed this evening that Zack has his on too. Thank You Lord for the simple reminders that Your people are everywhere and we, as Your followers, have a job to do - uphold them in prayer.

Always been a nerd

2008-07-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Can't help it. I've always been this way. Offer extra points, and I'm there, man! Brandy is giving away a free bloggy design.... and I could REALLY use a makeover!!! You can go here and enter, or just leave lots of comments about how sweet I am, how you love my blog, but would sure like something more fun to look at while you read all the heart rending things I have to say. :)
THANKS! Good luck to me, I hope I win.

UPDATE: I ACTUALLY WON!!! whooo---hoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE Lion's return

2008-07-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

After their cub grew up and was released into the wild, he is reunited with his human friends.

Despite the quip at the end, I can't watch it without thinking of THE Lion's great return. The beautiful, terrible day of the Lord when as a Lion, Jesus will return to the earth to embrace his waiting bride - and ravage His foes.

A Crazy Bad Dream

2008-07-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had one of those only-gets-crazier-as-it-goes-along BAD dreams. Like wake up totally scared - nightmare type dreams, and like dreams do, the feelings and memories of it have been floating in and out of my conciousness all day. Thing is, the ending was weird. Really. Bizarre.

It started out not too bad, just a bunch of people on a big van - or was it a bus? We were all headed somewhere good only at some point the trip was hijacked - or maybe we only thought we were on a pleasant trip when it was really bad masquerading as good, because the drivers never switched and the destination never swayed course.

As the dream progressed, each of the passengers were tormented more and more in depth, physically, psychologically, etc... and each of the torturings & twists were suited to our personal fears/ issues we struggle with. Everyone's focus became creating a possibility for escape. I, too, was consumed with trying to lessen the pain of what would happen next and get out of all of any future possibilities of pain.

Here's the kicker though: In the end of the dream, I literally had a revelation. A change everything forever epiphony........

Why keep focusing and burning all our energy on resisting what's coming? We need to be consumed with worshiping our Heavenly Father. He is the one that preserves the soul. He alone knows and takes care of all - regardless of what happens in the natural realm.

"Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all these things shall be added unto you."
Times are hard now, but they will only continue to get harder. I am convinced that Jesus will return to this earth to claim His prize (His bride - that would be us, His church) soon! I'm talking my lifetime. We can spend all of our energy on preparing ourselves physically for the war, famine, pestilence, etc... that are guaranteed to happen before that, and we can pour out our affections on every pleasing, albeit fleeting, thing that comes our way. - OR - we can seek after the ONE THING that matters. The ONE that created us and holds us in His hand.

I don't know about you, but I choose to be a worshiper.

Lord, shift my gaze. I am sorry that I have been consumed with trying to make my life more pleasant and pain free. I want to look upon You with dove's eyes. Steady, unwavering devotion for You, my King. "Fling wide the doors to my soul. Open up the doorway to my heart. Have Your way. Have Your way in me!!"

A New Place

2008-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

by christy (my bestest):

I open my eyes
after a long, warm, pleasant sleep
a time of hibernation
in my comfortable place
of security

I'm suddenly awakened by something
not nicely or gently
but shaken roughly
I jerk as I rouse

My eyes are a little blurry
and I sit straight up
where am I?
where is this place?
Did someone move me as I dreamed?
I don't know where this place is
what am I to do with it?
where am I to go?

No. NO.
I WON'T go anywhere.
I'll sit right here
and go back to sleep
until someone moves me back.

I close my eyes
but sleep won't come
I toss and turn
trying to find that comfortable position
that felt like before
but I only become more restless.

each time I open my eyes
the scenery changes
to something I do not recognize
each time looking more and more different
not scary, but I'm scared
not bad, but I don't like it

I look across to the horizon
and I think I see...............
I think I see You
is it?
I'm not sure
this place makes everything
look surreal
and not at all familiar
You move closer
I think it IS you
You are beckoning to me
it MUST be You!

but I don't know what to do with this place
can I still hear Your voice here
like when I slept so soundly?
can I still pick You out of a crowd?
You look totally different to me now.
how can I get to know You
in this new and strange way
You've changed....
or I've changed

Your voice.....
it sounds different
but I can still hear it faintly
Your face......
looks nothing like You
and yet Your eyes still see right through me

from a distance You speak
Your voice whispers right in my ear
"I brought you here"
I hear you say, in an odd voice
"I brought you here and woke you up
now find Me
find Me, and LOVE Me.
for I love you, child
I have great plans for you
in this new place
things I have been preparing you for
for a long time now
you're ready
it's time
it's going to be wonderful!
just you and Me
I've waited such a long time for this!
and I'm so excited
I can't wait to spend
even more time with you
it will be different
it will be new
but it will be amazing.
I love you, my child
I'm here
now, come find Me!!!!!
I'm waiting...."

Silence.
I can't see You anymore
I sit downf
or a long time
crying
thinking
praying
breathing
and then.....
I take a step.
I'm coming!!!!!!!

My Bridegroom

2008-07-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

JESUS

Holy.
KING.
Lord.
Savior.
my Best Friend.
our Coming Bridegroom.

Are you ready to meet Him?

This is a good place to start.

.

the gathering place is gone

2008-07-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, we had our last church service at The Gathering Place. Sad. Crazy. Exciting. Totally God. Zack has been wanting to resign as pastor for a while, but I just kept thinking it must be due to depression and simply needed to be prayed through. His desire didn't go away. He was actually insisting that it was God's design. Whatever. I know God wouldn't tell a perfectly good pastor just to quit. I mean, afterall, God was the one that told us to start the church in the first place. PLUS, we are supposed to be involved in a House of Prayer. It only makes perfect sense that The Gathering Place was the lauch pad, and I had it all figured/ planned out.

Three weeks ago, Zack (not in the least bit exibiting the depression I just knew had to be lurking somewhere) preached a stellar message. I'm talking really good. I thought, "finally he's back on track!". We get back in the car and he informs me that he still wants to quit. WHAT??!!

I went home and wrestled with my emotions. Finally I prayed, and in frustration, just took my hands off the issue and confessed that I had no more words. No more advice. No more anything. My prayer became: "God, I trust You. Just do what You want to do. Whatever your plan is, I no longer want to stand in the way or try to make my understanding of that plan come to pass. Please have Your way in us." Instant peace. The nerve of that Guy.

Things developed (or rather dissolved) quickly from that point. It was unmistakably God in all of it. A few things we have learned:

Yes, it was God's plan for us to start the church.
People met Jesus.
People were healed physically and emotionally.
People are now walking fully restored and trusting God.
A heart for worship and prayer was born.
The Gathering Place had its season.

We are entering a new season, one of rest, further restoration and developing the people God created us to be.

Whatever happens in the next few weeks and months, Zack is writing more and I am learning piano and dedicating myself to playing my guitar more.

go God go!

testing... 1..2..3..

2008-06-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a friend asked me to come be a background voice on his upcoming CD. FUN! Friends Jon and Theresa and I played all day one Friday. Jon wrote, led, played the music and main vocals. Theresa laid down some awesome vocals, herself... then we ALL got to PLAY! To make it sound like it was recorded with a live audience, we would stand in the middle of a large room and sing our hearts out. Then, we would shift to the right of the room - sing the whole song again - and repeat on the left. I had a blast! Thank you, Jon, for the fun filled day! Jon Moore: Intimate Warfare. Look for it on itunes in about a month. He has written some incredible worship music!!

Intimate Warfare: You need God to fight a battle for you? Are you scared, hurting, sad? Since it is promised that "God inhabits the praises of His people", worship Him. His presence floods in and around you. Whatever evil influences that are swarming about MUST flee! In the presence of LIGHT, darkness simply can not be. Seek first the kingdom of Heaven (God's presence) and all these things will be added to you. ENJOY HIM!!

kids!

2008-06-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

1. Yesterday, I was tired. Really tired. And I didn't feel good. At. All. I tried to lay in bed a little longer, but both kiddos were bouncing and LOUD. I finally banished them from my room (for all of two minutes) and then decided it wasn't worth it and got up to take a lovely cocktail of meds to make myself feel better. I grabbed both children and pulled them to me apologizing for being grumpy with them.

A little while later I needed to get in the shower. Just before I could, Link busts in saying he has to "go" really bad! Okay fine. I wait. He took for-ev-er. I left and came back. Still there. (We are on a schedule...) Finally I realized that he's just hanging out, even after I told him to go play. I then informed him that it was time. to. go. play. so I could get in the shower. His reply? Very sweetly and sincerely, he asks: "Mom, are you still grumpy?"

2. Keylor is really into stalling before going to bed. The other night she really got me. She finally informs me that she needs a new heart. She didn't want the yucky one she wants a new one so she "can love Jesus". I'm thinking she's wanting to make a lifelong decision to give her heart to the Lord and wondering if I need to break the moment to go get Zack and if a three year old is capable of that serious dedication, etc... My mind and heart were going along rather quickly when she interrupts all thought processes by saying, "you know, mom... I need a CAT heart." Oh. She's just a three year old that doesn't want to go to sleep yet.

I soooo love them!

A holy find

2008-06-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight, as every night, I was tucking my sweet girl into bed. She was overly tired and trying to think of anything to stall the process. After saying she was scared, hungry, thirsty, hot, needed socks, needed pants - no NOT pajama pants!, needed me to sing to her, etc.... Finally she wants her baby cat (stuffed). We looked everywhere for it last night, to no avail. I reminded her that we didn't know where it was. She was upset. I looked again, removing blankets from the bed, behind the bed - no baby cat. I gave her a final kiss and lo and behold the baby cat is litterally laying right on top of the blankets. It was NOT there before. To her sleepy delight, I gave it to her and headed out of the room when I felt prompted to give the credit of the magnificent find to the Lord - how else could it have been? I went back in and told her that God must have helped us find it. She smiled so sweetly and told Him thank you. I love that girl and my Father God!

A little boy's dream

2008-06-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Most of our church body has been under major spiritual attack lately. It was suggested that we skip the normal Wednesday night bible study and just pray for one another. Our amazing pastor (Man-he's HOT!) had a couple of guys share and then we took turns sitting in a chair while everyone else rallied around and prayed for us. FUN! I LOVE prayer time. As soon as the first guy sat down, Link moved me out of the way so he could get closer, put his hand on our friend's back and started praying. Then he announced that HE wanted a turn in the chair! Well.. yessirreee!

the dreamer, himself

We prayed for him. His daddy (that HOT preacher guy) prophesied over him that he would never have to find his way back to God because he will never leave Him. :) That does a momma's heart good. I felt impressed to pray about his dreaming and visions - that God would give him the interpretation of what he sees and language to share it.

This morning he came in announcing he had a dream:

"It was raining in our church. A lot. The rain was dropping through lots of tiny holes in the ceiling, so tiny that we can't see - you know like the size of a black ant. Everyone was playing in the rain. We were having SO much fun! We opened our mouths and water got in our mouths because we were SO THIRSTY!!! My friends from school were there and playing too, but I was WAY more thirsty than they were and so I kept my mouth open all the time! The water was cold and it felt SO good!! I like that dream."

I was very serious and told him that God gave him that dream... you know... expecting him to be excited about that... He just said, "I know. I had the same dream two times."

a family that needs our prayers

2008-05-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN'S 5 year old daughter was accidentally killed Wednesday night by her older brother pulling the SUV into the driveway. He didn't see her.

This is one very precious family. Whether or not his music is your style, his lyrics have always been phenominal. He understands and accepts God's unrelenting love for us and has done his best to be obedient to the Lord and spread Jesus' message throughout the world.... even the family's heart and dedication for adoption has shown the perfect love of the Father.

My heart instantly grieved as I read the news and began praying for all involved, especially the son that was driving. Tracie said it best, so I will just quote her:

"In situations like this, it is almost impossible not to put yourself into their loss and ask all the, "What if.." questions. What if my child... What if my son... How would I.... What would he be feeling.... How do you sleep..... How do you wake up.... Life will never be the same...

So today I pray, because none of my thought and wonderings will make a difference, but as the body of Christ prays, the Father hears. I was reminded of Romans 8:26,27 this morning:In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

So I pray in the spirit today when words seem insufficient, knowing that the Father is listening and will move heaven and earth to minister His love to this precious family."

The best birthday present, EVER.

2008-04-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

So it's like this: I had a birthday. Yay for me. Notice, there are no exclamation points anywhere. Birthdays used to be a fun - looked forward to thing. Yeah. Then I got to this one. On the approach, I had to be honest with my husband. This is what came out:

Me: I am mostly okay with this turning 30 thing, but this is huge and I need some help coping. I am going to need one of the following:
** 10 day (or more) Meditteranian cruise - or -
** 2 carrat TW diamond earrings, princess cut, set in platinum - okay white gold will do, if completely necessary - or -
** a week at IHOP with just you.

Zack: Are you kidding? IHOP is in that list? Kansas City, here we come!

We have gone and are now back. Glorious. I went asking God to convince me of His love for me. (I've got the mental understanding, its just the heart application I have trouble with - as do most of us) He showed Himself over and over and over. More on that later.

THANK YOU Zachary Dan for the best trip of my life!! - oh, uh, right after our honeymoon, of course. ;)

Not only because I was raised in Arkansas

2008-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

What is it that is said about Arkansans? In the kitchen, bare foot and pregnant. Two out of three ain't bad. :)

You Are Bare Feet

You are a true free spirit, and you can't be tied down.

Even wearing shoes can be a little too constraining for you at times!

You are very comfortable in your own skin.

You are one of the most real people around. You don't have anything to hide.

Open and accepting, you are willing to discuss or entertain almost any topic.

You are a very tolerant person. You are accepting and not judgmental.

You should live: Somewhere warm

You should work: At your own business, where you can set the rules

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Transplant Update

2008-04-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you, all who prayed! Tricia's double lung transplant was a success!! (See post below)Please keep praying for her.... for no infection and no rejection; their little family; and the donor's family who is surely grieving right now.

Nate, a worship leader, and Tricia, who has cystic fibrosis, have a beautiful miracle baby they chose to keep against all odds. Gwyneth continues to do better and better and is up to 2 lbs. 8ozs.!!! Talk about a pro-life story. :) You can read all about their journeys here.

An URGENT prayer request

2008-04-02T15:17:00.001-07:00

You may remember Nate, Tricia & Gwyneth that I posted about here. Good news folks!! Tricia got the call that healthy lungs are on the way!

Please PRAY for Tricia and the surgeons that will be performing a double lung transplant tonight!

Lick-Kisses

2008-03-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Lincoln adores our dog, Soda. Yesterday, we headed out doors to play with Soda. Four year old little boys are apparently more energetic than five year old dogs. Link ran with Soda, but Soda quickly tired out. Lincoln tried to ride him, but Soda would promptly sit - and then run away as Link slid off his back. Over and over. Lincoln was having such a good time, he decided to show his uber affection. He hugged and kissed Soda, but that wasn't enough. I turned around right in time to see my sweet little boy LICK the dog's back!! I mean, he licked him good. Depressed fur, puddle of saliva.

This picture is actually before Link was born... but you get the idea.

Last night, when Lincoln told Zack about it and Zack is trying his hardest to keep a straight face.. Zack asked if Soda tasted good. Link's reply? "Well... yeah, but I got a lot of hair on my tongue." Zack lost it.

A word from John Crowder

2008-03-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Harvesting Lovers

"Some try to offer the Lord a harvest in immaturity, and they bear little fruit. True maturity is to get possessed by the Spirit. We are matured by the bliss, and when our joy is ripe it explodes out of us in heart-felt devotion for the world to see. If evangelism seems difficult for you – if it still feels like a dry duty – you are probably still doing it out of obligation or striving for acceptance. You may want to stop altogether for a while and just drink the love of Jesus! When you drink enough, it will eventually spill out. The love will need an escape valve! And a drunken man will do and say things that a sober man will not. If your sacrifice is a work of duty, you must return to the place of pleasure! Then harvest will come as an overflowing work of love. We labor in the fields as a blissful byproduct of our unconditional acceptance.

"God wants you to be a lover. And He wants you to be a working lover. Who you are is the lover, and what you do is the work. You are not to be only a worker who struggles to love God. Instead, you are a lover of God," writes Mike Bickle in The Pleasures of Loving God. "Being lovers is our very identity. It's who we are. We are lovers of God who happen to work, not the other way around. … God wants us to be relationally oriented first, and achievement oriented second.

"Our identity – lovers of God – supersedes our actions – fulfilling the Great Commission, etc. Moreover, until we become who we are, we can never fulfill what we've been called to do.

When we get blasted in the love of God, things start to happen around us. Our intimate relationship with God should not be sectioned off from the rest of our lives and cloistered into the prayer closet. God wants to invade the fabric of our lifestyle with the enjoyment of His presence. Actions and fruitfulness are byproducts of a lifestyle of intimacy.

The Great Commission is about to move from a paradigm of work and sacrificial labor to a response of lovesick bridal devotion. There is a place of love that reclines under the apple tree, but there is also an intensity of love that can literally drive us to do great exploits. The apostle Paul said, "The love of Christ compels us …" (2 Cor. 5:14). We literally become love slaves, compelled and driven by a loving passion that burns like fire in our bones. When this is real, and not feigned by a religious spirit, then it becomes contagious. The world is hungry for pure, abandoned pleasure! Stop striving. Stop twisting people's arms to get saved! Get whacked and just watch the little fishies jump into your boat!"

Port de bras

2008-03-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

In an effort to teach kiddos creative/ prophetic dance, we are also learning basic ballet. To help some moms that will be assisting the teaching, these descriptions were formed. Enjoy learning the five arm positions in ballet.

First, you are pregnant.

Then you are yelling at your kids.

Next, you are hugging one and yelling at the rest.

Still hugging one and wondering aloud to God...
just what have you given me?

And then the repentence:
Okay, God, I'm sorry. You're right. I love You.

(I have no idea why this crazy post is so spaced out. I have tried repeatedly to fix it, all to no avail)

Just for fun

2008-03-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

the budding photographers

road trip!

Keylor's new cape my mom made for Christmas

after bath-time fun

heading out to the cold abyss of the garage waiting to be cleaned