Wanting to Forget

It was Monday. My son was sick, and I was tired and cranky. I had lots to do and much on my mind but decided to take a few minutes to watch an online devotional. As I sat there and listened, tears slipped down my cheeks. What I was hearing was  about hope, and Monday, I needed hope.

I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged and remembering why... why I gave up before... why it's just easier to live in my own little world and forget... forget about those in need... forget about the pain and hurt that others are experiencing... and forget that as a child of God, I am called to share His love with others.

But, I can't forget. I have seen the pictures of orphans needing homes. I have seen the pictures of men, women, and children living in the slums not knowing where they will find food. I have learned the names and seen the smiling faces of Christians persecuted for their faith, and I have read the stories of women bought and sold for another's pleasure. When you see their faces, learn their names, and take time to read their stories- YOU CANNOT FORGET. They become etched on your heart. You open your heart a little to feel love and sorrow for those who are in so much pain and you just can't forget-

the hundreds, no thousands, wait a minute- MILLIONS of people who don't have enough food, the millions of men, women, and children bought and sold into slavery, the millions of Christians persecuted for their faith, and the millions of orphans who don't have a family. And when you give them a place in your heart, you hurt for them and are compelled to help.

But, when you step out of your comfort zone and open your eyes, you realize the need is too great ... and one person can only do so much... and what about all my responsibilities here... and you get overwhelmed, discouraged, and just want to GIVE UP!

As I sat there and listened to the message of hope, I realized something and was convicted. In the midst of wanting to share God's love with others- I lost sight of the One who is Love. In striving to do good, I lost sight of the One who is Good. In my weakness, I lost sight of the One who gives strength. In my worrying and fretting, I had lost sight of the One who gives peace, the One who is able to do more than I can ask or think, and the One who loves oh so much more than I can imagine. I had taken my eyes off of Jesus, and was so thankful for the reminder to look to the One who gives HOPE!

Be encouraged with me today through Isaiah 40:28-31, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; The shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

When your life is here, but your heart is there

I don't know about you, but there are times that I feel pulled between two different worlds. As I have said before, I love missions and ministry and want to help others. I have no doubt that I am where God wants me- in a small southeastern town in the Bible Belt. There have been many times that I have longed to go to other countries on mission trips or go rescue precious children from pain and hurt and be their family. In the midst of my longings to do other things, I have wasted opportunities right where I am. I have become dissatisfied and wished parts of my life away thinking, "When my kids get older, I can do more" or "Then we can go on trips as a family." There is nothing wrong with me having a desire to go on mission trips or do other things, but the problem lies in letting that desire distract you from opportunities right in front of you making you dissatisfied and loosing your joy.

Years ago when I went to Belize, I left my comfort zone and was totally dependent upon Christ. I became surrounded by people whose love for Christ was evident in their daily lives. I was helping others and doing what I loved. I had minimal distractions and could spend lots of time reading and studying the Word. There was an intimacy in my relationship with Christ that over the years drifted away as I got distracted with the busyness of my life here. Last fall, in being dissatisfied and feeling like I wasn't using my gifts, I became depressed. Praise God, though, He heard my cry and has given me a year of Bible study and books that have helped me embrace life right where I am and have more joy and intimacy in Him.

The desire to be involved in ministry and help others is still there. So what do you do with these desires? First of all, I am learning that you cannot overlook the ministry opportunities right where you are. Recently I read the book Undaunted by Christine Caine who is the co-founder of the A21 Campaign. One of the quotes in her book has stuck with me-

"Everyday, there are situations in our normal routines that require us to be the light of Christ in darkness. Waking up spiritually is not just about participating in life-changing efforts of world wide importance, such as stopping genocide. It is walking through our lives wide awake. It is rising ready where we are, with what we have. It is seeing people where they are and meeting their need." 

There are so many people right here who are hurting and in need of our Savior and encouragement. If I am too concerned about the ministries that I am unable to be involved in, I miss out on the opportunities right in front of me, including my family, my church, and my community. 

Secondly, I am learning the importance of being an advocate. There may be opportunities that we are aware of, but others who have the means and desire to help don't know that the needs exist. As you become an advocate and get the word out for these ministries, God can pull upon the heartstrings of others to meet those needs. 

Also, there are things that can be done here to help others in different countries. We can use the time and resources that we have right here to help others. There are so many organizations like Samaritan's Purse and their Operation Christmas Child, The A21 Campaign, The Josephine House, Katie Davis' Amazima Ministries, The Voice of the Martyrs, and so many others that use things that we can do right here to help encourage and support those in need. Also, the simple act of writing a letter or sending a card can mean a great deal to others.

Probably the most important thing that I often neglect is to be a prayer warrior for missionaries, ministries, and those all over the world who are hurting and in need. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church so as Heb. 13:3 says, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them- those who are mistreated- since you yourselves are in the body also."

By God's grace-

Today I will embrace life right where I am, I will choose joy, and I will continue to count gifts-

#1234. Working together as a family, #1235 Ann Voskamp's Thanksgiving tree, #1236 Sitting under the stars with my husband and seeing a shooting star, #1237 Partaking in the Lord's Supper, #1238 Visit from my sister, #1239 Praying together at our church for persecuted Christians around the world, #1240 God's grace and mercy for me, #1241 A renewed intimacy in my relationship with Jesus Christ, #1242 A beautiful bright clear fall morning.  

Love

Love. That is the word that has been floating around in this brain of mine over the past few months. It may be the weddings that I have attended or different family activities, but I think this word has been on my mind so much because of life circumstances for me and those around me.

This year has truly been a year that God has used many different circumstances in my life, books, and Bible study to grow me in my relationship with Him. One thing that keeps coming up in these books, Bible studies, and life situations is love.

So, what is the definition of love? The dictionary has quite a paragraph on this little word with only 4 letters. The definition that goes along with my thoughts over the past months is, "unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the good of another." That is a definition that you can chew on for quite some time. So often we associate love with a feeling and butterflies, but when we open the Bible and see what God says about love- this is the definition.

God commands us to love one another. Yes, I know, easier said than done sometimes because of these sinful bodies we dwell in. We are so prone to judge, be negative, find fault, and point fingers. Unfortunately, I have been one of those to judge rather than love in situations, and thankfully God has given me the opportunity to apologize in some of those situations.

Love takes effort, but we are commanded so many times in Scripture to love. Here are a few passages-
John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."
Hebrews 13:1, "Let brotherly love continue."
1 John 4:7, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."

As I have thought about love, I have thought about this world and people around me. The hurt and pain that we humans endure through this life. People all around who need the love of Christ in their lives. Christ gave us such an example of love in His earthly ministry. So many times He showed love and compassion to those hurting and in need around Him. Men and women who had been caught in sin, yet He met them with compassion, forgiveness, and grace. He loves us so much that He died for us and offers eternal life (John 3:16).

I wonder how much more effective our ministry as Christians would be if we chose love. Am I the person that the young single girl who finds herself pregnant can come to for help? Am I the one where that person who struggles with an addiction can come to find encouragement and hope? Do I lend a safe listening ear to the one who is angry and hurting? OR do I speak judgement and am the one that people run away from because I feel I have the answers rather than offering a caring listening ear?At the end of the Bible Study DVD for Not a fan, Kyle Idleman's words are, "Fan or follower, it all comes down to love." 

Oh, Lord, how I need Your help to show love. May I be a light in this world by sharing Your love to those around me. Please give me Your strength to be Your follower. 

Campmeeting Time

 For 358 days of the year this place lies quiet. The grass grows untouched while the mighty pines tower overhead. The wooden shacks that we call tents stay empty and closed up tight. The tabernacle sits quiet in the midst of the stillness.

But, for one week out of the year, this place comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of Campmeeting. We move in our tents and get ready for a week of fun, fellowship, delicious food, and worship and praise to God. It's a time when family and friends come together, a time of worship, and a time of making lasting memories.

As I think back over the week, my heart is full of gratitude to my God for the gifts He blessed me with over the past week-

#1114. Excitement of Campmeeting

#1115. Good food and fun with family

#1116. Hay under foot and smoke in the air- the smells of Campmeeting

#1117. Rest

#1118. Quiet lunch

#1119. Talking with Mom until lights out at the Campground

#1120. Cool crisp air

#1121. Blankets snuggled around

#1122. Warmth from the fire

#1123. My cousin, Mom, and me making breakfast on the woodstove

#1124. Quiet, lazy afternoon

#1125. Kids playing music on the keyboard and guitar

#1126. Fried chicken

#1127. Yummy desserts

#1128. Laughter and squeals as children play 

#1129. The chatter of people talking

#1130. Naps for tired children

#1131. Roasting marshmallows around the fire

#1132. Reliving memories with my cousin as we stayed the night at the campground with our families

#1133. Drifting off to sleep with the sound of music 2 tents down

#1134. Bacon and pancakes cooking on the wood stove

#1135. Our wonderful cook who made the most delicious food and helped us out so much

#1136. My whole family together

#1137. Worship music under the tabernacle with my kiddos and Meme

#1138. Friends enjoying Campmeeting with us

#1139. Family photos- lots of them!

#1140. Sunday worship at the Campground

#1141. Fellowship

#1142. Hugs and Goodbyes as people begin to pack up

#1143. Family working together

#1144. A week full of wonderful memories

A heart of compassion

The day was beautiful, and the weather was perfect! The family was hustling about decorating and making final preparations. It was my brother's wedding day, and I stood there humbled as I put pictures of children on white lattice for a display for the wedding. No, the pictures were not of the young bride and groom. The pictures were of children in Peru who reside in an orphanage. On their wedding day, my sister-in-law and brother were thinking of those in need and wanted to give. I was amazed at the thought of someone wanting to use their wedding to do good for others. My sister-in-law had come up with a game to raise money for the precious children at The Josephine House at the same time as raising awareness for this organization.

The Josephine House is a home in Cusco, Peru whose goal is to provide safety for children who are in difficult situations of alcohol or physical abuse, extreme poverty, and abandonment until they can be adopted into a home. Many of the children at the Josephine House have special needs and require extra care and money to provide for their needs. Please visit their website here and consider Sponsoring a Smile. Sponsor a Child.

SO- Counting gifts today-

#1050 Family working together

#1051 Purple and silver decorations

#1052 Twinkling lights

#1053 Excitement for a special day

#1054 My sister- in-laws heart of compassion for The Josephine House

#1055 Purple dresses 

#1056 A beautiful bride and a handsome groom

#1057 Family and friends

#1058 Yummy BBQ

#1059 Dancing the night away

#1060 Sparklers

#1061 Tired but very good kids

#1062 The mercy and goodness of God in providing everything to 

work together for a special day for 2 special people.

BECAUSE it's the 21st

As I read the headlines a few weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions. "FBI rescues more than 100 children, arrests 150 pimps in sex-trafficking raid." Yes, those were the words in the headlines on foxnews.com. A 72 hour mission. 105 children and teens rescued. "The youngest victim being 9 years old." NINE. YEARS. OLD. This happening in U.S. cities. 

The range of my emotions went from joy and thankfulness that these children were rescued, to sadness and sorrow for what they had and will endure, to anger that people prey upon the vulnerability of these children, to fear that this is what is occurring all over the world including right here in the US.

We need to be educated on the facts of trafficking, and we need to pass this education on to our children and anyone else who will listen.This is not something easy to talk about. This is hard stuff! We also must NOT turn a blind eye to our sisters and brothers who are suffering. We can all do something!!!

Here are some thoughts on what I want the girls in my life to know:

Precious Girls,

For those of you who have had the privilege of growing up in safe homes and learning about Christ, my prayer for you is that you always find your identity and hope in Jesus Christ. May you find your satisfaction in Him and be grounded in Him. There is much evil in this world that will feed upon vulnerability and will promise you the love of a person and a better life. Do no allow promises of love from any man pull you away from the promises of God. There are hardships in this life, but being grounded in God's Word will provide you a safe refuge. Know that when hardships come, strength can be found in Christ. 

For you Precious Girls who have been hurt and harmed in this life, know that you are precious in the sight of God who offers unconditional love to you no matter where you have been. Know that nothing is impossible for God. He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. He alone, can bring peace, comfort, and healing. May you find healing and comfort in Jesus Christ, and may He bring others into your life who will encourage you. May you know that you are beautiful, and may you find strength in Jesus Christ who loves you and gave Himself for you. 

In Christ Love,

Stacey

If you are interested in becoming involved in the fight against slavery and trafficking, check out The A21 Camgaign's website. Here you can find ways to become involved and sign up to become an abolitionist or advocate.

"Who told you life was going to be easy?"

Have you ever had times in your life when one thing happens right after the other? When you feel life the waves just keep crashing and knocking you down? You feel like you are sinking and just want a break from the waves of trials that keep crashing down on you.

Thinking over this summer, I cannot remember another time when my husband and I have made so many visits to hospitals and doctor's offices with family and friends. Not to mention some difficult emotional situations, long hours my husband is working, and hard decisions that have to be made regarding the future. As someone who likes things planned out and tends to worry, taking things day by day is challenging for me. I think I need to meditate on Matthew 6:25-34 more often (sheepish smile here).

Several years ago, we were in the middle of another difficult time in our lives. I remember having one of my pity parties. After listening for a few minutes, my husband looked at me and said, "Who told you life was going to be easy?" His words brought me back to reality. For some reason I had started thinking I didn't deserve trouble in my life, and that I had been through enough. How SELFISH! What I don't deserve is God's mercy and grace. What I don't deserve is His unconditional love and forgiveness. That day my husband reminded me that sometimes life is hard- really hard, BUT we have a sovereign God who is in control. A God we can trust, and Whose plans are for our good.

Yes, I still struggle. I still worry and fall and break, but the voice of my husband that day still comes to mind and brings me back to Christ. 

Today I want to share with you a passage that God gave me last Friday. A passage that excited me, encouraged me, and gave me hope as I read it. May you find encouragement today in these verses from Isaiah 40:28-31-

 "Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

Unknown

Many times in life we are hit with unknowns. It could be related to a family situation, job, finances, or health of yourself or a family member. I am the type of person who likes to have things planned out and wants to feel like things are under control. When I am hit with unknowns, I am faced with a situation where I have no control. To be honest, I struggle. Right now I have unknowns in my life. Where I don't like these situations, I know that it is needful in my growth in Christ. You see, these situations make me totally dependent upon God, which is where I should be in the first place. These situations remind me who is in control and where my strength comes from.

This morning I needed encouragement so I went to the One who is in control and was reminded of some things that are known. I have been memorizing in Romans, so the first place I went was Romans 8. "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:15-17. 

Known #1 - I am adopted as a child of God. He is my Abba, Father.

Do you realize the significance of being able to call God, "Abba"?

It's more like being able to call Him, "Daddy" or "Papa."

Looking further I got to Romans 8:37-39- "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Known #2- God is my strength and nothing can separate

me from His love.

I then went to a devotional that has encouraged me over the years- Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon. The verse today was Mark 9:23, which says, "Jesus said to him, 'If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'"

Known #3 - "Everything is possible for him who believes."

Today, I am grateful for encouragement through God's Word which is full of things that are known. Today, I am thankful that even though I have no control over situations, I know the One who does, and I can trust in Him. Today, I cry out with the father in Mark 9, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!" 

One of THOSE Days

Have you ever had one of those days? You know, the kind of day where things just don't go right or at least the way you want them to go. A day kind of like this-

I was already dealing with a difficult and emotional situation. As my husband is leaving for work, he wakes me to inform me that we have no water. He would call someone to come find the problem. So, I get up and give thanks (#871 in my gratitude journal) for antibacterial and cleansing face and hand wipes that I had left over from a trip. Finally the person comes to check our pump and informs me that I need an electrician, but they will not be here until after lunch. Well, I decide to head to town because I had errands to run anyway. Lunch turns out pleasant, but when we get in the store- not so pleasant. My little kiddos were more concerned about chasing each other around the store than in obeying their mom. Finally I got what I needed and headed to our vehicle not very happy. I proceed to call my husband to find out the status of the water situation at home when I notice a shopping cart 2 rows over rolling toward my parked vehicle. Thinking I might stop it, I jumped out just in time to watch it plow into the back of my vehicle. Really?? Instead of being thankful that it didn't cause damage, I was fuming. I marched that cart to the return, stomped back to my car, and slammed the door. When I looked back, I was met with the wide, stunned eyes of my kids. Then I realized what a perfectly imperfect mess I really am. 

I have all these blessings surrounding me, and all it takes is no running water at my house, rowdy kids, and a shopping cart to make me "Unglued" as Lysa Terkeurst calls it in her book on "making wise choices in the midst of raw emotions" (which, by the way, I am reading). 

We sat in silence for several minutes. Then I explained to my kids what happened, and I confess that my response was wrong. I apologize, and as a family, we agree to try to help one another.

It is so easy for me to get caught up in what is going on instead of "looking unto Jesus" (Heb. 12:2). This life is so full of struggles and trials, yet in Christ so full of grace and areas to grow in Him. When I am so concerned about a difficult situation that I let simple things throw me over the edge, am I really trusting God in that situation? Probably not! 

In our Sunday school class on the Gospel- shaped marriage our teacher has been talking about how the Gospel changes everything. This past Sunday he was teaching some about the progress of the Gospel. Colossians 2:6-7 caught my attention. " As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." There it was again- with THANKSGIVING. Yes. Faith and thanksgiving. And yes, thanksgiving even in the trials and struggles and even on one of THOSE days. I have Christ- give thanks. I am covered by His grace- give thanks. I am loved with an unconditional love and forgiven- give thanks.

Oh Lord, please continue to help me make thanksgiving a way of life. Thank you for progress- "imperfect progress". (Lysa Terkeurst says, "Imperfect changes are slow steps of progress wrapped in grace... imperfect progress.") 

#872- God's grace and forgiveness when I mess up.

Falling Apart

1 Peter 5:6-7- "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

There is a certain word that just the mention of it causes me to feel like my heart has dropped into my stomach. The word- cancer. Cancer has touched the lives of more of my family and friends than I care to count or mention. It's a diagnosis that causes fear, anxiety, and just the unknown. Now again, I have learned of someone who is very dear to me facing the battle with cancer. 

I would love to be able to tell you that when learning of this, I kept me composure, remembered Bible verses for strength, and prayed. Let me be real though. I needed air (outside, fresh air), so I headed for the door. As I was walking out, my husband asked, "Where are you going?" My response, "To fall apart." So I walked and reminded myself to BREATHE. The tears came, and I heard the door behind me open and close and footsteps. My husband caught up with me and held me as I broke. My words to him, "I just need time to process this, and to be angry, and to deal with this. I hate, Hate, HATE cancer!" Yes, that was my real response. Anger that because of the sinful state of this world we endure so much pain and hurt. Hate that this disease causes so much hardship.

My husband just lovingly held me as the tears flowed and I ranted about someone else I love being diagnosed with this disease I hate. He didn't correct me or tell me my response was wrong. Just responded, "I know." I had my moment. I fell apart, but I did have hope. I have hope because in my weakness, my God makes me strong (2 Corinthians 12:9) He has proved Himself to me so many times. When I fall apart, He graciously puts me back together again. When I feel as though I cannot handle any more, He gives me the strength that I need. I have hope because I have truth that I can cling to despite the trials and struggles of this life. 

As we walked back into the house my husband looked at me and said, "You know, we are blessed." Yes. Blessed. We are blessed. I. am. blessed. Philippians 4:6 came to mind. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." As I got in my bed Friday night, I grabbed my journal and started counting gifts and giving thanks.

# 860 Clean floors and fresh sheets

# 861 Smile on my girls face and her 

thankful heart as she got treated to a pedicure

#862 Opportunity to show kindness to a stranger in need

#863 My husband's loving arms around me 

when my tears flow and my heart is breaking

#864 My gracious God who picks me up and 

puts me back together when I fall apart.

#865 Time

Life Changing

There are several times in my life that I look at as life changing moments. Over the past few months, God has been taking me through a process where I have learned some life changing lessons. Today, I would like to share some of the life changing moments in my life in hopes that you may find encouragement, strength, and hope in some of the books and songs that have helped me grow in my spiritual walk with Christ.

The first real life changing moment in my life was loosing my father to cancer when I was very young. This is a situation that I still learn from today, but as a young girl, I learned that no matter the situation, God is with you and will not leave you. Thankfully, I have a Mom who directed me to take my sadness to Christ and rely on Him for comfort and peace. Through this situation, I also learned some of the goodness and grace of God as He provided me with a Daddy who loves me as his own. My mom gave me a memory book in which she included the words to an old hymn which has become my "go to" song in difficult times. The words to "Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right" have proven to be a comfort to me many times. Sovereign Grace Music has a beautiful arrangement of this song that gets played over and over again in my car. 

Another life changing moment occurred when my family lived in Greenville. I was 11 years old and had just heard a sermon by Mr. Dan Johnson. After the sermon, he took time to talk and pray with me, and I became a child of God. The time in Greenville was a wonderful time of friendships and my life being full of many missionaries and mission-minded Christians. That is something that I think has cultivated the love of missions/ ministry that I have today.

Now, we fast forward through several years. At 19, I went through some trials that God used to grow me in Him. He placed me in the right place at the right time with the right people. I was struggling with relationships and ended up at a Campus Crusade for Christ conference. You see, Debbie Jones and Jackie Kendall had written a book called "Lady in Waiting". Jackie Kendall was one of the speakers at the conference. I got the book, and it's teachings have greatly impacted my life. The book is based on the story of Ruth, and it's all about finding your satisfaction in Jesus Christ - not relationships with others. I have several quotes from this book that I love, but one is, "Anything other than a love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of how good that thing may be, will bring discouragement and disillusionment." Even though today I am married with 2 children, I still go back to this book because it focuses on your heart. 

Belize was a life changing adventure for me, but I talked about that in my last post.

When I returned from Belize, my life got busy. I entered the working world as a nurse, I got married, my husband and I worked together to build a house, we had 2 children, and eventually I became a stay at home/ homeschooling mom. We stayed active and busy in the church, but in the fall of 2012, I hit a slump. You see, there are times in my life that I have struggled with depression. This was one of those times, and it was as bad as hit had been. A time where you feel a dark cloud is over you , but you try to put on a happy face when you go out so others don't know your struggles. 

Thankfully, despite falling into my slump- I knew Who to cry out to for help. December was coming, and I have a love/ hate relationship with December. I love December because of Christmas- celebrating the birth of Christ, Christmas decorations and lights, and my birthday. I hate December because my father died on Christmas Eve, and despite the fact that it has been over 20 years, you can bet there will be moments when I revert back to that child who lost her father until my husband graciously points me back to reality. So my thought this past fall was, "If I am depressed now, December is going to be really, really bad." Little did I know that God was working on another life changing moment. 

In November, my mom emailed me a link about doing a Jesse Tree for Advent. She had found the idea and a Jesse Tree Advent Devotional by Ann Voskamp. I had never heard of Ann Voskamp or a Jesse Tree, but I needed this so I dove in. God used this to encourage me and get my mind off of myself and start thinking of and doing things for others. My December was the best one that I have had in quite some time. This was just the beginning though. Little did I know that Ann Voskamp is the author of a New York Times Bestseller. My mom gave me her book "One Thousand Gifts" for Christmas. The encouragement and teachings in this book are LIFE CHANGING. Voskamp encourages you to find joy in living of life of eucharisteo- thanksgiving. Thanking God for the gifts He gives because each moment He gives is a gift. She encourages you to keep a gratitude journal consciously numbering and writing down God's gifts to you each day and thanking God as you write. I can honestly say, it changes your perspective when you actively seek to thank God.  Ann Voskamp is an answer to my prayers as her encouragement speaks directly to my heart. Six months later and 847 gifts written in my journal, I am striving daily to find joy in actively thanking God for His gifts. If you are in need of encouragement from a gracious and compassionate person, please visit the online journal of Ann Voskamp here. 

The purpose of this blog is so we may be encouraged together. Please feel free to share any life changing moments and books, songs, or verses that God has used to encourage you in this walk of life. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all, "

2 Corinthians 13: 14.

Remembering Belize

Twelve years ago I had the opportunity to go on a trip that has stayed dear to my heart over all these years. On July 6, 2001, this 20 year old who had been homeschooled, had never been away from home for more than 2 weeks at the time, had never been on an airplane, and who had just graduated from nursing school and passed the NCLEX-RN with no working experience embarked on a 2 month journey that changed my life.

Have you seen the commercial with the little girl saying, "I want more, I want more!" and the statement, "Everyone knows bigger is better"? Well, one thing I learned on that trip is bigger is not always better. Our society tells us that we have to have more to be satisfied, and we feel like we have to be like everyone else in order to be accepted. Twelve years ago, I got to live with a group of people who taught me differently.

My trip was to a village in northern Belize, and my job was to work as a nurse in the medical clinic there. I quickly learned that while the people there may live in block homes or thatched roof huts with no running water, they had huge hearts with so much love for others.

There were families who would work hard during the week; yet, on Saturdays, they would open their home to the village children for a day of VBS.

There were other families who would open their homes for us to come have lunch and make sure that there was bottled soda for us Americans who couldn't drink the well water.There was so much giving from people who didn't have much. What they had they were willing to share and seemed to get so much joy in doing so. 

Not only did these people show great hospitality, but they showed hearts who longed to worship their Creator. The church building may not have been the biggest or the prettiest, but the people who made up the church were beautiful.

I think of the verse in Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25 which says, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another..." The people of Patchakan did not forsake meeting together. They had Sunday School and worship on Sunday mornings. They had Sunday evening service, and many times after the service they would have a time of singing praise songs.

 Many times during the week we would be invited to dinner and prayer meetings at friend's homes. There were also many opportunities to just sit around together singing praise songs.

There were times of difficulty during my trip, but God sustained me and taught me so much. There are many times when the hustle and bustle of this American life drag me down that I long for the simplicity of that village life. I long to see those smiles and those expressions of worship as we sat around on quiet evenings and sang praise songs. Sometimes I really think we miss out in America. Our society says that bigger is better and more will satisfy. But in reality, the only way more will satisfy is more of God and more love for others. 

Today, may we each take a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of life to remember our Creator and thank Him. For in thanking Him and worshiping Him and living for Him we truly live a life that is bigger and better than anything we can ever imagine. May you feel blessed through the love of Christ today!

21st

Today I am humbled. I am grateful for the things that God has given me, and it humbles me when I think of those who are in need and suffering right now. I have always had a heart for missions and want to be used by God to help others.

It's the 21st of the month, and as I awoke this morning, my mind immediately went to The A21 Campaign. The A21 Campaign is an organization that works for the abolition of slavery in the 21st century. I thought about the 27 million people around the world who are trapped in slavery. Even in the U.S.- men, women, and children bought and sold for someone else's pleasure. It's easier to brush that thought out of your mind and ignore it. It's heartbreaking to dive deeper, learn the statistics, and hear some of the stories of people who have lived through human trafficking. We can look at the numbers and realize freeing 27 million people is quite the daunting/ impossible task! But when you look at touching one life at a time, it seems a little more doable.

We cannot save the world, but we can change other people's lives by touching one life at a time. If you are interested in ways to get involved please check out 21 ways to get involved. Learn more about The A21 Campaign by clicking here. Shared Hope International is another organization working to eradicate sex trafficking. Wrapped in Freedom is a ministry that sells custom handmade bracelets with a percentage of their sales going to help organizations fight against sex trafficking. I can say from experience, their bracelets are beautiful, and they are wonderful to work with.

It may seem like too much information at the these sights or too much to do. However, if we each can choose a few things, we will touch many lives. For me, education is important. As I became educated with the facts of sex trafficking, my heart of judgement was turned into a heart of compassion for the victims. Prayer is vital for these ministries as well as for those who are entrapped in and rescued from slavery. One thing that has really impacted me is being able to write an encouraging letter to a survivor. Can you imagine how they must feel and what they have to overcome when they are rescued? May those who are rescued be touched with the love of Christ through His followers.

Please pray with me today for those entrapped in slavery, for those working to abolish slavery, and for those rescued from slavery.

DEFEATED

Have you ever felt this way- defeated? You had a vision. You put your energy into making that vision a reality only to meet opposition at every turn. Yet, you overcame each roadblock only to come to another. You come to that last roadblock, and there it is - the feeling of defeat. "This is NOT how it was supposed to turn out!"                                                                                                                   

I have the problem of only seeing the here and now - forgetting what God has done for me in the past and not seeing the good that can come in the future. I like things to happen in my timing and often forget that God's timing is PERFECT! He has proved to me so many times that if I just rest in His timing, knowing He is sovereign- He does more than I could ever ask or imagine.                  

So, I hit that roadblock. I forget about all the good that has come from the energy that I put into that vision. I forget that God is bigger than whatever has made me feel defeated. I begin to question, "Is it really worth it- the hard work, putting yourself out there, the feeling of hurt when it did not turn out how you thought." I begin to think that it's just easier not to care so much- you don't get as hurt that way.                

Then I remember God! He is sovereign, He gave me this passion, and He is bigger than this roadblock. What I think didn't turn out right can be made beautiful IN HIS TIME. When the focus turns to God, I start remembering the good that He has done with my energy, the lessons I learned through the roadblocks, and I can rest knowing His timing is always perfect. 

Lessons From a Mud Run

Several months ago I was asked by my younger brothers to join them in doing a mud run. They wanted it to be a family event. I was intrigued by the thought of doing a mud run, yet it was totally out of my comfort zone. My husband and his family told me I was crazy for even thinking about it. However, I was very honored that my 14, 23, and 24 year old brothers would include me since I have several years on them and two kids. I finally decided that it was worth going out of my comfort zone to have this experience with my brothers.

So the months of training began. Then it was time for the race. The day of the race was cold and rainy. Just what you want to go playing in the mud, right?!

I was a ball of nerves when we got to the race. We checked in and started warming up. As our start time approached, we made our way to the starting line- stretching and jumping around- just trying to stay warm. The air around us was cold, but thankfully the rain had stopped. Finally we were off and running. Our family was there to cheer us on. We crossed the bridge and headed out into the woods for the next 4 miles and 15 obstacles.

Each moment my focus was on the path ahead of me. Taking it one step at a time. One obstacle at a time. Not worrying what was further down the trail. Of course my brothers are a lot faster than me, but my brother Paul had promised to stay with me and help me through the race. He encouraged me the whole time saying, "You can do this," or "You got this, Stacey!" 

As we popped out of the woods for the last few obstacles, our family was there to cheer us on. They would yell out encouragements and advice and cheer when we succeeded. 

As we neared the finish line my focus was on reaching the goal and finishing well. Our last few obstacles were climbing walls, jumping over a fire pit, and getting past the gladiators. To be honest, I don't even remember jumping over the fire pit because I was so focused on getting past those gladiators and crossing the finish line. 

As I have thought back over the mud run, I have thought about running our Christian race. Several verses have come to mind. One passage is Hebrews 12:1-2 which says, "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." Along the race, we saw muddy jackets, shirts, and gloves that had been left along the trail. Runners had shed that which was holding them back from the finish line. Our sin holds us back as a weight- we are to lay our sins at the cross, looking unto Jesus who is the finisher of our faith. 

As I finished the mud run, I was looking at the finish line. Tackling each obstacle to get me one step closer to my goal. As we run the Christian race, our focus and sight should be set on Jesus.

A verse about encouragement I have thought about is Heb. 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." As I ran, Paul was there every step encouraging me. Family and friends were at obstacles cheering us on. Even people alongside us in the race who we didn't even know would encourage us and help us. In our Christian walk, we are to encourage one another and cheer each other on. When someone is there with you cheering for you, it gives you an extra boost, more energy, and the desire to work harder to succeed.

My dad was unable to be in the race due to an injury. However, when I got to the monkey bars covered in mud, he called me over to him. He gave me advice and then proceeded to let me wipe my dirty, grimy hands on his clean pants leg so that I would have a chance to get a grip on that obstacle. Are we willing to get a little messy in order to help those around us get a grip on obstacles in this life? Unfortunately, I have spent too much time looking the other way because I didn't want to get involved. Life can get messy, but I pray that God will help me be willing to reach out my hand to help someone who my be lying face first in the mud. 

I am so grateful for the experience that I had. It was such a special time with my brothers and the rest of my family. You never know what awaits you when you are willing to take that step out of your comfort zone. I never imagined the spiritual illustrations that I would gain from doing a mud run. 

May you be blessed today and may we encourage one another!

A Blog? Why?

I am NOT a writer. I am a small town, country girl. I am a wife and mother. I am ordinary. I am sometimes shy, my grammar is incorrect at times, and at other times my words just don't come out right. I am NOT perfect. I make mistakes, but I am made whole by my Savior who loves me and died for me. I am covered by His grace.

So, the question is, "Why would someone like me start a blog?" The answer lies in a passage of Scripture that has been on my mind for over 6 months. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another."

I may not have new ideas or the best ideas. My thoughts may come across scattered, but my prayer is that through sharing things that are being learned through Bible study, books, prayer, and everyday life situations, we may be encouraged.

I will warn you that there will be grammatical errors and despite spell check, there will be spelling errors. This blog may be updated everyday, every week, or once every few months. However, if you can look past my flaws, I invite you to follow with me and let us encourage one another.